Yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolia (Poepp. et Endl.) H. Robinson] chemical composition and use &ndash; a review

Yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolia (Poepp. et Endl.) H. Robinson], a native plant of the Andes, belongs to the family Compositae (Asteraceae) and it represents a traditional crop of the original population of Peru used in traditional medicine. A major portion of tuberous root biomass is composed of water (> 70% of fresh weight). Saccharides, especially oligo-fructans, form 70–80% of dry weight, protein content ranges between 0.3% and 3.7%. Fructooligosaccharides of inulin type b (2®1), mainly oligomers (GF2–GF16), are known for their ability to keep the colon healthy. Yacon sweetness is predominantly caused by fructose, which is by some 70% sweeter than sucrose. Other oligosaccharides are 1-kestose and nystose. Diabetics and persons suffering from digestive problems are recommended to consume yacon because its sugars are not available from the small intestine. The mean tuberous root composition per 100 g of fresh matter is 81.3, 13.8, 0.9, 1.0, 0.1 and 1.1 g of water, saccharides, fibre, proteins, lipids and ash, respectively. Mean mineral contents per 100 g of fresh matter are 334, 34, 12, 8.4, 0.4 and 0.2 mg of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium and iron, respectively. Vitamins B1, B2, C, b-carotene and polyphenols in the same weight are present at mean concentrations 0.07, 0.31, 5.0, 0.13 and 203 mg, respectively. Yacon can be considered an industrial crop, particularly as a source of inulin. The used forms are flour, syrup, extract from tuberous roots and moreover leaf extract for the preparation of yacon infusion with hypoglycaemic effect. In yacon leaves di- and sesquiterpenes with protective effects against insects are present, among them mainly ent-kaurenic acid (ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid) and its derivative – 15-a-angeloyloxy-ent-kauren-19-oic acid 16-epoxide. Other components are polyphenolic antioxidants, esp. hydroxycinnamic acids and chlorogenic acid. A new antifungal melampolide – sesquiterpene lactone named sonchifolin, as well as three known melampolides, polymatin B, uvedalin and enhydrin, were isolated from leaf extracts of yacon. Three major phytoalexins were isolated: 4’-hydroxy-3’-(3-methylbutanoyl)acetophenone, 4’-hydroxy-3’-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)acetophenone and 5-acetyl-2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)benzofuran.

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Nutraceutical Investigations of Commelina diffusa Burm. F. Leaves- A Popular Wild Vegetable

Plantae Scientia ◽

10.32439/ps.v2i3.34-39 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 34-39

Author(s):

Sajnay Kamble

Keyword(s):

Vitamin C ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Vitamin B3 ◽

Leaf Extracts ◽

Mineral Contents ◽

Anti Oxidant ◽

Mineral Compositions ◽

Animal Diet ◽

Food Value

Aqueous leaf extracts of Commelina diffusa was evaluated for food value. The results show that the proximate and vitamin compositions of Commelina. Diffusa included mainly moisture (83.36%), carbohydrate (6.32%), vitamin C (44.80 mg/100g dry weight), vitamin B3 (63.18mg/100g) and vitamin B2 (8.30 mg/100g) respectively. The mineral contents of the defatted leaf extracts were found to be Na (69.32mg/100g), Ca (232.00mg/100g) and Mg (84.28mg/100g). The proximate, vitamin and mineral compositions obtained suggest that the leaves, as cheap sources of vitamins C, B3 and B2, as well as other macro-and micronutrients, can be incorporated into human and animal diet to meet their recommended daily allowances. The content of flavonoids and vitamin C in the leaf extracts also suggests possible anti-oxidant effects of these leafy vegetables.

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Saccharides of yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. et Endl.) H. Robinson] tubers and rhizomes and factors affecting their content

Plant Soil and Environment ◽

10.17221/4048-pse ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 50 (No. 9) ◽

pp. 383-390 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

J. Lachman ◽

B. Havrland ◽

E.C. Fernández ◽

J. Dudjak

Keyword(s):

Storage Period ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Native Plant ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Original Population ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Smallanthus Sonchifolius ◽

