Study of chemical composition and nutritional values of vegetable wastes in Bangladesh.

The present study was conducted with the objectives of determining the chemical composition and nutritional value of vegetable waste (VW) of households and the marketplace for their suitability as ruminant feed. The crude protein, total digestible nutrients and extent of rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) of VW of households were 140.0 g kg-1, 0.668 and 0.855, respectively; while those of the marketplace were 169.0 g kg-1, 0.633 and 0.80, respectively. The levels of chromium and lead in each respectively, was 13.27 and 1.53 ng kg-1DM; and 31.01 and 5.71 ng kg-1DM. The total aflatoxins in VW of households was 3.08 µg kg-1DM, and undetectable in VW from the marketplace. Considering the chemical composition and safety parameters studied, VW could preliminary be considered as animal feed. The feeding of processed marketplace VW (VWP) at 275 g kg-1DM of a diet or 0.76% of live weight (LW) to growing bulls, replacing 50% of a concentrate mixture as supplement to a Napier silage diet for a period of 34 days reduced the total DM intake (0.0276 vs 0.0343 LW) without any significant (P > 0.05) changes in DM or protein digestibility. Blood urea levels (19.5 vs 23.67 mg dl-1), and serum creatinine levels (1.37 vs 1.08 mg dl-1) differed significantly (P > 0.05) between the two groups but were within normal physiological ranges. Therefore, it may be concluded that the level of incorporation of VWP would be less than 50% replacement of the concentrate in the diet. Further research is required to determine optimum inclusion levels in ruminant diets.

Effect of Quillaja saponaria dietary administration on colour, oxidative stability and volatile profile of muscle longissimus dorsi of Barbarine lamb.

Eighteen Barbarine lambs were assigned during 77 days to three dietary treatments (n=6): control, oat hay ad libitum and 400 g of concentrate; QS60 and the QS90 control diet supplemented with 60 mg and 90 mg Quillaja saponaria (QS) bark extract/kg dry matter, respectively. The analysis of pre-frozen longissimus dorsi muscle showed that the QS90 treatment reduced meat redness (a*) and saturation (C*) measured after 2h of blooming. It also reduced the rate of decrease in a* values (P=0.02) during 14 days of refrigerated storage. Supplementation with QS extended meat colour stability by reducing (P<0.05) the rate of increase in hue angle (H*) values. Neither the rate of metmyoglobin accumulation at the meat surface nor lipid peroxidation over storage duration differed between treatments. The overall meat volatile compound profile was similar between the groups. We conclude that supplementing QS affects meat colour development at the meat surface and extends its stability without producing detrimental effects on meat volatile compounds.

Effect of dietary saponins from Quillaja saponaria L. on fatty acid composition and cholesterol content in muscle Longissimus dorsi of lambs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of saponins from Quillaja saponaria on fatty acid (FA) composition and cholesterol content in muscle Longissimus dorsi of lambs. A total of 24 Barbarine lambs were assigned to four dietary treatments: control diet (C) consisting of oat hay ad libitum and 400 g of concentrate (80% barley, 17.5% soybean meal and 2.5% vitamin and mineral supplement); C diet plus 30 ppm of Q. saponaria L. (QS30); C diet plus 60 ppm of Quillaja (QS60); C diet plus 90 ppm of Quillaja (QS90). Saponin supplementation reduced the concentration of C14:1 cis-9 (P = 0.001) and of its desaturation index (P = 0.002). None of the FA intermediates of ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) was affected by Quillaja saponin supplementation (P > 0.05). The concentration of C20:4n-6 was higher in the meat of animals receiving 60 ppm of Quillaja than C and QS30 groups. Supplementing 60 ppm of Quillaja reduced the ratio between α-linolenic and linoleic acids compared with the C group (P = 0.023). We did not find any significant effect of Quillaja saponins on muscle cholesterol level. Further investigations are necessary to assess the metabolic fate of saponins in the rumen and to understand whether there is an effect of saponin on Δ9-desaturase enzyme activity, ruminal BH and cholesterol metabolism in ruminants. Supplementing up to 90 ppm of Quillaja saponins did not produce detrimental effects on the overall meat FA profile.

