Antimicrobial activity of comfort related properties of silk treated with herbal extracts in making of reusable masks

The study was aimed at divulging an eco-friendly antimicrobial finish on 100 % silk woven fabric. The leaves' extract of Azadirachata indica, Butea monosperma and Litche chinensis were used as the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial finish. The antimicrobial property and comfort related property were checked before and after applying antimicrobial finish. In comfort related property absorbency & air permeability were checked. The ASTEM E2149 Shake Flask method was used to check antimicrobial finish and AATCC method was used for checking fabric property. One way ANOVA statistical test was applied for analysis of results. The FTIR and SEM results showed the presences of finish on fabrics. In comfort related property, absorbency and air permeability was increased. The results showed that antimicrobial finish made 100% reduction against microorganism up to 25 washes which can be used in making reusable masks fight against COVID- 19.

Parâmetros morfométricos e quantitativos de tecidos adiposos de ratos alimentados com resíduos de lichia / Morphometric and quantitative parameters of adipose tissues of rats fed lychee residues

Objetivo: avaliar os parâmetros morfométricos e a quantidade de tecidos adiposos de ratos alimentados com resíduos da lichia. Métodos: na etapa 1, os animais foram divididos em grupo C (controle) e grupo H (dieta hipercalórica); enquanto, na etapa 2, os animais do grupo C permaneceram neste grupo, e os demais foram divididos no grupo H, grupo HCL (10% de farinha da casca de lichia), e o grupo HSL (10% de farinha da semente de lichia). Avaliaram-se os Índices de Massa Corporal (IMC) e de Lee; o consumo alimentar, o Coeficiente de Eficiência Alimentar e a Digestibilidade Aparente; os Índices Hepato-Somático, de Gordura Visceral e de Gordura Epididimal. Compararam-se os dados pelo Teste de Tukey a 5%. Resultados: não houve diferença estatística quanto o peso corporal, o IMC, o consumo alimentar, e o Índice Hepato-Somático. O grupo HCL não diferiu do grupo C quanto ao Coeficiente de Eficiência Alimentar e à quantidade dos tecidos adiposos (visceral e epididimal). Os grupos que receberam as farinhas de lichia não diferiram do grupo C quanto ao ganho de peso e ao Índice de Lee; entretanto, apresentaram menor Índice de Gordura Epididimal que o grupo H e maior que o grupo C, embora o grupo controle (C) apresentasse menor Digestibilidade Aparente das dietas nas duas avaliações. Conclusão: a farinha da casca de lichia apresentou os melhores resultados, uma vez que não diferiu do grupo controle (C) para alguns parâmetros morfométricos e a quantidade dos tecidos adiposos, sugerindo que as fibras e os polifenóis dessa farinha promoveram os efeitos identificados neste estudo.

Objective: to evaluate the morphometric parameters and the amount of adipose tissue of rats fed lychee residues. Methods: in stage 1, the animals were divided into group C (control) and group H (hypercaloric diet); while in stage 2, the animals from group C remained in this group, and the others were divided into group H, group LPF (10% lychee peel flour), and group LSF (10% lychee seed flour). Body Mass Index (BMI) and Lee Index; dietary intake, Food Efficiency Coefficient and Apparent Digestibility; Hepato-Somatic, Visceral Fat (VFI) and Epididymal Fat Indexes (EFI) were evaluated. The data were compared by the Tukey Test at 5%. Results: there was no statistical difference regarding body weight, BMI, food intake, and Hepato-Somatic Index. The LPF group did not differ from group C (p>0.05) regarding the Food Efficiency Coefficient and the amount of adipose tissues (visceral and epididymal). The groups that received the lychee flours did not differ from group C regarding weight gain and Lee Index, however they presented lower Epididymal Fat Index than group H and higher than group C, and the control group (C) presented lower Apparent Dietary Digestibility in both evaluations. Conclusion: lychee peel flour showed the best results, since it did not differ from the control group (C) for some morphometric parameters and the amount of adipose tissues, suggesting that the fibers and polyphenols of this flour promoted the effects identified in this study.

