Ferulic Acid Ethyl Ester Research Articles

Lipase‐catalyzed transesterification of virgin and refined hemp seed oil with ferulic acid ethyl ester

AbstractThe transesterification of ethyl ferulate (EF) and unrefined, virgin, cold pressed hemp seed oil (HOV) and refined, bleached, deodorized cold pressed hemp seed oil (HOR) using a commercial lipase, Novozym 435 (Candida antarctica B lipase immobilized on an acrylic resin), was examined in 150‐mL, shaken, batch reactions at 60°C for 2 weeks. The reactions produced feruloylated hemp seed oils, FHOV and FHOR, respectively, and the reactions were monitored to determine the difference between virgin and refined hemp seed oil on the transesterifications. The FHOV and FHOR reactions both reached EF conversion equilibrium of 58% after ca. 168 h. Ultraviolet (UV) absorbing and antioxidant capacity of the FHOV and FHOR were determined. Both FHOV and FHOR (50 μM in ethanol) were excellent UVA II absorbers, λmax 322 nm, and exhibited absorption into the UVB. The DDPH* radical (200 μM) scavenging of the FHOV and FHOR (0.25–2.5 mM) were both shown to be rapid antioxidants (50% DDPH* radical scavenged in <5 min) at 1.0 and 2.5 mM suggesting that inherent components contained in the HOV did not adversely affect enzyme activity relative to transesterification using HOR. Overall, using less expensive, unrefined, virgin hemp seed oil versus more expensive, refined hemp seed oil did not appreciably affect the enzyme kinetics of the transesterification reactions nor the UV absorbing and antioxidant efficacy of the resultant feruloylated hemp seed oils, making FHOV a less expensively produced feruloylated hemp seed oil for cosmetic and personal care applications.

Characterization of the structural and molecular interactions of Ferulic acid ethyl ester with human serum albumin and Lysozyme through multi-methods

Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) is an essential raw material for the formulation of drugs for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and leukopenia. It is also used as a fixed aroma agent for food production due to its high pharmacological activity. In this study, the interaction of FAEE with Human serum albumin (HSA) and Lysozyme (LZM) was characterized by multi-spectrum and molecular dynamics simulations at four different temperatures. Additionally, the quenching mechanism of FAEE-HSA and FAEE-LZM were explored. Meanwhile, the binding constants, binding sites, thermodynamic parameters, molecular dynamics, molecular docking binding energy, and the influence of metal ions in the system were evaluated. The results of Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, CD, three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum, and resonance light scattering showed that the microenvironment of HSA and LZM and the protein conformation changed in the presence of FAEE. Furthermore, the effects of some common metal ions on the binding constants of FAEE-HSA and FAEE-LZM were investigated. Overall, the experimental results provide a theoretical basis for promoting the application of FAEE in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries and significant guidance for food safety, drug design, and development.

Evidence of enhanced inhibitory potential of Ferulic Acid Ethyl Ester towards modulating fibrillation and disassembling insulin fibrils

The conversion of native conformation of protein into proteotoxic insoluble entities is not only confined to the protein misfolding diseases(PMDs) but also associated with pharmaceutically important proteins like insulin during the process of manufacturing/administration. Also all the neurodegenerative diseases are marked with increased level of oxidative stress. Thus finding anti-aggregation agents having anti-oxidant potential is utmost important to combat these complications. Herein, we performed biophysical, computational and imaging techniques to decipher the anti-aggregation propensity of a naturally occurring hydroxycinnamate- Ferulic acid ethyl ester(FAEE) that can cross blood brain barrier. Rayleigh light scattering(RLS) measurements, dye binding assays, Circular dichroism(CD) and Dynamic light scattering(DLS) measurements confirmed the efficient inhibition of insulin fibrillation by FAEE. The Stern-Volmer plot analysis reflected both the static and dynamic quenching mechanism of insulin by FAEE. Molecular docking and simulations results showed that FAEE bind and stabilizes the monomeric state of insulin with binding energy −6.3 kcal/mol. Moreover, the inhibiting effect of FAEE on the elongation phase of onward fibrillation in addition with triggering its fibril disassembling capability was also investigated. Both the stabilization of the protein structure and the restriction of monomers recruitment necessary for the fibrillar growth acts synergistically in providing FAEE its anti-aggregation effect. Appearance of significantly lesser and shortened fibrils in FAEE presence was depicted by transmission electron microscopy. Overall, our finding establishes for the first time the anti-amyloidogenic role of lipophilic FAEE which can cross blood brain barrier. These findings may inspire the development of FAEE based formulations that could possibly treat amyloid-related diseases.

