UCLA-VA study names India dietary staple as potential Alzheimer's weapon
It's no wonder, pharmaceutical giants tried desperately to illegally and unsuccessfully patent tumeric, in another outrageous form of bio-piracy.
Yellow pigment in curry spice blocks, breaks up brain plaques in mice
A dietary staple of India, where Alzheimer's disease rates are reportedly among the world's lowest, holds potential as a weapon in the fight against the disease. The new UCLA-Veterans Affairs study involving genetically altered mice suggests that curcumin, the yellow pigment in curry spice, inhibits the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and also breaks up existing plaques.
Reporting in the Dec. 7, 2004, online edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the research team also determined curcumin is more effective in inhibiting formation of the protein fragments than many other drugs being tested as Alzheimer's treatments. The researchers found the low molecular weight and polar structure of curcumin allow it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively and bind to beta amyloid.
In earlier studies (Journal of Neuroscience, 2001; 21:8370-8377; Neurobiology of Aging, 2001; 22:993-1005), the same research team found curcumin has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which scientists believe help ease Alzheimer's symptoms caused by oxidation and inflammation.
The research team's body of research into curcumin has prompted the UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) to begin human clinical trials to further evaluate its protective and therapeutic effects. More information about enrolling in this and other clinical trials at the Center is available by calling (310) 206-3779 or online at http://www.npistat.com/adrc/Treatment.asp.
"The prospect of finding a safe and effective new approach to both prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease is tremendously exciting," said principal investigator Gregory Cole. He is professor of medicine and neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, associate director of the UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and associate director of the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System at Sepulveda, Calif.
"Curcumin has been used for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory in a variety of ailments as part of Indian traditional medicine," Cole said. "Recent successful studies in animal models support a growing interest in its possible use for diseases of aging involving oxidative damage and inflammation like Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease. What we really need, however, are clinical trials to establish safe and effective doses in aging patients."
The research was funded by the Siegel Life Foundation, Veterans Affairs, Alzheimer's Association, UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and private donors. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that occurs gradually and results in memory loss, unusual behavior, personality changes, and a decline in thinking abilities. These losses relate to the death of brain cells and the breakdown of the connections between them. The disease is the most common form of dementing illness among middle and older adults, affecting more than 4 million Americans and many millions worldwide. The prevalence of Alzheimer's among adults ages 70-79 in India, however, is 4.4 times less than the rate in the United States.
Widely used as a food dye and preservative, and in some cancer treatments, curcumin has undergone extensive toxicological testing in animals. It also is used extensively in traditional Indian medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Other members of the research team are Fusheng Yang, Giselle Lim, Aynun Begum, Mychica Simmons, Suren Ambegaokar, Ping Ping Chen of UCLA; Rakez Kyad and Charlie Glabe of the University of California at Irvine; and Sally Frautschy of UCLA and the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System at Sepulveda.
The Alzheimer Disease Research Center at UCLA, directed by Dr. Jeffrey L. Cummings, was established in 1991 by a grant from the National Institute on Aging. Together with grants from the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center of California and the Sidell-Kagan Foundation, the center provides a mechanism for integrating, coordinating and supporting new and ongoing research by established investigators in Alzheimer's disease and aging.
Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System and Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center combine resources to form a unified Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, one of 20 nationwide. These centers of excellence are designed to improve health care and quality of life to older veterans through the advancement and integration of research, education and clinical achievements in geriatrics and gerontology into the total VA health care system and broader communities.
Binomial name
Curcuma longa
Linnaeus
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to tropical South Asia and needs temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C (68 °F and 86 °F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes, and propagated from some of those rhizomes in the following season.
When not used fresh, the rhizomes are boiled for several hours and then dried in hot ovens, after which they are ground into a deep orange-yellow powder commonly used as a spice in curries and other South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, for dyeing, and to impart color to mustard condiments. Its active ingredient is curcumin and it has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell. Curcumin can be used to test the alkalinity or acidity of foods. It turns yellow in an acidic food, and it turns red in an alkaline food.
In medieval Europe, turmeric became known as Indian saffron since it was widely used as an alternative to the far more expensive saffron spice.
Kasur district of Pakistan is the largest producer of turmeric in Pakistan Nizamabad, a city in the south Indian state of Andhra pradesh, is the world's largest producer and most important trading center of turmeric in Asia. Erode in Tamil Nadu is another important turmeric trading center that receives turmeric produced not only from Tamil Nadu, but also from the neighboring state of Karnataka. In history, Erode is also known as the "Turmeric City". Sangli, a town in the southern part of the Indian western state of Maharashtra, is another large trading center for turmeric in Asia. Mayo cultivators introduced different varieties of turmeric in Kasur.
Turmeric is commonly called Pasupu in Telugu, Kaha (කහ) in Sinhala, Manjal (மஞ்சள் ) in Tamil literally meaning yellow color,Arisina (ಅರಿಸಿಣ) in Kannada, Haridra (हरिद्र) in Sanskrit, Haldi (حلدی) in Urdu and Haldar or Haldi (हल्दी) in Hindi, Haladi (ହଳଦୀ) in Oriya, 'Halud (হলুদ)'in Bengali Besar(बॆसार) in Nepalese. Attempts to patent turmeric have been defeated
Usage
Culinary uses
Turmeric powder is used extensively in South Asian cuisine.
Turmeric grows wild in the forests of South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the key ingredients for many Indian, Persian and Thai dishes such as in curry and many more. Ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda has recommended its use in food for its medicinal value, much of which is now being researched in the modern day. Its use as a coloring agent is not of primary value in South Asian cuisine.
In Indonesia, the turmeric leaves are used for Minangese or Padangese curry base of Sumatra, such as rendang, sate padang and many other varieties.
Although most usage of turmeric is in the form of root powder, in some regions (especially in Maharashtra, Goa, Konkan and Kanara), leaves of turmeric are used to wrap and cook food. This usually takes place in areas where turmeric is grown locally, since the leaves used are freshly picked. This imparts a distinct flavor.
