Mangifera indica peels: A common waste product with impressive immunostimulant, anticancer and antimicrobial potency

The volatile components of 3 mango cultivars were investigated by means of GC, and GC-MS. Two hundred and forty compounds were identified, of which eighty five compounds were found for the first time in mango fruit. Terpene hydrocarbons were the major volatiles of all cultivars, the dominant terpenes in the 3 mango cultivars were ?-3-carene (2.784-14.904%), ?-terpinolene (4.825-15.879%), ?-copaene (2.281-8.097%), and caryophyIlene (3.390-10.897%). peel essential oils of M. indica cultivar zebdeya and M. indica cultivar cobaneya showed appreciable non specific immunostimulant activity measured by low Macrophage migration index. M. indica cultivar zebdeya and M. indica cultivar cobaneya had higher phagocytic indices up to 1.47and 1.06 respectively. The cytotoxicity of the essential oils were studied invitro against MCF-7, HCT-116 and Hep-G2 cancer cell lines using MTT assay showed significant effect with IC50 = 1.62-1.77, 2.95-5.56 and 2.76-3.14 µl/ml for respectively. Interestingly, M. indica cultivars zebdeya, cobaneya and hindi expressed a valuable cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line as compared to standard antitumor drug. The essential oils M. indica cultivars were tested by Kirby-Bauer method showing a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal activities. Generally, essential oils of the M. indica cultivars showed a moderate to high antibacterial activity with M. indica cultivar hindi being the most active showing broad spectrum activity against Gram-positive (18-21 mm) and Gram-negative bacteria (16-19 mm). It also showed significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans (16 mm); however, data revealed that all tested cultivars were ineffective and have no antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus. The MIC of the three M. indica cultivars essential oils revealed that although essential oils didn’t show antimicrobial activities against Aspergillus flavus the peel essential oils demonstrated variability in the inhibitory concentrations of each essential oil for the given microorganisms. The essential oils of peels showed activities in the range (concentrations) from 116 to 142 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar zebdeya, 58 to 89 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar hindi and from 121 to 172 ?l/ml for M. indica cultivar cobaneya. The present investigation proved the possibility of using M. indica peel waste as a source of low-cost natural immunostimulant, anticancer and antimicrobial. Key words: Mangifera indica peels; waste product; immunostimulant, anticancer; antimicrobia

The Effect of Some Animal and Plant Proteins on uric acid index in Rats with Acute Renal Failure

Kidney diseases are a public health problem all over the world. From recent studies it has been found that a low-protein diet as part of diet therapy has beneficial effects that slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. So, this study was carried out to investigate the uric acid index of some animal protein (Beef, eggs, kidney) and plant protein (mushroom, yellow lentils, lupine) in rats with induced-acute renal failure (ARF). Forty rats were divided into 8 groups (n=5) in each group. The first group of rats was fed on basal diet. The other rats were injected with one dose of 50% glycerol (10 ml/kg B.Wt.) in their hind limbs to induce ARF, these rats were divided into 7 subgroups, as follows: Subgroup (1): Rats with ARF were fed on basal diet supplemented with 150 gm/kg casein as positive control group (+Ve). From subgroups (2 : 7) rats were fed on the basal diet supplemented with 150 gm/kg from dried beef, eggs, kidney, mushroom, yellow lentils, lupine, respectively for 4 weeks. The treated groups with either animal or plant proteins had a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the level of kidney functions as well as lowering the mean values of phosphorous, sodium and potassium. The level of serum albumin and total protein were significantly (P<0.05) increased as compared to the +ve control group. It could be concluded that a diet containing animal protein (beef, eggs, kidney) or plant protein (mushroom, yellow lentils, lupine) may be used as a part of diet therapy to slow the progression of kidney disease and improve the kidney functions

Biofunctional molecules from Citrullus colocynthis: An HPLC/MS analysis in correlation to antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Background: Citrullus colocynthis belongs to Family Cucurbitaceae. It grows widely in Egypt and Sudan and it has been used in folk medicine of Sudan and many other African countries as anti inflammatory, anti diabetic, and antioxidant agent. Objectives: To evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer activities of ethanolic crude extracts of the fruits, leaves, seeds and roots of this plant, as well as identifying them HPLC/MS. Materials and Methods: Dried fruits, seeds, leaves and roots of C. colocynthis were powdered and passed through a 40- mesh, then, the powders were extracted with 95% ethanol in a soxhlet apparatus. The residues were dried under reduced pressure in rotary evaporator. Crude extract from different plant parts were evaluated biologically and phytochemically. Results: All extracts showed good antifungal activities with inhibition zone ranges between 15.1 ± 0.32 to 25.6 ± 0.16 mm. In terms of plant organ, fruits were the most active. In term of fungal strain Aspergillus fumigatus and Geotricum candidum were the most sensitive. Against tested Gram +ve, all extracts showed good activities except roots, while antibacterial activity against Gram –ve showed that the fruits extract have good activity as it was the sole extract with activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Test for antiviral activities showed moderate to weak inhibitions of cytopathic effect (CPE). Anticancer activities of different crude extracts showed that fruits had significant antitumor activities against all tested cell lines, the IC50 values were 24.6, 16, 18.5 and 19.7 µg /ml for HCT-116, MCF-7, Hep-G2 and Caco-2 respectively. Seeds extract was only active on HCT-116 and Hep G2 with IC50 =21.2 µg/ml for HCT-116 and 22.4 µg/ml for Hep G2. Leaves extract was only active against Hep G2 cancer cell line with IC50 19.7 µg/ml. Roots extract show weak antitumor activity on tested cell lines (IC50 values > 30µg/ml). HPLC/MS qualitative and quantitative analysis of different organs extracts revealed the presence of 21 compounds identified as fourteen cucurbitacins, three flavonoids, three tannins, and one sterol. The presence of cucurbitacins can explain most of the biological activities. Conclusion: The biological activities of colocynth different parts are due to the presence of secondary metabolites mainly cucurbitacins in addition to flavonoids and tannins.  These activities prove the use of this plant in folk medicine and deserve much more future exploration targeting their discovery in unexplored sources and their derivatives for improving their anticancer and antimicrobial abilities. Keywords: Citrullus colocynthis, crude extracts, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, HPLC/M

Glucosinolates, Glycosidically Bound Volatiles and Antimicrobial Activity of Brassica oleraceae Var. Botrytis, (Soultany Cultivar)

Background: Egyptian cauliflower Brassica oleracea, L. var. Botrytis L. Soultany cultivar, is an important edible plant in Mediterranean countries. Only a few researches were focused on antimicrobial activity of its volatiles and glucosinolates. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of volatiles and glucosinolates of Egyptian Cauliflower and identify them by GC/MS and HPLC/MS designs. Materials and Methods: The semi-volatile and volatile constituents of were extracted by hydrodistillation from leaves, stems and inflorescences, using a Likens –Nickerson-type apparatus. The extracts from fresh and frozen vegetables were investigated by GC/MS and HPLC/MS. the volatile samples containing glucosinolate degradation products were evaluated for antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion method. Results: From the fresh leaves extract, a total of 49 compounds were identified, representing 98.79% of the oil. The major constituent was found to be hex-3(Z)-enol (18.86%). From fresh disrupted inflorescence tissues of Egyptian cauliflower 45 compounds were detected, representing 93.37% of the extract. Nonacosane and 11-methoxy   benz(a)anthracene-7,12-dione   were   identified  as  major constituents   of   the hydrodistillation products, representing, respectively, 17.7 and 8.31% of the volatiles.   From frozen inflorescence tissues, dimethyl trisulfide and butylated hydroxy toluene were detected as predominant components representing 15.88 and 9.69% respectively. In the latter, hex-3(Z)-enol was not found to be the major constituent as happened in fresh leaves, but representing 3.88%. From fresh stem tissues, dimethyl trisulphide was detected as major constituent representing a percentage (24.06%) more than present in frozen inflorescence tissues. Twenty two compounds were identified by triple quad HPLC/MS. Volatile samples expressed a wide range of growth inhibition activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, showing the highest inhibitory effects against E .coli and K. pneumonia strains. Conclusion: Hydrodistilled compounds present in the stems, leaves and inflorescence tissues of this cultivar has a highly promising antimicrobial activity. Keywords: Cauliflower, Brassica oleraceae, Glucosinolates, GC/MS, HPLC/MS, Antimicrobial activity.

Green nanotechnology: Anticancer Activity of Silver Nanoparticles using Citrullus colocynthis aqueous extracts

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is a growing research area because of their potential applications in nanomedicines. The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) is a convenient, cheap and environmentally safe approach compared to chemical synthesis. In the present study, we synthesized SNPs from AgNO3 using aqueous extracts (AEs) of fruits, leaves, roots and seeds of Citrullus colocynthis as reducing and capping agents. The SNPs were early detected in the aqueous extracts by color change to the reddish brown, and further were confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis. The TEM analysis of SNPs showed spherical nanoparticles with mean size between 7 to 19nm. The anticancer activity of SNPs has been assessed invitro.  MTT assay on human cancer cell lines of colon (HCT-116), breast (MCF-7), liver (Hep-G2) and intestine (Caco-2) showed good anticancer activity which was negligible for the aqueous plant extracts. Regarding to the tested cell lines the Hep-G2 cell line and HCT-116 were the most sensitive cell line towards the cytotoxic activities of the tested SNPs, while the Caco-2 was the most resistant cell line towards the cytotoxic activities. Keywords: green synthesis, silver nanoparticles, Citrullus colocynthis, anticancer

DNA Fingerprinting, Chemical Composition, Antitumor and Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oils and Extractives of four Annona Species from Egypt

The leaf essential oils of four members of the Annonaceae grown in Egypt (namely; Annona cherimola, A. squamosa, A. muricata and A. glabra) have been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS in order to compare and contrast the volatile chemical compositions of these species.  The essential oils were screened for in-vitro cytotoxic activity against breast cancer (MCF-7), colon cancer (CACO) and liver cancer (HEPG2) cell lines and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. beta-elemene (25.02%), beta-caryophyllene (37.11%), bicycloelemene (23.58%) and and beta-gurjunene (42.49%), were the major constituents of Annona cherimola, A. squamosa, A. muricata and A. glabra, respectively. Ethanol extracts showed highly significant cytotoxic activities (low IC50) much more than results displayed by essential oils on breast (MCF-7), colon (CACO) and liver (HEPG2) carcinoma cell lines. Relative to breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7), The IC50 values of ethanol extracts were 3.43, 3.89 and 4.34 ?g/ml for A. cherimola, A. squamosa and A. muricata ethanol extractives respectively. While colon carcinoma cell line (CACO) displayed IC50 values 2.82, 2.97, 3.58 and 3.89 ?g/ml for A. muricata, A. cherimola, A. glabra and A. squamosa, respectively. Liver carcinoma cell line (HEPG2) exhibited IC50 valus of 3.12, 3.43 and 3.73 for A. squamosa, A. muricata and A. cherimola, respectively. Three of the four leaf essential oils showed notable invitro cytotoxic activity. Essential oils of A. glabra, A. muricata and A. squamosa showed moderate cytotoxic activities with IC50 values ranging from 12.35 to 24.21?g/ml. While the essential oils of A. cherimola showed IC50 values ranging from 7.67 to 9.22?g/ml. Leaf oils and ethanol extractives showed appreciable antibmicobial activity with variable MIC ranging from 30 to 315µg/ml. These findings suggest that A. cherimola essential oil and ethanol extract have great potential as a natural medicine for cancers and microbial infections. Keywords:Annona cherimola; A. squamosa;, A. muricata ; A. glabra;   Annonaceae;   DNA, essential   oil   composition; cytotoxicity; antimicobia

DNA Fingerprinting, Chemical Composition, Antitumor and Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oils and Extractives of four Annona Species from Egypt

The leaf essential oils of four members of the Annonaceae grown in Egypt (namely; Annona cherimola, A. squamosa, A. muricata and A. glabra) have been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS in order to compare and contrast the volatile chemical compositions of these species.  The essential oils were screened for in-vitro cytotoxic activity against breast cancer (MCF-7), colon cancer (CACO) and liver cancer (HEPG2) cell lines and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. beta-elemene (25.02%), beta-caryophyllene (37.11%), bicycloelemene (23.58%) and and beta-gurjunene (42.49%), were the major constituents of Annona cherimola, A. squamosa, A. muricata and A. glabra, respectively. Ethanol extracts showed highly significant cytotoxic activities (low IC50) much more than results displayed by essential oils on breast (MCF-7), colon (CACO) and liver (HEPG2) carcinoma cell lines. Relative to breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7), The IC50 values of ethanol extracts were 3.43, 3.89 and 4.34 ?g/ml for A. cherimola, A. squamosa and A. muricata ethanol extractives respectively. While colon carcinoma cell line (CACO) displayed IC50 values 2.82, 2.97, 3.58 and 3.89 ?g/ml for A. muricata, A. cherimola, A. glabra and A. squamosa, respectively. Liver carcinoma cell line (HEPG2) exhibited IC50 valus of 3.12, 3.43 and 3.73 for A. squamosa, A. muricata and A. cherimola, respectively. Three of the four leaf essential oils showed notable invitro cytotoxic activity. Essential oils of A. glabra, A. muricata and A. squamosa showed moderate cytotoxic activities with IC50 values ranging from 12.35 to 24.21?g/ml. While the essential oils of A. cherimola showed IC50 values ranging from 7.67 to 9.22?g/ml. Leaf oils and ethanol extractives showed appreciable antibmicobial activity with variable MIC ranging from 30 to 315µg/ml. These findings suggest that A. cherimola essential oil and ethanol extract have great potential as a natural medicine for cancers and microbial infections. Keywords:Annona cherimola; A. squamosa;, A. muricata ; A. glabra;   Annonaceae;   DNA, essential   oil   composition; cytotoxicity; antimicobia

Composición en ácidos grasos de fosfolípidos y triacilgliceroles de la carne del salmonete gris de labios gruesos (Chelon labrosus) que vive en agua geotérmica y agua de mar tunecina: un estudio comparativo

This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of rearing conditions on the composition of different phospholipid (PLs) classes and triacylglycerols (TAG) of the thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus), a muscle originating from seawater and geothermal water. The major fatty acids in the examined lipid classes of the two fish groups were palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1n-9), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6), arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3). The analyses demonstrated that the fatty acid profiles of the PL classes in the seawater fish group were characterized by the predominance of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). By contrast, in geothermal fish, the distribution of PUFA series proportions differed between the phospholipid fractions. It was found PUFA n-3 was particularly abundant in PS and PI, while the n-6 series dominated the PC and PE PUFA group. Nonetheless, it was found that neutral lipid fatty acids were characterized by saturated fatty acids (SFA) followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the seawater fish and by PUFA in the geothermal fish. The results presented here give useful information on the role of lipid classes in the physiological adaptation of C. labrosus which can serve for the optiminzation of these aquaculture systems.Este estudio se llevó a cabo para dilucidar los efectos de las condiciones de cría sobre la composición de diferentes clases de fosfolípidos (PL) y triacilgliceroles (TAG) del músculo de salmonetes de labios gruesos (Chelon labrosus) procedentes de agua de mar y de agua geotérmica. Los principales ácidos grasos en las clases de lípidos examinados de los dos grupos de peces fueron, palmítico (C16:0), esteárico (C18:0), oleico (C18:1n-9), linoleico (C18:2n-6), araquidónico (C20:4n-6), eicosapentaenoico (C20:5n-3) y ácido docosahexaenoico (C22:6n-3). Las determinaciones mostraron que los perfiles de ácidos grasos de los PL, en el grupo de peces de agua de mar, se caracterizaron por el predominio de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados n-3 (PUFA). Por el contrario, en los peces geotérmicos, la distribución de las proporciones de las series de PUFA difirió entre las fracciones de fosfolípidos. Se encontró que los PUFA n-3 eran particularmente abundantes en PS y PI, mientras que la serie n-6 dominaba el grupo de PUFA PC y PE. No obstante, se encontró que en lipidos neutros, los mayoritarios son los ácidos grasos saturados (SFA) seguidos de los ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (MUFA) en el pescado de agua de mar y los PUFA en el pescado geotérmico. Los resultados actuales brindan información útil sobre el papel de las clases de lípidos en la adaptación fisiológica de C. labrosus que puede servir para la optimización de estos sistemas de acuicultura

Neutron-Unbound Excited States of 23N

Neutron unbound states in 23N were populated via proton knockout from an 83.4 MeV/nucleon 24O beam on a liquid deuterium target. The two-body decay energy displays two peaks at E1∼100keV and E2∼1MeV with respect to the neutron separation energy. The data are consistent with shell model calculations predicting resonances at excitation energies of ∼3.6MeV and ∼4.5MeV. The selectivity of the reaction implies that these states correspond to the first and second 3/2− states. The energy of the first state is about 1.3 MeV lower than the first excited 2+ in 24O. This decrease is largely due to coupling with the πp−13/2 hole along with a small reduction of the N=16 shell gap in 23N

Two-Neutron Sequential Decay of 24^{24}O

A two-neutron unbound excited state of $^{24}$O was populated through a (d,d') reaction at 83.4 MeV/nucleon. A state at $E = 715 \pm 110$ (stat) $\pm 45$ (sys) keV with a width of $\Gamma < 2$ MeV was observed above the two-neutron separation energy placing it at 7.65 $\pm$ 0.2 MeV with respect to the ground state. Three-body correlations for the decay of $^{24}$O $\rightarrow$ $^{22}$O + $2n$ show clear evidence for a sequential decay through an intermediate state in $^{23}$O. Neither a di-neutron nor phase-space model for the three-body breakup were able to describe these correlations