Physicochemical Standards Research Articles

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF RHIZOMES OF NUPHAR LUTEUM

Objective: This study provides the detailed summary of pharmacognostical characters of rhizomes to give clear standards for the identification ofdrug.Methods: Important details such as macroscopy, microscopy (transverse section [TS] and powder microscopy) along with physico-chemicalparameters (such as loss on drying, ash values, and extractive values), and quantitative studies (i.e foreign matter, length and width of xylem vesselsand calcium oxalate crystals, and diameter of starch grains) were performed by standard procedure.Results: The findings of macroscopic studies revealed that the rhizomes were internally creamish to light brown and dark brown externally withlongitudinal wrinkles. TS and powder microscopy of rhizomes showed the presence of fragments of cork, cellulosic parenchyma; scalariform typexylem vessels, fragments of ligneous parenchyma, lignified astrosclereids, and small ovoid, and rounded starch grains. The mean length and meanwidth of xylem vessels and calcium oxalate crystals were found to be 406 μm (micrometer) and 60.2 μm and 63.36 μm and 48.96 μm. Whereas meandiameter of starch grains was 34.56 μ. Physicochemical standards quantified were foreign organic matter (0.2%), total ash (12.3%), acid insolubleash (6.3%), water soluble ash (3%), loss on drying (12.5%), alcohol-soluble extractive value (32.6%), and water soluble extractive value (27.6%).Conclusion: As various pharmacognostical and physico-chemical parameters have pivotal roles in authentication, identification and establishmentsof quality parameters of the plant. This study was conducted for this purpose.

DESENVOLVIMENTO DE REQUEIJÃO CREMOSO SEM LACTOSE

A intolerância a lactose é o nome dado a uma disfunção do organismo que apresenta uma deficiência ou ausência da produção da enzima lactase (β-galactosidase), responsável pela conversão da lactose em glicose e galactose. É comum em todas as faixas etárias e etnias, sua principal consequência é a impossibilidade de ingestão de produtos contendo lactose, como leite e seus derivados. Antecipando-se a isso, a indústria alimentícia hidrolisa a lactose a fim de obter um produto compatível aos portadores dessa doença, sem comprometer as características já encontradas em produtos sem esse tratamento. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um requeijão cremoso sem lactose. Utilizou-se leite desnatado como matéria-prima e β-galactosidase em concentrações de 0,07%, 0,1% e 0,2%. O tempo de hidrólise foi de 90 minutos a um pH de 6,55 e temperatura de 40 ºC. A cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência demonstrou que o grau de hidrólise das formulações foi satisfatório. O produto desenvolvido adequou-se aos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira quanto aos limites microbiológicos e físico-químicos. A análise sensorial foi realizada com escala hedônica de 9 pontos com painel de 100 julgadores não treinados, não mostrando diferença estatística significativa entre amostras de requeijão sem lactose e tradicional. Sendo assim, a formulação contendo 0,07% de enzima β-galactosidase pode ser considerada um requeijão com baixo teor de lactose e é uma ótima alternativa para intolerantes, pois possui sabor e custo similar ao tradicional.

PHARMACOGNOSTIAL EVALUATION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF THEVETIA PERUVIANA

Flowers of Plant Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum.were reported to possess good medicinal value in traditional system of medicine, the present investigation deals with Macroscopic, Microscopic and preliminary phytochemical investigation of flowers of Thevetia peruviana which includes pharmacognostical parameters, physiochemical parameters like ash values, extractive values and moisture content. The total ash, acid insoluble ash, water‐soluble ash values and sulfated ash were observed to be 3.50%, 1.60%, 1.30% and 1.20% w/w respectively. Alcohol soluble, water‐soluble and Ether soluble extractive values of the flowers were observed to be 8.30%, 4.80%, and 3.70% respectively. Powdered flowers were also subjected to fluorescence analysis with different chemicals. Phytochemical investigation of powdered drug revealed the presence of Alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, proteins, essential oils, gums, mucilage and fixed oils. The main aim of the present investigation is to study the macro, microscopic and some other pharmacognostic characters and physicochemical standards of flowers of Thevetia peruviana Pers. which could be used to prepare a monograph for the proper identification of the plant. K e ywords: T hevetia peruviana , Phytochemical, Fluorescence analysis, Physical evaluation.

Toward Establishing the Productive Chain for Triterpene-Based Amazonian Oleoresins as Valuable Non-Timber Forest Products

In the Amazonian rainforest, many species of Burseraceae known locally as “breu” are explored for the medicinal and aromatic uses of their trunk exudates. This material also has a long-standing use by the forest communities in building and caulking boats as well as in the making of wooden utensils and general crafts. Breu are strongly aromatic due volatile terpenes in their composition that are separated from the crude resin by steam distillation. The remaining residue amorphous “hard resin” is primary used for application in woodworking. Despite the potential for application in paints, varnishes and odor fixatives, the commercialization of the hard resin has not surpassed the local market level. In order to achieve and establish a more valorized market for this Amazonian non-timber forest product, the existing and potential demands need to be estimated, a draft of the production chain needs to be drawn up and care needs to be taken to provide products of the highest possible quality. This study aimed to identify and organize the main issues necessary for the attainment of these goals and its value chain, and identify the technologies that would improve the quality of the Amazonian breu as a raw material. A review of the data available in the literature and the analytical techniques that could be applied to generate standards for the extraction, purification, and analysis of the hard resin fraction was made. Quality issues based on physicochemical standards might affect the productive chain by: i) helping to consolidate the appropriate methodologies for collecting and storing the raw material; ii) adding value and qualifying the primary improvement processes and iii) supporting the certification of the raw materials for commercialization. Potentiate this material to reach high-level markets might boost the production demand and improve the rain forest communities’ income.

Pharmacognostic Assesment of the Endemic and Vulnerable Medicinal Climber-Cayratia pedata (Lam.) Gagnep. var. glabra Gamble and Its Antibacterial Activity.

Objective:The objective of this study is to evaluate a meticulous pharmacognostic cram is to supplement constructive information with regard to its identification, characterization, and standardization of endemic and endangered medicinal climber Cayratia pedata var. glabra and also screening the antibacterial activity of this climber.Materials and Methods:The morphological characters of study plant, microscopic examination of leaf powder, anatomy of young stem, physicochemical analysis of plant powder, extractive values, phytochemical analysis, powder with different chemical reagents, fluorescence analysis of plant powder, and other World Health Organization (WHO) recommended for standardization were analyzed. The antibacterial activity of this study plant is also analyzed.Results:C. pedata var. glabra belongs to the family Vitaceae, commonly known as “Kattuppirandai” is one such endemic and endangered species in Thaisholai, Nilgiris South Division, Western Ghats. With the patronage of veteran ethnic group traditional knowledge of this region, the species C. pedata var. glabra was selected for the pharmacognostical examination and antibacterial screening. There were no pharmacognostical reports of this plant, specifically to determine the anatomical and other physicochemical standards required for its quality control. The current study deals with pharmacognostical parameters for the aerial parts of study plant, which mainly consists of macromorphological and microanatomical characters, physicochemical constants (ash values and extractive values), fluorescence analysis, and phytochemical screening, one of the WHO accepted parameter for the identification of medicinal plants. The pharmacognostical exploration was undertaken for this species with the purpose of sketch the pharmacopeial standards. The antibacterial activity of this plant confirms the therapeutic power.Conclusion:The information obtained from pharmacognostical studies will be of used for supplementary pharmacological and therapeutical evaluation of the species and will assist in standardization for quality, purity, and authentication with the help, of which adulteration and substitution can be prevented. The antibacterial activity of this plant confirm the traditional knowledge of local healers on the wound healing property of this species and also suggest this plant species can be used as a promising source for the development of new pharmaceuticals that address the therapeutic needs to cure infectious diseases.SUMMARY The species C. pedata var. glabra was selected for present research work, since this species is listed in Red data book and has a wider use for different ailments among the tribal population of Thiashola due to its high medicinal value. Pharmacognostical profile was generated from macroscopical analysis, microscopical studies, powder analysis, physico-chemical constituent values, fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical evaluation. The antibacterial activity of this plant confirms the therapeutic power. Abbreviations Used: WHO: World Health Organization; IUCN: International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Pharmacognostic standards of Katphala (Myrica Nagi Hook.f.non-Thumb ); A potent bark drug used in Indian systems of medicine

