Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Cocos nucifera L.water as green corrosion inhibitor for acid corrosion of aluminium in HCl solution

The ability of Cocos nucifera L.water（CW） as non-toxic corrosion inhibitor for acid corrosion of aluminium in 0.5 mol/L HCl has been studied using chemical technique.CW shows significant inhibition as corrosion inhibitor,with 93%efficiency at the highest concentration of the inhibitor.The inhibitive action is attributed to the adsorption of the inhibitor molecules on metal surface following Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

Construction and Characterization of a cDNA Library from the Pulp of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

To investigate the gene expression profile of endosperm development, a cDNA library was constructed and characterized from the pulp of coconut at different developmental stages. The constructed cDNA library incorporated approximately 1 × 10^7 clones in total, and the size of the insertion fragments ranged from 800 to 2 000 bp. Sequencing results of 100 randomly picked clones showed that the recombination rate was 96%. In subsequent sequence analysis, 41 clones （41%） were homologous to known function proteins, and 23 clones showed high amino acid identity （more than 80%） with the corresponding genes of different plants. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR indicated that oleosin and globulin genes are pulpspecific expression, and have differential expression level in different developmental stage. Clone 29, recognized as homologous to KIAA1239 protein （Homo sapiens）, was observed to occur nine times, indicating that this gene may be over-expressed during the endosperm development stage. However, the homologous protein was found only in mammals, and the detailed function is still unknown. Elucidation of the functional characterization of these genes will be carried out immediately.

Preparation and evaluation of mucoadhesive bio-flexy films from Cocos nucifera biopolymer using Tiagabine moiety

This research work deals with formulation and evaluation of nanosized Tiagabine loaded bio-flexy films consisting of Cocos nucifera biopolymer(isolated from coconut kernels).Prepared formulations were administered through soft palatal route for brain targeting for epilepsy treatment.Soft palate,part of oral mucosa serves as novel drug delivery platform and mucoadhesive site for systemic drug delivery.It provides sustained and controlled drug delivery system,does not interfere with patient’s regular activities like talking,eating,drinking,etc.It bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver,reduces dose frequency and minimizes drug’s side effects.Tiagabine,anticonvulsant drug possesses t1/2:7-9 h(low);Protein binding:96%;Water solubility:22 mg/L,acts as selective gamma amino butyric acid(GABA)reuptake inhibitor.Cocos nucifera biopolymer used as bio-excipient to prepare bio-flexy films due to its biodegradability,biocompatibility,non-toxicity,non-irritantancy on soft palatal surface along with inbuilt filmability,mucoadhesive properties.Nanosized drug loaded bio-flexy films were formulated using standard solvent casting method.Bio-flexy films were prepared using varying ratios of nanosized Tiagabine:isolated Cocos nucifera biopolymer(FCT1-FCT6).These prepared formulations were compared with same ratios of nanosized Tiagabine:sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose standard polymer flexy films(FET1-FET6).The%yield of Cocos nucifera biopolymer was found to be 10.2±0.04%.Thickness of nanosized Tiagabine loaded bio-flexy films containing Cocos nucifera biopolymer(FCT1-FCT6)was ranging from 0.026±0.04 mm to 0.040±0.02 mm;Folding endurance:84-107;Surface pH:7.01±0.04 to 7.01±0.02;Weight uniformity:0.012±0.04 to 0.020±0.02;Drug content uniformity:69.5±0.35%to 72.9±0.26%;Swelling percentage:65±0.5%to 73±0.2%;Percentage moisture uptake(PTU):2.0±0.14%to 2.8±0.12%;Mucoadhesivity:20-90 min;Mucoretentivity:60-180 min.The drug release pattern for formulations FCT1-FCT6 containing Cocos nucifera biopolymer based on the T50%and T80%was found to be FCT1(1:0.5)>FCT5(1:6)>FCT3(1:3)>FCT2(1:1)>FCT4(1:5)>FCT6(1:10).Based on all above-mentioned evaluation parameters,FCT1(containing Tiagabine:Cocos nucifera biopolymer(1:0.5))bio-flexy film having R2=0.9221,Higuchi matrix as best fit model,follows anomalous transport release mechanism,T50%:38.45 h.,T80%:41.20 h.using BITS Software 1.12.Stability study revealed stable formulations.Prepared formulations were suitable for soft palatal delivery.

Long-term consumption of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil diet impairs learning and memory in CD1 mice

Objective:Virgin coconut oil(VCO)has been used in the management of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Therefore,this research investigated the effect of long-term consumption of VCO diet on learning and memory in CD1 mice.Methods:Thirty male CD1 mice(divided into three groups,n=10)were fed with standard rodent chow(control),5%and 20%VCO diets(respectively)for 28 d.The Morris Water Maze(MWM)test was used to test the effect of VCO on visuo-spatial learning and memory,while the Novel Object Recognition Test(NORT)was used to measure short-and long-term recognition memory.Results:Learning performance of mice did not differ in the MWM.During the probe trial,duration in the retention quadrant and annulus crossings were lower(P<0.05)in the 5%and 20%VCO diet groups compared to the control diet group,showing that VCO impaired visuo-spatial memory.During the NORT,mice showed more total approaches in the 20%VCO diet group(P<0.05)compared to control and the 5%VCO diet groups during the short-term memory test.During the long-term memory retention test,the total approaches were also higher in the 20%VCO group compared to control and 5%VCO group(P>0.05).The discrimination index was also lower in the 20%VCO group compared to control and 5%VCO diet groups indicating impaired long-term cognitive memory in mice given 20%VCO diet.Histological examination of brains showed damage within the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus in the 20%VCO diet group,in line with the behavioural observations.Conclusion:Long-term consumption of virgin coconut oil diet impairs memory in mice.

Diagnosis of Boron Deficiency in Green Dwarf Coconut Palm

The diagnosis of boron deficiency in coconut palms has been hampered by lack of information about its distribution in the plant. Two experiments were conducted, one in a greenhouse to induce boron deficiency in dwarf green coconut palms, and other in the field, in which the plants received doses of boric acid, B(OH)3. The objective was to verify symptoms of boron deficiency and boron content variation in canopy, leaves and folioles (or leaflets). Boron deficient plants led leaves and folioles to become deformed. The deficient and sufficient contents of boron varied significantly in the canopy, but did not vary in leaves. The boron content increased significantly from bottom to the apex of the folioles in both treatments. To survey the level of boron in the coconut palm, the ideal is, using samples taken from the youngest leaf, to calculate the relation between the boron content in the apex of the foliole and the content in the center or in the folioles bottom, with minimum values 2.2 or 2.7, respectively.

椰子CESA基因家族鉴定及生物信息学分析

中国加工椰糠与椰壳纤维所需的椰衣、椰壳主要从国外进口,国内原材料供给不足,市场潜力巨大,因此培育椰子高品质深加工新品种具有重要意义。本研究利用已发表的椰子基因组数据,共鉴定出10个椰子CESA基因家族成员并对其进行了基因结构分析、蛋白理化性质分析、亚细胞定位预测、蛋白质保守结构域预测、超二级结构预测分析、三级结构同源建模、蛋白跨膜螺旋预测、系统进化树构建及表达谱分析。蛋白理化性质与亚细胞定位分析显示,椰子CESA成员蛋白多为酸性蛋白,且主要定位于细胞质膜上。进化分析显示,椰子CESA基因家族成员可分为5组,组内基因同源性较高,组间差异较小,所有家族成员均含有N端锌指结构域和纤维素合酶结构域,基因结构相似。聚类及表达谱分析显示,CoCESA3、CoCESA4、CoCESA6、CoCESA8与已报道的拟南芥、水稻初生细胞壁合成相关CESA基因聚类在一起,并在成熟叶片、幼叶、胚、胚乳和愈伤组织中都有较高的表达量,其可能参与了初生细胞壁合成且在整个植物生长发育过程中发挥作用。本研究鉴定了10个椰子CESA基因家族成员并对其进行了生物信息学分析,为椰子CESA基因家族功能的进一步研究提供基础,并为高质量深加工椰子新品种的分子育种提供候选基因。

