DPPH Radical Scavenging Research Articles

Persulfated Ascorbic Acid Glycoside as a Safe and Stable Derivative of Ascorbic Acid for Skin Care Application.

The pursuit of cosmetic ingredients with proven efficacy and safety that meet consumer needs drives the advancement of new products. Ascorbic acid (AA) is utilized in cosmetic products, predominantly for its potent antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, its instability compromises its efficacy. In this work, ascorbyl 2-O-glucoside persulfate (AAGS) was synthesized, characterized, and evaluated regarding its safety profile and potential bioactivities and the results were compared to AA and its glycoside AAG. Pre-formulation studies were performed to assess the stability of the compounds and their compatibility with typical excipients commonly used in topical formulations. AAGS did not affect the metabolic activity of keratinocyte, macrophage, and monocyte cell lines, up to 500 µM. AAGS also exhibited a non-prooxidant and non-sensitizing profile and anti-allergic activity by impeding the allergen-induced maturation of THP-1 cells. When compared to AA and AAG, AAGS was shown to be more stable at pH values between 5 and 7, as well as superior thermostability and photostability. AAGS demonstrated higher stability in metal solutions of Fe(II) and Mg(II) than AA. AAGS demonstrated similar DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to AA. These results provide useful information for the development of new AA derivatives, highlighting AAGS as a novel cosmetic ingredient.

Urushiol oligomer preparation and evaluations of their antibacterial, antioxidant, and thermal stability

There have been studies published on the composition and coating uses of raw lacquers following enzymatic oxidative polymerization. The change of urushiol’ thermal stability and biological activity following polymerization to create oligomer, however, has received little attention. This work using silica gel column chromatography to separate urushiol and urushiol oligomer from polymerized raw lacquer and assessed its antibacterial, antioxidant, and thermal stability in an effort to decrease the allergenicity of urushiol and increase its application. By using gel chromatography, the urushiol oligomer were discovered to be polymers with 2–5 degrees of polymerization. According to characterization results from techniques like UV, FT-IR, and 1H NMR, urushiol was converted into urushiol oligomer by addition reactions, and C–C coupling. The findings demonstrated that the urushiol oligomer’ IC50 values for scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals were 40.8 and 27.4 μg/mL, respectively, and that their minimum inhibitory concentrations against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were 250 and 125 μg/mL. The urushiol oligomer’s thermogravimetric differential curve peak temperature (461.8 °C) was higher than urushiol’s (239.5 °C), indicating that urushiol undergoes polymerization with enhanced thermal stability. The study’s findings establish a foundation for the use of polymerized urushiol and urushiol oligomer in applications including functional materials and additives.

Synthesis and biological studies of acetophenone-based novel chalcone, semicarbazone, thiosemicarbazone and indolone derivatives: Structure-Activity relationship, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and kinetic studies

This study presents the synthesis and evaluation of nine acetophenone derivatives (1–9), with compounds 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 being novel and synthesized for the first time. These derivatives encompass diverse structural motifs including chalcone, thiosemicarbazone, semicarbazone, and indolone derivatives. The structures of synthesized compound were confirmed by NMR analysis. The synthesized compounds were assessed for their in vitro enzyme inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-Glycosidase enzymes, as well as their antioxidant capacities using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. With Ki values ranging from 8.96±0.40 to 44.16±4.25 nM, these showed effective inhibition of AChE. However, the inhibitory characteristics of all drugs were almost the same. The Ki values of the two most active compounds, (3) and (4), were 8.96±0.40 and 11.33±0.58 nM, respectively. Regarding α-Glycosidase, they demonstrate that all novel compounds (1–9) have IC50 values between 30.16 and 133.98 µM, whereas the Ki values vary from 42.71±5.90 to 128.78±8.03 µM. Compound 4 emerged as a notable inhibitor, displaying significant inhibition against all used enzymes. Molecular docking studies revealed its exceptional binding affinities, corroborated by MM-GBSA ΔG binding free energies, and Glide Emodel scores. Compound 7 also exhibited promising inhibitory potential against α-Glycosidase. Docking scores for hAChE -12.207, for hBChE -10.140 and for α-Glycosidase -10.590 kcal/mol. The 250 ns molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the ligand-protein complexes, particularly with compound 4. The ligand-protein complexes were found extremely stable according to the MD simulations. Additionally, ADME predictions indicated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and drug-likeness for all compounds, further supporting their potential as orally active agents. Compound 4, in particular, stands out as a multitarget drug candidate, with strong inhibition against key enzymes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes, suggesting its therapeutic potential in these conditions.

