Plant Extract Treatment Research Articles

Corchorus olitorius and Urtica pilulifera Extracts Alleviate Copper Induced Oxidative Damage and Genotoxicity in Tomato

Copper cause oxidative damage in plant cells, and plant extracts are the sources of free radical scavengers. We tested the hypothesis that whether Corchorus olitorius (jute) and Urtica pilulifera (Roman nettle) seed extract treatments of germinated seeds affect copper induced oxidative and genotoxic damage or antioxidant response in tomato. Seedlings were exposed to toxic copper concentration (30 ppm) for 7 days. In one experimental group (treatment 1), extract (100 μg mL−1) was added to media. In the other group (treatment 2), tomato seeds were pre-soaked by the extract (100 μg mL−1) prior to germination and copper application. Malondialdehyde and endogenous H2O2 levels in the groups treated with extract and copper were significantly lower than that of the untreated groups. Pre-soaking seeds with the nettle extract solution significantly enhanced catalase activity under unstressed condition. Jute treatment also enhanced catalase activity under copper stress. Ascorbate peroxidase activity remained at unstressed level in copper treated groups. Extract treatments significantly decreased copper induced DNA damage in root nuclei. Jute seed extract contained salicylic acid and quercetin which can be correlated with the evoked effects. We demonstrated protective effect of plant extract treatments against copper stress of tomato seedlings prior to germination or during seedling development.

Effect of plant extracts and organic emulsifiers on control of anthracnose in persimmon

The objective of this research was to determine suppression rate of anthracnose (Colletotrichum coccodes) in persimmon by using plant extracts from different extraction methods (water, boiling water, fermentation, and ethanol) from various plant parts (leaves, stems, fruits, and roots) in 47 species from 27 families. Suppression rate of C. coccodes was also studied by using mixers of various plant extracts and organic emulsifiers. Finally, the controlling effect on C. coccodes and leaf injury in persimmon trees was determined by using selected plant extracts and organic emulsifiers. Fermentation extracts of Torilis japonica roots and Portulaca oleracea above ground parts, ethanol extracts of Rheum palmatum roots, and Cinnamomum cassia barks among 47 plant species from 27 families were more effective on suppression rate of anthracnose, which was >83% suppressed by 10% of the plant extracts in the laboratory test. Anthracnose was 100% suppressed by 3% brown rice vinegar, 3% powder soap, 5% loess sulfur, and 5% natural emulsifier-B in a laboratory test. Synergistic effects on suppression rate of anthracnose by combination applications of plant extracts and organic emulsifiers did not appear. In the treatment of plant extracts alone, anthracnose was 63% and 51% reduced by 5% fermentation extract of Torilis japonica and 5% ethanol extract of Rheum palmatum compared with non-treated control, respectively in an organically produced persimmon plants. However, in combination treatments of plant extracts and organic emulsifiers, anthracnose was 79.2%, 67.3%, 62.7% and 55.7% reduced by 5% fermentation extract of Torilis japonica + natural emulsifier-B (1%), 5% fermentation extract of Torilis japonica + loess sulfur (1%), 5% ethanol extract of Rheum palmatum + natural emulsifier-B (1%), and 5% ethanol extract of Rheum palmatum + loess sulfur (1%) compared to non-treated control, respectively, in an organically produced persimmon plants. Persimmon leaf injuries did not show by treatments of 10% fermentation extract of Torilis japonica, 10% ethanol extract of Rheum palmatum, 5% natural emulsifier-B and 5% loess sulfur. Thus, the plant extracts and organic emulsifiers may be used for controlling anthracnose in organically produced crop fields.

Hepatoprotective properties for Salvia cryptantha extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury

The present study was designed to determine the possible hepatoprotective effects of Salvia cryptantha (black weed) plant extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Animals were grouped as follows: control group (Group I), CCl4 group (Group II), olive oil group (Group III), CCl4 + S. cryphantha 200 mg/kg group (Group IV), and CCl4 + S. cryptantha 400mg/kg group (Group V). Rats were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 diluted in olive oil (50% v/v) at a dose of 1ml/kg body weight. Bax and Caspase3 were determined by immunohistochemical staining, while apoptotic index was evaluated using TUNEL assay. Total mRNA was isolated from liver tissues, and the levels of BCL2, Caspase3, SOD, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined by using PCR, while MDA level were determined using a colorimetric assay. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic gene transcripts were decreased in all of the control and treatment groups, while Caspase3 levels were not statistically different. The S. cryptantha plant extract treatment was also found to improve SOD, GPx, and catalase levels, while reducing the serum levels of MDA. The extract of S. cryptantha supplementation had a protective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage. S. cryptantha extract as a supplement may be useful as a hepato-protective agent to combat the toxic effects caused by CCl4 and other chemicals.

Hepatoprotective properties for Salvia cryptantha extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.

The present study was designed to determine the possible hepatoprotective effects of Salvia cryptantha (black weed) plantextract againstcarbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-inducedhepatic injury inrats. Animals were grouped as follows: control group (Group I), CCl4 group (Group II), olive oil group (Group III), CCl4 +S. cryphantha200 mg/kg group (Group IV), and CCl4 +S. cryptantha400mg/kg group (Group V). Rats were injectedintraperitoneallywithCCl4 dilutedinolive oil(50% v/v) at adoseof1ml/kgbody weight. Bax and Caspase3were determined byimmunohistochemical staining, while apoptotic indexwas evaluated using TUNEL assay. Total mRNA was isolated from liver tissues, and the levels of BCL2, Caspase3, SOD, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined by using PCR, while MDA level were determined using a colorimetric assay. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic gene transcripts were decreased in all of the control and treatment groups, while Caspase3 levels were not statistically different. The S. cryptantha plant extract treatment was also found to improve SOD, GPx, and catalase levels, while reducing the serum levels of MDA. The extract of S. cryptanthasupplementationhad a protective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage. S. cryptanthaextract as a supplement may be useful as a hepato-protective agent to combat the toxic effects caused by CCl4and other chemicals.

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Experiments were conducted at Faculty of Agriculture farm Shebin Elkom and laboratory of Economic Entomology and Agricultural Zoology Department to study the eriophyid mites associated with three vegetable plants, five fruit trees, and two ornamental plants during the period from 2013/2015. Incidence studies indicated that 11 species of eriophyid mites belonging to 7 Genera was collected. Five plant extracts were chosen to determine their effect on Aculops lycopersici mite, after one week the redaction percentages were the highest when cayenne pepper and garlic used 98, 91 % while this percentage approximately ranged between 85, 88 % for other plant extracts, three weeks after application the reduction percentages were 100% in all plant extracts treatment except thyme record 98%. Ten chemical compounds as pesticides were experimented to show their effect on Aculops lycopersici. One day after application Sino S recorded the highest reeducation percentage 97% followed by Citrogard and Dumber 90%, while the lowest reduction percentages ware recorded by Vermex and Arrow 43, 46 %. Also, studied effect of some control methods against eriophyid mites on some morphological characters of tomato plants. It was observed that plant length increase in all treatments than untreated plants, increase percentage were 88.6, 89.7 % for Acari stop and high point treatment, while it was 88.4 , 90.9% in Cayenne pepper and Garlic three weeks after application. Biology of eriophyid mite Aceria dioscoridis reared in laboratory under 28± 2 C and 75± 5% R. H. the mean of incubation period was 1.75± 0.32 days, 72% from eggs was hatched to active larvae. Some biological aspects of predatory mite were studies when used Aceria dioscoridis ,Cisabroptus Kenyaeas prey, the incubation period of predator egg was 2.44± 0.61days for female, while it was 2.42± 0.51days for male. The life cycle of the predatory mite ranged from 8:12 days for female and 7: 12 for male.

