Efecto de la salinidad en la producción y calidad del aceite de semilla de Moringa oleifera

Variation in the yield and composition of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) seed oil from two differently adopted (non-saline and saline) provinces of Pakistan was examined. Hexaneextracted M. oleifera seeds from saline and non-saline areas contained 33.50% and 32.79% oil yield, respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences in the physical (refractive index (40 oC), color and specific gravity (24 °C) or chemical (iodine value, free fatty acid value, peroxide value, unsaponifiable matter, saponification value, conjugated diene and triene values and  p-anisidine value) characteristics of the oils obtained from both areas. The concentration of C18:1 and C16:0 was significantly (P < 0.001) higher whereas, that of C14:0 was lower in M. oleifera seed oils from the saline area. A tocopherol analysis demonstrated the concentration of α- and δ-tocopherol of Moringa seed oils to be significantly (P < 0.001) higher from the saline area. Whereas, the contents of γ-tocopherol was found to be significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the Moringa seed oils native to the non-saline area. Results from the present study revealed that salinity did not affect the oil content of M. oleifera seeds. Nevertheless, it might affect the tocopherol and fatty acid profiles of M. oleifera seed oil.Ha sido examinada la variación en la producción y composición del aceite de semilla de Moringa oleifera extraído a partir de semillas cultivadas en Pakistan con diferente concentración salina en el cultivo. La producción obtenida por extracción con hexano fue de 33.50% y 32.79% respectivamente para las semillas cultivadas en áreas con alto y bajo contenido salino. El análisis de la varianza (ANOVA) reveló la inexistencia de diferencias significativas entre las características físicas (índice de refracción a 40 °C, color y gravedad específica) y las químicas (índice de yodo, acidez libre, índice de peróxidos, materia insaponificable, índice de saponificación, valores de dienos y trienos conjugados e índice de p-anisidina) de los aceites procedentes de ambas áreas. En el área de mayor salinidad las concentraciones de C18:1 y C16:0 de los aceites de semilla de Moringa oleifera fueron significativamente mayores (P< 0.001), mientras que el de C14:0 fue significativamente menor. El análisis de tocoferoles demostró que las concentraciones de α- y δ-tocoferol eran superiores significativamente (P< 0.001) en los aceites procedentes de las áreas con alta salinidad, mientras que el contenido en γ-tocoferol fue superior significativamente (P< 0.001) en los procedentes del área de baja salinidad. Los resultados de este estudio muestran que la salinidad no afecta sobre el contenido en aceite de estas semillas. Sin embargo, puede afectar al contenido en tocoferoles y el perfil de ácidos grasos

Actividad antioxidante de extractos de metanol al 80% y al 100% de semillas de cebada (Hordeum vulgare L.): estabilización del aceite de girasol.

