Free Radical Scavenging Activity Method Research Articles

Exploring the biological activity of organotin carboxylate complexes with 4-sulfosalicylic acid

ABSTRACT. 4-Sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) was used as a ligand to prepare new triphenyltin and dimethyl-tin complexes by condensation with the corresponding organotin chloride salts. The complexes were identified by different techniques, such as infrared spectra (tin and proton), magnetic resonance, and elemental analyses. The 119Sn-NMR was studied to determine the prepared complexes' geometrical shape. Two methods examined the antioxidant activity of (SSA) and prepared complexes; Free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and CUPRRAC methods. Tri and di-tin complexes gave high percentage inhibition than ligands with both methods due to tin moiety; the triphenyltin carboxylate complex was the best compared with the others. Also, antibacterial activity was assessed by using the agar ditch method against (Escherichia coli) and (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The complexes gave high activity in inhibition than the ligand derived. Also Triphenyltin carboxylate complex showed higher antibacterial activity than the dimethyltin complex against two types of bacteria (Escherichia coli) and (Staphylococcus aureus).
 KEY WORDS: Antioxidant activity, Antibacterial activity, Sulfosalicylic acid, Tri phenyl tin chloride, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1435-1442. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.11

Some Wild Mushrooms with High Antioxidant Capacity Exhibit Potent Anticancer Activity on Cancer Cells using the Apoptotic and Antimigration Cell Death Mechanisms.

This study aims to provide in vitro experimental evidence that wild mushrooms have the potential to be used as a pharmaceutical that could be effective against various types of cancer. Throughout human history, besides food, traditional medicine and natural poisons obtained from mushrooms have been used for the treatment of many diseases. Clearly, edible and medicinal mushroom preparations have beneficial health effects without the known severe adverse side effects. This study was designed to reveal the cell growth inhibitory potential of five different edible mushrooms and the biological activity of Lactarius zonarius was shown here for the first time. The mushrooms fruiting bodies were dried and powdered then extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The mushroom extracts were screened for possible antioxidant activities by the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) method. Antiproliferative activity and cytotoxicity of the extracts were investigated in vitro on A549 (human lung carcinoma), HeLa (human cervix carcinoma), HT29 (human colon carcinoma), Hep3B (human hepatoma), MCF7 (human breast cancer), FL (human amnion cells), and Beas2B (normal human cells) cells lines by using MTT cell proliferation assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, DNA degradation, TUNEL, and cell migration assay. Using proliferation, cytotoxicity, DNA degradation, TUNEL, and migration assay, we displayed that hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of the Lactarius zonarius, Laetiporus sulphureus, Pholiota adiposa, Polyporus squamosus, and Ramaria flava were effective on the cells even so at low doses (< 45.0 - 99.6 µg/mL) by acting in a way that represses migration, as a negative inducer of apoptosis. It was also demonstrated that mushroom extracts with high antioxidant effect have within the acceptable cytotoxic activity of 20%-30% on the cell membrane at concentrations higher than 60 µg/mL. Overall, all of the mushroom extracts with high antioxidant effects had strong antiproliferative activity and low toxicity for cells. These findings, at least, highlight that these mushroom extracts can be used for the treatment of cancer disease, especially as a supportive therapy against colon, liver, and lung cancer.

ORGANOTIN COMPLEXES BASED ON THE INTERACTION OF 2-(BENZYLIDENE AMINO) ACETIC ACID WITH ORGANOTIN CHLORIDES. SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

In this work, 2-(benzylidene amino) acetic acid was prepared by reflexing reaction of benzaldehyde with glycine, then this prepared and characterized compound was used as ligand to prepare tri and di-organotin complexes by condensation reaction with the corresponding organotin chloride salts. The complexes were identified by different techniques, such as infrared spectra, (tin and proton) magnetic resonance and elemental analyses. The antioxidant activity of 2-(benzylidene amino) acetic acid and prepared complexes were studied by two different methods; Free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and CUPRRAC methods. Tri and di-tin complexes gave high percentage inhibition than ligand with both methods due to tin moiety, also Triphenyltin carboxylate complex was the best compared with the others

