Physicochemical and elemental studies of Hydrocotyle javanica Thunb. for standardization as herbal drug

White Acqualagna truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico): Evaluation of volatile and non-volatile profiles by GC-MS, sensory analyses and elemental composition by ICP-MS

The White Truffle is the most expensive edible underground mushroom. In this study the first characterization of the Acqualagna white truffle was delivered, taking into consideration the soil of origin and the human perception. The volatile profile was identified by GC-MS and compared with the descriptors obtained by sensory analysis. The non-volatile characterization was done using elemental composition by ICP-MS analysis, elemental analysis, and spectrophotometric assays. The volatile profile consists mainly of bis(methylthio)methane (78.72%) and other minor constituents, linked to seven odorant descriptors: garlic-like, nutty-like, geosmine-like, floral, mushroom-like, pungent and green/herbal. ICP-MS revealed that truffle has a higher content of K, P, S, Ca and Mg (97% of the elements investigated) and that it assimilates the Rare Earth Elements (REE) from the soil without discriminating them. In conclusion, this project is the first step for the enhancement of local food, linked to the territory conditions in which it is produced.

Safety assessment of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark: acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies

Annona senegalensis Pers., (wild custard apple), is a shrub used traditionally to treat respiratory and skin diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-malaria, anti-snake envenomation and anti-cancer activities. However, its toxicological profile remains limited, particularly in male and female animals. This study aims to evaluate the safety of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark (AMEAS) through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. The stem bark of A. senegalensis was collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 70% methanol. Phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, and acute toxicity evaluation were carried out on AMEAS. Sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted on Wistar rats of both sexes at different doses administered orally for 28 days. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals and essential mineral elements with the highest contents being calcium (59.88%) and potassium (25.39%). Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, no mortality or significant harmful effects were observed. The blood glucose decreased from 13.68 mMol/L at 250 mg/kg to 10.71 mMol/L at 1000 mg/kg, much lower than the distilled water group (17.06 mMol/L). In conclusion, the extract appeared to be well-tolerated, with no obvious adverse effects. AMEAS is rich in Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K). It has been shown to have LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg and is assumed to be safe. On repeated use, AMEAS may cause hypoglycemia and weight loss which may be useful in managing diabetes and obesity respectively.

Design of Experiments Assessment for the Determination of Moisture Content in Five Herbal Raw Materials Contained in Tea Products

Research interest in natural raw materials is rapidly growing due to the high demand for natural products like herbal teas. Their quality control has a direct impact on safety and efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sample�s mass and temperature on moisture content in Camellia sinensis (Black tea), Cassia fistula (Senna), Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomille), Lippia alba (Juanilama) and Tilia platyphyllos (Linden) with a gravimetric method developed through a full factorial 32 DoE. A response optimizer was executed in order to establish the test conditions that allow obtaining a response according to a target value from a certified method. DoE�s ANOVA shows reproducibility for Camellia sinensis, Cassia fistula, and Lippia alba. Also, the method�s model is able to explain the response variability for all samples based on the R2 (adj). The composite desirability for the proposed conditions of analysis for the five herbal materials is satisfactory according to each target value. However, the lack of reproducibility in Chamaemelum nobile and Tilia platyphyllos and also, the response prediction problems according to the R2 (pred) for Cassia fistula and Chamaemelum nobile, suggest the execution of further studies for them. Therefore, the present method is considered to be adequate for the analysis of moisture content in Camellia sinensis and Lippia alba raw herbs.