Sweet-type star fruit supplementation controls oxidative stress status and enhances the community walking capacity among elderly Thai.

BACKGROUND: Sweet-type Star fruit (SF) (Averrhoa carambola L.) is seasonal and more available for purchase in many markets in Thailand, when compared to the sour-type. But, its antioxidant activity results and potentially more modified supplement for elderly health during regular exercise in the community are unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and physical capacity from supplementation of sweet-type SF among elderly people performing home walking exercise. METHODS: Mixing SF juice with honey industrially prepared the SF product. Its effects on oxidative stress status and physical capacity were studied in four groups; a supplement with walking exercise (n = 11, 67.00 ± 4.17 years), control (n = 12, aged 67.50 ± 5.58 years), supplementation (n = 11, aged 69.63 ± 7.14 years), and walking exercise (n = 12, aged 67.91 ± 4.33 years). Twenty grams or two teaspoons of supplement in warm water (150 mL) was the guideline for consumption twice daily for 4 weeks. In contrast, the walking exercise was prescribed with moderate intensity for 30 min, 3 days per week. Before and after the 4-week period, the oxidative stress status; glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (Vit C), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) were evaluated. RESULTS: Results after the 4-week period, showed that Vit C and TAC increased and the MDA decreased significantly in the supplementation group, except the GSH and 6MWD results. The GSH and Vit C slightly decreased in the walking exercise group, whereas, its TAC, MDA and 6MWD increased significantly. Finally, The GSH and Vit C did not decrease and MDA slightly decreased in the combined group, but, their TAC and 6MWD increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of the SF product during walking exercise possibly controls oxidative stress status and may enhance walking capacity.

Cytotoxic/antiproliferative and nutraceutical activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of green and mature Averrhoa carambola.

Averrhoa carambola L. presents in its composition diversity of nutrients and vitamins. The present study aimed to extract water and fat-soluble compounds from this fruit at different stages of maturation (green and mature), perform the physical-chemical characterization as well as evaluate its cytotoxicity against hepatoma cells of Rattus norvegicus (HTC). The physicochemical results showed that the pH and molar acidity is influenced by the fruit maturation state. The fruit presented high percentage of moisture, while the percentage of total minerals (ash) increased according to its maturation stage. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that star fruits present phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity showed greater potential for the ethanolic extracts of the green and mature star fruit. For HTC cells treated with ethanolic extract of green and mature star fruit the data show absence of cytotoxic effect. The tests with the aqueous extract showed cytotoxic/antiproliferative effect of green and mature star fruit extract, in 24, 48 and 72 hours. The presence of nutraceutical compounds and the cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity were more expressive in the aqueous extract, being an option of easily accessible solvent economic and not harmful to organisms.

Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activities of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Averrhoa bilimbi Leaf against Bacteria Isolated from Oral Cavity.

Medicinal herbs have been used as traditional treatments for many pathogens and extracted bioactive compounds from medicinal plants with a suitable therapeutic index for the production of new drugs. Moreover, they are utilized to evaluate different concentrations of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Averrhoa bilimbi leaves and antibiotics against bacteria isolated from the oral cavity. This study was conducted simultaneously at the Departments of Botany and Biology, Shatrah Hospital, Thi-Qar, Iraq, during March and August 2021. A. bilimbi leaf extracts were utilized in the plant component examination and the assessment of the antibacterial activity. The bacterial strain of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from the oral cavity. To test the antibacterial impact of the extracts on bacteria, the agar well diffusion method was used. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Sapiens, Steroids, Tannins, Glycosides, and Carbohydrates, followed by the absence of Tannins in aqueous extract. Due to the A. bilimbi leaf aqueous and methanol extract against E. coli, areas of inhibition were found (0.20 cm and 0.19 cm) at the concentration of 100 mg/ml, respectively. However, there were no regions of inhibition of the K. pneumoniae trend for both extracts. The sensitivity of bacterial isolates of E. coli and K. pneumonia to antibiotics was also tested through Gentamicin, Amoxycillin, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Penicillin, and Polymyxin B, and the regions of inhibition appeared against E. coli (0.5cm, 0 cm, 0.34 cm, 0.45 cm, 0 cm, and 0.12 cm, respectively). Furthermore, the regions of inhibition appeared against K. pneumoniae (3 cm, 0.3 cm, 0.4 cm, 0.55 cm, 0 cm, 0.66 cm, respectively). The antibiotics showed a higher inhibition zone, compared to the aqueous and alcoholic extracts; however, further studies are required to be conducted to validate its reliability.

Micrograph analysis of morphological alteration and cellular damage of fruit rot fungal pathogens treated with Averrhoa bilimbi fruit and Garcinia mangostana pericarp ethanolic extracts.

The aim of this study is to assess the antifungal action of Averrhoa bilimbi fruit and Garcinia mangostana pericarp ethanolic extracts in altering the morphology and causing cellular damage of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium proliferatum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The pathogens were cultured on media containing both extracts individually and carbendazim as positive control, whereas media alone as negative control. All samples were processed for microscopy observations using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopes. Observation via SEM showed significant alterations in the hyphae of F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum and C. gloeosporioides compared to the control in which the hyphae were in normal form. However, no significant alteration in hyphae had been observed in the treated plate compared to the control for L. theobromae. The development of calcium carbonate crystals was also observed abundantly in control compared to treated pathogens for F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum only. This indicated that the plant extracts can inhibit some metabolic processes in the pathogens too. Observations via TEM had been conducted for F. proliferatum and C. gloeosporioides, respectively. The results showed disintegration of cytoplasmic organelles and cell wall, intense vacuolization and lyses part of fungal cells. The plant extracts have equivalent or even greater effects compared to commercial fungicide carbendazim.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) against multiresistant pathogens / Caracterização fitoquímica, potencial antioxidante e atividade antimicrobiana de Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) frente a patógenos multirresistentes

Abstract The objective of this work was to perform the phytochemical characterization, to determine total phenols, antioxidant (AAO%) and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extracts of carambola. The phytochemical study was carried out through a qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents and quantitative determination of the phenol content By the Folin-Ciocalteu test. Qualitative and quantitative antioxidant tests were performed using the DPPH method (2,2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazila) and iron reduction (FRAP). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution in 96-well plates. The presence of pyrogallic tannins, steroids and saponins has been identified. The highest total phenol content, quantified in the samples, was found in the stem bark (0.0866 mgEAG/g) and in the fruit (0.0734 mgEAG/g). In the antioxidant evaluation, the extracts of the green fruit bagasse (AAO% 71.9%,) and stem bark at 50 μg/mL (AAO% 94%) with CE50 23.7 μg/mL. Leaf extracts, stem bark, ripe fruit bagasse and green fruit bagasse presented MICs of 100 μg/mL against multiresistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Resumo O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar a caracterização fitoquímica, determinar fenóis totais, potencial antioxidante (AAO%) e antimicrobiano dos extratos etanólicos de carambola O estudo fitoquímico foi realizado por meio de análise qualitativa dos constituintes químicos e determinação quantitativa do teor de fenóis totais pelo teste de Folin-Ciocalteu. Os testes antioxidantes qualitativos e quantitativos foram realizados pelo método do DPPH (2,2 difenil-1- picril-hidrazila) e redução do ferro (FRAP). A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada por microdiluição em placas de 96 poços. Foi identificada a presença de taninos pirogálicos, esteroides e saponinas. O maior teor de fenóis totais, quantificado nas amostras, foi encontrado na casca do caule (0,0866 mg EAG/g) e no fruto (0,0734 mg EAG/g). Na avaliação antioxidante destacaram-se a 500 µg/mL os extratos do bagaço do fruto verde (AAO% 71,9%,), e casca do caule a 50 µg/mL (AAO% 94%) com CE50 23,7 µg/mL. Os extratos das folhas, casca do caule, bagaço do fruto maduro e bagaço do fruto verde apresentaram CIM de 100 µg/mL contra bactérias e fungos patogênicos multirresistentes.

Physicochemical Properties and Effects of Fruit Pulps from the Amazon Biome on Physiological Parameters in Rats.

This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical characteristics and the effects of Amazonian pulp fruits consumption, such as araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata), abiu grande (Pouteria caimito), araticum (Annona crassiflora), biri-biri (Averrhoa bilimbi L.), and yellow mangosteen (Garcinia xanthochymus), on hematologic, metabolic, renal, and hepatic function parameters in Wistar rats (n = 10 rats/group). The pulp of abiu had the highest levels of soluble solids, sugars, and pH. Biri-biri pulp had the highest levels of ascorbic acid and total titratable acidity, and a low pH. The araticum pulp had higher (p ≤ 0.05) ash content, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity than the pulp of other analyzed fruits. No significant increase in hematocrit, nor reduction of blood glucose, plasma cholesterol, and serum levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (TGP), creatinine, and urea was observed in experimental groups relative to the control group of rats after the consumption of fruits pulp. The intake of abiu and araticum pulps promoted a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in total leukocytes of the experimental groups as compared to the control group and only the intake of araticum significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) triglyceride blood levels in rats (99.50 mg/dL). The regular consumption of biri-biri pulp for 30 days significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (TGO) levels in rats (116.83 U/L) compared to the control group (98.00 U/L). More researches are needed to generate knowledge about these promising Amazonian fruits, supporting the native fruit production, in addition to promoting health in the population and sustainability in the Amazon region.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) against multiresistant pathogens.

The objective of this work was to perform the phytochemical characterization, to determine total phenols, antioxidant (AAO%) and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extracts of carambola. The phytochemical study was carried out through a qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents and quantitative determination of the phenol content By the Folin-Ciocalteu test. Qualitative and quantitative antioxidant tests were performed using the DPPH method (2,2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazila) and iron reduction (FRAP). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution in 96-well plates. The presence of pyrogallic tannins, steroids and saponins has been identified. The highest total phenol content, quantified in the samples, was found in the stem bark (0.0866 mgEAG/g) and in the fruit (0.0734 mgEAG/g). In the antioxidant evaluation, the extracts of the green fruit bagasse (AAO% 71.9%,) and stem bark at 50 µg/mL (AAO% 94%) with CE50 23.7 µg/mL. Leaf extracts, stem bark, ripe fruit bagasse and green fruit bagasse presented MICs of 100 µg/mL against multiresistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Protective effect of 2-dodecyl-6-methoxycyclohexa-2, 5-diene-1, 4-dione, isolated from Averrhoa carambola L., against Aß1-42-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells by reversing Bcl-2/Bax ratio.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aß1-42-induced neurotoxicity has been considered as a possible mechanism to aggravate the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we aim to determine the protective effect of DMDD on the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells induced by Aß1-42 and elucidate potential mechanism of DMDD's protective function in apoptosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: CCK-8, AnnexinV-FITC/PI flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy analysis were used to determine the protection of DMDD on Aß1-42-evoked apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells. Cytochrome c release, JC-1 staining, and measuring the protein of Bcl-2 family by Western blot were applied to elucidate the mechanism of DMDD's protective function in apoptosis. KEY RESULTS: Three concentration of DMDD (5 µmol/L, 10 µmol/L, and 20 µmol/L) rescues the cell viability loss and apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells cultivated in Aß1-42. The expressions of cleaved Caspase-3, -8, -9, the cytochrome c release, and mitochondrial membrane potential loss were inhibited by DMDD in Aß1-42-insulted SH-SY5Y cells. The Western blot analysis showed that DMDD pretreatment clearly downregulated the protein of Bax and upregulated Bcl-2. Moreover, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was obviously decreased in cells only exposed to Aß1-42, but, which was suppressed by treated with DMDD. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: DMDD attenuated the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells induced by Aß1-42 through reversing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.

Rapid Structure-Based Annotation and Profiling of Dihydrochalcones in Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) Using UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap-MS and Molecular Networking.

Dihydrochalcones are a subclass of flavonoids. There has been growing interest in dihydrochalcones for their health benefits and potential to modulate flavor, but their comprehensive profile in diverse plant species is lacking. Star fruit is a tropical fruit rich in dihydrochalcones. In this study, a systematic annotation using UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap-MS and molecular networking was established to rapidly identify dihydrochalcones in 12 star fruit cultivars. A total of 53 dihydrochalcones were characterized within a short retention time including one novel compound (phloretin-3'-C-(2-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-ß-d-fucopyranoside) and 23 compounds identified from the Averrhoa genus for the first time. 3-Hydroxyphloretin was the most abundant dihydrochalcone in star fruit. All the identified dihydrochalcones had a higher abundance in leaves compared to fruits. This is the first report that systematically investigates dihydrochalcones in star fruit of multiple cultivars, and the results could provide a useful reference for the future development and utilization of plant genetic resources.

Effect of Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.)By-product on Oxidative Stability of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Oil under Accelerated Oven Storage and during Frying.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) by-products (peel and residue) on stability of sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil against oxidation. Antioxidant properties of extract of peel and residue at different time durations of extraction were determined and found that peel contains higher antioxidant potential than residue. Thus, extract of peel obtained after 24 h extraction was used to study its effectiveness on oxidative stability of sesame oil during accelerated oven storage and frying using the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (200 ppm) as the reference antioxidant (positive control) and oil without added antioxidant as the negative control. The oxidative stability of the oil was determined by evaluating peroxide value, p-anisidine value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, total oxidation (TOTOX) value, conjugated diene (CD) and conjugated triene (CT) values, and iodine value. Peel extract at different concentrations (200-1000 ppm) was tested. The oil added with peel extract exhibited higher stability against oxidation than the controls during oven storage test. Extract at 1000 ppm significantly increased the stability of sesame oil during frying as compared with controls. Thus, star fruit peel extract could be an alternative to synthetic antioxidants to suppress oxidation of edible oils.

Averrhoa bilimbi pectin-based edible films: Effects of the linearity and branching of the pectin on the physicochemical, mechanical, and barrier properties of the films.

The potential of Averrhoa bilimbi pectin (ABP) as a source of biopolymer for edible film (EF) production was explored, and deep eutectic solvent (DES) (1% w/w) containing choline chloride-citric acid monohydrate at a molar ratio of 1:1 was used as the plasticizer. The EF-ABP3:1, which was produced from ABP with large branch size, showed a higher value of melting temperature (175.30 °C), tensile stress (7.32 MPa) and modulus (33.64 MPa). The EF-ABP3:1 also showed better barrier properties by obtaining the lowest water vapor transmission rates (1.10-1.18 mg/m2.s) and moisture absorption values (2.61-32.13%) depending on the relative humidity compared to other EF-ABPs (1.39-1.83 mg/m2.s and 3.48-51.50%, respectively) that have linear structure with smaller branch size. From these results, it was suggested that the galacturonic acid content, molecular weight, degree of esterification and pectin structure of ABP significantly influenced the properties of EFs. The interaction of highly branched pectin chains was stronger than the linear chains, thus reduced the effect of plasticizer and produced a mechanically stronger EF with better barrier properties. Hence, it was suggested that these EFs could be used as alternative degradable packaging/coating materials.

Dihydrochalcone C-glycosides from Averrhoa carambola leaves.

Ten undescribed dihydrochalcone C-glycosides, carambolasides R1‒R3, S1, S2, T1‒T3, 3-hydroxycarambolaside T1, and 3-hydroxycarambolaside P were isolated along with carambolasides I and P from the leaves of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Among them, carambolasides P, T1, T2, and I with contents of 22.78, 14.39, 4.93, and 1.87 mg g-1 dry wt., respectively, were shown to be abundant in the leaves by HPLC analysis. All the compounds showed more potent ABTS radical cation scavenging activity than l-ascorbic acid. 3-Hydroxycarambolaside T1 and 3-hydroxycarambolaside P also demonstrated moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity. Further, carambolaside R3, 3-hydroxycarambolaside T1, and 3-hydroxycarambolaside P exhibited weak in vitro porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity.

Flavan-3-ols and 2-diglycosyloxybenzoates from the leaves of Averrhoa carambola.

Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) was widely cultivated for fruits (star fruit), whereas the value of leaves remains to be discovered. Our study on the leaves yielded five flavan-3-ols (1-5) and two 2-diglycosyloxybenzoates. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Epicatechin-(5,6-bc)-4ß-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-dihydro-2(3H)-pyranone (1) and benzyl 2-ß-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyloxybenzoate (6) were new structures. 6-(S-2-Pyrrolidinone-5-yl)epicatechin (4) and 6-(R-2-pyrrolidinone-5-yl)epicatechin (5) were obtained as monomeric diastereomer for the first time and their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) computation. Epicatechin-(7,8-bc)-4α-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-dihydro-2(3H)-pyranone (2), epicatechin-(7,8-bc)-4ß-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-dihydro-2(3H)-pyranone (3), and methyl 2-ß-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyloxybenzoate (7) were not previously reported from the genus Averrhoa. Compounds 1-5 showed more potent 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) than l-ascorbic acid. Meanwhile 1 and 3 exhibited lipase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, respectively. The results clarified the structures of flavan-3-ols and 2-diglycosyloxybenzoates in the leaves and their antioxidant, lipase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

Effect of an aqueous extract of Averrhoa carambola L. on endothelial function in rats with ventricular remodelling.

Ventricular remodelling leads to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, endothelial vasoactive substance changes and endothelial dysfunction. Our purpose was to research the effect of an aqueous extract of Averrhoa carambola L. (AEA) on endothelial function in rats with ventricular remodelling induced by isoprenaline. Rats were subjected to injection of isoprenaline and administration of various drugs. Vasoactive substances were measured, and the ventricular remodelling index was detected by the weighing method. Immunohistochemical analysis, pathological examination, Western blot and Masson's trichrome staining were performed. After AEA administration, the levels of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), angiotensin II (AngII), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), and endothelin 1 (ET-1); the ventricular remodelling index; and the collagen volume fraction were decreased, while the levels of total NO synthase (tNOS) and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) were increased. The pathological examination results showed that apoptosis, fibrosis, necrosis and inflammatory infiltration of myocardial tissue were attenuated by AEA treatment. AEA might alleviate ventricular remodelling in rats by maintaining the balance of vasoactive substances and the function of the vascular endothelium.

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots from Averrhoa carambola Fruit Extract as a Fluorescent Probe for Methyl Orange.

In this study, a simple and green hydrothermal treatment was performed to prepare nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) from Averrhoa carambola (AC) fruit extract as a carbon precursor and L-arginine (Arg) as a nitrogen dopant. The AC-NCDs were characterized by UV light, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and zeta potential analyzer. The AC-NCDs were spherical and the average diameter was estimated to be 6.67 nm. The AC-NCDs exhibited the maximum emission intensity at 446 nm with 360 nm excitation wavelength. The fluorescence quenching behavior of AC-NCDs after interacting with methyl orange (MO) dye was studied. The interaction of AC-NCDs and MO was achieved within 3 min and the fluorescence quenching was maintained to a fixed value even after 30 min. The linearity was obtained in the range of 1 to 25 µM MO with a 0.30 µM detection limit. Furthermore, the pH values affected the quenching behavior of the AC-NCDs/MO system where the interaction mechanisms were driven by the electrostatic interaction, π-π interaction, inner filter effect, and energy transfer. The pH 5 maintained higher quenching efficiency while other pH values slightly decreased the quenching efficiency. Incoming applications, the AC-NCDs can be used in various important fields, especially for environmental protection.

Chemo-treated 4T1 breast cancer cells radiation response measured by single and multiple cell ionization using infrared laser trap.

We present a study that uses a laser trapping technique for measurement of radiation sensitivity of untreated and chemo-treated cancer cells. We used a human mammary tumor cell line (4T1) treated by an antitumor compound, 2-Dodecyl-6-methoxycyclohexa-2, 5-diene-1,4-dione (DMDD), which was extracted from the root of Averrhoa carambola L. The untreated control group, and both 2-hour and 24-hour treated groups of 4T1 cells were used in this study. The absorbed threshold ionization energy (TIE) and the threshold radiation dose (TRD) were determined using a high-power infrared laser (at 1064 nm) trap by single and multiple cells trapping and ionization. The results were analyzed using descriptive and t-statistics. The relation of the TIE and TRD to the mass of the individual cells were also analyzed for different hours of treatment in comparison with the control group. Both TIE and TRD decrease with increasing treatment periods. However, the TRD decreases with mass regardless of the treatment. Analyses of the TRD for single vs multiple cells ionizations within each group have also consistently showed this same behavior regardless of the treatment. The underlying factors for these observed relations are explained in terms of radiation, hyperthermia, and chemo effects.

Evaluation of the possible hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potentials of the Averrhoa carambola juice extract in female albino rats.

Background Averrhoa carambola fruit is consumed by many people because of its sweetness and medicinal values. However, there is a dearth of researched information on its complete toxicity profile. This study investigated the possible toxicity potentials of star fruit juice in female albino rats. Methods Thirty-five rats assigned into seven groups of five rats each and administered with varying doses (0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 5000 mg/kg) of the juice were used for acute toxicity studies. Another 20 rats assigned to four groups (A-D) of five rats each were administered the juice at 0, 600, 400 and 200 mg/kg body weight orally for 28 days. On the 29th day, whole blood, sera and vital organs were collected for hematological, serum biochemical and histopathological analyses, respectively. Results Acute study results indicate that the juice was safe even at 5000 mg/kg after 48 h. In the subacute studies, there were no significant (p < 0.05) differences in all hematological parameters, total protein, albumin and globulin values of the treated groups compared with those of the control group. The aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, as well as urea, creatinine and malondialdehyde values of the rats treated with the juice were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the control rats in a dose-dependent manner. The liver and kidney histomorphologies of the rats treated with the juice showed lesions of degeneration and necrosis when compared with those of the control. Conclusion The juice of A. carambola is both nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic but had no deleterious effects on the hematology.

Novel discovery of Averrhoa bilimbi ethanolic leaf extract in the stimulation of brown fat differentiation program in combating diet-induced obesity.

BACKGROUND: Brown adipocytes are known to promote energy expenditure and limit weight gain to combat obesity. Averrhoa bilimbi, locally called belimbing buluh (DBB), is mainly used as an ethnomedicine in the treatment of metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity. The present study aims to investigate the browning activity on white adipocytes by A. bilimbi leaf extract and to evaluate the potential mechanisms. METHODS: Ethanolic leaf extract of A. bilimbi was exposed to Myf5 lineage precursor cells to stimulate adipocyte differentiation. Protein expressions of brown adipocyte markers were determined through high content screening analysis and validated through western blotting. Mito Stress Test assay was conducted to evaluate the cellular oxygen consumption rate upon A. bilimbi treatment. RESULTS: A. bilimbi ethanolic leaf extract exhibited an adipogenesis effect similar to a PPARgamma agonist. It also demonstrated brown adipocyte differentiation in myoblastic Myf5-positive precursor cells. Expression of UCP1 and PRDM16 were induced. The basal metabolic rate and respiratory capacity of mitochondria were increased upon A. bilimbi treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that Averrhoa bilimbi ethanolic leaf extract induces adipocyte browning through PRDM16 activation and enhances mitochondria activity due to UCP1 up-regulation.

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) mediated extraction of pectin from Averrhoa bilimbi: Optimization and characterization studies.

The Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize the extraction of pectin from Averrhoa bilimbi (ABP) using deep eutectic solvents (DES). The four variables of extraction were percentage of DES (X1), extraction time (X2), temperature (X3), and molar ratio of DES components (X4). The quadratic regression equation was established as a predicted model with R2 value of 0.9375. The optimal condition was X1 = 3.74% (w/v), X2 = 2.5 h, X3 = 80 °C, and X4 = 1:1. No significant difference between the predicted (14.70%) and experimental (14.44%) maximum yield of sample was noted. Characterization of physico-chemical properties characterization of ABP was performed. The main components of ABP were galacturonic acids, arabinoses, and xyloses. ABP also showed good functional properties such as water holding capacity (3.70 g/g), oil holding capacity (2.40 g/g), and foaming capacity (133.33%). The results also showed that ABP exhibited free radical scavenging activity (41.46%) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (1.15 mM).

Extraction of antifreeze proteins from cold acclimated leaves of Drimys angustifolia and their application to star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) freezing.

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) have the ability to modify ice crystal growth and thus there is great interest in identifying new sources of these compounds. All extracts of cold acclimated leaves of Drimys angustifolia, obtained using different buffers, inhibited recrystallization and they presented similar SDS-PAGE profiles, with bands close to 20 and 37 kDa. The extract obtained using Tris-HCl/DDT buffer (pH 8) was used in the pre-treatment of frozen star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) by immersion or vacuum infiltration. The treatments did not affect the titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, ascorbic acid content and colour. However, only star fruits that were vacuum infiltrated with AFPs retained their drip loss constant after 15 days. Moreover, with this treatment the star fruit firmness was maintained on thawing after 60 days of storage. The vacuum infiltration of Drimys angustifolia AFPs into the star fruit allowed an initial cryoprotection, indicating that the application of AFPs can increase the quality of frozen star fruit.