Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-12T15:53:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 arquivo5234_1.pdf: 6381306 bytes, checksum: 57ff4799833e76675f1745a6e25280bb (MD5) license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / Lectinas são proteínas (ou glicoproteínas) não pertencentes ao sistema imunológico, capazes de reconhecer sítios específicos em moléculas e ligar-se a carboidratos, sem alterar a estrutura covalente das ligações glicosídicas desses sítios. Canavalia brasiliensis e a Dioclea violacea são leguminosas pertencentes à subtribo Diocleinae, das quais são extraídas as lectinas ConBr e DVioL, respectivamente. Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência do tratamento tópico com estas lectinas no processo cicatricial de feridas cutâneas, foi produzida uma ferida na região dorsal torácica (1 cm²) em camundongos (Mus musculus) albinos suíços, divididos em cinco grupos (n=15/grupo), segundo o tratamento empregado: Grupo C (NaCl 150 mM); Grupo ConBr50 (ConBr 50 mg/mL); Grupo ConBr 100 (ConBr 100 mg/mL); Grupo DVioL50 (DVioL 50 mg/mL) e Grupo DVioL100 (DVioL 100 mg/mL). Foram aplicados diariamente 100 μL de cada solução e ao longo de todo o período pós-operatório (PO) (até o 12o dia), as feridas foram submetidas à avaliação clínica. Biópsias para análise histopatológica e exames microbiológicos foram realizados nos 2o, 7o e 12o dias de pós-operatório (PO). A atividade antimicrobiana das lectinas citadas foi testada frente às bactérias Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp. Durante a avaliação clínica, foi observado que os grupos tratados com a lectina apresentaram sinais flogísticos menos intensos quando comparados ao grupo controle (NaCl 150mM). No 12o dia PO, os animais tratados com a lectina ConBr 100 mg/mL apresentaram um percentual de contração na ordem de 96,40%, superior aos demais grupos estudados. As lectinas testadas não apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana in vitro frente aos microrganismos testados, porém durante os testes in vivo, no grupo ConBr100, nenhum microrganismo foi isolado das lesões cutâneas. Sob o aspecto histopatológico, o grupo ConBr100 apresentou o processo cicatricial mais avançado no 12o dia de avaliação,observando-se reepitelização, tecido de cicatricial de padrão fibroso com fibras colágenas bem organizadas e início de formação dos anexos cutâneos. O presente estudo oferece evidência farmacológica preliminar sobre o uso das lectinas ConBr e DVioL para promover o processo de cicatrização

Submitted by JÚLIO HEBER SILVA (julioheber@yahoo.com.br) on 2017-09-11T17:30:34Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Patricia Rasteiro Ordiale Oliveira - 2016.pdf: 3557568 bytes, checksum: 4383c57681415fa2dc0cc4edfbd1bf59 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-09-15T15:54:18Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Patricia Rasteiro Ordiale Oliveira - 2016.pdf: 3557568 bytes, checksum: 4383c57681415fa2dc0cc4edfbd1bf59 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-15T15:54:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Patricia Rasteiro Ordiale Oliveira - 2016.pdf: 3557568 bytes, checksum: 4383c57681415fa2dc0cc4edfbd1bf59 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-05-05 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás - FAPEG / The Euphorbiaceae family is one of the largest and most diverse of the Angiosperms, predominating trees and shrubs and is present in most of the world. The genus Manihot belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and its origin is recent probably dates from the Miocene and possible in the south of Mexico. It is a group that presents a numerically stable set of chromosomes (2n=36). M. irwinii is an endemic species from the state of Goiás with a disjunct and restricted distribution to the rupestrian cerrado and M. violacea can be found in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, Distrito Federal and Mato Grosso occurring in cerrado rock and in other types of formations. Most studies of genetic diversity in the genus are with the species Manihot esculenta (cassava). That is why it is important to study the distribution of genetic variability in populations of two species Manihot irwinii and Manihot violacea. Leaves