The potential of Mimosa pudica L as an α- glucosidase inhibitor and antioxidant agent

Background: The putri malu plant (Mimosa pudica L.) is a South American and Central American native widely distributed throughout Indonesia. Indonesians utilise this plant as a herbal treatment to treat various ailments, including insomnia, acute eye inflammation, stone pee, fever, worms, bronchitis, and herpes. Objectives: This plant was studied for its antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and water extracts. Method: The aerial part of the plant was extracted with methanol and partitioned with n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate to obtain n-hexane (EHMP) dichloromethane (EDMP), ethyl acetate (EEMP), and water (EAMP) extracts. All extracts were analysed for their α-glucosidase inhibitor and antioxidants with the free radical scavenging activity method using DPPH. Results: EAMP showed antidiabetic activity with inhibition of 69.9% at a concentration of 500 ppm, and other extracts showed no α-glucosidase inhibition activity. For antioxidant activity, EDMP, EEMP, and EAMP showed relatively high activity with IC50 consecutively 77.4 ppm, 26.9 ppm, and 81.4 ppm, while EHMP had a reasonably low activity with IC50 635.6 ppm. Conclusion: The study results showed that M. pudica has considerable potential as a source of antidiabetics and natural antioxidants, so it is necessary to isolate secondary metabolites from the species.

PHYTOCHEMICALS, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES, AND TOXICITY EVALUATION OF SEVERAL FRACTIONS OF Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc. LEAVES

Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc is an ancient tree in Borneo island, that produces a unique odor like garlic. Thus, it is utilized to enhance food flavor by the locals. This study investigated phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activity, and toxicity of the S. borneensis leaves fractions. The fractions were prepared using several gradient elutions in the sequence: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and 70% methanol. Phytochemicals were observed qualitatively toward the presence of phenol, alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid, and terpenoid; quantitatively conducted toward phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid contents. DPPH free radical scavenging activity method was conducted to identify the antioxidant activity. The BSLT Test determined the toxicity. The result revealed that all the leaves' fractions showed the absence of terpenoids. The rest of the phytochemicals screened positively in all fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction owned the most prominent phenolic, alkaloid, and flavonoid content (614.86 ± 35.82 mg GAE/g, 462.25 ± 5.12 mg BE/g 271.67 ± 1.30 mg QE/g of extracts, respectively). The antioxidant activity (IC50 value) varied from 100.24 ± 19.69 to 237.89 ± 2.66 μg/mL. All fractions obtained were classified as non-toxic, except methanol fraction showed low toxicity against nauplii of Artemia salina L.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Berberis iliensis M. Pop and Berberis integerrima Bunge fruits pulp

The genus Berberis (Berberidaceae) is present in Kazakhstan Flora by eight species, two of which Berberis karkaralensis Kornil. & Potapovand B. Iliensis are listed in theRedBook of Kazakhstan. But, the phytochemical studies of Kazakhstan barberry species conducted is insufficient until today. Thispaper presents the phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of fruit pulp of Berberis iliensis M. Pop and Berberis integerrima Bunge. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis revealed that the fruits of B. iliensisand B integerrima Bunge contained alkanes, alkenes, alkadienes, cyclic hydrocarbons, aldehydes,fatty alcohols, triterpenoids, ketones, silicones, free monosaccharides, fatty acids and their esters. Amides and vitamin (K1) were found in some samples. The antioxidantactivity of the fruit pulps was investigated by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity(TEAC), CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) Free Radical Scavenging Activity methods. All six barberry accessions investigated showed high antioxidant activity, especially B. iliensis.

Biological Actions and Molecular Mechanisms of Sambucus nigra L. in Neurodegeneration: A Cell Culture Approach.

