Antioxidant Activity Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

In vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds extracted from Streptomyces africanus strain E2 isolated from Moroccan soil

This study aimed to isolate Streptomyces sp. from Moroccan terrestrial ecosystems and identify bioactive compounds through GC–MS analysis. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against various pathogenic microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Candida albicans ATCC 60193, and multi-drug resistant strains comprising Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae 19K 929, Proteus sp. 19K1313, Klebsiella pneumoniae 20B1572, Proteus vulgaris 16C1737, and Klebsiella pneumoniae 20B1572. Based on the results of the gene sequencing of gene 16S rRNA and phylogenetic analysis, the E2 isolate belongs to the genus Streptomyces with the highest degree of resemblance (97.51%) to the Streptomyces africanus strain NBRC 101005 (NR_112600.1). The isolate exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, with maximum efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae 20B1572 indicated by an inhibition zone diameter of 22.5 ± 0.71mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.0625 mg/mL. The in vitro antioxidant potential of E2 strain was determined through screening of its ethyl acetate extract against sets of antioxidant assays. The results were indicative of E2 strain displaying strong antioxidant activity against ABTS, DPPH free radicals, and FRAP. Furthermore, there was a high significant correlation (p < 0.0001) between the total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activities. The GC–MS analysis of the extract identified six volatile compounds, with Eugenol (96%) and Maltol (93%) being the most prominent. Additionally, the HPLC–UV/vis analysis revealed six phenolic compounds: gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, trans-ferulic acid, ellagic acid, and cinnamic acid. Overall, the study highlights Streptomyces sp. strain E2 as a potential source of potent antimicrobial and antioxidant metabolites, offering promise in addressing antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress-related conditions.

In Vitro Potential of Antioxidant Extracts from Gracilaria gracilis Cultivated in Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) for Marine Biobased Sector

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds extracted from Gracilaria gracilis cultivated in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system by different extraction solvents and to investigate the potential capacity of the extracts in cellular systems against environmental pollutants. The global yields, total polyphenol contents, and antioxidant activity were assessed on G. gracilis by DPPH radical scavenging activity, comparing the antioxidant extraction efficiency of the different solvents (ethanol 80%, acetone 70%, N-hexane, and water). Ethanol extract, granted by the highest extractive yield and antioxidant capacity, was tested in vitro in the Sparus aurata fibroblast (SAF-1) cell line to evaluate its protective role against oxidative stress induced by the chemical flame retardant 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47). The results demonstrate that the cells pretreated with G. gracilis extract were protected against oxidative stress and had improved cell viability, cellular antioxidant defense system, and cell cycle control, as demonstrated by the gene expression on some biomarkers related to the cell cycle (p53) and oxidative stress (nrf2, sod, and cat). These results confirm that bioactive compounds obtained from seaweeds cultivated in IMTAs could contribute to producing high-value ingredients that are able to counteract environmental stressors, for the growth of the marine biobased industrial sector and the expansion of new value chains.

Effect of Solvents on Extraction Efficiency and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Bioactive Compounds from Dictyota ceylanica and Dictyota cervicornis

Effect of Solvents on Extraction Efficiency and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Bioactive Compounds from Dictyota ceylanica and Dictyota cervicornis

Development and evaluation of guar gum-coated nano-nutriosomes for cyanidin-3-O-glucoside encapsulation

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is a type of water-soluble flavonoid compound that is abundantly found in fruits and vegetables. C3G possesses numerous biological activities, however, it is prone to breakdown under environmental conditions. To overcome these issues, we developed nano-nutriosome (NS) carriers created by vortex-mixing and probe-sonication techniques for C3G encapsulation in which the phospholipid and Nutriose® FB06 were chosen as carrier material, and guar gum (GG) as a coating material to formulate a unilamellar and multicompartment structure. This study aimed to develop and evaluate C3G-loaded nano-nutriosomes coated by GG (GG-C3G-NS) for improving physicochemical stability, antioxidant activity, cellular uptake, and controlled release properties. The C3G-NS and GG-C3G-NS are nanosized (143.47 to 154.13 nm), with high encapsulation efficiency (>93.31 %). The NS carriers successfully encapsulated C3G which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. C3G showed more stability in storage, thermal, pH, ionic, and oxidative conditions. Furthermore, the NS exhibited a better-controlled release of C3G in different food stimulant conditions and in vitro release study. Additionally, NS systems enhanced cellular uptake and showed no cytotoxicity. Overall, GG-NS could be a promising nanocarrier for improving the stability, controlled release, and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds.

GC-MS analysis and anti-oxidant activity of bioactive compounds of Simarouba glauca leaf extracts

The aim of this study is to analyse the phytochemical composition, anti-oxidant activity, FT-IR and GC-MS analysis of Simarouba glauca leaf extracts. The chloroform extract exhibited highest T.P.C. (139.82 ± 0.06 mg/g GAE) and highest T.F.C. (41.95 ± 0.50 mg/g QE). The GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of ten compounds in acetone extract and twenty-two compounds in methanol extract. The GC-MS analysis of acetone fraction showed the major peaks such as Glycerine (13.20%), 1,1,1-trichloro-2-methyl-2-propanol (8.92%), Cyclohexanol,2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)- (6.09%), Tetradecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl (7.68%) and Phytol (7.53%). Some of these compounds exhibit anti-oxidant activities. GC-MS analysis of methanol fraction exhibited the presence of following compounds: Undecane (8.52%), 2,3-Trimethylene-4-pyrone (1.79%), cis-Sinapyl alcohol (2.33%) and Umckalin (1.19%). The acetone and methanol fractions exhibited higher percentage of inhibition in DPPH assay. The overall results of this study indicate that the acetone and methanol fractions have been demonstrated to be efficacious against various diseases.

Stabilization of Black Locust Flower Extract via Encapsulation Using Alginate and Alginate-Chitosan Microparticles.

Black locust flower extract contains various polyphenols and their glucosides contribute to the potential health benefits. After intake of these bioactive compounds and passage through the gastrointestinal tract, their degradation can occur and lead to a loss of biological activity. To overcome this problem, the bioactive compounds should be protected from environmental conditions. This study aimed to encapsulate the black flower extract in the microparticles based on biodegradable polysaccharides, alginate, and chitosan. In the extract, the total antioxidant content was found to be 3.18 ± 0.01 g gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dry weight. Also, the presence of lipids (16), phenolics (27), organic acids (4), L-aspartic acid derivative, questinol, gibberellic acid, sterol, and saponins (2) was confirmed using the UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis. In vitro assays showed that the extract has weak anti-α-glucosidase activity and moderate antioxidant and cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line. The extrusion method with secondary air flow enabled the preparation of microparticles (about 270 μm) encapsulated with extract. An encapsulation efficiency of over 92% was achieved in the alginate and alginate-chitosan microparticles. The swelling study confirmed a lower permeability of alginate-chitosan microparticles compared with alginate microparticles. For both types of microparticles, the release profile of antioxidants in the simulated gastrointestinal fluids at 37 °C followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. A lower diffusion coefficient than 0.5 indicated the simple Fick diffusion of antioxidants. The alginate-chitosan microparticles enabled a more sustained release of antioxidants from extract compared to the alginate microparticles. The obtained results indicated an improvement in the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds from the extract and their protection from degradation in the simulated gastric conditions via encapsulation in the polymer matrixes. Alginate-chitosan showed slightly slower cumulative antioxidant release from microparticles and better antioxidant activity of the extract compared to the alginate system. According to these results, alginate-chitosan microparticles are more suitable for further application in the encapsulation of black locust flower extract. Also, the proposed polymer matrix as a drug delivery system is safe for human use due to its biodegradability and non-toxicity.

Thermal Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Bioactive Compounds in Bread Enriched with Bee Pollen and Bee Bread.

Bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB) are natural food sources containing a wide variety of bioactive compounds, complementing their rich nutritional composition. These bee products are being explored to empower functional foods, with the term functionality being dependent on the bioactive compounds added to the food matrix. However, there is not enough evidence of the effect of heat on these compounds during food processing and production and how it impacts their biological activity. Here, we enriched traditional bread by adding BP and BB at different proportions of 1 to 5% and tested the thermal stability of their bioactive compounds through several spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses. Adding bee pollen and bee bread to bread resulted in a 4 and 5-fold increase in total phenolic content, respectively. While not all the 38 phenolic and phenolamide compounds identified in the raw BP and BB were detected in the processed bread, phenolamides were found to be more resilient to baking and heat treatment than flavonoids. Still, the enriched bread's antioxidant activity improved with the addition of BP and BB. Therefore, incorporating bee products into heat-treated products could enhance the functionality of staple foods and increase the accessibility to these natural products.

In silico study on antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds in Ficus carica L

Hyperglycemia is one of the diagnostic issues in diabetes mellitus and is considered as a complex metabolic condition. It has been one of the most prevalent illnesses of the twenty-first century and still rising at an alarming rate across the globe and expected to impact 693 million individuals by 2045. Therefore, it is mandatory to develop more effective and safer treatments to manage diabetes. One of the ways to manage hyperglycemia is through inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and thereby lowering the glucose formation in the human body. The enzyme salivary amylase and pancreatic amylase is responsible for cleaving α-1,4-glucoside bond. Amylase inhibitors can lower blood glucose in diabetics by slowing digestion. Ficus carica is commonly known for its medicinal properties due to its various phytochemicals. In the present study, 10 phytochemicals present in F. carica compounds named, β-carotene, lutein, cyanidin-3-glucoside, gallic acid, luteolin, catechin, kaempferol, vanillic acid, peonidin-3-glucoside, and quercetin hydrate were taken to study their inhibition potential against pancreatic amylase and salivary amylase through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Further, density functional theory calculations are used to investigate the delocalization of electron density on the molecule as well as study ADME properties of the molecules take. A QSAR model has been developed using the binding energy obtained using molecular docking and thermodynamic parameters from DFT calculations. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

An assessment of in vitro antibacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds from Muntingia calabura Linn. leaves extracts

An assessment of in vitro antibacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds from Muntingia calabura Linn. leaves extracts

Purification, Phenolic Profile and In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Bioactive Compounds in Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum Marianum)

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.) seed extract possesses bioactive compounds. The study aimed to investigate the influence on time, temperature, solvent, and solid ratio as optimal conditions for the efficiency of extraction of polyphenol, flavonoids, and antioxidant properties obtained from milk thistle seeds. The optimized conditions model (time (60min), temperature (70 °C), solvent (80 %), and solid ratio (1:10)) showed a better correlation between the prophesied and experimental values. Overall, the results revealed that the purification of flavonolignans was optimized by dynamic state (2BV) with the most favorable state AB-8 for the separation of impurities and high contents of polyphenols. Silymarin (SMR) is the basic compound with a molecular weight is 481 m/z in milk thistle, identified by optimized HPLC condition and characterized by ESI-MS/MS; active fractions were isolated by ÄKTA purifier with 40% methanol. Furthermore, each compound had good antioxidant activity on RAW 264.7 cells. %DPPH activity is much higher in SMR rather than components; hence, TXF is the most effective compound of SMR as free radical and hydroxyl radical antioxidant activity, SCN and SDN also showed effect as a total antioxidant activity rather than SBN and ISBN.

Antioxidant Potential of Sea Cucumbers and Their Beneficial Effects on Human Health.

Sea cucumbers are considered a luxury food item and used locally in traditional medication due to their impressive nutritional profile and curative effects. Sea cucumbers contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, namely phenolics, polysaccharides, proteins (collagen and peptides), carotenoids, and saponins, demonstrating strong antioxidant and other activities. In particular, phenolic compounds, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids, are abundant in this marine invertebrate and exhibit antioxidant activity. Protein hydrolysates and peptides obtained from sea cucumbers exhibit antioxidant potential, mainly dependent on the amino acid compositions and sequences as well as molecular weight, displayed for those of ≤20 kDa. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of sea cucumber polysaccharides, including fucosylated chondroitin sulfate and fucan, is a combination of numerous factors and is mostly associated with molecular weight, degree of sulfation, and type of major sugars. However, the activity of these bioactive compounds typically depends on the sea cucumber species, harvesting location, food habit, body part, and processing methods employed. This review summarizes the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds obtained from sea cucumbers and their by-products for the first time. The mechanism of actions, chemical structures, and factors affecting the antioxidant activity are also discussed, along with the associated health benefits.

