Determined Using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl Research Articles

Phytochemical composition, biological potential and enzyme inhibition activity of Scandix pecten-veneris L.

Scandix pecten-veneris L. is a less studied wild edible herb and is considered an extinct plant species in many parts of the world. This study was designed to evaluate its phytochemical composition and biological potential of S. pecten-veneris L. Phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins were determined in extracts of S. pecten-veneris. Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while reducing power was tested by ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial and four fungal strains was evaluated using agar well diffusion assay. Enzymes inhibition study was performed for urease, phosphodiesterase-I, and catalase-II. S. pecten-veneris showed moderate antiradical activity and reducing potential of hydroxyl radicals to about 20% of the initial value. The antioxidant activity of various extracts of S. pecten-veneris showed a linear correlation with total phenolic contents in the order of water>n-butanol>chloroform>ethyl acetate>methanol extracts. S. pecten-veneris leaves showed the highest inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus while the highest antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans. The plant extract was most potent against urease enzymes but showed moderate activity against phosphodiestrase-I and carbonic anhydrase-II. Our data demonstrate that in addition to its culinary uses, S. pecten-veneris has good medicinal potential and hence could be used for treating some specific health ailments.

Development of emulsion containing watermelon extract for skin aging

Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum and Nakai] is rich in vitamins C and B complex, and the red color of its pulp is due to the presence of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant component and it is able to neutralize free radicals especially responsible for skin aging. Thus, a formulation containing lycopene extracted from watermelon was developed, and its physical-chemical stability and in vitro antioxidant activity were evaluated. For this, watermelon endocarp was separated and heated for pulp obtainment. Lycopene was extracted from watermelon pulp with acetone and ether successively, spectrometric quantified, and finally had its in vitro antioxidant activity determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The resulting extract was then incorporated in an emulsion, which was submitted to physical-chemical stability study at different conditions. Results show the presence of 38 µg of lycopene/g of watermelon pulp and 68.78% of DPPH inhibition, presenting antioxidant activity by in vitro assay. The developed formulation was stable when submitted to stress conditions and results point that it should be conserved in opaque packaging. Thus, it was possible to conclude that lycopene extract from watermelon pulp can be considered as a source of antioxidant component to be used in cosmetic formulation combating skin aging. Key words: Antioxidant, cosmetic, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), lycopene, watermelon.

INSECTICIDAL, ANTIBACTERIAL, AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF NICOTIANA PLUMBAGINIFOLIA VIV. (SOLANACEAE)

Objectives: Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. belongs to the family Solanaceae. The present study was carried out to determine insecticidal, antibacterial, and antiradical activity of aerial parts of N. plumbaginifolia.Methods: Extraction was carried out by maceration process using methanol. Insecticidal activity was assessed, in terms of larvicidal effect, against II and IV instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against a panel of 7 bacteria by agar well diffusion assay. Antiradical activity was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonate (ABTS) free radical scavenging assays.Results: The extract was found to cause dose-dependent mortality of larvae of A. aegypti. The lethal concentration 50 value of extract for II and IV instar larvae was found to be 0.41 and 0.99 mg/ml, respectively. Extract was effective in inhibiting all bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria displayed marked susceptibility when compared to Gram-negative bacteria. Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli were susceptible to highest and least extent, respectively. Extract scavenged both DPPH radicals and ABTS radicals dose dependently. Extract scavenged ABTS radicals more efficiently (inhibitory concentration [IC50] value 13.51 μg/ml) when compared to DPPH radicals (IC50 value 17.43 μg/ml).Conclusions: The plant N. plumbaginifolia appears to be a promising resource for developing agents with insecticidal, antibacterial, and antiradical activity. The observed bioactivities could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals which are to be isolated, characterized, and subjected for bioactivity determinations. The plant can be used to prevent arboviral diseases, infectious diseases, and oxidative damage.

