Free Radical Scavenging Properties Research Articles

STATUS OF INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS IN TERMS OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY (IN VITRO)

In this paper, literature regarding antioxidant activity (in vitro) of Indian medicinal plants was reviewed. Paper also gives an account of family, places of collection, part used, solvent, standards and methods used to define antioxidant potential of most of the Indian medicinal plants, which have been analyzed for free radical scavenging property.

Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of some 4-((thiophen-2-yl-methylene)amino)benzenesulfonamide metal complexes

BackgroundSulfonamides (sulfa drugs) and the metals like mercury, copper, and silver bear antimicrobial properties. The discovery of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones has reduced their use. However, in some instances these drugs are the first-line treatment. The metal-based sulfonamide (e.g., silver sulfadiazine) is considered as first choice treatment in post-burn therapy while the use of silver nanoparticle-cephalexin conjugate to cure Escherichia coli infection explains the synergistic effect of sulfa drugs and their metal conjugates. With growing interest in metal-based sulfonamides and the Schiff base chemistry, it was decided to synthesize sulfonamide Schiff base metal complexes as antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.ResultsThe Fe (III), Ru (III), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Pd (II), Zn (II), Cd (II), and Hg (II) metal complexes of 4-((thiophen-2-ylmethylene)-amino)-benzenesulfonamide (TMABS) were prepared and studied for thermal stability, geometry, and other electronic properties. The ligand TMABS (Schiff base) and its metal complexes were screened in-vitro for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive (+ve) Bacillus subtilis (MTCC-441), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 7443), Gram-negative (-ve) Escherichia coli (MTCC 40), Salmonella typhi (MTCC 3231), and fungal strains Aspergillus niger (MTCC-1344) and Penicillium rubrum by agar well diffusion method. Results summarized in Tables 3, 4, and 5 represent the inhibitory concentration (IC50) in micromole (μM). The zone of inhibition (ZI) in millimeter (mm) represents antimicrobial properties of TMABS and its metal complexes.ConclusionsThe synthesized sulfanilamide Schiff base (TMABS) behaved as a neutral and bidentate ligand coordinating with metal ions through its azomethine nitrogen and thiophene sulfur to give complexes with coordination number of 4 and 6 (Fig. 3). The nucleophilic addition of sulfanilamide amino group (–NH2) group to carbonyl carbon (>C=O) of benzaldehyde gave sulfanilamide Schiff base (imine) (Fig. 2). All the metal complexes were colored and stable at room temperature. With IC50 of 9.5 ± 0.1 and 10.0 ± 0.7 μM, the Co, Cu, and Pd complexes appeared better antioxidant than the ligand TMABS (155.3±0.1 μM). The zone of inhibition (ZI) of Hg (28 mm) and Ru complexes (20 mm) were similar to the ligand TMABS (20 mm) against Aspergillus niger (MTCC-1344) as in Figs. 4, 5, and 6. None of the synthesized derivatives had shown better antimicrobial properties than the standard streptomycin sulfate and fluconazole.

Melissa officinalis L. as a Nutritional Strategy for Cardioprotection.

This review aimed to provide a summary on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities in the cardiovascular system and cardiotoxicity of Melissa officinalis (MO), with the special emphasis on the protective mechanisms in different cardiovascular pathologies. MO is a perennial aromatic herb commonly known as lemon balm, honey balm, or bee balm, which belongs to Lamiaceae family. Active components are mainly located in the leaves or essential oil and include volatile compounds, terpenoid (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes), and polyphenolic compounds [rosmarinic acid (RA), caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercitrin, rhamnocitrin, luteolin]. For centuries, MO has been traditionally used as a remedy for memory, cognition, anxiety, depression, and heart palpitations. Up until now, several beneficial cardiovascular effects of MO, in the form of extracts (aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic), essential oil, and isolated compounds, have been confirmed in preclinical animal studies, such as antiarrhythmogenic, negative chronotropic and dromotropic, hypotensive, vasorelaxant, and infarct size–reducing effects. Nonetheless, MO effects on heart palpitations are the only ones confirmed in human subjects. The main mechanisms proposed for the cardiovascular effects of this plant are antioxidant free radical–scavenging properties of MO polyphenols, amelioration of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, activation of M2 and antagonism of β1 receptors in the heart, blockage of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, prevention of fibrotic changes, etc. Additionally, the main active ingredient of MO-RA, per se, has shown substantial cardiovascular effects. Because of the vastness of encouraging data from animal studies, this plant, as well as the main ingredient RA, should be considered and investigated further as a tool for cardioprotection and adjuvant therapy in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF TOTAL PHENOLIC AND ALKALOID CONTENT IN HYDROALCOHOLIC CONTENT IN RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA

The objectives of this study are to screen the phytochemicals, estimate the content of flavonoid and alkaloids compounds and determine the antioxidant capacity of the Rauwolfia serpentina stem. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenol and alkaloids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. The hydro alcoholic extract of stem of Rauwolfia serpentina was studied for antioxidant activity on different in vitro models namely 1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols and flavonoids. The total flavonoids and alkaloids content of Rauwolfia serpentina stem of hydroalcoholic extract was 1.086 and 2.364mg/100mg respectively. Ascorbic acid used as standards was also evaluated for comparison. The extract showed dose dependent free radical scavenging property in the tested models. Rauwolfia serpentina stem extract showed IC50 value 68.10?g/ml for DPPH method, which was comparable to that of ascorbic acid (IC50=17.68?g/ml). The present study describes the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of Rauwolfia serpentina which will further used for medicinal applications.

The effects of vitamin E on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in treatment of drug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections: A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionNephrotoxicity remains a major long-standing concern for colistin, and it is critical to find agents that can prevent it. The present study aims to investigate the effect of vitamin E on the prevention of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity based on its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. MethodsA randomized clinical trial was designed for 52 patients taking colistin. These patients were categorized into two groups of equal size, receiving colistin or colistin plus vitamin E (α-Tocopherol). Vitamin E with doses of 400 units was administrated daily either orally or by a nasogastric tube if needed. The incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and its duration was recorded based on RIFLE criteria. ResultsThe Incidence of AKI based on RIFLE criteria was 42.3% and 46.2% in intervention and control groups, respectively. The analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence of AKI for the two groups (P = 0.78). There was no significant difference in the duration of AKI neither (P = 0.83). ConclusionAlthough vitamin E is a powerful biological antioxidant, the effects of Vitamin E prophylaxis on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity was not taken into consideration in this study.

Dual probes of Ag/Pd bimetallic NPs facilely synthesized by green process using Catharanthus leaf extract on textile dye removal and free radical capability

Silver–palladium (Ag/Pd) bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized by greener way using Catharanthus leaf extract. The synthesized silver/palladium bimetallic nanoparticles were used to degrade the safranin O textile dye through photo catalytic activity and the free radical scavenging property was evaluated by DPPH assay test. Silver/Palladium bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized by biogenic reduction method using silver nitrate and palladium chloride precursors assisted with CRL extract. The synthesized Ag/Pd bimetallic nanoparticles’ morphological and particle size were evaluated by the SEM/TEM image. The particle size was found to be within the nanoscale range of 15–30 nm. The 98% maximum dye degradation for 40 min time duration was achieved by the photocatalytic activity of silver/palladium bimetallic nanoparticles through UV light irradiation on safranin O textile dye and simultaneously antioxidant activity of silver/palladium bimetallic nanoparticles was also tested through DPPH assay test. The free radical scavenging efficiency was calculated for extract and extract with silver/palladium nanoparticles and was found to be 48.2% and 70.2%, respectively and revealed that the silver/palladium nanoparticles have 2.34 times higher scavenging activity when compared with Catharanthus leaf extract.

DONEPEZIL IMPROVES VASCULAR FUNCTION IN A MOUSE MODEL OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Objective: Donepezil represents the most effective drug in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Recent reports suggest that it might have free radical scavenging properties, which could potentially improve the vascular alterations commonly associated with AD and partially account for the cognitive benefits observed during treatment. However, the potential effect of donepezil on vascular function and structure remains largely unexplored. Objective: to assess the impact of donepezil on the vascular phenotype of an established model of AD, the SAMP8 (Senescence-Accelerated Mouse-Prone). Design and method: 3 groups of animals were included: SAMP8 (n = 4), SAMP8 treated with Donepezil for 8 weeks (n = 4) and SAMR1 (Senescence-Accelerated Mouse-Resistant, a mouse model which does not develop the disease, n = 4). Treatment with donepezil was administered from the 4th to the 6th month of life. At 6 months, after cognitive tests, animals were euthanized, their mesenteric arteries were isolated and mounted on a pressurised myograph to assess endothelial function by means of dose-response curves to acetylcholine (Ach) alone or in combination with L-NAME or Vitamin C. Media-to-lumen ratio (M/L ratio) was also measured. In subsequent experiments (n = 4), donepezil was coincubated directly on the arteries isolated from untreated SAMP8 together with Ach. Results: Untreated SAMP8 developed cognitive impairment compared to SAMR1, while donepezil treatment significantly attenuated the cognitive dysfunction. SAMP8 had higher M/L ratio than SAMR1 and donepezil treated animals (p < 0.001 for both differences, Fig. 1). Endothelial function was impaired in SAMP8 animals compared to SAMR1 (Fig. 1). Addition of Vitamin C improved the vasodilatory response to Ach in SAMP8 (p < 0.001 vs Ach alone). Treatment with donepezil improved endothelial function in SAMP8 animals (p < 0.001 vs untreated SAMP8) and reduced the additional vasodilation induced by Vitamin C (Fig. 1). Acute incubation of mesenteric arteries from SAMP8 animals with donepezil induced a significant improvement of endothelial function from baseline (p < 0.001)and the subsequent addition of Vitamin C did not induce further vasodilation. Conclusions: The beneficial effects of donepezil on vascular function and structure might provide a novel mechanism explaining its positive effects on cognitive decline. These effects might be mediated by antioxidant mechanisms.

Evaluation of Cyanide Content, Volatile Compounds Profile, and Biological Properties of Fresh and Boiled Sliced Thai Bamboo Shoot (Dendrocalamus asper Back.).

This study evaluated the cyanide content, bio-active compounds profile, volatile compounds profile, and biological activity of fresh and boiled sliced bamboo. Cyanide was only detected in fresh bamboo shoots, at a content of 140.40±5.34 mg/kg. Furthermore, the fresh bamboo shoots extracts had free radical scavenging properties, as demonstrated by ABTS･+ and DPPH･ assays, and contained phytochemical compounds, such as flavonoid, terpenoid, and reducing sugar. Indeed, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 12.12±0.12 mg gallic acid equivalent/dw and 1.60±0.11 mg quercetin equivalent/dw, respectively. In addition, these extracts demonstrated inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (61.30±0.45%), α-amylase (37.00±1.82%), and tyrosinase (26.57±0.57%). Some volatile compounds, such as 2-methoxyphenol and 2-pentylfuran, show α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and these compounds exerted α-amylase inhibitory activity in the fresh sliced bamboo shoots. The major volatile compound 4-methylphenol (68.15%), which exerts tyrosinase inhibitory activity, was also detected in fresh sliced bamboo shoots. The boiled sliced bamboo shoots extracts also contained bio-active compounds and exhibited biological activity similar to those in the fresh sliced bamboo shoots extracts. However, the boiling process and sliced technique reduced the bio-active compounds and biological properties as well as some of volatile compounds.

Substance P failed to reverse dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine colitis mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction: implications in ulcerative colitis.

As controversy exists about the efficacy of substance P (SP) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) with no previous study highlighting the impact of SP on mitochondrial dysfunction in this diseased condition, it became logical to perform the present study. C57BL/6J mice were administered with DSS @ 3.5%/gm body weight for 3 cycles of 5days each followed by i.v. dose of SP @ 5nmole per kg for consecutive 7days. Histopathological features were noticed in the affected colon along with colonic mitochondrial dysfunction, alterations in mitochondrial stress variables and enhanced colonic cell death. Interestingly, SP failed to reverse colitic features and proved ineffective in inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction. Unexpectedly SP alone seemed to impart detrimental effects on some of the mitochondrial functions, enhanced lipid peroxidation and increased staining intensities for caspases 3 and 9 in the normal colon. To substantiate in vivo findings and to assess free radical scavenging property of SP, Caco-2 cells were exposed to DSS with or without SP in the presence and absence of specific free radical scavengers and antioxidants. Interestingly, in vitro treatment with SP failed to restore mitochondrial functions and its efficacy proved below par compared to SOD and DMSO indicating involvement of O2 •- and •OH in the progression of UC. Besides, catalase, L-NAME and MEG proved ineffective indicating non-involvement of H2O2, NO and ONOO- in UC. Thus, SP may not be a potent anti-colitogenic agent targeting colonic mitochondrial dysfunction for maintenance of colon epithelial tract as it lacks free radical scavenging property.

