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PubMed2003

Role of exudation of organic acids and phosphate in aluminum tolerance of four tropical woody species.

Responses of Melaleuca leucadendra (L.) L., Melaleuca cajuputi Powell, Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. to aluminum (Al) toxicity at low pH are poorly understood. We investigated effects of low pH and exudation of ligands by roots on Al tolerance of these species. Seedlings were grown hydroponically in nutrient solutions at pH 4.2 or 3.5 containing AlCl3 at concentrations ranging from 0 to 4 mM Al. The presence of 4 mM Al at pH 3.5 depressed growth in all species. Growth depression was greatest in E. camaldulensis, least in A. auriculiformis. In the low Al treatment (0.5 mM Al), roots of M. cajuputi tended to have the highest Al concentration among species, whereas in the 4 mM Al treatment, the highest Al concentration was found in roots of E. camaldulensis. Aluminum application enhanced root exudation of citrate in all species, with the enhancement in M. cajuputi, M. leucadendra and A. auriculiformis being similar and much greater than in E. camaldulensis. Exudation of oxalate and phenolic compounds was greater in E. camaldulensis than in the other species. The presence of Al enhanced phosphate exudation in all species, particularly in A. auriculiformis. Acacia auriculiformis was tolerant to low pH, probably because the presence of an unknown substance increased the pH. Application of 0.38 mM Al alleviated the toxicity of the pH 3.5 treatment in E. camaldulensis and M. cajuputi, whereas low pH alleviated Al toxicity in A. auriculiformis. We conclude that exudation of ligands such as citrate and phosphate only partly accounts for interspecific differences in Al tolerance among the tropical woody plants studied, whereas the reciprocal alleviation of Al toxicity and low pH differed considerably among the species.

Acacia↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of genotoxicity of medicinal plant extracts by the comet and VITOTOX tests.

We report the results of our genotoxic evaluation of extracts from three medicinal plants Acacia nilotica, Juglans regia, and Terminalia chebula and the herbal drug Triphala employing the VITOTOX and comet tests.These tests detect DNA damage in prokaryotic and eukaryotic test systems, respectively. In the VITOTOX test, none of the extracts were identified as genotoxic. In the comet assay, extracts of Acacia nilotica showed statistically significant DNA damage only in a concentration of 2500 ppm (highest tested dose), whereas extracts from Juglans regia showed significant damage in concentrations above 250 ppm and more. Extracts from Terminalia chebula and Tripahala significantly increased DNA damage in a concentration above 500 ppm. This is not considered contradictory, because DNA damage in the alkaline comet assay may not be permanent and hence may not necessarily result in mutations. All the extracts were previously found in the Ames assay to have potent antimutagenic effects against the direct acting mutagens NPD, sodium azide, and the S9-dependent mutagen 2-AF. The results of the previous study using the Ames assay are in conformity with those of the VITOTOX test. It was found that the extracts were safe in concentrations of up to 1000 microg/0.1 mL and 2500 microg/0.1 mL. A literature survey also showed that plant extracts can be mutagenic as well as antimutagenic depending on the test system used. This indicates that a battery of assays is needed before any conclusion can be reached.

Acacia↗
PubMed2003

[Litterfalls of major forest stands at Baiyunshan scenic spot of Guangzhou].

The productions, seasonal dynamics, macronutrient contents and decomposition rates of the litterfalls of four typical stands, e.g., Pinus massoniana plantation, secondary evergreen broadleaved forest, Acacia mangium plantation and Schima superba-Acacia mangium plantation at the scenic Baiyunshan of Guangzhou were studied. The litterfall productions of four stands in 1998 were 8.34, 6.77, 6.31 and 11.54 t.hm-2, respectively. The seasonal dynamics of litterfall amounts demonstrated the single-peak model with the peak period in June and July. The total amounts of macronutrients returned to the forest land by means of litters in the four stands in 1998 were 26.30, 69.81, 54.9 and 152.24 kg.hm-2, respectively. The annual decomposition rates of the litterfalls were 24.4%, 53.4%, 52.4% and 57.4%.

Acacia↗
PubMed2000

Foraging energetics in patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) and tantalus monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops tantalus): implications for reproductive seasonality.

The patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) in Kala Maloue, Cameroon, have their birth season in the mid-dry season, whereas closely related, sympatric tantalus monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops tantalus) have their birth season in the wet season. To evaluate the optimality of a species-specific birth season, I estimated the daily intake of available energy and gross protein, and energy expenditure for one individual of each sex of each species between respective birth and mating seasons. The monkeys obtained a larger amount of available energy and gross protein in the birth season than in the mating season. No significant seasonal differences in energy expenditure between the birth and mating season were found. Thus, the birth season appears to be timed to the season when the monkeys can obtain more surplus energy and protein. Interspecific differences in the optimality of birth season were attributed to widely exploitative foraging, supported by the patas' high locomotive ability, which may enable them to obtain more energy from seeds of Acacia seyal and gums of A. sieberiana, and more protein from grasshoppers and seeds of A. seyal in the mid-dry season than the tantalus monkeys. A review of preceding studies suggests that the availability of seeds of Acacia fruiting during the dry season may exert the dominant influence on timing of birth not only in patas but also in savanna monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), which include the tantalus monkeys.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Antibacterial activity of Australian plant extracts against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).

Ethanolic extracts of five traditional Australian medicinal plants, previously shown to display antibacterial activity against laboratory strains of the Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, were investigated for their abilities to inhibit clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Using plate-hole diffusion assays, the following results were obtained: (a) extract from the leaves of Eremophila alternifolia (Myoporaceae) showed activity against MRSA; (b) extract from the leaves of Acacia kempeana (Mimosaceae) showed incomplete inhibition of VRE; (c) extracts from the leaves of Amyema quandong (Loranthaceae) and Eremophila duttonii (Myoporaceae) were active against both types of bacteria; (d) extract from the stem base of Lepidosperma viscidum (Cyperaceae) was active against MRSA and exhibited incomplete inhibition of VRE. All active extracts were evaluated using time-kill assays. Most of the extracts showed bactericidal effects and reduced the number of viable cells by 4-6 logs within four hours, while the extracts from Acacia kempeana leaves and Lepidosperma viscidum stem base exhibited bacteriostatic activity against VRE. The extract from the leaves of Eremophila duttonii was the most active and reduced the number of viable cells of MRSA and VRE to undetectable levels within 1 hour.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1981

Effect of macromolecules on aqueous solubility of cholesterol and hormone drugs.

The solubility of cholesterol and some hormone drugs in aqueous macromolecule solutions was investigated. Polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextrans, and heparin increased the solubilities of progesterone, testosterone, and diethylstilbestrol, while acacia, pectin, and carrageenans decreased their solubilities. Dextrans increased the solubilities of cholesterol and the three hormone drugs. Acacia and pectin greatly increased cholesterol solubility; however, these macromolecules significantly decreased progesterone and diethylstilbestrol solubilities and slightly decreased progesterone solubility. Heparin decreased cholesterol solubility and increased progesterone, testosterone, and diethylstilbestrol solubilities. Carrageenans significantly decreased cholesterol, progesterone, and testosterones solubilities and had little effect on diethylstilbestrol solubility. A strong bathochromic shift in the absorption spectra of progesterone and testosterone in polyvinylpyrrolidone solutions indicated an attachment between the polymer and the C=O group of the steroids.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed1984

Phase separation induced in gelatin-base coacervation systems by addition of water-soluble nonionic polymers I: Microencapsulation.

A microencapsulation procedure in which water-soluble nonionic polymers (especially, polyethylene oxide or polyethylene glycol) were added to gelatin-base coacervation systems is described. The advantages of this method are: (a) The addition of a small amount of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polyethylene oxide (PEO) to a complex coacervation system (e.g., gelatin-acacia) allows microencapsulation to occur over an expanded pH region (pH 2-9 in gelatin-acacia). (b) These polymers induce phase separation in an aqueous solution of gelatin alone and enable the preparation of gelatin-coated microcapsules not only in the vicinity of the isoelectric point (pH 9.0), but over a wide pH range (pH 5.5-9.5). (c) Spherical single-seeded microcapsules can be obtained.

Capsules↗
PubMed1985

Phase separation induced in gelatin-base coacervation systems by addition of water-soluble nonionic polymers II: effect of molecular weight.

Phase separation, induced in aqueous solutions of gelatin or gelatin-acacia by adding polyethylene oxide (PEO) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different molecular weights, was examined. The minimum concentration (Cp) of PEO or PEG required to cause phase separation decreased with an increase in the molecular weight (M2) of the polymer. The dependence of Cp on M2 for a complex coacervation (gelatin-acacia-water) system was larger than for a simple coacervation (gelatin-water) system, in which Cp was approximately proportional to M2-1/2. Elemental analyses indicated that coacervates induced in gelatin-water systems by the addition of PEO (or PEG) did not contain PEO (or PEG); therefore, phase separation may be due to incompatibility.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗
PubMed2004

Antimicrobial evaluation of some medicinal plants for their anti-enteric potential against multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi.

Screening was done of some plants of importance in the Ayurvedic system of traditional medicine used in India to treat enteric diseases. Fifty four plant extracts (methanol and aqueous) were assayed for their activity against multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi. Strong antibacterial activity was shown by the methanol extracts of Aegle marmelos, Salmalia malabarica, Punica granatum, Myristica fragrans, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Terminalia arjuna and Triphal (mixture of Emblica of fi cinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia belerica). Moderate antimicrobial activity was shown by Picorhiza kurroa, Acacia catechu, Acacia nilotica, Cichorium intybus, Embelia ribes, Solanum nigrum, Carum copticum, Apium graveolens, Ocimum sanctum, Peucedanum graveolens and Butea monosperma.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2003

Indian medicinal plants as a reservoir of protective phytochemicals.

India is one of the 12 mega diversity countries in the world so it has a vital stake in conservation and sustainable utilization of its biodiversity resources. Plant secondary metabolites have been of interest to man for a long time due to their pharmacological relevance. With this in view, the bark powder of Acacia auriculiformis, A. nilotica, Juglans regia, and the fruit powder of Terminalia bellerica, T. chebula, Emblica officinalis, and a combination drug "Triphala," which are known to be rich in polyphenols, were tested for their antimutagenic activities. Antimutagenic activities of the extracts were estimated by employing the plate incorporation Ames Salmonella histidine reversion assay by using the frame shift mutagen tester strain TA98 and base pair substitution strain TA100 against direct acting mutagens (NPD, sodium azide), and the S9-dependent mutagen 2-aminofluorene(2AF). Acetone extracts of all the plants exhibited significant antimutagenic activities among the other extracts tested, but an acetone extract of Acacia nilotica showed a marked anti-mutagent effect. Furthermore, it was more effective against indirect acting mutagen, 2AF, in both TA98 and TA100 tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium than against the direct acting mutagens. The results indicate that an acetone extract of bark and fruit of the medicinal plants under study harbors constituents with promising antimutagenic/anticarcinogenic potential that could be investigated further.

Antimutagenic Agents↗
PubMed1994

Ash and chromium levels of some types of honey.

The effect of season and species of plant on the ash and chromium (Cr) content of honey was studied. There were four types of honey: sunflower, acacia, floral and wild floral. In total there were 80 samples. The botanical origin of the honey was determined by microscopic analyses of pollen as well as the organoleptic properties. The Cr content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average Cr content in two consecutive seasons for all species was 0.121 microgram/g wet weight, and 0.1515 microgram/g dry weight. For sunflower, acacia, floral and wild floral honey the mean values were 0.103 microgram/g, 0.152 microgram/g, 0.125 microgram/g and 0.098 microgram/g wet weight and 0.1305 microgram/g, 0.1883 microgram/g, 0.1603 microgram/g and 0.1206 microgram/g dry weight, respectively. The average ash content in all 80 samples was 0.141%. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) influence of season on the ash content as well as interaction of species and season on the Cr content.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed2003

Roles for auxin during morphogenesis of the compound leaves of pea ( Pisum sativum).

The goal of this study was to explore the impact of the plant growth regulator auxin on the development of compound leaves in pea. Wildtype ( WT) plantlets, as well as those of two leaf mutants, acacia ( tl) and tendrilled acacia ( uni-tac) of pea ( Pisum sativum L.), were grown on media containing the auxin-transport inhibitors 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), N-(1-naphthyl)phthalamic acid (NPA), or the auxin antagonist, p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (PCIB). The resulting plantlets were carefully analyzed morphologically, by scanning electron microscopy and for Uni gene expression using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Auxin transport was measured in WT leaf parts using [(14)C]indole-3-acetic acid. Relative Uni gene expression was determined in shoot tips of a range of leaf-form mutants. Morphological abnormalities were observed for all genotypes examined. The terminal tendrils on WT plants were converted to leaflets, stubs or were aborted. The number of pinna pairs produced on leaves was reduced, with the distal forms being eliminated before the proximal ones. Some leaves were converted to simple, including tri-and bilobed, forms. These treatments phenocopy the uni-tac and unifoliata ( uni) mutants of pea. In the most extreme situations, leaf blades were completely lost leaving only a pair of stipules or scale leaves. Polar auxin transport was basipetal for all leaf parts. Uni gene expression in shoot tips was significantly reduced in 60 microM NPA and TIBA. Uni mRNA was more abundant in tl, af and af tl and reduced in the uni mutants compared to WT. These results indicate that an auxin gradient plays fundamental roles in controlling morphogenesis in the compound leaves of pea and specifically it: (i). is the driving force for leaf growth and pinna determination; (ii). is necessary for pinna initiation; and (iii). controls subsequent pinna development.

Culture Techniques↗
PubMed1984

Hydrocolloid food additives and rat caecal microbial enzyme activities.

Agar, carboxymethylcellulose, carrageenan, guar gum, gum acacia, locust-beam gum or pectin (50 g/kg diet), given to weanling rats for 4 wk, increased the weight of the caecal wall and the caecal contents. Feeding carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum or pectin significantly increased, and feeding carrageenan decreased, the total bacterial population of the caecum. Feeding carboxymethylcellulose significantly increased in vitro activity of bacterial azoreductase, beta-glucosidase, beta-glucuronidase, nitrate reductase, nitroreductase and urease. Guar gum, gum acacia and locust-bean gum each increased at least three of these activities. In contrast, feeding carrageenan greatly decreased all microbial enzyme activities, while agar decreased beta-glucosidase, beta-glucuronidase and nitroreductase activities.

Agar↗
PubMed2004

Preliminary evaluation of fungicidal and termiticidal activities of filtrates from biomass slurry fuel production.

Biomass slurry fuel (BSF) production has recently been developed as a natural energy for the conversion of solid biomass into fuel. In addition to using fuel, filtrates from BSF production may also serve a chemical source with several organic compounds. There is an increasing interest in the research and application of biomass-based filtrates. In this study, fungicidal and termiticidal properties of filtrates from BSF production using sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) and acacia (Acacia mangium) wood were evaluated in laboratory decay and termite resistance tests. Wood blocks treated with the filtrates showed increased resistance against brown-rot fungus, Fomitopsis palustris. However the filtrates from sugi wood processed at 270 degrees C which contained less phenolic compounds than the other filtrates were effective against white-rot fungus, Trametes versicolor. Phenolic compounds of filtrates seemed to play a role in the decay resistance tests however the filtrates did not increase the durability of the wood blocks against subterranean termites Coptotermes formosanus. Despite high acetic and lactic acid content of the filtrates, vanillin content of the filtrates may have served as an additional food source and promoted termite attack. It can be concluded that filtrates with phenolic compounds from lignin degradation during BSF production can be considered for targeted inhibition of brown-rot.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Inhibitory effects of microencapsulated allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in refrigerated, nitrogen packed, finely chopped beef.

Allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) is an effective inhibitor of various pathogens, but its use in the food industry is limited by its volatility and pungency. The objective of this study was to overcome the volatility of AIT by microencapsulation and evaluate its antimicrobial effectiveness against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in chopped beef. Chopped beef was aseptically prepared and inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of E. coli O157:H7 to yield 4 or 8 log10 cfu/g. AIT was microencapsulated in gum acacia to yield 3.7-54.8 mg AIT/g at a ratio of 1:4 and freeze dried. Microcapsules at 5% or 10% (w/w) were then added to experimental samples that were packed under nitrogen, and stored at 4 degrees C for 18 days. Samples were analyzed for numbers of E. coli O157:H7 and the aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAC) at 3-day intervals. AIT at 4980 ppm eliminated both low and high levels of inoculated E. coli O157:H7 after 15 and 18 days of storage, respectively. AIT at 2828 ppm reduced E. coli by 2.7 log10 cfu/g by 18 days of storage. AIT levels <1000 ppm were not more effective in reducing E. coli survival than the control treatment without AIT addition. AIT at 170-1480 ppm had negligible effects on the TAC, and while 4980 ppm kept TAC levels <or=3 log10 cfu/g during 18 days of storage, the TAC reached 7.25 log10 cfu/g in the control. It was found that AIT microencapsulated in gum acacia could be used in chopped refrigerated beef to reduce or eliminate large numbers of E. coli O157:H7.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

The examination of polysaccharides as potential antioxidative compounds for topical administration using a lipid model system.

Aim of this study was the detection of polysaccharides with antioxidative properties as potential lipid protectors for topical administration. The effects of eight different polysaccharides on UV irradiation induced lipid peroxidation were investigated in a concentration dependent manner. An aqueous linolenic acid dispersion was used as an in vitro test system to examine the influences of acacia gum, agar agar, alginic acid, guar gum, novelose 330 and xanthan gum on the lipid peroxidation level after UV exposure. Four different samples of pectin and locust bean gum resulting from a swing mill grinding series were tested as well. Iron ions were added as transition metal catalysts. A UV irradiation device was used to create high level radiation. The amount of lipid peroxidation secondary products was quantified by the thiobarbituric acid assay detecting malondialdehyde. All of the tested polysaccharides showed antioxidative effects at least at one concentration. For acacia and xanthan gum, a concentration dependency of the protective effects was measured. The samples of agar agar, guar gum and novelose 330 acted antioxidatively without showing any concentration dependency. For alginic acid, prooxidative effects were determined. A correlation between grinding time and the effects of pectin and locust bean gum on the model lipid was not observed. The administration of lipid protective polysaccharides in cosmetic formulations or sunscreens could be helpful for the protection of the human skin against UV induced damage. In vivo experiments with the lipid protective polysaccharides found in this study should follow.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2006

Studies on the luteolytic, oestrogenic and follicle-stimulating hormone like activity of plant Rhaphidophora pertusa (Roxb.).

The phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological feature of plant Rhaphidophora pertusa (Roxb.) was done. Phytosteroids, flavonoids, tannins and glucosides were detected in the plant extracts. In cross-bred (Zebu X Holstein-Friesian or Jersey) dairy cows, subsequent to prostaglandin (PG) induced oestrus, to each group (n=4), cloprostenol (PG control) 100 microg i.m. on day 10, the rice gruel (vehicle) was fed on day 10 or the fresh stem (1 kg/animal/day) in rice gruel on day 9, or days 9 and 10, or days 9-11 of the oestrous cycle. Each group received subcutaneously either 5% gum acacia suspension or the plant ethyl acetate or methanol extract (1g in gum acacia) on days 8 (to bannur ewes) or 10 (to dairy cows) of the oestrous cycle. In PG control cows or ewes, there was induction of oestrus in 48 h and a fall in serum progesterone concentration. The feeding of fresh stem in the rice gruel or the s.c. administration of the plant extract did not induce oestrus or significantly (P>0.05) alter the serum progesterone, bilirubin, calcium, creatinine, phosphorus, magnesium and glucose concentrations or the total erythrocyte and leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count and haemoglobin concentration. The plant did not cause any toxicity in the cow or ewe. In immature rats, the aqueous or methanol (hot or cold) extract did not cause any follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-like activity. The methanol extract increased the uterine weight in ovariectomised rats. This suggested the presence of oestrogenic activity in the plant. In conclusion, the present study revealed the presence of oestrogenic activity in the plant and the absence of luteolytic or FSH-like or toxic activity.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Antifungal activity of some Tanzanian plants used traditionally for the treatment of fungal infections.

Using the ethnobotanical approach, some Tanzanian plants reported to be used by traditional healers for the treatment of oral candidiasis and fungal infections of the skin were collected and screened for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Cryptococcus neoformans. A total of 65 crude methanol extracts belonging to 56 plant species and 38 families were screened using the broth microdilution method, according to the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) (formerly, National Committee for Clinical and Laboratory Standards) [National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, 2002. Reference Method for Broth Dilution Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Yeasts. Approved Standard-2nd Edition M27-A2, National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Wayne, PA, USA]. Among the tested plant species, 45% (25 species) showed antifungal activity against one or more of the test fungi. The most susceptible yeasts were Cryptococcus neoformans, followed by Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis. The least susceptible were Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Strong antifungal activity was exhibited by extracts of Clausena anisata Oliv., Sclerocariya birrea Sond, Turraea holstii Gurk, Sterculia africana (Lour) Fiori, Acacia robusta subsp. Usambarensis (Taub) Brenan, Cyphosterma hildebrandti (Gilg), Desc, Elaeodendron buchannanii (Lows), Acacia nilotica (L.) Wild ex Del, Jatropha multifida L., and Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn.

Antifungal Agents↗