Ferric-reducing Power Research Articles

Evaluation of Free Radical Scavenging and Polyphenolic Contents of Bark of <i>Pterygota alata</i> Roxb

Pterygota alata is a large deciduous tree of Malvaceae family. The present study was designed to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activity of stem bark of the plant. Ferric reducing power (FRP) test, 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging test and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay were used to detect the antioxidant activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined as they are well known phytochemicals with antioxidant property. The bark of the plant showed efficient reducing power as well as free radical scavenging property (IC50 values 52.25 - 172.05). The bark also found rich in total phenolic and flavonoid content. The highest amount of total phenolic content was found in chloroform soluble fraction (29.898 µg/mL) followed by ethyl acetate soluble fraction (15.88 µg/mL). The highest content of total flavonoid also detected in chloroform soluble fraction (107.56 µg/mL) but followed by crude ethanol extract (98.66 µg/mL). Overall, the bark of the plant possesses significant antioxidant activity, therefore can be used as a good natural source of antioxidant. © 2014 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v6i3.17586 J. Sci. Res. 6 (3), 543-552 (2014)

Effect of extraction technique on the content and antioxidant activity of crude extract of Anacyclus clavatus flowers and their essential oil composition

Anacyclus clavatus is a plant used as food and remedy. The objective of this work was to study the effect of extraction technique on the antioxidant property, total phenol and flavonoid contents of crude extracts from A. clavatus flowers and their essential oil composition. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ferric-reducing power, β-carotene and total antioxidant capacity assays have demonstrated the significant antioxidant ability of different crude extracts obtained by using the following extraction methods: Soxhlet, microwave heating, heat reflux (HRE) and maceration. The activity of the extract obtained by HRE was the highest (112.06 ± 2.89 μg/mL) evaluated by the DPPH assay. Extraction of essential oil was performed by microwave-assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD) and by hydro-distillation (HD). A significant difference was observed in both essential oils, despite the common main family and major constituents, such as artemisia ketone (10.0 ± 0.8% for MAHD vs. 6.5 ± 0.5 for HD) and pinocarvone (4.1 ± 0.4% for MAHD vs. 1.1 ± 0.1% for HD).

Changes in bioactive phytochemical content and in vitro antioxidant activity of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) as influenced by fruit ripening

In the present study, three varieties (Wild, Fleshy and Sisam) of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pods were analyzed for their bioactive phytochemical content and antioxidant activities (AA) at three ripening stages. The results showed that the samples have the highest total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC) and ascorbic acid content (AAC) in the unripe stage. The antioxidant activity examined using free radical scavenging effect against 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing power (FRP) and ferrous iron chelating (FIC) assays decreased significantly throughout the ripening. Extremely significant correlations (p<0.001) were found between phytochemical compound contents (TPC, TFC and AAC) and assessed antioxidant activities, except between AAC and FIC where just a very significant correlation (p<0.01) was recorded. Our data revealed that extracts of unripe C. siliqua L. are an excellent source of natural antioxidants that might be more widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries.

ACE inhibitory, hypotensive and antioxidant peptide fractions from Mucuna pruriens proteins

Hydrolysates and peptide fractions obtained from Mucuna pruriens protein concentrate were studied for their angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory, hypotensive and antioxidant activities. The hydrolysate obtained by pepsin–pancreatin (HPP) was the most active with an ACE IC50 value of 19.5μg/mL, a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value of 102.8mM/mg and a ferric reducing power (FRP) IC50 of 67.2μg/mL. At a dose of 5mg/kg HPP decrease systolic (32.2%) and diastolic (37%) blood pressure in rats more pronounced than Captopril. The peptide fraction <1kDa from HPP was the most active with an ACE inhibitory of 10.2μg/mL (IC50), a TEAC value of 709.8mM/mg and a FRP IC50 of 54.9μg/mL. These results indicate that the hydrolysates and peptide fractions of M. pruriens would be used as nutraceuticals ingredients for preventing and providing therapy against hypertension and diseases related to oxidative damage.

Possibilities of organic and conventional wines differentiation on the basis of multivariate analysis of their characteristics (EPR, UV–Vis, HPLC and AAS study)

Proving of affiliation of wine sample to either organic or conventional production system and of its geographical origin although important both for consumer safety and food control authorities is still problematic. Characteristics of Slovak and some European wines obtained by spectroscopic methods including atomic absorption spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography and isotachophoresis processed subsequently by multivariate statistics were successfully used to differentiate Slovak organic and conventional wines according to their affiliation to production system and, at the same time, to differentiate the Slovak organic and conventional wine samples from those, produced in other European countries. From totally 74 determined experimental characteristics, concentration of Fe and Cu, ferric-reducing power values, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity values evaluated from ·DPPH assay by EPR (\(\tiny \small \text{TEAC}_{{^{\cdot} \text{DPPH(EPR)}}}\)), ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE), % of radicals scavenged, concentration of citric acid, catechin and epicatechin, but also color values a* and chromaticity were identified by ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD multiple comparison and stepwise discrimination tests as the most promising characteristics for white wines differentiation, whereas Fe content and AAE for the differentiation of red wines. Recognition and prediction ability tests of the Slovak white organic and conventional wines reached 100 %, whereas in case of red wines, correctness of recognition reached 90.5 % and of the prediction ability, 90 %. High correctness of differentiation of organic and conventional samples according to the origin of wine was obtained, reaching 95.8 % for white wines and 80.7 % for red wines, with two Slovak wines misclassified as wines of Czech origin.

Chemical Constituents, Antimicrobial Activity, Antioxidant and Total Phenolic Content in the Leaves of Thecocarpus Meifolious Boiss. Umbelliferae Herbs Growing Wild in Iran

Water-distilled essential oil from the leaves of Thecocarpus meifolious Boiss – a plant that is endemic to Iran, collected from province of Chaharmahal-Bakhtiyari (west of Iran), was analyzed by the GC and GC/MS techniques. The leaf oil of T. meifolious was investigated for its antimicrobial activity, antioxidant and total phenolic content. The antioxidative properties of this oil were determined by three methods: ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), radical-scavenging capacity of the oil or bleaching of 2,20-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and β-carotene – linoleic acid assay. In the leaf oil of T. meifolious, 30 components representing 97.53% of the total composition have been identified. Spathulenol (20.51%), camphor (10.20%) and caryophyllene oxide (10.35%) are the major components in this oil. This oil exhibited significant activity against all Gram-positive bacteria (especially, Candida albicans) and moderate inhibitory activity against the Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli was insensitive to the oil). Bactericidal kinetics of the leaf oil of T. meifolious indicates that C. albicans is the most vulnerable strain. Total phenolic contents of the leaf oil of T. meifolious was determined to be 126.80 ± 8.50 μg Gallic acid equivalent/mg sample. The ferric reducing power of this oil was determined to be 8.55 ± 0.5 gallic acid equivalent (mg/g). The leaf essential oil of T. meifolious reduced the concentration of DPPH free radical (55.6 ± 1.5%, 10 mg/mL of essential oil), with an efficacy lower than that of reference Thymus x-porlock oil (69.3% inhibition). IC50 for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 3.75 μg/mL. In β-carotene-linoleic acid test system, oxidation of linoleic acid was effectively inhibited by T. meifolious oil (40.65 ± 2.5%, 0.625 mg/mL of essential oil). The results suggest application of T. meifolious oil as a natural antioxidant agent.

Effects of extraction conditions on the recovery of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp

The extraction of phenolic compounds from carob pulp was studied. The effects of solvent nature (acetone, ethanol, methanol and water), solvent concentration (40–100%), solid-to-solvent ratio (15/10 to 75/10 mg/ml), extraction time (60–120 min) and extraction temperature (25–90°C) were investigated. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were used for determination of phenolic compounds of carob pulp extract, whereas the antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the free radical-scavenging activity and the ferric-reducing power. Experimental results showed that all examined parameters had statistically significant (p < 0.05) effects on phenolic compound extraction and antioxidant activities of extracts. The best extraction conditions were 70% acetone, 25 mg/10 ml, 90 min and 90°C with values of 3554 mgGAE/100 gDW, 1700 mgQE/100 gDW, 4032 mgAAE/100 gDW and 3929 mgAAE/100 gDW for the total phenolic content, the total flavonoid content, the free radical-scavenging activity and the ferric-reducing power, respectively. As a function of investigated extraction parameters, phenolic compound contents were positively correlated with antioxidant activities.

