Acid Equivalents Research Articles

It Is Not All about Alkaloids-Overlooked Secondary Constituents in Roots and Rhizomes of Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) J.St.-Hil.

Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) J.St.-Hil. is an evergreen shrub occurring naturally in North and Middle America. So far, more than 120 alkaloids have been identified in this plant in addition to steroids, coumarins and iridoids, and its use in traditional medicine has been traced back to these compound classes. However, a comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the plant with a special focus on further compound classes has not yet been performed. Therefore, the present study aimed at an extensive HPLC-MSn characterization of secondary metabolites and, for the first time, reports the occurrence of various depsides and phenolic glycerides in G. sempervirens roots and rhizomes, consisting of benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives as well as dicarboxylic acids. Furthermore, mono- and disaccharides were assigned by GC-MS. Applying the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, the phenolic content of extracts obtained with different solvents was estimated to range from 30 to 50% calculated as chlorogenic acid equivalents per g dry weight and was related to the DPPH radical scavenging activity of the respective extracts. Upon lactic acid fermentation of aqueous G. sempervirens extracts, degradation of phenolic esters was observed going along with the formation of low-molecular volatile metabolites.

Multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of novel nicotinonitrile analogues bearing imidazole or triazole moieties: Synthesis, antioxidant activity, molecular docking, and ADMET studies

The study is aimed to synthesize, characterize and evaluate antioxidant activity of novel highly functionalized nicotinonitrile analogues bearing imidazole or triazole moieties. The targeted compounds were synthesized via one-pot four component reaction and characterized by elemental and spectrometric analyses. The newly 16-synthesized compounds were assessed as antioxidant agents using the total antioxidant capacity assay. The experimental results indicated that four out of sixteen compounds exhibited the most antioxidant effect with 38.81 and 18.66 mg AAE/g considering ascorbic acid equivalent. The molecular docking screening on the novel potential compounds, further supported by ADMET/drug-likeness screening was conducted. The outcomes of the docking simulations revealed that compounds 4e, 4f, 4g, and 6h are considered safe and non-toxic. These 4 compounds exhibited significant affinity, as evidenced by binding energies of -11.9, -10.9, -11.2, and -11.60 kcal/mol, respectively, with the active site of human cytochrome P450. Additionally, these compounds showed significant binding energies with NAD(P)H Oxidase of -9.90, -9.50, -9.90, and -9.50 kcal/mol, respectively. These interactions involved diverse types of molecular interactions and demonstrated favorable binding energies, indicating the potential of these compounds to modulate antioxidant enzymes and demonstrate promising antioxidant effects. The in-silico ADMET profiles of compounds 4e, 4f, 4g, and 6h indicated their adherence to the Lipinski rules, subsequently, they could be potential orally bioavailable drug-like molecules.

Synthesis and Characterization of Janus fenugreek Seed Gum-based Film for Food Packaging and Wound Dressing Applications

The use of plant-derived natural gum polysaccharides in food packaging and biomedicine is growing due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, film-forming ability, abundant functional groups, and potential for chemical or physical modification to develop novel materials. In this study, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed gum (FSG)-based Janus films with glycerol (GLY) as a plasticizer in varying concentrations (2%, 5%, 7%, and 10% w/w) were synthesized for potential food packaging and biomedical applications. The glycerol concentration significantly affected the stability, microstructure, moisture content, and solubility of the film, with 5% GLY yielding the most stable films. The water solubility was gradually increased with increasing the GLY content in the film sample. The film exhibited strong radical scavenging activity against DPPH assays, with an IC50 value of 158.73±0.013 µg/mL. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the film were found to be 88.21±0.012 mg/g in gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and 9.36±0.018 mg/g in quercetin equivalents (QE), respectively. The pristine FSG film exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and the fungal strain Candida albicans, which was significantly enhanced by incorporating the antibacterial drug penicillin. Additionally, we examined the impact of different films on chicken meat and cheese by monitoring changes in weight loss, color, pH, total aerobic mesophilic counts (TAMC), and psychrotrophic bacterial counts (PBC) during storage. Our results demonstrated that the samples packaged with pristine FSG film exhibited significantly lower TAMC and PBC values and slowed down the increase in pH values compared to the control samples, which further decreased by incorporating antimicrobial drug. These findings indicated that the Janus pristine FSG film is suitable for food packaging. Further, antimicrobial drugs incorporated into FSG film could be potential candidates for wound dressing applications.

