Antibacterial,antioxidant and antiproliferation activities of essential oils and ethanolic extracts from Chinese mugwort(Artemisia vulgaris L.)leaf in Shanxi

Background:Artemisia vulgaris,a medicinal aromatic plant,is widely used as a food item,tonic pharmaceutical,and cosmetic industry additive owing to its antibacterial,antihypertensive,hepatoprotective,antioxidant,and antispasmodic properties.But the effect of different geographic locations on the chemical composition and bioactivities of its extracts is unclear.Methods:Biological activities of essential oils and ethanol extracts of three varieties of Artemisia vulgaris leaves,which are grown in Shanxi province China,were studied.Results:Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the main components of essential oils were terpenes and ketones.Essential oils and ethanol extract of Artemisia vulgaris leaves possessed good antioxidant activities,and their half maximal inhibitory concentrations determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate)assays were 57.0 and 22.9μg/mL,respectively.The essential oils also exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against three foodborne pathogenic bacterial strains.The ethanol extract presented a high anticancer activity against the MGC-803 human gastric cancer cell line.Conclusion:These biological activities were well correlated with the composition of the extract and EOs,which in turn is affected by the genetic composition of Artemisia vulgaris and geographic location and diverse climatic condition under which it is grown.These findings demonstrate the remarkable potential of Artemisia vulgaris as a valuable source of antioxidant,antibacterial,and anticancer agents.

Protective effect of Solanum Nigrum Linn green fruit ethanolic extract on alcoholic liver injury in mice

Alcoholic liver injury is a liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption,which can lead to chronic liver disease death.Solanum Nigrum Linn taste bitter,cold,has the effect of clearing heat and detoxification,promoting blood and detumescence.Solanum Nigrum Linn fruit contains a variety of antioxidant enzymes,can remove the body produced by aerobic metabolism harmful substances.In this paper,a model of alcohol-induced liver injury in C57BL/6 mice was established to evaluate the protective effect of Solanum Nigrum Linn green fruit(SNGF)ethanolic extract on alcohol-induced liver injury.H&E staining and oil red O(ORO)staining showed that hepatic lobules were clearly demarcated,vacuoles were significantly reduced and lipid droplets were reduced in SNGF ethanolic extract treatment group.Serum levels of TC,TG,LDH,TBA,AKP,ALT and AST were decreased in the SNGF ethanolic extract treatment group,and SNGF ethanolic extract could clear reactive oxygen species(ROS)in time.MDA content was signifi cantly decreased after SNGF ethanolic extract treatment,while superoxide dismutase(SOD)and GSH-Px contents were increased after SNGF ethanolic extract treatment.These results suggest that SNGF ethanolic extract has a protective effect on alcohol-induced liver injury.

Fecal metabolomics reveals the positive effect of ethanol extract of propolis on T2DM mice

A large number of studies have shown that propolis has positive effects in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,there are have only been a few reports that are based on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)analysis of the fecal metabolomics of ethanol extract of propolis(EEP)in the treatment of T2DM.The present investigation was designed to screen potential biomarkers of T2DM by the metabonomic method and to explain the possible anti-diabetes mechanism of EEP according to the changes in the biomarkers.The results showed that EEP improved the body weight(BW)of T2DM mice,lowered blood sugar levels,and significantly restored blood biochemical indicators related to T2DM,such as fasting insulin(FINS),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),aspartate transaminase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT).Liver pathology showed that EEP reversed liver damage caused by T2DM.Metabolomics data identified 27 potential biomarkers in fecal samples.EEP effectively regulated the dysfunction in the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids,sphingolipids,riboflavins,and sterol lipids caused by T2DM.In summary,our research results revealed positive effects of EEP in the treatment of T2DM and provided potential candidate markers for further research and in the clinical treatment of T2DM.

Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activities of ethanol extracts of selected traditional Chinese medicinal herbs

Objective:To evaluate in ritro antimicrobial activities of selected 58 ethno-medicinal plant extracts with a view to assess their therapeutic potential.Methods:A total of 58 traditional Chinese medicinal plants were carefully selected based on the literature review and their traditional use.The antimicrobial activities of ethanol extracts of these medicinal plants were tested against fungi(Aspergillus funigaius),yeast(Candida albicans),gram-negative(Acirelobacter haumannii and Pseudornnruis aeruginosa)and gram-positive bacteria(Staphglococcus aureus).The activities were tested at three different concentrations of 1.00,0.10 and 0.01 mg/mL.The data was analysed using Gene data Screener program.Results:The measured antimicrobial activities indicated that out of the 58 plant extracts,15 extracts showed anti-fungal activity and 23 extracts exhibited anti-bacterial activity.Eight plant extracts have exhibited both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities.For instance,Eucommia ulmoides,Pohgonum cuspidcrtum,Poria cocas and Uncaria rhineophylla showed activity against both bacterial and fungal strains,indicating their broad spectrum of activity.Conclusions:The results revealed that the ethanol extracts of 30 plants out of the selected 58 possess significant antimicrobial activities.It is interesting to note that the findings from the current study are consistent with the traditional use.A clear correlation has also been found between the antimicrobial activity and the flavonoid content of the plant extracts which is in agreement with the literature.Hence.the results presented here can be used to guide the selection of potential plant species for the isolation and structure elucidation of novel antimicrobial compounds in order to establish the structure-activity relationship.This in turn is expected to lead the way to the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents for therapeutic use.

Effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on hippocampal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression in lithium chloride-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus rats

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom in the scorpion can inhibit epilepsy and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether ethanol extracts of scorpion （EES） exhibit similar effects. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of EES on hippocampal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, and to compare the effects on sodium valproate （positive control drug） in a rat model of status epilepticus induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized, controlled study was conducted at the Drug Research and Development Center, Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group, and the Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences ＆ Sichuan Provincial People＇s Hospital, China from May 2007 to April 2008. MATERIALS： EES were prepared by Huashen Pharmaceutical, China. Sodium valproate （Hunan Xiangzhong Pharmaceutical, China） and lithium chloride-pilocarpine （Sigma, USA） were also used in the present study. METHODS： From a total of 156 rats, six served as normal controls. The remaining rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium chloride-pilocarpine to establish status epileptlcus models, and then assigned to five groups （n = 30, respectively）. Animals in each group were administered drugs at 15 minutes after epileptic seizure by gavage, i.e. in the normal control and model groups, rats were treated with 1 mL/0.1 kg saline. The sodium valproate group was administered 120 mg/kg/d sodium valproate. The low-, moderate-, and high-dose EES groups received treatments of 290, 580 and 1 160 mg/kg/d EES. The dispensed concentration was 1 mL/0.1 kg. Rat seizure behavior was observed. If status epilepticus did not terminated after 1 hour, the rats were intraperitoneally administered atropine （1 mg/kg） and diazepam （10 mg/kg） to terminate seizure. These rats were continuously observed for 6 hours to ensure seizure termination. Then rats were treated with the above-mentioned drugs at 8：00 am each day until sacrifice, which took place 4 hours after drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Terminal dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL）-positive cells and caspase-3 expression were, respectively, determined by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry at 6, 24 48, and 72 hours, as well as 7 days, after status epilepticus. Behavioral changes were also measured. RESULTS： A few caspase-3-positive cells were observed. TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive ceils were mainly visible in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions 6 hours following status epilepticus in the model and drug intervention groups. The number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours following status epilepticus in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, and number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 72 hours in the model and low-dose EES groups. The number of caspase-3-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours in each group. Following treatment of sodium valproate and EES, the number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells significantly decreased compared with the model group at various time points （P 〈 0.05）. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was greatest in the low-dose EES group, followed by the moderate- and high-dose EES groups. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was similar between the sodium valproate and high-dose EES groups. Epileptic seizure was significantly improved in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, compared with the model group （P〈 0.05 or P〈 0.01）. Treatment with sodium valproate and high-dose EES resulted in the best outcome, although the results were similar （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： A dose of 1 160 mg/kg/d EES significantly inhibited status epilepticus. This outcome corresponded to a decreased number of apoptotlc cells and caspase-3-positive cells, which was similar to sodium valproate. These results suggest that it is not necessary to extract a component from the scorpion for the treatment of epilepsy. The high dose of EES significantly inhibited epilepsy, which correlated with decreased hippocampal caspase-3 expression.

Changes in Soil Hot-Water Extractable C,N and P Fractions During Vegetative Restoration in Zhifanggou Watershed on the Loess Plateau

The study was conducted in Zhifanggou Watershed,Shaanxi Province,China,to evaluate the effect of different vegetation types on hot-water extractable C,N and P fractions,with the aim to determine whether hot-water extractable fractions could be used as indicators of soil quality change in Loess Plateau.The six vegetation types established in 1975 were（i） Robinia pseudoacacia L.,（ii） Caragana korshinkii Kom.,（iii） Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.,（iv） P.tabulaeformis-Amorpha fruticosa L.,（v） R.pseudoacacia-A.fruticosa,and（vi） grassland.A cropped hillslope plot and a Platycladus orientalis L.native forest plot were used as references.The results indicated that the conversion of native forest to cropland resulted in a significant decline in the hot-water extractable C,N and P fractions.Hot-water extractable C,N,and P increased when cultivated land was revegetated,but after 30 years the amount of hot-water extractable C,N,and P in revegetated fields was still much lower compared to native forest.Hot-water extractable fractions increased more under mixed-forest than under pure-forest stands.Furthermore,there was a significant correlation between the hot-water extractable fractions and soil chemical and microbiological properties.The results showed that hot-water extractable fractions could be used as indicators of soil quality change on the Loess Plateau.

Methanolic pomegranate dried peel extract improves cryopreserved semen quality and antioxidant capacity of rams

Objective:To select the appropriate concentrations of methanolic pomegranate extract supplemented in rams’semen extender for obtaining the best-cryopreserved semen quality.Methods:Tris-based semen extender was supplemented with 0.0,0.40,0.48,and 0.56 mg/mL pomegranate peel methanolic extract to extend semen collected from five native rams twice weekly for two months(n=80).Pooled(n=16)post-thaw semen characteristics were determined.Thawed seminal plasma of all supplemented and control groups were used to measure malondialdehyde(MDA),nitric oxide(NO),glutathione peroxidase(GPx),superoxide dismutase(SOD),ascorbic acid,zinc,copper,total cholesterol,low-density lipoproteins(LDL),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP).Results:The supplementation of Tris-based semen extender with 0.48 mg/mL semen extender resulted in the highest post-thaw sperm total motility(P<0.001),sperm progressive motility(P<0.001),live sperm(P<0.001),sperm plasma membrane integrity(P<0.001),acrosome integrity(P<0.001),SOD(P<0.05),zinc(P<0.001),total cholesterol(P<0.001),and LDL(P<0.001)with the lowest percentage of abnormal sperm morphology(P<0.001),the lowest lipid peroxidation(MDA,P<0.01),ascorbic acid(P>0.05),and LDH(P>0.05).Conclusions:Pomegranate peel methanolic extract 0.48 mg/mL supplemented to Tris-based semen extender of rams is the best enrichment in preserving the sperm post-thaw characteristics via improving biochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity.

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.

