Schinopsis Lorentzii Research Articles

The in vitro Antimicrobial Effects of Hydrolysable and Condensed Tannin Extracts on Escherichia coli Isolated from Pathological Samples of Deceased Poultry

Abstract Colibacillosis, caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), is one of the most prevalent and economically damaging bacterial diseases affecting poultry globally. Managing colibacillosis is difficult and frequently ineffective because APEC strains have developed widespread resistance to antibiotics, and the strict regulations and public concerns towards using antimicrobial agents in poultry further complicate the situation. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of hydrolysable (sweet chestnut extract) and condensed (quebracho extract) tannins on Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from poultry, exploring their potential as antibiotic alternatives in managing colibacillosis. E. coli was isolated from the internal organs of deceased poultry across 18 farms, including layers, broilers, and broiler breeders. Each isolate was assessed for the presence of APEC strain predictors (virulence genes iutA, hlyF, iss, iroN, and ompT), antimicrobial resistance to 14 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method, and the presence of resistance genes for specific antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and quinolones). Out of 43 isolates, 27 (62.8%) were classified as APEC, 30 (69.8%) showed resistance to three or more antibiotic classes, and 32 (74.4%) carried at least one AMR gene. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for the hydrolysable tannins from sweet chestnut extract (Castanea sativa Mill.) (SwCh) ranged from 0.5 to 3 mg/mL, while for the condensed tannins from quebracho extract (Schinopsis lorentzii) (Que), the MICs ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 mg/mL. The results indicate that both hydrolysable and condensed tannins possess significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against APEC, offering a potentially valuable alternative for controlling colibacillosis in the poultry industry.

Chemical composition of leaf essential oil of Schinopsis lorentzii and its inhibitory effects against key enzymes relevant to type-2 diabetes: an emphasis on GC-MS chemical profiling and molecular docking studies

Schinopsis lorentzii (Griseb.) Engler is an aromatic plant belonging to Anacardiaceae family, and grown in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Bolivia. It is a rich source of essential oils and tannins as well as commercially available as vegetable-processed leather tanning and antiparasitic agent. This study was designed to explore the chemical composition of essential oil isolated from S. lorentzii leaves and elaborate on their significance as natural anti-diabetic, combined with molecular-docking studies. The leaf oil was chemically analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method and investigated for inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Molecular-modelling study via Molecular Operating Environment-Docking (MOE-Dock) program was used to evaluate binding interactions of major components with the above-mentioned targets. The GC-MS analysis of the leaf oil revealed the predominance of β-caryophyllene (21.63±0.36%), γ-terpinene (13.53±0.74%), α-pinene (13.38±0.65%), and terpinen-4-ol (12.55±1.56%). The tested oil expressed a remarkable inhibitory effect against α-amylase with IC50 value of 2.27±0.19 μg/mL, comparable to acarbose (IC50 = 0.52±0.18 μg/mL) used as standard drug. Similarly, it significantly inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.84±0.03 μg/mL), compared to acarbose (IC50 = 0.38±0.02μg/mL). The in-silico molecular docking study revealed favorable binding affinities of β-caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol and sabinene with variable degrees with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Thus, this study demonstrated valuable scientific data on the leaf oil of S. lorentzii as a potential candidate for the development of natural antidiabetic formulations.

Wood Extracts for Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics—Special View on Mordanting Procedures

Natural dyes offer a bio-based opportunity to support the attractive coloration of textile fabrics made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, hemp, and many other textile materials. They can be part of a strategy to realize fully bio-based textiles and clothing materials. In line with this statement, the following study investigates the use of wood extracts for dyeing cotton fabrics. Specifically, extract powders of logwood (Haematoxylon campechianum L.), brazilwood (Caesalpinia spp.), and quebracho wood (Schinopsis lorentzii) are used. The aim of the study is to evaluate which colorations can be obtained by the application of those wood extracts and what fastness properties are reached. For this, different modified process parameters and mordants are evaluated. The dyeing process is modified using different mordants based on iron and aluminum salts. These mordants are applied in pre-, meta-, or post-mordant procedures. The color and fastness properties of prepared textile samples are determined by spectroscopic measurements, color measurements, washing procedures, and a Xenotest for measuring the light fastness. Ultimately, it is shown that a broad range of colorations can be realized through different combinations of wood extracts and mordanting procedures. Notably, stronger color depths are reached with pre- and meta-mordanting compared to post-mordanting. Good wash fastness is obtained for some color shades. However, with post-mordanting, better wash fastness can be achieved. The light fastness of the realized samples is only moderate to low. In conclusion, it can be stated that dyes from wood extracts are excellent materials to dye natural fibers if they are combined with the right mordanting agent in pre- or meta-mordanting procedures. The present study is therefore a good proof-of-concept for the realization of fully bio-based colored textile materials.

The influence of seed functional traits and anthropogenic disturbances on persistence and size of the soil seed bank from dry subtropical forest species

Soil seed banks (SSB) are reservoirs of viable mature seeds that play a crucial role in the dynamics and recovery of vegetation following disturbances. Despite its importance, there is still limited understanding of their characteristics of SSB in semiarid subtropical ecosystems. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of wildfire and roller-chopping on the size and persistence of the SSB of six native woody species, considering the influence of seed functional traits (FT). This study was conducted in dry subtropical forests of the western Argentine Chaco region. We evaluated SSB of six woody species: Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco (Aqb); Schinopsis lorentzii (Sl); Sarcomphalus mistol (Sm); Senegalia gilliesii (Sg) and Vachellia aroma (Va) in experimental plots located in two sites (forest plots of ca. 5 ha): forests without disturbance within the last four decades (conserved forest - CF) and forests subjected to fires and mechanical treatments for the partial removal of the shrub layer (roller-chopping and burned forest -RBF). Samples of the SSB were taken under the canopy of six focal individuals of each species in two reproductive seasons between 2016 and 2018. Seeds from ten mature trees of each species were collected to characterize their functional traits (shape and seed mass) related to their aptitude to form the SSB. Three groups of species were identified based on FT analysis: I-large, compressed seeds (Sl, Aqb and Sg); II- medium-size subspherical seeds (Va and Nn); and III- large spherical seeds (Sm). Aqb, Sl, Nn, and Va presented significant differences in the size of their SSB when comparing between sites and sampling years (p = 0.0013; p = 0.0006; p = 0.0020; p = 0.0151, respectively), but no clear patterns emerged among them. The SSB from Aqb and Va were greater in RBF than in CF, only during the second sampling season (105.3 ± 35.2; 352.6 ± 133.4 seeds.m−2, respectively). Sl also exhibited the highest SSB (97.7 ± 30.5) in the second year of sampling, while Nn showed the largest SSB in the first year, (1569.0 ± 847.0 seeds.m−2), both within CF. Finally, Sm and Sg did not present significant differences in their SBB between sites and years. We concluded that all studied species form transient SSB and that the shape index type II favors seed burial, so increasing SSB size and viability. Forest disturbances differentially affect the SSB of woody species in the dry subtropical Chaco because some species decreased, increased or showed no effects during different reproductive seasons. Thus, the potential long-term influence on the dynamics and resilience of dry forests in the subtropics needs to be monitored in the long term.

Rockrose and quebracho condensed tannins have a minor impact on the fatty acid profile of goat milk and cheese without altering animal performance and composition of products

This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that the inclusion of condensed tannins (CT) from rockrose (Cistus ladanifer L.) and quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) in dairy goat diets supplemented with vegetable oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can increase the potentially healthy fatty acids (FA) in milk and cheese fat, without compromising animal performance and milk and cheese composition. A feeding experiment was conducted with 18 Serpentina goats distributed into three dietary treatments: C) Basal diet (Control); R) Basal diet supplemented with CT from rockrose; and Q) Basal diet supplemented with CT from quebracho. Basal diet was composed of forage and concentrate at a ratio of 25:75 and supplemented with 50 g/kg dry matter (DM) of soybean oil. Basal diet was offered at level of 800 g/head and day, and hay was offered ad libitum. Individual milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile were analyzed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of the experimental period. In the last week of experiment, milk of five consecutive milking from each goat was pooled to make fresh cheese, and cheese was analyzed for chemical composition and FA profile. The inclusion of CT from rockrose and quebracho in goat diets did not affect the milk yield or the milk and cheese chemical composition. Both CT sources had a minor impact on milk and cheese FA profile, limited to a reduction of some branched-chain FA in milk and cheese and a reduction of 18:1 trans-10 in milk. Rockrose CT also reduced the contents of 18:1 trans-9 in milk compared to control diet. The basal diet used in present work, containing 250 g/kg DM of dehydrated Lucerne, low-starch ingredient replacing part of the cereals and supplemented with PUFA-rich vegetable oil, resulted in goat milk and cheese with high levels of FA with potential health benefits. However, the rockrose and quebracho CT did not increase PUFA, 18:1 trans-11 and 18:2 cis-9, trans-11 levels in milk and cheese.

