Browsing by Author "Jayawardena, B.M."

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Alterations in Protein Kinase C activity after experimental brain injury
(Brain Research, 1996) Jayawardena, B.M.; Mark, R.; Dhillon, H.S.; Mattson, M.P.; Prasad, M.R.
An integrated strategy to control post-harvest decay of Embul banana by combining essential oils with modified atmosphere packaging
(International Journal of Food science & Technology, 2007) Jayawardena, B.M.; Abeywickrama, K.P.
Mature Embul (Musa, AAB) bananas were treated with emulsions of either cinnamon bark or leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) or clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oils to control post-harvest diseases, packed under modified atmosphere (MA) using low-density polyethylene (0.075 mm, LDPE) bags, and stored in a cold room (14 � 1 �C, 90% RH) or at ambient temperature (28 � 2 �C). The effects of the essential oils on post-harvest diseases; physico-chemical properties and organoleptic properties were determined and compared with controls and bananas treated with benomyl. Treatments with cinnamon bark and leaf oils controlled crown rot, whereas clove oil treatment did not affect crown rot development. Treatment with emulsions of cinnamon oils combined with MA packaging can be recommended as a safe, cost-effective method for extending the storage life of Embul bananas up to 21 days in a cold room and 14 days at 28 � 2 �C without affecting the organoleptic and physico-chemical properties.
Anti-diabetic activity of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) loaded nanoparticles
(Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2020) Sathsarani, H.M.W.K.; Jayawardena, B.M.; Dewangani, H.G.N.
Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is one of the cinnamon species that shows relatively high anti-diabetic activity. “Sri Vijaya” cinnamon variety (CCSV) is an accession of C. zeylanicum and, it has been identified as a good source of anti-diabetic compounds. The aqueous extract of the quills of CCSV is rich with anti-diabetic compounds. Mainly there are two methods that are used to prepare the aqueous extract. One method is “pressured water extraction” and the other is “decoction”. According to the previously conducted researches, the aqueous extract which is prepared using “pressured water extraction” is more active than the other. Higher stability and the easiness of storage and transportation make powdered drugs and nutraceuticals preferred over liquids. However, most of the powdering techniques such as freeze drying and spray drying decrease the activity of the aqueous extracts. The objective of the present study was to synthesize a powdered nutraceutical from the pressured water extract of the quills of CCSV while conserving the anti-diabetic properties. In this study, cinnamon loaded nano-particles were synthesized using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the base and citric acid as the cross-linking agent. Since nanoparticles are extremely small in size, their surface area is higher. Because of that their reactivity is also higher compared with the other powdered form of drugs and nutraceuticals. α-amylase inhibitory activity and the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of nano-particles were determined using dinitrosallicylic acid assay and para nitrophenyl glucopyranoside assay respectively and the corresponding IC50 values were calculated using Graphpad prism software in order to assess the anti-diabetic properties. The inhibitory activity and IC50 values of the aqueous cinnamon extract and the positive control acarbose were determined using the same enzyme assays and they were compared with the values obtained for nano-particles. The obtained data were statistically analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS software package. The IC50 values of nano-particles, aqueous cinnamon extract and acarbose on α-amylase were 117.60 ± 1.73 µg/mL, 131.27 ± 1.64 µg/mL and 140.37 ± 1.17 µg/mL respectively. The IC50 values of the same compounds on α-glucosidase were 119.25 ± 0.07 µg/mL, 141.25 ± 0.21 µg/mL and 224.45 ± 0.21 µg/mL respectively. IC50 values obtained for nano-particles showed statistically significant difference compared to others. In conclusion, cinnamon loaded nano-particles showed higher inhibitory activity on α-amylase and α-glucosidase than the aqueous extract and acarbose.
Antioxidant activities of phenolic extracts of guava leaf, coconut cake, rice bran and sesame cake obtained using subcritical water and ethanol: water (70:30 v/v)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Senanayake, C.M.; Jayawardena, B.M.; Senavirathne, K.N.
Cadmium, Chromium and Lead Burden in Cooked Rice in Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) Prevalent Areas
(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Fernando, T.D.; Arachchige, Y.L.N.M.; Jayawardena, B.M.
Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a serious health problem in Sri Lanka since the 19th century. Still there is no permanent remedy for this problem. Madawachchiya is the area with highest number of CKDu patients and in this area people have stopped drinking well water as a precaution but they continue to use well water for cooking purposes. Heavy metals are among the suspected causes for CKDu. Heavy metal burden in rice may be increased when polluted water is used for cooking. However, studies have not been conducted to investigate the heavy metals fluctuation during cooking process in this area. Milled rice samples of BG 300 and well water used for cooking were collected from each area. Those collected rice samples were cooked traditionally. Samples were analyzed to determine the selected three heavy metal concentrations (Cadmium, Lead and Chromium). In this area 16% of raw rice samples contained high levels of Lead and 29% percent of raw rice samples contained high levels of Chromium which were higher than the maximum permissible level (MPL) recommended by the FAO/WHO (Codex Alimentarius). The Cadmium contents of all rice samples were less than MPL. But 45% percent of water samples had exceeded the Sri Lankan Standards (SLS) recommended level for Cadmium and thirteen percent of samples had exceeded SLS recommended levels for Chromium. But none of sample had exceeded the WHO recommended levels of Cadmium, Lead and Chromium. There was no significant change in Lead content during the cooking process (p>0.05), but Cadmium and Chromium were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The mean contents of Cadmium, Lead and Chromium in cooked rice samples were 0.057±0.031 mg/kg, 0.13±0.09 mg/kg and 0.77±0.211 mg/kg respectively. Even though having elevated levels of Chromium and Lead in raw rice samples and elevated levels of Cadmium and Lead in water used for cooking, those heavy metal concentrations of cooked rice were lower than the maximum permissible levels recommended by the FAO/WHO. Using well water for cooking purposes in Madawachchiya area has not increased the Cadmium, Lead and Chromium levels in cooked rice. To recommend using well water for cooking purposes further analyzing of other parameters in cooked rice is required
Changes in 1,4,5 inositol triphosphate receptors following experimental brain injury
(Neuroscience research communications, 1995) Jayawardena, B.M.; Dhillon, H.S.; Carbary, T.; Prasad, M.R.
Inositol 1,4,5-tris phosphate (IP3), a cellular second messenger of excitatory neurotransmitter system, by interacting with membrane IP3 receptor can mobilize calcium from internal stores. Regional binding properties of IP3 receptor were measured after lateral fluid percussion (FP) brain injury in rats. At 5 min postinjury, a significant decrease in the IP3 receptor density was found only in the ipsilateral left hippocampus. At 20 min after injury, significant decreases were observed in both the receptor density and the half maximal reduction of IP3, binding in both the injured left cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus. These findings suggest that increases of ligand affinity to the IP3 receptor after brain injury. This change in the IP3 receptor in concert with the increased IP3 (21) may facilitate a possible IP3 action of calcium mobilization in the brain regions that undergo neuronal cell loss after brain injury.
Chemical composition and antl-dlaba:tic properties In leaves of accession of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeytanicum) Sri Wljaya and Sri Gemunu
(Sri lanka association for the advancement of science, 2020) Sonali, K.A.N.; Jayawardena, B.M.
Clnnamomum zeyJanlcum fs an evergreen tropical tree which Is proven to have hypoglycaemic properties. Proa.nthocyanidins. which are phenolic compounds beJonging to the class of flavonokls present in cinnamon are considered as the main bloactive component which imparts a hypoglycaemic effect Alttlough oral hypoglycemic synthetic drugs can achieve this, synthetic drugs cause severaJ skle effeClS on human health. Hence, the pu.rpose of this study was to Investigate natural herbs that have fewer side effects for managing diabetes. Phytochemicats lhat are respons!ble for the anti-diabetic properties rn two accessions of CJnnamomum zeytallicum leaf, known as Sri Gemunu and Srt Wijaya, were 1es100 for lh8 hypoglY!J8mlc effect Out of the three extraction methods; ethanollc extraction, hot water extraction and pressurized hot water extraction, ethanolc extraclbn showed the highest extraction yield. The yield of Sri Gemunu ethanolic extract was 6.20 % wtw and yield of Sri Wijaya ethanolic extract was 9.9% w/w. Ethanollc extracts of the t'NO acoessions were tested for total phenolic content (20.60 t 0.01 mg gallic acid eq.g·' of Sri Gemunu. 6.07 ± 0.01 mg galllc acid e
Chemical investigation of the properties of four traditional Sri Lankan oils
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2006) Seneviratne, K.N.; Jayawardena, B.M.; Kotuwegedara, R.T.; Manoj, R.P.K.
De-acidification effects of rice hull-based adsorbents as affected by thermal treatment
(Book of Abstracts, Annual Research Symposium 2014, 2014) Mallawaarachchi, M.U.W.; Jayawardena, B.M.
Desiccated copra mills generate larger volumes of coconut water. Disposing it is an environmental problem due to high organic load. Production of coconut crude oil is a remedy but high free fatty acid content which is approximately ten times higher than commercial coconut oil and the dark brownish colour limited its� uses only to soap-making industry. The scope of this study is to identify a remedial action to reduce the free fatty acid content of coconut crude oil using rice hull ash (RHA) and rice hull silica (RHS) which will improve the quality of the oil.
Determination of thermal stabilities of guava leaf, coconut cake, rice bran and sesame cake extracts
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2015) Senanayake, C.M.; Seneviratne, K.N.; Jayawardena, B.M.; Prasadani, W.C.
Effect of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water extracts on adventitious root development in vegetative propagation of Dracaena purplecompacta L.
(Journal Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2009) Agampodi, V.A.; Jayawardena, B.M.
Propagation by softwood canes and cuttings is preferred as a practical system for vegetative reproduction of many ornamental plant species, despite the advances in tissue culture techniques. Dracaena purplecompacta L. is a species that has a high demand for exports. Conversely, coconut water (CW) is a rich supplement that naturally contains plant growth regulators such as indole acetic acid (IAA). The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of CW extracts containing natural IAA, on adventitious root development in vegetative propagation of ornamental plant canes of D. purplecompacta L. Five different concentrations (28, 57, 143, 286, 571 ?M of natural IAA) of CW extracts were tested. Another set of treatment was carried out with the same concentrations of authentic IAA hormone for comparison purpose. The 143-?M IAA CW extract recorded the best root induction and development. It was found that the root expression was faster (5 weeks) with the use of the novel method. In the conventional method, the canes are propagated by quick dip application of commercial product containing artificial hormone IAA and placing them on coir fiber dust beds. It takes up to 6 weeks for the canes to develop adventitious roots to the desired level. Steeping canes in 143-?M IAA CW extract improved rooting in D. purplecompacta L., and it was comparable to the application of 143-?M authentic IAA. The study indicates that adventitious root development, shoot development, and leaf emergence of D. purplecompacta L. is promoted by IAA CW extracts.
Effect of coconut (Cocos nucifera) water extract on the development of adventitious roots in Polyscias fillicifolia stem cuttings
(The Journal of Agricultural Sciences - Sri Lanka, 2021) Jayawardena, B.M.; Agampodi, V.A.; Abeywickrama, K.P.
Purpose Vegetative propagation continues to be a popular method to propagate ornamental plant species. Coconut water (CW) can be considered as an abundant source of hormones and other plant growth regulators (PGRs). In this study, vegetative propagation of Polyscias fillicifolia was attempted using PGRs isolated from CW. Research method Stem cuttings were treated with varying concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50,100 μg mL-1) of PGR isolated from CW. The results were compared with a control set (treated with distilled water) and with those treated with solutions of pure synthetic indole acetic acid (IAA). Findings P. fillicifolia canes treated with a 25 μg mL-1 concentration of IAA, isolated from CW, showed the highest levels of root induction and development. Root development was more rapid (5 weeks) in the samples treated with PGRs isolated from CW compared to the canes propagated in the field by placing the canes on coir beds in plant nurseries. (6 weeks). Originality This is the first study to use PGRs isolated from CW extracts to improve lateral root proliferation, induce shoot development and leaf emergence in P. fillicifolia.
Effect of Coconut water in Extending the Vase Life of Anthurium cut Flowers Vareity Wild Pink
(Tropical Agricultural Research, 2007) Jayawardena, B.M.; Agampodi, V.A.
Effect of Common Culinary Methods Practiced in Sri Lanka on the Nutrient Composition of Commonly Consumed Vegetables and Other Foods
(International Journal of Food Science, 2021) Dewangani, H.G.N.; Jayawardena, B.M.; Chandrasekara, N.V.; Wijayagunaratne, H.D.S.P.
In Sri Lankan traditional cooking, coconut and spices are incorporated to enhance the taste, flavor, and aroma. However, little attention has been given to assess the effect of these ingredients on the nutritional and chemical composition of the consumed food. The objective of this study was to ascertain the effect of traditional cooking methods on the chemical composition of vegetables, cereals and cereal-based foods, legumes, and selected nonvegetarian food varieties consumed in the daily diet. The results indicate that the addition of coconut milk (CM), coconut scraps, and coconut oil (CO) had a significant impact on the fat content of the prepared foods (p < 0.05). Cooking facilitated the incorporation of fat into food. According to the results, more percentage increases of fat content were observed in tempered string beans (97.51%) and cauliflower milk curry (96.6%). Data revealed that boiling helped to reduce the fat content in cereals and legumes. The cooked foods prepared using traditional recipes with CM, CO, or scraps have higher nutritional content than raw foods and have a significant nourishing potential that meets the daily energy requirements (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that the chemical composition of cooked food serves as a more realistic guideline in recommending dietary interventions in disease and weight management.
Efficacy of phenolic compounds of coconut cake on oxidative stability of pork
(Book of Abstracts, Annual Research Symposium 2014, 2014) Prasadani, W.C.; Seneviratne, N.A.K.P.J.; Jayawardena, B.M.
Antioxidant efficacy of different concentrations of phenolic compounds of coconut cake (PCCC) was determined using pork as a food model system. The extracts of PCCC were prepared using ethanol: water (70:30 v/v) and the antioxidant activity of the extracts on formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was evaluated using a spectrophotometric method. Malondialdehyde, a secondary product of the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids reacts with thiobarbituric acid and yield a pinkish red chromogen with an absorbance maximum at 532 nm. The effect of PCCC at 50, 100 and 200 ?g/g meat was compared with that of butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) 200 ?g/ g and tert butylated hydroquinone (TBHQ) 200 ?g/ g. The extracts were effective in inhibiting the oxidation of pork in comparison with the control with no added phenolic extracts which showed the highest TBARS values during the storage period. At the end of day 5 of storage the inhibition percentage of TBARS are 26 � 9, 35� 7, 54� 4, 54� 4 and 56� 5 for TBHQ, BHT, PCCC 50, PCCC 100 and PCCC 200 respectively. PCCC were effective in suppressing the formation of TBARS in the employed system and their activity is higher than that of BHT and TBHQ. Coconut cake may be considered as a cheap potential source of phenolic compounds effective in stabilizing lipid foods.
Enzyme assisted extraction, quantification and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds of coconut cake
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2013) Prasadani, W.C.; Seneviratne, K.N.; Jayawardena, B.M.
Fungicidal activity of essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (L.) and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr et L.M.Perry against crown rot and anthracnose pathogens isolated from banana
(Letters in Applied microbiology, 2002) Ranasinghe, L.S.; Jayawardena, B.M.; Abeywickrama, K.P.
Aims: To develop a post-harvest treatment system against post-harvest fungal pathogens of banana using natural products. Methods and Results:Colletotrichum musae was isolated and identified as the causative agent responsible for anthracnose peel blemishes while three fungi, namely Lasiodiplodia theobromae, C. musae and Fusarium proliferatum, were identified as causative agents responsible for crown rot. During the liquid bioassay, cinnamon [Cinnamomum zeylanicum (L.)] leaf, bark and clove [Syzygium aromaticum (L.)] oils were tested against the anthracnose and crown rot pathogens. The test oils were fungistatic and fungicidal against the test pathogens within a range of 0�03?0�11% (v/v). Conclusions:?Cinnamon and clove essential oils could be used as antifungal agents to manage post harvest fungal diseases of banana. Significance and Impact of the Study: Cinnamon and clove essential oil could be used as alternative post-harvest treatments on banana. Banana treated with essential oil is chemically safe and acceptable to consumers. Benomyl (Benlate), which is currently used to manage fungal pathogens, can cause adverse health effects and could be replaced with volatile essential oils.
Hydrolysis of glycosylpyridinium ions by anomeric-configuration-inverting glycosidases
(Carbohydrate Research, 1992) Jayawardena, B.M.; Sinnott, M.L.
The hydrolyses of five ?-d-xylopyranosylpyridinium ions by the ?-d-xylosidase of Bacillus pumilus proceed with kcat values 108?109-fold larger than the rates of spontaneous hydrolysis of the same compounds. Log(kcat) values correlate well with aglycon pKa [?1g(V) = ?0.52, r = 0.99], whereas the correlation of log(kcat/Km) is poor [r = 0.77; ?1g(V/K) = ? ?0.6]. The (1 ? 3)-?-d-glucanase of Sporotrichum dimorphosporum hydrolyses 4-bromo-2-(?-d-glucopyranosyl)isoquinolinium ion with a rate enhancement of 108. The amyloglucosidase II of Aspergillus niger hydrolyses three ?-d-gluco-pyranosylpyridinium ions with rate enhancements of 105?108. The efficient hydrolysis of glycosylpyridinium ions by these three inverting glycosidases, the catalytic mechanism of which is unlikely to involve a nucleophile from the enzyme, makes it imporable that the hydrolysis of glycosylpyridinium ions by retaining glycosidases discovered some years ago, is initiated by addition of a catalytic nucleophilic carboxylate group of the enzyme to the pyridinium ring.
Idenitfication and characterization of plant growth regulators present in coconut (Cocos nucifera) using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Agampodi, V.A.; Jayawardena, B.M.
Inhibition of lipid peroxidation in tissue homogenates by selected medicinal oils and their antioxidant activity
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2006) Jayawardena, B.M.; Jayakody, C.H.; Seneviratne, K.N.