Seed Coat Extract Research Articles

Identification of Black Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Polyphenols That Inhibit and Promote Iron Uptake by Caco-2 Cells.

In nutritional studies, polyphenolic compounds are considered to be inhibitors of Fe bioavailability. Because they are presumed to act in a similar manner, total polyphenols are commonly measured via the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. This study measured the content of polyphenolic compounds in white and black beans and examined the effect of individual polyphenols on iron uptake by Caco-2 cells. Analysis of seed coat extracts by LC-MS revealed the presence of a range of polyphenols in black bean, but no detectable polyphenols in white bean. Extracts from black bean seed coats strongly inhibited iron uptake. Examination of the eight most abundant black bean seed coat, non-anthocyanin polyphenols via Caco-2 cell assays showed that four (catechin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, kaempferol, and kaempferol 3-glucoside) clearly promoted iron uptake and four (myricetin, myricetin 3-glucoside, quercetin, and quercetin 3-glucoside) inhibited iron uptake. The four inhibitors were present in 3-fold higher total concentration than the promoters (143 ± 7.2 vs 43.6 ± 4.4 μM), consistent with the net inhibitory effect observed for black bean seed coats. The ability of some polyphenols to promote iron uptake and the identification of specific polyphenols that inhibit Fe uptake suggest a potential for breeding bean lines with improved iron nutritional qualities.

Cyanidin-3-glucoside derived from black soybeans ameliorate type 2 diabetes through the induction of differentiation of preadipocytes into smaller and insulin-sensitive adipocytes

Black soybean is a health food has been reported to have antidiabetes effect. The onset of diabetes is closely associated with adipocyte differentiation, and at present, the effect of black soybean on adipocyte differentiation is unknown. Here, we investigated the antidiabetes effect of black soybean, and its anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cy3G), on adipocyte differentiation. Orally administered black soybean seed coat extract (BSSCE) reduced the body and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight of db/db mice accompanied by a decrease in the size of adipocytes in WAT. Furthermore, 3T3-Ll cells treated with BSSCE and Cy3G were observed to differentiate into smaller adipocytes which correlated with increased PPARγ and C/EBPα gene expressions, increased adiponectin secretion, decreased tumor necrosis factor-α secretion, activation of insulin signalling and increased glucose uptake. C2C12 myotubes cultured with conditioned medium, obtained from 3T3-L1 adipocyte cultures treated with Cy3G, also showed significantly increased expression of PGC-1α, SIRT1 and UCP-3 genes. Here we report that BSSCE, as well as its active compound Cy3G, has antidiabetes effects on db/db mice by promoting adipocyte differentiation. This notion is supported by BSSCE and Cy3G inducing the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into smaller, insulin-sensitive adipocytes, and it induced the activation of skeletal muscle metabolism. This is the first report on the modulation effect of Cy3G on adipocyte differentiation.

NaBH4 reduction of ortho and para-nitroaniline catalyzed by silver nanoparticles synthesized using Tamarindus indica seed coat extract

This study deals with reduction of ortho and para-nitroaniline by NaBH4 with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized by use of a green method, as catalyst. In the synthesis of the AgNPs an aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica (T. indica) seed coat was used as a reducing and capping agent. The effects of extract concentration and reaction time on formation of the AgNPs were studied by use of UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The stable AgNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), measurement of zeta potential, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) with energy-dispersive spectrum analysis. Appearance of a yellow color and generation of a surface plasmon resonance peak in UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed formation of the AgNPs. The FTIR results suggested that the phytoconstituents of T. indica seed coat extract are responsible for reduction of the Ag+ and protection of the AgNPs. HRTEM studies showed the size of the AgNPs was approximately 30–50 nm; their shape was distorted spherical. The TEM results were consistent with DLS study. The catalytic efficacy of stable AgNPs in the reduction of o and p-nitroaniline was studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The calculated rate constants (k) for catalytic reduction of o and p-nitroaniline by AgNPs were 2.43 × 10−3 and 6.22 × 10−3 S−1.

Antifungal Action of Ginkgo biloba Outer Seedcoat on Rice Sheath blight.

