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Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-leishmanial and cytotoxic activities of extracts of different parts of Lawsonia Inermis, Morus nigra and Ziziphus mauritiana. Methods: The methanol extracts of all three plant materials at concentrations of 10 - 100 μg/mL were tested for their in vitro anti-leishmanial effects on L. tropica KWH23 promastigotes for 24 - 48 h, relative to negative control and amphotericin-B (standard drug). For in vivo anti-leishmanial activity, the extracts were tested against L. tropica-infected albino mice, while cytotoxicity was investigated against mammalian cells (lymphocytes). Results: For Lawsonia Inermis leaves, mean inhibition of extracellular promastigotes at 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg/mL after 48 h were 98.2 ± 0.06, 98.75 ± 1.09, 99.31 ± 0.00 and 100.00 ± 0.00%, respectively. After 8 weeks, mean lesion size decreased from 0.8 ± 0.2 mm to 0.3 ± 0.1 mm (p < 0.01), and cure at 150 mg/kg against intracellular amastigotes in albino mice was 97.02% (95% CI = 96.14 - 98.10). IC50 for Lawsonia inermis leaf extract was 12.22 μg/mL (95% CI = 11.54 - 13.84) against lymphocytes. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study show that Lawsonia Inermis leaf is safe and possesses potent anti-leishmanial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of the different irrigation water sources and spraying with seaweeds on the seedlings of two plants one is saltsensitive (Citrus sinensis) and the other is salt-tolerant (Ziziphus mauritiana) through studying growth parameters, as well as biochemical attributes and minerals in leaves of the studied plants. Four treatments were used for irrigation water as follow: (W1)The Tap Water (control) E.c = 1.2 dS.m -1 , (W2) Shatt al-Arab river (sub river) Ec = 5.2 dS.m -1 , (W3) Shatt al-arab river (main) 6.2 dS.m -1 , (W4) The well water E.c = 8.1 dS.m -1 with 3 levels (A1, A2, A3) of seaweed treatments prepared from (Agrosign marine) in the concentration of (0, 2, 4 ml /L), The results explained that there is a decrease in all parameters in this study with increasing the salinity of irrigation water and this is represented in well water irrigation as compared with another water types, while the interaction withseaweeds treatments caused significant increases in the growth parameters, biochemical attributes and minerals contents. This promotion was associated with increasing the concentrations to (4 ml /L), Which gave 42.94 cm in plant height, 2.00 number of shoots, 24.61 in the number of leaves, 5.34 in stem diameter, 101.2 g in fresh weight and 19.02 g dry weight. On the other hand the interaction with seaweed extract increased significantly growth parameters, attributes biochemical and mineral content, it gave the highest value A3W1 which was 3.48 mg /g in the total chlorophyll and 73.82 mg/g in total carbohydrates, while the lowest at A1W4 which was 1.38 mg/g in the total chlorophyll and 42.92 mg / g in the total carbohydrates. The activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) have shown a marked increase when increasing the level of salinity in irrigation water as well as, the seaweeds extraction caused increasing in the content of these enzymes. The treatment (A1W4) gave the highest enzymes activities CAT, SOD, BOD which was 24.10, 21.83 and 7.93 u / g / f.w respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To formulate stable water in oil (W/O) emulsion containing hydroalcoholic crude extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves for skin rejuvenation. Methods: Placebo (base) without any plant extract and formulation with 4% Ziziphus mauritiana extract were prepared by mixing. Samples of the emulsions were subjected to varying storage conditions, i.e., 8, 25, 40 oC and 40 oC + 75% relative humidity for a period of 4 weeks to predict their stability. During this period, stability parameters, including liquefaction, phase separation, color, electrical conductivity, centrifugation and pH were monitored at specified time intervals. Skin rejuvenation was evaluated using 13 healthy human volunteers over a period of 8 weeks. During this period, various skin parameters such as erythema, melanin level, moisture content, elasticity and sebum content of the skin were evaluated at specified intervals. Results: Both the active formulation and placebo were stable in terms of liquifaction, phase separation and color at all the storage conditions of temperature and humidity. Active formulation showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement in skin melanin as well as in skin moisture and sebum levels, whereas these properties were reduced or even absent in the placebo formulation (p > 0.05). Both active and placebo formulations changed skin elasticity and erythema significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: İt is evident from the findings that the leaf extract of Ziziphus mauritiana possesses antiaging properties as well as exert skin lightening, moisturizing and viscoelastic effects on human skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of ultrasound-assisted, supercritical CO2and solvent extraction methods on antioxidant activity ofZiziphus mauritiana(Lam.) extracts were investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and β-carotene assays. Ethanol-water extract of the jujube that was obtained with ultrasound-assisted extraction had the highest antioxidant activity. Ultrasound-assisted extraction was the most effective method on extraction of phenolic compounds. The effect of ultrasound extract in stability of soybean oil was compared to synthetic antioxidants by measuring total polar compounds, carbonyl value, peroxide value, free fatty acids, oxidative stability index, and conjugated dienes and trienes values. Results showed that ultrasound ethanol-water extract at 600 ppm had a higher stabilization efficiency than commercial antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, and tertiary butylhydroquinone. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Integrated weed management for woody weeds is difficult to implement, partly due to the unknown effects of plant size on intraspecific plant competition. Moreover, weed literature often uses density (quantity) as a measure of control efficacy; this is insufficient for woody weeds due to varying plant sizes within populations. Using Ziziphus mauritiana as a case study, we describe a method of simultaneously measuring plant sizes and density: crowdedness. A new deterministic crowding-dependent matrix population model was developed by grouping the population into ten life stages. Elasticity analyses and simulations showed that removing the largest plant had the greatest control efficacy on new and old infestations in riparian and upland zones; despite subsequent mass recruitments. The model also accommodated for shocks without overcompensating. The alternative measure of plant abundance developed in this paper, provides a useful tool to assist in woody-weed control decisions and provide a better measure of weed-control efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has been carried out to evaluate the effect of a composite edible coating of 2 % Sodium alginate and 0.2 % Olive oil with combination of 1 % ascorbic acid and 1 % citric acid on the post harvest nutritional quality and shelf life of Ber fruit stored at 25 ± 2 °C and 65 % R.H. The coatings reduced the decay occurrence, weight loss, accumulation of total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugars in Ber fruit and enhanced the level of antioxidants. The delayed activity of polygalacturonase (PG), Pectate lyase (PL) and Pectin methyl esterase (PME) was noticed in coated fruits than that of the control fruit indicating the reduced softening and ripening process. These findings suggest that the composite edible coating tested under the current study has the potential to control decaying incidence of Ber fruit, extends its storage life and also improves its valuable nutritional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micrografting of Four Sahelian Trees (Acacia senegal, Faidherbia albida, Tamarindus indica and Ziziphus mauritiana) with a View to their Rejuvenation. This paper proposes a protocol of rejuvenation of four Sahelian ligneous species : Acacia senegal, Faidherbia albida, Tamarindus indica and Ziziphus mauritian. It consists in aseptically removing a small scion (5-10 mm in length) and in micrografting it on to a seeding grown in vitro used as rootstock. The main elements of success are the age of the rootstock (two to six weeks depending on species), the level of grafting (on hypocotyl instead of epicotyl) and the origin of the scion (apex have higher growth after micrografting than axillary buds). The method developed was applied to the restoration of juvenile traits of adult trees. The main criterion is the rooting ability of microcuttings sampled on scions, after micrografting. Rooting competence restoration depends on the species, the nature of the first copy of the donor tree and the number of cycles of micrografting. The rejuvenation was more definite for F. albida, mobilised by root cuttings. In this case, one third of the microcuttings rooted after the first cycle of micrografting and 75 % after the second. For 2. Mauritiana mobilised by horticultural budding, 25 % of microcuttings were rooted after the second successive micrograft. No restoration of rooting competence was obtained with A. senegal and T. indica mobilised by cutting.

The aim of present study was to compare the effects of ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted extraction with solvent extraction method on antioxidant activities of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) leaf extracts in stability of sunflower oil during deep frying. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH?) radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching assays. Ultrasound-assisted extraction was the most effective method on antioxidant activities of extracts and extraction yield of phenolic compounds compared to other extraction techniques. Protective effect of methanol-water extract of jujube leaf obtained with ultrasound-assisted extraction (ULMW) at 500 and 700 ppm in stability of sunflower oil was compared to synthetic antioxidants by measuring total polar compounds (TPC), carbonyl value (CV), peroxide value (PV), free fatty acids (FFA), oxidative stability index (OSI), conjugated dienes (CD), and trienes values (CT). Results showed ULMW at 700 ppm had higher stabilization efficiency than synthetic antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ziziphus plants (Rhamnaceae family) are reported to possess bioactive compounds, recognized for traditional use and medicinal importance. Present work aims to evaluate antibacterial activity of stem extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. and Ziziphus xylopyra (Retz.) Willd. Stem barks were extracted in different solvents and analyzed by agar well diffusion assay. Z. mauritiana methanol extract (ZMM-A) had greatest antibacterial activity against S. aureus (22 mm) which was identical to positive control Gentamycin (22 mm), while the Gram negative test organisms were resistant to Z. xylopyra aqueous-dioxane extract (ZXAD). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to suppress most sensitive S. aureus exemplified ZMM-A extract at 1.5 mg/ml and Z. xylopyra methanol extract (ZXM-A) at 2.5 mg/ml. Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) study of potent ZMM-A and ZXM-A extracts reflected presence of variety of compounds responsible for antibacterial activity and require further intensive study. This research finding signifies methanolic Ziziphus stem bark extracts as possible and reliable natural source of pharmaceutical drug with antibacterial potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude bio-oil, extracted from endocarp bio-waste of Ziziphus mauritiana by direct liquefaction (ethanol-water 1:1 w/w; 300 °C), was used to replace petro-phenol (30% to 75% w/w) in the development of bio-oilphenol formaldehyde (BPF) resol resins. Cure kinetics of the BPF resins were studied by the DSC method, while the thermal degradation was studied by the TGA method. Bonding performance of the BPF resins was measured by single lap-shear method, while biocidal properties were investigated by antifungal index (%) and termite mortality (%) test. The DSC studies revealed that beyond 45% bio-oil incorporation (BOI), the curing process of the BPF resins got deferred. The TGA studies showed that BOI decreased the thermal stability of the BPF resins by lowering the decomposition temperatures and the char residue. The measured values of antifungal index (%) and termite mortality (%) revealed that incorporation of bio-oil enhanced the fungal and termite resistance of the resins. From data of thermal cure, bonding strength, thermal stability, and biocidal properties of the BPF resins it appears that petro-phenol could be substituted by up to 45% w/w of crude bio-oil safely in the development of bio-oil-phenol formaldehyde resol resins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to identify the chemical ingredients and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of crude extracts of locally grown Acacia karoo and Ziziphus mauritiana . Antibacterial activity was measured by the agar well diffusion method, and chemical ingredients were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Qualitative analysis of crude organic extracts confirmed the presence of high- and low-molecular-mass compounds. The extracts had a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. An ethyl acetate extract of A. karoo root induced a maximum zone of inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (35 ± 1.15 mm) and the least activity against Proteus vulgaris (10 ± 1.52 mm). A methanol extract of Z. mauritiana root induced a maximum zone of inhibition of Escherichia coli (35 ± 1.15 mm) and had the least activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (10 ± 1.52 mm). We conclude that root extracts of A. karoo and Z. mauritiana have significant antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujube Seed is a crude drug defined as the seed of Ziziphus jujuba Miller var. spinosa Hu ex H.F. Chou (Rhamnaceae) in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP). Most of the jujube seed in the Japanese markets is imported from China, with the rest obtained from other Asian countries. Here we confirmed the botanical origins of jujube seeds from both China and Myanmar by a DNA sequencing analysis. We found that the botanical origins of the crude drugs from China and Myanmar were Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana, respectively. Although the jujube seed from China conforms to the JP, that from Myanmar does not. A method for discriminating jujube seeds from China and Myanmar using a chemical approach is thus desirable, and here we sought to identify a compound specific to Z. jujuba. Jujuboside A ( 1) was identified as a compound specific to Z. jujuba. To establish a purity test of Jujube Seed in the JP against Z. mauritiana, we fractionated the extract of Z. mauritiana seeds and identified frangufoline ( 2) and oleanolic acid ( 4) as the marker compounds specific to Z. mauritiana. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the latter compound was useful for testing by TLC analysis. The established TLC conditions were as follows: chromatographic support, silica gel; developing solvent, n-hexane:EtOAc:HCOOH = 10:5:1; developing length, 7 cm; visualization, diluted sulfuric acid; R value, 0.43 (oleanolic acid). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujube fruits (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk) from two accessions grown in Guadeloupe were harvested and sampled at five ripening stages, from green to reddish-brown in colour. Their physiological characteristics were then investigated. Ascorbic acid increased with ripening until stage 4, to 463mg/100g and 168mg/100g dry weight, for cultivars P3 and P5, respectively. Likewise, ethylene production increased until stage 4, to 121µl/kg/h and 116µl/kg/h, for cultivars P3 and P5, respectively. High and transient sucrose accumulation was observed during ripening of P3 fruits, concomitantly with low and constant glucose and fructose contents. P5 fruits also accumulated sucrose transiently but at a lower level than P3 fruits, with a marked decrease at the end of ripening. In contrast to P3 fruit, glucose and fructose accumulated continuously to high levels during P5 fruit ripening. These data suggested differential sucrose metabolism during ripening of these fruits. Postharvest treatments with 1-MCP and acetylene were also performed on the three first ripening stages of both cultivars P3 and P5. On the basis of the findings, we discuss the climacteric behaviour of the P3 and P5 ripening process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of bio-oil incorporation on properties of bio-oil-phenol formaldehyde (BPF) resol resins along with the optimization of petro-phenol substitution level. Crude bio-oil prepared from endocarp shells of Ziziphus mauritiana by direct solvolytic liquefaction (ethanol-water 1:1 wt./wt. at 300 °C) was used to partially substitute the petro-phenol (30% to 75% wt./wt.) in the resin synthesis. The modified resins were subjected to measurement of various properties, including molecular weight, pH, viscosity, density, gel/cure time, non-volatile solid content, and limiting oxygen index. Bonding performance of the BPF resins was evaluated by measuring the mechanical and hygroscopic properties of the particle boards developed using such resins. With the incorporation of bio-oil, the viscosity and molecular weight of the BPF resins increased, while the values of pH, density, non-volatile solid content, and limiting oxygen index decreased. The gel, cure, and bonding tests revealed that with the addition of more than 45% bio-oil, the gel/cure times of the BPF resins increased, while the bonding performance decreased. Petro-phenol could therefore be substituted by crude bio-oil up to 45% wt./wt. safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three cultivated species of Ziziphus Mill. [ Z. jujuba Mill., Z. mauritiana Lam. and Z. spina- christi (L.) Willd.] comprising a total of seventeen cultivars/genotypes were selected for a mating system study. Phenological stage determination showed an overlap in blooming between the three species during June. Intraspecific cross compatibility was evaluated for Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana, and interspecific crosses between the three species were carried out during two flowering seasons. Following intraspecific hand cross-pollination, pollen tube formation and growth to the ovule 24 h after pollination (HAP) were observed in all three species. Although very low seed set was obtained following intraspecific Z. jujuba crosses, histological studies showed normal embryo formation and endosperm development, suggesting that double fertilization had occurred and that embryo development arrest occurred later. Following interspecific hand pollination, in vivo pollen grain germination and the formation of pollen tubes and their growth to the ovule 24 HAP were observed in compatible crosses, which also set fruit and seed. Viable embryos were obtained from Z. mauritiana × Z. jujuba, Z. mauritiana × Z. spina- christi and Z. spina- christi × Z. mauritiana crosses. Putative hybrids from these crosses were germinated in vitro, and the resultant plantlets were studied using flow cytometric analysis. Indications of true hybrid origin were obtained based on total 2C-DNA content of plantlets, but they died during the hardening-off process. This study showed that gene flow among these species is possible, thus increasing the potential that interspecific crosses can be used for genetic crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Females of lac insects especially of Kerria lacca (Kerr) secret a resin known as lac for their own protection, which has tremendous applications. Lac insect completes its lifecycle on several host taxa where it exclusively feeds on phloem sap but Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken, Butea monosperma (Lam.) and Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam.) are its major hosts. Analysis of phloem sap constituents as well as hemolymph of lac insect is important because it ultimately gets converted into lac by insect intervention. Main phloem sap constituent's viz. sugars and free amino acids and hemolymph of lac insect were analyzed using HPLC and tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The results were transformed to relative percentage of the total sugars and free amino acids analyzed in each sample for comparison among lac insect hemolymph and the phloem sap of the three different host taxa. Sucrose (58.9 ± 3.6-85.6 ± 0.9) and trehalose (62.3 ± 0.4) were the predominant sugars in phloem sap of three taxa and hemolymph of lac insect, respectively. Glutamic acid (33.1 ± 1.4-39.8 ± 1.4) was found to be main amino acid among the phloem sap of three taxa while tyrosine (61 ± 2.6) was the major amino acid in hemolymph of lac insect. The relative percentage of non-essential amino acids (60.8 %-69.9 %) was found to be more in all the three host taxa while essential amino acids (30.1 %-35.4 %) were present at a lower relative percentage. In contrast to this, the relative percentage of essential amino acids (81.9 %) was observed to be higher as compared to non-essential amino acids (17.7 %) in lac insect hemolymph. These results led to the detection of lac insect's endosymbionts. Moreover, this study revealed a clue regarding the importance of development of a synthetic diet for this insect so that a precise pathway of lac biosynthesis could be investigated for thorough understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betulinic acid (BA), a potent anticancer agent, occurs in more than 50 plant species worldwide, out of which Dillenia and Ziziphus species are found in Gujarat, India. The presented research work was aimed at the development of a single validated high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method which can quantify BA from different plant species and thereof from different chemical environments. The analysis was performed on a thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) precoated silica gel 60 F254 plate using a mobile phase of toluene-chloroform-ethanol (4:4:1, v/v/v) and after derivatization with anisaldehyde sulfuric acid reagent showed magenta color spot at RF 0.71. Densitometric evaluation of BA was carried out at 525 nm. The suitability of this HPTLC method for quantitative determination of BA was proved by validation in accordance with the requirements of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The occurrence of BA is more frequent in bark or stem as compared to leaves. The content of BA was found to be the highest, 0.43%, in Dillenia indica bark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Self-incompatibility and synchronous protandrous dichogamy have previously been reported in Ziziphus species. In this work, we conducted a comparative analysis of fluorescence microscopy observations of pollen tube growth following controlled cross pollinations of emasculated flowers and self-pollinations of non-emasculated flowers in three Ziziphus species, Z. jujuba, Z. mauritiana and Z. spina-christi, with the aim to determine the type of the self-incompatibility system of each species. In addition, to test whether autonomous self-pollination, parthenocarpy or agamospermy occurs, flowers were emasculated (or not) and covered. Fruit set and seed viability were monitored. The presence of binucleate pollen grains and the cessation of pollen tube growth in the style suggest that the self-incompatibility system operating in the studied Ziziphus species is gametophytically controlled. Controlled self-pollination in Z. mauritiana resulted in fruits that dropped off before maturation, whereas in Z. spina-christi the flowers dropped off one or two days after pollination. Following controlled self-pollination, small fruits lacking viable seeds were obtained in Z. jujuba, probably due to the stimulus provided by pollination (stimulative parthenocarpy). In the cultivar Tamar of Z. jujuba, the relatively high percentage of seedless fruits obtained in emasculated bagged flowers without hand pollination suggests that this cultivar can set seedless fruits without any pollination stimulus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Breeding in Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. through hybridization is limited by its small sized flowers, cross-incompatibility, low fruit-set and poor retention. In the present study, emasculation of flowers 2h before anthesis and pollination by placement of dehisced flowers on stigma in inverted position resulted in increased fruit-set. Crossing of Z. mauritiana cultivars Gola and Thar Sevika (early maturity and fruit quality) with cultivars BS-1 (powdery mildew resistant) and Tikadi (fruit fly and frost tolerant) showed that Thar Sevika is cross compatible with BS-1 and Tikadi whereas Gola is cross compatible with BS-1 only. Among the crosses fruit-set range was 2.31–10.92%. Based on the presence of male parent-specific DNA fragment produced by RAPD and ISSR markers 13 out of 14 F1 progeny seedlings were found to be true hybrids. This is the first report in Z. mauritiana on the identification of true hybrids among F1 progenies using molecular markers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Zizimauritic acids A–C (1–3), three novel nortriterpenes with a unique A-nor-E-seco spiro-lactone ceanothane-type triterpene skeleton, together with 3 known triterpenes ceanothenic acid (4), betulinic acid (5), and ceanothic acid (6), were isolated from the roots of Ziziphus mauritiana. Compounds 1–4 showed cytotoxicities with the IC50 values ranging from 5.05 to 11.94μg/ml, and compounds 1 and 3 showed an inhibitory effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus with the IC50 values 2.17 and 12.79μg/ml. A plausible biosynthetic pathway of compounds 1-3 was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. In the water-saving and income-generating agroforestry cropping systems developed and promoted by the ICRISAT in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of West Africa, particularly in Niger, fruits of domesticated Ziziphus mauritiana (“apples of the Sahel”) are severely damaged by fruit flies (Carpomya incompleta), and chemical pesticide application poses economic, environmental and human health problems. In the Bio-reclamation of Degraded Lands (BDL) system, apple of the Sahel is the main high-value crop, while in the Dryland Eco-Farm (DEF), it is grown alongside watermelon. Sclerocarya birrea (marula plum) is presently being investigated as a dryland tree species for fruit and oil production, either in orchards or such systems as BDL. Materials and methods. To complete preliminary results of earlier studies published elsewhere, we collected and incubated in 2010 ripe fruits of marula plum and watermelon in Sadoré, Niger, where the above-mentioned agroforestry systems are developed, and we recorded emerging fruit flies. We also conducted a spot-spraying experiment (using GF-120) in an apple of the Sahel orchard in Niamey in 2010; we recorded undamaged and damaged fruits and incubated the latter. In the same orchard, we set up in 2011 a fruit fly trapping survey targeting the invasive species Bactrocera invadens (Chempac® traps using methyl eugenol as the attractant). Results and discussion. The results showed that only Ceratitis cosyra emerged from marula plums, and only Dacus spp. from watermelon. The GF-120 spot-spraying experiment showed that C. incompleta was not attracted / intoxicated, contrary to Ceratitis spp. and Dacus spp.; the sprayed trees yielded significantly more marketable fruits than unsprayed ones; only C. incompleta emerged from damaged fruit. Detection trapping revealed for the first time the presence of B. invadens in the Sahelian zone of Niger, including at the time of apple of the Sahel fruit production. Conclusion. This, alongside results of earlier studies, suggests a repellent effect of GF-120 on the monophagous C. incompleta species (Trypetinae), while it is attractive to oligophagous/polyphagous Dacinae fruit flies; some of them (e.g., Dacus spp.) damage watermelon, which is part of the DEF system, and produce fruit at the same time as the jujube tree. The prospects for harnessing these two opposite regulation pathways are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pot experiments were conducted in a nursery in 2008 in Mali to study the effect of mycorrhizal symbionts on the growth and root infection of Ziziphus mauritiana and Tamarindus indica seedlings in unsterile soils. Three treatments were used and consisted of two types of inoculum ( Glomus aggregatum, G. fasciculatum) and an uninoculated control. The seedlings were non-destructively assessed each month, and an additional, destructive harvest was made, after 6 and 10 months for Z. mauritiana and T. indica respectively. Mycorrhizal inoculation had a more positive impact on the growth of Z. mauritiana than on T. indica. G. aggregatum significantly ( P < 0.01) improved the growth of Z. mauritiana seedlings. However, the growth of T. indica seedlings was significantly better in the control compared to the two types of inoculum used. This indicates that unsterile nursery soil may contain effective mycorrhizal propagules. The mean percentage of infection of Z. mauritiana seedlings (74%) was significantly higher than that of T. indica (57%). We conclude that mycorrhizal inoculation can improve both mycorrhizal infection and growth of Z. mauritiana seedlings in unsterile nursery soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Premise of the study: A total of 38 polymorphic microsatellite loci of the Indian jujube ( Ziziphus mauritiana ), an economically important fruit tree, were developed to evaluate genetic diversity and aid in the identification of cultivars. • Methods and Results: The 38 microsatellite markers were isolated from the Indian jujube using a magnetic bead enrichment method, and polymorphisms were identified in 24 Indian jujube cultivars. The number of alleles ranged from two to 13, with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.261 to 0.898. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.248 to 0.889, with a mean of 0.616. Of these 38 simple sequence repeat loci, 20 loci from Z. jujuba (Chinese jujube) were successfully amplified using the simple sequence repeat primer sets. • Conclusions: These polymorphic loci should be useful in further studies of the genetic diversity and the identification of cultivars of both the Indian jujube and the Chinese jujube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fruits is the property of International Society for Horticultural Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present investigations were undertaken to ascertain the extent of lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and antioxidative system during ripening of two varieties of ber fruits (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) differing in their shelf lives, viz. Umran (8-9 days) and Kaithali (4-5 days). Based on visual observations, fruits were categorized as immature green (IG), mature green (MG), turning colour (TC), ripe (R) and overripe (OR). Lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) value and H2O2 content increased significantly during ripening in both varieties, obtaining 3-, 3- and 2.5-fold increase in Umran and 4-, 3.5- and 3-fold increase in Kaithali, respectively. Kaithali being short-lived variety, exhibited higher values of these parameters at almost all the stages of fruit ripening. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased during initial stages but thereafter decreased, whereas that of peroxidase (POX) decreased continuously during ripening. On the other hand, catalase (CAT) activity increased continuously as ripening progressed. In general, antioxidative enzymes exhibited comparatively higher activity in Umran. Total ascorbic acid content increased from IG to TC stage, while total glutathione increased up to MG stage and thereafter decreased in both varieties. Kaithali had higher content of ascorbate than Umran. β-Carotene and α-tocopherol also decreased as ripening progressed. However, the decrease was more pronounced in Umran as compared to Kaithali. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Investigation of the MeOH extract obtained from the root of the Ziziphus mauritiana grown in Thailand resulted in the isolation of two 14- and 13-membered cyclic alkaloids, mauritine L (1) and mauritine M (2), and three known cyclopeptide alkaloids, nummularines H (3), B (4) and hemsine A (5). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis. The first single crystal X-ray diffraction study of the 13-membered ring cyclopeptide, nummularine B methiodide (4′), revealed all S configurations on the amino acid residues. The isolated alkaloids exhibited potent antiplasmodial activity against the parasite Plasmodium falciparum with the inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 3.7 to 10.3μM. Compounds 2 and 3 also demonstrated antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with the MIC of 72.8 and 4.5μM, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fruit trees play an important nutritional role for livelihoods of rural people in the West African Sahel through provision of energy and nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Research on the domestication of local fruit trees has started recently through projects concentrating on some of the most important indigenous species of dry West Africa, i.e. Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Vitellaria paradoxa and Ziziphus mauritiana. We present a status of finalised and ongoing domestication research with the aim of defining research gaps that would need to be covered by future research activities to obtain higher yields and better quality fruits. Germplasm collection in central West Africa has been intense compared to elsewhere in the species' distribution areas, but conservation status of the material is poor since it is only planted in few trials. Knowledge of genetic parameters, especially for fruit traits, is almost absent, but characterisation of genotypes is underway for some of the species. Mating systems and patterns are still unknown for many species. Efficient vegetative propagation based on simple techniques was shown to be possible for all species except P. biglobosa. In order to secure immediate as well as long term gains, we recommend combining clonal propagation of selected plus individuals with recombination and breeding of selected genotypes. We discuss whether local institutions in the Sahel have the financial capacity to carry out long term breeding programmes, and suggest that efforts should be made to find new ways of disseminating improved germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk. (Rhamnaceae) is a fruit tree that has been used as folkloric medicine for many ailments and diseases. In the present study, the hypoglycemic effect of seed extract of Ziziphus mauritiana in alloxan-induced diabetic mice was assessed. Seed extract was administered orally at doses of 100, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight (bw) and also in combination with glyburide (800 mg/kg seed extract and 10 mg/kg glyburide) to different groups of mice (normal and alloxan-treated diabetic mice). Their blood glucose level (in acute and sub-acute study), body weight, and mortality rate were monitored. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also performed. Oral administration of extract alone or in combination with glyburide reduced the blood glucose level in all the diabetic mice after acute and sub-acute (28 days) administration. Administration of the extract reduced the weight loss and mortality rate during the sub-acute study. The results of blood glucose level, loss in body weight, and mortality rate were more pronounced in the group treated with combination (800 mg/kg seed extract and 10 mg/kg glyburide). The extract also augmented the glucose tolerance in both normal and diabetic mice. These results suggest that the extract possesses synergistic hypoglycemic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: The present study was carried out to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of Ziziphus mauritiana (Lamk.) seed extract to ascertain the folkloric claim as immunomodulator. Materials and methods: The aqueous-ethanolic seed extract (100–400mgkg−1) of Z. mauritiana was investigated for immunomodulatory potential in mice. The extract was standardized with HPLC using betulinic acid as a marker. Functions of various immunocytes in the form of humoral (development of anti-SRBC (sheep red blood cells) antibody titers) and cell-mediated immune response (delayed type hypersensitivity, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, inducible nitric oxide synthase activity and bactericidal activity) was studied in SRBC immunized mice. The cytokine, IFN-γ (interferon-gamma) and IL-4 (interleukin-4) secretion was also measured quantitatively by ELISA as the expression of functions of Th-1 and Th-2 respectively. Levamisole (2.5mgkg−1) was used as standard drug. Results: The seed extract demonstrated significant (P <0.05–0.001) up-regulation of cell-mediated, humoral immune response and Th-1 mediated cytokine IFN-γ and decline in Th-2 mediated cytokine IL-4. At higher dose of extract the results were comparable to that of the levamisole. Conclusion: The immunostimulatory potential of this seed extract is likely to be mediated through its effect on macrophage function and Th-1 mediated immunity confirming the folkloric use of this plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The antioxidant activity of the crude methanolic extract of the seeds of Entada pursaetha, the stem of Toddalia aculaeta, and the fruit of Ziziphus mauritiana was investigated. The total phenolic composition of methanolic extract was calculated to be 5.5mg catechol equivalents/g of sample. Antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated on the basis of ability of scavenging free radical and hydroxyl radical with the Ic 50 values 2.12mg/ ml and 1.034mg/ml respectively. Total antioxidant capacity of crude plant extract was found to be 1.43mg ascorbic acid equivalents at 250μg/ml extract concentration. The reducing power of the extract increased dose dependently and the extract reduced the most Fe 3+ ions to the extent less than the standard ascorbic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were carried out to determine the affect of different fruit plant sources viz., Litche chinensis (litchi) , Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) , Ziziphus mauritiana (ber) and Prunus persica (peach) on moisture content, pH, free acidity, reducing sugars and sucrose contents, fructose/glucose ratio, ash and proline content, invertase and diastase activities, hydroxymethylfurfural and mineral (sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, and copper) contents as well as on rheological properties of honey. The source of honey had a significant ( P < 0.05) effect on moisture content, free acidity, reducing sugar, fructose/glucose ratio, hydroxymethylfurfural content, invertase and diastase activities, sucrose content, proline content, ash content, pH and mineral content. The honey from various sources exhibited Newtonian behaviour and the activation energy ranged from 63.63 to 81.48 kJ mol−1. Pattern recognition methods such as principal component analysis andlinear discriminate analysis were performed to classify honey on the basis of physico-chemical properties and mineral content. The variables proline, potassium and free acidity exhibited higher discrimination power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of leaves from Grewia oppositifolia (G. oppositifolia) and Ziziphus mauritiana (Z. mauritiana) as a crude protein (CP) supplements to low quality diets of goats in Pakistan. Chemical composition and CP degradability of the tree leaves were compared with cottonseed cake (CSC). The CP content of the supplements ranged from 141 to 269g/kg dry matter (DM). Contents of total phenols and condensed tannins (CT) were higher (P<0.01) in Z. mauritiana than G. oppositifolia 49, 33 and 20, 0.6g/kg DM, respectively. Leaves from G. oppositifolia were higher (P<0.05) in Ca (35g/kg DM). The rate of degradation and effective degradability of CP at rumen outflow rates of 0.04 and 0.06/h were consistently higher (P<0.05) in CSC than in the leaves. Tree leaves did not vary from each other in N disappearance characteristics. A balance trial in a 4×4 Latin square design was conducted with four dry Beetal goats (35±2.3kg body weight (BW)). The goats were fed on range grass hay as a sole diet or supplemented with CSC, G. oppositifolia or Z. mauritiana on an iso-N basis. Addition of the supplements to the diets increased DM intake and N retention (P<0.05) without affecting DM digestibility. N retention in goats varied (P<0.05) due to diet composition and was highest (6.2g) with Z. mauritiana. Lactation responses were examined with 16 Beetal goats (44.6±4.20kg BW; days in milk 44±2.4), assigned randomly to a supplement of CSC, G. oppositifolia, Z. mauritiana or mixture of both. All goats received a basal diet of maize silage ad libitum and were daily grazed on natural pasture for about 4h. Yield of milk differed among the supplements and was highest (P<0.05) for Z. mauritiana. Among the supplements, a high (P<0.05) milk fat content of 56g/kg milk was recorded with CSC and G. oppositifolia. Total solids, protein and solids not fat concentrations in the milk did not respond to supplementation. We conclude that Z. mauritiana and G. oppositifolia leaves can replace CSC as a supplement in low quality diets of dairy goats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Isolates of Trichoderma species from hot arid regions, fungicides and their combinations were evaluated for the management of ber fruit rot at post-harvest stage. Out of 16 isolates of Trichoderma species, six isolates checked growth of mycelia of Alternaria alternata by more than 55%. A distinct variation in the inherent level of resistance in these six isolates was recorded against 13 common fungicides. None of the Trichoderma species grew in PDA amended with carbendazim even at a very low concentration. In contrast, 100 per cent radial growth was observed in Trichoderma citrinoviride isolate T.c-CIAH224 in the presence of copper oxychloride (250μgg−1) and mancozeb (100μgg−1) in PDA medium. Isolate T.v-CIAH240 was antagonistic against A. alternata and tolerant to most of the fungicides tested. This isolate was highly compatible with chlorothalonil, dinocap and wettable sulphur even at 1000μgg−1 and produced yellowish instead of normal green coloured conidia. Isolate of Trichoderma koningii –T.k-CIAH176, T. citrinoviride –T.c-CIAH224 and those of Trichoderma viride –T.v-CIAH181 and T.v-CIAH240 with inherent tolerance to some of the fungicides have shown better efficacy to suppress the fruit rot pathogen in dual cultures. However isolate T.v-CIAH240 was significantly superior in vitro in the suppression (71%) of the A. alternata through mycoparasitism and apparent secretion of secondary metabolites in the growth medium. Mycoparasitism and competition with the fruit rot pathogen were the mode of action in the majority of the isolates. The growth of A. alternata was completely inhibited in PDA amended with dinocap, propiconazole and tridemorph irrespective of the concentrations. In experiments in vivo, isolate T.v-CIAH240 was significantly effective (75% PEDC- Per cent Efficiency of Disease Control) against post-harvest infection by A. alternata followed by T.v-SBI48 (62 PEDC) and T.v-CIAH149 (44 PEDC). Among the individual fungicide treatments, dinocap and copper oxychloride (50μgg−1) resulted in 52 PEDC. However, dinocap caused a scorching effect and a foul smell in fruits. Fruit rot control efficacy was enhanced to >70% by T.v-CIAH240 with tridemefon, thiophanate methyl, mancozeb or alcidine at 50μgg−1 and to >80% with 100μgg−1 of thiophanate methyl, chlorothalonil, mancozeb and alcidine in ber fruits (cv. Gola). There was a non-significant latent infection caused by isolates T.k-CIAH176, T.c-CIAH224 (T. citrinoviride) and T.v-CIAH240. Such a latent infection was completely suppressed by low concentrations of fungicides when used in combination with T.v-CIAH240. The possible hypothesis involved in management of A. alternata in ber fruits at post-harvest stages using fungicides, Trichoderma species and their combinations is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The antioxidant activity within the body has been well correlated with the body's defense mechanism against toxic free radicals. Alcohol ingestion increases the generation of free radicals. The present study was conducted to assess antioxidant potential of seed extract of Ziziphus mauritiana, which was standardized with HPLC. DPPH assay and Fenton reaction system was applied to assess free radical scavenging potential. The Swiss albino mice were used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of extract on oxidative stress induced by alcohol. The animals were treated with graded doses of extract (100-400 mg/kg body weight) before the administration of alcohol. After 6 weeks animals were sacrificed and their livers were assessed for catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and lipid peroxidation. The results indicated that the extract of Ziziphus mauritiana potentially scavenged the free radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. The pretreatment of animals with Ziziphus mauritiana extract inhibited lipid peroxidation significantly, and increased the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase activity and superoxide dismutase in all extract treated groups (p<0.05) as compared to alcohol treated groups. The plant provides protection against the induction of oxidative stress by alcohol either by converting free radicals into stable products or by strengthening the antioxidant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work exhibits a green method of formation for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from its precursor salt, tetra-chloroaurate through the reducing and capping action of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves (ZmL) extract with the assistance of heat in aqueous medium. The formation of so called Zm L-AuNPs was confirmed via color change of solution mixture to ruby red which was further confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 521 nm using ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. Further characterization of Zm L-AuNPs includes Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, and zeta-potential analysis (ZPA) respectively. The synthesized Zm L-AuNPs were probed and recognized to perform as a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric sensor for the detection of Cr3+ in the presence of other expected interfering cations including Cr6+. Importantly, the developed Zm L-AuNPs based colorimetric sensor functioned linearly in the range of 16–283 nM of Cr3+, based on aggregation induced decrease in absorption along with red shift in the resulting spectra exhibiting R2 value of 0.9977. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for Cr3+ were estimated as 0.48 nM and 1.6 nM respectively. The developed colorimetric sensor was effectively used for detecting Cr3+ in real water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Phytothérapie is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Phytothérapie is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) demonstrates a rich biodiversity with respect to morphometeric and fruit characters. Much of this has been generated on account of natural cross pollination. In depth studies have been conducted in different crops to evaluate the impact of hybridity on plant morphometric and yield parameters but very few studies were undertaken to evaluate the impact on metabolite constitution. Accordingly, the present study was aimed at evaluating the foliar flavonoid spectrum of two hybrids developed at CIAH, Bikaner viz-a-viz their parents. The results demonstrated that some compounds encountered in parents were present in profiles of hybrids also. Similarly, some novel compounds were also found which might have produced as a result of new gene combinations in hybrid. Like wise some compounds present in parents were not found in hybrids. These could be explained on the basis of epistatic phenomenon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Study of the chemical compounds of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (RhamNaceae) leaves, used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes in Mali. The leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana are used against diabetes in Mali. Phytochemical screening reaction and TLC have been used to characterize the chemical groups in the leaves of this plant. The composition in monosaccharides of the polysaccharides has been identified by methanolysis and GC. The following aqueous extracts were used: macerate, digestion and decoction. The leaves contain flavonoids, tannins, oses and holosides, mucilages, sterol, triterpenoids, cardiotonic glucosides, and leucoanthocyanes. The polysaccharides represent 27.17, 36.87, 45.57% respectively for the macerate, total decoction and decoction after organic solvent extraction of the leaves. The antihyperglycemic activity of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves' aqueous extracts has been evaluated on hyperglycaemia induced by oral administration of glucose in rabbit. The leaves' aqueous macerate at the dose of 150 mg kg–1 provoked 56.02, 35.46 and 38.49% inhibition 30, 90 and 120 min after glucose administration, respectively. To cite this article: D. Diallo et al., C. R. Chimie 7 (2004). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]