Ascorbic Acid Equivalents Research Articles

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the stem bark extract and some constituents of Aidia genipiflora (DC.) dandy (rubiaceae)

Aidia genipiflora (DC.) Dandy (Rubiaceae) is used to treat various microbial and inflammatory conditions by traditional healers in West African countries. However, there is no information on anti-inflammatory potential of A. genipiflora. This work therefore provides information on the anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant activities of the stem bark extracts and some bioactive constituents of Aidia genipiflora. MethodThe anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts and compounds from A. genipiflora were investigated using the carrageenan-induced footpad oedema assay and the egg albumin denaturation assay. The antioxidant activities of the extract and compounds were investigated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and the phosphomolybdenum total antioxidant capacity assay. The whole extract of A. genipiflora was also investigated for its acute oral toxicity using the fixed-dose procedure described by the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development guidelines. ResultThe whole extract showed no acute toxicity effect and the LD50 was estimated to be greater than 3000 mg/kg body weight. The whole extract, methanol, and ethyl acetate fractions (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) showed in vivo anti-inflammatory activity with respective percentage inhibition of oedema of 45.11 ± 3.41, 31.12 ± 3.42 and 29.28 ± 3.58 (p < 0.001) at the highest dose of 300 mg/kg. Diclofenac, used as a reference drug, gave a % inhibition of 48.94 ± 3.58. The compounds isolated from A. genipiflora demonstrated in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity at the IC50 range (16–96 μg/mL) compared to diclofenac (IC50 of 74.48 μg/mL). Oleanonic acid (AG1) and D-mannitol (AG4) further demonstrated in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (ED50 = 20.61 ± 1.29; 23.51 ± 1.26 mg/kg respectively) which was less potent compared to diclofenac (ED50 = 12.50 ± 1.41 mg/kg) in the carrageenan-induced oedema assay. The whole extract, pet. ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions of A. genipiflora exhibited DPPH scavenging activities with respective IC50 of 222.2, 169.7, 121.5, and 40.7 μg/mL. The whole extract of A. genipiflora exhibited considerable total antioxidant capacity with respective values of 248.5 mg/g of ascorbic acid equivalent. All the compounds exhibited low DPPH scavenging activity with IC50 (64–86 μg/mL), compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 of 3.13 ± 1.20 μg/mL). These results highlight the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Aidia genipiflora stem bark extract and its constituents as evidence to support its traditional uses.

Season affects three insufficiently studied seaweed species (Bifurcaria bifurcata, Codium sp., Ericaria selaginoides): bioactivity alterations

ABSTRACT The biological activity and nutraceutical potential of two brown seaweed species (Bifurcaria bifurcata, Ericaria selaginoides) and one green seaweed (Codium sp.) were evaluated taking seasonal effects into account. The phenolic content of B. bifurcata was higher than those of the other two species regardless of season, 10.13–11.01 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) g–1 dw seaweed. The ethanol extracts of B. bifurcata were more antioxidant as measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) technique than the equivalent extracts from E. selaginoides, 0.428–0.442 mg Ascorbic Acid Equivalent (AA Eq) g dw seaweed–1 vs 0.338–0.361 mg AA Eq g dw seaweed–1. Regarding Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), the highest activity was measured in Codium sp. extracts and no difference was detected between B. bifurcata and E. selaginoides. The 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) results differed from the FRAP values in that the ethanol extracts from Codium sp. were less antioxidant as measured by ABTS than those of the other two species. Summer E. selaginoides extracts were more antioxidant. The most anti-inflammatory extract was obtained from E. selaginoides harvested in Summer, exhibiting 94.2 ± 4.0% inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The extracts from Codium sp. had the lowest activity, 13.6–15.5%. For both B. bifurcata and E. selaginoides, Summer extracts were more anti-inflammatory than Winter extracts.

Synergistic antioxidant activity of selected medicinal plants in Brunei Darussalam and its application in developing fortified pasta.

Developing functional foods by utilizing plants can often lead to compromised sensory properties. Thus this study investigates the combination of plants to produce synergistic effects and to incorporate these plant powders into a pasta formulation without affecting its sensory acceptance. Six common Brunei medicinal plants were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (IC50 ), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenziazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. Aqueous extracts of Amaranthus tricolor, Breynia androgyna, Manihot esculenta, Polygonum minus, Apium graveolens and Coriandrum sativum were prepared. Breynia androgyna had the highest FRAP value of 74.3 ± 5.33 mg g-1 ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE), with DPPH IC50 antioxidant activity of 70.3 ± 3.14 μg mL-1 and ABTS scavenging activity of 44.0 ± 2.80 mg g-1 AAE. This correlates well with the total flavonoid, flavonol and phenolic content (50.5 mg g-1 gallic acid equivalents (GAE), 50.6 mg g-1 GAE and 24.3 mg g-1 GAE, respectively). Plant species powders were combined in pairs and evaluated for their synergistic antioxidant properties. With potential synergistic plant mixtures, fortification of these mixtures into functional food can be developed to improve its overall antioxidant capacity. Based on the synergistic IC50 results of these mixtures, three fortified pastas were formulated by incorporating selected plant powder combinations of Amaranthus tricolor + P. minus, Apium graveolens + P. minus, and P. minus + B. androgyna into wheat pasta at 1:100 (w/w). Fortification of pasta with the plant powder blends resulted a significant increase in DPPH antioxidant activity, while successfully maintaining indistinguishable features from the control pasta, including minimal cooking loss, agreeable measure of cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness, with good overall sensory acceptability. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Extraction of phenolic compounds from apple pomace, process modeling and antioxidant potential evaluation of extracts

Abstract Apple pomace, a byproduct of juice and cider production, is rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. This work studies the kinetics of solid–liquid extraction of phenolic compounds from apple pomace. Extraction kinetics were determined using a 50% water–ethanol solution and fitted to a phenomenological model. Equilibrium isotherms were also modeled. Effective diffusion coefficient values between 1.85x10−11 and 7.37x10−11 m2/s were found. External mass transfer resistance showed negligible results. The best yields (43.94%) were obtained at 60 °C with a solid–liquid ratio of 1:10 g/mL. Those conditions resulted in a total phenolic content of 9.95 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g apple pomace d.b., antioxidant FRAP activity of 5.07 mmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g apple pomace d.b. and 3.74 mmol trolox equivalents (TRE)/100 g apple pomace d.b. based on a DPPH assay. Apple pomace extract efficiently stabilized sunflower oil and may represent a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants.

Facile combustion synthesis of highly active Mo doped BiVO4 for photocatalytic dye degradation, photo-oxidation of alcohols, antifungal and antioxidant activities

ABSTRACT This work represents the facile and green synthesis of Molybdenum (Mo)-doped bismuth vanadate (BiVO4). Green synthesis of Mo-doped BiVO4 was done using combustion technique using Mangifera indica (Mango) leaf extract as the fuel for combustion. The material synthesised was pure and characterised using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). It was found that Mo-doped BiVO4 had monoclinic scheelite phase, with a bandgap of 3.71 eV. Various application was possible from the synthesised material like photodegradation of Malachite Green, a typical organic which showed excellent degradation efficiency of 99% under 120 minutes. The catalyst also gave up to 95% yields in the light-assisted oxidation of aromatic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes. The material also showed excellent antioxidant properties showing 6.7 µg of ascorbic acid equivalence (AAE). It gave an excellent minimum lethal dosage (MLD) of 500 µg against Penicillium and Trichoderma fungal strains and showed maximum of 32 mm zone of inhibition. These applications show the versatility of the material to be used in various fields.

ISOLATION AND STRUCTURE ELUCIDATION OF ERYTHRIN AND BIOPROSPECTION STUDIES OF ROCCELLA MONTAGNEI EXTRACT

Objectives: Lichen is a stable mutually beneficial organism. Composed of fungi, a Mycobiont is united with algae, a phycobiont or cyanobacteria. Since the ancient period, the extract derived from Lichens is utilized in the medication of numerous diseases. An attempt was made to isolate and structure elucidation of the erythrin, a biologically active compound from corticolous lichen Roccella montagnei, and analyze the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of lichen’s acetone extract under in vitro conditions. Methods: An attempt was made to isolate and characterized the erythrin, a biologically active compound from corticolous lichen R. montagnei using ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared, High-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques. The antimicrobial activities of lichen extract were evaluated against six pathogenic microorganisms using the standard disc diffusion technique. For in vitro antioxidant activity, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) scavenging method, hydrogen peroxide scavenging method, and phosphomolybdenum assay were done. Results: The outcomes show that the lichen extract has the maximum effective antibacterial activity compared to antifungal activity against pathogenic microorganisms. The maximum zone of inhibition was recorded in Escherichia coli (8.75±0.61 mm). Among fungal pathogens, the extract inhibited the growth of Candida albicans with a maximum inhibition zone of 7.50±0.52 mm. In vitro antioxidant activity, the DPPH scavenging method, IC50 value of lichen extract, and ascorbic acid were found to be 45.70 μg mL-1 and 39.74 μg mL-1, respectively. In the hydrogen peroxide scavenging method, it was observed that the IC50 value of lichen extract, ascorbic acid, and rutin were found to be 39.39 μg mL-1, 40.66 μg mL-1, and 45.58 μg mL-1, respectively. The maximum antioxidant content of 44.66 mg/g ascorbic acid equivalents was observed in the 100 μg mL-1 lichen extract in the phosphomolybdenum assay. Total phenolic content was higher in lichen extract with 214.84±14.84 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE/g lichen extract). Conclusion: The present study did the isolation and structure elucidation of erythrin obtained from R. montagnei from Anaikatty and reveals that the lichen extract has the potential to control the human pathogenic microorganisms in the future and the study also suggested that the lichen extract possesses active antioxidant substances to scavenge free radicals.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Alkaloid Extracts Obtained From Marrubium vulgare L.

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study is the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of alkaloid extracts in Marrubium Vulgare L.MethodsThe extraction of total alkaloids was carried out by three different methods (Soxhlet, Maceration, and Reflux). The principle is based on the elimination of impurities contained in each phase (organic and aqueous), until obtaining a greenish-black pasty residue, presenting the total alkaloids. The antioxidant activity was determined by two methods; total antioxidant activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard.ResultsThe extraction by maceration and by Soxhlet present higher values (9.81% and 9.57% respectively), than the extraction by reflux which presented 6.73%. The Soxhlet extract presented the highest antioxidant activity around 62,500 AAE/1gDM, while the value of ascorbic acid was 26,137.76 AAE/1gDM. Similarly, the results were observed by the ferric reducing antioxidant power, the Soxhlet extract showed the highest activity around 862.48 AAE/1gDM, while the value of ascorbic acid was 733.74 AAE/1gDM. NB: AAE/1gDM = Ascorbic Acid Equivalent per one gram of Dry Matter.ConclusionsThe present results reveal that the Soxhlet extract represented a higher value regarding the yield and the antioxidant activity.Funding SourcesFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy & Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco.

Extraction of anthocyanins from Clitoria ternatea L. petals in Vietnam and determination of its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

In this study, the effects of various factors on anthocyanins extracted from ClitoriaTernatea L. petals were determined. In addition, phytochemical properties, antioxidant ability, antimicrobial capacity, and application of anthocyanins extractions were also investigated. As a result, the highest proportion of anthocyanin, 1.21 mg/g fresh weight (FW), was obtained when extracting ClitoriaTernatea L. petals with 100% methanol, with the solvent/sampleratio of 10ml/g at 37oC for an hour. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was 24.7x103±8.55x102 µg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g FW, while the figures for total flavonoid content was 18.8±0.149 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g FW. The values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity and the highest total antioxidant activity were EC50=904.1µg/ml and 2.86x103±1.01x101 µg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g FW, respectively. The inhibitions to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were shown with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 90 mg/ml and 180 mg/ml. It also showed that the ClitoriaTernatea L. petal extract also had the potential to be developed into a pH indicator, however, further study should be carried out to obtain a highly qualified one.

Selected fungi of the genus Lactarius - screening of antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, and genotoxicity

ABSTRACT It is well-known that mushrooms of the genus Lactarius constitute a natural food resource providing health benefits as a nutritient. This genus contains 4 mushrooms identified as L. deliciosus, L. volemus, L. sanguifluus, L. semisanguifluus and L. piperatus which were collected in Serbia. The aim of this study aimed was to identify and characterize the content of phenolic compounds and examine the antioxidant potential of 5 wild edible mushrooms. L. sanguifluus contained the highest content of total phenol compounds (75.25 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g dry extract weight (GAE/g DE) and exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity through the ability to remove radicals as evidenced by ABTS assay (8.99 mg of trolox equivalents (TE) per g dry extract weight (mg TE/g DE); total reducing power (TRP) assay mg ascorbic acid equivalents per mg of dry extract weight (0.42 mg AAE/g DE) and CUPRAC (14.23 mg TE /g DE). L. deliciosus methanolic extract produced greatest scavenging of the DPPH radical (46%). The methanol mushroom extracts were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against a panel of pathogenic bacterial strains using the microdilution method. Of all the extracts tested, L. sanguifluus extract showed the best antibacterial properties. The cytokinesis block micronucleus assay results for the examined mushrooms demonstrated that extracts at a concentration of 3 μg/ml decreased the number of micronuclei (MN) in the range of 19–49% which is significant bearing in mind that radioprotectant amifostine reduced the frequency of MN by only 16.3%. Data thus demonstrate that the 5 wild edible mushrooms of genus Lactarius contain constituents that are beneficial not only as nutrients but also have the potential as antioxidants, antibacterial and antigenotoxic properties.

Comb honey and processed honey of Croton macrostachyus and Schefflera abyssinica honey differentiated by enzymes and antioxidant properties, and botanical origin

In this study, comb and industrially processed honey samples collected from Bonga forest were investigated in relation to Melissopalynology and enzyme content, antioxidant and physicochemical properties. Melissopalynology categorized honey samples as Croton macrostachyus and Schefflera abyssinica honey. The physicochemical properties of the honey were determined using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and International Honey Commission (IHC) methods. The enzymatic and antioxidant properties of honey were evaluated using the spectrophotometric method. The highest enzyme activity was observed in Croton macrostachyus comb honey (diastase = 7.44 ± 0.13°Schade and invertase = 13.97 ± 0.2 Invertase number (IN). Croton macrostachyus processed honey exhibited the highest values in flavonoids (83.36 ± 1.65 mg Catechin equivalents (CEQ)/100g)), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (69.94 ± 1.0 mg Ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100g), and Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) (136.3 ± 0.00 mg/ml), while Schefflera abyssinica comb honey had stronger 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH) (49.47 ± 0.00%) activity. The principal component analysis revealed that enzymes can be associated with comb honey, and antioxidants with processed honey. Thus, comb and processed honey can be differentiated based on the enzyme level, and Croton macrostachyus and Schefflera abyssinica honey can be identified using pollen analysis.

Seasonal monitoring of the antioxidant activity of Erythroxylum suberosum A. St.-Hil. leaves: Correlation with hyperoside and isoquercitrin contents

This study evaluated the seasonal of two flavonoids, antioxidant activity, chromatographic profiles by Thin Layer Chromatography, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, in Erythroxylum suberosum A.St.-Hil. These variables were observed from August 2013 to May 2014 in correlation with climatic variables such as temperature, rainfall index and global radiation. The chromatographic profiles were similar in the aqueous and ethanol extracts, and the flavonoids hyperoside and isoquercitrin were identified and quantified. In the inhibition of the DPPH• radical, the most active was the aqueous extract from the 2nd collection (IC50: 4.45 μg/mL). For the phosphomolybdenum complex reduction method, ethanol extract from the 1st collection was active (206.39 μg/mL equivalent ascorbic acid). Regarding the environmental correlations, it was observed that the higher global radiation index has a strong influence on the concentrations of hyperoside and contributes to the antioxidant activity. On the other hand, higher temperatures contributed to higher isoquercitrin content in aqueous extracts. Therefore, the results indicated that August is the best collection period for Erythroxylum suberosum A.St.-Hil. leaves, in order to obtain higher isoquercitrin and hyperoside contents and, consequently, higher antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Protein Kinase Inhibition Profiling of C. ambrosioides Seed Extracts along with RP-HPLC

The validation of underexplored traditional plant remedies represents a reservoir of novel leads for drug discovery. In line with this, in vitro total phenolics and flavonoids content, multimode antioxidants, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and protein kinase inhibition assays were conducted on C. ambrosioides seed extracts in addition to RP-HPLC. Methanol extract exhibited highest total phenolics ( 64.6 ± 0.6 μ g gallic acid equivalent/mg) and flavonoids ( 50.9 ± 0.5 μ g quercetin equivalent/mg) content. RP-HPLC quantified rutin (1.98 μg/mg) in methanol extract whereas quercetin (0.322 μg/mg) and kaempferol (2.86 μg/mg) in methanol-distilled water extract. Methanol extract exhibited highest ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) free radical (DPPH) scavenging (IC50 of 110.7 ± 5 μ g / ml ), total antioxidant capacity ( 110.6 ± 2.2 μ g AAE/mg), and total reducing power ( 94.30 ± 0.46 μ g AAE/mg). Highest antibacterial activity against K. pneumonia ( 14 ± 1.61 mm ZOI) and antifungal activity against F. solani ( 17 ± 1.38 mm ZOI) were shown by n-hexane and chloroform extracts, respectively. Ethyl acetate extract exhibited highest brine shrimps cytotoxicity (LC50 of 125 μg/ml). A noteworthy protein kinase inhibitory potential was shown by ethanol extract with a 20 ± 1.27 mm bald zone. Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants can be completely explored by using multiple solvent system. This study makes C. ambrosioides, a resourceful prospect for the bioactivity-guided isolation of lead compounds.

Antioxidant Potential of Selected Wild Edible Leafy Vegetables of Sikkim Himalayan Region: Effects of Cooking Methods and Gastrointestinal Digestion on Activity.

Green leafy vegetables or GLVs are one of the main attractions in the local vegetable market and are widely consumed as the main course and side dish in the Sikkim Himalayan region (SHR). This study evaluated the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) and antioxidant potential in different extracts such as methanolic (MeOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAC), and hexane extracts of selected GLVs followed by changes in the antioxidant activity on cooking and stimulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion. The MeOH extracts of Urtica dioica L. (Sisnu), Nasturtium officinale W. T. Aiton (Simrayo), Diplazium esculentum Retz. Sw. (Ningro), and Chenopodium album L. (Bethu) were estimated to have higher TPC [22.73–45.84 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mg of extract]. In contrast, the plant extracts prepared using EtOAC (except for N. officinale, where TFC was found to be higher in hexane extract) were found to contain higher TFC (3.42–14.86 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/mg of extract). The MeOH extracts also exhibited higher 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (9.55–18.67 μg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/mg of extract), total antioxidant activity (TAA) (0.27–0.32 mg AAE/mg of extract), and reducing power potential (RPP) (1.6–9.9 μg AAE/mg of extract). Among the test MeOH extracts, U. dioica demonstrated relatively higher antioxidant activities and was selected for cooking experiments followed by simulated GI digestion. The findings revealed that the loss of antioxidant activity was minimal in steam-cooked leaves (3.5% in 40 min) as compared to the boiled ones (18% in 10 min). The simulated GI (simulated salivary, gastric, and intestinal) digestion performed on raw, steam cooked, and boiled U. dioica leaves showed substantial enhancement of antioxidant properties (by 64.63%) through steam cooking in comparison to the raw leaves. Overall the study concludes that higher antioxidant properties can be achieved on the consumption of steam-cooked U. dioica leaves.

Antiradical Potential of Food Products as a Comprehensive Measure of Their Quality.

Antiradical potential (ARP) is an important measure of food safety. In addition, it directly or indirectly affects the rate of occurrence of a number of human pathologies. Using a photocolorimetric analysis of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) solutions, we estimated the antiradical potential of food raw materials, food concentrates, biologically active substances, and wild plants. We conducted approximately 1500 analyses of almost 100 food products selected from 11 food groups: vegetables, milk, meat, fish, cereals and bread, drinks (including tea and coffee), etc. With a confidence interval (CI) of 95%, the average values for animal products range from 15.87 to 18.70 ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of dry matter. For plant materials, the range is 474.54–501.50 equivalents when wild herbs are included and 385.02–408.83 equivalents without taking herbs into account. The antiradical potential of the biologically active substances we studied ranged from 706.84 to 847.77 equivalents per gram of dry matter, which makes it possible to use some of the components to repair products with low ARP values, for example, bread and baked goods, confectionery, milk and dairy products, carbonated drinks, and juice. In this study, a low ARP value is associated with a reduction in the shelf life of products and a deterioration in their organoleptic properties; therefore, we propose using ARP as an important reference for describing the quality of food products and raw food materials.

Morphological and chemical characterizations of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) to select superior accessions.

The fruits of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) are consumed worldwide as food and herbal medicine because of their impact on human health and benefits. Here, phenotypic and chemical variation of this species was investigated to select superior accessions. The selected accessions showed significant differences based on the measured characteristics. Fresh fruit weight varied from 2.72 to 6.42 g with an average of 4.54, while dry fruit weight ranged from 0.89 to 2.57 g with an average of 1.55. Total phenolic content ranged from 1.69 to 14.05 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g−1 fresh weight (FW) and total flavonoid content varied from 0.25 to 2.01 mg quercetin equivalents (QE) g−1 FW. Total anthocyanin content varied from 5.98 to 76.32 µg CyE g−1 FW. Radical scavenging activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate [DPPH]) ranged from 1.32 to 5.82 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AsAE) g−1 FW, while ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) varied from 35.37 to 93.35 µM FeSO4. The present study showed high diversity in morphological and chemical properties of jujube accessions. Based on the traits related to fruit quality such as fruit weight, fruit skin color, and fruit flavor, as well as in terms of chemical characteristics related to medicinal properties such as total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity, 13 accessions were superior and are recommended to use in breeding programs. The commercial orchard of those best accessions should be extensively constructed to take advantage of the high yield of this tree as a crop and its medicinal properties.