From study of antifungal actions on the rice sheath blight by using the extract of Ginkgo biloba outer seedcoats, we found that the extracts of Ginkgo biloba outer seedcoats of all treatment concentrations had inhibited the rice sheath blight. Among them, the most effective concentration was 250 mg/l at which the growth of microbe was 26 mm and even at the packaging test, when sprayed the G. biloba outer seedcoats at the level of 250 mg/l, the damage rate of the rice sheath blight was identified as 13%. As a result investigating the antifungal activity by separating polysaccharides from G. biloba outer seedcoats, it showed that the clear zone of 14 mm or more was formed at the concentration of 250 mg/l or higher. Based on these results, we concluded that the G. biloba outer seedcoat is a natural substance with the antifungal activity on the rice sheath blight.

Fermented Miso with Adzuki Beans or Black Soybeans Decreases Lipid Peroxidation and Serum Cholesterol in Mice fed a High-Fat Diet

The seed coat extracts of adzuki beans and black soybeans have high antioxidant properties, suggesting health-promoting effects. However, there are few data on the activity of fermented adzuki beans or black soybeans in vivo. This study examined the effects of adzuki beans and black soybeans in mice fed a high-fat diet. Adzuki beans and black soybeans were fermented with soybeans and rice koji for 6 months (miso) and compared with similarly fermented soybeans. Adzuki beans and black soybeans demonstrated higher antioxidant activity compared to soybeans, as evidenced by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In the in vivo experiments, mice were fed for 5 weeks with a high-fat diet supplemented or not with 10% adzuki bean miso, 10% black soybean miso, or 10% soybean miso. Dietary supplementation with adzuki beans and black soybeans significantly decreased serum aspartate transaminase (58.6% and 62.6%, respectively) and lipid peroxidation in the liver (42.8% and 40.8%, respectively) compared to the soybean control group. Furthermore, mice receiving adzuki beans demonstrated a significant decrease in serum cholesterol (31.0%) and increase in fecal bile acid content (40.0%) compared to the soybean-fed mice. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with adzuki beans and black soybeans characterized with high antioxidant activity may exert health beneficiary effects such as liver protection and reduction of total cholesterol.

Ultrasonic-assisted Extraction of Total Flavonoids from Peony Tree Seed Coat and Its Anticoagulation Activity

We used ultrasonic-assisted extraction method to extract total flavonoids from seed coat of peony tree,and studied the extraction conditions including volume fraction of ethanol,ratio of liquid to solid(mL · g~(-1)),ultrasonic time and power which influenced the extraction yield of total flavonoids.The results of orthogonal test indicated the optimum extraction conditions of total flavonoids of seed coat were;volume fraction of 55%as solvent,liquid to solid ratio of 20:1,ultrasonic time of 40 min and ultrasonic power of 140 W.Under these conditions,the total flavonoids yield of seed coat was 46.50‰.After column chromatography for flavonoids purification of seed coat extract,it contained 203.5 mg · g~(-1) quercetin and 23.2 mg · g~(-1) luteohn.Seed coat flavonoids of peony tree showed high activity of anticoagulation activity in experiments of in vivo rat.

Black Soybean Seed Coat Extract Prevents Hydrogen Peroxide-Mediated Cell Death via Extracellular Signal-Related Kinase Signalling in HepG2 Cells.

Oxidative stress reduces cell viability and contributes to disease processes. Flavonoids including anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins reportedly induce intracellular antioxidant defence systems. Thus, in this study, we examined the antioxidant effects of a commercial extract from black soybean seed coats (BE), which are rich in anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin, and investigated the associated intracellular mechanisms in HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide (HPO) showed 60% viability, whereas pretreatment with BE-containing media for 2 h ameliorated HPO-mediated cell death by up to 90%. Pretreatment with BE for 2 h partially blocked HPO-mediated activation of ERK in HepG2 cells, and that for 1 h led to a 20% increase in intracellular total protein phosphatase (PP) activity, which is known to deactivate protein kinases. These results indicate that BE prevents HPO-mediated cell damage by inhibiting ERK signalling, potentially via PPs.

Grevillea (Proteaceae) seed coats contain inhibitors for seed germination

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of the seed coat on seed dormancy in Grevillea (Proteaceae) species, and to further investigate the existence of germination inhibitors in Grevillea seed coat extracts. Seed dormancy of 18 Grevillea accessions involving 17 species was investigated: results indicated that removal of seed coat increased seed germination from 0–6% (intact seeds) to 83–100% for the Grevillea accessions and removal of half seed coat resulted in no increase in seed germination. Grevillea seed coat extracts reduced germination of barley, canola, lupin and ryegrass seeds by 48, 57, 10 and 38% respectively. The extracts also reduced seedling growth of the above four species. Ryegrass seeds showed no germination on the 3rd day after imbibition in the presence of Grevillea seed coat extracts compared with 88% germination for the control. Thus, our results showed that seed coat is a major factor determining Grevillea seed dormancy and removal of seed coat dramatically increased seed germination. Grevillea seed coat extracts reduced seed germination and seedling growth of other species. We conclude that there is exogenous seed dormancy in Grevillea species and the chemical(s) in the seed coat is a major factor inhibiting seed germination.