Background: Katphala bark of Myrica nagi Hook.f.non-Thumb. is a potent drug used in Indian system of medicine at many therapeutic conditions. As the tree is grown only at northern parts of India, market sample found adulterated with many other bark samples. Hence standard authentication features are found necessary for proper identification of the raw drug. Materials and methods: Bark sample collected from Shimla, cleaned properly and authenticated. Macro-microscopic study, physico-chemical standards and preliminary phytochemical study of test drug carried out as per standard methodology. Results: Longitudinally and transversely fissured, rough bark piece were the naked eye observations made from the raw drug. Multi layered cork with a wide zone of secondary cortex are found as two distinct characteristics in TS bark. Polygonal parenchymatous cells filled with tannin, and stone cells in secondary cortex region and phloem in the inner bark region are other diagnostic microscopic features. Physico-chemical standards measured in this test can be used as measure of purity of this drug. Alcoholic extract of bark sample has shown the presence of alkaloids, protein, phenol and tannin as secondary moieties.

Antibacterial activity profile and quality standards of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf- an aromatic grass used in Indian system of medicine

Background: Cymbopogon citratus stapf. an aromatic grass found cultivated commonly in India, used in ancient texts of Ayurveda to cure infectious diseases related to respiratory system. The aromatic, long leaves are major used part of this drug. Materials and methods: Leaves collected form mature plant, cleaned properly, macro-microscopic characters recorded as per standard methodology. Physico-chemical constituents and major secondary metabolites found in the leaves are marked. HPTLC fingerprints of methanolic extract of test drug drawn out. In vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanolic extract of test drug carried out as per disc diffusion method, zone of inhibition measured. Results: Macro-microscopic characters, physicochemical standards are a measure of its quality. Secondary metabolites like triterpenoids, tannins, flavanoids etc revealed its chemical nature. HPTLC fingerprint further prove its chemical nature. Both methanolic and aqueous extract of the drug has shown sensitivity against all four bacterial strains. Conclusion: Methanoilc extract of test drug has shown better zone of inhibition against S. pyogen, S. aureus, P. auregenosa, thus proved a promising source of antimicrobial drug.

Comparative standardization of different market samples of ayurvedic formulation – Balachaturbhadra Churna

Background: Standardization of the herbal formulation is a critical and essential issue to be considered in assuring the therapeutic efficacy and safety and to rationalize their use in the health care. It is crucial to assess the quality and purity standards of the drug. Balachaturbhadra (BCB) Churna is a reputed poly-herbal formulation of Ayurveda for pediatric disorders. It is prescribed for the treatment of respiratory disorders, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting of children. Objective: The present study is aimed at comparison of physico-chemical standards of Balachaturbhadra Churna prepared In-house by following standard operative procedures and three marketed brands of the same. Materials and Methods: The selected samples were subjected to pharmacognosy study, phytochemical characteristics, physiochemical screening, and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) as per standard procedures. Results: It was observed that two market samples and standard are almost similar in their organoleptic and qualitative chemical analysis with the In-house preparation except for one sample. Again HPTLC of these formulations are not matching with each other, and it may be due to the raw material collection time, geographical variation, etc., which can be further investigated for its pharmacological activity. Conclusion: The data evolved from this study can be adopted for laying down the standards for the manufacturing of BCB churna

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Latakaranja (Caesalpinia bonduc [L.] Roxb.)

Background: Latakaranja [Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae)] is a prickly shrub used to cure number of diseases in Ayurveda. Method: The present study has been carried for pharmacognostical and phytochemical standardization of plant material as per WHO guidelines. Result: Seeds of C. bonduc are greenish- grey to bluish grey in color, globous or rounded, smooth, shiny, 1.2 o 2.5 cm in diameter. Powdered seed showed the presence of columnar palisade cells, bone-shaped thick-walled, parenchymatous cells with resinous contents and roundish to polygonal bearer cells. TLC of the seed alcoholic extract was also performed in the present study. Physicochemical standards quantified includes foreign organic matter (1.0% w/w), loss on drying (2.88% w/w), total ash (10.4% w/w), water soluble ash (10.2% w/w), acid insoluble ash (3.2% w/w), water soluble extractive (14.6% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (26.68% w/w). Phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, triterpenoids, proteins, saponins, steroids, tannins and glycosides. Safety profile of plant material was established by quantify microbial load, pesticide residue content and heavy metals (Hg, Zn, Cd and Pb) analysis. Total aerobic organisams (cfu/g) was found to be 1.75 x 103 but no visible microbial growths were observed in seed sample. Pesticide residue content and heavy metals were found to be present within the permissible limits. Conclusion: In conclusion, the diagnostic characters obtained from the seed of C. bonduc will provide necessary information in identifying the crude drugs and comparing this plant from other closely related Caesalpinia species.

