Influence of soaking Malus domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves on gut microbiota and metabolites of long-living elderly individuals in Hezhou city,Guangxi,China

To investigate the effects of drinking the soaking of Malus domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves on gut microbiota and metabolites of long-living elderly individuals in Hezhou city,Guangxi,China.It has been reported that longevity is closely related to metabolism and the gut microbiota.The 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)were used to analysis fecal samples and explore the factors affecting longevity in the region.Interestingly,we discovered,that elderly individuals who had been drinking the soaking of M.domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves for a long time exhibited higher diversity of the gut microbiota than without drinking the soaking,notably.The proportions of Ruminococcaceae and Prevotella were decreased in those who did not drink this soaking.In addition,a total of 106 metabolites were characterized,and the people of long-lived people(>90 years old)and elderly people(<90 years old)who drinking soaking of M.domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves significantly altered the gut microbiota and upregulated levels of haplopine,farnesol,genipic acid,momordicinin,2-hydroxyestrone,hydroxyphenyllactic acid,caffeic acid,sophoraflavanone B,and soyasaponin I.We preliminarily determined that M.domeri(Bois)Chev.leaves consumption may be an important factor affecting longevity in this area.

Effects of Different Exogenous Substances on Seed Germination of Isatis indigotica Under Drought Stress and Chemical Composition of Isatis indigotica leaves

This study was to investigate the effects of three exogenous substances on chemical constituents of Isatis indigotica leavesand their efficacy in alleviating drought stress, and explore the methods of applying exogenous substances to efficient cultivationof Isatis indigotica. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to simulate drought stress to deal with seeds of Isatis indigotica at thegermination stage (concentration: 0, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Simultaneous operation of exogenous growth regulators [microbialinoculum (MI), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and salicylic acid (SA)] and PEG were implemented in seeds of Isatis indigotica.The effects of drought stress and the mitigation of exogenous substances were observed by statistics of seed germination potential,germination rate, hypocotyl length, and radicle length of each treatment. The effects of exogenous substances on the content ofalkaloids, crude protein and free amino acids in the leaves of Isatis indigotica grown in a greenhouse were determined after sprayingexogenous substances on the plants. The differences of germination potential, germination rate, hypocotyl length, and radicle lengthamong 15% PEG stress treatment, 10% PEG stress treatment and the control were significant (P<0.05). According to the predesignedgermination standard, the seeds did not germinate under 20% PEG stress treatment. When the PEG concentration was 15%, the resultsof seed germination potential and germination rate after adding MI were significantly different from those under stress alone (P<0.05).When exposed to 10% PEG stress, the supplementation of GABA led to a notable increase in radicle length of Isatis indigotica seeds,showing significant differences compared to other three treatments. The application of MI and GABA under 15% PEG stress resultedin a significant increase in the radicle and hypocotyl length of Isatis indigotica seeds compared to other two treatments. The contentof the total alkaloids in leaves of Isatis indigotica was significantly increased after spraying GABA. Meanwhile, the contents of crudeprotein and the total free amino acids were kept constant after spraying exogenous substances. Application of MI and GABA couldalleviate drought stress of Isatis indigotica. The content of the total alkaloids in leaves of Isatis indigotica could significantly increaseafter spraying GABA.

Processing Effects on Selected Antioxidant Activities and Metabolizing Enzyme Inhibition of M. Koneigii (Curry Leaves) Extracts

Curry leaves, scientifically termed Murraya koenigii, are renowned in South Asian cuisine for their flavor enhancement and potential health benefits, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thermal processing methods on curry leaves by analysing Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and metabolizing enzyme inhibition. Fresh curry leaves were subjected to thermal treatments: Oven-dried at 60˚C and Air-dried at 25˚C for 2 weeks. Extracts were prepared using Ethanol and water solvents. Results indicated that Air-dried leaves exhibited significantly higher TPC (5132.65 mg GAE/100 g) and TFC (243.13 mg CE/100 g) compared to Fresh and Oven-dried leaves. Antioxidant assays show that oven-dried curry leaves at 60˚C displayed higher results in NORS, FRAP, and TEAC assays compared to Fresh and Air-dried leaves. Ethanol extracts showed better extraction of bioactive compounds than aqueous extracts. Moreover, Lipase inhibition activity was notably high, indicating potential health benefits. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of processing methods on curry leaf extracts, emphasizing the importance of solvent selection for optimal extraction of bioactive compounds.

