Natural Antioxidants Research Articles

Antioxidant activities of aqueous and 70% ethanol extracts of akar kuning (Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr) stem using the DPPH method

Background: Numerous herbs can be used as natural exogenous antioxidants and clinically proven effective as antioxidants. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess the antioxidant activity of the stems of akar kuning (Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr). Method: This plant was extracted with aqueous solution using the decoction method and 70 % ethanol using the maceration method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the TLC-Bioautography sprayed with DPPH reagent for the qualitative method and microplate assay with DPPH for the quantitative method. This research also identified the total phenol from each extract which was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Result: Based on phytochemical screening, each extract contained flavonoids, polyphenols, anthraquinones, terpenoids, and saponins. TLC-bioautography showed flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthraquinones were responsible for antioxidant activity. Quantification of antioxidant activity results of aqueous and 70% ethanol extracts of akar kuning (Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr) showed IC50 value at 78.8 ± 1.2 µg/mL and 142.8± 2.9 µg/mL respectively. The content of total phenolic compounds was 80.544 ± 2.6 mg GAE/ g and 52.522 ± 1.9 mg GAE/g. Conclusion: As observed in the study, Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr extracts from both extraction methods possess an antioxidant.

The effect of long term astaxanthin supplementation on the antioxidant status of racing Arabian horses - preliminary study.

Astaxanthin due to its strong antioxidant activity is believed to reduce oxidative stress and therefore is considered as feed additive in pathological conditions and also for the athletes. It is promoted by several equine web portals, however, data supporting that concept in horses is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on the parameters of oxidative status in 3 years old, racing Arabian horses during long term observation and the changes related to a single training session of high intensity. Six horses were supplemented with astaxanthin at a dose of 0.52-0.58mg/kg BW and 7 received no supplementation. Astaxanthin supplementation resulted in the increase in total antioxidant status by 31.5%, accompanied by decreases in the amount of total thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances -TBARS and glutathione reductases - GR values by 34.5% and 45.4%, respectively, after 1 month and this effect persisted until the end of the observation. After individual training session the activities of glutathione peroxidases and GR were lower by 69% and 46%, respectively, and TBARS lower by 38% in supplemented horses. These results directly confirmed the beneficial effects of astaxanthin supplementation on the antioxidant status of race horses. Astaxanthin partially counterbalance the training-related oxidative stress, save the horse natural antioxidant defense, and shift the redox status towards a more reducing environment. At the same time, exercise-induced reactive oxygen species production at certain level was maintained and so that contributed to training progress.

Application of Natural Antioxidants from Fruits Waste for Improving Egg Quality Characteristics

Fruit waste poses a significant global challenge, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reporting that about 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, contributing to environmental and economic challenges. The major fruit-producing countries (United States, China, India, and Brazil) are responsible for a large portion of this waste. Fruit waste contains different bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids, which are, in large part, underutilized regardless of their antioxidant properties. These compounds can play an important function in poultry nutrition, offering natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Reintegrating fruit waste into poultry diets might have potent benefits on the nutritional quality and shelf life of eggs. Some studies reported that bioactive compounds from fruit waste improve the oxidative stability of eggs and the nutritional content, potentially extending shelf life during storage. Additionally, antioxidant compounds from fruit waste have been shown to improve yolk coloration and some egg quality parameters while reducing reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid oxidation. Their inclusion in poultry diets can lower feed costs, promote animal welfare, and reduce the environmental impact of fruit waste. This review highlights some key fruit wastes, such as citrus, apple, grape, rosehip, sea buckthorn, and banana, among others, which are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds beneficial for poultry nutrition. This strategy aligns with FAO sustainability goals, addressing both food waste and animal nutrition challenges. Future studies should focus on optimizing the inclusion rates of these natural antioxidants in poultry diets to maximize their benefits.

Suppressing Effect of Flavonoid Compounds on Lipids Photooxidation of Sheep Red Blood Cells and Oleic Acid Photooxidation

ABSTRACTPhotosensitizers and pigments in raw meat such as porphyrins, riboflavin, and myoglobin after incorporation with light beam prompt the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) from triplet oxygen (3O2) and cause oxidative rancidity of meat products. In this study, the results of photooxidation reactions of sheep erythrocyte (red blood cell) model as a model rich in hemoglobin and phospholipids bilayer, and oleic acid model were obtained by 1H NMR spectroscopy, TBARS assay, and iodometric titration. In both models, the rate of lipid photooxidation in the presence of hydroalcoholic extracts of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) as natural antioxidants, Butyl hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a synthetic antioxidant, and sodium azide (NaN3) as a well‐known 1O2 scavenger were decreased in the order of NaN3 > Turmeric > Cumin > BHT. It was proven that during the photooxidation process, there is a direct association between the amount of flavonoid compounds and 1O2 scavenging.

Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Scabies Infestation

Oxidative stress, characterized by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species that overwhelm the body’s physiological defense mechanisms, is a key factor in the progression of parasitic diseases in both humans and animals. Scabies, a highly contagious dermatological condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, affects millions globally, particularly in developing regions. The infestation leads to severe itching and skin rashes, triggered by allergic reactions to the mites, their eggs, and feces. Conventional scabies treatments typically involve the use of scabicidal agents, which, although effective, are often associated with adverse side effects and the increasing threat of resistance. In light of these limitations, there is growing interest in the use of medicinal plants as alternative therapeutic options. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, offer a promising, safer, and potentially more effective approach to treatment. This review explores the role of oxidative stress in scabies pathogenesis and highlights how medicinal plants can mitigate this by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving patient outcomes. Through their natural antioxidant potential, these plants may serve as viable alternatives or complementary therapies in the management of scabies, especially in cases where resistance to conventional treatments is emerging.

Enrichment, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Flavonoids from Artemisia Selengensis Turcz.

Macroporous resin was used to enrich flavonoids in the ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia Selengensis Turcz. Based on a single factor experiment, the enrichment process was optimized using the response surface method. The optimal parameters of the enrichment process were a sample concentration of 0.3 mg/mL, a loading rate of 1 mL/min, an elution flow rate of 2 mL/min, and a total flavonoid content of 155.38 ± 0.97 mg/g. The flavonoids enriched by AB-8 macroporous resin demonstrated significant scavenging activities against DPPH, ABTS+, and hydroxyl free radicals, and also exhibited certain inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among them, the scavenging ability of the flavonoids enriched by AB-8 macroporous resin on hydroxyl free radical (IC50 = 30.31 ± 1.92 μg/mL) was the closest to Vc, and the inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase (IC50 = 16.19 ± 1.35 μg/mL) was the best. These findings confirmed the potential of Artemisia Selengensis Turcz. is a natural antioxidant and hypoglycemic drug.

Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf Peptides: Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity in Human Colon Cancer Caco-2 Cell Line

Reactive oxygen species are produced as part of the cellular metabolism. However, lifestyle can promote an excess in their concentration. Free radicals react with DNA, promoting the appearance of cancer cells. Therefore, natural antioxidants have been suggested as an alternative to prevent this disorder. Peptides are protein fragments that have been produced from various plants. In previous work, Moringa oleifera leaf peptides (MOPHs) with antioxidant potential were generated and identified. However, the spectrophotometric methods used to evaluate their antioxidant activity do not fully reflect its potential. In this work, the antioxidant activity of MOPHs was assessed by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and cellular antioxidant activity method on the human colon cancer cell line Caco-2. Also, their antiproliferative activity was evaluated. The MOPHs exhibited a FRAP activity of 1435 µmol TE/g, and at 500 µg/mL; the peptides did not show a cytotoxic effect on healthy colon CCD-18Co cells. Moreover, the MOPHs increased Caco-2 antioxidative activity to a greater extent by 73.45% and 83.62% at 250 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Regarding cellular proliferation, the MOPHs inhibited it by 78.19% and 90.20% at 200 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf peptides as functional ingredients with significant health benefits, demonstrating antioxidant and antiproliferative properties.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Three Bulgarian Garden Thyme Essential Oils

Garden thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of the family Lamiaceae. It can be found both in the wild and as a cultivated plant in Bulgaria. This study is aimed at assessing the garden thyme essential oil composition and antioxidant activities, which were collected from three different areas in Bulgaria. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main compounds in the garden thyme essential oils (over 2%) were as follows: thymol (42.88–53.55%), p-cymene (14.25–25.51%), γ-terpinene (6.58–15.51%), borneol (2.75–3.57%), carvacrol (2.00–3.02%), β-linalool (2.07–2.31%), cis-sabinene hydrate (4.05%), eucalyptol (1.08–3.65%), α-terpinene (1.01–3.24%), carvacrol methyl ether (1.18–3.02%), and thymol methyl ether (2.26–3.16%). The oils were mainly composed of oxygenated phenyl propanoids, and all the essential oils belonged to the chemotype thymol. Antioxidant activities were measured by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) and ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] assays. All the samples exhibited antioxidant activity relative to the DPPH radical (from 143.20 mM TE/mL to 165.91 mM TE/mL) and by the ABTS method (from 121.67 mM TE/mL to 127.62 mM TE/mL). These garden thyme essential oils could be used as natural antioxidants for food and as nutraceuticals.

Mitigation of Oxidized Oil Effects on Production Performances and Meat Quality of Broilers by Dietary Supplementation of Allicin

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary oxidized oil and allicin (two different dietary sources) as natural antioxidants on the growth performance and meat quality of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four dietary groups (50 birds/group). The experimental groups (OO—oxidized oil; OOA—oxidized oil and allicin; OOG—oxidized oil and garlic leaves) differed from the control one by the presence of oxidized oil in their dietary structure (peroxide value 9.07 (OO, OOA and OOG groups) vs. 1.70 (C group) meq active oxygen/kg). The diets given to the experimental groups differed from each other by the presence of allicin (100 mg/kg inclusion rate as extract (OOA) and 0.5% as garlic leaf powder (OOG)). At the end of the experiment, six animals/group were slaughtered, meat samples (breast and thigh) were collected, and nutritional value was established. The results showed that the allicin included in the experimental diet did not influence the proximate composition of breast meat (crude protein, fat, ash, and dry matter). The fatty acid profile was determined for each group of samples; a significant decrease in omega 3 FAs was noticed between the C group and the E groups (3.27% vs. 1.46%, 1.60%, and 1.56%) in breast meat samples, and a corresponding increase was noticed in saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentrations. Health indices with implications for atheroma and thrombus formation and cholesterol level were negatively affected by the presence of oxidized oil in the experimental diets, but the allicin extract supplement appeared to mitigate its influence. A positive influence of the dietary supplement was noticed on antioxidant capacity and polyphenol concentrations determined in breast and thigh samples under allicin supplement influence. The results of the current study revealed that the use of low oxidized oil in broilers diets did not affect productive performance. The nutritional quality of meat (breast and thigh) was negatively influenced by the presence of oxidized oil, but allicin supplements (extract or garlic leaves) improved lipid quality indices and antioxidant potential.

Quercetin: A Promising Candidate for the Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a chronic liver disease. The development of MASLD is influenced by a multitude of diseases associated with modern lifestyles, including but not limited to diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and obesity. These conditions are often consequences of the adoption of unhealthy habits, namely a sedentary lifestyle, a lack of physical activity, poor dietary choices and excessive alcohol consumption. The treatment of MASLD is primarily based on modifying the patient’s lifestyle and pharmacological intervention. Despite the absence of FDA-approved pharmacological agents for the treatment of MASLD, several potential therapeutic modalities have demonstrated efficacy in reversing the histopathological features of the disease. Among the botanical ingredients belonging to the flavonoid group is quercetin (QE). QE has been demonstrated to possess a number of beneficial physiological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antifungal properties. Additionally, it functions as a natural antioxidant. Preclinical evidence indicates that QE may play a beneficial role in reducing liver damage and improving metabolic health. Early human studies also suggest that QE may be an effective treatment for MASLD due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating properties. This review aims to summarize the available information on the therapeutic effects of QE in MASLD.

A Study on Antioxidant and Gastro-protective Effects of Trachyspermum ammi Linn Extract Using Different In-vitro Techniques

The use of a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for therapeutic purposes is known as herbal medicine, often called botanical medicine or phytomedicine. There is a long history of using herbs outside of traditional treatment. The use of herbal medicine in treating and preventing disease is becoming more widespread due to advancements in clinical research, analysis, and quality control. There is a long history of using native plants in traditional medicine. Plants serve as the primary source of resources for the conventional medical procedures practiced in rural and tribal regions in India and other countries. Ajowan, or Trachyspermum ammi, is a widely used name. One of the traditional possible herbs used as a spice in daily life is ajwain, or Trachyspermum ammi L., a member of the Apiaceae family. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices all contain phenolic compounds, which have potent anti-inflammatory, antigenotoxic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. A Soxhlet extractor was utilized to extract the methanol from the dried seeds of Trachyspermum ammi. The Fenton reaction was used to measure the seed's total phenolic content, and it showed good antioxidant activity at various dosage concentrations. With ascorbic acid serving as the standard reducing agent, the antioxidant activity of the seed extract was evaluated. The UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to obtain the current results. A notable concentration-dependent free radical scavenging and reduction power was demonstrated in this plant extract, Trachyspermum ammi. Using SGOT and SGPT enzymes, we also determined that the gastroprotective action of T. ammi extract was significantly higher than that of the standard medication Liv52 and control liver enzymes. The liver histology slide treated with T. ammi extract shows a typical liver lobule. The hepatocytes are polyhedral, have eosinophilic cytoplasm, and typically have a central nucleus. Endothelially lined sinusoids are located between the hepatocyte cords and exhibit normal liver histology compared to control and Liv52-treated groups. Significantly less intestinal histology was observed as compared to untreated control. The current study concludes that Trachyspermum ammi extract may have a natural antioxidant and gastroprotective activity. Trachyspermum ammi is a great way to add gastroprotective and antioxidant phenolic components to your diet.

Assessment of Bioactive Compounds and Physiological Activities of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts from Black Rice, Black Rice Bran, and Milled Black Rice

Black rice (BR) is considered one of the healthiest foods worldwide. This study assessed the bioactive compound contents and antioxidant activities of the distilled water (DW) and 80% ethanol (EtOH) extracts of BR, black rice bran (BRB), and milled black rice (MBR). In addition, their anti-obesity, anti-obesogenic, and anti-muscle atrophy effects were comparatively evaluated. The results revealed that the 80% EtOH extract of BR contained higher contents of β-glucan, total flavonoids, and total phenolics (26.97 ± 0.70 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 16.58 ± 0.37 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g, respectively) and showed higher antioxidant activity than those of the BRB and MBR extracts. On the other hand, BRB contained the highest content of γ-oryzanol, which was 15.12 ± 0.03 mg/g. Moreover, the 80% EtOH extract of BR exhibited a stronger anti-obesogenic effect by downregulating adipogenesis-related proteins (PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and FAS) and upregulating lipolysis-related proteins (PGC-1α and CPT-1), while the BRB extract effectively increased myotube diameter and fusion index. Overall, these findings indicate that the 80% EtOH extracts of BR, BRB, and MBR, particularly the BR extract, have high potential as natural antioxidants and anti-obesity agents, with BRB showing promise in preventing muscle atrophy.

Mechanistic insights to the strong antioxidative capacity of lingonberry press cake during recovery of fish protein ingredients

Lingonberry press cake (LPC) has been shown to limit lipid oxidation in fish filleting co-products during pH-shift processing. To explore the underlying mechanism, this study subjected LPC to pH-shift processing (native pH → pH 12 → pH 5), and analyzed the resultant fractions for phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. It was observed that LPC experienced a 23.73 % reduction in total phenolic content (TPC) when the initial homogenate was adjusted to pH 12; however, no significant further losses were noted during centrifugation or subsequent adjustment to pH 5. Both LPC and the soluble fraction at pH 5 (“S2”) demonstrated effective inhibition of hemoglobin (Hb)-mediated lipid oxidation in washed cod mince (WCM) model system. Additionally, the insoluble fraction at pH 5 (“P2”) exhibited the strongest binding to WCM. Proanthocyanidin A1 and cyanidin 3-O-galactoside were identified as the most effective antioxidants in LPC. Overall, this study affirms LPC's value as an effective natural antioxidant ingredient in muscle foods and proposes an innovative strategy for valorizing multiple food side streams together to support sustainable development.

Aromatic plants as cosmeceuticals: benefits and applications for skin health.

This review highlights the potential of aromatic plants as natural antioxidants in cosmeceuticals to combat skin aging and promote health and rejuvenation. Aromatic plant extracts, essential oils, or their phytoconstituents have a long history of use in skincare, dating back centuries. Currently, these plant-based sources are extensively researched and utilized in the cosmeceutical industry to formulate products that enhance skin health and promote a youthful appearance. These plants' diverse bioactivities and sensory properties make them ideal ingredients for developing anti-aging agents recommended for maintaining healthy skin through self-care routines, offering a natural alternative to synthetic products. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in the dermis, attributed to intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors, particularly prolonged sun exposure, is identified as the primary cause of skin aging. Plant extracts enriched with antioxidant compounds including flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, stilbenes, terpenes, and steroids, are fundamental to counteract ROS-induced oxidative stress. Noteworthy effects observed from the use of these natural sources include photoprotective, senolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, and anti-tyrosinase activities, encompassing benefits like photoprotection, wound healing, skin whitening, anti-pigmentation, tissue regeneration, among others. This review highlights several globally distributed aromatic plant species renowned for their benefits for skin, including Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), Calendula officinalis L. and Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae), Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae), Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (Lauraceae), Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae), Malaleuca alternifolia (Maiden y Betche) Cheel (Myrtaceae), Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Poaceae), Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae), and Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck (Rutaceae), emphasizing their potential in skincare formulations and their role in promoting health and rejuvenation.

Antioxidative and Cytoprotective Effects of Rosa Roxburghii and Metabolite Changes in Oxidative Stress-Induced HepG2 Cells Following Rosa Roxburghii Intervention.

Rosa Roxburghii (RR), a traditional Chinese medicinal fruit, is rich in bioactive substances that make it a potential natural antioxidant resource. This research aimed to study the antioxidant properties of RR by in vitro experiments and through intracellular assessment in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells. A non-targeted metabolic analysis was conducted to indicate changes in intracellular and extracellular metabolites. Differential metabolites and metabolic pathways were explored using PCA, PLS-DA, and KEGG pathway analysis. The results showed that RR rich in bioactive substances exhibited a significant antioxidative property in vitro and intracellularly. This property may be achieved by scavenging free radicals, increasing the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the levels of bicinchoninic acid (BCA) while reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This study identified 13 differential metabolites intracellularly and 7 extracellularly, among which the key differential metabolites included D-glucopyranose, D-mannose, fructose, citric acid, malic acid, cholesterol, and cholestenone. These key metabolites primarily regulated glucose-related metabolism, the citrate cycle, and the primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells. These findings provide potential application evidence of RR in the development of natural resources for functional foods.

Investigation of Algerian Crataegus monogyna Jacq Phenolic Compounds (Using LC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibition) and Their Potential Implications for Food and Nutraceutical Applications

Investigations into the phenolic constituents of the butanolic fraction of Crataegus monogyna were optimized using LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, identifying and quantifying at least 23 fingerprint phytochemical compounds. The major phenolic compounds were epicatechin (99.916 ± 2.208 mg/g), isoquercetrin (53.31 ± 1.172 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (47.457 ± 1.010 mg/g), quinic acid (37.819 ± 1.406 mg/g), rutin (29.98 ± 0.740 mg/g), hesperidin (5.296 ± 0.177 mg/g, detected for the first time in the C. monogyna species), astragalin (1.774 ± 0.020 mg/g), and nicotiflorin (1.482 ± 0.016 mg/g). The antioxidant properties of the lyophilized butanolic fraction were evaluated using DPPH, GOR, ABTS, CUPRAC, and reducing power assays, all of which demonstrated that there was strong activity. Additionally, the neuroprotective effect was evaluated in vitro, showing a potent inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC50 of 43.65 ± 2.10 µg/mL. The antidiabetic effect was investigated through α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 91.19 ± 0.10 µg/mL), showing high inhibitory activity. In addition, the butanolic extract exhibited significant urease inhibition with an IC50 of 26.36 ± 0.05 µg/mL. These results suggest that Algerian C. monogyna has potential as a therapeutic agent for managing diabetes complications and as a natural source of AChE inhibitors, making it a promising subject for the treatment of urease-related conditions. Its high concentrations of natural antioxidants, such as epicatechin, isoquercetrin, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, rutin, hesperidin, and astragalin, make it suitable for integration into medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food sector.

Sex Differences in Response to Diet Enriched with Glutathione Precursors in the Aging Heart.

Common features of the aging heart are dysregulated metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Elevated oxidative stress is another hallmark of cardiac aging that can exacerbate each of these conditions. We hypothesize that by increasing natural antioxidant levels (glutathione), we will improve cardiac function. Twenty-one-month-old mice were fed Glycine and N-Acetyl Cysteine (GlyNAC) (glutathione precursors)-supplemented or control diets for 12 weeks. Heart function was monitored longitudinally, and the exercise performance was determined at the end of the study. We found that the GlyNAC diet was beneficial for old male but not old female mice, leading to an increase of Ndufb8 expression (a subunit of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex), and higher enzymatic activity for CPT1b and CrAT, two carnitine acyltransferases that are critical to cardiomyocyte metabolism. Although no quantifiable change of collagen turnover was detected, hearts from GlyNAC-fed old males exhibited a slight but significant enrichment in Fmod, a protein that can inhibit collagen fibril formation, possibly reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and thus improving diastolic function. Cardiac diastolic function was modestly improved in males but not females, and surprisingly GlyNAC-fed female mice showed a decline in exercise performance. In summary, our work supports the concept that aged male and female hearts are phenotypically different. These basic differences may affect the response to pharmacological and diet interventions, including antioxidants.

Intercropping grapevine with rosemary: A promising alternative to conventional agriculture in the current frame of global change

The Mediterranean region is well known for its long history of viticulture and the use of herbs and spices in its cuisine. Given the increasing focus on intercropping as a sustainable agricultural approach to maximize land use efficiency or improve soil fertility amid global change, we conducted a study to assess the feasibility of intercropping grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot) with rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) in a Mediterranean vineyard. The trial was established in a 22-year-old vineyard, where rows of rosemary plants were cultivated between grapevine rows one year prior to the evaluation. To test intercropping feasibility and the abiotic stress effects on the harvest of rosemary, two sampling dates were set to monitor grape maturation (veraison and harvest) and rosemary quality in terms of antioxidant contents and composition, so that both crops were simultaneously analyzed under typical Mediterranean conditions, using both physiological and quality parameters. Results showed that intercropping with young rosemary plants did not affect grapevine physiology state, and observed differences in the two samplings were due to environmental stress only, indicating a positive coexistence between these crops in the context of global change. Regarding grape quality, variations in total soluble sugars, titratable acidity, and phenolic compounds were influenced by ripening during the summer, but not by intercropping, thus maintaining fruit quality. Rosemary contained high levels of antioxidants and exhibited strong antioxidant activity, particularly during mid-August (coinciding with vintage), indicating its potential as a valuable source of natural antioxidants for dietary intake, including phenolic diterpenes, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In conclusion, intercropping grapevines with rosemary did not negatively impact plant physiological performance or grape quality, promoting the production of two high-quality products with significant added value in the food sector under current stressful Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Hydrogen regulated pyroptosis through NLRP3-GSDMD pathway to improve airway mucosal oxidative stress injury induced by endotracheal tube cuff compression.

The cuff of endotracheal tube (ETT) is an indispensable device for establishing an artificial airway, yet cuff-induced compression often causes damage to the airway mucosa. The mechanism of this damage involves mucosal compression ischemia and the oxidative stress injury following reperfusion. Currently, there is a lack of effective strategies to protect the mucosa. Hydrogen, as a natural antioxidant, has demonstrated significant potential in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress injuries. This study aimed to determine the protective effects of hydrogen on compressed airway mucosa. We found that the damage to the airway mucosa caused by ETT cuff compression was associated with oxidative stress-induced pyroptosis of airway epithelial cells. Inhalation of hydrogen effectively reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species, significantly ameliorating changes in epithelial cell pyroptosis, and this protective effect is linked to the inhibition of the NLRP3-GSDMD pathway. Further cellular studies, involving knockdown and overexpression of NLRP3, clarified that hydrogen exerts its protective effects on the airway mucosa by inhibiting epithelial cell pyroptosis. Additionally, we observed that using hydrogen-rich saline to inflate the ETT cuff in patients under general anesthesia significantly reduced postoperative sore throat. This study confirms that hydrogen effectively enhances tolerance of airway mucosa to oxidative stress injuries, offering a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for protecting the airway mucosa in patients undergoing endotracheal intubation.

Significant improved co-extraction of hesperidin and narirutin from mandarin peel, a food processing by-product, based on statistical predictive models

Mandarin peel (MP) from food processing contains useful ingredients such as flavonoids, thus valorization strategies for MP are expected to be the first step in realizing a sustainable society. This study designed the co-extraction of two flavonoids (hesperidin and narirutin) from MP based on a multiple regression model with extraction temperature, time, and solid loading as the major variables. Numerical optimization determined that the optimal condition to maximize the extraction of both flavonoids was 60.0 °C, 100.9 min, and 95.7 g/L. Under this condition, the experimental results showed that the recovery of hesperidin and narirutin achieved 31.9 and 14.8 mg/g-biomass, respectively, which were in over 90% agreement with the predicted values. Total flavonoid content of MP extract was 81.9 mg/g-biomass, and antioxidant activity (ABTS EC50: 2.8 μg/mL) was similar to ascorbic acid. Previous studies have reported the identification of major flavonoids in MP, however, this is the first to achieve maximum recovery of two targeted flavonoids. In particular, the innovation of this study was the optimization of co-extraction, which demonstrated the high potential of MP extract as a natural antioxidant.