Colin J. Briggs

Total phenolics and condensed tannins in field pea (pisum sativum l.) and grass pea (lathyrus sativus l.)

Seed samples of seventeen field pea cultivars grown at five locations, and nine grass pea lines grown at two locations, in western Canada during 1993 and 1994 were analysed for total phenolics and condensed tannins. Each location in each year was considered as one environment. Total phenolics in field pea differed significantly among cultivars, ranging from 162 mg/kg DM (dry matter) (CE, catechin equivalents) for AC Tamor to 325 mg/kg DM (CE) for Richmond. Field pea had barely detectable levels of condensed tannins. Total phenolics in grass pea ranged from 868 mg/kg DM (CE) for L880388 to 2059 mg/kg DM (CE) for LS89110. Condensed tannins in grass pea ranged from 0.89 g/kg DM (CE) for L880388 to 5.18 g/kg DM (CE) for LS89125. Cultivar had a larger relative contribution to total phenolic levels in field pea and to total phenolic and condensed tannin levels in grass pea than environment. Total phenolic and condensed tannin levels were not correlated with seed yield and seed protein content in field pea or grass pea. Levels of total phenolics and condensed tannins were positively correlated in grass pea. Grass pea seeds with darker seed coat colour contained higher levels of condensed tannins.

Determination of the neurolathyrogen β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric de

Abstract This paper describes a sensitive spectrofluorometric HPLC method suitable for determining picogram levels of β-N-oxalyl- l -α, β-diaminopropion

Community pharmacists' identification of natural health product/drug interactions in older persons

Objective To document the prevalence and significance of potential natural health products (NHPs)/prescribed drug interactions in a sample of older adults; to determine whether community pharmacists detected these drug interactions; and to characterise users and non‐users of NHPs.

Low-temperature thin-layer chromatography for detection of polybutene contamination in volatile oils

Abstract A method for the detection of polybutene contamination in voltile oils is described. The procedure involves low-temperature thin-layer chromatography followed by detection with a chromogenic reagent. The method gave qualitative detection of 2 μg of polybutene in eight of nine oils investigated. The procedure could be used in conjunction with thin-layer densitometry for quantitative assay of polybutene residues in six of the nine oils studied.

Regulation of Herbal and Homeopathic Medicines

Currently, national and international regulations for herbal products and homeopathic remedies are subject to extensive review and revision. This is a result of increased consumer demand and a growth in the international marketing of these products. New legislation addresses issues such as concerns regarding product quality, accessibility, depletion of sources of plants leading to extinction, and toxic effects of some medicinal herbs. Evidence-based medicine has increased the need for demonstrable efficacy and safety.Homeopathic products are safe and generally conform to proscribed quality standards but proving therapeutic effectiveness has been controversial. The long-term future for this widely used system of complementary medicine requires more research with positive outcomes. More quality research is required on the efficacy and safety of many herbal health products.Approaches to regulation and licensing of herbal and homeopathic products vary among countries and cultures. There is a need for greater international harmonization and homogeneity. Canada has adopted legislation introducing a Natural Health Products Directorate responsible for a wide range of complementary medicines including herbal and homeopathic products. The objective is to provide ready access to these therapeutic agents while ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy. Products that provide health benefits and resemble food are considered as Functional Foods under food legislation. Regulators in the European Union (EU) are developing legislation to facilitate international trade in herbal and homeopathic products within the Union. Member countries have their own laws, which must be adapted to conform to those of the central parliament. Australia regulates herbal products and homeopathic remedies under the Therapeutic Products Act, 1989, where they are considered as medicines. Homeopathic agents constitute a special section, with modified standards. Countries which accept homeopathic therapy generally acknowledge compendial standards in major national homeopathic pharmacopoeias. This inhibits licensing approval for any new product or delivery system not in the compendia. The US categorizes most herbal products as supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health Education Act of 1994. There is postmarket notification and the US FDA has to demonstrate any problem with safety.The World Health Organization (WHO) is promoting standards for regulating Traditional Medicine, including quality, safety, and efficacy. Important therapeutic systems covered by WHO include those of China, Japan (Kampo) and India (Ayurveda).New regulations for herbal products will enable the consumer to make informed choices based upon improved research data, quality standards, and product labeling.

Electron paramagnetic spin trapping studies of the system containing the copper(II) complex of the neurotoxin β-ODAP (3-N-Oxalyl-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid) and hydrogen peroxide☆

Abstract Electron paramagnetic spin trapping was used to measure the ability of a system containing the copper(II) complex of the excitatory neurotoxic compound β-ODAP (3-N-oxalyl-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid) and hydrogen peroxide to form the hydroxyl radical spin adduct of the spin trapping agent DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide). The hydroxylation of DMPO occurred without the formation of free hydroxyl radical. Hydroxylation of DMPO may be occurring through a high-valence copper intermediate or a bound copper-peroxo intermediate. The neurotoxicity of β-ODAP may be related to its ability to form a strong complex with copper(II) and to react with hydrogen peroxide to form a strongly oxidizing species with hydroxyl radical-like reactivity that is capable of damaging biological components. Molecular modeling of the copper(II)-β-ODAP complex was also carried out in order to identify possible structures of the complex.