Potent Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Ameliorative effect of N-acetylcysteine on the testicular tissue of adult male albino rats after glyphosate-based herbicide exposure.

Glyphosate (GLP) is a broad-spectrum herbicide that is frequently used in crop production, but its residues remain in foodstuffs. This, in turn, has led to potential adverse effects on both human and animal health. Recent studies emphasized that GLP induces teratogenic effects and reproductive disorders, but its mechanism of toxicity is highly debated. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is well known for its potent antioxidant capacity in addition to anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the reproductive toxicity of GLP in mature rats and evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of NAC against this toxicity. To this end, 30 adult male rats were assigned into three groups (10 rats per group) as follows: Group I, negative control; group II, GLP-exposed; 375 mg/kg GLP, orally; group III, NAC-cotreated, 160 mg/kg NAC 1 h before GLP, plus GLP, 375 mg/kg orally for 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the testicles were collected for semen analysis and biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. GLP-exposed rats exhibited disturbances in seminal parameters and a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels and expression of apoptotic markers. Several histopathological changes were observed, including strong immunoreactions for caspase-3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Conversely, the administration of NAC before GLP was able to improve seminal parameters, attenuate the induced oxidative stressand apoptosis in addition to the regeneration of testicular damage. In conclusion, NAC can ameliorate the reproductive toxicity induced by GLP to an acceptable degree.

Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS1.0386 with antioxidant capacity ameliorates the lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver injury in mice by NF-κB and Nrf2 pathway

The Lactobacillus is of great interest as a natural antioxidant to ameliorate liver injury for its antioxidant capacity. In a previous experiment, Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386 was excellent in adhesion and anti-inflammation. This research assessed the antioxidant capacity of L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 and how it ameliorates the LPS-induced acute liver injury. In vitro results showed that L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 had potential antioxidant capacity with 27 genes, and it had better capacities in hydroxyl radicals scavenging and lipid antioxidant than the reference strain L. plantarum WCFS1 (P < 0.05). In vivo results, L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 significantly reduced hepatic tissue injury, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities and biochemical indicators of hepatotoxicity (ALT, AST, ALP) (P < 0.05), compared with the LPS-treated mice. Moreover, L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 increased the relative abundance of the genera, including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Muribaculaceae and Alistipes, which significantly increased the level of acetic acid and butyric acid (P < 0.05). The results also showed L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 significantly adjusted the expression of HO-1, NQO1, CAT, NF-κB, TLR4 and IκB-α in the liver (P < 0.05). Overall, these results indicated that L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 had great functionality in reducing LPS-induced acute liver injury.

Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima: A Valuable Food with High Added Health Benefits

The present study was conducted to evaluate a natural extract, obtained from the Beta vulgaris plant, for its phytochemical composition and its beneficial health effects. Therefore, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as identification and quantification of phenolic compounds by HPLC, were assessed in leaves’ extract. Moreover, antioxidant activities were investigated using free radical scavenging tests, (ABTS+ and DPPH+) and reducing power assay (FRAP) as well as ferrous ions’ (Fe2+) chelating activity. The Antiglycation effect was also evaluated, using the BSA-fructose model, and the antidiabetic effect was determined by inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Additionally, the in vitro antitumor effect was quantified using the MTT assay, and the antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts exhibited potential antioxidant capacity with a higher effect for the methanolic extract. Furthermore, the in vitro antitumor activity of the methanolic extracts exhibited potent cytotoxic effects against two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7. Moreover, Beta vulgaris extracts inhibit not only α-amylase and α-glucosidase, but also advanced glycation end-products’ (AGEs) formation, which would prevent diabetes’ complications. Beta vulgaris methanolic extract revealed also a high antibacterial effect against Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus subtilis. Taken together, these results revealed that Beta vulgaris leaves’ extracts constitute a valuable food and natural source of bioactive molecules that could be used for the development of new, natural drugs against cancer and diabetes.

Sulfur-Containing Phenolic Compounds from the Cave Soil-Derived Aspergillus fumigatus GZWMJZ-152.

