Schinopsis Lorentzii Research Articles

Analysis of commercial proanthocyanidins. Part 1: The chemical composition of quebracho ( Schinopsis lorentzii and Schinopsis balansae) heartwood extract

Quebracho ( Schinopsis lorentzii and Schinopsis balansae) extract is an important source of natural polymers for leather tanning and adhesive manufacturing. We combined established phyto- and synthetic chemistry perspectives with electrospray mass spectrometry experiments to prove that quebracho proanthocyanidin polymers consist of an homologous series of flavan-3-ol based oligomers. The starter unit is always catechin which is angularly bonded to fisetinidol extender units. By comparison of the MS 2 fragmentation spectra of the oligomer with product ion scans of authentic catechin and robinetinidol samples, we proved that quebracho extract contains no robinetinidol, as is often reported. Quebracho proanthocyanidins have acid resistant interflavanyl bonds, due to the absence of 5-OH groups in fisetinidol, and the aDP cannot be determined via conventional thiolysis and phloroglucinolysis. We used the MS data to estimate a conservative (minimum value) aDP of 3.1.

Antioxidant status, colour stability and myoglobin resistance to oxidation of longissimus dorsi muscle from lambs fed a tannin-containing diet

Fourteen lambs were individually penned for 60 days. Seven lambs (C) were fed a barley-based concentrate, while 7 animals (T) received the same concentrate supplemented with 8.96% (dry matter basis) quebracho ( Schinopsis lorentzii) extract. Tannin supplementation extended colour stability of fresh longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) over 7 days of aerobic storage with lower changes in hue angle over time in LM from T-fed animals compared to C-fed lambs ( P = 0.032). Muscle from T-fed lambs had lower metmyoglobin percentages (MMb%) than that from C-fed animals after 3 days of storage ( P = 0.05) and tended to have slower rates of change in ( K/S) 572 ÷ ( K/S) 525 values ( P = 0.07). Compared to the C diet, tannin supplementation increased the concentration of total phenols in muscle (+31.29%, P = 0.001) and resulted in a higher muscle antioxidant capacity measured by FRAP (+16.81%, P = 0.026) and TEAC (+24.81%, P = 0.001) tests. Furthermore, feeding tannins resulted in lower MMb% after nitrite-induced oxidation measured both at the meat surface (−10%, P = 0.012) and in a meat extract (−8.22%, P = 0.004).

Selection of tannins by sheep in response to gastrointestinal nematode infection1

Herbivores learn to select compounds that attenuate the aversive effects of plant secondary metabolites (PSM), but can they increase intake of PSM they typically avoid when these PSM provide medicinal effects? We hypothesized that herbivores learn to increase intake of PSM-containing feeds when experiencing a gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Ten lambs with natural gastrointestinal parasitic burdens (PB) and 10 nonparasitized lambs (NP) were offered a choice of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and alfalfa mixed with 10% quebracho tannin (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado; alfalfa:tannins) before and after they were conditioned with the postingestive effects of tannins. Preference for alfalfa:tannins did not differ between groups before experiencing the postingestive effects of tannins (P = 0.85) or when parasite loads were terminated due to the administration of ivermectin (P = 0.18). In contrast, when tested with a parasite burden, lambs in PB consumed more alfalfa:tannins (P = 0.08), showed greater preference for alfalfa:tannins (P = 0.07), and consumed less alfalfa than lambs in NP (P = 0.06). Ingestion of tannins by lambs in PB was followed by reduced fecal egg counts (FEC; P = 0.006), and there was a direct proportional relationship between preference for alfalfa:tannins and FEC (P = 0.07). In summary, parasitized lambs increased their intake of alfalfa:tannins when they experienced a parasite burden, which suggests they self-medicated with tannins against parasites. Self-selection of PSM has implications for the quest for alternatives to chemoprophylaxis in the treatment and well-being of parasitized wild and domestic animals grazing in pasturelands and in confinement.

Δ 9 desaturase protein expression and fatty acid composition of longissimus dorsi muscle in lambs fed green herbage or concentrate with or without added tannins

