Potent Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Association between different composite dietary antioxidant indexes and constipation in American male adults: a cross-sectional study.

Oxidative stress is acknowledged as a pivotal factor in the intricate pathophysiological processes and pathogenesis of constipation. Modifying dietary patterns can elevate in vivo antioxidant biomarker levels, consequently mitigating oxidative stress. The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) provides a dependable scoring mechanism for quantifying the potential antioxidant capacity of diets. The association between CDAI levels and the risk of constipation remains uncertain. To investigate the potential correlation between CDAI and constipation, aiming to improve constipation management through dietary guidance. A total of 11,165 adults aged ≥20 years, drawn from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We evaluated the correlation between CDAI levels and the risk of constipation through three weighted logistic regression models. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was employed to assess nonlinear trends, and stratified analyses were conducted. After adjusting for all confounding variables, the findings revealed an association between CDAI and constipation [OR = 0.937; 95% CI (0.892, 0.984), p = 0.012]. Moreover, individuals in the highest quartile of CDAI demonstrated a 40.1% lower likelihood of experiencing constipation compared to those in the lowest quartile [OR = 0.599; 95% CI (0.382, 0.939), p = 0.027]. The RCS analysis indicated a linear relationship between CDAI and constipation (P-non-linear =0.1016). Subgroup analysis by gender revealed a negative correlation in the male population [OR = 0.871; 95% CI (0.801, 0.947), p = 0.002], with men in the highest CDAI quartile exhibiting a 59.8% lower likelihood of experiencing constipation compared to those in the lowest quartile [OR = 0.402; 95% CI (0.206, 0.787), p = 0.010]. Furthermore, alterations in selenium [OR = 0.997; 95% CI (0.995, 1.000), p = 0.039] per milligram were independently linked to constipation. In a gender subgroup analysis of a single antioxidant, changes per milligram of vitamin E [OR = 0.904; 95% CI (0.838 to 0.975), p = 0.011] among males were independently associated with constipation. The fully adjusted model showed a correlation between CDAI and constipation and a significant correlation in quartiles. Meanwhile, subgroup analysis by gender showed that CDAI was negatively associated with constipation in the male population. Moreover, the findings of this study imply that investigations into antioxidant diets should be contextualized within dietary patterns.

Analysis Of Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties in Methanolic Extract of Piper Sarmentosum Roxb. Against Mcf-7 Cells

Cancer is by far one of the most worrying health issues that continue to be the major killing diseases worldwide, accounting for more than six million deaths. In the confrontation of advances in modern medicine such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, cancer disease persists as a worldwide problem. In recent years, there has been a focused effort to explore new alternatives, with a particular emphasis on identifying medicinal herbs from local natural resources. Approximately, 60% of cancer drugs are derived from natural sources, due to their fewer side effects. Piper sarmentosum Roxb. which is locally known as ‘kaduk’, is a natural medicinal plant that has been used traditionally to treat headache, arthritis, menstrual pain, cough, and eczema. It is proven to have various biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial, antiplasmodial, anti-diabetic, antifungal, and anti-carcinogenic. In this study, the phenolic content of P. sarmentosum was quantified using Folin-Ciocalteu method. Next, the antioxidant activity was determined using a DPPH scavenging assay. MTS assay was conducted to analyse the effect of the extract on human breast cancer cells, MCF-7. The results showed that the P. sarmentosum extract contained a high TPC which was 89.22 mg GAE/g. The extract also exhibited a good antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 96.98 ± 2.29 ?g/mL. The in vitro cytotoxicity test on MCF-7 cell proliferation showed the extracts’ IC50 at 24.63 ± 0.23 ?g/mL. In conclusion, methanolic extract of P. sarmentosum contained a high phenolic content and is a potent antioxidant capacity as well as anticancer activity against the tested breast cancer cell. Keywords: Breast cancer, medicinal plant, Piper sarmentosum, phenolic content, radical scavenging activity

Assessment of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Oscillatoria sancta and Oscillatoria proteus Isolated from Chilika Lake.

