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SOME ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF SHELLED AND KERNEL TEA (Camellia sinensis) SEEDS
Get PDFBackground: Camellia sinensis is the source of tea leaves and it is an economic crop now grown around the World.
Tea seed oil has been used for cooking in China and other Asian countries for more than a thousand years. Tea is the
most widely consumed beverages after water in the world. It is mainly produced in Asia, central Africa, and exported
throughout the World. Some engineering properties (size dimensions, sphericity, volume, bulk and true densities,
friction coefficient, colour characteristics and mechanical behaviour as rupture force of shelled and kernel tea (Camellia
sinensis) seeds were determined in this study.
Materials and Methods: This research was carried out for shelled and kernel tea seeds. The shelled tea seeds used in this
study were obtained from East-Black Sea Tea Cooperative Institution in Rize city of Turkey. Shelled and kernel tea
seeds were characterized as large and small sizes.
Results: The average geometric mean diameter and seed mass of the shelled tea seeds were 15.8 mm, 10.7 mm (large
size); 1.47 g, 0.49 g (small size); while the average geometric mean diameter and seed mass of the kernel tea seeds
were 11.8 mm, 8 mm for large size; 0.97 g, 0.31 g for small size, respectively. The sphericity, surface area and volume
values were found to be higher in a larger size than small size for the shelled and kernel tea samples. The shelled tea
seed’s colour intensity (Chroma) were found between 59.31 and 64.22 for large size, while the kernel tea seed’s
chroma values were found between 56.04 68.34 for large size, respectively. The rupture force values of kernel tea
seeds were higher than shelled tea seeds for the large size along X axis; whereas, the rupture force values of along X
axis were higher than Y axis for large size of shelled tea seeds. The static coefficients of friction of shelled and kernel
tea seeds for the large and small sizes higher values for rubber than the other friction surfaces.
Conclusion: Some engineering properties, such as geometric mean diameter, sphericity, volume, bulk and true
densities, the coefficient of friction, L*, a*, b* colour characteristics and rupture force of shelled and kernel tea
(Camellia sinensis) seeds will serve to design the equipment used in postharvest treatments
PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CAMEL MILK AS ANTI-DIABETIC SUPPLEMENT: BIOCHEMICAL, MOLECULAR AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY
Get PDFBackground: Diabetes is a serious disease affects human health. Diabetes in advanced stages is accompanied by general weakness and alteration in fats and carbohydrates metabolism. Recently there are some scientific trends about the usage of camel milk (CM) in the treatment of diabetes and its associated alterations. CM contains vital active particles with insulin like action that cure diabetes and its complications but how these effects occur, still unclear.
Materials and Methods: Seventy-five adult male rats of the albino type divided into five equal groups. Group 1 served as a negative control (C). Group 2 was supplemented with camel milk (CM). Diabetes was induced in the remaining groups (3, 4 and 5). Group 3 served as positive diabetic control (D). Group 4 served as diabetic and administered metformin (D+MET). Group 5 served as diabetes and supplemented with camel milk (D+CM). Camel milk was supplemented for two consecutive months. Serum glucose, leptin, insulin, liver, kidney, antioxidants, MDA and lipid profiles were assayed. Tissues from liver and adipose tissues were examined using RT-PCR analysis for the changes in mRNA expression of genes of carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. Pancreas and liver were used for immunohistochemical examination using specific antibodies.
Results: Camel milk supplementation ameliorated serum biochemical measurements that altered after diabetes induction. CM supplementation up-regulated mRNA expression of IRS-2, PK, and FASN genes, while down-regulated the expression of CPT-1 to control mRNA expression level. CM did not affect the expression of PEPCK gene. On the other hand, metformin failed to reduce the expression of CPT-1 compared to camel milk administered rats. Immunohistochemical findings revealed that CM administration restored the immunostaining reactivity of insulin and GLUT-4 in the pancreas of diabetic rats.
Conclusion: CM administration is of medical importance and helps physicians in the treatment of diabetes mellitus
EFFECT OF FUCOIDAN ON B16 MURINE MELANOMA CELL MELANIN FORMATION AND APOPTOSIS
Get PDFBackground:Fucoidan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed and has a wide variety of
biological activities. It not only inhibits cancer cell growth but also inhibits tyrosinase in vitro. Therefore, it is of
interest to investigate the effect of fucoidan on B16 murine melanoma cells as the findings may provide new insights
into the underlying mechanism regarding the inhibition of melanin formation by fucoidan. In the present study, we
aimed to investigate the anti-melanogenic effect of fucoidan and its inhibitory effect on B16 cells.
Materials and Methods: The influence of fucoidan on B16 melanoma cells and cellular tyrosinase was examined. Cell
viability was examined by the cell counting kit-8 assay. Cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content were
determined using spectrophotometric methods and protein expression was analyzed by immunoblotting. Morphological
changes in B16 melanoma cells were examined by phase contrast microscopy and apoptosis was analyzed by flow
cytometry.
Results: In vitro studies were performed using cell viability analysis and showed that fucoidan significantly decreased
viable cell number in a dose-response manner with an IC50 of 550 ±4.3 μg/mL. Cell morphology was altered and
significant apoptosis was induced when cells were exposed to 550 μg/mL fucoidan for 48 h.
Conclusion: This study provides substantial evidence to show that fucoidan inhibits B16 melanoma cell proliferation
and cellular tyrosinase activity. Fucoidan may be useful in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and as a skin-whitening
agent in the cosmetics industry
ARISTOLOCHIA BRACTEOLATE RETZ. ATTENUATES HYPERURICEMIA IN A METABOLIC ARTHRITIS RAT MODEL
Get PDFBackground: The leaves of Aristolochia bracteolata Retz. has been documented in the folk medicine literature for its anti-arthritic activity. The target of the research envisaged was to elucidate the activity of A. bracteolata extract on hyperuricemic condition in arthritis rat model.
Materials and Methods: Dried and powdered plant leaves were extracted using ether and chloroform. Potassium oxonate was injected intra-articularly to produce arthritis. The hyperuricemic effect, of A. bracteolate was analyzed by studying levels of uric acid in serum as well as in urine of arthritis induced rats. Effects of plant extracts were also studied on BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels and fraction of uric acid excreted.
Results: Results indicate that administration of A. bracteolata presented substantial change in uric acid concentration, augmented by potassium oxonate administration in rats. The reduction in levels of uric acid levels was nearly same as allopurinol. The investigation also revealed that the primary plant extract has nephroprotective effect by enhancing the production of Prostaglandin E2 and Interleukin-1. Histological studies of rat kidney slices indicated the safety of the present plant extract.
Conclusion: The crude extract of A. bracteolate can be used to reduce hyperuricemia in metabolic arthritis produced in rat model, without inducing any potential damaging effects
EFFECT OF MECHANICAL VIBRATION GENERATED IN OSCILLATING/VIBRATORY PLATFORM ON THE CONCENTRATION OF PLASMA BIOMARKERS AND ON THE WEIGHT IN RATS.
Get PDFBackground: Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise has been used in health sciences. Authors have reported that
changes on the concentration of plasma biomarkers could be associated with the WBV effects. The aim of this
investigation is to assess the consequences of exposition of 25 Hz mechanical vibration generated in
oscillating/vibratory platform (OVP) on the concentration of some plasma biomarkers and on the weight of rats.
Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were divided into two groups. The animals of the Experimental Group (EG) were
submitted to vibration (25 Hz) generated in an OVP with four bouts of 30 seconds with rest time of 60 seconds between
the bouts. This procedure was performed daily for 12 days. The animals of the control group (CG) were not exposed to
vibration.
Results: Our findings show that the WBV exercise at 25 Hz was not capable to alter significantly (
LAWSONE INHIBITS CELL GROWTH AND IMPROVES THE EFFICACY OF CISPLATIN IN SKOV-3 OVARIAN CANCER CELL LINES
Get PDFBackground: Lawsone (LWS) is a colored napthoquinone moiety found in plant Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae) it is
used as precursor for synthesis some anticancer drugs. In present research we evaluate the effect of LWS alone and in
combination with Cisplatin (CP) on SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells.
Materials and Methods: Cell proliferation studies were done by MTT assay while the cell apoptosis studies were carried
by performing nuclear Hoechst 33258 staining. Cell cycle analysis was done by Flow cytometric studies, Immunoblotting
studies for protein expression was done, proteins controlling cell cycle such as cyclinD1, cyclin E, cyclin A, cyclin B1 and
Cip1/p21 and p53 which also are cyclin dependent inhibitors of protein kinase were estimated. Annexin V staining was
done to mark extent of apoptosis, expression of apoptotic protein such as Bcl-2, Bax, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activity of
caspase 3.
Results: LWS alone and in combination with CP suppressed the growth of SKOV-3 cells in dose-dependent manner.
Treatment inhibited SKOV-3 cells by arresting of G1/G0 phase in the cell cycle, by increasing the expression of p53 and
Cip1/p21 followed by decreasing levels of two important proteins cyclin E and cyclin D1. LWS was found to induce
apoptosis via decreasing the levels of Bcl-2, improving Bax:Bcl-2 ratio and activating caspase 3.
Conclusion: Results of this study clearly indicate LWS alone and in combination with CP have antiproliferative effect,
causes apoptosis of SKOV-3 cells via suppressing Bcl-2. LWS could be a useful compound for treatment of ovarian cancer
INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF HIV/AIDS-RELATED SYMPTOMS BY TRADITIONAL HEALERS OF VHEMBE MUNICIPALITY, LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
Get PDFBackground: Invasive alien plants have been known to play an important role in the lives of rural communities with
regard to food security, ornamental purposes, as well as primary healthcare. The study presents the results of data
collected through a survey on the use of invasive alien plants in the treatment of HIV/AIDS related symptoms.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-one traditional healers were interviewed using semi structured questionnaires.
Parameters recorded during the interviews were local names, symptoms treated, plant parts used, life form and
availability estimates of the plant species.
Results: A total of 38 invasive alien plant species belonging to 23 families were recorded to be used in the treatment of
HIV/AIDS related symptoms. The largest proportion of recorded invasive alien plants belonged to the family
Asteraceae with 16%. Roots were the most frequently used parts constituting 35% followed closely by leaves with
34%. Wounds were the main symptoms treated with a proportion of 56% followed by gonorrhoea (20%).
Conclusion: From the study, invasive alien plant species played a vital role in traditional primary healthcare. Despite
their medicinal potential, it is recomme
ANTI-DIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIALS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS IN EXPERIMENTALLY-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Get PDFBackground: Evaluation of the medicinal uses of plants remains a growing field of research. This study investigated
the effects of Eucalyptus globules on alloxan -induced diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino rats were randomized into 5 groups (n=6). Group A served as the control
and was maintained on standard rat chow and water ad’libitum. Diabetes was induced in Group C, D and E animals by
intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). Groups B and D were orally administered with
aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus at a dose of 150 mg/kg per oral daily for 4 weeks, while group E received
glibenclamide at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg orally in addition. Fasting plasma glucose, antioxidant status (catalase and
xanthine), malondialdehyde (MDA), liver function enzymes (AST and ALT) and bicarbonate ion (HC03
-) were
assessed after 4 weeks.
Results: Aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus leaves significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose level, MDA,
HC03
-, and liver enzymes (
INHIBITORY POTENCY OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA EXTRACTS AGAINST DPP-4: AN IN VITRO EVALUATION
Get PDFBackground: Pharmacologic treatments for type 2 diabetes are based upon increasing insulin availability and improving sensitivity to insulin. Nowadays, glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) based therapies aims at glucose control through DPP-4 inhibitors. DPP-4 is a transmembrane glycoprotein belongs to prolyl oligopeptidase family, with the specificity of removing X-Pro or X-Ala dipeptides from the N-terminus of polypeptides. GLP-1 effect by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin release from the pancreatic islets, inhibit inappropriate post-meal glucagon release and slow gastric emptying promoting leaky gut. The current study investigated DPP-4 inhibitory activity of catechin, isolated from Withania somnifera (WS), for ethnopharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes and aimed to increase availability of GLP-1and sensitivity to insulin.
Materials and Methods: Young and matured fresh roots, leaves, and fruits of WS plant extract were considered and were systematically evaluated for DPP-4 inhibitory activity using in vitro method, enzyme kinetics, phytochemical analysis, RP-HPLC, LCMS and 1H and 13C NMR method and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.
Results: In this study, methanol (100% and 80%) extracts of WS matured root exhibited maximum DPP-4 inhibitory activity when compared to other extracts. The maximum DPP-4 inhibitory activity was found in 100% methanol extract of matured root. Phytobioactive was purified by RP-HPLC. The compound purified was found to be flavonoid and was characterized (LCMS, 1H and 13C NMR studies), identified as catechin. Auxiliary, molecular docking was performed using Ligand Fit method using PatchDock package. The study revealed the binding affinity of catechin with DPP-4 to be -6.601 kcal/mol with 13 hydrogen interactions with the receptor and was very similar to the standard potent blockers withaferin A and others (cuscohygrine, scopoletin, sitoindoside IV, tropine), further confirming its hyperglycemic potency.
Conclusion: The study reveals that, 100% methanol extract of WS matured roots contains the compound- catechin, which exhibits DPP-4 inhibitory activity resulting in increased level of bioactive GLP-1 and GIP. In this background, we concluded that the WS will be a better source for further development as new antidiabetic drugs