In vitro anti influenza virus activity, antioxidant potential and total phenolic content of twelve Iranian medicinal plants

The emergence of medicine resistance strains of influenza A viruses to the chemical drogs lead to the development of alternative herbal compounds that inhibit the virus replication. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate in vitro anti-influenza A viruses activity, antioxidant potential, total phenolic, and flavonoid content of a total of 12 hydro alcoholic crude extracts obtained from 8 kinds of medicinal plants. Antiinfluenza A viruses activity of the extracts was investigated by the using of MDCK cell line and MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol– 2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method. Both 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of the extracts were identified using regression analysis. The antioxidant activity, total phenol, and flavonoid content of the extracts were determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Folin-Ciocalteu method, and aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. The results demonstrated that there was high activity against influenza virus for Peganum harmala L., Equisetum arvense L., and Punica granatum L, extracts with IC50 value of 9.1 (CI95%:7.3-11.3), 6.45 (CI95%: 4.5-9.23), and 104.5 (CI95%: 82.8-131.8), respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity showed that both Equisetum arvense L. and Punica granatum L. demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 6.5, 6.8 and 7.7 μg/mL, respectively. According to the results, some of these extracts might be further analyzed to develop effective anti-influenza factors.

Isolation and characterisation of enzymatic hydrolysed peptides with antioxidant activities from green tender sorghum

The antioxidant activities of bioactive peptides isolated from green tender sorghum (GTS) protein hydrolysate were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS), Fe2+ chelating activity and reducing power assay. Molecular mass and amino acids sequences of the purified peptides were identified using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS/MS). Molecular weight distribution of the peptides from fractions F2B (875.5 Da) and F3A (858.5 Da) revealed higher antioxidant activity with 74.19% and 77.64% of inhibition, respectively. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrated hydrophobic amino acids content in green tender sorghum protein isolate (GTSPI), green tender sorghum protein hydrolysate (GTSPH) (>10 kDa), GTSPH (3–10 kDa) and GTSPH (<3 kDa) was found to be higher especially, 13.8, 74.5, 100.7 and 117.7 mg/g respectively, which contributed to higher degree of free radical inhibition. Oil holding capacity of GTSPI was 3.32 mL/g, while GTSPH exhibited only 1.13 mL/g. Purified peptides were identified in sub-fractions F2A (VPPSKLSP), F2B (VAITLTMK), F2C (GLLGKNFTSK), F2D (LDSCKDYVME), F2E (HQTSEFK), F3A (VSKSVLVK) and F3B (TSVEIITSSK) with ion table for identified peptide sequences. GTS Protein produced peptides with strong free radical scavenging capacity upon enzymatic hydrolysis and can be utilized to develop health related nutraceutical ingredients.

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF SINAPIC ACID: IN VITRO AND IN VIVO APPROACH

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of sinapic acid in both in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we have reported that oral administration of sinapic acid (3,5-dimethoxy 4-hydroxycinnamic acid) an active phyto ingredient widely distributed in rye, mustard, berries, and vegetables has been shown to ameliorate hyperglycemia.Methods: Experimental Type 2 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by feeding high-fat diet to induce insulin resistance followed by intraperitoneal administration of a single low dose streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight [bw]). Sinapic acid was administered orally at a concentration of 25 mg/kg bw/rat/day for 30 days, and its efficacy was compared with metformin. In vitro, antioxidant scavenging properties of sinapic acid were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide, and nitric oxide (NO) assay.Results: Sinapic acid treatment showed a significant decline in the levels of lipid peroxides, hydroperoxides and protein carbonyls in the plasma and vital tissues of diabetic rats. The treatment also improved the antioxidant status in diabetic rats indicating the antioxidant potential of sinapic acid. In addition, the results of DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, and NO radical scavenging assays substantiate the free radical scavenging efficacy of sinapic acid.Conclusion: The results of this study evidenced that sinapic acid possess significant antioxidant properties which in turn may be responsible for its antidiabetic properties.

In vitro study of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Lactobacillus probiotic spp.

