Levels Of Saponins Research Articles

First Report of Aloe vera Rust Caused by Uromyces aloes in an Ornamental Nursery in the United States.

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. is a tropical evergreen perennial in the family Liliaceae. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, it is sold in Pennsylvania as an ornamental and for its medical and topical purposes due to its high levels of amino acids, anthraquinones, saponins, and vitamins A, B, C, E (Sahu et al. 2013). In February 2020, at an ornamental plant nursery in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 5 out of 15 mature A. vera plants in 15 cm pots showed symptoms and signs of rust on the leaves, exhibiting dark-brown erumpent pycnial spots with a chlorotic band surrounding the infected tissue that turned necrotic after three days of incubation at 20°C. Only the telial stage was present. Sori (n=25) were rounded, concentrically arranged, 0.2-3.7 mm, and covered by a brown epidermis. Teliospores (n=40) were amphigenous, orange-brown, globose to ellipsoidal, measuring (29.2) 30.4-36.1 (39.5) × (27.4) 27.6-30.1 (30.5) µm, with a wall thickness of 4-5 µm, and a persistent hyaline pedicel ranging from 5 to 57.1 µm in length and 5.2 to 9.3 µm in width. These measurements were comparable to the descriptions of Uromyces aloes previously reported from India (teliospore size 25-42.5 x 20-30 µm, wall thickness 3-5 µm, and pedicel size 25-95 x 5-6.25 µm), and South Africa (teliospore size 30-44 x 24-32 µm, wall thickness 4-6 µm, and pedicel size 6-20 µm) (Maier et al. 2007; Soni et al. 2011). Based on these morphological traits and the plant host, the causal agent was identified as Uromyces aloes (Cooke) Magnus (Pucciniaceae, Uredinales). The sample was also independently identified as U. aloes by the USDA APHIS PPQ Beltsville lab (Interception # APEMD200552555001) based on morphological characteristics. Teliospores were harvested with a sterile pin, transferred to a 1.5 ml tube with DNA extraction buffer (100 mM Tris-HCL, 10 mM EDTA, 1 M KCl, pH 8) and macerated using a plastic mini-pestle. The DNA was precipitated using isopropanol, washed with 70% ethanol, and reconstituted in 50 µl of PCR-grade water. The segment of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) was amplified using ITS4/ITS5 primers (White et al. 1990). The nuclear ribosomal small subunit (18S) was amplified with rust specific primers Rust18S-R (Aime 2006) and NS1 (White et al. 1990). The nuclear ribosomal large subunit (28S) was amplified with primers LR0R and LR7 (Vilgalys et al. 1990). Amplified PCR products were cleaned using ExoSap (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) or QIAquick PCR Purification Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) and sequenced at Penn State Genomics Core Facility. The nucleotide sequences were trimmed, analyzed, and aligned using Geneious 11.1.5 software (Biomatters, Auckland, NZ). The resulting 692-bp segment of the ITS, 1,633-bp segment of the 18S, and the 1,324-bp segment of the 28S regions were deposited in the GenBank database under accession numbers MT136509, MZ146345, and MZ146342, respectively. Based on GenBank BLAST analysis, a 529-bp fragment of our 28S product was found to share 98.87% (523/529) identity with U. aloes isolate WM3290 (DQ917740) from South Africa, with three nucleotide differences and three gaps between the two strains. Comparisons among ITS and 18S sequences could not be made because no ITS or 18S sequence data from U. aloes has previously been deposited in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report of U. aloes from A. vera in the United States. Infected plants were confined inside a greenhouse and have been destroyed. Since the plants were purchased from either Ontario, Canada or Florida, the extent of infection in the United States is unknown.

Metabolomics profile responses to changing environments in a common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm collection

Metabolomics is one of the most powerful -omics to assist plant breeding. Despite the recognized genetic diversity in Portuguese common bean germplasm, details on its metabolomics profiles are still missing. Aiming to promote their use and to understand the environment’s effect in bean metabolomics profiles, 107 Portuguese common bean accessions, cropped under contrasting environments, were analyzed using spectrophotometric, untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry approaches. Although genotype was the most relevant factor on bean metabolomics profile, a clear genotype × environment interaction was also detected. Multivariate analysis highlighted, on the heat-stress environment, the existence of higher levels of salicylic acid, and lower levels of triterpene saponins. Three clusters were defined within each environment. White accessions presented the lowest content and the colored ones the highest levels of prenol lipids and flavonoids. Sources of interesting metabolomics profiles are now identified for bean breeding, focusing either on local or on broad adaptation.

Metabolite Profiling of Dioscorea (Yam) Leaves to Identify Bioactive Compounds Reveals Their Potential as Renewable Resources.

Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are cultivated and consumed as edible tubers, while their leaves are discarded as waste or burned with negative environmental impact. Herein, the metabolites of two yam species (Danma, DAN; Dunggeunma, DUN), harvested in June, July, and August, were profiled using GC-TOF-MS and UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS and the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated to stimulate the utilization of yam leaves as a by-product. We observed that the relative levels of amino acids, organic acids, sugars, and saponins decreased linearly with prolonged harvest time, while fatty acid, phenanthrene, and flavonoid levels gradually increased. Furthermore, the leaf extracts obtained in August exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. To determine the antioxidant-contributing metabolites, OPLS-DA was performed for the leaf metabolites of DAN and DUN leaves harvested in August. Hydroxytyrosol-glucoside, apigenin-rhamnoside, and rutin were more abundant in DUN, while luteolin, phenanthrene derivatives, epicatechin, and kaempferide were relatively higher in DAN and their respective metabolites were positively correlated with the antioxidant activity. Moreover, secondary metabolites were more abundant in the leaves than in the roots, and consequently, the antioxidant activity of the former was also higher. Overall, the potential value of yam leaves as a renewable source of bioactive compounds is proposed.

Phytochemicals, Heavy Metal and Proximate Analysis of Parkia biglobosa and Three Varieties of Bouillon Cubes (Purchased From Iyana Iba Market, Ojo Local Government Area in Lagos, Nigeria

Despite the huge nutritional values and availability of local seasonings such as Parkia biglobosa, knorr chicken as food seasonings, some developing countries like Nigeria require more information on the needs for increasing their utilization. Analysis was done using standard analytical methods, to compare the nutritional and heavy metal composition of P. biglobosa seed and bouillon cubes (Knorr chicken, magi star and Tasty cubes). The specific focus was to find out the proximate analysis (carbohydrate, fat, protein and vitamin), heavy metals, Minerals and phytochemicals composition of P. biglobosa and bouillon cubes. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used in the determination of the levels of (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn). Phytochemicals, including phytic acid, tannins, carotenoids, phenols, saponins and hydrocyanic acid were also determined using method of Ola and Oboh [19]. The result shows that the seeds of P. biglobosa had significantly higher (p<0.05) Moisture (17.530±3.686) crude protein (25.722±3.524%), crude fat (27.536±2.273%) and Crude fiber (6.540±1.795%) contents compared to the bouillon cubes (Knorr chicken, Maggi Star, tasty cubes). The bouillon cubes had significantly higher (p>0.05) contents of ash (22.188±0.950, 24.092±0.911, 22.880±0.736) which is found to be low in P. biglobosa seed. Carbohydrate level in bouillon cubes were also found to have higher means values of (28.87±1.581, 46.785±2.243, 38.035±12.574). The minerals content of the analyzed samples shows that the P. biglobosa seeds have higher means value in Ca (126.285±16.393), Na (150.820±25.075), and K (1454.432±199.575) and bouillon cubes were also found to be high in (Ca, Na , K , Fe), respectively. While the values of (Mn, Zn, Cr Cb, Pb pH) were found to have low mean value which were higher than WHO permissible limits. For the ANFs, P. biglobosa seeds recorded higher levels of Phytic acid (31.171±8.369 mg/100g), saponins (15.767±4.663 mg/100g) and tannins (55.772±6.655 mg/100g), Total carotenoids (41.561±2.632), Total phenols (65.689±14.439), Hydrocyanic acid (7.618±1.922mg/100g) and Ascorbic acid (101.025±11.670 mg/100g) while it was not detected (ND) in bouillon cubes on analysis. T he heavy metal contents in P. biglobosa was found to be high in copper with mean value of (2.478±2.077) while it was found to be insignificant in (Cr, Cb, and pb) and are not within the recommended value by WHO. The overall results are suggestive of higher nutritional quality of the Parkia biglobosa seeds than the bouillon cubes. It was therefore recommended that information concerning the use of local seasonings should be made available through public awareness campaign.

Phytochemical and Antihypertensive Tests of Celery (Apium graveolens L.) and Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Formula

Hypertension is also the leading cause of death worldwide. Treatment and control of hypertension help prevent cardiovascular death. Traditionally celery and garlic have been used as ingredients to lower high blood pressure by the people of South Sulawesi. Phytochemical testing was carried out to provide information about compounds' content in the formula of celery and garlic. Furthermore, the determination of the levels of alkaloids and saponins was carried out gravimetrically, the decision of the stories of phenols with a UV-Visible spectrophotometer, and the conclusion of the levels tannins with a UV spectrophotometer. Pharmacological testing using 25 white male rats were treated with doses of celery and garlic formula given to rats, namely 185 mg/ 200 g BW, 370 mg/ 200 g BW, 740 mg/ 200 g BW orally as test material. In the negative control, the rats were only given distilled water alone, and in the positive control, it was induced using 8% NaCl and 0.05% prednisone orally. The test solution was given for 21 days. The results of the phytochemical test showed that the celery and garlic ingredients contained positive alkaloids, saponins, phenols, tannins with levels of 1.8917 % alkaloids, 0.5885 % saponins, 1.6138 % phenols, and 1,3485 % tannins. Pharmacological test results showed systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.05).

Physicochemical properties of saponin containing Acanthophyllum laxiusculum extract: example application in foam stability and qualitative parameters for malt beverage industry.

Aqueous Extract of Acanthophyllum laxiusculum root (AE) exhibited remarkable foaming profile, emulsification properties and antifungal activity due to the presence of high concentration of total saponins. Total phenolic compounds, another main component, accounted for the AE antioxidant activity. Spray drying of AE, as a thermal process, did not affect the foaming indices of A. laxiusculum Spray-dried Extract (SE) and is a recommended alternate for convenient application in food industry. Addition of SE to the malt extract at accepted levels of total saponin daily intake (below 50mg/kg) showed positive attribution of malt and carbonation on the foaming quality of SE. Meanwhile, antioxidant activity of commercial malt beverage was enhanced by addition of phenolic compounds containing SE. The 20-60% antifungal inhibitory ratio of the SE developed here is within the applied range of total saponin that supports its application to inhibit the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae after malt beverage production. The bitter taste of SE was not sensed in malt beverage at 30mg/kg total saponin content and suggested A. laxiusculum root extract as a natural additive in malt industry.

Effects of saponin on enteric methane emission and nutrient digestibility of ruminants: An in vivo meta-analysis

Although saponin originated from plants has been used to control methanogenesis performed by archaea methanogens in the rumen, its effect has been inconsistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary saponin on enteric methane emission and nutrient digestibility of ruminants across various studies by employing a meta-analysis method. A database was developed by integrating data from 17 studies that originated from 11 articles. Different ruminant species, i.e., both small and large ruminants were included in the database. Data on related in vitro studies were excluded. Papers should be based on in vivo studies only that simultaneously reported dietary saponin and methane emission. Treatments were divided into control (no saponin), low saponin (saponin level less than 0.5% DM) and high saponin (saponin level above 0.5% DM). The treatments were considered as fixed effects whereas various studies were considered as random effects in the statistical mixed model methodology. Results showed that dietary saponin decreased enteric methane emission of ruminants as compared to control (P<0.05), and this was true for both low and high levels of saponin. Interestingly, low level of dietary saponin increased dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, neutral detergent fiber digestibility and acid detergent fiber digestibility in comparison to control (P<0.05). However, saponin at high administration level reduced these nutrient digestibility than that of control (P<0.05). In conclusion, saponin is effective to mitigate enteric methane emission from ruminants in vivo and enhances nutrient digestibility provided that the level use should not exceed 0.5% DM.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds Increase Intestinal Protein Uptake.

Within the last decade, quinoa seeds have gained much popularity as a new food and have recently been proposed as an appropriate food for early introduction in infants. Quinoa contains high levels of saponins, which are known for their adjuvant activity and effect on the intestinal barrier function. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of quinoa on intestinal permeability and inflammation in comparison with the positive controls; cholera toxin (CT), and capsaicin. The effect of quinoa on intestinal barrier function and inflammation is investigated in vitro using a Caco-2 cell line and in vivo using a Brown Norway rat model. Effects in vivo are analyzed by protein uptake, histology, gene expression, antibody levels, and flow cytometry. Quinoa and the positive controls all increased the intestinal permeability, but distinct patterns of absorbed protein are observed in the epithelium, Peyer's patches, lamina propria, and serum. The quinoa-mediated effect on intestinal barrier function is found to be distinct from the effect of the two positive controls. The findings demonstrate the ability of quinoa to increase intestinal permeability and to promote compartment-specific protein uptake via mechanisms that may differ from CT and capsaicin.

Phytochemical compound yield and antioxidant activity of cocoa pod husk (Theobroma cacao L.) as influenced by different dehydration conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different dehydration conditions (sun drying; hot-air drying at 60, 80 and 100 °C; vacuum drying at 60 °C, 80 and 100 °C; infrared drying at 35, 40 and 45 °C; microwave drying at 270, 450 and 720 W) on the retention of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of cocoa pod husk (Theobroma cacao L.). The finding shows that microwave drying at 720 W took shortest drying time (0.83 h) and retained the highest levels of total phenolics (12.22 mg GAE/g dried sample) and total saponins (31.51 mg EE/g dried sample), which exhibited the greatest antioxidant capacity in terms of ABTS radical scavenging capacity, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (12.30, 5.81, 12.40 and 8.57 mg TE/g dried sample, respectively). HPLC analysis of methanol extract from cocoa pod husk prepared by microwave drying at 720 W found seven phytochemical compounds including gallic acid, theobromine, theophylline, (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. The outcomes obtained from this study reveals that cocoa pod husk is a rich source of phytochemical compounds for further application in the nutraceutical or functional food industries.

Saponin contents in the starfish Echinaster sepositus: Chemical characterization, qualitative and quantitative distribution

In this study, we report the inter-organ, the sexual and the seasonal variability, of saponins contained in the common Mediterranean starfish Echinaster (Echinaster) sepositus. Saponins were extracted from five distinct body components namely the stomach, the pyloric caeca, the gonads, the oral body wall and aboral body wall. Of both sexes (males and females) collected at different seasons, the saponins mixtures were analyzed by Mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS and HR-ESI- MS/MS). Semi-quantitative approach was performed to estimate the variability of the saponin amounts. Our results demonstrated that the diversity of saponins in E. sepositus is higher than previously reported. We highlighted 11 different saponins, including 9 new congeners. Presumptive molecular structures are proposed for 6 molecules on the basis of key-fragmentations identified by HR-ESI-MS/MS. The comparison of the saponin contained in the five different body components revealed that minimum 3 saponins are common in all tissues. In addition, qualitative and quantitative variability of saponins compounds were linked to the organ, sex and the collecting season. The relative highest level of saponins was found in the stomach on the period of active feeding (winter). The significant higher levels of saponins were found in the gonads and oral body wall on the spawning period (summer). Generally, a great inter-organ, sexual and seasonal variability was found in both sexes. These results suggest that saponins probably fulfill several biological functions in E. sepositus.

Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling in Genetic Resources of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Collected from Different Geographical Regions.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is the second most important Allium crop that has been used as a vegetable and condiment from ancient times due to its characteristic flavor and taste. Although garlic is a sterile plant that reproduces vegetatively through cloves, garlic shows high biodiversity, as well as phenotypic plasticity and environmental adaptation capacity. To determine the possible mechanism underlying this phenomenon and to provide new genetic materials for the development of a novel garlic cultivar with useful agronomic traits, the metabolic profiles in the leaf tissue of 30 garlic accessions collected from different geographical regions, with a special focus on the Asian region, were investigated using LC/MS. In addition, the total saponin and fructan contents in the roots and cloves of the investigated garlic accessions were also evaluated. Total saponin and fructan contents did not separate the garlic accessions based on their geographical origin, implying that saponin and fructan contents were clone-specific and agroclimatic changes have affected the quantitative and qualitative levels of saponins in garlic over a long history of cultivation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram clustering of the LC/MS-based metabolite profiling showed two major clusters. Specifically, many Japanese and Central Asia accessions were grouped in cluster I and showed high accumulations of flavonol glucosides, alliin, and methiin. On the other hand, garlic accessions grouped in cluster II exhibited a high accumulation of anthocyanin glucosides and amino acids. Although most of the accessions were not separated based on country of origin, the Central Asia accessions were clustered in one group, implying that these accessions exhibited distinct metabolic profiles. The present study provides useful information that can be used for germplasm selection and the development of new garlic varieties with beneficial biotic and abiotic stress-adaptive traits.

Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Dried Seeds of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis)

Proximate and phytochemical analyses were carried out on dried fruited pumpkin (Telfaira occidentalis) seeds. Standard experimental procedure and statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.1 were carried out after triplicate evaluation of the sample. Results of the proximate analysis indicated that the dried seeds contains moderate percent of carbohydrate (11.43±0.92%) and fibre (15.71±0.74%), high percentage protein (34.56±1.36%) and lipid (32.50±1.08%), ash (4.40±0.02%) and moisture (1.40±0.01%) contents were low statistically. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that dried seeds of Telfairia occidentalis possessed very low (statistically insignificant, p&gt;0.05) level of cyanogenic glycoside (0.001±0.01 µg/g) which makes it non toxic and consumable. Tannin (0.488 ± 0.012 µg/g) and oxalate (0.194±0.01 µg/g) where low in percentage, while phylate (3.75±0.018 µg/g) and saponin (4.00±0.02 µg/g) levels were statistically high (p&lt;0.05). The analysis revealed the sample as rich in protein and lipid, with moderate amounts of carbohydrate and fibre. It also indicates absence of cynogenic glycoside and low oxalate level which interfere with mineral absorption in the body. Hence, the seed is a very good protein source especially for patients with protein energy malnutrition (PEM), growing children and diabetic patients due to its rich energy source for body utilization and for extraction of cooking oil due to its high lipid content.

Comparative Study on the Chemical Components and Gastrointestinal Function on Rats of the Raw Product and Licorice-Simmered Product of Polygala tenuifolia

The root of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (Polygalaceae) (PT) has been listed as a nootropic, anti-inflammatory, and antipsychotic medicine that can cure insomnia. Raw PT (RPT) is toxic and must be processed before clinical use. Licorice-simmered PT (LPT) is one of the most common processed products. We conducted this study in order to investigate the differences in chemical components and gastrointestinal function between RPT and LPT. We used principal component analysis (PCA) and quantitative analysis to study the differences in the chemical components. Animal experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of PT on the gastrointestinal function of rats before and after simmering. Pathological sections of gastrointestinal tissues, serum hormone levels, and inflammatory cytokines were observed. The PCA results demonstrated that obvious separation was achieved between the RPT and LPT samples. Tenuifoliside B (TFSB), 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose (DSS), tenuifoliose A (TFOA), tenuifoliose H (TFOH), onjisaponin B (OJB), onjisaponin Z (OJZ), and total saponins levels were decreased after licorice processing, while glomeratose A (GA) and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA) levels were markedly increased. Compared to the control group, the RPT groups exhibited dramatically lower levels of gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and substance P (SP) and markedly higher levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SS), but the LPT groups exhibited no significant differences in the above indexes. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in gastrointestinal tissue were markedly increased in the low RPT (L-RPT), high RPT (H-RPT), and H-LPT groups, showing a certain inflammatory effect, but the inflammatory effect in the L-LPT group was relatively weak. Licorice simmering can effectively reduce the inhibitory effect of RPT on gastrointestinal function in rats and reduce damage to gastrointestinal tissue. This study provides a scientific basis for research on the processing mechanism and clinical application of PT.