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of feeding system and of supplementation of tannins (8.93% DM) on the relationship between intramuscular fat content, fatty acid composition and Δ 9desaturase (Δ 9d) protein expression in longissimus dorsi muscle of lamb. Twenty-eight Comisana lambs (age 45 days) were fed either vetch ( Vicia sativa) or concentrate. The herbage diet was (i) lower in saturated fatty acids (especially in C16:0), C18:1 n−9 and in C18:2 n−6; (ii) higher in C16:1 and C18:3 n−3 when compared to concentrate. Within each feeding system the lambs were divided into two sub-groups, one of which received the diet without tannins supplementation, and the other was fed the diets supplemented with the tannins from Quebracho ( Schinopsis lorentzii). The animals were slaughtered at age 105 days. The concentrate feeding system increased ( p < 0.01) the total intramuscular fat content and the amount of SFA, MUFA and n−6 PUFA and decreased the level of n−3 PUFA ( p = 0.05) when compared to the vetch-fed animals but did not affect Δ 9 desaturase protein expression. There was no correlation between Δ 9d protein expression and total intramuscular fatty acids, CLA and MUFA level. It was suggested that in ruminants, in contrast to monogastric animals, Δ 9d expression does not play the key role in intramuscular fatty acids formation. Tannins supplementation resulted in higher ( p < 0.05) muscle levels of transC18:1 and C18:2 n−6. It has also increased Δ 9d expression in the case of herbage-based diet but not in the case of concentrate-based diet. The mechanism of tannins action on the enzyme expression needs to be elucidated.

Lamb meat colour stability as affected by dietary tannins

Twenty-one male Comisana lambs were divided into three groups at 45 days of age and were individually penned for 60 days. Seven lambs were fed a concentrate-based diet (C), seven lambs received the same concentrate with the addiction of tannins from quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii; T), whereas the remaining animals were fed exclusively fresh vetch (Vicia sativa; H). Colour descriptors (a*, b* and H*) and metmyoglobin (MMb) percentages were measured on minced semimembranosus muscle over 14 days of refrigerated storage in a high oxygen atmosphere. Regardless of dietary treatment, meat redness decreased, while yellowness and hue angle increased (P < 0.001) over storage duration. However, higher a* values, lower b* values and lower H* values were observed in meat from both H- and T-fed animals as compared to meat from C-fed lambs (P = 0.012; P = 0.02; P = 0.003, respectively). Metmyoglobin formation increased over time (P < 0.001), but H diet resulted in lower metmyoglobin percentages than C diet (P = 0.007). We conclude that the inclusion of tannins into the concentrate improved meat colour stability compared to a tannin-free concentrate. Moreover, the protective effect of tannins against meat discolouration was comparable to that obtained by feeding lambs fresh herbage.

Ruminal biohydrogenation as affected by tanninsin vitro

The aim of the present work was to study the effects of tannins from carob (CT; Ceratonia siliqua), acacia leaves (AT; Acacia cyanophylla) and quebracho (QT; Schinopsis lorentzii) on ruminal biohydrogenation in vitro. The tannins extracted from CT, AT and QT were incubated for 12 h in glass syringes in cow buffered ruminal fluid (BRF) with hay or hay plus concentrate as a substrate. Within each feed, three concentrations of tannins were used (0.0, 0.6 and 1.0 mg/ml BRF). The branched-chain volatile fatty acids, the branched-chain fatty acids and the microbial protein concentration were reduced (P < 0.05) by tannins. In the tannin-containing fermenters, vaccenic acid was accumulated (+23 %, P < 0.01) while stearic acid was reduced ( - 16 %, P < 0.0005). The concentration of total conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers in the BRF was not affected by tannins. The assay on linoleic acid isomerase (LA-I) showed that the enzyme activity (nmol CLA produced/min per mg protein) was unaffected by the inclusion of tannins in the fermenters. However, the CLA produced by LA-I (nmol/ml per min) was lower in the presence of tannins. These results suggest that tannins reduce ruminal biohydrogenation through the inhibition of the activity of ruminal micro-organisms.

Dietary tannins improve lamb meat colour stability

Fourteen male Comisana lambs were divided into two groups at 45 days of age: lambs fed a concentrate diet (C), or lambs fed the same concentrate with the addition of quebracho ( Schinopsis lorentzii) tannins (T). Sheep were slaughtered at 105 days of age. Lipid oxidation, colour coordinates, haem pigment concentration, and metmyoglobin percentages were measured on minced semimembranosus muscle (SM) over 14 days of refrigerated storage in a high oxygen modified atmosphere. Tannin supplementation increased ( P < 0.01) a ∗ values and reduced ( P < 0.01) b ∗ values of the SM when compared to C. Lower hue angles ( P < 0.001) and metmyoglobin formation ( P = 0.07) were observed in lamb from T-fed compared to C-fed sheep during the 14-days storage period. Furthermore, feeding T resulted in greater ( P < 0.001) haem pigment concentrations in the SM during refrigerated storage; however, diet had no ( P = 0.28) effect on lipid oxidation. Therefore, including quebracho tannins in sheep diets can improve meat colour stability of fresh lamb during extended refrigerated storage.

Salinity tolerance in Schinopsis quebracho colorado: Seed germination, growth, ion relations and metabolic responses

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress influencing plant productivity worldwide. Schinopsis quebracho colorado is one of the most important woody species in the Gran Chaco, an arid and salt-prone subtropical biome of South America. To gain a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms that allow plant establishment under salt conditions, germination and seedling growth of S. quebracho colorado were examined under treatment with a range of NaCl solutions (germination: 0–300 mmol l −1 NaCl; seedling growth: 0–200 mmol l −1 NaCl). The aim was to test the hypothesis that S. quebracho colorado is a glycophite that shows different salt tolerance responses with development stage. Proline content, total soluble carbohydrates and Na +, K + and Cl − concentrations in leaves and roots of seedlings, and the chlorophyll concentration and relative water content of leaves were measured. Germination was not affected by 100 mmol l −1 NaCl, but decreased at a concentration of 200 mmol l −1. At 300 mmol l −1 NaCl, germination did not occur. Seedling growth decreased drastically with increasing salinity. An increase in NaCl from 0 to 100 mmol l −1 also significantly reduced the leaf relative water content by 22% and increased the proline concentration by 60% in roots. In contrast, total soluble carbohydrates were not significantly affected by salinity. Seedlings showed a sodium exclusion capacity, and there was an inverse correlation between Cl − concentration and the total chlorophyll concentration. S. quebracho colorado was more tolerant to salinity during germination than in the seedling phase. The results suggest that this increased tolerance during germination might, in part, be the result of lower sensitivity to high tissue Na + concentrations. The significant increment of proline in the roots suggests the positive role of this amino acid as a compatible solute in balancing the accumulation of Na + and Cl − as a result of salinity. These results help clarify the physiological mechanisms that allow establishment of S. quebracho colorado on salt-affected soils in arid and semi-arid Gran Chaco.

Suitability of the native woody species of the Chaco region, Argentina, for use in dendroecological studies of fire regimes

The Chaco region is one of the most extensive areas of dry forests and savannas in South America and fire plays a major role in its ecology. We studied the types of wounds caused by fire on the native woody species of Chaco and evaluated their suitability for fire dendroecological studies. The selected species were “quebracho colorado santiagueño” ( Schinopsis lorentzii (Griseb). Engl.), “quebracho blanco” ( Aspidosperma quebracho- blanco Schlecht), “algarrobo blanco” ( Prosopis alba Griseb), “algarrobo negro” ( Prosopis nigra (Griseb.) Hieron), “tusca” ( Acacia aroma Gill. Ex Hook. et Arn.) and “ garabato” ( Acacia furcatispina Burkart). Sampling sites were spread across different locations in the Province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. A selection was made of individual trees with external signs of fire. Cross-sections of boles and branches were taken from each tree at heights of 0.3 and 1.3 m from the ground. The types of wounds were classified according to the percentage of damaged bole perimeter and the patterns of growth interruption. Species suitability for dendroecological studies was based on longevity, patterns of annual ring growth, type of wound, bark thickness and difficulty in dating the fire event. Two types of wound were studied: fire scars and fire marks. It was determined that S. lorentzii, A. quebracho- blanco, P. alba and P. nigra are the most suitable for dendroecological studies since their longevity and thicker bark development enable them to survive in moderate to high intensity fires. Prosopis and Acacia species have better tree ring demarcation and therefore provide more certainty in fire event dating. Despite the lower longevity and higher susceptibility to fire damage of the Acacia species, they are suitable for dendroecological studies that require analysis over a few decades in environments with lower intensity fire regimes. The distribution areas of the studied species means that they can be used for dendroecological studies of fire in the Western, Eastern and Mountain Chaco areas and the phytogeography provinces of Monte and Espinal.

A new approach for in vitro bioassay to measure tannin biological effects based on a gas production technique

The aim of this paper was to study a method based on gas production technique to measure the biological effects of tannins on rumen fermentation. Six feeds were used as fermentation substrates in a semi-automated gas method: feed A – aroeira ( Astronium urundeuva); feed B – jurema preta ( Mimosa hostilis), feed C – sorghum grains ( Sorghum bicolor); feed D – Tifton-85 ( Cynodon sp.); and two others prepared mixing 450 g sorghum leaves, 450 g concentrate (maize and soybean meal) and 100 g either of acacia ( Acacia mearnsii) tannin extract (feed E) or quebracho ( Schinopsis lorentzii) tannin extract (feed F) per kg (w:w). Three assays were carried out to standardize the bioassay for tannins. The first assay compared two binding agents (polyethylene glycol – PEG – and polyvinyl polypirrolidone – PVPP) to attenuate the tannin effects. The complex formed by PEG and tannins showed to be more stable than PVPP and tannins. Then, in the second assay, PEG was used as binding agent, and this assay was done to evaluate levels of PEG (0, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 mg/g DM) to minimize the tannin effect. All the tested levels of PEG produced a response to evaluate tannin effects but the best response was for dose of 1000 mg/g DM. Using this dose of PEG, the final assay was carried out to test three compounds (tannic acid, quebracho extract and acacia extract) to establish a curve of biological equivalent effect of tannins. For this, five levels of each compound were added to 1 g of a standard feed (Lucerne hay). The equivalent effect showed not to be directly related to the chemical analysis for tannins. It was shown that different sources of tannins had different activities or reactivities. The curves of biological equivalence can provide information about tannin reactivity and its use seems to be important as an additional factor for chemical analysis.

Use of condensed tannin extract from quebracho trees to reduce methane emissions from cattle1

Our objective was to determine if condensed tannin extract from quebracho trees (Schinopsis quebracho-colorado; red quebracho) could be used to reduce enteric methane emissions from cattle. The experiment was designed as a repeated 3 x 3 Latin square (4 squares) with 3 treatments (0, 1, and 2% of dietary DM as quebracho tannin extract) and 3 28-d periods. Six spayed Angus heifers (238 +/- 13.3 kg of initial BW) and 6 Angus steers (207 +/- 8.2 kg of initial BW) were each assigned to 2 squares. The measured condensed tannin content of the extract was 91%, and the basal diet contained 70% forage (DM basis). Feeding quebracho tannin extract had no effect on BW, ADG, or nutrient intakes. Furthermore, it had no effect on DM, energy, or fiber (ADF and NDF) digestibility, but apparent digestibility of CP decreased linearly (P < 0.001) by 5 and 15% with 1 and 2% quebracho tannin extract, respectively. There were no effects of quebracho tannin extract on methane emissions (g/d, g/kg of DM, % of GE intake, or % of DE intake). Feeding up to 2% of the dietary DM as quebracho tannin extract failed to reduce enteric methane emissions from growing cattle, although the protein-binding effect of the quebracho tannin extract was evident.

Dietary inclusion of Quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) tannins on productive performances of growing pheasant females

RiassuntoEffetto dell’aggiunta di tannini di Quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) alla dieta sulle performance produttive di fagiane in accrescimento. All'età di sessantacinque giorni, 72 fagiane furono scelte casualmente e assegnate a due gruppi sperimentali alimentati con la stessa dieta commerciale. 2% di tannino di provenienza dal Quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii), sotto forma di un prodotto commerciale per uso zootecnico (MGM-S), fornito dalla Unitan s.a.i.c.a. Buenos Aires, è stato aggiunto nella miscela alimentare di un gruppo. Ogni quattordici giorni è stato misurato l'incremento ponderale e valutato l’I.C.A. Dopo quattro e sette settimane dall'inizio della prova è stato valutato il contenuto plasmatico di proteine totali ed eseguita la valutazione della sostanza secca degli escreti. A centoventi giorni è stato eseguito un controllo parassitologico sulle feci e successivamente, cinque animali per gruppo sono stati sacrificati per la valutazione delle rese di macellazione e della lunghezza dell'intestino tenue. L'uso dietetico del tannino del Quebracho non ha influenzato le performance di accrescimento e il contenuto plasmatico di proteine totali. Le rese del busto e fegato sono risultati significativamente diversi nei due gruppi. L'esame del contenuto fecale ha evidenziato una diversa resistenza ai parassiti: il gruppo tannino è apparso indenne dalla presenza di elminti.

Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of proanthocyanidins from woody plants

Flavanol values, molecular weight distributions, polyphenolic patterns, and tyrosinase inhibitions of proanthocyanidins (PACs) from karamatsu (Larix sp.) bark, acacia Morishima (Acacia mearnsii) bark, and commercial quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) extracts were examined to investigate the relation between the structures of PACs from woody plants and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. Aqueous acetone (70%) extracts of acacia showed high flavanol contents and strong tyrosinase inhibition. On the other hand, the quebracho extracts inhibited tyrosinase activity slightly despite its high flavanol content. Phenyl nucleus analysis by the nucleus exchange reaction provided information that karamatsu, quebracho, and acacia extracts consist of procyanidin, profisetinidin, and prorobinetinidin, respectively. The relation between the phenolic hydroxylation pattern and tyrosinase inhibition suggested that the PACs with a 5,7-dihydroxyphenyl structure in the A-ring and a 3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl structure in the B-ring have potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Líquenes Parmelioides (Parmeliaceae, ascomycota) del Parque nacional Copo (Provincia de santiago del estero, argentina)

Veintitrés especies de Parmeliaceae foliosas fueron coleccionadas en el Parque Nacional Copo y alrededores, sobre troncos y ramas en bosques vírgenes y secundarios de Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco y Schinopsis lorentzii, dos especies arbóreas conocidas como quebracho blanco y quebracho colorado respectivamente. Las especies se describen brevemente, incluyendo comentarios particulares y la distribución geográfica de cada una de ellas. Hypotrachyna aspera C. H. Ribeiro &amp; Marcelli se menciona por primera vez para la Argentina. Doce especies se citan también por primera vez para la Provincia de Santiago del Estero. Se propone una clave para diferenciar las especies descriptas.