Simulated Stomach Conditions Research Articles

Nanoencapsulation of crocin in double-layer emulsions for improved stability and enhanced efficacy against depression.

On average, depression affects 7.7% of the population aged 15 and older. One of the types of medicinal plants used to treat depression is saffron, which is uplifting and relieves sadness. Crocin as a bioactive compound is effective against depression, but it is sensitive to temperature, pH, and oxygen, and its efficiency decreases. Nanoencapsulation of crocin using double-layer emulsions is a method to increase the stability of this compound. Surfactant ratio (50% to 200%), stirrer speed (500 and 1000 rpm), and stirring time (45, 90, and 135 min) were used as variables of primary emulsion production. The optimum ratio of surfactant to aqueous phase was 100%, and in all microemulsions, viscosity increased with increasing surfactant ratio. A high-pressure homogenization method was used to make the secondary emulsion (double-layer emulsions), and soy protein concentrate (SPC), Gum Arabic (GA), and Pectin (P) at two levels of 5 and 10% were used to increase the stability. All treatments evaluated using Duncan's test at a significance level of 5%. Double-layer emulsions stabilized with pectin showed the highest viscosity and the lowest release of crocin in simulated stomach and intestine conditions. The use of the cellular automata model to investigate the release of crocin showed that this model could simulate the effects of crocin concentration, polymer concentration, and the droplet size of double-layer emulsions with 93-99% confidence to predict the release in double-layer emulsions. Then the double-layer emulsions added to the chocolate, and the chocolate containing the double-layer emulsions compared with the control sample in terms of sensory properties and had a higher score than the control sample.

Digestion under saliva, simulated gastric and small intestinal conditions and fermentation in vitro by human gut microbiota of polysaccharides from Ficus carica Linn.

Previous studies have shown that Ficus carica polysaccharide (FCPS) extracted from common fig fruit exhibits antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether FCPS can modulate the metabolism of gut microbiota. This study aims to assess whether the polysaccharides from two different types of figs can be broken down by the upper digestive system, including saliva, simulated stomach, and small intestinal conditions, and whether the gut microbiota can utilize them (Mw = 4.59 × 104 (LFCP, Low molecular weight), Mw = 6.08 × 104(HFCP, High molecular weight)). The results revealed that FCPS retained its molecular weight and reducing sugar content even after passing through the upper digestive system, indicating its safe arrival in the gut without undergoing decomposition. In vitro FCPS fermentation of gut microbiota lowered the pH and produced more gas in the order of LFCP<HFCP, LFCP>HFCP, respectively, indicating that it can be broken down and utilized by the microbiota. Additionally, the amount of short-chain fatty acids increased notably (LFCP < HFCP), indicating the higher the molecular weight, the stronger the acid production capacity. FCPS demonstrated the ability to significantly decrease the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, potentially inhibiting obesity and inflammation. Therefore, FCPS is a promising functional food with potential to enhance health and prevent disease by promoting gut health.

Tamoxifen/montmorillonite as a controlled release oral system

Drugs have been incorporated into clay minerals to obtain a controlled-release system. In the present study, tamoxifen citrate (TMX) was loaded in pharmaceutical montmorillonite (VHS) at pH 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 and released in vitro under simulated stomach and intestinal conditions to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of TMX/VHS systems. The systems were characterized using structural (X-ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and thermal (thermogravimetric analysis and differential calorimetry) techniques. TMX was loaded in VHS via a reaction between 1660 mg L−1 TMX methanol solutions and 0.1 g of VHS at pH 3.0 (VHS/TMX/pH3), 4.0 (VHS/TMX/pH4), and 5.0 (VHS/TMX/pH5) for 12 h at 200 rpm and 25 °C. The release of TMX was evaluated with dispersed amounts of loaded TMX systems in a simulated medium at pH 1.2 and 6.8, and TXM was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Cytotoxicity tests were performed in vitro using the MTT assay for human tumor cell lineages. Characterization results indicated the intercalation of TMX in the clay mineral, and the amounts of TMX were 344.7, 347.1, and 374.4 mg per gram of VHS for the systems prepared at pH 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Releases of 8.40% (VHS/TMX/pH3), 8.68% (VHS/TMX/pH4), and 11.15% (VHS/TMX/pH5) occurred at pH 1.2, whereas at pH 6.8, the release of TMX increased to 21.21% (VHS/TMX/pH3), 24.85% (VHS/TMX/pH4), and 39.27% (VHS/TMX/pH5). The VHS/TMX systems exhibited cytotoxicity with increasing concentrations for all cells, with increased cytotoxic activity with IC50 of 54.57 μg mL−1 (TMX 20.10 μg mL−1) for the VHS/TMX/pH5 for glioblastoma lineages. Therefore, the TMX/VHS systems presented drug release control and, depending on the concentration, could exert cytotoxic activity without causing damage to normal cells, thus reducing adverse effects.

Survival and predictive modeling of Listeria monocytogenes under simulated human gastric conditions in the presence of bovine milk products

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen which has been implicated in many outbreaks of foodborne diseases. This study evaluated the effects of gastric acidity and gastric digestion time of adults, L. monocytogenes strain and food type on the survival of L. monocytogenes under simulated stomach conditions of adults in in vitro gastric models with dynamic pH changes occurring throughout the exposure. Individual strains as well as a cocktail of L. monocytogenes, inoculated at 8 log CFU/mL in filtered bovine milk products, 0 % milk, 2 % milk, 2 % chocolate milk and 3.25 % milk, were introduced to the gastric models for 2 h. The survival of L. monocytogenes depended on a combination of factors, including gastric acidity and gastric digestion time of adults, L. monocytogenes strain, food type and recovery method (P < 0.05). The survival rates of L. monocytogenes inoculated in 2 % milk after a 2-h exposure to simulated gastric fluids with pH values of 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 were 0.003 to 0.040 %, 22.7 to 43.4 % and 16.6 to 27.2 %, respectively. Fluid milk containing a higher milk fat content (3.25 % vs 0 % milk) protected L. monocytogenes from being inactivated when they were exposed to the human stomach model with a gastric acidity of pH 2.0. Compared to 0 % and 3.25 % milk, L. monocytogenes survived the best in 2 % chocolate milk, which appears to be due to the presence of milk fat (2 %) and the additional nutrients that are present in chocolate milk. A predictive mathematical model was developed that captured the population of the strains of L. monocytogenes under the in vitro conditions. This study advances our understanding of the behaviour of L. monocytogenes under various human gastric conditions and provides key parameters that can affect the survival of L. monocytogenes in the stomachs of adults. The mathematical models developed in this study can be used as a supplementary tool to help predict the survival of L. monocytogenes under similar scenarios and for relevant risk-assessment studies.

Plant Alpha-amylase Inhibitors: Steady Kinetic Study, Bidens odorata Aqueous Infusion Toxicity and Stability in Digestive Tract Simulation

Background: α-Amylase inhibitors are considered an important therapeutic target to control type 2 diabetes mellitus, reducing postprandial hyperglycemia. Medicinal plants are an important source with inhibitory activities of this enzyme but are little studied. Objective: The present study explored the α-amylase inhibition with extracts of 11 medicinal plants available in Saltillo, Mexico; the kinetic mechanism of inhibition of selected extracts and their phytochemical screening; evaluation of the toxicity of Bidens odorata extract in Artemia salina model, as well as estimation of its inhibitory effect under in vitro digestive tract conditions. Methods: The inhibitory assays were carried out spectrophotometrically with aqueous suspensions of the extracts obtained after evaporation of solvent from aqueous and ethanolic infusions. Results: Eleven plants showed an inhibitory effect of α-amylase above 10% of the initial activity at 666.7 ppm. Four plants were selected for kinetic assay due to the inhibitory effect near or higher than 20 %. The IC50 for the aqueous suspension of the ethanolic extract of Bidens odorata was 851 ppm, similar to that detected with the drug acarbose. The inhibition mechanism for Bidens odorata, Cinchona succirub, and Opuntia ficus-indicata was competitive, and for Cnidoscolus chayamansa it was uncompetitive. All selected extracts presented flavonoids, the majority contained terpenoids, 3 contained tannins and phenols. The aqueous infusion of Bidens odorata - model of a functional drink showed no toxicity and was characterized by resistance for 60 min to the simulated stomach and intestinal conditions in vitro. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed the species of medicinal plants, which were not previously considered as sources of α-amylase inhibitors, and their kinetic mechanisms of inhibition, which can be used for functional hypoglycemic food preparation.

Lactic Acid Bacteria from Gamecock and Goat Originating from Phitsanulok, Thailand: Isolation, Identification, Technological Properties and Probiotic Potential.

From independent swab samples of the cloaca of indigenous gamecocks (CIG), anus of healthy baby goats (AHG), and vagina of goats (VG) originating from Phitsanulok, Thailand, a total of 263 isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were collected. Only three isolates, designated C707, G502, and V202, isolated from CIG, AHG, and VG, respectively, exhibited an excellent inhibitory zone diameter against foodborne pathogenic bacteria when evaluated by agar spot test. Isolates C707 and G502 were identified as Enterococcus faecium, whereas V202 was identified as Pediococcus acidilactici, based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis. When foodborne pathogenic bacteria were co-cultured with chosen LAB in mixed BHI-MRS broth at 39°C, their growth was suppressed. These LAB were found to be capable of surviving in simulated stomach conditions. Only the isolate G502 was able to survive in the conditions of simulated intestinal juice. This research suggests that selected LAB could be used as a food/feed supplement to reduce foodborne pathogenic bacteria and improve the safety of animal-based food or feed.

Lactobacillus curvatus from fermented sausages as new probiotic functional foods

This research examined in vitro probiotic potential of Lactobacillus curvatus isolates from fermented sausage originating in Southeast Serbia which was prepared using traditional production techniques. Strains of L. curvatus were isolated and identified at the level of species using API 50CHL sets and 16s rDNA sequencing, after which their probiotic potential was measured. The research consisted of the examination of isolate survival rates in the gastrointestinal tract, synthesis of biogenic amines, the growth on the media with different quantities of phenol, antibiotic resistance test, and antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The examined isolates have shown a good survival rate at low pH in the simulated stomach and small intestine conditions. Synthesis of biogenic amines was exhibited by the isolate sk1-10, which had a positive reaction to histidine. Analyzed isolates grew well on media with 0.1% and 0.2% of phenol, L.curvatus sk1-8 and sk5-2 have grown in media with 0.3% phenol. All tested isolates have exhibited high sensitivity to most analyzed antibiotics (tetracycline, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, penicillin), resistance to ofloxacin, and cephalexin isolates sk4-3a and sk4-15. The examined isolates have shown a broad inhibitory spectrum against pathogens.

Development and evaluation of probiotic delivery systems using the rennet-induced gelation of milk proteins.

The aims of this study were to develop a milk protein-based probiotic delivery system using a modified rennet-induced gelation method and to determine how the skim milk powder concentration level and pH, which can affect the rennet-induced intra- and inter-molecular association of milk proteins, affect the physicochemical properties of the probiotic delivery systems, such as the particle size, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, and viability of probiotics in simulated gastrointestinal tract. To prepare a milk protein-based delivery system, skim milk powder was used as a source of milk proteins with various concentration levels from 3 to 10% (w/w) and rennet was added to skim milk solutions followed by adjustment of pH from 5.4 or 6.2. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was used as a probiotic culture. In confocal laser scanning microscopic images, globular particles with a size ranging from 10 μm to 20 μm were observed, indicating that milk protein-based probiotic delivery systems were successfully created. When the skim milk powder concentration was increased from 3 to 10% (w/w), the size of the delivery system was significantly (p < 0.05) increased from 27.5 to 44.4 μm, while a significant (p < 0.05) increase in size from 26.3 to 34.5 μm was observed as the pH was increased from 5.4 to 6.4. An increase in skim milk powder concentration level and a decrease in pH led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the encapsulation efficiency of probiotics. The viability of probiotics in a simulated stomach condition was increased when probiotics were encapsulated in milk protein-based delivery systems. An increase in the skim milk powder concentration and a decrease in pH resulted in an increase in the viability of probiotics in simulated stomach conditions. It was concluded that the protein content by modulating skim milk powder concentration level and pH were the key manufacturing variables affecting the physicochemical properties of milk protein-based probiotic delivery systems.

Enhancing hygroscopic stability of agave fructans capsules obtained by electrospraying.

In this work, different whey protein (WP) ratios (5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% w/w) were added as stabilizers to high degree of polymerization Agave fructans (HDPAF) capsules to decrease the hygroscopicity. Results showed that the WP and HDPAF in 1:520:80 ratio (20/80 w/w) decreased significantly the hygroscopicity of capsules from 12.19 to 8.34%. Additionally, this polymeric mixture was assessed for the encapsulation of sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera L.) leaf extract was achieved by via electrospray, using this biopolymers mixture. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images exhibited spherical particles with sizes from 655 to 7250nm. The thermal stability of encapsulated extract was demonstrated by via thermogravimetric analysis. The in vitro release study in simulated stomach (0-180min) and intestine conditions (0-300min) showed the controlled release of the controlled release of the encapsulated extract. The encapsulated extract and its bioavailability in simulating the stomach (0-180min) and small intestine (0-300min) Therefore, HDPAF-WP is a viable option as an encapsulating matrix susceptible to be used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Antioxidant Activities ofCentella asiaticaExtract-loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles in Simulated Gastrointestinal System Study

Bioavailability of active compounds extracted from herbs is generally limited to be adsorbed or expressed to target organisms due to several physical and chemical factors. Nanoparticle encapsulation techniques was developed to carry bioactive macromolecules ofCentella asiatica(Buabok) in the form ofC. asiaticaExtract-loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles (CBNPs) to improve bioavailability. In this study, the antioxidant activities of CBNPs andC. asiaticacrude extract were evaluated by using DPPH radical scavenging assay in the simulated gastrointestinal system, including mastication, stomach, duodenum, and ileum conditions to provide the environment which similar toin vivosystem in terms of chemical and physical parameters. CBNPs were prepared by mixing ofC. asiaticacrude extract and BSA at different ratio of 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. The results showed that the highest antioxidant activity of CBNP was observed when the ratio of crude extract and BSA at 1:2 was used at pH 2.0 or in the simulated stomach condition. The denaturation or unfolding of BSA in the simulated stomach occurred when pH was low could lead to the release of active compounds at certain area in gastrointestinal system.

Anthocyanin-loaded double Pickering emulsion stabilized by octenylsuccinate quinoa starch: Preparation, stability and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

In this study, anthocyanin-loaded water1-in-oil-in-water2 (W1/O/W2) double Pickering emulsions stabilized by octenylsuccinate quinoa starch (OSQS) were optimized, and their storage stability and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were evaluated. Novel starch-based double emulsions as anthocyanin cargos were achieved at 2% (w/v of oil) of polyglycerol polyricinoleate concentration, the W1/O volume proportion of 3:7, 6% (w/v of total volume) of OSQS concentration, and the volume proportion of (W1/O): W2 = 6:4 and 5:5. CLSM results evidenced the formation of double Pickering emulsions, and the significant decreases in the encapsulation stability of anthocyanins were closely related to the increases in the droplet size induced by osmotic pressure. Less than 15% of anthocyanins in the double Pickering emulsions was released after incubated for 60 min under simulated stomach conditions; controlled-release of anthocyanins was observed during the 120 min of simulated intestinal digestion, consistent with starch hydrolysis data. These findings will be useful for designing starch-based double Pickering emulsion with intestinal-targeted delivery as a novel carrier of sensitive hydrophilic bioactive compounds.

Enumeration of Escherichia coli in Probiotic Products.

Probiotic products typically take the form of oral supplements or food-based products containing microorganisms, typically bacteria. The number of bacteria present in a dose of probiotic can be several orders of magnitude lower than the label claims, and in some cases, undetectable. The objective of this study was to assess probiotic products containing Escherichia coli to verify manufacturer claims, which have not yet been independently assessed, regarding the number of viable E. coli per suggested dose. It was found that the products tested contained E. coli in numbers several orders of magnitude less than claimed, and when subjected to simulated stomach conditions, the number of viable E. coli was significantly reduced.

Reactions of polyphenols in pomegranate peel with nitrite under simulated stomach conditions.

Punicalagin and ellagic acid are the major polyphenols present in pomegranate peels. The contents of α‐punicalagin, β‐punicalagin, and ellagic acid in the pomegranate peels were approximately 75, 72, and 20 µM, respectively. The reactions of polyphenols in pomegranate peels with sodium nitrite under simulated stomach conditions were studied. The reactions decreased the polyphenolic contents of the pomegranate peels and accompanied the formation of nitroso compounds. The oxidation rates followed the order ellagic acid ＜α‐punicalagin ≈ β‐punicalagin. The results suggested that the reactions can occur in the stomach after a meal, while the pH changes from 2 to 4.5.

In situ monitoring of lipid droplet release from biopolymer microgels under simulated gastric conditions using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy.

Functional foods are being designed to breakdown in the human gut in a controlled fashion so as to regulate blood nutrient profiles, hormone release, energy intake, and bioavailability. Biopolymer microgels, small spherical beads made from proteins and/or polysaccharides, are a promising tool that can be used to modulate the gastrointestinal behavior of food components. In this study, lipid droplets were loaded into microgels fabricated from either alginate or carrageenan using an injection-gelation method. The lipid-loaded microgels were then incubated in simulated gastric juices and the impact of biopolymer type on the release of the lipid droplets was observed. Optical microscopy and turbidity measurements showed that lipid droplet release occurred more rapidly for the carrageenan microgels, which was attributed to their partial disruption in the gastric fluids. In contrast, lipid droplet release was relatively slow from the alginate microgels because they remained intact. We also showed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used for in situ monitoring of carrageenan microgel disruption and lipid droplet release under simulated stomach conditions. This method was based on quantifying the local lipid levels using T1 images and the magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A water-selected VIBE sequence was optimized for obtaining the T1 images and a stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) sequence was selected for obtaining the MR spectra. The MRI method may be particularly useful for in vivo studies of the behavior of filled microgels.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF BUOYANT TABLETS OF KETOCONAZOLE

Objective: The primary objective of the present work was to formulate the gastro-retentive delivery system of ketoconazole (ktz) for its extensive absorption in the stomach.&#x0D; Methods: The solubility and dissolution of antifungal ktz were reported to be higher in the stomach than in the intestinal pH conditions because of its dibasic pKa values 6.51 and 2.94. Thus the development of target buoyant tablets using Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose (HPC) and Xanthan gum (Xg) as polymers along with the effect of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate as an effervescent causing agent of floatation properties and drug release profile was investigated. The formulation optimization was carried out by using a central composite design using Design Expert software by taking HPC, Xanthan gum and sodium bicarbonate as independent variables and floating lag time, in vitro drug release profile as dependent variables respectively.&#x0D; Results: The optimized formulation of ktz buoyant tablets could be developed. The amount of HPC and Xg was found to significantly influence all in vitro response parameters. The results of pre-compression and post-compression parameters of all the formulations were found to be within the standard limits. The optimized formulation exhibited floating lag time of 160 secs with sustained drug release over a period of 12 h in simulated stomach pH condition.&#x0D; Conclusion: Buoyant tablets of ktz with sustained drug release over a period of 12 h in simulated stomach conditions for enhanced drug absorption could be successfully developed.

Improvement of bioavailability for resveratrol through encapsulation in zein using electrospraying technique

Abstract Resveratrol has proven antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. However, poor water solubility, low bioavailability and UV light sensitivity hinder its usage in food applications. Encapsulation of resveratrol can help to overcome these problems. In this work, encapsulation by electrospraying was adopted, owing to the possibility of obtaining spherical and nano-sized particles at room temperature. This study proved that resveratrol can be efficiently encapsulated with zein without modifying its native form. Size of nanoencapsulated particles obtained ranged from 230 to 330 nm. Nanoencapsulation through electrospraying process yielded 68.49% encapsulation efficiency at 1:50 resveratrol to zein w/w%. Further, nanoencapsulated resveratrol showed better stability and sustained release profiles as compared to the unencapsulated form. Nanoencapsulation with zein protected resveratrol in simulated stomach conditions and released resveratrol in the intestinal condition. Additionally, nanoencapsulated resveratrol showed increased permeability of 1.15 fold in ex-vivo dynamic engineered small intestinal system which in turn relates to improved bioavailability. Prepared nanoparticles can be used for oral administration by incorporation into food products or in tablet form.

Preparation and structural properties of amylose complexes with quercetin and their preliminary evaluation in delivery application

ABSTRACT In this study, amylose, known as the food-grade biopolymers has been proved as a feasible solution for the controlled delivery of quercetin. The effect of reaction variables including reaction temperature, time, pH and quercetin addition amount on the content and conversion rate of quercetin was analyzed. Meanwhile, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) provided evidence of quercetin complexation with amylose. Then, the molecular, cluster, and fractal structures of the complexes were investigated using 13C cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Furthermore, laser scanning confocal microscopy (CLSM) identified the precise encapsulation structure from direct observation and scanning electron microscope (SEM) was conducted to show that complexes displayed a larger size granule with smooth and angular appearance. From the antioxidant study, amylose/quercetin complexes presented effective scavenging capacity toward DPPH•. Besides, complexes showed high retention of quercetin in simulated stomach conditions but gradual release in simulated small intestine conditions. It was therefore confirmed that the amylose/quercetin complexes could be served as suitable carriers for the controlled release of quercetin in the digestive tract. The present research expanded the application range of starch, meanwhile proved an alternative application prospect for the ameliorative bioactive quercetin products.

Linear and Hyperbranched Copolymers of PEG-Based Acrylates and Methacrylic Acid as pH-Responsive Hydrophobic Drug Carriers

The oral administration of pharmaceuticals is typically preferred over other methods due to its non-intrusiveness and convenience of administration. However, the varying chemical environments of the gastro-intestinal tract pose a challenge in ensuring the stability and inertness of a drug compound until it reaches its target. Polymers that are responsive to pH changes have potential as smart materials for the controlled oral administration of pharmaceuticals. In this study, linear and hyperbranched copolymers of methacrylic acid (MAA) and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA) were synthesized by RAFT polymerization. High molecular weight polymers were produced with PDI values close to 1.0. These smart materials underwent phase changes at pH 5.15-5.6. This property enabled the amphiphilicity of the copolymers to be switched on or off. By doing so inin vitrodrug release studies with ibuprofen as the model hydrophobic drug, the copolymers were able to inhibit drug release in simulated stomach conditions to up to 13% while enhancing drug release in simulated intestinal conditions to up to 75% within 6 hours. These indicate that copolymers based on MAA and PEGMEMA have potential as smart materials for drug delivery applications.

Biological control of foodborne pathogens and aflatoxins by selected probiotic LAB isolated from rice bran sourdough

The aim of the present research was to evaluate the antimicrobial and bio-preservative capabilities of the selected probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from rice bran sourdough. The survival in the simulated stomach and intestine conditions was used to screen the LAB isolates. Subsequently, the selected LAB isolate was identified by a PCR-based assay, and then the probiotic characteristics of the isolate including auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities, haemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility profile were determined. After that, the antagonistic effects of the LAB isolate on some foodborne indicator bacteria and fungi and its anti-aflatoxigenic capability were studied. In vivo safety and in vivo anti-Listeria activity of the isolate were also investigated. Due to the results of the sequencing and phylogenetic evolutionary tree, the LAB isolate was identified as Lactobacillus brevis. The isolate had no haemolytic activity, and it showed proper antifungal effects on the tested fungi. Furthermore, the L. brevis isolate had higher (P < 0.05) co-aggregation and antibacterial activities toward L. monocytogenes rather than the other indicator bacteria. Based on the results of the HPLC analysis, anti-aflatoxigenic effect of the isolate on aflatoxin B1 was higher than the other toxins. No noticeable abnormal behaviors or changes in general health status, growth, blood biochemistry and examined liver enzymes were observed in the mice during a four-week feeding with the L. brevis in comparison with the control. The L. brevis-fed mice significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the numbers of L. monocytogenes in the gastrointestinal tract, visceral organs and faeces as well.

New Glycosides of Eriodictyol from Dracocephalum palmatum

Two new glycosides of eriodictyol were isolated from the aerial part of Dracocephalum palmatum and identified using UV, NMR, and CD spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as (S)-eriodictyol-7-O-(6′′-O-malonyl)-β-Dglucopyranoside (pyracanthoside-6′′ -O-malonate, 1) and (S)-eryodictyol-7-O-(4′′-O-malonyl)-β-Dglucopyranoside (pyracanthoside-4′′-O-malonate, 2). The stabilities of 1 and 2 were studied under simulated stomach and intestinal conditions.