Semecarpus anacardium L.f. leaf extract exhibits activities against breast cancer and prolongs the survival of tumor-bearing mice.

Semecarpus anacardium L.f. has been commonly used in various traditional medicines from ancient times. The nuts have been described in Ayurveda medication systems to treat numerous clinical ailments. However, isolating phytochemical constituents from nuts remain challenging and exhibits cytotoxic effects on other cells. In this study, we have standardized procedures for isolating phytochemicals from the leaf extract. The ethyl acetate leaf extract selectively affects cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner (IC50: 0.57 µg/ml in MCF-7 cells) in various cancer cell lines and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the non-malignant cells were relatively insensitive to the extract. Next, the incubation of the leaf extract induces cell cycle arrest and suppresses cancer cell migration in the cell culture model. Moreover, oral administration of extract significantly restored tumor growth in mice. Together, these observations suggest the anti-cancer activities of S. anacardium L.f. leaf potential for both in vitro and in vivo models.

Complimentary effect of exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids supplemented de-oiled rice bran (DORB) based diets on hematology, liver and intestinal histoarchitecture in Labeo rohita.

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to study the hematology, liver, and intestinal histoarchitecture of Labeo rohita fed with a combination of exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids to DORB (De-oiled rice bran) based diets. Three treatments viz., T1 [DORB + phytase and xylanase (0.01% each)], T2 [DORB + phytase (0.01%) + xylanase (0.01%) + L-lysine(1.4%) + L-methionine (0.4%) + EPA and DHA (0.5%)] and T3 [DORB + phytase (0.01%), xylanase and cellulase (0.075%) + L-lysine (1.4%) +L-methionine (0.4%) + EPA and DHA (0.5%)] were used in the present study. Serum total protein, albumin content and A/G ratio varied significantly (p < 0.05) among groups. Globulin content did not vary significantly among groups (p ≥ 0.05). The Hb content, RBC and MCV count varied significantly (p < 0.05) whereas MCH, MCHC content, WBC and lymphocyte count did not vary significantly among groups (p > 0.05). The liver and intestine examination revealed no visible alteration and showed normal histo-architecture. Based on the finding it is concluded that DORB supplemented with exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids with phytase (0.01%), xylanase and cellulase (0.075%), L-lysine (1.4%), DL-methionine (0.4%) and EPA and DHA (0.5%) improves the health of L. rohita.

Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles Using Sargassum wightii Extract and Its Impact on Serum Biochemical Profile and Growth Response of Etroplus suratensis Juveniles.

The present study focuses on the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles using plant extracts as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. Aqueous seaweed extracts with the addition of iron solution were mixed using a magnetic stirrer which resulted in a color change indicating the formation of iron nanoparticles. The iron nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Sargassum wightii extract. The synthesized iron nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential techniques. The UV-Vis spectra showed a peak at 412 to 415 nm. Zeta potential revealed that the synthesized iron nanoparticles were negative and positive charges. FTIR spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of chemical bond and amide group likely to be responsible for the green synthesis of iron nanoparticles. The effect of nano-iron as a dietary iron source on the growth and serum biochemical profile of Etroplus suratensis fingerlings was evaluated. Iron nanoparticles were fed to E. suratensis fingerlings for 60 days with two levels 10 mg (T1) and 20 mg (T2) and a control group without iron nanoparticles. The highest WG% and SGR and lowest FCR were observed in the T2 group which is significantly different (p < 0.05) from other groups. The serum biochemical profile showed significantly increased activity on 20 mg/kg of nano-iron-supplemented diet. The findings of the present study concluded that supplementation of nano-iron at the 20 mg/kg level to the regular fish diet has a better impact not only on growth but also on the overall health of the fish.

Exogenous phytase and xylanase supplementation of formulated diets for rohu (Labeo rohita): impact on haematology, histology and IGF I gene expression.

The present study aims to delineate the effect of exogenous enzyme supplementation of fermented or non-fermented de-oiled rice bran (DORB) on haematology, histology and expression of IGF I gene expression of Labeo rohita. Four test diets, namely, T1 (DORB), T2 (fermented DORB), T3 (DORB+exogenous enzyme) and T4 (fermented DORB+exogenous enzyme) were formulated and fed to the L. rohita for a period of 60 days. The test diets T3 and T4 were supplemented with 0.1 g kg-1 xylanase (16,000 U kg-1) and 0.1 g kg-1 phytase (500 U kg-1) enzymes. A total of 120 juveniles of L. rohita (average weight 5.01 ± 0.02 g) were stocked in 12 rectangular tanks with 10 fish per tank in triplicates. At the end of the experiment, haematology, histology and IGF I gene expression of the different groups were analysed. The haemoglobin (Hb) content, RBC count and WBC count of L. rohita varied significantly (p < 0.05) among different groups. T3 diet-fed group had the highest Hb content, RBC count and WBC count as compared to the other groups. The MCV content was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in T3 group. The DORB type, exogenous enzyme supplementation and their interaction have no significant (p > 0.05) effect on MCH, MCHC and lymphocyte content of the cultured fish. The group which were fed T3 diet had significantly (p < 0.05) higher IGF-I gene expression as compared to other groups. The histological examination of liver revealed no pathological alteration of this organ. Similarly, there were no pathological changes observed in intestinal tissue in any dietary treatment group. Based on the findings of the present study, it is concluded that exogenous enzyme supplementation of DORB-based diets improves the physiological status and growth performances of Labeo rohita.

Physio-metabolic and haematological changes of Labeo rohita fed with graded level of de-oiled rice bran-based diet.

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted with six experimental diets containing 260 g/kg crude protein and 70 g/kg lipid with varying level of de-oiled rice bran (DORB), viz., 33 (T33), 38 (T38), 43 (T43), 48 (T48), 53 (T53) and 58% (T58) to assess the digestive, metabolic and haematological responses in Labeo rohita. One hundred and eighty (180) fingerlings with ten fish per tank having an average weight of 9.8 ± 0.5 g were randomly distributed within six treatments in triplicates following a completely randomised design. The amylase and lipase activities in the whole intestine did not vary significantly (P > 0.05), but protease activity varied significantly with respect to DORB level in the diet. At higher (53 and 58%) inclusion level of DORB, the protease activities were lower. T33, T38 and T43 groups showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity compared to the other groups, whereas lowest activity was recorded in the group fed with highest inclusion level (58%). The oxidative stress enzyme like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione-S-transferase exhibited significantly higher activities in liver of T58 group of L. rohita. However, the activity of catalase and SOD showed no significant variation in gill tissue. The haematological parameter values such as red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) were lower in the highest DORB fed group (T58) as compared to their lower DORB inclusion counterparts. No change in NBT value was recorded irrespective of DORB inclusion level in the diet. Hence, from these results, it can be concluded that the dietary inclusion of DORB up to 43% in the diet of L. rohita at 26% crude protein and 7% lipid level is best for the optimal activity of digestive, metabolic and haematological parameters.

Cytotoxic and apoptotic inducing activity of Amoora rohituka leaf extracts in human breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Amoora rohituka is described in Ayurveda, an Indian traditional system of medicine for management of disorders of blood, diseases of eye, helminthiasis disease, ulcer, liver disorders and splenomegaly. However, the leaves were not reported to have anticancer properties till date. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of leaf extracts of Amoora rohituka. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaves powder was macerated in petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol and evaluated their anticancer activities in vitro. The phytochemical constituents of the active (ethyl acetate) extract were screened by FTIR analysis and phytochemical screening methods. RESULTS: The ethyl acetate extract (RLEA) showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponins and terpenoids. The RLEA exhibited high cytotoxic effect against human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 (IC50 = 9.81 µg/mL) and induced apoptosis by altering nuclear morphology and DNA laddering. Wound healing assays explained the potency of extract to decrease the cell migration. CONCLUSION: The extract of Amoora rohituka leaves exhibited anticancer activity with less toxicity and it could be used for development of alternative drugs in the treatment of human breast cancer.

Characterization and evaluation of mycosterol secreted from endophytic strain of Gymnema sylvestre for inhibition of α-glucosidase activity.

Endophytic fungi produce various types of chemicals for establishment of niche within the host plant. Due to symbiotic association, they secrete pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds and enzyme inhibitors. In this research article, we have explored the potent α-glucosidse inhibitor (AGI) produced from Fusarium equiseti recovered from the leaf of Gymnema sylvestre through bioassay-guided fraction. This study investigated the biodiversity, phylogeny, antioxidant activity and α-glucosidse inhibition of endophytic fungi isolated from Gymnema sylvestre. A total of 32 isolates obtained were grouped into 16 genera, according to their morphology of colony and spores. A high biodiversity of endophytic fungi were observed in G. sylvestre with diversity indices. Endophytic fungal strain Fusarium equiseti was identified through DNA sequencing and the sequence was deposited in GenBank database (https://ncbi.nim.nih.gov) with acession number: MF403109. The characterization of potent compound was done by FTIR, LC-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis with IUPAC name 17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a] phenanthren-3-ol. The isolated bioactive compound showed significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity with IC50 values, 4.22 ± 0.0005 µg/mL and 69.72 ± 0.001 µg/mL while IC50 values of acarbose was 5.75 ± 0.007 and 55.29 ± 0.0005 µg/mL respectively. This result is higher in comparison to other previous study. The enzyme kinetics study revealed that bioactive compound was competitive inhibitor for α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In-silico study showed that bioactive compound binds to the binding site of α-amylase, similar to that of acarbose but with higher affinity. The study highlights the importance of endophytic fungi as an alternative source of AGI (α-glucosidase inhibition) to control the diabetic condition in vitro.

Solid state fermentation of de-oiled rice bran: Effect on in vitro protein digestibility, fatty acid profile and anti-nutritional factors.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of solid state fermentation of de-oiled rice bran (DORB) with Rhizopus oryzae on in vitro protein digestibility, anti-nutritional factors and fatty acid profile. The fermentation of DORB with Rhizopus oryzae significantly reduced the in vitro protein digestibility of DORB (p < .05). The fermentation of DORB with Rhizopus oryzae increased the saturated fatty acid (SFA) content by 46.83%, while decreased the MUFA and PUFA contents by 14.01 and 8.76%, respectively. The n-6 fatty acid content of FDORB increased by 6.19%, while n-3 fatty acid content decreased by 53.92%. The fermentation of DORB resulted in significant reduction in phytate and trypsin inhibitor activity (p < .05). Based on the present result it is concluded that the fermentation of DORB with Rhizopus oryzae improves the n-6 fatty acid profile and brings significant reduction in the phyate and trypsin inhibitor content but fails to improve the in vitro protein digestibility and hence cannot be recommended as a suitable microbe for DORB fermentation.

Comparative evaluation of fermented and non-fermented de-oiled rice bran with or without exogenous enzymes supplementation in the diet of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822).

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of exogenous enzymes (xylanase and phytase) supplementation in the non-fermented and fermented de-oiled rice bran (DORB)-based diet of Labeo rohita. Four test diets (T1-DORB-based diet, T2-fermented DORB-based diet, T3-phytase and xylanase supplemented DORB-based diet, and T4-phytase and xylanase supplemented fermented DORB-based diet) were formulated and fed to the respective groups. Test diets T3 and T4 were supplemented with 0.01% xylanase (16,000 U kg-1) and 0.01% phytase (500 U kg-1) enzymes. One hundred twenty juveniles of L. rohita, with an average weight 5.01 ± 0.02 g, were stocked in 12 uniform size plastic rectangular tanks in triplicate with 10 fishes per tank following a completely randomized design (CRD). Exogenous enzyme supplementation to the T3 group significantly improved the growth performance of L. rohita (p < 0.05). Fermented DORB fed groups registered significantly lower growth irrespective of the supplementation of exogenous enzymes. The carcass composition (except CP %), enzyme activities (except amylase activity), globulin, and A/G ratio did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). Based on the results of the present study, it is concluded that exogenous enzyme supplementation significantly increases the growth of fish fed with DORB-based diet.

Effect of bypass fat supplementation on productive performance and blood biochemical profile in lactating Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes.

The study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of bypass fat on productive performance and blood biochemical profile of lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Fifteen multiparous buffaloes (2-4 lactation) of early to mid lactation were divided in three homogenous groups T(1) (control), T(2), and T(3) of five each. The animals in T(1) were fed with a basal diet consisting of a concentrate mixture, green sorghum, and wheat straw as per requirements, while the animals in group T(2) and T(3) were fed with same ration supplemented with 0.7 % (100 g/day) and 1.4 % (200 g/day) bypass fat (on dry matter intake (DMI) basis), respectively. The feed intake, milk yield, and milk composition were not influenced by supplemental bypass fat. However, fat-corrected milk (6.5 %) yield was higher (P < 0.05) in T(3) (14.21) than that of T(1) (9.83) and similar with T(2) (11.05). Feed efficiency (milk yield/kg DMI) was higher (P < 0.05) in group T(3) (0.51) than that of T(1) (0.38) and T(2) (0.41) indicating that buffaloes fed with bypass fat which is 1.4 % (200 g/day) of the diet were economically more efficient. The serum cholesterol level was higher (P < 0.01) in bypass fat-supplemented group (T(2) and T(3)) of animals. Serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol) level was more (P < 0.05) than LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) level with higher dose of bypass fat in T(3) than T(2). It was concluded that bypass fat supplementation with 1.4 % of the diet (200 g/day) increased the fat-corrected milk production and feed efficiency along with serum HDL cholesterol level in lactating Murrah buffaloes.