Antioxidant capacities and polyphenolics of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. Pekinensis) leaves

a b s t r a c t Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. Pekinensis) is a green leafy vegetable used mainly in kimchi, salted and fermented dishes. Consumer preference for the leaf portion differs according to the type of dishes. In this study, Chinese cabbage was divided into three parts, and their antioxidant activities were investigated through in vitro assays. The total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and vitamin C contents were also determined as indicators of antioxidant contents. The phenolic acids and flavonoids were separated and identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The outer leaf had the strongest antioxidant activity with the maximum antioxidant contents, followed by the mid-and inner leaves. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that outer leaf is positively related to caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and myricetin contents, whereas the mid-and inner leaves are negatively related to sinapic acid contents

Identification of possible compounds possessing adenosine A1 receptor binding activity in the leaves of orthosiphon stamineus using TLC and multivariate data analysis

A novel approach to identify compounds possessing adenosine A1 receptor binding activity in the leaves of O. stamineus was developed. O. stamineus extract is one of the components of a functional beverage used in Indonesia for the treatment of kidney stones. In this study, adenosine A1 receptor binding, which is related to the diuretic action in the treatment of kidney stones was tested. A combination of thin layer chromatography of different extracts prepared by extraction with diverse solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol and water), and multivariate data analysis based on orthogonal partial least squares proved to be a promising approach to determine these active compounds. Several methoxyflavonoids, fatty acids or terpenoids were estimated to be related to this activity. The results of this study support the traditional use in Indonesia of O. stamineus as a functional drink to treat kidney stones

Anti-inflammatory activities of Cinnomomum burmanni Bl

Anti-inflammatory assay was conducted on 20 kinds of traditional Indonesian medicinal herbs using soybean lipxygenase (SLO) and hyaluronidase (HAse). C. burmanni Bl showed highest anti-inflammatory activity. Ethyl acetate fraction from methanol extract of C. burmanni Bl bark showing highest SLO inhibitory activity was isolated using silica gel-60 column chromatography. Two compounds were isolated and purified through preparative HPLC. Through analysis of UV, 1H-NMR, 13-C NMR, EI-MS and FAB+-MS, compounds 1 and 2 were identified as coumarin and 2-hydroxy cinnamaldehyde, respectively, among which 2-hydroxy cinnamaldehyde showed SLO inhibitory activity of IC50=60mikroM. Both compounds did not exhibit HAse inhibitory activity

Acute and Chronic Pain from Facial Skin and Oral Mucosa: Unique Neurobiology and Challenging Treatment

The oral cavity is a portal into the digestive system, which exhibits unique sensory properties. Like facial skin, the oral mucosa needs to be exquisitely sensitive and selective, in order to detect harmful toxins versus edible food. Chemosensation and somatosensation by multiple receptors, including transient receptor potential channels, are well-developed to meet these needs. In contrast to facial skin, however, the oral mucosa rarely exhibits itch responses. Like the gut, the oral cavity performs mechanical and chemical digestion. Therefore, the oral mucosa needs to be insensitive, to some degree, in order to endure noxious irritation. Persistent pain from the oral mucosa is often due to ulcers, involving both tissue injury and infection. Trigeminal nerve injury and trigeminal neuralgia produce intractable pain in the orofacial skin and the oral mucosa, through mechanisms distinct from those seen in the spinal area, which is particularly difficult to predict or treat. The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic chronic pain, such as atypical odontalgia (idiopathic painful trigeminal neuropathy or post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy) and burning mouth syndrome, remain especially challenging. The central integration of gustatory inputs might modulate chronic oral and facial pain. A lack of pain in chronic inflammation inside the oral cavity, such as chronic periodontitis, involves the specialized functioning of oral bacteria. A more detailed understanding of the unique neurobiology of pain from the orofacial skin and the oral mucosa should help us develop novel methods for better treating persistent orofacial pain

A Study for Health Hazard Evaluation of Methylene Chloride Evaporated from the Tear Gas Mixture

This study explored the health hazard of those exposed to methylene chloride by assessing its atmospheric concentration when a tear gas mixture was aerially dispersed. The concentration of methylene chloride ranged from 311.1–980.3 ppm (geometric mean 555.8 ppm), 30 seconds after the dispersion started. However, the concentration fell rapidly to below 10 ppm after dispersion was completed. The concentration during the dispersion did not surpass the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 'immediately dangerous to life or health' value of 2,300 ppm, but did exceed the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) excursion limit of 250 ppm. Since methylene chloride is highly volatile (vapor pressure, 349 mmHg at 20 °C), the post-dispersion atmospheric concentration can rise instantaneously. Moreover, the o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitril e formulation of tear gas (CS gas) is an acute upper respiratory tract irritant. Therefore, tear gas mixtures should be handled with delicate care