Excellent Source Of Natural Antioxidants Research Articles

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of edible Basidiomycetes mushroom fungi

Introduction: Basidiomycetes mushroom fungi have been known for their nutritional values they can be considered as functional foods which can provide health benefits beyond the traditional nutrients. They are the excellent source of natural antioxidants because some synthetic antioxidants are now suspected to be potentially harmful to human health. As free radicals can cause inflammatory diseases, cancer, atherosclerosis, and aging, Consuming dietary antioxidant supplements can inhibit oxidative chain reactions. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant potential of the basidiomycetes mushroom fungal strains was established by total flavonoid content, FRAP assay, ABTS assay, Metal chelating activity, Phosphomolybdenum assay, Assay of superoxide radical scavenging activity, Free radical scavenging activity on DPPH along with the determination of total phenolic and tannin contents in the mushroom mycelial extracts. Results: Different Basidiomycetes mushroom fungi extracts (Hot water, Acetone and Hexane) were tested for antioxidant activities. Among these different extracts of Basidiomycetes mushroom fungi the hexane extract of Pleurotus pulmonarius showed potential antioxidant activity. Discusion and Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the possibility of using Basidiomycetes mushroom fungi as a natural antioxidant source for the pharmaceutical industry and could act as safe and cost-effective with potential antioxidant activities. These findings encourage studying these fungal strains further for their potential biological applications.
 Keywords: Flavonoid, Tannin, FRAP, ABTS, DPPH and Free Radical

Chemical Composition and Bioactivities of Quercus canariensis Flour Acorns Extracts Growing in Tunisia.

The current study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of Quercus canariensis flour acorns extracts as well as its biological activities in regards to the growing area using spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. The phenolic profile was composed of 19 compounds identified through HPLC-DAD analysis. Coumarin was the most abundant compound quantified in BniMtir, Nefza and ElGhorra and gallic (12.58-20.52 %), syringic (4.70-7.64 %) and trans-ferulic (2.28-2.94 %) acids were the abundant phenolic acids while kaempferol was the major flavonoid compounds quantified only in Quercus canariensis growing in BniMtir. On the other hand, Ain Snoussi acorn extract was characterized by its high content in luteolin-7-O-glucoside (58.46 %). The in-vitro antioxidant activities of the studied extracts were investigated and the results showed that Nefza ethanolic extract's has the highest activities. A bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus was observed only by Elghorra population. On the other hand, Ain Snoussi acorn extract was efficient to inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria, mentioned the highest activity against Escherichia coli. These results is the first study highlighted that zeen oak acorns are an excellent source of natural antioxidants and antibacterial compounds related to their lysozyme activity which could be exploited in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

Antioxidant capacity and metabolic characterization of aqueous and ethanolic extraction of Saraca indica

Saraca indica (Ashoka) is an important medicinal plant and the compounds present in this plant are very helpful in preventing various diseases. Further, it is an important drug used in many Ayurvedic formulations. Asoka is used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of conditions, including excessive uterine bleeding, gynaecological issues, internal piles, diabetes, dyspepsia, indigestion, burning sensation, blood disorders, fractures, tumours, bites, ulcerations, etc. Therefore, keeping in view of above beneficial effects, the aim of the present study was to investigate phytochemical screening, antioxidant capacity and metabolic characterization of aqueous and ethanolic extraction of Saraca indica. Phytochemical evaluation was performed using standard protocol. The in vitro antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content was determined. UV visible spectroscopy was used to recognize quantitative determination. The active metabolites of the plant Saraca indica have been studied using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. IC50 values of DPPH radical scavenging assay for aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 380µg/ml and 350µg/ml, respectively. IC50 values of ABTS+ radical cation scavenging assay for aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 200µg/ml and 350µg/ml, respectively. Major functional groups and active metabolic compounds in the S. indica were identified by FT-IR and GCMS, respectively. Saraca indica is an excellent source of natural antioxidants and the antioxidant activity observed may be due to phenolic and flavonoid content in the aqueous and ethanolic extract.

