Highest Radical Scavenging Activity Research Articles

Antimelanogenic potential of brewer's spent grain extract through modulation of the MAPK/MITF axis

Beer brewing produces >39 million tons of brewer's spent grain (BSG) per year worldwide. Although BSG is rich in protein, fiber, and phytochemicals, it is mainly used as livestock feed, and some is discarded. In this study, we attempted to assess the antimelanogenesis effects of BSG and identify the functional components. To this end, we investigated the antioxidant and antimelanin synthesis effects of a BSG extract (BSGE). The results showed that BSGE has high DPPH radical-scavenging activity and inhibited α-MSH-induced melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells cultured in both 2D and 3D environments. BSGE also reduced the expression levels of MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2, and tyrosinase in B16F10 cells by regulating the MAPK pathway. We confirmed the skin-whitening effect of BSGE in 3D reconstituted human skin and zebrafish embryo models. HPLC analysis showed that BSGE contains ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid, which are known to have whitening effects. Thus, BSGE can be used in multifunctional cosmetics as a sustainable ingredient with antioxidant and skin-whitening properties.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Lespedeza cuneata in Coal fly ash-induced murine alveolar macrophage cells

Lespedeza cuneata (LC) is a perennial plant used in herbal medicine to treat numerous diseases, including prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, early atherosclerosis, and hematuria. Reference collections of bioactive compounds of LC are crucial for the determination of their pharmacological properties. However, little is known regarding its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in alveolar macrophage (MH-S) cells. This study examined whether LC can inhibit reactive oxygen species and Coal fly ash (CFA) induced inflammation in MH-S cells. The anti-oxidative effects of LC were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, anti-inflammatory effects were examined using nitric oxide (NO) assay, and cytotoxicity was analyzed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokine genes was assessed through a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Our results revealed that LC exhibited high radical scavenging activity and a dose-dependent (7.8–1,000 μg/mL) inhibition of oxidation as compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox. It also inhibited CFA-induced NO production in MH-S cells. Moreover, it suppressed the CFA exposure-mediated expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. These results suggest that LC is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that can be useful as a nutraceutical product.

Chemical profile, in vitro bioactivities, and antinociceptive effect of Red Pitaya extracts on zebrafish

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel, pulp, and seeds were evaluated for their chemical composition by UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays), cytotoxicity and in vitro antiproliferative effect (MTT assay), antinociceptive activity and in vivo toxicity (Zebrafish model). A total of 25 compounds were identified in the extracts, mostly betacyanins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and organic acids. The seeds extracts displayed both the highest radical scavenging activity and total phenol content. The pulp aqueous extract and ethanolic extracts exhibited some cytotoxicity against Vero cells, depending on the concentration and exposure time. These extracts were also able to inhibit S-180 cells proliferation, however only the peel ethanolic extract showed moderate to high selective indexes (SI: 4.06, 18.63), suggesting that its antiproliferative effect is not associated with the cytotoxic effect towards non-cancer cells, such as Vero cells. Regarding the antinociceptive activity, after adjusting the dose to exclude the sedation effect, the seeds ethanolic extract displayed antinociceptive activity at the inflammatory phase, similar to morphine. The extracts (1.0, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/mL) showed to be safe for zebrafish. In summary, these findings highlight the red pitaya as a promising natural source of bioactive, both in its edible and inedible parts, which can be better probed, for instance as anticancer and antinociceptive agents. In addition, the regular consumption of red pitaya can contribute to the health promotion, and the prevention of chronic diseases.

Evaluation of Physiological Activity of Traditional Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum L.)

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate physiological activities, such as antioxidant activity and enzyme activity, of hot water extract of the four parts (flower, leaf and pseudostem, stem, and root) of traditional Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) and then to provide basic data on traditional Welsh onion to support future research.Methods: Four parts of traditional Welsh onion plant were extracted with water heated at 80℃. Antioxidative and enzymatic activities, such as total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline–6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and the inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and elastase enzymes, were measured.Results: Out of the hot water extract of the different parts, Allium fistulosum flower (AFF) extract had the highest content of antioxidants. In the Allium fistulosum leaf and pseudostem (AFLP), Allium fistulosum stem (AFS), and Allium fistulosum root (AFR) extracts, the total polyphenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the root were high, and AFS had high total flavonoid content and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Regarding enzyme activity, α-glucosidase and elastase inhibitory activities were the highest in AFR, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity was the highest in AFS.Conclusion: We confirmed the physiological activity of the hot water extract of four parts of traditional Welsh onion. Our findings provide basic data for research into traditional Welsh onion, and can facilitate its future development as a functional material.

Dandelion flower-fabricated Ag nanoparticles versus synthetic ones with characterization and determination of photocatalytic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities

In the present work, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were fabricated through the dandelion flower hydroalcoholic extract, and their properties were characterized by FTIR, XRD, UV visible, SEM, and EDX. The results demonstrated that the average diameter of the green fabricated AgNPs is 45–55 nm (G-AgNPs). The antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and photocatalytic properties of G-AgNPs were compared with two commercially available different diameter sizes (20 and 80–100 nm) of AgNPs (C-AgNPs1- and C-AgNPs2, respectively). The sample's capacity for antioxidants was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging method. The consequences showed that G-AgNPs have higher radical scavenging activity (47.8%) than C-AgNPs2 (39.49%) and C-AgNPs1 (33.91%). To investigate the photocatalytic property, methylene blue dye was used. The results displayed that G-AgNPs is an effective photo-catalyst compared to C-AgNPs2 and C-AgNPs1, which respectively have an inhibition potential of 75.22, 51.94, and 56.65%. Also, the antimicrobial capacity of nanoparticles was assayed against, the gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The results indicated that G-AgNPs could effectively inhibit the growth of both bacteria, compared to C-AgNPs1 and C-AgNPs2. Finally, G-AgNPs exhibited a considerable α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory effect (88.37%) in comparison with C-AgNPs1 (61.7%) and C-AgNPs2 (50.5%).

Bioinspired fabrication of zinc hydroxide-based nanostructure from lignocellulosic biomass Litchi chinensis leaves and its efficacy evaluation on antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activity

Zinc-based nanostructures are known for their numerous potential biomedical applications. In this context, the biosynthesis of nanostructures using plant extracts has become a more sustainable and promising alternative to effectively replace conventional chemical methods while avoiding their toxic impact. In this study, following a low-temperature calcination process, a green synthesis of Zn-hydroxide-based nanostructure has been performed using an aqueous extract derived from the leaves of Litchi chinensis, which is employed as a lignocellulose waste biomass known to possess a variety of phytocompounds. The biogenic preparation of Zn-hydroxide based nanostructures is enabled by bioactive compounds present in the leaf extract, which act as reducing and capping agents. In order to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics, the produced Zn-hydroxide-based nanostructure has been subjected to several characterization techniques. Further, the multifunctional properties of the prepared Zn-hydroxide-based nanostructure have been evaluated for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. The prepared nanostructure showed antibacterial efficacy against Bacillus subtilis and demonstrated its anti-biofilm activity as evaluated through the Congo red method. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the prepared nanostructure has been found to be dose-dependent, wherein 91.52 % scavenging activity could be recorded at 200 μg/ml, with an IC50 value of 45.22 μg/ml, indicating the prepared nanostructure has a high radical scavenging activity. Besides, the in vitro cytotoxicity investigation against HepG2 cell lines explored that the as-prepared nanostructure exhibited a higher cytotoxic effect and 73.21 % cell inhibition could be noticed at 25.6 μg/ml with an IC50 of 2.58 μg/ml. On the contrary, it was found to be significantly lower in the case of HEK-293 cell lines, wherein ~47.64 % inhibition could be noticed at the same concentration. These findings might be further extended to develop unique biologically derived nanostructures that can be extensively evaluated for various biomedical purposes.

Phytochemical profiles, potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of betel leaf extracts (Piper betel, Salem Cultivar)

ABSTRACT The phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of extracts of Piper betel, Salem cultivar leaves were investigated. Sodium (3000 ppm) and calcium (6600 ppm) were high, which may be attributed to the soil conditions. High phenolic content (48.0 mg GAE g−1) in acetone extract and flavonoid content (25.3 mg RE g−1) in dichloromethane extract were observed. This may be due to the usage of polarity-varying solvents. Methanol extract demonstrated high DPPH radical scavenging activity, which may be due to the combined effects of polyphenol and metal-chelating activity. Acetone extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

Anti-skin Aging Potential of Sargassum thunbergii Ethanolic Extract: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiwrinkle Effects on L929 Fibroblast Cells

Increasing life expectancy of the human population has created a demand for functional food with anti-skin aging properties. Skin aging is a degenerative process caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and matrix destruction. Some secondary metabolites isolated from marine macroalgae have been shown to exhibit potential dermatological benefits. The present study investigated the skin-protective properties of the ethanolic extract from Sargassum thunbergii (STEE) via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiwrinkle effects on mouse fibroblast L929 cells. The optimal extraction conditions for STEE were determined as follows: ratio of liquid to solid 25 : 1 mL/g, concentration of ethanol 40.2%, and extraction time 40 min. STEE was further purified by adsorption using a macroporous resin, SP700. STEE exhibited high DPPH radical and hydroxyl scavenging activity in vitro, enhanced the viability of H2O2-treated L929 cells, and reduced intracellular ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant capacity in H2O2-treated L929 cells were increased while malondialdehyde content was markedly reduced by pretreatment with STEE. The inhibitory effect of STEE on H2O2-induced inflammation was shown by the downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, STEE reduced the matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and inhibited collagenase and elastase activities. Moreover, STEE was nonirritating to human skin at 100 mg/mL according to the in vitro skin irritation test using EpiSkin™. Hemolysis assay showed that the hemolysis EC50 (1275 μg/mL) of STEE is much higher than the maximum effective concentration (125 μg/mL) against H2O2 exposure. Our results demonstrate that STEE may be a good candidate for the development of anti-skin aging functional food and cosmetic products.

Identification of polyphenols using UPLC-QTOF MS/MS, in-vitro photoprotective and antiaging activities of brown macroalga Padina tetrastromatica

Brown algae produce several bioactive compounds including unique secondary metabolites like polyphenols, which are known for various pharmacological activities. The present study focused on the cosmeceutical properties of polyphenol-rich fraction from brown macroalga (Padina tetrastromatica). Two fractions (ethyl acetate and aqueous) were obtained by liquid-liquid purification. Total phenolic and phlorotannin contents were assessed by in-vitro methods (Folin-Ciocalteu test and 2,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde assay). Antioxidant properties were assessed through 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay. Ethyl acetate fraction showed high radical scavenging activity and was used for in-vitro photoprotective assays, cell viability tests, and anti-aging related enzyme inhibition tests (anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, anti-collagenase). Ethyl acetate fraction showed potential ultraviolet A absorption and a strong sun protection factor (SPF) value and was not toxic to the human skin cell line up to a concentration of 100 μg mL−1. Interestingly, this fraction also showed a strong tyrosinase inhibition and a significant inhibition of elastase and collagenase enzymes. Major polyphenols including phlorotannins present in the fraction were identified using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Ultra pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC)-quadrupole-time of flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) and NMR spectroscopy. The findings suggest the ethyl acetate fraction of P. tetrastromatica as a promising source for cosmetic use with photoprotection and anti-aging properties.

Conversion of Baijiu distillers’ grains to functional peptides: Process optimization and antioxidant activity evaluation

Distiller’s grains resourcing is a crucial problem for the sustainable development of the Chinese Baijiu industry. In order to improve the protein utilization of distiller’s grains. In this study, distiller’s grains pretreated by wet crushing combined with amylase/cellulase were further hydrolyzed with neutral protease combined with papain at 50 °C for 3 h. The hydrolysates were decolorized by 1% coconut shell activated carbon for 15 min, and separated and purified by macroporous resin and Sephadex gel to yield peptide fractions (F1, F2, F3 and F4). The F3 fraction with the highest radical scavenging activity was analyzed by nano-LC-MS/MS and peptidomics to identify peptides. Three peptides (especially newly discovered AAHVLAAAFL) displayed strong alcohol solubility and antioxidant activity and were stably bound to key regulatory pathway receptors (Keap1-Nrf2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), further elucidating molecular mechanism of anti-oxidation. These findings provided knowledge for potential functional peptide candidates and facilitates the high-value commercial development of distiller’s grains.

