Source Of Natural Antioxidants Research Articles

Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Bioactivities of Wild Asparagus stipularis.

In this study, Asparagus stipularis was characterized concerning its phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities. Twenty-seven compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-MS in the leaf, stem, pericarp, and rhizome of ethanolic extracts. Seven steroidal saponins were detected, and the highest content was quantified in rhizome and pericap. A. stipularis also contained significant amounts of flavonoids in the aerial part. Isorhamnetin tetra-glycoside, quercetin-3-glucosyl-rutinoside, and rutin were the main flavonoid derivatives in leaf, stem, and pericarp extracts, respectively. In addition, eleven phenolic acids were also detected; among them, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and ferulic acid were the predominant phenolics, with these having the highest amounts quantified in the rhizome extracts. All the tested extracts possessed antioxidant capacities, with pericarp and rhizome extracts exhibiting the highest activity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The extracts from pericarp and rhizome were revealed to also be the strongest inhibitors of pancreatic lipase. The rhizome extracts exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 and HepG2 with IC50 values of 30 and 54 µg/mL after 48 h of treatment. The present study demonstrated that A. stipularis can be used as a new source of natural antioxidants and potential anticancer and antiobesity compounds.

Optimization of Bioactive Compound Extraction from Saffron Petals Using Ultrasound-Assisted Acidified Ethanol Solvent: Adding Value to Food Waste.

The saffron industry produces large by-products, including petals with potential bioactive compounds, which are cheap and abundant, making them an attractive alternative to expensive stigmas for extracting bioactive components. This study aimed to optimize the extraction conditions of bioactive compounds from vacuum-dried saffron petals using an ultrasound-assisted acidified ethanol solvent. Three factors were considered: ethanol concentration (0-96%), citric acid concentration in the final solvent (0-1%), and ultrasound power (0-400 watt). This study examined the effects of these factors on parameters like maximum antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin content, total phenolic content, and the total flavonoid content of the extraction. This study found that saffron petal extract's antioxidant activity increases with higher ethanol concentration, citric acid dose, and ultrasound power, but that an increased water content leads to non-antioxidant compounds. Increasing the dosage of citric acid improved the extraction of cyanidin-3-glucoside at different ultrasound power levels. The highest extraction was achieved with 400 watts of ultrasound power and 1% citric acid. Ethanol concentration did not affect anthocyanin extraction. Higher ethanol concentration and greater citric acid concentration doses resulted in the maximum extraction of total phenolic content, with a noticeable drop in extraction at higher purity levels. This study found that increasing the proportion of citric acid in the final solvent did not affect flavonoid extraction at high ethanol concentration levels, and the highest efficiency was observed at 200 watts of ultrasound power. The optimum values of the independent parameters for extracting bioactive compounds from saffron petals included 96% ethanol concentration, 0.67% citric acid concentration, and 216 watts of ultrasound power, resulting in a desirability value of 0.82. This ultrasound-assisted acidified ethanolic extract can be used in the food industry as a natural antioxidant and pigment source.

Process optimization and identification of antioxidant peptides from enzymatic hydrolysate of bovine bone extract, a potential source in cultured meat

Bone protein is a significant secondary product of the meat industry, comprising a substantial quantity of protein. These proteins could be broken down through enzymatic hydrolysis to generate antioxidant peptides. This study aimed to produce antioxidant peptides from bovine bone extract by enzymatic hydrolysis utilizing Flavourzyme and Protamex by optimizing enzyme amounts and time using the Box–Behnken design. The final optimized conditions obtained through the model were as follows: The amount of Flavourzyme was 1,100 U, the amount of Protamex was 2,814 U, and the time was 3.77 (h). Bovine bone extract hydrolysate (BBEH) was purified stepwise using ultrafiltration membranes with molecular cutoffs of 5, 3, and 1 kDa. To assess the antioxidant capacity of the fractions, several methods were used, including radical scavenging activity “1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH),” “2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS),” metal chelating activity (MCA), reducing power (RP), and thiobarbituric acid assay (TBA). The results indicated that the ultrafiltration fraction with a molecular weight of less than 1 kDa showed significant antioxidant activity, with 48, 42, and 50% inhibition rates for DPPH, ABTS, and metal chelating, respectively. Using size exclusion chromatography, the fraction with a molecular weight less than 1 kDa was further separated into five sub-fractions: Frac-I, Frac-II, Frac-III, Frac-IV, and Frac-V. Sub-Frac-III, which exhibits significant DPPH radical scavenging activity (55%) and a reducing power of 0.8 at 700 nm, was separated into six sub-sub-fractions using reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) based on molecular weight and hydrophobicity. The sub-sub-fraction with the highest value for DPPH radical scavenging activity was sub-Fra-III-6, which exhibited approximately 69.45% activity. The sub-Fra-III-6 was analyzed using LC–MS/MS, which identified two specific peptides: Ala-Pro-Phe with a mass of 333.12 Da and Asp-His-Val with a mass of 369.14 Da. These two peptides are likely the primary peptides that might have a crucial role in antioxidant capacity. It can be concluded that BBEH is a valuable source of natural antioxidants and has the potential to serve as a viable resource in the cultured meat industry.

Molecular Mechanism of Natural Food Antioxidants to Regulate ROS in Treating Cancer: A Review.

Cancer is the second-highest mortality rate disease worldwide, and it has been estimated that cancer will increase by up to 20 million cases yearly by 2030. There are various options of treatment for cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. All of these options have damaging adverse effects that can reduce the patient's quality of life. Cancer itself arises from a series of mutations in normal cells that generate the ability to divide uncontrollably. This cell mutation can happen as a result of DNA damage induced by the high concentration of ROS in normal cells. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause oxidative stress, which can initiate cancer cell proliferation. On the other hand, the cytotoxic effect from elevated ROS levels can be utilized as anticancer therapy. Some bioactive compounds from natural foods such as fruit, vegetables, herbs, honey, and many more have been identified as a promising source of natural antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress by regulating the level of ROS in the body. In this review, we have highlighted and discussed the benefits of various natural antioxidant compounds from natural foods that can regulate reactive oxygen species through various pathways.

Secondary metabolite estimation and antioxidant potential assessment of purple bell Thunbergia erecta (Benth.) T. Anderson

To quantify the aqueous and methanolic extracts for primary and secondary metabolites, and the antioxidant potential of leaf extracts of the Thunbergia erecta plant and to adopt them in Ayurvedic medications for various illnesses. Primary metabolites like carbohydrates, proteins, and secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, total phenols, and tannins were estimated using standard procedures. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide, and phosphomolybdenum free radical scavenging activities were employed to evaluate the antioxidative potential. The phytochemical examination of T. erecta exhibited the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, total polyphenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in significant quantity. The in vitro antioxidant potential of the species, clearly verifies that methanolic extract shows prominent antioxidant properties followed by the hydroalcoholic extract. From this study, it can be concluded that this species is effective in scavenging free radicals and may be a powerful antioxidant. The T. erecta leaf extract showed the existence of bioactive components which are known to exhibit medicinal activities. The findings of this study suggest that these plant leaves could be a potential source of natural antioxidants that could have great importance as therapeutic agents in preventing various diseases.

Bioactive compounds and DPPH antioxidant activity of underutilized macroalgae (Sargassum spp.) from coastal water of Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract. Widyaswari SG, Metusalach, Kasmiati, Amir N. 2024. Bioactive compounds and DPPH antioxidant activity of underutilized macroalgae (Sargassum spp.) from coastal water of Makassar, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 176-182. This study focuses on determining the chemical component and potential of two species of macroalgae (seaweed) Sargassum spp., i.e., Sargassum polycystum and Sargassum ilicifolium from the coastal waters of Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Several macroalgae are highly cultivated and exported; however, these species of Sargassum remain underutilized due to limited studies on their potential. Brown algae (Phaeophyceae), especially Sargassum spp., contain secondary metabolites known for their health-promoting properties, including antioxidant effects, inhibiting oxidative stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving the immune system. The investigation analyzes the nutritional components and bioactive substances in Sargassum spp. harvested from the Makassar City coastal waters, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Nutritional content was analyzed using proximate analysis. Phytochemical screening was conducted based on the method by Harborne method. Antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH method. Total phenolic/flavonoid content based on spectrophotometric method. The investigation reveals the primary chemical composition of Sargassum polycystum showing the presence of valuable secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol hydroquinone, and reactive saponins. Sargassum ilicifolium contains flavonoids, phenol hydroquinone, tannins, and steroids. The IC50 values for the antioxidant activity of S. polycystum and S. ilicifolium were 51.34 ppm and 51.25 ppm, respectively. The compounds in these seaweeds might be beneficial in promoting health. These findings suggest the possibility of underutilized seaweeds as a natural source of antioxidants in food and non-food industries.

Optimizing the Solvent Selection of the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Pomace: Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity

Sea buckthorn pomace (SBP) is a by-product of sea buckthorn processing that is rich in bioactive compounds. In this study, different active ingredients were extracted by using different solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, glycerol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether) combined with an ultrasonic assisted method. The correlation between the active ingredients and antioxidant properties of the extract was studied, which provided a research basis for the comprehensive utilization of SBP. This study revealed that the 75% ethanol extract had the highest total phenolic content (TPC) of 42.86 ± 0.73 mg GAE/g, while the 75% glycerol extract had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) of 25.52 ± 1.35 mg RTE/g. The ethanol extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity at the same concentration compared with other solvents. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol, methanol, and glycerol extracts increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Thirteen phenolic compounds were detected in the SBP extracts using UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Notably, the 75% glycerol extract contained the highest concentration of all identified phenolic compounds, with rutin (192.21 ± 8.19 μg/g), epigallocatechin (105.49 ± 0.69 μg/g), and protocatechuic acid (27.9 ± 2.38 μg/g) being the most abundant. Flavonols were found to be the main phenolic substances in SBP. A strong correlation was observed between TPC and the antioxidant activities of SBP extracts. In conclusion, the choice of solvent significantly influences the active compounds and antioxidant activities of SBP extracts. SBP extracts are a valuable source of natural phenolics and antioxidants.

Effect of Time of Harvest on the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Leaf Essential Oil of Syzygium guineense Growing in North Central Nigeria (Willd.) Dc. Var.

Abstract. The use of synthetic antioxidants to ameliorate oxidative stress goes with side effects. Some plants are known to be sources of natural antioxidants and, hence, could be used as alternatives to synthetic antioxidants without side effects. Meanwhile, the presence of the phytochemicals that exhibit antioxidant activity in plants depends on environmental conditions that vary with the time of harvest of plant materials. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of time of harvest on the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of leaf essential oil of Syzygium guineense native to North central Nigeria. To accomplish these, pulverized (500 g) leaves of S. guineense harvested in the morning and afternoon were separately hydrodistilled and yielded 0.25 ± 0.002 % (w/w) and 0.27 ± 0.003 % (w/w) of essential oils. Characterization of the oils using GC-MS revealed the presence of twenty-two and twenty-three compounds in the oils from morning and afternoon harvests. The most abundant compound in the oils was β-bergamotene (30.1 % and 27.3 %). D-limonene (2.9 % and 5.6 %), β-ocimene (4.2 % and 10.2 %), α-santalene (7.4 % and 7.7 %), α-cedrene (8.6 % and 9.0 %), β-farnesene (9.1 % and 10.2 %) and calamenene (7.1 % and 5.2 %) were detected in significant quantities in the oils. DPPH radial scavenging assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the oils with butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) as standard. The oils exhibited antioxidant activity with IC50 of 41.92 μg/mL and 33.12 μg/mL for the oils from morning and afternoon harvests. Although the oils exhibited lower antioxidant activity than the standard (IC50 of 28.63 μg/mL), but the oils could be used to ameliorate oxidative stress after clinical trials.

GC-MS profile, total phenolic, and DPPH radical scavenging activity of Saurauia minahassae stembark ethyl acetate extract

Several species of the genus Saurauia have been traditionally used as remedies. However, Saurauria minahassae, as an endemic plant, is still understudied. This study aims to reveal the total phenolics, GC-MS profile, and bioactivity as DPPH free radical scavengers of ethyl acetate extract of S.minahassae collected from Banggai Island, Indonesia. Determination of Total Phenolic Content (TPC) was conducted using the colorimetry method by spectrophotometer. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and TLC-bioautography performed analysis of secondary metabolites and qualitative DPPH free radical scavenging activity, respectively. GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the chemical compounds of the extract. The extract’s IC50 value and Antioxidant activity index (AAI) were performed by serial microdilution method on the 96-microwell plate. The results showed that TPC was 432.33 mg GAE/g extract. TLC analysis revealed several metabolites, and TLC-bioautography also revealed several compounds active as DPPH free radical scavengers. The ethyl acetate extract of S. minahassae is categorized as a very strong DPPH free radical scavenger or potent antioxidant with an IC50 value of 3.29 ug/ml and AAI of 9.32. GC-MS profile of the ethyl acetate extract of S.minahassae stembark contained several compounds with antioxidant activity. The potential antioxidant activity of S. minahassae stembark extract was contributed by phenolic content and several compounds with antioxidant activity in the extract. This extract could be a good source of natural antioxidants, and S. minahassae sustainability as an endemic plant should be maintained.

Screening and characterization of bioactive compounds from two epiphytic microlichen and evaluation of their in vitro antioxidant activity

BackgroundLichens in symbiosis produce a wide range of primary and secondary fine compounds in extreme environmental conditions that have a broad range of biological properties as well as antioxidant potential and can be used in future pharmaceuticals as a natural source of antioxidant molecules.ResultsThe two microlichen species collected are identified based on morphological and molecular techniques; further studies are carried out by analyzing phytochemicals (FTIR, GC MS), and antioxidant assays are evaluated. The non-enzymatic antioxidant activity is evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. The methanol extract of both lichens showed virtuous DPPH scavenge with IC50 of P. nitida (125.76 ± 0.023 µg/ml) and G. scripta IC50 (176.90 ± 0.058 µg/ml). FRAP activity was prominent in the methalonic extract. The enzymatic antioxidant activity is observed by SOD and catalase activity. The cytosolic (Cu–Zn-SOD and Fe-SOD) and mitochondrial SOD (Mn-SOD) are detected in lichens, though P. nitida shows mitochondrial Mn-SOD and cytosolic Cu–Zn-SOD and Fe-SOD, whereas G. scripta has a single cytosolic Cu–Zn-SOD; however, two isoforms of catalase were reported. GC–MS analysis screened bioactive metabolites such as phenols, Quinons, heterocyclic compounds, benzofurans, fatty acids, pyrans, carboxylic acid, aliphatic aldehydes, organic alcohol, fluorinated aliphatic substances, ketones, terpenes and fatty alcohols in P. nitida, whereas, in G. scripta screened fatty acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds, polyols, terpenes, glycosides, phenols, and sugar alcohols detected in the chromatogram peak. FTIR analysis revealed functional groups like Alcohols, Amines, Amides, Alkanes, Aldehydes, Carboxylic acid, Alkynes, Esters, Ketones, Anhydrides, Acid chlorides, Alkenes, Aromatic compounds, Nitro compounds, Alkyl and Aryl Halides in both lichens.ConclusionsThe results obtained in the present study proved that P. nitida and G. scripta have promising antioxidant activity owing to the presence of polyphenols and terpenes, as evidenced by DPPH and FRAP assay along with enzymatic analysis (SOD and CAT). Thus both the lichens may be used as natural sources of new bioactive molecules having pharmaceutical interest.

Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic, and Total Flavonoid Value of Balinese Trengguli Flower (Cassia fistula)

The Balinese trengguli flower (Cassia fistula), found in the northern part of Bali, is known to contain flavonoids and phenols, one of the sources of natural antioxidants that can reduce the effects of free radicals. This study aimed to extract the powder of trengguli flower with ethanol and measure the total flavonoids and phenolics. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of Trengguli flower (EEBTF) was investigated. The filtrate was concentrated with a rotary evaporator after soaking the Trengguli flower powder in ethanol. Total phenolic and flavonoid levels were measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) technique was used to determine antioxidant activity. This study shows that Balinese trengguli flower extract has the highest antioxidant activity for a concentration of 100 mg/L with a DPPH radical inhibition percentage value of 87%. In this research, the ethanol extract of the Balinese trengguli flower has secondary metabolites of flavonoids and phenolics. The ethanol extract of Balinese trengguli flower has a flavonoid content of 8.35 mg QE/g and a total phenolic content of 8.12 mg GAE/g.

Blueberry Pruning Wastes: From an Undervalued Agricultural Residue to a Safe and Valuable Source of Antioxidant Compounds for the Food Industry.

Blueberry fruits have been widely explored for their rich composition of bioactive compounds with recognized health benefits. In contrast, blueberry pruning waste (BPW), generated during the pruning stages of blueberries, has been typically overlooked, even though it can represent a potential source of natural antioxidants. This study aims to characterize the value-added compounds extracted from BPW using green techniques, namely microwave-assisted and subcritical water extraction. The total phenolic content ranged from 157 ± 5 to 335 ± 12 mg GAE/g dw, while the radical scavenging activity determined by a DPPH assay varied from 223 ± 21 to 453 ± 21 mg Trolox equivalents/g dw. Additionally, to ensure the safe application of BPW and its extracts, a screening of pesticides and several environmental contaminants was conducted. Chlorpyrifos-methyl was quantified at a concentration of 4.27 µg/kg in a Bluecrop variety collected in 2019; however, none of the studied compounds were found in the extracts. Despite the presence of a pesticide, this level was below the maximum residue limits for blueberry crops. The results of this study demonstrated the potential of this agro-industrial residue as a natural source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity for food industry applications.

Seasonal and Geographic Dynamics in Bioproperties and Phytochemical Profile of Limonium algarvense Erben.

This study delved into the influence of ecological and seasonal dynamics on the synthesis of secondary metabolites in the medicinal halophyte Limonium algarvense Erben, commonly known as sea lavender, and examined their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aerial parts of sea lavender were systematically collected across winter, spring, summer, and autumn seasons from distinct geographic locations in southern Portugal, specifically "Ria de Alvor" in Portimão and "Ria Formosa" in Tavira. The investigation involved determining the total polyphenolic profile through spectrophotometric methods, establishing the chemical profile via liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), and evaluating in vitro antioxidant properties using radical and metal-based methods, along with assessing anti-inflammatory capacity through a cell model. Results unveiled varying polyphenol levels and profiles across seasons, with spring and autumn samples exhibiting the highest content, accompanied by the most notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Geographic location emerged as an influential factor, particularly distinguishing plants from "Ria de Alvor". Seasonal fluctuations were associated with environmental factors, including temperature, which, when excessively high, can impair plant metabolism, but also with the presence of flowers and seeds in spring and autumn samples, which also seems to contribute to elevated polyphenol levels and enhanced bioproperties of these samples. Additionally, genetic factors may be related to differences observed between ecotypes (geographical location). This study underscores sea lavender's potential as a natural source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, emphasizing the significance of considering both geographic location and seasonal dynamics in the assessment of phenolic composition and bioactive properties in medicinal plant species.

Antioxidant Activities of Stem, Leaves and Fruits Extracts of Pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Pepino (<i>Solanum muricatum</i> Aiton), rich with vitamin C and flavonoids, constitutes an abundant source of potent antioxidants. This research was conducted to determine antioxidant activity from three different parts of pepino based on equivalence with ascorbic acid, to analyze the relationship between total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) on antioxidant activities and to determine flavonoid compounds. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Antioxidant activities were determined using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) methods. The TPC and TFC were determined by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The correlation between TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity was analyzed using Pearson's method. Flavonoid compound content was performed by HPLC. <b>Results:</b> The ethyl acetate pepino fruit extract expressed the highest antioxidant activity by DPPH and CUPRAC assays. The highest TPC was obtained from the ethyl acetate extract of pepino stem (18.493 g GAE/(100 g)), while the highest TFC was obtained from the hexane extract of pepino leaves (9.541 g QE/(100 g)). <b>Conclusion:</b> The DPPH and CUPRAC assays demonstrated that pepino exhibits potential as a source of natural antioxidants, especially in its fruit part.

EFFECT OF SEA BUCKTHORN (HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES VAR. VITAMINNAJA) EXTRACT ON SPOILAGE OF PORK SAUSAGES

Lipid oxidation and microbial deterioration are the main reasons for spoilage of meat and meat product. The common way of fighting those processes is to add synthetic antioxidants and preservatives. However, the modern trend is to replace synthetic additives with natural alternatives, mainly of plant origin. Our study incorporated sea buckthorn extract variety Vitaminnaja into pork sausages in two concentrations – 3 and 5 mL.kg-1. The prepared extract examination showed that total antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content were measured and expressed at an average of 65.04 % of DPPH radical inhibition and 677.58 g GAE.kg-1. During the TBARS evaluation, we observed a significant reduction of malondialdehyde created in experimental samples compared to the control group. The antimicrobial effect of sea buckthorn was observed in various previous studies. In our experiment, we could not confirm this ability in meat products. On the other hand, we did not detect any negative effect of the extract on the microbial load of sausages. We recommend sea buckthorn as a possible source of natural antioxidants for the meat industry. Further multi-disciplinary research is still, however, needed.

The Identification of Polyphenolic Compounds and the Determination of Antioxidant Activity in Extracts and Infusions of Peppermint, Lemon Balm and Lavender

Bioactive compounds are molecules that may have therapeutic potential with influence on oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory state and metabolic disorders. Herbs are recognized as a significant source of natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant properties of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.). Fresh plant materials were harvested and obtained from the Experimental Station of Agriculture University in Kraków, Poland. Proximate analysis (protein, fat, ash and dry matter) was performed on herbs. Total polyphenol content and polyphenol profile antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP methods) were measured in an extract prepared with deionized distilled hot water (infusion), 70% methanol or 70% methanol acidified with formic acid. It was found that the water extract of peppermint had the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant activity measured by the FRAP method. The highest antioxidant activity measured with the ABTS method was in methanolic lemon balm extract. The highest amount of total phenolic compound was determined in the water extract of peppermint. The water and acidified methanol extract of peppermint contained a higher amount of naringin, rutin, hesperidin and rosmarinic acid. Evaluated plants can be used as natural antioxidants instead of synthetic antioxidants in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Exploration of antioxidant activities, microstructural properties, and fatty acid composition of three cyanobacteria species

Cyanobacteria have gained increasing attention in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a natural source of antioxidants. However, more knowledge is needed regarding the antioxidant and nutritional properties of cyanobacteria found in water bodies worldwide, including those in Sri Lanka. This study investigated the antioxidant activities and microstructural properties using FTIR-ATR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated total reflectance) analysis and the fatty acid composition of three cyanobacterial species: Chroococcidiopsis sp., Gleocapsa sp., and Merismopedia sp., which were isolated from water bodies in Sri Lanka. The water extract of Chroococcidiopsis sp. Exhibited the highest (p ≤ 0.05) phenolic content (2.26 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g DW) and ABTS activity (13.28 ± 0.36 mmol TE/g DW) among the tested species. The methanol extract of Merismopedia sp. Displayed the highest (p ≤ 0.05) DPPH activity (IC50-15.21 mg/mL) and notable (p ≤ 0.05) ORAC values (112.50 ± 5.79 mmol TE/g DW). Analysis by FTIR-ATR revealed the presence of nutritional components, including proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides, as well as functional compounds such as phenolics and amides in the studied cyanobacterial species. The fatty acid composition indicated that the studied cyanobacteria contain twenty different saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, with compositions ranging from 60 to 70% and 29–39%, respectively. Saturated fatty acids, caprylic, capric, pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, palmitic, and lignoceric acids, were detected in all species, while elaidic, palmitoleic, and Cis-10- heptadecanoic acids were identified as prominent monounsaturated fatty acids among them. Gleocapsa sp. Had the highest (p ≤ 0.05) saturated fatty acid content, while Merismopedia sp. Showed the highest (p ≤ 0.05) unsaturated fatty acid content. Based on the results, Merismopedia sp. Has demonstrated promising potential as a rich source of antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids.

The amount of antioxidants in honey has a strong relationship with the plants selected by honey bees

As one of the main sources of natural antioxidants, flowering plants play a role in the prevention and treatment of many diseases directly and indirectly. Honey is considered as an important nutrient in the supply of natural antioxidants, the amount of which is directly dependent on the plant origin and geographical location of the bee feeding place. The existence of valuable communities of native and endemic plant species has turned Alborz, Zagros and Azerbaijan into the most important hubs of honey production in Iran. In this study, we collected samples of honey from more than 90 regions in Alborz, Zagros and Azerbaijan during the years 2020 to 2021. We evaluated the samples using melissopalynology method and measuring the amount of antioxidant activity. The rise of antioxidant activity in honey is dependent on the abundance of some plant families as well botanical origins. The abundance of plant families Rosaceae, Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae showed a higher influence on the amount of antioxidants in honey than other plant families. Also, the abundance of plant families Rosaceae and Fabaceae increased with increasing altitude. In general, the amount of antioxidant activity of honey samples shows a different percentage under the influence of ecological and geographical changes.

Potential Antioxidant Activity Methods DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, Total Phenol and Total Flavonoid Levels of Macaranga hypoleuca (Reichb. f. & Zoll.) Leaves Extract and Fractions

The Macaranga species (Euphorbiaceae), also known locally as "mahang", has been used in traditional medicine due to its potential health benefits. Around 12 species of the Macaranga have been found to contain more than 50 flavonoid compounds, which are the primary secondary metabolites in this genus. Free radicals can lead to organ damage, resulting in various chronic and degenerative disorders. Active antioxidant compounds can help inhibit the oxidation process caused by free radicals, and phenolic compounds, mainly from the flavonoid group, are thought to be present in Macaranga hypoleuca as a source of natural antioxidants. This study aimed to identify the antioxidant potential of methanol extract and its fractions of M. hypoleuca using the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods using a UV-Vis spectrometer method, as well as to determine total phenol and total flavonoid levels. The highest antioxidant activity of the DPPH and ABTS methods was found in the ethyl acetate fraction with IC50 values of 14.31 and 2.10 mg/L respectively. Meanwhile, the highest antioxidant activity of the FRAP method was found in the butanol fraction with an IC50 value of 0.48 mg/L. The highest total phenol and flavonoid content was found in the butanol fraction at 27.51 mg GAE/g and 88.42 mg QE/g respectively.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oil of Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa L. from the Al-Hoceima province in northern Morocco

Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa L. is an industrial plant that has gained importance due to its essential oil (EO), which has commercial, medical, and potential cosmetic applications. Despite its significance, the chemical constituents of the C. sativa EO cultivated in Morocco is not well understood. In this context, the current study aimed to define and analyze the volatile fraction and evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the plant C. sativa EO for the first time in the Al-Hoceima province in northern Morocco. To assess its chemical composition, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized after hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-style apparatus. The analysis revealed that caryophyllene, α-humulene, and β-myrcene were the major constituents, accounting for 31.77%, 11.21%, and 8.76% of the EO, respectively. Antioxidant activity results indicate that the potency of C. sativa EO is interesting (IC50 = 4.45 mg/mL) for the DPPH● (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test. These findings indicate that the C. sativa EO may serve as a natural source of antioxidants.