Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Research Articles

Exploring the Evolution of Postharvest Quality and Composition in Novel Mini Plum Tomatoes with Different Fruit Pigmentations

This study evaluated the postharvest evolution in terms of quality and functional traits of recently introduced mini plum tomato cultivars, differing for fruit pigmentation. The cultivars Santy Naranja (orange fruit) and Melange (dark red, green-striped fruit), along with the well-established ‘Angelle’ (red fruit), were monitored during refrigerated storage (10 °C) for 0, 7, and 14 days (hereafter S0, S7, and S14, respectively) inside closed polylactic acid trays. ‘Melange’ displayed the highest fruit fresh weight loss and total soluble solids (TSS) (9.28 °Bx), along with the lowest firmness (4.69 N), whereas ‘Santy Naranja’ showed the strongest color deviation during the storage period. Titratable acidity (TA) was relatively stable in ‘Melange’, while ‘Angelle’ experienced the highest decrease between S7 and S14, resulting in stronger TSS/TA fluctuations. Regarding the functional traits, ‘Melange’ had the highest total polyphenols content (TPC), whereas ‘Angelle’ excelled in total carotenoid content (TCC), ascorbic acid content (AsA), and fruits’ antioxidant activity, as revealed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. With reference to storage time, the O2 concentration in the headspace, TPC, AsA, and DPPH decreased between S0 and S14, whereas CO2 concentration, TCC, and FRAP increased, but these variations were mostly cultivar-dependent. This study provides insights into the postharvest behavior of novel mini plum tomato typologies and their ability to maintain quality over time, providing information for developing strategies to preserve their sensory and nutraceutical characteristics during refrigerated storage.

Probiotic-Enriched Ice Cream with Fermented White Kidney Bean Homogenate: Survival, Antioxidant Activity, and Potential for Future Health Benefits.

This study investigated a novel probiotic-enriched ice cream containing fermented white kidney bean homogenate to explore its potential health benefits in the future. We assessed the viability of various probiotic strains during ice cream production and storage, focusing on their potential to reach the gut, and evaluated overall antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total polyphenol content (TPC) assays. The incorporation of fermented white bean homogenate significantly increased antioxidant capacity compared to the control group. Notably, strains such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v demonstrated the most pronounced effects on antioxidant activity, suggesting potential synergistic benefits between probiotics and bioactive compounds in fermented white beans. Although all probiotic strains experienced decreased viability during storage, certain strains, particularly L. plantarum 299v and Lacticaseibacillus casei DN-114001, showed promising survival rates even after 6 months. These results suggest the potential for developing probiotic ice cream containing viable bacteria capable of reaching the gut and contributing to a healthy gut microbiota. Overall, this study highlights the potential of probiotic-enriched ice cream with fermented white kidney bean homogenate to combine the established benefits of probiotics for gut health with the enjoyment of consuming ice cream.

Impact of extraction techniques and process optimization on antioxidant and antibacterial potential of Kalanchoe pinnata leaf extract

ABSTRACT Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. is an ethnomedicinal plant known for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and therapeutic potential. The current study was an effort to explore the impact of extraction technique on the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial profile of the plant extracts. K. pinnata leaf extracts were prepared using conventional solvent extraction (100% methanol; 50% methanol: 50% water; 100% water), microwave-assisted extraction at 700-W power (3 min; 6 min; 9 min), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) (3500 psi; 4500 psi; 5500 psi). Best results were attained from SFE in terms of total phenolic content (240 ± 3 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (165.2 ± 0.4 mg QE/g), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging potential (91.9 ± 0.4%), 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay value (8.04 ± 0.03 mMol TE/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay value (471.7 ± 0.8 µg/mL). K. pinnata leaf extracts have been found to be most effective against Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (22.20 ± 0.95 mm) and least effective againstProteus vulgaris (0 ± 0 mm). High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of K. pinnata extract showed that it contains flavanol quercetin (2.0 ± 0.1 mg/g). It is evident from the findings of current study that K. pinnata extract can effectively treat bacterial infections and can cure metabolic disorders by reducing oxidative stress. Application of advance extraction techniques enhances the biological activity of plant extracts.

Investigation of chemical constituents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nutritional properties of oil of Persea americana (Avocado) seeds

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil of Persea americana seeds (OPAS). The flavonoid and total phenol compositions were quantified using standard colorimetric methods; the antioxidant potentials of the seed were determined using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while the anti-inflammatory potentials were investigated using membrane stabilization (hypotonicity) and heat-induced hemolysis of human red blood cells (HRBC) assays. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was employed to characterize the phytochemicals in the oil. The nutritional indices (atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, and polyene index) were also calculated. Results indicated high total phenolic and flavonoid contents (25.78 ± 0.68 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram (GAE/g) and 72.69 ± 1.11 mg quercetin equivalent per 100 mg (QE/100 mg), respectively). The oil of P. americana seeds showed dose-dependent (25–400 μg/mL) antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to the standard agents used (olive oil and ascorbic acid). The GC–MS analysis showed the presence of fatty acids including tetradecanoic acid (33.33 %), 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (20.12 %), n-hexadecenoic acid (7.07 %), and oleic acid (11.60 %). Nutritional indices showed that OPAS had a very low polyunsaturated/saturated (PUFA/SFA) ratio (0.45), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (0.26), but high atherogenicity index (IA) (4.13) and thrombogenicity index IT (9.47) values. The beneficial potentials of OPAS revealed in this study suggest that it can be harnessed as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in phytomedicine. However, the nutritional quality and culinary suitability of OPAS with different oils require further study.

Metabolomics-guided discrimination of constituents in five commercial apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cultivars: Assessment of their antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities for potential use as functional food

Apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) are available in different cultivars, we investigated the similarities and differences in the chemical composition and biological activities of the extracted apple oils by hydrodistillation and hexane extraction. The aroma constituents obtained by hydrodistillation and n-hexane extraction of five commercial Egyptian apple cultivars namely Pink Lady (Cripps pink), Red Delicious, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith were investigated by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), in vitro antioxidant analysis, and enzyme inhibition assays were performed. Results showed that TPC and TFC were the highest in the hexane extract of pink ladies with values of 12.42 (mg GAE/g FW) and 1.35 (mg RE/g FW), respectively. Similarly, pink lady hexane extract showed the highest efficacy in antioxidant assays like 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelation, and phosphomolybdenum tests with values of 25.21 mg TE/g, 39.82 mg TE/g, 19.27 mg TE/g, 28.16 mg EDTAE/g, and 1.36 mmol TE/g, respectively. Assessments of enzyme inhibition potential of the hexane extracts of the five cultivars on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) showed efficacy for ambrosia only with inhibition value at 2.53 mg GALAE/g. All other cultivars showed comparable efficacies in inhibiting tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase enzymes. Significant differences were observed in the chemical composition of the five apple cultivars which were reflected by differences in their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition capacities. Results of biological studies were further confirmed with in silico investigations.

Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Activity, Antiviral Activity, NO Production Inhibition, and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Crude Extracts of Leaves, Flower Buds, and Stems of Tetradenia riparia.

The chemical composition of extracts (CEs) and essential oils (EOs) from Tetradenia riparia leaves, flower buds, and stems was analyzed. Antiproliferative activity against tumor cell lines, NO production inhibition, and antioxidant and antiviral activities were assessed. The CEs contained flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and saturated fatty acids. The EOs included monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. NO production inhibition ranged from 76 to 247 µg mL-1, and antiproliferative activity exhibited GI50 between 20 and >204 µg mL-1, with low cytotoxicity (SI: 1.08 to 4.75). Reactive oxygen species inhibition ranged from 45 to 82%. Antioxidant activity varied when determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (IC50: 0.51 to 8.47 mg mL-1) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.35 to 0.81 µM ferrous sulfate per mg). The reduction in β-carotene-linoleic acid co-oxidation varied between 76.13 and 102.25%. The total phenolic content of CEs and EOs was 10.70 to 111.68 µg gallic acid mg-1. Antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed an EC50 between 9.64 and 24.55 µg mL-1 and an SI between 8.67 and 15.04. Leaf EOs exhibited an EC50 of 9.64 µg mL-1 and an SI of 15.04. Our study unveils the diverse chemical composition and multifaceted pharmacological properties of T. riparia, demonstrating its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.

Nutritional composition, fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa seed grown in Bangladesh

Black cumin seeds are extensively utilized for foods, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. The current investigation was undertaken to analyzse the nutritional values, fatty acid compositions, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant roles of different black cumin genotypes available in Bangladesh. The genotype BSK-2074 had a higher content of proximate composition of crude oil (35.17%), crude protein (23.51%), total carbohydrate (35.23%), moisture (6.54%), ash (3.74%), crude fiber (8.12%), and gross energy value (644.88 kcal/100 g) than the released varieties and cultivars of black cumin available in Bangladesh. The major fatty acid profile of the seed-oil of the BSK-2074 genotype revealed that the oil contained a high amount of linoleic (59.39%), oleic (25.72%), palmitic (13.11%), and stearic (2.25%) acids, as well as a low amount of arachidic, linolenic, myristic, behenic, palmitoleic, lignoceric, and eicosadienoic acids. Moreover, the genotype BSK-2074 contained a high amount of unsaturated (UFAs, 85%), and low content of saturated (SFAs, 18%) fatty acids, and the ratio of UFAs to SFAs was higher (4.39–5.37). Again, the seeds of the genotype BSK-2074 were also enriched in different minerals, viz., calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Moreover, total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) were found significantly higher in the genotype BSK-2074 (478.47 ± 7.33 mg GAE/100 g and 284.07 ± 2.08 mg QE/100 g, respectively) than the local Kalozira variety (316.48 ± 2.33 mg GAE/100 g and 120.53 ± 3.57 mg QE/100 g) found in Bangladesh. The activities of antioxidants 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were found significantly higher in BSK-2074 (37.93% and 129.65 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g), than the local Kalozira variety (98.09% and 193.75 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g). Thus, the new genotype, BSK-2074, was identified and suggested as the most promising and nutritionally enriched genotype of black cumin.

Assessment of Moroccan Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil: Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Toxicological, and Antinociceptive Effects.

Assessment of Moroccan Cannabis sativa Seed Oil: Chemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Toxicological, and Antinociceptive Effects. by K. Raoui et al., Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco. Cannabis sativa L., locally known as "El kif", belongs to the Cannabaceae family. This study aims to conduct a chemical analysis of Cannabis sativa seed oil (CSSO) and assess its acute toxicity, antioxidant properties, and analgesic effects. The chemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify fatty acids (FAs) contents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using the (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH radical scavenging method and the (ferric reducing antioxidant power) FRAP method. Concurrently, acute toxicity, along with antinociceptive activity, was studied through three distinct animal models: writhing test, formalin test, and hot plate test. The results revealed that linoleic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and palmitic acid were the main components of CSSO. The LD50 of CSSO was greater than 5 g/kg, indicating low toxicity. Additionally, CSSO exhibited a significant content of flavonoids and total polyphenols, along with notable antioxidant activity with important values. The results indicated a significant increase in thermal stimulus latency, a reduction in the number of writhes induced by acetic acid, and a decrease in licking time in both phases of the formalin test. In conclusion, this study suggests promising results for CSSO, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Dietary and serum antioxidant capacity is inversely associated with patients in osteoarthritis: a case-control study

This study aimed to examine dietary antioxidant and serum antioxidant capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This case-control study consisted of 47 patients with OA (case group) and 30 healthy subjects (control group). The control and case group were matched age, gender, and body mass index (p > 0.05). A food frequency questionnaire was administered to participants, and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) was estimated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power method (FRAP). Participants’ serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant capacity (TOC) measurements were performed, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. DTAC of case group was found to be lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The daily consumption of red meat and butter of the individuals in the case group was higher than that of the control group, and their fish consumption, dietary vitamin A and carotene intakes were found to be lower (p < 0.05). In addition, OA patients have TAC and OSI was also found to be significantly higher than in control group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). Since low dietary total antioxidant capacity and high serum total oxidant capacity, individuals with OA should pay more attention to their diet to increase serum antioxidant status.

Investigating the Multi-Targeted Pharmacological profile of an Exopolysaccharide from Bacillus rugosus SYG20 via In Vitro Evaluation of its Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diabetic, Wound Healing, and Antimicrobial Properties

IntroductionExopolysaccharides (EPSs) derived from marine microorganisms are a newly recognized reservoir of bioactive therapeutic compoundsMaterial and methodsWe isolated a high EPS-yielding bacterial strain from the Red Sea, identified as Bacillus rugosus SYG20. Its purified EPS (EPSR9) contains 45.33% uronic acid, 9.98% sulfate groups, and 5.40% N-acetyl glucosamine. The HPLC chromatogram revealed four monosaccharides - glucose, xylose, galacturonic acid, and arabinose, in a distinct molar ratio of 2:3:1:1. EPSR9 showed a wide array of bioactivities.ResultsIt displayed antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 25.6 μg/ml in the DPPH assay and a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 417.77μg/ml equivalent AAE and 62.67 μg/ml equivalent AAE in Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. It exhibited substantial anti-inflammatory properties. The anticoagulant effect of the EPS was demonstrated by a dose-dependent increase in prothrombin time. The scratch assay resulted in a 72.66% increase in wound closure, promoting in vitro wound healing after 48 h. Anti-obesity activity was evidenced by 83.8% lipase inhibition at 1000 μg/ml with IC50 of 107.73μg/ml. EPSR9 demonstrated inhibitory effects on α-amylase with an IC50 value of 14.37μg/ml and α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 26.73 μg/ml, highlighting its potential as an anti-diabetic agent. Then, EPS showed bactericidal properties with MBC/MIC≤2 against both G+ve and G-ve bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus faecalis (MIC=3.9μg/ml), Salmonella typhi, and Helicobacter pylori.ConclusionsThe marine EPSR9 exhibited considerable potential for pharmaceutical applications as a multi-bioactive microbial metabolite. Its in vivo potency and mechanisms of action warrant further investigation.

Antibacterial, antidiabetic and antioxidant bioevaluation of Calamus leptospadix Griff. and isolation of a flavan type compound

The plant based natural products have always been a rich source of bioactive molecules for drug discovery. The tender shoots of Calamus leptospadix Griff., an edible medicinal plant was extracted using methanol, water and ethanol as three different solvents to study the effect of the extracting solvents and temperature on their antioxidant, antidiabetic and antibacterial properties and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The antioxidant properties were determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The α-glucosidase inhibitory assay was carried out to determine the antidiabetic potential. The antibacterial properties of the extracts were determined against four strains of bacterial species viz. Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii using Broth macro dilution method.The methanolic extracts of the plant were found to possess the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. In the antioxidant assays, the cold methanolic extract was found to exhibit the highest DDPH radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. In the antidiabetic assay, the extract exhibited better α-glucosidase inhibitory potential than that of the positive control acarbose. It was also found to be effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative strains in the antibacterial assay. A flavan-type compound 4-(5,7-dimethoxychroman-2-yl)phenol was isolated from the most bioactive cold methanolic extract of the plant and characterised from its XRD, 1H and 13C NMR, HRMS and IR data.

Anti-Müllerian hormone a surrogate of follicular fluid oxidative stress in polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women at childbearing age. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a widely accepted sensitive marker of ovarian reserve, which has been suggested that could also act as biomarker of ovarian morphology for PCOS diagnosis. Oxidative stress (OS) is known to be associated and have a negative impact factor in several reproductive conditions, including PCOS. However, the relationship between circulating AMH and OS within the follicular fluid (FF), and its potential impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes of women with PCOS, remains largely unexplored. A total of 84 women, with PCOS (n = 30) or ovulatory controls (n = 54), were enrolled in this study. Women underwent individualized controlled ovarian stimulation for oocyte retrieval. Blood and FF obtained from mature follicles were collected at the time of oocyte retrieval, for measuring total testosterone, ∆4-androstenedione, progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and AMH. OS in the FF was assessed by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) through the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) by quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Our results demonstrated that women with PCOS had significantly higher plasma levels of AMH, ∆4-androstenedione, total testosterone and a free androgen index (FAI) than observed in non-PCOS controls. In women with PCOS, total testosterone and AMH levels in the FF were also higher, while TAC was lower compared to non-PCOS. Furthermore, circulating AMH levels were positively correlated with ∆4-androstenedione, albeit negatively correlated with TAC. In this study we demonstrated that the susceptibility to OS, as assessed by the total antioxidant capacity in the FF, is higher in women with PCOS and inversely related to AMH levels. This study results lead us to forge the reasonable hypothesis that the greater susceptibility to OS within the follicle microenvironment is potentially at the end of a roadway that starts with elevated ∆4-androstenedione and AMH within the FF, which in turn are mirrored by circulating AMH and androgen levels. Thus, suggesting that circulating AMH levels could act as a surrogate biomarker of follicular fluid oxidative stress in women with PCOS.

Nutraceutical Value of Eleven Aromatic Medicinal Plants and Azorean Camellia sinensis: Comparison of Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents

Drug discovery based on medicinal plants remains an important source of bioactive compounds, many of which have been the basis for new chemical structures for the pharmaceutical and food industries. According to the World Health Organization, about 80% of the worldwide population still depends on plant drugs, and several medicines have been obtained from medicinal plants. Unfortunately, the potential benefits of these plants have led to unscientific exploration of natural resources, a fact that is being globally observed. The aim of this study was to evaluate eleven aromatic medicinal plants and compare them to Azorean Camellia sinensis green tea in terms of antioxidant activity, total phenolics, and flavonoid content, and also to evaluate the possibility of their valorization as a nutraceutical material. The results revealed that Camellia sinensis presented higher values for free radical scavenging activity (FRSA, EC50 = 3.43 µg/mL), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, EC50 = 5.12 µg/mL), and total phenolic content (TPC, 294.43 mg acid gallic equivalents per g of dry extract (DE)). However, the aromatic medicinal plants also presented significant results in terms of FRSA and FRAP, particularly Aloysia citrodora, Mentha pulegium, and Stevia rebaudiana. For ferric ion chelating (FIC), the highest value was found in Cymbopogon citratus (80.60%). Mentha pulegium and Aloysia citrodora had significant values for TPC (199.15 and 187.15 mg GAE/g DE, respectively), but were lower than the values of Camellia sinensis. For flavonoid content (TFC), the highest value was shown in Achyrocline satureioides (265.75 mg rutin equivalents per g DE). This study revealed the importance of some aromatic medicinal plants in terms of bioactivities, and that their combination with green tea is a perfect blend for added value with beneficial nutraceutical effects for human health.

Assessment of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of hydrolysates from lupine (Lupinus mutabilis) flour

Lupine (Lupinus mutabilis) is a seed commonly used as a staple food in the Mediterranean region and South America, particularly in Ecuador, where it has been consumed for centuries. Known for its high protein content (45%), lupine could serve as an important source for producing protein isolates, concentrates, and hydrolysates with bioactive capacities. To address this potential, our research aimed to evaluate the effect of the type of flour and hydrolysis conditions (enzyme and time) on the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities of lupine hydrolysates. Thus, two types of flour were prepared: raw flour (RF) and debittered and defatted flour (DDF). Subsequently, enzymatic hydrolysis was conducted using three different enzymes (pancreatin, papain, and endopeptidase), and the hydrolysates were collected at various time points: 4 and 48 hours. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) test and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) test. Additionally, antimicrobial capacity was evaluated by measuring the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results showed hydrolysates treated with pancreatin at 4 hours from raw flour exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, while debittered and defatted hydrolysates treated with pancreatin at 48 hours demonstrated the highest antimicrobial capacity. Overall, these findings highlight lupine as a valuable source for obtaining hydrolysates with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the type of flour and hydrolysis conditions (enzyme and time) significantly affected the bioactive capacities.

Supplementation species effect on the phenolic content and biological bioactivities of the decocted green tea

Background: Green tea, produced from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water, and it is widely sold and popular owing to its flavor, and its health benefits. Spices have been used by consumers worldwide to improve flavors of food including tea. Phenolics are the most common phytochemical found in herbal teas and are beneficial in promoting health or preventing diseases. Aims: This study aims to investigate the impact of the addition of mint (Mentha piperita L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), star anise (Illicium verum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), white mugwort (Artemisia herba alba) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) on green tea biological properties, and on consumers’ acceptance. Subjects and Methods: Different green tea blends were formulated with 10% of each proposed spice. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of formulated blends were measured by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The effect of these herbs supplementation on antioxidant activity of green tea was determined using three different methods, namely DPPH assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In vitro antibacterial activity was assessed by the disc-diffusion method. Consumers’ acceptance of tea blends was evaluated by a sensory hedonic analysis performed by 127 panelists. Results: The results revealed significant variability among tea blends in terms of both total polyphenols (from 591.951 to 1027.387 mg GAE/L) and flavonoids (from 140.78 to 279.329 mg QE/L). As regards the antioxidant activity, control (no supplemented) green tea exhibited the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (RC0.5 = 27.25 mg AAE/g DE). Interestingly tea blends supplemented with white mugwort and ginger demonstrated the highest DPPH• scavenging effect with IC50 of about 3.37 and 3.38 mg AAE/g DE, respectively, while when supplemented with star anise, it showed the highest TAC (66.143 mg AAE/g DE). In the assessment of the antibacterial effect, control green tea showed the best efficacy, except for Listeria innocua which was particularly sensitive to samples flavored with star anise and clove. The sensory evaluation revealed that clove-flavored tea was the most preferred by the panelists (31.75%), closely followed by ginger green tea (30.95%), green tea and star anise flavored green tea (25.39%). Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that adding some species to green tea significantly enhance its phenolic content, boost its antioxidant capacity and improve its sensory properties. Keywords: Flavored green tea; polyphenols; antioxidant activity; antibacterial activity; sensory characteristic.

DETERMINATION OF ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF LEAF AND FRUIT EXTRACTS OF GUAVA (Psidium guajava Linn.)

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antioxidant properties of leaf and fruit extracts of guava (Psidium guajava Linn.). Antifungal assays were conducted to assess the efficacy of extracts against clinically relevant fungal strains, viz., Aspergillus niger MTCC-4325, Penicillium chrysogenum MTCC-2539, Candida albicans MTCC-7315, and Fusarium solani MTCC-3309. Besides, enzyme activity for catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) were assayed to elucidate the antioxidant potential of extracts. The radical scavenging activities of extracts were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays to quantify the overall antioxidant capacity. Results indicated pronounced inhibitory activity against F. solani in methanolic extracts of leaves (21.66 ± 2.05) and fruits (24.66 ± 1.25), with aqueous extracts exhibiting comparatively lesser inhibition across the tested fungal strains. Moreover, the enzyme activity assays revealed higher CAT and POD activities in fresh leaf extract as compared to the fruit extract. Notably, DPPH assay underscored the superior antioxidant potential of Psidium leaf extracts relative to fruit extracts, while FRAP assay showed higher radical scavenging capacity of methanolic extract as compared to the aqueous extract.

Characterization and Biomedical Applications of Green-Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Tridax procumbens Stem Extract.

Background Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are one of the metal nanoparticles that have been widely utilized for their anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and other biomedical applications. Tridax procumbens (TP) stem extract is a promising herb species rich in flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phytosterols, and hydroxycinnamates, which play a major role in wound healing applications. Aim The study aims to synthesize SeNPs using TPstem extract, characterizations, and its biomedical applications. Materials and methods SeNPs were synthesized using TP stem extract. The green synthesis of SeNPs was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra analysis. The synthesized SeNPs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The agar well diffusion method was utilized to evaluate the anti-bacterial properties of the green synthesized SeNPs using TP stem extract. The anti-oxidant effect of SeNPs was tested using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ferric-reducing anti-oxidant power assay (FRAP), and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (H₂O₂). The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated using the bovine serum albumin assay and egg albumin denaturation method, and the cytotoxic effect of the green synthesized SeNPs was tested using the brine shrimp lethality (BSL) assay. Results The green synthesis of SeNPs was confirmed using different types of analysis techniques. The characterizations were done by UV-visible spectroscopy analysis, exhibiting a maximum peak at the range of 330 nm. SEM analysis revealed the shape of the nanoparticle to be hexagonal. The agar well diffusion method exhibited the anti-bacterial efficacy of SeNPs against wound microorganisms with a zone of inhibition of 14.6 mm for Escherichia coli (E. coli), 15.8 mm for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and 15.4 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The TP stem-mediated SeNPs showed potential effects in anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activity, which shows very little toxicity. Conclusion Overall, the green synthesis of TP-stem-mediated SeNPs has great potential in biomedical applications. Thus, the synthesized SeNPs exhibit significant anti-bacterial efficacy against wound pathogens. The TP stem-mediated SeNPs showed potential effects in anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activity, which shows low toxicity. Furthermore, the green-synthesized SeNPs can be utilized in therapeutic management.

Performance Evaluation of Three Peanut Cultivars Grown under Elevated CO2 Concentrations

This study explored the performance and physiological responses of three commercially used peanut cultivars in Australian farming systems under ambient and elevated CO2 conditions, aiming to identify the most suitable genotype for dual-purpose (grain and graze) cropping experiments. The experiment utilized an open-top chamber (OTC) facility to regulate CO2 concentrations. The elevated CO2 (EC) treatment targeted approximately 650 ± 50 µmol mol−1, while both ambient CO2 (AC) and control plots operated at a concentration of approximately 400 µmol mol−1. Notably, control plots without chambers served as a reference for current CO2 and environmental conditions. In contrast, despite having the same ambient CO2 concentration, AC plots were enclosed in chambers, allowing for plant growth comparisons with EC plots with the same environmental conditions aside from CO2 levels. The analyses revealed significant effects of CO2 enrichment on peanut plants. In particular, the EC treatment led to enhanced photosynthetic rates (20% in Kairi, 31% in Holt, and 19% in Alloway), alongside reduced stomatal conductance (−55% in Kairi, −32% in Holt, and −40% in Alloway), transpiration, and increased water use efficiency compared to AC conditions. Elevated CO2 levels positively influenced pod yields in Kairi (+41%) and Alloway (+36%). However, CO2 enrichment did not significantly alter the protein content, total phenolic content, cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of peanut plant material. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the phytochemical composition among the three cultivars under ambient or elevated CO2 conditions. On the other hand, analysis of the fibre structure conducted on peanut stover harvested at plant maturity suggested potential declines in feedstock quality. Based on the findings of this research, further investigations and testing, including simulated grazing trials, will be carried out to identify a single breed line suitable for dual-purpose management under future elevated CO2 conditions.

Antioxidant and neurodevelopmental gene polymorphisms in prematurely born individuals influence hypoxia-related oxidative stress

Preterm born (PTB) infants are at risk for injuries related to oxidative stress. We investigated the association between antioxidant and neurodevelopmental gene polymorphisms and oxidative stress parameters in PTB male young adults and their term-born counterparts at rest and during exercise. Healthy young PTB (N = 22) and full-term (N = 15) males underwent graded exercise tests in normobaric normoxic (FiO2 = 0.21) and hypoxic (FiO2 = 0.13) conditions. CAT rs1001179 was associated with decrease in nitrites in the whole group and in PTB individuals (P = 0.017 and P = 0.043, respectively). GPX1 rs1050450 was associated with decrease in ferric reducing antioxidant power in the whole group and in full-term individuals (P = 0.017 and P = 0.021, respectively). HIF1A rs11549465 was associated with decrease in nitrotyrosine and increase in malondialdehyde (P = 0.022 and P = 0.018, respectively). NOTCH4 rs367398 was associated with increase in advanced oxidation protein products and nitrites (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004, respectively) in hypoxia. In normoxia, NOTCH4 rs367398 was associated with increase in malondialdehyde in the whole group (P = 0.043). BDNF rs6265 was associated with decreased nitrites/nitrates in the whole group and in PTB individuals (P = 0.009 and P = 0.043, respectively). Polymorphisms in investigated genes and PTB might influence oxidative stress response after exercise in normoxic or hypoxic conditions far beyond the neonatal period in young male adults.

Medicinal Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia, Caesalpinia bonduc and Quercus infectoria Extracts

Medicinal plants have therapeutic value because of the chemical substances present in them. This study was performed to explore the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of three medicinally important plants, such as Caesalpinia bonduc (karanjuwa), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), and Quercus infectoria (Majuphal) extract; that are locally used for the cure of various diseases, particularly dengue fever. To study the anti-bacterial, phytochemical and antioxidative potential of these plants, plant extracts were made in ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate. Antibacterial assay revealed that all the selected plant extracts of C. bonduc, T. cordifolia, and Q. infectoria variably inhibited the growth of test bacterial strains. The maximum antibacterial activity observed for the ethyl acetate extract of T. cordifolia was against Bacillus (41 mm) and Pseudomonas (38 mm). Phytochemical analysis of extracts of C. bonduc, T. cordifolia, and Q. infectoria revealed the presence of alkaloids, quinones, flavonoids, phenols, and reducing sugars. Antioxidative analysis of the extracts of C. bonduc, T. cordifolia, and Q. infectoria, as revealed by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay (66%, 62% and 77%), phosphomolybdate (480, 520 and 490 µg/ml), showed ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (266%, 371% and 265%), and total flavonoid content (75%, 170% and 155%) assay. Due to significant antibacterial and antioxidant potential, the extract of T. cordifolia was subjected to Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis that confirmed the presence of different bioactive components in the extract of T. cordifolia (Giloy). Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrophotometry (GCMS) analysis of the bioactive fractions revealed Phthalic acid and Benzene acetic acid as the compounds responsible for imparting good antibacterial and antioxidative potential to the ethyl acetate extract of T. cordifolia. These findings highlight the potential of T. cordifolia as a valuable medicinal plant for the development of future antimicrobial drugs.