Antioxidant Constituents Research Articles

Determination of the Anti-Oxidative Stress Mechanism of Isodon suzhouensis Leaves by Employing Bioinformatic and Novel Research Technology.

Isodon suzhouensis from Suzhou, China, is a traditional Chinese herb with wide applications in medicine and food. The antioxidant activity against oxidative stress of the leaves of Isodon suzhouensis is a myth since long and is not explored earlier thoroughly. The present study is focused to explore the active components in Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts responsible for antioxidant effects against oxidative stress and the potential mechanism of this activity. We obtained the chromatograms of Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts by the high-performance liquid phase (HPLC) for possible detection of antioxidant constituents. Some compounds in Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts were then further assessed through the luminol luminescence mechanism combined with HPLC analysis as well as with SwissTargetPrediction database that helped to screen out the other constituents. The targets for effects against oxidative stress were then further screened through the GeneCards database, and the PPI network was constructed. The targets were analyzed by GO and KEGG using the David database. The obtained results were then further studied by employing in vitro experimentation and protein expression analyses by Western blotting. It is found that Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts contain rutin, isoquercetin, glaucocalyxin A, glaucocalyxin B, and other compounds with antioxidant activity. The activity map of the free radical scavenging signals from Isodon suzhouensis showed a strong ability to scavenge free radicals with the highest capacity of glaucocalyxin B followed by isoquercetin succeeding the glaucocalyxin A supervening the rutin. Further network pharmacological analyses and in vitro experimentation showed that Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts interfere with TNF and the p38 MAPK signaling pathway for antioxidant effects against oxidative stress. Conclusively, it is found that Isodon suzhouensis leaf extracts possess strong antioxidant potential via targeting TNF and p38 MAPK signaling pathways against oxidative stress, providing scientific foundation for further studies on Isodon suzhouensis for the further therapeutic approach.

GREEN APPROACH FOR THE PREPARATION OF 2-ARYL-1, 3-BENZOXAZOLE DERIVATIVES BY USING Amla Fruit EXTRACT

One pot, rapid and green preparation of 2-aryl-1,3-benzoxazole and their derivatives via the reaction of o-amino phenol and substituted aryl aldehydes by using amla fruit extract at room temperature or under microwave radiation. Amla fruit extract is a biocatalyst associated with low-cost, inexpensive, non-volatile, and environmentally friendly. The prepared catalyst shows many chemical, phytochemical, and anti-oxidant constituents, which are unfavorable to increase the acidic contents of water extract. The noteworthy benefits of this process are simple, easy methodology, an excellent yield of product, minimum time of reaction, ease of separation, easy work, and green catalyst. The prepared compound where characterized by analytical or spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR (infrared) spectrum, H1-NMR, C13-NMR, and LC-MS (Mass) analysis.

Effect of different drying and cooking treatments on phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in broccoli: an experimental in vitro study

The current study aimed to assess broccoli's phytochemical profile and determine its antioxidant activity. Fresh broccoli was procured from a local farm and divided into two major treatment groups (cooked and dried). There were five sub-treatments in the cooking group (conventional, microwave, boiling, blanching, and steaming) and three treatments in the drying group (sun drying, freeze drying, and hot air drying). Ascorbic acid content, total carotenoids, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for every sub-treatment. The results depicted that the antioxidant constituent of cooked broccoli was complementary to dried broccoli samples. The maximum amount of ascorbic acid content (10.80 mg/100 g), total carotenoids (3.976 mg/g), total phenolic contents (225.80 mg/g), and the total flavonoid contents (42.92 mg/g) were found in freeze-dried broccoli. Freeze-dried broccoli also showed the highest antioxidant activity for DPPH free radical scavenging assay (62.45%), hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay (53.67%), and ABTS radical scavenging assay (65.84%).

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, GLYCEMIC INDEX AND GLYCEMIC LOAD OF BOILED AND ROASTED COCOYAM (Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott) TUBER

Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott (XMS) is an underutilized cocoyam that is relatively rich in food nutrients and antioxidant constituents. However, information on the values of glycemic index (GI) and the glycemic load (GL) of XMS is limited. Thus, this study was undertaking to contribute information on antioxidant activity and nutritional data of GI and GL values using boiled and roasted XMS tuber. Anthropometric measurements, GI, GL and antioxidant constituents were determined according to standard methods. Results showed variations in the tested parameters. Antioxidant constituents varied for carotenoids (14.33 to 49.08 mg/100gfw), total polyphenols (122.02 to 159.45 mgGAE/100gfw), total flavonoids (62.05 to 161.32 mgQE/100gfw), ascorbic acid (2.04 to 6.17 mg/100gfw) and tocopherol (1.31 to 2.63 mg/100gfw). Antioxidant activity assayed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP ranged from 14.21 to 36.73%, 11.28 to 77.15 µmTE/100gfw and 6.03 to 19.36 mgTE/gfw. Glycemic index of standard food (glucose) and processed Xanthosoma maffafa Schott showed variance in the glycemic response (GR) from 4.17 to 4.53 mmol/L at 0 min fasting blood sugar, 4.50 to 6.83 mmol/L at 15 min, 4.60 to 7.53 mmol/L at 30 min, 4.20 to 8.37 mmol/L at 60 min, 4.27 to 5.90 mmol/L at 90 min and 4.27 to 5.77 mmol/L at 120 min post feeding intervals. In general, GI of boiled XMS (91.30 mmol/L) was higher than the roasted XMS (68.69 mmol/L) meal. With high antioxidant compounds, strong antioxidant activity, and a medium GI of roasted Xanthosoma maffafa Schott meal, it can act as a functional food to scavenge free radicals, prevent degenerative disorders and boost physiological health of consumers.

Chitosan Induces Sorghum Tolerance to Water Deficits by Positively Regulating Photosynthesis and the Production of Primary Metabolites, Osmoregulators, and Antioxidants

Current climate change scenarios require strategies that mitigate the effects of water deficits. Given that chitosan stimulates induced resistance responses, we tested the hypothesis that foliar application of this polysaccharide can have positive effects on the primary metabolite, antioxidant, and osmoregulatory metabolisms of sorghum, mitigating the effects of water deficit on grain yield. Sorghum plants were cultivated under either irrigated or water-deficit conditions and were either treated or untreated with chitosan, and we assessed the following responses: water potential, gas exchange, nutritional status, biosynthesis of primary and osmoregulatory metabolites, the activity of the antioxidant system constituents, and hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents. An active methodology was used to impose water stress on plants grown in pots with 20 kg of soil, 06 replications per treatment. Sorghum plants subjected to water deficit that were treated with chitosan exhibited higher stomatal conductance and transpiration than the untreated plants. Water restriction reduced the nutrient contents of leaves, but in the irrigated plants, chitosan treatment increased the tissue contents of certain nutrients and leaf concentrations of total proteins and total amino acids. In the plants under water-deficit conditions that were treated with chitosan, an elevated photosynthetic rate contributed to an increase in carbohydrate accumulation and a higher production of panicle and grain dry biomass compared with the untreated plants. The activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase also increased in response to chitosan. Overall, chitosan was effective in enhancing the water deficit tolerance of sorghum plants cultivated under water-deficit conditions by 57%. With this work, we generate perspectives for studies focusing on the development of water-deficit-resistant sorghum lineages, by means of chitosan elicitation.

The role of honey in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review of literature

The use of honey in the control of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is a current option being explored globally. Honey bees which are named in Latin as Apis, use the collected nectar from plants to produce honey after regurgitation and digestion of nectar. Carbohydrate constitutes about 80% of the components of honey. It includes monosaccharides [fructose (37.5%) and glucose (30.6%), disaccharides (sucrose (1.6%) and maltose (2.7%)] and oligosaccharides. Natural honey also contains water (17.2%), proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, acids such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and other components. Honey is rich in antioxidant content and these antioxidant compounds function as endogenous cellular antioxidant defences against free radicals in diabetes mellitus. Antioxidants have also been shown to exert a beneficial effects on blood glucose. Fructose and other bioactive constituents of honey have also been linked with amelioration of hyperglycemia. Besides the beneficial effects of honey on blood glucose, honey is widely used in the management of diabetic foot ulcers, an important complication of diabetes mellitus. The wound-healing benefits of honey are attributed to its antioxidant constituents and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Though additional studies are needed, the use of honey in the management of diabetes mellitus holds much promise.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil on Cadmium and Herbal Alcoholic Beverage–Induced Prefrontal Cortex Damage in Wistar Rats

The use of Moringa oleifera seed oil in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases is on an increasing trend. Cadmium is one of the most toxic environmental pollutants causing many known damage to the brain, the consumption of herbal alcoholic beverages is known to cause neurodegeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera seed oil on cadmium and herbal alcoholic beverage induced- damage to the frontal cortex of Wistar rats. Eighty Wistar rats were divided into eight groups of 10 rats each. Group A served as a control which received 2.5mg/kgbw phosphate buffer intra-peritoneally, while group F served as Moringa-treated control and received oral administration of 2.0 mg/kgbw Moringa oleifera oil. Groups B1, B2, D and E were injected intra-peritoneally with 3.5mg/kgbw CdSO4.8H2O single dose. Group C1, C2 and D received oral administration of 0.5 ml Herbal Alcoholic Beverage (HAB) and group B2, C2and E were administered orally with 2.0mg/kgbw Moringa oleifera oil for four weeks followed by sacrificed. Quantitative enzymes and biochemical antioxidant markers showed that cadmium and HAB administration caused a significant increase in AchE, SDH, CAT, GPx and MDA levels and decrease in SOD level. Conversely, there were significant decrease in AchE, SDH, CAT, GPx and MDA and increased SOD level upon administration of Moringa oleifera oil. Moringa oleifera seed oil has natural antioxidant constituents that ameliorated damage caused by Cd and HAB.

Piranhea trifoliata extracts ameliorate muscular decline in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to Paraquat.

In this study, we have demonstrated, for the first time, the muscular protective effects of Piranhea trifoliata bark extract against Paraquat (PQ)-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Exposure of D. melanogaster (Canton Special) to PQ caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by protein carbonyl and elevated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity levels. However, a diet supplemented with the P. trifoliata extracts (0.1 mg/ml) for 10 days ameliorates protein carbonyl levels and enzymatic activities of AChE and citrate synthase to prevent PQ damage. Also, P. trifoliata bark extracts showed in phytochemical assays the presence of phenols, at 46.06 mg EAG/g extract of total phenolic compounds, and a 40% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl scavenging effect. The study showed the muscular protective function of the P. trifoliata extracts in D. melanogaster exposed to PQ. On the basis of the results, we contemplate that the bark of P. trifoliata might prevent and ameliorate human diseases caused by oxidative stress. The muscular action of the P. trifoliata extract can be attributed to the antioxidant constituents, while the precise mechanism of its action needs further investigation.

Antioxidant Constituents and Activities of the Pulp with Skin of Korean Tomato Cultivars.

Tomato is a widely distributed, cultivated, and commercialized vegetable crop. It contains antioxidant constituents including lycopene, tocopherols, vitamin C, γ-aminobutyric acid, phenols, and flavonoids. This study determined the contents of the antioxidant components and activities of the pulp with skin of ten regular, six medium-sized, and two small cherry tomato cultivars at red ripe (BR + 10) stage cultivated in Korea. The relationships among the Hunter color coordinates, the content of each component, and antioxidant activities were measured by Pearson's correlation coefficients. As the a* value increased, the carotenoid and vitamin C contents increased, while the L* value, hue angle and tocopherol content decreased. As the b* value increased, the lycopene and total carotenoid contents decreased, and the flavonoid content in the hydrophilic extracts increased. The contents of vitamin C and total carotenoids including lycopene showed high positive correlations with the DPPH radical scavenging activities of both the lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts. Tocopherols and total phenolics in the hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts were not major positive contributors to the antioxidant activity. These findings suggest the quality standards for consumer requirements and inputs for on-going research for the development of better breeds.

The Preferential Therapeutic Potential of Chlorella vulgaris against Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatic Injury in Quail.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are the most detrimental mycotoxin, potentially hazardous to animals and humans. AFs in food threaten the health of consumers and cause liver cancer. Therefore, a safe, efficient, and friendly approach is attributed to the control of aflatoxicosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impacts of Chlorella vulgaris (CLV) on hepatic aflatoxicosis, aflatoxin residues, and meat quality in quails. Quails were allocated into a control group; the CLV group received CLV (1 g/kg diet); the AF group received an AF-contaminated diet (50 ppb); and the AF+CLV group received both treatments. The results revealed that AF decreased the growth performance and caused a hepatic injury, exhibited as an increase in liver enzymes and disrupted lipid metabolism. In addition, AF induced oxidative stress, exhibited by a dramatic increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and decreases in glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Significant up-regulation in the inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) mRNA expression was also documented. Moreover, aflatoxin residues were detected in the liver and meat with an elevation of fat% alongside a decrease in meat protein%. On the other hand, CLV supplementation ameliorated AF-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory condition in addition to improving the nutritional value of meat and significantly reducing AF residues. CLV mitigated AF-induced hepatic damage, decreased growth performance, and lowered meat quality via its antioxidant and nutritional constituents.

Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Profile, Proximate Content and Antioxidant Properties of Leaves, Seeds and Pods of Moringa oleifera

Abstract Moringa oleifera (Moringa) is a highly valued plant and various parts of this plant are employed for the therapeutic purposes in the indigenous system of medicine. This study was undertaken to compare the phytochemical, mineral, proximate and antioxidant constituents of the aqueous, ethanol and coconut oil extracts of M. oleifera leaf, seed and pod. Pulverized samples of the leaves, seeds and pods were extracted separately with distilled water, ethanol and coconut oil. The proximate analysis was carried out using standard AOAC protocols while the mineral contents were analyzed through atomic absorption spectrometry. The phytochemicals and antioxidants constituents of the extracts were analysed using standard protocols. The phytochemical screening of M. oleifera revealed the presence of alkaloids in each extract of the leaf, seed and pod in varying concentrations with the absence of phlobatannins in all sampled parts. Proximate composition of M. oleifera revealed higher percentage of crude protein (26.05±0.01 %) and total fatty acid (5.42±0.01 %) in the seed, while the leaf had higher percentage of fibre (8.12±0.02 %) and ash (7.82±0.02 %). The pod showed higher percentage of carbohydrate (72.05±0.2 %) and the seed revealed lowest moisture content (3.12±0.01 %) compared to other sampled parts. Sodium was revealed as the highest composition of mineral in each part of the plant. The result for antioxidant activity revealed that the leaf, seed and pod extracts have stronger scavenging effect on nitric oxide radical compared to the standards (ascorbic acid 8467.15μg/ml) and the least scavenging effect on FRAP. The results obtained from this study validate the pharmacological and nutritional potentials of M. oleifera and its use in treating different ailments as used in traditional medicine.

Aβ1‐42‐related sodium‐calcium exchanger isoform‐3 downregulation in models of Alzheimer’s disease: Therapeutic significance of Withania somnifera roots extract

AbstractBackgroundNa+‐Ca2+ exchanger isoform‐3 (NCX3) take‐parts in the aberrant Ca2+‐influx seen during neuronal excitotoxicity. However, the NCX3‐Aβ1‐42‐associated cytotoxicity and whether renovation of the aggregated Aβ1‐42‐induced NCX3 downregulation prevents or delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD‐related pathology remain unclear. Withania somnifera (W. somnifera), an indigenous traditional medicinal plant, has a long history of uses in preventing aging‐related neurological‐health impairments. However, this plant’s roots extract therapeutic value in neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, albeit far less well studied.MethodsMicroscopic fluorescence and haemocytometer cell viability counting were performed to examine contributions of NCX3 against Aβ1‐42‐induced cytotoxicity in BHK‐cells. Authenticated W. somnifera‐dried‐roots were powdered, and the powder’s methanolic extract was used for phytochemical screening of the roots‐bioactive constituents and the 5×FAD mice gavage treatments from postnatal day 30 (P30) to P60 while maintaining their daily bodyweight records. After treatments, in vivo‐cognitional studies and then neurochemical‐examinations of the NCX3 immunoblot expression level, a sandwich ELISA and microscopy of Aβ plaque deposition, and antioxidant activity assays were performed in the AD‐associated brain regions at the mice age of 4 months.ResultsThe cell‐based studies revealed positive roles of NCX3 in the resistance against Aβ1‐42 exposure toxicological damages. Phytochemical screening of the extract attested presence of antioxidants as major bioactive constituents of the roots. The mice recorded bodyweights during treatments statistical‐analysis evidenced that the extract has no potential toxicity. The cognitional studies data indicates that the treatment group mice showed significant improvements than vehicles (p<0.01). Interestingly, subsequent studies in the mice’s cortex‐ and hippocampus‐homogenates showed that the W. somnifera prevents NCX3 suppression, significantly reduces Aβ1‐42 expression, and normalizes oxidative stress. Moreover, confocal microscope immunoreactive studies indicated reduced depositions and distributions of Aβ plaques in the treatment group AD‐associated brain tissues.ConclusionThese findings suggest the relevance of NCX3 against effects of Aβ1‐42‐associated cytotoxicity and that the W. somnifera antioxidant constituent’s bioactivity with no indications of toxicity, operating against Aβ‐induced NCX3 downregulation, may have a therapeutic role for augmenting NCX3 physiological properties in the maintenance of ionic Ca2+ homeostasis and ameliorates cognition in the 5×FAD mouse‐model, and therefore, might be valuable in AD‐pharmacological medicine.

Antioxidant Intervention against Male Infertility: Time to Design Novel Strategies.

Infertility is a highly prevalent condition, affecting 9-20% of couples worldwide. Among the identifiable causes, the male factor stands out in about half of infertile couples, representing a growing problem. Accordingly, there has been a decline in both global fertility rates and sperm counts in recent years. Remarkably, nearly 80% of cases of male infertility (MI) have no clinically identifiable aetiology. Among the mechanisms likely plausible to account for idiopathic cases, oxidative stress (OS) has currently been increasingly recognized as a key factor in MI, through phenomena such as mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and fragmentation and finally, sperm apoptosis. In addition, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in semen are associated with worse reproductive outcomes. However, despite an increasing understanding on the role of OS in the pathophysiology of MI, therapeutic interventions based on antioxidants have not yet provided a consistent benefit for MI, and there is currently no clear consensus on the optimal antioxidant constituents or regimen. Therefore, there is currently no applicable antioxidant treatment against this problem. This review presents an approach aimed at designing an antioxidant strategy based on the particular biological properties of sperm and their relationships with OS.

Potential Antioxidant Constituent from Leaf of Rhizophora apiculata an Typical Mangrove at Lempasing, South Lampung Coast

The mangrove woodland is a distinct bush or brine habitat characterized by a coastal sedimentation environment in which fine sediment (often rich in organic matter) accumulates in areas protected from high energy waves. Mangrove forests thrive on the coasts of tropical and subtropical regions, including Indonesia. Mangrove forest is a complex ecosystem that has a high diversity of plants, microorganisms, and animals. One of them is the Oil Mangrove (R. apiculata) which grows well on the coast of Lampung. This plant is hard, rich in tannins, and dense, mainly used to make charcoal and firewood. This plant traditionally used to treat diarrhea and nausea. Mangrove plants are tolerant to high salt levels, this special trait is due to the presence of secondary metabolites produced in response to various environmental stresses. Flavonoid compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids and steroids are secondary metabolites produced by mangrove plants. Secondary metabolite compounds from mangroves have bioactivity such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer. Exploration of secondary metabolites from mangroves, especially oil mangroves locally named as Bakau Minyak, which are widely grown in the Lempasing area, coastal Lampung for the development of medicinal compounds, has not been intensely reported. This investigation aims to study the potential phytochemicals profile of R. apiculata’s leaf as an antioxidant

Analysis of Antioxidant Constituents from Ilex rotunda and Evaluation of Their Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability.

Ilex rotunda Thunb., has been used to treat common cold, tonsillitis, and eczema. It is also a source of antioxidants. However, information regarding its antioxidative phytochemical composition is still incomplete and limited. In this present study, we initially determined DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extracts of I. rotunda fruits, twigs, and leaves. Among them, the twig extract exhibited a potential of antioxidant capacity. Based on antioxidant effect guided experiments, extraction condition using 80% EtOH was then optimized. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays were also performed for fractions. The n-butanol fraction showed the highest antioxidant effect. Using chromatographic methods, eight marker compounds (1–8) were further isolated. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and mass data. Method validation was employed to quantitate contents of these eight marker compounds. Subsequently, the HPLC-DPPH method was used to evaluate the contribution of certain compounds to total antioxidant activity of the extract. Lastly, parallel artificial membrane permeability assay for blood–brain barrier (PAMPA-BBB) was applied to investigate brain-penetrable antioxidants from I. rotunda extract. As a result, compound 7 (4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) showed significant antioxidant activity and penetration across the BBB via transcellular passive diffusion. Our findings suggested that compound 7 can be used as a therapeutic potential candidate in natural product-based central nervous system (CNS) drug discovery.

Antioxidant activity and phenolic acid constituents of two andean Hypericum L. species from Colombia

Antioxidant capacity of extracts of different polarity obtained from two Hypericum L. species (H. juniperinum and H. mexicanum) was assessed by means of total polyphenolic content (TPC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Their phenolic acid composition was also determined by HPLC. The ethyl acetate extract of H. juniperinum was the most active in the ABTS, FRAP and TPC assays with 10867.48 ?mol TEAC/g, 242.80 mg AAE/g and 491.08 mg GAE/g respectively. On the other hand, the methanol extract obtained from H. mexicanum appeared as the most active extract in the DPPH assay (3714.23 ?mol TEAC/g). Similarly, the butanol fraction coming from the methanolic extract of H. mexicanum showed the highest activity in the ORAC assay (12910.06 ?mol TEAC/g). HPLC analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of phenolic acid compounds, such as chlorogenic (50.09 mg/g) and p-coumaric acids (63.36 mg/g) in H. mexicanum and p-coumaric acid (8.45 mg/g) in H. juniperinum. A high correlation between antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content was established. Specifically, H. mexicanum exhibited the highest ORAC capacity, which may be associated with the high content of chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids present in medium to polar extracts. Our results constitute a significant contribution to the study of antioxidant activity and the determination of the phenolic acid profile in both species. The analysed extracts showed promising antioxidant activity that could be useful in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.

Relative evaluation of in-vitro antioxidant potential and phenolic constituents by HPLC-DAD of Brassica vegetables extracted in different solvents

Cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli are well-known vegetables from the Brassica family having functional effects on human health. This study was carried out to identify different antioxidant properties and to quantify phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD in different extracts (methanol, ethanol and water: acetic acid: acetone) of these vegetables. The results showed that, the methanolic dry extract of cabbage possessed the highest antioxidant activity (549 ± 7.30 μg/g) and IC50 was 90 ± 2.52 μg/mL than others. Whereas the ethanolic dry extract of cauliflower had 348 ± 5.20 μg/g of flavonoid, which was the highest among all. The maximum levels of total tannin (414 ± 5.20 μg/g) and total phenolic content (465 ± 3.25 μg/g) was found in broccoli dry extract. Several polyphenolic compounds were identified in different extracts of the vegetables and they were Cauliflower (8) > Cabbage (10) > Broccoli (9) in total. Therefore, the use of total vegetables rather than extracts in the food industry would be more appropriate to get greater health benefit.

Thyroidal and Extrathyroidal Requirements for Iodine and Selenium: A Combined Evolutionary and (Patho)Physiological Approach.

Iodide is an antioxidant, oxidant and thyroid hormone constituent. Selenoproteins are needed for triiodothyronine synthesis, its deactivation and iodine release. They also protect thyroidal and extrathyroidal tissues from hydrogen peroxide used in the ‘peroxidase partner system’. This system produces thyroid hormone and reactive iodine in exocrine glands to kill microbes. Exocrine glands recycle iodine and with high urinary clearance require constant dietary supply, unlike the thyroid. Disbalanced iodine-selenium explains relations between thyroid autoimmune disease (TAD) and cancer of thyroid and exocrine organs, notably stomach, breast, and prostate. Seafood is iodine unconstrained, but selenium constrained. Terrestrial food contains little iodine while selenium ranges from highly deficient to highly toxic. Iodine vs. TAD is U-shaped, but only low selenium relates to TAD. Oxidative stress from low selenium, and infection from disbalanced iodine-selenium, may generate cancer of thyroid and exocrine glands. Traditional Japanese diet resembles our ancient seashore-based diet and relates to aforementioned diseases. Adequate iodine might be in the milligram range but is toxic at low selenium. Optimal selenoprotein-P at 105 µg selenium/day agrees with Japanese intakes. Selenium upper limit may remain at 300–400 µg/day. Seafood combines iodine, selenium and other critical nutrients. It brings us back to the seashore diet that made us what we currently still are.

Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents, Metabolic Profiling, and In Vitro and In Silico Antioxidant Studies of the Leaf and Stem Extracts of Acalypha fimbriata Schum. & Thonn. (Euphorbiaceae)

In this study, phenolic and flavonoid contents of various extracts of Acalypha fimbriata Schum. & Thonn. leaf and stem were determined. The metabolic profile of one extract was studied using GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using in vitro and in silico studies. Four extracts each of leaf and stem of A. fimbriata have phenolic contents of 0.17 - 0.29 and 0.15 - 0.29 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, respectively. The leaf extracts have flavonoid content of 0.13 - 0.40 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g extract, which was slightly higher than that of the stem (0.18 - 0.33 mg QE/g extract). Extracts of the stem (IC50 range 50.82 - 62.94 μg/ml) showed greater DPPH radical scavenging activity than those of the leaves (IC50 range 61.03 - 82.24 μg/ml). All the extracts (except the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of the leaf) demonstrated significant NO• radical scavenging activities, which were comparable (p > 0.05) to that of ascorbic acid. The extracts of the leaf and stem displayed lower reducing powers (0.07 - 0.56 and 0.09 - 0.50, respectively) compared to ascorbic acid (0.16 - 0.63) and showed considerable total antioxidant capacity values of 0.27 - 0.55 and 0.36 - 0.54 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g extract, respectively. Some metabolites, including preg-4-en-3-one-17α-hydroxyl-17β-cyano, salirepin hexaacetate, eugenol and squalene were identified in one of the extracts. These metabolites gave good binding affinities against cytochrome P450, lipoxygenase, myeloperoxidase, NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase, indicating good antioxidant potentials. This study reveals that extracts of A. fimbriata possess broad spectrum of antioxidant activity and could be exploited as sources of antioxidant constituents to manage oxidative stress.

The effect of Medicago sativa extract and light on skin hypopigmentation disorders in C57/BL6 mice.

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation skin disease that affects the quality of life in many patients. This study aims to investigate the effect of Medicago sativa methanol extract on the treatment of skin hypopigmentation disorders. Antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of the extract were determined using DDPH assay, Folin-Ciocalteu, AlCl3, and HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Oil in water (o/w) creams were prepared to contain the methanolic extract, and applied to hydroquinone-induced depigmentation in vivo model and further challenged in combination with UVA light exposure. Skin and hair colors were visually scored and evaluated at different time intervals, and histopathological examinations of skin layers and hair follicles were performed. A total phenolic content of 187.70 mg/g, equivalent to gallic acid, and total flavonoid content of 21.97 mg/g, equivalent to quercetin, were recorded. Extract showed 71% antioxidant activity. Moreover, the HPLC-MS/MS detection revealed the presence of 18 compounds including P-coumaric acid and antioxidants flavonoids, of those are seven compounds not previously detected in this species. The in vivo study showed a remarkable skin and hair pigmentation effect on plant extract-treated groups, compared to the reference, placebo, and control groups. Histopathological examinations showed the growth of colored hair follicles in the dermis and epidermis layers of the extract-treated mice. The study suggests the use of M.sativa extract in enhancing the pigmentation process in hypopigmented skin and hair if combined with UVA light. Therefore, M.sativa extract can be considered a potential treatment for vitiligo.