Avocado Extract Research Articles

DIURETICS EFFECT OF AVOCADO LEAF (Persea americana Mill.) ETHANOL EXTRACT ON THE GASTRIC HISTOLOGY OF WISTAR MALE RATS (Rattus norvegicus)

Irregular urine output triggers kidney stone disease. One way to cure it is by using synthetic diuretic compounds. The use of synthetic diuretic drugs for a long time can cause side effects, namely gastric damage. Therefore, research is needed to determine the diuretic effect of ethanol extract of avocado leaves (Persea americana) and its effect on the histological structure of the gastric of male rats. Avocado leaf extract is made by maceration method, using 70% ethanol and then evaporated. Wistar male rats were divided into 5 treatment groups namely negative control (aquadest), positive control (furosemide), avocado leaf extract dose of 50 mg / kg body weight, 100 mg / kg body weight, and 150 mg / kg body weight with oral administration for 15 days. The volume of urine  was measured for 24 hours, then the mice were sacrified on the 16th day. Gastric organs were taken for histological observation by the paraffin method and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. The results showed that the optimum avocado leaf ethanol extract was a dose of 100 mg/kg showed a diuretic effect but did not affect the histological structure of the gastric.

The Dosage of the Avocado Leaf Extract (Persea americana Mill.) on Regeneration of Diabetic White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Renal Cell

Context: Antioxidant activity in avocado leaves plays a role in improving insulin work in controlling blood glucose levels. Aim: To analyse the effect of doses of avocado leaf extract on the regeneration of diabetic rat renal cells. Methods: Experimental method was used with 18 male white rats as subjects. White rats were divided into six groups: Treatment G1: Feed + STZ (Streptozotocin) + Sucrose 10% + Avocado leaf extract dose of 100 mg/kg body weight + NaCMC 0.5%, G2: Feed + STZ + Sucrose 10% + Avocado leaf extract 150 mg/kg body weight + NaCMC 0.5%, G3: Feed + STZ + Sucrose 10% + Avocado leaf extract dose 200 mg/kg body weight + Na-CMC 0.5%, G4: Feed + STZ + 10% sucrose + Na-CMC 0.5%, G5: Feed + STZ + 10% sucrose + Glibenclamid + Na-CMC 0.5%, and P6: Feed. Results: The average renal damage of rats in the rat group was G1 = 1.66; G2 = 1.33; G3 = 0; G4 = 3; P5 = 0; P6 = 0. Score 0 = no damage. Score 1 = mild renal cell damage (1/3 cell part); score 2 = moderate renal cell damage (2/3 cell parts); score 3 = severe renal cell damage (>2/3 cell parts). Conclusion: The treatment of G3 with a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight avocado leaf extract gives a relatively effective influence on regenerating STZ induced renal cell rats, compared to other doses.

The ethanol extract of avocado [Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae)] seeds reduced the hyperplastic effect of tamoxifen on uterine endometrium without changing its effect on the mammary gland

Tamoxifen is the most common hormonal treatment for estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, the long-term use of tamoxifen was associated with increased risks of endometrial cancer. The literature suggests that combining tamoxifen with substances endowed with antiproliferative properties could increase tamoxifen’s chemopreventive benefit. The ethanol extract of Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae) seeds was found exhibiting antiproliferative properties in vitro. The present study therefore aimed at evaluating the ability of such an extract to prevent tamoxifen-induced endometrial hyperplasia without changing its activity on the mammary gland. This study was performed in ovariectomized rats receiving simultaneously tamoxifen (by the intraperitoneal route) and the ethanol extract of P. americana seeds (by gavage) at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. Co-administrations were performed for 37 consecutive days and animals were sacrificed thereafter. Uterine and serum levels of estradiol and cholesterol were assessed. The oxidative status of the uterus was also evaluated. Histology of the uterus and the mammary gland was performed. Results showed that the ethanol extract of P. americana seeds did not alter tamoxifen-induced uterine steroidogenesis but reduced its proliferative effect by decreasing uterine epithelial height (p < 0.001). T his antiproliferative effect was associated with increased uterine levels of malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes. On the mammary gland, the non-proliferative effect of tamoxifen was not altered by P. americana extract. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of P. americana seeds could be a complementary treatment to prevent tamoxifen-induced endometrial hyperplasia during the treatment of ER+ breast cancer.

