Organochlorine pesticides (HCHs and DDTs) in soils along the north coastal areas of the Bohai Sea,China

A systematic survey of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) including hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH and ΣHCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane metabolites (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD and ∑DDT) in soils along the north coastal areas of the Bohai Sea, China, has been lacking. In this study, 31 representative surface soil samples were collected along the north coastal and riverine areas of the Bohai Sea to characterise the potential for adverse effects of ∑HCH, ∑DDT and their individual isomers and transformation products. Concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT in soils ranged from less than the limit of detection (1 ng · g^?1 dw (mean: 3.5 ng · g^?1 dw) and2 ng · g^?1 dw (mean: 1.7 × 10¹ ng · g^?1 dw), respectively. Compared with studies of OCPs in soils from other locations, concentrations of HCHs and DDTs observed in this study were moderate. Concentrations of OCPs observed in soils were generally less than proposed reference values. HCH residues were a mixture of historical technical HCH and current lindane sources. The pattern of DDTs was consistent with historical releases of technical DDTs. Selected soil physicochemical properties did not explain the sorption and/or partitioning of HCHs or DDTs.     

Phenolic compounds in leaves of Salix species and hybrids growing under different soil conditions

The leaves of eight Salix species/hybrids were collected from two sites with different soil conditions including metal concentrations to investigate the concentration of Cu, Zn and Pb, phenolic profile and antioxidant scavenging activity. Cu, Zn and Pb, phenolic content and scavenging activity in leaves from the control area (lower concentration of metals in soil) (site C) were lower than in plants cultivated in site G (higher concentration of metals in soil). The content of Cu, Pb and Zn in leaves was in the range 9.21 (site G)–52.36 (site G), 0.41 (site C)?12.03 (site C) and 27.23 (site C)–214.44 (site G) mg?kg^?1, respectively. Total phenolic content ranged between 18.19 (site C) and 84.71 (site G) mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry matter. Total flavonoid content was between 7.98 (site C) and 54.48 (site G) mg catechin g^?1?d.m. The scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl˙ ranged between 33.6% (site C) and 56.3% (site G). Phenolic acids, myricetin and quercetin were quantified in leaves. The results show that phenolics are involved during adaptive mechanisms under elevated content of Cu, Pb and Zn in soil. Changes in the phenolic composition in leaves can be suggested as indicators of metal stress in Salix plants.     

Heavy metals in the polychaete Glycera longipinnis from the southwest of India

Metal concentrations in sediment and in whole tissue of the benthic polychaete Glycera longipinnis collected along the southwest coast of India were analysed. Relative seasonal accumulation of metals (Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, Hg) was studied by categorising the habitat as less polluted or highly polluted based on metal contamination routed through industrial and urban sources. The metal content in tissues varied seasonally in the ranges, Cu: 2.21–27.08 μg·g^?1, Pb: 0.06–4.92 μg·g^?1, Cr: 1.73–29.20 μg·g^?1, Ni: 1.60–4.61 μg·g^?1, Zn: 14.72–82.30 μg·g^?1, Cd: 0.04–1.38 μg·g^?1and Hg: below decetable limits to 0.86 μg·g^?1. Concentration of heavy metals was found to be high in the whole body of G. longipinnis pooled from the polluted transects. The results of this study suggest that G. longipinnis may act as a useful biological indicator for heavy metal pollution along the southwest coast of India.     

Distribution,sources and potential risk of HCH and DDT in soils from a typical alluvial plain of the Yangtze River Delta region,China

Spatial distribution, sources and potential health risks of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), in surface soils (n = 544) collected from a typical alluvial plain of the Yangtze River Delta region, China, were elucidated. Concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT in soils ranged from less than the limit of detection (<LOD) to 99.0 ng g^?1, dry weight (dw) (mean 3.23 ng g^?1 dw) and <LOD to 600 ng g^?1 dw (mean 88.8 ng g^?1 dw), respectively. Historical applications of HCH and DDT were the major sources of the residue in soils. HCH was mainly distributed in Anthrosols in the southern part of the watershed, while DDT was mainly distributed in Cambosols in the northern part. The 95 % cumulative probability incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) of different age groups such as children, youths, and adults all exceeded the acceptable risk level of 10^?6 recommended by USEPA for carcinogenic chemicals. The spatial distributions of ∑ILCRs were consistent with concentrations of OCPs in soils, while they were slight different for the different age groups. Adult females had the greatest risk of OCPs in soils, followed by children, while youths had the least risk. The ingestion of OCPs in soils was the more important route of exposure compared with dermal and inhalation exposures. The concentration of OCPs in soils, the particulate emission factor, the fraction of dermal exposure ratio, and the soil ingestion rate were the major contributing variables to total ILCRs according to sensitivity analyses.     

