Total Proanthocyanidin Contents Research Articles

Quality matrix reveals the potential of Chak-hao as a nutritional supplement: a comparative study of matrix components, antioxidants and physicochemical attributes

In the current trend of increased health consciousness in response to increased incidence of lifestyle disorders, functional foods, and nutritional supplements got immense acceptance globally. Whole grain foods rich in functional bio-actives being a better substitute for supplements, there is an emerged interest in exploring potential candidates like pigmented rice. The present study thus aims to evaluate the natural variability in matrix composition owing nutritional and antioxidant potential of pigmented niche rice varieties like Matta (red) and Chak-hao (black) compared to non-pigmented (NJ 72 and PB 1509). Comprehensive NQM developed indicated that Chak-hao, geographical indication (GI) rice has stout nutritional makeup in terms of phenolics (2.5 mg/g GAE), anthocyanins (0.65 g/kg), proanthocyanidins (54 mg/100 g), antioxidant activity (36 µmol TE/g) and resistant starch (4.13%) compared to Matta. The content of high-quality fatty acids like oleic (38.8%), linoleic (29%), and anthocyanin forms like cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G)- 304 mg/Kg, delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G)- 220 mg/Kg and peonidin-3-glucoside (P3G)- 120 mg/Kg was also most expressive in the black pigmented rice Chak-hao. Highly significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity and positive correlation with total phenolics, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins content were most evident in pigmented varieties. Physicochemical attributes endorsing cooking time, water uptake ratio, grain elongation ratio, gruel solid loss and swelling ratio varied between 15–35 min, 2.17–3.2, 1.5–2.3, 0.28–1.25 and 1.75–2.66 respectively. The correlation between nutritional attributes endorsing antioxidant potential being strongly positive and most significant for Chak-hao, it could be the stellar addition for functional food industry as a nutritional supplement for addressing the ever-increasing pandemics like diabetes, obesity and other chronic diseases.

Optimization of Extraction of Polyphenolic Compounds from Medicinal Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis L.)

Medicinal plants are potential natural sources of biologically active substances that have geroprotective properties, slowing down the aging process. Vegetable raw materials are used as antioxidants in the food industry. Pulmonaria officinalis L. has a high content of biologically active substances. The purpose of this work is to determine the operating parameters for extracting the maximum amount of biologically active substances from Pulmonaria officinalis L. by extracting ethanol and finding sources of natural antioxidants.The antioxidant activity of several ethanol extracts of Pulmonaria officinalis L. – 30-70% with a step of 10 ethanol obtained from the dried root culture of the medicinal plant of biologically active substances was determined. The total content of polyphenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins was estimated. According to the data obtained, the relationship between the values determined for the biologically active substances presented and the values of antioxidant activity was revealed. Extracts of Pulmonaria officinalis L. showed a high yield of polyphenolic compounds-889.39±4.29 mcg of Gallic acid/ml, flavonoids-728.90±6.98 mcg of rutin/ml, proanthocyanidins-211.65±5.31 mcg of catechin/ml at an ethyl alcohol concentration of 60% and an extraction temperature of 50°C in 4 hours. The antioxidant activity using 2 methods: A spectrophotometric method DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and the FRAP method (iron reducing/antioxidant power) was investigated. During DPPH spectrophotometric analysis, the antioxidant activity is equal to 86.96% for polyphenols, 75.47% for flavonoids, and 51.25% for proanthocyanidins. FRAP analysis showed that extracts with operating parameters had a pronounced antioxidant activity (tэ= 4 ч; Tэ= 50°C; Сэ= 60%)и (tэ= 5 ч; Tэ= 60°C; Сэ, = 70%).

High Altitude Is Beneficial for Antioxidant Components and Sweetness Accumulation of Rabbiteye Blueberry.

To better understand the effect of growing location on the phytochemical compounds and sensory properties of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), here we investigated rabbiteye blueberry ‘Brightwell’ (Vaccinium ashei cv. ‘Brightwell’) grown in 10 locations of China. Significant differences in terms of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, flavonoids, phenols, as well as proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, were found in the fruits (berries) of blueberry plants among the different sampled locations. Furthermore, their sensory properties, which evaluated by the electronic tongue method, also significantly differed among the 10 locations. The content of flavonoids, phenols, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins all had significant correlations with sensory properties, except that of aftertaste-astringency. A key finding to emerge was that blueberry plants grown at high altitude locations harbored a high content of total soluble solids, flavonoids, phenols, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins along with high scores for the sweetness. These results suggested cultivating blueberry at high altitude can produce fruit that not only possess pronounced beneficial health effects but also good taste.