Isolation and characterization of gallic acid and methyl gallate from the seed coats of Givotia rottleriformis Griff. and their anti-proliferative effect on human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells

Gallic acid (GA) and its derivative methyl gallate (MG) are well studied plant phenolics. They have exhibited anticancer effects in several cancer cell lines. However, the presence of GA/MG in the seed coats of Givotia rottleriformis and their inhibitory effect on human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) skin cancer cells were not reported. In this study we have isolated and chemically characterized the bioactive compounds GA and MG from the bioassay guided methanolic (MeOH) seed coat extracts of G. rottleriformis. The fractions obtained from open silica column chromatography were subjected to in vitro enzymatic assays. Among seven fractions we found that only fractions 5 and 6 showed significant inhibition activity toward COX-1 with an IC50 value of 28μg/mL and 9.3μg/mL and COX-2 with an IC50 value of 35μg/mL and 7.0μg/mL respectively. However, we could not find 5-LOX enzyme inhibition activity. MG (10mg/g DW) and GA (6mg/g DW) were the major compounds of seed coats. Cell viability was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, which showed that GA/MG significantly reduced the growth of A431 cells with an IC50 value of 25μg/mL and 53μg/mL and 11μg/mL and 43μg/mL at 24h and 48h, respectively. However the cytotoxic effect of GA/MG on HaCaT normal skin keratinocyte cell line was found to be less. Western blot analysis has shown that GA/MG treatment down regulated Bcl-2 and up regulated cleaved caspase-3 with respect to increasing doses. Our results conclude that GA and MG have potential anticancer effects and can be used as therapeutic agents for skin cancers.

An investigation into the ameliorating effect of black soybean extract on learning and memory impairment with assessment of neuroprotective effects.

BackgroundThe physiological effects of the non-anthocyanin fraction (NAF) in a black soybean seed coat extract on Aβ-induced oxidative stress were investigated to confirm neuroprotection. In addition, we examined the preventive effect of NAF on cognitive defects induced by the intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Aβ.MethodsLevels of cellular oxidative stress were measured using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA). Neuronal cell viability was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. To investigate in vivo anti-amnesic effects of NAF by using Y-maze and passive avoidance tests, the learning and memory impairment in mice was induced by Aβ. After in vivo assays, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the mouse brain were determined to confirm the cognitive effect. Individual phenolics of NAF were qualitatively analyzed by using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) Accurate-Mass Quadrupole Time of-Flight (Q-TOF) UPLC/MS.ResultsA NAF showed cell protective effects against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity. Intracellular ROS accumulated through Aβ1–40 treatment was significantly reduced in comparison to cells only treated with Aβ1–40. In MTT and LDH assay, the NAF also presented neuroprotective effects on Aβ1–40-treated cytotoxicity. Finally, the administration of this NAF in mice significantly reversed the Aβ1–40-induced cognitive defects in in vivo behavioral tests. After behavioral tests, the mice brains were collected in order to examine lipid peroxidation and AChE activity. AChE, preparation was inhibited by NAF in a dose-dependent manner. MDA generation in the brain homogenate of mice treated with the NAF was decreased. Q-TOF UPLC/MS analyses revealed three major phenolics from the non-anthocyanin fraction; epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the NAF in black soybean seed coat extracts may improve the cytotoxicity of Aβ in PC12 cells, possibly by reducing oxidative stress, and also have an anti-amnesic effect on the in vivo learning and memory deficits caused by Aβ. Q-TOF UPLC/MS analyses showed three major phenolics; (-)-epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2. Above results suggest that (-)-epicatechins are the major components, and contributors to the anti-amnesic effect of the NAF from black soybean seed coat.

