Highest Flavonoid Content Research Articles

Physicochemical characterization, chemical composition and antioxidant activities of pyroligneous acids from cocktails of wood and agricultural residues from Ivory Coast

Physical, chemical characterization and antioxidant activities were assessed on six pyroligneous acids from four wood cocktails (WCV1, WCV2, WCV3, WCV4) and two types of agricultural residues (PA1, PA2) from Ivory Coast. Physical and chemical parameters of pyroligneous extracts were determined using a density meter, refractometer, pH meter, colorimetric titration, drying and sensory test. WCV2 alone simultaneously met all the standards set by the Japanese Pyroligneous Liquor Association, with a distinct smoky odour, a clear light-brown color, a pH of around 3, a density in the 1.010–1.020 g/mL range, and an ignition residue content of less than 0.2 %. In addition, WCV3, blackish in colour, had the highest Brix value (9) with a lower moisture content than the others (89.92 %), thus reflecting a high soluble tar content. Furthermore, all pyroligneous liquids had a high moisture content (89.92–99.08 %) and a low total acid content (0.90–2.10 %) compared with the literature. However, the results of GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of major compounds such as acetic acid, propionic acid, phenol, guaiacol and 3-methylphenol in the organic phase of pyroligneous extracts. FTIR analysis identified alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the aqueous phase of pyroligneous extracts. The presence of these compounds was confirmed by a phytochemical screening test. Finally, antioxidant activities with DPPH and ABTS methods showed that WCV2 had the best antioxidant properties due to its high guaiacol and syringol content. On the other hand, WCV3 showed a good antioxidant efficacy only by the DPPH method, probably due to its high flavonoid content.

Investigation of chemical constituents, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nutritional properties of oil of Persea americana (Avocado) seeds

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of the oil of Persea americana seeds (OPAS). The flavonoid and total phenol compositions were quantified using standard colorimetric methods; the antioxidant potentials of the seed were determined using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while the anti-inflammatory potentials were investigated using membrane stabilization (hypotonicity) and heat-induced hemolysis of human red blood cells (HRBC) assays. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was employed to characterize the phytochemicals in the oil. The nutritional indices (atherogenic index, thrombogenic index, and polyene index) were also calculated. Results indicated high total phenolic and flavonoid contents (25.78 ± 0.68 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram (GAE/g) and 72.69 ± 1.11 mg quercetin equivalent per 100 mg (QE/100 mg), respectively). The oil of P. americana seeds showed dose-dependent (25–400 μg/mL) antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to the standard agents used (olive oil and ascorbic acid). The GC–MS analysis showed the presence of fatty acids including tetradecanoic acid (33.33 %), 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (20.12 %), n-hexadecenoic acid (7.07 %), and oleic acid (11.60 %). Nutritional indices showed that OPAS had a very low polyunsaturated/saturated (PUFA/SFA) ratio (0.45), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (0.26), but high atherogenicity index (IA) (4.13) and thrombogenicity index IT (9.47) values. The beneficial potentials of OPAS revealed in this study suggest that it can be harnessed as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in phytomedicine. However, the nutritional quality and culinary suitability of OPAS with different oils require further study.

Phytochemical profiling, antiviral activities, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations of selected Ruellia species extracts

The antiviral properties of the flowering aerial extracts of Ruellia tuberosa and Ruellia patula were investigated through phytochemical profiling via LC–MS/MS and HPLC techniques. Qualitative LC–MS/MS analyses identified seventy-seven metabolites from both Ruellia species. R. tuberosa had the highest phenolic content (49.3%), whereas R. patula had the highest flavonoid content (57.8%). Additionally, quantitative HPLC investigations of the compounds identified by LC–MS/MS were performed using the available standard compounds. The main constituents in the R. tuberosa extract was found to be catechin (5321.63 µg/g), gallic acid (2878.71 µg/g), and ellagic acid (2530.79 µg/g), whereas the major compounds in the R. patula extract was found to be rutin (11,074.19 µg/g) and chlorogenic acid (3157.35 µg/g). Furthermore, the antiviral activities of both Ruellia species against HAdV-40, herpes simplex type 2 and H1N1 were evaluated. These findings demonstrated that R. tuberosa was more active than R. patula against all tested viruses, except for the HSV-2 virus, against which R. patula showed greater activity than R. tuberosa, with IC50 values of 20, 65, 22.59, and 13.13 µg/ml for R. tuberosa flowering aerial parts and 32.26, 11.66, and 23.03 µg/ml for R. patula flowering aerial parts, respectively for HAdV-40, herpes simplex type 2, and H1N1. Additionally, computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to assess the molecular interactions between the bioactive compounds and specific viral targets. The combined findings from the in-vitro and in-silico experiments comprehensively evaluated the antiviral activities of both Ruellia species extracts.

