Antioxidant Radical Research Articles

Effects of black seed oil combined with olive oil or honey on antioxidant activities, phenolic content, and identification and quantification of thymoquinone, a key bioactive compound

The plant Nigella sativa (NS) has a rich history in folk medicine, being utilized for various illnesses and as tonic drugs. Furthermore, thymoquinone (TQ), a major compound found in the seeds of NS, may exhibit antioxidant activity. In addition to black candles, traditional medicine employs olive oil and honey to nourish the body. Some folk medicine systems combine NS, honey, and olive oil for improved efficacy; however, knowledge regarding the antioxidant properties of black seed oil (BSO), BSO with olive oil (BSOO), and BSO with honey (BSOH) remains limited. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the antioxidant properties of BSO, BSOO, and BSOH. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that BSO contained 73.48 ± 1.23 mg/kg TQ. BSO, BSOO, and BSOH exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, with NO scavenging activities of 94.32, 76.53, and 50.37, respectively. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and metal chelating activity assays (with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values), oxygen radical antioxidant capacity, and total flavonoid compound content of BSO were 0.135 ± 0.003 mg/mL, 0.005 ± 0.003 mg/mL, 32 ± 0.4 μM Trolox/g extract, and 997 ± 20 mg catechin equivalent/g of extract, respectively. These results are potentially linked to the increased antioxidant activity, as suggested by Pearson's correlation coefficients. In the ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, the highest antioxidant activity was demonstrated by BSOO and BSOH, with total phenolic content of 7288 ± 300 mM FeSO4/mg and 346 ± 17 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g E, respectively. This study affirms the potent antioxidant properties of BSO, BSOO, and BSOH, emphasizing the importance of further research on NS infusion as a promising antioxidant agent and its application as an anti-aging and tonic drug.

A Research on Futuristic Magical effect of Oleanolic Acid

Oleanolic acid (3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound and its derivatives possess several promising pharmacological activities. Here, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of ethanolic extracts of Oleanolic acid from Ocimum sanctum. antioxidants entrapped in nanogel or hollow particles, used to provide better stability, gradual and sustained release, biocompatibility, and targeted delivery of the antioxidants with superior antioxidant profiles. The antioxidant activities were assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide radical scavenging assays.

Effect of melatonin on cryopreservation of Beijing you chicken (gallus gallus) spermatozoa

Beijing You Chicken, a valuable local chicken breed from Beijing, China, was once listed as an endangered breed. From the point of view of conservation, the preservation of this breed is an important task for the local researchers. Semen cryopreservation is a popular method to maintain valuable species. However, during cryopreservation, semen is susceptible to oxidative damage. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, so it has been selected to improve the efficiency of sperm cryopreservation. In this study, the chicken semen was treated with different concentrations of melatonin in the cryopreservation solution. The results showed that melatonin at concentrations of 10−3 M and 10−5 M significantly improved sperm progressive motility and total motility, respectively, compared to the control (P < 0.05). Melatonin at 10−3 M also significantly improved the plasma membrane and acrosome integrity of spermatozoa compared to the control. The mechanisms are that melatonin significantly reduces the level of ROS and preserves sperm mitochondrial membrane potential. Most importantly, the melatonin-treated cryopreserved chicken sperm after artificial insemination significantly increased the hatching rate of chicks compared to the control (p < 0.05). The results show that melatonin has a positive effect on the quality of the cryopreserved spermatozoa. These results provide the theoretical and practical basis for using melatonin to improve Beijing You Chicken conservation, and they may also be applicable to poultry as a whole.

The antidepressant and sedative properties of the ethanolic extracts of Pleurotus squarrosulus on reserpine induced depression anxiety in wistar rats

Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. Although orthodox treatments for these conditions can be effective, they often accompanied with unfavorable side effects. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp) have been reported to possess numerous health benefits, including antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant and sedative properties of the ethanolic extracts of Pleurotus squarrosulus. The ethanolic extract of the sample was screened for the presence of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract of Pleurotus squarrulosus exhibited significant radical scavenging ability against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical, nitric oxide (NO), and ferric reducing antioxidant power.&#x0D; The neurobehavioral assessment of rats induced with reserpine showed that Pleurotus squarrulosus extract reduced the immobility time in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) (p&lt;0.0001), which are behavioral models of depression. Treatment of the Reserpine-induced rats with Pleurotus squarrulosus extract also improved the levels of neurotransmitters acetylcholinesterase, thereby combating the neurotransmitter depletion and oxidative stress induced by their depressive state. The group induced with depression upon reserpine administration resulted in elevated levels of MDA showing high level of peroxidation. The Pleurotus squarrosulus extract as well as the standard antidepressant administered, fluoxetine ameliorated this effect. The groups treated with the Pleurotus squarrosulus extract in the study, was found to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. This suggests that the extract may have potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases that involve oxidative stress.

Correlation analysis of phenolic compounds, antioxidant potential, oxygen radical scavenging capacity, and alkaloid content in ripe and unripe Areca catechu from major cultivation areas in Sri Lanka

This study was conducted to compare the correlation between phenolic compounds, antioxidant potential, and the total alkaloid content in Sri Lankan areca nuts based on the maturity stage and varying conditions in growing areas including, climate, altitude, temperature, and soil conditions. The total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), and the total alkaloid content (TAC) of ripe areca nuts from selected five major growing areas (Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Badulla) ranged from 113.24 ± 0.92 to 224.40 ± 26.50 mg GAE/g, 60.25 ± 7.04 to 180.90 ± 15.71 mg QE/g, 73.11 ± 3.77 to 120.78 ± 2.16 mg TE/g, 4.47 ± 0.31 to 18.27 ± 0.02 mg/g respectively. Whereas, TPC, TFC, TTC, and TAC content of unripe areca nuts ranged between 121.59 ± 6.01 to 349.10 ± 29.70 mg GAE/g, 35.81 ± 4.73 to 88.41 ± 1.79 mg QE/g, 54.89 ± 2.25, 75.33 ± 3.22 mg TE/g, and 27.22 ± 0.19 to 52.72 ± 0.36 mg/g respectively. The IC50 DPPH, IC50 ABTS, IC50 FRAP, EC50 hydroxyl radicals, and EC50 nitric oxide radicals of ripe areca nuts of five major growing areas ranged from 73.86 ± 1.06 to 197.46 ± 8.66 mg GAE/g, 50.52 ± 2.12 to 94.24 ± 2.67 mmol TEAC/ml, 195.26 ± 7.22 to 275.00 ± 7.01 mg TEAC/g, 73.00 ± 14.80 to 98.51 ± 37.80 mg/ml, and 62.99 ± 11.25 to 87.70 ± 1.65 mg/ml respectively. The IC50 DPPH, IC50 ABTS, IC50 FRAP, EC50 hydroxyl radicals, and EC50 nitric oxide radicals of ripe areca nuts ranged from 67.23 ± 0.91 to 77.29 ± 0.18 mg GAE/g, 41.91 ± 3.20 to 55.78 ± 0.00 mmol TEAC/ml, 288.40 ± 25.00 to 386.40 ± 16.90 mg TEAC/g, 112.60 ± 17.60 to 257.88 ± 12.20 mg/ml 102.77 ± 0.77 to 245.10 ± 20.40 mg/ml respectively. TPC, TFC, and TTT of ripe areca nuts strongly correlated with their free radical antioxidant capacities whereas; the alkaloid content of unripe areca nuts correlated negatively with the TPC, TFC, and TTT content. Both ripe and unripe nuts exhibit a weak correlation with hydroxyl radical scavenging assay.

Naringenin attenuates inflammation and apoptosis of osteoarthritic chondrocytes via the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway.

Naringenin is a flavonoid extracted from the seed coat of Anacardiaceae plants. Increasing evidence indicates that it has several properties of biological significance, such as anti-infection, sterilization, anti-allergy, antioxidant free radical, and anti-tumor. However, its effect on osteoarthritis has not been elucidated properly. In this study, the treatment of primary chondrocytes with interleukin (IL)-1β was found to increase the secretions of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Further, the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase ((MMP)3, MMP9, and MMP13), the protein expression of Recombinant A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase With Thrombospondin 5 (ADAMTS5), and cell apoptosis increased; the protein expression of Collagen II decreased. The injury of primary chondrocytes induced by IL-1β was reversed under the intervention of naringenin; this reversal was dose-dependent. The mechanistic study showed that naringenin inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/NF-κB pathway in IL-1β-stimulated primary cells, and LPS, a TLR4 activator, reversed this inhibitory effect. In addition, a mouse model of osteoarthritis was established and treated with naringenin. The results revealed that naringenin alleviated the pathological symptoms of osteoarthritis in mice, reduced the expression of TLR4 and TRAF6, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB in knee cartilage tissue. It also inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors, reduced extracellular matrix degradation, and decreased the protein expression of cleaved caspase3. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that naringenin may be a potential option for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Toxicity reduction of ZnO cauliflower-like structure through trivalent neodymium ion substitution and investigation via computer vision and AI image analysis

The synthesis of ZnO and ZNDO NPs was carried out via simple chemical precipitation. The synthesized ZnO and ZNDO NPs exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structures from the XRD patterns. In the FESEM analysis, the ZnO and ZNDO NPs formed spherical (stone-like) and nano (cauliflower) structures. The chemical composition was identified by EDX analysis. The PL spectrum identified the surface defects, such as zinc and oxygen vacancies. The ZnO and ZNDO acquire radical rummaging and antioxidant behaviors as estimated by DPPH free radicals, H2O2 radicals, decreasing in power, and hydroxyl scavenging techniques. Our observations imply that ZnO and ZNDO were excellent platforms to scavenge the ROS, and there was a impressive prospective for the chemically created ZnO and ZNDO NPs as a source of antioxidants. From the hemolytic studies, Nd3+ ion ZnO NPs changed the material matrix to slow down the release of Zn2+ ion in the ZNDO NPs. It was indicated that the Nd3+ ion decreases the cytotoxicity of ZNDO compared to the ZnO NPs. Cytotoxicity analyses were carried out for ZnO and ZNDO NPs using health fibroblast (L929) cells; ZNDO NPs exhibit minimum toxicity compared to the ZnO NPs. Furthermore, the pixel perspective of the NPs through computer vision tools gave us the image-based surface morphology that correlates to the relevant toxicology studies. The customized pipeline of AI and computer vision curated algorithms such as autoencoder based data augmentation for sample size enhancement, roughness-induced porosity estimation, roughness metrics Ra and Rq, Edge density estimation using Sobel gradients were put forward to investigate the component's non-toxic behavior from a pixel perspective.

PLANT PIGMENTS IN PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY: HISTORICAL AND MODERN USES. PART I (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Purpose. To provide the reader with a detailed historical overview of the human use of plant pigments for medical purposes, starting from ancient times. To show how modern chemical theory of color and evolutionary biology of plants explain, from their very different points of view — some commonly observed properties of many plant pigments, such as their antioxidant and anti-free radical activity. To present modern data on pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic utility in psychiatry and neurology of some selected plant pigments.&#x0D; Methodology. To get an idea of what originally were the rationales for human use of plant pigments for medical purposes, we turned to books on the history of medicine and on the history of pharmacology. To get an idea of what is the relationship between the absorption spectrum of a molecule and its chemical properties (in particular, properties of a reducing agent, an electron donor, an antioxidant and a free radical scavenger) — we turned to the book on the chemistry of pigments. And to get an idea of the evolutionary role of pigments in plant tissues — to the book on evolutionary biology. We then selected, based on the lists of plant pigments provided in two of the most authoritative manuals for DIY fabric dyeing with natural dyes — some of the plants that looked most interesting for our purposes. We then searched for information about the use of these plants in psychiatry and neurology and about their neuropharmacological properties, with the use of search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science. The data we have collected were summarized and presented to the reader in this review.&#x0D; Results. The data that we have obtained in the process of compiling this review, in our opinion, do indicate a significant therapeutic potential for the use of certain plant pigments in psychiatry and neurology. The evidence base for the use of various plant pigments in psychiatry and neurology — significantly varies in quality. For some plant pigments (for example, for curcumin from turmeric, or for crocetin and crocin from saffron, or for roburin from common oak bark, epigallocatechin gallate from green tea leaves, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid from coffee beans), there is positive data from small randomized clinical trials. For others, so far there is only data from population studies (for example, on the correlation between consumption of walnuts and olives with the lowered incidence of depression), combined with some open-label studies on dietary supplements that contain those pigments.&#x0D; Practical implications. Our results, in our opinion, provide theoretical and practical grounds for the use of some plant pigments (curcumin, crocin and crocetin, epigallocatechin gallate, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, roburin, oleuropein, juglone) in the combination treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, mild forms of anxiety and depressive disorders, mild cognitive impairment, early stages of Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, especially in patients who refuse pharmacotherapy or who do not tolerate it well.

Characterizations and effects of pectin-coated nanoliposome loaded with Gijavash (Froriepia subpinnata) extract on the physicochemical properties of cheese

In this study, pectin-coated nanoliposomes containing Gijavash extract were used to formulate cheese and evaluate its shelf life, physicochemical, and sensory aspects. The study used a central composite design with three independent variables to prepare the cheese. The results showed that the optimal particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and DPPH radical antioxidant activity were 201.22 nm, −29.33 mV, 61.87%, and 57.54%, respectively. Adding nanoliposomes with varying extract amounts improved pH and lowered acidity in fortified cheeses. Moisture and lipolysis indices also improved after applying nanoliposomes. Sensory evaluation revealed that sensory acceptance was highest in the cheese with 15% extract. The study suggests that adding pectin-coated nanoliposomes containing Gijavash extract to cheese formulations may create novel products and improve their physicochemical properties.

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.

Evaluation of natural extracts’ antioxidant capacity for controlling fresh sausage oxidation

Lipid oxidation impacts the quality and shelf life of meat products. The use of natural antioxidants is an alternative to delay their oxidative deterioration. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of natural extracts and evaluate the viability of replacing 2,3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) in fresh sausages. Both tocopherols and grape seed extract showed similar antioxidant activity to BHA through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The effectiveness of these antioxidants applied to fresh sausage was evaluated during 15 days of storage at 4.0ºC under light incidence. The results indicated a pro-oxidant effect of grape seed extract (with 6.74% acidity and 2.74 mg MDA kg sample-1 thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) and showed the viability of replacing BHA with tocopherols. Tocopherols had a lower peroxide value (3.07 mE O2 kg-1) than the control (11.40 mE O2 kg-1), with no difference in TBARS or acidity content compared to BHA, and the lowest total mass loss (18.22%).

Melatonin alleviates Hg toxicity by modulating redox homeostasis and the urea cycle in moss

Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic metal and can cause severe damage to many organisms under natural conditions. As an effective free radical scavenger and antioxidant, Melatonin (MT) has played important protective roles in alleviating oxidative damage caused by environmental cues including heavy metal stress in plants. However, the detailed mechanisms of melatonin in alleviating Hg toxicity still remain unclear in plants. Our results showed that the application of melatonin greatly reduced the concentrations of total and intracellular Hg in Taxiphyllum taxirameum. Meanwhile, melatonin significantly improved the antioxidant capacity and thus alleviated oxidative damage to the chloroplasts of T. taxirameum under Hg stress. Metabolic pathway analysis further revealed that melatonin-treated plants exhibited higher levels of 48 metabolites, including sugars, amino acids, and lipids, than non-melatonin-treated plants under Hg stress. Additionally, we further found that melatonin addition greatly improved the concentrations of four organic acids and three amino acids (Orn, Cit and Arg) related to the urea cycle, and thereby changed the levels of putrescine (Put) and spermidine (Spd) in T. taxirameum exposed to Hg stress. Further experiments showed that the high concentration of Put dramatically caused oxidative damage under Hg stress, while Spd effectively alleviated Hg toxicity in T. taxirameum. Taken together, this study provides new insight into the underlying mechanisms of melatonin in alleviating heavy metal toxicity in plants.

Phytochemical, Total Phenolic, and Antioxidant Activity of Ginger Extract and Its Use in the Synthesis of Eco-friendly Silver Nanoparticles

The Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) extract contain a lot of constituents and elements. Ginger extract can effort as a good bio-reductant to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs Green synthesis was achieved by using the Ginger plant extract with AgNO3. The green synthesis of AgNPs is the best developing procedure for preparation, since this process is easier than other procedures, eco-friendly and fewer times consuming. The produced AgNPs were characterizing via UV-Vis, FTIR, AFM, SEM, Zeta potential and EDX. The optimal conditions for the synthesis AgNPs which was confirmed through UV–Vis spectrophotometer. Also, the AgNPs has been characterized by AFM with average size of 53.45 nm, SEM with average size of 21.91 to 33.79 nm. Antioxidant and free radical scavenge activity are examined through TLC and DPPH test, the results shows that the Ginger have a high activity, moreover, this activity increased with characterized AgNPs.

Effects of Andrographis paniculata on Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Mediated Renal Oxidative Damage in Rats

A herbal medicinal plant known as Andrographis paniculata, or "hempedu bumi," is recognised for its numerous medicinal properties and role in promoting community health. Despite its widespread use, the potential nephroprotective effects and underlying mechanism of action of Andrographis paniculata remain unexplored. To address this gap, the present study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of Andrographis paniculata against renal oxidative damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with Andrographis paniculata extract via gavage (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b.w., respectively) once daily for 14 days, followed by two doses of CCl4 (1.2 ml/kg b.w.) on the 13th and 14th days. After two weeks, rats were sacrificed, and a nephroprotective analysis was performed. CCl4 administration at a dose of 1.2 ml/kg body weight resulted in oxidative stress in the renal system, as evidenced by elevated lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS). This oxidative stress was accompanied by a significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and a depletion in the levels of reduced glutathione (p&lt;0.05). Histopathological examination confirmed the impairment of renal function. Andrographis paniculata significantly mitigated the majority of these alterations. Based on our research, the nephroprotective advantages of Andrographis paniculata can be attributed to its ability to act as an antioxidant and scavenge free radicals.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation reverses the declining quality of oocytes exposed to cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide (CY) is a chemotherapeutic drug that is commonly used to treat malignancies of the ovary, breast, and hematology, as well as autoimmune disorders. As a cofactor of mitochondrial multienzyme complexes, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is well known for its antioxidant characteristics, which operate directly on the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and indirectly on the intracellular recycling of other antioxidants. However, the underlying mechanisms through which CY exerts its toxic effects on meiosis and oocyte quality, as well as a viable approach for protecting oocyte quality and preserving fertility, remain unknown. In present study, immunostaining and fluorescence intensity quantification were applied to assess the effects of CY and ALA supplementation on the key processes during the oocyte meiotic maturation. Our results show that supplementing oocytes with ALA, a well-known antioxidant and free radical scavenger, can reverse CY-induced oocyte meiotic maturation failure. Specifically, we found that CY exposure caused oocyte meiotic failure by disrupting meiotic organelle dynamics and arrangement, as well as a prominently impaired cytoskeleton assembly. In addition, CY caused an abnormal distribution of mitochondrion and cortical granules, two indicators of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. More importantly, we show that ALA supplementation effectively reverses CY-induced meiotic failure and oocyte quality decline by suppressing oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in oocytes. Collectively, our data reveal that ALA supplementation is a feasible approach to protect oocytes from CY-exposed deterioration, providing a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced meiotic failure.

Development of Novel Multifunctional Electroactive, Self-Healing, and Tissue Adhesive Scaffold To Accelerate Cutaneous Wound Healing and Hemostatic Materials.

Designing a multifunctional conducting hydrogel wound dressing of suitable mechanical properties, adhesiveness, self-healing, autolytic debridement, antibacterial properties, and radical scavenging ability, as well as retaining an appropriate level of moisture around the wound is highly desirable in clinical application for treating cutaneous wounds healing. Here, we designed a novel class of electroactive hydrogel based on thiol-functionalized silver-graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO/Ag/TGA) core polyaniline (PANI) shell GO/Ag/TGA/PANI nanocomposites. Thus, a series of physically cross-linked hydrogel based on GO/Ag/TGA/PANI and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was prepared by freeze-thawing method. The hydrogel was characterized by XRD, UV, FTIR, TGA, TEM, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and four probes test. The hydrogel showed favorable properties such as excellent tensile strength, suitable gelation time (30-56 s), tunable rheological properties (G' ∼ 1 kPa), adhesiveness, and interconnected porous structure (freeze-dried). Besides this, the hydrogel also exhibits excellent exudate uptake capacity (10.4-0.2 g/g), high swelling ratio (72.4 to 93.5%), long-term antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates, promising antioxidant (radical scavenging) efficiency, keeping the wound moisturized, prominent hemostatic efficiency, and fast self-healing ability to bear deformation. Interestingly, in vivo experiments indicated that electroactive hydrogels can significantly promote the healing rate of artificial wounds in rats, and histological analysis by H&E reveals higher granulation tissue thickness, collagen deposition, hair follicles, dermal papillary, keratinocytes, and marked increase (P < 0.05) in hydroxyproline at the wound site during 15 days of healing of impaired wounds. On the basis of vivo and vitro assay results, it is concluded that electroactive-hydrogel-attributed multifunctional properties may serve as suitable scaffold for treating chronic wound healing and skin regeneration.

Nanoselenium attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Using selenium (Se) nanoparticles has received attention in recent years because of their therapeutic benefits due to their anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. This research was conducted to evaluate the possible protective impact of nano-Se on renal unilateral ischemia/reperfusion injury (uIRI) in adult male Wistar rats. Using clamping of the left renal pedicle within 45 min uIRI was induced. The animals were randomly divided into nine groups of control, nano-Se (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg bw/day) alone, uIRI control, and uIRI rats administrated with nano-Se. At 30 days after treatment, the animals were sacrificed to be assessed biochemically and histopathologically. Nano-Se in uIRI groups have significantly decreased serum creatinine, urea levels, renal histological damage, and increased antioxidant status. Also, our findings demonstrated that the administration of nano-Se caused a significant decrease in the immunoreactivity level of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGFR expression (EGF receptor) in the renal tissue of the uIRI rats. Therefore, nano-Se possesses renoprotective effects, and this effect might be attributable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects. These renoprotective effects may depend on the decreased EGF immunoreactivity level and EGFR expression in the kidney tissue and improve the structure of the kidney tissue. Thus, our research provided biochemical and histological data supporting the potential clinical use of nano-Se for the treatment of certain kidney disorders.

Powder shampoo formulation with antioxidant activity: in vitro perspectives

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to develop a powder shampoo with antioxidant attributes.Design/methodology/approachDry shampoo compositions were formulated containing alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS), sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI), microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, carboxymethyl cellulose, maltodextrin and sodium benzoate with or without extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark. Cinnamon extract was chosen for this study owing to its ubiquitously known antioxidant attributes. The formulations were tested for detergency action and antioxidant potential in vitro.FindingsCinnamomum zeylanicum extract exhibited noticeable antioxidant activity in vitro. The authors observed that addition of the bark extract to the shampoo formulation was associated with remarkable increase in total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity and radical scavenging activity without any effect on detergency action.Research limitations/implicationsThis preliminary study provides a powder shampoo formulation which exhibits antioxidant attributes as a result of incorporation of cinnamon bark extract. Clinical efficacy of the formulation remains to be tested.Practical implicationsOwing to the powder format of the shampoo, the formulation can be manufactured with ease and economically. Functionalizing the formulation with enhancement of antioxidant activity by incorporation of cinnamon bark extract may be associated with beneficial clinical outcomes, which remains to be tested.Social implicationsThe proposed formulation may be stored and sold in eco-friendly packing material, thus could pave the way for reducing the burden of plastic consumption by the shampoo industry.Originality/valueThe present work demonstrates that incorporation of cinnamon bark extract to a powder shampoo formulation, containing AOS and SCI as principle surfactants, significantly enhances its antioxidant attributes.

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Studies and Biological Activity of Curculigo latifolia Plant Organs for Natural Skin-Whitening Compound Candidate.

Curculigo latifolia (family Amaryllidaceae) is used empirically for medicinal purposes. It is distributed throughout Asian countries, especially Indonesia. This study aimed at standardizing the C. latifolia plant, analyzing its phytochemical profile, and evaluating its pharmacological effects. The powder from each organ (root, stem, and leaves) was standardized organoleptically and microscopically. Samples were extracted by graded maceration using hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The extracts were determined for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Antioxidant (radical scavenging and metal ion reduction) and antityrosinase activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Extracts were analysed for phytochemical profiles by LC-ESI-MS. The highest TPC and TFC were found in the ethanolic extract of the root organ (68.63 ± 2.97 mg GAE/g) and the ethyl acetate extract of the stem (14.33 ± 0.71 mg QE/g extract). High antioxidant activities were found in the ethanolic root extract (20.42 ± 0.33 µg/mL) and ethanolic stem extract (45.65 ± 0.77 µg/mL) by DPPH• and NO• assays, respectively. The ion reduction activity (by CUPRAC assay) was most significant in the ethyl acetate stem extract (390.42 ± 14.49 µmol GAEAC/g extract). Ethanolic root extract was the most active in inhibiting tyrosinase (IC50 value of 108.5 µg/mL). The correlation matrix between TPC and antioxidant activities showed a moderate to robust correlation, whereas the TPC and antityrosinase activity showed a robust correlation. The TFC and antioxidant or antityrosinase activities showed a weak to moderate correlation. The LC-ESI-MS data identified major phenols in the active extracts, including methyl 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoate, quercetin, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid-1, and curculigoside. Overall, this study suggests that extracts from the C. latifolia plant offer potent antioxidant and antityrosinase activities, allowing them to be used as natural antioxidants and candidates for skin-lightening compounds.