Free Radical Scavenging Properties Research Articles

A Cardiac-Targeted Nanozyme Interrupts the Inflammation-Free Radical Cycle in Myocardial Infarction.

Severe systemic inflammation following myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of patient mortality. MI-induced inflammation can trigger the production of free radicals, which in turn ultimately leads to increased inflammation in cardiac lesions (i.e., inflammation-free radicals cycle), resulting in heart failure and patient death. However, currently available anti-inflammatory drugs have limited efficacy due to their weak anti-inflammatory effect and poor accumulation at the cardiac site. Herein, a novel Fe-Cur@TA nanozyme is developed for targeted therapy of MI, which is generated by coordinating Fe3+ and anti-inflammatory drug curcumin (Cur) with further modification of tannic acid (TA). Such Fe-Cur@TA nanozyme exhibits excellent free radicals scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties by reducing immune cell infiltration, promoting macrophage polarization toward the M2-like phenotype, suppressing inflammatory cytokine secretion, and blocking the inflammatory free radicals cycle. Furthermore, due to the high affinity of TA for cardiac tissue, Fe-Cur@TA shows an almost tenfold greater in cardiac retention and uptake than Fe-Cur. In mouse and preclinical beagle dog MI models, Fe-Cur@TA nanozyme preserves cardiac function and reduces scar size, suggesting promising potential for clinical translation in cardiovascular disease.

A Research on Futuristic Magical effect of Oleanolic Acid

Oleanolic acid (3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound and its derivatives possess several promising pharmacological activities. Here, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of ethanolic extracts of Oleanolic acid from Ocimum sanctum. antioxidants entrapped in nanogel or hollow particles, used to provide better stability, gradual and sustained release, biocompatibility, and targeted delivery of the antioxidants with superior antioxidant profiles. The antioxidant activities were assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide radical scavenging assays.

Cardioprotective effects of Rhododendron arboreum leaf extract against Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats by modulating electrocardiographic and cardiac biomarkers

BackgroundCardiotoxicity and related complications are well-known adverse effects of anticancer drugs like doxorubicin (DOX). A medicinal plant called Rhododendron arboreum is used by traditional healers of Sikkim in the treatment of heart ailments and has also been reported for widespread therapeutic effects in many clinical studies. Thus the present study has been designed to evaluate the protective effects of Rhododendron arboreum leaf extract (RALE) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicities.MethodsCommencement of research with the collection of the Rhododendron arboreum leaves and drying it in the shade, the extraction was performed using the Soxhlet method with an ethanolic solvent. The phytoconstituents of the RALE were then quantified and qualitatively evaluated. Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity was carried out using four groups consisting of six animals each. Doxorubicin was administered with a dose of 3 mg/kg injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) on the 1st,7th,14th,21st and 28th day of cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg throughout the experimental period with RALE treatment (250 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. The influence of the treatment was analyzed by quantification of cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiographic method.ResultsThe serum levels of cardiac biomarkers such as Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine kinase-N-acetyltransferase (CK-NAC), Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), which were elevated due to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity were significantly reduced in all RALE (250 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) treated groups. Similarly, the electrocardiographic changes like prolonged QT interval, widening of QRS complex amplitude, undefined ST segment, arrhythmias and increased heart rate were also restored close to normal in all treated groups compared to the DOX control group.ConclusionFollowing the data observed during the study, results reported that R. arboreum possesses the free radical scavenging property, improved cardiotoxic laboratory parameters and restored reversible cellular injury due to existing of the principle constituent’s impact on proinflammatory mediators.

Role of phytochemicals and secondary metabolites from Mentha spicata in acetylcholine esterase inhibition for effective pest control of Tetranychus urticae Koch

ABSTRACTThe two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) poses a significant threat to global food production. However, the environmental risks associated with synthetic pesticides have necessitated the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives. Plant-based biopesticides utilizing secondary metabolites have emerged as promising strategies for pest management. This study aimed to extract and characterize Mentha spicata L. through biochemical analyses, GC-MS, and LC-QTOF-MS. The extract’s acaricidal, oviposition deterrence, and repellent properties were evaluated against Tetranychus urticae, revealing a pronounced time- and concentration-dependent effect over 96 hours, with an LC50 of 3 µg/mL. Furthermore, the impact of the extract on plant growth was assessed using tomato plants, demonstrating an enhancement in growth rate based on photosynthesis, weight, and oxidative stress markers analyses. Polyphenolics and terpenoids in M. spicata were identified as contributors to its biological activities, including antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties. Molecular docking experiments targeting acetylcholine esterase (AChE) were conducted on the identified phytocompounds, indicating a high affinity for δ-3-Carene and Isoferuloyl C1 glucuronide. The pesticidal effects of these compounds were attributed to their competitive and synergistic inhibition of AChE. These findings highlight the potential of plant extracts, specifically M. spicata, as effective biopesticides in future pest control strategies. The utilization of secondary metabolites from plant sources offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to combatting T. urticae infestations.

