Suitability of tetrazolium test for Tamarindus indica L. seeds / Adequação do teste de tetrazolium para sementes de Tamarindus indica L

Seed quality is routinely assessed by direct tests, e.g, the germination test, or indirect tests like the tetrazolium test, which has shoown to be promising in the determine viability and vigor, allowing the diagnosis of the main problems that may affect seed quality, such as mechanic damages, field deterioration and storage. In this respect, this study was conducted to develop a tetrazolium test protocol to evaluate the viability and vigor of Tamarindus indica L. seeds. Before exposing the seeds to the tetrazolium solution, seed preconditioning studies were carried out in which seven soaking times were tested. The soaking time that did not cause damage to the seed embryo and allowed the removal of the seed coat to expose the seed structures to the tetrazolium salt was selected. Then, an experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with a 2x3x3 factorial arrangement involving two seed lots, three soaking times in tetrazolium salt (6, 12 and 16 h) and three salt concentrations (0.075, 0.1 and 0.5%), totaling 18 treatments with four replicates of 25 seeds, evaluated at 40 ºC. For each treatment, the seeds were divided into three classes, namely, viable and vigorous embryos (class 1); viable embryos (class 2) and non-viable or dead embryos (class 3). For a comparison with the tetrazolium test results, the two seed lots were analyzed for water content, germination, emergence, first count, germination speed index, emergence speed index, growth and seedling dry weight. The viability and vigor of T. indica seeds can be evaluated after a soaking period of 48 h and immersion for 6h in tetrazolium salt at the concentration of 0.1%, at 40°C, with provides results similar to conventional seed viability tests. The tetrazolium test proved to be adequate to differentiate T. indica seed lots in terms of viability.(AU)

A qualidade das sementes é avaliada rotineiramente por testes diretos como o de germinação e indiretos como o teste de tetrazólio que tem se mostrado promissor na determinação da viabilidade e vigor possibilitando o diagnóstico dos principais problemas que podem afetar a qualidade das sementes, como danos mecânicos, deterioração de campo e armazenamento. Neste sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho desenvolver um protocolo do teste de tetrazólio para avaliar a viabilidade e o vigor das sementes de Tamarindus indica L. Antes da exposição das sementes a solução de tetrazólio, foram realizados estudos pre-condicionamento das sementes utilizando sete períodos de embebição sendo selecionado o tempo que não causou danos ao embrião da semente e permitiu a remoção do tegumento para exposição das estruturas da semente ao sal de tetrazólio. Em seguida, o experimento foi instalado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x3x3, sendo dois lotes de sementes, três tempos de embebição em sal (6; 12 e 16 horas) e três concentrações de sal de tetrazólio (0,075; 0,1 e 0,5%), totalizando dezoito tratamentos com quatro repetições de 25 sementes, avaliados a 40 ºC. Para cada tratamento as sementes foram divididas em três classes: embriões viáveis e vigorosos (classe 1); embriões viáveis (classe 2) e embriões inviáveis ou mortos (classe 3). Para comparar com o resultado do teste de tetrazólio os dois lotes de sementes foram submetidos a análise de teor de água, germinação, emergência, primeira contagem e índice de velocidade de germinação e emergência, crescimento e massa seca de plântulas. A viabilidade e o vigor das sementes de T. indica podem ser avaliados após um período de 48h de embebição e 6h de imersão na concentração de 0,1% de sal de tetrazólio a 40 ºC, com resultados semelhantes aos testes convencionais de determinação da viabilidade das sementes. O teste de tetrazólio mostrou-se adequado para diferenciar a viabilidade em relação aos lotes de sementes de T. indica.(AU)

Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potentials of Tamarindus indica L. Fruit Pulp Extract Loaded O/W Nanoemulsions

Abstract The main purposes of the current study were to formulate o/w nanoemulsions as a carrier for Tamarindus indica (tamarind) fruit pulp extract and to study the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of nanoemulsions containing tamarind extract, focusing on cosmetic/hygiene applications. The o/w nanoemulsions using a mixture of Tween 80 and Span 80 as an emulsifier (5%w/w) were prepared by a high pressure homogenization process. Two concentrations of sweet tamarind extract, 3.3 and 6.6%w/w, based on the bioactivity study, were incorporated into the blank nanoemulsions to produce loaded nanoemulsions, F1-3.3TE (3.3%) and F1- 6.6TE (6.6%). As compared with the unloaded nanoemulsion, both tamarind extract loaded nanoemulsions showed reduced pH and significantly increased viscosity. Overall, the loaded nanoemulsions had droplet sizes of approximately 130 nm, zeta potential around -38 mV and polydispersity index (PDI) values less than 0.2. The nanoemulsion F1-3.3TE had better stability (e.g. significantly greater % tartaric acid content and lesser PDI value) than the nanoemulsion F1-6.6TE did. The antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay revealed that the nanoemulsions F1-3.3TE and F1-6.6TE had scavenging activities of 81.66 ± 0.77% and 63.80 ± 0.79%, respectively. However, antioxidant activity of these two formulations decreased under stress conditions (heating-cooling cycles). Such incidence did not occur for their antibacterial properties investigated by agar well diffusion technique. The two formulations exhibited inhibition zones of approximately 24.0-27.7 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, responsible for malodor of underarms. The results suggest the potential of using sweet tamarind pulp extract loaded nanoemulsions as hygiene products.

Avaliação física, química e microbiológica de geladinho de tamarindo comercializado em Morrinhos-GO / Physical, chemical and microbiological evaluation of tamarind geladinho commercialized in Morrinhos – GO

O “geladinho” é muito comum no Brasil, e sua aceitação pela população é muito grande, agradando pessoas de praticamente todas as faixas etárias, principalmente crianças e jovens. Por isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa para avaliar a qualidade física, química e microbiológica desse produto, comercializado em Morrinhos – GO. O produto pode ser chamado de vários nomes, cada região brasileira denomina de uma forma, como por exemplo, “sacolé”, “flau”, “gelinho”, ”geladinho”, “chupe-chupe”, “chope”, em Morrinhos – GO o sabor predileto da população é o de tamarindo. Foram avaliadas quatro amostras de três pontos de vendas. Foram realizadas análises de pH, acidez titulável total, sólidos solúveis totais, vitamina C, peso médio, e análises de Salmonella, coliformes totais e termotolerantes, bolores e leveduras. Nas análises física e químicas foi realizado o acompanhamento após 28 dias de armazenamento em freezer a -18° a -22°C. Nenhuma amostra apresentou presença de coliformes totais, E. coli, e Salmonella. Porém verificou-se a presença de bolores e leveduras em baixos níveis. No geral, os produtos encontravam-se em condições sanitárias satisfatórias conforme a RDC 12/2001.

The “geladinho” is very common in Brazil, and its acceptance by the population is very large, pleasing people of practically all age groups, mainly children and young people. Therefore, research was carried out to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of this product, sold in Morrinhos – GO. The product can be called by several names, each Brazilian region names it in a different way, such as “sacolé”, “flau”, “gelinho”, “geladinho”, “chupe-chupe”, “chope”, in Morrinhos – GO the favorite flavor of the population is tamarind. Four samples from three points of sale were evaluated. pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, vitamin C, average weight, Salmonella, total and thermotolerant coliforms, molds and, yeasts were analyzed. In the physical and solid analyzes performed, the follow-up after 28 days of storage in a freezer at -18 ° to -22°C. No samples presented the presence of total coliforms, E. Coli, and Salmonella. However, compensation value UFC/mL, although small, of molds and yeasts. In general, the products were in satisfactory sanitary conditions according to RDC 12/2001.

Subproduto de tamarindo: caracterização físico-química, fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante / By-product of tamarindo: chemical composition, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo determinar a caracterização físico-química, fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante do resíduo desidratado do processamento da polpa de tamarindo. Foram obtidos valores consideráveis de proteína (5,26 g.100 g-1), gordura total (8,76 g.100 g-1), cinzas (2,94 g.100 g-1) e fibra bruta (35,98 g.100 g-1), indicando alto valor nutricional. Apresentou pH de 3,2, acidez total titulável de 2,82 g.100 g-1 de ácido tartárico e baixo teor de umidade (7,34 g.100 g-1). A farinha obtida apresentou 1902,43 mg GAE.100 g-1 de amostra em fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante expressa em CE50 de 0,19 e 0,25 mg.mL-1 avaliadas pelos ensaios do DPPH e ABTS, respectivamente. A partir dos resultados observados, pode-se inferir que a farinha obtida apresenta potencial como ingrediente funcional na indústria de alimentos.

In vitro and cellular activities of the selected fruits residues for skin aging treatment

ABSTRACT Peel extracts of litchi and rambutan, and that of tamarind seed coat were investigated in relation to their utility in skin-aging treatments. Standardized extracts of tamarind were significantly (p < 0.05) more efficient at O2 •- scavenging (IC50 = 27.44 ± 0.09) than those of litchi and rambutan (IC50 = 29.57 ± 0.30 and 39.49 ± 0.52 μg/ml, respectively) and the quercetin standard (IC50 = 31.88 ± 0.15 μg/ml). Litchi extract proved significantly (p < 0.05) more effective for elastase and collagenase inhibition (88.29 ± 0.25% and 79.46 ± 0.92%, respectively) than tamarind (35.43 ± 0.68% and 57.69 ± 5.97%) or rambutan (31.08 ± 0.38% and 53.99 ± 6.18%). All extracts were safe to human skin fibroblasts and inhibit MMP-2, with litchi extract showing significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced inhibition over the standard, vitamin C (23.75 ± 2.74% and 10.42 ± 5.91% at 0.05 mg/ml, respectively). Extracts suppress melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells through inhibition of tyrosinase and TRP-2, with litchi extract being the most potent, even more so than kojic acid (standard). These results highlight the potential for adding value to agro-industrial waste, as the basis for the sustainable production of innovative, safe, anti-aging cosmetic products.

Formulación de cápsulas duras de Tamarindus indica L / Formulation of hard capsules from Tamarindus indica L

OBJETIVO: formular cápsulas duras a partir de extracto blando de Tamarindus indica L. MÉTODOS: se seleccionaron las cantidades de los excipientes lactosa monohidratada, almidón de maíz y dióxido de silicio coloidal (Aerosil®), utilizando un diseño factorial 23. Se seleccionó para envasar en cápsulas, el granulado con mejor fluidez y menor humedad residual. Se evaluó la calidad de las cápsulas duras. RESULTADOS: la formulación escogida fue lactosa monohidratada 35,0 g, Aerosil® 3,0 g y almidón de maíz 7,5 g, pues mostró buena fluidez y una humedad residual de 4,17 por ciento. Las cápsulas duras formuladas, presentaron buena calidad tecnológica. CONCLUSIONES: se obtuvieron cápsulas duras que pueden ser preparadas, a pequeña escala, a nivel dispensarial(AU)

OBJECTIVE: to formulate hard capsules from Tamarindus indica L. soft extract. METHODS: the amounst of the exicipients called lactose monohydrate, corn starch and colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil®) were selected, using a 23 full factorial design. The selection of the best formulation was based on the best rheological properties and the least residual humidity. The quality of the filled hard capsules was evaluated. RESULTS: the formulation containing lactose monohydrate 35.0 g, Aerosil® 3.0 g and corn starch 7.5 g was selected. This formulation showed good fluidity and 4.17 percent residual humidity. Hard capsules showed good technological quality. CONCLUSIONS: hard capsules that can be prepared at small-scale production dispensaries(AU)

Role of polyphenols in the antimicrobial activity of ethanol Tamarindus indica L leaves fluid extract / Papel de los polifenoles en la actividad antimicrobiana del extracto fluido de las hojas de Tamarindus indica L

The aim of this work was to explore in an active, fractioned, and chemically characterized Tamarindus indica L. (TIL) leaves extract, the influence of flavonoids and polyphenol compounds on the antimicrobial activity. A spectrophotometric quantification of the total phenols and flavonoids content was determinate to the TIL leaves extract, as well as, to the four fractions in which was fractioned (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol). The extracts and their fractions were microbiologically tested against six ATCC bacteria and Candida albicans, being determined their minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC). Additionally, the extracts were evaluated in their influence on human complement system (classical and alternative pathways). Fractions with high content of flavonoids and polyphenols (ethyl acetate and n-butanol) are active against Bacillus subtilis and inhibit the human complement system (direct pathway, IC50 31.05 and 33.65 ug/mL respectively), but are not active over Staphylococcus aureus. However, this bacterium was susceptible to fractions with low or null concentration of flavonoid or polyphenol compounds. No fractions neither the fluid extract were active against Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans. Experimental data suggest that phenols and flavonoids are not the only components involved in the antimicrobial activity of TIL leaves as has been previously suggested by other authors. Complement activity tests did not support a putative role on the antimicrobial activity.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue explorar en un extracto activo de hojas de Tamarindus indica L. (TIL), fraccionado y caracterizado químicamente, la influencia de los polifenoles y flavonoides en su actividad antimicrobiana. Se cuantificaron por espectroscopia UV-visible los contenidos de fenoles totales y flavonoides en el extracto de TIL así como de las cuatro fracciones obtenidas (n-hexano, cloroformo, acetato de etilo y n-butanol). Se evaluó la actividad microbiológica del extracto y sus fracciones contra seis bacterias ATCC y Candida albicans, determinándose sus concentraciones mínimas inhibitorias y bactericidas (MIC y MBC). Adicionalmente, se evaluó la influencia de los extractos en el sistema de complemento humano (vía clásica y alternativa). Las fracciones con altas concentraciones de polifenoles y flavonoides (acetato de etilo y n-butanol) fueron activas contra el Bacillus subtilis e inhibieron el sistema de complemento humano (vía directa, IC50 31.05 y 33.65 g/mL, respectivamente), pero no fueron activas contra Staphylococcus aureus. Sin embargo, esta bacteria fue susceptible a fracciones con baja o nula concentración de polifenoles y flavonoides. El extracto fluido y todas sus fracciones resultaron inactivos frente a Salmonella typhimurium y Candida albicans. Los datos experimentales sugieren que los fenoles y flavonoides no son los únicos compuestos involucrados en la actividad antimicrobiana de hojas de TIL, como había sugerido por otros autores. La actividad medida sobre el sistema de complemento, no aporta relevancia a la actividad antimicrobiana de las hojas de TIL.

Toxicidad aguda oral e irritabilidad de la mucosa oral con una formulación de tabletas de Tamarindus indica L / Acute oral toxicity and irritability of the oral mucosa with a tablet formulation of Tamarindus indica L

In this study, the possible preclinical toxic effects of the Tamarindus indica L tablets were evaluated by the acute oral toxicity (AOT) and oral mucosa irritation (OMI), adapting guideline OECD 423 and ISO 10993-10, respectively. The AOT was evaluated, using the Class Toxocity Method in Sprague Dawley females rats and the OMI was assessed in sirian hamsters, according to the acute exposure method. Any sign of toxicity were not observed in the study. No animal death was occurring and the body weight increase in the two experimental groups was not statistically different. Slight irritation of the oral mucosa of the animals was observed, but this fact didn't impede them to feed appropriately and they body weight increase normally during the assay. Tamarind tablets were framed as non toxic substance and they produce a “light irritability” of the oral mucosa.

En este trabajo se evaluó a nivel preclínico, los posibles efectos tóxicos de las tabletas de Tamarindus indica L. Se ensayó la toxicidad aguda oral, por el método de las clases de toxicidad, en ratas hembras de la línea Sprague Dawley y la irritabilidad de la mucosa oral en Hamster sirio, según las normas OECD 423 y ISO 10993-10, respectivamente. Durante el estudio de toxicidad aguda, no se observaron signos de toxicidad, ni muerte. El peso corporal en ambos grupos experimentales aumentó y no fue diferente estadísticamente. En el estudio de irritabilidad, se observó una ligera irritación en la mucosa de los biomodelos. Esto no les impidió alimentarse adecuadamente y se observó un incremento del peso corporal de ambos grupos experimentales. Se determinó que las tabletas producen una irritabilidad “leve” de la mucosa oral y no clasifican como tóxicas según las normas internacionales de referencia.

Estabilidad en estante de tabletas de las hojas de Tamarindus indica L / Storage condition stability of Tamarindus indica L leaf tablets

Objetivo: evaluar la estabilidad física, química y microbiológica, en estante, de tabletas de hojas de Tamarindus indica L. Métodos: se evaluaron las propiedades físico-mecánicas, la concentración de polifenoles, los perfiles de disolución y la calidad microbiológica durante dos años, manteniendo las tabletas envasadas en frascos de cloruro de polivinilo de alta densidad, con tapa inviolable y almacenadas en lugar seco y fresco. Se realizaron determinaciones de cada una de las propiedades cada tres meses. Resultados: Durante el estudio, las tabletas mantuvieron el color marrón claro que las caracteriza, el mismo olor fresco a fruta madura y la misma apariencia física. Las propiedades físicas se mantuvieron intactas durante dos años: dureza mayor que 5 kg/f (Monsanto), friabilidad menor que 1 por ciento, masa y la altura dentro de la variabilidad permitida. El tiempo de desintegración fue menor que 10 min. La cantidad de polifenoles liberada en 30 min estuvo por encima del 87 por ciento durante el estudio. Conclusiones: se demostró que las tabletas de tamarindo 120 mg, mantienen las propiedades físico-mecánicas, la concentración de polifenoles y la calidad microbiológica y biofarmacéutica durante dos años. Para asegurar la estabilidad química de las tabletas con mayor precisión, en este momento se desarrollan estudios por cromatografía de capa delgada

Objective: to evaluate the physical stability, chemical and microbiological stability of the Tamarindus indica L tablets on shelf. Methods: the physical and mechanical properties, the polyphenol concentrations, the dissolution profiles and the microbiological quality were evaluated for two years. Tablets were packed in high density PVP flasks and were stored in a dry and fresh place. Each of the properties was determined every three months. Results: throughout the study, the tablets kept their characteristic light brown color, the same odour resembling ripe fruit and the same physical appearance. The physical properties remained unchanged during two years: hardness was higher than 5 kg/f (Monsanto), friability lower than 1 percent, mass and height were within the allowable variability. Disintegration time was less than 10min. The released percentage of polyphenols in 30 min was over 87 percent in the course of study. Conclusions: it was demonstrated that 120mg Tamarind tablets can keep their physical-mechanical properties, the polyphenol concentrations and the microbiological and biopharmaceutical quality for 2 years. Thin layer chromatographic studies are currently conducted to assure more precisely the chemical stability of the tablets

Standardization of the quality control parameters of the Tamarindus indica L. soft extract

Introduction: Tamarindus indica L or Tamarind as commonly known is a medicinal plant witha broad spectrum of application in medicine. Tamarind is the most useful plant for liver disorders treatment in Cuba and The Caribbean. People use it as decoction and have to take up to four liters a day of this preparation, because the use of alcohol in the Tamarind fluid extracts prevent its use in patient with lever desorders. Objective: the aim of this study was the preliminary establisment of quality control parameters of the Tamarindus indica L soft extract as a novel alcohol-free active ingredient for solids pharmaceutical formulation. Methods: organoleptics properties, total solids, relative density, pH, and total ashes were stablished. The polyphenols content was evaluated as a chemical marker using Folin-Ciocalteau spectrophotometric method. The WHO methodology was followed for the establishment of limits for each one of the parameters...

Introducción: el Tamarindus indica L o tamarindo, como se le conoce comúnmente, es una planta medicinal con un amplio espectro de aplicación en la medicina. Es la más utilizada en Cuba y en el Caribe para los trastornos hepáticos. La población la utiliza en forma de decocción y consume alrededor de 4 L/d de esta preparación, porque el contenido de alcohol del extracto fluido de tamarindo impide su utilización en pacientes con estas enfermedades. Objetivo: establecer de forma preliminar los parámetros de control de calidad en el extracto blando de las hojas de Tamarindus indica L como un nuevo ingrediente activo libre de etanol, para la preparación de formas farmacéuticas sólidas. Métodos: se evaluaron las propiedades organolépticas, sólidos totales, densidad relativa, pH y cenizas totales. Se evaluó el contenido de polifenoles como marcador para el control de calidad de este extracto utilizando el método de Folin Ciocalteau. Se empleó la metodología propuesta por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para el establecimiento de los límites de control...

Formulación de comprimidos de tamarindo por el método de granulación húmeda / Formulation of tamarind tablets using the wet granulation method

El objetivo de este trabajo fue la formulación de tabletas farmacéuticas para lo cual se empleó como principio activo el extracto blando de las hojas de la especie Tamarindus indica L. Se utilizó el método de elaboración de tabletas por granulación húmeda a escala de laboratorio. Se prepararon 3 formulaciones en las que se varió las cantidades de lactosa, Aerosil®, celulosa microcristalina y croscarmelosa sódica. Se obtuvieron 3 formulaciones con características adecuadas para el proceso de producción de tabletas, de las cuales la número 3 fue la que mostró mejor calidad tecnológica. Se encontró una relación directa entre la cantidad de desintegrante añadido y el tiempo de desintegración, por lo que deberá estudiarse el efecto de este excipiente para la optimización de esta formulación

The objective of this paper was to prepare tablets using Tamarindus indica L. leaf soft extract as active ingredient. The classic method for manufacturing tablets by means of wet granulation at lab scale was used. Three formulations were prepared in which the quantities of excipients lactose, Aerosil®, microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium varied. Three formulations were obtained with adequate characteristics in the manufacturing process but the number 3 exhibited the best technological quality. For further optimization of this formulation, the effect of the excipient must be studied because there was direct relationship between the added amount of disintegrant and the disintegration time

Metabolites extraction optimization in Tamarindus indica L. leaves / Optimización de la extracción de metabolitos de las hojas de Tamarindus indica L

A central composite 2 3 full factorial design was used to study the combined effect of ethanol concentration and moistening time on total phenol (TP), flavonoid (TF) and carbohydrates (TC) content, as well as over total soluble substance (TSS) and ashes content (TA) in the Tamarindus indica L. leaves extraction process. Desirability function (0.8377) suggest the 71.73 percent ethanol concentration and 92.37 minutes of moistening time as the best combination variables, predicting values of 25.972 and 2.678 mg/mL for TP and TF; whereas for TSS and TA was predicted 18.417 and 0.566 percent respectively. The TC variable was discarded, because was impossible to find an statistical strong model to describes this variable. The theoretic values predicted were contrasted with new experimental data (n=5) by a hypothesis contrast test and examining the absolute error in the prediction. Results show a good adjustment to the prediction for TP, TSS and TA variables, meanwhile TF exhibit a slight deviation to the predicted value (absolute error over 10 percent). Nevertheless, this study offers a combination of variables when it is intended to prepare a tamarind extract that afford a high extractive capacity and, as a consequence, a larger probability to exhibit some kind of pharmacologic activity.

Un diseño factorial con compuesto central 2 elevado a 3 fue empleado en la evaluación de la influencia de la concentración de etanol y el tiempo de humectación sobre el contenido de fenoles (TP), flavonoides (TF), carbohidratos (TC) sólidos (TSS) y cenizas totales (TA) en el proceso de extracción de hojas de Tamarindus indica L. Valores de 71.73 por ciento de etanol y de 92.37 minutos de tiempo de humectación fue la combinación de factores sugerida por la función deseabilidad (0,8377), la cual predice concentraciones de 25,972 y 2,678 mg/mL para las variables TP y TF; y 18,417 y 0,566 por ciento para TSS y TA respectivamente. La variable TC fue descartada ante la imposibilidad de encontrar modelos predictivos con significación estadística. Estos valores teóricos fueron comparados por contraste de hipótesis y cálculo del error absoluto de la predicción con los obtenidos por réplicas del experimento (n=5). Los resultados mostraron un buen ajuste a la predicción para las variables TP, TSS y TA, mientras que la variable TF muestra una pequeña desviación con un error absoluto ligeramente superior al 10 por ciento. A pesar de ello, el presente estudio ofrece una combinación de variables a la cual se logra una alta capacidad extractiva en hojas de Tamarindus indica L., ofreciendo una mayor probabilidad de actividad farmacológica.

Search of new Antimitotics compounds from the Cuban flora / Búsqueda de nuevos compuestos con actividad antimitótica en la flora cubana

The main objective of anti-carcinogenic chemotherapy is to stop uncontrolled cellular proliferation. This has prompted us to begin a systematic survey of new effective inhibitors with ability to react with cytoskeletal components and arrest living, dividing cells. Even for traditional populations herbs-consuming, encouraging the use of species with chemopreventive actions could be helpful as part of life expectancy improvement strategies. Herbal products have significantly lower costs, exhibit little or no toxicity during long-term oral administration and are relatively available at large scale. Current work involved the screening of 85 extracts from Cuban medicinal plants, selected on the basis of traditional use, ethnobotanics and pharmacological information (antiparasitic, antitumour, abortive, etc.). Antitubulinic activity in the hydroalcoholics extracts was evaluated by using a modified version of the conventional turbidity assay of tubulin assembly/ disassembly. The activity limits of the news isolated antitubulin agents were thoroughly investigated. According to the presented results, the extracts displaying the highest antitubulinic activity were Tamarindus indica L., Lawsonia inermes L and Xanthium strumarium L.

Detener la proliferación celular es el principal propósito de la quimioterapia anticarcinogénica. Para ello se ha realizado una búsqueda a partir de fuentes naturales de nuevos inhibidores efectivos que reaccionen con los componentes del citoesqueleto y puedan detener la división celular. En poblaciones que tradicionalmente utilizan plantas medicinales se estimula el uso de aquellas especies con acción quimiopreventivas como parte de una estrategia que contribuya a la calidad de vida. Los productos herbarios tienen costos significativamente más bajos, exhiben poca o ninguna toxicidad durante la administración oral a largo plazo y están al alcance de todos. Nuestro trabajo consistió en realizar un tamizaje de 85 extractos de plantas medicinales cubanas seleccionadas en base al uso tradicional, en las encuestas etnobotánicas e información farmacológica (actividad antiparasitaria, antitumoral, abortiva, etc). La actividad antitubulínica fue evaluada mediante una versión modificada del ensayo turbimétrico del ensamblaje/desensamblaje de la tubulina. Se determinó la actividad límite de los nuevos agentes antitubulínicos siendo los extractos de Tamarindus indica L., Lawsonia inermes L and Xanthium strumarium L. los de mejor actividad antitubulínica según las condiciones ensayadas.

Hyperglycemia in poor controlled diabetes from crude tamarind herbal pill: a case study

Hyperglycemia is an important finding in the diabetic patient with poor glycemic control. There are several possible causes of hyperglycemic. Here, the author presents an interesting case study on a female diabetic patient presenting with hyperglycemic due to intake of crude tamarind herbal pill. General practitioner should realize that the use of alternative medicine can be a cause of unexplained hyperglycemic episode in diabetic patient.

In vitro antibacterial activity in seed extracts of Manilkara zapota, Anona squamosa, and Tamarindus indica

Extracts prepared from seeds of Manilkara zapota, Anona squamosa, and Tamarindus indica were screened for their antibacterial activity by disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. Acetone and methanol extracts of T. indica seeds were found active against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. MIC values of potent extracts against susceptible organisms ranged from 53-380 μg/mL. Methanol extract of T. indica and acetone extract of M. zapota seeds were found to be bactericidal.

Review on Artemisia absinthium and Tamarindus indica in the management of jaundice

The selected drugs reviewed have cholagogue, carminative, febrifuge, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antihelminthic, antibilious, antinauseant and antiemetic properties. Further detailed scientific trials of Afsanteen and Tamare-Hindi are required to know the exact mechanism of action in reduction of serum bilirubin level. At the end it may be added that Unani treatment is not only effective and safe but also cost effective, easily available and convenient for all

Phenolic content and in vitro inhibitory effects on oxidation and protein glycation of some thai medicinal plants

Fifteen medicinal plant extracts were investigated for: total phenolic content and free radical scavenging effect by DPPH and ABTS assays; anti-lipid peroxidation activity by TBARS; and for antiglycation activity. The results revealed that the total phenolic content showed good correlation with free radical scavenging by ABTS [r = 0.721] and anti-lipid peroxidation by TBARS [r = -0.659], but showed no correlation with antiglycation. Three extracts from Tamarindus indica, Camellia sinensis and Artocarpus lakoocha demonstrated a significant antioxidant effect, and also showed a promising antiglycation effect. The IC50 [mg/ml] were 0.9-0.16 for the DPPH method; TEAC values [mg Trolox/mg sample] of 1.72-2.83 for the ABTS method; IC50 [mg/ml] of 0.64- 1.22 for the TBARS method; and IC50 ranging from 0.01 to 3.20 for the antiglycation method. These three herbs were found to possess effective antioxidant and antiglycation activities, and could be further developed for use in anti-aging cosmetics

new nasal drug delivery system for diazepam using natural muccoadhesive polysaccharide obtained from tamarind seeds

A new nasal drug delivery system of diazepam has been developed with a natural mucoadhesive agent from Tamarindus indica L. The mucoadhesive strength, viscosity and gelling property of this natural mucoadhesive agent was found to be higher in comparison to synthetic polymers, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose [HPMC] and carbopol 934 which are conventionally used for similar purpose. In vitro drug release characteristic through franz-diffusion cell using excised bovine nasal membrane was also found to be better in comparison to the above synthetic polymers. This patient friendly, needle free dosage form may replace the diazepam injections in future

Antimicrobial Activity of Tamarindus indica Linn

PURPOSE: Tamarindus indica is a plant that is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cold; fever; stomach disorder; diarrhea and jaundice and as skin cleanser. To evaluate the scientific basis for the use of the plant; the antimicrobial activities of extracts of the stem bark and leaves were evaluated against some common gram negative and gram positive bacteria and fungi. The study also investigated the chemical constituents of the plant and the effect of temperature and pH on its antimicrobial activity. METHODS: The phytochemical constituents of the dried powdered plant parts were extracted using aqueous and organic solvents (acetone and ethanol). The antimicrobial activity of the concentrated extracts was evaluated by determination of the diameter of zone of inhibition against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria and fungi using the paper disc diffusion method. RESULTS: Results of the phytochemical studies revealed the presence of tannins; saponins; sesquiterpenes; alkaloids and phlobatamins and the extracts were active against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The activity of the plant extracts were not affected when treated at different temperature ranges (4oC; 30oC; 60oC and 100oC); but was reduced at alkaline pH. Studies on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts on the test organisms showed that the lowest MIC and the MBC were demonstrated against Salmonella paratyphi; Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi and the highest MIC and MBC was exhibited against Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSIONS: Tamarindus indica has broad spectrum antibacterial activity and a potential source of new classes of antibiotics that could be useful for infectious disease chemotherapy and control

Antimicrobial effect of some Egyptian plants

Twenty eight crude water extracts of four Egyptian plants: Hibiscus sabdariffa [Karkade], Tamarindus indica [Tamarind], Glycyrrhiza glabra [Liquorice] and Ceratonia siliqua [Carob], were tested for their antibacterial activities against 10 common pathogenic bacteria, Bacillus cereus, Shigella flexenary and Escherichia coli showed sensitivity to the 28 extracts, Shigella sp. showed sensitivity to 24 extracts while Pseudomonas sp. and Salmonella typhimurium were sensitive to 23 extracts. Salmonella paratyphi and Aerobacter aerogenes showed sensitivity to 22 extracts, Serratia marcesence and Aeromonas hydrophila showed sensitivity to 20 extracts. Karkade exhibited marked antibacterial activity against all the 10 organisms. E. coli and Shigella flexenary had no observed sensitivity to Liquorice extracts. Aerobacter aerogenes was the only one which had no observed sensitivity to Tamarind extracts. All the extracts of Carob were effective against only two pathogens: Bacillus cereus and Shigella flexenary. The results support the traditional uses of extracts of these plants for the management of bacterial infections and for the development of antibacterial agents for the preservation of foods