Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 180 in total

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  1. Fulltext Studies on the effectiveness of acute gamma and ion beam irradiation in generating flower colour mutation for chrysanthemum morifolium
    Shakinah Salleh, Affrida Abu Hassan, Shuhaimi Shamsudin, Yahya Awang, Ab. Kahar Sandrang, Abdullah, Thohirah Lee
    Jurnal Sains Nuklear Malaysia, 2012;24(2):59-70.
    MyJurnal
    Chrysanthemum morfolium is an important temperate cut flower and potted plant for Malaysian local market and exporter. Considering chrysanthemum as a popular vegetatively propagated ornamental plant, induce mutations for breeding purposes are more beneficial. Several of physical mutagens have been used in mutation breeding including x-rays, gamma rays and ion beams. Gamma rays and ion beams are from two different linear energy transfer (LET) which are low and high, respectively. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of acute gamma and ion beam irradiation in generating flower colour mutations on nodal explants of Chrysanthemum morifblium cv. Reagan Red'. The nodal explants were irradiated with acute gamma (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 Gy) and ion beam (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 8.0, 10, 15, 20 and 30 Gy). The optimal dose for in vitro shoot regeneration using acute gamma was in the range of 10 to .15.0Gy and for ion beam was between 3.5 to 4.OGv. Relative biological effectiveness for ion beam was found 3.75 higher than the acute gamma. The regenerated plantlets were planted in the greenhouse at MARDI, Cameron Highland for morphological screening. The highest frequency of flower colour mutation for acute gamma was 77.8% whilst for ion beam were between 42.3 to 58.3%.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  2. Fulltext Prostaglandin analogous and antioxidant activity mediated gastroprotective action of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R. Br. flower methanolic extract against chemically induced gastric ulcers in rats
    Ali Khan MS, Mat Jais AM, Afreen A
    Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:185476.
    PMID: 24350249 DOI: 10.1155/2013/185476
    The present study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcerogenic effect and recognize the basic mechanism of action of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R. Br. flowers. T. divaricata flower methanolic extract (TDFME) was screened for antiulcer activity versus aspirin and ethanol induced gastric ulcers at three doses--125, 250, and 500 mg/kg--orally using misoprostol as a standard. Besides histopathological examination, seven parameters, that is, ulcer index, total protein, nonprotein sulphhydryls, mucin, catalase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels, were estimated. In addition to HPLC profiling, GC-MS analysis and electrospray ionization--high resolution mass spectral (ESI-HRMS) analysis of crude TDFME were carried out in an attempt to identify known phytochemicals present in the extract on the basis of m/z value. The results revealed a significant increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, mucin, and nonprotein sulphhydryls, while they revealed a reduction in ulcer index, the levels of total protein, and malondialdehyde. Histopathological observations also demonstrated the protective effect. Though all the doses of TDFME exhibited gastroprotective function, higher doses were found to be more effective. Mass spectral analysis gave a few characteristic m/z values suggesting the presence of a few known indole alkaloids, while HPLC profiling highlighted the complexity of the extract. TDFME was found to exhibit its gastroprotective effect through antioxidant mechanism and by enhancing the production of gastric mucous.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/chemistry*
  3. Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic potential of Bougainvillea glabra flowers
    Saleem H, Htar TT, Naidu R, Zengin G, Ahmad I, Ahemad N
    Nat Prod Res, 2020 Sep;34(18):2602-2606.
    PMID: 30600720 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1543684
    In this study, phytochemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic activities of methanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of Bougainvillea glabra (B. glabra) flowers were investigated. Methanol extract was found to have higher total bioactive contents and UHPLC-MS analysis of methanol extract revealed the presence of well-known phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Antioxidant activities were performed by radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power (FRAP and CUPRAC), phosphomolybdenum (TAC) and metal chelating assays. From our result, we observed that methanol extract had many antioxidant compounds. The DCM extract exhibited higher cholinesterases and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition, while methanol extract showed significant urease inhibition. Both extracts exhibited strong to moderate cytotoxicity against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, CaSki, DU-145 and SW-480 cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 88.49 to 304.7 µg/mL. The findings showed the B. glabra to possess considerable antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic potentials and therefore has potential to discover novel bioactive molecules.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/chemistry*
  4. Chemical characterization, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic properties of two geophytes: Crocus pallasii and Cyclamen cilicium
    Zengin G, Mahomoodally MF, Sinan KI, Picot-Allain MCN, Yildiztugay E, Cziáky Z, et al.
    Food Res Int, 2020 07;133:109129.
    PMID: 32466933 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109129
    The Crocus and Cyclamen genus have been reported to possess diverse biological properties. In the present investigation, two geophytes from these genus, namely Crocus pallasi and Cyclamen cilicium have been studied. The in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic effects of the methanol extracts of Crocus pallasii and Cyclamen cilicium aerial and underground parts were investigated. Antioxidant abilities of the extracts were investigated via different antioxidant assays (metal chelating, radical quenching (ABTS and DPPH), reducing power (CUPRAC and FRAP) and phosphomolybdenum). Cholinesterases, amylase, tyrosinase, and glucosidase were used as target enzymes for detecting enzyme inhibitory abilities of the samples. Regarding the cytotoxic abilities, breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7) and prostate cancer cell lines (DU-145) were used. The flowers extracts of Crocus pallasii and C. cilicium possessed the highest flavonoid content. The highest phenolic content was recorded from C. cilicium root extract (47.62 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract). Cyclamen cilicium root extract showed significantly (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/chemistry
  5. Fulltext HPLC-PDA Polyphenolic Quantification, UHPLC-MS Secondary Metabolite Composition, and In Vitro Enzyme Inhibition Potential of Bougainvillea glabra
    Saleem H, Htar TT, Naidu R, Anwar S, Zengin G, Locatelli M, et al.
    Plants (Basel), 2020 Mar 20;9(3).
    PMID: 32245104 DOI: 10.3390/plants9030388
    The plants of the Bougainvillea genus are widely explored regarding nutritive and medicinal purposes. In this study, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of Bougainvillea glabra (Choisy.) aerial and flower parts were analyzed for high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA), ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) phytochemical composition, and enzyme inhibition potential against key enzymes involved in diabetes (α-amylase), skin problems (tyrosinase), and inflammatory disorders (lipoxygenase (LOX)). HPLC-PDA quantification revealed the identification of nine different polyphenolics, amongst which both flower extracts were richest. The flower MeOH extract contained the highest amount of catechin (6.31 μg/g), gallic acid (2.39 μg/g), and rutin (1.26 μg/g). However, none of the quantified compounds were detected in the aerial DCM extract. UHPLC-MS analysis of DCM extracts revealed the tentative identification of 27 secondary metabolites, where the most common belonged to terpenoid, alkaloid, and phenolic derivatives. Similarly, for enzyme inhibition, all the extracts presented moderate activity against tyrosinase and α-amylases, whereas, for LOX, both methanolic extracts showed higher percentage inhibition compared with DCM extracts. Based on our findings, B. glabra could be regarded as a perspective starting material for designing novel pharmaceuticals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  6. Thismia belumensis (Thismiaceae), a remarkable new species from The Royal Belum State Park, Gerik, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia
    Siti-Munirah MY, Suhaimi-Miloko Z, Ahmad MIZ
    PhytoKeys, 2021;172:121-134.
    PMID: 33664611 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.172.59336
    This report describes Thismia belumensis Siti-Munirah & Suhaimi-Miloko, a novel species of achlorophyllous herb discovered in the Royal Belum State Park, Peninsular Malaysia. This new species is unlike any previously described species of Thismia. In particular, T. belumensis possesses a unique annulus, which has been expanded and modified into a cucullate (hood-like) structure. This structure covers the apical floral tube and has an opening on one side facing a thickened part of the annulus, and the off-centre floral aperture confers a zygomorphic symmetry to the flower, indicating T. belumensis is more similar to Thismia labiata J.J.Sm. This morphological detail makes this new species distinct from all other described species of Thismia. In this report, we provide descriptions, illustrations, colour plates, and the provisional conservation status of Thismia belumensis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  7. Fulltext Hybrid flower pollination algorithm strategies for t-way test suite generation
    Nasser AB, Zamli KZ, Alsewari AA, Ahmed BS
    PLoS One, 2018;13(5):e0195187.