This study investigated the influence of aeration and minimal medium conditions on antioxidant and antibacterial activities of 21 probiotic Lactobacillus strains isolated from dairy products. The probiotic potential of the isolates was evaluated by pH and bile tolerance. Random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was used to confirm the phenotypic identification of isolates. Antioxidant producer isolates were screened by resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS). The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of extracellular materials after 48h fermentation with antioxidative strains were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and broth microdilution assays, respectively. The results indicate that the antioxidant capacity of supernatants was increased by using of both minimal medium and agitation. The antibacterial activity was increased in minimal medium, but there has nearly no change in the antibacterial properties by using both agitation and minimal medium. The maximum antibacterial activity was observed during mid-exponential phase until the beginning of the early-stationary phase, but the maximum antioxidant activity was detected at the stationary growth phase. There is a significant relationship between antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the cell-free probiotic extracts, and their production rates are closely related to the fermentation type. The bioactive materials from probiotics could be extracted in a large amount at an appropriate time under a suitable condition.

Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Volatile Constituents from Different Parts of Aframomum danielli (Hook) K. Schum.

Background: Aframomum danielli is used in ethno-medicine for the treatment of several ailments and as a traditional food spice. Methods: The hydro-distilled leaf, stem, seed, rhizome and pod volatile oils of A. danielli were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Free radical scavenging capacity of the volatile oils was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results: Thirty-nine (39) volatile compounds were identified in the oils of A. danielli, accounting for 85.33 to 96.03% of the total oil composition. The leaf, stem, rhizome and pod volatile oils were dominant in β-pinene (30.94–47.55%), while the seed oil contained a high amount of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) (53.44%). The seed oil showed higher radical inhibitory activity in the DPPH assay (IC50 value, 45.5 µg/mL) and the rhizome oil was the most effective in the FRAP assay. Conclusions: The characterization of the leaf, stem, rhizome and pod volatile oils of A. danielli is reported for the first time. A. danielli seed and rhizome oils elicit promise as potential plant resource and warrant further biological exploitation.

Eryngium foetidum L. Essential Oils: Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity.

Background: Eryngium foetidum essential oils from Nigeria were investigated for the first time in order to ascertain their potency as natural antioxidants. E. foetidum is an aromatic and medicinal herb used in ethno-medicine and as a traditional spice for foods. Methods: The hydro-distilled oils of E. foetidum were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Free radical scavenging capacity of the volatile oils was determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results: Leaf volatile oil contained a high proportion of (E)-2-Dodecenal (28.43%), 13-tetradecenal (27.45%), dodecanal (14.59%) and 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (10.77%); the stem oil comprised of dodecanal (20.21%), 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (18.43%) and (E)-2-dodecenal (8.27%), while 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (56.08%), 13-tetradecenal (9.26%) and (E)-2-dodecenal (7.65%) were the most dominant in the root oil. The IC50 values for the leaf, stem and root oils were 56 µg/mL, 46µg/mL and 54.5 µg/mL respectively in the DPPH assay while the leaf oil exhibited the highest reducing potential among the test oils in the FRAP assay. Conclusions: The Nigerian E. foetidum volatile oils contain high amount of acyclic aldehydes and aromatic compounds. The oils are a potential source of natural antioxidant as demonstrated by their strong antioxidant activity.

English

Simira gardneriana is a Rubiaceae species commonly found in the Brazilian Northeast region, presented several therapeutic and biotechnological applications. In this paper, the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of extracts from the seeds of S. gardneriana were highlighted. The antioxidant activity of ethanol and methanol extracts (Si-EtOH and Si-MeOH, respectively) was determined, using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The photoprotective activity of the extracts was evaluated using a spectrophotometric method. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was determined. In addition, a qualitative analysis of phytochemical markers and a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis were also performed for both extracts. Concerning the antioxidant activity in vitro, Si-MeOH (EC50 = 70.94&plusmn;2.17 &micro;g/ml) showed greater activity in comparison to Si-EtOH (EC50 = 138.60&plusmn;7.39 &micro;g/ml). Once the sun protection factor spectrophotometric (SPFspectrophotometric) of samples was calculated, it was demonstrated that the extracts show a similar photoprotective effect on all concentrations tested. Si-EtOH and Si-MeOH tested on a concentration of 100&nbsp;mg/l, exhibited SPF values equal to 3.37&plusmn;0.006 and 3.36&plusmn;0.007, respectively. HPLC fingerprints was recorded and showed the presence of characteristic peaks for phenolic compounds. The extracts showed significant phenols and flavonoids content according to the quantification methods used. According to the results, it was concluded that Si-EtOH and Si-MeOH have significant antioxidant and photoprotective activities. These activities are probably related to the profile of flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in this species. &nbsp; Key words: Phenolic and flavonoids compounds, photoprotective, oxidative stress, plant, Rubiaceae.

Physicochemical Characterization, Standardization and In vitro Determination of Radical Scavenging Activity of Zereshk-e- Saghir, A Traditional Preparation, and Its Ingredients

: Objective: Quality control and standardization of traditional preparations ensure their safe, pure and efficient prescription. Zereshk-e-Saghir (ZES), a folk remedy, has been recommended as a hepatoprotective agent in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). This study aimed at the evaluation of the physicochemical and phytochemical characterization, standardization, and in vitro antioxidant capacity determination of ZES and its ingredients. Method: Some qualitative and quantitative controls were performed like ash value, moisture content, extractable matter, phytochemical screening, TLC fingerprint and microbial contamination. Total phenolic and emodin contents of ZES were measured by spectrophotometric method to standardize this preparation. Finally in vitro radical scavenging activity of ZES and its ingredients were determined using 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Result: Regarding the physicochemical evaluation, the amount of each parameter (ash value, moisture content, and extractable value) was determined as documented characteristics for ZES components. Phytochemical screening of ZES ingredients indicated the presence of tannins in all the samples and the presence of alkaloids, steroids and terpenoids in a majority of the samples. Meanwhile, ZES exhibited no pathogenic contamination. The emodin and total phenolic contents (TPC) of ZES were reported 457.0 μg emodin/100g and 381.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g of ZES, respectively. Also TPC ranged from 3607.4 to 27.9 mg GAE/ 100 g of ZES ingredients. Meanwhile, the results demonstrated that ZES could scavenge DPPH radicals (IC50value: 266.4 μg/ ml). Conclusion: The obtained results on quality control and standardization of ZES could be proposed as a monograph having standard characteristics.Key words: DPPH Assay, Physichochemical Characterization, Quality Control, Standardization, Traditional Medicine.

Optimization of Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Anthocyanins from Perilla Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology

Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract phenolic compounds and anthocyanins from perilla leaves. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction conditions. The optimal conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration of 76.58%, liquid-to-solid ratio of 22.15:1, extraction temperature of 52.75°C and extraction time of 53.84 min. Under these optimal conditions, total phenolic content (TPC) and the total anthocyanins content (TAC) were 63.11 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW) and 6.44 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (CGE)/g DW, respectively. The experimental data are consistent with the predicted values, confirming that the model was valid for optimization of the extraction conditions. In addition, perilla extract was purified using XAD-7 resin. The antioxidant activity of purified extract was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethyl-benzo-thiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS) methods (50% inhibition values of 19.88 µg/mL by DPPH and 81.75 µg/mL by ABTS). The results indicated that purified extract exhibited potent antioxidant capacity.

