Profound Antioxidant Research Articles

Assessment of pharmacological effects of methanolic extract of Perovskia abrotanoides as anti-asthmatic and hepato-protectant

Natural compounds derived from plants have been extensively employed in conventional treatments and are a key component of medicinal products. Perovskia abrotanoides, a plant native to Pakistan, is historically used to cure several ailments, while little is known regarding its pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological characteristics of the crude methanolic extract of Perovskia abrotanoides. Phytochemical analysis indicated many phytoconstituents capable of profound antioxidant activity, which may play an important role as anti-asthmatic and hepato-protectant. Its anti-asthmatic and hepatoprotective properties were evaluated using models of histamine-induced asthma and liver damage brought on by carbon tetrachloride, respectively. Research was also conducted on the extract's phytotoxic, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. The results demonstrated strong hepatoprotective and anti-asthmatic effects; while no harm other than a drop in platelet count was noted. Also, the extract showed significant antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus. However, no apoptotic or anticancer potential was found.

Green synthesis, characterization, antidiabetic, antioxidant and antibacterial applications of silver nanoparticles from Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston leaves

Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston, an ethnobotanically acclaimed antidiabetic plant, was utilized for the first time in this study to synthesize silver nanoparticles (SC-AgNPs). Characterization revealed spherical SC-AgNPs (∼30 nm) with a silver content of 49.10 %, displaying diverse functional groups and significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. SC-AgNPs exhibited notable antidiabetic properties by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, while enhancing glucose uptake in L6 and yeast cells. Moreover, SC-AgNPs demonstrated profound antioxidant activities by scavenging reactive oxygen species, which led to increased catalase activity and decreased glutathione-S-transferase activity. These properties surpassed those of the plant extract. SC-AgNPs were found to show low toxicity towards L6 cells when compared to the contemporary silver nanoparticles. The eco-friendly synthesis method and comprehensive biological assessments highlight the value of this work in advancing nanomedicine for diabetes management.

Antiarthritic and Antioxidant Activities of Antrocaryon micraster Seed Extract and Its Fractions.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incurable debilitating disease which attacks the joints and impairs quality of life. Antrocaryon micraster is used to treat RA in African traditional medicine. However, its antiarthritic activity has not been pharmacologically studied. This study, therefore, reports the antiarthritic and antioxidant activities of A. micraster seed extract and its fractions. The seed extract (ASE) was produced by Soxhlet extraction and partitioned into petroleum ether (ASEP), ethyl acetate (ASEE), and aqueous (ASEA) fractions. The total polyphenolic content, DPPH antioxidant activity, and in vitro arthritic activity using the protein denaturation assay were evaluated for ASE and its fractions. The arthritic activity of the crude extract (ASE) and its most effective fraction (ASEA), in the in vitro assay, were then evaluated against CFA-induced arthritis in rats. The polyphenolic constituent of ASE was estimated to be 13.00 ± 0.00 mg/100 mg of GAE. ASEA contained the highest quantity of polyphenolic constituents (10.76 ± 0.00 mg/100 mg of GAE) among the fractions of the extract. ASE and ASEA produced profound antioxidant activity (IC50 = 20.17 ± 1.291 and 19.35 ± 0.865, respectively) which were similar to that of ascorbic acid (IC50 = 17.35 ± 0.500) in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, in vitro antiarthritic activity of ASEA was 13.63 and 5.75 times higher than the antiarthritic activity of the crude extract and diclofenac sodium, respectively. In the CFA-induced arthritis assay, both ASE and ASEA significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited cachexia, paw edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells, pannus formation, and synovium damage. These results indicate that A. micraster seed extract and its fractions possessed significant antiarthritic activity via inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, protein denaturation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and synovium injury due to its constituents such as polyphenols and phytosterols.

