Characterization of bulk and shear properties of basmati and non-basmati rice flour.

BACKGROUND: Flours are often unstable in relation to their flow performance, which is evident when a free-flowing material ceases to flow and the processing, handling, and production parameters depend on the inherent powder characteristics and their bulk behaviour. The present study was conducted to compare the flowability of basmati and non-basmati rice flour affecting bulk handling, which could be related to its particle size, shape and surface roughness (measured by atomic force microscopy) as well as bulk and shear properties, depending upon the processing conditions. RESULTS: Particle size (171.1-171.9 µm) of both samples was not significantly different. However, the flowability of the non-basmati rice flour was significantly affected by its particle shape (circularity 0.487), surface roughness (124.23 nm) and compressibility (25.32%) in comparison to basmati rice flour (circularity 0.653, surface roughness 113.59 nm and compressibility 21.09%), making it more cohesive than basmati rice flour. Also, basic flow energy was significantly higher in non-basmati flour, thus requiring more energy (147.54 mJ) to flow than basmati rice flour (130.15 mJ). CONCLUSION: Overall, flowability was analysed by applying three different pressures (3, 6 and 9 kPa), among which non-basmati rice flour was found to be less flowable (flow function coefficient (FFC) 2.33 at 9 kPa) in comparison to basmati (FFC 3.35 at 9 kPa), making bulk handling difficult. This study could be useful in designing processing equipment, hoppers and silos for rice flour handling. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective effects of Monotheca buxifolia fruit on renal toxicity induced by CCl4 in rats.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is believed to be a root cause of various degenerative and fibrotic disorders. Dietary foods enrich in antioxidants can cure or curtail the progression of oxidative stress induced disorders. Fruit of Monotheca buxifolia is used locally for digestive and urinary tract disorders. We have evaluated the protective potential of the methanol extract of M. buxifolia (MBM) in rat exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity. METHODS: Powder of the dried fruit of M. buxifolia was extracted twice with 95 % methanol to get the extract (MBM). Presence of polyphenolic constituents was detected by HPLC-DAD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection) analysis. Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided in to six groups with six rats in each. Animals of Group I were kept control, while rats of Group II - Group V were treated intraperitoneally with 1 ml/kg body weight (bw) of CCl4 (30 % v/v; olive oil) 15 dosages in 30 days. Animals of Group III were orally administered silymarin (50 mg/kg bw) while Group IV and V with 200 and 400 mg/kg of MBM on next day of CCl4 treatment. Rats of Group VI were administered only with 400 mg/kg bw of MBM. Biochemical markers of the urine and serum were analyzed. Level of antioxidant enzymes, DNA damages lipid peroxides (TBARS), H2O2 and nitrite was assessed in renal tissues of rat. Histopathological changes in renal tissues of rat were also recorded. RESULTS: HPLC-DAD analysis of MBM indicated the existence of gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid and rutin. MBM administration significantly alleviated the toxic effect of CCl4 in rat and decreased the elevated level of RBCs, pus and epithelial cells, specific gravity, creatinine, urobilinogen, urea and albumin while increased the pH and urinary protein. Increase in the level of urobilinogen, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea and total bilirubin while decrease of albumin and total protein in serum was restored by the administration of MBM to CCl4 fed rat. Administration of MBM to CCl4 exposed rats significantly increased the activity level of phase I and phase II enzymes and GSH while decreased the level of TBARS, H2O2, nitrite and DNA damages in renal tissues of rat. Furthermore, histopathological alterations induced with CCl4 in renal tissues of rat were also diminished with the administration of MBM. CONCLUSION: Restoration of various parameters induced with toxic insult of CCl4 in rat suggests the antioxidant and repairing potential of M. buxifolia fruit in kidney disorders.

A review on flow characterization methods for cereal grain-based powders.

Flow difficulties during handling, storage, and processing are common in cereal grain-based powder industries. The many studies that focus on the flow properties of powders can be classified as flow indicators, shear properties, and dynamic flow properties. The non-uniformity of physical and chemical characteristics of the individual particles that make up the bulk solid of cereal grain-based powders adds complexity to the characterization of flow behavior. Even so, knowledge of flow behavior is critical to the design of productive and cost-effective equipment for handling and processing of these powders. Because many factors influence flow, a single property/index value may not satisfactorily quantify the flow or no-flow of powders. For powders of biological origin, chemical composition and environmental factors such as temperature and relative humidity complicate flow characterization. This review focuses on the specific flow characteristics that directly affect powder flow during handling, processing, and storage.

Assessment of phytochemicals, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of extract and fractions from Fagonia olivieri (Zygophyllaceae).

BACKGROUND: In Pakistan Fagonia olivieri (Zygophyllaceae) is commonly used in the indigenous system of medicine for treatment of conditions like diabetes, cancer, fever, asthma, toothache, stomach troubles and kidney disorders. This study evaluated the crude methanol extract of F. olivieri (FOM) and its derived fractions for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities as well as the classes of phytochemical. METHODS: Dried powder of whole plant of F. olivieri was extracted with methanol (FOM) and the resultant was fractionated to give n-hexane fraction (FOH), chloroform fraction (FOC), ethyl acetate fraction (FOE), n-butanol fraction (FOB) and residual aqueous fraction (FOA). Methanol extract and its derived fractions were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard procedures. Also the extract and fractions were assayed for antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities using agar well diffusion technique, agar tube dilution method and brine shrimps lethality test, respectively. RESULTS: The results obtained for phytochemical analysis indicate the presence of saponins and alkaloids in all the tested extract and fractions while anthraquinones were not detected. The results showed that all the bacterial strains tested in this study were susceptible to at least one of the fractions tested. However, FOE and FOB were the best antibacterial fractions and showed antibacterial activity against maximum number of bacterial strains. The results showed that Escherichia coli was the most sensitive bacterium while Bordetella bronchiseptica and Enterobacter aerogenes were less susceptible against various fractions. Maximum percent inhibition for growth was recorded for the fungus Aspergillus flavus with FOE whereas growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium solani was inhibited by FOM and its all derived fractions. Minimum LC50 (24.07 mg/L) for brine shrimp assay was recorded for FOE followed by LC50 of FOC (26.1 mg/L) and FOB (30.05 mg/L) whereas maximum LC50 was exhibited by FOH (1533 mg/L). CONCLUSION: These results indicated the use of F. olivieri to treat infections with emphasis to isolate and characterize the active principle responsible for antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities and its exploitation as therapeutic agent.

Hepatoprotection with a chloroform extract of Launaea procumbens against CCl4-induced injuries in rats.

BACKGROUND: Launaea procumbens (Asteraceae) is used as a folk medicine to treat hepatic disorders in Pakistan. The effect of a chloroform extract of Launaea procumbens (LPCE) was evaluated against carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats. METHODS: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of LPCE, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into six groups. Animals of group 1 (control) had free access to food and water. Group II received 3 ml/kg of CCl4 (30% in olive oil v/v) via the intraperitoneal route twice a week for 4 weeks. Group III received 1 ml of silymarin via gavage (100 mg/kg b.w.) after 48 h of CCl4 treatment whereas groups IV and V were given 1 ml of LPCE (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w., respectively) after 48 h of CCl4 treatment. Group VI received 1 ml of LPCE (200 mg/kg b.w.) twice a week for 4 weeks. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) were measured in liver homogenates. DNA damage, argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) counts and histopathology were studied in liver samples. Serum was analyzed for various biochemical parameters. Phytochemical composition in LPCE was determined through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: LPCE inhibited lipid peroxidation, and reduced the activities of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase in serum induced by CCl4. GSH contents were increased as were the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD, GST, GSR, GSH-Px) when altered due to CCl4 hepatotoxicity. Similarly, absolute liver weight, relative liver weight and the number of hepatic lesions were reduced with co-administration of LPCE. Phyochemical analyses of LPCE indicated that it contained catechin, kaempferol, rutin, hyperoside and myricetin. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that Launaea procumbens efficiently protected against the hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in rats, possibly through the antioxidant effects of flavonoids present in LPCE.

Modification of structure and physicochemical properties of buckwheat and oat starch by γ-irradiation.

Effects of gamma irradiation on the physicochemical, rheological and thermal properties of the buckwheat and oat starch were studied. Results revealed that the transition temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization of starch decreased with increase in irradiation dose. Pasting properties (peak, trough, setback, pasting temperature and final viscosity) of both the starches were decreased by gamma irradiation. Gamma irradiation also resulted in the reduction in the per cent crystallinity of the starches. Apparent amylose content and swelling index decreased with increase in dose. However, solubility index was increased by gamma irradiation. No surface fissures were seen in irradiated starches. FTIR spectra pattern did not change by gamma irradiation.

Antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Kickxia ramosissima.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Branched cancerwort, Kickxia ramosissima (Wall.) Janchen (Scrophulariaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatism, diabetes, jaundice and for activation of immune system. Local communities also used this plant for the treatment of spleen enlargement, as febrifuge and in dysmenorrhea. In this investigation antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of K. ramosissima have been evaluated. METHODS: Dried powder of the whole plant of K. ramosissima was extracted with methanol (KRM) and partitioned with solvents to obtain the n-hexane (KRH), chloroform (KRC), ethyl acetate (KRE), n-butanol (KRB) and the residual aqueous (KRA) fraction. KRM and the derived fractions were analyzed for the phytochemical constituents, yeast induced pyrexia, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities by using carrageenan and Freunds' complete adjuvant-induced paw edema model in rat. On account of appreciable effects of KRM in the aforesaid models, KRM was subjected to the carrageenan induced air pouch model in rat. The exudate of air pouch was analyzed for the count of neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and WBCs and for the estimation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PGE2). RESULTS: Phytochemical investigation of KRM indicated the existence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, terpenoids and phlobatannins. Maximum concentration of total phenolic was determined in KRB followed by KRM while reverse was true for total flavonoids contents. KRM (200mg/kg) distinctly decreased the rectal temperature in yeast induced pyrexia comparable to standard, paracetamol. Pain sensation was effectively inhibited at 200mg/kg p.o. of KRM and KRB as manifested by a decrease (P<0.001) in count of writhing induced with acetic acid and increase of latency time in hot plate. Anti-inflammatory effects of KRM were evident and edema formation induced with carrageenan and Freunds' complete adjuvant-induced paw edema in rat was significantly (P<0.001) inhibited. Count of neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and WBCs along with inflammatory mediators; IL-6, NO, TNF-α and PGE2 was significantly (P<0.001) decreased in subcutaneous air pouch exudate with KRM. HPLC analysis of KRM indicated the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, catechin and myricetin. CONCLUSION: The results suggested the anti-inflammatory effects of KRM in inflammation related disorders, might be attributed by the presence of active phytoconstituents; flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids.

Assessment of antioxidant potential, total phenolics and flavonoids of different solvent fractions of monotheca buxifolia fruit.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant potential of methanol extract and its derived fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous) of fruits of Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) Dc., a locally used fruit in Pakistan. METHODS: Dried powder of the fruit of M. buxifolia was extracted with methanol and the resultant was fractionated with solvents having escalating polarity; n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and the residual soluble aqueous fraction. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated for the methanol and various fractions. These fractions were also subjected to various in vitro assays to estimate the scavenging activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide and reductive ability for ferric ions and phosphomolybdate assay. RESULTS: The n-butanol, aqueous and methanol fractions possessed high amount of phenolics and flavonoids compared with other fractions, and subsequently showed a pronounced scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide radicals and had a potent reductive ability on ferric ion and phosphomolybdate assay. There was a found significant correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and EC50 of DPPH, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide radical and phosphomolybdate assays, whereas a nonsignificant correlation was found with the hydroxyl radical and ABTS radical assay. CONCLUSION: M. buxifolia fruit can be used as natural antioxidant source to prevent damage associated with free radicals.

Evaluation of diverse antioxidant activities of Galium aparine.

Methanol extract and its n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fraction of Galium aparine L. (Rubiacea) were evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH, superoxide radical, phosphomolybdate assay); reducing power (ABTS, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, to reduce Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) ions) and to estimate total flavonoid and phenolic contents. All the free radical generating assay models depicted differential positive scavenging activity but considerable magnitude for all the fractions. The results showed that aqueous fraction strongly scavenge the DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals. A significantly high correlation coefficient existed between IC(50) values of DPPH and superoxide radical with total phenolic content and phosphomolybdate assay with total flavonoid contents, respectively. These results suggested that aqueous fraction can be a good source of antioxidant therapeutic in oxidative stress damages.