Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay Research Articles

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Antimicrobial and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Solvents-Based Extracts of Cucurbitaceae Seeds

The effect of gamma irradiation upon the bioactive potentials of selected Cucurbitaceae seeds commonly known as Char Magaz was investigated. The seeds were irradiated in triplicate at doses of 1, 5, 10, and 20 kGy gamma rays in a cobalt-60 irradiator. These were extracted with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol and the extracts were concentrated by rotary evaporation. The antimicrobial effects of the irradiated and non-irradiated samples against bacterial strains and the fungal strains were assessed by the agar-well diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentration technique. The antioxidant activities were determined via 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The chloroform extract of cucumber seeds exhibited the greatest zone of inhibition (18.0 mm) against S. aureus. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for antibacterial and antifungal activities ranged from 320.0 to 1280 µg/mL, and 0.50 to 16.0 µg/mL, respectively. Seeds exposed up to 10 kGy gamma irradiation increased DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities. Comparatively, all seed extracts showed high antioxidant potentials in the FRAP assay at all doses. The results suggested that gamma irradiation up to 10 kGy enhances bioactivities of the analyzed seeds.

Diversity of the Morphometric and Biochemical Traits of Allium cepa L. Varieties.

Several Allium cepa L. varieties, representing a versatile set of vegetables widely utilized by consumers, are appreciated for their bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant capacities. The aim of this study is to compare the morphometric characteristics and biochemical profiles of four cultivars of A. cepa, two of them represented by the perennial Sicilian landrace "Cipudda agghiarola" (Allium × proliferum (Moench) Schrader), widely known as the Egyptian walking onion (WO), and by the landrace "Cipudduzza" belonging to the variety known as aggregatum (ON), which were compared with two commercial cultivars of A. cepa var. cepa (onion), Stoccarda (OS) and Rossa Carmen (OR). The experimental trial was conducted in Catania (Sicily), following organic growing practices. The randomized complete block experimental design was adopted with one experimental factor, the genotype (GE) effect. The harvested plants were characterized for their main morphometric parameters, according to the International Plant Genetic Resources (IGPR) descriptors. The biochemical activity was assessed by analyzing the total phenolic content (TPC) and the total flavonoid content (TFC). The antioxidant capacity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). The sugar profile (total sugars, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and fructooligosaccharides-FOS) and the volatile compounds by headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) were also determined. The OR bulb exhibited the highest TPC (16.3 mg GAE/g d.w., p < 0.01) and TFC (8.5 mg QE/g d.w., p < 0.01), with the highest antioxidant capacity measured by the FRAP (27.1 µmol TE/g d.w., p < 0.01) and DPPH assays (46.2 µmol TE/g d.w., p < 0.01). The ON bulb showed the highest ORAC value (209 µmol TE/g d.w., p < 0.01). Generally, the bulbs were richer in sugars (584 mg/g d.w., p < 0.01) than the leaf blade (239 mg/g d.w., p < 0.01), except for OR. Significant interaction between the genotype and plant organ was noted in the volatile compound profiles (p < 0.05) except for total ketones and carboxylic acids, where higher content was observed in the leaf blade compared to the bulb, regardless of the genotype. These findings highlight WO's potential for use in ready-to-eat products, enhancing its market value.

Combining Different Natural Plant Extracts to Stabilize the Antioxidative Activity of Dragon's Blood.

Dragon's blood () is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its wound hemostasis, blood circulation, and stasis properties. Recently, it has also been utilized in cosmetics, though its antioxidant capacity remains unclear. This study aims to stabilize the bioactivity of dragon's blood using various plant extracts. We evaluated single plant extracts and their combinations to identify the conditions that maintained the antioxidant capacity of dragon's blood the longest. Selected plants included Hibiscus sabdariffa, Clitoria ternatea, Hylocereus sp., Pandanus amaryllifolius, and Camellia sinensis. We used two sources of dragon's blood: Daemonorops draco and Dracaena cochinchinensis. Extraction conditions were optimized and antioxidant activity was assessed using the free radical scavenging ability of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total anthocyanin concentration (TAC), total polyphenol content (TPC), the free radical scavenging activity of ABTS, and a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The results showed that all plant extracts exhibited high antioxidant capacity. Clitoria ternatea had the highest DPPH scavenging ability at 93.81%, with the best combination being green tea and Daemonorops draco at 92.57%. Clitoria ternatea had the highest TPC at 9921 mg GAE/100 g, with the best combination (green tea and Dracaena cochinchinensis) at 10500 mg GAE/100 g. ABTS activity was highest for green tea at 98.3%, with the best combination (Clitoria ternatea and Daemonorops draco) at 93.29%. The FRAP assay showed that green tea had the highest electron-donating potential at 3.85 mg/mL, with the best combination (Daemonorops draco and Dracaena cochinchinensis) at 3.71 mg/mL. This study advances our understanding of the antioxidant properties of these plants and the traditional Chinese medicine dragon's blood, enhancing the efficacy of dragon's blood in skincare and cosmetics. Moreover, the application of these extracts could rejuvenate local agriculture, impacting the skincare, cosmetics, and sustainable agriculture sectors.

Ulvans, sulfated β-d-galactans and xyloarabinogalactan: A comparative approach to extraction, structural characterization and antioxidant activity assessment

Antioxidants can be extracted from various seaweeds as natural ingredients for use in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The composition and structure of polysaccharides extracted from four green seaweeds: Ulva lactuca (UL), Halimeda opuntia (HO), Caulerpa racemosa (CR) and Chaetomorpha antennina (CA) were correlated with their antioxidant activities. Crude extracts were characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), HP-SEC, HPAEC-PAD and FTIR spectroscopy. Extracted polysaccharides were assayed spectrophotometrically for their total sugar, sulfate, phenolic and protein contents. The antioxidant capacities of each fractionated polysaccharide sample were evaluated by five methods, i.e., ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), ferric-reducing power in FRAP (Ferric-reducing Antioxidant Power), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging capacity assay. All polysaccharides had molecular weights (MW) under 1000 kDa, with HO having the lowest MW (<100 kDa). Polysaccharide extracts of UL (i.e., l-iduronic acid, 1,4-linked α-l-rhamnose, β-d-glucuronic acid) and CA were promising sources of antioxidants. The highest antioxidant capacity was measured in extracts from CA-2B (52.1 ± 0.9 μg/mL) using the ABTS assay, while CR-1B exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in both the FRAP (303.7 ± 8.2 μm/mL) and OH (28.4 ± 0.8%) assays. Taken together, useful insights were gained into the potential health benefits of selected green seaweed polysaccharides (i.e., ulvans, sulfated or/and pyruvylated β-d-galactans and sulfated xyloarabinogalactan) for applications in the pharmaceutical, food and biotechnology industries.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activities, Antidepressant Effect, and Lipid Peroxidation of Peruvian Blueberry: Molecular Docking Studies on Targets Involved in Oxidative Stress and Depression.

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) are cultivated worldwide and are among the best dietary sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects. This study aimed to investigate the components of Peruvian blueberry using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), identifying 11 compounds. Furthermore, we assessed in vitro the antioxidant activity and in vivo the antidepressant effect using a rat model and protective effect on lipid peroxidation (in the serum, brain, liver, and stomach). We also conducted molecular docking simulations with proteins involved in oxidative stress and depression for the identified compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazin (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS•+), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Peruvian blueberries demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than Vaccinium corymbosum fruits from Chile, Brazil, the United States, Turkey, Portugal, and China. The results showed that oral administration of Peruvian blueberries (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 28 days significantly (p < 0.001) increased swimming and reduced immobility in the forced swimming test (FST). Additionally, at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, oxidative stress was reduced in vivo (p < 0.001) by decreasing lipid peroxidation in brain, liver, stomach, and serum. Molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions were performed. In the molecular docking studies, quercitrin and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid showed the best docking scores for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and xanthine oxidase; while 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester and caffeoyl coumaroylquinic acid had the best docking scores for monoamine oxidase and serotonin receptor 5-HT2. In summary, our results suggest that the antidepressant and protective effects against lipid peroxidation might be related to the antioxidant activity of Peruvian Vaccinium corymbosum L.

Bee bread from Anatolia: its chemical composition, phenolic and aromatic profiles, and antioxidant properties

This study investigated the botanical origin, chemical composition, phenolic and volatile aromatic profiles, and antioxidant activities of 11 bee bread samples from different regions of Anatolia, Turkey. The bee bread samples contained high amounts of proteins (19.61 g/100 g) and lipids (6.43 g/100 g). The bee breads were determined to have a rich mineral content. The antioxidant potential of the bee breads was predicted using total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total condensed tannin (TCT) content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The TPC of the bee breads ranged between 2.041 ± 0.170 and 3.224 ± 0.006 mg GAE/g, while the TFC ranged from 0.323 ± 0.004 to 1.903 ± 0.017 mg QE/g. The FRAP assay showed antioxidant activity ranging from 17.778 ± 0.207 to 49.752 ± 0.856 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/g, and the DPPH values were between 1.054 ± 0.009 and 4.366 ± 0.014 SC50 mg/mL. Using 25 standards, RP-HPLC-PDA quantified the composition of the phenolic compounds, attributed to their antioxidant activity. The highest concentrations were detected for t-cinnamic acid, rutin, and p-coumaric acid. One hundred nineteen volatile aromatic compounds were determined in the bee breads by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). The obtained values suggest that bee breads could serve as a potential source of nutrients and bioactive compounds for value-added food supplements and functional foods.

Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and biological potentials of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the polar extract of Cyperus scariosus R.Br. (Cyperaceae)

Abstract In this study, the polar root extract of Cyperus scariosus R.Br. was used for the biogenic synthesis of ZnO NPs. The results of this study show that ZnO NPs have a spherical structure with an average size of 85.4 nm. The synthesized catalysts were tested for their photocatalytic activity by degrading methyl orange and methylene blue under sunlight. Improved degradation efficiencies of 79.44% and 84.92% were achieved within 120 min. ZnO NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes (18 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (20 mm) and Gram-negative strains of Escherichia coli (16 mm) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (14 mm), as shown by the inhibition zones, which were comparable to the positive control (ceftriaxone) but larger than the plant root extract. ZnO NPs showed high antioxidant activity, as a ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay value of 66.29 µg (AAE µg·mL−1) and a DPPH value of 57.44 µg (AAE µg·mL−1) were obtained at a concentration of 500 µL, which was higher than those of the C. scariosus root extract. Quantification of the total phenolic and flavonoid content yielded values of 57.63 µg (GAE µg·mL−1) and 70.59 µg (QCE µg·mL−1), respectively. At a concentration of 500 μL (1 mg·mL−1), the tested nanoparticles (NPs) showed a greater anti-inflammatory effect (84.12%) compared to the root extract of C. scariosus (34.39%). Overall, our findings highlight the versatile properties of green synthesized ZnO NPs and demonstrate their potential for environmental remediation and antimicrobial formulations, as well as promising candidates for further investigation in biomedical fields such as drug delivery and therapy.

Light manipulation as a route to enhancement of antioxidant properties in red amaranth and red lettuce.

With the growing global population and climate change, achieving food security is a pressing challenge. Vertical farming has the potential to support local food production and security. As a Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) system, vertical farming employs LED lighting which offers opportunities to modulate light spectrum and intensity, and thus can be used to influence plant growth and phytochemical composition, including antioxidants beneficial for human health. In this study, we investigated the effect of four red-to-blue light ratios of LEDs (R:B 1, 2.5, 5 and 9) on the growth and antioxidant components in red amaranth microgreens and red lettuce. Plant growth, total phenols, betalains, anthocyanins, vitamin C and antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power assay) were evaluated. A higher proportion of red light resulted in biometric responses, i.e., stem elongation in red amaranth and longer leaves in red lettuce, while the increase in the blue light fraction led to the upregulation of antioxidative components, especially total phenols, betalains (in red amaranth) and anthocyanins (in red lettuce). The antioxidant capacity of both crops was strongly positively correlated with the levels of these phytochemicals. Optimizing the red-to-blue ratio in LED lighting could be effective in promoting antioxidant-rich crops with potential health benefits for consumers.

Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity against Moko Disease as a Defense Mechanism of Musa spp. from the Ecuadorian Coast Area.

The Musa spp. represents the most commonly produced, transitioned, and consumed fruit around the globe, with several important applications in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Moko disease is produced by Ralstonia solanacearum-a factor with a high impact on all crops in Ecuador, representing one of the biggest phytosanitary problems. Four of the most common varieties of Musa spp. were tested to identify the metabolic reaction of plants facing Moko disease. The phenolic and flavonoid content has been evaluated as a defense system, and the α-diphenyl-α-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging method (DPPH), free-radical-scavenging activity (ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) have been adapted to analyze the active compounds with the antioxidant capacity necessary to counteract the pathogenic attack. Our results indicate that all the studied varieties of Musa spp. react in the same way, such that the diseased samples showed a higher accumulation of secondary metabolites with antioxidant capacity compared with the healthy ones, with high active compound synthesis identified during the appearance of Moko disease symptoms. More than 40 compounds and their derivatives (from kaempferol and quercetin glycosides) with protective roles demonstrate the implication of the Musa spp. defense system against R. solanacearum infection.

Improving the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fermented Milks with Exopolysaccharides-Producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains.

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) producing lactic acid bacteria have been claimed to confer various health benefits to the host, including the ability to face oxidative and inflammatory-related stress. This study investigated the ability of food-borne Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum to improve the antioxidant activity of fermented milks by producing EPSs. Two Lpb. plantarum strains, selected as lower and higher EPSs producers, have been applied in lab-scale fermented milk production, in combination with conventional starters. Antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays while the ability to modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was evaluated in an intestinal healthy model, subjected to both oxidative and inflammatory stress. Furthermore, to verify whether digestion affects functionality, fermented milks were evaluated before and after in vitro-simulated INFOGEST digestion. The results showed an improved antioxidant activity of fermented milk enriched with Lpb. plantarum LT100, the highest EPSs producer. Furthermore, the data showed a different ROS modulation with a protective anti-inflammatory effect of samples enriched with Lpb. plantarum strains. Our data suggest the use of selected EPS-producing strains of Lpb. plantarum as a natural strategy to enrich the functionality of fermented milks in terms of ROS modulation and inflammatory-related stress.

Cytotoxicity Screening of Sterculia striata A.St.-Hil. & Naudin (Chichá) and Arachis hypogaea L. (Peanut) and Comparative Chemical Profiles Before and After in Vitro Digestion.

This study traced the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profile before and after in vitro digestion of nuts from Sterculia striata A. St.-Hil. & Naudin (Malvaceae) (chichá or monkey's peanut), a native plant from Brazil, in comparison with Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut). The antioxidant activity in the 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) assays was lower in chichá when compared with peanuts, corroborating the lower concentration of polyphenols. None of the samples studied showed significant cytotoxicity in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromideDAD: diode-array detection (MTT) assays. In vitro digestion altered the phytochemical profile in both plants, increasing the concentration of rutin in fresh and roasted chichá but only in raw peanuts. In roasted peanuts, rutin was converted into quercetin. Chichá nuts have been used by the local population for centuries, and the identification of their bioactive components can be useful to promote their benefits as a functional food.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Tagetes filifolia Lag. essential oil from Peruvian Andes

The chemical composition of the essential oil from the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Tagetes filifolia Lag. grown in the Peruvian Andes was examined throughout the gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. Fifty-seven compounds were identified representing more than 99% of the essential oil. Phenylpropanoids had the major percentage, including (E)-anethol (85.0%) and estragole (12.9%) as the most abundant compounds. A multivariate analysis was performed using hierarchical cluster analysis to examine the relationship between the studied sample and other T. filifolia specimens from 21 essential oil compositions reported in the literature. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis reveals three groups: (E)-anethole/estragole, estragole/(E)-anethole and an outlier (Z)-anethole/estragole. In addition, antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and ferric reducing capacity.

Antioxidant effects and potential molecular mechanism of action of Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C. Jeffrey fruits based on systematic network pharmacology with experimental validation

Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the ability of biological systems to detoxify these reactive intermediates or repair the resulting damage. Diplocyclos palmatus (D. palmatus) is a medicinal plant, whose fruits has been reported to have antioxidant activity due to its potent bioactive compounds, and holds promise for mitigating oxidative stress and its associated diseases. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the bioactive compounds present in D. palmatus via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and evaluate their antioxidant activity via different in-vitro antioxidant assays such as, DPPH free radical scavenging assay, ABTS radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay and reactive nitrogen oxide scavenging assay. Furthermore, systematic network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics were utilized to identify major bioactive compounds and their interactions with key proteins implicated in oxidative stress to understand the molecular mechanism of action of D. palmatus fruits. The obtained results indicated that the fruit extract had highest antioxidant activity against hydroxyl free radicals (IC50 = 476.76 µg/mL) followed by nitric oxide radicals (IC50 = 509.06 µg/mL), DPPH• (IC50 = 601.88 µg/mL), ABTS•+ (IC50 = 709.37 µg/mL) and FRAP (IC50 = 1141.76 µg/mL). In network pharmacology analysis, bioactive compounds of D. palmatus fruits were found to target numerous major cellular proteins (AKT1, GAPDH, ALB, CASP3, PTGS2, PPARG, STAT3, EGFR, ESR1 and MMP9), with a notable impact on the estrogen signaling pathway. Molecular docking and dynamics analysis further validated the antioxidant potential of D. palmatus fruits. Overall, this integrative study sheds light on the antioxidant potential of D. palmatus fruits and elucidates the molecular mechanisms underpinning their antioxidative actions. These findings not only deepen the understanding of D. palmatus phytochemistry, but also highlight its therapeutic potential as a natural antioxidant agent for combating oxidative stress-related disorders.

A comparative analysis of phytochemical constituents and bioactivity of two wild medicinal herbs of the Amaranthaceae family

Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera paronychioides are 2 common herbaceous plants in the North Eastern region of India. The 2 species are known traditionally for edibility and medicinal use. The objectives are to qualitatively screen phytochemicals and test for antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity between the 2 species– Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera paronychioides. The samples for analysis were collected from aerial leaves and air-dried for phytochemical screening and biological activity tests. Antioxidant assays used are DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl), H2O2, and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay. For antimicrobial tests, 2 different strains of microbes were used to test the bioactivity of the plants. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of several antioxidant potential groups of phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, etc. Phytochemical constituents of Alternanthera sessilis showed more antioxidant potential than Alternanthera paronychioides in DPPH and H2O2 assays but Alternanthera paronychioides showed more potential than Alternanthera sessilis in FRAP assay. The phytochemicals also showed positive tests for antimicrobial activity against 2 bacterial strains, i.e., Escherichia coli (MTCC 443) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 737). This study reveals the presence of phytonutrients which suggest the antioxidant and antibacterial activities exhibited by the 2 species of the family. Further exploration of phytochemicals in different aspects could lead to better-performing drugs for various ailments.

Extraction of Antioxidants from Brown Macroalgae Fucus spiralis.

In this study, different extraction methods and conditions were used for the extraction of antioxidants from brown macroalgae Fucus spiralis. The extraction methodologies used were ultrasound-assisted extraction (ultrasonic bath and ultrasonic probe), extraction with a vortex, extraction with an Ultra-Turrax® homogenizer, and high-pressure-assisted extraction. The extracts were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and their antioxidant activity, and evaluated through the 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) free radical scavenging method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Ultrasonic probe-assisted extraction yielded the highest values of TPC (94.78-474.16 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract). Regarding the antioxidant activity, vortex-assisted extraction gave the best DPPH results (IC50 1.89-16 µg/mL), while the highest FRAP results were obtained using the Ultra-Turrax® homogenizer (502.16-1188.81 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents/g extract). For each extraction method, response surface methodology was used to analyze the influence of the experimental conditions "extraction time" (t), "biomass/solvent ratio" (R), "solvent" (S, water % in water/ethanol mixture), and "pressure" (P) on TPC, DPPH, and FRAP of the F. spiralis extracts. In general, higher TPC content and higher antioxidant capacity (lower IC50 and higher FRAP) were obtained with higher R, t, and P, and lower S (higher ethanol %). The model regarding the combined effects of independent variables t, R, and S on the FRAP response values for vortex-assisted extractions best fitted the experimental data (R2 0.957), with optimal extraction conditions of t = 300 s, R = 50 g, and S = 25%.

Pitahaya (Hylocereus ocamponis)-Peel and -Flesh Flour Obtained from Fruit Co-Products-Assessment of Chemical, Techno-Functional and In Vitro Antioxidant Properties.

The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition and physico-chemical, techno-functional, and in vitro antioxidant properties of flours obtained from the peel and flesh of pitahaya (Hylocereus ocamponis) to determine their potential for use as ingredients for food enrichment. The chemical composition, including total betalains, mineral content, and polyphenolic profile, was determined. The techno-functional properties (water holding, oil holding, and swelling capacities) were also evaluated. For the antioxidant capacity, four different methodologies, namely ferrous ion-chelating ability assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay; 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability assay, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical assay, were used. Pitahaya-peel flour had higher values for protein (6.72 g/100 g), ash (11.63 g/100 g), and dietary fiber 56.56 g/100 g) than pitahaya-flesh flour, with values of 6.06, 3.63, and 8.22 g/100 g for protein, ash, and dietary fiber, respectively. In the same way, pitahaya peel showed a higher content of minerals, betalains, and polyphenolic compounds than pitahaya-flesh flour, with potassium (4.43 g/100 g), catechin (25.85 mg/g), quercetin-3-rhamnoside (11.66 mg/g) and myricetrin (12.10 mg/g) as principal compounds found in the peel. Again, pitahaya-peel flour showed better techno-functional and antioxidant properties than pitahaya-flesh flour. The results obtained suggest that the flours obtained from the peel and pulp of pitahaya (H. ocamponis) constitute a potential material to be utilized as an ingredient in the food industry due to the high content of bioactive compounds such as betalains, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, with notable antioxidant capacity.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-ulcer activities of aqueous lyophilizate of Markhamia lutea (Bignoniaceae).

This work was carried out with a view to determining the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of the aqueous lyophilized extract of Markhamia lutea. In vitro proteinases inhibition, albumin denaturation, hemolysis of red blood cells by heat, inhibition ofthe proton pump H+/K+ATPase, FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays were performed. In vivo, cold water immersion-induced ulceration and methylene blue-induced ulceration was usedto determine the anti-ulcer properties of the lyophilizate (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg). In vitro, the lyophilizate (400 μg/mL) significantly inhibited protein denaturation (66.65 %), hemolysis of red blood cells (56.54 %), proteinase activity (69.22 %); then theIC50 was 26.31 μg/mL on proton pump activity. It has alsodeveloped a strong ferric reducing antioxidant power(EC50=52.96 mmol FeSO4/g) as well as free radicals scavenging activity (EC50=22.38 μg/mL). In vivo, the aqueous lyophilizate (200 and 300 mg/kg) protected the gastric mucosa (70.68 and 79.00 % protection respectively) and reduced (p<0.05) acetylcholine, calcium and corticosterone concentrations. A decrease in malondialdehyde level, an increased glutathione level and an increased in catalase andSOD activities were recorded. In the methylene blue test, it significantly increased gastric fluid pH, while reducing gastric volume and improving hematological parameters inulcer animals. In addition, the histological sections showthat the aqueous lyophilizate of M.lutea protected the gastric mucosa from the deleterious effects of stress. The aqueous lyophilizate of M.lutea has anti-ulcer properties thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-secretory properties.

Biomedical and therapeutic potential of marine-derived Pseudomonas sp. strain AHG22 exopolysaccharide: A novel bioactive microbial metabolite

Abstract Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are gaining interest as alternatives to chemical antioxidants and pharmaceuticals. This study mines the promising biomedical and antimicrobial potential of a marine bacterium, a prolific EPS producer, isolated from the Red Sea. Pseudomonas sp. strain AHG22 generated an EPS weighing 6.98 g·L−1, coded EPSF8, subjected to FT-IR and HPLC chemical analysis. EPSF8 was then investigated for antioxidant assessment by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H2O2, ABTS˙ + , nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). EPSF8 had an IC50 of 46.99 μg·mL−1 in the DPPH antioxidant assay and antioxidant capacities of 219.45 μg·mg−1 ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) in the TAC assay and 54.15 μg·mg−1 AAE in the FRAP assay. The in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of EPSF8 was tested against 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes and compared with the drugs ibuprofen and celecoxib used as controls. The IC50 values of 5-LOX, COX-2, ibuprofen, and celecoxib were found to be 14.82, 15.49, 1.5, and 0.28 μg·mL−1, respectively. Additionally, EPSF8 revealed antidiabetic activity toward α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and the IC50 values were 93.1 and 127.28 μg·mL−1, compared to those of acarbose (50.93 and 4.13 μg·mL−1, respectively). Anti-obesity activity of EPSF8 by lipase inhibition revealed IC50 = 56.12 μg·mL−1 compared to orlistat (IC50 = 20.08 μg·mL−1) as a control. EPSF8 displayed antibiofilm and bactericidal activity against Gram-positive (G +ve) and Gram-negative (G −ve) ATCC pathogenic bacterial strains. It had a minimum bactericidal concentration/minimum inhibitory concentration ratio ≤2, indicating a broad bactericidal spectrum. Furthermore, EPSF8 is evidenced to have a promising anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity for the control of Alzheimer’s disease. The findings of the present analysis suggest that the isolated Pseudomonas sp. strain AHG22 EPS can potentially be explored as a promising green therapeutic compound.

Antioxidant Activity and Fatty Acid Profile of Sous-Vide Beef Marinated with Kiwiberry Fruit Pulp: Effects of Level Addition and Refrigerated Storage.

The purpose of the study was to determine the antioxidant activity (AA) and fatty acid (FA) profile of sous-vide beef previously marinated in brine with a 10, 20 and 30% addition of kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta cv. 'Ananasnaya') fruit pulp, as well as changes in the parameters studied after 0, 1, 2 and 3 weeks of refrigerated storage in a vacuum package. The FA profile, FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay), ABTS (2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-acid)), total polyphenols, chlorophylls and carotenoids were also determined in the fruit pulp. Lipid indices for meat were calculated based on the obtained FA profile. The values of FRAP and ABTS of experimental meat products were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than those of control samples but decreased with storage time. The proportion of unsaturated FA in the lipids of sous-vide meat was higher in samples with pulp than in control samples and insignificantly decreased with storage time. Meat marinated with kiwiberry pulp was characterized by a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher proportion of ALA (α-linolenic acid) and LA (linoleic acid), considerably affecting the more favorable value of polyunsaturated FA/saturated FA ratio. A troubling finding was the heightened level of palmitic acid (C16:0) in the lipids of beef subjected to 30% kiwiberry pulp, a factor recognized to play a significant role in the development of various diseases. Beef marinated with 20% kiwiberry pulp addition provides greater nutritional and health benefits than other sample variants because of optimal AA and FA profile changes during refrigerated storage.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Boiled Oil: A Traditional Method of Extracting Oil from Boiled Olive Fruits

Background In some villages in Northern Jordan, farmers boil part of their olive fruit harvest before oil extraction to increase the quantity of oil, get a desirable acquired taste, as they claim, and get additional health benefits. Locals call this oil Boiled oil (BO), and its price is about 20% higher than virgin olive oil (VOO) produced by the same farmer. Objective The hypothesis was that boiling olive fruits may affect the quality of the produced oil. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the chemical and physical characteristics of boiled oil in comparison with VOO and the effect of storage of both types of oils for one year. Methods Total phenolic compounds, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and radical scavenging activity (RSA) were evaluated. Moreover, the quality indices of BO and VOO were also evaluated. Results Total phenolic compounds decreased significantly (p &lt;0.05) from 8.7 mg GAE/100g in VOO to 2.47 mg GAE/100g in BO. The antioxidant activity measured using FRAP assay also decreased significantly (p &lt;0.05) from 962 to 379 micromole/kg. Half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the RSA was significantly higher (p &lt;0.05) in BO samples (414 mg/ml) in comparison with VOO samples (38.9 mg/ml). Moreover, there was a significant increase (p &lt;0.05) in acid value in BO samples (0.943%) in comparison with VOO samples (0.518%). However, the increase in acid value after one year of storage was higher in VOO than in BO. The peroxide value also increased significantly in boiled oil (500 meq/kg) in comparison with VOO (19 meq/kg). Additionally, a significant increase in ultraviolet absorption was observed in BO at k232 and k270 (3.5), which is considered unsuitable for human consumption compared with VOO (2.43). Conclusion In conclusion, these results showed that boiling olive fruits before oil extraction deteriorates oil quality as expected, and consumers should be educated that this type of oil is hazardous to human health and is a waste of effort and money.