Filamentous cyanobacteria are a promising source of biologically active secondary metabolites with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties. Previously, cyanobacteria isolated from fresh and marine water were studied extensively, but those isolated from brackish water were less investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the antimicrobial activities as well as the potential antioxidant capacity of two cyanobacterial strains (Oscillatoria proteus and Oscillatoria sancta) obtained from Chilika Lake. The pigment and antioxidant was assayed using a spectrophotometer; antimicrobial activity was studied by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC); and the presence of phytoconstituents was detected using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The solvents used for extraction were methanol, acetone and benzene. The experimental data indicates that the total phenolic and flavonoid content was highest in O. sancta (58.26 ± 0.72µg/g, 38.45 ± 0.79µg/g, respectively). Similarly, the methanol extract of O. sancta presented the maximum antioxidant potential in both DPPH (83.18 ± 0.57%) and ABTS (68.42 ± 1.40%) radicals. Besides, more reducing power was also recorded in methanol extract of O. sancta as compared to O. proteus. Further, higher enzymatic activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) was observed in O. sancta. The antimicrobial potential against bacterial and fungal pathogens demonstrated better activity in O. sancta. In GC-MS analysis seven major chemical classes have been detected. Differential results was found in the two species of Oscillatoria; however, both have potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The findings have pharmaceutical and nutraceutical importance.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Capacity Measurement, and Mineral Content Determination of Thymus vulgaris L. Extracts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Thymus vulgaris L. extracts. T. vulgaris L. is a medicinal plant that has various bioactive compounds. Four different solvents (ethanol, water, ethyl acetate, and chloroform) were used to extract these compounds from the plant. The phytochemical screening of the extracts showed that the ethanolic extract had the highest diversity of compounds, including coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, carbohydrates, and proteins. The total phenolic and total antioxidant contents of the ethanolic extract were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu and phosphomolybdenum methods, respectively. The ethanolic extract had a high phenolic content of 77.7 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, which indicates its potential antioxidant capacity. The mineral content of T. vulgaris L. was also assessed by flame photometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry after dry digestion. The plant contained five macroelements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, P) and three microelements (Fe, Cu, Zn) in different concentrations. The highest concentration was found for potassium (15259 mg/kg), followed by calcium (5118 mg/kg) and sodium (4793 mg/kg). The lowest concentration was found for phosphorus (1400 mg/kg), which was still higher than the microelements. Among the microelements, zinc had the highest concentration (24.82 mg/kg), followed by iron (17.44 mg/kg) and copper (14.98 mg/kg). The results of this study provide useful information for the users, collectors and practitioners of medicinal plants from polluted areas, as they can evaluate the quality and safety of T. vulgaris L. for human consumption.

INDIAN MILLETS (FINGER MILLET, KODO, SORGHUM AND PEARL MILLET): POTENT FUNCTIONAL FOODS AND PROCESSING SCOPES

Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses, are emerging as functional foods with numerous health benefits. With the world facing challenges in agriculture and nutrition, millets offer a promising solution due to their resilience in marginal growing conditions and high nutritional value. Millets are an abundant source of essential macronutrients and micronutrients, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are essential for muscle growth and repair. The phytochemicals present in millets, such as phytosterols, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens, act as antioxidants, immunomodulators, and detoxifying agents, potentially preventing age-related diseases like cardiovascular conditions, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. Different millets contain diverse phenolic groups with potent antioxidant capacity. The nutritional characteristics and processing techniques of four common Indian millets - Finger millet, Kodo, Sorghum and Pearl millets are discussed in view of their potential as functional foods for promoting good health. Millets contain resistant starch, that acts as prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and reducing inflammation, helps in the production of desirable metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids in the colon, especially butyrate, which helps to stabilize colonic cell proliferation and thus contributing to overall health. Although millets contain higher levels of antinutrients, some of these compounds also offer antioxidant properties. The use of processing techniques like debranning, soaking, germination, fermentation, and autoclaving can reduce antinutrient content and enhance the bioavailability of essential nutrients and proteins. Future research in the realm of Indian millets could focus on optimizing processing techniques, exploring health impacts, and transforming antinutrients for potential benefits in combating malnutrition and food security

Comprehensive structural analysis of polyphenols and their enzymatic inhibition activities and antioxidant capacity of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.).