Comparative analysis of nutritional value and antioxidant activity in sweet and bitter almonds

In this study, four cultivars of almonds including bitter and sweet almonds from the northern regions of Morocco have been studied in terms of chemical composition, bioactive content, and antioxidant activity. Our research revealed that almonds are rich in minerals, and they displayed low levels of primary oxidation by-products and excellent stability. The fatty acid composition was dominated by oleic and linoleic acids, with slight variations between regions and almond cultivars. The analyses of unsaponifiable fraction revealed that the sterol component of almond oil was mainly composed by β-sitosterol and Δ-5-avenosterol (with regional differences), meanwhile α-tocopherol was the predominant among tocopherols. Furthermore, a significant presence of phenolic compounds was observed, particularly in Al Hoceima Beldi sweet almonds, with a gallic acid equivalent of 47.15 mg GAE/g in methanol extract and a total tocopherol content of 558.53 mg/kg. These results highlighted the strong antioxidant potential of Al Hoceima Beldi sweet almond oil, which showed good antioxidant activity for 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with an IC50 value of 63.47 μg/mL and a high concentration of samples for 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (19.48 mg TE/g extract). In conclusion, the research supports the cultivation and consumption of these sweet almond cultivars in recognition of their significant contribution to human well-being. Bitter almonds have medicinal benefits but are toxic and unsafe for consumption.

Nutritional and biofunctional characterizations of four novel edible aquatic plants of Bangladesh

Aquatic plants are a cheap and renewable biomass rich in bioactive and biofunctional compounds, holding valorization prospects for use in food and pharmaceuticals. Four commonly found edible aquatic plants in Bangladesh, namely red water lily (Nymphaea nouchali), white water lily (Nympheae alba), malancha (Alternanthera philoxeroides), and red seaweed (Gracilaria tenuistipitata), were compared in terms of proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, mineral and heavy metal contents, and amino acid composition. The crude protein content was the highest in A. philoxeroids (26.96 %), followed by G. tenuistipitata (25.21 %), N. nouchali (25.14 %), and N. alba (23.54 %). The sequence of crude lipid content of four aquatic plants was A. philoxeroids (4.8 %) > N. nouchali (4.0 %) > G. tenuistipitata (3.4 %) > N. alba (2.4 %). The aquatic plants were rich in carbohydrates, with G. tenuistipitata having 37.02 %, significantly (P < 0.05) lower than N. alba (46.12 %), N. nouchali (45.73 %), and A. philoxeroids (42.88 %). The ash content in the studied plants varied between 14.63 % and 24.97 %. Substantial numbers of bioactive compounds were identified in these plants: 42 in N. alba, 41 in N. nouchali, 40 in A. philoxeroides, and 36 in G. tenuistipitata, as determined by GC-MS analysis. G. tenuistipitata showed the highest amount of total phenolic (121.05 ± 2.43 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoid (128.03 ± 0.79 mg quercetin equivalent/g) content. The DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and ferric reducing power assays showed the free radical scavenging ability increased in a dose dependent manner. These aquatic plants contained substantial amounts of minerals, namely Ca ranging from 42.05 ± 2.34 to 441.65 ± 4.67 mg/kg, K ranging from 80.15 ± 1.82 to 97.81 ± 1.74 mg/kg, and Na ranging from 41.16 ± 1.32 to 53.37 ± 1.64 mg/kg. The heavy metal contents of Cu, Ni, and Pb were 0.93 ± 0.06 to 1.25 ± 0.09 mg/kg, 0.44 ± 0.02 to 3.86 ± 0.56 mg/kg, and 0.22 ± 0.02 to 0.67 ± 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. Thirteen different amino acids were identified, with leucine, glycine, alanine, lysine, and phenylalanine dominating, and their contents varying by species. Therefore, regular consumption of these aquatic plants might be a healthy approach to addressing malnutrition and enhancing biofunctional activities.

