Comparing the wound healing potential of natural rubber latex serum and F1-protein: An in vivo approach.

Chronic wounds pose significant health concerns. Current treatment options include natural compounds like natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis. NRL, particularly the F1 protein fraction, has demonstrated bioactivity, biocompatibility, and angiogenic effects. So far, there is no study comparing F1 protein with total NRL serum, and the necessity of downstream processing remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the angiogenic potential of F1 protein compared to total NRL serum and the need for downstream processing. For that, ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-Sepharose), antioxidant activity, physicochemical characterization, cell culture in McCoy fibroblasts, and wound healing in Balb-C mice were performed. Also, the evaluation of histology and collagen content and the levels of inflammatory mediators were quantified. McCoy fibroblast cell assay showed that F1 protein (0.01 %) and total NRL serum (0.01 %) significantly increased cell proliferation by 47.1 ± 11.3 % and 25.5 ± 2.5 %, respectively. However, the AA of F1 protein (78.9 ± 0.8 %) did not show a significant difference compared to NRL serum (77.0 ± 1.1 %). F1 protein and NRL serum were more effective in wound management in rodents. Histopathological analysis confirmed accelerated healing and advanced tissue repair. Similarly, the F1 protein (0.01 %) increased collagen, showing that this fraction can stimulate the synthesis of collagen by fibroblastic cells. Regarding cytokines production (IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ), F1 protein and NRL serum did not exert an impact on the synthesis of these cytokines. Furthermore, we did not observe statistically significant changes in dosages of enzymes (MPO and EPO) among the groups. Nevertheless, Nitric Oxide dosage was reduced drastically when the F1 protein (0.01 %) protein was applied topically. These findings contribute to the understanding of F1 protein and NRL serum properties and provide insights into cost-effectiveness and practical applications in medicine and biotechnology. Therefore, further research is needed to assess the economic feasibility of downstream processing for NRL-based herbal medicine derived from Hevea brasiliensis.

Furan fatty acid extracted from Hevea brasiliensis latex increases muscle mass in mice.

Skeletal muscle is essential for locomotion and plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis. It is regulated by nutrition, genetic factors, physical activity and hormones. Furan fatty acids (FuFAs) are minor fatty acids present in small quantities in food from plants and animals origin. Recently, we showed that a preventive nutritional supplementation with furan fatty acid in a DIO mouse model reduces metabolic disorders. The present study was designed to determine the influence of FuFA-F2 extracted from Hevea brasiliensis latex on skeletal muscle phenotype. In C2C12 myotubes we found that FuFA-F2 whatever the concentration used increased protein content. We revealed that in C2C12 myotubes FuFA-F2 (10 µM) increases protein synthesis as shown by the stimulation of mTOR phosphorylation. Next, to confirm in vivo our results C57Bl6 mice were supplemented by oral gavage with vehicle or FuFA-F2 (20 mg/kg) for 3 and a half weeks. We found that mice supplemented with FuFA-F2 had a greater lean mass than the control mice. In line with this observation, we revealed that FuFA-F2 increased muscle mass and promoted more oxidative muscle metabolism in mice as attested by cytochrome c oxidase activity. In conclusion, we demonstrated that FuFA-F2 stimulates muscle anabolism in mice in vitro and in vivo, mimicking in part physical activity. This study highlights that in vivo FuFA-F2 may have health benefits by increasing muscle mass and oxidative metabolism.

The aging analysis of natural rubber-Copaifera oblongifolia extract membranes.

Natural rubber (NR), derived from Hevea brasiliensis, has properties for biomedical applications. Several studies indicate that these properties can be amplified when we associate another bioproduct. However, there are no studies of aging aspects of this biomaterial regarding changes in functionality, structure and composition. The objective was to evaluate the aging process of natural rubber membranes - copaiba (NRC) subjected to controlled conditions of time, light and presence of oxygen. The NRC was prepared and stored in the presence or absence of light and vacuum, for periods of 30, 60 and 90 days. Subsequently, the membranes were characterized through the techniques of wettability, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, scanning microscopy and antioxidant activity. The wettability analysis, showed that NRC membranes both in the zero time and in the aging time were hydrophilic. Through thermogravimetric analysis and differential exploratory analysis the membranes remained thermally stable. The scanning electronic microscopy, indicated no morphological alterations during the observed period. After 90 days, the packaged membranes showed satisfactory antioxidant activity. Our results suggest that the membranes were resistant to the storage period, since they maintained their chemical, thermal, morphological and antioxidant characteristics. Hence, it corroborates to use of membranes as a possible curative for biomedical applications.

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed oil supplementation attenuates immunological stress and inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-challenged laying hens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of PUFA-enriched rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed oil (RSO) supplementation in diets on the productive performance, plasma biochemical parameters, immune response, and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged laying hens. Two hundred and forty 25-wk-old Lohmann Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 5 treatments, each including 4 replicates with 12 birds per replicate. The control group and LPS-challenged group were fed a corn-soybean-basal diet; 3 RSO-supplemented groups were fed experimental diets containing 1, 2, and 4% RSO for a feeding period of 4 wk. On the 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 d of the RSO supplementation period of 4 wk, hens were injected intraperitoneally with LPS at 1 mg/kg body weight (challenge group and RSO-supplemented groups) or with the same amount of saline (control group). The results showed that the addition of RSO promoted laying performance by increasing egg production, total egg weight, daily egg mass, and feed intake in comparison to the LPS-challenged laying hens (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with laying hens stimulated with LPS, the analysis of blood cell and plasma parameters revealed that hens in RSO-supplemented groups had significantly lower levels (P < 0.05) of white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes (LYM), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, immunoglobulin A (IgA), triiodothyronine (T3), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Further, RSO supplementation significantly reduced the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) of the ileum, spleen, and liver in LPS-challenged laying hens (P < 0.05), suggesting that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of RSO is related to the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, RSO supplementation in diets could improve laying performance, attenuate immunological stress, and inhibit the inflammatory response in LPS-challenged laying hens, especially at the dietary inclusion of 4% RSO. This study will provide an insight into the application of RSO to positively contribute to overall health and welfare in laying hens.

In vitro antioxidant extracts evaluation from the residue of the Hevea brasiliensis seed.

The antioxidants used in the food industry are essential to inhibit the formation of free radicals, preserving the existing properties in the different matrices. However, the insecurity of the synthetic antioxidants regarding human health propels search for natural substrates with potential antioxidant activity as an alternative to synthetic compounds. In this way, the work had as objective obtaining extracts from the seed pomace of the Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree), relating the contents of flavonoids and total phenols in the application as an antioxidant. The methodology consisted of the extraction using four solvents, varying extractive methods, time, and seed concentrations. The antioxidant activity in vitro was evaluated by capturing the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil) radical. The optimized results demonstrate that the aqueous extracts produced in the Soxhlet in the concentrations of 85 g L-1 and retention time of 4 h reached 37.73 ± 1.69% in the antioxidant tests of the free radical DPPH capture, 1405.15 mg EAC 100 g-1 in the quantification of phenolic compounds and 223.34 mg 100 g-1 of total flavonoids. Thus, this work may contribute to the realization of studies and future research for characterization and identification concerning which phenolic compounds and flavonoids attribute the antioxidant characteristic to the extracts produced, enabling the discovery of products with high added value in the production chain. In addition, because the water used as a solvent showed greater antioxidant potential between the extracts, the non-toxic and environmentally friendly character is highlighted, allowing a wide variety of applications in the food industry.

Para rubber seed oil: The safe and efficient bio-material for hair loss treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Para rubber (Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Müll. Arg.)) is the important crop of the word. It has been vastly used in biomedical products. However, its pharmacologically application besides the latex is sparely to be explored especially the seed. Cellular biological activities of the standardized para rubber seed oil for hair loss treatment were therefore assessed. METHODS: Para rubber seed oil was prepared and standardized using GC/MS on the basis of its pharmacologically active fatty acids. The oil was safety assessed in human dermal papilla and DU-145 human prostate carcinoma. Cellular antioxidant activity was determined as well as proliferation stimulating efficacy and inhibitory effect against 5α-reductase. RESULTS: Oleic acid, fatty acid of cutaneous benefits, was majorly detected in the oil and followed by linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. The standardized para rubber seed oil was proved to be safe on human follicle dermal papilla and DU-145 human prostate carcinoma at the concentration of 0.1-50 and 0.1-100 µg/mL, respectively. The standardized para rubber seed oil stimulated the cell proliferation and posed cellular antioxidant activity in human dermal papilla at a comparable potency to minoxidil, dutasteride and vitamin C at the same tested concentration. In addition, the standardized para rubber seed oil inhibited 5α-reductase as examined in DU-145 human prostate carcinoma, although at a lesser degree than the standards at the same tested concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The standardized para rubber seed oil is evidenced as the safe and efficient bio-oil to be used for hair growth stimulating or reduce/suppress hair loss treatment.

Healing effects of natural latex serum 1% from Hevea brasiliensis in an experimental skin abrasion wound model

Abstract Background Dermabrasion is related with mechanical and surgical traumas on the skin; usually topical antiseptics and/or saline have been used for healing. Natural products for wound healing can also be used for abrasions, such as latex from Hevea brasiliensis. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro viability and migratory/proliferative effects of latex serum from H. brasiliensis and to compare with a commercially available standard antiseptic solution and saline in experimental dermabrasion on rats. Methods For in vitro evaluation, MTT and scratch assays were used. In vivo testing was performed in 72 rats submitted to dermabrasion, treated with saline, antiseptic, or latex serum. This study evaluated re-epithelialization, neutrophilic infiltration, and the quantification of crust and epidermis. Results Latex showed viability at 1% and 0.1% concentrations and migratory/proliferative activity at 0.01% concentrations. The re-epithelialization was highest in latex group on 7th day. The latex group displayed lower thickness of crusts and greater extent of epidermal layers. The latex and antiseptic groups showed increases of myeloperoxidase levels on the 2nd day and showed important reductions from the 7th day. Study limitations Acute superficial wound model in rats and non-use of gel-cream (medium) without latex. Conclusion In conclusion, non-toxic latex stimulated migration/proliferation of keratinocytes in vitro and significantly accelerated wound healing in animal excoriation models compared to chlorhexidine or saline.

Healing effects of natural latex serum 1% from Hevea brasiliensis in an experimental skin abrasion wound model.

BACKGROUND: Dermabrasion is related with mechanical and surgical traumas on the skin; usually topical antiseptics and/or saline have been used for healing. Natural products for wound healing can also be used for abrasions, such as latex from Hevea brasiliensis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro viability and migratory/proliferative effects of latex serum from H. brasiliensis and to compare with a commercially available standard antiseptic solution and saline in experimental dermabrasion on rats. METHODS: For in vitro evaluation, MTT and scratch assays were used. In vivo testing was performed in 72 rats submitted to dermabrasion, treated with saline, antiseptic, or latex serum. This study evaluated re-epithelialization, neutrophilic infiltration, and the quantification of crust and epidermis. RESULTS: Latex showed viability at 1% and 0.1% concentrations and migratory/proliferative activity at 0.01% concentrations. The re-epithelialization was highest in latex group on 7th day. The latex group displayed lower thickness of crusts and greater extent of epidermal layers. The latex and antiseptic groups showed increases of myeloperoxidase levels on the 2nd day and showed important reductions from the 7th day. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Acute superficial wound model in rats and non-use of gel-cream (medium) without latex. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, non-toxic latex stimulated migration/proliferation of keratinocytes in vitro and significantly accelerated wound healing in animal excoriation models compared to chlorhexidine or saline.

Optimization and kinetic studies on conversion of rubber seed (Hevea brasiliensis) oil to methyl esters over a green biowaste catalyst.

The goal of the study was to establish the optimal condition for the transesterification process for Hevea brasiliensis oil (HBO) conversion into H. brasiliensis oil methyl esters (HBOME) using a novel base heterogeneous catalyst synthesized from a biowaste (kola nut pod husk). Thus, the influence of concentration of catalyst, MeOH:HBO molar ratio, reaction time and reaction temperature on the HBOME yield was identified using Taguchi orthogonal array design approach. Also, the overall reaction rate constant (k) and reaction order (n) for the process was determined as a way to develop a kinetic model. The results showed that HBOME yield of 96.97 wt% could be achieved using catalyst amount of 3.5 wt%, MeOH:HBO molar ratio of 6:1, reaction time of 75 min and reaction temperature of 65 °C. Performance evaluation of the process input variables suggests reaction time had the highest influence on the HBOME yield. The values of n and k were determined to be 1 and 0.0034 min-1, respectively via kinetic modeling of the transesterification process. The cetane number, kinematic viscosity and acid value of the HBOME produced were 59.54 ± 0.15, 4.98 ± 0.12 mm2/s and 0.22 ± 0.00 mg KOH/g oil, respectively, which compared well with the standard specifications for biodiesel. Thus, HBO and kola nut pod husk could serve as cheap bioresources for biodiesel production.

Effect of Hevea brasiliensis seed meal or Euphorbia heterophylla seed supplemented diets on performance, physicochemical and sensory properties of eggs, and egg yolk fatty acid profile in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris).

A total of 144 French selected breed (Galor) female guinea fowl (GF) of 42 wk of age were enrolled for a feeding trial of 15, 30, and 45 D duration. The birds were randomly assigned to 18 cages, each containing 8 birds. A total of 3 isonitrogenous and isocaloric dietary treatments were trialed, each diet comprising 6 replications (cages), which meant a total of 48 birds per diet. The GF were fed either a control diet C (commercial diet "FACI ponte 20", SIPRA, Ivory Coast, usually used for all poultry species) or the diet C supplemented with 5% Euphorbia heterophylla seeds (diet E) and the diet C supplemented with 5% Hevea seed meal (Hevea brasiliensis) (diet H). Animal performance were assessed for 3 periods (days 0 to 15, 0 to 30, and 0 to 45), and egg quality and composition were assessed at 15, 30, and 45 D of the trial. The results indicated no mortality during the trial. The laying rate was the highest (43.9%) with diet E and the lowest with diet C (32.5%), the laying rate with diet H being intermediate (38.5%). Diet E containing Euphorbia seeds led to a reduced cholesterol content of the eggs. Additionally, inclusion of Euphorbia seeds and, to a lesser extent, of the Hevea seed meal in the diet led to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched GF eggs, with thereby, improved nutritional value. A sensory test did not find any difference between the 3 diets on trial.

Performance of guinea fowl fed hevea seed meal or cashew nut meal as a partial substitute for soya bean meal.

Guinea fowl production is increasing in developing countries and has a crucial role in the fight against poverty. However, the feed cost is very high, especially the soya bean meal cost, and farmers cannot afford to buy commercial feed. Consequently, animals do not receive feed adapted to their nutritional needs and they exhibit poor performance. The aim of this paper is to partially substitute soya bean meal by local by-products, discarded, in abundant supply and not used in human nutrition. French Galor guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and local African guinea fowl (150 birds per breed) were reared for 16 weeks and fed the same starter diet for the initial 4 weeks. From 4 weeks of age, experimental birds from each breed were randomly assigned to three grower isoproteic and isolipidic dietary treatments, each containing five replications (floor pens); each replication included 10 birds of the same breed. The guinea fowl of each breed were fed either control grower diet using soya bean meal as the protein supplement GS, or trial grower diet GN (soya bean meal supplement partially substituted by 15% cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) meal) or trial grower diet GH (soya bean meal supplement partially substituted by 15% hevea seed (Hevea brasiliensis) meal). The results indicated that hevea seed meal contained a high content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (21.2% of total fatty acids (FAs)). The use of hevea seed meal in guinea fowl grower diet was found to exert no adverse effect on growth performance and carcass yield. However, the use of cashew nut meal led to negative effects on performance like daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Therefore, cashew nut meal cannot be considered as a suitable partial substitute for soya bean meal in diets. The use of hevea seed meal led to a very low abdominal fat proportion and low blood triglyceride and cholesterol content. Additionally, inclusion of dietary hevea seed meal resulted in guinea fowl meat enriched in PUFAs, especially n-3 FAs, thereby significantly improving the nutritional value.

Depsidones and a dihydroxanthenone from the endophytic fungi Simplicillium lanosoniveum (J.F.H. Beyma) Zare & W. Gams PSU-H168 and PSU-H261.

Three new compounds including two depsidones (simplicildones J and K) and one dihydroxanthenone (globosuxanthone E) together with nine known compounds were obtained from the crude extracts of two endophytic fungi Simplicillium lanosoniveum (J.F.H. Beyma) Zare & W. Gams PSU-H168 and PSU-H261 which were isolated from the leaves of Hevea brasiliensis. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic evidence. The absolute configuration of globosuxanthone E was established by means of experimental and calculated TDDFT ECD data. Simplicildone K exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus with equal MIC values of 128 µg/mL. Simplicildone K and globosuxanthone E displayed antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC90113 with the same MIC values of 32 µg/mL. In addition, known botryohordine C and simplicildone A showed phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitory activity with the IC50 values of 5.69 and 9.96 µM, respectively, and were noncytotoxic toward noncancerous Vero cells.

Growth factors expression and ultrastructural morphology after application of low-level laser and natural latex protein on a sciatic nerve crush-type injury.

The effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and natural latex protein (F1, Hevea brasiliensis) were evaluated on crush-type injuries (15kg) to the sciatic nerve in the expressions of nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and ultrastructural morphology to associate with previous morphometric data using the same protocol of injury and treatment. Thirty-six male rats were allocated into six experimental groups (n = 6): 1-Control; 2-Exposed nerve; 3-Injured nerve; 4-LLLT (15J/cm2, 780nm, 30mW, Continuous Wave) treated injured nerve; 5-F1 (0,1mg) treated injured nerve; and 6-LLLT&F1 treated injured nerve. Four or eight weeks after, sciatic nerve samples were processed for analysis. NGF expression were higher (p<0.05) four weeks after in all injured groups in comparison to Control (Med:0.8; Q1:0; Q3:55.5%area). Among them, the Injured (Med:70.7; Q1:64.4; Q3:77.5%area) showed the highest expression, and F1 (Med:17.3; Q1:14.1; Q3:21.7%area) had the lowest. At week 8, NGF expressions decreased in the injured groups. VEGF was expressed in all groups; its higher expression was observed in the injured groups 4 weeks after (Injured. Med:29.5; F1. Med:17.7 and LLLT&F1. Med:19.4%area). At week 8, a general reduction of VEGF expression was noted, remaining higher in F1 (Med:35.1; Q1.30.6; Q3.39.6%area) and LLLT&F1 (Med:18.5; Q1:16; Q3:25%area). Ultrastructural morphology revealed improvements in the treated groups; 4 weeks after, the F1 group presented greater quantity and diameter of the nerve fibers uniformly distributed. Eight weeks after, the F1 and LLLT&F1 showed similar characteristics to the non-injured groups. In summary, these results and our previous studies indicated that F1 and LLLT may favorably influence the healing of nerve crush injury. Four weeks after nerve injury F1 group showed the best results suggesting recovery acceleration; at 8th week F1 and LLLT&F1 groups presented better features and higher vascularization that could be associated with VEGF maintenance.