椰子SR蛋白家族的鉴定及生物信息学分析

SR蛋白家族是真核生物中的一类剪接因子,其作为反式作用因子,通过与顺式作用元件结合参与可变剪接。本研究通过已公布的椰子基因组,与水稻的SR蛋白序列进行多序列比对,去除不含RRM结构域的序列共鉴定出24个椰子CnSR蛋白家族成员,采用生物信息学的方法,对其理化性质、亚细胞定位、序列保守性等方面进行分析。结果表明:椰子CnSR蛋白家族分布较广,最主要位于细胞核。椰子CnSR蛋白家族可分为4个亚族,分别是RSZ亚族、SR亚族、RS亚族、SC亚族。CnSR1、CnSR2、CnSR9、CnSR18、CnSR19、CnSR23在各组织中表达水平较高,其可能在椰子的整个生长时期发挥着重要的作用。对椰子CnSR蛋白家族启动子区顺式作用元件分析结果显示鉴定出光响应元件、各类激素响应元件,胁迫应答元件等,初步表明椰子CnSR蛋白家族与环境胁迫应答相关。通过上述生物信息学分析,为进一步探究椰子CnSR蛋白家族在椰子生长发育过程中的功能提供参考。

椰子NCED2基因克隆及逆境响应表达分析

顺式-环氧类胡萝卜素双氧合酶(9-cis-epoxy carotenoids dioxygenase, NCED)是ABA生物合成间接途径的关键限速酶,在植物逆境响应中有重要作用。本研究利用RT-PCR从‘文椰2号’椰子中鉴定出NCED2基因。结果表明,CnNCED2基因长度为1 845 bp,编码614个氨基酸。其蛋白主要由α-螺旋、无规则卷曲、β-转角和延伸连构成,为亲水蛋白。在CnNCED2的启动子序列上发现了TC重复序列、MBS、LTR等与逆境密切相关的顺式作用元件,以及CGTCA模序、TGA元件、TGACG模序、ABRE等与植物激素相关的顺式作用元件。基因表达分析发现CnNCED2受低温和干旱胁迫诱导,分别在低温处理后12 h和干旱处理后6 h达到峰值,而盐胁迫处理抑制NCED2的表达。本研究分析了CnNCED2在3种逆境胁迫下的表达特征,对椰子抗性育种有一定参考作用。

椰子开花相关miR156和靶基因SPL特征分析

为了揭示椰子CnumiR156基因家族的进化过程和表达模式,对CnumiR156家族9个成员的序列进行生物信息学分析及靶基因预测,找出开花途径靶基因,并结合转录数据对这差异表达的CnumiR156和开花途径靶基因进行RT-qPCR验证。序列比对发现不同的前体序列可产生相同序列的成熟miR156;进化树结果表明,CnumiR156-1和CnumiR156-3的亲缘关系较近,CnumiR156-2和CnumiR156-5的亲缘关系较近,CnumiR156-4和CnumiR156-9的亲缘关系较近;靶基因预测结果表明,CnmiR156-3/-6的靶基因主要是SQUAMOS启动子结合蛋白家族;转录组数据结果分析得到,CnumiR156-3、CnumiR156-6、CnumiR156-9在‘本地高种’和‘黄矮’苗期的表达量要高于在其对应成熟期的表达,开花途径靶基因CnSPL(CCG024262.1)和CnSPL(CCG019030.1)在‘本地高种’和‘黄矮’成熟期的表达量要高于在其对应苗期的表达;CCG024262.1和CCG019030.1的定量结果与转录组结果基本相符。本研究通过生信分析与实验验证对CnumiR156和开花途径靶基因CnSPL的序列特征与表达模式进行分析,给CnumiR156和靶基因CnSPL的功能研究提供理论基础,为椰子的生物育种提供一个新的思路。

椰子树树干微结构对其抗风能力的影响

为了给出海南省省树椰子树(Cocos nucifera L.)树干的理论抗风相关数据,通过对椰子树树干的外观及其微结构进行抽象模型化分析后,利用国家标准《建筑结荷载范》(GB 50009-2012)中柱状物体的经验公式,计算了生长在低海拔的海岛海岸地区,高度分别为5、10、20 m的椰子树在风强度为台风等级时的所受风压、风力以及根部所产生的弯矩。结合华南地区多个树种抗风能力的对比调查分析结果,根据椰子树树干中纤维束管结构的物理特性,解释了热带植物椰子树在受到台风侵袭时其树干不易被折断的原因。这些计算过程和结果可以给在台风中搭建建筑物等提供实际重要的参考;同时说明了热带植物椰子树所特有的簇状纤维束物理结构有很强的抗弯折强度,这一结构特性可广泛应用于生产生活中。