Effects of different pretreatment on the drying characteristics and pectin properties of jujube by microwave coupled with pulsed vacuum drying

AbstractThe effects of ultrasound (US), ultrahigh pressure (UP), cold plasma (CP), and high pressure and pulsed electric fields (PEF) pretreatments were evaluated for drying characteristics, bioactive components, and pectin properties of jujube slices during microwave coupled with pulsed vacuum drying (MPVD). US, CP, and PEF reduced drying time by 18.75%, while UP reduced it by 6.25%. Samples treated with US and PEF showed improved color and rehydration (345.11%, 319.24%), with SEM revealing larger pores post‐pretreatment. PEF‐treated jujube had highest phenol (16.95 mg GAE/g DW) and water‐soluble pectin(WSP) (43.71 mg/g AIR), correlating positively with rehydration (r = 0.67). CP had highest flavonoid content (17.01 mg RE/g DW) and US showed highest antioxidant activity (DPPH 80.57%, ABTS 89.65%). Chelate‐soluble pectin (CSP) Sodium carbonate‐soluble pectin (NSP) was positively correlated with hardness (r = 0.71, 0.69). These findings suggest pretreatments improve drying efficiency, nutrient retention, and pectin functionality in jujube products. Practical ApplicationsDrying for jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is the most common method of processing and ensure the sale. Three kinds of non‐thermal processing pretreatment method (ultrasound, ultrahigh pressure, and cold plasma) combined with novel drying method, microwave coupled pulsed vacuum drying (MPVD) was studied in the application on the dehydration of jujube slice in this paper. The drying characteristics and pectin properties of winter jujube were analyzed and treated by MPVD compared with freeze drying and hot air drying, for both technological research and processing practice. The drying kinetics, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, sensory attributes, and pectin properties were also used as descriptors in order to promising dehydration method for obtaining high value‐added jujube products. Moreover, the relationship between the cell wall pectin and the phenols, hardness and crispness were analyzed, which give a new insight to study the changing scheme in the nutrients and the texture during the dehydration for fruits and vegetables.

Anacyclus pyrethrum extracts: examination of bioactive compounds and therapeutic implications through in vivo, in vitro, and in silico assays

Anacyclus pyrethrum, a native Algerian medicinal plant, demonstrates notable therapeutic efficacy. The bioactive profile of the Anacyclus pyrethrum extract was examined using HPLC-UV-VIS, which showed a high concentration of phenolic compounds (33.46 ± 0.57 mg EAG/g EP) and flavonoids (11.08 ± 0.24 mg E Qu/g EP). The Anacyclus pyrethrum extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in iron chelation (IC50 = 0.019 ± 0.0006 mg/ml) DPPH (IC50 = 0.142± 0.001 mg/ml), ABTS+ (IC50 = 0.079 ± 0.0005 mg/ml) and OH (IC50 = 0.845 ± 0.052mg/ml) radicals. Anti-inflammatory investigations were conducted using both in vitro and in silico methods. The in vitro testing involved evaluating the denaturation of egg albumin and BSA, while the in silico tests focused on measuring the effect of caffeic acid on the COX-2 protein. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the substance was similar to that of Aspirin, with a value of 76.1 ± 1.04% compared to Aspirin’s 81.11 ± 1.6%. Our extract exhibited a fatal dose (LD50) of 45.847 ± 1.661 mg/ml and showed significant antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 2.5 to 27.5 mg/ml. The findings emphasize the wide range of medicinal uses of Anacyclus pyrethrum, underscoring its significance in both traditional and modern pharmacology.