Alleviation of Diabetic Dyslipidemia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats using Aqueous Seed Extract of Persea Americana

Diabetes Mellitus is accompanied by hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis apart from hyperglycemia. Alleviation of diabetic dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats using aqueous seed extract of Persea americana on induced Albino rats. A total of thirty Albino rats were divided into six groups of 5 rats: Group A: normal control, Group B: Negative control, Group C: Positive control 1, Group D: positive control 2, Group E: Test group 1, Group F: Test group 2. The intoxication of albino rats with alloxan monohydrate produced low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), increased triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after hyperglycemia. Results obtained from the diabetic study showed that plant extracts decreased blood glucose in a dose-dependent fashion. The decrease was significant when compared to positive control 1. Similarly, treatment with the seed extracts normalized the lipoprotein abnormalities in a dose-dependent manner. The positive control 2 using atorvastatin was effective in TG and TC reduction while the High dose aqueous seed extract of Peresa americana was effective in the normalization of LDL and HDL. Phytochemical composition of the aqueous seed extract gave reactions for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, steroids, and cyanogenic glycosides. The findings may support the acclaimed traditional use of Persea americana seed in controlling hyperglycemia in diabetes and its complications.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of avocado (Persea americana) on total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, protein and haematological parameters in CCl4-intoxicated rats

BackgroundAvocado (Persea americana) is one of the plants widely used in ethnomedicine in Nigeria. The present study was aimed at investigating effects of aqueous Avocado (Persea americana) leaf extract on total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, protein and haematological parameters in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats.MethodsWe evaluated the possible effects of pre-treatment with aqueous extract of Persea americana (AEPA) on protein, total cholesterol (T-CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAGs) and haematological parameters in Wistar male albino rats intoxicated with CCl4. Group 1 was the healthy control; group 2 rats were pre-treated with Reducdyn® (100 mg/kg/day) as a standard drug, groups 4 and 5 rats were pre-treated with AEPA at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg per day respectively, the treatments were administered orally for 7 days. On the seventh day, rats in the treatment groups were injected with a fresh mixture of CCl4 and olive oil (3 ml/kg, 1:1; sc).ResultsPre-treatment of rats with AEPA resulted in marked increase (p < 0.05) in total protein and reduction in T-CHOL (19–34%) compared to CCl4 alone. Also, there was significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum TAG concentration when rats were pre-treated with 100 mg and 200 mg kg− 1 b. wt. AEPA. Similarly, AEPA provoked (p < 0.05) a lowering of T-CHOL and TAG levels and an increase in liver protein concentration in the rats. Administration of AEPA at both concentrations restored (p < 0.05) WBC count and ameliorated neutropenia and lymphocytosis caused by CCl4 intoxication.ConclusionThese results suggest that AEPA could be protective against the development of fatty liver and might also be exhibiting the potential to prevent alterations in haematological parameters caused by CCl4 intoxication in rats.

Efektivitas Ekstrak Etanol Biji Alpukat (Persea americana Mill.) Terhadap Kadar Glukosa Darah Tikus Putih Jantan (Rattus Novergicus) Model Hiperkolesterolemia-Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood glucose levels due to a deficiency of insulin secretion or when insulin resistance occurs. Herbal medicine is one alternative method that can be used to control blood glucose levels and prevent complications of diabetes mellitus. One of the medicinal plants is avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.) The active compounds contained in avocado seeds that have antidiabetic activity are flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins. This study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolites in the extract of avocado seed, the effect of extract of avocado seed and the dose of extract of avocado seed that is effective in lowering blood glucose levels. This research was a laboratory experiment using a modified randomized controlled pretest and posttest group design. Test animals used were 30 rats which were divided into six treatment groups, namely normal control, negative control, positive control, a dose of 250, 300 and 350 mg/kg groups. The results showed that extract of avocado seed contained secondary metabolites: flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tanins;extract of avocado seed gave effect to decrease blood glucose levels; extract of avocado seed with a dose of 350 mg/kg was effective in lowering blood glucose levelswith an avarage decrease of 99,8 mg/dL.

