Effect of Spice form and Extraction Period on Total Phenolic Content of Selected Ugandan Spices

Introduction: Spice consumption is one of the globally recognized healthy nutritional practices. Most spices contain phenolic compounds that may prevent or prolong the onset of non-communicable diseases. The harvesting, processing and preparation procedures of such spices may influence the phenolic amount extracted and eventual biological availability. Literature about how extraction period and spice form affects total phenolic content yield in water infusions is scanty. Aim: This study determined the effect of spice form and length of extraction time on the total phenolic content (TPC) yield of the selected Ugandan spices infused in water. Methods: Samples of Ocimum gratissimum, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon citratus and Zingiber officinale, were collected in triplicates from Kanungu, Bushenyi and Lugazi Districts, in Uganda. Fresh and dry samples of these spices were infused in hot water for four minutes and 40 minutes and sieved with Whatman paper, No. 1. Phenolic content was measured with a spectrophotometer at Makerere University, Biochemistry Department, following Folin-ciocalteu method, using gallic acid as the reference standard. Results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software. Results: Higher TPC yield was generally observed in dry samples compared to the flesh ones and 40-minute extracts of both fresh and dry samples also had higher TPC content compared to the four minutes ones. The highest TPC yield was observed in Cymbopogon citratus (12.21±0.75 mg GAE/g) among the dry samples and Ocimum gratissimum (10.02±2.45 mg GAE/g) among the fresh samples, extracted for 40 minutes. Conclusion: Longer extraction time and sample dryness maximize TPC yield. Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus may benefit consumers by improving their antioxidant status.

Chemical constituents, larvicidal activity and molluscicidal from fresh leaves of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf / Constituyentes químicos, actividad larvicida y molusquicida de hojas frescas de Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) y Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf / Constituintes químicos, atividade larvicida e moluscicida de folhas frescas de Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) e Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf

SUMMARY Introduction: This study evaluated the chemical characterization, larvicidal activity and molluscicidal activity in front of the snail transmitting schistosomes (Biomphalaria glabrata) of the essential oils of Alpinia zerumbet and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. The essential oils (EOs) were extracted by hydrodistillation, with chemical characterization through Gas Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The physical-chemical parameters were determined according to the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The toxicity test followed the bioassay with Artemia salina Leach, the EOs approved in this assay followed to evaluate their biological properties. Methodology: For molluscicidal activity, the methodology recommended by the WHO was performed, and the LC50 of the EOs was performed for their action in the face of the snail obtained by the Reed&Muench method. Both EOs showed low toxicity, and thus were evaluated for the biological properties larvicidal and molluscicidal. Alpinia zerumbet EO showed molluscicidal activity with LC50 of40.63 mg-L-1 and Cymbopogon citratus EO 33.94 mg-L-1. Results: Both EOs showed larvicidal and molluscicidal potentials against the organisms tested, showing satisfactory results for their action. The results indicate that the evaluated EOs are composed of substances that promote and encourage their application due to their potential for molluscicidal and larvicidal biological activity.

RESUMEN Introducción: Este estudio evaluó la caracterización química, la actividad larvicida y la actividad molusquicida frente al caracol que transmite esquistosomas (Biomphalaria glabrata) de los aceites esenciales de Alpinia zerumbet y Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. Los aceites esenciales (AE) fueron extraídos por hidrodestilación, con caracterización química a través de cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (GC-MS). Los parámetros físico-químicos se determinaron de acuerdo con la Farmacopea Brasileña. La prueba de toxicidad siguió al bioensayo con Artemia salina Leach, los AE probados en este ensayo se evaluaron a continuación en sus propiedades biológicas. Metodología: Para la actividad molusquicida se empleó la metodología recomendada por la OMS, y la LC50 de las AE se realizó para su acción frente al caracol obtenido por el método Reed&Muench. Ambos AE mostraron baja toxicidad, y por lo tanto fueron evaluados para las propiedades biológicas larvicidas y molusquicidas. Alpinia zerumbet AE mostró actividad molusquicida con LC50 de 40,63 mg-L'1 y Cymbopogon citratus EO 33,94 mg-L-1. Resultados: Ambos AE mostraron potenciales larvicidas y molusquicidas contra los organismos probados, mostrando resultados satisfactorios para su acción. Los resultados indican que los AE evaluados están compuestos de sustancias que promueven y fomentan su aplicación debido a su potencial para la actividad biológica molusquicida y larvicida.