Field evaluation of aqueous indigenous plant extracts against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. and the rape aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. in brassica production

Small-scale vegetable farmers in southern Africa are battling with increasing pressure from insect pests due to limited sustainable control options. Concerns are growing about human safety and environmental impact of conventional synthetic pesticides commonly used against the pests. Two experiments were therefore conducted to investigate the insecticidal efficacy of crude aqueous extracts of two indigenous plants, Maerua edulis and Bobgunnia madagascariensis in controlling the most damaging pests of cabbage and rape; Plutella xylostella and Brevicoryne brassicae, respectively. Experiment I was on-station in which aqueous extracts of M. edulis leaf and B. madagascariensis fruit powder were applied separately on rape and cabbages at 3–20% w/v compared to negative water control and synthetic pesticide positive controls. Concentrations of 5 and 10% w/v M. edulis and 15 and 20% w/v B. madagascariensis were further tested on-farm in Experiment II. On-station results showed that extracts from M. edulis and B. madagascariensis at 5–20% w/v and 15–20% w/v, respectively, showed significant insecticidal effect (P<0.05) compared to the negative control. In both experiments, there were no significant differences in pest counts between plant extracts and the positive controls. In both experiments, vegetable yields from plant extract treatments differed significantly (P<0.05) from the negative control at M. edulis 5–20% w/v and B. madagascariensis 15–20% w/v, but not from the positive controls. The commercial potential of local plant extract sprays for vegetable pest management on small-scale farms is discussed.

Therapeutic insights of hydromehtanolic leaf extract of Xanthium indi-cum and α-tocopherol in streptozotocin induced diabetic renal oxidative stress

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the important microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Several phytochemicals have been reported to show beneficial consequences in Xanthium indicum leaves and α-tocopherol is a well known antioxidant, putting a halt to the fatality of renal dysfunc-tions in DN. In the current study, seven groups of male albino rats six in each group, received the following treatment scheduled for 4 weeks: Normal control, Xanthium indicum, α-tocopherol, Diabetes control, Glibenclamaide treated diabetic, α-tocopherol treated diabetic and Xanthium treated diabetic. Evaluations were made for blood glucose levels, body weights, serum insulin levels, MDA content, creatintne in urine as well as in serum and the histopathological changes were monitored kidney tissues in all experimental rats. Blood glucose levels were significantly (***P&lt;0.001) decreased whereas serum insulin levels and body weights were significantly (***P&lt; 0.001) in-creased, MDA content, serum creatinine levels were significantly (***P&lt; 0.01), (***P&lt;0.001), decreased and urine creatinine levels were increased with the treatment of plant extract and α-tocopherol in diabetic rats. Overall, the findings of this study indicated that the hydromethanolic extract of X. indicum leaves and α-tocopherol possesses a potent capacity that attenuates the renal damage to minimize the deleterious effects of free radicals by maintaining renal hemodynamics in diabetic conditions probably through its antioxidative and hypoglycaemic activity.

Evaluation of an Aqueous Extract from Horseradish Root (Armoracia rusticana Radix) against Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Cellular Inflammation Reaction

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a perennial crop and its root is used in condiments. Traditionally, horseradish root is used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract and urinary bladder. The antiphlogistic activity, determined in activated primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), was evaluated for an aqueous extract and its subfractions, separated by HPLC. Compound analysis was done by UHPLC-QToF/MS and GC-MS. The aqueous extract concentration-dependently inhibited the anti-inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in terms of TNF-α release at ≥37 μg/mL. Further, the cyclooxygenase as well as lipoxygenase pathway was blocked by the extract as demonstrated by inhibition of COX-2 protein expression and PGE2 synthesis at ≥4 μg/mL and leukotriene LTB4 release. Mechanistic studies revealed that inhibition of ERK1/2 and c-Jun activation preceded COX-2 suppression upon plant extract treatment in the presence of LPS. Chemical analysis identified target compounds with a medium polarity as relevant for the observed bioactivity. Importantly, allyl isothiocyanate, which is quite well known for its anti-inflammatory capacity and as the principal pungent constituent in horseradish roots, was not relevant for the observations. The results suggest that horseradish root exerts an antiphlogistic activity in human immune cells by regulation of the COX and LOX pathway via MAPK signalling.

