polystachya) aqueous seed extract and evaluation of its cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic properties

Callingcard Vine (Entada polystachya (L.) DC. var. polystachya - Fabaceae) is a common plant in coastal thickets from western Mexico through Central America to Colombia and Brazil, especially in Amazon biome. It has been popularly used as a urinary burning reliever and diuretic. However, the plant chemical constituents are poorly understood and Entada spp. genotoxic potential have not been previously investigated. In the present study we determined the chemical composition of the aqueous E. polystachya crude seed extract (EPCSE) and evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic properties of EPCSE in Salmonella typhimurium and Chinese hamster fibroblast (V79) cells. Cytotoxic activity was also evaluated in tumor cell lines (HT29, MCF7 and U87) and non-malignant cells (MRC5). The chemical analysis by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) of EPCSE indicated the presence of saponin and chalcone. The results of the MTT and clonal survival assays suggest that EPCSE is cytotoxic to V79 cells. Survival analysis showed higher IC50 in non-tumor compared with tumor cell lines. EPCSE showed induction of DNA strand breaks as revealed by the alkaline comet assay and micronucleus test. Using the modified comet assay, it was possible to detect the induction of oxidative DNA base damage by EPCSE in V79 cells. Consistently, the extract induced increase lipid peroxidation (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in V79 cells. In addition, EPCSE induced mutations in S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains, confirming a mutagenic potential. Taken together, our results suggest that EPCSE is cytotoxic and genotoxic to V79 cells and mutagenic to S. typhimurium. These properties can be related to the pro-oxidant ability of the extract and induction of DNA lesions. Additionally, EPCSE could inhibit the growth of tumor cells, especially human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29) cell line, and can constitute a possible source of antitumor natural agents.

seed extract and seed germination

The present study explored the germination inhibitors present in the seeds of Capparis spinosa L., a plant species that is known for its ecological significance in preventing wind erosion and fixing sand in desertified areas. Additionally, its roots, leaves, and fruits possess medicinal properties, and are used to treat a range of ailments such as rheumatism, tumors, and diabetes. However, the plant's low germination rate under natural conditions is a major limitation. We aimed to improve the germination of C. spinosa seeds by investigating the effects of various infusions of caper seeds on the germination and seedling growth of Chinese cabbage seeds. A range of chemical reagents, hormonal immersions, and sand storage treatments were used to determine the differences in the germination rate of C. spinosa seeds. Our results revealed that among the various water extract concentrations tested, 100% water extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the germination and growth of the cabbage seeds, with a germination rate of (70.00 ± 0.09)%. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of cabbage seeds were found to be strongest when treated with the extract solution 1, yielding a germination rate of (83.33 ± 0.02)%. Notably, the leaves of Chinese cabbage seedlings turned yellow-green and yellow after treatment with the extract solution. These findings highlight the potential inhibitory effects of C. spinosa seed extracts on seed germination and growth and suggest that further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms. The results of the germination experiment with methanol extract showed a sharp decline in the germination rate of Chinese cabbage seeds treated with 50% methanol extract, to (4.67 ± 0.02)%. These findings indicate the presence of germination-inhibiting substances in caper seeds. The highest germination potential was observed when the caper seeds were soaked in 30% PEG, reaching 35.00%. The highest germination rate, 19.33%, was observed when the seeds were soaked in 250 mg/L GA₃ and 25 mmol/L NaCl. These results suggest that the germination inhibitor present in caper seeds affects the germination of cabbage seeds as well. The highest germination rate was achieved when the seeds were soaked with gibberellin. It is hoped that the research on the germination-inhibiting substances in caper seeds will provide a scientific foundation for improving and refining the artificial propagation and cultivation methods of this species.

Pharmacognostic approach to evaluate the micromorphological, phytochemical and biological features of Citrus lumia seeds

This study evaluated the micro-morphology as well as the chemical and biological features of Citrus lumia seeds. The cream-colored pyriform seed showed a woody coat covered by a thick layer of mucilage and an embryo with two large cotyledons rich in oil bodies. Hydroxycinnamic acid glycosides and flavonoids are the most abundant compounds in methanol and ethyl acetate extracts (ME and EAE), respectively. Conversely, fatty acids and α-tocopherol represent the main bioactive compounds in the hexane extract (HE). ME showed the most promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities already in cell-free assays. These results were confirmed by experiments carried out on human primary cells. Indeed, ME showed the best inhibitory activity against heat-induced haemolysis and ROS formation in erythrocytes. Moreover, the same order of potency (ME > EAE > HE) was observed also on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in which the seed extracts were able to decrease TNF-α and IL-6 release after LPS-induced inflammation.

Green Synthesis and Characterisation of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cassia tora Seed Extract and Investigation of Antibacterial Potential

Nanoparticle research is fascinating and getting hold of consequences due to the wide variety of applications in the biomedical field. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. It can be synthesised using fungi, algae, plant, yeast, bacteria, microbial enzymes etc. Our current research study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using seed extract of Cassia tora. The colour change from yellow to red colour confirms the formation of silver nanoparticles. The synthesised silver nanoparticles were characterised by Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and antibacterial efficacy against three different strains were analysed. The surface plasmon resonance of synthesised AgNPs using Cassia tora seed extract shows maximum absorption peak at 423 nm in UV-visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction displays the crystalline nature of synthesised AgNPs and they exhibited four distinct peaks at 36.69°, 42.92°, 63.27° and 76.46°. The particle size of synthesised AgNPs observed through SEM was found to be 55.80 nm, 58.97 nm, 61.06 nm, 63.26 nm and 64.80 nm. S.aureus exhibited maximum zone of inhibition of 12 mm and 13 mm when treated with 25 and 50 μl of the synthesised nanoparticles. Thus, the green synthesised silver nanoparticle using Cassia tora seed extract proved to possess strong anti-bacterial activity.

The intake of an extract from seeds of Tamarindus indica L. modulates the endocrine function of adult male mice under a high fat diet

TBP is a natural product from Tamarindus indica L. seeds used as a natural remedy in India. This product is an antioxidant and may have beneficial effects on endocrine and metabolic functions. However, the regulatory mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. In males, testosterone is synthesized by Leydig cells from the testis. With aging and obesity, testis function declines, leading to decreased testosterone synthesis. The aim of the current research is to determine how TBP improves testosterone production in male mice under a high fat diet leading to hypoandrogenic condition. Using C2C12 myoblast cells, we have found that TBP increased mitochondrial mass and oxygen respiration, as well as the production of the IGF-1 hormone. In addition, treatment of TM3 Leydig cells with TBP resulted in increased testosterone production. In mice under a high fat diet, TBP lowered blood glucose level and corticosterone production and improved total testosterone production after five weeks of treatment. In addition, testicular expressions of genes encoding the mitochondrial transporter of cholesterol (Star) and steroidogenic enzymes (Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3) were increased by TBP. Hence, TBP may prevent the detrimental effects of long-term consumption of a high fat diet and may have health benefits on the endocrine function.

Protective effect of black raspberry seed containing anthocyanins against oxidative damage to DNA, protein, and lipid

This study aimed to determine bioactive components and radical scavenging capacity of black raspberry seed extracts as byproducts obtaining during the juice (FSE) and wine (WSE) making process. Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside was identified as a major anthocyanin and the total anthocyanin contents of fresh and wine seed were 78.24 and 41.61 mg/100 g of dry weight, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of FSE and WSE were 2.31 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 360.95 mg catechin equivalent (CE), and 2.44 g GAE and 379.54 mg CE per 100 g dry weight, respectively. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values were 1041.9 μM TE/g for FSE and 1060.4 μM TE/g for WSE. Pretreatment of the FSE and WSE inhibited the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA and protein damage induced by hydroxyl radicals, and Fe(3+)/ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner. WSE more effectively protected from oxidative damage than FSE. Results from the current study suggest that black raspberry seeds as byproducts from juice and wine processing could be potential sources for natural antioxidants.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Coffea arabica seed extract and its antibacterial activity

A novel green source was opted to synthesize silver nanoparticles using dried roasted Coffea arabica seed extract. Bio-reduction of silver was complete when the mixture (AgNO3+extract) changed its color from light to dark brown. UV-vis spectroscopy result showed maximum adsorption at 459 nm, which represents the characteristic surface plasmon resonance of nanosilver. X-ray crystal analysis showed that the silver nanoparticles are highly crystalline and exhibit a cubic, face centered lattice with characteristic (111), (200), (220) and (311) orientations. Particles exhibit spherical and ellipsoidal shaped structures as observed from TEM. Composition analysis obtained from SEM-EDXA confirmed the presence of elemental signature of silver. FTIR results recorded a downward shift of absorption bands between 800-1500 cm(-1) indicting the formation of silver nanoparticles. The mean particle size investigated using DLS was found to be in between 20-30 nm respectively. Anti-bacterial activity of silver nanoparticles on E. coli and S. aureus demonstrated diminished bacterial growth with the development of well-defined inhibition zones.