Antioxidant Activity Assay Research Articles

Application of Response Surface Methodology to Optimize the Extraction Process of Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Coffee Silverskin

The present research focused on the extraction optimization of bioactive compounds from coffee silverskin (CS), a by-product generated in large amounts worldwide during the coffee roasting process. The effect of the different extraction conditions has been investigated by the exploitation of the response surface methodology (RSM). The antioxidant activity assays, such as ABTS and FRAP, total phenolics content (TPC), browning index (BI), and chromatographic analysis of caffeine and chlorogenic acids contents have been performed to evaluate the CS extracts characteristics. The most favorable extraction conditions on the maximum recovery of antioxidant bioactive compounds were found to be as follows: 50% aqueous solution of ethanol (v/v) in solvent solid ratio of 45 mL/g CS, during 30 min at 60 °C. The CS extract prepared in this extraction variant reached the values for ABTS, FRAP, TPC, and BI approximately 101.6 µmol Trolox/g d.m. CS, 132.3 µmol Fe (II)/g d.m. CS, 52.3 µmol GAE (gallic acid equivalent) per g d.m. CS, and 0.3, respectively. Additionally, this extract is rich in caffeine (6 mg/g d.m. CS) and chlorogenic acids (0.22 mg/g d.m. CS). In conclusion, this research demonstrates that CS could be considered as a valuable by-product of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the food industry.

Potential therapeutic benefits of unconventional oils: assessment of the potential in vitro biological properties of some Rubiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Brassicaceae seed oils.

Seed oils are versatile in the food sector and for pharmaceutical purposes. In recent years, their biological properties aroused the interest of the scientific world. We studied the composition of fatty acids (FAs) and some in vitro potential therapeutic benefits of five cold-pressed commercial oils obtained from broccoli, coffee, green coffee, pumpkin, and watermelon seeds. In particular, we assayed the antioxidant activity (using diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays). In addition, through the fatty acid composition, we calculated the atherogenicity index (AI) and thrombogenicity index (TI) to evaluate the potential impact of such oils on cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we assessed the in vitro anti-inflammatory capacity of the oils (evaluated through their effectiveness in preventing protein degradation, using bovine serum albumin as protein standard) and the ability of the oils to inhibit in vitro activity of three among the essential enzymes, cholinesterases and tyrosinase, involved in the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we evaluated the capacity of the oils to inhibit the biofilm of some pathogenic bacteria. The unsaturated fatty acids greatly predominated in broccoli seed oil (84.3%), with erucic acid as the main constituent (33.1%). Other unsaturated fatty acids were linolenic (20.6%) and linoleic (16.1%) acids. The saturated fatty acids fraction comprised the palmitic (6.8%) and stearic acids (0.2%). Broccoli seed oil showed the best AI (0.080) and TI (0.16) indexes. The oils expressed a good antioxidant ability. Except for the watermelon seed oil, the oils exhibited a generally good in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, with IC50 values not exceeding 8.73 micrograms. Broccoli seed oil and green coffee seed oil showed the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity; coffee seed oil and broccoli seed oil were the most effective in inhibiting butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 = 15.7 μg and 20.7 μg, respectively). Pumpkin and green coffee seed oil showed the best inhibitory activity against tyrosinase (IC50 = 2 μg and 2.77 μg, respectively). In several cases, the seed oils inhibited the biofilm formation and the mature biofilm of some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with Staphylococcus aureus resulting in the most sensitive strain. Such activity seemed related only in some cases to the capacity of the oils to act on the sessile bacterial cells' metabolism, as indicated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric method.

