Radical Scavenging Research Articles

Enhancing color stability of raw chicken patties using instant tea: A comparative study of instant tea produced from low- and high-quality black tea

This study evaluated the efficacy of instant tea powder made from low- and high-quality black tea on the color stability of raw chicken patties stored under refrigerated conditions. The phenolic content and antioxidant properties of the tea were assessed using in vitro assays. Results indicated that instant tea made from high-quality tea had a higher total phenolic content than that made from low-quality tea. Both teas from low- and high-quality raw materials demonstrated significant DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing capacities, indicating their potential as effective natural antioxidants for preserving meat quality. Both teas significantly mitigated CIE a* color loss in chicken patties, performing comparably to commercial antioxidants such as sodium ascorbate and (+/-)-α-tocopherol. The study found no significant difference between the two types of tea, suggesting that low-quality tea is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. Moreover, a concentration of 250 mg of instant tea powder/kg meat was adequate to maintain the color of raw chicken patties. These findings highlight the potential of instant tea as a natural color preservative, meeting consumer demand for natural additives while promoting resource use efficiency by utilizing tea byproducts.

Biosynthesis; Characterization; and Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Docking Potentials of Doped Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Pine Needle Leaf Extract

The current study focused on the synthesis of doped silver nanoparticles (doped AgNPs) with yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), and chromium (Cr) from pine needle leaf extract (PNLE). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to assess the phase formation, detecting 61.83% from Ag and 38.17% for secondary phases of AgCl, AgO, Y, Cr-, and Gd phases. The size and shape of the NPs were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing a spherical shape with an average particle size of 26.43 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) detected the oxidation state of the presented elements. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) determined the morphology and elemental composition of the NPs, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) determined the different functional groups indicating the presence of Ag, Y, Gd, Cr, and other groups. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy showed the optical properties of the NPs. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed the ferromagnetic behavior of the doped AgNPs. The antibacterial activity of the doped AgNPs was tested against six uro-pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) microdilution assays, agar well diffusion assay, time–kill test, and antibiofilm screening assays, revealing significant activity, with MICs ranging between 0.0625 and 0.5 mg/mL and antibiofilm activity between 40 and 85%. The antioxidant activity was determined by the 1,1, diphenyl 1-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay with a potential of 61.3%. The docking studies showed that the doped AgNPs had the potential to predict the inhibition of crucial enzymes such as penicillin-binding proteins, LasR-binding proteins, carbapenemase, DNA gyrase, and dihydropteroate synthase. The results suggest that the doped AgNPs can be applied in different medical domains.

Analytical Assessment of the Quality of Dietary Supplements and Cosmetic Products Containing Xanthohumol by Thin-Layer Chromatography Along with the Estimation of Its Antioxidant Potential

Xanthohumol, a prenylated chalcone in the flavonoid group, naturally occurs in many plants and exhibits antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. The growing interest in xanthohumol due to its potential therapeutic properties has led to the increase in the pool of products available on the market. The novelty of this study is the proposal of a rapid and cost-effective procedure useful for performing quality control on products containing xanthohumol in the form of dietary supplements and cosmetics as well as testing their stability. For this purpose, the thin-layer chromatography method with densitometric detection was used, which was validated in accordance with ICH (International Conference on Harmonization) guidelines. The mobile phase was toluene, 1,4-dioxane, and glacial acetic acid (37:10:1.5 v/v/v), and TLC silica gel 60 F254 plates were used as the stationary phase. The validation process assessed linearity, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9987. The calculated LOD (limit of detection) and LOQ (limit of quantification) values were 3.82 and 11.57 ng/spot, respectively. Accuracy was evaluated by determining percentage recovery at three concentration levels (80, 100, and 120%), with an average recovery of 100% and RSD below 1%, confirming good accuracy. Precision was indicated by an RSD of less than 2.20%. The average content of xanthohumol in dietary supplements ranged from about 8 to 29% of the content declared by the manufacturers. The stability tests showed that XN decomposes most slowly in water (t0.5 = 10.86 h) compared with acidic (t0.5 = 10.80 h) and alkaline solutions (t0.5 = 7.39 h), as well as in the presence of an oxidizing agent (t0.5 = 18.38 h), at all tested temperatures, which is confirmed by the calculated kinetic parameters. In the tests of antioxidant capacity, xanthohumol shows significantly higher radical scavenging capacity than vitamin C in the entire range of analyzed concentrations (0.03–2.40 mmol/L).

Synthesis of hydroxytyrosol analogs with enhanced antioxidant and cytostatic properties against MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells and their potential implications for bone health.

