Stevia
Sweetening Agents
Glucosides
Brachiaria
Clinical Laboratory Services
Switzerland
Penicillium
Ajuga
Cellulases
Inhibitory effect of stevioside on tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in two-stage carcinogenesis in mouse skin. (1/23)
Four steviol (ent-kaurene-type diterpenoid) glycosides, stevioside, rebaudiosides A and C, and dulcoside A, have been isolated from Stevia rebaudiana BERTONI. These compounds showed strong inhibitory activity against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation in mice. The 50% inhibitory dose of these compounds for TPA-induced inflammation was 54.1-291.6 micro g/ear. Furthermore, at 1.0 and 0.1 mg/mouse of stevioside mixture, the mixture of these compounds markedly inhibited the promoting effect of TPA (1 micro g/mouse) on skin tumor formation initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (50 micro g/mouse). (+info)Transport of the natural sweetener stevioside and its aglycone steviol by human organic anion transporter (hOAT1; SLC22A6) and hOAT3 (SLC22A8). (2/23)
The natural sweetening agent stevioside and its aglycone metabolite, steviol, have been shown to inhibit transepithelial transport of para-aminohippurate (PAH) in isolated rabbit renal proximal tubules by interfering with basolateral entry. The aim of the present study was to determine which of the cloned basolateral organic anion transporters were involved in the renal transport of stevioside and steviol. This question was addressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1), 3 (hOAT3), and winter flounder OAT (fOat1). The parent compound, stevioside, had no inhibitory effect on either PAH (hOAT1) or ES (estrone sulfate; hOAT3) uptake. In contrast, steviol showed significant, dose-dependent inhibition of PAH and ES uptake in hOAT1- or hOAT3-expressing oocytes, respectively. The IC(50) of steviol for hOAT1-mediated PAH transport was 11.1 microM compared with 62.6 microM for hOAT3-mediated ES uptake. The Michaelis-Menten inhibition constants (K(i)) for steviol transport mediated by hOAT1 and hOAT3 were 2.0 +/- 0.3 and 5.4 +/- 2.0 microM, respectively. Trans-stimulation of PAH efflux by steviol was assessed to determine whether steviol itself was transported by hOAT1 or hOAT3. A low concentration of 1 microM steviol increased the efflux of [(3)H]PAH (trans-stimulated) via both hOAT1 and hOAT3. In addition, it was shown by electrophysiology that steviol entry induced inward current in fOat1-expressing oocytes. In conclusion, stevioside had no interaction with either hOAT1 or hOAT3, whereas hOAT1, hOAT3, and fOat1 were all shown to be capable of steviol transport and thus, can play a role in its renal transport and excretion. (+info)Interaction between phosphorus and zinc on the biomass yield and yield attributes of the medicinal plant stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). (3/23)
A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore to study the interaction effect between phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) on the yield and yield attributes of the medicinal plant stevia. The results show that the yield and yield attributes have been found to be significantly affected by different treatments. The total yield in terms of biomass production has been increased significantly with the application of Zn and P in different combinations and methods, being highest (23.34 g fresh biomass) in the treatment where Zn was applied as both soil (10 kg ZnSO4/ha) and foliar spray (0.2% ZnSO4). The results also envisaged that the different yield attributes viz. height, total number of branches, and number of leaves per plant have been found to be varied with treatments, being highest in the treatment where Zn was applied as both soil and foliar spray without the application of P. The results further indicated that the yield and yield attributes of stevia have been found to be decreased in the treatment where Zn was applied as both soil and foliar spray along with P suggesting an antagonistic effect between Zn and P. (+info)Interaction effect between phosphorus and zinc on their availability in soil in relation to their contents in stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). (4/23)
A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore to study the interaction effect between phosphorus and zinc on their availability in soil in relation to their contents in stevia (Stevia rebaudiana). The results show that the amount of available P and Zn content in soil has been found to increase initially and, thereafter, the amount of the same decreased with the progress of plant growth up to 60 days irrespective of treatments. The amount of P and Zn in soils showed an increase with their separate applications either as soil or foliar spray while that of the same value significantly decreased both in soils and plants due to their combined applications, suggesting a mutual antagonistic effect between Zn and P affecting each other's availability in soil and content in the stevia plant. (+info)Inhibitory effects of hot water extract of the Stevia stem on the contractile response of the smooth muscle of the guinea pig ileum. (5/23)
The effects of a hot water extract of the stem of Stevia rebaudiana on the smooth muscle of isolated guinea pig ileum were investigated. The butyl alcohol layer of the extract antagonized the contractions of the isolated guinea pig ileum induced by histamine (1 x 10(-5) M) and acetylcholine (1 x 10(-5) M) in a concentration-dependent manner. The butyl alcohol layer of the extract also showed inhibition of CaCl(2) (1 x 10(-3)-3.8 x 10(-1) M)-induced contractions. The antagonism of the extract was considered to be non-specific, but this action might be related to an influx of extracellular Ca(2+). With column chromatography preparation, the active component was assumed to be as stevioside. The antagonistic effects exerted by the stem extract of Stevia rebaudiana contributed to the gastroprotective activity of the extract in animals fed dietary histamine. (+info)Dechlorophyllation by electrocoagulation. (6/23)
Electrocoagulation was used for dechlorophyllation of alcoholic extracts from five plants. The results showed that for every plant extract studied, electrocoagulation was more efficient than the classical solvent extraction method in removing plant pigments, while not affecting the important secondary metabolites in those extracts. (+info)Incretin release from gut is acutely enhanced by sugar but not by sweeteners in vivo. (7/23)
(+info)Steviol effect, a glycoside of Stevia rebaudiana, on glucose clearances in rats. (8/23)
(+info)Stevia is not a medical term, but a common name for a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Here's a definition related to its use as a sweetener:
Stevia: A natural non-nutritive sweetener and sugar substitute derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which is native to South America. The sweetening compounds in stevia are called steviol glycosides, which have up to 350 times the sweetness of sucrose (table sugar) but contain minimal calories and do not raise blood sugar levels. Stevia extracts are often used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages, including drinks, desserts, and baked goods. It is also available in powdered or liquid forms for general use as a sweetener.
Diterpenes, kaurane refers to a class of diterpenoids with a unique chemical structure called a kaurane skeleton. Diterpenes are a type of terpene, which are natural compounds derived from isoprene units. Kaurane diterpenes are characterized by a particular carbon skeleton consisting of five six-membered rings, including four cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring.
Kaurane diterpenes can be found in various plants, including those used in traditional medicine. Some kaurane diterpenes have been reported to possess biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand their therapeutic potential and safety profile.
Cyclamates are a type of artificial sweetener that were widely used in food and beverages as a sugar substitute until they were banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970. They are synthetic derivatives of cyclamic acid, which is a naturally occurring compound found in some plants.
Cyclamates are approximately 30-50 times sweeter than sugar, making them an attractive alternative for people looking to reduce their calorie intake. However, studies conducted in the 1960s suggested that cyclamates may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer in rats, leading to their ban in the United States and several other countries.
While some countries still allow the use of cyclamates in certain food products, they remain a controversial ingredient due to ongoing concerns about their safety. The European Union has classified cyclamates as a category IV sweetener, which means that they are considered safe for human consumption in limited quantities, but their use is restricted to specific applications and maximum levels have been established.
Aspartame is a synthetic, low-calorie sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages. It is composed of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, and a methanol molecule. Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to provide the same level of sweetness.
In the body, aspartame is broken down into its component parts during digestion. The aspartic acid and phenylalanine are absorbed and used for normal bodily functions, while the methanol is converted into formaldehyde and then formic acid, which are eliminated from the body.
Aspartame is approved for use in foods and beverages by many health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, it has been the subject of some controversy, with some studies suggesting that it may be associated with health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and seizures. These claims have not been consistently supported by scientific research, and the FDA and EFSA consider aspartame to be safe for the general population when used in moderation.
It is important to note that people with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame because they are unable to metabolize phenylalanine, which can build up to toxic levels in their bodies. Foods and beverages containing aspartame must carry a warning label indicating its presence for this reason.
Sweetening agents are substances that are added to foods or drinks to give them a sweet taste. They can be natural, like sugar (sucrose), honey, and maple syrup, or artificial, like saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose. Artificial sweeteners are often used by people who want to reduce their calorie intake or control their blood sugar levels. However, it's important to note that some sweetening agents may have potential health concerns when consumed in large amounts.
Glucosides are chemical compounds that consist of a glycosidic bond between a sugar molecule (typically glucose) and another non-sugar molecule, which can be an alcohol, phenol, or steroid. They occur naturally in various plants and some microorganisms.
Glucosides are not medical terms per se, but they do have significance in pharmacology and toxicology because some of them may release the sugar portion upon hydrolysis, yielding aglycone, which can have physiological effects when ingested or absorbed into the body. Some glucosides are used as medications or dietary supplements due to their therapeutic properties, while others can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Brachiaria is a genus of tropical and subtropical grasses that are native to Africa, but have since been introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world. They are important pasture grasses for grazing livestock, particularly in areas with low soil fertility and high temperatures. Some species of Brachiaria have also been found to have potential as cover crops and for erosion control.
There is no medical definition of 'Brachiaria' as it is a term used in botany and agriculture, not medicine.
Clinical laboratory services refer to the tests and examinations performed on samples of patient’s bodily fluids, tissues, and other substances to assist in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating medical conditions. These services are typically provided by specialized laboratories that use various analytical methods and technologies to examine clinical specimens.
The tests conducted by clinical laboratory services can include hematology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, toxicology, and urinalysis, among others. The results of these tests provide critical information to healthcare providers for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various medical conditions, including infections, genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and cancer.
Clinical laboratory services play a vital role in modern healthcare systems, providing accurate and timely diagnostic information that helps improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the quality of care.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Switzerland" is not a medical term or concept. Switzerland is a country in Europe, known officially as the Swiss Confederation. If you have any questions about medical terminology or concepts, I'd be happy to try and help answer those for you!
"Penicillium" is not a medical term per se, but it is a genus of mold that is widely used in the field of medicine, specifically in the production of antibiotics. Here's a scientific definition:
Penicillium is a genus of ascomycete fungi that are commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, decaying vegetation, and food. Many species of Penicillium produce penicillin, a group of antibiotics with activity against gram-positive bacteria. The discovery and isolation of penicillin from Penicillium notatum by Alexander Fleming in 1928 revolutionized the field of medicine and led to the development of modern antibiotic therapy. Since then, various species of Penicillium have been used in the industrial production of penicillin and other antibiotics, as well as in the production of enzymes, organic acids, and other industrial products.
I apologize for any confusion, but "Ajuga" is not a medical term. It is actually the name of a genus of plants in the mint family, also known as bugleweed. These plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders, and skin irritations. However, it's important to note that the use of herbal remedies should always be discussed with a healthcare provider beforehand, as they can interact with other medications or have unintended side effects.
Cellulases are a group of enzymes that break down cellulose, which is a complex carbohydrate and the main structural component of plant cell walls. These enzymes are produced by various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. They play an important role in the natural decomposition process and have various industrial applications, such as in the production of biofuels, paper, and textiles.
Cellulases work by hydrolyzing the beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds between the glucose molecules that make up cellulose, breaking it down into simpler sugars like glucose. This process is known as saccharification. The specific type of cellulase enzyme determines where on the cellulose molecule it will cleave the bond.
There are three main types of cellulases: endoglucanases, exoglucanases, and beta-glucosidases. Endoglucanases randomly attack internal bonds in the amorphous regions of cellulose, creating new chain ends for exoglucanases to act on. Exoglucanases (also known as cellobiohydrolases) cleave cellobiose units from the ends of the cellulose chains, releasing cellobiose or glucose. Beta-glucosidases convert cellobiose into two molecules of glucose, which can then be further metabolized by the organism.
In summary, cellulases are a group of enzymes that break down cellulose into simpler sugars through hydrolysis. They have various industrial applications and play an essential role in natural decomposition processes.