RESUMO Introdução: Este estudo avaliou a caracterização química, atividade larvicida e ativi-dade moluscicida contra o caramujo transmissor de esquistossomos (Biomphalaria glabrata) dos óleos essenciais de Alpinia zerumbet e Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. Os óleos essenciais (AE) foram extraídos por hidrodestilação, com caracterização química por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). Os parâmetros físico-químicos foram determinados de acordo com a Farmacopéia Brasileira. O teste de toxicidade seguiu o bioensaio com Artemia salina Leach, os EA testados neste teste foram então avaliados quanto às suas propriedades biológicas. Metodologia: Para a atividade moluscicida, foi utilizada a metodologia recomendada pela OMS, e o LC50 do EA foi realizado para sua ação contra o caramujo obtido pelo método de Reed & Muench. Ambos os AE apresentaram baixa toxicidade e, portanto, foram avaliados quanto às propriedades biológicas larvicidas e moluscicidas. Alpinia zerumbet AE apresentou atividade moluscicida com CL50 de 40,63 mg-L-1 e Cymbopogon citratus EO 33,94 mg-L-1. Resultados: Ambos os AE apresentaram potencial larvicida e moluscicida contra os organismos testados, apresentando resultados satisfatórios para sua ação. Os resultados indicam que os AE avaliados são compostos por substâncias que promovem e estimulam sua aplicação devido ao seu potencial de atividade biológica moluscicida e larvicida.

Effect of essential oils on the development of Colletotrichum sp. fungus in fragments of Feijoa sellowiana fruits

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum, Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus citriodora and Rosmarinus officinalis on the mycelial development of the fungus Colletotrichum sp. in fragments of Feijoa sellowiana fruits. The essential oils were incorporated in the PDA (Potato-Dextrose-Agar) medium in the concentrations of 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, 0 ppm (PDA only) (negative control), and fungicide fluazinam 1% (positive control). The area under the mycelial growth curve (AUMGC) and percent inhibition of mycelial growth (PIMG) were calculated. In the second evaluation, fruits fragments bordering the disease symptom were immersed in essential oils aqueous solution of S. aromaticum, C. citratus, and E. citriodora, at the concentration of 5000 ppm, 0 ppm (water only - negative control) and fluazinam 1% (positive control). The immersion times in the treatments were: 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours, with subsequent incubation in Agar-Agar medium at 25°C. This evaluation was performed daily for 15 days, observing the moment of fungal germination through the emission of the mycelium. It was verified from the obtained results that all treatments reduced the fungal growth, and the essential oils of C. citratus and S. aromaticum totally inhibited its growth from the dose 500 and 1000 ppm, respectively. Regarding the test on fruit fragments, the essential oil of S. aromaticum at the immersion times of 12 and 24 hours was effective in inhibiting the fungus until the 15th day of evaluation.

Investigating Drug Properties Of Bioactive Compounds Of Cymbopogon Citratus By Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion/Toxicity And Molecular Docking Analysis Against Apolipoprotein N-Acyl Transferase

Delivering a potential drug is a predominant challenge in medicinal chemistry.in this study, bio organic compounds of Cymbopogon citratus was screened by analysing physiochemical properties like solubility, permeability, efficacy, toxicity, and metabolic stability. The optimization of drug potential against virulent protein was calculated by using docking algorithm Autodock 4.2.3. Structure based ligand docking reveals that the compounds having better inhibition potential against virulent enzymes with insoluble and impermeable activities. The organic compounds of Cymbopogon citratus were screened using Lipinski rule of five and ADME/T prediction for drug likeliness. The structure based ligand docking was done between bioactive compounds of plant and virulent protein that cause diseases. The interaction was visualized using Discovery studio and was studies. The molecular docking of bioactive compounds resulted in better inhibition potential with controlled lipophilicity level, without causing toxicity that harms the natural habitat of humans. The compounds, 1,3,4-trimethyl -3cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde exhibit binding energy -4.70 Kcal/mol followed by β-myrcene – 4.35 Kcal/mol and Geraniol -4.35 Kcal/mol. Hence, structure based ligand docking and in silico ADME/T studies revealed that the compounds have better inhibition potential against Apolipoprotein by improving the prediction of drug compounds.