In this paper, the structures of polyphenols and their bioactivity of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) cv. 'Heisang No. 1' were comprehensively analyzed. The 11 anthocyanins and 20 non-anthocyanin phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-HR-TOF/MS2). The cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside were the major anthocyanins in the black mulberry. In addition, the black mulberry showed potent antioxidant capacity as assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Black mulberry anthocyanins exhibited stronger inhibition activities against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase compared to non-anthocyanin polyphenols, with IC50 values of 1.10, 4.36, and 9.18mg/mL, respectively. The total anthocyanin content of black mulberry crude extracts and anthocyanins was 570.10±77.09 and 1278.23±117.60mg C3GE/100g DW, respectively. Black mulberry may be a rich source of polyphenols, natural antioxidants, and effective antidiabetic substances with great potential in the food industry.

A Review of Foods of Plant Origin as Sources of Vitamins with Proven Activity in Oxidative Stress Prevention according to EFSA Scientific Evidence.

Beyond their nutritional benefits, vitamins could decrease the risk of chronic diseases due to their potent antioxidant capacity. The present work is aimed at reviewing the state of the art regarding (1) the vitamins involved in oxidative stress prevention in accordance with the requirements established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and (2) the foods of plant origin that are sources of those vitamins and have potential benefits against oxidative stress in humans. According to the European regulations based on EFSA scientific evidence, riboflavin, vitamin C, and vitamin E are those vitamins subjected to the approved health claim "contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress". Scientific studies conducted in humans with some natural food sources of riboflavin (almonds, wheat germ, mushrooms, oat bran), vitamin C (guava, kale, black currant, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, orange), and vitamin E (hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachio nuts, extra virgin olive oil, dates, rye) have been performed and published in the literature. However, no food of plant origin has obtained a favorable EFSA opinion to substantiate the approval of health claims related to its potential properties related to oxidative stress prevention. Further studies (concretely, well-controlled human intervention studies) must be carried out in accordance with EFSA requirements to provide the highest level of scientific evidence that could demonstrate the potential relationship between foods of plant origin and antioxidant capacity. This review could be useful for the scientific community to study the application of health claims referring to the antioxidant capacity potentially exerted by foods of plant origin.

Bioactive strawberry fruit (Arbutus unedo L.) extract remedies paraquat-induced neurotoxicity in the offspring prenatally exposed rats.

Paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4-4'-bipyridinium dichloride) exposure is well-established as a neurotoxic agent capable of causing neurological deficits in offspring. This study aimed to investigate therapeutic effects of Arbutus unedo L. aqueous extract (AU) against paraquat (PQ) exposure. For that the phytoconstituents of AU was determined by LC/MS, and then its antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays. The assessment included its impact on cell viability and mitochondrial metabolism using N27 dopaminergic cells. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of prenatal PQ exposure on motor coordination, dopamine levels, trace element levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in rat progeny. The phytochemical profile of AU extract revealed the presence of 35 compounds, primarily phenolic and organic acids, and flavonoids. This accounted for its strong in vitro antioxidant activities against DPPH and ABTS radicals, surpassing the activities of vitamin C. Our findings demonstrated that AU effectively inhibited PQ-induced loss of N27 rat dopaminergic neural cells and significantly enhanced their mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, daily post-treatment with AU during the 21 days of the rat's pregnancy alleviated PQ-induced motor deficits and akinesia in rat progeny. These effects inhibited dopamine depletion and reduced iron levels in the striatal tissues. The observed outcomes appeared to be mediated by the robust antioxidant activity of AU, effectively counteracting the PQ-induced decrease in TAC in the blood plasma of rat progeny. These effects could be attributed to the bioactive compounds present in AU, including phenolic acids such as gallic acid and flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, apigenin, glucuronide, and kaempferol, all known for their potent antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, this preclinical study provided the first evidence of the therapeutic potential of AU extract against PQ-induced neurotoxicity. These findings emphasize the need for further exploration of the clinical applicability of AU in mitigating neurotoxin-induced brain damage.

Microenvironment responsive pod-structured astaxanthin nanocarrier for ameliorating inflammatory bowel disease

Anti-inflammatory drugs targeting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have attracted considerable attention but still face low therapeutic outcomes and frequent side effects. Astaxanthin (ATX), a natural ketone, possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it faces problems such as poor water solubility, photothermal instability, and low bioavailability. Here, we employed a supramolecular encapsulation strategy to create a nanoscale oral delivery system for ATX (referred to as FC-ATX NPs) by coupling fucoidan (FUC) with chitosan oligosaccharides (COS). The obtained FC-ATX NPs exhibited a particular “bean pod” structure with uniform size, good encapsulation efficiency, excellent physical and chemical stability, pH-triggered intestinal targeted slow-release properties, and potent antioxidant capacity. In vitro cell culture experiments showed that FC-ATX NPs promoted cellular uptake and scavenged excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In mouse models of colitis, FC-ATX NPs enhanced the drug absorption of intestinal epithelial cells and effectively accumulated at the site of inflammation. This work provides an efficient approach to enhance the bioavailability of ATX and has excellent application potential as an oral targeted delivery system for colitis therapy.

Exploring The in vitro Efficacy of Psidium Guajava Leaf Oil Against Cutibacterium Granulosum

One potential approach to treat acne vulgaris is by utilizing Cutibacterium granulosum (C. granulosum) to break down the biofilm formed by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). When using cosmeceutical products containing certain essential oils, as they may have the unintended effect of eliminating C. granulosum, leading to the potential development of more severe acne vulgaris in the long term. No data for Psidium guajava (guava) leaves oil against C. granulosum has been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate in vitro antimicrobial activity of guava leaves oil against C. granulosum. This oil was extracted from the guava leaves by hydrodistillation using a clevenger-type apparatus. Then, the chemical compositions of this crude oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The percentage yield of this essential oil was 0.13 ± 0.2% (w/w) on fresh weight basis. The major compounds were β-caryophyllene (25.50%), limonene (11.58%), caryophyllene oxide (3.43%),a-copaene (2.92%), 1,8-cineole (2.08%), and a-pinene (1.28%). This essential oil exerted a potent antioxidant capacity with the half maximal inhibitory concentration of 32.7 ± 0.3 mg/ml from 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Additionally, the essential oil of guava leaves showed the susceptibility of C. granulosum by agar disc diffusion method with 22 ± 0.2 mm of clear inhibition zone. This essential oil also possessed against C. granulosum with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) of 3.125 µg/ml and 6.25 µg/ml from the broth microdilution susceptibility test. From these findings, this essential oil exhibited notable synergistic antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against C. granulosum.

Phytochemical diversity and biological activities of Curcuma species from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract. Yurasbe NQ, Din NA, Palaniveloo K, Manikam S, Nagappan T. 2023. Phytochemical diversity and biological activities of Curcuma species from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Biodiversitas 24: 4243-4252. Zingiberaceae has been associated with traditional medicine for centuries. The genus Curcuma is traditionally famous and economically important for its therapeutic and nutritional values. Over 50 genera of 1600 species are recorded worldwide, with the highest concentration in the Malesian region, including Indonesia, Borneo, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. We investigated the methanolic crude extracts of Curcuma aeruginosa, Curcuma caesia, Curcuma longa, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, and Curcuma zedoaria from Terengganu for their phytochemicals, total phenolic content (TPC) using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, total flavonoid content (TFC) using aluminum chloride colorimetric method, antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrezyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and toxicity using brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT). Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, glycosides, lignins, and oils in all species investigated. Curcuma longa extract had the highest phenolic and flavonoid content with the value of 155.31±1.78 mg GAE/g and 151±8.35 mg quercetin/g, respectively as well as best antioxidative potential with IC50 value of 88.65±0.6 mg/mL, followed by C. zedoaria (98.61±5.23 mg/mL), C. aeruginosa (142.51±3.29 mg/mL), C. xanthorrhiza (150.01±0.63 mg/mL) and C. caesia (156.4±0.67 mg/mL). Curcuma caesia displays the lowest degree of toxicity compared to the other species, with the LC50 value of 11585 mg/mL) considered non-cytotoxic. Hence, the selected Curcuma species has potential therapeutic value to be developed into pharmaceutical due to its significant bioactive potentials and potent antioxidant capacity.

Antioxidant Effects of Quercetin Nanocrystals in Nanosuspension against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in a Zebrafish Model.

Quercetin, a flavonoid compound rich in hydroxyl groups, possesses antioxidant properties, whereas its poor water solubility limits its bioavailability. In pursuit of addressing the water solubility of quercetin and comprehending the impact of nanocrystal particle size on antioxidant efficacy, we prepared three different-sized quercetin nanocrystals, namely small (50 nm), medium (140 nm), and large (360 nm), using a nanosuspension method in this study. Within the in vitro setting, assessments employing solubility and radical scavenging assays revealed that quercetin nanocrystals displayed superior solubility (26, 21, and 13 fold corresponding to small, medium, and large particle sizes) and antioxidant performance compared to the coarse quercetin. Furthermore, quercetin nanocrystals of three particle sizes all demonstrated significant protection effects on the survival rate of H2O2-treated zebrafish at 72 h (77.78%, 73.33%, and 66.67% for small, medium, and large particle sizes, respectively), while the coarse quercetin group exhibited a low survival rate (53.3%) similar to the H2O2-treated group (47.8%). Moreover, all quercetin nanocrystals exhibited potent antioxidant capacity on both the antioxidants and enzymatic antioxidant system in H2O2-treated zebrafish to restore zebrafish to a normal state under oxidative stress. For instance, the levels of reactive oxygen species were reduced to 101.10%, 108.83%, and 109.77% of the normal levels for small, medium, and large particle-sized quercetin nanocrystals, respectively. In conclusion, quercetin nanocrystals demonstrated enhanced solubility, robust antioxidant capacity, and protective effects in zebrafish compared to coarse quercetin.

Effect of spray‐dried pomegranate peel polyphenols on the inhibition of lipid oxidation

SummaryPomegranate peel polyphenols, specifically the punicalagin, have gained importance due to their potential antioxidant capacity and because of this different methodologies to encapsulate and protect the polyphenols for proposing their uses have been proposed. The objective of the present work was to optimise the spray drying of pomegranate peel polyphenols and additionally to evaluate their antioxidant activity based on lipid oxidation inhibition. The spray‐drying process was optimised via Taguchi L9 orthogonal array considering the feed flow (3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 mL min−1), temperature (125, 150, and 200 °C), and airflow (30, 35, and 40 m3 h−1). The lipid oxidation inhibition was the response variable. The optimal spray‐drying conditions were experimentally validated, and the changes in polyphenols were analysed by HPLC‐ESI‐MS. The spray‐drying conditions optimised at which the polyphenols better preserved their antioxidant capacity (i.e., 87.40% of inhibition) were feed flow, 4.5 mL min−1; temperature, 125 °C; and airflow, 35 m3 h−1. However, temperature control was the most critical factor for obtaining good quality spray‐dried polyphenols (37.65% of influence). This permitted us to propose that spray‐dried pomegranate peel polyphenols could be used as antioxidants in edible oils.

Reverse ethnopharmacological-guided study of Aristolochia trilabiata leaves - unveiling its antioxidant potential and chemical profile

Oxidative stress, a contributing factor to numerous diseases such as inflammation, has sparked increased interest in the search for natural antioxidants known for their biodegradability and low toxicity. In this study, we investigated Aristolochia trilabiata, a plant native to the Brazilian Amazon, as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Using the "reverse ethnopharmacology" method, we collected valuable information on the medicinal uses of A. trilabiata. A total of 15 families were interviewed, and remarkably 40% reported medicinal uses of decoction and infusion of its leaves mainly to treat inflammation, pain, and urinary issues. Otherwise, 27% were aware without details, and 33% had no knowledge about the species. Since inflammation was described as medicinal use, our study focused on the antioxidant capacities of the aqueous extract (ExtH2O) and its methanolic (FrMeOH) and aqueous (FrH2O) fractions from the leaves of A. trilabiata, associated with their molecular profiles. Thus, the antioxidant capacities of aqueous extract and its fractions were evaluated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. The molecular profile was assessed via Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. As a result, FrMeOH exhibited a potent antioxidant capacity (4.94 mmol TE/g), confirmed promising ability against oxygen-derived free radicals, and it was associated mainly with eriodictyol and blumenol C-derived compounds, which beyond potent antioxidant effects, could be associated with anti-inflammatory properties, making A. trilabiata a promising natural source of bioactive that opens exciting avenues for further research and utilization in medicine and natural product discovery.

Biological Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoaggregates Prepared from the Aqueous Extract of Cymbopogon citratus against Candida spp.

Cymbopogon citratus is commonly used in folk medicine for the treatment of nervous and gastrointestinal disturbances and other medical issues because of its potent antioxidant capacity. The current study evaluated the anti-candida effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from an aqueous extract of C. citratus against different Candida spp. The aqueous extract was prepared from the fresh leaves of C. citratus. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared and validated by UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and zeta size analysis. C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. famata, C. rhodotorula, and C. glabrata were used in the antifungal assay. Microscopical imaging were used to investigate the different morphological changes induced by treatment. FTIR spectrum confirmed the existence of various functional groups of biomolecules capping the nanoparticles. The average particle size of synthesized AgNPs was 100.6 nm by zeta-sizer and 0.012 to 0.059 mm by TEM. In the antifungal assay, AgNPs aggregates induced significant inhibition of the growth of all species (p < 0.05) compared to the control and the biofilm maturation in C. famata and C. albicans. These considerable antifungal activities might lead to the development of appropriate alternative remedy for the treatment of fungal infections.

Improving functional properties of rice protein isolates by hydrolysis using alcalase enzyme and assessing bioactivities of hydrolysates

AbstractBackgroundDeveloping value‐added products from rice grains is becoming increasingly significant to enhance productivity from excess rice grains. Therefore, the objective of this study was to improve the functional properties of rice protein from four rice varieties, namely, RRF‐127, RRF‐105, Swarna, and Protezin by enzymatic hydrolysis, and also to evaluate bioactivities like antioxidant, ACE, and DPP‐IV inhibitory activities of the hydrolysates.ResultsThe alcalase hydrolysis increased protein solubility to &gt;80% in the pH range of 4–10. The foaming capacity and stability of rice protein hydrolysates (RPHs) improved with the increase in pH. The hydrolysis significantly improved the emulsification activity index (EAI) in the pH range of 5–9. The hydrolysates showed antioxidant activity, namely, ABTS•+radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal ion chelation. RRF‐105 was found to possess the most potent antioxidant capacity among the hydrolysates. RPH could alleviate oxidative damage in erythrocytes, and their protective effects were concentration‐dependent. The hydrolysates had stronger inhibition of ACE and DPP‐IV enzymes. Protezin exhibited the highest ACE inhibition (63%), while Swarna demonstrated the most effective DPP‐IV inhibition (66%).ConclusionHydrolysis with alcalase improved the functional and bioactive properties of rice proteins, indicating that RPH could serve as a source of bioactive peptides or as a functional ingredient with potential properties.

In situ reduction synthesis of quinoline-based copper(I) complexes: “Self-activating” chemical nuclease, antioxidation and anticancer activity

Two new Cu(І) complexes, [Cu2(L1)2(μ-Br)2] (1) and [Cu2(L1)2(μ-Cl)2] (2) were synthesized from Cu(II) halogen salts and the reduced Schiff base ligand. Stable Cu(І) complexes were obtained via in situ reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) and the CN was oxidize to C = N in the ligand. The structures of two complexes were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis as well as IR and UV–Vis spectra. The two complexes have potential antioxidant capacity and exhibit efficiently self-activated DNA cleavage activity and hydroxyl radical ROS cleavage mechanism. MTT was used to assay cytotoxicity of the complexes toward a series of tumor cell and HUVEC cell lines. Both complexes exhibited higher selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells than normal cells, which is significantly superior to the positive control. The complexes could induce cell apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway by increase of ROS levels and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Furthermore, the complexes can obviously inhibit the migration and invasion of the quiz tumor cells, as well as inhibit the angiogenesis of HUVEC cells.