Influence of Novel Freezing and Storage Technology on Nutrient Contents, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Black Eggplant

The present work aims to study some technological aspects related to the preservation of black eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) fruits by freezing process. Also, the influence of such preservation method on the chemical composition, nutritional value, bioactive compounds content and antioxidant capacity of eggplant fruits will also determine. In fresh eggplant fruits, water is by far the most abundant components with 90.21% of the total fruit weight and fiber is particularly abundant (2.98%). Also, fruits has s moderate levels of vitamins (A, B3, B9, C, E and K) and minerals (P, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, and Zn) but are relatively rich in K. Phenolics was reported the most abundant bioactive compounds, followed by anthocyanins, flavonoids and β-carotene. The high content of bioactive compounds in the eggplant samples was met with a high level of antioxidant capacities, which was determined by several different methods. The freezing method (slow freezing with grilling pretreatment) that was applied in this study led to cause slightly loses of all studied vitamins by the ratio of ranged -0.88 to -10.97%, and significant (p≤ 0.05) losses of bioactive compounds ratio of ranged -2.52 and -10.23% as compared with the fresh samples, respectively. In contrary, freezing has been shown to cause significant (p≤ 0.05) increase of antioxidant capacities by 4.57 and 11.74% for antioxidant activity and trolox equivalent (TE) assays, as compared with the fresh samples, respectively. Also, prolonging the storage period for six months at -180C did not have a significant effect on all previous measurements. In conclusion, the use of this new and effective method in eggplant preservation may contribute to increasing the economic importance of this product by making it available in the markets regularly throughout the year, easing of export, and increasing the income of the producing countries. How to Cite: Yousif A. Elhassaneen, Ghada M. ElBassouny, Omar A. Emam, Sherouk H. Hashem, 2023. "Influence of Novel Freezing and Storage Technology on Nutrient Contents, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Black Eggplant." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 9, pp. 338-352.

Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities, and Phytochemical Analysis of Methanol Extract of Euphorbia cotinifolia

Background: Plants contain complex and structurally different phytochemicals. The popularity of herbal medicinal products for a variety of disorders in recent years has prompted researchers to study the therapeutic activities of several medicinal plants. The current study was carried out to investigate the cytotoxic and antioxidant activity, and various phytochemicals present in Euphorbia cotinifolia. Material & Methods: Crushed whole plant was used and extraction was performed by using methanol. Different physicochemical and identification tests were performed to determine the presence of phytochemicals, folin-ciocalteu principle for phenolic compounds and standard quercetin method was used to determine total flavonoid contents. FTIR for functional groups, DPPH method for antioxidant activity and MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity. Results: Methanol extract contained a significant amount of phenolics (62.81 ± 1.94 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (33.75 ± 1.98 mg QE/g) contents. FTIR spectrum stipulated the occupancy of carboxylic acids, alkenes, and aromatic groups. Antioxidant activity was 82 % at 1000 µg/ml having IC50 value 18.61±0.25 µg/ml as compared to standard (ascorbic acid). Cytotoxic activity showed percent inhibition 69.50 % and IC50 value 17.15 ±0.3 against standard (doxorubicin). Conclusion: It was concluded that Euphorbia cotinifolia contains phenolic and flavonoids compounds that are responsible for antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. It can be used for isolation of novel compound responsible for anticancer activity and other pharmacological actions.

Prevalence of Aflatoxins in Camel Milk from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa: A Reduction Approach Using Probiotic Strains.

Camel milk is known as a source of nutritional and health supplements. It is known to be rich in peptides and functional proteins. One main issue facing it is related to its contamination, mainly with aflatoxins. The present study aimed to evaluate camel milk samples from different regions while trying to reduce its toxicity using safe approaches based on probiotic bacteria. Collected samples of camel milk were sourced from two main regions: the Arabic peninsula and North Africa. Samples were tested for their contents of aflatoxins (B1 and M1) using two techniques to ensure desired contamination levels. Additionally, feed materials used in camel foods were evaluated. Applied techniques were also tested for their validation. The antioxidant activity of camel milk samples was determined through total phenolic content and antioxidant activity assays. Two strains of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus NRC06 and Lactobacillus plantarum NRC21) were investigated for their activity against toxigenic fungi. The result revealed high contamination of aflatoxin M1 for all samples investigated. Furthermore, cross-contamination with aflatoxin B1 was recorded. Investigated bacteria were recorded according to their significant inhibition zones against fungal growth (11 to 40 mm). The antagonistic impacts were between 40% and 70% against toxigenic fungi. Anti-aflatoxigenic properties of bacterial strains in liquid media were recorded according to mycelia inhibition levels between 41 to 52.83% against Aspergillus parasiticus ITEM11 with an ability to reduce aflatoxin production between 84.39% ± 2.59 and 90.4% ± 1.32 from media. Bacteria removed aflatoxins from the spiked camel milk in cases involving individual toxin contamination.

Abstract 3829: Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Ipomoea cairica extracts on three breast cancer cell lines

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer was the top cause of cancer deaths in 2020 with a death toll of 685 000 worldwide. Breast cancer treatments are based on drug specificity for unique receptors on the surface of some breast cancer types, there is a search for alternative treatments that are inclusive of different breast cancer types. Evidence suggests that antioxidants offer a protective effect against certain cancers. Studies on Ipomoea cairica have reported potential anticancer activity, hence this study aimed to assess the antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials of the extracts of Ipomoea cairica on three breast cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods- The study protocol was approved by the University of the Free State Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSREC), with approval number: UFS-HSD2022/0353/2607-0001. Ipomoea cairica stem and leaves were harvested and identified by Prof. H. Baijnath, Department of Conservation Science, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, with specimen number 29 30 DD housed at the Ward Herbarium. The dried plant was extracted sequentially using organic solvents ranging from non-polar to polar and water. The extracts were filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator and then evaporated to dryness/lyophilized. Cells were cultured according to standard established procedure. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical analyses. FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays were done to examine antioxidant activity and MTT assays were used to evaluate the antiproliferative/cytotoxicity of the extracts against normal (Vero) and breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and 4T1). Results and Discussion- Extracts of Ipomoea cairica possess alkaloids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, tannins, triterpenoids, and anthraquinones. The results from the DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions had significantly the highest antioxidant potentials while the methanol stem extract exhibited the most significant antioxidant activity in the FRAP assay. The DCM stem extract showed the highest antiproliferative activity against all tested cell lines. Conclusion- Extracts of I. cairica possess significant antioxidant properties and antiproliferative activities against a wide array of breast cancer types including the most challenging triple-negative breast cancer. The plant would make for a strong herbal candidate for adjuvant therapy with breast cancer medication. Citation Format: Ayodeji Mathias Adegoke, Doreen Kulabako Kyagaba, Nomonde Hadebe, Nandi Mabaso, Relebohile Patricia Lefojane, Himansu Baijnath, Oyeronke Adunni Odunola, Mamello Patience Sekhoacha. Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Ipomoea cairica extracts on three breast cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3829.

Exploration of the flavonoid content of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract and antioxidant activity assay through in vitro and in silico methods

One plant that has the potential as an antioxidant is Ziziphus spina-christi (ZSC) because it contains phenolics and flavonoids. This study aims to determine the flavonoid content both qualitatively and quantitatively and to test the antioxidant activity of ZSC leaf extract using in vitro and in silico attenuation methods. Determination of the total flavonoid content of ZSC leaf extract using a comparison of quercetin. In vitro the antioxidant activity assay of ZSC leaf extract was carried out by measuring the reducing activity of ZSC leaf extract against the radical DPPH using ascorbic acid as comparison, while the in silico method using QSAR and pharmacophore modeling techniques. The results showed that the total flavonoid content obtained from ZSC leaf extract was 0.2515 ± 0.0013 mg QE/g D.W with an IC 50 of 58.9296 ppm. This value indicates that ZSC leaf extract has potential as a strong antioxidant. Furthermore, from the in silico method using pharmacophore modeling and QSAR techniques, 8 hit compounds were obtained from the content of ZSC with IC 50 QSAR ranging from 6.57 to 0.0004, which was thought to be the metabolite that had the most role in its antioxidant activity. This value indicates that ZSC leaf extract has potential as a very strong antioxidant. It also proves that QSAR and pharmacophore modeling techniques can be used as confirmatory tests for in vitro results in determining the antioxidant activity of natural materials.

Preparation, characterization and antioxidant activity of cobalt polysaccharides from Qingzhuan Dark Tea

The paradoxical effects of cobalt in biological processes have caused controversy regarding the application of cobalt-based biomaterials. Cobalt has recently been shown to be a trace element that promotes bone growth. Qingzhuan Dark Tea polysaccharides (TPS) has been shown to be a biomaterial with antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. In order to develop a novel immunomodulatory biomaterial, we synthesized polysaccharide cobalt complex (TPS-Co) to prevent the paradoxical effects of cobalt while maintaining its beneficial effects, and evaluated its morphology, structure, and antioxidant activity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that cobalt complexed successfully with TPS. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic mechanical microscopy demonstrated that TPS-Co has a more homogeneous and concentrated morphological distribution compared to TPS. Thermal performance analysis demonstrated that TPS-Co has higher thermal stability. Atomic absorption spectroscopy showed a cobalt content of 3.8%. Ultraviolet spectroscopy indicated that TPS-Co does not contain nucleic acids and proteins. Antioxidant activity assays showed that TPS-Co has better antioxidant activity than TPS in the concentration range of 0.4–2 mg/mL. Proliferation assay of MC3T3-E1 cells demonstrated that TPS-Co has the best cell proliferation effect at a cobalt concentration of 2 ppm. Therefore, TPS-Co may have potential applications in bone regeneration.

Total Flavonoid, Total Phenolic contents and Antioxidant activity of Methanol and n-hexane extract from purple passion fruit peel

The utilization of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims) is still focused on the fruit, while the passion fruit peel is still not widely applied. The passion fruit peel has the potential as an antioxidant. The polarity of solvents used in the extraction process can affect the antioxidant activity of a medicinal plant. This study aims to determine in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH and total flavonoid and phenol content of methanol and n-hexane extract from purple passion fruit peel. The powder of purple passion fruit peel was extracted using the maceration method with methanol and n-hexane solvent and a ratio of 1:12. The total flavonoids and phenols from each extract were determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The in vitro antioxidant activity was performed using the 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method by determining inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. The results showed that methanol and n-hexane extract yields were 4.53% and 0.76%, respectively. Furthermore, the total phenolic content of 35.95mg GA E/g extract in purple passion fruit peel was higher than the total flavonoid content of 3.25mg QE/g extract. There was an absence of total flavonoids and total phenols in n-hexane extracts. The antioxidant activity assay using the DPPH method based on IC50 values showed that methanol extract (14.63mg/L) had better antioxidant activity than n-hexane extract (37.39mg/L). In conclusion, the results suggest that methanol and n-hexane extract from Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims can decrease free radicals and could be used as a natural antioxidant.

Green synthesis, characterization of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts of Solanum melongena and in vitro evaluation of antibacterial, pesticidal and anticancer activity in human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines

The present study validated the green synthesis and characterization of AgNPs using the leaf extracts of Solanum melongena (SM-AgNPs). The efficiency of the phytocompounds in the leaf extract in reducing Ag+ to Ag0 ions was studied. The synthesized SM-AgNPs were characterized by spectroscopic methods and standard methods were adopted for the antioxidant activity, HPTLC, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial assays and pesticidal activity as well. The synthesised nanoparticle was measured to be 20.54 nm which was confirmed by the characterization. The total phenolic content was 5.98 ± 0. GAE/g which indicated potent antioxidant activity. HPTLC profile showed thirteen peaks corresponding to the phenolic compounds with Rf values ranging from 0.05 to 0.95. The average particle size and zeta potential was 75.14 nm-19.8 mV respectively. Cytotoxicity assay of the synthesized AgNP’s showed viability percentage of 50.23 at 100 mg/mL. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 cell lines with the SM-AgNPs induced early apoptosis in a greater number of cells. The synthesizedAgNPs were effective against the bacterial isolates Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella flexneri, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. High mortality of Bemisiatabaci was observed in the100 µg/mL of the SM-AgNPs treated concentrations. The study demonstrated the efficiency of SM-AgNPs against cancer cell lines, microbial isolates and insect pests.

Studies on In-vitro Bioactivity of Icacina trichantha Methanol Seed Extract

Plants are new sources of antioxidative and antimicrobial agents, hence the need to determine and evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal properties and antioxidant activity of medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of methanol extract of Icacina trichantha. Oliv. (Icacinaceae) seed. In this research work, antioxidant study was done by using various in vitro methods such as: 1-Dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power, superoxide radical scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. Antimicrobial properties were determined using agar cup diffusion method on MRSA, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, C. krusei, S. dysenteriae, S. pyrogenes, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, C. albicans, and C. tropicalis. The extract of the studied plant exhibited pronounced antioxidant activities in the various antioxidant activity assay tested. Also, the extract had remarkable susceptibility effect on the tested microorganism with the exception of P. aeruginosa, S. typhi and C. tropicalis that were resistant. The findings indicate that the extract was found to be effective free radical quencher, a potent source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, thus justifying its traditional use in green therapeutics.

Influence of storage variables on the antioxidant and antitumor activities, phenolic compounds and vitamin C of an agglomerate of Andean berries

Berry consumption is increasing worldwide due to their high content of bioactive compounds. However, such fruits have a very short shelf life. To avoid this drawback and to offer an effective alternative for its consumption at any time of the year, an agglomerated berry powder mix (APB) was developed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the stability of APB during a 6-months-period storage at 3 temperatures. The stability of APB was determined by moisture, aw, antioxidant activity, total phenolics, total anthocyanins, vitamin C, color, phenolic profiles, and MTT assay. APB showed differences in antioxidant activity between 0 and 6 months. It experimented non-enzymatic browning, which was more remarkable at 35 °C. APB at time 0 exhibited growth inhibitory effects against HT-29 human cancer cells. Most properties were significantly modified by storage temperature and time, which induces a significant decreasing of bioactive compounds.

Evaluation of Lipid Extracts from the Marine Fungi Emericellopsis cladophorae and Zalerion maritima as a Source of Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Compounds.

Marine environments occupy more than 70% of the earth's surface, integrating very diverse habitats with specific characteristics. This heterogeneity of environments is reflected in the biochemical composition of the organisms that inhabit them. Marine organisms are a source of bioactive compounds, being increasingly studied due to their health-beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, or anticancer. In the last decades, marine fungi have stood out for their potential to produce compounds with therapeutic properties. The objective of this study was to determine the fatty acid profile of isolates from the fungi Emericellopsis cladophorae and Zalerion maritima and assess the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential of their lipid extracts. The analysis of the fatty acid profile, using GC-MS, showed that E. cladophorae and Z. maritima possess high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, 50% and 34%, respectively, including the omega-3 fatty acid 18:3 n-3. Emericellopsis cladophorae and Z. maritima lipid extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity expressed by the capacity of their COX-2 inhibition which was 92% and 88% of inhibition at 200 µg lipid mL-1, respectively. Emericellopsis cladophorae lipid extracts showed a high percentage of inhibition of COX -2 activity even at low concentrations of lipids (54% of inhibition using 20 µg lipid mL-1), while a dose-dependent behaviour was observed in Z. maritima. The antioxidant activity assays of total lipid extracts demonstrated that the lipid extract from E. cladophorae did not show antioxidant activity, while Z. maritima gave an IC20 value of 116.6 ± 6.2 µg mL-1 equivalent to 92.1 ± 4.8 µmol Trolox g-1 of lipid extract in the DPPH• assay, and 101.3 ± 14.4 µg mL-1 equivalent to 106.6 ± 14.8 µmol Trolox g-1 of lipid extract in the ABTS•+ assay. The lipid extract of both fungal species did not show antibacterial properties at the concentrations tested. This study is the first step in the biochemical characterization of these marine organisms and demonstrates the bioactive potential of lipid extracts from marine fungi for biotechnological applications.

Physicochemical Characteristics, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Liquid Smoke Derived from Mixed Sawdust and Cocoa Pod Husks Biomass

This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of liquid smoke derived from mixed sawdust (MS) and cocoa pod husks (CPH) biomass. The liquid smoke formed by pyrolysis of MS and CPH biomass (Theobroma cacao L.) has the physical characteristics of brown color, transparrent, has floating solids, and has an acidic pH of 3.79 for MS and 5.43 for CPH. The results of the antibacterial assay of both liquid smokes by agar diffusion method against 3 pathogenic bacterial isolates; Escherichia coli FNCC 0091, Staphylococcus aureus FNCC 0047 and Salmonella typhimurium FNCC 0150 showed positive results with the formation of clear zones around the test discs. Antioxidant activity assay showed that liquid smoke derived from the biomass of MS had an IC50 value of 0.112 mg/mL, more potential than liquid smoke derived from the biomass of CPH, which was 2.060 mg/mL. Liquid smoke chemical composition analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry method showed that liquid smoke derived from MS biomass was dominated by acetic acid (64.64 %), phenols (12.08 %) and acetone (5.78 %), while the liquid smoke derived from CPH biomass was dominated by methylamine (37.26 %), acetic acid (24.61 %) and acetone (19.89 %). The acetic acid, phenols, methylamine and acetone content in both liquid smokes thought to play an important role on its antioxidant activities and inhibition of bacterial growth. HIGHLIGHTS Pyrolysis uses biomass as raw material in the form of mixed sawdust from the home furniture industry and CPH which are a by-product of the chocolate processing industry The liquid smoke obtained from the pyrolysis of both types of biomass has a unique composition and has antibacterial and antioxidant properties The liquid smoke has the potential to be applied as a preservative in food products GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Development of Bacterial Cocktail of Strains Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus warneri, Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus as active ingredients for Skin Care Formula

The microbial-based skin health care products that balance one's skin microbiome mimicking healthy skin are rapidly growing. Postbiotics gain more advantages in safety, shelf life, active peptides, and other active compounds such as GABA, which benefit human skin. We have isolated skin commensal bacteria, i.e., Staphylococcus hominis MBF12-19J, Staphylococcus warneri MBF02-19J, Micrococcus luteus MBF05-19J and Bacillus subtilis MBF10-19J in our previous study. This study aimed to make a formula of bacterial cocktail (BC) of those strains, elevate the BC formula into a ferment lysate (FL), and characterize the activities and test for skin sensitivity. The antibacterial activity was done by conducting a competition test using Propionibacterium acnes as an indicator bacterium, whereas the antioxidant activity assay was carried out using the DPPH method. The skin sensitivity was tested using the patch test method. The BC was lyzed by optimizing the enzymatic and ultrasonication methods, whereas sucrose was added as lyoprotectant to obtain a stable powder FL. Potential activity to inhibit P. acnes growth was achieved by a formula of FL consisting of M. luteus MBF05-19J: B. subtilis MBF10-19J: S. warneri MBF02-19J: S. hominis MBF12-19J in a ratio 1.5:1.5:0.5:0.5 or equivalent to DNA copy number/mL 1.01E+16: 1.14E+24: 1.96E+22: 1.50E+18. Skin sensitivity test results showed no sensitivity reaction, guaranteeing that CFS and FL are safe to use for the skin. Sucrose-FL at 12% sucrose formula showed higher physical stability than those without. However, the result of potential antioxidants showed mild and very mild activities compared to standard ascorbic acid.

Highlighting the Cosmeceutical Potential of the Edible Bunium alpinum Waldst& Kit (Apiaceae) Growing in Algeria: in vitro Antioxidant and Photoprotective Effects

The interest of using natural ingredients in cosmetic products has getting increased specially developing in new photoprotective formulations. In this study, it was undertaken to evaluate the cosmeceutical potential of the aerial parts of the species Bunium alpinum Waldst. & Kit (Apiaceae family) growing Algeria, by assessing their photoprotective and antioxidant effects. For this purpose, the total antioxidant capacity and activity were determined by using phosphomolybdenum and DPPH· radical scavenging methods. The in vitro photoprotective effect against UV-B radiations was determined according to the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) by using UV spectrophotometer at the range between 290 and 320 nm and Mansur equation. It was clear that among the tested extract, content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids of butanolic extract (Ba-BuOH) had higher than other extracts and it possessed strong antioxidant activity in DPPH· radical scavenging (20.65±0.017 mg VCE/g) and total antioxidant activity (196.69±4.08 mg VCE/g) assays. Similarly, its major compound Apigenin-7-O-rutinoside exhibited high photoprotective activity in UVB and UVA range and the SPF values were (14.70±0.11 and 32.80±0.5, respectively). The results gathered from our work reveal the using possibility of this extract and its major as antioxidant and sunscreening agent in cosmetic formulations.

A Comparative Study of Phytochemical Screening and DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of Ficus carica Linn. Leaves Extracts

This study focused on two extraction solvents and the examination of antioxidant with the most reliable antioxidant activity test. Furthermore, this study aimed to compare the phytochemical components and antioxidant activity of two Ficus carica Linn. extracts using the local (Indonesian) Ficus carica Linn. plant as the sample. The extraction was conducted by maceration technique using two organic solvents, namely methanol, and ethanol. The phytochemical screening of these extracts was conducted on several metabolite classes, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. In addition, the total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were determined with gallic acid and quercetin, respectively for standards. The antioxidant activity assay was performed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) method with ascorbic acid as the comparative standard. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed positive results for all tested metabolite classes, however, the methanol extract showed a negative result to alkaloids compounds. The total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were 33.93 ± 0.31, 40.76 ± 0.23 mg GAE/g and 26.28 ± 0.20, 24.35 ± 0.31 mg QE/g for both ethanol and methanol extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the assay showed that both extracts had strong antioxidant activity, however, the methanol extract is slightly higher. The result also showed that methanol extract of F. carica Linn. leaves has fewer phytochemical compounds but demonstrates higher antioxidant activity compared to the ethanolic extract.

Characteristic of the Ethanol Extract of Carthamus tinctorius L. Flowers and its Antioxidant Activity

Safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has been reported to be effective for treating people with measles, hypertension, stomach ache, malaria and cholesterol issues. This study aims to assess specific and non-specific parameters of characteristics for the ethanol extract of C. tinctorius L. flowers and its antioxidant properties. The specific parameters include the extract’s organoleptic properties, while the non-specific parameters include the drying shrinkage, microbial contamination content, ash content, as well as the extract’s solubility in water and ethanol according to Materia Medica Indonesia and Pharmacopeia Herbal Indonesia. An antioxidant activity assay was performed using the DPPH method. According to the results, the deep red, viscous organoleptic extract had a distinctive odor, as well as an astringent or chelate taste, and an Rf value of 0.79. Furthermore, the extract contained 0.12% of water-soluble compounds, 0.22% ethanol-soluble compounds, and several phytochemical groups, including flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, tannins, quinones, and steroids. According to the non-specific parameters, the extracts demonstrated 1.02%, 0.2237%, 0.96%, 0.23%, and 0.91% for weight, acid-insoluble ash content, dry shrinkage, ash content, and water content, respectively. Meanwhile, the microbial contaminant load was ˂ 1.0 × 10-1 colony/mL, alongside ˂ 1.0 × 10-1 colony/mL of mold/yeast. The C. tinctorius L. ethanol extract was observed to show significant antioxidant activities, evidenced by an IC50 which measured 2.511ppm, based on DPPH analysis. A similar outcome was also reported for the ethanol flower extract, which was further determined to fulfil both non-specific and specific standardization parameters.

Encapsulation of Folic Acid and α-Tocopherol in Lysozyme Particles and Their Bioaccessibility in the Presence of DNA.

Protein particles have been reported as the potential carriers for the co-encapsulation of bioactive components. In this study, lysozyme, a basic protein, was used to simultaneously encapsulate folic acid and α-tocopherol at pH 4.0. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of folic acid or α-tocopherol increased with its respective concentration. Folic acid had no influence on the encapsulation of α-tocopherol. However, the encapsulation of folic acid was improved by α-tocopherol below 40 μg/mL but reduced by α-tocopherol at higher concentrations. The encapsulation by lysozyme shielded folic acid, α-tocopherol, or both partially from the attack of 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation. No masking effect of lysozyme encapsulation on α-tocopherol was found in DPPH antioxidant activity assay. Furthermore, the DNA coating was used to improve the dispersion of lysozyme with folic acid and α-tocopherol. The lysozyme/DNA particles with folic acid and α-tocopherol showed a homogenous size distribution of 180-220 nm with ζ-potential values between -33 and -36 mV. The release and bioaccessibility of folic acid in lysozyme/DNA with α-tocopherol were similar to that of folic acid alone, while the release of α-tocopherol was delayed and its bioaccessibility was improved by encapsulation in lysozyme/DNA with folic acid. The data gathered here would provide guidance for the use of lysozyme-based co-encapsulating carriers in the development of functional foods.

Investigating the Pharmacognostic and Pharmacological Activities of Azadirachta indica L. through Biochemical Assays

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,242-254.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.026Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Mamta Yadav, Smita Mishra, Ritu Tiwari, Bhavna Kumari, Mayank Shukla, Meenakshi Dahiya, Anil Teotia, Varsha Mehra, Vivekanandan Kalaiselvan, and Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi Author(s) affiliations:Mamta Yadav, Smita Mishra*, Ritu Tiwari, Bhavna Kumari, Mayank Shukla, Meenakshi Dahiya, Anil Teotia, Varsha Mehra, Vivekanandan Kalaiselvan, Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Azadirachta indica L., commonly known as ‘neem’ is a member of the Mahagony family, widely available in Indian sub-continents. Neem tree is popularly known for its vast therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, insecticides and pesticides. The plant leaves are commonly used in several Ayurvedic formulations such as ‘kwath’ and ‘churna.’ Due to its high therapeutic value, it is important to standardize and document the quality parameters of the plant leaves. The A. indica leaves were collected, shade dried and pharmacognostic parameters were performed using techniques such as microscopy, physicochemical tests, viz., extractive values, total ash, acid insoluble ash. Apart from this, pharmacological assays for antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities were performed. Based on the assays and preliminary phytochemical analysis, best extract was selected for further compound(s) detection by HPLC and HPTLC. Results: Neem methanolic extract was found to possess various phytochemicals compared to hexane extract, the methanolic extract of neem leaves also exhibited excellent antioxidant and antidiabetic activity along with good antimicrobial against gram-positive bacteria and fungi. Through HPLC and HPTLC analysis, presence of rutin hydrate, ellagic acid, and quercetin was observed in the neem leaf methanolic extract. The pharmacognostic tests values were found similar to that of stated in IP-2022. Conclusion: This is one of the first kind of research to provide a comprehensive pharmacognostic profile of leaves of A. indica L. as well as its pharmacological evaluation along with compounds detection by high throughput analysis. Keywords:Antioxidant assay, Azadirachta indica, HPLC, HPTLC., Physicochemical analysis, α-amylase enzyme inhibition assayView:PDF (733.75 KB)