of individuals from three localities of the species M. irwinii and three others of M. violacea were sampled. To obtain the genotypes, seven microsatellite markers developed for Manihot esculenta and transferred to M. irwinii and M. violacea were used. The six populations were genotyped in an automatic DNA analyzer in two multiplex systems. The M. irwinii species presented a mean of 5,5 alleles per locus and a moderate diversity (He=0,446) and the values of θ=0.241 and F=0.207 indicated a high genetic structure among the populations. It was detected for M. violacea a mean of 8,5 alleles per locus and a moderate diversity (He=0,478) and high divergence among populations of M. violacea (θ=0.420 and F=0.441). For both species the result of the Structure program contributes with this result showing that there is little mixture between the populations that can be result of restricted genetic flow and possible action of the genetic drift, since the global f values were not significant indicating that the system of Is not responsible for the high structuring of populations. The two species that occur in the Serra dos Pireneus State Park share 23 alleles (M. irwinii: 76% and M. violacea: 79%), with five alleles being exclusive to the Park. The divergence between the two was high (θ=0.298) and lower than that found among populations of M. violacea. It is possible that the high percentage of shared alleles is trace of a historical flow and that at present there is a barrier between species. / A família Euphorbiaceae é uma das maiores e mais diversificadas dentre as Angiospermas, predominam árvores e arbustos e está presente na maior parte do mundo. O gênero Manihot pertence à família Euphorbiaceae e sua origem é recente provavelmente data do mioceno e possível no sul do México. É um grupo que apresenta conjunto de cromossomos numericamente estável (2n=36). M. irwinii é uma espécie endêmica do estado de Goiás de distribuição disjunta e restrita ao cerrado rupestre e M. violacea pode ser encontrada nos estados de Goiás, Minas Gerais, Distrito Federal e Mato Grosso ocorrendo em cerrado rupestre e em outros tipos de formações campestres. A maioria dos estudos de diversidade genética no gênero são com a espécie Manihot esculenta (mandioca). Por isso é importante estudar a distribuição da variabilidade genética em populações de Manihot irwinii e Manihot violacea. Foram amostradas folhas de indivíduos de três localidades da espécie M. irwinii e outros três de M. violacea. Para a obtenção dos genótipos foram utilizados sete marcadores microssatélites desenvolvidos para Manihot esculenta e transferidos para M. irwinii e M. violacea. As seis populações foram genotipadas em analisador automático de DNA em dois sistemas multiplex. A espécie M. irwinii apresentou uma média 5,5 alelos por loco e uma diversidade moderada (He=0,446) e os valores de θ=0,241 e F=0,207 indicam alta estruturação genética entre as populações. Foi detectado para M. violacea média de 8,5 alelos por loco e uma diversidade moderada (He=0,478) e elevada divergência entre as populações de M. violacea (θ=0,420 e F=0,441). Para ambas as espécies o resultado do programa Structure contribui com esse resultado mostrando que há pouca mistura entre as populações que pode ser resultado de fluxo gênico restrito e possível atuação da deriva genética, já que os valores f global não foram significativos indicando que o sistema de cruzamento não é responsável pela alta estruturação das populações. As duas espécies que ocorrem no Parque Estadual da Serra dos Pireneus compartilham 23 alelos (M. irwinii: 76% e M. violacea: 79%), sendo que cinco alelos são exclusivos do Parque. A divergência entre as duas foi alta (θ=0,298) e menor do que encontrado entre as populações de M. violacea. É possivel que a alta porcentagem de alelos compartilhados seja vestígio de um fluxo histórico e que no presente exista uma barreira entre as espécies.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / InteraÃÃes entre a resposta imune inata e adquirida participam na fisiopatologia de doenÃas auto-imunes. Embora infecÃÃes estejam associadas ao desenvolvimento de artrites crÃnicas, à possÃvel que exposiÃÃo a alguns germes, como helmintos e fungos, potencialmente influencie a prevalÃncia e/ou gravidade de doenÃas imunomediadas. Lectinas derivadas de plantas, por aÃÃo em receptores de resposta inata, podem modular inflamaÃÃo. NÃs investigamos o efeito dos extratos de Ascaris suum (AS) e de Coccidioides posadasii (CP) e de uma lectina isolada da Dioclea violacea (Dviol) na artrite induzida por zymosan (AZy). Ratos Wistar e camundongos Swiss receberam 1 mg ou 0,1 mg de zymosan intra-articular (i.art.), respectivamente. Grupos foram prÃ-tratados (30 min) com os extratos de AS (0,25 - 2,5 mg/animal; i.p ou p.o.), CP (1 - 100 Âg/animal; i.art., i.p. ou p.o.) ou Dviol (0,3 - 30 Âg i.art. ou 1 - 6 mg/Kg e.v.). Grupo nÃo-tratado (NT) recebeu Zy (i.art.) e veÃculo. Animais naive receberam apenas salina (i.art.) e veÃculo. A hipernocicepÃÃo foi avaliada atravÃs do teste de incapacitaÃÃo articular em s / 1min. O lavado articular foi usado para anÃlise do influxo celular (IC), nÃveis de nitrito e citocinas. A sinÃvia foi utilizada para histopatologia. O conteÃdo de glicosaminoglicanos (GAG) da cartilagem foi quantificado para medir dano estrutural. O extrato de AS, seja i.p. ou p.o., inibiu de forma dose-dependente a hipernocicepÃÃo e o IC na AZy em relaÃÃo ao grupo NT (P<0,01), bem como reverteu o dano articular avaliado pela quantificaÃÃo de GAG e a sinovite vista à histologia. A administraÃÃo do extrato de AS, reduziu significantemente os nÃveis de nitrito, inteleucina-1&#946; (IL-1&#946;) e IL-10, mas nÃo de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-&#945;), em relaÃÃo ao NT. Em camundongos, o extrato de AS reduziu os nÃveis de IL-10, mas nÃo de IL-1&#946; ou TNF-&#945;. O tratamento com o extrato de CP, seja i.p. ou p.o., inibiu significantemente a hipernocicepÃÃo e o IC na AZy, em relaÃÃo ao NT, no entanto, nÃo reverteu a lesÃo articular medida pela quantidade de GAG e histologia. A administraÃÃo da Dviol, em animais naive promoveu IC significante, embora apenas a maior dose (30Âg) promoveu hipernocicepÃÃo. Na AZy, a injeÃÃo i.art. da Dviol reduziu o IC e hipernocicepÃÃo de forma dose-dependente, em relaÃÃo ao NT (P<0,01). A administraÃÃo da Dviol (i.v.) reduziu ambos hipernocicepÃÃo e IC na AZy, em relaÃÃo ao NT (P<0,01). O efeito da Dviol foi revertido quando essa lectina foi prÃ-incubada com manose 1 M. Os dados mostram que um extrato de AS promove melhora funcional e protege do dano estrutural na AZy, que sÃo associados com reduÃÃo na liberaÃÃo de NO e citocinas i.art. Esse efeito independe da espÃcie e ocorre por via oral. Um extrato do fungo CP tem aÃÃo anti-inflamatÃria na AZy. Uma lectina isolada da Dviol reduz IC e hipernocicepÃÃo na AZy, provavelmente por acoplamento a um receptor de manose. Em conjunto, os resultados mostram que substÃncias que agem em receptores de resposta inata modulam a inflamaÃÃo articular imunomediada. / The interactions between innate and acquired immune responses participate in the pathophysiology of the autoimmune diseases. Though infections are associate with the development of the chronic arthritis it is possible that exposure to some germs as helminthes and fungi influences potentially the prevalence and/or gravity of the immune diseases. Lectins derivate of the plants can modulate the inflammation by action in receptors of the innate response. We investigated the effect of extracts from Ascaris suum (AS), Coccidioides posadasii (CS) and a lectin isolated from Dioclea violacea (Dviol) in zymosan-induced arthritis (ZyA). Wistar rats and Swiss mice received 1 mg or 0.1 mg zymosan intra-articular (i.art.), respectively. Groups were pretreated (30 min) with AS (0.25 - 2.5 mg/animal; i.p. or p.o.) CP (1 - 100 Âg/animal; i.art. i.p. or p.o) or Dviol (0.3 - 30 Âg; i.art. or 1 - 6 mg/kg; i.v.). Non-treated group (NT) received Zy (i.art.) and the vehicle. Naive animals received just saline (i.art.) and the vehicle. The hypernociception was evaluated through articular incapacitation test in s/1min. The joint exudate was used for evaluation of cell influx (CI), nitrite and cytokine levels. The synovium was used for histopatology. The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of the cartilage was quantificated for the measured of the structural damage. The AS extract both i.p. and p.o. significantly and dose-dependently inhibited CI and hypernociception in ZyA as compared to NT (P<0.01) as well as reverted