Six new sulfur-containing phenolic compounds (1-6) and their putative metabolic precursors (7-9) were isolated from the cave soil-derived fungus Aspergillus fumigatus GZWMJZ-152. Compound 1 represents an unusual benzophenone-diketopiperazine hybrid via a thioether linker, while compound 2 contains a naturally rare sulfoxide group. Both compounds 2 and 3 were initially isolated as racemic mixtures and then purified as the enantiomerically pure (+)-2, (-)-2, (+)-3, and (-)-3, respectively. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction, and the calculations of electronic circular dichroism. The antioxidant activity of compounds 1-9 was evaluated based on oxygen radical absorbance capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, and the protective effect on the PC12 cell line against H2O2-induced damage. Compounds 5-7 and 9 showed radical-scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals with the IC50 values of 3.45 ± 0.02, 23.73 ± 0.08, 18.90 ± 0.16, and 17.27 ± 0.15 μM, respectively. Compounds (±)-2, 4, 7, and 8 exhibited potent antioxidant capacity with oxygen radical absorbance capacity values of 1.73 ± 0.13, 1.65 ± 0.03, 6.14 ± 0.35, and 1.55 ± 0.04 μmol TE/μmol, respectively. Compounds (±)-2 and (±)-3 also exhibited protective effects on oxidative injury of PC12 cells induced by H2O2.

Combined Effect of Essential Oils from Lavender (Lavandula officinalis L.) Aerial Parts and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Seeds on Antioxidant, Anti-diabetic, Anti-cancer and Anti-inflammatory Activities

This study aimed to determine the chemical compositions and the biological activity of coriander and lavender and their combinations. Results showed that coriander and lavender essential oils (EOs) were dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (79.91-91.89%) owing to the predominance of linalool (25.83-86.63%). Lavender EO had the potent antioxidant (IC50DPPH = 48.53 µg/ml and IC50ABTS = 195.84 µg/ml), anticancer (IP = 54.07%) and anti-inflammatory (IC50 = 64.73 µg/ml) capacities while C. sativum EO was the most effective antidiabetic agent (IC50 = 643.57 µg/ml). The combination of coriander and lavender EOs had enhanced the antiradical ABTS (IC50 = 048.53-187.34 µg/ml) and anti-inflammatory (IC50 = 40.90-60.10 µg/ml) activities. Neutral interaction was detected between coriander and lavender EOs for antiradical DPPH (IC50 = 58.89-82.26 µg/ml) and antidiabetic (IC50 = 690.64-756.94 µg/ml) activities. However, an antagonist effect was produced between coriander and lavender EOs against HT-29 (IP = 11.13-21.52%).

Carotenoids from Haloarchaea: Extraction, Fractionation, and Characterization.

Carotenoids are bioactive molecules known to promote human health. Many extreme halophilic archaea synthesize carotenoids, mainly represented by C50 bacterioruberin (BR) and its derivatives. BR has a potent antioxidant capacity, even higher than that of β-carotene, thus, there is an increasing interest to advance the study of its biological properties as well as to extend its current applications. Here, we describe a procedure to extract and characterize carotenoids (enriched in BR) from haloarchaea using a "hyperpigmented" genetically modified strain of Haloferax volcanii.

Biochemical parameters and antioxidant property of three Salvia L. taxa endemic in Turkey.