Synthesis and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of novel isopropylquinazolinones

To find new anti-browning and whitening agents in this study, new series of isopropylquinazolinone derivatives were designed and synthesized. All derivatives were evaluated as possible tyrosinase inhibitors and compound 9q bearing 4-fluorobenzyl moieties at the R position exhibited the best potencies with an IC50 value of 34.67 ± 3.68 µM. The kinetic evaluations of 9q as the most potent derivatives recorded mix-type inhibition. Compounds 9o and 9q also exhibited potent antioxidant capacity with IC50 values of 38.81 and 40.73 µM, respectively confirming their antioxidant potential. Molecular docking studies of 9q as the most potent derivative were exacuated and it was shown that quinazolinone and acetamide moieties of compound 9q participated in interaction with critical His residues of the binding site. The obtained results demonstrated that the 9q can be considered a suitable pharmacophore to develop potent tyrosinase inhibitors.

Association between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 and GRACE risk score in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

In this study, we measured the levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), which has the potential antioxidant capacity, among non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients compared with healthy controls. We also investigated the possible association between KEAP1 levels and the GRACE score, which is a universal risk score commonly used for patients with acute myocardial infarction. As the patient group, 78 patients admitted to our center with a diagnosis of NSTEMI were included in the study. As the control group, 77 individuals found to have normal coronary arteries after coronary arteriography were included (155 patients in total). GRACE risk scores and left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs) were calculated, KEAP1 levels were measured, and the usual blood tests were performed. KEAP1 levels were significantly higher among the NSTEMI patients compared to the healthy control group (671.1 ± 120.7 vs. 262.7 ± 105.7, p < 0.001). We also found a moderate positive correlation between KEAP1 levels and GRACE risk scores among patients with NSTEMI (r = +0.521, p < 0.001). Additionally, a negative correlation between KEAP1 levels and LVEFs was detected (r = -0.264, p < 0.001). Elevated KEAP1 levels have the potential to be used as a risk factor for NSTEMI in terms of clinical adverse events and poor prognosis at admission.

Antioxidant Activities of Plant Extracts (Ammannia multiflora, Ammannia coccinea, and Salix gracilistyla) Activate the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

To identify potent plant extracts with strong antioxidant activity, we evaluated the free radical scavenging activity of 184 plant extracts obtained from the Freshwater Bioresources Culture Collection (FBCC) of Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources (Republic of Korea), as various plant extracts have been used therapeutically to prevent chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. From them, three plant extracts (FBCC-EP858 from Ammannia multiflora, FBCC-EP920 from Ammannia coccinea, and FBCC-EP1014 from Salix gracilistyla) were selected based on their abilities to scavenge the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical with more than 80% efficiency. We found that these extracts had in vitro half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 11.89 to 14.26 μg/mL and strong total antioxidant activity (corresponding to approximately 0.18, 0.22, and 0.23 mM Trolox, respectively). We also studied the effect of these extracts on RAW 264.7 macrophages and found that FBCC-EP920 significantly downregulated relative cell viability at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. However, the other two extracts, FBCC-EP858 and FBCC-EP1014, did not affect cell viability at the same concentration. Additionally, all three extracts inhibited hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in RAW 264.7 macrophages. An additional experiment in zebrafish larvae showed that the three extracts reduced 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescent intensity induced by H2O2. The extracts also upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and an HO-1 inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), attenuated the extract-induced antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, these findings suggest that the extracts from A. multiflora, A. coccinea, and S. gracilistyla have potential free radical scavenging and antioxidant capacities both in vivo and in vitro by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. These results could be useful for the prevention and treatment of various oxidative stress-mediated human diseases.