Tora Seeds Research Articles

Cholesterol-lowering effects of Ginkgo biloba leaves or cassia tora seeds on hypercholesterolemic

Cholesterol-lowering effects of Ginkgo biloba leaves or cassia tora seeds on hypercholesterolemic

Genome-Wide Mining of the Tandem Duplicated Type III Polyketide Synthases and Their Expression, Structure Analysis of Senna tora

Senna tora is one of the homologous crops used as a medicinal food containing an abundance of anthraquinones. Type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) are key enzymes that catalyze polyketide formation; in particular, the chalcone synthase-like (CHS-L) genes are involved in anthraquinone production. Tandem duplication is a fundamental mechanism for gene family expansion. However, the analysis of the tandem duplicated genes (TDGs) and the identification and characterization of PKSs have not been reported for S. tora. Herein, we identified 3087 TDGs in the S. tora genome; the synonymous substitution rates (Ks) analysis indicated that the TDGs had recently undergone duplication. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the type III PKSs were the most enriched TDGs involved in the biosynthesis of the secondary metabolite pathways, as evidenced by 14 tandem duplicated CHS-L genes. Subsequently, we identified 30 type III PKSs with complete sequences in the S. tora genome. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the type III PKSs were classified into three groups. The protein conserved motifs and key active residues showed similar patterns in the same group. The transcriptome analysis showed that the chalcone synthase (CHS) genes were more highly expressed in the leaves than in the seeds in S. tora. The transcriptome and qRT-PCR analysis showed that the CHS-L genes had a higher expression in the seeds than in other tissues, particularly seven tandem duplicated CHS-L2/3/5/6/9/10/13 genes. The key active-site residues and three-dimensional models of the CHS-L2/3/5/6/9/10/13 proteins showed slight variation. These results indicated that the rich anthraquinones in S. tora seeds might be ascribed to the PKSs' expansion from tandem duplication, and the seven key CHS-L2/3/5/6/9/10/13 genes provide candidate genes for further research. Our study provides an important basis for further research on the regulation of anthraquinones' biosynthesis in S. tora.

A Comparative Physicochemical Analysis of Seed of Cassia Auriculata and Cassia Tora

The present study is about to the scientific evaluation of Cassia auriculata and Cassia tora collected from the Western Ghats of Maharashtra state. The selected plant species has some applications in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The present study was focused to screen the physicochemical analysis of C. auriculata and C. tora seeds and seed oil and to confirm - provide a scientific basis for its use in traditional medicine. The physical parameters of the seed of C.tora and C.auriculata are studied respectively, Density, hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity, swelling index, etc.

Investigation of HIV-1 Viral Protein R Inhibitory Activities of Twelve Thai Medicinal Plants and Their Commercially Available Major Constituents.

Viral protein R (Vpr) is an accessory protein in Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and has been suggested as an attractive target for HIV disease treatment. Investigations of the ethanolic extracts of twelve Thai herbs revealed that the extracts of the Punica granatum fruits, the Centella asiatica aerials, the Citrus hystrix fruit peels, the Caesalpinia sappan heartwoods, the Piper betel leaves, the Alpinia galangal rhizomes, the Senna tora seeds, the Zingiber cassumunar rhizomes, the Rhinacanthus nasutus leaves, and the Plumbago indica roots exhibited the anti-Vpr activity in HeLa cells harboring the TREx plasmid encoding full-length Vpr (TREx-HeLa-Vpr cells). Moreover, the investigation of the selected main constituents in Punica granatum, Centella asiatica, A. galangal, and Caesalpinia sappan indicated that punicalagin, asiaticoside, ellagic acid, madecassic acid, madecassoside, zingerone, brazilin, and asiatic acid possessed anti-Vpr activities at the 10 μM concentration. Among the tested extracts and compounds, the extracts from Centella asiatica and Citrus hystrix and the compounds, punicalagin and asiaticoside, showed the most potent anti-Vpr activities without any cytotoxicity, respectively.

