Showing papers in "Natural Products: An Indian Journal in 2013"

Environmentally friendly products from plants in the control of biodeteriogen agents

Abstract: Fil: Gomez de Saravia, Sandra Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquimicas Teoricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina

In vitro anti-diabetic activity of parasitic plant, Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh

Abstract: In the present investigation, we have used parasitic plant Dendrophthoe falcata (grows on neem) to analyze phytochemicals and evaluated for in vitro anti-diabetic activity using four different solvent extracts. The aqueous and methanol extracts yielded saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic substances at higher concentration compared to other two extracts. The aqueous and methanol extracts also strongly inhibited the important diabetic enzymes (a-amylase, a-glucosidase, â-glucosidase and sucrase) in vitro. Further work is needed to analyse exact antidiabetic compound by separation and biophysical characterization of each compounds.

Antioxidant activity and chemical analysis of Mentha spicata cultivated from west northern region of Algeria by headspace solid phase micro-extraction and hydro-distillation

Abstract: The essential oil of a Mentha spicata L. (collected fromAlgeria) was extracted by hydrodistillation and solid phasemicro-extraction (SPME). The oils have been studied by GC and GC-MS. Thirty seven compounds identified in the aerial parts oil extracted by hydrodistillation, the principal components being carvone (48.42%), eucalyptol (17.6%) and neoisodehydrocarveol acetate (11.7%). On the other hand, the oil extracted by SPME showed eucalyptol (55.1%) as the principal componentwithmoderate amounts of carvone (7.2%), (Z)-dehydro-carvone (4.3%), cis-carveol (3.9%) and carvacrol (3.0%). In addition, it should be noted that 11 compounds identified only in the volatile fractions extracted using HS-SPME and not indentified in essential oils. Isolated essential oil was tested for radical-scavenging ability using the stable DPPH radical assay, which showed concentration-dependant antiradical activities, i.e. a percent of inhibition of 52.21%in the presence of 12.6 mg/mL.

A review on medicinal herb: Allium cepa

Abstract: Herbal medicines have gained global importance with both medicinal and economic implications these days. The scientific assessment has become a prerequisite for acceptance of health claims. Onion (Allium cepa ) a member of genusAllium, is the secondmost important horticulture crop all over the world. It is used as important source of phytoconstituents and food flavor. Allium cepa is one of the richest source of flavonoids and organosulphur compounds. Wide spectrum of biological activities makes A.cepa a potential therapeutic agent.

Plant as a booster for lactation

Abstract: Breast milk is a complex physiologic route linking substantial and stimulating factors and the make contact with of quite a lot of hormones. Galactogogues or lactogogues are medications or other substances believed to support initiation, maintenance, or augmentation ofmilk production in animals and human.Most galactogogues (e.g., medications, foods, herbal therapies etc.) apply their pharmacologic possessions from beginning to end contacts with dopamine receptors, resulting in increased prolactin levels and thereby augmenting milk supply. Frequent botanicals have been used as galactogogues in folk medicine. The most universally used are: Asparagus racemosus, Fenugreek, Blessed thistle,Alfalfa. Others include:Anise, Nettle, Fennel, Flax, Red raspberry leaf. The botanical agents fromthese plants acting as galactogogues include, a-linolenic acid, ascorbic acid,Domperidone,Metoclopramide, Sulpiride (Egonyl) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine),Amentoflavone, cumin,Vanillic acid, Ferulic acid, saponins, glycosides (shatavarin, sarasapogenin, diosgenin), Isoflavones, Asparagamine, Racemosol, This paper describes potent synthetic and herbal galactogogues toxicity and dosage.

Phenolic composition and biological activities of methanolic extract of strawberry leaves (Fragaria ananassa)

Abstract: Our study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumor activities and currently phenolic of polar extract of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) leaves. Seventeen phenolic compounds were isolated from methanolic extract of Strawberry leaves and identified as hydrolysable tannins, flavanol, flavonol glycosides and phenolic acids. The antioxidant activity was measured by 2, 2' - Diphenyl Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The methanolic extract completely inhibitedDPPHat three different concentrations 19, 38, 77 µl which showed very high antioxidant capacity, which was close to ascorbic acid standard used. Antimicrobial activities of plant extracts were studied against five bacterial strains and five fungal species, 0.1 ml of plant extract (10 mg / 1 ml) had inhibitory effect for most bacterial spp. and showed no effect against all fungal spp., Clearly inhibitory effect was obtained against all of the tested bacterial and fungal strains at 0.3 ml (10mg /1 ml) of the extract. Themethanolic extract of strawberry leaveswas tested against three human cell lines; the extract has activity against all cell lines tested.

Comparative study of proximate and sensory qualities of iru powder, ogiri powder and iru-ogiri blend

Abstract: “Iru powder” and “Ogiri-isi powder” were produced from African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) and Castor oil seed (Ricinus communis) respectively, using traditional method. Raw samples were dehulled, boiled and fermented for 96hrs, dried and packaged. Commercial “ogiri” samples bought from market were used as controls. The “iru powder” and “ogiri-isi” were comparatively evaluated with the local commercial ogiri based on the sensory properties. The proximate compositions of the “iru” and “ogiri-isi” were compared with those of raw locust bean and castor oil seeds. The pH changes occurring during the fermentation of the seeds were monitored. The pH increased with the fermentation period, ranging from6.38 to 7.2 in locust bean and 6.36 to 7.15 in castor seed within the 96hrs. The fermentation had effect on the proximate composition of the seeds. The crude protein increased from32.4%to 39.5%in locust bean and 14.07%to 18.1%in castor seed. The proximate values of ether extract and moisture increased during fermentation, while ash, crude fibre and carbohydrates decreased in both seeds. The sensory evaluation scores showed significant difference at (P < 0.05) between the condiments produced and the commercial ogiri samples.

Antimicrobial drug resistance against Eucalyptus citriodora gum in strains of common microbes of public health concern isolated from food, animals and environment.

Abstract: Of the 812 strains of microbes belonging to 27 genera (isolated from food, fish-pond-water, lizards, cow, pigs and mithun) tested against Eucalyptus citriodora gum (EG), 157 (19.3%) strains were detected sensitive. All the strains detected sensitive through disc diffusion method had an MIC 0.25 mg to 5 mg/ ml while those resistant had an MIC of 10 mg to 25 mg/ ml. Significantly (p <0.01) more number of microbial strains isolated from lizards (91.6%) and and mithuns (88.4%) were resistant to EG than strains of cattle (66.7%), pig (65.1%), water (75%) and food origin (65.8%). However, there was no significant difference in sensitivity pattern of strains of lizard and mithun origin (p, 0.33) also among strains of pig, cattle, water and food origin (p, 0.96). Resistant and sensitive strains were distributed among majority of them genera. All the strains of Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. achromogenes (2), A. sobria (2), Citrobacter amalonaticus (11), Edwardsiella hoshiniae (1), Escherichia blattae (3), Hafnea alvei (3), Klebsiella oxytoca (8), Kluyvera cryocrescens (6), Lactobacillus acidophillus (1), Leclercia adecarboxylata, Proteus myxofacience (1), Raoultella terrigena (6), Salmonella enterica ssp. houtenae (3), Salmonella enterica ssp. salamae (11), Serratia fonticola (1), Se. Marcescens (2), Se. odorifera (5), Se. plymuthica (1), Streptococcus milleri (3), Str. alactolyticus (1) and Xenorhhabdus luminiscens (1) were resistant to EG. On the other hand, all strains of Candida albicans (1), Leminorella ghrimontii (1), Micrococcus spp. (2), Providencia heimbachae (1), Staphylococcus aureus (4), Staph. xylosus (2) and Streptocococcus caseolyticus (1) were sensitive to EG. It may be an important question to ponder upon why majority of strains of certain bacteria were resistant to EG and a few strains were sensitive viz., Citrobacter freundii (3 of 74), Erwinia ananas (2 of 12), Escherichia coli (6 of 73), Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. pneumoniae (4 of 63), Proteus penneri (3 of 16), Pragia fontium (1 of 14), Providencia rettgeri (1 of 5), Salmonella enterica ssp. indica (1 of 45). Similarly, resistance in a few strains of some species comprising mostly sensitive EG strains was also puzzling, such strains were detected among Staph. sciuri (3 of 17), Proteus mirabilis (3 of 8) and Aeromonas caviae (4 of 11). These exceptions may help in future in understanding the factors responsible for resistance or sensitivity to EG. The study has indicated that drug resistance against herbal products is common in strains of some species of microbes while in others it is rare.

