Isolation,Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Pectic Polysaccharides of Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.)

The aim of this study was to isolate pectins with antioxidant activity from the leaves of Epilobium angustifolium L. Two pectins, EA-4.0 and EA-0.8, with galacturonic acid contents of 88 and 91% were isolated from the leaves of E. angustifolium L. by the treatment of plant raw materials with aqueous hydrochloric acid at pH 4.0 and 0.8, respectively. EA-4.0 and EA-0.8 were found to scavenge the DPPH radical in a concentration-dependent manner at 17–133 μg/mL, whereas commercial apple pectin scavenged at 0.5–2 mg/mL. The antioxidant activity of EA-4.0 was the highest and exceeded the activity of EA-0.8 and a commercial apple pectin by 2 and 39 times (IC₅₀—0.050, 0.109 and 1.961 mg/mL), respectively. Pectins EA-4.0 and EA-0.8 were found to possess superoxide radical scavenging activity, with IC₅₀s equal to 0.27 and 0.97 mg/mL, respectively. Correlation analysis of the composition and activity of 32 polysaccharide fractions obtained by enzyme hydrolysis and anionic exchange chromatography revealed that the antioxidant capacity of fireweed pectins is mainly due to phenolics and is partially associated with xylogalacturonan chains. The data obtained demonstrate that pectic polysaccharides appeared to be bioactive components of fireweed leaves with high antioxidant activity, which depend on pH at their extraction.     

Polysaccharides ofPlantago major

Summary 1. The partial hydrolysis of the polysaccharide of the leaves ofPlantago major L. has given degraded pectic acid.2. A study of the physicochemical properties and IR spectra of the polygalacturonide and the products of its periodate-nitric acid oxidation has shown that the galacturonic acid residues in degraded pectic acid are in the pyranose from and are linked by a-0-1-4 bonds.Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 80–83, 1967     

Polysaccharides from the inflorescences ofMatricaria matricarioides

Fractionation of the polysacchride complex of the inflorescences of pineapple weed has given a galacturonan and a pectic acid. The structures of the galacturonan and pectic acid have been studied by the methods of enzymatic hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, and exhaustive methylation. It has been established that the galacturonan is a linear polysaccharide consisting of D-galacturonic acid residues in the pyranose form with α-1→4-bonds. The main polysaccharide chain of the pectic acid consists of D-galacturonic acid residues in the pyranose form, D-galactose, L-arbinose, and D-xylose residues are covalently bound to carbon atoms 2 or 3 of the main chain of the polysaccharide.     

Effects of a High-Molecular-Weight Polysaccharides Isolated from Korean Persimmon on the Antioxidant,Anti-Inflammatory,and Antiwrinkle Activity

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki), a familiar and widespread fruit worldwide, is known to exhibit several physiological effects because of the presence of pharmacologically active compounds called phytochemicals. However, its high-molecular-weight compounds, particularly polysaccharides, have not been extensively studied. In this study, D. kaki extract (DK) was fractionated into low- and high-molecular-weight fractions (DK-L and DK-H, respectively) through ethanol fractionation, and their effects on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiwrinkle activities were investigated by an in vitro system. DK-H contained significantly higher contents of neutral sugar, uronic acid, and polyphenols compared to DK and DK-L. Furthermore, DK-H exhibited significantly improved pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiwrinkle properties, compared to those of DK and DK-L, demonstrating that DK-H may play an important role in mediating the beneficial effects of persimmon. Sugar composition analysis and molecular characterization indicated that DK-H consisted of a galacturonic acid (GalA)-rich polysaccharide with a molecular weight of >345 kDa that mainly comprised GalA and small amounts of neutral sugar and polyphenol residues. These results suggest that the bioactive fraction DK-H is likely to be a GalA-rich pectic polysaccharide containing a small number of polyphenol residues, which may be a novel candidate in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.     

Resonance light scattering and derived techniques in analytical chemistry: past, present, and future

From 1993 to 1995, with a conventional fluorescence spectrophotometer (CFS) (convenient) and working in a synchronous scan model (easy-to-use), Pasternack et al. proposed the resonance light-scattering (RLS) technique, to efficiently characterize self-assemblies or self-aggregations of chromophores with good electronic coupling. Incident wavelengths were specially considered within their absorption envelopes (rather unorthodox), and their amplified signals were observed (good sensitivity and selectivity). Due to these absorbing benefits, RLS technique, as a novel readout method, commenced on its exciting analytical tours soon after Liu et al. and especially Li et al., separately, set out their corresponding pioneering investigations from 1995 to 1997. From then on, it has received an increasing attention by analysts, as a consequence exhibiting more and more fascinating analytical applications. Moreover, various attractive RLS-derived techniques have been developed successively to improve it or to enlarge its possibilities. Later on, Liu et al. and Li et al., Tabak et al., Yguerabide et al., Huang et al., Lakowicz et al. and Fernández Band et al. have made their outstanding contributions. In this review, we concentrate on major achievements of RLS in analytical chemistry for over a decade, involving the developments and analytical applications of RLS derived techniques treated as an impacting progress of RLS technique in analytical chemistry. Finally, an indication of future directions of RLS technique in analytical chemistry is provided.     

Polysaccharides from the inflorescences ofMatricaria matricarioides

Fractionation of the polysacchride complex of the inflorescences of pineapple weed has given a galacturonan and a pectic acid. The structures of the galacturonan and pectic acid have been studied by the methods of enzymatic hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, and exhaustive methylation. It has been established that the galacturonan is a linear polysaccharide consisting of D-galacturonic acid residues in the pyranose form with -14-bonds. The main polysaccharide chain of the pectic acid consists of D-galacturonic acid residues in the pyranose form, D-galactose, L-arbinose, and D-xylose residues are covalently bound to carbon atoms 2 or 3 of the main chain of the polysaccharide.I. P. Pavlov Medical Institute, Ryazan'. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 4, pp. 481–486, July–August, 1985.     

Synthesis of the branched-chain sugar aceric acid: a unique component of the pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan-II

Described herein is the synthesis of 3-C-carboxy-5-deoxy-L-xylose (aceric acid), a rare branched-chain sugar found in the complex pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan-II. The key synthetic step in the construction of aceric acid was the stereoselective addition of 2-trimethylsilyl thiazole to 5-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-L-erythro-pentofuran-3-ulose (2), which was prepared from L-xylose. The thiazole group was efficiently converted into the required carboxyl group via conventional transformations. Aceric acid was also synthesized by dihydroxylation of a 3-C-methylene derivative of 2 followed by oxidation of the resulting hydroxylmethyl group. The C-2 epimer of aceric acid was also synthesized using thiazole addition chemistry, starting from L-arabinose.     

Antibacterial activities of a few prepared derivatives of oleanolic acid and of other natural triterpenic compounds

Oxidizing, phosphorus, ester and amide derivatives of oleanolic acid 1 have been prepared. The antibacterial activity of compound 1, isolated from the fruit barks of Periploca laevigata (Asclepiadaceae), and its derivatives have been tested using Tween-80 as complex agent to form a water-soluble triterpenes. The same activity of maslinic acid acetate 2, β-amyrin 3, and its acetylated derivative 3a (Fig. 1), isolated from the same source as that of oleanolic acid 1, have also been investigated. To cite this article : F. Hichri et al., C.R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Préparation d’orthoesters originaux par addition d’acides carboxyliques sur des acétals cycliques de cétènes

Original orthoesters have been prepared by addition of carboxylic acids on the exocyclic double bond of 2- alkylidene -benzo[1,3]dioxin-4-ones. To cite this article: P. Babin et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Intrinsic Characteristics of Cr6+-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from an Electroplating Industry Polluted Soils for Plant Growth-Promoting Activities

The Cr⁶⁺-resistant plant growth-promoting bacteria was isolated from soil samples that were collected from an electroplating industry at Coimbatore, India, that had tolerated chromium concentrations up to 500?mg Cr⁶⁺/L in Luria-Bertani medium. Based on morphology, physiology, and biochemical characteristics, the strain was identified as Bacillus sp. following the Bergey's manual of determinative bacteriology. Evaluation of plant growth-promoting parameters has revealed the intrinsic ability of the strain for the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, and solubilization of insoluble phosphate. Bacillus sp. have utilized tryptophan as a precursor for their growth and produced IAA (122???g/mL). Bacillus sp. also exhibited the production of siderophore that was tested qualitatively using Chrome Azurol S (CAS) assay solution and utilized the insoluble tricalcium phosphate as the sole source of phosphate exhibiting higher rate of phosphate solubilization after 72?h of incubation (1.45???g/mL). Extent of Cr⁶⁺ uptake and accumulation of Cr⁶⁺ in the cell wall of Bacillus sp. was investigated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. The congenital capability of this Cr⁶⁺-resistant plant growth-promoting Bacillus sp. could be employed as bacterial inoculum for the improvement of phytoremediation in heavy metal contaminated soils.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Biological Activity of Products of Reactions of 3,4-Dioxohexane-1,6-dioic Acid Esters with 2-Aminophenol

Bioactive derivatives of 1,4-benzoxazine have been prepared via reactions of 3,4-dioxohexane-1,6- dioic (ketipic) acid esters with 2-aminophenol. (2'Z)-2,2'-(2-Hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-2-yl-3-ilidene)diacetic acid esters or (2Z)-[2-oxo-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-ylidene]acetic acid esters can be formed depending on the conditions. The structures of the products of dialkyl ketipate esters reactions with 2-aminophenol were determined by means of X-ray diffraction. It has been demonstrated that the prepared compounds exhibit antimycotic activity against test cultures of plant pathogenic fungi (Fusauium sp., Alternarium sp., and Bipolaris soraciniana).     

Analysis of the thermodynamic properties of (1-chloroalkane + 1-alkanol) mixtures using the Nitta–Chao group contribution model

The interaction parameters between group chloro (–Cl) and hydroxyl (–OH) for the group contribution model of Nitta et al. 1977 (Nitta–Chao model) have been estimated with the use of a data base of experimental thermodynamic properties. The results obtained by the Nitta–Chao model with these new parameters were compared with predictions by other models such as UNIFAC model (versions of Dang and Tassios 1986, Larsen et al. 1987 and Gmehling et al. 1993).     

An Improved On-Line HPLC-DPPH Method for the Screening of Free Radical Scavenging Compounds in Water Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants

An on-line HPLC-1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) method has been improved for the detection of polar and nonpolar radical scavenging compounds from complex plant extracts. Eight water extracts were prepared from steam-distilled essential oil-extracted Lamiaceae plants (Origanum vulgare L., O. Onites L., O. Minutiflorum O. Schwartz et P. H. Davis, O. Syriacum L., Satureja cuneifolia Ten., Thymbra spicata L., Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Reichb. f., Majorana hortensis Moench). After the components within each extract had been separated by reverse phase chromatography using 10% to 100% methanol with 2% acetic acid as a mobile phase, analytes capable of scavenging a citric acid-sodium citrate buffered methanolic DPPH* solution were detected by post-column derivatization at 517 nm. The HPLC-DPPH* on-line method was applied to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of these Lamiaceae plant extracts. There was a strong correlation between the scavenging (negative) peak area and the concentration of the radical scavenging reference substances used. The radical scavenging compounds within the extracts were determined as benzoic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids and diterpenoids according to their retention time and UV spectral data. Rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid were identified as the dominant radical scavengers in these extracts by this method.     

Efficient preparation of 2,4-methanoproline

Using a modification of the route described by Clardy and Hughes et al., 2,4-methanoproline hydrochloride (1) was prepared in four steps and 70% overall yield from dl-serine methyl ester.     

Morphology control of organic luminescent microcrystals and approach of their optical properties

Microcrystals of an organic fluorescent dye, 4-octylamino-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole, were prepared using a reprecipitation method, based on solvent-exchange. We show here that their shape and size can be nicely tuned by the presence of various macromolecules in the reprecipitation medium. To do so, poly(acrylic acid) and calf thymus DNA were used as additives. Homogeneous populations of microcrystals were thus obtained in a reproducible way. Their size and morphology varied with the additive used. The UV/vis absorption and luminescence properties of these microcrystals in suspension are briefly reported. To cite this article: M. Abyan et al., C. R. Chimie 8 (2005).     

Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria Associated with Halophytic Weed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Psoralea corylifolia</Emphasis> L) on Germination and Seedling Growth of Wheat Under Saline Conditions

Halotolerant bacteria associated with Psoralea corylifolia L., a luxuriantly growing annual weed in salinity-affected semi-arid regions of western Maharashtra, India were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting activity in wheat. A total of 79 bacteria associated with different parts viz., root, shoot and nodule endophytes, rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and leaf epiphytes, were isolated and grouped based on their habitat. Twelve bacteria isolated for their potential in plant growth promotion were further selected for in vitro studies. Molecular identification showed the presence of the genera Bacillus, Pantoea, Marinobacterium, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, and Sinorhizobium (LC027447-53; LC027455; LC027457, LC027459, and LC128410). The phylogenetic studies along with carbon source utilization profiles using the Biolog® indicated the presence of novel species and the in planta studies revealed promising results under salinity stress. Whereas the nodule endophytes had minute plant growth-promoting (PGP) activity, the cell free culture filtrates of these strains enhanced seed germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). The maximum vigor index was monitored in isolate Y7 (Enterobacter sp strain NIASMVII). Indole acetic acid (IAA) production by the isolates ranged between 0.22 and 25.58 μg mL^?1. This signifies the need of exploration of their individual metabolites for developing next-generation bio-inoculants through co-inoculation with other compatible microbes. This study has potential in utilization of the weed-associated microbiome in terms of alleviation of salinity stress in crop plants.     

Chemistry and biology of phototropism-regulating substances in higher plants

Most people are familiar with the sight of a young seedling bending towards a window or the brightest source of light to which it is exposed. This directional growth response is known as phototropism, which is caused by a lateral growth-promoting auxin in the bending organ (Cholodny-Went theory, cited in high school textbook). Recently, however, Bruinsma et al., Weiler et al., and Hasegawa et al. independently found that the shaded half did not contain more auxin than the illuminated one. Instead it was found that the even distribution of auxin was accompanied by a lateral gradient of growth inhibiting substances during phototropic curvature (Bruinsma-Hasegawa theory). We have isolated some photo-induced growth inhibitory substances related to phototropism, benzoxazolinones from light-grown maize shoots (Zea mays L.), raphanusanins from radish hypocotyl (Raphanus sativus var. hortensis f. gigantissimus M.), indolyacetonitrile from light-grown shoots (Brassica oleacea L.), 8-epixanthatin from sunflower hypocotyl (Helianthus annus L.), and quite recently uridine from oat coleoptile (Avena sativa L.). Chemical analyses have shown phototropic stimulations to cause curvature by inducing a local unequal distribution of growth-inhibiting substances that antagonize auxin in its cell-elongating activity. Finally, a model is presented for further studies on phototropism.     

Structure of the pectic acid of Matricaria chamomilla

Summary The main features of the structure of the pectic acid from the racemes of German chanomile have been established. The main polysaccharide chain consists of D-galacturonic acid residues in the pyranose form with -14 bonds. Isolated single-unit branches of the neutral monosaccharides galactose, arabinose, and xylose are possible. L-rhamnose, which was isolated from the degradation products of the permethylated pectic acid only in the form of 3,4-di-O-methyl-L-rhamnose is apparently included in the main polysaccharide chain.I. P. Pavlov Ryazan' Medical Institute. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 186–189, March–April, 1977.     

Observation of the degradation due to irradiation of CR 39 polymer by long-term monitoring of mass loss

We γ-irradiated CR 39 of three thicknesses with 51–3311 kGy. Mass loss during irradiation repeated the three-step pattern observed by Li et al. [Li, S.M., Garreau, H., Vert, M., 1990. Structure-property relationships in the case of the degradation of massive aliphatic poly(α-hydroxy acids) in aqueous media. J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Med. 1, 123–139.] from thick PLA50. Mass loss following irradiation in thin CR 39 repeated the observations of Grizzi et al. [Grizzi, I., Garreau, H., Li, S., Vert, M., 1995. Hydrolytic degradation of devices based on poly(d,l-lactic acid) size-dependence. Biomaterials 16, 305–311.] in thin PLA50, whereas in thicker samples, it followed second-order kinetics. The graph of total mass loss per unit dose against dose absorbed displays the step-wise pattern from ESR spectroscopy [Nara, S., Shimada, S., Kashiwabara, H., Sohma, J., 1968. Relation of the decay of free radicals in irradiated polyethylene to the molecular motion of the polymer and the configuration of the free radicals. J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Phys. Ed. 6, 1435–1449.]. The implications for drug release from γ-irradiated microcapsules is discussed.