Developing New Health Material: The Utilization of Spray Drying Technology on Avocado (Persea Americana mill.) Seed Powder.

Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) generates byproducts, especially the avocado seeds. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential utilization of avocado seed as a very important, high phenolic content, climacteric fruit with unique characteristics and high nutritional properties. As such, theantioxidative test is conducted, then spray drying is used to produce avocado seed powder. The objective of this study was to develop an avocado seed powder using the spray drying technique by investigating the solution stability with different avocado seed extract concentrations, and to determine the physical properties of spray dried avocado powder that consists of powder yield, moisture, water activity, solubility, and color. The avocado seed extract was mixed with maltodextrin and water and homogenized for 10 min at 8000 rpm. The avocado seed solution was then spray dried with different inlet temperatures and feed flow rates. The spray dried avocado seed powder was analyzed for its yield, moisture content, water activity, solubility, and color. It was reported that the solution with the least avocado extract concentration (10 g) had the best stability in terms of presence of solute particles and color. The avocado seed powder obtained from this experiment had yield ranges from 24.46–35.47%, moisture content ranges from 7.18–7.96%, water activity ranges from 0.27–0.34, solubility ranges from 55.50–79.67 seconds, L* value ranges from 38.38–41.05, a* value ranges from 6.20–7.25, and b* value ranges from 13.33–15.17. In addition, increasing inlet temperature resulted in an increase in powder yield, solubility, a* value, and b*value, as well as a decrease in moisture, water activity, and L* value. Meanwhile, increasing the feed flow rate resulted in an increase in powder yield, moisture, water activity, and all L*, a*, b* values, as well as a decrease in solubility. In conclusion, spray drying technology is able to develop avocado seed powder.

Alleviation of Diabetic Dyslipidemia in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats using Aqueous Seed Extract of Persea Americana

Diabetes Mellitus is accompanied by hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis apart from hyperglycemia. Alleviation of diabetic dyslipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats using aqueous seed extract of Persea americana on induced Albino rats. A total of thirty Albino rats were divided into six groups of 5 rats: Group A: normal control, Group B: Negative control, Group C: Positive control 1, Group D: positive control 2, Group E: Test group 1, Group F: Test group 2. Intoxication of albino rats with alloxan monohydrate produced low high density lipoprotein (HDL), increased triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) after hyperglycemia. Results obtained from the diabetic study showed that plant extracts decreased blood glucose in a dose dependent fashion. The decrease was significant when compared to positive control 1. Similarly, treatment with the seed extracts normalized the lipoprotein abnormalities in dose dependent manner. The positive control 2 using atorvastatin was effective in TG and TC reduction while High dose aqueous seed extract of Peresa americana was effective in the normalization of LDL and HDL. Phytochemical composition of the aqueous seed extract gave reactions for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, steroids and cyanogenic glycosides. The findings may support acclaimed traditional use of Persea americana seed in controlling hyperglycemia in diabetes and its complications.

Hasil Skrining Aktivitas Sitotoksik Ekstrak Etanol Daun Kelengkeng (Dimocarpus longan), Daun Kersen (Muntingia calabura), dan Daun Alpukat (Persea americana) terhadap Sel T47D Dan WiDr

Cancer treatments usually cause adverse drug reactions. Therefore, safe anticancer drugs are needed in the treatment of cancer. One source of medicine that can be explored is plant. Extracts of longan leaves (Dimocarpus longan), jamaican cherry leaves (Muntingia calabura), and avocado leaves (Persea americana) have been tested for cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines. This study aims to determine the cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extract of longan leaves, jamaican cherry leaves, and avocado leaves against T47D and WiDr cells and to identify secondary metabolites in the extracts which have the highest activity. Ethanolic extract of longan leaves, jamaican cherry leaves, and avocado leaves were tested for their cytotoxic activity using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Identification of secondary metabolites in the ethanolic extract of avocado leaves was carried out by thin layer chromatography method using silica gel GF254 as the stationary phase and a mixture of n-hexane and acetone (6:4) as the mobile phase. Cytotoxic test results show that ethanolic extract of longan leaves and cherry leaves with concentration of up to 1600 μg/mL do not reduce the T47D and WiDr living cells to 50%. Avocado leaf extract decreases the percentage of living T47D cells and WiDr with IC50 values of 790.679 µg/mL and 1072.2 µg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extract of avocado leaves contains flavonoid, phenolic, and terpenoid. Ethanolic extract of longan leaves, cherry leaves and avocado leaves do not have cytotoxic activity against T47D and WiDr cells.

