Novel report of Acinetobacter johnsonii as an indole-producing seed endophyte in Tamarindus indica L.

Plant-microbe associations have been regarded as an exciting topic of research due to their potential as environment friendly alternatives for stimulating crop growth and development. Seeds of Tamarindus indica L. have been chosen for the present study as seed endophytes prefer larger or nutritive cotyledon and hard seed coats for their colonization. The main objectives of our study were to isolate and identify the seed endophytes, their bioefficacy, and responsible chemical compounds. In a dose-dependent experiment, tamarind seed exudates (TSE) showed plant growth-promoting properties on Oryza sativa (53-81%), Daucus carota (10-31%), and Raphanus sativa (21-42%). Identification of the bacterial load in TSE through 16S rRNA sequencing revealed the existence of two bacterial species, Acinetobacter johnsonii and Niallia nealsonii. This is the first report of these two bacteria as seed endophytes of Tamarindus indica L. HRLC-MS analysis of TSE confirmed the presence of indole derivatives, primarily indole-3-lactic acid (ILA). The quantitative phytochemical estimation of bacterial culture filtrates revealed that indole-like substances were present in the extracts only in A. johnsonii at a concentration of 0.005 mg/ml of indole acetic acid equivalent. Experimental results suggested that the stimulatory activity of TSE was caused by the presence of A. johnsonii, a potential plant growth-promoting bacteria that produced indole-like compounds. This study suggests tamarind seed exudates with its endophytic microbiota as a potent plant growth-promoting agent that may find use as a cheap and sustainable source of metabolites useful in the agro-industries.

Effective reduction of carbon-containing pollutants in coffee cherry pulping wastewater using natural polysaccharide from Tamarindus indica L. seeds.

The wastewater produced during coffee cherry pulping is known for containing harmful pollutants, particularly organic compounds containing carbon, which pose significant risks to the environment and human health. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Tamarindus indica L. seed polysaccharides in treating coffee effluent. Varying doses (ranging from 0.05 to 0.30 g) of the isolated polysaccharides were added to samples of the effluent to determine their ability to remove contaminants, especially those of organic carbon origin. Notably, a dosage of 0.10 g demonstrated optimal efficacy, resulting in a 55% decrease in total dissolved solids and an 80% decrease in chemical oxygen demand. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared and zeta potential analysis of both the polysaccharides and the treated effluent samples revealed the presence of functional groups potentially pivotal for the pollutant removal activity of the isolated polysaccharides. This provides insights into the coagulation mechanism of Tamarindus indica L. seed polysaccharides in eliminating organic carbon-based pollutants. These findings highlight the potential of Tamarindus polysaccharides as a sustainable alternative to chemical agents for removing pollutants, thus promoting environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and biocompatibility properties of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica L. fruit coat analyses by in-vitro and in-vivo approaches.

The anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and biocompatibility nature of Tamarindus indica L. fruit coat aqueous extract were investigated in this research through in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The anti-inflammatory property was determined through albumin denaturation inhibition and antiprotease activities as up to 39.5% and 41.2% respectively at 30 mg mL-1 concentration. Furthermore, the antidiabetic activity was determined through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition as up to 62.15% and 67.35% respectively at 30 mg mL-1 dosage. The albino mice based acute toxicity study was performed by different treatment groups (group I-V) with different dosages of aqueous extract to detect the biocompatibility of sample. Surprisingly, findings revealed that the T. indica L. fruit coat aqueous extract had no harmful impacts on any of the groups. Urine, as well as serum parameter analysis, confirmed this. Moreover, the findings of SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), GST (Glutathione-S-transferase), & CAT (Catalase) as well as glutathione peroxidase as well as reduced glutathione antioxidant enzymes studies stated that the aqueous extract possess high antioxidant ability via a dose-dependent way. These findings indicate that T. indica fruit coat aqueous extract contains medicinally important phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, as well as being biocompatible in nature.

