Levels Of Total Flavonoid Content Research Articles

Understanding the nutritional profile of Vigna trilobata: A lesser-known, underexplored grain legume

Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc. is a potential neo-domesticated legume species of section Aconitifoliae. The seeds are edible, and local communities often cultivate it primarily for pasture but occasionally as a food source. Vigna trilobata is native to Indian subcontinent and frequently distributed in the Southern part of India. In present study, we conducted an evaluation of the proximate composition and phytochemical analysis of Vigna trilobata. The proximate composition and mineral content were determined using AOAC methods. Additionally, we performed phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, GC-MS analysis, and FTIR profiling using the methanolic extract of seed powder. Our findings revealed that the seeds of Vigna trilobata are a rich source of crude proteins (17.51 g/100 g) compared to total carbohydrates and free amino acids. They also exhibited high levels of magnesium, followed by sulphur, potassium, sodium, and calcium content. The seed extracts showed elevated levels of total phenolic content (32.23 to 50.12 mg/GAE/100 g), total tannin content (24.91 to 32.15 mg/TTC/100 g), and total alkaloid content (24.66–27.28 mg/CoE/100 g), with relatively lower levels of total flavonoid content (20.83–23.17 mg/RE/100 g). The higher levels of total phenolic content and total tannin content correlated with increased antioxidant activity, as assessed by DPPH and phosphomolybdenum assays. FTIR profiling provided insights into the presence of various functional groups of chemical compounds, while Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the presence of diverse photochemical in seeds incudes Octanoic acid, Decanoic acid, Eicosanal etc. with with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. The results obtained in our investigation provide valuable insights into the nutritional and phytochemical composition of Vigna trilobata seeds. This knowledge could be harnessed in the utilization of Vigna trilobata functional foods and in crop improvement programs aimed at enhancing the nutritional content and health-promoting properties.

Safflower CtFLS1-Induced Drought Tolerance by Stimulating the Accumulation of Flavonols and Anthocyanins in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Flavonol synthase gene (FLS) is a member of the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2-ODD) superfamily and plays an important role in plant flavonoids biosynthetic pathways. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a key source of traditional Chinese medicine, is widely cultivated in China. Although the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway has been studied in several model species, it still remains to be explored in safflower. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of CtFLS1 gene in flavonoid biosynthesis and drought stress responses. The bioinformatics analysis on the CtFLS1 gene showed that it contains two FLS-specific motifs (PxxxIRxxxEQP and SxxTxLVP), suggesting its independent evolution. Further, the expression level of CtFLS1 in safflower showed a positive correlation with the accumulation level of total flavonoid content in four different flowering stages. In addition, CtFLS1-overexpression (OE) Arabidopsis plants significantly induced the expression levels of key genes involved in flavonol pathway. On the contrary, the expression of anthocyanin pathway-related genes and MYB transcription factors showed down-regulation. Furthermore, CtFLS1-OE plants promoted seed germination, as well as resistance to osmotic pressure and drought, and reduced sensitivity to ABA compared to mutant and wild-type plants. Moreover, CtFLS1 and CtANS1 were both subcellularly located at the cell membrane and nucleus; the yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay showed that they interacted with each other at the cell membrane. Altogether, these findings suggest the positive role of CtFLS1 in alleviating drought stress by stimulating flavonols and anthocyanin accumulation in safflower.

Glycemic homeostasis of ultrasound-assisted Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng. bark extract in streptozocin-induced diabetes in rats

AbstractNumerous diseases have been linked to oxidative stress, emphasizing its role in pathogenicity. This study employed an ultrasound-assisted extraction process to obtain extracts from the bark of Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng. A thorough analysis was conducted on these dry extracts to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid content across four solvent fractions: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous. Among the solvent fractions, ethyl acetate and n-butanol showed higher levels of total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) compared to the others. The ethyl acetate fraction displayed the highest TPC (58.27 ± 4.20 mg GAE/g) and TFC (878.67 ± 40.38 mg QE/g) at 250 µg/mL concentration. Furthermore, the in-vitro antioxidant capacity of the ethyl acetate fraction was assessed for its ability to scavenge DPPH and hydrogen peroxide, revealing a concentration-dependent effect with IC50 values of 154.6 ± 6.2 and 55.12 ± 4.28 μg/mL, respectively. In a controlled experiment using streptozocin-induced diabetic rats, administering UMBE-EA at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg notably improved blood glucose levels and body weight. Furthermore, several biochemical indicators, such as total protein levels, serum insulin, and the activities of enzymes like SGOT, SGPT, and ALP, as well as liver glycogen, showed significant enhancements. The antioxidant enzyme activities, including SOD, CAT, and GSH, returned to more favorable levels, and TABAR levels were normalized. In conclusion, the findings from this study strongly suggest that UMBE-EA possesses substantial anti-diabetic efficacy in Wistar rats, primarily attributed to its remarkable antioxidant properties and capacity to scavenge free radicals. These results provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of UMBE-EA in diabetes management.

Unfolding genomic regions and identification of novel marker-trait associations for therapeutic traits flavonoid and anthocyanin content in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The genetic diversity, structure analysis, and marker-trait association for total flavonoid content (TFC) and anthocyanin content (AC) were studied in rice using 79 germplasm lines with 210 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Among the landraces studied, RG83 (RPHP 93) had the highest level of TFC (227.78 QE/100g) and RG126 (Kallimadayan) contained the highest level of AC (0.416 CE/100g). The STRUCTURE analysis grouped the studied landraces into three genetic structure groups which nearly matched the geographical distance. The results of the marker-trait associations study using MLM with PCA and kinship indicated that the SSR markers RM287 and RM19358 were closely associated with AC while another two markers RM452 and RM 2197 were closely linked with TFC and these two markers were found to be in the genomic regions related to the candidate genes for TFC and AC biosynthesis. In addition, the markers RM10961, RM5963, and RM559 were also found to have significant marker-trait associations with both AC and TFC.

Non-extractable polyphenols from blue honeysuckle fruit pomace with strong antioxidant capacity: Extraction, characterization, and their antioxidant capacity

The aim of this study was to investigate a more practical method for obtaining non-extractable polyphenols (NEPPs) from blue honeysuckle fruit pomace. Three methods, namely acid, alkaline, and enzymatic hydrolysis, were utilized to extract NEPPs. The findings indicated that alkaline hydrolysis was the most effective method for releasing NEPPs, which demonstrated higher levels of total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) from blue honeysuckle fruit pomace. Additionally, higher TPC and TFC levels were related to a stronger antioxidant capacity. Qualitative and quantitative analysis using HPLC-HR-TOF-MS/MS revealed that acid hydrolysis resulted in a greater concentration of certain phenolic acids, while alkaline hydrolysis yielded a higher concentration of flavonoids, and enzymatic hydrolysis produced a wider range of phenolic compositions. Despite the fact that enzymatic hydrolysis is considered a gentler method, the researchers concluded that alkaline hydrolysis was the most appropriate method for obtaining NEPPs from blue honeysuckle fruit pomace.

The effect of extraction methods towards antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Litsea cubeba Lour. barks

Antioxidants are molecules that can inhibit or prevent the oxidation reactions of other molecules that produce free radicals. Antioxidants can be synthesized in the body (endogenous) or obtained from food intake (exogenous). Attarasa (Litsea cubeba Lour.) is a plant from the Lauraceae family which is rich in essential oil compounds. This study was aimed to analyse antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content in ethanol extract (EE). The powder was extracted by maceration, percolation and reflux method with absolute ethanol. Antioxidant activity was analysed with 1,1-diphenyl2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Total phenolic content was measured using the FolinCiocalteau method and total flavonoid content was measured using AlCl3 reagent with colorimetric method. The best antioxidant activity and highest total phenolic content were shown by reflux extraction method with IC50 31.79±0.73 µg/mL and 357.18±0.84 mg GAE/g, and highest level of total flavonoid content was shown by percolation method (16.09±0.77 mg QE/g). In conclusion, the ethanol extract of Litsea cubeba Lour. barks can be further developed as an antioxidant and functional food.

Influence of Ultrasound-Assisted Vacuum Drying on Physicochemical Characteristics, Antioxidant Activity, and α-Glucosidase Inhibition Activity of Flos Sophorae Immaturus.

Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) contains a large number of bioactive substances with antioxidant and hypoglycaemic activity. However, a feasible drying process plays an important role in the retention of its biological activity. The present work investigated the effects of ultrasound-assisted vacuum drying (UAVD) on FSI samples in terms of drying time, colour, microstructure, and total flavonoid content (TFC). Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition activity were also evaluated. The results show that the drying time of UVAD samples was decreased by 40% compared to that of the single vacuum-dried (VD) samples (600 W for 10 min). The cellular porous structures of FSI tissue were formed by UAVD, which promoted the migration of water from the inside to the outside. Furthermore, samples treated by UAVD exhibited better antioxidant activities and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition capacities, with DPPH (81.86%), ABTS (88.61%), FRAP (83.05%), α-glucosidase inhibition capacity (89%), α-amylase (85%), drying time (3 h), and total aberration (ΔE) (1.63) being the highest characteristic traits. In this condition, the highest levels of total flavonoid content (TFC), rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and genistein were obtained with 266.94, 239.46, 35.56, 8.54, 10.37, and 5.64 mg/g DW, respectively. The results confirm that UAVD is a novel method that significantly reduced the VD time and promoted the release of the bioactive substances of FSI.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Wild Fruits from Malawi

The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of 17 edible wild fruits that are widely distributed and consumed in Malawi for pharmacological value exploration. Qualitative phytochemical analysis, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant activity (TAA), and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were performed in aqueous and methanolic fruit extracts. The results showed that the extracts contained alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and quinones. Piliostigma thonningii had the highest total phenolic content (1675.33 ± 12.34 mg GAEg-1 FW) in methanolic extracts, and Annona senegalensis gave the highest levels of total flavonoid content (649.67 ± 2.08 mg RE g-1 FW) in aqueous extracts. The results of antioxidant activities (FRAP, TAA, and DPPH) varied widely, and the variations were significant (P < 0.05). Thespesia garckeana and Mangifera indica exhibited a high ability to chelate metal cations in methanolic extracts and in aqueous extracts, respectively. DPPH levels were higher in aqueous extracts and ranged from 11.07% to 99.61%. This study provides evidence that the studied edible fruits of Malawi have potential as value‐added products for various treatments of oxidative stress‐associated ailments as they contain more phytochemical constituents. We recommend further studies to determine if the presence of a particular class of phytochemicals would translate into the bioactivity capability of these edible fruits.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and anti-Diabetic Activities of Mitragyna speciosa Methanolic Extract (MSME)

Introduction: The therapeutic potential of plant-based or herbal medicine has been widely embraced by the public as a prevention and remedy for many illnesses. Mitragyna speciosa is one of the medicinal plant that exhibit the opioid-like effects of analgesia. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and alpha-amylase enzyme inhibition of Mitragyna speciosa methanolic extract (MSME). Methods: The phytochemical composition of MSME was analyzed for secondary metabolites using UHPLC-TWIMS-QTOF-MS/MS. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant scavenging activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) [ABTS] assays) and α-amylase enzyme inhibition activities of MSME were analyzed in comparison to positive control Pterostilbene and acarbose, respectively. Results: Analysis of UHPLC-TWIMS-QTOF-MS/MS has characterized the presence of at least five different bioactive compounds, mostly derivatives of flavonoids and polyphenols. A significantly higher level of TFC (347.72±15.97 mg QE/g extract; p = 0.0005), but a significantly lower level of TPC (167.43±13.50 mg GAE/g extract; p = 0.002) was detected in MSME (1 mg/mL) compared to Pterostilbene. MSME presented antioxidant activity which has no significant difference compared to Pterostilbene as determined by DPPH (MSME IC50 = 4.34±1.79 µg/mL; p = 0.727) and ABTS (MSME IC50 = 4.25±1.59 µg/mL; p = 0.311) assays. Moreover, MSME also exhibited anti-diabetic effects through inhibition of α-amylase activity (IC50 = 0.01±7.18 mg/mL) which shows a significant difference (p = 0.009) compared to acarbose. Conclusion: This finding suggests that MSME has bioactive phytochemicals and exhibits potential antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties.

Controlled Atmosphere Improves the Quality, Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Content of Yellow Peach during the Shelf Life

Controlled atmosphere (CA) has been demonstrated to maintain the shelf-life quality of fruits, but its effect on the antioxidant activities and phenolic content of yellow peach is not comprehensive. This study analyzed the role of CA on the quality of shelf period, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of "Jinxiu" yellow peach. Yellow peach was left under specific aeration conditions (3.5-4% CO2, 2-3% O2, 92-95.5% N2, 1 ± 0.5 °C) and the control (1 ± 0.5 °C) for 21 d, to observe changes in physiological parameters of the fruit during 10 d of the shelf life (25 ± 1 °C). The result showed that CA reduced the weight loss rate (WLR), decay rate (DR), and browning index (BI) of yellow peaches. Furthermore, the CA held a high level of total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenol content (TPC) and phenolic content in the fruit. Antioxidant analysis showed that polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme activity was lower and free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and antioxidant enzyme activities (POD and PAL) were higher in the CA group. Combining the results of significance analysis, correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) clearly identified the differences between the CA group and the control group. The results showed that the CA could maintain higher phenolic content and reduce the oxidation of yellow peach fruit and enhance fruit quality by affecting the antioxidant activities of yellow peach.

Analysis of FTIR Spectra, Flavonoid Content and Anti-Tyrosinase Activity of Extracts and Lotion from Garcinia schomburgkiana by Multivariate Method

In this study, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) study, total flavonoid content and anti-tyrosinase activity of leaf, seed and flesh extracts of Garcinia schomburgkiana and lotion formulation from the extracts were carried out. Additionally, a relationship among FTIR spectra, total flavonoid content and anti-tyrosinase activity was analysed by partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and principal component analysis (PCA) analysis. The result indicated that the highest total flavonoid content was found in leaf ethanol extract (214.00 ± 7.32 mg rutin equivalent per mg extract). For lotion samples, lotion containing leaf ethanol extract revealed the strongest level of total flavonoid content (5.51 ± 0.04 mg rutin equivalent per mL lotion). Moreover, anti-tyrosinase activity was observed in lotion containing the extracts (1/EC50 ranged from 0.0063 to 7.2334) higher than that of aqueous, ethanol and propanediol extracts (1/EC50 ranged from 0.0099 to 0.5319). The FTIR result confirmed the presence of various function groups in different parts of G. schomburgkiana and lotion samples, which involved the structure of flavonoids namely O-H stretch, C=O bending vibrations, unsaturation bonds, phenol or tertiary alcohol (O-H bend), C-O-H deformation and C-O stretching vibrations of aromatic ethers. The PLS-SEM analysis indicated a moderate positive relationship between the total flavonoid content and FTIR data, significantly (β = 0.502, t = 2.239, p-value < 0.05). The FTIR and subsequent PCA analysis could differentiate of aqueous, ethanol and propanediol extracts and lotion samples.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 FTIR data positively correlated with total flavonoid content
 Extract and lotion samples revealed total flavonoid content and anti-tyrosinase activity
 The PLS-SEM analysis showed significantly positive relationship between the total flavonoid content and FTIR data
 FTIR and subsequent PCA analysis differentiated extracts and lotions
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of diosmin content of hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) in response to salinity stress

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) is a perennial subshrub, which is distributed across the eastern Mediterranean region to central Asia. One of the most important bioactive compounds of hyssop is diosmin, a flavone glycoside of diosmetin, with application in the field of cardiovascular therapy. Salinity as one of the most essential environmental stress factors is able to alter secondary metabolite content in plants. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on the levels of total flavonoid content and diosmin in hyssop. Accordingly, salinity stress was imposed by watering plants with four different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) for 4 weeks. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used for purification of diosmin from dried leaves and measurement of it in dried shoots. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was applied for determination of the structure of diosmin. The obtained results showed that high salinity levels lead to a higher amount of total flavonoid and diosmin content in treated plants. Although alteration in diosmin content was not significant in treatments up to 100 mM NaCl, higher amounts of diosmin were observed in 150 and 200 mM NaCl salinity levels. We concluded that the contents of total flavonoid and diosmin were significantly elevated after exposure of hyssop plants to salt stress conditions.

Total flavonoid and ionic elements contents in 32 medicinal plants collected from natural habitats in Northern Ukraine

Rationale: Flavonoid containing herbal drugs and promising folk medicine remedies are objects of special attention in recent investigations. The crucial role of essential elements for the sustenance of plants and humans is known, as well as the numerous beneficial effects of flavonoids on human health. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and total flavonoid content (TFC) in medicinal herbs growing in Ukraine, in order to identify medicinal herbs particularly rich in the analyzed elements and flavonoids, as well as to discover the factors responsible for their differentiation. Results: Metals were determined by FAAS and total flavonoids by UV/Vis spectrometry. The order in which metals assayed in mg/kg dry mass (d.m.) was found to be as follows: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu. Total flavonoids were found in the range from 7.30–251.60 mg/g d.m. Conclusions: The plant samples differed in their essential metal and TFC (in mg/g d.m.), depending on the species of plant and the place of origin in Ukraine. Principal component analysis helped to find the factors responsible for this diversification, which appeared to be the level of Zn and Mn, and TFC. Future studies should be focused on determining the growth conditions which would increase the levels of TFC and essential elements in medicinal herbs used in Ukraine.

Antioxidant and selected chemical properties of the flowers of three different varieties of Butterfly Pea (<i>Clitoria ternatea</i> L.)

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) is used for production of herbal teas, herbal juices and having a potential to use in culinary purposes. Even though, it is grown widely in Sri Lanka, comprehensive information and studies conducted on three popular varieties are still lacking. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the elemental compositions, phytochemical properties of three C. ternatea L. flower varieties grown in Sri Lanka; white flower with normal keel petals (WSPF), blue flower with normal keel petals (BSPF), and blue flower with enlarged keel petals (BMPF). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity in aqueous extracts of C. ternatea flowers were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Kjeldahl method was used to determine the nitrogen content and crude protein % was calculated by multiplying the nitrogen content by a standard factor. Phosphorus content (UV spectrophotometer) and calcium and potassium contents (flame photometer) of the flower samples were measured by using a general mineralization procedure.The maximum TPC and highest level of TFC were reported in BMPF (31.88 mg GAE eq./g dry weight and 15.96 mg quercetin eq./g dry weight of flower) whereas FRAP of WSPF was significantly lower (10.66 mg trol eq./g dry weight of flower). FRAP of BSPF (14.56 mg trol eq./g dry weight of flower) and BMPF (18.50 mg trol eq./g dry weight of flower) were not significantly statistically different. BSPF showed significantly highest level of DPPH radical scavenging activity that was 11.97 mg trol. eq./g dry weight of flower. Meanwhile, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of BMPF and WSPF were not significantly different to each other. Mean P content was highest in WSPF and was lowest in BMPF (4.65 and 4.19 mg/g respectively). The N content was significantly higher (p<0.05) in both BSPF and WSPF (43.12 mg/g and 42.35 mg/g respectively). Significantly higher (p<0.05) mean protein contents were detected for BSPF and it was 26.95%. This is the first such detailed report on chemical composition and antioxidant properties of three main C. ternatea flower varieties grown in Sri Lanka.

Correlation between total flavonoid content and total phenolic content on antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts from three cultivars of papaya leaves

The aim of this study was to elucidate the correlation between total flavonoid content and total phenolic content on antioxidants activity of ethanol extracts from three cultivars of papaya leaves: 'Holland,' 'Khak Dam' and 'Red Lady.' All crude extracts were investigated to find antioxidant capacity in DPPH radical scavenging. The result indicated that the ethanol extract of ‘Red Lady’ papaya leaves exhibited the highest level of DPPH radical scavenging activity with the IC50 of 0.18 mg/mL, followed by the ‘Khak Dam’ and ‘Holland’ papaya leaves having an IC50 value of 0.24 and 0.44 mg/mL, respectively. The ethanol extract from 'Red Lady' papaya leaves showed the highest level of total flavonoid content (TFC) of 276.72 ± 1.04 µgQE/g DW and total phenolic content (TPC) of 169.85 ± 6.54 mgGAE/g DW. All three cultivars showed a distinctive correlation between IC50 and the content of both total flavonoid and total phenolic with a negative relationship of Pearson’s correlation of -0.922 and -0.940, respectively.

Antioxidant and anti-obesity properties of local chilies varieties in Malaysia.

Obesity is a serious health concern as it may initiate common chronic diseases. Chili pepper is an important spice that brings spiciness and commonly used in cuisines. However, the antioxidant and anti-obesity properties of chili varieties in Malaysia has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antioxidant (content and activity) and anti-obesity properties of five different varieties of local chili peppers. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined through ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2, 2'azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays. Cell cytotoxicity of the selected chili extracts was determined in 3T3-L1 pre adipocytes using cell viability assay (MTT) assay. Whereas the ability to inhibit oil accumulation in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes of the selected chili pepper extracts was assayed using Oil Red O staining. The results showed that Kulai 568 pulp extract had the highest level of total phenolic content (TPC) (47.88 ± 0.220mg GAE/g), whereas Centil pulp extract had the highest level of total flavonoid content (TFC) (26.60 ± 0.52mg QE/g). In term of antioxidant activities, Bara pulp extract had the highest value in FRAP (3.058 ± 0.002mM Fe2+/mg extract) and ABTS (IC50 = 12.411 ± 0.025). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, Bara pulp extract has the highest level of capsaicin (72.271 ± 0.957µg/ml). In terms of inhibition of oil accumulation Centil seed extract presented the best result (69.09-92.20%), while Bara pulp extract inhibited the most pancreatic lipase activity (IC50 = 4.84 ± 0.57µg/ml). Thus, it is suggested that Centil seed and Bara pulp extracts can be a potent antioxidant and anti-obesity agents.

Salicylic acid-enhanced biosynthesis of pharmacologically important lignans and neo lignans in cell suspension culture of Linum ussitatsimum L.

Linum usitatsimum L. (flax) is a perennial herb with magnitude of medicinal and commercial applications. In the present study, we investigated the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on biosynthesis of lignans (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and lariciresinol diglucoside (LDG)) and neolignans (dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol glucoside (DCG) and guaiacylglycerol-β-coniferyl alcohol ether glucoside (GGCG)) in cell cultures of flax. Moderate concentration of SA (50μM) enhanced biomass accumulation (10.98g/L dry weight (DW)), total phenolic content (37.81mg/g DW), and antioxidant potential (87.23%) to two-fold than their respective controls after 72h of exposure. However, higher levels of total flavonoid content (5.32mg/g DW) were noted after 48h of exposure to 50μM of SA. HPLC analyses revealed that 50μM SA, significantly enhanced biosynthesis of SDG (7.95mg/g DW), LDG (7.52mg/g DW), DCG (54.90mg/g DW), and GGCG (16.78mg/g DW), which was almost 2.7, 1.8, 3.88, and 3.98 fold higher than their respective controls after 72h of exposure time, respectively. These results indicated that moderate concentrations of SA had significant effects on biosynthesis and productivity of lignans and neolignans in cell culture of L. usitatissimum.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities ofPogostemon cablin(Blanco) Benth.

Pogostemon cablin(Lamiaceae) has been widely used in traditional medicine. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaves fromP. cablinextracts were investigated. The water extracts had the highest total phenolic content116.88±0.48 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dry plant extract. Nevertheless, high levels of total flavonoid content were found in ethanolic extracts280.12±2.04 mg quercetin equivalent/g of dry plant extract. The highest antioxidant activities were found for the ethanolic extract (IC50=18±0.90,20±0.24 μg/mL) by DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays, respectively. Both extracts showed moderate inhibition of superoxide inhibition (O2∙-) and nitric oxide (NO) production in concentration-dependent manner. Antibacterial activity was calculated by disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC). The ethanolic extract had the greatest activity against methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus, methicillin sensitiveS. aureus, andStreptococcus pyogeneswith zone diameters of11.67±1.53,10.33±2.52, and10.33±1.15 mm, respectively. The corresponding MIC and MBCs were 5, 0.625, and 0.039 mg/mL.P. cablinextracts contain antioxidant and antibacterial properties that should be exploited for possible clinical application.

Assessment of polyphenol composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of various extracts of Date Palm Pollen (DPP) from two Tunisian cultivars

This study aimed to investigate and compare the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of different extracts recovered from Date Palm Pollen collected from Tunisian cultivars of Kerkennah (DPP-K) and Tozeur (DPP-T) using various solvents, including hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol and water. The results revealed that DPP-T had higher TPC than DPP-K for all solvent extracts, except for hexane, with a value of 237.74±9.58mg GAE/g for the water extract. The highest level of TFC (75.10±4.37mg QE/g) was recorded in the acetone DPP-T extract, which was about twice as high as that of DPP-K. A total of eight phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in both extracts by HPLC, namely gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, epicatechin, vanillic acid, coumarin, quercitin and rutin. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were screened using DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assays. The results indicated that the DPP-T acetone extract showed the best DPPH scavenging activity (IC50=46.56±0.28μg/ml), with no activity being recorded for DPP-K. The DPP-T extract also showed significant effects in terms of the β-carotene test (28.12±0.04μg/ml) when compared to BHT as a reference standard. The extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against 10 bacterial and 7 fungal strains, and the results showed that ethyl acetate DPP-K extract exhibited the strongest activity against Listeria monocytogenes and that the Staphylococcus aureus strain was most sensitive to DPP-T, with MIC and MBC values of 0.98mg/ml and 1.95mg/ml, respectively. Both DPP-T and DPP-K showed strong inhibition effects on the growth of oxysporum. Further time kill assays demonstrated the potency of DPP-K and DPP-T ethyl acetate extracts to inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, respectively. Overall, the findings suggest that DPP could be considered a promising source of new natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for use in various food and pharmaceutical products and formulations. This suggested that the DPP extract is a good potential inhibitor of food spoiling microbial growth and could be a highly effective therapeutic choice for human and plant infections.

Analysis of Some Phenolic Compounds and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Strawberry Fruits During Storage Period

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the quantity of some phenolic compounds and free radical scavenging activity of strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) during storage period at different temperatures. Freshly harvested of three strawberry cultivars fruits (‘San Andreas’, ‘Benicia’ and ‘Albion’) were placed in polyethylene bags and kept in refrigerated (4 °C) and frozen (-85 °C) conditions for 7 days. Therefore, the analyses performed were applied on the fruits in stages: fresh, refrigerated and frozen. With regard to the bio compounds analysis, we mention: total phenolic content (TPC) expressed as g gallic acid equivalents (GAE), total flavonoid content (TFC) expressed as g of rutin equivalents (RE), and free radical scavenging activity expressed as 50% effective concentration (EC50) (mg/ml). With regard to the TPC in all analyzed storage stages have revealed ‘San Andreas’ cultivar with a maximum content of 0.326 g GAE / 100 g fresh weight (FW). Also, the same cultivar recorded high levels of total flavonoid content of 0.424 g RE / 100 g FW, all at the end of refrigeration period. In terms of free radical scavenging activity, ‘Benicia’ cultivar highlighted the best results EC50 = 3.094 mg/ml.