Fun Facts About Larrea Tridentata

Larrea Tridentata, also known as creosote bush, is a common shrub located around Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico (Arteaga, 2005). These particular lands are known for their warm deserts, which is where this plant is most abundant because extreme freezes, even though they can occur in these areas, limit its distribution. Larrea Tridentata is also “used to treat a variety of illnesses including infertility, rheumatism, arthritis, diabetes, gallbladder and kidney stones, pain and inflammation” (2005). Even though this range extends to about 50 other illnesses, it is most commonly used in “diseases of gynaecologic and renal origins” (2005). In addition, it is useful in fighting “against bacteria, viruses and parasites, both internally and externally” (2005). Though this plant seems to have an enormous amount of benefits, “most of the medicinal uses of Larrea tridentata are not supported by experimental or clinical studies” (2005). Additionally, there are disadvantages associated with this plant. For example, “creosote bush is unpalatable to livestock and most wildlife [becomes] toxic, sometimes causing death” (2005). To support this, pregnant ewes (sheep) “have been reported to die after eating the leaves” (2005). Another unfortunate case involves a “patient develop[ing] hepatitis 2–3 months after beginning daily consumption of creosote bush leaf (proven by biopsy)” (2005). Larrea Tridentata has been associated with various medicines that have made an impact in the life of individuals while at the same time negatively affecting organisms.

Figure 1. This "Arizona Natural" dietary supplement is made from Larrea tridentata. However, these capsules "are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease" ("Arizona Natural...", 2015).

Reference:

Arizona Natural Resource Chaparral Dietary Supplement 500 mg. (2015). Retrieved February 22, 2018, from https://www.vitalitymedical.com/arizona-natural-resource-chaparral-dietary-supplement-500-mg.html

Arteaga, S., Andrade-Cetto, A., & Cárdenas, R. (2005). Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), an abundant plant of Mexican and US-American deserts and its metabolite nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 98(3), 231-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.02.002

Unknown Bacteria NanoDrop Data

Using the unknown extracted DNA samples from last week, I ran them in the NanoDrop and have included the results below. Figure 1 shows the amount of nucleic acid found in each unknown and it’s purity (the 260/280 ratio should be around 1.7 to be considered pure). From looking at the table, I was hoping to get higher amounts of DNA (above 600). Due to this, I will continue to perform the QuickExtract Bacterial DNA Extraction to yield higher quantities. Nonetheless, the samples remained around the 1.7 260/230 ratio, which I am happy about. In addition, Figure 2 shows the ideal dumbbell shape the wavelength of the samples produced.

Figure 1. The NanoDrop data collected from unknown bacteria in creosote bushes. Five DNA extracted samples were used: A1, A8, A24, A26 and A27. Displayed with each bacteria is the amount of nucleic acid, 260 ratio, 280 ratio, 260/280 ratio and 260/230 ratio.

Figure 2. The NanoDrop graph from unknown bacteria in creosote bushes. The five displayed DNA extracted samples, A1, A8, A24, A26 and A27, are shown, along with the wavelength and the absorbance. 

Starting Slowly...

I found my lost DNA samples from last semester! For those of you who may not know, during my Fall 2017 research project, my extracted unknown DNA samples went missing and I could not find them anywhere. However, today, I so happened to be looking inside the biohazard freezer and dug under the items that were in there. I was initially looking for QuickExtract bacterial DNA but luckily, I also ran into my missing samples! Even though the mystery has officially been solved, I could no longer use these samples so I had to throw them away. Other than that, I began to perform DNA extraction on new unknown bacteria from creosote bushes. These samples were obtained by a fellow intern, Luisa Zamora, who is also working on this project with me. Slowly but surely, I hope we will make significant progress!

Figure 1. The missing extracted unknown DNA samples that were lost during my Fall 2017 research project. 

Figure 2. Unknown bacteria inside TSB broth before 24 hours.

Figure 3. Unknown bacteria inside TSB broth after 24 hours.

Larrea tridentata Research Project

The research I will conduct this semester involves identifying unknown bacteria from Larrea tridentata, also known as creosote bush. Various tests will be used to help determine and put a name on present bacteria. This is a continuance of last semester and because my previous DNA samples were lost, I will have to start over. It’s quite ok that this occurred because repeating procedures is great practice. I know for a fact this will benefit and enhance my skills in a research laboratory. In addition, I began working on my research proposal and will most likely have it posted next week. I cannot wait to begin my project and share my findings with you all!

Figure 1. This is a 10X magnification of a pedicel from a rose. Maybe if I'm fortunate enough, I will find a bacteria that looks just as beautiful! (Gracewood, 2010)  

Gracewood, P. (2010, August 9). Shadows On Stone. Retrieved February 01, 2018, from http://shadowsonstone.blogspot.com/2010/08/sculpture-and-eckhard-volcker.html