Influence of Temperatures on Physicochemical Properties and Structural Features of Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide.

Due to the high content of impurities such as proteins in tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP), they must be separated and purified before it can be used. TSP can disperse in cold water, but a solution can only be obtained by heating the mixture. Therefore, it is important to understand the dispersion and dissolution process of TSP at different temperatures to expand the application of TSP. In this study, pasting behavior and rheological properties as a function of temperature were characterized in comparison with potato starch (PS), and their relationship with TSP molecular features and microstructure was revealed. Pasting behavior showed that TSP had higher peak viscosity and stronger thermal stability than PS. Rheological properties exhibited that G' and G'' of TSP gradually increased with the increase in temperature, without exhibiting typical starch gelatinization behavior. The crystalline or amorphous structure of TSP and starch was disrupted under different temperature treatment conditions. The SEM results show that TSP particles directly transformed into fragments with the temperature increase, while PS granules first expanded and then broken down into fragments. Therefore, TSP and PS underwent different dispersion mechanisms during the dissolution process: As the temperature gradually increased, TSP possibly underwent a straightforward dispersion and was then dissolved in aqueous solution, while PS granules initially expanded, followed by disintegration and dispersion.

Transdermal Delivery of Niacin Through Polysaccharide Films Ameliorates Cutaneous Flushing in Experimental Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: Niacin, an established therapeutic for dyslipidemia, is hindered by its propensity to induce significant cutaneous flushing when administered orally in its unmodified state, thereby constraining its clinical utility. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to fabricate, characterize, and assess the in-vitro and in-vivo effectiveness of niacin-loaded polymeric films (NLPFs) comprised of carboxymethyl tamarind seed polysaccharide. The primary objective was to mitigate the flushing-related side effects associated with oral niacin administration. METHODS: NLPFs were synthesized using the solvent casting method and subsequently subjected to characterization, including assessments of tensile strength, moisture uptake, thickness, and folding endurance. Surface characteristics were analyzed using a surface profiler and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Potential interactions between niacin and the polysaccharide core were investigated through X-ray diffraction experiments (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The viscoelastic properties of the films were explored using a Rheometer. In-vitro assessments included drug release studies, swelling behavior assays, and antioxidant assays. In-vivo efficacy was evaluated through skin permeation assays, skin irritation assays, and histopathological analyses. RESULTS: NLPFs exhibited a smooth texture with favorable tensile strength and moisture absorption capabilities. Niacin demonstrated interaction with the polysaccharide core, rendering the films amorphous. The films displayed slow and sustained drug release, exceptional antioxidant properties, optimal swelling behavior, and viscoelastic characteristics. Furthermore, the films exhibited biocompatibility and non-toxicity towards skin cells. CONCLUSION: NLPFs emerged as promising carrier systems for the therapeutic transdermal delivery of niacin, effectively mitigating its flushing-associated adverse effects.

Prospecting in silico antibacterial activity of a peptide from trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seed.

Bacterial infections have become a global concern, stimulating the growing demand for natural and biologically safe therapeutic agents with antibacterial action. This study was evaluated the genotoxicity of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI) and the antibacterial effect of TTI theoric model, number 56, and conformation number 287 (TTIp 56/287) and derived peptides in silico. TTI (0.3 and 0.6 mg.mL-1) did not cause genotoxicity in cells (p > 0.05). In silico, a greater interaction of TTIp 56/287 with the Gram-positive membrane (GP) was observed, with an interaction potential energy (IPE) of -1094.97 kcal.mol-1. In the TTIp 56/287-GP interaction, the Arginine, Threonine (Thr), and Lysine residues presented lower IPE. In molecular dynamics (MD), Peptidotrychyme59 (TVSQTPIDIPIGLPVR) showed an IPE of -518.08 kcal.mol-1 with the membrane of GP bacteria, and the Thr and Arginine residues showed the greater IPE. The results highlight new perspectives on TTI and its derived peptides antibacterial activity.

