Identification of phytoconstituents for combating Polycystic ovarian syndrome through in silico techniques

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the leading causes for infertility in women. One in Five women of the population is affected by PCOS. The synthetic drugs currently used are targeted to provide an artificial support for the hormonal imbalance in the body which leads to various adverse effects. Natural herbs serve as a best remedy for many of the diseases as they cure the root cause and target the disease specifically. Selection of herbs is a crucial part in the formulation. In silico studies play an important role in analyzing the activity of the compound with the selected target. The herbs which had reported biological activity on uterus were selected and their vital chemical constituents were docked with the identified target of PDB ID 3RUK and 1E3K, respectively. The values obtained shows the potential effect of chemical constituent with the suitable target. Among the list of herbs selected, Sesamin from Sesamum indicum and lanosterol from Ficus religiosa had good binding affinity with both the selected proteins and had better drug likeliness properties. Hence, further studies on these compounds for targeting PCOS is expected to give potent activity and produce promising results.

Til Tail (Sesamum Indicum): A Hidden Cause Behind Tamaka Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma): A Literary Review

Respiratory problems are very common due to the devastating pollution, irritants and infections. Asthma is one of the chronic inflammatory respiratory illnesses throughout the world and is characterized by breathlessness, chest tightness, wheeze and coughing. It occurs as a result of hypersensitivity reaction mainly due to allergens. These allergies mostly can be from the food. Like other allergies, sesame allergy is quite common yet unknown but it’s prevalence has been continuously increasing in recent years. A lot of modern researches proved Sesame as a food allergen causing airway inflammation and IgE mediated airway hyper responsiveness and finally causes asthma. In Ayurveda, asthma is well correlated as Tamaka shwasa. In classical texts of Ayurveda like Charaka Samhita and Sushrut Samhita similar etiological factors are described for Shwasa roga, in addition to that dietary factors (Aharaj Nidan) are also mentioned such as Nishpava, Masha, Til tail, Pinyak, Pishti, Aam ksheer etc. which vitiates the Doshas and finally causes Tamaka shwasa. This review article mainly focuses the role of Til tail (Sesamum indicum) in the etiopathogenesis of Tamaka shwasa and also, for better understanding of textual facts and may be used as an effective key to control the mortality and morbidity related to it.

Efficiency of nitrogen use by sesame genotypes under brazilian semi-arid conditions

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and rate applications can influence the performance of sesame, and when applied in excess can cause nitrogen loss in the environment, and consequently make the cost of production more costly to the producer. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of nitrogen use by different cultivars of irrigated sesame seeds under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the northeastern semi-arid region in two harvests. The experiments were carried out from February to May (1st harvest) and from July to October (2nd harvest) in 2016. The treatments were arranged in a split plot scheme, in which the plots were the five nitrogen doses (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1), and in the subplots, the four sesame genotypes (CNPA G2, CNPA G3, CNPA G4 and BRS Seda), the design was in randomized complete blocks with four replications. The nitrogen use efficiency assessments evaluated were: agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency (PE), agrophysiological efficiency (APE), recovery efficiency (RE) and efficiency of use (EU). The rate that provided the greatest efficiency of use was 30 kg ha-1 of N applied. The cultivar BRS Seda had greater efficiency of use in relation to the other cultivars studied. The crop that had better efficiency of use was the 2nd agricultural harvest.

Sesamum indicum (sesame) enhances NK anti-cancer activity, modulates Th1/Th2 balance, and suppresses macrophage inflammatory response

Objective: To evaluate the potential immunomodulatory effects of an aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum seeds with regard to splenocyte proliferation, Th1/Th2 balance, macrophage function, and the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Methods: Splenocyte proliferation was measu red by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Griess assay was performed to evaluate the production of nitric oxide by macrophages. The levels of cytokines secreted by splenocytes and macrophages were measured by ELISA. JAM assay was performed to examine the cytotoxic activity of NK cells againstYAC-1 tumor cells. Results: Sesamum indicum significantly enhanced splenocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Sesamum indicum also increased and suppressed the secretion of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, respectively, by splenocytes. The secretion of key pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNFα, and nitric oxide) by primary macrophages was significantly inhibited by Sesamum indicum. Moreover, Sesamum indicum increased the cytotoxic activity of NK cells againstYAC-1 tumor cells. Conclusions: Sesamum indicum shows potent immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Constituents of Sesamum indicum may be used as effective therapeutic agents in regulating immune reactions implicated in various infectious and non-infectious conditions including cancer.

