Flavonoid Antioxidant Research Articles

The Eliciting Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum Algae on the Cultivation of Arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) Microgreens

This study showed the eliciting effect of aqueous extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum on the development of Eruca sativa microgreens in a quartz-based substrate. There is no information in the literature on the impact of its use on the quality, bioactive compound content, and nutritional value of arugula microgreens. Assays that have been made include the following: total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV), enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and enzymes involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. The total phenolic content of arugula microgreens increased significantly after an application of aqueous extracts of A. nodosum to the substrate. The greatest increase in flavonoid content (89%) and antioxidant activity against DPPH (82%) was observed at a concentration of 2.5%. The highest increase in activity of CAT (68.2%), SOD (25%), PAL (13-fold), and PPO (84.2%) was observed with the application of 5% extract. In conclusion, the use of Ascophyllum nodosum algae affects TPC and TFV, antioxidant activity, PAL, PPO, SOD, and CAT in the microgreens studied. By prioritising organic and environmentally friendly extracts, growers can contribute to a more sustainable and healthier food system, especially in the case of the production of Eruca sativa microgreens.

Neuroprotective effect of diosmin against chlorpyrifos-induced brain intoxication was mediated by regulating PPAR-γ and NF-κB/AP-1 signals

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphate (OP) pesticide. Unfortunately, pesticides are known to cause neuronal intoxication. Diosmin (DS) is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective flavonoid with high efficacy and safety. We plan to investigate the efficacy of DS in treating CPF-induced neurotoxicity, as well as the mechanisms underlying the protective effects. In our study, rats were randomized into 5 groups: control, DS (50 mg/kg), CPF (10 mg/kg), CPF + DS (25 mg/kg), and CPF + DS (50 mg/kg). The results indicated that DS ameliorated neuronal intoxication induced by CPF, evidenced by decreasing Tau, p-Tau, and β-amyloid. Histological examinations support these findings. DS significantly ameliorated CPF-induced neuronal oxidative injury by decreasing MDA content and elevating GSH, GST, and SOD levels mediated by PPAR-γ upregulation. DS suppressed CPF-induced brain inflammation by decreasing MPO enzymatic activity and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels mediated by downregulation of NF-κB/AP-1(c-FOS and c-JUN) signal. Of note, DS protective effects were dose dependent. In conclusion, our data suggested that DS was a promising therapeutic strategy for attenuating CPF-induced neuronal intoxication by restoring oxidant-antioxidant balance and inhibiting inflammatory response in brain tissues.

Quality Parameters of Plum Orchard Subjected to Conventional and Ecological Management Systems in Temperate Production Area

Environmental protection, global food security, and nutritional quality are critical issues for worldwide sustainable development. Plums (Prunus domestica L.), well-known for their rich nutritional content and distinct phytochemical profile, have received increased attention due to their potential health benefits. The present study evaluates the ecological and conventional management systems of quality parameters in three plum varieties—Tuleu Gras, Record, and Centenar—and establishes suitable practices to improve fruit quality and yields. The fruit morphometric features (color, firmness, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, and total sugar) were analyzed during their raw fruit state, while different fruit-sample extracts were assessed for phytochemical compounds and heavy metal concentrations, specifically, zinc, copper, nickel, and cadmium. The results show a wide variability in the examined characteristics among management practices that differentially accumulated throughout the ripening phase and significantly influenced the nutritional value of the plum fruit. The application of an ecological management practice yielded small plum fruits (38 g) and maintained a more consistent and vigorous fruit color compared with the conventional system (83 g). Moreover, ecological plums have higher antioxidant activities, total polyphenols, and flavonoids (21.70–25.54 µM Trolox/g of dw, 3.89–7.76 mg GAE/ g of dw, and 1.45–3.65 mg CE/g of dw, respectively). Among the content of metals in the plum fruit, copper exhibited the highest concentrations (0.83–1.21 mg/kg), while cadmium was detected at the lowest levels (0.006–0.009 mg/kg). The potential health implications of heavy metals, by calculating their estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI), for both adults and children were also analyzed. The EDI values of accumulated elements in the plum fruits followed the order of Cu > Zn > Ni > Cd with no concern for human health (THQ and HI < 1). According to this study’s findings, fruit quality parameters are significantly higher in ecological plums, providing a compelling argument for adopting sustainable agricultural practices. These results highlight the importance of selecting sustainable agricultural practices, not only to safeguard the environment but also to ensure high-quality products suitable for human consumption.

Antioxidant Enzyme, Transcriptomic, and Metabolomic Changes in Lily (Lilium spp.) Leaves Induced by Aphis gossypii Glover.

Cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) cause harm by feeding on phloem sap and spreading plant viruses to lily. Understanding the mechanisms by which aphids infest lily plants is crucial for effective aphid management and control. In this study, we investigated the activity of antioxidants, integrated nontargeted metabolomes and transcriptomes of lilies infested by cotton aphids to explore the changes in lily leaves. Overall, the results indicated that the catalase (CAT) activity in the leaves of the lily plants was greater than that in the leaves of the control plants. A comprehensive identification of 604 substances was conducted in the leaves. Furthermore, the differentially abundant metabolite analysis revealed the enrichment of phenylalanine metabolism and α-linolenic acid metabolism. Moreover, 3574 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), whose expression tended to increase, were linked to glutathione metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In addition, the integrated analysis revealed that the defensive response of lily leaves to aphids is manifested through antioxidant reactions, phenylpropane and flavonoid biosynthesis, and α-linolenic acid metabolism. Finally, the key metabolites were CAT, glutathione, coumaric acid, and jasmonic acid, along with the key genes chalcone synthase (CHS), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase (OPR). Accordingly, the findings of this research elucidate the molecular and metabolic reactions of A. gossypii in lily plants, offering valuable insights for developing aphid resistance strategies in lily farming.

Optimizing Production, Characterization, and In Vitro Behavior of Silymarin-Eudragit Electrosprayed Fiber for Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A Chemical Study.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects approximately 1.6 million Americans. While current polyphenols for treating IBD can be expensive and cause unwanted side effects, there is an opportunity regarding a new drug/polymer formulation using silymarin and an electrospray procedure. Silymarin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant that has shown promising results as a pharmacological agent due to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective characteristics. This study aims to produce a drug-polymer complex named the SILS100-Electrofiber complex, using an electrospray system. The vertical set-up of the electrospray system was optimized at a 1:10 of silymarin and Eudragit® S100 polymer to enhance surface area and microfiber encapsulation. The SILS100-Electrofiber complex was evaluated using drug release kinetics via UV Spectrophotometry, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Drug loading, apparent solubility, and antioxidant activity were also evaluated. The study was successful in creating fiber-like encapsulation of the silymarin drug with strand diameters ranging from 5-7 μm, with results showing greater silymarin release in Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF) compared to Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF). Moving forward, this study aims to provide future insight into the formulation of drug-polymer complexes for IBD treatment and targeted drug release using electrospray and microencapsulation.

A novel ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction method of total flavonoids from Viticis Fructus and processed Viticis Fructus: Comparison of in vitro antioxidant activity

In this study, it is the first that the Viticis Fructus (VF) was used as the raw material for extracting total flavonoids using the ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction (UAE) method. Response surface methodology was employed to determine the optimal extraction parameters. The optimal conditions were as follows: 60 % ethanol solution as the extract solvent, material–liquid ratio of 1:25, pH value of 4, enzyme addition amount of 1.5 %, enzymatic hydrolysis time of 30 min, enzymatic hydrolysis temperature of 40 ℃, and ultrasonic time of 50 min. Comparing the total flavonoid yield of VF and processed VF (PVF) extracted using different methods, it was observed that UAE resulted in a higher total flavonoid yield compared to traditional ultrasound extraction and enzyme extraction. Additionally, the total flavonoid yield of PVF extracted by all three methods was generally higher than that of VF. The PVF solution extracted by UAE also demonstrated better in vitro antioxidant activity compared to VF. These results suggest that UAE is an effective method to enhance the activity of natural total flavonoids. The study of the physicochemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activity of VF and PVF showed that the total flavonoid yield and antioxidant activity significantly increased after VF stir-frying, indicating that their efficacy can also be enhanced.