Tamarind Seed Coat: A Catechin-Rich Source with Anti-Oxidation, Anti-Melanogenesis, Anti-Adipogenesis and Anti-Microbial Activities.

Tamarindus indica L. or tamarind seed is an industrial by-product of interest to be investigated for its potential and value-added application. An ethanolic tamarind seed coat (TS) extract was prepared using the maceration technique and used to determine the phytochemical composition and bioactivities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using colorimetric methods; moreover, chemical constituents were identified and quantified compared to the standard compounds using the HPLC-UV DAD technique. Bioactivities were investigated using various models: antioxidative activity in a DPPH assay model, anti-melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells, anti-adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and anti-microbial activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and C. albican using agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The results manifested a high content of catechin as a chemical constituent and multiple beneficiary bioactivities of TS extract, including superior antioxidation to ascorbic acid and catechin, comparable anti-melanogenesis to deoxyarbutin, and significant anti-adipogenesis through inhibition of pre-adipocyte differentiation and reduction of lipid and triglyceride accumulation, and a broad spectral anti-microbial activity with a selectively high susceptibility to S. aureus when compared to 1% Parabens. Conclusively, TS extract has been revealed as a potential bioactive agent as well as an alternative preservative for application in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical product development.

Structural insights and molecular dynamics into the inhibitory mechanism of a Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L.

Trypsin inhibitors from tamarind seed have been studied in vitro and in preclinical studies for the treatment of obesity, its complications and associated comorbidities. It is still necessary to fully understand the structure and behaviour of these molecules. We purifed this inhibitor, sequenced de novo by MALDI-TOF/TOF, performed its homology modelling, and assessed the interaction with the trypsin enzyme through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation under physiological conditions. We identified additional 75 amino acid residues, reaching approximately 72% of total coverage. The four best conformations of the best homology modelling were submitted to the MD. The conformation n°287 was selected considering the RMSD analysis and interaction energy (-301.0128 kcal.mol-1). Residues Ile (54), Pro (57), Arg (59), Arg (63), and Glu (78) of pTTI presented the highest interactions with trypsin, and arginine residues were mainly involved in its binding mechanism. The results favour bioprospecting of this protein for pharmaceutical health applications.

Green synthesis, in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies of Tamarindus indica based gold nanoparticles.

The current investigation aims to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica and to evaluate the in vitro anti-bacterial and in vivo sedative and anelgescic activities of crude extract as well as synthesized AuNPs. Several methods have been reported to synthesize AuNPs; however, most of them were not ecofriendly. In the present study, the green synthesis of AuNPs has been carried out. Using the green synthesis method, AuNPs of T. indica were synthesized at room temperature (25 °C) by mixing 5 mL of HAuCl4 (1 mM) with 1 mL of T. indica seed extract solution. This extract solution was prepared by taking 5 gm dry seeds in 100 mL of double deionized water with continuous stirring for up to 24 h at 80 °C. The stability of AuNPs was confirmed with the help of relevant experimental techniques including ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) showing maximum absorbance at 535-540 nm, Fourier transform infrared showing a broad signal at 3464 cm-1 which can be attributed to either amide or hydroxyl functionalities and atomic force microscopy analysis showed that the biomaterial surrounding AuNPs was agglomerated which proves the formation of discrete nanostructutres. These AuNPs have been evaluated for their antibacterial potential. The results revealed good antibacterial activity of the samples against. Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis with 10-12 mm zone of inhibition range. The AuNPs were also found stable at high temperature, over a range of pH and in 1 mM salt solution. Moreover, the crude extract and respective AuNPs also exhibited interesting sedative and analgesic activities. Hence, we focused on phytochemicals-mediated synthesis of AuNPs considered as greatest attention in the treatment of anti-bacterial, analgesic, and sedative.

Beneficial Effects of Tamarind Trypsin Inhibitor in Chitosan-Whey Protein Nanoparticles on Hepatic Injury Induced High Glycemic Index Diet: A Preclinical Study.