Ripening of ‘Hass’ avocado mesocarp alters its phytochemical profile and the in vitro cytotoxic activity of its methanolic extracts

Avocado is an excellent source of phytochemicals with remarkable bioactive properties. This study evaluated the effect of ripeness stage of ‘Hass’ avocado on the profile and content of lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals and their in vitro cytotoxic activity. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the major phytochemicals were conducted in four stages of ripeness, using gas and liquid chromatography analyses. In general, phenolics, carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols tended to increase during ripening. A decrease of individual phytochemicals was observed, namely, protocatechuic acid (0.36 to 0.03 mg 100 g−1 dw) and β-carotene (0.9 to 0.4 mg 100 g−1 dw), while quercetin and δ-tocopherol were only detected in a single ripeness stage (1 and 3, respectively). The major phytochemicals quantified at the end of ripening were epicatechin (12.66 mg 100 g−1 dw), lutein (0.5 mg 100 g−1 dw), α-tocopherol (12.4 mg 100 g−1 oil) and β-sitosterol (35.6 mg 100 g−1 dw) for phenolics, carotenoids, tocopherols and phytosterols, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of methanolic extracts of avocado was tested against RAW 264.7 and HeLa cells, where all RS showed a dose-dependent effect. We conclude that ripeness stage influences the concentration of specific compounds in each group of phytochemicals, as well as its in vitro cytotoxic activity, something that must be considered in future studies on the potential health benefits of avocado.

Nutritional quality of milk curd by adding avocado extract (Persea americana, mill) using gombong bamboo (Gigantochloa verticilata)

Curd is a traditional fermented buffalo milk from West Sumatra.Fermentation in curd making occurs spontaneously, meaning thatfermentation occurs naturally without the addition of a starter. This studyaims to determine the nutritional content of cow milk curd with the additionof avocado extract (Persea americana, Mill) various levels using Gombongbamboo (Gigantochloa verticilata).This research was conducted at the Analogy and Physiology Laboratory ofthe Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra in November 2018-December 2018. The design used in this study was a completelyrandomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Theparameters analyzed were Protein, Fat, and pH. The results showed thatcow milk curd with the addition of avocado (Persea americana, Mill)extract various levels using Gombong bamboo (Gigantochloa verticilata)significantly had different effects on the nutritional value of protein, fat andpH. From the nutritional value studied, the highest protein: P1 7.57% withthe addition of avocado fruit extract (Persea americana, Mill) 6%, fataverage: P1 7.08% with the addition of avocado fruit extract (Perseaamericana, Mill) 6%, pH: P4 5.30% with the addition of avocado fruitextract (Persea americana, Mill) 24%.

Evaluation of the potential of ethanol leaf extract of Persea americana in the treatment of on carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) induced renal damage

Evaluation of the potential of ethanol leaf extract of Persea americana in the treatment of on carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) induced renal damage

Protection of mild steel from corrosion using methanol extract of avocado (Persea americana mill) seeds in a solution of sulfuric acid

Avocado seeds have been studied for use as corrosion inhibitors of mild steel in a solution of 0.75 M sulfuric acid. Corrosion inhibition efficiency at a concentration of 10 g / L avocado seed extract (ASE) was obtained at 74.56% with weight loss method and 68.38% with potentiometric polarization method. Corrosion inhibition efficiency was found to be greater with increasing ASE concentration. Polarization studies show that the avocado seed extract is a mixed corrosion inhibitor. SEM images on mild steel with the addition of ASE showed the formation of a thin layer on the mild steel surface. OH and CN functional groups appear on the FT-IR spectrum of ASE. These functional groups interact with iron on the steel surface to form a thin layer that can inhibit corrosive ion attacks from sulfuric acid solutions.

