Potent Radical Scavenging Activity Research Articles

Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Gracilaria edulis Extract in Copper-Exposed Zebrafish Embryos: An Anti-Inflammatory Perspective

Introduction: Harnessing the bioactive compounds from seaweed for inflammatory diseases holds great promise for developing new and effective treatments that are natural, sustainable, and potentially free from the side effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs. Method: The objective of this study was to examine the phytochemical levels, as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the edible red seaweed Gracilaria edulis. The methanol extract of the seaweed showed potent radical scavenging activity. Analysis using GC-MS techniques identified two distinct phytochemical compounds in G. edulis extract, namely 1,1-dipropylhydrazine and 4-chlorobuten-3-yne. Results: When tested on copper-induced zebrafish embryos, the extract reversed the upregulation of MMP9 and NFκBp65, as evidenced by western blotting and zymography methods. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds found in G. edulis extract could be utilized for the development of natural sources for antiradicals, food supplements, nutraceuticals, and various functional foods with therapeutic applications.

Antimicrobial Isochroman-Derived Atropo-Diastereomeric Dimers from Penicillium Steckii SCISO 41228.

A pair of unidentified atropo-diastereomeric dimers, penicisteckins G (1) and H (2), and twelve known compounds (3-16) were isolated from the marine coral-derived fungus Penicillium steckii SCISO 41228. Their structures including the absolute configuration were determined by HR-ESI-MS, ECD, 1D-, and 2D-NMR spectra. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against most tested pathogenic strains, especially for methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MASA) and Micrococcus luteus, with MIC values of 4.0 μg mL-1. In addition, compounds 2 and 3 exhibit potent radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylhydrate (DPPH), with IC50 values of 10.76 and 8.66 μg mL-1, respectively.

호랑가시나무 잎 추출물의 항염 및 항산화 활성 비교 분석

In this study, the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative activities and content of chlorogenic acid were compared for the 50%, 80% ethanol (EtOH) and hot water extracts of Ilex cornuta leaves collected from Jeju. The yield of each extract was 14.8% (50% EtOH), 15.2% (80% EtOH) and 15.6% (hot water), it was similar to each other. In anti-inflammatory tests using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, the 80% EtOH extract had superior effects in inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) than 50% EtOH and hot water extracts. Upon the anti-oxidative experiments by DPPH radical, potent radical scavenging activity was observed in the 80% EtOH extract. In addition, the content of chlorogenic acid was determined by HPLC and the quantity was about 9.3 mg/g for the 80% EtOH extract, which was the highest among all of the extracts. Based on these results, it was suggested that the 80% EtOH extract of I. cornuta leaves could be potentially applicable as natural source for anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative ingredients in cosmetic formulations.

Atriplex hortensis var. 'rubra' extracts and purified amaranthin-type pigments reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells

The use of direct injection ion mobility mass spectrometry (DI-IM-MS) to detect and identify betacyanin pigments in A. hortensis ‘rubra’ extracts was explored for the first time, with results compared to conventional LC-MS/MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of leaf and seed extracts, alongside purified amaranthin and celosianin pigments, were investigated using a model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophages. Extracts and purified pigments significantly inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 and NO by up to 90% and 70%, respectively, and reduced the expression of Il6, Il1b, Nos2, and Cox2. Leaf and seed extracts also decreased secretion of Il6 and Il1b cytokines and reduced protein levels of Nos2 and Cox2. Furthermore, extracts and purified pigments demonstrated potent dose-dependent radical scavenging activity in a cellular antioxidant activity assay (CAA) without any cytotoxic effects. Our research highlights the promising biological potential of edible, climate-resilient A. hortensis ‘rubra’ as a valuable source of bioactive compounds.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential, Enzyme Inhibition, and Chemical Profiling Through Mass Spectrometry on Bark Extract of Berberis aristata

