S.K. Tewari

Some nutritional properties of the seeds of three Mucuna species

The seeds of Mucuna nivea, M. pruriens and M. utilis showed ash 4.3-5.1%, oil 4.9-5.5%, protein 25.9-27.5%, L-dopa 3.6-4.2%, trypsin 28.5-39.7 mg/g and chymotrypsin inhibitor activity 19.3-24.6 mg/g. The trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activity increased in pod hull and seeds while the amount of protein increased in seeds and decreased in pod hull with maturity. The essential amino acid profile was comparable to the FAO pattern (lysine 6.0-6.4%). The fatty acid composition had total unsaturated acids 51.9-55.9%, but were poor in oil contents.The seeds of Mucuna nivea, M. pruriens and M. utilis showed ash 4.3-5.1%, oil 4.9-5.5%, protein 25.9-27.5%, L-dopa 3.6-4.2%, trypsin 28.5-39.7 mg/g and chymotrypsin inhibitor activity 19.3-24.6 mg/g. The trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activity increased in pod hull and seeds while the amount of protein increased in seeds and decreased in pod hull with maturity. The essential amino acid profile was comparable to the FAO pattern (lysine 6.0-6.4%). The fatty acid composition had total unsaturated acids 51.9-55.9%, but were poor in oil contents.

Underutilised legumes: potential sources for low-cost protein

Seeds of 104 leguminous species belonging to 17 genera were analysed for their protein contents. The promising ones were investigated for fibre, carbohydrate, ash, oil, fatty acids, amino acid profile and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA). The variation of fibre contents was 4.1-8.9%, carbohydrate 18.4-49.2%, ash 1.8-7.2%, TIA 48.7-87.5 mg/g, oil 1.3-19.8% and protein 11.0-51.6%. The protein content (41-45%) in Acacia mellifera (41.6%), Albizzia lebbek (43.6%), Bauhinia triandra (42.7%), Lathyrus odoratus (42.8%), Parkinsonia aculeata (41.6%), Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (41.9%), Sesbania paludosa (41.2%) and S. sesban (43.8%) was in close proximity to soybean (42.8%), whereas Bauhinia retusa (51.6%), B. variegata (46.5%), Delonix elata (48.7%) and Gliricidia maculata (46.3%) showed higher percentages of protein than soybean. The essential amino acid composition of some of the seed proteins was reasonably well balanced (lysine up to 7.6%). The seeds of Bauhinia retusa (18.6%), B. triandra (16.5%), B. variegata (17.3%), Gliricidia maculata (16.2%), Parkia biglandulosa (18.9%) and Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (19.8%) had a good amount of oil, comparable to soybean (18-22%). The fatty acid composition of some genera/species was quite promising with high amount of unsaturated fatty acids.Seeds of 104 leguminous species belonging to 17 genera were analysed for their protein contents. The promising ones were investigated for fibre, carbohydrate, ash, oil, fatty acids, amino acid profile and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA). The variation of fibre contents was 4.1-8.9%, carbohydrate 18.4-49.2%, ash 1.8-7.2%, TIA 48.7-87.5 mg/g, oil 1.3-19.8% and protein 11.0-51.6%. The protein content (41-45%) in Acacia mellifera (41.6%), Albizzia lebbek (43.6%), Bauhinia triandra (42.7%), Lathyrus odoratus (42.8%), Parkinsonia aculeata (41.6%), Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (41.9%), Sesbania paludosa (41.2%) and S. sesban (43.8%) was in close proximity to soybean (42.8%), whereas Bauhinia retusa (51.6%), B. variegata (46.5%), Delonix elata (48.7%) and Gliricidia maculata (46.3%) showed higher percentages of protein than soybean. The essential amino acid composition of some of the seed proteins was reasonably well balanced (lysine up to 7.6%). The seeds of Bauhinia retusa (18.6%), B. triandra (16.5%), B. variegata (17.3%), Gliricidia maculata (16.2%), Parkia biglandulosa (18.9%) and Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (19.8%) had a good amount of oil, comparable to soybean (18-22%). The fatty acid composition of some genera/species was quite promising with high amount of unsaturated fatty acids.

Effect of Geographical Climatic Conditions on Yield, Chemical Composition and Carbon Isotope Composition of Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus R. Br.) Essential Oil

Abstract Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus) rhizomes collected from 13 locations in India were characterized for oil content using hydro-distillation method. The distilled oil was subjected for estimation of its chemical composition using GC-MS. The oil yield analysed by using hydro-distillation varied from 0.20% Padampur (Orissa) to 0.58% Tilakgram (M.P.). The Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of the 13 hydro-distilled oils showed considerable differences in their chemical composition. The major compounds present in essential oil of nagarmotha rhizomes were identified as cyperene, longifolin, caryophylline oxide and longiverbenone. The amount of cyperene varied from 5.77% (Tilakgram M.P.) to 24.17% (Raipur, Chhattisgarh), longifolin varied from 5.95% (Raipur, Chhattisgarh) to 20.43% (Panna, M.P.), caryophyllene oxide ranged from 2.42% (Padampur, Orissa) to 10.38% (Tilakgram M.P.) and longiverbenone ranged from 3.96% (Padampur, Orissa) to 12.71% (Badarpur, Orissa). All the nagarmotha rhizomes and oils were also characterized for their carbon isotope composition using Isotopic Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). The carbon isotope ratio of the oils varied from -11.15 (Ujjain MP) to –15.78 (Sitapur UP) per mil. Similar values of carbon isotope composition were obtained by estimation directly in the nagarmotha rhizome.

Chemical Composition and Termiticidal Activity of Artemisia nilagirica Essential Oil Growing in Southern Hilly Regions of India

Abstract Essential oil of Artemisia nilagirica isolated from aerial parts was analyzed for antitermite activity. Chemical constituents were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Total forty constituents have been identified which is 93.55 % of the essential oil. Major constituents of the oil were α-thujone (33.78 %), germacrene-D (9.31 %), β-thujone (6.01 %), caryophyllene (5.86 %), caryophyllene oxide (6.17 %), borneol (2.16 %). The essential oil consist of 41.34 % monoterpene hydrocarbon, 30.9 % sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, 10.24 % monoterpene alcohol, 8.33 % sesquiterpene oxide along with 2.74 % sesquiterpene alcohol. The essential oil exhibited significant antitermite activity against Microtermes beesoni the termite. ED50 for termite repellency was found 4.44 mg/g and 5.81 mg/g for termite mortality. Chlorpyriphos 20 % TC was taken as control, ED50 of chlorpyriphos was found 1.53 mg/g. This study indicated that A. nilagirica essential oil can be used as a wood preservative to control the termites infesting wooden material and commodities.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil from Leaves of Justicia adhatoda Against Methicillian Resistant and Sensitive Strain Along with Their Clinical Isolates

Abstract Higher and aromatics plants have traditionally been used in folk medicine as well as to extend the shelf life of foods, showing inhibition against bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Most of their properties are due to essential oils produced by their secondary metabolism. Essential oils and extracts from several plant species are able to control microorganisms related to skin, dental caries, and food spoilage, including Gramnegative and Gram-positive bacteria. The present study is based on the evaluation of antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of the fresh leaves of Justicia adhatoda and to identify the chemical constituents responsible for antimicrobial potential. The chemical constituents of essential oil were identified by gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS).The essential oil was evaluated for the antimicrobial potential against methicillin resistant and sensitive Staphylococcus aureus along with its clinical isolates. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major constituents of the essential oil were phytol (57.8 %), n-hentriacontane (3.92 %), nonacosane (3.65 %), pentacosane (2.65 %), β-Eudesmol (1.14 %), heneicosane (1.13 %). Result indicates that J. adhatoda leaves essential oil has a strong antimicrobial activity against mentioned microorganisms (MIC: 62.5–250 μg/mL).

Phytochemicals and Cytotoxicity of Launaea procumbens on Human Cancer Cell Lines

Background: The plant Launaea procumbens belongs to the family Asteraceae and traditionally used in the treatment rheumatism, kidney, liver dysfunctions and eye diseases. In the present study Phytochemical analysis and fractions of methanolic extract of L. procumbens leaves were tested in vitro for their cytotoxicity. Objectives: Phytochemical analysis and cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract and fractions of Launaea procumbens against four cancer cell lines K562, HeLa, MIA-Pa-Ca-2 and MCF-2 by SRB assay. Materials and Methods: Powdered leaves of Launaea procumbens were extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water by cold extraction. Phytochemical analysis and cytotoxicity assay were carried out for these fractions using SRB assay against four human cancer cell lines, namely leukemia (K562), cervix (HeLa), pancreatic (MIA-Pa-Ca-2) and breast (MCF-7). Results: Ethyl acetate extract exerts potent cytotoxicity against human leukemia (K562), cervix (HeLa) and breast (MCF-7) cell lines IC 50 value of 25.30±0.50, 19.80±0.10 and 36.90±4.90 μg/ ml respectively. Moderately cytotoxic effect found in hexane extract IC 50 value of 41±8 and 48.20±0.50 μg/ ml against leukemia (K562), and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell line respectively. The Chemical composition analyzed by GC-MS showed considerable differences in solvent fractions of Launaea procumbens. Conclusion: This study revealed the cytotoxic potential of ethyl acetate and hexane fractions of L.procumbens leaves on different cancer cell lines. Abbreviations used: SRB: Sulforhodamine B assay, MW: Molecular weight

Biochemical composition of Betula utilis D. Don bark, collected from high altitudes of Indian Himalayas

Betula utilis (family Betulaceae) is an important medicinal plant that grows in high altitudes of Himalayan region of India. The present study is aimed to determine the biochemical composition in the bark of Betula utilis using HPLC, HPTLC and GCMS methods. The optimization of solvent system for maximum extraction yield has been carried out. Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and Antioxidant Activity (AA) were estimated in various solvent extracts. Maximum extractive yield (14.56%), TPC (14.47 mg/g), TFC (20.10 mg/g) in 75% ethanol and scavenging activity (92.89%) were found in 50% ethanol. Pentacyclic triterpenoids (betulin, tupeol, oleanolic acid, beta-sitosterol) were characterized and quantified using HPLC, HPTLC and GCMS found close within limits. Betulin was found maximum in ethanol.

Extraction of polyphenols from Trewia nudiflora L. and its antioxidant activity

Total phenoliccontent(TPC), specific polyphenols (Gallic, ellagic and protocatechuic acid),antioxidant activity (AOA), free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), lipid peroxidation (LPO), inhibition of nitroblue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) reduction caused by superoxide anions and reducing power (RP) through various extraction optimization parameters using solvents of different polarity, time, temperature and pH variation were evaluated in fruits, leaves, twigs and bark of Trewia nudiflora. The extraction parameters exhibited a broad range of TPC inplant parts varying from 7.9–668.6mg/g gallic acid equivalent(GAE), AOA 14.6–82.9% and RP 0.47–7.2ASE/ml. FRSA, measured as IC50 invarious antioxidant assays ranged from 0.014–4.1mg/ml. The extracts of all plant parts showed significant protective effect against Fentons reaction on supercoiled plasmid DNA pUC 18 assayed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Fruits were found to possess the highest TPC, AOA and FRSA in all the tested models, with reduction in the activity, in order of fruits > leaves > twigs > bark.