SynopsisAs part of an ongoing search for the novel pharmacological activities of Phyllanthus emblica, the present study has shown its type I collagen promoting and anti-collagenase effects on primary mouse fibroblast cells. At a concentration of 0.1 mg ml -1 , emblica extract significantly increased the type I pro-collagen level up to 1.65-fold, and 6.78-fold greater than that of an untreated control, determined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, respectively. Emblica extract caused an approximately 7.75-fold greater type I procollagen induction compared to the known herbal collagen enhancer asiaticoside at the same treatment concentration (0.1 mg ml )1 ). Moreover, emblica extract inhibited collagenase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal inhibition was observed (78.67 ± 3.51%) at a concentration of 1 mg ml )1 . In summary, emblica extract has a promising pharmacological effect that benefits collagen synthesis and protects against its degradation and could be used as a natural anti-aging ingredient.

A survey was conducted to determine the extent of lead (Pb) contamination in vitamins labeled for use by women and children. The Pb content of 324 multivitamin-mineral products was determined using microwave assisted nitric acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cryogenic grinding was used to composite soft samples such as oil filled capsules and candy-like products such as gummies and jelly beans. Estimates of Pb exposures from consumption of these products were derived for four population groups: young children (0-6 yrs), older children (7+ yrs), pregnant or lactating women, and adult women. The estimated median and maximum Pb exposures were 0.123 and 2.88 microg/day for young children, 0.356 and 1.78 microg/day for older children, 0.845 and 8.97 microg/day for pregnant and lactating women, and 0.842 and 4.92 microg/day for adult women. The overall median value for Pb exposure was 0.576 microg/day. Five samples would have provided exposures that exceeded 4 microg/day. Estimates of exposures were assessed with respect to safe/tolerable exposure levels that have been developed for the specific age and sex groups. These safe/tolerable levels are referred to as the provisional total tolerable intake levels (PTTI) and are 6, 15, 25, and 75 microg Pb/day for young children, older children, pregnant or lactating women, and adult women, respectively. Estimates of Pb exposures were below the PTTI levels for the four population groups. Median and maximum values were used instead of the mean and standard deviation because of the skewed distribution of results toward lower mass fraction and exposure.

The levels of the toxic elements Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and Sn are routinely monitored in food to protect the consumer. Increasingly, the chemical forms of As and Hg are also monitored. Analyses are performed to enforce regulatory standards and to accumulate background levels for assessing long-term exposure. The analytical procedures used for these activities evolve as requirements to determine lower levels arise and as both the types and sheer number of different foods that need to be analyzed increase. This review highlights recent work addressing improvements in the analysis of toxic elements in food. The topics covered include contamination control, analytical sample treatment and the common analytical techniques used for food analysis.