Isolation, characterization, structural elucidation and in vivo hepatoprotective studies of phytoconstituents obtained from the fruits of <i>Cordia obliqua</i> Willd

Purpose: To isolate, characterize, and investigate the hepatoprotective effect of phyto-constituents from fruits of Cordia obliqua Wild in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.
 Methods: Ethanol and aqueous extracts of C. obliqua fruits were screened for phytochemicals. The extracts were subjected to column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to isolate four novel compounds. Compounds were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectroscopy (MS), as well as 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The isolated compounds were assessed for acute toxicity, in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential (dose: 5 mg/kg) in paracetamol-induced (75 mg/kg) hepatotoxicity through oral route in Wistar rats.
 Results: Phytochemical analysis of ethanol (COE) indicated the presence of fatty acids, anthraquinones, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, phenolics, triterpenes, and sterols. Compounds A, B, and C were identified from COE. Treatment at 50 mg/kg significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGTP), and total bilirubin (TB), as well as increased total protein and total alkalinity levels in serum compared to the positive control. Liver histo-architecture showed improvements compared to the positive control, indicating hepatic protection.
 Conclusion: The isolated compounds (A, B and C) from COE exhibit hepatoprotective effects attributed to flavonoids and phenolics with free radical scavenging properties. Further research is needed to identify key mechanisms responsible for hepatoprotective effects.

Anti-protein glycation and free-radical scavenging properties of Sri Lankan antidiabetic medicinal plant Salacia reticulata l. (Kothala Himbutu)

BackgroundDecoctions of the root and stem of the medicinal plant Salacia reticulata is an indigenous remedy for diabetics and its complications in Sri Lanka. In diabetics, the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to many pathologies. Nevertheless, the anti-protein-glycation property of this plant is poorly documented. This study reports the anti-protein-glycation and radical scavenging potential of various plant parts of S. reticulata.MethodsHot water extracts (2g dried powder/50 ml) of root, stem, leaf, twigs, and fruits at various concentrations (15.6 to 500.0 µg/ml) were subjected to anti-glycation and glycation reversing assays in vitro. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used for free radical scavenging property.ResultsVarious plant parts of S. reticulata showed anti-protein-glycation and free-radical scavenging activities. IC50 for the anti-glycation activity of root, stem, leaf, twigs, and fruit extracts were 11.92 ± 1.14, 35.18 ± 2.79, 113.3 ± 1.91, 149.59 ± 1.06, and 1120.37 ± 229.48 µg/ml respectively. IC50 of Rutin was 21.88 ± 2.82 µg/ml. EC50 of the root, stem, twigs, and leaf extracts for glycation reversing was 102.09 ± 6.23, 116.99 ± 5.82, 154.45 ± 5.79, and 278.78 ± 14.19 µg/ml respectively. The EC50 values for the radical scavenging activity of leaf, stem, and roots were 26.4±4.7, 9.0±1.2, and 9.1±1.3 respectively. Root had significantly (p<0.05) high activity for all the parameters tested.ConclusionSalacia reticulata possess anti-glycation, glycation-reversing, and free radical scavenging activities. Other than root and stem, the leaves and twigs too may be a useful source for anti-diabetic bioactive molecules.

Design, synthesis and biological activity of coumarin-chalcone hybrid derivatives as phosphodiesterase type Ⅱ (PDE2) inhibitors

Coumarin and chalcone are two compounds that have been extensively studied for their neuroprotective effects. Coumarin is known for its ability to inhibit MAO activity in the brain and reduce central nervous system damage caused by dopamine degradation. Chalcone, on the other hand, has gained attention due to its potential medicinal value, including free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Both compounds have shown promise in the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we designed and synthesized 36 coumarin-chalcone heteroderivatives based on the principle of structure hybridization. We then evaluated the inhibitory effects of these compounds on phosphodiesterase II (PDE2) at the enzyme level and analyzed their structure-activity relationship. Among the hybrid derivatives, compounds 2b, 3a, 3i, 3m, and 1l demonstrated significant inhibitory activity on PDE2, with IC50 values of 24.46 μM, 16.82 μM, 28.13 μM, 21.88 μM, and 29.72 μM, respectively. This paper presents the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of coumarin-chalcone hybrid derivatives for their potential as PDE2 inhibitors.

Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles: Correlations between tuneable optoelectronic, antioxidant and photocatalytic activities

Microstructural, optical and electronic properties of Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles with a general formula Zn1-xCuxO (x = 0.0, 0.1 and 0.2) prepared via wet chemical co-precipitation method were investigated thoroughly. Both the free radicals scavenging properties and photocatalytic activities of synthesized nanoparticles were explored. Formation of pure hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of entire samples were identified by recorded x-ray diffraction patterns. For determining both the mean crystallite size and intrinsic microstrain of all the samples, several standard methods were utilized and a comparative study was introduced. Average size, morphology and shape regularity of synthesized samples were examined using HRTEM images. Optical direct band gap estimated from Tauc plots was noted to reduce with increasing Cu concentration in ZnO nanoparticles. Collected FTIR spectra at 300 K also validated the incorporation of Cu ions and their complete dissolution in the host ZnO crystal structure. It is also found that the hopping of electrons is the fundamental charge conduction process for all the samples in presence of ac electric field. FDTD simulation clearly predicts increase in electric field intensity with increased doping of Cu. There could be a plasmonic coupling between particles at the hotspot region that increases the electric field intensities. BET study revealed that the 10 % Cu doped ZnO sample has highest specific surface area which implies it contains more active sites for taking part in rapid photodegradation of toxic dyes compared to other samples. It was observed that the 10 % Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles were more efficient in degrading toxic dyes and the degradation pathway of all the samples obeyed first order rate kinetics model. Based on estimated bandgap of nanoparticles, a possible mechanism for the Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation is suggested. All the prepared samples also exhibited notable antioxidant properties. Consequently, this study clearly shows that the Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles are the effective nanomaterial for photocatalytic and antioxidant applications.

Variation in antioxidant capacity, antioxidant activity and mineral composition during flower development of oil-bearing rose (Rosa damascena Mill.)

Oil-bearing rose is an economically important rose species with a wide range of uses such as cosmetics, perfumery, food and health, but the changes in antioxidant capacity and antioxidant activity during flower development are not well understood. The antioxidant content and free radical scavenging properties of oil-bearing rose flowers are used in the cosmetic industry to modulate skin damage, and in the food industry as a source of antioxidants and sweeteners. The present investigation was carried out to explore the antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the composition and distribution of minerals in petals of oil-bearing rose at five flower development stages. The total antioxidant capacity of petals was determined using CUPRAC, DPPH, FRAP, FIC and ABTS methods. The antioxidant capacity of petals decreased during the flower development, suggesting that flowers in stage I and II are valuable sources of antioxidants. CUPRAC, DPPH, FRAP, FIC and ABTS scavenging activity of the petals at various developmental stages are strongly and positively correlated with each other. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase was highest at the bud stage (stage I), whereas the fully opened flowers (stage V) exhibited the lowest activity in oil-bearing rose petals. During the development of flower, malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased significantly from stage I to stage III and decreased at stage IV. Here we detected the contents of 15 elements in petals, some of them, especially calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus showed significant changes during rose flowering. Generally, the highest mineral content was observed in stage I while the lowest content observed in stage V of flower development. These results showed a close link between flower development, antioxidant capacity, enzymatic antioxidant activity and mineral content, with stage I exhibiting the best antioxidant activity, mineral content and free radical scavenging potential. This work will serve as a baseline for understanding the possible roles of antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzymes, mineral content and their interactions in the regulation of flower development.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Gabapentinoid Hybrids with Isoindole-1,3(2H)-Dione Moiety as Potential Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Agents

Purpose. To synthesize new isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione derivatives by molecular hybridization of gabapentin and pregabalin with phthalic anhydride derivatives and to evaluate their biological activity as promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. Method. Molecular hybridization was successfully achieved by two procedures; synthesized compounds were characterized using analytical and spectral methods. The free radical scavenging properties of synthesized compounds were evaluated using the DPPH method. The antibacterial activity of synthesized compounds and parent compounds was evaluated against two microbial Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains by the well diffusion method. Furthermore, we have studied the effect of compounds on proliferation, cell cycle, and cell death in two human cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HCT-116). Results. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 exhibited a good free radical scavenging effect, and compound 3 is the most effective with IC50 value of 2.525 μmol/mL. All compounds showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus related to concentration, while parent drugs did not exhibit any antibacterial effect. Compounds 1 and 2 showed a good zone of inhibition against E. coli at micromolar concentrations, and they are more effective than Gentamicin Sulfate. Treatment with the studied compounds suppresses proliferation, arrests progress throughout the cell cycle, and induces apoptosis in Caco-2 and HCT-116 cancer cells. Compound 2 is highly effective against Caco-2 cells and more effective than thalidomide, with IC50 value less than 1 μmol/L. Conclusion. Our results showed that molecular hybridization of gabapentin and pregabalin in the isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione moiety results in promising anticancer and antimicrobial molecules. Results of this preliminary study show that halogenation of the isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione moiety improves antimicrobial and anticancer activity and that tetra-brominated derivatives are comparable to or more effective than related tetra-chlorinated derivatives.

Curcumin-functionalized gold nanoparticles attenuate AAPH-induced acute cardiotoxicity via reduction of lipid peroxidation and modulation of antioxidant parameters in a chicken embryo model

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have gained considerable attention due to their biocompatibility, customizable optical properties and ease of synthesis. In this study, an environmentally friendly method was used for synthesize curcumin-functionalized AuNPs (AuNP-C). AuNP-C exhibited a spherical shape, uniformity, and an average diameter of 6 nm. The in vitro antioxidant activity was analyzed, and cytotoxicity properties of AuNP-C were assessed in fibroblast and macrophage cells. Additionally, the effects of AuNP-C on oxidative stress in chicken embryo liver and hearts were investigated. AuNP-C demonstrated potent free radical scavenging properties without exhibiting cytotoxicity and hepatotoxicity effects. Administration of 300 µg/mL of AuNP-C in chicken embryos, subjected to oxidative damage induced by 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride, significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels in the cardiac tissue. Moreover, the activities of cardiac superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase were restored, accompanied by an increase in overall antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, at higher concentrations, AuNP-C normalized the reduced glutathione content. AuNP-C preserved the normal structure of blood vessels; however, it resulted in an increase in protein carbonylation. This study provides initial evidence for the modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms by green-synthesized AuNPs and underscores the importance of investigating the in vivo safety of phytoantioxidant-functionalized nanoparticles.

Unveiling Alternative Oxidation Pathways and Antioxidant and Cardioprotective Potential of Amaranthin-Type Betacyanins from Spinach-like Atriplex hortensis var. 'Rubra'.

A comprehensive oxidation mechanism was investigated for amaranthin-type betacyanins with a specific glucuronosylglucosyl moiety isolated from Atriplex hortensis 'rubra' using liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) and LC-Quadrupole-Orbitrap-MS (LC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). By employing one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR, this study elucidates the chemical structures of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS)-oxidized celosianins for the first time. These findings demonstrate alternative oxidation pathways for acylated betacyanins compared to well-known betanidin, betanin, and gomphrenin pigments. Contrary to previous research, we uncover the existence of 17-decarboxy-neo- and 2,17-bidecarboxy-xanneo-derivatives as the initial oxidation products without the expected 2-decarboxy-xan forms. These oxidized compounds demonstrated potent free radical scavenging properties. Celosianin (IC50 = 23 μg/mL) displayed slightly higher antioxidant activity compared to oxidized forms, 17-decarboxy-neocelosianin (IC50 = 34 μg/mL) and 2,17-bidecarboxy-xanneocelosianin (IC50 = 29 μg/mL). The oxidized compounds showed no cytotoxic effects on H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts (0.1-100 μg/mL). Additionally, treatment of H9c2 cells with the oxidized compounds (0.1-10 μg/mL) elevated glutathione levels and exhibited protective effects against H2O2-induced cell death. These findings have significant implications for understanding the impact of oxidation processes on the structures and biological activities of acylated betalains, providing valuable insights for future studies of the bioavailability and biological mechanism of their action in vivo.

The protective effects of Capparis spinosa aqueous extract against methotrexate in male albino rats

Abstract Background: Methotrexate (MTX) concentrations in liver disorders can cause ischemia, requiring Capparis spinosa extract for antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Objective: The purpose of this investigation is to ascertain whether or not an aqueous extract of C. spinosa can lessen the cytotoxic effects of MTX in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male albino rats were separated into four groups of six each. Oral normal saline (0.5 mL/kg BW) was administered to the placebo group. Group A received a weekly intraperitoneal injection of 20 mL/kg of MTX. The C. spinosa extract 250 mg/kg body weight group. The group was given MTX and C. spinosa 250 mg/kg by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection weekly for 3 months. Results: Aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in the positive group compared to the control group. Alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels in the liver were also higher in participants who tested positive compared to those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Compared to the control group, the treated group revealed no statistically significant changes in liver enzymes after receiving C. spinosa extract (P &lt; 0.05). For the histological study, histological examination of the cross sections prepared from the liver of a rat injected with MTX as a single dose per week showed the presence of many histological lesions represented by the presence of degeneration and necrosis of the hepatocytes with rupturing of the wall of blood vessels, central veins, and hepatic veins, as well as the presence of infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells. Conclusion: The results of the present study focused that C. spinosa are promising hepatoprotective elements for improving defence mechanisms in the physiological and histological systems against oxidative stress under various circumstances.

Preliminary Phytochemical screening and Antioxidant properties of Methanolic root extract of Picrorhiza kurroa

Objective: Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Scrophulariacae) is a herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine highly noted for its hepatoprotective effect. Over exploitation for various medicinal purposes has made the rhizome as an endangered species. In spite of its geographical distribution, it is available in all the herbal drug stores. The rationale behind this study is to authenticate and standardize the Picrosides by different parameters to enable its identity, purity and efficacy. Thus, the Present study analyzed the presence of phytochemicals qualitatively and evaluated the antioxidant properties in the methanolic extracts of Picrorhiza kurroa. Methods: Preliminary analysis of phytoconstituents of root parts of this plant using the standard procedures and Antioxidant properties were determined by 1,1- diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results: The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of secondary active constituent’s such as glycosides, cardiacglycosides, Tannins, terpenoids, steroids and coumarins and also possesses high free radical scavenging property. Conclusion: Therefore this study explored the antioxidant properties which strongly supports that could prevent many free radical related disorders. Also paves the way for further quantitative and animal studies, planned to explore the molecular mechanisms for the study based on cardiovascular disorders.

Vernonia amygdalina protects against doxorubicin-induced hepatic and renal damage in rats: mechanistic insights

The use of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin is limited due to its potential to cause signifi-cant hepatorenal damage. The present study aimed to investigate the potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Vernonia amygdalina, a medicinal plant with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Doxorubicin (DOX), DOX + Vernonia Amyg-dalina (DOX+VA), and Vernonia amygdalina (VA) alone. DOX and DOX+VA groups were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (15 mg/kg body weight). The DOX+VA group received Vernonia amygdalina extract (100, 300, 500 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage for 14 days following doxorubicin injection. The results demonstrated that Vernonia amygdalina significantly reduced the elevated levels of liver and kidney function biomarkers, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatinine, induced by doxorubicin. The histological examination of the liver and kidney tis-sues also confirmed the protective effects of Vernonia amygdalina against doxorubicin-induced damage. Furthermore, Vernonia amygdalina treatment was found to mitigate oxidative stress by restoring the levels of glutathione (GPx), Catalase, NO and SOD and decreasing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver and kidney tissues. Additionally, Vernonia amygdalina sig-nificantly suppressed the renal injury markers, NGAL, cystatin-c, KIM-1, and NAG. In conclu-sion, the results of this study suggest that Vernonia amygdalina has potent hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rats. These protective effects are mediated by its antioxidant, and free radical scavenging properties. Further investigation is needed to determine the potential clinical relevance of Vernonia amygdalina in protecting against the hepatorenal damage induced by doxorubicin in human subjects. Graphical abstract:

Pharmacognostical and Pharmacological Evaluation of leaves of Citrullus lanatus L.

Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) is commonly available throughout India and traditionally used in treatment of various ailments. This plant is well-explored for its fruit but the potential of its leaves is still unexplored. Thus, the present study focuses on pharmacognostical and pharmacological evaluation of leaves of Citrullus lanatus. In pharmacognostical evaluation, all macroscopic, microscopic, qualitative, quantitative and microbiological analysis were performed. In pharmacological evaluation, the study mainly focuses on the potential of leaves for antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The antioxidant activity has been performed by various methods such as DPPH and phospho-molybdenum method. The antidiabetic activity has been performed by non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin assay method, glucose uptake in yeast cells method, alpha amylase inhibition assay method and alpha glucosidase inhibition assay method. The results of antioxidant activity shows that the plant extract possess good free radical scavenging properties due to the presence of vitamin C, polyphenol and flavonoid content. The results of antidiabetic activity by non-enzymatic glycosylation method shows that the plant extract of C. lanatus exhibit significant inhibition of glycosylation as compared with standard drug alpha tocopherol. In glucose uptake by yeast cells method, the extract showed greater efficiency in increasing the glucose uptake by yeast cells as compared to standard drug acarbose. In alpha amylase inhibition method, Alpha amylase inhibitors bind to alpha bond of polysaccharide and prevent breakdown of polysaccharide in mono and disaccharide which shows significant activity of plant extract as compared to an acarbose standard drug. Thus from the above findings, it can be concluded that C. lanatus leaves possess a great potential for antioxidant and antidiabetic activity and this plant should be more researched and formulation should be marketed in the recent future.&#x0D; Keywords: Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceous), Watermelon, Anti-oxidant Activity, Anti-diabetic Activity

A Comparative In Vitro Study on Potential of Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Oxidant Properties in Extracts of Allium Hypsistum, Allium Przewalskanium and Allium Wallichii

Allium hypsistum, Allium przewalskanium, and Allium wallichii are among the plants which are found at high altitude of Himalayan region. This in-vitro study has been focused on anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties of selected plants taken from Nepal region. Antidiabetic property was determined by in-vitro α- amylase inhibition method. Alcoholic extract of Allium hypsistum showed greatest α-amylase inhibitory action about 80% with an IC50 worth of 1.10 milligram/ ml followed by Allium przewalskanium which showed about 66% inhibition with an IC50 worth of 1.48 milligram/ ml. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using total phenolic content (TPC) and 2, 2-diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay method. Ethanolic extract of A. hypsistum showed the highest DPPH free radical scavenging property 67% as compared to reference ascorbic acid (75%). Among selected three plants, both TPC and %RSA revealing the antioxidant activities were found to be higher in A. hypsistum followed by A. prsewalskanium and A. wallichii.

Relative Free Radical Scavenging, Tyrosinase Inhibitory, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the Polar Peel decoctures of distinct Malus Species indigenous to Kashmir

Apple, (Malus domestica, Brokh), is a vital source of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds whose accumulation in the different parts of the fruit depends upon various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study aimed to perform a comparative evaluation of phenolics of peels of three red-skinned (“Delicious”, “Maharaji”, “Royal delicious”), and one yellow-skinned (“Golden Delicious”) apple varieties incorporating preliminary secondary metabolite perusal followed by estimation of Total phenol and total flavonoid contents. Secondary phytocompounds being usually polar in nature were extracted from peels via the Soxhlet and hot maceration processes using different menstruum systems of varied polarity. Comparative assessment of Free radical scavenging, anti-pigmentation, and anti-inflammatory properties of all the decoctures was analyzed thereafter.Free radical scavenging capacity was analyzed via 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay.Tyrosinase inhibitory activity was assessed by studying the in vitro impact of decoctures on the monophenolase and diphenolase reactions of the enzyme tyrosinase. The anti-inflammatory potential of the samples was assessed by inhibition of hypotonicity-induced HRBC membrane lysis. TPC/TFC estimation was analyzed via spectrophotometry. Methanol crude peel extracts of all apple species revealed rich phytochemical content as per TPC/TFC analysis. In a dose-dependent manner, all the crude peel extracts demonstrated considerable free radical scavenging capacity with DPPH assay. Maharaji methanolic decocture revealed potent free radical scavenging activity by showing the lowest IC50 value while Royal delicious acetone extract showed the highest IC50 value when collated with the potent reference antioxidant ascorbic acid with an IC50value of 114.62µg/ml. Polarextract of Malus domestica var Maharaji revealed significant tyrosinase inhibitory activity by revealing IC50 of 8460.65µg/mlon L-Tyrosine substrate and IC50 of 7830.46 µg/ml on L-DOPA substrate. Malus peel compounds turn out to be more effective in diphenolase reaction and kojic acid acts more effectively in the monophenolase one.At various concentrations, the percentage of membrane stabilization for methanolic extracts and the reference NSAID diclofenac sodium was determined.The highest level of membrane stabilization wasshown by methanolic Maharaji and delicious apple peel extracts (83.76 % and 72.32% at a dose of 200 mg/ml respectively) when juxtaposed with standard NSAID showing 98.58 % inhibition at a concentration of 25 mg/ml. Methanol extracts of Malus domestica var Maharaji out performed the other Malus peel extracts in terms of all the parameters analyzed, according to the current study. So, this study is giving the highest pharmaceutical priority to the Malus domestica var Maharaji when it comes to human-health benign bioactive compounds, oxidative stress-related diseases, pigmentation disorders, and inflammatory diseases.

In vitro Antiplasmodial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxicity Activity of Terminalia macroptera Traditionally Used in Cameroon Against Malaria

BackgroundThe alarming expansion of drug resistance, as well as the scarcity of effective antimalarial medications currently accessible, highlights the importance of finding novel antimalarial chemicals. This study was undertaken to evaluate the antiplasmodial efficacy, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity of Terminalia macroptera stem bark in order to justify it as an antimalarial agent for the local population. MethodologyAqueous and ethanol extracts of the stem bark were prepared using standard procedures. The antimalarial activity of the plant extract was investigated in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green assay against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) Plasmodium falciparum strains. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring ferric reducing antioxidant power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, free radical scavenging, and nitric oxide radical scavenging. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was conducted against RAW 264.7 cell line and red blood cells. ResultsThe aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T macroptera were active with inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) for 3D7 strains of 3.46 ± 0.48 and 4.10 ± 0.39μg/ml for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. The same activity was obtained with the Dd2 strain with IC50 of 6.15 ± 1.46 and 7.47 ± 0.03μg/ml for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. The aqueous extracts showed good free radical scavenging property. The IC50 of the aqueous extract was found to be 0.87, 8.49, 72.78, and 25.92μg/ml for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, H2O2, and ferric reducing antioxidant power, respectively. For the cytotoxicity test, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of T macroptera were non-toxic with a CC50 value of 292.55 ± 1.35 and 223.25 ± 2.75 µg/ml for ethanolic and aqueous, respectively. Regarding the cytotoxicity of the extracts on red blood cells (haemolysis), the two extracts showed very low toxicity compared to the positive control. Phytochemical screening of the plants extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenoids, anthocyanins, anthraquinons, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolics. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that extracts of T macroptera can serve as antimalarial agents. Further in vivo, antimalarial, antioxidant, and toxicity studies are required to scientifically validate the use of T macroptera as an antimalarial agent.

High AIECL performance of tetraphenylethene derivatives originated from the linear increasing of benzene ring and solvent regulation for sensitive measurement of melatonin

The efficiency of aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescence (AIECL) in tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives were significantly enhanced by combining the regulation of molecular structure and solvent. Firstly, the linear increase of the benzene ring resulted in enhanced molecular aggregation and promoted the electrochemical reaction of the anode, due to increased molecular conjugation and higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). The ECL efficiency of 4,4,4,4-(Ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl) tetrakis (([1,1,4,1-terphenyl]-4-carbaldehyde)) (T3) nanoparticles (NPs) with more benzene rings were 5558 times that of 4,4,4,4-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl) tetrabenzaldehyde (T1) NPs, and its relative ECL efficiency of T3 NPs reached 55.58% compared to the [Ru (bpy)3]2+/tripropylamine (TPrA) system. Furthermore, solvents with different polarities played a crucial role in modulating the degree of molecular aggregation, which also effectively facilitated the AIE process and reduced the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect caused by excessively dense aggregation. This aspect had often been overlooked in previous AIECL studies. T3 NPs demonstrated optimal ECL performance at fw = 70% (fw was the H2O content in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/H2O), and its ECL efficiency was 232 times greater than fw = 100% and 1853 times greater than fw = 0%. Additionally, it was found that melatonin (MT), one of the hormones widely used to treat insomnia, exhibited antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, which exerted a significant quenching effect on the ECL of the T3 NPs/TPrA system. Consequently, a sensitive sensing platform was developed for MT with a low detection limit of 8.78 × 10−10 mol L−1, which promoted the application of AIECL in efficient ultra-sensitive biosensing.