Evaluation of different growing media based on agro-industrial waste materials for the morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics of stevia

Stevia is an excellent source of natural antioxidants that prevent carcinogenic effects and cardiovascular disease especially helpful in curing diabetes. It is the most emerging medicinal plant important for the food industry. The increased production of stevia is an important aspect of using different growing media, i.e., control (garden soil), garden soil: spent mushroom substrate, garden soil: farm yard manure, garden soil: organic compost, garden soil: sugarcane bagasse, garden soil: perlite, garden soil: leaf mold, garden soil: press mud, garden soil: peat moss, garden soil: vermicompost as in the present study. The treatment of garden soil and vermicompost significantly increased plant height (54.70 cm), leaf fresh weight (18.79 g), number of branches per plant (12.26), leaves number per plant (297.46), leaf and shoot dry weight (8.98, 17.23), root length (17.38 cm), and root fresh weight (17.38 g) as compared to control. Garden soil and vermicompost significantly improved chlorophyll a (3.1 mg/g) and b (1.5 mg/g), total chlorophyll (3.45 mg/g), carotenoids (0.42 mg/g), and flavonoids (56 mg/g) as compared to other treatments. The increased level of minerals, i.e., potassium, nitrogen, sodium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus were also observed in the mixture of garden soil and vermicompost as compared to control and other treatments. Plant height revealed a significant association with all the studied traits of growth, photosynthetic pigments, minerals, and alike association trend was revealed from the biplot. • Vermicompost, spent mushroom substrate and press mud are valuable growing media for stevia growth • Spent mushroom substrate and Press Mud increased the stevia growth than in soil • Vermicompost can be used for peat replacement in stevia production • Effective growing media are vital to the soilless plant cultivation industry • Spent mushroom wastes showed a greater reuse potential in improving yield and quality

Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of the Unexplored Plant Rhinanthus angustifolius subsp. grandiflorus

In the present study, a total of 12 extracts of Rhinanthus angustifolius subsp. grandiflorus, an understudied hemiparasitic species, were obtained using different extraction techniques, namely, homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), maceration (MAC), soxhlet (SOX), infusion, and solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and water), and were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting properties. Additionally, untargeted profiling based on high-resolution mass spectrometry targeted different phytochemical classes, namely, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were detected using methanol as the extraction solvent. Multivariate statistics following the untargeted profiling revealed that the extraction solvent had a hierarchically higher impact than the extraction method when considering the recovery of bioactive compounds. The methanolic extracts displayed the highest radical-scavenging antioxidant capacity, as provided by CUPRAC and FRAP assays. On the other hand, the water extracts (MAC and HAE) and the infusion extract showed the highest activity as metal chelators (25.66–27.51 mg EDTAE/g). Similarly, the water extract obtained by HAE and the infusion extract revealed the highest phosphomolybdenum activity (3.92 ± 0.14 and 3.71 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g, respectively). The different extracts also exhibited different enzyme inhibition potentials. For instance, HAE and MAC ethanolic extracts inhibited only α-amylase (0.69 ± 0.01 and 0.70 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g), while all the other extracts showed a dual inhibition against both carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes tested (i.e., α-amylase: 0.07–0.69 mmol ACAE/g; α-glucosidase: 0.03–1.30 mmol ACAE/g). Nevertheless, the other extracts inhibited acetyl-, butyryl-cholinesterases, or both; MAC–water extract displayed no inhibition against the enzymes. Additionally, all the studied extracts were found to inhibit tyrosinase, ranging from 10.62 to 52.80 mg KAE/g. In general, the water extracts showed weaker inhibition towards the enzymes than the other extracts. This study demonstrated that R. angustifolius is an excellent source of natural antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors that could be further investigated and exploited for pharmaceutical purposes.

Metabolic Characterization, Antioxidant Capacity, and In vitro Antiurolithiatic Potential of Achillea millefolium L.

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objectives: </strong>The current study investigated the antioxidant and antiurolithiatic potential of <em>A. millefolium </em>along with its metabolic characterization. <strong>Methods: </strong><em>A. millefolium </em>has been collected at vegetative (V) and mature (Inflorescence (I) and Stem and Leaves (S+L)) stages and extracted in ethanol. Antioxidant potential has been determined by total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ferric reducing antioxidant potential, total antioxidants through phosphomolybdate assay and free radical scavenging assays (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2&rsquo;-azinobis( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). <em>In vitro</em> antiurolithiatic activity is determined by turbidity changes in artificial urine, nucleation assay, and aggregation assay. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has been used to characterize the active metabolites of plant<em> A. millefolium.</em> <strong>Results:</strong> Maximum antioxidant activity was observed in Inflorescence with values 76.58 mg of GAE/g of extract, 18.82 mg of RE/g of extract, 199.799 mg of AAE/g of extract and 327.95 mg of AAE/g of extract for TPC, TFC, FRAP and total antioxidants through phosphomolybdate assay respectively. Maximum radical scavenging activity was also observed in inflorescence with 86.3% and 69.655 % inhibition against DPPH and ABTS free radicals at 1000&mu;g/ml concentration respectively. Maximum <em>in vitro </em>antiurolithiatic potential of plant<em> A. millefolium</em> observed in inflorescence i.e. 80 %, 41.84% and 63.41 % inhibition at 1000&mu;g/ml concentration for turbidity changes in artificial urine method, nucleation assay and aggregation assay respectively. FT- IR and GCMS of inflorescence of <em>A. millefolium</em> confirmed the presence of major functional groups and active metabolic compounds respectively. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Inflorescence of plant <em>A. millefolium</em> is an excellent source of natural antioxidants with significant antiurolithiatic potential. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words:</strong> <em>Achillea millefolium </em>L., Antioxidant activity, Antiurolithiatic activity, Inflorescence, Active metabolites.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of green oak acorn (Quercus ilex) from Algeria

In addition to the nutritional value of green oak acorns they have also differ-ent biological properties. The object of this research is to examine the anti-oxidant and antibacterial activities of almond, tegument and pericarp of green oak acorn (Quercus ilex) from Algeria. Four methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity, with analysis of Phenolic compound, as well as the study of antibacterial activity. The analysis of acorn shows different levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in its three compounds where the pericarp and tegument have high levels compared to the almond. The extract of pericarp showed the highest antioxidant activity to trap the DPPH radical (IC50: 86.37 μg/ ml), inhibit β-carotene bleaching (RAA = 90.19 %) and reduce molybdenum (TAA: 467.57 AAE/100g of extract), whereas the tegument has a strong ability to give hydrogen to reduce iron. In addition, the pericarp of acorn was efficient to inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria, mostly against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, with the lowest Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations. These results confirm the importance of consumption of green oak acorns (Quercus ilex) and signify that they are an excellent source of natural antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, which could be exploited in pharmaceutic, cosmetic and agri-food sectors.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Small Berries.

The popularity of small berries has rapidly increased in Western countries given their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities and health-promoting properties. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid (FA) profile, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of extracts of 11 berries cultivated in the North West of Italy. Berry samples were extracted and evaluated for FA profile and total anthocyanin (TAC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and for their radical scavenging activities against 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical. The main polyphenols of berry extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD-UV-ESI HRMS in positive ion mode. Results showed that the highest TAC and TFC contents were recorded in black currants, blackberries, and blueberries. Maximum and minimum DPPH• radical scavenging activities, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity, and FRAP measurements confirmed the same trend recorded for TAC and TFC values. HPLC-HRMS analyses highlight how blueberries and blackberries have the highest concentration in polyphenols. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, and γ-linolenic acids significantly differ between berries, with oleic and α-linolenic acid representing the most abundant FAs in raspberries. Among the berries investigated, results of phytochemical characterization suggest choosing black currants and blueberries as an excellent source of natural antioxidants for food and health purposes.