Implications of Asparagus racemosus and Terminalia chebula extracts on oxazolone induced inflammatory bowel disease in Danio rerio (zebrafish)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) occurs in the human intestine without any definitive etiology for which there is no cure yet. The present study analyses the anti-inflammatory and anti Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) potentials of the methanol extract of Indian herbal plants Asparagus racemosus (AR) and Terminalia chebula (TC). First, we prepared methanolic extracts of AR root and TC fruit using the Soxhlet procedure and analyzed their phytochemical composition by GC-MS. Second, the extracts were used against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus cultures and observed for growth and biofilm inhibition. Third, the anti-oxidant assays were performed for the same extracts. Finally, we studied pathological and hematological analysis to study a reduction in the number of inflammatory cells following oxazolone-induced IBD in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Both extracts contain steroids, terpenoids, tannins, phenols, and carbohydrates as active ingredients with moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 μg/ml (TC) and 25 μg/ml (AR) against both bacteria. AR extract showed high biofilm inhibition on E. coli (80.8 ± 0.81%) and B. cereus (92.8 ± 1.08%) at 800 μg/mL and showed high DPPH radical scavenging activity IC50 value of 139.9 μg/mL. Further in IBD zebrafish, AR (14 mg/L) and TC (60 mg/L) exhibited a significant reduction in inflammatory cells in blood and improved pathological scores in the gut compared with positive drug Prednisolone (50 mg/L). Moreover, T. chebula showed a greater reduction in the number of inflammatory cells recruited in the intestine of IBD-induced fish compared to A. racemosus at the time point and dose examined.

Vanillic acid abrogates cisplatin-induced ovotoxicity through activating Nrf2 pathway

Although cisplatin (CDDP) is an effective anticancer agent, the ovotoxicity that can occur in female patients limits its use. Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are known to contribute to CDDP-induced ovotoxicity. Vanillic acid (VA) is a dietary herbal secondary metabolite with high free radical scavenging activity. It was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of VA against CDDP-induced ovotoxicity in rats in this study for the first time. Ovotoxicity was achieved with a single dose of CDDP (5 mg/kg) in female rats. The therapeutic effect of VA was evaluated with 3-day administration of two different doses (5 and 10 mg/kg). While OS, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis markers were measured in tissue samples, the levels of reproductive hormones were determined in serum samples using colorimetric methods. The results showed that CDDP-induced nuclear factor erythroid 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibition combined with increased OS, inflammation, ERS and apoptosis increased ovarian damage. VA treatments reversed these changes via activating Nrf2 pathway dose-dependently. In addition, histopathological findings also supported the biochemical results. VA may be a good therapeutic molecule candidate for CDDP-induced ovarian damage due to strong antioxidant and Nrf2 activator properties.

Exploring the Potential of Extracts from Sloanea medusula and S. calva: Formulating Two Skincare Gels with Antioxidant, Sun Protective Factor, and Anti-Candida albicans Activities.

Sloanea is a plant genus, native to tropical regions, used in medicinal practices for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity, sun protective factor (SPF), and antifungal of extracts obtained from two species of Sloanea and to develop extract-based gels with antioxidants, photoprotective, and anti-Candida albicans effects. Ethanolic extracts from S. medusula and S. calva collected in Chocó, Colombia, were used for antioxidant activity and SPF determination using the DPPH assay and the Mansur equation, respectively. Extracts were characterized using HPLC-MS and used to prepare the gels. The viscosity of the extract-based gels was evaluated using an MCR92 rheometer. In addition, the anti-Candida activity of extracts against five yeasts and anti-C. albicans of gels were evaluated following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M27, 4th Edition. High DPPH radical scavenging activity (42.4% and 44.7%) and a high SPF value (32.5 and 35.4) were obtained for the extracts of S. medusula and S. calva, respectively. Similarly, extract-based gels showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity of 54.5% and 53.0% and maximum SPF values of 60 and 57. Extract from S. medusula showed an important antifungal activity against C. albicans (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 µg/mL). In contrast, S. calva extract was active against C. krusei, C. albicans (MIC of 2 µg/mL) and C. tropicalis (MIC of 4 µg/mL). Sloanea medusula gel (0.15%) exhibited an important C. albicans growth inhibition (98%), while with S. calva gel (0.3%) growth inhibition was slightly lower (76%). Polyphenolic and triterpenoid compounds were tentatively identified for S. medusula and S. calva, respectively. Both extracts can be considered promising sources for developing photoprotective gels to treat skin infections caused by C. albicans.

Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Plant Extracts of Greek Flora and Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity

This study examined five species of the Lamiaceae family, Origanum vulgare L., Origanum dictamnus L., Origanum majorana L., Mentha spicata L. and Lavandula angustifolia L., and one species of the Hypericaceae family, Hypericum perforatum L., for their potential to enhance health and wellbeing or to prevent diseases. An analysis of secondary metabolites was performed by mass spectrometry and HPLC coupled with diode array detection to determine the phenolic compounds included in the plant extracts. The samples were evaluated for their total phenolic content, antioxidant potential, ability to prevent DNA scission caused by peroxyl radicals and antimicrobial activity against pathogens (MIC). All the samples, except Lavandula angustifolia L., had a high DPPH radical scavenging activity and showed significant antibacterial activity. Origanum majorana L. demonstrated the lowest IC50 value (10.31 μg·mL−1). Extracts of medicinal herbs had a remarkably high phenolic content varying between 428 and 1512.74 μg GAE/mg of dry extract, with Origanum vulgare L. having the largest amount of polyphenols. Moreover, the plant extracts exhibited a high level of resistance against DNA damage, with Origanum majorana L. showing the greatest level of protection with 98.05% inhibition. According to the results of this study, these plants from the Greek flora provide beneficial effects for health as natural antioxidants. A baseline can be established through the analysis of the findings of this survey for future research on the same plant species.

Antioxidants and in vitro starch digestibility of coloured rice, and its effect on blood sugar and malonaldehyde in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an autoimmune disease caused by abnormal regulation of blood sugar, with type 2 DM representing 90 - 95% of total DM incidence. One of the preventive measures to improve blood sugar control is the regulation of eating patterns. The purposes of the present work were therefore (1) to determine the proximate composition, carotene and anthocyanin contents, starch digestibility, and antioxidant capacity of Baturraden white rice, Baturraden organic brown rice, and Sirampog black rice; and (2) to determine the effect of feeding these rice on fasting blood sugar and malondialdehyde (MDA) production in diabetic rats. Sirampog black rice had higher levels of carotene and anthocyanin, and higher radical scavenging activity than Baturraden organic brown and white rice. In diabetic rats, Sirampog black rice (Δ = 153.80 mg/dL) could reduce fasting blood sugar more effectively than Baturraden organic brown rice (Δ = 124.48 mg/dL) and Baturraden white rice (Δ = 14.62 mg/dL). Diabetic rats treated with Sirampog black rice also presented the lowest MDA levels of 2.62 nmol/mL when compared with that of Baturraden organic brown rice (3.96 nmol/mL) and Baturraden white rice (10.14 nmol/mL). Based on these results, patients with DM are advised to consume Sirampog black rice. In the future, it is necessary to perform trials in patients with DM to determine the effect of Sirampog black rice on fasting blood sugar and diabetic weight loss.

