Determination of cyanide in whole seeds and brans of linseed (Linum usitatissimum Linn) by molecular spectrophotometry

Abstract The addition of linseed (Linum usitatissimum Linn) in the diet, as a functional food, has increased over the years. However, it possesses cyanogenic glycosides. This study aimed to quantify and compare cyanide concentration in whole seed and bran of brown and golden types to establish a safe limit of intake. Three commercial labels, from brown and golden whole seed types (Ab, Ag, Bb, Bg, Cb and Cg), and six commercial labels of brown and golden bran (1b, 2g, 3g, 4b, 5g, and 6b), were selected, totalizing twelve samples. Total cyanide concentration was quantified by a colorimetric method employing alkaline picrate, after acid hydrolysis. The whole seed cyanide values were between 348.4 and 473.20 µg/g and the bran cyanide values were between 459.53 and 639.35 µg/g. The analyzed bran presented increased cyanide concentrations than the whole seeds with no differences between brown and golden types. Food able to produce cyanide less than 90 µg/kg body weight, daily, is considered secure for consumption. Considering this limit and analyzed samples, it is safe to eat approximately two tablespoons of seeds or one tablespoon of bran. These results point out the importance of cyanide amount daily intake information to be in linseed packaging, to ensure secure consumption

The benefit of Silybum marianum in ethanol-induced reprotoxicity of male Wistar rat

Abstract This study investigates the toxic effects of ethanol (Eth) on the reproductive system of male rats and the possible protective role of Silybum marianum seeds-infused solution (SMI) over six consecutive weeks of administration. Animals were divided into the following groups: control, SMI positive control (200 mg/kg/day), Eth1 (1 g/kg/day), Eth2 (2 g/kg/day), Eth1+SMI, and Eth2+SMI. Plasma testosterone concentration, epididymal spermatozoa biology, and testicular and epididymal MDA, GSH and GPx levels were evaluated. The results indicated a significant decrease in testis and epididymis weight, testosterone level, sperm concentration, sperm vitality and sperm motility (total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, velocity average path, beat cross frequency, and lateral head displacement) in both Eth1 and Eth2 compared to the control groups and the combined-treatment groups (Eth1+SMI and Eth2+SMI). Furthermore, results showed a significant elevation in MDA concentration with a significant decrease of testicular and epididymal GSH concentration and GPx activity in theEth1 and Eth2 groups compared to the combined-treatment groups. The administration of SMI succeeded in improving the parameters cited above in the combined-treatment groups compared to the Eth1 and Eth2 groups, and bring them to the levels seen in the control groups. To conclude, SMI has clearly protected reproductive indices against ethanol-induced reprotoxicity in male rats

Producción de frutos de Gleditsia amorphoides (Fabaceae) y abundancia de Bruchidius endotubercularis Arora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) en Formosa, Argentina / Production of fruits of Gleditsia amorphoides (Fabaceae) and abundance of Bruchidius endotubercularis Arora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) during three consecutive years in the Southeast of the Formosa Province (Argentina)

Resumen Gleditsia amorphoides (Griseb.) Taub. es una especie arbórea nativa de Sudamérica, conocida por su madera de buena calidad y por los frutos que contienen una goma de utilización industrial. Una de las causas de la disminución de la producción de semillas viables en árboles forestales es el daño ocasionado por depredadores de frutos y semillas. La relación entre producción de frutos y depredadores no es conocida para G. amorphoides. Por lo tanto, en este trabajo se evaluó la producción de frutos en árboles de esta especie y la abundancia de ejemplares pertenecientes a la Subfamilia Bruchinae asociada a la misma. El estudio se efectuó en tres localidades ubicadas en la provincia de Formosa en el noreste de Argentina durante tres años consecutivos. Se halló una especie de Bruchinae, identificada como Bruchidius endotubercularis Arora. Los resultados mostraron la existencia de variabilidad en la producción de frutos entre los años, no así entre localidades, mientras que la abundancia de insectos se mantuvo constante, no respondiendo a la variación en la producción de frutos entre años. En este trabajo se reporta por primera vez la presencia de B. endotubercularis asociado a G. amorphoides en Argentina.

Abstract Gleditsia amorphoides (Griseb.) Taub. is a tree species native to South America. It is known for its good quality wood and for its fruits that contain a rubber for industrial uses. One of the causes for the reduction of the production of viable seeds in forest trees is the damage caused by predators of fruits and seeds. The relationship between fruit production and predators is not known for G. amorphoides. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the fruit production in this three species and the abundance of specimens of the Subfamily Bruchinae associated to G. amorphoides. The study was carried out in three localities of the Formosa Province in the Northeast of Argentina for three consecutive years. We found a single species of Bruchinae, identified as Bruchidius endotubercularis Arora. The results showed the existence of variability in the production of G. amorphoidesfruits between years, but not between locations. The abundance of insects remained constant, not responding to the variation in the production of fruits between years. In this study, we report for the first time, the occurrence of B. endotubercularis associated with G. amorphoides in Argentina. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1046-1054. Epub 2018 September 01.

Residues of Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck as agents that cause a change in antioxidant defense in plants / Resíduos de Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck como agentes que causam uma alteração na defesa antioxidante em plantas

This work aimed to verify the allelopathic potential of the extract of Citrus seeds, for the purpose of adding a sustainable value to the fruit seeds toward their use as industrial residues. The extract was obtained with a Soxhlet apparatus by using hexane, chloroform, and methanol as solvents. The hexane extract of the Citrus seeds primarily consisted of linoleic acid (36.6%), followed by α-linoleic acid (25.3%), oleic acid (17.8%), palmitic acid (9.7%), and estearic acid (3.3%). The analysis results indicate that the oil is similar to those used in the cosmetics and food industries and has an economic value from its industrial application. In addition, the use of the oil causes changes in the oxidant balance, germination, and growth of plants...

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o potencial alelopático do extrato de sementes de Citrus, com o objetivo de agregar valor sustentável para a semente de frutas para a sua utilização como resíduo industrial. O extrato foi obtido com aparelho de Soxhlet, utilizando hexano, clorofórmio e metanol como solventes. O extrato hexânico das sementes de Citrus constituiu principalmente por ácido linoleico (36,6%), seguido por ácido α-linoleico (25,3%), ácido oleico (17,8%), ácido palmítico (9,7%) e ácido esteárico (3,3%). As análises indicam que o óleo é semelhante aos utilizados na indústria de cosméticos e de alimentos, tem valor econômico para a utilização na indústria e seu uso provoca alterações no equilíbrio oxidativo, germinação e crescimento...

Hidrolisado proteico da semente de cupuaçu como fonte de peptídeos inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina I / Hydrolyzed cupuassu seed protein as a source of angiotensin I- converting enzyme inhibitory peptides

Peptídeos com ação inibitória da enzima conversora da angiotensina I (ECA) podem ser obtidos a partir de diversos alimentos e exercer efeito anti-hipertensivo. O cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum S.), fruto nativo da Amazônia, possui sementes comestíveis contendo proteína de reserva similar à do cacau (Theobroma cacao L.), as quais parecem ser fonte de peptídeos inibidores da ECA. Desse modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar in vitro a ocorrência de peptídeos inibidores da ECA no hidrolisado proteico da semente de cupuaçu obtido por ação da Alcalase. O hidrolisado revelou o desaparecimento de proteínas entre 27 a 180 kDa, incluindo as globulinas, e o surgimento daquelas abaixo de 15 kDa após 2 h de hidrólise, indicando a formação de peptídeos menores. O ensaio de atividade utilizando o substrato Abz-FRK(Dnp)-P-OH revelou que o hidrolisado total promoveu 65% de inibição da ECA e esse pool peptídico foi fracionado em cinco frações (F1-F5) por cromatografia em fase reversa (RP-HPLC). Após a etapa de purificação, o monitoramento da inibição apontou, ao final, duas frações (3.2.8 e 3.4.10) com maior atividade inibitória. Oito peptídeos foram identificados por LC-MS/MS, sendo três deles já conhecidos como inibidores da ECA. Outros cinco novos peptídeos identificados (FLEK, GSGKHVSP, LDNK, MVVDKLF e MEKHS) foram sintetizados e tiveram sua ação inibitória validada por ensaios in vitro. O peptídeo GSGKHVSP apresentou a menor IC50 (3,11 µM) e Ki (0,74 µM), sendo um inibidor tipo misto quanto ao seu mecanismo de inibição revelado pelo gráfico de Lineweaver-Burk. Os resultados permitem concluir que o isolado proteico da semente de cupuaçu pode ser uma fonte para obtenção de peptídeos anti-hipertensivos, a despeito de serem necessárias investigações sobre a resistência desses peptídeos à digestão gastrointestinal e a eficácia da inibição in vivo

Peptides with angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity may be obtained from several foods and cause antihypertensive effect. Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum S.), a native fruit from Amazon, has edible seeds with a storage protein similar to that of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) which seems to have incrypted ACE inhibitor peptides. Thus, the aim of this project was to investigate the in vitro formation of ACE inhibitory peptides in protein hydrolysate from cupuassu seeds using Alcalase enzyme. The hydrolysate revealed the disappearance of proteins between 27 and 181 kDa after 2h hydrolysis, including the globulin, and the increase of those below 15 kDa, indicating the formation of peptides. The ACE inhibitory activity assays using the substrate Abz-FRK(Dnp)P-OH revealed the hydrolysate had 65% ACE inhibition and the pool of peptides was fractionated into five fractions (F1-F5) by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). After the purification step, two fractions (3.2.8 e 3.4.10) exhibited the highest ACE-inhibitory activity. Eight peptides had been identified by LC-MS/MS and three of them were ACE inhibitors. The other newly identified peptides (FLEK, GSGKHVSP, LDNK, MVVDKLF and MEKHS) were synthesized and in vitro assayed for ACE inhibitory activity. The peptide GSGKHVSP had the lower IC50 (3.11 µM) and Ki (0.74 µM). Lineweaver-Burk plots suggest this peptide is a mixed-type inhibitor according to the inhibition mechanism. The results indicate that protein isolate from cupuassu seeds may be a good protein source of antihypertensive peptides and further investigation is needed in order to evaluate the resistance of these peptides to gastrointestinal digestion and the inhibitory activity in vivo

Efecto de la densidad de inoculación en la formación y morfología de los embriones somáticos de plátano (Musa spp. AAAB, cv. híbrido FHIA-21) / Effect of inoculum density on formation and morphology of plantain somatic embryos (Musa spp. AAAB, cv. Hybrid ‘FHIA-21’)

La embriogénesis somática constituye una interesante propuesta para la propagación masiva de plantas del cultivar híbrido FHIA-21 (Musa AAAB). Sin embargo, se caracteriza por ser un proceso asincrónico, dado por la presencia de embriones somáticos en diferentes etapas de desarrollo ontogénico. La reducción de la asincronía es un aspecto importante para la utilización de este sistema de regeneración en la propagación de plantas. Esta investigación se realizó con el objetivo de determinar el efecto de la densidad de inoculación sobre la formación y el desarrollo morfológico homogéneo de los embriones somáticos del cv. FHIA-21. Con este propósito se adicionaron 0,5; 1,0; 1,5 y 2,0 g de masa fresca (gMF) de agregados celulares embriogénicos en Erlenmeyers (250 ml), que contenían 30 ml de medio de cultivo líquido. Las evaluaciones se realizaron a los 30 días de cultivo con la determinación del número y la longitud de los embriones somáticos (mm). Además de una descripción morfológica e histológica de estos. Los resultados mostraron el efecto regulatorio de la densidad de inoculación en la formación y el desarrollo morfológico de los embriones somáticos. La mayor formación de embriones con un desarrollo morfológico homogéneo se produjo en 1,5 gMF de densidad de inoculación. Esta proporcionó un 86,4% de embriones con una longitud de 0,21 a 4,0 mm, y el estudio de las secciones histológicas mostró evidencias histológicas de la etapa globular. La sincronización durante la formación y el desarrollo de los embriones somáticos del cv. FHIA-21 aumentó la eficiencia del proceso de embriogénesis somática.

Somatic embryogenesis is an interesting proposal for mass propagation of plants from the FHIA-21 (Musa AAAB). However, it is characterized by an asynchronous process, due to the presence of somatic embryos at different stages of ontogenetic development. Reduction of asynchrony is an important aspect to use this system of regeneration in plant propagation. Effect of inoculation density on the formation and uniform morphological development of somatic embryos of cv. ‘FHIA-21’ was determine by adding 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g of fresh mass (gMF) of embryogenic cell aggregates, in Erlenmeyer flasks (250 ml) containing 30 ml liquid culture medium. Evaluations were made within 30 days of culture determining the number and length of somatic embryos (mm). Also, morphological and histological descriptions of these were analyzed. Results showed the regulatory effect of inoculation density on the formation and morphological development of somatic embryos. The biggest formation of embryos with a uniform morphological development occurred in 1.5 gMF inoculation density. This provided 86.4% of embryos with a length of 0.21 to 4.0 mm and the study of histological sections showed histological evidence of the globular stage. Synchronization during the formation and development of somatic embryos cv. FHIA-21 increased the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis.

Acúmulo de sementes de Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) na bochecha de búfalos no Pará / Acumulation of the seeds of Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) in the cheeks of buffaloes in the State of Pará, Brazil

Foi demonstrado que uma condição em búfalos caracterizada pelo aumento de uma das bochechas é causada pelo acúmulo das sementes da palmeira "mucajá"(Acrocomia aculeata, fam. Arecaceae) e de capim no vestíbulo oral, durante a ruminação. Esse acúmulo de sementes causou atrofia por compressão com adelgaçamento e desvio medial do osso mandibular correspondente e exposição das raízes dos dentes molares. Aparentemente os frutos dessa palmeira possuem boa palatabilidade para búfalos.

A condition of buffaloes characterized by an increased volume of one of the cheeks was shown to be due to accumulation of the seeds of the palm-tree "mucaja" (Acrocomia aculeata) and of grass, in the oral vestibulum during rumination. This caused compressive atrophy with thinning and medial deviation of the corresponding submaxillary bone and exposition of the roots of molar teeth. The seeds appear to be of good palatability to the buffaloes.

Effect of light and temperature on seed germination in Tibouchina mutabilis (Vell.) Cogn. (Melastomataceae) / Efeito da luz e da temperatura na germinação de sementes de Tibouchina mutabilis (Vell.) Cogn. (Melastomataceae)

The effect of light and temperature on Tibouchina mutabilis seed germination was analyzed by isothermic incubations in the range of 10 to 40 ºC, with 5 ºC intervals under both continuous white light (32.85 µmolm-2s-1) and darkness and alternating temperatures (15-20; 15-25; 15-30; 15-35; 20-25; 20-30; 20-35; 25-30; 25-35 and 30-35 ºC) under both photoperiod of 12 hours and continuous darkness. The seeds of T. mutabilis need light to trigger the germination and no germination was observed in darkness. The range of optimum temperatures for germination was between 25 to 30 ºC and the 20-25 ºC alternating temperatures. These results indicate that T. mutabilis behaves as a pioneer species and daily alternating temperatures did not change the light sensitivity of seeds.

A influência da luz e da temperatura na germinação de sementes de Tibouchina mutabilis foi avaliada sob incubações isotérmicas de 10 a 40 ºC sob luz branca contínua (32,85 µmolm-2s-1), com intervalos de 5 ºC e temperaturas alternadas (15-20; 15-25; 15-30; 15-35; 20-25; 20-30; 20-35; 25-30; 25-35 e 30-35 ºC) sob fotoperíodo de 12 horas de luz branca. As sementes de T. mutabilis requerem luz para germinar, sendo nula a germinação no escuro em todas as temperaturas testadas. A faixa ótima de temperatura para a germinação foi de 25 a 30 ºC e a alternância de temperaturas de 20-25 ºC. Estes resultados indicam que T. mutabilis apresenta comportamento de uma espécie pioneira e que as alternâncias diárias de temperatura não alteraram a sensibilidade da semente à luz.

Efeito da farinha de semente de abóbora (Cucurbita maxima, L) sobre o metabolismo glicídico e lipídico em ratos / The pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima, L) seed flour effect on the rat glucose and lipid metabolism

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito da farinha de semente de abóbora (Cucurbita maxima, L.) sobre o metabolismo glicídico e lipídico em ratos. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratos Wistar machos recém-desmamados, distribuídos em quatro grupos, receberam por 10 dias, rações controle e experimental com farinhas de semente de abóbora integral, peneirada ou residual substituindo 30 por cento do valor total de amido e dextrina da dieta controle. As dietas foram isocalóricas. Foram determinados os macronutrientes e a fibra insolúvel nas farinhas. As dietas tiveram a composição química calculada a partir dos dados dos rótulos dos produtos, da tabela de composição de alimentos e da análise química das farinhas de semente de abóbora. O peso corporal e a ingestão dos animais foram tomados a cada 48 horas. O sangue, coletado por punção cardíaca, teve os níveis de triacilgliceróis, colesterol e glicose analisados por métodos enzimáticos. RESULTADOS: As farinhas de semente de abóbora foram boas fontes de proteínas, lipídeos e, especialmente, fibras alimentares. Os animais tiveram ganho ponderal e ingestão semelhante (p>0,05). Os níveis de glicose e triacilgliceróis foram reduzidos significantemente para os grupos que receberam dietas com farinhas de semente de abóbora integral e peneirada. CONCLUSÃO: Frente às suas propriedades química e funcional, concluiu-se que a farinha de semente de abóbora interferiu no metabolismo do rato diminuindo significantemente os níveis de glicose e triacilgliceróis séricos.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present research was to evaluate the pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima, L.) seed flour effect on the rat glucose and lipid metabolism. METHODS: Twenty recent weaned male Wistar rats, divided in four groups, received for 10 days control and experimental diets containing whole, sifted and residual pumpkin seed flour on the rate of 30 percent of the total starch and dextrin in the control diet. All diets were isocaloric. Macronutrients and insoluble fiber were determined in the flours. All diets had their chemical composition calculated based on data from product labels, of food composition table and of the chemical analysis of the pumpkin seed flours. The animalsï growth and ingestion had been evaluated in 48 hours intervals. Blood samples drawn by cardiac puncture had their triacilglycerides, cholesterol and glucose levels measured by enzymatic methods. RESULTS: The pumpkin seed flour are good protein, lipids and, specially, dietary fiber sources.The animals' growth and food ingestion were similar along all the experiment (p>0.05). Glucose and triacilglycerides were significantly decreased in the groups taking diets with whole- and sifted-pumpkin seed flour respectively. CONCLUSION: Taking into account their properties chemistry and functional, it can be concluded that the pumpkin seed flour interfered in the rat metabolism decreasing significantly the serum glucose and triacilglycerides levels.

Composição aminoacídica e digestibilidade ileal de aminoácidos de alimentos energéticos determinados com suínos submetidos à anastomose ileo-retal / Amino acids composition and ileal digestibility of amino acids in energetics feedstuffs measured in pigs with ileo-rectal anastomosis

Com o objetivo de determinar os coeficientes de digestibilidade ileal aparente (CDA) dos aminoácidos de alimentos energéticos foi realizado um ensaio de metabolismo com suínos machos castrados submetidos à anastomose íleo-retal com isolamento do intestino grosso, utilizando-se o método da coleta total de excretas e três repetições por alimento avaliado. Os animais cujo peso médio inicial foi de 35,1kg foram alojados em gaiolas de metabolismo sendo um animal por unidade experimental. Os alimentos avaliados (milho comum, milho de alta proteína, milheto, sorgo e farelo de trigo) constituíram a única fonte protéica das dietas, isoprotéicas em 8 por cento de PB. As dietas foram fornecidas duas vezes ao dia e a sua quantidade calculada com base no peso metabólico dos animais. A glicina, treonina e prolina apresentaram os menores CDA (respectivamente 49,37; 59,36 e 59,62 por cento), enquanto arginina e ácido glutâmico, os maiores valores, (respectivamente 89,67 e 85,09 por cento para o CDA). Os dados obtidos podem ser utilizados como referência para a formulação de dietas para suínos em crescimento com base em aminoácidos digestíveis.

A metabolism assay that utilized pigs ileo-rectal anastomosis with complete isolation of large intestine was conducted to determine aparent (ADC) ileal amino acids digestibility coefficients of energetic feedstuffs for swine. The method employed was the total feces collection with three repetitions for evaluated feedstuff. The pigs, averaging 35,5kg initial live weight, were allotted in metabolism cages. The metabolism cage was considerate one experimental unit. The valued feedstuffs (corn, QPM corn, millet, sorghum and wheat bran) was single protein source of diets, every one with 8 percent of crude protein. The diets was provide in twice time and the quantity calculated of accord with the metabolic weight. In the feedstuffs evaluated glycine, threonine and proline exhibited the smaller values of ADC (respectively, 49,37; 59,36 and 59,62 percent), whereas arginine and glutamic acid presented the greater values of ADC (respectively, 89,67 and 85,09 percent).

Valor nutritivo de grãos de sorgo com diferentes texturas do endosperma para frangos de corte / Nutritional value of sorghum grains with different endosperm textures for chicken

Utilizaram-se 250 frangos machos, com 22 dias de idade, em ensaio biológico baseado em coleta total de excretas para a determinação da matéria seca metabolizável aparente (MSMA) e dos valores de energia metabolizável (EM) aparente e corrigida de grãos de sorgo com diferentes texturas do endosperma. Os genótipos avaliados foram o BR 007B (textura macia), BR 304 (textura intermediária) e SC 283 (textura dura). As dietas-teste foram compostas por 60 por cento de dieta-referência (composta a base de milho e farelo de soja) e por 40 por cento de grãos de sorgo. O experimento foi montado em esquema inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os valores de MSMA foram semelhantes entre os grãos de sorgo (P>0,05), sendo 77,09 por cento, 81,73 por cento e 79,69 por cento para os grãos de textura dura, intermediária e macia, respectivamente. Os valores de energia metabolizável aparente e verdadeira (EMA, EMV) e EMA e EMV corrigidas para a retenção do nitrogênio (EMAn e EMVn) dos grãos de sorgo de textura dura, intermediária e macia foram, respectivamente, 3.022, 3.127, 2.947 e 2.934; 3.335, 3.442, 3.369 e 3.419; 3.339, 3.450, 3.303 e 3.355 kcal/kg. Os grãos de textura dura (SC 283) apresentaram menores valores de EM (P<0,05) que os de textura intermediária (BR 304) e macia (BR 007B). As correções dos valores de EM para o balanço de nitrogênio resultou apenas em discretas reduções da EM.

Two hundred fifty male chickens, with 22 days old, were used in biological assay based on total excreta collection method. The dry matter apparent metabolizability (DMAM) and metabolizable energy (ME) values of the sorghum grains with different endosperm texture were calculated. The evaluated genotypes were: BR 007B (soft texture), BR 304 (intermediate texture), and SC 283 (hard texture). The test diets were composed by 60 percent of reference diet (based on corn and soybean meal) and 40 percent of sorghum grain. A completely random experimental design, with four treatments and five replicates was used. The DMAM values were similar among the sorghum grains (P>0.05), being 77.09 percent, 81.73 percent and 79.69 percent for the hard, intermediate and soft texture grains, respectively. The apparent and true metabolizable energies (AME and TME), and AME and TME corrected for nitrogen retention (AMEn and TMEn) values for the hard, intermediate and soft texture grains were, respectively, 3,022, 3,127, 2,947 and 2,934; 3,335, 3,442, 3,369 and 3,419; 3,339, 3,450, 3,303 and 3,355kcal/kg. The hard texture grains (SC 283) presented smaller values (P<0.05) of ME in relation to intermediate (BR 304) and soft (BR 007B) texture grains. The corrections of the ME values to nitrogen balance resulted in a discrete reduction of the ME values.

Sigmoid colon perforation by ingested Sandorica seed.

This retrospective descriptive study of Sigmoid colon perforation by ingested Sandorica seed in patients who were admitted to Prachomklao Hospital from 1996 to 2000. Nine cases were included in this study. Most cases were elderly with a mean age of 65 years (range 52-78 years). The main symptoms were abdominal pain with generalized peritonitis and severe tenderness at the suprapubic area, ileus and persistent vomiting. In all cases, the diagnosis was made at operation, with removal of the Sandorica seed, closure of the perforation at the rectosigmoid colon with simple suture and proximal transverse loop colostomy. Post-operative complications included two cases of wound infection.