Lowering blood glucose effect of Azadirachta excelsa leaves extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Abstract: Plant-based remedies have been used to treat numerous diseases for thousands of years in various parts of the world. Azadirachta excelsa or sentang traditionally used by Malay as an agent for lowering blood glucose. The study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of this plant by measuring the plasma blood glucose level, the percentage of HbA1c and the plasma insulin level. Thirty two Sprague dawley ratswere divided into four groups which received different treatments. The first and second groups served as positive and negative control were treated with saline respectivelywhile the rats in the third group were receivedmetformin. The fourth group was treated with ethanolic extract of A. excelsa. After 14 days of treatment, the plant extract was significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose and the concentration of HbA1c in diabetic rats by 72.89% and 6.58% respectively. The plasma insulin in diabetic rats was also significantly increased after treated with plant extract. These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of A. excelsa possess antidiabetic activity by improving the insulin secretion, with consequent decrease in the level of plasma blood glucose and HbA1c.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of resveratrol from polygonum cuspidatum sieb et Zucc by orthogonal experiment

Abstract: In order to optimize the conditions for the microwave-assisted extraction of resveratrol fromPolygonumcuspidatumSieb et Zucc, in basis ofmicrowave- assisted extraction time,solvent concentration , ratio of liquid to solid, microwave power four single factor test, the optimumconditions for the microwave-assisted extraction of resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb et Zucc are determined by orthogonal experiment. The optimum extraction conditions confirmed by the index of extraction yield were as follows : microwave-assisted extraction time 7 min, solvent concentration 80%(v/v)ethanol, ratio of liquid to solid 25:1 (ml:g),microwave power 1.5 kw. The extraction yield of resveratrol was 1.76%. Mass spectrum analysis showed that extract was resveratrol.

Physicochemical characteristics and quality analysis of commercial honeys of Apis mellifera produced by artisanal beekeepers in Corrientes (Argentina)

Abstract: Artisanal honeys of Apis mellifera produced in Corrientes province (Argentina) for local and international markets, were characterized on the basis of their chemical and physical properties. One hundred sixty (160) honey samples from harvests for three years were analyzed for quality according to the national regulatory norms (Argentine Food Code, CAA) and international standards (GMCMercosur; CodexAlimentarius, FAO). The ranges and mean obtained values of the analysis of free acidity, pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), proline, reducing sugars, apparent sucrose, diastase activity, color, insoluble solids and ash were examined. The values obtained for the properties of most of the honey analyzed were in agreement with international specifications for blossom honeys of a good quality.

Composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of Thymus trautvetteri Klokov & Des.-Shost., Thymus migricus Klokov & Des.- Shost. and Thymus caespititius Brot. from Iran

Abstract: The chemical composition of the essential oils of Thymus trautvetteriKlokov& Des.-Shost., Thymus migricusKlokov&Des.-Shost.andThymus caespititiusBrot.growingwild in Iranwere examined byGC and GC±MS. Elaven components were characterized for Thymus trautvetteriwith a- Terpinen-7-al (58.62%), P-Cymene (10.9%) andThymol,methyl ether (6.20%) as the major constituents. For Thymus caespititius, 12 components were identifiedwithZ- Nerolidoli (17.91%), 1,8-Cineol (13.91%) andThymol (13.33%), as themajor constituents and in Thymus migricus,16 compounds have been identified. p-Cymen-7-ol (35.98%), cis- Sabinene hydrate (10.45%) and PCymene (10.26%) were the main components of this essential oil. Also The essential oils of T. trautvetteri, T. caespititius and T. migricus were subjected to screening for their possible antioxidant activities using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assaymethod. Thymus migricus showed the best radical scavenging activitywith an averaged IC50 value of 3.1 ± 0.15 µg/ml.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial investigation of Dissotis rotundifolia (sm) Triana

Abstract: The crude ethanolic extract of Dissotis rotundifolia was partitioned between hexane, chloroformand ethylacetate. These extract including the remaining aqueous ethanolic extract were screened for secondary metabolites and tested for antimicrobial activities at concentration of 1000, 100 and 10 µg/ml on Staphyloccocus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using agar well diffusion method. The presence of saponin, tannin, flavonoid, anthraquinone, steroid, and cardiac glycosides were detected and the antimicrobial assay indicated a fairly concentration dependent activity of which higher concentrations of the crude and chloroform extracts showed strong activity on the fungi. The crude extract at concentration 1000 µg/ml was also found to strongly inhibit S. aureus while the hexane extract generally showed negligible activities.

Limonoids as antidyslipidemic from the fruits of Xylocarpus molluccensis

Abstract: The ocean offers a rich source of structurally unique molecules providing novel plate form for drug discovery. The 95% ethanol extract of the epicarp of the fruits of X. molluccensis given orally at a dose of 500mg/kg showed significant antidyslipidemic activity in hamster model. Among the four fractions tested the chloroform soluble fraction showed highly significant lipid lowering activity at 50mg/kg. Further purification of chloroform fraction yielded four compounds. Out of four compounds bioevaluated, only one compound showed promising activity even at 25mg/ kg. dose.

Volatile oil composition and antimicrobial activity of the galls of Pistacia integerrima Stewart ex Brandis

Abstract: Pistacia integerrima Stewart ex Brandis (Pistaceaceae) is a moderatesized deciduous tree, found in the Himalayas from Indus to Kumaon. Its galls are aromatic, astringent and expectorant and prescribed to treat asthma, phthisis, ailments of the respiratory tract, dysentery, vomiting of children, skin diseases, nose-bleed, snake-bite, scorpion sting, psoriasis, fever, to increase appetite and to remove bed humors. The volatile oil of the galls is composed mainly of benzyl benzoate (52.1%), a-pinene (35.9%), â- caryophyllene (4.9%) and n-tetradecanoic acid (2.3%). Among twelve monoterpenes, there are nine monoterpene hydrocarbons (39.1%) and two monoterpene alcohols (0.3%). There were two sesquiterpenes (6.1%) and one fatty acid (2.3%). The volatile oil and ethanolic extract of the galls showed significant antimicrobial activity.

Ochratoxin a residue in grape juice concentrate

Abstract: Grape juice concentrate (GJC) is evaporated, concentrated and shelf-life extended formof grape syrup. Since ancient times, evaporated grape syrup has been traditionally produced in most Iranian regions by using varieties of grapes.As GJC is generally produced fromthe year-end harvest of poor quality, ochratoxin has been a concern in this product. As there has been no research to evaluate the OTA in GJC so the aim of this study was to investigate this mycotoxin in GJC samples in Khorasan province in north eastern of Iran. For this purpose, 20 GJC sampleswere collected fromretail stores of 9 cities in Khorasan province. Samples were analyzed for OTA content by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. Results showed that 12 GJC samples (60%) contained detectable amounts of OTAby average concentration of 0.6±0.71 ppb which is lower than EU standards (2 ppb). The highest and lowest concentration of OTA in the samples was 0.24 and 1.74 ppb, so OTApoisoning has not been a concern in the GJC samples.

Isolation, purification and characterisation of 2, 7, (14), 10 bisabolatriene- 1,9,12 triol, a bisabolene type sesquiterpene isolated from Curcuma longa L.

Abstract: Several bisabolene types sesquiterpenes have been isolated, identified and reported from the genus Curcuma. This particular compound 2, 7, (14), 10 bisabolatriene- 1,9,12 triol was reported by Huneck et al., 1986; Uehara et al., 1990 [19-20] from Curcuma xanthorrhiza. So far as literature survey reveals our work is the first report of presence of 2, 7, (14), 10 bisabolatriene- 1,9,12 triol in Curcuma longa L. The compound was isolated, purified and chemically characterized by various standard spectroscopic methods. The acetylated derivative of the compound was also studied and analyzed spectroscopically.

Vasculat plants used in tradional cosmetic by the human population in the plain of the Gharb (Morocco)

Abstract: In order to performan analysis and a floristic inventory ofmedicinal plants used for cosmetic purposes by the human population in the Gharb plain (Morocco) a survey using a questionnaire was performed with a human sample of 1440 people. The results show that 126 species, tidied in 98 Genera and 48 botanical families, were used. Systematically the Rosaceae (10.52%,Asteraceae (7.89%), Fabaceae (7%), the Lamiaceae (7%), Poaceae (5.26 %) and Solanaceae (4.38 %) are the families most represented. In contrast, 27 families were represented by only one species each. Moreover, the frequencies of use of different plant parts were as follow: fruit 28.1%, leaf 20.3%, seed 10.8%, entire aerial part 9.3%, flower 9.3%, root 4.7%and essential oils 3.9%. The latex and the bark of the plant were also used but with low frequencies.

Isolation and bioactivity of diacetyltetritol from Merremia emarginata (Burm.f)

Abstract: Diacetyltetritol (1), a new tetritol derivative was isolated from the ethyl acetate extractives of the whole plant, Merremia emarginata (Burm.f). Scopoletin (2), tetritol (3) and cyanarin (4) were obtained from the methanol extractives. Compounds 1-4 were screened for cytotoxicity, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory activities. Compound 2 showed potent antiinflammatory activity (IC50=2.15 µg/ml). Compound 4 showed potent anti-oxidant activity (IC50: 3.70µg/ml) and moderate cytotoxic activity (ED50: 39.57 µg/ml). Compounds 1 and 3 showed moderate brine shrimp lethality and anti-inflammatory activity. The simultaneous estimation of scopoletin and cyanarin in the methanol extract of the total plant was also carried out by using HPLC and was found that 1.02%of scopoletin and 1.12%of cynarin were present.

Potent antidyslipidemic property in gedunin from the fruits of Xylocarpus granatum

Abstract: The ocean offers a rich source of structurally unique molecules providing novel plate form for drug discovery. The 50% aqueous ethanol extract of the epicarp of the fruits of X.granatum given orally at a dose of 500mg/kg showed significant antidyslipidemic activity in hamster model. Among the four fractions tested the chloroform soluble fraction showed highly significant lipid lowering activity at 50mg/kg. Further purification of chloroform fraction yielded four compounds. Out of four compounds bioevaluated, only one compound gedunin showed promising activity even at 25mg/kg. dose.

Mosquito control potentiality of plants based mosquito coils

Abstract: Present study was carried out to establish the smoke toxicity effect of mosquito coils prepared fromshade dried leaves of Rauvolfia serpentina, Cestrum diurnum, Polyalthia longifolia and seeds of Cestrum diurnum, against filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus adult mosquitoes. Powder of the respective plant part, sawdust and charcoal powder were mixed with distilled water to forma semi-solid paste and 4 cmthicknessmosquito coils were prepared. Smoke toxicity test of above mentioned plants were conducted in a glass chamber. The results ofmortalitywere recorded in the following sequences: Cestrum diurnum seeds > Cestrum diurnum leaves > Polyalthia longifolia leaves > Rauvolfia serpentina leaves. Cent percent mortalities were recorded when adult mosquitoes were exposed to the smoke of Cestrum diurnum leaves and Cestrum diurnum seeds after 2-h of exposure whereas 51% and 43%mortalities were recorded at Polyalthia longifolia and Rauvolfia serpentina leaves respectively. In conclusion smokes from the leaves of Rauvolfia serpentina, Cestrum diurnum, Polyalthia longifolia and seeds of Cestrum diurnum, can be used effectively against mosquito control programmes and mosquito coil of those respective plant can play an important role in the interruption of transmission of those diseases where mosquitoes act as vector at the individual level.

Volatile oil composition and antimicrobial activity of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. rhizomes

Abstract: Hydrodistilled volatile oil obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (Zingiberaceae) analyzed byGC and GC-MS was composed mainly of ar-turmerone (58.9%) followed by bicyclogermacrene (11.7%), (E)-2-hexenal (5.3%), a-himachalene (4.0 %), its isomer (3.8 %), caryophyllene oxide (3.4 %) and valencene (3.2 %).Among 16 sesquiterpenes consisting 91.6%, the prominent sesquiterpenes were ar-turmerone (58.9 %), bicyclogermacrene (11.7 %) and a- himachalene (4.0 %). Total five monoterpenes (3.3%) were present in the oil including four hydrocarbons (2.3 %) and one alcohol (1.0 %). About 13 components occurred in trace amounts in the oil. The volatile oil and ethanolic extract of the rhizomes showed significant antimicrobial activity.

Histological characterization of annatto seed coat and variations of bixin drift during physiological maturation

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the maturation process of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) seeds. Each inflorescence was identified considering the day of its respective anthesis. Diameter, weight, color, moisture content, and dry weight were determined for each fruit. Seeds were extracted and color, moisture content, dry weight, weight of one thousand seeds, speed germination, percentage of germination and bixin extraction were determined. The conclusions was: the physiological maturity point of the seeds occurred 77 days after anthesis; moisture content and dry weight were the best parameters for describing seed physiological maturity; better germination percentage and better bixin content were certified for seeds extracted 77 days after anthesis; seed vigor increased up to 77 days after anthesis; size and color of the fruits and seeds were also found to be efficient maturation parameters; the macrosclereids present high impermeability with initial fruit dehiscence occurring after 77 days after anthesis.

Anti-fungal activity of Nardostachys jatamansi essential oil beneficial for treating (dermatophytosis) ringworm

Abstract: Nardostachys jatamansi, a critically endangered rhizome-bearingmedicinal plant, is restricted to specialized habitats in high altitudes of the Himalaya. The present study describes the anti-fungal activity of essential oil against an infectious fungi. Jatamansi oil contains (+)-essential oil, resin, sugar, starch, bitter extractive matter, gum, ketone, jatamansone, jatamansic acid, jatamansone semicarbazone, lupeol,malliene, calarene, terpenic coumarin - jatamansin, oroselol, dietheniod bicyclic ketone–nardostachone, sesquiterpene ketone–jatamansone. Author’s forearm was infected with ringworm; a fungal disease caused by dermatophytes a parasitic infection. Half a drop of oil applied daily and the infection was found to cure within one week of regular application.

Proximate analysis of the edible part of the African walnut (Juglans spiecie)

Abstract: The juglans spiecie of the African walnut was collected from three major towns in Osun state and a local market in Abia state Both the raw and boiled samples were analysed, the percentage range of the results are: moisture content 430 -450, 500 – 520, ash content; 700 – 710’ 620 – 630; 650 -660; crude protein 1773 -1775, 2527 – 2530; crude fibre 650 – 660, 600 – 620; crude oil 5655 – 5660, 5395- 5400 and carboyhyrate 2572 – 2580, 2077 – 2078 while the range values of the following minerals inmg/100g are Ca 4006 – 4007; 41/06 – 4100,Mg 5550 – 5600; 5740 – 5800, P 46000 – 46066; 47055 – 47095; these were the major minerals while Cu, Fe, Zn,Mn were also detected at low concentrations The oils were also analysed and 75% of the oil was found to be unsaturated

Characterization of phenolics in two cultivars of broccoli and fennel grown under organic and bio-organic fertilization by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out to studythe effect of organic and bioorganic fertilizers on the content of phenolics compound in broccoli and fennel. The resultsindicated the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in variable levels. Organic treatments were oriented to increase the accumulation of t phenolic compounds in broccoli and sweet fennel cultivars. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dimethoxybenzyl, P-cumaric, quercetin, kampferol and eugenol were found as most abundant consistuents in Calabrese and Southern star cultivars of broccoli. Whereas, Pinostrobin, Pyrogallic acid, Chlorogenic and Protocatechuic acid, were the main phenolic compounds detected in Dolce and Zefafino cultivars treated with organic fertilizer. These results indicated that there is a good margin for enhancing phenolic compounds of broccoli and fennel for economic production using organic fertilization. This study is alsoillustratedthe potential application of broccoli and fennel as a potent natural source of phenolic compoundsas antioxidants andnutraceuticals.

Effect of antifungal activity of seven species of Bauhinia against Helminthosporium oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum by spore germination method and Rhizoctonia oryzae, Aspergillus niger by agar cup method

Abstract: The antifungal activity of seven different species of Bauhinia namely Bauhinia acuminata L., Bauhinia variegata L., Bauhinia purpurea L., Bauhinia scandens L., Bauhinia vahlii W. and A., Bauhinia racemosa Lam, Bauhinia malabarica L. were tested against four plant pathogenic fungi like Helminthosporium oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum by spore germination method and Rhizoctonia oryzae, Aspergillus niger by agar cup method respectively. The dried plant leaves were extracted with three liters of 50% of aqueous ethanol at room temparature for seven days. The individual extract was filtered separately. Each extract was charcoalised and concentrated under reduced pressure and a dark brown residual solid was obtained in each case. The residue obtained in each case was diluted and subjected to antifungal assay for locating the antifungal properties of each species.

Quality and acceptability of flavored yoghurt enriched with Red beet extract.

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of red beet extract and strawberry flavor on the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of yogurt. For this purpose a total of 48 yogurt samples including yogurts flavored with strawberry flavor (1, 2 and 4%) and colored with red beet extract (1.25, 2.5 and 4%) and a control yogurt (no strawberry flavor or red beet extract) were evaluated for chemical, physical and sensory properties during 21 days of storage. Data analyzed by ANOVA using statistical analysis system (SAS, 1995). Results showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the control and red beet-flavored yogurts in terms of viscosity and syneresis.Addition of red beet extract to yogurt resulted in an increase in the syneresis, and a decrease in the viscosity. During the storage, the values of the titratable acidity, viscosity and syneresis of experimental yogurts increased, while pH of the yogurts decreased significantly (P<0.05).Yogurt enrichedwith 2.5%red beet extract and 2%strawberry flavorwasmore acceptable and high scoredwith respect to overall acceptability value by panelists.

An overview on Genus chlorophytum

Abstract: The genus Chlorophytum (Liliaceae) comprises about 200 species and is distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical countries. It is represented in India by about 15 species, which occur mostly in peninsular India. They are mainly cultivated for their ornamental flowers. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated and characterized from Chlorophytum genus. The present review will focus on the secondary metabolites isolated and characterized from the genus and their biological activities.

Anti-angiogenic property of some plants

Abstract: There is an increasing demand for the herbal drug treatment of various ailments and many plant drugs fromAyurvedic systemare being explored globally. This article acts as a quick reference for extracting the anti-angiogenic properties of the following selected medicinal plants Alliumsativum, Aloe vera, Anacardium occidentale Linn, Ardisia pyramidalis (Cavanilles) Persoon, Bidens pilosa Linn., Boerhaavia diffusa, Bombax ceiba, Camellia sinensis, Clerodendrum serratum (spreng.), Coffea Arabica, Gardenia jasminoides, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Parkia speciosa, Salvia officinalis, Silybum marianum, Tillandsia recurvata L., Withania somnifera.