Star Fruit Extract Research Articles

Star fruit extract and C-glycosylated flavonoid components have potential to prevent air pollutant-induced skin inflammation and premature aging

Air pollution adversely affects skin, leading to skin inflammation and premature skin aging. Plant derived antioxidant compounds have been considered to be promising in discovery of effective agents for the protection of skin from the damage by air pollutants. Our previous studies demonstrated that Averrhoa carambola fruit (known as star fruit) is rich in flavonoid C-glycosides with unique structures and potent antioxidant activity. Thus, the star fruit extract (SFE) and main flavonoid C-glycoside components, carambolasides I, J, and P (1–3), carambolaflavone B (4), and isovitexin 2″-O-α-l-rhamnoside (5), were investigated for the activity against air pollutant stress in human epidermis. As a result, SFE and compounds 1–5 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against protein carbonylation in oxidative-stressed stratum corneum with the best activity being shown by compound 3. SFE and compounds 2–5 were also active against engine exhaust-induced protein carbonylation in stratum corneum. When further evaluated, SFE and compound 3 significantly inhibited gene expression of the key inflammation mediators IL-1α and COX-2 in PM-stressed keratinocytes. The results indicated that SFE and the flavonoid C-glycosides are potentially effective against air pollutant-induced skin inflammation and premature aging.Graphical

The Potential of Bilimbi Leaves (Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.) Extract as Irrigation Solution to Remove Smear Layer in Dental Root Canal: An Invitro Study

Background: Root canal treatment is performed to eliminate the infection in the pulp tissue. One of the critical steps in root canal treatment is irrigation, which aims to clean debris and smear layer. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of star fruit extract (Averrhoa bilimbi Linn) at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% with EDTA 17% in cleaning the smear layer on the one-third of apical root canals.
 Methods: This type of research is an experimental in vitro laboratory with a post-test only control group design. The sample of this study consisted of 25 premolars which were randomly divided into five groups. The teeth were instrumented with a K-file and irrigated with the following materials: groups I, II, III, and IV using bilimbi leaves extract, each with concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% and group V (positive control). ) using 17% EDTA. SEM (scanning electron microscope) was used to measure the cleanliness score of the smear layer on the apical third of the root canal. This study showed that bilimbi leaves extract was able to clean the smear layer on the one-third of the apical root canal.
 Results: The results of the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between all treatment groups. The highest average smear layer cleanliness score in the apical third of the root canals was EDTA 17%, while the lowest average smear layer cleanliness score was 5% bilimbi leaves extract.
 Conclusion: Bilimbi leaves extract with a concentration of 20% was considered more effective among the extract groups, and 17% EDTA was the most effective in cleaning the smear layer on one-third of the root canals.

AKTIVITAS ANTIDIABETES EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN BELIMBING BESI (Averhhoa carrambola) PADA MENCIT (Mus musculus)

Many antioxidant compounds, flavonoids, and saponins are contained in starfruit leaves (Averrhoa carambola). The purpose of this study was to determine the antidiabetic activity of star fruit extract in mice. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 treatments, namely P1 (aquadest without alloxan) as a negative control, P2 (aquadest with alloxan) as a positive control, P3 (metformin 500 mg / kgBB), P4 (alloxan + ethanol extract of star fruit leaves. 100 mg / kgBB), P5 (alloxan + ethanol extract of star fruit leaves 150 mg / kgBB), P6 (alloxan + ethanol extract of star fruit leaves 200 mg / kgBB). The starfruit leaf extract was made using the maceration method. In order for experimental animals to become diabetic, alloxan is used at a dose of 120 mg / kgBW which is injected intramuscularly into the thigh muscles. After the experimental animals were diabetic, We were given ethanol extract of starfruit leaves according to the experimental design, starting from day 7th to day 21st. Blood glucose levels are measured with a glucometer every week. The results showed that the best decrease in blood glucose levels occurred in the first week and the second week. In the first week, the metformin treatment was able to reduce blood glucose by 88.4%, while the ethanol extract treatment of star fruit leaves at a dose of 200 mg / kg BW was able to reduce blood glucose levels by 60%. The ethanol extract of star fruit leaves has antidiabetic activity. 
 Keywords: mice, diabetes mellitus, blood glucose, starfruit leaves.

