DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity Research Articles

Oregano and thyme by-products of olive oil aromatization process with microwave assisted extraction as a rich source of bio-active constituents

IntroductionProcessing of Medicinal Aromatic Plants (MAPs) results in the production of a significant amount of by-products, which are not commercially exploitable. Towards this direction, we studied extensively the by-products of oregano and thyme, remaining after the aromatization of olive oils with microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The purpose of the study was the exploitation of the “wastes” of these two economically significant herbs of Greece, for the potential development of innovative bioactive products.MethodsHence, superior and inferior quality plant material from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum and Thymus vulgaris, were extracted with extra virgin olive oil using MAE. For the evaluation of raw plant material, beside the characterization of the essential oils (EOs), the hydroalcoholic extracts of superior and inferior plant material were afforded by ultrasound assistant extraction (UAE). In addition, the remaining plant material after the flavoring of olive oil by MAE, was extracted with c-Hex, MeOH, H2O:MeOH using UAE. All the extracts were evaluated for their DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (TPC) as well as their chemical profile was investigated by HPTLC. In parallel, the EOs, the olive oils and the c-Hex extracts were analyzed by GC–MS and Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME)-GC–MS.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the composition of the EOs and the volatile fraction of the olive oil extracts were similar for the superior quality material whereas for the inferior the composition of the volatile fraction of olive oil extracts was not analogous to the respective EOs. GC–MS analyses of oregano and thyme by-products revealed the presence of carvacrol, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene among the major constituents. Moreover, the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the plant material remaining after olive oil flavoring with MAE showed similar phenolic content and scavenging activity with the hydroalcoholic extracts of the corresponding raw plant materials underlying their potent use in the preparation of high-added value products such as nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals as well as enriched animal nutrition products.

Production and Optimisation of Fermented Pumpkin-Based Mature Coconut Water Kefir Beverage Using Response Surface Methodology

Fermentation of pumpkin puree and mature coconut water using water kefir grains is a potential method for producing a novel functional non-dairy-based probiotic drink. In the present study, response surface methodology based on Box–Behnken design (RSM-BBD) was used to optimise fermentation temperature and substrates’ concentrations. The optimised fermentation temperature, pumpkin puree, and brown sugar concentrations of pumpkin-based mature coconut water kefir beverage (PWKC) were 27 °C, 20%, and 10% w/v, respectively. The optimised PWKC (PWKCopt) obtained an overall acceptability (OA) score of 4.03, with a desirable Lactobacillus count (6.41 Log CFU/mL), 0.68% v/v lactic acid content, 31% of water kefir grains’ biomass growth rate, and fermentation time (to reach pH 4.5) of 4.5 h. The optimized beverage, PWKCopt, contained 3.26% proteins, 2.75% dietary fibre, 2186.33 mg/L of potassium, 180.67 mg/L phosphorus, and 137.33 mg/L calcium and had a total phenolic content of 89.93 mg GAE/100 mL, flavonoid content of 49.94 mg QE/100 mL, and carotenoid content of 33.24 mg/100 mL, with antioxidant activity (FRAP: 169.17 mM Fe(II)/100 mL, IC50 value of DPPH free radicals scavenging activity: 27.17 mg/mL). Water kefir microorganisms in PWKCopt remained stable for at least 56 days at 4 °C. Therefore, PWKCopt might potentially serve as a value-added product, offering a basis for sustainable development within both the coconut and pumpkin industries.

Extraction and In Vitro Skincare Effect Assessment of Polysaccharides Extract from the Roots of Abelmoschus manihot (L.).