Study on optimization of ultrasonic assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from rye bran

Ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) conditions for the extraction of phenolic compounds from rye bran (RB) were optimized by using response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for UAE were; time: 29 min, temperature: 66 °C, and solid to solvent ratio: 1:45 (g/mL), which provided a total phenolic content of 245.74 mg GAE/100 g dw. Compared with conventional extraction (CE) technique, UAE resulted in higher yield of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, whereas only a slight difference was reported in the total flavonol and proanthocyanidin content. The UAE extract showed higher antioxidant activity in all antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, reducing power, and H2O2). The phenolic composition of both extracts was analyzed using HPLC-MS. Resultantly, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the concentration of phenolic acid was observed when the extraction was accomplished with UAE as compared to CE. Both UAE and CE extracts exhibited in vitro hypoglycemic activities by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the FTIR spectra of UAE and CE treated RB. These finding indicates that UAE increased the yield of phenolic compounds from RB. Furthermore, these phenolic compounds could be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Effects of irrigation and shoot thinning on the size and phenolics content of developing grape berries (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo)

Aim of study: The concentration of phenolics in the grape berries can be influenced by cultural practices such as irrigation or thinning. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of combinations of these practices on grape size and phenolics content. Area of study: The trial was carried out in an experimental cv. Tempranillo vineyard located in Extremadura, Spain. Material and methods: Two irrigation regimes were considered: rainfed vines (non-irrigated, NIr), and 100% ETc irrigated vines (Ir). For each irrigation treatment, two cropping levels were studied: low shoot-thinning (LT) vs high shoot-thinning (HT) implemented in winter and spring, respectively. Berry weight, and total phenolics, proanthocyanidin, and anthocyanin concentrations were determined at eight stages of berry development in three consecutive years (2014, 2015, and 2016). Main results: Specific weather conditions of each year affected phenolics accumulation differently. In 2014, where maximum temperatures were low and an important rainfall occurred at Stage II, both the NIr-LT and NIr-HT treatments led to the greatest concentrations of total phenolics, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins. In 2015, where a little rainfall was registered at Stage II, the berries from the NIr-HT and Ir-HT treatments accumulated the greatest total phenolics and proanthocyanidin contents, but the NIr-LT and NIr-HT treatments led to the greatest accumulation of anthocyanins. Finally, in 2016, where high maximum temperatures and scarce rainfall were registered, the Ir-LT and Ir-HT treatments presented the greatest concentrations of total phenolics, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins. Research highlights: A significant effect of irrigation and thinning was observed on berry size and phenolic content, as well as year × thinning interaction.

Cytotoxicity, Phytochemical, Antiparasitic Screening, and Antioxidant Activities of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae).

This study aimed at assessing the biological activities of Mucuna pruriens seeds using cytotoxicity, phytochemical, antiparasitic screening, and antioxidant assays. Mature fruits of M. pruriens were harvested from Fort Hare University’s Research Farm located in Alice, South Africa. The collected seeds were pulverized in a standard process and taken to the laboratory for crude extraction and further treatments. Cytotoxic, antimalarial, and trypanocidal effects of crude extracts obtained from ethanol and water were tested, while the total phenolic, proanthocyanidin, and flavonoid contents of the aqueous extracts as well as their pharmacological activities were determined in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl ethanol (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Although the extracts showed mild antiparasitic (antiplasmodial and trypanocidal) effects, results from the cytotoxic experiment revealed that M. pruriens is not toxic to human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells when tested using 50 µg/mL of extracts. It was observed that the seeds were remarkably rich in phenol (3730.1 ± 15.52 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) compared to flavonoids (63.03 ± 1.95 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g) and proanthocyanidin (18.92 ± 1.09 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g). Also, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were comparable to those of the standard antioxidant drugs (rutin and gallic acid) used, in a concentration-dependent manner. There was a direct relationship between phenolic acid content and antioxidant effects. It is therefore suggested that M. pruriens seeds be incorporated into human diets as a supplement to promote healthy living. Pharmaceutical industries with a particular interest in natural phenolic acids should consider using seeds of M. pruriens as pharmaceutical precursors.

Assessment of the phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham & Schltdl. leaf extracts

Background: Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. and Schltdl (Apiaceae) is widely used traditionally for the treatment of a wide range of diseases in Southern and Eastern Africa. Although previous studies have reported the biological activities of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of H. arborescens leaves, there is no scientific information on the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts. This study is therefore aimed to investigate and compare the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves. Methods: Phytochemical analysis for the total phenolic, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, alkaloid and saponin contents of all the fractions were determined by spectroscopic methods, while the free radical scavenging potential of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. Micro dilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results: Total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg GAE/g, proanthocyanidin was 459-8402.1 mg QE/g, and flavonoid content of 109.24-235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (5.59%) and saponins (23.33%) were present in significant amounts. Based on the IC 50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.013 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Considerable antibacterial activities were observed in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. Conclusion: The study suggests that H. arborescens leaves could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Although the blanching process significantly decreased polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the extracts, it increased the antibacterial compounds.

Enzyme-assisted extraction of bioactive non-extractable polyphenols from sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) pomace

Sweet cherries processing produces big amounts of wastes mainly constituted by cherry pomace that can be a source of bioactive polyphenols. However, during the extraction process, an important fraction called non-extractable polyphenols (NEPs) remains retained in the extraction residue. This work describes the development of an enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) method to obtain NEPs from sweet cherry pomace employing three different enzymes. Box-Behnken experimental designs were employed to select the optimal conditions of extraction time, temperature, enzyme concentration, and pH. The total phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents and the antioxidant and antihypertensive capacities were measured. Optimal EAE conditions extracted higher content of proanthocyanidins and with higher bioactivity from extraction residue than alkaline and acid hydrolysis. Moreover, there were higher amounts of bioactive phenolics in the extraction residue than in the sweet cherry pomace extract. The estimation of NEPs molecular weight distribution by HPLC-SEC demonstrated that EAE extracted NEPs with high molecular weight.

Assessment of the phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham & Schltdl. leaf extracts.

Background:Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. and Schltdl (Apiaceae) is widely used traditionally for the treatment of a wide range of diseases in Southern and Eastern Africa. Although previous studies have reported the biological activities of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of H. arborescens leaves, there is no scientific information on the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts. This study is therefore aimed to investigate and compare the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves. Methods: Phytochemical analysis for the total phenolic, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, alkaloid and saponin contents of all the fractions were determined by spectroscopic methods, while the free radical scavenging potential of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. Micro dilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results: Total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg GAE/g, proanthocyanidin was 459-8402.1 mg QE/g, and flavonoid content of 109.24-235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (5.59%) and saponins (23.33%) were present in significant amounts. Based on the IC 50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.013 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Considerable antibacterial activities were observed in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. Conclusion: The study suggests that H. arborescens leaves could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Although the blanching process significantly decreased polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activities of the extracts, it increased the antibacterial compounds.

In vitro human digestion simulation of the bioavailability and antioxidant activity of phenolics from Sambucus ebulus L. fruit extracts

Bioavailability is an important concept when evaluating natural products for their bioactivities. The present study measured the bioavailability of phenolics of Sambucus ebulus (dwarfelder) fruit extracts, along with its antioxidant activity after simulated digestion. Total phenolics, phenolic acid, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid content assays were used along with different antioxidant assays such as metal reducing and free radical scavenging activities. High performance thin layer chromatography was used to measure bioactive metabolite of the plant sample, chlorogenic acid. Results indicated that aqueous and methanolic extracts of S. ebulus fruits were affected by simulated human digestion, alterations in antioxidant activity were consistent with the changes in the phenolics. Chlorogenic acid bioavailability rates were calculated as 45.8 and 51.9% for methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity was reduced to 37 ± 0.5 from 82 ± 4 (AAE)/g DE for methanolic extracts after the digestion process.

Evaluation of phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of some medicinal plants seed extracts obtained by traditional and modern (Green) extraction methods

The medicinal plants have been one of the major sources of medicines since the beginning of civilization. There is high demand for plant based medicines, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals all across the globe. Herbal medicines are becoming more and more popular in recent years with their over increasing acceptability in both developing and developed countries. All parts of the plant leaf, stem, bark, root, flowers, fruits, seeds, peels, are therapeutically useful. But flowers, seeds and peels are less utilized. Seeds are generally thrown into environment and these waste disposal has become a critical global problem. But they have a rich source of many valuable bioactive compounds especially phenols and flavonoids because of which they can be used therapeutically. In the present work, 6 plant seeds viz. Annona squamosa L., Carica papaya Linn. (Un-ripe), Carica papaya Linn. (Ripe), Ceiba pentandra L. Gaertn., Trachyspermum ammi L. and Trigonella foenum - graecum L. were screened for their phytochemical profile and antioxidant efficacy using different extraction techniques. The seeds were extracted by different extraction methods viz. Traditional methods - decoction, maceration and Modern methods - microwave assisted extraction and ultrasonic assisted extraction. The phytochemicals or bioactive components evaluated were total phenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidin content. In vitro antioxidant activity in terms of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, Superoxide anion free radical (O2-) scavenging activity, 2, 2’-Azino-bis-(3-ethyl) benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation scavenging activity and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was evaluated. All the extracts showed varied levels of phytochemical and antioxidant activity. But the best activity was shown by modern methods especially UAE. Thus, seeds can be profitably, beneficially employed as a rich source of bioactive compounds which can be effectively utilized as a source of natural antioxidant and reduce environmental pollution.

Caracterización e identificación de compuestos bioactivos con actividad antioxidante de la cáscara, pulpa y semilla del fruto de tejocote (Crataegus mexicana)

El tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) es una planta nativa de México. Su fruto no sólo es utilizado como alimento para el consumo humano, sino también como ornamento en celebraciones y en la medicina tradicional. A pesar de esto, se le considera un cultivo subutilizado y su aporte de compuestos con actividad antioxidante ha sido poco estudiado. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar e identificar metabolitos secundarios extraídos de las fracciones del fruto para determinar su potencial antioxidante: (1) cáscara, (2) pulpa y (3) semilla. Se cuantificó el contenido de fenoles y flavonoides totales, flavan-3-ol y proantocianidinas. Además, la actividad antioxidante de las tres fracciones fue cuantificada mediante dos métodos: (1) reducción del hierro (FRAP) e (2) inhibición del radical libre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo (DPPH). Se identificaron los principales compuestos presentes en cada una de las fracciones a través de cromatografía de líquidos de alta resolución (HPLC). Los resultados indicaron que fue en el extracto de la semilla donde se presentó el mayor contenido de fenoles y flavonoides totales, así como el mejor potencial antioxidante, el cual estuvo directamente relacionado con el contenido de compuestos extraídos. En las tres fracciones del fruto se registró la presencia de epicatequina, quercetina 3-D-galactósido y ácido ascórbico. Además, en semilla se identificó la catequina y vitexina, mientras que en cáscara y pulpa se observó la presencia de ácido clorogénico y procianidina B2.

Effects of growth stage and seasons on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activities of crude extracts of Celosia argentea L.

This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of crude extracts of C. argentea at different maturity stages and seasons. Total phenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidin content from water, acetone and methanol extracts were evaluated spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activities were measured using 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) models. Results showed that the flowering stages in all the solvent extracts gave the highest polyphenolic content with the acetone extract significantly higher than the methanol and aqueous extracts (P < 0.05). The highest value for total polyhenolic content 80.75 ± 4.21 for the first trial and 89.69 ± 2.13 μg/mL in the second trial; while the flavonoids was 874.76 ± 7.87 and 946.19 ± 7.87 μg/mL in the first and second trials respectively; and proanthocyanidin content was 170.00 ± 0 and 100.90 ± 1.29 μg/mL. Overall, the aqueous extracts had the lowest content of all the phytochemicals. The antioxidant activities ranged from low to high at different growth stages of the plant. While low to no activity was observed in the aqueous extracts in all the assays, the methanol extracts of the flowering stages showeds the best activity in the first and second trials with IC50 values of 104.10 ± 8.59 and 120.02 ± 13.37 μg/mL respectively in ABTS. Similar trend was obtained in the DPPH assay with the highest activity in the methanol flowering extract with IC50 of 52.36 ± 0.76 μg/mL (first trial) and 49.36 ± 0.29 μg/mL (second trial). The FRAP and TAC also had the highest activity in the flowering stages in all solvents, but with the acetone extracts having the overall inhibition on both radicals. This study revealed that Celosia argentea phytoconsituents and antioxidant potential can be influenced by physiological and developmental stages of the plant.

Phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are not directly related to anti-proliferative activity

Antioxidant, anti-proliferative activities, and phytochemical profiles of common bean extracts were measured and compared in 10 common bean cultivars. Among the cultivars, a Yunnan cultivar (YN-1) contained the highest total phenolic content (423 mg GAE/100 g dw), total flavonoid content (252 mg CE/100 g dw), total proanthocyanidin content (295 mg CE/100 g dw), and corresponding total antioxidant activity. However, the maximum anti-proliferative activity against colon cancer cell lines (HT29 and HCT116) was shown in a Sichuan cultivar (SC-1) and the maximum anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF7) was shown in a Heilongjiang cultivar (HJ-1). Antioxidant activity was significantly associated with total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total proanthocyanidins, while anti-proliferative activity of extracts had no correlation with total phenolic contents and in vitro antioxidant activity. In addition, common bean extracts reduced intracellular ROS level. A total of 17 phytochemical compounds were tentatively characterized in the extracts. These results will provide a reference for improving the value of common beans and contribute to the cultivar selection of the common bean cultivars for human health.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of the extracts isolated from the pomace of rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.)

In the present work, acetone, ethanol and water extracts of rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) pomace were evaluated for their antiproliferative, antimicrobial and antioxidative effects. Chemical composition of the extracts was determined by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and spectrophotometric methods. Neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids were the major phenolic compounds. The water extract contained the highest total proanthocyanidins content (301 ± 18.9 mg/g) and demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity in the all assays (DPPH, FRAP and ORAC). Extracts isolated from rowanberry pomace effectively inhibited the growth of undesirable microorganisms, especially Gram-positive bacteria. Acetone extract was the strongest antimicrobial agent followed by water and ethanol extracts. Acetone and water extracts demonstrated also higher cytotoxic potential in cell viability assays (SRB and MTT) using Caco-2 cells. In general, the results suggest that rowanberry pomace is a promising source of natural compounds with antioxidant and biological activities.

Determination of phytochemical profile and antioxidant efficacy of Lavendula bipinnata leaves collected during Magha Nakshatra days and Normal days using LC-QTOF-MS technique

In the present work, we determined the phytochemical and antioxidant potential of Lavendula bipinnata leaves collected during Magha Nakshatra (NAK-leaf) and Normal (NOR-leaf) days. The extraction was done using decoction and maceration (DCE and MCE) and microwave assisted extraction and ultra sonic assisted extraction (MAE and UAE) methods and in all 16 extracts were obtained. Total phenol, flavonoid, flavonol, phenolic acid and proanthocyanidin content was estimated in all the extracts. Antioxidant efficacy of all the extracts was assessed by four different in vitro antioxidant assays viz. DPPH, super oxide, ABTS radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The obtained results revealed that MAE extracts of NAK-leaf showed better phytochemical content and antioxidant activity which was better than the standards revealing its excellent antioxidant potential. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that phenolic and non-phenolic compounds were responsible for the antioxidant activity. LC-QTOF-MS based metabolic profiling of MAE extract revealed 35 compounds in NAK- leaf and 33 compounds in NOR-leaf; their structure was determined and many of them were pharmacologically active. Hence, it can be concluded that the leaves of Lavendula bipinnata can be a good natural source of antioxidant compounds which can definitely be used in drug designing to fight against oxidative stress related diseases.

Microencapsulation as a tool to producing an extruded functional food

Cooking-extrusion is a technology used in the production of many foods, including breakfast cereals and snacks. However, the use of some ingredients and additives in the formulations remains a challenge, due to the high temperature and shear conditions employed during this process. Complex coacervation remains an unexplored encapsulation technique to protect sensitive ingredients during extrusion. The aim of this study was to produce extruded product enriched with proanthocyanidin-rich cinnamon extract (PRCE) in free and encapsulated forms, with the purpose of evaluating the efficiency of the encapsulation process to protect these bioactive compounds during extrusion. Extrusion alters total carotenoids from cornmeal (16.95 μg/g for cornmeal and from 2.08 to 8.83 μg/g for extruded control treatments), total phenolics (retention values from 18.56 to 26.94% and 39.28–78.34% for extruded with free and encapsulated PRCE, respectively), and total proanthocyanidins contents (retention values from 9.59 to 14.65% and 25.86–45.78% for extruded with free and encapsulated PRCE, respectively). Microencapsulation by complex coacervation is an efficient method to protect PRCE compounds during extrusion process, being the extruded products with encapsulated PRCE produced at 130 °C, shear rate of 1000/s and 500/s and residence time of 0.128 s and 0.256 s the ones which presented more protection during their storage.

Antioxidant Capacity of a Bee Pollen Sample Obtained from Giresun, Turkey

This study was related to evaluating the antioxidant of one pollen sample which was collected from Giresun, Turkey. The antioxidant properties of this sample were determined to use total phenolic contents (TPCs), total flavonoid contents (TFCs), proanthocyanidin contents (PCs), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The mean of the total phenolic content was 6.33±0.11 mg GAE/ g sample, total flavonoid content was 1.88±0.11 mg QE/g sample, proanthocyanidin content was 0.86±0.00 mg CE/g sample, FRAP was also 72.38±0.21 µmoL FeSO4.7H2O/g, respectively. The obtaining results revealed that the pollen could be seen as a valuable natural source thanks to its significant antioxidant capacity.

Comparative Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Wild and Cultivated Alepidea amatymbica Eckl & Zeyh.

There is a need to scientifically validate the claim that wild species of medicinal plants are more potent than the cultivated plants. Thus, this study evaluated the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of wild and cultivated Alepidea amatymbica. Acetone, methanol, and water extracts of the rhizome of wild and cultivated A. amatymbica were evaluated for total phenol, flavonol, flavonoid, tannin, proanthocyanidin, saponin, and alkaloid contents using spectrophotometric methods. In vitro antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide assays. The wild extracts had higher phytochemical contents in most of the assays than cultivated extracts. Total phenol in the wild extracts ranged from 32.30 to 117.8 mg GAE/g with the acetone extracts having the highest content while the water extracts were the least. The range in the total phenol of the cultivated species was 66.46 to 98.44 mg GAE/g with the methanol extracts having the highest content while water extracts was the least. The flavonoid content ranged from 55.01 to 99.09 mg QE/g and from 48.65 to 67.32 mg QE/g for the wild and cultivated plants, respectively. The alkaloid contents ranged from 14.70 to 17.80% in the wild species while it ranged from 11.98 to 13.21% in the cultivated species. The wild species also showed higher antioxidant activities in most of the assays evaluated. This study has implications for both pharmacological and conservation purposes.

Interaction of Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata Methanol Extract and First-Line Antibiotics is Synergistic In Vitro through Production of Reactive Oxygen Species.

With the increased incidence of antibacterial resistance in microorganisms, combining natural products from plants with antibiotics may be considered interesting alternatives for synergy to attain multitarget effects. In this study, the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Ziziphus mucronata and its interactions with antibiotics against bacteria of clinical importance were investigated. While its phytochemicals and antioxidant activities were determined by free radical scavenging assays, the antibacterial activities of the extract and its interactions with the antibiotics were determined by macrobroth dilution and the checkerboard methods. From the results, total phenolic content was 29.67 ± 1.90 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content was 8.72 ± 0.08 mg QE/100 g, and total proanthocyanidin content was 1.94 ± 0.00 mg CE/100 g of dry plant material. The inhibition concentration 50% (IC50) of DPPH, BHT, and ascorbic acid was equal to 0.04 ± 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. Those of the ABTS, BHT, and ascorbic acid were equal to 0.02 ± 0.02, 0.04 ± 0.03, and 0.04 ± 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The checkerboard assay showed that combining the extract with different antibiotics resulted in synergistic (38.75%), indifferent (30%), additive (28.75%), and antagonistic (2.5%) interactions. The interactions between the extract and antibiotics resulting in enhanced antibacterial activities could have resulted from the antioxidant activities of the extract mopping up the ROS generated by the antibiotics or the ability of both extract and antibiotics simultaneously producing reactive oxygen species with deleterious effects resulting in synergistic antibacterial effects.