Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Development of shake powdered food with cocoa, mesquite pod flour, oak extract and agave fructans, quality characteristics and glycemic index

Purpose The purpose of this study was to development of a new chocolate-flavored powdered food supplement enriched with mesquite pod flour, oak extract and agave fructans, with proper sensory characteristics as well as its physicochemical and glycemic quality. Design/methodology/approach A powdered shake was formulated using experimental design (23) with mesquite (Prosopis laevigata) pod flour, oak (Quercus convallata) extracts, nonalkalinized cocoa, agave fructans, milk protein and xanthan gum. Sensory analysis (choice profile method, ranking test, focus group, quantitative descriptive analysis), moisture, ash, fiber, protein and lipids, pH, color, wettability, dispersibility and rheological tests were done. Phenolic profiling analysis to samples was done by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2’-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation, ferric reducing antioxidant power and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load were evaluated. Findings The main sensory attributes in the powders were chocolate, bitter, astringent, grass/linseed flavors (p < 0.05). The product has protein [66.9%], carbohydrates [22.0%], lipids [1.6%], ash [2.7%] and moisture [6.8%], with wettability (23 s), and dispersibility of 77.9%. Catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, procyanidin B2, chlorogenic, coumaric and ferulic acids were identified. GI and caloric load not show differences between men (73.3±2.4, 4.4±0.1) and women (67.0±2.1, 4.1±0.1) (p > 0.05). Originality/value The use of mesquite pods, oak and agave fructans in powder food supplement is an alternative to obtain a product high in protein, with good sensory properties, antioxidant activity and moderate GI.

A biofloc system avoids the adverse effects of diets with suboptimal protein levels on zootechnical performance, intestinal histomorphometry, and protein metabolism of Nile tilapia juvenile fed Spirulina biomass (Arthrospira platensis) as an alternative protein source.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the biofloc technology (BFT) system and the replacement of fish meal with Spirulina biomass on productive performance, intestinal histomorphometry, plasma biochemistry, and oxidative stress of Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus) fed suboptimal levels of protein. Two factors were evaluated: production systems (clear water × BFT) and replacement of fish meal with Spirulina (0, 33, 66 e 100%). The design was in a 2 × 4 randomized factorial scheme with four replications, and the fish were evaluated for 48days. Four isoproteic (28% crude protein) diets were formulated with gross energy values close to 4300kcalkg-1. Nile tilapia juveniles (0.23 ± 0.01g) were distributed in 16 circular tanks (70 L) at seven fish/tank. The diets were formulated with protein levels approximately 20% below that required for the species and life stage. No interaction was observed between the factors evaluated (production systems × Spirulina inclusion). Rearing the fish in the BFT system avoided the adverse effects of diets with suboptimal protein levels on performance, intestinal histomorphometry, and protein metabolism. Lower values lower lipid peroxidation and higher antioxidant capacity were observed in fish reared in the BFT system, showing evidence of improvements in antioxidant responses and lower levels of physiological oxidative stress. Spirulina completely replaced fish meal in the diets of Nile tilapia juveniles without adverse effects on intestinal morphometry, protein metabolism, and antioxidant response. Replacing 66% of fish meal with Spirulina improved the productive performance, regardless of the rearing system.

The Protective Effects of Taurine, a Non-essential Amino Acid, Against Metals Toxicities: A Review Article.

Taurine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid derived from cysteine. It is involved in several phenomena such as the regulation of growth and differentiation, osmoregulation, neurohormonal modulation, and lipid metabolism. Taurine is important because of its high levels in several tissues such as the central nervous system (CNS), heart, skeletal muscles, retinal membranes, and platelets. In this report, we present the functional properties of taurine indicating that it has potential effects on various metal toxicities. Therefore, a comprehensive literature review was performed using the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. According to the search keywords, 61 articles were included in the study. The results indicate that taurine protects tissues against metal toxicity through enhancement of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, modulation of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, involvement in different molecular pathways, and interference with the activity of various enzymes. Taken together, taurine is a natural supplement that presents antitoxic effects against many types of compounds, especially metals, suggesting public consumption of this amino acid as a prophylactic agent against the incidence of metal toxicity.