Several studies have sought new therapies for obesity and liver diseases. This study investigated the effect of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI), nanoencapsulated in chitosan and whey protein isolate (ECW), on the liver health status of the Wistar rats fed with a high glycemic index (HGLI) diet. The nanoformulations without TTI (CW) and ECW were obtained by nanoprecipitation technique, physically and chemically characterized, and then administered to the animals. The adult male Wistar rats (n = 20) were allocated to four groups: HGLI diet + water; standard diet + water; HGLI diet + ECW (12.5 mg/kg); and HGLI diet + CW (10.0 mg/kg), 1 mL per gagave, for ten days. They were evaluated using biochemical and hematological parameters, Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis (FIB-4), AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) scores, and liver morphology. Both nanoparticles presented spherical shape, smooth surface, and nanometric size [120.7 nm (ECW) and 136.4 nm (CW)]. In animals, ECW reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose (17%), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (39%), and alkaline phosphatase (24%). Besides, ECW reduced (p < 0.05) APRI and FIB-4 scores and presented a better aspect of hepatic morphology. ECW promoted benefits over a liver injury caused by the HGLI diet.

Sucrose replacement: a sensory profile and time-intensity analysis of a tamarind functional beverage with artificial and natural non-nutritive sweeteners.

BACKGROUND: Tamarind pulp contains polyphenolic compounds that exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects with a positive impact on human health. The elaboration of a tamarind-based functional beverage, without the addition of sucrose, can be an alternative to traditional caloric beverages. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory profile and time intensity of a functional tamarind beverage containing artificial and natural non-nutritive sweeteners. RESULTS: The results of the acceptance test, check-all-that-apply, and time-intensity tests showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the means of samples sweetened with sucralose and samples sweetened with sucrose for attributes relating to appearance, aroma, flavor, or texture, or for overall impression. Samples with natural sweeteners had lower means for overall product impression and a lower percentage of purchase intention. The perception of astringency, bitter taste, and bitter aftertaste may be linked to the lower global impression of the product. The descriptors 'tamarind flavor' and 'refreshment sensation' were higher in products that were more liked. The sample sweetened with stevia showed higher levels of sweetness, bitterness, and longer sweet stimulus duration in the time-intensity test. CONCLUSION: The sample sweetened with sucralose was the best alternative to sucrose in the functional tamarind beverage. The analyzed sweeteners did not show changes in the perception of the natural characteristics of the fruit used, such as tamarind flavor, refreshment sensation, and astringency. However, the attributes related to sweet and bitter aftertaste experienced in samples with natural sweeteners may have influenced the reduction in the intention to purchase the product. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen balance of goats fed with diets containing residue from tamarind fruit.

This study is aimed at determining the maximum inclusion level of tamarind (Tamarindus indica) residues in the diet of goats on intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen (N) balance. Twenty-four crossbred (Boer × undefined breed) castrated goat kids (5 months old and with an initial weight of 23.9 ± 0.3 kg) were assigned in a completely randomized design (4 treatments and 6 replicates). Diets consisted of Tifton 85 (Cynodon sp.) hay as the roughage (400 g/kg) source and concentrate (600 g/kg); the levels of tamarind residue inclusion were 0.0, 7.0, 14.0, and 21.0% on a dry matter (DM) basis. The experimental period lasted 23 days (15 of adaptation and 8 of sampling). Inclusion of tamarind residue in the goat kid diets did not affect (P > 0.05) the intake and digestibility of DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total digestible nutrient; intake of N, urinary N, and retained N (g/day); time spent ruminating; numbers of times/day feeding, ruminating, or idling; eating efficiency of DM and NDF; number of boluses/day; and amount (g) of DM/bolus. However, there were a linear reduction in ether extract digestibility (P = 0.011) and a linear decreasing trend in non-fibrous carbohydrate digestibility (P = 0.083). The addition of tamarind residue had a positive linear effect (P = 0.041) on the time spent feeding and promoted a decreasing linear trend for the time spent idling (P = 0.063). It is recommended to include the residue from tamarind fruit at a level of 21% in diets for goat kids, as it does not affect nutrient intake and digestibility and the N balance.