Cymbopogon citratus aqueous leaf extract attenuates neurobehavioral and biochemical changes induced by social defeat stress in mice / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Psychosocial stress has been implicated in the genesis of psychiatric disorders such as memory deficits, depression, anxiety and addiction. Aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CYC) otherwise known as lemongrass tea has antidepressant, anxiolytic and anti-amnesic effects in rodents. This study was designed to evaluate if C. citratus could reverse the neurobehavioral and biochemical derangements induced by social defeat stress (SDS) in the resident/intruder paradigm. Methods: Intruder male mice were divided into five groups (n = 7): group 1 received saline (10 mL/kg, p.o.; non-stress control), group 2 also received saline (10 mL/kg, p.o.; SDS control) while groups 3–5 had C. citratus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 14 d. The SDS was carried out 30 min after each treatment from day 7 to day 14 by exposing each intruder mouse in groups 2–5 to a 10 min confrontation in the home cage of an aggressive resident counterpart. The neurobehavioral features (spontaneous motor activity-SMA, anxiety, memory, social avoidance and depression were then evaluated. The concentrations of nitrite, malondialdehyde and glutathione as well as acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain tissues were also determined. Results: C. citratus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) attenuated hypolocomotion, heightened anxiety, depressive-like symptom, memory deficit and social avoidance induced by SDS. The altered levels of oxidative stress and acetyl-cholinesterase in SDS-mice were positively modulated by C. citratus. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that C. citratus might mitigate psychosocial stress-induced neurologic diseases in susceptible individuals.

Medicinal plants for Dermatophytosis: Senna Alata (Linn.) Roxb., Allium sativum (Linn.) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf

@#Skin mycoses have been a major problem affecting millions around the globe. The threat of resistance to synthetic antifungal agents however is a major obstacle in its management. As an alternative to these, a thorough investigation of natural products is being performed to develop medicines that are effective and safe. In this review, we described three antifungal herbal plants that are available in the Philippines, namely Senna alata (Linn.) Roxb. (akapulko), Allium sativum (Linn.) (garlic) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (lemongrass). In vitro studies showed promising results that can be used as a basis for drug formulation for community use as well as commercial products. So far, there have been no reported toxic effects from these plants. The common ground for these plants’ mechanism of action was the effect of their phytochemicals in the cell membrane and cell wall organelles, inhibition of major biosynthetic pathways, and prevention of biofilm formation. Formulation and clinical studies also revealed promising results comparable to the synthetic ones.

Avaliação antifúngica de uma solução à base de glucoprotamina e do óleo essencial de Cymbopogon citratus em leveduras de ambiente hospitalar / Antifungal action of a solution based on the glucoprotamine and the essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus on the yeasts from the hospital environment

O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar a atividade antifúngica de uma solução à base de glucoprotamina (GLU) e de óleo essencial (OE) de Cymbopogon citratus. Candida tropicalis, Claviceps lusitaniae, Meyerozyma (Pichia) guilliermondii e Candida parapsilosis foram isoladas das superfícies de um hospital público de Pelotas, RS. A atividade antifúngica da GLU foi analisada nas concentrações de 0,25% a 0,0005%, e para o OE, obtido por Clevenger, foi utilizado nas concentrações de 17.500 μg/mL a 0,034 μg/mL. A análise cromatográfica foi efetuada por meio de CG/MS. A atividade anti-Candida foi analisada pela técnica de Microdiluição em Caldo para determinar a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e a Concentração Fungicida Mínima (CFM). A inibição pela GLU ocorreu em todas as concentrações testadas, enquanto o OE apresentou resultado de CIM que oscilou de 2846 a 5450 μg/mL, e CFM de 2853 a 5330 μg/mL. Alfa–citral (37,10%), beta–citral (32,77% e beta-mirceno (18,75%) foram considerados como os compostos majoritários do OE. Os dados obtidos neste trabalho destacam a atividade antifúngica da solução à base de GLU e do OE de C. citratus na eliminação dos isolados de Candida spp ambientais.

This study aimed at evaluating the antifungal activity of glucoprotamine solution (GLU) and the essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus (EO). Candida tropicalis, Claviceps lusitaniae, Meyerozyma (Pichia) guilliermondii and Candida parapsilosis were isolated from the samples, which were collected from the surfaces of a public hospital located in Pelotas, RS. The antifungal activity of GLU was detected at the concentrations from 0.25% to 0.0005%, while the EO, by Clevenger, was used at concentrations from 17.500 μg mL to 0.034 μg/mL. Chemical analysis was determined by GC/MS. The anti-Candida activity was performed by using Broth Microdilution technique to determine the Minimal Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The inhibition by GLU occurred at all of the tested concentrations, whereas the EO showed MIC ranging from 2.846 to 5.450 μ/mL and the CFM from 2.853 to 5.330 μg/mL. Alfa–citral (37.10%), beta–citral (32.77%) and beta-mirceno (18.75%) were the majority compounds in the EO. The data obtained in the present study highlight the effectiveness of the solution based on GLU and EO for eliminating the environmental isolates of Candida spp.

Avaliação antifúngica de uma solução à base de glucoprotamina e do óleo essencial de Cymbopogon citratusem leveduras de ambiente hospitalar / Antifungal action of a solution based on the glucoprotamine and the essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus on the yeasts from the hospital environment

O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar a atividade antifúngica de uma solução à base de glucoprotamina (GLU) e de óleo essencial (OE) de Cymbopogon citratus. Candida tropicalis, Claviceps lusitaniae, Meyerozyma (Pichia) guilliermondii e Candida parapsilosis foram isoladas das superfícies de um hospital público de Pelotas, RS. A atividade antifúngica da GLU foi analisada nas concentrações de 0,25% a 0,0005%, e para o OE, obtido por Clevenger, foi utilizado nas concentrações de 17.500 µg/mL a 0,034 µg/mL. A análise cromatográfica foi efetuada por meio de CG/MS. A atividade anti-Candidafoi analisada pela técnica de Microdiluição em Caldo para determinar a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e a Concentração Fungicida Mínima (CFM). A inibição pela GLU ocorreu em todas as concentrações testadas, enquanto o OE apresentou resultado de CIM que oscilou de 2846 a 5450 µg/mL, e CFM de 2853 a 5330 µg/mL. Alfa­citral (37,10%), beta­citral (32,77% e beta-mirceno (18,75%) foram considerados como os compostos majoritários do OE. Os dados obtidos neste trabalho destacam a atividade antifúngica da solução à base de GLU e do OE de C. citratus na eliminação dos isolados de Candida spp ambientais. (AU)

This study aimed at evaluating the antifungal activity of glucoprotamine solution (GLU) and the essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus (EO). Candida tropicalis, Claviceps lusitaniae, Meyerozyma(Pichia) guilliermondii and Candida parapsilosis were isolated from the samples, which were collected from the surfaces of a public hospital located in Pelotas, RS. The antifungal activity of GLU was detected at the concentrations from 0.25% to 0.0005%, while the EO, by Clevenger, was used at concentrations from 17.500 µg mL to 0.034 µg/mL. Chemical analysis was determined by GC/MS. The anti-Candida activity was performed by using Broth Microdilution technique to determine the Minimal Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The inhibition by GLU occurred at all of the tested concentrations, whereas the EO showed MIC ranging from 2.846 to 5.450 µ/mL and the CFM from 2.853 to 5.330 µg/mL. Alfa­citral (37.10%), beta­citral (32.77%) and beta-mirceno (18.75%) were the majority compounds in the EO. The data obtained in the present study highlight the effectiveness of the solution based on GLU and EO for eliminating the environmental isolates of Candida spp. (AU)

Toxicological and pharmacological profiling of organically and non-organically cultivated Cymbopogon citratus

Background: With the rapid depletion of forests, impairing the availability of raw drugs, Ayurveda, hasreached a very critical phase. Consequently, cultivation of medicinal plants is essential to ensure theiravailability to the industry. In view of the above concept, organic farming of medicinal plants needsscientific validity.Objectives: The present study includes the organic and non-organic cultivation of Cymbopogon citratus,followed by toxicological and pharmacological profiling of extracts.Materials and methods: C. citratus was simultaneously cultivated organically (OCC) and non-organically(NCC). Toxicity profile of aqueous extracts was recorded on prokaryotes using bioluminescent bacteria,Vibrio harveyi and evaluated its type 2 anti-diabetic activity.Results: OCC have shown the higher mean values of height, number of germplasms and root lengthscompared to NCC. The higher level of toxicity was shown by NCC with decrease in bioluminescence withincreasing concentration of extract. In acute type 2 anti-diabetic study, OCC showed prominent decreasein blood glucose at postprandial condition (6th h) (48.86% OCC-200). The order of sub-chronic antidiabetic activity was observed as positive control > OCC-200 > NCC-200, while OCC at 200 mg/kg corrected the altered lipid profile and antioxidant status with significant increase in body weights of animals. Histopathological examination of pancreas showed the enlargement of pancreatic islets andformation of neo islets with degenerative changes in OCC treated animals.Conclusion: The study confirms that organically grown C. citratus is better in terms of nourishment,biological activity and safety measures.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Essential Oil of Cymbopogon citratus against Oral Microflora Associated with Dental Plaque