Compostos bioativos do abacaxi (Ananás comosus) e da pimenta dedo de moça (Capsicum baccatum) e sua correlação com atividade antioxidante

O abacaxi Pérola (Ananás comosus) é um fruto típico do Brasil, conhecido por suas características sensoriais peculiares e marcantes, rico em vitaminas, sais minerais. As pimentas do gênero Capsicum, tem a preferência do consumidor mundial tanto na forma in natura ou processada, sendo excelente fonte de antioxidantes naturais, carotenoides e compostos fenólicos. A importância das especiarias na vida humana é grande, elas não apenas enriquecem o sabor dos alimentos como podem influenciar na fisiologia e bioquímica humana. Assim o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar os compostos bioativos presentes em ambos os frutos e atividade antioxidante pelo método DPPH, bem como verificar as correlações entre eles por meio da correlação de Pearson. Verificou-se que os frutos em estudo possuem alto teor de vitamina C (56,46 a 52,29 mg de ácido ascórbico/100g de amostra para abacaxi e pimenta respectivamente), além de moderada ação antioxidante pelo método DPPH (12,38 e 17,19 g de fruto/g de DPPH, valores expressos pelo resultado de EC50). Entretanto o estudo mostra que a capacidade antioxidante pelo método DPPH não possui correlação significativa com os demais compostos bioativos de ambas as frutas.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. leaves (Rutaceae): An endangered medicinal plant

The present study was designed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of Zanthoxylum armatum leaves using in vitro approaches. The concentration of plant extract that inhibited 50% (IC50) of alpha amylase was found to be 89.37±4.68 ?g/ml which is higher than standard. Results of this study shows that 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging test show high radical scavenging activity as compared to hydrogen peroxide scanvenging method with IC50 Value of 57.83 ?g/ml and 79.13 ?g/ml, respectively. Plant extract found to exhibit enormous amount of phenols and flavonoid content i.e., 140.71 mg GAE/g and 88.53 mg of Quercetin/g of extract respectively. Further phytochemical analysis revealed that plant exhibit glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponin and tannin that are frequently implicated as having antidiabetic effects. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of essential elements ‘Mg’, ‘Mn’, ‘Zn’, ‘Fe’, ‘K’, ‘P’, ‘Ca’, ‘Cu’, ‘Mo’ and ‘Ni’ known to play role in regulating blood glucose. It could be speculated that the observed antidiabetic activity of Z. armatum might be related to the presence of these phytochemicals, phenolic compounds as well as mineral elements which found to be the important constituent of Z. armatum. These results indicate that Z. armatum could be an excellent source of natural antioxidants and exhibited antidiabetic activity.

Antioxidant capacity and HPLC determination of phenolic in different organs of Calligonum polygonoides subspecies comosum

Background: Calligonum polygonoides subsp. comosum is a perennial desert plant. Most of the previous chemical investigation of this plant was performed on the whole herb but there were no data about quantification of active constituent in different organs of C. polygonoides. Materials and Methods: in vitro antioxidant activity, total phenolic, and total flavonoid contents of the different organs were determined using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Folin–Ciocalteu, and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) methods, respectively. Quantitative analysis of the phenolic compounds was determined in the different organs of the plant using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Both bark and leaves showed the highest radical scavenging activity with the values of 450.30 and 398.10 μg/g ascorbic acid equivalent, respectively. The total phenolic content of the samples was in the range of 27.9–281.5 μg/g gallic acid equivalent and total flavonoid content of the samples was in the range of 53.9–257.4 μg/g rutin equivalent where the leaves and bark showed the highest contents. HPLC analysis showed that flavonol glycosides content was higher in all organs compared to the aglycones. Flowers and fruits were the richest organs in flavonols, whereas leaves, stems, and bark were the richest in taxifolin and catechin. Conclusion: Depending on the obtained results C. polygonoides is an excellent source of natural antioxidants.

Identification and characterization of antioxidant peptides from Chinese dry-cured mutton ham.

Chinese mutton ham is a dry-cured meat product with a long ripening time. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize antioxidant peptides from Chinese mutton ham. Mutton ham peptides (MHPs) were purified by gel filtration, anion exchange and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography steps. The 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radical scavenging capacity was used to guide the purification of MHPs. Three antioxidant peptides were identified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as Met-Trp-Thr-Asp (MWTD), Ala-Pro-Tyr-Met-Met (APYMM) and Phe-Trp-Ile-Ile-Glu (FWIIE), with molecular weights 551.61, 611.76, and 706.84 Da, respectively. Among them, APYMM exhibited the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity. The three peptides had the ability to inhibit lipid oxidation and Fenton's reagent-induced protein oxidation and DNA damage. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, FWIIE and APYMM showed increased antioxidant activity, while MWTD showed decreased activity. Three novel peptides isolated from Chinese mutton ham had strong biological activity. Chinese mutton ham is potentially a functional food and an excellent source of natural antioxidants. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of the Essential Oils of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) Conducted Under Organic Production Conditions

The current study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities the essential oils derived from the seeds of three local cumin populations that were grown in an oasis environment. The studied cumin was cultivated according to the organic farming principles in a parcel at the oasis of Oukhite, southeast of Morocco in complete randomised complete blocks with three replications. The results revealed that the organically cultivated cumin seeds had a strong, distinctive aroma due to an abundance of essential oil (3.8–5.27 %). The main components in all the studied essential oils were cuminaldehyde (30.42–33.24 %), γ-terpinen-7-al (20.54–28.36 %), α-terpinen-7-al (about 13 %), γ-terpinene (6,15–12.60 %), β-cymene (4.19–5.38 %), β-pinene (3,10–5.36 %) and p-mentha-1,4-dien-7-ol (0.71–0.99 %). The essential oil from the cumin plants that were cultivated at Taaouilite (G2) had the highest antioxidant activity, based on the DPPH scavenging ability (IC50= 3.32 mg/mL) and ferric reducing power FRAP (IC50= 17.02 mg/ mL) while cumin essential oil derived from Takacha (G1) was the least potent. These results indicate that the essential oils of oasis cultivated cumin seeds are an excellent source of natural antioxidants, that could be used for food preservation and health benefits.

Phytochemical composition of calyx extract of roselle (&lt;i&gt;Hibiscus sabdariffa&lt;/i&gt; L.) genotypes

Thirty five roselle genotypes were evaluated at the experimental field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University during August 2015 to February 2016. Based on agronomic performance 15 genotypes were selected for the analysis of phytochemical composition and the nutritional quality of calyx extract. The objective of the research was to estimate phytochemical constituents such as carotenoid, flavonoid, phenol, anthocyanin, vitamin C content and antioxidant activity of calyx extract of roselle. The genotype BUM-003 (873.61 μg/g) contained high amount of phenol among the 15 genotypes followed by BUM-007 (867.84 μg/g) and the lowest (481.57 μg/g) in genotype 4561. The high amount of carotenoid was estimated in the genotypes BUM-003, BUM-004, BUM-007 (30.18, 30.95, 29.69 μg/g, respectively). The genotypes 1740 (7.07 μg/g) and 4561 (7.73 μg/g) contained less amount of carotenoid. All the genotypes contained high amount of anthocyanin (&gt;80 μg/g) except 1740, 4561, BUM-002. High amount of flavonoid was estimated in the calyx extract of the genotypes BUM-003 (399.15 μg/g) and BUM-004 (407.34 μg/g). The highest amount of antioxidant was estimated in the genotype BUM-002 (492.87 μg/g) followed by 4385 (488.09 μg/g) and 4920 (487.99 μg/g). Antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and maximum was found in the genotype 4920 (95.09%) followed by 4385 (94.12%), BUM-002 (93.55%) and minimum (72.83%) in the genotype 4537. The highest amount of vitamin C was estimated in the genotypes BUM-003 (312.97 μg/g) and the lowest in the genotype 4561 (26.20 μg/g). From the overall phytochemical composition it might be concluded that the calyces of the genotypes 4385, 4920, BUM-002, BUM-003, BUM-004, BUM-007 are the excellent source of natural antioxidants. The calyx extract of the genotype BUM-004 contain the highest amount of carotenoids (31μg/g), ascorbic acid (424.19μg/g), antioxidant (485.85 μg/g BHT eqv) and antioxidant activity (94.50 %). The genotype 4537 contain the highest amount anthocyanins (87.7 μg/g and) and flavonoid (404.40μg/g). The genotype BUM-003 (869.45 μg/g) contained the highest amount of phenol in the calyx extract.Keywords: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), nutrition, chemical composition, calyx extract

Simultaneous production of lignocellulolytic enzymes and extraction of antioxidant compounds by solid-state fermentation of agro-industrial wastes