Determination of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity of some boraginaceae species growing in Iran

Purpose: To evaluate the antioxidant potential, flavonoids, and total phenols as well as cyanidin 3- glucoside and delphinidin 3-glucoside contents of some Boraginaceae species that grow in Iran.Methods: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of the plants were prepared. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were assessed by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colorimetric assays, respectively. Furthermore, cyanidin 3-glucoside and delphinidin 3- glucoside contents of the extracts were determined using high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.Results: The most powerful free radical scavenging activity with 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 23.13 ± 1.90 μg mL-1 was exerted by the ethanol extract of Nonea caspica, while the weakest IC50 of 364.38 ± 14.18 μg mL-1 was shown by the aqueous extract of Onosma sericeum. Total phenolic content varied among the plants, ranging from 270.33 ± 2.60 to 3.40 ± 0.28 mg GAE g-1 dry weight. The ethanol extracts of Nonea caspica and Anchusa arvensis displayed the highest total flavonoid content (252.60 ± 1.80 and 29.13 ± 1.05 mg QE g-1 dry weight, respectively). The highest contents of cyanidin and delphinidin 3-glucosides were found in the ethanol extracts of Nonea caspica and Anchusa arvensis, respectively.Conclusion: The results show that some of the plants have potent antioxidant activities which may justify the ethno-therapeutic usage of these plants by traditional healers.Keywords: Boraginaceae, Polyphenol, Antioxidant activity, Cyanidin 3-glucoside, Delphinidin 3- glucoside, Nonea caspica, Onosma sericeum, Anchusa arvensis

Oxidative damage and hepatotoxicity associated with deltamethrin in rats: The protective effects of Amaranthus spinosus seed extract.

The liver plays a major role in detoxification and metabolism of toxic compound and xenobiotics like pesticides. Thereby, any type of modification in its function causes hepatotoxicity. So, the aim of this study was designed to assess the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of methanol extract Amaranthus spinosus seed (ASS) on liver injury induced by deltamethrin (DLM), a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide. ASS was subjected to different phytochemical analyses including total phenolic and flavonoid content. In vitro, antioxidant activities was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. In vivo hepatoprotective effect of A. spinosus seeds against DLM induced liver injury in rats was tested in plasma and liver tissue. ASS reverses hepatotoxicity in DLM-intoxicated rats: serum liver biomarkers (alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferases), hepatic levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were restored to normal levels. The protective effects of ASS was confirmed by histological studies. The hepatoprotective potential of ASS could be explained by its high phenolic content, antioxidant properties and phytochemical contents.

Essential oil composition, total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity of Thymus species collected from different regions of Iran.

In this study, the essential oil (EO) composition, flavonoid and phenolic contents, and antioxidant activities of fourteen Thymus accessions belonging to ten species were evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of 38 compounds with the major constituents including thymol (12.4-79.74%), carvacrol (4.37-42.14%), geraniol (0.3-22.44%), and p-cymene (0.8-12.86%). Cluster analysis identified three groups of high thymol, geraniol/linalool, and high carvacrol. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were detected in T. daenensis-1 (70.6mg tannic acid equivalents (TAE) g-1 DW) and T. vulgaris (8.55mg quercetin equivalents (QE) g-1 DW), respectively. The antioxidant activities of the samples were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assay. The results demonstrated that T. daenensis-3 (IC50=273.36), T. vulgaris (IC50=289.3), and T. fedtschenkoi-3 (IC50=339.22) possessed higher antioxidant activities than the others. Finally, the Thymus species with high bioactive compounds may be recommended for further food applications.

Verbascum phlomoides and Solidago virgaureae herbs as natural source for preventing neurodegenerative diseases

In the current work, ethanol and water extracts of Verbascum phlomoides and Solidago virgaureae were examined for their inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase, as well as for their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and a reducing power assay. The total content of phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, and the high-performance liquid chromatography profile of the main phenolic compounds were also determined. Generally, ethanol extracts showed the strongest antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, both of which were related to the total phenolic content. The V. phlomoides ethanol extract showed the highest inhibitory activity against both acetylcholinesterase (IC50=0.086±0.005mg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50=0.109±0.092mg/mL). These results reveal that V. phlomoides and S. virgaureae are potential sources of active metabolites with acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory effects. As a result they could be considered for dietary food supplements for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Evaluation of wound healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacy of Jasminum auriculatum Vahl. leaves.

