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OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to assess the properties of Cyperus esculentus tuber starch crosslinked with citric acid from liquid substrates of orange peel derived via the natural solid-state fermentation process; a green approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The flow properties of the prepared starches were evaluated using standard methods. Water-holding capacity, swelling capacity, moisture sorption capacity, gelatinization temperature using differential scanning calorimetry, morphology, fourier infrared spectroscopy, and pH of the starches were evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed that the pH of the crosslinked starches were lower (3.39-4.07) than that of the native starch (5.25) and the flow profile was found to improve. The crosslinked starches' water-holding capacity (90.67%-96.69%) were higher, whereas its emulsion capacity (15.33) was similar to that of the native starch (15.33). No change was observed in the morphology of the crosslinked starches' granules. The infrared spectra of the native and crosslinked starches showed identical peaks; however, the enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) of the crosslinked products were found to differ from that of the native starch. Modified starches show propensity of being exploited as binding agents in food and pharmaceutical industries. CONCLUSION: The green modification process proved to be a valuable addition to the available starch modification processes.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: There are strong beliefs in the efficacy of traditional medical systems worldwide. Many herbs have been acclaimed to possess antiulcer effects and could be unexplored sources of new lead compounds. Sida corymbosa R. E. Fries (Malvaceae) is used in Northern Nigeria to treat ulcers and wounds. This work aimed to investigate the usefulness of Sida corymbosa in treatments of stomach ulcers and wounds in traditional medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effect of the aqueous extract was determined on gastric ulceration, rate of wound healing and inflammation using ethanol-induced and diclofenac-induced ulceration, wound excision model and albumin-induced inflammation respectively in rats. RESULTS: The study demonstrated the anti-ulcer activity of Sida corymbosa as the extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent, significant (P<0.05) reduction of ulcer indices against gastric ulcers induced by both ethanol and diclofenac. Topical application of a formulation prepared with the extract of Sida corymbosa on surgically created incisions produced an increase in the rate of healing of the wounds. The extract of Sida corymbosa exhibited a significant (P < 0.05), dose-related decrease in inflammation induced by fresh egg albumin. This study showed that Sida corymbosa has constituents with the ability to reduce the severity of haemorrhagic gastric lesions, promote wound healing and reduce inflammation. These actions may be attributed to any one of the active constituents or as a result of synergistic effects of these phytoconstituents. CONCLUSION: This study validates the use of the plant in traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach ulcers and wounds.
