Water-soluble Extractives Research Articles

Comparação da qualidade dos tecidos do pecíolo de buriti (<i>Mauritia flexuosa</i> L. f.) para combustão e carbonização

Apesar da importância social, cultural e econômica para a Região Amazônica, o potencial energético da Mauritia flexuosa, popularmente conhecida como buriti, ainda não foi explorado para ampliar as possibilidades de uso dessa espécie pelas comunidades locais. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é comparar o potencial dos tecidos que compõem o pecíolo de Mauritia flexuosa para combustão e carbonização. O miolo e casca do pecíolo foram separados e caracterizados por composição química (extrativos removíveis por água e totais, lignina e cinzas), umidade base úmida, composição imediata (teores de materiais voláteis, carbono fixo e cinzas), densidade básica, poder calorífico superior e análise termogravimétrica em atmosfera inerte de N2. Os dois tecidos do pecíolo de Mauritia flexuosa apresentaram vantagens para finalidades bioenergéticas, como: baixo teor de cinzas (≤ 2%), além de teor de carbono fixo (≈ 18%) e poder calorífico superior (≈ 18 MJ kg-1) adequados. Para miolo e casca, os teores de lignina (19 e 28%, respectivamente), extrativos (8,9 e 5%, respectivamente), e densidade básica (0,041 e 0,267 g cm-3, respectivamente) diferiram significativamente. Contudo, a composição imediata dos tecidos não foi influenciada por essas diferenças, ao contrário do poder calorífico e densidade energética. O comportamento termogravimétrico demonstrou taxa de degradação superior e rendimento final em massa inferior (7%) para o miolo em relação à casca. A casca apresentou melhor qualidade para combustão e carbonização em comparação ao miolo. Esse resultado é vantajoso para as comunidades extrativistas da Amazônia, pois a casca é um resíduo do processamento do pecíolo para obtenção do miolo, destinado à produção de artesanatos. Pela baixa densidade básica, o miolo é mais indicado para torrefação, densificação, pirólise para geração de bio-óleo e produção de filtros naturais e carvões ativados do que para combustão direta e carbonização.

Chemical content in Two Teak Woods (Tectona grandis Linn.F.) that has been used for 2 years and 60 years

Teak ( Tectona grandis Linn F.) is classified as luxury wood and belongs to the durable wood, resistant to termite and fungal attacks. The purposes of this study were to analyze and compare the chemical content and bioactive compound of teak ( T. grandis Linn F.) from Sumedang, West Java based on age of use. This study used teak woods of 2 and 60 years of use. The chemical components analyzed by determination of lignin, extractives, and ash content. Phytochemical compounds were analyzed by color changing of crude acetone extracts. The results showed that the teak wood with 2 years of use possessed lignin of 28.41%; cold water soluble extractives of 4.26%; hot water soluble extract of 5.12%; NaOH 1% soluble extractives of 19, 40; and alcohol:benzene (1:2) soluble extract of 6.21%; while ash content of 0.85%. Meanwhile teak wood after use of 60 years showed the lignin content of 29.82%; cold water extract of 1.56%; hot water extract of 2.56%; 1% NaOH soluble extract of 12.30%; alcohol:benzene (1:2) extract of 4.62%; ash content of 1.36%. The qualitative phytochemical test demonstrated both of teak wood after use of 2 years and use of 60 years contained flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, cumarins, and carbohydrates.

Water Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenol Compounds from Brewer's Spent Grain: Kinetic Study, Extract Characterization, and Concentration.

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) was chemically characterized obtaining 52.1% of carbohydrates, 17.8% protein, 5.9% lipids, 13.5% insoluble lignin and 24.3% of water-soluble extractives. This work has been focused on the study of polyphenol extraction of the extractive fraction by water ultrasound-assisted extraction. Selected extraction conditions were 47 °C and 21.7 mL water/gdry-BSG. The effect of solvent polarity on polyphenol extraction was studied by using ethanol aqueous mixtures, from 20% to 100% ethanol. The kinetics of polyphenol extraction have been fitted to the power law and the Weibull models yielding mean values of the root mean square deviation lower than 7.5%. Extracts have been characterized in terms of quantification of individual phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD and protein and sugar soluble fractions (glucose, xylose, and arabinose). Polyphenol profile has been compared with other hydrolytic techniques, such as acid, basic and enzymatic hydrolysis, showing that ultrasound was not as effective as basic hydrolysis to release the phenolic acids esterified to the cell wall. A further centrifuge ultrafiltration concentration step was able to yield a retentate enriched in the protein fraction while individual phenolic compounds where mainly transferred to the permeate.