Influence of geographical origin in the physical and bioactive parameters of single origin dark chocolate

AbstractDark chocolate presents exclusive characteristics that make it a food product with worldwide consumption and also as an ingredient in several food industries. Although chocolate is an energy-dense food, it is also rich in bioactive compounds and recent studies have demonstrated health benefits from a moderate consumption. Therefore, the quantification of the bioactive compounds of different types of cocoa, from different geographical origins, is of great importance to recognize the importance of single origin dark chocolate from the nutritional point of view. Dark chocolate produced from Amelonado variety presented higher values of hardness (5592 g), plastic viscosity (2.87 Pa.s) and yield value (12.91 Pa). Both dark chocolates from Peru, Piura Blanco and Chuncho, presented higher results in total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, caffeine and vitamin E. Additionally, sample Piura Blanco presented a higher content of theobromine (720.7 mg/100 g), lactic acid (1153.2 mg/100 g), succinic acid (679.4 mg/100 g) and oxalic acid (468.5 mg/100 g). On the other hand, chocolate from São Tomé presented a higher content of sucrose (38.22%) and SFA (62.38% of total fat). The results obtained demonstrate the existence of heterogeneity in cocoa varieties, supporting decision-makers in the selection of the most suitable cocoa for specific market needs.

Ozone therapy by rectal insufflation in dogs: safety and oxidative stress - a randomized cross-over study.

Ozone therapy acts in the body inducing controlled oxidative stress, thereby improving the antioxidant, immune and circulatory responses. However, very little is known about how this therapy affects oxidative stress indicators in dogs. We aimed to assess the clinical, hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters of healthy dogs subjected to ozone therapy and oxygen therapy by rectal insufflation. Ten healthy dogs were allocated into three experimental groups in a cross-over design: control, without intervention; ozone, which received 100µg of O3/kg through rectal insufflation; and oxygen, which received an ozone-equivalent volume of medicinal O2 through rectal insufflation. Dogs received four applications weekly and were followed up until the seventh week. Ozone therapy significantly increased the weight, mean corpuscular volume and mean platelet volume and decreased total cholesterol of treated dogs. Regarding oxidative stress, ozone therapy reduced total antioxidant capacity by ferric reduction (TAC-FRAP) in D7 compared with baseline and the control, significantly increased total antioxidant capacity by cupric reduction (TAC-CUPRAC) in D42 and D49 compared with the control group, caused an increase in uric acid compared with the oxygen group and decreased lipid peroxidation on D21 compared with the control group. In conclusion, ozone therapy through rectal insufflation causes transient oxidative stress followed by an antioxidant response and discreetly interferes with a few clinical, hematological and biochemical variables in healthy dogs, although variables still remained within the reference ranges for the species, thus proving the safety of the therapy. Furthermore, oxygen therapy causes oxidative stress without inducing a subsequent antioxidant response.

Antioxidant Activity, Theaflavin, Total Polyphenol, and Catechin Composition of Camellia sinensis Processing Effluents from Various Factories in Kenya

Research into the antioxidant efficacy and sustainability implications of tea waste, a by-product of the rapidly growing global beverage industry, is increasingly necessary. This study scrutinized samples taken from various factories to explore their capacity for free radical scavenging and potential public health and environmental benefits. Analysis of the samples and reference antioxidant (BHT) revealed a notable dose- dependent rise in free-radical-scavenging action, implying a positive concentration-dependent antioxidant efficacy. Variations in antioxidant activity occurred from tea wastes sourced at various factories, alluding to geography having a pivotal effect on the biological contents and antioxidative capacity. Of particular interest were Boito's and Chelal's cyclone fluff samples that evinced relatively lower potency than those from other factories. Tombe factory's cyclone sample demonstrated a superior capacity for scavenging free radicals at different concentrations, suggesting that particular production or cultivation processes augmented its effectiveness. Notably, some tea waste samples even equalled the potency of BHT (a synthetic antioxidant) when augured to its highest level. Furthermore, this study revealed disparities in Theaflavin and Thearubigin content due to factors like maturation period and processing methods guiding these concentrations. We identified tea waste samples possessing remarkable polyphenol concentration, thereby providing valuable insights for consumers and industries. Further investigations on the chemical composition of tea waste phytocompounds are paramount due to their acclaimed health-promoting properties and the factors influencing their concentrations and antioxidant efficacy.

Effects of omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death among women with cancer worldwide. Nevertheless, key challenges must be addressed, as new therapies can be employed to support the main treatment and enable a better quality of life, survival and prognosis. In this paper, we described the role of omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation in patients during the main treatment. This is a systematic review of the literature from randomized clinical trials, following the PRISMA and PICOS guidelines for elaborating the guiding question and constructing the results. Our findings in this review reveal and support that omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation can help women with metastatic disease who are not receiving hormone therapy during BC treatment for HR+ (hormone receptor positive). They improve immunity and antioxidant capacity and decrease cardiometabolic effects. This intervention is safe and can be employed as an adjuvant to the other main treatments.

Effect of formaldehyde exposure on phytochemical content and functional activity of Agaricus bisporus (Lge.) Sing.

In this study, the effect of formaldehyde on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Agaricus bisporus was investigated. Synthetic compost based on wheat straw was prepared by fermentation and disinfection. After steam pasteurization, 5 g of A. bisporus mycelia were inoculated into 1 kg of compost. To determine the effects of formaldehyde, 2, 4, and 6% concentrations were added to the composts, while compost without formaldehyde was used for the control group. The harvesting period was set at 10 weeks. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, macro- and microelement profile, and phenolic content were analyzed in the harvested A. bisporus samples. Macro- and microelement content was determined by ICP-OES, and phenolic compound profile was determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. Formaldehyde levels in A. bisporus samples were determined by the acetylacetone spectrophotometry method. The antioxidant capacity of A. bisporus samples was determined by DPPH scavenging activity; antimutagenic effects of samples were determined by Allium test. Application of 2, 4, and 6% formaldehyde resulted in a 1.12-, 1.19-, and 2.07-fold reduction in total phenolic content, respectively. The total phenolic content was reduced between 34.4% and 71.8%. These changes were confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Compounds such as protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid, and 4-OH benzoic acid, which were detected in the control group, could not be detected in the samples treated with 6% formaldehyde, and it was found that the application of formaldehyde reduced the phenolic content. Similar changes were also observed in macro- and microelements, and significant changes in elemental contents were observed after formaldehyde application. While the presence of formaldehyde at a low level, which may be due to natural production, was detected in the control group, a residue of 11.41 ± 0.93 mg/kg was determined in the 6% FMD applied group. All these changes resulted in a decrease in the antioxidant activity of A. bisporus. The DPPH scavenging activity, which was determined in the range of 21.6-73.3% in the control samples, decreased to 12.3-56.7% in the samples treated with formaldehyde. These results indicate that the application of formaldehyde at different stages of A. bisporus cultivation leads to significant changes in the nutritional value and biological activity of A. bisporus.

Differential responses to heat stress in normal and dwarf chickens: implications for meat quality and immune function

Abstract This study investigated the impact of heat stress (HS) on meat quality, antioxidant ability, and immunity in normal and dwarf-size chickens. A total of 144 chickens, with 72 from the normal yellow chicken (NYC) strain and 72 from the dwarf yellow chicken (DYC) strain, were equally divided into groups exposed to heat stress (35±1°C for 8 hours daily) and those kept at 28±1°C as the control group. After seven days of treatment, meat color parameters, including lightness (L*-value), redness (a*-value), and yellowness (b*-value), were assessed. Histopathological examination was conducted on spleen tissues to assess structural changes. Gene expression analysis determined the expression levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, and liver catalase (CAT) related to immune response and antioxidant capacity. HS significantly affected meat color parameters, with an increase in lightness (L*-value) (P<0.01) and a decrease in redness (a*-value) (P<0.01) observed in breast and thigh muscles. Furthermore, HS led to increased drip loss (P<0.05), cooking loss (P<0.05), and shear force (P<0.01) in breast muscles. Histopathological examination of spleen tissues revealed varying degrees of lymphoid depletion, necrosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration in response to HS. Gene expression analysis showed that HS upregulated the expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-6 in the spleen of NYC (P<0.05) but not in DYC. Additionally, HS reduced the expression of liver catalase (CAT) in NYC (P<0.05) but had no significant effect on DYC. These findings indicate that HS adversely affects meat quality, immune response, and antioxidant capacity in broilers, with normal-sized chickens being more susceptible to these effects compared to dwarf chickens. The results provide valuable insights into the differential responses of chicken strains to HS and underscore the importance of considering genetic factors in mitigating the negative impacts of heat stress on poultry production.

Terminalia chebula attenuates restraint stress-induced memory impairment and synaptic loss in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala by inhibiting oxidative damage

Chronic restraint stress induces cognitive abnormalities through changes in synapses and oxidant levels in the amygdala and hippocampus. Given the neuroprotective effects of fruit of Terminalia chebula (Halileh) in different experimental models, the present investigation aimed to address whether Terminalia chebula is able to reduce chronic restraint stress-induced behavioral, synaptic and oxidant markers in the rat model. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: control (did not receive any treatment and were not exposed to stress), stress (restraint stress for 2 h a day for 14 consecutive days), Terminalia chebula (received 200 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia chebula), and stress + Terminalia chebula groups (received 200 mg/kg extract of Terminalia chebula twenty minutes before stress) (n = 8 in each group). We used the shuttle box test to assess learning and memory, Golgi-Cox staining to examine dendritic spine density in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus and the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) in the brain. The shuttle box test results demonstrated that Terminalia chebula treatment had a profound positive effect on memory parameters, including step-through latency (STL) and time spent in the dark room, when compared to the stress group. Daily oral treatment with Terminalia chebula effectively suppressed the loss of neural spine density in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus and the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala caused by chronic restraint stress, as demonstrated by Golgi-Cox staining. Additionally, the results indicate that Terminalia chebula significantly reduced the TOS and increased TAC in the brain compared to the stress group. In conclusion, our results suggest that Terminalia chebula improved memory impairment and synaptic loss in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala induced by restraint stress via inhibiting oxidative damage.

Microencapsulated essential oils alleviate diarrhea in weaned piglets by modulating the intestinal microbial barrier as well as not inducing antibiotic resistance: a field research

Microencapsulated essential oils (MEO)have been used as antibiotic alternatives that can be applied to alleviate diarrhea in weaning piglet. We examined a large group of weaned piglets and incorporated essential oil containing thymol (2%), carvacrol (5%) and cinnamaldehyde (3%) in the feed of weaned piglets on an intensive production farm. The piglets were divided into four groups; Control (no additions) and chlortetracycline (Chl), essential oil (EO) and microencapsulated essential oil (MEO) were fed ad libitum over a 28-day trial period. We found MEO significantly reduced the incidence of diarrhea in the piglets that was also accompanied by increased average daily weight gains from days 14–28 (p < 0.05). MEO enhanced the antioxidant capacity in the piglets and serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05). MEO also significantly reduced expression of genes related to ileal inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1) (p < 0.05) and significantly (p < 0.05) increased in sIgA antibody levels. MEO influenced the composition of the intestinal microbiome and reduced Bacteroidota (p < 0.05) and thus altered the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio. However, none of the treatments produced significant changes in the most common tetracycline resistance genes (p > 0.05). Metagenomic analysis indicated that MEO impacted DNA expression, virulence factors, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. Metabolomic analysis of the intestinal content also indicated that MEO impacted tyrosine metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis suggesting improved intestinal health and nutrient absorption. This study paves the way for further research into the development and optimization of MEO-based interventions aimed at improving piglet health and performance while also providing a reference for reducing reliance on antibiotics in animal agriculture.

Field screening and identification of biochemical indices of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) resistance in chickpea mutants

Chickpea pod borer (CPB) (Helicoverpa armigera) is one of the major pests, causing significant yield losses. The objectives were to screen chickpea mutants for pod borer resistance/tolerance under field conditions and identification of biochemical markers of tolerance. Chickpea mutant CM216-A/15 had highest leaf (25 trichomes/mm2) and stem trichome density (17 trichomes/mm2) with least pod damage at Kallur Kot and highest pod weight per plant (22.8 ± 2.6g) at AZRI. Higher total phenolic contents (TPCs) and antioxidant capacity were detected in tolerant mutants, i.e., CM216-A/15 and CM664/15. TPC was positively associated with pod yield and had negative correlation with pod damage. Mutants CM216-A/15, CM664/15, and CM766/15 depicted the highest resilience to CPB, owing to higher hairiness, better antioxidant defense response, and lower levels of hydrolytic enzymes and sugars. Identified biochemical markers like TPC, total oxidant status, superoxide dismutase, and pigments can be used for screening of CPB-tolerant/resistant mutants.

Separation and characterization of the antioxidant active component from Maillard reaction products in xylose-lysine system

ABSTRACT Maillard reaction products (MRPs) play a crucial role in preserving food quality due to their antioxidant capacity. In this study, we isolated and characterized the antioxidant components from MRPs using a xylose-lysine system under optimal conditions. Methylene chloride and ethyl acetate were employed for sequential extractions, and the ethyl acetate phase underwent thin-layer chromatography and silica column separation. The identified compound, 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5 H)-furanone (3H4MFN), was analyzed using FT-IR, GC-MS, and NMR, revealing its volatile nature with a chemical formula of C5H6O3. Further activity analysis demonstrated that 3H4MFN exhibited higher or comparable antioxidant activity to vitamin C (VC) and vitamin B6 (VB6). This newly discovered compound shows potential as a natural antioxidant in cosmetics, food, and nutraceutical applications.

Activity of NAD(P)H-Oxidoreductases in Ovarian Cancer

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important and controversial role in carcinogenesis. Microsomal redox chains containing NADH- and NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases are among the main sites of intracellular ROS synthesis, but their role in the oxidative balance has not been fully studied. Here, we studied the activity of cytochrome b5 reductase (CYB5R) and cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) in ovarian cancer tissues and cells isolated from peritoneal fluid, along with the antioxidant capacity of peritoneal fluid. We used the developed a chemiluminescence assay based on stimulation with NADH and NADPH, which reflects the activity of CYB5R and CYPOR, respectively. The activity of CYB5R and CYPOR was significantly higher in moderately and poorly differentiated ovarian adenocarcinomas compared with well-differentiated adenocarcinomas and cystadenomas. For the chemotherapy-resistant tumors, the activity of tissue CYB5R and CYPOR was lower compared to the non-resistant tumors. In the peritoneal fluid, the antioxidant capacity significantly increased in this series, benign tumors < well-differentiated < moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, so the antioxidant excess was observed for moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. The antioxidant capacity of peritoneal fluid and the activity of CYB5R and CYPOR of cells isolated from peritoneal fluid were characterized by a direct moderate correlation for moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. These results indicate the significant role of NAD(P)H oxidoreductases and the antioxidant potential of peritoneal fluid in cancer biochemistry. The parameters studied are useful for diagnostics and prognostics. The developed assay can be used to analyze CYB5R and CYPOR activity in other tissues and cells.

Effect of Fiber and Insect Powder Addition on Selected Organoleptic and Nutritional Characteristics of Gluten-Free Bread

A wide range of gluten-free bakery products are already available on the market. However, they often have a low proportion of fiber and inferior sensory properties when compared to classic baked goods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the addition of different types of fiber and insect powder on selected organoleptic and nutritional properties of gluten-free pieces of bread and to reformulate a recipe for gluten-free bread. Twenty experimental samples were prepared with different types and percentages of fiber, either alone or in combination. Sensory analysis, instrumental texture analysis, and chemical analyses, including predicted glycemic index, were carried out. A total of 16 of the 24 fiber-enriched samples received an average or slightly above-average rating. The samples containing the fiber mixture without insect powder and the sample containing 9% flaxseed performed best in the overall evaluation. The combination of different types of plant fibers simultaneously with the incorporation of insect powder in a low concentration appears to be advantageous, both from the viewpoint of sensory acceptability and also from the viewpoint of the potential for increasing the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. This study lists the sensorially acceptable range of fiber concentrations, which can be a guide for the bakery industry.

Pitahaya (Hylocereus ocamponis)-Peel and -Flesh Flour Obtained from Fruit Co-Products—Assessment of Chemical, Techno-Functional and In Vitro Antioxidant Properties

The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition and physico-chemical, techno-functional, and in vitro antioxidant properties of flours obtained from the peel and flesh of pitahaya (Hylocereus ocamponis) to determine their potential for use as ingredients for food enrichment. The chemical composition, including total betalains, mineral content, and polyphenolic profile, was determined. The techno-functional properties (water holding, oil holding, and swelling capacities) were also evaluated. For the antioxidant capacity, four different methodologies, namely ferrous ion-chelating ability assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay; 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability assay, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical assay, were used. Pitahaya-peel flour had higher values for protein (6.72 g/100 g), ash (11.63 g/100 g), and dietary fiber 56.56 g/100 g) than pitahaya-flesh flour, with values of 6.06, 3.63, and 8.22 g/100 g for protein, ash, and dietary fiber, respectively. In the same way, pitahaya peel showed a higher content of minerals, betalains, and polyphenolic compounds than pitahaya-flesh flour, with potassium (4.43 g/100 g), catechin (25.85 mg/g), quercetin-3-rhamnoside (11.66 mg/g) and myricetrin (12.10 mg/g) as principal compounds found in the peel. Again, pitahaya-peel flour showed better techno-functional and antioxidant properties than pitahaya-flesh flour. The results obtained suggest that the flours obtained from the peel and pulp of pitahaya (H. ocamponis) constitute a potential material to be utilized as an ingredient in the food industry due to the high content of bioactive compounds such as betalains, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, with notable antioxidant capacity.

The Effect of Cinnamon Bark Extract (Cinnamomum burmanii) on Blood Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels in Hyperglycemia Rats

Hyperglycemia is a condition where blood glucose levels increase beyond normal limits. Hyperglycemia can induce oxidative stress conditions caused by an increase in free radicals and a reduction in endogenous antioxidant defenses, characterized by an increase in blood malondialdehyde levels. Oxidative stress causes malondialdehyde levels to increase and endogenous antioxidants to decrease, therefore the body needs exogenous antioxidants. One plant that is rich in antioxidants is cinnamon bark, where cinnamon bark can increase antioxidant capacity. This study aims to examine the effect of cinnamon bark extract (Cinnamomum burmanii) on reducing blood malondialdehyde levels in hyperglycemic rats. This research is experimental research using the Post Test-Only Control Group design. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6), negative control (K-), positive control (K+), P1 (dose 100 mg/kgBW), P2 (dose 200 mg/kgBW), P3 (dose 300 mg/kgBW). The normality test was carried out using the Shapiro-Wilk test followed by One Way Anova and Kruskal Wallis. The results showed that cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmanii) was proven to be able to reduce blood malondialdehyde levels, where the optimal dose was P1 (dose 100mg/kgBW) whereas in the P1 group, the average malondialdehyde levels were found to be the lowest compared to other treatment groups. Keywords: Hyperglycemia; cinnamon bark; malondialdehyde; oxidative stress

Production of Anthocyanin-Rich Red Rose Petal Extract by Enzymatic Maceration

The use of enzymes to hydrolyze the plant cell matrix is a method known for extracting bioactive substances. The current work used this strategy to produce a rose petal extract rich in anthocyanins that is stable in the presence of marine polysaccharides and has a high antioxidant activity. The process evaluation was carried out sequentially, initially comparing water, ethanol, and their mixtures to anthocyanins extracted in the presence or absence of enzymes. Then, a multi-objective desirability function optimized experimental conditions such as solvent and enzyme concentrations. This study is the first report describing the use of a statistical tool, the central composite rotatable design (CCRD), to optimize anthocyanin extraction from rose petals. This method obtained a maximum extraction of 9.99 mg/g of phenols. The stability of the rose petal extract when using marine polysaccharides retained 60% of the anthocyanins over 28 days without deterioration when protected from sunlight but was practically degraded upon exposure to sunlight. The rose petal extract demonstrated a very high antioxidant capacity of 3.19 μg/mL, close to the literature data for citrus compounds, known to be high in antioxidant compounds for cosmetic food purposes.

Analysis of Maternal and Fetal Oxidative Stress During Delivery with Epidural Analgesia.

Childbirth is a stressful event for mothers, and labor epidural analgesia (LEA) may reduce mental stress. Mental stressors include labor pain, fear, and anxiety, which induce oxidative stress. In this study, we focused on oxidative stress during delivery and conducted a cross-sectional analysis of maternal and fetal oxidative stress. The participants included 15 women who received LEA (LEA group) and 15 who did not (No LEA group). Participants with a gestational age of < 37weeks, BMI of ≥ 35kg/m2, cerebrovascular or cardiovascular complications, multiple pregnancies, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, thyroid disease, birth weight of < 2,500g, emergency cesarean section, or cases in which epidural anesthesia was re-administered during delivery were excluded from the study. Maternal blood was collected on admission, and immediately after delivery, and umbilical artery blood was collected from the fetus. The oxidative stress status was assessed by measuring diacron-reactive oxygen metabolite (an index of the degree of lipid peroxide oxidation), biological antioxidant potential (an index of antioxidant capacity) and calculating the ratio of BAP/d-ROMs (an index of the oxidative stress). The results showed that maternal oxidative stress immediately after delivery was lower in the LEA group than in the No LEA group. Moreover, the fetuses experienced less oxidative stress in the LEA group than in the No LEA group. Taken together, these results suggest that LEA may reduce maternal and fetal oxidative stress associated with childbirth.

Seed osmopriming with polyethylene glycol (PEG) enhances seed germination and seedling physiological traits of Coronilla varia L. under water stress.

Water stress can adversely affect seed germination and plant growth. Seed osmopriming is a pre-sowing treatment in which seeds are soaked in osmotic solutions to undergo the first stage of germination prior to radicle protrusion. Seed osmopriming enhances germination performance under stressful environmental conditions, making it an effective method to improve plant resistance and yield. This study analyzed the effect of seed osmopriming with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on seed germination and physiological parameters of Coronilla varia L. Priming treatments using 10% to 30% PEG enhanced germination percentage, germination vigor, germination index, vitality index, and seedling mass and reduced the time to reach 50% germination (T50). The PEG concentration that led to better results was 10%. The content of soluble proteins (SP), proline (Pro), soluble sugars (SS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Coronilla varia L. seedlings increased with the severity of water stress. In addition, under water stress, electrolyte leakage rose, and peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities intensified, while catalase (CAT) activity increased at mild-to-moderate water stress but declined with more severe deficiency. The 10% PEG priming significantly improved germination percentage, germination vigor, germination index, vitality index, and time to 50% germination (T50) under water stress. Across the water stress gradient here tested (8 to 12% PEG), seed priming enhanced SP content, Pro content, and SOD activity in Coronilla varia L. seedlings compared to the unprimed treatments. Under 10% PEG-induced water stress, primed seedlings displayed a significantly lower MDA content and electrolyte leakage than their unprimed counterparts and exhibited significantly higher CAT and POD activities. However, under 12% PEG-induced water stress, differences in electrolyte leakage, CAT activity, and POD activity between primed and unprimed treatments were not significant. These findings suggest that PEG priming enhances the osmotic regulation and antioxidant capacity of Coronilla varia seedlings, facilitating seed germination and seedling growth and alleviating drought stress damage, albeit with reduced efficacy under severe water deficiency.