Micellar mediated preparation of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles: Influence of cleavable spacer based cationic gemini surfactant

Cleavable spacer (s = diamido) based cationic gemini surfactant (with different alkyl tail lengths (m) abbreviated as g1; m = 12, g2; m = 14 or g3; m = 16), in aqueous micellar solution, was used to control the size and morphology of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles (NPs), via modified chemical precipitation technique. The purity and stability of all CdS NPs were characterized by EDAX, FT-IR, TGA and zeta potential (ζ). By varying the geminis, significant size reduction (2–6 nm), enhanced capping capacity, and higher energy band gap (∼4.1 eV) have been found in CdS-g1 compared to other NPs, by using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), TEM, XRD and UV–visible spectroscopy. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed an emission at 525 and 630 nm, showing the effect of geminis m concerning surface states of NP. Additionally, antioxidant and antimicrobial (on Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (S. aureus and B. subtilis) strains) activities of CdS NPs were examined by DPPH radical scavenging and agar plating-spot disc inoculation method, respectively. The results recommended a significant antioxidant activity in CdS-g1 with 45.6 %, while, selective antimicrobial activity was obtained on E. coli and S. aureus in all NP systems.

Green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles using aqueous bark extract of Quercus sp. for potential antioxidant and antimicrobial applications

Oak bark, which is commonly used in the wood industry, has by-products often repurposed as fuel. Its extracts are rich in compounds with anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study synthesized platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using aqueous extracts from Quercus dalechampii (QD), Q. frainetto (QF), and Q. petraea (QP). Key factors during nanoparticle formation included reaction time, metal ion concentration, pH, extract-to-metal ion ratio, and temperature. The PtNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The average diameters were 58.5 ± 7.6 nm for QD-PtNPs, 41.6 ± 5.4 nm for QF-PtNPs, and 41 ± 5.3 nm for QP-PtNPs. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were also analyzed. The QP-PtNPs had the highest DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and CUPRAC (Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity) free radical scavenging activities, while QD-PtNPs excelled in ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) scavenging. All PtNPs showed strong antimicrobial properties, particularly against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Candida krusei, and Candida auris. These findings suggest that Quercus-mediated PtNPs have significant potential for developing treatments against bacterial and fungal infections, with promising applications in medicine.

Structural Characterization, and Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Exopolysaccharide from Sanghuangporus sanghuang JM-1

Sanghuang as a medicinal fungus in China has a history of more than 2000 years, and is known as the “forest gold”. Most notably, the polysaccharides of Sanghuangporus sp. have attracted widespread attention due to their significant bioactivity in recent years. At present, extensive studies are being carried out on the extraction methods, structural characterization, and activity evaluation of polysaccharides. Here, we aimed to evaluate the structure and bioactivity of LEPS-1, an exopolysaccharide derived from the S. sanghuang JM-1 strain. The structure was elucidated by chromatography/spectral methods and hydrolyzation, and the solubility, the antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic activity and immunomodulatory activity were investigated. Results showed that LEPS-1 contained a →2)-α-Manp(1→6)-α-Galp(1→[2)-α-Manp(1→]n→2,6)-α-Manp(1→6,2)-α-Manp(1→3)-α-Manp(1→ backbone substituted at the O-6 and O-2 positions with side chains. These two branching fragments were β-Manp(1→. The molecular weight of LEPS-1 is 36.131 kDa. The results of biological activity analysis suggested that LEPS-1 was easily soluble in water, with reducing capability and DPPH radical scavenging capability. Furthermore, the IC50 values of LEPS-1 against α-amylase and α-glucosidase were 0.96 mg/mL and 1.92 mg/mL. LEPS-1 stimulated RAW264.7 cells to release NO, TNF-α and IL-6 with no cytotoxicity, showing potent potential for immunomodulatory activity. These findings describe a potential natural exopolysaccharide with medicinal value and a basis for the development of S. sanghuang exopolysaccharides.

Investigating the antioxidant and anticancer potential of Daucus spp. extracts against human prostate cancer cell line C4-2, and lung cancer cell line A549

The study evaluated 297 carrot germplasm lines, focusing on 52 cultivars to explore their therapeutic potential and address challenges related to the accessibility and affordability of nutraceuticals and health promoting foods. The investigation explores the application of DNA barcoding using the ITS region for precise species identification, highlighting genetic diversity among the examined cultivars. Through ITS sequence-based analysis and phylogenetic examination, six diverse Daucus spp. genotypes were differentiated and classified into distinct groups, indicating the presence of vast genetic variation. Evaluation of antioxidant activities using the DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed varying degrees of scavenging ability among genotypes with SKAU-C-15, SKAU-C-17, and SKAU-C-16 exhibiting the highest activity, suggesting their potential for antioxidant-rich products. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) bioautography confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in carrot extracts responsible for their antioxidant properties. In cell culture studies, specific carrot genotype extracts demonstrated potential anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects on recurrent prostate cancer cell line - C4-2 (SKAU-C-30, SKAU-C-10, and SKAU-C-42) and non-small cell lung cancer cell line - A549 (SKAU-C-18 and SKAU-C-11) cancer cells, as indicated by MTT assay, wound healing assay, and Colony Forming Unit assay. These findings suggest the promising therapeutic potential of carrot genotypes for developing anti-cancer functional foods, nutraceuticals and health supplements.Therefore, the study contributes to the nutrition security, paving the way for advancements in functional foods and health applications, particularly in cancer treatment and prevention.

Antioxidant and Whitening Effects of Dahlia based on Variety, Flowering Form, Harvest Time, and Plant Part

Purpose: This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of dahlias based on variety, flowering form, harvest time, and plant parts, analyzed the content of bioactive compounds, and assessed the whitening effect of different plant parts to explore potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.Methods: Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assays, whereas bioactive compounds were quantified through total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) measurements. The whitening effect was evaluated based on tyrosinase inhibition rates.Results: Among the six dahlia varieties examined, <i>D. diva</i> demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, with purple and deep red varieties, showing particularly high levels of activity and polyphenol content. Analysis of flowering forms indicated that flowers in the early half-blooming stage exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Regarding harvest time, dahlias harvested during the third period in the fall, showed the greatest antioxidant activity. Examination of different plant parts revealed that petals had the highest antioxidant activity, whereas leaves and tubers had comparatively lower activity. Additionally, petals exhibited the highest tyrosinase inhibition rate among the plant parts, although the overall whitening effect was minimal.Conclusion: The study identified the optimal dahlia variety, flowering form, harvest time, and plant parts for maximizing antioxidant effects. These findings provide valuable insights for potential applications of dahlias in various industries.

Variation of vitamin C content and antioxidant capacities during the post-harvest storage of fresh fruits under different temperatures

During post-harvest storage, vitamins and health promoting compounds of fresh fruits are prone to change. Variation in ascorbic acid (ASC), total vitamin C (VitC), total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) and antioxidant capacities (ACs) were studied during storage of fresh fruits (31 species) for 14 days at three different temperatures. During storage, ASC (1.6–90.0%) and VitC (0.1–71.6%) contents decreased significantly in most of the fruits, irrespective to the storage temperature. Interestingly accumulation of ASC (1.0–245.0%) and VitC (0.5–102.8%) was also observed in some fruit species; Musa paradisiaca, Aegal marmelos, Citrus aurantifolia and Passiflora edulis. All the fruits with the highest rate of accumulation of ASC and VitC are climacteric fruits; Musa paradisiaca, Persea americana etc. In Psidium guajava, almost all the measured health promoting compounds were significantly lost during storage. In most of the under-utilized fruits, significant loss in TPC (Artocarpus heterophyllus (‘Wela’) at room temperature: 87.4%), TFC (Averrhoa carambola: 100.0%) and ACs could be observed. The highest percentage of losses (100.0%) in DPPH radical scavenging assay and Ferric reducing antioxidant potential were observed in Citrullus lantanus. According to the results of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), there is a statistically significant effect (p < 0.0005) of fruit species, storage temperature and an interaction effect of those on changing rates of measured antioxidants. The reduction rates of measured antioxidants are significantly highest at room temperature, while which are significantly highest under freezing conditions compared to refrigeration. Refrigeration temperature is recommended for optimization of preservation of vitamin C and antioxidants during storage of fresh fruits.

Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Algerian Bee Pollens: Exploring Geographical Influences

Abstract: This research study offers a comprehensive physicochemical analysis and assessment of antioxidant activity for 15 bee pollen samples collected from diverse regions of Algeria. The analysis included a wide range of parameters such as moisture content, sugar composition (fructose, glucose, and sucrose), ash, electrical conductivity, free acidity, pH, total flavonoid (TFC) and phenolic (TPC) contents, as well as protein and lipid contents. Additionally, the study evaluated the antioxidant activity using two methods: DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferricreducing antioxidant power (FRAP).The results revealed higher values of pH, free acidity, and electrical conductivity, indicating potential variations in the physicochemical properties of bee pollen samples from different regions. Notably, the samples were further distinguished by high total phenolic content (26.23 mg GAE/g), flavonoid content (4.73 mg QE/g), and protein content (21.7%), along with a unique mineral composition. The analysis also demonstrated the highest total antioxidant capacity and a marked correlation with total phenolics. This study highlights the influence of geographical factors on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of Algerian bee pollen. Regional variations underscore the importance of considering geographical factors in evaluating bee pollen quality, nutritional value, and potential health benefits of Algerian bee pollen. This emphasizes their crucial role in functional foods and natural health products. Understanding these variations supplies valuable insights for optimizing the utilization of bee pollen in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations. Further research into environmental factors influencing bee pollen's antioxidant properties could enhance our understanding of its therapeutic potential. other: Further research into environmental factors influencing bee pollen's antioxidant properties could enhance our understanding of its therapeutic potential. Additionally, exploring the potential applications of Algerian bee pollen in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations could provide opportunities for product development and innovation in the food and healthcare industries.

Agro-Physiological and DNA Methylation Responses to Salinity Stress in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Aegilops cylindrica Host, and Their Introgressed Lines

Bottlenecks, including limited genetic variation and the ongoing loss of genetic diversity, have hindered the development of modern wheat cultivars., making it crucial to use genetic diversity from wild relatives to improve wheat’s adaptation to abiotic stress, such as salinity. This study assessed the phenotypic and epigenetic variation of introgressed wheat lines (BC4F2) derived from hybridizing two wheat cultivars with Aegilops cylindrica (AC). This study assessed the phenotypic and epigenetic variation of 156 introgressed wheat lines (BC4F2) derived from hybridization between wheat cultivars “Chinese Spring” (CS) and “Roshan” (R) and Aegilops cylindrica (AC). These lines and their recurrent parents (total of 158) were evaluated under normal and saline field conditions for the agronomic traits and stress tolerance indices. The data were used to select the most tolerant and most sensitive lines. Then, the selected BC4F2 lines and their parents (AC, CS, and R) were subjected to physiological, DNA cytosine methylation, and expression analysis of HKT1;5, NHX1, and SOS1 genes under control and salt stress conditions. Agro-physiological, epigenetic, and gene expression analyses showed the significant effects of salt stress and genetic background, as well as the differential response of the BC4F2 lines to salt stress. The variations in leaf and root K, Na, and K/Na ratios, and leaf Chla, Chlb, Car, and MDA levels, unlike DPPH radical scavenging levels, between salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive BC4F2 lines under saline conditions indicated a substantial distinction in salinity tolerance responses. RT-qPCR indicated higher expression levels of NHX1 and SOS1 genes in the leaf and root tissues of tolerant lines than those of sensitive lines. Global leaf and root DNA methylation analysis revealed the significant effects of salinity on the methylation modifications and confirmed the successful introgression of the salt-tolerance epigenome from Ae. cylindrica into wheat. Exploiting the genetic diversity of wild wheat relatives is a crucial goal for increasing genetic and epigenetic variation to enhance plant adaptation to salt stress.

In vitro antibacterial activities, DPPH radical scavenging, and molecular simulation of isolated compounds from the leaves of Rhus ruspolii

<i>In vitro</i> antibacterial activities, DPPH radical scavenging, and molecular simulation of isolated compounds from the leaves of <i>Rhus ruspolii</i>

Ultrasound-assisted optimized extraction and analysis of polysaccharides of Tricholoma matsutake

The ultrasound-assisted extraction technique was used for extracting polysaccharides of Tricholoma matsutake (PTM) in this work. The effects of different parameters, i.e., solid-to-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power, extraction time, and extraction temperature on the PTM yield were optimized using a rotatable, orthogonal central composite design. In the derived optimal conditions, the PTM yield was 16.97 ± 0.06%, which corresponded well with the regression model predicted value of 16.85%. The extracted PTM was purified, and the structural characteristics and antioxidant activities were investigated. The PTM was found to be composed mainly of fructose, mannose, glucose, and galactose with a molar molecular ratio of 1:2.25:9.35:5, and an average molecular weight of 90,100 Da. High antioxidant effects of PTM were seen in the tests of DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radical scavenging, along with a moderate superoxide radical scavenging rate.

Characterization of Peptide Profiles and the Hypoallergenic and High Antioxidant Activity of Whey Protein Hydrolysate Prepared Using Different Hydrolysis Modes.

Food proteins and peptides are generally considered a source of dietary antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity, allergenicity, and peptide profiles of whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) using different hydrolysis methods. The results demonstrated that the degrees of hydrolysis of the hydrolysates with one-step (O-AD) and two-step (T-AD) methods reached 16.25% and 17.64%, respectively. The size exclusion chromatography results showed that the O-AD had a higher content of >5 and <0.3 kDa, and the distribution of peptide profiles for the two hydrolysates was significantly different. Furthermore, 5 bioactive peptides and 15 allergenic peptides were identified using peptidomics. The peptide profiles and the composition of the master proteins of the O-AD and T-AD were different. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities of WPHs were measured, and hydrolysates were found to exhibit a strong radical scavenging ability after being treated using different hydrolysis methods. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the sensitization of WPHs was significantly reduced. This study may provide useful information regarding the antioxidant properties and allergenicity of WPHs.

Synthesis, DFT investigation, antioxidant, molecular docking and ADME-T properties of N′-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-ylidene) furan-2-carbohydrazide derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins

ABSTRACT A novel synthetic reaction was used to produce a piperidine derivative, specifically N′-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-ylidene)furan-2-carbohydrazide (BPFC). The structure of the synthesised compound was confirmed through FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectral analysis. DFT calculations were performed to optimise structural parameters and investigate Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis, Frontier Molecular Orbitals (FMOs), Molecular Electrostatic Potentials, Mulliken Charge Analysis, and Non-linear Optical properties. The predicted chemical shift values align well with the expected results. The antioxidant properties of the newly synthesised compound were assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radical scavenging assays. Molecular docking studies were also carried out to explore the binding mechanism of the compound with COVID-19-related proteins, particularly 6WCF and 6LU7. Additionally, the synthesised compound was assessed for drug-likeness and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) properties, revealing favourable pharmacokinetic profiles without any signs of toxicity.

Antioxidants from Rubus idaeus leaves: LC-MS/MS chemical profiling, in vitro antiglycation, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated a range of biological activities of Rubus idaeus leaves, often considered as by-products, in relation to hyperglycemia. The antiglycation potential of this plant has not been previously reported. In this research, the methanolic leaf extract of R. idaeus was assessed for its antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and antiglycation activities. The bioactive compounds present in the extract were screened using LC-MS/MS. Enzyme inhibitory activities were tested on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and the antiglycation effect was investigated using BSA-fructose model. The methanolic extract showed a high polyphenolic contents (176.26 ± 2.26 mg GAE/g) and important IC50 values for DPPH (34.79 ± 2.40 µg/mL) and ABTS radical scavenging activities (49.75 ± 2.47 µg/mL). In addition, the plant leaf extract significantly inhibited hyperglycemia-related enzymes in a dose-dependent manner and demonstrated a reduction in fluorescent AGEs, fructosamine, and dicarbonyl compounds. Therefore, R. idaeus cv Maravilla could be an effective source of therapeutics for improving the healthcare outcomes of diabetic patients.

In Vitro Potential of Antioxidant Extracts from Gracilaria gracilis Cultivated in Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) for Marine Biobased Sector

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds extracted from Gracilaria gracilis cultivated in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system by different extraction solvents and to investigate the potential capacity of the extracts in cellular systems against environmental pollutants. The global yields, total polyphenol contents, and antioxidant activity were assessed on G. gracilis by DPPH radical scavenging activity, comparing the antioxidant extraction efficiency of the different solvents (ethanol 80%, acetone 70%, N-hexane, and water). Ethanol extract, granted by the highest extractive yield and antioxidant capacity, was tested in vitro in the Sparus aurata fibroblast (SAF-1) cell line to evaluate its protective role against oxidative stress induced by the chemical flame retardant 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47). The results demonstrate that the cells pretreated with G. gracilis extract were protected against oxidative stress and had improved cell viability, cellular antioxidant defense system, and cell cycle control, as demonstrated by the gene expression on some biomarkers related to the cell cycle (p53) and oxidative stress (nrf2, sod, and cat). These results confirm that bioactive compounds obtained from seaweeds cultivated in IMTAs could contribute to producing high-value ingredients that are able to counteract environmental stressors, for the growth of the marine biobased industrial sector and the expansion of new value chains.

Methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid treatment changes the nutritional quality, antioxidant profile and gene expression of postharvest blackberry fruit

Blackberry fruit is rich in various nutrients and has strong antioxidant activity. However, these fruit are soft, juicy, prone to decay and spoilage, and not suitable for storage. To ensure the quality of blackberry fruit and extend its shelf life, this study used methyl jasmonate (MJ), salicylic acid (SA), or MJ+SA to treat mature blackberry fruit after harvesting. And measure the fruit appearance indicators, antioxidant contents, antioxidant enzyme activities, and related gene expression levels stored at 4 °C for different durations. The results showed that the MJ, SA, and the combination of MJ+SA treatments could slow fruit softening by increasing antioxidant contents and antioxidant enzyme activities, with MJ+SA having the greatest effect on the postharvest treatment of blackberry. Compared with those in the control, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity, total phenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant enzyme (POD, GSH, and SOD) activities were increased in three hormone treatment groups. Moreover, the expression levels of key genes involved in flavonoid and phenol compound synthesis were upregulated in all the postharvest treatment groups. There was a positive correlation between the contents of total phenol and flavonoid and between their related structural enzyme-encoding genes and transcription factors. This study lays the foundation for further exploration of hormone application for prolonging the shelf life and changing in the antioxidant activity of blackberry fruit.

Assessment of Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex Silva Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex Silva, commonly known as red algae, holds economic significance as a primary source of κ-carrageenan, which exhibits promising medicinal and therapeutic properties. This study aims to assess the antioxidant potential as well as hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of K. alvarezii (EEKA). The assays utilised to determine the antioxidant properties of EEKA were total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging. In addition, the ability of EEKA to ameliorate experimentally induced liver injury in Sprague-Dawley rats caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was evaluated. The biochemical assays involved measuring liver marker enzymes (AST and ALT) in serum as well as determining the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) via malondialdehyde, catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in liver homogenates. The TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activity of EEKA demonstrated relatively low antioxidant properties compared to standard references. However, CCl4-induced groups exhibited significantly increased levels of AST and ALT, along with depletion of antioxidant status (GSH, CAT, and GST) indicated by LPO. Pretreatment with EEKA resulted in slightly decreased liver marker enzyme activity and LPO, coupled with an increase in antioxidant status. These findings suggest that EEKA contains active principles capable of counteracting the hepatotoxic effects induced by CCl4.

Antioxidant Activities of Exopolysaccharides Extracts from Two Endemic Fungi from Patagonia.

A great number of free radicals have a negative impact on the human body, and an increased interest in the identification of new natural molecules with antioxidant properties has emerged due to concerns about synthetic antioxidants. Here, the antioxidant effect of four exo-polysaccharides (EPS) extracts obtained from submerged cultivation of Nothophellinus andinopatagonicus and Pseudoinonotus crustosus (N and P, respectively) in two culture media (M1 and M2) at 2 concentrations (100 and 250µg/ml) was studied; then, its relation with the chemical composition of the EPS was evaluated. To assess the antioxidant activities of the extracts, several in vitro assays were performed: DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, chelating ability on ferrous ions, and inhibition of the lipid peroxidation. The concentrations tested here were much lower than those reported in previous works. Despite variations in chemical composition and monosaccharide profiles among the extracts, all demonstrated antioxidant activity, although the type of activity differed; only P-M1 exhibited a good antioxidant activity across all assays. This extract contained the highest proportion of phenolic compounds, and also displayed the highest radical scavenging activity. Although the utilization of polysaccharides as functional food ingredients remains limited, we propose P-M1 as a promising candidate for a nutraceutical product. Additionally, a formulation could be made with a combination of extracts to create an antioxidant-rich supplement. Additional research is needed to confirm our findings in a cellular environment and to elucidate the mechanisms that drive their antioxidant activities, ultimately facilitating their development and utilization as nutraceutical products.