In Vivo Study on Laxative Effect of Prunus amygdalus Oil

Objective: In this study, we assessed the laxative effects of Prunus amygdalus oil (PAO) in constipation model of mice. Method: The animals were divided into 6 groups and Prunus amygdalus oil was orally administered in two dose-strengths (3.0 ml/kg/day and 6.0 ml/kg/day) in mice. Group one was administered with Lactulose (30 ml/kg/day) as standard. Understandings of the possible mechanism of laxative action 2 groups of animals were pretreated with atropine (10 ml/kg/day) that moderately inhibit the laxative activity of Prunus amygdalus oil. Results: Results of our study revealed that treatment of PAO was effective in increasing the fecal number and fecal weight and this increase was very close to standard drug Lactulose, which indicate the laxative activity of oil. Those groups of animals which were previously administered with atropine partially inhibit the laxative activity of Prunus amygdalus oil, specifying that laxative action is mainly facilitated through muscarinic receptors activation and indicated the occurrence of Acetylcholine like component. Conclusion: Our study results revealed the laxative activity of PAO mediated mainly with the cholinergic pathway. This study provides a basis for beneficial use of Prunus amygdalus oil in constipation.

Genetic diversity in two Italian almond collections

Background Sweet-seeded domesticated almonds were brought to the Mediterranean Basin from central Asia about 4000 years ago. In Italy, most of the almonds produced are cultivated in the southern part of the country. Local populations of the tree in Sardinia are largely seed-derived and mostly self-incompatible, so have developed extensive genetic diversity. The need to protect biodiversity has prompted a revived interest in local genetic materials in almond. Two Italian collections have been established, one in Sardinia and the other in Apulia. These collections were the focus of the present evaluation of genetic diversity. Results Eleven SSRs (microsatellites) were used for fingerprinting. The Sardinian germplasm was highly polymorphic, revealing a mean of 14.5 alleles per locus and a mean heterozygosity of 0.71. Using a model-based clustering approach, two genetic clusters were distinguished: one included all the commercial varieties and most of the Sardinian accessions, and the other most of the Apulian accessions. A similar structure was produced using a distance-based cluster analysis. The Sardinian accessions could still be distinguished from the commercial germplasm with few exceptions. Conclusion The extensive genetic variability present in the Sardinian and Apulian almond germplasm indicates that these materials represent an important source of genes for the improvement of the crop.

Evaluation of seasonal antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds in stems and leaves of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the seasonal changes of total antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in samples taken from leaves (April, July, October) and stems (April, July, October, January) of some almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties (Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas). RESULTS: It was indicated that antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds in leaves and stems of Nonpareil, Ferragnes and Texas showed seasonal differences. Antioxidant activity IC50 of these varieties reached the highest value in April for leaves whereas in October for stems. The highest level of total phenolic compounds was in January for stems while in October for leaves. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that total antioxidant activity and phenolics in leaves and stems of almond varieties changed according to season and plant organ.

Determination of the Total Phenolic Contents, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Effects in the Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Prunus Amgydalus.

The results showed that the maximum yield of flavonoids (26.54 mg/ml quercetin equivalent) can be obtained with 80% ethanol (v/v), extraction temperature of 80oC and raw material to solvent ratio of 0.048 g/ml. The results revealed presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and glycosides. The leaf extract was active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC of 0.05 mg/ml while it was inactive against Pseudomonas selanacea, Fusarium oxysporum, Kliebsella pnuemoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Candida albacans. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents obtained were 40.35 mg/ml Gallic acid equivalent and 26. 54 mg/ml quercetin equivalent while the antioxidant assay showed a concentration dependent antiradical activity resulting from reduction of DPPH, SO and OH radicals to non radical forms. The scavenging activity of the ascorbic acid was seen to be higher than that of the extract.