The stem bark of Ficus sycomorus and the leaves o f Nigella sativa were collected; dried and extracted using distilled water and filter paper, to study the effects of combination of these extracts on hematological and biochemical... more
The stem bark of Ficus sycomorus and the leaves o f Nigella sativa were collected; dried and extracted using distilled water and filter paper, to study the effects of combination of these extracts on hematological and biochemical parameters in rabbits. Twenty rabbits weighing between 1000 and 1,200 g were randomly separated into four groups o f five rabbits each. Group A rabbits were injected with Ficus sycomorus (200 mg/kg), group B; Nigella sativa (100 mg/kg), group C; combination of F. sycomorus (200 mg/kg) and N. sativa (100 mg/kg) while group D rabbits were given distilled water and served as control. Blood (1.2 ml) was collected for analyses of hematological and biochemical parameters using standard methods. Bleeding and clotting times were also measured using ear vein puncture and capillary tube methods respectively. The PCV, Hb and RBC values showed various irregular differences (P < 0.05) due to extracts treatments. The differential leucocytes counts and the biochemical ...
Aim: In view of various peroxidase applications, the searching for new sources of unique peroxidase properties is highly desirable. The present study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the peroxidase of locally grown sycamore latex (POL)... more
Aim: In view of various peroxidase applications, the searching for new sources of unique peroxidase properties is highly desirable. The present study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the peroxidase of locally grown sycamore latex (POL) for conjugation with antibodies and to study the conjugate optimal conditions, storage stability, and affinity toward different substrates as compared with commercial horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Materials and Methods: Anti-mouse antibodies were prepared in rabbits and purified by protein A sepharose affinity column chromatography. The POL and HRP conjugates were prepared by one-step glutaraldehyde coupling method. The reactivity of the prepared conjugates was examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The optimal enzymatic conditions, storage stability, and affinity toward substrates were also determined for both the conjugates. Results: The POL showed higher percent recovery (98%) than HRP (78%) over the initial activity after conjugation process. The POL and HRP conjugates showed ELISA titers of 1:120 and 1:80, respectively, demonstrating high binding affinity of POL-conjugate. The POL-conjugate showed high thermal stability up to 70°C compared with HRP-conjugate up to 40°C. After conjugation, POL had wide pH stability (5.0-8.0) compared with HPR (4.5-6.0). Both of the prepared conjugates had a high affinity toward the substrates used in immunoassays with lower K m values. The POL-conjugate showed high storage stability for its enzymatic activity and ELISA titer compared with HRP-conjugate after 1 year at −20°C. Conclusion: The POL of Ficus sycomorus latex is an efficient source for labeling antibodies and could be utilized in immunodiagnostic kits.