In recent years, the interest to find alternative extraction methods has increased. Extraction of natural phenolics by enzymes produced during solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a useful and novel technique environmentally friendly. On the other hand, agro-industrial wastes are an excellent source of natural antioxidants as phenolics.The aim of the work was to evaluate the increase of antioxidant compounds extraction from agro-industrial wastes after SSF and to relate it to the production of lignocellulolytic enzymes. Several filamentous fungi were evaluated as candidates to increase the extraction of antioxidant compounds by solid-state fermentation of wineries, olive mill and brewery wastes. Fermented and unfermented agro-industrial wastes were extracted with water and lignocellulolytic enzymes, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were determined in the extract. The maximum xylanase and cellulase activities were achieved by A. ibericus strains using brewer´s spent grain (BSG) as substrate and ranged from 300 to 313 U xylanase/g and 51–62 U cellulase/g. The best producer of β-glucosidase was A. niger CECT2088 using BSG as substrate (94 ± 4 U/g). The results of extraction of phenolic compounds revealed a higher extraction by SSF in olive mill wastes followed by winery wastes. In the same form, the maximum increase of antioxidant activity was achieved by SSF of exhausted olive pomace by Rhizopus oryzae MUM 10.260, increasing 12.9-fold in relation to unfermented waste. In addition, the production of enzymes, the extraction of phenolic compounds and the increase of antioxidant activity were related by principal component analysis. The first component grouped the BSG along with maximum enzymes production, the second component related positively the production of enzymes and the extraction of phenolic compounds and the increase of antioxidant activity.SSF proved to be an innovative environmentally friendly process that can improve the extraction of antioxidant compounds and simultaneously to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes from different agro-industrial wastes.

Optimisation of extraction conditions of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Ruta chalepensis L. using response surface methodology

In the present study, the extraction conditions of phenolic compounds from the Ruta chalepensis L. (a medicinal plant) and the antioxidant activity of its extract were determined. The response surface methodology (RSM) flowing Box–Behnken design was used to study and optimise the effect of three factors [ethanol concentration (40–80%), sample to solvent ratio (0.05/10–0.5/10 g/mL) and extraction time (30–90 min)] on the total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant activity (AA). The optimal extraction conditions predicted by the models were 50.33%, 0.28 g/10 mL, and 59.86 min for the ethanol concentration, the sample to solvent ratio and the extraction time, respectively. These factors gave the optimal predicted values of 521.10 mg GAE/g DW and of 60.48 mg AAE/g DW for the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity, respectively. Total flavonoids (TFC), flavonols (TFlC), and ortho-diphenols (ODC) contents were further determined by evaluating the extract obtained by the validated optimal conditions of phenolic compounds. The obtained contents were 129.72 ± 1.09 mg QE/g DW, 24.98 ± 0.38 mg RE/g DW and 45.93 ± 0.37 mg CAE/g DW for TFC, TFlC, and ODC, respectively. The data of this report revealed that the extract of Ruta chalepensis L. is an excellent source of natural antioxidants that can be used or incorporated, as natural additives, into different food products in order to develop novel functional food products.

In vitro activities of Ceiba speciosa (A.St.-Hil) Ravenna aqueous stem bark extract

Several species of the genus Ceiba (Malvaceae) are ethnopharmacologically used. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro beneficial properties of the aqueous stem bark extract of Ceiba speciosa. The extract presented a great amount of phenolic compounds (117.4 ± 6.2 mg GAE/g). The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH (IC50 = 42.87 μg/mL), ORAC (2351.17 μmol TE/g) and FRAP (235.94 μM FeSO4/g) methods. In addition, the extract reduced MCF-7 cell viability as assessed by MTT. However, it prevented mitochondrial membrane depolarization and reduced caspase-9 activity induced by hydrogen peroxide. In conclusion, these findings indicate the extract is an excellent source of natural antioxidants and is able to protect ROS-induced cell death. Therefore, C. speciosa extract may possess beneficial properties for application in pharmaceutical industry as an antioxidant. However, further studies to better elucidate its mechanisms and to isolate its active compounds are required.

Plant probiotic bacteria Bacillus and Paraburkholderia improve growth, yield and content of antioxidants in strawberry fruit

Strawberry is an excellent source of natural antioxidants with high capacity of scavenging free radicals. This study evaluated the effects of two plant probiotic bacteria, Bacillus amylolequefaciens BChi1 and Paraburkholderia fungorum BRRh-4 on growth, fruit yield and antioxidant contents in strawberry fruits. Root dipping of seedlings (plug plants) followed by spray applications of both probiotic bacteria in the field on foliage significantly increased fruit yield (up to 48%) over non-treated control. Enhanced fruit yield likely to be linked with higher root and shoot growth, individual and total fruit weight/plant and production of phytohormone by the probiotic bacteria applied on plants. Interestingly, the fruits from plants inoculated with the isolates BChi1 and BRRh-4 had significantly higher contents of phenolics, carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins over non-treated control. Total antioxidant activities were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fruits of strawberry plants treated with both probiotic bacteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of significant improvement of both yield and quality of strawberry fruits by the application of plant probiotic bacteria BChi1 and BRRh-4 in a field condition. Further study is needed to elucidate underlying mechanism of growth and quality improvement of strawberry fruits by probiotic bacteria.

Antioxidant Properties and Dose-Dependent Effects of Monkey Fruits (Artocarpus lakoocha) against Paracetamol-Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Rats

In this study, the antioxidant potentials and protective effect of ethanolic extract of monkey fruits (Artocarpus lakoocha) (AL) was investigated against paracetamol-induced toxicity in rats. AL which contains high concentration of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and protein, exhibited high radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Administration of paracetamol (500 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days caused severe oxidative stress in liver and kidney, as observed by the significantly higher level of Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) and the associated biochemical markers compared to control rats. Pre-treatment with AL at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg prior to paracetamol administration for 30 days significantly improved hepatic and renal parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was administered as a standard drug for comparison over a similar treatment period. Moreover, AL exhibited the highest protective effect when administered at the highest dose, by lowering serum levels of alanine transaminase (28.25%), aspartate transaminase (29.0%), alkaline phosphatase (27.87%), lactate dehydrogenase (7.51%), γ-glutamyltransferase (31.0%), total bilirubin (69.38%), cholesterol (14.80%), triglycerides (27.52%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (76.12%), creatinine (36.84%), urea (41.08%) and uric acid (34.88%), In addition, significantly increased total protein (50.0%) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (55.79%) with administration of AL was seen when compared with paracetamol-controlled group. Decreased LPO levels in the liver (45.55%) and kidneys (32.0%) confirmed the hepatorenal protective effects of AL, as further confirmed by the histopathological findings. Overall, AL fruit is an excellent source of natural antioxidants and possess hepatorenal protective activity against paracetamol-induced liver and kidney injuries.

Profiling of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Melia azedarach L. leaves and fruits at two stages of maturity

The present work aims to investigate the maturation-related changes in phenolic profile of Melia azedarach (L.) leaves (young and old) and fruits (pulp and kernel) at two developmental stages. A total of 26 phenolic compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detector-hyphenated with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI–MS/MS). They include phenolic acids, flavonols and flavanols which were found mostly in glycosylated forms. The main phenolic compounds were found to be rutin (5.86–21.33%, of total integrated peak area at 280nm), quercetin-3-O-neohesperidoside (3.95–8.76%), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (2.73–11.23%), feruloylglucaric acid (0.85–11.84%) and feruloylquinic acid derivative (1.94–11.07%). The pattern distribution of phenolic compounds was organ-specific, and somewhat variable depending on the stage of maturation. Additionally, the total phenol content was determined as well as the antioxidant capacity using different in vitro assays. The extracts of young leaves demonstrated the highest total phenol content (85.4mg GAE/g extract), and exhibited the strongest scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH and the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity ORAC (235 and 328mg Trolox equivalents/g extract, respectively) compared to old leaves and immature/mature fruit parts. In contrast, the highest metal chelating activity (MCA) was observed in immature pulp extracts (22.85mg EDTA equivalents/g extract). Pearson’s correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that quercetin-3-O-neohesperidoside, rutin and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside were the main contributors on the antioxidant capacity. On the basis of these results, M. azedarach could serve as an excellent source of natural antioxidants which could be used for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications.