Antioxidant Free Radical Scavenging Research Articles

Flavonol-Ruthenium Complexes as Antioxidant and Anticancer Agents.

Flavonol-metal complexes can enhance the biological activity of flavonols. Inspired by the potential of ruthenium-based drugs in pharmaceutical applications, seven flavonol-Ru (II) complexes were synthesized to evaluate their biological activities. Among these compounds, compounds 8, 11, and 12 showed potent antioxidant activities. Compound 12 exhibited superior anti-inflammatory activity to natural quercetin, which served as a positive control. This study is the first to report the free radical scavenging abilities and antioxidant activity of flavonol-Ru (II) complexes. Furthermore, compound 12 demonstrated comparable efficacy to 5-FU against human non-small-cell lung cancer cells (A549). These results strongly support the potential of flavonol-Ru (II) agents.

Phytochemical characterization and valorization of Quercus ilex (west of Algeria)

<p><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;" lang="EN-US">This project is part of the promotion of natural resources such as Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). In order to assess the economic value of NTFP, this research focuses on the phytochemical analysis of holm oak (</span><em><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;" lang="EN-US">Quercus ilex </span></em><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;" lang="EN-US">L.) from the Terni region (Western Algeria). It focused on bioactive substances, particularly polyphenols. The method used consists of extracting the phenolic compounds by two methods which are maceration and ultrasound from the leaves and bark of this species. The quantity of these compounds is assessed spectrometrically and the antioxidant activity of the extracts in vitro using free radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. The results obtained indicate that maceration offers the best yield for extracting phenolic compounds from the leaves, with a yield of 10.74%. These results also showed that the extracts of holm oak leaves and bark are rich in phenolic compounds and have a content of total phenols (103,014±1,393 and 813.462±1.675 mg EAG/g DM), flavonoids (87.078±6.220 and 949.936±36.394 mg EC/g DM) and condensed tannins (57.194±12.447 and 940.195±20.417 mg EC/g DM). Regarding the antioxidant power, it is evident that all extracts have significant antioxidant capacity, and all have high free radical scavenging activity. The highest inhibition percents are 84.98±7.45% for the leaf extract and 83.15±9.27% for the bark extract. According to these results, holm oak contains a large quantity of polyphenols and antioxidant molecules. This information represents a natural source of antioxidants which remains to be exploited for future use in the agri-food and health sectors, within the broader framework of promoting the biodiversity of Algerian plants (NTFP).</span></p>

Green-synthesis of silver nanoparticles AgNPs from Podocarpus macrophyllus for targeting GBM and LGG brain cancers via NOTCH2 gene interactions

Brain tumors, particularly Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and Low-Grade Gliomas (LGG), present significant clinical challenges due to their aggressive nature and resistance to conventional treatments. Traditional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are often limited in efficacy, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology, particularly the use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), offers a targeted and potentially more effective approach. This study focuses on the green synthesis of Ag NPs using Podocarpus macrophyllus leaf extract as a reducing agent. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized for their physicochemical properties, demonstrating a controlled particle size of 13 nm as determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy revealed that silver constituted approximately 90% of the nanoparticle composition. The Ag NPs exhibited promising biological activity, including 90% free radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity, 99.15% inhibition of protein denaturation (anti-inflammatory activity), and 90.56% inhibition of alpha-amylase (anti-diabetic activity). Additionally, the nanoparticles displayed significant anti-hemolytic (89.9% inhibition) and antimicrobial activities, with a 20 mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus species. Computational analyses further indicated that the NOTCH2 gene, which is upregulated in LGG and GBM, may interact with Ag NPs, suggesting their potential in brain cancer therapy. The green synthesis approach offers a sustainable and bioactive method for producing Ag NPs, underscoring their therapeutic promise for treating GBM and LGG.

Phytochemical Constituent and Cumulative or Antagonistic Effects of Crops Plant Organ Combination on Free Radical Scavenging Capacity and Antioxidant Compound Content

Aims: In Burkina Faso, the majority of plant-based recipes are a combination of plant organs from the same or different species. For these recipes’ producers, the aim is to improve efficiency. However, our ethnobotanical surveys have revealed that for some species, efficacy is better when the species is not combined, or when it is combined in small proportions with other species. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of plant organ combination on free radical scavenging activity, phenolic compound content and flavonoid content. Study Design: The work combined harvesting and processing of plant material from September to November 2023, and laboratories analysis from January to March 2024 at Natural Substances Departement of Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologie, Ouagadougou. Methodology: We prepared two batches of recipes, first combining two species from the same genus, then two species from different genera. The powder of each plant without combination was also used to compare data. Phytochemical screening was first carried out with TLC and LC-MS analysis on each plant extract. We then assessed the phenolic compound content (PCC) using Folin-Ciocalteu method, flavonoid content (FCC) using aluminum chloride test, antioxidant content using TEAC method and free radical scavenging activity using DPPH method, for different batches. Results: Phytochemical constituent in the three species are phenolic compounds, terpenoids and nitrogen derivatives. The results of biological property evaluation suggest that for best efficacy and to obtain a high phenolic compound content, Lippia multiflora leaves should be used separately, or combined in 70% proportions with Lippia alba, then in 50% proportions if the combination is made with Ocimum basilicum. Conclusion: This research has provided relevant results to guide players in the field of traditional medicine and users of herbal remedies.

Characterisation and biological activities of synthesised copper oxide nanoparticles from the Pimpinella anisum L. aqueous extract

AbstractNanoparticles can be synthesised by several methods. Due to the long duration, high cost, and toxic by-products of chemical and physical methods, the biological method has become more preferred. Among various sources such as bacteria, fungi, or yeast, the use of plants in biological synthesis has proven to be the most ideal. Many metals can be used in the biological method, including copper oxide (CuO). In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesised using Pimpinella anisum L. aqueous extract. For characterisation of the CuONPs, UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses were performed. The biological activity of the P. anisum extract and CuONPs was determined using DNA cleavage (agarose gel electrophoresis), antioxidant (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity), mutagenic (Ames/Salmonella test), and catalytic (methylene blue degradation) activities. In DNA cleavage activity test, CuONPs completely denatured DNA at high concentrations (100 and 200 μg mL−1) due to their oxidative activity. The results showed that both the extract and CuONPs have antioxidant properties in DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities. According to the mutagenicity, CuONPs did not have a mutagenic effect. In catalytic activity, CuONPs degraded methylene blue within 240 min by 99.45%.

GC-MS profile, total phenolic, and DPPH radical scavenging activity of Saurauia minahassae stembark ethyl acetate extract

Several species of the genus Saurauia have been traditionally used as remedies. However, Saurauria minahassae, as an endemic plant, is still understudied. This study aims to reveal the total phenolics, GC-MS profile, and bioactivity as DPPH free radical scavengers of ethyl acetate extract of S.minahassae collected from Banggai Island, Indonesia. Determination of Total Phenolic Content (TPC) was conducted using the colorimetry method by spectrophotometer. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and TLC-bioautography performed analysis of secondary metabolites and qualitative DPPH free radical scavenging activity, respectively. GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the chemical compounds of the extract. The extract’s IC50 value and Antioxidant activity index (AAI) were performed by serial microdilution method on the 96-microwell plate. The results showed that TPC was 432.33 mg GAE/g extract. TLC analysis revealed several metabolites, and TLC-bioautography also revealed several compounds active as DPPH free radical scavengers. The ethyl acetate extract of S. minahassae is categorized as a very strong DPPH free radical scavenger or potent antioxidant with an IC50 value of 3.29 ug/ml and AAI of 9.32. GC-MS profile of the ethyl acetate extract of S.minahassae stembark contained several compounds with antioxidant activity. The potential antioxidant activity of S. minahassae stembark extract was contributed by phenolic content and several compounds with antioxidant activity in the extract. This extract could be a good source of natural antioxidants, and S. minahassae sustainability as an endemic plant should be maintained.

Melatonin as an Ameliorative Agent Against Cadmium- and Lead-Induced Toxicity in Fish: an Overview.

Diverse anthropogenic activities and lack of knowledge on its consequences have promoted serious heavy metal contaminations in different aquatic systems throughout the globe. The non-biodegradable nature of most of these toxic heavy metals has increased the concern on their possible bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms as well as in other vertebrates. Among these aquatic species, fish are most sensitive to such contaminated water that not only decreases their chance of survivability in the nature but also increases the probability of biomagnifications of these heavy metals in higher order food chain. After entering the fish body, heavy metals induce detrimental changes in different vital organs by impairing multiple physiological and biochemical pathways that are essential for the species. Such alterations may include tissue damage, induction of oxidative stress, immune-suppression, endocrine disorders, uncontrolled cell proliferation, DNA damage, and even apoptosis. Although uncountable reports have explored the toxic effects of different heavy metals in diverse fish species, but surprisingly, only a few attempts have been made to ameliorate such toxic effects. Since, oxidative stress seems to be the underlying common factor in such heavy metal-induced toxicity, therefore, a potent and endogenous antioxidant with no side effect may be an appropriate therapeutic solution. Apart from summarizing the toxic effects of two important toxicants, i.e., cadmium and lead in fish, the novelty of the present treatise lies in its arguments in favor of using melatonin, an endogenous free radical scavenger and indirect antioxidant, in ameliorating the toxic effects of heavy metals in any fish species.

Chemical profiling and biological activity assessment of volatile and non-volatile compounds in Rosmarinus officinalis residues

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a Mediterranean medicinal and aromatic plant, widely used in several industries. The present study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of volatile compounds, encompassing essential oils (EO): hydrosol extract (HE): and water residue extract (WRE1). Additionally, the investigation focused on non-volatile components, including powder phenolic extract (PPE): water residue extract (WRE2): and solid residue extract (SRE): while also assessing their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The chemical compositions of volatile components were determined by using a Gas Chromatograph equipped with a Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS): while polyphenol extracts were analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph equipped with a photodiode array detection Mass Spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS). The antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP): while the antibacterial effect was evaluated against four pathogenic bacterial strains using disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The GC/MS analysis showed that R. officinalis EO was dominated by 1,8-cineole (47.70%) and α-pinene (15.50%). 1,8-cineole (56.67%) and camphor (26.27%) were found as the predominant constituents of HE, while volatile components of WRE1 were mainly dominated by camphor (10.11%). The UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis revealed the existence of a plethora of polyphenolic components. In PPE and SRE, the predominating compounds were carnosic acid and carnosol, respectively. Rosmarinic acid was the main constituent in WRE2. The results of DPPH free radical scavenging and FRAP activities showed that PPE exhibited strong antioxidant activity, followed by SRE and WRE2. EO and HE showed moderate antioxidant activity, while volatile components of WRE1 exhibited the lowest antioxidant effect. Regarding the antibacterial activity, PPE and SRE indicated the highest effect against the pathogenic bacteria, while WRE1 volatile components had the weakest antibacterial activity. The conducted study showed that material plant left after hydrodistillation of R. officinalis may be used as a new source of bioactive volatile and polyphenolic components with valuable pharmacological activities.

Mixture-efficient identification of high-order herbal essential oil synergy using a normalized DiaMOND design

In this study, the effect of high-order combinations of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (R) EO with other essential oils obtained from selected Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plants, namely, Thymus satureioides Coss. (T), Origanum compactum Benth. (O), Pelargonium roseum L. (P), Artemisia herba-alba Asso. (A), and Salvia officinalis L. (S), was evaluated. The chemical composition of EOs was determined by GC/MS. Their antibacterial effect was determined using the microdilution method, whereas their antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The type of interaction between EOs was evaluated by the diagonal measurement of n-way drug interactions (DiaMOND). Antioxidant and antibacterial activity results demonstrate that O. compactum, T. satureioides, and P. roseum EOs tested alone showed significant efficacy. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) modeling, one three-way combination (RST) was found with particularly strong synergistic DPPH radical scavenging (FIC3 = 0.50) and Fe3+ reducing (FIC3 = 0.48) properties. This combination also produced the highest activity against four bacteria strains (FIC3 = 0.38 for S. aureus, FIC3 = 0.38 for E. faecalis, FIC3 = 0.44 for E. coli, and FIC3 = 0.79 for P. aeruginosa). This mixture was, therefore, combined with conventional antibiotics. The results of all combinations showed a synergistic effect against four bacteria strains, which were tested with FIC2 ranging between 0.11 and 0.97. Our findings showed that a three-way combination of RST EOs constitutes a promising approach for possible application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Cath-KP, a novel peptide derived from frog skin, prevents oxidative stress damage in a Parkinson's disease model.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that results in dyskinesia, with oxidative stress playing a pivotal role in its progression. Antioxidant peptides may thus present therapeutic potential for PD. In this study, a novel cathelicidin peptide (Cath-KP; GCSGRFCNLFNNRRPGRLTLIHRPGGDKRTSTGLIYV) was identified from the skin of the Asiatic painted frog ( Kaloula pulchra). Structural analysis using circular dichroism and homology modeling revealed a unique αββ conformation for Cath-KP. In vitro experiments, including free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant analyses, confirmed its antioxidant properties. Using the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP +)-induced dopamine cell line and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mice, Cath-KP was found to penetrate cells and reach deep brain tissues, resulting in improved MPP +-induced cell viability and reduced oxidative stress-induced damage by promoting antioxidant enzyme expression and alleviating mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation through Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1)/Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway activation. Both focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p38 were also identified as regulatory elements. In the MPTP-induced PD mice, Cath-KP administration increased the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons, restored TH content, and ameliorated dyskinesia. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report on a cathelicidin peptide demonstrating potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in a PD model by targeting oxidative stress. These findings expand the known functions of cathelicidins, and hold promise for the development of therapeutic agents for PD.

Preparation, stability and digestive properties of tea polysaccharide nanoparticles

This study aimed to investigate the storage stability and functional properties of different sizes of tea polysaccharides, and explore the relationship between sizes and digestive properties, so as to provide reference for the subsequent utilization of tea polysaccharides. In this study, TPS-NPs of about 200 nm and 400 nm were prepared by electrostatic interaction with TPS and EDTA ratios of 6:1 and 100:1, respectively. The structural properties of TPS-NPs were investigated by a series of characterization analyses. The results showed that the major functional groups of TPS-NPs did not change significantly with particle size, but the CO stretching vibrations in the methylated carboxyl group were more pronounced. However, their DPPH free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant activity of TPS were decreased in vitro because of the destruction of the apparent structure of tea polysaccharides nanoparticles during preparation. Stability measurements revealed that TPS-NPs have high storage, temperature, pH and ionic concentration stability, especially for TPS-NPs with a particle size of 200 nm. The digestibility of 400 nm TPS-NPs was improved to 3.89% compared to TPS. The results showed that the TPS-NPs has excellent stability and digestibility, which contributed to the development of TPS applications in the food industry and related products.

Drying Methods Affecting the Antioxidant Activity of Turmeric Crude Drug

Turmeric is commonly a spice with many benefits in improving health, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The preparation of turmeric crude drug usually uses conventional sun drying. However, the quality of crude drugs is uncontrollable. The alternative using a modern drying process may affect the antioxidant properties of the final crude drug. This research aims to investigate the effect of drying methods (cabinet drying at 30oC and 70oC, infrared (IR), and conventional sun drying) on the antioxidant activity of turmeric crude drugs. The moisture content and its chemical compounds, including Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), were also investigated. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH free radical scavenging and Feri Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method. The results showed that the moisture content of dried turmeric samples from cabinet drying at 70 C and sun drying was less than 10%. TPC of all dried turmeric from modern drying methods was significantly higher than conventional sun drying and the same as TFC results, except for the sample from the IR method. The antioxidant activity of dried curcumin from IR drying was significantly higher than that of another sample in the FRAP method. However, the higher antioxidant of dried turmeric using the DPPH free radical scavenging showed in dried turmeric from cabinet drying at 70 C and sun drying. The results of the antioxidant activity of the dried turmeric crude drug did not correlate with the TPC and TFC data as predicted using Pearson’s Correlation. Thus, it can be concluded that the drying methods influenced the antioxidant activity of turmeric crude drug, and it did not correlate with phenolic and flavonoid content.

Shelf life quality retention and decay inhibition of winter jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dalidongzao) using 1-methylcyclopropene

Winter jujube is susceptible to cold stress during cold storage, resulting in quality deterioration. Shelf life of winter jujube after cold storage has not been investigated. This study investigated the effects of 1.0 μL L−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) fumigation treatment for 24 h on the quality characteristics of jujube fruits (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dalidongzao) during cold storage. The jujubes from the early experimental stage (0 d) were stored at room temperature (20 ± 1 °C) to estimate the shelf life. The remaining jujubes were transferred to cold storage at 0 ± 1 °C and were removed during the middle (40 d) and the later (60 d) stages of the experiment. The decay rate, firmness, color, titratable acidity, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and antioxidant enzyme activity of winter jujube were measured every 3 days until the end of shelf life. The results indicated that the application of 1-MCP treatment extended the time for jujube to exceed a decay rate of more than 10 % by three days after 40 and 60 days of cold storage. 1-MCP treatment effectively retard the decrease of total phenolic and flavonoid content in jujube, and maintain high free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant enzyme activity throughout shelf life storage.

Pharmacognostic characterization, wound healing and toxicity assessment of the stem bark of Xylia evansii Hutch (Leguminosae)

Xylia evansii is widely used in traditional medicine to stop bleeding gums and treat wounds. This study was undertaken to assess the wound healing activity and toxicity profile of the stem bark methanol extract of X. evansii (XES). Wound healing activity was determined by the dermal excision model in rats. The free radical scavenging capacity, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated by the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin Ciocalteu methods respectively. Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity assessment was performed following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. Significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent wound healing effect, similar to that of 1 % silver sulphadiazine was elicit by the 10, 15 and 20 %w/w XES ointments. The highest effect was demonstrated by XES 20 %w/w which resulted in 98.3 % wound surface closure by day 9 of treatment (p < 0.0001). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined to be 381.2 ± 12.57 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 460 ± 29.07 mg/g quercetin equivalent respectively. XES exhibited remarkable free radical scavenging effect (IC50 = 68.13 ± 1.87 μg/mL) and had a total antioxidant capacity of 279.2 ± 32.08 mg/g GAE. The LD50 of XES was estimated to be > 5000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity, 28 days treatment with XES (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg body weight) did not result in any significant (p > 0.05) change in the body weight or weight of the heart, lung, spleen, liver and kidneys. The haematological and biochemical profiles of XES-treated rats were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected after 4-weeks treatment with XES, except for platelet count which increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in a non-dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination did not reveal any toxic effect to liver cells, however at 1000 mg/kg XES, slight abnormalities were identified in the glomeruli. Microscopy of the powdered stem bark displayed calcium oxalate crystals, pitted vessels and lignified fibres. Tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, triterpenes and alkaloids were identified in the bark. This is the first report on the wound healing potential and safety profile of X. evansii, giving scientific credence to its use in traditional medicine.

Influence of the Growing Region on the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of North American Cranberry Fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton).

The impact of the growth environment on the production of health-promoting phytochemicals in cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) is not well established despite increased production worldwide. We investigated the secondary metabolite composition among the cranberry fruit of nine cultivars produced in two major coastal North American growing regions that differ in climate. Using 1H NOESY NMR to generate metabolic fingerprints, principal component analysis revealed variation between the two regions and identified likely contributing metabolites. Triterpenoids ursolic and oleanolic acid, as well as citric and malic acids, were quantified using 1H qNMR, and anthocyanins and flavonols were determined by HPLC-DAD. Total proanthocyanidins (PACs), total soluble phenolics, and DPPH free-radical scavenging antioxidant activity were also evaluated. Across all cultivars, anthocyanins, flavonols, and total phenolic content were significantly higher in West Coast fruit than East Coast fruit, correlating with a regional trend of higher antioxidant activity in fruit grown on the West Coast. The opposite trend was observed for triterpenoids and organic acids, which were significantly higher across cultivars in East Coast fruit. These trends persisted over two growing seasons. The study demonstrates that climate plays an important role in the production of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals in cranberry plants.

Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of two oil-bearing extracts from fresh Pistacia lentiscus

ABSTRACT. This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Pistacia lentiscus L. (P. lentiscus) extracts, as well as their phyto-chemical profile. The GC-MS crude chemical profile provided new chemotypes of fixed oil (FO) and essential oil (EO) extracts. Secondary metabolites screened high levels of polyphenols and condensed tannins in EO, while FO had the highest flavonoids content. A potent anti-proliferative activity of both extracts was shown on two human breast cancer cells (EO-IC50 = 5.2 mg/mL MDA-MB-231 cells). The antimicrobial activity showed that only EO was active against six multidrug resistant bacteria (inhibition zone 20-8 mm) and two fungi strains (inhibition zone 3-4 mm). Also, the highest in vitro antioxidant free-radical scavenging ability was in the case of EO (125.5 μg/mL). In vivo P. lentiscus EO provided corrective effect vs the tamoxifen (Txf) induced oxidative damage in liver and kidney in C57BL/6 in female mouse. These findings confirm that EO inhibits cell proliferation, induces bacterial death and has a potential antioxidant activity.&#x0D; KEY WORDS: Phytotherapy, Pistacia lentiscus, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial activity, Breast cancer&#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1487-1501. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.15

Melatonin enhances ovarian response in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Anovulation, decreased Oocyte quality and low endometrial receptivity are the cause of infertility in women with PCOS. Anovulation is the consequence of hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce oxidative stress which may be responsible for poor Oocyte quality. Melatonin is a documented powerful free radical scavenger and broad-spectrum antioxidant. Current evidence suggests that melatonin involves in ovarian physiology including follicular development, ovulation, and oocyte maturation. Present study was tried to evaluate the effects of melatonin on biochemical parameters as well as outcomes of ovulation induction by letrozole in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Method: This is a randomized controlled trial including 74 women of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with infertility. Intervention group received melatonin 3 mg at bed time for 8 weeks as pretreatment. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, anti mullerian hormone (AMH), fasting insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Both intervention and controlled group were received ovulation induction for 3 cycles by Letrozole (5 mg from cycle days 2 to 6). Intervention group continued melatonin until mature follicle achieved. The primary outcomes were biochemical changes by serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, anti mullerian hormone (AMH), fasting insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and ovarian responses by number of mature follicles, endometrial thickness and ovulation rate. Secondary outcome was pregnancy rate. Result: Melatonin treatment for 8 weeks significantly decreased testosterone (P &lt;0.01) serum luteinizing hormone (&lt;P.001), HOMA IR (P&lt;0.01) and glucose tolerance (P&lt;0.01). The change of anti mullerian hormone was not significant (&gt;0.05). There was significant difference in number of mature follicles (&lt; 0.01), mean endometrial thickness (P&lt;0.01). The risk ratio (RR) of ovulation rate was 1.34(0.09-1.68) and pregnancy rate was 2.55 (.37-3.51). The risk ratio (RR) of pregnancy rate in relation to AMH level was 1.12(0.05-1.79) in ≤8ng/ ml group and 8.65(0.25-9.59) in ≥8ng/ml group which was significant. Conclusion: After 8 weeks pretreatment and 3 cycle’s co treatment with ovulation induction by letrozole, melatonin seems to provide improved biochemical and ovarian response. Based on these results, melatonin could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 04 October’23 Page : 850-858

Effect of Drying Method on Antioxidant Activity and Total Flavonoid Content of Java Tea Crude Drug (Orthosiphon aristatus)

Java tea (Orthoshipon aristatus) is a medicinal plant with antioxidant properties due to its polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and sinensetin content. Numerous diseases, including hepatitis, diabetes, hypertension, and others, are commonly treated with Java tea. These bioactive compounds are unstable and readily degraded by oxygen, heat, and light. Inappropriate dehydration techniques may compromise the quality of the bioactive compounds in herbal Java tea crude drugs by damaging the bioactive compounds. Consequently, this study aims to determine the effect of various drying methods on the antioxidant activity and Total Flavonoid Content (TPC) of the crude drug of Java tea. In addition, the physical properties, including water content and hygroscopicity, are investigated. The method employs cabinet drying at 30 and 70 degrees Celsius, infrared drying, and sun drying. The results demonstrated that the crude drug dried in a cabinet at 30oC had the maximum flavonoid content (61.03±5.35mg QE/g) and moisture content (15.12±0.27%). The antioxidant activity of DPPH free radical scavenging and Ferri Reduction Antioxidant Power (FRAP) of Java tea from infrared drying was lower than other drying methods. All samples were non-hygroscopic powders. Consequently, the dehydration method significantly affects the antioxidant activity, TFC levels, and physical properties of the crude drug of Java tea.

Phytochemical screening and potential antioxidant of Amphora sp. in different extraction methods

Character of Amphora sp., has a golden brown color with bioactives such as photosynthetic pigments which have important biological functions for health. This study aims to determine the method of Amphora sp. extraction which is more effective and efficient in producing qualitative and quantitative bioactive, as well as the best antioxidant activity. Amphora sp., extracted with absolute ethanol solvent using different extraction methods, namely sonication (SON), maceration (MAS), and sonication-maceration (SON-MAS). The sonication method showed more effective and efficient results with yield value. The results showed that the SON-MAS method produced the highest yield of 9.8% compared to MAS 8.71% and SON 8.47%. The highest chlorophyll content was seen in the MAS method, total chlorophyll 2.36 ± 0.07 mg/l. Phytochemical content of the SON-MAS and SON methods contained flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenoids, while the MAS method showed two compounds, namely alkaloids and triterpenoids. Quantitatively, the phenol and flavonoid content showed that the SON method had a higher value, namely phenol and flavonoids. The best DPPH free radical scavenging antioxidant activity was seen in the SON method with an IC50 value of 745.2 ppm. The extraction method by sonication is considered to have effectiveness and efficiency in producing bioactive Amphora sp.

Evaluation of the constituent compounds, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial potential of Prangos ferulacea plant extract and its effect on Listeria monocytogenes virulence gene expression.

Prangos ferulacea plant is very popular in Iran due to its unique properties in treating diseases and its special flavor. To check the characteristics of this plant, first, its extract was extracted using the maceration method. Its chemical composition was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that p-coumaric was identified as its main compound, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the presence of functional groups related to phenolic, flavonoid, tannins, and carboxylic acids such as caffeic acid and coumaric acid composition. Total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and beta-carotene were equal to 202.04 ± 5.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight, 1,909.46 ± 13 μg quercetin (QE)/g of dry weight, and 2.91 mg/100 g. The antioxidant property of the extract was evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). According to the IC50 obtained for DDPH (274 ± 7.2 μg/mL) and ABTS (120.45 ± 9.6 μg/mL) and FRAP values [1.92 ± 0.05 μg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g of extract], this extract had high antioxidant properties. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against the survival of HT 29 cells that IC50 was 82.15 ± 0.02 μg/mL. The antimicrobial property of the extract was calculated using disk diffusion agar (DDA), well diffusion agar (WDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Listeria monocytogenes has the highest sensitivity to this extract and inhibition zone based on DDA and WDA method and with an MIC and MBC equal to 16 and 128 mg/mL has the least resistance. The morphology change of L. monocytogenes strain was proved through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The extract caused a significant reduction in the transcription of genes involved in the film formation ability of L. monocytogenes. The obtained results fully prove the very practical and pragmatic characteristics of P. ferulacea.