Hepatoprotective potential of isolated flavonoids from Trapa natans L. against the paracetamol induced oxidative stress in rats

Overdose of paracetamol causes liver toxicity, due to oxidative stress by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that increases the levels of ALT and AST, and reduces the level of the antioxidant enzymes. Flavonoids are a source of natural antioxidants that assist in neutralization of ROS. Several studies have suggested that flavonoids can help protect the liver. The Water Chestnut, Trapa natans L. plants have long been used in the traditional system of medicine and possess considerable antioxidant potential. In this study, we tried to isolate flavonoids from T. natans L. and evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of the isolated compound. We isolated flavonoids from the extract of the aerial part of plant and characterized by UV, IR, NMR and Mass spectroscopy. The isolated flavonoid was induced orally once a day (30 mg/kg). The test drug (isolated compound) could lower the elevated levels of serum enzymes such as glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin. Silymarin (30 mg/kg) was taken as a standard drug that exhibits significant hepatoprotective activity against the paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity model in Wistar albino rats. The histopathological study of rat liver also strengthens biochemical evaluation analysis. Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that the isolated flavonoids act as hepatoprotective agents in rats.

Identification of compounds from chufa (Eleocharis dulcis) peels with inhibitory acrylamide formation activity

Abstract Five compounds were isolated from the peels of chufa (Eleocharis dulcis (Burm.f.) Trin. ex Hensch., Cyperaceae). The chemical structures were determined by various spectroscopic analysis methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and by comparison with literature data. All compounds were isolated for the first time from the peels of chufa. Compounds orcinol glucoside, leonuriside A, 2-hydroxymethyl-6-(5-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenoxy-methyl)-tetra-hydro-pyran-3,4,5-triol, and 1,4-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside showed good acrylamide formation activity, and acrylamide inhibition rates were 30.24, 32.81, 30.53, and 28.18%, respectively.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Water Chestnut Extract on Cytokine Responses via Nuclear Factor-kappaB-signaling Pathway

Water chestnut (Trapa japonica Flerov.) is an annual aquatic plant. In the present study, we showed that the treatment of water chestnut extracted with boiling water resulted in a significant increase 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity and decrease the intracellular H2O2-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, water chestnut extract (WCE) inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production and suppressed mRNA and protein expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene. The cytokine array results showed that WCE inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion. Also, WCE reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha- and interleukin-6-induced nuclear factor-kappaB activity. Furthermore, during sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced irritation of human skin, WCE reduced SLS-induced skin erythema and improved barrier regeneration. These results indicate that WCE may be a promising topical anti-inflammatory agent.

Physico-chemical, morphological and pasting properties of starches extracted from water Chestnuts (Trapa natans) from three Lakes of Kashmir, India

Studies on physicochemical, morphology and pasting properties of starches extracted from water chestnuts of three Lakes of Kashmir valley (Wular, Anchar and Dal Lakes) were conducted to determine their application in different food products. The water chestnut starch from Dal Lake had more oval shaped granules than water chestnut starches from the Wular and the Anchar Lakes.The unique feature of the water chestnut starches were shape of starch granules which looked like horn(s) protruding from the surface which did not appear in other starches already studied. Proximate analysis of water chestnut starches showed that average protein content were 0.4 percent, amylose 29.5 percent and ash 0.007 on dry weight basis. Increase in water binding capacity, swelling power and solubility was found over a temperature range of 50-90ºC. Water chestnut starches showed an increase in syneresis during freeze thaw cycles and decline in paste clarity upon storage. Starch extracted from the water chestnuts of the Dal Lake showed higher water binding capacity, swelling, solubility, past clarity, freeze thaw stability, peak viscosity, final viscosity and lower protein content, amylose content, pasting temperature and gel firmness than starches extracted from water chestnuts of the Wular and the Anchar Lakes.