Preliminary Screening of Plant Ethanol Extracts Inhibiting IBV Proliferation

[ Objective] The paper was to study the inhibition effects of ethanol extracts from different plants on imCcctious bronchitis virus （ IBV ）. [Method ] Certain amount of plant ethanol extract was mixed with the recombinant virus IBV-3ab-luc inosculating luciferase gene at room temperature for 20 rain, and then added in H1299 cell culture system together. The activity of luciferase was detected after 24 h, to compare the inhibition effects of ethanol extracts from different plants on the virus. [ Result ] The logarithms of Gynura segetum leaf, Prunella vulgaris powder, Plantago asiatica leaf, Ophiopogon japonicus root, Lycium barba- rum fruit and Citrus reticulata were 4, 3,3,2,0 and 0, respectively. [ Conclusion] The ethanol extract from G. segetum leaf had the best inhibitory effect against IBV, followed by P. vulgaris powder, P. asiatica leaf, and O. japonicus root had relatively poor inhibition effect, whereas L. barbarum fruit and C. reticulata almost had no inhibition effect.

Effect of Light on Stability of Anthocyanins in Ethanolic Extracts of Rubus fruticosus

Blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) is one of the fruit with the highest concentration of anthocyanins;however, its use is limited for making jams, jellies and liqueur, and recently, fruit concentrates in combination with pomegranate, blueberry and grape. One of the main problems with these pigments is their poor stability in solution, mainly in beverages as liqueur and juices, which depends on factors such as chemical structure, pH, temperature, light, water activity, and presence of oxygen. The effect of light on total monomeric anthocyanins content as well as the degradation rates and browning of two blackberry ethanolic extracts is to establish the conditions for storage of liqueur without adding artificial food coloring. The initial content of anthocyanins on extract without storage was 106 mg?l-1. The study assessed the light irradiation effect on the anthocyanins of blackberry ethanolic extract. The anthocyanins degradation followed the second order reaction kinetics with respect to illuminance of the light source. The t1/2 value at high illuminance (3968.30 lx) was 28.20 hours.

Removal of Lead Ions from Ginseng Ethanol Extracts by Dynamic Adsorption in a Fixed-bed Column

The removal of lead from ginseng ethanol extracts by a fixed-bed column filled with an adsorbent bearing amine and carboxyl groups was investigated. The Pb2+ content was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. When the flowrate increased from 0.12 to 0.34 ml·min-1 , the column exhibited a marked increase in percentage of lead removal from 54.9% to 92.3%. Further increase in the flowrate did not bring evident changes to the lead removal, whereas an increase in the temperature could reinforce adsorption further, suggesting that the adsorption process was controlled by external film diffusion below the flowrate of 0.34 ml·min-1 , and by the intraparticle pore diffusion of lead ions when the flowrate exceeded it. A low remaining lead amount in extracts such as 0.11 mg·kg-1 (extracts powder) was achieved. The adsorbents also adsorbed effective constituents to some extent. But 88% of constituents adsorbed were taken off using a 70% ethanol aqueous solution.

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.

Antidiabetic and antidiarrhoeal potentials of ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of Cynodon dactylon Pers

Objective: To explore the antidiabetic and the antidiarrhoeal effects of ethanolic extracts of Cynodon dactylon Pers. aerial parts(EECA) in Wistar rats.Methods: To assess the antidiabetic activity of EECA, oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) model and alloxan induced diabetic test(AIDT) model were performed. The EECA was used at the doses of 2 g/kg, 1 g/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight in OGTT model and 1.5 g/kg was used for AIDT model. Castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model and gastrointestinal motility test with barium sulphate milk model were performed for evaluating the antidiarrhoeal effects at doses of 1 g/kg, 750 mg/kg respectively.Results: The dose 2 g/kg in OGTT and 1.5 g/kg in AIDT model blood glucose levels decreased significantly(P < 0.01) in Wistar rats that showed antidiabetic effect of EECA. After administration of EECA at the dose of 1 g/kg, the extract showed significant(P < 0.05) antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model. The results were also significant(P < 0.01) in barium sulphate milk model for the same dose by using above mentioned animals.Conclusions: It is concluded that EECA contains both antidiabetic and the antidiarrhoeal properties.

Exploring the Protective Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of Rosa laevigata Michx.Fruit on Rats with Mesangial Proliferative Glomerulonephritis Based on NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway

Objective:To investigate the effect of the ethanolic extract of Rosa laevigata Michx.fruit on rats with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis based on the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.Methods:Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups,a blank control group,a diabetic nephropathy(DN)model group,and an ethanolic extract intervention group,according to the random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.One day before the experiment,basic feeding was initiated for all the rats;the changes in activity and weight of each group of rats were observed and recorded after 7 d,and a rat model of renal function injury was established after 1 d.Results:Compared with the control group,the model group had significantly higher kidney/body ratio,24 h urine protein,serum creatinine(SCr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),glomerular mesangial cell(GMC)count,and extracellular matrix(ECM)positive area ratio(P<0.05);the same indicators were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the model group(P<0.05).The NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in renal intrinsic cells was activated in the intervention group.The overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome is known to promote interleukin(IL)-1βrelease,which was inhibited in the intervention group.Conclusion:The ethanolic extract of Rosa laevigata Michx.fruit has a protective effect on renal intrinsic cells and may be related to NLRP3 inflammasome pathway,suggesting that the fruit of Rosa laevigata Michx.has a potential role in protecting renal intrinsic cells from inflammatory damage.NLRP3 inflammasomes are involved in the development of various chronic inflammatory diseases,such as acute and chronic glomerulonephritis and renal fibrosis.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Folium syringae Extracts Against Ethanolinduced Acute Liver Injury

The aim of the study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Folium syringae(FS) extracts against ethanolinduced acute liver injury. Mice and primary hepatocytes were pretreated with FS extracts at different dosages before ethanol administration. Transaminases, glutathione S-transferase A1 level and hepatic biochemical indices(malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione peroxidase) were determined. Pretreatment with FS extracts significantly inhibited the damage caused by ethanol and the hepatoprotective effects of FS were almost similar to Silymarin that was used to treat alcoholic liver injury. GSTA1 contents in all the FS extract-treated groups were significantly different from those in the ethanol-induced acute liver injury model group(p<0.01), and similar trends were observed in transaminases and hepatic indices level both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that FS extracts had hepatoprotective effects against ethanol-induced injury. Those effects might be related to the enhancement of antioxidant capacity of liver cells, and FS extracts could reduce the release of liver GSTA1, which contributed to improve liver detoxification.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Some Varieties of Onion

The content of polyphenolic in commercial onions has been determined. The antioxidant activity of their ethanolic extracts, as well as their effects on the oxidation of edible corn oil during accelerated ageing, was studied. Maceration of taxonomically identified commercial vegetable samples, previously peeled and thinly sliced, was carried out at ambient temperature, out of direct light, with occasional agitation and ultrasound, employing 95% ethyl alcohol as the extraction solvent, allowing them to stand for 7 days. The total polyphenolic contents were determined on the filtrated extracts using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated on emulsions of ethanolic extracts of onion prepared in edible commercial corn oil, using sorbitan monooleate as emulsifying agent. The peroxide values were analyzed using the iodometric method;oxidation induction times were obtained from the peroxide evolution graphs, using the tangent method. Oil samples emulsified with ethanolic onion extracts showed an extension of the induction period. A 7 day ageing study at 45℃ was additionally performed to determine the conjugated dienes on pure commercial corn oil and its emulsions by visible spectrophotometry. The spectral analysis showed an increase of the measured absorbances in oil samples without additives and no change for the oils emulsified with onion extract. An increasing of diene values was observed for corn oil without additives during ageing;no changes in the value were observed in oils emulsified with onion extracts.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Some Varieties of Onions