Sambucus nigra flowers (elderflower) have been widely used in traditional medicine for the relief of early symptoms of common cold. Its chemical composition mainly consists of polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and triterpenes. Although the antioxidant properties of polyphenols are well known, the aim of this study is to assess the antioxidant and protective potentials of Sambucus nigra flowers in the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line using different in vitro approaches. The antioxidant capacity is first evaluated by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) methods. Cell viability is assessed by the crystal violet method; furthermore, the intracellular ROS formation (DCFH-DA method) is determined, together with the effect on the cell antioxidant defenses: reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, GR). On the other hand, mTORC1 hyperactivation and autophagy blockage have been associated with an increase in the formation of protein aggregates, this promoting the transference and expansion of neurodegenerative diseases. Then, the ability of Sambucus nigra flowers in the regulation of mTORC1 signaling activity and the reduction in oxidative stress through the activation of autophagy/mitophagy flux is also examined. In this regard, search for different molecules with a potential inhibitory effect on mTORC1 activation could have multiple positive effects either in the molecular pathogenic events and/or in the progression of several diseases including neurodegenerative ones.

Phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of Teucrium polium L. collected from eastern Turkey.

Teucrium species that belong to the family Lamiaceae have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties. T. polium is one the most widespread members of the genus for its use in the treatment of several diseases. In this study, the essential oil and phenolic composition of the aerial parts from T. polium were assessed by GC-FID, GC/MS, and LC-MS/MS as well as for its total phenolic content. Several extracts such as n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, and infusion were prepared and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and also acetylcholinesterase activities were studied. According to GC/MS results, β -caryophyllene (8.8%), t-cadinol (6.2%), (E)-nerolidol (5%), α -cadinol (5.4%), and α-pinene (4.7%) were identified as main constituents of the essential oil. LC MS/MS analysis of the infusion and the methanol extract showed the presence of 15 phenolic compounds. Moreover, the total phenolic content of each sample was also determined and the infusion had the highest percentage of phenolics. To evaluate the antioxidant properties, the samples were tested by using DPPH" free radical scavenging, FRAP, and CUPRAC activity methods. The infusion showed the strongest radical scavenging activity, whereas n-hexane and chloroform extracts exhibited considerable reducing power effects. The MIC values for all of the examined microorganisms ranged from 15 to 2000 μg/mL with respect to antimicrobial activities.

Phenolic Compounds from the Aerial Parts of Adenophora triphylla (Thunb.) A. DC. var. triphylla and their Free Radical Scavenging Activity

Adenophora triphylla (Thunb.) A. DC. var. triphylla (Family: Campanulaceae) is distributed in Japan, Korea, and China. It is locally known as “Saiyousyajin” in Japan and the roots are used in traditional medicine to treat chronic bronchitis and whooping cough, and also as anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive agents. Till now, there is no report on the chemical constituents of aerial parts. Thus, the main aim of this study was to isolate and identify major chemical constituents of aerial parts of A. triphylla var. triphylla, and to evaluate their free radical scavenging activity. The 70% methanol extract of the aerial parts was subjected to repeated column chromatography using MCI gel CHP-20P, Sephadex LH-20, ODS and silica gel columns to isolate the five phenolic components (1-5). Free radical scavenging activity of the extract and compounds was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity method. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated as luteolin (1), luteolin 4’-O-b-glucopyranoside (2), luteolin 7-O-b-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin 7-O-neohesperidoside (4) and chlorogenic acid (5) based on their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data and comparison with literature values. All these compounds were isolated for the first time from A. triphylla var. triphylla. Extract showed weak free radical scavenging activity. Among isolated compounds, luteolin (1), luteolin 7-O-b-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin 7-O-neohesperidoside (4) and chlorogenic acid (5) showed potent free radical scavenging activity. Results from this study suggest that the aerial parts of A. triphylla var. triphylla might be a potential plant source for the development of functional foods, however further detailed research is necessary.

Evaluation of Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Potential and Phytochemical Contents of Polygonum hydropiper L.

Polygonum hydropiper L. is a traditionally used medicinal plant. The present study was designed to explore the α-amylase inhibitory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Polygonum hydropiper L. Polarity-based solvent extracts (n-hexane, acetone, chloroform, methanol, ethanol, and water) of Polygonum hydropiper leaves and stem were used. Antioxidant activity was assessed by free radical scavenging assay (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity methods. Quantitative phytochemical analyses suggested that the stem of Polygonum hydropiper L. contains higher levels of bioactive compounds than its leaves (p < 0.05). The results suggested that stem-derived extracts of Polygonum hydropiper L. are more active against bacterial species, including two Gram-positive and three Gram-negative strains. Moreover, our results showed that the bioactive compounds of Polygonum hydropiper L. significantly inhibit α-amylase activity. Finally, we reported the polarity-based solvent extracts of Polygonum hydropiper L. and revealed that the stem, rather than leaves, has a high antioxidant potential as measured by FRAP and DPPH assay with IC50 values of 1.38 and 1.59 mg/mL, respectively. It may also be deducted from the data that the Polygonum hydropiper L. could be a significant candidate, which should be subjected to further isolation and characterization, to be used as an antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antioxidant resource in many industries, like food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq.: a traditionally used medicinal plant in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn an attempt to explore the scientific basis for the pharmacological benefits the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ipomoea mauritiana whole plant methanol extract were assessed.MethodsThe total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using standard method while antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging activity method. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method and compared with standard kanamycin (30 μg/disc).ResultsThe results revealed that I. mauritiana extract contains tannin, saponin, terpenoids, alkaloid and flavonoids. In DPPH, ascorbic acid and extract showed highest scavenging activity and it was 90.96% at concentration 800 μg/mL and I. mauritiana methanol extract showed 72.28% at a concentration of 800 μg/mL. The extract was able to reduce the stable free radical DPPH with an IC50 of 275.084 μg/mL while that of ascorbic acid was 230.09 μg/mL. Total phenolic constituent of the extract was 59.302 ± 3.289 mg/g as gallic acid equivalent. The flavonoid content of methanolic extract of I. mauritiana was 27.212 mg of QE/g. In case of antimicrobial screening, crude extracts of I. mauritiana showed notable antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms. The extract and standard showed the highest mean zone of inhibition ranging from 13 to 19 mm and 37 to 42 mm, respectively at a concentration of 400 μg /disc and against the gram positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus-19.25 mm) showed highest zone of inhibition.ConclusionsThe results indicate that I. mauritiana possesses considerable antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

In-vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Triphala guggul tablets

Current study investigated the in-vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of successive extracts of a polyherbal formulation Lakshadi guggul tablet a combination of Indian medicinal plants viz. Commiphora mukul, Cissus quadrangularis, Laccifer lacca, Sida veronicaefolia, Terminalia arjuna and Withania somnifera. The studies were undertaken to assess the anti-inflammatory at doses levels of 200 mg and 400 mg/ml of each extract by in-vitro red blood cells membrane stabilization and antioxidant potential at doses levels of 125 μg, 250 μg and 500 μg/ml of each extract by DPPH free radical scavenging activity methods. In-vitro anti- inflammatory activity of extracts were found significant (aP&lt;0.01, bP&lt;0.05) red blood cells membrane stabilization effects with 66.40 % in methanol, 62.15 % in ethyl acetate, 59.39 % in chloroform extract, and 66.18% with standard drug diclofenac. Similarly, in-vitro antioxidant activity of Lakshadi guggul tablets extracts were found significant reduction in free radical scavenging activity in 49.60% in methanol, 48.10% in ethyl acetate extract and relatively similar to 52.21% of standard drugs. The results of these studies revealed that Lakshadi guggul have strong potential antioxidant and anti- inflammatory agents.

