Highest DPPH Scavenging Activity Research Articles

In vitro protein digestive properties and peptidomic characterization of five whole component plant protein beverages using a pepsin-pancreatin model

Plant protein has received great attention for its potential nutrition and health benefits. In this study, the digestive properties and peptidomics of whole component plant protein beverages from soybean, chick pea, pea, oat, and quinoa were characterized using an in vitro pepsin-pancreatin digestion model. The study found that quinoa beverage had a higher in vitro protein digestibility (80.49 %), followed by pea, soybean, chick pea, and oat beverage (79.25–70.89 %). Additionally, quinoa and soybean beverage showed comparably higher in vitro digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) of 81–97, while chick pea and pea beverage had lower in vitro DIAAS of 58–79 due to low concentration of sulfur-containing AA (SAA). Meanwhile, peptides with molecular weight (MW) below 1 kDa occupied more than 93 % of the digested fraction in quinoa beverage, which might result in its higher DPPH scavenging activity, ABTS scavenging activity and ACE inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 2.80, 0.20 and 0.90 mg/mL, respectively. Peptidomics characterization combined with rapid screening by PeptideRanker and BIOPEP database further suggested that cereals, especially oat and quinoa, released potentially bioactive peptides with a higher percentage (30.89 % and 22.81 %, respectively) compared to legumes like soybean and chick pea (13.30–18.52 %). Additionally, the identified active peptides were more likely to be derived from globular proteins. The methods and data here provided a reference for a better understanding of the digestive properties and nutritional recommendations of whole component plant protein product.

Natural variation in the nutritional composition of African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) from two ecological sites in Northern Malabar, Kerala, India

Adansonia digitata L., commonly known as the African baobab, is an important plant within the Malvaceae family. It is a highly nutritious forest tree and holds a special place in several African countries. Despite its prevalence in Africa, its presence is very limited in India, and only a few individual plants of this species are reported from different parts of India, including Kerala. This study focuses on the plants growing at Ajanur and Thalassery in the Kasaragod and Kannur districts of Kerala, respectively. This study reports natural variation in phytochemicals, minerals, and the proximate components of its flowers and leaves at these locations. The results of this study show that total carbohydrate (28.79 %), crude fibre (10.76 %), and protein (53.09 %) content was higher in leaves at Ajanur. In contrast, chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid content were highest in leaves at Thalassery and showed a value of 39.03 mg/g, 16.65 mg/g, and 13.21 mg/g, respectively. The highest quantity of elements viz. Ca, Zn, K, Fe, Cu, Ni, and Cr were reported in leaves from Thalassery, whereas Mg and Mn were abundant in the leaves from Ajanur. Flowers from Ajanur demonstrated a superior nutritional index, while Thalassery leaves exhibited a higher mineral index. Assessment of antioxidant activity indicated the highest DPPH scavenging activity in the leaves from Ajanur (IC50 = 102.57 μg/mL) and the highest ABTS scavenging activity in its flowers from Thalassery (IC50 = 62.74 μg/mL). The differences in nutritional components and antioxidant properties of the baobab from these two ecological sites underscore the role of ecological factors in its natural variation. Although it is an important forest food tree in the African continent, its potential contribution towards food security from the Indian subcontinent remains untapped.

Assessment of phytochemicals, antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential of flowers, leaves and stem extracts of.

To evaluate phytochemicals and in vitro biological potential of flowers, leaves and stem extracts of Rosa arvensis. Presence of twenty secondary metabolites was confirmed and then phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified spectrophotometrically. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy was conducted to ascertain functional groups and antioxidant potential was examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity and total reducing power assays. Human erythrocytes were used to assess anti-hemolytic activity and five bacterial strains were examined to determine antibacterial potential of plant extracts. Radish seeds were used to perform phytotoxic activity and cytotoxic potential was evaluated via brine shrimps and PC3 cell lines. Highest phenolic contents were detected in the methanolic extract of Rosa arvensis flower (RAFM) [(151.635 ± 0.005) gallic acid equivalent mg/g] and highest flavonoid contents in the chloroform leaf extract (RALC) [(108.228 ± 0.004) quercetin equivalent mg/g]. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of wide range of functional groups. The antioxidant assays indicated highest DPPH scavenging activity [IC50 (23.5 ± 0.6) μg/mL] in the methanolic stem extract (RASM), highest total antioxidant capacity [(265.1 ± 0.9) μg/mL] in RAFM and highest reducing potential [(209.9 ± 0.6) μg/mL] in leaf extract (RALM). Highest anti-hemolytic activity [(90.0 ± 0.5) μg/mL] was recorded in RAFM and brine shrimp cytotoxicity potential [(52.3 ± 0.3) μg/mL] in RASM. The antimicrobial activity was detected highest [(21.1 ± 0.5) mm inhibition zones] in RALM against Streptococcus aureus. In the end, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity results depicted less than 50 % inhibition in the methanolic extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will be helpful in designing pharmaceutical regimens and therefore, more studies can be recommended to isolate and characterize compounds associated with the biological activities of Rosa arvensis.

Unlocking Antioxidant-Anticancer Synergy: An Exploration of Therapeutic Bioactives from Methanolic Extracts of Rubus ellipticus and Boerhavia diffusa Using HeLa Cell Line.

This study aimed to assess the synergistic antioxidant and anticancer effects of methanolic extracts derived from Rubus ellipticus and Boerhavia diffusa fruits against the HeLa cell line. The methanolic extracts were prepared from the fruits of R. ellipticus and B. diffusa, and their antioxidant potential was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity assay and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The anticancer effects of benzoic acid and rutin extracted from the aforementioned fruits were also investigated against the HeLa cell line using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to measure the cell metabolic activity. Using Synergy Finder plus software, the bioactive compounds were tested to explore any synergistic effects. R. ellipticus exhibited higher antioxidant potential as revealed by higher DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP value compared with B. diffusa. The benzoic acid extracted from R. ellipticus demonstrated potent anticancer activity against the HeLa cell line, with an IC50 of 1.07 µg/mL. Similarly, rutin extracted from B. diffusa displayed moderate anticancer activity with an IC50 of 1.4 µg/mL while exhibiting minimal impact on normal cell lines. The combination studies of the extracted bioactive compounds revealed a synergistic effect. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of R. ellipticus and B. diffusa in combating the oxidative stress and cancer. Their bioactive compounds like benzoic acid and rutin were observed to act synergistically. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate their applicability in clinical settings.

Formulation of Polymeric Micelles to Increase the Solubility and Photostability of Caffeic Acid.

Caffeic acid (CA), a hydrophobic polyphenol with various pharmacological activities, exhibits a low aqueous solubility and sensitivity to light. In order to improve its chemical properties and overcome the limits in its application, the compound was loaded in P123 micelles (MCs) prepared using two polymer concentrations (10 and 20% w/w, MC10 and MC20). The micelles were characterised in terms of the size distribution, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency, rheology, and cumulative drug release. Micellar formulations exhibited sizes in the range of 11.70 and 17.70 nm and a good polydispersion, indicating the formation of relatively small-sized micelles, which is favourable for drug delivery applications. Additionally, the stability and antioxidant profiles of the free CA and the CA loaded in micelles were studied. The results obtained on the free CA showed the formation of photodegradation products endowed with higher DPPH scavenging activity with respect to the pure compound. Instead, it was found that the incorporation of CA into the micelles significantly increased its solubility and decreased the photodegradation rate. Overall, the results indicate the successful formation of P123 micelles loaded with CA, with promising characteristics such as a small size, good encapsulation efficiency, sustained release profile, and improved light stability. These findings suggest the potentiality of these micelles as a delivery system for CA, thus enhancing its bioavailability.

Screening of Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties in the Leaf Extracts of Two Castanopsis Species

ABSTRACT The phytochemical compounds in the leaf extracts of Castanopsis indica and C. tribuloides were evaluated, and their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential were assessed. The TPC was found to be 193.12 and 159.49 mg GAE g−1 dry weight, and the TFC was 108.12 and 96.49 mg QE g−1 dry weight, for C. indica and C. tribuloides, respectively. C. indica had higher DPPH scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 15.10 μg mL−1. Both extracts showed substantial antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 76 VoCs in C. indica leaf, and 71 VoCs in C. tribuloides.

Photothermal pasteurization of paprika powder by ultra-high irradiance blue (405 nm) light: Impact on Salmonella inactivation and quality attributes

This study aimed to evaluate the inactivation efficacy of ultra-high irradiance blue (405 nm) LED treatments against Salmonella spp. in paprika powder and develop an alternative Weibull model to describe the inactivation kinetics. Paprika samples were inoculated with a Salmonella cocktail at a ratio of 1 mL/100 g (∼8.7 log CFU/g), acclimated for 7 days at 22 °C, and irradiated with blue LED at a fixed distance (5 cm) using different irradiances (548, 697, and 842 mW/cm2) and exposure times (60, 120, 180, and 240 s). Sterilization-like temperatures of up to 131.7 °C were observed in paprika after 240 s at 842 mW/cm2. Reduction levels in Salmonella counts ranged from 2.1 to 7.8 logs after 240 s. A modified Weibull model satisfactorily described the Salmonella inactivation kinetics (Radj2 > 0.98). Compared to control samples, a significant decrease in redness (a* values) and higher DPPH scavenging activity were observed in treated paprika powders.Industrial relevance: The obtained results indicated that UHI LED technology could serve as an alternative dry pasteurization method to improve the microbiological safety of spices. This would open further possibilities, including the use of this technology to disinfect food-contact surfaces in dry operations. These findings are thus important in supporting the development and optimization of LED technology for food safety applications in the food industry. Blue light has a shorter penetration depth, which may limit the size and shape of products that can be pasteurized with UHI blue LED technology.

Development of composite cereal flour noodles and their technological, antioxidant and sensory characterization during storage

Cereals and their products form an intrinsic part of the human diet, besides contributing to the major portion of dietary energy and nutrients of people worldwide. In this study, composite noodles were prepared by combining different cereal flours (rice, corn and wheat) in order to develop a nutritional and quality product. Five formulations used for the noodle formation were wheat 100 % (W) as control, rice:wheat 50:50 (RW), wheat:corn 50:50 (WC) rice:corn 50:50 (RC) and rice:wheat:corn 34:33:33 (RWC). The samples were evaluated for the different physicochemical, antioxidant, textural, structural, color and rheological parameters during the 40-day storage period. Among the composite flours, the highest protein 9.98%, was found in wheat:corn 50:50 (WC), while the lowest protein content, 7.97 %, was found in rice:corn 50:50 (RC). The visco-elastic behavior of wheat:corn 50:50 (WC) was slightly greater than that of rice:wheat 50:50 (RW) composite flour. The highest DPPH scavenging activity (24.66 %) was found in wheat:corn 50:50 (WC) noodles, while wheat 100 % (W) noodles showed the lowest DPPH scavenging activity (15.23 %). The visco-elastic behavior of wheat:corn 50:50 (WC) was slightly greater than that of rice:wheat 50:50 (RW) composite flour. Also, wheat:corn 50:50 (WC) showed the highest acceptance and rice:corn 50:50 (RC) noodles showed the lowest level of acceptance. The wheat:corn 50:50 (WC), maintained better overall quality attributes as compared to other noodles throughout the storage.

Beetroot Stalk Extract as a Functional Colorant for Stirred Yogurt Beverages: Effect on Nutritional Value and Stability during Storage

Betalains are natural red colorants characterized by their stability to anthocyanins, particularly in acidic foods. Beetroot stalks are a good source of betalains, with higher bioactive components than the whole root. Hence, the current study aims to investigate the potential use of beetroot stalk water extract (BSE) as a functional colorant for raspberry-flavored stirred yogurt. For this purpose, the betalains of BSE and their stability at pH 4 and 5 were investigated in addition to the phenolic and flavonoid content. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of BSE were characterized. Subsequently, BSE was added to raspberry-flavored stirred yogurt at concentrations of 1 (T1), 2 (T2), and 5% (T3) to study the stability of betalains, the physicochemical properties, the nutritional value, and the viability of lactic acid bacteria during storage (14 days/4 °C). BSE showed a considerable amount of betalains (456.82 mg/L) and phenolics (139.87 mg/g), with a high content of chlorogenic and ferulic acids. The betalains showed greater stability at pH 4 than pH 5 after 14 days of cold storage (275.05 and 247.00 mg/L, respectively). Applying BSE resulted in a functional beverage with high phenolic content (116.55 ± 1.23 mg/g) and flavonoids (71.77 ± 0.57 mg/g) in T3 (5%) compared to the control (95.11 ± 1.12 and 64.72 ± 0.29 mg/g, respectively). The beverages shared high DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 71.68 ± 1.30– 69.18 ± 0.48) compared with the control (78.47 ± 3.27 µL/mL). BSE significantly increased the betalain level in yogurt from 44.19 ± 0.05 mg/L to 67.86 ± 0.54 mg/L, resulting in pale red beverages with a redness value of 6.38–9.68 on day 1. By day 14, the redness of the treatments decreased by 6–18% compared with the first day, reaching 5.25 ± 0.03 (T1), 7.87 ± 0.03 (T2), and 8.43 ± 0.05 (T3) due to the degradation of betalains. Generally, BSE is a promising natural colorant when added to stirred yogurt, and it has preferable physical and sensory properties, as it improves the stability of the red color throughout cold storage and increases the nutritional quality. The use of beet stalks as a natural and functional colorant is presented for the first time in the current investigation.

Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Newly Isolated from Algerian Raw Cow's Milk.

This study aims to screen new LAB from Algerian cow's milk to assess their probiotic properties. Molecular identification and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry methods were used to identify the LAB isolates. The probiotic potential of isolates was determined with in vitro tests of survival to gastrointestinal conditions (pH 2, 0.3% pepsin, 0.5% bile salts, 0.1% trypsin, and 0.1% pancreatic amylase) and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Eight isolates were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (100%) and one isolate as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (95.75%). The MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the isolates confirms that the strains belong to the group of lactobacilli bacteria, particularly Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The high survival rate reflects a good strain tolerance to the in vitro host simulated gastrointestinal conditions. All bacteria exhibit an antibacterial activity strain with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 4.9 mm against Aspergillus niger ATCC 106404 to 17.47 mm against Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The antioxidant activity with the highest DPPH scavenging activity (92.15%) was obtained with the LbN09 strain. In light of these results, some of the strains isolated from raw milk of the local Algerian breed cows show promising probiotic properties, giving them a possible use in preserving food from microbial spoilage and oxidation during storage.

Development of composite nanoemulsion gels as carriers for co-delivery of wheat germ oil and probiotics and their incorporation in yoghurt

Emulsion gels have received significant interest in the food industry as functional colloids due to their improved stability and encapsulated bioactive substances. Thus, in this study, four different emulsions (EM I–IV) were formed by emulsifying wheat germ oil (WGO) using two methods: without sonication for EM I and III (fortified with orange essential oil, OEo), and with sonication for EM II and IV (fortified with OEo). To produce four distinct forms of composite emulsion gels, the prepared emulsions were fortified with probiotics and then added to biopolymers (Gel I-IV). In the emulsions and gels, the WGO oxidative stability and the Lb. rhamonusus survival rate were assessed. The promising formulations were applied to yoghurt as a food model. The results showed that EM III (232.2 nm) and IV (153.9 nm) demonstrated a higher average size than their plain EM I (185.7 nm) and II (131.6 nm). EM IV and Gel IV, with an induction period of 8.35 h and 10.06 h, were the most promising formulations for postponing WGO oxidative degradation. Gel IV had the highest DPPH scavenging activity with 80.88%, while EM I significantly decreased the activity by 54.21%. The Lb. rhamonusus survival rates in Em IV and Gel IV are 94.49% and 97.66%, respectively. Yoghurt incorporated with Gel IV enhanced the stability of pH and acidity throughout the storage period, decreased the syneresis value, and enhanced all parameters of texture profile analysis. Based on the results, emulsion gels could be used to deliver probiotics, nutraceuticals, and food additives.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, DNA Protective Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies of the Methanolic Extract of Salvia siirtica Kahraman, Celep & Dogan sp. Nov. (Lamiaceae)

Background: Medicinal plants have long been utilized in traditional medicine in Turkey and worldwide. The flora of Turkey is so rich it needs to be discovered, documented, and explored. This plant species is the origin of many valuable medicinal chemicals. Salvia species was used in folk medicine for many years in Turkey. One of the new Salvia species is Salvia siirtica. Methods: The antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, DNA restriction inhibition, and DNA protective activities of methanolic extract of S. siirtica were studied. Results: The extract has better activity than the standard antibiotics against P. aeruginosa, meanwhile, showed high DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 28.72 ± 8.02 µg/ml. The extract exhibited good cytotoxic potential with IC50 value 0.31 ± 0.07 mg/ml towards H1299 cell line. The restriction enzyme inhibition in presence of plant extract proves that extract can interact with restriction endonuclease enzymes. Apigenin and Luteolin 7- glycoside are two high components of S. siirtica were docked against potential intracellular targets to evaluate their inhibition capability. Luteolin its derivative luteolin-7-glycoside showed the highest potential in molecular docking studies. Conclusions: Determining the bioactivity of these components by isolating them from the plant may pave the way for their use as supportive agents in the fight against many diseases.

Effects of Monochromatic Light on Growth and Quality of Pistacia vera L.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are popular as a light source for in vitro plants because they save energy and allow the morphology of the plant to be altered. The purpose of this study was to show that switching from classical fluorescent light (FL) to LED light can have both beneficial and adverse effects. Pistacia vera plantlets were exposed to FL, monochromatic Blue LED light (B), monochromatic Red LED light (R), and a 1:1 mixture of both B and R (BR). R increased the total weight, shoot length, number of shoots ≥ 1 cm, and proliferation. It also reduced hyperhydricity (HH), but also dramatically increased shoot tip necrosis (STN) and leaf necrosis (LN). B cured plants of HH and STN, but hardly enabled proliferation. It did not solve the problem of LN, but the plants were high in total chlorophyll and carotenoids. BR reduced HH but enabled limited proliferation, high STN, and LN. All three LED treatments reduced HH compared to FL. B induced both high total phenolic and flavonoid content and high DPPH-scavenging activity. These results show that switching from FL to LED can have a significant positive or negative effect on proliferation and quality. This suggests that finding an optimal lighting regimen will take a lot of trial and error.

Identification of Antioxidative Peptides Derived from Arthrospira maxima in the Biorefinery Process after Extraction of C-Phycocyanin and Lipids.

Arthrospira maxima has been identified as a sustainable source of rich proteins with diverse functionalities and bioactivities. After extracting C-phycocyanin (C-PC) and lipids in a biorefinery process, the spent biomass still contains a large proportion of proteins with potential for biopeptide production. In this study, the residue was digested using Papain, Alcalase, Trypsin, Protamex 1.6, and Alcalase 2.4 L at different time intervals. The resulting hydrolyzed product with the highest antioxidative activity, evaluated through their scavenging capability of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), was selected for further fractionation and purification to isolate and identify biopeptides. Alcalase 2.4 L was found to produce the highest antioxidative hydrolysate product after four-hour hydrolysis. Fractionating this bioactive product using ultrafiltration obtained two fractions with different molecular weights (MW) and antioxidative activity. The low-molecular-weight fraction (LMWF) with MW <3 kDa had higher DPPH scavenging activity with the IC50 value of 2.97 ± 0.33 compared to 3.76 ± 0.15 mg/mL of the high-molecular-weight fraction (HMWF) with MW >3 kDa. Two stronger antioxidative fractions (F-A and F-B) with the respective significant lower IC50 values of 0.83 ± 0.22 and 1.52 ± 0.29 mg/mL were isolated from the LMWF using gel filtration with a Sephadex G-25 column. Based on LC-MS/MS analysis of the F-A, 230 peptides derived from 108 A. maxima proteins were determined. Notably, different antioxidative peptides possessing various bioactivities, including antioxidation, were detected with high predicted scores together with in silico analyses on their stability and toxicity. This study established knowledge and technology to further value-add to the spent A. maxima biomass by optimizing hydrolysis and fraction processes to produce antioxidative peptides with Alcalase 2.4 L after two products already produced in a biorefinery. These bioactive peptides have potential applications in food and nutraceutical products.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and antileishmanial potential of Micromeria nervosa extracts and molecular mechanism of action of the bioactive compound.

This study aimed to determine the antibacterial and antileishmanial potential of Micromeria nervosa extracts. The identification of the antileishmanial compound and the study of its molecular mechanism of action have also been undertaken. Ethanol extract showed high polyphenol content and diethyl ether extract exhibited high DPPH scavenging and low beta-carotene bleaching activity (IC50=13.04±0.99µg/mL and 200.18±3.32µg/mL, respectively). However, diethyl ether extract displayed high antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC=31.25µg mL-1), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 (MIC=62.5µg mL-1) and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 (MIC=125µg mL-1) as well as high antileishmanial activity against the promastigote forms of L. infantum and L. major (IC50=11.45µg mL-1 and IC50=14.53µg mL-1, respectively). The active compound was purified using bioassay-guided fractionation and thin layer chromatography, and identified as ursolic acid using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array and mass spectrometry. The purified compound was strongly inhibitory against the promastigote and amastigote forms of L. infantum and L. major (IC50=5.87µg mL-1 and 6.95mL-1, versus 9.56µg mL-1 and 10. 68µg mL-1, respectively) without overt cytotoxicity against Raw 264.7 macrophage cells (SI=13.53 and 11.43, respectively). The commercial compound (ursolic acid) showed similar activity against amastigotes and promastigotes forms of L. infantum and L. major. Moreover, its molecular mode of action against leishmaniasis seems to involve the expression of the ODC and SPS genes involved in thiol pathway. Extracts of Micromeria nervosa can be considered as a potential alternative to antimicrobial and antileishmanial drugs.

Response Surface Methodology for Simple Non-Acid Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Pectin from Taiwan’s Citrus depressa H. Peels

Abstract Exploration of pectin from Citrus depressa H. peels (CD pectin) could add value to the waste arising from Citrus depressa H. beverage products. Preliminary analysis showed that temperature and acidity were insignificantly affect pectin yield, degree of esterification and DPPH scavenging activity. In order to optimize the ultrasonication time and solid: solvent ratio (SLR) of CD pectin extraction, response surface methodology central composite design (RSM-CCD) was used as the statistical tool. The optimum UAE conditions were: extraction time 39.96 minutes and solid: iquid ratio 1:20 (w/v). Under these conditions, the pectin yield was 16.07%, with 83.49% DPPH scavenging activity and 62.46% degree of esterification. The prediction model with a 0.922 desirability value was verified with adequate “lack of fit” values and confirmed consistent response in high and low prediction intervals (95%). Titration analysis, FTIR-ATR, NMR and XRD spectroscopy had been done to the dried pectin, and found that CD pectin is considered as high methoxylated (DE &gt; 50%) with amorphous and crystalline structures. CD pectin peel also exhibited high DPPH scavenging activity (74.14 – 83.56%) that the food industry could potentially use as natural antioxidants. Keywords: Ultrasonication, Pectin, Optimization, Structural, Functional

Phytochemical investigation, antioxidant and anticancer activities of various Unani drugs.

To analyze the phytochemicals, antioxidant, and anticancer activities on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line using aqueous, hydro-ethanol, and methanol extracts of different Unani drugs, e.g., Halela Siyah, Aftimoon, Bisfayej, Ustukhudoos, and Kutki. The qualitative examination (alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins), anticancer activity, and an antioxidant assay of the three different extracts were done by MTT assay and DPPH assay, respectively, using different Unani drugs. The qualitative examination confirmed the substantive presence of phytochemical constituents in all the extracts of these drugs. The Methanolic extract of Halela Siyah had the highest DPPH scavenging activity (91%), while Bisfayej had the lowest (58%). Similarly, the hydro-ethanolic extract showed approximately identical activity for Halela Siyah (89%), Aftimoon (88%), Bisfayej (84%), Kutki (82%), and Ustukhudoos (81%). The aqueous extracts of Halela Siyah (88%) had the highest DPPH scavenging activity, whereas Bisfayej (73%) had the lowest. The methanolic extract of Aftimoon demonstrated the greatest anticancer activity (IC50- 108), while Aftimoon showed the least activity (IC50- 316). Halela Siyah (IC50- 175) and Aftimoon (IC50- 178) showed substantially the same activity in aqueous extracts. Ustukhudoos hydro-ethanol extracts had the highest (IC50- 130) activity, whereas Aftimoon had the lowest (IC50- 204). In conclusion, our findings evaluated the presence of phytochemicals, good antioxidant activity, and anticancer activity in different extracts of drugs used in this study. The study shows these drugs have potential anticancer activity against breast cancer in MCF-7 cell lines.

Effect of pretreatments and solar tunnel dryer zones on functional properties, proximate composition, and bioactive components of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) pulp powder

Pumpkin fruits are large in size and need to be cut into pieces for use. The quality and storage life of cuts rapidly deteriorated. Big size fruits can be converted to shelf stable product to minimize postharvest loss using solar driers. However, drying temperature and RH in long solar tunnel drier not uniform and may affects quality of dried products. Therefore this research work aimed to investigate the effects of pre-drying treatments and solar tunnel dryer zones on the functional properties, proximate composition, and bioactive components of pumpkin pulp powder. Three groups of pumpkin slices were pre-treated in 1% citric acid (20 min), 2% salt (20 min) solutions, and the other group blanched at 65 °C in 1% salt solution (2 min), untreated sample used as a control. Pre-treated samples then dried in three zones of tunnel solar drier (zone I, zone II and zone III). Treatment combinations were laid down in factorial RCBD replicated 3 times. Results showed that pulp powder from salt pre-treated slice and dried at zone III results in the highest values of shrinkage, rehydration ratio, water holding capacity, and bulk density. Moisture content decreased from zone I to III, and with salt blanching in range of 8.2 to 6.4%, no effect in crude fat content, slices pre-treated in 2% salt solution results is better crude protein and fiber contents in zones. Better retention of total polyphones, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, with high DPPH scavenging activity and lowest IC50 values were observed for salt pre-treated sample but dried in zone II of the drier. In general relatively better functional properties, proximate composition and bioactive compounds of the powder can be preserved when slices pre-treated in 2% salt solution and dried in zone II of solar tunnel drier characterized by 54.9 ± 3.7 °C, RH value of 31.4 ± 3.4% and air velocity of 0.45 m/s.

Evaluation of the Chemical Composition, Bioactive Substance, Gas Production, and Rumen Fermentation Parameters of Four Types of Distiller's Grains.

Distiller’s grain is rich in natural active ingredients and can be used as an excellent antioxidant feed for goats. The current study aimed to assess the feeding value of four different types of distiller’s grains with an in vitro gas production trial. The chemical composition, total phenols, total anthocyanins, dry matter degradability, methane, hydrogen, and rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated. The results indicated that red distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain had higher (p < 0.05) levels of crude protein than the other two types. There were significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of dry matter, ether extract, hemicellulose, and total carbohydrate in corn distiller’s grain than in the other three types of distiller’s grain. In addition, red distiller’s grain showed a higher (p < 0.05) gas production rate constant (c) and ruminal outflow rate, as well as higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of total phenol, total anthocyanins and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, than the other three types of distiller’s grains. In contrast, red distiller’s grain displayed the lowest (p < 0.05) immediately soluble fraction (a) and half the time of maximum gas production relative to the other samples. In particular, the levels of methane (%) in white distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain were greater (p < 0.05) than that in red distiller’s grain. Moreover, the ammonia nitrogen content in red distiller’s grain was greater (p < 0.05) than that in white distiller’s grain and corn distiller’s grain. In contrast, red distiller’s grain exhibited a lower (p < 0.05) level of ruminal fluid acetic acid relative to that found in white distiller’s grain and corn distiller’s grain. Taken together, the results showed that red distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain could be used as protein feed, red distiller’s grain had higher levels of total phenols and total anthocyanins and a high DPPH scavenging activity; corn distiller’s grain might be considered as an alternative energy source feed, and white distiller’s grain exhibited higher total gas production.

Rapid screening of antioxidant activities components from yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. and Endl.) leaves by variable selection based on weight analysis

ABSTRACT This study proposes a strategy for screening and validating of antioxidant compounds and components from leaves of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. and Endl.) by variable selection based on weight analysis. The theoretical basis of variable selection lies in that the varied quantity of variables will influence the activity results of samples. The ethyl acetate fraction (sample 0) with high DPPH scavenging activity was further separated using silica gel chromatographic column to obtain 17 subfractions (samples 1–17). The 18 samples contain different compounds exhibited different DPPH radical scavenging activities. Two components A and B with time range of 2.00–12.00 min and 53.00–64.00 min on the chromatogram were selected by variable selection, respectively. Simultaneously, a large number of compounds with different retention times (RTs) were screened out. Five predicted compounds, including chlorogenic acid, methyl caffeate, ethyl caffeate, homoeriodictyol, quercetin 3,7-dimethyl ether were isolated and verified by DPPH radical scavenging ability assay. The radical scavenging rates of those compounds were higher than that of ethyl acetate fraction and the positive control butylated hydroxyltoluene (BHT). Meanwhile, components A and B also show strong antioxidant activity. The radical scavenging activity of component A is higher than that of compounds which contained in component A, indicating the existence of synergistic antioxidant activity of compounds. The results of variable selection show that the proposed method is simple and reliable in screening the most active components and compounds. The method could be used for screening of compounds and components from other herbal plants with other activities.