Croton sparsiflorus whole plant extract mediated biosynthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity

In the present study, the potential of aqueous whole plant extract of Croton sparsiflorus for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was evaluated. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by color changes and UV- Visible spectroscopy, which showed absorbance maxima peak at 417nm. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the particle size and x-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline character of AgNPs. AFM analysis also confirmed the surface morphology of synthesized AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) authorized the presence of alcoholic and phenolic groups played an important reduction role in the synthesis process. It shows the antibacterial efficiency against gram negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella paratyphi. From the results, it is suggested that green synthesized AgNPs could be used effective in future biomedical engineering. Keywords: Croton sparsiflorus, Green synthesis, Silver nanoparticles, X-ray diffraction, Antibacterial activity

NUTRITIONAL AND ANTINUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF SOME UNCONVENTIONAL WILD EDIBLE PLANTS

The wild edible tubers, rhizome, corm, roots and stems were consumed by the tribal Valaiyans of Madurai district, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu were analysed for proximate and mineral composition, starch, vitamins, in vitro protein (IVPD), in vitro starch (IVSD) digestibility and certain antinutritional factors. The tubers of Kedrostis foetidissima and stem of Caralluma pauciflora contain higher contents of crude protein. The tubers of Decalepis hamiltonii and stems of Caralluma adscendens var attenuata and C. pauciflora contain higher contents of crude lipids. All the presently investigated wild edible plants appeared to have a higher level of iron content compared to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of NRC/NAS (1980) for infants, children and adults. The tubers of Cissus vitiginea, Dioscorea pentaphylla var. pentaphylla, D. oppositifolia var. oppositifolia, D. spicata, D. tomentosa, Kedrostis foetidissima, Parthenocissus neilgherriensis, in the corm of Colocasia esculenta, in the rhizome of Canna indica and in the root of Ipomoea staphylina were formed to contain more starch. The tubers of Cycas circinalis, Cyphostemma setosum, D. oppositifolia var. oppositifolia, Dioscorea pentaphylla var. pentaphylla, Kedrostis foetidissima, Parthenocissus neilgherriensis, and in the stem of Caralluma pauciflora were found to be higher niacin content. All the investigated samples in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) was found to be low. Antinutritional substances like total free phenolics, tannins, hydrogen cyanide, total oxalate, amylase and trypsin inhibitor activity were also investigated

NUTRITIONAL AND ANTINUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF ITCHING BEAN (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC var. pruriens): AN UNDERUTILIZED TRIBAL PULSE IN WESTERN GHATS, TAMIL NADU

Five accessions of the underutilized legume itching bean (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) var. pruriens), collected from five different agroclimatic regions in Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India were analysed for their proximate and mineral composition, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid), fatty acid profiles, amino acid profiles of total seed proteins, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and certain antinutritional factors, to determine their potential as an alternative source to alleviate protein-energy-malnutrition among the people of Tamil Nadu. The crude protein ranged from 27.5 – 31.2%, crude lipid 6.6 – 8.8%, total dietary fibre 6.5 – 9.7%, ash 4.3 – 6.0% and carbohydrates 46.1 – 52.5%. The energy level of the seed (1576 – 1620 kJ100g-1 DM) was comparable with commonly consumed Indian pulses. The investigated seeds were rich in minerals such as Na, K, Ca, Mg and P. The fatty acid profiles  revealed that the seed lipids contained higher concentrations of linoleic acid and palmitic acid. The essential amino acid profile of total seed proteins compared favourably with FAO/WHO (1991) requirement pattern, except that there were deficiencies of sulphur containing amino acids in all the five accessions. The IVPD of the five accessions ranged from 70.1 – 76.5%. The range of antinutritional factors were as follows: total free phenolics, 3.4 – 4.8%, tannins, 0.14 – 0.23%, L-Dopa, 5.4 – 7.0%, phytic acid, 478 – 648 mg100g-1, hydrogen cyanide, 0.24 – 0.38 mg100g-1 and trypsin inhibitor activity, 40.4 – 48.2 TIU mg-1 protein. Verbascose was the principal oligosaccharides in all  accessions. Lower levels of phytohaemagglutinating activity for human erythrocytes of ‘O’ blood group than for ‘A’ and ‘B’ blood groups were found. The antinutritional fatty acid, behenic acid (1.28 – 2.74%) was also detecte

COMPOSICIÓN NUTRICIONAL Y FACTORES ANTINUTRICIONAL DE ESPECIES POCO CONOCIDAS DE VIGNA

Las semillas de Vigna trilobata, V. radiata var. sublobata, V. umbellata, V. unguiculata subsp. cylindrica, V. aconitifolia, V. vexillata and V. bourneae se colectaron de diferentes regiones geográficas en el oeste de Ghats Tamil Nadu. Se analizó su composición proximal y mineral, vitaminas (niacina y ácido ascórbico), perfiles de ácidos grasos, perfiles de aminoácidos de la proteína total de la semillas, digestibilidad de la proteína in vitro (IVPD) y algunos factores antinutricionales. La proteína cruda tuvo un rango entre 18.24 a 26.12%, lípidos totales de 3.8 a 6.48%, fibra dietética total de 3.42 a 7.48%, cenizas de 3.10 a 4.12% y carbohidratos de 59.44 a 72.06%. Los valores de energía de la semilla estuvieron entre 1584.87 a 1644.34 kJ100g-1MS, los cuales fueron comparables con otras leguminosas. Los perfiles de ácidos grasos de todas las especies de Vigna revelaron altas concentraciones de ácido oleico, linoleico y linolenico. Los perfiles de aminoácidos esenciales del total de proteína de la semilla se compararon favorablemente con los requerimientos de la FAO/WHO (1991), con excepción de ciertas deficiencias de aminoácidos azufrados en todas las especies de Vigna El IVPD de las diferentes especies de Vigna tuvo un rango de 70.38 a 79.12%. Sustancias antinutricionales como el total de fenoles libres, taninos, L-DOPA (3-4 dihidroxifenilalanina), ácido fitico, cinacina hidrogenada, actividad inhibidora de la tripsina, oligosacáridos y actividad fitohematoaglutinadora también se determinaron. Los factores antinutricionales que fueron detectados, se presume que presentan una pequeña significancia si los frijoles son procesados correctamente

EFFECT OF UV TREATMENT ON THE ANTI NUTRITIONAL FACTORS OF TWO ACCESSIONS OF VELVET BEAN,

The effect of UV radiation on the antinutritional factors such as, total free phenolics, tannin, l-dopa, phytic acid, hydrogen cyanide, total oxalate, trypsin inhibitor activity, oligosaccharides and phytohaemagglutinating activity in the seeds of two accessions of velvet bean, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis collected from Karaiyar and Servalaru, Tirunelveli district, Tamil nadu, were investigated. UV treatment on overnight soaked seeds showed increase in the level of total free phenolics and tannins. UV treated raw seeds for 20 minutes reduce the level of L-dopa content of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis white coloured seed coat by 42%, black coloured seed coat by 44% whereas; UV treatment on overnight soaked seeds showed significant (

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF TWO LESS KNOWN PULSES OF GENUS VIGNA

Raw seeds of tribal pulses Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal and Vigna unguiculata  subsp unguiculata (L.) Walp (black and maroon coloured seed coats) were analyzed for proximate and mineral composition, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acids), seed protein amino acid profiles, fatty acid profiles of lipids and antinutritional factors. The seeds of V. aconitifolia had a higher content of crude protein than the commonly consumed Indian pulses. All the investigated pulses appeared to be good sources of minerals: potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The essential amino acid profiles of total seed proteins were compared favorably with FAO/WHO (1991) requirement pattern. There were deficiencies of sulphur containing amino acids in V. aconitifolia and V. unguiculata subsp unguiculata (maroon sample) and tryptophan in V. unguiculata subsp unguiculata (maroon sample). Fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acids were found to be relatively high in the investigated tribal pulses. Antinutritional factors like total free phenolics, tannins, L-DOPA, phytic acid, hydrogen cyanide, trypsin inhibitor, oligosaccharide and phytohaemagglutinating activity were analyzed

EVALUACIÓN COMPARATIVA DE LOS ATRIBUTOS NUTRICIONALES Y ANTINUTRICIONALES DE LEGUMINOSAS SUBUTILIZADAS, Canavalia gladiata (JACQ.) DC, Erythrina indica LAM. Y Abrus precatorius L

Se colectaron muestras de semillas de of Canavalia gladiata, Erythrina indica y Abrus precatorius (roja y negra, semilla de cascara colorada y semilla de cascara blanca) de las regiones de Tamil Nadu y se analizó su composición química con la visión de evaluar su potencial nutricional. La composición proximal reveló que todas las muestras investigadas de semillas contenían altos niveles de proteína cruda y grasa. Los perfiles de minerales fueron también analizados en todas las muestras. Todas las muestras parecieron tener buenas fuentes de potasio, magnesio, sodio, calcio, fosforo, hierro, zinc, cobre, el contenido de manganeso fue deficiente cuando se comparó con los requerimentos diarios en la dieta (NRC/NAS, 1980, 1989). Los contenidos de vitaminas (niacina y ácido ascórbico) fueron relativamente altos en todas las muestras investigadas. Los perfiles de aminoácidos esenciales del total de proteína de la semilla se compararon favorablemente con los patrones de requerimientos de la FAO/WHO (1991). Los perfiles de ácidos grasos revelaron que todas las muestras de semilla fueron ricas en ácidos grasos insaturados (55.60-72.04) y muy altos niveles de ácido linoleico (24.16-34.14%). El IVPD de las muestras estuvo en un rango de 63.31-71.36%. Se analizaron los factores antinutricionales como fenoles totales, taninos, L-DOPA, ácido fítico, hidrogeno ciánico, inhibidor de tripsina, oligosacáridos y fitohematoaglutinación

ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL AND ANTINUTRITIONAL POTENTIAL OF UNDERUTILIZED LEGUMES OF THE GENUS MUCUNA

There is an increasing interest in finding new food sources to alleviate malnutrition in developing countries due to lack of protein rich food. Protein supply can be broadened by exploration and exploitation of alternate legume sources. Even though copious wild legume landraces have been identified, their utilization is limited due to inadequate attention. Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (black and white coloured seed coat) Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens and Mucuna deeringiana are underutilized legume species having the credibility to be a rich protein source. This study was designed to assess the proximate composition, mineral profiles, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid), protein fractions, fatty acid profiles, amino acid profiles of total seed protein, in vitro protein digestibility and antinutritional potential of the above said Mucuna varieties/species. The major findings of the study were as follows: crude protein content ranged from 23.76-29.74%, crude lipid 8.24-9.26%, total dietary fibre, 6.54-8.76%, ash 4.78-5.30%, carbohydrates 56.56-63.88%, and calorific value1783.02-1791.60kJ100g-1DM.  The examined seed samples contained minerals such as Na, K, Ca, Mg and P in abundance. The fatty acid profiles reveal that, the seed lipids contained higher concentrations of linoleic and palmitic acid. The antinutritional fatty acid, behenic acid (1.87-3.04%) was also detected.  The current investigation helps in understanding the nutritional and antinutritional versatility of the Mucuna varieties/species, thereby developing further tactics for optimum utilization

EFFECT OF AUXIN AND CYTOKININ ON VINCRISTINE PRODUCTION BY CALLUS CULTURES OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS L. (APOCYNACEAE)

Callus cultures of Catharanthus roseus L. were established to verify whether they produce vincristine as the intact plant. Different growth regulator combinations were applied to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium to influence the level of production of vincristine. The effects of various combinations (0.5 µM to 3.0 µM) of auxin and cytokinin on the growth and accumulation of vincristine were investigated. MS medium supplemented with 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) 1.0 µM and 6-furfurylaminopurine (Kinetin) 1.0 µM was used to support the growth of callus cultures and the maximum amount of dry biomass (598.04 mg) was produced after seven weeks of culture. High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of methanol extracts from callus cultures of C. roseus revealed that the cultures produced vincristine. The concentrations of the growth regulators alpha-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and kinetin played a critical role in the production of vincristine

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activity of ethanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum Linn. leaf in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Objective: To evaluate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effect of ethanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum (M. malabathricum) Linn. leaf in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in albino rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg i.p). the ethanol extracts of M. malabathricum at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg of body weight were administrated at a single dose per day to diabetes induced rats for a period of 14 d. The effect of ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf extract on blood glucose, plasma insulin, creatinine, glycosylated haemoglobin, urea serum lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and phospholipid, serum protein, albumin, globulin, serum enzymes (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminases), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase] were measured in the diabetic rats. Results: In the acute toxicity study, ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf was non-toxic at 2 000 mg/kg in rats. The increased body weight, decreased blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and other biochemical parameters level were observed in diabetic rats treated with both doses of ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf compared to diabetic control rats. In diabetic rats, ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf administration, altered lipid profiles were reversed to near normal than diabetic control rats. Conclusions: Ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaf possesses significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activity in diabetic rats