EVALUATION OF THE ANTI-MYCOBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ALLIUM ASCALONICUM AND ALLIUM SATIVUM

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the organism causing tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Plant-based drugs have been used worldwide in traditional medicines for the treatment of various diseases including tuberculosis. Medicinal plants are an important source of new antimicrobial agents and remain an attractive alternative strategy. The present study was performed to evaluate anti-MTB activity of two medicinal plants viz., Allium ascalonicum, and Allium sativum. Different concentrations of extracts of these plants were tested for their anti MTB activity against MTBH37Rv strain and the inhibitory activity was expressed as CFU inhibition, % inhibition and IC50. In our study Allium sativum showed higher anti TB activity however this bactericidal property was not signi?cantly different between each groups. The overall anti mycobacterial activity of these extracts might be attributed due to the presence of ?avonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, tannins and other phytoconstituents. The extract of the plant also exhibited promising antitubercular activity.

Reversal of Hypertension and Amelioration of Oxidative Stress by Persea americana and Allium sativum in Experimentally-Induced Hypertensive Wistar Rats

Aim: This study evaluated the antihypertensive and antioxidant effects of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Persea americana and Allium sativum in experimentally-induced hypertensive Wistar rats. Study Design: Experimental Research. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ibadan (Animal House), between May 2019 and December 2019. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in 85 rats randomly divided into 17 groups. Group 1 were normotensive rats while hypertension was induced in groups 2-16 by unilateral nephrectomy and inclusion of NaCl (1%) in drinking water. Group 17 had abdominal incision without nephrectomy (sham). Treatment groups were administered P. americana or A. sativum extracts at 20 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg dose and standard antihypertensives; lisinopril or hydrochlorothiazide. Results: Results of the experiment showed treatment of hypertensive rats with 50 mg/kg of A. sativum hexane and P. americana methanol extract caused the most significant decrease in blood pressure compared to normotensive rats. Various extracts of these two plants elevated antioxidants levels (GPx, GST, GSH and SOD) in the brain, heart, kidney and liver significantly while H2O2 and MDA were significantly decreased compared to untreated hypertensive rats. NO, an important neurotransmitter for normal endothelial function was also restored in the extract-treated rat, as a deficiency contributes greatly to the development of hypertension. Conclusion: The study concluded that P. americana and A. sativum do not only lower blood pressure. The plants also inhibited generation of free radicals by enhancing the antioxidant system and mopped up generated free radicals demonstrated by decline in H2O2 and MDA levels. These plants have been shown in this study to contain potential drug candidates which can be proposed for treatment of hypertension.

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.

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF GARLIC

Garlic or Lashun is the member Liliaceae family, is use as spice in food cooking as well as medicine to treat various ailments. Garlic is also acting as a flavoring agent for the cooking, and however it has also been used as a drug from very ancient and modern times in all over the world, it is used to inhibit and cure the vast range of ailments and disorders. Allicin found in the garlic is the chemically active substance of fresh garlic extract, possess the capacity of readily permeable through phospholipid membranes which contributes to its possible pharmacological activity and also contain sulfur compounds, which are believed to bring some of the health benefits. Currently, garlic is broadly used for different diseases related with the systemic circulation and heart, which includes atherosclerosis, HDL, LDL & heart attack, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Garlic is also reported to treat the lung cancer, and various other cancers such as colon cancer& skin diseases too, it also has hypolipidemic, immunomodulator, aphrodisiac, & Antifungal actions. This article reviews the importance of garlic (Allium sativum), and, their active constituents to show whether or not can be further used as potential natural sources for the development of any novel drug formulations.

Etude préliminaire de l'effet de l'ail (Allium sativum L) chez des malades atteints du SARS-CoV-2 / Preliminary study of the effect of garlic (Allium sativum L) in patients with SARS-CoV-2

Introduction : En peu de temps, une flambée épidémique localisée de COVID 19 s'est transformée en une pandémie mondiale avec un taux brut de létalité supérieur à 3 %. L'objectif de notre travail était d'observer l'effet de l'ail (Allium sativum L.) chez les malades atteints du coronavirus COVID 19. Matériel et Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude d'intervention avant et après menée chez des personnes déclarées PCR positive ayant développées des formes plus ou moins sévères de la maladie et ont mal réagi au schéma thérapeutique reçu à domicile. La dose administrée est de 6 caïeux moyens (24g) d'ail écrasés trois fois par jour pendant trois jours. Résultats : une amélioration de l'état général avec disparition de la plupart des symptômes (fièvre, céphalées, asthénie, agueusie, anosmie et diarrhées) a été observée dès le deuxième jour du traitement chez tous les patients. Conclusion : Les résultats obtenus après utilisation de l'ail chez les malades atteints du SARS-CoV-2 nous encouragent à lancer une étude en milieu hospitalier sur un échantillon plus important afin de renforcer les résultats de cette étude préliminaire par des tests statistiques appropriés.

Introduction: In a short time, a localized outbreak of COVID 19 has evolved into a global pandemic with a crude case fatality rate of over 3%. The objective of our work was to observe the effect of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in patients with the COVID 19 coronavirus. Material and Methods: This is an intervention study before and after carried out in people declared PCR positive who have developed more or less severe forms of the disease and have reacted badly to the treatment regimen received at home. The administered dose is 6 medium cloves (24g) of crushed garlic three times a day for three days. Results: An improvement in the general condition with resolution of most of the symptoms (fever, headache, asthenia, ageusia, anosmia and diarrhea) was observed from the second day of treatment in all patients. Conclusion: The results obtained after using garlic in patients with SARS-CoV-2 encourage us to initiate a study in a hospital setting on a larger sample in order to strengthen the results of this preliminary study with appropriate statistical tests.

Impact of Allium sativum ethanol extract on immuno-regulatory T cells and anti-inflammatory cytokine profile in murine schistosomiasis

@#Parasite immune response against schistosomal antigens involves both the innate and adaptive immune response. Tregs have a suppressive effect and play a role on the parasite’s immune evasion. This study aimed to evaluate active compounds of Allium sativum (AS) ethanol extract and the impact of AS extract alone or in combination with praziquantel on Tregs and anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 in mice infected with S. mansoni. Phytochemical screening of AS bulbs for various active constituents and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the flavonoids and phenolic acids were done using HPLC. Measurement of splenocytes Treg cell phenotypes and anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 was done by flow cytometric analysis. The data are expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA utilizing the statistical package (SPSS version 17.0). HPLC of AS ethanol extract revealed presence of 22 and 18 compounds of flavonoids and phenolic acids, respectively. S. mansoni infection upregulated the Treg cells subsets (CD4, CD25, Foxp3) frequencies and the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokines when compared to healthy control. AS ethanol extract alone or combined with PZQ decreases the production of Treg cells from spleen in addition to the reduction in antiinflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β. This study recommends that the combination of AS ethanol extract and PZQ may play a role in maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system during schistosomiasis by decreasing Treg cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL10 and TGF-β production.

Non-destructive evaluation of the leaf area of garlic crop using mathematical models / Avaliação não-destrutiva da área foliar da cultura do alho através de modelos matemáticos

Growth measurements such as leaf area (LA) and dry matter (DM) are important in experiments about plants population, fertilization, irrigation and others parameters of cultivation, in garlic crop. The LA and DM are commonly defined as destructive, lengthy and cause loss of plants in the experimental units. The objective of this study was to fit mathematical models using linear models that estimate the leaf area and dry matter of garlic plants - variety Ito. For that, garlic plants were collected at 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 115 and 120 days after planting. The measurements of width (W), length (L) of leaves, LA, DM, pseudostem diameter (PD), number of leaves per plant (NL) and height (H) were determined in each time. The models were fitted to estimate the LA or DM as function of the variables W, L, L*W, PD and LA. The statistical analysis of the linear regression, coefficient of determination of the linear regression (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), modified concordance index (d1) and the BIAS index were verified to determine the most representative models. It`s possible to estimate the LA and the leaf DM of garlic plants using the variables: length, width, pseudostem diameter and height of plants.

