Free Radical Scavenging Power Research Articles

Ameliorative effects of Edaravone against Valproic Acid-Induced kidney damage.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a well-known and increasingly documented antiepileptic drug that has been widely used in the treatment of epilepsy and/or epilepsy-related disorders. Prolonged clinical use of VPA has been reported to cause side effects such as nephrotoxicity. Edaravone (EDA) is a powerful free radical scavenger. The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effects of EDA against VPA-induced oxidative renal injury. Four experimental groups were formed by randomly assigning thirty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats. The first group, (Control Group, n = 8), consisted of healthy rats. The second group, (Group II, n = 10), comprised control rats given intraperitoneally EDA (30mg/kg/day) for seven days. The third group (Group III, n = 10) was administered intraperitoneally only VPA (500mg/kg/day) for seven days. The last group (Group IV, n = 10) was treated with VPA + EDA for seven days. On the 8th day, kidney tissues were immediately removed from rats. In kidney homogenates, reduced glutathione levels and Na/K+-ATPase, paraoxonase1 and prolidase activities were remarkably decreased while catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase activities and lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidized protein products, and hydroxyproline contents were notably elevated in VPA given group. Consistently, administration of EDA decreased renal degenerative changes seen in the kidney tissue of VPA given rats. Treatment with EDA in the VPA group significantly resulted in the recovery of both biochemical and histopathological alterations. As a result, EDA is potentially beneficial to revert oxidative renal damage induced by VPA.

A Study on Antioxidant and Gastro-protective Effects of Trachyspermum ammi Linn Extract Using Different In-vitro Techniques

The use of a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for therapeutic purposes is known as herbal medicine, often called botanical medicine or phytomedicine. There is a long history of using herbs outside of traditional treatment. The use of herbal medicine in treating and preventing disease is becoming more widespread due to advancements in clinical research, analysis, and quality control. There is a long history of using native plants in traditional medicine. Plants serve as the primary source of resources for the conventional medical procedures practiced in rural and tribal regions in India and other countries. Ajowan, or Trachyspermum ammi, is a widely used name. One of the traditional possible herbs used as a spice in daily life is ajwain, or Trachyspermum ammi L., a member of the Apiaceae family. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices all contain phenolic compounds, which have potent anti-inflammatory, antigenotoxic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. A Soxhlet extractor was utilized to extract the methanol from the dried seeds of Trachyspermum ammi. The Fenton reaction was used to measure the seed's total phenolic content, and it showed good antioxidant activity at various dosage concentrations. With ascorbic acid serving as the standard reducing agent, the antioxidant activity of the seed extract was evaluated. The UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to obtain the current results. A notable concentration-dependent free radical scavenging and reduction power was demonstrated in this plant extract, Trachyspermum ammi. Using SGOT and SGPT enzymes, we also determined that the gastroprotective action of T. ammi extract was significantly higher than that of the standard medication Liv52 and control liver enzymes. The liver histology slide treated with T. ammi extract shows a typical liver lobule. The hepatocytes are polyhedral, have eosinophilic cytoplasm, and typically have a central nucleus. Endothelially lined sinusoids are located between the hepatocyte cords and exhibit normal liver histology compared to control and Liv52-treated groups. Significantly less intestinal histology was observed as compared to untreated control. The current study concludes that Trachyspermum ammi extract may have a natural antioxidant and gastroprotective activity. Trachyspermum ammi is a great way to add gastroprotective and antioxidant phenolic components to your diet.

Comparative Phytoprofiling of Achillea millefolium Morphotypes: Assessing Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic and Triterpenic Compounds Variation across Different Plant Parts.

Achillea millefolium L., commonly known as yarrow, is a versatile and widely distributed plant species with a rich history of ethnopharmacological significance. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative differences of A. millefolium inflorescence morphotypes. The phytochemical profile of white and pink inflorescence morphotypes was characterised by a complex of thirty-four phenolic and triterpene compounds. The species has distinct morphotypes of white and pink inflorescence. Phenolic and triterpenic profiles were determined, and individual compounds were quantified in inflorescence, leaf, and stem samples of two morphotypes tested. The antioxidant activity of plant extracts was evaluated by free radical scavenging (ABTS) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Caffeoylquinic acids predominated in all parts of the plant tested. Chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were the principal compounds in the phenolic profile. Betulin, betulinic acid, and α-amyrin were the prevailing triterpenic components in the triterpenic profiles of Achillea millefolium morphotypes. The predominant flavonoids in inflorescences were flavones, while in leaves, flavonols were the organ-specific compounds. The quantitative differences were observed between plant parts of morphotypes. Leaves consistently displayed the highest amounts of identified compounds and have been testified as the main source of antioxidant activity. Overall, white inflorescences accumulated a higher total amount of compounds compared to pink ones. The observed differences between morphotypes derived from the same population reflect the differences in specialised metabolites and their chemotypes. This study addresses gaps in knowledge, particularly in phenolic and triterpenic profiling of coloured inflorescence morphotypes, enhancing our understanding of chemotypes and morphotypes within the species.

Isolation and purification of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S. Y. Hu peptides and study of their antioxidant effects and mechanisms.

Oxidative stress is a state of imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant effects in the body, which is closely associated with aging and many diseases. Therefore, the development of antioxidants has become urgent. In this study, we isolated three polypeptides, G-6-Y, P-8-R, and F-10-W, from Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S. Y. Hu (E. sessiliflorus), based on the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of Eleutherococcus, and screened the most powerful free radical scavenging peptide P-8-R. Ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced oxidative stress damage in the skin was established to test the efficacy of P-8-R. In cellular experiments, P-8-R not only prevented oxidative stress damage in HaCaT cells, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and inhibited the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases but also inhibited apoptosis via the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway; in animal experiments, P-8-R was able to prevent oxidative stress damage in the skin and reduce skin collagen loss by inhibiting the overexpression of MMPs to prevent mouse skin aging. In conclusion, the present study contributes to an in-depth understanding of the active compounds of Eleutherococcus, which is of great significance for the pharmacodynamic mechanism and industrial development of Eleutherococcus, and P-8-R is likely to become a potential antioxidant and anti-aging drug or skin care cosmetic in the future.

Melatonin as an adjunctive therapy in cardiovascular disease management.

Melatonin, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a neuroendocrine hormone secreted by the pineal gland. This pleiotropic indoleamine possesses amphiphilic properties, allowing it to penetrate most biological barriers and exert its effects at the subcellular level. Importantly, melatonin also plays a crucial role in regulating the body's response to circadian rhythms, adapting to internal and external environmental cues. Melatonin functions as a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Its diverse physiological roles include maintaining the functional integrity of endothelial cells, thereby preventing atherosclerosis, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. Additionally, melatonin exhibits antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, potentially improving metabolic disorders. These combined effects suggest a unique adjunctive therapeutic potential for melatonin in treating cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to explore the mechanisms by which melatonin interacts with the cardiovascular system and investigates its potential use as an adjunctive therapeutic agent in managing cardiovascular disease.

Appraisal of phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of folkloric Pentanema confertiflorum rootbark extracts

BackgroundMedicinal plants have cultural prominence in the management of ailments worldwide. The different organs of Pentanema confertiflorum (hereafter referred as P. confertiflorum) as have been used to ameliorate different diseases in Ethiopia. Thus, this study focused on the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, and antibacterial screening of P. confertiflorum rootbark solvent fractions. MethodsThe rootbark of P. confertiflorum was successively soaked with petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. The total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and alkaloid contents (TAC) of the different crude extracts were determined through Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR), aluminum chloride colorimetric, and bromocresol green (BCG) assays, respectively. In addition, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were employed to determine the antioxidant activity of crude extracts. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts was assessed against different bacteria strains via the disc diffusion method. ResultsThe qualitative phytochemical investigation study resonated with the abundance of several secondary metabolites, especially in the methanolic rootbark extract (MRBE). In addition, the MRBE had the highest TPC (76.7 mg GAE/g extracts), TFC (86.89 mg QE/g extracts), and TAC (80.68 mg ATE/g extracts) as compared to petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. Consistent with its TPC, TFC, and TAC, the MRBE demonstrated better antioxidant activity against DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 44.53 ppm) and FRAP assays (EC50 = 42.72 ppm). Moreover, all the rootbark extracts induced dose-dependent antibacterial activity against Streptococci pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. ConclusionsThe preliminary findings suggested the presence of a strong correlation between the folkloric use of P. confertiflorum and its observed antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Rigorous studies on the extracts such as the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds, and detailed bioactivity and toxicity studies are desirable to bring about safe and effective lead compounds.

Thermal processing of pomegranate seed oils underscores their antioxidant stability and nutritional value: Comparison of pomegranate seed oil with sesame seed oil.

In the present study, the oxidative stability and antioxidant activity of seed oils were investigated in three Iranian pomegranate cultivars, Shirin Khafr, Torsh Sabz, and Rabab, along with the sesame (Sesamum indicume L. cv Dezful) seed oil. Punicic acid was the primary fatty acid in the pomegranate seed oils, with contents ranging from 75.5 to 80.9% (w/w). The tocopherol levels in pomegranate seed oils ranged from 1439 to 2053 mg/kg, whereas the phenolics ranged from 130 to 199.3 mg/kg, respectively. Comparatively, in the seed oil of sesame "Dezful," these substances' contents were 1053 and 79 mg/kg, respectively. Contrary to common perception, the seed oil of the three pomegranate cultivars cultivated in Iran had high oxidative stability and antioxidative activity during the 32 h of thermal processing at 170°C. The oxidation stability assayed by peroxide value, p-anisidine value, and TOTOX index revealed that the pomegranate seed oils had a much higher resistance to the oxidation process than the sesame oil. The content of tocopherols increased during thermal processing due to the regeneration phenomenon. Tocopherols are not always free and may form a matrix with themselves or other compounds. Changes in the antioxidant activity during the thermal processing assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging power and by the FRAP test were consistent with those for the antioxidants. Therefore, these oils can be added to other edible oils as a natural antioxidant to improve their oxidative stability.

Chemical profiling and biological activity assessment of volatile and non-volatile compounds in Rosmarinus officinalis residues

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a Mediterranean medicinal and aromatic plant, widely used in several industries. The present study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of volatile compounds, encompassing essential oils (EO): hydrosol extract (HE): and water residue extract (WRE1). Additionally, the investigation focused on non-volatile components, including powder phenolic extract (PPE): water residue extract (WRE2): and solid residue extract (SRE): while also assessing their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The chemical compositions of volatile components were determined by using a Gas Chromatograph equipped with a Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS): while polyphenol extracts were analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph equipped with a photodiode array detection Mass Spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS). The antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP): while the antibacterial effect was evaluated against four pathogenic bacterial strains using disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The GC/MS analysis showed that R. officinalis EO was dominated by 1,8-cineole (47.70%) and α-pinene (15.50%). 1,8-cineole (56.67%) and camphor (26.27%) were found as the predominant constituents of HE, while volatile components of WRE1 were mainly dominated by camphor (10.11%). The UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis revealed the existence of a plethora of polyphenolic components. In PPE and SRE, the predominating compounds were carnosic acid and carnosol, respectively. Rosmarinic acid was the main constituent in WRE2. The results of DPPH free radical scavenging and FRAP activities showed that PPE exhibited strong antioxidant activity, followed by SRE and WRE2. EO and HE showed moderate antioxidant activity, while volatile components of WRE1 exhibited the lowest antioxidant effect. Regarding the antibacterial activity, PPE and SRE indicated the highest effect against the pathogenic bacteria, while WRE1 volatile components had the weakest antibacterial activity. The conducted study showed that material plant left after hydrodistillation of R. officinalis may be used as a new source of bioactive volatile and polyphenolic components with valuable pharmacological activities.

Mixture-efficient identification of high-order herbal essential oil synergy using a normalized DiaMOND design

In this study, the effect of high-order combinations of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (R) EO with other essential oils obtained from selected Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plants, namely, Thymus satureioides Coss. (T), Origanum compactum Benth. (O), Pelargonium roseum L. (P), Artemisia herba-alba Asso. (A), and Salvia officinalis L. (S), was evaluated. The chemical composition of EOs was determined by GC/MS. Their antibacterial effect was determined using the microdilution method, whereas their antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The type of interaction between EOs was evaluated by the diagonal measurement of n-way drug interactions (DiaMOND). Antioxidant and antibacterial activity results demonstrate that O. compactum, T. satureioides, and P. roseum EOs tested alone showed significant efficacy. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) modeling, one three-way combination (RST) was found with particularly strong synergistic DPPH radical scavenging (FIC3 = 0.50) and Fe3+ reducing (FIC3 = 0.48) properties. This combination also produced the highest activity against four bacteria strains (FIC3 = 0.38 for S. aureus, FIC3 = 0.38 for E. faecalis, FIC3 = 0.44 for E. coli, and FIC3 = 0.79 for P. aeruginosa). This mixture was, therefore, combined with conventional antibiotics. The results of all combinations showed a synergistic effect against four bacteria strains, which were tested with FIC2 ranging between 0.11 and 0.97. Our findings showed that a three-way combination of RST EOs constitutes a promising approach for possible application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Phytochemical Assessment, Antioxidant Activity, and in vitro Wound Healing Potential of Polygonum minus Huds

The increasing prevalence of chronic wounds, associated with aging, obesity, and diabetes, is compounded by bacterial resistance and adverse effects associated with commercial wound care products. Therefore, treatment modalities to accelerate the healing process are constantly being sought. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and wound healing potential of the aqueous extract derived from the stems and leaves of Polygonum minus. The extract was subjected to phytochemical evaluation to assess the diversity of secondary metabolites. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The wound healing effects were evaluated using proliferation and migration assays on human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The phytochemical evaluation of the aqueous extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides. Furthermore, the extract exhibited high TPC (137.74 ± 0.75 µg/mL GAE) and TFC (177.08 ± 3.16 µg/mL QE) values, as well as radical scavenging activity at 79.50% in the DPPH assay and a FRAP value of 1485.67 ± 0.05 µM/g Fe2+. At the lowest concentration of 7.81 μg/mL, the extract significantly stimulated cell proliferation and migration within 24 hours of treatment. The stimulation of cell migration was comparable with that of allantoin, which was used as a positive control. This study indicated that the P. minus aqueous extract contains a high concentration of phenolic compounds, which could contribute significantly to its antioxidant activity and promote the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes. The findings suggest that the extract may merit further investigation for potential applications in topical therapy related to wound healing.

Drying Methods Affecting the Antioxidant Activity of Turmeric Crude Drug

Turmeric is commonly a spice with many benefits in improving health, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The preparation of turmeric crude drug usually uses conventional sun drying. However, the quality of crude drugs is uncontrollable. The alternative using a modern drying process may affect the antioxidant properties of the final crude drug. This research aims to investigate the effect of drying methods (cabinet drying at 30oC and 70oC, infrared (IR), and conventional sun drying) on the antioxidant activity of turmeric crude drugs. The moisture content and its chemical compounds, including Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), were also investigated. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH free radical scavenging and Feri Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method. The results showed that the moisture content of dried turmeric samples from cabinet drying at 70 C and sun drying was less than 10%. TPC of all dried turmeric from modern drying methods was significantly higher than conventional sun drying and the same as TFC results, except for the sample from the IR method. The antioxidant activity of dried curcumin from IR drying was significantly higher than that of another sample in the FRAP method. However, the higher antioxidant of dried turmeric using the DPPH free radical scavenging showed in dried turmeric from cabinet drying at 70 C and sun drying. The results of the antioxidant activity of the dried turmeric crude drug did not correlate with the TPC and TFC data as predicted using Pearson’s Correlation. Thus, it can be concluded that the drying methods influenced the antioxidant activity of turmeric crude drug, and it did not correlate with phenolic and flavonoid content.

Melatonin enhances ovarian response in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Anovulation, decreased Oocyte quality and low endometrial receptivity are the cause of infertility in women with PCOS. Anovulation is the consequence of hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce oxidative stress which may be responsible for poor Oocyte quality. Melatonin is a documented powerful free radical scavenger and broad-spectrum antioxidant. Current evidence suggests that melatonin involves in ovarian physiology including follicular development, ovulation, and oocyte maturation. Present study was tried to evaluate the effects of melatonin on biochemical parameters as well as outcomes of ovulation induction by letrozole in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Method: This is a randomized controlled trial including 74 women of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with infertility. Intervention group received melatonin 3 mg at bed time for 8 weeks as pretreatment. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, anti mullerian hormone (AMH), fasting insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Both intervention and controlled group were received ovulation induction for 3 cycles by Letrozole (5 mg from cycle days 2 to 6). Intervention group continued melatonin until mature follicle achieved. The primary outcomes were biochemical changes by serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, anti mullerian hormone (AMH), fasting insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and ovarian responses by number of mature follicles, endometrial thickness and ovulation rate. Secondary outcome was pregnancy rate. Result: Melatonin treatment for 8 weeks significantly decreased testosterone (P <0.01) serum luteinizing hormone (<P.001), HOMA IR (P<0.01) and glucose tolerance (P<0.01). The change of anti mullerian hormone was not significant (>0.05). There was significant difference in number of mature follicles (< 0.01), mean endometrial thickness (P<0.01). The risk ratio (RR) of ovulation rate was 1.34(0.09-1.68) and pregnancy rate was 2.55 (.37-3.51). The risk ratio (RR) of pregnancy rate in relation to AMH level was 1.12(0.05-1.79) in ≤8ng/ ml group and 8.65(0.25-9.59) in ≥8ng/ml group which was significant. Conclusion: After 8 weeks pretreatment and 3 cycle’s co treatment with ovulation induction by letrozole, melatonin seems to provide improved biochemical and ovarian response. Based on these results, melatonin could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 04 October’23 Page : 850-858

Effect of Drying Method on Antioxidant Activity and Total Flavonoid Content of Java Tea Crude Drug (Orthosiphon aristatus)

Java tea (Orthoshipon aristatus) is a medicinal plant with antioxidant properties due to its polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and sinensetin content. Numerous diseases, including hepatitis, diabetes, hypertension, and others, are commonly treated with Java tea. These bioactive compounds are unstable and readily degraded by oxygen, heat, and light. Inappropriate dehydration techniques may compromise the quality of the bioactive compounds in herbal Java tea crude drugs by damaging the bioactive compounds. Consequently, this study aims to determine the effect of various drying methods on the antioxidant activity and Total Flavonoid Content (TPC) of the crude drug of Java tea. In addition, the physical properties, including water content and hygroscopicity, are investigated. The method employs cabinet drying at 30 and 70 degrees Celsius, infrared drying, and sun drying. The results demonstrated that the crude drug dried in a cabinet at 30oC had the maximum flavonoid content (61.03±5.35mg QE/g) and moisture content (15.12±0.27%). The antioxidant activity of DPPH free radical scavenging and Ferri Reduction Antioxidant Power (FRAP) of Java tea from infrared drying was lower than other drying methods. All samples were non-hygroscopic powders. Consequently, the dehydration method significantly affects the antioxidant activity, TFC levels, and physical properties of the crude drug of Java tea.

Evaluation of the constituent compounds, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial potential of Prangos ferulacea plant extract and its effect on Listeria monocytogenes virulence gene expression.

Prangos ferulacea plant is very popular in Iran due to its unique properties in treating diseases and its special flavor. To check the characteristics of this plant, first, its extract was extracted using the maceration method. Its chemical composition was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that p-coumaric was identified as its main compound, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the presence of functional groups related to phenolic, flavonoid, tannins, and carboxylic acids such as caffeic acid and coumaric acid composition. Total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and beta-carotene were equal to 202.04 ± 5.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight, 1,909.46 ± 13 μg quercetin (QE)/g of dry weight, and 2.91 mg/100 g. The antioxidant property of the extract was evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). According to the IC50 obtained for DDPH (274 ± 7.2 μg/mL) and ABTS (120.45 ± 9.6 μg/mL) and FRAP values [1.92 ± 0.05 μg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g of extract], this extract had high antioxidant properties. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against the survival of HT 29 cells that IC50 was 82.15 ± 0.02 μg/mL. The antimicrobial property of the extract was calculated using disk diffusion agar (DDA), well diffusion agar (WDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Listeria monocytogenes has the highest sensitivity to this extract and inhibition zone based on DDA and WDA method and with an MIC and MBC equal to 16 and 128 mg/mL has the least resistance. The morphology change of L. monocytogenes strain was proved through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The extract caused a significant reduction in the transcription of genes involved in the film formation ability of L. monocytogenes. The obtained results fully prove the very practical and pragmatic characteristics of P. ferulacea.

N-Acetylcysteine-Derived Carbon Dots for Free Radical Scavenging in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is associated with oxidative stress induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) dynamic equilibrium disturbance. Nanozymes, as nanomaterials with enzyme-like activity, can regulate intro-cellular ROS levels. In this study, a new carbon dots nanozyme, N-acetylcysteine-derived carbon dots (NAC-CDs), is developed and proved to be an ideal antioxidant and anti-senescent agent in IVDD management. The results confirmed the NAC-CDs have satisfactory biocompatibility and strong superoxide dismutase (250Umg-1 ), catalase, glutathioneperoxidase-like activity, and total antioxidant capacity. Then, the powerful free radical scavenging and antioxidant ability of NAC-CDs are demonstrated in vitro as observing the reduced ROS in H2 O2 induced senescent nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), in which the elimination efficiency of toxic ROS is more than 90%. NAC-CDs also maintained mitochondrial homeostasis and suppressed cellular senescence, subsequently inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors in NPCs. In vivo, evaluations of imaging and tissue morphology assessments suggested that disc height index, magnetic resonance imaging grade and histological score are significantly improved from the degenerative models when NAC-CDs is applied. In conclusion, the study developed a novel carbon dots nanozyme, which efficiently rescues IVDD from ROS induced NPCs senescence and provides a potential strategy in management of IVDD in clinic.

Physical properties and pharmacological applications of Co3O4, CuO, NiO and ZnO nanoparticles.

Nano materials have found developing interest in biogenic approaches in the present times. In this study, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as cobalt oxide (Co3O4), copper oxide (CuO), nickel oxide (NiO) and zinc oxide (ZnO), were synthesized using a convenient and rapid method. The structural features of synthesized metal oxide NPs were studied using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques like SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR and EDX. The characterization results confirmed that the prepared NPs possess highly pure, unique and crystalline geometry with size ranging between 10 and 20nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were successfully employed for pharmacological applications. Enzyme inhibition potential of NPs was evaluated against the urease and tyrosinase enzymes. The percent inhibition for the urease enzyme was observed as 80 to 90% by using Co3O4, CuO, NiO and ZnO NPs while ZnO NPs were found to have best anti-urease and anti-tyrosinase activities. Moreover, effective inhibition was observed in the case of ZnO NPs at IC50 values of 0.0833 and 0.1732 for urease and tyrosinase enzymes which were comparable to reference drugs thiourea and kojic acid. The lower the IC50 value, higher the free radical scavenging power. Antioxidant activity by DPPH free radical scavenging method was found moderately high for the synthesized metal oxide NPs while best results were obtained for Co3O4 and ZnO NPs as compared to the standard ascorbic acid. Antimicrobial potential was also evaluated via the disc diffusion and well diffusion methods. CuO NPs show a better zone of inhibition at 20 and 27mm by using both methods. This study proves that the novel metal oxide NPs can compete with the standard materials used in the pharmacological studies nowadays.

Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Plectocephalus varians (A. Rich.) C. Jeffrey ex Cufod root extracts

Plants have been used to treat diverse types of diseases in different cultural groups around the globe. In this regard, the root of Plectocephalus varians (P. varians) is claimed to have a beneficiary effect in treating cancer and hemorrhoids in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed at the phytochemical investigation, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of n-hexane, acetone, and methanolic extracts of P. varians root. The different crude extracts of P. varians were obtained through maceration technique. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the extracts were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR) and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antibacterial activities of the extracts were assessed by using disc diffusion method. The results echoed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, tannins, anthraquinones, terpenoids, polyphenols, and glycosides in the root of P. varians. The methanolic root extract (MRE) had the highest TPC (107.18 mg GAE/g) and TFC (120.194 mg QE/g) followed by acetone root extract (ARE) (TPC = 98.68 mg GAE/g; TFC = 64.038 mg QE/g) and n-hexane root extract (HRE) (TPC = 12.39 mg GAE/g; TFC = 9.917 mg QE/g). The DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays demonstrated the antioxidant effects of HRE (IC50 = 681.75 ppm; EC50 = 60.65 ppm), ARE (IC50 = 165.73 ppm; EC50 = 51.67 ppm) and MRE (IC50 = 132.06 ppm; EC50 = 30.97 ppm) of P. varians. Furthermore, the root fractions elicited pronounced dose-dependent growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae with mean zone of inhibition (MZI) ranging from 11 ± 0.38 to 20 ± 0.04 mm at 800 ppm. Overall, the present study provides ethnopharmacological evidence suggesting the medicinal importance of P. varians. The results also call for further bioassay-guided phytochemical screening and in vitro and/or in vivo bioactivity testing.

Free radical scavenger of complex compound derived from bidara plant (Ziziphus mauritiana) nanopowder

Natural antioxidants are less likely to cause side effects than synthetic antioxidants. As free radical scavengers, natural complex compounds can be used as antioxidant sources. The bidara plant, for example, has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and has potential as a free radical scavenger (Zizipus mauritiana). The goal of this study was to identify antioxidants and their roles in complexes formed in bidara plants to scavenge free radicals. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used in the antioxidant assay, and its physical properties were determined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM)-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). According to DPPH analysis, the 2.7 M concentration leaf-bark had the highest inhibition activity, accounting for 43.794%, indicating an effective scavenging activity. Bidara contains elements, some of which are metals like sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca), according to FESEM-EDS analysis. The bidara plant is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. In terms of capturing free radicals, complex compounds differ from single compounds. Several elements found in Bidara plants are required for scavenging and life processes.

Effect of Extraction Period on Total Phenolics, Total Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity of Ugandan Camellia sinensis (L) Kuntze, Black Primary Grades and Green Tea

Introduction. Globally, the consumption and production of tea are on the rise because of its beneficial constituents. Scarce literature exists on the effects of extraction periods on the contents of the biologically important and protective phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants in locally produced teas in Uganda. Aim. This study determined the effects of extraction periods on the aqueous total phenolic content (TPC) of local Camella sinensis, black primary grades and green tea, and their ecological differences, their total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacities (AOC). Methods. Samples of local tea were collected from Kigezi, Ankole, and Buganda regions, and those of green tea were purchased from a local supermarket in Uganda. Four- and 40-minute infusions were separately prepared for each sample. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods using garlic acid and quercetin as standards, respectively. Antioxidant content was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing assay power (FRAP) methods, using ascorbic acid as the standard. Results. Green tea had the highest total phenolic content both with four-minute (9.50 ± 0.25 mgGAE/g) and 40-minute (25.81 ± 1.13 mgGAE/g) extractions, followed by D1 (4.14 ± 0.33 mgGAE/g) at four minutes and PF (23.60 ± 2.37 mgGAE/g) at 40 minutes. Regionally, Kigezi (4.71 ± 0.09 and 22.13 ± 0.85 mgGAE/g) at four and 40 minutes, respectively, gave the highest TPC. In TFC, tea from Buganda (4,371 ± 0.00 μgQE/g) was the highest. In DPPH and FRAP, GT (93.82 ± 0.03%, 39.04 ± 0.02 AAEμg/mL) was the best, followed by Buganda tea (88.71 ± 0.03%, 36.99 ± 0.01 AAEµg/mL), respectively. Conclusion. Longer extraction periods increase TPC in all teas. Green tea generates approximately twice the TPC generated by black tea in four-minute infusions. Green tea gives higher TPC, DPPH, and FRAP but less TFC than some black teas and is perhaps the best in terms of protection against oxidative damage to the body.

Marine halophyte derived polyphenols inhibit glioma cell growth through mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Plants that are pharmacologically significant require intensive phytochemical characterization for bioactive profiling of the compounds, which has enabled their safe use in ayurvedic medicine. The present study is focused on the phytochemical analyses, quantitative estimation and profiling of secondary metabolites of leaf extract, as well as the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the potent halophytes such as Avicennia marina, Ceriops tagal, Ipomoea pes-caprae, and Sonneratia apetala. The in vitro antioxidant property was investigated using DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) assay. Bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, saponin and alkaloids were quantitatively estimated from the extracts of A.marina, C.tagal, I.pes-capra and S.apetala, which possessed higher phenol content than the other studied halophytes. The extracts at 200 µg/ml revealed higher antioxidant activity than the standard ascorbic acid and it functions as a powerful oxygen free radical scavenger with 77.37%, 75.35% and 72.84% for S.apetala, I.pes-caprae and C.tagal respectively and with least IC50 for I.pes-caprae (11.95 µg/ml) followed by C.tagal (49.94 µg/ml). Cell viability and anti-proliferative activity of different polyphenolic fractions of C.tagal (CT1 and CT2) and I.pes-caprae fraction (IP) against LN229, SNB19 revealed Ipomoea as the promising anti-cytotoxic fraction. IP-derived polyphenols was further subjected to apoptosis, migration assay, ROS and caspase − 3 and − 7 to elucidate its potentiality as a therapeutic drug. IP-polyphenols was found to have higher percentage of inhibition than the CT1 and CT2 polyphenols of C.tagal on comparison with TMZ. All the above-mentioned in-vitro analysis further validated the ability of IP-polyphenols inducing cell death via ROS-mediated caspase dependent pathway. Further, proteomic and phospho-proteomic analysis revealed the potential role of IP-polyphenols in the regulation of cell proliferation through MMK3, p53, p70 S6 kinase and RSK1 proteins involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Our analysis confirmed the promising role of I.pes-caprae derived polyphenols as an anti-metastatic compound against GBM cells.