The antioxidant potential of 100% and 80% methanol extracts from the seeds of three barley varieties (Jou 83, Jou 87 and Haider 93) was assessed. The extract yields from barley seeds ranged from 3.23% (Haider 93,100% methanol) to 5.31% (Jou 83, 80% methanol). The total phenolic contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 values) and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation of barley seed extracts (BSE) were determined to be 88.1-145.7 mg/100g, 90.8-168.6 μg/mL and 62.6-74.6%, respectively. The antioxidant effectiveness of BSE was also assessed by stabilizing sunflower oil (SFO) with BSE at a concentration of 600 ppm (oil weight basis). The stabilized (treated with extract) and the control (without extract addition) SFO samples were subjected to accelerated (oven heating at 60ºC for 30 days, 8 h heating cycle/day) storage. These were analyzed at regular intervals for the extent of oxidative changes according to the measurements of their contents of peroxide value, para-anisidine value, conjugated dienes and conjugated trienes. Generally, the 80% methanol extract of barely seeds demonstrated better antioxidant action than the 100% methanol extract. The antioxidant activity of BSE was also found to be considerably varied among the varieties tested. The present results suggest that antioxidant extracts from barely seeds might be used to protect vegetable oils from oxidation.El potencial antioxidante de extractos de metanol al 100% y el 80% de semillas de tres variedades de cebada (Jou 83, Jou 87 y Haider 93) fue evaluada. El rendimiento de los extractos de las semillas de cebada vario desde un 3.23% (Haider, 100% methanol) a un 5.31% (Jou 83, 80% metanol). El contenido total de fenoles, la actividad atrapadora del radical DPPH (valores IC50) y la inhibición de la oxidación del ácido linoleico de los extractos de semilla de cebada (BSE) fueron 88.1-145.7 mg/100g, 90.8-168.6 μg/mL y 62.6- 74.6%, respectivamente. La efectividad antioxidante de BSE fue también evaluada mediante su capacidad para estabilizar aceite de girasol con concentraciones de BSE de 600 ppm (respecto al peso del aceite). La muestras estabilizadas (tratadas con extractos) y el control (sin adición de extractos) SFO fueron tratadas bajo condiciones de almacenamiento acelerado (calentamiento en un horno a 60ºC durante 30 días y ciclos de calentamiento de 8 h/día). Estas fueron analizadas a intervalos regulares para evaluar la extensión de los cambios oxidativos mediante la medida del valor de peróxidos, valor de para-anisidina y los contenidos de dienos conjugados y trienos congujados. Generalmente, los extractos de semilla de cebada al 80% demostraron una mejor acción antioxidante que los extracto al 100% de metanol. La actividad antioxidante de BSE varió también considerablemente entre las distintas variedades ensayadas. Los presentes resultados sugieren que los extractos antioxidantes de semillas de cebada podrían ser usadas para proteger aceites vegetales de la oxidación

Soxhlet extraction cycle-dependent diversity in phenolic profile and antioxidant potency of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata F. rubra)

Introduction: The Brassicaceae vegetables are a rich source of secondary metabolites that exhibit several health benefits and protection against numerous degenerative diseases. Objectives: The current study was performed to investigate the effect of Soxhlet extraction cycles on the phenolic profile of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata F. rubra) and its biological activities. Materials and Methods: The red cabbage sample was harvested from the research fields of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad, Pakistan. The ethanol extracts were prepared using 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-cycles Soxhlet extraction technique. The antioxidant potential of red cabbage extracts was estimated by evaluation of total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging capacity and reducing power. The identification and quantification of polyphenols were carried out by RP-HPLC. The antibacterial activity of red cabbage extracts was determined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and the antiproliferative activity was carried out by MTT mitochondrial viability assay against the human A549 cancer cell line. Results: Gallic acid, p-hydroxyl benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid were the major phenolic acids, whereas catechin and quercetin were the major flavonoids detected in the red cabbage extracts. The extraction cycles were found to have significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on the phenolic profile of the red cabbage extracts.  TPC of extracts ranged from 5.22-11.72 mg/g dry matter, measured as gallic acid equivalent, while the TFC ranged from 1.64-5.19 mg/g dry matter; measured as catechin equivalent. The 4-cycles extract of red cabbage exhibited the maximum TPC, TFC, and DPPH free-radical scavenging and reducing activity. Conclusion: The study concluded that the Soxhlet extraction cycles could exert a considerable effect on the yield and polyphenol composition of red cabbage extracts as well as their antioxidant potential. Antibacterial and antiproliferative activities were observed by all the extracts of red cabbage

Physicochemical composition of hydro-distilled essential oil from coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds cultivated in Pakistan.

This experiment describes the physiochemical composition of the essential oil derived from the seeds of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) cultivated in Pakistan. Hydrodistilled essential oil content from coriander seeds was found to be 0.15%. The physicochemical properties namely density (25°C), refractive index (25°C), acid value, ester value, and optical rotation (25°C) determined for the essential oil were found to be 0.8310, 1.4592, 4.0, 23.7, and +11.5 g/cm3, respectively. A total of 48 chemical constituents representing 90% of the essential oil tested were identified using Gas chromatographyflame ionization detector (GC-FID) and Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Linalool with contribution of 69.60% was found to be the principal constituent. Other important components identified were: geranyl acetate (4.99%), &#947;-terpinene (4.17%), &#945;-pinene (1.63%), anethol (1.15%) and pcymene (1.12%). The analyzed essential oil mainly comprised of oxygenated monoterpene hydrocarbons (80.83%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (8.00%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (0.47%) and oxygenated sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (0.35%). Overall, the physicochemical attributes and chemical profile of the tested essential oil from Pakistan were reasonably comparable with those investigated for coriander seed essential oils from other regions of the world suggesting its potential for functional foods and cosmetics applications

Evaluación de la degradación oxidativa del aceite de soja almacenado a temperatura ambiente y a la luz solar

This study was carried out in order to probe the extent of oxidative alterations in soybean oil (SBO), subjected to ambient and sunlight storage, over a period of 180 days. The magnitude of oxidative changes was monitored by the periodical measurement of peroxide value (PV), color, free fatty acid (FFA) contents, refractive index (RI), p-anisidine-, conjugated dienes-, conjugated trienes-, and iodine- values. At the end of storage period (180 days), the initial contents of FFA (0.02 % as oleic acid) and PV (0.02 meq/kg of oil) of the SBO samples subjected to ambient and sunlight storage reached the level of 1.77, 2.90 % and 20.52, 41.89 meq/kg of oil, respectively. The initial values of RI (40°C) (1.4630), panisidine (1.10), conjugated dienes (0.08) and conjugated trienes (0.04) rose to the point of 1.4647, 1.4659; 36.13, 50.40; 23.97, 41.49 and 13.81, 19.35, respectively. Whereas, the iodine value (g of I /100 g of oil) decreased from 138.00 to 126.18 and 118.04, respectively. At the end of storage period, the overall order, indicative of the oxidative changes in RI, FFA, IV, color (red + yellow), PV, P-anisidine, conjugated dienes and conjugated trienes of the SBO subjected to ambient and sunlight storage was as follows: 1.001:1.002, 1.00:1.65, 0.91:0.86, 0.80:0.60 + 0.75:0.50, 1.00:2.04, 1.00:1.39, 1.00:1.73 and 1.00:1.40, respectively. The results of various parameters investigated in the present study demonstrated the magnitude of oxidative deterioration of the SBO samples exposed to sunlight to be significantly (P < 0.05) pronounced as compared with that of ambient.Se lleva a cabo un estudio para conocer las diferencias en la oxidación del aceite de soja conservado a temperatura ambiente y a la luz solar durante un periodo de 180 días. Los cambios en la oxidación fueron evaluados mediante medidas periódicas del índice de peroxidos, color, acidez libre, índice de refracción (RI), índice de p-anisidina, dienos conjugados e índice de yodo. Al final del periodo de almacenamiento, los niveles de acidez e índice de peroxidos fueron 1,77 y 2,90% y 20.52, 41.89 meq/kg de aceite, respectivamente para los aceites a temperatura ambiente y a la luz solar. Los valores iniciales de RI (40°C), p-anisidina, dienos conjugados y trienos conjugados a los 180 días fueron 1.4647 y 1.4659; 36.13 y 50.40; 23.97 y 41.49; y 13.81 y19.35, respectivamente. Por el contrario, el índice de iodo (g I2 /100 g aceite) disminuyó desde 138.0 to 126.18 y 118.04, respectivamente. Los resultados de los distintos parámetros analizados demostraron que la magnitud de la degradación oxidativa de las muestras de aceite de soja expuestas a la luz solar fue en todos los casos, significativamente superior (P < 0.05) a la que ocurre a temperatura ambiente

Surgical Outcome of Anterior Decompression, Grafting and Fixation in Dorsolumbar Caries Spine

To evaluate the surgical outcome of anterior decompression, grafting and fixation in tuberculosis of the dorsal and lumbar spine.Study Design: Retrospective study.Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neurosurgery Unit – I, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, From Jan 2008 to March 2012.Materials and Methods: Patients with caries spine having compression over the thecal sac with neurological deficit and kyphosis were included in the study. Patients below 17 years and above 56 year of age; patients with bed sores and unfit patients for anesthesia were excluded from the study. Complete blood picture with ESR, X-ray Chest, X-ray of the relevant spinal level and MRI were done. All patients were treated with corpectomy, debri-dement, drainage of abscess and grafting followed by fixation with poly-axial screws and rods. All patients were assessed by ASIA Impairment Scale before and after surgery and with Bridwell grading after surgery.Results: Among 79 patients, 47(59.49%) Male and 32(40.51%) Female patients, mean age was 37.2 ± 3 years. The commonest involved level was the dorsolumbar junction 53.16% (N = 42). Backache, sensory motor deficit and deformity were main presenting complains. Anterior decompression and grafting followed by fixation with poly axial screw and rods were done in all patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria. Lower limb power improved to ambulatory level in 60% of patients with complete paraplegia and recovery was excellent in patients with partial weakness; only n = 2 patients (2.53%) deteriorated to a lower grade. There was no postoperative mor-tality and one patient had long ICU stay due to lung injury. All patients have pain at the intercostal area and graft donor site that were treated with analgesia.Conclusion: According to our study, corpectomy followed by grafting and fixation is safe and effective pro-cedure. Even those patients presenting with complete paraplegia showed improvement in motor power to ambu-latory level and those who had partial deficit showed excellent improvement

Neurological Outcome of Carpal Tunnel Decompression in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression in Carpal tunnel syndrome. Study Design: Prospective and retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, PGMI / AMC / Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, during the period of 4 years from Jan. 2009 to Jan. 2013. All patients with symptoms and signs of carpal tunnel syndrome and with positive nerve conduction study were included in our study. Exclusion criteria was those unfit for surgery such as patients on warfarin and patient with mild symptoms treated with wrist splint and oral analgesic, diabetic, hypothyroid patient, patients in which nerve conduction study points to radiculopathy and patients with history of trauma with carpal bone fracture were excluded from study. Prospective clinical data collected included patient reported outcome measures and satisfaction scores, touch threshold, pinch and grip strength. Patients were assessed clinically, underwent nerve conduction studies and surgery as indicated. Baseline and one – year follow-up data were analysed for 57 patients (62 hands). Results: A total of 57 patients (62 hands) treated with surgery between Jan 2009 and Jan 2013 agreed to participate in the study. Complete data at baseline and 1 year were available for 57 patients (62 hands). There was significant improvement in all domains of the Boston Carpal Tunnel and Michigan Hand Outcomes questionnaires, grip strength and touch threshold. There were no adverse events. Eight patients (14%) requested advice on scar management or had queries regarding the duration of post-operative recovery of sensation and function. The total mean operating time was 12.8 minutes (range: 5–15 minutes) and the mean tourniquet time was 2.5 minutes (range: 1–11 minutes). Patient satisfaction as judged using a Picker questionnaire was very high. Conclusions: A highly efficient clinical service involving both diagnostics and treatment can be delivered through minimum hospital visit and day care surgery while maintaining optimal outcomes and high patient satisfaction

Hepatoprotective effect of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L (chick peas) against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats

Purpose: To determine the hepatoprotective potential of ethanol extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. (chick peas). Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats using oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The rats were then orally administered different doses of the ethanol extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. for 21 days. Oxidative stress parameters and hepatoprotective profiles were determined in serum samples using standard procedures. The effect of the treatments on liver histology was also determined. Results: Administration of extracts of desi and kabuli cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. to CCl4 treated rats at a dose of 300 mg/kg resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in oxidative stress parameters, whereas catalase activity significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05); on the other hand, ALT and AST levels were decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), when compared to the control group. Conclusion: High doses of Cicer arietinum L (desi and kabuli cultivars) seem to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects on CCl4-induced toxicity in rats. This finding underscores the therapeutic importance of Cicer arietinum L. as a plant with hepatoprotective properties. Keywords: Cicer arietinum, Phenolics, Hepatotoxicity, Chick peas, Catalas

Craniovertebral Junction Lesions and Single Stage Anterior Decompression Followed by Posterior Fusion

Objective: To asses the outcome of transoral microsurgical excision of anterior placed craniovertebral junction (CVJ) lesions excision followed by posterior craniocervical stabilization. Study Design: Qausi Experimental study. Setting: Department of neurosurgery PINS/Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. from May 2017 to Aug 2018. Inclusion Criteria: Male and Female patients of 12-65 yrs of age with compressive lesion at the ventral aspect of craniovertabral junction. Exclusion Criteria: Lateral and posterolateral lesions, lesion below C2 vertebral body, patient unfit for anaesthesia and surgery. Material and Methods: 12 consecutive patients coming in OPD and emergency department of our unit and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were studied. All patients were prepared for the surgery and written informed consent taken from all our patients. The patients underwent anterior trans oral microsurgical excision of the tumour followed by posterior fixation.&nbsp;Results: Out of 12 patients (range 12–65 years); Rheumatoid arthritis in 1 patient, tumor in 5 patients or trauma in 4 case and basilar invaginations in 2 patients. All my patients had headache (cranial and/or high-cervical pain), 73% of patients presented with quadriparesis, and 29% presented with basal cranial nerves involvements. Anterior decompression followed by posterior craniocervical fixations was done in all patients in same sitting. Out of 5 patients having severe neurological deficits preoperatively 3 improved. The remaining 7 patients have mild to moderate neurological deficits improved gradually throughout the follow-up periods to independent level. Among complications mortality in 1 patient and morbidity in the form of dural tear, CSF leak and infection in 2 patient). Craniocervical instability was seen in one patients after 3 months of surgery. Conclusion: A good surgery with proper decompression at the craniovertebral junction is technically difficult procedure and demands expertise. It needs proper preoperative planning and investigations and adequate decompression and stabilization with proper implants

Effects of polyphenol-rich traditional herbal teas on obesity and oxidative stress in rats fed a high-fat–sugar diet

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Zingiber officinalis teas are traditionally used for the therapies of various diseases, including obesity. The present research work was planned to appraise the potential of polyphenol-rich extracts of selected herbal plants in obesity and related biochemical parameters of high-fat–sugar diet-induced obese rats. Three herbal teas were prepared from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers and Zingiber officinalis rhizomes and their mixture (3:1, respectively). Total phenolic contents (TPC) of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Zingiber officinalis extracts were found to be 5.82 and 1.45 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as GAE, while total flavonoid contents (TFC) were 9.17 and 1.95 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as CE, respectively. Two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg BW) of each tea were administered and body weight, BMI, kidney, liver, and atherogenic indices, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL, BT, AST, ALT, AP, SC, MDA, SOD, GSH, and TAC of rats groups were measured. Data showed that higher doses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis significantly reduced the rat's BMI (0.50 g/cm2) in comparison with the high-fat–sugar diet group (0.79 g/cm2). All treatment groups, especially H-500 group, showed a significant decrease in the elevated kidney and liver weights and atherogenic index in comparison with HFSDC groups. Higher doses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis significantly decreased the levels of AST, ALT, AP, and SC in comparison with the HFSDC group. A significant decrease in the levels of serum TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL was observed in all the treatment groups in comparison with the HFSDC group. Furthermore, all the teas, especially higher doses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, prevented the alterations in MDA, SOD, and GSH levels of experimental groups, thus showing the potential against oxidative stress. It can be concluded from these results that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis teas exhibited strong protective effects against obesity and oxidative stress, especially at higher doses