Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from discarded shells of velvet tamarind (Dialium cochinchinense) and their antimicrobial synergistic potentials and biofilm inhibition properties.

In the field of nanomedicine, biogenic metal nanoparticles are commonly synthesized using edible plant products as bio-reducing or stabilizing agents. In this study, discarded shell of velvet tamarind fruit is explored as a potent reducing agent for biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (VeV-AgNPs). Silver nanoparticles were formed in minutes under sunlight exposure, which was considerably fast compared to under ambient conditions. The optical, structural and morphological studies revealed that the nanoparticle colloidal solution consisted of particles with quasi-spherical and rodlike morphologies. To investigate antimicrobial properties, eight microorganisms were exposed to the VeV-AgNPs. The results indicated that VeV-AgNPs had enhanced antimicrobial activity, with a recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.9 µg/mL against E. coli. Further studies were conducted to examine the biofilm inhibition properties and synergistic effect of the VeV-AgNPs. The findings showed a biofilm inhibition potential of around 98% against E. coli, and the particles were also found to increase the efficacy of standard antimicrobial agents. The combinatory effect with standard antifungal and antibacterial agents ranged from synergistic to antagonistic effects against the tested microorganisms. These results suggest that silver nanoparticles produced from discarded shells of velvet tamarind are potent and could be used as a potential drug candidate to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Efficacy and Safety of Pea Protein and Xyloglucan Versus Simethicone in Functional Abdominal Bloating and Distension.

BACKGROUND: Functional Abdominal Bloating and Distension (FABD) is a multifaceted condition related in part to trapped gas, with changes in the intestinal barrier and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which lead to gas production. Currently, there are no treatments targeting the etiology of FABD. METHODS: This double-blind, multicenter, randomized study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a product containing xyloglucan and pea proteins (XG + PP) compared with simethicone, both administered orally (three times daily) for 20 consecutive days. Eighty-eight patients with FABD were randomly assigned to the two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Primary outcome was safety; secondary outcomes were (i) efficacy in alleviating the symptoms of FABD and (ii) efficacy in reducing SIBO, as assessed by hydrogen breath test (HBT). RESULTS: No Adverse Events or Serious Unexpected Adverse Reactions were reported during the study. XG + PP showed a faster onset of action and a significant reduction in bloating and abdominal pain compared with simethicone. At Day 20, XG + PP drastically reduced abdominal girth when compared with simethicone, with an average reduction of 4.7 cm versus 1.8 cm. At Day 20, the XG + PP arm showed a significant reduction in HBT compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the evidence that FABD patients may benefit from a XG + PP-based treatment that acts on etiology and not just the symptoms.

Influence of Temperatures on Physicochemical Properties and Structural Features of Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide.

Due to the high content of impurities such as proteins in tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP), they must be separated and purified before it can be used. TSP can disperse in cold water, but a solution can only be obtained by heating the mixture. Therefore, it is important to understand the dispersion and dissolution process of TSP at different temperatures to expand the application of TSP. In this study, pasting behavior and rheological properties as a function of temperature were characterized in comparison with potato starch (PS), and their relationship with TSP molecular features and microstructure was revealed. Pasting behavior showed that TSP had higher peak viscosity and stronger thermal stability than PS. Rheological properties exhibited that G' and G'' of TSP gradually increased with the increase in temperature, without exhibiting typical starch gelatinization behavior. The crystalline or amorphous structure of TSP and starch was disrupted under different temperature treatment conditions. The SEM results show that TSP particles directly transformed into fragments with the temperature increase, while PS granules first expanded and then broken down into fragments. Therefore, TSP and PS underwent different dispersion mechanisms during the dissolution process: As the temperature gradually increased, TSP possibly underwent a straightforward dispersion and was then dissolved in aqueous solution, while PS granules initially expanded, followed by disintegration and dispersion.

Tamarind Seeds in Tracheobronchial Tree: Challenges during Rigid Bronchoscopy.

Background: Tamarind seed aspiration is not frequent in children and is usually observed in kids from rural backgrounds, with easy access to tamarind fruits and their by-products. Materials and Methods: We report a retrospective review of five patients managed in the pediatric surgery department for tamarind seed aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree. The data were analyzed based on age, clinical presentation, bronchoscopic observations, and the challenges faced during the rigid bronchoscopic retrieval and postoperative course. Results: There were four boys and one girl with a median age of 10 years. High-resolution computed tomography thorax was done in all patients. The foreign body was identified in the right main bronchus in one and the left main bronchus in four patients. All five patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy and retrieval of the seed. Two patients had an early presentation (within a week) - they needed temporary tracheotomy as the swollen seed could not be negotiated through the narrow glottis. Two patients had a late presentation (around 15 days) - they required removal in piecemeal using crushing forceps and multiple insertions of bronchoscope prolonging surgical time. One patient presented at 22 days posttamarind aspiration. It was soft enough for easy disintegration with crocodile forceps and expeditiously removed in three to four pieces. All patients recovered uneventfully. Conclusion: Removal of tamarind seed foreign body from the tracheobronchial tree is challenging. Anticipating the difficulties and being prepared well, helps to reduce the intraoperative difficulty, and allow successful removal with favorable patient outcomes.

Iron-engineered mesoporous biocarbon composite and its adsorption, activation, and regeneration approach for removal of paracetamol in water.

Three-dimensional multi-porous Iron Oxide/carbon (Fe2O3/C) composites derived from tamarind shell biomass were synthesized by a single-step co-pyrolysis technique and utilized for Paracetamol (PAC) dismissal in the combined adsorption, and advanced oxidation such as electrochemical regeneration techniques. The Fe2O3/C composites were prepared by different pyrolysis temperatures, and named as TS750 (without Fe2O3at 750 °C), MTS450 BCs (Low-450 °C), MTS600 BCs (Moderate-600 °C) and MTS750 BCs (high-750 °C), respectively. As-prepared Fe2O3/C composite was characterized by FE-SEM, XRD, BET, and XPS analysis. The specific surface area and the spatial interaction between the interlayers of Fe2O3 and C were significantly improved by increasing the pyrolysis temperatures from 450 to 750 °C, which improved the adsorption capacity of Fe2O3/C composites in terms of higher rate constants and chemisorption kinetics. The Pseudo-second-order kinetics model fitted in the adsorption test results of Fe2O3/C composites with the highest correlation co-efficiency. The Langmuir-isotherms model fitted in the adsorption test of the TS750 and MTS450 BCs. The Freundlich isotherms model is more fit with MTS600 and MTS750 BCs. Based on the isotherm results, the MTS750 BCs achieved 46.9 mg/g of maximum PAC adsorption capacity. The optimized MTS750 composites could be completely recovered by using an advanced electrochemical oxidation regeneration approach within 180 min. Also, with the adsorption and recovery process, the TOC removal rate improved to ∼79.4%. After the 6th cycle electrochemical oxidation process, the obtained results of the re-adsorption test showed the stabile adsorption activity of the sorbent material. The data outcomes herein propose that this type of combined adsorption and electrochemical approach will be useful in commercial water treatment plants.

Effects of tamarind seed polysaccharides on physicochemical characteristics of frozen dough: structure-function relationship.

BACKGROUND: Recently, frozen dough has become more popular because of its ability to be quickly transformed into freshly baked foods. During the storage and transport process, frozen dough can suffer some degree of damage caused by ice crystallization and recrystallization. Adding polysaccharides to frozen dough is a good way to solve this problem. Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) has excellent ice crystal steady ability and has also been widely used in frozen foods. However, there is no study on the use of TSP in frozen dough. RESULTS: TSP can stabilize the bound water content, inhibit the freezable water content, and increase elasticity. However, the dough with different structures of TSP added was less firm after 30 days of freezing compared to the dough without TSP, and the porosity and stomatal density of the prepared steamed bread gradually decreased. The addition of TSP reduced gluten deterioration during the freezing process, thus decreasing the collapse and uneven porosity of the steamed bread. CONCLUSIONS: The results could provide new insights into the structure of TSP and its effect on the quality characteristics of frozen dough. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protecting Tear-Film Stability under Adverse Environmental Conditions Using a Mucomimetic with a Non-Newtonian Viscosity Agent.

Background and Objectives: Tamarind-seed polysaccharide (TSP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) have mucoadhesive properties that improve drug absorption and delay in drug elimination from the ocular surface. We aimed to evaluate TSP/HA-containing formulation for its efficiency in dry-eye symptoms induced by adverse environments and the interaction between mucomimic polymer and tear-film parameters. Materials and Methods: The participants were exposed to 5% relative humidity (RH) in a Controlled Environment Chamber (CEC) under constant room temperature (21 °C). Tear-film parameters were assessed at 40% RH and 5% RH. Rohto Dry Eye Relief drops were used in the two treatment modalities, protection (drops instilled before exposure to the dry environment) and relief (drops instilled after exposure to the dry environment). The HIRCAL grid, Servomed EP3 Evaporimeter, and Keeler's TearScope-Plus were used to screen for non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear evaporation rate, and lipid-layer thickness (LLT) using protection and relief treatment methodology. Results: LLT was found to be significantly thinner at 5% RH compared with at 40% RH (p = 0.007). The median LLT dropped from 50-70 nm (grade 3) at 40% RH to 10-50 nm (grade 2) at 5% RH. TSP/HA eye drops significantly augment LLT in both treatment modalities, protection (p = 0.01) and relief (p = 0.004) at 5% RH. The mean evaporation rate doubled from 40.93 at 40% RH to 82.42 g/m2/h after exposure to 5% RH. In protection mode, the TSP/HA allowed the average evaporation rate to be much lower than when no TSP/HA was used at 5% RH (p < 0.008). No alteration in evaporation rate was recorded when the TSP/HA drop was used after exposure (relief). The mean NITBUT was reduced from 13 s in normal conditions to 6 s in the dry environment. Instillation of TSP/HA eye drops resulted in significant improvement (p = 0.006) in tear stability, where the NITBUT increased to 8 s in both protection (before exposure) and relief (after exposure) (p = 0.001). Although improved, these values were still significantly lower than NITBUT observed at 40% RH. Conclusions: Significant protection of tear-film parameters was recorded post instillation of TSP/HA eye drop under a desiccating environment. Both treatment methods (protection and relief) were shown to be effective. The presence of TSP/HA enhances the effectiveness of teardrops in protecting the tear-film parameters when exposed to adverse environments.

Decaffeination of wastewater using activated carbon produced from velvet tamarind-pericarp (Dialium Guineense).

Adsorption of caffeine from an aqueous solution was carried out using Velvet Tamarind-Pericarp, activated with H3PO4. The adsorbent was characterized using a scanning-electron microscope and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller. Parameters such as activating agent concentration (80 wt.% in 100 mL solution), initial caffeine concentration of 5-40 g/L, pH of 0-14, and residence time 0-90 minutes, were investigated. Improved adsorptive capacities were seen at increased acid concentrations, with the highest removal rate obtained at a pH of 6. The highest residence time and adsorbent concentrations were obtained at 40 min and 10 g/L. The surface adsorption of the adsorbent obeyed the Langmuir Isotherm, while the regression coefficients conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for the remediation of caffeine with DG-AC. The highest amount of caffeine removed per gram DG is 72.60 mg.g-1. From the thermodynamic study, the caffeine adsorption was feasible, spontaneous, entropy-driven, and endothermic. These data show that the use of DG-AC can be a good alternative to other expensive methods for caffeine remediation. The Pseudo - first/second-order kinetic results gave R2 values of 0.95 and 0.99, other parameters such as entropy (ΔS°) and enthalpy (ΔH°) are 0.06 (kJmolK) and (19.21) (kJmolK).

In vitro osteogenic activities of sulfated derivative of polysaccharide extracted from Tamarindus indica L.

Osteoporosis, one of the most serious public health concerns caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, has a major impact on the population. Therefore, finding the effective osteogenic compounds for the treatment of osteoporosis is a promising research approach. In our study, tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed polysaccharide (TSP) extracted from tamarind seed was subjected to synthesize its sulfate derivatives. The 1H NMR, FT-IR, SEM, monosaccharide compositions and elemental analysis data revealed that tamarind seed polysaccharide sulfate (TSPS) was successfully prepared. As the result, TSPS showed potent effects on inducing osteoblast differentiation via increasing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity up to 20% after 10 days and bone mineralization approximately 58% after four weeks at concentration of 20 µg/mL, whereas no statistically increase for both ALP activity and bone mineralization was observed in TSP treatment. Furthermore, TSPS enhanced expression of several marker genes in bone formation. Overall, the obtained data provided novelty on osteogenic compounds originated from TSP of T. indica, as well as scientific fundamentals on drug development and bone tissue engineering for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.

Structural insights and molecular dynamics into the inhibitory mechanism of a Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L.

Trypsin inhibitors from tamarind seed have been studied in vitro and in preclinical studies for the treatment of obesity, its complications and associated comorbidities. It is still necessary to fully understand the structure and behaviour of these molecules. We purifed this inhibitor, sequenced de novo by MALDI-TOF/TOF, performed its homology modelling, and assessed the interaction with the trypsin enzyme through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation under physiological conditions. We identified additional 75 amino acid residues, reaching approximately 72% of total coverage. The four best conformations of the best homology modelling were submitted to the MD. The conformation n°287 was selected considering the RMSD analysis and interaction energy (-301.0128 kcal.mol-1). Residues Ile (54), Pro (57), Arg (59), Arg (63), and Glu (78) of pTTI presented the highest interactions with trypsin, and arginine residues were mainly involved in its binding mechanism. The results favour bioprospecting of this protein for pharmaceutical health applications.

Pretreatment of tamarind pericarp to increase antioxidant availability and its application in a functional food.

Diverse researchers have considered by-products of food and agricultural processing industries as a source of antioxidants. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a leguminous tree, native from tropical Africa bearing edible fruit. The fruit is composed of 30% pulp, 40% seed, and 30% pericarp. Currently, tamarind pericarp is a waste from tamarind processing (approximately 54,400 tons of pericarp in 2012 worldwide) and is contributing to environmental contamination. This research aimed to determine the effect of maceration, microwaves, and ultrasound on the increase in the antioxidant availability in tamarind pericarp and its incorporation as a functional ingredient in cookies (5 and 10% substitution). Antioxidant content, antioxidant activity, proximate, and sensorial analysis of the cookies were conducted. The microwave method was the best pretreatment compared with sonication and maceration since it showed 1.3-fold higher amounts of phenolic compounds and 1.2-fold higher antioxidant capacity. The 10% substitution of tamarind pericarp powder in cookies, significantly increased the fiber content (four-fold) and phenolic compounds content (2.6-fold) and the product presented good acceptance in a sensorial test. Thus, tamarind pericarp powder could be considered as an antioxidant and fiber source and could be used as a functional ingredient in food products.

Therapeutic efficacy of rifaximin loaded tamarind gum polysaccharide nanoparticles in TNBS induced IBD model Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Rifaximin is a non-systemic antibiotic used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Antibiotics are demonstrating a significant role in the treatment of IBD by altering the dysbiotic colonic microbiota and decreases the immunogenic and inflammatory response in the patient population. Mucoadhesive colon targeted nanoparticles provide the site-specific delivery and extended stay in the colon. Since the bacteria occupy the lumen, spread over the surface of epithelial cells, and adhere to the mucosa, delivering the rifaximin as a nanoparticles with the mucoadhesive polymer enhances the therapeutic efficacy in IBD. The objective was to fabricate and characterize the rifaximin loaded tamarind gum nanoparticles and study the therapeutic efficacy in the TNBS-induced IBD model rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimentation includes fabrication and characterization of drug excipient compatibility by FTIR. The fabricated nanoparticles were characterized for the hydrodynamic size and zeta potential by photon correlation spectroscopy and also analyzed by TEM. Selected best formulation was subjected to the therapeutic efficacy study in TNBS-induced IBD rats, and the macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical parameters were reported. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that the formulation TGN1 is best formulation in terms of nanoparticle characterization and hydrodynamic size which showed the hydrodynamic size of 171.4 nm and the zeta potential of -26.44 mV and other parameters such as TEM and drug release studies were also reported. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic efficacy study revealed that TGN1 is efficiently reduced the IBD inflammatory conditions as compared to the TNBS control group and reference drug mesalamine group.

Oil-in-water emulsions containing tamarind seed gum during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion: rheological properties, stability, and lipid digestibility.

BACKGROUND: Polysaccharides may enhance/inhibit lipid digestibility of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions because of their emulsifying and/or stabilizing ability and can also affect the formation, stability, and viscosity of emulsions. Tamarind seed gum (TSG) was used as the sole emulsifier/stabilizer to stabilize an O/W emulsion prepared using high-speed homogenization. We investigated the effects of various TSG concentrations (50-150 g kg-1 ) on the lipid digestibility, rheological properties, and stability of O/W emulsions during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. RESULTS: A low concentration (50 g kg-1 ) and a high concentration (150 g kg-1 ) of TSG reduced lipid digestibility by about 33% and 45%, respectively, compared to the control sample (without TSG). However, the emulsion containing the intermediate TSG concentration at 100 g kg-1 was the most efficient in the inhibition of lipid digestion, reducing lipid digestibility by about 70% compared to that of the control sample. The stability of emulsion tended to enhance as the concentration of TSG increased. The size of oil droplets before passing through the intestinal phase and the viscosity of the intestinal digested system may be important factors for enhancing/inhibiting lipid digestibility of emulsions. The destabilization of the emulsion during digestion was not clearly detected by rheological analysis because rheological characteristics (e.g. flow behavior index) were mainly driven by TSG. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of TSG in O/W emulsions inhibited lipid digestibility. TSG at a concentration of 100 g kg-1 was the most efficient in the inhibition of lipid digestibility, suggesting that TSG is an attractive alternative ingredient for control of lipid digestibility of emulsion foods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of ultrasonication on functional properties of tamarind seed protein isolates.

In the present study protein was isolated from tamarind seed powder and was subjected to ultrasonication by varying the time (15 and 30 min) and intensity (100 and 200 W) of treatment. The effect of the ultrasound treatment on the various properties like solubility, emulsifying property, foaming property, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, particle density and molecular weight was investigated. The solubility, emulsifying property, foaming property, water holding capacity and oil holding capacity of the ultrasonically treated tamarind seed protein isolates improved after treatment and was found to increase with time or intensity of the treatment. The particle density slightly decreased after ultrasonication, but significant differences could not be observed for the different treatment conditions. The SDS-PAGE profiling did not reveal any differences in the molecular weights of the treated and untreated proteins, implying that ultrasonication did not affect the primary structure of the proteins. It can be concluded from the study that ultrasonication can be used to improve the functional properties of tamarind seed protein isolates and therefore has potential for use in various food and non-food applications.

Composition and Rheological Properties of Polysaccharide Extracted from Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Seed.

A polysaccharide was extracted in high yield from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed (TSP) by acidic hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation. It was composed of 86.2% neutral polysaccharide, 5.4% uronic acid and 1.3% protein. The molecular weight of TSP was estimated to be about 1735 kDa, with glucose, xylose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 2.9:1.8:1.0 as the major monosaccharides. The steady shear and viscoelastic properties of TSP aqueous solutions were investigated by dynamic rheometry. Results revealed that TSP aqueous solution at a concentration above 0.5% (w/v) exhibited non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior. Dynamic oscillatory analysis revealed that 10% (w/v) TSP showed as a "weak gel" structure. Apparent viscosities and viscoelastic parameters of TSP solutions decreased drastically in an alkaline solution of pH > 10, but slightly influenced by acidic solution, high temperature and the presence of salt ions and sucrose. These results indicated that TSP possessed excellent pH-resistance and thermo-stability, which might be suitable for applications in acidic beverages and high-temperature processed foodstuffs.

Effects of replacing rice bran with tamarind seed meal in concentrate mixture diets on the changes in ruminal ecology and feed utilization of dairy steers.

Feed ingredients costs have been impacting the production cost. Attempts have been made to use local feed resources in order to reduce feed costs. The objective of this study was to identify effect of using crushed tamarind seed meal (TSM) in concentrate mixture on rumen fermentation, dry matter intake, and digestibility of dairy steers. Four rumen-fistulated dairy steers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin Square Design. Four levels of TSM were used to replace rice bran (RB) in the concentrate mixtures in four treatments (T1 = 0% replacement of RB, T2 = 30% replacement of RB, T3 = 60% replacement of RB, T4 = 100% replacement of RB). The findings revealed that replacement of TSM for RB resulted in similar digestibility of nutrients and intakes (P > 0.05). However, rumen fermentation parameters were remarkably improved, namely total VFA and the concentration of C3 especially at the highest level of replacements (100%, T4), (P < 0.05). Rumen protozoal population was found lowered in all replacements, especially those in higher levels of TSM replacement. Consequently, the rumen methane productions were significantly reduced. TSM can be a promising energy source to replace rice bran, hence lowering the cost of concentrate mixture.

Biochemical characterisation of a Kunitz-type inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L. seeds and its efficacy in reducing plasma leptin in an experimental model of obesity.

A trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seed (TTI) has satietogenic effects in animals, increasing the cholecystokinin (CCK) in eutrophy and reducing leptin in obesity. We purified TTI (pTTI), characterised, and observed its effect upon CCK and leptin in obese Wistar rats. By HPLC, and after amplification of resolution, two protein fractions were observed: Fr1 and Fr2, with average mass of [M + 14H]+ = 19,594,690 Da and [M + 13H]+ = 19,578,266 Da, respectively. The protein fractions showed 54 and 53 amino acid residues with the same sequence. pTTI presented resistance to temperature and pH variations; IC50 was 2.7 × 10-10 mol.L-1 and Ki was 2.9 × 10-11 mol.L-1. The 2-DE revealed spots with isoelectric points between pH 5 and 6, and one near pH 8. pTTI action on leptin decrease was confirmed. We conclude that pTTI is a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor with possible biotechnological health-related application.

Removal of Co by carbonaceous material obtained through solution combustion of tamarind shell.

New carbonaceous materials were obtained through solution combustion process of tamarind shell in the presence of urea and ammonium nitrate, and all of them were tested for Co removal. The effect of temperature (from 600 to 1000°C) and water volume on surface texture of carbonaceous material and its adsorptive capacity was evaluated. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) model were used to characterize the obtained carbonaceous material before applying for the removal of cobalt. The point of zero charge was also determined. The results indicate that BET-specific surface areas ranged from 6.40 to 216.72 m2g-1 for the carbonaceous materials obtained at 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000°C. The one obtained at 900°C (CombTSF900) was found to be the most effective adsorbent for the removal of Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions, with a maximum sorption capacity (Qmax) of 43.56 mg/g. Carbonaceous material obtained through the solution combustion process improves morphological characteristics of adsorbent in a short time, and could be used as an alternative method for the removal of cobalt.

Ethanol extract and chromatographic fractions of Tamarindus indica stem bark inhibits Newcastle disease virus replication.

CONTEXT: The plethora of ethnomedicinal applications of Tamarindus indica Linn. (Leguminosae), tamarind, includes treatment of human and livestock ailments; preparations are recognized antipyretics in fevers, laxatives and carminatives. African folklore has various applications of tamarind. However, in Nyasaland, domestic fowl are fed with preparations for prophylactic properties. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the antiviral properties of T. indica extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tamarindus indica stem bark was extracted through ethanol maceration over 24 h, and the crude extract was fractionated by gravity-propelled column chromatography. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) inhibitory activity of extract and fractions were evaluated in vivo using 10-d-old embryonated chicken egg (ECE) as the medium for virus cultivation and antivirus assay. About 240 ECE were grouped into eight (three controls and five experimental) and, 200 µL of the extract and fractions respectively inoculated into NDV pre-infected eggs and incubated at 37 °C. Allantoic fluid was harvested 5 d post-virus infection and assayed for haemagglutination (HA). RESULTS: Anti-NDV assessment showed 62.5 mg/mL of crude extract and fractions: TiA, TiC and TiD to yield a HA titre of 1:128 each, while TiB showed 1:64 HA titre. At 125 mg/mL, a titre of 1:16 was recorded against TiB and TiD and, 1:8 against TiA. Similarly, crude extract and TiC, each recorded 1:4 HA titre. However, the minimum concentrations of extract and fraction for virus inactivation were 0.24 mg/mL and 0.49 mg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: The antiviral activity shown by T. indica portends novel antiviral drugs and, perhaps, as scaffold for new drugs.

Effect of feeding tamarind kernel powder extract residue on digestibility, nitrogen availability and ruminal fermentation in wethers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to examine in vivo digestibility, nitrogen balance and ruminal fermentation of tamarind (Tamarind indica) kernel powder extract residue (TKPER) compared to soybean products and by-products in wethers. METHODS: Four wethers with initial body weight (BW) of 51.6±5.5 kg were assigned in a 4×4 Latin square design to investigate nutritional characteristics of TKPER, dry heat soybean (SB), dry soybean curd residue (SBCR) and soybean meal (SBM) feeding with ryegrass straw (R) at a ratio of 1:1 at 2% of BW in dry matter (DM) on a daily basis. RESULTS: The digestibility of DM, crude protein, and ether extract (EE) of TKPER-R diet were 57.0%, 87.0%, and 86.0%, respectively. Higher non-fiber carbohydrates digestibility was observed in TKPER-R diet (83.2%) than in SB-R diet (73.9%, p<0.05). Wethers fed the TKPER-R diet had lower retention of nitrogen (N) and ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) contents at 4 h after feeding than those fed the SBM-R diet (p<0.05), which had values similar to the SB-R or SBCR-R diet. The TKPER feeding had higher propionate (C3) and lower butyrate content, as well as lower acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) in rumen fluid than SBM feeding at 4 h after feeding (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: TKPER did not bring any side effect to the wethers although it was lack of fiber, and could be used as a high protein and energy ingredient in concentrate with appropriate roughage to meet the fiber requirement for ruminants.