Aims: Dental biofilms are complex, multi-species microorganism communities that inhabit the oral cavity in the form of dental plaque which causes dental caries and periodontal diseases. The present study aims to explore the potential of Lemon Grass Essential Oil (LGEO) extracted from Cymbopogon citratus as antimicrobial and antibiofilm agent against the microorganisms responsible for dental plaque. Study Design: Observational and comparison study. Place and Duration of Study: Research centre, Department of Microbiology, Abasaheb Garware college, Pune, India, between Dec 2012 to Jan 2017. Methodology: Three bacterial species primarily responsible for the biofilm formation were isolated from dental plaque and identified using 16S ribosomal RNA sequences. Five most primary colonizer of dental plaque organisms were acquired from the Microbial Type Culture Collection cultures. Antimicrobial as well as antibiofilm activity of LGEO, was determined against these eight biofilm forming microorganism. The antibiofilm activity of LGEO was evaluated against oral flora individually, as well as in consortium. Results: LGEO displayed excellent antimicrobial activity against eight test organisms associated with dental plaque, representing four genera namely Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus and Candida. MIC of LGEO for all test organisms was determined as 1.5% (v/v). The LGEO was found to exhibit as high as 76% biofilm inhibitory activity even in the consortium, where the biofilm formation sometimes has been noted to be comparatively more than that of the individual organism, making LGEO a very promising antibiofilm agent. Conclusion: LGEO present in rampantly grown plant, Cymbopogon citratus, has remarkable antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against the dental plaque organism and thus can be the economical, convenient, natural and nontoxic herbal material to effectively control the oral microflora associated with dental plaque.

Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity evaluation of Cymbopogon spp hydroethanolic extracts

Cymbopogon citratus and C. nardus are noteworthy among the several existing plant species displaying medicinal properties, due to the potential pharmacological activity of these species, including antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-trypanosomal activities. The objective of this study was to carry out in vitro toxicity tests of plant extracts from both species and analyze potential antiviral activity against Human mastadenovirus serotype 5 (HAdV-5). Two cell lines (A549 and VERO) were used and mitochondrial and lysosomal viability were determined by the MTT and neutral red assay, respectively, after two exposure times (24 hours and six days). The aim of these assays was to counteract the behavior of the extracts against the different cell lines and determine their non-toxic concentration range, in order to evaluate possible antiviral activity against HAdV-5. Plaque reduction and inhibition index of viral titer assays were performed using the maximum non-cytotoxic concentrations (MNCC) of each extract. The results indicate MNCC at 625 µg/mL for all extracts, except for Cymbopogon nardus obtained with 80% ethanol (CN80), which showed toxicity at concentrations higher than 312.5 µg/mL. CN80 was the only extract that displayed potential activity against HAdV-5, at a concentration of 75 µg/mL, becoming a candidate for extract fraction purification and/or the isolation of substances related to the observed antiviral activity

Antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) on Streptococcus mutans biofilm and its cytotoxic effects

Resumen La caries dental, es una patología de origen multifactorial y actualmente los productos naturales son un tratamiento alternativo eficiente. El trabajo buscó evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de tres sustancias (Cymbopogon citratus y los componentes citral y mirceno) contra Streptococcus mutans ATCC UA159, así como su citotoxicidad sobre queratinocitos y fibroblastos humanos. A través de Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido, se observó la morfología típica de S. mutans, y una formación característica de polisacáridos, con una disposición más estructurada a las 48 h. El efecto de viabilidad bacteriana contra S. mutans en biofilms se evaluó a través de la exposición a las tres sustancias mediante el uso de la técnica de alto rendimiento MBEC, a concentraciones de 1, 0.1 y 0.01 μg/ml y clorhexidina como control positivo. La citotoxicidad de los compuestos se evaluó sobre queratinocitos y fibroblastos, mediante la técnica de reducción de MTT, utilizando 0.5 mM de H2O2 como control de muerte celular (control negativo) y etanol 1 % como control del vehículo (control positivo). Las tres sustancias evaluadas, tuvieron efectos sobre la viabilidad bacteriana de S. mutans con una mortalidad entre 74 y 96 %, sin diferencia significativa entre ellos (P > 0.393); adicionalmente, no fue evidente la citotoxicidad sobre queratinocitos y fibroblastos en un tratamiento de 24 h. Las sustancias evaluadas mostraron efectos antimicrobianos significativos; por lo tanto, estos deben estudiarse más a fondo como posibles coadyuvantes para prevenir la caries dental que causa efectos adversos menores.(AU)

Abstract Dental caries is a pathology of multifactorial origin and currently natural products are an efficient alternative treatment. The work sought to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the three substances (Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and the citral and myrcene components) against Streptococcus mutans ATCC UA159, as well as their cytotoxicity on keratinocytes and human fibroblasts. Through Scanning electron microscopy, the typical morphology of S. mutans was observed and, a characteristic formation of polysaccharides, with more structured arrangement at 48 h. The bacterial viability effect against S. mutans on biofilms was evaluated through exposure to the three substances by using the MBEC technique-high-throughput at concentrations of 1, 0.1, and 0.01 µg/mL and chlorhexidine as positive control. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated on keratinocytes and fibroblasts through the MTT reduction technique, using 0.5 mM H2O2 as cell-death control (negative control) and ethanol 1 % as vehicle control (positive control). The three substances evaluated had effects on the bacterial viability of S. mutans with mortality between 74 and 96 %, without significant difference among them (P > 0.393); additionally, no cytotoxicity was evident on keratinocytes and fibroblasts in a 24 h treatment. The substances evaluated showed significant antimicrobial effects; hence, these should be studied further as potential co-adjuvants to prevent dental caries that cause minor adverse effects.(AU)

Effect of Bio and Organic Fertilizers on Oil Production and Chemical Composition of Lemongrass Plant

This study was carried out at the Department of Ornamental Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University during the two successive seasons of 2015 and 2016. The experiment was designed using a complete randomized blocks design. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NPK (recommended dose), biofertilizers (Nitrobien and Phosphorien) at 1,2 and 4 g/plant, compost and poultry manure at the rates of 5, 10 and 15 ton/ feddan (feddan=4200 m2) on essential oil production and biochemical compositions of Cymbopogon citratus plants. The results showed that the average percentage of essential oil ranged between 0.140-0.300% at the first cut and 0.133-0.283% at the second cut of the two seasons, respectively. First cut (in August) resulted in more essential oil production than second cut (in October). Poultry manure produced the maximum essential oil yield/plant compared to control and the other fertilizer treatments. The main components in essential oil of lemongrass were β. myrcene, linalool, neral (citral b), geranial (citral a) and geranyl acetate identified by GC. Arranged in descending order, the major constituents were citral a and citral b which reached to 69.72- 81.39% in the oil. Compost at the rate of 10 ton/ feddan was the most effective application in citral content which reached to 81.39%. The organic applications positively affected pigments content of lemongrass plant. The highest herb content of phosphorus and potassium resulted from the plants treated by compost at the rate of 10 ton/ feddan and nitrobien at the rate of 2 g/plant.

Cuban flora species as a potential source of DNA protective compounds / Especies de la flora cubana cómo fuente potencial de compuestos protectores del DNA

Environmental exposure to genotoxic agents represents a major health concern for modern society. DNA damage could lead to mutations, which accumulative effect is closely related to degenerative and lethal diseases, such as cancer. Because of their structural and chemical diversity natural products play a fundamental role in pharmaceutical sciences for novel drug discovery. The present review article focuses on pre-clinical studies done with some species from Cuban flora that have been tested with positive antigenotoxic properties against different genotoxins. Special emphasis regarding molecular mechanisms suggested, from antioxidant activity to DNA repair modulation, a critical discussion of the state of art and the perspectives in the use of these plants as a new and promising strategy for genoprotection in the 21st Century are included.

La exposición ambiental a agentes genotóxicos representa un problema de salud significativo en la sociedad actual. El daño al ADN puede generar mutaciones, cuyo efecto acumulativo se encuentra estrechamente relacionado con enfermedades degenerativas y letales como el cáncer. Debido a su diversidad estructural y química los productos naturales juegan un papel fundamental en las ciencias farmacéuticas en el descubrimiento de nuevas drogas. El presente artículo de revisión puntualiza estudios pre-clínicos realizados con determinadas especies de la flora cubana que han sido estudiadas con una respuesta antioxidante positiva frente a diferentes genotoxinas. Se enfatizan especialmente los mecanismos moleculares sugeridos, desde actividad antioxidante hasta modulación de la reparación del ADN, así como una discusión crítica del estado del arte y las perspectivas en el empleo de estas plantas como una estrategia nueva y prometedora para la genoprotección en el siglo 21.

Extraction of bioactive compounds of lemongrass, antioxidant activity and evaluation of antimicrobial activity in fresh chicken sausage / Extração de compostos bioativos de capim-limão, atividade antioxidante e avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana em linguiça frescal de frango

ABSTRACT: The aim of this work was to determine the best extraction condition of bioactive compounds from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), using the conventional method and ultrasonic assisted extraction, varying the temperature, in order to evaluate the antioxidant activity and the antimicrobial activity of the extract with higher antioxidant power in fresh chicken sausages during the storage period. The extracts were obtained by the conventional method (solvent extraction) and by ultrasound assisted extraction, varying the temperature (20°C, 40°C and 60°C). Phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity were measured by the DPPH, FRAP, ORAC methods. Conventional extraction and ultrasound methods influenced the phenolic and total flavonoid content at all tested temperatures. Conventional and ultrasonic methods did not influence the IC50 at temperatures of 40°C and 60°C. The antioxidant activity by the DPPH method and by the FRAP method was superior in the conventional method at the temperature of 60°C, however by the ORAC method the best results were in the extraction by ultrasound. The results demonstrate that the conventional extraction at 60ºC was better to obtain extracts of lemongrass with greater amount of bioactive compounds. The antimicrobial capacity evaluated in sausage of fresh chicken showed that in the concentration of 1.0% of the extract protected the product as the growth of mesophilic aerobes and against the growth of psychrotrophic bacteria. Lemongrass can be considered as a natural alternative to obtain extracts rich in bioactive compounds, with antioxidant activity and high antimicrobial capacity.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a melhor condição de extração de compostos bioativos do capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus), usando o método convencional e extração assistida por ultrassom, em diferentes temperaturas, a fim de avaliar a atividade antioxidante e a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato com maior poder antioxidante em linguiças de frango frescal durante o período de armazenamento. Os extratos foram obtidos pelo método convencional (extração com solvente) e por extração assistida por ultrassom, variando a temperatura (20°C, 40°C e 60°C). Foram medidos os compostos fenólicos, flavonoides totais e atividade antioxidante pelos métodos DPPH, FRAP, ORAC. Os métodos de extração convencional e ultrassom influenciaram no teor de fenólicos e flavonoides totais em todas as temperaturas testadas. Os métodos convencional e ultrassom não influenciaram no IC50 nas temperaturas de 40oC e 60oC. A atividade antioxidante pelo método DPPH e pelo método FRAP foi superior no método convencional na temperatura de 60°C, entretanto pelo método ORAC os melhores resultados foram na extração por ultrassom. Os resultados demonstram que a extração convencional a 60ºC foi melhor para obter extratos de capim-limão com maior quantidade de compostos bioativos. A capacidade antimicrobiana avaliada em linguiça frescal mostrou que na concentração de 1,0% do extrato protegeu o produto quanto o crescimento de aeróbios mesófilos e contra o crescimento de bactérias psicrotróficas. O capim-limão pode ser considerado uma alternativa natural para obtenção de extratos ricos em compostos bioativos, com atividade antioxidante e elevada capacidade antimicrobiana.

Economic Viability of Tomato Cultivation in Organic Farming System

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to evaluate the economic viability of tomato cultivation in a system of organic farming, and to compare it with the conventional farming system. The fixed and variable costs of both cultivation systems were calculated, as well as the costs of disease control with the application of alternative products and pesticides. The revenues were computed using commercial production and the direct sales price. The total cost per area was higher in the conventional system, while the cost per plant was greater in the organic system, since it used a lower plant population density. In the conventional system, 2.33 times more was spent on plant management, due to the fact that the number of sprayings was greater than that carried out in organic farming. We further find that companion planting with other species such as coriander, in addition to helping with the management of the main crop, is important for economic sustainability as it is an extra source of income. Considering the specificities of the two systems, the profitability of organic cultivation, even accounting for its lower productivity , could exceed that of conventional cultivation.

Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) Control Potential of Essential Oil Isolated from Iranian Cymbopogon citratus Stapf

Colorado potato beetle is a most destructive insect pest of potato throughout the world. Although utilization of chemical insecticides is a main method for management of this pest, their negative side-effects such as threat to humans and the environmental pollution prompted researchers to search for natural alternatives. Recently plant essential oils with low or without side-effects against noun-targeted organisms and with high availability were considered as safe bio-pesticides. In the present study, toxicity of essential oil of Iranian lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus Stapf, was evaluated against 3th instar larvae and adults of Colorado potato beetle by a leaf dipping method. Results displayed essential oil had notable toxicity against both larvae and adults after 24 and 48 h exposure times. Probit analysis revealed LC₅₀ values (lethal concentration to kill 50% of population) with 95% confidence limits were 10.32 (9.17 – 11.72) and 7.76 (6.80 – 8.74) µl/ml for larvae and 6.27 (4.82 – 8.15) and 4.35 (3.24 – 5.62) µl/ml for adults after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Based on regression analysis, a positive correlation between log concentration of essential oil and insect mortality was achieved. Results indicated C. citratus essential oil can be candidate as a natural alternative to the harmful chemical insecticides in the management of Colorado potato beetle.

Uso de Plantas com Fins Medicinais no Município de Barra ­ BA / Use plants with medicinal purposes in Barra - BA Municipality

Este trabalho foi realizado no Assentamento de Reforma Agrária Sítio Novo, Barra­BA, objetivando conhecer as espécies medicinais e suas formas de uso adotadas pela população local. Entre Abril e Maio de 2015 foram realizadas entrevistas com aplicação de questionários estruturados. Todos os entrevistados fazem uso de plantas medicinais e cultivam alguma espécie em suas residências, usam as plantas por tradição familiar e por se tratar de um remédio natural consomem principalmente quando estão doentes. Foram registradas 258 citações, nas quais foram relatadas a utilização de várias partes vegetais das 41 espécies, em 11 formas de preparo, com diferentes finalidades terapêuticas. As folhas e as cascas foram as partes mais utilizadas e os chás a principal forma de uso. As famílias Lamiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Myrtaceae e Rutaceae foram aquelas com maior representatividade e adoção medicinal. As espécies mais citadas foram a Cymbopogon citratus (Capim Santo ­ 15,5%), Lantana camara L. (Camará ­ 10,5%), Mentha sp. (Hortelã Miúdo ­ 9,7%), Ocimum basilicum L. (Manjericão ­ 5,4%) e Ruta graveolens L. (Arruda ­ 4,6%) que corresponderam por 45,7% das citações. Entre as indicações terapêuticas citadas, destacam-se: doenças associadas ao sistema respiratório, indicações anti-inflamatórias, hipertensão, calmante e doenças associadas ao sistema digestivo. Nota-se que os moradores são detentores de um vasto conhecimento empírico relacionados à etnobotânica e as condições climáticas relacionadas ao manejo da flora da região e que o uso de plantas medicinais para fins terapêuticos é marcante, evidenciando que o uso popular de plantas medicinais está inserido significativamente nas esferas social e cultural dessa comunidade, o que assegurará a perpetuação dos costumes entre as próximas gerações.

Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil from Cuba and Brazil against housefly / Composição química e atividade inseticida do óleo essencial de Cymbopogon citratus de Brasil e Cuba contra mosca doméstica

Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus collected from Brazil and Cuba was tested to a chemical characterization and then was tested on the post-embryonic development of Musca domestica. The chemical composition analysis by GC-MS of the oils from Brazil/Cuba allowed the identification of 13 and 12 major constituents respectively; nine of them common to both. In the both oils, the main components were the isomers geranial and neral, which together form the compound citral. This corresponds to a total of 97.92%/Brazil and 97.69%/Cuba of the compounds identified. The monoterpene myrcene, observed only in the sample of Cuba, presented a large relative abundance (6.52%). The essential oil of C. citratus (Brazil/Cuba) was dissolved in DMSO and tested at concentrations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% and citral was prepared by mixing 16.8 mg with 960 µL DMSO. Both essential oils and monoterpene citral were applied topically to newly-hatched larvae (1µL/larva). The results showed a lethal concentration (LC50) of 4.25 and 3.24% for the Brazilian and Cuban essential oils, respectively. Mortalities of larval and newly-hatched larvae to adult periods were dose-dependent for the two both oils as for monoterpene citral, reaching 90%. Both essential oils and citral caused morphological changes in adult specimens.

O óleo essencial de Cymbopogon citratus, coletado no Brasil e em Cuba, foi caracterizado quimicamente e testado no desenvolvimento pós-embrionário de Musca domestica. A análise da composição química dos óleos essenciais (Brasil/Cuba), por Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada ao espectrômetro de massa (GC-EM), permitiu a identificação de 13 e 12 componentes principais, respectivamente; nove deles comuns aos dois. Em ambos os óleos, os principais componentes foram os isômeros geranial e neral, que, juntos, formam o composto citral. Esse corresponde a um total de 97,92%/Brasil e 97,69%/Cuba dos compostos identificados. O monoterpeno mirceno, observado na amostra cubana, apresentou grande abundância relativa (6,52%). O óleo de C. citratus (Brasil/Cuba) foi dissolvido em DMSO, obtendo–se as concentrações de 5, 10, 25, 75 e 100%; e o citral (16,8 mg) foi misturando com 960mL de DMSO. Tanto o óleo essencial como o monoterpeno citral foram aplicados topicamente nas neolarvas (1µL/larva). Os resultados mostraram uma concentração letal (CL50) de 4,25% e 3,24% para o óleo essencial brasileiro e cubano, respectivamente. As mortalidades do período larval e o de neo-larva a adulto foram dose-dependentes, tanto para os óleos como para o monoterpeno citral, podendo chegar a 90%. Ambos os óleos essenciais e citral causaram alterações morfológicas nos espécimes adultos.