Finger Printing of the Anatomical Markers, HPTLC Profile and Heavy Metals Content in the Leaves of Aristolochia indica Linn.

Background: Aristolochia indica Linn is now an endangered medicinal plant belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae. Many ethono-botanically important species of Aristolochia were found used in the traditional forms of medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. Aim: The present study concerns the microscopic, fluorescent, powder, quantitative microscopic characteristics of the leaves of Aristolichia indica Linn and its physico-chemical standards. Materials and Methods: Morpho-histological profile, Highperformance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) finger print profile, and heavy metals content of the leaves of Aristolichia indica Linn. Results: The presence of camptodromous pinnate venation with pentagonal shaped areoles with linear veinlet endings, non-glandular hooked trichomes, amphistomatic and anomocytic stomata, small palisade ratio, small stomatal index were the anatomical features characteristics of the taxon. Physico-chemical evaluation of the leaves gave moisture content of 10.5%, total ash 12.7%, acid insoluble ash 1.9%, acid soluble ash 10.8%. Highperformance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) identification of marker compound (Aristolochic acid I or (AAI)) in methanol extract of leaves was carried out. The developed HPTLC Chromatogram had revealed nine phytoconstutents in extract of leaf sample. The Rf value for Aristolochic acid I (C17H11NO7) was found to be 0.41 and densitometric scanning had shown λmax at 318 nm for the marker compound. The content of marker constituent (AA I) present in shade-dried leaves of Aristochia indica Linn was estimated as 0.049%. The Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of elements had shown appreciable amounts of the elements such as Fe (0.5442 mg/g), Zn (0.026.82 mg/g), Ni (0.008 mg/g,) and Cu (0.002 mg/g) by dry weight of the leaves of Aristolichia indica. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the delineated characteristics of the leaves of A. indica, could tag as the identifying parameters to substantiate and authenticate the raw drugs from the spurious/adulterants materials and could also be effectively used for the regulatory perspectives and quality assessment of Aristololic acid Ι in the medicinal formulation/finished products. The presence of important mineral elements inside this plant showed that it could be a nutritious plant and important to the human health.

Quality control analysis of Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala and Khamira Marwareed

Background: Unani system of medicine is based on the principles proposed by Galen, a Greek practitioner. Since then, many Arab and Persian scholars have contributed to the system. Among them, Ibn-e-Sina, an Arab philosopher and Physicist, who wrote “Kitab-al-shifa” are worth mentioning. This system has an extensive and inspiring record in India. Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala (KAHAW) and Khamira Marwareed (KM) are semisolid sugar-based preparations with potent cardiac tonic and well-known antioxidant properties. It has been studied that therapeutic intervention of KAHAW may be used to prevent or to decrease the deterioration of cognitive function and neurobehavioral activities, often associated with the generation of a free radical. However, no considerable attempt has been made for quality evaluation of KAHAW. Materials and Methods: In the present investigations, KAHAW and KM were evaluated for their phytochemical screening, physicochemical standards, presence of minerals, contaminants such as aflatoxins, pesticide residues, thin layer chromatography, and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) as per WHO and AYUSH guidelines for development of quality standards, which can be used by Unani industries. Results: Physicochemical parameters of the prepared compound formulation KAHAW and KM were studied such as total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, solubility matter in alcohol and water, and loss on drying at 105°C, pH as per the methods described in WHO guidelines. The heavy metal, aflatoxins, and pesticide residues were also determined for safety evaluation. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated using catechin and quercetin as standard after preparing calibration plot, respectively. HPTLC fingerprinting of hydrolyzed chloroform extracts of KAHAW and KM was carried out to determined a number of spots present in them. Conclusions: This study on pharmacognostical standardization of KAHAW and KM will provide useful information for its identification and quality control and can be applied by different manufacturers of these formulations.

Standardization of Unani Antidiabetic Tablet - Qurse Tabasheer.

Background:Quality control of Unani polyherbal formulations is the need of the day for better acceptance of Unani medicine. Qurse Tabasheer (QT) is a Unani polyherbal formulation containing six ingredients, Tabasheer (Siliceous concretions) (Bambosa arundinaceae Retz.), Gule Surkh (Rosa damascena Mill. flower), Gulnar (Punica granatum Linn. flower), Tukhme kahu (Lactuca sativa Linn. seed), Tukhme khurfa (Portulaca oleraceae Linn. seed), and Gile Armani (bole) widely used in treatment of diabetes. The present study was taken up to scientifically evaluate the various physicochemical parameters to standardize the formulation.Objective:To evaluate various physicochemical parameters including ash values, moisture content, extractive values, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance TLC (HPTLC), friability, disintegration, uniformity, and weight variation for standardization of QT.Materials and Methods:Ingredients were identified by the experts. The method mentioned in national formulary of Unani Medicine with modification was followed for preparation of the tablets. Physicochemical standards were established for ideal batch of tablets on the basis of set parameters regarding friability, hardness, and disintegration. Various parameters such as organoleptic characters, extractive values for the extract and HPTLC fingerprinting postcompression were carried out for evaluation of QT.Results:Parameters for loss of weight on drying, pH, ash values, extractive values documented. Qualitative chemical tests indicated the presence of alkaloid, glycoside, tannins, and steroids. TLC and HPTLC fingerprinting studies showing the presence of major peaks were documented. Friability, hardness, and disintegration time of ideal batch was 0.09 ± 0.0057, 4.03 ± 0.087, and 25.57 ± 0.4860 min, respectively, and it was found to be within the set limit. Weight variation was <5%. Total fungal and bacterial counts were found to be within the limit.Conclusion:Standards were established for poly herbal formulation QT, which may be used as reference for preparation and standardization of QT.SUMMARY In this work Standardization of anti-diabetic tablet Qurse Tabasheer with diverse ingredients including herbal and mineral origin drugs has been attempted with identification of its ingredients, formulation, physicochemical evaluation and HPTLC finger printing, which may help in preparing consistent and better efficacious formulations. Abbreviations Used: QT: Qurse Tabasheer TLC: thin layer chromatography HPTLC: high-performance thin layer chromatography WHO: World health organization FRLHT: Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions Fe2O3: Iron oxide Sio2: Silica CaCo3: Calcium carbonate, Tio2: Titanium Oxide NIUM: National Institute of Unani Medicine #: Mesh size LOD: Loss of weight on drying USP: United state Pharmacopeia UV: Ultra Violet λ: Lambda θ: theta CFU: Colony-forming unit

LEITE UHT INTEGRAL: AVALIAÇÃO DA ROTULAGEM NUTRICIONAL E DOS PADRÕES DE IDENTIDADE E QUALIDADE

The label brings a range of relevant information that cause a direct impact on our population health. Besides nutrition labeling, food should also comply with some standards of identity and quality established by the current legislation. The present study aimed to evaluate the nutrition labeling and the physicochemical standards of different brands of UHT whole milk. Five different brands of UHT whole milk were analyzed through three different lots from each brand. The collected data was confronted with regulation RDC 259/2002, RDC 359/2003, RDC 360/2003, RDC 40/2002 and RDC 222/2002 of Nacional Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) regarding nutrition labeling and the physicochemical features confronted with the ones recommended by Brazilian regulations for UHT milk. The results showed that the UHT whole milk analyzed is within the standards required by the current legislation, regarding both the nutrition labeling and physicochemical features.

Pharmacognostical and phytochemical standardization of the roots of Potentilla mooniana Wight

Background: Potentilla mooniana Wight. (PM) (Family: Rosaceae) is a plant commonly grown at the higher altitudes (1500–3660 meter) of the lower Asian continent and is traditionally used to treat gastric and mouth disorders. The present study was aimed to scientifically develop a standard monograph for PM on the basis of pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: Pharmacognostically the roots were analyzed following the standard parameters prescribed under WHO guidelines and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Results: Morphologically, the roots are cylindrical, dark brown and astringent to bitter in taste. Histologically, the root section showed the formation of secondary growth with wood formation and central lignified xylem vessels. Physicochemical standards quantified includes foreign organic matter (1.20% w/w), loss on drying (9.66% w/w), total ash (12.65% w/w), acid insoluble ash (4.65% w/w), water soluble ash (0.5% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (21.3% w/w), water soluble extractive (14.6% w/w), foaming index (142.85), swelling index (6.5), haemolytic index (37.77). Quantification of pesti­ cide residue content and heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn and Hg was analyzed and were found to be present within the permissible limits. Powdered drug showed the presence of lignified xylem vessels with scalariform and spiral thickenings, tracheids, starch grains and fibres. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, sugars, and amino acids. Quantification of phytoconstituents were also investigated such as phenolics (84.15mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (65.31mg/g TAE), flavonoids (9.53mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), flavonols (2.01mg/g RE), saponins (20.75mg/g diosgenin equivalent, DE), sapogenins (15.4mg/g DE) and carbohydrates (56.8mg/g D–fructose equivalent). TLC of the root extract was also analyzed in the present study. Conclusion: In conclusion, the diagnostic characters obtained from the roots of P. mooniana will provide beneficial information in identifying and comparing this plant from other closely related Potentilla species.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of 17 commercial Moroccan honeys

In this study, 17 commercial honey samples from Morocco were analyzed. Four samples did not meet the international physicochemical standards due to high hydroxymethylfurfural content and low diastase activity. Phenol content varied from 163.82 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg in citrus honey to 923.70 mg (GAE)/kg in thyme honey from Rachidia; flavonoid content ranged from 4.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/kg in citrus honey to 139.62 mg QE/kg in black cumin honey. Black cumin honey had the highest peroxyl scavenging activity; oregano (from Zaraphyt) and thyme honeys (from Rachidia) had the highest ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid]) scavenging activity; and thyme honey (Saouira) had the highest NO scavenging capacity. The antioxidant activity of Moroccan honeys was correlated with the phenol, flavonoid, and melanoidin contents. Dark honeys had higher antioxidant activity than light honeys. Samples with high sodium levels had lower free radical scavenging activity. On the other hand, calcium and magnesium increased the ABTS and peroxyl scavenging capacity, respectively, of honey samples. According to cluster and discriminant analyses, the honey samples were grouped in three clusters with respect to the phenol, flavonoid, melanoidin, proline, mineral and sugar contents, and free radical scavenging capacity.

A Proposal for Physicochemical Standards and Antioxidant Activity of Portuguese Propolis

AbstractPropolis is a complex resinous product gathered by honeybees whose chemical composition is highly variable, depending strongly on the plant sources available to the bees at the site of collection. Propolis from several locations in Portugal, including islands, was fully characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, phenolic composition and antioxidant activity, enabling the establishment of quality standards. Color, frequently used as a commercial parameter, was accessed by the first time in propolis with the CIELAB system, and proposed as a quick and reliable method for quality recognition. The results attested the existence of two different types of propolis within the six regions under study. One, the poplar propolis most common in temperate regions, revealed a high content in phenolics and show high bioactivity. The other, with darker green color is less rich in phenolics and generally less bioactive.

MICROBIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL QUALITY OF CURD CHESSE SOLD IN THE STATE OF ALAGOAS (BRAZIL)

The present study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical quality of curd cheese commercialized in Alagoas (BRAZIL). Thirty samples were collect during a five months period in six points of sale. It was estimated the number of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and coliforms, as well as the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Regarding physicochemical characteristics, pH, fat content and humidity were evaluated. Among the thirty analyzed samples, 20 (66.6%) were in accordance with Brazilian legislation parameters for coliforms, while 10 (33.3%) surpassed those limits. For coagulase-positive Staphylococcus 15 samples (50%) showed values above the allowed by legislation. None of the samples analyzed harbored Salmonella spp. or Listeria monocytogenes. Regarding physicochemical parameters, the average values observed were of 5.89 for pH, 23.6% for fat content and 46.96 g/100 g for humidity. Overall, the results obtained reflect the poor hygienic conditions observed from manufacture to commercialization, pointing towards a potential health risk for curd cheese consumers. Furthermore is necessary to regulate physicochemical standards for curd cheese fabication.

Pharmacognostic specifications of eight cultivars of Piper betle from eastern region of India

