Highest Antioxidant Activity In Terms Research Articles

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Cold-Brew Method for Developing Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)-Based Tisane with High Antioxidant Activity

Edible flowers, including roselle, contain a varied composition of phenolic compounds that may inhibit the oxidative stress mechanism. Roselle-based tisane with appealing sensory properties is commonly consumed worldwide. However, the conventional hot-brew method may ruin the stability of thermolabile phenolic compounds during the tisane preparation. Hence, this study aimed to develop a new alternative brewing method linked with the new cold-brew method, which involves a lower temperature and applying ultrasound to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds and to avoid degradation during the tisane preparation. The brewing factors, including particle size (10, 20, 30 mesh), temperature (4, 15, 26 °C), time (10, 20, 30 min), and ultrasound amplitude (20, 60, 100% of the maximum amplitude) have been optimized simultaneously using Box–Behnken design in conjunction with response surface methodology. Seven major phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD and classified into hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCA) and flavonoids. The optimum extraction condition to reach the highest level of the studied phenolic compounds was set to brew roselle with particle size of 30 ± 3.25 mesh at 26 ± 1.32 °C for 18 ± 2.00 min applying 78 ± 5.64% ultrasound amplitude. This method successfully extracted almost all HCA and flavonoid during the first cycle with less than 10% CV and provided higher antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH (IC50 9.77 ± 0.01 µg mL−1), ABTS (IC50 8.05 ± 0.02 µg mL−1), and FRAP (IC50 10.34 ± 0.03 µg mL−1) than the roselle tisane prepared using the conventional method. Additionally, the resulting cold-brew product was stable for up to five days of storage.

Physicochemical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and in vitro cytotoxic activities of corn pollen protein hydrolysates obtained by different peptidases.

The applications of protein hydrolysates as food preservatives and nutraceutical ingredients have attracted much attention because of their beneficial effects. The interest in these ingredients has shifted toward their biological activities with benefits to human health. Bioactive peptides are known as antioxidant agents that could promote health-promoting effects and prolong food shelf-life beyond their basic nutritional value. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant, antimicrobial, and in vitro cytotoxic properties of corn pollen protein (CPP) hydrolysates obtained by different enzymes. Proteolytic activity in terms of degree of hydrolysis (DH) and SDS-PAGE analysis was measured in pancreatin (H-Pan), pepsin (H-Pep), and trypsin (H-Tri) hydrolysates. Amino acid composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and cytotoxicity of hydrolysates were evaluated. DH and SDS-PAGE revealed higher proteolytic activity of pepsin compared to other enzymes. Amino acid analysis showed that the functional amino acids such as antioxidant types were most predominant in H-Pep compared to two other samples. Antioxidant activity of hydrolysates was found to be affected by the type of enzyme and the concentration of hydrolysates. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between antioxidant activity of different hydrolysates. The highest antioxidant activity in terms of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (0.23-2.75 mM), DPPH (33.3%-64.8%), and hydroxyl (33.7%-63.2%) radical scavenging activities, chelation of iron (33.2%-62.5%) and copper (30.2%-50.5%) metals, and total antioxidant activity (0.65-0.85) was obtained for H-Pep followed by H-Pan and H-Tri samples. Antibacterial tests showed that pepsin-hydrolyzed protein was not significantly (P > 0.05) effective against E.coli at any concentrations, however, it showed significant (P < 0.05) concentration-dependent effect against S.aureus (with inhibition zones of 15-25 mm). Cytotoxicity results revealed that CPP, as a nonhydrolyzed protein, did not generally show antiproliferative activity, however, a significant (P < 0.05) ability of H-Pep hydrolysate in decreasing HT-29 colon cancer cell line viability was seen in a concentration-dependent manner (the lowest cell viability of 32% at 5mg/mL). Overall, investigating the application of protein-based hydrolysates is one of the possible strategies that govern their applied intentions as preservatives and nutraceuticals in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

First report on essential oil composition and biological activities of five Strobilanthes species from Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand, India

In the present investigation the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils (EOs) of the five Strobilanthes species viz., S. angustifrons C. B. Clarke,S. pentastemonoid M, (Nees) T. Anderson, S. tomentosa (Nees) J.R.I.Wood, S. attenuata (Wall. ex Nees) Jacq. ex Nees and S. glutinosa (Nees) collected from different locations of Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, India were examined and reported for the first time. The essential oils were analysed for their chemical composition by GC-MS. The yield of the hydro distilled essential oils was ranging from 0.2 to 0.3% (v/w). GC-MS results revealed a wide variability in the chemical composition among the studied Strobilanthes species. Among the biological activities, highest anti-inflammatory activity was recorded for S. angustifrons EO (IC50 = 9.6 ± 0.57 μL/mL). Highest antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and metal chelating activity was shown by S. pentastemonoid EO (IC50 = 15.32 ± 0.48 μL/mL and 23.29 ± 0.13 μL/mL, respectively). Highest antioxidant activity in terms of H2O2 scavenging activity and highest antidiabetic activity was shown by S. attenuate EO (IC50 = 21.82 ± 0.53 μL/mL) and S. tomentosa EO (IC50 = 21.82 ± 0.53 μL/mL), respectively. The biological activity data revealed the significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities of the studied Strobilanthes species. Therefore, the essential oils of these species can be a good natural product to be used as ecofriendly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic agents.

From mango by-product to food packaging: Pectin-phenolic antioxidant films from mango peels

The objective of the study was to prepare active films based on pectin and polyphenol-rich extracts from Tommy Atkins mango peels. Aqueous and methanolic extracts showed a variety of phenolic compounds that were identified by UPLC-MS analysis, and a high content of total phenolics that were quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The methanolic extract showed better results in antioxidant tests and was more effective in inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The pectin extracted from mango peels showed good thermal stability and a degree of methoxylation of 58.3% by 1H NMR. The films containing the phenolic extracts showed lower water vapor permeability when compared to the control film (without any phenolic extracts). The incorporation of the extracts led to an increase in elongation (ε) and a decrease in tensile strength (σ) and modulus of elasticity (Y). The films with aqueous or methanolic extracts showed higher antioxidant activity in terms of inhibition of the DPPH radical. Therefore, the films developed in this work are presented as a promising alternative for food packaging and/or coating applications.

Antioxidant, alpha glucosidase and antibacterial evaluation of Syzygium mytifolium (Roxb.) Walp.

Medicinal plants have been the major source of combating and treating infectious diseases and health disorders throughout the ages. To explore new sources of inexpensive and safe antioxidants and antibiotics. The antioxidant and antibacterial potential of different extracts Syzygium mytifolium (Roxb.) Walp. were evaluated through 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picryl Hydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ?-glucosidase inhibition, disk diffusion and agar well methods. The leaves, bark, root and whole plant of Syzygium mytifolium were extracted with various solvents viz ethanol, methanol and aqueous to give crude extracts, respectively. Among all, the ethanolic extract showed high antioxidant activity in terms of radical scavenging activity, reducing power and alpha-glucosidase inhibition at 1.84 µg/ml, 40.2 mmol/gm and 14.34 µg/ml, respectively. All the tested parts of the plant exhibited moderate to higher range of antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens with the inhibition zones ranged between 2-27.8 mm. Syzygium mytifolium will serve as a very good source for the development of antioxidant supplements and antibiotics for addressing infectious pathogens and improvement of health status.

Composition, Functional Properties, Antioxidant Activity and Efficiency as Bacterial Growth Medium of Minced Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Wash-Water

The mechanical deboning of fish carcasses generates large volumes of water with proteins and other nutrients that are directly discarded. This study aimed to demonstrate the industrial value of minced tilapia wash-water (MTW-W) by determining its proximate composition and amino acid content, functional properties (solubility, foaming and emulsifying properties), antioxidant activity and potential as microbial growth medium. MTW-W showed a high crude protein content and a high content in essential amino acids for human and animal nutrition. A high protein diversity was detected in MTW-W by SDS-PAGE, including low-molecular-weight proteins that could serve as nitrogen source in bioprocesses. MTW-W demonstrated a high solubility in water and remarkable foaming properties over a wide pH range, but a limited emulsifying activity. A high antioxidant activity in terms of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging was also detected, probably due to the high content in hydrophobic amino acids and those containing sulphur. Moreover, MTW-W showed a high efficiency for the growth of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the present study demonstrated the potential of MTW-W as functional additive with antioxidant activity and nitrogen source in bioprocesses, which would increase the sustainability of the tilapia processing and reduce the environmental impact.

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF TOTAL LUTEIN CONTENT IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF PUMPKIN (Cucurbita maxima)

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is a vegetable crop which is commonly consumed as vegetables or incorporated into food products. Pumpkin flesh was reported abundant with carotenoid compounds includes &amp;alpha;-carotene, &amp;beta;-carotene, &amp;beta;-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. As this antioxidant related to the colour pigment, these nutrients highly potential to be in other parts of pumpkin such as peel and seed. Therefore, the aim of this was to determine the total lutein content in different parts of pumpkin and their antioxidant properties. The pumpkin would be collected and evaluated at the commercial maturity stage (60% to fully orange-yellow of fruit peel). The presence of the lutein properties using DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays in different parts of pumpkin was tested by using microplate spectrophotometer and analysed statistically with SPSS version 20. Among of all pumpkin fruit parts, flesh presented the highest concentration of potential lutein extracts, followed by peel and seed, respectively. On the contrary, potential lutein extracts from the pumpkin peel had the highest antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays when compared to the lutein extracts in flesh and seeds. This study indicates that the potential lutein from Cucurbita maxima especially peel may be the alternative to be used as both natural antioxidants in food products due to increasing demand for natural food preservatives. Therefore, this study may act as a source for others to further study to optimize the usage of pumpkin by-products.

Simultaneous extraction of flaxseed spice blend using supercritical carbon dioxide: Process optimization, bioactivity profile, and application as a functional seasoning

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was optimized for the extraction of functional seasoning from mixture of flaxseeds, pepper, turmeric and chilli (2:1:1:1) using Box-Behnken design wherein flaxseed oil generated in situ was simultaneously co-extracted with spice constituents which in turn protected the flaxseed oil against oxidation. The best conditions were 400 bar/62 °C/180 min which yielded 192 mg/g oil, 7.5 mg/g piperine, 81.3 mg/g capsaicinoids, 742 μg/g carotenoids, and 460 μg/g curcuminoids. The functional seasoning showed 11.5, 10.6 and 6.8 times higher antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, respectively, than the commercial cold-pressed flaxseed oil. It also showed 55.3 and 3.9-fold better anti-inflammatory potential than flaxseed oil, as determined by proteinase inhibitory capacity and NOx scavenging potential, and also better storage stability. Functional seasoning was successfully incorporated into traditional Indian dishes like dal and curd rice after dilution to 24% and 18%, respectively, with flaxseed oil. Such consumer friendly healthy seasoning could be used in diverse food preparations.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum KU15149 Derived from Korean Homemade Diced-Radish Kimchi.

Lactobacillus plantarum KU15149 was demonstrated to have probiotic behavior and functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. L. plantarum KU15149 obtained from homemade diced-radish kimchi has a high survival rate under artificial gastric acid (pH 2.5, 0.3% pepsin) and bile salt (0.3% oxgall) conditions. However, L. plantarum KU15149 did not produce β-glucuronidase, which is known to be a carcinogenic enzyme with resistance to several antibiotics, such as gentamycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin. L. plantarum KU15149 strongly adhered to HT-29 cells and had high antioxidant activity in terms of 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging and β-carotene bleaching assays. L. plantarum KU15149 also exhibited a pronounced inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, along with expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) as well as proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, when RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS. Therefore, L. plantarum KU15149 exhibited pharmaceutical functionality as a potential probiotic.

SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITIES AND PHENOLIC CONTENTS OF TEA LEAF EXTRACTS

Objectives: The objective of the study was to estimate the seasonal variations in the antioxidant capacities, total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and tannin content (TC) of tea leaf extracts from two different plantation sites.&#x0D; Methods: Samples were collected from two tea gardens in Tuli and Ungma situated at N 26°39’19.3 E 094°39’22.7 and N 26°17’30.6 E 094°28’29.2, respectively, under the Mokokchung district of Nagaland, India. TPC, TFC, and TC from sample extracts were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, aluminum chloride colorimetric, and Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Apart from these, antioxidant capacities were analyzed using ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.&#x0D; Results: The concentrations of total polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin varied from 552.029±8.079 to 305.647±1.744 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, 238.770±0.508–148.457±1.653 mg catechin equivalent/g, and 26.453±0.485–20.173±0.173 mg tannic acid equivalent/g, respectively. FRAP and DPPH assay displayed value ranging from 2.564±0.023 to 1.074±0.023 mmol Fe(II) equivalent/g and 3.612±0.053–2.076±0.028 mmol Trolox equivalent/g. Significant seasonal variations in concentrations of these compounds were observed and a positive correlation between antioxidant capacities and phenolics of tea leaf extracts was established.&#x0D; Conclusion: Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) has been regarded as a plant of immense medicinal and therapeutic value since time immemorial. The tea leaf extracts analyzed in this study gave high TPC, TFC, and TC, as well as high antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and FRAP value. Studying such properties in tea leaves contributes more to our understandings of health benefit potentials in tea leaves and the quality of tea leaves on the basis of seasons and sites where they are planted.

Characterization of carotenoprotein from different shrimp shell waste for possible use as supplementary nutritive feed ingredient in animal diets

Carotenoproteins from four different shrimp shell wastes Penaeus monodon, Parapenaeopsis stylifera, Metapenaeus affinis and Nematopalemon tenuipes were extracted with the aid of papain enzyme and characterized by their protein, amino acid and carotenoid content of the shell wastes and the antioxidant activities like DPPH, FRAP, ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing power assay of the carotenoprotein. Higher protein content of 9.8 g 100 g−1 and 9.2 g 100 g−1 was recovered from shell waste of Penaeus monodon and Parapenaeopsis stylifera respectively along with highest carotenoid content of 114 ± 0.02 μg g−1 in Parapenaeopsis stylifera followed by 100.6 ± 0.02 μg g−1 from the shell waste of Metapenaeus affinis. Highest antioxidant activity was found in the carotenoprotein extracted from the shell waste of P. stylifera which suggest that the antioxidant activity of carotenoids followed a concentration dependent pattern. The amino acid profile showed that carotenoprotein is a rich source of essential amino acids such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, lysine and leucine. Among shell wastes, P.stylifera shell waste was calculated to be superior as it contained higher amount of essential amino acids and exhibited higher antioxidant activity in terms of protein, carotenoid as well as radical scavenging and reducing power and it could serve as a supplementary nutritive feed ingredient in animal diets. This would help in utilization of crustacean (shrimp) shell waste for formulating low cost feed for ornamental fish and also encourage shrimp processing industries to utilize of the same in order to control pollution of land and water.

Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potential of Pulicaria incisa (lam.) DC as a folk medicinal plant

The species belonging to the genus Pulicaria are well known for their traditional uses in folklore medicine, active chemical constituents and pharmacological activities. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the active constituents, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potential of Pulicaria incisa (lam.) DC extracts. Ethyl acetate and diethyl ether extracts of the dried aerial parts of P. incisa were prepared. The active secondary constituents (alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids and tannins) were quantitatively determined. The active constituents in the ethyl acetate extract were higher than those of diethyl ether extract. The ethyl acetate extract expressed higher antioxidant activity in terms of diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging assay in comparison with ascorbic acid as a reference standard. The antimicrobial activity analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract expressed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Erwinia carotovora and Candida albicans while that of diethyl ether expressed activity against Bacillus subtillis, Erwinia carotovora and Candida albicans. In conclusion the anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activity of the studied extracts of P. incisa may be attributed to its richness with the medicinally active metabolites.

Phenolic compounds and the physicochemical, nutritional, antioxidant, and functional characteristics of peel, flesh, and kernel of Medemia argun (argun palm) fruit

This study investigated the nutritional and chemical compositions, as well as functional properties, of argun palm (Medemia argun) fruit. Flesh, peel, and kernel of argun fruits were analyzed based on their dry weight. The kernel contained the highest carbohydrate and fiber contents (85.93% dry weight (dwt) and 34.56% dwt, respectively), while the flesh contained substantial amounts of Ca (886.08 mg/100 g dwt) and K (3504.83 mg/100 g dwt). Argun flesh was a good source of B-complex vitamins, sucrose, glucose, xylose, and fructose. Oleic acid was the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid, while pentadecylic acid was the major saturated fatty acid in argun oil. The total essential amino acids composition of kernel, peel, and flesh were 454.40, 1094.50, and 1298.38 mg/100 g dwt, respectively. Argun peel had the highest phenolic content (43.76 mg gallic acid equivalent /g dwt) with highest antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH∙ free radical scavenging activity expressed as the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), ABTS∙+ radical cation, and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). There were significant differences among all argun fruit parts in terms of the functional properties.

Antidiabetic antioxidant and phytochemical profile of yellow-fleshed seeded watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) extracts

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) consumption as shown by different studies is attributed to many health benefits, like in prevention of hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and even type 2 diabetes due to its phytochemical constituents. The anti-diabetic effects of the seed, flesh, rind and leaf of yellow flesh watermelon extracts were evaluated through the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes activities by standard methods. The total phenolics content (TPC) and the total antioxidant capacities of the extracts were also evaluated using 2,2-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2’-diphenyl-1,1-pycrylhydrazine (DPPH) assay methods. Metabolites of the 70% aqueous extract were profiled by liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry. Result of the study showed that the 70% aqueous ethanol flesh extract showed the highest α-amylase inhibition, followed by ethanol leaf extract. The 70% aqueous ethanol leaf extract had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition potential than the other studied extracts. The highest and lowest TPC were observed in 80% and 50% aqueous ethanol leaf and flesh extracts respectively. Ethanolic leaf extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in terms of FRAP, been higher than that of standard ascorbic acid. Based on ABTS radical scavenging and FRAP, 70% aqueous ethanol leaf extract had the highest antioxidant activity. The 90% aqueous ethanol gave the highest extraction yield for seed, 60% for flesh and rind, and 100% ethanol for leaf extract. Among the metabolites identified in watermelon extracts are curcumenol, curcubitacin E, citrulline, 6-gingerol, citric acid, ascorbic acid, leucine, arginine, palmitic acid, arjunolic acid, glucose, fructose, sucrose, naringenin 5,7-dimethyl ether 4'-O-xylosyl-(1->4)-arabinoside, 4'-apo-beta,psi-caroten-4'-al, caffeic acid 3-glucoside, luteolin 7-rhamnosyl (1->6) galactoside, apigenin 7-(4'',6''-diacetylalloside)-4'-alloside among others. Therefore, this result indicates that C. lanatus has antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials. The leaf having the best α-glucosidase inhibition ability and the best antioxidant potentials, could be regarded a good raw material to explore lead molecule(s) against diabetes mellitus and antioxidant.

Preharvest application of methyl jasmonate for improving postharvest quality of ‘Pusa Navrang’ grapes

Exogenous application of elicitors is a good strategy to induce physiological changes in grapevines. Methyl jasmonate is one of the potential elicitor trigger the synthesis of phytochemical compounds in grapes. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to study the influence of preharvest application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on nutritional quality of grapes cv. Pusa Navrang (Vitis vinifera L.). The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD with 3 replications the treatments were designated with four levels of MeJA (0, 5, 10, 15 mM) and three time of application. The results clearly showed a negligible effect of MeJA on TSS, titratable acidity, juice pH and TSS/TA ratio. Whereas, significant effect was observed for total phenolics (504.58 GAE, mg/100g), total flavonoids (418.33 QE, mg/100g). and total monomeric anthocyanins (1434 C3GE mg/kg fresh weight). with the application of methyl jasmonate (10 mM) at veraison stage. This resulted in the accumulation of higher antioxidant activity in terms of FRAP assay (19.44 TE, μmol/g) with the same treatment combination.

Synthesis of biofunctionalized AgNPs using medicinally important Sida cordifolia leaf extract for enhanced antioxidant and anticancer activities

A medicinally important Sida cordifolia leaf extract has been used for biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in presence of sunlight and demonstrated enhanced biological activities. AgNPs were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Zeta potential and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Interestingly, bio-functionalized AgNPs displayed higher antioxidant activity in terms of reducing power on ferric ion (1.83AU) and phosphomolybdate (2127 Ascorbic acid Equivalent Antioxidant Activity) and radical scavenging activity against superoxide (IC50 value 46.25µg/ml) and DPPH radicals (IC50 value 50.12µg/ml) compared to the standard. AgNPs has also exhibited cytotoxic effect with IC 50 value of 204 and 129µg/ml against EAC and HT-29 cancer cell lines, respectively which indicates the AgNPs are effective than that of commercially available drug. Thus, enhanced biological activities have been achieved by incorporating AgNPs with biologically active molecules.

Investigation the efficiency of various methods of volatile oil extraction from Trichodesma africanum and their impact on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Background:Currently, there is an increasing interest in developing more efficient techniques for the extraction of phytochemicals. Microwaves and ultrasonic extraction methods are promising techniques that can be used for this purpose.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of different extraction methods on yield, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of volatile oil extracted from Trichodesma africanum.Materials and Methods:Volatile oil was extracted using microwave, ultrasonic, microwave-ultrasonic, and conventional hydrodistillation methods. The extracted oil was evaluated for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay, whereas the antimicrobial activity was assessed by broth microdilution method. The antimicrobial activity of the volatile oils was examined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa American type culture collection reference strains, as well as against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans clinical isolates.Results:The volatile oil obtained by the four extraction methods in this study exhibited both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Among the four extraction methods used, the microwave-ultrasonic method yielded the largest amount (1.8% v/w) and the yield exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in terms of inhibition (91.83% ± 1.1). The minimum inhibitory concentrations for E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, MRSA, and C. albicans were 3, 5, 6, 3, and 9, respectively.Conclusion:Among the extraction techniques used in this study, the microwave-ultrasonic method showed the best results. Moreover, this study suggests that T. africanum volatile oils contain active substances that could potentially be used both as natural preservatives in food and pharmaceutical industries as well as in developing new antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.

Antioxidant efficacy of carotenoid extract from bacterial strain Kocuria marina DAGII

Free radicals generation and cellular oxidation during metabolic activities often results serious cellular damage as well as life threatening diseases in human. Over the years scientific exploration has been extensively carried out to find suitable biomolecules to overcome these issues and carotenoids has that potential to confer such significant antioxidant property by means of radical scavenging and auto-oxidation inhibiting activity. The present study focuses on determination antioxidant potentiality of carotenoid from a bacterial strain, designated and identified as Kocuria marina DAGII. The antioxidant characteristics of the carotenoid was studied by measuring DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity and inhibition of Linoleic Acid peroxidation capability. The activity of carotenoid has been studied comparatively with ß carotene and ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant and the IC 50 value has been determined. It has been found that the extracted carotenoid exhibit 76.88% radical scavenging activity with IC 50 value of 53.76μg/mL against ß carotene (146.56μg/mL) and ascorbic acid (40.43 μg/mL). Inhibition of linoleic acid per oxidation of the carotenoid has been (89.65%) with IC 50 value of 43.81μg/mL while ß carotene and ascorbic acid has shown 58.47%, 90.12% inhibition and IC 50 value of 121.40μg/mL and 38.36μg/mL respectively. Thus it can be concluded that the extracted carotenoid exhibit higher antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH radical scavenging and Linoleic acid auto oxidation inhibition capability than ß carotene that can encourage to use this carotenoid as a potential nutraceutical, food additives as well as in other industrial aspects, although it requires further studies.

Evaluation of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of different solvent extracts of leaf material of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. and investigation of their proliferation inhibition potential against EAC cell line

In the present study, antioxidant and anticancer activities of different solvent extracts of an Indian medicinal plant, Spathodia campanulata P. Beauv. (leaf) were investigated. Among the different extracts studied, 70% ethanolic extract of S. campanulata leaf registered high antioxidant activity in terms of phosphomolybdate reducing power (955 FAEA), radical scavenging activity against DPPH (84.67%), superoxide (72.69%), hydrogen peroxide (83.20%) and hydroxyl radicals (70%), when compared to ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts. Further, the ethanolic extract illustrated remarkable anticancer activity against EAC cell line (85%) when compared to ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts. Ethanol extract showed higher level of total phenolic concentration (9.21 mg FAE/L), which is correlated with the maximum antioxidant activity exhibited by this extract. Due to remarkable antioxidant and anticancer properties, the ethanolic extract of S. campanulata leaf could be considered as a natural source of plant based drug to prevent / treat oxidative stress induced diseases such as cancer.

Nutritional quality, phytochemical composition and health protective effects of an under-utilized prickly cactus fruit (Opuntia stricta haw.) collected from Kenya.

The cactus fruit belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where the production of more succulent food plants is severely limited. Opuntia stricta Haw, fruits have recently invaded the harsh dry rangelands of the Laikipia Plateau of North-eastern Kenya. These cactus fruit s contribute immensely to the nutrition and food security needs of humans living in Laikipia. Despite the health benefits of these fruits, the cactus plant faces the possibility of extinction due to adverse effects of the prickly fruit when ingested by the livestock bel onging to the local communities in Laikipia. The present study, therefore, was designed to assess the chemical composition, bioactive compounds and their health promoting properties in Opuntia stricta cactus fruits. The results showed that the cactus pulp is a rich source of ascorbic acid (60 mg/100 g), minerals (622 mg/kg P, 12.8 mg/kg Ca, 38 mg/kg Fe and 91 mg/kg Na), and sugars (18.5 mg sucrose, 10.9 mg glucose and 6.9 mg fructose). The seeds contained significant amount of protein (4.13%), oil (11. 5%), fibre (12.3%), β- carotene (56 μg/100 g) and total carotenoids (289 μg/100 g). Th e seed oil contained high levels of linoleic (70%), palmitic (12.5%) and stearic (12 .3%) acids. The main fatty acids were linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids wi th high unsaturation level (83%). The principal amino acids in the fruits were arginine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, proline and aspartic acid. The cactus whole fruits exhibited re markable levels of total phenols (1.6 g/100g), flavonoids (197 mg/100g), tannins (1.5 g/ 100g) and phytates (2.6 g/100g). The phytochemical extracts demonstrated high antioxidant activity in terms of FRAP assay (1.2-6.9 μg/mM Fe (II) reducing power) and DPPH assay (73-86%). The anti-diabetic effect of the extracts showed strong inhibition ( &gt; 50%) of α-glucosidase as compared to the α-amylase inhibition. Thus, consumption of O. stricta fruits could meet the key nutritional requirements and help to address the double burden of food insecurity and chronic diseases among communities living in the drylands of Kenya. The results of this study could help inform the public on the nutritional and health benefits of the Opuntia cactus fruit and address issues raised by the media on the possible eradication of cactus plants in Laikipia and other dry lands regions of Kenya.