Structure-function relationship of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract-xanthan/guar gum mixture in a high sugar content system.

BACKGROUND: Foam-gels are one of the most important multicomponent-model systems in aerated confectionery, and an investigation of their microstructure is desirable. In this research, the structure-function relationship of xanthan gum/guar gum (XG/GG) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract powder (LEP) was investigated in a high-sugar medium. Foam-gel systems were prepared at 4:10% to 8:20% ratios of LEP to biopolymer. RESULTS: The results show that increasing the LEP content reduced both the melting point and enthalpy, probably due to higher overrun and weaker junctions. Boosting the XG/GG ratio led the enhancement of mechanical properties, whereas increasing the LEP concentration weakened all textural parameters, which could be due to the poor structure of the network in the presence of the foaming agent, increased moisture content and overrun. In the whipped mixture samples containing 10 g kg-1 XG/GG, higher foaming capacity was observed. By increasing the level of biopolymers, smaller and more uniform air cells were formed according to a scanning electron microscopical study. At higher concentration of LEP, smaller bubbles and increased porosity were seen, which could be attributed to the availability of surfactant in the interfacial layer. CONCLUSION: Maximum structural strength was achieved at a 4:20 ratio of LEP to XG/GG. In rheological experiments, pseudoplastic behavior was seen in all samples. Generally, this model system can be simulated for other herbal extracts containing natural surfactants such as saponins. Achieving a more detailed understanding of these structures and their interactions could help in formulating novel food products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of different extraction techniques on recovery, purity, antioxidant activities, and microstructure of flaxseed gum.

Four extraction techniques (that is, hot water extraction [HWE], alkaline-acidic extraction [AAE], ultrasound assisted extraction [UAE], and microwave assisted extraction [MAE]) were compared for flaxseed gum extraction and their influence on the yield, purity, structural characterization (monosaccharide composition, molecular weight distribution, and microstructure by transmission electron microscope), and antioxidant activity (in terms of scavenging ability of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH], 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid [ABTS], and reducing power) was investigated. The HWE achieved higher yield (8.96%) than UAE (7.84%) followed by MAE (7.01%) and AAE (6.44%). Moreover, the four flaxseed gum (FSG) samples exhibited the identical monosaccharide composition, but slight difference was observed in the content, whereas the molecular weight ratios exhibited significant difference. All samples displayed concentration-dependent manner for all antioxidant assays. UAE-FSG showed significant higher scavenging ability on DPPH free radical, ABTS free radical, reducing power, and ß-carotene bleaching assay followed by HWE-FSG, MAE-FSG, and AAE-FSG. Overall results showed that UAE was favorable to the purity of FSG, whereas HWE was more advantageous to improve the extraction yield and facile as it requires no special equipment. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Extraction methods directly affect the recovery and purity of the extracted compound. Thus, this study could help in selection of appropriate extraction method for FSG. The results suggested that FSG possesses potential healthcare application in food industry because of their nutrition composition and antioxidant activities, and thus, it can be used for formulation of functional food as a natural antioxidant agent.

Flaxseed gum: Extraction, bioactive composition, structural characterization, and its potential antioxidant activity.

Flaxseed gum (FSG) is a heteropolysaccharide consist of neutral and acidic components that makes up approximately 8% of seed mass. FSG was extracted from mixture of brown and golden varieties of flaxseeds by hot water extraction method. The molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide analysis, chemical composition, and surface morphology of FSG were scrutinized in the current study to get a better insight regarding this important polysaccharide. The average molecular weight was recorded as 1,322 kDa with a polydispersity ratio of 1.6 for Mw/Mn and 2.4 for Mn/Mz. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) screening revealed that extracted FSG was comprised of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, glucose, fucose, xylose, galactose, glucosamine, glucuronic acid, and galacturonic acid, of which mannose and glucosamine have not been reported previously. The antioxidant activities of FSG measured as DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and total antioxidant activity clearly demonstrated the antioxidant potency of FSG. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1 H, 13 C) s pectra ratified the presence of functional groups typical for polysaccharide. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Flaxseed gum is a natural carbohydrate polymar. This study provides useful information regarding antioxidant potential, chemical, and structural characterization of FSG. The availability of a gum is fully characterized with bioactive composition, structural features, and antioxidant potential provides a toolset for the practical application in the food or drug industry.

Establishment of in vitro and in vivo anti-colon cancer efficacy of essential oils containing oleo-gum resin extract of Mesua ferrea.

Proven the great potential of essential oils as anticancer agents, the current study intended to explore molecular mechanisms responsible for in vitro and in vivo anti-colon cancer efficacy of essential oil containing oleo-gum resin extract (RH) of Mesua ferrea. MTT cell viability studies showed that RH had broad spectrum cytotoxic activities. However, it induced more profound growth inhibitory effects towards two human colon cancer cell lines i.e., HCT 116 and LIM1215 with an IC50 values of 17.38 ± 0.92 and 18.86 ± 0.80 µg/mL respectively. RH induced relatively less toxicity in normal human colon fibroblasts i.e., CCD-18co. Cell death studies conducted, revealed that RH induced characteristic morphological and biochemical changes in HCT 116. At protein level it down-regulated expression of multiple pro-survival proteins i.e., survivin, xIAP, HSP27, HSP60 and HSP70 and up-regulated expression of ROS, caspase-3/7 and TRAIL-R2 in HCT 116. Furthermore, significant reduction in invasion, migration and colony formation potential was observed in HCT 116 treated with RH. Chemical characterization by GC-MS and HPLC methods revealed isoledene and elemene as one the major compounds. RH showed potent antitumor activity in xenograft model. Overall, these findings suggest that RH holds a promise to be further studied for cheap anti-colon cancer naturaceutical development.

Polyphenol-rich Boswellia serrata gum prevents cognitive impairment and insulin resistance of diabetic rats through inhibition of GSK3ß activity, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with accelerated cognitive decline. To date, there is no T2D-specific treatment to prevent or ameliorate cognitive dysfunction. Boswellia serrate (BS) gum has been shown to possess multiple pharmacological actions including anti-inflammatory, anticancer and ant- apoptotic actions. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of BS on cognitive impairment associated with T2D induced in rats by high fat/high fructose (HF/HFr) diet with a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and to explore the mechanism of action. The effect of 3 doses of BS extract and the reference drug on the behavioral, biochemical, histopathological and glutamate gene expression abnormalities in T2D rates was evaluated. HF/HFr diet/ STZ induces learning and memory deficits, which were reversed by BS extract. It showed a significant decrease in Aß deposits and p-tau positive cells. BS extract also reduced significantly the hippocampal elevated levels of caspase-3, cholinesterase (ChE), GSK-3ß, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and MDA. Moreover, BS extract enhanced significantly the suppressed hippocampal level of GSH, SOD and glutamate receptor expression (GluR, NR1, NR2 A, and NR2B). In addition, BS extract alleviated insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia of T2D rats. Our findings suggest that BS extract reversed learning and memory impairment in HF/ HFr diet / STZ induced diabetic rats. This effect may be attributed to the inhibition of insulin resistance, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of ethanolic Ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar rats.

The present study was conducted to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of ethanolic ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin extract (FAOGRETE) and also its effects on liver and kidney function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. For this purpose, 42 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 7). Diabetes was induced in four groups by a single-dose of STZ at 55 mg/kg body weight, administrated intraperitoneal. After 42 days of treatment, fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, serum insulin, biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured. In addition the markers of liver and kidney function, such as glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, serum creatinine and urea levels were determined. The study showed that the ethanolic extract at 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w) had a significant antidiabetic activity after 42 days of treatment as the FBS levels decreased significantly while the serum insulin levels increased. Moreover, a significant decrease in the liver and kidney function markers in treated rats indicated the protective effect of the ethanolic extract against liver and kidney damage, while body weight increased. The serum concentrations were normal in normal control and healthy group treated with FAOGRETE. The results of this study showed that FAOGRETE can regulate hyperglycemia and complications of diabetes. Antidiabetic and hypolipidimic activities of FAOGRETE are probably related to its antioxidant activity. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds like ferulic acid, umbelliferone, and quercetin may play an important role in its mechanism of action.

Purification and modification of Cordia myxa gum to enhance its nutraceutical attribute as binding agent.

The aim of the present study was to purify, hydrolyze and modify the Cordia myxa gum to document its binder potential in pharmaceutical tablets formulation. The hydrolysis and modification was carried out to remove impurities, roughness, increase thermal stability and to improve the functional properties of biopolymers. Physiochemical properties such as pH, solubility, viscosity, swelling index, bulk and tapped density was performed prior to investigate binder potential. The binder potential of Cordia myxa gum was studied in its different forms such as crude, purified, modified and hydrolyzed in paracetamol tablets and was compared with standard hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) being used as synthetic binder. Tablets were prepared by direct compression method and evaluated for weight uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution analysis. Prepared tablets with selected gums exhibit faster and slower dissolution profile in the same dissolution system. The crude gum has high dissolution rate whereas the hydrolyzed and modified gums showed less dissolution rate. The hydrolyzed and modified gums having faster release rate and it could be helpful in conventional tablet formulations efficiently as compared to synthetic HPMC binder.

Influence of main emulsion components on the physicochemical and functional properties of W/O/W nano-emulsion: Effect of polyphenols, Hi-Cap, basil seed gum, soy and whey protein isolates.

In this study, the effect of natural macromolecules as carrier agents on the biological activity of nano-encapsulated Bene hull polyphenols (Pistacia atlantica subsp. Mutica) through W/O/W emulsions was evaluated. The W/O microemulsions as primary emulsions and a complex of soy protein isolate and basil seed gum (SPI-BSG), whey protein isolate and basil seed gum (WPI-BSG) and also Hi-Cap 100 in the outer aqueous phase were used to produce W/O/W nano-emulsions. Z-average size of emulsions stabilized by Hi-Cap, WPI-BSG, and SPI-BSG was 318, 736.9 and 1918 nm, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of polyphenols for powders produced by Hi-Cap, WPI-BSG, and SPI-BSG was 95.25, 90.9 and 92.88%, respectively, which was decreased to 72.47, 67.12 and 64.44% after 6 weeks storage at 30 °C. The antioxidant activity of encapsulated polyphenols at 100, 200 and 300 ppm was measured in oil by peroxide and p-anisidine values during storage and was compared to non-encapsulated extract and synthetic antioxidant. Results showed oxidative alterations in oils containing encapsulated polyphenols was lower than unencapsulated form, which among them capsules produced by SPI-BSG exhibited higher antioxidant effects due to the better gradual release. Generally, the higher antioxidant potential was achieved with increased solubility and controlled release of polyphenols through their nano-encapsulation.

Structural characterization and thermal behavior of a gum extracted from Ferula assa foetida L.

The gum asafoetida, an oleo-gum-resin from root of Ferula assa foetida, was extracted through alcoholic procedure followed by water extraction and then biochemically characterized using colorimetric assays, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance. The gum was mainly composed of carbohydrates (67.39% w/w) with a monosaccharide distribution of 11.5: 5.9: 2.3: 1 between Gal, Ara, Rha and GlcA (molar ratio) and proteins (arabinogalactan protein). The polysaccharide consisted of a (1→3)-ß-d-galactan backbone ramified predominantly from O-6 but also from O-4 and O-4,6. Side chains included terminal-α-l-Araf, terminal-α-l-Rhap, (1→3)-α-l-Araf, (1→5)-α-l-Araf, terminal-ß-d-Galp, ß-d-GlcA and traces of (1→4)-ß-d-GlcA. X-ray diffraction pattern showed a semi crystalline microstructure. Thermal behavior of the gum was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed temperatures below and upper 200°C as dominant regions of weight loss.

Extraction and derivatization of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) galactomannan: Optimization and characterization.

Water soluble gums also known as hydrocolloids are increasingly finding applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry due to their versatile functional properties. They possess considerable use in food and pharmaceutical industries as emulsifying, thickening and gelling agents. In the present investigation a heteropolysaccharide galactomannan was extracted from Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) seeds by an aqueous method, characterized for its compositional analysis (mannose: galactose ratio), physicochemical and functional properties (solubility), and mechanical properties. The extracted gum was derivatized to form its carboxymethyl derivative and the method of its derivatization was optimized by varying the reaction parameters. The native and derivatized gum was characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC, NMR, SEM and elemental analysis, etc. The yield of Leucaena leucocephala galactomannan (LLG) was found to be 20% (w/w). The optimized parameters for carboxymethylation reaction (degree of substitution 0.805) were found to be 6.0g NaOH, 10.0g MCA, at 60°C for 4h. The physicochemical and functional characteristics of native and derivatized gum suggest its potential role in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Extraction and Characterization of Boswellia Serrata Gum as Pharmaceutical Excipient.

BACKGROUND: This manuscript deals with the purification and characterization of Boswellia serrata gum as a suspending agent. The Boswellia serrata gum was purchased as crude material, purified and further characterized in terms of organoleptic properties and further micromeritic studies were carried out to characterize the polymer as a pharmaceutical excipient. The suspending properties of the polymer were also evaluated. The results showed that the extracted gum possesses optimum organoleptic as well as micromeritic and suspending properties. OBJECTIVES: To characterize Boswellia serrata gum as a natural excipient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Boswellia serrata gum, paracetamol, distilled water. RESULTS: The results showed that the extracted gum possesses optimum organoleptic as well as micromeritic and suspending properties. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded from the research work that the gum extracted from Boswellia serrata shows the presence of carbohydrates after chemical tests. All the organoleptic properties evaluated were found to be acceptable. The pH was found to be slightly acidic. Swelling Index reveals that the gum swells well in water. Total ash value was within the limits. The values of angle of repose and Carr's Index of powdered gum powder showed that the flow property was good. IR spectra confirmed the presence of alcohol, amines, ketones, anhydrides and aromatic rings. The suspending properties of Boswellia serrata gum were found to be higher as compared to gum acacia while the flow rate of Boswellia serrata gum (1% suspension) was less than gum acacia (1% suspension). The viscosity measurement of both Boswellia serrata gum suspension and gum acacia suspension showed approximately similar results.

Antidiarrheal activity of cashew GUM, a complex heteropolysaccharide extracted from exudate of Anacardium occidentale L. in rodents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) is commonly known as the cashew tree. It is native to tropical America and extracts of the leaves, bark, roots, chestnut net and exudate have been traditionally used in northeast Brazil for the treatment of various diseases. The exudate of the cashew tree (cashew gum) has been exploited by locals since ancient times for multiple applications, including the treatment of diarrheal diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of cashew gum (CG), a complex heteropolysaccharide from the exudate of the cashew tree, using various models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antidiarrheal activity of cashew gum (CG) against acute diarrhea was investigated using the castor oil-induced diarrhea model. The effects of CG on gastrointestinal transit and castor oil- and PGE2- induced enteropooling were also examined in rodents. In addition, the effect of CG against secretory diarrhea was investigated using a model of fluid secretion in cholera toxin-treated intestinal closed loops in live mice. RESULTS: Cashew gum (30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant (P<0.05-0.01) antidiarrheal effect in rats with castor oil-induced diarrhea, inhibiting the total amount of stool and diarrheal stools. The 60 mg/kg dose of CG exhibited excellent antidiarrheal activity and significantly reduced the severity of diarrhea (diarrhea scores) in rats. CG (60 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the volume of castor oil- and PGE2-induced intestinal fluid secretion (enteropooling). In addition, similar to loperamide (standard drug, 5 mg/kg, p.o.), CG treatment reduced the distance traveled by a charcoal meal in the 30-min gastrointestinal transit model by interacting with opioid receptors. In cholera toxin-induced secretory diarrhea, CG (60 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the intestinal fluid secretion and decreased Cl(-) ion loss in the cholera toxin(-)treated isolated loops model of live mice by competitively binding to cholera toxin-GM1 receptors. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our results indicate that a complex heteropolysaccharide extracted from the exudate of A. occidentale L. has antidiarrheal activity in acute, inflammatory, and secretory diarrhea models, which could justify its traditional use in the treatment of diarrhea in northeast Brazil. The antidiarrheal activity might be explained by the capacity of CG to inhibit gastrointestinal motility and thereby reduce the accumulation of intestinal fluid and the secretion of water and chloride ions in the lumen of the intestine.

Gastroprotective properties of cashew gum, a complex heteropolysaccharide of Anacardium occidentale, in naproxen-induced gastrointestinal damage in rats.

Long-term use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is associated with gastrointestinal (GI) lesion formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective activity of cashew gum (CG), a complex heteropolysaccharide extracted from Anacardium occidentale on naproxen (NAP)-induced GI damage. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with vehicle or CG (1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) twice daily for 2 days; after 1 h, NAP (80 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered. The rats were euthanized on the 2nd day of treatment, 4 h after NAP administration. Stomach lesions were measured using digital calipers. The medial small intestine was used for the evaluation of macroscopic lesion scores. Samples of the stomach and the intestine were used for histological evaluation, and assays for glutathione (GSH), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Additional rats were used to measure gastric mucus and secretion. Pretreatment with CG reduced the macroscopic and microscopic damage induced by NAP. CG significantly attenuated NAP-induced alterations in MPO, GSH, and MDA levels. Furthermore, CG returned adherent mucus levels to normal values. These results suggest that CG has a protective effect against GI damage via mechanisms that involve the inhibition of inflammation and increasing the amount of adherent mucus in mucosa.

Chronotherapeutic drug delivery of Tamarind gum, Chitosan and Okra gum controlled release colon targeted directly compressed Propranolol HCl matrix tablets and in-vitro evaluation.

The main objective of this investigation is to develop a chronotherapeutic drug delivery of various natural polymers based colon targeted drug delivery systems to treat early morning sign in BP. The polymers such as Tamarind gum, Okra gum and Chitosan were used in the formulation design. A model drug Propranolol HCl was incorporated in the formulation in order to assess the controlled release and time dependent release potential of various natural polymers. A novel polymer Tamarind gum was extracted and used as a prime polymer in this study to prove the superiority of this polymer over other leading natural polymer. Propranolol HCl was used as a model drug which undergoes hepatic metabolism and witnesses the poor bioavailability. The matrix tablets of Propranolol HCl were prepared by direct compression. The tablets were evaluated for various quality control parameters and found to be within the limits. Carbopol 940 was used as an auxiliary polymer to modify the drug release and physicochemical characteristics of the tablets. The in vitro release studies were performed in 0.1N HCl for 1.5h, followed by pH 6.8 phosphate buffer for 2h and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer till maximum amount of drug release. The in vitro release profile of the formulations were fitted with various pharmacokinetic mathematical models and analyzed for release profile. The formulations prepared with Tamarind gum prolonged the release for an extended period of time compared to other polymer based formulation and showed an excellent compression characteristic.

Extraction and characterization of artocarpus integer gum as pharmaceutical excipient.

BACKGROUND: Natural polymers are widely used as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations. They are easily available, cheap and less toxic as compared to synthetic polymers. OBJECTIVES: This study involves the extraction and characterization of kathal (Artocarpus integer) gum as a pharmaceutical excipient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Water was used as a solvent for extraction of the natural polymer. Yield was calculated with an aim to evaluate the efficacy of the process. The product was screened for the presence of Micrometric properties, and swelling index, flow behavior, surface tension, and viscosity of natural polymers were calculated. RESULTS: Using a water based extraction method, the yield of gum was found to be 2.85%. Various parameters such as flow behavior, organoleptic properties, surface tension, viscosity, loss on drying, ash value and swelling index together with microscopic studies of particles were done to characterize the extracted gum. The result showed that extracted kathal gum exhibited excellent flow properties. The gum was investigated for purity by carrying out chemical tests for different phytochemical constituents and only carbohydrates were found to be present. It had a good swelling index (13 ± 1). The pH and surface tension of the 1% gum solution were found to be 6 ± 0.5 and 0.0627 J/m2, respectively. The ash values such as total ash, acid insoluble ash, and water soluble ash were found to be 18.9%, 0.67% and 4% respectively. Loss on drying was 6.61%. The extracted gum was soluble in warm water and insoluble in organic solvents. The scanning electron micrograph (SEM) revealed rough and irregular particles of the isolated polymer. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the evaluated properties showed that kathal-derived gum has acceptable pH and organoleptic properties and can be used as a pharmaceutical excipient to formulate solid oral dosage forms.

The effect of ultrasound on enzymatic degumming process of rapeseed oil by the use of phospholipase A(1).

Comparative studies of enzymatic degumming process of rapeseed oil were carried out in mechanical-stirring and ultrasonic-assisted mechanical-stirring systems. The influences of enzyme dosage (10-50 mg/kg), pH (4.5-6), temperature (45-65 °C), water amount (1-3%), ultrasonic power (0.06-0.09 W/cm(3)) and reaction time were investigated subsequently. A suitable ultrasonic power of 0.07 W/cm(3) was determined to guarantee satisfactory degumming efficiency and enzyme activity. Compared to the mechanical-stirring system, optimum temperature of phospholipase A (PLA) in the ultrasonic-assisted mechanical-stirring system was about 5 °C higher, while the effects of pH on both of the two systems were quite similar. Less time and water were used in the ultrasonic-assisted mechanical-stirring system for enzymatic degumming. The study on the quality changes of degummed oils showed that ultrasound could accelerate the oxidation of edible oils due to the effect of cavitation, thus more attention should be paid on the oxidative stability in the further application.

Guggulipid of Commiphora mukul, with antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic activities in both sciatic nerve and spinal nerve ligation models of neuropathic pain.

CONTEXT: Guggulipid is a neutral fraction of ethyl acetate extract of gum resin of the tree Commiphora mukul Engl. (Burseraceae) and used in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of neurological disorders. OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to assess the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic activities of guggulipid in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The screening study included the CCI and L5-L6 SNL models of neuropathic pain. Guggulipid (100 and 50 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally in a blinded, randomized manner from postoperative day (POD) 7 to 13. Paw withdrawal duration (PWD) to spontaneous pain, chemical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) to mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were tested before surgery, before and after guggulipid or saline administration (from POD7 to 13) and after the withdrawal of treatment (from POD14 to 20). RESULTS: The activity profiles of the different doses of guggulipid were found to vary with time. In CCI rats, guggulipid (100 and 50 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the spontaneous pain, mechanical allodynia and mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia responses and the LD50 of guggulipid was 1600 mg/kg. In SNL rats, both doses of guggulipid were found to be ineffective in reversing the spontaneous pain but showing antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic activity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that guggulipid produce antinociception in the peripheral nerve injury (CCI and SNL) models of neuropathic pain. The underlying mechanisms are expected to be modulating microglial activation occurring due to peripheral nerve injury.

Preparation of peach gum polysaccharides using hydrogen peroxide.

Most polysaccharides cannot dissolve in water but can be hydrolysed using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to yield a water-soluble product. This study presents a method of preparing water-soluble polysaccharides from peach gum by hydrolysis using H2O2. Extraction was monitored by the recovery rate. Factors affecting the hydrolysis of peach gum were investigated, and the optimum hydrolysis conditions were determined as follows: time, 8 h; temperature, 55°C; H2O2 concentration, 4% (v/v); and NaOH concentration, 2.0 M. The hydrolysates were filtered, neutralised with HCl, concentrated to ∼20% (w/v), precipitated with 5 volumes of ethanol, freeze-dried, and ground to yield a water soluble and white powder. The polysaccharide content of the product was 97.8%, and the yield was 83.6% (w/w).

Rheological characterization of galactomannans extracted from seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima.

The galactomannan from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima L. was isolated and purified by precipitation method using alcohol to get C. pulcherrima (CP) gum. CP gum was studied for its physicochemical and rheological properties. The composition of CP gum was found to contain mannose:galactose:glucose:xylose in a proportion of 2.8:1:0.1:0.08, with M/G ratio 2.80. The molecular weight (Mw) for CP gum was obtained to be approximately 2.72×10(6) Da by static light scattering measurements and 2.79×10(6) Da using Mark-Houwink relationship. The intrinsic viscosity by Huggins and Kraemer plots using capillary viscometry was obtained as 12-12.5 dl/g. The rheological behavior of aqueous galactomannan solutions was studied at 25°C, using steady-shear and dynamic oscillatory measurements. The various concentrations of CP gum exhibits shear thinning non newtonian behavior at high shear rate and newtonian flow at low shear rate. Experimental data in steady shear has been correlated and found a better fitting with the Cross and Carreau models. A graph of the specific viscosity at zero shear rate (η(sp0)) against coil overlap parameter (C[η]) was plotted and the slope of the lines in dilute and semi-dilute regions were found to be 1.23 and 4.1 respectively. The critical concentration (C*) was found to be about 3.8/[η]. The linear viscoelastic region for CP gum solutions presented nature as that of macromolecular solutions. At all shear rates and frequencies, η(ap) and η* had almost similar magnitudes, which shows its reasonable agreement with the Cox-Merz rule. The present investigation shows the suitability of CP gum as a pharmaceutical aid application like viscosity modifier, release retardants, binders.

Three new α-glucosidase inhibitors from guggul, the oleogum resin of Commiphora wightii.

Three new compounds; epi-mukulin, (Z)-Δ(1,2) dehydroguggulsterone and Δ(6,7)dehydro-20-hydroxygugglsterone were isolated from the n-hexane-soluble fraction (HSF) of the methanol extract of guggul, the oleogum resin of Commiphora wightii together with six known compounds: diasesartemin, (+)-epi-magnolin, (+)-diayangambin, gugglsterol I, (E)-guggulsterone and (Z)-guggulsterone. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of different spectroscopic data. α-Glucosidase inhibitory effects of HSF and the isolated compounds were evaluated calorimetrically. The HSF showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory effect [IC(50) value of 140 µg mL(-1) (p < 0.05)]. Under the assay conditions, diasesartemin (IC(50) = 60.6 ± 0.01 µM) was found to be more potent than the positive control, acarbose (IC(50) = 92.94 ± 0.01 µM); a known α-glucosidase inhibitor (p < 0.05). The IC(50) values of epi-mukulin and (Z)-guggulsterone were found to be 159.33 and 132.14 µM, respectively. Other compounds showed weak α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, <30% inhibition of the enzyme activity at 0.1 mg mL(-1).