The content of polyphenolic substances in commercial onions has been determined. The antioxidant activity of their ethanolic extracts, as well as their effects on the oxidation of edible corn oil during accelerated ageing was studied. Maceration of taxonomically identified commercial vegetable samples, previously peeled and thinly sliced, was carried out at ambient temperature, out of direct light, with occasional agitation and ultrasound, employing 95% ethyl alcohol as the extraction solvent, allowing them to stand for 7 days. The total polyphenolic contents were determined on the filtrated extracts using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated on emulsions of ethanolic extracts of onion prepared in edible commercial corn oil, using sorbitan monooleate as emulsifying agent. The peroxide values were analyzed using the iodometric method;oxidation induction times were obtained from the peroxide evolution graphs, using the tan- gent method. Oil samples emulsified with ethanolic onion extracts showed an extension of the induction period. A 7-day ageing study at 45?C was additionally performed to determine the conjugated dienes on pure commercial corn oil and its emulsions by visible spectrophotometry. The spectral analysis showed an increase of the measured absorbancies in oil samples without additives and no change for the oils emulsified with onion extract. An increasing of diene values was observed for corn oil without additives during ageing;no changes in the value were observed in oils emulsified with onion extracts.

Effects of hot-water extract of <i>Paecilomyces hepiali</i>on hypertension parameters in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

In this study, effects of hot water extract of Paecilomyces hepiali mycelia on hypertension parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were investigated. The tested parameters included blood pressure, blood and urine biochemical composition, renin and angiotensin II levels in the blood. Prior to these tests, the extract was examined for toxicity. The fungus was cultivated in a solid medium composed of 40 g brown rice, 0.32 g glucose, 0.65 g sucrose, 2 g peptone and 65 ml corn steep liquor. No abnormality or harmful effects were observed in the toxicity test. Administration of a continuous-dose, once daily, to SHR for 27 weeks (from 13 weeks of age) decreased the systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly. Levels of blood urea nitrogen, β-lipoprotein lipid peroxides and low density lipoprotein were significantly lower in the treated groups when compared to the control group. Urinary protein was significantly reduced in the middle and high dose groups. In comparison with the control group (0 mg/kg/10ml/day), significantly higher values were obtained for total cholesterol in groups that were given middle (170 mg/kg/10ml/day) and high (250 mg/kg/10ml/day) dosages. In all dosages (low, middle and high) the values for triglyceride were significantly higher than value found in the control group. In terms of angiotensin II levels, the value in the control group was markedly higher than values in the other groups. The results suggest that oral administration of hot water extract of P. hepiali mycelia has ability to control hypertension in rats.

Sedative and Hypnotic Effects of Tartary Buckwheat Ethanol Extract

[Objective]The aim was to study the sedative and hypnotic effects of Tartary Buckwheat ethanol extract and lay a foundation for further expanding the application of Tartary Buckwheat. [Method]The effects of Tartary Buckwheat ethanol extract on pentobarbital sodium and mice spontaneous action times were recorded. [Result]Ethanol extract of Tartary Buckwheat could prolong mice sleep duration caused by pentobarbital sodium （suprathreshold dosage）,increase mice sleep number caused by pentobarbital sodium （subthreshold dosage）,and obviously inhibit mice spontaneous action times. [Conclusion]Ethanol extract of Tartary Buckwheat has a function of sedation.

Comparison of Molluscicide Activity of Ethanol Extract of Sapium sebiferum,Pterocarya stenoptera and Cryptomeria fortunei

[Objective] The aim was to compare the molluscicide activity of ethanol extract of Sapium sebiferum,Pterocarya stenoptera and Cryptomeria fortunei.[Method] The molluscicide activity of ethanol extract of S.sebiferum,P.stenoptera and C.fortunei was determined through poison test of Oncomelania hupensis in laboratory.[Result] S.sebiferum,P.stenoptera and C.fortunei had certain molluscicide effect,and S.sebiferum and C.fortunei had better effect with little difference than P.stenoptera;ethanol could extract the effective molluscicide component from plant more completely,and its molluscicide effect was better than that of plant infusion.[Conclusion] Our study could provide theory reference for the plant selection of controlling O.hupensis ecologically.