A Comparative Study of the Antioxidant Properties of Three Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) Varieties

The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of different pineapple varieties namely Josephine ( Ananas comosus L. var. comosus cv. Josephine), Morris ( Ananas comosus L. var. comosus cv. Morris), and Sarawak ( Ananas comosus L. var. comosus cv. Sarawak). Different concentrations of methanol, ethanol, and acetone were used to extract the phenolic compounds. Folin Ciocalteu’s reagent was used to determine the total phenolic content. The ascorbic acid content of the fruit extracts was determined using the iodine titration method. The antioxidant activity of the pineapples was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrzyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the Ferric Reducing Power (FRP) assay and the Ferrous Ion Chelating (FIC) assay. 50% methanol was chosen as the best solvent for extracting the phenolic compounds of the pineapples. Morris pineapple was found to contain the highest TPC (53.8±0.7 mg GAE/100g fruits) and antioxidant activity. This variety was also found to have the highest DPPH scavenging activity (25.2±0.5 mg AA/100g fruits), FRP (29.6 mg GAE/100g fruits) and FIC ability (8%/100g fruits). Despite having a higher TPC than the Sarawak variety, Josephine exhibited a low scavenging activity. Strong positive correlations (R 2 = 0.9943) were observed between the ascorbic acid content and scavenging activity, as well as between TPC and FRP (R 2 = 0.9475). Only a weak correlation (R 2 = 0.158) was observed between corrected TPC and FRP. FIC ability was observed in all the extracts.

Antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts and fractions of Crescentia cujete leaves and stem bark and the involvement of phenolic compounds

BackgroundAntioxidant compounds like phenols and flavonoids scavenge free radicals and thus inhibit the oxidative mechanisms that lead to control degenerative and other diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity in vitro, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in ethanol extracts and fractions of Crescentia cujete leaves and stem bark.MethodsCrescentia cujete leaves and bark crude ethanol extract (CEE) and their partitionates petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous (AQF) were firstly prepared. Different established testing methods, such as 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, ferric reducing power (FRP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays were used to detect the antioxidant activity. Further, the total yield, total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of CEE and all the fractions were determined. Ethanol extracts of both leaves and stem bark were also subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to detect the presence of secondary metabolites, using standard phytochemical methods (Thin layer chromatography and spray reagents).ResultsPhytochemical screening of crude ethanol extract of both leaves and stem bark revealed the presence of steroids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and terpenoids. All the fractions and CEE of leaves and bark exhibited antioxidant activities, however, EAF of leaves showing the highest antioxidant activity based on the results of DPPH, FRP and TAC assay tests. The above fraction has shown the significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 8.78 μg/ml) when compared with standard ascorbic acid (IC50 =7.68 μg/ml). The TAC and FRP activities increased with increasing crude extract/fractions content. The TPC (371.23 ± 15.77 mg GAE/g extract) and TFC (144.64 ± 5.82 mg QE/g extract) of EAF of leaves were found significantly higher as compared to other solvent fractions for both leaves and bark. TPC were highly correlated with the antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.9268 and 0.8515 in DPPH test for leaves and bark, respectively).ConclusionThe results of the study show that leaves of C. cujete possesses significant free radical scavenging properties compared with stem bark and a clear correlation exists between the antioxidant activity and phenolic content.

New chitin, chitosan, and O-carboxymethyl chitosan sources from resting eggs of Daphnia longispina (Crustacea); with physicochemical characterization, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

The paper describes the isolation and characterization of chitin and chitosan from Daphnia longispina resting eggs harvested from a reservoir. Resting eggs are fertilized eggs that are encased in chitinous shells called ‘ephippia’ and which ensure the survival of the Daphnia population in adverse conditions. The chitin-content of D. longispina resting eggs was found to be 23 ∼ 25% and the chitosan (having a 70 ∼ 75% deacetylation degree) yield of the chitin was 76 ∼ 77%. This high chitin-content indicates that D. longispina resting eggs can be exploited as a chitin source. The structure and thermal properties of chitin, extracted from D. longispina resting eggs, were characterized by employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The crystallinity of the chitin was found to be very low (48%). Physicochemicallycharacterized chitosan and the produced O-carboxymethyl chitosan were tested for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. It has been observed that chitosan displays antimicrobial activity against all pathogenic bacteria, whereas O-carboxymethyl chitosan only exhibits inhibition activity against L. garvieae, L. Monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Y. enterocolitica NCTC 11175 and S. aureus ATCC 25923. In a free radical scavenging activity assay, the IC50 values of chitosan, O-carboxymethyl chitosan and butylated hydroxytoluene were found to be 23.01, 56.43 and 0.05, respectively. The ferric-reducing power of O-carboxymethyl chitosan (EC50 = 8.30) indicated higher activity than chitosan (EC50 = 10.12).

