DPPH Radical Inhibition Research Articles

SEDIAAN KRIM EKSTRAK AIR BUAH AREN (Arenga pinnata) SEBAGAI ANTIOKSIDAN

Palm fruit ( Arenga pinnata ) contains galactomannan which has the potential as an antioxidant activity with an IC 50 value of 20,45 ppm. This study aims to produce cream dosage forms with antioxidant activity using the scaverry DPPH radical scavenger method from arenga pinnata water extract. Palm fruit water extract is formulated in cream form with variations in the concentration of stearic acid and triethanolamine emulgators in F1 (6:4), F2 (7:3), and F3 (8:2). Evaluation of physical stability includes organoleptic testing, homogeneity, pH, emulsion type, viscosity and type of flow carried out before and after forced conditions. In the statistical analysis of viscosity, the results of each formula showed no significant changes both before and after the conditions were forced. The results of the study obtained formula 2 and formula 3 has optimal stability. The stable formula was then tested for antioxidants using the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenger method. Formula 2 and formula 3 each yield a DPPH radical inhibition percentage of 65% and 48.04%.

SEDIAAN KRIM EKSTRAK AIR BUAH AREN (Arenga pinnata) SEBAGAI ANTIOKSIDAN

Palm fruit ( Arenga pinnata ) contains galactomannan which has the potential as an antioxidant activity with an IC 50 value of 20,45 ppm. This study aims to produce cream dosage forms with antioxidant activity using the scaverry DPPH radical scavenger method from arenga pinnata water extract. Palm fruit water extract is formulated in cream form with variations in the concentration of stearic acid and triethanolamine emulgators in F1 (6:4), F2 (7:3), and F3 (8:2). Evaluation of physical stability includes organoleptic testing, homogeneity, pH, emulsion type, viscosity and type of flow carried out before and after forced conditions. In the statistical analysis of viscosity, the results of each formula showed no significant changes both before and after the conditions were forced. The results of the study obtained formula 2 and formula 3 has optimal stability. The stable formula was then tested for antioxidants using the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenger method. Formula 2 and formula 3 each yield a DPPH radical inhibition percentage of 65% and 48.04%.

Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of selected wild leafy vegetables grown in Bangladesh: A cheapest source of antioxidants.

Nowadays, more attention has been paid on wild plants as new source of natural antioxidants. Therefore, methanolic extracts of 10 traditionally consumed wild leafy vegetables of Bangladesh were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging activity. Folin-Ciocalteu method followed by spectrophotometric measurement was used to quantify the TPC of the selected wild leafy vegetables. Free radical scavenging activity was examined utilizing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Different concentrations of the plant extract were applied to ascertain the dose response relationship in inhibiting DPPH free radical. The results revealed that the TPC ranged from 102.20 to 710.42 mg GAE/100g dry weight (DW). The highest TPC was observed in Bauhinia acuminata (Shetokanchan) while Leucas aspera (Shetodhron) exhibited the lowest TPC among the undertaken vegetables. The studied samples proportionately inhibited DPPH with increasing concentrations. At high concentration (500 µg.mL-1), the percentage inhibition of DPPH radical by plant extract ranged from 68.1 ±2.65 % to 93.1 ±1.23 %. The highest DPPH radical inhibition was observed in Bauhinia acuminata (Shetokanchan) (93.10 ±1.23 %), followed by Commelina benghalensis (Bat baittashak) (91.97 ±1.31 %), Hydrocotyle sibthorpiodes L. (Sakumubakla) (91.83 ±2.13 %). The lowest DPPH radical inhibition among the studied samples was observed in Leucas aspera (Shetodhron) (68.1 ±2.65 %). IC50 values measured by DPPH assay in this study ranged from 11.64 to 313.79 µg.mL-1. The study findings indicated that the samples under study possesses strong activity against DPPH, and thus could be used as natural antioxidants in the food and/or pharmaceutical industry.