Study on Optimization of Water Extraction-ethanol Precipitation Technology of Polysaccharide from Litchi chi- nensis Seed and Its Inhibitory Activity to α-glucosidase / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To optim ize the water extraction-ethanol precipitation technology of polysaccharide from Litchi chinensis seed，and to evaluate its hypoglycemic activity in vitro . METHODS ：The content of polysaccharides was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetry ，and the extraction rate of polysaccharides was calculated. Single factor test and response surface methodology were used to optimize the water extraction technology with the ratio of material to liquid ，extraction times and extraction time as factors ，and the extraction rate of polysaccharide as index. Single factor test was used to screen the concentration volume fraction of water extract and ethanol precipitation Using acarbose as contro l，4-nitrophenol-α-D-glucopyranoside method was used to investigate in vitro inhibitory activity of polysaccharide from L. chinensis seed to α-glucosidase. RESULTS ：The optimal technology was the ratio of material to liquid 1∶19 （g/mL），decocting for 3 times，1 h for each time ，concentrating the water extract to 40％ of original volume ，and adding ethanol to 80％ volume fraction. After deproteinization by Sevage method ，the crude polysaccharide of L. chinensis seed was obtained. The results of 3 times of validation tests showed that ，extraction rates of polysaccharide were 7.61％，7.89％，7.99％，average extraction rate was 7.83％（RSD＝2.52％，n＝3）. The contents of polysaccharide were 55.57％，55.83％ and 56.66％，average content was 56.02％（RSD＝1.81％，n＝3）. The inhibitory activity of the polysaccharide from L. chinensis seed to α-glucosidase were increased as concentration ；its IC 50 was 0.056 mg/mL，which was lower than positive control acarbose （0.196 mg/mL）. CONCLUSIONS：The optimal water extraction-ethanol precipitation technology of polysaccharide from L. chinensis seed is stable and feasible. The polysaccharide from L. chinensis seed show significant in vitro inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase，which is better than that of acarbose.

Synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles from leaf of Litchi chinensis and its biological activities

Objective: To synthesize and isolate silver and gold nanoparticles from Litchi chinensis leaf methanolic extract, and to evaluate its comparative biological activities including muscles relaxant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal. Methods: The gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized by dissolving methanolic extract in gold chloride and silver nitrate solution separately which were confirmed by colour change and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and pellets were collected through centrifugation. Biological activities of the extract were conducted on BALB/c mice through various standard methods and the data were subjected to One-way ANOVA. Results: The colorless gold chloride solution changed to purple soon after the addition of plant extract, demonstrating that the reaction took place and gold ions were reduced to gold nanoparticles, while colorless silver nitrate solution changed to light and dark brown that was indicative of silver nanoparticles. The muscles relaxant activity showed that silver nanoparticles were more effective than gold nanoparticles and methanolic extract in traction test. The analgesic activity showed that silver and gold nanoparticles showed highest percentage decrease in acetic acid induced writhing at the doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg b.w. The highest anti-inflammatory activity was produced by gold nanoparticles followed by silver nanoparticles, while low activity was observed in methanolic leaf extract. Only the crude methanolic extract showed significant antidiarrheal activity as compared to the standard drug atropine sulphate, while antidiarrheal activities of gold and silver nanoparticles were non-significant. Conclusions: The present work concludes that isolated silver and gold nanoparticles from leaf methanolic extract shows strong muscles relaxant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities while crude methanolic extract possesses good antidiarrheal activity.

Synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles from leaf of Litchi chinensis and its biological activities

Objective:To synthesize and isolate silver and gold nanoparticles from Litchi chinensis leaf methanolic extract,and to evaluate its comparative biological activities including muscles relaxant,analgesic,anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal.Methods:The gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized by dissolving methanolic extract in gold chloride and silver nitrate solution separately which were confirmed by colour change and UV-Vis spectroscopy,and pellets were collected through centrifugation.Biological activities of the extract were conducted on BALB/c mice through various standard methods and the data were subjected to One-way ANOVA.Results:The colorless gold chloride solution changed to purple soon after the addition of plant extract,demonstrating that the reaction took place and gold ions were reduced to gold nanoparticles,while colorless silver nitrate solution changed to light and dark brown that was indicative of silver nanoparticles.The muscles relaxant activity showed that silver nanoparticles were more effective than gold nanoparticles and methanolic extract in traction test.The analgesic activity showed that silver and gold nanoparticles showed highest percentage decrease in acetic acid induced writhing at the doses of 50,100 and 150 mg/kg b.w.The highest anti-inflammatory activity was produced by gold nanoparticles followed by silver nanoparticles,while low activity was observed in methanolic leaf extract.Only the crude methanolic extract showed significant antidiarrheal activity as compared to the standard drug atropine sulphate,while antidiarrheal activities of gold and silver nanoparticles were non-significant.Contusions:The present work concludes that isolated silver and gold nanoparticles from leaf methanolic extract shows strong muscles relaxant,analgesic and antiinflammatory activities while crude methanolic extract possesses good antidiarrheal activity.