Evaluating the Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities of Persea Americana Extracts

Evaluating the Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities of Persea Americana Extracts

Persea americana Leaf Ethyl Acetate Extract Phytochemical, In-vitro Antioxidant and In-vivo Potentials to Mitigate Oxidative Stress in Alloxan-induced Hyperglycaemic Rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in-vivo and in-vitro potentials of ethyl acetate extract of P. americana leaf in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Quantitative phytochemicals analyzed includes; flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and phenolics. Measurement of antioxidant activity using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, total antioxidant capacity, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radical and ferric reducing activity of the extract was carried out. Hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate to albino rats. In-vivo anti-oxidant potentials of the extract were evaluated by measuring liver homogenate activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and malondyaldehyde in alloxan-induced diabetic rats administered with the extract. A total of 30 Albino rats were used for this experiment and they were divided into six groups of 5 rats each. Group A; normal control, Group B; diabetic control, Groups C-E; experimental groups administered with different doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively); of the extract and Group F; glucophage (84 mg/kg body weight, standard drug) for 4 weeks. This study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University, Kano, in August, 2018. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA with P=.05 value considered as significant. Results of the quantitative phytochemical investigation shows that the extract is rich in phenolics (184.1±0.6), flavonoids (115.8±2.1), alkaloids (41.5±1.8), with least concentration of tannis (21.2±0.8) and saponins (15.2±2.3). The extract exhibited high radical scavenging activity against synthetic free radicals (DPPH), reactive oxygen species (peroxide, superoxide and hydroxyl acid) and high ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ (FRAP). The activities of antioxidant enzymes of the treated rats were increased significantly (P=.05) while the level malondyaldehyde was significantly decreased (P=.05) in the treated groups. Ethyl acetate leaf extract of Persea americana contains phytochemical substances which improved antioxidant status and can be use as herbal therapy for the management of oxidative stress induced by diabetes mellitus and associated complications.

Anti-Colitic Effects of Ethanol Extract of Persea americana Mill. through Suppression of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators via NF-κB/STAT3 Inactivation in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mice.

Persea americana Mill, cv. Hass, also known as avocado, has been reported to possess hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, cardioprotective, and photoprotective potencies. However, few studies have reported its anti-colitic effects. In this study, we investigated anti-colitic effects of ethanol extract of P. americana (EEP) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitic mice and the involved molecular mechanisms. EEP effectively improved clinical signs and histological characteristics of DSS-induced colitis mice. In DSS-exposed colonic tissues, EEP reduced expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Moreover, EEP suppressed DSS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Consistent with in vivo results, EEP also suppressed protein and mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines via NF-κB and STAT3 inactivation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Taken together, our data indicate that ethanol extract of avocado may be used as a promising therapeutic against inflammatory bowel diseases by suppressing the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathway.

Effect of ethanolic extracts of Persea Americana seed and zea mays silk on blood glucose levels, body and organ weights of alloxan- induced hyperglycemic Albino wistar rats

The effect of ethanolic extracts of Persea americana seed and Zea mays silk on blood glucose levels, body and organ weights of alloxan- induced hyperglycemic Wistar rats was investigated using standard analytical techniques. Thirty male albino rats weighing 120-161g were randomly assigned to six groups of five rats each. Groups 3- 6 were test groups which received 400 mg/kg body weight Persea americana seed single extract, 400 mg/kg body weight Zea mays silk single extract, 400 mg/kg body weight combined extract of Persea americana seed and Zea mays silk and 500 mg/kg body weight combined extract of Persea americana seed and Zea mays silk repectively. Group 1 and 2 served as normal and diabetic controls respectively. Diabetes was induced using 170mg/kg body weight alloxan monohydrate. All the rats received their normal diet and distilled water daily for a period of 28 days. At the end of the experiment, the groups administered 400 mg/kg body weight Zea mays silk single extract and 400 mg/kg body weight combined extract of Persea americana seed and Zea mays silk showed significant (P&lt; 0.05) decrease in fasting blood glucose when compared with the diabetic control. The highest body weight change was observed in the high dose combined extract group followed by the Zea mays silk single extract group. Apart from the kidney and spleen weights, which were significantly reduced in the Zea mays single extract group, there was no significant difference (P&gt; 0.05) in organ weights of the experimental groups compared with the diabetic and normal controls. Persea americana seed increased body and organ weights of experimental animals whereas Zea mays silk decreased same. It may therefore be concluded that Persea americana seed and Zea mays silk are probable hypoglycemic agents.Keywords: Persea americana seed, Zea mays silk, glucose, body weight, organ weight

Blood compatibility investigation of nanofibrous PU–copper nanoparticles–avocado membrane

Wound healing is a complicated phenomenon, and it needs to be assisted properly to avoid life-threatening complications. In this present work, an electrospun nanofibrous mesh composed of polyurethane (PU), avocado extract (AC) and copper nanoparticles (CUPs) is developed and assessed for its wound healing potential. Green synthesis of CUPs was performed using aloe vera extract, and the formation of CUPs was evident in the ultraviolet/visible absorption spectrum. The developed mesh was characterized for its physicochemical and hemocompatible properties. Scanning electron micrographs showed the continuous, smooth, interconnected nanofibrous morphology of the PU–AC–CUP mesh. Also, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of CUPs in the mesh. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated the addition of AC-based hydrophilic chemical groups, which enhanced the wettability of the composites. Protein adsorption studies revealed the selective adsorption of albumin rather than fibrinogen. The composite scaffold also offers a highly hemocompatible surface by delaying coagulation of blood through contact activation pathways and by limiting damage to red blood cells. Therefore, the excellent physicochemical properties, selective protein adsorption and blood compatibility of the fabricated mesh will be conducive for wound healing applications.

Alternative Control of Plant Pathogen Fungi Through Ethanolic Extracts of Avocado Seeds (Persea Americana Mill.)

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal action of ethanolic extracts of avocado seeds, by conducting two experiments in the laboratory of plant pathology of EPAMIG SUL/Lavras, MG, Brazil, in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The first consisted of the following treatments ('Breda' 3%, 'Breda' 2%, 'Margarida' 3%, 'Margarida' 2%, Control, and Ethanol) testing its inhibitory effect on two fungal species (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Monilinia fructicola) and the second consisted of different concentrations of extracts (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) on the fungus F fructicola. The evaluations were performed at three times (7, 14, and 21 days of incubation) by measurements of the mycelial diameter using a digital caliper. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the averages were compared by Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The results demonstrated the positive potential of the ethanolic extracts of avocado seed on the mycelial development of fungi M. fructicola and C. gloeosporioides during the evaluated days.

Chemical characterization and complement modulating activities of an arabinogalactan-protein-rich fraction from an aqueous extract of avocado leaves

The aim of this study was to chemically characterize an arabinogalactan-protein-rich fraction (FRAGP) obtained from an aqueous extract of avocado leaves and investigate its effects on the classical pathway of the complement system. The FRAGP contained 4.6% ± 1.8%, 22.5% ± 4.9%, and 76.7% ± 8.8% of total protein, arabinogalactan-protein, and carbohydrates, respectively. Arabinose and galactose were the main monosaccharide constituents. FT-IR and NMR data, together with linkage analyses, indicated the presence of a structure that included a (1 → 3)-linked β-D-Galp main chain, mainly substituted at O-6 by Gal and Ara residues, which was characteristic of a type II arabinogalactan. The effect of FRAGP on the classical pathway of complement system was examined by a hemolytic fixation test and comparing with heparin, which was used as a control for inhibition. With pre-incubation, the IC50 of FRAGP was 1.90 ± 1.1 μg/mL, which was similar to that of heparin (IC50 = 2.90 ± 0.3 μg/mL). Without pre-incubation, the IC50 values were 18.6 ± 3.7 and 8.0 ± 4.1 μg/mL for FRAGP and heparin, respectively. Collectively, these results suggested that FRAGP has an inhibitory effect on the classical pathway of the complement system.