Review Article
Medical Constituents of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) for Human Benefits
Muhammad Arshad Ullah, Ali Hassan, Ameer Hamza
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 1-8.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i01.001
Ajwain seed analysis has revealed it to contain fiber (11.9%), carbohydrates (38.6%), tannins, glycosides, moisture (8.9%), protein (15.4%), fat (18.1%), saponins, flavone and mineral matter (7.1%) containing calcium, phosphorous, iron and nicotinic acid. Ajwain fruits yield 2% to 4% brownish essential oil, with thymol as the major constituent (35% to 60%). The non-thymol fraction (thymene) contains para-cymene, γ-terpenine, α- and β-pinenes, dipentene, α-terpinene, and carvacrol. Minute amounts of camphene, myrcene, and α-3-carene also have been found in the plant. Alcoholic extracts contain a highly hygroscopic saponin. From the fruits, an yellow, crystalline flavone and a steroid-like substance has been isolated and it also contains 6-O-β-glucopyranosyloxythymol, glucoside and yields 25% oleoresin containing 12% volatile oil (thymol, γ-terpinene, para-cymene, and α- and β-pinene). The principal oil constituents of T. ammi are carvone (46%), limonene (38%), and dillapiole (9%). Ajwain is administered for curing stomach disorders, a paste of crushed fruits is applied externally for relieving colic pains; and a hot and dry fomentation of the fruits is applied on chest for asthma. Therapeutic uses of T. ammi fruits include; stomachic, carminative and expectorant, antiseptic and amoebiasis, antimicrobial. Seeds soaked in lemon juice with P runus amygdalus (badam) are given in curing amenhorroea and it is also used as antipyretic, febrifugal and in the treatment of typhoid fever. The antihypertensive effect of T. ammi administered intravenously in vivo, and the antispasmodic and bronchodilating actions in vitro showed that calcium channel blockade has been found to mediate the spasmolytic effects of plant materials and it is being considered that this mechanism contributed to their observed result and supported the traditional use of T. ammi in hyperactive disease states of the gut such as colic and diarrhea as well as in hypertension. Ajwain seeds revealed significant reduction of cough number which may be a result of its potent antitussive effect. The bronchodilatory effect of decocted extract of Ajwain on the asthmatic patients’ airways was examined in a subsequent trial study. According to the results, the extract has a relatively bronchodilatory effect on asthmatic airways compared to the effect of Theophylline at concentrations used. Ajwain was attributed to have diuretic and antilithiasis activity in ethnopharmacological reports. Accordingly, a human study was performed and in which, seeds of Ajwain were decocted in milk and given orally to volunteers suffering from urinary stone for a nine days period. The results were reported satisfactory against pure ca-oxalate stone. Another activity which has been proved for Ajwain is the antihyperlipidemic property. An in vivo study revealed that Ajwain seeds powder is extensively effective on lipid profile and can decrease total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids. Moreover, organic extract of seeds reduced atherogenic index and increased the level of HDL-cholesterol in albino rabbits. Ajwain was evaluated for the potentiality of antihypertensive and antispasmodic activity. In the related investigation, the aqueous-methanolic extract of the seeds caused a dose dependent decrease in arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized animal models. Furthermore, inhibitory effect on the K+-induced contractions was seen in isolated rabbit aorta and jejunum preparations during the application of Ajwain extract. These findings prove the potential antihypertensive and antispasmodic activity of Ajwain.
Research Article
Fatty Acid Profile Analyses of Three Freshwater Fish Species from Igboho Reservoir, Oyo State, Nigeria
Siyanbola Mojisola Funmilayo
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 9-16.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i01.002
This study investigated the fatty acid profile of three freshwater fish species from igboho reservoir Oyo state Nigeria. This is as a result of a great degree of interest on fatty acids on human health. The fishes used in this study are snakehead (Parachanna obscura, Gunther 1844), African mud fish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) and African pike (Hepsetus odoe, Blotch, 1794). The fatty acid profile analysis showed the existence of Saturated (SFA), Monosaturated (MUFA) and Polysaturated (MUFA) fatty acids. Results obtained showed a wide range of Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (30.24-33.37%), Saturated fatty acids (SFA) (38.51-53.98%) and Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (13.28-24.30%). Palmitic and Stearic acids were the major fatty acids in saturated fatty acid group, Oleic and Palmitoleic acids were the predominant fatty acids in Monosaturated fatty acid group while Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Linoleic acid were the major Polyunsaturated fatty acids. The n-3/n-6 ratio values of the three fish species is below 1.0 which fall within the proposed dietary intake standard (0.25-1.0) and a good indication that the three fish species can supply the required essential acid needed by Man. Moreover, the PUFA/SFA coefficient ratio of P. obscura exceeded the minimum value by HMSO which represents an advantageous impart when consumed by Man.
Research Article
Genetic Purity Analysis of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) Produced in Different Seed Companies of Ethiopia
Elsabet Bayisa, Meseret Ejeta, Tilahun Molla
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 17-21.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i01.003
The best way to boost agricultural productivity and output is using high-quality seed. Genetic purity is tainted during the development of hybrid seeds by selfing events or out-crossing with different types. In order to assess the genetic purity of fababean varieties produced in various Ethiopian seed firms, this study used the agro-morphological and grow-out test method to analyze the genetic purity of the fababean crop. Two distinct seed classes of the fababean crop, Tumsa and Wolki, were gathered from various sources. To evaluate the genetic purity of the seed, 1 kg of each variety was gathered from the highland pulse breeding department of the Holetta Agricultural Research Center, Oromia Seed Enterprise, and Ethiopia Seed Enterprise. The study was carried out over the course of two consecutive, independent years in 2020 and 2021, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. All growth traits of the obtained data showed significant differences at (p<0.05) in the analysis of variance results, with the exception of the number of leaflets per leaf and the number of nodes per plant. In general, the current results indicated both seed homogeneity as well as heterogeneity in the agro-morphological and grow-out tests. This suggests that various seed suppliers possess different standards for creating high-quality seed. Therefore, each and every seed producer needs to be made aware of the quality seed production procedures and techniques that they must adhere to. In the same way, additional genetic purity analysis might be carried out within the seed system to guarantee error repair, assurance, and control over seed quality.
Research Article
Allelopathic Effects of Ageratum conyzoides Root Exudates on Germinability of Selected Crops: A Comparative Analysis
Pervin Akter, Rabeya Begum
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 22-29.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i01.004
This study investigates the allelopathic effects of aqueous root exudate extracts of Ageratum conyzoides on the germination, shoot length, and root length of various agricultural crops. The study reveals how different species respond uniquely to varying concentrations, uncovering complex dynamics in crop-allelopathic interactions. The germination analysis reveals distinct sensitivities among the tested crops. C. sativus demonstrates resilience, displaying minimal germination reduction even at higher exudate concentrations. C. arietinum exhibits moderate susceptibility, while Z. mays emerge as the most sensitive crop, displaying a profound reduction in germination. L. esculentum and P. vulgaris also exhibit sensitivity, with adverse impacts on germination rates. A. esculentus consistently shows reduced germination rates with increasing exudate concentrations. Shoot length dynamics show that all crops experience greatest elongation without A. conyzoides root exudates, suggesting inhibition of growth by these exudates. Shoot growth declines with higher exudate concentrations across most crops, with varying sensitivities. C. sativus consistently decreases, while C. arietinum, Z. mays, and P. vulgaris show concentration-dependent inhibition. S. lycopersicum significantly reduces shoot elongation, and A. esculentus remains consistently sensitive. Root length patterns further elucidate the allelopathic effects. Responses vary across species and concentrations. A. esculentus roots thrive at lower concentrations but decline at higher ones. S. lycopersicum shows initial reduction, significant decline, followed by recovery. Z. mays and C. arietinum exhibit fluctuating responses. P. vulgaris consistently grows, while C. sativus persistently displays reduced root elongation. These findings highlight the complex and species-specific allelopathic interactions between A. conyzoides and agricultural crops, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics for effective crop management in A. conyzoides-infested areas.
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