Biologically active and reserve substances of Siberian peonies

Levels of biologically active and reserve substances were investigated in the leaves and rhizomes of Paeonia anomala L., P. hybrida Pall., and P. lactiflora Pall. The peonies’ leaves are rich in ascorbic acid (1205.7 mg/100g in P. anomala) and tannins (15.9% in P. lactiflora and 15.7% in P. anomala) at the beginning of the growth season. Concentrations of flavonols, pectins, and carotenoids in the Siberian peonies are low at the beginning of the growth season. P. lactiflora is a promising species for further research on the set and levels of biologically active and reserve substances in rhizomes because this species stands out among the three Siberian species in terms of the levels of catechins (1297.8 mg/100g), protopectins (10.1%), saponins (19.2%), and sugars (22.1%) in rhizomes. In these parts of the plant, starch (18.6%) accumulates the most in P. hybrida among the studied peonies species. Concentrations of the analyzed substances in the rhizomes of the peonies change significantly by the end of the growth season and vary widely among these species. Levels of ascorbic acid (except for P. hybrida), protopectins, and starch increase significantly while concentrations of catechins and sugars decrease in the rhizomes by the end of the growth season.

IDENTIFICATION AND DETERMINATION OF SAPONIN LEVELS FROM BIDURROT EXTRACT (Calotropis gigantea L) USING GRAVIMETRY METHOD

Biduri plants (Calotropis gigantea L) are used as medicinal plants, namely as cough and anti-allergic medicines. Research conducted by (Suchita Siggn. 2014) shows the presence of glycoside compounds, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. then the researchers are interested in carrying out research on the identification and determination of saponin levels from the extract of the baby root (Calotropis gigantea L) by the Gravimetri method. Qualitative test was carried out by inserting 500 mg of biduri root extract (Calotropis gigantea L) into a test tube, then adding 10 ml of hot water, shaking vigorously for 10 seconds and adding HCL, then a quantitative test was carried out using the gravimetric method. Based on the results of research that has been carried out the extract of the betel root (Calotropis gigante L) positive containing saponin compounds with saponin content is 2.6% with a weight of 1.16 gram saponins using the gravimetric method

Comparative evaluation of the effects of three local spices on nutrient and organoleptic qualities of rabbit meat

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three different spices of Monodora myristica (African Nutmeg), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), and Piper guineense (African Black Pepper) on nutrient composition and organoleptic characteristics of dried rabbit meats. The three spices collected as seeds were processed into meals and applied on the fresh meat cut (loin) obtained from 10 rabbit bucks. The treatments were arranged as: T (200g meat without 1 spice) which served as control, T (200g meat +5% Nutmeg) T (200g meat + 10% Nutmeg) 2 3 ,T (200g meat + 5% African Black Pepper) T (200g meat +10%) T (200g meat +5% 4 5 6 Ginger) T (200g meat +10% Ginger). Each treatment was oven-dried before presented to 7 taste panel that adjudged the test for colour, flavour, tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability. Samples of each spice and the processed meat were analyzed for nutrient composition. Result obtained showed that the meat is made up of protein, 50.52%, fat 6.45%, ash 5.05%, fibre 3.23%. Proximate composition of Ginger showed that it was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in protein and Ash but lowest in fat and fibre while Nutmeg recorded highest fat and lowest protein level. African Black Pepper however recorded highest (P&lt;0.05) level of fibre. The mineral and Phytochemical results of the spices indicated that Ginger and Nutmeg contained moderate levels of Phenols, saponins and glycoside. However, Ginger was higher in flavonoid and Ca even as Nutmeg was higher in flavonoid and K. African black pepper was high in Saponins, Alkaloid, Cu and Na than other spices. Results also indicated that there were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in terms of flavour, tenderness and overall acceptability even as meat spiced with Zingiber officinale scored highest (P&lt;0.05) in tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability at 5% and 10% level using a 9-point hedonic scale, followed by Monodora myristica, which was not different (P&gt;0.05) from the control while the least score was recorded in Piper guineense. Similarly, nutritional composition of meats improved in terms of protein, ash and fibre significantly (P&lt;0.05) especially Zingiber officinale in terms of increased protein, minerals and fibre while reducing fat compared to other spices.

Nutrient and Antinutrient Composition and Heavy Metal and Phenolic Profiles of Maize (Zea mays) as Affected by Different Processing Techniques

The effect of processing on the proximal, amino acid, micro- and macromineral, heavy metal, vitamin, antinutrient, and phenolic profiles of maize (Zea mays) was investigated using standard techniques. Boiling decreased the total amino acid content unlike frying and roasting, but they did not affect the total phenolic content of maize. Boiling increased the levels of moisture, phosphorus, and vitamin B12; depleted selenium; and decreased the levels of phytate, saponin, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, and vitamins A and B1. Roasting decreased the levels of moisture, crude fiber, phytate, saponin, trypsin inhibitor, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and vitamins A and K. Frying increased the level of fat; decreased the levels of moisture, trypsin inhibitor, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B2, and K; and depleted selenium. A bioavailability study showed that the phytates and oxalates in the maize may not affect its bioavailability. This study showed that the processing methods that were used in this study allowed retention of some important nutrients and the total phenolic contents of the studied maize.

Phenolic Profile and Bioactive Potential of Stems and Seed Kernels of Sweet Cherry Fruit.

Every year, large quantities of stems and pits are generated during sweet cherry processing, without any substantial use. Although stems are widely recognized by traditional medicine, detailed and feasible information about their bioactive composition or biological value is still scarce, as well as the characterization of kernels. Therefore, we conducted a study in which bioactivity potential of extracts from stems and kernels of four sweet cherry cultivars (Early Bigi (grown under net cover (C) and without net cover (NC)), Burlat, Lapins, and Van) were examined. The assays included antioxidant (by 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays), and antibacterial activities against important Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial human isolates. Profile and individual phenolic composition of each extract were determined by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Extracts from stems of cv. Lapins and kernels of Early Bigi NC presented high levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, ortho-diphenols and saponins. Excepting for cv. Early Bigi NC, major phenolic compounds identified in stems and kernels were sakuranetin and catechin, respectively. In cv. Early Bigi NC the most abundant compounds were ellagic acid for stems and protocatechuic acid for kernels. In all extracts, antioxidant activities showed a positive correlation with the increments in phenolic compounds. Antimicrobial activity assays showed that only stem’s extracts were capable of inhibiting the growth of Gram positive isolates. This new data is intended to provide new possibilities of valorization of these by-products and their valuable properties.

Koyunlarda Yeme Zeolit ve Yucca Schidigera Tozu İlavesinin Bazı Karaciğer Enzimlerine (AST, ALT, GGT) Etkilerinin Karşılaştırılması

Rumen fermantasyonunu manipüle etmek amacıyla antibiyotikler yerine yem katkı maddeleri olarak doğal ürünlerin kullanılmasına yönelik ilgi artmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, koyunlarda yeme saponin içeriği yüksek Yucca schidigera (YS) bitkisi ile zeolitlerin birlikte katılmasının plazma Aspartat aminotransferaz (AST), Alanin aminotransferaz (ALT) ve Gama glutamil transferaz (GGT) düzeylerine etkilerinin belirlenmesiydi. Çalışmada her bir grupta 6 koyun olmak üzere toplam 24 baş koyun kullanıldı. Koyunlar, temel yeme; Kontrol, Zeolit (%3), Yucca schidigera (YS,1500 ppm) ve Zeolit (%3) +YS (1500 ppm) ilave edilmiş yemlerle bir ay süresince beslendi. Denemenin sonunda tüm gruplardan alınan kan örneklerinde, plazma AST, ALT ve GGT düzeyleri belirlendi. Çalışmada, yeme zeolit ve YS ilavesinin ALT ve AST üzerine etkisinin olmadığı, buna karşın zeolit ilavelerinin GGT düzeylerini düşürdüğü tespit edildi. Sonuç olarak, yeme bu çalışmada uygulanan zeolit ve YS takviyesinin koyunların karaciğer sağlığında olumsuz etkisinin olmadığı kanaatine varıldı.

Effect of harvest time on saponins in yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto)

Steroidal saponins including furostanol and spirostanol glycosides are the important bioactive compounds in yams. In the study, the content of individual saponin in varied organs of yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto) harvested from November to March of the next year (the harvest season) were determined. Results showed that total saponin levels in yam organs (except rhizophor) harvested at various time were in the order: January＞December＞February＞November＞March. Saponin contents in rhizophor gathered in December were higher than those obtained in January. The highest total amounts of saponins among various organs were in the order: tuber cortex (619.79μg/g dw)＞tuber flesh (247.84μg/g dw)＞rhizophor (32.19μg/g dw)＞leaf (26.57μg/g dw)＞vine (25.06μg/g dw).