Effect of fermentation with single and co-culture of lactic acid bacteria on Chinese Elaeagnus angustifolia juice: Evaluation of bioactive compounds and volatile profiles

Chinese Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) is a homologous food and medicine that is rich in bioactive substances, and most EA is currently treated as an abandoned resource. In this study, various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were used to ferment EA juice to improve its content of bioactive compounds and the aroma profile to develop a nutritious and acceptable EA beverage. The growth characteristics, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and aroma profiles of the EA juice after fermentation by pure and mixed LAB were measured. The results of pure LAB fermentation showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus (BL) had strong adaptability in EA juice, and Lactobacillus fermentium (BF) had the greatest ability to improve its probiotic function. 1-nonanol, 3-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-, 2-tridecanone, pentanoic acid, and 10-octadecenal could be the typical aroma substances of coculture-fermented EA juice. This is the first study in which EA processing by LAB fermentation has been investigated. The results proved that the fermentation of EA by mixed BL and BF could be a promising method for the high-value utilization of EA.

Galangin attenuates chlorpyrifos-induced kidney injury by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation and upregulating Nrf2 and farnesoid-X-receptor in rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a highly toxic commonly used pesticide and can seriously harm human health. This study assessed the potential of galangin (GAL), an antioxidant flavonoid, to attenuate oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney injury caused by CPF, emphasizing the role of farnesoid-x-receptor (FXR) and Nrf2. Rats were supplemented with CPF and GAL for 28 days. CPF increased serum creatinine, urea and Kim-1, provoked several tissue alterations, and increased kidney ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, iNOS, and caspase-3. GAL effectively ameliorated serum kidney injury markers, ROS, MDA, and TNF-α, suppressed NF-κB p65, iNOS, and caspase-3, and enhanced antioxidants. GAL suppressed Keap1 and upregulated FXR, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 in CPF-administered rats. GAL exhibited binding affinity with Keap1, FXR, caspase-3, iNOS, HO-1, and NF-κB. In conclusion, GAL is effective in preventing CPF nephrotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. This protection is linked to upregulation of antioxidants, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and FXR.

Hot air-assisted radio frequency drying of orange slices: Drying behavior and product quality.

This research aimed to assess the hot air-assisted radio frequency drying (HA-RFD) of orange slices to evaluate the possibility of producing high-quality dried orange slices and overcome the problem of the long drying time and the high energy consumption. The effect of electrode distance (60, 70, and 80mm) and number of slices (1-3 slices; 4mm thickness per slice) on the HA-RFD of orange slices was evaluated. Orange slices in three layers with a total thickness of 12mm and an electrode gap of 70mm were picked to dry the orange slices in the shortest time. The quality of orange slices dried with HA-RFD was compared with those of HA-dried (HAD) and freeze-dried (FD) samples. HA-RFD allowed a 67% decrease in the time of drying of the orange slices (from 1170 to 390min) when compared to HAD. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and color values were affected by the drying technique. HA-RFD showed higher TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity than HAD. The FD samples showed the highest TPC (928mgGAE/100gdw), TFC (200mgrutin/100gdw), and antioxidant activity (67.58%). Moreover, the samples dried with HA-RFD resulted in the least color change in comparison to HAD and FD samples. Regarding vitamin C, FD samples were the best, followed by HA-RFD and HAD, respectively. Considering the final product quality, and the characteristics of drying techniques, especially drying time and drying rate, HA-RFD proved to be an alternative technique to the HAD for producing dried orange slices. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: HA-RFD was applied for the first time as an alternative technology to dry orange slices. The quality of orange samples dried by HA-RFD was compared with samples that dried by HAD and FD. The results indicated that the HA-RFD technique is a good method to dry orange slices by considering the drying characteristics and the final product quality.

In vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Galega officinalis extracts.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the total phenolic, flavonoid, and galegine content and antioxidant activity, as well as the invitro antidiabetic potential of different extracts of Galega officinalis using the solvent extraction method. The results demonstrated that the highest yield of extraction (28.05%) and galegine content (17.40 ± 0.04 μg/g of sample) was obtained using water as the solvent (p < .05). However, the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (138.35 ± 0.63 mg GAE per gram of dried GOEs) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (189.12 ± 1.47 mg catechin per gram of dried GOEs) were extracted using A90 (acetone-water, 90:10) solvent. A90 extract exhibited the highest inhibition of sucrase activity (91.42%) (p < .05). Also, the inhibitory activity of A90 against α-amylase (59.96%), α-glucosidase (54.3%), and maltase (62.73%) was significantly higher than that of A70 (acetone-water, 70:30) and E20 (ethanol-water, 20:80) (p < .05). According to antioxidant activity results, the highest ABTS•+ (360.5 ± 15.69 μmol Trolox eq per gram of dried GOEs), hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity (3657.75 ± 21.56 μmol histidine eq per gram of dried GOEs), and FRAP assay (558.18 ± 20.26 μmol FeSO4 eq per gram of dried GOEs) were related to A90, while the best DPPH radical-scavenging activity and metal-chelating activity were related to A70 (302.66 ± 2.42 μmol Trolox equivalents per gram of dried GOEs) and E20 (36.5 ± 1.02 μmol EDTA eq per gram of dried GOEs), respectively. Taken together, A90 appears to be the best solvent to get Galega officinalis extract with the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic activity.

Fortification of functional yogurt by the phytochemicals extracted from pomegranate peel

Food by products are good sources of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals can be extracted, using different methods and utilized in developing different foods. This research aimed to characterize the bioactive phytochemicals extracted from pomegranate peel and to examine the impact of the phytochemicals on the nutritional, physicochemical, and microbial quality of the fortified functional yogurt. In this study, ethanol, methanol, and acetone were used to characterize total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and total antioxidant activity by the solvent extraction method. The ethanolic extracts showed a higher amount of total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin contents and total antioxidant activity than the methanolic and acetonic extracts. The ethanolic extracts were used for the fortification of functional yogurt at 0.25 % (S1), 0.5 % (S2), and 0.75 % (S3), respectively, compared with the control (S4). Functional yogurt fortified by pomegranate peel extract contained a higher amount of total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity. The extracts also had a significant (*p ≤ 0.05) effect on lowering pH, reducing syneresis, and increasing water holding capacity, gross energy, yellowing index, titratable acidity and firmness throughout the storage periods. The survivors of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus in the fortified yogurt were decreased. In case of sensory qualities, the fortified yogurts were almost identical to the control except S3 due to its pungent flavor. According to the findings, yogurt fortified with 0.5 % pomegranate peel was the best among the treatments, considering all parameters. This research gives an insight into optimizing yogurt fortification with pomegranate peel phytochemicals to improve its physicochemical and nutritional values.

Evaluation of physiochemical composition, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of Kombucha produced from Thunbergia laurifolia as a potential functional food

SummaryKombucha has gained global attention for its beneficial bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate Thunbergia laurifolia tea as a potential substrate for Kombucha production due to its rich polyphenol content and biological properties, including antioxidant and anticancer properties, through monoculture and simultaneous mixed coculture fermentation. The pH and brix of the teas decreased significantly during fermentation, indicating sugar hydrolysis and organic acid synthesis by fermenting microbes. The alcohol content was higher in yeast monocultures (45.80 ± 0.00¬50.23 ± 0.08 g L−1) compared to mixed coculture fermented (CBY) tea (20.16 ± 0.00 g L−1). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity increased significantly in CBY tea compared to non‐fermented and monoculture teas. CBY also exhibited the highest cumulative phenolic compound content, including rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, rutin, catechin, and quercetin, compared to monoculture teas. Overall, Thunbergia laurifolia tea shows promise as a substrate for kombucha production, with improved bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Activities of Gentiana ornata from Lauribinayak, Rasuwa, Nepal

