Effect of Lawsonia inermis on tumor expression induced by Dalton’s lymphoma ascites in Swiss albino mice

The purpose of this study was investigating experimentally the possible antitumor effect of ethanol extract of root of Lawsonia inermis against Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) bearing mice.Mice were administered with L. inermis at a dosage of 180 mg/kg of body weight for 15 days after 24 h of DLA inoculation. The ethanolic root extract of L. inermis reverted the increased number of the WBC count, platelets and lymphocytes and decreased the number of the RBC count, hemoglobin content and monocytes. The effect of root extract of L. inermis also increased the pathophysiological marker enzyme, lipid profile and decreased the enzymic and non enzymic antioxidants. A histopathological result shows the loss of liver hepatocytes and kidney architecture in DLA bearing mice. However, mice treatment with L. inermis extract improves the liver and kidney function and rearranges more or less normal architecture. The present work indicates that the ethanol extract of L. inermis exhibited significant antitumor activity.     

Secretion of Spodoptera littoralis female reproductive system on deposited egg masses that possibly acts as oviposition deterring substance for conspecific females

Egg masses laid by Spodoptera littoralis mated female moths were extracted by petroleum ether (PE), ethanol (E) and Ringer's solution (RS). Egg-wash extracts were evaporated and the weights of crude materials were obtained. Different aqueous concentrations were made. The amount of extracted material increased as the weight of eggs used increased and vice versa. Coating Nerium oleander leaves with aqueous egg-wash extracts prepared from S. littoralis egg-masses deterred the mated conspecific female moths from ovipositing their eggs on treated leaves, as well as causing a decrease in the total number of deposited eggs per female during the moth's life span. The highest deterrent effect on conspecific female moths to oviposit their eggs was obtained after treatment of N. oleander leaves with PE or E egg-wash extract. The deterrent effects of the tested egg-wash extracts was concentration dependant; an increase in the concentration of any extract caused an obvious decrease in the number of deposited egg-masses and the total number of laid eggs on the treated N. oleander leaves.     

Growth and Differentiation of Seedlings of an Aquatic Plant,Trapella sinensis OLIV II. Photosynthesis and Respiration of Seedling in Early Stages

Trapella sinensis seedlings were examined to determine whether the effect of growth regulators such as gibberellin (GA₃), kinetin and the extract of Chlorella cells on chlorophyll formation, photosynthetic activity and cytochrome oxidase activity depend upon the developmental stage. Each addition promoted the growth on both the basis of dry weight and of fresh weight. Among these regulators, only Chlorella extract promoted growth as a result of an activated rate of photosynthesis through increased chlorophyll formation. There also was an increased respiratory rate through increased cytochrome oxidase activity.     

Effect of aqueous extract of Sargassum johnstonii Setchell & Gardner on growth, yield and quality of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.

Experiments were conducted on tomato to study the potential of brown alga Sargassum johnstonii as a biofertilizer. Seaweed extract was applied as a foliar spray, soil drench, and soil drench + foliar spray to assess its effect on plant growth, yield, and concentration of lycopene and vitamin C. The main objective of the study was to enhance the biochemical constituents with neutraceutical and antioxidant values in tomato fruit. Different concentrations (0.1%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 2%, 6%, 8%, and 10%; v/v) of seaweed extract were used and growth was observed over a period of 7 months. A total of 14 sprays/drenches were applied at 15-day intervals during the entire vegetative and reproductive phase. A statistically significant increase in vegetative growth (plant height, shoot length, root length, and number of branches), reproductive parameters (flower number, fruit number, and fresh weight), and biochemical constituents (photosynthetic pigments, proteins, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, starch, phenols, lycopene, and vitamin C) was recorded following all three methods of treatment at higher concentrations of seaweed extract. The study also reports auxin- and cytokinin-like activity, and the presence of macro- (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn), in seaweed extract of S. johnstonii, which makes it a potential biofertilizer.     

三七自毒与化感作用初步研究

采用生物测定方法,对三七的自毒与化感作用进行初步研究。结果表明:(1)三七种子萌发过程中的自毒作用随其播种密度不同而有一定差异,但无明显规律性。三七种子萌发过程中的分泌物对油菜生长具有化感作用,主要表现为对油菜种子发芽率、发芽指数及苗高的抑制效应;(2)三七水浸液对不同受体植物的化感作用不尽相同,对小麦主要表现为对苗鲜重、苗干重、根鲜重、苗高及须根数有不同程度的促进或抑制作用;对油菜则表现为对其种子发芽率具有抑制作用,而对苗鲜重、苗干重、根鲜重、最长根长具有促进作用;(3)三七存在明显的化感自毒作用,其自毒物质可能为影响其连作的一个重要因素。     

Effect of seaweed liquid extract on growth and yield of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> var. Pusa Gold

The effect of seaweed liquid extract (SLE) of Sargassum wightii on germination, growth and yield of Triticum aestivum var. Pusa Gold was studied. Application of a lower concentration (20%) of SLE enhanced the percentage of seed germination, growth and yield, as measured by kernel number and seed dry weight. All growth and yield parameters were found to be highest at the 20% concentration SLE treatment. Total (100%) seed germination was observed for the 20% concentration SLE treatment, an 11% increase over the control. The present study demonstrated that seaweed liquid extract could serve as an alternative biofertilizer as is eco-friendly, cheaper, deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits to farmers.     

Antihypertensive Effect of an Extract of Passiflora edulis Rind in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Orally administered methanol extract of Passiflora edulis rind (10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) or luteolin (50 mg/kg), which is one of consistent polyphenols of the extract, significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) showed that the extract contained 20 μg/g dry weight of luteolin and 41 μg/g dry weight of luteolin-6-C-glucoside. It also contained γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 2.4 mg/g dry weight by LC-MS/MS or 4.4 mg/g dry weight by amino acid analysis) which has been reported to be an antihypertensive material. Since the extract contained a relatively high concentration of GABA, the antihypertensive effect of the extract in SHRs might be due mostly to the GABA-induced antihypertensive effect and partially to the vasodilatory effect of polyphenols including luteolin.     

Effects of Microdesmis keayana roots on sexual behavior of male rats

In the present study, the aphrodisiac properties of Microdesmis keayana J. Léonard root extract and major isolated alkaloids were evaluated by observing the sexual behavior of male rats.Aqueous extract (150 mg/kg body weight) and pure alkaloids (3 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally by gavage to male rats. Latent times of observation, intromission and ejaculation, mounting behavior, number of intromissions and mating performances were evaluated and compared to those obtained with untreated rats in the presence of receptive and non-receptive females. The results have shown that aqueous extract and alkaloids of M. keayana stimulate sexual parameters in rats’ sexual behavior.A short-term toxicity study undertaken to establish the therapeutic index of aqueous extract, showed that a high dose of the extract (2 g/kg body weight) caused no mortality or changes in rats’ behavior.     

Oviposition deterrent effect of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) larval frass to adult females of two major noctuid insect pests

Water extract of fresh frass of Spodoptera littoralis larval instars (L_1–3, L₄, L₅ and L₆) fed on Castor oil leaves was prepared by soaking at concentration (20?g frass/50?ml distiled water) followed by steering before filtration. Oviposition deterrent activity of the extract to S. littoralis and A. ipsilon adult females was evaluated as the mean number of laid eggs in treatments in comparison with control under laboratory conditions. Total amount of phenols and flavonoids in larval frass was determined. Extraction of L₆ frass obtained complete oviposition deterrent to S. littoralis adult moths and the minimum number of laid eggs by A. ipsilon adult females (11.8?eggs/female) in comparison with control (1026.0 and 848.2?eggs/female respectively). Maximum number of laid eggs by S. littoralis females was 361.0/f at treatment with L_1–3 frass extract and 748.0/adult female of A. ipsilon at treatment with L₄ frass extract. Low amount of phenols and/or flavonoids in frass extract of L₆ increased the oviposition deterrent effect while high amount of them as obtained in L₄ frass extract (3.504 and 1.610%, respectively) decreased the effect at both of tested insects.     

Allelopathic effects of Cyperus rotundus extract in vitro and ex vitro on banana

Allelopathic effects of Cyperus rotundus on banana ‘Grande Naine’ were studied in vitro as well as ex vitro. To study the allelopathic effects in vitro, the Cyperus extract was added to the multiplication medium during preparation before adjusting the pH. Of the four concentrations, 0.2 and 0.6% decreased the shoot multiplication and shoot length but 1 and 2% extract completely inhibited the shoot multiplication but induced rooting in 50 and 28% shoots, respectively. For the ex vitro studies, the Cyperus extract was added to the hydroponic medium during the hardening of in vitro raised banana plantlets. The extract of 1 and 2% concentrations decreased the shoot and root length, number of leaves and new roots, fresh weight, total chlorophyll and protein. The fluorescence intensity ratio was successively increased resulting in decreased photosynthesis.     

Antioxidant effect of the marine algae Chlorella vulgaris against naphthalene-induced oxidative stress in the albino rats

Alcoholic extract of the marine algae Chlorella vulgaris was examined for its free radical scavenging effect with reference to naphthalene-induced lipid peroxidation in serum, liver, and kidney of rats. Initially, upon naphthalene intoxication (435 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally), the lipid peroxidation activity increased significantly (P < 0.001), and in contrast, the enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymic antioxidants (glutathione, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol) levels decreased remarkably. When the naphthalene stressed rats were treated with Chlorella vulgaris extract (70 mg/kg body weight, orally), the lipid peroxidation activity reduced significantly (P < 0.001) and the activities of both the enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants increased reaching near control values. The minimum concentration (70 mg/l) of the extract that exhibited maximum (85%) free radical scavenging activity was chosen for the experimental study. The present results suggest that Chlorella vulgaris extract exerts its chemo-preventive effect by modulating the antioxidants status and lipid peroxidation during naphthalene intoxication.     

Anti-obesity effect of Solidago virgaaurea extract in high-fat diet-fed SD rat

In our previous report, Solidago virgaurea var. gigantea (SV) extract was shown to exhibit anti-adipogenesis activity in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. In this study, anti-obesity activity of SV extract was investigated in in vivo animal model. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administered with high-fat diet, and the effect of SV extract was tested. SD rats were treated orally with SV extract for eight weeks, and their body weight was measured every week. The oral treatment of SV extract decreased body weight, fat tissue weight, blood low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level, and blood triglycerides level. The p-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (AMP kinase) protein level in the fat tissue of the SV extract-treated SD rats increased. The protein levels of AMPK-downstream proteins, c-AMP response element binding protein and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and FABP4 decreased, indicating that SV extract-activated AMPK induced inhibition of adipogenesis and lipid biosynthesis in fat tissue. ¹H-NMR measurements of the lipid soluble liver extract showed a decrease in the lipid metabolites, indicating that SV extract-activated fatty acid oxidation in the liver. Overall, our results suggest that orally treated SV extract has excellent anti-obesity effect against HFD-induced obesity of SD rat.     

铁核桃根与叶水浸提液对果园间作绿肥植物的化感作用及其生理机制

以西南地区具有代表性的16种绿肥植物为受体材料,采用培养皿药膜法研究了铁核桃(Juglans sigillata)根水浸提液对受体种子发芽率及幼苗鲜重、干重的化感效应;并进一步研究了铁核桃根、叶水浸提液和胡桃醌对化感效应存在明显差异的4种绿肥植物(绿豆、红三叶、白三叶、花生)种子萌发与幼苗生长以及抗氧化酶特性的影响,以筛选适宜中国西南地区核桃园种植的绿肥植物,探讨核桃根和凋落物对绿肥作物的化感作用机制。结果表明:(1)铁核桃根水浸提液对绿豆的发芽率没有影响,但对绿豆幼苗鲜重和干重有显著抑制作用,而对其他15种绿肥的发芽率和鲜重、干重均有抑制作用。(2)胡桃醌显著抑制绿豆种子萌发,而铁核桃根或叶水浸提液对绿豆种子萌发没有影响。(3)铁核桃根或叶水浸提液以及胡桃醌对绿肥植物幼苗生长的化感效应趋势一致,但核桃根或叶水浸提液的化感效应强于胡桃醌。(4)绿豆幼苗在铁核桃根或叶水浸提液以及胡桃醌处理下,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)的活性均高于其他3种(红三叶、白三叶、花生)受体幼苗,表明绿豆清除活性氧能力高,细胞受损害程度较低,受化感作用影响最弱。研究认为,绿豆为适宜中国西南地区幼龄核桃园种植的间作绿肥植物。     

苹果渣乙醇提取物抗菌活性及防腐作用研究

为提高苹果渣资源利用率,探究苹果渣乙醇提取物的抗菌活性和防腐性能,该文采用微波辅助提取法制取苹果渣乙醇提取物,用抑菌圈实验测定其抗菌活性,并研究了其防腐作用.结果表明:(1)苹果渣乙醇提取物对酵母菌抑制作用不明显(抑菌圈直径<1 mm),对金黄色葡萄球菌和大肠杆菌的抑菌作用较明显(抑菌圈直径为6～9 mm),最佳抑菌浓...     

东祁连山灌丛凋落叶水浸提液对垂穗披碱草种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

为了解灌丛凋落叶在灌草群落结构维持中可能存在的潜在化感作用,以东祁连山3种优势灌木和灌下优势草种垂穗披碱草(Elymus nutans)为供试材料,分析了不同浓度(0.01 g/L、0.025 g/L、0.05 g/L、0.075 g/L、0.1 g/L)的金露梅(Potentilla fruticosa)、川滇柳(Salix rehderiana)、头花杜鹃(Rhododendron capitatum)及灌间草本的凋落叶水浸提液,对垂穗披碱草种子萌发、幼苗形态和生理指标的影响。结果表明：(1)垂穗披碱草种子发芽率与发芽势在金露梅与川滇柳凋落叶浸提液处理下呈“低促高抑”的浓度效应,在灌间草本凋落叶浸提液处理时表现为先升后降,而头花杜鹃凋落叶浸提液处理时均下降,并在浓度超过0.075 g/L时种子不发芽。(2)灌丛凋落叶浸提液对垂穗披碱草幼苗根长与干重均表现出抑制作用,且随浓度增大而增强;金露梅、川滇柳与灌间草本凋落叶浸提液对垂穗披碱草幼苗苗高表现出“低促高抑”的浓度效应;而头花杜鹃凋落叶浸提液处理对垂穗披碱草幼苗鲜重与苗高均呈抑制作用。(3)垂穗披碱草幼苗CAT、SOD活性随着浸提液...     

The enhancing effect of fucoidan derived from Undaria pinnatifida on immunoglobulin production by mouse spleen lymphocytes

In this study, we revealed that a Mekabu (Udaria pinnantifida) extract enhanced immunoglobulin (Ig) production of mouse spleen lymphocytes. Furthermore, it was suggested that water-soluble and high molecular weight ingredients in the Mekabu extract have significant enhancing effect on Ig production. Therefore, fucoidan was estimated as the active component.     

Antiviral activity of Lactobacillus brevis towards herpes simplex virus type 2: role of cell wall associated components

The aim of this research was to study the mechanisms of Lactobacillus brevis antiviral activity towards HSV-2 and to identify the bacterial components responsible for the inhibiting effect. Bacterial extract and cell walls were prepared by lysozyme digestion of L. brevis cells untreated or treated with LiCl to remove S-layer proteins. Bacterial extract and cell wall fragments showed a dose dependent inhibitory effect on HSV-2 multiplication. In order to characterize the inhibitory activity of L. brevis, the bacterial extract was subjected to different physical and chemical treatments. The inhibitory activity was resistant to high temperature and proteases digestion and appeared to be associated with compounds with a molecular weight higher than 10 kDa. DNA, RNA and lipids isolated from bacterial cells were devoid of inhibitory effect. The antiviral activity of both bacterial extract and cell wall fragments obtained from L. brevis cells after the S-layer removal was significantly reduced compared to untreated cells suggesting that the inhibitory activity is likely due to a heat-resistant non-protein cell surface bacterial component.     

Importance of plant extract formulations in managing different pests attacking beans in new reclaimed area and under storage conditions

Field evaluation of some botanical formulations like Neem Azal T/S, Neem Azal T/S + TS/fort and petroleum ether extract of Curcuma longa for the management of different pests attacking broad bean crop in a new reclaimed area at El- Noubaria and under storage conditions has been carried out. All tested formulations could be considered efficient in controlling Aphis craccivora infesting broad bean under field conditions. As to the leafminer, the number of living Liriomyza trifolii larvae decreased significantly compared to non-treated control. The number of living larvae continued to decrease until seven days post-treatment after which an increase in their number was noticed after 14 days post-treatment. Neem Azal T/S + additive (TS/fort) ranked first in comparison to other treatments for the control of aphids and leafminers attacking broad bean in the field either by killing, deterrent or antifeedant effect. The yield of treated crop increased significantly in comparison to the control. Another spray was used before harvesting the crop with the same formulations for protection of the stored crop. Neem Azal T/S with adjuvant (TS/fort) protected broad bean seeds from weevil attack for one year. Petroleum ether extract of C. longa could protect the stored crops for two months only. The percentage weight loss in one kg stored seeds treated in the field with Neem formulation + adjuvant was very small compared with those seeds treated with petroleum ether extract of C. longa and control.     

Isolation of a factor stimulatory to Bradyrhizobium japonicum in broth culture

Previous experiments indicated that water extracts of lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) and green foxtail (Setaria viridis), among others, stimulated growth of Bradyrhizobium japonicum in broth culture. Water extracts of lambsquarters shoots collected before or after anthesis were equally stimulatory. The stimulatory effect of extracts of lambsquarters when heated to 100°C for 30 min or autoclaved for 15 min was reduced by about 20% compared to untreated extracts. Extracts of green foxtail were less affected by higher temperature under similar conditions. Extracts of both green foxtail and lambsquarters completely lost their stimulatory effect following exposure to aerial microflora for 120 h. Water extract of lambsquarters shoots was more stimulatory than methanol extract, and neither ether nor butanol extracts resulted in stimulation. Both shoots and roots of lambsquarters and green foxtail were sequentially extracted first by water followed by methanol and vice-versa. The bioassay of these extracts indicated that there could be two components of the growth factor-one, larger component is soluble in water, the other, smaller component is soluble in methanol. After fractionation of the crude aqueous extract of lambsquarters shoots by four organic solvents, the residual aqueous extract retained the growth factor. Dialysis of the residual aqueous extract of lambsquarters shoots through a membrane (MWCO 1000) indicated that the molecular weight of the growth factor was less than 1000. The fraction having molecular weight <1000 was separated by paper chromatography using 6% acetic acid as developer. The fraction with Rf 0.91 showed the highest stimulation of the bacterium.     

Effects of the infection of toxigenic fungi and an antagonistic Streptomyces strain on wheat spikes

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect on infection of wheat spikes by toxigenic fungi (Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999, Fusarium tricinctum NRRL 3299, Fusarium graminearum CEREMIC 136/92) and a strain of Streptomyces sp. that is antagonistic to the above-mentioned fungi. Wheat grains (variety GRANERO INTA) were sown in 8 pots containing natural soil and kept in a greenhouse chamber. In the period of the early anthesis the wheat spikes were inoculated with conidial suspensions of each of the fungi in the presence or absence of Streptomyces. Each pot was assigned a different treatment. After an incubation of 100 days and when the wheat plants had attained maturity, the spikes were separated and the following items were determined: (a) number of grains obtained with each treatment, (b) weight of the grains, (c) average weight of the grains/treatment, (d) average number and weight of the grains/spike, and (e) invasion of the caryopses by the microorganisms determined by the analysis of the caryopses in seriate histological sections.There was a significant decrease (p<0.01) in the average weight of the caryopses and in the weight and number of grains/spike in the presence F. graminearum. The wheat grains were invaded by of F. graminearum and A. parasiticus, an effect which was partially attenuated by the presence of antagonist Streptomyces sp. Nevertheless, the effect was not strong enough to prevent the degenerative consequences on the size and weight of the grains produced by F. graminearum.