Comparison of nitroethane, 2-nitro-1-propanol,lauric acid,Lauricidin® and the Hawaiian marine algae,Chaetoceros, for potential broad-spectrum control of anaerobically grown lactic acid bacteria

The gastrointestinal tract of bovines often contains bacteria that contribute to disorders of the rumen, and may also contain foodborne or opportunistic human pathogens as well as bacteria capable of causing mastitis in cows. Thus there is a need to develop broad-spectrum therapies that are effective while not leading to unacceptably long antibiotic withdrawal times. The effects of the CH₄-inhibitors nitroethane (2 mg/mL), 2-nitro-1-propanol (2 mg/mL), lauric acid (5 mg/mL), the commercial product Lauricidin® (5 mg/mL), and a finely ground product of the Hawaiian marine algae, Chaetoceros (10 mg/mL), were compared in pure cultures of Streptococcus agalactia, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus bovis, and in a mixed lactic acid rumen bacterial culture. Lauricidin® and lauric acid exhibited the most bactericidal acidity against all bacteria. These results suggest potential animal health benefits from supplementing cattle diets with lauric acid or Lauricidin® to improve the health of the rumen and help prevent shedding of human pathogens.     

Metabolic pathway of Na2 75SeO3, o‐methyl‐75Se‐cinnamic acid and 75Se‐1‐flavone,tested as potential phytodrugs

Abstract

This communication describes the metabolic pathways of selenium containing compounds such as, sodium selenite (⁷⁵Se), o‐methyl‐⁷⁵Se‐cinnamic acid and ⁷⁵Se‐1‐flavone, by the plant Brasaica Oleracea to elucidate their role in selenium flavonoid biosynthesis.