Reduced bioavailability of cyclosporine A in rats by mung bean seed coat extract

Mung bean seed coat (MBSC) is a healthcare product in Asian countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an MBSC ethanol extract on the bioavailability of cyclosporine A (CsA) in rats. Rats were orally dosed with CsA alone or in combination with MBSC ethanol extracts (500 mg/kg, p.o.). The blood levels of CsA were assayed by liquid chromatography with an electrospray ionization source and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The everted rat intestinal sac technique was used to determine the influence of MBSC on the absorption of CsA. The results reveal that combined CsA intake with MBSC decreased the Cmax, AUC0-t, t1/2z and MRT0-t values of CsA by 24.96%, 47.28%, 34.73% and 23.58%, respectively (P<0.05), and significantly raised the CL/F by 51.97% (P<0.01). The in vitro results demonstrated that significantly less CsA was absorbed (P<0.05). The overall results indicate that after being concomitantly ingested, MBSC reduced the bioavailability of CsA, at least partially, in the absorption phase.

Acetobacter pasteurianus DSM 3509 produces cobalamin

Seed coat is an important tissue for the regulation of imbibition and maintenance of the integrity of seed, and it is also the first seed barrier encountered by pests and pathogens. Seed cotyledons contain an array of proteins that may be involved in the protection of quiescent seeds against fungi. Now we know that seed coat from Theobroma cacao L. seeds contains an antifungal activity. In the present study inhibition tests of seed coat extracts against microorganisms isolated from cocoa bean fermentations were performed. Seed coat was extracted using surfacesterilization and filter-sterilization. To determine antifungal activity in seed coat extract agar diffusion and broth microdilution tests were used. Seed coat extract can inhibit growth of fungi (e.g. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Mortierella isabellina, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium purpurogenum, Penicillium roquefortii). and yeasts (e.g. Candida krusei, Candida lipolytica, Candida guilliermondii, Cryptococcus laurentii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhodotorula rubra, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe). No inhibition effect could be detected against gram positive bacteria (e.g. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Propionibacterium freudenreichii) and gram negative bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter tropicalis, Acetobacter pomorum, Gluconobacter frateurii, Acetobacter orientalis). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of seed coat extract was determined. 25 mg/mL of seed coat extract can inhibit growth of fungi (e.g. Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium purpurogenum), and 10 mg/mL seed coad extract can inhibit growth of yeasts (e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula rubra, Candida lipolytica). Nisin production in tofu by fermentation Nicole Illas, Raphael Cziskus, Caterina Hunniger, Agata Segieda, Xuan Zhu, Markus Fischer, Bernward Bisping University of Hamburg, Institute of Food Chemistry, Division of Food Microbiology and Biotechnology, Biocenter Klein Flottbek, Ohnhorststr. 18, D-22609 Hamburg, Germany Division of Food Chemistry, Bundesstr. 45, D-20146 Hamburg, Germany Tofu has a high nutritional content but on the other hand it can easily be spoiled. In Indonesia tofu production takes place mostly in small factories without an opportunity for pasteurization. Nisin production in tofu by fermentation with Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis DSM 20729 may be a possibility to preserve tofu. The fermentation of tofu cubes (2*2 cm) submerged in water was performed for two days. Two methods of detection of nisin in fermented tofu were tested and compared by using inhibition test (modified method of Pongtharangkul and Demirci 2004), and a liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-ESI-MS/MS), based on ISO/TS 27106:2009. The detection limit was significantly lower by using the inhibition test. The nisin content was 0.19 mg/kg in tofu and 0.06 mg/L in liquid substrate. In comparison to this the detection limit for nisin using LC-ESI-MS/MS was 0.34 mg/kg in tofu. Matrix calibration of the liquid substrate could not be carried out by LC-ESI-MS/MS, because the background noise of the matrix was too high. Furthermore the production and distribution of nisin in tofu cubes was investigated. The nisin concentration on the surface of tofu was 2.64 mg/kg and so it was nine times higher compared to the interior of tofu. The optimum storage condition for fermented tofu was a combination of low temperature and low pH-value. An alternative to preserve tofu may be fermentation of tofu with L. latis ssp. lactis. Nisin concentration of complete tofu cubes could be successfully determined by using both methods. The inhibition test proved to be more sensitive for nisin detection in tofu. Pongtharangkul T, Demirci A (2004) Evaluation of agar diffusion bioassay for nisin quantification. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 65: 268-272 International Organization for Standardization: ISO/TS 27106 (2009) Cheesedetermination of nisin A content by LC-MS and LC-MS/MS. Geneva, Switzerland

Antifungal protein of seed coat extracts of Theobroma cacao L. during fermentation

Antifungal protein of seed coat extracts of Theobroma cacao L. during fermentation

