Iron Chelating Capacity Research Articles

Phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Bellardia trixago methanol and ethanol extracts: insights from ADMET and molecular docking approaches

Abstract This study investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and phytochemical properties of ethanol and methanol extracts derived from Bellardia trixago flowers alongside molecular docking and pharmacokinetic assessments of stigmasterol, a key bioactive compound. The antioxidant activities of the ethanol and methanol extracts were determined, with the methanol extract demonstrating higher activity, 0.370 ± 0.002 mg/mL, compared to the ethanol extract, 0.95 ± 0.09 mg/mL. The total phenolic content of the ethanol extract was 79.14 ± 2.30 mg GAE/g extract DW, and its flavonoid content was 244.31 ± 12.51 mg QE/g extract DW. The methanol extract contained a lower phenolic content of 51.50 ± 1.43 mg GAE/g extract DW but a higher flavonoid content of 251.67 ± 6.68 mg QE/g extract DW. The ethanol extract exhibited a superior iron chelation capacity of 8.21 ± 0.09 mg/mL relative to the methanol extract of 6.68 ± 0.28 mg/mL. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that both extracts exhibited strong bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects, with MIC values ranging from < 0.39 mg/mL to > 125 mg/mL. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Bacillus cereus NRRL B-3711. Phytochemical analysis identified 25 compounds in the methanol extract and 20 in the ethanol extract. Stigmasterol was the major constituent in both extracts, accounting for 26.51% in ethanol and 12.65% in methanol. Molecular docking studies of stigmasterol revealed strong binding affinities with several protein targets, including Candida albicans Complex III2 (-8.7 kcal/mol), Escherichia coli HipBST (-7.2 kcal/mol), and the ribosomal subunit of Staphylococcus aureus (-7.0 kcal/mol). These interactions highlight stigmasterol’s potential role in modulating bacterial and fungal protein functions, emphasising the potential therapeutic applications of B. trixago, particularly in antimicrobial and antioxidant contexts.

Effects of Globularia cordifolia on colon cancer cells: antioxidant activity, inflammatory cytokine analysis and molecular docking studies.

The present study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of Globularia cordifolia L. The plant material was collected and extracted using the maceration method. Antioxidant activities were assessed through DPPH (i.e. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and iron chelation assays, whereas phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using spectrophotometric methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed to identify biologically active compounds. The cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells was evaluated using MTT [i.e. 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] assays, and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Molecular docking studies investigated the interactions of bioactive compounds with the 4UYA protein, and ADME (i.e. absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) modeling predicted their toxicity. The study revealed that the extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with a median 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 39.48 ± 2.15 μg mL-1 in the DPPH assay and an effective iron chelation capacity with an IC50 value of 4.28 ± 0.19 mg mL-1. The total phenolic content was 662.51 ± 20.95 mg gallic acid equivalents g-1, and the flavonoid content was 114.99 ± 0.51 mg quercetin equivalents g-1, demonstrating the extract's richness in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Significant antiproliferative effects were observed in colon cancer cells at a dose of 250 μg mL-1. Inflammatory cytokine analysis indicated a reduction in pro-inflammatory responses. Molecular docking studies showed strong binding affinities between the bioactive compounds and the 4UYA protein, suggesting the mechanisms of action. The findings indicate that G. cordifolia extract exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, making it a promising biomolecular agent for colon cancer therapy. The high phenolic and flavonoid contents, combined with the bioactive compounds' interactions with key molecular targets, underscore its potential therapeutic applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Utilization of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) cake proteins as a sustainable food ingredient: A comparative study with commercial proteins for antioxidant, techno-functional and vegan cheese properties

