Sagarika Ekanayake

University of Sri Jayewardenepura · Department of Biochemistry

The amino acid canavanine is a potentially toxic constituent of leguminous seeds. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of different processing methods to reduce canavanine in sword beans (Canavalia gladiata). For this purpose a method for the detection and quantification of canavanine was developed using reversed-phase high-per...

Evaluation of protein true digestibility (TD), biological value (BV), and net protein utilization (NPU) of diets containing mature sword bean (Canavalia gladiata), seed flour and grits were carried out with male Sprague-Dawley rats. The seed flour and grits were processed by soaking, cooking, soaking and cooking, autoclaving, and roasting. The TD o...

The literature related to the legume commonly known as sword beans (Canavalia gladiata) that belongs to the genus Canavalia which is considered to be an underutilized legume, is reviewed. The legume seeds are considered to be a cheap source of good protein and calories that are easily available. However, even with this knowledge, the utilization of...

The glycaemic index (GI) ranks foods according to their acute glycaemic impact and is used in planning meals for patients invoking glycaemic control through diet. Kurakkan (Eleusine coracana) flour roti, rice flour roti, atta flour roti, boiled breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis/Artocarpus communis) and boiled legumes (mungbean, cowpea and chickpea) we...

The chemical composition and the nutritional quality of protein and carbohydrates of mature seeds of Canavalia gladiata (L.) were investigated. The whole and cotyledon flour of mature seeds contained; crude protein 26.8 and 29.2%; fat 2.8 and 3.1%; fibre 33.2 and 10.2%; ash 3.9 and 4.3%; carbohydrate 33.3 and 53.2% on dry matter basis respectively....

Purpose This study presents a green approach for synthesizing silver and zinc-based nanoparticles (NPs)/nanocomposites (NCs) utilizing aqueous extracts of palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer) sprouts and mature fruit pulp. Methods The formation of nanomaterial (NM) was confirmed with several characterization techniques. Plant extracts and plant-der...

Comparison of Anti-cancer Effects of Atorvastatin on Hormone Receptor-Positive and Triple Negative Breast Cancers: An in-vitro Study

Metformin (MET) is the commonly prescribed hypoglycemic agent used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Pleiotropic effects of MET are emerging as a medication for other diseases including breast cancer (BC). Therefore, a literature review was conducted to investigate whether the anticancer effects of MET are mediated through adenosine...

Metformin (MET) is the commonly prescribed hypoglycemic agent used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Pleiotropic effects of MET are emerging as a medication for other diseases including breast cancer (BC). Therefore, a literature review was conducted to investigate whether the anticancer effects of MET are mediated through adenosin...

Introduction: Renewed interest in Sri Lankan traditional rice has led to demonstrate their nutritional and health potential. However, much data is not available on the constituent fatty acids or the effect of processing of rice on fatty acids which are vital in maintaining immunity and many metabolic functions.Objective: To assess the fatty acid pr...

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease progressing towards a substantial global health concern. A multitude of therapeutic agents are being used to treat MAFLD. The high prevalence and adverse effects of drugs have increased the global popularity of herbal medicines (HMs)...

Biomolecules-organized NMs play a significant role in the medical field due to their ability to allow for the control and slow release of various drugs, indicating effective utilization and sustainability. Hence, in biomedical applications, the ability of nanostructures to perform multiple functions is a significant advantage. As a result, self-ass...

Marine algae are rich sources of bioactive compounds commonly utilized in food and pharmaceutical industries. Among the 320 species identified along the coastal area of Sri Lanka, two brown algal species Sargassum polycystum and Turbinaria ornata collected from the coastal area of Point Pedro, Jaffna were studied for proximate composition. Moisture...

Brown marine algae are currently of great interest due to their abundance of bioactive compounds that can be used for several therapeutic and other applications. About 320 species of marine algae belonging to different families have been identified along the coast of Sri Lanka. In the present study, brown marine algal species Sargassum polycystum a...

Confining exposure to waterborne pathogens and water-related disease outbreaks protects public health. This study pursued fabrication of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) incorporated with biogenic metal/metal oxide nanocomposite (NC) nanofiltration media to prepare pathogen-removing filters. Pineapple (Murusi) waste was utilized to synthesize CNCs and...

Abstract: The availability of scientific information on the nutrient composition of cooked rice and glycemic responses of Sri Lankan traditional rice varieties with a high export potential is scarce. This study determined the nutrient composition (moisture, ash, crude fat, and protein, digestible (DC) and total carbohydrate (TC), resistant starch (...

Background: Elevated levels of serum lipid parameters are identified to implicate oncogenesis. Studies on the impact of statins on breast cancer cells as treatment options by altering lipid metabolism holds significance. Objective: To identify anticancer effects of atorvastatin on triple-negative and hormone receptor positive breast cancer cells in...

Anthropometric and Biochemical Parameters: In Predicting Development of Hepatic Fibrosis and Hepatic Steatosis in Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Background: Elevated levels of serum lipid parameters are identified to implicate oncogenesis. Studies on the impact of statins on breast cancer cells as treatment options by altering lipid metabolism holds significance. Objective: To identify anticancer effects of atorvastatin on triple-negative and hormone receptorpositive breast cancer cells in...

Background: Elevated levels of serum lipid parameters are identified to implicate oncogenesis. Studies on the impact of statins on breast cancer cells as treatment options by altering lipid metabolism holds significance. Objective: To identify anticancer effects of atorvastatin on triple-negative and hormone receptorpositive breast cancer cells in...

Metformin (MET) is the most commonly used antihyperglycemic drug globally. Emerging interest in repurposing this common medication as an anticancer therapeutic is observed due to its induced apoptosis, arrest of the cell cycle, inhibition of cell proliferation and metastasis, changes in cell environment, etc. The current study is designed to identi...

Researchers are investigating the potential of nanomaterials (NMs) as antibacterial agents in response to the rise of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The current study focused on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and silver zinc oxide nanocomposite (Ag-ZnO NCs) by utilizing agro-waste, spec...

The process of green nanoparticle (NP) synthesis is a biologically feasible process due to the presence of a diverse array of bioactive compounds. The aim of this research was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) utilizing palmyra fruit pulp and sprout extracts under solar irradiation and compare their antioxidant properties. Ag NPs were syn...

The World Health Organization has recognized the emergence of antibiotic resistance as a significant global public issue. The application of plant waste-mediated nanomaterials (NMs) indicates distinctive antibacterial properties, while simultaneously converting the waste into valuable products. The current study focused on the synthesis of silver n...

This study investigated the antimicrobial properties of Ag-ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) synthesized from agro-waste derived from the Suprema F1 pumpkin variety, including peels, seeds, and leaves. The current study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of pumpkin agro-waste-mediated Ag-ZnO NCs, targeting drug-resistant pathogens.

o Waterborne diseases pose a significant global health risk o Green nanotechnology adds sustainable value to agricultural waste by transforming it into a valuable resource o Application of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in wastewater treatment, as filters and membranes, is considered eco-friendly and utilizers renewable materials To biosynthesis o...

Pathogenic bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a significant barrier to the accurate identification and treatment of infectious diseases. To address this challenge, there is a high demand for new chemical substances acting as antibiotics or potential antibacterial targets. Biogenic metal nanoparticles (NPs)/ nanocomposites (NCs) show pro...

A biogenic approach, particularly plant-mediated synthesis, is currently regarded as the sustainable approach for synthesizing nanomaterials (NMs). The present investigation concentrates on the green fabrication of Ag/Ag2O nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO NPs, and Ag/Ag2O/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) via microwave irradiation using Murusi peel (MP) and Kew pee...

Breast cancer (BC) is the commonest carcinoma among women in Sri Lanka. Various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are reported as causatives of BC, even though studies on the incidence and relevance of these risk factors to the Sri Lankan context are not comprehensively documented. Thus, objectives of the present study were to assess the o...

This study focused on utilizing agro-wastes of Suprima F1 variety, pumpkin leaf(PL), pumpkin peel(PP), and pumpkin seeds(PS) and synthesizing ZnO NPs to examine the antioxidant potential.

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are key mediators in the pathogenesis of chronic degenerative diseases. Osbeckia octandra plant is widely used as an effective medicine in Sri Lankan traditional and Ayurvedic medicine to treat liver diseases which are the consequences of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Thus, the present study ai...

Purpose: The association of thyroid related diseases and sex hormones with breast cancer (BC) is reported with inconclusive results. Objectives: The study was designed to analyze the thyroid/sex hormone ratios of BC patients. Methodology: TSH, T3, T4, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone concentrations of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (...

Agro-waste from Pumpkin: A Source of Antioxidants? Determination of the antioxidant properties contined in pumpkin seeds, peels, and leaves agro waste.

Introduction Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer L.) is an Arecaceae plant that grows in drier regions of the world. The palmyra tree grows widely in northern Sri Lanka, and the fruits mature in August and fall off from the tree between September and October Palmyra is a medicinally important plant, containing biological and pharmacological value [1]. Pa...

Green nanotechnology

MICROWAVE-ASSISTED BIOSYNTHESIS OF PALMYRA PULP-MEDIATED PHYTONANO ZnO PARTICLES AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL

Green synthesized nanomaterials as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances

Introduction: Resistant starch (RS) has beneficial effects on postprandial glucose metabolism in both animals and adults. Hitherto, there have been no studies in children of the acute metabolic and hormonal effects of RS-containing meals. Objectives: We aimed to compare serial plasma glucose, insulin, gut hormone, leptin profiles and satiety sco...

"In Search of Evidence for Healthy Food Choices" Dr Henry Rajaratnam Oration 2022 - Inaugural Session - SLENDO 2022

The usage of nanocomposites has grown significantly in recent years, due to their exceptionally tiny size and high surface area, which contribute to their mechanical and physiochemical properties with respect to bulk materials of equal chemical composition. Nanomaterials are often synthesized by a combination of physical, chemical, and biological m...

The research aimed to scientifically prove that parboiled Sri Lankan traditional rice elicits lower glycaemic responses comparative to raw unpolished or polished rice. Thus the proximate composition and glycaemic indices (GI) of raw, raw polished, and parboiled traditional Sri Lankan rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties Godaheenati, Batapola el, Dik we...

Nanoscale materials are primarily synthesized by utilizing several physiochemical methodologies; however, with inevitable negative consequences, such as environmental pollution, high energy consumption, high cost, and potential health problems. Hence, in recent years, several efforts have been made to identify reliable and environmentally friendly...

In the field of green nanotechnology, phytogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using various biomasses has proven to be an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and safe scientific approach with numerous potential applications in diverse fields. The utilization of agro-waste as a source of renewable biomass in the synthesis of nanoparticles is undere...

Abstract Introduction: Incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), several forms of cancer, hypertension, obesity etc is increasing in our country. It is suggested that these diseases can be moderated, in part, by consuming foods that produce a low blood sugar response. It is presumed that kithul treacle i...

Introduction Resistant starch (RS) has beneficial effects on postprandial glucose metabolism in both animals and adults. Hitherto, it has not been studied in children. The long term effects of RS in reducing obesity and improving metabolic profiles need to be investigated in children. Objectives Our objective was to compare serial plasma glucose, i...

Key words: Breast cancer, Cortisol, stress related life events. BACKGROUND & HYPOTHESIS: Studies reveal that stress induced by major life events is strongly associated with increased breast cancer (BC) risk. As BC is the commonest carcinoma among women in Sri Lanka and no data is available on the impact of stressful lifestyle, objectives of the stu...

BACKGROUND & HYPOTHESIS: Statins/HMG-Co A reductase inhibitors are reported to exhibit anticancer effects on breast cancer (BC) models. Thus the present review aims to identify the anticancer properties of statins observed in in vitro studies. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Pubmed advanced search using defined search cr...

Sweet potatoes are one of the major tuberous roots consumed around the world. The objective of the present study was to determine the nutritional composition, glycaemic indices and glycaemic loads of selected Sri Lankan sweet potato varieties, in order to address the inadequacy of information and the controversial findings on glycaemic indices. Nut...

Shortenings and fat spreads are major ingredients used in bakery products thus make a significant influence on the fat level and the fatty acid (FA) content of the final product. Due to usage of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils in the production process, shortenings and fat spreads are one of the important sources of trans fatty acids (TFA). S...

Sweet potatoes are effortlessly grown and high yielding food crop. However, these are considered as underutilized produce with limited incorporation into food industry. Hence the objectives of this study were to determine the nutrient composition and functional properties of twelve (12) sweet potato varieties available in Sri Lanka to study the pot...

mg GAE /g, 1.4-2.2 mg AE /100g and 3.5-4.2 mg AE /100g respectively. The mean TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activities for both raw and cooked rice flour were in the order of Suduheenati > Masuran > Rathdel > Kahawanu. The order of FRAP for both raw and cooked rice flour were in the order of Suduheenati > Masuran > Kahawanu > Rathdel. Among raw a...

Fresh milk is well-known for its nutritional value and is considered as a healthy food product. In Sri Lanka, fresh milk is marketed as different types and by different manufactures. The objectives of this study were to proximate the composition of different local brands of tetra-packed fresh milk in Sri Lankan market, compare and legitimate the co...

Purpose: The study intended to analyze the incidence of thyroid related diseases and to assess thyroid to sex hormones ratios of breast cancer (BC) patients Methods: TSH, T3, T4, Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels of newly diagnosed BC patients (n=155) aged 30 to 75 years and age-matched normal controls (n=75) were analyzed. Data on his...

Microorganisms are the major cause of disease in human mucosal and deep tissue infections. Due to the development of resistance to existing drugs by microbes, discovering new antimicrobial agents is of paramount importance. Present study aimed at demonstrating growth inhibition of ATCC and clinical isolates of selected fungal and bacterial strains...

Various parts of Cycas circinalis (Sinhala: Madu) are used as food or in food preparation in many countries. Flour made from mature dried seeds is used in Sri Lanka to prepare starchy staples such as pittu and roti. However, the seeds are reported to contain hepato-toxins known as cycasins. This study was conducted to observe the liver toxicity, if...

Rice brans are a potent source of naturally occurring antioxidants. However, total phenol contents (TPC) and antioxidant capacities of differently processed traditional rice varieties have not been studied. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to analyse TPC and antioxidant potentials of differently processed (raw under milled, raw polished...

Rice is the dietary staple of Sri Lankans, which contributes to the total carbohydrate and energy intake. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effect of parboiling on glycaemic response and glycaemic indices (GI) of some differently processed traditional rice varieties namely Goda heenati, Batapolael, Dik wee, Dahanala, Unako...

Consumption and cultivation of traditional rice varieties have increased considerably in recent years due to the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases in our country. However, the physical properties and nutritional composition of most traditional rice have not been scientifically studied to a satisfactory level. Therefore, this study d...

Comparative cytotoxicity of seeds of a purely ornamental tree – for further exploration

Physical parameters and correlation between glycaemic responses of less commonly consumed traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties of Sri Lanka

Biochemical parameters in assessing the risk in developing breast cancer in Sri Lanka

Background: The association of sex hormones with receptor status and breast cancer (BC) incidence is studied with inconclusive results. The present work assessed the serum estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations and estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status of new...

Commonly available green leafy vegetables (GLV) are rich sources of minerals and vitamins. Nutrient analysis of green leafy vegetables contributes to determine the health benefits that can be achieved by consumption. The present study determined the iron and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content in some locally available GLV (Sesbania grandiflora (kath...

The rationale of my study was to make the public aware of the iron contents and vitamin C contents in locally available (Sesbania grandiflora (kathurumurunga),Alternanthera sessilis (mukunuwenna), Trianthema portulacastrum (sarana), Amaranthus viridis (thampala (green) and Gymnema lactiferum (kurinnan).Vitamin C contents of fresh leaves samples wer...

Sri Lankan traditional rice are claimed to have nutritional and medicinal properties. Rice bran contains more monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and is a rich source of nutrients. Fatty acids (FA) play a vital role in maintaining immunity and cholesterol level in the human body and some reduce the risk of he...

Objective: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been identified as a risk for atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and association between hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and lipid parameters, anthropometric data and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD)...