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Clinical Studies
Abstracts are presented below for clinical
studies on Chicory.
Plant Phytonutrient Profile
1: Food Chem Toxicol. 2007 Jan 11; [Epub ahead
of print]
Toxicological evaluation of a chicory root extract.
Schmidt BM, Ilic N, Poulev A, Raskin I.
Biotech Center, Cook College, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick,
NJ 08901/8520, USA.
An Ames test and a 28/day sub/chronic toxicity study in male and female
Sprague/Dawley rats were conducted to evaluate the safety of a chicory root
extract being investigated as a therapeutic for inflammation. Chicory extract
had no mutagenic activity in the Ames test although it was cytotoxic to certain
strains of Salmonella at higher doses with and without metabolic activation. For
the 28/day rat study, measurements included clinical observations, body weights,
food consumption, clinical pathology, gross necropsy and histology. There were
no treatment/related toxic effects from chicory extract administered orally at
70, 350, or 1000mg/kg/day. Since there were no observed adverse effects of
chicory extract in these studies, the NOAEL for the extract is 1000mg/kg/g
administered orally for 28days.
PMID: 17306431 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
2: J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 21;55(4):1604/11.
The fate of trans/caftaric acid administered into the rat stomach.
Vanzo A, Cecotti R, Vrhovsek U, Torres AM, Mattivi F, Passamonti S.
Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova 17, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
trans/Caftaric acid is the most abundant nonflavonoid phenolic compound in
grapes and wines. It occurs in chicory and is one of the bioactive components of
Echinacea purpurea. In order to fill the gap of knowledge about its
bioavailability in mammals, we investigated its absorption, tissue distribution,
and metabolism in rats. Assuming that the stomach is a relevant site of
absorption of dietary polyphenols, a solution of trans/caftaric acid was
maintained in the ligated stomach of anaesthetized rats for 20 min. Intact
trans/caftaric acid was detected in rat plasma at both 10 and 20 min (293 +// 45
and 334 +// 49 ng/mL, respectively), along with its O/methylated derivative
trans/fertaric acid, whose concentration rose over time (from 92 +// 12 to 185
+// 24 ng/mL). At 20 min, both trans/caftaric acid and trans/fertaric acid were
detected in the kidney (443 +// 78 and 2506 +// 514 ng/g, respectively) but not
in the liver. Only trans/fertaric acid was found in the urine (33.3 +// 12.8
microg/mL). In some rats, trans/caftaric acid was detected in the brain (180 +//
20 ng/g).
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 17300159 [PubMed / in process]
3: Biomacromolecules. 2007 Feb;8(2):485/9.
Use of acyl phosphonates for the synthesis of inulin esters and their use as
emulsion stabilizing agents.
Rogge TM, Stevens CV, Colpaert A, Levecke B, Booten K.
SynBioC Research Group, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Bioscience
Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B/9000 Gent, Belgium; and
ORAFTI Bio Based Chemicals, Aandorenstraat 1, B/3300 Tienen, Belgium.
Inulin, the polydisperse polyfructose, extracted from chicory, was modified via
esterification with acyl phosphonates. The grafting of an acyl chain onto the
inulin backbone under different conditions led to a highly efficient synthesis
of a series of inulin esters, with interesting tensioactive properties. The
derivatives were evaluated in oil/in/water (O/W) emulsions with isoparaffinic
oil, Isopar M. Therefore, a 2% (w/v) aqueous solution of inulin/based surfactant
was used in 50/50 O/W emulsions, in nonelectrolyte, and in electrolyte media,
using 1 M MgSO4. Longer acyl chains, e.g., dodecanoyl (C12), hexadecanoyl (C16),
and octadecanoyl (C18), with degrees of substitution lower than 0.5, gave rise
to the highest emulsion stabilities against coalescence.
PMID: 17291072 [PubMed / in process]
4: J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 7;55(3):795/8.
Effect of selenium foliar application on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.).
Germ M, Stibilj V, Osvald J, Kreft I.
National Institute of Biology, Vecna pot 111, SI/1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, Jozef
Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI/1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Leaves of young chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) plants were sprayed with selenate
(1 mg SeVI/L) to establish the distribution of added selenium (Se) in the heads.
Its concentration was analyzed in the outer, intermediate, and innermost leaves
of chicory heads. The concentration of Se was about double (43/46 ng Se g/1 DM)
that in the control (21/24 ng Se g/1 DM), indicating that the applied Se was
transported from the sprayed leaves to the heads. In cv. Monivip, Se
concentration was even throughout the head, but in cv. Anivip, the innermost
leaves had a lower concentration of Se. No visual symptoms of Se toxicity
appeared on the plants, and the quantum yield of photosystem II showed no
indication that Se spraying could be harmful for energy conversion. Se increased
the respiratory potential in young plants but not in plants at harvest time.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 17263476 [PubMed / in process]
5: Ann Bot (Lond). 2007 Jan;99(1):111/20.
Biomass allocation is an important determinant of the tannin concentration in
growing plants.
Haring DA, Suter D, Amrhein N, Luscher A.
Agroscope Reckenholz/Tanikon, Research Station ART, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046
Zurich, Switzerland.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Condensed tannins (CTs) in the diet affect consumers in a
concentration/dependent manner. Because of their importance in plant defence
against herbivores and pathogens as well as their potential application against
gastrointestinal parasites of ruminants in agronomy, an understanding of the
seasonal dynamics of CT concentrations during plant growth is essential.
METHODS: Over a vegetation period, CT concentrations in leaves, stems and roots
and the biomass proportions between these organs were investigated in Onobrychis
viciifolia, Lotus corniculatus and Cichorium intybus. Based on the experimental
data, a model has been suggested to predict CT concentrations in harvestable
biomass of these species. KEY RESULTS: During the experiment, leaf mass
fractions of plants decreased from 85, 64, 85 to 30, 18, 39 % d. wt in
Onobrychis, Lotus and Cichorium, respectively, and proportions of stems and
roots increased accordingly. While CT concentrations almost doubled in leaves in
Onobrychis (from 52 to 86 mg g(/1) d. wt, P<0.001) and Lotus (from 25 to 54 mg
g(/1) d. wt, P<0.001), they were stable at low levels in expanding leaves of
Cichorium (5 mg g(/1) d. wt) and in stems and roots of all investigated species.
Due to an inverse effect of the increasing CT concentrations in leaves and
simultaneous dilution from increasing proportions of 'CT/poor' stems, CT
concentrations in harvestable biomass were stable over time in all investigated
species: 62, 26 and 5 mg g(/1) d. wt for Onobrychis, Lotus and Cichorium,
respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As a consequence of the unequal distribution of
tannins in different plant parts and due to the changing biomass proportions
between them, various herbivores (e.g. a leaf/eating insect and a grazing
ruminant) may find not only different concentrations of CT in their diets but
also different CT dynamics during the season. For the prediction of seasonal
variations of CT concentrations, biomass allocation and accumulation of none/CT
plant material are likely to be as important predictors as the knowledge of CT
synthesis and its regulation.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 17210606 [PubMed / in process]
6: Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2006 Nov/Dec;69(6):34/6.
[The effect of cichorium root extract on the morphofunctional state of liver in
rats with carbon tetrachloride induced hepatitis model]
[Article in Russian]
Krylova SG, Efimova LA, Vymiatina ZK, Zueva EP.
It is established that cichorium root extract therapy leads to normalization of
some morphofunctional liver features (decreases glycogen content and cell of
necrosis and increases the number of cells with pronounced protein synthesis
activity) in rats with CCl4/induced hepatitis.
Publication Types:
English Abstract
PMID: 17209462 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
7: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Dec 1; [Epub ahead of print]
Anti/diabetic effects of Cichorium intybus in streptozotocin/induced diabetic
rats.
Pushparaj PN, Low HK, Manikandan J, Tan BK, Tan CH.
Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University
of Singapore, Singapore 119260, Singapore.
The present study was designed to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic
properties of an ethanolic extract of Cichorium intybus (CIE) which is widely
used in India as a traditional treatment for diabetes mellitus. Male
Sprague/Dawley rats aged 9 weeks (160/200g) were administered with
streptozotocin (STZ, 50mg/kg) intraperitoneally to induce experimental diabetes.
The Cichorium intybus whole plant was exhaustively extracted with 80% ethanol,
concentrated at 40 degrees C using a rotavapor and freeze dried to get powder.
Hypoglycemic effects of CIE were observed in an oral glucose tolerance test
(OGTT) in which, a dose of 125mg of plant extract/kg body weight exhibited the
most potent hypoglycemic effect. Moreover, daily administration of CIE
(125mg/kg) for 14 days to diabetic rats attenuated serum glucose by 20%,
triglycerides by 91% and total cholesterol by 16%. However, there was no change
in serum insulin levels, which ruled out the possibility that CIE induces
insulin secretion from pancreatic beta/cells. In addition, hepatic
glucose/6/phosphatase activity (Glc/6/Pase) was markedly reduced by CIE when
compared to the control group. The reduction in the hepatic Glc/6/Pase activity
could decrease hepatic glucose production, which in turn results in lower
concentration of blood glucose in CIE/treated diabetic rats. In conclusion, our
results support the traditional belief that Cichorium intybus could ameliorate
diabetic state.
PMID: 17197141 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
8: Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2006;71(1):145/9.
Influence of harvest date on the yield and quality of chicory (Cichorium intybus
L.).
Francois IM, Marien E, De Proft M.
Laboratorium voor Plantenteelt, De Croylaan 42, BE/3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
PMID: 17191494 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
9: Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2006;71(1):75/8.
RNA interference (RNAI) as a tool to engineer high nutritional value in chicory
(Chicorium intybus).
Asad M.
Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological
Sciences, Ghent University Coupure Links 653, BE/9000 Gent, Belgium.
Asad.Maroufi@ugent.be
The major component of chicory (Chicorium intybus) root is inulin, which is a
polymer of fructose. Inulin production from chicory is hampered by the enzyme
fructan 1/exohydrolase (1/FEH) that degrades inulin and limits its yield.
Increased FEH activity results in massive breakdown of fructan and production of
Fructose and inulo/n/oses. The latter phenomena are to be avoided for industrial
fructan production. RNA silencing, which is termed post/transcriptional gene
silencing (PTGS) in plants, is an RNA degradation process through sequence
specific nucleotide interactions induced by double/stranded RNA. For genetic
improvement of crop plants, RNAi has advantages over antisense/mediated gene
silencing and co/suppression, in terms of its efficiency and stability. We are
generating a transgenic chicory plants with suppressed FEH (exohydrolas) genes
using RNAi resulting in supressed inulin degradation. A small but important part
of the construct is a sequence unique for the target gene (exons) or genes,which
were cloned. The hairpin constructs were made and chicory was transformed by
Agrobacterium tumifaciense, strain (C58C1). The transgenics should be select and
check by means of molecular techniques.
PMID: 17191477 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
10: Biometrics. 2006 Dec;62(4):1107/15.
Fragment length distributions and collision probabilities for AFLP markers.
Gort G, Koopman WJ, Stein A.
Biometris, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 100, 6700 AC
Wageningen, The Netherlands. gerrit.gort@wur.nl
AFLP is a DNA fingerprinting technique frequently used in plant and animal
sciences. A drawback of the technique is the occurrence of multiple DNA
fragments of the same length in a single AFLP lane, which we name a collision.
In this article we quantify the problem. The well/known birthday problem plays a
role. Calculation of collision probabilities requires a fragment length
distribution (fld). We discuss three ways to estimate the fld: based on
theoretical considerations, on in/silico determination using DNA sequence data
from Arabidopsis thaliana, or on direct estimation from AFLP data. In the latter
case we use a generalized linear model with monotone smoothing of the fragment
length probabilities. Collision probabilities are calculated from two
perspectives, assuming known fragment counts and assuming known band counts. We
compare results for a number of fld's, ranging from uniform to highly skewed.
The conclusion is that collisions occur often, with higher probabilities for
higher numbers of bands, for more skewed distributions, and, to a lesser extent,
for smaller scoring ranges. For a typical plant genome an AFLP with 19 bands is
likely to contain the first collision. Practical implications of collisions are
discussed. AFLP examples from lettuce and chicory are used for illustration.
PMID: 17156285 [PubMed / in process]
11: Amino Acids. 2006 Nov 30; [Epub ahead of print]
Quality and flavour stability of coffee substitute prepared by extrusion of
wheat germ and chicory roots.
Fadel HH, Abdel Mageed MA, Lotfy SN.
Chemistry of Flavour and Aroma Department, National Research Centre, Dokki,
Cairo, Egypt.
A mixture of roasted chicory roots and wheat germ (1:1 w/w) was subjected to
extrusion processing for preparation of coffee substitute. Comparative studies
concerning sensory characteristics and headspace volatiles were carried out
between genuine coffee and a freshly prepared coffee substitute. The sensory
evaluation revealed similarities between the two samples. The comparative odour
profile analysis showed that the sweetish/caramel/like note scored higher in our
coffee substitute sample than in real coffee, whereas the other odour quality
attributes showed an opposite trend. The high quality of the fresh coffee
substitute was correlated to the presence of volatiles that are responsible for
the fresh coffee aroma, such as: 2/methylbutanal, 3/methylbutanal, 2/methylfuran
and 2,3/butanedione in high concentration. Storage of coffee substitute samples
revealed a noticeable decrease in concentration of the Strecker aldehydes and
diketones and a remarkable increase in phenolic compounds, whereas pyrazine and
furan derivatives showed no linear changes during storage. The ratio of
2,3/butanedione/2/methylfuran (B/M) was used as an indicator for aging of coffee
substitute samples. The variation in this ratio (B/M) during storage for 6
months was consistent with that of the odour profile analysis.
PMID: 17136511 [PubMed / as supplied by publisher]
12: Plant Biotechnol J. 2004 Jul;2(4):321/7.
Production of tailor/made fructans in sugar beet by expression of onion
fructosyltransferase genes.
Weyens G, Ritsema T, van Dun K, Meyer D, Lommel M, Lathouwers J, Rosquin I,
Denys P, Tossens A, Nijs M, Turk S, Gerrits N, Bink S, Walraven B, Lefebvre M,
Smeekens S.
Advanta Biotechnology Department, SES Europe N.V./S.A., Industriepark,
Soldatenplein Z2 no. 15, B/3300 Tienen, Belgium.
The consumption of fructans as a low caloric food ingredient or dietary fibre is
rapidly increasing due to health benefits. Presently, the most important fructan
source is chicory, but these fructans have a simple linear structure and are
prone to degradation. Additional sources of high/quality tailor/made fructans
would provide novel opportunities for their use as food ingredients. Sugar beet
is a highly productive crop that does not normally synthesize fructans. We have
introduced specific onion fructosyltransferases into sugar beet. This resulted
in an efficient conversion of sucrose into complex, onion/type fructans, without
the loss of storage carbohydrate content.
PMID: 17134393 [PubMed / in process]
13: Can J Microbiol. 2006 Oct;52(10):924/33.
Dietary fructooligosaccharides alter the cultivable faecal population of rats
but do not stimulate the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria.
Gourgue/Jeannot C, Kalmokoff ML, Kheradpir E, Kwan J, Lampi BJ, McAllister M,
Brooks SP.
Bureau of Nutritional Research, Food Directorate, Health Products and Foods
Branch, Health Canada, Banting Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
The effect of fructans on the cultivable faecal community of Bio Breeding rats
fed diets containing 5% (m/v) food/grade fructooligosaccharide (FOS) was
investigated. Culturing of faecal material using chicory inulin as the sole
carbohydrate source revealed the presence of a greater diversity of
inulin/utilizing bacterial species in FOS/fed rats as compared with the control
rats, although both contained species which effectively utilized inulin. The
majority of cultivable inulin/utilizing species fell within the Clostridium
coccoides group and Clostridium leptum subgroup, some of which were related to
previously cultured butyrate/producing bacteria from the intestines of various
animals. The impact of FOS on the growth of the indigenous bifidobacteria
community and three inulin/utilizing isolates was assessed using real/time
polymerase chain reaction. While dietary FOS was found to stimulate the growth
of all three inulin/utilizing isolates, no growth stimulation of the indigenous
bifidobacteria community occurred over the duration of the feeding trial.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 17110960 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
14: J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 15;54(23):8926/35.
Cellulase and protease preparations can extract pectins from various plant
byproducts.
Panouille M, Thibault JF, Bonnin E.
INRA/BIA, BP 71627, 44316 Nantes Cedex 3, France.
The use of protease and cellulase preparations to extract pectins from plant
byproducts (chicory, cauliflower) was investigated. Different enzymatic
preparations were characterized by their activities toward proteins, cellulose,
and pectins. These preparations were then tested regarding pectin extraction,
and extraction conditions (nature and concentration of enzyme, incubation time)
were optimized. Enzymatic and acidic extractions were compared and also combined
in sequential extractions. This study shows that it is possible to extract
pectins by using cellulases and proteases. Enzymes can extract pectins with a
higher yield ( approximately 35%) than acid (approximately 28%) but
enzyme/extracted pectins have a smaller molar mass (300,000 g/mol) than
acid/extracted pectins (500,000 g/ mol). Different hypotheses are tested and
discussed to explain this mass difference.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 17090143 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
15: Vet Microbiol. 2007 Jan 31;119(2/4):152/63. Epub 2006 Oct 17.
The effect of fermentable carbohydrates on experimental swine dysentery and whip
worm infections in pigs.
Thomsen LE, Knudsen KE, Jensen TK, Christensen AS, Moller K, Roepstorff A.
Danish Centre for Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary
Pathobiology, KVL, Dyrlaegevej 100, DK/1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. let@kvl.dk
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of diets with contrasting
fermentability in the large intestine on experimental infections with
Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the causative agent of swine dysentery, and the whip
worm, Trichuris suis, in pigs. Two diets with organically grown ingredients were
composed. Both diets were based on triticale and barley and supplemented with
either rape seed cake (Diet 1) or dried chicory root and sweet lupins (Diet 2).
The study had a three/factorial design, with eight groups of pigs receiving Diet
1 or Diet 2, +//B. hyodysenteriae, and +//T. suis. Pigs fed Diet 2 and
challenged with B. hyodysenteriae did not develop swine dysentery and B.
hyodysenteriae was not demonstrated in any of the pigs during the study. In
contrast, 94% of the B. hyodysenteriae challenged pigs fed Diet 1 showed
clinical symptoms of swine dysentery and all the pigs were shedding B.
hyodysenteriae in faeces at some points in time during the experiment. The
number of T. suis was lower in pigs fed Diet 2 compared to pigs fed Diet 1, but
the differences were not significant. Pigs on Diet 1 and challenged with both
pathogens showed clinical symptoms of SD for a longer period than pigs
inoculated with B. hyodysenteriae only. The study showed that diets supplemented
with highly fermentable carbohydrates from dried chicory roots and sweet lupins
can protect pigs against developing swine dysentery, but do not have any
significant influence on T. suis.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 17049759 [PubMed / in process]
16: Parasitology. 2007 Feb;134(Pt 2):299/307. Epub 2006 Oct 11.
The use of chicory for parasite control in organic ewes and their lambs.
Athanasiadou S, Gray D, Younie D, Tzamaloukas O, Jackson F, Kyriazakis I.
Animal Nutrition and Health Department, Scottish Agricultural College, West
Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK. Spiridoula.Athanasiadou@sac.ac.uk
The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential benefits of
grazing lactating ewes and their lambs on chicory (Cichorium intybus). Fifty/six
certified organic twin/rearing ewes were either drenched with an anthelmintic or
not, within 2 days after parturition and were grazed upon either grass/clover or
chicory pastures. Around 12 weeks after parturition a subset of 12 lambs per
treatment was slaughtered for worm number and parasite species determination.
The faecal egg counts of lambs from undrenched ewes grazing on chicory were
significantly lower than those of lambs from undrenched ewes grazing on grass.
Lambs grazing on chicory had similar abomasal worm counts as those grazing on
grass at 12 weeks of age; the predominant species was Teladorsagia circumcincta.
There was no difference between the intestinal worm counts in lambs grazing on
grass or chicory, with Trichostrongylus vitrinus being the predominant species.
Liveweight gains over the 126/day experimental period were significantly higher
in lambs from drenched than those from undrenched ewes. Lambs from undrenched
ewes grazing on chicory had higher liveweight gains compared to those from
undrenched ewes grazing on grass. Although chicory grazing did not affect ewe
nematode egg excretion, it resulted in lower egg counts in lambs and improved
their liveweight gains to the same level as those deriving from drenched ewes.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 17032469 [PubMed / in process]
17: J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Sep 20;54(19):7167/74.
Use of a Plackett/Burman experimental design to examine the impact of extraction
parameters on yields and compositions of pectins extracted from chicory roots
(Chicorium intybus L.).
Robert C, Devillers T, Wathelet B, Van Herck JC, Paquot M.
Faculte Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques de Gembloux, Unite de Chimie
Biologique Industrielle, Passage des Deportes 2, B/5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
robert.c@fsagx.ac.be
Chicory root pectin was isolated by acid extraction followed by alcohol
precipitation. Because the extraction conditions have important effects on the
features of pectins, an experimental design was used to study the influence of
17 different extraction parameters on yield and composition of pectin: pH,
temperature, time of extraction, solid/liquid ratio, and different pretreatments
of the pulps before extraction. Twenty extractions were conducted and examined
for their significance on yield and sugar content using the Plackett/Burman
factorial design. The acid extraction of chicory roots resulted in an average
yield of 11% containing 86% of sugars. It was found that extraction temperature,
time, protease pretreatment, water purity, and water washing of pulps
significantly affected yield and pectin composition with an increase of yield
and purity of pectin in harsher extraction conditions.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16968078 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
18: Environ Pollut. 2007 Jan;145(2):459/66. Epub 2006 Jul 11.
In situ biomonitoring of the genotoxic effects of mixed industrial emissions
using the Tradescantia micronucleus and pollen abortion tests with wild life
plants: demonstration of the efficacy of emission controls in an eastern
European city.
Misik M, Micieta K, Solenska M, Misikova K, Pisarcikova H, Knasmuller S.
Department of Botany, Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural
Sciences, Revova 39, SK 811 02 Bratislava 1, Slovakia.
Aim of the study was to monitor changes of genotoxic activity of urban air
caused by an incinerator and a petrochemical plant in Tradescantia micronucleus
(Trad/MCN) and pollen fertility assays with wild plants (Chelidonium majus,
Clematis vitalba, Cichorium intybus, Linaria vulgaris, Robinia pseudoacacia).
While in the first sampling period (1997/2000) significantly (on average 80%)
more MN were found at the polluted site in comparison to controls from a rural
area, no significant effects were observed during a later period (between 2003
and 2005). A similar pattern was observed in the pollen abortion assays in which
the most pronounced effects were found in chicory and false acacia. The
differences of the results obtained in the two periods can be explained by a
substantial reduction of air pollution by use of new technologies. In particular
the decrease of SO(2) emissions may account for the effects seen in the present
study.
PMID: 16815607 [PubMed / in process]
19: Mol Plant Microbe Interact. 2006 Jun;19(6):607/13.
The role of several multidrug resistance systems in Erwinia chrysanthemi
pathogenesis.
Maggiorani Valecillos A, Rodriguez Palenzuela P, Lopez/Solanilla E.
Departamento de Biotecnologia, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, E.T.S.
Ingenieros Agronomos, Avda. Complutense S/N, E/28040 Madrid, Spain.
The role of several multidrug resistance (MDR) systems in the pathogenicity of
Erwinia chrysanthemi 3937 was analyzed. Using the blast algorithm, we have
identified several MDR systems in the E. chrysanthemi genome and selected two
acridine resistance (Acr)/like systems, two Emr/like systems, and one member of
the major facilitator super/family family to characterize. We generated mutants
in genes encoding for these systems and analyzed the virulence of the mutant
strains in different hosts and their susceptibility to antibiotics, detergents,
dyes, and plant compounds. We have observed that the mutant strains are
differentially affected in their virulence in different hosts and that the
susceptibility to toxic substances is also differential. Both Acr systems seem
to be implicated in the resistance to the plant antimicrobial peptide thionin.
Similarly, the emr1AB mutant is unable to grow in the presence of the potato
protein tuber extract and shows a decreased virulence in this tissue. These
results indicate that the function of these systems in plants could be related
to the specificity to extrude a toxic compound that is present in a given host.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16776294 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
20: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jul 19;106(3):429/41. Epub 2006 May 2.
"The herbs that have the property of healing...,": the phytotherapy in Don
Quixote.
Lopez/Munoz F, Alamo C, Garcia/Garcia P.
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcala, C/Juan
Ignacio Luca de Tena 8, 28027 Madrid, Spain. frlopez@juste.net
Don Quixote, the most outstanding novel of the Spanish literature, represents a
documentary source widely used among those specialists who intend to deepen in
the knowledge of the late Renaissance society. In this sense, Don Quixote has
been also studied from a medical perspective, including a general therapeutical
view (oils, ointments, balms, poultices, syrups and other pharmacy
preparations). We have tackled Don Quixote from the phytotherapeutic and
ethnopharmacological perspective, a barely explored field. In this work, we
intend to study the medicinal plants used during the Cervantine time for the
treatment de multiples diseases (sedatives like opium, laxatives and emetics
like hellebore, tonics and irritants) and we analyze the specific herbal
therapies (balms, purgatives and emetics, ointments and poultices), which
Cervantes reveals to us in his novel. Among them, the rhubarb root (Rheum spp.
or Rumex spp.) should be highlighted, as well as the seeds of gopher spurge
(Euphorbia lathyris), chicory (Cichorium intybus) and rosemary (Rosmarinus
officinalis), primary component of the famous Balsam of Fierabras. Also, we have
examined the possible scientific influences, which might have inspired Cervantes
in this field, mainly the work of Andres Laguna (Dioscorides' Materia Medica).
Publication Types:
Biography
Historical Article
Personal Name as Subject:
de Cervantes M
PMID: 16757137 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
21: J Environ Sci Health B. 2006;41(4):459/70.
Arsenic uptake and accumulation in curly endives (Cichorium endivia L.)
irrigated with contaminated water.
Calvo C, Bolado S, Alvarez/Benedi J, Andrade MA.
Instituto Tecnologico Agrario de Castilla y Leon, Junta de Castilla y Leon,
Valladolid, Spain. calrevca@itacyl.es
Arsenic accumulation in vegetables for direct human consumption represents a
concern for food safety purposes. This potential problem can be of economic
importance particularly in much appreciated, high/quality horticultural
products. In this work, a greenhouse set of experiments were conducted to
evaluate possible phytotoxic effects and arsenic accumulation in the production
of curly endives with arsenic contaminated water.Two concentration levels (0.5
mg/L and 1.0 mg/L) and two arsenic species (As+3 and As+5) were considered. Dry
mass production tended to be reduced as As+3 concentration increased in
irrigation water. However, As+5 treatments did not show significant dry mass
production differences with a blank (control experiment). As accumulation in
plant increased with As concentration in irrigation waters, following a linear
trend. Nevertheless, the increase of accumulated As was not statistically
significant for As+5 at 0.5 mg/L. Calculated biological absorption coefficients
resulted in higher than previous values reported in the literature, which was
attributed here to the source of arsenic (irrigation water). Considering field
values for As+5/As+3 ratio and averaged concentrations in water, the obtained
results support that there is not a short/or medium/term risk to food safety in
the curly endive crop in the region of Castilla y Leon (Spain).
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16753964 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
22: Mycorrhiza. 2006 Sep;16(6):397/405. Epub 2006 May 18.
Effects of anthracene on development of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and
contribution of the symbiotic association to pollutant dissipation.
Verdin A, Lounes/Hadj Sahraoui A, Fontaine J, Grandmougin/Ferjani A, Durand R.
Laboratoire de Mycologie/Phytopathologie/Environnement, Universite du Littoral
Cote d'Opale, Calais, France.
The influence of anthracene, a low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon (PAH), on chicory root colonization by Glomus intraradices and the
effect of the root colonization on PAH degradation were investigated in vitro.
The fungus presented a reduced development of extraradical mycelium and a
decrease in sporulation, root colonization, and spore germination when exposed
to anthracene. Mycorrhization improved the growth of the roots in the medium
supplemented containing 140 mg l(/1) anthracene, suggesting a positive
contribution of G. intraradices to the PAH tolerance of roots. Anthracene
disappearance from the culture medium was quantified; results suggested that
nonmycorrhizal chicory roots growing in vitro were able to contribute to
anthracene dissipation, and in addition, that mycorrhization significantly
enhanced anthracene dissipation. These monoxenic experiments demonstrated a
positive contribution of the symbiotic association to anthracene dissipation in
the absence of other microorganisms. In addition to anthracene dissipation,
intracellular accumulation of anthracene was detected in lipid bodies of plant
cells and fungal hyphae, indicating intracellular storage capacity of the
pollutant by the roots and the mycorrhizal fungus.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16708214 [PubMed / in process]
23: J Dairy Sci. 2006 Jun;89(6):2158/67.
Intake and performance of lactating cows grazing diverse forage mixtures.
Soder KJ, Sanderson MA, Stack JL, Muller LD.
USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management
Research Unit, University Park, PA 16802/3702, USA. Kathy.Soder@ars.usda.gov
Twenty multiparous Holstein cows in midlactation grazed pastures of 4 forage
mixtures in a 12/wk study repeated during 2 grazing seasons to determine if
forage mixture complexity affected intake and productivity of lactating dairy
cows. The forage mixtures were 1) orchardgrass plus white clover [2 species
(SP)]; 2) orchardgrass, white clover, and chicory (3SP); 3) orchardgrass, tall
fescue, perennial ryegrass, red clover, birdsfoot trefoil, and chicory (6SP);
and 4) 6SP mixture plus white clover, alfalfa, and Kentucky bluegrass (9SP).
Total herbage intake was similar among forage mixtures, averaging 12.0 kg/d
across all forage mixtures and years. Milk production and composition were not
affected by forage mixture or year, and averaged 34.6 kg/d, 3.4%, and 2.8% for
milk production, milk fat percentage, and milk protein percentage, respectively.
The conjugated linoleic acid content of milk fat was higher for cows that grazed
the 3SP, 6SP, and 9SP mixtures than from cows that grazed the 2SP mixture (1.02
vs. 0.87 g of conjugated linoleic acid/100 g of fatty acids, respectively).
Blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and nonesterified fatty acids were not
affected by forage mixture and averaged 69.2 mg/dL, 13.4 mg/dL, and 277.5
muEq/L, respectively. The results of this study indicate that altering the
forage mixture in pastures did not affect dry matter intake, milk production, or
blood metabolite profiles of lactating cows. The use of complex mixtures of
forages in grazing systems should not affect dairy cow performance.
PMID: 16702282 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
24: Mutat Res. 2006 Jun 16;605(1/2):1/6. Epub 2006 May 15.
In situ monitoring of clastogenicity of ambient air in Bratislava, Slovakia
using the Tradescantia micronucleus assay and pollen abortion assays.
Misik M, Solenska M, Micieta K, Misikova K, Knasmuller S.
Department of Botany, Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural
Sciences, Revova 39, 81102 Bratislava 1, Slovakia.
Aim of this study was to monitor the genotoxic effects of polluted air in
Bratislava (Slovakia) with the Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad/MN) test. In situ
monitoring was carried out at five locations during two seasons (years 2003 and
2004). Flower pots with Tradescantia paludosa (clone 03) plants were exposed for
6/8 weeks at the different sites each year. The highest MN levels were observed
in the vicinity of an agrochemical factory (3.1 times higher than background
level in 2003 and 2.7 times higher in 2004). Lower effects were seen when plants
were exposed to urban traffic emissions or in the vicinity of a glass/producing
plant (the MN frequencies ranged between 2.8 and 4.4 per 100 tetrads,
respectively, while the control frequencies were 2.1/2.6 per 100 tetrads);
exposure near a petrochemical plant had no significant effects. In pollen
abortion assays, three wild growing species were used, namely, chicory
(Cichorium intybus L.), old man's beard (Clematis vitalba L.) and common
toadflax (Linaria vulgaris Mill.). Again, the strongest effects were observed
close to the agrochemical industry (reduction of fertile pollen by 5.6%, 11.1%
and 8.3% in chicory, old mans beard and in toadflax, respectively). Cichorium
intybus was the most sensitive species and the number of abortive pollen grains
was 5.1 times higher in specimens collected near the agrochemical factory than
that seen at the control location. These observations indicate that contaminated
urban air has an impact on the fertility of wild plants. Furthermore, it is
interesting that the same rank order of effects was seen in pollen abortion
assays as in the Trad/MN test (agrochemical industry>technical glass
industry>/=traffic>city incinerator/petrochemical plant). These results confirm
the sensitivity of the Tradescantia MN test and pollen abortion assays for the
detection of air pollution, and show that distinct differences exist in
genotoxicity of different sources of pollutants.
PMID: 16702021 [PubMed / in process]
25: J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2006 Jun;90(5/6):200/7.
Effect of chicory products with different inulin content on rat caecum
physiology.
Juskiewicz J, Glazka I, Krol B, Zdunczyk Z.
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of
Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
A 4/week experiment carried out on rats addressed the analysis of physiological
properties of model casein diets supplemented with 5% cellulose or different
preparations of chicory roots: flour, pulp, high/ and low/molecular inulin
(IN(HM) and IN(LM) respectively). Of all preparations, only pulp did not induce
the hypertrophy of caecum walls or an increase in the bulk of caecal digesta.
Chicory preparations lowered caecal pH and ammonia concentration (except IN(LM)
preparation), evoked increased hydration of caecal digesta and protein content.
The highest concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was observed in rats fed
a diet containing chicory pulp and IN(HM), whereas the lowest VFA concentration
was reported after the administration of an IN(LM)/containing diet. The VFA pool
was the highest in rats receiving a diet supplemented with chicory flour. All
preparations examined diminished the coefficient of protein digestibility but
not decrease nitrogen retention. The lowest levels of glucose and total
cholesterol, at concurrently the highest level of HDL fraction, were recorded in
serum of rats fed IN(LM). A distinct increase in intestinal wall and intestinal
digesta, as well as the highest production of VFA and the lowest pH of caecal
digesta indicate that chicory flour ingested to a semi/synthetic diet had the
most profitable effect on the functioning of rat caecum, compared with other
chicory products. Compared with the IN(HM), the preparation of IN(LM) increased
caecal wall hypertrophy without increasing VFA production, still simultaneously
increasing ammonia content and pH of caecal digesta, decreasing the total
cholesterol concentration and increasing HDL content in serum.
PMID: 16684140 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
26: Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2005;70(3):101/9.
Pseudomonads associated with midrib rot and soft rot of butterhead lettuce and
endive.
Cottyn B, Vanhouteghem K, Heyrman J, Bleyaert P, Van Vaerenbergh J, De Vos P,
Hofte M, Maes M.
Department of Crop Protection, Agricultural Research Centre Burg. Van
Gansberghelaan 96, BE/9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. b.cottyn@clo.fgov.be
During the past ten years, bacterial soft rot and midrib rot of glasshouse/grown
butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) and field/grown endive
(Cichorium endivia L.) has become increasingly common in the region of Flanders,
Belgium. Severe losses and reduced market quality caused by bacterial rot
represent an important economical threat for the production sector. Symptoms of
midrib rot are a brownish rot along the midrib of one or more inner leaves,
often accompanied by soft rot of the leaf blade. Twenty/five symptomatic lettuce
and endive samples were collected from commercial growers at different locations
in Flanders. Isolations of dominant bacterial colony types on dilution plates
from macerated diseased tissue extracts yielded 282 isolates. All isolates were
characterized by colony morphology and fluorescence on pseudomonas agar F
medium, oxidase reaction, and soft rot ability on detached chicory leaves.
Whole/cell fatty acid methyl esters profile analyses identified the majority of
isolates (85%) as belonging to the Gammaproteobacteria, which included members
of the family Enterobacteriaceae (14%) and of the genera Pseudomonas (73%),
Stenotrophomonas (9%), and Acinetobacter (3%). Predominant bacteria were a
diverse group of fluorescent Pseudomonas species. They were further
differentiated based on the non/host hypersensitive reaction on tobacco and the
ability to rot potato slices into 4 phenotypic groups: HR//P/ (57 isolates),
HR//P+ (54 isolates), HR+/P (16 isolates) and HR+/P+ (35 isolates). Artificial
inoculation of suspensions of HR/, pectolytic fluorescent pseudomonads in the
leaf midrib of lettuce plants produced various symptoms of soft rot, but they
did not readily cause symptoms upon spray inoculation. Fluorescent pseudomonads
with phenotype HR+ were consistently isolated from typical dark midrib rot
symptoms, and selected isolates reproduced the typical midrib rot symptoms when
spray/inoculated onto healthy lettuce plants.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16637164 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
27: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Sep 19;107(2):254/8. Epub 2006 Mar 17.
Analgesic and sedative activities of lactucin and some lactucin/like
guaianolides in mice.
Wesolowska A, Nikiforuk A, Michalska K, Kisiel W, Chojnacka/Wojcik E.
Department of New Drugs Research, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of
Sciences, 12 Smetna Str., 31/343 Krakow, Poland.
Lactucin (1) and its derivatives lactucopicrin (2) and 11beta,13/dihydrolactucin
(3), which are characteristic bitter sesquiterpene lactones of Lactuca virosa
and Cichorium intybus, were evaluated for analgesic and sedative properties in
mice. The compounds showed analgesic effects at doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg in the
hot plate test similar to that of ibuprofen, used as a standard drug, at a dose
of 30 mg/kg. The analgesic activities of the compounds at a dose of 30 mg/kg in
the tail/flick test were comparable to that of ibuprofen given at a dose of 60
mg/kg. Lactucopicrin appeared to be the most potent analgetic of the three
tested compounds. Lactucin and lactucopicrin, but not 11beta,13/dihydrolactucin,
also showed sedative properties in the spontaneous locomotor activity test.
PMID: 16621374 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
28: J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Mar 8;54(5):1772/8.
Influence of cultivation site on sesquiterpene lactone composition of forage
chicory (Cichorium intybus L.).
Foster JG, Clapham WM, Belesky DP, Labreveux M, Hall MH, Sanderson MA.
Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 1224 Airport Road, Beaver, West Virginia 25813/9423,
USA. Joyce.Foster@ars.usda.gov
The forage potential of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) has not been realized in
southern West Virginia (WV) because ruminants are reluctant to consume the
herbage. Chicory contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones that can adversely
impact palatability. This study was undertaken to determine whether
sesquiterpene lactone concentrations in chicory grown in southern WV differ from
those in chicory grown in central Pennsylvania (PA) where chicory is grazed
readily. Herbage was collected in 1997 and 1998 from cultivars Grasslands Puna
(Puna), INIA le Lacerta (Lacerta), and Forage Feast established at research
sites near State College, PA, and Beckley, WV. The total concentration of
sesquiterpene lactones in WV/grown cultivars was 0.58% (dry matter basis) in
Puna, 0.59% in Lacerta, and 0.79% in Forage Feast in 1997 and ranged from 1.03
(Lacerta) to 1.52% (Forage Feast) in 1998. In PA/grown cultivars, sesquiterpene
lactones represented 0.16 (Puna), 0.18 (Lacerta), and 0.27% (Forage Feast) of
the forage dry matter in 1997 and ranged from 0.32 (Lacerta) to 0.55% (Forage
Feast) in 1998. Concentrations of lactucin, lactucopicrin, and total
sesquiterpene lactones in Forage Feast exceeded those in the other cultivars
grown at the same site. The lowest concentrations of lactucopicrin and total
sesquiterpene lactones observed among WV/grown cultivars were higher (2/fold or
more) than the highest concentrations present in cultivars grown the same year
in PA. Mineral analyses of soils from the two cultivation sites indicate that P
availability may influence sesquiterpene lactone composition of chicory herbage.
Results provide a foundation for future studies of environmental effects on
sesquiterpene lactone composition and palatability of chicory herbage.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
PMID: 16506832 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
29: Vet Parasitol. 2006 Jun 15;138(3/4):280/90. Epub 2006 Feb 21.
The effects of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and chicory (Cichorium
intybus) when compared with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) on ovine
gastrointestinal parasite development, survival and migration.
Marley CL, Cook R, Barrett J, Keatinge R, Lampkin NH.
Institute of Rural Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth SY23 3AL, UK.
christina.marley@bbsrc.ac.uk
Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of birdsfoot trefoil
and chicory on parasitic nematode development, survival and migration when
compared with perennial ryegrass. In experiment one, sheep faeces, containing
10,385 Cooperia curticei eggs were added to 25 cm diameter pots containing
birdsfoot trefoil, chicory or ryegrass, and the pots maintained under optimal
conditions for nematode parasite development. Replicate pots of each forage type
were destructively sampled on day 8, 16, 20, 28 and 37 to collect the nematode
larvae. When forages were compared on a dry matter basis, by day 16 there were
31% and 19% fewer larvae on birdsfoot trefoil and chicory than on ryegrass,
respectively (P<0.01). In the second experiment, replicate 1m(2) field plots of
birdsfoot trefoil, chicory and ryegrass were sub/sampled on day 14, 21, 35 and
49 for larval counts following the application of sheep faeces containing
585,000 Teladorsagia circumcincta eggs to each plot on day 0. Results showed
there were a minimum of 58% and 63% fewer infective stage parasitic larvae on
birdsfoot trefoil and chicory, respectively, compared with ryegrass on day 14
and 35 when forages were compared on a forage dry matter, plot area sampled and
leaf area basis (P<0.01). Overall, these results indicate that the number of
infective stage larvae on birdsfoot trefoil and chicory pasture was reduced by
the effect of their sward structure on the development/survival/migration of
ovine parasitic nematodes. These effects may be one of the ways in which these
forages may affect parasitic infections in grazing livestock.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16495015 [PubMed / in process]
30: Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2005 Sep;2(3):185/93.
Erratum in:
Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2006 Mar;3(1):89.
Application of the in combo screening approach for the discovery of non/alkaloid
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Cichorium intybus.
Rollinger JM, Mocka P, Zidorn C, Ellmerer EP, Langer T, Stuppner H.
Institute of Pharmacy / Pharmacognosy, Josef/Moeller/Haus, Innrain 52c, Austria.
judith.rollinger@uibk.ac.at
Because of the direct correlation of cholinergic deficit and the severity of
dementia, Alzheimer's disease is preferentially treated with
acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors to supplement the acetylcholine level. In
this study we focused on non/alkaloid AChE inhibitors from natural sources in
order to discover new lead structures. In the course of in vitro extract
screening of Tyrolean plants using an enzyme assay with Ellman's reagent, the
dichloromethane extract of chicory roots (Cichorium intybus L.) showed a
pronounced inhibitory effect on AChE. At a concentration of 1 mg extract/ml an
inhibition of 70% was measured. Based on a 3D multi/conformational
molecular/structure database consisting of secondary metabolites from C. intybus
known from the relevant literature, virtual screening filtering experiments were
conducted using both a feature/based pharmacophore model and a docking
procedure. Some low molecular weight sesquiterpenoids exhibited distinct
interactions with the pharmacophore model. In order to verify the applicability
of this computer/aided strategy, an activity/guided fractionation of the chicory
root extract was performed, which resulted in the isolation of two sesquiterpene
lactones, 8/deoxylactucin and lactucopicrin, showing significant and
dose/dependent inhibitory activity on AChE (IC(50) of 308.1 microM [CI(95) 243.9
/ 405.3 microM] and 150.3 microM [CI(95) 100.8 / 188.1 microM], respectively).
The two isolates were correctly predicted within the virtual screening process
which corroborates the potential of the computer/assisted in combo screening
approach for the discovery of the anti/cholinesterase compounds from C. intybus.
PMID: 16472227 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
31: J Exp Bot. 2006;57(4):775/89. Epub 2006 Jan 31.
Cloning and functional analysis of a high DP fructan:fructan 1/fructosyl
transferase from Echinops ritro (Asteraceae): comparison of the native and
recombinant enzymes.
Van den Ende W, Clerens S, Vergauwen R, Boogaerts D, Le Roy K, Arckens L, Van
Laere A.
KU Leuven, Laboratory of Molecular Plant Physiology, Kasteelpark Arenberg 31,
B/3001 Leuven, Belgium. wimvandenende@bio.kuleuven.ac.be
Inulin/type fructans are the simplest and most studied fructans and have become
increasingly popular as prebiotic health/improving compounds. A natural
variation in the degree of polymerization (DP) of inulins is observed within the
family of the Asteraceae. Globe thistle (Echinops ritro), artichoke (Cynara
scolymus), and Viguiera discolor biosynthesize fructans with a considerably
higher DP than Cichorium intybus (chicory), Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem
artichoke), and Dahlia variabilis. The higher DP in some species can be
explained by the presence of special fructan:fructan 1/fructosyl transferases
(high DP 1/FFTs), different from the classical low DP 1/FFTs. Here, the
RT/PCR/based cloning of a high DP 1/FFT cDNA from Echinops ritro is described,
starting from peptide sequence information derived from the purified native high
DP 1/FFT enzyme. The cDNA was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris. A
comparison is made between the mass fingerprints of the native, heterodimeric
enzyme and its recombinant, monomeric counterpart (mass fingerprints and
kinetical analysis) showing that they have very similar properties. The
recombinant enzyme is a functional 1/FFT lacking invertase and 1/SST activities,
but shows a small intrinsic 1/FEH activity. The enzyme is capable of producing a
high DP inulin pattern in vitro, similar to the one observed in vivo. Depending
on conditions, the enzyme is able to produce fructo/oligosaccharides (FOS) as
well. Therefore, the enzyme might be suitable for both FOS and high DP inulin
production in bioreactors. Alternatively, introduction of the high DP 1/FFT gene
in chicory, a crop widely used for inulin extraction, could lead to an increase
in DP which is useful for a number of specific industrial applications. 1/FFT
expression analysis correlates well with high DP fructan accumulation in vivo,
suggesting that the enzyme is responsible for high DP fructan formation in
planta.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16449376 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
32: Biochem J. 2006 May 1;395(3):457/62.
Crystal structure of inactivated Thermotoga maritima invertase in complex with
the trisaccharide substrate raffinose.
Alberto F, Jordi E, Henrissat B, Czjzek M.
Architecture et Fonction des Macromolecules Biologiques, UMR6098, CNRS,
Universites Aix/Marseille I & II, Case 932, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288
Marseille Cedex 9, France.
Thermotoga maritima invertase (beta/fructosidase), a member of the glycoside
hydrolase family GH/32, readily releases beta/D/fructose from sucrose, raffinose
and fructan polymers such as inulin. These carbohydrates represent major carbon
and energy sources for prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The invertase cleaves
beta/fructopyranosidic linkages by a double/displacement mechanism, which
involves a nucleophilic aspartate and a catalytic glutamic acid acting as a
general acid/base. The three/dimensional structure of invertase shows a
bimodular enzyme with a five bladed beta/propeller catalytic domain linked to a
beta/sandwich of unknown function. In the present study we report the crystal
structure of the inactivated invertase in interaction with the natural substrate
molecule
alpha/D/galactopyranosyl/(1,6)/alpha/D/glucopyranosyl/beta/D/fructofuranoside
(raffinose) at 1.87 A (1 A=0.1 nm) resolution. The structural analysis of the
complex reveals the presence of three binding/subsites, which explains why T.
maritima invertase exhibits a higher affinity for raffinose than sucrose, but a
lower catalytic efficiency with raffinose as substrate than with sucrose.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16411890 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
33: Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2005;70(2):135/8.
Reflectance indices indicative for changes in water contents of chicory leaves.
Francois IM, De Proft M.
Laboratorium voor Plantenteelt, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee,
Belgium.
PMID: 16366292 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
34: Mol Plant Microbe Interact. 2005 Nov;18(11):1205/14.
PecS and PecT coregulate the synthesis of HrpN and pectate lyases, two virulence
determinants in Erwinia chrysanthemi 3937.
Nasser W, Reverchon S, Vedel R, Boccara M.
Unite de Microbiologie et Genetique UMR CNRS/INSA/UCBL 5122 Domaine Scientifique
de la Doua, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon I Batiment A Lwoff, Villeurbanne,
France. William.nasser@insa/lyon.fr
Erwinia chrysanthemi strain 3937 is a necrotrophic bacterial plant pathogen.
Pectinolytic enzymes and, in particular, pectate lyases play a key role in soft
rot symptoms; however, the efficient colonization of plants by E. chrysanthemi
requires additional factors. These factors include HrpN (harpin), a heat/stable,
glycine/rich hydrophilic protein, which is secreted by the type III secretion
system. We investigated the expression of hrpN in E. chrysanthemi 3937 in
various environmental conditions and different regulatory backgrounds. Using
lacZ fusions, hrpN expression was markedly influenced by the carbon source,
osmolarity, growth phase, and growth substrate. hrpN was repressed when
pectinolysis started and negatively regulated by the repressors of pectate lyase
synthesis, PecS and PecT. Primer extension data and in vitro DNA/protein
interaction experiments support a model whereby PecS represses hrpN expression
by binding to the hrpN regulatory region and inhibiting transcript elongation.
The results suggest coordinated regulation of HrpN and pectate lyases by PecS
and PecT. A putative model of the synthesis of these two virulence factors in E.
chrysanthemi during pathogenesis is presented.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16353555 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
35: J Exp Bot. 2006;57(1):81/9. Epub 2005 Dec 9.
Polymorphism and modulation of cell wall esterase enzyme activities in the
chicory root during the growing season.
Thonar C, Liners F, Van Cutsem P.
Unite de Recherche en Biologie cellulaire vegetale, Facultes Universitaires
Notre/Dame de la Paix, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B/5000 Namur, Belgium.
Pectins are major components of the primary plant cell wall. They can be both
methylesterified and acetylesterified and de/esterification occurs by specific
esterases. Proteins extracted by NaCl treatment from root cell walls of two
chicory varieties (Cichorium intybus L. cv. Nausica and Arancha) sampled in an
experimental field every 2 weeks between July 2002 and January 2003 were
analysed by isoelectrofocalization, semi/denaturing SDS/PAGE, and quantitative
assays for their esterase activity. Zymograms showed that chicory root pectin
methylesterases belong to a multigene family. The isoelectric points of the
pectin methylesterase isoforms ranged from pI 3.8 to pI 9.0. Concerning
acetylesterases, only acidic isoforms between pI 4.1 and pI 5.2 were observed,
but a large polymorphism of this class of enzymes could be identified in one
variety. The results indicate that the root pectin methylesterase activity of
the Nausica variety was correlated with ambient temperature, while no
significant effect of temperature could be detected on any acetylesterase
isoform.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16339785 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
36: Parasitology. 2006 Mar;132(Pt 3):419/26. Epub 2005 Dec 7.
The effect of chicory ( Cichorium intybus ) and sulla ( Hedysarum coronarium )
on larval development and mucosal cell responses of growing lambs challenged
with Teladorsagia circumcincta.
Tzamaloukas O, Athanasiadou S, Kyriazakis I, Huntley JF, Jackson F.
Animal Nutrition and Health Department, Scottish Agricultural College, West
Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK. Ouranios.Tzamaloukas@sac.ac.uk
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of grazing different
bioactive forages on acquired immunity against Teladorsagia circumcinta
infection. The development of immunity was assessed by following the response of
trickle/infected lambs grazing chicory (Cichorium intybus; IC), sulla (Hedysarum
coronarium; IS) or grass/clover (Lolium perenne/Trifolium repens; IGC), to a
single challenge infection. Parasite/naive lambs, grazing grass/clover, were
also challenged with the single infection dose providing the uninfected control
(UGC) group. Trickle infection significantly reduced worm establishment,
inhibited larval development and increased mucosal mast cell (MMC) and globule
leucocyte (GL) cells. Grazing treatment (chicory, sulla or grass/clover)
significantly affected adult worm (P<0.05), late/L4 (P<0.01) and mid/L4 (P<0.01)
larval/stage recoveries of the trickle/infected lambs, with IGC group always
carrying higher worm burdens than either IC or IS lambs. MMC and GL cells of
trickle/infected lambs were positively correlated with the proportion of
early/L4 worms recovered and negatively correlated with both the proportion of
adult worms recovered and the total worm establishment, suggesting that the
observed effects were due to an enhanced immune response. The results suggest
elevated immune responses against T. circumcincta infections in growing lambs
grazing on either sulla or chicory compared to those grazing on grass/clover,
probably due to differences in forage nutritional values.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16332288 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
37: FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 2004 Dec 27;51(1):143/53.
Prebiotic effects of chicory inulin in the simulator of the human intestinal
microbial ecosystem.
de Wiele TV, Boon N, Possemiers S, Jacobs H, Verstraete W.
Laboratory Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure
Links 653, B/9000 Gent, Belgium.
The prebiotic potential of native chicory inulin was assessed in the Simulator
of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) by monitoring microbial
community from the colon compartments, its metabolic activity and community
structure. Inulin addition selected for a higher short chain fatty acid
production with shifts towards propionic and butyric acid. Conventional
culture/based techniques and PCR/denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
analysis showed no remarkable changes in the overall microbial community from
the colon compartments of the SHIME, whereas selective effects were seen for
lactic acid bacteria. Quantitative PCR with bifidobacteria/specific primers
revealed a significant increase with more than 1 log CFU ml(/1) from the
proximal to distal colon, in contrast to culture/based techniques, which only
showed a minor bifidogenic effect in the ascending colon. Our results indicate
that inulin purports prebiotic effects from the proximal to distal colon and
that real/time PCR is a more precise technique to detect differences in
bifidobacterial populations whereas conventional culturing techniques are much
more variable.
PMID: 16329863 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
38: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Nov 30;53(24):9465/71.
Antioxidant characterization of some Sicilian edible wild greens.
Salvatore S, Pellegrini N, Brenna OV, Del Rio D, Frasca G, Brighenti F, Tumino
R.
Department of Public Health, University of Parma, 39 Via Volturno, 43100 Parma,
Italy.
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that many antioxidants and the total
antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the diet may protect against cancers and
cardiovascular disease. Common fruits and vegetables are good sources of
antioxidants, although in some Mediterranean areas traditional wild greens are
responsible for a significant percentage of total dietary antioxidant intake. In
the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort of
Ragusa (Sicily), a high number of subjects were found to frequently eat wild
greens, including Sinapis incana and Sinapis nigra, Diplotaxis erucoides,
Cichorium intybus, Asparagus acutifolius, and Borrago officinalis. On the basis
of these observations, detailed characterization of single antioxidant
components (i.e., polyphenols, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and ascorbic acid) and
the TAC of these edible wild traditional plants was performed. The wild plants
examined were found to be very rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and
carotenoids, with high TAC values, suggesting that the importance of these
vegetables, not only in the traditional but even in the contemporary diet, needs
to be emphasized.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16302763 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
39: J Biosci Bioeng. 2000;90(6):648/53.
Enhancement of growth and coumarin production in hairy root cultures of witloof
chicory (Cichorium intybus L.cv.Lucknow local) under the influence of fungal
elicitors.
Bais HP, Govindaswamy S, Ravishankar GA.
Department of Plant Cell Biotechnology, Central Food Technological Research
Institute, Mysore 570 013, India.
Studies were conducted to determine the possible production of coumarins in
hairy root cultures of Cichorium intybus L.cv.Lucknow local under the influence
of microbial agents. Pythium aphanidermatum and Phytopthora parasitica var.
nicotiana were cultured and their mycelial and medium filtrate were used for the
elicitation of coumarin production. The media filtrate of P. parasitica at 1.0%
v/v added to the MS basal medium led to the maximum growth of hairy roots of C.
intybus, which was 1.57/fold higher than the untreated control on the 28th day
of culture, along with maximum esculin and esculetin yields which were 4.06/ and
3.71/fold higher than the control on the 28th day. The yields of esculin and
esculetin in hairy root cultures of chicory strongly correlated with growth. To
check the effect of these fungal elicitors on endogenous polyamine metabolism,
titers of total endogenous polyamines were analyzed. It was confirmed that the
media filtrate of P. parasitica at 1.0% v/v concentration resulted in maximum
accumulation of total endogenous polyamines, wherein endogenous spermine titers
were found to be maximum as compared to endogenous spermidine and putrescine
titers on the 28th day. Total endogenous spermine in the case of 1.0% MF v/v P.
parasitica was 1.3/fold higher than that of the control on the 28th day of
culture. Maximum growth index with greater length of primary root (17.61+//0.18
cm) and greater number of secondary and tertiary roots was recorded for the
medium filtrate of P. parasitica at 1.0% v/v concentration. This study also
provided an insight into the morphological changes in terms of branching
patterns, occurring in roots under the influence of these fungal elicitors.
PMID: 16232926 [PubMed]
40: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Oct 19;53(21):8169/75.
Red chicories as potent scavengers of highly reactive radicals: a study on their
phenolic composition and peroxyl radical trapping capacity and efficiency.
Rossetto M, Lante A, Vanzani P, Spettoli P, Scarpa M, Rigo A.
Dipartimento di Chimica Biologica, Universita di Padova, via G. Colombo 3, 35121
Padova, Italy.
Eight varieties of Cichorium genus vegetables (five heavily red colored, one red
spotted, and two fully green) were investigated for their phenolic content (by
HPLC and UV/vis spectrophotometry) and for their antioxidant activity. In
particular, the capacity (that is, the amount of trapped peroxyl radicals) and
the efficiency (that is, the amount of antioxidant necessary to halve the
steady/state concentration of peroxyl radicals) were measured. All of the
studied chicories are characterized by the presence of a large amount of
hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, whereas the red color is due to
cyanidin glycosides. The presence of these phenolics in red chicories confers to
them an exceptionally high peroxyl radical scavenging activity in terms of both
capacity and efficiency, particularly in their early stage of growth, and makes
this popular and low/cost foods comparable or superior to many foods having
well/known antioxidant properties such as red wine, blueberry, and tomato.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16218660 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
41: Microbiology. 2005 Oct;151(Pt 10):3337/47.
Tol/Pal proteins are critical cell envelope components of Erwinia chrysanthemi
affecting cell morphology and virulence.
Dubuisson JF, Vianney A, Hugouvieux/Cotte/Pattat N, Lazzaroni JC.
Unite de Microbiologie et Genetique, UMR 5122 CNRS/INSA/UCBL, Universite Claude
Bernard Lyon I, bat. Andre Lwoff, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
The tol/pal genes are necessary for maintaining the outer/membrane integrity of
Gram/negative bacteria. These genes were first described in Escherichia coli,
and more recently in several other species. They are involved in the
pathogenesis of E. coli, Haemophilus ducreyi, Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella
enterica. The role of the tol/pal genes in bacterial pathogenesis was
investigated in the phytopathogenic enterobacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi,
assuming that this organism might be a good model for such a study. The whole
Er. chrysanthemi tol/pal region was characterized. Tol/Pal proteins, except
TolA, showed high identity scores with their E. coli homologues. Er.
chrysanthemi mutants were constructed by introducing a uidA/kan cassette in the
ybgC, tolQ, tolA, tolB, pal and ybgF genes. All the mutants were hypersensitive
to bile salts. Mutations in tolQ, tolA, tolB and pal were deleterious for the
bacteria, which required high concentrations of sugars or osmoprotectants for
their viability. Consistent with this observation, they were greatly impaired in
their cell morphology and division, which was evidenced by observations of cell
filaments, spherical forms, membrane blebbing and mislocalized bacterial septa.
Moreover, tol/pal mutants showed a reduced virulence in a potato tuber model and
on chicory leaves. This could be explained by a combination of impaired
phenotypes in the tol/pal mutants, such as reduced growth and motility and a
decreased production of pectate lyases, the major virulence factor of Er.
chrysanthemi.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16207916 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
42: Phytomedicine. 2005 Sep;12(9):619/24.
The efficacy of Liv/52 on liver cirrhotic patients: a randomized, double/blind,
placebo/controlled first approach.
Huseini HF, Alavian SM, Heshmat R, Heydari MR, Abolmaali K.
Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medicinal Plants, No. 97, Bozorgmehr
St., Ghods St., Enghelab Ave., Tehran, Iran. huseini_fallah@yahoo.com
Cirrhosis is the irreversible sequel of various disorders that damage liver
cells permanently over time. Presently, the use of herbal medicines for
prevention and control of chronic liver diseases is in the focus of attention
for both the physicians and the patients; the reasons for such shift toward the
use of herbals include the expensive cost of conventional drugs, adverse drug
reactions, and their inefficacy. In the present study, the efficacy of herbal
medicine Liv/52 (consisting of Mandur basma, Tamarix gallica and herbal extracts
of Capparis spinosa, Cichorium intybus, Solanum nigrum, Terminalia arjuna and
Achillea millefolium) on liver cirrhosis outcomes was compared with the placebo
for 6 months in 36 cirrhotic patients referred to Tehran Hepatic Center. The
outcome measures included child/pugh score, ascites, serum alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total billirubin,
albumin, prothrombin time, platelet and white blood cells counts. The indices
were recorded in all patients before and after 6 months of drug or placebo
treatment. The results demonstrated that the patients treated with Liv/52 for 6
months had significantly better child/pugh score, decreased ascites, decreased
serum ALT and AST. In placebo administered patients all the clinical parameters
recorded at beginning of the study were not significantly different than after 6
months. We conclude that Liv/52 possess hepatoprotective effect in cirrhotic
patients. This protective effect of Liv/52 can be attributed to the diuretic,
anti/inflammatory, anti/oxidative, and immunomodulating properties of the
component herbs.
Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16194047 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
43: Mycopathologia. 2005 Aug;160(1):85/91.
Chicory extracts from Cichorium intybus L. as potential antifungals.
Mares D, Romagnoli C, Tosi B, Andreotti E, Chillemi G, Poli F.
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, University of Ferrara, C.so Porta
Mare 2, I/44100, Ferrara, Italy. mrd@dns.unife.it
In this work extracts from roots of the common vegetable Cichorium intybus L.,
highly appreciated for its bitter taste, were studied to investigate their
possible biological activity on fungi from a variety of ecological environments:
some are parasites on plants (phytopathogens) or of animals and humans
(zoophilic and anthropophilic dermatophytes), others live on the soil and only
seldom parasitize animals (geophilic dermatophytes). The extracts were
ineffective on geophilic species and on tested phytopathogens, with the
exception of Pythium ultimum, whereas they inhibited the growth of zoophilic and
anthropophilic dermatophytes, in particular Trichophyton tonsurans var.
sulfureum, whose treatment caused morphological anomalies, here observed by
scanning electron microscopy. This behaviour is discussed on the basis of the
presence in the chicory extract of the two main sesquiterpene lactones,
8/deoxylactucin and 11 beta,13/dihydrolactucin.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16160773 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
44: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Aug 10;53(16):6497/502.
Evaluation of the phenolic content in the aerial parts of different varieties of
Cichorium intybus L.
Innocenti M, Gallori S, Giaccherini C, Ieri F, Vincieri FF, Mulinacci N.
Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita di Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6,
50019 Sesto F.no, Florence, Italy.
Fresh aerial parts of different chicory varieties: green chicory (c.v.
"Catalogna"), two red chicory varieties ("radicchio rosso di Chioggia" and
"radicchio rosso di Treviso"), and Witloof or Belgian endive were analyzed by
HPLC/DAD/MS. The chromatographic fingerprint was diagnostic for each variety. A
monocaffeoyl tartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid were detected in
all the varieties, while cyanidin 3/O/glucoside, delphinidin 3/O/(6'' malonyl)
glucoside, and cyanidin 3/O/(6'' malonyl) glucoside were the main phenolic
compounds in the red varieties. The flavonoidic compounds, quercetin
3/O/glucuronide and luteolin 7/O/glucuronide, were absent in the Witloof sample.
The phenolic compounds from total leaves were the same as those obtained from
only the colored parts; nevertheless, the total amount was remarkably lower with
a decrease of up to 80% for Belgian endive. Chemical stability at high
temperature was observed for the phenolic fraction from the green variety after
decoction at 100 degrees C for 30 min.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16076140 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
45: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Aug 10;53(16):6448/54.
Purification and characterization of soluble Cichorium intybusVar. silvestre
lipoxygenase.
Daglia M, Aceti C, Giorgetti S, Papetti A, Gazzani G.
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of
Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
A water/soluble lipoxygenase enzyme (EC 1.13.11.12; LOX) occurring in the red
cultivar produced in the geographical area of Chioggia (Italy) of Cichorium
intybus var. silvestre was isolated and characterized. The molecular mass of the
enzyme was estimated to be 74,000 Da by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide
gel electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography. The isoelectric point was
pH 6.85. The optimum values of pH, ionic strength, and temperature, shown by
isoresponse surface calculated by a randomized multilevel factorial design, were
7.58, 30 mM, and 38.5 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme showed high
specificity toward linoleic acid, and the study of the variation of linoleic
acid concentration between 30 and 300 microM, in the presence of Tween 20 at a
concentration lower than the critical micelle concentration (0.01 v/v), resulted
in a typical Michaelis/Mentem curve with KM and Vmax values of 1.49 x 10(/4) M
and 2.049 microM min(/1) mg(/1), respectively. The biochemical properties, the
kinetic parameters found, and the carotene/bleaching activity shown in aerobic
conditions seem to indicate that the isolated enzyme is a lipoxygenase type III
according to the indications given for soybean isoenzymes.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 16076133 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
46: N Z Vet J. 2002 Dec;50(6):244/51.
Novel forages for growth and health in farmed deer.
Barry TN, Hoskin SO, Wilson PR.
Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University,
Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. T.N.Barry@massey.ac.nz
AIMS: This paper reviews recent research on the use of new forages in deer
farming that may be useful for increasing growth in weaner deer for venison
production, increasing the trace element status of deer, and for developing
systems less reliant on chemical inputs, notably of anthelmintics used to
control internal parasites. GROWTH: Grazing on pure swards of red clover
(Trifolium pratense) or chicory (Chicorium intybus) increased weaner growth
during autumn by 26/47% and during spring by 10/14%, relative to red deer
(Cervus elaphus) grazed on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) /white clover
(Trifolium repens) pasture (0.8/0.2). Pre/weaning growth during lactation was
increased by approximately 20%. These increases were due to increased rate of
degradation of feed particles in the rumen, leading to higher digestibility and
higher voluntary feed intakes (VFI). Red clover and chicory produce a greater
proportion of their total dry matter (DM) during late summer and autumn than
perennial ryegrass/white clover pastures, and are therefore better aligned with
the seasonal feed requirements of deer. Grazing on the legume, sulla (Hedysarum
coronarium), in autumn and spring increased the growth of weaner deer by 33% and
10%, respectively, relative to pasture/fed animals. PARASITES: Plants containing
substantial concentrations of secondary compounds such as condensed tannins (CT)
show promise for reducing problems caused by internal parasites. CT present in
some legumes and the presence of low concentrations of both CT and sesquiterpene
lactones in chicory are reviewed. Feeding sulla containing 35g CT /kg DM reduced
abomasal nematode establishment and tended to reduce lungworm (Dictyocaulis
eckerti) larval counts in faeces. Relative to weaner deer grazing pasture,
weaner deer grazing chicory during autumn required fewer anthelmintic treatments
without depressing growth rates. CT extracted from a range of legumes, and CT
and sesquiterpene lactones extracted from chicory reduced the in vitro motility
of both lungworm and gastrointestinal nematode larvae. The beneficial effects of
CT/containing forages on the ability of young deer to manage internal parasite
infections could be due to: indirect effects of CT resulting in increased
amino/acid absorption, better meeting demands of the immune system; direct
inhibitory effects of CT on parasite larvae and; taller plant morphology,
reducing the ingestion of infective larvae. The effects of CT depend upon both
their structure and CT Condensed tannins DM Dry matter L1 First/stage larvae L3
Infective third/stage larvae LWG Liveweight gain ME Metabolisable energy OM
Organic matter OMD Organic matter digestibility VFIVoluntary food intake
concentration in the plant, which vary between growing conditions, plant
varieties and species. TRACE ELEMENTS: Chicory contained higher concentrations
of copper and cobalt than perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture grown on the
same farm, and deer grazing chicory had higher liver concentrations of both
copper and vitamin B12. These forages may contribute to maintaining adequate
trace element status in deer. CONCLUSIONS: Grazing systems that include legumes
and herbs such as sulla, red clover and chicory can be used to substantially
increase the growth of weaner deer for venison production whilst maintaining
deer health and reducing requirements for chemical inputs. For maximum plant
persistence and animal responses, these plants should be grown and managed as
special/purpose forages and not used in seed mixtures with perennial grasses.
PMID: 16032280 [PubMed]
47: Ceska Slov Farm. 2005 May;54(3):145/50.
[Optimization of isolation of inulin from Cichorium intybus L. and some of its
uses in social practice]
[Article in Slovak]
Augustin J.
Slovenska technicka univerzita v Bratislave, Fakulta potravinarskej technologie,
Katedra potravinarskej technologie. jozef.augustin@stuba.sk
The study is concerned with the technological processing of chicory Cichorium
intybus in order to isolate the fructan polysaccharide inulin (C6H10O5) and the
optimization of the individual production steps of extraction (the method of
purification of the raw material prior to the extraction itself and purification
of the final product. temperature of the extraction mixture, exposure period of
the extraction agent, effect of pH, optimization of the module for the
determination of the most suitable volume of the extraction agent, determination
of the most suitable ratio of the volume of ethanol in the extraction of inulin
from the reaction medium). The obtained experimental results are compared and
evaluated with regard to quality (whiteness) and the yield of the obtained final
product. The paper is also concerned with several possible uses of inulin in
pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetological, food industrial, and fodder production
fields.
Publication Types:
English Abstract
PMID: 15945463 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
48: Chemosphere. 2005 Dec;61(9):1288/92.
Uptake and degradation of DDT by hairy root cultures of Cichorium intybus and
Brassica juncea.
Suresh B, Sherkhane PD, Kale S, Eapen S, Ravishankar GA.
Plant Cell Biotechnology Department, Central Food Technological Research
Institute, Mysore 570013, India. bsuresh@lamar.colostate.edu
Hairy root cultures of Cichorium intybus and Brassica juncea were used for their
ability to uptake and degrade DDT
(1,1,1/trichloro/2,2/bis/(4'/chlorophenyl)ethane). After 24 h of 14C DDT
treatment, only 12/13% of the total applied radioactivity was detected in the
culture media, indicating the efficient uptake of DDT by the hairy roots. The
majority of the applied radioactivity was associated with the roots. DDT was
degraded to various other products such as DDD, DDE and DDMU, along with some
unknown compounds by hairy root cultures, which were detected by thin layer
chromatography (TLC) and autoradiography. The rate of in situ degradation was
found to be higher during the initial stages of culture and the residual 14C DDT
in the roots was found to decrease from 77% to 61% over a period of 10/days.
There was no spontaneous degradation of 14C DDT in media lacking hairy root
cultures or in media with autoclaved hairy roots. This suggests that endogenous
root enzymes play a role in the breakdown of 14C DDT. These results suggest the
potential applicability and advantage of using these plant species for
phytoremediation of persistent xenobiotics such as DDT in an eco/friendly and
efficient manner for environmental clean up.
Publication Types:
In Vitro
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 15885743 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
49: Br J Nutr. 2005 Apr;93 Suppl 1:S73/90.
Inulin/type fructans and reduction in colon cancer risk: review of experimental
and human data.
Pool/Zobel BL.
Department of Nutritional Toxicology, Institute for Nutritional Sciences,
Friedrich/Schiller/University Jena, Germany. b8pobe@uni/jena.de
Inulin/type fructans (beta(2,1)fructans) extracted from chicory roots (Cichorium
intybus) are prebiotic food ingredients, which in the gut lumen are fermented to
lactic acid and SCFA. Research in experimental animal models revealed that
inulin/type fructans have anticarcinogenic properties. A number of studies
report the effects of inulin/type fructans on chemically induced pre/neoplastic
lesions (ACF) or tumours in the colon of rats and mice. In twelve studies, there
were twenty/nine individual treatment groups of which twenty/four measured
aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and five measured tumours. There was a significant
reduction of ACF in twenty/one of the twenty/four treatment groups and of tumour
incidence in five of the five treatment groups. Higher beneficial effects were
achieved by synbiotics (mixtures of probiotics and prebiotics), long/chain
inulin/type fructans compared to short/chain derivatives, and feeding high/fat
Western style diets. Inulin/type fructans reduced tumour incidence in APC(Min)
mice in two of four studies and reduced growth and metastasising properties of
implanted tumour cells in mice (four studies). The effects have been reported to
be associated with gut flora/mediated fermentation and production of butyrate.
In human cells, inulin/derived fermentation products inhibited cell growth,
modulated differentiation and reduced metastasis activities. In conclusion,
evidence has been accumulated that shows that inulin/type fructans and
corresponding fermentation products reduced the risks for colon cancer. The
involved mechanisms included the reduction of exposure to risk factors and
suppression of tumour cell survival. Thus, this specific type of dietary fibre
exerted both blocking agent and suppressing agent types of chemopreventive
activities.
Publication Types:
Review
PMID: 15877900 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
50: Plant Cell Rep. 2005 Jun;24(4):246/9. Epub 2005 Apr 5.
Furofuran lignans from a callus culture of Cichorium intybus.
Malarz J, Stojakowska A, Szneler E, Kisiel W.
Department of Phytochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of
Sciences, Smetna 12, 31/343 Krakow, Poland. kisielw@if/pan.krakow.pl
Three new and one known furofuran lignans//syringaresinol derivatives//along
with the known phenylpropanoids cichoriin and syringin were isolated from a
callus tissue of Cichorium intybus. The compounds were characterised by spectral
methods. This is the first report on the presence of furofuran lignans in
Cichorium species.
PMID: 15809887 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
51: J Exp Bot. 2005 May;56(415):1389/95. Epub 2005 Apr 4.
Growth, fructan yield, and quality of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as related
to photosynthetic capacity, harvest time, and water regime.
Monti A, Amaducci MT, Pritoni G, Venturi G.
Department of Agroenvironmental Science and Technologies, University of Bologna,
Viale G Fanin 44/46, I/40127, Bologna, Italy. amonti@agrsci.unibo.it
Fructans are polymers that are widely used in several industrial applications.
In the last few years they have received increasing interest because of their
positive effects on health. At present, fructans are mostly supplied by chicory,
which is only grown and processed in The Netherlands, France, and Belgium. It
would therefore be an attractive concept to expand its cultivation to the
southern European countries, although water shortage and high temperatures may
hinder its growth and yield. So far, few experiments have been carried out on
the effects of water, so the present research was focused on the course of
growth and fructan quality in rainfed (W(0)) and well/watered (W(1)) conditions.
The positive effects of water restoration mostly concerned the above/ground dry
weight (ADW), whereas the root dry weight (RDW) was less influenced. No
significant differences on RDW were found in 1999, whereas it was 14% higher (P
<0.01) in W(1) in 2000. The effect of water was very clear on assimilate
allocation: the overall priority at the whole plant scale seemed to be root
structures, then storage reserves, and finally ADW. Therefore, the fructan
content was higher in W(0), and insignificant differences between W(0) and W(1)
were found on fructan yield at the final harvests. The only significant effect
of the water regime on fructans was to speed up their storage. The leaf
photosynthetic capacity (A) was poorly affected by water availability, whereas
it appeared consistently modulated by leaf temperature and leaf nitrogen
content. Stomatal conductance appeared to be mostly affected by the soil water
content and it was mostly related to A up to about 300 mmol m(/2) s(/1). The
fructan chain length (DP) was not affected by water regime. Besides, DP classes
showed a normal statistical distribution; skewness and kurtosis significantly
changed only when the harvest was very late. Equally, a very late harvest time
significantly lowered DP.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 15809283 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
52: J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Mar;56 Suppl 1:115/24.
Antioxidant properties of Mediterranean food plant extracts: geographical
differences.
Schaffer S, Schmitt/Schillig S, Muller WE, Eckert GP.
Institute of Pharmacology (ZAFES), Biocenter Niederursel, University of
Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. G.P.Eckert@em.uni/frankfurt.de.
Locally grown, wild food plants seasonally contribute a considerable portion of
the daily diet in certain Mediterranean areas and it has been suggested that the
beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on human health partly originate
from the antioxidant effect of flavonoid/rich food plants. The nutrient content
of most wild plants is higher than that of cultivated ones and may vary
depending on the prevailing environmental conditions. Accordingly, three local
Mediterranean plant foods (i.e. Cichorium intybus, Sonchus oleraceus, Papaver
rhoeas) were collected in Greece (Crete), southern Italy, and southern Spain in
order to assess possible differences in their in vitro antioxidant potential.
The biological assays revealed diverse intra/plant specific antioxidant effects
for the tested extracts ranging from no activity to almost complete protection.
Furthermore, substantial differences in the polyphenol content were found for
the nutritionally used part of the same plant originating from different
locations. However, no clear correlations between the polyphenol content and the
extracts' antioxidant activities were found. Taken together, the data suggest
that certain local Mediterranean plant foods possess promising antioxidant
activity and that the observed biological effects are possibly influenced by the
geographically/dependent environmental conditions prevailing during plant
growth.
PMID: 15800389 [PubMed / in process]
53: N Z Vet J. 2004 Dec;52(6):311/9.
Advances in pasture management for animal productivity and health.
Lambert MG, Clark DA, Litherland AJ.
AgResearch Grasslands, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
A wide range of management techniques is available to enhance quantity and
quality of forage supply to grazing animals throughout the annual production
cycle. Within broad limits, dry matter (DM) production is relatively insensitive
to management of defoliation frequency, severity and duration. However
defoliation management has effects on feed quality which can be enhanced, in
particular, by control of pasture growth in the spring through maintenance of
relatively low average pasture masses. Treading damage can have significant
immediate and ongoing effects on pasture production and farmers can use a range
of management techniques to minimise these. Fertiliser application practices
have a potent influence on pasture production and seasonality of that
production. Available soil nitrogen is the primary nutrient deficiency limiting
production in New Zealand's characteristically grass/dominant pastures. Nitrogen
fertiliser usage has increased markedly in recent years, particularly to grow
substantially greater amounts of forage during the cool season, and this trend
looks set to continue. However, the use of nitrogen fertiliser has important
environmental implications. Pasture renewal and forage crop use has also
increased in recent years. Care needs to be taken in conducting cost/benefit
analyses, selecting the options that best meet the needs, and in establishment
and subsequent management practices. Ryegrass (perennial and hybrids) and white
clover remain the primary choice for permanent pasture renewal, the availability
of safe endophytes having largely alleviated effects of endophyte toxicosis.
Special/purpose mixtures are used, especially in dry environments. Italian
ryegrasses, brassicas and chicory are common choices for forage crops. A range
of management techniques can be used to alleviate deleterious effects of some
forages, including ryegrass endophyte toxicosis, facial eczema, and toxins
associated with Fusarium fungi. Generally these techniques are not totally
effective. More research is required to increase our understanding of these
disorders, and in order to develop more effective and reliable management
practices.
PMID: 15768131 [PubMed / in process]
54: J Bacteriol. 2005 Mar;187(6):2157/62.
Role of the PhoP/PhoQ system in the virulence of Erwinia chrysanthemi strain
3937: involvement in sensitivity to plant antimicrobial peptides, survival at
acid Hh, and regulation of pectolytic enzymes.
Llama/Palacios A, Lopez/Solanilla E, Rodriguez/Palenzuela P.
Departamento de Biotechnologia/UPM, ETS Ingenieros Agronomos, Madrid, Spain.
Erwinia chrysanthemi is a phytopathogenic bacterium that causes soft/rot
diseases in a broad number of crops. The PhoP/PhoQ system is a key factor in
pathogenicity of several bacteria and is involved in the bacterial resistance to
different factors, including acid stress. Since E. chrysanthemi is confronted by
acid pH during pathogenesis, we have studied the role of this system in the
virulence of this bacterium. In this work, we have isolated and characterized
the phoP and phoQ mutants of E. chrysanthemi strain 3937. It was found that: (i)
they were not altered in their growth at acid pH; (ii) the phoQ mutant showed
diminished ability to survive at acid pH; (iii) susceptibility to the
antimicrobial peptide thionin was increased; (iv) the virulence of the phoQ
mutant was diminished at low and high magnesium concentrations, whereas the
virulence of the phoP was diminished only at low magnesium concentrations; (v)
in planta Pel activity of both mutant strains was drastically reduced; and (vi)
both mutants lagged behind the wild type in their capacity to change the
apoplastic pH. These results suggest that the PhoP/PhoQ system plays a role in
the virulence of this bacterium in plant tissues, although it does not
contribute to bacterial growth at acid pH.
Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/U.S. Gov't
PMID: 15743964 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
55: J Environ Manage. 2005 Mar;74(4):339/48. Epub 2004 Dec 24.
The effect of olive mill wastewater on seed germination after various
pretreatment techniques.
Komilis DP, Karatzas E, Halvadakis CP.
Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Mitilinis 50, 11364 Athens,
Greece. dkomilis@yahoo.com
Olive mill wastewater (OMW) management has been a major issue of environmental
concern for olive oil producing countries. OMW can be a serious nuisance, when
disposed of untreated, due to its significantly high organic load, its
phytotoxic properties and its relatively low biodegradability. Field and plant
irrigation with raw or pretreated OMW is an easy and relatively inexpensive
method to treat and dispose of OMW. Typical pretreatment techniques could be
comprised of phase separation through a settling basin, dilution with water,
aeration to promote biological degradation and pH neutralization. A full
factorial experimental design approach was used here to study the main effects
and interactions of the above four pretreatment techniques on the germination of
tomato and chicory seeds. Results of the study showed that the most
statistically significant technique affecting OMW phytotoxicity is water
dilution. The next most significant technique was aeration. In particular,
phytotoxicity decreased with increased OMW dilution with water, when OMW was
aerated and without pH adjustment. pH neutralization resulted in increased
phytotoxicity. Settling did not significantly decrease the phytotoxicity of
settled OMW and is therefore not considered necessary in an OMW management
system in which plant irrigation is the goal. The interaction of aeration and pH
was, marginally, the most significant two/way interaction for tomato seeds,
while no interactions were significant when chicory seeds were used.
Publication Types:
Comparative Study
PMID: 15737458 [PubMed / indexed for MEDLINE]
56: Arch Anim Nutr. 2004 Dec;58(6):483/93.
Gastrointestinal and immunological responses of senior dogs to chicory and
mannan/oligosaccharides.
Grieshop CM, Flickinger EA, Bruce KJ, Patil AR, Czarnecki/Maulden GL, Fahey GC
Jr.
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.
Thirty/four senior dogs (pointers 8/11 years, beagles 9/11 years) were used to
evaluate the effects of oligosaccharides on nutritional and immunological
characteristics
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