Sixteen novel hydroxytyrosol (HT) analogs with substitutions at the C-1 position of the HT aliphatic side chain were synthesized and evaluated for their cytostatic activity against MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells and for their antioxidant properties. The results revealed that these analogs exhibited significantly higher inhibitory activity compared with HT, which served as the positive control. Among these, the cyclo-substituted compounds stood out as particularly potent, demonstrating strong radical scavenging abilities and notable cytostatic effects against MG-63 cells. These findings suggest that the cyclo-substituted HT analogs hold considerable promise for the development of novel antioxidants with potential applications in bone physiology.

Understanding, Mimicking, and Mitigating Radiolytic Damage to Polymers in Liquid Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Advances in liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) have enabled the monitoring of polymer dynamics in solution at the nanoscale, but radiolytic damage during LP-TEM imaging limitsits routine use in polymer science. This study focuses on understanding, mimicking, and mitigating radiolytic damage observed in functional polymers in LP-TEM. It is quantitatively demonstrated how polymer damage occurs across all conceivable (LP-)TEM environments,and the key characteristics and differences between polymer degradation in water vapor and liquid water are elucidated. Importantly, it is shown that the hydroxyl radical-rich environment in LP-TEM can be approximated by UV light irradiation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, allowing the use of bulk techniques to probe damage at the polymer chain level. Finally, the protective effects of commonly used hydroxyl radical scavengers are compared, revealing that the effectiveness of graphene's protection is distance-dependent. The work provides detailed methodological guidance and establishes a baseline for polymer degradation in LP-TEM, paving the way for future research on nanoscale tracking of shape transitions and drug encapsulation of polymer assemblies in solution.

Establishment of Betalain-Producing Cell Line and Optimization of Pigment Production in Cell Suspension Cultures of Celosia argentea var. plumosa

The prevalence of synthetic colorants in commercial products has raised concerns regarding potential risks, including allergic reactions and carcinogenesis, associated with their use or consumption. Natural plant extracts have gained attention as potential alternatives. This research focuses on callus induction and the establishment of cell suspension cultures from Celosia argentea var. plumosa. Friable callus was successfully induced using hypocotyl explants cultured on semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The friable callus cell line was used to establish a suspension culture. The effects of sucrose, BAP, and tyrosine concentrations on betalain production were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). Optimal conditions (43.88 g/L sucrose, 0.15 mg/L tyrosine, and 0.77 mg/L BAP) yielded 43.87 mg/L total betalain content after 21 days, representing a threefold increase compared to the control. BAP had a significant positive impact on betalain production, and increasing BAP and sucrose concentrations generally led to higher betalain production. However, tyrosine was not a significant factor for betalain production in cell suspension cultures. Additionally, antioxidant assays showed that suspension-cultured cells (SCCs) under optimized conditions exhibited free radical scavenging activity comparable to that observed in C. argentea var. plumosa flower extract. This study indicates the potential for further research on betalain production using C. argentea var. plumosa cell cultures, which may have commercial applications.

Ephedra alenda from the Algerian Sahara: Ethnobotanical Investigation, Evaluation of Total Polyphenols, Antioxidant Potential and Antibacterial Properties

Background: This study is part of the contribution to the development of the medicinal plant Ephedra alata from the region of Bechar, Algeria. This work aimed to measure yields, total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial evaluation. Methods: In this laboratory investigation during March 2023 to December 2023, the samples were macerated; total phenolic and flavonoids contents were analyzed using a colorimetric method, while antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH. The antibacterial essay was carried out by the disc diffusion method on a solid medium using Muller Hinton. Result: Phytochemical screening confirms the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, free quinones, reducing sugars, saponins, sterols, tannins and terpenes. Methanol extract represents the highest yield (4.41%), followed by butanol extract (3.3%), ethyl acetate extract (1.25%) and dichloromethane extract (0.69%). The dosage carried out revealed the content of plyphenols and flavonoids in the methanol extract was (175.73±0.25 μg EAG/mg DE) and (35.2±0.17 μg QE/mg DE), respectively. The evaluation of the antioxidant effect of the crude extracts by free radical scavenging DPPH gave the IC50 values of the extracts methanol, butanol, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane (0.170, 0.244, 0.324 and 2.23 mg/mL), respectively. The investigation into antibacterial activity revealed that the methanol extract significantly inhibited all tested bacteria, while the dichloromethane extract showed the lowest inhibition of Escherichia coli.

