This paper focuses on the biological and chemical variability of four yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) accessions cultivated under field conditions. Significant variations in tuber shape, weight, content of oligofructans, as well as in leaf isozymes, phenolics, and relative DNA contents were found. Accessions 6 and 88 were the most productive (up to 3.01 and 3.74 kg/plant); accession 48 was the most balanced from the yield aspect in three vegetative periods. A significantly higher content of beta-(2-->1) oligofructans was noted in accessions 48 and 88 as compared to 6 and 60. No difference in sucrose, glucose, and fructose level was observed. Only accession 6 exhibited separate acid phosphatase and esterase isoforms. Accessions 6 and 60 had the highest content of phenolics, and accession 88 had the lowest relative DNA content. Large yacon intraspecific variation may be useful in future detailed research as a good background for breeding, growing, and utilization in industrial processing.
ABSTRACT:The subchronic safety of sanguiritrin, a mixture of sanguinarine (SA) and chelerythrine (CHE) quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids (QBA), obtained from Macleaya cordata was assessed. Rats were fed a diet containing 120 ppm sanguiritrin (100 ppm QBA) for 109 days. The feed consumption and the animal weight were monitored. The content of QBA in selected tissues and plasma was determined using HPLC. It was evidenced that 2% of QBA were absorbed through the GIT while 98% were excreted in the feces. In plasma, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, glomerular filtration, AST, ALT, GMT, ALP and total antioxidant capacity were determined. In liver, GSH level, lipoperoxidation products, SOD and GPx activities and total amount of cytochrome P450 were evaluated. Damage to nuclear DNA was assessed; a 32 P-postlabeling assay proved that no DNA-adducts were detected in nuclear and mitochrondrial DNA in liver. No adverse effects were observed on rat organism. QBA had no influence on the gut mucosal epithelium, liver tissue and any biochemical parameters tested. Oxidative stress was not manifested during the experiment.
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