Effect of Quebracho Tannin (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado (Schltdl.) F.A. Barkley and T. Meyer) on Silage Nutritive Value, Ergovaline Concentration, and Fermentation Parameters of Tall Fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort) with Two Dry-Matter Levels

Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort) is a cool-season forage grown in the mid-south United States of America that has the potential for spring silage. Ergovaline produced by the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum is preserved in tall fescue silage and can induce tall fescue toxicosis in livestock. Condensed tannins, such as quebracho (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado (Schltdl.) F.A. Barkley and T. Meyer) extract, can bind to the nitrogenous components of ergovaline, rendering it ineffective in the ruminant. Quebracho tannin (QT) can also bind to crude protein, reducing its conversion to ammonia. Quebracho tannin was either not added (0QT) or added at 10 (10QT) or 20 (20QT) g/kg of dry matter (DM) of silage to chopped endophyte-infected tall fescue of 670 g/kg of moisture (high moisture, HM) and 440 g/kg of moisture (low moisture, LM). A moisture × QT interaction affected the final pH (p = 0.02), with the lowest pH observed in HM silages with 0QT and 10QT. The ergovaline concentrations were not significantly different (p = 0.19) among the post-ensiled forages. Ammonia concentrations (g/kg DM) were affected by a moisture × QT interaction (p = 0.05), with greater concentrations observed in HM 0QT compared with HM 10QT, HM 20QT, and LM 20QT. Lactic acid concentrations (g/kg DM) decreased (p = 0.05) with the addition of QT. The moisture × QT interaction (p = 0.02) resulted in higher concentrations of acetic acid in the HM silages with 0QT and 20QT compared to the LM silage with 20QT. The total acid concentrations (g/kg DM) were higher (p < 0.01) at HM but did not differ (p = 0.54) across the QT concentrations. Ensiling tall fescue with quebracho tannin did not reduce the ergovaline concentrations, although proteolysis was reduced at the inclusion of 10 g/kg of QT in the HM silages and 20 g/kg of QT in the LM silages. The results indicate that QT as a tall fescue silage additive showed promise for modifying silage characteristics but it did not reduce ergovaline concentrations at the low QT levels used in this study.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an extract of condensed tannins from Schinopsis balansae Engl. and Schinopsis lorentzii (Griseb.) Engl. (red quebracho extract) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an extract of condensed tannins from Schinopsis balansae Engl. and Schinopsis lorentzii (Griseb.) Engl. (red quebracho extract) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panelon Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive under assessment is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels of 400mg/kg for chickens for fattening and other growing poultry, 600mg/kg for laying hens and other laying/breeding birds kept for egg production/reproduction, 540mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 720mg/kg for piglets, 860mg/kg for pigs for fattening and other growing Suidae, 1,050mg/kg for sows, 1,680mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 1,580mg/kg for cattle for fattening and other growing ruminants, 1,030mg/kg for dairy cows and other dairy ruminants, 1,580mg/kg for sheep, goats, horses, 630mg/kg for rabbits, 1,810mg/kg for salmonids and other fin fish, 1,900mg/kg for dogs and 3,000mg/kg for ornamental fish. For cats, the calculated safe concentration in feed is 317mg/kg complete feed. For all the other minor species, the additive is considered safe at 317mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panelconsidered the use in water for drinking as safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of the additive at the maximum proposed use level in feed. The extract under assessment is not an eye irritant but in the absence of data, no conclusion can be drawn on its potential to be a skin irritant and a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the extract under the proposed conditions of use in feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since quebracho and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Using supplemental condensed tannin to mitigate tall fescue toxicosis in non-pregnant, non-lactating ewes consuming tall fescue silage

Tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.)], the primary grazing forage in the mid-south, and has a symbiotic relationship with an endophytic fungus (Neotyphodium coenophialum) that produces ergot alkaloids that cause fescue toxicosis in grazing livestock. Some evidence indicates that condensed tannins (CT) can bind to ergot alkaloids and render them ineffective, thereby preventing symptoms of fescue toxicosis. Non-pregnant, non-lactating ewes [n = 20; 57 ± 1.3 kg initial body weight (BW)] were housed in individual pens (1 × 1.5 m) with metal grate flooring. Ewes were offered ad libitum access to either novel endophyte (NE) or toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue silage with no CT (E0), or CT at 10 (E10) or 30 (E30) g/kg of silage dry matter (DM). The CT used was Quebracho tannin (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado). All ewes received 4 g/kg BW liquid molasses, and this served as the carrier for the CT treatments. The study consisted of 2, 21-d periods with a 30-d washout between periods. A 14-d adaption was followed by 7-d of total fecal and urine collection in each period. Blood samples for prolactin analysis were taken on the last day of each period. Data were analyzed using individual ewe within period as the experimental unit, treatment was a fixed effect, and period and pen were random effects. Prolactin was lesser (P < 0.01) in endophyte infected silage treatments. Intake (DMI; g/kg BW) and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (g/kg BW) were greater (P = 0.05) in NE compared to other treatments. Dry matter digestibility (DMD; g/kg DMI) and aNDF digestibility (g/kg NDF) were greater (P = 0.01) in NE compared to other treatments and organic matter (OM) digestibility [(OMD, g/kg OM intake (OMI)] did not differ between NE and E10, but NE was greater (P = 0.01) than E0 and E30. Digestible DMI and OMI (g/kg BW) were greater (P = 0.01) from NE compared to other treatments. Apparent N absorbed (g/kg N intake) was greater (P = 0.03) in NE, E0, and E10 compared with E30. Fecal N (g/kg N intake) was greater in E30 compared to E0 and E10, but not different from NE. Nitrogen retained (g/kg N intake and N absorbed) did not differ (P ≥ 0.31) among treatments. Condensed tannin supplementation at 30 g/kg DM had negative impacts on DM and OM digestibility and did not prevent decreases in prolactin associated with tall fescue toxicosis.

Simple preparation of broadband UV filters based on TiO2 coated with aqueous extracts of native trees from the Chaco region of Argentina.

The nativeforest of northwestern Argentina,as part of the Chaco region, is a rich andunexploited source of phytochemical compounds for medicinal/cosmetic applications. In the present study, fruit, leaf, branch, and bark organs of the native trees Sarcomphalus mistol (Mistol, M) and Schinopsis lorentzii (Quebracho Colorado santiagueño, QC) were harvested, and aqueous plant extracts (PE) were prepared. The spectroscopic (UV-Vis absorbance, diffuse reflectance, ATR-FTIR) and antioxidant (TEAC, Folin-Ciocalteu) properties of PE were characterized and used as TiO2 coating material to obtain a series of TiO2@PE nanocomposites. These materials showed almost null photocatalytic activity compared to aqueous suspensions of bare TiO2, displaying yellowish to brownish coloration and high long-term stability in both freshwater and seawater model solutions. The loss of photocatalytic activity in TiO2@PE was associated with the combination of the internal filter effect and the antioxidant/radical capacity exerted by the phytochemicals of the PE coating,with higher broadband photoprotection for the nanocomposites prepared with QC extracts. Thus, this study shows the potential capacity of the forest resources of the Chaco region of Argentina for the development of new cosmetic and/or sun protection formulations.

11 Inclusion of Quebracho Tannin as a Silage Additive in Tall Fescue Silage: Effects on Fermentation

Abstract Tall fescue (Schedonurus arundinaceus) is commonly grazed in the mid-south, but also has potential use for spring silage. During ensiling, protein can be converted to ammonia, but condensed tannins such as those in Quebracho (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado) can reduce this conversion. However, acid production may also be reduced. Quebracho tannin was added to chopped tall fescue and ensiled at different moisture concentrations to determine those effects on ammonia and silage fermentation products. Tall fescue was harvested with a Carter harvester at 1000 h, spread on concrete, mixed thoroughly, and dried for 1 and 2 h to achieve 67 and 44% moisture (high moisture (HM) and low moisture (LM), respectively). Quebracho tannin was either not applied, or was mixed with distilled water 48 h prior to packaging and applied at 1 and 2% of the total silage dry matter (DM) to both moisture treatments. Laboratory silos were pressed to achieve a packing density of 192 kg/m3 and stored at room temperature (23.7 ℃) for 60 d, after which sub-samples were removed and analyzed for fermentation parameters. Post-ensiling crude protein (CP) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) from LM vs. HM, but did not differ among tannin treatments (P = 0.11). Ammonia concentrations (%CP equivalent) were greatest in 0% tannin (P &amp;lt; 0.05). A moisture by tannin interaction affected acetic acid, with greater concentrations in HM silages with 0 and 2% tannin compared to LM with 2% tannin. Lactic acid (%) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in 0 compared to 2% tannin, but 1% did not differ from either 0 or 2% tannin. Butyrate was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in HM, and in silos with 2% tannin, but not 1% tannin. Overall, total acids (%) were greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in HM but did not differ (P = 0.54) among tannin treatments. Therefore, ensiling tall fescue with tannins reduced proteolysis regardless of moisture concentration, and did not reduce fermentation up to 2% tannin inclusion.

The influence of extended supplementation of quebracho extract to beef steers consuming a hay diet on digestion, ruminal, and blood parameters.

The addition of natural plant secondary compounds to ruminant feed has been extensively studied because of their ability to modify digestive and metabolic functions, resulting in a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, among other benefits. Condensed tannin (CT) supplementation may alter ruminal fermentation and mitigate methane (CH4) emissions. This study's objective was to determine the effect of quebracho CT extract [QT; Schinopsis quebracho-colorado (Schltdl.) F.A. Barkley & T. Meyer] within a roughage-based diet on ruminal digestibility and kinetic parameters by using the in situ and in vitro gas production techniques, in addition to blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and ruminal (volatile fatty acid [VFA], NH3-N, and protozoa count) parameters. Twenty rumen-cannulated steers were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: QT at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of dry matter (DM; QT0: 0% CT, QT1: 0.70% CT, QT2: 1.41% CT, and QT3: 2.13% CT). The in situ DM digestibility increased linearly (P = 0.048) as QT inclusion increased, whereas in situ neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) was not altered among treatments (P = 0.980). Neither total VFA concentration nor acetate-to-propionate ratio differed among dietary treatments (P = 0.470 and P = 0.873, respectively). However, QT3 had lower isovalerate and isobutyrate concentrations compared with QT0 (P ≤ 0.025). Ruminal NH3 and BUN tended to decline (P ≤ 0.075) in a linear fashion as QT inclusion increased, suggesting decreased deamination of feed protein. Ruminal protozoa count was reduced in quadratic fashion (P = 0.005) as QT inclusion increased, where QT1 and QT2 were lower compared with QT0 and QT3. Urinary N excretion tended to reduce in a linear fashion (P = 0.080) as QT increased. There was a treatment (TRT) × Day interaction for in vitro total gas production and fractional rate of gas production (P = 0.013 and P = 0.007, respectively), and in vitro NDFD tended to be greater for QT treatments compared with no QT inclusion (P = 0.077). There was a TRT × Day interaction (P = 0.001) on CH4 production, with QT3 having less CH4 production relative to QT0 on day 0 and QT2 on days 7 and 28. Feeding QT up to 3% of the dietary DM in a roughage-based diet did not sacrifice the overall DM digestibility and ruminal parameters over time. Still, it is unclear why QT2 did not follow the same pattern as in vitro gas parameters. Detailed evaluations of amino acid degradation might be required to fully define CT influences on ruminal fermentation parameters and CH4 production.

Vegetable tannins-based additive as antioxidant for biodiesel

The development of more sustainable antioxidants alternatives for the improvement of biodiesel oxidation stability is gaining importance. Vegetable tannins are known for their antioxidant properties. In this work, acacia (Acacia mearnsii), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) tannins extracts were used in mixture with triethanolamine as antioxidants for soybean biodiesel. Tannins were characterized by Folin-Ciocalteau method for the determination of total phenolic content (TPC) and against DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydracyl) radical for scavenging capacity. When applied to the biodiesel at a concentration of 350 mg L−1 in mixture with 1.59 %wt of triethanolamine, tannins were highly effective in enhancing oxidative stability with superior performance than synthetic antioxidant tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). These findings indicate that vegetal tannins can be used as a renewable alternative to enhance biodiesel oxidation stability.

