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A significant number of terpenoid compounds are glycosides with the sugars linked to the active groups. Sometimes, the glycosidic residue is crucial for their activity, but in other cases glycosylation only improves pharmacokinetic parameters. Enzymatic glycosylation of terpenoids is a useful tool due to the high selectivity and the mildness of the reaction conditions, in comparison with chemical methods. Several types of biocatalysts have been used in the enzymatic glycosylation of terpenoids. These include the use of glycosyltransferases, trans-glycosidases, and whole-cell biotransformation systems capable of regenerating the cofactor, such as fungi, bacteria, plant-cell cultures, etc. Many biosynthesized terpenoid glycosides display medicinal and pharmacological properties and can be used as pro-drug substances. These terpenoid glycosides have also been employed as food additives (e.g. low-caloric sweetener compounds) and cosmetics, and even have applications as controlled-release fragrances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose maslinic acid (2-α, 3-β-dihydroxiolean-12-en-28-oic acid), found in the leaves and fruit of the olive tree ( Olea europaea L.), as a new natural coccidiostatic product against Eimeria tenella. Its action in infected animals has been compared with animals treated with sodium salinomycin. The lesion index (LS), the oocyst index (OI) and the anticoccidial index (ACI) were studied with regard to the weight of the chicks. The ACI for maslinic acid was 210.27 and for sodium salinomycin 173.09. Similarly, both LS and OI decreased in the groups treated with maslinic acid. A considerable increase in weight was found in the chicks treated with maslinic acid compared with those in the control group. Histopathological studies of the caecum at 120 h post-infection showed that the infection rate decreased significantly in chicks treated with maslinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looks at the relationship between elevated blood pressure (BP) in children and 24-h urinary excretion of sodium (Na) and potassium (K), and between BP and dietary salt intake. Measurement of 24-h urinary Na and K concentrations, systolic and diastolic BP, body weight and height; Weak correlation between Na excretion and systolic BP.