Sesamum indicum (sesame) enhances NK anti-cancer activity, modulates Th1/Th2 balance, and suppresses macrophage inflammatory response

Objective: To evaluate the potential immunomodulatory effects of an aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum seeds with regard to splenocyte proliferation, Th1/Th2 balance, macrophage function, and the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Methods: Splenocyte proliferation was measured by [

Nutrient uptake in sesame cultivars under cultivation in semiarid conditions / Acúmulo de nutrientes em cultivares de gergelim sob cultivo em condições semiáridas

Sesame is considered the oldest oleaginous seed in use by mankind. It is a culture of high morphophysiological complexity with great variability in growth habit. The accumulation of nutrients in the sesame crop is, in relative terms, proportional to its average productivity. It is a crop that requires the availability of sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to obtain a desired yield. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the uptake of nutrients for sesame cultivars in two growing seasons conditions semiarid. The experiments were performed in Horta Didatics of Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, in Brazil, from November 2014 to February 2015 (Growing Season I); and from April to July 2015 (Growing Season II). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments were arranged in a split plot where cultivars (CNPA G2, CNPA G3, and CNPA G4) were placed on the following plots with harvesting dates 21, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91, and 105 days after sowing (DAS) of subplots. The vegetative part of the sesame crop had greater uptake of potassium in Growing Season I (the period from November 2014 to February 2015) and of nitrogen in Growing Season II (the period from April to July 2015) for all the cultivars, whereas in the fruits the greatest uptake was that of nitrogen, independent of growing season. As for the total uptake of nutrients at the end of the cycle, it followed the descending order N > K > P in both growing seasons. The period of greatest demand for nutrients occurred between 77 and 105 DAS. In relation to the cultivars, the CNPA G3 obtained larger uptakes in Growing Season I (the period from November 2014 to February 2015), while the CNPA G4 did so in Growing Season II (theperiod from November 2014 to February 2015).

O gergelim é considerado a semente oleaginosa mais antiga em uso pela humanidade. É uma cultura de alta complexidade morfofisiológica com grande variabilidade no hábito de crescimento. Oacúmulo de nutrientes na cultura do gergelim é, em termos relativos, proporcional a sua produtividade média. É uma cultura que necessita da disponibilidade de quantidades suficientes de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio para obtenção de uma produtividade desejada. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o acúmulo de nutrientes por cultivares de gergelim, em duas épocas de cultivo em condições semáridas. Os experimentos foram realizados na Horta Didática da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, no período de novembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015 (Época de cultivo I) e de abril a julho de 2015 (Época de cultivo II). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados completos, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em parcelas subdivididas onde as cultivares (CNPA G2, CNPA G3 e CNPA G4) ocuparam as parcelas e as épocas de coletas (21, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91 e 105 dias após a semeadura) as subparcelas. A parte vegetativa da cultura do gergelim teve maior acúmulo de potássio na época de cultivo I (período de novembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015) e de nitrogênio na época de cultivo II (período de abril a julho de 2015) para todas as cultivares. Em relação aos frutos a maior acúmulo foi de nitrogênio, independente da época de cultivo. Quanto ao acúmulo total de nutrientes ao final do ciclo, seguiu a ordem decrescente N> K> P em ambas as épocas de cultivo. O período de maior demanda por nutrientes ocorreu entre 77 e 105 DAS. Em relação àscultivares, o CNPA G3 obteve maiores acúmulos na época de cultivo I (período de novembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015), enquanto o CNPA G4 o fez na época de cultivo II (período de novembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015).