The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the fatty acids, lipid soluble vitamins, sterols, phenolics, and antioxidant capacities of three endemic Salvia L. taxa (S. euphratica var. Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham leiocalycina (Rech. Fil.) Hedge, S. euphratica var. Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham euphratica (Rech. Fil.) Hedge and S. pseudoeuphratica Rech.Fil.) and to evaluate these results systematically. The fatty acid compositions were determined by using gas chromatography, while the lipid soluble vitamins, sterols, and phenolics were determined by using HPLC. Also, the antioxidant capacities of three Salvia taxa were measured in vitro. Palmitic acid was found as major saturated fatty acid while oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and erucic acid were found as major unsaturated fatty acids in the present study. It was found that S. euphratica var. euphratica had lower palmitic acid (8.94 ± 0.71%), total saturated fatty acid (19.16 ± 0.15%), and higher unsaturated fatty acid content (82.08 ± 0.52%) than other studied taxa. Furthermore, it was shown that S. euphratica var. euphratica had different 18.3/18:2 (0.36) unsaturated/saturated fatty acid (4.28) ratios. However, this study demonstrated that Salvia taxa had low lipid soluble vitamins, sterol contents. On the other hand, it was shown that Salvia taxa had similar catechin (509.2 ± 4.21 µg/g and 552.2 ± 9.21 µg/g) and vanillic acid amounts (351.2 ± 2.17 µg/g and 396.8 ± 4.1 µg/g) in this study. And also, it was found that Salvia taxa had high rosmarinic acid content while S. euphratica var. leiocalycina had the highest rosmarinic acid content (1480 ± 7.57 µg/g). On the other hand, it was shown that the two ferulic acid contents of S. euphratica varieties were higher (1175 ±/5.21 µgmg-1740.2 ± 4.82 µg/mg) than the ferulic acid content of S. pseudoeuphratica of which was the lowest (19.2 ± 0.97 µg/mg). The present results suggested that the biochemical results guided the morphological studies, and Salvia taxa have a potent antioxidant capacity.

Cardioprotective properties of Artemisia herba alba nanoparticles against heart attack in rats: A study of the antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities

Recently, pharmaceutical scientists' interest has increased to find novel pharmaceutical natural substances with potent antioxidant capacity and very low side effects to be used safely in preventive medicine. One of the most common types of diseases with a large spread globally is cardiovascular diseases, which cause a high rate of deaths annually. The present study evaluated the use of Artemisia herba alba leaves’ extract (AHALE) and AHALE zinc oxide nanoparticles (AHALE–ZnONPs) against isoproterenol (ISO) inducing myocardial infarction (MI) in male rats. Several groups of Wistar male rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were pretreated with several doses of AHALE or AHALE–ZnONPs for one month followed by exposure to ISO for two days. After treatment, samples of the rats’ heart tissues and blood were collected for several molecular biological and biochemical analyses. Heart enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation compounds, lipid markers, activities, ROS generation, apoptosis, DNA damage and expression of lipid metabolism genes were analyzed in rats pretreated with AHALE or AHALE–ZnONPs followed by exposure to ISO. The results showed an increase in the levels of AST, ALT, LDH, CK, CK-MB, and cTnT (heart markers), elevation in TG, TC, and LDL levels (lipid profile markers), levels of TBARS and LOOH (lipid peroxidation products), ROS generation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and upregulation of PPAR-α, ADD1, FASN, and ACC genes in animals exposed to ISO in comparison with the control animals. Moreover, a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities, including GPx, GRx, and GST, was observed in animals exposed to ISO in comparison with control rats. In male rats pretreated with AHALE or AHALE–ZnONPs followed by exposure to ISO, the oxidative stress induced by ISO was prevented. The results suggest that Artemisia extract could be considered for use as one of the natural compounds for prevention of atherosclerosis and heart diseases due to its high antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities. The reduced oxidative stress of Artemisia extract may be a result of the existence of flavonoids and phenolic substances.

Utilization of Industrial Rosa damascena Mill. By-products and Cocoa Pod Husks as Natural Preservatives in Muffins

Cocoa Pod Husks (CPH) and by-product from supercritical CO2 extracted Rosa damascena Mill. (RDCO2) were used as biopreservatives in muffins. Both by-products were rich source of polyphenols: 28.3 ± 0.6 mg/g Dry Weight (DW) and 17.9 ± 0.7 mg/g DW RDCO2 and CPH, respectively, and exhibited potent antioxidant capacity: 449.1 ± 8.5 µmol Trolox Equivalents (TE)/g DW (by ORAC method) and 58.9 ± 2.1 µmol Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/g DW (by HORAC method) for the RDCO2, and 373.8 ± 9.0 µmol TE/g DW (by ORAC) and 36.8 ± 3.8 µmol GAE/g DW (by HORAC) for the CPH. RDCO2 extracts successfully inhibited development of several important pathogenic and saprophytic microorganisms causing microbial spoilage of food systems. The control muffins were good for consumption up to the 17th day, while the products supplemented with RDCO2 and CPH: until 20th day of storage at 22 ± 0.5 °C. The amount of dietary fibers in muffins supplemented with both by-products increased 3 times (8.57 ± 0.12 %) compared to control (2.91 ± 0.12 %) and the polyphenolic compounds increased 2.5 times (from 50.0 ± 0.3 for the control to 185.9 ± 0.6 mg/g DW). For the first time by-product of supercritical CO2 extraction of Rosa damascena Mill. was characterized and used as natural and cheap biopreservative.

Determination of polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties of Zhourat using different extraction conditions

Zhourat is an herbal infusion popular in the Middle East consisting of a mixture of different plants. The aim of this study was to (1) to determine the best conditions to extract phenolic compounds from twelve plants and their combination (Rosa damascena (Wared Joury, Zer Wared), Viola odorata L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Althaaea officinalis Linn., Melissa officinalis, Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Foeniculum vulgare L., Pimpinella anisum L., Saccharum officinarum L., Prunus dulcis, andZea mays L.), and (2) to elucidate their bioactive potential (antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity). Different conditions were used for the extraction and the subsequent analysis was performed. Results showed that optimal extraction conditions vary greatly between different kind of plants. A mixture of 50% water/50% ethanol at 40°C appeared to be optimal to extract the antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds for the samples tested. The total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 0.2 mg GAE/g and 11.4 mg GAE/g. Zer Wared and Wared extracts at 40 ˚C showed the highest free radical scavenging activity. For TPC and anti-radical properties, Zhourat blend extracts did not show any additional effect over individual plants, and results fell in mid-range. As for the antimicrobial effect, antibacterial properties varied among the different plants as well. No synergistic effects appeared for the Zhourat mixture as a whole; neither antimicrobial nor antioxidant tests showed added value in mixing twelve plants. Wared and Zer Wared seem to have the best antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, followed by the Zhourat mixture. The results suggested that the most available herbal infusions in Lebanon should better be consumed on their own, rather than in a Zhourat Mixture. The combination of herbal ingredients in Zhourat mixture mertits further inbestigation.

Structural characterization of a pure polysaccharide from Bletilla striata tubers and its protective effect against H2O2-induced injury fibroblast cells

The present study investigated the structural characteristics and its protective effect against H2O2-induced injury fibroblast cells of Bletilla striata tuber polysaccharide. The polysaccharides were gently extracted by water and recovered using the method of alcohol precipitation, and after further purification by DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow gel column, a pure polysaccharide (pBSP) was finally obtained. The structural characterization of pBSP were investigated by using periodate oxidation studies, Smith-degradation, FT-IR spectroscopy, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The antioxidant effect of pBSP was evaluated by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human fibroblast model cells induced by H2O2. It was firstly reported that pBSP was composed of d-glucose and D-mannose in a molar ratio of 1.00:1.34 with a molecular weight of 327.6 kDa. The repeating units of pBSP contained (1 → 4)-linked-β-D-Manp, (1 → 4)-linked-α-D-Glcp and (1 → 3)-linked-β-D-Manp, and there was no branched chain. pBSP exhibited no toxic effect on fibroblasts cells and could protect them against H2O2-induced injuries. After pretreatment with pBSP for 24 h, the content of ROS in fibroblasts decreased significantly. These results not only confirm the availability B. striata, but also indicate that pBSP have potential antioxidant capacity. Our observations can provide foundation for further development of pBSP-based cosmetics.

Amaranthus hybridus Linn. leaf extract ameliorates oxidative stress and hepatic damage abnormalities induced by thioacetamide in rats

A hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Amaranthus hybridus (HLEAH) at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was investigated for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects on thioacetamide (TAA)- induced hepatic damage in rats. Liver damage was induced by administering TAA (300 mg/L) in drinking water for 10 weeks. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid contents were 14.12±0.01 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE), 3.39±0.02 mg quercetin equivalents (QE), and 2.86±0.01 mg/100 mg, respectively. Amino acid profiles showed the presence of sixteen amino acids. HLEAH exhibited a potent and dose-dependent antioxidant capacity in vitro, probably reflecting its rich content of antioxidant compounds. HLEAH ameliorated the TAA-induced elevation of rat liver enzyme markers and increases in total protein. It also increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, but decreased the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers. Histopathological studies suggested an alleviation of tissue fibrosis and prevention of progression to cirrhosis. GC–MS profiling of HLEAH showed six compounds, with 5,7-dihydroxyl flavone, N‑hydroxyl benzene sulfonamide, and benzene sulfonyl chloride as predominant components. These data indicate that Amaranthus hybridus has a beneficial effect against hepatic abnormalities caused by TAA. This effect is attributed to the plant's nutritional components and potent antioxidative capacity, thereby validating its traditional use in liver disease management.

In vitro antioxidant properties of herb decoction extracts derived from Epirus, Greece

For thousands of years, medicinal herbs have been an integral part of traditional medicine, since a number of them exhibit potent antioxidant properties, mainly associated with their rich content in bioactive compounds. Based on these attributes, nowadays, medicinal herbs are used for industrial purposes (e.g., as natural food additives) and are also evaluated as chemopreventive strategies for diseases associated with the disruption of redox homeostasis. In that frame, the aim of the present study was to appraise the redox properties of various medicinal or edible herbs originating from the region of Epirus in Greece. The antioxidant, reducing and antigenotoxic effects of herb decoction extracts were evaluated using a series of in vitro cell‑free assays. Whereupon, non‑cytotoxic concentrations of the four most potent herb decoction extracts (i.e., <em>Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Aloysia citrodora and Rosmarinus officinalis</em>) were used to treat EA.hy926 endothelial cells, and the glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined using flow cytometry in order to detect the potential changes induced in the intracellular redox equilibrium. The results indicated that apart from the <em>Rosmarinus officinalis</em> decoction extract, which did not induce any changes following treatment, the decoction extracts of <em>Origanum vulgare</em> (50 <em>µ</em>g/ml) and <em>Salvia officinalis</em> (10 and 20 <em>µ</em>g/ml) induced a significant decrease in GSH levels compared with the controls, while the decoction extract of <em>Aloysia citrodora</em> was the most bioactive, inducing a significant decrease in GSH levels at all concentrations used (5, 10 and 20 <em>µ</em>g/ml). On the whole, the tested herb decoction extracts exhibited a potent antioxidant capacity. In addition, the most robust of these were able to disrupt the antioxidant mechanisms of the EA.hy926 cell line, as revealed by the depletion of the intracellular GSH levels, rendering them promising contenders for further studies.

Peanut skin phenolics obtained by green solvent extraction: characterization and antioxidant activity in pure chia oil and chia oil in water (O/W) emulsion.

The peanut skin (PS) is considered as an industrial waste with undervalued applications. Although several studies report potent antioxidant capacities of PS phenolics, the effectiveness in highly unsaturated lipid systems has not yet been evaluated. The objectives of the present study were two-fold: (i) to characterize a PS phenolic extract (PSE) obtained by means of a green technology and (ii) to evaluate its antioxidant efficacy on pure chia oil and chia oil in water (O/W) acid emulsion. PSE was composed mainly of monomeric and condensed flavonoids (procyanidin and proanthocyanidin oligomers). PSE displayed strong antioxidant properties as measured by different reducing power and radical scavenging capacities [IC50 =0.36 μg dry extract (DE) mL-1 for ferric reducing antioxidant power; IC50 =4.96 μg DE mL-1 for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)• ; IC50 =6.01 μg DE mL-1 for 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS)•+ ; IC50 =2.62 μg DE mL-1 for HO• ]. It also showed high antioxidant efficacy when tested in pure chia oil under accelerated oxidation conditions (Rancimat, 100 °C). When added to the O/W emulsions maintained at 40 °C for 15 days, the PSE was more effective than a synthetic antioxidant (tert-butylhydroquinone) with respect to minimizing the formation and degradation of lipid hydroperoxides. The antioxidant efficacy of PSE was primarily attributed to the abundance of compounds with a high number of phenolic-OH groups. Because they were found to cover a relatively wide range of partition coefficients, the antioxidant properties could be also enhanced by effect of both interfacial and solubility phenomena. All of these features allow the potential use of PSE as a natural antioxidant in different types of foods, including acid emulsion systems. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synergistic effects of salicylic acid and light stress on bioactive metabolites in basil callus cultures

Thai basil is a well-known medicinal plant that is rich in bioactive antioxidant compounds having a variety of health benefits, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Plant cell and tissue culture technologies can be systematically developed as a valuable, low-cost biomass supply for the production of high-value phytochemicals. The aim of this study is to create an effective protocol for producing “Thai basil” leaf derived callus cultures with a high yield of biomass and antioxidants as an alternative to growing plants using salicylic acid and various light regimes as elicitors. Salicylic acid (SA) and light significantly affects many metabolic processes coupled with biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. Callus was exploited with various SA concentrations under 3 different light regimes. Indeed, the results of our research disclose that continuous light with moderate SA concentration (10 μM) significantly increased total phenolic content (18.7 ± 1.13 mg/g DW), flavonoid content (7.2 ± 0.21 mg/g DW), eugenol (0.56 ± 0.015 mg/g DW), rosmarinic acid (54.35 ± 1.85 mg/g DW), chicoric acid (64.46 ± 6.71 mg/g DW) cyanidin (0.42 ± 0.021 mg/g DW) and peonidin (0.32 ± 0.002 mg/g DW) production followed by photoperiod and dark. SA treatment (25 μM) under photoperiod showed maximum biomass accumulation (FW: 226.6 ± 3.91 g/L and DW: 16.44 ± 0.59 g/L) and caffeic acid production (0.54 ± 0.025 mg/g DW). Moreover in vitro antioxidant potential (DPPH and ABTS) and cellular antioxidant capacity was found higher in continuous light treated callus along with 10 μM SA treatment. Callus extracts also showed biocompatibility with human erythrocytes that indicates their nontoxic nature and moderate potential against alpha-amylase inhibition which will help in regulating glucose level. Compared to commercial leaves, callus extracts showed higher production of chicoric acid and rosmarinic acid associated with higher antioxidant capacity. In addition, this biological system also has a large capacity for continuous biomass production, thus demonstrating its high potential for possible nutraceutical applications.

Micropropagation of Rare Scutellaria havanensis Jacq. and Preliminary Studies on Antioxidant Capacity and Anti-Cancer Potential.

We report the development of in vitro propagation protocols through an adventitious shoot induction pathway for a rare and medicinal Scutellaria havanensis. In vitro propagation studies using nodal explants showed MS medium supplemented with 10 µM 6-Benzylaminopurine induced the highest number of adventitious shoots in a time-dependent manner. A ten-day incubation was optimum for shoot bud induction as longer exposures resulted in hyperhydricity of the explants and shoots induced. We also report preliminary evidence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105-mediated gene transfer transiently expressing the green fluorescent protein in this species. Transformation studies exhibited amenability of various explant tissues, internode being the most receptive. As the plant has medicinal value, research was carried out to evaluate its potential antioxidant capacity and the efficacy of methanolic leaf extracts in curbing the viability of human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. Comparative total polyphenol and flavonoid content measurement of fresh and air-dried leaf extract revealed that the fresh leaf extracts contain higher total polyphenol and flavonoid content. The HCT 116 cell viability was assessed by colorimetric assay using a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, showed a steady growth inhibition after 24 h of incubation. Scanning electron microscopy of leaf surface revealed a high density of glandular and non-glandular trichomes. This research provides a basis for the conservation of this rare plant and future phytochemical screening and clinical research.

Self-Assembling Antioxidants for Ischemia-Reperfusion Injuries.

Significance: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a major component of severe damage in vascular occlusion during stroke, myocardial infarction, surgery, and organ transplantation, and is exacerbated by the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which occurs particularly during reperfusion. With the aging of the population, IR injury is becoming a serious problem in various organs, such as the kidney, brain, and heart, as well as in the mesenteric capillaries. Recent Advances: To prevent reperfusion injuries, natural and synthetic low-molecular-weight (LMW) antioxidants have been well studied. Critical Issues: However, these LMW antioxidants have various problems, including adverse effects due to excessive cellular uptake and their rapid clearance by the kidney, and cannot fully exert their potent antioxidant capacity in vivo. Future Directions: To overcome these problems, we designed and developed redox polymers with antioxidants covalently conjugated with them. These polymers self-assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous media, referred to as redox nanoparticles (RNPs). RNPs suppress their uptake into normal cells, accumulate at inflammation sites, and effectively scavenge ROS in damaged tissues. We had developed two types of RNPs: RNPN, which disintegrates in response to acidic pH; and RNPO, which does not collapse, regardless of the environmental pH. Utilizing the pH-sensitive and -insensitive characteristics of RNPN and RNPO, respectively, RNPs were found to exhibit remarkable therapeutic effects on various oxidative stress disorders, including IR injuries. Thus, RNPs are promising nanomedicines for use as next-generation antioxidants. This review summarizes the therapeutic impacts of RNPs in the treatment of kidney, cerebral, myocardial, and intestinal IR injuries. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 70-80.

The Potential Antioxidant Activity and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds of Stahlianthus involucratus.

Stahlianthus involucratus (S. involucratus) has anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities; however, there are no literature reports on its antioxidant capacity. This study presents a comparative assessment of the polyphenols contents, flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activity of the aqueous and methanol extracts of S. involucratus (ASI and MSI). Moreover, the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in H2O2-induced H9c2 cells pretreated with the MSI was measured by RT-qPCR, and furthermore, MSI were characterized by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. The results indicated that the MSI had higher antioxidant contents and antioxidant capacity, and MSI could inhibit H2O2-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS characterized 15 phenolic compounds from the MSI. In conclusion, S. involucratus has the potential antioxidant capacity.

Enrichment of dimerumic acid in Monascus‐fermented rice and its in vivo antioxidant activity

AbstractMonascus‐fermented rice (MFR) has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for the revitalization of blood, digestion problems, and cardiovascular disorders. Through a biotechnological approach, MFR is produced by the solid‐state fermentation of rice by Monascus spp. MFR has remarkable therapeutic properties as it contains several bioactive compounds, and dimerumic acid is one of the important siderophore‐based antioxidant fermentative metabolites found in it. This study aimed to screen out the medium composition for the production of dimerumic acid (DMA) and evaluate its antioxidant potential. Different strains of Monascus purpureus Microbial Type Culture Collection &amp; Gene Bank (MTCC) 410, 369, 1090 and Monascus ruber MTCC 1880, 2326 and Monascus pilosus CBS 286.34, CBS 290.34 with different solid substrate were screened for maximum yield of DMA. Solid‐state fermentation of long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa) by Monascus pilosus CBS 290.34 was the best for DMA production. The optimized medium parameters in rice for the highest yield of DMA were glucose (75.13 mg/g), soya extract (19.33 mg/g), malt extract (35.14 mg/g), and calcium carbonate (0.29 mg/g). The predicted values for medium parameters were in good agreement with the experimental data. MFR enriched with DMA showed potent antioxidant and lipid lowering capacity in both in vitro and in vivo. It can be explored further for the development of nutraceuticals as a natural antioxidant.

The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats.

In our study, Allium subhirsutum L. (AS) was investigated to assess its phenolic profile and bioactive molecules including flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. The antioxidant potential of AS and wound healing activity were addressed using skin wound healing and oxidative stress and inflammation marker estimation in rat models. Phytochemical and antiradical activities of AS extract (ASE) and oil (ASO) were studied. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I served as a control and was treated with simple ointment base, group II was treated with ASE ointment, group III was treated with ASO ointment and group IV (reference group; Ref) was treated with a reference drug “Cytolcentella® cream”. Phytochemical screening showed that total phenols (215 ± 3.5 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (172.4 ± 3.1 mg QE/g) were higher in the ASO than the ASE group. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that ASO exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.136 ± 0.07 mg/mL), FRAP test (IC50 = 0.013 ± 0.006 mg/mL), ABTS test (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/mL). In the wound healing study, topical application of ASO performed the fastest wound-repairing process estimated by a chromatic study, percentage wound closure, fibrinogen level and oxidative damage status, as compared to ASE, the Cytolcentella reference drug and the untreated rats. The use of AS extract and oil were also associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress damage in the wound-healing treated rats. Overall, the results provided that AS, particularly ASO, has a potential medicinal value to act as effective skin wound healing agent.