Detoxification of cyanides in cassava flour by linamarase of Bacillus subtilis KM05 isolated from cassava peel

Defensive cyanogenic glucoside linamarin accounts for 80% cyanide content of cassava and is known to cause severe diseases upon continual consumption. Detoxification of this cyanide would enhance the nutritive quality and hence market value of cassava flour. We isolated cyanogenic glucoside utilizing indigenous bacteria from cyanide rich cassava peel waste and exploited their potential for detoxification. Among the isolates, Bacillus subtilis KM05 utilized cyanogenic glycoside through assimilatory degradation with the release of hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. The partially purified linamarase (53 KDa) enzyme from this organism showed considerable activity (9.6 U/ml) and effected rapid cyanide reduction in cassava flour. The results indicate scope for enzymatic detoxification of cassava cyanide without compromising nutrients in sago industries.Key words: Cyanogenic glucoside, enzymatic treatment, linamarin, linamarase

Proanthocyanidin-rich date seed extract protects against chemically induced hepatorenal toxicity

A hydroacetone extract was prepared from seeds of Phoenix dactylifera L. var. Khalas, which is an industrial by-product of date processing. The proanthocyanidin nature of the extract (coded as DTX) was characterized by phytochemical and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. The total phenol/proanthocyanidin content and antioxidant activity of DTX were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu, vanillin-sulfuric acid, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. The hepatorenal protective activity of DTX was evaluated using CCl4-induced toxicity model in rats, in comparison with silymarin (SYL). Results of the histopathological examination and measurements of various hepatorenal serum indices and tissue biochemical markers demonstrated that DTX displayed marked protective potential against CCl4-induced liver and kidney injury at 100 mg/kg/rat. Relative to the control CCl4-intoxicated group, pretreatment with DTX significantly (P<.001) suppressed the elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), bilirubin, creatinine, and calcium, whereas it significantly (P<.001) increased the diminished serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and total protein (TP). Moreover, DTX significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and increased TP synthesis in hepatorenal tissues compared with the intoxicated control. The improvement in biochemical parameters by DTX was observed in a dose-dependent manner and confirmed by restoration of normal histological features. The acute toxicity test of DTX in rats revealed safety of the extract. This study reveals that DTX enhances the recovery from xenobiotics-induced toxicity initiated by free radicals

GC-MS Analysis: In Vivo

Liver disease is a worldwide problem. It represents one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in humans. Achillea biebersteinii is used as herbal remedy for various ailments including liver diseases. But the scientific basis for its medicinal use remains unknown. Thus, this research was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of A. biebersteinii essential oil (ABEO) (0.2 mL/kg) in the amelioration of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rodent model. Moreover, the chemical content of the oil was investigated using GC and GC-MS. The following biochemical parameters were evaluated: serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. Furthermore, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), and total protein (TP) contents in liver tissue were estimated. 44 components (92.0%) of the total oil have been identified by GC-MS analysis where α-terpinene and p-cymene were the most abundant. The high serum enzymatic (GOT, GPT, GGT, and ALP) and bilirubin concentrations as well as the level of MDA, NP-SH, and TP contents in liver tissues were significantly reinstated towards normalization by the ABEO. Histopathological study further confirmed these findings. In addition, ABEO showed mild antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Acacia leucophloea extract and their antibacterial activity

Kasi Murugan,1 Balakrishnan Senthilkumar,2,3 Duraisamy Senbagam,2 Saleh Al-Sohaibani11Department of Microbiology and Botany, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Biotechnology, Muthayammal College of Arts and Science, Rasipuram, Tamil Nadu, India; 3Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Health and Medical Science College, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaAbstract: The immense potential of nanobiotechnology makes it an intensely researched field in modern medicine. Green nanomaterial synthesis techniques for medicinal applications are desired because of their biocompatibility and lack of toxic byproducts. We report the toxic byproducts free phytosynthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the bark extract of the traditional medicinal plant Acacia leucophloea (Fabaceae). Visual observation, ultraviolet&ndash;visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. The visible yellow-brown color formation and surface plasmon resonance at&nbsp;440&nbsp;nm indicates the biosynthesis of AgNP. The TEM images show polydisperse, mostly spherical AgNP particles of&nbsp;17&ndash;29&nbsp;nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that primary amines, aldehyde/ketone, aromatic, azo, and nitro compounds of the A. leucophloea extract may participate in the bioreduction and capping of the formed AgNPs. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystallinity of the AgNPs. The in vitro agar well diffusion method confirmed the potential antibacterial activity of the plant extract and synthesized AgNPs against the common bacterial pathogens Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC&nbsp;737), Bacillus cereus (MTCC&nbsp;1272), Listeria monocytogenes (MTCC&nbsp;657), and Shigella flexneri (MTCC&nbsp;1475). This research combines the inherent antimicrobial activity of silver metals with the A. leucophloea extract, yielding antibacterial activity-enhanced AgNPs. This new biomimetic approach using traditional medicinal plant (A. leucophloea) barks to synthesize biocompatible antibacterial AgNPs could easily be scaled up for additional biomedical applications. These polydisperse AgNPs green-synthesized via A. leucophloea bark extract can readily be used in many applications not requiring high uniformity in particle size or shape.Keywords: AgNPs, antibacterial activity, Acacia leucophloea, biogenic, FTIR, XRD, TE

Preliminary evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxic activities of 'Parsley' Petroselinum crispum in rats

Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties of an ethanolic extract of Parsley 'Petroselinum crispum' leaves. Materials and methods: An ethanolic extract of Parsley was subjected for evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxic activities against inflammation induced by carrageenan and cotton pellet granuloma and hepatic damage induced by carbon tetrachloride, respectively in rats. Apart from enzymes, non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) groups were also estimated in liver. Histopathological test on liver was carried out and phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time in mice was also measured in different groups. Results: The phy tochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, sterols and or triterpenes. The extract exhibited significant protection against carrageenan-induced inflammation, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and CCl4-induced hepatic damage. Conclusion: Petroselinum crispum exhibited significant antiinflammatory and anti-hepatotoxic activities which merits further detailed investigations.Corresponding author S. Rafatullah, Medicinal, Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research Center (MAPPRC), College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. Email: [email protected]

HDACiDB: a database for histone deacetylase inhibitors

Kasi Murugan,1 Shanmugasamy Sangeetha,2 Shanmugasamy Ranjitha,2 Antony Vimala,2 Saleh Al-Sohaibani,1 Gopal Rameshkumar21Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Bioinformatics Laboratory, Anna University K. Balachander Research Centre, MIT Campus of Anna University Chennai, Chennai, IndiaAbstract: An histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor database (HDACiDB) was constructed to enable rapid access to data relevant to the development of epigenetic modulators (HDAC inhibitors [HDACi]), helping bring precision cancer medicine a step closer. Thousands of HDACi targeting HDACs are in various stages of development and are being tested in clinical trials as monotherapy and in combination with other cancer agents. Despite the abundance of HDACi, information resources are limited. Tools for in silico experiments on specific HDACi prediction, for designing and analyzing the generated data, as well as custom-made specific tools and interactive databases, are needed. We have developed an HDACiDB that is a composite collection of HDACi and currently comprises 1,445 chemical compounds, including 419 natural and 1,026 synthetic ones having the potential to inhibit histone deacetylation. Most importantly, it will allow application of Lipinski&rsquo;s rule of five drug-likeness and other physicochemical property-based screening of the inhibitors. It also provides easy access to information on their source of origin, molecular properties, drug likeness, as well as bioavailability with relevant references cited. Being the first comprehensive database on HDACi that contains all known natural and synthetic HDACi, the HDACiDB may help to improve our knowledge concerning the mechanisms of actions of available HDACi and enable us to selectively target individual HDAC isoforms and establish a new paradigm for intelligent epigenetic cancer drug design. The&nbsp;database is freely available on the http://hdacidb.bioinfo.au-kbc.org.in/hdacidb/ website.Keywords: cancer, drug likeness, histone deacetylase inhibitors, epigenetics, Lipinski&rsquo;s rule, molecular propertie

Citrus medica “Otroj”: Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Cardiac Dysrhythmia in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats

Citrus medica L. commonly known as Otroj, is an important medicinal plant reputed for its nutritious and therapeutic uses. The present work was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of the ethanolic extract of otroj (EEOT) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. In addition, the antioxidant activity and the phenolic and flavonoidal contents were determined. Rats were administered EETO (250 and 500 mg/kg) or vehicle orally for 15 days along with ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c.) on the 14th and 15th day. ISO induced cardiac dysfunction, increased lipid peroxidation and alteration of myocyte-injury specific marker enzymes. ISO also showed an increase in levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and VLDL-C. Moreover, the histological investigations showed myocardial necrosis and inflammation. EETO treatment brought the above parameters towards normal level. Moreover, in vitro DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid tests of the EEOT exhibited a notable antioxidant activity in both assays used. In addition, histopathological examination reconfirmed the protective effects of EEOT. Thus, the present study reveals that C. medica alleviates myocardial damage in ISO-induced cardiac injury and demonstrates cardioprotective potential which could be attributed to its potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity

Hepatorenal protective effect of Antistax(®) against chemically-induced toxicity

BACKGROUND: Antioxidant natural products and chemoprevention are considered nowadays as an effective approach against health various disorders and diseases induced by oxidative stress or free radicals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the hepato- and nephroprotective activity of a standardized red vine leaf aqueous extract AS195 (Antistax(®)). METHODS: The protective activity of AS195 (100 mg/kg) was investigated on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated rats in comparison with silymarin. The flavonoid/proanthocyanidin nature of AS195 was identified by phytochemical and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses, while its total phenol/proanthocyanidin/flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau, vanillin-sulfuric acid, AlCl3, and 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays, respectively. RESULTS: Relative to the control CCl4 -intoxicated group, pretreatment with AS195 could significantly suppressed the elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, and calcium, whereas it significantly increased the diminished serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, albumin and total protein. Moreover, AS195 significantly decreased malondialdehyde formation in the tissues of liver and kidney, whereas it significantly elevated and nonprotein sulfhydryl groups, compared with the intoxicated control. The improvement in biochemical parameters by AS195 was obviously observed and further confirmed by restoration of normal histological features in the two organs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study revealed the capacity of AS195 to enhance the recovery from xenobiotic-induced hepatorenal toxicity initiated by free radicals

Hepatoprotective and Antiviral Efficacy of Acacia mellifera Leaves Fractions against Hepatitis B Virus

The present study investigated the hepatoprotective and anti-HBV efficacy of Acacia mellifera (AM) leaves extracts. The crude ethanolic-extract, including organic and aqueous fractions, were tested for cytotoxicity on HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (IC50 = 684 μg/mL). Of these, the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions showed the most promising, dose-dependent hepatoprotection in DCFH-toxicated cells at 48 h. In CCl4-injured rats, oral administration of AM ethanol extract (250 and 500 mg/kg·bw) for three weeks significantly normalized the sera aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein levels and elevated tissue nonprotein sulphydryl and total protein. The histopathology of dissected livers also revealed that AM cured the tissue lesions. The phytochemical screening of the fractions showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and saponins. Further, anti-HBV potential of the fractions was evaluated on HepG2.2.15 cells. Of these, the n-butanol and aqueous fractions exhibited the best inhibitory effects on HBsAg and HBeAg expressions in dose- and time-dependent manner. Taken together, while the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions exhibited the most promising antioxidant/hepatoprotective and anti-HBV activity, respectively, the n-butanol partition showed both activities. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of AM extracts warrants further isolation of the active principle(s) and its phytochemical as well as biological studies