- 1. The flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in Arabidopsis: Structural and genetic diversity.
Flavonoids are representative plant secondary products. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, at least 54 flavonoid molecules (35 flavonols, 11 anthocyanins and 8 proanthocyanidins) are found. Scaffold structures of flavonoids in Arabidopsis are relatively simple. These include kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin for flavonols, cyanidin for anthocyanins and epicatechin for proanthocyanidins. The chemical diversity of flavonoids increases enormously by tailoring reactions which modify these scaffolds, including glycosylation, methylation and acylation. Genes responsible for the formation of flavonoid aglycone structures and their subsequent modification reactions have been extensively characterized by functional genomic efforts - mostly the integration of transcriptomics and metabolic profiling followed by reverse genetic experimentation. This review describes the state-of-art of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in Arabidopsis regarding both structural and genetic diversity, focusing on the genes encoding enzymes for the biosynthetic reactions and vacuole translocation....(more)
Saito K, et al. Plant Physiol Biochem 2013 Feb 16.
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- 2. Application of response surface methodology to optimise extraction of flavonoids from fructus sophorae.
Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimise the extraction conditions for flavonoids from fructus sophorae with advantages in terms of resisting flavonoids during the whole process and maximising of extraction yield. Three aglycon forms of the flavonoids, namely, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) to estimate extraction yield. The combined effects of independent variables were studied and the optimal extraction conditions were obtained as ethanol concentration, 74.47%; solid-liquid ratio, 17.99 ml/g; temperature, 89.13°C; and extraction time, 2.10h. The reliability of the method was confirmed by recovery experiments, performed under optimal conditions. Recoveries indicated that flavonoids resisted the extraction conditions. The experimental extraction yield under optimal conditions was found to be 10.459%, which was well matched with the predicted values of 10.461%....(more)
Xu Q, et al. Food Chem 2013 Jun 15;138(4):2122-9.
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- 3. Anti-UV activity of Lentinus edodes mycelia extract (LEM).
BACKGROUND:
Using our recently established simple method for evaluating protective activity from ultraviolet ray injury (referred to as 'anti-UV activity'), the effectiveness of various antioxidants and plant extracts was investigated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
HSC-2 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells were exposed to UV irradiation (wavelength: 253.7 nm, 6 J/m²) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS(-)) containing various concentrations of samples and then incubated for 48 hours in regular culture medium to determine the viable cell number by the MTT method.
RESULTS:
Among the representative antioxidants, sodium ascorbate showed the most potent anti-UV activity, whereas catalase and N-acetyl-L-cysteine were inactive. Lentinus edodes mycelia extract (LEM) showed comparable anti-UV activity to sodium ascorbate. Hot water extracts of green tea and coffee, and PET-bottled of green tea extract showed slightly less, but noticeable anti-UV activity. On the other hand, hot water extracts of black tea and Jasmine tea, and PET-bottled of oolong tea, barley tea and Kohki tea were inactive. LEM was separated by gel filtration chromatography into four fractions from high to low molecular weight: polysaccharide, large and small lignin-carbohydrate complexes, and sugars. Anti-UV activity was shown by the lignin-carbohydrate fractions, but not the polysaccharide and sugar fractions. LEM, at high concentration, slightly enhanced the anti-UV activity of sodium ascorbate.
CONCLUSION:
LEM may be applicable as a UV-protective agent....(more)
Nanbu T, et al. In Vivo 2011 Sep-Oct;25(5):733-40.
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- 4. [Qualitative and quantitative analysis method of tea by near infrared spectroscopy].
Four varieties of tea were collected from different areas in China including jasmine tea, Kuding tea, Longjing tea and Tieguanyin. A total of 120 samples (30 samples for each variety) were prepared. The original samples spectra were obtained using NIRSystem6500 analyzer. Tea was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by near infrared spectroscopy technology. Principal component analysis and discriminant analysis were used to distinguish the four varieties of tea. The optimal calibration model for qualitative discrimination was established according to comparison of different spectral data pretreatment methods and the uncertain factor coefficients. Quantitative analysis models for moisture content, tea polyphenol and caffeine in tea were developed with modified partial least square. The results show that the accurate recognition rate for the four varieties of tea in the validation set reached 100%. The coefficients of determination (Rp2) and relative prediction deviation (RPD) of independent validation sets were more than 0.91 and 3.0, respectively. It is concluded that NIRS can be used as a rapid method to detect the variety and chemical components in tea....(more)
Niu ZY, et al. Guang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi 2009 Sep;29(9):2417-20. Chinese.
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- 5. Jasmine tea consumption and upper gastrointestinal cancer in China.
INTRODUCTION:
Epidemiological data on green/jasmine tea and esophageal as well as gastric cancer are limited and inconclusive.
METHODS:
In order to study the effect of jasmine tea in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers, we evaluated 600 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), 598 gastric cardia cancer (GCA), and 316 gastric non-cardia cancer (GNCA) cases and 1,514 age-, gender-, and neighborhood-matched controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from logistic regression adjusted for matching factors and potential confounders.
RESULTS:
Among controls, 35% of males and 8% of females reported consumption of jasmine tea; other tea consumption was rare. Consumption of jasmine tea (ever vs. never) was not associated with risk of ESCC (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.92–1.44), GCA (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.88–1.37), or GNCA (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.64–1.15) in males and females combined. Among males, cumulative lifetime consumption showed a significant positive dose–response relation with ESCC risk, but not for GCA and GNCA. In exploratory analyses, occupation affected the relation between tea and ESCC such that consumption in males was associated with increased risk only in non-office workers.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, we found no evidence for a protective effect of tea in esophageal or gastric cancer. Further studies of the potential effects of thermal damage, tea quality, and water quality on UGI cancers are suggested....(more)
Gao Y, et al. Cancer Causes Control 2009 Dec;20(10):1997-2007.
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- 6. Food intake and the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma in different sections of the esophagus in Taiwanese men.
OBJECTIVE:
The main objective of this study was to further elucidate the effect of consuming various foods on the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in three different sections of the esophagus.
METHODS:
A total of 343 patients with SCC of the esophagus and 755 cancer-free control subjects were recruited for this study from 1996 to 2005.
