Use of Natural Products on the Control of Aspergillus flavus and Production of Aflatoxins In Vitro and on Tomato Fruit

Aspergillus flavus affects fresh and dry fruit and vegetable products, and its toxic metabolites, namely aflatoxins, cause serious damage in humans. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the effect of commercial natural products as well as edible and nanostructured chitosan coatings on the development of A. flavus and on the production of aflatoxins in vitro and in tomato. Treatments were as follows: chitosan 1%, chitosan coating, chitosan nanostructured coating, Citrocover 1% (citrus seed extract), Resinadher 0.5% (pine resin extract), mancozeb 2%, and water. The variables were as follows: halo inhibition, spore production, and aflatoxins content. In fruit, the following were evaluated: disease incidence, mycelial growth, and aflatoxin production. An ANOVA (Tukey: p < 0.05) was used. In vitro results showed that Citrocover and Resinadher reduced sporulation (0.2 and 0.9 × 105 spores mL−1, respectively), while chitosan inhibited the production of aflatoxins. With Resinadher and Citrocover, tomato fruit had the lowest incidence, mycelial growth, and aflatoxin production with corresponding values of 0%, 0.0 cm2, and 0.95 ppb, respectively, and 7%, 0.2 cm2, and 1.77 ppb, respectively. The use of Citrocover and Resinadher could be a viable alternative to decrease the development of A. flavus in tomato fruit.

Effects of Macroporous Resin Extract of Dendrobium officinale Leaves in Rats with Hyperuricemia Induced by Fructose and Potassium Oxonate

Aim and Objective: Fructose, as a ubiquitous monosaccharide, can promote ATP consumption and elevate circulating uric acid (UA) levels. Our previous studies confirmed that the macroporous resin extract of Dendrobium officinale leaves (DoMRE) could reduce the UA level of rats with hyperuricemia induced by a high-purine diet. This study aimed to investigate whether DoMRE had a UA-lowering effect on rats with hyperuricemia caused by fructose combined with potassium oxonate, so as to further clarify the UA-lowering effect of DoMRE, and to explore the UA-lowering effect of DoMRE on both UA production and excretion. Materials and Methods: Rats with hyperuricemia induced by fructose and potassium oxonate were administered with DoMRE and vehicle control, respectively, to compare the effects of the drugs. At the end of the experiment, the serum uric acid (SUA) and creatinine (Cr) levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer, the activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD) were measured using an assay kit, and the protein expression of urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), and ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) were assessed using immunohistochemical and western blot analyses. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess the histological changes in the kidney, liver, and intestine. Results: Rats with hyperuricemia were induced by fructose and potassiumFructose and potassium induced hyperuricemia in rats. Meanwhile, the activities of XOD were markedly augmented, the expression of URAT1 and GLUT9 was promoted, and the expression of ABCG2 was reduced, which were conducive to the elevation of UA. However, exposure to DoMRE reversed these fructose- and potassium oxonate-induced negative alternations in rats. The activities of XOD were recovered to the normal level, reducing UA formation; the expression of URAT1, ABCG2, and GLUT9 returned to the normal level, resulting in an increase in renal urate excretion. Conclusion: DoMRE reduces UA levels in rats with hyperuricemia induced by fructose combined with potassium oxonate by inhibiting XOD activity and regulating the expression of ABCG2, URAT1, and GLUT9. DoMRE is a potential therapeutic agent for treating hyperuricemia through inhibiting UA formation and promoting UA excretion.

Bioactive Triterpenes of Protium heptaphyllum Gum Resin Extract Display Cholesterol-Lowering Potential

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease, the risk of which is further increased if other forms of dyslipidemia occur. Current therapeutic strategies include changes in lifestyle coupled with drug administration. Statins represent the most common therapeutic approach, but they may be insufficient due to the onset of resistance mechanisms and side effects. Consequently, patients with mild hypercholesterolemia prefer the use of food supplements since these are perceived to be safer. Here, we investigate the phytochemical profile and cholesterol-lowering potential of Protium heptaphyllum gum resin extract (PHE). Chemical characterization via HPLC-APCI-HRMS2 and GC-FID/MS identified 13 compounds mainly belonging to ursane, oleanane, and tirucallane groups. Studies on human hepatocytes have revealed how PHE is able to reduce cholesterol production and regulate the expression of proteins involved in its metabolism. (HMGCR, PCSK9, LDLR, FXR, IDOL, and PPAR). Moreover, measuring the inhibitory activity of PHE against HMGR, moderate inhibition was recorded. Finally, molecular docking studies identified acidic tetra- and pentacyclic triterpenoids as the main compounds responsible for this action. In conclusion, our study demonstrates how PHE may be a useful alternative to contrast hypercholesterolemia, highlighting its potential as a sustainable multitarget natural extract for the nutraceutical industry that is rapidly gaining acceptance as a source of health-promoting compounds.

Boswellia serrata Resin Extract in Diets of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Effects on the Growth, Health, Immune Response, and Disease Resistance to Staphylococcus aureus

The influences of Boswellia serrata resin extract (BSRE) as a feed additive on the growth performance, immune response, antioxidant status, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L. were assessed. One hundred-forty four fingerlings (initial weight: 21.82 ± 0.48 g) were randomly allotted into four groups with three replicates where they were fed on one of four treatments with four levels of Boswellia serrata resin extract 0, 5, 10, or 15 g kg−1, BSRE0, BSRE5, BSRE10, BSRE15, respectively for eight weeks. After the end of the feeding trial, the fish were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus, and mortalities were noted. The final body weight, total body weight gain, and the total feed intake were quadratically increased in BSRE5 treatment (p < 0.01). The protein productive efficiency (PPE) was linearly and quadratically increased in all BSRE supplemented treatments (p < 0.01). Dietary addition of BSRE raised the fish crude protein content and reduced the fat content in a level-dependent manner (p < 0.01). The ash content was raised in the BSRE15 group (p < 0.01). Dietary BSRE supplementation decreased the serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and nitric oxide. It increased the serum levels of total protein, albumin, total globulins, α1 globulin, α2 globulin, ß globulin, ɣ globulin, Catalase, and SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity, GSH (reduced glutathione), lysozyme activity, and MPO (myeloperoxidase) in a level-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The BSRE15 diet increased the serum level of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and decreased creatinine serum level (p < 0.05). Dietary BSRE supplementation increased the relative percentage of survival % (RPS) of S. aureus challenged fish. The histoarchitecture of the gills and kidney was normal in the BSRE5 treatment and moderately changed in BSRE10 and BSRE15 treatments. The splenic lymphoid elements were more prevalent, and the melano-macrophage centers (MMC) were mild to somewhat activated in BSRE supplemented treatments. Dietary BSRE supplementation improved the intestinal histomorphology. It can be concluded that BSRE addition can enhance the antioxidant activity, immune status, and disease resistance of O. niloticus to S. aureus infection. The level of 5 g kg−1 BSRE can improve fish growth without causing harmful effects on fish health. The highest levels of BSRE are not recommended as they badly affected the histoarchitecture of many vital organs.

Antiviral, Antibacterial and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of a Lyophilized Aqueous Pine Resin Extract

This work aimed to evaluate antiviral, antibacterial and anti-quorum sensing effects of a lyophilized aqueous pine resin extract. The pine resin toxicity was evaluated by a crystal violet assay at 492 nm for Hep-2 cells and the trypan blue method for P3HR1. The cytotoxicity expressed in CC50 was 12.5 mg/ml and 0.23 mg/ml on Hep-2 and P3HR1 cells, respectively. The antiviral effect was obtained at 4 mg/ml against coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4). Using the diffusion method discs for the antibacterial activity, the extract was more active against Gram+ than Gram−. Inhibition zones of 22 mm were obtained at a 275 mg/ml concentration. Inhibition of violacein production by pine resin extract was tested using Chomobacterium violaceum 026 (CV026) in a medium supplemented with acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL); cytotoxicity was evaluated toward Artemia and its protecting effect against Vibrio harveyi BB120 and then AHL degradation was studied. Results showed that pine resin inhibited violacein production by CV026, was not toxic for Artemia and protected it against Vibrio harveyi BB120; AHL was degraded with inhibition areas from 9.6, 11.03 and 10.26 to 12.34 mm at the contact times of the mixtures “resin-AHL” respectively at 0 h, 4 h 24 h and 72 h. This study constitutes a confirmation of aqueous extract pine resin as antibacterial, by anti-quorum sensing pathway and antiviral efficacy.

Nutritive Value, Polyphenol Constituents and Prevention of Pathogenic Microorganism by Different Resin Extract of Commiphora myrrh

The resin extract of Commiphora myrrh is Widely used in the folk medicine. The studying myrrh resin extract include moisture. minerals such as (Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, Cu and Zn), protein, total fat and crude fiber. In this study used Muffle furnace, Kjeldahl methods Soxlet and atomic absorption. HPLC using to evaluating Polyphenol constituents of myrrh different resin extract (ethanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and chloroform) as Conc. (µg / g) and in all extract (ethanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether and chloroform) it contained Chlorogenic acid, gallic acid Catechin, Coffeic acid, caffeine, Syringic acid, Coumaric acid, Ferulic acid, Naringenin, 4`.7-Dihydroxyisoflavone, Cinnamic, Propyl Gallate Vanillin, Querectin and Acid Ellagic acid in different concentration percentage and area The effect of Commiphora myrrh (ethanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and chloroform) resin extract against four different pathogenic bacteria Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomona aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus, were examine by Mueller Hinton Agar and measuring inhibition zone (diameter mm), show that there were significant different among bacteria and different method of extract. All different Commiphora myrrh seed extract (aqueous, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) have high activity against Candida albicans fungus. The study was conducted to identified the Commiphora myrrh nutritive value, polyphenol Compound and the activity against bacteria and fungi.

The Comparative clinical study of efficacy of Rohni Sikhta Taila, Rohni Sarjarasa Malahara & Rohni Ointment in the management of Agantuja Vranashotha with special reference to superficial thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the vein which is common complication of intravenous administration of drugs as by IV Cannulation. This inflammatory condition arises due tolocal injury and microbial contamination. Local treatment seems better than systemic drugs and if not treated timely can cause cellulitis and even suppuration. Hence immediate treatment needed which includes topical ointment, Hand Elevation, Use of Antibiotics etc. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned a detail description of inflammatory swelling under the heading of Vranashotha. IV Cannulation induced Superficial Thrombophlebitis can be correlated with Aagantuja Vranashotha. There are many modalities for treating this condition amongst which Lepa is one of the important measures. For this purpose, we had hypothesized a drug, which could reduce local signs and symptoms of Vranashotha as mentioned in various Ayurvedictext. In this study we had prepared Rohni iSiddha Taila with 3 Kalka dravya like Rohitak, Haridra & Nirgundi which was further divided into Rohnii Sikhta Taila by mixing Sikhta (i.e beewax),Rohni Sarjarasa Malahara by mixing Sarjarasa (i.e ShalaNiryasa resin extract) & Rohni Ointment(i.e with Alcohol extract + Petroleum Jelly). Considering the Initials of the Contents the Name Rohni is derived as By Rohitak+Haridra+Nirgundi. 15 patients of AgantujaVranashotha i.e. superficial thrombophlebitis for each group were selected and treated with local application of Rohni SikhtaTaila, Rohni Sarjarasa Malahara & Rohni ointment respectively. It was found that all 3 i.e Rohni Sikhta Taila, RohniSarjarasa Malahara & Rohni ointment are effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of Vranashotha with less or more varying degree. So,it would be concluded that Rohni ointment is most suitable to be used in large scale for treatment of Vranshotha with special reference to superficial thrombophlebitis.