High Amounts Of Polyphenols Research Articles

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench. and Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn. Flowers.

Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn. and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench. are two species of the Asteraceae family, known in Romanian traditional medicine for their diuretic, choleretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phenolic and sterolic composition of flowers from the two species and to assess their antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. LC-MS analyses were performed on methanolic, ethanolic and 70% v/v ethanolic extracts, before and after acid hydrolysis, and revealed high amounts of polyphenols. Chlorogenic acid was found as the main compound for the flowers of A. dioica (502.70 ± 25.11 mg/100 g d.w.), while quercitrin was dominant in H. arenarium (424.28 ± 21.21 mg/100 g d.w.) in 70% v/v ethanolic extracts before hydrolysis. Antioxidant capacity assays showed an important antioxidant potential, which can be correlated with the determined polyphenolic compounds, showing the 70% v/v ethanolic extracts of the two species as being the most effective antioxidant samples for the DPPH assay. Antibacterial and antifungal assays confirm a modest biological potential for the same extract of both species. Results obtained in the present study bring important data and offer scientific evidence on the chemical composition and on the biological activities of the flowers belonging to the two species.

Raspberry Supplementation Improves Insulin Signaling and Promotes Brown-Like Adipocyte Development in White Adipose Tissue of Obese Mice.

Excessive lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) leads to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Raspberry (RB) contains high amount of polyphenols and dietary fibers. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of RB supplementation on WAT morphology, inflammation, and insulin signaling in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, and further explore the underlying mechanisms. C57BL/6J mice are fed with a control diet or a HFD supplemented with 0 or 5% freeze dried RB for 12 weeks. RB supplementation decreases WAT hypertrophy induced by HFD and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and macrophage infiltration in WAT. Meanwhile, RB addition improves insulin sensitivity of HFD-mice. Additionally, RB supplementation drives the browning of WAT (beige adipogenesis), which is associated with elevated PGC-1α and FNDC5/irisin contents. Consistently, the content of beige adipocyte markers including UCP1, PRDM16, Cytochrome C, Cidea, and Elvol3 is enhanced in HFD-mice, which are correlated with increased AMPK phosphorylation and Sirt1 protein contents. Dietary RB attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation of WAT in HFD-mice and improves insulin sensitivity and beige adipogenesis, which is associated with increased FNDC5/irisin content and activation of AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. RB supplementation provides a promising strategy to prevent diet-induced obesity.

Seedless table grape residues as a source of polyphenols: comparison and optimization of non-conventional extraction techniques

Grape skins are one of the most important leftovers of grape juice production, and are also a good source of bioactive compounds, especially phenolic antioxidants and fiber, because they are not stressed as the winemaking process occurs. Their extracts may be used as functional components of enriched foods and beverage, both to color the products and to supplement with bio-functional metabolites. Therefore, in this work, ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave assisted extraction (MAE) were optimized and compared using response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability function (D) statistical tools, at selected temperature and solvent type (close to 50 °C and water/ethanol/phosphoric acid 70:30:1) but varying contact time (t) and sample-to-solvent ratio (S/L), to find the best conditions for the extraction of the main polyphenols present in table grape skin (Apulia Rose cv.) residues from juice processing. The mathematical models built in this investigation showed that the highest significant factor (P < 0.001) was t, influencing the extraction of all compounds irrespective of the technique used, with the optimal results obtained at intermediate levels (10.5 and 21 min for MAE and UAE, respectively). On the contrary, the only S/L factor was not always significant, even though higher amount of polyphenols were generally recovered at low solid/liquid ratio (0.05 and 0.07 g/mL for MAE and UAE, respectively). Finally, UAE extracts exhibited higher content of anthocyanins, procyanidins, flavonols, and stilbenes than MAE, with values ranging from 1.5 to 69.6 mg/100 g of fresh weight.

Antioxidant and α-glucosidase activities and phytochemical constituents of Chrysanthoglossum trifurcatum (Desf.)

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and α-glucosidase properties and phytochemical constituents of roots, stems, leaves and flowers extracts and aerial parts oil of Chrysanthoglossum trifurcatum (Desf.) (C. trifurcatum). Methods: For extraction from roots, stems, leaves and flowers of C. trifurcatum, methanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether solvents were used. Phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and tannins contents were evaluated. More, C. trifurcatum aerial parts oil composition was determined using chromatography/mass spectrometry. The antioxidant effect was estimated by DPPH, ABTS and reducing power test systems. The α-glucosidase inhibition was determined by colorimetric assay using the enzyme from Aspergillus niger and the p-nitrophenyl glucopyranoside (pNPG) as substrate. Results: The highest amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols and tannins were shown by the methanolic extract of leaves. The main components of the aerial parts oil were limonene (29.21%), γ -terpinene (12.96%), 4-terpenyl acetate (12.18%) and α -pinene (5.76%). The activity evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and reducing power tests was important for stems (IC50=0.68 mg/mL) and flowers (IC50=0.67 mg/mL) methanolic extracts and essential oil (IC50=0.72 mg/mL). Findings of α-glucosidase activity revealed that petroleum ether extracts of leaves and roots together with aerial parts oil showed a highest activity with IC50 of 0.044, 0.045 and 0.049 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Observed antioxidant and α-glucosidase activities of oil and extracts are attributed to the presence of the active phytochemicals in C. trifurcatum organs. Thus, the C. trifurcatum can be used as a source of antioxidant compounds and dietary supplement to treat patients with type 2 diabetes.

Biochemical Properties and Neuroprotective Effects of Compounds in Various Species of Berries.

Several species of berries, such as blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) and lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), have attracted much scientific attention in recent years, especially due to their reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Berries, as with other types of plants, have developed metabolic mechanisms to survive various environmental stresses, some of which involve reactive oxygen species. In addition, the fruits and leaves of berries have high amounts of polyphenols, such as flavonoids, which act as potent antioxidants. These compounds could potentially be beneficial for brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. There are now several studies documenting the beneficial effects of various berries in cell models of neurotoxicity as well as in vivo models of neurodegenerative disease. In the current review, we discuss the metabolic strategies that plants and animals have developed in order to combat reactive oxygen species. We then discuss issues of bioavailability of various compounds in mammals and provide a synopsis of studies demonstrating the neuroprotective ability of berries and polyphenols. We also summarize findings from our own research group. For example, we have detected various polyphenols in samples of blueberries and lingonberries and have found that the leaves have a much higher antioxidant capacity than the fruits. Extracts from these species have also demonstrated neuroprotective effects in cellular models of toxicity and inflammation, which are being further pursued in animal models.

Capsicum annuum L. var. Cornetto di Pontecorvo PDO: Polyphenolic profile and in vitro biological activities

In present study, the potential functional properties of the ethanolic extracts from peel, pulp, edible part and seeds of Capsicum annuum L. var. Cornetto di Pontecorvo were studied. The antimutagenicity against environmental pollutants and oxidative mutagens, the digestive enzyme inhibition, and the antioxidant properties were evaluated in relation to phenolic content. All the samples produced antimutagenic effects against 1-nitropyrene, 2-aminoantracene and tert-butyl-hydroperoxide, and inhibited α-amylase, without affecting α-glucosidase. Also, radical scavenging effects, inhibition of ROS-mediated lipoperoxidation and chelating activity were highlighted. The peel and seed extracts were in general the most effective samples. The phytochemical analysis highlighted a high amount of polyphenols, with a very low carotenoid content. Among phenolics, rutin, gallic acid, carvacrol, chlorogenic acid, 4-OH benzoic acid, and traces of quercetin and epicatechin were determined. Present results highlight a functional role of this pepper ecotype and suggest a possible use of its derived products as food supplements.

The Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of the Indigenous Australian Pindan Walnut (Terminalia cunninghamii) Kernels.

Nutritional composition of the kernels of two types of Pindan walnut (Terminalia cunninghamii), a native nut consumed traditionally by Australian Indigenous peoples, is reported for the first time. Results showed that Pindan walnut kernels contained high levels of fat, protein and ash, approximately 50, 30 and 5% fresh basis, respectively. The levels of minerals in the kernels were much higher than common walnuts and macadamia nuts, especially those of phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. The high amounts of polyphenols in the kernels provided strong hydrophilic antioxidant capacities, of up to 2004mg Trolox equivalents/100g fresh basis using the hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Both free polyphenol content and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of the kernels were higher than those of macadamia nuts, although the lipophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity was lower. These preliminary studies indicate high potential for wider use of the Pindan walnut as a novel, nutritious and health-promoting food.

Benefits of the beer polyphenols on the gut microbiota

Gut microbiota has a central role in the homeostasis of the host. Diet is one of the key factors affecting and modulating gut microbiota profile. Dietary polyphenols, which belongs to the non-digestible part of the diet, reach the colon almost unaltered. Polyphenols and gut microbiota put in contact within the colon, where gut microbiota transforms polyphenols to give their bioactivity. The moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with a lower cardiovascular risk and mortality, with the highest cardioprotective effects from the fermented beverages with a high amount of polyphenols. Beer, with a medium amount of polyphenols, is potentially classified within these beverages with a cardioprotective role. Beer sources and the production of the different varieties are going to change the amount and profiles of the beer polyphenols. Thus, the relationship with the gut microbiota could be different among the different types of beer, with different results for the host. In this manner, it could be said that the healthy benefits reported by the beer consumption could be mediated, at least partially, by the gut microbiota. However, more detailed studies are necessary.

Influence of geographic origin, plant source and polyphenolic substances on antimicrobial properties of propolis against human and honey bee pathogens

Natural honey bee products, especially propolis are well known for their biological properties. However, less well known are the impact of propolis’ single phenolic substances and variation across different landscapes, geographic locations and botanical origins. Here, we determined the chemical composition of propolis samples collected in different geographic areas of Romania with a continental climate. Main groups of polyphenols, as well as individual phenolics (phenolic acids and flavonoids), were identified and quantified. The antimicrobial activity of propolis ethanolic extracts and some of the most important propolis phenolics (caffeic and ferulic acid, pinocembrin, chrysin and galangin) were evaluated against different bacterial species. Analyzing the interaction of bacterial growth inhibition and different chemical parameters, revealed that flavone/flavonol, flavanone/dihydroflavonol, chrysin and galangin are largely responsible for the propolis’ antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria were mostly inhibited by galangin, caffeic acid and naringenin. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the propolis samples might be explained by the botanical sources present in the specific foraging areas. The highest amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids were measured in regions where deciduous forests were dominant to coniferous, or where large areas of willow could be observed.

Phenolic Profile , Essential oil Composition , Purification of Kaempferol 3-arabinofuranoside and Antimicrobial Activity of Parsley Cultivated in Dakhalia Governorate

The present study was conducted to identify and quantify the phenolic profile of parsley seeds and green parts methanolic extracts, to investigate the essential oil composition extracted from parsley seeds, to purify bioactive components from green parts of ethyl acetate fraction and to investigate the antimicrobial activity of this mentioned preparations. Results revealed that parsley seeds methanolic extract contained higher amount of polyphenols than leaves methanolic extract. Rosmarinic acid was the most detected compound in parsley seed methanolic extract carried out by HPLC technique (38777 µg/g) meanwhile in green parts methanolic extract (as 21468 µg/g). Apiole was the main constituent of the essential oil of parsley seeds (45.21 %). Ethyl acetate fraction of the green parts was employed to TLC chromatographic analysis. The component of the main band was purified with preparative thick layer chromatogram PTLC using ethyl acetate: methanol: water (100:16.5:13.5 by volume) as running system. The obtained data from NMR spectrum for the purified component showed the presence of Kaempferol 3-arabinofuranoside. Seeds and green parts methanolic extracts were evaluated as antimicrobial agent along Kaempferol 3-arabinofuranoside in a comparative study with seeds essential oil. Aromatic oil of Petroselinum crispum was the most effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus , Salmonella typhi. Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria alternate being with inhibition zones 25.6 , 23.8 , 30.0 30.22 and 25.64 mm, respectively. Kaempferol 3-arabinofuranoside demonstrated moderated antibacterial activity against the examined microbes.

Biological Properties of Polyphenols Extracts from Agro Industry’s Wastes

Processing and selection of fruits and vegetables generate high amounts of wastes that represent an economical and environmental issue for the agroindustry sector. Nevertheless, according to so called “biorefinery” approach, this waste biomass can be exploited for the recovery of value added molecules. In this paper the residues of industrial processing of fennels, carrots, lemons and tomatoes were used as sources of polyphenols. In order to optimize the recovery of polyphenols, different extraction techniques (maceration, ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction) were used in combination with different extraction media (water, ethanol, methanol and their mixtures). The polyphenols’ fractions were tested for their chemical and biological properties. All the obtained phenol fractions showed high antioxidant power and scavenging ability towards stable radical species and hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, the isolated polyphenol mixtures (containing remarkable compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, naringin, hesperetin) also displayed potential activities as anti-cancer, anti-microbial and acetylcholinesterase inhibiting agents. Overall the obtained results showed that the residual matter produced by the industrial processing of fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of polyphenols. These polyphenolic fractions still retain their biological and antioxidant properties and therefore could be further exploited for other industrial applications.

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Shells Extract: Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Effect and Cytotoxic Activity on Human Cancer Cell Lines.

Hazelnut shells, a by-product of the kernel industry processing, are reported to contain high amount of polyphenols. However, studies on the chemical composition and potential effects on human health are lacking. A methanol hazelnut shells extract was prepared and dried. Our investigation allowed the isolation and characterization of different classes of phenolic compounds, including neolignans, and a diarylheptanoid, which contribute to a high total polyphenol content (193.8 ± 3.6 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of extract). Neolignans, lawsonicin and cedrusin, a cyclic diarylheptanoid, carpinontriol B, and two phenol derivatives, C-veratroylglycol, and β-hydroxypropiovanillone, were the main components of the extract (0.71%–2.93%, w/w). The biological assays suggested that the extract could be useful as a functional ingredient in food technology and pharmaceutical industry showing an in vitro scavenging activity against the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) (EC50 = 31.7 μg/mL with respect to α-tocopherol EC50 = 10.1 μg/mL), and an inhibitory effect on the growth of human cancer cell lines A375, SK-Mel-28 and HeLa (IC50 = 584, 459, and 526 μg/mL, respectively). The expression of cleaved forms of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) suggested that the extract induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation in both human malignant melanoma (SK-Mel-28) and human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines. The cytotoxic activity relies on the presence of the neolignans (balanophonin), and phenol derivatives (gallic acid), showing a pro-apoptotic effect on the tested cell lines, and the neolignan, cedrusin, with a cytotoxic effect on A375 and HeLa cells.

Dietary Polyphenols, Mediterranean Diet, Prediabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review of the Evidence.

Dietary polyphenols come mainly from plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, coffee, tea, and nuts. Polyphenols may influence glycemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) through different mechanisms, such as promoting the uptake of glucose in tissues, and therefore improving insulin sensitivity. This review aims to summarize the evidence from clinical trials and observational prospective studies linking dietary polyphenols to prediabetes and T2D, with a focus on polyphenol-rich foods characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. We aimed to describe the metabolic biomarkers related to polyphenol intake and genotype-polyphenol interactions modulating the effects on T2D. Intakes of polyphenols, especially flavan-3-ols, and their food sources have demonstrated beneficial effects on insulin resistance and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Several prospective studies have shown inverse associations between polyphenol intake and T2D. The Mediterranean diet and its key components, olive oil, nuts, and red wine, have been inversely associated with insulin resistance and T2D. To some extent, these associations may be attributed to the high amount of polyphenols and bioactive compounds in typical foods conforming this traditional dietary pattern. Few studies have suggested that genetic predisposition can modulate the relationship between polyphenols and T2D risk. In conclusion, the intake of polyphenols may be beneficial for both insulin resistance and T2D risk.

Mangopeel powder supplementation prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic dysfunction in rats

The study reports the phenolic profiles and hepatoprotective properties of mango peel powder against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in rats. It was found that the mango peel possesses high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids as analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Supplementation of mango peel powder in CCl4 administered rats exhibit strong protective effects in vivo. The results suggest that mango peel powder supplementation antagonized the CCl4-induced increase in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities and hepatic malondialdehyde levels. Furthermore, mango peel powder supplementation prevented decrease in antioxidant catalase activity and glutathione concentration in CCl4-administered rats. Mango peel powder supplementation also prevented the inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis in liver of CCl4 treated rats. This finding demonstrates that the polyphenol-rich mango peel powder can be explored as a chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agent against oxidative-stress-related liver disorders. Practical applications Mango (Mangifera indica L.), the most important fruit in Anacardiaceae family, is a tropical fruit which possesses high nutritional and medicinal value. The research showed that mango peel possesses numerous phenolic antioxidants. The results also demonstrated that mango peel powder exerts a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Every year, considerable amount of mango peel is produced in juice industries which are left as waste product. Thus, this project will provide a potential source of phenolic compounds and potential approach to prevent liver diseases.

Free radicals scavenging activity and reducing power of two Algerian Sahara medicinal plants extracts

The aim of this study is to evaluate antioxidant activity of aqueous (Aq.E) and methanolic (Met.E) extracts of Zygophyllum album L. (Zygophyllaceae) and Arthrophytum scoparium (Chenpodiacea), two medicinal plant from Algerian Sahara used in traditional pharmacopoeia. The results showed that Aq.E have the heights yields 24% and 22.3% for Z. album and A. scoparium respectively. Qualitative analysis of showed that the Met.E of Z. album of had the highest amount of polyphenols (202.26±4.73 µg GAE/mg E) and flavonoids (15.77±0.94 µg QE/mg E). The antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated by 2, 2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assay. Results showed that the extracts of A. scoparium. Have the highest free radical scavenger activity in DPPH test (EC50=0.096±0.001 and 0.108±0.002 mg/ml for Met.E and Aq.E respectively). In addition, the results of reducing power assay demonstrated that Met.E of Z. album had the highest effect with 2399.65±12.31 µg ascorbic acid equivalent/mg E.Our results showed that the methanolic extract reported a considerable free radicals scavenging activity and reducing effect, may be due to their richness on polyphenols and flavonoids.

Antidiabetic and anti-obesity activity of Ficus carica: In vitro experimental studies

Aim The present study was aimed to investigate the role of Ficus carica L. (fig) aerial parts on antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-obesogenic effects in vitro. Methods Fruit, leaves and stembark of Ficus carica plant were sequentially extracted by using organic and inorganic solvents and their total polyphenolics and flavonoids contents were estimated. The effects of the extracts on antioxidative, antidiabetic (inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes) and anti-obesogenic (anti-lipase) activities were measured by using several experimental models. Results The fruit ethanolic extract contained a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids (104.67±5.51μg·mL −1 and 81.67±4.00μg·mL −1 ). The ethanolic extract of Ficus carica fruit was significantly ( P −1 ), α-glucosidase (255.57±36.46μg·mL −1 ) α-amylase (315.89±3.83μg·mL −1 ) and pancreatic lipase (230.475±9.65μg·mL −1 ) assays indicate that fruit extracts were more active than other parts of the plant. The GC-MS analysis of the fruit extract shown the presence of sugars and polyphenolic compounds such as butyl butyrate, 5-hydroxy-methyl furfural, 1-butoxy-1-isobutoxy butane, malic acid, tetradecanoic acid, phytol acetate, trans phytol, n-hexadecanoic acid, 9Z,12Z-octadecadienoic acid, stearic acid, sitosterol, 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one, 2,4,5-trimethyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the ethanolic extract of the fruit of Ficus carica may have potential antidiabetic and anti-obesogenic agents.

Chemical composition, antioxidant potential and phenolic profile of oil mill waste water from Tunisian olive varieties (Chetoui and Chemlali)

Oil mill waste water (OMWW) is of great interest due to the presence of valuable resources such as biophenols that can be recovered as food additives and pharmaceuticals. The aim of this study is to investigate the variation of physicochemical composition of OMWW from Chetoui and Chemlali varieties, to evaluate phenolic composition, antioxidant potential and phenolic profile of OMWW extracts under native and acidified conditions. Liquid-liquid extraction was performed for the extraction of polyphenols. Antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH•, ABTS•+ and FRAP tests. Phenolic compounds content was determined by HPLC-DAD method. OMWW from Chetoui variety has been shown to contain an important amount of K, Ca and Na whereas Chemlali cultivar was rich in Mg. Phenolic extract from Chetoui fruit (COCt) has been shown to contain the highest amount of polyphenols (2.48 ± 0.21 g L-1) as well as an appreciable content of flavonoids (9.39 ± 0.32 g L-1). However, phenolic extract from Chemlali fruit (COCm) has been shown to have the highest content of proanthocyanidins (0.39 ± 0.00 g L-1). Acidification treatment improved polyphenol recovery of extracts from both varieties. COCt was more active using DPPH (EC50 of 7.5 mg L-1) and FRAP tests. However, COCt and COCm exhibited the same activity using ABTS test. In general, acidification treatment decreased antioxidant activity of extracts. COCt has been shown to contain higher amount of hydroxytyrosol when compared to COCm (157.16 ± 0.820 and 23.440 ± 0.440 mg g-1 D.W. of extract, respectively) as revealed by HPLC-DAD analysis.Â

Evaluation of nutraceutical and antinutritional properties in barnyard and finger millet varieties grown in Himalayan region.

Five elite varieties of barnyard (Echinochloa frumentacea) and finger (Eleusine coracana) growing at northwestern Himalaya were investigated for nutraceutical and antinutritional properties. Barnyard millet contained higher amount of crude fiber, total dietary fiber, tryptophan content, total carotenoids, α-tocopherol compared to the finger millet whereas the finger millet contains higher amount of methionine and ascorbic acid as compared to the barnyard millet. The secondary metabolites of biological functions were analyzed and found that barnyard millet contained the higher amount of polyphenols, tannins and ortho-dihydroxy phenol content compared to finger millet. Among antinutitional compounds barnyard millet contained lower phytic acid content compare to finger millet whereas no significant difference in trypsin inhibition activity of barnyard millet and finger millet varieties were found. Barnyard millet contained higher acid phosphatase, α-galactosidase and α-amylase inhibitor activity compared to finger millet. Finger millet seeds contained about 10-13 folds higher calcium content and double amount of manganese content in comparison to barnyard millet seeds. Present study suggests that barnyard millet varieties studied under present investigation were found nutritionally superior compared to finger millet varieties.

Antioxidant Activities of Cyperus rotundus L. Rhizome and Areca catechu L. Seed

The aim of this study was to extract the active antioxidant compounds from Cyperus rotundus L. rhizome and Areca catechu L. seed using water and ethanol (50%), and determine the total polyphenol contents, activity of free radicals scavenging using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ferric reducing power of the extract of those materials. The result showed that both C. rotundus rhizome and areca seed extracted using ethanol contain a higher amount of polyphenols than water extracts. Total polyphenol extract of C. rotundus rhizome had a positive correlation with ferric reducing power, in which the ethanol extract that contain a high amount of polyphenols also exhibit high ferric reducing power. However, both ethanol and aqueous extracts of C. rotundus rhizome had the same ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals. On the other hand, there were different trends in the antioxidant activity of areca seed extract. The ethanol extract of areca seed contain a higher amount of total polyphenols than the aqueous extract, but it showed lower antioxidant activity to scavenge DPPH free radicals. However, both ethanol and aqueous extracts of areca seed showed the same level of ferric reducing power.

A comparative phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of the extracts from leaves of the ukrainian flora shrubs

In the Ukrainian flora such plants as Forsythia europaea Deg. et Bald, Jasminum officinale L., Berberis thunbergii DC, Weigela hybrida Jaeg., Ligustrum vulgare L., and Corylus avellana L. hold a special place among shrubs. The aim of our research was to analyse the relationship between the chemical composition and the anticonvulsant activity of the extracts from leaves of the given shrubs. The highest content of flavonoids has been determined in aqueous extracts of Forsythia europaea (2.83%) and Corylus avellana (1.95%) leaves comparing to other extracts. The highest amount of polyphenols has been determined in Corylus avellana ethanol (96%) extract (1.31%) and Jasminum officinale ethanol (50%) extract (1.30%). The dry aqueous extract of Corylus avellana leaves has shown the most pronounced anticonvulsant activity. Dry extracts of Berberis thunbergii leaves, Weigela hybrida leaves, and Ligustrum vulgare leaves have not revealed a significant anticonvulsant activity. According to the strength of the effect the dry aqueous extract of Corylus avellana can be a promising substance for creating an original herbal remedy with anticonvulsant properties.