Potent Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Bioactives of the Freshwater Aquatic Plants, Nelumbo nucifera and Lemna minor, for Functional Foods, Cosmetics and Pharmaceutical Applications, with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antithrombotic Health Promoting Properties

Despite significant progress, certain inflammation related to chronic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer, still present high mortality rates. Thus, further study is needed to address such pathologies more appropriately. Apart from classic therapeutics, natural bioactives with less toxic side effects have gained attention, including those with potential pharmaceutical properties derived from several plants. Within this article, the potential utilization of freshwater aquatic plants as sources of bioactives with antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties is outlined. Emphasis is given to a well-established aquatic plant with known but not fully clarified and overviewed bio-functional and pharmaceutical properties, the Chinese lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), as well as to a so far neglected aquatic plant, Lemna minor, which has not yet been thoroughly reviewed for such applications. The latent usually grows naturally in large numbers at the surface of stored water basins of retrieved water from the last stages of wastewater treatment facilities. The continuous growth of this aquatic plant in such conditions further suggests that it can be a sustainable source of natural bioactives, if appropriately valorized, with an economic benefit and in a friendly environmental approach. The abundant content of both freshwater aquatic plants in bioactive components with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities is thoroughly outlined, while their applications as functional ingredients in several functional products (functional foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) are also discussed. The outlined outcomes urge further study of both aquatic plants and especially of Lemna spp. to fully elucidate their potential as alternative sustainable sources of bioactive ingredients for functional foods, supplements, nutraceuticals, nutricosmetics, cosmeceuticals, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products with health-promoting properties against inflammation and thrombosis related manifestations and their associated chronic disorders.

Bioaffinity Ultrafiltration Combined with HPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS for Screening Potential Bioactive Components from the Stems of Dendrobium fimbriatum and In Silico Analysis.

Dendrobium fimbriatum is a perennial herb, and its stems are high-grade tea and nourishing medicinal materials. Various solvent extracts of D. fimbriatum were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant, and anti-α-glucosidase properties. Acetone and EtOAc extracts showed significant antioxidant effects. Acetone, n-hexane, and EtOAc extracts revealed potent inhibition against α-glucosidase. EtOAc, n-hexane, and dichloromethane extracts displayed significant anti-AChE activity. Among the isolated constituents, gigantol, moscatin, and dendrophenol showed potent antioxidant activities in FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging tests. Moscatin (IC50 = 161.86 ± 16.45 μM) and dendrophenol (IC50 = 165.19 ± 13.25 μM) displayed more potent anti-AChE activity than chlorogenic acid (IC50 = 236.24 ± 15.85 μM, positive control). Dendrophenol (IC50 = 14.31 ± 3.17 μM) revealed more efficient anti-NO activity than quercetin (positive control, IC50 = 23.09 ± 1.43 μM). Analysis of AChE and iNOS inhibitory components was performed using molecular docking and/or the bioaffinity ultrafiltration method. In bioaffinity ultrafiltration, the binding affinity of compounds to the enzyme (acetylcholinesterase and inducible nitric oxide synthase) was determined using the enrichment factor (EF). Among the main components of the EtOAc extract from D. fimbriatum stem, moscatin, dendrophenol, gigantol, and batatasin III with acetylcholinesterase exhibited the highest binding affinities, with affinity values of 66.31%, 59.48%, 54.60%, and 31.87%, respectively. Moreover, the affinity capacity of the identified compounds with inducible nitric oxide synthase can be ranked as moscatin (88.99%) > dendrophenol (65.11%) > gigantol (44.84%) > batatasin III (27.18%). This research suggests that the bioactive extracts and components of D. fimbriatum stem could be studied further as hopeful candidates for the prevention or treatment of hyperglycemia, oxidative stress-related diseases, and nervous disorders.

Phytochemical characterisation of dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of the Ziziphora tenuior leaves and evaluation of their antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Medicinal plants, known for their antibacterial phytocompounds and secondary metabolites, offer promising potential in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to perform a phytochemical analysis of the methanol and dichloromethane extracts obtained from Ziziphora tenuior leaves using GC-MS. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated through the DPPH assay. And, their antibacterial activity was assessed against S. aureus, E. coli, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) bacterial strains. Based on the results 90-92% of these extracts consisted of phytocompounds with pharmaceutical properties. Of these, 5-methyl- 2-(1-methylethylidele), Cyclohexanone (Pulegone; C10H16O) comprised the highest percentage of the extracts, constituting 62% of methanolic extract and 81% of dichloromethane extract. Also, both methanolic and dichloromethane extracts showed potent antioxidant activity with IC50 of 277.6 µg/ml and 49.6 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, these extracts demonstrated considerable antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens, especially against S. aureus and VRE.

In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects and antioxidant potential of new dihydrochalcones from Baphia massaiensis Taub

Two previously undescribed dihydrochalcones, 4,2′-dihydroxy- [2″, 2″-dimethylpyrano (3″, 4″: 4′, 5′]) dihydrochalcone (1) and 4, 2′, 4′, 2″-tetrahydroxy-5′-(3″-methylbut-3″-enyl) dihydrochalcone (2), along with six known compounds (3-8) were isolated from chloroform-methanol (1:1) extract of Baphia Massaiensis twigs. Their chemical structures were determined using NMR analysis, mass spectrometry, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and a thorough comparison with reported data from the literature. All the isolated compounds (1−8) were assessed for their antioxidant activities, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition effects. Dihydrochalcone 1 showed significant antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 118.8 ± 2.95 µM, and a more potent antioxidant activity was exhibited by compounds 3 and 6 with IC50 values of 84.3 ± 0.07 µM and 62.1 ± 1.59 µM, respectively, compared to the positive control, gallic acid with IC50 value of 92.9 µM. Dihydrochalcone 2 showed moderate inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 44.0 ± 4.83 µM and 51.7 ± 9.72 µM compared to the standard acarbose with IC50 values of 22.9 ± 0.92 µM and 31.5 ± 0.63 µM, respectively. Molecular docking studies of the new dihydrochalcones 1 and 2, revealed the active binding sites which support the observed α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects.

Microwave-assisted extraction of valuable phenolics from sunflower pomace with natural deep eutectic solvents and food applications of the extracts

AbstractA green process, both in terms of solvent (natural deep eutectic solvents, NADES) and extraction method (microwave-assisted extraction, MAE) for the recovery of bioactive components from sunflower pomace (SFP, a by-product of oil extraction process), was designed to contribute to their sustainable valorization. For the extraction of valuable phenolics from sunflower pomace, nine potential NADES were prepared. Among them, choline chloride-urea-water (CC-U-W) at a molar ratio of 1:2:4 was selected for extraction, showing better yield and physicochemical properties. Operational parameters (extraction temperature, time, water ratio, and solvent-to-solid ratio) for MAE were optimized and modeled utilizing response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions, the antioxidant properties of SFP extract were evaluated by CUPRAC, ABTS, and DPPH methods. The total phenolic contents of extracts were evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Phenolics were characterized by using the HPLC–PDA system. The results showed that SFP NADES extract had potential antioxidant activity which was higher than that of traditional solvents. In order to better evaluate SFP extract as a valuable food ingredient, SFP extracts at a ratio of 5, 10, and 20% added smoothie-like beverages with strawberries and yogurt were prepared. Fortification of beverages with NADES extract enhanced antioxidant efficiency, increasing total antioxidant capacity in a range of 12.4 to 68.6% and free radical scavenging capacity between 0.4 to 67.9% during both the initial and the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion stages. The addition of SFP NADES extract to food samples made a positive contribution in terms of the antioxidant activity of the final product. The results of this study revealed that sunflower by-products can be evaluated as a potential antioxidant source which is easily accessible, and the proposed extraction process has an important potential to recover bioactive compounds with high efficiency.

The Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antioxidant Effects of Polyphenols from Brassica oleracea var. capitata Extract on Induced Inflammation in Rodents.

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) ethanolic extract (BOE). Given the historical use of cabbage in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, this research aims to validate these effects scientifically. The study involved the characterization of BOE's bioactive compounds using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection-Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI MS) analysis. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical and oral BOE administration on rodent models with acute and subacute inflammation. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of orally administered BOE was evaluated. The results showed that BOE possesses significant levels of phenolic compounds with a potent antioxidant activity. The topical administration of BOE demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects in the tested rodent models, which were comparable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These findings suggest that BOE could be a valuable natural remedy for inflammation-related conditions, supporting its traditional uses and highlighting its potential for further pharmacological development.

Phenolic Compounds Characterization of Caryocar brasiliense Peel with Potential Antioxidant Activity.

The pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit peel, despite being frequently discarded, has a high content of bioactive compounds, and therefore has a high nutritional value. The present study aimed to explore the bioactivities in the pequi peel, particularly their potential health benefits at the level of antioxidant activity. The exploitation of this fruit could also present significant economic benefits and applications of pequi by-products would represent a reduction in waste, having a positive impact on the environment. Phenolic compounds present in the pequi exocarp and external mesocarp were identified by paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) and quantified by HPLC. The total phenolic content (TPC) along with the amount of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and the amount of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) were also determined in peel extracts. Epicatechin was the most abundant phenolic compound found, followed by the caffeic, salicylic, and gallic acids. In addition, fingerprinting revealed compounds related to several beneficial health effects. In short, the results obtained were encouraging for potential applications of pequi peel in the field of functional foods.

Quality Characteristics, Phenolic Composition and Potential Antioxidant Activities of Some Table Grape Varieties in Highland Viticulture

Quality Characteristics, Phenolic Composition and Potential Antioxidant Activities of Some Table Grape Varieties in Highland Viticulture

Optimization of Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Rosemary Essential Oil Using Response Surface Methodology and Its Antioxidant Activity by Activating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway.

Rosemary essential oil (REO) is widely recognized as a food flavoring and traditional herb and possesses potential antioxidant activity. However, its low yield rate and unclarified antioxidant mechanism warrant further investigation. In this study, an enzyme pretreatment-assisted extraction method with Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) models was employed to optimize the main factors of REO, and its antioxidant molecular mechanism under oxidative stress was elucidated in hydrogen peroxide-induced human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. The optimized yield (4.10%) of REO was recorded with the following optimum conditions: enzyme amount 1.60%, enzyme digestion pH 5.0, enzyme digestion temperature 46.50 °C, and enzyme digestion time 1.7 h. Meanwhile, 1.8-cineole (53.48%) and β-pinene (20.23%) exhibited radical scavenging activity higher than that of BHA and BHT. At the cellular level, REO (12.5-50 µg/mL) increased the levels of cell viability, CAT, SOD, and GSH significantly while reducing the contents of ROS, MDA, and GSSG, when compared to H2O2 exposure. Mechanically, REO relieved oxidative stress via activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and enhancing the protein expression of Nrf2, NQO-1, and HO-1, which was further verified by molecular docking between the main component 1.8-cineole and the Kelch domain of KEAP1. Therefore, REO could be considered as a potent natural antioxidant with a potential strategy in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The Leaf Extract of Dysoxylum parasiticum (Osbeck) Kosterm. Contains Anti-oxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitor Activities

The medicinal plant Dysoxylum parasiticum (Osbeck) Kosterm. (Meliaceae) is native to Indonesia, but its bioactive potential has been little explored. This study de- termined the phenolic content, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of D. parasitic- cum leaf extracts. Dried, powdered leaves were sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified by colorimetric assays. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest phenolic content at 21.54 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay, while antidiabetic activity was assessed as inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme. The ethyl acetate extract showed potent antioxidant (IC50 30.72 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibitory (IC50 16.32 μg/mL) activities compared to standard controls. Putative bioactive components were identified by LC-MS/MS, including stylosin, capillartemisin A, 19β-glucosyl-14-deoxy-11,12- didehydroandrographoside, daturametelin H, stigmas-3,6-dione, 2α,3β,4α-trihy- droxy nortropane and arnebinone. The traditional use of D. parasiticum is validated by its antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential, which is associated with its phenolic content.

Novel antioxidant peptides from soybean protein by employing computational and experimental methods and their mechanisms of oxidative stress resistance

Antioxidant peptides have the potential to play a crucial role in mitigating and managing a variety range of diseases associated with oxidative stress. Soybean protein is an important source of antioxidant peptides. Here we employ computational and experimental methods to screen and identify five antioxidant peptides (Gly-Ala, Gly-Val-Pro-Tyr, Pro-His, Pro-Lys, and Ser-Gly-Pro) derived from soybean protein, and explore their potential targets and mechanisms of action. All five peptides demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging superoxide radicals and protecting cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage. These peptides exhibited multi-target effects on pathways implicated in oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Notably, our results reveal that these peptides can stably interact with the key target nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) through Glu377, a critical residue of NOS2, thereby inhibiting its activity and potentially mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. This study confirms the function of soybean peptide sequence that has not been previously disclosed, and provides a more specific theoretical basis for the development of natural antioxidant peptides.

GC-MS analysis and pharmacological potentiality of Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites leaves and fruit extracts: an in vitro and in silico studies.

Lasia spinosa (L. spinosa) is widely used in Asian countries for treating various diseases and as a vegetable, yet its bioactive properties remain under-researched. It is traditionally utilized in Ayurveda and the AYUSH system of medicine for its medicinal properties, and commonly used to treat digestive disorders, respiratory issues, and inflammatory conditions. This study aims to identify the phytochemicals in L. spinosa leaves and fruit extracts and evaluate their biological activities. Phytochemicals in methanol extracts of L. spinosa fruits and leaves were identified by GC-MS analysis. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were assessed using the DPPH free radical and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay and brine shrimp lethality test. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Shigella boydii, Shigella flexneri, Streptococcus iniae, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae, while antifungal properties were tested against Cercospora beticola and Rhizoctonia solani. Molecular docking was conducted to predict the effectiveness of L. spinosa phytochemicals against NADPH oxidase and the Shigella effector OspG. Nine compounds were detected from both extracts. The methanol leaves extract exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to the fruit extract, with IC50 values of 111.81 ± 8.99µg/ml and 174.81 ± 4.86µg/ml, respectively, as determined by the DPPH scavenging assay. The nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay also revealed higher potency in the leaves extract (IC50 = 138.59 ± 1.50µg/ml) compared to the fruit extract (IC50 = 196.47 ± 1.72µg/ml). Both extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms. In silico studies indicated notable inhibitory activity of all phytochemicals against the target proteins, with Linoelaidic acid and 9-Octadecenamide, (Z)- exhibiting the highest activity against NADPH oxidase (PDB: 2cdu) and Shigella flexneri OspG effector kinase (PDB: 4bvu), respectively. These findings suggest that L. spinosa has potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Compounds from this plant could serve as lead compounds for developing antioxidant and antibacterial agents. However, molecular studies should be addressed.

Ultrasound combined with post-mortem aging enriches antioxidant peptides in Muscovy ducks

To investigate the impact of ultrasound in conjunction with post-mortem aging on antioxidant peptides in Muscovy ducks, this study was conducted under appropriate ultrasound conditions (20 min, 20 kHz, 1050 W), followed by post-mortem aging at 4 °C for 6, 12, 24,72 and 168 h. The analysis focused on the peptide content and antioxidant activity of Muscovy ducks. The results revealed that the peptide content reached the highest of 14.02 mg/g of meat following 72 h post-mortem aging combined with ultrasound treatment; an increase of 1.20 mg/g of meat of peptides was observed compared with the control. Moreover, the antioxidant activity also reached its peak (DPPH· scavenging efficacy was 47.38%). The sarcomeres almost completely disappeared after ultrasound treatment, the M and Z lines darkened, and the activities of cathepsins B, D, H, and L and calpain proteases increased. Gel filtration chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography were utilized to isolate the peptides with the most potent antioxidant activity. Nine of the sequenced peptides were deemed reliable. ENHHCCC exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Therefore, ultrasound in conjunction with post-mortem aging is a promising method to enrich antioxidant peptides in Muscovy duck.

THE EFFECT OF MATURITY ON PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENT, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, AND NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF MUNTINGIA CALABURA FRUITS CULTIVATED IN INDONESIA

Objective: Cultivation location and maturity levels could affect Muntingia calabura's bioactive compounds and biological activities. The present investigation evaluated two different maturity stages (young and ripened) of Indonesian M. calabura on their phytochemical constituents (total phenolic [TP] and total flavonoid [TF]), antioxidant activity, and nutrition composition. Material and Method: The TP and TF were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and ammonium chloride (AlCl3). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS). Nutrition composition: total soluble solids (TSS) were determined by the gravimetric method; soluble sugars used anthrone-sulfuric acid colorimetric assays; and vitamin C established 2,6-dichloroindophenol (DCIP) titration. Result and Discussion: The ripened fruit presented the most potent antioxidant activity. DPPH and ABTS IC50 values were 28.38 ± 0.84 µg/ml and 29.92 ± 3.05 µg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the young fruit exhibited the highest TP (56.85 ± 1.08 mg/g GAE) and TF (8.45 ± 0.65 mg QE). Our findings additionally suggested that ripened fruit was a good source of nutrients, such as soluble sugar (SS; 12.34 ± 0.76%) and vitamin C (21.88 ± 2.73 mg/g).

A novel fucoxanthin enriched seaweed gummy: Physicochemical qualities and protective effect on UVB-induced retinal müller cells

Retinal disease has become the major cause of visual impairment and vision loss worldwide. Carotenoids, which have the potential antioxidant and eye-care activities, have been widely used in functional foods. Our previous study showed that fucoxanthin could exert photoprotective activity in UVB-induced retinal müller cells (RMCs). To extend the application of fucoxanthin in food industry, fucoxanthin, Undaria pinnatifida pulp (UPP), carrageenan, and other ingredients were mixed to prepare seaweed-flavoured photoprotective gummies in this study. The structural and functional properties of the gummies were then evaluated by physicochemical test and cell experiments. As a result, fucoxanthin enriched gummies presented favourable structural properties and flavour. The hydroxyl groups in fucoxanthin and κ-carrageenan are bonded through hydrogen bonds, forming the spatial network structure inside the gummies, enhancing its elasticity. The gummies showed significant antioxidant effect and alleviated the UVB oxidation damage in RMCs. Moreover, the main ingredients carrageenan and UPP improved the stability of fucoxanthin during in vitro digestion. The results enhance the application of fucoxanthin in functional food with photoprotective activity.

Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa extract: phytochemical analysis and revealing antimicrobial and antioxidant marvels

The growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance endangers both human and animal life, necessitating the urgent discovery of novel antimicrobial solutions. Medicinal plants hold promise as sources of potential antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents and microbicidal capabilities of the ethanolic extract from Nigella sativa (black seed). Gas chromatography analysis (GC) identified 11 compounds, among them thymoquinone, and thymol, contributing to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated notable inhibition zones against broad spectra of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus subtilis, along with potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium, and Candida albicans. Notably, when combined with antibiotics, the extract displayed exceptional synergistic antimicrobial efficacy. The black seed extract demonstrated membrane-damaging activity and disrupted virulence factors that protect microbes from antimicrobial agents, including the formation of bacterial biofilm and protease secretion. Thymoquinone, the primary active constituent of the extract, exhibited similar antimicrobial and ant virulence properties. In silico analysis targeting key regulators of quorum sensing and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa, such as RhlG, LasR, and PqsR, showed a remarkable affinity of thymol and thymoquinone for these targets. Moreover, the N. sativa extract exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against both the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania tropica parasites, hinting at potential antiparasitic activity. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the extract displayed potential antioxidant activity at a concentration of 400 μg/mL.

GC–MS based metabolomic profiling of Aporosa cardiosperma (Gaertn.) Merr. leaf extracts and evaluating its therapeutic potential

Aporosa cardiosperma is a plant species majorly found in the Indian Western Ghats that belongs to the phyllanthaceae family with ethnobotanical importance. Using a Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) for evaluating leaf extracts of A. cardiosperma, significant functional groups and metabolite constituents were determined, and its total flavonoid, phenol, and tannin content were quantified. Further, its antibacterial efficacy was investigated against microorganisms that cause fish and human disease and are resistant to common antibiotics, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Regarding the outcomes of GC–MS analysis, the primary metabolites in the A. cardiosperma leaf extracts were heneicosane (57.06%), silane (13.60%), 1-heptadecene (10.09%), 3-hexadecene (9.99%), and pentadecane (9.54%). In comparison to other solvents, methanolic extract of A. cardiosperma leaves had increased phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content; these findings are consistent with in vitro antioxidant potential and obtained that the methanolic extract (100 µg/mL) exhibited the higher percentage of inhibition in DPPH (82.35%), FRAP (86.20%), metal chelating (72.32%), and ABTS (86.06%) antioxidant assays respectively. Similar findings were found regarding the antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria. Comparatively, to other extracts, methanolic extracts showed more significant antibacterial activity at a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value (250 µg/mL), whilst ethyl acetate and hexane solvent extracts of A. cardiosperma leaves had higher MIC values 500 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL respectively. The antimicrobial potential was validated by investigating bacterial growth through the extracts acquired MICs and sub-MICs range. Bacterial growth was completely inhibited at the determined MIC range. In conclusion, A. cardiosperma leaf extract's phytochemical fingerprint has been determined, and its potent antibacterial and antioxidant activities were discovered. These findings of the current study will pave the way for developing herbal treatments from A. cardiosperma for various fish and human diseases.

Metabolic profiling and enzyme inhibitory activity of the essential oil of citrus aurantium fruit peel

BackgroundBitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a fruiting shrub native to tropical and subtropical countries around the world and cultivated in many regions due to its nutraceutical value. The current study investigated the metabolic profiling and enzyme inhibitory activities of volatile constituents derived from the C. aurantium peel cultivated in Egypt by three different extraction methods.MethodsThe volatile chemical constituents of the peel of C. aurantium were isolated using three methods; steam distillation (SD), hydrodistillation (HD), and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD), and then were investigated by GC-MS. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by different assays such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating potential. Moreover, the effect of enzyme inhibition of the three essential oils was tested using BChE, AChE, tyrosinase, glucosidase, as well as amylase assays.ResultsA total of six compounds were detected by GC/MS analysis. The major constituent obtained by all three extraction methods was limonene (98.86% by SD, 98.68% by HD, and 99.23% by MAHD). Differences in the composition of the compounds of the three oils were observed. The hydrodistillation technique has yielded the highest number of compounds, notably two oxygenated monoterpenes: linalool (0.12%) and α-terpineol acetate (0.1%).ConclusionIn our study differences in the extraction methods of C. aurantium peel oils resulted in differences in the oils’ chemical composition. Citrus essential oils and their components showed potential antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimelanogenesis, and antidiabetic activities. The presence of linalool and α-terpineol acetate may explain the superior activity observed for the oil isolated by HD in both radical scavenging and AChE inhibition assays, as well as in the enzyme inhibition assays.

Impact of altitudinal variation on secondary metabolites, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential of Adiantum venustum D. Don

Phytoconstituents are being emphasized as chemotherapeutic agents, as well as probable anticancer agents. The purpose of the present research was to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties of crude ethanolic extracts and bioactive fractions of Adiantum venustum D. Don collected from three sites in Himachal Pradesh, India. The bioactive phytoconstituents were examined qualitatively and quantitatively in crude ethanolic extracts and fractions of all sites, and biological activities were analyzed. The potential presence of terpenoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids was examined, and it came to light that BF-II [n-butanol fraction of Site-II (2000 m altitude)] had a significantly higher phytochemical concentration. Additionally, the crude ethanolic extracts and fractions were examined for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and BF-II was found to have potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as verified by the IC50 values (lowest half inhibitory concentration) in the DPPH (57.86 ± 0.72 μg/mL), reducing power assay (45.20 ± 0.72 μg/mL), FRAP (73.12 ± 0.23 μM Fe equivalent), BSA (56.76 ± 0.25 μg/mL), and EAA (EAA59.84 ± 0.13 μg/mL). Following that, the anticancer potential was investigated further using the MTT assay on the HeLa cell line, MTT assay revealed that BF-II possesses significantly higher anticancer potential. Furthermore, the dominant crude ethanolic extract and fraction were further investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, and high-performance thin layer chromatography techniques from the selected plant. Overall, the study suggests that the n-butanol fraction of A. venustum possesses significantly higher therapeutic value but is still not explored to the extent of its potential.

Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid-Based Delivery of Astaxanthin Suppresses Chondrocyte Pyroptosis and Modulates Oxidative Stress for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis.

Worldwide, osteoarthritis (OA) is regarded as the most widespread, distressing, and limiting chronic disease that affects degenerative joints. Currently, there is no treatment available to modify the progression of OA. The pathogenesis of OA is significantly linked with oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Astaxanthin (Ast) is a natural ketocarotenoid pigment with potent antioxidant activity and is shown to effectively alleviate cartilage damage in OA. However, its bioavailability is greatly limited due to poor water solubility, high sensitivity to light, temperature, and pH. In this study, Ast-loaded tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) or tFNA/Ast complexes (TAC) for Ast delivery are developed. Compared with free Ast and tFNA alone, TAC exhibits improved drug stability and cellular uptake. Most importantly, TAC effectively protects chondrocytes against oxidative stress-induced pyroptosis while promoting extracellular matrix anabolism by chondrocytes, and ultimately alleviates cartilage damage in a mouse destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model. Thus, TAC holds great promise for the treatment of OA patients.