Medidas de crescimento como área foliar (AF) e matéria seca (MS) são importantes em experimentos com população de plantas, adubação, irrigação e outros parâmetros de cultivo, na cultura do alho. Muitas vezes a AF e MS são definidas por avaliações destrutivas, demoradas e com perdas de plantas nas unidades experimentais. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, definir modelos matemáticos através de medidas lineares, que estimem a área foliar e a matéria seca das folhas de plantas de alho da variedade Ito. Para isso, quinze plantas foram coletadas aos 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 115 e 120 dias após o plantio (DAP). As medidas de largura (L), comprimento (C) das folhas, AF, MS, diâmetro do pseudocaule (DP), número de folhas por planta (NF) e altura da planta (AP) foram determinadas em cada época. Ajustaram-se modelos para estimar a AF ou MS em função das variáveis L, C, L*C, DP e AF. Para determinar os modelos mais representativos foram verificados a análise estatística da regressão linear, o coeficiente de determinação da regressão linear (R2), raiz do quadrado médio do erro (RQME), índice de concordância modificado (d1) e o índice BIAS. É possível estimar a AF e MS foliar de plantas de alho através das variáveis comprimento, largura, diâmetro do pseudocaule e altura de plantas.

Nonlinear quantile regression to describe the dry matter accumulation of garlic plants / Regressão quantílica não linear para descrever o acúmulo de matéria seca de alho

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to adjust nonlinear quantile regression models for the study of dry matter accumulation in garlic plants over time, and to compare them to models fitted by the ordinary least squares method. The total dry matter of nine garlic accessions belonging to the Vegetable Germplasm Bank of Universidade Federal de Viçosa (BGH/UFV) was measured in four stages (60, 90, 120 and 150 days after planting), and those values were used for the nonlinear regression models fitting. For each accession, there was an adjustment of one model of quantile regression (τ=0.5) and one based on the least squares method. The nonlinear regression model fitted was the Logistic. The Akaike Information Criterion was used to evaluate the goodness of fit of the models. Accessions were grouped using the UPGMA algorithm, with the estimates of the parameters with biological interpretation as variables. The nonlinear quantile regression is efficient for the adjustment of models for dry matter accumulation in garlic plants over time. The estimated parameters are more uniform and robust in the presence of asymmetry in the distribution of the data, heterogeneous variances, and outliers.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo ajustar modelos de regressão quantílica não linear para o estudo do acúmulo de matéria seca total em plantas de alho ao longo do tempo, e compará-los com modelos ajustados pelo método dos mínimos quadrados. A matéria seca total de nove acessos de alho pertencentes ao Banco de Germoplasma de Hortaliças da Universidade Federal de Viçosa (BGH/UFV) foi avaliada em quatro períodos (60, 90, 120 e 150 dias após plantio), e estes valores foram utilizados para o ajuste de modelos de regressão - não linear - logística. Para cada acesso, foram ajustados um modelo de regressão quantílica (τ=0,5) e um modelo pela metodologia dos mínimos quadrados. Para avaliar a qualidade de ajuste dos modelos foi utilizado o Critério de Informação de Akaike. Os acessos foram agrupados pelo algoritmo UPGMA, utilizando as estimativas dos parâmetros com interpretação biológica como variáveis. A regressão quantílica não linear foi eficiente no ajuste de modelos para descrição do acúmulo de matéria seca ao longo do tempo. As estimativas de parâmetros foram mais uniformes e robustas na presença de dados assimétricos, variâncias heterogêneas e de valores discrepantes.

Topical Applications of Thiosulfinate-Enriched Allium sativum Extract Accelerates Acute Cutaneous Wound Healing in Murine Model / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine whether topical applications of thiosulfinate-enriched Allium sativum extract (TASE) can accelerate acute cutaneous wound healing (WH) in a murine model.@*METHODS@#Keratinocyte viability and in vitro wound closure were assessed in keratinocyte cultures. Effects of topical TASE (0.5 μg/mL of allicin in 97% ethanol) on acute cutaneous WH were determined in a murine model of acute cutaneous wound. Twelve mice were alternately assigned to the vehicle- and TASE-treated groups (n=6 per group). Expression levels of mRNA for keratinocyte differentiation marker-related proteins (filaggrin, loricrin and involucrin) and lipid synthetic enzymes (elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 4 (ELOVL4), fatty acid synthase (FA2H), 3-hydroxy- 3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoA), and serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT)) were assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction on day 3 and 8 after wounding, while transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rates were measured in wounded areas.@*RESULTS@#TASE accelerated WH both in vivo (40% vs. 22% reduction in wound area, P<0.01) and in vitro (90% vs. 65% reduction in wound area, P<0.01). Moreover, topical applications of TASE upregulated the expression levels of epidermal mRNA for ELOVL4, HMGCoA, SPT, filaggrin, loricrin and involucrin (P<0.05 vs. vehicle-treated controls) on day 3 after wounding. Likewise, TASE significantly lowered TEWL rates in comparison with vehicle alone on day 8 (33.06±2.09 g/(m@*CONCLUSIONS@#Topical applications of TASE stimulated keratinocyte proliferation and formation of epidermal permeability barrier function, leading to acceleration of acute cutaneous WH. Topical products containing TASE could be used to manage acute cutaneous WH.

Comparative Anti-Oxidative Effect of Spices in Experimentally Induced Type-II Diabetes in Rats

Nigella sativa, Allium sativum and Trigonella foenum-graecum are common dietary spices also traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases including diabetes mellitus. Clinical research has confirmed the efficacy of several spices extract in the modulation of oxidative stress associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). The therapeutic activity of each individual spice is well documented, but their effect when combined is unknown. Polyherbalism is of current interest because polyherbal formulations enhance therapeutic action and reduce the concentrations of single herbs, thereby reducing adverse events. This study evaluated the hypoglycaemic and anti oxidative activity of aqueous extract of black cumin, garlic, fenugreek individual and its combination at different doses in STZ-NT-induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were treated with aqueous extract for 30 days. These extract significantly (p<0.05) lowered the elevated fasting blood glucose, oxidative parameters but no effect seen in haematological indices. This oxidative stress was related to a decreased superoxide dismutase activity in diabetic rats. We suggested that black cumin, garlic, fenugreek and its combination could be used as antidiabetic complement in case of Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Effect of Garlic and Voluntary Exercise on Cardiac Angiogenesis in Diabetes: The Role of MiR-126 and MiR-210 / O Efeito do Alho e de Exercícios Físicos Voluntários na Angiogênese Cardíaca no Diabetes: O Papel do miRNA-126 e do miRNA-210

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, leading to endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis impairment . MiR-126 and miR-210 support angiogenic response in endothelial cells. Objective: The present study sought to explore the effect of garlic and voluntary exercise, alone or together, on miR-126 and miR-210 expressions and cardiac angiogenesis in rats with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 7): Control, Diabetes, Diabetes+Garlic, Diabetes+Exercise, and Diabetes+Garlic+Exercise. Diabetes was induced in the animals by streptozotocin (ip, 50 mg/kg). The rats were then fed raw fresh garlic homogenate (250 mg/kg) or were subjected to voluntary exercise, or to combined garlic and voluntary exercise for 6 weeks. MiR-126 and miR-210 expressions in the myocardium were determined by real time PCR, and the serum lipid profile was measured by enzymatic kits. Angiogenesis was evaluated by immunostaining for PECAM-1/ CD31 in the myocardium. Results: Diabetes reduced both cardiac miR-126 expression and angiogenesis (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there was a miR-210 expression increase in the myocardium of diabetic animals (p < 0.001). However, those effects reversed either with garlic or voluntary exercise (p < 0.01). Moreover, treating diabetic rats with garlic and voluntary exercise combined had an additional effect on the expressions of miR-126 and miR-210 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both voluntary exercise and garlic significantly improved serum lipid profiles (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The induction of diabetes decreased angiogenesis in the myocardium, whereas our treatment using long-term voluntary exercise and garlic improved myocardial angiogenesis. These changes were possibly owing to the enhancement of myocardial miR-126 and miR-210 expressions.

Resumo Fundamento: O diabetes mellitus (DM) é um dos principais fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares, levando à disfunção endotelial e inibição da angiogênese. O miRNA-126 e o miRNA-210 promovem a resposta angiogênica em células endoteliais. Objetivo: O presente estudo buscou explorar o efeito do alho e de exercícios físicos voluntários, isoladamente ou em conjunto, nas expressões do miRNA-126 e do miR-210 e na angiogênese cardíaca em ratos com diabetes tipo 1. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos foram divididos em cinco grupos (n = 7): Controle, Diabetes, Diabetes+Alho, Diabetes+Exercícios e Diabetes+Alho+Exercícios. Introduziu-se diabetes nos animais por estreptozotocina (ip, 50 mg/kg). Os ratos foram então alimentados com homogenato de alho fresco cru (250 mg/kg), ou foram submetidos a exercícios voluntários, ou a uma combinação de alho e exercícios voluntários, durante 6 semanas. As expressões do miRNA-126 e do miRNA-210 no miocárdio foram determinadas por PCR em tempo real, e o perfil lipídico sérico foi medido por kits enzimáticos. A angiogênese foi avaliada por imunocoloração por PECAM-1/CD31 no miocárdio Resultados: O diabetes reduziu a expressão do miRNA-126 cardíaco e da angiogênese (p < 0,05). Por outro lado, houve um aumento da expressão do miRNA-210 no miocárdio dos animais diabéticos (p < 0,001). No entanto, tais efeitos foram revertidos com alho ou exercícios voluntários (p < 0,01). Além disso, o tratamento de ratos diabéticos conjuntamente com alho e exercícios voluntários teve um efeito adicional sobre as expressões do miRNA-126 e do miRNA-210 (p < 0,001). Além disso, tanto os exercícios voluntários quanto o alho melhoraram significativamente os perfis lipídicos séricos (p < 0,001). Conclusões: A indução de diabetes diminuiu a angiogênese no miocárdio, enquanto nosso tratamento com exercícios voluntários de longa duração e alho melhorou a angiogênese miocárdica. Estas alterações devem-se, possivelmente, ao aumento das expressões do miRNA-126 e do miRNA no miocárdio.

New Phenolic Glycoside from Aerial Part of Allium sativum / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from the aerial part of Allium sativum. Method: The aerial part of A. sativum was treated by heating reflux extraction with 70% ethanol. The combined extracting solution was treated with decompressed recovery solvent to obtain the total extract. The total extract's thick paste was suspended with an appropriate amount of distilled water, and then extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and water-saturated n-butyl alcohol to obtain petroleum ether extraction fraction, ethyl acetate extraction fraction and n-butyl alcohol extraction fraction. The n-butyl alcohol extraction fraction was isolated and purified by positive phase silica gel column chromatography, ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC,etc. The structures of the chemical constituents were elucidated by means of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis, and spectral data, like 1H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, DEPT, HMBC and HR-ESI-MS. Result: Seven compounds were isolated and identified as 2-methoxy-phenol-1-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside(1),phenyl-ethanol-4-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside(2),trans-resveratrol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(3),stigmasterol(4),β-sitosterol(5),stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(6) and daucosterol(7). Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new phenolic glycoside named dasuanxinoside J,and compounds 2-7 are isolated from A. sativum for the first time.

Investigation of Allium sativum's protective effect on ovarian reserve in an experimental ovarian injury model / Investigación del efecto protector de Allium sativum de la reserva ovárica en un modelo experimental de lesión ovárica

We aimed to evaluate the effects of detorsion and Allium sativum (garlic oil) treatment on the ovarian reserve in an ovarian torsion model. Ovarian torsion may lead to loss of ovarian tissue and infertility. It is an experimental rat study that was carried out on 16 sets of ovaries each, one for treatment group and a control group. In the control group, the procedure involved only the surgically opening and closing the abdomen. Bilateral adnexal torsion/detorsion was performed after a 3-hour ischemia period for the detorsion-only group. The detorsion + Allium sativum group received a 5 ml/kg dose of Allium sativum intraperitoneally, 2 hours before surgery. After the second surgery, removed ovarian samples were evaluated for follicle counts, damage scores and other parameters. Primordial, preantral, small antral and large antral follicle counts were significantly higher in the detorsion + Allium sativum group. Degeneration, congestion, hemorrhage ,inflammation and total damage scores were significantly elevated in the detorsion only group compared to those for the detorsion + Allium sativum group. Finally, there was a significant correlation between AMH alterations and postoperative, preantral follicle count (p<0.05). As a conclusion detorsion + Allium sativum treatment may be effective in protecting the ovarian reserve after torsion.

Intentamos evaluar los efectos de la detorsión y el tratamiento con Allium sativum (aceite de ajo) en la reserva ovárica en un modelo de torsión ovárica. La torsión ovárica puede ocasionar pérdida de tejido ovárico e infertilidad. Este es un estudio experimental en ratas que se llevó a cabo en 16 sets de ovarios para cada grupo: tratamiento y control. En el grupo control, el procedimiento involucró solamente la apertura y el cierre quirúrgicos del abdomen. La torsión / detorsión anexial bilateral se realizó después de un período de isquemia de 3 horas para el grupo de solo detorsión. El grupo de detorsión + Allium sativum recibió una dosis de 5 ml / kg de Allium sativum por vía intraperitoneal, 2 horas antes de la cirugía. Después de la segunda cirugía, las muestras ováricas eliminadas se evaluaron para recuentos de folículos, puntajes de daño y otros parámetros. Los recuentos de folículos antrales primordiales, preantrales, antrales pequeños y grandes fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo con detorsión + Allium sativum. Los puntajes de degeneración, congestión, hemorragia, inflamación y daño total fueron significativamente elevados en el grupo de solo detorsión, en comparación con los del grupo de detorsión + Allium sativum. Finalmente, hubo una correlación significativa entre las alteraciones de AMH y el recuento de folículos preantrales postoperatorios (p <0,05). Como conclusión, el tratamiento con detorsión + Allium sativum puede ser eficaz para proteger la reserva ovárica después de la torsión.

Control potential of Meloidogyne javanica and Ditylenchus spp. using fluorescent Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp

ABSTRACT Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) have different mechanisms of action in the development of plants, such as growth promotion, production of phytohormones and antibiotic substances and changes in root exudates. These help to control plant diseases. In order to evaluate the potential of microorganisms in the control of Meloidogyne javanica and Ditylenchus spp., five rhizobacteria isolated from rhizosphere of garlic cultivated in the Curitibanos (SC) region were tested. Hatching chambers were set on Petri dishes, in which were added 10 mL of bacterial suspension and 1 mL of M. javanica eggs suspension, at the rate of 4500, on the filter paper of each chamber. The same procedure was performed with 300 juvenile Ditylenchus spp. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications. The evaluations were performed every 72 h for nine days. The antagonized population of nematodes was determined in Peters counting chamber, determining the percentage hatching (for M. javanica) and motility (for Ditylenchus spp). Isolates CBSAL02 and CBSAL05 significantly reduced the hatching of M. javanica eggs (74% and 54.77%, respectively) and the motility of Ditylenchus spp. (55.19% and 53.53%, respectively) in vitro. Isolates were identified as belonging to the genera Pseudomonas (CBSAL05) and Bacillus (CBSAL02).

Quantile regression of nonlinear models to describe different levels of dry matter accumulation in garlic plants / Regressão quantílica de um modelo não linear para descrição de diferentes níveis de acúmulo de matéria seca em plantas de alho

ABSTRACT: Plant growth analyses are important because they generate information on the demand and necessary care for each development stage of a plant. Nonlinear regression models are appropriate for the description of curves of growth, since they include parameters with practical biological interpretation. However, these models present information in terms of the conditional mean, and they are subject to problems in the adjustment caused by possible outliers or asymmetry in the distribution of the data. Quantile regression can solve these problems, and it allows the estimation of different quantiles, generating more complete and robust results. The objective of this research was to adjust a nonlinear quantile regression model for the study of dry matter accumulation in garlic plants (Allium sativum L.) over time, estimating parameters at three different quantiles and classifying each garlic accession according to its growth rate and asymptotic weight. The nonlinear regression model fitted was a Logistic model, and 30 garlic accessions were evaluated. These 30 accessions were divided based on the model with the closest quantile estimates; 12 accessions were classified as of lesser interest for planting, 6 were classified as intermediate, and 12 were classified as of greater interest for planting.

RESUMO: Análises de crescimento de plantas são importantes, pois geram informações sobre a demanda e os cuidados necessários para cada etapa de seu desenvolvimento. Modelos de regressão não linear são apropriados para descrever curvas de crescimento por apresentarem parâmetros com interpretação prática biológica. Entretanto, estes modelos apresentam informações em termos médios, e estão sujeitos a problemas no ajuste proporcionados por possíveis valores extremos ou assimetria na distribuição dos dados. A regressão quantílica pode contornar estes problemas, e ainda permite estimativas de diferentes quantis, gerando resultados mais completos e robustos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi ajustar um modelo de regressão quantílica não linear para o estudo do acúmulo de matéria seca em plantas de alho (Allium sativum L.) ao longo do tempo, estimando seus parâmetros em três diferentes quantis e classificando cada acesso de alho de acordo com sua taxa de crescimento e peso assintótico. O modelo de regressão não linear ajustado foi o Logístico, e foram utilizados 30 acessos de alho. Estes foram divididos de acordo com a curva do quantil de estimativas mais próximas, sendo classificados 12 acessos como de baixo interesse para o plantio, 6 de interesse intermediário e 12 como de alto interesse.

Garlic: kinetic drying and thermodynamic properties / Alho: cinética de secagem e propriedades termodinâmicas

Dehydrated garlic is an importance spice in pre-cooked and processed food products, but studies of the drying variables of this product are scarce. Thus, this work aimed to model and study the kinetics of garlic drying at three different temperatures (40, 50 and 60 °C) and analyze the thermodynamic parameters during the process. The drying was analyzed using pre-established mathematical models for agricultural products and equations that describe the thermodynamics of product dehydration. The best mathematical adjustment for all drying temperatures was the Midilli equation. The moisture ratio was seen to decrease during the process for all situations. The effective diffusivity increased with increasing temperature. The enthalpy change was positive during the process and decreased with increasing temperature. The study entropy was negative, indicating a non-spontaneous reaction. In addition, the Gibbs free energy increased with increasing drying temperature. The thermodynamic standards were satisfactory and correctly described the moisture loss by the garlic samples.

O alho desidratado é um tempero de suma importância em produtos pré-cozidos e processados, no entanto, o estudo das variáveis de secagem desse produto é escasso. Diante disso, objetivou-se com esse trabalho estudar a cinética e a modelagem da secagem de alho, em três temperaturas distintas (40, 50 e 60 °C), e analisar os parâmetros termodinâmicos durante o processo. O estudo da secagem foi feito por meio de modelos matemáticos pré-estabelecidos para produtos agrícolas e por equações que descrevem a termodinâmica da desidratação de produtos. O melhor ajuste matemático foi à equação de Midilli para todas as temperaturas de secagem. A razão de umidade apresentou-se decrescente durante o processo para todas as situações. A difusividade efetiva aumentou com o aumento da temperatura. A variação de entalpia apresentou-se positiva durante o processo de secagem e diminui com o aumento da temperatura. A entropia estudada foi negativa, indicando uma reação não-espontânea. E a energia livre de Gibbs aumentou com a elevação da temperatura de secagem. Os padrões termodinâmicos foram satisfatórios e descreveram como ocorreu a perda de umidade pelas amostras de alho.

In vivo and in vitro activity of oil extract of garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) against Schistosoma japonicum cercariae

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The activity of garlic oil extract against Schistosoma japonicum cercariae was evaluated. METHODS: The in vitro and in vivo cercaricidal activities against S. japonicum larvae were determined. RESULTS: Exposure to ≥ 10-6 (v/v) garlic emulsions for 30 min led to 100% cercariae mortality; pre-exposure treatment with ≥ 10-4 (v/v) garlic emulsions showed 100% preventive efficacy against S. japonicum infection, while pre-treatment with 10-5 and 10-6 (v/v) emulsions achieved 20%-40% preventive efficacy and 35.2%-63.6% worm burden reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic oil extract has activity against S. japonicum larvae and a promising preventive efficacy against S. japonicum infection.

Agromorphological performance of garlic landraces in Piauí, Brazil / Desempenho agromorfológico de variedades crioulas de alho no Piauí

ABSTRACT: In garlic (Allium sativum L.), genotype evaluation facilitates the search for better varieties. The aim of this study was to use morphoagronomic traits to evaluate three garlic landraces, namely, “Cateto Roxo Local”, “Cateto Roxo Mineiro 1” and “Cateto Roxo Mineiro 2”. They were planted on May 1, 2014 and May 23, 2014, in the municipality of Sussuapara, State of Piauí, Brazil. These varieties have similar behavior at the vegetative stage. “Cateto Roxo Local” had the highest average bulb mass, clove number per bulb, and clove mass per bulb. “Cateto Roxo Mineiro 1” and “Cateto Roxo Mineiro 2” had the largest clove diameter per bulb. In Sussuapara - PI, “Cateto Roxo Mineiro 1” and “Cateto Roxo Mineiro 2” are recommended for planting in the beginning of May, whereas “Cateto Roxo Local” should be planted in the third week of May.

RESUMO: Na cultura do alho (Allium sativum L.), a atividade de avaliação de genótipos é importante na busca por variedades superiores e adaptadas. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar avaliação agromorfológica em três variedades crioulas de alho, Cateto Roxo Local, Cateto Roxo Mineiro 1 e Cateto Roxo Mineiro 2, em duas épocas de plantio, 1o de maio e 23 de maio de 2014, no município de Sussuapara - Piauí. As variedades apresentam comportamento semelhante na fase vegetativa das plantas, considerando as duas épocas de plantio. Quanto aos caracteres relacionados à produção, Cateto Roxo Local apresentou maior média para massa de bulbos, número e massa de bulbilhos por bulbo, enquanto Cateto Roxo Mineiro 1 e Cateto Roxo Mineiro 2, se destacaram quanto ao diâmetro dos bulbilhos por bulbo. Cateto Roxo Mineiro 1 e 2 devem ser recomendadas para o plantio no início do mês de maio, enquanto para Cateto Roxo Local, o plantio pode ocorrer até a terceira semana de maio, em Sussuapara - PI.

Garlic essential oil increases rates of eggs fertilization and hatching of Rhamdia quelen larvae in an artificial incubation system / Óleo essencial de alho aumenta as taxas de fertilização de ovos e de eclosão de larvas de Rhamdia quelen em sistema de incubação artificial

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) essential oil on the rates of eggs fertilization and hatching and on the normal development of larvae of artificially incubated silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments and five replicates. The treatments consisted of introducing garlic essential oil into the incubators, which used a closed system of water recirculation, at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, and 5mg L-1. Rates of eggs fertilization and larval hatching were determined at 10 and 24h after the beginning of eggs hydration. Morphology of larvae was assessed with the aid of a stereo microscope to determine the rate of normal development. The concentration of 5mg L-1 promoted better rates of eggs fertilization and larval hatching. Concentrations of garlic essential oil had a linear effect on eggs fertilization rates and larval hatching. Garlic oil did not influence the morphology of the larvae (P>0.05). It is recommended to use 5mg L-1 of garlic essential oil to promote better rates of eggs fertilization and larval hatching of artificially incubated silver catfish.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da utilização do óleo essencial de alho (Allium sativum) sobre as taxas de fertilização dos ovos e eclosão e normalidade de larvas de jundiá cinza, Rhamdia quelen, incubados artificialmente. O experimento foi realizado utilizando delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na introdução de óleo essencial de alho nas incubadoras, utilizando um sistema fechado de recirculação de água, com concentrações de 0; 1; 3 e 5mg L-1 de óleo essencial de alho. As taxas de fertilização dos ovos e eclosão das larvas foram determinadas, respectivamente as 10 e 24h após o início da hidratação dos ovos. Utilizou-se do padrão morfológico de larvas para determinar a taxa de normalidade, com o auxílio de um microscópio estereoscópio. A concentração de 5mg L-1 promoveu melhores taxas de fertilização de ovos e eclosão de larvas. As concentrações de óleo essencial de alho apresentaram efeito linear sobre as taxas de fertilização dos ovos e eclosão das larvas. O óleo de alho não influenciou na normalidade das larvas (P>0,05). Recomenda-se utilizar 5mg L-1 de óleo essencial de alho para promover melhores taxas de fertilização de ovos e eclosão de larvas de jundiá cinza incubados artificialmente.

Hydroethanolic Allium sativum extract accelerates excision wound healing: evidence for roles of mast-cell infiltration and intracytoplasmic carbohydrate ratio

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to evaluate the in vivo effect of Allium sativum (garlic) hydroalcoholic extract on wound healing in rats. For this purpose, 72 mature Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=18/each) to receive no treatment, placebo, Cicalfate(r), or 2% Allium sativum (AS) extract, administered topically to the wound area, for 21 days. Following the experimental period, tissue samples were dissected out and underwent to histopathological analyses. Fibroblasts, fibrocytes, mast cells, intra-cytoplasmic carbohydrate ratio, neovascularization, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization were analyzed in all groups. Animals in the treated groups showed significant enhancement in fibroblast, fibrocyte, and mast-cell distribution. Significantly higher neovascularization was observed on day 3 after wound induction in AS-treated animals versus those in the placebo, Cicalfate, and untreated groups (P<0.05). A dose-dependent, significantly higher intra-cytoplasmic carbohydrate storage was observed in treated animals. Our data show that AS promotes wound healing due to its preliminary impact on mast-cell distribution, which enhanced collagen synthesis and upregulated angiogenesis, and shortened the healing process by enhancing the intra-cytoplasmic carbohydrate ratio.