Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity Research Articles

Zein/fucoidan-coated phytol nanoliposome: preparation, characterization, physicochemical stability, in vitro release, and antioxidant activity.

To improve phytol bioavailability, a novel method of magnetic stirring and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) combination was used to prepare zein/fucoidan-coated phytol nanoliposomes (P-NL-ZF). The characterization, the simulated in vitro digestion, and the antioxidant activity of these phytol nanoliposomes from the different processes have been studied. Based on the results of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis, P-NL-ZF prepared through the combination of magnetic stirring and HPH exhibited superior encapsulation efficiency at 76.19% and demonstrated exceptional physicochemical stability under a series of conditions, including storage, pH, and ionic in comparison to single method. It was further confirmed that P-NL-ZF by magnetic stirring and HPH displayed a uniform distribution and regular shape through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding were the primary driving forces for the formation of composite nanoliposomes. Additionally, an in vitro digestion study revealed that multilayer composite nanoliposomes displayed significant and favorable slow-release properties (58.21%) under gastrointestinal conditions compared with traditional nanoliposomes (82.36%) and free phytol (89.73%). The assessments of chemical and cell-based antioxidant activities demonstrated that the coating of zein/fucoidan on phytol nanoliposomes resulted in enhanced effectiveness in scavenging activity of ABTS free radical and hydroxyl radical and mitigating oxidative damage to HepG2 cells. Based on our studies, the promising delivery carrier of zein/fucoidan-coated nanoliposomes is contributed to the encapsulation of hydrophobic natural products and enhancement of their biological activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sulfated polysaccharides from the viscera of Mustelus shark: Characterization and antioxidant, anticoagulant and anti-proliferative activities

In the present study, sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from smooth hound shark were extracted using different precipitation agents, the cetylpyridinium chloride or ethanol, named SHSP-I and SHSP-II, respectively. The UV–visible scan demonstrated the absence of nucleic acids or proteins in the extracted SHSPs. The antioxidant, anticoagulant and anti-proliferative activities were also investigated. Results showed that SHSPs displayed reducing and scavenging capacities, as shown by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity, the total antioxidant capacity and the hydroxyl radical-scavenging activities. Moreover, extracted SPs were able to prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), the prothrombin time (PT) and the thrombin time (TT) and they reduced the fibrinogen level (FL), without inducing erythrocytes hemolysis, which indicated that they inhibited the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways and thrombin-mediated fibrin formation. The SHSP-I was more effective on prolonging the blood clotting time by more than 120 s at 1 mg/ml in the aPTT and about 70 s and 60 s at 2.5 mg/ml in the PT and TT, respectively, compared to the SHSP-II. The anti-proliferative activity of SHSPs was tested against the growth of K562 human myelogenous leukemia cells and Caco-2 colon cancer cells. Data showed that both polysaccharides have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect, where SHSP-I exhibited the strongest activity against the tested cells and the K562 was more sensitive than Caco-2 line cells to the action of SHSPs. The overall data suggested that SPs from shark viscera could be useful to be used as nutraceutical agents.

Enhancing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of mulberry-derived postbiotics through submerged fermentation with B. subtilis H4 and B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112

Mulberry-derived postbiotics (MDP) have been scientifically proven to possess beneficial properties for human health, making them potential nutraceuticals. This study aims to enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of MDP via submerged fermentation with Bacillus subtilis H4 (H4) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LFB112 (LFB112) bacterial strains. Our results demonstrated compelling evidence that the combination of two strains with the optimized time (24 h), inoculum size (8%), and substrate size (10%) significantly increased the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activities. When compared to the non-fermented mulberry (NFM), the MDP with the above-optimized conditions showed substantially higher antioxidant activities such as DPPH, 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylebenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), hydroxyl scavenging activities, and reducing power capabilities. Moreover, the MDP showed a significant decrease in the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in RAW264.7 cells. The antibacterial assays such as minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) showed that MDP possesses antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacterial strains with the lowest MIC recorded as 32.5 mg/ml against S. pullorum CVCC519, while the highest MIC observed was 40 mg/ml against P. aeruginosa. The lowest and highest MBCs observed were 40 and 55 mg/ml against S. aureus ATCC43300 and S. pullorum CVCC519 respectively. Furthermore, the MDP showed good ant-inflammatory activities by significantly reducing the nitric oxide (NO) concentration (p<0.0001) and mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines in response to the LPS-induced inflammation in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. To sum up, our findings indicate that MDP as a novel postbiotics can be utilized both as a functional food and a safe feed additive, possibly benefiting gut and metabolic health.