Bioconversion of isoflavones glycoside to aglycone during edamame (Glycine max) soygurt production using Streptococcus thermophillus FNCC40, Lactobacillus delbrueckii FNCC41, and L. plantarum FNCC26

Abstract. Lovabyta NS, Jayus J, Nugraha AS. 2020. Bioconversion of isoflavones glycoside to aglycone during edamame (Glycine max) soygurt production using Streptococcus thermophillus FNCC40, Lactobacillus delbrueckii FNCC41, and L. plantarum FNCC26. Biodiversitas 21: 1358-1364. Due to its strong radical-scavenging and antioxidative activity, isoflavones in soybeans have received great attention for the development of functional foods. This study focused on bioconversion of isoflavones glycoside into its aglycone form of edamame green soymilk fermented with three lactic acid bacteria (LAB), i.e., S. thermophilus FNCC40, L. bulgaricus FNCC41, and L. plantarum FNCC26 to produce soygurt. Green soymilk was fermented with 6% (v/v) of LABs as a starter culture for 24 hours at 37ºC. Its antioxidative activity were measured using DPPH free radical scavenging activity method. Daidzein and genistein released during fermentation were fractionated using HPLC and detected further by LCMS to confirm the presence of these two substances. The results showed that the population density of starter culture in green soymilk reached 109 CFU/mL, and the pH decrease from 6.8 to 3.5. All LABs cultures used in the fermentation process were able to produce free aglycone, releasing more daidzein and genistein. Increasing daidzein and genistein content in soygurt results in increasing antioxidative activity. The highest antioxidative activity (IC50 = 41.01 mg/mL) was found in the soygurt fermented with S. thermophilus FNCC40. This finding indicates that S. thermophilus FNCC40, L. bulgaricus FNCC41, and L. plantarum FNCC26 are potential as an effective starter culture to produce a soygurt with good antioxidant activity.

Biological activities of phenolic compounds extracted from flaxseed meal

BackgroundThere is a worldwide demand for phenolic compounds (PC) because they exhibit several biological activities. The present investigation deals with a comprehensive study on the biological activities of phenolic compounds extracted from flaxseed meal (FM) with the aid of ultrasonic waves.ResultsThe antioxidant activity of the PC extract of FM is considerably high when measuring it by the three methods (the β-carotene coupled oxidation method, the DPPH free radical scavenging activity method, and measuring the reducing antioxidant power). The toxicity test revealed that the PC extract was nontoxic on normal retina cell line. Also, it has no anticoagulating activity. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity showed that it is effective towards four strains only from seven. FM phenolic extract has been evaluated as chemo-preventive agents by testing the product for any cytotoxic activity against human tumor cell lines. The highest inhibitory effect was achieved on cell lines of colon carcinoma and lung carcinoma with IC50 = 22.3 and 22.6 μ/ml respectively.ConclusionThe PC extracted from FM showed high antioxidant activity, nontoxic on normal retina cell line, no anticoagulating activities, and an antimicrobial effect on some pathogenic bacteria, so the phenolic compounds extracted from flaxseed meal showed significant biological activities.

Comparison of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) and Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaves in Terms of Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Activity

Walnut and olive are consumed by people as food for many years. It is seen that not only fruits but also leaves are used among the people. In this study, walnut and olive leaves were compared in terms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. DPPH • and ABTS •+ free radical scavenging activity methods were used for determination antioxidant capacity. For an in vitro measure of anti-inflammatory activity, stabilization of human red blood cell membrane by heat induced membrane lysis was done. The results showed that walnut leaf extract had the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 0.0530 mg mL -1 for DPPH radical scavenging activity; 0.0421mg mL -1 for ABTS radical scavenging activity and 0.3959 mg mL -1 for human red blood cell membrane stabilization capacity. It is thought that the difference in the activity levels of extracts may be owing to the several types and amounts of polyphenolic compounds.

Paronychia argentea Lam. protects renal endothelial cells against oxidative injury.

Paronychia argentea Lam. (Arabic tea), a species spontaneously growing in the Mediterranean area, has been used in folk medicine for renal diseases. To assess the antioxidant and protective potentials of different extracts from P. argentea in the renal endothelial NRK-52E cell line by several in vitro models, including a H2O2-induced oxidative stress model. Aerial parts of P. argentea were collected in Algeria and ethanolic, chloroform and aqueous-chloroform extracts were obtained from dried plant. The antioxidant capacity was first evaluated by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) methods. Cellular viability was assessed by MTT method assay after 24 h pretreatment with each extract concentration in order to measure protection from H2O2 in NRK-52E cells. Furthermore, the intracellular ROS formation (DCFH-DA method), was determined. P. argentea showed in vitro antioxidant activity as evidenced by the ORAC and DPPH assays. No cell toxicity was observed for concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 μg/mL of each extract. These extracts also exerted a protective effect on renal endothelial cells simultaneously treated with 1 mM H2O2. Chemical composition for the aqueous-chloroform extract was assessed by HPLC, as it showed the strongest antioxidant ability, revealing three quercetin derivatives as the main phenolic compounds. P. argentea is endorsed with antioxidant activity and protects renal endothelial cells against oxidative damage which indicate this plant constitutes a potential treatment for renal diseases.

Effects of Herba Lophatheri extract on the physicochemical properties and biological activities of the chitosan film

Active films based on chitosan incorporated Herba Lophatheri extract (HLE) with different concentrations were developed. Physicochemical properties of the chitosan films incorporated HLE, including density, opacity, moisture content, color, water solubility, swelling, water vapor permeability and oil resistance were measured. Biological activities of the films include antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties, which were characterized in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and Oxford cup method, respectively. The potential interactions between chitosan and HLE in the films were investigated by Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared analysis and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the moisture content, water solubility, swelling degree, water vapor permeability and oil absorption rate of chitosan/HLE films decreased up to 14.81%, 38.97%, 48.03%, 69.23% and 80% in comparison with the control chitosan film. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of chitosan/HLE films increased by nearly 3.5 folds, and the diameter of inhibitory zone of the chitosan/HLE films extract solution against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli increased 17.02% and 19.28%, respectively. Additionally, the incorporation of HLE caused interactions between chitosan and HLE and gave rise to the chitosan/HLE films more opacity, darker, redness and yellowness appearance. In summary, the addition of HLE enhanced the moisture and oil resistance, antioxidant activity which declined with time, and antimicrobial activity of the chitosan film, which were all desirable for food packaging.

Development of a functional food bar containing coffee

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a cereal bar supplemented with coffee beverage that has health benefits.Design/methodology/approachSix types of cereal bars containing raisins or prunes with different concentrations of coffee were developed. Acceptability tests and physicochemical characterizations were performed by analysis of moisture, ash, protein, lipids, fibres and carbohydrates. Moreover, the levels of phenolic compounds, the fatty acid profile and thein vitroantioxidant activity were evaluated by the DPPH free radical scavenging and iron-chelating activity methods. The bars were assessed using the check-all-that-apply (CATA) methodology. The phenolic compound and antioxidant activity data were evaluated by analysis of variance. Averages were compared by the Scott–Knott test. To verify the characteristics of the food bar per the attributes cited in CATA, main component analysis was performed using the SensoMaker software.FindingsThe concentration of coffee did not affect the centesimal composition values. The highest percentage of scavenging activity of free radicals was observed in the food bar containing raisins, with a maximum concentration of coffee beverage equivalent to 10 mL. These values were higher in cereal bars containing raisins than in bars containing prunes with the same concentrations of coffee. The acceptance sensory test showed good acceptability ratios, ranging from 74.33 to 85.22 among different food bar formulations.Practical implicationsThe bar consisting raisins and 100 per cent coffee presented high values of protection against oxidative stress, phenolic content and satisfying acceptability, thereby making it a novel possible alternative as a differentiated product with possible health-beneficial effects.Social implicationsThis paper provides a differentiated product, through healthy ingredients, with convenience of purchase, besides having added value and possible health beneficial effects.Originality/valueThe bar consisting of raisins and 100 per cent coffee presented high values of phenolic content and protection against oxidative stress, as well as satisfying acceptability, thereby making it a novel possible alternative as a differentiated product with possible health-beneficial effects.

Preliminary stability study of dry and glycolic extract of Ginkgo biloba L. incorporated in phytocosmetic formulations

Introduction: The use of Ginkgo biloba L. (Gb) extracts have been proposed in topical formulations for prevention and treatment of the damages caused by free radicals, due this extract has high flavonoid content, adding benefit to the compounding product. Such advantages justify their use by the cosmetic industry, however, there is a need for scientific studies to ensure that these extracts have activity and therapeutic efficacy after incorporation into creams. Thus, the aim of this research was determining in vitro the antioxidant activity of Gb glycolic and dry extract after incorporation in the dosage form cream by the free radical scavenging activity method, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and the preliminary stability study through physical-chemical tests (pH, spreadability, viscosity, centrifugation and microscopic analysis) to determine its behavior against environmental conditions. Methods: The formulations were stable against the physical-chemical stability tests. However, after incorporation in the creams, the extracts of Gb presented instability against antioxidant efficacy, being observed a greater loss in those containing Gb glycolic extract. Results: The results indicate the feasibility of using Gb dry extract in cosmetics of topical use since all the formulations added to this extract, even after thermal stress, presented antioxidant activity within the pharmacopeia parameters. Conclusion: Therefore, it is suggested the microencapsulation of the extracts, in order to ensure greater stability of the active after incorporation in cosmetic products, as well as during storage

An integrated characterization of Picea abies industrial bark regarding chemical composition, thermal properties and polar extracts activity.

The present work determines the chemical and thermal characteristics as well as the phytochemical and antioxidant potential of the polar extractives of the Picea abies bark from an industrial mill, their wood and bark components and also different bark fractions obtained by mechanical fractionation (fine B1, Φ<0.180 mm, medium B3, 0.450 < Φ<0.850 mm and coarse B6, 2 < Φ<10 mm). The aim is to increase the knowledge on the Picea abies bark to better determine possible uses other than burning for energy production and to test an initial size reduction process to achieve fractions with different characteristics. Compared to wood, bark presented similar lignin (27%), higher mineral (3.9% vs 0.4%) and extractives (20.3% vs 3.8%) and lower polysaccharides (48% vs 71%) contents. Regarding bark fractions the fines showed higher ash (6.3%), extractives (25%) and lignin (29%) than the coarse fraction (3.9%, 19% and 25% respectively). Polysaccharide contents increased with particle size of the bark fractions (38% vs 52% for B1 and B6) but showed the same relative composition. The phytochemical profile of ethanol and water extracts presented higher contents for bark than wood of total phenols (2x higher), flavonoids (3x higher) and tannins (4-10x higher) with an increasing tendency with particle size. Bark antioxidant activity was higher than that of wood for ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 10 vs 6 mmolFe2+/gExt for the ethanol extract) and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH, 6 vs 18 mg/L IC50 for the ethanol extract) methods. The different bark fractions antioxidant activity was very similar. Bark thermal properties showed a much lower volatiles to fixed carbon ratio (V/FC) than wood (3.1 vs 5.2) although the same higher heating value (20.3 MJ/kg). The fractions were quite similar. Bark presented chemical features that point to their possible upgrade, whether by taking advantage of the high extractives with bioactive compounds or the production potential for hemicellulose-derived oligomers with possible use in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.