Berberis aristata, a plant from the Berberidaceae family, is renowned for its medicinal properties. The presence of bioactive metabolites in its bark underscores its importance in traditional medicine and pharmacology. This study primarily focuses on the biological activities of the plant bark extract, specifically its antioxidant properties and alpha-glucosidase inhibition. In addition to these activities, mass spectrometry-based compound annotation was conducted to explore the metabolites present in the plant bark extract. In this study, the bark samples were collected and extracted using the cold percolation method with methanol. Subsequently, an ethyl acetate fraction was obtained from the methanol extract using a separating funnel. The methanol extract of the bark showed a total phenolic content (TPC) of 70.056 ± 2.52 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 11.89 ± 0.16 mg QE/g. To determine the antioxidant activity of the samples, a DPPH assay was used. The ethyl acetate fraction of the bark showed potent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 188.93 ± 8.35 μg/mL, while the methanol extract of the bark showed radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 242.89 ± 4.62 μg/mL. In terms of alpha-glucosidase inhibition, the methanol extract of the bark had low enzyme inhibition activity, but the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited potential inhibition with an IC50 value of 112.99 ± 10.28 µg/mL. These results indicate that the plant bark extract is rich in phenolic content compared to flavonoid content. Additionally, the ethyl acetate fraction of the plant bark exhibits potent radical scavenging activity and inhibition of the digestive enzyme alpha-glucosidase. Mass spectrometric-based identification of metabolites revealed that the methanol extract of the bark contains compounds such as Palmatin, columbamine, and berberal. The presence of these metabolites further supports the medicinal use of this plant bark. These findings enhance the plant's potential in the drug discovery process in the future.

Potential Application of Essential Oils in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases: a Case Study of Essential oil from Hyptis Suaveolens (L.) Poit

The main method for treating nerve-signaling disorders like Alzheimer’s disease has been chemical suppression of acetylcholinesterase. Limited treatment options have driven the research into extracts from indigenous plants. In this study, the chemical constituents, anti-cholinesterase, and radical scavenging potentials of the essential oil and the polar constituents (decoction water) of a Nigerian variety of the medicinal plant, Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit, were investigated. Essential oil from the leaves of the medicinal plant was obtained through hydro-distillation, and the chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Radical scavenging activity potential and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity were carried out using the colorimetric method. The GC-MS analysis revealed 24 chemical compounds, including β-Caryophyllene (15.31%), β-Phellandrene (9.73%), trans-α-Bergamotene (6.94%) and Fenchone (5.79%) as major components. The phytochemicals present in the polar constituent (the decoction water) of the leaves of H. suaveolens were alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, and saponins. Bioactivity assessment revealed significant antioxidant activities in essential oil extracts with values ranging from (DPPH = 38.80 ± 0.04 to 69.33 ± 0.12 %, ABTS = 2.84 ± 0.01 to 11.26 ± 0.26 mg TEAC /g, FRAP = 10.89 ± 0.01 to 15.79 ± 0.33 mg AAE /g and NOx = 26.06 ± 0.03 to 71.87 ± 0.21 %). Higher acetyl-cholinesterase inhibition activity was recorded for the essential oil compared to the polar constituents with values ranging from 10.42 ± 0.12 to 46.50 ± 0.19 %. Findings from this study highlight the antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential of extracts from Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit.

Biochemical foundation of the aroma and antioxidant activity of Indian traditional rice landrace Maharaji and the effect of radiation-induced mutagenesis on its metabolome

Maharaji rice, an aromatic variety with medium slender grains, is traditionally cultivated in the central regions of India. This study aimed to identify the biochemical compounds responsible for Maharaji rice's distinctive fragrance and enhance its agro-morphological traits through mutation breeding. Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, forty major metabolites were identified which may be responsible for its characteristic aroma. The bioactive compounds included terpenes, flavonoids, and amino acids. Maharaji brown rice extract exhibited potent radical scavenging activity. Radiation-induced mutation breeding improved the agro-morphological traits and also triggered biochemical diversification in different mutants. Maharaji Mutant-2 exhibited improved aroma due to higher abundance of aromatic compounds, improved yield and morphological characters as compared to the parent. This study, for the first time identifies the compounds associated with the characteristic aroma of Maharaji rice. Global metabolomics may, therefore, expedite the selection of mutants with suitable aroma and desirable biological properties.

