Levels Of Total Phenolic Content Research Articles

Comparison of two wild‐grown Berberis varieties based on biochemical characterization

In this study, some physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, mineral content, and phenolic profiles of Berberis vulgaris and Berberis crataegina wild-grown in Bayburt are analyzed and compared. The level of total phenolic content in B. crataegina DC. (73.48 µg GAE/mg KM) was found higher than B. vulgaris (71.54 µg GAE/mg KM). According to three methods (β-carotene, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) the antioxidant activity of the B. crataegina is also higher. The change in color (L*, b*) is found statistically important (p < .05). There are no meaningful differences between the dry matter, C vitamin, pH value, and water activity (p > .05). It was observed that the fruit type has a great effect on brix and ash content (p < .05) and glucose, total sugar, and malic acid content. Chlorogenic acid is the dominant phenolic component for both types. It is followed by syringic, sinapic, and gallic acid in B. vulgaris and sinapic, syringic, and gallic acid in B. crataegina. Practical applications Wild fruits have been consumed for centuries in nutrition or pharmacology applications. They are known as rich resources of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. For that reason, wild fruits play an important role in the prevention and treatment of some diseases especially cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In this study, wild-grown B. vulgaris and B. crataegina were analyzed in detail according to their bioactive properties and an assessment was made in terms of industrial and medical usability. This study reports mineral content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and the phenolic acid profile (sinapic, syringic, gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, vanillic, trans-ferulic, p-coumaric, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids) of two Berberis varieties. According to results, these fruits may be used as natural flavoring and coloring material in food sector. Thanks to the active ingredients and minerals; these fruits may be used in pharmaceutical industry. They have a good potential for commercial exploitation and positive effects on health.

Iron nano modulated growth and biosynthesis of steviol glycosides in Stevia rebaudiana

Application of nanomaterials is becoming the most effective strategy of elicitation to produce a desirable level of plant biomass with complex medicinal compounds. This study was, designed to check the influence of commercial iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) on physical growth characteristics, antioxidant status and production of steviol glycosides of in vitro grown Stevia rebaudiana. Results indicated that lower concentrations of FeNPs (45 µg/L) had a positive influence on morphological growth parameters. At a higher dose (90, and 135 µg/L) FeNPs in culture media were found detrimental to growth characteristics and development. Furthermore, the stress caused by FeNPs at 135 µg/L in cultures produced higher levels of total phenolic content (3.2 ± 0.042 mg/g dry weight: DW), total flavonoid content (1.6 ± 0.022 mg/g DW and antioxidant activity (73 ± 4.6%). In addition, plants grown in the presence of FeNPs at 90 µg/L resulted in higher enzymatic antioxidant activities (SOD = 3.2 ± 0.042 U/mg; POD = 2.1 ± 0.026 U/mg; CAT = 2.6 ± 0.034 U/mg and APx = 3.3 ± 0.043 U/mg), respectively. Furthermore, exposure to a low dose of FeNPs (45 µg/L) exhibited the maximum amount of stevioside (stevioside: 4.2 ± 0.058 mg/g (DW) and rebaudioside A: 4.9 ± 0.068 mg/g DW) as compared to high doses. The current investigation confirms the effectiveness of FeNPs in growth media and offers a suitable prospect for commercially desirable production of S. rebaudiana biomass with higher sweet glycosides profiles in vitro. Lower concentrations of Iron nano particles (FeNPs) had a positive influence on morphological growth parameters, production of antioxidant secondary metabolites and natural calorie free steviol glycosides in Stevia rebaudiana.

Effects of Blueberry and Black Carrot Extracts Addition on Antioxidant Properties and Protein-Precipitating Capacity of Ultrasound-Treated Cider

The results presented in this study highlight the level of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and protein-precipitating capacity (PPC) correlated with the antioxidant capacity of new cider varieties enriched with valuable bio compounds by the addition of blueberry and black carrot extracts. The cider variants were treated with ultrasound (constant frequency of 20 kHz) at 20%, 30% and 40% amplitude (A) for two, five or seven minutes. TPC determination was performed by Folin–Ciocâlteu method and TFC was determined by an aluminum chloride colorimetric method. The antioxidant capacity was determined by ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. The results showed that the antioxidant performance indicators (FRAP, ABTS and DPPH) were positively correlated with the TPC and TFC of the ultrasound-treated cider variants, suggesting that the content of these bio compounds may be improved by the treatments applied. The highest mean values for TPC and TFC were found in the cider variant enriched with black carrot extract (0.3%, v/v), subsequently ultrasound-treated (A20%, five minutes) Conclusively, the extracts used in this study could improve the antioxidant capacity of the cider, especially in case of variants ultrasound-treated.

Non-destructive assessment of flesh firmness and dietary antioxidants of greenhouse-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) at different fruit maturity stages.

Non-destructive methods have been widely recognized for evaluating fruit quality traits of many horticultural crops and food processing industry. Destructive (analytical) test, and non-destructive evaluation of the quality traits were investigated and compared for ‘Red Rose’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit grown under protected environment. Fresh tomato fruit at five distinctive maturity stages namely; breaker (BK), turning (TG), pink (PK), light-red (LR), and red (RD) were labeled and scanned using the handheld near infra-red (NIR) enhanced spectrometer at a wavelength range of 285–1200 nm. The labeled tomato samples were then measured analytically for flesh firmness, lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC). The results revealed that quality traits could be estimated using NIR spectroscopy with a relatively high coefficient of determination (R2): 0.834 for total phenolic content, 0.864 for lycopene, 0.790 for total flavonoid content, 0.708 for β-carotene; and 0.679 for flesh firmness. The accumulation of Lyco and β-Car rapidly increased in tomatoes harvested between the TG and the LR maturity stages. Harvesting tomatoes at BK maturity stage resulted in significantly higher flesh firmness than harvesting at the later maturity stages. Tomato fruits had the lowest TPC and TFC contents at the earliest maturity stage (BK), while they had intermediate TPC and TFC levels at LR and RD maturity stages. NIR spectroscopic measurements of fruit firmness and lipophilic antioxidants in tomato fruit at various maturity stages were partially in accordance with those estimated by destructive (analytical) methods. Based on these findings, we recommend using non-destructive NIR spectroscopy as an effective tool for predicting tomato fruit quality during harvest stage and postharvest processing.

The Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on Postharvest Physiology in Non-Climacteric Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.)

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments (0.5 and 1.0 mM MeJA) on quality characteristics such as weight loss, respiration rate, ethylene production, color, total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and antioxidant enzyme activities of sour cherry fruit (Prunus cerasus L. cv. ‘Kütahya’) during cold storage. Fruit were stored at 0±1 °C and 90±5% RH for 36 days. The results indicated that MeJA treatments showed higher levels of total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity and quality and were also effective on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), malondialdehyde (MDA), ethylene production and respiration rate. In conclusion, 0.5 mM MeJA treatment showed the best maintaining of fruit quality among the concentrations of MeJA. It can be suggested that sour cherry could be stored successfully for 36 days at 0 °C following treatment of MeJA.

Antioxidant and selected chemical properties of the flowers of three different varieties of Butterfly Pea (&lt;i&gt;Clitoria ternatea&lt;/i&gt; 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.

DETERMINATION OF THE TOTAL PHENOLICS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN THE RIND EXTRACTS OF GARCINIA MANGOSTANA L., GARCINIA COWA ROXB., AND GARCINIA ATROVIRIDIS GRIFF. EX T. ANDERS.

Objectives: Garcinia atroviridis Griff. ex T. Anders., Garcinia mangostana L., and Garcinia cowa Roxb. are plants of the genus Garcinia that has been widely used by the community as a food flavoring, spices, and also as a herbal medicinal ingredient. This research aimed to evaluate the total phenolics and antioxidant activity from three species of Garcinia (G. atroviridis Griff. ex T. Anders., G. mangostana L., and G. cowa Roxb.)&#x0D; Methods: The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was estimated as Gallic Acid Equivalent by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was assessed using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay.&#x0D; Results: The TPC of G. mangostana L. rind extract is higher (31.83±3.70%), than G. cowa Roxb.(4.35±0.17%) and G. atroviridis Griff. ex T. Anders. (2.47±0.42%). Based on the antioxidant activity, G. mangostana L. rind has a higher total antioxidant activity (24.68 μmol Fe(II)/g) than G. cowa Roxb. (18.88±0.12 μM Fe (II)/g and G. atroviridis Griff. ex T. Anders.(17.61±0.05 μM Fe(II)/g).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results showed that G. mangostana L rind extract contains a higher level of TPC and antioxidant activity among the other rinds. The results obtained indicate that the three samples have the potential to be a source of natural antioxidants. Further studies must be carried out to isolate compounds that have antioxidant activity.

Impact of thermosonication and pasteurization on total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and vitamin C levels of elephant apple (Dillenia indica) juice

AbstractThe present work evaluated the influence of different thermosonication conditions on the quality improvement of elephant apple (Dillenia indica) juice. The juice was processed under thermosonication at different temperatures (30–50°C) for different time periods (15–60 min). The results of sonication treatments were compared with fresh and thermally treated juices. The objectives of the research work were to determine the effect of thermosonication on the quality attributes such as pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), antioxidant activity (AA), ascorbic acid levels, microbiological, and sensory properties. pH, TA, and TSS of thermosonicated and pasteurized juice samples did not produce any significant (p &lt; .05) differences. From the experimental results, it was also seen that thermosonication has improved the quality of elephant apple juice by increasing the levels of TPC, TFC, and AA significantly (p &lt; .05) and ensuring the microbial safety of juices. Furthermore, the findings of the present study indicated that the thermosonication can be employed for processing of elephant apple juice as a replacement method for thermal processing with enhanced quality.Practical applicationsUltrasound processing is one of the new method which has been applied widely to improve the shelf life of fruit juices without altering the quality attributes of juices. Commonly, thermal processing technologies are applied to improve the keeping quality of fruit juices, but it has some detrimental effects on the final quality of fruit products. So, ultrasound processing can be utilized as an alternative method to thermal processing. In the present work, ultrasound processing was applied to enhance the quality of elephant apple juices.

Effect of in-vitro digestion on the bio active compounds and biological activities of fruit pomaces.

The effect of gastro intestinal digestion on total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), radical scavenging activity (RSA) and vitamin C levels of apple (Malus domestica) pomace and a local variety of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) pomace was evaluated after drying at 110°C for 3h in a hot air oven. The physicochemical properties and functional properties of apple and jujube pomaces were also assessed. Prior to digestion, apple pomace displayed greater levels of TPC, RSA and vitamin C (17.30 ± 0.59 GAE/g DW, 81.16 ± 3.27%, 0.078 ± 0.01g/L, respectively) in comparison with jujube pomace (16.90 ± 0.66 GAE/g DW, 54.65 ± 2.09%, 0.069 ± 0.01g/L, respectively), whereas, TFC level was found to be higher in jujube pomace (19.22 ± 0.87 QE/g DW). After digestion, both samples showed an increase in TPC (56.17 ± 2.14 and 52.01 ± 2.18 GAE/g DW for apple and jujube pomaces) and TFC levels (48.45 ± 1.87 and 53.82 ± 2.34 QE/g DW for apple and jujube pomaces) and it was perceived almost 3 to 4 times higher than the TPC and TFC of the samples before digestion. But, RSA of the fruit pomaces were found to be affected by the in vitro digestion which was observed as 54.65 ± 2.09 and 81.16 ± 3.27% respectively for apple and jujube pomaces. It may be suggested that the fruit powders may be incorporated in developing new functional foods rich in bio active compounds and thus can be utilized in different food applications.

Antimutagenic, antigenotoxic and antiproliferative activities of Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. leaves and stem bark extracts and their phytochemical composition.

In recent years, chronic degenerative diseases such as certain types of cancers, are becoming an evident issue. DNA damage has been for long recognized as a causal factor for cancer development because mutations or chromosomal aberrations affect oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes leading cells to malignant transformation and to the subsequent cancerous growth. Medicinal plants are often used for the prevention or treatment of various diseases with great scientific interest. Among the medicinal plants distributed in the Mediterranean region, Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. has been used in traditional medicine for its remarkable curative properties. However, in spite of this popularity, little works have been performed on the activity so that further studies should be performed to investigate in depth the antimutagenic, antigenotoxic and antiproliferative activities of the plant. Thus, the present study was aimed to the evaluation of the potential antimutagenic, antigenotoxic and antiproliferative properties of leaves and stem bark extracts of this well-known tree. Antimutagenic activity was evaluated by Salmonella mutagenicity assay in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. The antigenotoxic potential was assessed by umu test in the strain of S. typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002. Antiproliferative activity was studied on human hepatoblastoma (HepG-2) and on breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines by MTT assay. Furthermore, the antiproliferative activity observed on cancer cells was compared with that on the human normal-like fibroblasts (TelCOFS02MA) and the selectivity index was calculated to understand if extracts were able to exert selective toxicity towards cancer cells. Moreover, phenolic compounds are plant substances with a large spectrum of biochemical activities with antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects. Based on the strong evidence of biological activities of phenolic compounds, the study was focused on the determination of total phenolics and flavonoids contents, and the phytochemical composition of the extracts assessed by LC/MS. The ethanol extracts of both leaves and stem barks showed significant from moderate to strong antimutagenic and antigenotoxic effects. In addition, selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells was shown by ethanolic leaves extract and aqueous/chloroform leaves and stem bark extracts. The latter showed high levels of total phenolic contents among all the other extracts. Identified phenylethanoids (calceolariosides, verbascoside) and secoiridoids (oleuropein and ligstroside) could be responsible for the demonstrated broad spectrum of healthy properties.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties of selected Siddha polyherbal decoctions

This research work explains the antioxidant and anti-atherogenic effects of selected Siddha polyherbal decoctionssuch as Nilavembukudineer, Kabasurakudineer, NotchikudineerandAdathodaikudineer. Even though all the above decoctions have been used for fever, cold, cough, bronchitis, dysphonea and body pain in Siddha system of medicine, their antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties were notinvestigated scientifically.We have analyzed the polyphenolic content, antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties of decoction of the above-mentioned herbal formulations. The toxicity of the decoctions was also performed in PMBC.Inthe investigated formulations, Notchikudineershowed higher level of total phenolic content (560 mg GAE/100 g), followed byAdathodaikudineer (260 mg GAE/100 g),Nilavembukudineer(150 mg GAE/100 g) and Kabasurakudineer(90 mg GAE/100 g). Similarly, Notchikudineer exhibited strong antioxidant activity in terms of radical scavenging potential against DPPH (IC-50: 2.12 mg/L), followed the Adathodaikudineer (IC-50: 2.27 mg/L),Nilavembukudineer(IC-50: 4.48 mg/L) and Kabasurakudineer (IC-50: 9.29 mg/L).In toxicological study all the decoctions of selected formulations didn’t show any toxicity.Similarly, Nilavembukudineer showed maximum inhibition of lipid peroxidation when compared to other herbal decoctions. Among the investigated Siddha formulations, Nilavembukudineer was found to possess high antioxidant and anti-atherogenic potentials and hence it could be further investigated as anti-atherogenic drug using in vivo model.

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.

An Overview of Effects Induced by Pasteurization and High-Power Ultrasound Treatment on the Quality of Red Grape Juice.

In juice processing, ultrasound treatment has been tested as a potential alternative to conventional thermal methods to inactivate microorganisms and to enhance the nutritional status of juice. In this study, the impact of pasteurization and high-power ultrasound treatment on the quality of red grape juice was investigated in terms of the content of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and l-ascorbic acid as well as regarding the microbiological and physicochemical properties. The grape juice was subjected to pasteurization (80 °C, 2 min) as well as to ultrasound treatment with an amplitude of 50 and 70% for 5 and 10 min. The results indicated the same level of total phenolic content for pasteurized and sonicated samples for 10 min with an amplitude of 70%, while the highest level of l-ascorbic acid was recorded for sonicated samples with an amplitude of 70% for 10 min. pH of sonicated samples decreased with amplitude and treatment time while total soluble solids and titratable acidity increased with amplitude and time. Moreover, the results indicated the usefulness of juice sonication to enhance the inactivation of microorganisms. Thus, the high-power ultrasound treatment might represent a viable technique to replace the conventional thermal treatment in grape juice processing.

Biochemical Alterations in the Leaves of Resistant and Susceptible Mungbean Genotypes Infected with Mungbean Yellow Mosaic India Virus

Mungbean (Vigna radiata), an important leguminous crop, is highly susceptible to yellow mosaic disease (YMD) caused by Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), resulting in high yield penalty. Previously, different varieties of mungbean have been reported possessing resistance/ tolerance against MYMIV. However, the molecular events occurring during compatible and incompatible interactions between mungbean and MYMIV are yet to be explored. Therefore, in this study using MYMIV-resistant (NM-2016), moderately resistant (NM-2011) and susceptible genotype (VC-1647C), alterations in various biochemical attributes due to MYMIV infection were analysed and compared with healthy non-inoculated control plants for understanding the resistance mechanism. After MYMIV inoculation, the level of total phenolic contents (TPC) and total soluble proteins (TSP) increased significantly in the susceptible genotype. However, the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) remained same in all the genotypes. Level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) decreased in the susceptible genotype but CAT level increased in the moderately resistant genotype. Protease level decreased significantly in all the genotypes while esterase level increased in moderately resistant and susceptible genotype. Peroxidase (POD) increased only in moderately resistant genotype and Total Oxidant Status (TOS) increased significantly in the susceptible genotype. Due to MYMIV infection the level of all plant pigments decreased in all the genotypes tested. The comparative proteome analysis using SDS-PAGE resolved 22 peptides with molecular weight from 12.5 to 163 kDa. Differential expression of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) and Cytochrome b6 (Photosynthesis) in resistant and moderately resistant genotypes; Pectin acetyl esterase and Resistant specific protein-1(4) in resistant genotype and up-regulation of superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] and RuBisco by MYMIV may have triggered signal transduction pathway and consequently induced a resistance response against MYMIV in V. radiata by activating PR proteins.

Antioxidant activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents and Cytotoxic activity of Euphorbia aegyptiaca

Euphorbia aegyptiaca is a herbaceous plant traditionally used in Sudan for treatment of various diseases, and the study of this plant is still limited. The aim of the present study was to screen the phytochemicals and to assess the Antioxidant activity, total phenolic, flavonoid contents and cytotoxic activity of Euphorbia aegyptiaca. The plant material was extracted successively by Soxhlet apparatus using n-hexane, chloroform and methanol. The chemical constituents of the extracts were carried out using the standard procedures. The Folin- Ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride method was employed to calculate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, respectively. The antioxidant activity, was assessed by measuring the scavenging activity of the DPPH (2.2Di (4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and Propyl Gallate as standard antioxidants. While cytotoxic activities were screened using brine shrimp. Phytochemical screening studies revealed that flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, saponins, sterols, terpenes, anthraquinones and alkaloids were the main phytochemicals present in extracts of E. aegyptiaca. The methanol extract showed the highest level of total phenolic contents (173.49±2.427 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (239.53±7.90 mg QE/g), and the highest antioxidant activity 89% with least (IC50 0.0449µg/ml), and the no toxicity against brine shrimp (LD50 3423.156). Furthermore, no toxicity in all extracts was observed. The present study is the first evaluation regarding the characterization of E. aegyptiaca and its safety, and the results demonstrate its antioxidant potential and suggest its safe therapeutic use. The results suggest that methanol extract is a rich source of phytochemicals and exhibits highest amount of and total phenolic, flavonoid content and significant antioxidant activity and it has no cytotoxic activity. E. aegyptiaca plant can be regarded as a promising Source of naturally occurring potential antioxidants.&#x0D; Keywords: Euphorbia aegyptiaca, Sudan, Antioxidant, Total phenolic, total flavonoid, Cytotoxicity.

Impact of varying agrometeorological indices on peel color and composition of Kinnow fruit (Citrus nobilis Lour x Citrus deliciosa Tenora) grown at different ecological zones.

Kinnow orchards were selected in different ecological zones in districts Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh (TTS) and Vehari of the Punjab province, Pakistan. Three biological replicates in block form were applied by using analysis of variance techniques to assess varying agrometeorological indices impact on fruit color-development and peel composition. Fruit samples were randomly collected on each month's end starting from August up to February. Chromameter was used for measuring coloring parameters and its values a*, b*, C* and L* were increased from August till February with a rapid elevation started at color-break stage, while hue angle (h*) rotated from 120° to 60° of portraying green to yellow shade. An increasing level of chlorophyll contents were noted in August till color-break at the end of October and then diminished afterwards. Whereas, carotenoids increased rapidly upon yellow tinting peel of Kinnow fruits till fully attained deep orange color at the end of February. Ascorbic acid content and total phenolic content (TPC) showed a decreasing trend whereas anthocyanins and antioxidant activity were increased from August to February, with unchanged flavonoids and flavonols level. Fruit firmness was gradually reduced till color-break with rapid reduction noted subsequently. Maturity index represented internal ripening directly increased with color-development. Color development has directly influenced on maturity index and both were increased rapidly after color-break to afterwards. More color development with rapid reduction in chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and TPC level were seen in warm districts namely TTS and Vehari after color-break stage due to accumulating more agrometeorological indices. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation of the Most Suitable Conditions for Dehydration of Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) Fruits

Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) is an Australian native tree, possessing high level bioactivity and antioxidant activity. To prevent deterioration of active constituents, appropriate drying practices must be determined. This study comparatively evaluates the impact of a range of drying methods including freeze-, microwave-, vacuum-, hot air- and sun-drying on the physical, phytochemical and antioxidant characteristics of Tuckeroo fruit. Experimental results showed that the five drying methods had significant impact on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of the fruits. Of the drying methods assessed, freeze drying best preserved Tuckeroo activity, recording higher total phenolic content (TPC) (81.88 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), total flavonoids (TFC) (107.71 mg catechin equivalent (CAE)/g), proanthocyanidins (TPro) (83.86 mg CAE/g) and exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity. However, vacuum drying at 65 kPa, 100 °C for 5 h is recommended for drying Tuckeroo fruits for further processing in a large scale as it also retained high levels of TPC, TFC and TPro (58 mg GAE/g, 91 mg CAE/g and 74 mg CAE/g, respectively).

Assessment of ameliorative effect of Aab-e-Shifa polyherbal formulation in experimentally-induced wound in rabbits

Purpose: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the wound healing potential of a polyherbal formulation (PHF) Aab-e-Shifa in normal and diabetic albino rabbits. Methods: The activity of PHF application was evaluated in comparison to tetrachlorodecaoxide (TCDO) on experimentally-induced excision wound in the thigh of normal and diabetic rabbits under ketamine anesthesia. Preliminary phytochemical analysis, total phenolic contents, wound contraction, as well as toxicological and histopathological studies were also investigated. Results: PHF exhibited parallel (p < 0.05) activity for initial wound healing in both normal (48.07 %) and diabetic groups (36.32 %), when compared to their respective control groups. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of high levels of total phenolic contents in Allilum sativum L. (54.25 ± 0.15 GAE mg/g), Curcuma longa L. (25.45 ± 0.48 GAE mg/g), Zingiber officinale Rosc. (29.08 ± 0.35 GAE mg/g) and some phytochemicals such as flavonoids, couramins, terpenoids in these plants. No adverse sign of PHF was observed when applied at a dose of 2000 - 3000 g on rabbit skin. Conclusion: Aab-e-Shifa has great potential in wound healing and may be used as an alternative treatment for the healing of wounds in animals. The phytochemicals present in PHF might play a role in the wound healing activity possibly due to their antioxidant potential. However, further detailed studies are required to buttress this.

Comparison of antioxidant levels and anti-inflammatory activities of kelulut honey harvested at different month of intervals and its chemical compositions

Background: Harvesting time might influence the biological activities of honey, which is crucial for honey quality. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the optimum time for harvesting kelulut honey (KH) by determining its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and chemical composition at different harvesting times. Materials and Methods: KH harvested at three different intervals (1, 2, and 3 months) was supplied by Rimbunan Hijau Bee Farm, located in Sarawak, Malaysia. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant level of KH were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and ferric-reducing ability of plasma assays, respectively. The cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of KH were evaluated on murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. The chemical composition of KH was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: TPC and antioxidant levels of KH collected at different intervals showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). KH at 1% concentration showed no cytotoxic activity toward RAW 264.7 cells after 24 h incubation. However, 1% KH showed no inhibition on NO production in LPS-induced RAW cells compared to the control. GC-MS revealed that hydroxymethylfurfural was present with the highest concentration in all samples. Conclusion: This study suggests that harvesting time does not influence the biological activities of KH.

Evaluation and Comparison of Some Parameters in Four Garlic Varieties

This research is aimed to determine the variation and identification of some morphological and biochemical parameters among different garlic varieties. In this research, three foreign hardneck (French, Spanish, Chinese) and one Turkish softneck garlic varieties have been studied. The investigated traits are included the bulb and clove weight, clove height, number of clove/bulb, color values (L, a, b), pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), dry matter (DM), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA). It is possible to say that varieties were significantly different on the basis of all morphological characters. The results indicated that Turkish variety had the highest TA (1.21%), TSS (36.80%) and AA (62.58% I) and the highest DM was obtained from French variety. Meanwhile, Spanish and Chinese varieties have higher L values (88.15 and 87.24) than others. On the other hand the highest level of TPC (32.17 mg GAE g-1 FW-1) was found in Chinese variety. In accordance with correlation analysis, there was a statistically significant correlation between TSS and TA, and also TPC was significantly correlated with pH and TA (p≤0.05). The result will be helpful for the future studies to understand the similarities and differences of this 4 varieties of morphological and biochemical properties. This study will be good to repeat the experiment at multi variations grown worldwide. However, further studies should be done in this respect in the coming years.