Obtaining high-added value compounds from agricultural waste receives increasing attention, as it can both improve resource utilization efficiency and reduce waste generation. In this study, polysaccharides are extracted from the discarded roots of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) by the high-efficiency ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The optimized condition was determined as solid-liquid ratio SL ratio = 1:20, temperature T = 30 °C and time T = 40 min, achieving an extraction yield of 13.41%. Composition analysis revealed that glucose (Glc, 44.65%), rhamnose (Rha, 26.30%), galacturonic acid (GalA, 12.50%) and galactose (Gal, 9.86%) are the major monosaccharides of the extract. The extract showed a low degree of esterification (DE) value of 40.95%, and its Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum exhibited several characteristic peaks of polysaccharides. Inspired by the wide cosmetic applications of polysaccharides, the skincare effect of the extract was evaluated via the moisture retention, total phenolic content (TPC) quantification, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical scavenging activity, anti-hyaluronidase and anti-elastase activity experiments. The extract solutions demonstrated a 48 h moisture retention rate of 10.75%, which is superior to that of commercially available moisturizer hyaluronic acid (HA). Moreover, both the TPC value of 16.16 mg GAE/g (dw) and DPPH-free radical scavenging activity of 89.20% at the concentration of 2 mg/mL indicated the strong anti-oxidant properties of the extract. Furthermore, the anti-hyaluronidase activity and moderate anti-elastase activity were determined as 72.16% and 42.02%, respectively. In general, in vitro skincare effect experiments suggest moisturizing, anti-oxidant, anti-radical and anti-aging activities of the A. manihot root extract, indicating its potential applications in the cosmetic industry.

Emulsifying property, antioxidant activity, and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate obtained by Corolase PP under high hydrostatic pressure

Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities. However, the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste. Recently, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment has attracted much interest and has been used in several studies on protein modification. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis by Corolase PP under different pressure treatments (0.1, 100, 200, and 300 MPa for 1–5 h at 50 °C) on the emulsifying property, antioxidant activity, and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate (SPIH). As observed, the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had the highest emulsifying activity index (47.49 m2/g) and emulsifying stability index (92.98 %), and it had higher antioxidant activities (44.77 % DPPH free radical scavenging activity, 31.12 % superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, and 61.50 % copper ion chelating activity). At the same time, the enhancement of emulsion stability was related to the increase of zeta potential and the decrease of mean particle size. In addition, the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had a lower bitterness value and showed better palatability. This study has a broad application prospect in developing food ingredients and healthy foods.

Biomedicine and pharmacotherapeutic effectiveness of combinatorial atorvastatin and quercetin on diabetic nephropathy: An in vitro study

IntroductionDiabetic nephropathy is a type of kidney disorder that develops as a complication of multifactorial diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by microangiopathy, resulting from glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, and changes in renal hemodynamics. This study strived to evaluate the in vitro cytoprotective activity of atorvastatin (ATR), and quercetin (QCT) alone and in combination against diabetic nephropathy. MethodsThe MTT assay was utilized to analyze the effects of the test compounds on NRK-52E rat kidney epithelial cells. The detection of apoptosis and ability to scavenge free radicals was assessed via acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO-EB) dual fluorescence staining, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyfree assay (DPPH), respectively. The ability of anti-inflammatory effect of the test compounds and western blot analysis against TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-6 further assessed to determine the combinatorial efficacy. ResultsAtorvastatin and quercetin treatment significantly lowered the expression of TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-6 indicating the protective role in Streptozotocin-induced nephrotoxicity. The kidney cells treated with a combination of atorvastatin and quercetin showed green fluorescing nuclei in the AO-EB staining assay, indicating that the combination treatment restored cell viability. Quercetin, both alone and in combination with atorvastatin, demonstrated strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity and further encountered an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the combination of these drugs. ConclusionNevertheless, there is currently no existing literature that reports on the role of QCT as a combination renoprotective drug with statins in the context of diabetic nephropathy. Hence, these findings suggest that atorvastatin and quercetin may have clinical potential in treating diabetic nephropathy.

Development and Characterization of Modified Gelatin-Based Cling Films with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities and Their Application in the Preservation of Cherry Tomatoes.

The utilization of functional cling films presents a promising approach to alleviate post-harvest spoilage caused by microbial activity, oxidative metabolism, and moisture loss in agricultural products. To overcome the environmental problems of conventional packaging materials, in this study, we developed functional fruit and vegetable cling films based on glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride and rosemarinic acid cross-linked gelatin (RQ-GEL). The results indicate that the prepared RQ-GEL film possesses excellent UV light barrier properties and mechanical performance. RQ-GEL inhibited S. aureus and E. coli by 93.79% and 92.04%, respectively. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities were as high as 87.69% and 84.6%. In the cherry tomato preservation experiment, when compared to uncovered samples, the RQ-GEL group had a 29.77% reduction in weight loss and a significant 26.92% reduction in hardness. Meanwhile, the RQ-GEL group delays the decline of fruit total soluble solids and titratable acidity content, and prolongs the preservation period of cherry tomatoes. Hence, RQ-GEL cling film is poised to emerge as a promising packaging material for the post-harvest preservation of agricultural products.

Fluoroquinolone and enoxacin molecules are potential urease inhibitors for treating ureolytic bacterial infections

Urease, a nickel-dependent metalloenzyme, has emerged as a significant therapeutic target due to its role in promoting the pathogenesis of various human health conditions. These include the development of pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, peptic ulcers, hepatic encephalopathy, and gastric ulcers. The currently available treatment involved the usage of strong antibiotics along with proton pump inhibitors to cope with the infection of urease producing bacteria. These conventional treatments are becoming less effective as bacteria are gaining multiple drug resistance. Therefore, there is a crucial need to identify alternative compounds with potential anti-urease activity and minimal side effects. Fluoroquinolones and Enoxacin derivatives offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-urease activities. To improve the chemical diversity of urease inhibitors, different series of fluoroquinolones and Enoxacin derivatives were evaluated against urease and their antioxidant activity was also evaluated. To achieve this objective, in-silico studies were conducted utilizing molecular docking and adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicology (ADMET) models. These analyses were employed to explore potential binding mechanisms and assess the drug-likeness of the compounds against urease enzymes. The inhibitory effect of docked heterocyclic compounds was also verified in-vitro against urease enzyme. Fluoroquinolones derivatives were found to be active inhibitors at high dose levels but showed minimum inhibition at low concentration. The compound EN from the Enoxacin series exhibited the highest potency as a urease inhibitor, with an IC50 of 45.86 μM, out-performing the standard drug thiourea, which had an IC50 of 52.20 μM. Additionally, compounds NOX-3 and FB-17 from the fluoroquinolone and Enoxacin series demonstrated significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 98.17 μM and 97.98 μM, respectively. These results were comparable to the positive control ascorbic acid, which had an IC50 of 48.15 μM. This study demonstrates that Enoxacin derivatives can be further analyzed as potent urease inhibitors, while both Enoxacin and fluoroquinolone derivatives can be developed into more effective drugs to overcome oxidative stress.

Chitosan/zein-based sustained-release composite films: Fabrication, physicochemical properties and release kinetics of tea polyphenols from polymer matrix

This study investigated the properties of chitosan/zein/tea polyphenols (C/Z/T) films and analyzed the release kinetics of tea polyphenols (TP) in various food simulants to enhance the sustainability and functionality of food packaging. The results revealed that TP addition enhanced the hydrophilicity, opacity and mechanical properties of film, and improved the compatibility between film matrix. 1.5 % TP film showed the lowest lightness (76.4) and the highest chroma (29.1), while 2 % TP film had the highest hue angle (1.5). However, the excessive TP (above 1 % concentration) led to a decrease in compatibility and mechanical properties of film. The TP concentration (2 %) resulted in the highest swelling degree in aqueous (750.6 %), alcoholic (451.1 %), and fatty (6.4 %) food simulants. The cumulative release of TP decreased to 16.32 %, 47.13 %, and 5.87 % with the increase of TP load in the aqueous, alcoholic, and fatty food simulants, respectively. The Peleg model best described TP release kinetics. The 2 % TP-loaded film showed the highest DPPH (97.13 %) and ABTS (97.86 %) free radical scavenging activity. The results showed TP release influenced by many factors and obeyed Fick's law of diffusion. This study offered valuable insights and theoretical support for the practical application of active films.

Development of zein-based complexes and conjugates with enhanced surface hydrophilicity: Structure, emulsifying, foaming, and antioxidant properties

Corn zein is an abundant and inexpensive source of plant proteins. However, it is a strongly hydrophobic molecule with poor water solubility, which limits its range of applications in the food and other industries. In this study, zein-EGCG-alginate ternary conjugates were prepared using an alkaline treatment combined with the Maillard reaction. The nature of the conjugates formed was characterized using a range of analytical methods, including SDS-PAGE, dynamic light scattering, particle electrophoresis, spectroscopy, calorimetry, and electron microscopy. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that the particles in the dispersion of ternary complexes were larger and more irregularly shaped than those in the original protein dispersion. Spectroscopic analyses indicated alterations in the structure of the proteins caused by both the alkaline and Maillard reaction treatments. Ternary conjugates (zein-EGCG-alginate) had better emulsification and foaming properties than single proteins (zein) or binary conjugates (zein-EGCG). Moreover, the surface hydrophobicity of the ternary complexes was lower, while their thermal stability and antioxidant activity were higher. For instance, the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity of the ternary conjugates were enhanced to around 67% and 89%, respectively. The alkaline-Maillard treatment also greatly improved the water dispersibility of zein, reaching a solubility level close to 60%. This study may broaden the range of applications of zein as a functional ingredient in the food and other sectors.

Variations in Essential Oil Biological Activities of Female Cones at Different Developmental Stages from Azorean Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D. Don (Cupressaceae)

In the Azores Archipelago, Cryptomeria japonica is, currently, the most cultivated forestry tree for timber production, landscaping, and gardening, generating large amounts of foliage waste that is used for local essential oils (EOs) production. However, the existing literature on the biological potential of EOs from different C. japonica foliage parts, such as female cones (FC), remains limited. Thus, in the present study, EOs extracted by hydrodistillation from Azorean C. japonica immature and mature FC (IFC and MFC), as well as some major EO components, were screened for their: (i) antioxidant capacity, evaluated by DPPH free-radical-scavenging activity (FRSA) and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching activity (BCBA), (ii) antimicrobial activities, assessed by the disc diffusion method against eight bacteria and one fungus, and (iii) toxicity against Artemia salina. Among both FC EO samples, the IFC EO exhibited the best DPPH–FRSA, BCBA, and growth inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Penicillium italicum, as well as a slightly increased toxic potential, due to their differential compositions, as assessed by GC–MS analysis. Thus, the FC’s maturation process decreased their EOs’ bioactivities. In conclusion, this finding could help in determining the optimal developmental stage for enhancing the antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds content in FC EOs. In turn, this contributes to increasing the commercial potential of C. japonica’s EO industry.

Essential oil composition, morphological characterization, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Iranian populations of Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. (Lamiaceae)

The study focused on the morphological and chemical characteristics of 200 Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. genotypes found in natural habitats of eight regions in west of Iran. The primary objective of the study was to assess the morphological and phytochemical variability within populations grown in their natural habitats, with the aim of identifying their potential for domestication and utilization in pre-breeding programs. The plant height (PH) ranged from 50.32 to 69.65 cm, with the highest observed in population P8. The internode distances ranged from 4.7 to 6.47 cm, with the maximum distance found in P4. Flower lengths varied from 1.95 to 2.45 cm, with the minimum and maximum values observed in P4 and P3, respectively. The highest leaf length (5.20 cm) and width (3.87 cm) were recorded in P2. The aerial parts of the plant were utilized to extraction and determine the essential oil (EO) content and composition, which ranged from 0.40 to 0.78% (v/w). The analysis of EO by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) identified 26 compounds, constituting 99–99.5% of the EOs. The main compounds in the EO and their percentage range (v/w DW) were tau-cadinol (0.62–55.56), mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (8.10–94.70), elemol (0.21–19.11), β-spathulenol (0.08–14.39), 4-terpineol (0.23–10.19), and β-eudesmol (0.21–9.94). The main chemical groups found in EOs included oxygenated sesquiterpenes (1.12–68.43), and phthalates (9.73–94.72). Cluster analysis revealed three distinct chemotypes: chemotype I (populations 1 and 2) with major components of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, tau-cadinol, and α-elemol; chemotype II (population 5) rich in mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; and chemotype III (populations 3, 4, 6–8) containing tau-cadinol, β-eudesmol, and 4-terpineol. The study also evaluated total phenolic, total flavonoid, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity in the fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) in leaf and flower samples of the genotypes, along with estimating total anthocyanin content in the flower samples. The total phenolic content (TPC) in leaf and flower samples ranged from 7.89 to 107.18 mg GAE/g DW and 39.98 to 86.62 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. Total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 81.04 to 143.46 mg QUE/g DW in leaf samples and from 94.82 to 133.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g DW in flower samples. DPPHsc IC50 (µg/mL) ranged from 0.65 to 78.74 in leaf samples and from 4.38 to 7.71 in flower samples. Anthocyanin content ranged from 1.89 to 3.75 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (C3GE)/g DW among populations. Canonical correspondence analysis and simple correlation demonstrated a strong association and correlations among the studied attributes. The negative correlations between leaf DPPH (DPPH L) IC50 and TFC (− 0.73), TPC (− 0.63), Elemol (− 0.90), and EO (− 0.85) indicate that these compounds have a significant impact on the antioxidant activity of the leaves. Furthermore, Fruit DPPH (DPPH F) IC50 showed a negative correlation with TPC (− 0.79) and TFC (− 0.78), but a positive correlation with flower anthocyanins (0.51), (Z)-β-Farnesene (0.66), and 4-Terpineol (0.57). Circular cluster analysis categorized the genotypes of all individuals in the eight studied populations into three main categories based on all the studied traits, indicating significant variation in phytochemical and morphological traits among populations, surpassing the within-populations variation.

Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Potential, and Antimicrobial Activity of Uvaria chamae (Annonaceae), a Food Plant from Burkina Faso.

The study aimed to evaluate phenolic content and antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of the fractions of the hydroethanolic extract of Uvaria chamae leaves, a food plant from Burkina Faso. Thus, the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions of the hydroalcoholic extract after drying were used to determine phenolic compound content, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial potential on strains of pathogenic bacteria responsible for food contamination. Phytochemical analyses were performed according to standardized methods, while antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP methods. The antibacterial activity of the fractions was determined by diffusion and microdilution methods on the agar medium with gentamicin as a reference antibiotic. All the six strains, namely, Salmonella typhi ATCC 19430, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Bacillus cereus ATCC 13061, and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, were sensitive to the fractions tested. Minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 37 µg·mL-1 to 1.67 mg·mL-1, respectively, gentamicin and butanolic fractions, while minimum bactericidal concentrations of the fractions ranged from 0.037 to 2.500 mg·mL-1 depending on the bacterial strain. Antioxidant activity varied significantly between fractions. For DPPH free radical scavenging activity, the butanol fraction was the most active, with an IC50 of 280 μg/mL, while the lowest activity (705 μg/mL) was recorded by the hexane fraction. Those of trolox and ascorbic acid used as standards were 80 and 100 μg/mL, respectively. Ferric reducing power (FRAP) ranged from 0.34 to 0.40 mmol EAA/g extract for the hexanic and ethyl acetate fractions, respectively. Phenolic compound contents also varied significantly between fractions. Butanoic and ethyl acetate presented the best contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. Significant and positive correlations were also recorded between phenolics and antioxidant activities. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the active fractions would be related to their richness in bioactive compounds, including phenolic, which are powerful natural antioxidants. U. chamae leaf extracts could therefore be used as dietary supplements to boost the immune system and prevent bacterial infections.

3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylic acid halts redox imbalance and modulate purinergic enzyme activity in iron-induced testicular injury

Abstract Various derivatives of cinnamic acid have been reported to possess significant activities such as antioxidant and hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective activities. Interestingly, testicular toxicity has been linked to several causes, with oxidative damage being one of the pathophysiological mechanisms. 3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylic acid (1), a derivative of cinnamic acid, was synthesized and then investigated for its effects on iron-induced testicular injury and oxidative stress via ex vivo and in silico studies, respectively. Evaluations were done on KAD-1’s FRAP, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, and iron chelating potential. Through the ex vivo incubation of tissue supernatant and 0.1 mM FeSO4 for 30 min at 37 °C with different concentration of 1, oxidative testicular damage treatments were induced. The scavenging property of 1 increases significantly (p < 0.05) as the concentration increases when compared with the standard quercetin. The MDA, CAT, ATPase, and ENTPDase activities were reduced when testicular damage was induced (p < 0.05). The group treated with 30 mg/mL had the highest level of MDA. A significant rise in GSH level and activity of SOD were observed. The result obtained indicated that 1 has the potential to prevent oxidative testicular toxicity, as evidenced by its capacity to control nucleotide hydrolysis and reduce oxidative stress. Overall, the results of this experimental study point to some possible uses of 3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylic acid (1) in the prevention of oxidative testicular dysfunction. Therefore, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl) acrylic acid (1) would be a good product in developing a medication to alleviate male infertility.

Anatomical, chemical and endophytic fungal diversity of a Qi-Nan clone of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng with different induction times.

Recently, some new Qi-Nan clones of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng which intensively produces high-quality agarwood have been identified and propagated through grafting techniques. Previous studies have primarily focused on ordinary A. sinensis and the differences in composition when compared to Qi-Nan and ordinary A. sinensis. There are few studies on the formation mechanism of Qi-Nan agarwood and the dynamic changes in components and endophytic fungi during the induction process. In this paper, the characteristics, chemical composition, and changes in endophytic fungi of Qi-Nan agarwood induced after 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were studied, and Qi-Nan white wood was used as the control. The results showed that the yield of Qi-Nan agarwood continued to increase with the induction time over a period of 3 years, while the content of alcohol extract from Qi-Nan agarwood reached its peak at two years. During the formation of agarwood, starch and soluble sugars in xylem rays and interxylary phloem are consumed and reduced. Most of the oily substances in agarwood were filled in xylem ray cells and interxylary phloem, and a small amount was filled in xylem vessels. The main components of Qi-Nan agarwood are also chromones and sesquiterpenes. With an increasing induction time, the content of sesquiterpenes increased, while the content of chromones decreased. The most abundant chromones in Qi-Nan agarwood were 2-(2-Phenethyl) chromone, 2-[2-(3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl) ethyl] chromone, and2-[2-(4-Methoxyphenyl) ethyl] chromone. Significant differences were observed in the species of the endophytic fungi found in Qi-Nan agarwood at different induction times. A total of 4 phyla, 73 orders, and 448 genera were found in Qi-Nan agarwood dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Different induction times had a significant effect on the diversity of the endophytic fungal community in Qi-Nan. After the induction of agarwood formation, the diversity of Qi-Nan endophytic fungi decreased. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between endophytic fungi and the yield, alcohol extract content, sesquiterpene content, and chromone content of Qi-Nan agarwood, which indicated that endophytic fungi play a role in promoting the formation of Qi-Nan agarwood. Qi-Nan agarwood produced at different induction times exhibited strong antioxidant capacity. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and reactive oxygen species clearance activity were significantly positively correlated with the content of sesquiterpenes and chromones in Qi-Nan agarwood.

Protective Mechanism of Rosa roxburghii Tratt Fermentation Broth against Ultraviolet-A-Induced Photoaging of Human Embryonic Skin Fibroblasts.

This study takes the fruit of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT) as a fermentation substrate and carries out a quantitative visual analysis of the domestic and foreign literature on screenings of five different lactic acid bacteria to obtain a fermentation broth. Systemic anti-photoaging effects are analyzed at the biochemical, cellular, and molecular biological levels. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities are used to verify the antioxidant capacity of the RRT fruit fermentation broth in vitro. Human embryonic skin fibroblasts (HESs) are used to establish a UVA damage model, and the antioxidant capacity of the RRT fruit fermentation broth is verified in terms of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activity. RT-qPCR and ELISA are used to detect the expression of TGF-β/Smad, MMPs, and the MAPK/AP-1 and Nrf2/Keap-1 signaling pathways in order to explore the anti-oxidation and anti-photoaging effects of the RRT fruit fermentation broth by regulating different signaling pathways. The results show that an RRT fruit fermentation broth can effectively protect cells from oxidative stress caused by UVA and has significant anti-photoaging effects, with the co-cultured Lactobacillus Yogurt Starter LYS-20297 having the highest overall effect.

Polyphenol assisted nano-reinforced chitosan films with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

Active packaging with nano-reinforcement has appeared as an emerging strategy to replace the conventional plastic packaging films. In this contribution, Quercetin/rutin/vanillic acid incorporated chitosan nanocomposites with a reinforcement effect of cellulose derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or chicken feather derived nano-keratin (NK) were developed using solvent casting method. Polyphenol incorporated CNC reinforced films displayed 69% increase in tensile strength whereas only 38% rise in strength was depicted by nano-keratin reinforcement. Quercetin incorporated CNC reinforced films exhibited 22% decline in film's permeability to water vapors and almost 38% upsurge in opacity. The crosslinking between hydroxyl, amino and carboxyl groups of polyphenols, Chitosan and CNC respectively was confirmed by FTIR. XRD and SEM analysis suggested dispersed nano fillers in chitosan matrix and depicted intercalated morphologies with rough surface. The thermal transitions of prepared films were found to be comparable to chitosan control. Quercetin incorporated CNC reinforced films exhibited 70% DPPH free radical scavenging activity with highest phenolic content. Quercetin and rutin incorporated CNC composites showed anti-microbial activity which may be due to polyphenols in the film's structure. Moreover, baby carrots wrapped with quercetin incorporated CNC reinforced chitosan films exhibited least weight loss and maintained overall acceptability over one-week storage. Comparatively, among all blends, combining quercetin and chitosan along with CNC reinforcement, can aid in development of active films with improved mechanical strength, enhanced UV protection, free radical scavenging ability and antimicrobial properties appropriate for food preservation.

Biphasic Fermentation of Trapa bispinosa Shells by Ganoderma sinense and Characterization of Its Polysaccharides and Alcoholic Extract and Analysis of Their Bioactivity.

Trapa bispinosa shells (TBs) and its flesh (TBf) have been recognized for their medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects. Despite these benefits, TBs are often discarded as waste material, and their applications remain to be further explored. In this study, we optimized the solid-state fermentation process of Ganoderma sinense (GS) with TBs using a response surface experiment methodology to obtain the fermented production with the highest water extract rate and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. We prepared and characterized pre-fermentation purified polysaccharides (P1) and post-fermentation purified polysaccharides (P2). Alcoholic extracts before (AE1) and after (AE2) fermentation were analyzed for active components such as polyphenols and flavonoids using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry). Mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) were employed to compare the immune-stimulating ability of polysaccharides and the antioxidant activity of AE1 and AE2. Optimal fermentation conditions comprised a duration of 2 days, a temperature of 14 °C, and a humidity of 77%. The peak water extract yield and DPPH free radical scavenging rate of the water extract from TBs fermented by GS were observed under these conditions. The enhanced activity may be attributed to changes in the polysaccharide structure and the components of the alcoholic extract. The P2 treatment group indicated more secretion of RAW 264.7 cells of NO, iNOS, IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α than P1, which shows that the polysaccharides demonstrated increased immune-stimulating ability, with their effect linked to the NF-кB pathway. Moreover, the results of the AE2 treatment group indicated that secretion of RAW 264.7 cells of T-AOC and T-SOD increased and MDA decreased, which shows that the alcoholic extract demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity, with its effect linked to the Nrf2/Keap1-ARE pathway. Biphasic fermentation of Trapa bispinosa shells by Ganoderma sinense could change the composition and structure of the polysaccharides and the composition of the alcoholic extract, which could increase the products' immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity.

Exploring the essence of celery seeds (Apium graveolens L.): Innovations in microwave-assisted hydrodistillation for essential oil extraction using in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies

This study presents the composition analysis of essential oils extracted from celery seeds (Apium graveolens L.) collected from Morocco. Essential oil of A. graveolens (AG-EO), were obtained through microwave-assisted hydro-distillation, and its composition was characterized using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). antimicrobial properties were assessed utilizing disc diffusion and microdilution assay methods, while antioxidant activities were evaluated through spectrophotometric techniques. Additionally, in vivo anti-inflammatory effects were investigated. The molecular docking technique, a computational approach utilized to predict the binding of small molecules to specific proteins, was employed to elucidate the antioxidative and antibacterial characteristics of the constituent molecules. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic features of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME-Tox) tests were anticipated to provide insights into the drug likeness, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and expected safety profiles upon ingestion and the potential pharmacological activity of the identified compounds. Fifteen constituent compounds representing 99.99% of AG-EO were identified and quantified by the use of GC/MS. The main constituent, comprising 64.58% of AG-EO was limonene. AG-EO demonstrated a significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity, showing estimated scavenging rates of 8.49±0.00 µg/mL, and 5.09±0.04 µg/mL for ABTS+. AG-EO exhibited reducing Power (RP) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) of 3.42±0.01 µg/mL and 245.93±0.04 mg AAE/mL, respectively. AG-EO exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of AG-EO. Taken together, the essential oil derived from celery seeds holds promise for large-scale utilization as an environmentally friendly preservative within the food and agriculture industries, effectively countering fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination in stored commodities. Additionally, it exhibits potential as a suitable candidate for the development of pharmaceutical drugs.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT, PHYTOCHEMICALS AND IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF RED AND WHITE ONION

Since antiquity onions (Allium cepa, L) have been cultivated across the globe as an important source of food and medicine. The study evaluated the nutritional content, phytochemistry and invitro antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of red and white onion bulbs. Red and white onion bulbs were purchased from a Local market in Maiduguri. Ethanol extracts were prepared using homogenized bulb. The proximate analysis, flavonoids, tannin, and phenol contents of the extracts as well as the antioxidant activities (total antioxidant activity, reducing power, and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities) were evaluated using standard procedures. The ash and carbohydrate contents of the two extracts were similar. However, the fat and protein contents were higher in white onion (2.44% & 1.05%) compared to the red onion (1.00% & 0.13%) while the moisture content was higher in red onion (16.10%) compared to the white onion (13.60%). The flavonoids, tannin, and phenol content as well as the total antioxidant activity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the red onion relative to the white. White onion had a better reducing power activity compared to the red while the red had higher DPPH free radical scavenging activity compared to the white. Conclusively, our findings revealed that both red and white onion contains varying quantity of phenolic compounds with strong reducing power and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. However, red onion was shown to have higher antioxidant activity relative to the white.

Cladophora fracta var. intricata’nın Yağ Asitleri, Vitamin ve Antioksidan Özellikleri

In this study investigations of the fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidant properties of cultured (CFI) Cladophora fracta var. intricata. CFI was isolated from benthic habitats of the Tokat Yeşilırmak River (Tokat) and axenic cultured. According to the antioxidant analysis results, a dose-dependent activity was observed in CFI in terms of DPPH free radical scavenging activity, FRAP and TEAC reducing power, but it was not found to be significant as it remained above IC50 values. In CFI, C14:0 Myristic acid, C16:0 Palmitic acid and C16:1 Palmitoleic acid, C18: 1 N9C Oleic fatty acids and vitamins A, C, E were found to be high. According to antioxidant analysis results, CFI was found to be notable for the use of its fatty acid and vitamin values in food and pharmaceutical. Since it has low contamination properties, the algal taxon examined can be easily used in culture media.