Beet Root Peel Extract as a Natural Cost‐Effective pH Indicator and Food Preservative in Edible Film: Shelf Life Improvement of Cold‐Stored Trout Fillet

ABSTRACTIn this study, chitosan (C)‐polyvinyl alcohol (P) edible film containing bio‐fabricated nanosilver particles (nAg) (as antimicrobial agent) and beetroot peel extract (BRPE) (as antioxidant agent and pH indicator) was used as spoilage indicator in cold‐stored rainbow trout fillets. DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (43.02%), reducing power (2.87), and total phenolic content (360.50 mg GAE/g) of ethanolic BRPE were higher than aqueous extract. Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using silver nitrate reduction by chitosan, confirmed by UV–Visible spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscope images, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The highest tensile strength (4.20 MPa) and elongation at break (118%) belonged to the CP‐BRPE film, and the lowest water vapor permeability (2.45 10−5 g/s/m/P) was related to the CP‐nAg film. Also, the lowest total viable count (6.17 log CFU/g), psychrotrophic bacteria (6.27 log CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (4.9 log CFU/g), pH (5.66), total volatile basic‐nitrogen (TVB‐N) (22.1 mg/100 g of fish), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (0.705 mg MDA/kg of fish) values of the packaged trout fillets were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) observed in CP‐BRPE‐gnAg treatment among the other treatments at the end of the storage period, and CP‐gnAg, CP‐BRPE, and CP treatments were in the next ranks, respectively. Colorimetric analysis of the used films showed that the films containing BRPE depicted color spectra of red to yellow at the same time as the spoilage symptoms initiated in the packaged fillets. It is concluded that BRPE not only increased the preservative effects of chitosan‐polyvinyl alcohol film containing green silver nanoparticles but also can be considered as a natural cost‐effective spoilage indicator of the rainbow trout fillets during cold storage time.

Chemical profiling, in-vitro and in silico α-glucosidase inhibition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Hypotrachyna cirrhata (Fr.) Hale ex Sipman

Natural products are essential in drug development, with increasing interest in lichen-derived compounds for their therapeutic potential. This study investigates the bioactivity of the methanolic extract of Hypotrachyna cirrhata through in vitro and in silico approaches. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 10.37 ± 0.62 μg/mL, while the methanolic extract exhibited an IC50 of 72.30 ± 0.55 μg/mL. For α-glucosidase inhibition, the ethyl acetate fraction and crude extract showed IC50 values of 1.17 ± 0.50 μg/mL and 5.00 ± 0.45 μg/mL, respectively. Antibacterial assays revealed zones of inhibition of 12 and 11 mm against Staphylococcus aureus at 25 mg/mL, with the strain showing sensitivity to the methanolic extract (MIC of 20.0 × 10−4 mg/mL). LC-MS analysis identified eight metabolites in the ethyl acetate extract, salazinic acid (1), roccellaric acid (2), constictic acid (3), protolichesterinic acid (4), mannitol (5), penta hydroxyicosatrienoicacid (6), methyl pentahydroxyoxoheptacosanoate (7), and one unknown compound. Five major compounds (1-5) were selected for computational analysis and highlighted that salazinic acid as a potential lead compound, displaying a non-competitive binding with α-glucosidase and a binding affinity of −9.9 kcal/mol. These findings suggest salazinic acid's promise as an α-glucosidase inhibitor.

Bioactivity of Grape Pomace Extract and Sodium Selenite, Key Components of the OenoGrape Advanced Complex, on Target Human Cells: Intracellular ROS Scavenging and Nrf2/ARE Induction Following In Vitro Intestinal Absorption

Oenobiol Sun Expert, a food formulation designed to enhance skin health prior to sun exposure, has been optimized by incorporating the OenoGrape Advanced Complex, which includes grape pomace extract, increased selenium content and 10% lycopene-rich tomato extract, with these constituents exhibiting high antioxidant potential. To evaluate the effects of these individual ingredients and the overall formulation at the cellular level, the AOP1 cell antioxidant efficacy assay was employed to measure the intracellular free radical scavenging activity, while the Cell Antioxidant Assay (CAA or DCFH-DA) assay was used to assess peroxidation scavenging at the plasma membrane level. The indirect antioxidant activity was examined using stably transfected cell lines containing a luciferase reporter gene controlled by the Antioxidant Response Element (ARE), which activates the endogenous antioxidant system via the Nrf2/Keap1-ARE pathway. Our results indicate that among the individual components, grape pomace extract and sodium selenite possess high and complementary antioxidant properties. Grape pomace extract was particularly effective in inhibiting free radicals (AOP1 EC50 = 6.80 μg/mL) and activating the ARE pathway (ARE EC50 = 231.1 μg/mL), whereas sodium selenite exerted its effects through potent ARE activation at sub-microgram levels (EC50 = 0.367 μg/mL). In contrast, the lycopene-rich tomato extract did not show a notable contribution to the antioxidant effects. The antiradical activity of the OenoGrape Advanced Complex, comprising these three ingredients, was very efficient and consistent with the results obtained for the individual components (AOP1 EC50 = 15.78 µg/mL and ARE EC50 of 707.7 μg/mL). Similarly, the free radical scavenging activity still persisted in the Oenobiol Sun Expert formulation (AOP1 EC50 = 36.63 µg/mL). Next, in vitro intestinal transepithelial transfer experiments were performed. The basolateral compartments of cells exposed to the ingredients were collected and assessed using the same antioxidant cell assays. The direct and indirect antioxidant activities were measured on both hepatocytes and keratinocytes, demonstrating the bioavailability and bioactivity of grape pomace extract and sodium selenite. These finding suggest that the ingredients of this food supplement contribute to enhanced cytoprotection following ingestion.

