Β-carotene Bleaching Inhibition Research Articles

Active packaging coatings based on pectin modified with phenolic acids and its application in seabass fillet preservation

In this study, three variants of phenolic acids, namely p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (PHAA), and p-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (PHPA), were integrated into pectin through an enzymatic approach to enhance the preservation efficacy of seabass fillets. Structural elucidation revealed that, under lipase catalysis, each phenolic acid variant was successfully grafted onto pectin via esterification, with the corresponding phenolic acid content being 0.719, 0.699, and 0.731 mmol/g in the p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid-modified pectin (Hb-Pe), p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid-modified pectin (Ha-Pe), and p-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid-modified pectin (Hp-Pe), respectively. Regarding antioxidative activity, the modified pectins showcased a more pronounced inhibition of β-carotene bleaching than their original forms, though there was no noticeable variance in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging. Additionally, the enhanced pectin displayed increased antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with the Hp-Pe type presenting the most potent inhibitory effect. Moreover, the application of modified pectin as a coating markedly extended the storage duration of seabass fillets, with the Hp-Pe variant being particularly effective.

Phytochemical contents and bioactivity of four endemic Salvia seeds from Turkey: a comparative study to chia seed

AbstractRecently, the importance of medicinal plants such as Salvia species has been increasing both in medicine and in industrial branches, which includes food, feed, and cosmetic raw materials. On the other hand, chia seed is a functional food that has recently increased industrial importance due to its superior nutritional value, phytochemical components, and therapeutic effects. In our study, the antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from the seeds of endemic Salvia cadmica Boiss var. cadmica, and Salvia caespitosa Montbret & Aucher ex Benth., Salvia pisidica Boiss. & Heldr. ex Benth., and Salvia potentillifolia Boiss. & Heldr. ex Benth. collected from Burdur-Antalya/Turkey were determined via 1,1-diphenyl,2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity, cupric (II) reducing antioxidant capacity, b-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching and total phenolic, and total flavonoid content tests and compared with that of chia seed. Antimicrobial activity was determined according to minimum inhibitory concentration values, on S. aureus, E. coli, S. enterica, L. monocytogenes, C. albicans strains, but it was found negligible. Phenolic and fatty acid contents of the seed extracts were also determined by HPLC and GC–MS, respectively. S. pisidica and S. potentillifolia were found to be highly active. The major fatty acid composition of the chia seed was linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid while the others were linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Despite fatty acid ratios of chia seed being more favorable; 1,1-diphenyl,2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity, cupric (II) reducing antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity of S. pisidica seed extracts and total flavonoid content and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching of S. potentillifolia seed extracts was higher than that of chia seed. These findings suggest seed extracts of these Salvia species are richer in phytochemicals and they are more active as antioxidants when compared to chia seed.

The chemical composition, in vitro, and in silico studies of Lavandula mairei essential oil

Lavandula mairei is an aromatic, and medicinal plant endemic to Morocco, mainly found in the southeastern region of the Kingdom, and used in traditional medicine for its many benefits. The purpose of the study was to identify the chemical composition of Lavandula mairei essential oil using Gas Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the plant against bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Escherichia coli ESBL, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603), and two fungal strains (Aspergillus niger ATCC 10231, Candida albicans ATCC 16404) in order to measure the microbial growth inhibition zone diameter, and to determine the minimum inhibitory, bactericidal, and fungicidal concentration of the essential oil (MIC, MBC, and MFC). Concerning antioxidant activity, six assays (6DPPH, and 1ABTS Free Radical Scavenging Assay, Total Antioxidant Capacity, Hydroxyl Radical, Reducing Power, and β-Carotene Bleaching Inhibition) were performed to determine the antioxidant potential of the essential oil. For the in silico aspect, molecular docking studies were performed to explore the potential interactions of some compounds with five microbial targets (i) Dihydropteroate synthase (1AJ0), ii) The elongation factor EF-Tu (1OB2), iii) d-alanine ligase (2I80), iv) DNA gyrase (2XCT), v) The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (5V5Z), and 2ADMET prediction analysis was completed on a compound designated as dehydroabietinol. Carvacrol was identified as the major compound (36.38%) by analysis of the chemical composition, E. coli ATCC 25922 (MIC = 1.87 mg/mL ± 0.00, MBC = 15.00 mg/mL ± 0.00), and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.23 mg/mL ± 0.00, MBC = 5.53 mg/mL ± 2.77) were the most sensitive to the antibacterial treatment, and Candida albicans was resistant to the essential oil. The highest antioxidant potential of the plant was observed in the β-carotene bleaching inhibition test (IC50 = 1.55 mg/mL ± 0.009 and 90 % of inhibition). In the in silico study, the compound dehydroabietinol provided relevant evidence for molecular docking, and this was confirmed by the ADMET prediction analysis. The results of the study were significant, and further experiments will be necessary to find out more about the biological properties of Lavandula mairei.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Cow's Milk Supplemented with Aqueous Extract of Malva Sylvestris

Cow's milk is known for its beneficial properties for health, added to this, scientific research is increasingly interested in molecules from medicinal plants. The objective of this study is to evaluate some of the biological activities resulting from the association of cow's milk and the aqueous extract of leaves of malva sylvestris L, a medicinal plant of the traditional pharmacopoeia of Algeria. The combination produced showed appreciable antioxidant activity. Its capacity to trap the DPPH radical, the OH radical and H2O2 was respectively estimated by an IC50 of 5.215 ± 0.759 µg/ml, 381.44 ± 37.12 µg/ml and 205.52 ± 12.03 µg/ml. The milk associated with the plant presented an IC50 for its total antioxidant capacity of 362.90 ± 7.04 µg/ml and of 211.02 ± 35.27 µg/ml for its reducing power of the ferric ion. The assessment of the antioxidant capacity of this association was also carried out by the β-carotene bleaching inhibition test where we recorded an inhibition of 83.93 ± 4.82% of the extract at a concentration of 1mg/ml and the ferrous ion chelation test estimated by an IC50 of 506.84 ± 54.50µg/ml. With regard to anti-inflammatory activity, the cow's milk studied showed a stabilizing effect on erythrocyte membranes against osmotic stress (79.71 ± 3.81%), oxidant stress induced by HOCL (80.32 ± 0.92%) and heat (90.1 ± 3.05%). The sum of the results obtained during this study clearly shows that the combination of cow's milk and the aqueous extract of malva sylvestris leaves has significant potential for the biological activities investigated. As a result, this association constitutes a potential source of bioactive molecules and thus constitutes a therapeutic alternative to the treatment of a number of pathologies initiated by oxidative stress.

Wild Vitex agnus-castus L.: Phytochemical Characterization, Acute Toxicity, and Bioactive Properties

Wild Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) is a Mediterranean plant that is rich in bioactive metabolites. This study aimed to validate, for the first time, the beneficial use of VAC fruits and fruit decoctions (VFDs) through in vitro and in vivo trials. Forty-one volatile components were detected in VAC fruits, with 1,8-cineole (30.3%) comprising the majority. The antioxidant activity of VFD was measured by using different in vitro methods (EC50 of 0.16 mg/mL by β-carotene bleaching inhibition assay) and by measuring the DNA protection power. Using the disc diffusion assay, the antimicrobial activity of VFD was evaluated, and it exhibited a noticeable anticandidal activity. VFD did not cause any toxicity or mortality in rats treated with doses > 200 mg/kg. Using the acetic acid writhing test, the antinociceptive activity of VFD was measured. Our results showed that VFD at 200 mg/kg exhibited a higher analgesic activity (81.68%) than acetylsalicylic acid used as a positive control (74.35%). Its gastroprotective ability was assessed by HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions, which were remarkably inhibited (84.62%) by intraperitoneal administration of VFD. This work helps to validate the popular use of VAC to treat nociceptive, inflammatory, and gastric disorders and encourages researchers to further investigate the identification of pharmacological compounds from this species.

Essential Oil and Crude Extracts of Pulicaria arabica (L.) Cass. Aerial Parts: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Effect, α-Glucosidase, Acetylcholinesterase, and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities

Plants have been an important source of bioactive compounds since ancient times and have recently attracted much attention from researchers and consumers due to the toxic effects of synthetic drugs. Our work aimed to study the chemical composition and some biological activities of the essential oil (EO) and the crude extracts of an endemic plant from Algeria: Pulicaria arabica (L.) Cass. Gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of the EO is conducted for the identification of eight compounds representing 99.6% of the total content. The main compounds were α-Cadinol (35.0%), δ-Cadinene (22.5%), τ-Muurolol (12.6%), and τ-Cadinol (11.7%). The highest contents of total phenolics and flavonoids of the crude extracts were recorded with the methanol extract (185.91 ± 3.11 μg GAE/mg and 62.86 ± 1.98 μg QE/mg of extract, respectively). The antioxidant activity of the EO and the crude extracts was evaluated using six different methods: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity, ABTS (2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic)) scavenging activity, the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), iron chelation, β-carotene bleaching inhibition, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). Acetone and methanol extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, which can be attributed to their high phenol content. On the contrary, the EO and the hydro-methanolic extract exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50: 39.74 ± 1.91 and 42.45 ± 4.67 μg/mL, respectively). All the tested extracts were found to be inactive against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) while they showed an interesting inhibitory effect against butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). These findings showed that Pulicaria arabica EO and extracts have important biological activities and might be used in the treatment of diabetes and Alzheimer's disease with antioxidant properties.

Antitubercular activities, antioxidant properties and GCMS fingerprinting of Acacia hebecladoides, Acacia albida and Gmelina arborea.

Abstract Background: It is a practice to use traditional medicine for curing various illnesses in West Africa. Acacia hebecladoides, Acacia albida and Gmelina arborea were selected based on their traditional belief for treating various ailments such as: hallucinations, inflammation and tuberculosis. The study sought to validate the antitubercular activity, antioxidant properties and phytochemical components of extracts and fractions of the leaves of selected plants. Method: The antitubercular activities of the plants were evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and non-mycobacterium tuberculosis (NTM) using the Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) proportion method. Gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS) assay and the antioxidant assays (1,1- diphenyl -2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, total phenolic content (TPC), β-carotene bleaching activity and nitric oxide scavenging activity) were all carried out. Results: All three plant extracts used in the study inhibited Mycobacterium tuberculosis with G. arborea showing the lowest MIC value of 31.25μg/ml. Also, G. arborea inhibited MDR-TB with an MIC value of 125μg/ml. The most active plant, G. arborea was fractionated into four partitions, three (aqueous, n-hexane and ethyl acetate) fractions showed inhibitory activity against MTB with an MIC value of 62.5μg/ml. Also n-hexane and chloroform fractions of G. arborea showed inhibitory activities against MDR-TB with the lowest MIC value of 31.25μg/ml. The nitric oxide activity of the plant fractions showed that ethyl acetate fraction of G. arborea had high nitric oxide antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extract A. hebecladoides and G. arborea, while fractions of G. arborea (aqueous, ethyl acetate and chloroform) showed DPPH scavenging activity. The ethanolic extract A. hebecladoides and A. albida, while aqueous fraction of G. arborea had high total phenolic content. The ethanolic extract G. arborea and its fractions (aqueous and n hexane) showed β-carotene bleaching inhibition. Twelve compounds were found in the n-hexane fraction of G. arborea as 2,3-dihydro-3,5,-6-methy 4H-Pyran-4-one and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural were abundant with 35.81% and 19.03% respectively, followed by 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methy-4H-Pyran-4-one (9.82%) and n-Hexadecanoic acid (8.45%). Conclusions: The study carried out showed that ethanolic extract and fractions of G. arborea possess inhibitory activities against MTB and MDR-TB. Also ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of G. arborea showed high antioxidant activities.

Beneficial Effects of Bauhinia rufa Leaves on Oxidative Stress, Prevention, and Treatment of Obesity in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6 Mice.

Obesity is an epidemic disease worldwide, associated with oxidative stress and the development of several other diseases. Bauhinia rufa (Bong.) Steud. is a native Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plant popularly used for the treatment of obesity. In this context, we investigated the chemical composition of the methanolic extract of B. rufa leaves (MEBr) and evaluated the antioxidant activity and its impact on the prevention and treatment of obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD 60%). Additionally, the acute oral toxicity of MEBr was evaluated. In MEBr, 17 glycosylated compounds were identified, including myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, coumaroyl, cyanoglucoside, and megastigmane. In vitro, MEBr showed antioxidant activity in different methods: DPPH•, ABTS•+, FRAP, iron-reducing power, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, and inhibition of DNA fragmentation. In human erythrocytes, MEBr increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Under oxidative stress, MEBr reduced oxidative hemolysis, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels generated in erythrocytes. Mice treated acutely with MEBr (2000 mg/kg) showed no signs of toxicity. During 90 days, the mice received water or MEBr simultaneously with HFD for induction of obesity. At this stage, MEBr was able to reduce the gain of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) and prevent the increase of MDA in the heart and brain. After 180 days of HFD for obesity induction, mice that received MEBr simultaneously with HFD (HFD-MEBr) in the last 60 days of treatment (120-180 days) showed a reduction of retroperitoneal and mesenteric WAT deposits and MDA levels in the heart, liver, kidney, and brain, compared to the HFD-Control group. These effects of MEBr were similar to mice treated with sibutramine (HFD-Sibutramine, 2 mg/kg). Combined, the results show that compounds from the leaves of B. rufa affect controlling oxidative stress and actions in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Thus, associated oxidative stress reduction and body composition modulation, in obese people, can contribute to the prevention of obesity-related comorbidities and improve quality of life.

Major Phytochemical Compounds, In Vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activities of Six Aqueous and Organic Extracts of Crocus sativus L. Flower Waste.

After being considered as a neglected product, agricultural waste is nowadays considered of paramount importance. It has become a source of many chemical compounds with industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications. This study aims to evaluate the primary phytochemical content, the antioxidant properties, and the antimicrobial activities of different extracts of saffron flower waste (SFE) against bacterial and fungal strains involved in diverse pathologies in southern Morocco. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The antioxidant potentials were assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and β-carotene assays. The antimicrobial activity against four bacteria and four fungi was also evaluated. The findings in terms of the relationships between phytochemical content and all activities were depicted by PCA analyses. SFEs contained large amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds that contribute to the significant antioxidant activities. Diethyl ether (DE), n-Butanol (n-B), and Ethyl acetate (EA) fractions respectively exhibited more DPPH scavenging capacity, FRAP reducing power, and β-carotene bleaching inhibition. DE and EA have a remarkable effect mainly against Staphylococcus aureus strain, compared to Listeriamonocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Both SFEs showed antifungal antagonism towards key fungi species involved in post-harvest mold and crop yield losses. Botrytis cinerea was more susceptible than Fusarium solani, Penicillium expansum, and Penicillium digitatum. These results reveal new data about extracts obtained from SFE that could be a potential source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents opening new possibilities for their applications in the food system as a natural preservative and a sustainable alternative to conventional ingredients.

Production of Childinan SF-2 as Bioactive Compound from Daldinia childiae: A Survey on Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antitumor Properties.

Fungal extracts have received increased attention due to their great medicinal applications including antitumor, immune-modulating, antioxidant, radical scavenging, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and detoxificating properties. This study is the first report on a novel bioactive compound, namely Childinan SF-2 which was isolated from soil ascomycete fungus. The significant antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of the extract may lead to development of novel, safe and useful substances. The isolate was identified on the basis of molecular approach. Spore suspension was inoculated in the culture medium and the bioactive compound was isolated from the viscous fermented broth via ethanol precipitation of the extracellular compound. The basic chemical composition of the extract including protein, carbohydrate, sulfate radical and uronic acid content were measured. FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and GC-MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis were used for further structural characterization. The extract was utilized for treatment of AGS and MDA cell lines to assess the cell cycle and apoptosis. The antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, hydroxyl radicals scavenging, β-carotene bleaching inhibition and ferric reducing power assay methods. The extract was tested for evaluation of antibacterial activity using different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The fungal isolate was identified as the new strain Daldinia childiae SF-2. Initial biochemical characterization of the extract showed that the fungal biopolymer was composed of total sugars, protein, uronic acids and sulfated groups with values of 91.6%, 2.15%, 2.25% and 1.05% (w/w), respectively. FTIR and GC-MS analysis revealed that Childinan SF-2 might be mainly constructed from D-glucose, D-mannitol and D-galactofuranose. The in vitro experiments revealed that Childinan SF-2 enhanced the percentage of necrosis and apoptosis of cancer cells and blocked the cell cycle progression as shown by flowcytometry. Childinan SF-2 represented a considerable antioxidant and antibacterial activity. These results indicated that Childinan SF-2 can serve as a potential source in medicinal applications. Keywords Exopolysaccharides; Fungal Biopolymers; Mycelial Secretions; Natural Pharmaceuticals; Xylariaceae.

Sustainable starch biocomposite films fully-based on white rice (Oryza sativa) agroindustrial by-products

In this work, starch biocomposites fully-based on the valorization of white rice agroindustrial by-products have been produced by melt mixing. The film matrix consisted on rice flour (RF) or rice starch (RS) obtained, which was reinforced with cellulose-rich nanocrystals obtained through simplified extraction processes from rice husks (CN-RH) and rice straw (CN-RW). The presence of impurities in RF induced the re-crystallization of starch, producing more crystalline films with better mechanical performance, but greater water vapor permeability than RS. This was overcome by the addition of 15% (w/w) cellulosic nanocrystals. Moreover, the cellulosic nanocrystals increased the stiffness of the films, with the CN-RW yielding better mechanical performance due to their more homogeneous morphology and distribution within the RF matrix. Interestingly, all the RF films showed remarkable antioxidant capacity (>20% inhibition of β-carotene bleaching), highlighting the potential of less purified materials to develop sustainable food packaging with additional functionalities.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Potentilla recta L.

In this study, the antioxidant activity and effectiveness against pathogenic microorganisms in the skin were investigated to evaluate the wound healing mechanisms of Potentilla recta L. (Rosaceae), which is traditionally used in wound treatment. The antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and2,2-Azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS•+) radical scavenging activities, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, protection of 2-deoxyribose and bovine brain-derived phospholipids against hydroxyl radical-mediated degradation assay, at different concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 2 mg mL-1. By the microdilution method, antimicrobial activity was evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Besides, viability enhancing effects on murine fibroblast cells (L929) were determined by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method. The key parameters for the extract included the following: DPPH• IC50: 0.19 mg mL-1, TEAC: 0.76 mmol L-1 Trolox, reduction: 0.87 mmol g-1 AsscE, and protection of lipid peroxidation IC50: 0.07 mg mL-1. A strong effect on S. epidermidis was observed with 79% inhibition at a concentration of 125 mg mL-1, but did not show toxicity to L929 cells below 250 mg mL-1 concentration. The results proved that the potent antioxidant activity combined with the antimicrobial activity supports traditional use.

Using a zeolite produced from glass waste and aluminum scraps to develop a novel gelatin-based biodegradable composites films: Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of a potential food packaging material

In this study, a synthetic zeolite LTA was manufactured using glass waste and aluminum scrap as the main source of Si and Al. The as-synthesized zeolite was modified with zinc cation to improve its antibacterial property. The Zn-LTA was used to develop a gelatin-based biopolymer composites films. Mixing gelatin and Zn-LTA improved physicochemical and antibacterial characteristics of the produced films, remarkably. XRD, FTIR, SEM and TGA demonstrated a very good interaction between gelatin matrix and zeolite particles. Incorporation of zeolite into gelatin film resulted to a significant impact on the film thickness, water solubility, as well as the transparency of all composite films. In addition, the composite films exhibited high antibacterial and antioxidant activities compared to pure gelatin film. Several in vitro assays (reducing power, β-carotene bleaching inhibition and DPPH radical-scavenging activity) revealed that zeolite/gelatin composite films have higher antioxidant potential compared to the control gelatin films. The experimental results confirmed that the Zn-LTA/gelatin composite films can be considered as potential materials for development of active packaging for food preservation.

Assessment of lipid preservation by carotenoids extracted from Daucus carota (L.) and Beta vulgaris (L.) roots

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of phytochemicals such as carotenoids capable of preventing diseases and maintaining well-being. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant activity of carotenoids obtained from Daucus carota L. (D. carota) and Beta vulgaris L. (B. vulgaris) roots and to determine their impact on the fat preservation. Carotenoids were extracted using a mixture of an equal volume of methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether. The antioxidant activity of the roots extracts was determined using DPPH scavenging and β-carotene bleaching methods. The oxidative stability of the butter added to the roots extracts was assessed using the Schall test. Results have shown that carotenoid contents of D. carota and B. vulgaris extracts were about 2.47±0.24 and 1.44±0.09 mg β-carotene equivalent per g of roots extract, respectively. DPPH-scavenging activity revealed IC50 values of 0.58 and 0.89 mg /mL, and a percentage of β-carotene bleaching inhibition of 51.25±4.26% and 56.84% in the presence of 1mg/mL of B. vulgaris and D. carota extract, respectively. The oxidation of the butter fats was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the presence of the two carotenoid extracts compared to the control. The present study clearly showed the protective effect of D. carota and B. vulgaris against oxidative reactions in general and lipid peroxidation in particular. In addition to its use as a natural colorant, the carotenoids roots extract of these two plants could be used as a potential food preservative.

Chemical Compounds Profile by LC-MS/MS and Assessment of Antioxidant and Antibacterial properties of Caesalpinia pubescens Fruits Extracts

This study presents the profile of chemical compounds by LC-MS/MS and evaluates antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Caesalpinia pubescens fruits extracts. The study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of Caesalpinia pubescens fruits extract and determine the active extract's chemical compounds by LCMS/MS. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were determined by the colorimetric assay, respectively. The antioxidant activity was performed by TLC-bioautography, determination of the IC50, antioxidant activity index (AAI), and the inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. This study also determined the correlation between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities. Evaluation of antibacterial activity was performed against S. aureus and E. coli. The results showed that the highest TPC was obtained in methanol extract (108.54 ± 1.92 mg GAE/g extract), and the highest TFC was obtained in dichloromethane extract (33.38 ± 0.86 mg QE/g extract). Methanol and ethyl extracts have powerful DPPH free radical scavenging with the IC50 value range of 8.27 - 11.24 µg/ml and AAI values of 2.74 - 3.72. The DPPH radical free scavenging capacity has a high positive correlation with the TPC values with an r-value of 0.950. The increased concentration of extracts correlated with the increased inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, with Pearson’s coefficient (r) in a range of 0.624 - 0.962. The 1000 ppm of methanol extract had the best antioxidant activity, significantly different from positive control and other extracts (P<0.05). The dichloromethane and methanol extracts possess moderate antibacterials against S. aureus with a MIC value of 256 µg/mL. This study is the new on the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of C. pusbescens fruit extracts, and the first study regarding flavonoid and phenolic contents and the other chemical composition in the C. pusbescens fruit extracts.

The bioactive constituents and antioxidant activities of ten selected Brazilian Cerrado fruits.

This study measured the total levels of phenolic, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and tocopherol compounds, and vitamin C in ten fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado: araçá-boi, bacaba, bacupari, biribá, cajuí, curriola, marmelada-espinho, mirindiba, murici, and puçá-preto. Five extracts were prepared from each fruit using solvents with different polarities. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching were determined for each extract. Scott-Knott test and principal component analysis showed that the analyzed fruits were rich sources of different classes of bioactive compounds, with levels comparable to those in commonly consumed fruits such as guavas, and various berries and citrus fruits. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of biribá, cajuí, marmelada-espinho, and mirindiba. Moreover, mirindiba was found to be a rich source of vitamin C and phenolics, with an average level of carotenoids and tocopherols.

Compositional Analysis and Antioxidant Activities of Thymus pubescens Essential Oil from Iran.

The genus Thymus is one of the well-known members of the Lamiaceae, comprising about 215 species. It is a polymorphic genus in this family. Therefore, possible differences in chemical composition among polymorphs may result in differences in their biological activities. This study was designed to specify chemical composition in order to assess antioxidant activities and to characterize active constituents of essential oil of Thymus pubescens. Essential oil was collected by hydrodistillation and was analyzed using GC-MS and GCFID. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by ABTS radical cation scavenging and β-carotene bleaching inhibition methods. Detection and identification of antioxidant components were performed by TLC-bioautography assay using ABTS•+ reagent. GC analyses indicated the presence of 39 components, accounting for 96.64% of total constituents, with thymol (38.67%), γ-terpinene (7.46%), and p-cymene (5.54%) as the main components. The IC50 values for antioxidant activities were equal to 1.15 (1.05 - 1.25) μg/mL and 0.45 (0.33 - 0.62) μg/mL for ABTS•+ scavenging and β-carotene bleaching inhibition tests, respectively. TLC-bioautography of oil resulted in the identification of thymol as the major antioxidant compound. Essential oil exhibited very potent and significant antioxidant activities correlated well with increasing dose in vitro.

Antioxidant and antifungal activities <em>in vitro</em> of essential oils and extracts of twelve Algerian species of <em>Thymus</em> against some mycotoxigenic <em>Aspergillus</em> genera

The aim of the study was to determine the phenolic and flavonoid content of Essential Oils (EOs), chloroform and ethanolic extracts of 12 Algerian Thymus species and evaluate their antioxidant and antifungal activities. EOs (1.73±0.30– 15.00±1.24μg/mg), chloroform extracts (33.8±2.42– 160.93±3.88μg/mg) and ethanol extracts (27.01±3.56 – 148.46±4.40μg/mg) showed considerable phenolic content. Flavonoids values of chloroform extracts ranged between 3.39±0.17 and 20.27±0.29μg/mL while ethanolic extracts values ranged between 2.81±0.11 and 26.64±0.18μg/mg. Results of DPPH showed that EOs, chloroform and ethanolic extracts exhibited strong radical scavenging activity (IC50=21.75±6.54– 338.22±2.99μg/mL, 22.91±5.59–90.93±1.36μg/mL, and 33.51±5.72–103.80±4.54μg/m, respectively). Inhibition of β-carotene bleaching was potentially performed by all EOs (66.48±2.41–94.06±2.68%), chloroform extracts (68.98±1.58– 95.30±1.99%), and ethanolic extracts (62.15±2.51–92.36±1.15%). The antifungal activity of EOs and extracts was tested using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). The EOs (0.1±0.00mg/mL– 1.06±0.46mg/mL), chloroform (0.1±0.00 mg/mL– 1.06±0.46mg/mL) and ethanol (0.1±0.00mg/mL–1.6±0.00 mg/mL) showed remarkable antifungal activity against mycotoxigenic Aspergillus genera. The MFC of EOs (1.0±0.34mg/mL and >4.8mg/mL), chloroform (0.26±0.11mg/mL and >1.6 mg/mL) and ethanol (0.2±0.00mg/mL and >1.6 mg/mL) were fungicidal in nature higher than MICs. The findings of the study indicated that Thymus spp. EOs and extracts could be used as natural alternatives for food industry

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Fruiting Bodies, Mycelial Biomass and Culture Liquid of Omphalotus olearius OBCC 2503 (Agaricomycetes) from Turkey.

Up to now, the comparative analysis of the antioxidant and anticancer activities of the ethyl acetate extracts from fruiting body, mycelial biomass, and culture liquid of Omphalotus olearius are not reported. In this study, antioxidant activity of different samples was compared by six different methods: DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, metal chelating activity, reducing power, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, and lipid peroxidation through ferric thiocyanate assay. Total phenolic contents of the samples were also determined. The mycelial biomass produced in vitro conditions presented the highest activity by five of them which was following by culture liquid. The potential antiproliferative effects of the extracts in cell culture, human cancer (A549, Caco2 and MCF-7) and healthy (CCD-19LU and CCD 841 CoN) cell lines by WST-1 assay was also evaluated. The highest anticancer effects were determined on A549 lung cancer cells treated with mycelial biomass extract and Caco2 colon cancer cells treated with culture liquid extract. The culture liquid was more effective on the cells than mycelial biomass according to IC50 values. All tested extracts were also evaluated for their toxicity against brine shrimp larvae (Artemia salina). O. olearius culture liquid and mycelial biomass extracts showed highest and lowest toxicity against A. salina, respectively.

Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Properties, Key Enzyme Inhibitory Potential and Photoprotective Activity of Lawsonia inermis L.

Background: Lawsonia inermis Linn (Lythraceae), commonly known as "Henna" is a medicinal plant widely used as a folk remedy and for its cosmetic properties. Objective: The objective of this present work was to evaluate biological activities and to quantify phenolics in extracts. Methods: The extracts were obtained from seeds of L. inermis by increasing the polarity of the solvent. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and tannins was determined using colorimetric methods. Also, to evaluate the antioxidant activity, six different assays, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide radical scavenging, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching, ferric reducing antioxidant power and phenanthroline assays were used. Enzyme inhibition activity was evaluated by acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition assays. Furthermore, photoprotective activity was determined by measuring sun protection factor. Results: The extraction efficiency of phenolics, as well as the biological activities of plant extracts, were affected by solvent polarity. The highest content of phenolics was determined in methanol extract (786.54 ± 0.00 mg GAEg-1 DW), followed by the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts (526.48 ± 0.40 and 331.25 ± 0.00 GAEg-1 DW, respectively).The above extracts also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while low polar extracts were characterized with the lowest content of phenolics, as well as the lowest antioxidant capacity. The highest enzyme inhibition activities were found in ethyl acetate extract. Moreover, the methanol extract showed the best photoprotective activity with sun protection factor of 43.05 ± 0.37. Conclusion: These findings suggest a possible use of Henna seeds as a potential source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and skin protection properties.