DPPH Radical Inhibition Research Articles

Antioxidant Activity Analysis of Ethanol Extract from Melandean Leaves (Bridelia micrantha) Using the DPPH Assay

The increasing global prevalence of oxidative stress-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders underscores the importance of developing effective antioxidant strategies. In this study, samples of ethanol extract from Bridelia micrantha (Melandean) leaves were used which were then evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test, a method that is widely known for assessing free radical scavenging activity. The ethanol extract sample was obtained through maceration with a yield of 15.84%. Based on the DPPH test, it shows that the extract has dose-dependent inhibition of DPPH radicals, with a maximum inhibition of 66.13% at a concentration of 25 ppm. The IC50 value, calculated from regression analysis, confirmed the antioxidant potential of the extract, although it was less effective than that of vitamin C, which was used as a positive control. These findings suggest that Bridelia micrantha leaves, rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, have the potential as a source of natural antioxidants for managing oxidative stress-related health conditions.

UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS based chemometric analysis for solvent polarity effect evaluation on phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity in habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq) fruit extract.

The effect of solvents with different polarities on the recovery of phytochemicals (carotenoids, capsaicinoids, and phenolic compounds) from habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) and their association with antioxidant activity (ABTS•+ and DPPH) was evaluated through Ultra-Performance-Liquid Chromatography coupled with a Photodiode Array Detector and a Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS)-based chemometric analysis, including linear correlation, multiple linear regression, and principal component analysis (PCA). The solvent polarity scale was established according to solvent dielectric constants (ɛ). Color variation (ΔE) was used to determine the presence of carotenoids, with the highest ΔE obtained using low-polarity solvents (hexane and ethyl acetate). A high content of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin was recovered with acetone (4.29 and 3.76mg g⁻¹ dry weight, respectively). Phenolic compounds such as N-caffeoyl putrescine and derivatives of luteolin and apigenin were identified through mass spectrometry. A high recovery (26.54-31.74mg GAE g⁻¹ dry weight) of these compounds was obtained using intermediate-polarity solvents. The PCA revealed clustering of solvents based on their affinity for extracting specific compounds and their association with antioxidant activity. A significant correlation was observed between ΔE and DPPH, indicating that carotenoid pigments exhibited higher DPPH radical inhibition capacity than other compounds. Total phenolic content (TPC) and phenolic compounds (phenolpolyamides, hydroxycinnamic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids) were clustered with the ABTS•+ radical inhibition assay. The information obtained is crucial for selecting suitable solvents in the extraction and purification protocols of bioactive compounds. It is also valuable for conducting plant metabolomic analyses and for studies focused on determining the effects of bioactive compounds in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results describe the characteristics of the extracts obtained using different solvents. Therefore, the information may be useful for establishing extraction protocols for phytochemical compounds in fruits from Capsicum chinense for various purposes, such as metabolomic analysis, the recovery of specific compounds with antioxidant activity, and food applications.

New Insights of Response Surface Methodology Approach in Optimizing Total Phenolic Content of <i>Zanthoxylum acanthopodium</i> DC. Fruit Extracted Using Microwave-Assisted Extraction and the Impact to Antioxidant Activity

Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC., a unique spice plant from North Sumatra, is rich in beneficial secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic compounds. This study utilized the microwave-assisted extraction method to enhance the extraction of these bioactive compounds. The goal was to determine the optimal extraction conditions, including solvent concentration (X1), microwave power (X2), and extraction time (X3) to maximize the total phenolic content (TPC) of Z. acanthopodium fruit. A Box-Behnken design, part of response surface methodology, was used with three factors at three levels: X1 (50%, 75%, and 100% ethanol in water), X2 (180, 300, and 450 W), and X3 (3, 8.5, and 14 min). The phenolic compounds in the optimized extract were identified using LC-HRMS, and its antioxidant activity was measured using radical scavenging activity assays. The statistical analysis indicated a significant quadratic model (p-value < 0.05), with a high R2 of 86.25%. Optimal conditions for maximum TPC (159.637 ± 5.72 mg GAE/g) were achieved with 50% ethanol, 450 W, and 8.5 min, outperforming conventional extraction methods. Compared to the non-optimized extract, the optimized extract also exhibited strong antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH radical inhibition. This method successfully optimized TPC in Z. acanthopodium fruit, enhancing its antioxidant properties.

