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Malaysia produces varieties of tropical fruits such as durian, rambutan, jackfruit, mango, papaya, and mangosteen but the seeds are considered waste. The seeds contain beneficial nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fat, and minerals, and have high bioactive properties. Various processing methods have been applied to extract the seeds and apply them to the food system. The information is scattered and incomprehensive, therefore, this paper aims to review the chemical properties and biological activities of the selected tropical fruit seeds, and their processing and functional properties to the food. Most seeds are rich in carbohydrates but also contain various minerals and fatty acids. The antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-bacterial/anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyper cholesterol and anti-proliferative properties were also reported with rambutan and papaya seeds having the most bioactive properties. Novel and conventional extraction methods of the seeds, the functionality of the seeds to improve the food such as pasting and emulsifying properties, and their effect on the colour, texture, sensory and storage stability were also highlighted. In summary, all the selected seeds have the potential to be upcycled as food ingredients as they contain various nutrients while providing therapeutic and functional properties, however, further research can be considered to optimize the seeds' usability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In traditional herbal medicine, the Coriandrum sativum (CS) seeds are widely used to prevent and/or treat several diseases. Despite this, research into studying their toxicity is very limited., Objective: This study aims at studying the acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of coriander seeds (AECS) in Wistar rats., Methods: For acute toxicity, five dose levels (500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000 mgkg -1 bw ) were tested per single oral administration. Subacute toxicity for 28 days was achieved by daily oral administration of AECS at doses of 1000, 2000, and 3000 mgkg -1 bw ., Results: No deaths or signs were recorded or observed in rats in the five groups and the control group was after 14 days of acute toxicity study. The results of subacute toxicity revealed that the administration of AECS caused a significant difference in the body weight of rats at doses of 2000 and 3000mgkg -1 bw , and in the development of movement disturbances, hypoactivity, drowsiness, weakness, and diarrhea, while histopathological examination showed vascular congestion and inflammation of the kidneys as well as hepatic necrosis. The haematological profile showed a significant increase in the number of red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and a nonsignificant decrease is noticed in neutrophils at a dose of 3000 mgkg -1 bw ., Conclusion: AECS should be used with caution as it has caused some signs of toxicity and may affect the liver and kidneys if doses are repeated. However, further studies are needed to verify and clarify the toxic aspect of Coriandrum sativum L. seeds., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

The Triplaris gardneriana Wedd. seeds extract has great therapeutic potential due to numerous biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which are associated with phenolic content. Although this herbal preparation has shown many benefits, recently their toxicity profile has begun to be explored. In this present study, the toxic effects of T . gardneriana seeds ethanolic extract (EETg) on biological systems of different taxonomical groups and levels of complexity (from cell culture to lower vertebrates) were assessed, through a variety of viability and toxicological assays. It was found that EETg did not impair the Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth at the highest tested concentration (200 µg/mL), and no toxicant evidence was observed in Aedes aegypti larvae or in Drosophila melanogaster adult stage. Contrarily, the extract reduced the viability of undifferentiated Caco-2 cells (250 µg/mL, 40% of viable cells), but did not affect differentiated ones. The embryotoxicity in Danio rerio model showed a LC 50 of 7.41 mg/L (95% confidence interval, 4.78 - 11.49 mg/L). EETg did not show signs of toxicity in the majority of the models used, but lethality and malformations in zebrafish embryos occurred. Further analyses are needed to better understand the selective toxicity mechanism of EETg on zebrafish, as well as whether the toxic effects happen in higher vertebrates.

To evaluate the detoxification effect of a combination of Radix Glycyrrhizae (GU) and Semen Strychni (SN) from toxicokinetics and drug tissue distribution perspectives, decoctions of processed SN and codecoction of SN and GU (SGN) were prepared, and an HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed to monitor the severe exposure level in 1-month toxicokinetics and tissue distribution experiments to detect brucine and strychnine in rats. The toxicokinetic characteristics and tissue distribution before and after the addition of GU were analyzed. The method was successfully applied to evaluate the toxicokinetics and tissue distribution before and after the combination of SN and GU. The results show that GU decreased the blood concentration of toxic components in SN, and a double peak was observed in the drug time curve. The results of tissue distribution show that a combination of GU and SN significantly decreased the accumulation of toxic substances in metabolic organs and accelerated the clearance of toxic substances in the brain. These results provide a reference for the toxicity reduction mechanism of GU combined with SN., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Semen Strychni has long been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, facioplegia and myasthenia gravis due to its anti-inflammation and anti-nociceptive properties in China. However, the fatal neurotoxicity of Semen Strychni has limited its wider clinical application. To investigate the acute toxicity induced by Semen Strychni and the detoxification of liquorice, we evaluated inflammation, oxidative stress and the translocation of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in rats. As a result, there were obvious oxidative stress and inflammation in hippocampus after the Semen Strychni extracts (STR) treatment in rats. Liquorice extracts (LE) and its three active monomers - glycyrrhizic acid (GA), liquiritigenin (LIQ), isoliquiritigenin (ISL) showed the potential for mitigating STR-induced neurotoxicity. HMGB1 levels in cytoplasm and serum and the levels of two downstream receptors RAGE and TLR4 were significantly increased after STR treatment. Through using LE and the monomers, the nucleocytoplasmic transport and release of HMGB1 were inhibited. In addition, the binding between HMGB1 and TLR4 was weakened in detoxification groups comparing with the STR group. Taken together, these findings indicated that liquorice and its active components alleviated acute neurotoxicity induced by Semen Strychni partly via HMGB1-related pathway., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Rationale: Reutealis trisperma is a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family and Reutealis genus and is often mistaken for a plant of the genus Aleurites. Accidental ingestion of R trisperma seeds is relatively rare in Taiwan than that of Vernicia fordii. Mostly, the clinical course of R trisperma seed poisoning is similar to that of V fordii poisoning. Recent studies have shown that the median lethal dose 50 of R trisperma seeds in mice is approximately 4954 mg/kg. R trisperma seed extract has a significant effect on the autonomic nervous system by causing ptosis and disrupting breathing, and affects the central nervous system by reducing motor activity., Patient Concerns: A 51-year-old man with underlying gout and hepatitis B picked several seeds of R trisperma, which he misidentified at chestnuts, at an elementary school. He prepared soup by boiling 3 to 4 seeds and consumed it. He experienced abdominal pain, vomiting, and watery diarrhea with hypotension., Diagnosis: R trisperma seeds intoxication., Interventions: The patient was given a soft diet, input and output were recorded, and intravenous fluid supplements were administered., Outcomes: The patient was discharged after 3 days of hospitalization, once a relatively stable condition was achieved., Lessons: Human poisoning by accidental consumption of R trisperma seeds is relatively rare in Taiwan. It may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and even hypotension. Patients can recover within 2 to 3 days of receiving proper treatment and intravenous fluid infusion., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng is an indigenous South Asian edible fruit, and seeds of Momordica cochinchinensis have been used therapeutically in traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have shown that M. cochinchinensis seed (Momordicae Semen) has various pharmaceutical properties such as antioxidant and anti-ulcer effects as well as contains secondary metabolites with potential anticancer activities such as triterpenoids and saponins. Recent studies reported that water extract and ethanol extract of M. cochinchinensi seed were tested on mammals using an acute toxic classic method as OECD guidelines 420. No matter injected intravenously or intramuscularly, animals died within several days. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to various doses of Cochinchina momordica seed extract (CMSE) from 2 dpf (days post fertilization, dpf) to 3 dpf. CMSE-induced cardiotoxicity such as pericardial edema, cardiac apoptosis, increased ROS production, cardiac neutrophil infiltration, decreased blood flow velocity, and reduced expression of three marker genes of cardiac functions were found in zebrafish roughly in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that CMSE may induce cardiotoxicity through pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Ginkgo biloba seeds are used as a functional food across Asia. However, the presence of toxic compounds has limited their application. In this study, freeze drying, infrared drying, hot-air drying and pulsed-vacuum drying were used to dry G. biloba seeds. A comprehensive analysis was performed on their product quality, antioxidant activities, bioactive and toxic components., Results: Results showed that the drying methods had a significant influence on product quality with freeze drying being superior due to the minimal microstructural damage, followed by infrared drying and pulsed-vacuum drying. Infrared-dried product possessed the strongest antioxidant activities and higher bioactive compound content than hot-air-dried and pulsed-vacuum-dried product. Toxic compounds in fresh G. biloba seeds (ginkgotoxin, ginkgolic acid and cyanide) were reduced markedly by drying. Ginkgotoxin was reduced fourfold, and the contents of acrylamide, ginkgolic acid and cyanide in dried G. biloba seeds were reduced to the scope of safety. Amongst the four drying methods, infrared drying had the shortest drying time, and its product showed higher quality and bioactive compound content, and stronger antioxidant activities., Conclusions: These findings will offer salient information for selecting a drying method during the processing of ginkgo seeds. Infrared drying could be considered as a multiple-effect drying method in the processing of ginkgo seeds. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Nutmeg is a traditional spice and medicinal plant with a variety of pharmacological activities. However, nutmeg abuse due to its hallucinogenic characteristics and poisoning cases are frequently reported. Our previous metabolomics study proved the hepatotoxicity of nutmeg and demonstrated that high-dose nutmeg can affect the synthesis and secretion of bile acids and cause oxidative stress. In order to further investigate the hepatotoxicity of nutmeg, normal saline, 1 g/kg, 4 g/kg nutmeg were administrated to male Kunming mice by intragastrical gavage for 7 days. Histopathological investigation of liver tissue, proteomics and biochemical analysis were employed to explore the mechanism of liver damage caused by nutmeg. The results showed that a high-dose (4 g/kg) of nutmeg can cause significant increased level of CYP450s and depletion of antioxidants, resulting in obvious oxidative stress damage and lipid metabolism disorders; but this change was not observed in low-dose group (1 g/kg). In addition, the increased level of malondialdehyde and decreased level of glutathione peroxidase were found after nutmeg exposure. Therefore, the present study reasonably speculates that nutmeg exposure may lead to liver injury through oxidative stress and the degree of this damage is related to the exposure dose.

Background: Ginkgotoxin including 4'-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) and MPN-5'-glucoside (MPNG) is responsible for Ginkgo seed food poisoning. The purpose of the work reported was to prepare detoxified Ginkgo seed powder and at the same time to retain the nutritional and functional components of Ginkgo seed powder to the maximum extent., Results: Resin adsorption technology was firstly employed to remove ginkgotoxin from water extract of Ginkgo seed powder. Under optimal conditions, the adsorption efficiency of the optimal resin for MPN could reach 100%, and that for MPNG could only reach 85.4 ± 0.93%. Resin adsorption alone could not effectively remove MPN and MPNG simultaneously. Endogenous enzymatic hydrolysis was next attempted to transform MPNG to MPN. MPNG could be completely hydrolyzed to MPN by endogenous enzyme(s) at 40 °C and pH 5.0 in 180 min. Ginkgotoxin only in the form of MPN in the enzymatic hydrolysate was then adsorbed with resin and the conditions were statistically optimized. The adsorption efficiency of MPN reached 98.89 ± 0.99% under the optimized conditions., Conclusions: Removal of ginkgotoxin by combining endogenous enzymatic hydrolysis with resin adsorption could preserve the main nutritional and functional components of Ginkgo seed powder to the most extent, and did not change its main characteristics. The ginkgotoxin removal method developed in this work is a relatively simple and efficient approach. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Coffee is the most popular hot beverage and caffeine is the most used psychoactive drug in the world. Roasting of coffee beans leads to the generation of minute quantities of undesirable compounds, such as furan. It is now thought that the toxicity of furan derives from its processing by CYP450 family of detoxifying enzymes, leading to the formation of cis -2-butene-1,4-dial (BDA). BDA has known cytotoxicity capacities, binding to proteins, nucleic acids, and glutathione (GSH). BDA also appears to mediate furan's toxic effects, since the inhibition of CYP450 family impedes the aforementioned toxicological effects of furan. There are some studies performed on furan's toxicity, but very few on BDA. Furthermore, the doses used in these studies appear to be fairly high when compared with the expected dosage one could be exposed to in a standard day. As such, to understand if furan and BDA could have toxic effects using more realistic doses and longer time frames, human and rat hepatocytes were exposed to furan or BDA for up to 96 h, and several biochemical parameters were assessed. We report here that human hepatocytes were more sensitive than rat's, in particular to furan, for we show a decrease in MTT reduction, ATP levels and increase in carbonyl formation and 8-OHdG accumulation in the longer time points. BDA was mostly ineffective, which we attribute to a low import rate into the cells. In conclusion, we show that there is potential for harm from furan in high doses, which should be carefully addressed.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: In Iranian traditional medicine, Cuminum cyminum is a unique medicinal herb for pain relief. Cuminaldehyde has been distinguished as the major constituent of C. cyminum seeds; even though, the analgesic effect of cuminaldehyde has not yet been examined., Aim of the Study: The nobility of this study was to assess cuminaldehyde effect on nociceptive and neuropathic pains; furthermore, evaluation of its possible mechanisms of action., Materials and Methods: Hot plate, formalin, and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used to evaluate nociception in mice. Naloxone (opioid receptors antagonist), L-arginine (nitric oxide (NO) precursor), L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor), sodium nitroprusside (NO donor), methylene blue (guanylyl cyclase inhibitor), sildenafil (phosphodiesterase inhibitor), and glibenclamide (K ATP channel blocker) were used to determine the implication of opioid receptors and L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K ATP channel pathway. Allodynia and hyperalgesia were investigated in the CCI (chronic constriction injury) model of neuropathic pain in rats. The ELISA method was used to measure the inflammatory cytokines in serum samples of rats. The entire chemicals were intraperitoneally injected., Results: Cuminaldehyde (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased the latency to nociceptive response in the hot plate test. The outcome of cuminaldehyde was completely antagonized by naloxone (2 mg/kg). Formalin- and acetic acid-induced nociception was significantly inhibited by cuminaldehyde (12.5-50 mg/kg). The antinociceptive effect of cuminaldehyde was reversed in writhing test by L-arginine (200 mg/kg), sodium nitroprusside (0.25 mg/kg), and sildenafil (0.5 mg/kg); however, L-NAME (30 mg/kg) and methylene blue (20 mg/kg) enhanced the effect of cuminaldehyde. Glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) did not alter the antinociceptive effects of cuminaldehyde. In the CCI-induced neuropathy, cuminaldehyde (25-100 mg/kg) significantly alleviated allodynia and hyperalgesia and decreased the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β., Conclusion: It was attained magnificently that cuminaldehyde exerts antinociceptive and antineuropathic effects through the involvement of opioid receptors, L-arginine/NO/cGMP pathway, and anti-inflammatory function., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The toxic kernel cake of Jatropha curcas (KCakeJ) is an emerging health and environmental concern. Although phorbol esters are widely recognized as the major toxin of KCakeJ, convincing evidence is absent. Here, we show that rather than phorbol esters an isomeric mixture of 11-hydroxy-9E-octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-10E-octadecenoic acid and 12-hydroxy-10Z-octadecenoic acid (hydroxy-octadecenoic acids, molecular formula C 18 H 34 O 3 ) is the major toxic component. The toxicities of hydroxy-octadecenoic acids on experimental animals, e.g. acute lethality, causing inflammation, pulmonary hemorrhage and thrombi, allergies, diarrhea and abortion, are consistent with those on human/animals caused by Jatropha seed and/or KCakeJ. The hydroxyl group and the double bond are essential for hydroxy-octadecenoic acids' toxicity. The main pathway of the toxicity mechanism includes down-regulating UCP3 gene expression, promoting ROS production, thus activating CD62P expression (platelet activation) and mast cell degranulation. The identification of the major toxin of KCakeJ lays a foundation for establishing an environmentally friendly Jatropha biofuel industry.

Day to day consumption of black pepper raise concern about the detailed information about their medicinal, pharmaceutical values and knowledge about the biocompatibility with respect to ecosystem. This study investigates the in vivo selective molecular biocompatibility of its seed cover (SC) and seed core (SP) powder extract using embryonic zebrafish model. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of the extract prepared by grinding showed presence of different components with "piperine" as principle component. Biocompatibility analysis showed dose and time dependent selective effect of SC and SP with LC50 of 30.4 μg/ml and 35.6 μg/ml, respectively on survivability, hatching and heartbeat rate in embryonic zebrafish. Mechanistic investigation elucidated it as effect of accumulation and internalization of black pepper leading to their influence on structure and function of cellular proteins hatching enzyme (he1a), superoxide dismutase (sod1) and tumor protein (tp53) responsible for delayed hatching, oxidative stress induction and apoptosis. The study provided insight to selective biocompatibility of black pepper expedient to produce higher quality spices with respect to pharmaceutical, clinical and environmental aspects., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and objective The plethora of anti-diabetic agents available today has many side effects, especially on chronic usage. Hence, alternative approaches utilizing natural and synthetic agents are sought after. Cumin has been shown to be beneficial in treating diabetes. This study evaluates the anti-diabetic effect of cumin and glyburide in the streptozotocin induced diabetes model in rats, and investigates their pharmacodynamic interactions and its implication in diabetes. Methodology The phytoconstituents present in the ethanolic cumin seed extract were determined using appropriate analytical methods. After acute toxicity studies (OECD 2001), the anti-diabetic effect of the extract was evaluated in wistar rats. The rats were divided into five groups - Groups I and II served as the normal and diabetic control. Group III was the standard control (glyburide 5 mg/kg), while groups IV and V received the extract (600 mg/kg) and a combination of the extract (600 mg/kg) and glyburide (2.5 mg/kg; half dose). Biochemical parameters viz. plasma glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin, were measured periodically during the 28 day treatment. On the 28th day, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, renal profile and histopathological evaluation were performed after completion of the study. To investigate the nature of herb-drug interaction, HPLC analysis for estimation of glyburide concentration in the blood was conducted. Results Acute toxicity studies showed the extract to be safe till a dose of 2 g/kg. The extract alone, and in combination with glyburide (half-dose), significantly lowered elevated glucose (by more than 45% from baseline; without producing hypoglycemia), and other lipid and renal parameters. The effects produced by 2.5 mg/kg glyburide, and 5 mg/kg glyburide (without extract) were similar. Histopathological analysis also showed that the extract was able to reverse the degeneration brought about by streptozotocin which was especially notable on the pancreatic and renal tissue. HPLC analysis revealed differing pharmacokinetics of glyburide in the groups treated with 5 mg/kg dose, and 2.5 mg/kg + 600 mg/kg extract. Conclusion The results obtained in this study suggest that Cuminum cyminum L. is a promising anti-diabetic agent, and exhibits pharmacodynamic interaction with glyburide to mitigate symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Background: Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) has attracted the focus of researchers owing to its excellent anti-diabetic action. The beneficial effect of Momordica charantia on heart has been reported by in vitro and in vivo studies. However the developmental toxicity or potential risk of M. charantia on fetus heart development is largely unknown. Hence this study was designed to find out the developmental toxicity of M. charantia using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos., Methods: The crude extracts were prepared from fruit and seeds of M. charantia. The Zebrafish embryos were exposed to serial dilution of each of the crude extract. The biologically active fractions were fractionated by C18 column using high pressure liquid chromatography. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrophotometry was done to identify chemical constituents in fruit and seed extract of M. charantia., Results: The seed extract of M. charantia was lethal with LD 50 values of 50 μg/ml to zebrafish embryos and multiple anomalies were observed in zebrafish embryos at sub-lethal concentration. However, the fruit extract was much safe and exposing the zebrafish embryos even to 200 μg/ml did not result any lethality. The fruit extract induced severe cardiac hypertrophy in treated embryos. The time window treatment showed that M. charantia perturbed the cardiac myoblast specification process in treated zebrafish embryos. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed diverse chemical group in the active fruit fraction and five new type of compounds were identified in the crude seeds extract of M. charantia by gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry., Conclusion: The teratogenicity of seeds extract and cardiac toxicity by the fruit extract of M. charantia warned that the supplementation made from the fruit and seeds of M. charantia should be used with much care in pregnant diabetic patients to avoid possible damage to developing fetus.

Edible/non-toxic varieties of Jatropha curcas L. are gaining increasing attention, providing both oil as biofuel feedstock or even as edible oil and the seed kernel meal as animal feed ingredient. They are a viable alternative to the limitation posed by the presence of phorbol esters in toxic varieties. Accurate genotyping of toxic/non-toxic accessions is critical to breeding management. The aim of this study was to identify SNP markers linked to seed toxicity in J. curcas. For SNP discovery, NGS technology was used to sequence the whole genomes of a toxic and non-toxic parent along with a bulk of 51 toxic and 30 non-toxic F 2 plants. To ascertain the association between SNP markers and seed toxicity trait, candidate SNPs were genotyped on 672 individuals segregating for seed toxicity and two collections of J. curcas composed of 96 individuals each. In silico SNP discovery approaches led to the identification of 64 candidate SNPs discriminating non-toxic and toxic samples. These SNPs were mapped on Chromosome 8 within the Linkage Group 8 previously identified as a genomic region important for phorbol ester biosynthesis. The association study identified two new SNPs, SNP_J22 and SNP_J24 significantly linked to low toxicity with R 2 values of 0.75 and 0.54, respectively. Our study released two valuable SNP markers for high-throughput, marker-assisted breeding of seed toxicity in J. curcas.

The bioaccessibility, metabolism, and excretion of lipids composing spent coffee grounds (SCGs) were investigated. An analysis of mycotoxins and an acute toxicity study in rats were performed for safety evaluation. Total fat, fatty acids, and diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) were determined in SCGs and their digests obtained in vitro. A pilot repeated intake study was carried out in Wistar rats using a dose of 1 g SCGs/kg b.w. for 28 days. Fat metabolism was evaluated by analysis of total fat, cholesterol, and histology in liver. The dietary fiber effect of SCGs was measured radiographically. The absence of mycotoxins and toxicity was reported in SCGs. A total of 77% of unsaturated fatty acids and low amounts of kahweol (7.09 µg/g) and cafestol (414.39 µg/g) were bioaccessible after in vitro digestion. A significantly lower ( p < 0.1) accumulation of lipids in the liver and a higher excretion of these in feces was found in rats treated with SCGs for 28 days. No lipid droplets or liver damage were observed by histology. SCGs acutely accelerated intestinal motility in rats. SCGs might be considered a sustainable, safe, and healthy food ingredient with potential for preventing hepatic steatosis due to their effect as dietary fiber with a high fat-holding capacity.

Toxic plants containing monofluoroacetate (MFA) cause sudden death in livestock in Australia, South Africa and Brazil, causing economic losses to producers. The objective of this study was to determine the amount of MFA present in young leaves, mature leaves, senescent leaves, and seeds of Amorimia pubiflora harvested at different times of the year and to determine their toxic effect on sheep. Samples of Amorimia pubiflora were collected during April, August and December of 2015 and March of 2016, separated according to the vegetative stage (young leaves, seeds, mature leaves, and senescent leaves), dried in an oven, and administered in daily doses of 5 g/kg/body weight (bw) of fresh leaves to sheep through ruminal cannulae. The experiment was divided into four stages according to the time of collection of the plant so that each sheep received a different vegetative stage of the plant (young leaves, mature leaves, and senescent leaves). Only in the second stage of the experiment was it possible to collect A. pubiflora seeds, which were administered using the same method used for the administration of the leaves. The sheep were dosed with the plant until they showed clinical signs of toxicosis or until the plant was no longer available. Aliquots of leaves and seeds of A. pubiflora were analyzed for MFA concentration. The seeds and young leaves had higher concentrations of MFA than did the mature (harvested in August and December) and senescent (harvested in December) leaves. However, all vegetative stages of the plant were toxic and caused fatal poisoning. The results of our study showed that A. pubiflora is toxic to sheep even when MFA concentrations are low, demonstrating that the presence of this substance is a risk factor for the occurrence of poisoning. Knowing the toxic principle and its variations allow us to determine the conditions for the occurrence of plant toxicosis as well as possible treatment, control, and prophylaxis methods, contributing significantly to the reduction of economic losses on farms due to plant poisoning., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The Dietary Supplements and Health Education Act (DSHEA), passed by the United States Congress in October of 1994, defines herbal products as nutritional supplements, not medications. This opened the market for diverse products made from plants, including teas, extracts, essential oils, and syrups. Mexico and the United States share an extensive border, where diverse herbal products are available to the public without a medical prescription. Research undertaken in the neighboring cities of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, USA, shows the use of herbs is higher in this border area compared to the rest of the United States. A portion of the population is still under the erroneous impression that "natural" products are completely safe to use and therefore lack side effects. We review the dangers of ingesting the toxic seed of Thevetia spp. (family Apocynaceae), commonly known as "yellow oleander" or "codo de fraile," misleadingly advertised on the Internet as an effective and safe dietary supplement for weight loss. Lack of proper quality control regarding herbs generates a great variability in the quantity and quality of the products' content. Herb-drug interactions occur between some herbal products and certain prescription pharmaceuticals. Certain herbs recently introduced into the U.S. market may not have been previously tested adequately for purity, safety, and efficacy. Due to the lack of reliable clinical data regarding the safe use of various herbal products currently available, the public should be made aware regarding the possible health hazards of using certain herbs for therapeutic purposes. The potentially fatal toxicity of yellow oleander seed is confirmed by cases reported from various countries, while the purported benefits of using it for weight loss have not been evaluated by any known clinical trials. For this reason, the use of yellow oleander seed as a dietary supplement should be avoided.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Seed kernel of the plant Ceasalpinia bonducella Linn (Caesalpiniacaeae) are used for the treatment of asthma in folk medicine and ancient books., Aim of Study: To assess the pharmacological efficacy of the plant in asthma and to confine and describe the synthetic constituents from the seeds that are in charge of the action., Material and Methods: The viability of petroleum ether, ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract of C. bonducella seeds were screened for the treatment of asthma by various methods viz. effect of test drug on clonidine and haloperidol induced catalepsy, milk-induced leukocytosis and eosinophilia, mast cell stabilizing activity in mice and studies on smooth muscle preparation of guinea pig ileum (in-vitro). Column chromatography of active extract was done to pinpoint the active compound followed by structure elucidation by FTIR, GCMS and NMR spectroscopic methods., Results: Ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract of C. bonducella seeds exhibited antihistaminic activity at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg, inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy but not haloperidol-induced catalepsy. Ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract significantly inhibited increased leukocyte and eosinophil count due to milk allergen and showed maximum protection against mast cell degranulation by clonidine. The results of guinea pig ileum indicated that the compound 2 methyl, 1 hexadecanol isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract relaxed significantly the ileum muscle strips pre-contracted by which suggests the involvement of β 2 -agonists on the relaxation of the tissue. All the results are dose dependent. Active ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract showed presence of anti-asthmatic compound, 2-methyl, 1-hexadecanol., Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract of seeds of the plant C. bonducella can inhibit parameters linked to asthma disease., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Jatropha curcas is an important oilseed plant, with considerable potential in the development of biodiesel. Although Jatropha seed cake, the byproduct of oil extraction, is a residue rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and carbon, with high protein content suitable for application in animal feed, the presence of toxic phorbol esters limits its application in feed supplements and fertilizers. This review summarizes the current methods available for detoxification of this residue, based upon chemical, physical, biological, or combined processes. The advantages and disadvantages of each process are discussed, and future directions involving genomic and proteomic approaches for advancing our understanding of biodegradation processes involving microorganisms are highlighted.

Coffee roasting affects the taste, color, and aroma of coffee. The Maillard reaction, a major reaction during the roasting process, produces melanoidin, which affects the overall antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects of coffee. In this experiment, coffee roasting was divided into four degrees: Light, Medium, City, and French. To examine the in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of coffee extracts with different roasting degrees, we used 10-week-old male C57BL/6 mice. Mice were pre-treated with coffee extracts for 10 days by oral gavage (300 mg/Kg.B.W). After the last pre-treatment, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 15 mg/Kg.B.W) was injected intraperitoneally for immune stimulation. Histopathological analysis showed that hepatic portal vein invasion and liver necrosis were severe in the LPS-treated group. However, these phenomena were greatly ameliorated when mice were pre-treated with Light- or Medium-roasted coffee extracts. Hepatic glutathione level was increased in the French group but decreased in the LPS-stimulated group. When mice were treated with LPS, mRNA expression level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was increased, whereas TNF-α expression was significantly reduced in the Light and Medium groups. Treatment with coffee extracts decreased the mRNA expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in mice stimulated by LPS, regardless of coffee roasting degrees. These effects decreased with the increasing coffee roasting degree. Results of luciferase reporter assay revealed that these effects of coffee extracts were transcriptionally regulated by the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that the roasting degree affects the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of coffee extracts., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest in this research.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of green tea seed (GTS) extract as a natural preservative in food. Food preservative ability and mutagenicity studies of GTS extract and identification of antimicrobial compounds from GTS extract were carried out. The GTS extract showed only anti-yeast activity against Candida albicans with MIC value of 938μg/mL and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii with a MIC of 469μg/mL. The active compounds were identified as theasaponin E1 (1), assamsaponin A (2), and assamsaponin B (3). And GTS extracts didn't show mutagenicity because there were no dose-dependent changes in colonies of Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, and Escherichia coli WP 2 uvrA regardless of the metabolic activation system. And GTS extract also showed a potent food preservation affect which eliminated all yeast below the MIC value in application test at soy sauce. Overall, these results indicate that GTS extract could be a safe and effective food preservative with anti-yeast activity., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Green coffee workers can develop allergic symptoms due to green coffee beans (GCB) or to castor bean (CB) that can contaminate sacks used for the transportation. Data are limited in literature and a previous study performed in Trieste demonstrated allergic symptoms in 14.3% of dockworkers handling GCB., Objectives: To evaluate symptoms and exposure to GCB ultrafine particles in Trieste dockworkers., Methods: Workers involved in GCB sacks transportation, storage and opening were asked to fill out a questionnaire on allergic respiratory symptoms. They performed a spirometry test and an evaluation of NO exhaled breath condensate. Inhalable and respirable dust exposures were evaluated by means of personal and environmental pumps. Ultrafine particles exposure was evaluated by means of portable particles counter DISCMini., Results: Between the 40 dockworkers exposed to GCB, 28 participated in the study (70%). Five (17.9%) reported personal allergy symptoms and two workers (7.1%) reported allergic oculorhinitis during work. One subject had symptoms only with Tanzania sacks and he resulted sensitized to CB. Workplace dust evaluation demonstrated values below Threshold Limit Values, but some work tasks were associated with exposure to more than 40,000 ultrafine particles with a geometric mean size of 37.2±1.35 nm., Conclusions: Prevalence of allergic symptoms in GCB workers was low but the presence of peaks of ultrafine particles exposure suggests the need to protect workers from exposure, limiting powder dispersion, avoiding the unloading of sacks inside the container and suggesting personal protective equipment regular use (FFP3).

Senna occidentalis is a toxic leguminous plant found in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world and causes poisoning mainly in confined animals. The seeds are the most toxic part of the plant and may be present in animal rations. The main toxic component of the S. occidentalis seed is a dianthrone, an anthraquinone-derived compound that affects mitochondrial function. This study evaluated the effects on egg production of low-level contamination of the S. occidentalis in the laying hens' diet. Forty-eight one-day-old pullets were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: control, birds that received no experimental treatment; and external and internal tegument (ET/IT), birds that received a diet containing 0.2% of ET/IT of S. occidentalis seeds throughout their life cycle (42 weeks). The birds were monitored for clinical signs of poisoning, and the production and quality of eggs were recorded. Necropsies were conducted at the end of the experimental period. None of the layers showed any clinical signs of poisoning, decreases in feed intake or alterations of the body weight gain. A marked reduction in egg production and, consequently, a lower feed efficiency in ET/IT group were measured. Ovaries were the most affected organ in birds from the ET/IT group, and yolk leaking and dysplasia of the inner layer of the vitelline membrane were observed. S. occidentalis was shown to be toxic for laying hens. Considering these results, it is feasible to assume that the constant presence of low concentrations of S. occidentalis seeds in rations represents a threat to the poultry industry.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of rumen-protected arginine on median caudal artery blood flow and LH dynamics in cows fed toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue seed. Four ruminally cannulated nonlactating beef cows (539 ± 30 kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments utilizing a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 periods of 31 d each. Each cow was assigned to individual pens and fed orchardgrass hay (10.3% CP and 85% NDF; OM basis) during a 10-d adaptation period, followed by a 21-d collection period in which each cow was assigned 1 of 4 treatments: 1) rumen-protected Arg (180 mg/kg of BW) and 1.0 kg/d of toxic endophyte-infected fescue seed (AE+), 2) rumen-protected Arg (180 mg/kg of BW) and 1.0 kg/d of endophyte-free fescue seed (AE-), 3) 1.0 kg/d of toxic endophyte-infected fescue seed (E+) alone, or 4) 1.0 kg/d of endophyte-free fescue seed (E-) alone. In each period, Doppler ultrasound measurements for blood flow parameters were quantified on d 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20. On d 20 of each period, blood samples were collected every 10 min for 6 h and then once every hour for 12 h for LH response following exogenous GnRH. There was an Arg × fescue seed type interaction ( = 0.05) for median caudal artery blood flow due to an increase in blood flow in cows fed rumen-protected Arg with endophyte-free fescue seed. In addition, mean blood flow velocity in the artery was greater ( = 0.01) with the inclusion of rumen-protected Arg in the diet. Median caudal artery area ( = 0.03) and diameter ( = 0.01) were decreased in cows consuming E+ compared to those consuming E- with no effect ( ≥ 0.38) by Arg inclusion. Circulating nitric oxide (NO) concentrations tended to be influenced ( = 0.09) by the interaction of Arg × fescue seed type with E+ alone decreasing NO concentrations. Circulating NO concentrations were unaffected by rumen-protected Arg ( = 0.48). Mean serum LH concentration exhibited ( = 0.02) an Arg × fescue seed type interaction. Cows consuming E+ had decreased ( < 0.05) LH concentrations compared to all other treatments. However, cows consuming AE+ had ( ≥ 0.67) LH concentrations similar to those of cows consuming AE- and E-. Thus, supplementing rumen-protected Arg to cows consuming toxic endophyte-infected fescue seed has the potential to increase reproductive performance and peripheral blood flow.

Spices and herbs have been used since ancient times as flavor and aroma enhancers, colorants, preservatives, and traditional medicines. There are more than 30 spices and herbs of global economic and culinary importance. Among the spices, black pepper, capsicums, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, saffron, coriander, cloves, dill, mint, thyme, sesame seed, mustard seed, and curry powder are the most popular spices worldwide. In addition to their culinary uses, a number of functional properties of aromatic herbs and spices are also well described in the scientific literature. However, spices and herbs cultivated mainly in tropic and subtropic areas can be exposed to contamination with toxigenic fungi and subsequently mycotoxins. This review provides an overview on the mycotoxin risk in widely consumed spices and aromatic herbs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Elado® (10 g clothianidin & 2 g beta-cyfluthrin/kg seed)-dressed oilseed rape on the development and reproduction of mason bees (Osmia bicornis) as part of a large-scale monitoring field study in Northern Germany, where oilseed rape is usually cultivated at 25-33 % of the arable land. Both reference and test sites comprised 65 km 2 in which no other crops attractive to pollinating insects were present. Six study locations were selected per site and three nesting shelters were placed at each location. Of these locations, three locations were directly adjacent to oilseed rape fields, while the other three locations were situated 100 m distant from the nearest oilseed rape field. At each location, 1500 cocoons of O. bicornis were placed into the central nesting shelter. During the exposure phase, nest building activities and foraging behaviour were assessed repeatedly. Cocoons were harvested in autumn to assess parasitization and reproduction including larval development. The following spring, the emergence of the next generation of adults from cocoons was monitored. High reproductive output and low parasitization rates indicated that Elado ® -dressed oilseed rape did not cause any detrimental effects on the development or reproduction of mason bees., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests. Ethical approval All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

Despite the widespread use of Vernonia anthelmintica seeds in traditional medicine, the need to establish the safety of the Vernonia anthelmintica is required to ascertain the safe use of this herbal medicine. The aim of the present study is to establish the acute toxicity profile of different extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica. Hexane and ethanol extract of Vernonia Anthelmintica has been studied for its brine shrimp lethality potential. Water decoction (WDVA), Hexane (HEVA) and Ethanol (EEVA) extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica has also been evaluated for their in-vivo acute oral toxicity in mice by Lorke's method. Phytochemistry of all three extracts was also evaluated for the presence of their secondary metabolites. All three extracts showed the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids, while alkaloids, tannins and fixed oils were present in HEVA and EEVA. Furthermore EEVA also showed presence of carbohydrates and HEVA also showed the presence of cardiac glycosides. Ethanol and hexane extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica showed a positive cytotoxicity in brine shrimp lethality test at 24 hours with LC50 104.16 (224.0-48.05)μg/ml and 216.11μg/ml (378.2-128.7) respectively as compared to standard drug etoposide LC50 7.46μg/ml. The oral LD50 for EEVA, HEVA and WDVA in mice by Lorke's method was greater than 5000mg/kg. The result of brine shrimp lethality test clearly exhibited the presence of bioactive compounds with cytotoxic potential; however seems to be safe for oral use since LD50 was higher than 5000mg/kg and thus safety of acute dosing in vivo practices is justified.

Possible effects of clothianidin seed-treated oilseed rape on honey bee colonies were investigated in a large-scale monitoring project in Northern Germany, where oilseed rape usually comprises 25-33 % of the arable land. For both reference and test sites, six study locations were selected and eight honey bee hives were placed at each location. At each site, three locations were directly adjacent to oilseed rape fields and three locations were situated 400 m away from the nearest oilseed rape field. Thus, 96 hives were exposed to fully flowering oilseed rape crops. Colony sizes and weights, the amount of honey harvested, and infection with parasites and diseases were monitored between April and September 2014. The percentage of oilseed rape pollen was determined in pollen and honey samples. After oilseed rape flowering, the hives were transferred to an extensive isolated area for post-exposure monitoring. Total numbers of adult bees and brood cells showed seasonal fluctuations, and there were no significant differences between the sites. The honey, which was extracted at the end of the exposure phase, contained 62.0-83.5 % oilseed rape pollen. Varroa destructor infestation was low during most of the course of the study but increased at the end of the study due to flumethrin resistance in the mite populations. In summary, honey bee colonies foraging in clothianidin seed-treated oilseed rape did not show any detrimental symptoms as compared to colonies foraging in clothianidin-free oilseed rape. Development of colony strength, brood success as well as honey yield and pathogen infection were not significantly affected by clothianidin seed-treatment during this study., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

This study was part of a large-scale monitoring project to assess the possible effects of Elado ® (10 g clothianidin & 2 g β-cyfluthrin/kg seed)-dressed oilseed rape seeds on different pollinators in Northern Germany. Firstly, residues of clothianidin and its active metabolites thiazolylnitroguanidine and thiazolylmethylurea were measured in nectar and pollen from Elado ® -dressed (test site, T) and undressed (reference site, R) oilseed rape collected by honey bees confined within tunnel tents. Clothianidin and its metabolites could not be detected or quantified in samples from R fields. Clothianidin concentrations in samples from T fields were 1.3 ± 0.9 μg/kg and 1.7 ± 0.9 μg/kg in nectar and pollen, respectively. Secondly, pollen and nectar for residue analyses were sampled from free flying honey bees, bumble bees and mason bees, placed at six study locations each in the R and T sites at the start of oilseed rape flowering. Honey samples were analysed from all honey bee colonies at the end of oilseed rape flowering. Neither clothianidin nor its metabolites were detectable or quantifiable in R site samples. Clothianidin concentrations in samples from the T site were below the limit of quantification (LOQ, 1.0 µg/kg) in most pollen and nectar samples collected by bees and 1.4 ± 0.5 µg/kg in honey taken from honey bee colonies. In summary, the study provides reliable semi-field and field data of clothianidin residues in nectar and pollen collected by different bee species in oilseed rape fields under common agricultural conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Elado ® -dressed winter oilseed rape (OSR, 10 g clothianidin & 2 g beta-cyfluthrin/kg seed) on the development, reproduction and behaviour of large earth bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) as part of a large-scale monitoring field study in Northern Germany, where OSR is usually cultivated at 25-33 % of the arable land. Both reference and test sites comprised 65 km 2 in which no other crops attractive to pollinating insects were present. Six study locations were selected per site and 10 bumble bee hives were placed at each location. At each site, three locations were directly adjacent to OSR fields and three locations were situated 400 m distant from the nearest OSR field. The development of colonies was monitored from the beginning of OSR flowering in April until June 2014. Pollen from returning foragers was analysed for its composition. An average of 44 % of OSR pollen was found in pollen loads of bumble bees indicating that OSR was a major resource for the colonies. At the end of OSR flowering, hives were transferred to a nature reserve until the end of the study. Colony development in terms of hive weight and the number of workers showed a typical course with no statistically significant differences between the sites. Reproductive output was comparatively high and not negatively affected by the exposure to treated OSR. In summary, Elado ® -dressed OSR did not cause any detrimental effects on the development or reproduction of bumble bee colonies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding of all expenses for this study was through Bayer CropScience. Although the study design was discussed with the sponsor, they had no role in the implementation, data collection and interpretation of results. Ethical approval All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

Custard apple seeds have been used in native medicine from time immemorial for the management of head lice and skin exfoliation. We report six consecutive patients who developed toxic keratoconjunctivitis within 6-12 h of ocular exposure to custard apple seeds. The use of topical steroid worsens the toxicity and predisposes to the development of microbial keratitis in such cases. Patients showed a good response to primary treatment with topical fortified antibiotics and lubricants. This case series highlights the need to educate the patients regarding the potential toxic effects of the custard seeds and the treating physicians about possible deleterious effects on using topical steroid.

Exposure to environmental endocrine active compounds correlates with altered susceptibility to disease in human populations. Chemical risk assessment is single compound based, although exposure often takes place as heterogeneous mixtures of man-made and natural substances within complex matrices like diet. Here we studied whether the effects of cadmium and enterolactone on endocrine endpoints in dietary exposure can be predicted based on pure compound effects. Ovariectomized estrogen reporter ERE-luciferase (ERE-luc) mice were maintained on diets that intrinsically contain increasing concentrations of cadmium and enterolactone precursors for three and 21 days. The activation of the ERE-luc, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-ERK1/2, and classical estrogen responses were measured. Interactions between the diets and endogenous hormone were evaluated by challenging the animals with 17β-estradiol. Compared to animals on basal purified diet, mice consuming experimental diets were exposed to significantly higher levels of cadmium and enterolactone, yet the exposure remained comparable to typical human dietary intake. Surprisingly, we could not detect effects on endpoints regulated by pure enterolactone, such as ERE-luc activation. However, cadmium accumulation in the liver was accompanied with activation of EGFR and MAPK-ERK1/2 in line with our earlier CdCl2 studies. Further, attenuation of 17β-estradiol-induced ERE-luc response in liver by experimental diets was observed. Our findings indicate that the exposure context can have substantial effects on the activity of endocrine active compounds in vivo. Thus, whenever possible, a context that mimics human exposure should be tested along with pure compounds., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Xanthorrhoeaceae), Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) and Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae) are widely used in the Cameroonian ethnoveterinary medicine as a panacea, and specifically for gastrointestinal disorders as well as an anthelmintic and antibacterial., Aim of the Study: The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera leaves, Carica papaya leaves or seeds, and Mimosa pudica leaves after acute and sub-chronic administration in chicks., Materials and Methods: For the acute toxicity test a single administration of each of the four hydroalcoholic extracts was given orally at doses ranging from 40 to 5120 mg/kg (n=5/group/sex). In the sub-chronic study, these extracts were given orally as a single administration to chicks at doses of 80, 160, 320 and 640 mg/kg/day for 42 days. The anti-angiogenic properties of these extracts (5-320 µg/mg) were investigated in the chick chorioallantoic membrane in vivo., Results: In the acute toxicity test, none of the four studied hydroalcoholic extracts induced mortality or significant behavioural changes. The sub-acute treatment with the four plant extracts did not alter either the body weight gain or the food and water consumption. However, the results indicated that Aloe vera leaf extract acute treatment by oral route at doses up to 2560 mg/kg did not produce death in 50% (5/10) of chicks during 24h or 14 days of observation, but 20% (2/10) chicks died. The haematological and biochemical analyses did not show significant differences in any of the parameters examined in female or male groups, with the exception of a transient rise in white blood cell counts at high doses (640 mg/kg). Additionally, these extracts did not have the potential for anti-angiogenic effects through the inhibition of neo-angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane in vivo., Conclusion: The results showed that the therapeutic use of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Aloe vera leaves, Carica papaya leaves or seeds and Mimosa pudica leaves had very low toxicity in oral acute high dose administration and no toxicity in oral sub-chronic low dose administration and indicate that the plants could be considered safe for oral medication in chicks., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Joannesia princeps is a plant commonly used in folk medicine as laxative for menstrual discomfort and as antihelminthic and antimicrobial to reduce edema and improve tissue healing. The seeds are used in many regions of Brazil as laxative; however, studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using seeds of this plant on intestinal motility of Wistar rats, evaluate the effects and acute toxicity of its management, as well as determine its phytochemical profile. The evaluation of the effect on the intestinal motility was performed according to the model described by Michelin and Salgado (2004) with modifications. For the evaluation of acute toxicity, we used the model described by Craveiro et al. (2008) and Goloni et al. (2005), and for the analysis of the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, and other components, we used the method described by Carvalho et al. (2006). The results showed that J. princeps exhibits laxative effects similar to those of Senna species such as Cassia angustifolia and the phytochemical analysis of ethanol and aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, and/or steroids compounds. Acute toxicity showed in the first 12 h: piloerection, contortion, decreased respiratory rate, diarrhea, and weight loss. After this period, these changes were no longer observed. It was concluded that the seeds of this plant have potential laxative activity, confirming the popular use and that the dose of 5 g/kg can be considered safe for consumption.

Senna occidentalis (S. occidentalis) is a toxic leguminous plant that contaminates crops and has been shown to be toxic to several animal species. All parts of the plant are toxic, but most of the plant's toxicity is due to its seeds. Despite its toxicity, S. occidentalis is widely used for therapeutic purposes in humans. The aim of the present work was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of the chronic administration of S. occidentalis seeds on hematopoietic organs, including the bone marrow and spleen. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of 10 animals. Rats were treated with diets containing 0% (control), 0.5% (So0.5), 1% (So1), or 2% (So2) S. occidentalis seeds for a period of 90 days. Food and water were provided ad libitum, except to pair-fed (PF) group which received the same amount of ration to those of So2 group, however free of S. occidentalis seeds. It was verified that rats treated with 2% S. occidentalis seeds presented changes in hematological parameters. The blood evaluation also showed a significant decrease of the Myeloid/Erythroid (M/E) ratio. Chronic treatment with S. occidentalis promoted a reduction in the cellularity of both the bone marrow and spleen. Additionally, we observed changes in bone marrow smears, iron stores and spleen hemosiderin accumulation. Histological analyses of bone marrow revealed erythroid hyperplasia which was consistent with the increased reticulocyte count. These findings suggest that the long-term administration of S. occidentalis seeds can promote blood toxicity., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dietary supplements containing plant materials of Annonaceae species (Annona muricata L., A. squamosa L., A. mucosa JACQ., A. squamosa × cherimola Mabb.) were extracted by hot, pressurized ethyl acetate and analyzed for their effect in vitro on Lund human mesencephalic neurons. Cell viability was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and cell death was determined by lactate dehydrogenase levels. Three supplements strongly decreased the cell viability at extract concentrations of 1 µg/mL, of which 1 decreased cell viability at 0.1 µg/µL. Also, strong neuronal toxicities of these supplements were found. Cell death was observed at concentrations of 10 µg/mL. The degree of toxicity was comparable to the ones found in Annonaceous fruit extracts. Two fruit pulps of Annonaceae (A. muricata and A. squamosa) showed a reduction in cell viability at lower concentrations. The fruit pulp extract of A. muricata revealed the strongest neurotoxic effect, with 67% cell death at a concentration of 1 µg/mL. A high reduction in cell viability coupled with pronounced cell death was found at 0.1 µg/mL for an Annonaceous seed extract. These results demonstrate that the intake of dietary supplements containing plant material from Annonaceae may be hazardous to health in terms of neurotoxicity., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Ackee apple fruit is a native fruit to Jamaica and some parts of west Africa. Its toxicity known as "Jamaican vomiting sickness" dates back to the nineteenth century. However, there is a dearth of reported published data on toxicity from Nigeria where it is popularly known in the southwest as "ishin." We report a case series of eight previously well Nigerian siblings who presented at various intervals after ingestion of roasted seeds and aril of the ackee fruit., (© The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)

This research aimed at assessing the content and the functional properties of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in different varieties of beans widely consumed in Tunisia through soaking, cooking, autoclaving, germination, and their combinations. This study was carried out on three varieties of white beans grown in different localities of Tunisia, namely Twila, Coco, and Beldia, as well as on imported and local canned beans. All bean samples underwent biochemical and immunological evaluation by employing several techniques such as indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hemagglutinating assay, Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Biochemical and immunological analyses indicated that raw dry beans contained a considerable amount of proteins and PHAs. ELISA demonstrated that soaking, either in plain water or in alkaline solution, caused an increase in the concentration of PHA. A slight increase of PHA was produced equally by germination during 4 days in all bean varieties. Cooking or autoclaving of presoaked beans resulted in a complete disappearance of PHA. ELISA test also proved that both imported and local canned beans contained fingerprints of PHA. Hemagglutination assays showed that not only cooked and autoclaved presoaked beans lacked the ability to agglutinate red blood cells but also autoclaved unsoaked beans did. In agar gel immunodiffusion using rabbit anti-PHA serum, raw, soaked, cooked unsoaked, and sprouted beans gave precipitin arc reactions, indicating that PHA existed in immunoreactive form in the tested seeds. SDS-PAGE electrophoretograms showed protein isolates of Twila and Beldia beans to have different profiles through soaking, cooking, and autoclaving processes. This work revealed that the combination of soaking and cooking/autoclaving was the best way in reducing PHA content and its activity in all bean varieties when compared with germination.

Reasons for Performing Study: Acorn toxicity has been anecdotally reported to cause fatal colitis and colic in horses but reports in the scientific literature are sparse., Objectives: This study reports the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and outcome of 9 cases with suspected acorn toxicity admitted to 2 referral hospitals., Study Design: Retrospective case series., Methods: Case records from 2004 to 2013 were reviewed. Horses were included in the study if they met 3 of 4 criteria: exposure to acorns; clinical and laboratory data suggesting alimentary or renal dysfunction; acorn husks in the faeces or gastrointestinal tract; and necropsy and histopathological findings consistent with acorn toxicity. Data collected included case history, clinical presentation, clinicopathological data, ultrasonographic findings, case progression, and necropsy and histopathological findings., Results: Nine horses met the inclusion criteria. Five cases presenting with haemorrhagic diarrhoea deteriorated rapidly and were subjected to euthanasia or died. Four cases showed signs of colic with gas distension, displacement of the large colon and diarrhoea. Three of these (33%) survived with medical management, the fourth was subjected to euthanasia. Post mortem examination of 6 cases demonstrated submucosal oedema of the large intestine and caecum (n = 6), acute tubular nephrosis (n = 6), diffuse necrohaemorrhagic and ulcerative typhlocolitis and enteritis (n = 4), and small intestinal oedema (n = 3)., Conclusions: Acorn ingestion may be associated with typhylocolitis leading to diarrhoea, colic and acute renal tubular nephrosis. Recovery is possible in mildly affected cases; more severe cases show hypovolaemia, intractable pain, renal dysfunction and cardiovascular failure, and often succumb to the disease process. Disease is only seen in a small proportion of the population exposed to acorns and there seems to be an increased occurrence in certain years. Further investigation into factors predisposing to disease is required, but limiting exposure to acorns in the autumn seems prudent., (© 2014 EVJ Ltd.)

Buckwheat contains many healthy nutrients, and its consumption is therefore increasing. Buckwheat also contains fluorescent phototoxic fagopyrins. A systematic review of fagopyrins and the phototoxicity of buckwheat found that reliable quantitative data on fagopyrin toxicity are not yet available. Generally, buckwheat seeds, flour, and teas are safe in normal amounts. Diets extensively composed of buckwheat sprouts, herbs, and particularly flowers or of fagopyrin-rich buckwheat extracts may cause fagopyrism. A reference standard is needed, as it would enable the accurate evaluation of fagopyrin content in buckwheat products and would allow proper testing of their as yet unknown physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.

Our prior studies have shown an association between the deaths of children and consumption of Cassia occidentalis (CO) seeds. However, the chemicals responsible for the CO poisoning are not known. Therefore, the present study was designed to identify the key moieties in CO seeds and their cytotoxicity in rat primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells. Activity-guided sequential extraction and fractionation of the seeds followed by GC-MS analysis identified the toxic compounds in the CO seeds. These identified compounds were subsequently detected and quantified in blood and urine samples from CO-exposed rats and CO poisoning human study cases. GC-MS analysis of different fractions of methanol extracts of CO seeds revealed the presence of five anthraquinones (AQs), viz. physcion, emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, and chrysophanol. Interestingly, these AQs were detected in serum and urine samples from the study cases and CO-exposed rats. Cytotoxicity analysis of the above AQs in rat primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells revealed that rhein is the most toxic moiety, followed by emodin, aloe-emodin, physcion, and chrysophanol. These studies indicate that AQ aglycones are responsible for producing toxicity, which may be associated with symptoms of hepatomyoencephalopathy in CO poisoning cases.

Objective: Various morphological parts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) have extensively been used in the folk medicine to treat an array of human ailments. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the anticonvulsant potential of the ethanolic extract of P. granatum L. seed in chemoconvulsant-induced seizures in mice., Method: The anticonvulsant activity of the ethanolic extract was investigated in strychnine (STR)-induced and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure models in mice. Diazepam was used as reference anticonvulsant drug. Ethanolic extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg per os, p.o.), diazepam (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally, i.p.), and distilled water (10 ml/kg, i.p.) were administered before induction of seizures by PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) or STR (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). The latent time before the onset of convulsions, the duration of convulsions, the percentage of seizure protection, and mortality rate were recorded., Results: The seed ethanolic extract did not show any toxicity and did not protect the animals against seizures but demonstrated a significant increase in seizure latency at 300 and 600 mg/kg in both STR and PTZ seizure models (P < 0.001). It also showed a significant reduction in seizure duration at 300 mg/kg (P < 0.05) and 600 mg/kg (P < 0.001) in the STR seizure model and 600 mg/kg (P < 0.01) in the PTZ seizure model compared with the control group., Conclusion: Ethanol extract has dose-dependent anticonvulsant activity against STR- and PTZ-induced seizures. This activity might be due to its saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and alkaloids ingredients.

Thirty-two honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies were studied in order to detect and measure potential in vivo effects of neonicotinoid pesticides used in cornfields (Zea mays spp) on honeybee health. Honeybee colonies were randomly split on four different agricultural cornfield areas located near Quebec City, Canada. Two locations contained cornfields treated with a seed-coated systemic neonicotinoid insecticide while the two others were organic cornfields used as control treatments. Hives were extensively monitored for their performance and health traits over a period of two years. Honeybee viruses (brood queen cell virus BQCV, deformed wing virus DWV, and Israeli acute paralysis virus IAPV) and the brain specific expression of a biomarker of host physiological stress, the Acetylcholinesterase gene AChE, were investigated using RT-qPCR. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was performed to detect pesticide residues in adult bees, honey, pollen, and corn flowers collected from the studied hives in each location. In addition, general hive conditions were assessed by monitoring colony weight and brood development. Neonicotinoids were only identified in corn flowers at low concentrations. However, honeybee colonies located in neonicotinoid treated cornfields expressed significantly higher pathogen infection than those located in untreated cornfields. AChE levels showed elevated levels among honeybees that collected corn pollen from treated fields. Positive correlations were recorded between pathogens and the treated locations. Our data suggests that neonicotinoids indirectly weaken honeybee health by inducing physiological stress and increasing pathogen loads.