Kinetics studies on free radical scavenging property of ceria in polysulfone–ceria radiation resistant mixed-matrix membrane

Abstract Cerium oxide (ceria) contains two stable states of cerium ions (Ce3+ and Ce4+). The presence of these two states and the ability to swap from one state to another (Ce3+ ↔ Ce4+) by scavenging the highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from radiolysis of water, ensure the enhanced stability of polysulfone (Psf) membranes in the γ-radiation environment. In this study, the ROS scavenging ability of ceria was studied. Ceria nanoparticles were found to scavenge ROS like hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The H2O2 scavenging is due to the peroxidase-like catalytic activity of ceria nanoparticles. The ROS scavenging is responsible for offering protection to the Psf host matrix and in turn the stability to the Psf-ceria mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) in γ-radiation environment. Thus, presence of ceria nanoparticles provides an opportunity for utilizing Psf-ceria MMMs in ionizing radiation environment with increased life span, without compromise in the performance.

Amelioration of N,N'-dimethylhydrazine induced colon toxicity by epigallocatechin gallate in Wistar rats.

Colon cancer is a life-threatening disease all over the world and is linked to constant oxidative stress and inflammation. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a naturally occurring flavone possessing health benefiting pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties. Our study investigates the role of EGCG on N,N'-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), a toxic environmental pollutant, induced colon toxicity. To investigate the effect of EGCG, Wistar rats were given EGCG for 7 days at the two doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight and DMH was injected on the seventh day in all the group rats except the control. Our results indicate that DMH administration increased the oxidative stress (MDA) and depleted the glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GR, GST and GPx) which was significantly ameliorated by EGCG treatment. Additionally DMH treatment upregulated inflammatory markers expression (NF-κB, COX-2 and IL-6) and enhanced mucosal damage in the colon. EGCG treatment significantly reduced inflammation and restored the normal histoarchitecture of the colon. We can conclude from the present study findings that EGCG protects the colon from DMH toxicity through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

An Indian Folkore Phytomedicine Perilla frutescens L.: Free Radical Scavenging Property along with Metal Detection by ICP-MS

In present study, free radical scavenging activity of methanolic extract of all parts (leaves, seeds, root, stem and flower) of Perilla frutescens L. has been estimated. The promising results, among the five plant parts leaves, seeds, root, stem, flower and the standard tested for the in vitro antioxidant activity using the DPPH method, the crude methanolic extracts of all parts showed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 5.95 ± 0.10, 8.28 ± 0.20, 66.27 ± 0.17, 80.03 ± 0.10 and 122.35 ± 0.17 μg/mL, respectively. The IC50 value for ascorbic acid was 5.19 ± 0.26 μg/mL. While butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) a synthetic commercial antioxidant has comparatively high IC50 value of 108.46 ± 0.57 μg/mL. Presence of zinc in all parts of plant in the range 17.20 ± 0.22 to 33.56 ± 0.32 ppm further supports the strong antioxidant activity of Perilla frutescens L. The phytochemical tests indicated that all parts of Perilla frutescens L. have considerable proportion of important phytochemicals and are in rich source of secondary metabolites like polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids. Several of such compounds are known to possess potent antioxidant activity.

Defining the role of CFTR channel blocker and ClC-2 activator in DNBS induced gastrointestinal inflammation

In the present study, we have investigated and/or compared the role of glibenclamide, G as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitor, and lubiprostone, L as chloride channel-2 (ClC-2) activator in the 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced gastrointestinal inflammation. GI inflammation was induced by intrarectal administration of DNBS. Rats were randomly allocated in 5 groups as sham control, distilled water + DNBS, sulfasalazine (S) + DNBS, G + DNBS, and L + DNBS. All the groups were pre-treated successively for five days before the induction of colitis. One day before and the first four days after DNBS administration various parameters were studied. Later, blood chemistry, colon’s gross structure, histology, and the antioxidant load was examined. Pre-treatment with G significantly protected the change induced by DNBS concerning the change in body weight, food intake, diarrhea, occult blood in the feces, wet weight of the colon, and spleen. G because of its anti-inflammatory property down-regulated the neutrophil and WBC count and up-regulated the lymphocyte number. Moreover, G efficiently ameliorates the oxidative stress in the colon and declines the level of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde and up-regulated the level of superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Lubiprostone has not shown any promising effects, in fact, it causes an increase in diarrheal frequency. Our findings from this study represent that G has good potential to ameliorate GI inflammation induced by DNBS by its multiple actions including CFTR blockage and reducing the release of inflammatory markers from the MCs, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging property.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Pods Extracts in Pork Meatballs During Cold Storage

Effects of M. oleifera leaves and pods extracts on physicochemical properties, free radical scavenging properties, antimicrobial activities and sensory attributes of pork meatballs were evaluated during cold storage at 4°C for 15 days. The preparation of pork meatballs was divided into eight treatments as control, 0.02% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), 0.2% leaves and pods aqueous extract, 0.4% leaves and pods aqueous extract, 0.8% leaves and pods aqueous extract. Aqueous leaves extract showed highest level of total phenolic (67.18 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid contents (5.60 mg CE/g extract) compared to those observed in aqueous pods extract as 55.17 mg GAE/g extract and 3.54 mg CE/g extract, respectively. The leaves extract had strongest antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals with IC50 49.85 μg/ml while the pods extract exhibited IC50 99.31 μg/ml. According to pork meatballs analysis, meatballs samples with addition of aqueous leaves extract exerted higher antioxidant activities in a concentration-dependent manner that were performed by higher DPPH scavenging activity and lower TBARs values in comparison with aqueous pods extract. Conversely, M.oleifera pods extract showed highest antibacterial activity against all testedfoodborne bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus (TISTR 1466),Bacillus cereus (TISTR 678), Escherichia coli (TISTR 780), Salmonellatyphimurium (ATCC 13311) with lowest MIC (1.56 mg/ml) and MBC (3.13 mg/ml)in agreement with the decrease of total microbial counts as compared to controland BHT samples. The meatballs with pods extract possessed higher sensoryattributes scores than those added with the leaves extract. In conclusion, 0.8%pods extracts effectively retarded lipid oxidation as well as decreased microbialgrowth in pork meatballs during cold storage. However, it was point out thatinferior sensory scores were affected by increasing additional the extract in themeatballs. Therefore, the use of Moringa extracts should be carefully applied inthe meatballs for avoidance of lowering consumer acceptance.

DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF MANNOSYLATED NARINGENIN LOADED TRANSFERSOMES USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY FOR SKIN CARCINOMA

Objective: The flavonoidal drug Naringenin offers a natural defense against free radical generation due to their antioxidant i.e. free radical scavenging property. The continuation of research work towards the invention of targeting the flavonoidal drug for skin carcinoma. Naringenin is a potent antioxidant, having remarkable reactive oxygen species scavenging potential and abundantly found in citrus fruits.
 Methods: The optimization of the formulated mannosylated naringenin-loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs) was performed using Box–Behnken statistical design to obtain crucial variable parameters that influence vesicular size, size distribution and surface charge. Therefore keeping both the concepts in mind our objective is to design and optimize the mannosylated naringenin loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs) for macropahge targeting. The Box Behnken with 3D surface response design graph was employed to optimize the formulation.
 Results: Phospholipids and surfactant ratio played a remarkable role to determine the mean vesicular size and the Zeta potential of the vesicles. The Zeta potential is found in the formulation having a range of-18.01±1.05 to-28.7±1.008 mV represents the good stability of the formulation. The vesicles size range was found in the range of 102.4±1.01 to 263.74±0.63 and range of Entrapment efficiency of nanovesicles was as 72.04±1.53 to 82.04±0.81. In vitro drug release study shows that mannosylated naringenin loaded transfersomes (MA-NgTfs), and marketed formulation dispersion was found 69.31 %, 62.03 %, 58.71 %, and 65.02 % respectively. Ex vivo skin permeation and deposition study shows that the marketed product and pure drug suspension optimized transfersomes through the skin of mice was of flux 6.5±3.07 and the percentage of drug retention was 0.76±1.26. The results gave us strong evidence of cellular uptake bymannose–directed transfersomes via mannose receptor-based endocytosis.
 Conclusion: On the basis of findings, the study revealed that the prepared formulation has characteristic potential for targeting and the concept of ligand directed nanocarrier formulation was imparts synergistic effect against UV-induced skin carcinoma.

Tardive Dyskinesia: Assessing and Treating a Debilitating Side Effect of Prolonged Antipsychotic Exposure

Tardive Dyskinesia: Assessing and Treating a Debilitating Side Effect of Prolonged Antipsychotic Exposure

Morel mushroom, Morchella from Kashmir Himalaya: a potential source of therapeutically useful bioactives that possess free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and arthritic edema-inhibiting activities

Morel mushrooms, Morchella species are highly nutritious and excellently edible wild mushrooms abundantly growing in Kashmir Himalayas. The free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and arthritis edema-inhibiting properties of bioactive extract of Morchella elata (EAE) were evaluated. EAE inhibited 53.2% formalin-induced paw edema at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.wt and 75.0% croton oil-induced skin inflammation at a dose of 50 mg topical application. EAE exhibited 51.8% COX inhibiting activity at a concentration of 100 µg/ml when assayed using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells exposed to the extract. NF-kB inhibiting activity of EAE was assayed using Lentix-293T P65 Ds Red stable cell line. High-throughput fluorescent imaging and flow cytometry showed profound ability of EAE to inhibit NF-kB activity. HPTLC analysis revealed that EAE is composed of several chemical components. The mushroom is a source of therapeutically useful functional food that can provide relief in arthritis.

Biomatrix from goat-waste in sponge/gel/powder form for tissue engineering and synergistic effect of nanoceria

For tissue engineering (TE), decellularized matrices gained huge potential as they consist of natural biomolecules which help in cell attachment and proliferation. Among various animal tissues, goat tissue has gained least attention in spite of the fact that goat tissue is less susceptible to disease transmission as compared to cadaveric porcine and bovine tissue. In this study, goat small intestine submucosa (G-SIS) was isolated from goat small intestine (G-SI), a waste from goat-slaughterhouse, and decellularized to obtain decellularized G-SIS (DG-SIS) biomatrix in the form of powder, gel and sponge form, so that it can be used for healing various types of wounds. Further, nanoceria (NC), owing to its free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and angiogenic properties, was incorporated in the DG-SIS in to fabricate DG-SIS/NC nanobiocomposite scaffold, which may exhibit synergistic effects to accelerate tissue regeneration. The scaffolds were found to be hydrophilic, biodegradable, haemocompatible, biocompatible, antibacterial and showed free radical scavenging capability. The scaffold containing NC concentration (500 µg ml−1) depicted highest cell (fibroblast cells) adhesion, MTT activity and free radical scavenging as compared to the DG-SIS and other nanobiocomposite scaffolds. Thus, DG-SIS/NC3 (NC with concentration 500 µg ml−1) scaffold could be a potential scaffold biomaterial for skin TE application.

Fucoxanthin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by activating nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway in macrophages.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of fucoxanthin (FCX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, have been suggested. However, underlying mechanisms are elusive. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which FCX and its metabolites inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophages. The effects of the FCX on mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant genes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were determined in RAW 264.7 macrophages. A potential role of FCX in the modulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/nuclear E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) axis was evaluated. FCX significantly decreased LPS-induced interleukin (Il)6, Il1b, and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnf) mRNA abundance and TNFα secretion. FCX attenuated LPS or tert-butyl-hydroperoxide-induced ROS accumulation with concomitant increases in the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Also, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay demonstrated that FCX had a potent free radical scavenging property. FCX markedly increased nuclear translocation of NRF2 in LPS-treated macrophages, consequently inducing its target gene expression. Interestingly, the effect of FCX on NRF2 nuclear translocation was noticeably diminished by LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, but not by inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Phosphorylation of AKT, a downstream element of PI3K, was also markedly increased by FCX. FCX metabolites, such as fucoxanthinol and amarouciaxanthin A, significantly attenuated LPS-induced ROS accumulation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. FCX exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by the activation of NRF2 in the macrophages activated by LPS, which is mediated, at least in part, through the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Insecticidal Activity and Free Radical Scavenging Properties of Isolated Phytoconstituents from the Saudi Plant Nuxia oppositifolia (Hochst.).

Chromatographic purification of the alcoholic extract from the aerial parts of the Saudi plant Nuxia oppositifolia (Hochst.), Benth., resulted in five isolated phenolic compounds. Two flavones, hispidulin (1) and jaceosidin (2), and the phenylethanoid glycosides, verbascoside (3), isoverbascoside (4), and conandroside (5), were identified and their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses. The insecticidal activity of compounds 1 and 2, in addition to 11 compounds isolated in a previous research (6–16), was evaluated against the Yellow Fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Four compounds displayed adulticidal activity with LD50 values of 2–2.3 μg/mosquito. Free radical scavenging properties of the plant extracts and compounds (1–5) were evaluated by measuring the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate radical cation (ABTS•+) scavenging activity. All compounds exhibited notable activity, compared with the positive control, l-Ascorbic acid. This study suggests that N. oppositifolia could be a promising source of secondary metabolites, some with lethal adulticidal effect against Ae. aegypti.