ANTI-ALLERGIC POTENTIAL OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CORIANDRUM SATIVUM LEAVES IN CONJUNCTIVITIS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN RATS

The present study related the nutritional contents, fatty acid compositions, in vitro antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activities of different solvents extracts of Pleurotus eryngii. The nutritional contents of the P. eryngii were investigated in detail. Crude protein (g 100 kg-1), carbohydrate (g 100 kg-1), lipid (g 100 kg-1), ash (g 100 kg-1), dietary fiber (g 100 kg-1) and energy value (cal 100 g-1) of fruiting bodies were analysed. Fatty acid compositions of total lipid, phospholipid and triacylglycerol fractions of Pleurotus eryngii were investigated by Gas chromatography. Totally 13 different fatty acids constituents were identified. Antioxidant properties including total antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity, reducing power activity, metal chelating activity, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity were evaluated using different tests. The highest total antioxidant, DPPH scavenging, metal chelating, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities were determined in ethyl acetate extracts. The potential of cytotoxic activity on PC-3 (prostate cancer) cell lines was found to depend on the concentration and the type of the tested extracts fractions. It was determined that hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of Pleurotus eryngii have inhibition effect on the growth of tested microorganisms. The present results suggested that used as a daily nutrient, the Pleurotus eryngii could be a novel source for new drug developments and promising in some cancer treatment.

The purpose of this study was to find DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activities and the extract yields of two mushroom species, namely, Ganoderma lucidum (stored) and Phellinus torulosus (fresh). For the extraction of both mushroom bodies, methanol was used as solvent by using Blois extraction methods. The antioxidant activities of extracts were measured by UV-vis spectrophotometer at 517 nm. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was employed as a reference antioxidant. In conclusion, the highest DPPH scavenging activity (96.4%) was found in the body of Ganoderma lucidum while the lowest DPPH scavenging activity value (92.58%) was found for that of Phellinus torulosus. The DPPH scavenging power of the whole extract studied here was higher than that of BHT.

An environmental friendly process for Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) utilization using fermentation technology

Natural compounds play an important role among antioxidants that protect the human body against oxidative stress. Many plants may have high levels of antioxidant capacity through the compounds they contain. In line with this information, in the current study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Galanthus elwesii Hook.f. In this context, we tested the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and metal chelating activities of different concentrations (12.5-400 mg/L) of methanol and water extracts obtained from the bulb part of this plant. A concentration-dependent increase in activity was observed for both extracts. DPPH scavenging (87.10%) and metal chelating (72.99%) activities demonstrated by 400 mg/L concentration applications came to the fore. In addition, it was determined that these data were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the activity rates revealed by other applications. Considering the IC50 values, low values for DPPH scavenging and metal chelating activities (110.88 mg/L and 132.40 mg/L, respectively) were detected in water extracts. As a result, the importance of G. elwesii among plants that have the potential to be a rich source of antioxidants was revealed in this study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical administration of onion (Allium cepa) extract on nasal cavity for treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with intranasal instillation of OVA with or without onion extracts for five times a week on 3 consecutive weeks. Allergic symptom score according to frequencies of sneezing, serum total and OVA specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, cytokine levels of nasal mucosa and eosinophilic infiltration were analyzed. Allergic symptom score, serum total and OVA specific IgE, cytokine levels of nasal mucosa (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-γ, TNF-α and COX-2) and eosinophilic infiltration were higher in allergic mouse group than negative control group. Topical application of onion extracts significantly reduced allergic symptoms and OVA specific IgE levels. Cytokine levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ were significantly decreased in groups treated with onion extract. In addition, eosinophil infiltration of nasal turbinate mucosa was also significantly decreased after treatment with onion extract. Topical administration of onion extract significantly reduces allergic rhinitis symptom and allergic inflammatory reaction in a murine allergic model. It can be assumed that the topical application of onion extract regulates allergic symptoms by suppressing the type-1 helper (Th1) and type-2 helper (Th2) responses and reducing the allergic inflammatory reaction.

This study investigates the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and metal chelation capacity of acetone and water extracts from Anethum graveolens L.. The total phenolic content of the acetone extract was significantly higher (173.49 ± 4.91 µg GAE/mg extract) than the water extract (98.52 ± 3.62 µg GAE/mg extract). Similarly, the flavonoid content of the acetone extract (72.81 ± 1.15 µg QE/mg extract) exceeded that of the water extract (27.69 ± 1.72 µg QE/mg extract). Concentration-dependent responses revealed higher antioxidant activity for the acetone extract across all tested concentrations (12.5–400 µg/mL), with a sharper increase in response at higher concentrations. The IC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelation activities further confirmed the acetone extract's superior performance, with lower IC50 values for DPPH scavenging (51.56 µg/mL) and metal chelation (113.46 µg/mL) compared to the water extract (192.44 µg/mL and 268.95 µg/mL, respectively). Hierarchical clustering and 3-D surface plot analyses demonstrated strong correlations between DPPH scavenging and metal chelation activities for both extracts, with Pearson correlation coefficients of r = 0.94 for the acetone extract and r = 0.99 for the water extract. While the acetone extract displayed higher bioactivity, the water extract exhibited a more tightly linked relationship between its antioxidant and metal chelation properties. These findings highlight the potential of A. graveolens extracts as natural antioxidants and metal chelators, offering promising applications for oxidative stress mitigation and metal toxicity management.

In the present study, we evaluated antioxidant and cytotoxicity potentials of Astragalus tokatensis Fisch., Helichrysum noeanum Boiss. and Stachys huber-morathii R. Bhattacharjee, endemic plant species in Turkey. We measured DPPH scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts. In addition, the cytotoxic activities of the extracts were evaluated on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). In the analysis of total phenol content, the water extract of S. huber-morathii had the highest value (116.34 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg extract). The highest total flavonoid content (83.39 µg quercetin equivalent/mg extract) was in the water extract of H. noeanum. Considering the DPPH scavenging and metal chelating activities, water extracts of H. noeanum (33.13 mg/L) and S. huber-morathii (49.00 mg/L) showed the lowest IC50 values. When cytotoxic activities on MCF-7 cells were examined, the water extract of H. noeanum stood out with the lowest IC50 value (96.94 mg/L).

The importance of IgE in airway inflammation and development of AHR in allergen-sensitized mice has been compared and contrasted in different models of sensitization and challenge. Using different modes of sensitization in normal and genetically manipulated mice after anti-IgE treatment, we have been able to distinguish the role of IgE under these different conditions. Striking differences in the three sensitization protocols were delineated in terms of the role of allergen-specific IgE, extent of eosinophilic airway inflammation, and development of AHR (Table 1). The highest levels of IgE and eosinophil infiltration (approximately 20-fold increases) were achieved after systemic sensitization with allergen (plus adjuvant) followed by repeated airway challenge. Passive sensitization with allergen-specific IgE followed by limited airway challenge induced a modest eosinophilic inflammatory response in the airways despite high levels of serum IgE. Exposure to allergen exclusively via the airways also resulted in a modest serum IgE response and a limited eosinophilic inflammatory response (approximately fourfold increases). Under all of these conditions, inhibition of IL-5-mediated eosinophilic airway inflammation was associated with attenuation of AHR. In contrast, the differences in the responses to the different modes of allergen exposure were associated with differences in the requirements for IgE in the development of AHR (Table 1). In the two models associated with mild eosinophil infiltration (passive sensitization and exclusive airway exposure), IgE was required for the development of AHR but did not substantially enhance airway inflammation on its own. However, IgE-allergen interaction was able to enhance T-cell function in vitro and induce T-cell expansion in vivo. In mice systemically sensitized and challenged via the airways, IgE (or IgE-mediated mast-cell activation) was not required for T-cell activation, eosinophilic inflammation and activation in the airways, or development of AHR. This was most clearly seen in B-cell-deficient and mast-cell-deficient, low-IgE-responder mouse strains (B6, B10) and in anti-IgE-treated high-IgEresponder mice (BALB/c). At the same time, we confirmed the importance of IgE in the induction of immediate-type hypersensitivity (mast-cell activation, immediate cutaneous hypersensitivity, passive cutaneous and systemic anaphylaxis). These differences were also highlighted by the means used to detect altered airway function. Passive sensitization and limited airway challenge or exclusive airway exposure to allergen over 10 days elicited changes in airway function that could be detected only in tracheal smooth-muscle preparations exposed to EFS. In contrast, systemic sensitization followed by repeated airway challenge resulted not only in changes in the contractile response to EFS but also in increased responsiveness to inhaled MCh. Thus, these results distinguish not only the differential involvement of IgE and eosinophil numbers but also their contribution to the readouts used to monitor airway function. Based on these studies, we conclude that IgE plays an important role in the development of airway inflammation and AHR under conditions in which limited IL-5-mediated eosinophilic airway infiltration is induced. In conditions where a robust eosinophilic inflammation of the airways is elicited, IgE (and IgE-mediated mast-cell activation) does not appear to be essential for airway inflammation and the development of AHR, detected as increased responsiveness to inhaled MCh. These findings reveal the potential importance of differential targeting in the treatment of allergic diseases with a predominance of IgE-mediated symptoms, e.g., allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, where anti-IgE may be an effective therapy, compared to those diseases with a predominant inflammatory component, e.g., AHR in atopic bronchial asthma, where anti-inflammatory or anti-IL-5 therapy may be more beneficial.

Phytotoxic, DPPH scavenging, insecticidal activities and essential oil composition of Achillea vermicularis, A. teretifolia and proposed chemotypes of A. biebersteinii (Asteraceae)

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated and helper T cell 2 (Th2)--cell-mediated disease characterized by conjunctival eosinophilic infiltration. Previous study shows that IL-28A had anti-allergic activity in airway disease. In this study, we examined the effect of IL-28A on a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EAC). Mouse EAC was induced by topical application of OVA after intraperitoneal (IP) sensitization with OVA in aluminum hydroxide (ALUM). Interleukin-28A was administered 1 hour before OVA challenge. Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms, eosinophil infiltration in the conjunctiva, antigen-specific IgE in the serum, and Th2 cytokine production by lymph node cells and splenocytes were subsequently analyzed. Topical application of IL-28A to OVA-induced EAC reduced clinical symptoms, serum OVA-specific IgE, and the infiltration of eosinophils in the conjunctiva. In addition, topical administration of IL-28A suppressed the expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 (Th2-type cytokine) but promoted the expression of IFN-γ (Th1-type cytokine) by splenocytes and cervical lymph node cells in EAC mice. Immunofluorescence staining showed decrease expression of IL-4 and IL-5 in IL-28A-treated EAC conjunctiva. Interleukin-28A shows therapeutic potential for allergic conjunctival inflammation.

호두껍질을 둘러싸고 있는 과피는 식품으로서 효율성이 떨어지지만, 생리활성물질로서 항산화 및 항균효과의 가치를 지니고 있다. 본 연구에서는 호두(Juglans regia L.)의 열매과피를 5종류 용매(methanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol)로 추출하여 6종 추출물(MeOH Ex, Hexane Ex, CHCl₃ Ex, EtOAc Ex, BuOH Ex, Water Ex)을 얻어, 총 폴리페놀과 총 플라보노이드함량을 특정하고, 항균 및 항산화 활성을 시험하였다. 각 추출물의 항균 활성 은 병원균 8종에 대해 최소억제농도를 한천희석법으로 측정하였고, 항산화 활성은 DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)와 ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)) 라디칼 소거능을 측정하여 EC₅₀ 값으로 평가하고, 총 플라보노이드 및 페놀함량과 상관관계를 분석하였다. 호두추출물 가운데 항균활성이 가장 우수한 것은 에틸아세테이트 추출물(EtOAc Ex)로서 Staphylococcus aureus SG511에 대해 3.2 mg/ml의 MIC을 나타내었 다. 또한, EtOAc Ex는 DPPH 및 ABTS 라디칼 소거 활성 EC₅₀ 값이 13.43 μg/ml과 41.83 μg/ml로 각각 나타내어 가장 우수한 항산화 활성을 보였다. 이러한 EtOAc Ex의 총 플라보노이드 및 페놀 함량은 각각 2.48 mg QE/g 및 223.25 mg GAE/g였다. 특히 총 페놀함량과 항균활성 및 항산화 활성은 양의 상관관계가 있어 추출액 속에 페놀함량이 높으면 생리활성도 높은 것이 확인되었다. 결론적으로 호두의 과피는 우수한 천연 항균 및 항산화 물질이 포함된 소재로서 이용 가능성을 제시한다. Several studies suggest that regular consumption of walnuts may have beneficial effects against oxidative stress-mediated disease such as cancer. The present study reports the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, together with the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of several solvent extracts (methanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) obtained from walnut (Juglans regia L.) green husk. MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) values of the walnut extracts for 8 human pathogenic bacteria strain were determined using agar dilution method. Antioxidant activity of extracts were assessed using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) assays, EC₅₀ of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, and determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content and its correlation with DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacities. Among the six extracts, ethyl acetate extract (EtOAc Ex) showed the highest antimicrobial activity at 3.2 mg/ml of MICs against Staphylococcus aureus SG511. Total flavonoids and polyphenol contents of EtOAc Ex were 42.48 mg of quercetin equivalents (QE)/g and 223.25 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g respectively. The highest antioxidative potential was shown by the sample extracted with EtOAc Ex (EC₅₀=13.43 μg/ml for DPPH and EC₅₀=41.83 μg/ml for ABTS radical scavenging activity assay). These results showed that J. regia green husk extracts can be used as an easily accessible source of natural antibacterial agents and natural antioxidants.

In the present study, seven hydroxamic acid derivatives of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (ibuprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen, indomethacin and diclofenac) were found to possess significant antioxidant, radical scavenging and metal chelating activities. The most active antioxidant and radical scavenger was N-methylhydroxamic acid of diclofenac (ANT = 88.0% and EC50 = 60.1 microg mL-1). The activity of the standard substance, butylated hydroxyanisole, in the two assays was ANT = 86.9% and EC50 = 18.8 microg mL-1, respectively. Ibuproxam was the strongest iron chelator among investigated hydroxamic acids (EC50 = 255.6 microg mL-1), yet significantly weaker than the standard substance, EDTA (EC50 = 29.1 microg mL-1). It seems that different mechanism is involved in metal chelating activity than in antioxidant and radical scavenging activity. Antioxidant and radical scavenging activities may be connected with conjugation of the nitrogen lone electron pair with the carbonyl group. On the other hand, more hydrophilic substances tend to be better iron chelators.

Curcumin is an extensively studied natural compound due to its extensive biological applications. However, there are some drawbacks linked to this compound such as poor absorption, low water-solubility, quick systemic elimination, fast metabolism, poor pharmacokinetics, low bioavailability, low penetration targeting efficacy and low stability. To overcome these drawbacks, curcumin is encapsulated in nano-carriers. In the current studies, we synthesized nanoparticles of curcumin without using nanocarriers by different methods such as nano-suspension (Cur-NSM), sonication (Cur-SM) and anti-solvent precipitation (Cur-ASP) to enhance the solubility of curcumin in water. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, SEM and XRD analysis. These curcumin nanoparticles were screened for their solubilities in water, DPPH scavenging, amylase, α-glucosidase and β-glucosidase enzymatic activities. The particle size of nano-curcumin was found to be in the 47.4-98.7 nm range. The reduction in particle size of curcumin dramatically increases its solubility in water to 79.2 μg mL-1, whereas the solubility of curcumin is just 0.98 μg mL-1. Cur-ASP showed the highest free radical scavenging potential (48.84 ± 0.98%) which was comparable with standard BHT (50.48 ± 1.11%) at 75.0 μg mL-1. As well, Cur-ASP showed the highest inhibition of α-amylase (68.67 ± 1.02%), α-glucosidase (58.30 ± 0.52%), and β-glucosidase (64.80 ± 0.43%) at 100 μg mL-1 which is comparable with standard drug acarbose. The greater surface area of nanoparticles exposes the various groups of curcumin for blocking the binding sites of enzymes. This strategy may be helpful in designing curcumin as a potent therapeutic agent against diabetes mellitus. Further, the molecular interactions of curcumin with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and polyphenol oxidase were assessed by analyzing the plausible binding modes of curcumin in the binding pocket of each receptor. The best binding mode of curcumin was used to make complexes with the target proteins and their stability was confirmed by 50 ns MD simulation.

This study aimed to determine the total phenolic content, DPPH scavenging, α-glucosidase, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition of Gynura procumbens and Cleome gynandra extracts obtained with five different ethanolic concentrations. The findings showed that the 100% ethanolic extract of G. procumbens had the highest phenolic content and the lowest IC50 values for DPPH scavenging and NO inhibition activity compared to the properties of the other extracts. For C. gynandra, the 20% and 100% ethanolic extracts had comparably high total phenolic contents, and the latter possessed the lowest IC50 value in the NO inhibition assay. In addition, the 20% ethanolic extract of C. gynandra had the lowest IC50 value in the DPPH scavenging assay. However, none of the extracts from either herb had the ability to inhibit α-glucosidase enzyme. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a strong relationship between the phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity in both herb extracts. A moderately strong relationship was also observed between the phenolic content and NO inhibition in G. procumbens extracts and not in C. gynandra extracts. The UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS revealed major phenolics from the groups of hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and flavonoid derivatives from both herbs, which could be the key contributors to their bioactivities. Among the identified metabolites, 24 metabolites were tentatively assigned for the first time from both species of studied herbs. These two herbs could be recommended as prospective natural products with valuable medicinal properties.

The Adjuvant Effect of Ambient Particulate Matter Is Closely Reflected by the Particulate Oxidant Potential