Chemical composition, in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities of rhizomes essential oil and nutrient components from rhizomes powder of Curcuma caesia Roxb. (black turmeric) collected from Garhwal region of Uttrakhand, India

The current study was performed to analyse the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the essential oil separated from Curcuma caesia Roxb. (black turmeric) rhizomes. The essential oil of Curcuma caesia (C. caesia) rhizomes was separated by hydrodistillation technique. Further, essential oil was subjected to GC-MS and FTIR analysis for chemical analysis. Additionally, rhizome powder was investigated for nutritional content using standard reported methods. Subsequently, antioxidant potential of essential oil was analysed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay followed by α-amylase inhibitory assay. Results of the study suggested the presence of various important compound viz. curzerenone (29.78%), α-Bulnesene (14.43%), eucalyptol (13.32%), curzerene (4.88%), and camphor (4.71%), respectively. Similarly, potent antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities were observed in oil. It was concluded from the present work that essential oil of C. caesia rhizomes contains many therapeutic useful aromatic bioactive and nutritional components. Additionally, essential oil of C. caesia rhizomes exhibits profound antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities.

Facile fabrication of Nishamalaki churna mediated silver nanoparticles with antibacterial application

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to today's healthcare system. The prime factor behind increasing AMR is the formation of complex bacterial biofilms which acts as the protective shield between the bacterial cell and the antimicrobial drugs. Among various nanoformulations, green synthesized metallic silver nanoparticles are currently gaining research focus in safely breaking bacterial biofilms due to the inherent antimicrobial property of silver. In the current work, the aqueous extract of the ayurvedic formulation Nishamalaki churna is used to exhibit one pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The physicochemical characteristics of Nishamalaki churna extract mediated AgNPs were evaluated using various analytical techniques, like UV–Visible spectrophotometer, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, DLS-Zeta potential analyzer etc. The synthesized spherical AgNPs were well formed within the size range of 30 nm to 80 nm. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs showed potent antibacterial effects against two primary AMR-causing bacterial species like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the successful destruction of their biofilm formation. Additionally, these AgNPs have shown profound antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as desirable add-on effects required by a prospective antibacterial agent.

Role of Melatonin in Bovine Reproductive Biotechnology.

Melatonin has profound antioxidant activity and numerous functions in humans as well as in livestock and poultry. Additionally, melatonin plays an important role in regulating the biological rhythms of animals. Combining melatonin with scientific breeding management has considerable potential for optimizing animal physiological functions, but this idea still faces significant challenges. In this review, we summarized the beneficial effects of melatonin supplementation on physiology and reproductive processes in cattle, including granulosa cells, oocytes, circadian rhythm, stress, inflammation, testicular function, spermatogenesis, and semen cryopreservation. There is much emerging evidence that melatonin can profoundly affect cattle. In the future, we hope that melatonin can not only be applied to cattle, but can also be used to safely and effectively improve the efficiency of animal husbandry.

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of spirooxindole analogs catalyzed by Fe3O4@PPCA NPs: Experimental, theoretical and in vitro biological studies

In this research, a magnetically retrievable heterogenous catalyst, Fe3O4@PPCA was prepared and characterized using different techniques such as FT-IR, p-XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, TGA and VSM. The catalytic efficiency of the nanocatalyst was evaluated in the synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives. Also, the use of ultrasonication further demonstrated the versatility of this protocol in addition to other features like simple work-up procedure, mild reaction conditions, simple catalyst recovery, short reaction time and the use of environmental friendly solvents. In vitro biological evaluation of the synthesized compounds also revealed the antitubercular activity of compound 4ce while compounds 4ga, 4gb and 4gc showed profound antioxidant activity. Computational study on the mechanistic pathway for the organic conversions was also conducted, using density functional theory (DFT), to ascertain the catalytic role of PPCA.

