The bioprotective role of irradiated hibiscus against harmful effects of using repeatedly frying edible oil / O papel bioprotetor do hibisco irradiado contra os efeitos nocivos do uso de óleo comestível para fritar

Abstract Repeatedly frying process of dietary edible oil has a potential role in the generation of free radicals. Therefore, questions have always been raised as to whether, there is an efficient and economical method to reduce the harmful effects of repeated use of frying edible oil. Since hibiscus has been stated to have a wide variety of therapeutic effects, it was important to investigate its properties against harmful effects of free radicals. The current study aspires to find out whether irradiated powder of hibiscus has a protective role against adverse effects of repeated use of frying edible oil. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were equally assigned into five groups. First group"G1" was fed with normal diet as control group, meanwhile, group"G2" the diet mixed with fresh oil, "G3" diet mixed with repeatedly frying oil only, "G4" diet mixed with frying oil treated with hibiscus and "G5" diet mixed with frying oil treated with irradiated hibiscus. Feeding duration was six weeks. Fatty acid analyses of oil as well as peroxide values were determined. Blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical analyses as well as histological study. Repeatedly heated cooked oil has significant increases in peroxide value, acid value, free fatty acid and both conjugated diene and triene compared with repeatedly frying oil treated with hibiscus. Also there are significant increases in cholesterol and triglyceride and impaired in liver functions in "G3"compared with others. In addition, relative to the hibiscus groups, there is a substantial reduction in oxygen consumption in "G3". Both hibiscus as well as irradiated hibiscus attract attention in order to play a vital and economical role against harmful effects of frequent use of frying edible oil on some biological functions but, irradiated hibiscus was more effective.

Resumo O processo de fritura repetida de óleo comestível da dieta tem papel potencial na geração de radicais livres que podem ter efeitos prejudiciais em algumas funções biológicas. Portanto, sempre se questionou se existe uma maneira eficiente e econômica de prevenir ou pelo menos reduzir os efeitos nocivos do uso repetido de óleo comestível para fritar. Como o hibisco tem ampla variedade de efeitos terapêuticos, foi importante investigar suas propriedades como agente antioxidante contra os efeitos nocivos dos radicais livres. O presente estudo pretende descobrir se o pó irradiado de hibisco tem papel protetor contra os efeitos adversos do uso repetido de óleo comestível para fritar. Trinta e cinco ratos albinos machos adultos foram divididos igualmente em cinco grupos. O primeiro grupo "G1" foi alimentado com dieta normal como grupo controle, enquanto o grupo "G2" dieta misturada com óleo fresco, dieta "G3" misturada com óleo de fritura repetida, dieta "G4" misturada com óleo de fritura tratada com hibisco e dieta "G5" misturada com óleo de fritura tratada com hibisco irradiado. A duração da alimentação foi de seis semanas. Foram determinadas as análises de ácidos graxos de óleo, bem como os valores de peróxidos. Amostras de sangue e fígado foram coletadas para análises bioquímicas e estudo histológico. O óleo cozido repetidamente aquecido tem aumentos significativos no valor de peróxido, valor de ácido, ácido graxo livre e dieno e trieno conjugados em comparação com óleo de fritura repetidamente tratado com hibisco. Também há aumentos significativos no colesterol e triglicérides e comprometimento das funções hepáticas no "G3" em comparação com outros. Além disso, em relação aos grupos de hibiscos, há uma redução substancial no consumo de oxigênio no "G3". Tanto o hibisco como o hibisco irradiado chamam atenção por desempenhar papel vital e econômico contra os efeitos nocivos do uso frequente de óleo comestível para fritar em algumas funções biológicas, mas o hibisco irradiado foi mais eficaz.

Antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. red flower against antibiotic-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and identification of the flower constituents

Utilization of plant resources for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections is one of the appealing approaches as rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains is occurring throughout the world. Ethanol extract and its fractions from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red flower were assessed for antibacterial and urease inhibitory activities towards forty-three clinical strains and two reference strains of H. pylori. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most potent bacteriostatic activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.2-0.25 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 1.25-1.5 mg/mL against all test strains, including forty-three strains resistant to one to four antibiotics, azithromycin (MICs, 8-256 µg/mL), erythromycin (MICs, 8-128 µg/mL), levofloxacin (MICs, 8-256 µg/mL), and/or metronidazole (MICs, 8-256 µg/mL). The fraction had similar antibacterial activities toward these test strains suggesting the preparation and the antibiotics do not have a common mechanism of anti-H. pylori activity. The fraction also had stronger effects on biofilm formation, morphological conversion, and urease activity of H. pylori than the other fractions and the ethanol extract. These flower preparations were non-toxic to three human cell lines, and nine compounds were also isolated and identified from the ethyl acetate fraction. In vivo research needs to be conducted to confirm the potential usefulness of H. rosa-sinensis flower and its constituents for effective prevention and treatment of H. pylori disease.

Composição química e aceitabilidade de pão sem glúten desenvolvido com mucilagem de quiabo / Chemical composition and acceptance of gluten-free bread developed with okra mucilage

Com objetivo de produzir pão sem glúten com composição química aprimorada e boa qualidade sensorial, foram elaboradas três formulações com diferentes quantidades de mucilagem de quiabo: (F0) 0 mL; (F1) 100 mL; (F2) 150mL. Determinou-se: rendimento da mucilagem, composição centesimal, valor calórico e atributos sensoriais dos pães por meio de escala hedônica. A mucilagem aumentou o rendimento das F1 e F2. Não houve diferença no teor de proteínas e o teor de lipídios de 7,9 g 100 g-1 (F1) e 6,0 g 100 g-1 (F2) foram inferiores ao da F0. A umidade da F1 (32,15 g 100 g-1) foi menor que nas demais formulações, enquanto cinzas (0,70 g 100 g-1), carboidrato (56,75 g 100 g-1) e valor calórico (308,1 kcal 100 g-1) foram superiores. No teste sensorial, todos os atributos foram avaliados nas categorias "gostei ligeiramente" e "gostei extremamente" pela maioria dos julgadores. A F1 obteve avaliações superiores às da F2 para textura, cor e impressão global e não diferiu em nenhum dos atributos na F0. Conclui-se que a F1 pode ser uma opção viável na busca de pão sem glúten com composição química aprimorada, por conter menor teor de lipídio e umidade, maior teor de cinzas e boa aceitação sensorial. (AU)

With the goal of producing gluten-free bread with improved chemical composition and good sensorial quality, three formulations were prepared with different amounts of okra mucilage: (F0) 0 mL; (F1) 100 mL; (F2) 150 mL. From this was determined: mucilage yield, centesimal composition, caloric value and sensory attributes of bread by hedonic scale. Mucilage increased the yield of F1 and F2. There was no difference in protein content and the lipid content of 7.9 g 100 g-1 (F1) and 6.0 g 100 g-1 (F2) were lower than that of F0. The moisture content of F1 (32.15 g 100 g-1) was lower than the other formulations, while ash (0.70 g 100 g-1), carbohydrate (56.75 g 100 g-1) and caloric value (308,1 kcal 100 g-1) were higher. In the sensory test, attributes were rated in the categories "liked slightly" and "liked extremely" by most judges. F1 scored higher than F2 for texture, color and overall impression and did not differ in any of the attributes at F0. It can be concluded that F1 may be a viable option in the search for gluten-free bread with improved chemical composition, as it contains lower lipid and moisture content, higher ash content and good sensory acceptance. (AU)

Compuestos bioactios y evaluación de la actividad antioxidante de cálices y hojas de Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn / Bioactive compounds and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of calyxes and leaves of Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn

INTRODUCCIÓN: a nivel mundial Hibiscus sabdariffa, es reconocida por sus múltiples beneficios a la salud gracias a su contenido de compuestos bioactivos, representando una alternativa en el tratamiento de enfermedades crónicas y degenerativas. OBJETIVOS: el estudio tuvo como objetivo, comparar la concentración de fenoles totales, flavonoides, presencia de antocianinas y capacidad antioxidante en extractos acuosos de cálices y hojas comercializadas en mercados populares de la ciudad de Maracay, Venezuela. MÉTODOS: por triplicados y bajo las mismas condiciones se realizaron las extracciones de los compuestos bioactivos en cada material vegetal, empleándose para la determinación de fenoles totales el método de Follin-Ciocalteu, método Marinova y método diferencial de pH para antocianinas. La actividad antioxidante se evaluó por los métodos DPPH, FRAP y ABTS. RESULTADOS: se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la concentración de fenoles totales, flavonoides y presencia de antocianinas en cálices y hojas (p≤0,05).La actividad antioxidante fue superior en los cálices en todos los métodos empleados y con diferencia estadística en comparación a las hojas (p≤0,05). CONCLUSIONES: si bien los cálices son consumidos con frecuencia en bebidas frías y calientes, las hojas también representan una fuente de compuestos con capacidad antioxidantes, lo que podría incorporarse en la dieta diaria.

INTRODUCTION: worldwide, Hibiscus sabdariffa is recognized for its multiple health benefits thanks to its bioactive compound content, representing an alternative in the treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases. OBJECTIVES: the objective of the study was to compare the concentration of total phenols, flavonoids, presence of anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity in aqueous extracts of calyxes and leaves commercialized in popular markets in the city of Maracay, Venezuela. METHODS: extractions of bioactive compounds in each plant material were performed in triplicate and under the same conditions. The Follin-Ciocalteu method, Marinova method and differential pH method for anthocyanins were used to determine total phenols. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods. RESULTS: a statistically significant difference was found in the concentration of total phenols, flavonoids and presence of anthocyanins in calyxes and leaves (p≤0.05). The antioxidant activity was higher in calyxes in all methods used and with statistical difference compared to leaves (p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: although calyxes are frequently consumed in hot and cold beverages, leaves also represent a source of compounds with antioxidant capacity, which could be incorporated into the daily diet.

Efecto inhibitorio de un extracto acuoso de hibiscus sabdariffa linn, en la oxidación de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) / Inhibitory effect of an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn, on the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Introducción: A nivel mundial el consumo Hibiscus sabdariffa, ha venido creciendo gracias a su contenido rico en compuestos bioactivos como flavonoides y antocianinas. Por medio de sus cálices ha sido utilizada para prevenir y tratar enfermedades degenerativas como el cáncer, anomalías cardiovasculares e hiperlipidemia. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto antioxidante de un extracto de H. sabdariffa, por medio del ensayo de oxidación de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) aisladas de plasma sanguíneo. Métodos: Se emplearon cálices deshidratados obtenidos de un cultivo propio, obteniendo un extracto acuso bajo condiciones similares a la forma de consumo habitual. Se determino el contenido de fenoles totales empleando el método de Folin-Ciocalteu. Caracterizado el extracto se evaluó su actividad antioxidante por el ensayo de oxidación de LDL, obtenida de una muestra sanguínea de tres pacientes sin hiperlipidemia. Resultados: Se evidenció una inhibición de la oxidación de LDL estadísticamente significativa del extracto y su respectivo al control en cada una de las muestras ( p<0,05). Conclusiones: estos resultados respaldan que H. sabdariffa, es una alternativa real en el control de la hiperlipidemia y reducción de la oxidación de las LDL, responsable de la formación de la placa de ateroma a nivel de las arterias. Sin embargo el consumo de esta planta debe hacerse bajo condiciones controlados y guiadas por especialistas a fin de obtener los resultados deseados

Introduction: Worldwide consumption Hibiscus sabdariffa, has been growing thanks to its high content rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins. Through its calyces it has been used to prevent and treat degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular abnormalities, and hyperlipidemia. Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant effect of an extract of H. sabdariffa, by means of the low-density lipoprotein oxidation (LDL) assay. Methods: Dehydrated chalices obtained from an own culture were used, obtaining an acuso extract under conditions similar to the usual consumption. The total phenol content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Characterized the extract, its antioxidant activity was evaluated by the LDL oxidation test, obtained from a blood sample from three patients without hyperlipidemia. Results: A statistically significant inhibition of LDL oxidation of the extract and its respective control was evidenced in each of the samples (p <0.05). Conclusions: these results demonstrate that H. sabdariffa is a real alternative in the control of hyperlipidemia and reduction of oxidation of LDL, responsible for the formation of atheroma plaque at the level of the arteries. However, the consumption of this plant must be done under controlled conditions and guided by specialists in order to obtain the desired results.

Molecular cloning and subcellular localization of six HDACs and their roles in response to salt and drought stress in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L)

BACKGROUND: Histone acetylation is an important epigenetic modification that regulates gene activity in response to stress. Histone acetylation levels are reversibly regulated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). The imperative roles of HDACs in gene transcription, transcriptional regulation, growth and responses to stressful environment have been widely investigated in Arabidopsis. However, data regarding HDACs in kenaf crop has not been disclosed yet. RESULTS: In this study, six HDACs genes (HcHDA2, HcHDA6, HcHDA8, HcHDA9, HcHDA19, and HcSRT2) were isolated and characterized. Phylogenetic tree revealed that these HcHDACs shared high degree of sequence homology with those of Gossypium arboreum. Subcellular localization analysis showed that GFP-tagged HcHDA2 and HcHDA8 were predominantly localized in the nucleus, HcHDA6 and HcHDA19 in nucleus and cytosol. The HcHDA9 was found in both nucleus and plasma membranes. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the six HcHDACs genes were expressed with distinct expression patterns across plant tissues. Furthermore, we determined differential accumulation of HcHDACs transcripts under salt and drought treatments, indicating that these enzymes may participate in the biological process under stress in kenaf. Finally, we showed that the levels of histone H3 and H4 acetylation were modulated by salt and drought stress in kenaf. CONCLUSIONS: We have isolated and characterized six HDACs genes from kenaf. These data showed that HDACs are imperative players for growth and development as well abiotic stress responses in kenaf.

Composition analysis and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide from Hibiscus syriacus / 中国中药杂志

The flower of Hibiscus syriacus has good ornamental and edible-medicinal values.In this study,four samples of two varieties,namely white multiple petals flower and pink multiple petals flower,were selected as test materials.And the optimum extraction conditions,relative molecular weight,monosaccharide composition and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides in flower were investigated.Through single factor experiment and response surface,the optimal extract conditions of polysaccharide were designed as follows:extraction temperature at 96.8℃,ratio of material to liquid of 43.5∶1 m L·g~(-1),extraction time of 3.1 h.Polysaccharides of H.syriacus flowers were analyzed by high performance gel chromatography.The average molecular masses of the 4 polysaccharide samples were1.49×10~5,1.25×10~5,1.01×10~5,1.37×10~5,respectively.Polysaccharides of H.syriacus flowers were mainly composed of glucose,mannose,galactose,rhamnose and arabinose by pre-column derivatization HPLC.The ratio of galactose was the highest in five monosaccharide,and the ratio of galactose to glucose was 1.656-4.496.In addition,crude polysaccharides of H.syriacus flowers showed potential antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical(DPPH)assay,total reducing capacity assay and ABTS assay in vitro,and its antioxidant effect showed a good dose-effect relationship with the concentration of crude polysaccharides.Among the tested varieties,polysaccharides of pink multiple petals flower and white multiple petals flower had the same molecular masses and monosaccharides composition,but the antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides of pink multiple petals flower was higher than that of the white flowers.The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the application of H.syriacus flower in the field of functional foods.

Wound healing activity in rabbits and antimicrobial activity of Hibiscus hirtus ethanolic extract

Generally, Plants have immense potential in the wounds management and treatment.In Chinese herbology, Hibiscus plant is a potent herb and have a good medicinal values but not scientifically approached. The present study aims to investigate the wound healing and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Hibiscus hirtus Linn.(HH). Wound healing activity was carried out by excision, incision and burn wound models. Antimicrobial activity was determined by cup plate method. Healing rate was assessed from the rate of wound contraction, epithelialization rate, tensile strength, hexosamine and hydroxyproline content. From the obtained results, it was indicated that the wound contraction and increased tensile strength of Hibiscus hirtus extract exhibits potent wound healing capacity. Hexosamine and hydroxyproline expression were also correlative with the pattern of healing observed. Histological observation indicates that the wounds treated with Hibiscus hirtus extract and povidone iodine have reduced scar formation and enhances fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, keratinization and epithelialization. The Hibiscus hirtus extract has excellent antimicrobial activity against the various organisms. Wound healing activity of our ethanolic extract of Hibiscus hirtus has shown the good effect which has proved by different physical, histological, biochemical parameters. Significant antimicrobial activity shown may be due to major active constituents present in plant.

Identification and Characterization of Cercospora malayensis Causing Leaf Spot on Kenaf

In September 2013 and 2014, a significant number of kenaf plants showing symptoms of leaf spots with approximately 50% incidence were found in experimental plots in Iksan and Namwon, Korea. Leaf spots were circular to irregular, more or less vein-limited, reaching to 10 mm in diameter. The spots were initially uniformly brown to reddish brown, turning pale brown with a purplish margin and showing grayish patches on the lesion due to heavy fructification. The causative agent of the leaf spot disease was identified as Cercospora malayensis. The pathogenicity test was conducted with similar results, which fulfilled Koch's postulates. This is the first report of C. malayensis infection of kenaf in Korea.

Antioxidant and Antiaging Assays of Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract and Its Compounds

Skin aging is a complex biological process due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Free radical oxidative is one of extrinsic factors that induce activation of collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase. Natural product from plants has been used as antioxidant and antiaging. This study aimed to evaluate antioxidant and antiaging properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (HSE) and its compounds including myricetin, ascorbic acid, and β carotene. The phytochemical of H. sabdariffa was determined using modified Farnsworth method and presence of phenols, flavonoids and tannins were in moderate content, whereas triterpenoids and alkaloids were in low content. Total phenolic content performed using Folin-Ciocalteu method, was 23.85 µg GAE/mg. Quantitative analysis of myricetin, β-carotene, and ascorbic acid of HSE was performed with Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) that shows 78.23 µg/mg myricetin, 0.034 µg/mg β-carotene, whilst ascorbic acid was not detected. HSE has lower activity on DPPH (IC₅₀ = 195.73 µg/mL) compared to β-carotene, the lowest in ABTS assay (IC50 = 74.58 µg/mL) and low activity in FRAP assay (46.24 µM Fe(II)/µg) compared to myricetin, β-carotene. Antiaging was measured through inhibitory activity of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. HSE had weakest collagenase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀= 750.33 µg/mL), elastase inhibitory activity (103.83 µg/mL), hyaluronidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 619.43 µg/mL) compared to myricetin, β-carotene, and ascorbic acid. HSE contain higher myricetin compared to β-carotene. HSE has moderate antioxidants and lowest antiaging activities. Myricetin is the most active both antioxidant and antiaging activities.

Hibiscus cannabinus: efeitos nos parâmetrosnutricionais e bioquímicos de ratosdislipidêmicos / Hibiscus cannabinus: effects on nutritional parameters and biochemicalof rats dyslipidemic

A planta Hibiscus cannabinus (Hc) é utilizada na medicina popular para tratamentos inflamatórios. Poucas são aspesquisas que caracterizam o potencial anti-hiperlipidêmico desta planta, principalmente das flores. O objetivo dopresente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do extrato seco das flores de Hc nos parâmetros nutricionais e bioquímicos de ratosdislipidêmicos. Foram utilizados 21 ratos machos e adultos, divididos em três grupos: Grupo C - dieta padrão; GrupoD - dieta hiperlipídica; Grupo DH - dieta hiperlipídica acrescida do extrato seco das flores de Hc. O estudo teve duraçãode sete semanas. Em duas semanas os animais dos Grupos D e DH receberam dieta hiperlipídica para indução dadislipidemia, posteriormente o Grupo DH recebeu tratamento com Hc (500mg/kg peso) por cinco semanas. O GrupoC recebeu dieta padrão (AIN-93M) durante o estudo. Os animais permaneceram em ambiente controlado, sendocoletado peso corporal, consumo alimentar, ingestão hídrica, excreção urinária e fecal. Ao final do estudo o sanguefoi utilizado para determinações bioquímicas e o peso dos órgãos para comparação entre grupos. O Grupo DH, na7ª semana de estudo, apresentou menor consumo alimentar comparado ao Grupo C e maior excreção fecal na 2ª e4ª semanas, em comparação aos Grupos C e D. As variáveis peso corporal, ingestão hídrica e excreção urinária nãosofreram influência do extrato das flores de Hc. A dieta dislipidêmica elevou o peso do fígado nos Grupos D e DH.O Hc não foi eficiente em manter os parâmetros de normalidade das variáveis estudadas, com exceção do consumoalimentar e excreção fecal.

The plant Hibiscus cannabinus (Hc) is used in folk medicine for inflammatory treatments. There are few studies thatcharacterize the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of this plant, mainly flowers. The aim of this study was to evaluate theeffect of dry extract of Hc flowers in nutritional and biochemical parameters of dyslipidemic mice. 21 male rats andadults were divided into three groups: Group C - standard diet; Group D - fat diet; DH Group - plus fat diet dry extractof Hc flowers. The study lasted seven weeks. In two weeks the animals in Groups D and DH received high fat diet forinduction of dyslipidemia, then the DH group received treatment with Hc (500mg / kg weight) for five weeks. Group Creceived standard diet (AIN-93M) during the study. The animals were kept in a controlled environment, being collectedbody weight, food intake, water intake, urinary and fecal excretion. At the end of the study the blood was used forbiochemical determinations and weight of organs for comparison between groups. The DH Group, the 7th week of thestudy, showed lower food consumption compared to Group C and increased fecal excretion in the 2nd and 4th weeks,compared to Groups C and D. The variables body weight, water intake and urinary excretion were not influenced theHc extract of flowers. The dyslipidemic diet increased liver weight in Groups D and DH. The Hc was not effective inmaintaining the normal parameters of the variables studied, with the exception of food and fecal excretion consumption.

Produtividade de vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha cultivadas em sucessão a mucuna preta e feijão de porco / Productivity of roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha grown in succession to black velvet bean and jack bean

RESUMO O uso de adubos verdes e/ou de plantas de cobertura é uma técnica que vem sendo difundida para o cultivo de espécies medicinais, por garantir a sustentabilidade do solo agrícola, ser flexível em seu uso e por melhorar a atividade biológica do solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o uso de culturas de cobertura para incrementar a produção de massa de plantas de vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha. Foram avaliadas duas espécies de leguminosas tropicais (mucuna preta e feijão de porco) como cobertura do solo e uma testemunha (sem cultura de cobertura) e três espécies medicinais (vinagreira, pimenta rosa e carobinha). O experimento foi arranjado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, tendo nas parcelas as coberturas vegetais e nas subparcelas, as plantas medicinais. As plantas para a cobertura vegetal foram propagadas por semeadura direta no local de cultivo, enquanto as medicinais foram transplantadas diretamente entre a palhada da cobertura vegetal. A produção da mucuna preta foi de 8,37 t ha-1 de massa seca e do feijão de porco, de 14,37 t ha-1 de massa seca. O uso das culturas de cobertura contribuiu para uma maior biomassa microbiana do solo. As produções de massas frescas de folhas, caules e frutos de vinagreira e de frutos da pimenta rosa foram maiores quando cultivadas em sucessão às coberturas vegetais do solo, independente da espécie. As produções da carobinha foram semelhantes quando cultivadas em áreas com ou sem a cobertura. Visando à maior produtividade da vinagreira e pimenta rosa, são indicadas as culturas antecessoras feijão de porco e mucuna preta.

ABSTRACT The use of green manure and/or cover crops is a technique that has been widespread for the cultivation of medicinal species, since it ensures the sustainability of agricultural soil, is flexible in its use, and improves biological activity in the soil. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of cover crops to increase biomass production of roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha plants. Two species of tropical legumes (black velvet bean and jack bean) were evaluated as ground covers, and also assessed were one control plot (without cover crops) and three medicinal species (roselle, Brazilian peppertree, and carobinha). The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design, where the plots had cover crops and the subplots contained the medicinal plants. The plants for the cover crop were propagated by direct sowing in the growing site, while the medicinal ones were transplanted directly between the cover crop. The dry mass production of the velvet beans and jack beans were 8.37 t ha-1 and 14.37 t, respectively. The use of cover crops contributed to the increased microbial biomass of the soil. The production of dry mass of leaves, stems, and fruits of roselle and fruits of Brazilian peppertree were higher when grown in succession to the crop cover for the soil, regardless of the species. The production of carobinha was similar when grown in areas with or without the cover. To increase the yield of roselle and Brazilian peppertree, preceding crops of jack bean and black velvet bean are recommended.

Anti-neuroinflammatory Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (Roselle) on Lipopolysaccharides-induced Microglia and Neuroblastoma Cells / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (roselle) is a polyphenol rich fruit. This study aimed to identify the neuroprotective effect of roselle on LPS-induced cell proliferation and nitric oxide-induced free radical in microglia and neuroblastoma cells. MTT assay was used to identify the appropriate concentration of roselle and LPS for microglia and neuroblastoma cells proliferation study. Griess assay were used to determine the level of nitric oxide accumulated based on the reaction of Griess to estimate the activity of iNOS in nitric oxide production. The results showed that roselle at the concentration of 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL and LPS at concentration of 1 μg/mL does not give cytotoxic effect towards microglia C8-B4 and neuroblastoma LN18 cells. The roselle treatment at 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL showed a protective effect on LPS-induced microglia C8-B4 cells. However, in neuroblastoma LN18 cells, no protective effect was seen on both 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL of roselle treatment following induction with 1 μg/mL of LPS. On the other hand, the production of nitric oxide (NO) was reduced when LPS-induced microglia C8-B4 cells were treated with 50 μg/mL of roselle. Treatment of roselle at concentration 100 μg/mL on LPS-induced neuroblastoma LN18 cells also reduced the production of nitric oxide. As a conclusion, roselle had the ability to give neuroprotective effect by the inhibition of LPS induction activity on microglia activation for normal and cancer cells at different concentrations.

Phenolic compounds of Hibiscus sabdariffa and influence of organic residues on its antioxidant and antitumoral properties / Compostos fenólicos de Hibiscus sabdariffa e influência de resíduos orgânicos em sua propriedade antitumoral e antioxidante

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic and flavonoids contents and the antioxidant and antitumoral activity of leaf and calyx methanolic extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) cultivated with poultry litter and organosuper® under three modes of application. The total phenolic content in the each extract was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and for aluminium chloride flavonoids. The antioxidant parameters were analyzed using a 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) free radical scavenging assay. An antitumor colorimetric assay using sulforhodamine B. The highest contents of phenolic and flavonoids were observed in leaf extracts (389.98 and 104.52 mg g–1, respectively) and calyx extracts (474.09 and 148.35 mg g–1, respectively) from plants cultivated with organosuper®, although these values did not differ significantly from those observed for the other treatments. The average IC50 of leaves (43.48 μg mL–1) and calyces (37.15 μg mL–1) demonstrated that both have substances that may contribute to free radical scavenging action. The methanol extract from calyces showed significant selective activity against a leukemia line (K-562), with IC50 values of 0.12 mg mL–1 (organosuper®) and 1.16 mg mL–1 (poultry litter), with concentration-dependent, cytotoxic and cytocidal effects.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antioxidante, antitumoral e o conteúdo de fenólicos e flavonoides do extrato metanólico das folhas e cálices de Hibiscus sabdariffa (rosela) cultivada com cama de frango e organosuper ® em três modos de aplicação. O conteúdo fenólico total de cada extrato foi determinado utilizando o reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu e cloreto de alumínio para flavonoides. Os parâmetros antioxidantes foram avaliados pelo ensaio de seqüestro de radical livre 2, 2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH.). Na avaliação antitumoral utilizou-se o ensaio colorimétrico com sulforrodamina B. Observou-se o maior conteúdo de fenólicos e flavonoides em extratos de folhas (389.98 e 104.52 mg g–1, respectivamente) e extratos de cálice (474.09 e 148.35 mg g–1, respectivamente) de plantas cultivadas com organosuper ®, embora esses valores não diferiram significativamente daqueles observados para os outros tratamentos. O IC50 de folhas (43.48 µg mL–1) e cálices (37.15 µg mL–1) demonstrou que ambos têm substâncias que podem contribuir para a ação seqüestradora de radicais livres. O extrato metanólico dos cálices mostrou seletividade na linhagem de leucemia (K-562), com valores de IC50 de 0,12 mg mL–1 (organosuper®) e 1,16 mg mL–1 (cama-de-frango) com concentração-dependente e efeito citotóxico e citocida.

Neutralising antibodies for Mayaro virus in Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal hosts diverse wildlife species and therefore is a hotspot for arbovirus studies in South America. A serosurvey for Mayaro virus (MAYV), eastern (EEEV), western (WEEV) and Venezuelan (VEEV) equine encephalitis viruses was conducted with 237 sheep, 87 free-ranging caimans and 748 equids, including 37 collected from a ranch where a neurologic disorder outbreak had been recently reported. Sera were tested for specific viral antibodies using plaque-reduction neutralisation test. From a total of 748 equids, of which 264 were immunised with vaccine composed of EEEV and WEEV and 484 had no history of immunisation, 10 (1.3%) were seropositive for MAYV and two (0.3%) for VEEV using criteria of a ≥ 4-fold antibody titre difference. Among the 484 equids without history of immunisation, 48 (9.9%) were seropositive for EEEV and four (0.8%) for WEEV using the same criteria. Among the sheep, five were sero- positive for equine encephalitis alphaviruses, with one (0.4%) for EEEV, one (0.4%) for WEEV and three (1.3%) for VEEV. Regarding free-ranging caimans, one (1.1%) and three (3.4%), respectively, had low titres for neutralising antibodies to VEEV and undetermined alphaviruses. The neurological disorder outbreak could not be linked to the alphaviruses tested. Our findings represent strong evidence that MAYV and all equine encephalitis alphaviruses circulated in the Pantanal.

Respuesta del cultivo de Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) a la fertilización foliar complementaria con tres bioestimulantes a tres dosis en la Parroquia Teniente Hugo Ortiz / Response of the cultivation of Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) to complementary foliar fertilization with three biostimulants at three doses in the Parroquia Teniente Hugo Ortiz

La flor de Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa), es una planta anual intensamente cultivada en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales, esta flor se ha encontrado en nuestra Amazonía, debido a su corto período vegetativo se la puede encontrar disponible durante todo el año. A la rosa de Jamaica se la conoce por sus propiedades medicinales esta sirve para eliminar el malestar alcohólico, estimula la acción del hígado y los riñones, facilita la absorción de ciertos minerales, disminuye la presión arterial, por lo que es considerada como tónico cardíaco; es diurética, antiséptica, analgésica, antiinflamatoria, antimicrobiana, astringente, cicatrizante, digestiva, depurativa, emoliente, sedativa, laxante suave, reductora de peso, desintoxicante, antioxidante, tonificante, estimulante, afrodisíaco, es vasodilatador y vitamínico.

Sooty Mould Disease Caused by Leptoxyphium kurandae on Kenaf

In September 2013, we discovered sooty mould growing on kenaf with the extrafloral nectaries in Iksan, Korea and identified the causative fungus as Leptoxyphium kurandae based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. This is the first report of sooty mould caused by L. kurandae on kenaf in Korea and globally.

Effects of Aloe vera, Camellia sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Sophora alopecuroides in rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer

Background: Evidences show that Aloe vera [A. vera], Camellia sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Sophora alopecuroides may prevent gastric ulcer induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]

Objective: To examine the protective potential of these plants against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in the rat

Methods: Saline, A. vera leaf gel powder and 70% alcoholic extracts of the other 3 plants [100, 400, 800 mg/kg] and omeprazole [30 mg/kg] were gavaged to the groups of 10 animals for 4consecutive days. Gastric ulcers were induced by the onetime gavage of indomethacin [30mg/kg]. On the fifth day, each group was pretreated with physiological saline as control, extract[100, 400 or 800 mg/kg] or omeprazole [30 mg/kg] 30 min before the indomethacin administration. The animals were killed 6 h after the indomethacin administration. The stomachs were removed, opened along the greater curvature and washed in physiological saline. A person unaware of the type of treatment received by the animals examined the stomachs under a 3-fold magnifier. The areas and lengths of hemorrhagic lesions induced by indomethacin were measured using a dial caliper and the sum of measurements for each animal was referred to as the ulcer index

Results: All doses of the A. vera leaf gel powder and extracts reduced the ulcer index significantly compared to the control group [p < 0.05]

Conclusion: These plants have protective effect against NSAID-induced gastric ulcer in the rat. The A. vera leaf gel seems noticeably more effective than the other 3 plants in this respect

Caracterização antibacteriana e fitoquímica de flores de Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (mimo-de-vênus) e Hibiscus syriacus L. (hibisco-da-síria) / Antibacterial and phytochemical characterization of flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (treat-of-venus) and Hibiscus syriacus L. (hibiscus-the-syrian)

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis e o Hibiscus syriacus são considerados flores comestíveis e estudos demonstram seu potencial antibacteriano frente a diversos micro-organismos. Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisara Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição (IINIB) e a Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB) in vitro dos extratos alcoólicos das flores dos hibiscos e a relação com os polifenóis e antocianinas revelados. Avaliou-se a ação antibacteriana frente às bactérias de interesse alimentar, Staphylococcus aureus e Salmonella Enteritidis resultando em diferenças significativas entre as médias de IINIB/IINAB, sendo S. aureus a cepa maisresistente para o H. syriacus e S. Enteritidis a mais sensível em ambos os experimentos. Com relação ao H. rosa-sinensis, este foi eficaz para ambas as bactérias. O teor dos compostos fitoquímicos presentes nas plantas constatou que há uma forte correlação positiva com a atividade antibacteriana (r = 0,88),sendo que o H. rosa-sinensis obteve poder antibacteriano maior do que o H. syriacus, presumindo estar relacionado à maior quantidade de polifenóis e antocianinas detectadas no primeiro. Conclui-se que as plantas estudadas têm poder bactericida e bacteriostático podendo agir contra a contaminação bacteriana...

Control de calidad farmacobotánico y fitoquímico de Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) / Pharmacobotanical and phytochemical quality control of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae)

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), conocida como "hibisco" y "flor de Jamaica", es empleada en la elaboración de té y de bebidas refrescantes libres de cafeína. La infusión es empleada como diurética, carminativa, colerética y laxante. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar los parámetros farmacobotánicos y fitoquímicos (polifenoles) aplicables al control de calidad en un laboratorio de baja complejidad. Se analizaron muestras comerciales de flores de hibisco. Se realizaron disociados leves, infusiones y extractos hidroalcohólicos. El análisis microscópico permitió determinar la presencia de: epidermis con estomas anomocíticos; tricomas eglandulares cónicos; tricomas flexuosos; tricomas glandulares no capitados; tricomas glandulares capitados; tráqueas espiraladas; fibroesclereidas y drusas. Perfil de antocianos: se caracterizó por la presencia de dos bandas principales correspondientes a delfinidina-3-glucosilxilósido y cianidina-3-glucosilxilósido. En algunas muestras se detectó una tercera banda, de menor intensidad, que correspondería a cianidina-3-glucósido. Cuantificación de fenoles: las infusiones presentaron valores entre 6,27 a 14,84 EAG (equivalentes de ácido gálico: mg de ácido gálico/g mat. seco). Los extractos hidroalcohólicos entre 8,70 a 19,56 EAG. Cuantificación de antocianos: las infusiones presentaron valores entre 0,25 a 5,95 ECG (equivalentes de cianidina-glucósido: mg de cianidina-3-glucósido/g mat. seco). Los extractos hidroalcohólicos entre 0,40 a 7,80 ECG. Cuantificación de flavonoides: las infusiones presentaron valores entre 0,45 a 1,30 ER (equivalentes de rutina: mg de rutina/g mat. seco). Los extractos hidroalcohólicos, entre 0,50 a 1,35 ER. Cuantificación de ácidos hidroxicinámicos: las infusiones presentaron valores entre 2,35 a 7,60 EAC (equivalentes de ácido clorogénico: mg de ácido clorogénico/g mat. seco). Los extractos hidroalcohólicos, entre 3,95 a 8,80 EAC. Las técnicas empleadas constituyen un punto de partida para la validación de los diferentes parámetros empleados en el control de calidad de muestras y extractos de hibisco, aplicables en un laboratorio de baja complejidad. (AU)