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Tert-butyl hydroperoxide induces in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes malonaldehyde formation and lacticodehydrogenase and aspartate amino-transferase leakage. This model, when adapted to crude extracts, permits the demonstration of both anti-lipoperoxidant and antihepatotoxic activity of reference products like quercetin and silymarin and plant extracts like Rosmarinus officinalis and Eschscholzia californica.

An account is given of some considerations concerning the chemical recognition and evaluation by biological methods of the quality of the flour obtained from Amaranthus quitensis seeds, submitted to grinding and sifting. The protein content of the flour (21.70g/100g) can be considered as very important, as well as that of the available lysine (5.20g/16gN). The calcium content was also remarkable (500mg/100g), and the starch ratio reached 45.00g/100g. The amount of nitrates found was 20.00mg/100g, which is an acceptable limit. The research for organic nitro compounds was negative. As for the biologic quality of the protein, the experiments revealed that it has quite an acceptable availability, as demonstrated by the following values: NPU = 42.50 +/- 6.10, D = 68.50 +/- 5.30, VB = 62, NPR = 2.10 +/- 1.80 and RNPR = 42.

The in vitro antibacterial activity of the essential oil obtained from the flowering apex of Thymus serpylloides ssp. gadorensis against various micro-organisms is reported. Moreover, the main chemical groups found in this essential oil are described.

In this review, some common food plants and their toxic or otherwise bioactive components and mycotoxin contaminants have been considered. Crucifers contain naturally occurring components that are goitrogenic, resulting from the combined action of allyl isothiocyanate, goitrin, and thiocyanate. Although crucifers may provide some protection from cancer when taken prior to a carcinogen, when taken after a carcinogen they act as promoters of carcinogenesis. The acid-condensed mixture of indole-3-carbinol (a component of crucifers) binds to the TCDD receptor and causes responses similar to those of TCDD. Herbs contain many biologically active components, with more than 20% of the commercially prepared human drugs coming from these plants. Onion and garlic juices can help to prevent the rise of serum cholesterol. Most herbs used in treatments may have many natural constituents that act oppositely from their intended use. Some herbs like Bishop's week seed contain carcinogens, and many contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause cirrhosis of the liver. The general phytoalexin response in plants (including potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, celery, and sweet potatoes) induced by external stimuli can increase the concentrations of toxic chemical constituents in those plants. In potatoes, two major indigenous compounds are alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine, which are human plasma cholinesterase inhibitors and teratogens in animals. Because of its toxicity, the potato variety Lenape was withdrawn from the market. Celery, parsley, and parsnips contain the linear furanocoumarin phytoalexins psoralen, bergapten, and xanthotoxin that can cause photosensitization and also are photomutagenic and photocarcinogenic. Celery field workers and handlers continually have photosensitization problems as a result of these indigenous celery furanocoumarins. A new celery cultivar (a result of plant breeding to produce a more pest-resistant variety) was responsible for significant incidences of phytophotodermatitis of grocery employees. Since there is no regulatory agency or body designated to oversee potential toxicological issues associated with naturally occurring toxicants, photodermatitis continues to occur from celery exposure. Sweet potatoes contain phytoalexins that can cause lung edema and are hepatotoxic to mice. At least one of these, 4-ipomeanol, can cause extensive lung clara cell necrosis and can increase the severity of pneumonia in mice. Some phytoalexins in sweet potatoes are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic to mice. The common mushroom Agaricus bisporus contains benzyl alcohol as its most abundant volatile, and A. bisporus and Gyromitra esculenta both contain hydrazine analogues. Mycotoxins are found in corn, cottonseed, fruits, grains, grain sorghums, and nuts (especially peanuts); therefore, they also occur in apple juice, bread, peanut butter, and other products made from contaminated starting materials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Oral administration of ethanol to rats at a dose of 3 g/kg decreased alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity and metabolism of lactate to pyruvate in the liver. The effects of water extracts of Aloe and some other herbs on blood ethanol concentration and on ADH activity in liver cytosol were examined. The water extracts of these herbs caused a faster elimination of ethanol from blood of normal rats when administered orally 30 min before oral administration of ethanol. The rapid elimination of ethanol seems to be due to a protection of ADH activity and the supply of nicotinamide dinucleotide, both of which are reduced by high ethanol concentration. The effects of ethanol in decreasing the enzyme activities relating to its own metabolism occur when high concentrations of ethanol pass through the liver, and thus may primarily appear during the absorption of alcohol from the gastrointestinal tract, when portal concentration of ethanol are very high.

Residue occurrence is discussed with use of 14 herbicides (Alachlor, Chloridazone, Chlorpropham, Chloroxuron, Chlorthal-methyl, Desmetryne, Lenacil, Linuron, Methabenzthiazuron, Monolinuron, Na-propamide, Pendimethalin, Phenmedipham and Terbutryne) on 6 herbs (borage, dill, garden-chervil, garden cress, anise and sorrel) in the light of residue analyses (from field trials over two seasons with analyses carried out in two laboratories). The methods are outlined; limits of the determinations and recoveries are given.

Forty-nine powdered herbal drugs were analyzed for their mold profile and for the potential presence of three mycotoxins (aflatoxin, sterigmatocystin, ochratoxin A). Aspergillus and Penicillium species were predominant, but Rhizopus, Mucor, Cladosporium, and Aureobasidium spp. were also found in a few samples. Mycotoxins were not detected in any samples, and only one isolated culture was found to be a mycotoxin producer on laboratory media.

Ground spices and herbs are evaluated as substrates for mycelial growth, sporulation, and aflatoxin production. Three toxigenic strains of Aspergilli, A. flavus ATCC 15548, A. flavus NRRL 3251, and A. parasiticus NRRL 2999, were cultured on moist, commercially packaged herbs and spices. All substrates used were ground and included thyme, celery seed, oregano, cinnamon, ginger, caraway seed, clove, mustard, sesame seed, and rosemary leaves. Following inoculation of the natural materials in sterile bottles containing sterile water, the cultures were incubated 30 days at 23 +/- 4 degrees C. Not all strains of Aspergilli grew, sporulated, or produced toxins. There were definite strain differences and definite substrate differences for the variables evaluated. Sesame seed produced toxins B1, G1, and G2, with a mean of 167 ppm for 3 strains. A. flavus ATCC 15548 was the greatest overall toxin producer followed by A. parasiticus NRRL 2999 and A. flavus NRRL 3251. Ginger and rosemary leaves were also substantial producer-substrates. Mustard, caraway seed, and celery seed were judged as intermediate-producing substrates. Absolute antimycotic substrates were cinnamon and clove. Antiaflatoxigenic substrates were thyme and oregano. Mustard also may be antimycotic. Aflatoxins B1 and G1 were the more commonly found toxins.

Blockade by anti-glucocorticoids, progesterone and 17 alpha-methyltestosterone, a messenger ribonucleic acid (m-RNA) synthesis inhibitor, actinomycin D, and a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, of the anti-exudative action of five kinds of Kampohozai (Daisaikoto, Shosaikoto, Saikokeishito, Daiobotanpito and Tokakujokito) were studied to investigate mode of the anti-inflammatory action of those Kampohozai. The inflammatory lesion was provoked by injection of serotonin (0.3 micrograms) in the Tyrode solution (5 microliter) in subplantar region of the hind paw of mice. The above anti-glucocorticoids and the m-RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors suppressed the anti-inflammatory effects of Daisaikoto and Shosaikoto dose-dependently. The action of Saikokeishito was suppressed weakly by treatment with progesterone or 17 alpha-methyltestosterone, but not blocked by treatment with actinomycin D or cycloheximide. On the other hand, Daiobotanpito and Tokakujokito were not blocked by treatment with those four inhibitors. These results suggest that mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of Daisaikoto and Shosaikoto is similar to that of glucocorticoid but Daiobotanpito and Tokakujokito exert anti-inflammatory effects through some other mechanisms.

This paper discusses some fundamental principles of bioindication. The presentation follows a classification of methods based on the different levels of organization implied in the various approaches. Special references are made to plants that accumulate heavy metals.

Extracts of Caiophora coronata or Loasa vulcanica seeds contain a strong lectin for T, Tn, Cad 1, and papain-treated erythrocytes.

A 4-month-old infant was proven to have acute plumbism attributed to the ingestion of lead-containing Chinese herbal medicines. The analyses of 11 brands of Chinese herbal medicines by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed that one of the medicines, Po Ying Tan, made by company A, had a mean lead content of 7.5 mg per unit dose; the other 10 brands had lower but still significant lead contents. In Chinese communities, these medicines are used very frequently, without prescription, for many minor ailments. This practice places a large number of individuals at risk for acute and chronic lead poisoning.

The relative configuration of 3-hydroxy-3-isobutyl-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid has been determined by an X-ray crystal structure analysis. The compound crystallized in space group P212121 with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. a=16.023(3) A, b=19.349(7) A, c=6.9053(16) A. The structure was solved by direct methods using MULTAN and refined by full-matrix least-squares technique to an R of 0.137 for 645 diffractometer-collected intensities. The absolute configurations of the title compounds were deduced; the configuration of the amino acid and the lactam are 2(S), 4(S) and 3(S), 5(S), respectively.

Nine heterosides, derivatives of kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin from the drug were isolated. Six glycosides were identified, and the structure of the three compounds was established partially, one of these is triglycoside of quercetin, the other two are the higher-molecular glycosides of quercetin and myricetin.

A chromatographic analysis of the hay charge used for balneological and thermotherapy which contains coumarin, the hydroxycoumarins umbelliferone and esculin and also the furanocoumarin imperatorin. The sedative effect of the hay can be explained by the coumarin and the imperatorin; the absorption site is to be found in the respiratory tract.

An antifungal principle of defatted seed power of Cassia tora Linn. was isolated by extraction of an aqueous paste of the powder with benzene, followed by column chromatography over activated silica gel C using chloroform as the developing solvent. Besides chrysophanic acid and other hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives, the major antifungal compound was identified as chrysophanic acid-9-anthrone, the structure of which was assigned on the basis of its chemical properties and uv, ir, nmr and mass spectral analysis. The compound was active against Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Geotrichum candidum in broth in the presence of 100 mug/ml L-ascorbic acid as antioxidant.

Starch granules were prepared from seeds of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L., A. caudatus L., proso millet, Japanese barnyard millet and foxtail millet. Amylose contents and the distribution of alpha-1,4 linked chain of amylopectin were determined by gel filtration of isoamylase-debranched starches. Some physical and chemical properties of the starches were also examined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, photopastegraphy, and differential scanning calorimetry, together with starch-granule susceptibility to amylases. The existence of both normal and waxy types in the same species of a grain amaranth, A. hypochondriacus L., was confirmed. A. caudatas starches were identified to consist of mainly typical amylopectin and 5-7% amylose. The starches have some unique properties, namely, high starch-granule susceptibility values to amylases as well as those of A. hypochondriacus and unique pasting properties.

Forty six selected species of wild edible herbs and vegetables common in Jordan were collected from their natural growing places; twelve of them were collected from more than one location. The nitrate contents of the edible parts, and in some cases non-edible parts, were determined using the cadmium reduction method. The nitrate level varied widely ranging from 29 mg/kg in the leaves of tetragonolbus (Tetragonolobus Palaestinus) to 6743 mg/kg in star fenugreek (Trigonella Stellata). With the exception of the families of Araceae and Cruciferae, there was a wide variation in the nitrate concentrations within the species of each family. In general, the nitrate content of the stems was higher than that of the leaves which in turn was higher than that of the roots and bulbs. The same species collected from irrigated (presumably fertilized) farms were generally of higher nitrate content than those collected from pasture, forest or non-irrigated farms. However, many of the studied plants remain of relatively high nitrate content regardless of where they were grown.

A total of 150 oregano samples from 6 different trade marks were studied. These samples were obtained at retail shops in Buenos Aires city and they were analyzed in order to determine the presence of the following microorganisms: 1) mesophilic aerobic plate count; 2) molds; 3) coliforms and fecal coliforms; 4) enterococci; 5) aerobes sporeforming: a) mesophilic aerobes; a1) total aerobes; a2) mesophilic anaerobes; b) thermophilic; b1) sulfide spoilage sporeformers; b2) total aerobes; b3) thermo-philic Flat sour; 6) pathogens; 6a) Clostridium perfringens 6b) Bacillus cereus and 6c) Staphylococcus aureus. We can conclude from these results that there is no apparent risk for public health. Nevertheless the microbiologic evaluation of the spices becomes important when they are added to packed foodstuff which has not received a minimum thermic treatment.

Pollens of three Artemisia: Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia annua were separated by ion exchange chromatography and amino acids concentrations were measured. In any cases, the most important amino acid was proline, then asparagine + glutamine group, then gamma aminobutyric acid and alanine. An important level of histidine (8.1%) and hydroxyproline (6.2%) was found in Artemisia annua relative to the two other Artemisia species. The high histidine level, the precursor of histamine, found in the three kinds of Artemisia might be correlated with allergenic power of these weeds.

During frozen storage of (non-blanched) parsley, substances are formed showing absorption (234 nm) typical for hydroperoxidienoic acids with conjugated double bonds. However, only small quantities of these compounds are found in the frozen material as compared to other lipid degradation products; for instance, during 2 months at -18 degrees C only 0.1% of the fatty acids (bound to polar lipids) present in fresh parsley are transformed into dienoic acids. These low dienoic acid concentration are nevertheless sufficient to explain off-flavour formation since the sensory threshold values of the degradation products are in the range of some ppb only. After storage for 2 months at -24 degrees C no hydroperoxidienoic acids were found which means that this temperature, in contrast to the usual storage temperature of -18 degrees C, provides practically full protection against lipoxygenase-catalyzed spoiling reactions.

The quantities of active constituents in commercially available Sophora japonica L. (huai-hua) and its processed samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography. Rutin, quercetin, sophoricoside, sophorabioside and genistein were found. Sophora flower buds (huai-mi) contained a great deal of rutin, while the immature fruits (huai-chiao) contained sophoricoside and sophorabioside. When Sophora flower bud was stir-fried for short periods using low heat, the extracted rate of rutin and quercetin increased slightly, decreasing with longer cooking periods at higher temperatures. When stir-fried with vinegar, it quickly blackened, but when cooked with honey, it changed very little. Immature Sophora fruit, however, exhibits less variation in its active constituents after processing. All huai-hua processed samples give forth a pronounced aroma and could be more easily extracted with water than that of the unprocessed herbs.

The chemical composition of the essential oil from the aerial parts of Houttuynia cordata was examined by ir, glc and gc-ms, as a part of the study of the Saururaceae whose members have rich folkloric medicinal history. The analysis indicate that the essential oil from H. cordata is very rich (81.4 percent v/v) in lipid compounds. A comparision of the composition of the essential oils from three members of the Saururaceae, namely Anemopsis californica, Saururus cernuus and H. cordata from a chemosystematic point of view shows that each species investigated hitherto has its own characteristic type essential oil. While from the morphological and anatomical point of view, Saururus seems to represent the least specialized genus, the presently available chemical evidence does not clearly assign such a status to Saururus.

Grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus), Yercaud local variety, was soaked overnight and germinated for 192 h taking the soaked grains as the zero time (0 h) sample. The changes in the activities of alpha- and beta-amylases, starch, sugar, protein and lysine contents during germination are reported. Activity of alpha-amylase was high in the 0 h soaked grains, while beta-amylase activity was high in 72 h germinated grains. The joint action of the amylases resulted in a decrease of starch content from 0 to 192 h in germinated grains and an increase in total sugars during the initial period of germination. Protein nitrogen was found to decrease from 48 h to 192 h accompanied by an increase in free amino acid and non-protein nitrogen contents. Total lysine content was found to be increased by 31% in 24 h germinated grain amaranth. Protein fractionation of raw, soaked and 24 h germinated grain amaranth showed that the distribution of different types of proteins varied during germination of the grains. An increase of water soluble protein content was noticed in 24 h germinated grains.

Amaranth was a major crop among the Aztecs. In Mexico the seed is popped and eaten with brown sugar. The crude protein content of the seed is 14 +/- 2% but its contents of lysine and tryptophan are 6.2 and 1.6 g/16 g N respectively. We developed a popping method based on a fluid bed system (FBS) whereas the traditional method (TM) is just to pop the seeds manually in a hot plate. Assays carried out were evaluation of racemization of the amaranth protein due to heat treatment, amino acid composition of the raw and heat treated seeds and a biological experiment testing whether leucine was the most limiting amino acid of amaranth protein. Male rats were fed both popped amaranths and roasted amaranth. Parboiled amaranth and casein were controls. The results were: (a) Lys, Arg and Cys were damaged in the heat treated seeds; (b) Asp, Met, Glu, Ala and Phe were racemized in that decreasing order in the seeds popped and roasted by the TM; (c) the estimated net protein retention (NPR) and estimated net protein utilization (NPU) of popped amaranths by either method were not different, but were lower than for the parboiled amaranth. The parboiled amaranth was not different from casein; (d) Leu was not the most limiting amino acid in any of the amaranth seeds tested. After Lys, sulfur amino acids appear to be the next most limiting in severely heat treated amaranth. The FBS seems to be a promising method for popping amaranth at industrial level.

Two new quaternary protoberberines, thalifaurine and dehydrodiscretine, were isolated from the ethanolic extract of Thalictrum fauriei Hayata. Based on spectral analysis and correlation with compounds of known structure, thalifaurine was shown to be 3-hydroxy-2-methoxy-10,11-methylenedioxyberbinium chloride and dehydrodiscretine was established as 3-hydroxy-2,20,11-trimethoxyberbinium chloride. The structural assignment was confirmed by synthesis of both compounds. Magnoflorine also was isolated and identified.