Effects of Abrus cantoniensis Hance Extract on Blood Lipid of Laying Hen Feed with High Energy and Low Protein Diet

[Objectives]To explore the effects of Abrus cantoniensis Hance(ACH)extract on blood lipid indicators of laying hen fed with high energy and low protein diet.[Methods]Sixty 90-day-old laying hens were randomly divided into five groups:the blank control group(basic diet),the model group(high-energy and low-protein diet,HELPD),the low-dose group(HELPD+0.5 g ACH extract per hen,LACH),and the medium-dose group(HELPD+1 g ACH extract per hen,MACH),high dose group(HELPD+2 g ACH extract per hen,HACH).The ACH extract was administrated by drinking water for 48 d.[Results]Different doses of ACH could improve the pathological changes induced by high energy and low protein.ACH extract had no significant effect on blood routine indicators of laying hens(P>0.05).The contents of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG)and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)in the model group were significant-ly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),while the content of high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in blood lipid between LACH group and model group(P>0.05).In MACH and HACH groups,the contents of TC,TG and LDL-C were significantly lower than those in the model group(P<0.05),and the content of HDL-C was significantly higher than that in the model group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The ACH extract can regulate theHELPD-induced dyslipidemia in laying hens.

Ethanolic extract of Abrus precatorius leaves protected against mercury chloride-induced hepatocellular damage and cerebral Na+/K+-ATPase dysfunction in wistar rats

Plants are sources of medicinal compounds,and they play a crucial role in human health maintenance.Abrus precatorius is one of the important medicinal plants that have been alleged for their medicinal properties.This research unraveled the pharmacological effect of ethanolic extract of Abrus precatorius on lipid peroxidation,liver parameters,and Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase activity in HgCl_(2) treated wistar rats.Twenty-four(24)albino wistar rats weighing between 150-200 g were distributed into four groups of 6 animals each.Group A(control)received normal saline(0.9% NaCl),group B received 400 mg/kg of the extract only,group C received 4 mg/kg HgCl_(2) only,and group D received 400 mg/kg of extract+4 mg/kg of HgCl_(2).The treatment lasted for two weeks,and the animals were sacrificed on the 15th day.The blood,brains and livers were collected and used for assay of lipid peroxidation,liver function,and sodium pump activity.The results of liver function test revealed an elevated(P<0.05)level of serum aspartate transaminase,alanine transaminase,alkaline phosphatase,and total bilirubin in the group that received HgCl_(2) only(group C)when compared with the normal control(group A)that received normal saline only.However,the administration of extract in group D led to a marked(P<0.05)reduction in the activities of these enzymes and the level of total bilirubin when compared to the negative control(group C).On the contrary,HgCl_(2) caused a significant(P<0.05)reduction in serum total protein and albumin levels,but the extract reversed the effect of HgCl_(2) by elevating their concentrations.Nonetheless,the effect elicited by this extract is comparable to group A which received normal saline.Moreso,the result of lipid peroxidation revealed that HgCl_(2) treatment caused a marked(P<0.05)increase in the formation of lipid peroxidation adducts in both liver and brain homogenates in group C.On the contrary,administration of Abrus precatorius extract profoundly(P<0.05)inhibited HgCl_(2)-induced lipid peroxidation in group D.In addition,HgCl_(2) inhibited the activity of cerebral Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,but the extract restored normalcy by increasing the activity of the enzyme in group D.Consequently,the results obtained justify the traditional use of Abrus precatorius and suggest that Abrus precatorius leaves may be used for management of liver diseases,oxidative stress-linked diseases and some neurodegenerative ailments.

Antitrypanosomal potentials of the extract and fractions of Abrus precatorius seeds

Objective:To evaluate the in vivo trypanocidal activity of the methanol extract and fractions of Abrus precatorius seeds in mice.Methods:Parasiteamia was induced unto mice by intraperitoneal injection of 1.25×105 Trypanosoma in normal saline.Five days when a high level of parasiteamia was established treatment commenced until ten days.The mice were treated with 10,20 and 40 mg/kg bt.of the extract and 5 and 10 mg/kg bt.of the fraction（F2）,respectively for 5 days.Diminazene acelurate at the dose of 3.5 mg/kg bt.for two days was used as the reference drug.The level of parasitaemia and packed cell volume（PCV） of the animals estimated. Results:At doses of 10,20 and 40 mg/kg the crude extract showed a sharp reduction in the level of parasitaemia in mice compared with the untreated group.The mice treated with F,at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg showed a sharp reduction in the level of parasitamia to zero in day 9,and a gradual recovery from the 12th day of treatment.This effect is comparable to that of the mice treated with 7 mg/kg of standard drug diminazene aceturate.The PCV of the treated showed a gradual decrease with time,but not as much as the untreated group.Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides,alkaloids,carbohydrates,tannins and proteins in the Abrus precatorius powder while F2 was rich in alkaloids.Conclusions:This study shows that both the extract and the fractions of Abrus precatorius seeds exhibited a promising trypanocidal property.Alkaloids may be responsible for the observed activity.

Methanolic extract of Abrus precatorius promotes breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell death by inducing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and upregulating Bax

Objective:To determine the anti-proliferative activity of Abrus precatorius(A.precatorius)leaf extracts and their effect on cell death.Methods:A.precatorius leaves were extracted successively with hexane,ethyl acetate and methanol by Soxhlet extraction.Aqueous extract was prepared by decoction at 50 ℃.Extracts of A.precatorius leaves were used to treat selected cancer and normal cell lines for72 h.Furthermore,3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to determine cell viability.Analysis of cell cycle arrest,apoptosis assay and apoptosis protein expressions were determined by flow cytometry.Results:Methanolic extract of A.precatorius leaves showed the lowest IC50 on MDA-MB-231 cells at(26.40±5.40)μg/mL.Flow cytometry analysis revealed that cell arrest occurred at G0/G1 phase and the apoptosis assay showed the occurrence of early apoptosis at 48 h in MDAMB-231 cells treated with methanolic extract of A.precatorius leaves.Methanolic extract of A.precatorius leaves induced apoptosis by upregulation of Bax,p53 and caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-2.Conclusions:Methanolic extract of A precatorius leaves promotes MDA-MB-231 cell death by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis possibly via the mitochondrial-related pathway.

Effect of extract of Abrus precatorius on blood glucose concentration of alloxan induced diabetic Albino Wistar Rats

Objective:To evaluate the effect of extract of Abrus precatorius on blood glucose of alloxan induced albino wistar rals.Methods:Experimental animals received daily oral administration of extract of Abrus precatorius for 14 days.The effect of 200 mg/kg dose was studied during the treatment period.Results:There was a significant reduction in blood glucose concentration(P 【 0.05) with the mean blood glucose of the different groups as 5.0±0.3 for normal control,7.0±0.4 for diabetic control group and 4.0±0.2 for diabetic treated group. Conclusion:The findings of this study suggest that extract of Abrus precatorius has hypoglycemic effect.

Mast cell stabilizing and antiallergic activity of Abrus precatorius in the management of asthma

Objective:To investigate effects of ethanol extract of Abrus precatorius leaves（EAPL） on egg albumin induced mast cell degranulation in mice and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Methods:In present study ethanol extract of Abrus precatorius leaves（EAPL） at doses of 100,125, 150 mg/kg i.p were evaluated for preliminary phytochemical screening,acute toxicity studies and egg albumin induced mast cell degranulation in mice and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Results:The results of present investigation showed that the LD50 of EAPL is more than 1300 mg/ kg.EAPL（100-150 mg/kg,i.p.） significantly protect egg albumin induced degranulation of mast cell and inhibit area of leakage of dye in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis.Phytochemical studies observed presence of saponin,alkaloids,flavonoids,and glycosides.Conclusions:In conclusion EAPL possesses anti asthmatic potential.

Screening of potential GCMS derived antimigraine compound from the leaves of Abrus precatorius Linn to target“calcitonin gene related peptide”receptor using in silico analysis

Calcitonin receptor-like receptor(CRLR)is a human protein,that produces a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor(CGRP)when associates with human receptor activity-modifying protein-1(HRAMP1).CGRP is believed to be involved in triggering of migraine.Many strategies were employed to design antimigraine drug using various CGRP antagonist/ligands but most of them have failed due to their inability to reach the target“CGRP receptor”as they get metabolized before conferring their pharmacological action and exhibit toxic effect to the liver.The present study,evaluated the binding of 13 phyto-chemical compounds of“Abrus precatorius”identified through GCMS analysis against the protein CGRP using“Discovery Studio software”.The molecular docking study and ADME/T properties prediction were performed with the compounds using C-DOCKER module.The results showed that five lead compounds of A.precatorius may act as good inhibitors for migraine headache and the compounds can be re-designed and synthesized for better antimigraine activity.

Study on Intervention of Blood Sugar and Blood Lipid in Diabetic Mice by Abrus Cantoniensis and Armeniaca mume Sieb and Their Compatibility

Objective:The study aims to explore the interventional effect of Abrus cantonensis and Armeniaca mume Sieb and their compatibility on blood glucose and blood lipid in diabetic mice and to explore the optimal ratio of efficacy of their compatibility.Methods:SPF Kunming male mice were fed with high sugar and high fat diet for 6 weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with STZ solution to establish a diabetes model.The successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into 6 groups according to their body weight:model group,Abrus Cantoniensis group,Armeniaca mume Sieb group,as well as Abrus Cantoniensis and Armeniaca mume Sieb group divided into 1:2,1:1 and 2:1 groups according to volume ratio with 10 mice in each group.Another 10 healthy mice were taken as blank group and intraperitoneally injected with sodium citrate buffer.The corresponding solution was given intragastric administration by body mass once a day for 20 days.After the last administration,fasting was performed for 12 hours.Serum was collected by the method of eyeball blood collection to determine the contents of fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol Triacylglycerol,triglyceride,low density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein.Results:Compared with Abrus Cantoniensis and Armeniaca mume Sieb groups,Glu,TG,TC and LDL-C of the three compatibility groups significantly decreased,with the most significant decrease in the compatibility group 1:2,while there was no significant difference in HDL-C among all groups.Conclusion:Abrus Cantoniensis and Armeniaca mume Sieb and their combination have synergistic effects on the improvement of blood glucose and lipid levels in mice with high glucose and high fat combined with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus model.Among all the experimental groups,the compatibility 1:2 group had the best effect.

Evaluation of phytochemical properties and in-vitro antibacterial activity of the aqueous extracts of leaf,seed and root of Abrus precatorius Linn. against Salmonella and Shigella

Objective:To investigate the phytochemical components of Abrus precatorius(A.precatorius) and the in-vitro susceptibility of Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae to the aqueous extracts of A.precatorius leaf,seed and root.Methods:The leaf,seed and root of A.precatorius were collected and homogenized separately after drying at 40℃ for seven days in hot-air oven.The aqueous extracts of each of the parts were prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening.Dilutions of 400,300,200,100 mg/mL,of each of the extracts were used for broth dilution in minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) determination against clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae,while 50,40,30,20,and 10 mg/mL dilutions were used for the agar diffusion test and 100 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL of gentamycin were used as controls for broth dilution in MIC determination and agar diffusion test,respectively.Results:Qualitative study reveals that tannin,saponins,alkaloids,flavonoids,terpenoids,steroids and phenols were present in all of the plant parts.The leaf has the highest quantities of tannin and phenol.The root generally showed the lowest quantity of all the compounds.The pathogens were susceptible to aqueous extracts of the leaf,stem and root of A.precatorius at 50 mg/mL.At concentrations of 40,30 and 20 mg/mL,all the aqueous extracts of A.precatorius showed variation in MIC,but produced no minimum bactericide effect upon subculture.There were variations in diameter of zone of inhibition against the organisms at lower concentrations.Conclusions:These findings suggest that A.precatorius is a valuable source of phytochemicals with promising antibacterial activity.Considering this bioactivity,A.precatorius could be probed further for toxicity,and to obtain some novel antibacterial molecules.

