Effects of Incorporating Mango (Mangifera indica), Avocado (Persea americana) and Guava (Psidium guajava) Leaves Powder in the Ration on Growth Characteristics in Rabbits

A study conducted on burgundy rabbits evaluated the effects of rations containing mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana) and guava (Psidium guajava) powder. For this purpose, 36 rabbits (20 males and 16 females) aged 60 to 70 days with an average weight of 1012 ± 133 g were divided randomly into 4 equal groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) of 9 animals each according to body weight (bw). The rabbits were divided throughout the trial, the animals were fed, those of group T0 (control) with a standard feed without any type of leaf powder, while those of groups 1, 2 and 3 received the standard feed supplemented with Mangifera indica, Persea americana and Psidium guajava leaves powder at the rate of 0.5% respectively. After two months of treatment, the animals were fasted for 12 hours (20 h - 8 h) and sacrificed to evaluate carcass and digestive organ weights. The results revealed that the values of feed intake, live weight and weight gain were non-significantly (p > 0.05) increased in all animals regardless of the ration in reference to the control. The different leaves powder induced an increase in carcass yield in rabbits but this increase was only significant (p M. indica leaf powder (51.03 ± 0.24) as compared to the control (48.63 ± 0.74). Gut length was significantly increased in animals fed rations containing Psidium guajava and Persea americana leaves powder compared to the control. A significant increase in gut weight was observed in animals fed the Persea americana leaf supplemented ration. In general, mango leaf powder performed better than other types of powders.

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.

Effects of Carrot (Daucus carota) Leaves Powder on Reproductive and Growth Characteristics of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Does

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf powder in the diet on reproductive and growth characteristics in rabbits. Thirty sexually matured rabbits does of 8 months old, 3.00 to 3.20 kg, were divided into three groups of 10 rabbits each, which were comparable in terms of body weight. Throughout the experiment, the rabbits of group 1 (control group) were fed ad libitum with a feed not containing carrot leaf powder (control ration), while those of groups 2 and 3 received the control ration supplemented with carrot leaf powder in concentrations of 0.5% and 1% respectively. Data was collected on feed intake, weight gain, receptivity, fertility, gestation length of does, litter size, weight, viability and sex ratio of the young rabbits till 5 weeks post-partum. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the fertility rate, gestation duration and sex ratio of the kits with reference to the control. Litter size at birth was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced in does fed diets containing carrot leaf powder compared to the control. However, the reversed effects were observed at five weeks post-partum. The live weight of weaned kits and weight gain of rabbit does at birth were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treated rabbits compared to the control. The supplementation of carrot leaf powder in feed can improve production performance in female rabbits, through their antioxidant activities thanks to their various components, thus fighting against oxidative stress effects to which animals are exposed both from endogenous and environmental sources.

Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets from sugarcane dry leaves by two-stage pyrolysis for antibacterial activity

Oxidative-exfoliation methods were in vogue in the production of rGO from graphite.Processing of such synthetic graphite needs high temperatures(2500℃).Thus,such process is not cost-effective.The present study is made on the dry leaves of sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum)as an alternative raw material so as to be economical and environmentally benign.The dry leaves are subjected to two-step pyrolysis without any catalyst or reducing agent in far divergent temperatures to produce as prepared and acid treated rGOs.They were evaluated by UV–Vis.,FTIR,XRD,Raman spectroscopy,TGA/DTG,BET,FESEM-EDS and TEM.The as prepared rGO has few layers with irregular and folded architecture whereas acid-treated rGO has thinly stacked crumpled sheets with many wrinkles on its surface.The prepared rGOs have multilayered graphitic structure due to the unique ratio between G and D bands.Acid treated rGO has poor thermal stability as compared to that of as-prepared rGO at high temperatures due to the variation in the oxygen-containing functional groups.Acid treated rGO has low antibacterial activity as compared to that of the as-prepared rGO due to the paucity of the functional groups.

