Folha de amendoeira como aditivo em dietas para Betta splendens / Use of almond leaf as additive in diets for Betta splendens

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, os parâmetrosmorfométricos, o comportamento social, a viabilidade econômica e a análise microbiológica da água de cultivo e de tecidos corpóreos de Betta splendens alimentados com folha da amendoeira Terminalia catappa (FFDA) como aditivo. Foram utilizados 28 machos de Bettas, acondicionados individualmente em aquários de 1,5L, por 50 dias. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos: 0,00%; 0,25%; 0,50% e 0,75% de inclusão da FFAD e sete repetições. Ao término do experimento, foram avaliados os parâmetros: desempenho zootécnico (ganho de peso diário, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar aparente, taxa de eficiência proteica, taxa de crescimento específico e fator de condição), morfométrico (comprimento total, padrão e da cabeça, altura, índice de perfil e índice de cabeça), comportamento social, viabilidade econômica da ração, análise microbiana do conteúdo intestinal, filé e escama e análise microbiológica da água. Pela ANOVA, pelo teste de Tukey e pela regressão (P>0,05), os parâmetros: peso final, ganho de peso, comprimento padrão, comprimento total e taxa de crescimento específico foram influenciados pelos tratamentos (P<0,05), apresentando um efeito quadrático. Assim, recomenda-se o nível de 0,50% de Terminalia catappa como aditivo em dietas de Betta splendens.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, morphometric parameters, social behavior, economic viability, the presence of enterobacteria in the intestinal contents and a microbiological analysis of the water culture of Betta splendens fed with almond-tree-leaf flour (ATLF) as an additive. Twenty-eight male B. splendens were individually put in 1.5 L aquariums. The experiment was done in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments: 0.00%; 0.25%; 0.50% and 0.75%, of the ATLF, dehydrated Terminalia catappa with seven repetitions each. At the end of the experimental period, the parameters were evaluated: performance (daily weight gain, feed intake, apparent feed conversion, protein efficiency rate, specific growth rate and condition factor), morphometric (total length, standard head, height, profile index and head index), social behavior, economic viability of the feed, microbial analysis of intestinal contents, fillet and scales, and microbiological analysis of the water. Though ANAVA, Tukey test and regression analysis (P> 0.05), the parameters: final weight, weight gain, standard length, total length and specific growth rate were influenced by the treatments (P< 0.05), presenting a quadratic effect. Therefore, the 0.50% level of Terminalia catappa is recommended as additive in Betta splendens diets.(AU)

Influence of the Nutritive Composition on the Organoleptic Characters of Cakes Enriched with Fruits Almond of Terminalia catappa

Aims: The study focuses the organoleptic trend according to the nutritive composition of cakes processed from wheat flour enriched with the almond flour of T. catappa, a plant growing in some regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Study Design: Nine formulations of cakes processed from addition of almond flour of Terminalia catappa to wheat flour and then submitted to nutrients and descriptive sensory analyses. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Biochemistry department of Biosciences Unit, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, running 2015. Methodology: The contents in nutriments, namely macronutrients, minerals (macroelements and oligoelements), vitamins, and polyphenol antioxidants of the enriched cakes were determined using standard methods and their sensory description achieved. Then, the influence between both types of characteristics was assessed through the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) at ± 0.5 significance using statistical software SPSS. Results: The cakes investigated recorded invarious content in total carbohydrates (the major nutritive compound of the flours) whereas the other nutrients increased accordingly to the ratio of the almond flour incorporated for. Oppositely, the full sensory descriptors were responded with statistically similar scores over the cakes formulated. The correlation analysis mainly showed reduction of the cakes aroma during the nutrients increase, with r coefficients of –0.65 to –0.54. Thus, the study shows no rather nutritional influence of the nutritive enrichment of cakes on the sensory profile. Conclusion: The valorization of the cakes enriched with almonds of T. catappa could be sustained on the basis of their acceptance by consumers.

Identificación de ácidos polifenólicos en el extracto metanólico de las hojas de terminalia catappa Linn / Identification of polyphenolic acids in the methanolic extract from Terminalia catappa Linn leaves

INTRODUCCIÓN: diferentes extractos de Terminalia Catappa Linn. (Combretaceae) han demostrado de forma internacional, propiedades farmacológicas beneficiosas para la salud humana. Estas propiedades han sido atribuidas en lo fundamental a los polifenoles y glicósidos, encontrados en hojas, corteza y frutos. En Cuba esta especie es catalogada como una planta invasora y existen pocas investigaciones sobre su composición química y estudios farmacológicos. OBJETIVOS: identificar y cuantificar los ácidos polifenólicos presentes en el extracto metanólico de las hojas de T. catappa utilizándose la cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. MÉTODOS: las hojas amarillo-rojizas fueron secadas, molidas, desgrasadas con hexano y y con posterioridad extraídas con metanol en un baño ultrasónico. El extracto se filtró y el disolvente se eliminó al vacío. El extracto seco se hidrolizó con ácido clorhídrico y se extrajo con acetato de etilo. Se determinó el rendimiento de extracción, las características organolépticas y los polifenoles totales mediante el método de Follin-Ciocalteu. La composición química del extracto hidrolizado se llevó a cabo por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas, previa formación de los derivados trimetilsilil. RESULTADOS: se obtuvo un líquido de color pardo rojizo oscuro de olor característico. El contenido total de polifenoles fue 184,6 (mg Pirogalol/100 g Extracto). Se detectaron 37 compuestos por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas en el extracto metanólico hidrolizado. Este extracto está compuesto de manera general por ácidos polifenólicos como el ácido gálico; ácido vanílico; ácido 3,4-dihidroxibenzoico; ácido 2,5-dihidroxi-benzoico y ácido 4- hidroxibenzoico. También se detectaron otros compuestos con elevados contenidos como ácido elágico y ácido levulínico. CONCLUSIONES: el extracto metanólico de hojas de T. catappa que crece en Cuba mostró un elevado contenido de ácidos polifenólicos, donde los ácidos gálico y elágico fueron los mayoritarios. La presencia de estos compuestos pudiera justificar las propiedades medicinales atribuidas a esta especie, a la vez que servirían de base para continuar con futuras pruebas farmacológicas que avalen sus usos con fines farmacéuticos.

INTRODUCTION: Different extracts of Terminalia Catappa Linn. (Combretaceae) internationally have shown pharmacological properties beneficial to human health. These properties have been largely attributed to polyphenols and their glycosides found in the leaves, bark and fruits. In Cuba this species is listed as an invasive plant and there is limited research on its chemical composition and pharmacological studies. OBJECTIVES: To identify and quantify the polyphenolic acids that could be present in the methanol extract of Terminalia catappa leaves using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. METHODS: The yellow-red leaves were dried, ground, defatted with hexane and then extracted with methanol in an ultrasonic bath. The extract was filtered and the solvent removed under vacuum. The dry extract was hydrolyzed with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extraction yield, the organoleptic characteristics and the total polyphenols by Follin-Ciocalteu method were determined. The chemical composition of the hydrolyzed extract was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after formation of trimethylsilyl derivatives. RESULTS: A dark reddish brown liquid with a characteristic odor was obtained. The total polyphenol content was 184.6 (mg Pyrogallol/100g extract). By mean of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry a total of 37 compounds were detected in the hydrolyzed methanol extract. This extract consists mainly of polyphenolic acids such as gallic acid; vanillic acid; 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid; 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 4- hydroxybenzoic acid. Other compounds with high content as ellagic acid and levulinic acid were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: The methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Terminalia catappa growing in Cuba showed a high content of polyphenolic acids where gallic acid and ellagic predominated. The presence of these compounds could justify the medicinal properties attributed to this species, while providing the basis for further future pharmacological evidence to support its use for pharmaceutical purposes.

Beach almond (Terminalia catappa, Combretaceae) seed production and predation by scarlet macaws (Ara macao) and variegated squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides) / Producción de semillas y depredación del almendro de playa (Terminalia catappa, Combretaceae) por lapas rojas (Ara macao) y ardillas chizas (Sciurus variegatoides)

Knowledge of ecological impacts of exotic beach almond (Terminalia catappa) in the central Pacific of Costa Rica are little known, but studies have found this species to be a potentially important food source for endangered scarlet macaws (Ara macao). In this study, reproductive phenology and seed predation by variegated squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides) and scarlet macaws were measured during March and April 2011 on beaches of central Pacific coastal Costa Rica. Seed productivity and predation levels were quantified on a weekly basis for 111 beach almond trees to assess the importance of beach almond as a food source for scarlet macaws and the extent of resource partitioning between seed predators. Seed production of the trees was great (about 194 272 seeds) and approximately 67% of seeds were predated by seed predators. Macaws consumed an estimated 49% of seeds while squirrels consumed 18%. Additionally, evidence of resource partitioning between squirrels and macaws was found. Scarlet macaws preferred to feed on the northern side and edge of the canopy while squirrels preferred to feed on the southern and inside parts of the canopy. Both species ate most seeds on the ocean side of the tree. Despite the status of this tree as an exotic species, the beach almond appears to be an important resource for scarlet macaw population recovery. The resource produced by this tree should be taken into account as reforestation efforts continue in Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (3): 929-938. Epub 2014 September 01.

El conocimiento de los impactos ecológicos del almendro de playa exótico (Terminalia catappa) en el Pacífico Central de Costa Rica son poco conocidos, pero los estudios han encontrado que esta especie es una fuente de alimento potencialmente importante para la lapa roja (Ara macao), en peligro de extinción. En este estudio, se midieron la fenología reproductiva y la depredación de semillas por las ardillas (Sciurus variegatoides) y lapas rojas durante marzo y abril 2011 en las playas de la costa Pacífica Central de Costa Rica. Los niveles de productividad y depredación de semillas se cuantificaron semanalmente para 111 almendros de playa, para evaluar la importancia del almendro de playa como fuente de alimento para la lapa roja y el grado de repartición de recursos entre los depredadores de semillas. La producción de semillas de los árboles fue alta (cerca de 194 272 semillas) y aproximadamente el 67% de las semillas fueron comidas por los depredadores, las lapas rojas consumen un estimado de 49% de las semillas, mientras que las ardillas consumen el 18%. Adicionalmente, se encontró evidencia de la repartición de recursos entre las ardillas y las lapas. Las lapas rojas prefieren alimentarse en el lado norte y el borde de la copa, mientras que las ardillas prefieren las regiones del sur y el interior de la copa. Ambas especies se comieron la mayoría de las semillas en la parte del árbol con lado al mar. A pesar de la situación de este árbol como una especie exótica, la playa de almendras parece ser un recurso importante para la recuperación de la población de lapas rojas. El recurso que produce este árbol debe tomarse en cuenta para continuar con los esfuerzos de reforestación en Costa Rica.

Investigate the toxicological effect on aqueous extract of terminalia Catappa linn. in rat.

Terminalia catappa (almond) is a combretaceous plant whose leaves are widely used as a folk medicine for treatments of dermatitis, hepatitis, inflammatory disease, diabetes and other disease. This investigation was conceded out to evaluate the safety of aqueous extract of Terminalia catappa Linn. by determining its potential toxicity in rats. Study on acute toxicity of extract found to be safe at the doses 2000mg/kg body weight orally as per OECD guidelines No.423. General behavior, sign of tremors, adverse effects and mortality activity were determined for up to 14 days. In the chronic toxicity study, the aqueous extract of Terminalia Catappa linn. was administered orally at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg once in a week for 6 weeks to rats. Biochemical and hematological parameters were determined after 6 weeks. In the acute study in rats, there was no toxicity/ death was observed at the dose of 2000mg/kg b.w. The onset of toxicity and signs of toxicity also not there. In the chronic toxicity study, no significant treatment-related changes in the levels of hematological, hepatic and renal parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, protein and glucose, and serum ALP activities were observed at the termination of the study. It suggests that the aqueous extract of Terminalia catappa linn. does not have significant toxicity. In view of the dose of Terminalia Catappa linn. devoted in traditional medicine, there is a broad margin of safety for the beneficial use of the aqueous extract of Terminalia catappa linn. leaves.

Atividade antioxidante e teor de fenólicos de folhas da Terminalia catappa Linn em diferentes estágios de maturação / Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Terminalia catappa Linn leaves at different stages of maturation

Foram determinados o teor de fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante de folhas da Terminalia catappa Linn em diferentes estágios de maturação. O teor de fenólicos totais foi avaliado em extratos etanólicos e etanólicos acidificados, não havendo diferença significativa entre os mesmos (P>0,05); o teor de fenólicos médio foi de 15,77 (mg/g) e 15,41 (mg/g), para as folhas verdes e maduras, respectivamente, expressos em mg de catequina por g de amostra. A atividade antioxidante foi determinada pelo método de decomposição do β-caroteno/ácido linoleico, sendo expressa como fator antioxidante (AOX), variando de 0,0140 (A/h) a 0,0767 (A/h), como atividade antioxidante (AA), variando de 0,00% a 84,92% e como razão da velocidade de oxidação (RVO), variando 0,1508 a 1,000, utilizando BHT como padrão. A atividade antioxidante do BHT e das amostras não diferiram estatisticamente (P>0,05), demonstrando a potencialidade de uso desta planta como fonte natural de compostos antioxidante em ambos os estágios de maturação.

The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Terminalia catappa Linn leaves were determined at different stages of maturation. The total phenolic content was assayed in ethanol and acidified ethanol extracts, there being no significant difference between the two (P>0.05); the average total phenolic content was 15.77 (mg/g) and 15.41 (mg/g), for young and mature leaves, respectively, expressed in mg of catechin per g of sample. The antioxidant activity was determined by β -carotene/linoleic acid decomposition and expressed as antioxidant factor (AOX), ranging from 0.0140 (A/h) to 0.0767 (A/h), as antioxidant activity (AA), ranging from 0.00% to 84.92% and as oxidation rate ratio (ORR), ranging from 0.1508 to 1.0000, using BHT as a standard. The antioxidant activity of BHT and samples did not differ statistically (P>0.05), showing the possibility of using this plant as a natural source of antioxidant compounds at both stages of maturation.

Erythropoietic and bone marrow stimulating activity of terminalia catappa extract: Possible role of nitric oxide signaling.

Aims: We assessed the capacity and mechanism of Terminalia catappa (TC) to induce erythropoiesis in vivo in phenylhydrazine- induced anemic mice. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: This study was carried out at Department of Biochemistry and Center for Biotechnology Research and Training Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria. The duration spanned between Jan 2011 and Feb 2012. Methodology: Solvent fractions of Terminalia catappa aqueous extract was used to treat phynylhydrazine-induced anemic mice. Treatment was done for four days, erythropoietic activity of each fraction was assayed by determining the effect of these fractions on intracellular hemoglobin and reticulocyte level from the blood, arginase was also assayed. Bone marrow carbonic anhydrase was assayed to monitor bone marrow erythropoietic stimulation. Results: Terminalia catappa was able to up-regulate the synthesis of intracellular hemoglobin (0.135 ±0.004 μmol/0.1ml) significantly comparable to hydroxyurea (HU) (0.158±0.006 μmol/0.1ml), and normalize the peripheral blood reticulocyte index significantly at P<.05 0.94±0.25% close to the non anemic mice 0.97±0.25% and bone marrow carbonic anhydrase activity. TC inhibited arginase activity significantly (P<.05) comparable to hydroxyurea. Conclusion: The results demonstrate Terminalia catappa extract as an erythropoietic agent that supports normal erythroid differentiation in vivo in phenylhydrazine- induced anemic mice in a synergistic fashion.

In vitro interaction of certain antimicrobial agents in combination with plant extracts against some pathogenic bacterial strains

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro interaction between methanolic extracts of Terminalia catappa (Combretaceae) (T. catappa) and Carica papaya (caricaceae) (C. papaya) leaves and certain known antimicrobial drugs like penicillin G (P), ampicillin (AMP), amoxyclav (AMC), cephalothin (CEP), polymyxin B (PB), rifampicin (RIF), amikacin (AK), nilidixic acid (NA), gentamicin (GEN), chloramphenicol (C), ofloxacin (OF) against five Gram positive and five Gram negative bacteria.Methods:Evaluation of synergy interaction between plant extracts and antimicrobial agents was carried out using disc diffusion method. Results: The results of this study showed that there is an increased activity in case of combination of methanolic plant extracts and test antimicrobial agents. The more potent result was that the synergism between methanolic extract of C. papaya and antibiotics showed highest and strong synergistic effect against tested bacterial strains;though methanolic extract of C. papaya alone was not showing any antibacterial activity.Conclusions:These results indicate that combination between plant extract and the antibiotics could be useful in fighting emerging drug-resistance microorganisms.

In vitro interaction of certain antimicrobial agents in combination with plant extracts against some pathogenic bacterial strains

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro interaction between methanolic extracts of Terminalia catappa (T. catappa) (Combretaceae) and Carica papaya (C. papaya) (caricaceae) leaves and certain known antimicrobial drugs like penicillin G (P), ampicillin (AMP), amoxyclav (AMC), cephalothin (CEP), polymyxin B (PB), rifampicin (RIF), amikacin (AK), nilidixic acid (NA), gentamicin (GEN), chloramphenicol (C), ofloxacin (OF) against five Gram positive and five Gram negative bacteria. Methods: Evaluation of synergy interaction between plant extracts and antimicrobial agents was carried out using disc diffusion method. Results: The results of this study showed that there is an increased activity in case of combination of methanolic plant extracts and test antimicrobial agents. The more potent result was that the synergism between methanolic extract of C. papaya and antibiotics showed highest and strong synergistic effect against tested bacterial strains;though methanolic extract of C. papaya alone was not showing any antibacterial activity. Conclusions: These results indicate that combination between plant extract and the antibiotics could be useful in fighting emerging drug-resistance microorganisms.

Identificación presuntiva de Cryptococcus gattii aislado de Terminalia catappa en Montería, Córdoba, Colombia / Presumptive identification of Cryptococcus gattii isolated from Terminalia catappa in Montería city, Córdoba, Colombia

Introducción: los miembros del complejo Cryptococcus neoformans, son la causa de criptococosis en humanos y animales. La infección en humanos es adquirida por la inhalación de los propágulos presentes en el ambiente, por esta razón es de gran importancia el estudio de su hábitat. Objetivo: determinar la relación ecológica de Cryptococcus gattii con árboles de Terminalia catappa presentes en la zona urbana de la ciudad de Montería, Colombia. Métodos: se seleccionaron 163 árboles de Terminalia catappa de los cuales se tomaron muestras de corteza, hojas, flores, fruto y suelo circundante. El aislamiento se realizó utilizando el medio de agar semillas de Guizotia abyssinica, la identificación se hizo mediante pruebas morfológicas y fisiológicas y la variedad se determinó con las pruebas de L-canavanina-glicina-azul de bromotimol (CGB), D-prolina y D-triptofano. Resultados: se obtuvieron 9,050 UFC/g con características de Cryptococcus spp. De ellas, 5,795 UFC/g correspondieron presuntivamente a Cryptococcus gattii. El mayor porcentaje de aislamientos se encontró en flores, seguido por corteza y fruto, con tamaños celulares y capsulares pequeños. Estos aislamientos fueron más frecuentes en el sur de la ciudad, seguido por la zona centro y en menor porcentaje por la zona norte. Conclusiones: los hallazgos muestran una estrecha relación entre Cryptococcus gattii y Terminalia catappa. Este estudio es el primero que se hace en la ciudad de Montería. Los resultados brindan información valiosa para la comprensión y el análisis sobre la epidemiología de la criptococosis en la ciudad de Montería, Colombia.

Introduction: the members of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex are responsible for cryptococcosis in animals and humans. Human infection is thought to be acquired by inhalation of airborne propagules from an environmental source; therefore it is greatly important to study their habitat. Objective: to determine the ecological relationship of Cryptococcus gattii with Terminalia catappa trees present in urban areas of Montería city in Colombia. Methods: a total of 163 Terminalia catappa trees were selected; some samples were taken from the bark, the leaves, the flowers, the fruits of these trees and from the surrounding soil. The yeast was isolated using the Guizotia abyssinica seed agar medium; it was identified thanks to biochemical and morphologic tests whereas the right variety was determined by L-canavanine-glycine- bromothymol blue (CGB), D-proline and D-tryptophan tests. Results: there was obtained 9.050 CFU/g isolate of Cryptococcus spp., 5.795 CFU/g of which were presumptively identified as Cryptococcus gattii. The highest percentage of isolates was found in flowers, followed by bark and fruits, presenting small cellular and capsular sizes. These isolates were more frequent in the south of the city, followed by the center zone and the lowest percentage in the northern zone. Conclusions: these findings confirmed the close relationship of Cryptococcus gattii and Terminalia catappa, being this the first study conducted in Montería city. These results give us meaningful information for understanding and analyzing the epidemiology of cryptococcosis in Monteria city, Colombia.

The effect of talisay (Terminalia catappa) extract on Staphylococcus aureus growth in vitro and Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Seventeen Philippine plants were subjected to antimicrobial screening against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using antimicrobial disc assay. The result showed that Terminalia catappa, locally known as "talisay", exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and none against E. coli. The growth of Staphylococcus aureus inoculated in nutrient broth with different concentrations of the T. catappa extract was determined by measuring cell density at 0 hours and 24 hours of inoculation. The results showed that bacterial cell density decreased significantly after 24 hours of inoculation in the plant extract. Talisay was further tested for its wound healing properties on 2 groups (group 1: standard drug vs. negative control; group 2: herbal extract vs. negative control) of guinea pigs using the abrasion method. A swab of inoculum of S. aureus was applied for infecting the wound. Differences in degrees of wound healing determined by free radical scavenging activity, colony forming units (CFU) counting and histopathologic analysis were noted. Samples from wound abscesses remaining after 48 hours of application of extract were swabbed in petriplates containing 20 ml nutrient agar and were verified using the catalase test. The CFUs were counted 24 hours after incubation. Crude extract was further subjected to High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) yielding a polar substance suspected to be of the aromatic tannin family. ANOVA revealed significant difference in the positive control and negative control results against the T. catappa extract treatment in the in vivo antimicrobial activity model. Among these setups, the wounds treated with the extract exhibited advanced healing as supported by significantly lower absorbance levels in the antioxidant assay, lower CFU count, and significantly higher grade in wound healing parameters for histopathologic analysis. The T. catappa extract under study showed significant inhibition of growth of S. aureus and effective healing of infected wounds