Characterization of phenolics in different parts of selected <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capparis</Emphasis> species harvested in low and high rainfall season

The stem bark, shoot, fruit, flower and root from Capparis spinosa and Capparis decidua, harvested in April and September (corresponding to low and high rainfall season, respectively), were investigated for variations in the contents of total phenols, flavonoids and individual phenolics. Aqueous methanol (80%) soluble extracts from different parts of the selected species, were evaluated colorimetrically for total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC) and inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation. Relatively, a higher extract yield (5.57–42.43%), TPC (157.3–348.6 GAE mg/100 g), TFC (229.2–584.9 CE mg/100 g) for both the species were recorded for September samples. Among the parts tested of both the species, fruits offered higher content of total phenolics (235.1–455.3 GAE mg/100 g) whereas flowers contained greater amount of flavonoids (96.7–269.9 CE mg/100 g). A notably variable content of phenolic compounds (0.24–94.22 mg/100 g) such as gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and sinapic acid were detected by RP-HPLC in different parts of the selected species; however, sinapic acid was not detected in the flowers of both the species. It can be concluded from the findings of the present study that season has significant effect on the phenolics profiling of Capparis plants and thus collection of different parts of the selected species in an appropriate season can be beneficial towards maximizing their functional food and nutraceutical benefits.     

Double gene targeting PCR assay for the detection of Crocodylus porosus in commercial products

The demand for crocodile meat is quickly growing because of its exotic and organoleptic appeal and also the low content of cholesterol and lipids. Moreover, crocodile oil and blood have been used in alternative medicines for treating asthma and several other ailments since ancient times. Furthermore, crocodile hides have great demand in leather industries. All of these have collectively contributed to the extensive hunting, illegal trading and consequent decline of crocodiles in most parts of the world. To keep space with the growing demands, some crocodile species such as Crocodylus porosus have been raised in farms and its commercial trades have been legalised. However, demand for wild crocodiles in foods and medicines has continued in high gear. Recently, several DNA-based methods have been proposed for crocodile detection, but those assays are based on single gene and longer-sized amplicon targets that break down during extensive processing. To address this gap, here we developed and validated a highly stable double gene targeted multiplex PCR assay for the identification of C. porosus materials in commercial products. The assay involved two short sites from C. porosus atp6 (77 bp) and cytb (127 bp) genes and a universal internal control (99 bp) for eukaryotes. The PCR primers were cross-tested against 18 species and validated under pure and mixed matrices under extensive boiling, autoclaving and microwave cooking conditions. Finally, it was used to identify five crocodile-based commercial products. The lower limits of detection for atp6 and cytb genes were 0.001 ng and 0.01 ng DNA, respectively, in pure meat and 1% under mixed matrices. Some inherent features, such as 77–127 bp amplicon sizes, exceptional stability and superior sensitivity, suggested the assay could be used for the identification of C. porosus in any forensic specimen.     

Quantitative duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay with TaqMan probe detects and quantifies Crocodylus porosus in food chain and traditional medicines

Consumption and exploitation of crocodiles have been rampant for their exotic, nutritive and medicinal attributes. These depredations are alarming and although they have continued to be monitored by wildlife and conservation agencies, unlawful trading of crocodiles shows an increasing trend worldwide. Recently, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays for crocodile have been documented but they are only suitable for identification and cannot quantify adulterations. We described here a quantitative duplex real-time PCR assay with probes to quantify contributions from Crocodylus porosus materials simultaneously. A very short amplicon size of 127bp was used because longer targets could have been broken down in samples, bringing considerable uncertainty in molecular analysis. We have validated a TaqMan probe-based duplex real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection of 0.004 ng DNA in pure state and 0.1% target meat in model chicken meatball. False negative detection was eliminated through an endogenous control (141-bp site of eukaryotic 18S rRNA). Analysis of 12 model chicken meatballs adulterated with C. porosus reflected 96.3?120.2% target recovery at 0.1?10% adulterations. A validation test of 21 commercial food and traditional medicine (TM) crocodile-based products showed 100% effectiveness. Short amplicon sizes, alternative complementary target, exceptional stability and superior sensitivity suggested the assay could be used for the identification and quantitative determination of C. porosus in any food or TM samples even under degraded conditions.     

Chemical Composition and Antidiabetic Activity of Essential Oils Obtained from Two Spices (Syzygium aromaticum and Cuminum cyminum)

The current aim was to evaluate antidiabetic potential of Syzygium aromaticum and Cuminum cyminum essential oils and their emulsions by alpha amylase inhibition assay. Antidiabetic activity of C. cyminum and S. aromaticum was examined in dose dependent mode (1 to 100 µg/mL). The maximum antidiabetic activity for S. aromaticum and C. cyminum essential oils was noted at the highest dose (100 µg/mL). Five emulsions (essential oil + surfactant [tween 80] + co-surfactant [ethanol] + water) of different concentrations for S. aromaticum (A1 to A5) and C. cyminum (B1 to B5) essential oils were formulated. Among different emulsions, A5 of S. aromaticum and B5 of C. cyminum essential oil exhibited a maximum antidiabetic activity with 95.30 and 83.09% inhibition of α-amylase, respectively. Moreover, the analysis of essential oils showed that eugenol (18.7%) and α-pinene (18.8%) were the major components of S. aromaticum and C. cyminum essential oils, respectively.     

Investigation on the Antioxidant Activity of Leaves, Peels, Stems Bark, and Kernel of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Bioactive polyphenols, cartenoids, and anthocyanins present in fruits and vegetables are receiving much attention because of their potential antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to determine antioxidant activity of leaves, peels, stem bark, and kernel of mango varieties langra and chonsa. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) in segments of langra ranged from 63.89 to 116.80 mg GAE/g DW and 45.56 to 90.89 mg CE/g DW, respectively, and that of chonsa were 69.24 to 122.60 mg GAE/g DW and 48.43 to 92.55 mg CE/g DW, respectively. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and linoleic inhibition capacity in segments of langra ranged from 53.30% to 61.10% and 40.0% to 47.20%, respectively, whereas for chonsa; 56.40% to 66.0% and 48.1% to 49.0%, respectively. The reducing potentials of different segments of langra and chonsa at concentration of 10 mg/mL were 0.512 to 0.850 and 0.595 to 0.665 mV, respectively. Comparison between both varieties showed chonsa exhibited better antioxidant activity. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using completely randomised design (CRD) under factorial.     

Molecular characteristics of native sago starch and isolated fractions determined using asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation

The apparent average molar masses (M_w,app), apparent average radii of gyration (R_g,app), of native sago starch and fractions were determined using asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation coupled with multi‐angle light scattering and refractive index detectors (AF4/MALS/RI). Amylose‐type (Fraction A) and amylopectin‐type (Fraction B) were chemically separated from native sago starch. Native sago starch and Fractions (A–B) were dissolved in 1M KSCN using a high pressure microwave vessel. The effect of varying cross flow rates at a fixed channel flow rate upon the M_w,app and R_g,app distributions of native sago starch and Fractions (A–B) were investigated. The average M_w,app values of native sago starch, Fraction (A) and Fraction (B) were 60 × 10⁶, 1.5 × 10⁶ and 60 × 10⁶ g/mol, respectively, with average R_g,app values of 142, 75 and 127 nm, respectively. The sphere‐equivalent hydrodynamic radii (R_h) values for native sago starch and fractions were determined from AF4 experimental parameters.     

Effects of fertilisation on the allyl isothiocyanate profile of above‐ground tissues of New Zealand‐grown wasabi

Wasabi (Wasabia japonica (Miq) Matsum) is a developing crop in New Zealand and is valued for its spicy taste and pungent smell. It is popular as a condiment for traditional and modern Japanese foods. However, the limited area suitable for wasabi production in Japan has resulted in inability to meet increasing market demand. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are sulphur compounds responsible for the unique flavour of wasabi, with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) being the main compound responsible for the pungency. In this study, AITC tissue concentration and yield were measured in three above‐ground tissues of the wasabi plant to investigate the effects of different fertiliser, manure and lime treatments. The highest tissue concentration of AITC was found in the rhizomes, ranging from 1564 to 3366 mg kg^?1 (fresh weight basis), while the petioles and leaves contained 254–373 and 453–643 mg kg^?1 respectively. Fertilisation with ammonium sulphate produced the highest‐quality rhizomes (72% increase in AITC yield) and petioles (64% increase), but the best response in the leaves (51%) resulted from the manure treatment. Nitrogen fertiliser alone reduced the AITC yield by up to 15%. These results should help in formulating guidelines for production of high‐quality wasabi tops containing high levels of AITC. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles: Characterization and applications for environmental and biomedical fields

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the development of plant-based nanoparticles due to their numerous benefits over conventional physio-chemical methods, including sustainability and environmental safety. Green synthesis, a process that produces safe and sustainable goods without the use of harsh chemicals or other harmful processes, is gaining popularity. The current study focuses on the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Piper nigrum leaf extracts, their characterization, and applications. The synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed by changes in colour, further endorsed by UV–visible spectroscopy. Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). CuO nanoparticle sizes ranged between 58.23 and 69.89 nm and were spherical in shape. FTIR results indicated a functional group capped on the nanoparticle surface. The antibacterial activity of the copper oxide nanoparticles was tested, and they exhibited the significant decrease in bacterial concentration and the largest zone of inhibition, making them an efficient disinfectant. Antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli was observed. Furthermore, the synthesized CuO nanoparticles exhibited a high affinity for safranin dyes and demonstrated maximum removal efficiency. This makes them an effective agent for removing dyes in wastewater from industries such as clothing manufacturing. Safranin dye was successfully removed with an efficiency of 78% using nanoparticles. In conclusion, the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts presents an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for producing nanoparticles with a wide range of potential applications.