Quantifying foliar trait variation and covariation in sun and shade leaves using leaf spectroscopy in eastern North America

Characterizing foliar trait variation in sun and shade leaves can provide insights into inter-and intra-species resource use strategies and plant response to environmental change.However,datasets with records of multiple foliar traits from the same individual and including shade leaves are sparse,which limits our ability to investigate trait-trait,trait-environment relationships and trait coordination in both sun and shade leaves.We presented a comprehensive dataset of 15 foliar traits from sun and shade leaves sampled with leaf spectroscopy,including 424 individuals of 110 plant species from 19 sites across eastern North America.We investigated trait variation,covariation,scaling relationships with leaf mass,and the effects of environment,canopy position,and taxonomy on trait expression.Generally,sun leaves had higher leaf mass per area,nonstructural carbohydrates and total phenolics,lower mass-based chlorophyll a+b,carotenoids,phosphorus,and potassium,but exhibited species-specific characteristics.Covariation between sun and shade leaf traits,and trait-environment relationships were overall consistent across species.The main dimensions of foliar trait variation in seed plants were revealed including leaf economics traits,photosynthetic pigments,defense,and structural traits.Taxonomy and canopy position collectively explained most of the foliar trait variation.This study highlights the importance of including intra-individual and intra-specific trait variation to improve our understanding of ecosystem functions.Our findings have implications for efficient field sampling,and trait mapping with remote sensing.

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.

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 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.

Physicochemical Characterisation of Flours from Local Cereals and Powder from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Leaves Varieties Cultivated in the Northern-Cameroon in Order to Supplement Infant Flours

The aim of the present study was to investigate on the inventory and determination of the nutritional value of cereals flour and cassava leaves powder in order to analyse their use in the production of infant flour. In this paper, a A survey to identify the cereals used in the preparation of infant porridge in the Northern Cameroon was done by using 447 mothers having children between 06 and 59 months from areas (Gbakoungue, Sassa-Mbersi, Sanguere-Ngal and Kotkong-Wouldata) with high rate on malnourished children. Flour was prepared from the most preponderant cereals and Cassava leaves powder from varieties identified by the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research (CRRA) of Wakwa and local population. Flour and powder samples obtained were subjected to chemical composition analysis. Parameters analysed were crude proteins, total carbohydrates, ash, total fats, total phenols, total tannins, total carotenoids, vitamin C or cyanide. Also Iron, calcium and zinc were determined. The results revealed that white maize (62%) was the main cereal used in the preparation of infant porridge followed respectively by red sorghum, white rice and muskwari. Ten cassava varieties were identified: three (03) by CRRA (TME, 96/1/14 and IRAD 4115) and seven (south, gambada, sweet, Benin, six months, M. glaziovii and grouna) by local population. Amongst cereals flour, those from white maize indicated high protein (10.09%), carbohydrates (84.46%) and total fat (7.46%) contents. The powder from 96/14/14 cassava variety showed high amount of iron (11.98 mg/100g), calcium (751.02 g/100g) and low cyanide content (1.21 ppm) amongst all the cassava leaves powder samples. The supplementation of white maize flour by cassava leaves powder from 96/14/14 variety could therefore be recommended for the preparation of infant flours.

Studies on the Characteristics of Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Winter Wheat Flag Leaves at Different Developing Stages

The parameters of fluorescence induction kinetics and the maximal light-saturated net CO2 assimilation rate (P-sat) of the flag leaves of four cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were compared at three different developing stages for the first time. From the blooming stage to the milky stage, the quantum efficiency of PS II photochemistry (F-v/F-m) declined slightly only at the milk stage. The photochemical quenching co-efficient (qP), actual quantum yield of photosystem II (PS II)electron transport (Phi (PSII)) and P-sat decreased substantially (> 15%), while the non-photochemical quenching co-efficient (qN) increased significantly (> 100%). There existed a linear correlation between the Phi (PSII) and the P-sat (r = 0.918). The results indicate that with the senescence of the flag leaves of winter wheat the photosynthetic efficiency including that of the energy transport and the CO2 assimilation significantly decreased.

Homogenate extraction technology of camptothecine and hydroxycamptothecin from Camptotheca acuminata leaves

Camptothecine （CPT） and hydroxycamptothecin （HCPT）, two kinds of anti-cancer alkaloids, were extracted from Camptotheca acuminata leaves using homogenate extraction technology under different conditions such as the ratio of material to liquid, ethanol concentration, and homogenate time. The optimum technology parameters for homogenate extraction of CPT and HCPT from C acuminata leaves were determined as homogenate time at 8 rain, ethanol concentration at 55% and the ratio of material to liquid at 1：15 （g：mL）. By using the optimized parameters, we obtained 0.639‰ extraction rate for CPT and 0.437‰ for HCPT. The extraction yields of CPT and HCPT extracted by homogenating technology were higher than those by other extractive methods, such as ultrasonic, reflux, shaking in water bath. It is concluded that the homogenate extraction technology was an efficient method for extracting CPT and HCPT from C acuminata leaves, with characteristics of less extraction time and high yield.

Antifungal Activity of Extracts from Clerodendrum Bungei Leaves against Two Species of Phytopathogens

The test was undertaken to reveal the antifungal activity of extracts from Clerodendrum bungei leaves against Pestalotia and Rhizoctonia solani, the results showed that optimal condition for best antifungal activity of extracts against pestalotia and Rhizoctonia solani are as follows： material-liquid ratio of 1：6,75% ethanol as extracting solvent, reflux at 90℃ for 1.5 h. The substances with good dissolubility in ethanol and water solution such as organic acid, bioflavonoid and alkaloid are main antifungal bioactive substances in Clerodendrun bungei.

Extraction Storage and Qualitative Analysis of Free Radicals Scavenging Substances from Sweet Potato Leaves

[ Objective ] The research aimed to provide reference for the application of extracts from sweet potato leaves in anti-aging cosmetics. [ Method ] The extraction and storage conditions for free radicals scavenging substances from sweet potato leaves were optimized by orthogonal test and the bioactive components in extracts were investigated by correlation analysis. [ Result] Sweet potato leaves contain the bioactive substances scavenging DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical. Extracting solvent species is the most important factor that influencing extraction yield. The optimal extraction and storage conditions are as following： water as solvent, pH 8.0 of extracting liquid, storage at 25 ℃. There is a good positive linear relationship between the content of total phenols in sweet potato leaves and corresponding scavenging rates against both the DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical. For the content of total flavones in sweet potato leaves, just a correlation with scavenging rate against hydroxyl free radical shown in test. [ Conclusion] The phenols in ex- tracts could effectively scavenge both the DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical, whereas the flavones in extracts can only function on the hydroxyl free radical.

Regulation of Nitric Oxide on the Aging Process of Wheat Leaves

When the first fully expanded leaf of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings with two leaves were treated with different concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.50 mmol/L) of nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were reduced by the lower concentrations (0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 mmol/L), but enhanced by the higher concentration of SNP (0.50 mmol/L). The protective effect of 0.10 mmol/L SNP was the most obvious. Furthermore, the treatment with 0.10 mmol/L SNP on the above seedlings until the fourth leaves were fully expanded attenuated the accumulation of H2O2, superoxide anion radical (O-2(-)) and MDA, also counteracted the degradation of chlorophyll and soluble proteins, especally Rubisco, both leading to the effective delay of aging process in wheat leaves. The effects of different SNP concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 mmol/L) also displayed a dual role in an aging experiment of chloroplasts in vitro, one of which, 0.2 mmol/L SNP treatment, protected the membrane structure and attenuated the degradation of Rubisco effectively. Based on the present results, it was inferred that lower concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) might play a role in delaying aging process in wheat leaves, i.e., might attribute to decrease the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the alleviation of further oxidative damage caused by ROS.

Effects of Different Light Qualities on Activity and Gene Expression of Caspase-like Proteases in Tobacco Leaves

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases in tobacco leaves growing under different light qualities. [Method] By covering tobacco plants with white, red, yellow, blue and purple films to obtain different light quality, the changes of chlorophyll content, activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases in the tobacco leaves were studied. [Results] Compared with treatments of white, red and yellow film, blue and purple films delayed the decrease of chlorophyll content and senescence of tobacco leaves at the late growth stage, and relatively lowered the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases during growth, development and senescence periods. [Conclusion] Different light qualities exhibited various effects on the growth, development and senescence of tobacco leaves, possibly by affecting the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases to some extent.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Forsythia suspensa Leaves on Diabetic Mice

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Forsythia suspensa leaves in diabetic mice. [Method] The model of hyperglycemia mice were obtained by injecting streptozotocin intraperitoneally to study the effect of F. suspensa leaves on lowering blood sugar of hyperglycemia mice and normal ani- mals. [Result] F. suspensa leaves could antagonize the streptozotocin-reducing mice hyperglycemia and significantly reduce the fasting blood glucose level of diabetic mice. [Coaclusion] F. suspensa leaves exhibits a good therapeutic effect on diabetic mice and has a good development prospect.

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Eucommia ulmiodes Oliver Leaves on Liver Mitochondria

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmiodes Oliver leaves （AEO） on liver mitochondrial injury induced by free radicals. [Method] MDA content was determined by thiobarbituric acid colorimetric method; mitochondrial swelling degree was determined by spectrophotometry; the superoxide anion radical scavenging ability was determined using reduced coenzyme I-tetrazolium-phenazine methosulfate as the superoxide anion generation system. Mice were hypodermically injected in the back and neck with D- galactose, after 50 d, the effects of AEO on the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and anti-hydroxyl radicals in mouse liver were determined using kits. [Result] AEO can efficiently reduce the liver injury and inhibit mitochondrial swelling induced by Fe2＋-L-Cys, which can also scavenge superoxide anion and improve the activities of antioxidant enzymes. [Conclusion] This study provided scientific basis for the development and application of AEO resources.

Study of the Short-time Eco-physiological Response of Plant Leaves to Dust

The short-time eco-physiological response to dust was measured for the leaves of 22 local popular plant species including roadside trees, fruit trees, forest trees and crop species in Beijing. The dust did affect the eco-physiology of leaves of these species. After being covered by dust the instant net photosynthetic rates of most plant species changed insignificantly, but it decreased by more than 35% for 5 species, and it increased by-more than 57% for Ginkgo biloba L. The respiration rates of 12 plant species increased significantly, but it decreased significantly for Malus pumila Mill. (M. communis D C.) and Cotinus coggygria (L.) Scop., and it changed insignificantly for the other 8 species. The transpiration rates of 5 plant species increased significantly, however, they decreased for 9 species, and changed insignificantly for the other 8 species. Platanus occidentalis L. had highest dust carrying capacity. After 2 h the physiological indices did not change significantly for Diospyros kaki L. f., G. biloba and Populus tomentosa Carr. The implications of the research are that Ulmus laevis Pall., M. pumila (M. communis), D. kaki and G. biloba are suitable for amelioration of dust storm damage and increase in local economical development near the sources of dust storms in western China. And in the cities, such as Beijing and other dust areas, the plants have high dust-carrying capacity can be planted for air cleaning.

Effects of Different Transplanting and Harvest Dates on Yield and Quality of Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves

In this study,the effects of nine different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates on yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves were investigated.The results showed that different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates had few effects on growth period and agronomic characters of tobacco plants but exerted remarkable effects on economic characters and chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco leaves.With the postponing of transplanting stage,output value of flue-cured tobacco leaves increased.Output value of flue-cured tobacco leaves in C1treatment（normal harvest） was higher than that in C2（harvest 7 d later） and C3（harvest 14 d later） treatments.Different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates had significant effects on chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco leaves,which exhibited no obvious law.Overall,flue-cured tobacco leaves in T3C1treatment（transplanting 14 d earlier,normal harvest） displayed excellent performance compared with other treatments.

Effects of Ratio of Row Spacing to Intrarow Spacing on Yield and Top Three Leaves of Super High-yielding Early and Late Rice

Using a split plot design, super high-yielding early rice ＆quot;Zhongjiazao 17＆quot;and ＆quot;Ganxin 203＆quot; and super high-yielding late rice ＆quot;Ganxin 688＆quot; and ＆quot;Wufengy-ouT025＆quot; were taken as materials with planting density the same at 312 000 hil s/hm2, to explore the effects of RS/IS （Ratio of row spacing to intrarow row spacing） on yield, top three leaves morphological features and its relationship of them in 2011 and 2012. The results showed that, whether early or late rice, biomass, accumula-tion and apparent utilizing rate of nitrogen were lower in RS/IS5.0 （40.0 cm ＆#215;8.0 cm） treatment, but yield of rice was higher in RS/IS2.0 （25.0 cm ＆#215;12.8 cm） treatment;grain numbers per spike of rice was more in RS/IS2.8 （30.0 cm＆#215;10.7 cm） treatment, and thousand-grain weight of rice was higher in RS/IS1.3 （20.0 cm＆#215;16.0 cm） treat-ment. For 4 varieties of early or late rice aforementioned, basal angle, opening an-gle and leaf area of 2nd leaf from top were larger in RS/IS5.0 treatment, and basal angle and opening angle were smal er in RS/IS2.0 treatment and leaf area smal er in RS/IS1.3 treatment.