Evaluation of the Production Potential of Bio-Oil from Quebracho Colorado Sawdust from Tannin Extraction Industry

A conventional laboratory-scale pyrolysis process is introduced to produce fuels from spent quebracho colorado sawdust (Schinopsis balansae and Schinopsis lorentzii). This raw material is a forest industry residue from the Gran Chaco region. Conditioning and chemical characterization to predict the products of the raw material chosen were first performed. The lignocellulosic residue has approximately 51.03% total structural carbohydrates, 30.47% of lignin and lower percentages of other compounds. The pyrolysis fixed bed reactor features 49.7% liquid product yield, 23.8% solids and 26.5% gases. The pyrolysis liquid product obtained is a mix of aqueous phase (bio-oil) and oil phase (tar). Higher Heating Value (HHV) of this mixture resulted from 31.5 MJ/kg with a density of 1.05 Kg/dm 3 . Both phases, bio-oil and tar, of the pyrolysis liquid product from spent quebracho colorado sawdust showed low concentrations of carboxylic acids. The upper phase (bio-oil) presented 29% of phenolic compounds, 34% of carbonyl compounds and 27% of methoxylated aromatic compounds. The lower phase (tar) presented 49%, 18% and 56% of phenolic compounds, carbonyl compounds and methoxylated aromatic compounds, respectively.

Heat shock effects on germination and seed survival of five woody species from the Chaco region

In tropical dry forests, fire is a common disturbance and seed traits may drive regeneration of plant populations during these events. In this study, we aimed to (i) investigate whether the seed coat and/or fruit endocarp impose physical dormancy, (ii) check whether physical dormancy confers seed tolerance to heat shocks and (iii) verify whether heat shocks break physical dormancy among woody species. Seeds were collected from five native species of dry forests occurring within the Argentine Chaco: Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco, Sarcomphalus mistol, Schinopsis lorentzii, Prosopis nigra and Vachellia aroma. Initial seed viability was checked by the tetrazolium test before treatments. Heat shocks of 80, 110, 140, and 170 °C simulating a fire event were applied to the seeds for five minutes. Controls consisted of untreated seeds subjected or not to scarification. After heat shock treatments, the seeds were incubated in a germination chamber set at 30 °C under a photoperiod of 12 h (white light). After 35 days, non-germinated seeds were scarified, and after more 55 days the remaining seeds were checked for their final viability. Seed coat does not arrest germination in seeds of A. quebracho-blanco and showed germination after heat shock of 80 °C. Seeds of S. mistol present a fruit wall-imposed dormancy, but barely tolerated heat shock of 80 °C. S. lorentzii present seed dormancy, but not imposed by the seed coat since scarification was ineffective to promote germination; its seeds do not tolerate heat shock. Seeds of P. nigra present endocarp-imposed dormancy, and they germinate after heat shock of 80 °C. Seeds of V. aroma present coat-imposed physical dormancy, and they tolerate heat shock of 80 and 110 °C, but these treatments did not alleviate dormancy. Seed viability among non-germinated seeds after heat shocks were close to zero, revealing a low tolerance to high temperatures. Overall, seed coats did not protect seeds from the damaging effects of heat shock, and heat shock treatments did not break coat- or endocarp-imposed dormancy among the selected species. The heat sensitivity presented by the diaspores suggests that frequent wildfires may reduce their recruitment rates, compromising the maintenance of genetic diversity and the current distribution of their natural populations over the Chaco region.

PSIX-35 Quebracho Tannin Influences Lipolytic Activity in Mature Porcine Adipocytes