Kamias (Averrhoa Bilimbi), Starfruit (Averrhoa Carambola), and Karamay (Phyllanthus Acidus) Fruit Extract as Alternative Stain Remover

This study generally aimed to determine the effectiveness of kamias, star fruit, and karamay fruit extracts in removing stains. Previous studies revealed the effectiveness of Kamias as a stain remover, while, this study compared the effectiveness of different fruit extracts as a stain remover and the potential utilization of other fruit extracts from trees that are locally available. We determined the cost of making stain remover using kamias, karamay, and star fruit extracts, the ability of these fruit extracts as a stain remover in terms of the degree of strain reduction and whitening of the cloth, and ultimately, the significant difference between the various treatments. Results revealed that the use of star fruit extract was the cheapest among the four treatments while the highest cost was incurred using Karamay extract. There was a significant difference observed between treatments. Bleach was the most effective in removing the stains and whitening the fabric, followed by the kamias extract. In terms of removing stains, whitening the cloth, and availability in the neighborhood, the extract was found to have the best results. We, therefore, recommended the use of kamias extract as an alternative organic stain remover for fabrics and be used by the households. Being derived from natural fruit extract and contain no dangerous chemicals, the product is safe for human use and environment-friendly.

Star fruit extract-mediated green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles

The present study deals with the green synthesis, physical characterization, and antibacterial activity testing of various metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) formed by making use of the star fruit extract. Followed by the synthesis of metal oxide NPs such as ZnO, MgO, and CuO, these have been characterized thoroughly for the optical properties, surface functionality, crystallinity, morphology, and elemental composition. From the UV–vis studies, the observation of absorption bands at 336, 292, and 421 nm confirms the presence of ZnO, MgO, and CuO NPs, respectively. Also, the powder XRD pattern confirm that the prepared NPs are crystalline in nature and fall in the nanoscale size range of 11–22 nm. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) provided surface morphological studies of ZnO, MgO, and CuO NPs suggested that the particles are formed in many different shapes of spherical, rod, and hexagonal shape, respectively. The X-ray spectroscopy studies performed in parallel to the FESEM analysis provided a proof for the persistence of Zn, Mg, Cu, and O elements in the respective samples, and thereby confirming for the successful formation of ZnO, MgO, and CuO. Further testing of the antibacterial activity against the clinically important pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, the as-synthesized ZnO, CuO, and MgO NPs are proved to be highly effective. From the overall analysis, this green synthesis route is facile and can be beneficial for the large-scale production of metal oxide NPs that have potential biotechnological significance.

PEMANFAATAN AMPAS TEBU SEBAGAI ARANG AKTIF DENGAN AKTIVATOR LARUTAN BELIMBING WULUH (Averrhoa bilimbi L.)

One of the efforts to utilize bagasse is activated carbon which can be used as an adsorbent for the pharmaceutical industry, foodstuffs, and water purification to remove odors, tastes and colors. So far, the raw materials for making activated carbon use coal and coconut shells, while the activator uses chemicals such as KOH, NaOH, H2SO4, HCl, and others. The manufacture of activated carbon is carried out in three stages, namely the process of dehydration, carbonization, and activation. Bagasse that has been dehydrated for 2 days using sunlight, is carbonized for 1 hour at a temperature of 4500C. Carbon is activated using starfruit extract with a ratio of extract: distilled water, 100%: 0%, 75%: 0%, 50%: 505, 25%: 75%, and the time is varied, namely for 4 hours, 8 hours, 16 hours, and 24 hours. From the research results as much as 4.000 grams of bagasse carbonized to produce 170 grams of carbon. The results of the analysis of the proximate content in bagasse activated carbon have met the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 06–3730–1995), namely the best Total Moisture Content of 2.88%, the best Volatile Matter of 6.88%. The best ash was 3.11%. The best-fixed carbon was 86.30%. The iodine number produced from the bagasse activated carbon is 937.9686 mg / g. The Iodine number has met the requirements of the Indonesian Industry Standard (SII 0258-88), which is more than 750 mg / g, indicating that the activation of activated carbon using starfruit is very reactive. Starfruit can be used as an environmentally friendly activator in making activated carbon.

Ekstraksi Gelatin Tulang Ikan Gabus (Channa striata) Dengan Variasi Asam Yang Berbeda Pada Proses Demineralisasi

Palembang is the capital city of South Sumatra Province which has special foods which main raw material is fish. Many pempek entrepreneurs use cork fish meat for pempek raw material resulting in abundance of cork fish bone waste, therefore researchers utilize cork fish bone waste as an alternative into raw material in making gelatin. In this study, researchers used several weak acids derived from natural ingredients such as lime extract and starfruit extract and as a comparison researchers used synthetic weak acids namely citric acid in the market. The purpose of this research used several types of acids in the demineralization process to produce better gelatin production. This study used a Completely Randomized Design, with several acid treatments with and consisting of 3 (three) treatment levels, each treatment was repeated 3 times. The treatment in this study was a demineralization process with the addition of citric acid was (A1), lime extract was (A2), and starfruit extract was (A3). The parameters examined in this study include: Gelatin yield, Gelatin acidity (pH), Moisture and Sensory content (color and aroma). Data from proximate observations were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and further tested based on the coefficient of diversity. From the results of this study, it was found that the best treatment of using variations in acid was gelatin demineralized using citric acid which produced a yield was 6%, a moisture content was 9.21%, pH 6, the panelist's favorite value of color was 4.3 and aroma 3, 8.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN EKSTRAK BELIMBING WULUH (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK FISIK, MASA SIMPAN, DAN ORGANOLEPTIK PERMEN JELLY DAUN KERSEN

Jelly is a candy made from components of water or fruit juice, flavor, sugar, and gelling ingredients. Apart from fruit juice, jelly candy can be made from the basic ingredients of leaf extracts. One of the leaves that can be used is Muntingia calabura L. leaves. The existing jelly candies generally do not use natural ingredients as colorings and flavors. Fruits that can be used as natural ingredients in making jelly candy are Averrhoa bilimbi L. This study aims to determine the effect of adding starfruit extract to the physical quality, shelf life, and organoleptic of Muntingia calabura L. leaves jelly candy. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 1 factor, namely the concentration of Averrhoa bilimbi L extract (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). The results of this study indicate that the addition of Averrhoa bilimbi L extract does not significantly affect the physical quality (color) of Muntingia calabura L. leaves jelly candy. In the shelf life test, the addition of Averrhoa bilimbi L extract gave a real effect, where the best treatment was the concentration of Averrhoa bilimbi L. extract 15% and 20%. In the organoleptic test, the addition of Averrhoa bilimbi L extract did not significantly affect the level of preference (hedonic) and the level of acceptance (scoring) of the texture, but it did affect the level of panelist acceptance of the color, aroma, and taste of Muntingia calabura L. leaves jelly candy. The best treatment of panelist acceptance level for color is at a concentration of 0% producing jelly candy with a yellowish-brown color and the best aroma and taste of jelly candy at a concentration of 20% producing jelly Averrhoa bilimbi L -flavored jelly candy with a slightly bitter sweet taste with a slightly bitter sweetness.

PENGARUH LARUTAN PERENDAM SARI BELIMBING WULUH DAN GULA TERHADAP VASE LIFE BUNGA POTONG KRISAN STANDAR PUTIH (Dendranthema grandiflora L.) ‘WHITE FIJI’

ABSTRACT Chrysanthemum cut flowers (Dendranthema grandiflora L.) after harvest have a short vase life, so that efforts are needed to extend the freshness period. The basic principle of extending the freshness of cut flowers is through soaking in water containing sugar, controlling acidity, and microbes in the soaking solution. This research aims to determine the effect of wuluh starfruit extract and sugar concentrations in the soaking solution on the vase life of chrysanthemums. The research was conducted using Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting two factors, that is concentration of wuluh starfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.) with variations concentration 0% (B0), 1% (B1), 2% (B2), 3% (B3) and white crystalline sugar with variations concentration 0% (S0), 1% (S1), 2% (S2), 4% (S3), so there are 16 treatment combinations. Each treatment was three repetitions. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variants (ANOVA) followed by an Honestly Significant Difference Test (BNJ) with a 95% confidence levels. The results showed that treatment giving of wuluh starfruit extract 2% + 1% of sugar (B2S1) was able to maintain chrysanthemum cut flowers during storage with maintaining flower vase life up to 17.80 days. Keywords: Chrysanthemum, soaking solution, vase life

Averrhoe carrambola fruit extract assisted green synthesis of zno nanoparticles for the photodegradation of congo red dye

Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared in the present work using Star fruit extract. The characteristic peak of ZnO nanoparticles has been confirmed using UV–Visible and FTIR spectroscopy. The morphology of the sample has been studied using Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. The crystal structure of the synthesized nanoparticles has been explored using X-ray diffraction studies. The photocatalytic activity on Congo red dye has been studied using these green synthesised ZnO nanoparticles.

Desulfurisasi Batubara Menggunakan Larutan Ekstrak Belimbing Wuluh (Everrhoa Bilimbi L)

Desulphurization process can improve the quality of coal and reduce the environmental pollution. In this study, the method used for desulphurization process was a leaching method using wuluh starfruit extract as a leaching agent. Starfruit extract obtained by grinded, filtered and extracted the starfruit solution. Coal was crushed by using a grinding ball mill, sifted to obtain samples of 80 mesh, 120 mesh, and 150 mesh. Coal was added with starfruit extract, heated on a hotplate stirrer at a temperature of 110oC, 300 rpm of stirring speed and 3, 4 , 5 hours of leaching time. Leachate solution were analyzed using XRF test. The results of the study showed that 80, 120 and 150 mesh could produce 1.777%, 1.556% and 1.053% of sulfur, respectively. Maximum decrease of sulfur occurred in 150 mesh with 5 hours of leaching time which could reach 0.261% of concentration. Ash content also could decreased from 11.43% to 6.18% and fixed carbon content from 42.15% rose to 51.33%. The desulphurization process using starfruit extract was influenced by the grain size of the coal and the contact time of leaching. The finer the grain size of the coal and the longer the leach contact time, the smaller the sulfur content obtained in the coal after the desulfurization process was carried out

Effect of Small Starfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) Extract Gel On Tooth Enamel Color Changes

This study aimed to analyze the color change effect of the application of small starfruit extract gel on tooth enamel. Thirty specimens of bovine teeth were divided into 6 groups that would receive applications of gels with different concentrations of Aceh’s small starfruit extracts (70%, 80%, 90%) and of Bogor’s small starfruit extracts (70%, 80%, 90%). The application of the gel was performed 4 hours per day for 14 days. The measurement of the color changes was performed before application and after 7 and 14 days of application by using a VITA Easyshade®. The changes were calculated according to the CIEL*a*b* formula. Dependent t-tests showed that there were significant color changes after application of the gels containing 70% and 80% of small starfruit extracts for 7 and 14 days, but the gels caused discoloration instead of whitening of the enamel surface of bovine teeth.

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN USAHA SARI BUAH BELIMBING DI KOTA BLITAR

Star fruit cultivation business has become one of the economic supports for people from Karangsari, Blitar. Number of star fruit production continuing to increase by years in which it becomes the background of people from Karangsari in making innovative products from star fruit star fruit. This study aims to determine the feasibility of star fruit juice business. The research was conducted at “Cemara Sari”, Self-Finance Agricultural Training Center and Rural (P4S), in Karangsari, Blitar. The location selection used purposive sampling technique by considering that Blitar is the center of fruit star fruit development in East Java. The allocation time for the study start from August to September, 2014. Star fruit extract business is considered financially feasible. It can be seen from the value of NPV by Rp 45.728.311, -; Net B / C = 4.09; gross B / C = 1.3; profitability = 7.3; and IRR by 89.13%
 Keywords: star fruit, star fruit extract, business feasibility.

THE EFFECT OF BILIMBI (BELIMBING WULUH) EXTRACT (Averrhoa bilimbi L) AGAINST DENTAL REMINERALIZATION AND ENAMEL MICROSTRUCTURE (IN VITRO RESEARCH)

Teeth physiologically undergo demineralization and remineralisation processes. One way to reduce demineralization can be done with the use of CPP-ACP (Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate), which has high calcium bioavailability. The use of natural materials products in the field of dentistry is currently growing, one of which is bilimbi/ starfruit (belimbingwuluh) that is rich in minerals and has many benefits. This study aims to analyze the effect of extract of bilimbi in tooth enamel remineralisation which is tested by using SEM and EDX equipments so that the difference of enamel surface microstructure and the amount of calcium and phosphorus content of tooth enamel surface can be identified. A total of eight hidden molar teeth were extracted, cut into four parts and divided into four groups, namely group I: the teeth applied with the wuluh bilimbi gel, group II: the teeth applied with CPP-ACP gel, group III: the teeth applied with the combination gel of starfruit extract and CPP-ACP gel, group IV: without any application. The result of this study was assessed qualitatively and it was noticeable that the treatment group combination of CPP-ACP gel and starfruit gel had the smoothest enamel surface microstructure. Quantitatively, there were significant difference is the three treatment groups (p≤ 0.05). The conclusion of this research is the effect of the application of wuluh bilimbi extract gel, CPP-ACP gel and gel combination of starfruit with CPP-ACP gel towards the remineralisation and microstructure of tooth enamel surface.

A preliminary study on the effects of star fruit consumption on antioxidant and lipid status in elderly Thai individuals.

ObjectiveThe aims of this preliminary study were to evaluate the antioxidant and lipid status before and after star fruit juice consumption in healthy elderly subjects, and the vitamins in star fruit extracts.MethodsA preliminary designated protocol was performed in 27 elderly individuals with a mean (±SD) age of 69.5±5.3 years, by planning a 2-week control period before 4 weeks of consumption of star fruit twice daily. Oxidative stress parameters such as total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde, protein hydroperoxide, multivitamins such as l-ascorbic acid (Vit C), retinoic acid (Vit A), and tocopherol (Vit E), and the lipid profile parameters such as cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were analyzed. Moreover, Vit C, Vit A, and Vit E levels were evaluated in the star fruit extracts during the 4-week period.ResultsIn the 2-week control period, all parameters showed no statistically significant difference; after 4 weeks of consumption, significant improvement in the antioxidant status was observed with increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde and protein hydroperoxide levels, as well as significantly increased levels of Vit C and Vit A, when compared to the two-time evaluation during the baseline periods. However, glutathione and Vit E showed no statistical difference. In addition, the HDL-C level was higher and the LDL-C level was significantly lower when compared to both baseline periods. But the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol showed no difference. Vit C and Vit A were identified in small quantities in the star fruit extract.ConclusionThis preliminary study suggested that consumption of star fruit juice twice daily for 1 month improved the elderly people’s antioxidant status and vitamins, as well as improved the lipoproteins related to Vit C and Vit A in the star fruit extract.

Shelf-Life and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) Fruits Coated with Safe Phytochemicals

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of phytochemical extracts on extending the shelf-life of harvested tomato fruits, and to determine which phytochemical extracts can best enhance its shelf-life. The free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of tomato fruits coated with phytochemical extracts stored under ambient condition and the toxicity of the phytochemical coatings was also evaluated. Mature green, breaker, and mature red tomato (Diamante max hybrid) fruits were used. The fruits were coated with phytochemical extracts derived from starfruit, cat’s whisker, citronella, cocohusk, ginger, and hagimit. The extraction was accomplished using distilled water, ethyl alcohol, and acetic acid. The shelf-life evaluation of the harvested tomato fruits was conducted in a completely randomized design at ambient condition. The results showed that the phytochemical extracts can potentially enhance the shelf-life of harvested tomatoes. The aqueous hagimit extract (AQHE) was able to extend the shelf-life of mature green tomatoes from 44 days to 97 days which is equivalent to 120 % shelf-life enhancement. The ethanolic hagimit extract (ETHE) extended the shelf-life of breaker tomatoes from 27 days to 83 days which is about 207 % shelf-life enhancement. The acetic acid starfruit extract (AASE) extended the shelf-life of mature red tomatoes from 17 days to 31 days which is tantamount to 82 % enhancement of its shelf-life. These findings suggested the potential application of phytochemical extracts to solve the problem of high perishability of vegetables, particularly on tomatoes. The mature red tomatoes gave the highest FRSA among the three maturity stages of tomato tested. However, the FRSA of mature green and breaker tomatoes increased with shelf-life extension. The sustenance of FRSA on coated mature red tomato with extended shelf-life is noteworthy to consider. Furthermore, the acute toxicity tests revealed that these phytochemical coatings are non-toxic and are safe to use as coatings on agricultural products for human consumption.

Chemopreventive and Antioxidative Effects of Averrhoa carambola (Star fruit) Extract against Diethylnitrosamine Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis

Recent investigations have shown that the antioxidant properties of medicinal plants could be correlated to ameliorate the oxidative stress induced during different human diseases including cancer. In the present study, the ability of Averrhoa carambola fruit extract to reduce Diethylnitrosamine/Carbon tetrachloride (DENA/CCl4) induced oxidative stress and hepato-carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice was investigated. Single intraperitoneal injection of DENA (15 mg/kg b.wt.) and oral administration of CCl4 (1.6g/kg b.wt. in corn oil thrice a week for 24 weeks) produced a marked increase in the lipid peroxidation and decrease in the antioxidant status of glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. However, administration of fruit extract of Averrhoa carambola along with DENA/CCl4 treatment significantly reduced the Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) and increased the activities of Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in mice. Therefore, the results from the present study demonstrate that the fruit extract of Averrhoa carambola has the potential to reduce the liver cancer by alleviating the oxidative stress during chemical induced carcinogenesis in mammals.

Green synthesis of water-dispersible silver nanoparticles at room temperature using green carambola (star fruit) extract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) dispersible in water were synthesized at room temperature in the presence of carambola fruit extract at different pH. The UV–Vis absorption revealed that with increase in pH of the solution, the intensity of the peaks became higher and narrower along with blue shift signifying decrease in particle size. Crystallinity of Ag in the synthesized product was determined by X-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of polyols, aldehydes, amines and organic acids in the fruit extract which became useful as capping and reducing agent for the synthesis of AgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy showed the average particle size of Ag as 16, 13 and 12 nm for pH 4, pH 7 and pH 10, respectively, while the corresponding sizes determined by DLS method were found to be 169, 134 and 80 nm. The high negative zeta potential values indicated dispersion stability of AgNPs. The present method is important in terms of green, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly process.

Prophylactic Role of Averrhoa carambola (Star Fruit) Extract against Chemically Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice.

Liver cancer remains one of the severe lethal malignancies worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form. The current study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic role of the fruit of Averrhoa carambola (star fruit or Kamrak) on diethylnitrosamine- (DENA-) induced (15 mg/kg b.wt.; single i.p. injection) and CCl4-promoted (1.6 g/kg b.wt. in corn oil thrice a week for 24 weeks) liver cancer in Swiss albino mice. Administration of ACE was made orally at a dose of 25 mg/kg b.wt/day for 5 consecutive days and it was withdrawn 48 hrs before the first administration of DENA (preinitiational stage). CCl4 was given after 2 weeks of DENA administration. A cent percent tumor incidence was noted in carcinogen treated animals while ACE administration resulted in a considerable reduction in tumor incidence, tumor yield, and tumor burden. Further, ACE treatment brings out a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001) along with an elevation in the activities of enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, P < 0.001, and catalase, P < 0.001), nonenzymatic antioxidant (reduced glutathione, P < 0.001), and total proteins (P < 0.001) when compared to the carcinogen treated control. These results demonstrate that ACE prevents the DENA/CCl4 induced adverse physical and biochemical alterations during hepatic carcinogenesis in mice. This study suggests the prophylactic role of Averrhoa carambola against hepatocellular carcinoma in mice; therefore, it could be employed for the further screening as a good chemopreventive natural supplement against cancer.

Correlation between shaking behaviors and seizure severity in five animal models of convulsive seizures

Wet dog shakes (WDS) and head shakes (HS) are associated with experimentally induced convulsive seizures. We sought to determine whether these behaviors are correlated or not with major (status epilepticus (SE) or fully kindled animals) or minor (non-SE or partially kindled animals) seizure severity. WDS are directly correlated with SE induced by intracerebral star fruit extract ( Averrhoa carambola) injection and with kindled animals in the amygdala fast kindling model. On the other hand, WDS are inversely correlated with SE induced by intracerebral bicuculline and pilocarpine injections. Systemic pilocarpine in animals pretreated with methyl-scopolamine barely induced WDS or HS. The role of shaking behaviors may vary from ictal to anticonvulsant depending on the experimental seizure model, circuitries involved, and stimulus intensity. The physical presence of acrylic helmets may per se inhibit the HS response. Also, methyl-scopolamine, a drug incapable of crossing the blood–brain barrier, can induce HS in animals without acrylic helmets.