Enhanced physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of low-temperature ethylenediamine/urea pretreated lignin.

Low-temperature ethylenediamine (EDA)/urea pretreatment had been demonstrated to be an efficient pretreatment method for enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol production. For high-value utilization of the third main components of lignocellulosic biomass, the physicochemical structure characteristics and biological activities of low-temperature EDA/urea pretreated lignin (EUL) were comprehensively investigated in the present study. The results demonstrated that the pretreatment process facilitated the depolymerization of lignin, resulting in notable reduction in molecular weight and polydispersity index from 2.32 to 1.42kg/mol and 1.44 to 1.20, respectively. The EDA/urea pretreated lignin (EUL) exhibited enhanced ultraviolet absorption capacity and the most significant DPPH radical scavenging and inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to the primary lignin (PL) and the NaOH pretreated lignin (NL). Enhanced physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of EUL make it more suitable to be developed as sunscreen ingredient or antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in food preservation and conservation.

Exploring the antioxidant potential of hydroxychalcones: A comprehensive investigation integrating theoretical and experimental analyses

Chalcones belong to a class of compounds that hold significant interest in medicinal chemistry due to documented instances of diverse biological activities in the literature. Moreover, their structural framework allows the incorporation of various functional groups, potentially enhancing specific biological activities. This study seeks to elucidate the synthesis of hydroxychalcones and explores their antioxidant properties. To this end, the antioxidant efficacy of the synthesized chalcones was assessed utilizing the DPPH radical inhibition assay. Additionally, electrochemical tests were conducted to estimate and establish correlations between the antioxidant effects. Concurrently, a conformational analysis of the compounds was conducted via theoretical calculations. Next, the conformer demonstrating the highest population percentage for each chalcone was scrutinized for its impact on modulating energy levels in Frontier Molecular Orbitals (FMO). Finally, utilizing these theoretical insights, chemical properties were computed and correlated with experimental data.

Extraction, Characterization, and Encapsulation of Cinnamon Hydrosol Obtained via Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation: Analysis of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

Microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) method was employed to extract cinnamon oil and hydrosol (a byproduct). The total polyphenol content (TPC) of the cinnamon hydrosol (CH) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and its antioxidant power was assessed through the DPPH radical reduction method. Gas chromatography was utilized to quantify the main bioactive compound (cinnamaldehyde). The disc agar diffusion method was applied to evaluate the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms. To protect the bioactive compound, an encapsulation method involving cross-linking with calcium alginate was utilized. The capsules were examined using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The TPC content was found to be 15.63 ± 0.21 mg gallic acid/g dry matter, and the DPPH radical inhibition rate was 84.26 ± 1.35%. CH exhibited a significant inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli, and a moderate inhibition effect against Shigella flexneri, Salmonella spp., Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli EPEC. Finally, successful encapsulation of CH was achieved using sodium alginate, resulting in bead sizes ranging between 1.75 and 2.75 mm.