Determination of persistent organic pollutants in sediment and fish of the western coast of Alexandria,Egypt

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were recorded in sediment and fish samples collected from the western coast of Alexandria. Total hydrocarbons (aliphatic+PAHs ) in sediment ranged from 683.8 to 34670.1 ng g ^?1 with an average of 9286.9 ng g ^?1. The sum of C16–C34 of aliphatic fractions was<4000?ng g;^?1, indicating the presence of a fresh petroleum source. For all sediments, the anthracene/phenanthrene ratio was>0.1, suggesting the dominance of a pyrolytic source. Total aliphatics in different fish species ranged from 253 to 11?132 ng g;^?1, while total PAHs ranged from 3862 to 35?746 ng g;^?1 wet weight. Benzo[a]pyrene was the most dominant PAH fraction ranged from 1902.7 to 32 905.5 with an average of 9464.5?ng g;^?1 wet weight in all fish species. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) ranged from 0.79 to 64.9?ng g;^?1 with an average 12.14?ng g;^?1 wet weight. The concentrations of organochlorines in fish species (Euthynnus alleferatus, Scomberomorus commerson, Sphyraena Sphyraena, Diplodus vulgaris, and Alepes djedaba) decreased following the order: PCBs>DDTs>HCHs>total cyclodienes. Concentrations of DDTs in fish tissues ranged from 4.89 to 36.37 ng g^?1 with an average of 16.4?ng g;^?1 wet weight. The concentrations of total HCHs ranged from 0.3 to 65.7?ng g;^?1 with an average of 16.35?ng g;^?1. The present study indicates: (1) fresh petroleum input where Pr/Ph>1; (2) PAHs in sediment<4000 ng g ^?1; (3) BaP concentration exceeded the permissible levels in Alepes djedaba species; (4) DDTs in sediment were below the effective range low level; (5) PCBs>effective range low and相似文献   

Rapana venosa as a bioindicator of environmental pollution

The aim of this investigation was to examine biochemical differences in the gastropod Rapana venosa (R. venosa) from polluted (RvP) and nonpolluted (RvN) sites of the Black Sea's Bulgarian coast that may serve as bioindicators of environmental quality. Mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis (MMg) were collected from polluted (MMgP) and nonpolluted (MMgN) sites at the same time for comparison. Bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of dry matter (DM) methanol extracts from RvP and RvN were determined. Three-dimensional fluorometry (3D-FL) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses were used to evaluate polyphenols and proteins. DM methanol extracts from RvP, and to lesser extent RvN, showed high amounts of total phenolics (23.22±2.9 and 15.60±1.8 mg GAE · g^?1 DW) and exhibited high levels of antioxidant activity in some radical scavenging assays (μ MTE · g^?1 DW): 56.38±5.2 and 33.79±3.3 by 2,2azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diamonium salt (ABTS·⁺); 54.79±5.6 and 33.7±2.6 by cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC); 62.34±6.8 and 30.31±3.9 by the 1diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method (DPPH). A correlation in the above indices was found between R. venosa and M. galloprovincialis, but all results were relatively higher for M. galloprovincialis than for R. venosa. The obtained indices of R. venosa may serve as a bioindicator of environmental ecological quality.     

Organochlorine residues in maternal milk from inhabitants of the Thohoyandou area,South Africa

The presence of organochlorine compounds (OC) such as DDT and their metabolites in the environment have created a significant environmental concern over the years due to adverse effects. Consequently, DDT has been banned in many countries. However, it is still used in some countries including South Africa, particularly for vector-borne disease eradication programmes. Since the presence of DDT and its metabolites may provide an indication of the general exposure and use of these compounds, there was a need for such a study. Human breast milk samples (n = 30) were collected from mothers within the age range of 19–40 years from the Thohoyandou area, South Africa. The liquid–liquid extraction method was used to extract DDT and its metabolites from the samples. The crude extracts were subjected to column chromatography for measurements of OC levels. The concentration ranges of the contaminants were as follows: not detected (ND) to1770 ng g^?1 (2,4′-DDE); ND to 3977 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDE); ND to 3250 ng g^?1 (2,4′-DDD); ND to 2580 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDD) and ND to 2847 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDT). The mean ΣDDE, ΣDDD and ΣDDT obtained from the villages were 1180 ng g^?1, 830 ng g^?1 and 690 ng g^?1, respectively. The total DDT ranged from 820–7473 ng g^?1. The estimated daily intake varied from 260 to 4696 ng g^?1, ND-10551 ng g^?1 and ND-4237 ng g^?1 for DDE, DDD and DDT, respectively. These values are significantly higher than the FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 20 ng g^?1. The ΣDDT was found to decrease with increasing age of the mothers. The observed high levels of DDE compared to DDT indicated chronic exposure of the mothers to DDT, which is metabolized to DDE and retained in the body.     

Biological effects of water soluble fraction of crude oil on the Arctic sea ice amphipod Gammarus wilkitzkii

With increasing petroleum related activity in the Barents Sea and the subsequent risk of accidents, there is a demand for knowledge about the effect of oil pollution in Arctic ecosystems. In the present study, the sea ice amphipod Gammarus wilkitzkii was exposed to a water soluble fraction (WSF) of oil in two experiments, using a rock column system. First, three groups of adult females were exposed for 36 days for control (n=9), low dose (n=10) (initial and final oil concentration: 14, 115 and 120 μ g/l) and high dose (n=10) (initial and final oil concentration: 78, 764 and 395 μ g/l). Total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase activity (CAT), respiration rate and mortality were measured. In the second experiment, moulting rate was measured in immature individuals of two groups, control (n=10) and exposed (n = 20), over 113 days. No mortality was observed in either of the experiments. There was a dose-related significant increase in respiration rate (40.69 (±22.82), 55.63 (±20.98), 94.57 (±22.80)) mg O₂ h^?1g ww^?1 in control, low dose and high dose, respectively. A higher MDA level was detected in the low dose group (25.04 (±6.00) nmol g^?1 of tissue) compared to both control (20.44 (±2.62) nmol g^?1 of tissue) and high dose groups (20.93 (±4.79) nmol g^?1 of tissue). Likewise, the low dose group had the highest value of TOSC towards hydroxyl (727.74 (±475.58), 1157.58 (±278.62), 1067.30 (±369.22) TOSC unit value mg^?1 of protein for control, low and high dose, respectively). Although no difference in the catalase activity between control and exposed groups was detected, higher activity was measured at 0 °C (average: 248 μ mol^?1 min^?1 mg^?1 of protein) than at the standard temperature for catalase measurement of 25 °C (average: 140 μ mol^?1 min^?1 mg^?1 of protein), indicating a need to optimise the standard operational procedure when working with Arctic organisms. No effect of WSF exposure on moulting rate was detected. In conclusion, little mortality was observed during the experiments, indicating some degree of tolerance levels. However, the biomarker results indicated sub-lethal effects in G. wilkitzkii after exposure to WSF.     

Assessment of PAHs in water and fish tissues from Great Bitter and El Temsah lakes,Suez Canal,as chemical markers of pollution sources

Sea water and fish tissue samples were collected from nine sampling stations from the Great Bitter and El Temsah lakes in the Suez Canal and analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The compositions of PAH determined in the dissolved fraction of sea water were measured in order to use them as chemical markers for identifying different sources of PAH pollution in this region. PAHs determined in fish tissues were measured for comparison with human health standards as consumption. The total mean PAHs concentrations in the sea water samples ranged from 0.28 to 39.57 μg l^?1 with an overall mean of 10.78 and 12.38 μg l^?1 for El Temsah and Bitter Lakes water, respectively. Total PAHs fractions recorded in muscle tissues of all different Osteicthyes fishes collected from Great Bitter lakes ranged from 5.8 to 218.5 μg g^?1 with an overall mean of 57.98 μg g^?1 during all seasons. However, they ranged from 68 to 623 μg g^?1 with an overall mean of 87.69 μg g^?1 recorded in El Temsah lake during four seasons (2003–2004). Benzo(a)pyrene was the most dominant PAHs found in the sea water samples from both lakes with an average concentration of 3.8 μ g l^?1. Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene (DBA) was the most dominant PAHs recorded in fish samples. A maximum of 533 μg g^?1 of DBA was recorded in Dahbana sp. collected from Bitter lakes during January 2004. However, a maximum of 68.7 μ g g^?1 was recorded in Liza carinata species collected from El Temsah lake during July, 2004. The simultaneous occurrence of isomer ratios PHE/ANT<10 for all stations indicated that the major PAH input to water was from combustion of fossil fuel (pyrolytic source). The average ratios were 1.21 and 12.9 during winter (January 2004) and 4.3 and 8.63 during spring (April 2004) for all water samples of Great Bitter lakes and El Temsah lake, respectively. In addition, the present data demonstrate that PAHs from fossil fuel sources (MW<178) were the least significant source of PAHs in this region.     

Dynamic changes in radial oxygen loss and iron plaque formation and their effects on Cd and As accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Temporal variations and correlations between radial oxygen loss (ROL), iron (Fe) plaque formation, cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) accumulation were investigated in two rice cultivars at four different growth stages based upon soil pot and deoxygenated solution experiments. The results showed that there were significant differences in ROL (1.1–16 μmol O₂ plant^?1 h^?1), Fe plaque formation (4,097–36,056 mg kg^?1), Cd and As in root tissues (Cd 77–162 mg kg^?1; As 49–199 mg kg^?1) and Fe plaque (Cd 0.4–24 mg kg^?1; As 185–1,396 mg kg^?1) between these growth stages. ROL and Fe plaque increased dramatically from tillering to ear emergence stages and then were much reduced at the grain-filling stage. Furthermore, significantly positive correlations were detected between ROL and concentrations of Fe, Cd and As in Fe plaque. Our study indicates that increased Fe plaque forms on rice roots at the ear emergence stage due to the increased ROL. This stage could therefore be an important period to limit the transfer and distribution of Cd and As in rice plants when growing in soils contaminated with these toxic elements.     

High soil and groundwater arsenic levels induce high body arsenic loads,health risk and potential anemia for inhabitants of northeastern Iran

Arsenic bioavailability in rock, soil and water resources is notoriously hazardous. Geogenic arsenic enters the body and adversely affects many biochemical processes in animals and humans, posing risk to public health. Chelpu is located in NE Iran, where realgar, orpiment and pyrite mineralization is the source of arsenic in the macroenvironment. Using cluster random sampling strategy eight rocks, 23 soils, 12 drinking water resources, 36 human urine and hair samples and 15 adult sheep urine and wool samples in several large-scale herds in the area were randomly taken for quantification of arsenic in rock/soil/water, wool/hair/urine. Arsenic levels in rock/soil/water and wool/hair/urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. While arsenic levels in rocks, soils and water resources hazardously ranged 9.40–25,873.3 mg kg^?1, 7.10–1448.80 mg kg^?1 and 12–606 μg L^?1, respectively, arsenic concentrations in humans’ hair and urine and sheep’s wool and urine varied from 0.37–1.37 μg g^?1 and 9–271.4 μg L^?1 and 0.3–3.11 μg g^?1 and 29.1–1015 μg L^?1, respectively. Local sheep and human were widely sick and slightly anemic. Hematological examination of the inhabitants revealed that geogenic arsenic could harm blood cells, potentially resulting in many other hematoimmunological disorders including cancer. The findings warn widespread exposure of animals and human in this agroecologically and geopolitically important region (i.e., its proximity with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan) and give a clue on how arsenic could induce infectious and non-infectious diseases in highly exposed human/animals.     

Preconcentration of samarium with modified yeast cells for its determination by atomic emission spectroscopy

A chelating-modified biosorbent is produced by coupling of a dye, procion red, to yeast cells. The resulting modified cells have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis and studied for preconcentration and determination of trace Sm(III). The optimum pH value for sorption of the samarium ions is 6.2. The sorption capacity of functionalized modified yeast cells is 7.2 mg g^?1. Recovery was 99% when Sm(III) was eluted with an aqueous solution of 0.1 mol L^?1 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Scatchard analysis suggested that binding sites were homogeneous. The equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models, and the respective constants were determined as 1.0 (L mg^?1), 2.9 [(mg g^?1) (L mg^?1)^1/n], 2.4 × 10⁸ (L g^?1), and 30 (dm³ g^?1) at 20 °C. The method was applied for an Sm(III)-containing sample of ceramic industry effluent.     

Quantitative analysis and sorption of cadmium in environmental samples with a functionalized synthetic polymer

Quantitative analysis of cadmium in environmental samples was achieved with a polymeric sorbent synthesized by copolymerization of N,N-dimethylacrylamide and allyl glycidyl ether/iminodiacetic acid as chelating monomers with N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as cross-linker. The polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The sorption capacity of the functionalized sorbent was 70 mg g^?1. The equilibrium sorption data of Cd(II) on polymeric sorbent were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich–Peterson models. Based on equilibrium adsorption data, the constants at pH 4.2 and 20 °C were determined for the first three as 0.33 (L mg^?1), 17.5 (mg g^?1) (L mg^?1)^1/n, and 12.9 (J mol^?1). Recovery of 94% of the metal ion was obtained with 0.5 mol L^?1 nitric acid as an eluting agent.     

Deep-sea caging of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: Potential application in ecotoxicological studies

We experimented with caging the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) at various depths for 69 d to measure basic physiological parameters, histological response and bio-accumulation of contaminants in a deep-sea contaminated area. In preliminary experiments, we demonstrated, under artificial pressure conditions, the ability of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis to tolerate rapid immersion (at a speed of up to 120 m min^?1). In situ experiments were performed using submerged lines enabling mussels to be maintained at depths ranging of 40–1550 m with survival rates ranging from 80 to 38%, respectively. No significant differences in condition indexes were observed between treated and control specimens. However, histological observations demonstrated a clear reduction in thickness of the digestive epithelium with increasing depth exposure. By determining the contaminants in caged mussels, we found the following values for chromium accumulation: 27.4 μg g^?1 dry weight at 580 m depth and 9.8 μg g^?1 dry weight at 1550 m. Selected stations were located downstream of an industrial effluent at 420 m. The biological and environmental consequences of deep-sea contamination demonstrate the suitability of caged mussels for monitoring contaminant accumulation.     

Heavy metals and soil microbes

Heavy metal pollution is a global issue due to health risks associated with metal contamination. Although many metals are essential for life, they can be harmful to man, animal, plant and microorganisms at toxic levels. Occurrence of heavy metals in soil is mainly attributed to natural weathering of metal-rich parent material and anthropogenic activities such as industrial, mining, agricultural activities. Here we review the effect of soil microbes on the biosorption and bioavailability of heavy metals; the mechanisms of heavy metals sequestration by plant and microbes; and the effects of pollution on soil microbial diversity and activities. The major points are: anthropogenic activities constitute the major source of heavy metals in the environment. Soil chemistry is the major determinant of metal solubility, movement and availability in the soil. High levels of heavy metals in living tissues cause severe organ impairment, neurological disorders and eventual death. Elevated levels of heavy metals in soils decrease microbial population, diversity and activities. Nonetheless, certain soil microbes tolerate and use heavy metals in their systems; as such they are used for bioremediation of polluted soils. Soil microbes can be used for remediation of contaminated soils either directly or by making heavy metals bioavailable in the rhizosphere of plants. Such plants can accumulate 100 mg g^?1 Cd and As; 1000 mg g^?1 Co, Cu, Cr, Ni and 10,000 mg g^?1 Pb, Mn and Ni; and translocate metals to harvestable parts. Microbial activity changes soil physical properties such as soil structure and biochemical properties such as pH, soil redox state, soil enzymes that influence the solubility and bioavailability of heavy metals. The concept of ecological dose (ED₅₀) and lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was developed in response to the need to easily quantify the influence of pollutants on microbial-mediated ecological processes in various ecosystems.     