In vitro Antioxidant Potentials of Ethanol Extract of Unripe and Ripe Dennetia tripetala Fruits

Dennettia tripetala fruit is a popular Nigerian fruit from the family of plant known as Annonaceae. The whole fruit (flesh and seed) is usually consumed as snacks and it is oftentimes consumed with local gin (ufofop in Ibibio or kaikai in Igbo) or added to dishes as spice due to its peculiar strong pepperish taste and sweet aroma. The present study is aimed at evaluating the antioxidant potentials of ethanol extract of ripe and unripe D. tripetala (DT) fruit in vitro. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of DT was evaluated spectrophotometrically using various in vitro models like 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity; metal chelating activity and reducing power. Vitamin C was used as the standard antioxidant.Unripe and ripe DT fruits, as well as vitamin C showed a competitive inhibition of DPPH and H2O2 free radicals. As concentration of the extracts increased from 20 to100 µg/mL, the % scavenging activity for vitamin C increased from 87.86 ± 0.11 to 90.66 ± 0.07 and for ripe DT fruits from 15.15 ± 0.24 to 25.52 ± 0.23, while for unripe, fruits values increased from 12.09 ± 0.35 to 23.06 ± 0.12. The IC50 values was highest in unripe (549.23) followed by ripe (276.63) and lowest in vitamin C (12.92) indicating that vitamin C was the best scavenger of DPPH radical. Similar trend was obtained for H2O2 scavenging activity as well as reducing power. Unripe DT fruit extract was more potent at chelating metal ions (IC50 was 95.38), followed by the standard ascorbic acid with IC50 of 97.03 and was lowest in ripe DT fruit extract with IC50 value of 124.66. Unripe and ripe DT are potent antioxidants in nature and may be used to supplement our diets as rich sources of natural antioxidants for health protection.

Analysis of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts from inflorescences of Carduus sp

In the present study, the phenolic compounds in 70% (v/v) methanol extracts from the inflorescences of Carduus carlinoides Gouan, Carduus nigrescens Vill, Carduus defloratus L., Carduus nutans L., and Carduus crispus Gouan were identified. The extracts were tested by the RP-HPLC and HPLC/ESI-QTOF/MS methods. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were extracted from the inflorescences by ASE. HPLC profiles (fingerprints) of methanolic Carduus sp. extract were correlated with flavonoid and phenolic acid content by using chemometric methods. The obtained results revealed that various species showed characteristic profiles of phenolic acids and flavonoids. These compounds included nine flavonoids (isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-rhamnoglucoside, luteolin-7-glucoside, luteolin-7-glucuronide, apigenin-7-glucoside, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-rhamnoglucoside, apigenin, and luteolin) and five phenolic acids (neochlorogenic, chlorogenic, caffeic, protocatechuic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids). Also the evaluation of antioxidant activity of 70% (v/v) methanolic extracts, which was expressed both as a percentage of DPPH radical inhibition and EC50 values (mg/mL). The EC50 values for all obtained extracts were as follows: C. nutans (EC50 = 0.46 mg/mL), C. carlinoides (EC50 = 0.60 mg/mL), C. crispus (EC50 = 0.70 mg/mL), C. nigrescens (EC50 = 0.78 mg/mL), and C. nigrescens (EC50 = 0.80 mg/mL). Chemometric analysis of the RP-HPLC chromatograms allowed to extract four independent trends in the content of the identified components. The most identical extracts came from two species: C. nigrescens and C. deccusatus.

Antioxidant and Haematological Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Ricinus communis

Ricinus communis commonly known as castor oil is used as a traditional natural remedy or folkloric herb for the control and treatment of a wide range of diseases around the globe. Various studies have revealed the presence of diverse phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, phenolic compounds such as kaempferol, gallic acid, ricin, rutin, lupeol, and ricinoleic acid. The present study investigates the in vivo and in vitro analyses of the effect of ethanolic extract of ricinus communis leaf and seed on animal models. The antioxidant potential of Ethanolic leaf and seed extract of Ricinus communis was investigated. The result shows that the ethanolic extract of the seed and leaf exhibited IC50 values of 77.17± 0.36 and 69.33 ± 0.26 μg/mL, 62.86±0.54 and 62.39±0.18 μg/mL respectively in DPPH and nitric oxide radical inhibition assays these values were less than those obtained for ascorbic acid used as standard. In the in vivo experiments the extract treatment caused a significant increase in the level of catalase in the liver and the kidneys. A significant increase in the level of SOD in the liver was observed. The acute toxicity study was carried out in both male and female wistar rats; the results reveal that even at the highest dose 2000mg/kg body weight R.communis seed and leaf extract showed no significant toxic effects showing that LD50 is above 2000 and belongs to class 5. The haematological and biochemical parameters of the treatment groups were compared with the control group, result shows that there were no significant differences (mean ± SEM n=6 *p < 0.05) in the biochemical and haematological parameters of treatment groups compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the ethanolic extract of Ricinus communis seed and leaf exhibited a strong antioxidant activity which may be responsible for some of its reported pharmacological activities and can be used as antioxidant supplement.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity of Alfalfa Extract on MCF7 Cell Line

Introduction: The Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the women. Natural products extracted from medicinal plants can play an important role in cancer treatment. These compounds are probably effective in repairing damaged tissue in cancer. This study was designed to investigate antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of ethanolic extract of alfalfa on breast cancer MCF7cell line. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the MCF7 cells line was cultivated and proliferated. Then, the cells exposed to different concentrations of alfalfa (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml) and were incubated for 24, 48, and 72 hours. After the incubation period, the colorimetric MTT method was used to determine cytotoxicity. Also, the total amount of phenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and carotenoid as well as the antioxidant activity of the extract were determined. Results: The results showed that the different concentrations of ethanolic extract reduced significantly the growth of cells as compared to that of control (P˂0.05). The most pronounced growth inhibition recorded as 83.74% at the concentration of 400 μg/ml. The extract of alfalfa is a rich source of antioxidant compounds, as phenolics and carotenoid contents of extract were 32.63±0.17 mgGAE/g DW and 33.41±0.22 mg/g FW respectively. Also, its different concentrations affected scientifically on DPPH radical inhibition as the highest inhibitory effect (53.4%) was recorded at concentrations of 3.4 mg of extract. Conclusion: These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of alfalfa have the most antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against MCF7 cell line. It seems to come with further research, and utilizes its compound in cancer treatment.

A Comparison of the Antioxidative and Anti-Diabetic Potential of Thermally Treated Garlic, Turmeric, and Ginger

Spices have been used for centuries for food preservation, flavors, and medicinal properties. Research suggests that garlic, turmeric, and ginger contain potent antioxidants that may prevent and/or delay chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Heat treatment of spices may potentially increase antioxidative activity by modifying the inherent chemical structure of potent antioxidative compounds within spices. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of thermal treatment of garlic, ginger, and turmeric on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), trolox activity (TEAC), lipase, a-amylase, and a-glucosidase inhibition. Conventional stovetop heating of selected spices was performed followed by methanolic and aqueous extractions (1 - 5 minutes; 70°C - 130°C). Overall methanolic extracts had higher phytochemical, antioxidative, and anti-diabetic potential. However, aqueous garlic extracts exhibited higher phytochemical and antioxidative potential over methanolic garlic extracts. The highest TPC for aqueous garlic extracts was observed at 1 minute (14.11 mg GAE/g) while methanolic garlic extracts at 1 minute were significantly lower (1.72 mg GAE/g). Methanolic turmeric extracts had highest TPC at 5 minutes (28.55 mg GAE/g). Time and temperature influenced antioxidant activity in the spices. Turmeric and ginger (methanolic extracts) resulted in higher percent inhibition of DPPH radical with an increase in time (5 minute) turmeric (86.9%) and ginger (79.09%) at 7.9 mg/mL concentration. The results of this study revealed both solvent and time for thermal treatment of spices influenced antioxidative potential as determined using DPPH and FRAP assays. Therefore, the use of thermal application on spices presents promise in potentiating the antioxidant content and thereby their potential health promoting properties. Spices are utilized in the U.S. food industry and increasing their use as a natural antioxidant preservative and flavoring agent may have beneficial impact in food product development.

Antiradical Activity and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power of <i>Pleurotus pulmonarius</i>, <i>Pleurotus floridanus</i> and <i>Pleurotus sajor</i>-<i>caju</i> Formulations Extracts <i>in Vitro</i>

Edible mushrooms, known for many years and considered as functional foods, contain a wide variety of biomolecules with nutritional and medicinal properties. Pleurotus species, especially Pleurotus pulmonarius, Pleurotus floridanus and Pleurotus sajor-caju are the most commonly consumed in Cameroon. The present work aims to study the “in vitro” antiradical activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power of extracts of formulations of these three species. Mushrooms were harvested in two mycicultures from Cameroon, then dried and crushed finely to obtain powders. In well-defined proportions, ten different formulations were made and their aqueous, ethanol and hydroethanol extracts prepared. These were used to determine total phenolic content by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method, the antioxidant activity determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as standard. The results obtained from the ten formulations, including thirty extracts, showed that all the extracts had quite significant ferric reducing power at C = 1 mg/ml, (7.35 - 26.02 mg EAA/g). They also had good percentages of DPPH radical inhibition at C = 25 mg/ml (60.40% - 77.72%) and a significant polyphenol content at C = 100 mg/ml (13.73 - 21.15 mg CE/g). The aqueous extracts had the best activities compared to the standard. In addition, a strong positive linear correlation exists between polyphenol content and the scavenging property (R2 = 0.9063; p = 0.0003) also with the ferric reducing test (R2 = 0.9253; p = 0.0001); suggesting the responsibility of these compounds for these activities. This study suggests that these mushrooms may be used as a natural source of potential antioxidants for food supplements and their consumption is strongly recommended for their beneficial effects on health through, the protection of the human body against the oxidative damage involved in the occurrence of many chronic diseases.

GC/MS Profiling, In-Vitro Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Potential of the Essential Oil of Pulicaria Crispa (Forssk) Growing in Egypt

The essential oil EO obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Pulicaria crispa was profiled using GS/MS analysis. The oil was found to contain carvotanacetone as a major component (81.9%). Biological investigation revealed that the oil possessed EC100 value of12.8 µl/ml in the in-vitro cytotoxicity assay against peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCS). The oil showed no immune-stimulant activity. The antioxidant potential of the oil was assayed using DPPH radical inhibition resulting in inhibition percentage of 66.19% and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of 9.22µg/ml. The results indicate powerful antioxidant capacity of the oil, which makes it a good candidate to be used as a natural preservative or as a source of natural antioxidants to be incorporated in pharmaceutical applications. The cytotoxicity assay of the oil against colorectal“Caco-2” and hepatocellular “HepG-2” carcinoma cell lines showed IC50 values of 4.73 and 20.11 µl/ml, respectively. The obtained results spot the light on the colorectal anticancer potential of the oil, which should be subjected to future animal experimental study in form of enema.

Application of Polyethylene/Polypropylene Glycol Ethers of Fatty Alcohols for Micelle‐Mediated Extraction of Calendula anthodium

AbstractClassical extraction methods used for the isolation of active substances from the plant materials are expensive, complicated, and often environmentally unfriendly. The ultrasonic assisted micelle‐mediated extraction (UAMME) method seems to be an interesting alternative. In this study, Calendula anthodium UAMME extract composition and antioxidant properties were examined. Several nonionic surfactants, from the group of ethoxy/propoxylated fatty alcohols, were applied in the extraction process. The results were compared with water and water‐ethanoic extracts of marigold flowers. Bioflavonoid compositions of the extracts were determined using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–diode‐array detector–mass spectrometry (UPLC‐DAD‐MS). Their antioxidant properties were evaluated using free radical‐scavenging activity (2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) measurement and Follin's method. Additionally, the structure of the selected flavonoids solubilized in the micelle solution was theoretically simulated using molecular dynamics (MD). The results confirmed that the UAMME method might be an alternative method for the sourcing of the plant extracts rich in natural antioxidants. The results indicated that UAMME extracts showed 19–37% higher DPPH radical inhibition than aqueous extracts. Furthermore, the selection of a suitable surfactant may thus provide the expected composition of the extract. Due to the use as eluents in UAMME, safe raw materials, the obtained marigold flower extracts can be applied as components in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Grape juice by-products extracted by ultrasound and microwave-assisted with different solvents: a rich chemical composition.

By-products of the grape juice industry contain valuable compounds. The current work produced bioactive-enriched extracts from by-products of the grape juice, through three different extraction methods. Yields and chemical compositions varied, according to the extraction method (ultrasound, microwave, liquid-liquid). High-efficiency liquid chromatography with UV-Vis and high-resolution mass spectrometry characterised were used for chemical characterization, with glycosylated flavonoids evident. The crude extract was fractionated by open column, which has possibility carried-out fraction rich in resveratrol. The inhibition of DPPH radicals ranged from 14.2 to 74.2%, and the total phenolic content ranged from 0.1 to 107.0mg gallic acid equivalents/100g. Microwave-assisted extraction of grape juice by-products using polar solvents, such as ethanol and water, provided the best yield and chemical composition, obtaining extracts rich in flavonoids. In this way, this work has demonstrated the industrial grape by-products importances, which are a rich source of antioxidants if properly extracted.

Development of functional cookies using saffron extract.

Saffron extracts of two different concentrations were prepared and used as a source of natural antioxidants in whole wheat flour cookies. The effect on the color, texture and sensory properties of the product was also studied over a storage period of 9months. Results revealed that spread ratio and hardness of cookies reduced non-significantly with the addition of saffron extract (SE). Color values 'L' and 'b' of cookies increased significantly from 50.7 to 53.9 and 36.5 to 47.0, respectively with the addition of SE while 'a' value decreased non-significantly (p > 0.05). DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of dough and cookie samples containing SE were enhanced in comparison to control. The concentration of crocins, safranal and picrocrocin in DS50 and DS100 dough samples was found as 28.30, 48.30, 104.6µg/g and 35.14, 62.38, 118.2µg/g, respectively. Sensory scores of cookies containing SE were high as compared to control. All the quality parameters of cookies reduced during the storage period (0-9months). However, the cookies with added SE revealed significantly higher quality attributes up to 6months of storage without any significant loss in quality.

Pharmacognostic and Pharmacological Studies on Flower Buds of Capparis spinosa L.

Capparis spinosa L. (Capparaceae) is growing wild on walls or in rocky coastal areas all over India and normally known as Maratimokku in Tamil. The current study was aimed reveal the botanical and chemical pharmacognostic standards, and pharmacological and toxicity properties of aqueous extract of C. spinosa flower buds. Powder microscopy revealed the characteristics features of the sample, which are useful in fixing the pharmacognostic standards. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, carbohydrates, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, anthraquinones and lignins in aqueous extract. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of quercetin as the major constituent in the aqueous extract. Strong antioxidant activity was observed in aqueous extract centered on the outcomes of DPPH radical scavenging (IC-50 1.74 µg/ml) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC-50 4.01 µg/ml) assays. The aqueous extract exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in terms of inhibition of protein denaturation (IC-50 8.01 µg/ml), inhibition of protease activity (14.24%) and RBC membrane stabilization (IC-50 226.69 µg/ml) and also possess antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella enteritidis strains. Acute oral toxicity study revealed that it is safe up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg bw in the experimental animals.

Mitigation by Aqueous Extract of Celastrus Paniculatus Seeds against Monosodium Glutamate Induced Impairments in Human Neuronal cells IMR-32

The free radicals are considered as primary culprit for many multifactorial diseases. These free radicals scavenging remains a foremost challenge in most neurological disorders, which can be subjected with least collateral damage by herbal extracts. In this study, Celastrus paniculatus (CP) seeds aqueous extract (AE) (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 µg/ml) was used to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy against adverse effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) (7 mM) in neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32. Preliminary pharmacological investigations and free radical scavenging capacity were evaluated for AE. Cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were studied using MTT assay and some biochemical parameters (total protein and glutathione level as well as activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase). Moreover, genotoxicity due to free radicals was also assessed using comet assay in IMR-32 cells. Results showed presence of various phytochemicals in AE and its significant inhibition of DPPH and NO radicals. AE was not only enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes but also reduced the free radical mediated cytotoxicity of MSG in IMR-32 cells. The DNA damage found in neuronal cells due to free radical toxicity of MSG was reduced in presence of free radical inhibitory phytochemical present in AE. From these results it can be concluded that AE of CP seeds is an effective antioxidant agent and potent neuroprotective herb to mitigate MSG induced neuronal impairments in IMR-32 cells.

Chemical analysis and antioxidant activities of bark extracts from four endemic species of Hyrcanian forests in Iran

Abstract Chemical analysis of the bark from four Hyrcanian forest species, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Alnus subcordata, Gleditsia caspica and Parrotia persica were performed, and their total phenol contents, and antioxidant and chelating activities were evaluated. The greatest total phenol content (TPhC), 54.3% in dry extract, was detected in P. fraxinifolia bark and the lowest one in G. caspica bark with 4.5%. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) in the radical-scavenging assay against DPPH radicals in bark acetone extracts of P. fraxinifolia, A. subcordata, G. caspica and P. persica were 0.17, 0.21, 13.35, 0.19 mg ml−1, respectively. In the metal-chelating activity system, G. caspica extract demonstrated significant activity. Pterocarya fraxinifolia, A. subcordata and P. persica bark acetone extracts revealed a high potential for inhibition of DPPH radicals due to high amounts of phenolics. Superior health benefits can be expected from the compounds syringol, 4-vinylguaiacol, tyrosol, chavicol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, vanillin, rheosmin and acetophenone. Gleditsia caspica was found to have significant chelating activity due to isoeugenol.

Wpływ cięcia roślin na jakość plonu owoców dyni piżmowej (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) odmiany ‘Buttermut’

The aim of study was to assess the quality parameters and biological value of the first three fruits of buttermut squash varieties ‘Buttermut’ which plants was cut. The first, second and third fruits growing on the plant were examined. After harvesting fruits were dried and then ground. Chemical analyses involved determination of dry weight and the content of total sugars, L-ascorbic acid, a and b and total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity measured as inhibition of DPPH radicals. There was no significant influence of the studied factors on biometric features of butternut squash fruit. It was shown that butternut squash fruits harvested from a cut process plants contained more chlorophyll a. In the case of no of plant cutting fruit of butternut squash indicated significantly higher dry weight. Fruit plants which grow as the first and second contained significantly more L-ascorbic acid and total sugars. The first and the third in order of growing up on plant fruit butternut squash contain more total carotenoids and total polyphenols, and were characterized by higher antioxidant activity. The greatest biological value was characterized by fruits growing first on plants, especially cut ones.

In vitro antioxidant properties of the biflavonoid agathisflavone

PurposeFree radicals are considered as the causative agents of a variety of acute and chronic pathologies. Natural antioxidants have drawn attention of the researchers in recent years for their ability to scavenge free radicals with minimal or even no side effects. This study evaluates the antioxidant capacity of agathisflavone, a naturally occurring biflavonoid by a number of in vitro methods.MethodsAgathisflavone was subjected to DPPH, ABTS, OH and NO radical scavenging assay, reducing potential and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) test using trolox as a standard.ResultsAgathisflavone showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity against all types of free radicals used in this study. The antioxidant capacity, reducing potential and inhibition of lipid peroxidation showed by agathisflavone were comparable to that of trolox.ConclusionAgathisflavone exhibited antioxidant capacity, which suggests considering this biflavonoid for the use in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases precipitated by oxidative stress.

Caralluma Acutangula Prevents Body Weight Gain in Rats Feed on Hyperlipidic Diet

Caralluma acutangula (Decne.) (CA) (Asclepiadaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Burkina Faso for the management of weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extract of CA on body weight, food intake, blood biochemistry parameters on experimental obesity rat model. One group received CA 400 mg/kg b.w. per day and was fed on hyperlipidic diet (HD), while the control group received HD only for three weeks long. The phytochemical investigation of extract showed a high total phenolic content (36.21±1.36 mg GAE/100mg of extract) and total flavonoids (4.98 ±0.31 QE/100 mg of extract). In the end, CA-HD treated group had a body weight loss of 2%, compared to HD group who presented a body weight gain of 15%. The CA-HD treated group showed also a lower levels of plasma triglyceride (136.57±13.82 mg/dL) and glycemia (187.74±31.16 mg/dL) compared to HD (206.02±23.82 and respectively 230.96±79.07 mg/dL) (p<0.05). CA extract also showed a good anti-oxidant activity in vivo (effect on antioxydant enzyme (MDA, GPX, SOD) and in vitro (inhibition of DPPH radical, ferric ion reduction). This study showed that CA is a potential natural remedy for the control of body weight and alleviation of obesity related disease.

Phytochemical studies, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Scyphocephalium ochocoa Warb. (Myristicaceae), medicinal plant from Gabon

BackgroundThe search for new anti-cancer molecules is one of the main concerns of oncology researchers. Scyphocephalium ochocoa is a plant of Myristicaceae family, used in traditional medicine against inflammatory diseases and several types of cancer. It is well established that free radicals, chronic inflammation and angiogenesis play an important role in initiation, tumor progression and metastasis formation. The aim of this study was to carry out a phytochemical screening, to determine the phenolic compounds content, to investigate the antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of water, water-ethanol and ethanol extracts of S. ochocoa.MethodsPhytochemical screening and determination of phenolic compounds content were performed using standard methods. Antiangiogenic activity was assessed using chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and Drabkin test. Anti-inflammatory activity was estimated by protein denaturation and erythrocyte membrane stabilization method. Finally the antioxidant activity was appreciated by DPPH radical inhibition and phosphomolybdenum assay.ResultsThe results of phytochemical studies show that extracts of bark of S. ochocoa are rich in polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, proantocyanidins, saponosides, flavonols, flavanonols, sterol and triterpenes. The water extract showed good antiangiogenic activity (IC50 = 1.153 μg/mL). Strong anti-inflammatory activity was observed with all extracts, IC50 ranging from 34.775 ± 2.543 μg/mL to 74.577 ± 3.456 μg/mL for protein denaturation inhibition test and IC50 values ranging from 36.793 ± 0.529 μg/mL at 48.912 ± 0.957 μg/mL for antihemolytic activity. In addition, all extracts showed good antioxidant activity marked by a strong inhibition of the DPPH radical (IC50 ranging from 4.969 ± 0.263 μg/mL to 16.188 ± 0.336 μg/mL and AAI ranging from 3.090 ± 0.065 to 10.080 ± 0.517) and by greater total antioxidant capacity (with contents ranging from 37.654 ± 0.995 to 131.302 ± 1.102 VtCE (mg)/g dry extract).ConclusionUltimately, these results could justify the use of S. ochocoa extracts in traditional medicine in the treatment of diseases related to angiogenesis and cancer, inflammatory diseases and diseases due to oxidative stress. A phyto-product with such a pharmacological profile could be a good candidate for the development of anticancer.