NPK and sodium content in sesame under salt stress and nitrate/ammonium fertilization / Teores de NPK e sódio no gergelim sob estresse salino e adubação com nitrato/amônio

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of saline water irrigation and fertilization with different nitrate/ammonium proportions on the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) and Na+/K+ ratio in the sesame cv. CNPA G3, through an experiment conducted in drainage lysimeters under greenhouse conditions, in eutrophic Regolithic Neosol with sandy loam texture, in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in randomized blocks, in 5 x 5 factorial scheme, with three replicates, relative to five levels of irrigation water salinity - ECw (0.6; 1.2; 1.8; 2.4 and 3.0 dS m-1) and five nitrate/ammonium proportions - NAP (200:0,150:50, 100:100, 50:150, 0:200 mg kg-1 of NO3 --N/NH4+-N). Increasing ECw levels caused increment in Na+ contents and reduction in N, P and K+ contents in leaf and stem tissues of the sesame cv. CNPA G3. The increase in the Na+/ K+ ratio in leaves and stem of sesame under irrigation with ECw water up to 3.0 dS m-1 can be considered as a mechanism of tolerance to salt stress. There was interaction between the factors (ECw x NAP) for the N content in the leaf tissues, and its highest accumulation was obtained with ECw of 0.6 dS m-1 and NO3 --N/NH4 +-N proportion of 200:0 mg kg-1.

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar os efeitos da irrigação com águas salinas e adubação com diferentes proporções de nitrato e amônio sobre os teores de NPK, sódio e relação Na/K no gergelim cv. CNPA G3, em experimento conduzido em lisímetros de drenagem sob condições de casa de vegetação, no Neossolo Regolítico Eutrófico, textura franco-arenosa, no município de Campina Grande, PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 x 5, com três repetições, referentes a cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação ­ CEa (0,6; 1,2; 1,8; 2,4 e 3,0 dS m-1) e cinco proporções de nitrato e de amônio - PNA (200:0, 150:50, 100:100, 50:150, 0:200 mg kg-1 de N-NO3-/N-NH4+). Níveis crescentes de CEa promoveu aumento nos teores de Na+ e diminuição nos teores de N P K nos tecidos foliares e caulinar do gergelim cv. CNPA G3; o aumento na relação Na+/K+ nas folhas e caule do gergelim sob irrigação com água de CEa até 3.0 dS m-1 pode ser considerado como mecanismo de tolerância ao estresse salino; houve interação entre os fatores (CEa x PNA) para teor de nitrogênio nos tecidos das folhas, sendo o maior acúmulo obtido com CEa de 0,6 dSm-1 e proporções de 200:0 mg kg-1 de N-NO3- e N-NH4+.

Evaluation of the antipeptic ulcer activity of the seed extract of sesame (Sesamum indicum) in stress induced peptic ulcers in rats

Background: The peptic ulcers can be developed inside the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Around 10% population of the world is suffering from the peptic ulcer disease. From the ancient times there is a reference about herbal extracts like Sesame indicum for the treatment of various diseases. The aim of the study is Evaluation of the anti-peptic ulcer activity of the seed extract of sesame (Sesamum indicum) in stress induced peptic ulcers in rats.Methods: The study was carried out by stress-induced ulcer model in wistar rats. The antiulcer activity of S. indicum (0.5, 1mg/kg p.o. for 7 days) was compared with standard drugs (pantoprazole). The studied parameters were mucin content, gastric volume, pH, total acidity, free acidity, ulcer index, size and number.Results: The low and high dose of S. indicum extract significantly reduced gastric mucosal lesion, mucin content, volume of gastric juice, gastric pH, free and total acidity when compared to positive control group. The high dose of S. indicum extract showed comparable results in parameters like effect on mucin content, gastric volume, pH, free acidity and total acidity with standard group. The statistical significant changes noted only in ulcer size, number and index.Conclusions: Although the high dose S. indicum (1mg/kg) group showed significant gastric protection against ulcer induced by cold restraint method. However, no clear inference can be drawn at this stage and hence there is a need for further extensive research.

Physiological indices and production of sesame under salt stress and nitrate/ammonium proportions / Índices fisiológicos e produção do gergelim sob estresse salino e proporções de nitrato e amônio

In semi-arid regions, the occurrence of water with high concentration of salts is common, which compromises the growth and consequently the production of crops. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the gas exchanges and production of sesame, cv. CNPA G3, irrigated with saline water and fertilized with different proportions of nitrate and ammonium, in an experiment conducted using lysimeters in a greenhouse in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. The treatments were arranged in randomized blocks and analyzed in a 5 x 5 factorial scheme, with three replicates, relative to five levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water ­ ECw (0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 dS m-1) and five proportions of nitrate/ammonium - NO3 -/NH4 + (200/0, 150/50, 100/100, 50/150 and 0/200 mg of N kg-1 of soil). Irrigation with water of salinity level higher than 0.6 dS m-1 promoted negative effect on gas exchanges and production components of the sesame cv. CNPA G3. Fertilization with N exclusively in the form of NH4 + promoted increment in CO2 concentration and reduction in its assimilation rate and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency. The highest rate of CO2 assimilation, transpiration and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency were obtained when the plants were irrigated with water of 0.6 dS m-1 and fertilization with 200/0 of NO3 -/NH4 +. Increasing levels of water salinity promoted a decrease in the total seed mass, regardless of the proportion of NO3 -/NH4 +. The sesame cv. CNPA G3 is classified as sensitive to salt stress from the electrical conductivity of water of 0.6 dS m-1.

Nas regiões semiáridas é comum a ocorrência de águas com elevada concentração de sais que comprometem o crescimento e consequentemente a produção das culturas. Deste modo, objetivou-se avaliar as trocas gasosas e a produção do gergelim cv. CNPA G3 irrigado com águas salinas e adubado com diferentes proporções de nitrato e amônio em um ensaio conduzido em lisímetros dispostos em casa de vegetação no município de Campina Grande, PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos ao acaso e analisados em esquema fatorial 5 x 5, com três repetições, relativos a cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação ­ CEa (0,6; 1,2; 1,8; 2,4 e 3,0 dS m-1) e cinco proporções de nitrato e amônio - NO3 -/NH4 + (200/0; 150/50; 100/100; 50/150 e 0/200 mg de N kg-1 de solo). A irrigação com água de salinidade superior a 0,6 dS m-1 promoveu efeito negativo sobre as trocas gasosas e os componentes de produção do gergelim cv CNPA G3. A adubação com N exclusivamente na forma de NH4 + proporcionou incremento na concentração de CO2 e redução na taxa de assimilação de CO2, eficiência instantânea de carboxilação. A maior taxa de assimilação de CO2, transpiração e eficiência instantânea de carboxilação foram obtidas quando as plantas foram irrigadas com água de 0,6 dS m-1 e adubação com 200/0 de NO3 -/ NH4 +. Níveis crescentes de salinidade da água promoveram diminuição na massa total de sementes, independente da proporção de NO3 - e NH4 +. O gergelim cv. CNPA G3 foi classificado como sensível ao estresse salino, a partir da condutividade elétrica da água de 0,6 dS m-1.

Characterization of phytotoxin producing Alternaria species isolatedfrom sesame leavesand their toxicity.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), is an important oilseed crop in the tropics and subtropics, referred as “Queen of Oilseeds” owing to its high cooking quality and medicinal value. Sesame production, particularly in India, has been declining since last decade and ‘Leaf blight’ caused by Alternaria spp. is reported to cause yield loss up to 30-40%. Here, we investigated the fungal toxin produced by Alternaria and its pathogenicity. A total of 164 Alternaria strainswere isolated on potato dextrose agar media from the infected sesame leaves showing circular concentric rings with dark brown spots symptoms. All the isolates were screened for cultural and morphological characters. Colour of the fungus was grey to dark brown, formed smooth, raised, fluffy, and regular to irregular margins. Among 164 isolates, 43 isolates were moderately growing and 121 were fast in growth. The DNA of the isolate was amplified with ITS primers and sequence of BLAST results confirmed seven different species of Alternaria of NCBI database. Further, toxigenic potentiality of the isolates was tested with dilutions of culture filtrate (1:1 to 1:5) on sesame leaves. Among 164 isolates, 23 showed toxigenicity, varied from highly toxigenic to least toxigenic. Pathogenicity of the isolates showed that they were highly virulent to less virulent when tested by the detached leaf method. Based on the toxigenicity, the toxin was partially purified and brown coloured paste was recovered. Chemistry of the toxin was confirmed based on the IR, UV, NMR and mass spectra analyses, and it resembled the structure of alternariol mono methyl ether and altenuene which are mycotoxins in nature. Further, bioassay of toxin was carried out at different concentrations (50 to 2000 ppm) on seeds and seedlings of sesame. Maximum inhibition of seed germination of 81.1% was observed at 2000 ppm and the least was 6.67% at 50 ppm. With the increase in the concentration of toxin, the manifestation of the symptom was conspicuous and quick such as marginal, veinal necrosis, drooping and yellowing with lesion formation. From the present study, it is found that the species of Alternaria are responsible for the cause of blight disease symptoms and the toxicity of toxin produced by the pathogen was very high. The Alternaria toxin could inhibit the growth of the plant as well as seed germination rate.

Phytotoxic potential of young leaves from Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) / Potencial fitotóxico de folhas jovens de Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg

Abstract The loss of leaves by plant species found in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) is an energetically expensive process due to adverse environmental conditions and predation by herbivory. The mature leaves have adaptations which minimize these events. However, the young individuals lack these structures and produce high leaf concentrations of secondary metabolites as a form of protection. These compounds can be used in bioprospection of natural herbicides. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the phytotoxicity of hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of young leaves from Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg on the elongation of wheat coleoptiles (Triticum aestivum L.) and evaluate the potential phytotoxic of ethyl acetate extract on germination, growth and cell size of metaxylem of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seedlings. The hexane and ethyl acetate extracts inhibited the elongation of wheat coleoptiles at all concentrations; however, the most promising results were observed in coleoptile fragments treated with the ethyl acetate extract. This treatment changed the mean germination time and the synchrony of sesame seeds, inhibited the growth of shoots and roots, reduced the dry weight of seedlings, led to abnormalities in the seedlings and reduced the length of the metaxylem cells in the sesame seedlings. These results demonstrated the phytotoxic potential of young leaf extracts of B. salicifolius and the high phytotoxicity of the ethyl acetate extract in the initial development of S. indicum.

Resumo A perda das folhas pelas plantas do Cerrado é um processo energeticamente custoso devido às condições ambientais adversas e intensa predação por herbivoria. As folhas maduras possuem adaptações que minimizam esses eventos. Entretanto, os indivíduos jovens carecem dessas estruturas e produzem elevadas concentrações foliares de metabólitos secundários como forma de proteção. Esses compostos podem ser utilizados na bioprospecção de herbicidas naturais. Dessa forma, objetivamos com este estudo avaliar a fitotoxicidade dos extratos hexânico, acetato etílico e aquoso de folhas jovens de Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg sobre o alongamento de coleóptilos estiolados de Triticum aestivum L. (trigo) e avaliar o potencial fitotóxico do extrato acetato etílico sobre a germinação, crescimento e comprimento das células do metaxilema de Sesamum indicum (gergelim). Os extratos hexânico e acetato etílico inibiram o alongamento dos coleóptilos em todas as concentrações testadas, entretanto os resultados mais promissores foram observados nos fragmentos submetidos ao extrato acetato etílico. Este extrato alterou o tempo médio de germinação e a sincronia das sementes de gergelim, inibiu o crescimento da parte aérea e subterrânea com redução da massa seca das plântulas, levou ao surgimento acentuado de anomalias e causou redução no comprimento médio das células do metaxilema de plântulas de gergelim. Assim, ficou comprovado o potencial fitotóxico dos extratos de folhas jovens de B. salicifolius e a acentuada fitotoxicidade do extrato acetato etílico sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de S. indicum.

Variability and Genetic Divergence in Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.).

A collection of 280 sesame genotypes of different ecogeographical origin was evaluated using augumented block design along with four checks. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant variability among genotypes for all the characters studied. The highest heritability coupled with highest genetic advance was observed for capsules per plant indicating the predominance of additive gene effects. Whereas lower estimates of heritability and genetic advance was revealed for days to maturity and capsule length suggesting the presence of nonadditive gene action for controlling these traits. Based on diversity the genotypes were grouped into 12 clusters and highest intercluster distance was observed between cluster VI & XII followed by cluster VI & IX, cluster II & VI and cluster III & IV. Among the traits studied capsule per plant and plant height contributed maximum for studying divergence while no contribution from capsule length. Hybridization involving genotypes of cluster VI with KMR 3 (cluster XII) may result in exploiting maximum heterosis to produce desirable transgressive segregants for crop improvement.

HPLC analysis and cell surface receptor binding activities of the crude aqueous and methanolic extract of Sesamum indicum

Objective: To identify the possible functional molecules for therapeutic uses by screening the crude aqueous and methanolic extracts derived from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) in vitro. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography was used to scan the functional molecules present in the extracts.Results:or its derivatives like molecules. On the other hand, the crude methanolic extract may contain Loratadine or its derivatives like molecules. Both type of extracts showed hemagglutination inhibition activities in all types of human blood samples tested. However, they showed stronger binding with AB+ blood group than those of A+ and B+ blood. The crude aqueous extracts showed the possibilities to present caffeine and cetirizine Conclusions: Sesame seeds may be considered as a functional food.

HPLC analysis and cell surface receptor binding activities of the crude aqueous and methanolic extract of Sesamum indicum

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the possible functional molecules for therapeutic uses by screening the crude aqueous and methanolic extracts derived from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>High performance liquid chromatography was used to scan the functional molecules present in the extracts.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The crude aqueous extracts showed the possibilities to present caffeine and cetirizine or its derivatives like molecules. On the other hand, the crude methanolic extract may contain Loratadine or its derivatives like molecules. Both type of extracts showed hemagglutination inhibition activities in all types of human blood samples tested. However, they showed stronger binding with AB+ blood group than those of A+ and B+ blood.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Sesame seeds may be considered as a functional food.</p>

Direct Somatic Embryogenesis in Sesamum Indicum (L.) CV-E8 From Cotyledon and Hypocotyl Explants.

In the present investigation, successful and reproducible protocol for somatic embryogenesis was developed for sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cv. E8. Direct somatic embryo induction without an intervening callus phase is reported for the first time from 5 days old cotyledonary and hypocotyl explants. Embryogenic frequency as well as number of somatic embryos was dependent on concentration of 2, 4-D. The optimum concentration of 2,4-D required for induction high frequency and large number of somatic embryos was 3.0mg/l. Addition of cytokinins along with 2, 4-D, further enhanced the number of somatic embryos. Maximum number of somatic embryos per explant was noted on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l 2, 4-D + 1.0 mg/l BAP. Cotyledonary explants proved superior over hypocotyl explants and BAP over Kinetin. Conversion of somatic embryos into complete plantlets was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l ABA + 5.0 mg/l AgNO3. Proliferation of embryogenic cultures was confirmed by histological studies.

Efeito do uso da farinha desengordurada do Sesamum indicum L nos níveis glicêmicos em diabéticas tipo 2 / Effect of defatted sesame (Sesamum indicum L) flour on the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic women

Existe um incremento nas pesquisas de plantas e grãos com atividades hipoglicemiantes para prevenção e terapêutica do Diabetes Mellitus, que aumenta em grandes proporções mundialmente. Este estudo avalia o efeito do uso da farinha desengordurada do Sesamum indicum L. nos níveis glicêmicos de diabéticas tipo II submetidas a tratamento dietoterápico. Ensaio clínico controlado e aberto, em dois grupos, experimental (GE) e controle (GC) com avaliação na linha de base (AB), aos 30 (A-30) e 60 dias (A-60). As características gerais não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos. Observou-se diferença estatística significativa na glicemia de jejum (GJ) (p = 0,004) na AB, na GJ (p = 0,002) e peso (p = 0,020) na A30, e apenas no peso (p = 0,011) na A60. Nas glicemias pós-prandiais (GP) e hemoglobinas glicosiladas não houve diferença estatística em nenhuma das avaliações entre os grupos. Evidenciou-se diferença estatística entre a AB - A30 em relação ao peso nos dois grupos, e na AB - A60 na GP (p = 0,04) e peso (p = 0,01) no GE, mas apenas no peso (p = 0,03) no GC. A farinha de gergelim contribuiu no controle glicêmico e no peso em pacientes diabéticas, de forma econômica, saborosa e saudável.

There is an increment in the researches on plants and whole grains with hypoglycemic activity in order to prevent and treat Diabetes Mellitus which has increased rapidly on serious proportions all over the world. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of defatted Sesamum indicum L. flour on blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic women on diet therapy. A controlled and open-label clinical trial, with two groups, experimental group (GE) and control group (GC) were evaluated at the basal line (AB), at thirty day (A-30) and sixty day (A-60). The general characteristics in both groups were similar. There was a significant difference at fasting glucose level (GJ) (p = 0.004) on AB, GJ (p = 0.002) and weight (p = 0.020) on A-30, and only weight (p = 0.011) on A-60. There was no significant difference at postprandial glucose level (GP) and glycosylated hemoglobin level at all the evaluation between the groups. There was a significant difference between AB - A-30 of weight in two groups, and AB - A-60 of GP (p = 0.04) and weight (p = 0.01) on GE, but only of weight (p = 0.03) on GC. The defatted sesame contributed to the glycemic control and weight in diabetic women in a cheap, tasty and healthy manner.

Control genético de los sistemas isoenzimáticos isocitrato deshidrogenasa y siquimato deshidrogenasa en el ajonjoli (Sesamum indicum L. ) / Genetic control of the isocitrate dehydrogenase and shikimate dehydrogenase isoenzyme systems in Sesame (Sesamun indicum L. )

Dado que el uso ideal de los marcadores isoenzimáticos requiere del conocimiento de su control genético, este trabajó buscó establecer el modo de herencia y el grado de ligamiento de los loci que codifican la expresión de dos sistemas enzimáticos en el ajonjolí: isocitrato deshidrogenasa (IDH) y siquimato deshidrogenasa (SKD). Para tal fin, se evaluó el comportamiento electroforético de IDH y SKD en la F2 del cruce entre los cultivares TurénArawaca. Los resultados sugieren que IDH está controlado por dos loci, Idh1 e Idh2; mientras que SKD, por uno sólo, Skd1. Los loci Idh1 y Skd1 mostraron tres patrones distinguibles, correspondientes a los dos genotipos homocigotos y al heterocigoto, ajustados a una segregación típica mendeliana para un carácter codominante 1:2:1. La cosegregación entre Idh1 y Skd1 fue independiente. Palabras clave: isoenzimas, ligamiento, modo de herencia, Sesamum indicum

Taking into consideration that the ideal manipulation of isozymic markers needs knowledge of their genetic control, the aim of this study was to establish the inheritance and linkage degree of loci that control the expression of two sesame isozyme systems: isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and shikimate dehydrogenase (SKD). The F2 electrophoretic behaviour of IDH and SKD from cultivars Turen x Arawaca cross was evaluated. The results suggest that IDH is controlled by two loci, Idh1 and Idh2 meanwhile SKD by only one, Skd1. The loci Idh1 and Skd1 showed three distinguishable patterns, corresponding to the homocygote genotypes and the heterocygote one, adjusted to a one-character common mendelian segregation 1:2:1. Cosegregation between Idh1 and Skd1 was independent