Development of an Extensive Linkage Library for Characterization of Carbohydrates.

The extensive characterization of glycosidic linkages in carbohydrates remains a challenge because of the lack of known standards and limitations in current analytical techniques. This study encompasses the construction of an extensive glycosidic linkage library built from synthesized standards. It includes an improved liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantitation of glycosidic linkages derived from disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides present in complicated matrices. We present a method capable of the simultaneous identification of over 90 unique glycosidic linkages using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QqQ MS) operated in dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (dMRM) mode. To build the library, known monosaccharides commonly found in plants were subjected to partial methylation to yield partially derivatized species representing trisecting, bisecting, linear, and terminal structures. The library includes glycosidic linkage information for three hexoses (glucose, galactose, and mannose), three pentoses (xylose, arabinose, and ribose), two deoxyhexoses (fucose and rhamnose), and two hexuronic acids (glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid). The resulting partially methylated monosaccharides were then labeled with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) followed by separation and analysis by UHPLC/dMRM MS. Validation of the synthesized standards was performed using disaccharide, oligosaccharide, and polysaccharide standards. Accuracy, reproducibility, and robustness of the method was demonstrated by analysis of xyloglucan (tamarind) and whole carrot root. The synthesized standards represent the most comprehensive group of carbohydrate linkages to date.

A Combination of Tamarindus indica seeds and Curcuma longa Rhizome Extracts Improves Knee Joint Function and Alleviates Pain in Non-Arthritic Adults Following Physical Activity.

Background: Knee joint pain is the most common reason for physical disability which associates with age. TamaFlexTM (NXT15906F6) is a synergistic anti-inflammatory formulation which contains ethanol/aqueous extracts of Tamarindus indica seeds and ethanol extract of Curcuma longa rhizome. Methods: In a 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated efficacy of NXT15906F6 in relieving pain and improving joint function in non-arthritic adults. Ninety non-arthritic subjects who experienced knee pain and joint discomfort following a six-minute walk test (SMWT) and Stair climb test (SCT) participated in the present trial. Subjects received either 250 mg (n=30) or 400 mg (n=30) of NXT15906F6 or matched placebo (PL: n=30) daily for 90 days. Improvement from baseline six-minute walk distance (SMWD) in NXT15906F6 groups, compared with placebo (PL) was the primary outcome of the study. Results: At post-intervention, subjects in NXT15906F6-250 (p<0.001) and NXT15906F6-400 (p<0.0001) groups showed substantial improvements in mean changes of SMWD from baseline compared to placebo. The 250 mg and 400 mg NXT15906F6 groups also improved average walking speed from baseline by 0.08±0.07 m/s (p=0.0010) and 0.11±0.08 m/s (p<0.0001), respectively. The NXT15906F6 groups experienced significant improvement in SMWT performances as early as 14 days. NXT15906F6-supplemented participants showed a consistent benefit of pain relief and improved musculoskeletal functions, compared to placebo. Conclusion: NXT15906F6 provided substantial relief from knee pain after physical activity and improved joint function in non-arthritic adults. Study participants did not show any major adverse events, and they tolerated well this novel herbal formulation.

Efficacy evaluation of ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. leaves as possible alternate therapy in septic arthritis model of rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study exhibited free radicals scavenging and antioxidant activities of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Tamarindus indica L. leaves in chronic sodium fluoride poisoning in rats. Tamarindus indica L. seed extract was also reported to have anti-arthritic efficacy by inhibiting cartilage and bone degrading factors. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. leaves in septic arthritis. METHODS: The safety study was performed by oral dosing of ethanolic extract of the plant leaves at 2 g kg- 1 for consecutive 28 days in rabbits. Septic arthritis was induced in rabbits by single intra-articular inoculation of 104 c.f.u. of Staphylococcus aureus to the left stifle joint and was monitored by bacterial colony count, some relevant biochemical parameters and histopathological interpretation of the affected joint. For efficacy evaluation in septic arthritis, linezolid at 75 mg kg- 1 twice daily for 10 days and the ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. at 500 and 1000 mg kg- 1 for consecutive 14 days were administered orally to the rabbits after 48 h of induction of arthritis. RESULTS: In sub-acute toxicity study of Tamarindus indica L. leaves ethanolic extract, no significant change between days was found for aspertate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine compared to day 0 values of the same group. The bacterial colony count of synovial fluid following Staphylococcus aureus inoculation to left stifle joint was found to be 1.08 ± 0.47 and 1.19 ± 0.29 c.f.u. mL- 1 in ethanolic extract low dose and high dose groups respectively, on day 2 which was reduced to 0.057 ± 0.036 c.f.u. mL- 1 and nil on day 16. The test extract was also found to markedly reduce simultaneous glucose difference, total protein ratio of serum and synovial fluid, joint radius and joint narrowing. CONCLUSION: Ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indica L. leaves at 500 mg kg- 1 and 1000 mg kg- 1 produced anti-arthritic effects against S. aureus induced septic arthritis in rabbits. However, the ethanolic extract at 1000 mg kg- 1 orally for consecutive 14 days showed better effects in septic arthritis.

Composition and Rheological Properties of Polysaccharide Extracted from Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Seed.

A polysaccharide was extracted in high yield from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed (TSP) by acidic hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation. It was composed of 86.2% neutral polysaccharide, 5.4% uronic acid and 1.3% protein. The molecular weight of TSP was estimated to be about 1735 kDa, with glucose, xylose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 2.9:1.8:1.0 as the major monosaccharides. The steady shear and viscoelastic properties of TSP aqueous solutions were investigated by dynamic rheometry. Results revealed that TSP aqueous solution at a concentration above 0.5% (w/v) exhibited non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior. Dynamic oscillatory analysis revealed that 10% (w/v) TSP showed as a "weak gel" structure. Apparent viscosities and viscoelastic parameters of TSP solutions decreased drastically in an alkaline solution of pH > 10, but slightly influenced by acidic solution, high temperature and the presence of salt ions and sucrose. These results indicated that TSP possessed excellent pH-resistance and thermo-stability, which might be suitable for applications in acidic beverages and high-temperature processed foodstuffs.

The hypolipidemic effects of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract in normal and diet-induced hypercholesterolemic hamsters are associated with altered levels of serum proteins.

The hypolipidemic effects of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract (Ti-FPE) have been earlier reported but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still uncertain. In this study, hamsters fed with Ti-FPE, both in the absence and presence of high-cholesterol diet, were shown to have significantly reduced levels of serum triglyceride, LDL-C and total cholesterol. The Ti-FPE-fed non-hypercholesterolemic hamsters also showed significant enhanced levels of serum apolipoprotein A1, antithrombin III, transferrin and vitamin D binding protein. In diet-induced hypercholesterolemic hamsters, apolipoprotein A1, antithrombin III and transferrin, which were relatively low in levels, became significantly enhanced when the hamsters were fed with Ti-FPE. These Ti-FPE-fed hypercholesterolemic hamsters also showed significant higher levels of serum vitamin D binding protein. When the different treated groups of hamsters were analyzed for the levels of the four serum proteins by ELISA, similar altered abundance were detected. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of the Ti-FPE modulated serum proteins singled out "Lipid metabolism, molecular transport, small molecule biochemistry" as the top network. Our results suggest that the hypolipidemic effects of Ti-FPE are associated with alterations of serum proteins that are known to be cardioprotective and involved in the metabolism of lipids. The MS data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium with the dataset identifier PXD010232.

Acrylic acid grafted tamarind kernel polysaccharide-based hydrogel for bone tissue engineering in absence of any osteo-inducing factors.