Abstract Fat deposition in pork enhances flavor of meat; however, too much fat is an undesirable commodity in a health-conscious society. Therefore, manipulating the nutritional components of a swine diet to aid in the deliberate deposition of fat for the purpose of flavor while avoiding overconditioning is an aim in production. Nutrient additives, such as condensed polyphenolic tannins, inhibit pre-adipocyte maturation, but the role on lipid metabolism in mature adipocytes (MA) remains unclear. Therefore, it is hypothesized that quebracho tannin will alter lipid metabolism in porcine MA. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected from 5 ± 0 month old (n = 3) barrows weighing 37.7 ± 1.84kg. Tissue was enzymatically dispersed (collagenase type II) to isolate lipid filled adipocytes. After enzymatic separation the cells were rinsed and divided into 2 groups for separate incubation periods plus tannin treatment: 1) 2 hr incubation time with/without tannin (Quebracho Schinopsis lorentzii; 0M, 0.1mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg) or 2) 24 hr incubation time with/without tannin (0M, 0.1mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg). Approximately 4x105 cells/well were cultured in triplicate/treatment dose at 37 °C with 5% CO2 in atmosphere. Upon termination of the culture period, media was processed for analysis of glycerol content to determine lipolytic activity using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. The MIXED procedure of SAS for factorial treatment design was utilized to determine the effect of time and tannin treatment on lipolytic activity in cultured MA. Glycerol content was significantly higher (P£0.001) in tannin treated cultures. Time tended (P = 0.1) to influence the magnitude of lipolytic activity. Hence, quebracho tannin appears to augment lipolytic activity in cultured porcine MA. Determining the effect of tannin on lipolytic regulators will support the supposition that tannins influence MA lipid metabolism.

Analysis of Commercial Proanthocyanidins. Part 6: Sulfitation of Flavan-3-Ols Catechin and Epicatechin, and Procyanidin B-3.

Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are natural plant-derived polymers consisting of flavan-3-ol monomers. Quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii and balansae) heartwood and mimosa (Acacia mearnsii) bark extracts are the major industrial sources of PACs. These commercial extracts are often sulfited to reduce their viscosity and increase their solubility in water. The chemical process of sulfitation is still poorly understood regarding stereochemical influences during the reaction and during the cleavage of the interflavanyl bond of oligomers. To gain a better understanding of sulfitation, two diastereomeric flavan-3-ol monomers were sulfited under industrial conditions, and procyanidin B-3 (catechin-4α→8-catechin) were sulfited to investigate interflavanyl bond cleavage with sulfitation at C-4. Treatment of diastereomeric flavan-3-ols 2R,3S-catechin and 2R,3R-epicatechin with NaHSO3 at 100 °C in aqueous medium afforded the enantiomeric (1R,2S)- and (1S,2R)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-3-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)propane-1-sulfonic acid, respectively. Utilizing computational NMR PD4 calculations it was determined that the direction of stereoselective nucleophilic attack is controlled by the C-3 configuration of the flavan-3-ols catechin and epicatechin. Sulfitation of the catechin-4α→8-catechin dimer 7 (procyanidin B-3) under the same conditions led to the cleavage of the interflavanyl bond yielding the C-4 sulfonic acid substituted catechin momomer. From the heterocyclic ring coupling constants it was determined that nucleophilic attack occurs from the β-face of the dimer leading to the 2,3-trans-3,4-cis isomer as product.

Mass Spectrometry and 1H-NMR Study of Schinopsis lorentzii (Quebracho) Tannins as a Source of Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Principles.

The ethyl acetate extract of the commercial tannin Tan’Activ QS-SOL (from Schinopsis lorentzii wood), employed for the production of red wine, was subjected to chromatography on Sephadex LH-20, providing nine fractions (A-1–A-9), which were estimated for total phenols content (GAE), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ORAC), and hypoglycemic activity (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition). All the fractions were analyzed by means of HPLC/ESI-MS/MS and 1H-NMR to identify the principal active constituents. Fractions A-1 and A-3 showed the highest antioxidant activity and gallic acid (1), pyrogallol (3), eriodictyol (6), catechin (12), and taxifolin (30) were identified as the major constituents. The highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity was observed in fractions A-7–A-9 containing condensed (9′, 15, 18, 19, 23, and 27) hydrolysable tannins (13 and 32) as well as esters of quinic acid with different units of gallic acid (5, 11, 11′, 14, and 22). This last class of gallic acid esters are here reported for the first time as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors.

Direct and indirect relationships between logging intensity and regeneration of two timber species in the Dry Chaco of Argentina

Dry forests with a high abundance of hardwood tree species, such as the Dry Chaco, have a long history of logging practices. Logging intensity can directly affect forest structure, both in the canopy and in the understory, by extracting larger trees, and by damaging the understory. This in turn can impact the regeneration of timber species, showing an indirect effect of logging. However, little is known about these relationships in Neotropical dry forests. In this observational study across 13 sites with different logging histories, we analyze how understory structure (shrub basal area and shrub stem density) and canopy cover are modified by logging intensity (quantified by an index that combines logging selectivity, frequency, and time since the last harvest). In addition, using structural equation models, we evaluate if the regeneration (sapling density) of the two most valuable timber species (Schinopsis lorentzii and Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco) is indirectly related with logging intensity through the modification of the structure of the canopy and the understory. We found that canopy cover and shrub basal area decreased with logging intensity (P = 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively), while shrub stem density showed no changes (P = 0.48). The density of A. quebracho-blanco saplings was positively related with shrub stem density (P = 0.0033), and tended to be negatively related with shrub basal area (P = 0.09). Therefore, the indirect effect of logging intensity on A. quebracho-blanco regeneration, by modifying the shrub basal area, tended to be positive, although the magnitude was quite low. None of the variables considered showed a relationship with regeneration of S. lorentzii. Our results indicate that logging intensity does not negatively affect regeneration of key tree species of the Dry Chaco, nor the density of shrubs. Moreover, shrub basal area and canopy cover may recuperate after a considerable rest period since the last logging event. Together, these results suggest that woody plants in the Dry Chaco forest might be resilient to forestry practices. We propose that logged dry forests must rest decades to recover their structure in canopy cover and shrub basal area. Including other attributes (e.g. soil, fauna and interactions) is necessary to better understand the possible influence of logging intensity on the ecological integrity and sustainability of dry woodlands like Chaco forests.

Fermentation profile and hygienic quality of rehydrated corn grains treated with condensed tannins from quebracho plant extract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of a plant extract rich in condensed tannins on the fermentation profile, contents of biogenic amines and mycotoxins, chemical composition and aerobic stability of rehydrated corn silage. Kernels were milled (4.5-mm sieve), rehydrated (aiming for 350 g/kg moisture) and treated with a plant extract from the plant Schinopsis lorentzii at the following doses: 0, 5, 10, 30 and 50 g/kg dry matter (DM) before ensiling. Nylon-polyethylene vacuum-sealed bags were used as experimental silos (3 kg per silo). On the one hand, the additive reduced the DM losses and gaseous losses. On the other hand, the addition of the plant extract resulted in higher pH values due to the formation of less lactic acid, probably related to the inhibition of bacterial growth. The concentrations of ammonia, ethanol and acetic acid were also reduced due to the plant extract addition. The reduction in the acetic acid concentration led to higher counts of yeast and lower aerobic stability in silage treated with the highest dose of extract (50 g/kg). Silage treated with the plant extract had higher DM concentration as well as higher contents of condensed tannins, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber and lower contents of starch and protein. The application of the plant extract linearly decreased the ruminal in situ DM degradability of the corn grain silage. The plant extract reduced the proteolysis and the formation of putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, spermidine, and pyrrolidine, while increased histamine and isopropyl amine concentrations. A linear increase was detected in the aflatoxin concentration in the treated silages. Based on these results, condensed tannins may support the fermentation process especially the proteolysis. However, quebracho tannin are not recommended for addition to corn grain silage in dosages higher than 30 g/kg DM.

Effects of the Incorporation of Tannin Extract from Quebracho Colorado Wood on Color Parameters, Lipid Oxidation, and Sensory Attributes of Beef Patties.

The tannin extract of Quebracho Colorado wood (Schinopsis balansae and Schinopsis lorentzii) is rich in proanthocyanidins with demonstrated powerful scavenging activity against free radicals. Currently, this extract is used in the wine industry to improve sensory attributes, stabilize color, and act as a redox buffer. In this study, we hypothesized that condensed tannins from Quebracho Colorado wood could be incorporated into beef patties as a natural antioxidant source to improve shelf life. Patties formulated with tannin extract (0, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) were evaluated for instrumental color, lipid oxidation, and sensory attributes. Patties were displayed under refrigerated aerobic conditions (PVC film) for 6 days for color and lipid oxidation analysis. For sensory analysis, patties were frozen immediately after formulation. Control (0%) samples were redder than samples formulated with 1.5% tannin during the first 4 days of display. For b*, samples formulated with 1.5% tannin were predominantly yellower during display. After day 4, chroma values were higher in samples formulated with 1.5% tannin. The inclusion of tannin extract improved lipid stability, however, levels above 0.5% decreased tenderness, softness, juiciness, and overall desirability of patties.