Scrophularia peyronii Post. from Jordan: Chemical Composition of Essential Oil and Phytochemical Profiling of Crude Extracts and Their In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

The genus Scrophularia is one of the largest genera belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. Different members of the genus exhibit an interesting, wide spectrum of bioactivities. Accordingly, the current study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition of the essential oil of Scrophularia peyronii Post. from Jordan. Additionally, extracts obtained from the aerial parts with solvents of different polarities were assayed for their phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities. The major constituents detected in the essential oil, as revealed by GC/MS analysis, contained mainly Z,Z-farnesyl acetone (11.04%), β-elemene (6.36%), n-octanal (5.98%), and spathulenol (4.58%). Each of the aqueous methanol (Sp-M) and butanol (Sp-B) extracts contained flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinone, and glycosides. Both extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and their in vitro antioxidant activity, which were assayed using the DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging methods. Additionally, the two extracts were then subjected to LC-ESI-MS/MS for the qualitative determination of their secondary metabolite content, especially in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The results showed that the Sp-B extract of S. peyronii had the highest contents of both phenolic compounds and flavonoids and showed high radical scavenging activity, as determined by the two assay methods, when compared with the Sp-M extract. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis resulted in the detection of 21 compounds, including 8 flavonoids, 6 phenolic acids, 6 iridoids, and 2 acids. Although the majority of compounds were detected in both extracts, it was noticed that scropolioside B, 6'-O-cinnamoylharpagide, isoferulic acid, and 6-O-methylcatapol were only detected in the Sp-M fraction.

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis condition of edible bird’s nest crumbs by response surface methodology and determination of biochemical characteristics of the hydrolysate

Edible bird's nest (EBN) crumbs are the by-product of the bird's nest industry. Despite having lower economic value compared to the original material, EBN crumbs still maintain high protein and carbohydrate content. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal hydrolysis condition for EBN crumbs using protease to achieve the maximum degree of hydrolysis (DH). Plackett Burman design was employed to identify the important factors. The results showed that enzyme loading, temperature and hydrolysis time had the strongest effect on the DH. These factors were subsequently subjected to the optimization study using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of EBN crumbs were at an enzyme loading of 4%, temperature of 51ºC, and hydrolysis time of 90 min. The experimental DH obtained at the optimized condition (63.5%) was close to the predicted DH (64.1%). The enzymatic hydrolysate prepared at the optimal condition showed relatively high amino acid concentration (151.6 ± 1.29 µg/mL) and radical scavenging activity (64.97 ± 0.79%) compared to the boiled sample with values of only 50.1 ± 2.43 µg/mL and 18.36 ± 0.17%, respectively. The resultant hydrolysate had no effect on some of the microorganisms employed in this study. The EBN crumbs hydrolysate inhibited tyrosinase activity with an IC50 of 70.22 µg/mL, greater than that of boiled EBN (IC50= 108.9 µg/mL). The results indicated that the EBN crumbs hydrolysate could be further applied in the cosmetic industry as a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds for the formulation of beauty products.

Effect of Deployment and Harvest Date on Growth and High-Value Compounds of Farmed Alaria esculenta.

Alaria esculenta is a brown seaweed farmed in many European countries for its biomass rich in useful bio compounds. This study aimed to identify the optimal growing season to maximise biomass production and quality. The seeded longlines of the brown seaweed were deployed in the southwest of Ireland in October and November 2019 and samples of the biomass were harvested in different dates, between March and June 2020. Biomass gain and composition, phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) and biological activities (antioxidant and anti-hypertensive activities) of seaweed extracts prepared with Alcalase were evaluated. The biomass production was significantly higher for the line deployed in October (>20 kg·m-1). In May and June, an increasing amount of epiphytes was observed on the surface of A. esculenta. The protein content of A. esculenta varied between 11.2 and 11.76% and fat content was relatively low (1.8-2.3%). Regarding the fatty acids profile, A. esculenta was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The samples analysed were very rich in Na, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cr and Ni. The content of Cd, Pb Hg was relatively low and below the maximum levels allowed. The highest TPC and TFC were obtained in extracts prepared with A. esculenta collected in March and levels of these compounds decreased with time. In general, the highest radical scavenging activities (ABTS and DPPH), as well as chelating activities (Fe2+ and Cu2+) were observed in early spring. Extracts from A. esculenta collected in March and April presented higher ACE inhibitory activity. The extracts from seaweeds harvested in March exhibited higher biological activity. It was concluded that an earlier deployment allows for maximising growth and harvest of biomass earlier when its quality is at the highest levels. The study also confirms the high content of useful bio compounds that can be extracted from A. esculenta and used in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry.

Chemical compositions and biological activities of Serevenia buxifolia essential oil leaves cultivated in Vietnam (Thua Thien Hue).

Serevenia buxifolia is an evergreen citrus plant and has attracted considerable attention due to its bioactive components and biological activities. In the present study, the essential oil (EO) from S. buxifolia cultivated in Vietnam was demonstrated to exhibit the in vitro antioxidant, thrombolytic, anti-hemolysis, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Briefly, the gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the leaf EO of S. buxifolia was composed of 33 components, with the main constituents being β-carypphyllene (32.5%), and elixene (9.8%). The extracted oil possessed a fairly high free radical scavenging activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), with an IC50 value of 190.7 μg/mL compared with positive control, α-tocopherol, IC50 value of 42.6 μg/mL. The EO also exhibited thrombolytic activity: the percentage of inhibition was found to be 70.75% at 100 μL, in comparison with 87.2% for the positive control, streptokinase. For hemolytic activity, the percentage of inhibition of the EO was from 27.4% to 59.6% at concentrations from 10 to 100 μg/mL, respectively. The results of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity indicated that the EO of S. buxifolia leaves effectively protects the heat-induced denaturation, with an IC50 value of 40.25 μg/mL. The EO also exhibited antidiabetic potential, with IC50 values of 87.8 and 134.9 μg/mL against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. It is noteworthy that the potent biological activities of the obtained S. buxifolia oil increased in a dose-dependent manner. The results achieved show that the EO of S. buxifolia leaves can be a potential source for oxidative stress, inflammatory, and diabetic management.

In vitro and in vivo Antitrypanosomal Activities of Annona muricata Leaf Extracts in Trypanosoma brucei brucei Experimentally Infected Albino Rats

Aims: Trypanosomiasis is an important protozoan disease that affects domestic and wild animals as well as man. It is caused by the tsetse fly-transmitted extracellular hemo-flagellates that belong to the genus, Trypanosoma. In East and Southern Africa, Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense while in West and Central Africa, it is caused by T. b. gambiense. Animal trypanosomiasis on the other hand is caused by T. b. brucei, T. vivax, and T. congolense. In sub-Saharan Africa, about sixty million people are at risk of infection. This current study evaluates the antitrypanosomal efficacy of extracts of Annona muricata leaf in Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected albino rats.
 Place and Duration of Study: Animal Parasitology and Microbiology Research Unit, Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, between February and June, 2021.
 Methodology: In vitro antitrypanosomal analysis was done in varied concentrations of 2.5mg/ml, 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml using various solvent extracts (ethanolic, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, chloroform and aqueous). Diminazine aceturate and normal saline were used as positive and negative controls respectively. The In vivo assay was carried out through intraperitoneal administration of graded doses (200, 400 and 600mg/kg) of ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of the plant for three consecutive days.
 Results: The n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts yielded high percentage DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 85.52, 80.00 and 78.49% respectively. Decrease in motility of the parasites at different times were observed in all extracts tested invitro. These responses were positively concentration-dependent. 10mg/ml concentration of chloroform and ethyl acetate showed complete cessation of parasite motility at 35 and 45 minutes respectively. These two extracts (ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts) which showed the best invitro responses, were subjected to invivo analysis. Both extracts caused decrease in trypanosome parasitemia and prolongation of mean survival days of the rats to 14.67days as compared with 6.83days in the negative control group. The extracts displayed dose-dependent significant (p ≤ 0.05) antitrypanosomal activities when compared with the negative and positive controls.
 Conclusion: The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Annona muricata showed a relatively higher antitrypanosomal activity over other solvent extracts used in this study. Further fractionation, purification and isolation should be done to confirm the active components in this plant that is responsible for the antitrypanosomal activities recorded.