Anti-hyperglycaemic Effects of the Ashes of Some Nigerian Anti-diabetic Ethnomedicinal Plants

Aims: To evaluate blood glucose-lowering ability of leaf ashes and compare anti-hyperglycaemic activities of Annona muricata leaf extract and ash. Study Design: Ashes and extract of medicinal plants were assayed using glucose-loaded rats model. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between March 2017 and February 2020. Methodology: Adequately prepared ashes of seven plants and A. muricata methanol extract were assayed for anti-hyperglycaemic potentials, using glucose-loaded (10 g/kg, p.o.) Wistar rats that were hyperglycaemic [blood glucose levels ? 7.0 mmol/L] thirty minutes thereafter (T0.0). Groups of 5 rats each, were administered 100, 150, 200 mg/kg of different ashes and A. muricata extract (200 mg/kg). Normal saline and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) were negative and positive controls, respectively. Their blood glucose levels were determined at 0-4 hours post-extract/ash/drug administration; results analysed using ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls’ and Dunnett post-hoc tests. P ? .05 was considered significantly different. Results: 100 mg/kg of Momordica charantia, Azadirachta indica and Eugenia malaccensis leaf ashes was their most active dose, indicating significantly higher extrapancreatic activity. 32, 37, 54, 59 and 36, 43, 50, 48 % reductions elicited by Chromolaena odorata (COLA) and A. muricata (AMLA) ashes (200 mg/kg) at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hours, respectively made them the most active ashes. Also, blood glucose levels in glibenclamide (5 mg/kg)-, COLA-, AMLA- and its extract (200 mg/kg)-treated rats were comparable (P > .05) and their anti-hyperglycaemic activity was suggested to be due to the pancreatic (insulinotropic) and extra-pancreatic actions of their constituents. Conclusion: Study justified anti-diabetic ethnomedicinal use of plant-ashes in Nigeria, while doses were recommended for the optimum folkloric usage of these leaf ashes in managing diabetes in the rural areas of Nigeria. The leaf ashes may contain elements with glucose postprandial tolerance factor and insulin stimulating properties.

Valor nutricional del ensilaje de forraje de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa willd) con adición de microorganismos eficientes / Nutritional value of quinoa forage silage (Chenopodium quinoa willd) with the addition of efficient microorganisms / Valor nutricional da silagem de forragem de quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd) com addição de microorganismos eficientes

Resumen El cultivo de gramíneas y leguminosas con alto valor nutritivo para suplir los requerimientos nutricionales de los animales, es una alternativa para la reducción de costos en la producción animal. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar la calidad nutricional del ensilaje de forraje de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa willd) variedad amarilla de maranganí con adición de microorganismos eficientes en relación con la edad de la quinua y los diferentes periodos de fermentación del ensilaje. Se recolectó el material vegetal (hojas y tallos) de quinua, se evaluaron tres edades de corte: 60, 90 y 120 días y cuatro periodos de fermentación del ensilaje: siete, catorce, veinte uno y treinta días. Se realizaron 4 tratamientos: tratamiento 1 (T1) se refiere al control sin aplicar ningún tipo de EM, los tratamientos T2, T3 Y T4 se les aplicó EM a la dosis indicada en la etiqueta como aditivo para ensilajes, cada tratamiento se realizó por triplicado. El material vegetal se deshidrató durante un periodo de 5 horas y posteriormente se elaboraron los microsilos de follaje de quinua. se determinó el valor nutritivo (materia seca, fibra detergente neutra, fibra detergente acida, cenizas y proteína cruda) al follaje y a los microsilos de quinua. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar (DCA) con un arreglo de parcelas divididas en el tiempo, se hizo un análisis de varianza utilizando el Modelo Lineal mixto y una separación de medias por el método de Duncan y una correlación de variables de Pearson. Para la variable humedad se encontró un rango de 81,3 - 87,7% para el T1 y un rango de valores de 57,3 - 90,3% para los demás tratamientos. Las cenizas se mantuvieron en valores similares al follaje de quinua en relación a las diferentes edades de rebrote, el mayor porcentaje de cenizas se obtuvo a los 21 días de fermentación del ensilaje con un valor de 20,3% para el T3 con el ensilaje de follaje de quinua de 90 días de rebrote; mientras que el contenido de proteína cruda disminuyo ligeramente en relación al T1 en la edad de rebrote de los 120 días presentando variaciones significativas entre los tratamientos con valores de 11,3-17,3%. Se presentó una relación positiva perfecta directamente proporcional (P≤0,01) entre los promedios de FDA y FDN (r=0,975) para todos los tratamientos evaluados. La planta de quinua permitiría un uso multipropósito del cultivo, generando grano para el consumo humano y follaje para el consumo animal.

Abstract The cultivation of grasses and legumes with high nutritional value to meet the nutritional requirements of animals, is an alternative for reducing costs in animal production. The objective of the study was to characterize the nutritional quality of the quinoa silage (Chenopodium quinoa willd) yellow variety of marangani with the addition of efficient microorganisms in relation to the age of quinoa and the different periods of silage fermentation. The quinoa plant material (leaves and stems) was collected, three cutting ages were evaluated: 60, 90 and 120 days and four periods of silage fermentation: seven, fourteen, twenty one and thirty days. Four treatments were performed: treatment 1 (T1) refers to the control without applying any type of MS, treatments T2, T3 and T4 were applied MS at the dose indicated on the label as silage additive, each treatment was performed in triplicate . The plant material was dehydrated for a period of 5 hours and subsequently the quinoa foliage microsyls were made. The nutritional value (dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash and crude protein) was determined to the foliage and quinoa microsilos. A completely randomized design (DCA) with an arrangement of time-divided plots was used, an analysis of variance was made using the Mixed Linear Model and a separation of means by the Duncan method and a correlation of Pearson variables. For the humidity variable, a range of 81,3 - 87,7% was found for T1 and a range of values of 57,3 - 90,3% for the other treatments. The ashes were maintained in values similar to the quinoa foliage in relation to the different ages of regrowth, the highest percentage of ashes was obtained at 21 days of silage fermentation with a value of 20,3% for T3 with the silage of Quinoa foliage 90 days of regrowth; while the crude protein content decreased slightly in relation to T1 in the 120-day regrowth age, presenting significant variations between treatments with values of 11,3-17,3%. A directly positive proportion directly proportional (P≤0,01) was presented between the FDA and FDN averages (r=0.975) for all the treatments evaluated. The quinoa plant would allow multipurpose use of the crop, generating grain for human consumption and foliage for animal consumption.

Resumo O cultivo de gramíneas e leguminosas com alto valor nutricional para suprir os requerimentos nutricionais dos animais, é uma alternativa para a redução de custos na produção animal. O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar a qualidade nutricional da silagem de forrajem de quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd) variedade amarela de maranganí com adição de microorganismos eficientes na relação com a idade da quinoa e os diferentes períodos de fermentação da silagem. Recoletou-se o material vegetal (folhas e talos) de quinoa, avaliaram-se três idades de corte: 60, 90 e 120 dias e quatro períodos de fermentação da silagem: sete, quatorze, vinte e um e trinta dias. Realizaram-se 4 tratamentos: tratamento 1 (T1) se refere ao control sem aplicar nenhum tipo de EM, aos tratamentos T2, T3 Y T4 se aplicou EM nas dosagens indicadas na etiqueta como aditivo para silagens, cada tratamento se realizou por triplicado. O material vegetal se desidratou durante um período de 5 horas e posteriormente se elaboraram os microsilos de follaje de quinua. Se determinó el valor nutritivo (materia seca, fibra em detergente neutra, fibra em detergente acida, cenizas y proteína cruda) al follaje y a los microsilos de quina. Se utilizou um desenho completamente aleatório (DCA) com uma organização de parcelas divididas no tempo, se fez uma análise de variação utilizando o Modelo Linear Misto e uma separação de médias pelo método de Duncan e uma correlação de variáveis de Pearson. Para a variável humidade se encontrou um intervalo de 81,3 - 87,7% para el T1 e um intervalo de valores de 57,3 - 90,3% para os demais tratamentos. As cinzas se mantiveram em valores similares à folhagem de quinoa em relação às diferentes idades de rebrote, a maior porcentagem de cinzas se obteve aos 21 dias de fermentação da silagem com um valor de 20,3% para T3 com a silagem de folhagem de quinoa de 90 dias de rebrote; entanto que o conteúdo de proteína crua diminuiu ligeiramente em relação ao T1 na idade de rebrote dos 120 dias apresentando variações significativas entre os tratamentos com valores de 11,3-17,3%. Se apresentou uma relação positiva perfeita diretamente proporcional (P≤0,01) entre as médias de FDA e FDN (r=0,975) para todos os tratamentos avaliados. A planta de quinoa permitiria um uso multipropósito do cultivo, gerando grão para o consumo humano e folhagem para o consumo animal.

Enfermedades respiratorias restrictivas-obstructivas y ceniza del volcán Tungurahua en el año 2007 / Restrictive­obstructive respiratory diseases and ash of the Tungurahua volcano in 2007

Introducción: La frecuencia de las enfermedades respiratorias en general y en particular la de las crónico degenerativas ha incrementado notablemente en los últimos años en nuestro país. La ceniza volcanica podría estar relacionada con este incremento, haciéndonos más susceptibles a padecerlas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de las patologías respiratorias en la población más expuesta a los efectos de la ceniza y demás gases emanados por el volcán Tungurahua. Metodología: En el presente se incluyeron 100 personas residentes en las comunidades más afectadas por la ceniza del volcán Tungurahua (Penipe, Puela, Manzano, Bayushig, El Altar), quienes fueron sometidos a una evaluación clínica, radiológica y espirométrica. Resultados: 37 (37 %) de las personas estudiadas fueron de género masculino y 63 (63 %) femenino. 50 pacientes es decir el 50 % fue sintomático respiratorio. El 64 % de pacientes presentó cambios radiológicos sugerentes de cambios bronquíticos. En la espirometría el 23 % de pacientes presentó un patrón restrictivo de leve a moderado. Conclusiones: La población expuesta a la ceniza del volcán Tungurahua mostró cambios radiográficos, clínicos y espirométricos indicativos de enfermedades respiratorias que posiblemente se deben a la exposición a la ceniza volcánica.

Introduction: Frequency of respiratory diseases in general and in particular chronic degenerative diseases have notably increased in recent years in our country. Volcanic ashes could play a role in this incrementent, making us more suscpetible to suffer them. The objective of the present study was to determine frequency of respiratory pathologies in the population most exposed to the effects of ash and other gases emanated from the Tungurahua volcano. Methodology: In the present study there were included 100 people who were residents of the comunities most affected by the ashes of the Tungurahua volcano (Penipe, Puela, Manzano, Bayushig, El Altar). People were subjected to clinical, radiological and spirometric evaluation. Results: 37 (37%) of the studied population were men and 63 (63%) were women. 50 patients (50%) reported respiratory symptoms. 64% of patients showed radiological changes which suggested bronchitic changes. Spirometric evaluation showed a mild to moderate restrictive pattern in 23% of patients. Conclusions: Population exposed to ash of the Tunguraua volcano showed clinic, radiographic and spirometric changes that suggest respiratory diseases which possibly are due to exposition to volcanic ashes.

Combinación de hongos movilizadores y solubilizadores de fósforo con rocas fosfóricas y materiales volcánicos para la promoción del crecimiento de plantas de lechuga (Lactuca sativa L.) / Combination of phosphorus solubilizing and mobilizing fungi with phosphate rocks and volcanic materials to promote plant growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Los hongos micorrícicos arbusculares (HMA) incrementan la toma de fosfatos solubles, mientras que los hongos solubilizadores de fósforo (S) promueven la solubilización de complejos insolubles de fosfato, en conjunto benefician la nutrición de las plantas. La utilización de estos organismos en combinación con minerales o rocas que aportan nutrientes es otra alternativa para mantener la productividad de los cultivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue combinar HMA y S con materiales piroclásticos (cenizas y pumicitas) del volcán Puyehue y rocas fosfóricas (RP) del Grupo Río Chico (Chubut) y evaluar el desempeno de estas mezclas como sustratos para la producción en maceta de Lactuca sativa. Para formular los sustratos, se utilizó como base una mezcla de Terrafertil® con cenizas. Penicillium thomii fue el S y esporas del hongo Rhizophagus intraradices (AEGIS® Irriga) sirvieron de fuente del HMA. Se evaluaron diversas combinaciones de microorganismos y la adición o no de RP. Los tratamientos fueron: 1) sustrato; 2) sustrato + HMA; 3) sustrato + S; 4) sustrato + HMA + S; 5) sustrato: RP; 6) sustrato: RP + HMA; 7) sustrato: RP + S, y 8) sustrato: RP+ HMA + S. Se efectuaron 3 repeticiones por tratamiento. Los parámetros evaluados fueron el contenido de P total y asimilable en el sustrato, el P en el tejido vegetal y la biomasa seca. Todos ellos fueron significativamente mayores en las plantas que crecieron en el sustrato adicionado con RP e inoculadas con S y HMA. Este trabajo confirma que la combinación S/HMA con cenizas volcánicas del Puyehue y las RP del Grupo Río Chico formuladas con un sustrato comercial promueven el crecimiento de L. sativa. De este modo es posible incrementar el valor agregado de geomateriales de origen nacional.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increase the uptake of soluble phosphates, while phosphorus solubilizing fungi (S) promote solubilization of insoluble phosphates complexes, favoring plant nutrition. Another alternative to maintaining crop productivity is to combine minerals and rocks that provide nutrients and other desirable properties. The aim of this work was to combine AMF and S with pyroclastic materials (ashes and pumices) from Puyehue volcano and phosphate rocks (PR) from Rio Chico Group (Chubut) - to formulate a substrate for the production of potted Lactuca sativa. A mixture of Terrafertil®:ashes was used as substrate. Penicillium thomii was the solubilizing fungus and Rhizophagus intraradices spores (AMF) was the P mobilizer (AEGIS® Irriga). The treatments were: 1) Substrate; 2) Substrate + AMF; 3) Substrate+S; 4) Substrate + AMF+ S; 5) Substrate: PR; 6) Substrate: PR + AMF; 7) Substrate: PR + S and 8) Substrate: PR + AMF + S. Three replicates were performed per treatment. All parameters evaluated (total and assimilable P content in substrate, P in plant tissue and plant dry biomass) were significantly higher in plants grown in substrate containing PR and inoculas with S and AMF. This work confirms that the combination of S/AMF with Puyehue volcanic ashes, PR from the Río Chico Group and a commercial substrate promote the growth of L. sativa, thus increasing the added value of national geomaterials.

Use of Solid Waste from Thermoelectric Plants for the Cultivation of Microalgae

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of solid waste on the cultivation of the microalgae Spirulina sp. LEB 18 and Chlorella fusca LEB 111 with 0, 40, 80 and 120 ppm of mineral coal ash. The addition of the ash did not inhibit the cultivation of microalgae at the tested concentrations, showing that it could be used for the cultivation of these microalgae due to the minerals present in the ash, which might substitute the nutrients needed for their growth.

Efectos de la ceniza volcánica sobre la función pulmonar en una cohorte de personas mayores de 45 años en Bariloche (Argentina) / Effects of Volcanic Ash on Lung Function in a Cohort of People over 45 Years of Age in Bariloche (Argentina)

Casi 500 millones de personas viven dentro de los límites de exposición de los volcanes activos. En junio de 2011, el complejo volcánico Puyehue-Cordón Caulle, situado en el norte de la Patagonia chilena, comenzó un ciclo eruptivo emitiendo un enorme volumen de cenizas. Los vientos dispersaron este material hacia el SE afectando a la ciudad de San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. El estudio de cohortes CESCAS y su rama respiratoria, PRISA (Pulmonary Risk in South America Study), se estaba realizando en esa ciudad. Se utilizaron los datos del estudio PRISA para tratar de responder a la pregunta de si la presencia de ceniza volcánica afectó la función respiratoria de los residentes de Bariloche. Tomamos muestras de 767 pruebas de función pulmonar durante los tres meses anteriores (n = 297) y seis meses después (n = 470) de la erupción volcánica. Los participantes no eran los mismos antes y después de la exposición, pero pertenecían a la muestra originalmente seleccionada e incluida en el estudio PRISA. El objetivo fue evaluar si la exposición a la ceniza volcánica se asoció a alteraciones en la función pulmonar evaluada por espirometría. No se encontraron diferencias en FEV1 pre-broncodilatador (p = 0,30), FEV1 post-broncodilatador (p = 0,19), FVC pre-broncodilatador (p = 0,51) o FVC post-broncodilatador (p = 0,26) entre los grupos no expuestos y expuestos. Tampoco hubieron diferencias en la tasa de respuesta a broncodilatador (p = 0,87) o en el subgrupo de asma y EPOC. La exposición a la ceniza volcánica no se asoció con ningún efecto sobre la función respiratoria en una cohorte representativa de la población de San Carlos de Bariloche.

Almost 500 million people live within the exposure range of active volcanoes. In June 2011, the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Volcanic Complex, located in northern Chilean Patagonia, began an eruptive cycle emitting an enormous volume of ash. Winds dispersed this material toward the SE, affecting the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. The CESCAS cohort study and its respiratory branch, PRISA (Pulmonary Risk in South America Study), was underway in that city. We used data from the CESCAS/PRISA study to attempt to answer the question of whether the presence of volcanic ash affected the respiratory function of the residents of Bariloche.This study is nested within the CESCAS/ PRISA study. We sampled 767 pulmonary function tests carried out within three months before (n = 297) and six months after (n = 470) the volcanic eruption. Participants were not the same before and after exposure, but belonged to the original sample included in the PRISA study. The objective was to evaluate whether exposure to volcanic ash was associated to impaired lung function assessed by spirometry. No differences were found in the pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (p = 0.30), post bronchodilator FEV1 (p=0.19), pre-bronchodilator FVC (p=0.51) or post-bronchodilator FVC (p = 0.26) between the non-exposed and exposed group, nor in the rate of bronchodilator responsiveness (p = 0.87)or in the asthmatic and COPD subgroup. Exposure to volcanic ash was not associated to any effect on respiratory function in a representative cohort from the population of San Carlos de Bariloche.

Parâmetros ósseos de frangos de corte alimentados com rações contendo fitase e baixos níveis de fósforo disponível e proteína bruta / Bone parameters for broilers fed diets with phytase and low phosphorus and crude protein levels

Foram utilizados 504 pintos de linhagem comercial (Ag Ross 308) para frangos de corte de um dia de idade, distribuídos em 12 tratamentos com seis repetições. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 2x2x3, com dois níveis de fósforo disponível (0,45 e 0,34%), dois níveis de fitase (0 e 1200 FTU/kg) e três níveis de proteína bruta (22,5; 20,5 e 18,5%). A porcentagem de cálcio e fósforo nas tíbias foi influenciada significativamente pelos níveis de proteína e de fósforo na dieta com o uso da fitase. Os teores de matéria mineral nas tíbias apresentaram efeito linear com o uso da enzima e efeito quadrático com a ausência dela, apresentando maior valor com o nível de 22,5% de proteína na dieta. Já com os maiores níveis de fósforo houve efeito linear entre os níveis de proteína bruta na dieta e os pesos da matéria mineral nas tíbias, ou seja, quanto maior o nível de proteína, menor o peso da matéria mineral.

504 (five hundred four) 1 day old male chicks from a commercial broiler line (Ag Ross 308) were used, distributed in 12 treatments, with 6 replicates per treatment. The experimental design was casually blocked and treatments were organized in a 2x2x3 factorial arrangement: two available phosphorus levels (0.45 and 0.34%), two phytase inclusion levels (0 and 1200 FTU/kg) and three crude protein levels (22.5; 20.5 and 18.5%). Tibia calcium percentage was influenced by protein and phosphorus levels in the diet, when using phytase. Tibia ash levels showed a linear effect when enzymes were added and showed a quadractic effect without it, and the higher value was observed with 22.5% crude protein in the diet. With higher phosphorus levels a linear effect was observed between crude protein in the diet and tibia ash weights, as a higher protein level had lower tíbia ash weight.

Comparative study on absorption of effective components from roasting-processed and crude Vladimiriae Radix in stomach, small intestine, and colon of rats / 中草药

Objective: To analyze the absorption difference of the principal active components in Vladimiriae Radix, costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone, between the crude Vladimiriae Radix (CVR) and roasting-processed Vladimiriae Radix (RPVR), in stomach, small intestine, and colon in rats. Methods: The in situ perfusion models of stomach, small intestine, and colon in rats were established, the contents of costunolide, dehydrocostuslactone, and phenol red were determined using HPLC-UV method, and the parameters of absorption kinetics of the test object in stomach, small intestine, and colon were obtained. Results: The absorption percentage per hour of costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone in CVR was higher than that in RPVR in stomach and small intestine of rats (P < 0.05). However, the absorption percentage per hour of costunolide and dehydrocos in RPVR was higher than that in CVR in colon of rats (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The absorption rate of cstunolide and dehydrocostuslactone in CVR is higher than that in PVR sample in colon of rats.

¿Son las cenizas volcánicas un riesgo para la salud respiratoria?: revisión a propósito de la erupción del cordón del Caulle en junio de 2011 / Are volcanic ashes a risk for the respiratory health?: a review apropos of volcanic eruption of cord of Caulle, Chile in june 2011

Chile is a volcanic country with over 500 active volcanoes. Mounts Llaima and Villarrica are among the four most active volcanoes in South America. Activation or reactivation of a volcano is an unpredictable phenomenon and its impact can be catastrophic. Volcanic eruptions can trigger a variety of hazardous events, such as explosions, pyroclastic flows, mudflows, acid rain, climatic effects, among others. The impact of a volcanic eruption on human health depends on the type of eruption at which inhabitants have been exposed, the duration of this exposure and the previous health conditions of the exposed people. Some of these effects on human health are well known, such as burns, trauma, and respiratory disorders. In acute as well as in long term exposure, some of the respiratory health effects are still a matter of controversy and research on the mechanisms involved. Among the main adverse effects described in the respiratory tract are bronchoconstriction, amplification of the inflammatory response, complement disorders, silicosis and carcinogenesis. Considering the recent volcano eruptions of mount Chaitén (2008) and the cord of Caulle (2011) located in the south of Chile, we reviewed the deleterious effects of volcanic eruptions on human health and specifically on the respiratory system. Throughout this review we enclosed a number of recommendations, hopefully they will be useful in facing new volcanic eruptions in our country and everywhere.

Chile es un país volcánico con más de 500 volcanes activos. Los volcanes Llaima y Villarica están entre los cuatro más activos de Sudamérica. La activación o reactivación de un volcán es un fenómeno impredecible y su impacto puede llegar a ser catastrófico. Las erupciones volcánicas contemplan diversas manifestaciones, tales como explosiones, flujos piroclásticos, flujos de lodo, lluvia ácida, efectos climatológicos, entre otros. El impacto sobre la salud humana depende del tipo de manifestación a la que haya sido expuesta una determinada población, la duración de esta y las condiciones de salud previas a la exposición. Algunos de estos efectos son ampliamente conocidos, como quemaduras, traumatismos y alteraciones del sistema respiratorio. Siendo algunas de estas últimas aun motivo de controversia e investigación, tanto en sus efectos agudos y a largo plazo como en sus mecanismos. Dentro de las principales alteraciones descritas en el sistema respiratorio se encuentran la broncoconstricción, amplificación de la respuesta inflamatoria, alteraciones del complemento, silicosis y carcinogénesis. Considerando las recientes erupciones volcánicas registradas en el sur de Chile: Volcán Chaitén (2008) y el cordón del Caulle (2011), hemos realizado una revisión de los efectos deletéreos de éstas sobre la salud humana y específicamente sobre el sistema respiratorio. Esperamos que esta revisión y la serie de recomendaciones incluidas en ella, sean de utilidad ante una nueva erupción volcánica en Chile y en cualquier otro país.

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.

Estudo mineral das espécies vegetais Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze e Bouchea fluminensis (Vell) Mold. / Mineral evaluation of the species Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze and Bouchea fluminensis (Vell) Mold.

Alternanthera brasiliana e Bouchea fluminensis são plantas encontradas amplamente na América do Sul, sendo utilizada pela população pelas suas propriedades analgésicas e antiinflamatórias. O trabalho objetivou determinar o teor de cinzas totais e os elementos minerais em ambas espécies. O teor de cinzas totais das folhas de A. brasiliana e B. fluminensis foi de 13,23 por cento ± 0,47 e 8,28 por cento ± 0,07, respectivamente. Em relação à presença de macro e micronutrientes nas folhas observou-se uma maior concentração de nitrogênio (3,13 por cento) e manganês (0,296 por cento) para A. brasiliana e de cálcio (3,08 por cento) e ferro (0,256 por cento) para B. fluminensis. Os dados obtidos, cinzas totais, macro e microelementos, contribuem significativamente no controle de qualidade e padronização de ambas drogas vegetais, além de dar suporte ao uso como suplemento nutricional.

Alternanthera brasiliana and Bouchea fluminensis are plants widely distributed in South America. These plants are used by native populations as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this paper was to assay the total ashes and mineral content in both species. The levels of total ashes in leaves of A. brasiliana and B. fluminensis were 13.23 percent ± 0.47 and 8.28 percent ± 0.07, respectively. The analysis of macro and micronutrients content in leaves of A. brasiliana shown as main components, nitrogen (3.13 percent) and manganese (0.296 percent). However, in B. fluminensis they were calcium (3.08 percent) and iron (0.256 percent). These data are very useful for the quality control and standardization of the plant raw materials, and support their use as nutritional agents.

Carbón activado efecto del lavado con ácido sufúrico del precursor lignocelullósico, cuesco de palma africana, sobre los procesos de carbonización y activación / Activated carbo:: effect of the washing with sulfuric acid of te lignocellulossic precursor, shell of african palm, on the processes of carbonization and activation

Se realizan lavados controlados durante diferentes periodos de tiempo, 6 y 12 horas, con soluciones diluidas de ácido sulfúrico, 2, 5 y 10%, sobre el precursor lignocelulósico cuesco de palma africana, consiguiendo reducir en más del 50% el contenido de cenizas de dicho material, en las que los componentes inorgánicos, principalmente elementos como hierro y aluminio, influyen notablemente en la reacción de gasificación con CO2 durante la activación física. Se determinan las entalpías de inmersión en las muestras con mayor grado de activación con resultados que se encuentran entre el 2 y 10 J.g-1, y se comparan con los obtenidos para carbones activados resultantes de lavar el material de partida con agua en los mismos períodos de tiempo.

Controlled washings are made at different periods of time, 6 and 12 hours, with dilute sulfuric solutions 2, 5 and 10% on the lignocellulosic precursor shell of African Palm lowering 50% the ash content of the material. The inmersion enthalpies are determined in the samples with greater degree of activation with results that are between 2 and 10 J.g-1 and are compared with those gotten for activated carbons resulting when the initial material are washed with water during similar periods.