Free Radical Scavenging Properties Research Articles

Potential of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum in ameliorating redox status and lung injury in COPD: an in vivo and in silico study

Oxidative stress and inflammation are hypothesised as the main contributor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Cigarette smoke (CS), a major cause of COPD leads to inflammation resulting in recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages which are rich sources of oxidants. Activation of these cells produces excess oxidants and depletes antioxidants resulting in stress. Presently, effective drug for COPD is limited; therefore, novel compounds from natural sources, including plants are under exploration. The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (OLE) in CS − induced model of COPD. Exposure to CS was performed thrice a week for 8 weeks and OLE (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was administered an hour before CS exposure. Control group (negative control) were exposed to ambient air while COPD group was exposed to CS (positive control). Administration of OLE doses reduced inflammation, decreased oxidant concentration and increased antioxidant concentration (p < 0.01). Molecular docking studies between the major phytocompounds of OLE (Eugenol, Cyclohexane and Caryophyllene) and antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GR) and Glutathione S Transferase (GST) showed strong binding interaction in terms of binding energy. In vivo and in silico findings for the first time indicates that OLE extract significantly alleviates oxidative stress by its potent free radical scavenging property and strong interaction with antioxidant enzymes. OLE extract may prove to be a therapeutic option for COPD prevention and treatment.

Development and Determination of Alcohol Content of Nutritional Noni Wine using Woodfordia fruticosa Flowers as a Traditional Fermentation Catalyst

Background: Morinda citrifolia L. is a well-known fruit commonly known as noni, a perennial plant widespread in Southeast Asia. Due to its versatility of adaptation and manifold uses, noni has attracted the attention of the food and pharmaceutical industries. The nutritional and therapeutic value of noni fruit has revealed the presence of more than 100 phytochemicals. Noni has many therapeutic applications and is used in diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, cardiac diseases, and also in cancer prevention. Moreover, it possesses free radical scavenging properties. Noni fruits are not edible due to their unpleasant odour and taste; however, they are used commercially in the preparation of many herbal formulations and beverages. Objective: The aim of the present work is to develop a fruit wine using a traditional fermentation catalyst and its evaluation. Methods: Fresh ripe fruits, jaggery, and Woodfordia fruticosa flowers were used in the formulation. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the chemical composition. Furthermore, the wine was evaluated for total alcohol content, alcohol-soluble extractive value, and the presence of methanol. Results: The developed noni wine has shown an alcohol content of 7.23%. Alcohol soluble extractive value was found to be 310.6 g/L with a pH of 3.9±0.5. Phytochemical screening of the wine revealed mainly the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, and polyphenolics as secondary metabolites with carbohydrates and proteins. However, it showed the absence of methanol content. Conclusion: The developed method can be employed in small and large-scale production of noni wine.

Synthesis of cubosomes containing cerium oxide nanoparticles from Lactobacillus acidophilus loaded with glatiramer acetate and carboxymethylcellulose coating

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nano-series) are used as catalysts in industrial applications due to their free radical scavenging properties. Given that free radicals play an essential role in the pathology of many neurological diseases, we investigated the use of nanocrystals as a potential therapeutic agent for oxidative damage. This project synthesized nano-series from a new and environmentally friendly bio-pathway. Investigation of cerium nitrate in culture medium containing inoculated Lactobacillus acidophilus strain before incubation produces nano-series. Loaded with glatiramer acetate (GA) was formed by coating carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and CeO2. FE-SEM analysis showed nano-series in the 9–11 nm range, spherical shape, and uniform particle size distribution. Cubic nanoparticles containing anti-multiple sclerosis (anti-Ms) treatment called GA were used. Glycerol monostearate (GMS) was used as a fat base, and evening primrose extract was used as an anti-inflammatory in cubosomes. Design-Expert® software was used to study the effects of different formulation factors on the properties of GA-loaded cubic dispersions. Thirty GA-labeled cubic dispersions were prepared with GA-labeled carboxymethylcellulose and evaluated in vitro. The results showed an average nano-series size of 89.02 and a zeta potential of −49.9. Cubosomes containing GA-CMC/CeO2 showed a stable release profile for 180 min. The results showed that cubosomes containing GA-CMC/CeO2 could be a promising drug carrier with normal release behavior.

Silver Nanoparticles Phytofabricated through Azadirachta indica: Anticancer, Apoptotic, and Wound-Healing Properties.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have unlocked numerous novel disciplines in nanobiotechnological protocols due to their larger surface area-to-volume ratios, which are attributed to the marked reactivity of nanosilver, and due to their extremely small size, which enables AgNPs to enter cells, interact with organelles, and yield distinct biological effects. AgNPs are capable of bypassing immune cells, staying in the system for longer periods and with a higher distribution, reaching target tissues at higher concentrations, avoiding diffusion to adjacent tissues, releasing therapeutic agents or drugs for specific stimuli to achieve a longer duration at a specific rate, and yielding desired effects. The phytofabrication of AgNPs is a cost-effective, one-step, environmentally friendly, and easy method that harnesses sustainable resources and naturally available components of plant extracts (PEs). In addition, it processes various catalytic activities for the degradation of various organic pollutants. For the phytofabrication of AgNPs, plant products can be used in a multifunctional manner as a reducing agent, a stabilizing agent, and a functionalizing agent. In addition, they can be used to curtail the requirements for any additional stabilizing agents and to help the reaction stages subside. Azadirachta indica, a very common and prominent medicinal plant grown throughout the Indian subcontinent, possesses free radical scavenging and other pharmaceutical properties via the regulation of proinflammatory enzymes, such as COX and TOX. It also demonstrates anticancer activities through cell-signaling pathways, modulating tumor-suppressing genes such as p53 and pTEN, transcriptional factors, angiogenesis, and apoptosis via bcl2 and bax. In addition, it possesses antibacterial activities. Phytofabricated AgNPs have been applied in the areas of drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, cancer treatment, cosmetics, and cell biology. Such pharmaceutical and biological activities of phytofabricated AgNPs are attributed to more than 300 phytochemicals found in Azadirachta indica, and are especially abundant in flavonoids, polyphenols, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, limonoids, tannins, coumarin, nimbolide, azadirachtin, azadirone, azadiradione, and gedunin. Parts of Azadirachta indica, including the leaves in various forms, have been used for wound healing or as a repellent. This study was aimed at examining previously biosynthesized (from Azadirachta indica) AgNPs for anticancer, wound-healing, and antimicrobial actions (through MTT reduction assay, scratch assay, and microbroth dilution methods, respectively). Additionally, apoptosis in cancer cells and the antibiofilm capabilities of AgNPs were examined through caspase-3 expression, dentine block, and crystal violet methods. We found that biogenic silver nanoparticles are capable of inducing cytotoxicity in HCT-116 colon carcinoma cells (IC50 of 744.23 µg/mL, R2: 0.94), but are ineffective against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC50 &gt;&gt; 1000 µg/mL, R2: 0.86). AgNPs (IC50 value) induced a significant increase in caspase-3 expression (a 1.5-fold increase) in HCT-116, as compared with control cells. FITC-MFI was 1936 in HCT-116-treated cells, as compared to being 4551 in cisplatin and 1297 in untreated cells. AgNPs (6.26 µg/mL and 62.5 µg/mL) induced the cellular migration (40.2% and 33.23%, respectively) of V79 Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts; however, the improvement in wound healing was not significant as it was for the controls. AgNPs (MIC of 10 µg/mL) were very effective against MDR Enterococcus faecalis in the planktonic mode as well as in the biofilm mode. AgNPs (10 µg/mL and 320 µg/mL) reduced the E. faecalis biofilm by &gt;50% and &gt;80%, respectively. Natural products, such as Syzygium aromaticum (clove) oil (MIC of 312.5 µg/mL) and eugenol (MIC of 625 µg/mL), showed significant antimicrobial effects against A. indica. Our findings indicate that A. indica-functionalized AgNPs are effective against cancer cells and can induce apoptosis in HCT-116 colon carcinoma cells; however, the anticancer properties of AgNPs can also be upgraded through active targeting (functionalized with enzymes, antibiotics, photosensitizers, or antibodies) in immunotherapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Our findings also suggest that functionalized AgNPs could be pivotal in the development of a novel, non-cytotoxic, biocompatible therapeutic agent for infected chronic wounds, ulcers, and skin lesions involving MDR pathogens via their incorporation into scaffolds, composites, patches, microgels, or formulations for microneedles, dressings, bandages, gels, or other drug-delivery systems.

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

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

Synergistic antibacterial action of lignin-squaraine hybrid photodynamic therapy: advancing towards effective treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is emerging as an effective means of treating pathogenic bacteria, especially in light of the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. SQR29, an organophotosensitizer, was encapsulated in a poly(lignin/PEG/PPG urethane) hydrogel to enable targeted treatment at a specific infected area. The hydrogel exhibited free radical scavenging properties which were effective in preventing oxidative stress and promoted wound healing. The hydrogel exhibited a significant aPDT effect on Gram-positive bacteria, hence showing its potential in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in chronic wound infection.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Different Parts of Rubus ellipticus Sm.

Free radicals are molecules with reactive unpaired electrons which are produced during cell metabolism and create the oxidative stress inside tissue resulting in tissue damage. The aim of the present study was qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, determination of total phenolic and total flavonoid content, and free radical scavenging activity of different parts of ethnomedicinally used Rubus ellipticus Sm. plant. Root, stem, and leaves of Rubus ellipticus Sm. were collected from Annapurna Rural Municipality, Kaski, Western Nepal. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of the plant parts were obtained by subsequent maceration process. The phytochemical screening of most of the extract showed the presence of phenols, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and glycosides. The ethanolic extract of stem showed the higher phenolic content with the value of 343.75 ± 2.21 µg GAE/mg. Ethanolic extract of stem had the highest amount of flavonoid content (1563.17 ± 10.79 µg QE/mg of extract), whereas all the ethyl acetate extracts of root, leaves and stem showed comparable flavonoid content. Ethanolic extracts of leaves showed potent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 5.03µg/ml while ethyl acetate extract of stem showed the maximum free radical scavenging properties. The result depicted that the ethanolic extract of Rubus ellipticus Sm. showed the potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals.

The significance of thymoquinone administration on liver toxicity of diazinon and cholinesterase activity; a recommendation for prophylaxis among individuals at risk

BackgroundDiazinon (DZN), a widely used chemical herbicide for controlling agricultural pests, is an important organophosphorus pesticide and an environmental pollutant which induces toxic effects on living organisms during long-term exposure. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a phytochemical bioactive compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to evaluate the protective effects of TQ against DZN-induced hepatotoxicity through alleviating oxidative stress and enhancing cholinesterase (ChE) enzyme activity.MethodsRats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8); a negative control group receiving corn oil; a group only receiving DZN (20 mg/kg/day); a group treated with TQ (10 mg/kg/day), and three treatment groups as TQ + DZN, receiving different doses of TQ (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day). All experimental animals were orally treated for 28 consecutive days. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. In addition, ChE activity and histopathological changes were evaluated.ResultsThe results showed that DZN decreased GSH level (p < 0.01) and SOD activity (p < 0.01) in parallel to an increase in MDA level (p < 0.01) and increased the activity of AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH (p < 0.01) in comparison to the negative control group. Our findings demonstrated that TQ administration could diminish hepatotoxicity and reduce oxidative damage in DZN-treated rats, which could be linked to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. It was also observed that TQ 10 mg/kg remarkably increased the activity of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and SOD enzymes, elevated GSH, decreased MDA, and reduced pathological alternations of the liver induced by DZN.ConclusionThymoquinone 10 mg/kg increased the activity of plasma and blood cholinesterases and reduced DZN-induced alternations of the liver. Improvement of butyryl- and acetylcholinesterase activity suggests that maybe TQ supplement could be beneficial as pre-exposure prophylaxis among farm workers spraying pesticides.

From grape seed extracts to extremely stable strain sensors with freezing tolerance, drying resistance and anti-oxidation properties

Conductive hydrogels were fascinating stretchable conductive materials that have found widespread application in electronic skin, wearable sensors and soft robots. Nonetheless, similar to conductive materials, conductive hydrogels experience severe performance degradation in strong UV environments and cold, dry climates, which severely restricts their practical applications. Using grape seed extract polymer (GSP), sodium chloride (NaCl), and a DMSO/ water binary solvent system, a type of hydrogel with a variety of fascinating multifunctional properties was quickly fabricated. The presence of GSP and NaCl endows hydrogel materials with remarkable UV-blocking (~82%), DPHH radical scavenging ability (~76.33%) and conductivity, allow them to be utilized as sensors. In addition, a DMSO/water binary solvent provides the hydrogel with superior long-term drying resistance and freezing tolerance, as well as excellent stretchability (>300%) and good conductivity even at -23 °C. This work investigates the potential of dynamic plant catechol chemistry in the field of hydrogel materials and anticipates that it will enable flexible sensors capable of adjusting to a variety of complex environments. • A Conductive hydrogel was designed by PVA and grape seed extract polymer (GSP). • GSP was used as a green source of antioxidant. • The hydrogel exhibited good UV-blocking and free radical scavenging properties. • The hydrogel exhibited excellent anti-drying and anti-freezing properties.

A Short Review on Glucogallin and its Pharmacological Activities.

Plant derived natural products have multifaceted beneficial roles in human pathophysiology. Plant secondary metabolites have been used as an adjunct medicine for a long time and β- Glucogallin is one such pharmaceutically important plant derived natural product. Β-glucogallin (1-O-galloyl-β-d-glucopyranose), a plant-derived polyphenolic ester, is regarded as the primary metabolite in the biosynthesis of hydrolyzable tannins. It is majorly found in amla, pomegranate, strawberry etc. Owing to its free radical scavenging properties, β-glucogallin (BG) is believed to protect against several diseases like diabetes and related complications like retinopathy, glaucoma, inflammation, hepatic damage, skin damage from UV, etc. Several semisynthetic derivatives of β-Glucogallin are being developed, which have better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters than β-glucogallin. Studies have shown the prophylactic role of β-Glucogallin in developing defence mechanisms against the advent and progression of certain diseases. β- glucogallin formulations have shown a positive effect as a neutraceutical. In this manuscript, we have discussed β-glucogallin, its natural sources, biosynthetic pathways, its semi-synthetic derivatives, and the plethora of its pharmacological activities like antioxidant-antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, cataract-preventing, anti glaucoma, and UV protectant. We have also highlighted various biological pathways, which are modulated by β-glucogallin. The manuscript will convey the importance of β-glucogallin as a compound of natural origin, having multifaceted health benefits.

Plant Flavonoids on Oxidative Stress-Mediated Kidney Inflammation.

The kidney is susceptible to reactive oxygen species-mediated cellular injury resulting in glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, tubular cell apoptosis, and senescence, leading to renal failure, and is a significant cause of death worldwide. Oxidative stress-mediated inflammation is a key player in the pathophysiology of various renal injuries and diseases. Recently, flavonoids' role in alleviating kidney diseases has been reported with an inverse correlation between dietary flavonoids and kidney injuries. Flavonoids are plant polyphenols possessing several health benefits and are distributed in plants from roots to leaves, flowers, and fruits. Dietary flavonoids have potent antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties and play essential roles in disease prevention. Flavonoids exert a nephroprotective effect by improving antioxidant status, ameliorating excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and reducing oxidative stress, by acting as Nrf2 antioxidant response mediators. Moreover, flavonoids play essential roles in reducing chemical toxicity. Several studies have demonstrated the effects of flavonoids in reducing oxidative stress, preventing DNA damage, reducing inflammatory cytokines, and inhibiting apoptosis-mediated cell death, thereby preventing or improving kidney injuries/diseases. This review covers the recent nephroprotective effects of flavonoids against oxidative stress-mediated inflammation in the kidney and their clinical advancements in renal therapy.

Dynamic monitoring of the protein-lipid co-oxidation of algae oil-enriched emulsions coated with soybean protein-rutin covalent conjugates

The stabilities and levels of protein-lipid co-oxidation of algae oil-in water (O/W) emulsions coated with the soybean protein 7S/11S or their rutin covalent conjugates were studied during storage. After 96 h of storage, the emulsions stabilized with the covalent conjugates exhibited decreased droplets sizes and ζ-potentials and increased concentrations of adsorbed proteins. Therefore, the covalent binding of rutin in different mixing ratios (at 7S/11S:rutin molar ratios of 1:10 and 1:20) improved the physical stabilities of the emulsions compared with those of the emulsions stabilized by native 7S/11S. The 7S/11S-rutin covalent conjugates, which formed interfacial barriers and exhibited good free radical scavenging properties, inhibited protein oxidation (with lower contents of protein carbonyls, Nʹ-formyl-L-kynurenine, and Schiff bases, and decreased intensities of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence) and lipid oxidation (with lower contents of lipid hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde) as storage time increased. The electronic nose test distinguished the flavor characteristics of the emulsions coated with different protein-based stabilizers. These results reveal the viability of utilizing soybean protein-rutin conjugates in protein-stabilized algae oil-fortified emulsions with enhanced storability.

Effects of agomelatine on rat liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy

ABSTRACT Primary or metastatic hepatic malignancies are common. Partial hepatectomy (PH) is the primary treatment for both benign and malignant hepatic neoplasms; it also is used for living donor liver transplantation. The regenerative potential of the liver after PH is 70–80% in humans. We investigated the protective and therapeutic effects of agomelatine (AGM) on rat liver regeneration following PH. We used 32 rats distributed equally into four groups: group 1, sham control; group 2, PH group; group 3, administered 20 mg/kg AGM orally once/day for 7 days following PH; group 4, administered 20 mg/kg AGM orally once/day 3 days before and 7 days following PH for 10 days. Liver samples were analyzed for antioxidants and free radicals. Tissue samples were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to assess histopathological status and stained immunohistochemically for Ki-67. We found that PH reduced antioxidant enzymes and increased tissue reactive oxygen species, whereas AGM treatment had the opposite effect on these parameters. Our biochemical and histopathological findings were consistent. PH caused sinusoid congestion and dilation. Intensity of Ki-67 immunostaining of hepatocytes was increased in group 2, whereas these were reduced in group 4. Intensity of Ki-67 immunostaining of hepatocytes was increased in group 2, whereas it was reduced in the group 4 compared to group 1. We found that AGM was hepatoprotective following PH due to its antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties.

In silico and docking studies on the binding activities of Keap1 of antioxidant compounds in non-oilseed legumes

We used in silico methods to predict the physiochemical and pharmacological characteristics, toxicity, and biological activities of the screened compounds. All compounds showed positive results while calculating their physiochemical and pharmacokinetic descriptors. Using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) software on compounds form non-oilseed legumes, we identified compounds (mainly 4 polyphenol compounds) with anti-infective, anti-eczematic, antimutagenic, muco-membranous protector, fibrinolytic, anticarcinogenic, hepato-protectant, cardio-protectant, antioxidant, and astringent effect. PASS predicted HO-1 expression enhancing and free radical scavenging properties for gallic acid, coumaric acid, catechin, and epicatechin. Data about validation protocols for molecular docking of ligand IVV to Keap1 was performed by root mean square deviation (RMSD) value is used to validate docking protocol and representation mainly for analyzing stability of protein and predicting conformational changes of protein. Molecular docking is a powerful technique for studies of receptor-ligand interaction and has led to the discovery of Keap1-Nrf2 small molecule inhibitors. Keap1 inhibits the degradation of Nrf2. Our results suggest that screened compounds from non-oilseed legumes can effectively interact with the Keap1 binding site and dissociate Keap1 and Nrf2. The screened compounds from non-oilseed legumes that displayed high binding affinities with Keap1 are promising new Nrf2 activators. We performed molecular docking to identify the molecular interactions of gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin with Keap1. Non-oilseed legumes plant is a natural source of potent antioxidant that may prevent diseases and could be potentially used as functional food, nutraceuticals, and drugs.

Management of Recurrent Tinea Corporis by Unani Medicine: A Report on Case Studies

Dermatophytosis or Tinea infection is a common skin problem frequently encountered in general practice. Although several antifungal drugs are prescribed for complete eradication of the stubborn contagious infection, some species are reciprocator to these antifungal agents which causes a rise in the number of resistant Tinea infection. Recurrent Tinea Corporis (RTC) is becoming an emerging problem now days. The present case-report is a compilation of two diagnosed cases of RTC of more than 9 months. These two cases were treated in the OPD of National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders (NRIUMSD), Hyderabad with classic principles of Unani by Itrifal Shahtara (Polyherbal Unani Formulation) for oral intake and Marham Kharish Jadeed as a local application over a period of 12 weeks with regular follow ups for assessment of symptoms. After 12 weeks of therapy, complete resolution in first case and markedly resolution in the second case; in the number of lesions, severity of itching and erythema, is observed. In this study, the prescribed Unani Medicines have efficiently managed due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, analgesic and wound healing properties.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Leaf Essential Oils of Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica and Curcuma angustifolia.

Curcuma species are widely used as a food additive and also in various medicinal purposes. The plant is a rich source of essential oil and is predominantly extracted from the rhizomes. On the other hand, the leaves of the plants are usually considered as an agrowaste. The valorization of these Curcuma leaf wastes into essential oils is becoming accepted globally. In the present study, we aim to extract essential oils from the leaves of Curcuma longa (LEO), C. aromatica (REO), and C. anguistifolia (NEO). The chemical composition of these essential oils was analyzed by GC-MS. Free radical scavenging properties were evaluated against the radical sources, including DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide. The antibacterial activity was assessed by the disc diffusion method and Minimum inhibitory concentration analysis against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica) bacteria. Results identified the compounds α-phellandrene, 2-carene, and eucalyptol as predominant in LEO. The REO was predominated by camphor, 2-bornanone, and curdione. The main components detected in NEO were eucalyptol, curzerenone, α-lemenone, longiverbenone, and α-curcumene. Antioxidant properties were higher in the LEO with IC50 values of 8.62 ± 0.18, 9.21 ± 0.29, and 4.35 ± 0.16 µg/mL, against DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. The cytotoxic activity was also evident against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells; the LEO was found to be the most active against these two cell lines (IC50 values of 40.74 ± 2.19 and 45.17 ± 2.36 µg/mL). Likewise, the results indicated a higher antibacterial activity for Curcuma longa essential oil with respective IC50 values (20.6 ± 0.3, 22.2 ± 0.3, 20.4 ± 0.2, and 17.6 ± 0.2 mm). Hence, the present study confirms the possible utility of leaf agrowastes of different Curcuma spp. as a possible source of essential oils with pharmacological potential.

Effect of Thermal Treatments on Soluble-Free, Soluble-Conjugated, and Insoluble-Bound Phenolic Components and Free Radical Scavenging Properties of Tomato Seeds

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different thermal treatments (steaming and baking) on the chemical compositions, total content of antioxidant components, and the antioxidant properties of soluble-free, soluble-conjugated, and insoluble-bound phenolics from tomato seeds. Total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging activities against ABTS•+, DPPH•, and peroxyl radicals were also investigated. As compared to the raw tomato seeds, phenolic compositions of tomato seeds in different phenolic fractions were significantly altered after thermal treatments. All thermal treatments did not significantly affect the TPC of the soluble-free phenolic fraction; however, they significantly increased the TPC values of the soluble-conjugated phenolic fraction. Steaming for 60 min significantly increased the radical scavenging activities against ABTS•+, DPPH•, and peroxyl radicals in the soluble-free and soluble-conjugated phenolic fractions. All thermal treatments had no prompt effects on the TPC values and free radical scavenging activities of the insoluble-bound phenolic fraction. Taken together, these results indicated that thermal treatments may alter the bioactivities of tomato seeds and steaming can be an effective way to obtain their health beneficial effects.

Bioactive polyphenolic compounds, water-soluble vitamins, in vitro anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and free radical scavenging properties of underutilized alternate crop Amaranthus spinosus L. from Gangetic plain of West Bengal

Studies associated with validation of folklore and ethnomedicinal claim of utilization of different plant parts of ‘spiny amaranth’ (Amaranthus spinosus L.) against degenerative diseases with chemical data, particularly the bioactive polyphenolic compounds and associated anti-degenerative properties are scanty and is the purpose of the present investigations. RP-HPLC coupled photodiode assay was employed for the quantification of twenty-one health promoting bioactive polyphenolic antioxidants derived from phenylpropanoid pathway from different plant parts of Amaranthus spinosus L. for validating organoleptic traditional claims as well as current trends in practice of this underutilized medicinal herb. Further, important water-soluble vitamins [vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9] present in different plant parts were extracted and estimated through RP-HPLC for validating the claim of their functional food properties. The antioxidant-based functional food property of different plant parts of Amaranthus spinosus were corroborated from the data of in vitro free radical scavenging, metal-chelating, reducing, superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, anti-protein coagulation, anti-lipid peroxidation and antidiabetic properties. When compared, a positive correlation in accumulation of polyphenolic compounds and water-soluble vitamins tested with antioxidant attributes were noticed for different plant parts, strongly substantiating their phytonutrient properties. Taken as a whole, the present work provides data on organ-specific bioavailability of bioactive polyphenolic antioxidant compounds, water soluble B- vitamins and their functional attributes for validating traditional claims as well as existing trends in consumption of this underutilized medicinal vegetable as low-cost natural antioxidant supplement and functional food, which may encourage their effective exploration and utilization.

Polyphenols in Metabolic Diseases.

Polyphenols (PPs) are a large group of phytochemicals containing phenolic rings with two or more hydroxyl groups. They possess powerful antioxidant properties, multiple therapeutic effects, and possible health benefits in vivo and in vitro, as well as reported clinical studies. Considering their free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties, these substances can be used to treat different kinds of conditions associated with metabolic disorders. Many symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MtS), including obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, elevated blood sugar, accelerating aging, liver intoxication, hypertension, as well as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, are substantially relieved by dietary PPs. The present study explores the bioprotective properties and associated underlying mechanisms of PPs. A detailed understanding of these natural compounds will open up new opportunities for producing unique natural PP-rich dietary and medicinal plans, ultimately affirming their health benefits.

Flavonoid profile and antioxidant properties of Algerian common yew (Taxus baccata L.)

BackgroundIn humans, various diseases are associated with the accumulation of free radicals. The antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and reduce their impact; thus, the search for effective natural antioxidants of plant origin is indispensable. The present study aims to determine, for the first time, the flavonoid compounds profile and to investigate the free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of the methanolic extract of Taxus baccata L. from Algeria.MethodsThe determination of the flavonoid compound profile of the methanolic extract of Taxus baccata L. was established using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS/MS). The total flavonoid content (TFC) was performed according to the aluminum chloride colorimetric method, while the free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities were carried out using three methods, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, 2,2'-azino-bis3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) Assay.ResultsA total of 26 compounds including flavon-3-ols, flavanonols, flavones, flavonols and bioflavonoids were characterized and identifiedusing HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS/MS analysis, five were reported for the first time such as taxifolin, apigenin, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside and robustaflavone. The plant extract exhibited high total flavonoid content (TFC = 204.26 ± 6.02 mg RE/g dry extract) which corresponded to its strong radical scavenging activities [(DPPH IC50 = 35.31 ± 0.29 µg/ml and ABTS IC50 = 8.27 ± 0.52 µg/ml)] as compared to the synthetic antioxidant BHT [(DPPH IC50 = 78.96 ± 5.70 µg/ml and ABTS IC50 = 13.56 ± 0.06 µg/ml)]. However, the methanolic extract of T. baccata showed the lowest ferric reducing ability as compared to the positive controls (BHT, BHA, ascorbic acid, trolox and quercetin).ConclusionOur results imply that the Taxus Baccata L. might be a potential source for the isolation of natural antioxidant compounds.