Endophytic actinobacteria of Eleutherine palmifolia as antioxidant producer

Abstract. Shabira AP, Tjahjoleksono A, Lestari Y. 2022. Endophytic actinobacteria of Eleutherine palmifolia as antioxidant producer. Biodiversitas 23: 4209-4215. Endophytic actinobacteria can generate bioactive compounds similar to those produced by the host plant. The Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr is an example of a widely utilized host plant in the Dayak community. Flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects, are among the bioactive compounds found in E. palmifolia. The antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds produced by endophytic actinobacteria of E. palmifolia remains unidentified. The aim of this study was to examine the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds produced by endophytic actinobacteria of E. palmifolia. Antioxidant activity from isolates actinobacteria was determined quantitatively using the DPPH and ABTS methods. Identification of the types of bioactive compound in the samples was identified using TLC assay and bioautography test. Analysis of flavonoid levels was performed using colorimetric aluminum chloride (AlCl3). The result showed that the extraction of six isolates of endophytic actinobacteria with ethyl acetate solvent had different yields. The extract of endophytic actinobacteria EPB 6 isolate produced the highest (0.013%) yield. The extract of endophytic actinobacteria EPB 3 isolate had the best antioxidant activity, with 53.85 mg/mL (DPPH) and 42.43 mg/mL (ABTS). The extract of endophytic actinobacteria EPB 3 isolate and E. palmifolia had the same blue spots in TLC analysis, indicating the presence of bioactive compounds flavonol and flavones groups. The bioautography test of EPB 3 isolate endophytic actinobacteria extract produced yellow color, indicating qualitatively antioxidant activity. The total flavonoid content of the EPB 3 isolate extract was also higher (25.30 QE/mg) than the other five isolates, while it was 46.03 QE/mg in E. palmifolia extract. It is clear from the present study that the endophytic actinobacteria extract can produce antioxidants.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Bioactive Compound Produced By Enophytic Fungi

The present study aims evaluated the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds synthesized by endophytic fungi obtained from Anacardium occidentale (AO), Terminalia cattappa (TC) and Sygygium jambos (SJ). The compounds produced by the isolated endophytic fungi from the medicinal plants used in this study were extracted with ethylacetate and subjected to antioxidant and antibactrerial activities using standard procedures. Screened for bioactivity using the disc diffusion method. Five fungal species were isolated from the plants and were identified to be Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporium spp, Mucor racemosus, Aspergillus oryzae, F. oxysporum. Alkaloids, saponins and steroids were detected in all the extracts while tannin and phenols were not detected. However, flavonoids was detected in SJ1 and TC2 only. All the extracts obtained from this study showed good antioxidant activity with SJ1 having the highest DPPH radical scavenging compared to the other extracts. All the extracts inhibited the growth of both E. coli and S. aureus with a range of 10-35 mm in diameter. The MBC: MIC of AO, SJ1 and SJ2 was 2.0 for both S. aureus and E. coli while that of TC2 was 10. In conclusion, the compounds produced by the isolated fungi possess both antioxidant and antibacterial activity which can be used for development of new drugs.

Antioxidant Activities of Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Rheum emodi Wall (Himalayan Rhubarb) Based on LC-DAD-ESI/MS and Preparative LC/MS System.

Natural compounds are a good substitute for synthetic antioxidants. Attempts have been made to characterize the antioxidant capacity of natural resources (e.g., medicinal plants). Thus, the Rheum emodi Wall was evaluated using liquid chromatography with diode array detection and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Three antioxidant compounds (i.e., myricitrin, myricetin-3-galloyl rhamnoside, and myricetin) were isolated, identified, and used to screen the antioxidant capacity of the new compounds. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and superoxide dismutase assay results are presented in the half-maximal inhibitory concentration values ranging 1.50∼28.46, 102.01∼137.55, and 4.06∼15.74 μg/mL, respectively. Myricetin had the highest antioxidant activity among the other compounds. A significantly positive correlation was noted between the ethyl acetate fraction and the antioxidant compound. In a partial least squares-discriminant analysis model, identified antioxidant compounds were shown to play a role in the structure of the compound and its contents based on the antioxidant activity. The study suggests that myricetin from R. emodi possesses the most potent antioxidant activity, and thus is the most efficient in extracting antioxidant contents.

Stability and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds in Cerrado fruit juices during storage

The development of beverages with differential characteristics is mandatory, due to changes in the food habits of the population. The production of ready-to-drink fruit juices presents an interesting process for the shelf life extension, integral utilization of the fruits and the development of new products. The introduction of Cerrado fruit in this segment increases the visibility of these native species that are still unexploited. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive compound stability of juices (marolo, cagaita and mixed: marolo + cagaita) during the refrigerated storage. The content of the vitamin C, total phenolics and antioxidant activity (auto-oxidation of the β-carotene/linoleic acid system, ABTS •+ and DPPH• free scavenging radical) in the juices were determined during the storage. The use of marolo and cagaita in the development of ready-to-drink beverages was suitable. A reduction in the vitamin C, total phenolics and antioxidant activity (evaluated by three methodologies) was observed during the 90 days. Considerable bioactive retention was obtained, highlighting the importance of the Cerrado fruit juices production.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Different Combinations of Submerged Cultured Mycelia of Medicinal Mushrooms.

This research describes the investigation of submerged cultivated mycelial biomass and hot water extracts prepared from different combinations and ratios of medicinal mushroom (MM) dry powders, comprising various biologically active compounds/secondary metabolites. In particular, it was evaluated the proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude protein, fat, total carbohydrates, and total energy), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ergothioneine (ERG), amino acid content of mycelia of 16 higher Basidiomycetes MM species. The results obtained demonstrate that almost all tested combinations were found to be good sources of polysaccharides, with content varying in the ranges of 4.73 ± 1.33% and 58.46 ± 4.15%. Total protein contents varied in 1.97 ± 0.40% - 5.37 ± 0.40% range. ERG was detected in all tested samples, while GABA existed only in eight samples out of 15 and varied from 0.03 ± < 0.01 to 0.61 ± 0.03 mg/g, and from 0.16 ± 0.03 to 5.69 ± 0.41 mg/g respectively. Analyses of total phenolic and flavonoid contents demonstrate considerable content in all samples (15.53 ± 0.23 - 18.88 ± 0.34 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 1.23 ± 0.04 - 4.34 ± 0.73 mg rutin equivalents/g respectively). In present research the complexity of samples/extracts were evaluated by multiple antioxidant assays to verify their antioxidant capacity. Determination of in vitro antioxidant activity was successfully carried out by several different methods such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, reducing power, chelating ability, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothi-azoline-6-sulfonic acid scavenging activity. Therefore, all tested samples confirm the capable antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds extracted from MMs.

Subcritical Fluid Extraction of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds from Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Nuts: Experiments, Modeling, and Optimization.

A process to obtain phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties from pistachio nuts using water/ethanol mixture under high temperature and pressure conditions was carried out. To optimize extraction conditions and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds, theoretical models were scanned against experimental data. Phenolic profile was dominated by several flavonoids and gallic acid derivatives. A fitted model for phenolic compounds extraction presented a maximum predicted value under the following conditions: 220 °C extraction temperature, 6.5MPa pressure, and 50% ethanol. Beneath these conditions, phenolic extracts gave the highest radical scavenging capacity, similar to that reached by using commercial antioxidants. A mathematical model, namely two-site desorption kinetic model, showed to be suitable for the description of extraction kinetics under the optimal operation conditions. Overall, the process described in this study shows a potential alternative method for extraction of pistachio bioactive compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pistachio nuts are known to contain a vast array of phenolic and polyphenolic substances having strong antioxidant properties. Currently, the use of natural antioxidants in the food industry has increased, in consequence there is a growing interest in improving the extraction processes using GRAS (general recognize as safe) solvents. This study describes a safe, inexpensive, and short-time method (subcritical fluid extraction) to obtain antioxidant extracts from defatted pistachio nuts. This type of process may be adapted toward applications at industrial scale.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and 1-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylpropan-1-one Isolated from the Leaves of Annona muricata (Linn.)

Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds isolated from Annona muricata (Linn.) leaf extract.&#x0D; Study Design: In vitro antimicrobial assay of bioactive compounds isolated from solvent fractions of plant leaf extract against selected clinical bacterial and fungal isolates. Antioxidant assay of plant leaf extract.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: All the work was carried out in the Departments of Chemistry and Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria between March, 2015 and January, 2016.&#x0D; Methodology: Isolation of bioactive compounds was by column and thin layer chromatographic techniques. Isolated compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods while antioxidant activity was investigated using the 2,2-dipheny-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay.&#x0D; Results: Two compounds kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (1) and 1-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-3-Phenylpropan-1-one (2) were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of leaf extract of A. muricata. The two compounds showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activities with zones of inhibition ranging from 26.00 ± 1.73 to 31 ± 1.00 mm and 17.33 ± 1.15 to 31.33 ± 1.15 mm respectively, for compounds 1 and 2 for the test bacteria species and 15.33 ± 1.15 to 31.33 ± 1.15 mm and 17.67 ± 0.58 to 29.67 ±1.53 mm respectively, for compounds 1 and 2 for the test fungi. Minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged between 0.625-5.00 µg/mL and 1.25-5.00 µg/ml respectively, for compounds 1 and 2. Minimum bactericidal concentrations ranged between 2.5-10.00 µg/mL for both compounds which compared favourably with the reference drugs used. DPPH radical-scavenging activities were IC50 = 13.41 ± 0.64 µg/mL and 7.42 ± 0.90 µg/mL for compounds 1 and 2 respectively, compared with IC50 = 51.99 ± 1.44 µg/ml obtained for the standard ascorbic acid. The results show that both isolated compounds from A. muricata leaf possess in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and they may be useful as active ingredients in antimicrobial drug formulations and as agents for the control of free radical-related pathological disorders.

Physical and chemical characterization and quantification of bioactive compounds in berries and berry jams

Brazil is the third largest producer of fresh fruits in the world. Among fruits, berries such as strawberry, blueberry and blackberry can be highlighted for the benefits they provide to the body, owing to their presence of bioactive compound content. The phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins and ascorbic acid, are examples of bioactive compounds that mainly function in the body as antioxidants. However, the processing steps that lead to the generation of derivatives from these fruits, are damaging to these compounds, often leading to their loss. Thus, the aim of this study was to physically and chemically characterize fresh berries (strawberry, blueberry and blackberry) and their jams, and also to quantify and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds in berries and their jams. The following parameters were analyzed: moisture, ash, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and color. The levels of total phenolic compounds, total anthocyanins, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity were measured. We concluded that there were significant differences in the chemical composition of berries and jams. There was also a significant loss of bioactive compounds due to processing, nevertheless these jams remain good sources of bioactive compounds, and are still considered important to promote some favorable health effects.

Bioluminescent Enzymatic Assay as a Tool for Studying Antioxidant Activity and Toxicity of Bioactive Compounds.

A bioluminescent assay based on a system of coupled enzymatic reactions catalyzed by bacterial luciferase and NADH:FMN-oxidoreductase was developed to monitor toxicity and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds. The assay enables studying toxic effects at the level of biomolecules and physicochemical processes, as well as determining the toxicity of general and oxidative types. Toxic and detoxifying effects of bioactive compounds were studied. Fullerenols, perspective pharmaceutical agents, nanosized particles, water-soluble polyhydroxylated fullerene-60 derivatives were chosen as bioactive compounds. Two homologous fullerenols with different number and type of substituents, C60 O2-4 (OH)20-24 and Fe0.5 C60 (OH) x Oy (x + y = 40-42), were used. They suppressed bioluminescent intensity at concentrations >0.01 g L-1 and >0.001 g L-1 for C60 O2-4 (OH)20-24 and Fe0.5 C60 (OH)x Oy , respectively; hence, a lower toxicity of C60 O2-4 (OH)20-24 was demonstrated. Antioxidant activity of fullerenols was studied in model solutions of organic and inorganic oxidizers; changes in toxicities of general and oxidative type were determined; detoxification coefficients were calculated. Fullerenol C60 O2-4 (OH)20-24 revealed higher antioxidant ability at concentrations 10-17 -10-5 g L-1 . The difference in the toxicity and antioxidant activity of fullerenols was explained through their electron donor/acceptor properties and different catalytic activity. Principles of bioluminescent enzyme assay application for evaluating the toxic effect and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds were summarized and the procedure steps were described.