Dietary inclusion of detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal: effects on growth performance and metabolic efficiency in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose and drought-resistant shrub or small tree widespread all over the tropics and subtropics. Its seeds are rich in oil, and the Jatropha kernel meal obtained after oil extraction is rich in protein. However, presence of toxic and antinutritional constituents restricts its use in fish feed. Jatropha kernel meal was detoxified. Common carp, Cyprinus carpio, fingerlings (15; av. body mass 10.9±0.65 g) were randomly distributed in three groups with five replicates. A 6-week feeding experiment was conducted in a respirometer system to evaluate the growth performance, nutrient utilisation and energy budget. Fish were fed isonitrogenous diets (38% crude protein): control diet (Control group) containing fish meal (FM) protein based protein and two other diets replacing 75% FM protein with detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJKM, Jatropha group) and soybean meal (SBM, Soybean group). At the end of the experiment, body mass gain, metabolic growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value, energy retention, efficiency of metabolised energy for growth and efficiency of energy retention were determined. These parameters were high and statistically similar for Control and Jatropha groups and significantly lower (P<0.05) for Soybean group. Whereas a reverse trend was observed for energy expenditure per g protein retained in fish body. No significant differences were found in heat released, gross energy uptake, metabolised energy intake, metabolisability, energy expenditure, energy expenditure per g protein fed and apparently unmetabolised energy. Conclusively, common carp-fed plant protein (DJKM and SBM) and FM protein-based diets exhibited equal average metabolic rate.

Toxicity of Jatropha curcas phorbol esters in mice.

Phorbol esters are the main toxins in Jatropha curcas seed and oil. The aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of phorbol esters given by intragastric administration and to determine the LD50 for Swiss Hauschka mice. The LD50 and 95% confidence limits for male mice were 27.34 mg/kg body mass and 24.90-29.89 mg/kg body mass; and the LD5 and LD95 were 18.87 and 39.62 mg/kg body mass, respectively. The regression equations between the probits of mortalities (Y) and the log of doses (D) was Y=-9.67+10.21 log (D). Histopathological studies on the organs from the dead mice showed: (1) no significant abnormal changes in the organs at the lowest dose (21.26 mg/kg body mass) studied, (2) prominent lesions mainly found in lung and kidney, with diffused haemorrhages in lung, and glomerular sclerosis and atrophy in kidney at doses > or = 32.40 mg/kg body mass, and (3) multiple abruption of cardiac muscle fibres and anachromasis of cortical neurons at the highest dose of 36.00 mg/kg body mass. The results obtained would aid in developing safety measures for the Jatropha based biofuel industry and in exploiting the pharmaceutical and agricultural applications of phorbol esters.

Changes in microbial community structure, methanogenesis and rumen fermentation in response to saponin-rich fractions from different plant materials.

AIMS: Investigation of the effects of saponin-rich fractions on rumen fermentation, methane production and the microbial community. METHODS AND RESULTS: Saponins were extracted from Carduus, Sesbania and Knautia leaves and fenugreek seeds. Two levels of saponin-rich fractions with a substrate were incubated using the Hohenheim gas method. Methane was measured using an infrared-based methane analyser and microbial communities using quantitative PCR. On addition of saponin-rich fractions, methane and short-chain fatty acid production was not affected. The protozoal counts decreased by 10-39%. Sesbania saponins decreased methanogen population by 78%. Decrease in ruminal fungal population (20-60%) and increase in Fibrobacter succinogenes (21-45%) and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (23-40%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The saponins evaluated possessed anti-protozoal activity; however, this activity did not lead to methane reduction. Fenugreek saponins seemed to have potential for increasing rumen efficiency. The saponins altered the microbial community towards proliferation of fibre-degrading bacteria and inhibition of fungal population. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The uni-directional relationship between protozoal numbers and methanogenesis, as affected by saponins, is not obligatory. All saponins might not hold promise for decreasing methane production from ruminants.

Bioactivity of phytochemicals in some lesser-known plants and their effects and potential applications in livestock and aquaculture production systems.

Livestock and aquaculture production is under political and social pressure, especially in the European Union (EU), to decrease pollution and environmental damage arising due to animal agriculture. The EU has banned the use of antibiotics and other chemicals, which have been shown to be effective in promoting growth and reducing environment pollutants because of the risk caused to humans by chemical residues in food and by antibiotic resistance being passed on to human pathogens. As a result of this, scientists have intensified efforts in exploiting plants, plant extracts or natural plant compounds as potential natural alternatives for enhancing the livestock productivity. This paper discusses work on the effects of various phytochemicals and plant secondary metabolites in ruminant and fish species. The focus is on (i) plants such as Ananas comosus (pine apple), Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) and Azadirachta indica (neem) containing anthelmintic compounds and for their use for controlling internal parasites; (ii) plants containing polyphenols and their applications for protecting proteins from degradation in the rumen, increasing efficiency of microbial protein synthesis in rumen and decreasing methane emission; for using as antioxidants, antibacterial and antihelmintic agents; and for changing meat colour and for increasing n-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in meat; (iii) saponin-rich plants such as quillaja, yucca and Sapindus saponaria for increasing the efficiency of rumen fermentation, decreasing methane emission and enhancing growth; for producing desired nutritional attributes such as lowering of cholesterol in monogastric animals; for increasing growth of fish (common carp and Nile tilapia) and for changing male to female ratio in tilapia; and for use as molluscicidal agents; (iv) Moringa oleifera leaves as a source of plant growth factor(s), antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and various glucosinolates and their degraded products for possible use as antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antipest agents; (v) Jatropha curcas toxic variety with high levels of various phytochemicals such as trypsin inhibitor, lectin, phytate and phorbol esters in seeds limiting the use of seed meal in fish and livestock diets; and the use of phorbol esters as bio-pesticidal agent; and (vi) lesser-known legumes such as Entada phaseoloides seeds containing high levels of trypsin inhibitor and saponins, Sesbania aculeate seeds rich in non-starch polysaccharides and Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seeds rich in l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and their potential as fish feed; Cassia fistula seeds as a source of antioxidants; and the use of Canavalia ensiformis, C. gladiata and C. virosa seeds containing high levels of trypsin inhinitor, lectins and canavanine. The paper also presents some challenges and future areas of work in this field.

Effects of Quillaja saponins on growth, metabolism, egg production and muscle cholesterol in individually reared Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The effects of supplementation of a Quillaja saponin (QS) mixture in the diets of tilapia have been studied using a respirometer system that allowed feeding and continuous measurement of oxygen consumption of individual fish. Five fish each were given control diet (C group) and control diet supplemented with 150 mg kg(-1) (S150 group) or 300 mg kg(-1) (S300 group) QS. At the end of 14 weeks the weight gain of the S300 group was significantly higher than control (P<0.05) whereas that of the S150 group had an intermediate value. The S150 group had a higher growth rate (P=0.05) after the first 3 weeks of feeding with the experimental diets, compared to the other two groups. At the end of the experiment the S300 group had significantly higher (P<0.05) average values for energy retention, apparent lipid conversion, carcass fat, energy and significantly lower (P<0.05) average values for apparently unutilised energy and carcass ash content compared to the C group. The corresponding values of the S150 group were intermediate between the C and S300 groups. One out of two female fish in the S150 group and both female fish in the S300 group never produced eggs during the entire 14-week experimental period. Contrarily, all three female fish in the control group and one out of the two female fish in the S150 group regularly produced eggs, at a rate of approximately once in every 14 days. The muscle cholesterol level in the S300 group was significantly higher than that of the C group. Possible mechanisms of action of the dietary saponins are discussed.

Effect of polyethylene glycol on in vitro degradability of nitrogen and microbial protein synthesis from tannin-rich browse and herbaceous legumes.

Determination of microbial degradability of N is important in formulating a sound supplementation strategy for efficient utilisation of basal as well as supplementary diet components. In vitro degradability of N (IVDN) from tannin-containing browses (Acacia cyanophylla, Acacia albida, Acioa barteri and Quercus ilex) and two herbaceous legumes (Desmodium intortum and Desmodium uncinatum) was determined using the in vitro gas-production method coupled with NH3-N measurement in the presence and absence of a tannin-binding agent (polyethylene glycol (PEG), molecular mass 6000). Addition of PEG to tannin-containing feeds significantly (P < 0.05) increased in vitro gas and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and IVDN. The use of PEG as a tannin-binding agent increased IVDN from 28 to 59, 32 to 72, 19 to 40, 32 to 73, 40 to 80, and 26 to 77% in A. cyanophylla, A. albida, A. barteri, D. intortum, D. uncinatum and Q. ilex respectively. There was significant correlation between total phenolic compounds (total phenol, TP; total tannin, TT) in leguminous forages and percentage increase in IVDN on addition of PEG (P < 0.05; R2 0.70 and 0.82 for TP and TT respectively). The difference in IVDN observed in the absence and presence of PEG indicates the amount of protein protected from degradation in the rumen by tannins. When measured after 24 h incubation, tannin-containing feeds incubated in absence of PEG resulted in higher microbial protein synthesis than in the presence of PEG. Addition of PEG significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis expressed as mumol purine/mmol SCFA.

Studies on the nutritional composition and antinutritional factors of three different germplasm seed materials of an under-utilized tropical legume, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis.

Two different germplasms of a white variety and one germplasm of a black variety of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis were evaluated for their physicochemical properties as well as their nutritional and antinutritional characteristics. All germplasms had higher grain weight, density, hydration, and swelling capacity than other common legumes. The dehulled samples contained 303.2-335.5 g(-1) protein and 46.1-53.5 g x kg(-1) lipid, and these values were higher than the respective whole seeds. The levels of macro- and microelements in both whole and dehulled seeds were comparable to those in common pulses. All germplasms had a high dietary fiber content (18-19.5%), made up of mainly insoluble dietary fiber (DF). Seed lipids were high in unsaturated fatty acids (64.7-66.9%), specifically linoleic acid (48-49%). Whole and dehulled seeds of the white variety from Salem were particularly rich in sulfur-containing amino acids with significantly higher levels of in vitro protein digestibility than the other two germplasms. All germplasms had high levels of total phenols and phytate, trypsin, and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities, but were low in tannins, saponins, and alpha-amylase inhibitor activity. Only weak hemagglutinating activity against cow erythrocytes and no hemagglutinating activity against human erythrocytes (O) was observed in all the samples. Dehulled seeds were higher in total starch, including resistant starch and oligosaccharides (with verbascose as the major fraction) than the respective whole seeds. Both whole and dehulled samples of the white variety of Salem germplasm showed significantly lower concentrations of L-dopa, nonmethylated, and methylated tetrahydroisoquinolines than the respective whole and dehulled samples of other germplasms. In general, dehulling didn't affect the overall nutritional status in any of the presently investigated samples.

Effect of Quillaja saponaria saponins and Yucca schidigera plant extract on growth of Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli K-12 was exposed to Quillaja saponaria saponins from various commercial firms (Sigma, Roth and Nor-feed) and to an extract of Yucca schidigera plant powder (DK Sarsaponin 30) at different concentrations (0.05-1.0% w/v). A concentration-dependent response was observed. Quillaja saponaria saponins from Sigma increased growth up to 0.1% (w/v) level, whereas Nor-feed and Roth saponins produced maximum growth at a much higher level (0.5 and 0.75%, w/v, respectively). These results suggest that quillaja saponins from various sources differ in their biological activity, although all three saponins had the same content of vanillin-sulphuric acid reactive moieties. The lyophilized water extract from the DK Sarsaponin powder showed maximum growth at 0.1% (w/v) level. The levels at which maximum growth was observed did not change on subjecting the quillaja or yucca saponins to heat treatment in an autoclave (121 degrees C for 30 min). All the saponins and the plant extract increased growth of Escherichia coli up to a certain concentration and thereafter decreased growth. In spite of the decreased growth at higher levels of saponins, it was higher compared to the control (without saponin) up to levels of 1% (w/v) for all saponins except Quillaja saponins from Sigma, for which the growth was lower at levels of 0.25% (w/v) and higher. Saponins have the potential to modulate microbial growth in natural and artificial fermenters.

Effects of phorbol esters in carp (Cyprinus carpio L).

Carp (Cyprinus carpio L) were fed diets containing phorbol esters at concentrations of 0, 3.75, 7.5, 15, 31, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1,000 micrograms/g feed. Phorbol esters were from Jatropha curcas nuts. Jatropha curcas toxicity has been reported in humans, rodents and livestock, and phorbol esters have been identified as the main toxic agent. The adverse effects observed in carp at phorbol esters concentrations of 31 micrograms/g or higher were lower average metabolic growth rate, fecal mucus production and rejection of feed. Average metabolic growth rates (g/kg 0.8/d) in a 7-d experimental period during which diets containing phorbol esters were fed to carp (values with different letters being significantly different) were 15.4a, 14.4a, 12.5ab, 12.4ab, 10.9b, 3.4c, 0.2c, -3.8d, -4.9d and -5.6d, respectively, at the above mentioned concentrations. The values for the recovery phase of 9-d during which phorbol esters were not included in the diet were 16.0a, 15.6a, 14.9a, 15.6a, 5.3b, 1.6b, 4.6bc, 6.3bc, 7.8c and 8.2c, respectively. The adverse effects of phorbol esters were reversible since withdrawal of the esters from the diets led to gain in body mass. None of the fish died at any of the concentrations studied. Incorporation of vitamin C, an antioxidant, at levels of 0.4 and 2% in the feed did not prevent occurrence of the adverse effects of the phorbol esters. The threshold level at which phorbol esters appeared to cause adverse effects in carp was 15 micrograms/g feed or 15 ppm in the diet. Carp were highly sensitive to phorbol esters, thus making them a useful species for bioassay of these compounds. This bioassay together with other analytic procedures could be of immense use in the development of detoxification processes for agro-industrial products containing phorbol esters, such as jatropha meal or jatropha oil, and as a quality control method to monitor successive stages in industrial detoxification processes.

Biological degradation of tannins in sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) by the white rot fungi Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Cyathus stercoreus analyzed by solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Leaves of sericea lespedeza exhibit a high proportion of condensed tannin, resulting in poor forage quality. The white rot fungi Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Cyathus sterocoreus are known to preferentially degrade lignin in a variety of plants and were evaluated for their ability to degrade condensed tannin from sericea leaves with the aim of improving digestibility. Relative levels of condensed tannin, cutin, pectin, and cellulose were monitored as a function of fungal treatment by solid-state cross-polarization and magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Total soluble phenolics, soluble tannins, and soluble and insoluble proanthocyanidin levels in fungus-treated and control samples were measured by established chemical techniques. Results indicate that both species of fungus preferentially degrade condensed tannin and that C. subvermispora is markedly superior to C. stercoreus in this capacity.

Toxicity of isolated Lantana (Lantana camara L) constituents to male and female guinea pigs.

A toxin fraction was obtained from Lantana camara L (red variety) leaves by batch extraction and column chromatography on silica gel (60-120 mesh). The main constituents of the toxin preparation were lantadene A and lantadene B and it was devoid of reduced lantadene A. Oral administration (125 mg/kg bwt) of the toxin to male and female guinea pigs caused icterus and photosensitization within 48 hr. All the affected animals had hepatomegaly and significant increases in conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin in blood plasma. The intoxicated animals of either sex had marked increases in acid phosphatase activity which was inhibited 45.77% and 49.35% by 1 mM tartrate in male and female animals respectively. The corresponding inhibition of acid phosphatase activity in control male and female guinea pigs was 15.91% and 20.33% respectively.

Effect of tannin-rich leaves of oak (Quercus incana) on various microbial enzyme activities of the bovine rumen.

1. The objective of the present experiment was to study the effects of oak (Quercus incana) leaves rich in tannins on various enzyme activities of the bovine rumen. 2. The procedure employed was incubation of tannin-rich, very-low-tannin or virtually tannin-free leaves in nylon-gauze bags in the rumen, and determination of enzyme activities in microbes tightly bound to the solid matrix and in microbes loosely plus tightly attached to the solid matrix. 3. The activities of urease (EC 3.5.1.5), carboxymethylcellulose, glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.2) and alanine aminotransferase (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) (EC 2.6.1.2) were significantly lower in the tannin-rich group, whereas the activities of glutamate ammonia ligase (glutamine synthetase) (EC 6.3.1.2; both gamma-glutamyltransferase (EC 2.3.2.2) and the forward reaction) were higher in the tannin-rich group. These changes were more marked in micro-organisms tightly bound to the solid matrix than in the more complex microbial compartment. 4. The protein, DNA and RNA contents, and protein: RNA ratio, were significantly lower in the tannin-rich group, whereas no difference was observed for protein: DNA between the groups. 5. Effects of tannin-containing extracts of oak leaves on various rumen enzymes in vitro showed a trend similar to that observed in nylon-gauze bags, suggesting that the changes observed in various compartments were due to the tannins of oak leaves.

Effect of polymorphic crystal forms of lantana toxins on icterogenic action in guinea pigs.

A partially purified preparation of toxin isolated from lantana (Lantana camara L., red variety) leaves, called fraction C, was obtained in two crystalline forms: form I, white, fluffy, rod-shaped and form II, irregular, polyhedral, shining crystals. The two forms differed in melting point behaviour and icterogenic action when administered orally to guinea pigs. Only form II was icterogenic to guinea pigs and was associated with decreased feed intake and faecal output, hepatomegaly, increase in plasma bilirubin level and acid phosphatase activity.

Protein-binding capacity of microquantities of tannins.

The physiological effect of tannins is studied in terms of their protein-binding or precipitation capacity. A number of assays based on binding of hemoglobin or bovine serum albumin (BSA) and subsequent determination of unbound protein in supernatant or tannin in a protein-tannin complex are available but with various limitations. These methods are unable to estimate protein-binding capacity, if the quantity of tannin available is low. In the method reported here, tannins or other phenolics were applied on chromatography paper and reacted with BSA and unbound BSA was washed off. The protein in the tannin-protein complex was measured spectrophotometrically after staining with Ponceau S. It required microquantities of sample. Using this method the protein-binding capacity of total leaf extract and hydrolyzable and condensed tannins of Quercus incana, Q. semecarpofolia, and Q. dilatata was determined. The protein binding capacities of ellagic acid and quercetin (microgram BSA/mg) were 297.3 and 78.0, respectively.

Isolation and partial purification of Lantana (Lantana camara L.) toxins.

A partially purified toxin fraction and lantadene A were obtained from Lantana camara L. leaves by batch extraction, column chromatography and fractional crystallization. Toxicity was tested in guinea pigs. The total number of chemical entities in the partially purified toxin preparation was 7, the 2 major ones being lantadene A and lantadene B. Lantadene A was nontoxic in itself. Likewise, another fraction containing lantadene A, lantadene B and 3 more components with higher polarity was found to be nontoxic. The toxic component(s) are different from lantadene A/B but appear to resemble them very closely.

Spectrophotometric determination of lantadene A, 22 beta-angeloyloxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-28-oic acid.

The formation of a blue chromogen between sodium borohydride-treated lantadene A (22 beta-angeloyloxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-28-oic acid) and acetic anhydride-sulfuric acid (9:1) formed the basis of a spectrophotometric method for its quantitation. The chromogen had a broad absorption maximum (lambda max) at 630-645 nm. The optimum amount of sodium borohydride for lantadene A reduction was 1 mg/mg lantadene A in methanolic solution. The chromogen was stable for 5, 7, and 26 min after reaction at 25, 18, and 0 degree C, respectively. The method is convenient, sensitive, and reproducible. The amount of lantadene A in the leaves of Lantana camara collected in the month of May quantitated by the present method was found to be 13.6 mg/g dry weight of the leaves.

Biochemical effects of the plant Lantana camara on guinea pig liver mitochondria.

Lantana camara caused, in guinea pigs, a decrease in hepatic mitochondrial protein content. The phospholipid to protein ratio did not change but there was a marked increase in the cholesterol to protein ratio and the cholesterol to phospholipid ratio. Enzyme activities of succinic dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase and Mg2+-ATPase increased, while the activity of NADH-ferricyanide reductase remained unaffected. Mitochondrial swelling, in the absence or presence of ascorbic acid, decreased in hepatic mitochondria from lantana-intoxicated guinea pigs.