Ferric Reducing Ability Power Research Articles

Ethanolic Cashew Leaf Extract Encapsulated in Tripolyphosphate–Chitosan Complexes: Characterization, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities

Ethanolic cashew leaf extract (ECL-E) is rich in phenolic compounds and shows remarkable antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. Encapsulation could stabilize ECL-E as the core. Tripolyphosphate (TPP)–chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were used to load ECL-E, and the resulting nanoparticles were characterized. The nanoparticles loaded with ECL-E at different levels showed differences in encapsulation efficiency (47.62–89.47%), mean particle diameters (47.30–314.60 nm), positive zeta potentials (40.37–44.24 mV), and polydispersity index values (0.20–0.56). According to scanning electron micrographs, the nanoparticles had a spherical or ellipsoidal shape, and a slight agglomeration was observed. The appropriate ratio of CS/ECL-E was 1:3, in which an EE of 89.47%, a particle size of 256.05 ± 7.70 nm, a zeta potential of 40.37 ± 0.66 mV, and a PDI of 0.22 ± 0.05 were obtained. The nanoparticles also exhibited high antioxidant activities, as assayed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Low minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.38, 75.00 mg/mL) and Shewanella putrefaciens (4.69, 75.00 mg/mL). In addition, ECL-E loaded in nanoparticles could maintain its bioactivities under various light intensities (1000–4000 Lux) for 48 h. Some interactions among TPP, CS, and ECL-E took place, as confirmed by FTIR analysis. These nanoparticles had the increased storage stability and could be used for inactivating spoilage bacteria and retarding lipid oxidation in foods.

Chemical Profile and Healthy Properties of Sicilian Diplotaxis harra subsp. crassifolia (Raf.) Maire.

This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of Diplotaxis harra subsp. crassifolia (Brassicaceae), a species from central-southern Sicily (Italy), where it is consumed as a salad. For this purpose, LC-ESI/HRMSn analysis of the ethanolic extract was performed, highlighting the occurrence, along with flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and oxylipins, of sulfated secondary metabolites, including glucosinolates and various sulfooxy derivatives (e.g., C13 nor-isoprenoids, hydroxyphenyl, and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives), most of which were never reported before in the Brassicaeae family or in the Diplotaxis genus. Following ethnomedicinal information regarding this species used for the treatment of various pathologies such as diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, D. harra ethanolic extract was evaluated for its antioxidant potential using different in vitro tests such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), Ferric Reducing Ability Power, and β-carotene bleaching tests. The inhibitory activity of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and pancreatic lipase was also assessed. In the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay, an IC50 value comparable to the positive control ascorbic acid (2.87 vs. 1.70 μg/mL, respectively) was obtained. The wild-wall rocket salad extract showed a significant α-amylase inhibitory effect. Obtained results indicate that Sicilian wild-wall rocket contains phytochemicals that can prevent hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.

Free radical scavenging and anti-isolated human LDL oxidation activities of Butea superba Roxb. extract

BackgroundButea superba Roxb. (B. superba), is an herbal plant traditionally used for rejuvenation. Additionally, there have been reports on its antioxidant properties. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Natural products with antioxidant properties have the potential to inhibit LDL oxidation. However, no work has been done about the anti-isolated human LDL oxidation of B. superba extract (BSE). This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential of BSE and its ability to prevent isolated human (LDL) oxidation induced by free radical agents.MethodsThe antioxidant properties were investigated by antioxidant assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite scavenging assay. More so, anti-isolated human LDL oxidation activities were evaluated by 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1) induced LDL oxidation assay.ResultsBSE exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity in all the test systems, demonstrating its potential as a potent free radical scavenger. It displayed scavenging effects on DPPH (p < 0.05; IC50 = 487.67 ± 21.94 µg/ml), ABTS (p < 0.05; IC50 = 30.83 ± 1.29 µg/ml). Furthermore, it generated significantly (p < 0.05) increased antioxidant capacity in a dose-dependent manner in FRAP assay and exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher percent NO scavenging activity than gallic acid. Besides, BSE at 62.5 µg/ml exhibited a considerable percent peroxynitrite scavenging of 71.40 ± 6.59% after a 2 h period. Moreover, BSE demonstrated anti-isolated human LDL oxidation activity induced by AAPH and SIN-1 (p < 0.05) and revealed scavenging activity similar to ascorbic acid (p > 0.05). Identifying the main constituents of BSE revealed the presence of genistein, daidzein, and biochanin A through Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer/Mass Spectrometer (LC–MS/MS) analysis.ConclusionThis is the first report that the presence of isoflavones in BSE could play an important role in its antioxidation and isolated human LDL oxidation scavenging properties. These findings suggest the potential for developing antioxidant herbal supplements. However, further studies must be investigated, including efficacious and safe human dosages.

Antidiabetes and antioxidant potential of Schiff bases derived from 2-naphthaldehye and substituted aromatic amines: Synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, computational, and invitro studies

Three Schiff bases were synthesised by the condensation reaction between 2-napthaldehyde and aromatic amines to afford (E)-N-mesityl-1-(naphthalen-2-yl)methanimine (L1), (E)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1-(naphthalen-2-yl)methanimine (L2) and (E)-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1-(naphthalen-2-yl)methanimine (L3). The synthesised compounds were characterised using UV–visible, NMR (13C &1H), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic methods while their purity was ascertained by elemental analysis. Structural analysis revealed that the naphthalene ring is almost coplanar with the imine functional group as evident by C1–C10–C11–N1 torsion angles of 176.4(2)° and 179.4(1)° in L2 and L3, respectively. Of all the various intermolecular contacts, H⋯H interactions contributed mostly towards the Hirshfeld surfaces of both L2 (58.7 %) and L3 (69.7 %). Quantum chemical descriptors of L1 - L3 were determined using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and the results obtained showed that the energy band gap (ΔE) for L1, L2 and L3 are 3.872, 4.023 and 4.004 eV respectively. The antidiabetic potential of the three compounds were studied using α-amylase and α-glucosidase assay. Compound L1 showed very promising antidiabetic activities with IC50 values of 58.85 μg/mL and 57.60 μg/mL while the reference drug (Acarbose) had 405.84 μg/mL and 35.69 μg/mL for α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. In-silico studies showed that L1 docking score as well as binding energies are higher than that of acarbose, which are recognized inhibitors of α-amylase together with α-glucosidase. Further insight from the RMSF, RMSD and RoG analysis predicted that, throughout the simulation L1 showcased evident influence on the structural stability of α-amylase. The antioxidant potential of the compounds was carried out using nitric oxide (NO), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The compounds exhibited good to fairly antioxidant properties with L1 as well as L3 having IC50 values of 70.91 and 91.21 μg/mL respectively for NO scavenging activities assay, which comparatively outshined acarbose (reference drug) with IC50 value of 109.95 μg/mL. Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics approximations of L1 – L3 showed minimal violation of Lipinski's Ro5 and this projects them to be less toxic and orally bioavailable as potential templates for the design of therapeutics with antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.

Effect of Preharvest Ethephon Application on Selected Biochemical Components and Polyphenol Oxidase Activity in Macadamia Nuts

Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that triggers diverse responses in plants, such as fruit ripening, leaf senescence, hull senescence, stem elongation, and nut abscission. This study examined how the preharvest application of ethephon 480 SL® affects selected biochemical components and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in two macadamia nut cultivars: ‘788’ and ‘Beaumont’. Ethephon was applied to the trees via a Cima mist blower at rates of 13.33 mL/L per hectare for the ‘788’ cultivar and 16.67 mL/L per hectare for the ‘Beaumont’. Following harvest, the nuts were stored at 25 °C for 72 days, and samples were taken at 18-day intervals. Standard procedures were used to assess the following: total phenolics, total flavonoids, 2,2,-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) assay, sucrose, total protein, and PPO activities. This evaluation was carried out across a total of four treatments: ethephon-treated nuts from the orchard floor (ED), ethephon-treated nuts from the tree (ET), untreated nuts from the orchard floor (CD), and untreated nuts from the tree (CT). The evaluation’s outcomes were analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA), a correlation matrix heat map (CMHM), and a graphical assessment. The results unveiled significant correlations and associations among the assessed parameters. The correlation matrix heat map analysis highlighted a strong positive correlation (0.97) between the sucrose and the PPO activity in the ‘Beaumont’ cultivar, supported by the PCA analysis identifying the ED treatment as the most influential. At the storage period’s conclusion, the ED treatment had the highest sucrose content (18.63 mg/g) and polyphenol oxidase activity (1.06 U g−1). In the ‘788’ cultivar, a close relationship emerged between the phenolic content, the PPO activity, and the Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)’s antioxidant activity. Consistently, the CT treatment (untreated nuts) demonstrated positive correlations with several key parameters in both cultivars, displaying heightened phenolic content and antioxidant activities. Consequently, our findings indicate that the CT treatment, involving tree-harvested nuts without ethephon application, could be the preferred option for sustaining macadamia nuts’ quality and shelf life compared to other methods. Moreover, our study underscores the significance of proper storage conditions for maintaining the desired biochemical parameters of macadamia nuts. By comprehending the effects of distinct treatments and harvesting techniques, producers and processors can devise strategies to optimize storage conditions and uphold macadamia nut quality.

Carbon Source Influences Antioxidant, Antiglycemic, and Antilipidemic Activities of Haloferax mediterranei Carotenoid Extracts.

Haloarchaeal carotenoids have attracted attention lately due to their potential antioxidant activity. This work studies the effect of different concentrations of carbon sources on cell growth and carotenoid production. Carotenoid extract composition was characterized by HPLC-MS. Antioxidant activity of carotenoid extracts obtained from cell cultures grown under different nutritional conditions was determined by 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Ability Power (FRAP) and β-carotene bleaching assays. The ability of these carotenoid extracts to inhibit α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase enzymes was also assessed to determine if they could be used to reduce blood glucose and lipid absorption. The maximum production of carotenoids (92.2 µg/mL) was observed combining 12.5% inorganic salts and 2.5% of glucose/starch. Antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antilipidemic studies showed that higher carbon availability in the culture media leads to changes in the extract composition, resulting in more active haloarchaeal carotenoid extracts. Carotenoid extracts obtained from high-carbon-availability cell cultures presented higher proportions of all-trans-bacterioruberin, 5-cis-bacterioruberin, and a double isomeric bacterioruberin, whereas the presence 9-cis-bacterioruberin and 13-cis-bacterioruberin decreased. The production of haloarchaeal carotenoids can be successfully optimized by changing nutritional conditions. Furthermore, carotenoid composition can be altered by modifying carbon source concentration. These natural compounds are very promising in food and nutraceutical industries.

Preparation, characterization, and bioactivity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe powder-based Pickering emulsions.

Biocompatible Pickering emulsions (PE) stabilized by tailor-made antioxidant-loaded particles have been known for some time now, but antioxidant-rich natural plant particle-based emulsions are much less well known. This study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical properties of commercial Zingiber officinale powders obtained from biological and conventional agricultural practice and ginger powder-based PE. The physico-chemical and biological properties of Zingiber officinale powders (GDPs) obtained from conventional (GDPC1 and GDPC2) and biological agricultural (GDPBIO) practices, and the properties of derived PE (PE_GDPs) were examined. All GDPs showed weak aggregation in aqueous media and a sufficiently hydrophobic surface to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) PE against coalescence for at least 1 month. Zingiber officinale powders (2% w/w) derived from biological agricultural practices (GDPBIO) demonstrated the best emulsifying properties. The Zingiber officinale powders and PE_GDPs were also characterized by their phytochemical profiles. All the investigated samples exhibited ferric reducing ability power greater than the positive control, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), with values ranging from 91.21 to 102.63 μmol L-1 Fe (II) g-1 for GDPC2 and 05PE_GDPC1 (O/W=1:1), respectively. In β-carotene bleaching test the following trend GDPC1 > GDPBIO > GDPC2 was observed. A 05PE_GDPBIO sample with the oil volume fraction equal to 50% was stable to oxidation and exhibited a promising α-amylase inhibitory activity. The results suggest that ginger powder should be used as a starting point to design biocompatible PEs for different applications in the functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. In fact, powder and based PE are characterized by a promising antioxidant activity, carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme and lipase inhibitory properties. Further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm these findings. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of essential oil from the Moroccan endemic plant cladanthus scariosus (L.)

ABSTRACT In this study, chemical profile, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial interactions with conventional antimicrobials of essential oil (EO) isolated from Cladanthus scariosus aerial parts were investigated. The EO was analyzed by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry). Forty-three components representing 98.7% of the oil were identified. The main components were o-cymene, caryophyllene oxide, γ-terpinene and α-sabinene. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against ten bacteria and two Candida strains were assessed. The results showed an interesting antioxidant effect with IC50 of 1.04 ± 0.04 mg/mL, 0.55 ± 0.01 mg/mL and 0.36 ± 0.14 mg/mL, respectively, for DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric-Reducing-Ability-Power), and ABTS (2-2’azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) methods. The EO exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity, especially against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida glabrata. In combination with antimicrobials, the studied EO revealed a high synergism effect in reducing gentamicin MICs of bacterial strains by 128- to 256-fold and by 2- to 8-fold Fluconazole MICs against Candida strains.

Reuse of Food Waste: The Chemical Composition and Health Properties of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) Cultivar Essential Oils.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzyme inhibition, and hypolipidemic effect of essential oils (EOs) extracted from Sicilian Citrus maxima (pomelo) flavedo. Using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS) we analysed the Eos of five cultivars of C. maxima, namely, ‘Chadock’, ‘Maxima’, ‘Pyriformis’, ‘Terracciani’, and ‘Todarii’, and their blends. The antioxidant activity was performed by using a multi-target approach using 2,2′-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests. The α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase-inhibitory activities were also assessed. GC-MS analyses revealed D-limonene as the main monoterpene hydrocarbon in all cultivars, albeit with different percentages in the range of 21.72–71.13%. A good content of oxygenated monoterpenes was detected for all cultivars, especially for ‘Todarii’. The analysis of the principal components (PCA), and related clusters (HCA), was performed to find chemo-diversity among the analysed samples. EOs from ‘Chadock’ and ‘Maxima’ were statistically similar to each other, and they differed from P3 in the smaller amount of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, while the oils from ‘Terracciani’ and ‘Todarii’ were found to be chemically and statistically different. ‘Chadock’ EO was the most active to scavenge radicals (IC50 values of 22.24 and 27.23 µg/mL in ABTS and DPPH tests, respectively). ‘Terracciani’ EO was the most active against both lipase and α-amylase, whereas the blends obtained by the combination (1:1 v/v) of C. maxima ‘Maxima’ + ‘Todarii’ were the most active against α-glucosidase. Generally, the blends did not exert a unique behaviour in potentiating or reducing the bioactivity of the pomelo EOs.

Enhancement of the water solubility and antioxidant capacities of mangiferin by transglucosylation using a cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase

This study aimed to enhance the water solubility and antioxidant properties of mangiferin by transglucosylation using cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) from Thermoanaerobacter sp. The highest mangiferin to mangiferin glucoside conversion yield achieved was 88.9% using 60 mU/mL CGTase, 25 mM mangiferin, and 10% starch (w/v), with incubation at 60 °C for 10 h. The product of transglucosylation was purified and its chemical structure was determined to be glucosyl-α-(1→4)-mangiferin (MGF-g1) using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The water solubility of MGF-g1 was 5,093 times higher than that of mangiferin. MGF-g1 exhibited 1.6-fold higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, 1.24-fold higher oxygen radical antioxidant capacity, and 1.19-fold higher ferric reducing ability power, compared to mangiferin. Moreover, the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity (IC50) of mangiferin and MGF-g1 were 76.44 ± 11.7 μM and 59.74 ± 2.8 μM, respectively. Our results suggest that the novel MGF-g1 has potential applications as a functional material in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

An Insight into Salvia haematodes L. (Lamiaceae) Bioactive Extracts Obtained by Traditional and Green Extraction Procedures.

Even though Salvia is one of the most known genera of the Lamiaceae family, some traditionally used Salvia species are still now less investigated. To that end, the present study aims to evaluate the chemical profile and the potential bioactivities of extracts and related fractions obtained from the endemic sage Salvia haematodes L. by applying a traditional extraction method such as Soxhlet apparatus (SHS) and the rapid solid–liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) by Naviglio extractor® (SHN), considered among the “green techniques” operating at room temperature and with minimum solvent employment and minimum energy. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity was measured by a modified Ellman’s method. The antioxidant activity was investigated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests. The SHN methanol fraction resulted the most active in all assays in particular in inhibiting lipid peroxidation with IC50 of 1.7 and 1.6 μg/mL, respectively, after 30 and 60 min of incubation. The SHN n-hexane fraction exhibited a selective activity against AChE with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 22.9 μg/mL, while the SHS n-hexane extract was more active against BChE (IC50 of 30.9 μg/mL). Based on these results, these fractions were subjected to further bio-fractionation by Medium Pressure Liquid Chromatography (MPLC) and the relative obtained fractions were investigated for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activity. A comparative analysis with bio-activity and chemical profile was performed. The observed biological effects provided us with a good starting point for further studies on S. haematodes extracts and fractions such as agents beneficial for the treatment of AD.

Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme Inhibition Effects of Margotia gummifera Extracts Rich in Phenolic Compounds

Background: Aromatic and medicinal plants have been used to substitute synthetic drugs with natural bioactive products. Objective: The current investigation was conducted to evaluate phenol and flavonoid contents, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-hypertensive potentials of three extracts of Margotia gummifera aerial parts. Methods: The antibacterial effect was assessed using the wells agar diffusion method against 11 strains. The antioxidant effect was evaluated using different methods, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing ability power, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay. The anti-hypertensive activity was performed using hippuryl-histidyl-leucine substrates. Results: The highest yield, i.e., 19.801%, was obtained by the hydro-methanolic extract. However, ethyl acetate extract seemed to be rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds compared to other extracts, i.e., 822.14±69.10 mg GAE g-1 ext. and 117.28±1.80 mg RE g-1 ext., respectively. The high free radical scavenging activity was mentioned in ethyl acetate extract with IC50 of 48.820±1.25 μg/ml. The same extract showed better antioxidant activity in all tested procedures. In antibacterial activity, the hydro-methanolic extract exhibited moderate effect against all tested bacteria except Salmonella enterica and Enterococcus faecalis which gave 18±2.0 and 16±1.0 mm of inhibition, whereas it seemed to be inactive towards two Gram-negative bacteria. Concerning anti-hypertensive activity, all extracts can inhibit the Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme, but the potential effect was given by hydro-methanolic and aqueous extracts, 97.75% and 96.65%, respectively. Conclusion: It can be stated that the bioactive compounds of Margotia gummifera extracts had different biological activities, which confirm their therapeutic uses in traditional medicine.

Porphyra yezoensis Sauces Fermented With Lactic Acid Bacteria: Fermentation Properties, Flavor Profile, and Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity in vitro.

The demand for roasted seaweed sandwich (Porphyra yezoensis) product has risen in recent years. The product slicing process has created a huge number of scraps that are not utilized effectively. Three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were used to ferment P. yezoensis sauces in this study, including Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus, and the mixed strains (1:1:1, v/v). The fermentation characteristics, antioxidant capacity in vitro, sensory properties, and flavoring substances of fermented P. yezoensis sauces were analyzed. After 21 days of fermentation, all LAB strains grew well in the P. yezoensis sauces, with protease activity increased to 6.6, 9.24, 5.06, and 5.5 U/mL, respectively. Also, the flavors of P. yezoensis sauces fermented with L. casei and L. fermentum were satisfactory. On this premise, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to investigate the changes in gustatory compounds in P. yezoensis sauces fermented with L. casei and L. fermentum. In general, 42 and 41 volatile flavor chemicals were identified after the fermentation of L. casei and L. fermentum. Furthermore, the fermented P. yezoensis sauce possessed greater DPPH scavenging activity and ferric-reducing ability power than the unfermented P. yezoensis. Overall, the flavor and taste of P. yezoensis sauce fermented by L. casei was superior.

LC‐ESI/HRMS analysis of glucosinolates, oxylipins and phenols in Italian rocket salad (Diplotaxis erucoides subsp. erucoides (L.) DC.) and evaluation of its healthy potential

This study investigated the chemical profile and biological activity of Diplotaxis erucoides subsp. erucoides (L.) DC. (Brassicaceae) collected in Sicily (Italy). Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMS) analysis of the ethanol extract revealed the presence of 42 compounds - glucosinolates, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and oxylipins. The extract was tested for its antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests. Promising protection from lipid peroxidation was observed after 30 min of incubation in a β-carotene bleaching test (IC50 of 3.32 μg mL-1 ). The inhibition of carbohydrates-hydrolyzing enzymes resulted in IC50 values of 85.18 and 92.36 μg mL-1 for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Significant inhibition against lipase enzyme was observed (IC50 of 61.27 μg mL-1 ). Diplotaxis erucoides can be considered a potential source of antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic bioactives. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ASSESSMENT OF PLUCHEA INDICA (L.) LESS EXTRACT AS AN ACTIVE INGREDIENT IN NATURAL LOTION BAR

Objective: To screen phytochemical compounds and study antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pluchea indica (L.) Less (PI) leaves extracts for assessment the moisturizing lotion bar formulation containing it’s as a bioactive ingredient.&#x0D; Methods: PI leaves were extracted in different solvents. Crude extracts were screened phytochemical compounds and evaluated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities before formulating to antibacterial moisturizing lotion bar.&#x0D; Results: 95% ethanolic extract displayed high antioxidant activities. DPPH radical scavenging capacity with IC50 was 6.80±0.04 mg/ml (61.37±0.41%) and the ferric reducing ability power was 381.20±0.10 mg AAE/100 gDW. Additionally, 95% ethanolic extract served as a broad spectrum bacteriostatic agents against gram-positive and gram-negative species with an inhibition zone of 6.50±0.00-46.67±0.58 mm. It also was simultaneously as a broad spectrum bactericidal agents (MIC and MBC value of 25-200 mg/ml) by broth micro-dilution method. The screened phytochemical constituents (saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids) in PI leaves extract may be responsible for high biological activities. Thus, 95% ethanolic extract was the most appropriate bioactive ingredient for formulated the product development.&#x0D; Conclusion: The developed moisturizing lotion bar with 0.0041% of 95% ethanolic extract was the most eligible formula that showed good appearance, odor, color, homogeneity, after feel and stability. This extract-containing lotion bar formulation achieved a high level of customer satisfaction by sensory evaluation and development of this specific formulation should be subject to further clinical investigation.

Probiotics-fermented blueberry juices as potential antidiabetic product: antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic potentials.

Fermentation is a traditional food-preserving technique. It is an effective process, widely used to enrich the nutrients diversity and bioactivity of the fermented foods since ancient times. This study aimed at investigating the effects of various fermentation starters on the physicochemical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties of blueberry juices. The blueberry juices were fermented by natural fermentation (NFBJ), self-made starters fermentation (SFBJ), and commercial starters fermentation (CFBJ); fresh blueberry juice (BBJ) was processed without fermentation for comparison. Probiotics-fermented blueberry juices (SFBJ and CFBJ) showed less total and reducing sugars, higher titratable acidity, and a wider variety and higher amounts of organic acids than non-fermented blueberry juice (BBJ) did. All the fermented blueberry juices (NFBJ, SFBJ, and CFBJ) showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant potentials than that of BBJ measured by 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity, and ferric-reducing ability power assays. The SFBJ exhibited the highest antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium, with inhibition zone diameters of 38.84 ± 1.74 mm, 34.91 ± 1.53 mm, and 36.18 ± 3.16 mm respectively. Compared with BBJ, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the SFBJ and CFBJ increased by two-to threefold. The α-amylase inhibitory activity of the SFBJ and CFBJ increased by 600%, whereas the spontaneous fermentation showed no improvement. The SFBJ and CFBJ promoted glucose consumption of HepG2 cell lines, indicating the promising potential for a higher glucose bio-utilization. The SFBJ and CFBJ showed remarkable improvements in the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities compared with non-fermented and spontaneous fermented juices, indicating their promising potentials as an antihyperglycemic agent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification of antioxidant activity and shelf life assay of avocado fruit pulp incorporated chapattis

Avocado is a tropical fruit which has got a good nutritional composition, is quite effective in the prevention of CVD. The antioxidant and shelf life activity of the fruit can vary based on the nature of fruit, and the part of the fruit under analysis. In this study is designed to optimize and develop Avocado fruit pulp incorporated chapattis using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The statistical technique used was central composite design so as to maximize the level of avocado pulp (150%), water (35%), and whole wheat flour (100%) for the development of avocado chapattis. Assessment of the Antioxidant activity was done with the help of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- picryl hydrazil), ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis- (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)], and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability Power) techniques, together with phenols and flavonoids. Antioxidants tests where analyzed using PCA (Principal component analysis). Result of the study indicated that avocado fruit pulp incorporated chapattis found high amount of phenolic and antioxidant activities, based on the results the products can be used for food industries and pharmaceuticals purpose also.

The Effect of Blanching on Phytochemical Content and Bioactivity of Hypochaeris and Hyoseris Species (Asteraceae), Vegetables Traditionally Used in Southern Italy.

The impact of blanching on the phytochemical content and bioactivity of Hypochaeris laevigata (HL), Hypochaeris radicata (HR), Hyoseris radiata (HRA), and Hyoseris lucida subsp. taurina (HT) leaves was studied and compared to fresh plant materials and residual blanching water. For this purpose, total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll contents were quantified. The antioxidant effect was investigated by using different in vitro tests (β-carotene, ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), whereas the potential inhibitory activity of key enzymes linked to obesity was screened against lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Generally, the phytochemical content followed the trend: fresh > blanching water > blanched samples. The same trend was observed in the antioxidant activity independently of the applied test as well as in the inhibition of lipase and carbohydrates-hydrolysing enzymes. In particular, fresh Hypochaeris laevigata (HL1) showed the lowest inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values of 31.3 and 42.7 μg/mL, against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively, whereas fresh Hyoseris radiata (HRA1) showed the most promising hypolipidemic activity (IC50 value of 39.8 μg/mL). Collectively, these results support the health effect of these wild plants and demonstrated that blanching water should be reused in food preparation since it is a good source of bioactive compounds and its consumption should be recommended in order to increase the uptake of micronutrients.

Salvia officinalis L. from Italy: A Comparative Chemical and Biological Study of Its Essential Oil in the Mediterranean Context.

Salvia officinalis L. (sage) is one of the most appreciated plants for its plethora of biologically active compounds. The objective of our research was a comparative study, in the Mediterranean context, of chemical composition, anticholinesterases, and antioxidant properties of essential oils (EOs) from sage collected in three areas (S1–S3) of Southern Italy. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory properties were investigated by employing Ellman’s method. Four in vitro assays, namely, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric-reducing ability power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests, were used to study the antioxidant effects. Camphor (16.16–18.92%), 1,8-cineole (8.80–9.86%), β-pinene (3.08–9.14%), camphene (6.27–8.08%), and α-thujone (1.17–9.26%) are identified as the most abundant constituents. However, the content of these constituents varied depending on environmental factors and pedoclimatic conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. Based on Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI), S2 essential oil exhibited the highest radical potential with an IC50 value of 20.64 μg/mL in ABTS test and presented the highest protection of lipid peroxidation with IC50 values of 38.06 and 46.32 μg/mL after 30 and 60 min of incubation, respectively. The most promising inhibitory activity against BChE was found for S3 sample (IC50 of 33.13 μg/mL).

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA LEAF EXTRACTS AS AN AUXILIARY IN NATURAL HAIR SHAMPOO

Objective: This study evaluated the phytochemical compounds, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaf extract and used it as an auxiliary herbal constituent in natural hair shampoo.&#x0D; Methods: VA leaf was macerated in various solvents. All crude extracts were phytochemical compounds screened and determined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities before formulating a natural shampoo formula. Natural shampoos were evaluated with physic-chemical properties and sensory satisfaction.&#x0D; Results: About 95% ethanolic extract was the most suitable substrate for product development. It reveals the inhibition zone from 7.00±0.00 to 15.00±1.00 mm and possesses a broad spectrum of antibacterial agents against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The MICs and minimum bactericidal concentrations value ranged from 6.250 to 100 mg/ml and 25 to &gt;200 mg/ml, respectively. About 95% ethanolic extract also revealed high antioxidant activity. The IC50 value of DPPH of 95% ethanolic extract was 1.88±0.02 μg/ml (% inhibition of 85.73±0.01) and the ferric reducing ability power was 23.00±0.50 mg AAE/100 gDW. These high biological activities may be due to a broad range of phytochemical compounds, including saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and alkaloids.&#x0D; Conclusions: The VA leaf was suitable to use as an ingredient in natural shampoos with a low detrimental effect on normal skin flora. The shampoo with 0.00188% of 95% ethanolic extract was the most suitable formula in terms of characteristics and stability. This formula also obtained the highest satisfaction level under our sensory evaluation.