Background:Momordica charantia L.var.abbreviata Ser.(MCA),locally known as“ampalayang ligaw”,is a wild variety of Momordica charantia L.,and a valuable medicinal plant possessing hypoglycemic activity.However,it onl...Background:Momordica charantia L.var.abbreviata Ser.(MCA),locally known as“ampalayang ligaw”,is a wild variety of Momordica charantia L.,and a valuable medicinal plant possessing hypoglycemic activity.However,it only grows in open fields and is not widely cultivated due to slow growth and low productivity.Methods:To enhance its overall plant health,a consortium of three Trichoderma spp.was inoculated into MCA.The effects on growth,floral biology,productivity,and total triterpenes were assessed to determine the efficacy of Trichoderma spp.as a sustainable and environment-friendly plant growth promoter.A consortium of three Trichoderma spp.(T.ghanense,T.pseudokoningii,and T.harzianum)mixed in equal proportions were applied as seed coat and soil drench according to previous recommendations.Results:Results show that Trichoderma-treated MCA exhibited significantly(P<0.05)greater leaf area and growth rate compared to the untreated control.Trichoderma likewise affected the floral biology of MCA with bigger flower sizes(P<0.01),earlier male flower emergence,and increased number of female flowers(P<0.05).Regarding productivity,Trichoderma significantly increased the fruit set,dry weight and length of fruits(P<0.01),number of fruits per plant,and seed germination percentage(P<0.05).An increase in shoot length was significantly correlated to a greater number of fruits hence with higher productivity.Trichoderma also significantly enhanced(22%increase)the total triterpenes in MCA leaves,probably owing to hormonal modulation of gene expression changes as previous studies have shown.The increased triterpene content suggests an enhanced pharmacological potential of Trichoderma-treated MCA for diabetes management,warranting further bioactivity studies.Conclusion:Therefore,these results reveal the efficacy of Trichoderma on MCA productivity enhancement,demonstrating the potential of Trichoderma-treated MCA to become more amenable to commercial cultivation.展开更多
Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review...Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review provided an updated overview of the main bitter contributors of typical bitter fruits and vegetables and their health benefits.The main bitter contributors,including phenolics,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,nucleosides and purines,were summarized.The bioactivities and wide range of beneficial effects of them on anti-cancers,anti-inflammations,anti-microbes,neuroprotection,inhibiting chronic and acute injury in organs,as well as regulating behavior performance and metabolism were reported.Furthermore,not only did the bitter taste receptors(taste receptor type 2 family,T2Rs)show taste effects,but extra-oral T2Rs could also be activated by binding with bitter components,regulating physiological activities via modulating hormone secretion,immunity,metabolism,and cell proliferation.This review provided a new perspective on exploring and explaining the nutrition of bitter foods,revealing the relationship between the functions of bitter contributors from food and T2Rs.Future trends may focus on revealing the possibility of T2Rs being targets for the treatment of diseases,exploring the mechanism of T2Rs mediating the bioactivities,and making bitter foods more acceptable without getting rid of bitter contributors.展开更多
The interaction mechanism between soyasaponin(Ssa)and bitter receptors/mucin,as well as the saliva interface behavior of Ssa,were investigated to explore the presentation mechanism of Ssa bitterness and astringency(BA...The interaction mechanism between soyasaponin(Ssa)and bitter receptors/mucin,as well as the saliva interface behavior of Ssa,were investigated to explore the presentation mechanism of Ssa bitterness and astringency(BA).Strong bitterness arising from high Ssa concentrations(0.5–1.5 mg/mL)had a masking effect on astringency.At Ssa concentrations of 1.0–1.5 mg/mL,Ssa micelles altered the structure of mucin,exposing its internal tryptophan to a more polar environment.At Ssa concentrations of 0.05–1.50 mg/mL,its reaction with mucin increased the aggregation of particles in artificial saliva,which reduced the frictional lubricating properties of oral saliva.Ssa-mucin interactions affected the salivary interfacial adsorption layer,and their complexes synergistically reduced the interfacial tension.Ssa monomers and soyasapogenols bind to bitter receptors/mucin via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.Class A Ssa binds more strongly than class B Ssa,and thus likely presents a higher BA.In conclusion,Ssa interacts with bitter receptors/mucin causing conformational changes and aggregation of salivary mucin,resulting in diminished frictional lubricating properties of oral saliva.This,in turn,affects taste perception and gustatory transmission.展开更多
Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities.However,the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste.Recently,high hydro...Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities.However,the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste.Recently,high hydrostatic pressure(HHP)treatment has attracted much interest and has been used in several studies on protein modification.Hence,the study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis by Corolase PP under different pressure treatments(0.1,100,200,and 300 MPa for 1-5 h at 50℃)on the emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate(SPIH).As observed,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had the highest emulsifying activity index(47.49 m^(2)/g)and emulsifying stability index(92.98%),and it had higher antioxidant activities(44.77%DPPH free radical scavenging activity,31.12%superoxide anion radical scavenging activity,and 61.50%copper ion chelating activity).At the same time,the enhancement of emulsion stability was related to the increase of zeta potential and the decrease of mean particle size.In addition,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had a lower bitterness value and showed better palatability.This study has a broad application prospect in developing food ingredients and healthy foods.展开更多
Fruit wart is an important appearance trait influencing consumer preferences of bitter gourd(Momordica charantia L.).The molecular genetic mechanisms underlying fruit wart formation in bitter gourd are largely unknown...Fruit wart is an important appearance trait influencing consumer preferences of bitter gourd(Momordica charantia L.).The molecular genetic mechanisms underlying fruit wart formation in bitter gourd are largely unknown.In this study,genetic analysis based on four generations showed that fruit wart formation in bitter gourd was controlled by a single dominant locus named as Fwa.The Fwa locus was initially mapped into a 4.82 Mb region on pseudochromosome 4 by BSA-seq analysis and subsequently narrowed down to a 286.30 kb region by linkage analysis.A large F2population consisting of 2360 individuals was used to screen recombinants,and the Fwa locus was finally fine mapped into a 22.70 kb region harboring four protein-coding genes through recombination analysis.MC04g1399,encoding an epidermal patterning factor 2-like protein,was proposed as the best candidate gene for Fwa via sequence variation and expression analysis.In addition,a 1-bp insertion and deletion(InDel)variation within MC04g1399 was converted to a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence(CAPS)marker that could precisely distinguish between the warty and non-warty types with an accuracy rate of 100%among a wide panel of 126 bitter gourd germplasm resources.Our results not only provide a scientific basis for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit wart formation but also provide a powerful tool for efficient genetic improvement of fruit wart via marker-assisted selection.展开更多
Apples often exhibit bitter pits in response to metabolic disorders during ripening and storage;however, the mechanisms underlying the bitter pit(BP) development remain unclear. Here, metabolome and transcriptome anal...Apples often exhibit bitter pits in response to metabolic disorders during ripening and storage;however, the mechanisms underlying the bitter pit(BP) development remain unclear. Here, metabolome and transcriptome analyses were performed to investigate BP pulp of 'Fuji'. Two auxin-response genes, MdGH3.1 and MdSAUR36, were screened. Their expression as well as the auxin content in BP pulp were found to be higher than those in healthy pulp(P < 0.01). In the field, excess CO(NH2)2increased the incidence of BP. Moreover, the auxin content and MdGH3.1 expression increased in apples after nitrogen fertilization. On Day 30 before harvest, the two genes were transiently transferred to the fruit, and 20.69% and 23.21% of BP fruits were harvested. After 10 μmol·L-1auxin was infiltrated at low pressure into postharvest fruit, the increase in MdGH3.1 expression occurred earlier than that in MdSAUR36. MdGH3.1 increased the expression of MdSAUR36, but MdSAUR36 did not increase expression of MdGH3.1. Therefore, we suggest that MdGH3.1 acts upstream of MdSAUR36 during BP formation and that these genes induce BP formation by regulating auxin and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis.展开更多
Bitter tea is a special kind of tea germplasm in China.The major biochemical components of 24 bitter teas and other 8 Camellia sinensis var.sinensis and 8 C.sinensis var.assamica tea germplasms,which were stored in th...Bitter tea is a special kind of tea germplasm in China.The major biochemical components of 24 bitter teas and other 8 Camellia sinensis var.sinensis and 8 C.sinensis var.assamica tea germplasms,which were stored in the China National Germplasm Hangzhou Tea Repository(CNGHTR),were analyzed and evaluated.The results showed that no significant differences of major biochemical components affecting the tea quality were found between bitter tea and common tea.According to the processing suitability index,bitter tea was suitable for the manufacturing of black tea;while according to evolutionary indices such as the composition and content of catechin,bitter tea was similar to C.sinensis var.assamica belonging to the relatively primitive type in evolution.The results of cluster analysis indicated that bitter tea was clustered with C.sinensis var.assamica,so it could be considered to belong to C.sinensis var.assamica.展开更多
[Objective]The aim was to study the distribution of Ca in bagged apple fruit and the relationship between antioxidant enzyme activity and bitter pit disease,which will provide a basis for resolving Ca metabolism disor...[Objective]The aim was to study the distribution of Ca in bagged apple fruit and the relationship between antioxidant enzyme activity and bitter pit disease,which will provide a basis for resolving Ca metabolism disorder in apple cultivation. [Method]With Fuji Apple as the tested material,the changes of Ca2＋ content and antioxidant enzyme activity in different parts of apple fruit after picking bags and storage period were determined. [Result]The results showed that Ca contents in the light surface of fruits were higher than that in the backlight surface. The Ca contents of stalk cavity were higher than that of calyx-end. The activities of SOD,POD,CAT and APX in the light surface of fruits were higher than that in the backlight surface. The activities of SOD,POD,CAT and APX of stalk cavity were higher than that of calyx-end. The contents of MDA in the light surface of fruits were lower than that in the backlight surface. The contents of MDA of stalk cavity were lower than that of calyx-end. [Conclusion]The incidence rate of bitter pit in the light surface of fruits were lower than that in the backlight surface,and the incidence rate of bitter pit of stalk cavity were lower than that of calyx-end.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of agronomic traits and genetic relationships among core collections of bitter gourd.[Method] Total 141 germplasms of bitter gourd were selected,and th...[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of agronomic traits and genetic relationships among core collections of bitter gourd.[Method] Total 141 germplasms of bitter gourd were selected,and the genetic diversity of 13 agronomic traits was analyzed.In addition,total 46 core collections of bitter gourd were employed,and their genetic relationships were analyzed based on the phenotypic values and genotypic values of 5 agronomic traits,respectively.[Result] The genetic diversity analysis of agronomic traits showed that the genetic diversity indexes of the 4 qualitative traits of bitter gourd germplasms ranged from 0.46 to 1.34;the distribution of the 9 quantitative traits data was more dispersed with average coefficient of variation of 20.02%.The genetic relationship analysis showed that based on the phenotypic values and genotypic values of the 5 quantitative traits,the genetic distances among the 46 core collections of bitter gourd were different.Based on the genotypic values,the genetic distances among the 46 bitter gourd core collections ranged from 0.84 to 10.71.The 46 germplasms were divided into 17 groups with the rescaled distance of 8.5,which further classified the relationships among different germplasms.[Conclusion] This study will lay a solid foundation for the effective utilization of core collections and new variety breeding in bitter gourd.展开更多
Different application rates of controlled release nitrogen fertilizer （CRFN） were designed to evaluate their effects on the growth and root morphology of bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L.） seedlings, and thus d...Different application rates of controlled release nitrogen fertilizer （CRFN） were designed to evaluate their effects on the growth and root morphology of bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L.） seedlings, and thus determine the optimal nitrogen amount and suitable nitrogen content in substrate at seedling transplanting,, in com- parison with conventional fertilizer application. CRFN was applied at five levels, 0, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8 kg N/m3, and conventional fertilizer was applied at 0.6 kg N/m3 as control. Four replicates were included in each treatment. The results showed that 0.6-2.4 kg N/m3 CRFN provided sufficient N nutrient for bitter gourd, with higher shoot and root dry weights, root length and root surface area than control treat- ments. Correspondingly, the total inorganic nitrogen in substrate ranged from 99.3 to 162.5 mg/pot at seedling transplanting in these treatments. 1.2 kg N/m3 was proven to be the optimal CRFN rate. Compared with conventional nitrogen fertilizer applica- tion, 1.2 kg N/m3 CRFN in substrate increased the dry weight, nitrogen uptake and improved root morphology indices of seedlings, and more than 83.3 mg/pot inorgan- ic nitrogen could be carried with substrate at transplanting, revealing a potential to reduce N-deficient risk after rain and basal N input by continuous release of CRFN.展开更多
Objective] This study was conducted to verify the feasibiIity of ISSR marker for identifying genetic purity of bitter gourd hybrid, and thus to provide an effective method for seed purity test in production practices....Objective] This study was conducted to verify the feasibiIity of ISSR marker for identifying genetic purity of bitter gourd hybrid, and thus to provide an effective method for seed purity test in production practices. [Method] The DNA fin-gerprints of a bitter gourd cuItivar Xiuyu 1 and its parents were analyzed using IS-SR marker with 91 primers. [Result] Two primers ISSR-845 and ISSR-891 which ampIified two DNA bands of 510 and 300 bp respectiveIy from F1 generation and its parents were screened out from 91 primers. ISSR-845 couId distinguish the male parent from F1 hybrid and the female parent, whiIe ISSR-891 couId distinguish the female parent inbred Iine from Xiuyu 1. Seed purity test with the specific markers gave the same resuIt with fiIed trials based on morphoIogical identification. [Conclu-sion] ISSR marker is an accurate, simpIe and effective method for seed purity test bitter gourd hybrid, and thus can be used in production practices.展开更多
Objective:To explore the relationship between bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy),their character-istics were analyzed at the target and pharmacodynamic points.Methods:Compounds with bitter receptor activity were...Objective:To explore the relationship between bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy),their character-istics were analyzed at the target and pharmacodynamic points.Methods:Compounds with bitter receptor activity were obtained by high-throughput screening models of the human bitter taste receptors(hTAS2Rs),which were used to analyze bitter taste.The efficacy of anti-asthma medications was used as an example to research bitter flavor(efficacy).The pharmacological effects of bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)were classified according to the functional modules.The coverage for the same targets or pharmacological effects in the overall protein interaction network(PIN)of bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)was analyzed to reveal their relationship.The effect of the compound polydatin with anti-asthma activation on hTAS2R14 was studied to verify the reliability of the aforementioned idea.Results:A total of 121 Chinese materia medica(CMM)compounds that activate hTAS2R10,hTAS2R14,and hTAS2R49 were obtained.The analysis results indicated that 108 same targets for bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)were obtained,accounting for 13.9%in the PIN of bitter taste and 72.5%in the PIN of bitter flavor(efficacy).The pharmacological effects shared by bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)accounted for 79%of the PIN of bitter taste and 81%of the PIN of bitter flavor(efficacy).The activating effect of the anti-asthma compound polydatin on hTAS2R14 was dose-dependent with EC 50 of 4.3 m M.Conclusion:In this study,the relationship between bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)has been demonstrated from the target and pharmacodynamic points,which are based on hTAS2Rs and anti-asthma effect.Bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)exhibited a high correlation.This study provides a theoretical and scientific basis for the hypothesis that“the property theory of CMM is the clinical pharmacodynamics of CMM.”展开更多
This paper presents a novel biosensor for bitter substance detection on the basis of light addressable potentiometric sensor(LAPS).Taste receptor cells(TRCs)were used as sensitive elements,which can respond to differe...This paper presents a novel biosensor for bitter substance detection on the basis of light addressable potentiometric sensor(LAPS).Taste receptor cells(TRCs)were used as sensitive elements,which can respond to different bitter stimuli with extreme high sensitivity and speci-ficity.TRCs were isolated from the taste buds of rats and cultured on the surface of LAPS chip.Due to the unique advantages such as single-cell recording,light addressable capability,and noninvasiveness,LAPS chip was used as secondary transducer to monitor the responses of TRCs by recording extracelluar potential changes.The results indicate LAPS chip can effectively record the responses of TRCs to different bitter substances used in this study in a real-time manner for a long-term.In addition,by performing principal component analysis on the LAPS recording data,different bitter substances tested can be successfully discriminated.It is suggested this TRCsLAPS hybrid biosensor could be a valuable tool for bitter substance detection.With further improvement and novel design,it has great potentials to be applied in both basic research and practical applications related to bitter taste detection.展开更多
In order to estimate the bitterness intensity of citrus products we applied an adaptative sensory evaluation method, using naringin as the reference for bitterness. Twenty-five untrained subjects participated in this ...In order to estimate the bitterness intensity of citrus products we applied an adaptative sensory evaluation method, using naringin as the reference for bitterness. Twenty-five untrained subjects participated in this study. Firstly they tasted and positioned 2 naringin references on an unstructured relative-to-reference scaling to define their own bitterness scales. They then evaluated the bitterness intensity of 2 types of bitter orange products (3 distillates and 2 cold-pressed essential oils of bitter orange peels) according to their own perceptions on their own scales. We observed that 2 types of scale use could be distinguished that might be related to subjects’ sensitivity or/and consumption habits to bitterness. As a result, we observed a significant difference in bitterness intensity between the crude cold-pressed essential oil and the debittered one of bitter orange, whereas there was no significant difference between the 3 distillates. This approach makes it possible to take inter-individual differences in subjects’ sensitivity into account. It also provides a way to very simply rate bitterness intensity with subjects who have received no prior training in sensory evaluation.展开更多
Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plant...Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. The plant extract inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and inhibiting cancer stem cells. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents like cucurbitane type triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids, and proteins. Some of the isolated compounds （Kuguacin J, Karaviloside XI, Kuguaglycoside C, Momordicoside Q-U, Charantin, a-eleostearic acid） and proteins （a-Momorcharin, RNase MC2, MAP30） possess potent biological activity. In the present review, we are summarizing the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia along with a short account of important chemical constituents, providing a basis for establishing detail biological activities of the plant and developing novel drug molecules based on the active chemical constituents.展开更多
Calcium-alginate pectin entrapped bitter gourd peroxidase （BGP） has been employed for the treatment of disperse dyes： Disperse Brown 1 （DB 1） and Disperse Red 17 （DR 17）. Peroxidase alone was unable to decolori...Calcium-alginate pectin entrapped bitter gourd peroxidase （BGP） has been employed for the treatment of disperse dyes： Disperse Brown 1 （DB 1） and Disperse Red 17 （DR 17）. Peroxidase alone was unable to decolorize DR 17 and DB 1. However, the investigated dyes were decolorized maximally by BGP in the presence of 0.2 mmol/L redox mediator, violuric acid （VA）. A slow decrease in percent decolorization was observed when VA concentration was higher than 0.2 mmol/L which could likely be due to the high reactivity of its aminoxyl radical （ N–O . ） intermediate, that might undergo chemical reactions with aromatic amino acid side chains of the enzyme thereby inactivating it. Maximum decolorization of the dyes was observed at pH 3.0 and 40°C within 2 hr of incubation. Immobilized peroxidase decolorized 98% DR 17 and 71% DB 1 using 35 U of BGP in batch process in 90 min. Immobilized enzyme decolorized 85% DR 17 and 51% DB 1 whereas soluble enzyme decolorized DR 17 to 48% and DB 1 to 30% at 60°C. UV-visible spectral analysis was used to evaluate the degradation of these dyes and their toxicity was tested by Allium cepa test. The generally observed higher stability of the bioaffinity bound enzymes against various forms of inactivation may be related to the specific and strong binding of enzyme with bioaffinity support which prevents the unfolding/denaturation of enzyme. Thus entrapped peroxidase was found to be effective in the decolorization of the investigated dyes.展开更多
Ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction was confirmed as a novel,effective method for separating lipid from mackerel pro-tein,resulting in a degreasing rate (DR) of 95% and a nitrogen recovery (NR) of 88.6%.To obtain p...Ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction was confirmed as a novel,effective method for separating lipid from mackerel pro-tein,resulting in a degreasing rate (DR) of 95% and a nitrogen recovery (NR) of 88.6%.To obtain protein hydrolysates with high ni-trogen recovery and low bitter taste,enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using eight commercially available proteases.It turned out that the optimum enzyme was the ‘Mixed enzymes for animal proteolysis’.An enzyme dosage of 4%,a temperature of 50℃,and a hydrolysis time of 300 min were found to be the optimum conditions to obtain high NR (84.28%) and degree of hydrolysis (DH,16.18%) by orthogonal experiments.Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid of MDP (defatted mackerel protein) and MDPH (defatted mackerel protein hydrolysates).Compared with the FAO/WHO reference protein,the essential amino acid chemical scores (CS) were greater than 1.0 (1.0 1.7) in MDPH,which is reflective of high nutritional value.This,coupled with the light color and slight fishy odor,indicates that MDPH would potentially have a wide range of applications such as nutritional additives,functional ingredients,and so on.展开更多
Objective:To investigate three tropical plant materials - clove seeds[Syzygium aromalicum(S. aromaticum)],bitter kola fruits[Garcinia kola(G.kola)]and tobacco leaves(Nicotiana species) as potential targeted killers of...Objective:To investigate three tropical plant materials - clove seeds[Syzygium aromalicum(S. aromaticum)],bitter kola fruits[Garcinia kola(G.kola)]and tobacco leaves(Nicotiana species) as potential targeted killers of Streptococcus mutans(S.mutatis),a cavity-causing bacterium(gram-positive, facultative anaerobe) that resides in a multispecies microbial community(dental plaque) for the treatment of dental caries(tooth decay).Methods:Thirty one(31) teeth samples were collected from patients with obvious signs of tooth decay(swollen gum,weak or fallen tooth,etc.) using sterile swab sticks.These samples were collected from two major denial clinics in Nsukka, Enugu State,Nigeria and investigated by spread inoculation onto sterile blood agar and Mueller Hinton agar(MHA) respectively and incubated at 37℃for 24 h.The discrete colonies obtained were further re-inoculated onto sterile Mitis salivarius agar(MSA) plates and incubated as above. The isolates were characterized by gram staining and calalase lesl.Tobacco leaves,clove seeds and bitter kola fruits were ground into powder,extracted with three different solvents(n-hexane, hot water and ethanol),filtered,dried and stored in clean containers,corked and kept until used. The plant extracts were investigated for phytochemistry,minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC), minimum cidal concentration(MCC)and compared with some conventional antibiotics commonly used against tooth decay.Antibiotic sensitivity test was also carried out.The results were statistically analyzed.Results:The extracts showed varied phytochemical composition but most abundantly the flavonoids.Our result also shows that females(16) have more tooth decay than males(15) and that 16 samples were very bloody while 15 were slightly bloody.The microbial characterization showed that 18 samples were catalase-positive indicating the presence of S. mutans while 13 were catalase-negative suspected to be Staphylococcus spp.The Gram reaction confirmed 13 Gram-negative and 18 Gram-positive organisms.The n-hexane extract had the best antimicrobial activity followed by the ethanol and lastly hot water.MIC showed that n-hexane clove extract had the largest inhibition zone diameter,followed by bitter kola extract and lastly tobacco extract.The antibiotic sensitivity test credited ciprofloxacin the best because it exhibited broad spectrum of action.Conclusions:Since the n-hexane extract of clove seeds demonstrated preferential growth-inhibitory activity against the causal cariogenic pathogens(S.mutans) in dental caries,we therefore,report here that clove extract be henceforth considered as a potential ingredient in toothpaste preparation.展开更多
文摘Background:Momordica charantia L.var.abbreviata Ser.(MCA),locally known as“ampalayang ligaw”,is a wild variety of Momordica charantia L.,and a valuable medicinal plant possessing hypoglycemic activity.However,it only grows in open fields and is not widely cultivated due to slow growth and low productivity.Methods:To enhance its overall plant health,a consortium of three Trichoderma spp.was inoculated into MCA.The effects on growth,floral biology,productivity,and total triterpenes were assessed to determine the efficacy of Trichoderma spp.as a sustainable and environment-friendly plant growth promoter.A consortium of three Trichoderma spp.(T.ghanense,T.pseudokoningii,and T.harzianum)mixed in equal proportions were applied as seed coat and soil drench according to previous recommendations.Results:Results show that Trichoderma-treated MCA exhibited significantly(P<0.05)greater leaf area and growth rate compared to the untreated control.Trichoderma likewise affected the floral biology of MCA with bigger flower sizes(P<0.01),earlier male flower emergence,and increased number of female flowers(P<0.05).Regarding productivity,Trichoderma significantly increased the fruit set,dry weight and length of fruits(P<0.01),number of fruits per plant,and seed germination percentage(P<0.05).An increase in shoot length was significantly correlated to a greater number of fruits hence with higher productivity.Trichoderma also significantly enhanced(22%increase)the total triterpenes in MCA leaves,probably owing to hormonal modulation of gene expression changes as previous studies have shown.The increased triterpene content suggests an enhanced pharmacological potential of Trichoderma-treated MCA for diabetes management,warranting further bioactivity studies.Conclusion:Therefore,these results reveal the efficacy of Trichoderma on MCA productivity enhancement,demonstrating the potential of Trichoderma-treated MCA to become more amenable to commercial cultivation.
基金the financial support provided by“Pioneer”and“Leading Goose”R&D Program of Zhejiang(2022C020122022C02078)。
文摘Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review provided an updated overview of the main bitter contributors of typical bitter fruits and vegetables and their health benefits.The main bitter contributors,including phenolics,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,nucleosides and purines,were summarized.The bioactivities and wide range of beneficial effects of them on anti-cancers,anti-inflammations,anti-microbes,neuroprotection,inhibiting chronic and acute injury in organs,as well as regulating behavior performance and metabolism were reported.Furthermore,not only did the bitter taste receptors(taste receptor type 2 family,T2Rs)show taste effects,but extra-oral T2Rs could also be activated by binding with bitter components,regulating physiological activities via modulating hormone secretion,immunity,metabolism,and cell proliferation.This review provided a new perspective on exploring and explaining the nutrition of bitter foods,revealing the relationship between the functions of bitter contributors from food and T2Rs.Future trends may focus on revealing the possibility of T2Rs being targets for the treatment of diseases,exploring the mechanism of T2Rs mediating the bioactivities,and making bitter foods more acceptable without getting rid of bitter contributors.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province(2021-MS-311)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31601510).
文摘The interaction mechanism between soyasaponin(Ssa)and bitter receptors/mucin,as well as the saliva interface behavior of Ssa,were investigated to explore the presentation mechanism of Ssa bitterness and astringency(BA).Strong bitterness arising from high Ssa concentrations(0.5–1.5 mg/mL)had a masking effect on astringency.At Ssa concentrations of 1.0–1.5 mg/mL,Ssa micelles altered the structure of mucin,exposing its internal tryptophan to a more polar environment.At Ssa concentrations of 0.05–1.50 mg/mL,its reaction with mucin increased the aggregation of particles in artificial saliva,which reduced the frictional lubricating properties of oral saliva.Ssa-mucin interactions affected the salivary interfacial adsorption layer,and their complexes synergistically reduced the interfacial tension.Ssa monomers and soyasapogenols bind to bitter receptors/mucin via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.Class A Ssa binds more strongly than class B Ssa,and thus likely presents a higher BA.In conclusion,Ssa interacts with bitter receptors/mucin causing conformational changes and aggregation of salivary mucin,resulting in diminished frictional lubricating properties of oral saliva.This,in turn,affects taste perception and gustatory transmission.
基金supported by the Doctoral Research Foundation of Bohai University (05013/0520bs006)the Science and Technology Project of“Unveiling and Commanding”Liaoning Province (2021JH1/10400033)the Scientific Research Project from Education Department of Liaoning Province (LJ2020010)。
文摘Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities.However,the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste.Recently,high hydrostatic pressure(HHP)treatment has attracted much interest and has been used in several studies on protein modification.Hence,the study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis by Corolase PP under different pressure treatments(0.1,100,200,and 300 MPa for 1-5 h at 50℃)on the emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate(SPIH).As observed,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had the highest emulsifying activity index(47.49 m^(2)/g)and emulsifying stability index(92.98%),and it had higher antioxidant activities(44.77%DPPH free radical scavenging activity,31.12%superoxide anion radical scavenging activity,and 61.50%copper ion chelating activity).At the same time,the enhancement of emulsion stability was related to the increase of zeta potential and the decrease of mean particle size.In addition,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had a lower bitterness value and showed better palatability.This study has a broad application prospect in developing food ingredients and healthy foods.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province(Grants Nos.2022 B0202160015 and 2019A050520002)the Seed Industry Revitalization Project of Special Funds for Provincial Rural Revitalization Strategy(Grant No.2022-NPY-00-027)+1 种基金the Guangzhou Science and Technology Plan Projects(Grants Nos.202002020086,202102020800 and 202206010170)the Guangzhou Basic and Applied Basic Research Project(Grant No.SL2023A04J01673)。
文摘Fruit wart is an important appearance trait influencing consumer preferences of bitter gourd(Momordica charantia L.).The molecular genetic mechanisms underlying fruit wart formation in bitter gourd are largely unknown.In this study,genetic analysis based on four generations showed that fruit wart formation in bitter gourd was controlled by a single dominant locus named as Fwa.The Fwa locus was initially mapped into a 4.82 Mb region on pseudochromosome 4 by BSA-seq analysis and subsequently narrowed down to a 286.30 kb region by linkage analysis.A large F2population consisting of 2360 individuals was used to screen recombinants,and the Fwa locus was finally fine mapped into a 22.70 kb region harboring four protein-coding genes through recombination analysis.MC04g1399,encoding an epidermal patterning factor 2-like protein,was proposed as the best candidate gene for Fwa via sequence variation and expression analysis.In addition,a 1-bp insertion and deletion(InDel)variation within MC04g1399 was converted to a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence(CAPS)marker that could precisely distinguish between the warty and non-warty types with an accuracy rate of 100%among a wide panel of 126 bitter gourd germplasm resources.Our results not only provide a scientific basis for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit wart formation but also provide a powerful tool for efficient genetic improvement of fruit wart via marker-assisted selection.
基金the Agricultural Variety Improvement Project of Shandong Province(Grant No.2019LZGC007)Taishan Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province(Grant No.tstp20221134)China Agriculture Research System Foundation(Grant No.CARS-27).
文摘Apples often exhibit bitter pits in response to metabolic disorders during ripening and storage;however, the mechanisms underlying the bitter pit(BP) development remain unclear. Here, metabolome and transcriptome analyses were performed to investigate BP pulp of 'Fuji'. Two auxin-response genes, MdGH3.1 and MdSAUR36, were screened. Their expression as well as the auxin content in BP pulp were found to be higher than those in healthy pulp(P < 0.01). In the field, excess CO(NH2)2increased the incidence of BP. Moreover, the auxin content and MdGH3.1 expression increased in apples after nitrogen fertilization. On Day 30 before harvest, the two genes were transiently transferred to the fruit, and 20.69% and 23.21% of BP fruits were harvested. After 10 μmol·L-1auxin was infiltrated at low pressure into postharvest fruit, the increase in MdGH3.1 expression occurred earlier than that in MdSAUR36. MdGH3.1 increased the expression of MdSAUR36, but MdSAUR36 did not increase expression of MdGH3.1. Therefore, we suggest that MdGH3.1 acts upstream of MdSAUR36 during BP formation and that these genes induce BP formation by regulating auxin and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis.
基金Supported by the"Study on High Efficiency Machining and Multiple Utilization Technology of Tea Germplasm Resource"of National Science&Technology Supporting Project(2006BAD06B01)"Data Standard of Perennial and Vegetative Propagation Crop Germplasm Resources as a Share Experimental Unit"of National Fundamental Resources Platform of Science&Technology Project(2005DKA21002-08)~~
文摘Bitter tea is a special kind of tea germplasm in China.The major biochemical components of 24 bitter teas and other 8 Camellia sinensis var.sinensis and 8 C.sinensis var.assamica tea germplasms,which were stored in the China National Germplasm Hangzhou Tea Repository(CNGHTR),were analyzed and evaluated.The results showed that no significant differences of major biochemical components affecting the tea quality were found between bitter tea and common tea.According to the processing suitability index,bitter tea was suitable for the manufacturing of black tea;while according to evolutionary indices such as the composition and content of catechin,bitter tea was similar to C.sinensis var.assamica belonging to the relatively primitive type in evolution.The results of cluster analysis indicated that bitter tea was clustered with C.sinensis var.assamica,so it could be considered to belong to C.sinensis var.assamica.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation Project " Relationship between Distribution of Calcium in Bagged Apple Fruit and Bitter Pit" (30871683)Education Department Project of Shandong Province (J06K56)~~
文摘[Objective]The aim was to study the distribution of Ca in bagged apple fruit and the relationship between antioxidant enzyme activity and bitter pit disease,which will provide a basis for resolving Ca metabolism disorder in apple cultivation. [Method]With Fuji Apple as the tested material,the changes of Ca2＋ content and antioxidant enzyme activity in different parts of apple fruit after picking bags and storage period were determined. [Result]The results showed that Ca contents in the light surface of fruits were higher than that in the backlight surface. The Ca contents of stalk cavity were higher than that of calyx-end. The activities of SOD,POD,CAT and APX in the light surface of fruits were higher than that in the backlight surface. The activities of SOD,POD,CAT and APX of stalk cavity were higher than that of calyx-end. The contents of MDA in the light surface of fruits were lower than that in the backlight surface. The contents of MDA of stalk cavity were lower than that of calyx-end. [Conclusion]The incidence rate of bitter pit in the light surface of fruits were lower than that in the backlight surface,and the incidence rate of bitter pit of stalk cavity were lower than that of calyx-end.
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of agronomic traits and genetic relationships among core collections of bitter gourd.[Method] Total 141 germplasms of bitter gourd were selected,and the genetic diversity of 13 agronomic traits was analyzed.In addition,total 46 core collections of bitter gourd were employed,and their genetic relationships were analyzed based on the phenotypic values and genotypic values of 5 agronomic traits,respectively.[Result] The genetic diversity analysis of agronomic traits showed that the genetic diversity indexes of the 4 qualitative traits of bitter gourd germplasms ranged from 0.46 to 1.34;the distribution of the 9 quantitative traits data was more dispersed with average coefficient of variation of 20.02%.The genetic relationship analysis showed that based on the phenotypic values and genotypic values of the 5 quantitative traits,the genetic distances among the 46 core collections of bitter gourd were different.Based on the genotypic values,the genetic distances among the 46 bitter gourd core collections ranged from 0.84 to 10.71.The 46 germplasms were divided into 17 groups with the rescaled distance of 8.5,which further classified the relationships among different germplasms.[Conclusion] This study will lay a solid foundation for the effective utilization of core collections and new variety breeding in bitter gourd.
基金Supported by Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest of China(201503106,201103003)Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-25-G-36)~~
文摘Different application rates of controlled release nitrogen fertilizer （CRFN） were designed to evaluate their effects on the growth and root morphology of bitter gourd （Momordica charantia L.） seedlings, and thus determine the optimal nitrogen amount and suitable nitrogen content in substrate at seedling transplanting,, in com- parison with conventional fertilizer application. CRFN was applied at five levels, 0, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8 kg N/m3, and conventional fertilizer was applied at 0.6 kg N/m3 as control. Four replicates were included in each treatment. The results showed that 0.6-2.4 kg N/m3 CRFN provided sufficient N nutrient for bitter gourd, with higher shoot and root dry weights, root length and root surface area than control treat- ments. Correspondingly, the total inorganic nitrogen in substrate ranged from 99.3 to 162.5 mg/pot at seedling transplanting in these treatments. 1.2 kg N/m3 was proven to be the optimal CRFN rate. Compared with conventional nitrogen fertilizer applica- tion, 1.2 kg N/m3 CRFN in substrate increased the dry weight, nitrogen uptake and improved root morphology indices of seedlings, and more than 83.3 mg/pot inorgan- ic nitrogen could be carried with substrate at transplanting, revealing a potential to reduce N-deficient risk after rain and basal N input by continuous release of CRFN.
基金Supported by Key Technology Research and Development Program for Agriculture of Jianngsu Province(BE2012323)~~
文摘Objective] This study was conducted to verify the feasibiIity of ISSR marker for identifying genetic purity of bitter gourd hybrid, and thus to provide an effective method for seed purity test in production practices. [Method] The DNA fin-gerprints of a bitter gourd cuItivar Xiuyu 1 and its parents were analyzed using IS-SR marker with 91 primers. [Result] Two primers ISSR-845 and ISSR-891 which ampIified two DNA bands of 510 and 300 bp respectiveIy from F1 generation and its parents were screened out from 91 primers. ISSR-845 couId distinguish the male parent from F1 hybrid and the female parent, whiIe ISSR-891 couId distinguish the female parent inbred Iine from Xiuyu 1. Seed purity test with the specific markers gave the same resuIt with fiIed trials based on morphoIogical identification. [Conclu-sion] ISSR marker is an accurate, simpIe and effective method for seed purity test bitter gourd hybrid, and thus can be used in production practices.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81430094).
文摘Objective:To explore the relationship between bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy),their character-istics were analyzed at the target and pharmacodynamic points.Methods:Compounds with bitter receptor activity were obtained by high-throughput screening models of the human bitter taste receptors(hTAS2Rs),which were used to analyze bitter taste.The efficacy of anti-asthma medications was used as an example to research bitter flavor(efficacy).The pharmacological effects of bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)were classified according to the functional modules.The coverage for the same targets or pharmacological effects in the overall protein interaction network(PIN)of bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)was analyzed to reveal their relationship.The effect of the compound polydatin with anti-asthma activation on hTAS2R14 was studied to verify the reliability of the aforementioned idea.Results:A total of 121 Chinese materia medica(CMM)compounds that activate hTAS2R10,hTAS2R14,and hTAS2R49 were obtained.The analysis results indicated that 108 same targets for bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)were obtained,accounting for 13.9%in the PIN of bitter taste and 72.5%in the PIN of bitter flavor(efficacy).The pharmacological effects shared by bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)accounted for 79%of the PIN of bitter taste and 81%of the PIN of bitter flavor(efficacy).The activating effect of the anti-asthma compound polydatin on hTAS2R14 was dose-dependent with EC 50 of 4.3 m M.Conclusion:In this study,the relationship between bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)has been demonstrated from the target and pharmacodynamic points,which are based on hTAS2Rs and anti-asthma effect.Bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)exhibited a high correlation.This study provides a theoretical and scientific basis for the hypothesis that“the property theory of CMM is the clinical pharmacodynamics of CMM.”
基金This work was supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.60725102,31000448)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant Nos.20100471737,201104734)the Key Project of Zhejiang Province(Grant No.2010C14006).
文摘This paper presents a novel biosensor for bitter substance detection on the basis of light addressable potentiometric sensor(LAPS).Taste receptor cells(TRCs)were used as sensitive elements,which can respond to different bitter stimuli with extreme high sensitivity and speci-ficity.TRCs were isolated from the taste buds of rats and cultured on the surface of LAPS chip.Due to the unique advantages such as single-cell recording,light addressable capability,and noninvasiveness,LAPS chip was used as secondary transducer to monitor the responses of TRCs by recording extracelluar potential changes.The results indicate LAPS chip can effectively record the responses of TRCs to different bitter substances used in this study in a real-time manner for a long-term.In addition,by performing principal component analysis on the LAPS recording data,different bitter substances tested can be successfully discriminated.It is suggested this TRCsLAPS hybrid biosensor could be a valuable tool for bitter substance detection.With further improvement and novel design,it has great potentials to be applied in both basic research and practical applications related to bitter taste detection.
文摘In order to estimate the bitterness intensity of citrus products we applied an adaptative sensory evaluation method, using naringin as the reference for bitterness. Twenty-five untrained subjects participated in this study. Firstly they tasted and positioned 2 naringin references on an unstructured relative-to-reference scaling to define their own bitterness scales. They then evaluated the bitterness intensity of 2 types of bitter orange products (3 distillates and 2 cold-pressed essential oils of bitter orange peels) according to their own perceptions on their own scales. We observed that 2 types of scale use could be distinguished that might be related to subjects’ sensitivity or/and consumption habits to bitterness. As a result, we observed a significant difference in bitterness intensity between the crude cold-pressed essential oil and the debittered one of bitter orange, whereas there was no significant difference between the 3 distillates. This approach makes it possible to take inter-individual differences in subjects’ sensitivity into account. It also provides a way to very simply rate bitterness intensity with subjects who have received no prior training in sensory evaluation.
基金supported by NIH Grants CA182872 and CA190291 to S.Anant.S.Anant is an Eminent Scientist of the Kansas Biosciences Authority
文摘Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. The plant extract inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and inhibiting cancer stem cells. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents like cucurbitane type triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids, and proteins. Some of the isolated compounds （Kuguacin J, Karaviloside XI, Kuguaglycoside C, Momordicoside Q-U, Charantin, a-eleostearic acid） and proteins （a-Momorcharin, RNase MC2, MAP30） possess potent biological activity. In the present review, we are summarizing the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia along with a short account of important chemical constituents, providing a basis for establishing detail biological activities of the plant and developing novel drug molecules based on the active chemical constituents.
基金Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh is gratefully ac knowledged for providing University Grants Commission, New Delhi, sponsored fellowship to one of us (Rukhsana Satar)
文摘Calcium-alginate pectin entrapped bitter gourd peroxidase （BGP） has been employed for the treatment of disperse dyes： Disperse Brown 1 （DB 1） and Disperse Red 17 （DR 17）. Peroxidase alone was unable to decolorize DR 17 and DB 1. However, the investigated dyes were decolorized maximally by BGP in the presence of 0.2 mmol/L redox mediator, violuric acid （VA）. A slow decrease in percent decolorization was observed when VA concentration was higher than 0.2 mmol/L which could likely be due to the high reactivity of its aminoxyl radical （ N–O . ） intermediate, that might undergo chemical reactions with aromatic amino acid side chains of the enzyme thereby inactivating it. Maximum decolorization of the dyes was observed at pH 3.0 and 40°C within 2 hr of incubation. Immobilized peroxidase decolorized 98% DR 17 and 71% DB 1 using 35 U of BGP in batch process in 90 min. Immobilized enzyme decolorized 85% DR 17 and 51% DB 1 whereas soluble enzyme decolorized DR 17 to 48% and DB 1 to 30% at 60°C. UV-visible spectral analysis was used to evaluate the degradation of these dyes and their toxicity was tested by Allium cepa test. The generally observed higher stability of the bioaffinity bound enzymes against various forms of inactivation may be related to the specific and strong binding of enzyme with bioaffinity support which prevents the unfolding/denaturation of enzyme. Thus entrapped peroxidase was found to be effective in the decolorization of the investigated dyes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30871943)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.3080 0858)
文摘Ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction was confirmed as a novel,effective method for separating lipid from mackerel pro-tein,resulting in a degreasing rate (DR) of 95% and a nitrogen recovery (NR) of 88.6%.To obtain protein hydrolysates with high ni-trogen recovery and low bitter taste,enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using eight commercially available proteases.It turned out that the optimum enzyme was the ‘Mixed enzymes for animal proteolysis’.An enzyme dosage of 4%,a temperature of 50℃,and a hydrolysis time of 300 min were found to be the optimum conditions to obtain high NR (84.28%) and degree of hydrolysis (DH,16.18%) by orthogonal experiments.Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid of MDP (defatted mackerel protein) and MDPH (defatted mackerel protein hydrolysates).Compared with the FAO/WHO reference protein,the essential amino acid chemical scores (CS) were greater than 1.0 (1.0 1.7) in MDPH,which is reflective of high nutritional value.This,coupled with the light color and slight fishy odor,indicates that MDPH would potentially have a wide range of applications such as nutritional additives,functional ingredients,and so on.
文摘Objective:To investigate three tropical plant materials - clove seeds[Syzygium aromalicum(S. aromaticum)],bitter kola fruits[Garcinia kola(G.kola)]and tobacco leaves(Nicotiana species) as potential targeted killers of Streptococcus mutans(S.mutatis),a cavity-causing bacterium(gram-positive, facultative anaerobe) that resides in a multispecies microbial community(dental plaque) for the treatment of dental caries(tooth decay).Methods:Thirty one(31) teeth samples were collected from patients with obvious signs of tooth decay(swollen gum,weak or fallen tooth,etc.) using sterile swab sticks.These samples were collected from two major denial clinics in Nsukka, Enugu State,Nigeria and investigated by spread inoculation onto sterile blood agar and Mueller Hinton agar(MHA) respectively and incubated at 37℃for 24 h.The discrete colonies obtained were further re-inoculated onto sterile Mitis salivarius agar(MSA) plates and incubated as above. The isolates were characterized by gram staining and calalase lesl.Tobacco leaves,clove seeds and bitter kola fruits were ground into powder,extracted with three different solvents(n-hexane, hot water and ethanol),filtered,dried and stored in clean containers,corked and kept until used. The plant extracts were investigated for phytochemistry,minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC), minimum cidal concentration(MCC)and compared with some conventional antibiotics commonly used against tooth decay.Antibiotic sensitivity test was also carried out.The results were statistically analyzed.Results:The extracts showed varied phytochemical composition but most abundantly the flavonoids.Our result also shows that females(16) have more tooth decay than males(15) and that 16 samples were very bloody while 15 were slightly bloody.The microbial characterization showed that 18 samples were catalase-positive indicating the presence of S. mutans while 13 were catalase-negative suspected to be Staphylococcus spp.The Gram reaction confirmed 13 Gram-negative and 18 Gram-positive organisms.The n-hexane extract had the best antimicrobial activity followed by the ethanol and lastly hot water.MIC showed that n-hexane clove extract had the largest inhibition zone diameter,followed by bitter kola extract and lastly tobacco extract.The antibiotic sensitivity test credited ciprofloxacin the best because it exhibited broad spectrum of action.Conclusions:Since the n-hexane extract of clove seeds demonstrated preferential growth-inhibitory activity against the causal cariogenic pathogens(S.mutans) in dental caries,we therefore,report here that clove extract be henceforth considered as a potential ingredient in toothpaste preparation.
