Radical Inhibition Assay Research Articles

In vitro antioxidant and in silico enzyme inhibition studies of Carissa carandas Linn.: potential ingredient for nutraceutical development

ABSTRACT Carissa carandas L. is a wild food plant, however, is cultivated for its fruits to be utilized to make pickles, jams, and other similar products. Fruit of this plant has been intensively investigated for its bioactive potential; however, a scanty study is reported on the leaf, which is usually wasted. In the present study, ethanolic extract of the leaf of C. carandas was analyzed for its total bioactive contents and found rich in phenolics and flavonoids (26.67 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g extract and 18.42 ± 0.05 mg RE/g extract, respectively). These findings were substantiated due to UHPLCMS/MS analysis, which disclosed the presence of about 110 secondary metabolites, mostly lignans, flavonoids, and terpenoids. In DPPH and ABTS free radical inhibition assays, the extract showed inhibitory values as 47.51 ± 0.09 and 93.09 ± 2.8 mg TE/g extract, respectively. Its further antioxidant potential was observed in CUPRAC and FRAP assays, wherein the metal reducing power was recorded as 102.05 ± 1.03 and 67.24 ± 0.9 mg TE/g extract, respectively, while in phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating assays, the extract also disclosed potential activity (0.92 ± 0.02 mmol TE/g extract and 21.42 ± 0.34 mg EDTAE/g extract). The extract was also significantly active against tyrosinase (45.69 ± 0.7 mg KAE/g extract) and showed mild activities against AChE (3.61 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g extract), BChE (1.43 ± 0.2 mg GALAE/g extract), α-amylase (0.46 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g extract) and α-glucosidase (1.05 ± 0.02 mmol ACAE/g extract). In computational studies, binding affinities for AChE and BChE enzymes were from −4.21 to −12.70 and −7.58 to −12.53 kcal/mol, respectively, confirming the results of the invitro tests and ADME studies. The current finding suggested that C. carandas may be considered as a source for several nutraceutical formulations.

Ultrasonic synthesis, characterization, DFT and molecular docking of a biocompatible Zn-based MOF as a potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor agent

Zinc metal–organic frameworks have emerged as promising candidates, demonstrating excellent biological properties stemming from the unique characteristics of MOFs and zinc. In this study, we employed a facile method to synthesize a zinc metal–organic framework [Zn(IP)(H2O)] using ultrasound irradiation, with the linker being isophthalic acid (IPA) (1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid). The parent Zn-MOF and two Ag/Zn-MOF samples prepared via loading and encapsulation methods were comprehensively characterized using various techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, UV–vis spectroscopy and TGA. The parent Zn-MOF and two Ag/Zn-MOF samples exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial effects. Remarkably, genomic DNA of P. aeruginosa was effectively degraded by Zn-MOF, further supporting its potent antibacterial results. The free radical inhibition assay demonstrated a 71.0% inhibition under the influence of Zn-MOF. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of Zn-MOF against HepG-2 and Caco-2 cell lines revealed differential cytotoxic effects, with higher cytotoxicity against Caco-2 as explored from the IC50 values. This cytotoxicity was supported by the high binding affinity of Zn-MOF to CT-DNA. Importantly, the non-toxic property of Zn-MOF was confirmed through its lack of cytotoxic effects against normal lung cell (Wi-38). The anti-inflammatory treatment of Zn-MOF achieved 75.0% efficiency relative to the standard Ibuprofen drug. DFT and docking provided insights into the geometric stability of Zn-MOF and its interaction with active amino acids within selected proteins associated with the investigated diseases. Finally, the synthesized Zn-MOF shows promise for applications in cancer treatment, chemoprevention, and particularly antibacterial purposes.

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

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

Comparison of Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Properties of Caffeic Acid Conjugates.

Spectroscopic studies (FT-IR, Raman, 1H, and 13C NMR, UV-VIS) of caffeic acid (CFA) and its conjugates, i.e., caftaric acid (CTA), cichoric acid (CA), and cynarin (CY), were carried out. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was determined by a superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay and the hydroxyl radical (HO•) inhibition assay. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was performed on DLD-1 cell lines. The molecules were theoretically modeled using the B3LYP-6-311++G(d,p) method. Aromaticity indexes (HOMA, I6, BAC, Aj), HOMO and LUMO orbital energies and reactivity descriptors, NBO electron charge distribution, EPS electrostatic potential maps, and theoretical IR and NMR spectra were calculated for the optimized model systems. The structural features of these compounds were discussed in terms of their biological activities.

Synergistic mechanisms between chlorine-mediated electrochemical advanced oxidation and ultraviolet light for ammonia removal

The combination of chlorine-mediated electrochemical advanced oxidation (Cl-EAO) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UV-E/Cl) can efficiently remove ammonia from wastewater. However, the synergistic mechanisms between Cl-EAO and UV need to be explored in more detail. Thus, in this study, the ammonia oxidation performance of Cl-EAO and UV-E/Cl systems were compared, while the synergistic mechanisms were identified by the performance of UV/chlorine oxidation (UV–ClO) system and the results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis, free radical inhibition assays, and determination of steady-state concentration of free radicals. It was found that, compared with the Cl-EAO system, UV increased the ammonia removal rate by 42.85% and reduced the active chlorine concentration (56.64%) and nitrate yield (53.61%). In the Cl-EAO, and UV-E/Cl systems, Cl• were detected, and the free radical inhibition assays and determination of steady-state concentration of free radicals suggested that UV increased the concentration of Cl• by 51.47%, resulting in Cl• becoming the major contributor to ammonia oxidation in the UV-E/Cl system. Besides, UV also increase the concentrations of HO• and Cl2•-, which further promoted the organic matter removal in the real domestic wastewater. This study also discussed the ammonia oxidation performance of the UV-E/Cl system in real domestic wastewater, even with the presence of significant levels of organic and inorganic anions in the wastewater, UV increased the ammonia oxidation by 21.95%. The results of this study thus clarify the mechanisms and potential applications of UV-E/Cl technology.

The Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Anti-Lipid Droplet Activity of Fluid Extracts from Romanian Cultivars of Haskap Berries, Bitter Cherries, and Red Grape Pomace for the Management of Liver Steatosis

This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of fluid extracts obtained from three Romanian cultivars of haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) var. Loni, bitter cherries (Prunus avium var. sylvestris Ser.) var. Silva, and pomace from red grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) var. Mamaia, and their capacity to modulate in vitro steatosis, in view of developing novel anti-obesity products. Total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid content of fluid extracts was spectrophotometrically assessed and their free radical scavenging capacity was evaluated using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition assays. The Pearson coefficients showed a moderate correlation between the antioxidant activity of fluid extracts and their phenolic content, but a strong correlation between anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content. HPLC analysis identified and quantified the main phenolic compounds of chlorogenic and syringic acid, catechin, and glycosylated kaempferol, apigenin, and quercetin, in variable proportions. An in vitro experimental model of steatosis was developed in HepG2 hepatocytes treated with a mixture of free fatty acids. Cell culture analyses showed that cytocompatible concentrations of fluid extracts could significantly reduce the lipid accumulation and inhibit the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide secretion in stressed hepatocytes. In conclusion, these results put an emphasis on the chemical compounds’ high antioxidant and liver protection capacity of unstudied fluid extracts obtained from Romanian cultivars of bitter cherries var. Silva and pomace of red grapes var. Mamaia, similar to the fluid extract of haskap berries var. Loni, in particular, the positive modulation of fat deposition next to oxidative stress and the lipid peroxidation process triggered by fatty acids in HepG2 hepatocytes. Consequently, this study indicated that these fluid extracts could be further exploited as hepatoprotective agents in liver steatosis, which provides a basis for the further development of novel extract mixtures with synergistic activity as anti-obesity products.

Clarifying the contributor of ammonia oxidation in chlorine-mediated electrochemical process

Chlorine-mediated electrochemical advanced oxidation (Cl-EAO) is a promising means of ammonia removal from wastewater. However, the role of active chlorine and chlorine radicals in the Cl-EAO process remains unclear. Carbonate ion (Na2CO3) is employed in this study to understand the main contributor of ammonia oxidation, and the EPR determination, free radical inhibition assay experiments, and probe experiments are used to clarify the role of chlorine radicals. The results of adding a low concentration of Na2CO3 (10 mM) to the Cl-EAO system show that active chlorine production is inhibited, but ammonia oxidation is promoted. Meanwhile, the results of adding a high concentration of Na2CO3 (50 mM) in the Cl-EAO system show that active chlorine levels increase, but ammonia oxidation rate is significantly inhibited. Obviously, the active chlorine production rate has little effect on ammonia oxidation, and the free radical detection and inhibition assays show that only 9.51% of oxidization is by active chlorine, proving that breakpoint chlorination oxidation is not the main pathway, while the chlorine radicals (Cl• and ClO•) are the main contributors, and the contribution of Cl• is comparable to ClO•. The chlorine radicals-contributing ammonia oxidation process follows zero-order kinetics, and ammonia oxidation process in this system is revisited based on the evidence from this study.

The Effect of Light and Dark Treatment on the Production of Rosmarinic Acid and Biological Activities in Perilla frutescens Microgreens.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of light [a long-day photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark cycle)] and dark treatment on the production of rosmarinic acid in P. frutescens microgreens and to determine its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Microgreens of P. frutescens were grown under light and dark conditions and harvested after 10, 15, 20, and 25 days of each treatment. Although dry weight values of microgreens gradually increased from 10 to 25 days of both treatments, the microgreens grown under light treatment possessed slightly higher levels of dry weight than those grown in the dark. Rosmarinic acid and total phenolic content (TPC) were also analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The accumulation patterns of rosmarinic acid and TPC gradually increased and decreased, respectively, in P. frutescens microgreens grown in continuous darkness. The highest accumulation was observed in microgreens grown for 20 days. However, rosmarinic acid and TPC values were not significantly different in microgreens grown under light conditions. According to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition assay, the extracts of P. frutescens microgreens were confirmed to be strong antioxidants, and their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals was positively correlated with the total phenolic content in the microgreens after 10, 15, 20, and 25 days of both treatments. Considering the relatively higher values of dry weight, rosmarinic acid, TPC, and DPPH assay, P. frutescens microgreens after 20 days of darkness and 20 days of light treatment, respectively, were selected for screening antibacterial activity using nine pathogens. Both microgreen extracts showed strong antibacterial activity against pathogens. In particular, the extracts of microgreens grown for 20 days under light treatment showed higher antimicrobial effects. Therefore, the light treatments for 20 days, as well as the darkness treatment for 20 days, were the best conditions for P. frutescens microgreen production because of their high levels of dry weight, phenolics, and biological activities.

Medicago sativa L. Plant Response against Possible Eustressors (Fe, Ag, Cu)-TiO2: Evaluation of Physiological Parameters, Total Phenol Content, and Flavonoid Quantification.

The present study analyzed Medicago sativa L. crops irrigated by TiO2 in the anatase phase and TiO2 doped with Ag, Fe, and Cu ions at 0.1%w synthesized using the sol-gel method (SG) and the sol-gel method coupled with microwave (Mw-SG). The materials were added to the irrigation water at different concentrations (50, 100, and 500 ppm). Stress induction by nanomaterials was observed by measuring stem morphology, chlorophyll index, total phenols and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity through the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy) radical inhibition assay. The nanomaterial treatments caused statistically significant reductions in parameters such as stem length, leaf size, and chlorophyll index and increases in total phenol content and DPPH inhibition percentage. However, the observed effects did not show clear evidence regarding the type of nanomaterial used, its synthesis methodology, or a concentration-dependent response. By generally grouping the results obtained to the type of dopant used and the synthesis method, the relationship between them was determined employing a two-way ANOVA. It was observed that the dopant factors, synthesis, and interaction were relevant for most treatments. Additionally, the addition of microwaves in the synthesis method resulted in the largest number of treatments with a significant increase in the total content of phenols and the % inhibition compared to the traditional sol-gel synthesis. In contrast, parameters such as stem size and chlorophyll index were affected under different treatments from both synthesis methods.

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF WHOLE PLANT OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS LINN.

Antioxidants serve a critical role in preventing oxidative stress-related damage. Plants with high phenolic content havebeen shown to have antioxidant effects. The goal of this study was to look into the phytochemistry and antioxidantproperties of ethanolic extracts from Tridex procumbens (whole plant) in order to establish a statistical link betweenisolated component concentration and antioxidant capability. TLC, HPTLC, Column chromatography, and an in vitrostandard technique employing a spectrophotometer were used to assess the phytochemistry and antioxidant properties ofethanolic extractives. DPPH (l, l-diphenyl-2-piciylhydrazine) radical scavenging assay, Nitric oxide (NO) RadicalInhibition Assay, Reducing Power and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay techniques were used to assess antioxidantactivity. TLC plate with various numbers of 5 spots were implemented. The HPTLC report shows the existence of tenspots with distinct Rf values, indicating that they occupy separate areas with varying Rf values. The extracted chemicalsfrom the ethanolic extract of Tridex procumbens were column chromatographed using hexane (80ml) and benzene (20 ml)and a stationary phase silica gel. The maximum antioxidant activity was found in extracts. The Tridax procumbens extractwas the most efficient in terms of DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, with IC50 values of 0.15, 0.12, 0.008and 42.39 g/ml, respectively. The findings show a strong link between separated chemical content and extractantioxidant capability, suggesting that Tridex procumbens might be a promising option for medicinal plant-based products asa free radical inhibitor or scavenger. However, further research is needed to ensure that it can be used effectively in bothmodern and traditional medicine.

Analysis of Antioxidant and Antiviral Effects of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaf Extracts and Pure Compound Using Cancer Cell Model.

The present study aims to assess the antioxidant and antiviral effectiveness of leaf extracts obtained from Olea europaea L. var. sativa and Olea europaea L. var. sylvestris. The total antioxidant activity was determined via both an ammonium phosphomolybdate assay and a nitric oxide radical inhibition assay. Both extracts showed reducing abilities in an in vitro system and in human HeLa cells. Indeed, after oxidative stress induction, we found that exposition to olive leaf extracts protects human HeLa cells from lipid peroxidation and increases the concentration of enzyme antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase. Additionally, OESA treatment affects viral DNA accumulation more than OESY, probably due to the exclusive oleuropein content. In fact, subtoxic concentrations of oleuropein inhibit HSV-1 replication, stimulating the phosphorylation of PKR, c-FOS, and c-JUN proteins. These results provide new knowledge about the potential health benefits and mechanisms of action of oleuropein and oleuropein-rich extracts.

In Vitro anticholinesterase and antioxidant activity of Thunbergia coccinea leaves extract

Herbal medicines gained an interest in the development of new drugs as a therapeutic agent for various manifestation. Relevant research reveals that Thunbergia coccinea is a plant which possess antipyretic, anti-inflammatory activity and it has been used as an ethnomedicinal plant. The present study explores the cholinesterase inhibitory potential relevant to neurodegenerative disorder and antioxidant activities of hydroethanolic extract of Thunbergia coccinea leaves. Cholinesterase inhibition was determined by Ellman method at different concentrations. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, TRAP, NO radical inhibition assay, Phosphomolybdate assay for total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, SOD scavenging activity. The hydroethanolic extract of Thunbergia coccinea leaves express significant amount of antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity against neurodegenerative disorders.

Screening of the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of extracted essential oils from Thunbergia coccinea, Acacia polyacantha, Polygonum micrpcephallum, Abies spectabilis and Clerodendrum colebrookianum.

During the previous few decades, it has been seen that there is a rapid emergence of pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics. This has now become a global crisis. Some unexplored or less explored plants also provide some antibacterial, bactericidal and antioxidant properties. The antibacterial, bactericidal effects of extracted essential oils (EEOs) of Thunbergia coccinea, Acacia polyacantha, Polygonum micrpcephallum, Abies spectabilis and Clerodendrum colebrookianum was tested in comparison with standard antibiotics. The methods chosen were disc diffusion and deduction of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by microbroth dilution assays of the EEOs against the bacterial strains.The antioxidant activity was found out utilizing DPPH free radical scavenging assay, MDA, Hydrogen peroxide radical inhibition assay and Superoxide radical inhibition assay (O 2 -). Some commonly used standard antibiotics (metronidazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, rifampicin, clindamycin and oxacillin,) were utilized to compare the EEO antibacterial action. Clerodendrum colebrookianum (85.17 ± 3.06 µg MDA/g extract) had a reasonable MDA. Acacia polyacantha in MIC had values of 3.86 ± 0.25 to 6.20 ± 0.16. Polygonum micrpcephallum had excessive H2O2 (48.27 ± 2.4 5%). The antibacterial actions determined by the paper disc‑diffusion technique of the EEO extracted from these plants showed that most had some antibacterial actions. Also, it was seen that the bactericidal action of the EEO extracted from E. alba was most potent against S. pyogenes (4.06 ± 0.15). The extract of the plant at varying concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and100 mg/mL) demonstrated noteworthy (P< 0.001) anthelmintic action in an effective change when the dose was adjusted. In conclusion, most of the tested plants contain a medicinal value, which can be utilized in the future to supplement artificial medicines and cure emerging diseases that create havoc for mankind.

Investigation of Antioxidant Activity and Analysis of Phenolic Compounds of some Asteraceae Plants by HPLC: A Comparison Between Methanol and Ethanol Extracts

Background: Medicinal and healing plants have been used in treating human diseases for centuries because of their therapeutic effects. They may assist in curing common ailments such as a multitude of skin problems, various disorders from muscle spasms to cuts and wounds. They can be used to relieve symptoms of different illnesses from cold to some forms of arthritis or some allergies as well. The Asteraceae plant is a strong source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and this paper focuses on its specifications. Objectives: The specific aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential and radical scavenging of different solvents (Methanol and Ethanol) of five species i.e.Artemisia absinthium L., Arctium lappa L., Centaurea cyanus L., Silybum marianum L., and Echinops ritro L. belonging to the Asteraceae family. Methods: Methanol and ethanol extracts of the above plants were prepared. The obtained extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), chain-breaking activity (CBA), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Also, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging, Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical scavenging and Superoxide (O2 -) radical inhibition assay were measured. Phenolic compounds were determined and measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as well. Results: The collected and analyzed data showed that the highest values for the TPC, TFC, TBA, and DPPH were related to methanol extract of A. lappa L. Moreover, maximum values for the CBA, H2O2 and O2 - were observed in the ethanol extract of E. ritro L., while methanol extract of E. ritro L. showed the highest amount of FRAP and NO. Eventually, the highest value for TAC was related to A. absintium L. and it was also realized that methanol compared to ethanol solvent was more successful in the extraction procedure. Conclusions: These findings suggest that A. lappa L. and E. ritro L. extracts can be considered as excellent natural antioxidant agents and the type of the solvent can affect the extraction of phenolic compounds. Sinapic acid as the highest level of phenolic acid was found in S. marianum L.

Fructooligosaccharides synthesized by fructosyltransferase from an indigenous coprophilous Aspergillus niger strain XOBP48 exhibits antioxidant activity

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) produced via sucrose biotransformation by partially purified Fructosyltransferase (Ftase) from an indigenous coprophilous Aspergillus niger strain XOBP48 (AnXOBP48) are reported to have antioxidant and nutraceutical properties in the present study. The Ftase activity on sucrose yielded FOS identified as monomeric glucose, 1- kestose (GF2), and 1,1– kestotetraose (GF3) which were further purified and quantified using HPLC-RI system. The antioxidant activities of purified FOS at concentrations of 1, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 μg/ml were determined by applying three experimental models and comparing their properties with FOS standards and vitamin C. The free radical scavenging activity measured by 1,1 - diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and nitric oxide (NO) radical inhibition assay, yielded IC50 values of 2.6 μg/ml, 3.9 μg/ml and 3.4 μg/ml, 3.8 μg/ml and 0.69 μg/ml, 0.74 for purified GF2 and GF3, respectively. The free radical scavenging and inhibition activities showed a concentration dependent antioxidant activity of purified FOS with no significant differences as compared to the standards p < 0.01 and vitamin C. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that purified FOS could be exploited in biotechnological applications and/or as to be used as functional ingredients in commercial products such as the production of nutraceutical compounds due to their potential antioxidant properties.

Rindera graeca (Boraginaceae) Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities.

Rindera graeca is a Greek endemic plant of the Boraginaceae family which has never been studied before. Consequently, this study attempted to phytochemically examine the aerial parts of this species. Nine phenolic secondary metabolites were identified, consisting of seven caffeic acid derivatives and two flavonol glucosides, namely rutin and quercetin-3-rutinoside-7-rhamnoside. These flavonoids, together with rosmarinic acid, were isolated via column chromatography and structurally determined through spectral analysis. Quercetin-3-rutinoside-7-rhamnoside is an unusual triglycoside, which is identified for the first time in Rindera genus and among Boraginaceae plants. This metabolite was further examined with thermal analysis and its 3D structure was simulated, revealing some intriguing information on its interaction with biological membrane models, which might have potential applications in microcirculation-related conditions. R. graeca was also analyzed for its pyrrolizidine alkaloids content, and it was found to contain echinatine together with echinatine N-oxide and rinderine N-oxide. Additionally, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of R. graeca methanol extract were determined, along with free radical inhibition assays. High total phenolic content and almost complete inhibition at experimental doses at the free radical assays indicate a potent antioxidant profile for this plant. Overall, through phytochemical analysis and biological activity assays, insight was gained on an endemic Greek species of the little-studied Rindera genus, while its potential for further applications has been assessed.

A Study of Physiological Activities for Cosmeceutical Ingredient from Fermented Aroniamelanocarpa Extract

Due to the unique sourness and sweet taste of Aronia, it is necessary to develop it for processing rather than raw. The antioxidant activity and cytotoxin about the aronia powder fermentation extract using lactobacillus are verified. In the case of total polyphenol content, the content of non-fermented extract was 32.15 μg/mg fermentation extract, 43.08 μg/mg after fermentation, and the flavonoid content was 0.47 μg/mg in non-fermented extract and 0.44 μg/mg in fermented extract, which was similar to that of non-fermented extract. In the DPPH radical inhibition assay, 77.5% of the non-fermented extract and 89.1% of the fermented extract showed better activity than the non-fermented extract. Nitric oxide (NO) measurement showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect. From the above results, it was confirmed that the fermentation of Aronia powder could be utilized based on some antioxidant activities and the possibility of using it as a vegetable extract and fermented cosmetic material in the future.

Production and evaluation of antifungal stilbenoids in Dracaena cochinchinensis elicited by fungal inoculation

Plants infected by fungal elicitors produce phytoalexins. As one of the most valuable traditional medicines, dragon’s blood is harvested from the trunks of Dracaena cochinchinensis elicited by fungal species. However, the functional metabolites exhibiting antifungal activity in dragon's blood remain unclear. In the current study, three new stilbenoids (1―3), one new chalcone (4), and one new flavane (5), together with one known compound (6), were identified from dragon’s blood of D. cochinchinensis elicited by Fusarium graminearum. Among these compounds, compound 3, (7E)-2,4-dihydroxy-1-methylstilbene, exhibited a broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against four pathogenic fungal strains of maize, including Exserohilum turcicum, Bipolaris maydis, Curvularia lunata, and F. graminearum. Inspiringly, compound 3 showed a stronger inhibitory activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50: 11.02 ± 1.12 μg/mL) against the elicited fungus F. graminearum than that of a commercial fungicide, nystatin (IC50: 16.23 ± 3.10 μg/mL). Additionally, a dramatically low electron density was observed in the cell walls of F. graminearum, suggesting that compound 3 might exert its function by directly targeting cell walls. Compound 3 also showed potent antioxidant activities, which was validated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical inhibition assays. Collectively, our findings highlight that stilbenoids in dragon’s blood of D. cochinchinensis have promising potential for the future development of natural fungicides for organic farming.

Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-arthritic potential of Zingiber officinale Rosc. by in vitro and in silico analysis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that leads to joint and bone destruction. The available anti-inflammatory chemo drugs are associated with adverse side-effects providing only temporary relief. Herbal medicine can act as an alternative source for RA treatment with improved efficacy, lesser toxicity and side effects. An attempt was made to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-arthritic potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). Crude ginger extracts were prepared with different organic solvents using soxhlet approach. The extracts were assessed for their anti-oxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS and nitric oxide radical inhibition assays and anti-arthritic activity through membrane stabilization assay, anti-proteinase activity and protein denaturation inhibition assays. The highest scavenging potential was exhibited by Z. officinale methanolic extract (ZOME) as assessed by DPPH assay (86.26 ± 0.97%), ABTS assay (91.04 ± 0.96%) and nitric oxide assay (86.72 ± 1.51%). Similarly, the ZOME showed 84.72 ± 1.38% of inhibition in membrane stabilization assay, 82.72 ± 1.48% in anti-proteinase activity and 81.68 ± 1.66% in protein denaturation inhibition capacity. GC-MS analysis of ZOME showed 30 different phytoconstituents. The major ginger bioactive compounds were virtually docked with novel RA targets using PyRx and the pharmacokinetic properties like ADMET properties were evaluated. Among all, 8-Gingerol showed the highest covalent interaction along with suitable binding affinity to the RA targets of COX-II (−7.2), TNF-α (−4.7), MCSF (−5.0), IL-1β (−5.7) and MMP9 (−6.7) kcal/mol. 8-Gingerol can be a better drug candidate that must be further investigated for mechanistic studies to verify its therapeutic potential in treating RA.

Bioactivity and Dereplication of Phenolic Compounds in Medicinal Plants

Three medicinal plants with recognized anti-inflammatory potential, identified as “erva de São João“ (Ageratum conyzoides), “Tanchagem“ (Plantago major) and “ Bardana“ (Arctium lappa L.) were obtained from a medicinal herbs company located in Teófilo Otoni city (Minas Gerais State, Brazil). The dry plant material obtained in packages was submitted to the chemical procedures to prepare the crude extracts by maceration according to the Brazilian pharmacopoeia legislation. After extraction, the samples were subjected to 1H NMR, TLC and Capillary Electrophoresis analysis by co-injection of authentic patterns of phenolic acids and flavonoids to identify the major compounds and classes of secondary metabolites present in each material and then their chemical and biological potential was assessed by DPPH free radical inhibition assay and antimicrobial against E. coli. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the phytopreparation was effective in the extraction of compounds with antioxidant potential and the three species presented a high concentration of flavonoids and other phenolics that is compatible with the chemosystematic data. The screening obtained by 1H NMR spectroscopy, TLC and Capillary Electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection analysis provided us a qualitative profile of the phytochemicals present in each material. None of the extracts were active against Escherichia coli by antibacterial disk diffusion assay at concentration of 1 mg/ml.