This study aimed to compare the antioxidant, techno-functional and vegan cheese properties of black cumin cake protein concentrate (BPC) with those of commercial proteins. The BPC (63% protein, w/w) showed greater antioxidant potential (TEAC: 247 μmol Trolox/g; ORAC: 211 μmol Trolox/g; iron chelation capacity: 35.5 μmol Trolox/g) than potato protein isolate (PPI), but comparable antioxidant potential with soy protein isolate (SPI). The BPC had slightly lower water binding capacity (7 g/g) than SPI (8.8 g/g), but 1.7 and 1.9-fold higher oil binding capacity (5.4 g/g) than PPI and SPI, respectively. All proteins showed similar emulsion capacity (EC) and stability (ES) at high protein concentrations (≥1%), but BPC showed the highest EC and ES at low protein concentrations (≤0.5%). BPC showed higher least gelling concentration (LGC: 14%) than PPI and SPI (LGCs for both 10%). However, the texture profile analysis showed that the heat-induced gels of BPC were firm but easily chewable. Moreover, BPC gels showed the highest springiness and resilience. The BPC-based spreadable vegan cheese was softer (firmness: 5.52 N), more easily spreadable (spreadability value: 6.23 N s), but less adhesive and sticky than SPI- and PPI-based spreadable vegan cheeses. SPI-based cheese showed the highest viscoelastic moduli followed by PPI and BPC with similar viscoelastic moduli. SPI-based cheese demonstrated the most favorable sensory properties, but BPC showed acceptable overall sensory properties. This work proved that black cumin proteins could be utilized to novel spreadable black vegan cheese. Further studies are needed to develop novel black-colored vegan food such as black milk, ice-cream, sausage, cake, crackers etc.

Iron chelating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of brazilin from Caesalpinia sappan Linn

BackgroundIron overload and inflammation are severe conditions that can lead to various chronic diseases. However, the current iron chelator drugs have their limitations. The phytochemical compounds from herbals, such as brazilin, the major active compound in Caesalpinia sappan Linn., have significant therapeutic potential in various chronic diseases. Our study was designed to examine the effect of brazilin on iron chelating properties, antioxidant activity in hepatocytes, and anti-inflammatory potential in macrophages. MethodsThis study focused on the isolation, purification, and evaluation of brazilin, the principal bioactive constituent found in C. sappan wood. Brazilin was extracted via methanol maceration followed by column chromatography purification. The purified compound was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (MS). The antioxidant potential of brazilin was assessed by in vitro assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Furthermore, its cellular antioxidant activity was evaluated using hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Huh-7). The iron-chelating capacity of brazilin was determined spectrophotometrically, and Job's plot method was used to elucidated the stoichiometry of the iron-brazilin complex formation. The anti-inflammatory properties of brazilin were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages (RAW 264.7). Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition was quantified using the Griess reagent, while the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were evaluated by RT-qPCR. ResultsThe results demonstrated that brazilin exhibited potent antioxidant activity in vitro and hepatocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. It also showed anti-inflammatory activity, in which NO production was significantly reduced and IL-6 and TNF-α expression in LPS-induced macrophages were repressed. Furthermore, it can bind ferric and ferrous ions. Brazilin acts as a bidentate iron chelator that forms a complex with iron in a 2:1 ratio, and two water molecules are used as additional chelators in this complex. ConclusionsOur findings have significant implications. Brazilin can potentially alleviate the harmful effects of iron-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders.

Phytic acid-loaded polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel promotes wound healing of injured corneal epithelium through inhibiting ferroptosis

As the important barrier of intraocular tissue, cornea is easy to suffer various kinds of injuries. Among them, acute alkali burn is a thorny ophthalmic emergency event, which can lead to corneal persistent epithelial defects, ulcers, and even perforation. Ferroptosis, a mode of regulatory cell death, has been found to play a key role in the process of corneal alkali burn, of which lipid peroxidation and intracellular iron levels are considered to be the possible therapeutic targets. To seek new effective treatments, the study herein focused on the occurrence of oxidative stress and ferroptosis in corneal alkali burn, exploring the role of phytic acid (PA), a natural small molecule with both antioxidant and iron chelating capacity, in the repair of corneal epithelial injury. The in vivo therapeutic results showed that PA eyedrops treatment promoted the recovery of corneal morphology and function, and in vitro experiments proved that PA prompted the repair of oxidative stress induced-corneal epithelial injury through ferroptosis inhibition. In addition, better drug treatment effect could be achieved through hydrogel delivery and sustained release, and our in vivo experiments showed the superior therapeutic effects of PA delivered by PVA hydrogels with larger molecular weights on corneal injury. In summary, this study demonstrated the excellent effect of natural small molecule PA with antioxidant and high efficiency chelating ferrous ions on ferroptosis inhibition, and showed the outstanding application prospect of PVA/PA hydrogels in the treatment of corneal epithelial injury.

