Corchorus olitorius aqueous extract attenuates quorum sensing-regulated virulence factor production and biofilm formation

Objective:To investigate the effect of Corchorus olitorius aqueous fraction (COAF) on quorum sensing (QS)-regulated virulence factors and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1). Methods:The preliminary screening of the anti-QS effect of COAF was performed by evaluating the anti-pathogenic activity against Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 biosensor strain. Next, the inhibitory effects of COAF on QS-regulated pyocyanin production, proteolytic and elastolytic activities, swarming motility, and biofilm formation were evaluated in PAO1.Results:The results showed that the treatment of COAF significantly decreased the biofilm biomass, attenuated virulence factors, and inhibited swarming motility of PAO1 without affecting the growth of the bacteria in a dose-dependent manner. COAF at 2000 μg/mL significantly decreased Las B elastase activity in PAO1 culture, exopolysaccharide production, swarming motility, pyocyanin level, and biomass of PAO1 by 55％ (P<0.05), 60％ (P<0.01), 61％ (P<0.01), 65％(P<0.01) and 73％ (P<0.01), respectively. In addition, the production of violacein was decreased by 62％ (P<0.01) with the treatment of a high dose of COAF. Conclusions:These findings indicate that COAF can be a potential source of anti-QS agents.

Effects of Corchorus olitorius and protacatechuic acid on diabetic rat testis tissue / Efectos de Corchorus olitorius y ácido protocatéquico en el tejido testicular de rata diabética

SUMMARY: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Protocatechuic acid and Corchorus olitorius on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat testis tissue. Randomly selected Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups as; Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus treated with Corchorus Olitorus (STZ+CO), Diabetes Mellitus treated with Protacatechuic acid (STZ+PCA), Corchorus olitorius (CO), Protocatechuic acid (PCA) and Control. Diabetic model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg Streptozotosin. After 48 hours of the STZ injection, blood samples were collected from tail vein in order to measure blood glycose levels. Over 250 mg/dL accepted as diabetic subjets and fed with 250 mg/kg Corchorus olitorius or 20 mg/kg PCA by oral gavage for three weeks. At the end of the experiment, right testes were removed and fixed in 10 % neutral formaldehyde for paraffine embedding. Sections were stained by HE, Masson trichrome, PAS and TUNEL for microscopic evaluation. Control, PCA-only and Corchorus olitorius-only treated group testes tissues showed a normal tissue organization, when degeneration in seminiferous tubules, the vacuolization, seperations in spermatogenic cell series, outpouring of cell groups in the lumen, vesicular body formation, liquid accumulation in the interstitial region and edema were observed in STZ induced diabetic models and untreated groups. Besides, higher amount of TUNEL (+) stained cells were determined in STZ group. On the other hand, blood glucose level and number of TUNEL (+) stained cells were decreased as a result of PCA and Corchorus olitorius treatment. Because of the reduction of blood glucose level and apoptotic cell numbers, PCA and Corchorus olitorius decreace the complications of diabetes mellitus induced rat testis.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos del ácido protocatéquico y Corchorus olitorius sobre el tejido testicular de rata diabética inducida por estreptozotocina (STZ). Las ratas Wistar Albino fueron seleccionadas al azar y se dividieron en cinco grupos; Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus tratada con Corchorus olitorius (STZ + CO), Diabetes Mellitus tratada con ácido protocatéquico (STZ + PCA), Corchorus olitorius (CO), ácido protocatéquico (PCA) y Control. El modelo diabético se generó por inyección intraperitoneal de 60 mg/kg de estreptozotosina. Después de 48 horas de la inyección de STZ, se recogieron muestras de sangre de la vena de la cola para medir los niveles de glucosa. Niveles mayores a 250 mg/dL fueron considerados como especímenes diabéticos y alimentados con Corchorus olitorius de 250 mg/kg o PCA de 20 mg/kg por sonda oral durante tres semanas. Al final del experimento, se extirparon los testículos derechos y se fijaron en formaldehído neutro al 10 % para la inclusión en parafina. Las secciones se tiñeron con HE, tricromo de Masson, PAS y TUNEL para evaluación microscópica. Los tejidos de los testículos de los grupos control, tratados solo con PCA y con Corchorus olitorius mostraron una organización tisular normal. En cambio en modelos diabéticos inducidos por STZ y grupos no tratados se observó degeneración en los túbulos seminíferos, vacuolización, separaciones en series de células espermatogénicas, efusión de grupos celulares en la luz, formación del cuerpo vesicular, acumulación de líquido en la región intersticial y edema. Además, se determinó una mayor cantidad de células teñidas con TUNEL (+) en el grupo STZ. Por otro lado, el nivel de glucosa en sangre y el número de células teñidas con TUNEL (+) disminuyeron como resultado del tratamiento con PCA y Corchorus olitorius. Debido a la reducción del nivel de glucosa en sangre y el número de células apoptóticas, se observó que PCA y Corchorus olitorius disminuyen las complicaciones de los testículos de rata inducidos por diabetes mellitus.

Assessment of salinity tolerance based upon morpho-physiological attributes in white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)

Aim: A study was conducted to evaluate the salinity tolerance of white jute (C. capsularis) cultivars. Methodology: Five white jute cultivars were assessed for different salinity concentrations (0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM NaCl) in a split plot design with three replications per concentration under greenhouse condition. A total of fifteen plants were sampled from each treatment ten days after treatment with NaCl to determine morphological and physiological parameters. Results: Increased NaCl concentrations reduced all the morphological and physiological parameters such as plant height, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, relative leaf water content (RLWC), chlorophyll, protein, proline content, K+ accumulation in shoot and leaves, but water saturation deficit (WSD) and Na+ contents were increased in the shoot and leaves. Interpretation: The study revealed that among all cultivars assessed JRC-532 and JRC-321 showed relatively better performance against salt stress whereas cultivar JRC-517 was found more susceptible to salt stress.

Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) in Benin

Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is an indigenous leafy vegetable which leaves are very rich in amino acid and essential minerals and they form part of the meals of people of Asia, Middle East and parts of Africa. The plant is also used as a medicine and source of income for local communities. The aim of this study is to highlight the ethnobotanical importance of Corchorus olitorius L. in Benin. To contribute to the enhancement of C. olitorius, 14 localities of Benin were visited and 129 people were interviewed, during the investigation. Data were collected about social and phytomedicinal uses of jute. These investigations have led to the understanding that C. olitorius is cultivated in all localities of Benin by both women (53.40%) and men (46.60%). The plant has a vernacular name in each local dialect but the term '' Ninuwi '' in the '' Fon '' language is the most used (33%). On the ethnomedicinal plan, it is used in the treatment of several pathologies such as malaria, typhoid fever, heart disease, infantile malnutrition, etc. Various parts of the plant are used: leaves, roots, leafy stems and seeds, to prepare several drug recipes. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) followed by Ascending Hierarchical Classification (AHC) revealed that the organs of the plant that are used as medicine vary from one ethnic group to another and that it is the aerial organs of the plant that are most often exploited as a drug. Decoction (92.59%) and maceration are the only ways of preparation listed in this survey. This survey revealed the importance of the jute on ethno medicinal, culinary and social plan.

Growth and symptoms of deficiency of micronutrients in young plants of jute / Crescimento e sintomas de deficiência de micronutrientes em plantas jovens de juta

The knowledge of micronutrients for Jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) plants might be a valuable tool to the subsidize taking of decisions to the management of such species. The objective of this study was to describe the symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies in jute plants and to analyze micronutrient contents in leaves, stems, and roots. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with six treatments and four replications in a randomized block design. The treatments were, as follows: Complete solution (C) and solution with the omission of the following nutrients: B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Except for Cu deficiency, the morphological alterations were easily characterized for all nutrients evaluated, in which Fe and Zn were the first and the last to cause symptoms in plants, respectively. In general, the nutrients that were most limiting to the growth of Jute plant and for dry mass were Fe and B. The omission of B, Mn and Fe limited root growth while the Zn and Cu deficiencies limited the growth of the aerial part. The nutrient contents were ordered as it follows: Fe> Mn> Zn> B> Cu in the leaves, Fe> Mn> B> Zn> Cu in the stem and Fe> Zn> Mn> B> Cu in the roots. For seedings of Jute, the deficiency of Fe and B are the most limiting and the suitable nutritional contents for those seedlings are 11.37; 8.99; 346.14; 248.88 and 77,28 mg.kg-1 for B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the leaves, respectively.

O conhecimento acerca de micronutrientes em plantas de juta (Corchorus capsularis L.) pode ser uma importante ferramenta para subsidiar tomadas de decisão quanto ao manejo de tal espécie. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever os sintomas de deficiência de micronutrientes em plantas de juta e analisar o teor de micronutrientes contidos em folhas, caules e raízes. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições para cada tratamento em delineamento em blocos ao acaso. Os tratamentos foram: solução completa (C) e solução com a omissão dos seguintes nutrientes: B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn. Com exceção da deficiência de Cu, as alterações morfológicas foram fáceis de caracterizar para todos os nutrientes analisados, com Fe e Zn sendo o primeiro e o último a causar sintomas em plantas, respectivamente. Em geral, os nutrientes que foram os mais limitantes para o crescimento e matéria seca de juta foram Fe e B. A omissão de B, Mn e Fe limitou o crescimento radicular, enquanto que a deficiência de Zn e Culimitou o crescimento da parte aérea. O teor de nutrientes seguiu a seguinte ordem decrescente: Fe> Mn> Zn> B> Cu nas folhas, Fe> Mn> B> Zn> Cu no caule e Fe> Zn> Mn> B> Cu nas raízes. Pra mudas de juta, a deficiência de Fe e B são as mais limitantes e os teores nutricionais adequados para estas mudas são 11,37; 8.99; 346.14; 248.88; and 77.28 mg.kg-1, respectivamente, para B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn nas folhas.

Identification of Phytocomponents and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Corchorus olitorius Leaf Extract

In this study, the identification of secondary metabolites was carried out alongside acute toxicity evaluation on Corchorus olitorius leaf extract (COLE). Results of phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids (4.00±0.035 mg/100 g), steroids (0.89±0.031 mg/100 g), terpenes (1.27±0.016 mg/100 g), phenolic compounds (2.05±0.514 mg/100 g), alkaloids (3.10±0.026 mg/100 g), saponins (4.00±0.054 mg/100 g), tannins (0.32±0.044 mg/100 g) and cardiac glycoside (1.61±0.068 mg/100 g) while GCMS analysis of the extract showed the presence of 46 compounds with 2-Dodecenal having the highest concentration. 3-Methyl-1-penten-4-yn-3-ol, 2,4-Decadienal and Ethanone were also found in higher amounts. No toxicity behaviour and mortality were observed during the acute toxicity study period, even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body. From results obtained, we conclude that Corchorus olitorius leaf extract may be a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and cardiovascular system modulatory agent and may be safe for use as food and medicine.

Preliminary phytochemical screening, antihyperglycemic, analgesic and toxicity studies on methanolic extract of aerial parts of Corchorus olitorius L.

Corchorus olitorius, also known as Nalta jute or Tossa jute is grown throughout Bangladesh for its fibre and because the aerial parts are edible. It was of interest to phytochemically screen and conduct antihyperglycemic, analgesic and toxicity studies of the aerial parts. Antihyperglycemic and analgesic activities, phytochemical screening and toxicity studies were done through standard methods. Administration of methanol extract of aerial parts (MECO) led to dose-dependent reductions in blood glucose levels in glucose-loaded mice. At doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg, the extract reduced blood glucose levels by 18.6, 29.3, 32.9, and 50.7%, respectively compared to control animals. By comparison, a standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide, when administered at a dose of 10 mg per kg, reduced blood glucose level by 48.9%. In analgesic activity tests, MECO at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg reduced the number of writhings by 19.2, 42.3, 53.8, and 57.7%, respectively. A standard analgesic drug, aspirin, reduced the number of writhings by 38.5 and 65.4%, respectively, when administered at doses of 200 and 400 mg per kg. Phytochemical screening of MECO showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins, which may be responsible for the observed effects.

Effects of “Lesser Known” Leafy Vegetables (Vitex doniana and Corchorus oletorius) on the Oxidative Stress Indices of Albino Rats.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of two “lesser known” leafy vegetables- Vitex doniana and Corchorus oletorius on the oxidative indices of Albino Rats. Study Design: Forty eight rats, mean body weighty 351.83±1.39g were grouped into four to represent a control, and three diet groups. Dried powdered form of the vegetables was mixed with the normal rat chow in the ratio of 1:4 and pelleted before feeding to the rats. Feeding lasted for a total of three (3) months. The first analysis was done within two weeks, and thereafter repeated every two weeks throughout the study. Place and Duration of Study: The research work was done at Biochemistry laboratory of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and National Root Crop Research Institute, Umuahia. The study lasted for a period of three months and two weeks (104 days). Methodology: Clean uninfected leaves of the samples were selected and sun dried to constant weight before grinding with a milling machine. The resulting powdered form was used to formulate the experimental diet with the normal rat chow in the ratio of 1:4 as shown in the text. Enzyme activities were determined according to standard methods as referenced in the text. Malonyladehyde and vitamin C contents were also determined according to standard methods. Results: Values of malonyladehyde, Vitamin C and activities of catalase significantly (P≥0.05) increased when the sample vegetables were administered to the rats as compared with the control which received no vegetables. However, the activities of peroxidase decreased also significantly as compared with the control. However, only the increase in the values of indices determined were sustained throughout the period of study. Conclusion: The studied vegetables may possess antioxidant components which may play important role in the management of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Phytochemistry and Hepatoprotective Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Corchorus olitorius on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Toxicity.

The liver serves as a processing factory, redistribution center and a receiving depot of the body. In the light of these roles, the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius on CCl4 induced liver damage in wistar rats was assessed. CCl4 (0.5ml/kg) was used to induced hepatotoxicity. 25-albino rats of wistar strain (120-150g) were used for the study and were divided into five groups of five rats per group. Group A serves as normal control and was given distilled water of treatment equivalence, group B serves as a negative control and was treated with CCl4 and olive oil as a vehicle at the ratio of 1:1. Group C, D, and E were induced with CCl4 and the extract administered through oral gavages at scalar doses of 500mg/kg, 750mg/kg and 1g/kg daily. The administration lasted for 15 days period after which the animals were sacrificed. Serum enzyme assay revealed that there was a marked reduction in the elevated activity of the hepatic enzymes viz alanine aminotransferase (ALT) A (71.2±3.27), B (98.8±2.61), C (78.0±3.74), D (74.8±2.77), and 74.6±1.95) respectively. Similar trend was observed for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels when compared with the controls (P=.05). More so, the result revealed that the extract lowers serum albumin, no significant change in billirubin but increased total protein levels in all treated groups when compared with the controls (P=.05). Furthermore, it showed a significant decrease (P=.05) in White blood cell count (WBC), and platelet but no significant decrease (P=.05) in packed cell volume (PCV) and Hb. From the above findings, it is obvious that the ethanolic leaf extract of Corchorus olitorius could have hepatoprotective property.

A simple ethanol wash of the tissue homogenates recovers high-quality genomic DNA from Corchorus species characterized by highly acidic and proteinaceous mucilages

A simple miniprep based on early elimination of highly acidic and proteinaceous mucilages through ethanol washing of the tissue homogenates has been developed for the extraction of genomic DNA from mature leaves and seeds of Corchorus spp. As compared to high cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-NaCl DNA extraction followed by ethanol-based removal of remnant mucilages from the DNA pellet, this simple miniprep consistently and reproducibly recovers high amounts of DNA with good spectral qualities at A260/A280 and A260/A230. The purified DNA is efficiently digested by restriction endonucleases, and is suitable for PCR amplification of nuclear microsatellites with expected allele sizes.