Tamarind seed coat extract restores reactive oxygen species through attenuation of glutathione level and antioxidant enzyme expression in human skin fibroblasts in response to oxidative stress

To investigate the role and mechanism of tamarind seed coat extract (TSCE) on normal human skin fibroblast CCD-1064Sk cells under normal and oxidative stress conditions induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Tamarind seed coats were extracted with boiling water and then partitioned with ethyl acetate before the cell analysis. Effect of TSCE on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) level, antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activity including antioxidant protein expression was investigated. TSCE significantly attenuated intracellular ROS in the absence and presence of H2O2 by increasing GSH level. In the absence of H2O2, TSCE significantly enhanced SOD and catalase activity but did not affected on GPx. Meanwhile, TSCE significantly increased the protein expression of SOD and GPx in H2O2-treated cells. TSCE exhibited antioxidant activities by scavenging ROS, attenuating GSH level that could protect human skin fibroblast cells from oxidative stress. Our results highlight the antioxidant mechanism of tamarind seed coat through an antioxidant enzyme system, the extract potentially benefits for health food and cosmeceutical application of tamarind seed coat.

Antioxidant activities of tamarind (Tamarindus Indica) seed coat extracts using in vitro and in vivo models.

Tamarindus indica seed coat was extracted with methanol, acetone and water and screened for DPPH radical scavenging activities. Methanol extract showed higher activity than other extracts. Treatment of albino rats (Wistar strain) with CCl4 at 1.25mL/kg of body weight decreased superoxide dismutase (55%), catalase (73%) and peroxidase (78%), while lipid peroxidation increased nearly 2.5 fold in liver. Pretreatment of rats with methanol extract of T. Indica seed coat (TSCE) at 50mg/kg (as tannic acid equivalents) followed by CCl4 treatment, caused restoration of superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation to values close to control while peroxidase was restored to 67% of the control. Histopathological studies of liver of different groups supported the protective effects of TSCE by restoring the hepatic architecture. These studies could be further extended to exploit its possible application for the preservation of food products as well as a health supplement and neutraceutical.

Black soyabean seed coat extract regulates iron metabolism by inhibiting the expression of hepcidin

Hepcidin, a key regulator of Fe homeostasis, is an ideal drug target for treating patients with Fe disorders such as haemochromatosis, anaemia of chronic inflammation and Fe-deficiency anaemia. However, whether (and how) traditional Chinese black foods (e.g., black soyabeans) target hepcidin and improve Fe-deficiency anaemia remains unclear. Herein, we report that black soyabean seed coat extract (BSSCE) can potently inhibit the in vitro and in vivo expression of hepcidin. In the present study, in cells treated with 200 μg/ml BSSCE, hepcidin expression was found to be reduced to only 6% of the control levels (P<0.01). An AIN-76A diet containing 2% BSSCE was fed to 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice for 0, 1, 7, 15 or 30 d; importantly, compared with the day 0 group, the day 7 group exhibited nearly a 50% decrease in hepatic hepcidin expression (P<0.01), a 35% decrease in splenic Fe concentrations (P<0.05) and a 135% increase in serum Fe concentrations (P<0.05). Mechanistically, the effect of BSSCE on hepcidin expression was mediated via a reduction in the phosphorylation levels of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog proteins (Smad)1/5/8. Consequently, the mice in the day 30 group exhibited large increases in erythrocyte counts (111% v. day 0, P<0.01), Hb concentrations (109%, P<0.01) and haematocrit values (108%, P<0.01). In conclusion, these results indicate that black soyabean extract regulates Fe metabolism by inhibiting the expression of hepcidin. This finding can be used to optimise the intervention of patients with hepcidin-related diseases, including Fe-deficiency anaemia.

Larvicidal Activity of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae) against Anopheles stephensi (Liston 1901) and Its Effect on Non-target Organisms

Background and objective : Control of mosquito vector is of paramount significance to reduce disease incidences as proper vaccines against mosquito borne diseases are yet to develop. Standard amalgamation of cost effective, target specific and bio-degradable insecticides is necessary owing to vector resistance, an evolutionary phenomenon and intoxication of nature through indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides. The present study projected larvicidal activities of the crude and solvent extracts of Nelumbo nucifera seed coats against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi under laboratory conditions. Methods : Crude extracts of N. nucifera seed coats were scrutinized for larvicidal activity against 1 st to 4 th instars larvae of A. stephensi . Solvent extractions of the same material fractions were carried out by means of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and water. Dose dependent mortality assay was performed by graded concentrations (from 60 ppm to 180 ppm) of the solvent extracts. Quantifications of LC 50 and LC 90 values were consummated through log-probit analyses. ANOVA analyses were performed for statistical justifications of the larvicidal property. Impacts of the extracts on a non-target water fauna were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Result: The highest mortality was recorded in 0.5% concentration of crude extracts after 72 hours of post exposure. Ethyl acetate extract was found to be the most potent larvicidal agent exerting efficient larvicidal activity amongst all the three solvent extracts. Following introduction of ethyl acetate extracts, 1 st and 2 nd instars larvae exhibited 100 per cent mortality within 72 hours of post-exposure. The mortality rates for 3 rd and 4 th instars were 96 and 72 per cent respectively with the same observation period. The rate of mortality (Y) was found to be positively correlated with the concentration (X) through regression analyses. ANOVA analyses established the statistical significance of the larvicidal activity of the seed coat extractives. However, the non-target populations were entirely non-responsive to extracts under study. Conclusion: Seed coat extracts of N. nucifera is effective against A. stephensi larvae . It is non-toxic to non-target organisms and environment-friendly.

Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of by- products from cereal and legume milling industries

Agro-industrial waste is often utilized as feed for animals or as fertilizers on farms, but they may be rich sources of certain health-promoting compounds like antioxidants. The objective of this research was to examine total phenolic content and antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging method of certain legume and cereal industries by-products. Four types of by-products namely bengal gram seed coat, bengal gram brokens, rice brokens and wheat bran were studied for this purpose. The results showed that bengal gram seed coat extract possess much higher amount of phenolic content as well as antioxidant activity followed by bengal gram brokens, wheat bran and rice brokens. This suggested that these by-products could be used as functional ingredients for the development of health-promoting food sources.

Neuritogenic and Neuroprotective Activities of Fruit Residues

Neuritogenic and neuroprotective activities of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn., Sapindaceae) and salacca (Salacca edulis Reinw., Arecaceae) pericarp, and sapodilla (Achras sapota L., Sapotaceae) and tamarind Srichompu cultivar (Tamarindus indica L., Caesalpiniaceae) seed coat extracts were evaluated on cultured cholinergic P19-derived neurons. All the extracts, at a very low concentration (1 ng/mL of litchi and salacca pericarp extracts, 10 ng/mL of sapodilla and 100 ng/mL of tamarind seed coat extracts), enhanced the survival of cultured neurons (% viability more than 100%) by XTT reduction assay. The extracts were further evaluated for their neuritogenicity by observing cell morphology by phase-contrast microscopy and neuroprotective activity in serum deprivation and pre- and co-administration of hydrogen peroxide models. The phase-contrast micrographs displayed that all of the extracts possessed neurogenic activity by promoting the neurite outgrowth of the cultured neurons. Moreover, these extracts can protect neurons from oxidative stress-caused cell death in a serum deprivation model, and prevent and protect neuron cells from the toxicity of hydrogen peroxide. In this study we assured that the neuritogenic and neuroprotective activities of these extracts derived from the phenolic components and flavonoids contained in the extracts by acting as signaling molecules to enhance neuron survival and promote neurite outgrowth. These results suggest that all of the extracts are potentially sources of neuritogenic and neuroprotective components which might be used either as pharmaceutical products or dietary supplements for neurodegenerative disorder patients, for example, those suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Inhibition Effect of Extraction from Seed of Phoebe Bournei

In order to approach the dormant property of Phoebe bournei seeds, the inhibition effects of the different concentrations and different solvent extraction from seed coats and embryo of Phoebe bournei was studied through bioassay method.The results showed that there were inhibition effects of extracts on the germination and radical growing of cabbage seeds, and the inhibition effects became stronger as the contents of extracting solutions increased.Germination rate of cabbages in seed embryo extracts was lower than that in the seed coat extracts in the same concentrations, and the radical length in the seed embryo extracts was also shorter than that in the seed coat extracts. The seed embryo and coat extractions phase of ethyl acetate on the germination and radical growing of cabbage seeds had the strongest inhibition effect. The results indicated that inhibiting substances were existed both in the seed coats and embryo of Phoebe bournei seeds, and embryo extracts had stronger inhibition effect on the seed germination and radical growing of cabbage seed than the seed coats extracts had, and the inhibiting substances were mainly soluble in the methanol and ethyl acetate.