Radical Scavenging Properties Research Articles

Viscolin-mediated antiapoptotic and neuroprotective effects in cortical neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation and rats subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia

ABSTRACT Objective Previously, we have successfully purified and synthesized viscolin, an agent derived from Viscum coloratum extract, which has shown significant potential in the treatment of stroke. Our study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of viscolin. Methods We first assessed the cytotoxicity of viscolin on primary neuronal cultures and determined its antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. Subsequently, we identified the optimal dose-response of viscolin in protecting against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Results Our results demonstrated that viscolin at a concentration of 10 μM effectively reduced neuronal cell death up to 6 hours after glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Additionally, we investigated the therapeutic window of opportunity and the potential of viscolin in preventing necrotic and apoptotic damage in cultured neurons exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation-induced neurotoxicity. Our findings showed that viscolin treatment significantly reduced DNA breakage, prevented the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol, increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells. Additionally, our in vivo investigation demonstrated a reduction in brain infarction following middle cerebral artery occlusion. Conclusion Viscolin has potential utility as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of stroke.

Extruded wholegrain sorghum porridges fortified with baobab fruit and moringa leaves display bioactive phenolics-related health-promoting properties

Background and objectivesFood-to-food fortification (FtFF) is gaining traction as a strategy to enhance nutritional value of cereal-based foods. Sorghum, a major food crop for millions in the semi-arid tropics lends itself to such FtFF efforts. Such food-to-food fortified (FtF fortified) foods also contain bioactive phenolics with health-promoting properties in relation to potential protection against diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) whose prevalence is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, the effects of extrusion cooking of sorghum-based porridges FtF fortified with baobab fruit powder and moringa leaf powder on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anti-lipogenic properties were determined. FindingsFtFF porridges showed higher phenolic content (phenolic acids and their esters, flavonoids and their glycosides) and greater radical scavenging properties and reduction in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) compared to unfortified porridges. Extruded instant porridges had lower phenolic content, radical scavenging properties and showed less reduction in AGEs compared to conventionally wet-cooked porridges. All porridges exerted antioxidant effects in Caco-2 cells and FtFF inhibited nitric oxide (NO) formation in RAW 264.7 cells. Extracts from all porridge samples exhibited prevention and reduction of adipocyte formation in 3 T3-L1 cells, indicating anti-lipogenic effects. ConclusionFtFF (with moringa and baobab) and extrusion cooking can be used to produce instant porridges from wholegrain sorghums with targeted health-promoting properties to address rising non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Significance and noveltyThis study highlights the potential of FtFF with tropical plant foodstuffs to improve health-promoting properties of cereal wholegrain-based starchy staple foods.

Iron protoporphyrin IX-hyaluronan hydrogel-supported luminol chemiluminescence for the detection of nitric oxide in physiological solutions

Due to its role as a free radical signal-transducing agent with a short lifespan, precise measurement of nitric oxide (●NO) levels presents significant challenges. Various analytical techniques offer distinct advantages and disadvantages for ●NO detection. This research aims to simplify the detection process by developing a hydrogel system using iron(III)-protoporphyrin IX (hemin)-loaded hyaluronan for the detection of ●NO in solution. Various hydrogel formulations were created, and the effects of their components on hydrogel-supported luminol chemiluminescence (CL) kinetics, radical scavenging, and physicochemical properties were analysed through factorial analysis. The candidate formulations were then evaluated using two ●NO donors. An increase in the degree of crosslinking in unloaded formulations enhanced interactions with the CL reaction components, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and luminol, thereby affecting light generation. However, hemin loading negated these effects, resulting in more prominent luminescence kinetics in formulations with lower crosslinking degrees. Similarly, ●NO influenced the kinetics differently, interacting with both the CL reaction and hydrogel components. Hemin-loaded formulations exhibited enhanced signal propagation when exposed to ●NO, followed by H2O2 and luminol, whereas reversing the order of addition inhibited this propagation. The magnitude of these luminescence changes depended on the type and concentration of the ●NO donor, demonstrating greater sensitivity to ●NO levels compared to amperometric sensing. These findings suggest that the studied hydrogel platform has potential for the facile and accurate detection of ●NO in solution, requiring minimal sample sizes.

Exploring novel bromo heterocyclic scaffold and theoretical explanation of their biological actions

In this elucidation, we synthesized different heterocyclic compounds through (E)-1-(2‑bromo-4-methylphenyl)-3-(4-bromophenyl)prop‑2-en-1-one(3) which is synthesized from the aldol condensation between 4-bromobenzaldehyde and 1-(2‑bromo-4-methylphenyl)ethan-1-one in the basic condition in excellent yield. Furthermore, the chalcone 3 showed also varied activity with nitrogen nucleophiles and active methylene and displayed different heterocyclic rings which were confirmed through different spectral analyses such as FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and mass spectrum. Moreover, the synthesized heterocyclic exhibited antimicrobial properties against various microbial strains (Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal strains) through the well diffusion methodology and comparable with Ampicillin and Mycostatin drugs. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds demonstrated various radical scavenger properties and antioxidant activities. These biological analyses demonstrated various binding energies and interactions with proteins and were validated through molecular docking studies using distinct protein pockets interaction. Additionally, the Frontier Molecular Orbitals (FMO), which are physical descriptors of optimal structures that are connected with biological evaluations and demonstrate the activities of these compounds due to presence of two bromine atom which effect on electron deficiency and increase its action which examined via the DFT/B3LYP/6-311G basis set.

Therapeutic and antioxidant effects of lactoperoxidase on aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male rats

Background and objective Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a type of mycotoxin, is present in food and feed and is toxic to both people and animals. Histological effects of AFB1 on the rat kidney have not been well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of lactoperoxidase (LPO) against aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity in a trial to improve its clinical use. Materials and methods Adult male Wistar rats (150–200 g b.w) were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats each): (1) healthy control group, (2) healthy rats treated IP with LPO (50mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks, (3) rats intoxicated orally with AFB1 (80 µg/ kg/day) for 6 weeks, and (4) Animals treated with LPO for 6 weeks after intoxication with AFB1. Results and conclusion The results showed that LPO was successful in reducing aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity after 6 weeks of treatment. This was demonstrated by the significant decrease in blood urea, urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, TNF-α, IL-1β, as well as kidney NO, MDA, and DNA damages matched with a significant increase in CD4 and albumin levels as well as kidney GSH and SOD. Furthermore, the LPO was successful in aflatoxin B1-induced tissue degenerations, reflecting its therapeutic potential. In conclusion, due to their antioxidant and radical scavenging properties, LPO may be as effective in improving nephrons from aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity of Tannins Isolated from Callus Cultures of Achyranthes aspera L.

In the current study, the impact of oxidative stress induced by free radicals generated during metabolic processes was investigated. It was found to be linked to a variety of diseases due to their detrimental effects on nucleic acids and proteins. The primary focus remained on investigating the free radical-scavenging properties and potential anticancer activities of tannins found in callus cultures of A. aspera. It was observed that the induction of callus formation was notably successful when using leaf and root explants, resulting in a callus index as high as 160, as compared to stem explants in the presence of auxins. The extraction yield of callus tannins was the most abundant in chloroform extracts, although the overall antioxidant activity was comparable among chloroform, methanol, and petroleum ether callus extracts. Among these extracts, the chloroform extract from stem callus cultures grown on the MSDN medium showed the highest total antioxidant activity. Notably, tannins extracted from A. aspera leaf callus extracts displayed significant anticancer effects against the Jurket cell line. These effects were evaluated through measures such as cell viability and colony formation. The anticancer activity was notably higher in callus culture extracts as compared to the control. In summary, the results showed that in vitro biomass production can be a valuable approach for augmenting the production of bioactive compounds, such as tannins, from selected medicinal plants including A. aspera. Tannins extracted from A. aspera hold promise for their potential role in the development of new medicines.

Antioxidant activity of Sophora exigua and liposome development of its powerful extract.

Sophora exigua (SE) was sequentially extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The obtained extracts were tested for antioxidant activity. Among them, the fractionated ethyl acetate extract (SE-EA) showed the highest potential in free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing properties. The chemical analysis identified sophoraflavanone G as one of the active ingredients in SE-EA. According to SE-EA solubility, SE-EA liposomes were developed using a sonication-assisted thin film method. Cholesterol and phospholipids were used as the main compositions of the liposomes. The obtained liposomes were spherical with different nano-size ranges, size distribution, and zeta potential depending on SE-EA and total lipid concentrations. SE-EA liposomes were slightly bigger than their empty liposomes. All liposomes exhibited a phospholipid crystalline structure. Cholesterol and SE-EA existed in the liposomes as an amorphous state. SE-EA liposomes with high total lipid content exhibited high entrapment efficiency and sustained release behavior. Whereas liposomes with low total lipid content showed low entrapment efficiency and fast-release behavior. All SE-EA liposomes showed stronger antioxidant activity than the non-entrapped SE-EA. In conclusion, SE-EA is a natural source of potent antioxidants. The developed SE-EA liposomes are a promising pharmaceutical formulation to efficiently deliver the active ingredients of SE-EA and are suitable for further study in vivo.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ASSESSMENT OF ALLIUM HYPSISTUM, ALLIUM PRZEWALSKIANUM AND ALLIUM WALLICHII

High altitude plants are tremendously used mostly as food and traditional medicine for their role on prevention and treatment of several diseases. Thus, this study focused on comprehensive analysis of the phyto-constituents and the antioxidant activities of three plants; .Allium hypsistum, Allium przewalskanium, and Allium wallichii. Upon analysis, the phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, terpenoids, steroidal compounds, glycosides, carbohydrates and aminoacids were identified in ethanolic, n-hexane and aqueous extracts of the plant whereas saponins and quinones were not detected at all. Other photochemicals like flavonoids, phenolic compound, and tannins were found in ethanolic and water extracts but not in the n-hexane extract. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using total phenolic content (TPC) and 2, 2-diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. TPC was assayed by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method. The phenolic compounds were present in all three types of extracts; however, the highest TPC was estimated only in ethanolic extract of A. hypsistum i.e. 172mgGAE/100g. Among the extracts, ethanol extract of A. hypsistum showed the highest DPPH free radical scavenging property 59.44 %RSA (radical scavenging activity) when compared to the reference molecule ascorbic acid that had 75.11 %RSA. Among selected three plants, both TPC and %RSA revealing the antioxidant activities were found to be higher in A. hypsistum followed by A. prsewalskanium and A. wallichii. Furthermore, relationship between TPC and DPPH activity (%RSA) were established and found weak to strong correlation but they were statistical non-significant. From this study, such findings may help to know chemical constituents and medicinal values of Allium species which may lead to develop new phytomedicines and use of these plants in herbal therapy.

Influence of Selected Natural Antioxidants on Iron-Induced Enzymatic Alterations Related to Oxidative Stress

Iron is required in various biological processes of the cell, but excess iron causes oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be prevented by antioxidants with free radical scavenging properties. Tannic acid and gallic acid are phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties found naturally in plants. In this study, the effects of gallic acid and tannic acid on iron-induced oxidative stress parameters were investigated in a fruit fly model. Effect of the compounds against iron-induced oxidative stress were evaluated by determining spectrophotometrically superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activities, and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in larvae (n: 10) and adults (n: 20) of wild type Oregon R strain of Drosophila melanogaster. Iron treatment decreased enzyme activities and GSH levels, but increased MDA levels. Co-treatment of these compounds with iron ameliorated iron-induced changes, especially in larvae. On the other hand, iron-induced decrease in AChE activity was increased in adults by treatment of these compounds with iron. The results showed that natural phenolic compounds have the potential to ameliorate iron-induced changes in oxidative stress parameters.

Biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of isoflavonoids in model plants and crops: a review.

Isoflavonoids, the major secondary metabolites within the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, play important roles in plant defense and exhibit free radical scavenging properties in mammals. Recent advancements in understanding the synthesis, transport, and regulation of isoflavonoids have identified their biosynthetic pathways as promising targets for metabolic engineering, offering potential benefits such as enhanced plant resistance, improved biomass, and restoration of soil fertility. This review provides an overview of recent breakthroughs in isoflavonoid biosynthesis, encompassing key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway, transporters influencing their subcellular localization, molecular mechanisms regulating the metabolic pathway (including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, as well as epigenetic modifications). Metabolic engineering strategies aimed at boosting isoflavonoid content in both leguminous and non-leguminous plants. Additionally, we discuss emerging technologies and resources for precise isoflavonoid regulation. This comprehensive review primarily focuses on model plants and crops, offering insights for more effective and sustainable metabolic engineering approaches to enhance nutritional quality and stress tolerance.

Sequential Separation of Essential Oil Components during Hydrodistillation of Fresh Foliage from Azorean Cryptomeria japonica (Cupressaceae): Effects on Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Free Radical Scavenging Activities.

Cryptomeria japonica wood industry generates large amounts of foliage biomass residues. Due to the increasing applications and markets for essential oils (EOs), fresh Azorean C. japonica foliage (Az-CJF) residues are used for local EO production. Hydrodistillation (HD), a common process for obtaining EOs, also provides the possibility to fractionate them. Thus, this study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of six Az-CJF EO fractions (Frs. 1-6), collected at sequential HD timeframes (HDTs: 0-2, 2-10, 10-30, 30-60, 60-120, and 120-240 min), in comparison to the crude EO, obtained from a non-fractionated HD (0-240 min HDT). Antimicrobial activities were assessed via disc diffusion method against seven bacteria (foodborne and/or human pathogens) and two Penicillium spp. (phytopathogenic fungi), and antioxidant activity was estimated using DPPH and ABTS assays. Concerning the antibacterial activity, all the EO samples were effective only toward Gram-positive bacteria. Fractions 1-3 (<30 min HDT) were the most active, with growth inhibition zones (GIZ) of 7.0-23.3 mm (1.4-2.2 times higher than those of the crude EO), being Bacillus spp. (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis) the most sensitive, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. Regarding the antifungal activity, Frs. 1-3 also displayed the best activities, but only against P. italicum (GIZ around 9.0 mm), while the crude EO showed no antifungal activity. Overall, the best antimicrobial properties of Frs. 1-3 could be attributed, at least in part, to their highest content in α-pinene and bornyl acetate. On the other hand, Frs. 4-6 (>30 min HDT) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities (EC50 values: 1.5-2.3 and 1.0-1.7 mg mL-1 for DPPH and ABTS, respectively), being at least 1.3-fold higher than those of the crude EO. The presence of nezukol, elemol, and eudesmol isomers could strongly contribute to the best free radical scavenging properties of Frs. 4-6. In conclusion, HD was found to be an efficient process for obtaining new Az-CJF EO fractions with variable and enhanced bioactivities due to their differential composition, as assessed using GC-MS. Hence, these findings could contribute to increasing the commercial potential of the C. japonica EO industry, namely, the Fr2 and Fr6, which presented the most significant activities and can have potential applications in the food, medical, and agriculture sectors.

Phytochemical profile, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities of Parkia timoriana bark extracts

Abstract. Sariwati A, Suryanti V, Sari F, Kamei I, Trisnawati EW. 2024. Phytochemical profile, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities of Parkia timoriana bark extracts. Biodiversitas 25: 2427-2433. Plants have various bioactive compounds that have pharmacological activity. Kedawung (Parkia timoriana (DC) Merr) is an indigenous plant in Indonesia that contains bioactive compounds. The leaves, bark, seeds, and roots of P. timoriana are commonly used in traditional medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition of P. timoriana bark extract and to assess its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activity. The bark of P. timoriana was extracted with various solvents that differ in polarity, such as water, methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane. All extracts were investigated for antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH) free-radical and 2,2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic-acid) (ABTS) scavenging ability. The in-vitro antidiabetic activity was carried out by ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibition. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined by the agar disc diffusion method. Parkia timoriana bark extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, reducing sugars, and cardiac glycosides. The ethyl acetate extract possessed the highest total phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannic acid, and terpenoids. Secondary metabolites in all extracts contributed to free radical scavenging, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. The P. timoriana bark contains natural chemical compounds that might be useful as therapeutic agents for producing bioactive products and pharmaceuticals in the future.

Embelin mitigates hepatotoxicity induced by isoniazid and rifampicin in rats

Isoniazid and rifampicin are reliable drugs against tuberculosis, but while effective, their use is associated with the risk of drug-induced liver damage. Embelin, a natural parabenzoquinone derived from the Embelia ribes plant, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties, antioxidant and organ-protective effects. The study aimed to assess the hepatoprotective properties of embelin against liver dama­ge induced by isoniazid and rifampicin in rats. Wistar rats were used, and liver damage was induced by administration of isoniazid (100 mg/kg) and rifampicin (100 mg/kg). Embelin was given at doses of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg for 21 days. All the drugs were given orally. Serum levels of the oxidative stress markers, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measured by enzymatic assay kits (Elabscience, China), and the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins IL-1β and IL-6 measured by ELISA kits (Randox, UK) were estimated. Embelin administration at varying doses effectively restored AST, ALT, ALP, SOD and catalase activity and notably decreased MDA and nitric oxide concentration as well as expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the serum of animals with drug-induced liver damage. These findings underscore embelin’s hepatoprotective effects, likely attributed to its radical scavenging properties and ability to suppress cytokine production. Keywords: antioxidant effect, cytokine suppression, embelin, hepatoprotection, isoniazid, rifampicin

Comparative Bioactive Constituents, Radical Scavenging and Antidiabetic Properties of Fresh, Boiled and Air-Dried Momordica charantia Leaves

Comparative Bioactive Constituents, Radical Scavenging and Antidiabetic Properties of Fresh, Boiled and Air-Dried Momordica charantia Leaves

Purple sweet potato antioxidants for oxidative stress caused by intense physical exercise

Background: Intense exercise increases ROS and reactive nitrogen species, leading to oxidative stress and potential health issues. Balancing free radical production and antioxidant defence is crucial. Endogenous antioxidants help neutralise ROS, but additional supplementation is required to prevent cell damage. Objective: This literature review explores the potential of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) as an antioxidant source to counteract exercise-induced oxidative stress. Method: Scientific articles from various platforms were collected using keywords such as "Physical exercise," "Oxidative stress," "Purple sweet potato," and "Antioxidant”. Result: Purple sweet potato, rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C, exhibits potent free radical scavenging properties. Consumption of purple sweet potato enhances superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, reduces lipid peroxidation (MDA), inhibits the NF-kB signalling pathway, and prevents increased heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) expression. These findings suggest that purple sweet potato consumption promotes cellular health and mitigates oxidative stress caused by intense physical exercise. Conclusion: In conclusion, incorporating purple sweet potato into the diet shows promise in countering exercise-induced oxidative stress, promoting overall well-being, and preventing chronic diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimal dosage for combating oxidative stress during rigorous physical training.

New palladium(II) metallates containing ON donor Schiff base ligand. synthesis, spectral characterization, x-ray crystallography, photo physical and in vitro cytotoxicity

Two new Palladium(II) complexes were synthesized by reacting (3‑hydroxy-naphthalene-2-carboxylic thiophen-2-ylmethylene-hydrazide) with [PdCl2(EPh3)2] (E = P, As). The complexes [Pd(L-N,O)Cl(PPh3)] (1) [Pd(L-N,O)Cl(AsPh3)] (2), HL = 3‑hydroxy-naphthalene-2-carboxylicthiophen-2-ylmethylenehydrazide formation was analysed through various spectroscopic investigations (IR, Uv-Visble, 1HNMR ) and structural confirmation was obtained from single crystal x-ray crystallography, which indicated that the complex 1 having distorted square planar geometry. DNA/protein binding ability of the ligand and complexes were commenced using absorption and emission titrations and found that the complex 2 have better binding ability with tyrosine and tryptophan residues and by quenching the fluorescence of BSA through static quenching mechanism. Their antioxidant and in vitro anticancer activities were assessed, where complex 2 displayed better radical scavenging properties and cancer cell death inducing ability. Further, DAPI staining assay was performed to detect the mode of cell death and found complex 2 having better towards to cell death.

Effect of Germination and Fermentation on the Nutrient Contents, Functional and Antioxidant Activities of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Flour

Effect of germination and fermentation on the nutrient contents, functional and antioxidant activities of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) flour were investigated. The pigeon pea seeds were sorted, cleaned and processed into germinated, fermented and raw flours. The flour samples obtained were analyzed for proximate composition, mineral contents, antinutrient contents, functional properties and antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties using standard methods. The results of the proximate composition showed that the moisture content within the range of 9.62±0.02-9.96±0.01, crude protein content 16.63±0.01-24.17±0.01, crude fibre content 1.41±0.01-2.59±0.01, lipid 4.33±0.01-5.61±0.01, ash content 1.62±0.01-2.17±0.01, carbohydrate 56.80±0.02 - 62.47±0.01 and energy values 366.91 - 374.40kcal/100g. The result of elemental mineral analysis showed magnesium as the major mineral element in the sample (91.32±0.02 to 123.75±0.04mg/g), calcium (96.02 ± 0.02 - 110.14 ± 0.003mg/g), phosphorus (39.11 ± 0.02 - 46.12 ± 0.03mg/g), sodium (8.63 ± 0.02 - 12.61 ± 0.001mg/g), Iron (3.08 ± 0.02 - 4.11 ± 0.001mg/g) and zinc (2.04 ± 0.01 - 3.17mg/g) respectively. The result of the functional properties showed optimal gelatinization temperature ranged from 73.610C - 89.410C, emulsion capacity, 11.88 - 43.42%, foam stability,28.22 to 65.81%, foaming capacity,15.83 to 21.11%, bulk density,0.53 - 0.71g/ml, water absorption capacity, 1.11 and 1.51ml/g while oil absorption capacity,0.84 - 1.14ml/g. The sensory properties of the moi-moi from the processed flours showed that the colour test, (6.33 -7.53), flavour (7.63 to 7.75), taste (5.13 to 5.53), mouth-feel (7.25 to 7.36), overall acceptability (6.93±0.04 - 8.83±0.04). The results of the phenolic content ranged from 20.13mg\GAE, 53.43mg\GAE and 42.64mg\GAE for raw processed, malted and fermented samples respectively. The results of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts showed IC50values of 0.810, 1.177 and 1.014mg\ml for the raw, malted and fermented seed extracts respectively. The moisture, crude protein and fibre contents was significantly increased (p&gt;0.05) during germination and fermentation whereas lipid, carbohydrate, ash and energy values were significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased by the processing techniques. Germination increased the emulsion capacity, foaming capacity whereas fermentation reduced the foaming capacity of pigeon pea flour. Malting and fermentation significantly (p&gt;0.05) increased the % scavenging properties of pigeon pea extract though that of germination was higher. Malting and fermentation significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased the sensory properties of moi-moi produced. Based on the result obtained, regular consumption of pigeon pea will be a proactive measure against heart diseases and other related disorders in the human body.

Novel polydopamine-based composites with adjustable antioxidant activity

It is obtained here that dopamine and quercetin, not easily miscible compounds, can form stable quercetin – polydopamine (Q:PDA) composite systems under special conditions: oxidative polymerization of dopamine in the presence of quercetin in mixed water/ethanol solution at both, acidic and alkaline pH, by using NaIO4 as oxidant. The structure of the Q:PDA composites in bulk and as coating layers on SiO2 nanoparticles has been characterized by solid-state NMR spectroscopy, which directly confirms the incorporation of quercetin in the PDA matrix. Indirectly, it was also proved by HPTLC by monitoring quercetin released during Q:PDA disassembling in strongly acidic 0.1 M HCl solution. The morphology of Q:PDA coating layers has been characterized by AFM on glass substrates. It was found that, compared to PDA alone, layer thickness is increased in the presence of quercetin, reaching the highest value of about 190 nm for 1:1 quercetin/dopamine relative concentration, at pH 5.5 and 24 h deposition time. Sine quercetin is one of the most widely consumed natural antioxidant, and PDA has been reported with interesting antioxidant activity, the free radical scavenging properties of the Q:PDA composites was investigated. The free radicals bleaching activity was found dependent on the specific Q:PDA synthesis/deposition conditions, which might be of interest in biomedical applications that require adjustable antioxidant activity.

Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on hindlimb skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

In posterior spine surgery, retractors exert pressure on paraspinal muscles, elevating intramuscular pressure and compromising blood flow, potentially causing muscle injury during ischemia-reperfusion. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761), known for its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties and its role in treating cerebrovascular diseases, is investigated for its protective effects against muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury invitro and invivo. Animals were randomly divided into the control group, receiving normal saline, and experimental groups, receiving varying doses of EGb761 (25/50/100/200 mg/kg). A 2-h hind limb tourniquet-induced ischemia was followed by reperfusion. Blood samples collected pre-ischemia and 24 h post-reperfusion, along with muscle tissue samples after 24 h, demonstrated that EGb761 at 1000 μg/mL effectively inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in RAW 264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. EGb761 significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and increased glutathione (GSH) levels compared to the control after 24 h. Muscle tissue sections revealed more severe damage in the control group, indicating EGb761's potential in mitigating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion injury, effectively protecting against muscle damage.

Sesamolin suppresses adipocyte differentiation through Keap1-dependent Nrf2 activation in adipocytes

Sesamolin, a lignan isolated from sesame oils, has been found to possess neuroprotective, anticancer, and free radical scavenging properties. We hypothesized that sesamolin could stimulate the activity of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and inhibit adipocyte differentiation of preadipocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of sesamolin on adipocyte differentiation and its underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we determined the effects of treatment with 25 to 100 µM sesamolin on adipogenesis in cell culture systems. Sesamolin inhibited lipid accumulation and suppressed the expression of adipocyte markers during adipocyte differentiation of C3H10T1/2, 3T3-L1, and primary preadipocytes. Mechanism studies revealed that sesamolin increased Nrf2 protein expression without inducing its mRNA, leading to an increase in the expression of Nrf2 target genes such as heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) in C3H10T1/2 adipocytes and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These effects were significantly attenuated in Nrf2 knockout (KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts, indicating that effects of sesamolin were dependent on Nrf2. In H1299 human lung cancer cells with KO of Kelch like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), a negative regulator of Nrf2, sesamolin failed to further increase Nrf2 protein expression. However, upon reexpressing Keap1 in Keap1 KO cells, the ability of sesamolin to elevate Nrf2 protein expression was restored, highlighting the crucial role of Keap1 in sesamolin-induced Nrf2 activation. Taken together, these findings show that sesamolin can inhibit adipocyte differentiation through Keap1-mediated Nrf2 activation.