Phytochemical Profiling and &lt;i&gt;In-vitro&lt;/i&gt; Assessment of Antiproliferative Effects of Extracts of Freshwater Microalgae, &lt;i&gt;Poterioochromonas malhamensis&lt;/i&gt;

The development of anticancer drugs remains a formidable challenge. Poterioochromonas malhamensis, known for its predatory nature on microbes and plankton, was investigated for anticancer properties. This study screened and quantified phytochemicals using LC-MS and evaluated the anticancer effects of aqueous ethanol extracts of P. malhamensis from Tavanampalli's freshwater bodies. Phytochemical analysis by HR-LCMS detected proteins, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The extract contained 87.75 mg of quercetin equivalents, 134.55 mg of gallic acid equivalents, and 72.64 mg of bovine serum albumin equivalents per gram of dry weight. LC-MS also identified amino acids, fatty acids, amides, and esters in the extract. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using MTT assay, AO/ETBR, and Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) staining assays. The extract exhibited IC50 values of 95.09 µg, 103.63 µg, 162.14 µg, 339.30 µg, and 355.18 µg with A375, HepG2, HeLa, HT29, and A549 cell lines, respectively, outperforming cisplatin, which had IC50 values of 3.56 µg, 4.87 µg, 3.88 µg, 7.23 µg, and 4.65 µg. This study is the first to report the antiproliferative activity of P. malhamensis, broadening the scope of research in anticancer compound discovery.

Exploring Conventional and Green Extraction Methods for Enhancing the Polyphenol Yield and Antioxidant Activity of Hyssopus officinalis Extracts.

Hyssopus officinalis L. (HO) is, as one of the most prevalently utilized plants, used in traditional medicine to cure various diseases as well as the in food and cosmetic industries. Moreover, HO is a rich source of polyphenols with potent antioxidant properties. However, the studies on the extraction of such compounds from HO are scanty and sparse. This study aims to optimize the extraction of polyphenols and maximize the antioxidant activity in HO extracts. A comprehensive experimental design was employed, encompassing varied extraction parameters to determine the most effective ones. Alongside conventional stirring (ST), two green approaches, the ultrasonic treatment (US) and the pulsed electric field (PEF), were explored, either alone or in combination. The extracted polyphenolic compounds were identified with a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). According to the results, the employment of ST along with an ethanolic solvent at 80 °C for 150 min seems beneficial in maximizing the extraction of polyphenols from HO, resulting in extracts with enhanced antioxidant activity. The total polyphenol was noted at 70.65 ± 2.76 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (dw) using the aforementioned techniques, and the antioxidant activity was noted as 582.23 ± 16.88 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g dw (with FRAP method) and 343.75 ± 15.61 μmol AAE/g dw (with the DPPH method). The as-prepared extracts can be utilized in the food and cosmetics industries to bestow or enhance the antioxidant properties of commercial products.

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant activities of Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & Eberm.) Essential Oils Collected from Meghalaya.

The current work investigates the chemodiversity, in vitro antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential ofCinnamomumtamalaleaf essential oil collected from different localities of East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, India. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of all the extracted leaf essential oils facilitated the identification of several compounds in a variable range along with eugenol as the major component (74.79-95.12 %). CT8 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 11.23 ± 0.27 μg/mL for DPPH and IC50 = 21.54 ± 0.37 μg/mL for ABTS) among all the evaluated EO compounds. The results showed that the FRAP and ORAC values for CT8 were 83.26 ± 1.92 µM trolox/g oil and 70.29 ± 1.90 ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g of oil. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition were highest in sample CT8 with IC50values of 3.62 ± 0.42 µg/mL and 16.29 ± 0.32 µg/mL respectively. Caryophyllene, cyclohexene, 1, 5, 5-trimethyl-6-(2-propenylidene), germacrene D and eugenol showed strong binding potential toward α-amylase and α-glucosidase. It concluded that the chemodiversity and antidiabetic potential of C. tamla oil from Khasi Hills have never been studied. It can be taken as a dietary supplement as an antioxidant and antidiabetic to control blood glucose.

ENHANCEMENT OF PHENOLIC CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES THROUGH CHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL REATMENT OF LIGNIN-RICH RICE STRAW RESIDUE

Valorization of lignin in biorefineries is important as this can lead to enhancement of chemical and physical properties of lignin, making it suitable for applications in polymers, composites and adhesives. Lignin valorization requires overcoming recalcitrance and tailoring for different uses. Here, lignin was extracted from rice straw lignin-rich residue at pH 12, using 4% magnesium oxide and 6% sodium hydroxide on a dry w/w basis. The extracted lignin-rich stream, which had a pH in the range of 9-10, was used further for biochemical transformation. Towards that end, Pseudomonas putida, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus tequilensis were screened for their capability of aromatic dye decolourization. The results of the study show an increase in the total phenolic content in lignin between 50% and 55% after 144 h of treatment with Pseudomonas putida. Concomitant with the increase of phenolics, a four-fold increase in antioxidant activity in gallic acid equivalents was also observed when Pseudomonas putida was used.

Health-Promoting Potential of Mandarin Pomace Extracts Enriched with Phenolic Compounds.

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of in vitro human digestion on the chemical composition (carbohydrates and phenolic compounds) and bioactivity of hydro-alcoholic-acid pomace extracts from two mandarin varieties (Clemenule and Ortanique) by measuring their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-glycative, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The phenolic compound profile showed that nobiletin was the main flavonoid found in the extracts and digests of Clemenule pomace and extract, while isosinensetin/sinensetin/tangeretin were the ones in the Ortanique samples. The digests of Clemenule and Ortanique extracts showed Folin reaction values of 9.74 and 9.20 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of sample, ABTS values of 83.2 and 91.7 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g of sample, and ORAC-FL values of 142.8 and 891.6 µmol TE/g of sample, respectively. Extracts (50-500 µg/mL) inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in CCD-18Co cells under physiological and oxidative-induced conditions. Clemenule and Ortanique extract digests showed IC50 values of 13.50 and 11.07 mg/mL for α-glucosidase, 28.79 and 69.64 mg/mL for α-amylase, and 16.50 and 12.77 mg/mL for AGEs, and 2.259 ± 0.267 and 0.713 ± 0.065 mg/mL for pancreatic lipase inhibition, respectively. Ortanique extract (250-1000 µg/mL) inhibited the production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 macrophages under inflammation-induced conditions, and intracellular ROS formation. In conclusion, altogether, the results supported the potential of mandarin extracts to be used as health promoters by reducing the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Optimization of Oil and Tocopherol Extraction from Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) by Supercritical CO2 Procedure.

This study focused on the oil extraction from freeze-dried maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2). The basic objective was to optimize the oil yield and the tocopherol concentration. A Box/Behnken experimental design was developed with three processing variables: supercritical pressure (74, 187, and 300 bar), temperature (35, 48, and 60 °C), and extracting time (30, 135, and 240 min). Multiple optimizations, based on the combination of factor levels at 274 bar, 240 min, and 60 °C, led to the highest oil yield and tocopherol values. The validation of the optimized conditions of maqui oil extraction led to an oil yield of 8% and values of 735, 53, and 97 (mg·kg-1 oil) for α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, and γ-tocopherol, respectively. A higher concentration of tocopherol compounds was observed when compared to the employment of the conventional extracting method. The optimized SFE-CO2 method led to an oil extract exhibiting higher Hydrophilic-Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (H-ORAC) assay and total phenol content (22 μmol Trolox equivalents·g-1 oil and 28 mg gallic acid equivalents·g-1 oil) than the oil obtained by the conventional procedure. A practical and accurate oil extraction is proposed for obtaining tocopherol-enriched oil including high concentrations of valuable lipophilic antioxidants.

Optimization of Four Different Rosemary Extraction Techniques Using Plackett-Burman Design and Comparison of Their Antioxidant Compounds.

Rosemary has many medicinal and therapeutic properties and therefore it is important to study how to maximize the recovery of its bioactive compounds. In the present study, four different extraction techniques were used, namely stirring extraction (STE), pulsed electric field-assisted extraction (PEF), ultrasound probe-assisted extraction (UPAE), and ultrasound bath-assisted extraction (UBAE). First, some primary experiments were carried out in order to optimize each technique individually through the Plackett-Burman design. Then, each technique was applied under optimal conditions and the results were compared with each other. The optimal total polyphenol content (TPC) of STE is ~19 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry weight (dw), while the antioxidant activity of the extract is 162 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAEs) per gram of dw via FRAP and ~110 μmol AAE per gram of dw via DPPH. As for PEF, the optimal TPC is ~12 mg GAE/g dw, and the FRAP and DPPH values are ~102 and ~70 μmol AAE per gram of dw, respectively. When it comes to UPAE, the optimal TPC is ~16 mg GAE/g dw and the antioxidant capacity of the extract is ~128 μmol AAE/g dw through FRAP and ~98 μmol AAE/g dw through DPPH. UBAE optimal extract yielded ~17 mg GAE/g dw TPC, ~146 μmol AAE/g dw for FRAP, and ~143 μmol AAE/g dw for DPPH. The highest flavonoid content (~6.5 mg rutin equivalent/g dw) and DPPH (~143 μmol ascorbic acid equivalent/g dw) is obtained through UBAE. UPAE has been shown to be more efficient in recovering ascorbic acid (~20 mg/g dw). Additionally, the chlorophyll-to-carotenoid ratios of UPAE and UBAE were 2.98 and 2.96, respectively, indicating that the extracts had a generally positive impact on health. Considering the environmental impact of each extraction technique but also which antioxidant factor needs to be maximized, the most suitable extraction technique will be chosen.

Effect of GABA combined with ultrasound stress germination treatment on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of highland barley.

This study investigated the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) combined with ultrasonic stress germination (AUG) treatment on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of highland barley (HB). Key variables, including germination times (ranging from 0 to 96 h), ultrasonic power (200-500 W), and GABA concentration (5-20 mmol/L), were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance the enrichment of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the study assessed the content, composition, and antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds in HB under various treatment conditions such as germination alone (G), ultrasonic stress germination (UG), and AUG treatment. The study identified optimal conditions for the phenolic enrichment of HB, which included a germination time of 60 h, an ultrasound power of 300 W, and a GABA concentration of 15 mmol L-1. Under these conditions, the total phenolic content (TPC) in HB was measured at 7.73 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight (mg GAE/g DW), representing a 34.96% enhancement compared to untreated HB. Notably, all treatment modalities - G, UG, and AUG - significantly increased the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in HB, with the AUG treatment proving to be the most effective. These obtained results suggest that AUG treatment is a promising processing method for enriching phenolic compounds and improving antioxidant activity in HB. Subsequently, the AUG-treated HB can be used to develop phenolic-rich germinated functional foods to further broaden the application of HB. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

GC-MS Analysis, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic Activity, and ADMET Study of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. Ex A. DC. Ebenaceae Stembark

The present study carried out GC-MS analysis, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and ADMET study of the crude ethanol extract (CRE), ethyl acetate (EAF), and aqueous (AQF) fractions of Diospyros mespiliformis (DM). Grandiflorenic (25.36%) and cis, cis-linoleic (27.13%) acids were the most abundant of the 59 and 40 compounds identified in the EAF and AQF, respectively. The EAF and CRE exhibited total antioxidant capacity of 77.78 ±0.01 ascorbic acid equivalent (mg AAE/g extract) and 60.20 ±0.01 mg AAE/g extract, respectively, significantly (p &lt; 0.05) than the AQF (29.63 ±0.01 mg AAE/g extract). Furthermore, the EAF (38.27% ±2.44) exhibited a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher percentage inhibition via the ferric thiocyanate assay than the CRE (17.45% ±2.18) and AQF (15.91% ±2.11). All the extracts showed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower malondialdehyde concentrations than AA in the thiobarbituric acid assay. Additionally, the AQF exhibited a significantly higher percentage of H2O2 scavenging than the AA and EAF at 100 µg/ml. Diazoprogesterone (compound III) identified in the EAF exhibited the lowest respective binding affinity and inhibition constant, interacting with myeloperoxidase (-9 kcal/mol and 0.25 µM), xanthine oxidase (-9.9 kcal/mol and 0.05 µM), 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (-10 kcal/mol and 0.05µM), and sirtuin 6 (-10 kcal/mol and 0.05 µM). The molecular dynamics simulations showed residue fluctuations of the diazoprogesterone-docked complexes with the highest observed at Ser42 (5.14 Å), Cys1325 (8.96 Å), Ser281 (7.71 Å), and Leu78 (3.91 Å) for myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and sirtuin 6, respectively compared to the undocked targets. Moreover, diazoprogesterone was predicted to possess good ADMET properties. Conclusively, DM possesses significant antioxidant and antidiabetic potential, containing compounds that might be a source of novel therapeutics against oxidative stress and diabetes.

Cobalt Catalyzed α-Hydroxylation of Arylacetic Acid Equivalents with Dioxygen.

A cobalt catalyst, under oxidative conditions, facilitates the single electron transfer process in N-pyridyl arylacetamides to form α-carbon-centered radicals that readily react with molecular oxygen, giving access to mandelic acid derivatives. In contrast to the known benzylic hydroxylation approaches, this approach enables chemo- and regioselective hydroxylation at a benzylic position adjacent to (N-pyridyl)amides. Mild conditions, broad scope, excellent selectivity, and wide synthetic practicality set up the merit of the reaction.

Exploration of Sargassum wightii: Extraction, Phytochemical Analysis, and Antioxidant Potential of Polyphenol.

Background The marine environment, with its rich biodiversity and nutrient-dense ecosystems, offers immense potential for discovering novel pharmaceutical products. Sargassum wightiiis a type of brown seaweed that is particularly abundant in sulfated polysaccharides and polyphenolic compounds. These compounds are renowned for their wide range of biological activities. The exploration of such marine resources is crucial for identifying new compounds that can be harnessed for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Aims and objectives The primary aim of this study is to explore the bioactive compounds present in S. wightii, with a specific focus on its polyphenolic content. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the compound. By doing so, the research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on marine bioresources and their potential health benefits. Methods S. wightii samples were collected from the Mandapam coastal region in Rameshwaram, India. The cleaned seaweed was transported to the laboratory, where it was further washed, shade-dried, and ground into a fine powder. The powdered seaweed was then subjected to extraction using four different solvents: n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Phytochemical analyses were conducted on these extracts to identify the presence of various bioactive compounds. The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined, and antioxidant activity was assessed using the phosphomolybdenum method. Functional groups present in the extracts were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy. Results Among the solvents used, the methanol extract yielded the highest amount of crude extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed a variety of bioactive compounds, with the methanol extract showing a notable presence of polyphenols. The total phenolic content was measured at 1.25 ± 0.6 mg gallic acid equivalence (GAE)/g of extract. The antioxidant activity, assessed through the phosphomolybdenum method, demonstrated significant free radical scavenging capabilities with an IC50(half maximal inhibitory concentration) value of 68.23 ± 3.5 μg/mL. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. Conclusion The study highlights the significant potential of S. wightii as a source of bioactive compounds with substantial antioxidant properties. These findings emphasize the importance of marine algae in the development of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, showcasing S. wightii's promising role in health-related applications.

Correlation Between the Amount of Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Mediterranean Shrubs: Are Phenols a Good Indicator of the Antioxidant Activity of These Species?

Background:: Cells generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative stress. Such stress is counteracted by a complex antioxidant system, which includes molecules of the secondary metabolism of plants, mainly phenols. Several studies attribute the antioxidant activity of a species to these compounds, although, in other studies, this relationship is not clear. Objective:: The aim of this study was to determine whether the amount of total phenols is a good indicator of the antioxidant activity of a species. Methods:: The present study quantified the total phenols and antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and ABTS methods of 18 species of Mediterranean scrubs and established the correlation between these two parameters. Results:: The obtained results showed that there was a wide variability in the content of phenols among the analyzed species, with Cistus salviifolius and Nerium oleander presenting the largest and smallest amount of total phenols, respectively (0.043 and 0.004 gallic acid equivalent (mg/mg dw)). A cluster analysis differentiated these species into two groups with significantly different amounts of phenols. The species that constitute Group I presented an average amount of 0.029 gallic acid equivalent (mg/mg dw), and that of the species of Group II was 0.011±0.003 gallic acid equivalent (mg/mg dw). The relationship between the antioxidant activity quantified in each species and its content of total phenols showed a positive and significant correlation; however, when considering the two groups of species, the significant correlation between these parameters depends on the species group, the extract concentration used, and the method employed to quantify the antioxidant activity. Conclusion:: These results indicate that it would not be correct to generalize that there is a significant correlation between the amount of total phenols and the antioxidant activity. Therefore, total phenol content cannot be used as a single indicator of the antioxidant activity of a species.

Synthesis and characterization of antioxidant-enriched Moringa oil-based edible oleogel

Abstract This study aims to formulate and optimize Moringa oleifera (Moringa) oil oleogels using pectin (PC) and chitosan (CS) as gelling agents. These include monogelator oleogels, utilizing either PC or CS as a single gelling agent, and binary gelator oleogels, incorporating a combination of both PC and CS. Among the binary gelator oleogel compositions, the most stable oleogel OPCCS2 was further studied with the addition of antioxidants. The important antioxidant compounds of gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/Moringa antioxidant extracts (MAEs) were quantified by the use of various assays. The oil-binding capacity (OBC) of the most stable oleogel MCPC1.5% was 99.94 ± 0.05. The lower peroxide value of antioxidant-rich oleogels at 1.5% concentration of GAEs (4.34 ± 0.025) and MAEs (4.32 ± 0.03) suggested its richness of phenols to retard the lipid peroxidation of oil. The opaque appearances of the formulations were studied via polarizing light microscopy. The molecular interaction study through FTIR analysis revealed the hydrogen bond interactions between the carboxyl groups of fatty acids and hydroxyl groups of polysaccharide chains. The differential scanning calorimeter analysis further confirmed the presence of strong interactions between polysaccharide chains and the oil phase. These findings indicate that the optimized oleogel formulations have the potential for imminent advances by exhibiting improved texture, biocompatibility, enhanced OBC, and stability.

Evolution of Quality Parameters and Bioactivity of Actinidia chinensis cv. Sungold (Kiwifruit) Slices Subjected to Different Drying Conditions Storage for 4 Months.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact on nutritional and functional properties of dried kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis cv. Sungold) slices during conservation for 120 days in sealed containers in the dark at 25 °C. For this purpose, kiwifruits slices were dried at two different temperatures, 40 and 55 °C, for 30 and 25 h, respectively. Fresh and dried kiwi slices were analyzed for their pH, activity water, total solid soluble (TSS), color, titratable acidity, total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids content (TFC), organic acids, and radical scavenging activities. Analysis carried out on the dehydrated samples showed a good aptitude of kiwi material towards the drying process. Particularly, it has been observed that the drying treatment at low temperature helped to preserve the nutraceutical properties of the fruits. In fact, samples treated at 40 °C (KLT) showed at day 0 (T0) the highest TPC and TFC with values of 979.42 Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/100 g of dried weight (dw) and 281.84 mg catechin equivalents (CTE)/100 g dw even if compared with fresh kiwi slices sample (FKF). Moreover, KLT also exhibited the highest values of antioxidant activity (1657 mmol Trolox/100 g dw). After 120 days storage, all dried samples showed a high ascorbic acid content (429-339 mg/100 g dw fruits) and only a slight variation of physicochemical parameters. Textural Parameters (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness), apart from resilience results, showed significant differences between kiwifruit dried at 55 °C and at 50 °C (KLT and KHT, respectively). Color and aroma intensity were the main sensory descriptors with higher scores.

Lactoferrin, chitosan double-coated oleosomes loaded with clobetasol propionate for remyelination in multiple sclerosis: Physicochemical characterization and in-vivo assessment in a cuprizone-induced demyelination model.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the CNS characterized by continuous myelin damage accompanied by deterioration in functions. Clobetasol propionate (CP) is the most potent topical corticosteroid with serious side effects related to systemic absorption. Previous studies introduced CP for remyelination without considering systemic toxicity. This work aimed at fabrication and optimization of double coated nano-oleosomes loaded with CP to achieve brain targeting through intranasal administration. The optimized formulation was coated with lactoferrin and chitosan for the first time. The obtained double-coated oleosomes had particle size (220.07 ± 0.77 nm), zeta potential (+30.23 ± 0.41 mV) along with antioxidant capacity 9.8 μM ascorbic acid equivalents. Double coating was well visualized by TEM and significantly decreased drug release. Three different doses of CP were assessed in-vivo using cuprizone-induced demyelination in C57Bl/6 mice. Neurobehavioral tests revealed improvement in motor and cognitive functions of mice in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination of the brain showed about 2.3 folds increase in corpus callosum thickness in 0.3 mg/kg CP dose.Moreover, the measured biomarkers highlighted the significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of the formulation. In conclusion, the elaborated biopolymer-integrating nanocarrier succeeded in remyelination with 6.6 folds reduction in CP dose compared to previous studies.