To validate the ethno-therapeutic claim of the traditionally used plant Jasminum auriculatum (J. auriculatum) in skin diseases, by evaluating its wound healing potential along with its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties; so as to understand their role in wound healing. Excision and incision wound models were used to evaluate the wound healing activity on albino rats. The wound healing potential was assessed by measuring rate of wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content, skin breaking strength and histopathological parameters. Reference standard drug was Nitrofurazone ointment. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The antimicrobial activity was determined by agar well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration by serial dilution method. Higher rate of wound contraction (83.66±0.50% on 15th day), decrease in the period of epithelialization (17.83±1.6days), higher skin breaking strength (170.71±1.52g), higher collagen content and favourable histopathological changes revealed that topical application of ointment containing successive ethanolic extract (S.E.E) of J. auriculatum leaves has the most potent wound healing ability compared to control group in both the models studied. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of successive ethanolic extract was found to be 33.39µg/ml. Successive ethanolic extract was found to be most effective against Pseudomonas auregenosa having a zone of inhibition 16.65±0.6mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration was 0.78mg/ml. The data of this study indicate that successive ethanolic extract of the leaves exhibit potent wound healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This justifies the ethno-medicinal use of plant for the treatment of wound and microbial infections.

Effect of fluorescence light on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of soybeans (Glycine max L. Merrill) during germination

Effects of light on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities during germination of soybean seeds were studied. Soybean seeds were germinated in the presence and absence of light. Chlorophylls and morphological characteristics of sprouts were evaluated daily. Antioxidant activities were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing activity power methods. Morphological characteristics of light-grown sprouts were superior to dark-grown sprouts and the metabolism of phenolic compounds was regulated by light. Light treatment improved accumulation of phenolic compounds in soybean sprouts and increased antioxidant activities. The optimum harvest time of light-grown sprouts was on the seventh day when sprouts achieved the best nutraceutical value. Green sprouts can serve as a good vegetable source for the human diet.

Changes in isoflavone profiles and antioxidant activities in isoflavone extracts from soybeans and soyfoods under riboflavin photosensitization

Isoflavone extracts from soybeans and soyfoods were treated with riboflavin photosensitization and changes in antioxidant activities of isoflavone extracts under riboflavin sensitization were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Extracts rich in malonyl derivatives, β-glucosides, and aglycones were prepared from raw, ovendried, and almond-incubated soybeans, and the fermented soyfoods cheongukjang and natto. As the period of visible light irradiation increased to 120 min, the total isoflavone content determined using HPLC decreased in all samples. Aglycones in almond-incubated extracts decreased by 77.5% after 120min, and β-glucosides in oven-dried extracts decreased by 52.0%. The radical scavenging activity based on DPPH and ABTS assays significantly (p 0.05) increased after riboflavin sensitization.

Determination and comparison of phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity of selected local Zimbabwean herbal teas with exotic Aspalathus linearis

Phenolic compounds have several biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and antioxidant properties due to their ability to neutralise free radicals. The aim of the study was to determine total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of Zimbabwean indigenous herbal teas and comparing them with Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos™), a commercial South African herbal tea. Plant leaves of Myrothamnus flabellifolius, Fadogia ancylantha, Lippia javanica, and Ficus sycamore and a concoction of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp, seed and fibre were analysed. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The butanol–HCl assay was used to determine condensed tannin content. Antioxidant properties were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power and inhibition of phospholipid peroxidation assays. F. sycamore had the highest total phenolic content (14.02±0.01g GAE/100g) while A. digitata fruit pulp mixture had the lowest (0.79±0.28g GAE/100g). The highest tannin content was found in F. sycamore (1.98±0.12g/100g and the lowest was in L. javanica (0.1174±0.01g LE/100g). Only F. sycamore exhibited higher antioxidant activity than A. linearis in all antioxidant assays whereas activity in other herbal teas was interchangeably higher or lower depending on antioxidant assay carried out.