Free Radical Inhibition Research Articles

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Dermato-protective activities of Origanum vulgare extracts

Medicinal plants represent an economic and accessible natural reservoir of new molecules with biological activities. This study aims to investigate the potential use of "Origanum vulgare", a medicinal plant native to Skikda-Algeria, as a origin of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and photo-protective properties. To this end, the plant's extracts were tested in vitro using four different methods to measure their ability to inhibit free radicals. The extracts were also tested for their capacity to protect skin from sun's rays by measuring their sun protection factor (SPF). The obtained results showed that Origanum vulgare contained high levels of total polyphenols and flavonols with strong antioxidant and photo-protective properties in its extracts, thus suggesting its potential therapeutic applications as a valuable natural resource for the pharmaceutical industry. This plant was also proven to have a very important inhibition of free radicals where ethyl acetate and N butanol extracts had the best IC50 and A0.5 with significant values in some tests lower than the standards. The SPF measure showed high photo-protective activity with an SPF of 47.29±0.00, 47.30±0.00, and 47.21±0.14 respectively. This suggests that the extracts could potentially be used in cosmetic formulations and as a skincare agent. Overall, the plant of Origanum vulgare can represent an interesting source of bioactive compounds, and consequently, the extracts can be useful in the pharmaceutical field for various therapeutic applications.

Comparison of the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Effects of Oleuropein Extracted from Arbequina Olive Leaves with the Extracts of its Leaf and Fruit

Introduction: Olive leaf is an evergreen plant and enriched in phenolic compounds and antioxidants. Oleuropein is the most common type of phenolic compounds can found in Olive leaves. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of Oleuropein extracted from olive leaf with the extracts from its leaf and fruit.
 Methods: The type of study was experimental and after ethanol extraction from olive leaf and fruit, oleuropein was isolated from the leaf extract. Antimicrobial effects of Oleuropein obtained from olive fruit and leaf extracts against Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria were determined using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Amounts of phenolic compounds were derived by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the antioxidant effects were determined by the 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical inhibition method. SPSS version 16 software was used for statistical calculations, Excel program used to draw graphs and one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention.
 Results: Oleuropein was extracted from olive leaf in the amount of 14% with a purity of 70%. The highest and lowest amount of phenolic compounds and the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects were observed for Oleuropein obtained from olive leaf and olive fruit extracts, respectively. The amount of oleuropein phenolic compounds was equal to 879.16 (µg GAE/g), its MIC against S. saprophyticus and P.aeruginosa bacteria was equal to 3.25 and 12.5 mg/ml, respectively. Its antioxidant activity was equal to 8.59 µg/ml.
 Conclusion: In the present study, oleuropein was extracted from olive leaves and the study showed that the amount of oleuropein in the Spanish Arbican variety was obtained with the highest value of 14%. According to the results of antimicrobial activity and antioxidant, it can be concluded that olive leaf extract and extracted oleuropein have the potential to increase and improve the performance of preservatives and antioxidants.

Characterization of the bark of Protium tenuifolium Engl. from the Amazonian biome as a source of natural antioxidants

Abstract The bark anatomy was analysed, as was the overall chemical composition (extractives, lignin, suberin, ash and polysaccharides), and a quantitative elemental analysis was performed of the bark and two tannin extracts (extracted with water only and with a mixture of water and Na2SO3). The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of the bark extracts were quantified. The results indicated that the bark is composed of conductive phloem, nonconductive phloem, rhytidome, crystals and secretory cells. The average chemical composition was 15.9 % extractives, 35.3 % total lignin, 1.9 % suberin, 15.4 % ash and 31.5 % polysaccharides. The condensed tannin yield in the extract obtained with water alone was 5.1 %, and that in the treatment with water and Na2SO3 was 8.1 %. The ethanol-water extract had a high phenolic content (112.6 mg GAE g−1 extract). The bark extract showed strong antioxidant activity, reaching 83.5 % inhibition of DPPH free radicals, which was higher than the value of 75.0 % for the commercial antioxidant BHT at the same concentration. These results demonstrate that Protium tenuifolium is a potential natural Amazonian source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants and can be used for medicinal purposes and the production of various sustainable products, such as cosmetics.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HAND AND BODY LOTION FROM PURPLE SWEET POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS L.) PEEL EXTRACT AND ITS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Objective: This study aims to investigate the antioxidant activity of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) peel extract. The goal is to determine the levels of antioxidant activity in hand and body lotion formulas that use purple sweet potato peel extract as an antioxidant agent and to evaluate the formulas to identify the one with the best physical stability.
 Methods: The antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical inhibition method. Physical stability of the hand and body lotion formula was evaluated within 4 w storage at room temperature, the evaluation was based on measurements of various lotion characteristics such as organoleptic properties, pH, homogeneity, viscosity, phase separation, and spreadability.
 Results: The results of this study showed that the purple sweet potato peel extract exhibited antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 44.582±1.19 ppm. The antioxidant activity of the hand and body lotion formulas had IC50 values of 83.319±1.01, 63.181±0.97, and 24.107±0.63 ppm for formulas containing 1,3, and 5% extracts, respectively. The hand and body lotion formula containing 3% extract demonstrated the best physical stability, as it remained physically stable after being stored at room temperature for 4 w.
 Conclusion: The extract of purple sweet potato peel presented very strong antioxidant activity and has great potential for use in hand and body lotion formulas as an antioxidant agent.

Efficacy and Safety Assessment of Nasal Spray Containing Sodium Hyaluronate and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in Otolaryngological Disorders

Otolaryngological disorders encompass a broad spectrum of conditions that affect the ear, nose, and throat. These conditions often lead to significant discomfort, a reduced quality of life, and the necessity for effective and well-tolerated therapeutic interventions. This article aims to provide an efficacy and safety assessment of VIARINOX®, a patented technology designed to remove mucus residue from nasal passages in both children and adults, targeting nasal congestion. The study focused on evaluating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities and the barrier effect of the patented technology. This evaluation involved chemical assays centered on free radical inhibition and assays conducted on reconstructed respiratory epithelium inserts, where damage was induced using LPS. The results obtained indicate that, owing to the presence of sodium hyaluronate, methylsulfonylmethane, and N-acetyl cysteine, this technology could serve as a pharmacological tool for treating otolaryngological disorders and as a preventive measure against the risk of microbial contamination.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, Flavonoid and Phenolic Contents of 70% Methanol Extract from Purple and Yellow Passion Fruit Peel

Peel of purple and yellow passion fruit has the potential to be an antioxidant. The flavonoid and total phenol compound groups are two examples of natural antioxidant compounds that can potentially be antioxidants. Many studies have used 70% methanol solvent to extract flavonoids and total phenolics from plants. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential of 70% methanol extract from the peel of purple and yellow passion fruit as an in vitro antioxidant using the DPPH method, total flavonoid, and phenolic levels. The passion fruit peel powder was macerated with 70% methanol for four days. The total flavonoid contents were determined using quercetin, and total phenols were determined using gallic acid. The 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used for in vitro antioxidant activity by determining the percent inhibition of DPPH radicals. The flavonoid content in the 70% methanol extract of purple and yellow passion fruit peel is 1.2824 and 1.9775 mg QE/g extract, respectively. In contrast, the total phenolic content in 70% methanol extract of purple and yellow passion fruit peel is 15.8 and 3.6 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. The 70% methanol extract of purple passion fruit peel at a concentration of 80 mg/L resulted in a more significant percent inhibition of DPPH free radicals (72.80 %) than yellow passion fruit (64.91 %). In conclusion, the results suggest that 70 % methanol extract from purple and yellow passion fruit peel can decrease free radicals and be a natural antioxidant.Keyword: Antioxidant activity, Flavonoid, Methanol extract, Passion fruit peel, Total phenol

Chitosan-based topical formulation integrated with green-synthesized silver nanoparticles utilizing Camellia sinensis leaf extracts: A promising approach for managing infected wounds

This study explores the eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing Camellia sinensis leaf extract. We assess their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, we impregnated AgNPs into 2 % chitosan (CHS) gel and assessed their wound-healing potential in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus infected wounds. Optimized AgNPs demonstrated a mean particle size of 36.90 ± 1.22 nm and a PDI of 0.049 ± 0.001. Green-synthesized AgNPs exhibited enhanced free radical inhibition (IC50: 31.45 μg/mL, 34.01 μg/mL, 27.40 μg/mL) compared to leaf extract (IC50: 52.67 μg/mL, 59.64 μg/mL, 97.50 μg/mL) in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide free radical scavenging assays, respectively. The MIC/MBC values of AgNPs against E. coli and S. aureus were 5 ppm/ 7.5 ppm and 10 ppm/ 15 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, our study showed that green-synthesized AgNPs at MIC significantly reduced the biofilm production of E. coli (70.37 %) and S. aureus (67.40 %). The CHS/AgNPs gel exhibited potent wound healing activities, comparable to a commercial cream with the re-epithelialization period of 8.16 ± 0.75. Histological analysis demonstrated enhanced skin regeneration with a thicker epidermal layer, well-defined papillary dermal structure, and organized collagen fibers. In summary, these findings hold promise for addressing bacterial infections, particularly those associated with biofilms-related wound infections.

The Combined Effect of Bio-Stimulants and Antioxidants on The Qualitative, Chemical Characteristics on Essential Oil of Soybean

A field experiment was conducted in 2022 at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriyah, with the aim of determination of the amount of bio-stimulants and antioxidants to produce the best chemical content of oil with a good percentage of protein in comparison with the seed yield, oil, antioxidant compounds, and oxidative activity of soybean seeds. The experiment was conducted according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and their interactions, and three replicates. The first factor included three levels of bio-stimulants (without spraying, 2 g L-1 humic acid, and 2 g L-1 folic acid), while the second factor included three levels of antioxidants (without spraying, 100 mg L-1 ascorbic acid, and 100 mg L-1 glutathione acid). Both factors were sprayed on the vegetative growth after one month of planting, and after one month of the first spray, during branch initiation stage, and at 50% flowering stage. The results showed that treatment with 2 g L-1 folic acid was superior in protein ratio (27.10%), total antioxidant capacity (42.90%), inhibition of free radicals (9.69%), and seed content of flavonoids (24.93 mg kg-1 dry weight). Antioxidants also affected most of the measured traits, especially 100 mg L-1 glutathione acid, which showed an increase in protein percent (25.51%), total antioxidant capacity (30.14%), inhibition of free radicals (8.40%), and flavonoid content (21.45 mg kg-1 dry weight). The combined treatment of 2 g L-1 folic acid and 100 mg L-1 glutathione acid was significant in protein ratio (27.34%), percentage of inhibition of free radicals (9.90%), total antioxidant capacity (55.00%), seed content of flavonoids (43.30 mg kg-1 dry weight), and in increasing the percentage of the effective area of the essential oil compounds, as determined by GC-MS analysis.

Wound Healing, Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of Quercetin Loaded Banana Starch Nanoparticles.

Quercetin belongs to the BCS Class IV of drugs, which means it exhibits low solubility and low permeability. Quercetin is a potent antioxidant drug candidate, but it has several drawbacks, such as a short half-life, poor stability, bioavailability, and solubility. These factors affect its reliability as a good wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent. Quercetin nanoparticles resolved these problems and offered high stability, high encapsulation efficacy, sustained and prolonged release, and enhanced accumulation at target sites with high therapeutic efficacy. Banana starch and quercetin were used to formulate a new composition of nanoparticles. Formulated QBSN were evaluated for their antioxidant, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory potential. QBSN showed a good antioxidant effect against the DPPH free radical scavenging model. Inhibition of DPPH free radicals reached up to 98 percent at 40 μl. Histopathological studies of treated tissues (wound and paw edema) confirmed the potential of QBSN. In the future, prepared nanoparticles may be the choice of drug formulation for wound healing, anti-inflammatory therapy, and antioxidant therapy.

The Effect of Solvents to Extract Phenol and Phenol Related Compounds Contents and SomeBiological Screening of Salvia officinalis

Saliva officinalis (Lamiaceae) herbal plant collected from Khartoum local market. This study hasthree aims, to assess the efficacy of three aqueous organic solvents to extract the phenol and phenolderivative metabolites using the maceration method, to assess the antifungal and anticancer ofSaliva officinalis aqueous extracts using Yeast – Based bioassay against three mutant yeast strainsSaccharomyces cerevisiae, and to assess the antioxidant activity of Saliva officinalis extracts usingtwo methods: DPPH radical scavenging assay, and TLC Autography technique. The resultsrevealed that the 70% methanol has high total phenols (318.35mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids(189.38mg QE/g) while the 70% acetone extract was revealed high total tannin content (218.34 mgTAE/g). The 70% acetone extract revealed activity against the three mutant yeast tested withinhibition zone diameter more than 12 mm at concentration 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml respectively.While the other extracts were exhibited no activity against the three mutant strains tested. Allextracts were reflected anti-Candida activity and the maximum IZD was exhibited by the70%ethanol extract (30mm). All extracts were free-radical inhibitors but 70% methanol extract wasmore potent (0.068mg/ml) than the other extracts

The Development of Novel Functional Corn Flakes Produced from Different Types of Maize (Zea mays L.).

Cereal products, such as flakes and snack items, are frequently consumed as part of everyday diets, encompassing ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, flakes, and snacks. The utilization of extrusion technology is crucial in the manufacturing process of cereal-based flakes or snack products. When it comes to cereal-based flakes or snacks, different types of corn, such as white corn, yellow corn, red corn, and black corn, have garnered attention from scientists, consumers, and experts in the food industry. This paper investigates the simultaneous effects of different types of corn (white corn, yellow corn, red corn, and black corn) addition and different screw speeds (350, 500, 650 rpm) on the physical, technological, and functional properties of flake products. An increasing screw speed had a positive influence on the physical and technological characteristics of corn flakes, while different types of corn had a positive influence on the mineral composition and antioxidant properties. Black corn flour and a screw speed of 350 rpm positively influenced the physical and technological characteristics, mineral composition, and antioxidant properties of flake products, with a best total Z-score analysis of 0.59. Overall, the combination of Tukey's HSD test and PCA enabled a comprehensive analysis of the observed corn products and allowed us to identify satiating and significant differences between attributes and create a classification of the samples based on those differences. Corn flakes from black corn flour on a screw speed of 350 rpm is a new product with good physical-technological and functional properties due to a higher level of antioxidant activity. The last three samples have a significantly higher percentage of free radical inhibition compared with the other samples according to TPC and TFC. This product has the potential to be found on the market as a new product with functional properties.

Synthesis of fatty ester derived novel multifunctional additive and its performance evaluation in polyol base oil

AbstractThe organometallics like ZDDPs are widely used as multifunctional additives in lubricants for imparting antiwear, antioxidant, and corrosion inhibitor activity. Since it has toxic elements like P, Zn, and S so it is an environmentally toxic, non‐biodegradable, and ash‐forming additive. In automotive emissions, it also causes poisoning in catalytic converters. Due to environmental concerns, it is an issue of awareness to discover less toxic alternatives for these multifunctional additives despite their potent and economical properties. In this work, MO was reacted in a stoichiometric ratio with Tga, giving the intermediate compound MO‐Tga through thiol‐ene coupling. Subsequently, the reaction of MO‐Tga with PPA gave a novel multifunctional additive MO‐Tga‐PPA. The molecular characteristics and thermal stability of MO‐Tga‐PPA were studied using techniques like NMR, FTIR, and TGA. The additive was doped at various concentrations such as 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 ppm in polyol to examine their antiwear, antifriction, antioxidant, and anticorrosion performance. It reveals the maximum reduction of 53.85% in the average COF and 25.51% in AWSD at 5000 ppm. The antioxidant activity shows a maximum free radicals inhibition of 97.9% at 3000 ppm using the DPPH. As far as the anticorrosion activity is concerned, the values for the penetration rate, corrosion rate, and weight loss were reduced to 0.015 mpy, 0.082 mdd, and 0.08 mg from the observed values of 0.114 mpy, 0.62 mdd, and 0.60 mg in polyol base oil was observed at 4000 ppm.

SUSTAINED ANTICANCER EFFECT BY NARINGIN-LOADED ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES IN HUMAN LUNG ADENOCARCINOMA A549 CELLS

Objective: This study aimed to design naringin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nar-ZnO NPs) and evaluate the formulated nanoparticles (NPs) for their antioxidant and anticancer potential. Methods: Naringin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nar-ZnO NPs) were prepared using a modified sol-gel method with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a capping agent. Subsequently, were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), powder X-ray diffraction (PW-XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Furthermore, the naringin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nar-ZnO NPs) were evaluated for their in vitro free radical scavenging activity using antioxidant assays and inhibition of lipid peroxidation potential using the altered thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) test. The cytotoxic effect of naringin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nar-ZnO NPs) on the non-transformed Vero cell line and lung cancer A549 cell line was investigated using the (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) MTT assay. Apoptosis study was conducted using the Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining assay, while propidium iodide (PI) stain was utilized to observe apoptotic morphological changes. Results: The prepared naringin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nar-ZnO NPs) were smooth and hexagonal, with an average particle size of 500 nm. The antioxidant assays demonstrated that the naringin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nar-ZnO NPs) and ascorbic acid exhibited comparable free radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation activity. In MTT assay, the naringin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nar-ZnO NPs) displayed IC₅₀ values of 1014.05 µg/ml for Vero cell lines and 317.51 µg/ml for A549 cells, highlighting their influence on cell viability. Remarkably, treatment of A549 cells with the Nar-ZnO NPs resulted in dose-dependent apoptotic morphological changes, as observed through (AO/EB) double staining assay and propidium iodide (PI) stain. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that the naringin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nar-ZnO NPs) displayed dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity, significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and notable anticancer properties against A549 cells.

Investigation in the fire suppression properties of KHCO3 and K2C2O4 dry water incorporates core-shell structures

The present study aims to examine the potential of dry water (DW) as a fire suppression agent that is both non-toxic and sustainable in nature. The DW product integrates the advantages of a high-quality aqueous mist and powder. The stable core-shell structure of this phenomenon is achieved through the dispersion of larger liquid particles into smaller ones and subsequently encapsulating them within a silica matrix. In order to enhance the aqueous solution, four substances were introduced: sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), potassium oxalate monohydrate (K2C2O4·H2O), and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), which acts as a surfactant. The utilization of SDBS resulted in enhanced dispersion of the internal aqueous solution during intense agitation. The introduction of various substances into the intermolecular spaces resulted in an augmentation of the overall density of distilled water. This facilitated the enhanced infiltration of DW into the central flame, resulting in improved cooling and suppression. The moisture content of DW samples can reach up to 90%, suggesting that the majority of the aqueous solution is contained within the silica powder. The fire suppression times for DW1–4 were recorded as 49, 40, 25, and 18 s, respectively. The fire suppression capabilities of DW3 and DW4 were found to be superior to those of DW1 and DW2. In this investigation, it was observed that KHCO3 and K2C2O4•H2O exhibited superior inhibition of free radicals.

Separation and Identification of many Volatile oils from the Seeds and Peels of the Fruit of Iraqi Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad Plant and Study its antioxidant Effect

The current study was included the separation and identification of many volatile oil compounds from the seeds and peels of the fruit of Iraqi Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad Plant , by using Clevenger apparatus for light compounds and the results were confirmed by using GLC technique The volatile compounds were identified which included the following : (α-pinene, Limonene, Camphene, Carvacrol, Camphor, P-cymene, Terpinene, Linalool, Menthol, Sabinen and phellanodrene), Terpinene was the highest compound concentration in the seeds and peels (12.14,16.58)% respectively , whereas the lowest concentration in the seeds and peels was Menthol (0.08,0.14) % respectively. The study was also included studying the antioxidant effect of volatile oil separated from the seeds and peels at different concetrations and compared them with the ascorbic acid as a control sample, it was observed that the separated volatile oils from the peels were significantly superior of the free radical inhibition of DPPH (76.1,76.8) % at a concentration (300, 400) Mg.ml–1 respectively compared to the separated volatile oils from seeds

N-acetyl-l-tryptophan (NAT) ameliorates radiation-induced cell death in murine macrophages J774A.1 via regulating redox homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Ionizing radiation interacts with the immune system and induces molecular damage in the cellular milieu by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cell death. The present study was performed to investigate the protective efficacy of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan (NAT) against gamma-radiation-induced cell death in murine macrophage J774A.1 cells. The radioprotective efficacy of NAT was evaluated in terms of cell survivability, effect on antioxidant enzyme activity, and free radicals inhibition. Radioprotective efficacy of NAT pretreatment to irradiated cells was assessed via cell cycle progression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) perturbation, and apoptosis regulation using flow cytometry. Results of the study demonstrated significant radioprotective efficacy (>80%) of NAT in irradiated cells as estimated by sulforhodamine B(SRB), MTT, and clonogenic assay. Significant (p < 0.001) reduction in ROS, xanthine oxidase, and mitochondrial superoxide levels along with increment in catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione, and ATPase activities in NAT pretreated plus irradiated cells was observed as compared to the gamma-irradiated cells. Further, significant (p < 0.001) stabilization of MMPand reduction in apoptosis was also observed in NAT pretreated plus irradiated cells as compared to irradiated cells that not pretreated with NAT. The current study demonstrates that NAT pretreatment to irradiated cells protects against gamma radiation-induced cell death by reducing oxidative stress, stabilizing MMP, and inhibiting apoptosis. These observations conclusively highlight the potential of developing NAT as a prospective radioprotective agent upon further validation using in-depth preclinical assessment in cellular and animal models.

Eco-Finishing of Cotton with Chitosan and Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Aiton) Aqueous Extract for Development of Antioxidant and UV Protective Textiles

ABSTRACT Giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton) is considered an invasive weed in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In this research, the untreated and chitosan-treated cotton fabrics were functionalized with goldenrod inflorescences aqueous extract, at room temperature and 95°C. Zeta potential of fabrics was determined as a function of pH and the results showed an increased isoelectric point from 2.50 to 5.25 and amphoteric character of the chitosan-treated sample. The antioxidant activity (AA) of extract and functionalized fabrics was determined using DPPH analysis, while color and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) were determined spectroscopically before and after wash and lightfastness testing. The chitosan pretreatment and dyeing of cotton at higher temperature increased AA (from 41.19 ± 0.28 to 56.08 ± 0.25), UPF (from 33.05 to 51.59) and color strength (K/S) (from 1.74 to 2.21), providing dyed cotton with excellent UV protection and a free radical inhibition activity. The samples had good wash fastness in terms of color (ΔEab* < 1), but not in terms of UV protection (UPF value decreased after washing to 23.47). The overall lightfastness was good to excellent (the UPF values of chitosan and dyed samples did not change much after lightfastness test (UPF = 51.75).

Influence of Solvents and Solvent Mixtures on the Content of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. Extracts

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (known as shepherd's purse) is a plant whose parts are used as medicine in herbal medicine. It is applicable as a medicine in the treatment of all forms of internal bleeding, for the treatment of hemorrhoids, excessive menstruation, but also for the usual stopping of nosebleeds. Through this research, the influence of organic solvents and their aqueous mixtures on the efficiency of polyphenol extraction and antioxidant activity was compared. The inhibition of free radicals was tested by the DPPH method, while the FRAP method was used to test the reduction potential. Analyzes have shown that water is the most effective solvent in the isolation of polyphenols from the aerial parts of shepherd's purse. Mixtures of organic solvents with water also showed high efficiency in the extraction of bioactive components, while the weakest results were obtained for extracts prepared in pure organic solvents.

Anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity of Drynaria quercifolia and its ameliorative effect in scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDrynaria quercifolia is an epiphytic fern distributed all over Bangladesh with traditional use in treating neurological disorders and other ailments. Although several pharmacological activities of D. quercifolia have been investigated, the neuroprotective potential of this plant is still unexplored. Aim of studyIn this study, we evaluated the in vitro anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of D. quercifolia and the neuroprotective effect in scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mouse model. Materials and methodsThe crude methanol extract (DCM) of the plant was fractionated to prepare n-hexane (DHF), chloroform (DCF), ethyl acetate (DEF), and aqueous (DAF) factions. All the fractions were evaluated for anticholinesterase activity by modified Ellman's method and the antioxidant activity by several in vitro assays such as DPPH and hydroxyl free radicals scavenging, reducing power, and inhibition of brain lipid peroxidation. The effect of the most active fractions (both DCF and DEF) on learning and memory was assessed in scopolamine-induced mouse model of memory-impairment by Morris water maze tasks. Biochemical assays were performed in brain tissue. The active compound was isolated and characterized by chromatographic, spectroscopic, and molecular docking methods. ResultsPhytochemical analysis demonstrated a high content of phenolic and flavonoid in DEF. In vitro studies revealed a strong antioxidant power of DEF and anticholinesterase activity of DCF. Both the DCF and DEF significantly (P˂0.05) reduced the escape latency time in the Morris's water maze tasks, and increased the time spent in the northeast quadrant in the probe trial. Biochemical data demonstrated that treatment with DCF and DEF at different doses significantly (P˂0.0001) inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, restored GSH levels, and reduced MDA levels in the brain of scopolamine-induced memory-impaired mice, indicating the protective effect of D. quercifolia, possibly by acetylcholinesterase inhibition and oxidative stress prevention. Chromatographic methods of separation led to he isolation of catechin and protocatechuric acid from DEF and 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid from DCF. The structure of the compounds was determined by studies of their 1H-NMR spectra. Molecular docking as well as in vitro study suggests the anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds. ConclusionOur study suggested that the extracts of D. quercifolia, due to anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity, ameliorate the scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice and thus may represent therapeutics in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Simultaneous application of salicylic acid and silicon in aerial parts of Scrophularia striata L. in response to drought stress

Plants respond to water shortage by regulating biochemical pathways which result in the biosynthesis of osmotic compounds. Active metabolites and compatible osmolytes control the inhibition of oxygen free radicals and dehydration. The physiological response of scrophularia striata to drought stress, a factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) experiment was conducted in three replication. Drought stress was induced at two levels (100% and 50% field capacity), and salicylic acid (SA) and silicon (Si) and Ecotype were also used at two levels of (0 and 100 PPM), (0 and 1 g/L) and (Ilam and Abdanan) respectively. Data analysis results indicated that the H2O2 content, Malondialdehyde (MDA), glycine betaine (GB) and the activity of the enzyme glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2) of aerial parts increased during the entire stress exposure period. Although the SA + Si + stress + ecotype interaction increased the content of soluble carbohydrate s and the GR activity in aerial parts of Ilam and Abdanan ecotypes, this interaction led to a decrease in MDA, H2O2 in Ilam ecotypes. The interaction between the stress + SA + Si + ecotype led to an increase in the phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL; EC 4.3.1.5) activity in the Abdanan ecotype, but no important difference was observed. As compared to the control treatment, the content of Polyphenol increased, The interaction between ecotype + stress + Si caused to increased the of proline content in the Abadanan ecotype. The results showed that the increase in antioxidant defense and compatible osmolytes due to the use of SA and Si can improve the drought tolerance in S.striata.