Chnoospora minima: a Robust Candidate for Hyperglycemia Management, Unveiling Potent Inhibitory Compounds and Their Therapeutic Potential.

The present study aimed to isolate a bioactive compound from Sri Lankan edible marine brown algae, Chnoospora minima, to manage diabetes. The de-polysaccharide crude methanolic extract was partitioned using hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate with increased polarity. The samples were subjected to determine the quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidants, and antidiabetic potentials. Further, the potent antidiabetic fraction was selected to isolate an active compound using bioactivity-guided fractionation. From the selected extract, the chloroform fraction exhibited comparatively high TPC (59.01 ± 1.86mg GAE/g), TFC (5.14 ± 0.43mg QE/g) and alkaloid content (2.79 ± 0.31 PE/g of extract). Crude methanol extract exhibited a potent DPPH activity (IC50: 0.48 ± 0.01mg/mL) whereas the ethyl acetate fraction elicited a maximum ABTS activity (IC50: 0.064 ± 0.001mg/mL) and a ferrous iron-chelating capacity (IC50: 0.019mg/mL). Similarly, the chloroform fraction exhibited the highest FRAP (20.34 ± 1.72mg TE/g) and ORAC (19.72 ± 2.92mg TE/g) capacities. The potent inhibitory activity of α-amylase (IC50:3.17 ± 0.02µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50: 1.99 ± 0.01µg/mL) enzymes and glucose diffusion was observed in the chloroform fraction. Similarly, the chloroform extract exhibited a potent BSA-glucose (IC50: 202.43 ± 5.71µg/mL), BSA-MGO (IC50: 124.30 ± 2.85µg/mL) antiglycation model and reversing activities (EC50BSAglucose: 98.99 ± 0.35µg/mL; EC50BSA-MGO: 118.89 ± 1.58µg/mL). Depending on the hypoglycemic activity, fucoxanthin was isolated as the active compound which showed a notable change in the functional group. Molecular docking studies were conducted on the compound, and binding energy was observed to be - 6.56kcal/mol and - 4.83kcal/mol for α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, respectively, which confirmed the hypoglycemic effect of the isolated compounds. However, more studies are required to understand the mechanistic insights of these observations.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Stachys maritima via Quantum Dots and Molecular Docking.

Stachys maritima is a species of plant belonging to the Lamiaceae, commonly known as common sea lavender. The extraction of S. maritima involves drying the aerial parts, grinding them into powder, followed by extraction with methanol. ST-CQDs (S. maritima carbon quantum dots) were synthesized from S. maritima extract via pyrolysis. An optimal synthesis condition of 7 hours of pyrolysis was determined to yield ST-CQDs with high absorption in the visible-UV range. Characterization techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) confirmed the spherical and homogeneous nature of the carbon quantum dots. S. maritima methanol extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with a DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) IC50 value of 0.114±0.001 mg/mL. Similarly, ST-CQDs showed strong antioxidant properties with a DPPH IC50 value of 0.69±0.03 mg/mL. Moreover, the methanol extract of S. maritima demonstrated antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 25923, with effective MIC values of 25 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. However, ST-CQDs did not show antimicrobial effects against the tested microorganisms (E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 25923, K. pneumoniae ATCC 13883, and C. albicans ATCC 10231). Molecular docking simulations suggested that compounds derived from S. maritima (such as 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid and palmitic acid) could interact effectively with TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha), indicating potential anti-inflammatory properties. This study highlights that the methanol extract of S. maritima possesses potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and ST-CQDs exhibit similar antioxidant properties. However, ST-CQDs did not demonstrate antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens. Molecular docking simulations also suggest potential anti-inflammatory properties of compounds derived from the plant.

Iron chelation capacity and prediction of peptide binding modes identified in California red worm hydrolysates and effects on iron bioavailability in differentiated Caco-2 cells

Metal-chelating peptides represent an alternative for overcoming iron deficiencies, a common nutritional disease affecting populations worldwide. This study explored the iron-chelating activity of California red worm hydrolysates (WH) and its fractions. WH was obtained by hydrolysis with Alcalase 2.4 L and fractionated using a ceramic membrane with molecular weight cutoff 3 kDa. Both the complete hydrolysate and its fractions were assessed for their in-vitro iron-chelating activity and their ability to improve iron bioavailability through ferritin formation by differentiated Caco-2 cells assay. Finally, peptides in the fraction with the highest activity were sequenced by LC-MS/MS analysis and molecular docking was performed to elucidate the chelation mechanism. The findings reveal that the smallest fraction (F < 3 kDa) exhibits the most potent iron-chelating activity with IC50 value like carnosine. Moreover, in intestinal-like differentiated Caco-2 cells, this fraction enhances iron bioavailability in a remarkable 77.9% in comparison to FeSO4 alone. On the other hand, the peptide SLLDDRLDEK identified in this fraction presents the lowest value of affinity energy (−1.5 kcal/mol) and exhibits specific interactions with iron, allowing iron ions to be trapped within its structure. These results underscore the potential of F < 3 kDa fractions from WH as promising candidates for increasing iron bioavailability and addressing iron deficiency and related health concerns.

Chitosan based hydrogel for iron (III) chelation in biological conditions

In this study, a chitosan derivative with strong iron (III) chelating capabilities was developed by grafting the Deferoxamine (DFO) chelator to achieve a substitution degree of 3.8 ± 0.2 %. Through blending with ungrafted chitosan of low degree of acetylation (DA), a formulation able to form a physical hydrogels was formed in aqueous media, without the requirement of a cross-linking agent. The functionalization of chitosan with DFO led to xerogels exhibiting superior iron (III) chelation capacity and higher swelling when exposed to aqueous solutions, in comparison with to an unmodified chitosan xerogel. Notably, this material extracts iron (III) even against the strong iron chelator deferiprone. Furthermore, the material demonstrates selectivity for iron (III) chelation even in the presence of competing cations like copper (II) and zinc (II).

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Peptide in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Implications for Skin Health and Care Applications.

Hydrolyzed royal jelly peptide (RJP) has garnered attention for its health-promoting functions. However, the potential applications of RJP in skincare have not been fully explored. In this study, we prepared RJP through the enzymatic hydrolysis of royal jelly protein with trypsin and investigated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Our results demonstrate that RJP effectively inhibits oxidative damage induced by H2O2 and lipid peroxidation triggered by AAPH and t-BuOOH in HDFs. This effect may be attributed to the ability of RJP to enhance the level of glutathione and the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase 4, as well as its excellent iron chelating capacity. Furthermore, RJP modulates the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory response in HDFs, suppressing the mRNA expressions of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the primer stage induced by LPS and the release of mature IL-1β induced by ATP, monosodium urate, or nigericin in the activation stage. RJP also represses the expressions of COX2 and iNOS induced by LPS. Finally, we reveal that RJP exhibits superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties over unhydrolyzed royal jelly protein. These findings suggest that RJP exerts protective effects on skin cells through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, indicating its promise for potential therapeutic avenues for managing oxidative stress and inflammation-related skin disorders.

Novel microbial fermentation for the preparation of iron-chelating scallop skirts peptides-its profile, identification, and possible binding mode

Iron chelating peptides have been widely utilized as iron supplements due to their excellent absorption capacity, However, the high cost and cumbersome manufacturing process of these peptides significantly limit their industrial application. In this study, fermentation was used for the first time to prepare iron chelating peptides. Bacillus altitudinis 3*1–3 was selected as the most suitable strain from 50 strains. The hydrolysates of fermented scallop skirts showed excellent iron-chelating capacity (9.39 mg/g). Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and histidine are crucial for the binding of peptides to ferrous ions. The heptapeptide (FEDPEFE) forms six binding bonds with ferrous irons. Compared with ferrous sulfate, peptide-ferrous chelate showed more stability in salt solution and simulated gastrointestinal juice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the fermentation method could save >50% of the cost compared with the enzymatic method. The results can provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of ferrous-chelated peptides using the fermentation method.

The Importance and Essentiality of Natural and Synthetic Chelators in Medicine: Increased Prospects for the Effective Treatment of Iron Overload and Iron Deficiency.

The supply and control of iron is essential for all cells and vital for many physiological processes. All functions and activities of iron are expressed in conjunction with iron-binding molecules. For example, natural chelators such as transferrin and chelator-iron complexes such as haem play major roles in iron metabolism and human physiology. Similarly, the mainstay treatments of the most common diseases of iron metabolism, namely iron deficiency anaemia and iron overload, involve many iron-chelator complexes and the iron-chelating drugs deferiprone (L1), deferoxamine (DF) and deferasirox. Endogenous chelators such as citric acid and glutathione and exogenous chelators such as ascorbic acid also play important roles in iron metabolism and iron homeostasis. Recent advances in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia with effective iron complexes such as the ferric iron tri-maltol complex (feraccru or accrufer) and the effective treatment of transfusional iron overload using L1 and L1/DF combinations have decreased associated mortality and morbidity and also improved the quality of life of millions of patients. Many other chelating drugs such as ciclopirox, dexrazoxane and EDTA are used daily by millions of patients in other diseases. Similarly, many other drugs or their metabolites with iron-chelation capacity such as hydroxyurea, tetracyclines, anthracyclines and aspirin, as well as dietary molecules such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, ellagic acid, maltol and many other phytochelators, are known to interact with iron and affect iron metabolism and related diseases. Different interactions are also observed in the presence of essential, xenobiotic, diagnostic and theranostic metal ions competing with iron. Clinical trials using L1 in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as HIV and other infections, cancer, diabetic nephropathy and anaemia of inflammation, highlight the importance of chelation therapy in many other clinical conditions. The proposed use of iron chelators for modulating ferroptosis signifies a new era in the design of new therapeutic chelation strategies in many other diseases. The introduction of artificial intelligence guidance for optimal chelation therapeutic outcomes in personalised medicine is expected to increase further the impact of chelation in medicine, as well as the survival and quality of life of millions of patients with iron metabolic disorders and also other diseases.

Quality and functional properties of bread containing the addition of probiotically fermented Cicer arietinum

This study aimed to determine the impact of supplementation with probiotically fermented chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) seeds on the quality parameters and functional characteristics of wheat bread. The addition of chickpea seeds caused significant changes in the chemical composition of the control wheat bread. The legume-supplemented products exhibited higher values of a* and b* color parameters and higher hardness after 24 h of storage than the control. The application of fermented or unfermented chickpeas contributed to an increase in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, iron chelating capacity, and antioxidant properties of the final product. The variant containing unfermented seeds had the highest riboflavin content (29.53 ± 1.11 µg/100 g d.w.), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (227.02 ± 7.29 µmol·L−1 TX/100 g d.w.), and free radical scavenging activity (71.37 ± 1.30 % DPPH inhibition). The results of this preliminary research have practical importance in the production of innovative bakery products with potential properties of functional food.

Excellent iron-chelating capacity of Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) skirt hydrolysate fermented by Bacillus subtilis M17-b7

Peptide ferrous chelate is a new type of biological iron, which has the advantages of high absorption rate, safety and no digestive tract irritation. In this study, microbial fermentation was used for the first time to prepare iron-chelating peptides. Forty-eight strains were applied to ferment scallop skirts. A dominating strain was eliminated by using the iron binding capacity of the scallop skirt hydrolysate as the screening index. The scallop skirt hydrolysate fermented by Bacillus subtilis M17-b7 showed excellent iron-chelating capacity (96.20% ± 0.03%). Meanwhile, the structure, morphology and bioactivity of fermented scallop skirt hydrolysate (FSH) and fermented scallop skirt hydrolysate-iron (FSH–Fe) were measured. Based on the amino acid composition and spectral analysis, it was confirmed that the significant amino acids contains carboxyl, carbonyl, and amino groups. The result of scanning electron microscope indicated that the surface of FSH became porous and the particles were bigger after chelating with ferrous. Moreover, the peptide-ferrous chelate was more stable in salt solutions and simulated gastric juice compared with ferrous sulfate. It is also noteworthy that the preparation of ferrous chelate peptides by fermentation is cost-effective compared with enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, this study provides theoretical support for the use of fermentation as a promising tool to produce peptide-ferrous chelate.

Assessing the Antioxidant Properties, In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Antitumoral Effects of Polyphenol-Rich Perilla leaves Extracts.

(1) Background: This study aimed to outline the antioxidant, antitumoral, and cytotoxic proprieties of various types of Perilla frutescens extracts obtained from the leaves of the species. (2) Methods: We determined total polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins contents, as well as the in vitro antioxidant, antitumoral, and cytotoxic actions in three types of ethanolic extracts (E1, E2, E3) and in three types of acetone: ethanol extracts (A1, A2, A3) of Perilla frutescens according to standardized procedures. (3) Results: We found that Perilla frutescens ethanolic extracts had the highest total phenol and anthocyanins concentrations. The flavonoids concentration was not statistically different between the extracts. The iron chelating capacity, hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity, and lipoxygenase inhibition capacity showed a significant increase with higher concentrations of Perilla frutescens extracts, particularly the ethanolic extracts. Perillyl alcohol had greater cytotoxic capacity in the MG-63 cell line and E1 extract showed similar significant cytotoxic effects in the A431 cell line. (4) Conclusions: Both ethanolic and acetone-ethanol extracts from Perilla frutescens exhibited important antioxidant and antitumoral actions in vitro, which proportionally increased with concentration. The cytotoxic threshold determined in this study for various types of extracts could help determine the best dosage with the maximum antioxidant and antitumoral potential. Our results could serve as a basis for further studies that will investigate the cytotoxic effects of Perilla frutescens variants on various types of cancer cell lines.

Sulfated iota-carrageenan from marine alga Agardhiella ramosissima prevents gastric injury in rodents via its antioxidant properties

In the present study, the gastroprotective effect of a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from marine alga Agardhiella ramosissima (SP-Ar) was investigated against alcoholic gastropathy. Gastric physiological functions and in vitro antioxidant activity also were studied. It was found that SP-Ar significantly reduced macroscopic injury and histologically maintained the architecture of gastric epithelium altered by ethanol, with maximum effect at 90 mg/kg. Importantly, animals treated with SP-Ar also had preservation of oxidative status, with reduction of nonprotein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) consumption and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, reduced vascular permeability, besides preventing gastric hemorrhage. In addition, SP-Ar administration did not modify gastric secretion or emptying. In vitro antioxidant data showed that SP-Ar presented high total antioxidant activity, DPPH radical scavenging, and ferrous iron chelating capacity. It was observed that SP-Ar protected gastric mucosa against alcoholic gastropathy by preventing the formation or neutralizing free radicals, associated with its intrinsic antioxidant activity. In this regard, this macromolecule should have possible application as a new therapeutic alternative or food additive to increase gastric mucosa defense.

Meat crust as a novel food ingredient to regulate lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress

Pan Fry (PF) is a common heating treatment however, there is limited data on meat oxidation after PF using direct contact with an uncoated iron pan. After PF, a crust is formed, and in this study, we aim to evaluate the potential anti-oxidation and anti-lipid peroxidation capacity of such crust. Ground beef and turkey meat were heat treated using PF or microwave. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated using malondialdehyde accumulation. PF meat generated lower lipid peroxidation levels versus microwave-heated meat. Iron PF has decreased lipid peroxidation versus Teflon pan heating. The crust significantly lowered lipid peroxidation and possessed millard reaction products (MRPs), strong reducing abilities, iodine removal capacity, and some iron chelation capacity. We demonstrated that the crust substantially decreases lipid peroxidation levels in various systems and can be used as a novel seminatural antioxidant ingredient, which may lead to extended shelf life and protects various food products.

Effect of Birch Sap as Solvent and Source of Bioactive Compounds in Casein and Gelatine Films.

Birch sap consists of a natural water-based solution with valuable compounds such as minerals, sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds that can be used advantageously in the preparation of edible films. In this study, gelatine- and casein-based films were prepared using birch sap as biopolymer solvent and source of bioactive compounds with the aim of developing new bioactive materials for food packaging. The physical, mechanical, barrier, antioxidant and iron-chelating properties of the obtained films were investigated. Birch sap enhanced the mechanical properties of the films by increasing puncture strength and flexibility, as well as their ultraviolet-visible light barrier properties. In addition, the presence of bioactive compounds endowed the birch sap films with an antioxidant capacity of almost 90% and an iron-chelating capacity of 40-50% with respect to the control films. Finally, to test these films as food packaging material, a photosensitive curcumin solution was packed and exposed to ultraviolet light. Tested films were able to protect curcumin against photodegradation, and the presence of bioactive compounds inside the birch-sap-enriched materials offered an additional 10% photoprotective effect compared to control films. Results showed the potential of birch sap as an environmentally friendly biopolymer solvent and plasticizer that can improve the mechanical and photoprotective properties of the prepared materials.

A green approach for the sustainable and effective valorization from Populus nigra buds as a renewable source of high value-added extract using an alternative solvent with prospective application in skin care formulation

Many studies have been conducted on the biological potential of medicinal plant extracts; the present study looked into the use of antioxidant extracts from P.nigra buds in cosmetic formulations to boost photoprotection potential, with a particular emphasis on green extraction and the biological activities of these compounds. Extraction of phenolic compounds using ultrasonically assisted lactic acid reported content of 42.64 ± 0.16 mg GAE/g dw with an antioxidant potential of 72.20 ± 1.05 mmol TE/100g dw and 72.73 ± 2.59 mg AAE/g dw for DPPH• and OH• scavenging activities, respectively. Furthermore, a significant iron chelation capacity of the extract was recorded (104.45 ± 1.66 mg EDTA E/g dw). In addition, a strong anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was demonstrated (IC50 : 0.122 and 0.1788%) for the inhibition of the mono-nitrogen oxide radical and cyclooxygenase respectively. The evaluation of the photoprotective effect expressed a high protection factor (34.81) and no irritant effects. Chemical analysis of the crude extracts was carried out by FTIR, LC-MS and GC-MS. The FTIR spectral study revealed the presence of different functional groups such as alcohols, ketones and amines, indicating the richness of the extract in various metabolites. GC-MS and LC-MS studies revealed the presence of 15 bioactive compounds, of which 9 phenolics and 6 organic acid components were identified for the first time in P.nigra buds. This approach using lactic acid as an ecological solvent and ultrasound as an alternative energy source represents a good choice for the design of an extraction system of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties. Further studies are needed to extend the screening approach anti-irritancy to develop antioxidant-enriched.

New Insights into the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Properties of Lycium intricatum Bois. (Solanaceae)

This work aimed to boost the valorisation of Lycium intricatum Boiss. L. as a source of high added value bioproducts. For that purpose, leaves and root ethanol extracts and fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) were prepared and evaluated for radical scavenging activity (RSA) on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal chelating potential against copper and iron ions. Extracts were also appraised for in vitro inhibition of enzymes implicated on the onset of neurological diseases (acetylcholinesterase: AChE and butyrylcholinesterase: BuChE), type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, α-glucosidase), obesity/acne (lipase), and skin hyperpigmentation/food oxidation (tyrosinase). The total content of phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and hydrolysable tannins (THTC) was evaluated by colorimetric methods, while the phenolic profile was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled to a diode-array ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV-DAD). Extracts had significant RSA and FRAP, and moderate copper chelation, but no iron chelating capacity. Samples had a higher activity towards α-glucosidase and tyrosinase, especially those from roots, a low capacity to inhibit AChE, and no activity towards BuChE and lipase. The ethyl acetate fraction of roots had the highest TPC and THTC, whereas the ethyl acetate fraction of leaves had the highest flavonoid levels. Gallic, gentisic, ferulic, and trans-cinnamic acids were identified in both organs. The results suggest that L. intricatum is a promising source of bioactive compounds with food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications.