Isolation of Sarracenin from Root Barks of Strychnos Spinosa

Isolation of Sarracenin from Root Barks of Strychnos Spinosa On isolation of Sarracenin from Root barks of Strychnos spinosa and its Antimicrobial Properties. A known iridoid, Sarracenin, was isolated from the root bark of Strychnos spinosa. Its structure was elucidated by 1D and 2D-NMR experiments, and comparison with reported data. This is the first time it has been isolated from this species. The compound showed significant antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Shigella dysenteriae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans Candida tropicalis, Candida thrusei, and Candida stellatoidea, respectively. The genus Strychnos (Loganiaceae), consist of about 75 accepted species found throughout the tropics and subtropical Africa [1]. Strychnos spinosa is commonly known as Kaffir orange, Spiny monkey orange or Natal orange. It is utilized variously in African traditional medicine for ailments such as dropsy, earache, snakebite, fever, elephantiasis, fever epilepsy and rheumatism [2]. The isolation and structural elucidation of the iridoid sarracenin from the root bark of this plant and its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Shigella dysenteriae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans Candida tropicalis, Candida thrusei, and Candida stellatoidea, respectively, is hereby reported. Results and Discussion. The compound was obtained as fine, transparent, needle shaped crystals. It was determined as Sarracenin using 1D and 2D-NMR experiments, and comparison with reported data [3, 4, 5]. Some revisions to reported chemical shift assignments [3, 4] based on our DEPTq135, H, H-COSY, HMBC, HSQC and NOESY data are suggested. Table 1.1HNMR Data of Sarracenin in CDCl3 (ÃŽ ´ in ppm, J in Hz) based on fig. 1A DEPT spectra: DEPTq 135 spectrum gave the proton chemical shifts 166.77 (quaternary or methylene), 150.08 (methine or methyl), 112.32 (quaternary or methylene), 91.68 (methine or methyl), 88.13 (methine or methyl), 68.99 (methine or methyl), 51.42 (methine or methyl), 35.06 (quaternary or methylene), 32.26 (methine or methyl), 22.06 (methine or methyl), 18.70 (methine or methyl). The conclusion by Miles et al, [3] that signals at 35.1 and 22.1 are due to methine (C-5) and methylene (C-6), respectively, does not agree with our results; otherwise, we agree with their 13 C conclusions. Similarly, Wang et al, [4] report of chemical shifts at 91.7 as quaternary, 112.3 as methine, 18.7 as quaternary and 166.8 as methyl (Table 2.) is at variance with their justifications on HMQC and HMBC data. In addition, Wang et al, [4] reports 1HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) ÃŽ ´ 5.78 (d, J = 1.6 Hz), 1.34 (d, J = 6.5Hz, 3 H) as signals for protons at C-1 and C- 10, respectively; no protons are located at those positions (Figure 1A). It would seem a different numbering scheme was used, however, two different numberings were considered (Figures 1A 1B) neither agreed completely with Wang et al, [4]. Those assignments would appear to have distorted conclusions on 1H, 1H-COSY, HMBC and HMQC data (Tables 1 2). 1HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) ÃŽ ´ 7.46 (s, 1H), 5.79 (t, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H), 4.99 (dd, J = 3.5, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (q, J = 6.5 Hz, 1H), 2.98 (ddt, J = 10.7, 4.0, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 2.44 – 2.31 (m, 1H), 1.68 (dddd, J = 10.0, 5.3, 2.9, 1.0 Hz, 2H), 1.35 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 3H). Table 2.13C-NMR Data of Sarracenin in CDCl3 (ÃŽ ´ in ppm) based on fig. 1A Key * = Major areas with observed variation. It was noted that the compound contained 11 signals using13C-NMR and DEPT spectra, including two Me, one CH2, six CH, and two quaternary carbons. Analysis of overall NMR spectroscopic data revealed the signals at 1 2 E Figure 1A. Numbering of Sarracenin as by Miles et al, [3] and present work, B: Numbering as on www.chemspider.com[6] C: Important HMBC correlations, D: Important NOESY correlations, E: Important 1H-1HCOSY correlations. 1HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl3, TMS)ÃŽ ´7.46 (s, 1 H), 5.79 (t, J = 1.9, 1 H), 4.99 (dd, J = 3.5, 0.8, 1 H), 4.22 (q, J = 6.5, 1 H), 3.76 (s, 3 H), 2.98 (ddt, J = 10.7, 4.0, 1.9, 1 H), 2.37, 1.68 (m, dddd, J = 10.0, 5.3, 2.9, 1.0, 2 H), 1.35 (d, J = 6.5, 3 H); 13CNMR and DEPT (100 MHz, CDCl3, TMS) 166.77 (ester C=O), 150.08 (olefinicCH), 112.32 (olefinic quaternary carbon), 91.68 (CH), 88.13 (CH), 68.99 (CH), 51.42 (ester OCH3), 35.06 (methylene), 32.26 (CH), 22.06 (allylic CH), 18.70 (CH3) Antimicrobial activity The antimicrobial activities of sarracenin were assayed against some pathogenic microbes obtained from the Department of Medical Microbiology A.B.U. Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. The compound showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Candida tropicalis and Candida stellatoidea (Table 3.). This points sarracenin out as a major medicinal principle of Strychnos spinosa and lends justification to its use in traditional medicine. Experimental Collection of Plant Material The root bark of Strychnos spinosa was collected from Katsina-Ala, Benue State, Nigeria, in August, 2013. The bark was air-dried and their size reduced with the aid of a wooden mortar and pestle. Extraction and Isolation The ground material (750 g) was macerated for 72 hours using 500 mL each of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. Preliminary antimicrobial screening revealed the ethyl acetate extract to be most active against test microbes. Thus the ethyl acetate extract (10 g) was separated by Vacuum liquid chromatography. A very gentle gradient elution was used from hexane through to ethyl acetate. Thirty fractions (25 ml each) were collected and allowed to evaporate to approximately half their initial volumes. Fine needles were observed in fractions 20-25. These were monitored by TLC on ethyl acetate- methanol (1:1) solvent system and plates visualized using iodine vapour. The combined needles (221 mg) were further purified using SephadexLH20 with methanol-ethyl acetate ratio (1:1) as solvent. 1HNMR, 13CNMR and 2DNMR experiments were carried out on the purified compound using 30 mg. Its melting point was 123 – 1240C determined using Electro thermal IA 9300 (Gallenkhamp capillary melting point apparatus with a thermometer). Antimicrobial Assay The compound (0.01 mg) was weighed and dissolved in DMSO (10 mL) to obtain a concentration of 10 Â µg/mL (This would subsequently be used to determine the antimicrobial activities of the plant). Mueller Hinton and Sabouraud dextrose agar were used as growth media for the microbes. All the media were prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions, sterilized at 121 oC for 15 min and were poured into sterile petri dishes, allowed to cool and solidify. Disc diffusion method was used to screen the initial crude extracts. Sterilized media were seeded with a standard inoculum (0.1 ml) of test microbe, Mueller Hinton for the bacteria and SDA for the fungi. The inoculum was spread evenly over the surface of the media using a sterile swab. A well (6 mm) was cut at the center of the inoculated medium using a standard cork-borer (6 mm diameter). Solution of the extract (0.1 mL) was introduced into each well of the inoculated medium. The inoculated media were incubated at 37 oC fo r 24 hours for bacteria and at 30 oC for 7 days for the fungi, after which plates were observed for zones of inhibition of growth. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the compound was determined using the broth dilution method. Minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration (MBC and MFC) were also carried out to determine whether the test microbes were killed or only inhibited. Ciprofloxacin, Fulcin and Fluconazole were used as positive controls. Table 3. Antimicrobial Activity of sarracenin Key: S = Sensitive, R = Resistant, = (No turbidity) No colony growth, Ã ° = MIC or MBC or MFC, + = (Turbid) Scanty colony growth, ++ = Moderate colony growth, +++ = Heavy colony growth References Sitrit, Y., Loison, S., Ninio R, et al. (October 2003). Characterization of monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa Lam.), a potential new crop for arid regions. J. Agric. Food Chem. 51 (21): 6256–60. De, B.B. and Bisset, N.G. (1988). Alkaloids from the leaves of strychnos wallichiana steudelEx. A. DC. Indian Drugs 26 (2): 90-91. Miles, H. D.,Kokpol, U., Bhattacharyya, J.,Atwood, J. L.,Stone, K. E.,Bryson, T. A. and Wilson, C. (1976). Structure of Sarracenin. An Unusual EnolDiacetalMonoterpene from the Insectivorous Plant Sarracenia Java.J. Am. Chem. Soc. (6) 1570 Wang, Y., Wei, Q., Yang, L., and Liu, Z. (2003). Iridoid Glucosides from Chinese Herb Lonicerachrysathaand their antitumor activity. J. Chem. Research (S) 676-677 Yang, X., Li, E., Zhang, Q., Yuan, C., and Jia, Z. (2006). Five New Iridoids from Patrinarupestris. Helv. Chim. Acta. (3) 762-770 http://www.chemspider.com

