Dataset Information

An improved method for estimating R-phycoerythrin and R-phycocyanin contents from crude aqueous extracts of Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta).

ABSTRACT: One frequently-cited method for determining phycoerythrin (PE) and phycocyanin (PC) contents from crude aqueous extracts of red seaweeds utilizes peaks and troughs of absorbance spectra. The trough absorbance values are used to establish a linear or logarithmic baseline attributable to background scatter of particulate cellular debris not removed by centrifugation. Pigment contents are calculated by subtracting baseline values from PE and PC absorbance peaks. The baseline correction is intended to make the method independent of centrifugation time and/or speed. However, when crude extracts of Porphyra were analyzed using this protocol, R-PE and R-PC estimates were significantly affected by centrifugation time, suggesting that the method was not reliable for the genus. The present study has shown that with sufficient centrifugation, background scatter in Porphyra extracts can be removed, the remaining spectrum representing the overlapping absorbance peaks of water-soluble pigments in the extract. Using fourth derivative analysis of Porphyra extract absorbance spectra, peaks corresponding to chlorophyll, R-PE, R-PC, and allophycocyanin (APC) were identified. Dilute solutions of purified R-PE, R-PC and chlorophyll were scanned separately to identify spectral overlaps and develop new equations for phycobilin quantification. The new equations were used to estimate R-PE and R-PC contents of Porphyra extracts and purified R-PE, R-PC and chlorophyll solutions were mixed according to concentrations corresponding to the sample estimates. Absorbances and fourth derivative spectra of the sample extract and purified pigment mixtures were compared and found to coincide. The newly derived equations are more accurate for determining R-PE and R-PC of Porphyra than previously published methods.

SUBMITTER: Sampath-Wiley P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2668582 | biostudies-other | 2007 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:Background:Malaria is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Moreover, the emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs is a major problem in controlling the disease. This makes the development of novel antimalarial drugs a necessity. Medicinal plants are important sources in discovering antimalarial drugs. Schinus molle is claimed for its antimalarial effect in Ethiopian folkloric medicine and endowed with in vitro antiplasmodial activity. In the present study, the in vivo antimalarial activity of the plant was investigated. Methods:Acute toxicity was carried out using a standard procedure. To screen the in vivo antimalarial activity of the plant was investigated. S. molle against Plasmodium berghei (ANKA), a 4-day suppressive test was employed. The extracts and fractions were given to infected mice by oral gavage at 100, 200, and 400?mg/kg/day for four consecutive days. Parameters such as parasitemia were then evaluated. Results:Any sign of toxicity was not observed in the oral acute toxicity test. The crude extracts and solvent fractions exerted a significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of parasite load compared to the negative control. The highest inhibition (66.91%) was exhibited by the 400?mg/kg/day dose of 80% methanolic crude extract. Among the fractions, chloroform fraction demonstrated maximal chemosuppressive effect (55.60%). Moreover, crude extracts and solvent fractions prevented body weight loss, reduction in temperature, and anemia compared to the negative control. Except the aqueous fraction, the tested plant extracts were able to significantly prolong the survival time of infected mice. Conclusion:The findings of the present study confirmed the safety and a promising in vivo antimalarial activity of S. molle, thus supporting the traditional claim and in vitro efficacy. In-depth investigations on the plant, however, are highly recommended.in vivo antimalarial activity of the plant was investigated. S. molle against in vitro antiplasmodial activity. In the present study, the.

Dataset Information

An improved method for estimating R-phycoerythrin and R-phycocyanin contents from crude aqueous extracts of Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta).

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets