Bioactive Phenolics Research Articles

Core-shell structured alginate-based hydrogel beads modified by starch and protocatechuic acid: Preparation, characterization, phenolic slow release and stable antioxidant potential

A novel core-shell structured alginate-based hydrogel bead modified by co-gelatinizing with starch and protocatechuic acid (PA), was designed to modulate physical properties of beads, release behavior and antioxidant stability of encapsulated bioactives. Core was fabricated by ionotropic gelation, and its formulation (ratio of sodium alginate/starch) was determined by particle size/starch distribution, texture and bioactive encapsulation capacity of core. Then, coating core with shell-forming solution co-gelatinized with different doses of PA, and subsequently cross-linked with Ca2+ to obtain core-shell structured beads. Surface microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and swelling ratio of beads were affected by concentrations of PA. Besides, core-shell structure containing PA could enhance delivery and sustained release of encapsulated phenolic bioactives during in vitro digestion, and improve their antioxidant potential stability. Furthermore, interaction between PA and polysaccharide components was elucidated by FTIR and TGA. The present information was beneficial for the advancement of functional food materials and bioactive delivery systems.

Natural Bioactive Compounds from Macroalgae and Microalgae for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review.

Neuroinflammation, toxic protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are key pathways in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Targeting these mechanisms with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and inhibitors of Aβ formation and aggregation is crucial for treatment. Marine algae are rich sources of bioactive compounds, including carbohydrates, phenolics, fatty acids, phycobiliproteins, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins. In recent years, they have attracted interest from the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries due to their exceptional biological activities, which include anti-inflammation, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-apoptosis properties. Multiple lines of evidence have unveiled the potential neuroprotective effects of these multifunctional algal compounds for application in treating and managing AD. This article will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds derived from algae based on in vitro and in vivo models of neuroinflammation and AD. We will also discuss their potential as disease-modifying and symptomatic treatment strategies for AD.

Phytochemistry of Punica granatum Fruit: Its Nutritional and Biological Potential

The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry, nutritional composition, and therapeutic implications associated with the consumption of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit, renowned for its dual role as a taste delicacy and a medicinal agent. A detailed exploration of the phytochemical composition is undertaken. Recognized for its myriad health benefits, this fruit has been historically employed as a remedy for diverse disorders, with its leaves, peel, and bark demonstrating efficacy in treating gastrointestinal issues leading to diarrhea. Notably, pomegranate juice has been utilized in treating cholera, while the oil extracted from seeds exhibits notable efficacy in addressing skin and breast cancer. The review underscores the presence of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, ellagitannins, catechin, and phenols, across various species of P. granatum. In addition to its rich phytochemical profile, pomegranate emerges as a nutritionally rich fruit, boasting significant quantities of vitamins C and D, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fibers. Its nutritional composition aligns with its therapeutic properties, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial attributes. Notably, a single cup of pomegranate arils contains 72 calories, 16 g of carbohydrates, and 3 g of dietary fiber. This review serves to deepen our understanding of the multifaceted nature of pomegranate, and addresses emerging and technological advancements in pomegranate phytochemistry.

Microplastic-free, single-layered functional surface with localized liquid-discharging molecular channels for disposable hygiene products

Conventional disposable absorbent hygiene products (DAHPs) currently represent a significant type of solid waste in landfills and are a substantial producer of fiber-based microplastics. In this work, a novel multifunctional cellulose nonwoven (CNW) is reported. The key structural design of this material was achieved by covalently grafting a naturally cycloheptatriene product namely hinokitiol and a silane covalent bridge, successfully transforming the original super hydrophilic substrate into a single-layered, multifunctional material with precisely designed liquid-discharging molecular channels and a tailored, sophisticated hydrophobic/hydrophilic distribution structure. This 3D structure perfectly mimics the conventional adhesive-bonded polyolefin/polyesters laminates comprising a top sheet and a liquid acquisition and distribution layer (ADL). The results of XPS and 1H NMR indicated the hinokitiol was successfully chemically bonded to the CNW surface. Compared with polyolefin or cotton substrates, the optimal CNW product (CNW-H-A-2) exhibits significantly improved long-term wearing comfort by minimizing the liquid strike-through time (by 26–27%), reducing wet-back amount (by 65–90%), and ensuring an outstanding air-permeability (3011 mm·s-1). Excellent antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (86.4%) and Escherichia coli (97.3%) were achieved due to the good preservation of the bioactive phenol groups of hinokitiol. Additionally, it can be completely enzymatically-degraded within 24 h. This strategy holds promise as a potential solution for mitigating fiber-based microplastics pollution of DAHPs.

Heat Stress and Microbial Stress Induced Defensive Phenol Accumulation in Medicinal Plant Sparganium stoloniferum.

An approach based on the heat stress and microbial stress model of the medicinal plant Sparganium stoloniferum was proposed to elucidate the regulation and mechanism of bioactive phenol accumulation. This method integrates LC-MS/MS analysis, 16S rRNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and molecular assays to investigate the regulation of phenolic metabolite biosynthesis in S. stoloniferum rhizome (SL) under stress. Previous research has shown that the metabolites and genes involved in phenol biosynthesis correlate to the upregulation of genes involved in plant-pathogen interactions. High-temperature and the presence of Pseudomonas bacteria were observed alongside SL growth. Under conditions of heat stress or Pseudomonas bacteria stress, both the metabolites and genes involved in phenol biosynthesis were upregulated. The regulation of phenol content and phenol biosynthesis gene expression suggests that phenol-based chemical defense of SL is stimulated under stress. Furthermore, the rapid accumulation of phenolic substances relied on the consumption of amino acids. Three defensive proteins, namely Ss4CL, SsC4H, and SsF3'5'H, were identified and verified to elucidate phenol biosynthesis in SL. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the phenol-based chemical defense of SL, indicating that bioactive phenol substances result from SL's responses to the environment and providing new insights for growing the high-phenol-content medicinal herb SL.

Valuable Nutrients, Aroma Profile, and Functional Bioactives Extracted by Eco-Friendly Extraction Techniques from Wild Olive Fruits (Olea europaea L. var. sylvestris)

Wild olive tree, or oleaster (var. sylvestris), native to the Mediterranean region, is considered a traditional source of healthy food. Wild olive fruit (WOF) exhibits several biological properties associated with its chemical composition. Although Greece has important olive genetic resources, including oleaster populations, limited information is available on the chemical characterization of WOF. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to study the nutritional, bioactive (phenolics, tocopherols, and pigments), volatile profile, and antioxidant properties of WOF collected from Greece. Moreover, eco-friendly processes, including ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), were applied to obtain oleuropein-rich extracts from WOF. Evaluation of phenolic composition in WOF extracts was carried out by LC-DAD-ESI-MS, while antioxidant activity was evaluated by applying DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. Our outcomes show that Greek WOF is rich in oleic acid (71.55%), total phenolics (64.89 mg GAE/g dw), tocopherols (107.05 mg/kg dw), and carotenoids (85.90 mg/kg dw). Oleuropein (72.03 mg/g dw) was the main phenolic compound in the WOF extracts. Also, the WOF was characterized by an increased level of volatile compounds, mainly terpenoids (46.73%). UAE was more efficient than MAE and ASE for recovering oleuropein-rich extracts with high antioxidant activity. These results emphasized the high potential of WOF as an alternative bioactive ingredient for use in the food industry.

Functional constituents of Colchicum lingulatum Boiss. & Spruner subsp. Rigescens K. Perss. Extracts and their biological activities with different perspectives

The genus Colchicum comprises medicinal plants with important bioactive alkaloids, mainly colchicine, and phenolics. The present study was aimed to determine for the first time the phytoconstituents, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic properties of corms of C. lingulatum. Different solvents extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) were obtained. The extracts were examined for chemical characterization, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic properties. To gain more insights, in silico and network pharmacological analysis were performed. Results of GC/MS analysis of the hexane extract revealed that the extract was dominated by oxygenated diterpenes (37%). UHPLC/MS analysis of ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids as the most abundant class in addition to phenolic acids and alkaloids. The alkaloid colchicine together with its derivatives colchiceine, colchiciline and isomers were detected in the methanol and aqueous extracts. Results of antioxidant activity showed that the methanol extract exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging. At 100 μg/mL, the ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts displayed potent cytotoxicity against the human embryonic (HEK 293), murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). In silico analyzes have investigated the potential of C. lingulatum in cancer therapy using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. These results demonstrate C. lingulatum can be a valuable source of bioactive compounds in the development of functional applications including nutraceuticals.

Method development with high-throughput enhanced matrix removal followed by UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS for analysis of grape polyphenol metabolites in human urine

Grape and grape derived products contain many bioactive phenolics which have a variety of impacts on health. Following oral ingestion, the phenolic compounds and their metabolites may be detectable in human urine. However, developing a reliable method for the analysis of phenolic compounds in urine is challenging. In this work, we developed and validated a new high-throughput, sensitive and reproducible analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of 31 grape phenolic compounds and metabolites using Oasis PRiME HLB cleanup for sample preparation combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS). Using this new method, the accuracy achieved was 69.3 % ∼ 134.9 % (except for six compounds), and the recovery achieved was 52.4 % ∼ 134.7 % (except for two very polar compounds). For each of the 31 target analytes, the value of intra-day precision was less than 14.3 %. The value of inter-day precision was slightly higher than intra-day precision, with a range of 0.7 % ∼ 19.1 %. We report for the first time on the effect of gender and BMI on the accuracy and recovery of human urine samples, and results from analysis of variance (ANOVA), and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated there was no difference in the value of accuracy and recovery between different gender or BMI (>30) using our purposed cleanup and UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method. Overall, this newly developed method could serve as a powerful tool for analyzing grape phenolic compounds and metabolites in human urine samples.

Evaluation of bioactive substances in different parts of the root in beetroot (Beta vulgaris ssp. esculenta var. rubra)

Beetroot, also known as Beta vulgaris ssp. esculenta var. rubra, is a root vegetable that contains a substantial quantity of bioactive elements, notably antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These bioactive compounds, including betalains, phenolics, and flavonoids, contribute to the health-promoting properties of beetroot. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of beetroot have been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical settings. The active compounds in beetroot have been reported to provide benefits in reducing the risk of various diseases, our research provides a comprehensive analysis of the bioactive compounds the inner and outer skin parts of the root structure. The findings aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential health benefits associated with specific beetroot root components. Furthermore, the results have implications for optimising beetroot cultivation and processing for enhanced nutritional value. This research not only advances our knowledge of the phytochemical profile of beetroot outer skin but also offers valuable insights into the broader field of plant biochemistry and its applications in promoting human health and nutrition.

Phytochemical analysis of water and ethanol liquid extracts prepared using freshly harvested leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.)

Mitragyna speciosa, also known as kratom, has been reported to have a broad range of pharmacological properties. Freshly harvested leaves and their water extracts are consumed in Southeast Asia while preparations made from dried leaf material are consumed in Western countries. Our study evaluated the phytochemical composition of freshly harvested kratom leaves using LCMS/MS analysis of water and ethanol liquid extracts. Mitragynine and its congeners, including 7-hydroxymitragynine, speciocilliatine, speciogynine, paynantheine, as well as bioactive phenolics including chlorogenic acid, o-coumaric acid, quercitrin, and rutin were identified. However, 7-hydroxymitragynine was detected solely in the water–liquid extract. Currently, unknown compounds were also present in the chromatograms and mass spectra. The study results support that 7-hydroxymitragynine is a post-harvest oxidative derivative or metabolite of mitragynine. Further rigorous and comprehensive evaluations of the phytochemical composition of freshly harvested kratom leaves utilising advanced spectrometric methods are needed to establish the full spectrum of phytochemicals within the plant.

Patterns of Genetic Variation of Nepeta nuda L. from the Central Balkans: Understanding Drivers of Chemical Diversity.

Nepeta nuda L., a notable medicinal species in the tradition of the Balkan region, is a rich source of bioactive iridoids and phenolics previously described as high-resolution taxonomical classifiers for the genus Nepeta. However, their potential in investigating intra-species differentiation is here described for the first time. The aim was to recognize the sources of natural chemical diversity and their association with the genetic variability both within and among N. nuda populations in the Central Balkans. Chemical diversity was assessed from methanol extracts and essential oils through untargeted and targeted metabolomics using state-of-the-art analytical tools, covering a broad spectrum of compounds that represent the N. nuda metabolome. We found that chemodiversity primarily resides within populations of N. nuda, and similar results were obtained at the DNA level using microsatellite markers. The low genetic and chemical differentiation of the studied N. nuda populations implies that their metabolomic profiles may be less influenced by geographic distance and variable environmental conditions within the Central Balkans, as they are under the pivotal control of their genetic backgrounds. Screening the distribution of the major bioactive compounds belonging to phenolics (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and iridoids (both aglycones and glycosylated forms), within and among N. nuda populations, is able to guarantee mass spectrometry-based tools for the selection of elite representative genotypes with practical importance. The knowledge acquired will allow us to delve deeper into the molecular background of N. nuda chemical diversity, which is the course of our further work.

Insights into the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial potential of Nigella sativa essential oil against oral pathogens

Oral disorders can exert systemic ramifications beyond their localized effects on dental tissues, implicating a wide array of physiological conditions. The utilization of essential oils (EOs) for protection of oral health represents a longstanding practice. Consequently, in this investigation, essential oil derived from Nigella sativa seeds (NSEO) underwent isolation via the hydro-distillation process, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial activities, and cytocompatibility. The isolated NSEO manifested as a pale-yellow substance and was found to harbor a diverse spectrum of bioactive constituents, including steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, proteins, alkaloids, tannin, sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons, monoterpenoid alcohol, and monoterpenoid ketone (thymoquinone). Notably, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of NSEO were quantified at 641.23 μg GAE/gm and 442.25 μg QE/g, respectively. Furthermore, NSEO exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation, HRBC membrane stabilization, and hemolysis inhibition. Comparative analysis revealed that NSEO and chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.2% displayed substantial inhibition of hemolysis compared to aspirin. While NSEO and CHX 0.2% demonstrated analogous antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, NSEO showcased heightened efficacy against Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans. Additionally, NSEO exhibited pronounced effects against periodontal pathogens such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia. Importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed on human gingival fibroblast cell lines. These findings underscore the potential of NSEO as a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent in the management of oral microbial pathogens, thereby offering avenues for the development of innovative therapies targeting diverse oral inflammatory conditions. Nevertheless, further investigations are imperative to unlock its full therapeutic repertoire.

Potential Role and Mechanism of Mulberry Extract in Immune Modulation: Focus on Chemical Compositions, Mechanistic Insights, and Extraction Techniques.

Mulberry is a rapidly growing plant that thrives in diverse climatic, topographical, and soil types, spanning temperature and temperate countries. Mulberry plants are valued as functional foods for their abundant chemical composition, serving as a significant reservoir of bioactive compounds like proteins, polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids. Moreover, these compounds displayed potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation, and restoring elevated nitric oxide production induced by LPS stimulation through the downregulation of inducible NO synthase expression. Active components like oxyresveratrol found in Morus demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting leukocyte migration through the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Gallic and chlorogenic acids in mulberry leaves (ML) powder-modulated TNF, IL-6, and IRS1 proteins, improving various inflammatory conditions by immune system modulation. As we delve deeper into understanding its anti-inflammatory potential and how it works therapeutically, it is crucial to refine the extraction process to enhance the effectiveness of its bioactive elements. Recent advancements in extraction techniques, such as solid-liquid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, superficial fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, are being explored. Among the extraction methods tested, including Soxhlet extraction, maceration, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), UAE demonstrated superior efficiency in extracting bioactive compounds from mulberry leaves. Overall, this comprehensive review sheds light on the potential of mulberry as a natural immunomodulatory agent and provides insights into its mechanisms of action for future research and therapeutic applications.

Variations in Cold Resistance and Contents of Bioactive Compounds among Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo Strains.

Dendrobium officinale is a valuable traditional Chinese herbal plant that is both medicinal and edible. However, the yield of wild Dendrobium officinale is limited. Adverse stress affects the growth, development, and yield of plants, among which low temperature is the primary limiting factor for introducing Dendrobium officinale to high-latitude areas and expanding the planting area. Therefore, this study aims to explore the variations in growth ability, cold resistance, and contents of bioactive compounds among different Dendrobium officinale strains. Four strains of Dendrobium officinale were selected as experimental materials and were subjected to low-temperature stress (4 °C). The agronomic traits, physiological indices, as well as the expressions of cold resistance-related genes (HSP70, DcPP2C5, DoCDPK1, and DoCDPK6) in the roots and leaves of Dendrobium officinale, were determined. The contents of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenols were also measured. Compared with the other strains, Xianju had the highest seed germination and transplantation-related survival rates. Under low-temperature stress, Xianju exhibited the strongest cold resistance ability, as revealed by the changes in water contents, chlorophyll levels, electrical conductivities, enzyme activities, and expressions of the cold resistance-related genes. Additionally, the polysaccharide content of Xianju increased the most, while the stem flavonoid and leaf phenol contents were elevated in all four strains under cold treatment. Therefore, selecting excellent performing strains is expected to expand the planting area, improve the yield, and increase the economic benefits of Dendrobium officinale in high latitude areas with lower temperatures.

Phenolic Compounds of Six Unexplored Asteraceae Species from Asia: Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Plants

The Asteraceae family in Siberian Asia exhibits remarkable biodiversity and has long served as a valuable resource for domesticating various beneficial plants with medicinal, therapeutic, and industrial significance to humanity. In this work, we studied for the first time the chemical composition of six understudied or previously unexplored plant species, Artemisia jacutica (AJ), Carduus nutans subsp. leiophyllus (CL), Cirsium heterophyllum (CH), Echinops davuricus (ED), Ixeris chinensis subsp. versicolor (IV), and Lactuca sibirica (LS), which were successfully cultivated under open-field conditions as biennial or perennial crops. We profiled these species, employing a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry approach, identifying over 100 phenolic compounds. Among these compounds were hydroxybenzoic acid glucosides, hydroxybenzoyl/p-coumaroyl/feruloyl quinic acids, hydroxycoumarin O-glucosides, caffeoyl/p-coumaroyl/feruloyl glucaric/tartaric acids, O- and C-glucosides of apigenin, acacetin, luteolin, chrysoeriol, 6-hydroxyluteolin, pectolinarigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and tri-/tetra-O-p-coumaroyl spermines and spermidines. All examined species exhibited a significant accumulation of phenolic compounds throughout the experimental period, reaching levels comparable to or exceeding those found in wild samples (WSs), with the best total phenolic content for AJ at 26.68 mg/g (vs. 26.68 mg/g in WS; second year), CL at 50.23 mg/g (vs. 38.32 mg/g in WS; second year), CH at 51.14 mg/g (vs. 40.86 mg/g in WS; sixth year), ED at 86.12 mg/g (vs. 78.08 mg/g in WS; seventh year), IV at 102.49 mg/g (vs. 88.58 mg/g in WS; fourth year), and LS at 127.34 mg/g (vs. 110.64 mg/g in WS; fifth year). Notably, in the first year of cultivation, approximately 40–60% of the wild-level target compounds accumulated in the plants, with even higher levels detected in subsequent years, particularly in the second and third years. This study highlights the potential of cultivation to produce new Asteraceae plants rich in bioactive phenolics.

Hydroxytyrosol, a Promising Supplement in the Management of Human Stroke: An Exploratory Study.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a bioactive olive oil phenol with beneficial effects in a number of pathological situations. We have previously demonstrated that an HT-enriched diet could serve as a beneficial therapeutic approach to attenuate ischemic-stroke-associated damage in mice. Our exploratory pilot study examined this effect in humans. Particularly, a nutritional supplement containing 15 mg of HT/day was administered to patients 24 h after the onset of stroke, for 45 days. Biochemical and oxidative-stress-related parameters, blood pressure levels, serum proteome, and neurological and functional outcomes were evaluated at 45 and 90 days and compared to a control group. The main findings were that the daily administration of HT after stroke could: (i) favor the decrease in the percentage of glycated hemoglobin and diastolic blood pressure, (ii) control the increase in nitric oxide and exert a plausible protective effect in oxidative stress, (iii) modulate the evolution of the serum proteome and, particularly, the expression of apolipoproteins, and (iv) be beneficial for certain neurological and functional outcomes. Although a larger trial is necessary, this study suggests that HT could be a beneficial nutritional complement in the management of human stroke.

Enhancing litchi shelf life with gluten-based nanocomposite films: A comparative study of montmorillonite and starch nanocrystals reinforced with chitosan

This study investigates the efficacy of gluten films incorporated with montmorillonite (MMT) and starch nanocrystals (SNCs), further enriched with chitosan, in preserving the quality of litchis over a 20-day storage period at 4 °C. The addition of MMT/SNCs along with chitosan boosts the tensile strength (52.44 to 57.00 MPa) and surface uniformity of the films while also decreasing water vapour transmission rates (0.77 to 0.68 × 10−3 g/m2/h). Notably, litchis wrapped in these nanocomposite films demonstrate superior shelf stability compared to untreated litchis, which undergo considerable deterioration. Among the film variants, SNCs/chitosan films (GSL2) outperform MMT/chitosan (GML2) due to their superior barrier properties. By the 20th day of storage, litchis packaged in GSL2 films display reduced antioxidant enzyme activity (polyphenol oxidase: 3.18 to 8.08 unit/min/g fruit weight; peroxidase: 0.94 to 5.29 unit/min/g fruit weight) and higher retention of bioactive compounds, including anthocyanin (9.15 to 9.90 mg/100 g), phenolics (347.7 to 362.07 mg/100 g), and ascorbic acid (28.21 to 29.09 mg/100 g) in litchi pericarps during last intervals. Similarly, less alteration was observed in the firmness (8.47 % and 7.36 %) and weight loss (24.04 % and 19.86 %) of the litchis packaged in GML2 and GSL2, respectively as compared to unpackaged litchis. Notably, litchi pericarp exhibits negligible functional group changes when packed in GML2 and GSL2 films until the 15th day of storage. In summary, GML2 and GSL2 films effectively maintain acceptable litchi quality for three weeks.

Antioxidant Effect of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Extract on Paraquat-Induced Oxidative Stress in Sheep Red Blood Cells Using In-vitro Phytochemical Analysis

Aims: Oxidative stress, which causes harm to cells, is a significant factor in many diseases. Red blood cells are easily damaged by free radicals. Lemongrass has powerful abilities to fight these free radicals’ because it contains a lot of phytochemicals. The study examined how effective lemongrass is in protecting red blood cells from damage caused by Paraquat. Additionally, phytochemicals present in lemongrass are also analysed. Methodology: The preparation of lemongrass leaf extract involved drying and grinding the leaves, followed by extraction with acetone using the Soxhlet method. Phytochemical analysis was done to reveal the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and acids. A 10% RBC suspension was prepared from sheep blood. Oxidative stress was induced in RBCs using Paraquat, Ascorbic acid, and the extract. Antioxidant analysis included protein concentration via the Lowry method, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) estimation for lipid peroxidation, Glutathione (GSH) estimation, and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponin, and tannin in lemongrass, while no acids or alkaloids were detected in the plant. In Group II exposed to Paraquat toxicity, total protein decreased significantly compared to the control group (10.24±0.53 mg/dl to 6.3±0.49 mg/dl). TBARS activity notably increased in Paraquat-treated group (629.7±2.85) compared to control (398.8±3.51), while Lemongrass and ascorbic acid treatments showed significant decreases (513.05±4.54 and 504.01±1.97, respectively). SOD and GSH levels decreased significantly in Paraquat-treated group (6.08±0.4 and 80.86±4.9 µg/mg of protein) compared to control (11.13±1.1 and 109.81±8.6, respectively), but Lemongrass treatment increased levels (14.12±2.0 and 114.8±4.5 µg GSH/mg of protein). Lemongrass demonstrated pronounced protective effects against oxidative stress, normalizing SOD levels and increasing GSH levels, comparable to ascorbic acid treatment. Conclusion: The study successfully induced oxidative stress in RBCs with Paraquat, presenting avenues for further exploration in understanding cellular responses. Additionally, the research highlights Lemongrass's significant preventive impact (100μg), possibly attributed to its bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. This underscores Lemongrass's potential in countering oxidative damage induced by Paraquat in RBCs.

A Characterization of Biological Activities and Bioactive Phenolics from the Non-Volatile Fraction of the Edible and Medicinal Halophyte Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.).

Although the biochemical composition and biological properties of the volatile fraction of the halophyte sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) have been largely described, little is known about its polar constituents and bioactivities. Here, a hydromethanolic extract of Crithmum maritimum (L.) leaves was fractionated, and the fractions were evaluated in vitro for antioxidant (using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP bioassays), anti-inflammatory (inhibition of NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages), antidiabetic (alpha-glucosidase inhibition), neuroprotective (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase), and skin-protective (tyrosinase and melanogenesis inhibitions) activities. Polar fractions of the extract were rich in phenolics and, correlatively, displayed a strong antioxidant power. Moreover, fractions eluted with MeOH20 and MeOH80 exhibited a marked inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.02 and 0.04 mg/mL, respectively), MeOH60 fractions showed a strong capacity to reduce NO production in macrophages (IC50 = 6.4 μg/mL), and MeOH80 and MeOH100 fractions had strong anti-tyrosinase activities (630 mgKAE/gDW). NMR analyses revealed the predominance of chlorogenic acid in MeOH20 fractions, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in MeOH40 fractions, and 3-O-rutinoside, 3-O-glucoside, 3-O-galactoside, and 3-O-robinobioside derivatives of quercetin in MeOH60 fractions. These compounds likely account for the strong antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of sea-fennel polar extract, respectively. Overall, our results make sea fennel a valuable source of medicinal or nutraceutical agents to prevent diabetes, inflammation processes, and oxidative damage.

Natural deep eutectic liquid and ultrasound-assisted extraction of milk thistle phenolics and their hepatoprotective activities

IntroductionThe present research describes the utilization of natural deep eutectic solvent in combination with ultrasound for the extraction of milk thistle polyphenols. The extracts obtained under different conditions were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective activities in Albino mice (in vivo).MethodsThe extraction parameters involving liquid-to-solid ratio (S/L), ethanol-to-natural deep eutectic solvent ratio (EtOH/DES), extraction time (t), and ultrasound treatment time were investigated and optimized to enhance the recovery of bioactives, their phenolic content, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and radical scavenging capacity (RSC).Results and discussionsThe extraction of milk thistle polyphenols using glucose/citric acid (1:1)-based natural deep eutectic liquid coupled with ultrasound for 1.0 min under an S/L of 6.2, EtOH/DES 9, and extraction time of 120.8 min offered 35.89 ± 2.29 g/100 g of crude extracts, which were three-fold higher than that by conventional solvent extraction (CSE). Each gram of milk thistle extracts thus obtained comprised 377.93 ± 6.17 mg GAE of TPC and exhibited 298.70 ± 3.06 μmol TEAC and 93.16 ± 0.58 percent inhibition of DPPH free radicals. In addition, the administration of milk thistle extracts obtained as given above at 25 mg/Kg body weight in Albino mice significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the liver function parameters at the end of treatment (7 days).ConclusionOverall, it was observed that NaDES in combination with medium-level ultrasound energy (700 watt) might work as a sustainable choice to enhance the recovery of bioactive phenolics from milk thistle powder without compromising their antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential.