Starfruit Leaves as Glucose Absorption Inhibitor in Mice's Small Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Background: Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) leaves contain flavone derivatives that exhibit anti-hyperglycemic effects. This study aims to determine the effect of starfruit leaves in reducing glucose absorption in intestinal epithelial cells of mice. Methods: This study was done by performing perfusion on the small intestines of mice. The mice that were used in this study were divided into four groups. The control group was given glucose solution without infused starfruit leaves whereas, the remaining 3 groups were given 3 mmol (540 mg/dL) glucose solution with infused starfruit leaves of varying concentrations; 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg. Samples were collected at 0, 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th minute. The sample was tested for glucose levels using spectrophotometry. Results: Test of significance showed a significant difference between the control group and the test group with p < 0.05. Conclusions: Starfruit leaves have a reduction effect towards glucose absorption in the small intestines in Wistar strains where the group using 600 mg/kg of infused starfruit leaves have the most significant effect as compared to other groups

Tea Leaves

My paper describes the importance of ancestors in your present day life and how my grandmother and her writings came back into my life to help guide me in my present moments

Do Generalist Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Females Select Dark Green Leaves Over Yellowish – Or Reddish-Green Leaves for Oviposition?

In late August and September, using leaves from the same branches, the polyphagous North American swallowtail butterfly species Papilio glaucus L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) is shown to select mature dark green leaves of their host plants white ash, Fraxinus americana L. (Oleaceae) and tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae) rather than the pale green or yellowish- green mature leaves in laboratory oviposition arenas. In early August, similar results were observed for black cherry, Prunus serotina Ehrh. (Rosaceae). Dark green leaves were preferred over light green and yellowish green leaves. These green leaves of black cherry were the most nutritious leaves for larval growth indicating a clear correlation between adult preference and larval performance on this plant. However, tulip tree leaves in the summer did not elicit different oviposition responses between green and light green leaves. A field evaluation of oviposition preferences for young expanding reddish leaves of red bay, Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng (Lauraceae) versus slightly older expanded green leaves of the same branch also suggested avoidance of “young” red leaves in Florida by Papilio troilus L. and Papilio palamedes Drury during the spring season (March-April)

Feeding Patterns and Attachment Ability of \u3ci\u3eAltica Subplicata\u3c/i\u3e (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Sand-Dune Willow

To investigate feeding patterns of a specialist herbivore, Altica subplicata, larvae and adults were caged separately on host plants, Salix cordata, and leaf damage was estimated. Young, relatively more pubescent leaves near the tops of the shoots were consumed more than older leaves. Larvae clearly preferred the young, pubescent leaves and avoided the oldest leaves. Adults showed a stronger preference for the first five young leaves, but amount of consumption did not differ among the older leaves. Attachment ability on smooth and pubescent leaves was examined as a possible factor influencing feeding patterns. Scanning electron microscopy of tarsal adhesive structures and leaf surfaces was conducted to investigate how A. subplicata attaches to its host. Adhesive setae on the tarsi of adults may be effective for attachment on the older, smooth leaves and their tarsal claws are likely used to cling to trichomes of pubescent leaves. Larvae have fleshy adhesive pads for attachment. Laboratory experiments on attachment of larvae and adults to smooth and pubescent leaves under various wind conditions showed that wind caused difficulty in attachment and movement, but leaf pubescence did not affect the number of beetles that fell off leaves. However, larvae fell off more quickly when placed on pubescent leaves. Thus, other factors such as nutritional quality and microclimate provided by trichomes may be responsible for the preference for pubescent leaves exhibited by A. subplicata

When coal leaves Texas

The recent closure of a lignite mine outside Elgin, Texas, and its related coal plant offers an insight into how the state’s electric grid — and its rural communities — may react to a coming age of Texas green energy.Journalis

The nutrient content of two folia morphotypes of Centella asiatica (L) grown in Madagascar

Centella asiaticais aherbal plant generally used for its curative properties. Two foliar morphotypes were recently identified in Madagascar: a reniform tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36) in the Center and the East of the island and a round diploid (2n = 2x = 18) in the West. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional properties of these two morphotypes and to compare them with other green leafy vegetables. Reniform leaves were collected in Antananarivo and Moramanga and round leaves were collected in Tsiroanomandidy and Analavory. Macronutrient content wasdetermined by standard methods, mineral contents were analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emissionspectroscopy. Ascorbic acid and carotenoids were quantified byHPLC.Food composition showed significant differences between the morphotypes. Reniform leaves have higher protein content (19–22 % dry weight (DW)) than round leaves (17–21 % DW). Lipid content are from 2.5 to 6.0 % DW. Reniform leaves have higher iron content than round leaves. Iron content of C. asiatica's leaves range from 3.8 to 12.5 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). Reniform leaves from Moramanga have the highest protein, lipid and iron content.Round leaves from Analavory have the highest calcium and magnesium content, which can cover 41 % and 17 % of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), respectively. Leaves of C. asiaticahave low vitamin C content (1.3 to 7.7 mg/100 g FW). Consumption of 100 g of C. asiaticaleaves could cover 10 to 21 % of vitamin A daily requirements of women for reniform leaves and 21 to 37 % of vitamin A requirement of women for round leaves. Round leaves from Analavory have the highest β-carotene content. It is hoped that from these findings, the people of Madagascar will be encouraged to include C. asiaticain their diets for its nutritional benefits