Structural and functional characterization of a novel immunomodulatory glycoprotein isolated from ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.).

Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) spice has been used in food preparations and also as a traditional medicine in Ayurveda. Although a number of pharmacological activities have been attributed to ajowan, its role in immunomodulation is not known.

Immunomodulatory activity of purified arabinoxylans from finger millet (Eleusine coracana, v. Indaf 15) bran.

Biological activities of alkali extracted (Barium hydroxide: BE-480 kDa, Potassium hydroxide: KE1-1080 and KE2-40 kDa), purified arabinoxylans (AX) from the finger millet bran varying in their molecular weight, phenolic acid content, arabinose to xylose ratios were evaluated for their immune-stimulatory activities using murine lymphocytes and peritoneal exudate macrophages. All three purified AX displayed significant (p < 0.001) mitogenic activity and activation of macrophages including phagocytosis.

Fermentation of xylo-oligosaccharides obtained from wheat bran and Bengal gram husk by lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

Different strains of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli and Pediococci spp. were evaluated for their utilization of xylo-oligosaccharides derived from Bengal gram husk and wheat bran water extractable polysaccharides. The fermentation pattern of xylo-oligosaccharides by bacteria depends on the nature of xylo-oligosaccharides i.

Arabinoxylan from finger millet (Eleusine coracana, v. Indaf 15) bran: purification and characterization.

Water unextractable portion from finger millet bran was sequentially extracted with saturated barium hydroxide (BE) and 1M potassium hydroxide (KE) solutions. They consisted preponderantly of arabinose and xylose in different ratios. Ferulic, caffeic, coumaric and vanillic acids were identified as major bound phenolic acids.

Single-step synthesis of 4-nitrophenyl ferulate for spectrophotometric assay of feruloyl esterases.

We report here, for the first time, a single-step method for the synthesis of 4-nitrophenyl ferulate (4NPF), a spectrophotometric substrate for the assay of feruloyl esterases by dehydrative coupling of ferulic acid and 4-nitrophenol.