Abd El-Moneim M. R. Afify

Bioavailability of Iron, Zinc, Phytate and Phytase Activity during Soaking and Germination of White Sorghum Varieties

The changes in phytate, phytase activity and in vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc during soaking and germination of three white sorghum varieties (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), named Dorado, Shandweel-6, and Giza-15 were investigated. Sorghum varieties were soaked for 20 h and germinated for 72 h after soaking for 20 h to reduce phytate content and increase iron and zinc in vitro bioavailability. The results revealed that iron and zinc content was significantly reduced from 28.16 to 32.16% and 13.78 to 26.69% for soaking treatment and 38.43 to 39.18% and 21.80 to 31.27% for germination treatments, respectively. Phytate content was significantly reduced from 23.59 to 32.40% for soaking treatment and 24.92 to 35.27% for germination treatments, respectively. Phytase enzymes will be activated during drying in equal form in all varieties. The results proved that the main distinct point is the change of phytase activity as well as specific activity during different treatment which showed no significant differences between the varieties used. The in vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc were significantly improved as a result of soaking and germination treatments.

Biochemical changes in phenols, flavonoids, tannins, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties

OBJECTIVE To investigate the changes in total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties. METHODS The changes in total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids compounds, flavonoid components, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined. RESULTS Total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70, 45.91 to 54.69, 1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g, 1.74 to 5.25, 0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72% to 27.69% and 25.29% to 31.97%, respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety. While ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6. On the other hand, protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15. Regarding flavonoids components, Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin, hypersoid, quercetin and christen. Finally, Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids, flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. CONCLUSIONS Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids compounds, flavonoid components, vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.

Acaricidal activity of different extracts from Syzygium cumini L. Skeels (Pomposia) against Tetranychus urticae Koch

OBJECTIVE To investigate the acaricidal activity of different extracts from Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) (Pomposia) againsst Tetranychus urticae Koch (T. urticae) and the biochemical changes in antioxidants enzymes. METHODS Six extracts of S. cumini (Pomposia) at concentrations of 75, 150 and 300µg/mL were used to control T. urticae (Koch). RESULTS The ethanol extract showed the most efficient acaricidal activity agent against T. urticae (98.5%) followed by hexane extract (94.0%), ether and ethyl acetate extract (90.0%). The LC50 values of the promising extract were 85.0, 101.0, 102.0 and 98.0µg/mL, respectively. The activities of enzymes including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in susceptible mites were increased. The activities of all antioxidant enzymes reach the maximum value in mites at LC50 with ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The extract of S. cumini has acaricidal acivity against T. urticae, and the ethanol extract is the most efficient.

Protein solubility, digestibility and fractionation after germination of sorghum varieties.

The changes in crude protein, free amino acids, amino acid composition, protein solubility, protein fractionation and protein digestibility after germination of sorghum were investigated. Sorghum varieties (Dorado, Shandaweel-6, Giza-15) were soaked for 20 h followed by germination for 72 h; the results revealed that crude protein and free amino acids in raw sorghum varieties ranged from 10.62 to 12.46% and 0.66 to 1.03 mg/g, respectively. Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in crude protein and free amino acids content. After germination, crude protein was decreased and free amino acids were increased. There was an increase in content of valine and phenylalanine amino acids after germination. On the other hand, there was a decrease in most of amino acids after germination. After germination protein solubility was significantly increased. Regarding protein fractions, there was an increase in albumin, globulin and kafirin proteins and a decrease in cross linked kafirin and cross linked glutelin after germination.

Antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation as biomarker for potato tuber stored by two essential oils from Caraway and Clove and its main component carvone and eugenol

Abstract Objective To evaluate two essential oils from Caraway and Clove and its main component carvone and eugenol as sprout inhibitors on germination of potato tubers. Methods The enzymes activities: catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and superoxide dismutase, in addition to lipid peroxidation level were tested in potato tubers stored for 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Essential oils; Caraway, Clove, carvone and eugenol with three concentration (100, 200 and 300 ppm) were used to control germination process of potato tubers. Results The results of enzyme activities varied depending on the function of enzymes involved. As general trend the activities of the enzymes recorded are significantly found on the range of enzyme control or less, which prevent of potato tuber from germination. Glutathione-S-transferase activity was significantly increased after treatment with essential oils and the activity of enzyme reached (23.3±5.15) (100 ppm) for Caraway, (18.8±0.00) (100 ppm) for carvone, (10.4±0.00) (100 ppm) for colve, and (14.1±0.0) (100 ppm) for eugenol respectively compared to control (7.86±3.26). Conclusions Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity increased in its activity and recovered to the level of control after treatment with essential oils which maintain potato tuber for 9 weeks. The pure essential oils especially carvone have more potent as suppressor of potato tuber germination.

Identification of date (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivars by protein patterns

Abstract The water-soluble proteins extracted from the soft tissue of ripe dates (cultivars Rcziz, Marzban, Mowahed, Kholass, Hatmy, Shishy, Shahl and Gir) collected in Saudi Arabia and one cultivar (Muskade) from Iraq were freed from some of their acidic polysaccharides by treatment with 33 % propan-2-ol. The best protein separations and the most characteristic patterns with which to identify the cultivars were obtained after PoroPAGE or PAGIF, with both tube and thin-layer techniques. The native proteins showed characteristic M ,s in the range of 20,22,24 and 27 k and difierentiation by isoelectric points either in the range pH 4–5 or pH 8–9. The main subunits ( M , 25 and 85 k) were used for final discrimination in SDS-PoroPAGE or in SDS-PAGE.

Control of Tetranychus urticae Koch by extracts of three essential oils of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the acaricidal activity of extracts of three essential oils of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus against Tetranychus urticae (T. urticae) Koch. METHODS Extracts of three essential oils of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus with different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0% and 4.0%) were used to control T. urticae Koch. RESULTS The results showed that chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) represented the most potent efficient acaricidal agent against Tetranychus followed by marjoram (Marjorana hortensis) and Eucalyptus. The LC50 values of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus for adults were 0.65, 1.84 and 2.18, respectively and for eggs 1.17, 6.26 and 7.33, respectively. Activities of enzymes including glutathione-S-transferase, esterase (α-esterase and β-esterase) and alkaline phosphatase in susceptible mites were determined and activities of enzymes involved in the resistance of acaricides were proved. Protease enzyme was significantly decreased at LC50 of both chamomile and marjoram compared with positive control. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) proved that the major compositions of Chamomilla recutita are α-bisabolol oxide A (35.251%), and trans-β-farersene (7.758%), while the main components of Marjorana hortensis are terpinene-4-ol (23.860%), p-cymene (23.404%) and sabinene (10.904%). CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that extracts of three essential oils of chamomile, marjoram and Eucalyptus possess acaricidal activity against T. urticae.

Antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation as biomarker compounds for potato tuber stored by gamma radiation

Abstract Objective To study the capability of gamma irradiation for inhibiting sprouting of potato tubers. Methods The enzymes activities i.e. peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), in addition to lipid peroxidation level were tested in potato tubers stored for 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Gamma irradiation with five treatments (0, 30, 50, 100 and 200 Gy) was used to control germination process of potato tubers. Results Gamma radiation was able to maintain potato tuber for 6 weeks. The main biomarkers for validity of potato tuber during storage were studying antioxidant enzyme activities i.e. POD, PPO, GST, SOD, CAT enzyme activities as well as lipid peroxidation during storage time. Conclusions The optimum dose was 50 Gy which prevented the sprouting initiation all over the storage period without casting undesirable rotting for potato tubers. At this dose all antioxidant enzyme activities i.e. POD, PPO, GST, SOD, CAT enzyme activities as well as lipid peroxidation level during storage time recorded the best rates.

Enhancement of pharmacokinetic and pharmacological behavior of ocular dorzolamide after factorial optimization of self-assembled nanostructures

Dorzolamide hydrochloride is frequently administered for the control of the intra-ocular pressure associated with glaucoma. The aim of this study is to develop and optimize self-assembled nanostructures of dorzolamide hydrochloride and L-α-Phosphatidylcholine to improve the pharmacokinetic parameters and extend the drug pharmacological action. Self-assembled nanostructures were prepared using a modified thin-film hydration technique. The formulae compositions were designed based on response surface statistical design. The prepared self-assembled nanostructures were characterized by testing their drug content, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, partition coefficient, release half-life and extent. The optimized formulae having the highest drug content, zeta potential, partition coefficient, release half-life and extent with the lowest particle size and polydispersity index were subjected to further investigations including investigation of their physicochemical, morphological characteristics, in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. The optimized formulae were prepared at pH 8.7 (F5 and F6) and composed of L-α-Phosphatidylcholine and drug mixed in a ratio of 1:1 and 2:1 w/w, respectively. They showed significantly higher Cmax, AUC024 and AUC0∞ at the aqueous humor with extended control over the intra-ocular pressure, when compared to the marketed product; Trusopt®. The study introduced novel and promising self-assembled formulae able to permeate higher drug amount through the cornea and achieve sustained pharmacological effect at the site of action.

Scenedesmus obliquus: Antioxidant and antiviral activity of proteins hydrolyzed by three enzymes

Purpose To obtain protein hydrolysates from fresh water green algae Scenedesmus obliquus by three different enzymes and evaluate its antioxidant and antiviral activity. Methods Enzymatic hydrolysates of green algae Scenedesmus obliquus protein were prepared by treatment with: 1.2% solution of pepsin, trypsin or papain. Protein was extracted from S. obliquus by three different extraction methods. Protein extracts and hydrolysates were assessed from stained gels following SDS–PAGE of samples. Antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates was investigated. Results S. obliquus cells and protein extracts were rich in Arg, Lys, Asp, Ala, and His. Protein hydrolyzed by papain (Sd1pa) and protein hydrolyzed by trypsin (Sd2Try) induced highest antioxidant activity based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging (41.41% and 40.62%) respectively, and on 2,2′-azinobis 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS) radical (87.03% and 45.12%) respectively, at 150 µg/ml. The inhibitory effect and mode of action of protein hydrolysates were evaluated against Coxsackie B3 virus (CVB3). Protein hydrolyzed by papain (Sd2pa) and protein hydrolyzed by pepsin (Sd1pep) at 100 µg/ml exhibited antiviral activity (66.2% and 57.6%, respectively), against (CVB3) from all protein hydrolysates. Conclusion S. obliquus protein hydrolysates have a potential as antioxidative neutraceutical ingredients and a potential therapeutic agent against CVB3.