Antioxidant Free Radical Scavenging Research Articles

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Properties of Methanolic Extract of Neolamarckia cadamba Linn. Fruits

Abstract: Background: The immune system plays an important role in various diseased conditions. Patients with compromised immune function are at increased risk of exposure. Thus, the evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of plant extracts may be helpful for prophylactic treatment approach. Objectives: The aim of present study is to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of Neolamarckia cadamba Linn. fruits for antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties using in-vitro and in-vitro models. Methods: In the present investigation, antioxidant property of methanolic extract of Neolamarckia cadamba fruits (NCM) was evaluated by superoxide radical and DPPH scavenging activity. The immunomodulatory property of NCM extract was analysed by determining cytokines release (IL-2 and TNFα) in murine primary thymocytes. The effects of NCM extract on humoral and cellular immunity was analysed under in vivo conditions. The anticancer activity of the extract was evaluated on Jurkat J6 cell line by MTT assay. Results: The methanolic extract of Neolamarckia cadamba fruits showed superoxide and DPPH free radical scavenging antioxidant activity and significantly increased the cytokines release (IL-2 and TNFα) in murine primary thymocytes. The increased hemagglutination antibody titre and neutrophil adhesion as well as the restoration of cyclophosphamideinduced myelosuppression and DTH response confirm the stimulatory effect of NCM on T cells. In-vitro results on Jurkat J6 cell line showed the significant increase in cell death confirming its anticancer activity. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that the methanolic extract of the fruits of Neolamarckia cadamba possesses antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory property as well as anticancer potential, suggesting its therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of immune disorders as well as cancer. Key words: Neolamarckia cadamba, Immunomodulatory, Antioxidative, Anticancer, Cytokines, Neutrophil adhesion.

Melissa officinalis L. as a Nutritional Strategy for Cardioprotection.

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

Adsorption/Desorption Characteristics and Simultaneous Enrichment of Orientin, Isoorientin, Vitexin and Isovitexin from Hydrolyzed Oil Palm Leaf Extract Using Macroporous Resins

Oil palm leaves (OPL) containing flavonoid C-glycosides are abundantly generated as oil palm byproducts. The performances of three macroporous resins with different physical and chemical properties for the enrichment of isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, and isovitexin from acid-hydrolyzed OPL (OPLAH) extract were screened. The XAD7HP resin exhibited the best sorption capacities for the targeted flavonoid C-glycosides and was thus selected for further evaluation. Static adsorption using the XAD7HP resin under optimal conditions (extract adjusted to pH 5, shaken at 298 K for 24 h) gave adsorption kinetics that fit well with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption of isoorientin and orientin was well described by Langmuir isotherms, while vitexin and isovitexin fit well with the Freundlich isotherms. Dynamic sorption trials using the column-packed XAD7HP resin produced 55–60-fold enrichment of isovitexin and between 11 and 25-fold enrichment of isoorientin, vitexin, and orientin using aqueous ethanol. The total flavonoid C-glycoside-enriched fractions (enriched OPLAH) with isoorientin (247.28–284.18 µg/mg), orientin (104.88–136.19 µg/mg), vitexin (1197.61–1726.11 µg/mg), and isovitexin (13.03–14.61 µg/mg) showed excellent antioxidant free radical scavenging activities compared with their crude extracts, with IC50 values of 6.90–70.63 µg/mL and 44.58–200.00 µg/mL, respectively. Hence, this rapid and efficient procedure for the preliminary enrichment of flavonoid C-glycosides by using macroporous resin may have practical value in OPL biomass waste utilization programs to produce high value-added products, particularly in the nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals industries.

Neuroprotective Potential of <i>Bacopa monnieri, Camellia sinensis</i> and Curcumin on Chlorpyrifos Exposed <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>

The popular treatment approaches of neurodegenerative diseases are generally for symptom management, but unfortunately, there is no significant curative approach present so far that can signifcantly reduce its progression. Indian traditional medicine is being used alone or in a combination of herbs to fight against these diseases. The commonly used herbs/traditional medicine(s) for this purpose are Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), Curcuma longa (curcumin) and Camellia sinensis (green tea). In the present study, herbs were judged for its free radical scavenging activity through DPPH free radical scavenging assay, Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and also Total Flavonoid Content (TFC). Among them, green tea exhibited highest total phenolic content and also higher total flavonoid content (99.667±3.547 mg GA/g and with 7.633±2.532 mg QE/g, respectively) followed by Bacopa monnieri and Curcumin. In this context, Green tea showed maximum free radical scavenging activity than curcumin followed by Brahmi (GT>CUR>BM). These herbs were evaluated to check their potential in the improvement of the climbing ability of flies and acetylcholinesterase enzyme activities using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). In this study, fruit flies were fed normal food, chlorpyrifos contaminated food and also chlorpyrifos (Chlor) along with individual herbs as mentioned above (Chlor+GT, Chlor+CUR, Chlor+BM). Interestingly, we found that the free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activities, of Brahmi (97%) has the highest improvement in climbing activity as compared to green tea (90%) followed by curcumin (86%) and organisms treated with these herbs show a trend BM>GT>CUR. Moreover, Brahmi also exhibited maximum improvement in AChE activities as compared to curcumin and green tea and showed a trend BM>CUR>GT.

Environmental cadmium exposure during pregnancy causes diabetes-like phenotypes in mouse offspring: Association with oxidative stress in the fetal liver.

Cadmium (Cd), a noxious heavy metal, is widespread in the living environment. Gestational exposure to Cd at environmental dose has been shown to cause fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the long-term effects and the mechanisms underlying environmental Cd exposure on glucose metabolism in offspring remain unclear. Here, we established a murine model to study the impacts of gestational exposure to environmental Cd on glucose metabolism at different life stages of offspring. Results demonstrated that the offspring mice developed hyperglycemia in puberty and impaired glucose tolerance in adulthood following maternal Cd exposure during gestation. Further mechanistic investigation showed that Cd exposure upregulated the expression of key proteins in hepatic gluconeogenesis, including p-CREB, PGC-1α and G6PC, in pubertal and adult offspring. In addition, we demonstrated that Cd exposure during pregnancy markedly elevated the level of oxidative stress-related proteins, including NOX2, NOX4 and HO-1, in the fetal liver. The effects of gestational exposure to N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a free-radical scavenging antioxidant, presented that NAC supplementation alleviated hepatic oxidative stress in fetuses, and thereby reversed hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance in mouse offspring. Collectively, our data suggested that gestational exposure to environmental Cd caused diabetes-like phenotypes via enhancing hepatic gluconeogenesis, which is associated with oxidative stress in fetal livers. This work provides new insights into the protective effects of antioxidants on fetal-originated diabetes triggered by environmental toxicants.

Dietary supplementation with natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis improves antioxidant enzyme activity, free radical scavenging ability, and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in laying hens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of natural astaxanthin (ASTA) from Haematococcus pluvialis on production performance, egg quality, antioxidant enzyme activity, free radical scavenging ability, and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in laying hens. Nongda No. 3 laying hens (n = 450) were randomly allocated to 1 of 5 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 6 replicates of 15 hens each. All birds were assigned to a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 0, 20, 40, 80, or 160 mg/kg ASTA for 4 wk. With increasing dietary ASTA, no significant effects were observed on egg weight, feed consumption, feed efficiency, laying rate, Haugh unit, or eggshell strength. Yolk color darkened linearly with increasing dose of ASTA (P < 0.05). Glutathione peroxidase activity was improved in the kidney with dietary ASTA at levels of 40 mg/kg. Total superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly increased in the liver, kidney, and plasma with dietary ASTA supplementation at 40 mg/kg. With increasing dietary ASTA, the scavenging abilities of hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions were linearly increased (P < 0.05), and the malondialdehyde content decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, mRNA expression of Cu-Zn SOD (SOD1), Mn SOD (SOD2), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in the liver and kidney was significantly increased in the 40 mg/kg ASTA group (P < 0.05). The level of GPX4 mRNA in the liver and kidney was significantly increased with ASTA supplementation at 40 and 80 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The results demonstrate that dietary ASTA improves free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant enzyme activity, which may be related in part to the upregulated mRNA expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and NRF2.

Nutritional and Phenolic Antioxidant Properties of Pakistani Wheat Varieties as Influenced by Planting Period and Variety

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of variety and plant environment on nutritional composition, phenolic contents and antioxidant activities from commercial wheat cultivars grown in Pakistan. Chemical composition, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities were measured in twenty-seven spring wheat varieties grown for two cropping years. Preliminary assessment of antioxidant strength of the extracts was carried out by the evaluation of total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA). The grain length, width and a thousand kernel weight of different wheat varieties ranged from 6.75-6.77 mm, 3.44-3.45 mm and 42.95-45.16 g respectively. Similarly, the moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, wet gluten, dry gluten, flour gliadins, flour glutenins contents and SDS-sedimentation value varied from 10.23-10.61%, 1.47-1.48%, 1.16-1.21%, 1.37-1.40%, 11.86-12.02%, 25.39-25.46%, 8.85-8.87%, 0.46-0.52%, 0.46-0.49% and 24.99-25.85 ml respectively among different wheat varieties. In the same way, the results for total phenolic contents, free radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay) and antioxidant activity via beta carotene bleaching assay varied from 12.40-11.73 mg GE/g, 18.48-18.99% and 14.23-15.97% respectively. Our research clearly indicated that wheat variety, input conditions, environmental and genotypic variations gave effects on the phenolic antioxidant properties.

Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Iris Species Growing in Iraqi Kurdistan and Phenolic Constituents of the Traditional Plant Iris postii.

A dozen Iris species (Iridaceae) are considered traditional remedies in Kurdistan, especially for treating inflammations. Phytochemical studies are still scarce. The information reported in the literature about Iris species growing in Kurdistan has been summarized in the first part of this paper, although, except for Iris persica, investigations have been performed on vegetal samples collected in countries different from Kurdistan. In the second part of the work, we have investigated, for the first time, the contents of the methanolic extracts of Iris postii aerial parts and rhizomes that were collected in Kurdistan. Both extracts exhibited a significant dose-dependent free radical scavenging and total antioxidant activities, comparable to those of ascorbic acid. Medium-pressure liquid chromatographic separations of the two extracts afforded l-tryptophan, androsin, isovitexin, swertisin, and 2″-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl swertisin from the aerial parts, whereas ε-viniferin, trans-resveratrol 3,4′-O-di-β-d-glucopyranoside, and isotectorigenin were isolated from the rhizomes. This is the first finding of the last three metabolites from an Iris species. The various remarkable biological activities of isolated compounds scientifically sustain the traditional use of I. postii as a medicinal plant.

Design, Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Chalcone Derivative CMZ-3-5

Excessive accumulation of free radicals can cause a variety of diseases. According to reports, chalcone has the activity of scavenging free radicals. In this study, we synthesized a chalcone derivative CZM-3-5 and evaluated its antioxidant activity using a chemical assessment method (2,2and#39;-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•+) assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) assay and total reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay) and a cell model of oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The chemical evaluation results show that the compound CZM-3-5 has good antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging ability. MTT analysis showed that the compound has cytoprotective activity in H2O2-induced PC12 cells, and the mechanism may be related to the cytoprotective substance superoxide dismutase (SOD) is related to the level of glutathione (GSH). Overall, our findings indicate that compound CZM-3-5 has potential antioxidant activity in vitro.

Design, Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Chalcone Derivative CMZ-3-5

Excessive accumulation of free radicals can cause a variety of diseases. According to reports, chalcone has the activity of scavenging free radicals. In this study, we synthesized a chalcone derivative CZM-3-5 and evaluated its antioxidant activity using a chemical assessment method (2,2and#39;-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS•+) assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) assay and total reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay) and a cell model of oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The chemical evaluation results show that the compound CZM-3-5 has good antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging ability. MTT analysis showed that the compound has cytoprotective activity in H2O2-induced PC12 cells, and the mechanism may be related to the cytoprotective substance superoxide dismutase (SOD) is related to the level of glutathione (GSH). Overall, our findings indicate that compound CZM-3-5 has potential antioxidant activity in vitro.

Pharmacognostical Standardisation of Ailanthus Excelsa Leaves and Randia Dumetorum Fruit Along with Antioxidant Activity and Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of Its Fractions

The world is observing an unprecedented development in the usage of herbal product at national as well as international levels. This requires the improvement of current and aimed standards for estimating the quality, safety and efficacy of these drugs. The leaves of Ailanthus excelsa and the fruits of Randia Dumetorum are medicinal plants that are used for many diseases around the world. We then collected the flavonoids and saponin fraction extracted from the leaves of Ailanthus excelsa and the fruits of Randia dumetorum. To determine the reliability, quality and purity of these particles, we provide a crucial pharmacological profile along with the antioxidant activity. Pharmacological studies, such as morphological, physicochemical, TLC, and phytochemical analysis of all fractions containing total phenol and flavonoids, were performed according to specific methods. DPPH tests estimated the antioxidant action of all fractions, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, and reducing power assay method. Previous phytochemical studies discovered the occurrence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and especially phenolic chemicals. All fractions have antioxidant effects, depending on the existence of a phenolic compound. The above parameters are vital to establishing pharmacological rules for the authentication of Ailanthus excelsa leaves and Randia Dumetorum fruits.

Differentiation of Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. and Tarchonanthus parvicapitulatus P.P.J. Herman (Asteraceae) using electron microscopy, and comparison of their biological activities

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTarchonanthus camphoratus L. complex has numerous medicinal uses amongst the sub-Saharan African populace, including treatment for bronchospasm. This study focused on providing scientific rationale for the traditional use of the extracts of T. camphoratus and T. parvicapitulatus. T. camphoratus L. complex has been published under diverse names by various taxonomists. Tarchonanthus parvicapitulatus was one of the newly described taxa, leaving Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. sens. strict. as a homogenous taxon. However, some of the morphological characters used tend to overlap, making it difficult to identify the different taxa. AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the bronchodilatory, antioxidant and toxicological properties of the leaves of T. camphoratus L. and T. parvicapitulatus. This study also aimed to use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the differences between T. camphoratus L. and T. parvicapitulatus. Materials and methodsThin layer chromatography (TLC) with vanillin as visualizing agent was used to qualitatively compare the phytoconstituents of the plant acetone extracts. The free radical scavenging antioxidant qualitative assay was done by spraying TLC plates with DPPH free radical. The bronchodilatory effects of the aqueous extracts were assessed using pre-contracted guinea pig trachea. The effects of the extracts of T. camphoratus L. and T. parvicapitulatus on superoxide and ATP production was also investigated on isolated human neutrophils. A micromorphology study was done using scanning electron microscopy to study the leaves. ResultsDifferent compounds were visualized on the TLC plates with more than 40 compounds of intermediate polarity. The TLC plates sprayed with DPPH revealed the presence of 20 and 23 antioxidant compounds for T. camphoratus and T. parvicapitulatus respectively. Upon pre-contraction of the tracheal smooth muscles, the aqueous extracts of T. parvicapitulatus significantly relaxed the trachea while the relaxation observed for T. camphoratus was not significant. All the tested concentrations had a dose dependent inhibitory effect on superoxide production. The crude extract of T. parvicapitulatus at the highest concentration (10 mg/ml) significantly decreased ATP production while a non-significant increase in ATP production was observed for T. camphoratus at the highest concentration (10 mg/ml) when compared with the control. The micromorphology study was useful in revealing the presence of trichomes on the upper leaf surface of the studied taxa. ConclusionsThe results obtained from this study showed that the studied plant extracts had bronchodilatory effects on contracted guinea pig trachea and could also inhibit the production of free radicals including superoxide anions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the bronchodilatory activity of T. camphoratus and T. parvicapitulatus. The micromorphological studies were useful in distinguishing between the two species, confirming that T. camphoratus L. and T. parvicapitulatus are different taxa. This study provides evidence to support the traditional use of T. camphoratus and T. parvicapitulatus in managing bronchospasm.

Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Essential Oil of Ten Labiatae Species.

Using antibiotics as feed additives have been successively banned worldwide from 1986; therefore, it is an urgent task to finding safe and effective alternatives. As natural products of plant origin, essential oils (EOs) are an outstanding option due to their reported bioactivity. In this research, ten EOs of Labiatae species were extracted by steam distillation and its chemical constituents were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 123 chemical compounds, including alkenes, phenols, aldehydes and ketones, were identified. The results of antioxidant activity carried out through DPPH free radical scavenging (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), showing that EOs of Ocimum basilicum Linn. (ObEO), Thymus mongolicus Ronn. (TmEO), Origanum vulgare Linn. (OvEO) and Mosla chinensis Maxim. (McEO) have strong antioxidant activities. Their 50%-inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was <1.00, 1.42, 1.47 and 1.92 μg/mL, respectively; and their FRAP value was 1536.67 ± 24.22, 271.84 ± 4.93, 633.71 ± 13.14 and 480.66 ± 29.90, respectively. The results of filter paper diffusion showing that McEO, OvEO and TmEO inhibition zone diameter (IZD) are all over 30 mm. The results of two-fold dilution method showed that McEO, OvEO and TmEO have strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value was 1 μL/mL, 2 μL/mL, and 2 μL/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the results in this work demonstrate the possibility for development and application of EOs as potential feed additives.

Essential Oils from Vitex agnus castus L. Leaves Induces Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis of Human Multidrug-Resistant Lung Carcinoma Cells through Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathways

Essential oil (EO) fractions of plants are complex mixtures of volatile compounds with broad-spectrum biological properties. In the current study, the EO content of Vitex agnus castus L. (VAC) leaves growing in the Aegean region of Turkey was extracted and identified. Then, VAC EOs were investigated for their potential antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in human H69AR multi-drug resistant cancer cells. EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation and chemical composition was determined by GC-MS. Cell viability was assessed via MTT and trypan blue assays. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activity. Apoptosis was evaluated via DNA fragmentation and caspase 3/7 activity assays. Changes in the levels of apoptotic genes were determined by RT-qPCR. The results indicated strong antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect on H69AR cancer cells but not on HEK-293 human normal cells indicating the tumor-specific effect. VAC EOs induced caspase 3/7 activation and apoptosis through triggering both extrinsic- and intrinsic-pathways by modulating Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bax, Bad, FADD, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5. This study revealed that VAC EOs may be a promising candidate in the development of novel therapeutic agents for multi-drug resistant lung cancer treatment.

Central and peripheral actions of melatonin on reproduction in seasonal and continuous breeding mammals

Under field conditions, especially for mammals that inhabit high latitudes, the regulation of seasonal breeding activity to ensure delivery of the young at the time most conducive to their survival is essential. This is most frequently accomplished by the annual reproductive cycle being linked to seasonal photoperiod changes which determine the nocturnal duration of the pineal melatonin signal. Mating can occur during any season that ensures spring/early summer delivery of the offspring. Thus, the season of mating is determined by the duration of pregnancy. The precise hormonal control of the annual cycle of reproduction by melatonin is accomplished at the level of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis which, in turn, determines the physiological state of the gonad and adnexa due to the regulation of pituitary gonadotrophin release. Many species are continuous rather than seasonal breeders. In these species, melatonin has a minor hormonal influence on the central regulation of reproduction but, nevertheless, its antioxidant functions at the level of the gonads support optimal reproductive physiology. Possibly like all cells, those in the ovary, e.g., granulosa cells and oocytes (less is known about melatonin synthesis by the testes or spermatogenic cells), synthesize melatonin which is used locally to combat free radicals and reactive nitrogen species which would otherwise cause oxidative/nitrosative stress to these critically important cells. Oxidative damage to the oocyte, zygote, blastocyst, etc., results in an abnormal fetus which is either sloughed or gives rise to an unhealthy offspring. The importance of the protection of the gametes (both oocytes and sperm) from oxidative molecular mutilation cannot be overstated. Fortunately, as a highly effective free radical scavenger and indirect antioxidant (by upregulating antioxidant enzyme), locally-produced melatonin is in the optimal location to protect the reproductive system from such damage.

Evaluation of stability, physicochemical and antioxidant properties of extracted chlorophyll from Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.)

The use of natural dyes in foods enhances the product quality and they are also associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Therefore, they play significant role in human health. Chlorophyll is used as a natural pigment in a variety of foods. This study aims to prepare the extract and chlorophyll from Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.), using enzymatic and ultrasound methods and evaluation of their antioxidant and physicochemical properties. In the present study, the chlorophyll stability was evaluated in different conditions including temperature (− 18, 4 and 10 °C), time (15, 30 and 45 days), pH (4.5 and 5.5) and NaCl concentration (50, 100 and 150 mM). The results showed the chlorophyll a concentration was approximately as twice as the chlorophyll b concentration. In all of the experiments, the enzymatic method has shown better efficiency than the ultrasound one. Also, with the increment of extract concentration, the DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) as well as total phenolic compounds, anthocyanin, and flavonoids were increased dramatically. Due to the higher efficiency of enzymatic extraction, the stability assessments were performed based on this method. The result demonstrated that 50 mM of NaCl, temperature − 18 °C, pH 4.5 and time 15 days were associated with the highest chlorophyll a and b values. According to the results the enzymatic method to prepare clover extract and its chlorophyll can be used as an efficient method for indicator pigment production in food and pharmaceutical industries. However, further testing is needed to achieve more information.

Valuing Bioactive Lipids from Green, Red and Brown Macroalgae from Aquaculture, to Foster Functionality and Biotechnological Applications.

Marine edible macroalgae have functional proprieties that might improve human health and wellbeing. Lipids represent a minor fraction of macroalgae, yet with major interest as main carriers of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and intrinsic bioactive properties. In this study, we used lipid extracts from the green macroalgae Ulva rigida and Codium tomentosum; the red Gracilaria gracilis, Palmaria palmata and Porphyra dioica; and the brown Fucus vesiculosus, produced in a land-based integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system. We determined the lipid quality indices based on their fatty acid profiles and their bioactivities as putative antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agents. The results reveal to be species-specific, namely U. rigida displayed the lowest atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices. Palmaria palmata and F. vesiculosus lipid extracts displayed the lowest inhibitory concentration in the free radical scavenging antioxidant assays. Ulva rigida, C. tomentosum, P. palmata and P. dioica inhibited COX-2 activity by up to 80%, while P. dioica and P. palmata extracts showed the highest cytotoxic potential in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This work enhances the valorization of macroalgae as functional foods and promising ingredients for sustainable and healthy diets and fosters new applications of high-valued algal biomass, in a species-specific context.

Solid state fermentation of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): implications on bioactive compounds, mineral content and in vitro bioavailability.

In the present study, solid-state fermentation (SSF) of four fenugreek cultivars viz. HM-57, AFG-2, RMT-1 and RMT-303 were carried out using Aspergillus awamori and its effect on antioxidant properties, phenolic content and bioactive compounds were studied. Macro (Ca, K, and Na) as well as micro (Fe, Zn, and Cu) elements and in vitro bioavailability of the unfermented fenugreek (UFF) and Aspergillus-fermented fenugreek (AFF) samples were assessed with standard methods. On 5th day, total phenolic and condensed tannin contents showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase for all cultivars. Further, HPLC analysis confirmed formation of some new bioactive (vanillin, benzoic acid and catechin) compounds. Similarly, extracts from all AFF also showed an increase in the antioxidant potential such as inhibition of DPPH, hydroxyl free radical scavenging, reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity up to 5th day of SSF. Mineral in AFF were found with enhanced values when compared with respective UFF. In vitro bioavailability of Fe, Zn and Ca was also improved during SSF. Results from the present study may be helpful to food industry in developing new health foods and may provide a rational for development of functional ingredient in preparation of novel nutraceuticals.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Some Legumes Hulls Extract and Its Efficacy on Oil Oxidative Stability.

Synthetic antioxidants have toxigenic effects, there is therefore growing interest in substituting them with natural antioxidants. Attention is being focused on extracting them from agricultural industry residuals to minimize costs. Legume seed hulls could be cheap sources of such natural antioxidants. This study aims to unravel potential free radical scavenging activity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of some legumes' hulls extracted by different solvents and evaluate their efficacy to enhance sunflower oil stability. Legume hulls extracted by different solvents were evaluated for their antioxidant activity coefficient (AAC), free radical scavenging activity [by 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)], and phenolic and flavonoids contents. The protection factor and induction periods (rancimat test) of the highest activity extracts were evaluated. Sunflower seed hull ethyl acetate extract, lupine seed hull ethanol extract, and mung bean hull petroleum ether extract exhibited stronger DPPH scavenging activity, AAC, and protection factor values than other solvents. Ethyl acetate extracts of sunflower seed hulls showed an antioxidant and scavenging activity close (P>0.05) to that detected for α-tocopherol. Legume hulls may possess strong free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. The analogous effect between sunflower hull extract and α-tocopherol make it a potential, cheaper substitute of α-tocopherol in food systems. The analogous effect between sunflower hull extract and α-tocopherol give it the potency to allow substitution at a concentration of 0.5% of sunflower hull ethyl acetate or 1% of lupine hull ethanol extract instead of 0.5% α-tocopherol to enhance induction periods and protection factors of sunflower oil.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds protect against formaldehyde-induced major organ damages

Exposures to hazardous chemicals including formaldehyde are harmful to human health. In this study, the authors investigate the protective effects of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) extract against formaldehyde-induced major organ damages in mice. Administration of formaldehyde (FA) caused significant elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum creatinine, etc. Histopathological examinations of liver, kidney, and brain tissues showed the degenerations of those organs. Mice pretreated with PSO extract significantly attenuated the FA-induced elevation of SGOT (39.0 ± 1.30 vs 20.5 ± 0.65 IU/L; FA-group vs PSO treatment group), SGPT (91.8 ± 1.65 vs 51.0 ± 1.29 IU/L), serum creatinine (1.05 ± 0.07 vs 0.65 ± 0.07 IU/L), and preserved the normal histology of organ tissues. The FA-induced elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain, liver, and kidneys was suppressed by pretreatment with PSO extract. The extract also attenuated the FA-induced reduction of endogenous antioxidant pools. In vitro phytochemical analyses showed that PSO extract possesses free radical scavenging and total antioxidant activities due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Thus, PSO extract has significant protective effects against FA-induced organ toxicities by scavenging oxidative stress and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.