Properties of Ginkgo biloba L.: Antioxidant Characterization, Antimicrobial Activities, and Genomic MicroRNA Based Marker Fingerprints

The aim of this study was to characterize extracts from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba L. from selected Slovakian localities in terms of the content of bioactive constituents, antioxidants and their antimicrobial properties. The results indicated that the content of antioxidants was sample-specific, and this specificity was statistically significant. Ginkgo biloba L. from the locality of Košice had the best activity determined by the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) (1.545 mg Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/g fresh matter (FM)) as well as the molybdenum-reducing antioxidant power (35.485 mg TEAC/g FM) methods. The highest content of total polyphenols (2.803 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g FM) and flavonoids (4.649 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g FM) was also detected in this sample. All samples of G. biloba leaf extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity against one or more of the examined bacterial species, and Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus CCM 2461 was found to be the most susceptible (minimal inhibition concentration MIC50 and MIC90 values of 64.2 and 72.2 µg/mL, respectively). Based on the results it was concluded that Ginkgo biloba L. extracts can be used as antimicrobial and antioxidant additives. Selected miRNA-based molecular markers were used to examine the environmental adaptability of Ginkgo biloba L. An almost-complete genotype clustering pattern based on locality was determined in the analysis that involved a species-specific gb-miR5261 marker. Morphologically specific exemplar, cv. Ohatsuki, was excluded.

Enhanced antimicrobial activity of starch-based film impregnated with thermally processed tannic acid, a strong antioxidant

Starch-based films impregnated with fresh tannic acid (FTA/starch film) and thermally processed tannic acid (PTA/starch film) were assessed for inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Disc-diffusion assay revealed that the PTA/starch film showed larger clear zone around the film on the bacterial lawn than the FTA/starch film at the same tannic acid concentrations (0.45 to 4.5mg per disc). Viable cell count assays in tryptic soy broth showed that the PTA/starch film also had a stronger antimicrobial activity on these foodborne pathogens than the FTA/starch film. L. monocytogenes did not replicate in trypic soy broth containing the FTA/starch film for the first 8h but multiplied up to 9.22 log CFU/ml at 48 h of incubation. The PTA/starch film caused a 2.72-log decrease in L. monocytogenes cells over the same time period. While 5-log E. coli O157:H7 cells were inactivated by the FTA/starch film within 48 h, more than 7-log E. coli O157:H7 cells were killed by the PTA/starch film over the same period. The antimicrobial activity of FTA/starch and PTA/starch film was primarily pH independent. HPLC measurement of the FTA or PTA release from starch film in water revealed that their release kinetic curves were in well match with their inactivation curves for E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes in 0.1% peptone water. In addition to antimicrobial activity, FTA showed antioxidant activity on soybean oil by doubling the induction time of oil oxidation. PTA further enhanced the oxidative stability of the oil by 17%. These results suggested that the use of processed tannic acid in starch films could improve the safety and quality of foods.

Echinacea purpurea supplementation stimulates select groups of human gastrointestinal tract microbiota

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of the dietary supplement Echinacea purpurea on aerobic and anaerobic bacteria common to the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Botanical extracts have shown in vitro antimicrobial effects against certain pathogenic bacteria. It is uncertain if medicinal herbs have any effect against pathogenic bacteria or on the native GI microbiota.

METHODS

Fifteen human subjects consumed 1000 mg of standardized E. purpurea for 10 days. Faecal samples were collected at baseline, 10 days and 17-18 days following supplementation. Samples were tested for select aerobic and anaerobic bacteria using plate culture microbiological methods.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Significant increases were found for total aerobic bacteria, Bacteroides group and Bacteroides fragilis after E. purpurea exposure. Supplementation did not significantly alter the number of enteric bacteria, enterococci, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria or total anaerobic bacteria.

CONCLUSION

Echinacea supplementation has altered the GI microbiota. The health consequences associated with this change are unknown but previous research has shown increased Bacteroides concentrations associated with diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease and increased risk of colon cancer. Additional research should delineate the role of Echinacea in the stimulation of Bacteroides and describe the effects of other botanical supplements to the GI microbiota.