The Andes ◽

The Family ◽

Saccharose Content

Yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. et Endl.) H. Robinson], a native plant of the Andes, belongs to the family Compositae (Asteraceae). It represents a traditional crop from the original population of Peru. Most of the tuberous root biomass is constituted by water (> 70% of the fresh weight). Saccharides, especially oligofructans, form 70–80% of their dry weight. Four yacon ecotypes originating from Bolivia, Ecuador, Germany and New Zealand were cultivated on the trial fields of the Czech University of Agriculture in Prague in 1995, 1996, 2000 and 2001. Considerable differences among the ecotypes were observed in their content of inulin (141–289 mg/kg d.m.) and lesser for fructose levels (195–217 mg/kg d.m.). No differences were found in glucose and saccharose contents. The highest inulin and fructose contents were found in the harvests from 2001 and 2000, similar trends were found for glucose. Statistically significant effect on the content of all saccharides has the year of cultivation. Tubers contained much higher levels of inulin (179 g/kg d.m.) and fructose (193 g/kg d.m.) in comparison with rhizomes. No significant differences were found for saccharose (higher in rhizomes) and glucose (lower in rhizomes). The contents of inulin and fructose in the upper and lower parts of tubers were reciprocal. During the storage period of 140 days at10°C and 75% a relative humidity inulin content decreased by 48.7% and monosaccharides content increased (fructose by 9.97%, glucose by 31.4%) due to hydrolysis. Likewise saccharose content increased by 12.9%.

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Oilseeds from a Brazilian Semi-Arid Region: Edible Potential Regarding the Mineral Composition

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods9020229 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 229 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ivone M. C. Almeida ◽

M. Teresa Oliva-Teles ◽

Rita C. Alves ◽

Joana Santos ◽

Roberta S. Pinho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Arid Region ◽

Colorimetric Method ◽

Absorption Spectrometry ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Native Plant ◽

Mineral Contents ◽

Limit Of Quantification ◽

Linear Discriminant ◽

Semi Arid Region ◽

Semi Arid

Oilseeds from five native plant species with edible potential from the Brazilian Caatinga semi-arid region (Diplopterys pubipetala, Barnebya harleyi, Croton adamantinus, Hippocratea volubilis, and Couroupita guianensis) were investigated regarding their mineral contents. The minerals, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Cr, Al, were analyzed by high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR–CS AAS) and P by the vanadomolybdophosphoric acid colorimetric method. K, Mg, and P were the main elements found (1.62–3.7 mg/g, 362–586 µg/g, and 224–499 µg/g dry weight (dw), respectively). B. harley seeds contained the highest amounts of K and P, while C. guianensis seeds were the richest in Mg. Fe was the most abundant oligoelement (2.3–25.6 µg/g dw). Cr contents were below the limit of quantification for all samples and Al amounts were low: 0.04–1.80 µg/g dw. A linear discriminant analysis clearly differentiated B. harleyi and C. guianensis samples from the remaining ones. In sum, these oilseeds from the Brazilian Caatinga semi-arid region seem to have the potential to be used as natural sources of minerals, mainly K.

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THE FINE STRUCTURE OF ACANTHAMOEBA CASTELLANII (NEFF STRAIN)

The Journal of Cell Biology ◽

10.1083/jcb.41.3.786 ◽

1969 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

pp. 786-805 ◽

Cited By ~ 153

Author(s):

Blair Bowers ◽

Edward D. Korn

Keyword(s):

Golgi Complex ◽

Cyst Wall ◽

Matrix Material ◽

Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Amorphous Layer ◽

Wall Structure ◽

Weight Protein ◽

Granular Matrix ◽

Mature Cyst

Encysting cells of Acanthamoeba castellanii, Neff strain, have been examined with the electron microscope. The wall structure and cytoplasmic changes during encystment are described. The cyst wall is composed of two major layers: a laminar, fibrous exocyst with a variable amount of matrix material, and an endocyst of fine fibrils in a granular matrix. The two layers are normally separated by a space except where they form opercula in the center of ostioles (exits for excysting amebae). An additional amorphous layer is probably present between the wall and the protoplast in the mature cyst. Early in encystment the Golgi complex is enlarged and contains a densely staining material that appears to contribute to wall formation. Vacuoles containing cytoplasmic debris (autolysosomes) are present in encysting cells and the contents of some of the vacuoles are deposited in the developing cyst wall. Lamellate bodies develop in the mitochondria and appear in the cytoplasm. Several changes are associated with the mitochondrial intracristate granule. The nucleus releases small buds into the cytoplasm, and the nucleolus decreases to less than half its original volume. The cytoplasm increases in electron density and its volume is reduced by about 80%. The water expulsion vesicle is the only cellular compartment without dense content in the mature cyst. The volume fractions of lipid droplets, Golgi complex, mitochondria, digestive vacuoles, and autolysosomes have been determined at different stages of encystment by stereological analysis of electron micrographs. By chemical analyses, dry weight, protein, phospholipid, and glycogen are lower and neutral lipid is higher in the mature cyst than in the trophozoite.

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Beetroot and leaf extracts present protective effects against prostate cancer cells, inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and growth signaling pathways

Phytotherapy Research ◽

10.1002/ptr.7197 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mariana Camargo Silva Mancini ◽

Luis Gustavo Saboia Ponte ◽

Cayo Henrique Rocha Silva ◽

Isabella Fagundes ◽

Isadora Carolina Betim Pavan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Prostate Cancer Cells ◽

Leaf Extracts

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Large scale laboratory cultures of Ankistrodesmus gracilis (Reisch) Korsikov (Chlorophyta) and Diaphanosoma biergei Korinek, 1981 (Cladocera)

Brazilian Journal of Biology ◽

10.1590/s1519-69842008000400025 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 68 (4) ◽

pp. 875-883 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

LH. Sipaúba-Tavares ◽

AML. Pereira

Keyword(s):

Exponential Growth ◽

Large Scale ◽

Light Availability ◽

Sharp Decrease ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Good Alternative ◽

Production Costs ◽

Determining Factors ◽

Weight Protein ◽

Low Costs

Large-scale lab culture of Ankistrodesmus gracilis and Diaphanososma birgei were evaluated by studying the biology and biochemical composition of the species and production costs. Ankistrodesmus gracilis presented exponential growth until the 6th day, with approximately 144 x 10(4) cells.mL-1, followed by a sharp decrease to 90 x 10(4) cells.mL-1 (8th day). Algae cells tended to increase again from the 11th day and reached a maximum of 135 x 10(4) cells.mL-1 on the 17th day. D. birgei culture showed exponential growth until the 9th day with 140 x 10² individuals.L-1, and increased again as from the 12th day. Algae A. gracilis and zooplankton D. birgei contain 47 to 70% dry weight protein and over 5% dry weight carbohydrates. The most expensive items in the context of variable costs were labor and electricity. Data suggested that temperature, nutrients, light availability and culture management were determining factors on productivity. Results indicate that NPK (20-5-20) may be used directly as a good alternative for mass cultivation when low costs are taken into account, promoting adequate growth and nutritional value for cultured A. gracilis and D. birgei.

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Pharmacological Potential and Chemical Composition of Crocus sativus Leaf Extracts

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules27010010 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 10

Author(s):

Olha Mykhailenko ◽

Vilma Petrikaite ◽

Michal Korinek ◽

Fang-Rong Chang ◽

Mohamed El-Shazly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Antioxidant Activities ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Ethanolic Extract ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Crocus Sativus ◽

Leaf Extracts ◽

Hplc Fingerprint ◽

Health Related ◽

Pharmacological Potential

Crocus sativus L. (saffron) has been traditionally used as a food coloring or flavoring agent, but recent research has shown its potent pharmacological activity to tackle several health-related conditions. Crocus sp. leaves, and petals are the by-products of saffron production and are not usually used in the medicine or food industries. The present study was designed to determine the chemical composition of the water and ethanolic extracts of C. sativus leaves and test their cytotoxic activity against melanoma (IGR39) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines by MTT assay. We also determined their anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activities. HPLC fingerprint analysis showed the presence of 16 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, xanthones, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids, which could contribute to the extracts’ biological activities. For the first time, compounds such as tectoridin, iristectorigenin B, nigricin, and irigenin were identified in Crocus leaf extracts. The results showed that mangiferin (up to 2 mg/g dry weight) and isoorientin (8.5 mg/g dry weight) were the major active ingredients in the leaf extracts. The ethanolic extract reduced the viability of IGR39 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells with EC50 = 410 ± 100 and 330 ± 40 µg/mL, respectively. It was more active than the aqueous extract. Kaempferol and quercetin were identified as the most active compounds. Our results showed that Crocus leaves contain secondary metabolites with potent cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.

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Phytotoxic effects of Cerbera manghas L. leaf extracts on seedling elongation of four monocot and four dicot test species

Acta Agrobotanica ◽

10.5586/aa.1720 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 70 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ichsan Nurul Bari ◽

Hisashi Kato-Noguchi

Keyword(s):

Weed Management ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Phleum Pratense ◽

Italian Ryegrass ◽

Lepidium Sativum ◽

Leaf Extracts ◽

Isolation And Identification ◽

Test Species ◽

Phytotoxic Effects ◽

Cerbera Manghas

Exploration of allelochemicals with phytotoxic effects is intended to minimize a current dependency on synthetic herbicides in weed management. Several allelochemicals from the tropical tree Cerbera manghas (sea mango) have been reported as termiticides and bactericides. The present study investigated possible phytotoxic effects of C. manghas leaf extracts under laboratory conditions. Four monocots: barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), foxtail fescue (Vulpia myuros), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and timothy (Phleum pratense) and four dicots: alfalfa (Medicago sativa), garden cress (Lepidium sativum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), and rapeseed (Brassica napus) were used as test species. Elongation of both shoots and roots of seedlings was measured to assess any phytotoxic effects. The results showed that the sensitivities of shoots and roots were different between the test species, and the inhibition of seedling elongation significantly increased with increasing concentration of leaf extracts of C. manghas for all the test species. The IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) values showed that 8.50–32.30 and 4.26–34.67 mg dry weight equivalent extract mL−1 of C. manghas inhibited seedling elongation by 50%, for shoots and roots respectively. Isolation and identification of the phytotoxic substances from C. manghas are suggested for future investigation.

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Metabolism of Food Reserves in Germinating Velvetleaf

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/s0043174500034202 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 565-571

Author(s):

J. A. Mulliken ◽

C. A. Kust ◽

L. E. Schrader

Keyword(s):

Hydrogen Cyanide ◽

Isocitrate Lyase ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Maximal Activity ◽

Radicle Growth ◽

Fat Mobilization ◽

Lyase Activity ◽

Radicle Emergence ◽

Weight Protein ◽

Food Reserves

Endosperm dry weight, protein, and fat losses accompanied rapid radicle growth of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) between 12 and 36 hr of germination at 31 C. Cotyledonary reserves were mobilized after 36 hr. Isocitrate lyase activity sedimented with a particulate fraction in varying degrees, but maximal activity developed at times coincident with fat mobilization. Respiration of excised endosperms reached maximal rates shortly after radicle emergence. The actions of hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and 2,4-dinitrolphenol indicated that respiration of endosperms excised from imbibed and germinated seed was due to cytochrome oxidase activity, and was coupled to phosphorylation.

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Protective Effects of Melon Extracts on Bone Strength, Mineralization, and Metabolism in Rats with Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox8080306 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 306 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Bongju Kim ◽

Sung-Ho Lee ◽

Su-Jin Song ◽

Won Hyeon Kim ◽

Eun-Sung Song ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Strength ◽

Sham Group ◽

Mechanical Test ◽

Colorimetric Assay ◽

Maximum Load ◽

Female Rats ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Mineral Contents ◽

Osteoblast Activity ◽

Polyphenolic Extract

A polyphenolic extract from melon (Cucumis melo L.), as a potential source of natural antioxidants, has been reported to have a positive effect on osteoblast activity. In this study, the protective effects of heat-treated melon extract (ECO-A) on bone strength, mineralization, and metabolism were examined in osteoporotic rat models. Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in female rats and then maintained for 8 weeks, along with the ingestion of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, OVXP) or ECO-A (OVXE) for an additional 4 weeks. At a pre-determined timepoint, bone strengths, as well as bone mineral contents (BMC) and the density (BMD) of femurs and/or lumbar spines extracted from each animal, were measured by a mechanical test and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively. Moreover, several biochemical markers for bone turnover were analyzed by respective colorimetric assay kits in addition to clinical analyses. The maximum load and stiffness of femurs from the OVXE group were found to be significantly higher than the other groups. Furthermore, the OVXE group showed significantly higher BMC, BMD, and bone volume than the OVX and OVXP groups, which were comparable to the non-OVX (sham) group. The levels of bone formation and resorption markers in the OVXE group were similar to the sham group, but significantly different from other groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that ECO-A can play potentially positive roles in the protection of bone loss in rats with OVX-induced osteoporosis.

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