Can lychee reducing the adipose tissue mass in rats?

ABSTRACT Lychee fruit has been studied owing to the presence of several bioactive compounds that can contribute to weight loss in obese individuals. However, the anti-obese potential of the fruit has not been explored yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different parts of lychee in reducing the adipose tissue mass of cafeteria diet-fed rats. Phenolic compounds and scavenging capacities were quantified. The food intake, apparent digestibility, weight of the body and liver, body mass, Lee Index, and the mass of epididymal and visceral adipose tissues were evaluated. The results were estimated by Tukey's Test at 5% probability. A higher amount of phenolic compounds and scavenging capacity were observed in the peel of lychee as compared to the other parts of the fruit. The hypercaloric diet with lychee flour resulted in a higher apparent digestibility. There was no difference between groups control (C), hypercaloric (H), hypercaloric with lychee flour - 50.00% peel and 50.00% seeds (H2F), and hypercaloric with lychee flour - 33.33% peel, 33.33% pulp and 33.34% seeds (H3F) with respect to body and liver weight, corporal mass, and Lee Index. The hypercaloric diet-fed group exhibited an increase in visceral and epididymal adipose tissue mass, whereas the group fed with hypercaloric diets and flour made from the peel and seed of lychee presented a lower visceral adipose tissue mass. In conclusion, the use of lychee flour was considered viable because it decreased visceral adipose tissue mass in rats.

Combinational quality control method of polyphenolic extract in Litchi chinensis based on fingerprint and QAMS / 中草药

Objective: To evaluate the polyphenol extracted from Litchi chinensis and quantify the content of four kinds of polyphenol therein, the combination of fingerprint and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) was used. Methods: A total of 22 batches of extract from Litchi chinensis were assayed by RP-UPLC to establish a common mode of fingerprints. For achieving QAMS, a method was developed by selecting epicatechin as internal reference and the relative correction factor of the three components, procyanidin A2, procyanidin B2, and epicatechin-(4β→8,2β→O→7)-epicatechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin (PC-C), to determine their contents. The feasibility and accuracy of QAMS were evaluated by comparing the contents of four polyphenols determined with two different methods, QAMS and external standard method. Results: Nineteen common peaks were identified in the characteristic fingerprint, nine components, including the known principal components, procyanidine B2 (peak 6), epicatechin (peak 8), PC-C (peak 9), procyanidine A2 (peak 15), three trimers of procyanidine type A (peaks 12, 16, and 17), a dimer of procyanidine type A (peak 19) and a dimer of procyanidine type B (peak 14), were verified in 22 batches of Litchi chinensis extract. Good similarities with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9 were found in 22 batches fingerprints. There was no significant difference between calculated value and detected value of the four ingredients in 22 batches, by QAMS and external standard method. Conclusion: The results showed that the combined method of fingerprint and QAMS for quality control is accurate and feasible and provide reference method to evaluate the quality of extracts from Litchi chinensis.

Number of leaflets on rooting of lychee herbaceous cuttings / Número de folíolos no enraizamento de estacas herbáceas de lichieira

ABSTRACT: Lychee is one of the most popular exotic fruits in Brazil, and has both in natura and industrial potential. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the number of leaflets on lychee herbaceous cuttings treated with the indolebutyric acid (1000mg L-1). The experimental design was completely randomized, with 4 replications and 10 cuttings per experimental plot. Treatments consisted of cuttings with zero (0), one (1), two (2), three (3), and four (4) leaflets. After 180 days, the rooting and survival percentages and the number and length of roots were evaluated. The data were subjected to polynomial regression analysis. The increase in the number of leaflets was advantageus for all studied variables, with an increase in the survival, rooting of cuttings, and number and length of roots. The herbaceous cuttings of lychee tree are viable, provided that at least four leaflets remain in the herbaceous cutting.

RESUMO: A lichia é umas das frutas exóticas mais populares no Brasil e apresenta potencial tanto in natura quanto industrial. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do número de folíolos em estacas herbáceas de lichieira tratadas com ácido indolbutírico (1000mgL-1). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com 4 repetições e 10 estacas por parcela experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram em estacas com zero (0), um (1), dois (2), três (3) e quatro (4) folíolos. Após 180 dias, as porcentagens de enraizamento e sobrevivência,bem como o número e comprimento de raízes foram avaliados. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de regressão polinomial. O aumento no número de folíolos foi vantajoso para todas as variáveis avaliadas, com um correspondente aumento na sobrevivência, enraizamento das estacas e número e comprimento das raízes. A estaquia de ramos herbáceos da lichieira é viável, desde que pelo menos quatro folíolos sejam mantidos na estaca.

Simultaneous determination of epicatechin and procyanidin A2 markers in Litchi chinensis leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography

ABSTRACT The fruits of Litchi chinensis Sonn., Sapindaceae, are renowned for their biological activities. However, their leaves are poorly explored, although they represent an important source of vegetable raw material with biological properties as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive. An HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of epicatechin and procyanidin A2 in the leaf hydroethanolic extract of L. chinensis. The markers and other unidentified components were separated on a Luna Phenomenex C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with mobile phase composed of acetonitrile: water pH 3.0 (with sulfuric acid), in a gradient run; at 1.0 ml min-1, 30 ºC and 278 nm for detection. The method was linear over an epicatechin and procyanidin A2 concentration range of 10–100 µg ml-1. The Limit of Quantification for epicatechin and procyanidin A2 were 1.7 and 2 µg ml-1, respectively. The Relative Standard Deviation (%) values for markers (intra- and inter-day precision studies) were <4.0% and the accuracy was 100 ± 5%. The method was applied to ten samples collected in the state of Santa Catarina (Brazil), which showed 14.8–44.5 and 44.8–69.6 mg g-1 of epicatechin and procyanidin A2, respectively. The proposed method could be a valuable tool for quality assessment of L. chinenis leaves as well as their herbal derivatives.

Effect of Total Flavonoids from Litchi chinensis Sonn on Expression of TGF-β1 Receptor and Collagen in Rats with Liver Fibrosis / 医药导报

Objective To observe the prevention and treatment of the total flavonoids from Litchi chinensis Sonn( TFL) on hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine(DMN)in rats, and to explore its mechanism. Methods Ninety SD rats were randomly divided into six groups, normal control group, model control group, colchicine group, high-, medium- and low-dose TFL group(n=15).Expect for normal control group, the other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of 2 mL.kg-1 of 5% dimethylnitrosamine for 4 weeks as the model group. The rats in the normal control group and model control group were given 5 mL.kg-1of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, colchicine group was treated with 0.1 mg.kg-1 colchicine.High-, medium-and low-dose TFL groups were given 200, 100 and 50 mg.kg-1 of TFL.The rats were sacrificed and the livers were harvested and stained with HE and Masson staining to observe pathological changes and liver fibrosis in the same part 6 weeks after all the medicine was given to the rats each day. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of the transforming growth factor β-Ⅰ/type Ⅱ receptor ( TβRⅠ/Ⅱ) , collagen Ⅰ( Col Ⅰ) and Ⅲ collagen ( Col Ⅲ) . Results Compared with the normal control group, the semiquantitative score of liver fiber and the protein expression of TβRⅠ, TβRⅡ, ColⅠ and Col Ⅲ in the model control group were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model control group, the protein expression levels of TβR, TβRⅡ, ColⅠand ColⅢwere significantly decreased( P<0.01) in the high-,medium-and low-dose TFL group.The semiquantitative score of liver fiber was significantly decreased( P<0.01) with a dose-effect relationship. Conclusion TFL can inhibit formation of DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats, which may be related with reduction of expression of TβRⅠ/Ⅱ of hepatic fibrosis promoting factor TGF-β1 , inhibition of the activation and increase of hepatic stellate cells, reduction of the collagen content.

Composição química e fitoquímica das farinhas da casca e da semente de lichias (Litchi chinensis Sonn) cultivar 'Bengal' / Chemical and phytochemical composition of flours from skin and seeds of 'Bengal' lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn)

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a composição química e fitoquímica das farinhas da casca e da semente de lichias (Litchi chinensis Sonn), família Sapindaceae, da cultivar 'Bengal'. A composição centesimal, o valor energético total, sólidos solúveis, pH, acidez e os teores de compostos fenólicos, antocianinas, flavonoides, minerais, açúcares, vitamina C e a triagem fitoquímica foram determinados. A farinha da casca de lichia apresentou os maiores teores de flavonoides, vitamina C, compostos fenólicos, antocianinas, lipídios, proteínas, cinzas e fibras, enquanto a farinha da semente se destacou pelos teores de potássio, enxofre, cobre e zinco. Ambas as farinhas apresentaram resultado positivo para açúcares redutores, proteína e aminoácidos, taninos, catequinas, flavonoides, depsídeo e depsidonas. Somente a farinha da casca apresentou resultado positivo para alcaloides. As farinhas dos subprodutos da lichia apresentaram-se como fontes promissoras de nutriente e substâncias bioativas, no entanto suas propriedades biológicas devem ser estudadas.

This study had the objective to determine the chemical and phytochemical composition of flours from skin and seeds of 'Bengal' lychees (Litchi chinensis Sonn), Sapindaceae family. Proximate composition, total energy value, soluble solids, pH, acidity and levels of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, flavonoids, minerals, sugars, vitamin C and the phytochemical screening were determined. Lychee skin flour presented the highest levels of flavonoids, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, lipids, proteins, ash and fiber, while the seed flour stood out for the contents of potassium, sulfur, copper, and zinc. Both flours were positive for reducing sugars, protein and amino acids, tannins, catechins, flavonoids, depsides and depsidones. Only the skin flour showed a positive result for alkaloids. The flours made from lychee by-products were promising sources of nutrients and bioactive substances; however, their biological properties need to be further studied.

Improving Effect of Total Flavone from Litchi chinensis on the Hepatocyte Injury in Liver Fibrosis Model Rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the improving effect of total flavone from Litchi chinensis (TFL) on the hepatocyte injury in rats with liver fibrosis. METHODS:The rats were given dimethylnitrosamine(DMN),ip,once a day in the first 3 d of every week,which lasted for 30 consecutive days to establish hepatocyte injury model. 60 rats were equally randomized into a normal control(isometric normal saline)group,a model(isometric normal saline)group and the groups of high and low-dose TFL(200 and 100 mg/kg). When the model was being established,drugs were administered,ig,once a day for 45 consecutive days except for normal control group. HE staining was performed,and then the rats’hepatocytes were observed under the microscope and path-ological stage (S1-S4) of liver tissue was analyzed. Masson staining and immunohistochemical staining were conducted,and then the rats’hepatocytes were observed under the microscope and calculation was made for the degree of liver fibrosis and the expres-sion of Bcl-2 and Bax. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in rats’serum were determined. RESULTS:The pathological stages of liver cell of rats in the model group were mainly stages S3 and S4 and the groups of high and low doses TFL were dominated by stages S1 and S2. Compared to the rats in the normal control group,those in the mod-el group had higher degree of liver fibrosis,expression of Bcl-2 and Bax and activities of AST and ALT in serum. Compared to the rats in the model group,those in the groups of high and low doses TFL had lower degree of liver fibrosis,higher expression of Bcl-2,lower expression of Bax,and lower activities of AST and ALT in serum. There were statistically significance (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:TFL can alleviate the hepatocyte injury in rats with liver fibrosis to some degree by a mechanism which may be related to the up-regulation the expression of Bcl-2 and the down-regulation of the expression of Bax.

Effects of the total flavone of litchi chinensis sonn on expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA in TGF-β1 activated rat hepatic stellate cells / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the effects of total flavonoids of litchi chinensis sonn (TFL) on cell proliferation and the molecular mechanism in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) activated by growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Methods HSC-T6 cells were treated by 0.25%Trypsin-EDTA and then were digested into single cell suspension by DMEM (10%FBS included), which were mixed with TGF-β1 (5μg/L). (1) MTT method was used to detect the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells. Cells were cultured in 96-well plate and were treated by different concentrations of TFL including TGF-β1 group, the control group (5‰DMSO included), and different concentrations of TFL groups (80, 160, 320, 640 and 800 mg/L TFL). Each group has three wells. The absorbance (A) value was measured by enzyme standard meter at the 490 nm wavelength after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h treatment. The cell inhibitory rate was calculated. The subsequent experimental drug concentration and drug treatment time were determined according to half inhibitory concentration (IC50). (2) The expression levels of NF-κB andα-SMA mRNA were detected by PCR (for mRNA) and Western blot assay (for protein). Cells were cultured in the 10 cm culture dish and were divided into different TGF-β1 groups, including TGF-β1 group, the control group (5‰DMSO included), and different concentrations of TFL groups (125, 250 and 500 mg/L TFL). After 48 h, related indicators were measured. Results At the same treatment time point, with the increased concentrations of TFL, A values were gradually decreased, and the cell inhibitory rates were gradually increased. There were no significant differences in the expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA mRNA between TGF-β1 group and control group. And there were no significant differences in the expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA mRNA between TFL125 group, TGF-β1 group and control group. There was a gradually decrease in the expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA mRNA and protein with the increased concentrations of TFL. Conclusion TFL can inhibit TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cell proliferation, which is involved in the inhibited expressions of NF-κB andα-SMA to anti-fibrotic effects in liver fibrosis.

An Experimental Study of Total Flavone from Litchi Chinensis Sonn Improving Symptoms of Cholestatasis in BDL Rats / 天津医药

Objective To observe the effects of total flavone from litchi chinensis sonn (TFL) on the liver function in-cluding p16 protein, pro collagen type 3 (PC3) and pro collagen typeⅠ(PCⅠ) in model rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation. Methods Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups:sham operation (SO) group, bile duct liga-tion (BDL) group, TFL group and silibinin (SIL) group. Rats were gavaged with saline (5 mL·kg-1·d-1) in SO and BDL group, rats were gavaged with TFL (200 mL·kg-1·d-1) in TFL group and rats were gavaged with SIL (5 mL·kg-1·d-1) in SIL group for four weeks. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin direct (BILD) and bilirubin total (BILT) were detected in four groups. The liver tissues were stained by HE and Masson methods. The ex-pression levels of p16, PC3 and PCⅠin liver tissues were determined by Western blot assay. Results The serum levels of ALT (44.6 IU/L±8.0 IU/L), AST (103.8 IU/L±18.1 IU/L), BILD (0.76 μmol/L±0.28μmol/L) and BILT (1.48μmol/L±0.35μmol/L) were lower in SO group. There was a higher level of ALT in BDL group (147.4 IU/L±86.3 IU/L) than that of TFL group (92.9 IU/L±47.3 IU/L). The serum level of ALT was higher in AST group (362.7 IU/L±106.6 IU/L) than that of TFL group (290.1 IU/L ± 171.7 IU/L) and SIL group (250.2 IU/L ± 54.9 IU/L). The serum level of BILD was lower in BDL group (99.71μmol/L±40.87μmol/L) than that of SIL group (137.01μmol/L±38.86μmol/L). The serum levels of BILD and BILT were significantly lower in TFL group (81.48μmol/L±47.50μmol/L, 106.64μmol/L±61.04μmol/L) than those of SIL group (P<0.05). There were small amount of new bile duct and no obvious cells degeneration, small amount of infiltration of in-flammatory cells and collagen deposition in TFL group. The liver fibrosis improved significantly in TFL group than that of BDL group. There were more new bile duct in hepatic portal area in SIL group than those of TFL group. The expression levels of p16, PC3 and PCⅠwere significantly higher in BDL group than those of TFL group. The expression level of PC3 was significantly lower in BDL group than that of SIL group. The expression level of PCⅠwas significantly higher in BDL group than that of SIL group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression level of p16 between BDL group and SIL group. The expression levels of PC16 and PC3 were significantly lower in TFL group than those of SIL group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the ex-pression level of PCⅠbetween TFL group and SIL group. Conclusion TFL can improve the liver function in model rats with choles-tatic liver fibrosis and reduce liver fibrosis, which may be related with inhibitory effects on the expressions of p 16, PC3 and PCⅠ.

Identification Characters of Leaflet Morphological-venation Pattern of Dimocarpus Longan with Its Confused Herb Litchi Chinensis / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to establish an identification method between leaflets of Dimocarpus longan and leaflets of Litchi chinensis. The leaflet morphological-venation pattern (LMVP) and quantitative analysis were reliable identification method for Chinese herbs. The results showed that the main differences of leaflets of Dimocarpus lon-gan were the eucamptodromous camptodromous pinnate venation; the secondary veins gradually changed into little near margin and a few brochidodromous; the type of tertiary vein was percurrent or reticulate. The main differences of leaflets of Litchi chinensis were brochidodromous camptodromous pinnate venation; the course of the secondary veins was sinuous or zigzag, and abruptly curved then linked; the type of tertiary vein was reticulate. With three groups of key differences mentioned above, both plants can be successfully identified from each other. The accuracy of identification results (AC) was from 98.1% to 100%. The agreement rate for observation (ARO) was from 98.5% to 100%. And the Kappa value was from 0.97 to 1.00. It was concluded that the established LMVP is simple, rapid, e-conomic and reliable in the identification between leaflets of Dimoc arp us longan and leaflets of its confused herb Litchi chinensis.

Pós-colheita de lichia 'Bengal' tratada com etileno e 1-metilciclopropeno / Postharvest of lychee 'Bengal' treated with ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene

Objetivou-se determinar as respostas fisiológicas e bioquímicas associadas ao uso de etileno e 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) na conservação pós-colheita de lichias, assim como a influência desses tratamentos isolados ou combinados no escurecimento desses frutos. Após a colheita, foram aplicados os seguintes tratamentos: sem aplicação de 1-MCP ou etileno; etileno (20µL L-1, por 6 horas); 1-MCP (300nL L-1, por 12 horas) e etileno (20µL L-1, por 6 horas) + 1-MCP (300nL L-1, por 6 horas). Após os tratamentos, os frutos foram armazenados a 5°C e 90 por cento UR durante 30 dias, sendo avaliados a cada 10 dias (+3 dias de comercialização simulada a 25°C e 65 por cento UR). Avaliou-se a produção de etileno, taxa respiratória, sólidos solúveis (SS), perda de massa fresca, coloração (luminosidade - L* e a*) e atividade da polifenoloxidase (PPO). A produção de etileno e taxa respiratória não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos e os SS decresceram ao longo do armazenamento, mas também sem diferenças entre os tratamentos. A atividade da enzima PPO foi aumentada, sendo correlacionada com os índices decrescentes de L* e a* presentes nos frutos, ocorrendo, paralelamente, aumento da perda de massa dos frutos. Conclui-se que o escurecimento do pericarpo da lichia está relacionado à perda de massa fresca e aumento da atividade da PPO e que nenhum dos tratamentos utilizados evitou o escurecimento dos frutos.

The objective was to determine the physiological and biochemical changes associated with the use of ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest conservation of lychees as well as the influence of these treatments alone or in combination on skin browning of fruit. After harvest, it was applied the following treatments: without application of 1-MCP or ethylene, ethylene (20mL L-1 for 6 hours), 1-MCP (300nL L-1 for 12h) and ethylene (20mL L-1 for 6 hours) + 1-MCP (300nL L-1 for 6 hours). After treatments, fruits were stored at 5°C and 90 percent RH for 30 days and were evaluated every 10 days (+3 days of simulated marketing at 25°C and 65 percent RH). The ethylene production, respiration rate, soluble solids (SS), weight loss, color (lightness - L * and a*) and polyphenoloxidase activity (PPO) were evaluated. Ethylene production and respiration rate showed no significant differences between treatments, and SS decreased over the storage, but there was also no difference between treatments. The enzyme activity showed an increase in PPO, which was correlated to the decreasing rates of L * and a*, occurring in parallel, increased fruit weight loss. It is concluded that the skin browning of lychee is related to weight loss and increased activity of PPO, and that none of the treatments prevented the sking browning of fruit.