Effects of chebulic acid on advanced glycation endproducts-induced collagen cross-links.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been implicated in the development of diabetic complications. We report the antiglycating activity of chebulic acid (CA), isolated from Terminalia chebula on breaking the cross-links of proteins induced by AGEs and inhibiting the formation of AGEs. Aminoguanidine (AG) reduced 50% of glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA) with glycolaldehyde (glycol-BSA)-induced cross-links of collagen at a concentration of 67.8 ± 2.5 mM, the level of CA required for exerting a similar antiglycating activity was 38.8 ± 0.5 µM. Also, the breaking activity on collagen cross-links induced by glycol-BSA was potent with CA (IC50=1.46 ± 0.05 mM), exhibiting 50-fold stronger breaking activity than with ALT-711, a well-known cross-link breaker (IC50=72.2 ± 2.4 mM). IC50 values of DPPH· scavenging activity for CA and ascorbic acid (AA) were 39.2 ± 4.9 and 19.0 ± 1.2 µg dry matter (DM) mL(-1), respectively, and ferric reducing and antioxidant power (FRAP) activities for CA and AA were 4.70 ± 0.06 and 11.4 ± 0.1 mmol/FeSO4·7H2O/g DM, respectively. The chelating activities of CA, AG and ALT711 on copper-catalyzed oxidation of AA were compared, and in increasing order, ALT-711 (IC50 of 1.92 ± 0.20 mM)<CA (IC50 of 0.96 ± 0.07 mM)<AG (0.47 ± 0.05 mM). Thus, CA could be a breaker as well as an inhibitor of AGE cross-linking, the activity of which may be explained in large part by its chelating and antioxidant activities, suggesting that CA may constitute a promising antiglycating candidate in intervening AGE-mediated diabetic complications.

SYNTHESIS OF 1H-BENZOXAZINE-2,4-DIONES FROM HETEROCYCLIC ANHYDRIDES: EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES

A facile one-step synthesis of 1H-benzoxazine-2,4-diones from heterocyclic anhydrides and TMSA was described. This paper determines their antimicrobial activity against nine human bacterial pathogens by the broth microdilution method; antioxidant activity by DPPH• inactivation and a ferric-reducing power assay; and toxicity by a brine shrimp, Artemia salina, assay. The 1H-benzoxazine-2,4-dione yields were in the range of 57 to 98%. The novel compound 1H-pyrazino[2,3-][1,3]oxazine-2,4-dione 4c showed the highest antioxidant capacity (DPPH 35.4% and FRAP 0.063 µmol TEs/µmol).

Comparison of Three Different Frequency Drying Methods for Barley Chewable Tablets

The effect of 27 MHz radio-frequency (27 RF), 915 MHz microwave (915 MW), and 2450 MHz microwave (2450 MW) on drying of barley chewable tablets was examined experimentally. It was observed that the dielectric constant was decreased with the moisture content reduction. Penetration depths of samples treated with 27 RF were the highest. The quality of products was evaluated according to color, temperature, ferric-reducing power, and DPPH scavenging. 2450 MW played a positive role in improving antioxidant properties. The comprehensive view is that radio-frequency technology may be a promising drying method for food processing.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Rhoeo spathacea (Swartz) Stearn leaves.

The decoction and infusion of Rhoeo spathacea (Swartz) Stearn leaves have been recognized as a functional food particularly in South America, but has not yet gained international popularity as a beverage. The primary aim of this study was to establish the viability of R. spathacea aqueous leaf extracts as a beverage, in terms of its antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity. The antioxidant contents of aqueous and methanol leaf extracts were evaluated by the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays. The antioxidant activities measured were DPPH radical scavenging activity (FRS), ferric reducing power (FRP) and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) activity. The aqueous leaf extracts in the forms of decoction and infusion, were found to have comparable TPC and antioxidant activity with other herbal teas previously reported by our research group. Both decoction and infusion also exhibited antibacterial activity against six species of Gram positive and four species of Gram negative bacteria, notably methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A total of four different known phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC and MS, three of which have not been previously reported to be found in this plant. Both the decoction and infusion of the leaves R. spathacea have potential to be popularized into a common beverage.

PASS-predicted Vitex negundo activity: antioxidant and antiproliferative properties on human hepatoma cells-an in vitro study

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma is a common type of tumour worldwide with a high mortality rate and with low response to current cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic drugs. The prediction of activity spectra for the substances (PASS) software, which predicted that more than 300 pharmacological effects, biological and biochemical mechanisms based on the structural formula of the substance was efficiently used in this study to reveal new multitalented actions for Vitex negundo (VN) constituents.MethodsExperimental studies based on antioxidant and antiproliferative assays verified the predictions obtained by the PASS-predicted design strategy. Antioxidant activity of VN extract was studied using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing or antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antiproliferative activity of VN extract against WRL68 and HepG2 was investigated based on methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) spectrophotometric assay.ResultsVN extract showed 79.43% inhibition of DPPH stable radical with IC50 13.31 ± 0.18 μg/ml. This inhibition was too closed to butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) 82.53% (IC5013.8 ± 0.14) and gallic acid 89.51% (IC50 3.1 ± 0.08). VN extract exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging power compared with two commercial antioxidants, BHT and ascorbic acid. VN increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes in normal embryonic liver cells (WRL68) including, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) compared with to H2O2 group. The ethanolic extract of VN showed cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner with IC50 66.46 μg/ml, 57.36 μg/ml and 65.12 μg/ml at 24, 48, and 72-hours incubation respectively, with no sensitivity in WRL68 cells. This was associated with significant elevation in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in HepG2 cells. In addition, the activation of caspase-3 enzyme suggesting that the observed cytotoxicity was mediated via an intrinsic apoptosis pathway.ConclusionsPASS-predicted plant activity could efficiently help in selecting a promising pharmaceutical leads with high accuracy and required antioxidant and antiproliferative properties. This is the first report on PASS-predicted VN activity.

Antioxidant and gas chromatographic analysis of five varieties of jackfruit (Artocarpus) seed oils

BackgroundThe present effort was to evaluate antioxidant activities and lipid profiling of five varieties of seed oils of the jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus, Artocarpus integrifolia, Artocarpus hirsutus, Artocarpus incisus, and Artocarpus integer), one of the most ancient fruits indigenous to Western Ghats of India. Materials and methodsSoxhlet extraction method was used for the extraction of oil, antioxidant activities estimated by well-known methods together with, fatty acid composition of jackfruit seed oils were determined with Gas Chromatography. ResultsThe seed oil was extracted using soxhlet extraction method with analytical grade hexane as refluxing solvent. The seed oil exhibited striking Diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging Assay (DPPH), ferric reducing or antioxidant power assay (FRAP), reducing power assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Fatty acid profile was analyzed by comparing retention times of gas chromatogram peaks of test seed oils with that of retention times of the authentic standards. ConclusionArtocarpus seed oils show signs of remarkable antioxidant properties and as priceless food in providing essential fatty acids and its antioxidant activities supportive in the maintenance of health and as medicine in the management of various chronic diseases.

Coulometric titration with electrogenerated oxidants as a tool for evaluation of cognac and brandy antioxidant properties

Stoichiometric coefficients for reactions of cognac antioxidants with coulometric titrants (electrogenerated bromine and hexacyanoferrate(III) ions) have been found. Ellagic and gallic acids react with both titrants while aldehydes (vanillin, syringic and coniferaldehyde) – with electrogenerated bromine only. Furfurals do not show significant reactivity toward both oxidants. Cognac and brandy total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ferric reducing power (FRP) based on reactions with electrogenerated bromine and hexacyanoferrate(III) ions, respectively, have been evaluated. Both parameters for cognacs are statistically significant higher than for brandies and grow with the age increase. Beverages under investigation has shown relatively high antiradical activity toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (7–92% and 5–93% for cognacs and brandies, respectively). Total phenolics content has been evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu method. Older beverages represent the higher phenolics content caused by more time of extraction from oak barrels. Positive correlations (r=0.8077–0.9617) have been observed for TAC and FRP with antiradical activity and total phenolics content.

Antioxidant Activity Relationships of Pachymaran Derivatives

In this study, carboxymethyl, sulfated and carboxymethyl-sulfated derivatives of pachymaran were prepared. According to the results of chemical analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrums, the modification was successful. The scanning electron microscopy suggested that the structure of native pachymaran was damaged when the samples were treated with different chemical reagents. The antioxidant activities of all the samples were investigated including ferric-reducing power assay, superoxide scavenging assay, hydroxyl scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay. The result indicated that different derivatives exhibited different antioxidant activity on free radicals. The carboxymethylpachymaran showed stronger antioxidant activity on hydroxyl radical (EC50 = 2.3 mg/mL) than sulfated pachymaran but lower ability on superoxide anion (EC50 = 2.5 mg/mL). While, compared with carboxymethylpachymaran and sulfated pachymaran, carboxymethyl-sulfated pachymaran showed the highest antioxidant abilities on ferric-reducing power, hydroxyl radicals scavenging (79.4%), superoxide radicals scavenging (84.2%) and lipid peroxidation inhibition (63.2%) of the three derivatives. Practical Application Poria cocos, namely Fuling, has been widely accepted as a traditional health-maintaining food in the Orient, e.g., in China, Japan and Korea, and has many culinary and medical uses such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, complement activating and immune stimulating activities. Fungi polysaccharides are now being considered to be a rich source of antioxidants, and the modified pachymaran can be widely used in the medicinal, functional food and other industries.

Structural characterization and antioxidant properties of polysaccharides from two Schisandra fruits

Different polysaccharides (NPS1-1 and BPS1-1) were obtained from Schisandra sphenanthera and Schisandra chinensis fruits by hot-water extraction, DEAE-52 ion-exchange column chromatography and Sephadex G-150 gel filtration chromatography. Structure characteristic and antioxidant properties of NPS1-1 and BPS1-1 were comparatively investigated by gas chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, multi-angle laser light scattering analysis, atomic force microscope, circular dichroism spectroscopy, scavenging DPPH free radicals assay, ferric-reducing power assay and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, respectively. Results showed that physicochemical and antioxidant properties of NPS1-1 and BPS1-1 were different from each other. Molecular weights of NPS1-1 and BPS1-1 were 2.22 × 106 and 2.66 × 106, respectively. NPS1-1 and BPS1-1 could be a kind of rhamnogalacturonan, and the sugar chain contained pyran configurations and β-glycosidic linkages. Significant differences in the surface features and particle distribution of NPS1-1 and BPS1-1 were detected. NPS1-1 showed higher antioxidant abilities on ferric-reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. The results would be helpful for the further use of the two fruits.

Antioxidant and Functional Properties of Fish Protein Hydrolysates from Fresh Water Carp (Catla catla ) as Influenced by the Nature of Enzyme

Fish protein hydrolysates were prepared from Catla catla using different proteases viz. alcalase, bromelain, flavorzyme and protamex and designated as HA (alcalase), HB (bromelain), HF (flavorzyme) and HP (protamex), respectively. HB was found to have higher 2, 2 diphynyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging activity followed by HF, HP and HA. HB had higher ferric-reducing power followed by HP, HF and HA. Linoleic acid peroxidation inhibition of HA, HB, HF and HP were 54 ± 4.75, 50 ± 2.60, 49 ± 3.00 and 36 ± 6.15%, respectively. Higher emulsion stability index and foaming capacity were recorded for HB. The emulsion activity index was higher in HP (52.76 ± 1.27 m2/g). The foaming stability was found to be good in HF. Practical Application The properties of fish protein hydrolysates from Catla catla using different enzymes have been studied. The protein hydrolysates prepared from C. catla can be used as antioxidant and functional ingredient in the processed food products. Among four different enzymes used, bromelain was effective in obtaining the protein hydrolysate with desired antioxidant and functional properties. The potential to use bromelain for hydrolysate preparation is high considering the abundance of pineapples in southern India.