Tannins Research Articles

Atividades biológicas de Agave sisalana com ênfase para a ação antimicrobiana: uma revisão da literatura

Objetivo: Relatar as principais atividades biológicas de Agave sisalana, descrevendo detalhes de sua classificação botânica, aspectos da composição química e bioativa, além de destacar seu uso como antimicrobiano. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura de caráter descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, elaborada por meio da análise de materiais indexados nas plataformas: SciELO, PubMed e o portal de periódicos da CAPES, publicados entre os anos de 2002 a 2021, redigidos nos idiomas: português, inglês e espanhol. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, bem como leitura dos materiais, 38 conteúdos foram selecionados para a composição do presente estudo. Resultados e discussão: A atividade bioativa de Agave sisalana, está vinculada aos componentes do seu metabolismo secundário, onde podem ser mensurados: derivados alcaloides, cumarinas, taninos e saponínicos. No que se refere as saponinas do sisal, estas são apontadas como detentoras de ação antifúngica e antibacteriana, principalmente contra microrganismos patogênicos. Além das atribuições mencionadas, os estudos vêm mostrando seus efeitos como: inseticida, larvicida, ovicida, antiparasitário, antioxidante, imunomodulador, analgésico, anti-inflamatório, sob a atividade comportamental e neuroquímica, bem como na quimioprevenção e controle do câncer. Conclusão: Variadas são as aplicações da Agave sisalana, seja ao âmbito industrial, artesanal terapêutico ou na agropecuária. Sua atividade antimicrobiana é cientificamente comprovada, seja na inferência de fungos ou bactérias, fazendo desta uma importante alternativa, frente a incidência de microrganismos resistentes.

Tanning with Aluminum-Gallic Acid Complex

To figure out how polyphenol compounds with a low molecular weight helped in aluminum tannage, a complex of gallic acid and aluminum as well as its application to the tanning of hide powder was studied in this paper. Precipitation points of aluminum chloride solution with different concentrations of gallic acid were measured to guide the basification in hide powder tannage. UV-Visible spectra showed that gallic acid and aluminum would form soluble complexes in aqueous solution and the complexation reaction was pH reliable. Through stoichiometry studies, generations of the 1:2 complex under pH 4.0 and 2:3 complex under pH 4.5 were discovered. Results of stoichiometry studies and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirmed that aluminum-gallic acid complex played the role of links which connected collagen molecules rather than gallic acid or aluminum forming individual bridges with collagen. According to the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravity analysis (TGA), denaturation temperature (Td) of hide powder tanned with different methods, such as aluminum, gallic acid-aluminum combination or aluminum-gallic acid complex, was 76.1°, 82.8° and 85.5°C respectively, and the initial decomposition temperature for the aluminum-gallic acid complex tannage was 300.7°C, also higher than those for another two methods. Furthermore, the results of inductive coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP) showed that after washing for 12 h, the Al2O3 content in hide powder tanned with complex could be maintained at 93.42% of that in unwashed samples, which was the highest among three tanning methods.

Content of minerals and antinutritional factors in moin-moin (steamed cowpea food)

Moin-moin (steamed cowpea food; MM) is one of the most popular local dishes in Bahia-Brazil. The present study was carried out to improve the knowledge of type of cowpea used in the preparation of moin-moin and its influence on mineral content and antinutritional factors. MM samples were collected from 30 out of the sales points located in the city of Salvador-Bahia. The mineral contents of MM showed a wide variation: K: 917.4 ± 166.2 mg 100 g-1 DM, P: 400.0 ± 59.8 mg 100 g-1 DM, Mg: 97.9 ± 16.4 mg 100 g-1 DM, Ca: 94.0 ± 70.4 mg 100 g-1 DM, Fe: 57.3 ± 16.9 µg g-1 DM, Zn: 22.4 ± 4.2 µg g-1 DM, Cu: 6.3 ± 3.3 µg g-1 DM, Mn: 6.0 ± 2.8 µg g-1 DM and V: 4.3 ± 2.0 µg g-1 DM. AF in MM were: 0.60 ± 0.77 µmol g-1 DM (InsP4); 1.34 ± 1.07 µmol g-1 DM (InsP5); 4.77 ± 3.53 µmol g-1 DM (InsP6); 1.69 ± 0.03 mg eq. CE g-1 DM (tannins); 6.37 ± 0.12 mg g-1 DM (polyphenols). Fe bioavailability might be negatively affected. Information on cowpea cultivars used for MM preparation was obtained from a structured questionnaire. ‘Olho de Pombo’ showed the highest concentrations for AF and minerals. MM was identified as a good source of minerals. Key words: Antinutritional factors, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), crude palm oil, minerals, moin-moin.

Feeding Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cattle Fed Sorghum-Based Diets and Increasing Levels of Tannic Acid

Tannins have been used to trigger positive effects on ruminal metabolism and increase ruminant production efficiency, since they increase the supply of dietary protein in the small intestine. Increasing levels of tannic acid in a sorghum-based diet on the feeding behavior of five Holstein/Zebu crossbred lactating dairy cows was evaluated. They were subjected to a 5 × 5 Latin square experimental design, with fivelevels of tannin as dry matter (DM) in the diet (0.46, 1.30, 2.60, 3.90, and 5.20%). The levels of the tannic acid added were established based on the quantity of condensed tannin in high-tannin sorghum. Thus, diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 were supplemented with 1.5 g (13% DM), 79.5 g (2.6% DM), 157.5 g (3.9% DM), and 235.5 g (5.2% DM) of tannic acid, totaling 0.078, 0.156, 0.234, and 0.321 kg of tannin/day, respectively. Feeding behavior variables included the following states and events: feeding, drinking, rumination, and inactivity; the frequency of visiting the feed and water troughs; and the occurrence of urination and defecation. Water was provided ad libitum, and its intake was measured during periods of behavioral data collection. The use of two tannin sources (hydrolysable and condensed) corresponding to the total level of 5.20% (on a DM basis) in the diet of lactating dairy cattle does not affect the animals’ health. Tannic acid can be included in the diet of lactating dairy cattle at a level of 3.93% (on a DM basis) without inducing variation in the total time spent daily on feed intake. Dairy cows dilute the effects of dietary tannin (5.20%) through greater fragmentation of food consumption in the hours following its supply (180 min). The astringent effects caused by tannin intake in lactating dairy cows are mitigated by increasing the daily water intake as the amount of tannin in the diet increases, starting at a level of 3.90% tannin (on a DM basis).

Antihypertensive and pleiotropic effects of Phyllanthus emblica extract as an add-on therapy in patients with essential hypertension-A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Essential hypertension is an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that is compounded by concomitant risk factors like diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Phyllanthus emblica is a rich source of antioxidants, tannins, and vitamin C and is used in treating various ailments in traditional medicine. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus emblica on essential hypertension and other protective actions. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 150 patients with essential hypertension. Participants were randomly assigned to receive Phyllanthus emblica capsule (500 mg) or placebo twice daily, added to their routine medications for 12 weeks. Blood pressure was assessed at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after beginning treatment or placebo. Other investigations like lipid parameters, oxidant and antioxidant enzyme levels, hs-CRP levels, HbA1C, LFT, RFT, uric acid, and endothelial function were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Both Phyllanthus emblica and placebo groups were comparable at baseline. Phyllanthus emblica had a good safety profile in patients with essential hypertension. However, the treatment with Phyllanthus emblica failed to produce any additional reduction in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure levels and did not exhibit improvement in oxidant status, antioxidant capacity, lipid profile, HbA1C, arterial stiffness parameters, or hs-CRP levels.

Vegetable tannins-based additive as antioxidant for biodiesel

The development of more sustainable antioxidants alternatives for the improvement of biodiesel oxidation stability is gaining importance. Vegetable tannins are known for their antioxidant properties. In this work, acacia (Acacia mearnsii), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) tannins extracts were used in mixture with triethanolamine as antioxidants for soybean biodiesel. Tannins were characterized by Folin-Ciocalteau method for the determination of total phenolic content (TPC) and against DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydracyl) radical for scavenging capacity. When applied to the biodiesel at a concentration of 350 mg L−1 in mixture with 1.59 %wt of triethanolamine, tannins were highly effective in enhancing oxidative stability with superior performance than synthetic antioxidant tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). These findings indicate that vegetal tannins can be used as a renewable alternative to enhance biodiesel oxidation stability.

Purification and characterization of hydrolysable tannins extracted from Coriaria nepalensis bark using macroporous resin and their application in gallic acid production

As an indispensable chemical raw material, tannins are widely used in industrial production. The crude tannins extracted from plants are difficult to be used directly because of their low purity. Therefore, tannins purification are particularly important. In this study, an economical and efficient method was developed for the purification of novel vegetable tannin resources from Coriaria nepalensis bark by macroporous resin. The purity of the obtained tannin was increased significantly from 32.5%–70.6% by optimal adsorption and desorption process conditions with D101 macroporous resin. The isothermal adsorption results illustrated by Langmuir and Freundlich equations showed that the adsorption of tannin with macroporous resin was in accordance with the exothermic process. Furthermore, the structure of the purified tannins was investigated by MALDI-TOF MS. The results indicate that the main structural compositions of the obtained tannins were Tri-O-galloylglucose, Tetra-O-galloylglucose, Penta-O-galloylglucose and Hexa-O-galloylglucose. The hydroxyl and DPPH radical scavenging rates of the purified tannins at a concentration of 256 μg mL−1 increased to 86.33% and 89.08%, respectively. When the concentration was 512 μg mL−1, the reducing ability of ferricyanide to the ferrous form reached to 0.88. Moreover, the minimal inhibitory concentrations for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 32 μg mL−1, which is superior to commercial tannic acid. In addition, further application experiment results show that Coriaria nepalensis bark tannins can be effectively hydrolyzed under the action of tannase to obtain a high yield of gallic acid (53.2%).

ẢNH HƯỞNG CỦA DỊCH TRÍCH CÂY TỪ BI (BLUMÉA BALSAMIFERA) LÊN SỰ ỨC CHẾ HÌNH THÀNH TINH THỂ CALCIUM OXALATE GÂY BỆNH SỎI THẬN TRONG ĐIỀU KIỆN IN VITRO

Nghiên cứu “Ảnh hưởng của dịch trích cây Từ bi (Bluméa balsamifera) lên sự ức chế hình thành tinh thể Calcium oxalate gây bệnh sỏi thận trong điều kiện in vitro” được thực hiện để đánh giá khả năng ức chế tinh thể Calcium oxalate, gồm ba giai đoạn chính là hình thành, phát triển, và ngưng tụ. Mẫu cây Từ bi được ly trích bằng phương pháp ngâm dầm với ethanol 80,00% để tạo cao chiết. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy, độ ẩm của mẫu đạt 82,83%, và hiệu suất cao chiết đạt 5,79%. Cao chiết cây Từ bi có sự hiện diện của các hợp chất flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, terpenoid, tanin, và phenol. Cao chiết cây Từ bi có khả năng ức chế hình thành hạt nhân tinh thể Calcium oxalate với giá trị IC50 là 4,25 mg/mL. Cao chiết cây Từ bi có hiệu quả ức chế sự phát triển của tinh thể Calcium oxalate và giá trị IC50 của cao chiết đạt 2,99 mg/mL. Cuối cùng, cao chiết là cây Từ bi có khả năng ức chế ngưng tụ của tinh thể Calcium oxalate và giá trị IC50 đạt 2,56 mg/mL.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF TWO COCOS NUCIFERA FRUITS.

A quantitative analysis of two species of coconut fruit aimed at determining the levels of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, iodine, iron, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, fats, protein, vitamin A and C were carried out using standard methods. The results show that the alkaloid content was 0.6% and 1.1%, saponins (0.2% and 2.8%), tannins (0.5% and 3.0%), flavonoids (0.03% and 0.01%), iodine (7.40mgI/g and 6.30mgI/g), iron (3.47ppm and 5.00ppm), zinc (0.97ppm and 0.76ppm), phosphorus (1.15ppm and 1.26ppm) and calcium (5.66ppm and 7.17ppm). Others were include vitamin A (61.55mg/kg and 147.40mg/kg), vitamin C (5.24mg/kg and 7.84mg/kg), fat (16.0% and 9.0%) and protein (4.8% and 1.1%). The study shows that the samples contain phytonutrients in varying proportions and therefore highly recommended for human consumption.

The effect of additional tannins source from Mahagony leaves (Swietenia mahagoni) to purine derivate excression in urine and synthesis of rumen microbial protein of Merino sheep

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) leaves as a source of tannins on purine derivatives (DP) excretion in urine and rumen microbial protein synthesis of merino sheep. This study used 12 sheep with an average body weight of 32.46 ± 5.186 kg which were given additional tannin from mahogany leaves in the feed. The data were analyzed using a completely randomized design analysis unidirectional pattern, with three different levels of tannin treatment (0%, 1.5%, and 3%) and four replications. The feed given during the research process was in the form of forage and concentrate on a ratio of 60% and 40%. The administration was given 2 times a day with a ratio of 60% and 40% in the morning and evening. There was no significant effect (P >0.05) on the addition of Mahogany leaves for the excretion of purine derivatives in urine and microbial protein synthesis of the rumen of Merino sheep.

Traditional Applications of Tannin Rich Extracts Supported by Scientific Data: Chemical Composition, Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility.

Tannins are polyphenolic compounds historically utilized in textile and adhesive industries, but also in traditional human and animal medicines or foodstuffs. Since 20th-century, advances in analytical chemistry have allowed disclosure of the chemical nature of these molecules. The chemical profile of extracts obtained from previously selected species was investigated to try to establish a bridge between traditional background and scientific data. The study of the chemical composition of these extracts has permitted us to correlate the presence of tannins and other related molecules with the effectiveness of their apparent uses. The revision of traditional knowledge paired with scientific evidence may provide a supporting background on their use and the basis for developing innovative pharmacology and food applications based on formulations using natural sources of tannins. This traditional-scientific approach can result useful due to the raising consumers’ demand for natural products in markets, to which tannin-rich extracts may pose an attractive alternative. Therefore, it is of interest to back traditional applications with accurate data while meeting consumer’s acceptance. In this review, several species known to contain high amounts of tannins have been selected as a starting point to establish a correlation between their alleged traditional use, tannins content and composition and potential bioaccessibility.

Ellagitannins and Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins of Three Polygonaceous Plants.

The aim of this study was to characterize hydrolyzable tannins in Polygonaceous plants, as only a few plants have previously been reported to contain ellagitannins. From Persicaria chinensis, a new hydrolyzable tannin called persicarianin was isolated and characterized to be 3-O-galloyl-4,6-(S)-dehydrohexahydroxydiphenoyl-d-glucose. Interestingly, acid hydrolysis of this compound afforded ellagic acid, despite the absence of a hexahydroxydiphenoyl group. From the rhizome of Polygonum runcinatum var. sinense, a large amount of granatin A, along with minor ellagitannins, helioscpoinin A, davicratinic acids B and C, and a new ellagitannin called polygonanin A, were isolated. Based on 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic examination, the structure of polygonanin A was determined to be 1,6-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-2,4-hydroxychebuloyl-β-d-glucopyranose. These are the second and third hydrolyzable tannins isolated from Polygonaceous plants. In addition, oligomeric proanthocyanidins of Persicaria capitatum and P. chinensis were characterized by thiol degradation. These results suggested that some Polygonaceous plants are the source of hydrolyzable tannins not only proanthocyanidins.

Bark characterization of a commercial Eucalyptus urophylla hybrid clone in view of its potential use as a biorefinery raw material

The bark of an Eucalyptus urophylla hybrid clone used by the charcoal industry was studied regarding anatomy and chemical composition, including the characterization of its polar extracts, in view of its potential use. The bark is characterized by a dominant homogeneous phloem with little ray expansion and alterations in the non-conducting phloem and by a rhytidome with a large portion of dead phloem tissue between the periderms. The cell proportion was axial parenchyma 37.9%, fibers 26.8%, radial parenchyma 19.4%, expanded cells 12.2%, and sieve tubes elements (3.7%). The chemical composition was ash 2.99%, total extractives 19.49% (92% polar extractives), suberin 0.57%, total lignin 25.09%, and polysaccharides 39.90%. The carbohydrates were composed mainly of glucose and xylose (83.7% and 9.7% of all monosaccharides, respectively). Polar (ethanol-water) extracts had a high phenolic content of 324.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g (GAE/g) of extract, flavonoids 215.0 mg of catechin equivalents/g (CE/g) extract, and tannins 325.5 mg of catechin equivalents/g (CE/g) extract. The antioxidant activity was low, corresponding to 310.1 mg Trolox equivalents/g extract and an IC50 of 10.59. In view of an integrated potential use, the bark of this E. urophylla hybrid clone is interesting as a source of tannins and a subsequent use for glucose-based applications, while the high-fiber content also allows considering it as a fiber source.

Construction of durable eco-friendly biomass-based flame-retardant coating for cotton fabrics

Inspired by the classic dye-fixing process, a novel eco-friendly biomass-based coating that neither used traditional elements such as Cl, Br, P nor toxic organic solvents was first developed to endow cotton fabrics with durable flame retardancy from biomass tannin (TA), tartar emetic (TE), and Fe2+. In this coating system, TA used as a charring agent was fixed onto the fiber surface of cotton fabric by TE in water via the action like dyestuff fixing, while Fe2+ coordinated with the hydroxyl of TATE can catalyze TA and cotton fibers to form graphited stable carbon residues for achieving high flame retardance. Consequently, the resultant fabrics showed great flame retardance with excellent durability. Even after 100 laundering or friction cycles, their limiting oxygen index values of ~27.0% hardly changed. And the washed flame-retardant cotton fabrics still easily passed the horizontal flammability test with an extremely low destroy spread speed. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscope, and cone calorimeter test results all confirmed the durability of the coating. The flame-retardant mechanism analysis demonstrated that the coating could promote the cotton fibers to form dense and regular graphitized carbon layers and effectively protect the matrix from decomposing to flammable gases under high temperatures. In addition to durable flame retardancy, the mechanical properties and hydrophilicity of cotton were slightly influenced by the flame-retardant coating. This eco-friendly biomass-based flame-retardant coating provides a new strategy for fabricating green flame-retardant systems without using hazardous compounds.

Dry heated sorghum BRS 305 hybrid flour as a source of resistant starch and tannins improves inflammation and oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dry heated sorghum BRS 305 hybrid flour, as a rich source of resistant starch and tannins, on inflammation and oxidative stress in animals fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet. Phase 1 (8 weeks): male Wistar rats were divided into a group fed with an AIN-93 M diet (n = 10) and a group fed with a high-fat (35%) high-fructose (20%) (HFHF) diet (n = 20). Phase 2 (intervention 10 weeks): the control group was continued with the AIN-93 M diet (n = 10) and the HFHF group was divided into HFHF (n = 10) and sorghum flour (n = 10) groups. Sorghum flour decreased the NO, Akt, p65-NFκB, TLR4, and lipid peroxidation in the liver. Furthermore, sorghum flour improved SOD and CAT activities and the total antioxidant capacity of plasma. The phenolic compounds found in sorghum flour interacted in silico with AKT and p65-NFκB, mainly quercetin-3-rutinoside that showed the highest interaction with AKT (EFE -8.0) and procyanidins B1 and B2 that showed the highest interaction with p65-NFκB (EFE -8.9). The consumption of BRS 305 sorghum with a high tannin and resistant starch content improved inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibition of p65-NFκB activation in rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet.

Effects of Dietary Pomegranate Peel on Antioxidant Gene Expression and DJ-1 Protein Abundance in Ram Testes.

Background:Pomegranate is an ancient fruit containing Punicalagin, which has known as an effective antioxidant. Pomegranate peel was recognized as a phenol and tannin source, and pomegranate seed contains unique fatty acid (Punicic acid). Limited information exists about the influences of pomegranate peel and seed on antioxidant enzymes and proteins in the male reproduction system. This study was performed to determine the pomegranate peel and seed effects on the expression of antioxidant genes and DJ-1 protein in ram’s testis.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, twenty-one mature Iranian rams were randomly divided into three groups (n=7 in each group), and fed experimental diets consisted of a control diet (C), a diet containing dry pomegranate seed pulp (S), and a diet containing pomegranate peel (P) for 80 days. All rams were offered isoenergetic and isonitrogenous rations. Testicular tissue samples were collected, and expression of Gpx1, Gpx4, Prdx4, Prdx5, and Sod2 genes was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, western blotting was used to evaluate DJ-1 expression at the protein level.Results:Gpx1 and Sod2 mRNA levels in the peel group were significantly (P<0.05) higher than control. Prdx5 mRNA level was increased (P<0.05) in the seeds group than in the control group. Gpx4 and Prdx4 expression were statistically not affected significantly by the experimental diet. Data analysis showed a significant (P<0.05) increase (1.5-fold) in the expression level of DJ-1 in peel groups than in control.Conclusion:The expression of antioxidant genes and DJ-1 protein in ram testes are more influenced by pomegranate peel than seed.

Dietary Swietenia mahagoni as Tannin Source to Increase in-vitro Nutrients Digestibility

Dietary Swietenia mahagoni as Tannin Source to Increase in-vitro Nutrients Digestibility

Determinación del contenido de taninos extraído de la vaina de la tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) proveniente del barrio el portete, cantón Gonzanamá de la provincia de Loja

La tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) es una especie forestal originaria de Sudamérica, la cual presenta una gran potencialidad en la industria mundial en el campo de agroexportación y agroindustria, por el uso de sus derivados como taninos, mismo que tiene una demanda insatisfecha en el mercado al ser utilizado en industrias de curtiembre y alimentación; el trabajo de investigación se lo desarrolló en los meses de septiembre del 2019 a marzo del 2020 y tuvo como finalidad determinar la cantidad de taninos presentes en los frutos recolectados en el barrio El Portete, para ello se elaboró extractos acuosos por maceración y calentamiento, a los cuales se realizó los análisis organoléptico (color y olor) y físico – químico (pH y densidad), y, la cuantificación de taninos a cada extracto, considerando dos concentraciones de solución de permanganato de potasio (0,025 y 0,1 N). Los resultados muestran que las características organolépticas y físico – químicas de los extractos obtenidos por calentamiento y maceración no presentaron diferencias significativas entre ellas, excepto el pH que oscila entre moderadamente (3,7) y ligeramente ácido (4,3); en cuanto a la cuantificación de taninos se observa similitud entre los valores obtenidos con los dos métodos de extracción, sin embargo, existió diferencias entre los valores alcanzados con las dos concentraciones de permanganato de potasio, obteniendo los mejores rendimientos (52,5 %) a la concentración de KMnO4 al 0,1 N.

Nutritional potential of (dc.) Hochst. pods in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria

ThestudywasconductedtoevaluatethenutritivevaluesofPiliostigmareticulatumpodsfrom field grown stands within the semi-arid zone of Nigeria. 250 fruiting trees from five locations within coordinates of longitude 11 42' to 12 27' and latitude 07 29' to 11 04' with 50 stands per location were monitored up to pod maturity to 80% dried pods. The harvested pods were sampled and bulked in 50kg jute bag per location and analyzed for nutritive values, antinutritional factors (ANFs), macro-and micro-minerals.Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the fruiting trees and which were monitored incompletely randomized design (CRD). The results revealed that locations had significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in all parameters evaluated except for Phytate (PHY) and Saponins (SAP). DM (94.83%), OM (89.23%), EE (3.66%), K (14.05g/kg) and Cu (35.53mg/kg) obtained from Itas-Gadau were statistically superior (P&lt;0.05) to others; sample obtained from Dutse-Ma proved superior (P&lt;0.05) in ASH (6.16%), CP (19.46%), P (1.06g/kg), Zn (33.26mg/kg), Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) (0.36mg/g) and Tannins (TAN) (1.21mg/g); Results obtained from Potiskum revealed superiority (P&lt;0.05) in CF (16.90%), NDF (53.17%) and HEMCELL (13.62%) than others; Jahun sample lead (P&lt;0.05) in NFE (68.94%), ADF (40.51%) and Mn (208.77mg/kg) and sample from Dambatta had higher values (P&lt;0.05) in Ca (2.08g/kg) and Fe (29.80mg/kg). The study concluded that the values obtained on nutritive, antinutritive and minerals compositions of Piliostigma reticulatum pods were within the recommended requirement for ruminant nutrition and therefore recommended its use as feedstuff.

Application of Spectroscopic and Hyperspectral Imaging Techniques for Rapid and Nondestructive Investigation of Jewish Ritual Parchment

The article presents a multi-analytic investigation of a severely degraded Jewish ritual parchment coming from a private collection. The main aim of the study was to obtain key information on the parchment manufacturing technique and original materials used, information that could help understand the historical context of the object. To this aim, a series of noninvasive investigations were carried out by means of multi- and hyperspectral imaging, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Specific degradations and mapping of previous conservation treatments could be highlighted via multispectral imaging. Short-wave infrared images indicated the use of both iron gall and carbon black ink, probably one related to the original writing and the other to a later intervention. To improve the imaging of degraded or partially lost text, a linear spectral unmixing classification of the HSI dataset was proposed that showed promising results, allowing it to be applied to similar objects. XRF analysis offered an in-depth view of the chemical fingerprint of the original iron gall ink and critical findings on the existence of other inorganic compounds originating from the parchment manufacture. Registered FTIR data indicated denaturation of the collagen fibers and the presence of fungal-derived calcium oxalates and zinc carboxylates. In accordance with ancient Jewish parchment preparation techniques, the use of calcium sulfate, vegetable tannins, and oils was also inferred from the registered infrared spectra. The corroborated results offer valuable information on the origin, production technology, and overall degradation state of the parchment manuscript. Not least, the findings could be of great interest for conservators and restorers in the field.