Physicochemical, textural, and sensory qualities of pectin/gelatin gummy jelly incorporated with Garcinia atroviridis and its consumer acceptability

The aim of this study was to utilize Garcinia atroviridis fruit purée, pectin from its rind, and gelatin extracted from Salmo salar skin to develop a gummy jelly product, and to investigate its effect on the physicochemical properties, texture, and sensory qualities of the gummy jelly, along with its consumer acceptability. The mixture design was used to optimize the formulation of gummy jelly, varying the amount of pectin (0.5–1.5%) and gelatin (8.5–9.5%). The optimized formulation for the G. atroviridis gummy jelly (GAGJ) consisted of pectin (1.42%) and gelatin (8.58%). The consumer acceptance of the GAGJ made by optimized formula exhibited a moderate sensory rating score (6.9–7.5) and showed no correlation in the acceptance and purchase decision of the product between Muslim and non-Muslim consumer, while age and occupation of the consumers significantly affected the acceptance and purchase decision of the product. GAGJ can also be considered as a product with considerable bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities (DPPH (0.29–0.30 mg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g dried sample), ABTS (0.45–0.47 mg AAE/g dried sample), and FRAP (0.39–0.41 mg AAE/g dried sample)) that providing health benefits.

Protective and therapeutic role of mango pulp and eprosartan drug and their anti-synergistic effects against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats

The present study was done to evaluate the protective and therapeutic role of mango pulp (M), eprosartan drug (E), and their co-administration (EM) against hepatotoxicity induced by thioacetamide (T). Seven groups of rats were prepared as follows: the control (C) group (normal rats), T group (the rats were injected with T), T-M group (the rats were injected with T, and then treated with M), T-E group (the rats were injected with T, and then treated with E), T-EM group (the rats were injected with T, and then treated with E and M), M-TM-M group (the rats were administered with M before, during, and after T injection), and M group (the healthy rats were administered with M only). Firstly, the characterizations of M were determined. Also, the markers of hepatic oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GSR)], inflammation and fibrosis [(tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) levels and gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta1(TGF-β1)], and liver functions and microscopic examination were evaluated. The present results revealed that M contains 419 ± 1.04 μg total phenolics as gallic acid equivalent and 6.8 ± 0.05 μg total flavonoids as quercetin equivalent. The analysis of phenolics and flavonoids showed the presence of chlorogenic, caffeic, 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic, tannic, cinnamic acidS, and catechin, phloridzin, and quercetin with different concentrations. Also, M contains various minerals with different concentrations involving potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese. The current results showed that the total antioxidant capacity of 1 g of M was 117.2 ± 1.16 as μg ascorbic acid equivalent. Our biochemical studies showed that all treatments significantly reduced T-induced hepatotoxicity and liver injuries, as the oxidative stress and inflammatory and fibrotic markers were diminished where MDA level and the activities of GST, GSSG, and GR were decreased when compared with T group. In contrast, GSH level and the activities of SOD and GPx and GSH/GSSG ratio were increased. In addition, TNF-α and PDGF-BB levels were reduced, and the gene expression of TGF-β1 was down-regulated. Consequently, the liver functions were significantly improved. In conclusion, each E, M, and EM has a therapeutic effect against T-induced hepatotoxicity via the reduction of the OS, inflammation, and fibrosis. Unfortunately, treatment with M and E simultaneously revealed the less effectiveness than the treatment with M or E demonstrates the presence of anti-synergistic effect between them. Additionally, M-TM-M treatment showed a better effect than T-M treatment against T-induced hepatotoxicity revealing the prophylactic role of M. The administration of healthy rats with M for 12 weeks has no side effect.Graphical abstract

Evaluating the extraction of oil and sugars from spent coffee grounds

About six million tons of spent coffee grounds are discharged into the environment every year. Spent coffee grounds contain many useful components such as polysaccharides, protein, and bioactive compounds. This research aimed to exploit the important products such as coffee oil, sugar and phenolic compounds from spent coffee grounds, contributing to improve the economic efficiency of the coffee industry and reducing the environmental pollution. Coffee oil was extracted using four different methods including maceration, Soxhlet, ultrasonic-assisted and microwave-assisted extraction. The solid residue from the oil extraction process was hydrolyzed by Cellulast and Viscozyme enzyme. Monosaccharides, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity in the hydrolysate were measured and evaluated. The results showed that ultrasonic-assisted extraction gave the highest yield of coffee oil of 9.64%; the coffee oil had a density of 0.94 kg/L; the acid value of 7.80 mg KOH/g; saponification value of 16.33 mg KOH/g and ester value of 8.57 mg KOH/g. The highest enzymatic hydrolysis yield was obtained by using 2% Viscozyme within 24 h. The spent coffee ground hydrolysate contained 2016.4 mg/L reducing sugars including 464.2 mg/L mannose; 947.1 mg/L glucose and 256.3 mg/L galactose; 401.70 mg/L total phenolic content and showed the antioxidant activity of 564.3 mg/L ascorbic acid equivalent. This study demonstrated a feasible process to obtain 96 kg of coffee oil, 48 kg of sugar and 10 kg of phenolic compounds from 1 ton of dry spent coffee grounds.

Radical Scavenging Activities, Total Reducing Power, Total Phenolic and Flavonoids Contents of Four Common Vegetables

Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activities of extracts from four vegetables namely: Beta vulgaris, Raphanus sativus, and two varieties (red and green) of Brassica oleracea.&#x0D; Method: The antioxidant properties of these extracts were assessed using five different methods including 2,2-diphényl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Nitrogen Oxyde (NO), total reducing power, total phenolic and flavonoids content. &#x0D; Results: All the four vegetable extracts showed free radical-scavenging activity against DPPH· with RSa50 (Radical scavenging activity 50) ranging between 129.77 and 323.64 µg/ml, and inhibitory activity against NO radical (RSa50 ranging from 1454,52 to 4479,97 µg/ml). The four vegetable extracts also showed total reducing powers ranging between 2.41 and 9.37 AAE (mg ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of dried extract). These antioxidant activities can be justified by the presence of different antioxidant compounds like total phenol contents which were present in all studied vegetable extracts with quantities varying between 4.37 and 11.83 GAE (mg of garlic acid equivalents per gram of dried extract) of dry extract, or flavonoids which were also present in all the plants with total contents ranging between 0.1 and 0.25 RE (rutin equivalents per gram of dried extract). &#x0D; Conclusion: The different antioxidant activities demonstrated in this study provide scientific evidence that some vegetables commonly consumed in Cameroon including B. oleracea, R. sativus and B. vulgaris can serve as a dietary supplement or in preventive medicine in the management of oxidative stress and associated pathologies. &#x0D;

Quality Evaluation of Lemon Cordial Stored at Different Times with Microwave Heating (Pasteurization)

Consumer interest in food quality and safety has shifted over time, as consumers increasingly prefer minimally processed items. As a result, numerous non-thermal approaches have been implemented due to their potential to preserve the nutritional profile of products along with lengthening their storability. Microwaving, a green processing technique, volumetrically heats the product because of the interactions developed between charged ions, polar water molecules of foodstuff and the incoming electromagnetic waves. The study was mapped out to investigate the effect of microwave exposure time (60, 90 and 120 s) at fixed power (1000 W) and frequency (2450 MHz) on physicochemical properties, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potential and microbial counts of lemon cordial stored at refrigerated temperature (4 ± 2 °C). The mentioned parameters were analyzed after an interval of 30–90 days. Statistical findings illustrated a highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) impact of microwave treatment and storage on titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids, total phenolic contents, total flavonoids contents, antioxidant potential and total plate count. Sample microwaved for 120 s showed the highest pH values (2.45 ± 0.050), total soluble solids (56.68 ± 2.612 °B) and antioxidant activity (1212.03 ± 716.5 µg—equivalent of ascorbic acid per 100 mL of cordial); meanwhile, it exhibited the lowest total plate counts (1.75 ± 0.144 Log 10 CFU/mL). Therefore, microwaving can be suggested as a suitable alternate to traditional pasteurization techniques as well as to chemical preservatives.