Cellular localisation and quantification of Camptothecin in different plant parts of Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabberley of Sri Lankan origin.

INTRODUCTION: Nothapodytes nimmoniana (Icacinaceae) is a rich source of Camptothecin (CPT), an anti-cancer prodrug. Efficient extraction of CPT from various plant parts is crucial for better recovery of this pre-drug. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the distribution of CPT in plant parts and to compare the methods of extraction on CPT yield to evaluate how cellular localisation affects the efficiency of extraction methods. METHODS: Transverse sections of plant parts were observed under a ultraviolet (UV)-fluorescence microscope for the fluorescence that the CPT molecule emits when exposed to UV radiation. Dried plant parts were extracted using 90% methanol with ultrasonic assistance, hot ethanol (61% ethanol at 60°C), and chloroform-methanol (4:1, v/v). The CPT in plant parts were detected by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quantification was carried out by HPLC. RESULTS: Blue fluorescence indicated a prominent accumulation of CPT in roots compared to leaf with petiole, twigs, and stembark. This accumulation was observed in upper and lower epidermis of the leaf, isolated strands of fibres in the phloem in the petiole, and groups of idioblast cells in the cortex. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction with 90% methanol showed the highest CPT yield in the root (1.91 ± 0.02 mg/g of dry weight), followed by stembark and the least in leaves [0.02 ± 0.01 mg/g (dry weight)] irrespective of the method of extraction. However, hot ethanol extraction gave the highest CPT yield for twig and leaf, indicating the necessity of tissue-specific extraction methods for better recovery of CPT.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Nutritional Properties and Plausible Health Benefits.

Centella asiatica L. (Gotu Kola) is a nutritionally important plant and a valued traditional medicine in South East Asia. In this review, the chemical composition, nutritional values, and health benefits of C. asiatica have been discussed in detail to emphasize its usage as traditional food and medicine. C. asiatica is one of the most commonly used green leafy vegetables (GLVs) in some countries including Sri Lanka due to its high amounts of medicinally important triterpenoids and beneficial carotenoids. It is consumed in the form of GLVs and in the preparation of juice, drink, and other food products. It is also known to contain vitamins B and C, proteins, important minerals, and some other phytonutrients such as flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins, and polyphenol. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown important health benefits like antidiabetic, wound-healing, antimicrobial, memory-enhancing, antioxidant, and neuroprotecting activities. However, detailed scientific approaches on clinical trials regarding health benefits and nutritional values of C. asiatica are limited, hindering the perception of its benefits, mechanisms, and toxicity in order to develop new drug prototypes. In vitro studies have shown that the method of processing C. asiatica has an impact on its nutritional values and health-related beneficial compounds. The composition of its compounds is influenced by different biotic and abiotic factors which need to be studied in detail to provide information to the public in order to maximize the usage of this valuable plant.

Carotenoid content and in vitro bioaccessibility of lutein in some leafy vegetables popular in Sri Lanka.

Lutein is one of the major carotenoids in green leafy vegetables (GLVs), which show a marked antioxidant activity. The study was carried out to identify and quantify the carotenoid content of selected Sri Lankan GLVs. RP-HPLC with photodiode array detection method was followed for the separation, identification and quantification of carotenoids. Among the vegetables analyzed, Ipomoea batatas leaves showed the highest beta-carotene content (743.9+/-35.0 microg/g dry weight (DW)) while Syngonium angustatum leaves contained the highest amount of lutein (1,728.2+/-168.3 microg/g DW). Percentage in vitro bioaccessibility of lutein from cooked GLVs ranged from 10.1 to 48.0% in stir-fried preparations of Centella asiatica and Cucurbita maxima, respectively. Hence these GLVs can be exploited as a rich source of beta-carotene and lutein to overcome vitamin A deficiency and age-related macular degeneration.

Impact of vitamin A supplementation on health status and absenteeism of school children in Sri Lanka.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of Vitamin A supplementation on health status and absenteeism of school children. A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial over a period of 13 months was conducted in a rural area of Sri Lanka involving 613 school children attending Grades 1-5 (aged 5 to 13 years). Children were assigned to either 200,000 IU of Vitamin A (n=297) or placebo (n=316) once every 4 months. Socio-demographic data were obtained at baseline, and anthropometry and haemoglobin concentrations were assessed at baseline and post intervention. Serum vitamin A concentrations were assayed by HPLC in a subgroup of children (n=193) before administration of each dose. School absenteeism was recorded. The two groups of children were similar at baseline in all variables. The subgroup of children was comparable to the main study population. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (< 20 microg/dL) in the subgroup of children was 8.2%. Changes in anthropometric indices and haemoglobin concentrations were similar in the two groups. The major causes for absenteeism were non-health causes and supplemented children lost a fewer number of school days due to illness than placebo children (p=0.053). Vitamin A concentrations improved with each dose and the improvement was greater with better compliance. Vitamin A supplementation with 200,000 IU every 4 months over 13 months improved vitamin A status and school attendance but not anthropometric status of these children.