Carambola Research Articles

Burmese grape, common lime, pomelo, salak, Southern langsat, star fruit, and orange modulate the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes in mouse livers

Burmese grape, common lime, pomelo, salak, Southern langsat, star fruit, and orange modulate the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes in mouse livers

Vitamin C, total phenolics, and antioxidant capacity of fruits cultivated in Brazil

This study aimed to determined vitamin C content by capillary electrophoresis, total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging capacity in fruits of blackberry ( Rubus ulmifolius ), plum ( Prunus domestica ), carambola ( Averrhoa carambola ), cape gooseberry ( Physalis peruviana ), red and yellow guava ( Psidium cattleianum ), acerola ( Malpighia emarginata ), and jabuticaba ( Myrciaria cauliflora ). Among the studied fruits, acerola showed the highest vitamin C concentration (1266.5 ± 13.1 mg 100 g -1 fresh weight (FW)), TPC (666.4 ± 52.6 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 g -1 FW), and antioxidant capacity (1279.0 ± 25.9 mg ascorbic acid equivalent 100 g -1 FW), reinforcing that this fruit is an important natural source of bioactive compounds. The fruits jabuticaba, followed by red and yellow guava, showed intermediated values of TPC (285.4 ± 15.2 to 199.5 ± 10.6 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 g -1 FW) and antioxidant capacity (734.5 ± 5.8 to 362.0 ± 0.3 mg ascorbic acid equivalent 100 g -1 FW), while the fruits carambola and cape gooseberry showed the lowest values of both. Therefore, specially acerola, jabuticaba, red guava, and yellow guava can be considered a supply of bioactive compounds to the diet.

Flavan-3-ols and 2-diglycosyloxybenzoates from the leaves of Averrhoa carambola

Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) was widely cultivated for fruits (star fruit), whereas the value of leaves remains to be discovered. Our study on the leaves yielded five flavan-3-ols (1–5) and two 2-diglycosyloxybenzoates. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Epicatechin-(5,6-bc)-4β-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-dihydro-2(3H)-pyranone (1) and benzyl 2-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyloxybenzoate (6) were new structures. 6-(S−2-Pyrrolidinone-5-yl)epicatechin (4) and 6-(R-2-pyrrolidinone-5-yl)epicatechin (5) were obtained as monomeric diastereomer for the first time and their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) computation. Epicatechin-(7,8-bc)-4α-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-dihydro-2(3H)-pyranone (2), epicatechin-(7,8-bc)-4β-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-dihydro-2(3H)-pyranone (3), and methyl 2-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyloxybenzoate (7) were not previously reported from the genus Averrhoa. Compounds 1–5 showed more potent 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) than l-ascorbic acid. Meanwhile 1 and 3 exhibited lipase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, respectively. The results clarified the structures of flavan-3-ols and 2-diglycosyloxybenzoates in the leaves and their antioxidant, lipase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

Marketing Strategy of Star Fruit (Averhoa bilimbi L) in Tulungagung District

Star fruit (Averhoa bilimbi L) is widely planted in Tulungagung Regency, East Java, because according to its agro-climate, it is easy to plant and maintain, and also easy to market. The research objectives are 1. Analyzing the condition of internal and external factors in the marketing of star fruit in Tulungagung Regency, and 2. Determining the strategy that needs to be done in marketing star fruit in Tulungagung Regency. The study was conducted in Tulungagung Regency, the data obtained were analyzed by the SWOT method, then a strategy was established. Based on the results of the analysis it can be concluded that the star fruit marketing strategy in Tulungagung Regency is an SO strategy that is to use power to take advantage of opportunities, its activities are: 1. Specific guidance for star fruit farmers; 2. Increase production to meet market needs; 3. Policy for guiding and processing star fruit; 4. Coordinating distributors with transportation services; 5. Priority for exemplary farmers; 6. Utilization of the local market

Gabungan Ekstrak Rimpang Temulawak, Daun Tanjung, dan Daun Belimbing Manis Berdasarkan Electrocardiogram Berpotensi Sebagai Antiaritmia pada Kucing

Mimusops elengi L. , Averrhoa carambola L. and Curcuma xanthorrihiza Roxb singly were reported to have hypothensif effect. Mechanism underlying decrease of blood pressure was suggested through modification of cardiac activity. The Effect of Mimusops elengi L., combined with Averrhoa carambola L. and Curcuma xanthorrihiza Roxb extract on cardiac activity were studied using ECG on 12 male cats that were grouped to be a control group administered aquadestilata, and treatment group administered extract of 21 mg and 82 mg/2 kg bw orally respectively. The extracts were given 3 h prior to ECG. The results showed a decrease in P wave, QRS complex and the speed of the heart rate after administration of combination of extract . However QT and PR intervals were increased. This showed that the extract can weaken a contraction of the Atria and ventricles, prolonging the onset of the occurrence of atrial contraction towards ventricular contraction, extending the onset of contraction and relaxation of the ventricles and cause a decrease in heart rate. Based the cardiogram, It was concluded that their combination is valuable for treatment of aritmia.

Chemo-treated 4T1 breast cancer cells radiation response measured by single and multiple cell ionization using infrared laser trap

We present a study that uses a laser trapping technique for measurement of radiation sensitivity of untreated and chemo-treated cancer cells. We used a human mammary tumor cell line (4T1) treated by an antitumor compound, 2-Dodecyl-6-methoxycyclohexa-2, 5-diene-1,4-dione (DMDD), which was extracted from the root of Averrhoa carambola L. The untreated control group, and both 2-hour and 24-hour treated groups of 4T1 cells were used in this study. The absorbed threshold ionization energy (TIE) and the threshold radiation dose (TRD) were determined using a high-power infrared laser (at 1064 nm) trap by single and multiple cells trapping and ionization. The results were analyzed using descriptive and t-statistics. The relation of the TIE and TRD to the mass of the individual cells were also analyzed for different hours of treatment in comparison with the control group. Both TIE and TRD decrease with increasing treatment periods. However, the TRD decreases with mass regardless of the treatment. Analyses of the TRD for single vs multiple cells ionizations within each group have also consistently showed this same behavior regardless of the treatment. The underlying factors for these observed relations are explained in terms of radiation, hyperthermia, and chemo effects.

Do not forget Africa – revision of fungarium collections at Kew revealed a new species of Hermatomyces (Hermatomycetaceae, Pleosporales)

Species of the genus Hermatomyces (Hermatomycetaceae, Pleosporales) are saprotrophic anamorphic ascomycetes that have been intensively studied mostly in South-East Asia and Panama. Species concepts were recently revised based on specimens from these regions using both phenotypic and molecular data. However, other tropical areas have been mostly overlooked, e.g. Africa, although members of the genus were collected from this continent in the past. Therefore, specimens available at the fungarium of Kew were studied. Most of them originated from western Africa, specifically Ghana and Sierra Leone, but collections from Ethiopia, India, and Malaysia were also revised. Among them, a new species was found and is described and illustrated herein as H. truncatus. The fungus colonized dead branches of Averrhoa carambola in Ghana and is characterized by two types of conidia; the cylindrical ones are 2-, rarely 3-celled, with a central or eccentric septum and the upper cells rounded but slightly flattened at the apex, often distinctly widening and dark brown or black in color. An additional collection of this fungus from Panama was also studied. Recently collected specimens from Puerto Rico and Australia are included and the known distribution of the following species is updated with new regions: H. indicus (first record from Sierra Leone), H. megasporus (Ethiopia), H. reticulatus (Ethiopia) and H. sphaericus (Puerto Rico and Australia).

Efek jus belimbing pada kadar Total Kolesterol Rattus norvegicus yang diberi diet tinggi lemak

<p>Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which increased cholesterol concentration in the blood exceeds normal values. Consuming fats and foods rich in cholesterol can increase total cholesterol levels in the blood and cause cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Starfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) has saponin and flavonoid compounds which are expected to play a role in reducing total cholesterol levels. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of star fruit juice (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) to total cholesterol blood levels of male Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) with a high-fat diet. Method: Experimental study with post-test only control group design. Twenty-four male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the Wistar strain are divided into 3 groups: the experimental group which is given standard diet for 28 days; group of experimental animals who were given a high-fat diet for 28 days; the experimental group treated with a high-fat diet for 28 days and on the 15<sup>th</sup> until 28<sup>th</sup> days were given starfruit juice (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) with a dose of 4ml/200grwieght/day. On the 29th day, it is measuredtotal cholesterol levels for all groups of experimental animals. Results: The One-Way ANOVA test shows a significant increase in the average of total cholesterol levels (p = 0,009) in group of experimental animals that are given a high-fat diet (x = 60,625± 3,462mg/dL) compared to groups of experimental animals given standard diet (x = 50± 8,468mg/dL). There is a increase in the average in cholesterol level of the experimental group given a high-fat diet and the starfruit juice (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) (x = 65,5 ± 8,960) compared to the mean total cholesterol level of group of animals given a high-fat diet (x = 60,625± 3,462). However, there is no significant increase (p = 0,201). Conclusion: Administration of starfruit juice (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) was not significantly difference in statistics on average of cholesterol level to male wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus) induced by high fat diet</p><p>Keywords: high fat diet, starfruit juice, total cholesterol level</p>

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots from Averrhoa carambola Fruit Extract as a Fluorescent Probe for Methyl Orange.

In this study, a simple and green hydrothermal treatment was performed to prepare nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) from Averrhoa carambola (AC) fruit extract as a carbon precursor and L-arginine (Arg) as a nitrogen dopant. The AC-NCDs were characterized by UV light, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and zeta potential analyzer. The AC-NCDs were spherical and the average diameter was estimated to be 6.67 nm. The AC-NCDs exhibited the maximum emission intensity at 446 nm with 360 nm excitation wavelength. The fluorescence quenching behavior of AC-NCDs after interacting with methyl orange (MO) dye was studied. The interaction of AC-NCDs and MO was achieved within 3 min and the fluorescence quenching was maintained to a fixed value even after 30 min. The linearity was obtained in the range of 1 to 25 μM MO with a 0.30 μM detection limit. Furthermore, the pH values affected the quenching behavior of the AC-NCDs/MO system where the interaction mechanisms were driven by the electrostatic interaction, π–π interaction, inner filter effect, and energy transfer. The pH 5 maintained higher quenching efficiency while other pH values slightly decreased the quenching efficiency. Incoming applications, the AC-NCDs can be used in various important fields, especially for environmental protection.

RETRACTED: Effect of an aqueous extract of Averrhoa carambola L. on endothelial function in rats with ventricular remodelling

Ventricular remodelling leads to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, endothelial vasoactive substance changes and endothelial dysfunction. Our purpose was to research the effect of an aqueous extract of Averrhoa carambola L. (AEA) on endothelial function in rats with ventricular remodelling induced by isoprenaline. Rats were subjected to injection of isoprenaline and administration of various drugs. Vasoactive substances were measured, and the ventricular remodelling index was detected by the weighing method. Immunohistochemical analysis, pathological examination, Western blot and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed. After AEA administration, the levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), angiotensin II (AngII), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), and endothelin 1 (ET-1); the ventricular remodelling index; and the collagen volume fraction were decreased, while the levels of total NO synthase (tNOS) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) were increased. The pathological examination results showed that apoptosis, fibrosis, necrosis and inflammatory infiltration of myocardial tissue were attenuated by AEA treatment. AEA might alleviate ventricular remodelling in rats by maintaining the balance of vasoactive substances and the function of the vascular endothelium.

Star Fruit Water Stew (Averrhoa Blimbi L.) as Antitussive and Expectorant in Acute Respiratory Infections

Acute respiratory tract infections are acute respiratory tract infections that attack the throat, nose and lungs that last for approximately 14 days, acute respiratory infections regarding the structure of the duct above the larynx, but most of these diseases affect the upper and lower tract parts in a stimulanting or sequential manner . The purpose of this study was to analyze star fruit stew as an antitussive and expectorant in acute respiratory infections.The method used is an experimental approach. The population of this study was 40 respondents, acute respiratory infection sufferers of all ages in the village of Sedati, Sidoarjo Regency. Data collection techniques with non-probability sampling by purposive sampling as many as 20 respondents. The instrument used was an observation sheet.Based on the fisher exact test results, the results in the treatment group p value are 0.0001 which means that there is an effect of starfruit stew water on acute respiratory infections. In the control group the results obtained p value 0.083, which means that there is no effect on the control group. There is a difference between the treatment group and the control group.Star fruit more specifically can be a powerful drug to relieve coughing that occurs in acute respiratory infections, therefore it is important for local residents to consume starfruit stew water.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BELIMBING DAN MENTIMUN TERHADAP PENDERITA HIPERTENSI DI DESA LAU KERSIK KECAMATAN GUNUNG SITEMBER KABUPATEN DAIRI

Hypertension is a disease that is not uncommon in the community, including the Bukit Lau Kersik village. People with hypertension often do not show long-term symptoms and can be life-threatening. However, one of the management of hypertension that can be used as non-pharmacological therapy is consuming starfruit juice and cucumber which is quite easy to find in the Bukit Lau Kersik village. This combination of juices contains potassium which can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension. This study used Equivalent Time Sample Design with 14 subjects with hypertension in the Bukit Lau Kersik Village, Gunung Sitember Subdistrict, Dairi District. The technique of this research sample used Non-Probability Sampling with Saturated Sampling. The instrument used was a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Bivariate data analysis in this study was the Wilcoxon statistical test. Based on the data analysis performed, the value of p = 0.011 (p= < 0.05) was obtained, meaning that there was a significant relationship between giving star fruit juice and cucumber to hypertensive patients. Then it can be concluded that there is an influence between giving star fruit and cucumber juice to blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients in Bukit Lau Kersik Village Gunung Sitember Subdistrict, Dairi District in 2019. Suggestion: The factors that affect blood pressure in hypertensive patients and checking blood pressure before drinking star fruit juice and cucumber.

Extract of Averrhoacarambola L. (Oxalidaceae) roots ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe root of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine, was mainly used in ancient times in the treatment of urinary calculi, recurrent headache and joint pain. Aim of the studyOur aims were to explore the potential therapeutic effect of the extract of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) roots (EACR) against hepatic fibrosis in CCl4-treated rats and to understand the underlying molecular mechanism. Materials and methodsSix groups of male Sprague Dawley rats were treated as follows: vehicle (olive oil), CCl4 alone, CCl4+colchicine, CCl4+EACR 1.0 g/kg, CCl4+EACR 0.5 g/kg and CCl4+EACR 0.25 g/kg. At the end of the 12th week, biomarkers of liver function, liver fibrosis, hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant status were assayed, and histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of liver tissue were conducted to investigate the liver damage and fibrosis degree. Furthermore, expressions of COL-1a1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad2, smad3, Smad4 and TIMP2 were examined by qPCR and/or western blot. The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were also detected using western blot analysis. ResultsEACR treatment markedly reduced the CCl4-induced elevation of serum aminotransferase activities, liver fibrosis indexes, and the extent of oxidative stress. EACR treatment also significantly reduced the accumulation of collagen and the immunostaining of α-SMA, TGF-β1 and Smad2, 4 and 7 in the liver of CCl4 treated rats. In addition, EACR treatment markedly reversed the CCl4-induced increase in mRNA expression of COL-1a1, α-SMA, TIMP2, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad4 and suppressed the expressions of α-SMA, TIMP2, TGF-β1, smad2, 3 and 4, BAX and cleaved caspase-3 proteins. Meanwhile, EACR treatment also significantly elevated the mRNA expression of Smad7 and the protein expression of Smad7 and Bcl-2. ConclusionThese results suggest that EACR has protective activity against liver fibrosis. The anti-fibrotic activity of EACR in vivo is associated with enhanced antioxidant, apoptosis-inhibition and increased MMP-2/TIMP-2 expression ratio, and with modulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

Foraging behavior of stingless bee (Geniotrigona thoracica and Heterotrigona itama) on star fruit trees (Averrhoa carambola L.)

Star fruit produce flowers and fruits nearly the whole year round and it require cross- pollination for good fruit set and yields. An inadequate pollination rate is one of the factor that contributes to low yield. One of the effective way of increasing the pollination rate is by having insect pollinators such stingless bees in the star fruit farm. Malaysia is rich with native pollinator such as stingless bee, but there still lack of study related on their foraging behaviour. Therefore, the objectives were to study the foraging behaviour of Geniotrigona thoracica and Heterotrigona itama on star fruit trees. The colonies of G. thoracica and H.itama were selected for observation of activity foraging of stingless bee. Foraging bees was enumerated by using a manual tally counter to determine the number of individuals that flew out and into their hive within a 10 minute period each hour for each colonies. Then 10 of foragers’ G. thoracica and H.itama were selected randomly and marked using insect colouring on their thorax The period for each flower that visited by G. thoracica and H.itama was recorded by using stopwatch. The number offlower visited by G. thoracica and H.itama also recorded in 3 minutes. Result showed the peak time foraging activity of both stingless bees were in between 8.00am until 10.00am The foraging activity for each hours showed there was not significant differences, p > 0.05. Then the highest number flower visited by G.thoracica in 3 minute is 31 flowers while the lowest number flower visited in 3 minute is 7 flowers. However, for H.itama the highest number visited flowers are 27 and lowest number visited flowers are 8, for the longest average visited period for each flower is 14.76 seconds and the shortest period is 3.57 seconds. Meanwhile for G.thoracica longest average visited period for each flower is 12.88 seconds and the shortest average visited period for each flower is 2.72 seconds. In conclusion, this experiment showed that stingless bees have the characteristic for effective pollinator and have the potential to be used as a pollinator for star fruit trees. However, temperature, humidity and weather gave big influence on the foraging activity of stingless bees on star fruit plant.

The spatial distribution of Bactrocera dorsalis after 15 years of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Bactrocera dorsalis is one of fruit fly species that caused to the decreasing of fruits qualities. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami impacted more than 60% Banda Aceh city’s areas and changed the Banda Aceh city’s landscape. The purpose of this study is to analyze the special distribution of B. dorsalis after 15 y of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Banda Aceh tsunami-affected and non-affected areas. The data was collected from December 2018 to January 2019. The B. dorsalis was trapped by using the Modified Steiner Trap method in four villages, which selected randomly in nine sub-districts in the tsunami-affected and non-affected areas of Banda Aceh. The host plants were selected such as mangos, star fruits, guavas, and jackfruits, which commonly recognized in Banda Aceh. Data was analyzed and presented by using the GIS. After 15 years of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami the land and fruits plants have recovered. Bactrocera dorsalis were found in tsunami-affected and non-affected areas with total 2510 of B. dorsalis. There is no significant difference of the spatial distribution of B. dorsalis in both areas.

Integrated of Static and Dynamic Modeling Workflow for Belimbing Oil Field Development of Talangakar Sandstone Reservoir, South Sumatra Basin

The Belimbing Field S layer is a layer of the Upper Talangakar Formation (TRM) with a transition precipitation environment deposited in the syn-rift phase with the upper Oligocene lifetime up to the lower Miocene productively producing oil. This is a sandstone layer that contributes the largest production current with 645 bopd production (96% watercut) of OOIP 107 MMBBL. Water injection at Bel-10 wells and Bel-11 wells was first performed in October 1997 with an injection rate of 762 bwipd. The water injection is performed peripherally from the north flank of the star fruit structure (Central Belimbing block) with the initial goal of pressure maintenance even though the water is injected into the oil zone in the S layer. There is a significant increase in pressure and oil gain in the monitor wells in the injection area. With the last RF of 30% indicates that this layer still has a lot of potential to be developed by waterflood method. The BEL-19 injection in the Eastern Block from 2005 to 2015 was detected by success with increased pressure and increased production at BEL-12, BEL-14 and BEL-27 wells. As an effort to increase production, field development studies were conducted for GnG study and dynamic modelling. Limitations on the number of core data (SCAL and RCA) become obstacles in G & G and Reservoir modeling, so in determining rock typing used core data from the nearest field (LimauNiru) is L5A-240 well. In this method also performed synthetic data processing curve relative permeability and capillary pressure by evaluating production data. The distribution of artificial intellegent (AI) and wavefom is required to know the distribution of Facies and reservoir properties so as to get a more detailed description and heterogeneity of the reservoir. From the data above, we obtain rock typing to distribute reservoir property in 3D static and dynamic model. Through the initialization process, history matching and forecast is then processed the best scenario, the waterflood pattern in the form of inverted five spots and primary infill to optimize the recovery of oil recovery.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BELIMBING DAN MENTIMUN TERHADAP PENDERITA HIPERTENSI DI DESA LAU KERSIK KECAMATAN GUNUNG SITEMBER KABUPATEN DAIRI

Hypertension is a disease that is not uncommon in the community, including the Bukit Lau Kersik village. People with hypertension often do not show long-term symptoms and can be life-threatening. However, one of the management of hypertension that can be used as non-pharmacological therapy is consuming starfruit juice and cucumber which is quite easy to find in the Bukit Lau Kersik village. This combination of juices contains potassium which can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension. This study used Equivalent Time Sample Design with 14 subjects with hypertension in the Bukit Lau Kersik Village, Gunung Sitember Subdistrict, Dairi District. The technique of this research sample used Non-Probability Sampling with Saturated Sampling. The instrument used was a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Bivariate data analysis in this study was the Wilcoxon statistical test. Based on the data analysis performed, the value of p is 0.011 < 0.05 was obtained, meaning that there was a significant relationship between giving star fruit juice and cucumber to hypertensive patients. Then it can be concluded that there is an influence between giving star fruit and cucumber juice to blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients in Bukit Lau Kersik Village Gunung Sitember Subdistrict, Dairi District in 2019. Suggestion: The factors that affect blood pressure in hypertensive patients and checking blood pressure before drinking star fruit juice and cucumber.

The Exploration of Chlorophyll Content of Various Plants in City Forest of Malabar Malang

Abstract
 
 This current research aimed at investigating chlorophyll content of various plants growing in the city forest of Malabar Malang. Descriptive quantitative method was employed as the research design. This research was conducted from April to August 2019 in city forest of Malabar and Biology Laboratory University of Muhammadiyah Malang. The data were analyzed by means of Microsoft Excel. There were three steps of the research, as follows: a) surveying the research location; b) taking samples of each leaf; and c) laboratory testing. Laboratory testing comprised some stages, as below: a) weighing each leaf sample at 0.3 gram, grounded and dissolved in 80% acetone; b) filtering by utilizing filter paper, and c) testing by means of spectrophotometer with the wavelengths of 645λ and 663λ, respectively to result in absorbance value. The results of absorbance value were tabulated into a specific formula to find out the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the total chlorophyll of each leaf sample. This current research has revealed that regarding the average scores, chlorophyll a has been found the highest in Averrhoa bilimbi leaf (35.848 µg/ml) and the lowest is in Averrhoa carambola leaf (17.857 µg/ml). The average score of chlorophyll b has been found the highest in Tabebuya leaf (58.862 µg/ml) and the lowest is in nortflok pine leaf (9.124 µg/ml). As for the total average of chlorophyll content, the highest content was extracted from Tabebuya leaf (91.737 µg/ml), and the lowest is found in nortflok pine leaf (28.517 µg/ml).
 

Biology of Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae) on four hosts

Bactrocera carambolae is a quarantine pest found in Brazil, restricted to the states of Amapá, Pará and Roraima. This fruit fly can potentially cause extensive socioeconomic and environmental damage in the country, if it disperse into areas where fruit is grown for exporting. The objective of this work was to study the biology of B. carambolae on fruits of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) and Eugenia stipitata McVaugh (Myrtaceae). The following parameters were investigated: duration of egg-larva, pupal, egg-adult, pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods, pupal weight and viability, sex ratio, fecundity, fertility and longevity. All parameters except pupal weight, oviposition and post-oviposition period, egg fertility and sex ratio were influenced by the host plant on which the larvae were reared. The carambola fruit fly completes its development on all those hosts studied here, with the highest fecundities on A. carambola and P. guajava.

Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Averrhoa Carambola Extract in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats.

The present study explored the antihyperlipidemic potential of a standardized methanolic extract of Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) leaf (MEACL) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. The standardized MEACL was orally administered at different doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) to HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats for five weeks. Serum lipid profile, body weight changes, body mass index (BMI), daily food intake, relative organ weight, and histology of the liver were evaluated. In addition, the effect of MEACL on HMG-CoA reductase and pancreatic lipase activities as well as hepatic and fecal lipids was demonstrated. MEACL supplementation reduced serum lipids in HFD-fed rats in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological scores revealed that 1000 mg/kg MEACL restored the damage to liver tissue in hyperlipidemic rats. MEACL decreased the body mass index (BMI), atherogenic index, and hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides and increased fecal cholesterol and bile acids in HFD-fed rats. Also, MEACL ameliorated lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant defenses in the liver of HFD-fed rats. Furthermore, HMG-CoA reductase and lipase were suppressed by MEACL. In conclusion, this study shows the potential effect of MEACL to ameliorate hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in HFD-fed rats. It prevented hepatic lipid accumulation and exerted an inhibitory effect on HMG-CoA reductase and lipase.