Selenium speciation in wheat grain varies in the presence of nitrogen and sulphur fertilisers

This study investigated whether selenium species in wheat grains could be altered by exposure to different combinations of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) fertilisers in an agronomic biofortification experiment. Four Australian wheat cultivars (Mace, Janz, Emu Rock and Magenta) were grown in a glasshouse experiment and exposed to 3 mg Se kg^?1 soil as selenate (Se^VI). Plants were also exposed to 60 mg N kg^?1 soil as urea and 20 mg S kg^?1 soil as gypsum in a factorial design (N + S + Se; N + Se; S + Se; Se only). Plants were grown to maturity with grain analysed for total Se concentrations via ICP-MS and Se species determined via HPLC-ICP-MS. Grain Se concentrations ranged from 22 to 70 µg Se g^?1 grain (dry mass). Selenomethionine (SeMet), Se-methylselenocystine (MeSeCys), selenohomolanthionine (SeHLan), plus a large concentration of uncharacterised Se species were found in the extracts from grains. SeMet was the major Se species identified accounting for between 9 and 24 µg Se g^?1 grain. Exposure to different N and S fertiliser combinations altered the SeMet content of Mace, Janz and Emu Rock grain, but not that of Magenta. MeSeCys and SeHLan were found in far lower concentrations (<4 µg Se g^?1 grain). A large component of the total grain Se was uncharacterisable (>30 % of total grain Se) in all samples. When N fertiliser was applied (with or without S), the proportion of uncharacterisable Se increased between 60 and 70 % of the total grain Se. The data presented here indicate that it is possible to alter the content of individual Se species in wheat grains via biofortification combined with manipulation of N and S fertiliser regimes. This has potential significance in alleviating or combating both Se deficiency and Se toxicity effects in humans.     

Total petroleum hydrocarbon burden in fish tissues from the Arabian Gulf

The levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and lipid contents have been reported for eight commercially important fish species from the Arabian Gulf. GC-FID has been used as quantification technique. Out of the species analyzed, Scarus ghabon showed the highest level of TPH (7.4 ± 3.2 µg g^?1) in the muscle tissue followed by Epinephelus tauvina (6.8 ± 3.6 µg g^?1). Except for E. microdon (4.8 ± 2.1 µg g^?1), all other fish species showed a similar level of TPH concentration. Significant correlations were obtained between lipid contents and TPH levels in the muscles of the fish. Body weight of the fish was also found to be strongly correlated with TPH concentration in the muscle tissue. There is a tendency of accumulating higher TPH in the winter season as compared to in the summer season.     

Evaluation of antioxidant potentials of Morinda morindoides leaf extract

This study investigated antioxidant status of animals given aqueous extract of Morinda morindoides leaves using the levels of reduced glutathione, total-thiol, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as malondialdehyde concentrations as indices, and its in vitro antioxidant capacity. Thirty rats divided into five groups were used. Group A served as control and were administered distilled water while groups B, C, D, and E were given 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg per kilogram body weight of water-extracted constituents of M. morindoides for 28 days. Total phenolic compounds amounted to 83.6 ± 5.9 mg g^?1 gallic acid equivalent, while total flavonoid content was 9.5 ± 0.9 mg g^?1 pyrocathecol equivalent. Malondialdehyde in plasma was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 21% in groups B and C to 84% in groups D and E. Vitamins C and E were significantly increased, in group E by 91% and 17% compared with control. Total thiols and glutathione in plasma were significantly increased, with group E having 2.5-fold and 4.2-fold higher values than control.     

Screening of endogenous antioxidants in some medicinal plants

The evaluation of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant metabolites was done in leaf tissues of Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula, Mangifera indica, and Syzygium cumini growing in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India. The plants are naturally exposed to drought stress and high temperatures during summer. Enzymatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging mechanisms in plants include superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase, catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants including the carotenoids, proline, and vitamin C were studied. The strategies to cope up with ROS under these extreme conditions are plant-specific. The highest activity of APX was found in M. indica (13.6?±?2.4?units?g^?1 fresh wt.). A. indica exhibited maximum guaiacol peroxidase activity (0.024?±?0.006?units?min?g^?1 fresh wt.), while S. cumini showed maximum SOD (12.5?±?2.3?units?g^?1 fresh wt.) and catalase activities (6.9?±?2.2?units?g^?1 fresh wt.). M. indica and S. cumini have been found to be more potent antioxidant systems among the studied plants.