Biodegradation of leuco derivatives of triphenylmethane dyes by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphingomonas</Emphasis> sp. CM9

A leuco derivatives of triphenylmethane dyes degrading bacterium, strain CM9, was isolated from an aquafarm field. Based on morphology, physiologic tests, 16S rDNA sequence, and phylogenetic characteristics, it was identified as Sphingomonas sp. This strain was capable of degrading leucomalachite green (LMG), leucocrystal violet and leucobasic fuchsin completely. The relationship between bacterium growth and LMG degradation suggested that strain CM9 could use LMG as the sole source of carbon. The most LMG degradation activity of CM9 crude extract was observed at pH 7.0 and at 30°C. Many metal ions had little inhibition effect on the degradation activity of the crude extract. CM9 also showed strong decolorization of triphenylmethane dyes to their leuco derivatives. GC/MS analysis detected two novel metabolic products, methylbenzene and 4-aminophenol, during the LMG degradation by CM9.     

N-Acylation of N-Desulfated Heparin

We found that the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)/epigallocatechin (EGC) ratio in a green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) extract was affected by the extraction temperature. The EGCG/EGC ratio in the 4 °C extract was around 1:3-4, whereas in the 100 °C extract, it was around 1:0.7. Oral administration of the mixture with a high EGC ratio (1:2-3 = EGCG/EGC) resulted in greater IgA production by murine Peyer’s patch cells.     

GC/MS and LC/MS Phytochemical Analysis of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp Pod

Vigna unguiculata (L. Walp) or Cowpea pod methanolic extracts phytochemical analysis, total phenolic content (TPC), and secondary metabolite profiling were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. GC/MS analysis revealed twenty compounds in the extract, while LC/MS analysis identified twenty-four compounds. GC/MS chromatogram analysis suggested the presence of opioid α-N-Normethadol a major constituent found in methanolic extract and fatty acid esters carotenoid is found second major constituent. LC/MS chromatogram and the mass spectral analysis demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids as major phytochemicals. We investigated the antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant activity of pod methanolic extract. The extract was found equally effective against E. coli, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa with MIC 100 μg/mL similar to the standard Ampicillin (MIC 100 μg/mL). C. albicans were found to be most susceptible to Vign unguiculata pods methanolic extract with a MIC of 250 μg/mL. The pod extract showed significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀=78.38±0.15) which suggests its antioxidant potential.     

Procyanidin dimer B1 and trimer C1 impair inflammatory response signalling in human monocytes

Abstract

The way specific procyanidins exert their anti-inflammatory effects is not fully understood. This study has investigated the capacity of different procyanidins to modulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in THP1 human monocytes and their effects on the redox regulated protein kinases activity: IkB kinase beta (IKKb) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). LPS-triggered increase of ROS was prevented by cell pre-incubation with procyanidins. LPS induced ERK1/2 activation through phosphorylation, which was inhibited by all the compounds tested, the most active being epigallocatechin (EG), followed by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and C1. Procyanidins inhibited IKKb activity in vitro. C1 and procyanidin extract (PE) exerted the maximal IKKb inhibition, followed by EGCG and dimer B1. Catechin exerted a slight but significant IKKb inhibition, in contrast to epicatechin, which was ineffective. In conclusion, procyanidins reduce the LPS-induced production of ROS and they exert their anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting ERK1/2 and IKKb activity.     

Comprehensive Study of Mediterranean (Croatian) Propolis Peculiarity: Headspace,Volatiles, Anti‐Varroa‐Treatment Residue,Phenolics, and Antioxidant Properties

Eight propolis samples from Croatia were analyzed in detail, to study the headspace, volatiles, anti‐Varroa‐treatment residue, phenolics, and antioxidant properties. The samples exhibited high qualitative/quantitative variability of the chemical profiles, total phenolic content (1,589.3–14,398.3 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/l EtOH extract), and antioxidant activity (11.1–133.5 mmol Fe²⁺/l extract and 6.2–65.3 mmol TEAC (Trolox^® equivalent antioxidant capacity)/l extract). The main phenolics quantified by HPLC‐DAD at 280 and 360 nm were vanillin, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, chrysin, galangin, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester. The major compounds identified by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE), and subsequent GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses were α‐eudesmol (up to 19.9%), β‐eudesmol (up to 12.6%), γ‐eudesmol (up to 10.5%), benzyl benzoate (up to 28.5%), and 4‐vinyl‐2‐methoxyphenol (up to 18.1%). Vanillin was determined as minor constituent by SDE/GC‐FID/MS and HPLC‐DAD. The identified acaricide residue thymol was ca. three times more abundant by HS‐SPME/GC‐FID/MS than by SDE/GC‐FID/MS and was not detected by HPLC‐DAD.     