BackgroundPiper betle L. is a well-known and widely used herb especially in tropical Asiatic countries, which contains several bio-active constituents and possesses health promoting properties. The leaves of Piper betle L. have been traditionally known for its various therapeutic uses. The pharmacognostical and physicochemical investigations have not been carried out for eastern Piper betle cultivars. ObjectiveThe present investigation was therefore undertaken to determine the requisite pharmacognostic standards for their evaluation to ensure their safety and efficacy. Materials and methodsDifferent Piper betle L. cultivars (Desi, Bangla, Kali, Haldia, Sanci, Meetha, Birkoli and Magahi) were obtained from Indian States of West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar (Table 1).Fresh leaves were washed with water, sliced with a microtome and the transverse sections were stained with safranin, phloroglucinol, concentrated hydrochloric acid and mounted in glycerine medium. Leaves dried in the shade were finely powdered and passed through a sieve no.180 and a sieve no.125, separately, to obtain fine powder respectively and then subjected to microscopic examination.Mesophyll tissue is divided up by slendest vein, which is called vein islet. The numbers of vein islet in every epidermal cell is called Vein Islet Numbers (VIN); Vein termination number is the number of veinlet termination per square mm of the leaf surface midway between the midrib and the margin (VTN). Since vein islet and vein termination number is consistent and different from plant to plant, this parameter can be used in authentication. Stomatal Index (SI) is a basilic parameter in authentication, which can be obtained from the following formula: Stomatal Index ¼ (number of stomata/every millimeter-square) × 100/(number of stomata/every millimeter-square + number of epidermal cell/every millimeter - square), which also can be used as a reliable parameter in authentication since it is consistent in a species of plant. The results were studied using light microscope according to the usual microscopic techniques. Different physicochemical parameters such as ash value, extractive value and loss on drying were carried out as per WHO guidelines. ResultsIn present study eight cultivars of Piper betle were compared with their distinguishing morpho-anatomic details of leaf, dissociation and powders. The microscopic features were systematically described and illustrated. The physiochemical properties such as loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value and extractive values were also carried out. HPTLC analysis of petroleum ether extract and essential oil showed confirming the presence of compound in Piper betle cultivars leaf. And detailed key authentication parameters based on these anatomic characteristics were presented. The various morphological, microscopical, physicochemical standards can be unambiguously used to authenticate standardization and distinguish eight cultivars of Piper betle.

Quality control standardization of the roots of Potentilla fulgens Wall.: A potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas and North-eastern India

Background & aimsPotentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook. (PF) (Family: Rosaceae) is a shrub growing at high altitudes (1800-4350 m ASL) of the Western Himalayas. Traditionally, the roots of the plant are used to treat diabetes, peptic ulcers, diarrhoea, anthelmintic and cancer. The objective of the present study is to scientifically develop a standard monograph for PF on the basis of the pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. MethodsThe quality control standardization was performed as per the standard methods provided in World Health Organization for standardization of medicinal plants and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. ResultsMorphologically, the roots are cylindrical, elongated and tapering towards the end, dark brown and astringent to bitter in taste. Histologically, the matured root showed the formation of secondary growth with wood formation. Physicochemical standards quantified are foreign organic matter (1.50%), loss on drying (14.43%), total ash (8.60%), acid insoluble ash (3.02%), water soluble ash (1.37%), alcohol soluble extractive (30.80%), water soluble extractive (18.40%), foaming index (142.85), swelling index (5.5), haemolytic index (89.47) and pesticide residue content was also estimated. The powdered drug characterization showed the presence of lignified xylem vessels with annular and reticulate thickenings, bordered pit tracheids, simple, druse type calcium oxalate crystals, compound starch grains and slender shaped fibres. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of polyphenolics (phenolics, tannins, flavonoids), steroids, saponins, sugars, and amino acids. Quantification of phytoconstituents in the extract was done spectrophotometrically which includes total phenolics (177.4 mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (115.3 mg/g TAE), flavonoids (21.4 mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), flavonols (5.7 mg/g RE), saponins (41.2 mg/g diosgenin equivalent, DE), sapogenins (20.3 mg/g DE) and carbohydrates (52.6 mg/gD-fructose equivalent). Quantification of epicatechin in the root extract by HPTLC analysis was also carried out and was found to be 9.52% (w/w). ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study will provide necessary information for the proper identification of the crude drugs.

Palynological, physicochemical, and microbiological attributes of organic lavender(Lavandula stoechas)honey from Portugal

At the present time, the quality, integrity, sanitation, and nutritional value of honeys receive attention on an international level due to the increasing content of chemicals in the aforementioned matrix. The present study aims to characterize organic honey (n=73) from Northeast Portugal, with respect to floral nectar origin, physicochemical parameters, microbial safety, and commercial quality. All organic honey samples can be classified as monofloral lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.), exceed in quality the international physicochemical standards, and show low microbiological counts (yeast, moulds, and aerobic mesophiles), with negative results in respect to faecal coliforms, Salmonella, and sulphite-reducing clostridia. Correlating the palynological, physicochemical, and microbiological results is necessary in order to check the authenticity, quality, and sanitation of honey.