Green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles as a robust electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction: Metabolite profiling and antioxidant evaluation

A novel, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method of synthesising biogenic platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) was employed using biomass sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) bagasse extract (SBE) as the reducing agent. Pt NPs derived from this biosynthesis route were thoroughly characterised by High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Due to the involvement of bio-reductive metabolites during biosynthesis, their metabolite profiles were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and in-vitro antioxidant activities. Eleven major metabolite compounds from the SBE classified as phenol, pyrazole, furan, pyran, epoxide, long-chain fatty acid, sterol glycoside, and mixed oxygenated compounds may be responsible for the bio-reduction process. The biogenic Pt NPs endowed a high antioxidant property that can scavenge DPPH free radicals by 81.9%, with an inhibitory effect (IC50) of 37.60 μg/mL and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) of 57.58 μmol FeSO4/g. Furthermore, the biogenic Pt NPs deliver superior electrocatalytic activity in methanol oxidation reactions with tunable Pt ions concentration, PtCl62−, from 0.5 to 1.75 mM, with a maximum electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 93.41 m2 g−1 and a mass activity/specific activity of 581.50 mA mg−1/1.25 mA cm−2Pt, which is 3.67 times higher than that of commercial Pt black (158.12 mA mg−1). This study demonstrates that green chemical reduction using plant extracts is a viable method for producing biogenic Pt NPs for energy conversion and health applications, owing to its improved electrocatalytic activity and profound antioxidant properties.

Metabolite Profiling of Paraquat Tolerant Arabidopsis thaliana Radical-induced Cell Death1 (rcd1)-A Mediator of Antioxidant Defence Mechanisms.

RADICAL-INDUCED CELL DEATH1 (RCD1) is an Arabidopsis thaliana nuclear protein that is disrupted during oxidative stress. RCD1 is considered an important integrative node in development and stress responses, and the rcd1 plants have several phenotypes and altered resistance to a variety of abiotic and biotic stresses. One of the phenotypes of rcd1 is resistance to the herbicide paraquat, but the mechanisms behind it are unknown. Paraquat causes a rapid burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) initially in the chloroplast. We performed multi-platform metabolomic analyses in wild type Col-0 and paraquat resistant rcd1 plants to identify pathways conveying resistance and the function of RCD1 in this respect. Wild type and rcd1 plants were clearly distinguished by their abundance of antioxidants and specialized metabolites and their responses to paraquat. The lack of response in rcd1 suggested constitutively active defense against ROS via elevated flavonoid, glutathione, β-carotene, and tocopherol levels, whereas its ascorbic acid levels were compromised under non-stressed control conditions when compared to Col-0. We propose that RCD1 acts as a hub that maintains basal antioxidant system, and its inactivation induces defense responses by enhancing the biosynthesis and redox cycling of low molecular weight antioxidants and specialized metabolites with profound antioxidant activities alleviating oxidative stress.

Evaluation of therapeutic effects of crocin in attenuating the progression of diabetic nephropathy: a preliminary randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important complications of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines play an essential role in the development and progression of DN. Despite adopting appropriate therapies, many patients with DN progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Therefore, exploring innovative strategies for better management of DN is crucial. Crocin, a natural compound found in saffron, has profound antioxidant, antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of crocin in attenuation of the progression of DN.MethodsIn this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 44 patients with T2DM and microalbuminuria were randomly assigned to receive either crocin (15 mg/day) or a placebo for 90 days. Eventually, 40 patients completed the study: 21 patients in the crocin group and 19 in the placebo group. The primary outcome was a change in urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) from baseline to the end of the treatment period. We also evaluated metabolic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters as the secondary outcomes.ResultsThe results of the present study showed that uACR increased in both groups, but the increment was not significantly higher in the crocin group compared with the placebo. Serum levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) decreased in the crocin group and increased in the placebo group, but none of these changes was significant. Crocin significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) as an important metabolic parameter (P-Value = 0.03).ConclusionThis study has shown that crocin may be a safe and potential adjunct to conventional therapies for DN patients but because of our limitations such as short duration of the treatment period, and prescribing low doses of crocin, we could not achieve the significant level.

Synthesis of Rutin loaded nanomagnesia as a smart nanoformulation with significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties

Nowadays synthesis of hybrid nanomaterials is of interest to researchers due to their profound antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Here, at first we prepared amine functionalized positively charged MgO nanoparticles (MgO-NH2) via microwave assisted heating followed by annealing at 400 °C for 5 h, and conjugated thereafter with a natural flavonoid, Rutin to form a bioactive nanohybrid, MgO-NH2-Rutin. The nearly spherically shaped nanohybrids with size ∼35–40 nm showed drug loading content of ∼14 % with a sustained release pattern at pH 7.4. The nanohybrids exhibited superior antioxidant properties in cell free system (DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide) as well as in intracellular condition, and showed very little cytotoxicity upto a concentration of 100 μg/mL in normal kidney epithelial cells. Besides, MgO-NH2-Rutin also triggered a significant growth inhibition against both gram positive (S. aureus) & gram negative (E. coli) bacteria. Mechanistic studies showed that the nanohybrid caused bacterial cell death via oxidative stress, DNA degradation and cell membrane disruption. Therefore, our research highlighted the use of MgO nanoparticles for the synthesis of MgO-NH2-Rutin nanohybrid, which could enhance the pharmacological actions of hydrophobic drug molecules and exhibit synergistic antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

The protective effects of etomidate against interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced oxidative stress, extracellular matrix alteration and cellular senescence in chondrocytes

ABSTRACT Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease associated with aging. Etomidate is an intravenous anesthetic with profound antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We speculated that etomidate might exert a beneficial effect on OA. Herein, we explored the effects of etomidate on interleukin-1β (IL-1β)- induced chondrocytes. Our results prove that etomidate ameliorated the IL-1β-induced oxidative stress in C28/12 chondrocytes by decreasing and increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, respectively. Etomidate prevented the IL-1β-induced increase in the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in C28/I2 chondrocytes at both mRNA and protein levels. It also caused a significant reduction in the percentage of senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal)‐stained chondrocytes, while inducing elevated telomerase activity in IL-1β-treated C28/I2 chondrocytes. The expression levels of senescence regulators, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and p16, were also inhibited by etomidate in IL-1β-treated C28/I2 chondrocytes. In addition, etomidate caused the activation of Adenosine 5ʹ-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), along with upregulated expression levels of phosphorylated AMPKα and phosphorylated acetyl-Co A carboxylase (ACC). Moreover, blockage of AMPK using compound C abolished the protective effects of etomidate on IL-1β-challenged C28/I2 chondrocytes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that etomidate protected C28/I2 chondrocytes from IL-1β-induced oxidative stress, ECM degradation, and cellular senescence via activating AMPK signaling.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Chinese lettuce (CL) leave extract (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis)

In this study, a methodology to produce the high-quality gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from aqueous Chinese lettuce (CL) leave extract as a reducing agent is presented. The effect of various parameters including Chinese lettuce (CL) leave extract, time, pH, temperature, and concentration of HAuCl4 in AuNPs synthesis was studied using the UV–vis spectroscopy. The synthesized AuNPs were recognized with XRD, FTIR spectroscopy and also TEM analysis. In addition, antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, MTT assay, DAPI staining and flow cytometry against the A549 cells were examined. AuNPs synthesis produced a color change in the colloidal solution from light yellow to wine, and spectrum absorption showed the maximum peak about 521 nm indicating AuNPs formation. The optimum condition for AuNPs synthesis was 2 mM HAuCl4.3H2O and 3 ml CL leave extract at pH 6. The particle sizes of AuNPs were about 25 nm due to TEM results. XRD structural analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles have a crystalline structure with miller indexes (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0) and (3 1 1) in the cubic network. Due to the FTIR analysis, the high stability of AuNPs can be attributed to the existence of CL leave extract on particles’ surfaces. No significant differences were observed in the cell viability at AuNPs concentration ranging from 0 to 2 μg/ml; however, A549 cells proliferation was strongly suppressed in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations higher than 4 μg/ml. Cytotoxicity results indicated that the viability of cells was 90% after 48 h of treatment with AuNPs. Also, a healthy nucleus with less chromatin condensation after 48 h of treatment was observed. These findings suggested that AuNPs did not have adverse the effects on chromatin and DNA of A549 cells. The results of apoptosis assay indicated that AuNPs did induce necrosis and apoptosis in A549 cells. Although CL leave extract and AuNPs due to CL leave extract showed little antimicrobial activity, they indicated profound antioxidant activity against DPPH. The scavenging activity for DPPH and ABTS in AuNPs were more than CL leaves extract. This study indicated the promising potential of synthetized small sized and highly uniform AuNPs.

Antioxidant-phenolic content correlation of phenolics rich fractions from Dillenia suffruticosa wood bark

D illenia suffruticosa is one of the tropical medicinal plants that has been used traditionally for treating several tropical diseases. However, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of D. suffruticosa wood bark have not been well-investigated. This research aimed to investigate the correlation between antioxidant properties and total phenolic content of phenolics rich extract and fractions from D . suffruticosa wood bark. The phytochemical investigation revealed the existence of phenolics and alkaloids in methanolic crude wood bark extract and all fractions. Meanwhile, the presence of flavonoids was shown in chloroform and methanol fractions. The highest total phenolic content was demonstrated by methanol fraction with 254.34 ± 16.86 mg GAE/g extract. Meanwhile, the highest total flavonoid content was interestingly displayed in chloroform fraction with 15.33 ± 0.26 mg RE/g extract. The crude extract and methanol fraction had a profound antioxidant activity with IC 50 values of less than 15.63 ppm and 8.83 ppm, respectively. A strong correlation was shown between the antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents through correlation analysis. Thus, the D. suffruticosa wood bark could be considered a potential natural source of antioxidants.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some new class of benzothiazole–pyrazole ligands containing arene ruthenium, rhodium and iridium complexes

Metal complexes 1–9 have been synthesized by reacting the benzothiazole–pyrazole derivative ligands (L1, L2 and L3) with the metal precursors of ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir). The complexes have been isolated as cationic mononuclear N ∩ N chelating metal complexes having the general formula as [(arene)M(κ2(N∩N)-L)Cl]PF6 where L = L1, L2 and L3, M = Ru, Rh and Ir, arene = p-cymene, Cp*. Structural studies revealed the mode of binding of the ligands to the metal centers is through the nitrogen atom of the benzothiazole ring and the pyrazole nitrogen atom forming a five-membered ring. All these complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques as well as by XRD analysis. These complexes, as well as the ligands, have been investigated for antibacterial and antioxidant activity studies where only a few of the complexes exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus thuringiensis with complex 6 showing the highest bacterial inhibition toward Staphylococcus aureus and complexes 3, 4 and 6 showing the highest inhibition toward Bacillus thuringiensis. While for the antioxidant activity study, all the compounds showed profound antioxidant potency with complexes 6 and 9 showing more the 50% DRSA activity with reference to ascorbic acid (100%) taken as a reference. The antioxidant activity of the complexes is more pronounced as compared to their respective ligands alone. Benzothiazole–pyrazole derivative ligands upon complexation with the halide bridged metal precursors resulted in the formation of mononuclear N ∩ N chelating complexes. These complexes have been investigated for biological studies such as antibacterial and antioxidant studies, and they arrayed potential response against the bacterial strains under study as well as good antioxidant activity.

The antioxidant analysis and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of spices and herbs (22 species) in Asian traditional beverages

Spices and herbs are used in Asian traditional beverages (ATB) mainly for gastronomic purposes, i.e., main flavoring, aroma enhancer, and colorant, but not for health functionality. Twenty-two selected spices and herbs used in ATB were evaluated for their antioxidant level, antidiabetic potential, and the possible risk of coumarin toxicity. Pattern recognition methods were applied to the data collection using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) to investigate the assay and spices and herbs inter-relationship. The evaluation made can help in the future selection of spice and herb ingredients with high antioxidant and antidiabetic properties and a safe limit of coumarin to be used in developing a reformulated ATB. The spice and herb selections were based on the determination of polyphenol content, antioxidant (DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP analyses) levels, AGI activities, and coumarin content aqueous extracts. Five out of 10 aqueous extracts of main flavoring spices (Ceylon cinnamon, cassia, clove, star anise, and mace), 1 out of 7 extracts of aroma enhancers (rose), and 2 out of 5 colorant extracts (sappan heartwood and black myrobalan) exhibited profound antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition (AGI) activities. PCA and HCA indicated that the black myrobalan extract had the most distinct and potent antioxidant and AGI activities among the tested extracts (DPPH IC50 37.61 ± 1.48 mg/mL, DPPH 126.15 ± 0.65 Trolox equivalent μg/mL, FRAP 52.66 ± 0.8 Trolox equivalent mM/mL, ORAC 18,213.33 ± 298.91 Trolox equivalent μM/mL; and AGI 1306.98 ± 21.38 tannic acid equivalent μg/mL). On the contrary, cardamom extract showed the least of both activities. Ambrette seed and cassia extracts had considerably high coumarin contents, which is higher than the permissible limit of 10 mg/kg. This study revealed that black myrobalan is an indispensable functional ingredient in an Asian traditional beverage. However, the use of cassia and ambrette seeds shall be a caution to lower the risk of possible coumarin toxicity. PCA and HCA enabled the visualization of the complicated relationship between the antioxidant - antidiabetic properties and each spice/herb ingredient. This recognition method eased the functional ingredient selection in the next polyherbal formulation step.

Biological Properties of Silver Nanoparticles from β (1-3) Glucan Isolated from the Edible Mushroom Pleurotus florida

Pleurotus florida of the genus Pleurotus is a delicious edible mushroom with high therapeutic potential. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining a lot of importance nowadays because of their wide industrial and biomedical applications. Capping of AgNPs with polysaccharides, the most potent mushroom derived metabolites, is promising towards natural drug development for free radical-induced ailments. In the present investigation, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using β-glucan isolated from P. florida, and their antioxidant properties were studied. Polysaccharide (PS) isolation was carried out by hot water extraction, alcohol precipitation, deproteinization, and dialysis. Preliminary characterization of PS by Anthrone, Lowry’s method, Paper Chromatography, and FT-IR showed that PS is protein-bound β-(1-3) - Glucan. Synthesis of Silver nanoparticle from PS (PS-AgNPs) was confirmed by UV spectroscopy. Antioxidant properties of PS and PS-AgNPs were evaluated by Total antioxidant capacity assay, DPPH assay, Total reducing power, and Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. Both PS and PS-AgNPs showed profound antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner, and PS-AgNPs was more active than PS. The highest activity was shown in Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay in which PS and PS-AgNPs showed 81.8% and 89.4% activity, respectively, at the highest tested dose. The present study revealed the possible use of P. florida in antioxidant drug development.

Antioxidant Potential of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Βeta (1-3) Glucan Isolated from the Edible Mushroom Pleurotus florida

Pleurotus florida of the genus Pleurotus, is a delicious edible mushroom with high therapeutic potential and is being cultivated extensively in many parts of the world, including India. Polysaccharides, especially β-glucans, are the most potent mushroom derived metabolites. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining a lot of importance nowadays because of their wide industrial and biomedical applications. In the present investigation, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using β-glucan isolated from the fruiting bodies of P. florida and their antioxidant properties were studied. Polysaccharide (PS) isolation was carried out by hot water extraction, deproteinization, alcohol precipitation, centrifugation, and dialysis. Preliminary characterization of isolated polysaccharide was done by the Anthrone method, Lowry’s method, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and FT-IR. The PS was treated with AgNO3 solution (0.001M) for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, and nanoparticle formation was confirmed by UV spectroscopy. Antioxidant properties of the PS, as well as synthesized nanoparticles, were evaluated using Total antioxidant capacity assay, DPPH-Free radical scavenging assay, Total reducing power assay, and Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. Preliminary characterization showed that the isolated PS is protein-bound β (1-3) Glucan. Both the PS and silver nanoparticles showed profound antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. In all assays, silver nanoparticles showed more activity than the PS. The highest activity was shown in Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay in which PS and nanoparticles showed 81.8% and 89.4% activity, respectively, at the highest tested dose of 2000µg. The present study reveals the possibility of β-glucan -silver nanoparticles from P. florida as a suitable candidate for antioxidant drug development.

Curcumin Supplementation Suppresses Ubiquitin Proteasome System Activity Following Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage In Humans

PURPOSE: Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic compound with profound antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, combined curcumin and piperine supplementation has shown improved curcumin bioavailability by 2000%. Multiple studies have demonstrated that exposure to curcumin leads to dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in cell culture. However, to date, no data has investigated curcumin’s ability to influence UPS activity in a human model. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin and piperine supplementation on markers of UPS activity following exercise-induced muscle damage in human skeletal muscle. METHODS: Twenty-three recreationally active male and female participants were randomized into a curcumin + piperine (CUR; n=11); or placebo + piperine (PLA; n=12). Both groups were instructed to consume 2g of their respective supplement and 20mg of piperine for 11 consecutive days. Following 8 consecutive days of supplementation, participants performed a 45-min eccentrically-biased muscle damaging treadmill protocol at 60% VO2max. Muscle Biopsies and delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) analyses were performed 30 minutes prior and 3-, 24-, 48-, and 72-hours post exercise-induced muscle damage. Muscle ubiquitin, MAFbx, ubiquitin specific peptidase 19 (USP19), and chymotrypsin-like protease (CLP) concentrations were measured using ELISA kits. A 2x5 repeated measures ANOVA with pairwise comparisons was conducted with significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Both groups had a significant time effect for DOMS (p < .001). Pairwise comparisons indicated DOMS was significantly greater from baseline at all time points except 72 hours post muscle damage. No significant differences were found for CLP or USP19 across any time points. Regardless of time, there was a significant group effect for ubiquitin (p = .012) and MAFbx (p = .016) where CUR was significantly lower than PLA. CONCLUSION: Curcumin appears to attenuate muscle ubiquitin and MAFbx in response to a muscle damaging protocol. As key markers of protein degradation, this implies decreased ubiquination and a subsequent reduction in proteasomal activity. Therefore, curcumin supplementation potentially plays a role in preserving skeletal muscle mass through decreased muscle breakdown.

Insights to the strained thiocarbamate derivative complexes of platinum group metals induced by azide as a co-ligand: Characterization and biological studies

Halide bridged metal precursors of platinum group on reaction with thiocarbamate derivative ligands (L1 and L2) yielded a series of neutral mono-dentate complexes (1–6) formulated as [(arene)M(κ1(S)-L)Cl2] where, L = L1 and L2, M = Ru, Rh and Ir, arene = p-cymene, Cp∗. Structural studies revealed the ligands coordinated to the metal centers through the thione sulfur in a mono-dentate fashion. These neutral complexes (1–6) were further reacted with NaN3 in methanol which resulted in the formation of highly strained κ2(N,S) azido complexes (7–12). Further treatment of the azido complexes with diethyl acetylene dicarboxylate (DEAD) yielded in the case of rhodium and iridium triazolo complexes (13–16). All these complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. NMR analysis revealed the triazolo ring coordinated to the metal center via the central nitrogen. Besides the varied coordination of the complexes, these complexes as well as the ligands exhibited antibacterial activity against some bacterial strains under study as well as profound antioxidant potency.