BUSINESS LOYALTY Essay -- essays research papers

Brand Loyalty â€Å" Brand loyalty-that certain something that makes a consumer keep buying over and over again-is an elusive quality. It begins with the consumer’s preference for a product on the basis of objective reasons-the drink is sweeter, the paper towel more absorbent. The brand name is the customer’s guarantee that he/she will get what they expect†(Fisher). As far back as companies go the main question asked when selling their product, how can I get people to purchase my product? This is still a very important issue in the day- to- day operations of any company, but now they are asking a whole new question. In today's fast changing markets, where people are bombarded by advertisements everywhere, people are starting to realize that they don't need to stick with one product for life, and they see that there are many substitutes available. As a result of this new type of market, companies have started to put a large effort towards the development of Brand loyalty. I sha ll explore the topic of Band loyalty and explain its importance in today's business market, and how it motivates a consumer to purchase a given product or service. The phrase Brand loyalty refers to consumers sticking with a brand out of feeling of commitment for that brand. "Consumers attachments to certain brands are so powerful that this loyalty is often considered as a product attribute in and of its self†(Solomon). Solomon’s quote, is showing the attachment that people feel when they purchase a product for a long time, and are still very happy with it, is a huge plus in its self. People enjoy the luxury of not having to scavenge around the supermarket in search of a new product. Brand loyalty is also very attractive to the companies since they enjoy their work being easier, and less costly. It is less expensive and less time consuming to keep old customers, rather than spend money and time advertising towards new ones. "Furthermore, companies with faithful customers tend to be less susceptible to economic down turns or new competitors"(Harrell). There are numerous ways that a company can create Brand loyalty. When the consumers can name the brand for themselves, they are more likely to care about it. To help create that relationship many companies create an entire culture around their brand. By giving the consumer some degree of culture in addition to the product you ar... ...r getting more than a product. It shows that people want to belong to something. For example, the hippies that go to Ben & Jerrys, or people, who go to Starbucks, are getting more than ice cream and coffee. These people are getting an experience that cannot be matched elsewhere. The question is what sounds better if someone asked you what did you do last night? I got coffee at the local coffee shop or I got coffee at Starbucks. When people think of Starbucks they think of the big comfortable chairs and all the people, some even have a fireplace, and newspapers, and board games. Starbucks has created a culture of sitting and drinking coffee and this has become a big big business. This culture is what has made them as successful as they are today. It is as easy as saying if you don't adapt to the times you will not survive in this new market place, so the companies that don't develop Brand loyalty will be at a serious disadvantage. These companies will lose market share, and ultimately pay the price, and that is them going out of business. There is no real excuse for this to happen to any company, considering that there are so many methods, which one can create Brand loyalty.

Case of the Mysterous Roses

In our daily lives we interact with people from all walks of life. As individuals some of us set our own rules to live by, and as professionals we are given a set of guidelines to follow. Working in the Human Resource’s field there are many situations that may occur and we are forced to make difficult decisions. This ethics game simulation presented some examples that occur in the real world. There were two scenarios presented, â€Å"The Case of the Mysterious Roses†, and â€Å"The Case of the Cold Feet†. These cases were both difficult to deal with, and allowed the managers use critical thinking skills to address both situations. The first scenario â€Å"The Case of the Mysterious Roses† there were several issues that arose; one is when a female employee began receiving roses from a secret admirer. One problem is that she believed the roses are from a male coworker, which made her uncomfortable. The employee feels the need to go to her supervisor for advice, and sends an email requesting a confidential meeting. In this scenario I am the supervisor, which reveals the other problem. The issue at hand is how I will respond to the request. As the department supervisor I should respond to the request without compromising the integrity of myself or the company. As the supervisor and witnessing the activities that had taken place felt confident that there may be a possibility of sexual harassment accusation. In response to the email I felt that she could not give her a firm yes or no answer. The exercise allowed me to look at the situation and put my thoughts into perspective and ask myself what is my responsibility as a supervisor. The ethical lens helped me to identify the primary stake holders, though both lens rights and responsibility, and results lens. These lens enabled me to make the decision. I was able to advise Gayle that, I am able to maintain confidentially on any personal matter; however if the issue is work related I may have to report it. I informed Gayle of the company policy on sexual harassment and advised her of her rights as an employees. I based my decision on my own professional experience, as my company has a zero tolerance for such behavior. I could not guarantee 100% confidentially to the employee if there was an employee violating company policy. If I am aware of the situation and do not report it I would be just as guilty. In the second scenario â€Å"The Case of the Cold Feet† there was an issue in reference to an employee falsifying information on a report. The issue is brought to my attention and I must take a plan of action by using a different set of lenses, relationship and reputation lens. The exercise took me through multiple steps to identify how I would handle the situation. In the relationship lens I decided to perform an in house investigation in reference to the allegations. My choice did not agree with the program and I was advised to consider my colleague’s reputation and allow him to clean up his act. That made me realize that I need to give others a chance to correct their mistakes. In the reputation lens I made that decision which allowed me to hold others accountable for their actions. In my professional life I would have given the employee to redeem him or herself before I would involve a manager. In this scenario I believe I thought about it too long and chose an answer based on what I thought someone else wanted. After participating in both of these activities I believe that I can make better decisions when called up on. Using my critical thinking skills I can think outside the box and give others a chance while following company policy. Sexual harassment is a serious offence and it is a good idea to educate employees to avoid situations such as this. The company that I work for as well as other companies, do not take this matter lightly. In the situation regarding falsifying documents is also a concern with organizations. The company that I work for does not tolerate this type of activity. Our policy states that if an employee is falsifying documentation that is immediate ground for termination. There are many situations that occur within an organization and with the help of a strong management team and policy to follow the company can be successful.

Free Essays on Ann Radcliffes Writing Style In “The Italian“

Suspense is what makes us intrigued to Ann Radcliffe’s works. She makes us have the absolute need to find out what happens throughout the story of â€Å"The Italian†. Her vague descriptions and the way that she makes the characters let out information is almost wrong from a reader’s point of view only because she gives you enough to make you want more. We could almost say that she makes you addicted to the story. The first chapter makes us start to wonder right away about the man in the church. We went over in class that the Englishman gets some information from someone else which makes him inquire as to what is going on. "'He [the assassin] sought sanctuary here', replied the friar; 'within these walls he may not be hurt'"(2). Now obviously that entire sentence is intriguing in itself. What the story will play out like is only touched on to the point where we must read on, or choose to stay up all night thinking about it. Why is it that the English guy’s friend wants to send him a written explanation of what occurred in the church instead of meeting at the shop on the street? It’s hard to understand why that part ends so suddenly, but of course we believe that we will eventually find out. Radcliffe likes to play with the reader’s emotions as much as possible, almost in a â€Å"how far can I take them† manner. Just when we think we are about to find out something that has been poking us in the ribs, she makes it take another twist. She makes us engaged, but also a little annoyed at what interesting, yet sparse amount of information she gives us. At the point in which Vivaldi goes into the house chasing the dark cloaked man, he comes out as white as a sheet, as if he had seen a ghost. Now us, the reader, know that an event had to take place in this event, but Radcliffe does not allow him to explain even an inkling of what happened. So once again, we are left wanting. It did not necessarily have to be blood, but we see it t... Free Essays on Ann Radcliffe's Writing Style In â€Å"The Italianâ€Å" Free Essays on Ann Radcliffe's Writing Style In â€Å"The Italianâ€Å" Suspense is what makes us intrigued to Ann Radcliffe’s works. She makes us have the absolute need to find out what happens throughout the story of â€Å"The Italian†. Her vague descriptions and the way that she makes the characters let out information is almost wrong from a reader’s point of view only because she gives you enough to make you want more. We could almost say that she makes you addicted to the story. The first chapter makes us start to wonder right away about the man in the church. We went over in class that the Englishman gets some information from someone else which makes him inquire as to what is going on. "'He [the assassin] sought sanctuary here', replied the friar; 'within these walls he may not be hurt'"(2). Now obviously that entire sentence is intriguing in itself. What the story will play out like is only touched on to the point where we must read on, or choose to stay up all night thinking about it. Why is it that the English guy’s friend wants to send him a written explanation of what occurred in the church instead of meeting at the shop on the street? It’s hard to understand why that part ends so suddenly, but of course we believe that we will eventually find out. Radcliffe likes to play with the reader’s emotions as much as possible, almost in a â€Å"how far can I take them† manner. Just when we think we are about to find out something that has been poking us in the ribs, she makes it take another twist. She makes us engaged, but also a little annoyed at what interesting, yet sparse amount of information she gives us. At the point in which Vivaldi goes into the house chasing the dark cloaked man, he comes out as white as a sheet, as if he had seen a ghost. Now us, the reader, know that an event had to take place in this event, but Radcliffe does not allow him to explain even an inkling of what happened. So once again, we are left wanting. It did not necessarily have to be blood, but we see it t...

Developing Effective Communication in Health and social Care Essays

Developing Effective Communication in Health and social Care Essays Developing Effective Communication in Health and social Care Essay Developing Effective Communication in Health and social Care Essay Communication is a way of creating an understanding with an individual or within a group, it is important that you have good communication skills when working with others in order to follow and obey instructions clearly and correctly without any misunderstanding. Communication in health and social care settings is used daily, for example teachers communicate with pupils, parents and work collies, In this health and social care environment it is important that commination is clear from both the teacher and parent in order to hold a fluent conversation that maintains eye contact, teachers will need to communicate with parents to discuss their child/children’s school work or issues that may need to be addressed in more detail. For example family problems that may affect the quality of a child’s school work, if communication is not effective it may cause confusion and problems could accrue if the message is not summarised. There are two different ways of communicating which are verbal and non-verbal; Verbal communication involves talking to present ideas, thoughts and feelings, good verbal communication is the ability to both explain and present your ideas clearly through the spoken word. The tone and paste of voice is also very important when talking as it can often show what mood an individual is in. For example if you talking to someone very loudly with a fixed tone the person you are speaking to will think you are angry with them, on the other hand if you speak calmly and quietly with a varying tone you will come across as being friendly. Non-verbal communication doesn’t involve any use of speech interaction, to communicate in a non verbal way would be writing, facial expressions, eye contact, listening, brail, makaton as well as through art and photographs. In health and social care the most common forms of communicating non verbally is sign language, brail and makaton. Sign language is a language which instead of using sounds uses visual signs that are made up of shapes, positions and movements of the hands, arms or body and facial expressions to express thoughts. Brail is a system of raised marks that is used through sense of touch, Brail allows people who have limited or no vision to read and write through their sense of touch. Makaton is the easiest way to communicate in health and social care settings as its both verbal and non-verbal, it is a method using speech as well as signs and symbols, Picture cards are used to relate facial expressions with the word to make the words more easily recognised by those with learning difficulties. With out speaking your posture still sends messages to others on how you are feeling this is called body language, for example slouching on a chair can show a lack of interest in what is going on in the environment around you, folded arms can suggest that you are feeling negative or defensive about a person or situation, this is also known as closed body language and people may hesitate on approaching you. How ever if you have good eye contact with the person who is talking, and nod when appropriate this shows that you are interested and that you are taking in the information that is being shared. Its very important in health and social care that you show you are listening and that you care, listening to people involves allot more than just hearing what they say, to listen effetely you need to hear the words/question being spoke, thinking what they mean, then thinking of a appropriate response, In a health and social care environment working with a individual that has learning difficulties/problems (such as speech problems) and you are not taking notice to what they are saying, the individual will get distressed and frustrated if they are not understood, which could also lead to low self esteem, this is called active listening. There will be times when communicating with others is not going to be easy, there are a verify of reasons that could effect communication, such as language differences, learning difficulties, environment, hearing or sight impairments, and jargon, however there are many possible ways to overcome these barriers to create a better understanding. A barrier blocks communication and stops messages from being received clearly, Language differences is a barrier as not everybody you meet throughout your life will speak the same first language as you. To overcome this you would need to use a lot of hand gestures, speak clearly, and paste your voice. Pictures could also be used to communicate. However in extreme situations the use of interpreters will make communication a lot clearer, for example in health and social care settings a patient may not understand what the doctor/nurse is trying to explain to them about their health. Environments IS also a common barrier as it is very head to hear what someone is saying if there is a lot of distracting background noise. It is also very difficult to make sense of individual’s facial expressions if the lighting in the room is poor. Also you may become distracted if someone walks past the door or window, in health and social care settings a school is a great example as pupils will be more interested in what is out of the window rather than focusing on what the teacher is saying.

Community Acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Article

Community Acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus - Article Example As the research stresses the etiology of CA-MRSA infections includes presentation of small series of soft tissue infections, pneumonia or bacteremia in both adult and pediatric patients. Strains of CA-MRSA produces symptoms that range from subtle to life threatening. The most common lesions were abscesses and cellulitis which presented as single lesions involving extremities. Patients with abscesses may have no fever or leukocytosis. Abscesses are mostly accompanied by central necrosis and surrounding cellulitis. Multiple boils are usually characteristics and occur in outbreaks but is a less frequent presentation of CA--MRSA. In addition, scalded skin syndrome and impendigo are usually uncommon. Myositis and pyositis are also rare infections that involve pelvis or lower extremities. Some patients may also have associated bacteremia and septic shock. According to the report there is an increasing rate of drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus that has led to study of potential medicinal herbs for treatment. Some plants extracts have antimicrobial activity and can be great significance in therapeutic treatment. Strains of Staphylococcus aureus were vulnerable to extracts of Punica granatum and Tabebuia avellanedae, which are Brazillian traditional medicinal herbs. Two naphthoquinones isolated from T. avellanedae and ellagitannins isolated from P. granatum were mixed and they exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Causes and Risk of Alzheimer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Causes and Risk of Alzheimer - Essay Example There is also another hypothesis which suggests that breakdown of age-related myelin causes damage to the brain. One of the risk factors of this disease is the age of an individual. People who are over 65 years are more likely to get the disease than those below this age. The other risk factor is genes. Individuals who have a family history of Alzheimer’s are also among the risk group to get the disease later on in their lives. This is because the disease is genetic (Turkington and Mitchell, 2010). Other than the two risk factors mentioned above, there are also others like the gender of an individual. According to statistics of the disease, women are more at risk of acquiring the disease than men. This is not as a result of age but speculated to be as a result of estrogen. Individuals who have suffered head injuries in the past are also at risk of getting the disease more than those who have no history of head injuries in the