High Levels Of Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Sesamol Loaded Silver Nanoparticles Gel Engineered for Wound Healing via Topical Delivery: Optimization In vitro and Ex vivo Evaluation.

The current investigation involved the development and application of a topical treatment for wound healing for sesamol loaded into the silver nanoparticles (SML-AgNPs). SML-AgNPs were produced through the application of microwave technique. The SML-AgNPs were further optimized utilizing a Box Behnken Design (BBD). The Opt-SML-AgNPs formulation that was optimized demonstrated a particle size of 160.49 ± 1.11 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.241 ± 0.54, a zeta potential of -21.09 ± 0.88 mV, and an efficiency of 84.19 ± 1.19%. The morphology of the Opt-SML-AgNPs reveals a spherical structure. The Opt-SML-AgNPs exhibit a higher in vitro drug release rate as compared to the SML suspension. The Opt-SML-AgNPs were incorporated into the carbopol gel (Opt-SML-AgNPG) and evaluated for various parameters. The skin permeation investigation revealed a twofold increase for the Opt-SML-AgNPG formulation when compared to the SML-conventional gel formulation. This finding indicates a prolonged release pattern and an enhanced permeability profile. The Opt-SML-AgNPs formulation exhibited a higher level of antioxidant activity when compared to the SML solution which is beneficial for wound healing. In conclusion, the Opt-SML-AgNPG exhibits considerable potential in effectively penetrating the deeper dermal layers. Therefore, it may be considered that they possess the potential to serve as a suitable nanocarrier to administer topical delivery in the context of treating skin-related illnesses.

LC-MS/MS Profiling, Biological Activities and Molecular Docking Studiesof Simmondsia Chinensis Leaves.

This study aimed to assess the biological activities of Tunisian Simmondsia chinensis and characterize their potential bioactive compounds. Different extracts of S. chinensis were tested for their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti α-amylase, and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities through in vitro assays. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest levels of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (976.03 GAE/g extract) compared to the other extracts. Additionally, it demonstrated a substantial anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (PI= 75%) and potent antibacterial property, particularly against Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella enterica. The IC50 values of ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts against α-amylase were 42 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL, respectively, indicating potent anti-diabetic effects. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses identified flavonoids and lignans as the major phenolic compounds in the methanolic extract. To better comprehend the mechanisms behind inhibitory effects on α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes, a molecular docking study was conducted. Consequently, these findings indicate that S. chinensis is a highly valuable natural resource with potential industrial applications.

The investigation prospect application of alcohol-water extract of lingonberry as antimicrobial, anti-fungi and antioxidant pharmaceutical

Infection diseases is a worldwide important problem for medicine and pharmacy. Every year 13.7 million people die from bacterial infections in the world. Thus, the search of new compounds with antimicrobial and anti-fungi activity is topical for today. The object of the study was lingonberry leaf 60% extract. The content of phenylpropanoids derivatives was evaluated by spectrophotometric method of analysis, whereas organic acids by alkalimetric method; antioxidant power was found by potentiometric method; antibacterial and antifungal activity was assessed by the method of “wells”. According to the results of the study, it was shown that the lingonberry leaf extract is inferior to the green tea leaf extract in terms of the content of phenolic compounds, catechins, hydroxycinnamic and organic acids, but flavonoids dominate in the lingonberry extract. The study found that lingonberry leaf extract has a high level of antioxidant activity. When comparing the levels of antioxidant action of lingonberry extract with green tea extract and the «gold standard» – аepigallocatechin-3-O-gallate in one concentration of 0.03 mol/L, it was found that lingonberry extract had the best result. Escherichia coli bacteria was the most sensitive to the extract whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant. This work shows that 60% ethanolic lingonberry leaf extract has potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal effects. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that 60% V. vitis-idaea leaf extract is promising for the development of new antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant pharmaceutical.

Effects of mandarin peel powder on growth, biochemical, immune, and intestinal health in Oreochromis niloticus at suboptimal temperatures

This 60-day study aimed to examine the efficacy of a diet supplemented with mandarin peel powder (MP) in enhancing the health and survival of Oreochromis niloticus under suboptimal temperature conditions (21 ℃). One hundred and eighty Nile tilapia fish (22.51 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into four experimental groups; each of 3 replicates (15 fish per replicate). The first group (CONT) received a basal diet without MP. The second (MP10%), third (MP15%), and fourth (MP20%) groups were fed diets containing 10, 15, and 20% MP powder, respectively. At the end of the feeding trail, growth performance, serum growth hormone, α-amylase enzyme, lysozyme activity, nitric oxide, protease activity, globulin, serum levels of IL-1ß, antioxidant status, and intestinal histology were measured. The results showed insignificant differences between CONT, MP15%, and MP20% groups in the final body weight and specific growth rate. The growth hormones in the MP15% and MP20% groups did not show a significant difference compared to fish fed a normal basal diet (CONT). However, the amylase enzymes were significantly greater in both groups. The MP20% and MP15% groups showed a significant increase in antioxidant, lysozyme, nitric oxide, and protease activities compared to CONT. The results also showed that fish that were fed a diet with MP had significantly less of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta, and their intestinal villi got wider, especially in the MP20% group. It could be concluded that feeding tilapia on a diet with 20% MP is an effective strategy to improve their health when the temperature is below 21 °C. This is because the fish exhibit higher levels of antioxidant activity, reduced pro-inflammatory responses, and improved intestinal health without difference in the growth performance in compared to control group.

Anti-arthritic potential and antioxidant properties of infusion, fractions and flavonoid glycosides from Dipteryx alata (baru) leaves

Dipteryx alata Vogel., popularly known as "baru", is a native species of Brazilian cerrado used by "Ribeirinhos" in the North Araguaia microregion. In the traditional medicine, maceration of barks or leaves infusion are used to treat back and muscle pain, osteoporosis and rheumatism. However, few studies have demonstrated the pharmacological effects of this species. The goal of this study was to perform phytochemicals studies of lyophilized infusion of D. alata leaves (LI-DA), as well as obtaining ethyl acetate fraction (EAF-DA) and hydromethanolic fraction (HMF-DA), and isolated flavonoids. The antioxidant of LI-DA, EAF-DA and HMF-DA, anti-inflammatory effects of LI-DA and quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside (DA-1) and quercetin-7-O-α-rhamnoside (DA-2) were performed while in silico tests were used for absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity predictions of DA-1 and DA-2. LI-DA, EAF-DA and HMF-DA were evaluated in antioxidant assays (2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid - ABTS; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl - DPPH; hydrogen peroxide - H2O2; reducing power and oxidation of β-carotene). The DA-1 and DA-2 were isolated from EAF-DA using chromatographic methods and characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer. The Programs ProTox 3.0 and ADMETlab 2.0 were used for the prediction studies of DA-1 and DA-2. Mice received a single dose of LI-DA (3, 30, and 100 mg/kg), DA-1 (3 mg/kg) and DA-2 (3 mg/kg) and were subjected to inflammation induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and in the zymosan-induced articular inflammation model. DA-1 and DA-2 have been identified for the first time in the leaves of D. alata. LI-DA, EAF-DA and HMF-DA demonstrated a high level of antioxidant activity as measured by ABTS (IC50 ≤ 5.62 μg/mL) and DPPH (IC50 ≤ 11.45 μg/mL). Oral administration of LI-DA (3, 30 and 100 mg/kg), DA-1 (3 mg/kg) and DA-2 (3 mg/kg) showed significantly reduced edema, cold and mechanical allodynia in the CFA-induced inflammation model (24 hours). LI-DA (3, 30, and 100 mg/kg) and DA-1 (3 mg/kg) reduced leukocytes migration into the joint cavity, mechanical allodynia, edema and NO production in mice (24 hours) in the zymosan-induced articular inflammation model. Additionally, DA-2 (3 mg/kg) reduced leukocyte migration and LI-DA (30 mg/kg) reduced protein exudation (24 hours) in zymosan model. DA-1 and DA-2 showed good oral bioavailability and low toxicity predicted by the ProTox model. This is the first chemical and biological study performed of D. alata infusion and two quercetin glycoside derivatives. The results indicated promising potential for the treatment of inflammation, pain, and rheumatism, supporting the traditional use of the infusion obtained from the leaves of D. alata.

Acetylation of Oleanolic Acid Dimers as a Method of Synthesis of Powerful Cytotoxic Agents.

Oleanolic acid, a naturally occurring triterpenoid compound, has garnered significant attention in the scientific community due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Continuing our previous work on the synthesis of oleanolic acid dimers (OADs), a simple, economical, and safe acetylation reaction was performed. The newly obtained derivatives (AcOADs, 3a-3n) were purified using two methods. The structures of all acetylated dimers (3a-3n) were determined based on spectral methods (IR, NMR). For all AcOADs (3a-3n), the relationship between the structure and the expected directions of pharmacological activity was determined using a computational method (QSAR computational analysis). All dimers were also tested for their cytotoxic activity on the SKBR-3, SKOV-3, PC-3, and U-87 cancer cell lines. HDF cell line was applied to evaluate the Selectivity Index of the tested compounds. All cytotoxic tests were performed with the application of the MTT assay. Finally, all dimers of oleanolic acid were subjected to DPPH and CUPRAC tests to evaluate their antioxidant activity. The obtained results indicate a very high level of cytotoxic activity (IC50 for most AcOADs below 5.00 µM) and a fairly high level of antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalent in some cases above 0.04 mg/mL).

Topical Formulations of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) Ethanol Extract by Ultrasound-assisted Extraction: Formulation and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation

The antioxidant action of Butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) is believed to be attributed to its flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols components. These chemicals function as antioxidants, effectively neutralising free radicals and providing protection against skin damage caused by UV radiation. The objective of this study was to ascertain the IC50 value of butterfly pea extract and thereafter to evaluate the degree of customer preference and convenience towards pharmaceutical items. This study utilised ultrasound-assisted extraction with a solvent technique employing 96% ethanol to generate extracts. These extracts were then compounded into several topical formulations including cream, gel and face spray. Initial assessments were conducted on all compositions, encompassing organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, specific gravity, adhesion, spreadability, wetness and irritation. This study also incorporated acceptance and customer preference as factors. The antioxidant activity of BPF extract was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) technique by estimating the IC50 value. The analysis revealed that the BPF extract had a yield of 38.75%. The IC50 values for the gel, cream and face mist preparations were 97.70, 49.14 and 73.89 ppm respectively. The cream recipe had the highest level of antioxidant activity. The determination of consumer preference has indicated that the majority of consumers favours face mist over other formulations.

Exploring the Potential of Oleanolic Acid Dimers-Cytostatic and Antioxidant Activities, Molecular Docking, and ADMETox Profile.

The presented work aimed to explore the potential of oleanolic acid dimers (OADs): their cytostatic and antioxidant activities, molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, and ADMETox profile. The cytostatic properties of oleanolic acid (1) and its 14 synthesised dimers (2a-2n) were evaluated against 10 tumour types and expressed as IC50 values. Molecular docking was performed with the CB-Dock2 server. Antioxidant properties were evaluated with the CUPRAC method. ADMETox properties were evaluated with the ADMETlab Manual (2.0) database. The results indicate that the obtained OADs can be effective cytostatic agents, for which the IC50 not exceeded 10.00 for many tested cancer cell lines. All OADs were much more active against all cell lines than the mother compound (1). All dimers can inhibit the interaction between the 1MP8 protein and cellular proteins with the best results for compounds 2f and 2g with unsaturated bonds within the linker. An additional advantage of the tested OADs was a high level of antioxidant activity, with Trolox equivalent for OADs 2c, 2d, 2g-2j, 2l, and 2m of approximately 0.04 mg/mL, and beneficial pharmacokinetics and ADMETox properties. The differences in the DPPH and CUPRAC assay results obtained for OADs may indicate that these compounds may be effective antioxidants against different radicals.

Oleanolic Acid Dimers with Potential Application in Medicine-Design, Synthesis, Physico-Chemical Characteristics, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activity.

The present work aimed to obtain a set of oleanolic acid derivatives with a high level of cytotoxic and antioxidant activities and a low level of toxicity by applying an economical method. Oleanolic acid was alkylated with α,ω-dihalogenoalkane/α,ω-dihalogenoalkene to obtain 14 derivatives of dimer structure. All of the newly obtained compounds were subjected to QSAR computational analysis to evaluate the probability of the occurrence of different types of pharmacological activities depending on the structure of the analysed compound. All dimers were tested for cytotoxicity activity and antioxidant potential. The cytotoxicity was tested on the SKBR-3, SKOV-3, PC-3, and U-87 cancer cell lines with the application of the MTT assay. The HDF cell line was applied to evaluate the tested compounds' Selectivity Index. The antioxidant test was performed with a DPPH assay. Almost all triterpene dimers showed a high level of cytotoxic activity towards selected cancer cell lines, with an IC50 value below 10 µM. The synthesised derivatives of oleanolic acid exhibited varying degrees of antioxidant activity, surpassing that of the natural compound in several instances. Employing the DPPH assay, compounds 2a, 2b, and 2f emerged as promising candidates, demonstrating significantly higher Trolox equivalents and highlighting their potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Joining two oleanolic acid residues through their C-17 carboxyl group using α,ω-dihalogenoalkanes/α,ω-dihalogenoalkenes resulted in the synthesis of highly potent cytotoxic agents with favourable SIs and high levels of antioxidant activity.

Comparative bioactivity assessment of bixin pigment and associated phytochemicals extracted from annatto seeds using conventional and green solvents.

Nutraceuticals, that include food ingredients and bioactives from natural products, confer physiological health benefits and protection against chronic diseases. Annatto is a tropical shrub grown in Central and South America and parts of India. Its seeds are rich in the edible carotenoid-derived apocarotenoid pigment, bixin, which is used as a natural colorant in food, textiles, and cosmetics, and is now gaining attention for its potential health-promoting attributes. Here, we compared a green solvent (ethyl lactate) based extraction of bixin and associated metabolites in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) with two other conventional solvents (acetone and acid-base). Bixin was characterized in the extracts using UV-visible- and FTIR-spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography. The bixin-containing solvent extracts were then profiled for other co-existing metabolites using GC-MS analysis, which were found to be sesquiterpenes, terpenes, terpenoids, phytosterols, and tocotrienols. Their bioactivity was evaluated based on antioxidant and wound-healing efficacies and compared with pure bixin, using NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells in-vitro. Pure bixin, as well as the annatto solvent extracts, showed strong antioxidant and wound healing properties, wherein pure bixin and green solvent extract (ethyl lactate coat) exhibited higher levels of antioxidant activity, achieving 46.00% and 44.60% reduction in MDA levels, respectively, as well as enhanced wound-healing activity, with 54.09% and 53.60% wound closure within 24 h. The green solvent extracts of annatto seeds revealed: (a) differential bioactive profiles in annatto seeds (crushed and seed coat) in comparison with other solvents, and (b) strong antioxidant and wound healing properties. Thus, ethyl lactate extraction shows strong potential for sustainable environmental friendly production of functional foods/nutraceuticals from annatto seeds.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity in different Egyptian barley cultivars: an in vitro and in silico study

BackgroundCereals have historically played a crucial role in the human diet, serving as a significant natural source of energy and offering various health benefits. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been given significant attention in recent years due to its exceptional nutritional value, surpassing that of other cereals. The objective of this research is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts obtained from three different barley cultivars.ResultsThe G.136 variety's acetone extract exhibited the highest level of antioxidant activity in both the DPPH assay, with an IC50 of 55.62 µg/ml, and the FRAP assay, with 447 μM trolox/mg extract. The dominant compounds identified before in the acetone fraction were subjected to an evaluation of their docking scores, along with an assessment of ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) and TOPKAT (Toxicity Prediction by Komputer Assisted Technology) studies. Notably, hordatine A1, prodelphinidin B3, hordatine B1, procyanidin B2, and isovitexin 7-O-glucoside were the major compounds with the highest LipDock scores compared to trolox the reference drug with polyphenol oxidase.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that the acetone extract from all three cultivars demonstrates noteworthy results, surpassing the efficacy of other solvent extracts against the antioxidant activity.

Marine seaweed endophytic fungi-derived active metabolites promote reactive oxygen species-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

Endophytic fungi have an abundant sources rich source of rich bioactive molecules with pivotal pharmacological properties. Several studies have found that endophytic fungi-derived bioactive secondary metabolites have antiproliferative, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, but the molecular mechanism by which they induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis pathways is unknown. This study aimed to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer property of the endophytic fungi derived active secondary metabolites on human breast cancer cells. In this study, we identified four endophytic fungi from marine seaweeds and partially screened its phytochemical properties by Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Moreover, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer property of these active secondary metabolites (FA, FB, FC and FE) on human breast cancer cells were examined on MCF-7 cells by TT assay, Apoptotic assay by Acridine orang/Ethidium Bromide (Dual Staining), DNA Fragmentation by DAPI Staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination by DCFH-DA assay, Cell cycle analysis was conducted Flow cytometry and the apoptotic signalling pathway was evaluated by westernblot analysis. Doxorubicin was used as a positive control drug for this experiment. The GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extract of endophytic fungi from the marine macro-algae revealed the different functional groups and bioactive secondary metabolites. From the library, we observed the FC (76%), FB (75%), FA (73%) and FE (71%) have high level of antioxidant activity which was assessed by DPPH scavenging assay. Further, we evaluated the cytotoxic potentials of these secondary metabolites on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells for 24h and the IC50 value were calculated (FA:28.62 ± 0.3µg/ml, FB:49.81 ± 2.5µg/ml, FC:139.42 ± µg/ml and FE:22.47 ± 0.5µg/ul) along with positive control Doxorubicin 15.64 ± 0.8µg/ml respectively by MTT assay. The molecular mechanism by which the four active compound induced apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells was determined H2DCFDA staining, DAPI staining, Acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) dual staining, flowcytometry analysis with PI staining and apoptotic key regulatory proteins expression levels measured by westernblot analysis. Our findings, revealed the anticancer potential of endophytic fungi from marine seaweed as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with anticancer properties and underscore the significance of exploring marine-derived endophytic fungi as a promising avenue for the development of novel anticancer agents. Further investigations are necessary to isolate and characterize specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and to validate their therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical settings.

Micellar extracts obtained from Bistortae rhizoma, Fraxinus excelsior, and Romex crispus as components of hair shampoos

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential applications of micellar extracts derived from Bistortae rhizoma, Fraxinus excelsior, and Romex crispus as components of hair shampoos and to examine the impact of these micellar extracts on the specific properties of the formulated cosmetics. The antioxidant activity, polyphenol content, and vitamin C content of the plant materials selected for the study were assessed. In addition, particle size analysis was performed for the obtained micellar extracts. The shampoos prepared on the basis of original formulations were evaluated for irritation potential, viscosity, foam stability index, and color. The plants evaluated in the study exhibited a high level of antioxidant activity, and the derived extracts were found to contain micellar aggregates. The application of the extracts was shown to reduce the skin irritation potential of the shampoos and reduce their viscosity. In addition, the formulated shampoos were characterized by a high foam stability index. Substantial variations in the color of the cosmetics were observed upon the introduction of the micellar extracts into the formulations.

Salt Tolerance Assessment in Triticum Aestivum and Triticum Durum.

Salt stress is a multicomponent phenomenon; it includes many processes that directly or indirectly affect the plant. Attempts have been made to comprehensively consider the processes of salt stress in plants Triticum aestivum (variety Orenburgskaya 22) and Triticum durum (variety Zolotaya). The study used methods of light and fluorescence microscopy, methods of immunofluorodetection, expression of DNA methyltransferase genes, genes of the ion transporter and superoxide dismutase families, as well as biochemical determination of total antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reagent. According to morphometric indicators, the Orenburgskaya 22 variety showed greater tolerance to the action of 150 mM NaCl than the Zolotaya variety. The level of expression of genes of the HKT ion transporter family in the Orenburgskaya 22 variety is higher than in the Zolotaya variety. It was found that the expression of the DNA methyltransferase gene DRM2.1, which post-translationally methylates cytosine residues, is 22.3 times higher in Zolotaya compared to Orenburg 22 when exposed to salt. The accumulation of toxic ions is accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased damage to root tissue, especially in the Zolotaya variety. Using fluorescence microscopy using the Carboxy-H2DFF marker in the Orenburgskaya 22 variety at high NaCl concentrations, the highest fluorescence intensity was determined in the cap zone; in the Zolotaya variety-in the zones of the cap and root meristem. Excess ROS is more successfully removed in the Orenburgskaya 22 variety, which has a higher level of antioxidant activity (AOA), as well as the level of expression of the Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD superoxide dismutase genes. Using programmed cell death (PCD) markers based on the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytoplasm, DNA breakage and the release of phosphatidylserine from mitochondria, the degree of damage to root cells was assessed in both wheat varieties. It has been proven that wheat cell death occurs through the mitochondrial pathway. It was noted that the salt-sensitive variety Zolotaya had a significant number of necrotic cells. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that the Orenburgskaya 22 variety exhibits greater resistance to salinity than the Zolotaya variety. These data may be of practical importance for enhancing protective mechanisms under abiotic stress.

Development, characterization and application of colorimetric active packaging based on soy protein isolate, trehalose and Oxalis triangularis extract

Colorimetric active packaging based on soy protein isolate (SPI)/trehalose (TRE) and Oxalis triangularis extract (OTE) was developed for monitoring pork spoilage and preserving Actinidia arguta. The formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds among TRE, OTE, and the SPI matrix resulted in a more compact film structure and improved mechanical, barrier and water resistance properties. The addition of OTE greatly increased the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the films. The stability of the films improved due to their dense network structure and good barrier and antioxidant capacity. Among all samples, SPI films containing both TRE and OTE (ST-OTE) exhibited the best barrier and mechanical properties after 45 days of storage and maintained a high level of antioxidant activity after heating and UV irradiation. SPI-OTE and ST-OTE films showed good pH sensitivity and responsiveness and exhibited visible color changes during the monitoring of pork spoilage. Compared to the control group, ST-OTE effectively prolonged the storage period of A. arguta.

Riceberry bran as a potential source of anti-diabetic agents and its Riceberry bran powder

This study evaluated the anti-a-glucosidase effect, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic compounds of Riceberry bran extracts prepared by the extraction of Riceberry bran with distilled water, ethanol, or hexane using a maceration technique. The ethanolic extract resulted in the significantly highest a-glucosidase inhibitory activity, at 64.13±1.09%. The highest levels of antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals were found in the aqueous extract with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.26±0.001 and 0.13±0.001 mg/mL, respectively. Likewise, the total phenolic compounds of the aqueous extract were the highest at 36.20±1.80 mg GAE/g of extract. The Riceberry bran powder obtained by double drum drying was also examined for its physical and chemical properties. It was found that the Riceberry bran powder was of good quality and provided high levels of a-glucosidase inhibition (20.24±0.47%), antioxidant activities (IC50 for DPPH = 4.19±0.08 mg/mL, IC50 for ABTS = 1.57±0.07 mg/mL), and total phenolic compounds (31.25±1.32 mg GAE/g of powder). The overall results indicated the potential of Riceberry bran to provide a-glucosidase inhibitors, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds, which can be used as useful health promoters and nutraceuticals to combat diabetes, and its powder also had potential in the functional food industry.

Comprehensive metabolic profiling of Thymus canoviridis (endemic) and Thymus pubescens var. pubescens using UPLC-MS/MS and evaluation of their antioxidant activities, enzyme inhibition abilities, and molecular docking studies

Thymus species (Lamiaceae), commonly referred to as thyme, have gained popularity due to their utilisation in traditional medicine for various ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, colds, upper respiratory infections, vomiting, jaundice, oral hygiene and oral ulcers. Nevertheless, a significant number of Thymus species remain unexplored in terms of their bioactivity and phenolic content. In the present study, a thorough chemical analysis of endemic Thymus canoviridis methanol (METC)-water extracts (WETC) and Thymus pubescens var. pubescens methanol (METP)-water extracts (WETP) was carried out by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). In addition, the inhibitory effect and antioxidant properties of these extracts on the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-glycosidase and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) were also evaluated. The antioxidant potential was assessed using six assays, namely DPPH, ABTS, DMPD, FRAP, CUPRAC and Fe3+ reducing assays. Our results suggest that the methanol extract from these two plants exhibits a higher level of antioxidant activity. Furthermore, WETP inhibited all enzymes in the best way. According to the UPLC-MS/MS analysis results, rosmarinic acid showed its highest content in METC (18285.55 µg/g extract), WETC (27.98 µg/g extract) and METP (2910.59 µg/g extract), while WETP (69.76 µg/g extract) and the following total amounts of phenolic compounds were METC 20726.55 µg/g extract, METP 5887.20 µg/g extract, WETP 348.98 µg/g extract, WETC 68.56 µg/g extract. It is consistent with the analytical result, total phenolic content, and activity ranking in antioxidant assays. Regard to the results of the molecular docking studies, there is a high binding affinity between the CA II enzyme and cyanidin-3-O-glycoside, between the AChE and keracyanin chloride, and between α-glycosidase enzyme and rosmarinic acid. The extracts were discovered to exhibit various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and antiglaucoma properties.

Evaluation of the probiotic potential of yeast isolated from kombucha in New Zealand

The current study investigated the in vitro probiotic potential of yeast isolated from kombucha, a tea beverage fermented with a symbiotic culture of acetic acid bacteria and yeast. A total of 62 yeast strains were previously isolated from four different commercial kombucha samples sold in New Zealand. Fifteen representative isolates belonging to eight different species were evaluated for their growth under different conditions (temperature, low pH, concentrations of bile salts, and NaCl). Cell surface characteristics, functional and enzymatic activities of the selected strains were also studied in triplicate experiments. Results showed that six strains (Dekkera bruxellensis LBY1, Sachizosaccharomyces pombe LBY5, Hanseniaspora valbyensis DOY1, Brettanomyces anomalus DOY8, Pichia kudraivzevii GBY1, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae GBY2) were able to grow under low-acid conditions (at pH 2 and pH 3) and in the presence of bile salts. This suggests their potential to survive passage through the human gut. All 15 strains exhibited negative enzymatic activity reactions (haemolytic, gelatinase, phospholipase, and protease activities), and thus, they can be considered safe to consume. Notably, two of the fifteen strains (Pichia kudraivzevii GBY1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae GBY2) exhibited desirable cell surface hydrophobicity (64.60–83.87%), auto-aggregation (>98%), co-aggregation, resistance to eight tested antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, colistin sulphate, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin, streptomycin, and tetracycline), and high levels of antioxidant activities (>90%). Together, our data reveal the probiotic activities of two yeast strains GBY1 and GBY2 and their potential application in functional food production.

The nutritional composition of key apricot varieties cultivated in Türkiye with a focus on health-related compounds

Türkiye’s favorable geographical location and diverse climatic conditions provide it an ideal host for a wide range of fruit species. In this content, apricots have garnered significant global attention. In this study, local varieties such as Hasanbey, Hacıhaliloğlu, Kabaaşı, and Şalak were examined, alongside foreign varieties commonly cultivated in coastal regions, specifically Mikado and Mogador. It was found that domestic varieties are notably different from foreign varieties in terms of their health-related components. Fruits from various varieties sourced from significant apricot-producing provinces were investigated. The study revealed a range in total carotenoid content from 5.59 to 10.3 mg/kg, antioxidant activity spanning 478.5 to 1969 mgTE/kg, and total phenol content fluctuating between 122 and 771 mgTE/kg. The ‘Şalak’ distinguishes itself significantly from others due to its elevated phenolic content, leading to a correspondingly higher level of antioxidant activity. In conclusion, it has been observed that the antioxidant content in this variety is significantly higher (approximately 4 times higher). The study results unequivocally demonstrate that, beyond the significance of cultivation location, genotype plays a pivotal role as an essential determinant in relation to the evaluated quality features.

Chemotaxonomy, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of selected aromatic plants from Tabuk region-KSA

Chemotaxonomy is a valuable tool for obtaining taxonomic insights, which are most effectively employed in combination with other forms of data to establish a system of classification that closely reflects natural connections. The utilization of plant secondary metabolites possessing diverse therapeutic qualities signifies the growing exploitation of natural products in the medical discipline. The objectives of the current study encompassed the identification of phytochemicals in the extracts of nine species of medicinal plants, the examination of their chemotaxonomic properties, and the assessment of the antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities exhibited by the extracts. GC-MS technology was employed for the identification of phytochemical compounds. The study utilized ClassyFire, an automated chemical classification system that incorporates an extensive and computable classification, to categorize chemicals. The chemical classification of plants was examined by the application of principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). The bactericidal properties of plants were assessed against four harmful bacterial species using the disc diffusion technique. The antioxidant properties of plant extracts were assessed employing the DPPH free radical scavenging methodology, and the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) was determined using dose response models. The calculator being referred to is the Quest Graph™ EC50 Calculator. In the plant extracts, the analysis disclosed the occurrence of 160 phytochemicals, classified into 36 phytochemical classes. The results of CA and PCA demonstrated the proximity and associations among Asteraceae species, while indicating the divergence of the two Lamiaceae species. Achillea fragrantissima and Ducrosia flabellifolia demonstrated the most diversity in phytochemical classes, while Thymus vulgaris displayed the highest level of dominance. Pulicaria undulata and T. vulgaris had the most notable antibacterial activity. D. flabellifolia and P. incisa demonstrated the highest levels of antioxidant activity. Ethanol exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared to other solvents. The remarkable biological activities exhibited by these plant extracts can be ascribed to the copious presence of certain chemicals, predominantly sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenoids, benzene and its derivatives, naphthalenes, fatty acyls, and phenols. The susceptibility of Gram-positive bacterial species to plant extracts was shown to be higher in comparison to Gram-negative bacterial species.