The Protective Effects of Flavonoids from Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi Stems and Leaves on Oligodendrocyte Damage Induced by Aβ1-42

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of flavonoids from the stem and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SSFs) against Aβ1-42-induced oligodendrocytes (OL) damage. Methods: Immunofluorescence was used for the detection of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a characteristic protein of rat oligodendrocytes (OLN-93 cells). To evaluate the potential protective effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells injured by Aβ1-42, an injury model was established by subjecting OLN-93 cells to Aβ1-42 exposed. Cell morphology was examined using an inverted microscope, while cell viability was assessed using the colorimetric method of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured using the pyruvic acid reduction assay. The Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) injection was used as a positive control. Results: A total of >95% of the MAG immunofluorescence-positive cells were identified as oligodendrocytes. Gradually increasing concentrations of SSFs impaired the cells, and the maximum nondetrimental dose for OLN-93 cells was 75 mg/L. This study assessed the effects of SSFs on OLN-93 cells damaged by Aβ1-42. The results indicated that SSFs significantly improved OLN-93 cell morphological abnormal changes, increased the OLN-93 cell survival rate, and reduced LDH release. Conclusion: SSFs can alleviate Aβ1-42-induced damage of OL.

Effects of Rare Earth on Oxidative Damage and Redox System of Wheat Seedling Leaves under Water Stress

After treated with low concentration of La^3 ＋ , the rate of producing active oxygen free radical, the relative permeability of cell membrane, the contents of bivalent iron ion in wheat seedling leaves under water stress were determined. The results show that in wheat seedling leaves, feasible concentrations of La^3 ＋ decreases the accumulation of active oxygen free radical, inhibits the increase of the relative permeability of cell membrane, reduces the content of peroxidation product MDA of membrane lipid, and prevents the plant cell producing more bivalent iron ion which can catalyzed the reaction of Haber-weiss and Fenton to produce more superoxide anion. In addition, purified plasma membrane was isolated by aqueous two-phase partitioning from wheat seedling leaves. The reduction rate of Fe（CN）6^3- by purified plasma membrane in La^3＋ -treated wheat seedling leaves is different from those in the absence of La^3＋ under water stress. The changing trend of the redox activity to La^3＋ is similar to that of the content of Fe^2＋ . The results reveal that extraneous La^3＋ can alleviate the damages of cell membrane caused by water stress via promoting the activity of redox system and the ability of eliminating ROS in wheat seedling leaves.

Analgesic,antibacterial and central nervous system depressant activities of Albizia procera leaves

Objective:To ascertain analgesic,antibacterial and central nervous system(CNS)depressant activities of ethyl acetate,dichloromethane and carbon tetrachloride fractions of methanol extract of Albizia proceru(A.procera)leaves.Methods:Leaves extracts of A.procera were tested for analgesic activity by acetic acid induced and formalin test method in mice.The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method.CNS depressant activity was evaluated by hole cross and open field tests.Results:All the extracts at 200 mg/kg exhibited significant(P<0.01)analgesic activity in acetic acid induced and formalin tests method in mice.Analgesic activity of the ethyl acetate fraction was almost same like as standard drug indomelhacin in acetic acid induced method.The CNS depressant activity of the extracts at 500 mg/kg was comparable to the positive control diazepam as determined by hole cross and open field test method.The extracts exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms(Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus cereus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Esherichia coli,Shigetta soneii.Shigella boydii)at concentration of 0.8 mg/disc.The measured diameter of zone of inhibition for the extracts was within the range of 7 to 12 mm which was less than the standard kanamycin(16-24 mm).Conclusions:It is concluded that all the extracts possess potential analgesic and CNS depressants activity.This study also showed that different fractions of methanol extract could be potential sources of new antimicrobial agents.

Antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of saponin extracts from walnut(Juglans regia L.) leaves

Objective:To investigate the relationship between triterpenoid saponin content and antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of 70%ethanolic,butanolic,aqueous,supernate and precipitate extracts of Juglans regia leaves.Methods:Triterpenoid saponins of different Juglans regia leaf extracts were measured by the vanillin method.Antioxidant activity was evaluated against DPPH and ABTS free radicals.We also assessed α-glucosidase inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of the leaf extracts.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was evaluated to determine the correlation between the saponin content and biological activities.Results:The butanolic extract was most effective against DPPH with an IC50of 6.63μg/mL,while the aqueous extract showed the highest scavenging activity against ABTS free radical with an IC50of 42.27μg/mL.Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a strong negative correlation (r=-0.956) between DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50) and the saponin content in the samples examined.In addition,the aqueous extract showed the best α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared with other extracts.All the extracts had fair antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis,Escherichia coli,and Klebsiella pneumoniae except for the aqueous extract.Conclusions:Juglans regia extracts show potent antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.There is a correlation between saponin levels in Juglans regia leaf extracts and the studied activities.However,additional research is required to establish these relationships by identifying the specific saponin molecules responsible for these activities and elucidating their mechanisms of action.

Effect of Salt Stress on Nitrogen Assimilation of Functional Leaves and Root System of Rice in Cold Region

The aims were to investigate the effect of salt stress on key enzyme activity of nitrogen metabolism and the concentration of nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen response to salt stress.Two rice cultivars,Mudanjiang 30(sensitive cultivar)and Longdao 5(salt-tolerant cultivar),were treated with different salt concentrations(CK 0%,S10.075%,S20.15%,S30.225%and S40.3%).The results showed that the activities of nitrate reductase(NR),glutamine synthase(GS),glutamate synthase(GOGAT)and glutamate dehydrogenase(GDH)in the functional leaves and roots of rice in cold region presented a single peak curve change and the peak occurred in the heading stage;compared with those of the CK,the activities of NR,GS and GOGAT of rice in cold region decreased,but the activity of GDH increased in the heading stage under salt stress.The variation for key enzyme activity of nitrogen metabolism was the highest under S4 treatment.The activities of NR,GS and GOGAT in the functional leaves significantly decreased compared with those in roots;the concentrations of nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in the functional leaves and roots of rice in cold region presented a single peak curve change and the peak occurred in the heading stage;compared with that of the CK,the concentration of nitrate nitrogen decreased in leaves and roots,the concentration of ammonium nitrogen decreased and the concentration of ammonium nitrogen in roots increased under salt stress.The variations for the activities of NR,GS and GOGAT in the functional leaves and roots of Longdao 5 were less than those of Mudanjiang 30 under the same concentration of salt stress.

VG,encoding a thylakoid formation protein,regulates the formation of variegated leaves in tomato

Leaf-color mutations have been studied extensively in plants.However,to better understand the complex mechanisms underlying the formation of leaf color,it is essential to continue discover novel genes involved in the process of leaf color development.In this study,we identified a variegated-leaf(vg)mutant in tomato that exhibited defective phenotypes in thylakoids and photosynthesis.To clone the vg locus,an F2population was constructed from the cross between the vg mutant(Solanum lycopersicum)and the wild tomato LA1589(S.pimpinellifolium).Using the map-based cloning approach,the vg locus was mapped on chromosome 7 and narrowed down to a 128 kb region that contained 21 open reading frames(ORFs).The expression levels of ORF9,ORF10,and ORF13 were significantly lower in vg than in the wild-type plants,while the ORF11 transcript level was elevated in vg.We then mutagenized ORF9,ORF10,and ORF13 by the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the wild-type tomato background and found that only the ORF10 mutation reproduced the phenotype of variegated leaves,indicating that ORF10 represents VG and its down-regulated expression was responsible for the variegated leaf phenotype.ORF10 encodes a thylakoid formation protein and its mutant lines showed reduced levels of chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis.Taken together,these results suggest that VG is necessary for chloroplast development,chlorophyll synthesis,and photosynthesis in tomato.

Tomato LysM receptor kinase 4 mediates chitin-elicited fungal resistance in both leaves and fruit

Fungal infection is a major cause of crop and fruit losses.Recognition of chitin,a component of fungal cell walls,endows plants with enhanced fungal resistance.Here,we found that mutation of tomato LysM receptor kinase 4(SlLYK4)and chitin elicitor receptor kinase 1(SlCERK1)impaired chitin-induced immune responses in tomato leaves.Compared with the wild type,sllyk4 and slcerk1 mutant leaves were more susceptible to Botrytis cinerea(gray mold).SlLYK4 extracellular domain showed strong binding affinity to chitin,and the binding of SlLYK4 induced SlLYK4-SlCERK1 association.Remarkably,qRT–PCR analysis indicated that SlLYK4 was highly expressed in tomato fruit,andβ-GLUCURONIDASE(GUS)expression driven by the SlLYK4 promoter was observed in tomato fruit.Furthermore,SlLYK4 overexpression enhanced disease resistance not only in leaves but also in fruit.Our study suggests that chitin-mediated immunity plays a role in fruit,providing a possible way to reduce fungal infection-related fruit losses by enhancing the chitin-induced immune responses.

Spatiotemporal miRNA and transcriptomic network dynamically regulate the developmental and senescence processes of poplar leaves

Poplar is an important afforestation and urban greening species.Poplar leaf development occurs in stages,from young to mature and then from mature to senescent;these are accompanied by various phenotypic and physiological changes.However,the associated transcriptional regulatory network is relatively unexplored.We first used principal component analysis to classify poplar leaves at different leaf positions into two stages:developmental maturity(the stage of maximum photosynthetic capacity);and the stage when photosynthetic capacity started to decline and gradually changed to senescence.The two stages were then further subdivided into five intervals by gene expression clustering analysis:young leaves,the period of cell genesis and functional differentiation(L1);young leaves,the period of development and initial formation of photosynthetic capacity(L3-L7);the period of maximum photosynthetic capacity of functional leaves(L9-L13);the period of decreasing photosynthetic capacity of functional leaves(L15-L27);and the period of senescent leaves(L29).Using a weighted co-expression gene network analysis of regulatory genes,high-resolution spatiotemporal transcriptional regulatory networks were constructed to reveal the core regulators that regulate leaf development.Spatiotemporal transcriptome data of poplar leaves revealed dynamic changes in genes and miRNAs during leaf development and identified several core regulators of leaf development,such as GRF5 and MYB5.This in-depth analysis of transcriptional regulation during leaf development provides a theoretical basis for exploring the biological basis of the transcriptional regulation of leaf development and the molecular design of breeding for delaying leaf senescence.

The effect of ensiled paulownia leaves in a high-forage diet on ruminal fermentation,methane production,fatty acid composition,and milk production performance of dairy cows

Background:The use of industrial by-products rich in bioactive compounds as animal feeds can reduce greenhouse gas production.Paulownia leaves silage(PLS)was supplemented to dairy cows'diet and evaluated in vitro(Exp.1;Rusitec)and in vivo(Exp.2,cannulated lactating dairy cows and Exp.3,non-cannulated lactating dairy cows).The study investigated the PLS effect on ruminal fermentation,microbial populations,methane production and concentration,dry matter intake(DMI),and fatty acid(FA)proportions in ruminal fluid and milk.Results:Several variables of the ruminal fluid were changed in response to the inclusion of PLS.In Exp.1,the p H increased linearly and quadratically,whereas ammonia and total volatile fatty acid(VFA)concentrations increased linearly and cubically.A linear,quadratic,and cubical decrease in methane concentration was observed with increasing dose of the PLS.Exp.2 revealed an increase in ruminal p H and ammonia concentrations,but no changes in total VFA concentration.Inclusion of PLS increased ruminal propionate(at 3 h and 6 h after feeding),isovalerate,and valerate concentrations.Addition of PLS also affected several populations of the analyzed microorganisms.The abundances of protozoa and bacteria were increased,whereas the abundance of archaea were decreased by PLS.Methane production decreased by 11%and 14%in PLS-fed cows compared to the control in Exp.2 and 3,respectively.Exp.3 revealed a reduction in the milk protein and lactose yield in the PLS-fed cows,but no effect on DMI and energy corrected milk yield.Also,the PLS diet affected the ruminal biohydrogenation process with an increased proportions of C18:3 cis-9 cis-12 cis-15,conjugated linoleic acid,C18:1 trans-11 FA,polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA),and reduced n6/n3 ratio and saturated fatty acids(SFA)proportion in milk.The relative transcript abundances of the 5 of 6 analyzed genes regulating FA metabolism increased.Conclusions:The dietary PLS replacing the alfalfa silage at 60 g/kg diet can reduce the methane emission and improve milk quality with greater proportions of PUFA,including conjugated linoleic acid,and C18:1 trans-11 along with reduction of SFA.

Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. leaves flavonoids alleviate hyperuricemia by regulating uric acid metabolism and intestinal homeostasis in mice

This study aimed to evaluate the alleviating effect of Chimonanthus nitens Oliv.leaves flavonoids(CLF)on hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate in mice.The results showed that CLF lowered the serum levels of uric acid(UA),creatinine and blood urea nitrogen,downregulated hepatic mRNA expressions of xanthine oxidase(XO),phosphate ribose pyrophosphate synthetase(PRPS)and adenosine deaminase(ADA)in hyperuricemia mice.In addition,CLF repaired renal injury by significantly down-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of renal UA reabsorption-related proteins and up-regulating the mRNA and protein expressions of UA secretory-related proteins.Finally,CLF inhibited UA synthesis and promoted UA excretion to alleviate hyperuricemia.Besides,CLF supplementation repaired the intestinal barrier function as demonstrated by significant increased mRNA levels of intestinal zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),Occludin,mucin 2(MUC2)and mucin 4(MUC4),as well as decreased mRNA levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)and myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)in mice.Further research showed that CLF treatment restored intestinal homeostasis mediated by improving the composition of gut microbiota and elevating the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus,Alistipes,Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Parasutterella.Overall,our findings revealed a novel function of CLF as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of hyperuricemia.

Exploring the attenuation mechanisms of Dalbergia odorifera leaves extract on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis

The attenuation function of Dalbergia odorifera leaves on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)is little known.The candidate targets for the Chinese herb were extracted from brain tissues through the high-affinity chromatography.The molecular mechanism of D.odorifera leaves on cerebral I/R was investigated.Methods:Serial affinity chromatography based on D.odorifera leaves extract(DLE)affinity matrices were applied to find specific binding proteins in the brain tissues implemented on C57BL/6 mice by intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 h and reperfusion for 24 h.Specific binding proteins were subjected to mass-spectrometry to search for the differentially expressed proteins between control and DLE-affinity matrices.The hub genes were screened based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA).Then,predictive biology and potential experimental verification were performed for the candidate genes.The protective role of DLE in blood-brain barrier damage in cerebral I/R mice was evaluated by the leakage of Evans blue,western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and immunofluorescent staining.Results:952 differentially expressed proteins were classified into seven modules based on WGCNA under soft threshold 6.Based on WGCNA,AKT1,PIK3CA,NOS3,SMAD3,SMAD1,IL6,MAPK1,TGFBR2,TGFBR1,MAPK3,IGF1R,LRG1,mTOR,ROCK1,TGFB1,IL1B,SMAD2,and SMAD518 candidate hub proteins were involved in turquoise module.TGF-β,MAPK,focal adhesion,and adherens junction signaling pathway were associated with candidate hub proteins.Gene ontology analysis demonstrated that candidate hub proteins were related to the TGF-βreceptor signaling pathway,common-partner SMAD protein phosphorylation,etc.DLE could significantly reduce the leakage of Evans blue in mice with cerebral I/R,while attenuating the expression of occludin,claudin-5,and zonula occludens-1.Western blotting demonstrated that regulation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway played an essential role in the protective effect of DLE.Conclusion:Thus,a number of candidate hub proteins were identified based on DLE affinity chromatography through WGCNA.DLE could attenuate the dysfunction of bloodbrain barrier in the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway induced by cerebral I/R.

Exploring the association of paid sick leave with healthcare utilization and health outcomes in the United States:a rapid evidence review

Objective:Paid sick leave(PSL)laws mandate employers give workers paid time off when they are sick or injured.This current study aims to examine whether access to PSL is associated with healthcare utilization and health outcomes and to summarize the types of utilization and outcomes which have been reported to be associated with PSL.Methods:We conducted a rapid evidence review.Our search of seven databases,including Medline,Embase,PsycINFO,Cochrane Library,CINAHL,Scopus,and JSTOR,on September 21,2020,identified 757 studies,30 of which were retained.Results:Previous evidence is mostly provided by cross-sectional studies with survey data.In this study,evidence suggests that PSL is significantly associated with some types of healthcare utilization and health outcomes.In terms of healthcare utilization,findings indicate PSL is associated with an increase in the use of some preventive sendees and a decrease in the use of emergency care;while findings are mixed regarding associations of PSL with health provider visits and the use of mammograms and pap smears.As for health outcomes,findings suggest PSL is associated with improved mental and self-rated health,decreased incidence of influenza-like illness,and lower occupational injuries and mortality rates.Conclusion:PSL may be an effective tool in improving some healthcare utilization and health outcomes.Future research could help identify mechanisms through which PSL access works and identify what policy components lead to better outcomes.

Extraction of Cinnamomum longepaniculatum deciduous leaves essential oil using solvent-free microwave extraction: Process optimization and quality evaluation

The optimal process conditions for solvent-free microwave extraction(SFME)of essential oils from Cinnamomum longepaniculatum deciduous leaves after moisture conditioning were established by response surface methodology(RSM).A Box-Behnken design(BBD)was applied to evaluate the effects of three independent variables:moisture content(A:54%–74%),microwave power(B:300–500 W)and microwave time(C:20–40 min),on the extraction yield of essential oil.The compounds of the essential oils obtained by SFME,hydro-distillation and microwaveassisted hydro-distillation(MADE)were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS),and the total lipids of C.longepaniculatum fresh leaves and deciduous leaves were analyzed.The correlation analysis of the response regression model indicated that quadratic polynomial model could be employed to optimize the extraction of essential oil.The optimal extraction condition was A:58%,B:400 W and C:28 min.In the optimal condition,the maximum extraction yield was 4.475 mL/100 g dw and higher than that by MADE.The main compound of the essential oil was eucalyptol(63.54%),and total oxygenated compounds was 78.95%,mainly caused by SFME and the metabolism of endophytic bacteria with decreasing content of phospholipids and fatty acids.Analysis of variance under the extraction condition illustrated high fitness of the model and the success of RSM for optimizing and reflecting the expected process condition.SFME combined with moisture regulation was an effective method for extracting essential oil from C.longepaniculatum deciduous leaves.

Diversity, Chemical Compositions and Beneficial Effects of Some Spices and Aromatic Leaves Consumed in Benin and in the World: Critical Review

Spices and aromatic plants are products of plant origin used in food. They are used for the preparation of remedies, for seasoning dishes or for preserving food. This review takes stock of the diversity of spices and aromatic herbs, the chemical composition, the different properties and forms of use of six spices and aromatic herbs commonly used in Benin and around the world. These are Zingiber officinalis (ginger), Curcuma longa (curcuma), Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and three aromatic herbs Petroselinum crispum (parsley), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Laurus nobilis (laurel). The methodology used is that of documentary research oriented towards the consultation of previous scientific documents that have highlighted the different pharmacological activities of the different species of spices and aromatic plants targeted. It is important to note that more than twenty plant species are used as spices and aromatic plants in Benin and around the world. Chemically, these different spices and aromatic herbs contain certain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, saponins, and polyphenols. This diversity of secondary metabolites alone or in a possible synergy may be responsible for many beneficial properties attributed to spices and aromatic herbs.

Protective Effect of Ethanol Extract from Sweet Potato Leaves on CCL_(4)-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

[Objectives]To investigate the protective effect of ethanol extract from sweet potato leaves on liver injury induced by CCl_(4)in mice.[Methods]25 ICR mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,high-dose extract group(200 mg/kg),low-dose extract group(100 mg/kg)and positive control group(2 mg/kg colchicine),with 5 mice in each group.All groups except the blank group were given intraperitoneal injection of 20%CCl 4 olive oil solution(2 mL/kg),and the blank group was given the same dose of olive oil solution three times a week.After 4 weeks,each administration group was given the corresponding dose of drugs(10 mL/kg),and the blank group and model group were given the corresponding amount of normal saline for 2 weeks.After the last intragastric administration,fasting was required,but water was allowed,blood was taken from eyeballs,and upper serum was taken by static centrifugation.Serum AST,ALT,CRP,IL-6 and SOD levels were detected by the kit.[Results]Compared with the blank group,the serum AST and ALT levels in the model group were significantly increased;compared with the model group,the ethanol extract of sweet potato leaves could decrease the levels of ALT,AST,CRP,IL-6 and increase the level of SOD in serum.[Conclusions]The ethanol extract of sweet potato leaves had protective effect on the mice with liver injury induced by CCl_(4),and its mechanism may be to protect the liver by lowering enzymes,inhibiting inflammation and antioxidant stress.

Role and Effects of Eucommia ulmoides Leaves in the Growth Process of Livestock and Poultry

Substitutes of feed antibiotics have been a key research topic in the new stage of animal husbandry.Chinese veterinary medicine refers to decoction pieces and their preparations processed from natural plants,animals,and minerals and used for animal disease prevention and improvement of animal production performance under the guidance of Chinese veterinary pharmacy theory.Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract has many active functional components such as chlorogenic acid,E.ulmoides polysaccharides and flavonoids,which have many biological properties such as antibacterial,antioxidant,immune-regulation,sugar ester-and bone metabolism-regulation effects.This paper explored active ingredients and biological properties of E.ulmoides leaf extract,as well as its role and effects in livestock and poultry breeding,providing a scientific basis for the use of E.ulmoides leaves in livestock and poultry breeding.

Determination of Total Flavonoids in Leaves of Tetracera asiatica

[Objectives] This study was conducted to determine and compare the contents of flavonoids in the leaves of Tetracera asiatica , an ethnic medicine from different habitats, in order to provide a basis for the quality control of its medicinal materials. [Methods] The flavonoid compounds in the leaves of T. asiatica were reflux-extracted in a water bath, and the total flavonoid content in T. asiatica was determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. [Results] The total flavonoid content in T. asiatica leaves varied according to different habitats. The highest content was found in Gaofeng (19.41%) of Guangxi, followed by Huizhou (16.88%) of Guangdong and Hong Kong (16.76%). The lowest total flavonoid content was found in Shangcuntang (3.91%) of Bobai County, Guangxi, followed by Beiliu (4.15%), Guangxi. The total flavonoid contents in the samples ranged from 3.91% to 19.41%, with an average content of about 12.36%. [Conclusions] The UV spectrophotometry method is easy to operate, and has good repeatability, accurate detection results, and high reliability, and can be used for the determination of flavonoids in T. asiatica .