In recipes outside South Asia, turmeric is sometimes used as an agent to impart a rich, custard-like yellow color. It is used in canned beverages and baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn color, sweets, cake icings, cereals, sauces, gelatins, etc. It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders. Turmeric is mostly used in savory dishes, as well as some sweet dishes, such as the cake sfouf.
Although usually used in its dried, powdered form, turmeric is also used fresh, much like ginger. It has numerous uses in Far Eastern recipes, such as fresh turmeric pickle, which contains large chunks of soft turmeric.
Turmeric (coded as E100 when used as a food additive, indicating how it is used as a food coloring since it normally gives food slightly yellow color)[11] is used to protect food products from sunlight. The oleoresin is used for oil-containing products. The curcumin/polysorbate solution or curcumin powder dissolved in alcohol is used for water-containing products. Over-coloring, such as in pickles, relishes, and mustard, is sometimes used to compensate for fading.
In combination with annatto (E160b), turmeric has been used to color cheeses, yogurt, dry mixes, salad dressings, winter butter and margarine. Turmeric is also used to give a yellow color to some prepared mustards, canned chicken broths and other foods (often as a much cheaper replacement for saffron).
Turmeric is widely used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. Many Persian dishes use turmeric as a starter ingredient. Almost all Iranian fried dishes typically consist of oil, onions and turmeric followed by any other ingredients that are to be included. In Nepal, turmeric is widely grown and is extensively used in almost every vegetable and meat dish in the country for its color, as well as for its medicinal value. In South Africa, turmeric is traditionally used to give boiled white rice a golden color.
In Goa and Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka state, India), turmeric plant leaf is used to prepare special sweet dishes, patoleo, by layering rice flour and coconut-jaggery mixture on the leaf, and then closing and steaming it in a special copper steamer (goa). In Tamil Nadu, an Indian State, it is called "Manjal", which is extensively used for its aroma, color and as a disinfectant.
In Vietnam, turmeric may be known as Bột nghệ.
History
Turmeric has been used in India for over 2500 years and is a major part of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It was first used as a dye and then later for its medicinal properties. The etymology of the word "turmeric" probably comes from the early French "terre merite" via the Latin "terra merita", literally "deserving earth".
Preliminary medical research:
Turmeric is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, and other clinical disorders. As an example of preliminary laboratory research, turmeric ameliorated the severity of pancreatitis-associated lung injury in mice.
According to a 2005 article in the Wall Street Journal, research activity into curcumin and turmeric is increasing. The U.S. National Institutes of Health currently has registered 61 clinical trials completed or underway to study use of dietary curcumin for a variety of clinical disorders (dated June 2011).
Turmeric grows wild in the forests of South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the key ingredients for many Indian, Persian and Thai dishes such as in curry and many more. Ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda has recommended its use in food for its medicinal value, much of which is now being researched in the modern day. Its use as a coloring agent is not of primary value in South Asian cuisine.
In Indonesia, the turmeric leaves are used for Minangese or Padangese curry base of Sumatra, such as rendang, sate padang and many other varieties.
Although most usage of turmeric is in the form of root powder, in some regions (especially in Maharashtra, Goa, Konkan and Kanara), leaves of turmeric are used to wrap and cook food. This usually takes place in areas where turmeric is grown locally, since the leaves used are freshly picked. This imparts a distinct flavor.
In recipes outside South Asia, turmeric is sometimes used as an agent to impart a rich, custard-like yellow color. It is used in canned beverages and baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn color, sweets, cake icings, cereals, sauces, gelatins, etc. It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders. Turmeric is mostly used in savory dishes, as well as some sweet dishes, such as the cake sfouf.
Although usually used in its dried, powdered form, turmeric is also used fresh, much like ginger. It has numerous uses in Far Eastern recipes, such as fresh turmeric pickle, which contains large chunks of soft turmeric.
Turmeric (coded as E100 when used as a food additive, indicating how it is used as a food coloring since it normally gives food slightly yellow color)[11] is used to protect food products from sunlight. The oleoresin is used for oil-containing products. The curcumin/polysorbate solution or curcumin powder dissolved in alcohol is used for water-containing products. Over-coloring, such as in pickles, relishes, and mustard, is sometimes used to compensate for fading.
In combination with annatto (E160b), turmeric has been used to color cheeses, yogurt, dry mixes, salad dressings, winter butter and margarine. Turmeric is also used to give a yellow color to some prepared mustards, canned chicken broths and other foods (often as a much cheaper replacement for saffron).
Turmeric is widely used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. Many Persian dishes use turmeric as a starter ingredient. Almost all Iranian fried dishes typically consist of oil, onions and turmeric followed by any other ingredients that are to be included. In Nepal, turmeric is widely grown and is extensively used in almost every vegetable and meat dish in the country for its color, as well as for its medicinal value. In South Africa, turmeric is traditionally used to give boiled white rice a golden color.
In Goa and Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka state, India), turmeric plant leaf is used to prepare special sweet dishes, patoleo, by layering rice flour and coconut-jaggery mixture on the leaf, and then closing and steaming it in a special copper steamer (goa). In Tamil Nadu, an Indian State, it is called "Manjal", which is extensively used for its aroma, color and as a disinfectant.
In Vietnam, turmeric may be known as Bột nghệ.
History
Turmeric has been used in India for over 2500 years and is a major part of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It was first used as a dye and then later for its medicinal properties. The etymology of the word "turmeric" probably comes from the early French "terre merite" via the Latin "terra merita", literally "deserving earth".
Preliminary medical research:
Turmeric is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, and other clinical disorders. As an example of preliminary laboratory research, turmeric ameliorated the severity of pancreatitis-associated lung injury in mice.
According to a 2005 article in the Wall Street Journal, research activity into curcumin and turmeric is increasing. The U.S. National Institutes of Health currently has registered 61 clinical trials completed or underway to study use of dietary curcumin for a variety of clinical disorders (dated June 2011).
Turmeric rhizome
Some research shows compounds in turmeric to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties; however, curcumin is not one of them.
In May 2012, a team of British researchers launched a clinical trial that will look at whether the curcumin found in curry can improve the drug response in patients with advanced bowel cancer. The aim of their research will try to confirm previous studies which likewise found that curcumin, found in turmeric, can enhance the ability of chemotherapy to kill bowel cancer cells in the lab. Animal tests combining both chemotherapy and curcumin were "100 times better" than either on their own.
Cosmetics
Turmeric paste is traditionally used by Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair and as an antimicrobial. Turmeric paste, as part of both home remedies and Ayurveda, is also said to improve the skin and is touted as an anti-aging agent. Turmeric figures prominently in the bridal beautification ceremonies of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Staining oneself with turmeric is believed to improve the skin tone and tan. Turmeric is currently used in the formulation of some sunscreens.
The government of Thailand is funding a project to extract and isolate tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC) from turmeric. THCs are colorless compounds that might have antioxidant and skin-lightening properties, and might be used to treat skin inflammations, making these compounds useful in cosmetics formulations.
Dye
Turmeric makes a poor fabric dye, as it is not very light fast. However, turmeric is commonly used in Indian and Bangladeshi clothing, such as saris and Buddhist monks' robes.
Ceremonial uses
Turmeric is considered highly auspicious in India and has been used extensively in various Indian ceremonies for millennia. Even today it is used in every part of India during wedding ceremonies and religious ceremonies.
It is used in Pujas (prayers) to make a form of Hindu god Ganesha. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is invoked at the beginning of almost any ceremony and a form of Ganesha for this purpose is made by mixing turmeric with water and forming it into a cone-like shape.
Gaye holud (literally "yellow on the body") is a ceremony observed mostly in the region of Bengal (comprising Bangladesh and Indian West Bengal). The gaye holud takes place one or two days prior to the religious and legal Bengali wedding ceremonies. The turmeric paste is applied by friends to the bodies of the couple. This is said to soften the skin, but also colors them with the distinctive yellow hue that gives its name to this ceremony. It may be a joint event for the bride and groom's families, or it may consist of separate events for the bride's family and the groom's family.
During the south Indian festival Pongal, a whole turmeric plant with fresh rhizomes is offered as a thanksgiving offering to Surya, the Sun god. Also, the fresh plant sometimes is tied around the sacred Pongal pot in which an offering of pongal is prepared.
In southern India, as a part of the marriage ritual, dried turmeric tuber tied with string is used to replace the Mangalsutra temporarily or permanently. The Hindu Marriage act recognizes this custom. Thali necklace is the equivalent of marriage rings of west. In western and coastal India, during weddings of the Marathi and Konkani people turmeric tubers are tied with strings by the couple to their wrists during a ceremony called Kankanabandhana.[27]
Modern Neopagans list it with the quality of fire, and it is used for power and purification rites.
Friedrich Ratzel in The History of Mankind reported in 1896 that in Micronesia the preparation of turmeric powder for embellishment of body, clothing and utensils had a highly ceremonial character. He quotes an example of the roots being ground by four to six women in special public buildings and then allowed to stand in water. The following morning, three young coconuts and three old soma nuts are offered by a priestess with prayer, after which the dye which has settled down in the water is collected, baked into cakes in coconut molds, wrapped in banana leaves, and hung up in the huts till required for use.
Some research shows compounds in turmeric to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties; however, curcumin is not one of them.
In May 2012, a team of British researchers launched a clinical trial that will look at whether the curcumin found in curry can improve the drug response in patients with advanced bowel cancer. The aim of their research will try to confirm previous studies which likewise found that curcumin, found in turmeric, can enhance the ability of chemotherapy to kill bowel cancer cells in the lab. Animal tests combining both chemotherapy and curcumin were "100 times better" than either on their own.
Cosmetics
Turmeric paste is traditionally used by Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair and as an antimicrobial. Turmeric paste, as part of both home remedies and Ayurveda, is also said to improve the skin and is touted as an anti-aging agent. Turmeric figures prominently in the bridal beautification ceremonies of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Staining oneself with turmeric is believed to improve the skin tone and tan. Turmeric is currently used in the formulation of some sunscreens.
The government of Thailand is funding a project to extract and isolate tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC) from turmeric. THCs are colorless compounds that might have antioxidant and skin-lightening properties, and might be used to treat skin inflammations, making these compounds useful in cosmetics formulations.
Dye
Turmeric makes a poor fabric dye, as it is not very light fast. However, turmeric is commonly used in Indian and Bangladeshi clothing, such as saris and Buddhist monks' robes.
Ceremonial uses
Turmeric is considered highly auspicious in India and has been used extensively in various Indian ceremonies for millennia. Even today it is used in every part of India during wedding ceremonies and religious ceremonies.
It is used in Pujas (prayers) to make a form of Hindu god Ganesha. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is invoked at the beginning of almost any ceremony and a form of Ganesha for this purpose is made by mixing turmeric with water and forming it into a cone-like shape.
Gaye holud (literally "yellow on the body") is a ceremony observed mostly in the region of Bengal (comprising Bangladesh and Indian West Bengal). The gaye holud takes place one or two days prior to the religious and legal Bengali wedding ceremonies. The turmeric paste is applied by friends to the bodies of the couple. This is said to soften the skin, but also colors them with the distinctive yellow hue that gives its name to this ceremony. It may be a joint event for the bride and groom's families, or it may consist of separate events for the bride's family and the groom's family.
During the south Indian festival Pongal, a whole turmeric plant with fresh rhizomes is offered as a thanksgiving offering to Surya, the Sun god. Also, the fresh plant sometimes is tied around the sacred Pongal pot in which an offering of pongal is prepared.
In southern India, as a part of the marriage ritual, dried turmeric tuber tied with string is used to replace the Mangalsutra temporarily or permanently. The Hindu Marriage act recognizes this custom. Thali necklace is the equivalent of marriage rings of west. In western and coastal India, during weddings of the Marathi and Konkani people turmeric tubers are tied with strings by the couple to their wrists during a ceremony called Kankanabandhana.[27]
Modern Neopagans list it with the quality of fire, and it is used for power and purification rites.
Friedrich Ratzel in The History of Mankind reported in 1896 that in Micronesia the preparation of turmeric powder for embellishment of body, clothing and utensils had a highly ceremonial character. He quotes an example of the roots being ground by four to six women in special public buildings and then allowed to stand in water. The following morning, three young coconuts and three old soma nuts are offered by a priestess with prayer, after which the dye which has settled down in the water is collected, baked into cakes in coconut molds, wrapped in banana leaves, and hung up in the huts till required for use.
Composition
Turmeric contains up to 5% essential oils and up to 5% curcumin, a polyphenol. Curcumin is the active substance of turmeric and curcumin is known as C.I. 75300, or Natural Yellow 3. The systematic chemical name is (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione.
It can exist at least in two tautomeric forms, keto and enol. The keto form is preferred in solid phase and the enol form in solution. Curcumin is a pH indicator. In acidic solutions (pH <7.4) it turns yellow, whereas in basic (pH > 8.6) solutions it turns bright red.
It can exist at least in two tautomeric forms, keto and enol. The keto form is preferred in solid phase and the enol form in solution. Curcumin is a pH indicator. In acidic solutions (pH <7.4) it turns yellow, whereas in basic (pH > 8.6) solutions it turns bright red.
Another Promising Ayurvedic Botanical (Herb)
Boswellia
Boswellia is a genus of trees in Sapindales order, known for their fragrant resin which has many pharmacological uses particularly as anti-inflammatories. The Biblical incense frankincense was probably an extract from the resin of the tree, Boswellia sacra.
Overview
There are four main species of Boswellia which produce true frankincense and each type of resin is available in various grades. The grades depend on the time of harvesting, and the resin is hand sorted for quality.
They are moderate-sized flowering plants that includes both trees and shrubs, and are native to tropical regions of Africa, and Asia. The distributions of the species that are primarily associated with the tropics. The greatest diversity of species presently is in the Southern Hemisphere in Africa and India.
They grow in low evergreen tropical forest, laurel forest, tropical and subtropical montane rainforest but also in tropical mountain cloud forest. Species in less humid environments are smaller or less robust, with less abundant and thinner foliage and have oleifera cells that give trees a more fragrant aroma. They do not form large stands but rather small groups of trees with a density of up to one individual per five hectares.
The ecological requirements of the genus are an ecosystem of great exuberance characterized by high humidity, no seasonal changes and with a wide variety of botanical and zoological species but also highly fragile against external aggressions.
The plants are dioecious. The flowers may have 4-5 faintly connate but imbricate sepals with an equal number of distinct, imbricate petals. Also, the stamens, that may contain nectar discs, have distinct glabrous filaments that come in 1-2 whorls and in numbers equaling or twice the number of petals; the tricolporate pollen is contained within 2 locules of the anthers that open longitudinally along slits. The gynoecium contains 3-5 connate carpels, one style, and one stigma that is head-like to lobed. Each locule of the superior ovary has 2 ovules with axile placentation that are anatropous to campylotropous. The 1-5 pitted fruit is a drupe that opens at maturity. The endosperm is usually lacking in the embryo.
Medicinal uses
Boswellia has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine. Recently, the boswellic acids that are a component of the resin it produces have shown some promise as a treatment for asthma and various inflammatory conditions. In West Africa, the bark of Boswellia dalzielii is used to treat fever, rheumatism and gastrointestinal problems. Boswellia incense may even relieve depression.
Anti-Wrinkle Effect of Extracts of
Boswellia serrata:
Expression lines are produced by the mechanical stress exerted on the skin by facial muscles. So relaxing skin can help prevent their formation. Three extracts of Boswellia serrata were tested on a nerve-muscle co culture model which makes it possible to recreate a motor arc by innervation of human
striated muscle cells with explants of spinal cord and of spinal ganglia from rat embryos. The three Boswellia extracts tested induced inhibitions. The most active extract induced 72% of muscle contraction inhibition at the concentration of 0.005%. The four pentacyclic triterpene acids found in extracts of Boswellia serrata ( beta-boswellic acid, 3-Oacetylboswellic acid, 11-ketoboswellic acid and 3-O-acetyl-11-ketoboswellic acid) were tested in a model of calcium flux in order to evaluate their capacity for inhibiting calcium channels and therefore their ability to relax muscle fibers. The relaxing effect of 3-Oacetyl-11-ketoboswellic acid was found significantly greater than that obtained for the other three acids tested. This effect was confirmed with the muscle-nerve coculture test which showed a contraction-inhibiting effect of 74.7% at 5 microM and of 87% at 10 microM for this compound.
Key words:
Activity, anti-aging, anti-melanogenesis, anti-wrinkle, boswellia serrata 5-hydroxy-tryptophan, 20-hydroxyecdysone, immuno suppression, notoginseng
Symposium on Medicinal Plants, Their Cultivation and Aspects of Uses
Topic 1: The pharmacological activities of medicinal plants and their extracts.
1.1 Phytomedicines Used by the Santal Tribal People of the District Purulia, West
Bengal, INDIA, for the Purpose of Contraception: an Experimental Approach on Mice
A. Maiti and C.K.Manna
Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, Nadia, West Bengal, India.
Abstract:
The medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for the treatment of human ailments. Amongst the various types of tribal people, the Santals of the district Purulia, still continuing this type of practice from time immemorial. Purulia district of West Bengal is situated at the eastern part of INDIA. It is provided with a good number of aboriginal and tribal communities, diversified plant species. One of the key health issues associated with biodiversity is that of drug discovery and the availability of medicinal resources. A significant proportion of drugs are derived, directly or indirectly from biological sources. In order to make an on the spot study of the major folk utilization of the plants extensive field surveys were conducted time to time and the information were Collected from the interview report of the medicine men. According to their belief (Ojha), the plant parts are usually collected from the different heights of the small and large hills during the time of Full moon/ New moon in an extremely clean condition. These parts are usually dedicated to the God/Goddess and prepare the medicines (Swapnanta medicines) with other ingredients (Kaviraji or chemicals) in the form of talans. Some are quite important from the standpoint of contraception. Amongst the various types of preparations used by the Santal Medicine men of the District Purulia, the root extract of Achyranthes aspera
L. was selected for the present experimental study of antifertility activity in the male albino mice. Oral administration of 50% methanolic root extract of Achyranthes aspera ( Apang, common Santal Tribal name ) at the dosage of 1g/kg.bw./day for 21 days to male albino mice caused perceptible changes on the weight of the testis and other reproductive organs, the relative percentages of the secondary spermatocytes and spermatids. On the other hand the relative percentages of the spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells were increased. Amongst the biochemical parameters, significant decrease of acid and alkaline phosphatases and increase of ascorbic acid and cholesterol level within the testis were observed. The acid and alkaline phosphatases were decreased and lipid materials were increased histochemically within the testicular tissue of the treated animals. Gradual recovery in all the biochemical and histological parameters after withdrawal of the treatment suggest that the treatment of Achyranthes aspera produced reversible infertility in male albino mice without inducing any side effect.
Key words:
Approach, bengal, purulia, phytomedicines, santal.
6
1.2 Antimicrobial and Antivectoral Activities of Traditionally Used Indigenous
Medicinal Plants
A. Naresh kumar and K. Murugan
Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimabtore
– 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract:
Malaria is the worldwide most important parasitic disease with an incidence of almost 300 millions clinical cases and over one million deaths per year. The increasing global spread of drug resistance to most of the available and affordable antimalarial drugs is a major concern and requires innovative strategies to combat and there is an increasing demand for active compounds with a new mode of action to replace the current ineffective drugs. In the present in vivo study, different extracts of Cocculus hirsutus, Cassia occidentalis and Datura metel were tested for the antiplasmodial activity against the Malarial parasite, Plasmodium berghei and showed significant inhibition of parasitemia after the post infection period. Among the different solvent extracts methanolic extract of Datura metel showed greater percentage of parasitemia inhibition and mice survival. Laboratory studies were also made to evaluate antivectoral activity of Cocculus hirsutus, Cassia occidentalis and Datura metel against the malarial vector, A. stephensi. The immature stages of the mosquito were much susceptible against the methanolic extracts of C. hirsutus.
Lethal Concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were calculated using the percentage mortality rate. The active chemicals in Cocculus hirsutus, Cassia occidentalis and Datura metel were proved to be much effective against the malarial parasites and vectors.
Key words:
Antiplasmodial activity, parasitemia, larvicide, lethal concentration.
1.3 Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of
Abutilon indicu, Linn on DGalactosamine
Induced Liver Damage by in Vivo Method
A.R. Srividya, S.P. Dhanabal, J. Alin Bose, and R. Rajesh Kumar
Abstract:
The plant Abutilon indicum belongs to the family Malvaceae was screened for its hepatoprotective activity in D- Galactosamine intoxicated rat model. Ethyl acetate extract of Abutilon indicum found to possess amino acids, glycosides, protein, saponins, tannins. Treatment with ethyl acetate fractions at 400 mg/ kg body weight showed significant decrease in ASAT, ALAT, ALP, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and a significant elevator in the TGL, total protein and albumin levels in serum when compared with D- Galactosamine. In ethyl acetate extract treatment group there were reduced infections, lack of lymphocytes migration and lack of macrophage infiltration, hepatoprotective activity exhibited by ethyl acetate extract of Abutilon indicum was found to be equivalent with standard silymarin.
Key words:
Abutilon indicu, evaluation, galactosamine, hepatoprotective, liver.
7
1.4 In Vitro Antioxidant Effects and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor properties of Peganum harmala
Seed Extracts
Abderrahmane BAGHIANI
1, Meriem DJERMOUNI1, Djamila AMENI1, Hayet
TRABSA
1, Noureddine CHAREF1, Sabah BOUMERFEG2, Seddik KHENNOUF3,
Daoud HARZALLAH1 and Lekhmici ARRAR
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University Ferhat Abbas of Setif,
Department of Biology, University of Bordj Bouariridj, 3 Department of Phytotherapy Applied to
Chronic Diseases, Faculty of Nature ad Life Sciences, University Ferhat Abbas of Setif, Algeria.
Abstract:
In this work, the antioxidant activities and the inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase (XO) activity of various extracts prepared from Peganum harmala seeds were estimated. XO was purified from fresh bovine milk with protein / flavine ratio of 5.15, a single major band on SDS-PAGE, of approximately 150 KDa and a specific activity of 2055.05 nmol / min / mg protein. The analysis of methanol (CrE), chloroform (ChE) and ethyl acetate (EaE) extracts, showed that ChE contains the highest amount of polyphenols and flavonoids (66.29 ± 1.57 mg EGA and 13.88 ± 0.13 mg EQ / g dry extract), followed by EaE (58.1 ± 1.57 mg EGA and 12.18 ± 0.08 mg EQ / g dry extract, respectively), and CrE with 27.91 ± 0.98 mg EGA and 7.39 ± 0.68 mg EQ / g dry extract. The ChE showed the highest inhibitory properties on the XO activity (IC 50 = 0.055 ± 0.0053 mg / ml) and on the Cyt c reduction (IC50 = 0.037 ± 0.0008 mg / ml), followed by EaE with IC50 of XO inhibitory activity and an IC 50 of the inhibition of Cyt c reduction of 0.0057±0,0141 and 0.053 ± 0.0141 mg /ml, respectively. Finally, CrE had the lowest inhibitory effect on XO activity and on Cyt c reduction with 0.252 ± 0.0051 and 0.14 ± 0.0051 mg / ml, respectively. High DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed with CrE (IC50 = 0,100 ± 0.0069 mg / ml), followed by EaE and ChE with IC 50 of 0,711 ± 0,0298 and 0,744 ± 0,0198 mg / ml, respectively. The β-carotene / linoleic acid bleaching assay revealed that the extracts have a very important ntioxidant activity. EaE has the highest antioxidant activity (94.21 ± 0.003 %), followed by CrE and ChE with 86.24 ± 0.027% and 77.35 ± 0.032 %, respectively. Ferrous ion chelating capacity assay showed that CrE, EaE and ChE are the most active. These results suggest that these natural products could be used to treat diseases, where inhibitions of XO, free radical scavenging and / or inhibition of lipid peroxidation are warranted.
Key words:
antioxidant, free radical scavenging, medicinal plants, peganum harmala, xanthine oxidase.
1.5 The Phytochimical Study and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of the
Chemical Extracts of the Dog Rose Bush
Rosa canina
Ait kaki Sabrina
Laboratory of research: Technologies, valuation, physico-chemical of the biological materials and biodiversity. Department of Biology. Faculty of Science.University of Boumerdès. Algeria.
Abstract:
The Rosaceous constitute an important family both by the number of the species (more than 3 000) and by the vegetative variety, floral and some fruits. This family distributed geographically on all the parts of the country of the world, but are especially plentiful in the moderate regions of the hemisphere the North. Our work it is concerned a species of this family, known under the naming of the dog rose bush (Rosa canina). This study has a practice having for objective a phytochemical study which consists of the identification of the various present active principles in Rosa's leaves followed by the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil, flavonoïdes and Rosa canina's, tannins on 05 microbial origins among which 04 bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli
, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Klebsiella pneumoniae and 01 reference yeast Candida albicans.
And finally determine the anti-oxidizing activity of extracts, hydroalcoholic and organic of leaves and Rosa canina's fruits.
Key words
: Antimicrobial, essential oil, flavonoides, Rosa canina, tannins, vitamins.
1.6 Cosmetological Activities of Plant Extracts
Alain MEYBECK
AM Phyto-Conseil, Courbevoie, France.
Abstract:
Cosmetic products are preparations intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body with a view to clean them, perfume them, change their appearance and/or protect them or keep them in good conditions. Examples will be given of how testing extracts, fractions, or purified natural molecules on skin cells in culture can give information on their potential as new cosmetic active raw materials to meet the demand of the growing global market for products which protect the skin from ageing.
Anti-aging activity of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E):
20-E or beta-Ecdysone or Ecdysterone, is the most common member of the ecdysteroid family. It can be found in insects, in plants such as Cyanotis arachnoidea (C.a.), and even in edible plants like spinach . A study was undertaken in order to determine the potential anti-photoaging effects of 20-E extracted from C.a. in a model of dermal aging in vitro.The results show that 20-Hydroxyecdysone provides human BJ foreskin fibroblasts with some kind of protection against premature cellular senescence induced by repeated UV insults (UVSIPS) as showed by the dramatic decrease by 20-E of the proportion of cells expressing SA β-gal. Moreover it seems that this “protection” is due to a transient stimulation of p53, often called the guardian of the genome, which probably prepares cells to face UVB injuries and induces an efficient repair process of the damages caused by UVB radiations.
Further studies have shown that the mechanism of action of 20E might pass through its binding to the alternative active site of the Vitamin D receptor responsible for the rapid effects.
Anti-melanogenesis activity of 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP):
There is a great demand worldwide but particularly in Asia for products aimed at controlling skin pigmentation. This is why Griffonia simplicifolia (G.s.) seed extracts were screened for an eventual inhibitory activity on melanogenesis in skin cells. An evaluation of the activity of G.s. extracts and 5-HTP on melanin pigment synthesis was carried out on normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEM) and murine B16 melanoma cells. In this assay on B16 stimulated by an MSH analog, 5-HTP induced 31 % melanogenesis inhibition already at 8 μg/ml, 70 % at 40 μg/ml, and 90 % or nearly complete inhibition at 100 μg/ml. This performance was better than that of Kojic acid (only 70 % inhibition at 200 μg/ml), ansimilar to that of Arbutin (97 % inhibition at 200 μg/ml).The results obtained show that G.s seed extracts and their active molecule 5-HTP might be efficient “whitening” or “brightening” ingredients in cosmetic formulations .
Protection by Notoginseng root saponins (NRS) against UV-induced immuno suppression:
The root of Panax Notoginseng contains up to 10% saponins: ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, Rd, Re, and notoginsenoside R1.In a recent study, it was found that NRS have the effect in human skin fibroblasts , of up-modulating the m-RNA coding for Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a very important protecting enzyme since it leads to the formation of biliverdin which is a powerful natural antioxidant , and of carbon monoxide which has been shown to protect Langerhans cells from photo-immunosuppression.It has been put in evidence that NRS are able to protect human skin against Langerhans cells depletion by UV exposure . The observed protection was up to 63 % (at 1mg/ml of NRS) , and almost as much as that of a UV filtering commercial formulation of SPF 20 .
1.7 Evaluation of Antioxedent Activities and Phenolic Contents of some Edible and Medicinal Plants from Kilis, Arabian /Gaziantep Floras
Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kilis 7 Aralik University, 79000, Kilis, Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Gaziantep Univ., 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey
Abstract:
This study was designed to examine the in vitro antioxidant activities of methanol extracts of (Tymbra spicata, Gundelia tournefortii, Urtica dioica L., Malva sylvestris and Mentha pulegium) and to determine their total phenolics and total flavonoids contents. The extracts were screened for their possible antioxidant potentials by DPPH free anion radical and ABTS free cation radical scavenging, power reducing and metal chelating assays. The methanol extracts of these plants exhibited significant antioxidant activities by different assays and contained significant levels of phenolics and flavanoids.
The methanolic extract of Tymbra spicata exhibited higher DPPH (13,32 ± 0,54 mmol TE/g db), ABTS (78,35 ± 0,98 mmol TE/g db), reducing power (44,23 ± 1,44 mmol AAE/g db) and metal chelating activities (3,69 ± 0,24 mmol EDTAE/g db) than the methanolic extracts of other plants and has the highest total phenolic content with value of 619,09 ± 2,04 mg g -1. The other plants have shown similar activities to that of Tymbra spicata whereas the methanol extract of Gundelia tournefortii exhibited the lowest activity. These results show that methanolic extracts of these plants could be considered as a natural alternative source for food, pharmacology and medicine sectors.
Key words:
Antioxidant activity, kilis, metal chelating, phenolics, turkey.
1.8 Effect of Stinging Nettle Seed Oil on Gastric Tissues in Experimental Colitis
Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Basic Medical Sciences: Biochemistry
Histology and Embriology
2, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology3, Istanbul, Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy
4, Eskisehir, Turkey.
Abstract:
Urtica dioica (UD) known as stinging nettle which is a member of the Uticaceae family, may have therapeutic value for colitis. The aims of this study were to investigate, if the proinflammatory cytokines generated in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis affect the gastric tissue and to determine the effects of orally administered UD oil on the gastric tissue. Rats were grouped as control (n=5), UD treated control (n=5), colitis (n=6) and UD treated colitis (n=6). UD seed oil, containing 83% unsaturated fatty acids and 16% saturated fatty acids, was given orally (2 mL/kg/day) 5 min after induction of colitis and the treatment was continued for 3 days. Three days after the induction of colitis, all rats were decapitated; gastric tissues were removed and homogenized. Total sialic acid (SA), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in the homogenates. Gastric tissue samples were also examined cytogically. Proinflammatory cytokinesTNF-and IL-6 and LDH levels were also determined in blood samples. In the UD treated control group MDA and SA levels and in the colitis group catalase, MDA and SA levels were found to be decreased in gastric tissues when compared with the control group. On the other hand UD treatments in the colitis group GSH levels were found to be increased when compared with the colitis group. Decreased gastric tissue catalase, MDA and SA levels in the colitis group suggested that inflammation of the colonic tissue activating immune system through the proinflammatory cytokines which were increased in the plasma protected the gastric tissue. Furthermore UD treatment positively affected gastric tissue by increasing GSH levels in the colitis group and by decreasing SA and MDA levels in the control group. Therefore, stinging nettle oil may have protective effects on gastric tissue.
Key words:
Colitis, nettle, gastric, sialic acid, stinging.
1.9 Effect of Black Cumin Seed Oil on Gastric Tissue in Experimental Conditions
Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Basic Medical Sciences: Biochemistry
Histology and Embriology
2, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology3, Istanbul, Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy
4, Eskisehir, Turkey.
Abstract:
The black cumin (Nigella sativa) (NS), the member of Ranunculacea family, is a plant widely used as a spice in our country. Its seed oil contains 21% protein, 35 % carbohydrate, 35-38 % lipid. The aims of this study were to investigate if the proinflammatory cytokines generated in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-inducedcolitis affect the gastric tissue and to determine the effects of orally administered NS seed oil (ORIGO „100 % natural Black Cumin Seed Oil‟ , 2.5 ml/kg; orally) on the gastric tissue. Rats were grouped as control (n=5), NS treated control (n=5), colitis (n=6) and NS treated colitis (n=7). NS was given 5 minutes later than the induction of colitis and the treatment was continued for 3 days. Three days after the induction of colitis, all rats were decapitated and gastric tissues were removed and homogenized 5 min after induction of colitis and the treatment was continued for 3 days. Three days after the induction of colitis, all rats were decapitated; gastric tissues were removed and homogenized. Total sialic acid (SA), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; catalase, super oxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in the homogenates. Gastric tissue samples were alsoexamined cytologically. TNF- IL-1 and IL-6 and LDH levels were also determined in blood samples. In the NS treated control group SA levels were significantly decreased when compared with the control group. In the colitis group increased plasma proinflammatory cytokines and decreased tissue catalase, MDA and SA levels suggest that activation of immune system protects the gastric tissues. On the other hand in the NS treated colitis group gastric tissue catalase activity was found to be significantly increased when compared with the colitis group indicate that thymoquinone content of black cumin has super oxide dismutase like activity. Therefore, black cumin seed oil may have protective effects on gastric tissue.
Key words:
Catalase, cumin, gastric, glutathione, immune.
Abnormalities in Offspring of Diabetic Albino Rats
Amoura M. Abou-El-Naga
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
Abstract:
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), a commonly consumed vegetable is usedas an adjunct in the management of diabetes mellitus. The present study aims to evaluate the role of natural extract (Bitter melon) in improving the fetal development of streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult female albino rats by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (60mg/kg b. wt.). The experimental animals were divided into four groups: the first group was left as control and the second group was treated with bitter melon (300 mg/kg b. wt) through gastric intubation daily form the 6th of gestation till parturition. Diabetic rats were divided into two subgroups: the first subgroup was left untreated. The second subgroup was treated with bitter melon (300mg/kg b. wt.) daily from the 6th of gestation till parturition. The results of diabetic subgroups were compared with that of non-diabetic control groups. Results indicated that oral administration of diabetic rats with bitter melon improved the fetal growth retardation and minimize the percentage of abortion. Also, bitter melon supplementation markedly reduced the high incidence of resorption and malformation rate as well as retardation of the skeletal development.
Key words:
Abnormalities, bitter mellon, diabetic.
1.11 Determination of Antioxidant Capacity of Asphodelus aestivus Brot Leaves (In Vetro)
Yildiz Technical University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry,
34210 Istanbul-Turkeys.
Abstract:
Antioxidants are substances that delay or prevent the oxidation of cellular oxidizable substrates. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in finding natural antioxidants since the synthetic antioxidants, such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), are suspected of being responsible for liver damage and carcinogenesis. Asphodelus aestivus Brot., is a common spring-flowering geophyte encountered on the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterrenean coasts of Turkey, has been utilized traditionally for culinary and medicinal purposes. The leaves of A. aestivus Brot. is commonly consumed cooked as a vegetable dish in Turkey, where it is known as “çrişotu”. In traditional medicine, the tuber and roots of this plant is used against, hemorrhoids, nephritis, burns and wounds 1-3. This study investigates the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract from A. aestivus Brot. leaves using several antioxidant tests. Ethanolic extract was prepared from leaves of A. aestivus Brot. The extract was then analysed for its radical scavenging capacity against the radicals superoxide, hydroxyl, N,N-dimethyl-pphenylenediamine dihydrochloride (DMPD•+), 2,2‟-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo thiazoline-6-
sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) and inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation. We also determined total flavonoid, carotenoid and chlorophyll contents of extract. Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standart synthetic antioxidants such as BHA, BHT, trolox, ascorbic acid and -tocopherol. The ethanolic extract exhibited antioxidant activity in all tests, and the extract could be considered as a source of natural antioxidants.
Key words:
Antioxidants, Asphodelus aestivus, carotenoid, flavonoid, radical.
1.12 Effect of Some Medicinal Plants Grown in Turkey on Platelet Aggregation
Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Biochemistry ,2İstanbul
University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemistry , Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Plants are important source of active natural products which differ widely in terms of structure and biological properties. The leaves of some fresh plants grown in Turkey such as Eruca sativa L (Brassicacae) and Ornithogalum Sigmoideum Freyn Et Sint (Liliaceae) are consumed as vegetables. Although antioxidant activities have been examined for most of them, anti-platelet aggregatory properties have not been studied. Platelets play a key role in maintaining physiologic homeostasis in blood. They also play a major role in initiating thrombus formation which occurrs with various thrombotic
disorders, including hypertension, atherosclerosis and ischemic heart diseases. Aggregation is one of the most important functions of the platelet, by which it exerts its hemostatic effectiveness under normal conditions, and which may be crucial for the development of thrombosis under pathological circumstances. Therefore, agents with anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic effects may have wide therapeutic potential for circulatory diseases.
On the other hand, as in many countries of the world, in our country, as folk medicine, the use of herbal plant is increasing and bringing with its potential hazards. Plants and certain drugs may interact and cause adverse effects to emerge. For this reason, plant-drug interactions and side effects should be investigated. Hence plants or drugs that affect platelet aggregation or secretion could have wide biological implications. In this study, the effect of various
concentrations of water soluble extracts of some medicinal plants grown in Turkey, on platelet aggregation were evaluated in vitro by modified smear method. The study was performed on platelet-rich plasma obtained from clinically healthy subjects. The water extract was added to platelet-rich plasma before platelet aggregating agent. Aspirin, known inhibitor of platelet aggregation, was also tested as positive control.
Key words:
Aggregation, platelet, medicinal, plasma.
1.13 In vitro Study of the Effect of Chinese Green Tea (Reference 0071) on the Growth of Bacteria from Urinary Tract Infection
. Université de Mostaganem.
Abstract:
The treatment of urinary tract infections is based mainly on the use of antibiotics. The widespread prescription is often inappropriate of these officers resulted in the selection of strains resistant to multiple Hence the importance of directing research towards new ways and especially toward herbal medicine. The art of care by plants when the origin of humanity.
Green tea Camellia sinensis, or Chinese is a shrub widely cultivated in the Far East, mainly for its leaves which are widely used in Chinese folk medicine because of its multiple therapeutic effects. Our study aims to evaluate in vitro the efficacy of Chinese green tea (reference 0071) on germs that cause bladder infections in the region of Mostaganem (Algeria). The tea extracts were prepared by different methods (infusion, decoction, maceration and percolation) at different concentrations (0.6 to 2.6 mg / ml). Bacterial strains are formed by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus from urine sample analyzed in the laboratory of bacteriology at the hospital in Ain Tedless the wilaya of Mostaganem (Algeria) during the period February to June 2008. Each sample was taken with Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 100 mg of extract to 1 ml of DMSO. The discs (paper) 6mm diameter were impregnated with 6 μl of the solution of 100 mg / ml, corresponding to 600 mg of extract per disk. The antibacterial activity of extracts of green tea China paper disc was measured, using the method by disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton (MH). The green tea extracts showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition zones ranged from 9-24 mm. The'inhibition of these strains the tea is 100%. By cons strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae has shown a great resistance against the tea.
Key words:
Antibacterial, aqueous, Camellia sinensis, phytotherapy, urinary infections.
1.14 Study of the Effect of the Green Tea on the Crystallization of Brushite in the
Abstract:
The tea plant, Camellia sinensis cultivated for its sheets whose infusion and decoction allow the preparation of drink the most consumed in the world. Today, it is almost regarded as a drug. Some crystalline species are evocative of a urinary supersaturation being able to rise of very different causes. Thus the brushite of the IVd type is induced by hypercalciuria with generally hyperphosphaturia and/or hyperparathyroïdie. The description of a possible inhibiting action of the tea on phosphocalcic crystallization with pH 6.5 can have very positive repercussions on the public health. The kinetics of phosphocalcic crystallization with pH 6.5 was studied starting from the artificial urine. The crystallizable solutions of the urine artificial, and three concentrations different from the tea (C1 = 4g.L-1, C2 = 16g.L-1 and C3 = 32g.L-1) prepared by infusion (t1 = 5mn, t2 = 10mn and t3 = 15mn) and by decoction were maintained with 37C°, under constant agitation (150rpm) and with the darkness, to remain close to the physiological conditions. The follow-up of the kinetics of crystallization by optical microscope with polarized light and the spectral analysis by infra-red transformed of Fourier, reveal that, in the artificial urine without inhibitor, the formed crystals with pH 6.5 are brushite. The concentration C 1 of the tea has a promoter effect. The addition of the C2 concentration prepared by infusion during 15mn and decoction caused a reduction in the average size of the crystals and aggregates. The percentage of inhibition of the average size of the crystals and the aggregates is 63% and 84% for respectively t3 and decoction. The inhibiting effect of C3 concentration on the crystallization of brushite at pH 6.5 is clearly evident in all cases. Its intensity varies according to the method of preparation. The percentage of inhibition of the average size of crystals and aggregates reaches 47%, 69%, 89% and 99% for respectively t1, t2, t3 and decoction.
Key words:
Brushite, crystallization, green tea, inhibition, urine artificial, whewellite.
1.15 Prebiotic Antimicrobial Effect of Natural and Synthetic flavonoids
Abstract:
Flavonoids are a group of organic molecule ubiquitously distributed in plant kingdom. As is typical for phenolic compounds, they can act as potent antioxidants and metal chelators. They also appear to be effective at influencing the risk of pathologic diseases such as nosocomial infection; several of these flavonoids appear to be effective antimicrobial agents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural extrate from: “Anacyclus Valentinus” and synthetic flavonoids on the growth and aggregation of probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Streptococcus thermophillus) and pathogenic bacteria. (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). All tested compounds were exhibited an antibacterial effect and prebiotic activity; the synthetic flavonoids.