Gentiana ornata (Wall. ex G. Don) Griseb, also called decorated gentian or showy gentian, has been used as a decoction plant in temperate regions of Nepal. This work aims to evaluate the phytochemical properties, antioxidant values, and pharmacological properties of this plant collected from Lauribinayak, Gosainkunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa, Nepal. The extract of whole plant was prepared by cold extraction process at 100% ethanol. Then, the qualitative preliminary phytochemical test of plant extract was performed to know its chemical constituents. The total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu method, total flavonoid content using aluminium chloride colorimetric assay and antioxidant potential of the plant extract were also determined by using diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reagent. The pharmacological activities like oral acute toxicity test, antidiarrheal test and anti-ulcer test were also carried out in laboratory animals. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, anthocyanin, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic constituents. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant assay value of this plant extract were 242.64±0.280 mg GAE/g, 39.23±0.005 mg QE/g and 42±0.072 µg/mL respectively. The extract showed no morbidity, mortality, toxicity signs, or symptoms in the oral acute toxicity test. Though it could not show considerable antidiarrheal effect by reducing gastrointestinal motility when compared to the standard drug, loperamide, it showed significant anti-ulcer effects by reducing gastric lesions when compared to the standard drug, sucralfate, which may be due to its mucosal protecting nature. Therefore, isolation and purification of phytochemicals responsible for the pharmacological activity of this plant have been recommended.

Toxicity Test, Antioxidant Activity, and Determination of Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) of N-Hexane and Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Uncaria Nervosa Elmer (Bajakah) Root Wood

Uncaria nervosa Elmer (local name: Bajakah) is one of the medicinal plants used as a cancer drug by the people of Muara Badak, East Kalimantan. The purpose of this study was to determine the total flavonoid content (TFC), toxicity, and antioxidant activity of the n-hexane (NH) and ethyl acetate (EA) fractions of Uncaria nervosa root wood. Determination of total flavonoids was carried out using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer with quercetin as a standard, toxicity test was carried out using the brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) method, and antioxidant test using the DPPH radical reduction method. Based on the results of this study, the total flavonoid content (TFC) of NH and EA fractions were 192 and 425 mg QE/g extract, respectively. Based on the results of the toxicity test on Artemia salina L. shrimp, the LC50 values were 11.91 ppm for NH and 33.19 ppm for EA. These LC50 values indicate that NH is very toxic and EA is toxic against Artemia salina L. While the antioxidant test results showed that EA was very significant as an antioxidant and NH was moderate with IC50 values of 17.54 ppm and 75.93, respectively.

Optimization and Spectrum-Effect Analysis of Ultrasonically Extracted Antioxidant Flavonoids from Persicae Ramulus.

The objectives of this study were to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted flavonoid extraction process from PR and to establish fingerprints in order to analyze the spectrum-effect relationship of antioxidant activity. The ultrasonic-assisted flavonoid extraction process from PR was optimized using RSM, and the fingerprints of twenty-eight batches of flavonoids from PR were established using UHPLC. Meanwhile, the in vitro antioxidant activity of PR was evaluated in DPPH and ABTS free radical-scavenging experiments. Then, the peaks of the effective antioxidant components were screened using the spectrum-effect relationships. The results show that the optimal extraction yield of flavonoids from PR was 3.24 ± 0.01 mg/g when using 53% ethanol, a 1:26 (g/mL) solid-liquid ratio, and 60 min of ultrasonic extraction. Additionally, the clearance of two antioxidant indices by the flavonoids extracted from PR had different degrees of correlation and showed concentration dependence. Simultaneously, the similarity of the UHPLC fingerprints of twenty-eight batches of PR samples ranged from 0.801 to 0.949, and four characteristic peaks, namely peaks 4, 12, 21, and 24, were screened as the peaks of the components responsible for the antioxidant effect of PR using a GRA, a Pearson correlation analysis, and a PLS-DA. In this study, characteristic peaks of the antioxidant effects of PR were screened in an investigation of the spectrum-effect relationship to provide a scientific basis for the study of pharmacodynamic substances and the elucidation of the mechanism of action of the antioxidant effect of PR.

ANALYSIS OF PROPOLIS STINGLESS BEE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM SEVERAL REGIONS IN INDONESIA

Objective: Propolis is a bee product collected by honeybees from a resinous substance of various plant sources. Its antioxidant activities are different from various geographic origins. This study aimed to analyze bioactive compounds by lC-MS/MS, compare antioxidant activity total phenolic and flavonoid contents in stingless bee propolis samples from several regions in Indonesia. Methods: The propolis samples were taken from stingless bee hives of Tetragonula clypearis from Sumbawa, Tetragonula laeviceps from Magelang, Tetragonula biroi from Bogor, and Geniotrigona thoracica from South Kalimantan). Analysis of bioactive compounds was identified by lC-MS/MS. The quantification of the chemical compound determined its total phenolics and flavonoid (TPC and TFC) contents. The antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. Results: The results of this study obtained 10 compounds from G. thoracica, 8 compounds each from T. laeviceps and T. biroi, and 7 compounds from T. clypearis. The results of TPC was ranging from 57.24±5.35 to 139.39±15.79 mg GAE/g. The TFC was ranging from 22.13±0.79 to 37.20±3.63 mg QE/g. With the highest TPC and TFC was propolis of G. thoracica. The IC50 of antioxidant activity was ranging from 11.12 to 162.72 ppm. Conclusion: The compounds contained in propolis T. clypearis, T. laeviceps, G. thoracica and T. biroi have a potential as a new herbal candidate as antioxidant agents.

The Protective Effect of Quercetin against the Cytotoxicity Induced by Fumonisin B1 in Sertoli Cells.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, is prevalent in crops and animal feed, posing significant health risks to livestock and humans. FB1 induces oxidative stress in Sertoli cells, destroys testicular structure, and affects spermatogenesis. However, methods to mitigate the reproductive toxicity of FB1 in testes remain unknown. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid antioxidant, may offer protective benefits. This study investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of quercetin against FB1-induced reproductive toxicity in TM4 cells (a Sertoli cell line). The results indicated that 40 μM quercetin improved cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and preserved cell functions. Quercetin also decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in TM4 cells exposed to FB1, enhanced the expression of antioxidant genes, and improved mitochondrial membrane potential. Compared with FB1 alone, the combination of quercetin and FB1 increased ATP levels, as well as pyruvate and lactic acid, the key glycolysis products. Furthermore, this combination elevated the mRNA and protein expression of glycolysis-related genes, including glucose-6-phosphate isomerase 1 (Gpi1), hexokinase 2 (Hk2), aldolase (Aldoa), pyruvate kinase, muscle (Pkm), lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) and phosphofructokinase, liver, B-type (Pfkl). Quercetin also boosted the activity of PKM and LDHA, two crucial glycolytic enzymes. In summary, quercetin mitigates FB1-induced toxicity in TM4 cells by reducing ROS levels and enhancing glycolysis. This study offers new insights into preventing and treating FB1-induced toxic damage to the male reproductive system and highlights the potential application of quercetin.

Aktivitas antioksidan, total fenolik, flavonoid dan saponin anggur laut (Caulerpa lentillifera) diekstrak dengan pelarut yang berbeda polaritas

Caulerpa lentillfera is a species of seaweed that belongs to the class Chlorophyceae (green seaweed). Caulerpa lentillifera contains secondary metabolites consisting of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins and phenols that can be used as antioxidants, antimicrobials, anticancer and others. This study was aimed to determine the total phenolic flavonoid compounds, saponins, and antioxidant activity of Caulerpa lentillifera extract. The research method used is an experiment by conducting a series of experiments, namely the extraction of Caulerpa lentillifera using the maceration method in stages with solvents of different polarity. The solvents used consisted of non-polar (n-hexane), semi-polar (ethyl acetate) and polar (methanol). The analysis parameters consisted of yield analysis, total phenol, flavonoid, saponin, and antioxidant activity. The yield of Caulerpa lentillifera extract extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol was 0.36; 0.39; and 0.42%. The content of saponins produced from hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were 0.14%; 0.17%; and 0.20%, respectively, in a 100 g sample. The total phenol produced in the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were 141,50 mgGAE/100 g and 154,65 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. Flavonoid content was 116,82 mg QE/100 g only found in methanol extract. The antioxidant activity of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts with IC50 values were 234.28, 203.96, and 124,77 ppm, respectively. Extracts of Caulerpa lentillifera with different polarity solvents were produced different bioactive components. Saponins were produced in all three types of solvents, phenol were found in ethyl acetate and methanol extracts and flavonoids only in methanol extract. The highest antioxidant activity of Caulerpa lentillifera was produced with methanol extract with IC 50 value of 124,77 ppm.

Effects of organic amendments on nutrient and quality characteristics of Salvia fruticosa Mill at different plant growth stages

ABSTRACT Salvia (Salvia fruticosa Mill) is used in traditional medicine and in food and pharmacological industries, and as organically grown plants are preferred it is important to understand how organic soil fertilisation regimes affect the nutritional status and quality of the plant. To address this, an experiment was conducted testing the direct (in the first year) and residual (in the second year) effects of different organic nutrient inputs; control (C: untreated plants), farmyard manure (FYM), chicken manure (CM), vermicompost (VC), and spent mushroom compost (SMC). In the first year, N concentrations in the salvia were increased by 15%–46% and 8%–16%, at beginning of flowering and at full flowering, respectively, indicating a direct effect of the organic amendments. In the second year, the residual effects of the organic amendments increased N concentrations by 8%–37% at beginning of flowering. The organic amendments also affected concentrations of P at full flowering and caused increases of 6%–23% in the first year and by 6%–18% in the second year. Soil organic matter increased by 13%–16% as direct effects of the organic amendments and by 14%–24% as residual effects. Antioxidant activity, total flavonoid and phenolic concentrations of the salvia increased with applications of organic amendments. Total phenolic concentration and antioxidant activity were positively correlated with N, Mn and Mg and negatively correlated with K, Ca and P in the plant leaves. VC and SMC were the most effective amendments for enhancing total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and plant nutrient concentrations.

Ethanolic Extract of Salvia officinalis Leaves Affects Viability, Survival, Migration, and the Formation and Growth of 3D Cultures of the Tumourigenic Murine HPV-16+-Related Cancer Cell Line.

Salvia officinalis (SO) is one of the most widely used plants in traditional medicine worldwide. In the present study, the effect of an ethanolic extract of S. officinalis leaves on hallmarks of cancer of HPV-16-positive cancer tumorigenic cells, TC-1, was analyzed in vitro. Phytochemical and spectroscopic analysis were performed. Additionally, the extract's flavonoid content, reducing iron, and antioxidant capacity were determined. In regard to the in vitro tests, the cytotoxic activity and its effect on the replicative capacity and on the cell migration of TC-1 cells were analyzed by viability and clonogenic, survival, and wound healing assays. The effect of a pre-treatment or treatment on 3D culture formation, growth, and reversion capacity was also examined. The results of the phytochemical analysis allowed the detection of tannins, saponins, steroids, and flavonoids. The flavonoids content was found to be 153.40 ± 10.68 µg/mg of extract. Additionally, the extract exhibited an antioxidant capacity and a ferric-reducing capacity of around 40% compared to the ascorbic acid. Thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis and spectroscopic tests showed the presence of compounds similar to quercetin and catechin flavonoids in the extract. In the in vitro assays, the SO extract induced in a concentration-dependent way changes in cell morphology, the decrease of cell viability, survival, and migration. At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the extract inhibited spheroid formation, reduced their growth, and affected their reversion to 2D. Ethanolic extract of S. officinalis leaves had inhibitory effects on hallmarks of the cancer line HPV-16+. This suggests that the phytochemicals present in it may be a source of chemotherapeutics against cervical cancer.