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PubMed1999

Subjective ratings of odorants by women with chemical sensitivity.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether women with chemical sensitivity rated the intensity and pleasantness of three odorants [peppermint, vanilla, and propylene glycol (PG)] and odorless room air differently than women without chemical sensitivity. The ratings of the experimental group (women with self-reported chemical sensitivity and no history of sexual abuse) were compared to those of two control groups who did not report chemical sensitivity [sexually abused (SA) women and healthy women without sexual abuse history]. All subjects were exposed to odorants and odorless control stimuli once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Our findings indicate that women with chemical sensitivity perceive odorants as neither more or less intense nor more or less pleasant than women without chemical sensitivity. Moreover, the control women without sexual abuse outperformed the women in the other two groups by correctly identifying the target bottle containing the odorant. These findings suggest that perception of odorants alone is unlikely to account for the symptoms associated with chemical sensitivity. These findings, along with those of Doty et al. (1988), support the notion that olfactory-sensory function does not differ between individuals with and without chemical sensitivity.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita L. and Mentha spicata L. on kidney tissue in rats.

Peppermint plants have been used as a herbal medicine for many conditions, including loss of appetite, common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, nausea, vomiting and indigestion. This study is aimed at investigating the biochemical and histological effects of Mentha piperita L., growing in the Yenisar Bademli town of Isparta City, and Mentha spicata L., growing on the Anamas high plateau of Isparta City, on rat kidney tissue. Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were used for this study. Animals were divided into four experimental groups, each with 12 rats, as follows: control group (group I); 20 g/L M. piperita tea (group II); 20 g/L M. spicata tea (group III); 40 g/L M. spicata tea (group IV). The control group rats were given commercial drinking water (Hayat DANONESA water). The tea for the other groups was prepared daily and provided at all times to the rats during 30 days as drinking water. Plasma urea and creatinine levels were determined, and the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were studied in the homogenates of kidney tissue. The levels of plasma urea and creatinine were increased significantly (P < 0.0033) in groups III and IV when compared with group I. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased significantly (P < 0.0033) in group IV when compared with group I. The activities of CAT were decreased significantly in groups III and IV (P < 0.033, P < 0.0033, respectively) when compared with group I. TBARS levels were increased significantly (P < 0.0033) in groups III and IV when compared with group I. In groups II, III and IV, hydropic degeneration of tubular epithelial cells, the epithelial cells with picnotic nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm, tubular dilatation and enlargements in Bowman capsules were observed histologically. However, in group II histopathological changes were more slight than in groups III and IV. In group IV, in addition to these changes, extremely hydropic degeneration of tubular epithelial cells, some atrophic tubules and glomerules, and focal mononuclear cell infiltrations in the kidney tissues of the rats were observed. In conclusion, the results indicate that M. piperita does not show nephrotoxicity but M. spicata presents markedly nephrotoxic changes in rats.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita Labiatae and Mentha spicata Labiatae on liver tissue in rats.

The plant Mentha piperita, or peppermint, is commonly used in the treatment of loss of appetite, common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion as a herbal agent. In this study, we aimed to investigate biochemical and histological effects of M. piperita Labiatae, growing in the Yenisar Bademli town of Isparta city, and Mentha spicata Labiatae, growing in the Anamas high plateau of the Yenisar Bademli town, on the rat liver tissue. Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were used for this study. Rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals: Group I received no herbal tea (control group); Group II received 20 g/L M. piperita tea; Group III received 20 g/L M. spicata tea; and Group IV received 40 g/L M. spicata tea. Herbal teas were prepared daily and provided at all times to the rats during 30 days as drinking water. Liver function tests, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT) activities were measured. To evaluate liver antioxidant defences, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) activities were determined in the homogenates of liver tissue. In addition, liver tissues were submitted for histopathologic examination. AST and ALT activities were increased in Group II, Group III and Group IV gradually when compared with the control group. The difference between Group II and the control group was not statistically significant (P > 0.016). Increases in AST and ALT activities of Group III and Group IV were statistically significant when compared with the control group. SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were increased in Group II when compared with the control group but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.016). However, SOD, GSH-Px activities and the TBARS level were significantly increased, and CAT activity was significantly decreased in Group III when compared with the control group. In Group IV, while SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were decreased, the TBARS level was increased as compared with the control group (P < 0.0016). Histopathological evaluation of experimental groups revealed a mild to severe degree of hepatic damage when compared to the control group. In Group II, there was only minimal hepatocytes degeneration. In Groups III and IV, there were granular or ballooning hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, sinusoidal and central vein dilatation. It was concluded that lipid peroxidation and hepatic damage occurs after M. piperita and M. spicata administration in rat liver and the damage seems to be dose dependent.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2003

Evidence for the involvement of dopamine in ambulation promoted by menthol in mice.

The present study examines the mechanism that underlies the ability of menthol (ME), a major constituent of peppermint oil, to promote mouse ambulation. We initially confirmed that bupropion (BUP), a dopamine (DA) uptake inhibitor, promotes ambulation in ICR mice. Since the subcutaneous administration of ME produced similar effects in mice, we investigated the effects of ME on ambulation when combined with BUP. The results showed that BUP potentiated the effect of ME on mouse ambulation. We then examined effects of the DA antagonists chlorpromazine, haloperidol, fluphenazine, spiperone, and SCH12679 on the ability of BUP and ME to promote ambulation. All of these DA antagonists attenuated the effects of BUP and ME. Prior exposure to reserpine, which depletes monoamines, caused decreased sensitivity to the ability of BUP and of ME in promoting ambulation. The tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, similarly decreased subsequent sensitivity to the effects of BUP and ME. These results suggest that DA is involved in the abilities of ME and BUP to promote ambulation in mice.

Amphetamine↗
PubMed2003

(+)-Menthol and its hydroxy derivatives, novel fungal monoterpenols from the fusicoccin-producing fungi, Phomopsis amygdali F6a and Niigata 2.

In our search for new fusicoccins of unique diterpene glucosides from Phomopsis amygdali, we found that a fragrant substance was formed in the early stage of fusicoccin fermentation. This fragrant constituent was isolated and identified as (+)-menthol, which is a novel fungal metabolite as the enantiomer of well-known peppermint (-)-menthol. (+)-7-Hydroxymenthol and new (+)-(6S)-hydroxymenthol were also isolated and identified as fungal metabolites. In addition, p-menthanetriol, which has been reported as the first fungal monoterpene from the fungus, was also isolated. The possible biosynthetic relationship of these metabolites is discussed.

Carbon Isotopes↗
PubMed2003

[Use of phytotherapy in children up to 5 years of age in a central and peripheral area of the city of Sao Paulo].

This research evaluated the use of phytotherapy in children who attend a Health Center in an urban area and a Health Center in the suburbs of São Paulo city. This is an exploratory and descriptive study with 120 mothers who attend two Health Centers (60 mothers in the urban area and another 60 in the suburbs), during December 2001. After receiving approval from the Ethics Committee, the mothers were individually interviewed and it was confirmed that 79 (66%) of them frequently used chamomile, fennel and peppermint for the intestinal cramps, flu symptoms and to calm their children down. Directions on how and what to use was provided mainly by parents and grandparents (57%) and no great differences could be found in the use of herbs in the two areas of São Paulo.

Brazil↗
PubMed2003

Development of a toxic bait for control of eastern lubber grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae).

This study assessed baits for eastern lubber grasshopper, Romalea guttata (Houttuyn). When offered a choice among several grain-based baits (rolled oats, wheat bran, oat bran, yeast, corn meal, cornflakes) and vegetable oils (canola, corn, peanut, soybean), eastern lubber grasshopper adults preferred bait consisting of wheat bran carrier with corn oil as an added phagostimulant. Other carriers were accepted but consumed less frequently. Discrimination by eastern lubber grasshoppers among oils was poor. Similarly, addition of flavorings (peppermint, anise, lemon, banana) resulted in few significant effects. The carbaryl, wheat bran, and oil bait developed in this study was effective at causing eastern lubber grasshopper mortality in field-cage studies. Significant mortality occurred even though grasshoppers had to locate dishes of bait in a large cage, and could feed on daylilies, or grass growing through the bottom of the cage, rather than on the bran flakes. Consumption of as little as a single carbaryl-treated bran flake could induce mortality, although individuals varied greatly in their susceptibility. The bait matrix developed in this study was readily consumed when in the presence of some plant species. We expect that wheat bran and corn oil bait would be most effective as protection for less preferred plants (tomato, pepper, eggplant, leek, parsley, fennel, daylily, lily of the Nile, and canna lily) because baits were readily consumed in the presence of these plants. Plants that are readily consumed in the presence of bait (preferred plants) included butter crunch lettuce, carrot, yellow squash, cauliflower, collards, green onion, chive, cucumber, cabbage, cantalope, endive, red leaf lettuce, society garlic, caladium, and amaryllis. Baits are likely to be less effective in the presence of such plants. On average, vegetables in Solanaceae (i.e., tomato, pepper, and eggplant) and Apiaceae (i.e., fennel and parsley) elicited high levels of bait-feeding activity, indicating that these vegetables were not highly preferred. The plants tested from Liliaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, and Brassicaceae elicited an intermediate-to-low level of bait feeding.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Toxicity of plant essential oils to Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae).

A total of 53 plant essential oils were tested for their insecticidal activities against eggs, nymphs, and adults of Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, using an impregnated filter paper bioassays without allowing direct contact. Responses varied according to oil type and dose, and developmental stage of the insect. Bay, caraway seed, clove leaf, lemon eucalyptus, lime dis 5 F, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosewood, spearmint, and tea tree oils were highly effective against T. vaporariorum adults, nymphs, and eggs at 0.0023, 0.0093, and 0.0047 microl/ml air, respectively. These results indicate that the mode of delivery of these essential oils was largely a result of action in the vapor phase. Significant correlations among adulticidal, nymphicidal, and ovicidal activities of the test oils were observed. The essential oils described herein merit further study as potential fumigants for T. vaporariorum control.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Prophylaxis of hemodialysis graft thrombosis with fish oil: double-blind, randomized, prospective trial.

Diets enriched with fish oil may favorably affect the vascular perturbations underlying synthetic graft thrombosis. Therefore, these studies were designed to test the hypothesis that diets enriched with fish oil would decrease the incidence of thrombosis in newly constructed polytetrafluorethylene grafts. A double-blind, randomized trial was conducted. Twenty-four patients were randomized to receive 4000 mg of fish oil or 4000 mg of control oil. Both preparations were enriched with antioxidants and deodorized with peppermint. Patients began therapy within 2 wk after graft placement and were monitored for 12 mo or until thrombosis developed. With a permuted-block randomization schedule, 12 patients received fish oil and 12 patients received control oil. The primary patency rates at 365 d were 14.9% for the control group and 75.6% for the fish oil-treated group. Survival analysis revealed a significant difference between fish oil-treated and untreated patients (P < 0.03, Mantel-Cox test), with a power of 90%. Moreover, analysis of covariables, including age of > or =50 yr, gender, race, body weight, diabetes mellitus, bleeding times, and lipid profiles, indicated that this effect occurred principally as a result of fish oil administration. Importantly, fish oil treatment also decreased venous outflow resistance and systemic BP, compared with control values. Fish oils possess unique biologic properties that favorably affect the incidence of polytetrafluorethylene graft thrombosis, and they thus represent a potential treatment strategy for the prevention of access thrombosis.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Time course of protein synthesis-dependent phase of olfactory memory in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus.

The cricket Gryllus bimaculatus forms a stable olfactory memory that lasts for practically a lifetime. As a first step to elucidate the cellular mechanisms of olfactory learning and memory retention in crickets, we studied the dependency of memory retention on the de novo brain protein synthesis by injecting the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) into the head capsule. Injection of CHX inhibited (3)H-leucine incorporation into brain proteins by > 90% for 3 hr. Crickets were trained to associate peppermint odor with water (reward) and vanilla odor with saline solution (non-reward) and were injected with CHX before or at different times after training. Their odor preferences were tested at 2 hr, 1 day and 4 days after training. Memory retention at 2 hr after training was unaffected by CHX injection. However, the level of retention at 1 day and 4 days after training was lowered when CHX was injected 1 hour before training or at 1 hr or 6 hr after training. To study the time course of the development of CHX-sensitive memory phase, crickets that had been injected with CHX at 1 hr after training were tested at different times from 2 to 12 hr after training. The level of retention was unaffected up to 4 hr after training but significantly lowered at 5 hr after training, and the CHX-sensitive memory phase developed gradually during the next several hours. CHX dissociates two phases of olfactory memory in crickets: earlier protein synthesis-independent phase (< 4 hr) and later (> 5 hr) protein synthesis-dependent phase.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Assessment of wool waste and hair waste as soil amendment and nutrient source.

A field and two container experiments were conducted to assess uncomposted wool and hair wastes as a nutrient source for crops and to evaluate their potential to improve soil biological and chemical properties. Overall, addition of wool or hair waste to soil increased yields of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. 'Trakia'), thorn apple (Datura innoxia Mill. 'Inka'), peppermint (Mentha x piperita L. 'Black Mitchum'), and garden sage (Salvia officinalis L. 'Desislava'), increased NH(4)-N and NO(3)-N in soil, increased total N (and protein) content in plant tissue, stimulated soil microbial biomass, and decreased mycorrhizae colonization of plant roots of thorn apple but not in basil. Wool and hair waste additions to soil altered slightly the content and composition of plant secondary metabolites (essential oils or alkaloids); however, overall the constituents remained within the "typical" range for the respective crops. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis demonstrated that wool and hair wastes decompose slowly under field or greenhouse conditions, and act as a slow release S, N, P, and K fertilizer. These results, along with the measured concentrations of NO(3)-N in soil at harvest, suggest that the addition of wool or hair waste of only 3.3 g kg(-1) of soil may support two to five harvests or crops under greenhouse conditions and two to four field seasons in field production systems, and would improve soil biological and chemical characteristics. Further research is needed to optimize the rate of application of these waste materials to the nutrient requirements of specific crops to avoid nitrate leaching into the ground water. In addition, the effect of wool and hair waste on other environmental end points should also be further investigated before specific recommendations for growers are provided.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2006

Ranitidine (Zantac) syrup versus Ranitidine effervescent tablets (Zantac) EFFERdose) in children: a single-center taste preference study.

BACKGROUND: The histamine H(2) receptor antagonist ranitidine is US FDA-approved for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and healing of erosive esophagitis in children >or=1 month of age. A low-dose strength of ranitidine is now available in a citrus-flavored 25 mg effervescent tablet (dissolved in 5 mL of water); this formulation was developed to facilitate use in infants and smaller children. Ranitidine syrup is available in a peppermint-flavored 15 mg/mL formulation. OBJECTIVE: To compare taste preferences for ranitidine (Zantac) syrup and ranitidine effervescent tablets dissolved in water (Zantac EFFERdose) in healthy children aged 4-8 years and their adult caregivers. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, crossover, taste test trial was conducted in 102 children and 102 parents/legal guardians. All subjects received a single 45 mg dose of each formulation. After tasting both preparations children were asked: "Now that you have tasted both medicines, which one of these medicines do you think tastes better?" Adults were asked four questions to assess whether they would administer the medication to the children. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent (72/102) of the children preferred the taste of the ranitidine effervescent tablets compared with 29% (30/102) who preferred the syrup (p < 0.001). The majority of adults (71%) responded that they would prefer to administer the effervescent formulation based on taste. Adverse events consistent with product labeling were mild and were reported in four children and three adults: headache (n = 3), drowsiness (n = 1), abdominal pain/cramps (n = 2), and bloating/gas (n = 1). CONCLUSION: The taste of the ranitidine effervescent formulation dissolved in water is preferred over the ranitidine syrup. Better taste acceptance may facilitate ease of administration and compliance in pediatric patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of passive smoking on odour identification in children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The effect of passive smoking on odour identification in children has rarely been reported. This study assessed the ability of such young subjects to identify a variety of odours. METHODS: The study population consisted of 20 children, 10 who were exposed to passive smoke at home and 10 with nonsmoking parents. Ten odourants were tested: vinegar, ammonia, peppermint, roses, bleach, vanilla, cough drops, turpentine, licorice, and mothballs. Each child was presented with five test trays containing all 10 odourants in random order. RESULTS: Of the total of 500 odours presented, the control group correctly identified 396 (79%) and the study group identified 356 (71%) (p < .005). The study group tended to misidentify 4 of the 10 odourants tested, namely, vanilla, roses, mothballs, and cough drops-56 of 200 (28%), compared with 96 of 200 (48%) in the control group. This was a highly significant finding (p < .0005). CONCLUSION: This work demonstrated that children exposed to passive smoke have difficulty identifying odours in comparison with children raised in relatively smoke-free environments. The identification of four odourants, vanilla, roses, mothballs, and cough drops, was particularly diminished in this study group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Oesophageal pH-metry: should meals be standardized?

To assess the effect of a late-evening, high-fat meal on nocturnal supine gastro-oesophageal reflux, eight healthy volunteers (aged 20 to 38 years) underwent two ambulatory oesophageal pH-metry recordings, the first after a standardized light meal at 1930 h and the second after a high-fat meal including peppermint and chocolate, at 2130 h. Between 2300 and 0700 h, when subjects were supine, the median acid exposure time (percentage recording with pH less than 4) increased from 0.0% (range, 0.0-6.8%) after the standardized meal to 7.9% (0.0-17.8%) after the high-fat meal (p = 0.031). Similarly, the median number of reflux episodes increased from 0 (0 to 11) after the standardized meal to 7 (0 to 26) after the high-fat meal (p = 0.031). Reflux occurred after both meals, but, in general, persistent nocturnal reflux was observed only after the high-fat meal. Thus, the analysis of oesophageal pH recordings should consider the effects of meal composition and timing on oesophageal acid exposure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Development of vegetable extracts by microencapsulation.

The microencapsulation of essential oils offers protection against oxidation and evaporation, and allows the concurrent utilization of several vegetable extracts. Complex coacervation methods have been described for essential oils. Even though microencapsulation involves wrapping the essential oils in shells, some difficulties arise in the process of stabilizing the essential oils: oil may be lost by evaporation and partial dissolution in the water-gelatin phase and this will vary with the type of essential oil being encapsulated. In order to investigate the efficacy of the gelatin-polyphosphate methods we analysed their essential oil microcapsules peppermint and rosemary, in particular their granulometric size distribution, oil content (%) and encapsulation yield (%). In addition the essential oils were analysed by GC before and after microencapsulation so as to investigate the loss of their components during the process.

Capsules↗
PubMed1996

Alternate drug delivery routes for A-71623, a potent cholecystokinin-A receptor agonist tetrapeptide.

A-71623 (BOC-Trp-Lys(epsilon-N-2-methylphenylaminocarbonyl)- Asp-(N-methyl)-Phe-NH2) is a tetrapeptide which has high affinity and selectivity for cholecystokinin receptors; it is a potent appetite suppresser in animal studies. Because of its low (< 1%) oral bioavailability, studies were performed to assess the feasibility of delivery of A-71623 by pulmonary, sublingual, and transdermal routes of administration. The pKa was determined to be 4.2 by spectrophotometric titration; aqueous solubility is increased by increasing pH and by increasing ethanol content. The solubility of A-71623 in ethanol/propellant mixtures was investigated; solubility ranged from 1.0 to 2.5 mg/mL in mixtures of ethanol, propellant 11 (trichlorofluoromethane), and propellant 12 (dichlorodifluoromethane). The log apparent octanol/water partition coefficient was 2.8 at pH 5 and 1.0 at pH 8. Maximum stability at 70 degrees C was seen in the range of pH values of 5.5-7.5; hydrolysis of the N-terminal BOC group appears to be the primary route of degradation. Increasing ethanol content increases the stability; Arrhenius analysis indicated a t90 of 150 days under ambient conditions in 25% ethanol. Intratracheal delivery of 3 mumol/kg A-71623 in 50% ethanol to rats showed rapid and efficient absorption of drug from the lungs, with a Cmax of 2.7 microM and an AUC of 85 microM*min. Similar studies in dogs showed bioavailabilities of 59% and 46% for 2 and 3 mumol/kg intratracheal doses, respectively, relative to intravenous administration. Sublingual administration of 1 mumol/kg A-71623 in a vehicle of 80% ethanol/2% Klucel/2.5% peppermint oil gave high prolonged plasma levels of A-71623, with a Cmax of 0.37 microM, indicating high bioavailability and favorable partitioning and distribution effects from the sublingual cavity for this formulation. Transdermal delivery was examined by in vitro diffusion through human skin; the permeability coefficient of A-71623 in 40% ethanol was 2.6 x 10(-5) cm/hr, suggesting that transdermal delivery of up to 2 mg/day may be feasible. In conclusion, the results provide preliminary indications that delivery of efficacious doses of A-71623, and perhaps other CCK analogs, by alternate routes of delivery is probably feasible.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2000

Volatile sulfur production by pig cecal bacteria in batch culture and screening inhibitors of sulfate reducing bacteria.

We studied the effects of specific inhibitors of methanogenesis (2-bromoethane sulfonate, BES) and sulfate reduction (sodium molybdate) on volatile sulfur production in batch cultures of pig cecal bacteria. The volatile sulfur concentration in headspace gas was determined by flame-photometric detector gas chromatography. BES stimulated production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methanethiol, and sodium molybdate completely inhibited the production of these volatile sulfur compounds. The results indicated that dissimilate sulfate reduction is mainly responsible for volatile sulfur production in the hindgut. Therefore the extracts of herbs, food colors, and aroma chemicals were tested for their inhibitory effects on H2S production by a dissimilatory sulfate-reducing bacteria. Desulfovibrio desulfuricans DSM642. H2S was measured by the chromatography of the headspace gas, using a flame photometric detector. Of 306 herbal extracts tested, 69 extracts from 38 herbs inhibited H2S production at 1.0 mg/mL. Sisymbrium officinale (hedge mustard) was the most potent inhibitor. Six pigments inhibited H2S release. Erythrosine and rose bengal showed inhibitory effects at 0.01 mg/mL. Peppermint oil and 96 aroma chemicals were assayed for their effects on H2S release. Thirty-two aroma chemicals suppressed H2S production at 0.1 mg/mL, and camphene, 1-decanol, and 2-nonanone were effective at 0.01 mg/mL.

Alkanesulfonic Acids↗
PubMed2002

Influence of dietary supplementation of herb extracts on volatile sulfur production in pig large intestine.

Volatile sulfur compounds (VS) are generated in the large intestine by the bacterial metabolism of sulfate and sulfur amino acids. VS are potentially harmful to the host. The effect of dietary supplementation of herb extracts on volatile sulfur production in the large intestine of pig was evaluated in this study. The extracts Perilla frutescens (Soyou), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), and Ajuga decumbens (Kiransou) were fed to pigs equipped with a permanent cannula at the cecum. Cecal digesta were sampled and analyzed for ammonia and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Sampled digesta were incubated anaerobically either with or without L-methionine for 24 h to estimate volatile sulfur production in vivo. L-Methionine was supplemented to enhance methanethiol (MeSH) production. At the end of the incubation, head space concentrations of volatile sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), MeSH, and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) were determined by flame-photometric gaschromatography after the addition of 6 N HCl. Sampled digesta were also subjected to the most probable number estimations for sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), sulfide producer from L-methionine, and MeSH producers from L-methionine. All three herb extracts significantly decreased H2S (p<0.05), MeSH (p<0.05), and ammonia (p<0.05) production, but SCFA production was not affected (p>0.05). The number of volatile sulfur-producing bacteria did not vary among groups by the dietary supplementation of these herb extracts. Serial solvent extraction was done on these herb extracts to specify the active fractions that reduce volatile sulfur production. n-Butanol fraction of all three extracts significantly reduced volatile sulfur production in vitro.

Ajuga↗