Hypolipidaemic effect of crude extract from Carpobrotus rossii (pigface) in healthy rats

Carpobrotus rossii (CR) was used by the Aboriginal population and early European settlers both as a food and therapeutic agent. Based on the presence of flavonoids in CR and results from our previous in vitro investigations, this study aimed to determine whether consumption of CR crude leaf extract: (a) affected lipoprotein profile, resting glucose, systolic blood pressure and vascular function, and (b) produced toxic effects (haematological measures, organ weight) in healthy rats. Male Hooded-Wistar rats (∼230 g) were supplemented for 4 weeks with CR extract in their drinking water (35 mg/kg body weight daily). CR extract produced a significant decrease (18%, p = 0.033) in atherogenic lipoproteins (but not high density lipoprotein). CR supplemented animals showed no signs of haematological toxicity and body and organ weight, daily fluid and food consumption and in vitro vascular responsiveness were similar for both groups. CR also increased (40%, p = 0.049) the renal concentration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid (HMG), consistent with HMG-containing CR flavonoids being bioavailable, and therefore possessing the potential to interfere with cholesterol synthesis pathways. CR extract appears to be safe to ingest and may reduce cardiovascular risk

In vitro antioxidant, antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory activity of Carpobrotus rossii (pigface) extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance Carpobrotus rossii (CR) has a history of use as a food and therapeutic agent by Australian indigenous peoples and early European settlers and is believed to contain a number of pharmacologically active polyphenolic compounds. Aims of the study Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), platelet aggregation, and inflammation contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant, antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory activity of CR extract using human blood components. Materials and methods An assay employing in vitro copper-induced oxidation of serum lipids was used to assess antioxidant activity of CR extract (and tannin, flavonoid and pre- and post-flavonoid fractions). The effects of CR extract on ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and on basal (unstimulated) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA)-stimulated cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were also investigated. Results CR extract increased the lag time of serum oxidation (maximum of ∼4-fold at 20 μg/ml) in a concentration-dependent manner. The antioxidant activity resided only in the tannin and post-flavonoid fractions. CR had no effect on ADP-induced platelet aggregation, but significantly decreased collagen-induced platelet aggregation. LPS, but not PHA, significantly increased the release of IL-1β and TNF-α from PBMC. CR extract alone inhibited monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 release and in the presence of LPS, inhibited IL-10, TNF-α and MCP-1 release compared to LPS alone. Conclusion CR has significant in vitro antioxidant, antiplatelet and, potentially, anti-inflammatory activity

A new method to produce nanoscale iron for nitrate removal

[[abstract]]This article proposes a novel technology combining electrochemical and ultrasonic methods to produce nanoscale zero valent iron (NZVI). With platinum placed in the cathode and the presence of the dispersion agent, 0.2g/l cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a cation surfactant, in the solution, the nanoscale iron particle was successfully produced with diameter of 1–20 nm and specific surface area of 25.4m2/g. The produced NZVI was tested in batch experiments for nitrate removal. The results showed that the nitrate reduction was affected by pH. Al low pH, nitrate was shown faster decline and more reduction in term of g NO3−–N/g NZVI. The reaction was first order and kinetic coefficients for the four pHs were directly related to pH with R 2 >0.95. Comparing with microscale zero-valent iron (45μm, 0.183m2/g), microscale zero-valent iron converted nitrate to ammonia completely, but NZVI converted nitrate to ammonia partially from 36.2 to 45.3% dependent on pH. For mass balance of iron species, since the dissolved iron in the solution was very low (<1mg/l), Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) was used for identification of oxidation state of the surface species on the NZVI and Fe2O3 was recognized. Thus the reaction mechanisms can be determined.[[notice]]補正完畢[[incitationindex]]SCI[[incitationindex]]E