Acute Toxicity Test of Abrus cantoniensis Hance Extract

[Objectives]To investigate the acute toxicity of petroleum ether extract,n-butanol extract,ethyl acetate extract and water extract to mice.[Methods]The medium lethal dose(LD50)in mice could not be determined,so the maximum dose method was used for experiment.Mice were not fed but allowed to drink water for 16 h before the experiment.There were 74 SPF Kunming Mice,half male and half female,and it was divided into extract group and blank control group.The toxicity and death were recorded after intragastric administration and regular close observation.If any mice died,the dead mice were dissected.The changes of heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney,brain,stomach,small intestine and other organs were observed with the naked eye.At the end of the 14 d observation period,the surviving mice in each group were killed and dissected.The gross pathological changes of the main organs were observed with the naked eye according to the same method mentioned above.[Results]There were no obvious toxic symptoms and no death in the mice.[Conclusions]The maximum doses of petroleum ether extract,n-butanol extract,ethyl acetate extract and water extract in mice were 1.61,1.71,1.65 and 1.79 g/L,respectively.Thus it was found that the quarterly tests of petroleum ether extract,n-butanol extract,ethyl acetate extract and water extract suggested that the medicine was safe.

Research review on the main chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Abrus mollis

Fifty-six compounds have been isolated from Abrus mollis until now,including saponins,steroids,flavonoids and fatty acid,which have the functions of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis,protecting the liver and promoting gallbladder,anti-oxidation and enhancing immunity,etc.A.mollis has good therapeutic effects on liver diseases.In this paper,the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of A.mollis were reviewed in order to provide a reference for the further development.

Responses of Nitrogen Metabolism to Rhizobium Inoculation in Abrus mollis Hance

In different periods, the contents of nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen in different parts of Abrus mollis Hance were determined for each period by nesslerization, ninhydrin method and salicylic acid method in pot experiment. By using related data statistical software, the effects of Rhizobium inoculation on nitrogen metabolism, accumulation and distribution in Abrus mollis Hance were analyzed preliminarily.

Comparison of Extraction Methods for Total Alkaloids from Abrus Cantoniensis Hance

[Objectives] To compare different extraction methods for total alkaloids from Abrus Cantoniensis Hance taking chloroform as solvent. [Methods] The ethanol extraction method,ultrasonic extraction method,acid water extraction method,and Soxhlet extraction method were used to extract total alkaloids,and the total alkaloids of Abrus Cantoniensis Hance were measured at 238 nm wavelength. [Results] The extraction rate of ethanol extraction method was 14. 76 mg/100 g; the extraction rate of ultrasonic extraction method was 56. 85 mg/100 g; the extraction rate of acid water extraction method was 56. 63 mg/100 g; the extraction rate of Soxhlet extraction method was 58. 19 mg/100 g.[Conclusions]Results indicate that Soxhlet extraction method can obtain the highest extraction rate.

Evaluation of Genotoxicity of Abrus mollis Hance with Single-cell Gel Electrophoresis Assay

[ Objective] This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxicity ofAbrus mollis Hance by using single cell gel electrophoresis. [Method] Forty mice were di- vided into five groups randomly, including positive control group （ cyclophosphamide group ）, negative control group （ physiological saline group）, high-dose A. moles Hance group （30 g/kg）, moderate-dose A. mollis Hance group （20 g/kg） and low-dose A. mollis Hance group （10 g/kg）. Tail DNA% and Tail Moment of mouse liver, kidney, lung and testicular cells were analyzed by using single cell gel electrophoresis assay, to investigate the effect of A. mollis Hance on DNA in mouse cells. [Result] Compared with positive control group, Tail DNA% and Tail Moment of moose liver, kidney, lung and testicular cells in A. moles Hance groups were significantly lower （ P 〈 0.01 ）. Compared with negative control group, Tail DNA% and Tail Moment of mouse liver, kidney, lung and testicular ceils in high-dose A. mollis Hance group were significantly lower （ P 〈 0.01 ）, while the other A. mollis Hance groups showed no statistically significant difference （ P 〉0.05 ）. [ Conclusion] A. mollis Hance has no damage effect on DNA in mouse cells within this experimental dose range.

Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of total flavonoid C-glycosides from Abrus mollis extracts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of the total flavonoid C-glycosides isolated from Abrus mollis extracts(AME). In the anti-inflammatory tests, xylene-induced ear edema model in mice and carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats were applied. The hepatoprotective effects of AME were evaluated with various in vivo models of acute and chronic liver injury, including carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced hepatitis in mice, D-galactosamine(D-GalN)-induced hepatitis in rats, as well as CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. In the acute inflammation experiment, AME significantly suppressed xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema, respectively. In the acute hepatitis tests, AME significantly attenuated the excessive release of ALT and AST induced by CCl4 and D-GalN. In CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model, AME alleviated liver injury induced by CCl4 shown by histopathological sections of livers and improved liver function as indicated by decreased liver index, serum ALT, AST, TBIL, and ALP levels and hydroxyproline contents in liver tissues, and increased serum ALB and GLU levels. These results indicated that AME possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity in acute inflammation models and hepatoprotective activity in both acute and chronic liver injury models. In conclusion, AME is a potential anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective agent and a viable candidate for treating inflammation, hepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis.

Antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate part of Abrus cantoniensis against Staphylococcus aureus

Objective:The aim of this work was to measure the antibacterial activity(against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus[S.aureus])of the ethyl acetate part of Abrus cantoniensis and assess their potential as medicines.Methods:The experiment was divided into four groups:negative control group[with Mueller-Hinton broth(MHB)],positive control group(with 75%ethanol),blank group(with MHB)and test group(with the ethyl acetate part of Abrus cantoniensis).The antibacterial activities of the extracts were evaluated by the Oxford cup assay and minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC).Time-kill curve experiments,scanning electron microscopy,the content of DNA,RNA and protein were used to study the antibacterial mechanism of the ethyl acetate extract part on the growth and viability of S.aureus.The study procedures were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Xi’an Jiaotong University(approval No.XJTULAC2016-412)on January 22,2016.Results:The ethyl acetate part of Abrus cantoniensis extract exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against the growth of S.aureus with an inhibition zone diameter of 16.4mm and MIC value of 0.5mg/mL.The general activity range of the ethyl acetate part,determined using a time-killing curve,was found to be 0.5mg/mL to 40mg/mL(MIC to 80
MIC).Changes in the scanning electron microscopy images and of DNA,RNA and proteins of S.aureus indicated possible mechanisms of the inhibitory activity of the ethyl acetate part.Conclusion:The ethyl acetate part of Abrus cantoniensis damaged bacterial cell structures,which results in protoplasm leakage,and eventually bacterial cell death.

Process Diagnosis and Aging Effects on a Traditional Millet-Based Drink: <i>Boumkaye</i>

Boumkaye is a traditional fermented millet-based drink (Pennisetum glaucum L.) produced in Casamance (region in Senegal). Unknown and circumcised beverage, it has therapeutic properties due to aqueous creeper extracts from Abrus pulchellus plant and naturally present during the process. The objective of this work was to investigate the fabrication process of a millet-based beverage as an alternative source of nutrients. The diagnosis of beverage production by monitoring its physical and chemical parameters during two months of storage at room temperature was studied. The established manufacturing process, composed by a production of aqueous extracts after maceration of the Abrus pulchellus vines, a preparation of millet slurry, and a fermentation step to obtain the Boumkaye, has several features. The study of aging process showed probable lactic and alcoholic fermentations. Further, the finished Boumkaye was characterized by a high acidity (pH of 3), an alcohol content of 5 g/100g and contains an appreciable amount of polyphenols (54.46 mg/100g).

澳洲坚果-鸡骨草复合种植多维效益分析

林下杂草长期以来是澳洲坚果(Macadamia integrifolia)林地管护的主要内容之一,常规做法使用除草剂对林地可持续发展造成诸多不良影响。本试验开展澳洲坚果林下套种鸡骨草(Abrus cantoniensis),以低矮中草药替代林下杂草,考察套种模式的坚果产量、品质、成本与收益、土壤质量等。试验表明鸡骨草是一种适宜在澳洲坚果林下复合经营的草本药材,推广澳洲坚果-鸡骨草复合经营,对澳洲坚果产品质量提升、多维经济效益、林地土壤质量改良等具有重要意义和应用前景。

桉—草、桉—药复合经营模式的经济效益分析与示范推广

营建了桉—山毛豆(Tephrosia candida)、桉—鸡骨草(Abrus cantoniensis)复合经营模式,分析其经济效益,为桉树(Eucalyptus spp.)人工林可持续发展做示范推广。桉树人工林采用复合经营技术能有效地解决桉树人工林经营过程中出现的生态问题。推广应用桉树复合经营模式对提高林地综合生产能力、促进林农增收、改善林地生态环境有重要的现实意义。