Emerging high intensity ultrasound for soymilk in boosting bioactivity, amino acids release, reducing anti-nutritional factors and allergenicity

The study aimed to enhance soya milk's bioactivity, amino acid release, digestibility and reduce anti-nutritional factors via high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) 600W. Results demonstrated a substantial increase in the hydroxyl scavenging activity by 44%, a 41% improvement in DPPH, and 36% in ABTS. The amounts of AA released in treated samples were 1061.41 μmol/g, 1297.51 μmol/g, 1768.89 μmol/g, and 2014.23 μmol/g of protein at 0, 5, 10, and 15 min. Moreover, SDS PAGE unveiled a substantial decrease in the depth of bands corresponding to anti-nutritional and allergic proteins in the HIU-treated samples. Additionally, anti-nutritional factors (ANF) analysis demonstrated notable reductions in ANF content. The inhibition rates were 50%, 34%, 57%, 42% and 45% for phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor lipoxygenase, β-conglycinin and glycinin respectively with 15 min HIU application. In addition, in vitro digestion experiments showcased a substantial 21% increase in the digestibility with the applied method as well.

Citrate, a TCA cycle metabolite, plays a role as a hydroxyl radical scavenger in vitro

Reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, are strongly associated with diseases and aging. Superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide are scavenged by superoxide dismutase and catalase, respectively. These scavenging reactions are supported by enzymes. In contrast, hydroxyl radicals are scavenged by non-enzymatic compounds, such as ascorbic acid, glutathione, and phenolic compounds. Recently, metabolites of glucose and ethanol have been shown to act as hydroxyl radical scavengers. In this study, we evaluated hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity of metabolites of the TCA cycle. We found that these metabolites have a scavenging activity against hydroxyl radicals. In particular, citrate exhibited significant scavenging activity at the cellular level. Additionally, citrate protected superoxide dismutase from hydroxyl radicals. We also confirmed the protective role of citrate against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA strand breakage. The previously reported rate constants and intracellular concentrations did not rule out a protective role in mitochondria. Collectively, our results indicate that citrate acts as a hydroxyl radical scavenger.

Insights into enzymatic hydrolysis: Exploring effects on antioxidant and functional properties of bioactive peptides from Chlorella proteins

Chlorella protein hydrolysate (CPH) is highly valued for its protein content, solubility, and functionality. Our main aim is to produce CPH via enzymatic hydrolysis using pepsin, alkaline, trypsin, and pancreatic enzymes and to analyze its amino acid composition, antioxidant activity, functional, and physiological properties. After the extraction and preparation of bioactive peptides (BAPs) derived from Chlorella protein, they were enzymatically hydrolyzed using the mentioned enzymes, and the degree of hydrolysis (DH) was evaluated. Our results showed that samples fabricated with trypsin and alkaline enzymes had the highest water-holding capacity (WHC) (3.8 g water/g dry matter) and oil-holding capacity (OHC) (5.7 g oil/g dry matter), respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysis with alkaline enzyme and trypsin showed the strongest radical scavenging activities of DPPH (83.2%) and ABTS (77.5%), respectively. Additionally, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA) and reducing power of crude protein increased after enzymatic hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis also increased the metal-chelating activity. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that CPH has the best potential in improving the nutritional and functional properties of food ingredients and products.

Phytochemical Analysis of Selected Medicinal Pslants from Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh

The objective of the present investigation is to appraise the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, DPPH and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity along with a total antioxidant capacity of water extract obtained from six medicinal plants, i.e., Acalypha alnifolia, Caesalpinia bonduc, Carissa spinarum, Commiphora caudata, Moringa concanensis and Terminalia tomentosa. The phytochemical analysis of the six medicinal plants water extracts revealed total phenolic content (TPC) in the range of 27.77 to 3.35 GAE mg/g dwt. The highest TPC is present in A. alnifolia and the lowest is noticed in T. tomentosa. The total flavonoid content is present in between 1.68 to 1.48 QE mg/g dry weight and a higher amount of flavonoid content was observed in A. alnifolia and lowest present in C. bonduc. Antioxidant activity results of the six medicinal plants showed that the highest total antioxidant capacity was observed in Carissa spinarum and lowest in T. tomentosa. DPPH method was used to know the antioxidant capacity of aqueous extract of the six medicinal plants. Among the tested plants A. alnifolia, Carissa spinarum and Moringa concanensis strongly reduced DPPH purple color by expressing ~80% as maximum inhibition. DPPH was strongly inhibited by T. tomentosa (IC50 value 25 μg/ml). Hydroxyl radical was strongly (~96%) inhibited by T. tomentosa and lowest IC50 value was expressed by A. alnifolia (36.4 μg/ml). The study results indicate that all six medicinal plants are rich sources of natural antioxidant components.

Preparation of Astragalus membranaceus–cranberry biscuits and the evaluation of physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity

SummaryAstragalus membranaceus, as a medicinal and edible product, contains a variety of active ingredients. The cranberry powder is rich in polyphenol, dietary fibre, vitamins and mineral. In this study, biscuits were prepared by enrichment with Astragalus membranaceus and cranberry powder. The basic nutrients, physicochemical indexes, odour characteristics, antioxidant properties and shelf life prediction of the Astragalus membranaceus–cranberry biscuits (AMCB) were evaluated and compared with commercial biscuits. Overall, the biscuits with the addition of Astragalus membranaceus and cranberry had low water content and high protein content of 8.3 g/100 g. The antioxidant properties of AMCB were analysed by DPPH radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and the results demonstrated that AMCB possessed higher antioxidant activity than cranberry biscuits (CRB) and control biscuits (CB). The water content and peroxide value index were used to predict the shelf life by accelerated test. According to the Arrhenius method, the shelf life of AMCB was about 112 days. The results showed that the addition of 23% Astragalus membranaceus and cranberry powder led to improved nutritional value, antioxidant properties and sensory characteristics of the biscuits.

Multi-index evaluation of different parts of Amomum villosum

To investigate the quality differences between the seeds and husks of Amomum villosum and explore the rationality of using the seeds without husks, this study determined the content of protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, epicatechin, quercitrin, volatile oil, water extract, and ethanol extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS), and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were determined to evaluate the antioxidant activities of seeds and husks. The quality differences between the seeds and husks were assessed through orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) and analytic hierarchy process(AHP) combined with the entropy weight method(EWM). Significant differences(P&lt;0.05) were observed in all 10 indicators between the seeds and husks. The levels of epicatechin, quercetin, and volatile oil were higher in the seeds, whereas those of protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, water extract, and ethanol extract were higher in the husks. The seeds showed stronger scavenging ability against DPPH and ABTS radicals, while the husks showed a stronger scavenging effect on hydroxyl radicals. OPLS-DA significantly discriminated between the seeds and husks. Furthermore, volatile oil, water extract, DPPH radical scavenging rate, quercitrin, ABTS radical scavenging rate, hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, and vanillic acid were selected as the main differential indicators by variable importance in projection(VIP). Comprehensive scores calculated by AHP combined with EWM indicated that the seeds were superior to husks in terms of overall quality. However, there are still some dominant components and a certain antioxidant effect in the husks. Therefore, it is suggested to using Amomi Fructus with a certain amount of husks or utilizing the husks for other purposes.

Comprehensive assessment of the extraction of Phyllanthus emblica L. based on the G1-Entropy Method and Response Surface Methodology

In this study, the G1-Entropy method was employed together with a response surface methodology (RSM) approach to establish a multi-index-based system for evaluating and optimizing the extraction of bioactive compounds from Phyllanthus emblica L. Seven chemical classes' contents were evaluated, including TPC (total phenolic content), TC (tannin content), DEY (dry extract yield), GA (gallic acid), CO (corilagin), CA (chebulagic acid), and EA (ellagic acid). The resultant extracts were also assessed for their antioxidant activity, as measured based on their DPPH radical, ABTS+, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity levels and their capacity to reduce iron ions. The inhibition of fluorescent AGEs generation was also assessed in BSA-Fru and MGO-BSA model assays to gauge the anti-glycation activity of these extracts. In total, a comprehensive score was derived based on 13 indices and corresponding weight values, with these scores then being used to determine the extraction conditions that yielded the best outcome. Through this strategy, the ideal extraction processing parameters were found to include an ethanol concentration of 56%, a liquid-solid ratio of 8 mL/g, and an extraction duration of 100 min. Using these optimized conditions yielded a predicted comprehensive score (Y) of 94.91, while the response value based on three independent variables from the validation experiments performed using these conditions was 92.03. These results highlight the promise of leveraging Phyllanthus emblica as a resource for use in the cosmetic, food, biochemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Fusarium foetens AQF6 Isolated from Amentotaxus ynnanensis H.L.Li as a Prolific Source of Antioxidant Compounds

