Caribbean Journal of Sciences and Technology

Synthetic methodologies of anticancer active pyrimidines: Update from 2015-till date

2023-06-25T11:03:22+00:00

Pyrimidine and its analogues possess a significant role in medicinal chemistry due to exhibiting pharmacological relevance. Cancer is among the most costly and deadly healthcare burdens globally, and investigation on synthesis of new anticancer agents is an important subject of the current research all over the world. In this mini-review, the authors updated the research literature pertaining to the synthetic methodologies of various pyrimidine derivatives exhibiting anticancer activity. The mini-review is a collection of significant contributions done during Mid 2015-December 2022.

A Mini Review of Desmodium incanum - An Underutilized Herb in Jamaica

2023-06-23T10:15:43+00:00

The potential of Desmodium incanum has long been overshadowed by more popular plants within and outside of its genus. However, there are records of its significance in medicine, food, and agriculture. Scrutiny of publications from 1972–2023, has confirmed that the D. incanumis underutilized worldwide despite documented phytochemicals and some superior characteristics. Medicinal applications of D.incanum included both ethnomedical and potential modern medicinal application. Prominent uses found were in tonic formulations promoting appetite, sleep, stamina, to alleviate pain and potential treatment of high blood sugar. The use of the plant as food for animals is probable on account of its high protein levels and the presence of -tocopherols and tannins, but more research is needed for this application. Although not widespread, the usage of this plant as a natural defense against pests and bacteria has been demonstrated.

Medicinal Properties and Food Applications of Malpighia emarginata (acerola cherry)

2023-06-26T23:14:17+00:00

Malpighia emarginata (acerola cherry) can be found growing throughout the Caribbean and other tropical regions. Also known as Barbados cherry or West Indian cherry, the fruit is a rich source of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, which contributes to its high antioxidant capacity. Locally the fruit is processed into a refreshing beverage. It may also be dehydrated and fermented. Waste generated during processing has been utilized in the manufacture of bagasse flour. The physiological and biochemical changes occurring as the fruit matures were also explored.

"Thermal Stability, α-Tocopherol and β-Carotene Content of Ackee (Blighia sapida) Aril Oil"

2023-06-24T03:29:43+00:00

The ackee, Blighiasapida, a tropical fruit, is processed as canned ackee in brine. A significant quantity of waste is generated during processing which can be transformed intoan edible oil. The thermal stability of ackee aril oil,its smoke point, acid value, free fatty acid content, free radical scavenging activity, α-tocopherol, β-carotene,and total carotenoid content were determined. Ackee aril oilexhibited high free radical scavenging activity (98.5 ± 0.7%) and containscarotenoids (44.3 ± 0.6 ppm), β-carotene(4.79 ± 0.12ppm) and α-tocopherol (1.70 mg/kg). After heating there was a significant increase in β-carotene and a significant decline in α-tocopherol (p<0.05). 1,3-Dioleylpalmitinwas identified as the main triacylglycerol in the oil.The oil had a smoke point of 232°C. Ackee aril oil appears to be thermally stable and can be utilized commercially in food applications.

Aflatoxin Detection and Identification of Moulds in Jamaican Herbal Teas

2023-06-23T10:23:29+00:00

Tea is a highly consumed beverage in Jamaica. Jamaicans consumes a wide variety of herbal infusions; referred to locally simply as tea. Twenty-two herbal tea samples were analyzed for Aflatoxin using Immuno affinity Column Chromatography technique, and Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods – Mould Counting technique for mould quantification. Mould isolates were identified using Mycological techniques. All herbal tea samples had no detectable aflatoxin (<2ppb). Mould counts ranged between <1- 2650 CFU/g. Seven types of moulds were identified including an isolate of Aspergillus flavus in 13.8% of the samples, and Aspergillus montevidensis in 18.2%. Other mould species identified were: Acremonium spp., Paecilomyces variotii, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus microspores and Trichoderma spp. respectively to be in (22.7%, 18.2%, 18.2%, 22.7% and 13.6%) of the total sample. The microbiological and mycotoxin analysis results shows that the tea samples all have satisfactory results, compliant with several recommended international specifications for herbal teas.

Physicochemical Analysis, NMR Profiling, FTIR Analysis, Lipid and Carbohydrate Content of Rivina humilis Berries

2023-06-26T23:53:17+00:00

Rivina humilis L. belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family. The berries of the plant are underutilized. Physicochemical properties of the fruit inclusive of total soluble solids, pH, moisture, and lipid content were determined. Berry extracts were characterized utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The fruit is low acid with a pH of 6.1, moisture content of 84 %, lipid content of 15 % (dry weight basis), and a total sugar content of 6.9 % (fresh weight basis). Galactose was identified as the major carbohydrate and oleic acid, the major fatty acid within the fruit. This paper provides further information regarding the physicochemical and nutritional composition of the berries, which are not utilized commercially.