Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Metabolites Obtained from Boraginaceae Plants as Potential Cosmetic Ingredients—A Review

One of the challenges of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries is to deliver biochemical compounds that can be advantageous for the skin. Research on Boraginaceae taxa has confirmed their use in traditional medicine and proved the potential biological importance of various molecules in cosmetology. The main classes of valuable compounds associated with Boraginaceae taxa are fatty acids, including γ-linolenic acid, essential oils, phenolic acids (e.g., rosmarinic acid), flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and saponins. Highly specific are naphthoquinone pigments (including shikonin) and allantoin. Another distinguishing feature is the accumulation of silica (silicon dioxide) in trichomes. Some taxa produce mucilages. However, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) with toxic properties are also found (mainly in Symphytum spp.); therefore, their applications should be avoided. Extracts or individual compounds of Boraginaceae plants are characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-irritant, antiaging, and photoprotective activities. Boraginaceae products are widespread in the cosmetic industry as ingredients of creams, balms, lotions, gels, shampoos, lipsticks, perfumes, and deodorants. The most valuable for the cosmetic industry are raw materials obtained from the genera Alcanna Anchusa, Arnebia, Borago, Buglossoides, Cerinthe, Cordia, Echium, Ehretia, Eriodictyon, Glendora, Lappula, Lithospermum, Lycopsis, Macrotomia, Maharanga, Mertensia, Messerschmidia, Myosotis, Omphalodes, Onosma, Pulmonaria, Rindera, Symphytum, Trachystemon, and Trigonotis. Further research should focus on the search for active substances in other plants of the family.

Quinic acid protects against the development of Huntington’s disease in Caenorhabditis elegans model

BackgroundQuinic acid (QA), a cyclitol and cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, is a natural product that is present and can be isolated from edible herbals like tea, coffee and several fruits and vegetables. It was previously reported that QA exerted antioxidant and neuroprotective activity against dementia. However, it was not tested for its neuroprotective potential against Huntington’s disease (HD). Since aging related disorders are greatly linked to oxidative stress conditions, we focused on testing the oxidative stress resistant activity and protective effect of QA against the development of HD by using the multicellular Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worm model.MethodsFirstly, QA was tested for its oxidative stress resistant properties. In survival assay, wild type and mutant skn-1 and daf-16 worms were exposed to oxidative stress conditions by using H2O2. Activation of SKN-1 pathway and expression of its downstream genes gcs-1 and gst-4 were also tested. Secondly, the effect of QA was evaluated on HD by testing its ability to decrease the formation of polyQ150 aggregates. Furthermore, its effect on the accumulation of polyglutamine (polyQ35 and polyQ40 aggregates) was tested.ResultsHere we report that QA could improve the survival of C. elegans after exposure to oxidative stress caused by H2O2 while also exerting antioxidant effects through the activation of SKN-1/Nrf2 pathway. Moreover, QA could be a potential candidate to protect against HD due to its effects on decreasing the formation of polyQ150, polyQ35 and polyQ40 aggregates.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of QA as a natural compound in defending against oxidative stress and the development of neurodegenerative diseases like HD.

A Cardiac-Targeting and Anchoring Bimetallic Cluster Nanozyme Alleviates Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiac Ferroptosis and PANoptosis.

Doxorubicin (DOX), a potent antineoplastic agent, is commonly associated with cardiotoxicity, necessitating the development of strategies to reduce its adverse effects on cardiac function. Previous research has demonstrated a strong correlation between DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the activation of oxidative stress pathways. This work introduces a novel antioxidant therapeutic approach, utilizing libraries of tannic acid and N-acetyl-L-cysteine-protected bimetallic cluster nanozymes. Through extensive screening for antioxidative enzyme-like activity, an optimal bimetallic nanozyme (AuRu) is identified that possess remarkable antioxidant characteristics, mimicking catalase-like enzymes. Theoretical calculations reveal the surface interactions of the prepared nanozymes that simulate the hydrogen peroxide decomposition process, showing that these bimetallic nanozymes readily undergo OH⁻ adsorption and O₂ desorption. To enhance cardiac targeting, the atrial natriuretic peptide is conjugated to the AuRu nanozyme. These cardiac-targeted bimetallic cluster nanozymes, with their anchoring capability, effectively reduce DOX-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and PANoptosis without compromising tumor treatment efficacy. Thus, the therapeutic approach demonstrates significant reductions in chemotherapy-induced cardiac cell death and improvements in cardiac function, accompanied by exceptional in vivo biocompatibility and stability. This study presents a promising avenue for preventing chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, offering potential clinical benefits for cancer patients.

Comparison of Antioxidant Components and Activities of Korean Black Soybeans

Comparison of Antioxidant Components and Activities of Korean Black Soybeans

High glucose enhanced lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] oxidation in a manner inhibited by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in vitro

Abstract Background Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are causally and independently associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Targeted molecular therapies are in development. Levels of oxidized Lp(a) were more predictive of CV events and endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes than non-oxidized forms. EPA administered as icosapent ethyl (IPE) reduced CV events in statin-treated patients (REDUCE-IT) with diabetes and high CV risk. As a fatty acid with multiple conjugated double bonds, EPA inhibits lipoprotein oxidation by a potent lipid-centric scavenging mechanism. We therefore tested the effects of EPA on oxidation of Lp(a) and non-modified LDL under conditions of high glucose to mimic aspects of hyperglycemia in vivo. Methods Lp(a) was enriched to 41% of total ApoB-containing particles from patients with elevated levels by isopycnic centrifugation. Samples of Lp(a) and non-modified LDL were incubated under high glucose (200 mg/dL) conditions at 37°C for 30 min with EPA (50 µM). Samples were then subjected to copper sulfate-induced oxidation (20 µM) monitored by formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) via a colorimetric assay. Results Lp(a) enriched plasma underwent increased oxidation, peaking at 4 hr by 32-fold compared to baseline (0.37 ± 0.04 vs 12.27 ± 0.61 µM, p<0.001) under conditions of high glucose. Non-modified LDL also underwent oxidation in the presence of high glucose with a distinct rate compared to Lp(a), peaking after 3 h (0.28 ± 0.09 vs 10.91 ± 0.93 µM, p<0.001). EPA significantly inhibited both Lp(a) and LDL oxidation in a time-dependent manner. After peak oxidation was achieved in Lp(a) (4 h) and LDL (3 h), EPA inhibited oxidation by 57% (5.29 ± 0.25 µM, p<0.001) and 81% (2.12 ± 0.09 µM, p<0.001), respectively. Conclusions Under hyperglycemic conditions, EPA inhibited oxidation of Lp(a)-enriched plasma and non-modified LDL in a time-dependent manner. The activity of EPA may arise from its lipophilic properties and highly conjugated structure that scavenges free radicals in lipid-concentrated environments. The potent antioxidant activity of EPA may contribute to reduced CV risk in patients with diabetes and elevated Lp(a).

Thermal conversion of Achillea maritima biomass into dual-functional carbon quantum dots for antioxidant activity and methylene blue removal

Thermal conversion of Achillea maritima biomass into dual-functional carbon quantum dots for antioxidant activity and methylene blue removal

Extraction, characterization and antioxidant activity evaluation of polysaccharides from Chlorella sp

Extraction, characterization and antioxidant activity evaluation of polysaccharides from Chlorella sp

Water-soluble chlorogenic acid-chitosan and polydatin-chitosan conjugates: antibacterial activity and inhibition of lipid and protein oxidation.

Chitosan (CS), an abundant alkaline polysaccharide, is valued for its biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and antibacterial properties. However, its limited solubility and modest antioxidant activity constrain its utility. Grafting polyphenols onto chitosan through the use of grafting reactions can enhance both the solubility and bioactivity of chitosan. Among the techniques employed, the free radical grafting method is favored for its simplicity, environmental sustainability, and its effectiveness in preserving biological activity. In this study, chlorogenic acid (CGA) and polydatin (PLD) were conjugated successfully to chitosan by a Vc/H2O2 redox system. Analytical techniques such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) were employed to confirm the formation of covalent bonding between the polyphenol molecules and the chitosan backbone. The novel conjugates displayed superior antioxidant properties in comparison with pristine chitosan, as evidenced by their enhanced 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities, and Fe2+ reducing power. Both CGA-CS and PLA-CS exhibited excellent lipid and protein oxidation inhibition capabilities. Furthermore, the conjugates were shown to have significant antibacterial effects against four common pathogenic bacteria: Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05). The newly synthesized water-soluble polyphenol-chitosan conjugates demonstrated remarkable biological activity, particularly CGA-CS. This study offers new insights and a strong theoretical foundation for developing natural food preservation materials with potential applications in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation and tissue structure analysis of horse bone collagen peptide

Horse bone is rich in collagen, with a composition similar to that of human collagen. Collagen peptides supply nutrients needed for human growth that act as antioxidants, lower blood pressure. This study explored the extraction of collagen and the preparation of collagen short peptides from Mongolian horse bones. Bones were collected from horses of varying ages, and the collagen content along with calcium salt distribution were observed through staining and imaging analyses. Next, the bones were processed into a powder and then subjected to ultra-high-pressure processing for degreasing. The degreasing conditions were optimised by single-factor and orthogonal tests. Following this, collagen was extracted using an acid-enzymatic method, and its structural characteristics and thermal stability were assessed. The collagen short peptides were extracted from the collagen samples, and the effects of the enzymatic hydrolysis time, temperature, pH, and enzyme amount on the extraction rate were evaluated. Finally, the resulting collagen peptides were analysed for antioxidant activity. In summary, this experiment optimised the extraction conditions for horse bone collagen, demonstrating that the ultra-high-pressure method minimally affects collagen structure, and the extraction rate was high. Hence our method has significant development potential.

Changes in Components and Improvement of Antioxidant Activity and Allergen Content in Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) Tea by Fermentation

Changes in Components and Improvement of Antioxidant Activity and Allergen Content in Tartary Buckwheat (<i>Fagopyrum tataricum</i> (L.) Gaertn.) Tea by Fermentation

Implementing the Design of Experiments (DoE) Concept into the Development of Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Orange Peel Extract as a Potential Concept for the Treatment of Oral Infections

This study explores for the first time the impact of chitosan (CS) with varying molecular weights (MW), orange peel extract concentration, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) content on the formulation of buccal tablets for treating oral infections. Utilizing a statistical design of experiments (DoE), nine different formulations were evaluated for mechanical properties, dissolution behavior, mucoadhesion, and biological activity. A formulation with high CS MW, 60% orange peel extract, and 8% HPMC, emerged as the optimal formulation, demonstrating superior tabletability, compressibility, and compactibility. Dissolution studies indicated that hesperidin release followed the Higuchi model, with higher extract content enhancing this phenomenon. Mucoadhesion improved with increased HPMC and CS concentrations, although higher extract content reduced bioadhesion. Biological assays showed that higher extract levels boosted antioxidant activity, while CS primarily contributed to anti-inflammatory effects. The optimized formulation exhibited broad antimicrobial activity against key oral pathogens, surpassing the effectiveness of the individual components. Principal component analysis (PCA) further confirmed the significant influence of extract content on tablet properties. These findings suggest that the optimized tablet formulation holds promise for effective buccal delivery in the treatment of oral infections, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Studies on the effect of polyamines supplementation on growth and biochemical parameters in rose micropropagation

Rose (Rosa hybrida L. cv. bush rose) micropropagules were cultivated on MS medium supplemented with polyamines (PAs) [Cadaverine (Cad), Spermidine (Spd), and Putrescine (Put)] to investigate its effects on growth and multiplication under in vitro conditions during 2023. Polyamines were added to the medium at different concentrations of 10 mM, 30 mM, and 50 mM via filter sterilization before autoclaving, to assess their impact on in vitro growth parameters, which indicate that a lower concentration of polyamines, specifically at 30 mM, significantly enhances biomass accumulation and overall plant growth, whereas higher concentrations (50 mM) tend to exert a diminishing effect. Biochemical parameters revealed that polyamines at 30 mM notably increased the levels of key biomolecules, including carbohydrates content, proteins content, and chlorophylls content, and also shows significant level of phenol content in the rose micropropagules. Furthermore, antioxidant activities, as measured by superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities, was markedly higher in micropropagules grown on medium supplemented with 30 mM polyamines These findings suggest that low concentrations of polyamines can serve as effective growth regulators, promoting enhanced growth and biochemical responses in rose micropropagation. Therefore, incorporating polyamines, particularly at optimal concentrations, could improve the efficiency and quality of rose micropropagation protocols, benefiting commercial production and conservation efforts.

Antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity of dairy kefir beverages

Kefir traditionally is based on pasteurised milk and the use of other substrates is unusual. Kefir beverages made with raw milk (RMK), pasteurised milk (PMK) or whey (WK), were obtained and fractionated in microbial cells and supernatants. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of fractions against Cronobacter sakazakii and Escherichia coli were analysed. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained for PMK with values between 8500 and 10 000 μm TE/mg. Microbial extracts from RMK and PMK showed a reduction of C. sakazakii of 7 log units; while microbial extracts and supernatants from RMK decreased E. coli in 3 and 5 log units, respectively. These results indicate that dairy kefir beverages can be an excellent source of defensive agents to fight against bacteria that cause gastrointestinal disorders.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN MILK THISTLE SEED VARIETIES IN SULAIMANI, IRAQ

This study was conducted using two different varieties of milk thistle, var. marianum, and var. albiflorum. The plant samples were collected from the Sulaimani region to determine silymarin content, bioactive constituents, and antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis showed that var. marianum contains a high amount of silymarin (365.680±3.815 mg/g). Silybin B, Silychristin A, and Silybin A were the major flavonolignans in these varieties—the var. marianum contains silybins B, silychristin A, and silybin A (174.880±6.495, 86.720±2.113, and 54.960±2.483 mg/g) respectively. The hexane extract analysis of milk thistle seeds of the marianum and albiflorum varieties identified 26 (95.229±1.318) and 19 (94.547±6.541) phytochemical compounds, respectively. Both varieties contain a higher amount of oleic acid, which was found to be 14.800±0.481 and 31.940±0.726 in both varieties, respectively. This study evaluates the scavenging effect of milk thistle plants using a DPPH assay. The result indicated that the var. marianum had a maximum scavenging effect of 72.944% compared to the var. albiflorum, (61.846%). The stronger IC50 was obtained by var. marianum with 17.027±0.064 µg/mL.

VARIOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF Ipomoea pes-caprae: A PROMISING SOURCE OF NATURAL BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS COMPARE WITH VITAMIN C

This research investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial efficacy of Ipomoea pes-caprae extracts collected from Pantai Talang Siring Pamekasan, Madura. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins in the extracts, indicating their rich bioactive profile. Antioxidant activity assessed via the DPPH assay demonstrated concentration-dependent scavenging of free radicals, with methanol and ethanol extracts exhibiting superior activity compared to the aqueous extract. Antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed significant inhibitory effects, with methanol and ethanol extracts displaying greater potency than the aqueous extract. These findings underscore the potential of Ipomoea pes-caprae as a source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, warranting further investigation into its pharmacological applications and therapeutic potential.

Impact of Metal-Containing Industrial Effluents on Leafy Vegetables and Associated Human Health Risk

One of the primary sources of trace elements in the environment is wastewater used for irrigation. However, the effects of untreated wastewater containing high concentrations of chromium and zinc on vegetables and the potential human health risks associated with their consumption are poorly understood. This pot experiment aimed to address this research gap. The accumulation of chromium and zinc and their effect on the biochemical parameters of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and green onion (Allium fistulosum L.) irrigated with untreated industrial effluents were assessed. The average concentrations of chromium and zinc in the edible parts of the vegetables ranged between 7.36 and 7.58 mg/kg dry weight and 59.8 and 833 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The irrigation of the lettuce with the effluent containing zinc at a concentration of 2.95 mg/L led to a significant increase in the content of phenols and the antioxidant activity. A significant reduction in the chlorophyll content of the lettuce leaves and the antioxidant activity of the onion leaves was observed when the plants were irrigated with the effluent containing zinc at a concentration of 78 mg/L. No non-carcinogenic health risk from the intake of chromium and zinc was identified through the consumption of lettuce and green onion, primarily due to the fact that a smaller proportion of the total metal content was transferred to their edible parts.

Effect of Cooking Method on The Physicochemical Properties of Tomatoes

The cooking process influences the chemical and physical changes in food due to the increase in temperature. It also alters the appearance, taste, color, and texture of food either positively or negatively. Therefore, this study was done to determine the effect of cooking methods on the physicochemical properties and the retention of antioxidant content in tomatoes. The cooking conditions used were boiling at 100°C for 6 min, frying at 230°C for 4.5 min, baking at 175°C for 25 min, and cooking with an air fryer at 200°C for 15 min. Physicochemical characteristics (cooking loss, ash, crude fiber, firmness, color, pH value &amp; total soluble solids) were measured. Antioxidant properties (antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, lycopene content, and ascorbic acid content) were also determined. There were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) for ash, color, pH value, and total soluble solid, while no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was observed for cooking loss, crude fiber, and firmness. Different cooking methods had shown a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) against all tests for determining antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, lycopene content, and ascorbic acid content. Air frying is the best cooking method to preserve the physicochemical properties of tomatoes, compared to other methods employed. Hence, it can be concluded that different cooking methods have different effects on the physicochemical properties of tomatoes.

Effect of Amygdalin on Murine Melanoma Cancer Cell Line and Normal Human Fibroblast Cells

Background and Objectives: Melanoma is the most aggressive and fatal type of skin cancer caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes. The ineffectiveness of existing therapies has encouraged researchers to use herbal medicines. Amygdalin is a natural cyanogenic glycoside that is found in fruits and seeds of different plants and has antiproliferative, antioxidant, and immune-regulating activities. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of amygdalin against murine melanoma cancer cell line and normal human fibroblast cells. Methods: The murine melanoma cancer cell line (B16F10) and human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) cells were exposed to different concentrations of amygdalin and dacarbazine (a standard anticancer drug) for 24 and 48 hours. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of amygdalin was obtained using the MTT assay and analyzed in GraphPad Prism and Excel applications. Results: Amygdalin had a high cytotoxic effect on the melanoma cell line within 48 hours of exposure, which is comparable to the cytotoxicity of dacarbazine at the same time. Amygdalin had no cytotoxic effect on HFF cells, while dacarbazine caused a high toxicity on HFF cells. Conclusion: Amygdalin, by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, may prevent the adverse effects of chemical drugs on healthy cells and can be an appropriate treatment option for melanoma.

Assessment of Artemisia campestris L. Leaf Extract Effects on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Rats, Antioxidant and α-Amylase Inhibition Activities.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by metabolic and reproductive dysfunction, often associated with elevated oxidative stress markers in the bloodstream. This study examines the potential antioxidant properties and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Artemisia campestris leaves extract (Artemisia campestris L) and its effects on rats with induced PCOS. Estradiol valerate was administered to ten mature Wistar rats to induce PCOS, while a control group consisted of five mature Wistar rats. Following a 16-day induction period, the rats were categorized into three groups: a control group, a PCOS group, and an experimental group receiving 200 mg/kg body weight of A. campestris L. extract orally for 15 days. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured using the ELISA technique. The group treated with A. campestris L. extract exhibited significantly reduced LH levels compared to the PCOS group. Histomorphometric analysis indicated notable changes in follicle counts and the thickness of the theca layer. These findings suggest a significant alleviation of PCOS symptoms, potentially linked to the effects of A. campestris L. on oxidative stress pathways. Furthermore, aqueous extracts of A. campestris L. displayed potent in vitro inhibition of α-amylase, with an IC50 value of 2.418 µg/mL.

Comparison of Nutritional and Medicinal Ingredients Between Ganoderma leucocontextum and G. lucidum

The genus Ganoderma is a widely used medicinal fungus in East Asia. The main medicinal components are triterpenoids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. Bitterness is an important commercial trait for Ganoderma. White Lingzhi (G. leucocontextum) is less bitter. But the characteristics of its nutritional and medicinal ingredients are still unclear, which undoubtedly limits its commercialization. In this study, the medicinal ingredients of Lingzhi and white Lingzhi were extracted and quantified. The structure and antioxidant activities of purified polysaccharides were determined. At the same time, their nutritional differences were compared. White Lingzhi contains more medicinal ingredients and its polysaccharide is more active. The higher protein content may be one of the reasons for weaker bitterness in white Lingzhi. The nutritional and medicinal traits of white Lingzhi were described for the first time in this study, which provides fundamental knowledge to support the development of white Lingzhi.