Salicylic Acid Induces Resistance in Rubber Tree against Phytophthora palmivora.

Induced resistance by elicitors is considered to be an eco-friendly strategy to stimulate plant defense against pathogen attack. In this study, we elucidated the effect of salicylic acid (SA) on induced resistance in rubber tree against Phytophthora palmivora and evaluated the possible defense mechanisms that were involved. For SA pretreatment, rubber tree exhibited a significant reduction in disease severity by 41%. Consistent with the occurrence of induced resistance, the pronounced increase in H2O2 level, catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities were observed. For defense reactions, exogenous SA promoted the increases of H2O2, CAT, POD and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activities, including lignin, endogenous SA and scopoletin (Scp) contents. However, SA had different effects on the activity of each CAT isoform in the particular rubber tree organs. Besides, three partial cDNAs encoding CAT (HbCAT1, HbCAT2 and HbCAT3) and a partial cDNA encoding PAL (HbPAL) were isolated from rubber tree. Moreover, the expressions of HbCAT1, HbPAL and HbPR1 were induced by SA. Our findings suggested that, upon SA priming, the elevated H2O2, CAT, POD and PAL activities, lignin, endogenous SA and Scp contents, including the up-regulated HbCAT1, HbPAL and HbPR1 expressions could potentiate the resistance in rubber tree against P. palmivora.

Evaluation of peptides release using a natural rubber latex biomembrane as a carrier.

The biomembrane natural (NRL-Natural Rubber Latex), manipulated from the latex obtained from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, has shown great potential for application in biomedicine and biomaterials. Reflecting the biocompatibility and low bounce rate of this material, NRL has been used as a physical barrier to infectious agents and for the controlled release of drugs and extracts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incorporation and release of peptides using a latex biomembrane carrier. After incorporation, the release of material from the membrane was observed using spectrophotometry. Analyses using HPLC and mass spectroscopy did not confirm the release of the antimicrobial peptide [W6]Hylin a1 after 24 h. In addition, analysis of the release solution showed new compounds, indicating the degradation of the peptide by enzymes contained in the latex. Additionally, the release of a peptide with a shorter sequence (Ac-WAAAA) was evaluated, and degradation was not observed. These results showed that the use of NRL as solid matrices as delivery systems of peptide are sequence dependent and could to be evaluated for each sequence.

Antiviral activity of Salidroside from the leaves of Nigerian mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) parasitic on Hevea brasiliensis against respiratory syncytial virus.

Isolated Salidroside from the leaves of Nigerian mistletoe (Loranthus micranthus Linn) parasitic on Hevea brasiliensis was evaluated for its antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus. Semi- preparative HPLC separation of the ethyl acetate fraction of the leave extract of Loranthus micranthus Linn parasitic on Hevea brasiliensis led to the isolation of a polyphenol. Using spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR and mass spectroscopic data) as well as by comparison with literature data the structure of the compound was determined as 6-O-galloyl salidroside. The antiviral activity of the isolated compound was evaluated against the respiratory syncytial virus. The isolated Salidroside showed potent inhibition towards a recombinant straining respiratory syncytial virus with Inhibitory Concentration (IC 50) value of 10.3±1.50 µg/mL. The result indicates that Salidroside is an efficient antiviral agent against RSV infection and might be useful for the management of RSV pathogenesis.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) Balle (Loranthaceae), a Mistletoe Growing on Rubber Tree, Using the Dilution Techniques.

The alarming increase in multidrug resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to conventional drugs in recent years has prompted the search for new leads in alternative remedies in natural products. Hence, this study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial properties of Phragmanthera capitata, a parasitic mistletoe growing on rubber trees. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the acetone, methanol, ethanol, and aqueous extracts were investigated using five gram-negative and five gram-positive bacteria and four fungi. A 96-well resazurin broth and agar dilution techniques were used for the determination of the Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations. The antibacterial activity of the organic extracts had comparative effects on all the bacteria with a MIC of 1.25 to 5 mg/mL and MBC of 2.5 to 10 mg/mL. However, the acetone extract showed higher bactericidal effect while the aqueous extract was not active. The organic solvent extracts also showed antifungal activities on two of the fungi with a MIC of 1.25 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. However, the aqueous extract had the highest activity inhibiting all the fungi with a MIC of ≤0.3125 to 1.25 mg/mL. The study supports the ethnomedicinal claims of P. capitata as a remedy for the diseases/infections caused by these organisms.

Pilot scale intensification of rubber seed (Hevea brasiliensis) oil via chemical interesterification using hydrodynamic cavitation technology.

Chemical interesterification of rubber seed oil has been investigated for four different designed orifice devices in a pilot scale hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) system. Upstream pressure within 1-3.5bar induced cavities to intensify the process. An optimal orifice plate geometry was considered as plate with 1mm dia hole having 21 holes at 3bar inlet pressure. The optimisation results of interesterification were revealed by response surface methodology; methyl acetate to oil molar ratio of 14:1, catalyst amount of 0.75wt.% and reaction time of 20min at 50°C. HC is compared to mechanical stirring (MS) at optimised values. The reaction rate constant and the frequency factor of HC were 3.4-fold shorter and 3.2-fold higher than MS. The interesterified product was characterised by following EN 14214 and ASTM D 6751 international standards.

Evaluation of wound healing treated with latex derived from rubber trees and Aloe Vera extract in rats.

PURPOSE:: To compare the use of latex derivative and Aloe vera extract to wound healing. METHODS:: Twenty one rats were randomly divided into three groups and each one had a wound made by incision. The treatment consisted in: derivative of latex (GL), Aloe vera extract (GA) and saline solution (GC). The wound area was measured on the 7th, 14th and 21st days and macroscopic and microscopic evaluation were done. RESULTS:: The comparison between the measurements of the wounds presented statistical difference in GC and GA from the 7th day of evaluation and GL from the 14th day. The extent of the wound was significantly smaller by the 7th day in GL. Histologically, in GL, the neovascularization was significant on the 7th, 14th and 21st days. On the 21st day the scar was large and little mature. In GA and GC, the findings were similar on the 7th, 14th and 21st days with a slight better organization of skin and collagen on the 21st in GA. CONCLUSIONS:: Statistical analysis did not allow for the definition of the best topical agent. The latex had the highest angiogenesis, but a possible foreign body granuloma. Aloe vera has revealed a healing process adequated temporally in histology.

Evaluation of wound healing treated with latex derived from rubber trees and Aloe Vera extract in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To compare the use of latex derivative and Aloe vera extract to wound healing. METHODS: Twenty one rats were randomly divided into three groups and each one had a wound made by incision. The treatment consisted in: derivative of latex (GL), Aloe vera extract (GA) and saline solution (GC). The wound area was measured on the 7th, 14th and 21st days and macroscopic and microscopic evaluation were done. RESULTS: The comparison between the measurements of the wounds presented statistical difference in GC and GA from the 7th day of evaluation and GL from the 14th day. The extent of the wound was significantly smaller by the 7th day in GL. Histologically, in GL, the neovascularization was significant on the 7th, 14th and 21st days. On the 21st day the scar was large and little mature. In GA and GC, the findings were similar on the 7th, 14th and 21st days with a slight better organization of skin and collagen on the 21st in GA. CONCLUSIONS: Statistical analysis did not allow for the definition of the best topical agent. The latex had the highest angiogenesis, but a possible foreign body granuloma. Aloe vera has revealed a healing process adequated temporally in histology.