Removal of tetracycline from contaminated water by Moringa oleifera seed preparations

The aim of this study was to evaluate tetracycline antibiotic (TA) removal from contaminated water by Moringa oleifera seed preparations. The composition of synthetic water approximate river natural contaminated water and TA simulated its presence as an emerging pollutant. Interactions between TA and protein preparations (extract; fraction and lectin) were also evaluated. TA was determined by solid phase extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry. Moringa extract and flour removed TA from water. Extract removed TA in all concentrations and better removal (40%) was obtained with 40 mg L1; seed flour (particles < 5mm), 1.25 g L1 and 2.50 g L1 removed 28 and 29% of tetracycline, respectively; particles > 5 mm (0.50 g L1) removed 55% of antibiotic. Interactions between TA and seed preparations were assayed by haemagglutinating activity (HA). Specific HA (SHA) of extract (pH 7) was abolished with tetracycline (5 mg L1); fraction (75%) and lectin HA (97%) were inhibited with TA. Extract SHA decreased by 75% at pH 8. Zeta potential (ZP) of extract 700 mg L1 and tetracycline 50 mg L1 , pH range 5 to 8, showed different results. Extract ZP was more negative (10.73 mV to 16.00 mV) than tetracycline ZP (0.27 mV to 20.15 mV); ZP difference was greater in pH 8. The focus of this study was achieved since moringa preparations removed TA from water and compounds interacting with tetracycline involved at least lectin binding sites. This is a natural process, which do not promote environmental damage.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Bauhinia monandra leaf lectin

A galactose-specific lectin from Bauhinia monandra leaves (BmoLL) have been purified through ammonium sulphate fractionation followed by guar gel affinity chromatography column. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of pure BmoLL in mice. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by 1% carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice treated with BmoLL. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and hot plate methods evaluated antinociceptive activity. BmoLL significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced paw edema by 47% (30 mg/kg) and 60.5% (60 mg/kg); acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 100 mg/kg) showed inhibition of 70.5%, in comparison to controls. Leukocyte migration, an immune response to the inflammation process, was significantly reduced in presence of BmoLL; in mice treated with \ASA\ the decrease in leukocyte migration was similar to 15 mg/kg of the lectin. BmoLL at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of animal contortions by 43.1, 50.1 and 71.3%, respectively.BmoLL leukocyte migration was significantly reduced; in mice treated with \ASA\ the decrease in leukocyte migration was similar to 15 mg/kg of the lectin. BmoLL at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of animal contortions by 43.1, 50.1 and 71.3%, respectively. The lectin (30 and 60 mg/kg) showed a significant effect in the hot plate assay. BmoLL anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects were dose-dependent. The search for new and natural compounds, with minimal side effects, to control pain and inflammation, is constantly increasing. BmoLL has great potential as a natural anti-inflamatory product that can be explored for pharmacological purposes.