    PMID: 29718918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195187
    The application of meta-heuristic algorithms for t-way testing has recently become prevalent. Consequently, many useful meta-heuristic algorithms have been developed on the basis of the implementation of t-way strategies (where t indicates the interaction strength). Mixed results have been reported in the literature to highlight the fact that no single strategy appears to be superior compared with other configurations. The hybridization of two or more algorithms can enhance the overall search capabilities, that is, by compensating the limitation of one algorithm with the strength of others. Thus, hybrid variants of the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) are proposed in the current work. Four hybrid variants of FPA are considered by combining FPA with other algorithmic components. The experimental results demonstrate that FPA hybrids overcome the problems of slow convergence in the original FPA and offers statistically superior performance compared with existing t-way strategies in terms of test suite size.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/physiology*
  8. Fulltext Combining ability analysis in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for potential quality improvement
    Kundu BC, Mohsin GM, Rahman MS, Ahamed F, Mahato AK, Hossain KMD, et al.
    Braz J Biol, 2022;84:e255605.
    PMID: 35019109 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.255605
    Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  9. Fulltext Bioactivity studies and chemical constituents of Murraya paniculata (Linn) Jack
    Ng, M.K., Abdulhadi-Noaman, Y., Cheah, Y.K., Yeap, S.K., Alitheen, N.B.
    International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(4):1307-1312.
    MyJurnal
    Murraya paniculata (Linn) Jack (Orange Jasmine), known as "Kemuning Putih" in Malaysia, has been widely used as food flavor additive in cuisine by local residences. This is due to the strong fragrances of the leaves which make it suitable to be used in Indian and Malay dishes. Besides as a flavoring, leaves, branches, stem barks and roots of the plant are used in folk medicine to treat dysentery and morning sickness. Flowers of the plants are used in cosmetics. Since 1970’s, flavonoids and coumarins were isolated from Murraya paniculata, but no further bioactivity has been tested from the isolated compounds. The aim of this paper is to review and update the research related to chemical constituents and bioactivities of Murraya paniculata (L) Jack.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  10. Fulltext Total phenolic compounds and scavenging activity in Clitoria ternatea and Vitex negundo linn
    Rabeta, M.S., An Nabil, Z.
    International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(1):495-500.
    MyJurnal
    This study was done to assess the total phenolic compounds (TPC) and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity in the flowers and leaves of Clitoria ternateaand Vitex negundo Linn. by using methanol and water extraction. TPC were evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteau method. Methanol was more efficient in extracting phenolic compounds compared with water in measuring TPC. Vitex negundo Linn. contained higher amount of TPC compared to Clitoria ternatea. Besides that, leaves for both plants showed higher amount of TPC compared to the flowers. Methanol extracted Vitex negundo Linn. showed higher DPPH scavenging activity compared with Clitoria ternatea. In contrast, DPPH scavenging activity for water extracted Clitoria ternatea showed higher value in compare with water extracted Vitex negundo Linn. The type of solvent used to extract the plant material and concentration of extracts used showed significance difference (P < 0.05) on the amount of DPPH scavenged by the plant extract. The presence of antioxidant activity in both leaves and flowers showed that Clitoria ternatea and Vitex negundo Linn. have the potential to be an alternative source of natural antioxidants. In vivo study is needed for successful commercialization and to benefit both the food and pharmaceutical industries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  11. Fulltext The COMBI (Communication for Behavioural Impact ) program in the prevention and control of dengue - the Hulu Langat experienc
    Rozhan, S., Jamsiah, M., Rahimah, A., Ang, K.T.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2006;12(1):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Background: The COMBI concept is a novel approach by the WHO to control communicable diseases which are influenced by community behaviour. The Ministry of Health is currently evaluating its use against dengue in selected areas throughout Malaysia. COMBI doctrine differs from previous dengue campaigns. It acknowledges that the factors contributing to dengue proliferation may differ between areas. Factors for a given area are analysed, then a single precise behavioural goal to overcome those problems is formulated. To inculcate this behavioural change, the target community is subjected to an intensive campaign using Integrated Marketing Communication techniques adapted from the advertisingindustry, particularly involving volunteers from the community itself.
    Methodology: In Selangor the pilot project was implemented in Section 3 and Section 4 of Bandar Baru Bangi, in the district of Hulu Langat. Here, Aedes breeding was found to occur mainly in water containers of semi permanent nature (eg. ‘kolah’, aquatic plant jars, flower pot bases etc). A total of 172 volunteers were recruited to disperse the message of “Suluh – Suluh, Basuh - Basuh” whilst distributing leaflets and flashlights to 2666 homes. Residents were instructed to illuminate such water containers twice weekly and scrub any containers found to contain larvae. The program commenced on 23/5/2004 and lasted 16 weeks.
    Results : During this period, the initial Aedes Index of 5 was reduced to 0.96 while combined cases of Dengue Fever / Dengue Haemorraghic Fever in Sections 3 and 4 reported to the Hulu Langat District Health Office also dropped to 1 (unconfirmed).
    Conclusion : The COMBI approach in Hulu Langat successfully demonstrated that correct problem identification synergized with community engagement can potentially reduce Aedes proliferationand dengue morbidity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  12. Fulltext Determination of suitable microspore stage and callus induction from anthers of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)
    Ibrahim AM, Kayat FB, Hussin ZE, Susanto D, Ariffulah M
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:284342.
    PMID: 24757416 DOI: 10.1155/2014/284342
    Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is one of the important species of Hibiscus cultivated for fiber. Availability of homozygous parent lines is prerequisite to the use of the heterosis effect reproducible in hybrid breeding. The production of haploid plants by anther culture followed by chromosome doubling can be achieved in short period compared with inbred lines by conventional method that requires self pollination of parent material. In this research, the effects of the microspore developmental stage, time of flower collection, various pretreatments, different combinations of hormones, and culture condition on anther culture of KB6 variety of Kenaf were studied. Young flower buds with immature anthers at the appropriate stage of microspore development were sterilized and the anthers were carefully dissected from the flower buds and subjected to various pretreatments and different combinations of hormones like NAA, 2,4-D, Kinetin, BAP, and TDZ to induce callus. The best microspore development stage of the flower buds was about 6-8 mm long collected 1-2 weeks after flower initiation. At that stage, the microspores were at the uninucleate stage which was suitable for culture. The best callus induction frequency was 90% in the optimized semisolid MS medium fortified with 3.0 mg/L BAP + 3.0 mg/L NAA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/cytology; Flowers/drug effects; Flowers/growth & development*
  13. Therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
    Sharifudin SA, Fakurazi S, Hidayat MT, Hairuszah I, Moklas MA, Arulselvan P
    Pharm Biol, 2013 Mar;51(3):279-88.
    PMID: 23043505 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2012.720993
    Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a rich source of essential minerals and antioxidants; it has been used in human and animal nutrition. The leaves and flowers are being used by the population with great dietary importance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/chemistry*
  14. Fulltext Moringa oleifera hydroethanolic extracts effectively alleviate acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats through their antioxidant nature
    Fakurazi S, Sharifudin SA, Arulselvan P
    Molecules, 2012 Jul 10;17(7):8334-50.
    PMID: 22781444 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17078334
    The aim of the study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant properties Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) extracts and its curative role in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced toxic liver injury in rats caused by oxidative damage. The total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of hydroethanolic extracts of different MO edible parts were investigated by employing an established in vitro biological assay. In the antihepatotoxic study, either flowers or leaves extract (200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg, i.p) were administered an hour after APAP administration, respectively. N-Acetylcysteine was used as the positive control against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The levels of liver markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the levels of oxidative damage markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adduct, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analysed and compared between experimental groups. Among MO edible parts the flower extracts contain the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, followed by leaves extract. The oxidative marker MDA, as well as 4-HNE protein adduct levels were elevated and GSH, SOD and CAT were significantly decreased in groups treated with hepatotoxin. The biochemical liver tissue oxidative markers measured in the rats treated with MO flowers and leaves hydroethanolic extracts showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the severity of the liver damage. The results of this study strongly indicate the therapeutic properties of MO hydroethanolic extracts against acute liver injury and thereby scientifically support its traditional use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/chemistry
  15. Fulltext Secondary metabolites constituents and antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial activities of Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm grown in different locations of Malaysia
    Ghasemzadeh A, Jaafar HZ, Rahmat A, Ashkani S
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2015 Sep 23;15:335.
    PMID: 26399961 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0838-6
    BACKGROUND: Etlingera elatior is a well-known herb in Malaysia with various pharmaceutical properties.

    METHODS: E. elatior flowers grown in three different locations of Malaysia (Kelantan, Pahang and Johor), were investigated for differences in their content of secondary metabolites (total phenolics [TPC], total flavonoids [TFC], and total tannin content [TTC]) as well as for their antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were isolated and identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activities. The anticancer activity of extracts was evaluated using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.

    RESULTS: When extracted with various solvents (aqueous and ethanolic), samples from the different locations yielded significantly different results for TPC, TFC, and TTC as well as antioxidant activity. Aqueous extracts of E. elatior flowers collected from Kelantan exhibited the highest values: TPC (618.9 mg/100 g DM), TFC (354.2 mg/100 g DM), TTC (129.5 mg/100 g DM), DPPH (76.4 %), and FRAP (6.88 mM of Fe (II)/g) activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 34.5 μg/mL compared with extracts of flowers collected from the other two locations. The most important phenolic compounds isolated in this study, based on concentration, were: gallic acid > caffeic acid > tannic acid > chlorogenic acid; and the most important flavonoids were: quercetin > apigenin > kaempferol > luteolin > myricetin. Extracts of flowers from Kelantan exhibited potent anticancer activity with a IC50of 173.1 and 196.2 μg/mL against the tumor cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 respectively, compared with extracts from Pahang (IC50 = 204.5 and 246.2 μg/mL) and Johor samples (IC50 = 277.1 and 296.7 μg/mL). Extracts of E. elatior flowers also showed antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 30 to >100 μg/mL.

    CONCLUSIONS: In general, therefore, based on the potent antioxidant and anticancer activity of flower extracts, it appears that E. elatior grown in the North-east of Malaysia (Kelantan) is a potential source of therapeutic compounds with anti-cancer activity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers/chemistry
  16. Fulltext Antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antitumor activities of essential oil of Agastache rugosa from Xinjiang, China
    Haiyan G, Lijuan H, Shaoyu L, Chen Z, Ashraf MA
    Saudi J Biol Sci, 2016 Jul;23(4):524-30.
    PMID: 27298587 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.02.020
    In the study, we evaluated chemical composition and antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antitumor activities of essential oils from dried leaf essential oil of leaf and flower of Agastache rugosa for the first time. Essential oil of leaf and flower was evaluated with GC and GC-MS methods, and the essential oil of flower revealed the presence of 21 components, whose major compounds were pulegone (34.1%), estragole (29.5%), and p-Menthan-3-one (19.2%). 26 components from essential oil of leaf were identified, the major compounds were p-Menthan-3-one (48.8%) and estragole (20.8%). At the same time, essential oil of leaf, there is a very effective antimicrobial activity with MIC ranging from 9.4 to 42 μg ml(-1) and potential antibiofilm, antitumor activities for essential oils of flower and leaf essential oil of leaf. The study highlighted the diversity in two different parts of A. rugosa grown in Xinjiang region and other places, which have different active constituents. Our results showed that this native plant may be a good candidate for further biological and pharmacological investigations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  17. Comparison of total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of turmeric leaf, pandan leaf and torch ginger flower
    Yan, S.W., Asmah, R.
    International Food Research Journal, 2010;17(2):417-423.
    MyJurnal
    Synthetic antioxidants are added to food in the powdered form to preserve it. However these compounds posed serious health concern since they have been associated with causing cancer. Thus using fresh herbs with antioxidant activities would be good alternative. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of both powdered and fresh forms of turmeric leaf, pandan leaf and torch ginger flower. Total phenolic content (TPC) was assayed based on the redox reaction between Folin-Ciocalteu with phenolics in the sample extracts. Antioxidant activity (AA) was assayed using the ß-carotene linoleate model system and the percentage of antioxidant activity was calculated from the values of degradation rate. Scavenging activity (SA) was assayed using the DPPH radical scavenging model system whereby EC50 value was determined from the plotted graph of scavenging activity against the concentration of sample extracts. Analyses revealed that powdered forms of turmeric leaf, pandan leaf and torch ginger flower had higher TPC (2013.09 ± 5.13, 1784.25 ± 7.59 and 1937.42 ± 6.61 mg GAE/100g, respectively) than their respective fresh forms (348.75 ± 1.26, 356.42 ± 1.32 and 211.59 ± 6.29 mg GAE/100g, respectively). Similarly, powdered forms of turmeric leaf, pandan leaf and torch ginger flower possessed better AA (64.31 ± 0.99, 65.09 ± 0.74 and 11.80 ± 0.40 %, respectively) than their respective fresh forms (24.93 ± 0.71, 16.91 ± 0.70 and 1.45 ± 0.10 %, respectively). Powdered forms of turmeric leaf, pandan leaf and torch ginger flower were also better radical scavenger as compared to their respective fresh forms. In conclusion, all samples in their powdered forms have high total phenolic contents, antioxidant and scavenging activities than their respective fresh forms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  18. Fulltext Microscopic observation on pollen from foraging activity of Indo-Malayan stingless bee species (Heterotrigona itama) in Besut, Terengganu
    Shamsul Bahri, A.R., Asma’-Samsudin
    Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 2015;11(1):1-5.
    MyJurnal
    Pollen distribution from the pollen loads of stingless bee foragers in KampungTempinis, Besut, Terengganu was observed and recorded using optical microscope. Heterotrigona itama, one of the most common IndoMalayan stingless bee species domesticated and widely distributed throughout Malaysia was selected for this observation.The objective of this study was to have an annual bee calendar for H. itama in Besut. Pollen collection was carried out twice a month from January to June 2015. Results showed, during the six months period of observation H. itama foraged 31 different flowering plants. Different months of the year showed different floral preference by the stingless bee. The most dominant flower visited by the stingless bee in January and February is Stevia rebaudiana while March to June is Antigonon leptopus (Honolulu creeper). This observation could be useful for conservation purposes and also in planning a good beescape in Malaysia meliponiculture industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  19. Effects of biotic and abiotic environmental stimuli on the morphology and biomass allocation of mimosa pigra l.
    Nur-Zhafarina A., Asyraf M.
    Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1241-1248.
    The main focus of this study was to examine the morphology of Mimosa pigra, an invasive weed in response to artificial biotic and abiotic stressors. Seedlings of M. pigra were subjected to stressors such as seed sowing density, leaf defoliation and water regime. Comparatively, morphological performance related to different sowing practices differed significantly (p<0.05), as seedlings that grew from high density populations had lean and outstanding apical growth. A comparison between the four different levels of defoliation on the morphological changes revealed that the increase in leaf defoliation significantly decreased the plant morphological traits (i.e. height, stem diameter and flower bud productivity) and biomass allocation. Relatively low growth performance was found in plants subjected to 100% defoliation, with markedly lower flower bud productivity in comparison with 0%, 25% and 50% (no flower buds compared to 27, 13 and 6 flower buds, respectively). For water stress treatment, M. pigra showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in morphological performance under different levels of water regime. However, seedlings that received low water (LW) treatment showed better growth performance than seedlings that received high water (HW) treatment, which had the lowest morphological traits and biomass allocation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
  20. Diversity and population of thrips species on legumes with special reference to megalurothrips usitatus
    Zafirah Z, Azidah A
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:433-439.
    Thrips (Thysanoptera) are common pests on legume plants, yet little is known about their ecology or diversity in Peninsular
    Malaysia. In legumes, thrips are typically found in flowers, where their feeding activity causes malformations that
    eventually lead to crop damage. In this study, we examined the diversity of thrips species, particularly Megalurothrips
    usitatus, in three selected legume farms around Peninsular Malaysia (Janda Baik, Pahang; Bestari Jaya, Selangor; and
    Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan). Each month from April 2013 to May 2014, depending on growing season, legume flowers were
    inspected for thrips in five random plots from each farm. Sampling was performed six times in Bestari Jaya and Jelebu
    and twelve times in Janda Baik. The most abundant thrips species on legumes was M. usitatus (89.97%) followed by
    Thrips parvispinus (9.77%), T. hawaiiensis (0.13%) and Ceratothripoides brunneus (0.12%). The abundance of M. usitatus
    was not different between long bean, French bean and winged bean which equally distributed among different arbitrary
    strata on legume plants. Temperature and light intensity were found to be positively correlated with the abundance of
    M. usitatus, but relative humidity showed a negative relationship. M. usitatus was found in large numbers during hot
    and dry months, but in lower numbers during raining season. This study suggested that wet season may help to regulate
    the populations of M. usitatus on legume plants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Flowers
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