Pré-resfriamento em água de lichia 'B3' mantida em armazenamento refrigerado / Hydrocooling of 'B3' lychee fruit maintained in cold storage

Este experimento visou a estudar o efeito de diferentes temperaturas e tempos de pré-resfriamento em água sobre a qualidade de lichias 'B3', após a frigoconservação. Os tratamentos foram: T1 = controle (sem pré-resfriamento); T2 = imersão por cinco minutos em água a 2,5°C; T3 = imersão por 10 minutos em água a 2,5°C; T4 = imersão por 20 minutos em água a 2,5°C; T5 = imersão por sete minutos em água a 6°C; T6 = imersão por 20 minutos em água a 8°C e T7 = imersão por 10 minutos em água a 10°C. Após a aplicação dos respectivos tratamentos, os frutos foram acondicionados em filmes de polietileno de 24µm, selados e posteriormente armazenados a 5°C e 90 por cento UR, por um período de sete dias, seguido por três dias de comercialização simulada a 20°C e 70 por cento UR. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com tratamentos fatoriais de 7x3 (tratamentosxtempo). Foram utilizadas quatro repetições por tratamento, sendo cada uma composta por 150g de frutos. Determinaram-se: perda de massa fresca, coloração (L*, a e b), escurecimento ( por cento) e podridões ( por cento). De acordo com os resultados, o pré-resfriamento com água reduz a percentagem de escurecimento, o decréscimo da luminosidade (L*) e os valores de a. Por outro lado, esse tratamento favorece o surgimento de altos índices de podridão.

This project studied the effects of different precooling temperatures and times with water on lychee 'B3' fruit quality cold storage. The treatments were: T1 = control (without precooling); T2 = immersed in water at 2.5°C for five minutes; T3 = immersed in water at 2.5°C for ten minutes; T4 = immersed in water at 2.5°C for 20 minutes; T5 = immersed in water at 6°C for seven minutes; T6 = immersed in water at 8°C for 20 minutes and T7 = immersed in water at 10°C for ten minutes. After treatments application, the fruits were then placed into polyethylene bags of 24µm, sealed, and stored for seven days at 5°C and 90 percent RH, plus 3 days at 20°C and 70 percent RH to simulate commercial conditions. Completely randomized experimental design, with factorial 7x3 (treatments x time). The research used four replicates for treatment, approximately 150g. It was determined: weight loss, color (L*, a and b), browning ( percent) and rots ( percent). According to the results, the lychee hydrocooling reduced the browning percentage, the brightness decrease (L *) and a values. In the other hand, this treatment also resulted in higher percentage of rots.

Optimization of the Extraction Technology of Total Saponins from Litchi chinensis by Orthogonal Experiment / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To optimize the extraction technology of total saponins from Litchi chinensis.METHODS:The extraction technology of total saponins from Litchi chinensis was optimized by orthogonal experiment taking the content of total saponins and extraction rate as indexes with the extraction solvent,the amount of solvent,the extraction time and extraction times as factors. RESULTS:The optimal extraction technology of total saponins from Litchi chinensis was as follows:70% ethanol as solvent,1 g medicinal powder(per 8 mL solvent),extraction time of 1 hour (extraction for 1 time). CONCLUSION:The optimum extracting technology is simple,feasible and stable,and it provides theoretic basis for the further utilization of Litchi chinensis.

Primeiro registro de Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) atacando lichia no Brasil / First record of Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard) attacking lychee in Brazil

The occurrence of Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard) attacking leaves of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) (Sapindaceae) is recorded for the first time in Brazil. The attack was observed in July 2003 in Piracicaba, State of São Paulo (22° 42’ 30" S, 47° 38’ 00" W) .

É registrada pela primeira vez a ocorrência de Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Giard) atacando plantas de lichia (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) (Sapindaceae) no Brasil. A incidência foi constatada em julho de 2003 em Piracicaba, São Paulo (22° 42’ 30" Sul, 47° 38’ 00" Oeste).

Ocorrência de imagos de Proctophana tomentosa Lacordaire (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) em lichia, no Brasil / Occurrence of adults of Proctophana tomentosa Lacordaire (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on lychee, in Brazil

Adultos de Proctophana tomentosa Lacordaire são citados pela primeira vez danificando folhas de Litchi chinensis Sonn (Sapindaceae) no Brasil. Exemplares foram depositados na coleção de insetos do Departamento de Entomologia, Fitopatologia e Zoologia Agrícola, ESALQ, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.

Adults of Proctophana tomentosa Lacordaire are cited for first time damaging leaves of Litchi chinensis Sonn (Sapindaceae) in Brazil. Specimens were deposited in the insects collection of the Departmento de Entomologia, Fitopatologia e Zoologia, ESALQ, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba Brazil.