EVALUATION OF SUBCHRONIC TOXICITY OF LACTOBACILLUS PARACASEI HII03 FERMENTED MORINDA CITRIFOLIA (NONI) FRUIT JUICE

Objective: The present study evaluated the subchronic toxicity of Lactobacillus paracasei mediated fermented Morinda citrifolia (Noni) juice (FMJ) using Sprague Dawley rat as a model system.Methods: FMJ was prepared. The microbial load and pH of FMJ during fermentation were measured by a plating method and using pH meter, respectively. The healthy rats were supplemented with different doses of FMJ for 60 days. The changes in body weight of the animals were measured during FMJ intervention period. The blood and organs of the experimental rats were collected and were subjected to hematological and biochemical analysis by following standard hospital protocols, after the treatment period.Results: After 30 days of fermentation, the pH of FMJ was reduced to 4.10 from 4.31. Lactobacillus load was increased gradually during fermentation while Bacillus spp. load decreased progressively, finally after 30 days of fermentation, no Bacillus spp., and yeast was found in FMJ. FMJ supplementation did not affect the body mass of experimental animals. The alternations in the organ weight were not associated with FMJ intervention. FMJ supplementation did not significantly affect the normal range of the selected hematological and biochemical parameters, which suggested that FMJ was not harmful to experimental rats.Conclusion: FMJ was enriched with lactic acid bacteria, and free from pathogenic microbes. FMJ was found as safe for rodent consumption without any adverse effects. Further, studies are needed to explain the beneficial effect of L. paracasei mediated FMJ

Isolation And Characterization Of Papain-Like Cysteine Proteinases From Morinda Citrifolia Seed With Anti-Toxoplasmose Effect

CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível SuperiorCNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoTrabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Graduação)Morinda citrifolia, known as Noni, is used in folk medicine with several therapeutic applications. The present study investigated the enzymatic and biological characteristics of the papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCP) from M. citrifolia seed. Its enzyme was purified in two-step by DEAE-Sephacel and Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B (10 × 0.6 cm) columns. PLCP enzyme demonstrated an apparent molecular mass of 51 kDa on SDS-PAGE 14%. The proteolytic activity in the presence of fibrinogen with the PLPC of M. citrifolia demonstrated total hydrolysis of the fibrinogen chains, occurring in the concentration of 20 μg; with the optimum pH of 7.0; temperatures range from room temperature to 50°C; better activity with calcium ions and the effect of inhibition appeared in the presence of Leupeptin. There was no platelet aggregation or coagulation activity. PLCP enzyme was not cytotoxic for cells such as Human Foreskin Fibroblasts (HFF) and murine embryo fibroblasts strain NIH/Swiss (NIH/3T3) macrophages and showed to be effective when tested directly against Toxoplasma gondii infection in vitro. In that sense, this study indicates perspectives for pharmacological applications of M. citrifolia enzymes

Ação do suco do fruto de Morinda citrifolia L. em células de sistema-teste vegetal

Neste estudo, avaliou-se a ação do suco de noni sobre as células meristemáticas de raízes de Allium cepa, em duas concentrações, 0,18 e 0,36 mg/mL, com os tempos de exposição de 24 e 48 h. Para cada concentração se utilizou um grupo de 5 bulbos de cebolas, que primeiramente foram inseridos em água destilada e, em seguida, transferidos para suas respectivas concentrações. As radículas foram coletadas e fixadas em ácido acético (3:1) por 24 h. As lâminas foram preparadas pela técnica de esmagamento, e coradas com orceína acética a 2%. Foram analisadas células em todo ciclo celular, totalizando 5.000 para cada controle e tempo de exposição. Os índices mitóticos calculados foram submetidos à análise estatística de qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). Verificou-se que ambas as concentrações, inclusive a menor, considerada ideal para consumo, aumentou de forma significativa o índice mitótico das células meristemáticas de raízes de cebola. Portanto, nas condições analisadas, ambas as concentrações testadas do suco de noni promoveram alteração na divisão celular desse sistema-teste vegetal

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of a commercial noni juice revealed by carrageenan-induced paw edema

This study aimed to investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of a commercial product of noni (Morinda citrifolia) juice. Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema was employed as inflammatory model. One control and three experimental groups were formed. Experimental groups were administered noni juice alone, noni juice+carrageenan, and carrageenan alone. Oxidant and antioxidant capacity were determined by d-ROMs test and BAP test, respectively. Plasma concentrations of endothelin-1 and leptin were measured by ELISA. Measurements were performed at zero time and 2nd hour of inflammation. Oxidant capacity decreased in noni-received groups at 2nd hour (p=0.019). Antioxidant capacity of the group which received noni alone was found to be higher at 2nd hour (p=0.036). Plasma concentrations of endothelin-1 and leptin were notably lower in noni-received groups (p=0.001 and p=0.021, respectively). The results show that the commercial noni juice investigated has pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

Molecular docking of noni fruit extract (M. citrifolia L.) active compound as a radiation protection agent: a bioinformatic approach

Noni fruit (M. citrifolia L.) is a medicinal plant known for its antioxidant bioactive compounds, which have potential use as radiation protection agents. Despite their traditional use, the specific bioactive compounds and their efficacy as radiation protectants have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to address this research gap by evaluating the potential of noni fruit extract as a candidate for radiation protection using in-silico methods. Databases consulted include PubChem, PASS Online, and ProTox-II. The results identified nine bioactive compounds in noni fruit extract: quercetin, kaempferol, morindin, morindone, alizarin, nicotinamide, beta-sitosterol, squalene, and n-hexadecanoic acid. Among these, kaempferol, squalene, and n-hexadecanoic acid were found to be the most potent antioxidants. Kaempferol exhibited a low toxicity level (grade 5) with significant activity as an antioxidant (Pa ≥ 0.7), free radical scavenger (Pa ≥ 0.7), and radioprotector (Pa 0.3 – 0.7). Squalene, a triterpene with low toxicity (class 5), showed antioxidant activity (Pa 0.3 – 0.7), free radical scavenger activity (Pa 0.3 – 0.7), and radioprotection (Pa 0.3 – 0.7). n-Hexadecanoic acid, a metabolite with moderate toxicity (class 4), demonstrated lower antioxidant activity (Pa ≤ 0.3), while morindin exhibited free radical scavenging and radioprotective properties. The findings suggest that kaempferol, squalene, and n-hexadecanoic acid in noni fruit extract hold promise as candidates for radiation protection, as evidenced by in-silico analysis

Antispasmodic and vasodilator activities of Morinda citrifolia root extract are mediated through blockade of voltage dependent calcium channels

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Morinda citrifolia </it>(Noni) is an edible plant with wide range of medicinal uses. It occurs exclusively in tropical climate zone from India through Southeast Asia and Australia to Eastern Polynesia and Hawaii. The objective of this study was to explore the possible mode(s) of action for its antispasmodic, vasodilator and cardio-suppressant effects to rationalize its medicinal use in gut and cardiovascular disorders.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Isolated tissue preparations such as, rabbit jejunum, rat and rabbit aorta and guinea pig atria were used to test the antispasmodic and cardiovascular relaxant effects and the possible mode of action(s) of the 70% aqueous-ethanolic extract of <it>Morinda citrifolia </it>roots (Mc.Cr).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Mc.Cr produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of spontaneous and high K⁺induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations. It also caused right ward shift in the concentration response curves of Ca⁺⁺, similar to that of verapamil. In guinea-pig right atria, Mc.Cr caused inhibition of both atrial force and rate of spontaneous contractions. In rabbit thoracic aortic preparations, Mc.Cr also suppressed contractions induced by phenylephrine (1.0 μM) in normal- Ca⁺⁺and Ca⁺⁺-free Kerb's solutions and by high K⁺, similar to that of verapamil. In rat thoracic aortic preparations, Mc.Cr also relaxed the phenylephrine (1.0 μM)-induced contractions. The vasodilatory responses were not altered in the presence of L-NAME (0.1 mM) or atropine (1.0 μM) and removal of endothelium.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results suggest that the spasmolytic and vasodilator effects of Mc.Cr root extract are mediated possibly through blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels and release of intracellular calcium, which may explain the medicinal use of <it>Morinda citrifolia </it>in diarrhea and hypertension. However, more detailed studies are required to assess the safety and efficacy of this plant.</p

Subchronic toxicity, immunoregulation and anti-breast tumor effect of Nordamnacantal, an anthraquinone extracted from the stems of Morinda citrifolia L.

Background: Morinda citrifolia L. that was reported with immunomodulating and cytotoxic effects has been traditionally used to treat multiple illnesses including cancer. An anthraquinone derived from fruits of Morinda citrifolia L., nordamnacanthal, is a promising agent possessing several in vitro biological activities. However, the in vivo anti-tumor effects and the safety profile of nordamnacanthal are yet to be evaluated. Methods: In vitro cytotoxicity of nordamnacanthal was tested using MTT, cell cycle and Annexin V/PI assays on human MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. Mice were orally fed with nordamnacanthal daily for 28 days for oral subchronic toxicity study. Then, the in vivo anti-tumor effect was evaluated on 4T1 murine cancer cells-challenged mice. Changes of tumor size and immune parameters were evaluated on the untreated and nordamnacanthal treated mice. Results: Nordamnacanthal was found to possess cytotoxic effects on MDA-MB231, MCF-7 and 4T1 cells in vitro. Moreover, based on the cell cycle and Annexin V results, nordamnacanthal managed to induce cell death in both MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells. Additionally, no mortality, signs of toxicity and changes of serum liver profile were observed in nordamnacanthal treated mice in the subchronic toxicity study. Furthermore, 50 mg/kg body weight of nordamncanthal successfully delayed the progression of 4T1 tumors in Balb/C mice after 28 days of treatment. Treatment with nordamnacanthal was also able to increase tumor immunity as evidenced by the immunophenotyping of the spleen and YAC-1 cytotoxicity assays. Conclusion: Nordamnacanthal managed to inhibit the growth and induce cell death in MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cell lines in vitro and cease the tumor progression of 4T1 cells in vivo. Overall, nordamnacanthal holds interesting anti-cancer properties that can be further explored

MATURAÇÃO DE FRUTOS E SUPERAÇÃO DE DORMÊNCIA EM SEMENTES DE Morinda citrifolia L. var. citrifolia

There are few information about noni become a limiting factor for the development of culture in the country, requiring studies that enable their production, marketing and dissemination that has been performed empirically through seeds. Thus, two experiments were conducted, the first aimed to determine the maturation curve of the noni fruit on the physical and physicochemical parameters. The second aimed to determine the physiological maturation stage of the fruit for the withdrawal of noni seed and pregerminating treatments to overcome dormancy. The first experiment was conducted in the Fruitculture Laboratory, Department of Plant Science and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Paraiba (DFCA / UFPB), using completely randomized design with the treatments, 5 fruit maturation stages (0, 15, 30 , 45, 60 days after complete anthesis - DAAC), with four replicates of six fruits each. We evaluated the evolution of the peel color: (parameters: L *, a * and b *); longitudinal and transverse diameter, fresh and dry fruit weight, firmness, peel yield, seeds and pulp, soluble solids, titratable acidity, SS / TA ratio and ascorbic acid at all stages of maturation. The second experiment was conducted in a greenhouse environment in the Plant Nursery of Fruitculture of DFCA / UFPB with completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement 3 x 6, three times collections of seeds [45 days after complete anthesis (period I), 60 days after complete anthesis (period II), 24 h after abscission of the fruit of the plant (period III)] and six pre-germination methods (1 intact seeds, 2 - intact + 24 hours of immersion in water; 3 - intact + 48 hours of immersion in water; 4 - lopping, 5 - lopping + 24 hours of immersion in water; 6 - lopping + 48 h immersion in water), with four replications of 25 seeds. The variables analyzed were percentage, speed index, average time and average speed of emergency, length and dry mass of seedlings. With 60 DAAC, fruits reached the maximum transverse diameter (9.23 cm), longitudinal diameter (6.43 cm), fresh fruit mass (165.01 g) and dry fruit mass (22.94 g). For the variables, percentage and seedling emergence speed index, it appears that the seeds which was held the lopping showed higher values for these variables when compared with the other pre-germination treatments for periods II and III. The fruits of noni at the 60 days after complete anthesis are found physiologically mature, soluble solids contents and SS / TA ratio have increased gradually with the evolution of the fruit maturation stage. The lopping is xiii recommended to overcome dormancy in noni seeds, period III (24 hours after the abscission of the fruit) is the most suitable for the collection of seeds, to favor the physiological quality.As poucas informações sobre moni tornam-se um fator limitante para o desenvolvimento da cultura no país, necessitando de estudos que viabilizem sua produção, comercialização e disseminação que vem sendo realizada empiricamente por meio de sementes. Diante disso, foram conduzidos dois experimentos, no primeiro objetivou-se determinar a curva de maturação do fruto de noni sobre os parâmetros físicos e físicoquímicos. O segundo teve como objetivo determinar o estádio de maturação fisiológico do fruto para a retirada de sementes de noni e tratamentos pré-germinativos para superação de dormência. O experimento I foi conduzido no Laboratório de Fruticultura do Departamento de Fitotecnia e Ciências Ambientais da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (DFCA/UFPB), utilizando-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo os tratamentos, 5 estádios de maturação do fruto (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 dias após antese completa - DAAC), com quatro repetições de 6 frutos cada. Avaliou-se a evolução da coloração da casca: (parâmetros: L*; a* e b*); diâmetro longitudinal e transversal, massa fresca e massa seca do fruto, firmeza, rendimento de casca, sementes e polpa, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, relação SS/AT e ácido ascórbico em todos os estádios de maturação. O experimento II, foi conduzido em ambiente telado no Viveiro de Fruticultura do DFCA/UFPB, com delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 3 x 6, sendo três épocas de coletas das sementes [45 dias após a antese completa (época I), 60 dias após a antese completa (época II), 24 h após abscisão do fruto da planta (época III)] e seis métodos pré-germinativos (1- sementes intactas; 2 - intactas + 24 h de embebição em água; 3 - intactas + 48 h de embebição em água; 4 - desponte; 5 - desponte + 24 h de embebição em água; 6 - desponte + 48 h de embebição em água), com quatro repetições de 25 sementes. As variáveis analisadas foram percentagem, índice de velocidade, tempo médio e velocidade média de emergência, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas. Aos 60 DAAC os frutos atingiram o máximo diâmetro transversal (9,23 cm), diâmetro longitudinal (6,43 cm), massa fresca do fruto (165,01 g) e massa seca do fruto (22,94 g). Para as variáveis percentagem e índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas, verifica-se que as sementes em que se realizou o desponte apresentaram maiores valores para estas variáveis, quando comparado com os demais tratamentos pré-germinativos para as xi épocas II e III. Os frutos de noni aos 60 dias após a antese completa se encontram fisiologicamente maduros, os teores de sólidos solúveis e relação SS/AT apresentam aumento gradativo com a evolução dos estádios de maturação do fruto. O desponte é recomendado para a superação de dormência em sementes de noni, a época III (24 horas após a abscisão do fruto) é a mais adequada para a coleta das sementes, por favorecer a qualidade fisiológica

Morinda citrifolia

Introduction. Noni (Morinda citrifolia) has been used for many years as an anti-inflammatory agent. We tested the efficacy of Noni in women with dysmenorrhea. Method. We did a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 100 university students of 18 years and older over three menstrual cycles. Patients were invited to participate and randomly assigned to receive 400 mg Noni capsules or placebo. They were assessed for baseline demographic variables such as age, parity, and BMI. They were also assessed before and after treatment, for pain, menstrual blood loss, and laboratory variables: ESR, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume. Results. Of the 1027 women screened, 100 eligible women were randomized. Of the women completing the study, 42 women were randomized to Noni and 38 to placebo. There were no significant differences in any of the variables at randomization. There were also no significant differences in mean bleeding score or pain score at randomization. Both bleeding and pain scores gradually improved in both groups as the women were observed over three menstrual cycles; however, the improvement was not significantly different in the Noni group when compared to the controls. Conclusion. Noni did not show a reduction in menstrual pain or bleeding when compared to placebo

Desenvolvimento inicial de plantas de noni cultivadas em diferentes substratos

O noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) é uma espécie de grande importância medicinal que possui ampla distribuição pelo mundo. Suas propriedades fitoterápicas englobam dentre várias utilidades, o tratamento de diabetes, hipertensão, alergias, depressão e câncer. Apesar do sucesso da planta, ainda são escassas as informações a respeito de suas características agronômicas no Brasil e com isso, a produção de mudas de qualidade, torna-se um desafio. Neste sentido, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho, avaliar os efeitos de composições de substratos na produção de mudas de noni. O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação (Pad&Fan) da UNESP, Câmpus de Ilha Solteira - SP, no período de 16 de setembro a 16 de dezembro de 2014, sendo o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, composto por 4 tratamentos com 6 repetições de 4 plantas. Os substratos utilizados foram: S1 - solo + areia (1:1); S2 - solo + areia + matéria orgânica (1:1:1); S3 - solo + matéria orgânica (1:1); S4 - solo + areia (1:1) + Osmocote® 15-09-12 (4,0 g L-1). Avaliou-se: comprimento de parte aérea (CPA), diâmetro de caule (DC), relação comprimento de parte aérea/diâmetro de caule (RCPA/DC) e índice SPAD. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão utilizando o programa SISVAR 5.3 para análise dos dados e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5 % de probabilidade. Concluiu-se que o melhor substrato para a formação de mudas de noni foi substrato S4, pois proporcionou maior CPA, DC, índice SPAD e valores ideais para RCPA/DC