Development and characterization of tobacco suspension cell chassis NBS-1

Plant synthetic biology has significant theoretical advantages in exploration and production of plant natural products. However, its contribution to the field of biosynthesis is currently limited due to the lack of efficient chassis systems and related enabling technologies. Synthetic biologists often avoid tobacco as a chassis system because of its long operation cycle, difficulties in genetic and metabolic modification, complex metabolism and purification background, nicotine toxicity, and challenges in accurately controlling for agricultural production. Nevertheless, the tobacco suspension cell chassis system offers a viable solution to these challenges. The objective of this research was to develop a tobacco suspension cell chassis with high scientific and industrial potential. This chassis should exhibit rapid growth, high biomass, excellent dispersion, high transformation efficiency, and minimal nicotine content. Nicotiana benthamiana, which has high applicability in molecular technology, was used to induce suspension cells. The induced suspension cells, named NBS-1, exhibited rapid growth, excellent dispersion, and high biomass, reaching a maximum biomass of 476.39 g/L (fresh weight), which was significantly higher than that of BY-2. The transformation efficiency of the widely utilized pEAQ-HT transient expression system in NBS-1 reached 81%, which was substantially elevated compared to BY-2. The metabolic characteristics and bias of BY-2 and NBS-1 were analyzed using transcriptome data. It was found that the gene expression of pathways related to biosynthesis of flavonoids and their derivatives in NBS-1 was significantly higher, while the pathways related to alkaloid biosynthesis were significantly lower compared to BY-2. These findings were further validated by the total content of flavonoid and alkaloid. In summary, our research demonstrates NBS-1 possesses minimal nicotine content and provides valuable guidance for selecting appropriate chassis for specific products. In conclusion, this study developed NBS-1, a tobacco suspension cell chassis with excellent growth and transformation, high flavonoid content and minimal nicotine content, which has important guiding significance for the development of tobacco suspension cell chassis.

Phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and proximate analysis of ZiziphusoxyphyllaEdgew. (Angreziber) from Soon Valley, Salt Range, Pakistan

The purpose of this research was to investigate the phenolic composition, antioxidant activity and proximate composition of ZiziphusoxyphyllaEdgew. (Angreziber) through the use of ethanol and aqueous extracts. The flavonoid concentration of the extracts exhibited significant variation as a result of employing 2 distinct extraction methods, specifically sun-drying and shade-drying. Shade-dried aqueous extracts of leaves yielded the highest TPC of 599±1.00 mg/100g GAE (where GAE stands for Gallic acid equivalent), while shade-dried ethanol extracts of leaves exhibited a minimum value of TPC 281±1.00 mg/100g GAE. In leaves,the highest flavonoid content was observed in sun-dried ethanol extracts at 496.296±3.70 mg/100g CE (where CE stands for catechin equivalent), while the minimum was observed in shade-dried aqueous extracts at 159.259 ±48.15 mg/100g CE. Sun-dried ethanol extract 3711.35 ± 2.70 µg/100g AAE (where AAE stands for ascorbic acid equivalent) exhibits a higher level of antioxidants as compared to shade-dried aqueous extracts valued at 462.70 ± 2.70 µg/100g AAE. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of fruit yielded 758.000 mg/100g GAE and 739.333 mg/100g GAE respectively. At the same time, aqueous and ethanol extracts of fruit yielded 405.045 µg/100g AAE and 329.369 µg/100g AAE antioxidants respectively. Proximate analysis of Z. oxyphylla fruit yielded the following results: Moisture 11.9333±0.0208%, fat 8.2466± 0.02081% fiber 5.03 ± 0.02%, ash 5.6666± 0.1527%, protein 2.0366± 0.0152% and NFE (Nitrogen-Free Extract) 79.233 ± 0.02081%. The results obtained from this study, which focused on the total phenolic contents and proximate compositions of Z. oxyphylla, can serve as a foundation for further investigations into its antioxidant capabilities also.

Flavonoid-Rich Fruit Intake in Midlife and Late-Life and Associations with Risk of Dementia: The Framingham Heart Study

BackgroundFruits are an important source of flavonoids, and greater intake of dietary flavonoids in older adults has been shown to be associated with decreased risk of dementia. It is unclear whether this relationship is similar or different between younger adults and older adults.ObjectivesWe examined for associations between midlife and late-life intake of flavonoid-rich fruits and incident dementia. We hypothesized that greater total cumulative intake of flavonoid-rich fruits in midlife and late-life adults would be associated with reduced risk of all-cause dementia.DesignLongitudinal, cohort study design.SettingFramingham Heart Study, which is a longitudinal, multi-generational community-based cohort based in Framingham, Massachusetts, USA.ParticipantsParticipants from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort were included (n = 2,790) who attended the fifth core exam between 1991 to 1995, and were dementiafree and at least 45 years of age at that time, as well as had valid food frequency questionnaires from the fifth to ninth core exams.MeasurementsConsumption of fruits with high flavonoid content or are important contributors to overall flavonoid intake was collected via food frequency questionnaire. Flavonoid-rich fruits from the food frequency questionnaire included raisins or grapes, prunes, bananas, fresh apples or pears, apple juice or cider, oranges, orange juice, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, strawberries, blueberries, and peaches, apricots, or plums. Dementia ascertainment was based on a multidisciplinary consensus committee, and included all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease dementia diagnoses based on research criteria. Cox models were used to examine associations between cumulative fruit intake and incident dementia, stratified by midlife (45–59 years; n = 1,642) and late-life (60–82 years; n = 1,148).ResultsGreater cumulative total fruit intake in midlife, but not late-life, was significantly associated with a 44% decreased risk of all-cause dementia (HR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.32–0.98; p = 0.044). Decreased risk of all-cause dementia was also associated with higher intake of apples or pears in midlife and late-life, as well as higher intake of raisins or grapes in midlife only, and higher intake of oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, and peaches, apricots, or plums in late-life only.ConclusionsAmong participants from the Framingham Heart Study, greater overall consumption of flavonoid-rich fruits in midlife was associated with reduced risk of dementia, though intake of specific fruits in midlife and late-life may have a protective role against developing dementia. These findings may help to inform future recommendations on when dietary interventions may be most beneficial to healthy brain aging across the life course.

The Impact of Chlorella vulgaris Fortification on the Nutritional Composition and Quality Characteristics of Beef Burgers.

Chlorella vulgaris (C.V) is known for its high protein and nutrient contents and has been touted as a potential functional ingredient in food products. For this study, beef burgers were formulated with varying levels of Chlorella vulgaris fortification (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight). The nutritional composition, including proximate analysis and mineral content, was determined for each treatment group. The quality characteristics evaluated included thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), pH, and total acidity. The study included extracting the active substances from Chlorella vulgaris using three solvents, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol, and water, to evaluate the effect on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the water extract had the highest total phenolic content (183.5 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram) and the highest flavonoid content (54 mg quercetin per gram). The aqueous extract had the highest content of total antioxidants, followed by the 95% ethanol and 50% ethanol extracts. Meanwhile, the 50% ethanol extract showed the best antimicrobial activity, while the aqueous extract had less of an effect on Gram-positive bacteria and no effect on E. coli. For the burger treatments, at the end of the storage period, it was observed that the microbial load of the treatments decreased compared to the control, and there was a high stability in the total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) values for the treatments compared to the control, reaching a value of 22.4 at month 5, which is well above the acceptable limit, indicating spoilage. The pH values were higher for all of the treatments, with a lower total acidity for all of the treatments compared to the control. In conclusion, utilizing Chlorella vulgaris algae as a natural preservative to extend the freshness of burgers is a sustainable and innovative approach to food preservation. By harnessing the power of this green superfood, we not only enhance the shelf life of our food products but also contribute to a healthier and more environmentally friendly food industry.

Analysis and evaluation of quality parameters of commercial propolis products using a new high Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method and Comparison of antimicrobial properties

Propolis, which has an important place in functional foods, is a natural bee product with high biological active value and is consumed in different formulations and packages worldwide. Thanks to the active compounds it contains, propolis shows biological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antitumoral, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory. However, it is seen that propolis supplements are prepared unconsciously in the market.Such commercial products need to be standardized. Within the scope of this study, characteristic compounds of Turkish propolis were initially determined with support from the literature. Subsequently, bioactive components of 23 commercial propolis products were analyzed using the new HPLC method. Then, the flavonoid content and antimicrobial activity of the samples were determined.According to the results of these analyses, the amounts of Caffeic Acid (2,16–1620,57 ppm, Quercetin (0,19–203,99 ppm), Apigenin (0,30–319,08 ppm), Kaempferol (0,56–251,15 ppm), Chrysin (3,97–2830,93 ppm), and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (13,08–9666,48 ppm) were found to be quite different. The highest flavonoid content was measured as P2: 20847,43 mg/L and the lowest was 00003,10 mg/L in sample P13. Samples prepared for children were found to be highly diluted in terms of content. Again, it was determined that the samples with high preservation of active ingredients were products with production certificates based on laboratory analyzes. The samples were generally found to have inhibition activity against Gram (+) bacteria. Propolis samples P6 and P22 showed high activity against Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria and even fungi. When we evaluated some products that are insufficient in terms of content and antimicrobial activity, it was observed that antimicrobial activity increased depending on the other auxiliary chemicals used in the products. In this context, propolis products, which are very valuable in terms of health, may lose their real activity due to uncontrolled production and will gradually be devalued in the market. It is important that this valuable product should be produced and offered to the market with the necessary analysis methods without losing its effectiveness.

Research on the pharmacognostic characteristics, physicochemical properties and in vitro antioxidant potency of Rosa laxa Retz. flos.

Rosa laxa Retz. is an unexplored Rosaceae plant in Xinjiang, China, and its flower is traditionally used in Kazak to treat the common cold, fever, and epileptic seizures and lessen the effects of aging. In the present study, the pharmacognostic profiles, physicochemical properties, phytochemical characteristics, and in vitro antioxidant potency of Rosa laxa Retz. flos (RLF) were presented. In the pharmacognostic evaluation of RLF, organoleptic characteristics, internal structures, and powder information were observed, and physicochemical parameters, including moisture content, ash, pH value, swelling degree, and extractives were examined. The quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of four different polar extracts of RLF showed that the aqueous part had the highest total triterpene acid, flavonoid, and polyphenol content (4.50 ± 0.04 mg/g, 50.56 ± 0.03 mg/g, and 60.20 ± 0.09 mg/g, respectively). A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector (DAD) method was established and the contents of gallic acid, ellagic acid, astragalin, and tiliroside in RLF were determined simultaneously. In the set concentration range, the linear relationship among the four components was good (r > 0.999), the average recoveries were 97.36%-100.54%. The contents of gallic acid, ellagic acid, astragalin, and tiliroside in RLF samples were (9.46 ± 2.31) mg/g, (10.60 ±0.75) mg/g, (1.13 ± 2.50) mg/g, and (1.11 ± 2.65) mg/g, respectively. The types of its secondary metabolites were determined by fluorescence, color reaction by chemical solvent method, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The functional groups of its secondary metabolites were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results showed that RLF contains a variety of secondary metabolic products, including flavonoids, phenolic acid, glycoside, and organic acid. TLC identification showed it contains ursolic acid, β-sitosterol, tiliroside, astragalin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, gallic acid, and ellagic acid. The in vitro antioxidant activity of different polar parts of RLF was investigated by DPPH, ABTS, and reduction performance experiments. The aqueous extract had the strongest antioxidant capacity, consistent with the high content of triterpene acids, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds. These findings will provide critical information for the study of quality standards and medicinal value of RLF and its extracts, justify its usage in traditional medicinal systems, and encourage the use of this plant in disease prevention and treatment. Its phytochemical composition and pharmacological studies need to be explored in future. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe the morphology, and microstructure of Rosa laxa Retz. flos (RLF). The physicochemical properties, fluorescence and phytochemical composition of four different polar extracts of RLF were analyzed by UV-Vis and FTIR. Determination of total triterpenic acid, total flavonoids, and total polyphenols in four different polar extracts of RLF by UV spectrophotometry. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector (DAD) method was established and the contents of gallic acid, ellagic acid, astragalin, and tiliroside in RLF were determined simultaneously. TLC confirmed that RLF contains ursolic acid, β-sitosterol, tiliroside, astragalin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, gallic acid, and ellagic acid. The in vitro antioxidant activity of RLF was studied by DPPH, ABTS, and reducing ability experiments.

Identification and anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids from Cardiospermum halicacabum in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage-A bioassay-guided approach

Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. (CH), known as balloon vine, is used for food and medicinal purposes, including inflammation treatment. In Tamil cuisine, CH stems and leaves feature in curries, crepes, sauces, and soups. While CH's anti-inflammatory effects are documented, its therapeutic compounds are unclear. This study aims to isolate anti-inflammatory constituents from CH using a bioassay-guided approach. CH aerial part was extracted with three different solvents and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. The active ethanol-water extract (CH-EW) was subjected to solvent-solvent partitioning to get five fractions. Among fractions, the methanol fraction (CH-EW-ML) showed potent anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant activity along with high flavonoid content. Further fractionation of the active methanol fraction resulted in the isolation of two flavonoids, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (AAG) and diosmetin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (DMG). DMG was isolated from CH for the first time. The compounds were evaluated for their nitric oxide (NO) inhibition activity in the RAW 264.7 cell line. DMG showed the most potent activity (IC50 = 16.72 ± 1.01 μM). Further studies showed that DMG can inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokines as well as upregulate the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study represents the first evidence that DMG can inhibit NO, ROS, TNF-α, and IL-6 while upregulating IL-10. Our findings suggest that incorporating CH infusion into the diet may alleviate inflammation, with DMG being a promising therapeutic component for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Preliminary Pharmacognostical & Pharmacological Studies on The Pisonia Grandis R. Br. on Rats

The plant Pisonia Grandis R.Br. belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae was taken up for the study by me to screening and gave a report on the possible Pharmacognostical and Pharmacological studies. The various ash values and extract values are determined. In Phytochemical screening showed the nature of the chemical constituents such as Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Phenolic compounds, Protein and Amino acids, Saponins, Sterols, Flavonoids and Tanins present in the leaf extract of Pisonia Grandis R.Br. The LD50 of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Pisonia Grandis R.Br. leaves was found to be 2500 mg/kg. Therefore ED50 was calculated as 250 mg/kg. The Hepatoprotective activity was carried out by the Paracetamol induced model in rats. Administration of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Pisonia grandis R.Br. leaves showed significant hepatoprotective activity which was compared with the standared drug silymarin. The effect was more pronounced with the aqueous extracts Pisonia grandis R.Br., this may be probably due to the high contents of flavonoids. Keywords: Pisonia grandis R.Br , Hepatoprotective, Histopathology, Paracetamol.

Biochemical Characterization of Temi Tea from Sikkim

Tea is the most popular non-alcoholic beverage in the world well known for its refreshing and stimulative properties. Temi tea is a top-notch organic tea brand being grown in the sole tea estate in the mountainous state of Sikkim which has high demand in the international market and has not been studied scientifically so far. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess and compare the total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, total tannin content and antioxidant activity in the processed Temi tea samples collected across different season (flush) which is expressed on dry weight basis. Total polyphenols, flavonoid, tannin and antioxidant activity were studied spectrophotometrically. Results of the analysis revealed that the highest total polyphenol content, highest flavonoid content and highest antioxidant activity was found in T1 (Green tea sample of Spring flush) while the highest total tannin content was found in (T2) Black tea (Spring flush).

ASSESSMENT OF PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF THE FLAVONOID FRACTION OF THE HERBS SERPUHA CORONANA

Introduction. It is urgent to search for plants that can become sources of biologically active substances for the creation of new highly effective and safe medicines. One of these plants is the crowned sickle (Serratula coronata L.). The value of crowned serpuha is determined by its high content of phytoecdysteroids and flavonoids. The purpose of the work is to study the acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory activity and capillary-strengthening effect of the flavonoid fraction of the herb Serpucha crown. Material and methods. In the Department of Experimental Pharmacology of the Federal State Budgetary Institution VILAR, a study of the pharmaco-logical activity of the flavonoid fraction of the herb Serpucha crowned was carried out. Acute toxicity parameters were assessed using the Kerber method. The toxicity class of the test substance was determined according to GOST 12.1.007-76 "Harmful substances. Classification and general safe-ty requirements." The anti-inflammatory effect of the flavonoid fraction of the herb Serpucha crown was studied in models of formaldehyde edema and interstitial edema. The effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory effect of the flavonoid fraction of the herb crowned serpentine in vitro experiments was assessed by the rate of the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by inducible NO synthase. The activity of the iNOS enzyme in experiments was assessed by the rate of the reaction catalyzed by iNOS in vitro at 37 C. The study of the capillary-strengthening effect of the flavonoid fraction of the herb Serpucha crowned was carried out according to the "Method for determining the reactivity of skin capillaries to inflammatory stimuli" on a model of local in-flammatory reaction (xylene inflammation) in rats. Results. When studying the acute toxicity of the flavonoid fraction of the herb Serpucha crown, LD50 values were not established, since doses of the studied extract administered into the stomach of mice did not cause death of the animals. In accordance with the classification of toxicity of chemical substances according to GOST 12.1.007-76 "Harmful substances. Classification and general safety requirements", the flavonoid fraction of the herb crowned Serpucha is a low-hazard substance. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, it was established that the flavonoid fraction of the herb serpukha crowned in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg has an anti-inflammatory effect, significantly reducing formaldehyde edema in animals by 18 and 20%, respectively, compared with the control group of animals. It was established that the flavonoid fraction of the herb Serpucha crowned at a dose of 200 mg/kg has a pronounced anti-exudative effect, significantly reducing interstitial edema in animals by 22% compared to the control group of an-imals. In vitro experiments, the flavonoid fraction of the herb Serpucha crown inhibits the rate of the iNOS reaction by 1.5 times compared to the con-trol, which indicates the presence of pronounced anti-inflammatory activity of this sample. The studied fraction has a pronounced capillary-strengthening effect under the conditions of an experimental model of xylene inflammation, reducing the permeability of the vascular wall. Conclusions. The results of the studies indicate that the flavonoid fraction of the herb Serpucha crown, in terms of acute toxicity, belongs to the cat-egory of low-hazard substances and has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and capillary-strengthening effect.

Improved photocatalytic and free radical scavenging studies of synthesized polymer PVP/Azadirachta indica leave extract-mediated Ni-Zn doped hematite nanoparticles

The utilisation of ecological materials, such as plant extracts, is a superior alternative to both physical and chemical techniques for the synthesis of nanoscale metallic particles. The current study concluded that the chemical polymer (PVP) and Azadirachta indica (A. indica) plant extract synthesised hematite nanoparticles (HNPs) were spherical, monodispersed, and served as an agent for reducing and capping. The pure HNPs with the most reliable rhombohedral symmetry were found to be crystalline thanks to the crisp x-ray diffraction (XRD) reflections. Spheroidal nanostructures were formed, as seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their composition was validated by an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) study. At room temperature, HNPs were antiferromagnetic with blocking temperature of 300 K. When used as a catalyst, the NPs were exposed to effective degradation and coefficient of determination (R 2) of the toxic Eosin Yellow (EY) and Bismarck Brown Y (BBY) dyes in the presence of UV irradiation. After four consecutive cycles, efficient performance was achieved without any evident catalytic loss. Additionally, the reusability experiments revealed that under direct UV light illumination, duel-doped HNPs may be successfully used three times. The biosynthesised doped HNPs from A. indica leaf extract demonstrated antioxidant activity through their high phenolic and flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and reductive potential.

Kombucha beverages made from Camellia nitidissima Chi and Camellia sinensis flowers—physicochemical properties, sensory properties and bioactivity

Recently, various plant materials other than tea have been used as substrates for kombucha beverages. To improve the aroma and other qualities of kombucha, Camellia sinensis and Camellia nitidissima Chi flowers were used as raw materials to prepare novel kombucha beverages (marked as TFK and GFTK), which were systematically compared to traditional kombucha made from black tea. The results revealed that the biomass of kombucha made from TFK increased the most among all samples. TFK had the highest content of organic acids, with 9.03 g/L of acetic acid and 5.57 g/L of gluconic acid. Metabolomic analysis revealed that TFK showed the highest concentration of organic nitrogen compounds, whereas GFTK had the highest concentration of flavonoids. There were 183 kinds of volatile components identified in the 3 kombuchas, only 20 of which were common aroma components. Among the three kombucha beverages, TFK had the highest digestive enzyme inhibitory activity and was also second only to GFTK in terms of anti-oxidant properties. In terms of sensory properties, TFK had a higher fruit score compared to GFTK, but there was no significant difference in floral intensity between these two samples. Therefore, the C. sinensis flower is more suitable for preparing kombucha.

Effects of the Drying Technique Used on the Contents of Total Polyphenols, Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity of Five Varieties of Mangoes (Mangifera Indica) Dried in Senegal

The Ziguinchor region (Kaguitte village), where the mango samples were collected, is an area that is very affected by post-school losses of seasonal fruit in general. Faced with this problem, the women in the GIE (economic interest group) have been processing mangoes into by-products for several years, particularly drying, which is one of the mwain techniques for preserving agricultural and food products. It is a process that is used in the production of many food products. To carry out this drying, three techniques were used: the one used by the women of the locality (Normal) and two others with osmotic dehydration for two hours and three hours respectively. After peeling, it was found that the improved varieties Knt and Kt had the highest pulp yields (60% of their total mass) and that the Sl variety had the lowest yield. In this work, we followed the variation of polyphenol contents and antioxidant powers according to the technique and the mango variety. For total polyphenols, the Folin-Ciocalteu method was used and antioxidant activity was assessed with 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrilhydrazyl (DPPH°). The results showed that the antioxidant power, significantly decreases after treatment of the four varieties (example: Knt normal-AAR=0.83%, Treatment-2h-AAR=0.69% and Treatment-3h-AAR=0.59%) with the exception of Dr variety (Normal-AAR=0.68% and Treatment-2h-AAR=0.79% and Treatment-3h-AAR=0.78%). The determination of total polyphenols in these samples showed a much more obvious variation between varieties and less important after the treatment. Thus we have: Knt (Normal-0.07g/100g, treatment-2h-0.03g/100g and treatment-3h-0.19g/100g), Kt (Normal-0.27g/100g, treatment-2h-0.07g/100g and treatment-3h-0.06g/100g) and Sl (Normal-0.11g/100g, treatment-2h-0.07g/100g and treatment-3h-0.21g/100g) Analyses (of Variance and linear models) show that the varieties Knt (treatment-2h-0.0087g/100g and normal-0.0033g/100g), Dr (treatment-2h-0.0023g/100g and normal-0.0019g/100g) and Sl (treatment-2h-0.0023g/100g and normal-0.0017g/100g), respectively, have quite high flavonoid contents. These experimental results show that the technique used (Normal) by the local units preserves the antioxidant compounds well and in some cases it is necessary to treat the different varieties before drying them.

Flavonoid localization in soybean seeds: Comparative analysis of wild (Glycine soja) and cultivated (Glycine max) varieties

Wild soybean (Glycine soja) is known for its high flavonoid contents, yet the distribution of flavonoids in the seeds is not well understood. Herein, we utilized matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) and metabolomics methods to systematically investigate flavonoid differences in the seed coats and embryos of G. soja and G. max. The results of flavonoid profiles and total flavonoid content analyses revealed that flavonoid diversity and abundance in G. soja seed coats were significantly higher than those in G. max whereas the levels were similar in embryos. Specifically, 23 unique flavonoids were identified in the seed coats of G. soja, including procyanidins, epicatechin derivatives, and isoflavones. Using MALDI-MSI, we further delineated the distribution of the important flavonoids in the cotyledons, hypocotyls, and radicles of the two species. These findings imply that G. soja holds considerable breeding potential to enhance the nutritional and stress resistance traits of G. max.

Deciphering of the morpho-physiological traits of two native grasses from Argentina with contrasting drought resistance strategies

Context Semiarid environments, such as the Patagonian shrublands, are characterised by having shrubby patches surrounded by grasses with different ecophysiological strategies to tolerate long dry periods. Aims We hypothesised that coexisting grasses of the Patagonian rangeland, already classified as drought-escaping or drought-tolerant, have different traits according to the season and the annual rainfall events. Methods Two dominant native grasses were selected: Pappostipa speciosa (evergreen) and Poa ligularis (deciduous). Samples were collected in the four seasons for the term of 1 year. Rainfall events and soil water content of each season were determined. Spring was the wettest season and autumn the driest. Physiological (relative water content, pigments, hormones), biochemical (polyphenols, antioxidant activity) and morphological traits were measured in the four seasons. Key results P. speciosa was characterised by keeping evergreen leaves with high production of polyphenols as secondary metabolites with high antioxidant capacity during the dry autumn and winter seasons. P. ligularis was characterised by high contents of gibberellin (GA1), auxin (IAA), total phenols, total flavonoids and tartaric acid esters, and high antioxidant capacity in roots during the autumn dry season. In addition, P. ligularis leaves had higher content of carotenoids and polyphenols than P. speciosa during the summer dry season. Conclusions The major adaptive strategy to tolerate dry periods is the high activity of the secondary metabolism, mainly in leaves in P. speciosa (a drought-tolerant grass) and in roots in P. ligularis (a drought-escaping grass). Implications Rainfall variations during a year can affect the phenological growth stages and the metabolism of two native grasses from Argentina characterised by different drought resistance mechanisms.