RESULTS:
We found that intake of vegetables, raw onions/garlic, and fruits are significantly protective against esophageal SSC risk, whereas intake of hot foods can significantly increase its risk. There was a significant inverse relation between the frequency of tea consumption and esophageal SCC risk (P for trend = 0.005), with a 0.5-fold lower risk associated with the intake of unfermented tea (green tea, oolong tea, or jasmine tea). The effects of dietary factors on esophageal SCC were similar in all subsites, with the exception of consumption of coffee. Coffee consumption was more pronounced in having a protective effect in the middle third section compared with the lower third section of the esophagus (adjusted odds ratio 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.9), although this protective effect was marginally significant (adjusted odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.4-1.0) against esophageal SCC in all subsites. Our data also suggest that discomfort when eating hot foods may exert a carcinogenic effect by direct contact with the esophageal mucosa and tend to have more harmful effects in the upper than in the lower esophagus. In contrast, vegetables, fruits, and tea with components that are thought to inhibit carcinogenesis by absorbed components affected all subsites similarly.
CONCLUSION:
Our results add additional information that certain dietary components may affect carcinogenesis locally and systemically....(more)
Chen YK, et al. Nutrition 2009 Jul-Aug;25(7-8):753-61.
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- 7. Comparison of peroxyl radical scavenging capacity of commonly consumed beverages.
The antioxidant potential of commercial beverages against peroxyl radical was determined using the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC) assay. Peroxyl radicals generated from thermal homolysis of 2,2'-azobis-amidinopropane oxidize alpha-keto-gamma-methiolbutyric acid to ethylene, which is monitored by gas chromatography. The TOSC of each beverage is quantified from its ability to inhibit ethylene generation relative to a control reaction. Nine different beverages (green tea, jasmine tea, black tea, instant coffee, brewed coffee, cocoa mix, oolong tea, prune juice, and grape juice) were selected for this study. Their antioxidant capacities per a cup-serving (125 mL) were measured and compared to peroxyl radical scavenging capacity provided by a recommended daily dose of ascorbic acid (90 mg) dissolved in the same volume of water. The greatest antioxidant capacity was found in brewed coffee, which was followed, in decreasing order, by prune juice, instant coffee, green tea, cocoa mix, grape juice, jasmine tea, black tea, oolong tea, and ascorbic acid. There was an almost 7-fold difference in the TOSC between brewed coffee and ascorbic acid. The data suggest a potential role for commonly consumed beverages in lowering the risk of pathophysiologies associated with peroxyl radical-mediated events....(more)
Kwon do Y, et al. Arch Pharm Res 2009 Feb;32(2):283-7.
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- 8. Rapid differentiation of tea products by surface desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry.
Protonated water molecules generated by an ambient corona discharge were directed to impact tea leaves for desorption/ionization at atmospheric pressure. Thus, a novel method based on surface desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry (DAPCI-MS) has been developed for rapid analysis of tea products without any sample pretreatment. Under the optimized experimental conditions, DAPCI MS spectra of various tea samples are recorded rapidly, and the resulting mass spectra are chemical fingerprints that characterize the tea samples. On the basis of the mass spectral fingerprints, 40 tea samples including green tea, oolong tea, and jasmine tea were successfully differentiated by principal component analysis (PCA) of the mass spectral raw data. The PCA results were also validated with cluster analysis and supervised PCA analysis. The alteration of signal intensity caused by rough surfaces of tea leaves did not cause failure in the separation of the tea products. The experimental findings show that DAPCI-MS creates ions of both volatile and nonvolatile compounds in tea products at atmospheric pressure, providing a practical and convenient tool for high-throughput differentiation of tea products....(more)
Chen H, et al. J Agric Food Chem 2007 Dec 12;55(25):10093-100.
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- 9. Microwave-assisted steam distillation for the determination of organochlorine pesticides and pyrethroids in Chinese teas.
In this work, microwave-assisted steam distillation (MASD) extraction method followed by gas chromatography/electron capture detection (GC/ECD) was developed for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and pyrethroids in the Chinese teas. MASD is a combination of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and steam distillation techniques. Water vapor generated by microwave irradiation is used to accelerate desorption of the analytes from the sample, and the nonpolar organic solvent used for trapping the analytes is kept from direct contact with the sample by the water. Therefore, relatively clean extracts were obtained compared to the method directly using organic solvent as extraction solvent, such as ultrasonic extraction (USE). Microwave power of 200W and irradiation time of 2min was found to be the optimum conditions for the MASD process, and n-heptane was chosen as the analyte-trapping solvent in the study. Five OCPs (alpha-HCH, gamma-HCH, dicofol, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT) and two pyrethroids (bifenthrin, fenvalate) were determined using this extraction method in the tea samples. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of the analytes varied from 2.2 to 8.4%, and the method detection limits (MDLs) found were lower than 0.23mug/kg. The recoveries of the seven compounds in the Jasmine tea sample were between 84.04 and 110.1%. Comparative results obtained by MASD and USE were also discussed in the study....(more)
Ji J, et al. Talanta 2007 Feb 28;71(3):1068-74.
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- 10. Regiospecific modifications of naringenin for astragalin production in Escherichia coli.
We report the production of astragalin (AST) from regiospecific modifications of naringenin (NRN) in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The exogenously supplied NRN was converted into dihydrokaempferol (DHK) and then kaempferol (KMF) in the presence of flavanone-3-hydroxylase (f3h) and flavonone synthase (fls1) from Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively. KMF was further modified to produce AST by 3-O-glucosylation utilizing the endogeneous UDP-glucose in presence of UGT78K1 from Glycine max. To increase the intracellular UDP-glucose concentration by channeling the carbon flux toward UDP-glucose at the branch point of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), the chromosomal glucose phosphate isomerase (pgi) and D-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (zwf) were knocked-out in E. coli BL21(DE3). The two enzymes directly involved in the synthesis of UDP-glucose from G6P, phosphoglucomutase (nfa44530) from Nocardia farcinia and glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (galU) from E. coli K12 were overexpressed, which successfully diverted the carbon flow from glycolysis to the synthesis of UDP-glucose. Furthermore, to prevent the dissociation of UDP-glucose into UDP and glucose, the UDP-glucose hydrolase (ushA) was deleted. The E. coli ΔpgiΔzwfΔushA mutant harboring the UDP-glucose biosynthetic pathway and the aforementioned genes for the regiospecific glucosylation produced 109.3 mg/L (244 µM) of AST representing 48.8% conversion from 500 µM of NRN in 60 h without any supplementation of extracellular UDP-glucose. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013 9999:XX-XX. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc....(more)
Malla S, et al. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013 Apr 8.
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- 11. Simultaneous Determination by HPLC of Quercetin and Kaempferol in Three Sedum Medicinal Plants Harvested in Different Seasons.
A high-performance liquid chromatography method was established for the fast quantification of quercetin and kaempferol in three Sedum crude medicines: Sedi Herba (Sedum sarmentosum Bunge.), Sedi Linearis Herba (Sedum lineare Thunb.) and Sedi Emarginati Herba (Sedum emarginatum Migo.). The column used was a YMC-pack ODS-A (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm), the mobile phase was a solution of methanol-0.4% phosphoric acid (47:53) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 35°C and the detection wavelength was 360 nm. The calibration curves for quercetin and kaempferol were linear over the range of 0.01-0.62 µg for quercetin and 0.02-0.78 µg for kaempferol, and the average recoveries were 99.72% [relative standard deviation (RSD): 1.63% and 99.50% (RSD: 1.16%), respectively].In conclusion, the method established in this paper is accurate and repeatable. It can be used for the determination of quercetin and kaempferol, controlling the quality of the three crude drugs. Furthermore, the experimental data showed that the best harvest season for the three Sedum medicinal species should be the full-bloom period between the end of April and the beginning of May....(more)
Wang L, et al. J Chromatogr Sci 2013 Apr 9.
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- 12. Flavonol glycosides with lipid accumulation inhibitory activity and simultaneous quantitative analysis of 15 polyphenols and caffeine in the flower buds of Camellia sinensis from different regions by LCMS.
A simultaneous quantitative analytical method for 15 major polyphenols, e.g. five catechins (1-5) and 10 flavonols (6-15), as functional constituents in the extracts of "tea flowers", the flower buds of Camellia sinensis (Theaceae), has been developed. The content of caffeine (16), which showed similar chromatographic behaviour under the analytical conditions, was also determined. To approve the validity of the newly developed protocol, thirteen extracts of the plant's flower buds collected from different regions, i.e. China, Taiwan, Japan and India, were evaluated. The results indicated that the assay was reproducible and precise, and could be readily underutilised for the quality evaluation of tea flowers on the basis of polyphenols' contents. It was noteworthy that the contents of two major constituents, kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (10) and kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-galactopyranoside (11), varied by region where the flower buds were produced. A new flavonol glycoside, chakaflavonoside B (17), which was isolated in the course of this analytical study, was found to show oleic acid-albumin-induced lipid accumulation inhibitory activity....(more)
Morikawa T, et al. Food Chem 2013 Sep 1;140(1-2):353-60.
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- 13. Kaempferol induces autophagy through AMPK and AKT signaling molecules and causes G2/M arrest via downregulation of CDK1/cyclin B in SK-HEP-1 human hepatic cancer cells.
Kaempferol belongs to the flavonoid family and has been used in traditional folk medicine. Here, we investigated the antitumor effects of kaempferol on cell cycle arrest and autophagic cell death in SK-HEP-1 human hepatic cancer cells. Kaempferol decreased cell viability as determined by MTT assays and induced a G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. Kaempferol did not induce DNA fragmentation, apoptotic bodies or caspase-3 activity in SK-HEP-1 cells as determined by DNA gel electrophoresis, DAPI staining and caspase-3 activity assays, respectively. In contrast, kaempferol is involved in the autophagic process. Double-membrane vacuoles, lysosomal compartments, acidic vesicular organelles and cleavage of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) were observed by transmission electron microscopy, LysoΤracker red staining, GFP-fluorescent LC3 assays and acridine orange staining, respectively. In SK-HEP-1 cells, kaempferol increased the protein levels of p-AMPK, LC3-II, Atg 5, Atg 7, Atg 12 and beclin 1 as well as inhibited the protein levels of CDK1, cyclin B, p-AKT and p-mTOR. Taken together, CDK1/cyclin B expression and the AMPK and AKT signaling pathways contributed to kaempferol-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and autophagic cell death in SK-HEP-1 human hepatic cancer cells. These results suggest that kaempferol may be useful for long-term cancer prevention....(more)
Huang WW, et al. Int J Oncol 2013 Jun;42(6):2069-77.
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- 14. Mitochondrial calcium uptake capacity modulates neocortical excitability.
Local calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) changes regulate central nervous system metabolism and communication integrated by subcellular processes including mitochondrial Ca<sup>2+</sup> uptake. Mitochondria take up Ca<sup>2+</sup> through the calcium uniporter (mCU) aided by cytoplasmic microdomains of high Ca<sup>2+</sup>. Known only in vitro, the in vivo impact of mCU activity may reveal Ca<sup>2+</sup>-mediated roles of mitochondria in brain signaling and metabolism. From in vitro studies of mitochondrial Ca<sup>2+</sup> sequestration and cycling in various cell types of the central nervous system, we evaluated ranges of spontaneous and activity-induced Ca<sup>2+</sup> distributions in multiple subcellular compartments in vivo. We hypothesized that inhibiting (or enhancing) mCU activity would attenuate (or augment) cortical neuronal activity as well as activity-induced hemodynamic responses in an overall cytoplasmic and mitochondrial Ca<sup>2+</sup>-dependent manner. Spontaneous and sensory-evoked cortical activities were measured by extracellular electrophysiology complemented with dynamic mapping of blood oxygen level dependence and cerebral blood flow. Calcium uniporter activity was inhibited and enhanced pharmacologically, and its impact on the multimodal measures were analyzed in an integrated manner. Ru360, an mCU inhibitor, reduced all stimulus-evoked responses, whereas Kaempferol, an mCU enhancer, augmented all evoked responses. Collectively, the results confirm aforementioned hypotheses and support the Ca<sup>2+</sup> uptake-mediated integrative role of in vivo mitochondria on neocortical activity.Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism advance online publication, 17 April 2013; doi:10.1038/jcbfm.2013.61....(more)
Sanganahalli BG, et al. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2013 Apr 17.
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- 15. Protective Effects of Kaempferol on Isoniazid- and Rifampicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity.
Isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) are the first-line drugs for antituberculosis (anti-TB) chemotherapy. The levels of serum transaminases [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] are abnormal in 27% of patients undergoing INH and RIF treatments and in 19% of patients undergoing treatment with INH alone. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) metabolizes many toxic substrates, including ethanol, carbon tetrachloride, and INH, which ultimately results in liver injury. The objective of this study was to screen for CYP2E1 inhibitors in vitro and investigate whether the selected compound could prevent INH/RIF-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo. We screened 83 known compounds from food and herbal medicines as inhibitors of CYP2E1. The hepatotoxic dose of INH/RIF was 50/100 mg kg<sup>-1</sup> day<sup>-1</sup>. Hepatotoxicity was assessed using galactose single-point (GSP) method (a quantitative measurement of liver function), histopathological examination of the liver, malondialdehyde (MDA) assay, and measurement of AST and ALT activities. Kaempferol inhibited CYP2E1 activity in mice by 0.31- to 0.48-fold (p < 0.005). Mice with INH/RIF-induced hepatotoxicity showed significantly abnormal serum levels of AST and ALT, and GSP value, and these values could be decreased by the administration of kaempferol (p < 0.005). Kaempferol significantly reduced the depletion of hepatic glutathione and prevented the increase in MDA formation in mice. Furthermore, kaempferol did not affect the anti-TB effects of INH/RIF. To our knowledge, this is the first report of kaempferol's utility as an adjuvant for preventing CYP2E1-mediated hepatotoxicity induced by drugs such as INH and RIF....(more)
Shih TY, et al. AAPS J 2013 Apr 17.
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- 16. Identification of phenolic compounds in Equisetum giganteum by LC-ESI-MS/MS and a new approach to total flavonoid quantification.
Equisetum giganteum L., commonly called "giant horsetail", is an endemic species of Latin America. Its aerial parts have been widely used in ethnomedicine as a diuretic and in herbal medicine and food supplements as a raw material. The phenolic composition of E. giganteum stems was studied by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (LC-DAD) and liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), which identified caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and styrylpyrones. The most abundant glycosilated flavonoids in this sample were kaempferol derivatives. Other rare phenolic components, namely, quercetin-3-O-(caffeoyl)-glucoside and 3-hydroxyhispidin-3,4'-di-O-glucoside, were reported for first time in the Equisetum genus. An LC-UV method for the simultaneous quantification of flavonoid aglycones in E. giganteum obtained after hydrolysis was developed and validated. The method exhibited excellent linearity for all analytes, with regression coefficients above 0.998, LOD≥0.043μgmL(-1), LOQ≥0.158μgmL(-1) and recovery rates of 96.89-103.33% and 98.22-102.49% for quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. The relative standard deviation for the intra- and inter-day precision was≤3.75%. The hydrolysis process was optimized by central composite rotational design and response surface analysis. The second-order response models for the aglycones contents were as follows: quercetin (μgg(-1))=24.8102+55.2823×HCl+0.776997×Time-7.23852×HCl(2)-7.46528E-04×Time(2)-0.229167×HCl×Time; kaempferol (μgg(-1))=-9.66755+974.822×HCl+11.8059×Time-130.612×HCl(2)-0.0125694×Time(2) -3.22917×HCl×Time, with estimated optimal conditions of 1.18M HCl and 205min of hydrolysis. The results obtained with these new methods were compared to those from a spectrophotometric assay used to determine the total flavonoids in the Equisetum arvense monograph (Horsetail, British Pharmacopoeia 2011). For all four species analyzed (E. giganteum, E. arvense, E. hyemale and E. bogotense), the calculated aglycone content was higher using the optimized hydrolysis conditions. Additionally, the LC method was more appropriate and specific for quantitative analysis....(more)
Francescato LN, et al. Talanta 2013 Feb 15;105:192-203.
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- 17. Solid-State Fermentation as a Strategy to Improve the Bioactive Compounds Recovery from Larrea tridentata Leaves.
Chemical composition of Larrea tridentata leaves was determined and elevated content of lignin (35.96 % w/w) was found. The present study was proposed in order to evaluate the extraction of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, by solid-state fermentation (SSF) of L. tridentata leaves. The basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium was used in the experiments due to its ability to degrade lignin. The concentration of total phenolic compounds in the extracts produced by SSF was determined. Additionally, the extracts were characterized regarding the concentration of flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol, and nordihydroguaiaretic acid and antioxidant activity. SSF was not an efficient process to recover phenolic compounds from L. tridentata leaves. However, this process was very efficient when used as a pretreatment before the plant extraction with organic solvent (methanol). By submitting the plant to SSF and subsequently to extraction with 90 % (v/v) methanol, the recovery of phenolic compounds was improved by 33 % when compared to the results obtained by methanolic extraction of the non-fermented plant. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed a major disorganization and porosity of the plant structure after fermentation, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra indicated a possible solubilization of some constituents of lignocellulose fraction after this process, which may have favored the solvent action in the later stage....(more)
Martins S, et al. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2013 Apr 19.
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- 18. Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Waltheria indica L. (syn. Waltheria americana): A review.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Waltheria indica L. (syn. Waltheria americana) is commonly used in traditional medicine in Africa, South America and Hawaii, mainly against pain, inflammation, conditions of inflammation, diarrhea, dysentery, conjunctivitis, wounds, abscess, epilepsy, convulsions, anemia, erectile dysfunctions, bladder ailments and asthma.
AIM OF THE REVIEW:
To provide an up-to-date overview of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacological activities and toxicity data of Waltheria indica. Additionally, studies providing an evidence for local and traditional uses of Waltheria indica are discussed. Further phytochemical and pharmacological potential of this species are suggested for future investigations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The information was collected from scientific journals, books, theses and reports via academic libraries and electronic search. These sources include Pubmed, Web of Science, Portal de Portales-Latindex, Science Research.com and Google scholar. These studies about the medical botanical, traditional uses, chemical, pharmacological and toxicological data on Waltheria indica were published in English, Portuguese, Spanish, German and French.
RESULTS:
Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Waltheria indica were investigated and showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anti-anemic, anti-oxidant, sedative and anticonvulsant activities. The phytochemical investigations showed the presence of cyclopeptid alkaloids, flavonoids (e.g., (-)-epicatechin, quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-O-β-d-(6″-E-p-coumaryl)-glucopyranoside), tannins, sterols, terpenes, saponins, anthraquinones. Studies of acute toxicity in animal indicated that Waltheria indica can be toxic.
CONCLUSION:
Waltheria indica possess therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammation, malaria, infectious diseases (e.g., lungs infection due to Klebsiella pneumoniae, diarrhea due to Candida albicans or Escherichia coli) and prevention of oxidative stress. Further studies are necessary to explore pure compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects and the mechanisms of action. Further investigations are also needed to provide an evidence base for traditional uses of this species against pain, anemia, convulsions and epilepsy. In addition, there is a pressing need to investigate the other traditional uses such as dysentery, syphilis, erectile dysfunctions and asthma.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved....(more)
Zongo F, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2013 Apr 20.
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- 19. Functional Characterization of a Flavonoid Glycosyltransferase Gene from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha).
Glycosylation of flavonoids is mediated by family 1 uridine diphosphate (UDP)-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Until date, there are few reports on functionally characterized flavonoid glycosyltransferases from Withania somnifera. In this study, we cloned the glycosyltransferase gene from W. somnifera (UGT73A16) showing 85-92 % homology with UGTs from other plants. UGT73A16 was expressed as a His6-tagged fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Several compounds, including flavonoids, were screened as potential substrates for UGT73A16. HPLC analysis and hypsochromic shift indicated that UGT73A16 transfers a glucose molecule to several different flavonoids. Based on kinetic parameters, UGT73A16 shows more catalytic efficiency towards naringenin. Here, we explored UGT73A16 of W. somnifera as whole cell catalyst in E. coli. We used flavonoids (genistein, apigenin, kaempferol, naringenin, biochanin A, and daidzein) as substrates for this study. More than 95 % of the glucoside products were released into the medium, facilitating their isolation. Glycosylation of substrates occurred on the 7- and 3-hydroxyl group of the aglycone. UGT73A16 also displayed regiospecific glucosyl transfer activity towards 3-hydroxy flavone compound, which is the backbone of all flavonols and also for a chemically synthesized compound, not found naturally. The present study generates essential knowledge and molecular as well as biochemical tools that allow the verification of UGT73A16 in glycosylation....(more)
Singh S, et al. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2013 Apr 23.
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- 20. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of kava kava extract (CAS No. 9000-38-8) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (Gavage Studies).
Kava beverages, made from dried roots of the shrub Piper methysticum, have been used ceremonially and socially in the South Pacific and in Europe since the 1700s. The drink is reported to have pleasant mild psychoactive effects, similar to alcoholic beverages. In the United States, kava kava is an herbal product used extensively as an alternative to anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax and Valium. It has also been reported as being used to help children with hyperactivity and as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. Kava kava was nominated by the National Cancer Institute for study because of its increasing use as a dietary supplement in the mainstream United States market and reports of liver toxicity among humans. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice received kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage for 2 weeks, 3 months, or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 2-WEEK STUDY IN RATS: Groups of five male and five female rats were administered kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg body weight, 5 days per week for 16 days. One female rat administered 2.0 g/kg kava kava extract died on day 3 of the study. Mean body weights of all dosed groups of rats were similar to those of the vehicle controls. Clinical findings included abnormal breathing, ataxia, and lethargy in the 2.0 g/kg groups of males and females and ataxia and lethargy in the 1.0 g/kg group of females. Liver weights were significantly increased in 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg males and in 0.5 g/kg or greater females compared to the vehicle controls. Minimal hepatocellular hypertrophy occurred in all 2.0 g/kg males and in all females administered 0.25 g/kg or greater. 2-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups of five male and five female mice were administered kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg body weight, 5 days per week for 17 days. In the 2.0 g/kg group of males, one died on day 2 and one died on day 3. Mean body weights of all dosed groups of mice were similar to those of the vehicle controls. Clinical findings included abnormal breathing, ataxia, and lethargy in males and females in the 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg groups. Liver weights of 2.0 g/kg males and females were significantly increased. The incidence of hepatocellular hypertrophy in 2.0 g/kg female mice was significantly greater than that in the vehicle control group. 3-MONTH STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats were administered kava kava extract in corn oil by gavage at doses of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. Deaths attributed to kava kava extract administration included three males and four females in the 2.0 g/kg groups and one female in the 1.0 g/kg group. One 0.25 g/kg male and one vehicle control female also died before the end of the study. The mean body weights of males in the 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg groups and females in the 2.0 g/kg group were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. Ataxia and lethargy were observed in males and females in the 1.0 g/kg groups during week 1 and in the 2.0 g/kg groups throughout the study. Increased -glutamyltransferase activity in 1.0 g/kg females and 2.0 g/kg males and females may represent enzyme induction. However, the hepatocellular hypertrophy observed in the 2.0 g/kg females may have contributed to the increased -glutamyltransferase activity. The liver weights of 0.25 g/kg or greater males and 0.5 g/kg or greater females were significantly increased compared to the vehicle controls. The kidney weights of 0.5 g/kg or greater males and females were significantly increased compared to the vehicle controls. The incidence of hepatocellular hypertrophy in 2.0 g/kg females was significantly greater than that in the vehicle controls. 3-MONTH STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female mice were administered kava kava extract in...(more)
National Toxicology Program. Natl Toxicol Program Tech Rep Ser 2012 Mar;(571):1-186.
Related Products: Kava Kava Extract
- 21. Liver toxicity and carcinogenicity in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice exposed to Kava Kava.
Kava Kava is an herbal supplement used as an alternative to antianxiety drugs. Although some reports suggest an association of Kava Kava with hepatotoxicity , it continues to be used in the United States due to lack of toxicity characterization. In these studies F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were administered Kava Kava extract orally by gavage in corn oil for two weeks, thirteen weeks or two years. Results from prechronic studies administered Kava Kava at 0.125 to 2g/kg body weight revealed dose-related increases in liver weights and incidences of hepatocellular hypertrophy. In the chronic studies, there were dose-related increases in the incidences of hepatocellular hypertrophy in rats and mice administered Kava Kava for up to 1g/kg body weight. This was accompanied by significant increases in incidences of centrilobular fatty change. There was no treatment- related increase in carcinogenic activity in the livers of male or female rats in the chronic studies. Male mice showed a significant dose-related increase in the incidence of hepatoblastomas. In female mice, there was a significant increase in the combined incidence of hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma in the low and mid dose groups but not in the high dose group. These findings were accompanied by several nonneoplastic hepatic lesions....(more)
Behl M, et al. Food Chem Toxicol 2011 Nov;49(11):2820-9.
Related Products: Kava Kava Extract
- 22. Cyclodextrins as carriers for kavalactones in aqueous media: spectroscopic characterization of (S)-7,8-dihydrokavain and beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex.
Kavalactones represent the active constituents of kava-kava (Piper methysticum G. Forster), endowed with sedative and anaesthetic properties. Kavalactones are polar constituents, but poorly soluble in water with a low bioavailability. In this study, the formation of inclusion complexes of one of the most representative kavalactone isolated from kava-kava extract, (S)-7,8-dihydrokavain (DHK), with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CyD) was investigated mainly by spectroscopic methods. NMR experiments were extensively used for the complete characterization of the complex and included (1)H NMR complexation shifts analysis, (1)H NMR diffusion measurements (DOSY), and ROESY experiments. In particular DOSY experiments demonstrated that in the presence of beta-CyD the translational diffusion of kavalactone is sizably slowed down (2.5x10(-10)m(2)/s) with respect to the free drug (4.4x10(-10)m(2)/s) according to the inclusion of DHK in the cavity of (beta-CyD). ROESY experiments confirmed the inclusion of DHK in the hydrophobic pocket of beta-CyD through the primary hydroxyl rim, being the most relevant interactions between the H3' of beta-CyD and the ortho protons on the phenyl ring of the DHK, and between H5' of beta-CyD and the meta/para protons of DHK phenyl ring. The inclusion of the phenyl ring of DHK, leaving the lactone moiety outside of CyD was also confirmed by the induced CD effects. The binary solution DHK/beta-CyD shows a 50% intensity increase of the negative band of the pi-pi* transitions of the phenyl ring with respect to the absorption observed with DHK alone. Molecular dynamics simulations results corroborated and further clarify observed spectroscopic data. It was found that the phenylethyl substituent at C6 has a preferential equatorial position in the free state, and an axial one in the complex, justifying the large downfield shift experienced by H6 of DHK upon binding. Finally the influence of beta-CyD on water solubility of DHK was investigated by phase-solubility studies. In the range 2-4mM of host, solubility of DHK was increased only two-fold, but being beta-CyD also a penetration enhancer, in vivo studies will be performed to clarify a possible role of the complex on the bioavailability of DHK....(more)
Pescitelli G, et al. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2010 Aug 1;52(4):479-83.
Related Products: Kava Kava Extract
- 23. Immunohistochemical analysis of expressions of hepatic cytochrome P450 in F344 rats following oral treatment with kava extract.
Kava (Piper methysticum), used for relaxation and pain relief, has been one of the leading dietary supplements and several reports linking hepatic functional disturbances and liver failure to kava have resulted in a ban on sales in Europe and Canada and the issuance of warnings by the US FDA. The National Toxicology Program conducted 14-week rat studies to characterize the toxicology of kava exposure in Fischer 344 rats [National Toxicity Program. 90 day gavage toxicity studies of KAVA KAVA EXTRACT in Fischer rats and B6C3F1 mice. Research Triangle Park, NC; 2005a; National Toxicity Program. Testing status of agents at NTP (KAVA KAVA EXTRACT M990058). Research Triangle Park, NC; 2005b. (http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/index.cfmobjectid=071516E-C6E1-7AAA-C90C751E23D14C1B)]. Groups of 10 male and 10 female rats were administered kava extract by gavage at 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg/day. Increased gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) activities were observed in the 2.0 g/kg males and 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg females, as well as increased serum cholesterol levels in males and females at 0.5 g/kg and higher. Increases in incidence and severity of hepatocellular hypertrophy (HP) were noted in males at 1.0 g/kg and females at 0.5 g/kg and higher, as well as increased liver weights. Immunohistochemical analyses of the expression of cytochrome-P450 (CYP) enzymes in liver of the control and 1.0- and 2.0-g/kg-treated groups indicated decreased expression of CYP2D1 (human CYP2D6 homolog) in 2.0 g/kg females and increased expression of CYP1A2, 2B1, and 3A1 in 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg groups of both sexes. The no observed adverse effect levels were decided as 0.25 g/kg in both genders, based on neurotoxic effects, increases in GGT, cholesterol, liver weight, and HP and decreases in body weight. Kava-induced hepatic functional changes in the F344 rat might be relevant to human clinical cases of hepatotoxicity following exposure....(more)
Clayton NP, et al. Exp Toxicol Pathol 2007 Jan;58(4):223-36.
Related Products: Kava Kava Extract
- 24. Acetone-butanol fermentation of marine macroalgae.
The objective of this study was to subject mannitol, either as a sole carbon source or in combination with glucose, and aqueous extracts of the kelp Saccharina spp., containing mannitol and laminarin, to acetone-butanol fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum (ATCC 824). Both mannitol and glucose were readily fermented. Mixed substrate fermentations with glucose and mannitol resulted in diauxic growth of C. acetobutylicum with glucose depletion preceding mannitol utilization. Fermentation of kelp extract exhibited triauxic growth, with an order of utilization of free glucose, mannitol, and bound glucose, presumably laminarin. The lag in laminarin utilization reflected the need for enzymatic hydrolysis of this polysaccharide into fermentable sugars. The butanol and total solvent yields were 0.12 g/g and 0.16 g/g, respectively, indicating that significant improvements are still needed to make industrial-scale acetone-butanol fermentations of seaweed economically feasible....(more)
Huesemann MH, et al. Bioresour Technol 2012 Mar;108:305-9.
Related Products: Kelp Extract
- 25. Effect of biochemical stimulants on biomass productivity and metabolite content of the microalga, Chlorella sorokiniana.
The influence of 12 biochemical stimulants, namely 2-phenylacetic acid (PAA; 30 ppm), indole-3 butyric acid (IBA; 10 ppm), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 2.5, 5 and 10 ppm ), gibberellic acid (GA3, 10 ppm), zeatin (ZT; 0.002 ppm), thidiazuron (0.22 ppm), humic acid (20 ppm), kelp extract (250 ppm), methanol (500 ppm), ferric chloride (3.2 ppm ), putrescine (0.09 ppm), spermidine (1.5 ppm) were prescreened for their impact on growth and chlorophyll for the green alga--Chlorella sorokiniana. C. sorokiniana responded best to phytohormones in the auxin family, particularly NAA. Thereafter, two studies were conducted on combinations of phytohormones to compare blends from within the auxin family as well as against other families. These treatments were NAA( ppm)+PAA( ppm), NAA(. ppm)+PAA( ppm), NAA( ppm)+IBA( ppm), NAA( ppm)+GA3( ppm), NAA( ppm)+ZT( ppm), and NAA( ppm)+GA3( ppm)+ZT( ppm). Combinations of NAA with other auxins did not have synergistic or antagonistic effects on the growth. However, combinations of compounds from different phytohormone families, such as NAA( ppm)+GA3( ppm)+ZT( ppm), dramatically increased the biomass productivity by 170% over the control followed by the treatments: NAA( ppm)+GA3( ppm) (138%), NAA( ppm)+ZT( ppm) (136%), and NAA( ppm) ( 133%). The effect of biochemical stimulants were also measured on metabolites such as chlorophyll, protein, and lipids in C. sorokiniana. Renewed interest in microalgae for biotechnology and biofuel applications may warrant the use of biochemical stimulants for cost reduction in large-scale cultivation through increased biomass productivity....(more)
Hunt RW, et al. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2010 Dec;162(8):2400-14.
Related Products: Kelp Extract
- 26. Biomaterials for the decorporation of (85)Sr in the rat.
Although four stable isotopes of strontium occur naturally, Sr is produced by nuclear fission and is present in surface soil around the world as a result of fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests. It can easily transfer to humans in the event of a nuclear/radiological emergency or through the plant-animal-human food chain causing long-term exposures. Strontium is chemically and biologically similar to calcium, and is incorporated primarily into bone following internal deposition. Alginic acid (alginate) obtained from seaweed (kelp) extract selectively binds ingested strontium in the gastrointestinal tract blocking its systemic uptake and reducing distribution to bone in rats, while other natural polysaccharides including chitosan and hyaluronic acid had little in vivo affinity for strontium. Alginate exhibits the unique ability to discriminate between strontium and calcium and has been previously shown to reduce intestinal absorption and skeletal retention of strontium without changing calcium metabolism. In our studies, the effect of commercially available alginate on intestinal absorption of strontium was examined. One problem associated with alginate treatment is its limited solubility and gel formation in water. The aqueous solubility of sodium alginate was improved in a sodium chloride/sodium bicarbonate electrolyte solution containing low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG). Furthermore, oral administration of the combined alginate/electrolyte/PEG solution accelerated removal of internal strontium in rats when compared to treatment with individual sodium alginate/electrolyte or electrolyte/PEG solutions. Importantly, both alginate and PEG are nontoxic, readily available materials that can be easily administered orally in case of a national emergency when potentially large numbers of the population may require medical treatment for internal depositions. Our results suggest further studies to optimize in vivo decorporation performance of engineered alginate material via modification of its chemical and physicochemical properties are warranted....(more)
Levitskaia TG, et al. Health Phys 2010 Sep;99(3):394-400.
Related Products: Kelp Extract
- 27. Kiwifruit allergy across Europe: clinical manifestation and IgE recognition patterns to kiwifruit allergens.
BACKGROUND:
Kiwifruit is a common cause of food allergy. Symptoms range from mild to anaphylactic reactions.
OBJECTIVE:
We sought to elucidate geographic differences across Europe regarding clinical patterns and sensitization to kiwifruit allergens. Factors associated with the severity of kiwifruit allergy were identified, and the diagnostic performance of specific kiwifruit allergens was investigated.
METHODS:
This study was part of EuroPrevall, a multicenter European study investigating several aspects of food allergy. Three hundred eleven patients with kiwifruit allergy from 12 countries representing 4 climatic regions were included. Specific IgE to 6 allergens (Act d 1, Act d 2, Act d 5, Act d 8, Act d 9, and Act d 10) and kiwifruit extract were tested by using ImmunoCAP.
RESULTS:
Patients from Iceland were mainly sensitized to Act d 1 (32%), those from western/central and eastern Europe were mainly sensitized to Act d 8 (pathogenesis-related class 10 protein, 58% and 44%, respectively), and those from southern Europe were mainly sensitized to Act d 9 (profilin, 31%) and Act d 10 (nonspecific lipid transfer protein, 22%). Sensitization to Act d 1 and living in Iceland were independently and significantly associated with severe kiwifruit allergy (odds ratio, 3.98 [P = .003] and 5.60 [P < .001], respectively). Using a panel of 6 kiwifruit allergens in ImmunoCAP increased the diagnostic sensitivity to 65% compared with 20% for skin prick tests and 46% ImmunoCAP using kiwi extract.
CONCLUSION:
Kiwifruit allergen sensitization patterns differ across Europe. The use of specific kiwifruit allergens improved the diagnostic performance compared with kiwifruit extract. Sensitization to Act d 1 and living in Iceland are strong risk factors for severe kiwifruit allergy.
Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved....(more)
Le TM, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2013 Jan;131(1):164-71.
Related Products: Kiwi Extract
- 28. Allergy to kiwi: is component-resolved diagnosis in routine clinical practice really impossible?
BACKGROUND:
Kiwi allergy is frequent and can be the result of sensitization to a number of allergens showing different physicochemical characteristics. Component-resolved diagnosis of kiwi allergy is still unavailable in routine clinical practice.
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate whether component resolved-diagnosis of kiwi allergy can be, at least in part, carried out by a proper combination of routinely available diagnostic tools.
METHODS:
63 adults with plant food allergy were studied 36 were kiwi-allergic while 27 were kiwi-tolerant and served as controls. Patients and controls underwent SPT with commercial peach and kiwi extracts, and with aprofilin-enriched date palm pollen extract (all by ALK-Abellò), and the measurement of IgE to birch, kiwi, and natural rubber latex.
RESULTS:
The in-vitro test showed poor sensitivity and specificity, as it scored positive in about 50% of patients and controls irrespective of clinical allergy to kiwi. The kiwi SPT showed overall poor sensitivity; however, it scored negative in all subjects with pollen food-allergy syndrome, was weakly positive in some lipid transfer protein-hypersensitive/kiwi tolerant subjects and in one latex-sensitized subject, and strongly positive in all subjects with primary kiwi sensitization.
CONCLUSION:
SPT with this commercial kiwi extract sensitively and specifically detects patients reacting to specific kiwi allergens. This can be useful to detect patients that are at risk of potentially severe reactions, particularly in case of co-sensitization to labile allergens, while we wait that the whole spectrum of kiwi allergens becomes available for routine in-vitro testing....(more)
Asero R. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2012 Apr;44(2):42-7.
Related Products: Kiwi Extract
- 29. Component-resolved diagnosis of plant food allergy by SPT.
BACKGROUND:
Fruits and vegetables may contain both labile and stable allergens. The former induce only OAS, whereas stable allergens may induce systemic reactions. Component-resolved diagnosis (CRD) of allergy to plant foods is therefore essential for the clinical management of allergic patients.
METHODS:
80 adults allergic to plant foods underwent SPT with purified natural date palm profilin (Pho d 2), purified Mal d 1, a peach extract containing uniquely LTP, and with a kiwi extract containing uniquely stable allergens.
RESULTS:
58 (72%) patients were monosensitized: 24 to Mal d 1, 24 to profilin, 7 to LTP, and 3 to kiwi. 22 patients were multi-sensitised: 14 to Mal d 1 and profilin, 2 to Mal d 1 and kiwi, 1 to LTP and profilin, 3 to LTP and Mal d 1, and 2 to LTP, Mal d 1 and profilin. Mal d 1 and LTP sensitisation were associated with apple and peach allergy, respectively, whereas profilin sensitisation was associated with allergy to melon, watermelon, banana, tomato and citrus fruits. 18/21 kiwi-allergic patients were sensitised to one of the cross-reacting allergens, but 2/18 reacted to kiwi-specific allergens as well.
CONCLUSIONS:
In patients with allergy to plant-derived foods CRD can be performed by SPT with purified allergen proteins. In the future, the availability of a larger number of purified natural or recombinant allergens for SPT will represent a simple means to classify food-allergic patients properly on the first visit....(more)
Asero R, et al. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2008 Dec;40(4):115-21.
Related Products: Kiwi Extract
- 30. Going nuts for nuts? The trace proteome of a Cola drink, as detected via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries.
The "invisible" proteome of a Cola drink, stated to be produced with a kola nut extract, has been investigated via capture with combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (CPLL). Indeed, a few proteins in the M(r) 15-20 kDa range could be identified by treating large beverage volumes (1 L) and performing the capture with CPLLs at very acidic pH values (pH 2.2) under conditions mimicking reverse-phase adsorption. Ascertaining the presence of proteins deriving from plant extracts has confirmed the genuineness of such beverage and suggests the possibility of certifying whether soft drinks present on the market are indeed made with vegetable extracts or only with artificial chemical flavoring....(more)
D'Amato A, et al. J Proteome Res 2011 May 6;10(5):2684-6.
Related Products: Kola Nut Extract
- 31. Effects of aqueous extract of kola nut (cola nitida rubra) on reproductive hormones in rats.
Our previous study suggests that aqueous extract of kola nut had effect on reproductive hormones in male rats. This study evaluates the effects of kola nut extract on plasma level of testosterone and luteinizing hormones in male rats. 30 adult male rats were used. These were divided into three groups: group A served as control and it received water only, group B and C received kola nut extract only (8mg/kg body weight), C served as recovery group. All the groups were treated for four weeks. The C which served as recovery group was allowed to recover for another four weeks at the end of the extract administration period. The plasma level of testosterone was significantly increased while that of luteinizing hormone was significantly decreased when compared with control animals. The recovery group showed values that were insignificantly lowered but a bit closer to those of the control animals. This showed that the rats were able to recover to some extent after the extract administration.Keywords: Kola nut, Testosterone, Luteinizing hormone, Rat....(more)
Adisa WA, et al. Niger J Physiol Sci 2010 Nov 28;25(2):121-3.
Related Products: Kola Nut Extract
- 32. Safety assessment of kola nut extract as a food ingredient.
Kola nut extract is used in the food industry as a flavoring ingredient. Kola nut extract is derived from the seeds of primarily two tropical Cola species (Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott et Endl. or Cola acuminata (Beauv.) Schott et Endl.) of the Family, Sterculiaceae. Present day consumption of kola nut extract is 0.69 mg/kg/day. Caffeine and theobromine are two important constituents of kola nuts. Although limited biological data are available for kola nut extract specifically, the published data of the major constituents of kola nuts suggest the pharmacological/toxicological properties of kola nut extract, parallel to those of a roughly equivalent dose of caffeine. Frank developmental/reproductive effects have not been reported and changes in offspring cannot be extrapolated to humans. A NOEL/NOAEL cannot be defined for repeated oral exposure to kola nut extract from available data. Notwithstanding the foregoing, U.S. consumers have a history of safe consumption of cola-type beverages containing kola nut extract that dates at least to the late 19th Century, with a significant global history of exposure to the intact kola nuts that date centuries longer....(more)
Burdock GA, et al. Food Chem Toxicol 2009 Aug;47(8):1725-32.
Related Products: Kola Nut Extract
- 33. Molecular and biochemical effects of a kola nut extract on androgen receptor-mediated pathways.
The low incidence of prostate cancer in Asians has been attributed to chemopreventative properties of certain chemicals found in their diet. This study characterized the androgenic and chemopreventative properties of the Jamaican bush tea "Bizzy," using androgen receptor positive and negative cell lines. Exposure of prostate cells to Biz-2 resulted in a growth inhibition (GI(50)) of 15 ppm in LNCaP cells and 3.6 ppm in DU145 cells. Biz-2 elicited a 2-fold increase in the mRNA of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2, with a 10-fold increase in that of the proapoptotic gene Bax. We observed a 2.4- to 7.5-fold change in apoptotic cells in both cell lines. Biz-2 at 10 ppm elicited a time- and dose-dependent stimulation of both the protein and mRNA levels of several androgen-regulated genes. Biz-2 caused a 36% decrease in PSA secretion and a significant increase in PSA mRNA. The relative binding affinity (IC(50)) of Biz-2 for AR was 2- to 5-fold lower than that of the synthetic androgen R1881. Biz-2 was found to be a specific ligand for the AR in that the natural ligand, DHT, and the anti-androgen, flutamide, displaced Biz-2 bound to AR and inhibited Biz-2-induced transcription and PSA secretion. This study provided evidence that Biz-2 extract possesses the ability to modulate prostate cancer cell biology in an AR-dependent manner....(more)
Solipuram R, et al. J Toxicol 2009;2009:530279.
Related Products: Kola Nut Extract
- 34. Pupillary changes among Nigerian adults following the instillation of Garcinia kola nut extracts: multicentric studies.
BACKGROUND:
A multi-centre, open, within-patient controlled study was performed on 106 adult volunteers to investigate the effects of Garcinia kolanut extracts on the pupillary sizes.
STUDY DESIGN:
106 participants in three Nigerian Ophthalmic Centres with no pupillary defects and associated ocular or systemic co-morbidities had their pupillary diameters measured at 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes respectively with a pupillometer (Neuroptics model ...(more)
Adefule-Ositelu AO, et al. Niger Postgrad Med J 2008 Sep;15(3):152-6.
Related Products: Kola Nut Extract
- 35. Storage stability of low-fat sodium reduced fresh merguez sausage prepared with olive oil in konjac gel matrix.
This paper evaluates the nutritional values and stability during refrigerated storage of fresh beef merguez sausage as affected by a reformulation process which modified the fat content both by reducing fat (replacing beef fat with konjac gel) and incorporating olive oil (replacing beef fat with olive oil stabilized in a konjac matrix) and by reducing sodium content, replacing sodium chloride with a salt mixture (containing potassium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride). A preservative (sodium metabisulphite) was also used to extend the shelf-life of the product. The fat was reduced by 32 to 80% and sodium by over 36%. The reformulation did not negatively affect the sensory evaluation. Low microbiota growth rate and biogenic amines were attributed mainly to the presence of sodium metabisulphite. This preservative could be used in the reformulation to enhance safety and/or extend the shelf-life of this type of product.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved....(more)
Triki M, et al. Meat Sci 2013 Aug;94(4):438-46.
Related Products: Konjac Extract