Cellular Stress Response (Hormesis) in Response to Bioactive Nutraceuticals with Relevance to Alzheimer Disease.

Significance: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia associated with aging. As the large Baby Boomer population ages, risk of developing AD increases significantly, and this portion of the population will increase significantly over the next several decades. Recent Advances: Research suggests that a delay in the age of onset by 5 years can dramatically decrease both the incidence and cost of AD. In this review, the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in AD is examined in the context of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and biliverdin reductase-A (BVR-A) and the beneficial potential of selected bioactive nutraceuticals. Critical Issues: Nrf2, a transcription factor that binds to enhancer sequences in antioxidant response elements (ARE) of DNA, is significantly decreased in AD brain. Downstream targets of Nrf2 include, among other proteins, HO-1. BVR-A is activated when biliverdin is produced. Both HO-1 and BVR-A also are oxidatively or nitrosatively modified in AD brain and in its earlier stage, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), contributing to the oxidative stress, altered insulin signaling, and cellular damage observed in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. Bioactive nutraceuticals exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties and are potential topics of future clinical research. Specifically, ferulic acid ethyl ester, sulforaphane, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and resveratrol target Nrf2 and have shown potential to delay the progression of AD in animal models and in some studies involving MCI patients. Future Directions: Understanding the regulation of Nrf2 and its downstream targets can potentially elucidate therapeutic options for delaying the progression of AD. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 643-669.

Herbicidal Active Compound Ferulic Acid Ethyl Ester Affects Fatty Acid Synthesis by Targeting the 3-Ketoacyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Synthase I (KAS I)

Exploring new herbicide targets based on natural product derivatives is an important research aspect for the generation of innovative pesticides. Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE), a natural product derivative from ferulic acid, has significant herbicidal activity mainly by inhibiting the normal growth of weed seedling roots. However, the FAEE target protein underlying its herbicidal activity has not been identified. In this study, we synthesized an FAEE probe to locate its site of action. We discovered that FAEE entry point was via the root tips. Fourteen major binding proteins were identified using Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) combined with LC-MS/MS, which included 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase I (KAS I) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase I (PAL I). The KAS I and PAL I proteins/genes expression was changed significantly after exposure to FAEE, as evidenced by combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. A molecular docking assay indicated that KAS I and FAEE had a strong binding ability. Combined with previous studies on FAEE mechanism of action, and based on our results, we conclude that FAEE targeting KAS I lead to the blockage of the fatty acid synthesis pathway and result in plant death.

FAEE exerts a protective effect against osteoporosis by regulating the MAPK signalling pathway

Context Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) is abundant in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Apiaceae) and grains, and possesses diverse biological activities; but the effects of FAEE on osteoporosis has not been reported. Objective This study investigated whether FAEE can attenuate osteoclastogenesis and relieve ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis via attenuating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Materials and methods We stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) followed by FAEE. The roles of FAEE in osteoclast production and osteogenic resorption of mature osteoclasts were evaluated by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, expression of osteoclast-specific genes, proteins and MAPK. Ovariectomized (OVX) female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered FAEE (20 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks to explore its potential in vivo, and then histology was undertaken in combination with cytokines analyses. Results FAEE suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast formation (96 ± 0.88 vs. 15 ± 1.68) by suppressing the expression of osteoclast-specific genes, proteins and MAPK signalling pathway related proteins (p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK and p-P38/P38) in vitro. In addition, OVX rats exposed to FAEE maintained their normal calcium (Ca) (2.72 ± 0.02 vs. 2.63 ± 0.03, p < 0.05) balance, increased oestradiol levels (498.3 ± 9.43 vs. 398.7 ± 22.06, p < 0.05), simultaneously reduced levels of bone mineral density (BMD) (0.159 ± 0.0016 vs. 0.153 ± 0.0025, p < 0.05) and bone mineral content (BMC) (0.8 ± 0.0158 vs. 0.68 ± 0.0291, p < 0.01). Discussion and conclusions These findings suggested that FAEE could be used to ameliorate osteoporosis by the MAPK signalling pathway, suggesting that FAEE could be a potential therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis.

Novozym435-Gold Nanoparticles Biohybrids as an Efficient Catalyst for Synthesis of Ferulic Acid Starch Ester.

Novozym435-gold nanoparticles biohybrids (NAuB) were synthesized and characterized in this work, with subsequent investigations on their catalytic activities and stability in compared with the initial form of Novozym435. This is a new way to modify immobilized enzyme by physical means. The elemental analysis of NAuB showed that Au was also the major element except C and O. The results of TEM and EDX demonstrated that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could be formed in the protein molecular network structure or on the surface of protein in the pores of Novozym435. The optimal process parameters for synthesis NAuB: synthesis temperature of 35 °C, HAuCl₄ concentration of 0.02 mg/mL, synthesis time of 24 h. Using the transesterification of starch with ferulic acid ethyl ester as the reaction model, preliminary results pointed to excellent stabilities, solvent tolerance and activities as compared with Novozym435. As for a isooctane:dimethyl sulfoxide system, transesterification of starch with ferulic acid ethyl ester was carried out at 6% (w/w) NAuB and 60 °C for 24 h, a maximum DS of 0.2650 was obtained.

Protection of Antioxidants, Vitamins E and C, from Ultraviolet Degradation using Feruloylated Vegetable Oil

AbstractNatural antioxidants are often used in topical personal care formulations to protect the skin from oxidative stresses but are susceptible to degradation due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Feruloyl soy glycerols (FSG) are UV absorbers synthesized from the biocatalytic conversion of soybean oil and ferulic acid ethyl ester that have a total UV absorbance and photostability comparable to the commercial UV absorber, 2‐ethylhexyl‐4‐methoxycinnamate (octinoxate, ONX). We examined the ability of FSG and ONX to photoprotect the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E (VE), Vitamin C (VC), Vitamin E, and their derivatives, 6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylchroman‐2‐carboxylic acid (Trolox, TLX) and L‐ascorbic acid 6‐palmitate (Vitamin C palmitate, VCP), from UV degradation. VE, VC, TLX, and VCP (100 μM solutions) acted as rapid antioxidants, scavenging &gt;50% of the spontaneously formed free radical, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*, 200 μM), within 5 min in acetonitrile solutions. The vitamins and TLX were rendered slow antioxidants in the DDPH* assays, scavenging &lt;50% of DPPH* within 30 min, after exposure of the acetonitrile solutions to UV radiation for 4 hours. VCP solutions were rendered moderate antioxidants, scavenging &gt;50% of DPPH* within 30 min, after 4 hours exposure to UV radiation. FSG (100–1000 μM) was added to acetonitrile solutions of the vitamins and their derivatives to determine if FSG could photoprotect VE, TLX, VC, and VCP, allowing them to retain their antioxidant activities after 4 hours of UV irradiation. The addition of FSG, 500 and 1000 μM, allowed TLX and VE to retain rapid antioxidant activity after 4‐hour UV exposure. VC retained rapid antioxidant capacity with 100 μM FSG after 4 hours of UV exposure. FSG performed comparably to slightly better than the commercial UV absorber, ONX, in protecting the antioxidant activities of vitamins and their derivatives from UV degradation. FSG also possessed intrinsic antioxidant capacity that ONX did not, which may have contributed to its better performance when mixed with the vitamins and their derivatives in the DPPH* assays.

O-Hydroxycinnamate for sequential photouncaging of two different functional groups and its application in releasing cosmeceuticals.

We demonstrated a new approach for the sequential photouncaging of two different functional groups from o-hydroxycinnamate. The second caged molecule initially remains in the locked state and is released only after attaining its unlocked state upon in situ generation of the second phototrigger, i.e., coumarin, thereby leading to the sequential release of alcohol and carboxylic acid. We have utilised the above strategy for the controlled release of cosmeceutical agents.

Dual targeting agents for Aβ plaque/P-glycoprotein and Aβ plaque/nicotinic acetylcholine α4β2* receptors-potential approaches to facilitate Aβ plaque removal in Alzheimer's disease brain.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects 10% of people older than 65 and is characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive function with an abnormal accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the brain. Efforts to reduce brain Aβ plaques continue to be investigated as a therapeutic approach for AD. We report here development of dual targeting agents with affinity for Aβ plaque/P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and Aβ plaque/α4β 2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). These novel dual agents may be able to efflux Aβ plaques via the paravascular (glymphatic) pathways. Ferulic acid (FA), ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE), and curcumin (CUR) were used for Aβ plaques, fexofenadine (FEX) was used as substrate for Pgp and nifrolidine (NIF) was used for α4β 2* nAChRs. Aβ plaque/α4β 2* nAChR dual agent, FA-NIF (GKS-007) exhibited IC50 = 3-6 nM for α4β 2* nAChRs in [3H]cytisine-radiolabeled thalamus and frontal cortex in rat brain slices. In postmortem human AD frontal cortex, Aβ plaques labeled with [3H]PIB, FEX-CUR showed a 35% reduction in gray matter (GM)/white matter (WM) [3H]PIB binding, while CUR alone showed a 50% reduction. In vivo biodistribution studies are required of the Aβ-Pgp and Aβ-α4β 2* nAChRs dual targeting agents in order to evaluate their potential as therapeutic approaches for reducing brain Aβ plaques.

Bis‐Acetyl Carbazole: A Photoremovable Protecting Group for Sequential Release of Two Different Functional Groups and Its Application in Therapeutic Release

In this paper, we present fluorescent photoremovable protecting groups (FPRPG) based on bis‐acetyl carbazole for the release of two different functional groups such as carboxylic acids, alcohols, thiols, and amines in a sequential fashion. Dual‐arm caged bis‐acetyl carbazoles with different combinations of two unlike functional groups were synthesized. Photophysical studies showed that caged bis‐acetyl carbazoles are blue fluorescent and their emission properties are sensitive to the environment. Sequential photorelease of two different functional groups by bis‐acetyl carbazole was analyzed by HPLC, UV and emission spectroscopy. The mechanism of the dual release by bis‐acetyl carbazole was investigated and supported by TD‐DFT calculations. To demonstrate the applicability of the dual release ability of bis‐acetyl carbazole FPRPG, we synthesized a drug delivery system (DDS) in which one arm of bis‐acetyl carbazole is linked to the carboxylic functional group of chlorambucil (CBL) and the other arm is attached to the hydroxyl group of ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE). In vitro studies showed that our DDS presents excellent properties such as photoregulated dual drug delivery, cellular uptake, and biocompatibility.

Encapsulation of ferulic acid ethyl ester in caseinate to suppress off-flavor formation in UHT milk

Phenolic compounds can principally suppress the off-flavor development in ultrahigh temperature (UHT) treated milk, but little has been studied for lipophilic phenolic compounds that are to be encapsulated for even distribution in milk. The objective of this work was to study physicochemical properties of ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) encapsulated in sodium caseinate and the inhibition of volatile formation after UHT processing. The capsules had an average hydrodynamic diameter of 246.2±10.9nm, a polydispersity index of 0.26±0.01, and a zeta-potential of −31.72±0.74mV. The capsules and the encapsulated FAEE were stable after heating at 138°C for 16min and UV radiation at 365nm for 32h. The encapsulated FAEE at a level of 0.18–1.42mg/mL suppressed the formation of 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline in model UHT milk by 32.8–63.2% after 30-day storage at 30°C. Therefore, FAEE encapsulated in caseinate can be potentially used to improve the quality of UHT milk.

An unusual feruloyl esterase from Aspergillus oryzae: two tryptophan residues play a crucial role for the activity

The genome of Aspergillus oryzae encodes a hypothetical protein (annotated as AO090701000884), designated AoFaeD, which exhibits sequence identity to feruloyl esterases from Aspergillus clavatus, Coprinopsis cinerea, Neurospora crassa, and Pseudomonas fluorescens subsp. cellulosa. In this study, we cloned the AofaeD coding sequence into Pichia pastoris and demonstrated heterologous expression and secretion of active recombinant enzyme (rAoFaeD) as a 30-kDa protein in the culture medium. Purified rAoFaeD exhibited optimal activity at pH 7.0 and at 45°C, but was stable at a pH range of 7.0–10.0 and a temperature of 40°C. While wild-type rAoFaeD failed to cleave the methyl esters of ferulic acid (MFA), p-coumaric acid (MpCA), caffeic acid (MCA), and sinapic acid (MSA) and ethyl ester of ferulic acid (EFA), enzyme exhibited esterase activity when wheat arabinoxylan was used as a substrate, and this reaction was enhanced synergistically by the addition of xylanase. Notably, rAoFaeD variants in which one of the tryptophan residues (Trp142 or Trp144) located adjacent to the putative catalytic serine residue at position 143 (Ser143) was replaced with phenylalanine and tyrosine (W142F and W144Y), respectively, exhibited hydrolytic activity toward MFA, MpCA, MCA, MSA, and EFA. Moreover, these variants exhibited enhanced production of ferulic acid from wheat arabinoxylan compared to the wild-type protein, and the activity of these proteins was enhanced by the addition of xylanase.

Ferulic acid ethyl ester diminished Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced incapacitation through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) is a derivate from ferulic acid which reportedly has antioxidant effect; however, its role on inflammation was unknown. In this study, we investigated the orally administered FAEE anti-inflammatory activity on experimental inflammation models and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. CFA-induced arthritis has been evaluated by incapacitation model and radiographic knee joint records at different observation time. FAEE (po) reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema (p < 0.001) within the 1st to 5th hours at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses. FAEE 50 and 100 mg/kg, po inhibited leukocyte migration into air pouch model (p < 0.001), and myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities (p < 0.001) increased total thiol concentration and decreased the TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations, NO, and thiobarbituric acid reactive species. In the CFA-induced arthritis, FAEE 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly reduced the edema and the elevation paw time, a joint disability parameter, since second hour after arthritis induction (p < 0.001). FAEE presented rat joint protective activity in radiographic records (p < 0.001). The data suggest that the FAEE exerts anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting leukocyte migration, oxidative stress reduction, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The effect of ferulic acid ethyl ester on leptin-induced proliferation and migration of aortic smooth muscle cells.

Leptin is a peptide hormone, which has a central role in the regulation of body weight; it also exerts many potentially atherogenic effects. Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) has been approved for antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate whether FAEE can inhibit the atherogenic effects of leptin and the possible molecular mechanism of its action. Both of cell proliferation and migration were measured when the aortic smooth muscle cell (A10 cell) treated with leptin and/or FAEE. Phosphorylated p44/42MAPK, cell cycle-regulatory protein (for example, cyclin D1, p21, p27), β-catenin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) proteins levels were also measured. Results demonstrated that leptin (10, 100 ng ml−1) significantly increased the proliferation of cells and the phosphorylation of p44/42MAPK in A10 cells. The proliferative effect of leptin was significantly reduced by the pretreatment of U0126 (0.5 μM), a MEK inhibitor, in A10 cells. Meanwhile, leptin significantly increased the protein expression of cyclin D1, p21, β-catenin and decreased the expression of p27 in A10 cells. In addition, leptin (10 ng ml−1) significantly increased the migration of A10 cells and the expression of MMP-9 protein. Above effects of leptin were significantly reduced by the pretreatment of FAEE (1 and 10 μM) in A10 cells. In conclusion, FAEE exerts multiple effects on leptin-induced cell proliferation and migration, including the inhibition of p44/42MAPK phosphorylation, cell cycle-regulatory proteins and MMP-9, thereby suggesting that FAEE may be a possible therapeutic approach to the inhibition of obese vascular disease.

Ferulic Acid Ethyl Ester Attenuates Inflammatory Response by Suppressing ROS‐related NF‐κB Signaling Pathway in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 Cells

Ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) is an ester derivative of ferulic acid and the latter is known for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Previous studies have shown that ferulic acid protects synaptosomal membrane system and neuronal cell culture systems against hydroxyl and peroxyl radical oxidation. FAEE is lipophilic and is able to easily penetrate into lipid bilayer. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of FAEE and its underlying mechanism in RAW264.7 cells. FAEE attenuated the release of NO, PGE2 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in a dose‐dependent manner. Consistent with NO and PGE2 inhibition, FAEE suppressed LPS‐induced iNOS and COX‐2 expression as well as the promoter activities of COX‐2 and iNOS. In addition, FAEE pre‐treatment ameliorated ROS and superoxide anion levels in a time‐dependent manner. FAEE also dose‐dependently diminished LPS‐induced the activation mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) including JNK, ERK and p‐38 by phosphorylation. Furthermore, FAEE pre‐treatment suppressed the activation and translocation into the nucleus of NF‐κB in a dose‐dependent manner by western blotting and confocal microscopic abservation&lt;a name=“_GoBack”&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. The overall results indicate that FAEE may attenuate the inflammatory response of LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells through ROS‐related MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway.

Poly(ferulic acid-co-tyrosine): Effect of the Regiochemistry on the Photophysical and Physical Properties en Route to Biomedical Applications.

The photophysical and mechanical properties of novel poly(carbonate-amide)s derived from two biorenewable resources, ferulic acid (FA) and l-tyrosine ethyl ester, were evaluated in detail. From these two bio-based precursors, a series of four monomers were generated (having amide and/or carbonate coupling units with remaining functionalities to allow for carbonate formation) and transformed to a series of four poly(carbonate-amide)s. The simplest monomer, which was biphenolic and was obtained in a single amidation synthetic step, displayed bright, visible fluorescence that was twice brighter than FA. Multidimensional fluorescence spectroscopy of the polymers in solution highlighted the strong influence that regioselectivity and the degree of polymerization have on their photophysical properties. The regiochemistry of the system had little effect on the wettability, surface free energy, and Young’s modulus (ca. 2.5 GPa) in the solid state. Confocal imaging of solvent-cast films of each polymer revealed microscopically flat surfaces with fluorescent emission deep into the visible region. Fortuitously, one of the two regiorandom polymers (obtainable from the biphenolic monomer in only an overall two synthetic steps from FA and l-tyrosine ethyl ester) displayed the most promising fluorescent properties both in the solid state and in solution, allowing for the possibility of translating this system as a self-reporting or imaging agent in future applications. To further evaluate the potential of this polymer as a biodegradable material, hydrolytic degradation studies at different pH values and temperatures were investigated. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of the degradation products of this polymer were compared with its biphenolic monomer and FA.

Isolation and identification of cytoprotective agents from nonpolar extracts of buckwheat flour

Buckwheat is a raw material used in formulating many foods, and some evidence exists that it can contribute health benefits beyond simple nutritive value. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify potential cytoprotective agents from buckwheat crude extracts using a bioassay-guided strategy. Crude extracts were obtained by successively extracting with n-hexane and ethyl acetate, followed by solvent partitioning. The active fraction(s) were then screened by a quinone reductase (QR) induction bioassay in vitro, and subjected to sequential fractionation with flash column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography. Consequently, three pure compounds were isolated, identified and evaluated for bioactivity. Ferulic acid ethyl ester (1) was the most potent isolate (reported for the first time in buckwheat), doubling QR specific activity (CD value) at 2.1μM, whereas furaneol (2) was a moderate QR inducer with a CD value of 185μM. Protocatechuic acid (3) was least ineffective at inducing QR with a CD value of 2.0mM. Binary mixtures of the three isolated components acted borderline additively/antagonistically in the QR bioassay.

Anti‐inflammatory effects of catechol and ferulic acid derivatives through NF‐κB activation in Raw264.7 cells (830.21)

Catechol and ferulic acid derivatives are naturally occurring substances found in fruits, vegetables and flowers and are consumed as dietary phenolic compounds. Several previous studies reported that catechol and ferulic acid derivatives have potentials for various biological activities. The present study was designed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of catechol and ferulic acid derivatives in Raw 264.7 cells. The anti‐inflammatory activities of catechol and ferulic acid derivatives investigated by analyzing NO and PGE2 production, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)expression as a biomarker in Raw 264.7 macrophage cell demonstrated that caffeic acid phenethyl ester, carnosic acid, ferulic acid ethyl ester, 6‐shogaol significantly attenuated the production of NO and PGE2 and the expression of iNOS and COX‐2, indicating that the reduction in NO and PGE2 formation may be attributed to suppression of iNOS and COX‐2 expression resulting from the control of NF‐κB activation with IKK modification. These results propose that these compounds could be used as a potential natural source for the treatment of oxidative stress and related diseases.

Phenolic profile in Czech white wines from different terroirs

Grapevine cv. Riesling is a traditional variety of cool climate viticulture regions to which the Czech Republic belongs too. In total 35 wine samples from 9 different terroirs of wine-growing regions in the Czech Republic were evaluated for the content of 20 phenolic compounds comprising hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamates, stilbenes, and flavan-3-ols. Phenolic compounds were evaluated by an HPLC method. Methods of multivariate statistical analysis were used to discriminate wine samples on the basis of their geographical origin. Canonical variate analysis proved that it is possible to differentiate wines according to their geographical origin by following authenticity markers: gallic acid, caffeic acid, caftartic acid, p-coutaric acid, ferulic acid ethylester, p-coumaric acid ethylester, (+)-catechin, and (−)-epicatechin. On the basis of statistical analyses, 100% wine samples were correctly classified. The results indicate that, for the case of white wines, mainly hydroxycinnamates and flavan-3-ols can be used for differentiation of their geographical origin.