Green ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction of polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes residues by response surface methodology

Flammulina velutipes residues, the by-products of Flammulina velutipes industry, cause environmental pollution. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the extraction efficiency of polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes residues by an ultrasonic assisted snailase enzymatic extraction (UAEE) method, following the principles of green chemistry, mainly solvent and energy saving. The optimized parameters obtained by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were determined as follows: ultrasonic power at 150 W, extraction time of 90 min, and extraction temperature of 55 °C. The experimental extraction yield (109.54 ± 5.44 mg/g) was closely matched the predicted yield (110.92 mg/g). Polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes residues (UE-FVRP) had the molecular weight of 170 kDa and a composition comprising 8 monosaccharides, primarily xylose (Xyl, 24.71%), mannose (Man, 17.29%), arabinose (Ara, 11.48%), and galactose (Gal, 15.63%). FT-IR analysis suggested that UE-FVRP likely contained pyranose with α-glycoside bonds. In vitro antioxidant activity assays revealed that UE-FVRP displayed potent DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing ability. Additionally, UE-FVRP demonstrated the ability to promote the growth of two Lactobacillus strains, indicating its potential as a novel polysaccharide with high in vitro prebiotic properties. Therefore, these findings proposed a novel, green, and efficient extraction method for extracting polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes residues, highlighting the potential of utilizing Flammulina velutipes residues as a valuable ingredient in both food and feed applications, contributing to the sustainable reuse of agricultural by-products.

Asterias Rolleston starfish gonad lipids: A novel source of Omega-3 fatty acids - assessment of major components and their antioxidant activities

The major lipids and antioxidant activities of Asterias rolleston gonad lipids were evaluated systematically. Major lipids of A. Rolleston gonad lipids were triacylglycerols (TAGs) and phospholipids (PLs). Total lipids were composed of 15.62% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and 40.81% of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). The most abundant PUFA were C20:5n-3 (EPA) (6.28%) and C22:6n-3 (DHA) (5.80%). Predominantly composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), polar lipids were rich in PUFAs and could contain up to 34.59% EPA and DHA, and PE and PI (phosphatidylinositol) were also found to be the main carriers of EPA and ARA (arachidonic acid) in polar lipids. The MUFA and PUFA of Sn-2 in TAG are 39.72% and 30.37%, respectively. A total of 64 TAG species were identified, with Eo-P-M, Eo-Eo-M, and M-M-Eo being the main TAGs components. Moreover, A. rollestoni gonad lipids exhibited potent radical scavenging activities and reducing power in a dose-dependent manner.

Pharmacological Properties of White Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaves: Suppressing Migratory and Invasive Activities Against A549 Lung Cancer Cells.

Morus alba known as a white mulberry is a medicinal plant that has been used in food ingredients and traditional medicine. M. alba leaves contain various bioactive phenolic compounds, in particular chlorogenic acid (CGA), which is a major bioactive ingredient. Their anticancer potency of M. alba leaf extracts derived from Soxhlet extraction was evaluated based on cytotoxicity and antimigratory and antiinvasive properties. The dichloromethane extract exhibited the highest nitric oxide radical scavenging activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 780μg/mL, promising cytotoxicity against HuCCA-1, MCF-7, and A-549 cells with IC50 values of 59.18, 62.20, and 103.25μg/mL, respectively. CGA selectively inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 26.75μg/mL and showed potent radical scavenging activity against DPPH radicals (IC50 = 18.85μg/mL). An ethanolic extract derived from the gradient Soxhlet extraction suppressed A549 lung cancer cell migration and invasion more effectively than CGA with no migratory inhibition effect on noncancerous HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the ethanolic extract and CGA accelerated HaCaT wound closure at 20µg/mL, which was the same as allantoin. Bioactive ingredients including triterpenes, steroids, phenolics, and flavonoids were mainly detected in all extracts. The highest content of CGA (52.23g/100g dry weight) was found in the ethanolic extract derived from the gradient Soxhlet extraction. These findings show the potency of the dichloromethane extract as a cytotoxic agent against various cancer types and the ethanolic extract as an antimetastatic agent by their antimigratory and antiinvasive activities.

Phenylethanoid glycosides from Michelia champaca leaves

Chemical investigation on the leaves of Michelia champaca L. (Magnoliaceae) led to the isolation of five previously undescribed phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-acteoside (1), 4‴-O-(6-O-E-caffeoyl)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-acteoside (2), 4‴-O-(6-O-E-caffeoyl)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-isoacteoside (3), 6""-O-E-feruloyl-echinacoside (4), and 6""-O-p-E-coumaroyl-echinacoside (5), together with eighteen known PhGs. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. All the known PhGs except acteoside (8) were not previously reported in the genus. Twenty-one PhGs exhibited more potent DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP than l-ascorbic acid (l-AA), and twenty-two PhGs showed better ABTS radical cation scavenging activity than l-AA. In addition, twelve PhGs displayed more potent cellular reactive oxygen species scavenging activity than curcumin. The results revealed that the leaves of M. champaca are a rich source of phenylethanoid glycosides and antioxidants.

Impact of Thermal, Ultrasonication, and Thermosonication Processes on the Quality Profile of Watermelon-Beetroot Juice Blend: A Comparative Study

Fruit juices are popular beverages that provide various health benefits due to their rich nutritional profile, but they are prone to microbial spoilage and quality deterioration. Thermal pasteurization is the conventional method to preserve fruit juices, but it causes undesirable changes in the physicochemical and nutritional value of the juices. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative methods to ensure the microbial safety and quality of fruit juices. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of thermal (95-100°C for 4 min), ultrasonication (US) (25 kHz for 5 and 10 min), and thermosonication (TS) (25 kHz at 40 and 50°C) processes on the quality profile of watermelon-beetroot juice blend, a novel juice formulation with enhanced nutritional and functional properties with 50 : 50 formulation. The samples were analysed for physicochemical (colour, pH, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity), bioactive (phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant, and ascorbic acid contents), and microbiological (total plate count and yeast/molds) properties. The results showed that all the processed samples retained high total phenolic (756.33-842.33 μg GAE/g), total flavonoid (435.33-512.67 μg CE/g), and ascorbic acid (45.23-50.34 mg/100 mL) contents along with a high antioxidant potential (total antioxidant capacity (274.14-305.33 μg AAE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (33.05-42.18%)) while preserving the normal physicochemical characteristics and decreasing the microbial counts of all the processed blend juices. In conclusion, the US treatment (10 min) produced the juice blends with the best quality. The findings of this research suggest that thermal, US, and TS processes are promising technologies for the preservation of fruit juices and that watermelon-beetroot juice blend is a novel juice formulation with high nutritional and functional value. The results of this research might be useful to the processed fruit juice industry and the consumers who are looking for healthy and safe fruit juices.

Assessment of Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of Albizia saponaria L. Bark Extract

Langir (Albizia saponaria L.), belonging to the family of the Fabaceae, is a medicinal endemic plant of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Albizia genus shows antioxidant, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antidandruff, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) extracts from the bark of A. saponaria were screened for robust antioxidant activity in order to identify potential sources of new compounds for use in pharmaceutical formulations in the future. TP and TF of the 96% ethanol extract and fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water) were calculated by the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride procedures, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging method and ABTS assay. Generally, both extract and fractions showed significant radical scavenging activities. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited more potent radical scavenging activity in the DPPH method (IC50 35.27 ± 2.85 µg/mL) and ABTS assay (IC50 60.04 ± 0.98 µg/mL), followed by 96% ethanol extract, and hexane, butanol, and water fractions. Furthermore, the highest TP (4.50 ± 0.01 mg/g GAE) and TF (3.55 ± 0.04 mg/g QE) were obtained from ethyl acetate fraction. There was a strong correlation between antioxidant activity with TP (DPPH, R2 = 0.6436; ABTS, R2 = 0.7676) and TF content (DPPH, R2 = 0.5533; ABTS, R2 = 0.5961). The extract’s antioxidant properties may be attributable to its higher phenolic and flavonoid content. In summary, the phenolic and flavonoid content of the ethyl acetate fraction indicates its potential utility as a source of antioxidants.

Ionizing radiation‑induced modification of nialamide as an anti‑inflammatory agent against lipopolysaccharide‑induced RAW 264.7 and DH82 cells.

Nialamide is a non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor that was widely used as an antidepressant. However, it has been prohibited for decades in the depressive medicine market due to the adverse hepatotoxic side effects. The re-use of drugs that have been withdrawn from the market represents a promising approach for the development of novel incrementally modified drugs and, in this context, ionizing radiation can serve as a powerful tool for producing new drug candidates. The present study exposed nialamide to γ radiation at 50 kGy to obtain the novel cyclized benzylamide, nialaminosin (compound 2), along with five known compounds, 3-amino-N-benzylpropanamide (compound 3), 3-methoxy-N-benzylpropanamide (compound 4), 3-hydroxy-N-benzylpropanamide (HBPA; compound 5), N-benzylpropanamide (compound 6) and isonicotinamide (compound 7). Among the isolated compounds, HBPA was established to inhibit the lipopolysaccharide-induced overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 and cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10, without causing cytotoxicity to both RAW 264.7 and DH82 cells. Furthermore, HBPA was found to reduce the protein expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in macrophages and compared with nialamide, it was established to have more potent radical scavenging activity. The present study therefore suggested the application of HBPA for the improvement of anti-inflammatory properties using ionizing radiation technology on the withdrawn drug nialamide.

Determination of Active Biomarkers and the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Standardized Zygophyllum spp Extract

This study aimed to identify the chemical composition, and investigation of antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Zygophyllum fabago, Zygophyllum eurypterum, Zygophyllum propinquum and Zygophyllum megacarpum extracts against human pathogenic bacterial. The samples were collected from West Azarbaijan province and were analyzed in biotechnology department of Bu Ali Sina University, Iran. The antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion assay, minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by the serial dilution method and free radical activity by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were measured. Next, the phenolic and flavonoid contents were calculated by Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminum Chloride methods, respectively, and the presence of the phytochemical compounds including alkaloids, saponins, and tannins were tested. In addition, chemical compositions analysis was done using a GCMS. The major components including as ar-curcumene (17.18%), methyl ester (21.53%), caryophyllène (17.07%), and carvacrol (23.71%) were dominant in Z. fabago, Z. eurypterum, Z. propinquum and Z. megacarpum, respectively. The highest sensitivity was observed on S. epidermidis with MIC of 3.125% on flower extract of Z. fabago. The most potent radical scavenging activity belonged to the flower extract of Z.megacarpum. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained in Z. fabago root extract as 301.04 mgGA/DWg and 8.04 mgQ/DWg, respectively as well as carvacrol was determined as the dominant compound. Based on the findings, Zygophyllum spp can be suggested for producing natural drugs and antimicrobial agents.

New caffeoyl derivatives with potent DPPH radical scavenging activity from Elephantopus tomentosus

Eight new caffeoyl derivatives, elephantomentosides A–H (1 − 8), together with ten known ones (9 − 18), were isolated from the whole plant of Elephantopos tomentosus L. Their structures were elucidated using detailed spectroscopic analysis. Structurally, compounds 1 − 8 are composed of β-D-glucopyranose, and almost all of the substituent positions are at the C-1′ and C-4′ of glucopyranose. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro. Compounds 9–10, 13–15, and 17–18 exhibited significant DPPH scavenging capacity with IC50 values in the range of 10.01–25.07 μM, in comparison with Vc (IC50, 17.98 μM).

An Investigation into the Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Wound-Healing Activities of Curculigo latifolia Found in Brunei Darussalam.

This present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical content and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Curculigo latifolia leaves (CL) and C. latifolia roots (CR) found in Brunei Darussalam. Phytochemical screening showed that CL and CR extracts contain saponins, tannins, glycosides, and terpenoids. CR showed higher total phenolic content (TPC), but lower total flavonoid content (TFC) when compared to CL. The high TPC in CR contributed to its potent radical scavenging activity (RSA) against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and strong ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Additionally, CR exerted significant inhibition of ∝-glucosidase and ∝-amylase, suggesting a potential link between the chemical compounds and its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. In the animal study of antihyperglycemic activity, treatment with 250 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of the CL extract normalised the blood glucose levels and improved body weight gain of alloxan-induced diabetic rats within 14 weeks. Furthermore, our investigation into the wound-healing effects of young C. latifolia leaves (YCL) and matured C. latifolia leaves (MCL) showed a significant reduction in wound size on Day 3, 5, and 7 of the experimental study, indicating its wound-healing potential. Based on our findings, C. latifolia can be consumed as part of a balanced diet due to its antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.

Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Effect of the Lumpy Bracket Medicinal Mushroom Trametes gibbosa (Agaricomycetes) on CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Rats.

Mushrooms have been used as medicine by humans for more than 5000 years. They have had a successful role in treating immune deficiencies. Nowadays, some extracts and compounds obtained from medicinal mushrooms have increased a great prospect of treating many disorders by having a great role in modulation of immune system, cancer inhibiting, cardio-vascular health, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and protective effects against hepatitis and diabetes. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant effect of methanol and hot water extract of the Trametes gibbosa (Pers.) Fr. mushroom and hepatoprotective effect of the extract with the most radical scavenging potency. To assess the antioxidant properties of different extracts of the mushroom, DPPH method was used. For assessing the hepatoprotective properties, a seven-day experiment was designed, and liver toxicity was induced by carbon tetrachloride [intraperitoneal (ip) for 7 consecutive days, 0.5 mL/kg body weight (BW)]. Rats were simultaneously fed with aqueous extract of the mushroom with the dose of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg BW and silymarin (100 mg/kg BW) as positive control. At the end of the experiment, blood serums of the rats were collected for quantification of major liver factors (e.g., aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alanine phosphatase, bilirubin, etc.). Tissue samples were obtained for pathological examination. Based on the results, the aqueous extract showed more potent radical scavenging activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 414.33 μg/mL, compared with 936.92 μg/mL for methanolic extract). Indeed, hepatoprotective properties of the aqueous extract of the mushroom (500 and 1000 mg/kg BW) were comparable with those of silymarin and even showed superior protective effects in histopathological examination. It seems that with further complementary studies, T. gibbosa could be considered a potential candidate for hepatoprotection.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of selenopyrimidine derivatives bearing thiazolyl moiety

The aim of this study is to explain how new thiazole and selenophene moieties were obtained from 2-amino-4-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)selenophene-3-carbonitrile (3) and to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of these new compounds. Compound 3 is prepared and subjected to react with each of CS2, malononitrile in EtOH/TEA, ECA, a mixture of HCl and AcOH, formamide, formic acid, malononitrile in the presence of EtONa to give their corresponding selenopyrimidine and selenopyridine derivatives 4–10. Moreover, compound 3 reacted with thiourea, hydrazine hydrate, CS2 in NaOH/DMF, and phenyl isothiocyanate to afford selenolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines 11–17 and related compounds. The recently synthesized compounds were tested for their DPPH radical scavenging and cytotoxic properties against the HePG-2 and MCF-7 cell lines. Compounds 5 and 11 demonstrated potential radical scavenging activity, but compounds 5 and 6 exhibited the strongest cytotoxic action against the examined cell lines. According to molecular docking data, the compounds under research are intriguing candidates for the development of new anticancer therapeutic targets.

Green hydrothermal synthesis of multifunctional carbon dots from cassava pulps for metal sensing, antioxidant, and mercury detoxification in plants

Carbon dots (CDs) have been attracted to nanocarbon materials for metal ion sensing, biological activity, and plant phytotoxicity due to their excellent photophysical properties, such as low cytotoxicity, high quantum yield, tunable fluorescence emission, and biocompatibility. Cassava pulp, which consists mainly of starch, has been identified as a low-cost biomass waste from the cassava starch industry. Therefore, this research developed CDs and nitrogen-doped CDs (NCDs) from cassava pulp using a one-step hydrothermal process in deionized water at 200 °C. The effects of the synthesis conditions, including reaction time (6–24 h) and the nitrogen doping derivatives, were also investigated. CDs and ethylenediamine doped-NCDs exhibited tunable fluorescence emission, strong quantum yield, high photostability, and tolerance to photobleaching. Furthermore, the potential applications of CDs-12 h were demonstrated such as fluorescent sensors for metal ion sensing, antioxidant activity, and mercury detoxification in plants. Fluorescence quenching of the CDs-12 h via both static and dynamic quenching mechanisms was observed in the presence of several metal ions such as Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ with the detection limit in micromolar levels and further applied to real water samples with good recovery and acceptable relative standard derivation. The paper test strip coated with CDs-12 h could also detect these metal ions under UV light. CDs and NCDs-EDA also showed potential DPPH radical scavenging activity and alleviated mercury toxicity in the Chinese cabbage seedlings with the incubation of CDs-12 h and NCDs-EDA-12 h (30 mg/L).