Free Radical Scavenging Activity Test Research Articles

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anti-oxidant activity of Moringa oleifera leaves extract

The phytochemical contents such as, total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin content of ethanol extract of tender and matured leaves of Moringa oleifera were investigated. On the other hand, antioxidant activity test (total antioxidant activity, ABTS free radical scavenging activity, reducing power and ferrous ion chelating ability) were also studied. Total Phenolic content (203.80 ± 0.0014 and 105.00 ± 0.0045) mg/g gallic acid equivalent, total flavonoid content (26.02 ± 0.0031 and 18.20 ± 0.0025) mg/g quercetin equivalent and the total tannin content (12.90 ± 0.0021 and 10.50 ± 0.0012) mg/g of tannic acid equivalent were found in the ethanol extracts of tender and matured leaves of Moringa oleifera, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity of both leaves of the ethanol extracts were 217.43 ± 0.0025 mg/g and 210.65 ± 0.0019 mg/g respectively of ascorbic acid equivalent, respectively. Firstly, the IC50 value of tender and matured leaves of free radical scavenging activity test for ABTS (0.57 ± 0.0135 and 0.61 ± 0.0258) mg/mL were obtained using ascorbic acid as positive control (0.50 ± 0.0265 mg/mL). Secondly, reducing power ability was increased with higher concentration of all samples and standard. Finally, the IC50 value for ferrous ion chelating ability test was observed 5.10 ± 0.0121 and 9.20 ± 0.0212 mg/mL for ethanol extracts of tender and matured leaves respectively, whereas standard Na2EDTA was 4.0±0.0135 mg/mL. The result revealed that the ethanol extract of tender leaves showed more in-vitro antioxidant properties that of matured leaves. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 58(3), 179-186, 2023

Liver Protection of a Low-Polarity Fraction from Ficus pandurata Hance, Prepared by Supercritical CO2 Fluid Extraction, on CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice via Inhibiting Apoptosis and Ferroptosis Mediated by Strengthened Antioxidation

Ficus pandurata Hance (FPH) is a Chinese herbal medicine widely used for health care. This study was designed to investigate the alleviation efficacy of the low-polarity ingredients of FPH (FPHLP), prepared by supercritical CO2 fluid extraction technology, against CCl4-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice and uncover its underlying mechanism. The results showed that FPHLP had a good antioxidative effect determined by the DPPH free radical scavenging activity test and T-AOC assay. The in vivo study showed that FPHLP dose-dependently protected against liver damage via detection of ALT, AST, and LDH levels and changes in liver histopathology. The antioxidative stress properties of FPHLP suppressed ALI by increasing levels of GSH, Nrf2, HO-1, and Trx-1 and reducing levels of ROS and MDA and the expression of Keap1. FPHLP significantly reduced the level of Fe2+ and expression of TfR1, xCT/SLC7A11, and Bcl2, while increasing the expression of GPX4, FTH1, cleaved PARP, Bax, and cleaved caspase 3. The results demonstrated that FPHLP protected mouse liver from injury induced by CCl4 via suppression of apoptosis and ferroptosis. This study suggests that FPHLP can be used for liver damage protection in humans, which strongly supports its traditional use as a herbal medicine.

Immobilization of phlorotannins on nanochitin: A novel biopreservative for refrigerated sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) fillets

A novel biopreservative was developed by immobilizing phlorotannins into nanochitin (NCh). NCh were selected as a host complex to immobilized phlorotannins and the structural properties and antioxidant activity of the NCh-phlorotannins nanocomplex was investigated. The NCh-phlorotannins showed high antioxidant activity, as evidenced by free radical scavenging activity test. Moreover, the effects of NCh-phlorotannins on physical [color, water holding capacity (WHC), and texture], chemical [thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), and pH], microbiological [total viable count], changes of refrigerated sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) fillets were also evaluated. Sea bass fillets add with 1.5 g/kg NCh-phlorotannins had lower bacterial growth, pH, TVB-N and TBA as well as better characteristics of texture, color, and WHC than those of the control group during refrigerated storage. The efficiency of NCh-phlorotannins treatment was also better than that of phlorotannins or NCh treatment alone. Therefore, NCh-phlorotannins may be a potential biopreservative to extend the shelf-life of sea bass fillets quality during refrigerated storage.

Free radical scavenging activity of five selected sea cucumbers collected from Lampung waters, Indonesia

Sea cucumber is an important raw material for food and remedy in the Eastern region. However, a study focusing on identifying the health benefit of sea cucumbers from tropical waters is still limited. A study on the free radical scavenging activity of five selected sea cucumbers collected from Lampung waters, Indonesia has been done. The objective of this study was to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of five selected sea cucumbers, namely Stichopus vastus, Stichopus quadrifasciatus, Holothuria (Metriatyla) lessoni, Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota, and Bohadschia marmorata. The extraction method which used in this study was the maceration method using methanol solvent while the free radical scavenging activity test is carried out using 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method. Compared to other species at a concentration of 250 µg/mL, S. vastus, S. quadrifasciatus, H. lessoni and H. leucospilota showed the strongest scavenging activity. While B. marmorata was classified as a very weak scavenging activity. It can be concluded that S. vastus, S. quadrifasciatus, H. lessoni H. leucospilota, and H. lessoni are important sea cucumbers from tropical waters as a source of natural antioxidant agents in the future.

Antioxidant activities and simultaneous HPLC-DAD profiling of polyphenolic compounds from Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves grown in Bangladesh

Moringa oleifera Lam. has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. In this study, the antioxidant activity and simultaneous HPLC profiling of polyphenolic compounds in 80% ethanol and water extracts of M. oleifera tender and mature leaves available in Bangladesh were investigated. The 80% ethanol extract of M. oleifera tender leaves contained high concentration and more amount of 3,4- dihydroxybenzoic acid, (-) epicatechin and rosmarinic acid (201.32±1.94, 213.08±1.96 and 133.84±1.42 mg/100 g of dry extract, respectively) than that of mature leaves (82.55±1.09, 141.86±1.10 and 16.23±0.76 mg/100 g of dry extract, respectively). On the other hand, the water extract of M. oleifera tender leaves contained a high concentration of catechin hydrate, trans-ferulic acid and quercetin (530.05±1.91, 166.38±0.90 and 771.74±1.34 mg/100 g of dry extract, respectively) than that of mature leaves (207.21±0.90, 62.42±0.45 and 483.25±1.04 mg/100 g of dry extract, respectively). It was also found that 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, catechol, p-coumaric acid and trans-cinnamic acid were detected only in 80% ethanol extract of M. oleifera leaves but syringic acid was identified in the water extract. In DPPH free radical scavenging activity test, IC50 values of 80% ethanol extract of tender leaves (EETL), 80% ethanol extract of mature leaves (EEML), water extract of tender leaves (WETL) and water extract of mature leaves (WEML) were found to be moderately significant (105.50±1.05, 115.00±1.14, 216.00±1.34 and 269.50±1.56 μg/mL, respectively) when compared to the IC50 value of ascorbic acid, 3.32±0.07 μg/mL. The polyphenolic compounds are responsible for antioxidant activity. On the basis of the present study, it can be suggested that the leaves show antioxidant activity and it’s contained a significant amount and different types of polyphenolic compounds. Standardized polyphenolic compounds from M. oleifera leaves could be used as a better source of natural antioxidant supplement.

Hypericum perforatum L.: A Potent Antioxidant Source for the Treatment of Oxidized Dentin: An Experimental In Vitro Study

Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic antioxidant effect of Hypericum perforatum L. (HPL) extract on oxidized dentin as well as to address the following research question: Is experimental HPL-derived antioxidant treatment protocol as effective as sodium ascorbate in terms of reversing the compromised resin bonding to bleached dentin? Materials and Methods: Eighty bovine permanent mandibular incisors were included in the shear bond strength (SBS) test and randomly assigned into four groups ( n = 20) as follows: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), sodium ascorbate (SA), and Hypericum perforatum L. (HPL). Group NC did not receive bleaching treatment. All specimens except the NC group were oxidized by bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide. Experimental antioxidant solutions were prepared from SA powder and HPL extract at 10% concentrations. The bleached specimens in the SA and HPL groups were treated with respective antioxidant solutions. The SBS test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The SBS data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance using the post-hoc Bonferroni correction. The total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of HPL extract were assessed by using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical scavenging activity test, respectively. Results: Considering the SBS test results, statistically significant the highest and the lowest mean values were observed in NC and PC, respectively ( P <.05). SA and HPL were not significantly different ( P > .05). The total phenolic content (104 ± 1.740 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/gram (GAE/g) dry HPL extract) and the antioxidant activity of the HPL extract were demonstrated. Conclusions: The natural HPL plant extract was as effective as SA in reversing the compromised resin bonding to bleached dentin. Antioxidant treatment derived from the HPL extract may enable immediate resin restoration of oxidized dentin.

Bioprospecting of seaweeds (Ulva lactuca and Stoechospermum marginatum): The compound characterization and functional applications in medicine-a comparative study

Seaweeds are considered to be one of the richest bio-reserves, comprising of numerous bioactive compounds with versatile properties and multiple activities. The present study examined the antibacterial activity of two types of seaweeds, Ulva lactuca (green) and Stoechospermum marginatum (brown) collected from Oman Coastal region against five multidrug-resistant bacteria. The aqueous extracts of the seaweeds showed better antibacterial activity compared to methanol extracts. The results of the antibacterial assay revealed the excellent inhibitory effects of U.lactuca with the maximum activity against E.coli(8 mm) followed by K.pneumonia(4 mm) and S.typhi(2 mm). S.marginatum formed a clear zone of inhibition only against E.coli(3 mm).The major phytochemical constituents identified in both the types of seaweeds were Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Saponins, Flavonoids, and Steroids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed the presence of alcoholic/phenolic groups, and amide groups in the seaweed extracts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results evidenced the presence of bioactive compounds such as 5-Octadecenal, 1-Tricosanol, Neophytadiene, Lactaropallidin, Phytol, Fenretinide, Lucenin, Vincadifformine in U.lactuca. Additionally, U.lactuca displayed better antioxidant activity (33.05%) in the DPPH free radical scavenging activity test compared to the S.marginatum (21.51%). Thus, the green seaweed U.lactuca could be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents for food and pharmaceutical products.

Thermostability and free radical scavenging activity of Annona muricata(L.) leaf extract in antiaging cream

Annona muricata is an Indonesian medicinal plant commonly used as an anticancer agent. The finding of its strong antioxidant activity leads to the development of cosmetic products, particularly as antiaging cream. Formulation may influence thermostability and free radical scavenging activity of A.muricata leaf extract. The purpose of this study was to investigate the thermostability and free radical scavenging activity of A.muricata leaf extract incorporated in Gattefosse Skin Cashmere cream. Accelerated stability study utilizing climatic chamber at a temperature of 40oC ± 2oC and relative humidity of 75% ± 5% for 20 days of storage was used to evaluate thermostability. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) using spectrophotometer was used for free radical scavenging activity test. The result from physical properties including appearance of antiaging cream, pH, viscosity and rheological properties of each formula showed that all of the formulas were stable at a temperature of 40oC ± 2oC and relative humidity of 75% ± 5% for 20 days. Free radical scavenging activity using DPPH showed high antioxidant activities from the A.muricata leaf extract in the Gattefosse Skin Cashmere cream. We concluded that A. muricata leaf extract could be developed into natural antiaging cosmetic product.

A novel Z-scheme Ag3VO4/BiVO4 heterojunction photocatalyst: Study on the excellent photocatalytic performance and photocatalytic mechanism

Aabstract A novel three-dimensional microspheres mediator-free Z-scheme Ag3VO4/BiVO4 heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully obtained for the first time. The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared photocatalyst was systematically examined via the photocatalytic reduction of Cr6+ and oxidation of Bisphenol S under visible-light irradiation. Among these samples, 0.24-Ag3VO4/BiVO4 exhibits the highest photocatalytic performances, the photocatalytic reduction and oxidation efficiency of 74.9 and 94.8%, respectively, can be achieved. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the build-in electric field assisted charge transfer between the Ag3VO4 and BiVO4, and the increasing lifetime of the charge carrier confirmed by the results of time-resolved fluorescence spectra and photoelectrochemical measures. Moreover, based on the results of free radical scavenging activity test, and EPR experiments, it has been verified that the Ag3VO4/BiVO4 heterostructures follow a typical Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism rather than conventional type-II heterojunction charge transfer mechanism. Furthermore, the theoretical understanding of the underlying mechanism was also supported, while the energy band structure, and Fermi level were systematically calculated using the density functional theory approach. The results show that a built-in electric field directed from Ag3VO4 to BiVO4 surface was established as an equalized Fermi level was reached, which benefits the separation of photogenerated charge carriers in the way of a Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism. The strategy to form the three-dimensional microspheres Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst may offer new insight into the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism for applications in the field of solar energy conversion.

Novel Ag/p-AgBr/n-BiVO4 Plasmonic Heterojunction Photocatalyst: Study on the Excellent Photocatalytic Performance and Photocatalytic Mechanism

A novel three-dimensional microspheres Ag/p-AgBr/n-BiVO4 plasmonic p–n heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully obtained for the first time; the photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared sample was systematically examined via the photocatalytic reduction of Cr6+ and oxidation of bisphenol S under visible-light irradiation. Among these samples, 3 mM-Ag/p-AgBr/n-BiVO4 exhibits the highest photocatalytic performances; the photocatalytic reduction and oxidation efficiency can be achieved at 76.9 and 98.8%, respectively. Enhancing photocatalytic performance is attributed to the increasing lifetime of the charge carrier confirmed by the results of time-resolved fluorescence spectra and photoelectrochemical measures. Moreover, based on the results of free radical scavenging activity test, and EPR experiments, we verify that h+ and •OH radicals are the main reactive species. Furthermore, the theoretical understanding of the underlying mechanism was also supported; we systematically calculated the energy ...

Hypoglycemic activity of Capparis ovata desf. var. palaestina zoh. methanol extract

Caper (Capparis ovata Desf. and Capparis spinosa L.) is naturally widespread in Turkey. Traditionally, buds, fruits, seeds and roots of this plant are used as tonic, diuretic, anti-rheumatic, expectorant, antidiabetic, and antifungal. The aim of this study is to evaluate potential hypoglycemic effect of C. ovata var. palaestina extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. For this purpose; diabetic mice were administered with 100, 300, 500 mg/kg (i.p.) doses of methanol extract of bud and fruit. Blood glucose levels were screened 60, 120, 240 and 360 min. after treatment. Furthermore, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis, ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging activity test, and phenolic and flavonoid compounds analysis of extracts were carried out. The data obtained from in vivo study revealed that fruit-methanol 500 mg/kg (FM3), bud-methanol 300 mg/kg (BM2), bud-methanol 500 mg/kg (BM3) extracts showed significant hypoglycemic activity. All extracts indicated significant antioxidant activity, however bud-methanol (BM) extract demonstrated the most potent antioxidant activity. Moreover high levels of phenolic substances and flavonoids were involved in all extracts, but the highest levels were found in FM extract. HRMS study showed that rutin, quercetin 3-O-glucoside (isoquercitrin) and stachydrine substances had seen in BM extract. The results of this study showed that the C. ovata var. palaestina extracts which, indicate hypoglycemic, antioxidant activities, might provide additional support in diabetes.

Bioactive Properties of Eremostachys macrophylla Montbr. & Auch. Rhizomes Growing in Iran

Background: The current study was assigned to evaluate the antioxidant, general toxicity, anti-proliferative and antimicrobial activities of different extracts obtained from rhizomes of Eremostachys macrophylla (Lamiaceae). Methods: All activities were evaluated by obtaining extracts of E. macrophylla in n-hexane, DCM (dichloromethane) and MeOH (methanol) by soxhlet apparatus. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated in terms of FRST (free radical scavenging activity test) by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). BSLT (Brine shrimp lethality tests), MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and disc diffusion method were carried out to determine the general toxicity, anti-proliferative and antibacterial activities of the different extracts, respectively. Results: The findings of the study for antioxidant, anti-proliferative and antibacterial effects showed that DCM extract was the most active fraction, but n-hexane extract indicated the most potent effect against Artemia salina. Conclusion: The results revealed strong bioactive effects of nonpolar fractions of E. macrophylla rhizomes. Thus, it is possible to suggest some new potential antioxidant, cytotoxic and antibacterial agents with no harmful effects on noncancerous cells.

The Lipophilic Vitamin C Derivative, 6-O-Palmitoylascorbate Protects Human Keratinocytes and 3D-Human Skin Equivalents Against X-Ray-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis More Markedly Than L-Ascorbic Acid.

The aim of this study was to investigate preventive effects of the lipophilic vitamin C derivative, 6-O-palmitoylascorbate (PlmtVC) against X-ray radiation-induced harmful events. Free radical scavenging activity tests showed that both fresh and old (being kept at 37°C for 72 h) solutions of PlmtVC showed significantly higher abilities for scavenging both DPPH and peroxyl radical (ROO·) radicals than L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) under the same conditions, suggesting that PlmtVC is an antioxidant more efficient and stable than L-AA. Irradiation with X-ray (15 Gy) increased intracellular ROS production, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, in human keratinocytes HaCaT, all of which were repressed, especially for intracellular ROS more markedly, by PlmtVC than by L-AA. After X-ray (15 Gy)-irradiation, caspase 3/7 activation and TUNEL-detected DNA-strand-breakages characteristic of apoptosis obviously increased in HaCaT cells or 3D-skin tissue equivalents, respectively, both of which were prevented more appreciably by PlmtVC than by L-AA. PlmtVC also noticeably prevented cumene hydroperoxide-induced generation of cellular ROS in epidermis parts of 3D-skin equivalents. Thus, PlmtVC prevents X-ray-induced diverse harmful effects, through its antioxidant activity and the palmitoyl moiety-based lipophilicity, more efficiently than L-AA. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 318-329, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of lupane triterpenoids and other constituents of Salvia trichoclada

The methanol extract of the aerial parts of Salvia trichoclada Bentham (Lamiaceae) was studied for bioactive non-volatile secondary metabolites, and nine compounds were isolated. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated as lupeol (1), lupenone (2), glochidone (3), monogynol A (4), oleanolic acid (5), ursolic acid (6), β-sitosterol (7), apigenin-7-O-rhamnoside (8), and rosmarinic acid (9) by using 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic techniques. A lupane triterpene glochidone was isolated from a Salvia species and Lamiaceae family for the first time in this study. The antioxidant potential of the extract and the isolated compounds were carried out by using lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity (β-carotene bleaching method) and DPPH free radical scavenging activity test assays. Their anticholinesterase activity was investigated by the Ellman method against both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. Compounds 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9 showed fairly high anticholinesterase activity almost at all concentrations. Among them, a flavone glycoside apigenin-7-O-rhamnoside exhibited the highest and selective AChE inhibitory activity. Glochidone (3) was found to be the most active one among the isolated lupanes, which exhibited a close activity to that of standard compound galanthamine. Among all the tested compounds, rosmarinic acid (9) exhibited highest antioxidant and good anticholinesterase activity.

Phytochemicals from Mangifera pajang Kosterm and their biological activities.

BackgroundMangifera pajang Kosterm is a plant species from the mango family (Anacardiaceae). The fruits are edible and have been reported to have high antioxidant content. However, the detailed phytochemical studies of the plant have not been reported previously. This study investigates the phytochemicals and biological activities of different parts of Mangifera pajang.MethodsThe plant samples were extracted with solvents of different polarity to obtain the crude extracts. The isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods. The extracts and isolated compounds were subjected to cytotoxicity tests using human breast cancer (MCF-7), human cervical cancer (HeLa) and human colon cancer (HT-29) cells. The free radical scavenging activity test was conducted using the DPPH assay. Antimicrobial activity tests were carried out by using the disc diffusion method.ResultsPhytochemical investigation on the kernel, stem bark and leaves of Mangifera pajang led to the isolation of methyl gallate (1), mixture of benzaldehyde (2) and benzyl alcohol (3), mangiferonic acid (4), 3β-hydroxy-cycloart-24-ene-26-oic acid (5), 3β,23-dihydroxy-cycloart-24-ene-26-oic acid (6), lupeol(7) lupenone(8), β-sitosterol(9), stigmasterol(10), trans-sobrerol(11) and quercitrin (12). Crude ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the kernel indicated strong cytotoxic activity towards MCF-7 and HeLa cells with IC50 values of less than 10 μg/mL, while petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of the stem bark showed strong to moderate activity against MCF-7, HeLa and HT-29 cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 5 to 30 μg/mL. As for the antimicrobial assays, only the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the kernel displayed some inhibition against the microbes in the antibacterial assays. The kernel extracts showed highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of less than 10 μg/mL, while the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of leaves displayed only weak activity in the DPPH assays.ConclusionsPhytochemical investigations on various parts of Mangifera pajang have identified terpenoids and a flavonol derivative as major constituents. Bioassay studies have indicated that the crude extracts and isolated compounds have potential as naturally-derived anticancer and antimicrobial agents, besides possess high free radical scavenging activity.

Physicochemical characterization of lycopene-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier formulations for topical administration

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are interesting delivery systems for enhancing the penetration of an active substance through the skin after topical administration. In the present study, lycopene was loaded into NLC, composed of Eumulgin® SG, orange wax and rice bran oil, using high pressure homogenization (HPH). Photon correlation spectroscopy analysis showed that the lycopene-loaded NLC had a size of 150–160nm with a relatively small size distribution (PdI<0.15). The entrapment efficiency of lycopene was found to be 100±0% for all formulations. An in vitro release study of lycopene showed a biphasic release profile: a relatively fast release during the first 6h followed by a sustained release during the next 18h. An in vitro occlusion test showed that the occlusive properties of NLC increased with increasing lycopene loading. A free radical scavenging activity test of the NLC loaded with 50mg% lycopene showed a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity value of 36.6±0.4μM Trolox/mg NLC which is higher than that of the NLC base (26.6±0.1μM Trolox/mg NLC). The concentration of 50% antioxidant activity (IC50) of the lycopene-loaded NLC was 14.1±0.6mg/mL, and lower than that of the formulation without lycopene (17.7±0.4mg/mL). The particle size, size distribution, and zeta potential of lycopene-loaded NLC stored at different temperatures of 4, 30, 40°C for 120 days did not change in time, demonstrating an excellent colloidal stability of the systems. Chemical stability data indicated that the utilization of NLC increased the stability of lycopene and it was found that the degradation of lycopene was retarded when stored at low temperatures. In conclusion, NLC are attractive systems for the cutaneous delivery of lycopene.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of extracts and compounds isolated from Solenostemmaarghel (Del.) Hayne

AIM: Validation of the anti-inflammatory activity of Solenostemmaarghel (Del.) Hayne, which isused in folk medicine. Settings and Design: Total alcohol extract, successive extracts (ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol) and isolated compounds of S. arghel were evaluated at different doses for their anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti-pyretic and anti-oxidant activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Carrageenin-induced rat paw oedema, yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats, writhing test and hot plate test techniques in mice and in vitro Di-phenyl picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging activity test were used. Identification of the isolated compounds were established by m.p., UV, 600 MHz 1H and 13C NMR. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Analysis of variances was carried out in two ways using ANOVA test followed by Tukey HSD test using SPSS, version 14. RESULTS: Total alcohol extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg), successive extracts (250 mg/kg) and isolated compounds (100 mg/kg) showed different potentials of the reported pharmacological activities, where the ethyl acetate successive extract showed the highest activity. Two flavonoides were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract and identified as C1 (kaempferol-3, 4'-diglucoside) and C2 (kaempferol 3-rutinoside). Total alcohol extract (1000 mg/kg) administrated daily to rats for 14 consecutive days did not show any alterations on liver and kidney functions and on the oxidative balance. CONCLUSIONS: Results revealed that C1 and C2possessed potent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities and they seem to be the active constituents of the investigated extract. The reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and the anti-oxidant potential of C1 and C2 could be due to their flavonoid structure.

Antioxidant Activities of Bacterial Culture Extracts Isolated from Arctic Lichens

Lichens are a symbiosis between fungi, algae and cyanobacteria. Our group recently studied the antioxidant properties of some bacterial species isolated from Arctic lichens and we confirmed that they possess high antioxidant activities. In this paper, we investigated the antioxidant capacity of 5 microorganisms newly isolated from 4 Arctic lichen species, Cladonia sp., Sterocaulon sp., Umbilicaria sp. and Cetraria sp., using various solvent extractions. We carried out 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging activity test and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Also total phenolic and flavonoid content assays were performed. Among the bacterial culture extracts of the tested lichen-microorganisms, ethyl acetate extracts of Burkholderia sordidicola S5-B(T) had not only a high antioxidant activity (72.9%) when compared with the ascorbic acid used as the control (51.3%) in the DPPH assay, but also a high amount of phenolic content as well as flavonoid content. As a result, these lichen-microorganisms may be potentially useful sources of natural antioxidants.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the kernel root of Xylocarpus mekongensis (Lamk.) M. Roem

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the crude ethanolic extract of the kernel root of Xylocarpus mekongenesis (Lamk.) M. Roem. (Meliaceae) was evaluated in different methods. The extract showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced oedema test in rats showing 69.42 % reduction in the paw volume (P < 0.01) comparable to that produced by the standard drug indomethacin (70.25 %) at 24 h when the extract was fed at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight. The percentage inhibition of the oedema paw volume was statistically significant (p < 0.05) when compared with the indomethacin treated animals at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h. The extract exhibited IC50 value 4.78 μg/ml in DPPH free radical scavenging activity test that was found to be very significant and comparable to that of the standard antioxidants ascorbic acid and BHA (1.9372 and 4.81 μg/ml) respectively. In nitric oxide radical scavenging test, the IC50 value was also found fairly significant 57.37 μg/ml when compared to standard ascorbic acid (36.81 μg/ml). In reducing power test, the maximum absorbance of the same extract was observed as 1.923 at 100 μg/ml and that of ascorbic acid and BHA were 2.8111 and 1.0314 respectively. The extract showed highest antioxidant capacity at 100 μg/ml concentration expressed as equivalents of ascorbic acid (1.44). The total phenolic content of the extract was also found quite high (342.15 ± 0.92 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent). Therefore, the results of this study suggest the probable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of X. mekongenesis kernel root and justify its use in traditional medicines.

Antityrosinase and antioxidant activities of essential oils of edible Thai plants

This work was undertaken to explore antityrosinase and antioxidant activities of twenty essential oils of edible Thai plants. Antityrosinase activity against mushroom tyrosinase was examined by means of the dopachrome method using L-dopa as an enzymatic substrate. The essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus had the highest level of antityrosinase activity, followed by that of Ocimum canum with enzymatic inhibition of 69 ± 4 and 66 ± 3%. GC-MS revealed that geranial and neral were the two most abundant components of their chemical compositions. Antioxidant activity was gauged by the free radical scavenging activity test and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay. The essential oil of Ocimum sanctum had the highest level of antioxidant activity, followed by the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum. These results led to the conclusions that the essential oils of edible Thai plants exhibit important biological activities and are a promising choice as natural active ingredients because of their antityrosinase and antioxidant activities.