Black Mustard Seeds Research Articles

The Effects of Different Seed Rates on Yield and Economical Feasibility of Mustard (Brassica juncea)

Rapeseed-mustard plant (Brassica juncea)” is any one of several plant species in the genera Brassica, Rhamphospermum and Sinapis in the family Brassicaceae (the mustard family). Mustard seed is used as a spice. Grinding and mixing the seeds with water, vinegar, or other liquids creates the yellow condiment known as prepared mustard. The seeds can also be pressed to make mustard oil, and the edible leaves can be eaten as mustard greens. Many vegetables are cultivated varieties of mustard plants; domestication may have begun 6,000 years ago. Mustard is a popular condiment, commonly it is a popular condiment made from the seeds of the mustard plant. It can be prepared using white/yellow mustard, brown mustard, or black mustard seeds mixed with liquids, salt, and other flavorings to create a paste or sauce. Mustard pairs well with meats, vegetables, and cheeses and is commonly used in sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs. It is also used in dressings, glazes, sauces, and marinades around the world. The word "mustard" has origins in Latin and French, and archaeological evidence suggests mustard cultivation dates back to ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley. Mustard has a long history of culinary use, with the Romans likely being the first to experiment with mustard as a condiment. In France, Dijon became a renowned center for mustard making, and Dijon mustard is still highly regarded today. Mustard has various uses, such as a condiment, an ingredient in sauces and soups, and an emulsifier in dishes like Hollandaise sauce. The flavor and heat of mustard depend on the seed type and preparation method. Mustard offers nutritional benefits such as vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Mustard plants is used for producing edible oil for human, oil-cake for feeding animals, sauce, spices, medicine and other purposes in Afghanistan. Mustard has a long history in Afghanistan and is mostly cultivated in the Northern provinces such as Baghlan, Kunduz, Thakkar, Samangan and etc. For the above-mentioned importance of Mustard, we decided to apply a research on seed rates to fine the desirable seed rate of mustard crop for Afghan Mustard growers. Seed rates are one of the important factors, which the suitable seed rates prevent from the economic loss of farmers. This research accomplished in the title of “The effects of different seed rates on yield and growth components of mustard (Brassica juncea)” The research was designed in a complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and five treatments. The data were collected from growth parameters such as plant height, number branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1 as well as yield parameters such as number of pods plan-1, number of seeds plant-1, seed yield kg ha-1, dry matter kg ha-1 and biological yield kg ha-1. The collected data were analyzed using excel, OPSTAT online testing program, statistical tool for agricultural research (STAR). Based on the statistical analysis the significant differences were observed in all parameters at (P≥0.05. Least significant difference (LSD) was used to compare treatments. A positive correlation was also recognized between growth and yield parameters. Mostly treatment three (15 cm) space between rows performed high influence then the other treatments. We recommend much more research to find the best space between plant to plant and row to row. For the moment the farmers of Afghanistan can use the result of this research on their field for obtaining high yield from Mustard.

Natural deep eutectic solvent as a green extraction medium for the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of sinapine thiocyanate from black mustard seeds

Herein, several choline chloride-based (ChCl) natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were investigated for the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of sinapine thiocyanate (ST) from black mustard seed (BMS). The NADES consisting of choline chloride and ethylene glycol (EG) was screened as the extraction solvent and single-factor experiments were carried out. In addition, compared with the conventional extraction solvents and extraction methods. The optimized extraction conditions were described below: NADES synthesized by ChCl and EG was used as an extractant with a water content of 20 %, and the solid–liquid ratio was 1:30 g∙mL−1. The mixture was extracted under the ultrasonic parameters of 60 ℃ and 200 W for 75 min. The extraction rate obtained using this method was higher than traditional solvents such as methanol, ethanol and water, and the time consumed was also greatly reduced compared to heated reflux extraction. A variety of instruments were used to characterize the experimental materials and further elucidate the extraction mechanism. Meanwhile, the antioxidant capacity of the ChCl/EG extract of BMS was determined by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. The green evaluation of the method was carried out by the complex green analytical procedure index (ComplexGAPI). This work provides a green technique for valid extraction of ST from BMS, which is expected to be expanded to pharmaceutical, food and other related industries.

Inhibition of Botrytis cinerea in tomatoes by allyl-isothiocyanate release from black mustard (Brassica nigra) seeds and detection by E-nose

The aim of this work is to delayed the postharvest development of Botrytis cinerea in tomatoes by releasing allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) from mustard seeds at room temperature, and to discriminate the aromatic profile by using an electronic device (E-nose). Olfactory sensory analysis showed that tomatoes inoculated in the presence of AITC did not develop the microorganisms until the eighth day of storage. The highest inhibitory concentration of AITC was found in Day 3 (175.18 ppb). However, tomatoes inoculated without the presence of AITC developed a moldy aroma on the third day of storage. The most prominent chemical groups were esters, ketones and alcohols. The compounds associated with a positive aroma were trimethyl orthoacetate, styrene, tridecan-7-amine and acetaldehyde, while compounds related to B. cinerea were hepten-2-one and butanoic acid. The E-nose was able to discriminate tomatoes based on their aromatic characteristics during the storage period. Moreover, it successfully quantified the mold defect aroma with the established Partial Least Squares (PLS) model.

Optimization of pH for extracting sinapates from mustard varieties using green technology

Mustard seeds contain higher levels of phenolic compounds, especially sinapine, compared to many other oilseeds. Due to their rich bioactive composition, mustard seeds have considerable potential in food and pharmaceutical industries as antimicrobials, antioxidants, and chemoprotective agents. The yields of phenolic compounds, particularly the formation of canolol, could be substantially enhanced by modifying the pre-treatment conditions and extraction techniques. To achieve this, there is a need for innovative green technology methods to minimize environmental damage. This novel approach involved pre-heating by sautéing, and adjusting the pH of the extract to acid, alkaline or neutral conditions using safe household ingredients, such as vinegar and sodium bicarbonate. The treated whole or crushed seeds were then extracted by pressurized heating at 115 °C at 10.2 psi, and the extractability of the phenolic compounds was assessed.Statistical analysis of selected mustard varieties showed an interesting trend in which pH affected the mustard endogenous phenolic compound profile, in which neutral pH proved to be superior to acid and alkaline treatment Among the selected varieties, both yellow and black mustard had competitive amounts of sinapine, sinapic acid, and canolol. Sinapic acid and canolol were predominant in crushed black mustard seeds (2.71± 0.0.8 and 2.61± 0.35 mg/g DW, respectively) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, crushed yellow mustard prevailed in sinapine concentration (385 ± 49.47 mg/g DW).Overall, on the basis of electrostatic interactions between the solvent and the extractants, using water with the combination of preheat treatment and pressure was an alternative green extraction method to optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds from Oriental, black, and yellow mustard seeds.

Thermal desorption direct analysis in real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry and machine learning allow the rapid authentication of ground black pepper and dried oregano: A proof-of-concept study.

Thermal desorption direct analysis in real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry (TD-DART-HRMS) approaches have gained popularity for fast screening of a variety of samples. With rapid volatilization of the sample at increasing temperatures outside the mass spectrometer, this technique can provide a direct readout of the sample content with no sample preparation. In this study, TD-DART-HRMS's utility for establishing spice authenticity was examined. To this aim, we directly analyzed authentic (typical) and adulterated (atypical) samples of ground black pepper and dried oregano in positive and negative ion modes. We analyzed a set of authentic ground black pepper samples (n = 14) originating from Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Ecuador, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Cambodia, and adulterated samples (n = 25) consisting of mixtures of ground black pepper with this spice's nonfunctional by-products (pinheads or spent) or with different exogenous materials (olive kernel, green lentils, black mustard seeds, red beans, gypsum plaster, garlic, papaya seeds, chili, green aniseed, or coriander seeds). TD-DART-HRMS facilitated the capture of informative fingerprinting of authentic dried oregano (n = 12) originating from Albania, Turkey, and Italy and those spiked (n = 12) with increasing percentages of olive leaves, sumac, strawberry tree leaves, myrtle, and rock rose. A predictive LASSO classifier was built, after merging by low-level data fusion, the positive and negative datasets for ground black pepper. Fusing multimodal data allowed retrieval of more comprehensive information from both datasets. The resultant classifier achieved on the withheld test set accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 100%, 75%, and 90%, respectively. On the contrary, the sole TD-(+)DART-HRMS spectra of the oregano samples allowed construction of a LASSO classifier that predicted the adulteration of the oregano with excellent statistical indicators. This classifier achieved, on the withheld test set, 100% each for accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Production, characterization, and emission characteristics of biodiesel derived from castor (Ricinus communis) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) seeds

In this work, biodiesel was synthesized from castor and black mustard oil seeds, through homogenous alkaline transesterification with methanol. The impact of parameters such as alcohol amount, catalyst quantity, temperature, and reaction time have been optimized. The yield of castor biodiesel (COB) was 93.53% w/w at 20.7 wt.% methanol, and black mustard biodiesel (MOB) was 93.88% w/w at 20 wt.% methanol. The other conditions wt.% KOH, temperature, and reaction time were 0.5, 60 °C, and 60 min respectively. (COB) and (MOB) were mixed with diesel fuel (DI) in various ratios to obtain (B5, B10, B15, B20, B30, and B50), and the physicochemical properties of biodiesel are measured employing ASTM standards. The diesel one-cylinder engine was used as a test engine. CO2, CO, NOx, and SO2 emissions from biodiesel and its blends were measured and compared to DI. COB and MOB blends emitted less CO2, CO, and SO2 emissions than DI, along with a slight increase in NOx emissions. Based on the results, (COB) and (MOB) were reliable substitute fuels for reducing environmental pollution.

Comparative Evaluation of the Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Nutritive Properties and Potential Bioaccessibility of Plant Seeds and Algae Rich in Protein and Polyphenolic Compounds

Spice plants are not only a source of nutrition compounds but also supply secondary plant metabolites, such as polyphenols. Therefore, their bioaccessibility is an important issue. In order to understand the biological activity of polyphenols present in spice plants, it is necessary to broaden knowledge about the factors influencing their bioaccessibility, including nutritional factors. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the antioxidative and antimicrobial nutritive properties and potential bioaccessibility of plant seeds and microalgae rich in protein and polyphenolic compounds. Plant seeds rich in protein—i.e., black cumin, milk thistle, fenugreek, almonds, white sesame, white mustard, eggfruit and the two most popular algae, chlorella and spirulina—were analyzed for total polyphenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant properties (ABTS, FRAP), as well as their potential bioaccessibility, antimicrobial activity, basic chemical composition and amino acid profiles. With regard to the TPC, the highest levels were found in star anise, followed by milk thistle, white mustard and fenugreek, whereas the lowest were noted in white sesame, almonds, eggfruit, spirulina and chlorella. White mustard and milk thistle showed the highest antioxidant capacities and almonds, eggfruit, spirulina, and chlorella the lowest according to the ABTS and FRAP assays. The widest spectrum of microbial growth inhibition was detected for fenugreek extract, which showed antimicrobial activity against four analyzed microorganisms: B. subtilis, P. mirabilis, V. harveyi and C. albicans. The protein from seeds of black cumin, milk thistle, white mustard and eggfruit and chlorella was not limited by any essential amino acids. Among all analyzed plants, fenugreek seeds were judged to have potential for use in food formulation operations in view of their antioxidant activity and amino acid profile. Based on the results, intake of polyphenols together with protein in plant seeds does not have a major impact on the potential bioaccessibility of a range of polyphenols and phenolic metabolites.

Experimental and theoretical evaluation of aqueous black mustard seeds extract as sustainable-green inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 acid solutions

The inhibitory potential of aqueous black mustard seed (BMS) extract on mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 solutions was tested using various chemicals (Hydrogen Evolution, HE, and Weight Loss, WL) and electrochemical (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, EIS, and Potentiodynamic Polarization, PDP) methods. The adsorption process was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle technique. Computational studies were also used to improve the visualization of the adsorption mechanism of the active components found in BMS on the metal surface. The results showed that aqueous BMS extract had a superior ability to inhibit mild steel corrosion in 2 M H2SO4 (IE% = 94.83 at 3.5 g/L). Polarization outcomes demonstrated that the BMS functioned as a mixed-type inhibitor. The findings are consistent with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. FT-IR, contact angle, and SEM successfully showed the formation of a dense and ordered BMS-adsorbed film. The calculated Ea in the absence and presence of BMS revealed that physisorption and chemisorption played a role in the inhibition mechanism. Using DFT quantum-chemical calculations and MD simulations, a relationship can be established between the electronic structure of Sinigrin, the main component in BMS, and its ability to inhibit corrosion. BMS extract showed exceptional inhibitory activity in a wide range of H2SO4 concentrations. One of the important aspects of this study is the possibility of applying BMS as a greener alternative to design environmentally friendly materials in working on corrosion problems of metallic equipment in acidic environments.

Identification of distinguishable engineering characteristics of black mustard (Brassica nigra), brown mustard (Brassica juncea) and argemone (Argemone mexicana)

Adulteration of edible oils is prevalent and widespread. Argemone (Argemone mexicana) seeds are a common adulterant to black mustard (Brassica nigra) or brown mustard (Brassica juncea) seeds. This paper reports a comparative analysis of the different engineering properties (viz. geometric, gravimetric, frictional, mechanical, chromatic and aerodynamic) of these seeds. Fisher's least significant difference test was applied to analyze the statistical difference between the mean values of the engineering properties of these seeds. Significant (p<0.01) difference was observed in weight, axial length, bulk density and terminal velocity of these seeds. The mechanical properties and frictional properties of these three seeds on plywood and aluminium surface varied significantly (p<0.05). Machine learning techniques, namely- artificial neural network, radial basic function, support vector machine and random forest were applied to classify B. juncea, B. nigra and A. mexicana seeds. Random forest classification model demonstrated highest accuracy (86.78%) with a kappa statistics of 0.80.

Preventive Effects of Sinigrin Against the Memory Deterioration in the Pentylenetetrazole-Kindled Male Wistar Rats: Possible Modulation of NLRP3 Pathway.

Mainly found in brussels sprouts, broccoli, and black mustard seeds, sinigrin (2-propenyl glucosinolate) has enjoyed some attention currently for its effects on health and disease prevention. The present research design is aimed at investigating the effects of sinigrin on inflammation, oxidative stress (OS) and memory. Randomly, six groups of male Wistar rats were categorized into the control and experimental groups. The experimental groups were treated with sinigrin (10 and 20mg/kg, orally). The control positive group was given the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) treatment and the control negative one was given normal saline. All groups were kindled by the sub-threshold dose (35mg/kg, i.p.) of PTZ for 12 times in one month. When the kindling procedure was done, the seizure behaviors and the behavioral function were evaluated. For cognitive parameters, the shuttle box test was employed. When the experiment was terminated, the rats were euthanized and their blood serum as well as brain samples were isolated for respective measuring of OS and gene expression parameters. The treatment with sinigrin significantly delayed the appearance of the seizure symptoms in comparison to that of the PTZ group. It also significantly increased the memory parameters like retention latency and the total time having been spent in the light compartment in the epileptic rats. In addition, sinigrin increased the superoxide dismutase and catalase levels. Treatment with sinigrin suppressed the Il1b and Nlrp3 gene expression at hippocampal level. In sum, sinigrin prevents inflammation, OS and memory impairment against the PTZ-kindling epilepsy in rats.

Plant-Mediated Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Peel Extract of Citrus reticulate for Boosting Seed Germination of Brassica nigra Seeds.

High demand of food for rapidly increasing population requires novel but ecofriendly fertilizers. Green reducing and capping agents are being explored to minimize production cost and toxicity of chemicals in synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) which could be used to increase the production of crops and plants. In present research, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are produced by employing an eco-friendly, simple and efficient green route using peel extract of Citrus reticulate. The optical properties of green synthesized ZnO NPs are explored by UV-Visible and Photoluminance spectroscopies where NPs presented 3.21 to 3.13 eV band gap. The morphology and purity of the ZnO NPs are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. The spherical like ZnO NPs having 23-90 nm size exhibited hexagonal structure with 8.89 to 8.62 nm crystallite size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) explores the existence of specific functional groups which are responsible for stabilization, capping and reduction during synthesis of nanoparticles. The green synthesized ZnO NPs are tested for seed germination of Brassica nigra (black mustard) seeds at standard temperature and pressure. The activity shows that germination percentage of the Brassica nigra seeds is enhanced 100% and seedling vigor index 16.45 after treatment with ZnO NPs and can be controlled by the concentration of NPs. Therefore, it can be expected that ZnO NPs can serve as the cost effective and ecofriendly nano-fertilizers in agriculture.

Therapeutic Use Of Vegetable Oils As Functional Food In Alleviation Of Experimental Depression

This article reports the analysis of phenol content, antioxidant capacity of the oil of black cumin, flax, sesame, mustard and fenugreek seeds, and garlic extract. The oils with strong antioxidant activity were tested for alleviation of experiment depression. Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used to determine the phenol content and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was employed for the antioxidant activity

Effect of CuSO4 on the growth of Brassica juncea L.

Seeds of Black Mustard (Brassica juncea) were sowed in a paper cup with copper sulfate at different concentration. This experiment aimed to determine the effect of the variation in concentration of copper sulphate on the germination and growth of seeds of Brassica juncea. We wanted to establish which is the highest concentration of copper that the seeds of Black Mustard can tolerate. Seedlings growth investigation and measurements were made after 5 days. The seed germination rate was low to no for the high concentration and for control that increased dramatically with the decrease in concentration. At high concentration, no growth was seen.

Evaluation of the QuEChERS method for the determination of phenolic compounds in yellow (Brassica alba), brown (Brassica juncea), and black (Brassica nigra) mustard seeds

Studies about the phenolic composition of yellow (Brassica alba), brown (Brassica juncea), and black (Brassica nigra) mustard seeds are still scarce in the literature. Hence, this study describes, for the first time, the use of the QuEChERS extraction method followed by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis for phenolic compound determination in the seeds of these mustard species. Under the optimized extraction and analysis conditions, twenty-one phenolic compounds were evaluated. Six, eleven, and seven were found in B. alba, B. juncea, and B. nigra seeds, respectively. The most abundant phenolic compound was sinapic acid, which was found in amounts ranging from 44 to 82 times higher than the other major compounds found in the mustard seeds, ferulic, 4-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids. Overall, these results are an important contribution to the characterization of the phenolic composition of the three in natura mustard seeds species, and support future reliable phenolic compounds determination with the QuEChERS method.

The effect of the triethanolamine: glycerol deep eutectic solvent on the yield, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and physicochemical properties of black mustard (Brassica nigra L.) seed oil

This study reports the yields, physicochemical properties, fatty acid compositions, and antioxidant activities of black mustard (Brassica nigra L.) seed oils extracted by cold pressing and the solvent extraction using different solvents (n–hexane, trichloroethylene, and a mixture of trichloroethylene and the triethanolamine:glycerol deep eutectic solvent (TEOA:G DES) with no or after pretreatment with the TEOA:G DES. Density (0.9791 ± 0.0003–0.9851 ± 0.0003 g/cm3), viscosity (121.15 ± 1.62–123.32 ± 0.10 mPa⋅s), boiling point (179–185 ± 1 °C), refractive index (1.4692 ± 0.0006–1.4758 ± 0.0011), acid (2.08 ± 0.19–3.22 ± 0.15 mg KOH/g), iodine (99.2 ± 1.6–105.4 ± 1.5 g I2/100 g), peroxide (1.68 ± 0.01–1.82 ± 0.03 mmol O2/kg), and saponification values (165.1 ± 2.7–169.4 ± 2.3 mg KOH/g), fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of the extracted oil were determined in order to evaluate its potential use as a foodstuff, a pharmaceutical or a feedstock for biodiesel production. Although the maceration of black mustard seeds with sole trichloroethylene yielded the highest oil yield of 31.10 ± 0.42 g/100 g, it required almost twice the volume of trichloroethylene compared to the volume applied in the macerations after the pre–treatment with the TEOA:G DES and with the mixture of trichloroethylene/TEOA:G DES. The oil extracted by the extraction in the presence of TEOA:G DES has similar physicochemical properties but better antioxidant activity than the oil extracted by cold pressing.

Optimization of the enzymatic pre-treatment process for mustard oilseeds using response surface methodology

In order to investigate the effect of an enzymatic pre-treatment process for the extraction of oil from black mustard seeds (Brassica nigra) using viscozyme, the reaction parameters such as temperature, buffer-to-seed ratio and enzyme concentration were considered as determinant factors in the central composite design. Optimization was carried out according to the four-variable five-level central composite design of experiments. The effects of enzyme concentration (5–12%), temperature (40–55 °C), pH (5.0–6.0), and reaction time (1–7 h) on the free oil liberated were studied. Residual oil was collected by subjecting the treated meal to soxhlet extraction for 4 h. An enzyme dose of 7.5% (w/w), pH 5.0, 50 °C, and 5 h with constant shaking at 450 rpm were found to be opti­mal conditions. Centrifuging the mixture at 7000 rpm for 30 min separated the oil with a recovery of 71–73.1%.

Mustard Seed (Brassica nigra) Extract Exhibits Antiproliferative Effect against Human Lung Cancer Cells through Differential Regulation of Apoptosis, Cell Cycle, Migration, and Invasion.

Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and development of novel lung cancer preventive and therapeutic agents are urgently needed. Brassica nigra (black mustard) seeds are commonly consumed in several Asian and African countries. Mustard seeds previously exhibited significant anticancer activities against several cancer types. In the present study, we have investigated various cellular and molecular mechanisms of anticancer effects of an ethanolic extract of B. nigra seeds against A549 and H1299 human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. B. nigra extract showed a substantial growth-inhibitory effect as it reduced the viability and clonogenic survival of A549 and H1299 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. B. nigra extract induced cellular apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion as evidenced from increased caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, treatment of both A549 and H1299 cells with B. nigra extract alone or in combination with camptothecin induced DNA double-strand breaks as evidenced by upregulation of γH2A histone family member X, Fanconi anemia group D2 protein, Fanconi anemia group J protein, ataxia-telangiectesia mutated and Rad3-related protein. Based on cell cycle analysis, B. nigra extract significantly arrested A549 and H1299 cells at S and G2/M phases. Additionally, B. nigra extract suppressed the migratory and invasive properties of both cell lines, downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, and Snail and upregulated the expression of E-cadherin at mRNA and protein levels. Taken together, these findings indicate that B. nigra seed extract may have an important anticancer potential against human lung cancer which could be mediated through simultaneous and differential regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage, cell cycle, migration, and invasion.

Ultrasonication-assisted extraction of a phytomelatonin-rich, erucic acid-lean nutraceutical supplement from mustard seeds: an antioxidant synergy in the extract by reductionism.

Phytomelatonin-rich (194.02 ± 2.45-205.80 ± 1.67ng/g of dry mustard seeds) and erucic acid-lean (below 2%) extracts from an oilseed crop, (yellow and black mustard seeds) have been successfully obtained by ultrasonication-assisted-extraction in ethanol-water. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrum analyses have confirmed the presence of phytomelatonin along with tocopherol, ascorbic acid, limonene and linalool in the extract. Field emission scanning electron micrographs confirmed the cavitational effects of sonication on mustard seed matrices. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy established the strong antioxidant activities (72.25-75.49%) of the extracts foregoing erroneous spectrophotometric result of pan assay interference compounds. A synergistic effect value of 1.13 (greater than unity) confirmed synergistic co-existence of the antioxidants in the extract. This study interestingly revealed that an antioxidant synergy could be obtained by classical reductionism. Acute oral toxicity of the extracts were found to be greater than 5000mg/kg body weight of rats. The extracts are perfectly safe to be utilized as antioxidative food supplements.

Gestational and neurodevelopmental effects of black mustard seeds' ( Brassica nigra ) extract in wistar rats

This study investigated the effect of the crude aqueous extract of Brassica nigra (Black Mustard Seeds) in gestation and on the prefrontal cortex of newborn Wistar rats at different doses following prenatal administration. Eighteen (18) adult female rats weighing an average of 180±10g were used. The female rats were split into 3 groups of six animals; Group A received distilled water throughout gestation, Group B received 200 mg/kg body weight of extract throughout gestation, and Group C received 100 mg/kg body weight of extract throughout gestation). Rat pups from the experimental groups were sacrificed on postnatal days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 and subsequently prepared through routine histological and histochemical procedures. Brassica nigra was abortifacient at 200 mg/kg body weight and reduced litter size at 100 mg/kg body weight. No observed physical deformities in pups of treated groups. Comparative prefrontal microarchitecture revealed little to no alteration in the treated group. This study concludes that Brassica nigra (black mustard) is not totally innocuous and as such, should be moderately consumed or totally avoided in pregnancy. Keywords : Brassica nigra ; Mustard seeds; Gestation; Neurodevelopment.

Antimicrobial and antihelminthic impacts of black cumin, pawpaw and mustard seeds in livestock production and health

The resistance of microbial strain to the use of medically important antibiotics, high cost of production, and the resistance of ecto and endoparasite to anthelminthic and acaricidal is a cause for concern. There has been intensified effort in search for alternatives to synthetic drugs. Such alternative must be able to kill, reduce, or inhibit pathogenic microbial population while improving the commensal microbes’. Black cumin (Nigella sativa Linn.), pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn.) and mustard (Brassica nigra Linn.) seeds fit into those categories. The antimicrobial functions of black seeds, is preventing the formation of biofilm among microbial strain. The glucosinolate compound in it could be degraded in 48 h by incubating it with fungi (Aspergillus sp. NR-4201) strain. Similarly, Enterobacter cloacae is capable of degrading benzyl isothiocyanate content of mustard. The 15% inclusion of mustard oil in vitro was capable of reducing methane formation. Sinapine a derivative of mustard is cable of enhancing the growth of some microbes except Escherichia coli and thus a potential probiotics. Pawpaw seed is very potent in their control of wide range of ecto and endo parasites. However, seeds of black cumin, pawpaw and mustard might be incorporated into livestock nutrition.