Pharmaceutico analytical profile of Kushmanda Avaleha and its modified dosage form as Kushmanda granules

Background: Kushmanda Avaleha (KA, confection) has been described in Sharangdhar Samhita as a drug of choice in Raktapitta Chikitsa (hemorrhage). Ayurveda mentioned Five Basic Kalpanas, which are called Panchvidha Kashya Kalpana. Panchvidha Kashya Kalpana has several drawbacks, such as less palatability, shorter shelf life, etc. Hence, to overcome these drawbacks, secondary formulations were developed. Avaleha Kalpana was a secondary formulation developed by using primary formulations, such as Swaras (juice), Kwatha (decoctions), etc. Avaleha formulation was prepared by using herbal medicinal drugs and food articles such as sugar, ghee (clarified butter), honey etc. Administering proper dose of Avaleha is difficult in new era than Avaleha convert into granules form because, considering the changing scenario of the society, converting traditional dosage forms into more palatable, easily absorbable forms without changing desired therapeutic effects becomes need of the hour. In the current study, an attempt has been made to convert KA into granules form, which is the first step toward research on the formulation; hence, the current work was planned. Aim: Analytical study of KA and its modified dosage form as Kushmanda granules (KG)Materials and Methods: Three batches of KA were prepared as per the reference of Sharangdhar Samhita (8/22–28), and the same is converted into granules by adopting standard operative procedures. Result and Conclusion: Loss on drying at 105°C, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, alcohol-soluble extractives, water-soluble extractives, pH, total sugar, reducing sugar, nonreducing sugar, and total fat and moisture content in the range of Avaleha is 2.3%, 0.7%, 0.103%, 71.22%, 77.12%, 4.2%, 78.15%, 68.21%, 5.6%, and 2.92%. The range of granules is 3.1%, 1.2%, 0.36%, 38.09%, 41.2%, 3.53, 80.17, 78.12, 4.5, 0.92, and 3.12, respectively.

Differences in the Structural Chemical Composition of the Primary Xylem of Cactaceae: A Topochemical Perspective.

The xylem of Cactaceae is a complex system with different types of cells whose main function is to conduct and store water, mostly during the development of primary xylem, which has vessel elements and wide-band tracheids. The anatomy of primary xylem of Cactaceae has been widely studied, but little is known about its chemical composition. The aim of this study was to determine the structural chemical composition of the primary xylem of Cactaceae and to compare it with the anatomy in the group. Seeds from eight cacti species were used, representing the Pereskioideae, Opuntioideae, and Cactoideae subfamilies. Seeds were germinated and grown for 8 months. Subsequently, only the stem of the seedling was selected, dried, milled, and processed following the TAPPI T-222 om-02 norm; lignin was quantified using the Klason method and cellulose with the Kurshner–Höffer method. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the percentage of syringyl and guaiacyl in lignin was calculated. Seedlings of each species were fixed, sectioned, and stained for their anatomical description and fluorescence microscopy analysis for the topochemistry of the primary xylem. The results showed that there were significant differences between species (p < 0.05), except in the hemicelluloses. Through a principal component analysis, it was found that the amount of extractive-free stem and hot water-soluble extractives were the variables that separated the species, followed by cellulose and hemicelluloses since the seedlings developed mainly parenchyma cells and the conductive tissue showed vessel elements and wide-band tracheids, both with annular and helical thickenings in secondary walls. The type of lignin with the highest percentage was guaiacyl-type, which is accumulated mainly in the vessels, providing rigidity. Whereas in the wide-band tracheids from metaxylem, syringyl lignin accumulated in the secondary walls S2 and S3, which permits an efficient flow of water and gives the plant the ability to endure difficult conditions during seedling development. Only one species can be considered to have paedomorphosis since the conductive elements had a similar chemistry in primary and secondary xylem.

Characteristics of sago pith and sago bark waste from Seram Island, Maluku, Indonesia

Abstract. Siruru H, Syafii W, Wistara I. N. J, Pari G. 2019. Characteristics of Metroxylon rumphii (pith and bark waste) from Seram Island, Maluku, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 3517-3526. Sago (Metroxylon rumphii Martius) pith waste (SPW) and sago bark waste (SBW) are lignocellulosic materials that can be used for various needs directly or indirectly. It is necessary to understand SPW and SBW characteristics to maximize their utilization. In this study, we analyzed the proximate, ultimate, and crystallinity by XRD, the functional groups by FTIR, morphology by SEM, and the derivate analysis of hot water-soluble extractives by GCMS. The contents of SPW and SBW hot-water soluble extractive, lignin, and holocellulose were 57.7 and 4.9%, 6.1 and 29.4%, and 45.74 and 66.74%, respectively. The volatile matter, ash content, silica, fixed carbon, C, H, and O contents of the SPW and SBW were 81.48 and 84.56%, 1.30 and 3.04%, 1.25% and 2.03, 12.77 and 18.06%, 37.93 and 44.64%, 6.37 and 6.49%, and 47.75 and 51.10%, respectively. The degree of crystallinity of SPW was 15.04%, while that of SBW was 47.28%, where both have a monoclinic structure with the main peak by 2Ɵ 16° and 26°. SPW and SBW contained several minerals such as silica, boron, sulfur, and phosphorus. The surface morphology of the SPW was porous with a small diameter and thin cell wall, while that of SBW was covered by minerals. Nitrogen, alcohol, and sugar group compounds were found more in SPW, whereas phenol compound was more in SBW. SBW has high lignin content and SPW has a very large amount of hot water-soluble extractive.

Effects of water-soluble extractives on the moisture sorption properties of spruce wood hygrothermally treated at 120°C and different humidity levels

ABSTRACT Sitka spruce wood specimens were heated at 120°C and different relative humidity during heating (RHh) levels for 2–7 days and their equilibrium moisture contents (EMCs) were measured at 25°C and 11–97% relative humidity (RH) before and after the removal of the water-soluble extractives. By heating at 80% RHh or less, a longer heating at higher RHh resulted in a greater reduction in the EMC; further, the reduction in EMC was greater at higher RH. Conversely, the EMC value of the wood specimens heated at 100% RHh demonstrated a steep increase at high RH levels, exceeding that of the unheated wood at 97% RH. An increase of this nature in EMC was not realized after the removal of the water-soluble extractives. These results indicate that the deliquescent nature of water-soluble extractives, the decomposition residue of hemicelluloses, has significant influence on the moisture sorption of wood when the wood is heated in saturated water vapour.

Changes in oak wood buried in waterlogged peat: shrinkage as a complementary indicator of the wood degradation rate

A study was made on the degradation of contemporary heartwood of oak (Quercus sp.) buried in waterlogged peat on the archaeological site at Biskupin (Poland). The state of wood preservation was evaluated after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 years of deposition of samples in conditions similar to anaerobic. The changes that occurred in the wood were assessed on the basis of microscopic examinations, chemical composition, mass loss and selected physical properties of the wood. Despite a distinct mass loss of the samples (7.4% after 10 years of the experiment), only the initial phase of cell wall degradation and almost unchanged contents of major chemical components were observed in the examined wood. Greater changes were recorded in the content of water-soluble extractives, maximum water content, basic density and wood porosity, as well as in the total tangential and the total radial shrinkage. Wood mass loss resulted mainly from the loss of substances soluble in water (up to 70.8% after 10 years of the experiment) and less from the biological degradation of cell walls (loss of major chemical components of wood). A close relationship was observed between content of substances soluble in water, mass loss, and wood shrinkage. It was concluded that tangential and radial shrinkage may serve as a simple complementary indicator of the state of preservation of wood decomposing in the conditions of a monitored archaeological site.

Regional features of the formation of the antioxidant properties of black tea

The article considers the influence of the region of origin of black tea on the formation of its antioxidant properties. The study involved samples of black tea, coming to the retail trade of St. Petersburg from Indian, Ceylon, Chinese and Kenyan. Significant differences were found in the quantitative composition of individual antioxidants in black tea samples, depending on the region of growth, both in the dry tea leaf and in the infusion. Water-soluble extractives in dry tea leaves and infusion prevailed in Ceylon tea. Tannin prevailed in Indian tea, and total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in Kenyan. The maximum transition of tannins in the infusion occurred in Kenyan tea, which accounted for 97.9% of its content in dry tea leaves. The higher brewing temperature of black tea increased the extraction of individual antioxidants. Black tea, depending on the region of origin, was distributed according to the content of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids as follows: Kenyan tea samples &gt; Chinese tea samples &gt; Indian tea samples &gt; Ceylon tea samples. The antioxidant properties of tea were studied for anti-radical activity by the DPPH method and chelation ability by the FRAP method. Chinese tea samples had the highest antiradical activity, and Kenyan tea samples had the ability to bind chelate compounds into complexes. The deviation of antioxidant properties between samples of black tea from different regions was a maximum of 10% in terms of chelating ability (FRAP method) and 35.5% in anti-radical activity (DPPH method). The maximum antiradical activity and chelating ability of all samples of black tea was indicated at a higher tea brewing temperature.

Pharmacognostic and Elemental Analysis of the Leaves of Tapinanthus globifer (A. Rich). Tiegh

Background and objectivesTapinanthus globifer is a semi-parasite plant that mostly grows on the branches of the host tree species of the genera Vitellaria, Kola, Citrus, Combretum, Acacia, and Terminalia. The leaf is known for its use in traditional medicine to treat inflammations, malaria, headaches, bacterial infections, ulcers and diabetes mellitus. The current study was aimed to establish standards on purity, identity and quality control of T. globifer.MethodsThe pharmacognostic standardization of the leaf was assessed to determine the macroscopic/organoleptic features, microscopical and chemo-microscopical analysis as well as physico-chemical parameters, fluorescence analysis and elemental content.ResultsThe leaf was found to be simple, petiolated 10.0 cm long and 4.4 cm wide. Microscopically, the leaf had irregularly shaped epidermal cells with numerous paracytic stomata on the lower surface. It was devoid of trichomes of any kind; however, it possessed clusters of calcium oxalate crystals. The vascular bundles were of concentric type with fitted xylem vessels. Fluorescence analysis of the powdered leaf revealed the presence of yellow colorations under long wavelength. Elemental analysis showed the presence of magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, iron, nitrogen, sulphur, calcium and copper. Physico-chemical parameters (%w/w) such as moisture content (5.53), total ash content (8.40), water soluble ash content (2.10), acid insoluble ash content (1.20), ethanol extractives (25.60) and water soluble extractives (32.4) were also determined.ConclusionIt is hoped that these findings will be useful towards establishing standards on identity, purity, quality and preparation of monogragh of the drug obtained from the leaves of T. globifer.

Characterization of pacific silver fir impregnated with extractives from western redcedar

Alternative and higher value uses are needed for residual materials generated from wood products processing. Western redcedar sawdust contains an array of unique chemicals and has the potential to be used to alter the appearance, stability and durability of non-durable timbers. Here it was hypothesized that impregnation of Western redcedar heartwood extractives into Pacific silver fir would decrease shrinkage, hygroscopicity, and susceptibility to decay. Western redcedar hot water extracts were obtained from sawdust and used to pressure-treat Pacific silver fir blocks. Extractive impregnation enhanced the wood’s appearance and gave it a more cedar-like brown colour. Impregnated samples had reduced shrinkage, but were not as dimensionally stable as Western redcedar heartwood. Pacific silver fir blocks impregnated with water-soluble extractives were also highly susceptible to leaching, and leached samples had similar shrinkage values to untreated controls. In contrast, leaching had little effect on the hygroscopicity of the Western redcedar heartwood. Extractive-impregnated Pacific silver fir blocks had increased resistance to decay by two brown-rot fungi, and showed resistance similar to that of Western redcedar heartwood. However, leached blocks did not have the same decay resistance.

A Pharmacognostical Study on Stem of Capparis decidua Edgew.

Capparis decidua (Family, Capparidaceae), commonly known as ‘Kair’, is a xerophytic plant distributed throughout the arid regions of India and other countries. The plant is used traditionally for various medicinal purposes. The present study deals with the development of pharmacognostical and physico-chemical parameters of Capparis decidua stem. Fresh stems were studied for macroscopical and microscopical characters. The stem is much branched; each branch is slender and bears spines. Mature branches are leafless and show brownish bark. Microscopically, young stem shows epidermis with sunken stomata and a thick cuticle, hypodermis made up of palisade-like cells and sclereids, cortex with stone cells band and group of cortical fibres, pericyclic fibres, a ring of vascular bundles and well-developed pith with pitted and lignified cells. Crystals of calcium oxalate and starch grains are found throughout the transverse section. Old stem shows a similar structure, but epidermis and hypodermis are replaced by cork. Powder of stem shows epidermis, stone cells, sclereids, fibres, xylem vessels, crystals of calcium oxalate, starch grains and fragments of cortex and pith. The moisture content, water and alcohol soluble extractives and ash values were also determined. The quality parameters developed would serve as useful tool in standardization of C. decidua stem.

Hydrophilic Extracts of the Bark from Six Pinus Species

Pine barks are important biomass resources because they are utilised in the production of pine wood and rosins. However, no chemical study has been conducted on the hydrophilic status of pine barks in Indonesia. This aim of this study is to explore the hydrophilic extracts of the barks from six Pinus species (P. elliotii, P. caribeae, P. oocarpa, P. merkusii P. montezumae, and P. insularis). The hydrophilics of pine barks were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The presence of polyphenol contents in the ethanol extracts obtained from the barks of six Pinus species was determined using the tannin-formaldehyde method, Folin-Cioucalteu assay, and vanillin-HCl assay. The ethanol and hot water soluble extractives derived from inner barks were higher in quantity when compared to those derived from the outer bark samples. The polyphenol measurement showed that the highest value of total phenol content was derived from the outer bark of P. montezumae whereas those of the total phenol and tannin- formaldehyde contents were derived from the inner and outer barks of P. oocarpa. GC-MS analysis revealed that nitrogenous compounds are dominant constituents in the inner and outer barks of the six species, followed by sugars and monophenolics, respectively.

Effects of water-soluble extractives on the vibrational properties and color of hygrothermally treated spruce wood

Sitka spruce wood specimens were heated at 120–140 °C and different relative humidity values (RHh), and their specific dynamic Young’s moduli (E′/ρ), mechanical loss tangents (tanδ), and CIELAB color parameters were measured at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity before and after the removal of water-soluble extractives. The E′/ρ and tanδ values were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, with increases in mass loss by heating at 100% RHh. After the removal of water-soluble extractives, the decreased E′/ρ was increased and the increased tanδ was decreased. This suggested that water-soluble sugars, i.e., depolymerization products of hemicelluloses, acted as plasticizers to decrease E′/ρ and increase tanδ values of hygrothermally treated wood, particularly for wood heated in humid conditions. By heating at 60–75% RHh, the E′/ρ was slightly increased and tanδ was almost unchanged. The water-soluble extractives had little effect on the color of the hygrothermally treated wood, irrespective of RHh.

Development of novel building composites based on hemp and multi-functional silica matrix

This study focuses on the development of novel bio-composites using a silica matrix that provides dual functionality: as a hydrophobic surface treatment and as a binder for hemp-shiv. The hydrophilic nature of hemp shiv, a plant based aggregate, results in composites having poor interfacial adhesion, weak mechanical properties and long drying times. In this work, sol-gel process has been utilised to manufacture durable low density hemp based composites. Morphological characterisation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that hemp shiv was embedded well in the matrix. Detailed chemical analysis using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) indicate the presence of water soluble and ethanol soluble extractives leached from the hemp shiv which are incorporated into the silica matrix inducing the binding effect. The composites were water resistant and showed good mechanical performance having the potential to develop novel thermal insulation building materials.

Morpho-Anatomical and Physicochemical Standardization of Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel Stem Bark

Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel synonym Diospyros peregrina Gurke (Family: Ebenaceae) is a medium sized evergreen tree commonly known as Kendu in Assamese. The plant has ethnomedicinal significance and used by various ethnic communities of North-East India to treat various disorders like dysentery, diabetes, diarrhea malaria, ulcer and wounds. However, detailed scientific information is not available to identify the plant material, in order to ascertain its quality and purity. Therefore, the present work was carried out to perform morpho-anatomical and physicochemical analysis of D. malabarica stem bark. The bark is externally dark brown to black in color and rough having characteristics odor and astringent taste. The microscopy of bark reveals the presence of polygonal thick walled cork, 3-4 layered phellogen, 7-8 layered phelloderm, stone cells, phloem fibers and medullary rays. Stem bark powder showed thick walled cork cells, thick walled elongated phloem fibers, lignified stone cells and rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate. Further, physicochemical analysis of the bark power showed loss on drying, total ash, water soluble ash, and acid insoluble ash as 6.2, 5.6, 1.1, 2.45, and 5.7% w/w respectively. The alcohol and water soluble extractives values of the stem bark were 10.6 and 16.8% w/w respectively. The result of preliminary phytochemical screening indicates presence of triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and sterols. The findings of this study will facilitate pharmacognostic standardization of the plant material and aid in the preparation of an herbal monograph for the species.

A Biorefinery Cascade Conversion of Hemicellulose-Free Eucalyptus Globulus Wood: Production of Concentrated Levulinic Acid Solutions for γ-Valerolactone Sustainable Preparation

Eucalyptus globulus wood samples were subjected to preliminary aqueous processing to remove water-soluble extractives and hemicelluloses, and the resulting solid (mainly made up of cellulose and lignin) was employed as a substrate for converting the cellulosic fraction into mixtures of levulinic and formic acid through a sulfuric acid-catalyzed reaction. These runs were carried out in a microwave-heated reactor at different temperatures and reaction times, operating in single-batch or cross-flow modes, in order to identify the most favorable operational conditions. Selected liquid phases deriving from these experiments, which resulted in concentrated levulinic acid up to 408 mmol/L, were then employed for γ-valerolactone production by levulinc acid hydrogenation in the presence of the commercial 5% Ru/C catalyst. In order to assess the effects of the main reaction parameters, hydrogenation experiments were performed at different temperatures, reaction times, amounts of ruthenium catalyst and hydrogen pressure. Yields of γ-valerolactone in the range of 85–90 mol % were obtained from the hydrogenation of the wood-derived solutions containing levulinic acid, obtained by single-batch operation or by the cross-flow process. The negative effect of co-produced formic acid present in crude levulinic acid solutions was evidenced and counteracted efficiently by allowing the preliminary thermal decomposition of formic acid itself.

Establishment of Quality Parameters for Flowers of Karanja [Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre] through Powder Microscopy and Phytochemical Studies

Background: Karanja (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre), generally known as “Indian beech,” is a plant of high medicinal importance, possessing several beneficial effects such as antimicrobial, wound healing, antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, gastroprotective, and neuroprotective, which is widely used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Aim: The aim of this study is to establish the pharmacognostical and physicochemical standards for flowers of an ayurvedic plant, Karanja. Materials and methods: Pharmacognostical analysis was done by morphological, macroscopical, and powder microscopy. Physicochemical standards were established by ash values, extractive values, phytochemical screening, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Results and conclusion: Flower powder microscopy shows diagnostic characters like unicellular trichomes of different sizes and triangular-shaped pollen grains. Loss on drying value of flower powder was 9.7% w/w. Total ash values of drug were found to be 6.15% and acid insoluble ash 0.3% w/w with respect to air-dried crude drug. Water soluble and alcohol-soluble extractives were found to be 25.5 and 6.37% w/w, respectively. Phytochemical characterization of alcoholic extracts revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids. Aqueous extract revealed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, and saponins. Various powder microscopical and phytochemical studies observed in this study can serve as a valuable tool for the authentication of Karanja flowers.

Liquid sorption, swelling and surface energy properties of unmodified and thermally modified Scots pine heartwood after extraction

AbstractThe effect of extractives removal on liquid sorption, swelling and surface energy properties of unmodified wood (UW) and thermally modified Scots pine heartwood (hW) (TMW) was studied. The extraction was performed by a Soxtec procedure with a series of solvents and the results were observed by the multicycle Wilhelmy plate method, inverse gas chromatography (IGC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A significantly lower rate of water uptake was found for the extracted UW, compared with the unextracted one. This is due to a contamination effect in the latter case from water-soluble extractives increasing the capillary flow into the wood voids, proven by the decreased water surface tension. The swelling in water increased after extraction 1.7 and 3 times in the cases of UW and TMW, respectively. The dispersive part of the surface energy was lower for the extracted TMW compared to the other sample groups, indicating an almost complete removal of the extractives. The FTIR spectra of the extracts showed the presence of phenolic compounds but also resin acids and aliphatic compounds.

SYSTEMIC STANDARDISATION OF LOHASAVA - AN ANTI ANEMIC POLYHERBAL FORMULATION

Lohasava is a self-fermented polyherbal formulation used in the treatment of anemia, jaundice and digestive disorders. The aim of present study was to standardise a commercially available brand of Lohasava with respect to various physico-chemical and toxicological parameters. Alcohol-soluble and water soluble extractives were found to be 25.16% w/V and 28.18% w/V, respectively. Reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars were found to be 23.25% w/V and 0.45% w/V, respectively. Ethanol content was found to be 5.93% V/V employing headspace GC technique. Heavy metal analysis by ICP-AES showed the absence of lead and mercury whereas arsenic and cadmium were present within specified limits of WHO. Iron content for Lohasava was estimated to be 2.5 μg/mL. The formulation was also evaluated for microbial load showing absence of E. coli, P. aerugenosa, S. aureus and permissible levels of aerobic viable bacteria and moulds. The ethyl acetate extract of Lohasava showed 0.000186% w/V of gallic acid, quantified by HPTLC.