Free Radical Scavenging Research Articles

Pentoxifylline ameliorates carbamazepine-induced hepatotoxicity via down expression of CYP3A4 and NF-kB gene expression in the rat: in vivo study

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a serious complication of many drugs, including carbamazepine; this study investigates the protective effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) against DILI induced by carbamazepine in rat models by attenuating CYP3A4 and NF-κB gene expression. Forty rats were divided into five groups: the control group received no treatment, the induction group received 50 mg/kg carbamazepine orally for 28 days, and three groups received PTX (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) once daily for one hour before carbamazepine induction for 28 days. Then, the rats were euthanized, and blood and liver tissue were collected for biochemical, gene expression, and histopathology. PTX attenuates the carbamazepine-induced increased CYP3A4 and NF-κB gene expression, with the highest dose showing the best result. PTX also reduced aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde, while glutathione levels increased. In conclusion, PTX is highly efficacious in preventing and restoring the liver cells’ normal morphology and cellular function caused by carbamazepine hepatotoxicity. A possible mechanism of the PTC effect is hindering oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the body’s natural defense antioxidant system. Additionally, it exerts an anti-inflammatory impact by modulating NF-κB gene expression.

Enhancing pectin's antioxidant properties through ferulic acid grafting: Application in olive oil‐in‐water emulsion

AbstractIn order to improve pectin antioxidant properties and enlarge the field of its potential applications, ferulic acid grafted pectin conjugates (PE‐g‐FA) were prepared using laccase as the catalyst at 30°C in an aqueous medium. The structures of PE‐g‐FA were characterized using UV–vis, FTIR, and NMR (1H and 13C). In addition, the antioxidant activity of PE‐g‐FA was evaluated according to the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging ability. Olive oil in water emulsions, containing emulsifiers WPI and PE‐g‐FA, were assessed for their physical and oxidative stability through particle size, zeta‐potential, peroxide value (POV), and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation. The results indicated that the formation of covalent bonds between the pectin carboxymethyl groups and FA hydroxyl group. The determination of the total phenolic content showed that PE‐g‐FA contained seven times more polyphenols than native PE. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rate of 0.5HMP‐g‐FA were increased by 56.83% and 18.90% compared with HMP, respectively. In addition, the emulsion stabilized by WPI and 0.5HMP‐g‐FA showed smallest and uniform average particle size (855.9 ± 51.13 nm) on the 1st day. Although its POV value was slightly higher than that of emulsion stabilized by WPI and HMP, it was much lower than that of control groups. Overall, these results have important implications for enzymatic modification of pectin to obtain high antioxidant products and their application in pectin‐based emulsions.

Plantago boissieri: Phytochemical Assessment, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing Potential.

Plantago is a large genus under family Plantaginaceae. Several Plantago species were noted for potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities. The current research investigated the potential bioactivities as well as the metabolic content of Plantago boisserei extract. Results highlighted the rich content of phenolics (450.93±7.4 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (144.2±3.6 mg RE/g extract) in this species. HPLC analysis enabled the detection of 17 phenolic constituents among which ellagic acid was found in highest concentration (52.94 mg/g) followed by rutin (6.72 mg/g). Furthermore, P. boisserei extract exhibited a potent antioxidant activity evidenced by the IC50 values in ABTS and H2O2 assays (10.95 and 10.87 μg/mL, respectively) as well as in TAC assay (67.94 mg AAE/g). The anti-microbial activities of the extract revealed a moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. In vitro testing of the anti-inflammatory potential indicated a characteristic inhibition against COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes with IC50 62.8 and 14.23 μg/mL, respectively, compared to ibuprofen (IC50 8.07 and 6.58, respectively). Additionally, P. boisserei extract achieved a potent wound healing activity using in vivo rat model, this might be attributed to its high content of flavonoids together with other polyphenolic compounds that have a great free radical scavenging potential. In conclusion, P. boisserei is a promising candidate for more extensive phytochemical and biological exploration.

The role of proline and betaine functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles as drought stress regulators in Coriandrum sativum: an in vivo study

Drought stress poses a significant environmental challenge that substantially hinders plant growth and agricultural productivity on a global scale. This stress disrupts water uptake, moderates photosynthetic efficiency, and induces oxidative stress in plants, resulting in considerable yield reductions. Recent advancements in nanotechnology present promising approaches to enhance plant resilience against abiotic stresses. To study the influence of drought stress on vegetative growth of coriander plants and its mitigation by zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) coupled with proline (ZnO-P) and betaine (ZnO-B), a pot experiment was designed. Plants were exposed to drought stress and treated with 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg ZnO NPs, ZnO-P, and ZnO-B NPs (ZnO nanocomposites). Plants were watered on wilting. It was observed that in control drought stress plants, the pots were irrigated 8–10 times while the watering requirement reduced for 5–6 time to the plants when fertilized with ZnO nanocomposites. Significant improvement in vegetative parameters (length and weight) was observed under ZnO nanocomposites treatment. At 50 mg/kg of ZnO-P NPs, shoot length increased up to 71% while root length increased up to 24%. Shoot and root fresh weight was improved (5 g and 1.5 g, respectively) at 50 mg/kg of ZnO-P NPs. The total phenolics and flavonoid contents that were increased in drought stress plants, significantly decreased both in roots and shoots of ZnO nanocomposites. Ttotal antioxidant and total reducing power responses also remarkably decreased in shoots of ZnO nanocomposites while in roots the variation was inconsistent. The free radical scavenging potential was also variable in both shoots and roots of coriander plants. Decrease in super oxide and per oxide dismutase activities (up to 33% and 32%, respectively) were observed when pots were added with ZnO nanocomposites. The findings demonstrate that drought stress can be reduced by applying proline and betaine doped ZnO nanoparticles as fertilizer that mitigate the drought condition, strengthen the plants against stress, and also reduces the watering time to the crops to save water. Future research could explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and evaluate the efficacy of ZnO nanocomposites in other crop species and under field conditions to further validate their potential for widespread agricultural use.

Alisma plantago-aquatica polysaccharides ameliorate acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by regulating hepatic metabolic profiles and modulating gut microbiota

Acetaminophen (APAP) has emerged as a predominant contributor to acute liver failure (ALF) in United States. Alismatis rhizoma, a commonly used traditional herbal medicine, contains small molecular components with extensive hepatoprotective activity. However, the specific role of Alismatis rhizoma polysaccharide (ARP) in liver protection remains unclear. ARP50 and ARP70, derived through graded alcohol precipitation and refinement, predominantly consisted of varying proportions of glucose, galactose, and arabinose. In vitro experiments on free radical scavenging demonstrated notable antioxidant capabilities of ARP50 and ARP70. To investigate the hepatoprotective effects, an APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI) model was established in mice. ARP50 and ARP70 exerted dose-dependent therapeutic effects on APAP-induced liver injury. Further analysis of liver metabolites revealed that ARPs facilitated the reconstruction of the liver antioxidant system by modulating the metabolism network centered on l-glutamine. In addition, the abundance of gut microbiota was altered under the influence of ARPs. ARP50 significantly reduced the levels of Pseudarthrobacter and markedly increased the levels of Faecalibacterium，At the same time, ARP50 could increase the levels of acetic acid in the liver and serum. Meanwhile, ARP70 significantly increased the abundance of Dubosiella, Muribaculum, Ileibacterium, and Prevotellaceae UCG 001, while reducing the abundance of Escherichia Shigella and Pseudarthrobacter. The results indicated that ARPs could exert a protective effect against APAP-induced acute liver injury by reshaping the liver metabolic profile and modulating the gut microbiota.

Application of green synthetic iron oxide nanocatalyst in biohydrogen production from domestic wastewater.

Hydrogen (H2) is considered to be an energy carrier with high yields in future. Using green nanoparticles as the catalyst to produce H2 from organic wastes is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach. This study specifically addresses H2 production biologically from domestic wastewater using dark fermentation process with green nanoparticles in anaerobic condition. In this investigation, acid, alkaline, and heat pre-treated wastewater were utilized as the feedstock and identified that the alkaline pre-treated wastewater was an efficient feedstock for H2 production. The reaction conditions such as pH, time, and nanocatalyst dosage were optimized for the enhancement of H2 production. In addition, the green iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) were prepared by sustainable way using Murraya koenigii (curry leaves) with FeSO4 and characterized it using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis), power X-ray diffraction (pXRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), further tested for their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging performance via in vitro antioxidant activities. This study demonstrates that a maximum production of bio-H2 was obtained (72.8mL/L) with 20mg of nanocatalyst load at alkaline condition (pH 9). The correlation coefficient value was highly significant for biohydrogen production with increasing pH (r = 0.9026) and catalyst dosage (r = 0.9962). The characterization studies confirmed the existence of iron oxide nanoparticles in the green synthesized nanoparticles. The in vitro antioxidant assay showed that Fe3O4-NPs effectively reduces the DPPH radical by significantly releasing H-atoms, thereby confirming that the plant extract functions as reducing/oxidizing agents. The high yield under the dark fermentation method has clearly been attributed to the enhancement in bio-H2 production by using the green Fe3O4-NPs based on M. koenigii.

Cupressus torulosa, a Source of Antioxidant Polyphenols: An Analytical and Pharmacological Study.

Cupressus torulosa (family Cupressaceae), widely distributed in the northwestern Himalayan region of India, is a coniferous aromatic tree traditionally used for its aerial parts. Its needles are renowned for their anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Antioxidants from this plant are vital in combating oxidative stress, which are implicated in these diseases. This study employed a range of methods, including in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo assays; biochemical estimations such as Total Phenolics Content and Total Flavonoids Content; and UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis, to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Cupressus torulosa needles. Initial screenings demonstrated promising antioxidant activity of 25% aqueous methanol extract of the needles, with SGOT and SGPT values of 55.28±57.07 and 52.27±19.50 IU/L, respectively, when compared to the positive control glibenclamide. Fractionation of the extract into ethyl acetate and butanol fractions revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction showed notable activity, with an EC50 value of 85.6 μg/mL in the DPPH assay, indicating effective free radical scavenging and reduced oxidative damage. UPLC-QTOF-MS characterization of ethyl acetate fraction in negative ion mode identified 34 metabolites, including 10 key antioxidant compounds. These findings underscore C. torulosa's potential as a source of bioactive antioxidants, highlighting its value for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. The research provides a foundation for further isolation, characterization, and clinical testing of these compounds, enhancing our understanding of natural antioxidants in addressing oxidative stress-related conditions.

Review on Melanin Application as an Antibacterial and Antioxidant Agent in Food Packaging

One of the solutions to reduce food waste is creating innovative food packaging to lengthen its shelf life. This type of packaging can be produced by incorporating natural antimicrobials and antioxidation agents such as melanin. Various biologically active and multifunctional properties are associated with this biomacromolecule, i.e., antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and free radical scavengers. Thus, melanin is an indispensable component. It is expected that food packaging manufactured from natural materials containing melanin will have several advantages, including biodegradability, antioxidant ability, and antibacterial activity. A review of melanin as an antibacterial and antioxidant agent from many different sources that is utilized as an additive in food packaging is presented.

Verbascum gimgimense an Endemic Turkish Plant: Evaluation of In Vitro Anticancer, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory Activities, and Phytochemical Profile.

The Verbascum genus has gained significant attention in the pharmaceutical field, particularly in recent years, due to its valuable medicinal properties, which are well-recognized in complementary and alternative medicine. Certain species within this genus contain essential compounds and exhibit a wide range of therapeutic activities. In this study, the ethanolic extract of Verbascum gimgimense (VG) was analyzed for its cytotoxic, apoptotic, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties, as well as its phenolic and lipophilic compounds. The phenolic compounds in the extract were identified using Exactive Plus Orbitrap HPLC-HRMS, while the lipophilic components were characterized by GC-MS analysis. The Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) cell viability assay and colony formation assay were performed to assess the antiproliferative and anti-colony survival effects of VG on the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Additionally, a wound healing assay measured cell migration, and the apoptotic process was evaluated using Caspase-3 ELISA and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Protein expression levels were determined by western blot analysis. DPPH, ABTS FRAP, and CUPRAC assays were used to determine free radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelating activities, respectively. VG was rich in dominant phenolic components, including benzoic acid (6.809 mg/g extract), phloretic acid (1.279 mg/g extract), luteolin 7-rutinoside (2.799 mg/g extract), luteoloside (3.300 mg/g extract), kuromanine (3.456 mg/g extract), and rutin hydrate (2.015 mg/g extract). Major fatty acids identified in VG included palmitic acid (17.3%), stearic acid (2.99%), linoleic acid (9.44%), and α-linolenic acid (26.48%). VG treatment significantly reduced colony formation ability, decreased wound closure, and increased both apoptotic cell count and caspase-3 activity compared to the control group. Protein levels of c-PARP, p53, and p21 were substantially elevated compared to controls. In addition to its strong free radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activity, VG exhibited strong inhibitory effects on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, AChE, BChE, and tyrosinase. Our study demonstrates that VG possesses antiproliferative, apoptotic, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibitory properties. V. gimgimense emerges as a promising natural antioxidant source with potentially significant regulatory effects on key enzymes and proteins, which could contribute to managing various human diseases and inspire the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Biodegradable rice bran insoluble dietary fiber-chitosan blend films: Characterization and potential applications

A composite film of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from rice bran (RB) blended with chitosan (IDF-CS film) was prepared and characterized. The thermal stability, thickness, tensile strength, colour, water vapour permeability (WVP) and oil permeability (PO) of the film were analysed. SEM micrographs revealed the porous morphology of the film. XRD spectra suggested an amorphous crystalline nature of the film. FTIR spectra showed a 1600 cm−1 peak in chitosan and dietary fiber, indicating C=O stretching, and TGA showed good thermal stability under various temperatures. The thickness increased to 0.104 mm in the film containing IDF -Chitosan2:2. The tensile strength (TS) was enhanced to 18.420 MPa in the film containing IDF -Chitosan2:2. The elongation at break (EB) was higher (12.65%) in films containing low concentrations of IDF-Chitosan0.5:0.5. WVP was enhanced to 5.856 ×10-12 g·cm/cm2·Pa·s in the film containing IDF 2:2. The prepared film showed excellent soil-degrading properties, with a degradation rate of 96% after 15 days. The IDF-CS film demonstrated a substantial inhibitory potential against Gram-positive bacteria. The scavenging capacities of the degradable film were 96.5% for DPPH and 98.8% for ABTS. Moreover, the viability of cervical HeLa cell line was 10% at 200 μg/ml compared with that of the positive control (4%). Significant cytomorphological changes leading to necrosis in treated cells were observed using light and fluorescence microscopy. The film (IDF-CS) developed is environmentally friendly and could be used as a novel therapeutic material for treating bacterial pathogens, scavenging free radicals, and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.

Integrated analysis of physiology, antioxidant activity and transcriptomic of Lactobacillus plantarum 120 in response to acid stress

This research examined the effects of acid stress on the physiological and antioxidant activity of Lactobacillus plantarum 120 (Lp-120) and explored its underlying mechanisms. The results revealed that the survival rates of the strain significantly decreased as the pH decreased from 5.5 to 4.5. Meanwhile, the ATP concentrations of the strain decreased from 0.51 to 0.12, and the reactive oxygen species levels rose 1.26-fold with a decrease in pH. However, as the pH decreased, the free radical (DPPH, O2−, and OH−) scavenging activity, reducing power, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and the total antioxidant capacities of Lp-120 all increased (P<0.05). Among them, the DPPH scavenging power and superoxide radical scavenging power reached the highest value of 35.5% and 30.74% respectively at pH 4.5, and the hydroxyl radical scavenging power reached the highest value of 53.2% at pH 5.0, which indicated that appropriate acid stress could improve the antioxidant activities of the strain. Transcriptomics data showed that the expression levels of genes (ndh, trxA, etc.) were upregulated (0.39-10.54-fold) under acid stress, which related to the “NADH oxidase/ NADH peroxidase” system, glutaredoxin system and thioredoxin system. Taken altogether, this study brought valuable insights for enhancing the antioxidant activities of Lp-120 and provided valuable information on the application of Lactobacillus plantarum as antioxidant starter cultures in fermented foods.

Emerging poly(Ani-co-Py)/Bi2O3/AgI composites for antibacterial and antioxidant applications

Poly(Ani-co-Py) was synthesized using aniline (Ani) and pyrrole (Py) and its composites poly(Ani-co-Py)/Bi2O3/AgI composites were fabricated with the extent of Bi2O3 and AgI maintaining 5 to 15 wt% ratio. FESEM analysis displayed that the freshly prepared copolymers and composites exhibited aggregated and spherical-shaped morphology with diameter 200–300 nm and 50–300 nm, respectively. The EDS data revealed the incorporation of both Bi2O3 and AgI in the composite samples. These poly(Ani-co-Py) and poly(Ani-co-Py)/Bi2O3/AgI composites were used to investigate their antibacterial properties using the resazurine-assisted microtiter plate-based antibacterial test. In the investigation, both the copolymers and composites exhibited antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis bacteria. Further, poly(Ani-co-Py) and Poly(Ani-co-Py)/Bi2O3/AgI composites with in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed by using free radical (α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. The synthesized copolymers and composites exhibited IC50 value around 38.74 and 41.70–42.60 µg/mL, respectively indicating their better antioxidant properties. This poly(Ani-co-Py)/Bi2O3/AgI composites could be an emerging materials in the area of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Investigating the optimistic in-vitro and in-vivo therapeutic effects of wild grape: Vitis jacqumantii R. Parker

Vitis jacquemontii R. Parker is a wild grape traditionally used by indigenous people as a substitute for cultivated grapes. However, its therapeutic effects have not been extensively studied. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, analgesic, and antidepressant properties of V. jacquemontii. The antioxidant potential of this wild fruit plant was evaluated using two widely recognized assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-asino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). In-vitro anticholinesterase effects were determined by assessing butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The analgesic activity was assessed through writhing and tail immersion test models, while the antidepressant effect was evaluated using forced swimming and tail suspension test models. Results revealed the exceptional potential of V. jacquemontii as a valuable natural resource. The fruit extract (VJF-Crd) demonstrated remarkable free radical scavenging abilities, with an impressive IC50 value of 34.96 μg/mL for DPPH and 56.48 μg/mL for ABTS. The leaf extract (VJL-Crd) also exhibited considerable antioxidant properties, with IC50 values of 73.68 μg/mL for DPPH and 86.72 μg/mL for ABTS. Furthermore, VJF-Crd and VJL-Crd extracts displayed potent inhibitory activity against cholinesterase enzymes, with VJF-Crd demonstrating strong inhibition and VJL-Crd showing moderate inhibition. In terms of analgesia, these extracts exhibited dose-dependent responses in various pain models, with significant protection against acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion, showcasing their potential as natural pain relievers. Moreover, both VJF-Crd and VJL-Crd extracts displayed a notable decrease in immobility in the forced swimming and tail suspension test models, indicating their potential as natural antidepressants. These findings underscore the untapped potential of V. jacquemontii as a source of valuable chemical constituents. The isolation and identification of phyto-constituents from this plant hold promise for new bioactive compounds, particularly in pain management. This study sheds light on the multifaceted medicinal attributes of V. jacquemontii and opens new avenues for developing natural remedies for different ailments, especially pain management.

Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Activities of Trikatu, Black Pepper, Javanese Long Pepper, and Red Ginger Essential Oils

BackgroundTrikatu (TR) is an Ayurvedic formulation that consists of three pungent medicinal ingredients: long pepper fruit, black pepper, and ginger rhizome. However, the strong pungency of the TR constituents poses challenges for oral administration. Therefore, the formulation of TR in the form of essential oils for aromatherapy could be considered to overcome this challenge. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to determine the contribution of black pepper (BP), javanese long pepper (JLP), and red ginger (RG) to the GC-MS metabolite profile of trikatu (TR) essential oil and to investigate their in vitro antioxidant activities. MethodsThe essential oils from BP, JLP, and RG were extracted using the stahl hydro-distillation method. Phytochemical profiling was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed with the help of R packages of factoMiner and factoExtra to examine the metabolite distributions. Antioxidant activities of TR, BP, JLP, and RG essential oils was determined using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. ResultsThe GC-MS analysis of BP, JLP, RG, and TR essential oils revealed the presence of 11 common compound, including linalool, caryophyllene, and beta-bisabolene. PCA showed different patterns of compound abundance across the samples. For example, linalool was more abundant in TR samples, while gamma-bisabolene was more in JLP samples. The antioxidant activities of TR, BP, JLP, and RG essential oils were significantly different, with RG showing the lowest IC50 value 2.73±0.09 mg/mL, indicating higher antioxidant potential compared to BP and JLP. ConclusionsThis study highlights the unique metabolite profiles in RG, BP, JLP, and TR essential oils, which contribute significantly to their bioactive properties, particularly antioxidant activity. RG essential oil plays a significant role in enhancing the antioxidant potential of TR. These insights support broader applications in aromatherapy, wellness, and healthcare, where TR essential oil can be used for antioxidant support, stress relief, and as a natural supplement. Future research may further optimize these essential oils for targeted therapeutic and preventive applications.

Protective effects of nutrients and antioxidant-rich seed oil and sprouted seed oil of Benincasa hispida against formaldehyde-induced hepatic and renal damage

IntroductionIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Benincasa hispida, commonly referred to as wax gourd, winter melon, or ash gourd, has been used extensively for managing fever, urinary dysfunction, cough with viscous mucus, pulmonary and periappendicular abscesses, edema, spermatorrhea, gonorrhea, discharge pus, and expel dampness. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant, macro- and micronutrients as well as the protective effects of Benincasa hispida seed oil (BHSO) and sprouted seed oil (BHSSO) against formaldehyde (FA)-induced liver and kidney damage in mice. MethodsThe in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Protein, fat, fiber, and total carbohydrate contents were assessed, and micronutrients were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. BHSO, BHSSO, and Vitamin E (3485 mg/kg, 3485 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg p.o., respectively) were administered once daily shortly after formaldehyde exposure (10 mg/kg, I.P.) to separate groups of Swiss albino male mice for a period of 26 days to investigate their protective effects against hepatic and renal damage. The normal control group was given access to sterile tap water and a balanced diet, whereas the disease control group was given only 10 mg/kg of formaldehyde intraperitoneally. Results and DiscussionSerum ALT, AST, and creatinine levels were significantly elevated after formaldehyde (FA) administration. Histopathological examinations of liver and kidney tissue revealed degenerative changes in both organs. However, mice pretreated with BHSO and BHSSO showed a significant reduction in FA-induced elevations of serum ALT, AST, and creatinine levels and retained normal liver and kidney tissue histology. BHSO and BHSSO exhibited the ability to scavenge free radicals, as shown in vitro antioxidant studies. Essential micronutrients like zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), and chromium (Cr) were also found in both oils. These micronutrients may prevent the inactivation of antioxidant enzymes, thereby increasing free radical scavenging and preserving oxidation and antioxidant equilibrium. Moreover, both oils were found to contain crude fat and carbohydrates that are essential in safeguarding against formaldehyde-induced hepatic and renal damage by offering structural and metabolic support to cells and preserving membrane integrity. ConclusionBenincasa hispida seed oil and sprouted seed oil have significant protective effects against formaldehyde-induced hepatic and renal damage and serve as a valuable source of antioxidants, as well as macro- and micronutrients.

Effects of different extraction temperatures on the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from dandelion leaves.

Dandelion polysaccharides contribute to a variety of biological activities. This study evaluated the effect of different extraction temperatures (4°C and 80°C) on the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of dandelion leaf polysaccharides (DLP). The findings demonstrated that the extraction efficiency improved at the higher temperature, while molecular weight exist a trend of degradation with increasing extraction temperature. Ion chromatography (IC) analysis indicated that the polysaccharides DLP4 and DLP80 were structurally complex heteropolysaccharides mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, glucose and mannose, with galactose and arabinose dominating. FT-IR and methylation analysis revealed that DLP4 and DLP80 had similar chemical structures and branches. DLP4 contained a higher amount of 6-Galactose. Microstructure analysis showed that heat treatment caused conformational changes in DLP4 and DLP80. Both had excellent free radical scavenging ability including DPPH·, ABTS·+, OH· and reducing power. The Reactive Oxygen Species assay indicated that the protective effect of DLP4 against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in vitro was stronger than that of DLP80. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements also confirmed that the antioxidant effect of DLP4 was more prominent. Overall, low temperature extracted DLP can be used as an antioxidant in the areas of food, medicine and biomaterials.

Exploring the antimicrobial and antioxidative potential of Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link: Phytochemical screening, molecular docking, and HR-LC/MS profiling against SARS-CoV-2 protein 3CLPro, Spike and RDB

BackgroundLeucas aspera (Willd.) Link, a member of the Lamiaceae family and commonly known as "Thumbai," is found throughout India and has been utilized in traditional Indian medicine to treat various ailments. PurposeThis study entails methanolic extraction of Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link using a Soxhlet apparatus, followed by phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity assessment. MethodsThe L. aspera methanolic leaf extract displayed a phenolic content of 100 µg/ml, consisting of 3.02 mg of gallic acid dry weight equivalents and a flavonoid content of 100 µg/ml with 3.35 mg quercetin equivalents per dry weight. The extract's free radical scavenging capabilities were at 150 µg/ml in DPPH, showing an 87% effectiveness compared to the standard ascorbic acid 49% inhibition capacity. The ABTS radical scavenging activity in 100 µg/ml extract measured 64.32%, phosphomolybdate assay indicated 86.89%, and hydroxide radical scavenging capacity showed 126.72%. Antibacterial activity was also assessed through agar well diffusion assays against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Leucobacter sp., Where K. pneumoniae exhibits the highest zone of inhibition. The methanolic crude extract of L. aspera was further using TLC, FT-IR and HR-LC/MS to identify functional groups and phytocompound present in the extract. ResultsHRLC-MS was used to conduct metabolite profiling of the methanolic crude extract of L. aspera leaves, discovering 37 positive and 43 negative compounds. To evaluate the ADMET properties and predict the drug-likeness of these 80 phytochemicals, an in silico analysis was performed. The results of this analysis revealed that only 19 of the compounds met the ADMET limitations and had suitable Log P values. Molecular docking of the 19 compounds against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLPro) protein (PDB ID: 6LU7) and spike protein receptor binding domain (SGp-RBD) protein (PDB ID: 2GHV) revealed Famprofazone and Loxtidine compounds having the highest binding affinity with LibDock scores of 105.53 and 116.70 respectively. ConclusionThus, our findings could serve as potential active molecules of L. aspera against this target protein. This study provides further proof of bioactive compounds produced by the L. aspera leaf extract.

Extraction of Fucoxanthin from Marine Organisms and Its Therapeutic Effect on Cancer Cells

As China’s economy develops and its population grows, resources are becoming increasingly scarce. As a result, attention is shifting towards utilising marine resources, and the ability to process them is an increasingly important area of development.Within the traditional marine industry, kelp is primarily used for fucoidan extraction, with other substances such as kelp pigments often cast off as waste. Fucoxanthin constitutes the major carotenoid component found within kelp pigments. These pigments are believed to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour properties, and are of multifaceted benefit to human health by counteracting cellular oxidative damage induced by free radicals. Kelp served as the raw material in this study. Macroporous resin was utilized to extract Fucoxanthin from the kelp extract. Only an aqueous ethanol solution was employed for the extraction process. Subsequently, reduced-pressure column chromatography was conducted to quickly enrich the Fucoxanthin. Finally, the anti-tumour activity and free radical scavenging ability of the Fucoxanthin were analyzed. The results of the experiment revealed that Fucoxanthin can be effectively adsorbed by X-5 resin and its adsorption capability is robust. Additionally, using a 60% concentration of ethanol solution can promptly and effectively elute the absorbed Fucoxanthin from the X-5 resin. Moreover, after incubation for 48 hours at a concentration of 80 μg/mL of Fucoxanthin, the expression levels of p65, p52, and p50 genes significantly decreased in cancer cells. Fucoxanthin, a pigment found in kelp, exhibits potent antioxidant activity. The findings suggest that Fucoxanthin possesses the ability to effectively suppress the expression of cancer cells and scavenge free radicals.

Active polyvinyl alcohol films with enhanced strength, antioxidant and antibacterial properties by incorporating nanocellulose and tannin

There is an increasing demand of food packaging materials from sustainable bio- polymers. In this study, tannin-cellulose nanocrystal (TCNCs) fillers were first prepared using dialdehyde cellulose nanocrystal (DACNCs) and tannin through the nucleophilic addition reaction, and then added to PVA matrix as reinforcement fillers to fabricate active food packaging films. FT-IR analysis confirmed the successful reaction between PVA and TCNCs. The incorporation of TCNCs imparted high antibacterial, UV blocking and antioxidant capabilities to the composite films, maximumly achieving a 75 % DPPH free radical scavenging rate while blocking all UV rays. The addition of TCNCs resulted in an increase in water contact angle, alongside decreases in swelling ratio and solubility, indicating the enhanced water resistance. The composite films exhibited a 66.7 % decrease in oxygen permeability (OP) compared to the PVA film, with a slight increase observed in water vapor permeability (WVP). The tensile strength increased from 49.65 MPa to 74.17 MPa by adding 15 % of TCNCs due to the chemical crosslinking between PVA and TCNCs. Wrapping cherry tomatoes with these films prolonged the postharvest life compared to using polyethylene (PE) and pure PVA films. Films derived from sustainable biopolymers show great potential for use in fresh produce packaging.

Effect of banana cultivars and ripening stages on bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of fresh clear low-viscosity banana juice

Food-based antioxidants reduce oxidative stress caused by metabolic processes, scavenge free radicals, promote cardiovascular health, and preventing oxidative-stress related diseases, among other health advantages. The current study aims to investigate the low-viscosity banana juices’ bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity dependence on cultivars and ripening stages. Five banana cultivars were studied: Mbilabile, Pisang Awak (PSA), Yangambi km5 (YKM5), Ndeshi, and Mlonga. An improved mechanical extraction method involving malaxation of peeled banana pulp until low-viscosity banana juice separates from the pulp was used to extract banana juice. Considered ripening stages were stage 3; more green than yellow, 4; more yellow than green, 5; yellow with a trace of green, 6; all yellow, and 7; all yellow with brown spots. It was revealed that banana juice is rich in polyphenolic compounds 145.02–320 mg GAE/L and ascorbic acid, 0.45–1.40 g/L. In addition, the composition of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and ascorbic acid varied with banana cultivars and ripening stages. Furthermore, banana juice could reduce 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals by 67–93%. The antioxidant capacity of banana juice varied with cultivars and ripening stages (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis suggested ascorbic acid influenced banana juice free radical scavenging capacity.