articular damage assessed by quantification of the GAG and by synovitis observed in the histology. The administration of the AS extract reduced significantly levels of nitrite, interleukin-1&#946; (IL-1&#946;) and IL-10, but not tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&#945;) as compared to NT. In mice, it reduced IL-10 but not IL-1&#946; and TNF- &#945;. The treatment with CP extract both i.p. and p.o. inhibited hypernociception and CI in ZyA as compared to NT, but not reverted articular injury measured by GAG and histology. The administration of the Dviol in naÃve animals promoted CI significant, though just the highest dose (30 &#61549;g) promoted hypernociception. In ZyA, Dviol (i.art.) reduced the CI and hypernociception dose-dependently (P<0.01). The administration of Dviol (i.v.) significantly reduced both the hyperalgesia and CI in ZyA as compared to NT (P<0.01). The effect of the Dviol was reverted when it was pre-incubated with mannose (1M). The date show that AS extract promote functional improve and protect of the articular damage in ZyA that are associate with reduction of the NO and cytokine (i.art.) liberation. This effect is species independent and functions orally. An extract of the fungi CP has anti-inflammatory activity in ZyA. A lectin isolated of the Dviol reduces CI and hypernociception in ZyA probably by coupling the mannose receptor. Together the results show that substances that act in receptors of the innate response modulate the immunomediate articular inflammation.

Thesis (MTech (Horticulture))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / Deteriorating living and environmental conditions have contributed to the increasing prevalence of diseases in plants and animals. In humans, accumulation of abnormally high levels of free radicals in the tissues has been implicated in many non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, ischemia, gastritis, obesity and asthma. Worldwide, there is recognition of need to improve plant and animal health. Tulbaghia violacea (Alliaceae) is a medicinal plant that is extensively harvested by traditional healers in the wild for its medicinal uses and if this practice continues, it may result in an unsolicited decline of the species in situ. Therefore, there is a need for cultivation of this species. Plant cultivation in a controlled environment for conservation purposes as well as the enhancement of yield and quality is gaining favour among farmers and consumers. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of altering the growing conditions by applying environmental stresses on the plant growth, antifungal and antioxidant activities of T. violacea, with the view of enhancing the future cultivation of this species for pharmaceutical companies, traditional healers and the horticulture industry. This study was divided into two parts, and the first part, which was further sub-divided into two separate preliminary experiments, is presented in chapter three. Simultaneous assessments of the effects of i) varied pH levels (pH 4, pH 6, pH 8) and ii) light intensity on plant growth, antioxidant-content and -capacity of extracts of T. violacea were carried out. The second part of the thesis consisted of a more detailed assessment of the above-mentioned independent variables and interactions thereof on plant growth, and antifungal activity of extracts of T. violacea. Results obtained from the first part of the study, showed that plants exposed to pH 6 showed a marked increase in plant height (from 25-37 cm) after 2 months of treatment although, generally, the variations of the different growth parameters among the pH treatments were not significant (p > 0.05). Antioxidant-contents and -capacity were not significantly different (p > 0.05) when pH treatments were compared. However, a high polyphenol content value (of 3 mg/g) occurred in leaves of plants exposed to pH 8. Overall, comparatively, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in antioxidant-content and -capacity when pH treatments. In the light experiment, decreasing light intensity led to the elongation of plant height. A higher mean shoot length of 34.6 cm was obtained under low light compared to normal light (26.5 cm) two months post-treatment. The results obtained in this study indicated that light had a significant affect (p < 0.05) on the vegetative growth of this species. In contrast, normal light intensity yielded higher antioxidant-content and -capacity. The polyphenol and flavanol content were fluctuating between the averages of 5.8 mg/g to 8.5 mg/g. Overall, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the antioxidant-content and -capacity when low and normal light intensity treatments compared. In conclusion, both normal light intensity and at pH 8 induced better antioxidant results. In the second part of the study, chapter four, one-month old T. violacea plantlets were grown under two light intensities (low light and normal light) in a greenhouse and concurrently exposed to varying pH levels: pH 4, pH 6 and pH 8. Plants exposed to normal light received natural sunlight through the roof of the greenhouse, while low light intensity (40% reduction) was achieved using shade nets. Plants were drip irrigated with Nutrifeed fertilizer. Plant growth parameters such as height and fresh and dry weights were determined. Leaf samples were analysed for macro-and micro-nutrients contents. Antifungal tests were carried out on the plant extracts from the various treatments in an antifungal bioassay (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]). The experimental data collected were analysed using one and two-way analyses of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey HSD was used to separate the means at p < 0.05 level of significance. Varied effects of different pH levels (4, 6 and 8) and light intensities (low and normal) on plant height, and fresh and dry weights were recorded in the current study. A significant interactive (df, 2; F = 0.001; p < 0.001) effect between pH and light on fresh weight was observed. The results revealed that there was a significant difference (df, 2, 57; F = 12.63; p < 0.001) in dry weights with plants under normal light intensity and pH 4 treatment (8.285 ± 0.802 g) producing the highest dry weight. There was a significant interaction (df, 2; F = 6.4; p < 0.001) between pH and light intensity on plant dry weight. Extracts from plants grown under normal light intensity showed stronger antifungal activity at pH level 4, and MIC values ranged from 0.18 ± 0 to 0.375 ± 0.04 mg/ml at 6h and 1.5 ± 0 to 0.97 ± 0.18 mg/ml at 18h. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the interactive effects of pH and light intensity on the growth of T. violacea. These findings also confirmed that it is possible to enhance the cultivation of T. violacea under greenhouse conditions. Chapter 5 focused on the interactive effects of pH and watering regime on plant growth, nutrient uptake and antifungal activity of T. violacea plant extracts, grown hydroponically. The results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) on plant growth parameters amongst the different watering regimes under normal light intensity. Broadly, two trends occurred in the results: firstly, more macro-nutrients were taken up by plants in the higher frequency watering intervals as opposed to higher tissue micronutrient nutrient values for plants grown under the lower light intensity conditions. The levels of N, P, K, Mg nutrient uptake differed significantly in plants (p < 0.001) among watering interval periods. On the other hand, plants simultaneously exposed to extended watering intervals of 21-day and low light intensity showed more bioactivity of the crude extracts against F. oxysporum in the MIC bioassay. Based on the current results, a combination of shorter watering interval and normal light intensity favoured plant growth and development, while plants grown under low light intensity with longer watering interval showed good bioactivity. Broadly, these results demonstrated that varying pH, light intensity, and watering regime can influence plant growth, secondary metabolite contents and antifungal activity of crude extracts of T. violacea. These findings will contribute to the current body of knowledge around cultivation of indigenous medicinal plants. The study will further benefit the conservation of medicinal plant initiatives, increased income of small-scale farmers and potentially promote indigenous knowledge by increasing the availability of South African medicinal plants.

<p>The reproductive health of individuals is severely compromised by HIV infection, with candidiasis being the most prevalent oral complication in patients. Although not usually associated with severe morbidity, oropharyngeal candidiasis can be clinically significant, as it can interfere with the administration of medications and adequate nutritional intake, and may spread to the esophagus. Azole antifungal agents are commonly prescribed for the treatment and prophylaxis of candidal infections. However, the emergence of drug resistant strains and dose limiting toxic effects have complicated the treatment of candidiasis. Consequently, safe and effective and affordable medicine is required to combat this fungus. Commercial garlic (Allium sativum) has been used time since immemorial as a natural antibiotic, however very little is known about the antifungal properties of two indigenous South African species of garlic, namely Tulbaghia alliacea and Tulbaghia violacea, that are used as folk medicines for a variety of infections. This study compares the in vitro anti-candidal activity of Tulbaghia alliacea, Tulbaghia violacea and Allium sativum extracts. It was found that the greatest concentrations of inhibitory components were extracted by chloroform or water. The IC50 concentrations of Tulbaghia alliacea were between 0.007 &ndash / 0.038% (w/v). Assays using S. cerevisiae revealed that the T. alliacea extract was fungicidal, with a killing half-life of approximately 2 hours. This inhibitory effect of the T. alliacea extracts was observed via TLC, and may be due to an active compound called Marasmicin, that was identified using NMR. This investigation confirms that extracts of T.alliacea exhibit anti-infective activity against candida species in vitro.</p>

Natural products have been a source of many pharmaceutical drugs and a number of drugs that are currently used in the treatment of cancer are derivatives of compounds originally isolated from natural products. There is evidence that extracts of Tulbaghia violacea can be used to treat cancer. The activation of apoptosis in cancer cells is a target for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs since one of the characteristics of cancer cells is resistance to apoptosis due to the deregulation of biochemical pathways leading to apoptosis. In fact, many current anti-cancer drugs exert their effects through the activation of apoptosis. Previous studies showed that extracts of T.violacea induce apoptosis in cancer cells and one study reported on the isolation of a compound (methyl-ԃ-D-glucopyranoside), which is responsible for the pro-apoptotic activity of the T.violacea extract. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer activity of methyl-ԃ-Dglucopyranoside and extracts prepared from T.violacea. In this study the pro-apoptotic activity of methyl-ԃ-D-glucopyranoside and extracts prepared from T.violacea were investigated on a panel of human cancer cell lines, which included HepG2, MCF7, H157, HT29 and the non-cancerous cell line, KMST6. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry using several bioassays which measures biochemical events (caspase activation, phosphatidylserine externalisation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that is associated with the induction of apoptosis. The results demonstrated that the effects of methyl--D-glucopyranoside on cultured cells are transient and that the cells recover from the effects of methyl--D-glucopyranoside. This suggested thatmethyl-ԃ-D-glucopyranoside is not the compound responsible for the pro-apoptotic bioactivity in the T.violacea extract. This study also showed that cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic bioactivity of the leaf-extract was significantly higher in comparison to the tuber-extract. The bioactivity of the organic solvent extracts (dichloromethane, hexane, methanol and 50% methanol/water) of T.violacea leaves was also significantly higher than water extracts of T.violacea leaves. A comparison of the different organic extracts prepared from the T.violacea leaves showed that the highest activity was observed for the dichloromethane and hexane extracts. In an effort to identify the bioactive compound(s) the dichloromethane extract was subjected to Versaflash® column chromatography. However, due to problems experienced with the solubility of the dichloromethane sub-fractions, these compounds could not be tested for their bioactivity. Palmitone (16-hentriacontanone) was identified as one of the major compounds present in the dichloromethane sub-fractions. This compound was previously shown to have anticonvulsant bioactivity but there is no evidence in the literature that it has anti-cancer or pro-apoptotic activities. Fingerprinting of the methanol extract showed the presence of long chain fatty acid derivatives, flavonoids and allicin derivatives in the methanol extract. Although, this study failed to isolate the pro-apoptotic bioactive compound(s) present in the extracts of T.violacea, it confirmed that extracts of this plant induce apoptosis in cultured human cancer cell lines.

Natural products have been a source of many pharmaceutical drugs and a number of drugs that are currently used in the treatment of cancer are derivatives of compounds originally isolated from natural products. There is evidence that extracts of Tulbaghia violacea can be used to treat cancer. The activation of apoptosis in cancer cells is a target for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs since one of the characteristics of cancer cells is resistance to apoptosis due to the deregulation of biochemical pathways leading to apoptosis. In fact, many current anti-cancer drugs exert their effects through the activation of apoptosis. Previous studies showed that extracts of T.violacea induce apoptosis in cancer cells and one study reported on the isolation of a compound (methyl-ԃ-D-glucopyranoside), which is responsible for the pro-apoptotic activity of the T.violacea extract. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer activity of methyl-ԃ-Dglucopyranoside and extracts prepared from T.violacea. In this study the pro-apoptotic activity of methyl-ԃ-D-glucopyranoside and extracts prepared from T.violacea were investigated on a panel of human cancer cell lines, which included HepG2, MCF7, H157, HT29 and the non-cancerous cell line, KMST6. The induction of apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry using several bioassays which measures biochemical events (caspase activation, phosphatidylserine externalisation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that is associated with the induction of apoptosis. The results demonstrated that the effects of methyl--D-glucopyranoside on cultured cells are transient and that the cells recover from the effects of methyl--D-glucopyranoside. This suggested thatmethyl-ԃ-D-glucopyranoside is not the compound responsible for the pro-apoptotic bioactivity in the T.violacea extract. This study also showed that cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic bioactivity of the leaf-extract was significantly higher in comparison to the tuber-extract. The bioactivity of the organic solvent extracts (dichloromethane, hexane, methanol and 50% methanol/water) of T.violacea leaves was also significantly higher than water extracts of T.violacea leaves. A comparison of the different organic extracts prepared from the T.violacea leaves showed that the highest activity was observed for the dichloromethane and hexane extracts. In an effort to identify the bioactive compound(s) the dichloromethane extract was subjected to Versaflash® column chromatography. However, due to problems experienced with the solubility of the dichloromethane sub-fractions, these compounds could not be tested for their bioactivity. Palmitone (16-hentriacontanone) was identified as one of the major compounds present in the dichloromethane sub-fractions. This compound was previously shown to have anticonvulsant bioactivity but there is no evidence in the literature that it has anti-cancer or pro-apoptotic activities. Fingerprinting of the methanol extract showed the presence of long chain fatty acid derivatives, flavonoids and allicin derivatives in the methanol extract. Although, this study failed to isolate the pro-apoptotic bioactive compound(s) present in the extracts of T.violacea, it confirmed that extracts of this plant induce apoptosis in cultured human cancer cell lines.

<p>The reproductive health of individuals is severely compromised by HIV infection, with candidiasis being the most prevalent oral complication in patients. Although not usually associated with severe morbidity, oropharyngeal candidiasis can be clinically significant, as it can interfere with the administration of medications and adequate nutritional intake, and may spread to the esophagus. Azole antifungal agents are commonly prescribed for the treatment and prophylaxis of candidal infections. However, the emergence of drug resistant strains and dose limiting toxic effects have complicated the treatment of candidiasis. Consequently, safe and effective and affordable medicine is required to combat this fungus. Commercial garlic (Allium sativum) has been used time since immemorial as a natural antibiotic, however very little is known about the antifungal properties of two indigenous South African species of garlic, namely Tulbaghia alliacea and Tulbaghia violacea, that are used as folk medicines for a variety of infections. This study compares the in vitro anti-candidal activity of Tulbaghia alliacea, Tulbaghia violacea and Allium sativum extracts. It was found that the greatest concentrations of inhibitory components were extracted by chloroform or water. The IC50 concentrations of Tulbaghia alliacea were between 0.007 &ndash / 0.038% (w/v). Assays using S. cerevisiae revealed that the T. alliacea extract was fungicidal, with a killing half-life of approximately 2 hours. This inhibitory effect of the T. alliacea extracts was observed via TLC, and may be due to an active compound called Marasmicin, that was identified using NMR. This investigation confirms that extracts of T.alliacea exhibit anti-infective activity against candida species in vitro.</p>

Pteroplatytrygon violacea is the only member of the Dasyatidae family that exhibits an entirely pelagic behavior. Age, growth and reproduction characteristics were estimated for western north Atlantic populations, where it is a common bycatch species of commercial pelagic longline fisheries targeting swordfish and tuna. Ages were assigned by counting band-pair deposition on vertebral centra sections. An annual pattern of band-pair deposition was validated through marginal increment analyses. Age estimates ranged from 2.5 to 8 years for males and 3 to 10 years for females. The von Bertalanffy growth model, a modified form of the von Bertalanffy, a two-parameter form of the von Bertalanffy with a fixed length-at-birth, the Gompertz growth model and a logistic model were fitted to sex-specific observed size-at-age data. Models were fitted using maximum likelihood estimation and nonlinear least squares methods. Resulting models were evaluated based on biological rationale and Akaike’s information criteria. All growth models yielded similar estimates, however the two-parameter Von Bertalanffy growth model provided the best fit for both males (L∞ = 54.79 cm (Disc width, DW) and k = 0.44 year-1) and females (L∞ = 65.56 cm (DW) and k = 0.26 year-1). Reproduction was determined by assessing maturity and reproductive stages. Sexual dimorphism was observed where females grew significantly larger than males. Males were determined mature when DW was greater than 38cm when claspers were shown to be fully calcified and vas deferens were coiled. Females were determined to reach maturity between 40 and 50 cm DW although a lack of smaller sized females prevented a more accurate estimate of first maturity. Females were observed pupping near term embryos ranging from 14.2 to 16 cm DW in mid-July and late September indicating possibilities of two litters per year. Large oocytes where observed in an ovary in a female with a uterus containing seven eggs with a mean mass of 2.80 g indicating that P. violacea exhibit vitellogenesis proceeding simultaneously with gestation. A clear seasonality for the reproductive cycle was not apparent however it seems parturition occurs in late spring and early fall when conditions are optimal for neonate survival. Data on the age, growth and reproduction of western north Atlantic populations of P. violacea will contribute to the lack of life history characteristics of this common bycatch species.

Allium sativum and Tulbaghia violacea are some of the most important medicinal plants used by South African traditional healers for the treatment of flu, fever, cold, tuberculosis, asthma and many more diseases. However, growth, yield and quality are constrained by excessive and under fertilization. This study was carried out to determine, firstly, the effect of N source (ammonium sulphate and calcium nitrate) on yield and quality of A. sativum and T. violacea plants. Secondly, to determine the best season for harvesting T. violacea and lastly, to determine the antifungal effects of A. sativum and T. violacea plant extracts against plant pathogens Altenaria solani and Sclerotium rolfsii. Both plants were treated with both N sources applied as topdressing treatments at a total of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg.ha-1, divided into three applications at three week (A. sativum) and three month (T. violacea) intervals. A. sativum plants were sampled at 54, 82, 112, 140 and 175 days after planting (DAP) while, T. violacea plants were sampled monthly for ten months. Parameters recorded were growth analysis, yield and bioactivity for both plant species. Both nitrogen sources improved plant growth and yield of A. sativum and T. violacea plants. Calcium nitrate at 150 kg•ha-1 and ammonium sulphate at 200 kg•ha-1 produced the highest at 24 t•ha-1 and 27 t•ha-1, respectively. Ammonium sulphate improved bioactivity of leaves with the highest bioactivity recorded at 82 and 112 DAP. Yield obtained from the autumn harvest was not affected by N source. Ammonium sulphate and calcium nitrate at 200 kg•ha-1 produced the highest yields of 23.6 t•ha-1 and 23.5 t•ha-1, respectively. In contrast, yield obtained from the winter harvest was affected by N source at 200 kg•ha-1, with significantly better yield of 30.8 t•ha-1 with calcium nitrate compared to 27.4 t•ha-1 with ammonium sulphate. Crude extracts of T. violacea bulbs that were treated with ammonium sulphate significantly inhibited the growth of plant pathogenic fungi, whereas extracts from plants treated with calcium nitrate showed low bioactivity. Extracts from plants grown with ammonium sulphate at 100 kg•ha-1 were more effective in controlling growth of plant pathogens when compared to other N levels. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) effects of A. sativum against S. rolfsii and A. solani were at 0.01 mg•mL-1. The MIC of T. violacea extracts against A. solani was at 0.006 mg•mL<Sup>-1. The MIC of T. violacea extracts were better than previously reported in literature. Therefore, A. sativum and T. violacea plant extracts can be used as fungicides against S. rolfsii and A. solani diseases for crops such as tomato and potato. / Dissertation (MInstAgrar)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Plant Production and Soil Science / unrestricted