Phenoxyl Radicals Research Articles

Thymol, a Dietary Monoterpene, Abrogates Hexachlorobenzene-Induced Hepatic Dysfunction Via Different Mechanisms

Thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methyl-phenol) is a natural monoterpene phenolic antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potentials in experimental studies. Literatures are scarce on effects of hexachlorobenzene-induced hepatic damage. Therefore, this study investigated the ameliorating potential of thymol (THY) on hexachlorobenzene (HCB)-induced hepatic damage as well as the effects on the antioxidant status, polyamine catabolism, inflammatory and apoptotic processes. Thirty-two adult male rats were daily treated orally by gavage for 25 days and allocated into four groups; control group received corn oil, HCB alone group (15 mg/kg b.wt), THY-treated group (100 mg/kg b.wt) and HCB + THY-treated group. The results showed that HCB significantly reduced the body weight with concurrent increase in relative liver weight accompanied by widespread histological aberrations. Furthermore, HCB-treated rats revealed increases in hepatic putrescine oxidase, spermine oxidase, and myeloperoxidase activities, tumor necrosis-α and interleukin-1β levels, caspase-3 activity, induced oxidative damage as evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and significant reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH). However, co-administration of THY with HBC abated the hepatic damage by preventing the generation and release of reactive oxygen species, improving the antioxidant system, down-regulated polyamine catabolism, inflammatory and apoptotic responses. The findings of this study revealed that HCB acts as a hepatotoxicant and thymol might be a possible future therapeutic agent for HCB-induced hepatic damage.

Effects of dietary propyl gallate and Lactobacillus plantarum addition on growth, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and immune functions of Pekin ducks

The interaction between probiotic bacteria and polyphenol antioxidants can potentially enhance animal health. The present study examined the effects of propyl gallate and Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on the growth, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and immune functions of Pekin ducks. A total of 128 male Pekin ducks (7-day-old) were allocated to four treatment groups with four replicates of eight birds each. The ducks were fed the corn-soybean based diet (the control), supplemented with either propyl gallate (100 mg/kg), Lactobacillus plantarum (4 × 109 CFU/kg), or both, for 5 weeks. Dietary supplementation with propyl gallate and Lactobacillus plantarum had no significant effect on feed intake (P > 0.05), but increased average daily gain (P < 0.05). Lactobacillus plantarum also reduced the feed/gain ratio (P < 0.05). Villus height (VH) in the duodenum and ileum was increased by supplementation, while only propyl gallate supplement increased VH in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Supplementation had no effect on small intestine crypt depth (P > 0.05). Enhanced total superoxide dismutase activity was observed with supplementation (P < 0.05), but no effects were seen on catalase, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase values (P > 0.05). Serum immunoglobulin G was increased with Lactobacillus plantarum (P < 0.05), but not with propyl gallate (P > 0.05). No change in IgA and IgM concentrations was observed with supplementation. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with propyl gallate, Lactobacillus plantarum, or both, enhanced the villus height of the small intestines, improving the growth rate of Pekin ducks. The synergistic effects of both propyl gallate and Lactobacillus plantarum on the villus height and serum total superoxide dismutase activity surpassed the individual effects of each supplement in Pekin ducks.

Keeping quality of raw ground beef patties fortified with polyphenols extracted from Acacia mearnsii bark and leaves

Acacia mearnsii byproducts are naturally endowed with a plethora of diverse polyphenols that exhibit antioxidant properties indicating potential application in enhancing oxidative shelf-life of perishable foods. The current study evaluated the oxidative shelf-life of raw ground beef patties fortified with 450 μg/g of polyphenolic extracts from A. mearnsii bark (AMBE) or leaves (AMLE) compared to positive (sodium metabisulphite; SMB) and negative (no extract; CTL) controls for 9 d at 4 °C in a simulated retail display. The AMBE had higher (P ≤ 0.05) contents of proanthocyanidins, and total phenols, flavonoids and tannins, and consequently demonstrated greater (P ≤ 0.05) in vitro antioxidant activity than AMLE. The polyphenolic extracts increased (P ≤ 0.05) antioxidant activity in beef patties compared to the CTL though they were outperformed (P ≤ 0.05) by the SMB. Fortification of beef patties with the polyphenolic extracts, particularly AMBE, delayed colour deterioration and oxidation of myoglobin during retail display relative to the CTL but were less efficient than SMB (P ≤ 0.05). Beef patties fortified with the polyphenolic extracts and SMB had comparable (P > 0.05) peroxide values, TBARS and p-Anisidine values which were all lower (P ≤ 0.05) than those for the CTL patties. The order of protein thiol content in beef patties was as follows: CTL ≥ AMLE ≥ AMBE ≥ SMB (P ≤ 0.05). Findings suggest that A. mearnsii-derived polyphenolic antioxidants, particularly AMBE has great potential to extend oxidative shelf-life of raw beef patties.

Extraction of polyphenols from Apocynum venetum leaves using customized deep eutectic solvents: Process optimization and antioxidant evaluation

To encourage the commercial utilization of A. venetum polyphenols as bio-colorant on textile, five different combinations of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were evaluated using a single-factor approach and the extraction of polyphenols from A. venetum leaves by ultrasound-assisted DESs was optimized. At the same time, the antioxidant activity of polyphenols prepared were investigated. The DESs composed of choline chloride and glycerol with a molar ratio of 1:2 and a water content of 20 % showed higher extraction performance than other DESs and traditional solvents (water, 60 % ethanol and 60 % methanol). With the most effective solvent the maximum yield 8.24 % of polyphenols was obtained under the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: the ratio of liquid volume (mL) to solid mass (g) is 49:1, extraction temperature of 77 ℃, and extraction time of 55 min. In addition, the polyphenols that have been separated and purified from the DESs extract exhibited antioxidant activities in three kinds of assays including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl stable free radical (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid free radicals (ABTS) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging activity. Therefore, this paper demonstrates that DESs are effective and environmentally friendly solvents extraction of antioxidant polyphenols pigments from the leaves of A. venetum.

Antioxidant and antibacterial extracts from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) skins: Exploring the Potential of Transforming Agricultural Byproducts into Functional Supplements

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a tropical fruit characterized by its oval shape and hairy skin, primarily valued for its juicy pulp. The peels, constituting 45% of the fruit’s weight, are a source of valuable compounds like geraniin, ellagic acid, and quercetin. These peels possess antimicrobial properties effective against various bacteria, making them suitable for food preservation and packaging. Additionally, rambutan extracts hold promise as supplements in animal feed, enhancing growth and reducing methane production. This research delves into the antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes of diverse rambutan varieties. The skin (exocarp) of rambutan fruits from three Costa Rican cultivars -Creole, Rongrein, and Yellow- were collected and processed. Total polyphenolic content (TPC), proanthocyanidins, antioxidant activity, geraniin content, and antimicrobial activity were determined for the three varieties. Also, proanthocyanidin-enriched fractions from rambutan extracts were generated and analyzed. The results revealed TPC and antioxidant activity variations among different rambutan varieties and harvest years. All rambutan extracts displayed antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, the research underscores the rich antioxidant content in rambutan peels, irrespective of the variety, and underscores their potential for use in both human and animal nutrition due to their chemical composition.

Synthesis and characterization of catalytically active Ni(II) complexes with Bis(phenol)diamine ligands

A novel N,N’-dimethylethylenediamine derivative of substituted bis(phenol)diamine ligands, namely 2-(tert-butyl)-4-methylphenol in H2L1, was synthesized by a convenient green procedure. Nickel)II) complex [NiL1] 1 has been synthesized and characterized by various methods along with crystal structure determined. Ni(II) coordination center in a mononuclear complex is surrounded by two phenolate oxygen atoms and two amine nitrogen atoms of the ligand in a square planar arrangement. The magnetic susceptibility of the title complex indicates a paramagnetic behavior above 150 K, while strong ferromagnetism below 100 K. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry studies show two ligand-centered oxidation of the phenolate groups to phenoxyl radical and the metal-centered reduction of Ni(II) to Ni(0). The Glaser coupling reaction of phenylacetylene was also studied. A strong catalytic activity at room T in THF solvent is observed for 1 in the presence of zinc powder as a reducing agent. A full conversion rate was achieved after 7 h at 25 °C. The DFT analysis corroborates with the square-planar NiO2N2 chromophore of 1 being reduced in catalytically active Ni(0) by applied Zn. The calculated Gibbs free energy of the reaction leading to the formation of the substrate Ni-complex is favorable endothermic. Most of the data for 1 were obtained also for the very similar previously reported [NiL2] 2, with 2,4- di tert-butylphenol in H2L2, which were than compared.

The Impact of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Plant Extracts on the Physiology of Gastrointestinal Tract Cell In Vitro Model in the Context of Metabolic Diseases

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ethanol extracts from sea buckthorn and Cornelian cherry fruits and leaves on physiology of gastrointestinal tract cells. We used three cell lines relevant to the types of cells, which are exposed to bioactive compounds after oral administration, namely intestinal absorptive cells (Caco-2/HT-29 MTX model), hepatocytes (HepG2 cells) and immunocompetent cells (RAW 264.7 and P388D1 monocytes). The contents of antioxidant and bioactive polyphenols, such as cinnamic, caffeic and p-coumaric acids, rutin, myricetin, resveratrol, quercetin, apigenin and kaempferol, were assessed in the extracts using HPLC chromatography. The application of the extracts to Caco-2/HT-29-MTX cultures increased enterocyte differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase and villin1 level) and goblet cell markers (mucins) over a fortnight. The extracts reduced lipid droplet size in hepatocytes challenged with hyperglycaemic glucose concentration, insulin and palmitate. Sea buckthorn leaf, fruit and Cornelian cherry leaf extracts blocked oxidative burst in the PMA-stimulated monocytes, while the sea buckthorn leaf and Cornelian cherry fruit extracts downregulated lipopolysaccharide-induced NO and IL-1β, respectively. The results indicate that the tested extracts modulate the behaviour of cells in the gastrointestinal tract in a beneficial way, especially regarding lipid accumulation and innate immunity actions.

Natural stabilizers for functional foods: The role of optimized date seed extracts in nanoemulsion applications

This study explores the potential of date seeds as natural stabilizers in nanoemulsion-based functional foods. Six pre-treatments (control, overnight stirring, high-speed homogenization, ultrasound, microwave, and pH-shift) were investigated to determine the best method for aqueous extraction of date seeds for nanoemulsion optimization and stability studies. The ultrasonic pre-treatment was found to enhance total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity and produce stable nanoemulsions with minimal size variation. A D-optimal design was used for nanoemulsion optimization using varying high-pressure homogenization (HPH) pressure, date seed powder (DSP) concentration, and oil content. The optimal nanoemulsion was formulated at 493.21 bar, with 15% DSP, and 4.13% oil. This nanoemulsion demonstrated stability over a week under refrigerated conditions, particularly at pH 6 and with NaCl concentrations below 100 mM. Our findings indicate that date seed extract can be an effective natural ingredient to stabilize nanoemulsions, promoting the development of novel functional foods. Future studies on enhancing the functional attributes and understanding the properties of the nanoemulsions, including sensory and rheological characteristics and long-term stability across a broader pH range and salt concentrations, would broaden the potential of date seeds as natural stabilizers in nanoemulsion-based functional foods.

Study of Ready-to-eat Omelette enriched with dried and freeze-dried vegetables

Two different techniques, classic drying and a patented, non-thermal and non-invasive physical technology were used to treat vegetables in order to obtain food ingredients, without producing waste. These ingredients were used to enrich Italian omelettes that were cooked comparing pan and oven methods. The evaluation of the chemical and microbiological features and sensory characteristics of Italian omelettes was obtained immediately after the cooking process and after 1 and 2 months of storage at −20 °C. Specifically, the evaluation of moisture content, pH, total polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity and microbiological assessment were carried out to ponder how cooking procedures, the use of different vegetables and storage period could influence the structure and properties of the omelettes. The sensorial analysis was also carried out immediately after cooking the omelettes and after a re-heat process in the microwave for the samples stored at −20 °C, to understand the feasibility of the storage and how the use of the vegetable ingredients influenced the taste and quality of the samples. Results showed that the use of vegetables increased the content of total polyphenols and the antioxidant activity also during the frozen storage, especially for the omelettes cooked in the pan with the addition of vegetable powders from the patented technology. Moreover, a lower decrease of the moisture content highlighted better sensorial features. Finally, the microbiological assessment showed that the use of these ingredients decreased the microbial contamination during the storage.

Piceatannol reduces radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks by suppressing superoxide production and enhancing ATM-dependent repair efficiency

In contemporary society, humans are susceptible to various radiation-borne hazards, including exposure to therapeutic modalities using low-linear energy transfer (low-LET) radiations (X-rays and γ-rays), natural high-LET radiation sourced from cosmic rays, as well as nuclear accidents such as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant incident. Therefore, this threat incites an imminent necessity to develop novel radioprotective agents against a wide range of LET radiation and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study aimed at assessing the radioprotectivity of Piceatannol (PIC), a potent antioxidant polyphenol present in abundance in passion fruit, by investigating its effects on radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the consequent DNA double-strand break (DSB) capacity and cellular senescence. Specifically, total ROS was evaluated by DCFDA staining, mitochondrial superoxide by MitoSOX staining, DSB by γ-H2AX immunostaining, and cellular senescence by Senescence-associated-β-galactosidase staining.The results demonstrated that PIC administration prior to exposure to both X-ray and high-LET radiation impeded radiation-induced DSB by suppressing ROS production. Interestingly, post-irradiation PIC treatment did not alter ROS levels but enhanced the efficiency of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM)-mediated DSB repair. Additionally, post-irradiation PIC treatment diminished senescence-associated beta-galactosidase levels, indicating that it hinders cellular senescence.Conclusively, PIC exerts radioprotective effects against a wide range of LET radiation. The study findings validate the potential application of PIC not only as a radical scavenger but also as a novel DSB repair-activating radioprotective agent.

Suppression of glomerular damage, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress of acute kidney injury induced by cyclophosphamide toxicity using resveratrol in rat models

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a chemotherapy drug that can be used to treat different types of cancers, but its nephrotoxicity effects restrict its usage in clinical settings. Currently, we examined whether the polyphenolic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, resveratrol (RES), can protect against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Twenty male mature Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of equal size: control group, RES group which received RES (20 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days, CP group which received CP as a single dose (150 mg/kg) on day 16, and CP+RES group which was similar of the RES and CP groups. Tissue samples were obtained for the stereological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular evaluations. Findings showed that the numerical density of glomerulus, total volumes and interstitial tissue volumes of kidney, antioxidative biomarkers concentrations (CAT, GSH, SOD), and expression levels of OCT2 gene were notably greater in the CP+RES group than the CP group (P<0.05). During treatment, there was a significant decrease in the serum levels of the urea and creatinine, the densities of apoptotic and inflammatory cells, as well as levels of MDA and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and PFN1) in the CP+RES group than the CP group (P<0.05). We deduce that giving RES can suppress of glomerular damage, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress of acute kidney injury induced by CP toxicity.

Effects of combined ultrasound and calcium ion pretreatments on polyphenols during mung bean germination: Exploring underlying mechanisms

Mung beans were pretreated with a combination of ultrasonic and calcium ion to enhance the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination. Changes in polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination, along with underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Both single ultrasound and combined ultrasound-Ca2+ pretreatments significantly increased the polyphenol content and enhanced the antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) of mung beans depending on germination period. Among 74 polyphenolic metabolites identified in germinated mung beans, 50 were differential. Notably, 23 of these metabolites showed a significant positive correlation with antioxidant activity. Ultrasound pretreatment promoted flavonoid biosynthesis, whereas ultrasound-Ca2+ pretreatment favored the tyrosine synthesis pathway. Polyphenol composition and accumulation changes were mainly influenced by metabolic pathways like flavonoid, isoflavonoid, anthocyanin, and flavone/flavonol biosynthesis. The results suggest that ultrasound alone or combined with calcium ion pretreatments effectively enhance mung bean polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination.

The Impact of Oleuropein on Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity in Cochlear Cells in Relation to the Expression of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Damage-Associated Genes.

Different organs respond differently to cisplatin (CDDP)-induced toxicity. Oleuropein (OLE) is a natural phenolic antioxidant. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential protective effect of OLE against CDDP-induced ototoxicity by evaluating expression of genes associated with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and repair in cochlear cells. House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells were treated using CDDP, OLE, and OLE-CDDP. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay was used for monitoring cell viability. Deoxyribonucleic acid damage in cells due to the CDDP, OLE, and combination treatments was determined using a flow-cytometric kit. The change in the expression of 84 genes associated with CCDP, OLE, and OLE-CDDP treatments that induced DNA damage was tested using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction array. Changes ≥3-fold were considered significant. House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 cell viability was significantly reduced by CDDP. The OLE-CDDP combination restored the cell viability. Cisplatin increased the H2AX ratio, while OLE-CDDP combination decreased it. Some of the DNA damage-associated genes whose expression was upregulated with CDDP were downregulated with OLE-CDDP, while the expression of genes such as Gadd45g and Rev1 was further downregulated. The expression of DNA repair-related Abl1, Dbd2, Rad52, and Trp53 genes was downregulated with CDDP, whereas their expression was upregulated with OLE-CDDP treatment. In cochlear cells, the OLE-CDDP combination downregulated DNA damage-associated gene expression relative to that upregulated mainly by CDDP. The results revealed that OLE has a potential protective effect on CDDP-induced ototoxicity in cochlear cells by altering the expression of DNA damage-related genes.

Upgrading hazelnut skins: Green extraction of polyphenols from lab to semi-industrial scale

Hazelnut skins (HS) are usually managed as waste; however, this by-product is a source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in feed and food sectors. Phenolic compounds can be extracted using green protocols combining enabling technologies and green solvents. This work investigates subcritical water extraction (SWE) of bioactive compounds from HS. A laboratory-scale study was performed on four different batches, with significant batch-to-batch heterogeneity. The evaluation of polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant activities afforded promising results compared to the benchmark of reflux maceration. To evaluate process effectiveness, the extraction protocol was replicated on a semi-industrial plant that processed 8 kg of matrix. Downstream processes have been optimized for scale-up, demonstrating the effectiveness of SWE in retaining product concentration and bioactivity avoiding excipients in spray-drying phase. Hazelnut extracts exhibited antibacterial properties against animal- and food-borne pathogens, supporting their potential use as sustainable feed ingredients for improved hazelnut production and animal farming practices.

Optimizing Production, Characterization, and In Vitro Behavior of Silymarin-Eudragit Electrosprayed Fiber for Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A Chemical Study.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects approximately 1.6 million Americans. While current polyphenols for treating IBD can be expensive and cause unwanted side effects, there is an opportunity regarding a new drug/polymer formulation using silymarin and an electrospray procedure. Silymarin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant that has shown promising results as a pharmacological agent due to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective characteristics. This study aims to produce a drug-polymer complex named the SILS100-Electrofiber complex, using an electrospray system. The vertical set-up of the electrospray system was optimized at a 1:10 of silymarin and Eudragit® S100 polymer to enhance surface area and microfiber encapsulation. The SILS100-Electrofiber complex was evaluated using drug release kinetics via UV Spectrophotometry, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Drug loading, apparent solubility, and antioxidant activity were also evaluated. The study was successful in creating fiber-like encapsulation of the silymarin drug with strand diameters ranging from 5-7 μm, with results showing greater silymarin release in Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF) compared to Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF). Moving forward, this study aims to provide future insight into the formulation of drug-polymer complexes for IBD treatment and targeted drug release using electrospray and microencapsulation.

A Sustainable Approach to Valuable Polyphenol and Iridoid Antioxidants from Medicinal Plant By-Products.

Supply chain waste gives rise to significant challenges in terms of disposal, making upcycling a promising and sustainable alternative for the recovery of bioactive compounds from by-products. Lignocellulosic by-products like STF231, which are derived from the medicinal plant extract industry, offer valuable compounds such as polyphenols and iridoids that can be recovered through upcycling. In an unprecedented study, we explored and compared conventional hydroethanolic extraction, ultrasound hydroethanolic extraction, and natural deep eutectic solvents-ultrasound extraction methods on STF231 to obtain extracts with antioxidant activity. The extraction profile of total polyphenols (TPCs) was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu test and the antioxidant capacity of the extracts was tested with FRAP and DPPH assays. HPLC-UV was employed to quantify the phenolic and iridoid markers in the extracts. Additionally, the sustainability profile of the process was assessed using the green analytical procedure index (GAPI), AGREEprep, and analytical GREEnness metric approach (AGREE) frameworks. Our findings indicate that a choline chloride and lactic acid mixture at a 1:5 ratio, under optimal extraction conditions, resulted in extracts with higher TPC and similar antioxidant activity compared with conventional hydroethanolic extracts. The innovative aspect of this study lies in the potential application of sustainable upcycling protocols to a previously unexamined matrix, resulting in extracts with potential health applications.

Effect of Grinding and Successive Sieving on the Distribution of Active Biological Compounds in the Obtained Fractions of Blackthorn Berries

The current study evaluated the effect of powder fractionation based on particle size on the chemical composition of macronutrients such as proteins and sugars, on the phytochemical properties (total content of polyphenolic compounds, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity), on preservation capacity (water activity), powder functional properties (water absorption capacity and water solubility index), and physicochemical properties (particle size distribution and moisture content) of blackthorn berry (Prunus spinosa) powders. The fruits were separated from the plant material and seeds, dried, and then ground using an universal mill for dry materials. Eight fractions were obtained after sieving on sieves with different mesh sizes, such as 1 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.630 mm, 0.450 mm, 0.315 mm, 0.200 mm, and 0.125 mm. The grinding/sieving procedure was effective in separating Prunus spinosa powder into sufficiently different size classes. The maximal moisture content and water activity were 5.61% and 0.250, respectively, showed good preservation from a microbiological point of view, and ensured the prevention of oxidation of biologically active compounds of blackthorn berry powders. For samples with reduced particle sizes, the powder functional properties were greatly improved. The total phenolic content, carbohydrates, and antioxidant activity showed significantly different values for some particle size classes compared to the un-sieved sample. A considerable content of vitamin C was presented in the fraction with large particle sizes, precisely because they did not undergo intense degradation processes. Therefore, the technique of grinding and successive sieving proved effective in enhancing the physicochemical and functional characteristics of powdered blackthorn berries, particularly for smaller particles.

Antioxidant Activity and UHPLC-MS/MS Characterization of Polyphenol and Nicotine Content in Nicotiana Glauca Leaf Extracts: A Comparative Study of Conventional and Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction Methods.

The leaves of Nicotiana glauca (N. glauca; Solanaceae) plant are a known, major human health concern. This study investigated the antioxidant activity and polyphenols composition of aerial parts of N. glauca collected from its wild habitat in Jordan, using Methanol-Conventional (MC) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) extraction methods in addition to nicotine content determination using UHPLC. Our results showed that the MC extract contains fewer total phenols and flavonoid content than the 90% DES extract, (0.1194 ± 0.009 and 0.311 ± 0.020 mg/mL equivalent to gallic acid) and (0.01084 ± 0.005 and 0.928 ± 0.09 mg/mL equivalent to rutin), respectively. Moreover, this study showed that the prepared MC extract contain 635.07 ppm nicotine, while the 90% DES extract contain 1194.91 ppm nicotine. Extracts prepared using the MC and the DES methods exhibited weak antioxidant activities; the highest was a 33% inhibition rate (equivalent to ascorbic acid), obtained by the 90% DES extract,. The performed UHPLC-MS/MS analysis in this study also revealed the presence of variations in the detected compounds between the two extraction methods. Furthermore, this study found that environmentally friendly DES extraction of N. glauca produced higher phenol and flavonoid content than the MC method; this highlights the superior efficiency and environmental benefits of sustainable chemistry methods for extracting valuable phytoconstituents.

Understanding Variations in Ferrate Detection through the ABTS Method in the Presence of Electron-Rich Organic Compounds.

The chromogenic reaction between 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and ferrate [Fe(VI)] has long been utilized for Fe(VI) content measurement. However, the presence of electron-rich organic compounds has been found to significantly impact Fe(VI) detection using the ABTS method, leading to relative errors ranging from ∼88 to 100%. Reducing substances consumed ABTS•+ and resulted in underestimated Fe(VI) levels. Moreover, the oxidation of electron-rich organics containing hydroxyl groups by Fe(VI) could generate a phenoxyl radical (Ph•), promoting the transformation of Fe(VI) → Fe(V) → Fe(IV). The in situ formation of Fe(IV) can then contribute to ABTS oxidation, altering the ABTS•+:Fe(VI) stoichiometry from 1:1 to 2:1. To overcome these challenges, we introduced Mn(II) as an activator and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a chromogenic agent for Fe(VI) detection. This Mn(II)/TMB method enables rapid completion of the chromogenic reaction within 2 s, with a low detection limit of approximately 4 nM and a wide detection range (0.01-10 μM). Importantly, the Mn(II)/TMB method exhibits superior resistance to reductive interference and effectively eliminates the impact of phenoxyl-radical-mediated intermediate valence iron transfer processes associated with electron-rich organic compounds. Furthermore, this method is resilient to particle interference and demonstrates practical applicability in authentic waters.

Impact of Seed Germination on the Physicochemical Properties of Lupin Flours and the Physicochemical and Techno-functional Properties of Their Protein Isolates

AbstractNowadays , lupin seeds have emerged as a novel and valuable source of proteins representing a sustainable alternative to current raw materials of plant-based proteins, such as soybean. In this regard, lupin demonstrates superior adaptation to the Mediterranean climate with improved tolerance to water stress. However, its suitability for human consumption is limited due to the presence of anti-nutritional and anti-technological factors, including alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, and lipids, which can have adverse nutritional consequences and/or impact on the purity and yield of protein extraction. In this study, the Lupinus luteus seeds were germinated for 1, 2, 3, and 6 days and the effect of germination on the anti-nutritional and anti-technological factors of flours and derived protein isolates was analyzed. Additionally, changes on techno-functional properties of lupin protein isolates were also studied. Results showed that prolonged germination decreased fat content whereas antioxidant activity, polyphenols, saponin, and alkaloid content of flours increased. However, alkaloids were completely removed during protein extraction. Furthermore, protein isolates derived from germinated seeds exhibited higher water and oil absorption capacities, as well as improved foaming and emulsifying capabilities in comparison to isolates from non-germinated seeds. Nevertheless, prolonged germination periods were associated with diminished foam and emulsion stability. Therefore, germination of lupin seeds for no longer than 3 days should be recommended in order to minimize the levels of anti-nutritional and anti-technological factors, while enhancing techno-functional properties of the isolate.