In vitro antioxidant and in silico enzyme inhibition studies of Carissa carandas Linn.: potential ingredient for nutraceutical development

ABSTRACT Carissa carandas L. is a wild food plant, however, is cultivated for its fruits to be utilized to make pickles, jams, and other similar products. Fruit of this plant has been intensively investigated for its bioactive potential; however, a scanty study is reported on the leaf, which is usually wasted. In the present study, ethanolic extract of the leaf of C. carandas was analyzed for its total bioactive contents and found rich in phenolics and flavonoids (26.67 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g extract and 18.42 ± 0.05 mg RE/g extract, respectively). These findings were substantiated due to UHPLCMS/MS analysis, which disclosed the presence of about 110 secondary metabolites, mostly lignans, flavonoids, and terpenoids. In DPPH and ABTS free radical inhibition assays, the extract showed inhibitory values as 47.51 ± 0.09 and 93.09 ± 2.8 mg TE/g extract, respectively. Its further antioxidant potential was observed in CUPRAC and FRAP assays, wherein the metal reducing power was recorded as 102.05 ± 1.03 and 67.24 ± 0.9 mg TE/g extract, respectively, while in phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating assays, the extract also disclosed potential activity (0.92 ± 0.02 mmol TE/g extract and 21.42 ± 0.34 mg EDTAE/g extract). The extract was also significantly active against tyrosinase (45.69 ± 0.7 mg KAE/g extract) and showed mild activities against AChE (3.61 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g extract), BChE (1.43 ± 0.2 mg GALAE/g extract), α-amylase (0.46 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g extract) and α-glucosidase (1.05 ± 0.02 mmol ACAE/g extract). In computational studies, binding affinities for AChE and BChE enzymes were from −4.21 to −12.70 and −7.58 to −12.53 kcal/mol, respectively, confirming the results of the invitro tests and ADME studies. The current finding suggested that C. carandas may be considered as a source for several nutraceutical formulations.

Water purification and biological efficacy of green synthesized Co/Zn-Doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

In the present study, Co/Zn doped α-Fe2O3 (Hematite) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Azadirachta indica (AI) leaves aqueous extract. The analytical techniques including XRD, UV, SEM, EDX, VSM, Raman, and FTIR, we were able to identify and characterize the structural, morphological and magnetic attributes of the synthesized NPs. The findings demonstrated that the synthesized NPs exhibit homogeneous spherical shapes with particle sizes ranging from 8.64 to 15.32 nm. The NPs have rhombohedral crystal lattices, with crystallite sizes of 23.25 nm for chemically synthesized doped α-Fe2O3 NPs and 12.52 nm for those synthesized using green methods. The magnetic study has shown that the saturation magnetization (Ms) value of NPs, which ranges from 36 to 45 emu/g at ambient temperature, exhibits superparamagnetic properties (300 K). The treatment of industrial wastewater and its reuse for agricultural purposes are the subjects of the current study. Different concentrations of doped α-Fe2O3 NPs were used as photocatalysts to degrade dyes in a bioreactor under UV light in a heterogeneous mixture. The degradation rates achieved were 96.42 % for Congo Red (CR) and 98.36 % for Eosin Yellow (EY). DPPH assays were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the synthesized doped α-Fe2O3 NPs. The percentage inhibition of DPPH radicals ranged from 71.13 % to 90.35 %. Our findings indicate that AI leaf extract holds promise as a valuable resource for the development of bioactive compounds and environmentally friendly approaches to synthesizing green NPs. This is primarily attributed to the increased accessibility of bioactive components with potent antioxidant properties. The combination of these benefits provides opportunities for novel uses in environmental cleanup, biological applications, and energy conversion.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and anti-edematous activities of aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latilolius (sm.) Bruce ripe fruits in rat

Background: The vegetative system of Sarcocephalus latifolius represents a natural source of active substances, as the species is used in traditional african medicine to treat several diseases involving inflammation and oxidation. Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius ripe fruits in rats. Material and method: DPPH radical scavenging and iron reduction were used to assess antioxidant activity in vitro. Rat paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran and formalin was used to assess acute and subacute anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Results: Extract at 10 mg/mL yielded 92.95±11.44 mg EAG/g total polyphenols, 0.082±0.005 mg ERu/g total flavonoids and 0.14 ± 0.003 mg EAT/g condensed tannins. Aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius ripe fruits showed DPPH radical inhibition with an IC50 greater than 25 μg/mL. DPPH inhibition by gallic acid was 92.91% at 25 μg/mL. IC50 of ascorbic acid and aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius on Fe3+reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were 18.9 μg/mL and 111.6 μg/mL, respectively. For carrageenan, the aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius ripe fruits showed a maximal anti-inflammatory effect at five hours, with inhibitions (p<0.05) of 48.49% at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 56.16% at 300 mg/kg. For dextran, the inhibitions (p<0.01) observed at the thirtieth minute were 34.55% at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 44.44% at 300 mg/kg. For formalin, significant inhibitions (p<0.05) on the first day were 29.19% at 200 mg/kg and 30.60% at 300 mg/kg.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves yield and quality attributes of melon fruit grown under greenhouse

ABSTRACT Melon (Cucumis melo) is the most popular fruit with indisputable socio-economic and nutritional value, as evidenced by its significant acreage (1 Mha) and production (28 Mt) worldwide. However, melon farming is facing the triple challenge of producing enough to meet growing consumer demand, improving the concentration of human wellness compounds, while minimising chemical inputs. This scientific research was carried out to assess the effectiveness of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Rhizophagus irregularis (Ri), R. fasciculatus (Rf), and their complex, in improving yield and quality attributes in melon variety ‘Ananas’ grown in greenhouse. Results showed that production and fruit quality were significantly improved in mycorrhizal plants (M-plants) compared to non-mycorrhizal (NM-plants) ones, regardless of AMF treatments. M-plants performance varied according to AMF strains. Indeed, Ri-plant exhibited the highest increases in yield (54%), fresh weight (65%), longitudinal (20%) and equatorial (33%) perimeters, Brix degree (20.6%), polyphenols (315.4%), carotenoids (353%), proteins (209.1%), flavonoids (114.38%), ascorbic acid (31.3%), reducing power (77.04%), DPPH radical inhibition (16.43%), and the highest decrease in titrable acidity (62.5%). In addition, Ri-plant fruits were highly rated by participants in the sensory evaluation test. Therefore, R. irregularis application could be recommended for the sustainable production of high-quality fruits of melon.

Effect of fertilizers on yield, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties of Cucurbita moschata fruits.

The nutritional and functional properties of squashes are influenced by various factors, such as the stage of plant development, soil composition, and type of fertilizer. This study evaluates the impact of various organic fertilizers on Cucurbita moschata D. properties. For this purpose, squashes were fertilized using Ash at 10 kg/25 m2, bovine compost at 62.5 kg/25 m2, and a 1:1 mixture of ash and bovine compost. Negative control (without fertilizers) and positive control (NPK 20-10-10 at 2 kg/25 m2) were included. Post-harvest, the yield, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities were assessed. Ash fertilizer resulted in the highest number of fruits per plant (2.20 ± 0.16). Regarding flavonoids, the bovine compost yielded the highest level (428.67 ± 2.62 mg/100 g of edible portion). The mixture of ash and bovine compost produced fruits with the highest content of total carotenoids, β-carotene, lycopene, and total phenolic compounds (249.7 ± 3.68, 219.80 ± 3.41, 26.07 ± 0.41, and 575.00 ± 9.95 mg/100 g of edible portion, respectively). Moreover, carotenoids extracted from this mixture exhibited the highest inhibition of DPPH and ABTS free radicals (30.87 ± 0.65 and 47.32 ± 1.30%, respectively). This research suggests that the use of a mixture of ash and bovine compost could significantly enhance the yield of squashes and their phytochemical and antioxidant potential.

RETRACTED: Chemical free, bio-Intercalation of selenium nanoparticles for highly accelerated photo-responsive of organic contaminants debasement and their in-vitro anti-bacterial agents, anti-oxidants effect, cyto-toxic analysis

This study investigates the use of Excoecaria agallocha leaves as a bio-template for the intercalation of Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The synthesized SeNPs were characterized using techniques like SEM-EDX, TEM/HR-TEM, and XRD spectroscopic studies. The study found that SeNPs showed maximum cleaning ability at a dosage of 50 μl/mL, with 95% inhibition of DPPH radicals. However, cellular absorption was limited to 55% at concentrations of 300 μg/L over a 72-h period. The synthesized SeNPs also demonstrated a strong cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, indicating their potential as anti-cancer agents. Further research is needed to fully explore the potential of these novel nanocomposites.

Intraspecific Chemical Variability and Antioxidant Capacity of Siparuna guianensis Aubl. Essential Oil from Brazil

Siparuna guianensis Aubl. is an essential-oil-producing plant with diverse ethnopharmacological uses and bioactive potential. This study aims to evaluate the intraspecific variation in the yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of S. guianensis essential oil (EO). The specimens (SG-1 to SG-6) were collected in June, five in the district of Outeiro and one in the Salvaterra municipality (Brazil). EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation. The chemical compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The DPPH radical scavenging tests and inhibition of β-carotene oxidation by linoleic acid were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of EOs. Principal components analyses were performed to verify the interrelationships between the studied specimens’ oil yields, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity. Regarding chemical constituents, all studied samples showed the occurrence of spathulenol with an average concentration of 25.6 ± 15.6%. The samples that presented the highest amounts of this constituent were SG-5 (43.3%) and SG-1 (41.8%); the spathulenol amounts in other samples were 33.2% (SG-4); 13.8% (SG-2); 11.5% (SG-6) and 9.8% (SG-3). Moreover, there was no significant variability in yield and antioxidant capacity using DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid; both tests found insignificant values. This species presents a notable intraspecific chemical variability. Despite notable antitumor activities, the plant presents intraspecific chemical variability in composition, which suggests new studies to evaluate the impacts on bioactive compounds.

Characterization and antibacterial evaluation of Eco-friendly silver nanoparticles synthesized by halophilic Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 isolated from mangrove sediment.

Antimicrobial resistance has surged due to widespread antimicrobial drug use, prompting interest in biosynthesizing nanoparticles from marine-derived actinomycetes extracellular metabolites, valued for their diverse bioactive compounds. This approach holds promise for addressing the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. The current study aimed to characterize novel bioactive compounds from unexplored biodiversity hotspots, halophilic Streptomyces sp. isolated from mangrove sediment in the Pichavaram region, India. Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 was conclusively identified through morphological and molecular characterization. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 was characterized using various techniques, including UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, EDX, and FT-IR. The UV-Vis spectrum of the reduced AgNPs exhibited a prominent peak at 380nm, confirming the AgNPs. The UV-Vis spectrum confirmed the synthesis of AgNP, and SEM analysis revealed a cubic morphology with sizes ranging from 11 to 21nm. The FTIR spectrum demonstrated a shift in frequency widths between 626cm-1 and 3432cm-1. The EDX analysis substantiated the presence of metallic silver, evident from a strong band at 1.44keV. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited antibacterial efficacy against human pathogens Escherichia coli (64 ± 0.32µg/ml), Klebsiella pneumoniae (32 ± 0.16µg/ml), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16 ± 0.08µg/ml) by MIC and MBC values of 128 ± 0.64 (µg/ml), 64 ± 0.32 (µg/ml) and 32 ± 0.16 (µg/ml), respectively. Additionally, at a concentration of 400µg/ml, the AgNPs displayed a 72% inhibition of DPPH radicals, indicating notable antioxidant capacity. The LC50 value of 130µg/mL indicates that the green-synthesized AgNPs have lower toxicity by Brine Shrimp Larvae assay. The study's novel approach to synthesizing eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using Halophilic Streptomyces rochei SSCM102 contributes significantly to the field of biomedical research and drug development. By demonstrating potent antibacterial properties and aligning with sustainability goals, these nanoparticles offer promising avenues for novel antibacterial therapies.

Development of an immobilized laccases - CDI CIMmultus® monolithic reactor for ecofriendly producing gallic acid-dextran conjugate

Enzymatic modification of polysaccharides is an efficient and environmentally friendly method to enhance their bioactivities. Immobilized enzymes represent a technology that enables the reuse of enzymes and increase their stability. In this study, laccases from Trametes versicolor were covalently immobilized on CIMmultus® CDI monolithic column, which was employed to graft gallic acid (GA) onto the backbone of T40 dextran. 1.43 mg laccases were successfully immobilized, yielding a mass conversion rate of 32.17 %. The kinetic parameters of free and immobilized laccases were respectively 0.0056 and 0.1770 U for Vmax and 0.0121 and 0.7510 mmol·l−1 for Km. Remarkably, 91.29 % of the enzymatic activity of immobilized laccases was preserved after catalyzing 1200 ml of reactant. A central composite design was carried out to investigate the influence of T40 dextran concentration and flow rate on the phenolization. Response surface methodology was used for predicting the optimal conditions, showed that a 2.07 % mass ratio of phenolization could be achieved with 2 % dextran and a flow rate of 0.89 ml·min−1. The GA-dextran conjugate, produced under the best conditions, revealed a DPPH radical inhibition activity of 63.97 % and an IC50 of 73.39 µg·ml−1. This work describes a new IMER for ecofriendly producing phenolized polysaccharides.

Thermal oxidative stability and kinetics of lipophilic bioactive compounds degradation during accelerated storage of unroasted and roasted peanut oil

Due to the susceptibility of peanut lipids to autooxidation, which compromises food quality and safety, shelf-life studies are conducted. This research aimed to examine and compare the thermal oxidative stability of cold-pressed peanut oils (POs) from unroasted and roasted varieties (Virginia and Valencia) under accelerated storage conditions (60°C, in the dark) for 28 days. Degradation kinetics of phytonutrients and changes in the fatty acid profile, chemical oxidation indicators, and antioxidant activity were continuously monitored to assess the extent of oxidation. Results showed that acid, peroxide, and p-anisidine values, UV-spectrophotometric indexes, and total oxidation value increased in POs during storage with significant differences. Total tocopherols and phytosterols decreased with storage time, following a second-order kinetic model. After 28 days of storage, 25.5442.08% of phytosterols and 25.9248.17% of tocopherols were lost. The degradation rates of tocopherol were higher in roasted POs, while unroasted POs exhibited the highest rate of phytosterols degradation. Besides, there were slight differences in the fatty acid composition of all stored oils. In addition, all POs' DPPH radical inhibition decreased with storage time, reaching values between 35.72% and 44.73%. This study has provided important insights into the evolution of key chemical parameters of unroasted and roasted POs of two commercial varieties during storage.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial study of Crossobamon orientalis body oil

Geckos and their products have been used in Asian traditional medicine. Medicinal properties of desert-dwelling Gecko species, Crossobamon orientalis remain unexplored. In this study, natural bioactive macromolecules present in oil extracted from C. orientalis (COO) and their biological activities were evaluated. Chemical constitution of COO was explored by using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial activities of COO extracts were assessed using various assays, including DPPH free-radical-protocol, HET-CAM method, in ovo-antiviral technique, and disc-diffusion method. GC-MS study reported 40 different compounds in COO. n-hexane and methanol extracts of COO demonstrated highest DPPH radical inhibition, with values of 70 and 63.3%, respectively. Extracts of COO in solvents, namely 1-butanol, methanol, diethyl ether, and n-hexane significantly inhibited the proliferation of four pathogenic viruses. Maximum zone of inhibition was observed for Escherichia coli (13.65 ± 0.57 mm). These findings suggest that COO possesses potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against viral and bacterial strains, thanks to its biologically active components having no side effects. Further studies are essential to isolate and identify individual bioactive compounds present in COO and to investigate their potential as therapeutic agents.

Optimization of the method of ultrasonic extraction of lycopene with a green extract from the fruit of Elaeagnus umbellata, common in Western Georgia.

The study determined the content of lycopene in the fruits of the Elaeagnus umbellata (35.25-60.21 mg/100 g), common at different heights above sea level in Western Georgia. For the effective extraction of lycopene as a biologically active substance, the optimal conditions for ultrasonic extraction were selected: sunflower oil was used as a "green solvent"; the ratio of solid mass and solvent was 1:50; temperature 30°C; ultrasound amplitude 40%; power 85 W; and extraction time 10 min. FTIR spectra revealed the characteristic functional groups of lycopene exhibiting two characteristic peaks at 2920 and 2950 cm-1. To explore the effect of lycopene on oil quality, the acid value, peroxide value, and p-anisidine were determined in each oil sample. The antioxidant determination by inhibition of DPPH radicals showed significant differences in native oils and oils with lycopene.

Production of protein hydrolysate from four plant sources and its optimization with α-pinene and tea seed saponin to control olive fruit fly

Types, source of production and optimization with some attractive compounds are the main requirements to produce a commercially efficient protein hydrolysate. The current study was designed to produce protein hydrolysate for the first time from Camelia sinensis (Tea) seeds, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar) seeds, Cucurbita pepo (Summer squash) seeds, Glycine max (Soybean) seeds and Olea europaea Kernels (Olive) optimized with α-pinene and Camelia sinensis saponin (CSS) aiming to availability of the products from the sources with low economic value and more attractance. Results revealed the highest extracted protein from Guar while the highest inhibition of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) and hydroxyl radicals were recorded in the protein hydrolysates extracted from Summer squash, Soybean and Olive. The highest reduction potential of Fe3+ ion and radical scavenging activity were found in the protein hydrolysate extracted from Olive and Soybean, respectively. Exposure of protein hydrolysates extracted from plant sources were determined in choice and no choice assays. In choice experiment, the highest amount of ingestion was recorded on Tea, Guar and Summer squash but the adults ingested the most protein hydrolysate extracted from tea optimized with α-pinene. In no choice experiment, the highest ingestion was recorded on Guar while optimization with α-pinene caused the highest ingestion on both Tea and Guar. Bioassay of C. sinensis saponin against the adults of B. oleae demonstrated the LC50 and LT50 values of 0.35% and 1.41 days, respectively. Also, CSS decreased activities of digestive enzymes in B. oleae except for TAG-lipase and trypsin. The adults of B. oleae fed on protein hydrolysate containing CSS showed elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase except for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Results of the present study showed that protein hydrolysate can be extracted from plant sources that have little commercial value like tea seeds and olive kernels. In addition, their optimization with compounds that are attractive to the olive fruit fly can provide products with the higher efficiency than the products available in the market.

Effect of temperature and shear stress on properties of nanovesicles carrying hydrolyzed pollen protein

In this study, the effect of storage (65 °C, 24 h) and shear rates (2-100 s−1, 10 min) on the particle size, poly-dispersity index (PDI), encapsulation efficiency (EE), Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and DPPH radical inhibition, iron ion reduction ability and flow behavior of nanovesicles containing hydrolyzed bee pollen (produced by alcalase and pepsin) were evaluated. Nanoliposomes were coated by chitosan (0.2 % w/w). After storage at 65 °C, the size of the nanovesicles raised 2–2.5 folds while EE showed 5–8 % decline. ACE and DPPH radical inhibition activity were also decreased. After applying the shear stress, PDI was increased significantly (P<0.05), while EE of the nanoniosomes showed a drastic decline (P<0.05). Nanoliposomes and nanoniosomes exhibited decline in the ACE inhibitory and antioxidant activity. At low shear rates Newtonian-like and weak pseudo-plastic behavior of the chitosan-coated nanoliposomes were observed. The flow index (n), (k) and (R2) indicated the suitability of power law model for describing the flow characteristics.