PURPOSE: With increased life expectancy, disorders in lifestyle and other clinical conditions, and the changes in the connective tissues such as in bone, impose diverse biomedical problems. Cells belong to osteogenic lineages are extremely specific for their surface requirements. Therefore, suitable surfaces are the critical bottle neck for successful bone tissue engineering. This study involves assessment of polysaccharide-based hydrogel which effectively allows growth, differentiation and mineralisation of osteogenic cells even in the absence of osteogenic inducing factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tamarind Kernel Polysaccharide was grafted with acrylic acid at different mole ratio. The critical parameter, surface morphology for bio application was assessed by SEM. MTT assay has been performed with hydrogels on Saos-2 cells. The biocompatibility and adhesion of different cell lines (F-11, Saos-2, Raw 264.7 and MSCs) on hydrogel surface was performed by Phalloidin and DAPI staining. Further the differentiation, mineralization and expression of different osteogenic markers, ALP assay, Alizarin Red staining and q-PCR was performed. RESULTS: The hydrogels show highly porous and interconnected pores. MTT assay demonstrates the hydrogel have no cytotoxicity towards Saos-2 cells and are suitable for proliferation of different lineage of cell lines. ALP, Alizarin red staining and q-PCR assay shows that the hydrogel surface enhances the differentiation, mineralization and expression of different osteogenic genes in Saos-2 cells in the absence of any osteogenic inducing factors. Conclusion Synthesized hydrogel surface triggers signalling events towards osteogenesis even in the absence of added growth factors. We proposed that this material can be used for effective bone tissue engineering in vitro at low cost.

Biochemical characterisation of a Kunitz-type inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L. seeds and its efficacy in reducing plasma leptin in an experimental model of obesity.

A trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seed (TTI) has satietogenic effects in animals, increasing the cholecystokinin (CCK) in eutrophy and reducing leptin in obesity. We purified TTI (pTTI), characterised, and observed its effect upon CCK and leptin in obese Wistar rats. By HPLC, and after amplification of resolution, two protein fractions were observed: Fr1 and Fr2, with average mass of [M + 14H]+ = 19,594,690 Da and [M + 13H]+ = 19,578,266 Da, respectively. The protein fractions showed 54 and 53 amino acid residues with the same sequence. pTTI presented resistance to temperature and pH variations; IC50 was 2.7 × 10-10 mol.L-1 and Ki was 2.9 × 10-11 mol.L-1. The 2-DE revealed spots with isoelectric points between pH 5 and 6, and one near pH 8. pTTI action on leptin decrease was confirmed. We conclude that pTTI is a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor with possible biotechnological health-related application.

Local indigenous fruit-derived juices as alternate source of acidity regulators.

BACKGROUND: Acidity regulators are additives that alter and control food acidity. The objective of this study was to explore local indigenous fruits as sources of natural acidity regulators. Juices extracted from Garcinia indica (kokum), Embilica officinalis (amla) and Tamarindus indica (tamarind) were used as acidulants for media such as coconut milk and bottle gourd juice. The buffering capacity ß, acid composition, antioxidant activity and shelf-life study of the acidified media were estimated. RESULTS: Potentiometric titration showed G. indica to possess the highest buffering capacity in both ranges. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed T. indica contained a high level of tartaric acid (4.84 ± 0.01 mg g-1 ), while G. indica had citric acid (22.37 ± 0.84 mg g-1 ) and E. officinalis had citric acid (2.75 ± 0.02 mg g-1 ) along with ascorbic acid (2.68 ± 0.01 mg g-1 ). 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity was high for E. officinalis (91.24 ± 0.66%) and T. indica (90.93 ± 0.817%) and relatively lower for G. indica (34.61 ± 3.66%). The shelf-life study showed total plate count to be within the prescribed limits up to a week, in accordance with safety regulations. CONCLUSION: This investigation confirmed the suitability of indigenous fruit juices as alternatives to existing acidity regulators. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.