Lipid Oxidation and Biochemical Quality of Indian Mackerel during Frozen Storage: Effect of Previous Treatment with Plant Extracts

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of mint extract (ME) and citrus extract (CE) on lipid oxidation and biochemical changes of Indian mackerel during frozen storage. ME yielded significantly higher amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds and exhibited potential antioxidant activity as measured by Ferric Reducing Power Assay (FRAP) than CE. Gutted mackerel were given a dip treatment in ME (0.5%, w/v) and CE (1%, w/v) for 30 min, frozen in air blast freezer and stored at −20C for 8 months. Formation of lipid peroxides and thio barbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were significantly inhibited by ME followed by CE compared to control ©. Plant extract treatment also led to lower lipid hydrolysis and trimethyl amine generation (TMA-N) during frozen storage. The results of the study suggest ME is a very effective inhibitor of lipid and myoglobin oxidation and has great potential as a natural preservative for controlling the biochemical changes in frozen stored fatty fishes. Practical Applications Frozen stored fatty fishes are highly susceptible to quality loss due to lipid oxidation and other biochemical changes. Although synthetic additives are widely used as antioxidants, the recent trend is to replace those with natural counterparts. This study evaluates the effects of plant extract treatment on lipid oxidation and biochemical quality of Indian mackerel during frozen storage. Mint extract treatment was found effectively retarding the lipid and myoglobin oxidation during storage and could be useful to processors for achieving better profitability and consumer satisfaction.

Abstract 838: Natural plant extracts induced DNA damage and apoptosis through oxidative stress in transgenic mouse model

Abstract One of the most frightening events that women will ever face is being diagnosed with breast cancer. One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with this life-threatening disease during her lifetime. Even with all the advances in pharmaceutical technology, mortality rates for breast cancer have remained stagnant for the past few decades. The development of new drugs from natural products is considered important. The specific aim of the present study was to use transgenic mouse mammary tumors as a test model to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of a novel natural product as anti-cancer agent in the treatment of breast cancer. To achieve our specific aim, we performed both in vitro and in vivo studies. Acridine orange and propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining were used to visualize live and dead cells with the means of Cellometer Vision. Tumor volume and weight were measured. Tumor histology was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and enzymatic activities were determined by spectrophotometry. The extent of DNA damage was evaluated by the Comet assay. Cell/tissue apoptosis was measured by the flow cytometry. Data obtained from the AO/PI dye assessment indicated that the tested natural product significantly reduced the number of live cells in a dose-dependent manner, showing a gradual increase in the loss of viability in treated cells. We observed tumor growth inhibition after 4 weeks of daily intraperitoneal administration of plant extracts to trangenic mice. There was a significant increase in DNA damage in treated mice compared to the control mice. Flow cytometry data showed a strong dose-response relationship between plant extracts treatment and annexin V/PI positive cells. Similarly, a statistically significant and dose-dependent increase (p&amp;lt; 0.05) was recorded with regard to caspase 3 activity. Data from enzyme analysis (alaninine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and creatinine) revealed that plant extract administration is not toxic to treated mice. These results suggest that induction of cell death, DNA damage, and cell/tissue apoptosis may be involved in the therapeutic mechanisms of plant extracts in breast cancer. Collectively, the findings from this study provide convincing evidence that the tested plant extracts may represent a potential anticancer candidate against breast cancer. Research supported by NIH Grant No. NIMHD-G12MD007581) and Grant No. P20GM103476. Citation Format: Clement G. Yedjou, Paul B. Tchounwou, Lucio Miele, Marinelle Payton. Natural plant extracts induced DNA damage and apoptosis through oxidative stress in transgenic mouse model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 838.

Anomalous uptake and circulatory characteristics of the plant-based small RNA MIR2911.

Inconsistent detection of plant-based dietary small RNAs in circulation has thwarted the use of dietary RNA therapeutics. Here we demonstrate mice consuming diets rich in vegetables displayed enhanced serum levels of the plant specific small RNA MIR2911. Differential centrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and proteinase K treatment of plant extracts suggest this RNA resides within a proteinase K-sensitive complex. Plant derived MIR2911 was more bioavailable than the synthetic RNA. Furthermore, MIR2911 exhibited unusual digestive stability compared with other synthetic plant microRNAs. The characteristics of circulating MIR2911 were also unusual as it was not associated with exosomes and fractionated as a soluble complex that was insensitive to proteinase K treatment, consistent with MIR2911 being stabilized by modifications conferred by the host. These results indicate that intrinsic stability and plant-based modifications orchestrate consumer uptake of this anomalous plant based small RNA and invite revisiting plant-based microRNA therapeutic approaches.

Allelic differences in a vacuolar invertase affect Arabidopsis growth at early plant development.

Improving carbon fixation in order to enhance crop yield is a major goal in plant sciences. By quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, it has been demonstrated that a vacuolar invertase (vac-Inv) plays a key role in determining the radical length in Arabidopsis. In this model, variation in vac-Inv activity was detected in a near isogenic line (NIL) population derived from a cross between two divergent accessions: Landsberg erecta (Ler) and Cape Verde Island (CVI), with the CVI allele conferring both higher Inv activity and longer radicles. The aim of the current work is to understand the mechanism(s) underlying this QTL by analyzing structural and functional differences of vac-Inv from both accessions. Relative transcript abundance analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed similar expression patterns in both accessions; however, DNA sequence analyses revealed several polymorphisms that lead to changes in the corresponding protein sequence. Moreover, activity assays revealed higher vac-Inv activity in genotypes carrying the CVI allele than in those carrying the Ler allele. Analyses of purified recombinant proteins showed a similar K m for both alleles and a slightly higher V max for that of Ler. Treatment of plant extracts with foaming to release possible interacting Inv inhibitory protein(s) led to a large increase in activity for the Ler allele, but no changes for genotypes carrying the CVI allele. qRT-PCR analyses of two vac-Inv inhibitors in seedlings from parental and NIL genotypes revealed different expression patterns. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the vac-Inv QTL affects root biomass accumulation and also carbon partitioning through a differential regulation of vac-Inv inhibitors at the mRNA level.

Nasturtium (Indian cress, Tropaeolum majus nanum) dually blocks the COX and LOX pathway in primary human immune cells

BackgroundNasturtium (Indian cress, Tropaeolum majus) is known for its pharmacological value in the treatment of bacterial infections of the upper air tract and urinary bladder. However, scientific data on the anti-inflammatory potency in human-derived cells is missing. PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the potential of nasturtium to inhibit the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammatory response in primary human cells of the immune system. Study designThe anti-inflammatory activities of nasturtium and its fractions were evaluated via regulation of arachidonic acid (AA) pathway and MAPK kinase cascade. Fraction H4 which was responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects was further characterized. MethodsHuman peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were either treated with plant extracts or fractions thereof, stimulated with LPS and/or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and analysed for COX and LOX, release of prostaglandin PGE2, leukotriene LTB4, TNF-alpha and ERK signaling pathway activation. The plant extracts were separated into four fractions by HPLC; fraction H4 was subjected to UHPLC-ToF/MS analysis to identify potential bioactive compounds. ResultsWe found that aqueous extracts of nasturtium did exert strong concentration dependent suppression of LPS-triggered TNF-alpha release and COX pathway signaling, including PGE2 synthesis. Whereas COX-1 protein expression was not impacted, LPS-triggered COX-2 protein expression was concentration dependently blocked by the plant extract but not COX-2 enzyme activity. These findings suggest a mechanism of action for the plant extract which is different from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Moreover, the plant extract blocked leukotriene LTB4 release, the major end product of the 5-LOX pathway from PBMC. Down-regulation of ERK1/2 and c-Jun activation preceded COX-2 suppression upon plant extract treatment in the presence of LPS. Using HPLC separation of the aqueous extract followed by metabolomic analysis we could limit the number of relevant bioactive compounds in the extract to about 50. ConclusionsThis study provides a rationale for the anti-inflammatory efficacy of nasturtium observed in man and gives first insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Lysimachia foenum-graecum Herba Extract, a Novel Biopesticide, Inhibits ABC Transporter Genes and Mycelial Growth of Magnaporthe oryzae.

To identify a novel biopesticide controlling rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, 700 plant extracts were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on mycelial growth of M. oryzae. The L. foenum-graecum Herba extract showed the lowest inhibition concentration (IC50) of 39.28 μg/ml, which is lower than the IC50 of blasticidin S (63.06 μg/ml), a conventional fungicide for rice blast disease. When treatments were combined, the IC50 of blasticidin S was dramatically reduced to 10.67 μg/ml. Since ABC transporter genes are involved in fungicide resistance of many organisms, we performed RT-PCR to investigate the transcriptional changes of 40 ABC transporter family genes of M. oryzae treated with the plant extract, blasticidin S, and tetrandrine, a recognized ABC transporter inhibitor. Four ABC transporter genes were prominently activated by blasticidin S treatment, but were suppressed by combinational treatment of blasticidin S with the plant extract, or with tetrandrine that didn’t show cellular toxicity by itself in this study. Mycelial death was detected via confocal microscopy at 24 h after plant extract treatment. Finally, subsequent rice field study revealed that the plant extract had high control efficacy of 63.3% and should be considered a biopesticide for rice blast disease. These results showed that extract of L. foenum graecum Herba suppresses M. oryzae ABC transporter genes inducing mycelial death and therefore may be a potent novel biopesticide.

Oxidised palm oil and sucrose induced hyperglycemia in normal rats: effects of Sclerocarya birrea stem barks aqueous extract.

BackgroundConsumption of foods rich in carbohydrates and fats, result in an increase in obesity and consequently type 2 diabetes. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of oxidised palm oil and sucrose (SOPO +S) on some metabolic parameters and to investigate the effects of aqueous extract from barks of Sclerocarrya birrea on SOPO + S induced damages.MethodsDuring 16 weeks, animals received every day a supplement of oxidised palm oil (10 %) and 10 % sucrose as drinking water). Control rat received standard diet and drinking water without sucrose. At the end of this period, animal presenting intolerance in glucose test and insensitivity to insulin were continuously feed with hypercaloric diet along with the administration of the plant extract (150 or 300 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) during three weeks. OGTT was performed; insulin sensitivity was assessed by performing insulin tolerance test and determining insulin sensitivity index (Kitt). Several parameters were evaluated including body weight, abdominal fat mass, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, serum lipid profile, and serum transaminases (ALT and AST). Oxidative parameters were measured by MDA levels, nitrites levels, SOD levels, reduced glutathione content and by enzyme activities of SOD and catalase.ResultsAnimal receiving a supplement of oxidised palm oil and sucrose showed hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and a significant increase in body weight and abdominal fat mass compared to normal rats. In addition, there was a significant increase of SOD in aorta and heart, nitrites in liver and kidney, malondialdehyde (MDA) in heart, liver and kidney. It was also observed a significant reduction in the activities of the SOD and catalase in liver, kidney and reduced glutathione levels in heart. Concomitant treatment of plant extract with SOPO + S brought glycaemia and blood pressure towards normal value, restored glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The plant extract prevent the increase or decrease in the activity of the enzyme depending to the organ, reduced MDA and nitrites levels.ConclusionThese results highlighted the hyperglycaemic and oxidant character of SOPO + S diet and confirm the hypoglycaemic, and antioxidant action of sclerocarya birrea aqueous extract in diabetes.

Effect of plant extracts on growth performance and insulin-like growth factor 1 secretion in growing pigs

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of plant extracts on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and immune blood characteristics in growing pigs. A total of 80 [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 27.31±2.15 kg were used in a 6-wk experiment. Pigs were allotted to one of four treatments (1 - Control (CON) (basal diet); 2 - PE1 (CON + 0.05% plant extracts); 3 - PE2 (CON + 0.10% plant extracts); and 4 - PE3 (CON + 0.15% plant extracts)) in a randomized complete block design according to sex and initial BW. The PE1 and PE2 treatments provided a greater average daily gain than the CON treatment. From weeks 0 to 6 the pigs fed diets PE2 and PE3 showed greater apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter than those fed the CON diet. Pigs fed the plant-extract treatments had a reduction in total mercaptan emission on day 3 compared with control treatment. On day 5, fecal acetic acid content was decreased with increased blood WBC (white blood cells) and lymphocyte counts and serum IGF-1concentration by plant extract supplementation compared with the control treatment. All the results showed a 95% significance level. Supplementation of plant extracts can improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs, decrease fecal gas emission, and increase immune components such as WBC and lymphocytes, and serum IGF-1 concentration in growing pigs.

Plantago major treatment enhanced innate antioxidant activity in experimental acetaminophen toxicity

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of Plantago major (P. major) extract on the liver injury following acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity. MethodsThe male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 38) were randomly divided into normal control (n = 6) and experiment (n = 32) groups. The latter was subdivided into four groups and induced with APAP (1000 mg/kg) per oral, followed by P. major extract and N-acetylcysteine orally to the respective groups for six days. ResultsOn the seventh day, the serum bilirubin, liver enzymes and tissue malondialdehyde were increased in APAP groups whereas the total protein in serum, tissue superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels were reduced. The plant extract treatment reduced the histological deteriorations such as aggregation of hepatocellular cords, formation of binucleated cells and vacuolisation of the cells with scanty cytoplasm. It also revealed significant reduction of malondialdehyde and increased level of superoxide dismutase and glutathione. The findings in the extract treated groups were comparable to the group treated with N-acetylcysteine. ConclusionsIn conclusion, P. major can enhance innate antioxidant activity and ameliorate the APAP-induced liver injury.

Integrated control of rice kernel smut disease using plant extracts and salicylic acid

The effects of salicylic acid (SA) at three concentrations i.e. 2.5, 5 and 7 mM and plant extracts from pick tooth (Ammi visnaga), liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), artemisia (Artemisia judaica), mint (Mentha viridis), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) on the infection of rice kernel smut disease caused by Tilletia barclayana were studied. Spraying of rice plants with different concentrations of SA at seven days before infection was the most effective treatment against pathogen infection. Among all plant extract treatments, M. viridis and S. aromaticum were the most effective treatments. Additionally, our results showed increased levels of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and chitinase as well as total protein contents in the treated plants compared with the control. In conclusion, accumulations of these oxidative enzymes in plants treated with SA and plant extracts provide their role in the activation of induced resistance against T. barclayana.

Effect of Natural Extracts (Mentha spicata L. andArtemisia campestris) on Biogenic Amine Formation of Sardine Vacuum-Packed and Refrigerated (Sardina pilchardus) Fillets

Ethanolic extracts from mint and artemisia were applied on vacuum-packed sardine fillets in order to investigate their effects on biogenic amine formation during 21 days at 3 ± 1C. Three different groups were tested: control group (without ethanolic extracts), T1 (mint extract – 1% w/v) and T2 (artemisia extract – 1% w/v). Natural extract treatments combined with vacuum packaging resulted in a significant shelf life extension of the sardine fillets of 7 days. Treated groups had lower (P < 0.05) histamine, tyramine and cadaverine contents than control samples. Mint extract was the most effective in decreasing biogenic amine production in fish muscle, while the artemisia extract treatment contributed to maintain histamine-forming bacteria at low levels until day 17 of chilled storage. Our findings suggest the application of mint and artemisia extracts in fish industry since they improve food safety and increase product's shelf life without altering the sensory properties of fish. Practical Applications Seafood products containing high concentrations of biogenic amines have limited shelf lives, in particular for their impact on food quality and human health. Therefore, many preservatives are added to foods as antimicrobial agents, although consumers today prefer the presence of natural additives in food products and avoid chemical preservatives for their potential toxicity. Plants are a rich source of a large number of biologically active compounds, and hence, their extracts possess antimicrobial activities. The results of the present work show the efficiency of plant extract treatment combined with vacuum packaging in decreasing biogenic amine contents and extending the shelf life of sardine. This study also suggests the application of Mentha spicata and Artemisia campestris extracts in the food industry as natural preservatives since they improve food safety and increase product's shelf life.

Efficacy of mint (Mentha arvensis) leaf and citrus (Citrus aurantium) peel extracts as natural preservatives for shelf life extension of chill stored Indian mackerel.

Efficacy of mint (Mentha arvensis) leaf and citrus (Citrus aurantium) peel extracts in retarding the quality changes in Indian mackerel during chilled storage was investigated. Mint leaf extract showed higher quantity of phenolics and superior in-vitro antioxidant activities than citrus peel extract. Gutted mackerel were given a dip treatment in mint extract (0.5%, w/v) and citrus extract (1%w/v), packed in LDPE pouches and stored at 0-2°C. The biochemical quality indices viz. total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N), free fattyacids (FFA) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in mint extract (ME) treated fishes compared to citrus extract (CE) treated and control fishes (C) without any treatment. Plant extract treatment significantly inhibited lipid oxidation in mackerel as indicated by peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Aerobic plate count (APC) was markedly higher in C group followed by CE group throughout the storage period. As per sensory evaluation, shelf life of Indian mackerel was determined to be 11-13days for C group, 13-15days for CE group and 16-17days for ME group, during storage at 0-2°C.