International Letters of Natural Sciences Vol. 66

Abstract: The main objective of the current work is to search the antioxidant activities of Origanum acutidens leaves by using DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC methods severally. Three well known antioxidant compounds (BHA, BHT and ascorbic acid) were used as standards for comparing the extracts. Also, phenolic compounds of Origanum acutidens leaves were identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The high concentrations of rosmarinic acid (11158.99 ppb) quinic acid (3200.84 ppb) and naringenin (1238.45 ppb) were detected quantitatively.

Abstract: Black-striped pipefish Syngnathus abaster Risso, 1827 (Actinopterygii: Syngnathidae) has successfully spread in freshwater ecosystems of Ponto-Caspian basin. Monitoring studies show a steady increase in the number and biomass of pipefish in waters of Dnipro region. It is highly adaptable and breeds in a fresh water. This fact indicates the physiological plasticity of the reproductive system and ability to adapt to new environmental conditions. In the Zaporizke Reservoir pipefish spawns at a temperature of 18.0–22.0°C in the coastal area of the reservoir. Pipefish with a body length of 8.9 to 12.5 cm had gonads with weight of about 0.13 g, and the number of eggs ranged from 26 to 68. The maximum fertility had female 155 mm long and it reached 69 eggs. Size of eggs reached about 1.2±0.05 mm. The histological analysis of the gonads of pipefish and research of histometric measurements of eggs of fish at various stages of development was first conducted. In the period before pipefish spawning, there were eggs in different stages of maturity in the ovaries: oocyte in the phase of primary follicle «С», oocyte in the phase of vacuolation «D₃», oocyte in the phase of trophoplasmatic growth «Е», beginning phase of mature follicle «F». Research of pipefish reproduction has important theoretical and practical significance for resolving issues with the spread of this species and its adaptation to new conditions.

Abstract: We evaluated the carotenoid profile and concentration (by HPLC) and the phytochemical content of two OFSP varieties (Umuspo 3 and Ex-Igbariam) planted at three distances (20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm) and harvested in two different periods (12^th and 16^th weeks after planting) respectively. Carotene contents of the outer peel and inner flesh of the sweet potato varieties were also determined. The results showed wide variation in the carotenoid and phytochemical content among the varieties at different planting spaces and harvest periods. Umuspo 3 planted at 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm had significantly greater carotenoid concentration than Ex-Igbariam variety. The predominant carotenoid was β-carotene with highest concentration obtained from 40 cm planting distance (92.82µg/g) and 30 cm (80.97µg/g) for Umuspo 3. Ex-Igbariam at 30 cm planting distance contained 2.51µg/g β-carotene when harvested after 16^th weeks. Also the highest β-carotene concentration was from Umuspo 3 flesh sample planted 30 and 40 cm (409.45 and 441.15 mg/100g) and the peel for samples planted 30 and 40 cm (490.47 and 640.69 mg/100g, respectively) at the 12^th week of harvest. Flavonoids were present in significant amounts (310.62mg/100g) in Umuspo 3 planted at 30 cm and harvested after 12^th week while in total polyphenol, significant quantities of ≈42.12mg/100g was present in Ex-Igbariam spaced at 30 cm and 40 cm and harvested after 16^th week. Provitamin A carotenoid was calculated and Umuspo 3 pro-vitamin A carotenoid was significantly higher (p< 0.05) with highest concentration (742.26 RE/100g) present in samples from 40 cm planting distance. The results showed that planting space and harvesting period had significant impact on the carotenoid and phytochemical concentrations of OFSP varieties. Planting distances of 30 and 40 cm are recommended for high carotenoid content in the two sweet potato varieties.