Amentotaxus yunnanensis H.L.Li is a threatened conifer distributed only in China, Laos, and Vietnam, whose fungal endophytes have not been exploited yet. The aims of this study were to screen and characterize antioxidant metabolites from endophytic fungi obtained from A. yunnanensis. Using the surface sterilization method, sixteen endophytic fungi were isolated from A. yunnanensis and classified into seven genera including Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Neopestalotiopsis, Purpureocillium, and Simplicillium through the analysis of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene sequences. Among the ethyl acetate crude extracts, Fusarium foetens AQF6 contained the highest amount of polyphenol (117.76 ± 0.94 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoid (169.01 ± 2.09 mg quercetin equivalent/g). Importantly, 400 µg/mL AQF6 extract exhibited 95.75 ± 1.1% and 85.66 ± 1.91% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activities, respectively. Chemical investigation led to the isolation and identification of a new bisabolane-type sesquiterpene fusafoetriol (FUS) and 14 known compounds, among which six pure compounds showed free-radical scavenging activity against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. Under H2O2 stress, the yeast model Saccharomyces cerevisiae treated with 4 mM FUS showed 43.31% increase in viability. FUS has the potential to be applied in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food technological applications. Thus, this is the first report demonstrating the presence of endophytic fungi inhabiting A. yunnanensis and their potential as a prolific source of antioxidant metabolites.

Multifaceted bioactivity of thiosemicarbazide derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, and DFT investigations on inhibition of α-amylase, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and iron chelating activities with molecular docking insights

In this study, eight bioactive thiosemicarbazide derivatives (3a-h) were synthesized and characterized through 1HNMR , 13CNMR and Mass spectroscopic techniques. Finally, their inhibition activities against α-amylase and antioxidant activity were investigated. Among the synthetic series, five compounds 3 g (IC50 = 8.61 ± 1.42 µM) 3a (IC50 = 13.41 ± 1.65 µM), 3e (IC50 = 15.23 ± 1.17 µM), 3 h (IC50 = 17.37 ± 0.87 µM) and 3d (IC50 = 17.95 ± 1.99 µM) showed excellent inhibition by comparing with standard (acarbose, IC50 = 21.55 ± 1.31 µM). Similarly, in the case of iron chelating agent activity, product compounds 3a-h presented outstanding activity in the range of IC50 = 18.19 ± 1.81 to 63.42 ± 1.45 µM superior than standard (EDTA, IC50 = 66.43 ± 1.07 µM) while in hydroxyl radical scavenging activity all the synthesized products 3a-h also showed excellent scavenging activity in the range of IC50 values 25.85 ± 1.13 to 58.9 ± 2.95 µM when compared to standard vitamin C (IC50 = 60.51 ± 1.02 µM). We expanded our investigation to molecular interactions via a docking study, where these compounds were docked with the target protein to unveil their binding affinities and key interactions, offering additional insights into their inhibitory mechanisms. The chemical nature of the synthesized compounds was revealed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations at B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p). Intramolecular hydrogen bonding was explored using DFT-d3 and reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis. Additionally, various reactivity parameters were investigated through TD-DFT at the CAM-B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p) method.

Fermentation of olive pulp by Limosilactobacillus fermentumNCU001464: physicochemical properties, biological activity and bioactive phenols

SummaryOlives, which are rich in bioactive compounds, are processed into beverages in China. We investigated the effect of fermentation by Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCU001464 on the physicochemical characteristics, biological activities and phenolic compounds of olive pulp. After fermentation for 48 h, pH and individual sugar content of olive pulp decreased. Lm. fermentum NCU001464 fermentation enhanced the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and the inhibitory effect against xanthine oxidase (XO) of olive pulp. Total phenol content was not significantly different between olive pulp fermented for 0 and 48 h. However, the fermented olive phenol extract had a lower IC50 value than the unfermented phenol extract. Fluorescence spectroscopy results revealed that the olive phenol extract had a stronger XO inhibitory effect after fermentation. The dominant binding forces between olive phenols and XO were hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. There were 31 different phenolic compounds between the unfermented and fermented extracts.

Antioxidant Activity of Ocimum gratissimum Stem Extract Mediated Silver Nanoparticles- An in Vitro Study

Silver nanoparticles made from plant extracts have drawn a lot of interest because of the potential uses for them in nanotechnology and medicine. Ocimum gratissimum was used since the ancient past for its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties and it has long been employed in herbal therapy. Ocimum gratissimum’s stem extract was used in several research to synthesize silver nanoparticles and assess their antioxidant properties. The antioxidant capacity of the stem extract is influenced by the phytochemicals found in it, including phenolic substances, flavonoids, and tannins. These phytochemicals have the ability to stabilize the synthesized nanoparticles and serve as reducing agents. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. The results of the conducted assays shows that the Ocimum gratissimum silver nanoparticles has shown to possess significant antioxidant activity and can be used as a therapeutic alternative to the commercial antioxidant drugs.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity Comparison of Wild-Type and Yellow-Leaf gl1 Mutant of Lagerstroemia indica.

The yellow-leaf gl1 mutant of Lagerstroemia indica exhibits an altered phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway compared to wild-type (WT). However, details on the metabolites associated with leaf color variation, including color-specific metabolites with bioactive constituents, are not fully understood. Chemical and metabolomics approaches were used to compare metabolite composition and antioxidant capacity between the gl1 mutant and WT leaves. The mutant exhibited an irregular xylem structure with a significantly lower phenolic polymer lignin content and higher soluble phenolic compounds. Untargeted metabolomics analysis identified phenolic compounds, particularly lignans, as key differential metabolites between gl1 and WT, with a significant increase in the mutant. The neolignan derivative balanophonin-4-O-D-glu was identified as a characteristic metabolite in the gl1 mutant. The soluble phenolic compounds of the gl1 mutant exhibited higher FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than in WT. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds in L. indica. Metabolites associated with leaf color variation in the L. indica yellow-leaf gl1 mutant demonstrated high antioxidant capacity, particularly in scavenging hydroxyl radicals.

Natural Polysaccharides Derived from Fruits and Mushrooms with Antiinflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Abstract: A large class of substances known as polysaccharides have a wide range of advantageous therapeutic and nutritional properties. Polysaccharides found in plants and plant components are extracted for the use in treating a number of diseases. Since ancient times, these polysaccharides have been utilized for human wellness. With no or minimal adverse effects, the polysaccharides that were extracted and refined from the fruits exhibit strong antioxidant, antiinflammatory, immunoregulatory, and hepatoprotective action. These fruit polysaccharides are isolated and purified using numerous chromatographic methods. In this review, the polysaccharide obtained from sources such as Rubus chingii, Mulberry, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Lilium davidii, Flammulina velutipes, Angelica sinesis, and Diospyros kaki have been discussed along with their biological activities including DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS free radical scavenging assay, Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and assay for oxygen free radical absorption capacity (ORAC) listed in various studies.

Morc2a variants cause hydroxyl radical-mediated neuropathy and are rescued by restoring GHKL ATPase.

Mutations in the Microrchidia CW-Type Zinc Finger 2 (MORC2) GHKL ATPase module cause a broad range of neuropathies, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2Z; however, the aetiology and therapeutic strategy are not fully understood. Previously, we reported that the Morc2a p.S87L mouse model exhibited neuropathy and muscular dysfunction through DNA damage accumulation. In the present study, we analysed the gene expression of Morc2a p.S87L mice and designated the primary causing factor. We investigated the pathological pathway using Morc2a p.S87L mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human fibroblasts harbouring MORC2 p.R252W. We subsequently assessed the therapeutic effect of gene therapy administered to Morc2a p.S87L mice. This study revealed that Morc2a p.S87L causes a protein synthesis defect, resulting in the loss of function of Morc2a and high cellular apoptosis induced by high hydroxyl radical levels. We considered the Morc2a GHKL ATPase domain as a therapeutic target because it simultaneously complements hydroxyl radical scavenging and ATPase activity. We used the adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.eB serotype, which has a high central nervous system transduction efficiency, to express Morc2a or Morc2a GHKL ATPase domain protein in vivo. Notably, AAV gene therapy ameliorated neuropathy and muscular dysfunction with a single treatment. Loss of functional characteristics due to protein synthesis defects in Morc2a p.S87L was also noted in human MORC2 p.S87L or p.R252W variants, indicating the correlation between mouse and human pathogenesis. In summary, CMT2Z is known as an incurable genetic disorder, but the present study demonstrated its mechanisms and treatments based on established animal models. This study demonstrates that the Morc2a p.S87L variant causes hydroxyl radical-mediated neuropathy, which can be rescued through AAV-based gene therapy.

Effects of Medium Additives on the Mycelial Growth and Polysaccharide Biosynthesis in Submerged Culture of Bjerkandera fumosa.

Medium additives have been shown to affect the synthesis of active products in fungi. This study investigated the effects of corn stalk, poplar sawdust, Tween-80, and oleic acid on mycelial biomass and physicochemical properties, as well as the bioactivity of polysaccharides, including exopolysaccharides (EPS) and intracellular polysaccharides (IPS), in the submerged culture of Bjerkandera fumosa. Results showed that the addition of corn stalk or poplar sawdust increased the production of EPS but decreased the production of IPS; Tween-80 had less effect on the production of EPS and IPS; and oleic acid stimulated polysaccharide production significantly. Polysaccharide property analysis showed that the addition of corn stalk or poplar sawdust promoted the production of high-molecular-weight components in polysaccharides and changed the monosaccharide composition of polysaccharides, as well as increased the mannose, glucuronic acid, and xylose contents of IPS. Tween-80 and oleic acid also changed the molecular weight distribution of polysaccharides but only slightly affected the composition of monosaccharides. The bioactivity assay indicated that the polysaccharides obtained by adding corn stalk possessed high hydroxyl radical scavenging and antitumor activities. The effect of poplar sawdust was slightly weaker than that of corn stalk. EPS and IPS obtained from a culture with Tween-80 and oleic acid possessed low antioxidant activity. Moreover, their antitumor activity was improved and lost, respectively. The results obtained in this work are useful for improving the understanding of the optimization and regulation of bioactive polysaccharide production in the submerged culture of B. fumosa.

Unifying Theory and Experiments: Multi-Target Pharmacology of Dajihan Pill Against Hyperlipidemia

Background: The increasing incidence of hyperlipidemia (HLP) is attributed to the imbalance in redox homeostasis, aberrant lipid metabolism, and the excessive intake of empty calories. Dajihan Pill (DJHP) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula composed of Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR), Piperis Longi Fructus (PLF), Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizome (AOR), and Cinnamomi Cortex (CC) in a ratio of 3:2:3:2. It exhibits a significant preventive effect on HLP. Certainly, the active components and the precise mechanism of action are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the preventive and ameliorative mechanisms of DJHP against HLP by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Method: Based on the pharmacological method, active ingredients in DJHP and targets were extracted from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) and UniProt. Then core compounds and targets were obtained by constructing “compounds-targets-disease” and proteinprotein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) function analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were employed to elucidate further the associated action mechanism. The molecular binding mechanisms between the core ingredients and targets were elucidated through molecular docking. Additionally, the antioxidant capacities of DJHP extracts were investigated by assessing their DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Results: A total of 45 active compounds and 258 targets were identified in DJHP. Network analysis indicated that quercetin, beta-sitosterol, kaempferol, and oleic acid might serve as core bioactive compounds. Seven core targets, including AKT1, INS, and TNF, were identified as potential preventive targets. GO analysis suggested the improvement of HLP by DJHP may be related to the lipid metabolic process, high-density lipoprotein particle, triglyceride binding, and inflammatory response. The KEGG analysis indicated TNF, HIF-1, and AMPK signaling pathways were involved. The observations of active compounds binding with core targets indicated an excellent combination. Additionally, antioxidant results showed that DJHP exhibited significant DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Conclusion: Theoretical and experimental investigations indicate that DJHP can effectively modulate various signaling pathways and enhance the redox system, thus mitigating HLP. Our work provided a basis for the pharmacological study of DJHP in preventing HLP and further research.

Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract in rats.

This study aimed to determine the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) seed ethanolic extract in rats. We assessed the antioxidant potential using free radical scavenging on DPPH, β-carotene bleaching activity, ferric reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In the antiulcerogenic study, pre-treatment with Plantago ovata seeds ethanolic extract (POE) (400 mg/kg b.wt) significantly protected against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by decreasing the ulcer index value and preserving the integrity of the gastric mucosa. The oxidative stress status in the stomach tissues showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation during pre-treatment with POE. In conclusion, the POE protects against gastric ulcer due to its antioxidant potential and presence of bioactive molecules.