Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of flixweed (Descurainia sophia) seeds extracts: Ranking extraction systems based on fuzzy logic method

Flixweed (Descurainia sophia) seeds (FS) is a rich source of polyphenols. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various solvents (water, aqueous-methanol and aqueous-ethanol) and techniques (maceration (M), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), ohmic-assisted extraction (OAE), and decoction – infusion (DI)) on extraction yield, pH, total phenolic contents (TPC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity (DRSA)) of flixweed seeds powder (FSP). Extraction systems were ranked by fuzzy-logic (inputs: extraction yield and time, TPC and DRSA). Water as a solvent in extraction process had the maximum yield, TPC and DRSA 6.49%; 141.598 mg GAE/100 mL and 72.91%, respectively. The difference between water and aqueous-ethanol was significant (p < 0.05). Values of pH of aqueous-methanol extract was significantly higher than other solvents. OAE and UAE achieved the highest (10.1%) and lowest (2.3%) extraction yields, respectively. Low temperature maceration showed the highest TPC and DRSA. Fuzzy-logic ranking based on expert's knowledge (30 experts) predicted the OAE with water as solvent to be score the highest rank in terms of overall efficiency. The overall efficiency is determined based on yield, extraction duration, antioxidant activity, and TPC. However, if the ranking are to be based on isolation of bioactive materials at a reasonably short time, the UAE may be the preferred choice. The HPLC analysis of OAE water extract indicates the presence of several phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol.     

The Effect of Traditional Remedies (Camel's Thorn,Flixweed and Sugar Water) on Idiopathic Neonatal Jaundice

Objective

Jaundice is the most common reason of newborn''s admission to neonatal ward. Many Iranian families give traditional remedies like sugar water, camel''s thorn and flixweed extracts to breast-fed babies for reducing jaundice. This study investigated the effect of traditional remedies on idiopathic neonatal jaundice.

Methods

This prospective study has been performed on 336 babies with idiopathic jaundice in a four year period (2005-2009) at Ghaem hospital, Mashhad, Iran. The babies were divided into two groups. In case group (n=234) breast-fed babies received no remedy and in control group (n=102), traditional remedies were given additional to breast milk and the results recorded and compared.

Findings

In the present study significant differences were observed between the two groups in age of admission (6.8±3.2 vs 9.2±3.7 day, P<0.001), serum bilirubin values (17.8 vs 21.3 mg/dl, P<0.001) and percent of weight loss (P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in birth weight, sex, gestational age and duration of hospitalization, age at jaundice remission, hematocrit value and maternal factors (age, gestational order, pregnancy and labor problems)(P>0.05).

Conclusion

Traditional remedies (camel''s thorn, flixweed and sugar water) cause more weight loss and delayed reexamination of newborns leading to increased hyperbilirubinemia. These remedies may raise pseudo confidence in parents, which postpones reexamination and follow up of the newborns.