Cytotoxic phenolic glycosides from the seeds of Senna tora

• Fourteen glycoside derivatives were isolated from Senna tora seeds. • Three new compounds ( 1 – 3 ) were elucidated by NMR, CD, and HR-ESI-QTOF mass spectra. • Their cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines was evaluated by SRB assay. Phytochemical investigations of Senna tora seeds led to the isolation of fourteen phenolic glycosides, including three new compounds, namely, sennatorosides A–C ( 1 – 3 ). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed by a detailed analysis of the 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-QTOF mass, and ECD spectra. Among the isolated compounds, 1-[(1-(<β>- d -glucopyranosyl)oxy-8-hydroxy-methoxynaphthalen)-6-yl]propan-2-one ( 11 ) exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against three tested cancer cell lines, SK-LU-1 (lung cancer), HepG2 (hepatoma cancer), and MCF-7 (breast cancer), with IC 50 values of 8.05 ± 0.28, 9.52 ± 1.20, and 8.54 ± 0.85 μM, respectively, whereas compounds 1 – 4 , 6 – 9 , 12 , and 14 revealed moderated or weak cytotoxicity, with IC 50 values ranging from 44.59 ± 5.03–98.24 ± 2.45 μM.

Active compound chrysophanol of Cassia tora seeds suppresses heat-induced lipogenesis via inactivation of JNK/p38 MAPK signaling in human sebocytes

BackgroundHeat induced by infrared (IR) radiation from sun exposure increases skin temperature and can lead to thermal and photo-aging. However, little is known about the relationship between heat induced by IR radiation and lipid biosynthesis in human sebocytes. This study investigated the expression of factors involved in lipid biosynthesis in human sebocytes exposed to heat. The effect of Cassia tora extract and chrysophanol, which is widely used as anti-inflammatory agent, on the heat shock effect in sebocytes was then examined.MethodsFor the treatment, cells were maintained in culture medium without FBS (i.e., serum starved) for 6 h and then moved for 30 min to incubators at 37 °C (control), 41 °C, or 44 °C (heat shock). Culture media were replaced with fresh media without FBS. To investigate expression of gene and signaling pathway, we performed western blotting. Lipid levels were assessed by Nile red staining. The cytokine levels were measured by cytokine array and ELISA kit.ResultsWe found that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were upregulated and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 signaling pathways were activated in human sebocytes following heat exposure. Treatment with Cassia tora seed extract and chrysophanol suppressed this up-regulation of PPARγ and FAS and also suppressed the increase in IL-1β levels.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence that IR radiation can stimulate sebum production; Cassia tora seed extract and chrysophanol can reverse lipid stimulated inflammatory mediation, and may therefore be useful for treating skin disorders such as acne vulgaris.

Abstract LB-153: Lotus leaf and Cassia seed extracts, through activating Nrf2 pathway, suppress TPA-induced mouse skin cell transformation

Abstract In traditional Chinese medicine, some Chinese herbs to be used as foods can protect and promote human health. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaves (LL) and Cassia (Cassia tora) seeds (CS) are often used as a food or an ingredient when cooking in Chinese region. LL and CS have been studied to exhibit some biological effects but there is no investigation to study their cancer chemopreventive potential. In this study, the extracts, including water extract (WE), water extraction residue ethanol extract (WREE) and ethanol extract (EE), of LL and CS were prepared. HepG2-C8 cell line, HepG2 cells stably transfected with Nrf2-ARE-luciferase plasmid, were used to screen out the extracts with cancer chemoprevetive potential. Our results showed that CS-WE, LL-WREE and LL-EE has better Nrf2-ARE-luciferase induction activity. Furthermore, we also found that these three extracts can inhibit 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced anchorage-independent cell growth of JB6 P+ cells while up-regulating Nrf2 and Nrf2 downstream antioxidant/detoxification enzymes. These results suggested that Chinese herbal Lotus leaves and Cassia seeds to be used as foods might inhibit carcinogenesis through the regulation of Nrf2 pathway. Citation Format: Yen-Fan Chan, Zi-Han Lin, Pei-Chun Chen, Ping-Hua Sung, Zheng-Yuan Su. Lotus leaf and Cassia seed extracts, through activating Nrf2 pathway, suppress TPA-induced mouse skin cell transformation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-153. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-153

Experimental Validation of Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Potential of Cassia tora (L.): An Indigenous Medicinal Plant.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Cassia tora (C. tora) seeds extract against streptozotocin induced diabetes in experimental rats to scientifically validate its use against diabetes. Ethanolic extract of C. tora seeds extract and standard drug (glibenclamide) prepared in aqueous gum acacia (2%, w/v) suspension and fed orally to streptozotocin induced male adult diabetic rats of Charles Foster strain for 15days. Biochemical parameters in normal, diabetic control, standard (600μg/kgbw p.o.) and treated (500mg/kgbw p.o.) animal groups were quantified and compared. Treatment of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats with ethanolic seeds extract caused significant (p<0.001) reduction in blood glucose (270-220mg/dl), total cholesterol (140-104mg/dl), triglyceride (149-99mg/dl), phospholipids (100-74mg/dl), free fatty acid (2.39-2.00μmol/l), lipid peroxide (9-5.63nmol MDA/dl) and significantly increased post heparin lipolytic activity (11-14nmol FFA released/h/l plasma) (p<0.001). Furthermore, the seeds extract (100-400μg) when tested for its antioxidant activity in vitro, showed significant (p<0.001) inhibition in the generation of super oxide anions in enzymic system a (46-37, 33, 23, 21nmol uric acid formed/min), in enzymic system b (113-91, 77, 60, 51nmol formazon formed/min), non-enzymic system (324-230, 211, 161, 141nmol uric acid formed/min) and hydroxyl radicals in enzymic system (544-501, 411, 319, 291nmol 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate formed/h) and non-enzymic system (28-21, 17, 14, 12). The results of the present study demonstrated antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic and antioxidant activities of C. tora seeds which could help in prevention of diabeticdyslipidemia and related complications.

Comparative Study of Sustained Release Potential of a Newly Isolated Senna tora Seed Galactomannan with Commercially Available Polymers

The objective of the present research work was to study sustained release behavior and potential of galactomannans alone, in combination with xanthan gum and their comparison with commercially available semisynthetic hydrophilic polymer. Once daily sustained release matrix tablets of losartan potassium were prepared using isolated Senna tora seed galactomannan, other galactomannan containing commercially available gums (guar gum and locust bean gum) alone and in combination with xanthan gum. The influence of different concentrations and nature of polymer was studied. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation method and evaluated for physical characteristics like hardness, weight variation, friability and drug content. The in-vitro drug release profile of matrix tablets prepared using galactomannan containing gums were compared with matrix tablet prepared using commercially available and widely used semi-synthetic polymer (Methocel K 100 M) at the same concentration level. All the physical characters of the fabricated tablet were found to be within acceptable limits. Drug-excipient interaction was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR. There was no drug excipient interaction. Galactomannans isolated from Senna tora seeds showed better sustained release potential as compared to other galactomannans used in the study when used alone. The tablets prepared using combination of guar gum and xanthan gum (F11) with drug to polymer ratio of 1:4 exhibited greater swelling index and better sustained release potential than other galactomannans in combination with xanthan gum. Hence, the batch F11 was considered as optimized formulation. Formulation F11 showed no change in physical appearance and dissolution profile upon storage at 40°C/75 % relative humidity for six months. Compared to conventional tablets, release of losartan potassium from these matrix tablets was prolonged, leading to achieve an effective therapy with low dosage of the drug, to reduce the frequency of medication. Formulation F11 was found stable at accelerated conditions 40 ± 5°C / 75% RH for a period of 6 months. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, and AUC of developed sustained release tablets were found to be improved with significant difference when compared with conventional immediate release tablets.

Toxicological Evaluation of Gum (Galactomannans) Isolated from Senna tora Seeds

Seed gums possess excellent emulsifying, suspending, binding, thickening stabilizing and water-holding properties. Therefore they are used in various pharmaceutical dosage forms like tablets, syrups, suspensions, lotions, ointments and for sustained drug release systems. Gum derived from the seeds of Senna tora L. is common herbaceous annual occurring weed throughout the India. The present investigation reports preliminary phytochemical screening and toxicological evaluation of the isolated seed gum from the Senna tora. The acute toxicity study was carried out in adult albino rats by “fixed dose” method. The sub-acute toxicity study was carried out for 28 days in wistar albino rats. All the Animals used were observed for clinical signs, physical abnormalities, changes in body weight and pre-terminal deaths. Laboratory investigations such as hematology and clinical chemistry were performed at sacrifice and the data were statistically analyzed. Based on the results of the acute oral toxicity on the polysaccharide in Wistar rats, it may be concluded that the LD50 of the Senna tora gum is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In the sub-acute toxicity study, the gum treated groups did not show any sign of toxicity after getting treated at dose levels of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg daily for 28 days.

Molecular docking and inhibition kinetics of α-glucosidase activity by labdane diterpenes isolated from tora seeds (Alpinia nigra B.L. Burtt.).

Current approach against type 2 diabetes involves α-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose associated with many side effects. Therefore, as an alternative to the existing drug, many natural products mainly from plant sources have been investigated which inhibit α-glucosidase. Here, we have selected medicinally important Alpinia nigra to explore its α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Organic extracts of seeds and two purified natural diterpenes I: (E)-labda-8(17), 12-diene-15, 16-dial and II: (E)-8β, 17-epoxylabd-12-ene-15, 16-dial from A. nigra were investigated towards inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. Dose-dependent inhibition pattern were observed for seed extracts and both the compounds. Further, inhibition kinetics studies of the diterpenes indicated a non-competitive type of inhibition against α-glucosidase. Docking studies were carried out which revealed that both the diterpenes interacted within the active site of N-terminal and C-terminal domain of human maltase-glucoamylase enzyme, respectively. This is the first report of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of these isolated diterpenes and their higher inhibitory potential than any terpenoids studied till date against α-glucosidase.

Development and evaluation of orodispersible tablets using a natural polysaccharide isolated from Cassia tora seeds

BackgroundOrodispersible tablets or fast dissolving tablets dissolve or disintegrate immediately on the patients’ tongue or buccal mucosa. This drug delivery system is suitable for drugs undergoing high first pass metabolism. It improves bioavailability, reduces dosing frequency, and thereby minimizes the side effects and also makes the dosage form more cost-effective. In this study, polysaccharide isolated from the seeds of Cassia tora was investigated as a superdisintegrant in the orodispersible tablets. The model drug chosen was valsartan, an antihypertensive drug. MethodsValsartan tablets were prepared separately using different concentrations (1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% w/w) of isolated C. tora seed polysaccharide (natural) and sodium starch glycolate (synthetic) as superdisintegrant by the direct compression method. Evaluation of tablets was done for various pre- and postcompression parameters. The stability studies were performed on optimized formulation F4. The disintegration time and in vitro drug release of the formulation F4 were compared with marketed formulations (conventional tablets). ResultsThe drug excipient interactions were characterized by Fourier transform infrared studies. The formulation F4 containing 7.5% polysaccharide showed good wetting time and disintegration time as compared to a formulation prepared using a synthetic superdisintegrant at the same concentration level. Hence, batch F4 was considered optimized formulation. ConclusionThe present work revealed that C. tora seed polysaccharide has a good potential as a disintegrant in the formulation of orodispersible tablets. Because C. tora polysaccharide is inexpensive as compared to synthetic superdisintegrants, nontoxic, compatible, and easy to manufacture, it can be used in place of currently marketed superdisintegrants.

Hypolipidemic Activity of Cassia tora Seeds in Hyperlipidemic Rats.

The hypolipidemic activity of Cassia tora (Chakvat, Chakunda) (Family: Caesalpiniaceae) seeds extract have been studied in two models of hyperlipidemia in rats. In an acute model, hyperlipidemia was induced by injecting a single dose of Triton WR-1339 (400mg/kg, b.w.) intraperitonially in rats. Feeding with C. tora seed extract at the dose of 500mg/kg, b.w. exerted significant lipid lowering effect as assessed by the reversal of plasma levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglyceride and reactivation of post heparin lipolytic activity. In the chronic model, hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding with cholesterol rich-HFD in rats. The treatment with seeds extract of C. tora (500mg/kg, b.w.) simultaneously for 15days also caused lowering of lipid levels in plasma and liver following reactivation of plasma post heparin lipolytic activity and hepatic lipoprotein lipase activity in animals. The hypolipidemic activity of C. tora seeds was compared with a standard drug guggulipid (200mg/kg, b.w.) in both models.

Isolation, purification and characterization of galactomannans as an excipient from Senna tora seeds

Seed galactomannans are neutral, heterogeneous polysaccharides widely distributed in nature. The Mannose/Galactose ratios differ from gum to gum, resulting in a change in structure, which in turn, determines the various industrial applications of seed galactomannans. Senna tora (Family: Fabaceae) is a fast growing and spreading under shrub of which seeds, pods and leaves are extensively used for medicinal applications. The seeds have been found to be an alternative source of commercial gums. The present investigation deals with isolation, purification and characterization of galactomannans from the seeds of Senna tora (S. tora). The galactomannan extraction was based on mechanical separation of the endosperm, water dissolution, centrifugation and precipitation with acetone. The polysaccharide obtained from S. tora seeds was characterized by using physicochemical and chromatographic procedures, as well as FTIR, Mass, 13C NMR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that the gum has the basic structure of galactomannans with a main chain of (1→4)-linked β-d-mannopyranosyl units to which single α-(1→6)-d-linked galactopyranosyl units are attached through block pattern. The rheological studies indicated that the S. tora gum (1%, w/w) solution possesses pseudoplastic flow. The viscosity and other rheological properties confirmed its suitability as an excipient in the development of sustained release delivery systems.

Antimicrobial Effect of Emodin Isolated from Cassia tora Linn. Seeds against Food-Borne Bacteria

Abstract The antimicrobial activities of emodin and its derivatives(anthraquinone, alizarin, and alizarin-3-methyliminodiacetic acid)were evaluated using a paper disc diffusion method against food-borne bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes,Staphylococcus intermedius, Salmonella typhimurium andShigella sonnei). Emodin isolated from C. tora seeds has anantimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, followed byalizarin-3-methyliminodiacetic acid (13.0±2.5 mm) and alizarin(11.5±1.2 mm). Furthermore, emodin showed the antimicrobialactivity against S. sonnei and S. typhimurium. In conclusion, C.tora seed and its active component derivatives are useful for thedevelopment of natural products on food supplemental agents andpharmaceuticals. Keywords antimicrobial activity · Cassia tora seeds · emodin ·food-borne bacteriaFor the last decades, food industry has emphasized effort todevelop their products modified from the current market. Sometechniques have been devised to prevent the microorganismproliferation from the food degradation and the risk of pathogens(Appendini and Hotchkiss, 2002). The concerns about food safetyhave being continued because of the outbreaks of new food-bornedisease caused by pathogenic microorganism. Although chemicalor artificial preservatives are already used to inhibit or inactivategrowth of various kinds of pathogenic microorganisms, some ofthem have been caused to unwanted effects such as allergicdiseases (Fleming-Jones and Smith, 2003; Powella et al., 2011;Liang et al., 2012). The natural substances as alternatives may beemployed (Kim et al., 2013). Therefore, these play the importantroles in future food preservation markets.Cassia tora Linn. is an annual small shrub which grows inAsian countries. It is commonly known as ‘Sicklepod’ (Maity etal., 1998). The seed extracts of C. tora have been used in Chinesemedicine as an aperient, anti-asthenic and diuretic agent and alsoto improve visual activity (Asolkar et al., 1992; Maity et al.,1998). The seeds of C. tora contain several anthraquinoneglycosides and naphthopyran glycosides. The seed extract is alsoreported for its hypotensive activity. Many medicinal propertiessuch as antihepatotoxic, antimicrobial, and antimutagenic activitieshave been attributed this plant (Wong et al., 1989; Choi et al.,1997; Yen and Chung, 1999; Patil et al., 2004). To substantiate theclaim, this study was initiated to evaluate the antimicrobial effectsof C. tora seeds and active components against food-bornebacteria.Alizarin, alizarin-3-methyliminodiacetic acid, and emodin werepurchased from Fluka Chemical (Germany) and anthraquinoneand tetracycline were provided from Sigma Chemical (USA). Theother chemicals were of reagent grade. The seeds of C. tora werepurchased from a local market in Jeonju and the extraction andpartition of C. tora seeds were performed as modified from Kimet al. (2004). C. tora seeds (5 kg) were extracted twice withmethanol (10 L) in the shaking incubator at 30

Cassia tora (Leguminosae) seed extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Cassia tora seeds on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind its effects. After being fed a HFD for two weeks, rats were orally dosed with Cassia seed ethanol extract (CSEE) (100, 200, or 300mg/kg) once daily for 8weeks. CSEE induced dose-dependent reductions in plasma lipid levels, as well as decreased the over hepatic lipid accumulation. Furthermore, CSEE treatment improved HFD-induced hepatic histological lesions. CSEE enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its primary downstream targeting enzyme, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, up-regulated the gene expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1, and down-regulated sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 and fatty acid synthase protein levels in the livers of HFD-fed rats. AMPK inhibition by compound C retarded CSEE-induced reduction in triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells stimulated by insulin. Our findings suggest that CSEE may regulate hepatic lipid homeostasis related with an AMPK-dependent signaling pathway. Targeting AMPK activation with CSEE may represent a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Isolation and Identification of Antitumor Promoters from the Seeds of Cassia tora

A methanol extract of Cassia tora seeds was successively partitioned with diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water, and the antitumor-promoting activity of the solvent fractions was determined by inhibition of Epstein- Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by teleocidin B-4 in Raji cells. The diethyl ether (68.7%) and chloroform (91.2%) fractions and the hydrolysate (94.3%) of the ethyl acetate fraction had strong inhibitory activities. The chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were chromatographed on silica gel and further purified by HPLC. Three active compounds, obtusifolin-2-glucoside (75.0%), chryso-obtusin-6-glucoside (56.8%), and norrubrofusarin- 6-glucoside (39.4%), were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction, and two active compounds, questin (97.9%) and chryso-obtusin (53.8%), were isolated from the chloroform fraction.

Evaluation of Cassia tora Seeds for their Antioxidant and Antiulcer Activity

Evaluation of Cassia tora Seeds for their Antioxidant and Antiulcer Activity

English

&nbsp; Microbial fermentation of mouldy grains brought about by lactic acid bacteria is gaining much significance owing to their ability to inhibit mould growth and detoxify mycotoxins while improving the nutritive value and safety of the product.&nbsp;In the present study the potential of developing a probiotic feed ingredient from a combination of mouldy sorghum and&nbsp;Cassia tora&nbsp;seeds,&nbsp;using spontaneous fermentation was explored. The effect of fermentation at 0, 24 and 36 h on the microflora, ergosterol, mycotoxins and nutritive value, of mouldy sorghum was assessed individually and in combination with&nbsp;C. tora&nbsp;seeds. A reduction in&nbsp;mould counts upto 58 and 96% was observed at 24 and 36 h of fermenting mouldy sorghum. Total plate count increased by 2 fold and&nbsp;Lactobacillus&nbsp;count increased by 4 fold when mouldy sorghum was fermented singly or with&nbsp;C. tora&nbsp;seeds. Fermentation decreased ergosterol by 76%, aflatoxin to non-detectable levels at 36 h of fermentation and fumonisin B1 to non-detectable levels at 24 and 36 h of fermentation of mouldy sorghum. Fermentation resulted in marginal improvement in nutritive value of mouldy sorghum when estimated in terms of proximate principles and mineral elements. Addition of&nbsp;C. tora&nbsp;resulted in considerable increase in nutritive value particularly with respect to protein and mineral elements like iron and calcium in mouldy sorghum. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Microbial fermentation, lactobacillus, mycotoxins, mould.

Estrogenic and Anti-estrogenic Activities of Cassia tora Phenolic Constituents

Through an estrogenic activity bioassay-guided fractionation of the 70% ethanolic extract of Cassia tora seeds two new phenolic triglucosides, torachrysone 8-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside] (1) and toralactone 9-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside] (2), along with seven known compounds were isolated. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. The estrogenic activity of the fractions and the isolated compounds were investigated using the estrogen-dependent proliferation of MCF-7 cells. In addition, the yeast two hybrid assay expressing estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta) and the ERalpha competitor screening assay (ligand binding screen) were used to verify the binding affinities of the isolated compounds to ER. Furthermore, a naringinase pre-treatment of the 70% alcoholic extract of Cassia tora seeds resulted in a significant increase in its estrogenic activity. From the naringinase pre-treated extract six compounds were isolated, among which 6-hydroxymusizin and aurantio-obtusin showed the most potent estrogenic activity, while torachrysone, rubrofusarin and toralactone showed a significant anti-estrogenic activity. Finally, the structure requirements responsible for the estrogenic activity of the isolated compounds were studied by investigating the activity of several synthetic compounds and chemically modifying the isolated compounds. The basic nucleus 1,3,8-trihyroxynaphthalene (T(3)HN) was found to play a principal role in the binding affinity of these compounds to ER.