Chemical Composition and Aroma Evaluation of Essential Oils from Evolvulus alsinoides L.

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and the odor‐active compounds of the essential oils from Evolvulus alsinoides, which is a well‐known edible and medicinal plant. The volatile compounds in the oils were identified by hydrodistillation (HD) and solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) in combination with GC, GC/MS, GC/O (=olfactometry), aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), and relative flavor activities (RFA values). The most abundant compound in the HD oil was cis‐α‐necrodol (12.62%), an irregular monoterpene with a cyclopentane skeleton, which is very unusual in the plant kingdom. In the SAFE oil, the main components included 2‐butoxyethanol (9.01%), benzyl alcohol (8.01%), and γ‐butyrolactone (7.37%). Through sensory analysis, 21 aroma‐active compounds were identified by GC/O. The most intense aroma‐active compounds in the HD oil were hexan‐1‐ol and γ‐nonalactone, both of which showed high RFA values. α‐Methyl‐γ‐butyrolactone and dimethyl sulfone contributed more strongly to the aroma of the SAFE oil. These results imply that the essential oils of E. alsinoides deserve further investigation in the food industry.     

Phytochemical Compounds of Euphorbia bivonae Extract and Their Cytotoxicity Effects on the Lethality of Brine Shrimp Artemia salina and Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) Cells

In this research article, we investigated the effect of Euphorbia bivonae extract compounds on the lethality of brine shrimp Artemia salina and on embryonic cell lines (HEK293) proliferation. Our GC/MS analysis revealed that the E. bivonae ethanolic extract contained essentially sitosterol, euphol, and lupeol. The 24-h LC50 was determined using the probit analysis method (LC50=357.11 mg l⁻¹). Depending on this cytotoxicity test result, E. bivona extract induced a significant increase in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione-Peroxidase (GPx) activities, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in A. salina larvae. In addition, the cytotoxicity effect of this extract had proved against the HEK293 cell lines in vitro. We suggest that the three compounds of E. bivonae extract (sitosterol, euphol, and lupeol) are the most responsible for this cytotoxicity. The possible application of this extract as an alternative natural antiproliferative is considered.     

Effect of culture conditions on mycelial growth, antibacterial activity, and metabolite profiles of the marine-derived fungus Arthrinium c.f. saccharicola

The effects of culture conditions and competitive cultivation with bacteria on mycelial growth, metabolite profile, and antibacterial activity of the marine-derived fungus Arthrinium c.f. saccharicola were investigated. The fungus grew faster at 30°C, at pH 6.5 and in freshwater medium, while exhibited higher antibacterial activity at 25°C, at pH 4.5, 5.5, and 7.5, and in 34 ppt seawater medium. The fungus grew faster in a high-nitrogen medium that contained 0.5% peptone and/or 0.5% yeast extract, while exhibiting higher bioactivity in a high-carbon medium that contained 2% glucose. The fungal growth was inhibited when it was co-cultured with six bacterial species, particularly the bacterium Pseudoalteromonas piscida. The addition of a cell free culture broth of this bacterium significantly increased the bioactivity of the fungus. Metabolite profiles of the fungus revealed by gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry showed clear difference among different treatments, and the change of relative area of three peaks in GC profile followed a similar trend with the bioactivity variation of fungal extracts. Our results showed clear differences in the optimal conditions for achieving maximal mycelial growth and bioactivity of the fungus, which is important for the further study on the mass cultivation and bioactive compounds isolation from this fungus.     

Chemical composition and antidiabetic activity of Opuntia Milpa Alta extracts

Three new compounds, 1 – 3 , and 20 known compounds were isolated from the AcOEt and BuOH extract of edible Opuntia Milpa Alta. The petroleum ether extract was examined by GC and MS. A total of 26 compounds were identified, representing 95.6% of the total extract, phytosterol (36.03%) being the most abundant component, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (18.57%) represented the second largest group, followed by phytol (12.28%), palmitic acid, palmitate (13.54%), vitamin E (4.51%), and other compounds (7.47%). The effects of various extracts from edible Opuntia Milpa Alta (petroleum ether extract, AcOEt extract, BuOH extract, aqueous extract, H₂O parts) and the positive control (received dimethylbiguanide) were tested on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice. The results indicated that all the treatment groups could significantly decrease blood glucose levels in STZ‐induced diabetic mice compared to the model control group (P<0.01), except the aqueous extract group (P<0.05). Especially, the petroleum ether extract group and the positive control group showed remarkable decrease of blood glucose levels. Taken together, the results indicate that the petroleum ether extract is the major hypoglycemic part in edible Opuntia Milpa Alta, which may be developed to a potential natural hypoglycemic functional ingredient.     

Increased Plasma Concentration of Epigallocatechin in Mice after Orally Administering a Green Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Extract Supplemented by Steamed Rice

We attempted to improve the bioavailability of green tea catechins by using food ingredients. The catechin bioavailability of a green tea extract administered to mice was significantly (p<0.05) increased by supplementing with steamed rice. This enhanced bioavailability was due to the increased concentration of plasma non-gallated catechins, especially epigallocatechin (EGC).     

Metabolomic Profile by GC/MS and Antioxidant,Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Green Solvent Extracts of Heterospathe elata Leaves

Plants are the prime source of phytoconstituents that can act as potent agents for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Heterospathe elata is a plant belonging to the Arecaceae family having numerous medicinal properties. The present study was undertaken to prepare crude extracts of Heterospathe elata leaves with solvents of different polarity dimethyl carbonate (DMC), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), hydro alcohol (HYA) and water (WTR) by using successive Soxhlet extraction method. Further, the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by the spectrophotometric method and possible bioactive phytoconstituents from the hydro alcohol extract of Heterospathe elata leaves using GC/MS. In our study, it was found that the GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of nineteen bioactive phytoconstituents. The highest antioxidant activity was found in the water extract. In antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity highest potential was shown by hydro alcohol extract and the lowest was in the dimethyl carbonate extract. These findings support the Heterospathe elata leaves showed the high biological potential attributed to a high amount of bioactive phytoconstituents and could be utilized as value-added functional food and medicine.     

NAD-Dependent Maltose Dehydrogenase and NAD-Dependent d-Glucose Dehydrogenase of Alkalophilic Corynebacterium sp. No. 150–1

An alkalophilic bacterium, strain No. 150–1, which had NAD-dependent sugar dehydrogenase activities on maltose (NAD-MalDH) and d-glucose (NAD-GlcDH), was isolated from soil. This microorganism was identificd to be in a strain of the genus Corynebacterium. The bacterium grew to similar degrees at Na₂CO₃ concentrations from 0 to 0.5%. NAD-MalDH and NAD-GlcDH were not inducible types. Soybean casein was the most effective nitrogen source for enzyme production. Activity staining of these two dehydrogense on polyacrylamide gel showed that these activities were derived from two different proteins. The cell free extract did not contain NADP-dependent maltose dehydrogenase.     

Mortality of second-instar larvae of Tuta absoluta produced by the hexane extract of Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum (PI 134417) leaves

1 The mortality resulting from exposure of second‐instar larvae of Tuta absoluta to a hexane extract of Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum (PI 134417) leaves was evaluated in the laboratory. 2 A crude hexane extract was fractionated on a silica gel column to produce 17 fractions. The toxicity of the fractions was evaluated on T. absoluta larvae at 2 and/or 6 mg/10 larvae/Petri dish along with a control. 3 Only two fractions, 4.50 and 10.18% of the total hexane extract, were found to result in very high mortality of second‐instar T. absoluta. 4 All the 17 fractions were analysed by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The two most toxic fractions were virtually identical and contained mainly undeca‐2‐one (2‐UD) and trideca‐2‐one (2‐TD). 5 A third major sub‐fraction 13 (50.73% of the total hexane extract) was further fractionated on a silica gel column to obtain five additional sub‐fractions. The toxicity of all the five sub‐fractions was evaluated using second‐instar T. absoluta at 2 mg/10 larvae/Petri dish and also analysed by GC/MS. The most toxic sub‐fractions contained mostly 2‐UD and 2‐TD. 6 The results suggest that 2‐UD and 2‐TD could be related to resistance of L. hirsutum to T. absoluta.     

Partial characterization of an extracellular polysaccharide produced by the moderately halophilic bacterium Halomonas xianhensis SUR308

A moderately halophilic bacterium, Halomonas xianhensis SUR308 (Genbank Accession No. KJ933394) was isolated from a multi-pond solar saltern at Surala, Ganjam district, Odisha, India. The isolate produced a significant amount (7.87 g l^?1) of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) when grown in malt extract–yeast extract medium supplemented with 2.5% NaCl, 0.5% casein hydrolysate and 3% glucose. The EPS was isolated and purified following the conventional method of precipitation and dialysis. Chromatographic analysis (paper, GC and GC-MS) of the hydrolyzed EPS confirmed its heteropolymeric nature and showed that it is composed mainly of glucose (45.74 mol%), galactose (33.67 mol %) and mannose (17.83 mol%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of methylene and carboxyl groups as characteristic functional groups. In addition, its proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum revealed functional groups specific for extracellular polysaccharides. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the amorphous nature (CI_xrd, 0.56) of the EPS. It was thermostable up to 250°C and displayed pseudoplastic rheology and remarkable stability against pH and salts. These unique properties of the EPS produced by H. xianhensis indicate its potential to act as an agent for detoxification, emulsification and diverse biological activities.     

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil and Diethyl Ether Extract of Trinia glauca (L.) Dumort. (Apiaceae) and the Chemotaxonomic Significance of 5‐O‐Methylvisamminol

Analyses by GC, GC/MS, and NMR spectroscopy (1D‐ and 2D‐experiments) of the essential oil and Et₂O extract of Trinia glauca (L .) Dumort . (Apiaceae) aerial parts allowed a successful identification of 220 constituents, in total. The major identified compounds of the essential oil were (Z)‐falcarinol (10.6%), bicyclogermacrene (8.0%), germacrene D (7.4%), δ‐cadinene (4.3%), and β‐caryophyllene (3.2%), whereas (Z)‐falcarinol (47.2%), nonacosane (7.4%), and 5‐O‐methylvisamminol (4.0%) were the dominant constituents of the extract of T. glauca. One significant difference between the compositions of the herein and the previously analyzed T. glauca essential oils (only two reports) was noted. (Z)‐Falcarinol was the major constituent in our case, whereas germacrene D (14.4 and 19.6%) was the major component of the previously studied oils. Possible explanations for this discrepancy were discussed. 5‐O‐Methylvisamminol, a (furo)chromone identified in the extract of T. glauca, has a limited occurrence in the plant kingdom and is a possible excellent chemotaxonomic marker (family and/or subfamily level) for Apiaceae.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Ferulago bernardii Tomk. & M. Pimen of Iran

The aim of the study was to investigate chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities of the essential oil (EO), polar and nonpolar sub-fractions of methanolic extract of Ferulago bernardii. The chemical constituent of the EO was identified by means of GC–MS. The antimicrobial activities of the EO, polar and nonpolar extracts were evaluated by micro-dilution and agar disc diffusion assays. The antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity assay. The main components of the EO were α-pinene (35.03%), z-β-ocimene (14.24%) and bornyl acetate (11.64%). Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium were the most susceptible and resistant to the antibacterial activity of the essential oil and extract, respectively. The free radical scavenging activities of all extracts and the essential oil were in the order: polar > non-polar > EO. Our findings indicate that F. bernardii essential oil and methanolic extract has a potential to be applied as antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.     

Determination of catechins in human urine subsequent to tea ingestion by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

The title determination was conducted by HPLC with electrochemical detection using an ODS column and a mobile phase of acetonitrile: 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) (15:85, v/v). The eight catechins, gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC), catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), gallocatechin gallate (GCg), epicatechin gallate (ECg), and catechin gallate (Cg), were detected at 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl. Good linear relationships between current and amount were noted for 0.5-250 pmol of each catechin, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 in each case. The detection limit for any one was 0.5 pmol (signal to noise ratio, S/N = 3). After the ingestion of 340 ml canned green tea, GC, EGC, C, and EC, mostly in conjugated form, were determined in urine samples. Conjugated catechins were hydrolyzed by enzymes using sulfatase and beta-glucuronidase. The time courses of the above four catechins showed a maxima at 1-3 h after tea ingestion. (+), (-)-EC and (+), (-)-C were present in canned tea.     

Volatile compounds with characteristic odour in moso‐bamboo stems (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex Houz. De ehaie)

Introduction – Moso‐bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is well known as an edible shoot in Asia, and the stems of moso‐bamboo are used as tableware due to its characteristic odour. Despite the pleasant odour of bamboo stems, no detailed analysis of the volatile compounds has been reported. Objective – To clarify the potent odourants contributing to the characteristic aroma of the bamboo, the aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) method was performed through gas chromatography olfactometry (GC‐O) analysis. In addition, relative flavour activity (RFA) was calculated, in which both the flavor dilution (FD) factor and weight percentage of each compound are involved. Results – Eighty‐nine compound in bamboo stems oil were identified by GC and GC‐MS. The main components of the oil were palmitic acid (16.5%), (E)‐nerolidol (10.2%) and indole (8.1%). In sensory analysis, 18 aroma‐active compounds were detected by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). The most intense aroma‐active compounds were eugenol (sweet, clove‐like, green) and (E)‐2‐nonenal (green). Conclusion – The results of the sniffing test, RFA and FD factor indicated that (E)‐2‐nonenal and eugenol were estimated to have a bamboo‐like aroma, and aldehyde compounds, such as a phenylacetaldehyde (floral) and C9–C10 unsaturated aldehydes, make the aroma of bamboo. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical Composition and Character Impact Odorants in Volatile Oils from Edible Mushrooms

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and the odor‐active components of volatile oils from three edible mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus abalonus, which are well‐known edible mushrooms. The volatile components in these oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and identified by GC/MS, GC‐olfactometry (GC‐O), and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). The oils contained 40, 20, and 53 components, representing 83.4, 86.0, and 90.8% of the total oils in P. ostreatus, P. eryngii, and P. abalonus, respectively. Odor evaluation of the volatile oils from the three edible mushrooms was also carried out using GC‐O, AEDA, and odor activity values, by which 13, eight, and ten aroma‐active components were identified in P. ostreatus, P. eryngii, and P. abalonus, respectively. The most aroma‐active compounds were C₈‐aliphatic compounds (oct‐1‐en‐3‐ol, octan‐3‐one, and octanal) and/or C₉‐aliphatic aldehydes (nonanal and (2E)‐non‐2‐enal).     

Biodegradation of 3-chlorobenzoate by Pseudomonas putida 10.2

Pseudomonas putida 10.2, a 3-chlorobenzoate (3CBa)-degrading bacterium, was isolated from a soil sample obtained from an agricultural area in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This bacterium could degrade 2mm 3CBa very rapidly with the concomitant formation of chloride ion when grown in mineral salt-yeast extract medium. The presence of glucose, lactose and pyruvate in the medium reduced the capability of this bacterium to degrade 3CBa. Metabolites such as 3-chlorocatechol (3CC), catechol and cis,cis-muconic acid (muconate) could be detected in the growth medium or in cell suspensions when 3CBa was used as the substrate. Furthermore, when crude enzyme extract prepared from 3CBa-grown P. putida 10.2 was incubated with 3CC, catechol and muconate could be detected in the reaction mixtures. Thus, the biodegradation pathway of 3CBa by P. putida 10.2 was proposed to involve transformation of 3CBa to 3CC. The dehalogenation step is believed to involve removal of chloride from 3CC to form catechol, which is subsequently converted to muconate.