Study on Extraction and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides from Viburnum sargentiiKoehne with Deep EutecticSolvent.

The fruits of Viburnum sargentiiKoehne (Vsk) are rich in bioactive polysaccharides and polyphenols, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic properties. This study explored the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES), specifically urea-choline chloride, as a green extraction medium to maximize polysaccharide yield from Vsk polysaccharides. Extraction conditions, including solvent composition, temperature, and time, were optimized using response surface methodology, achieving significantly higher yields and purity compared to hot water extraction. The polysaccharides extracted through DES showed a more homogeneous molecular structure, with reduced protein and pigment impurities. Bioactivity assays confirmed potent antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects, with DES-extracted polysaccharides displaying enhanced reducing power, free radical scavenging capabilities, and notable α-amylase inhibition compared to those obtained by conventional methods. These findings highlight DES extraction as an effective approach not only to improve yield and purity but also to enhance the bioactivity of extracted compounds. Consequently, DES-extracted Vsk polysaccharides show potential for use in developing functional foods and nutraceuticals. This study advances sustainable extraction technologies, positioning Vsk polysaccharides as valuable bioactive compounds with promising health applications.

Reduction of oxidative damage caused by Fusarium falciforme and Fusarium foetens in schefflera plants using chitosan nanoparticles loaded with l-proline or indole butyric acid

Abstract Background Root rot, wilt diseases, and rooting processes have been the major factors that constrain schefflera production. This study focuses on the impact of innovative applications of eco-friendly materials like chitosan nanoparticles loaded with l-proline or indole butyric acid to replace traditional chemical fungicides in controlling root rot and wilt diseases, as well as the vegetative propagation success of leafy stem schefflera cuttings. Results Fusarium foeten (strain 1) and Fusarium falciforme (strains 2 and 4) were first identified as root rot and wilt pathogens of schefflera in Egypt based on morphological features and confirmed with molecular analyses. Fusarium foetens (strain 1) and F. falciforme (strain 2) have the most aggressive action, as the infection percentages significantly increased in the pathogenicity test. The disease incidence reached 38.88 and 44.44%, respectively, whereas the disease severity was 18.51 and 26.84%, respectively. Chitosan nanoparticles at a concentration of 25 mg/L were the most effective dose, leading to a significant reduction in disease incidence to 25.00%, disease severity to 4.17%, and playing a vital role in activating plant defense, which correlates well with improved growth characteristics. The novel strategy of L-proline loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (LP-CSNPs) application occupied the first rank at protective influence against root rot and wilt disease-induced oxidative stress, signaling a defensive function that was freelance verified. L-proline loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (LP-CSNPs) at 0.125–0.25 g/L had a significant impact on reducing the incidence and severity of root rot and wilt diseases, as well as improving photosynthetic pigments and free radical scavenging activities, which included strengthening plant defense and further validating the findings from the biochemical trait analysis. The TT biplot graph was an influential statistical tool to study the impacts of treatments on schefflera production and its attributes and to discover the interrelationships among them. Conclusions Applying LP-CSNPs is one of the best techniques to manage schefflera root rot and wilt diseases, since it can be utilized as a growth stimulator and defense activator with sustainable increased efficiency. Graphical Abstract

In Vitro Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Root Extract of Blumea oxyodonta DC.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Root Extract of Blumea oxyodonta DC.

Volatiles extracted from Melaleuca Rugulosa (Link) Craven leaves: comparative profiling, bioactivity screening, and metabolomic analysis.

Melaleuca species (family Myrtaceae) are characterized by their wide-ranging applications as antimicrobials and in skin-related conditions. Herein, we estimated the volatile profile and biological significance of M. rugulosa (Link) leaves for the first time supported by a dereplication protocol. Volatile components were extracted using hydrodistillation (HD), supercritical fluid (SF), and headspace (HS) techniques and identified using GC/MS. The variations among the three extracts were assessed using principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The extracted volatiles were tested for radical scavenging activity, anti-aging, and anti-hyperpigmentation potential. Finally, disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays were implemented to explore the antibacterial capacity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The yield of the SF technique (0.8%) was three times higher than HD. GC/MS analysis revealed that the oxygenated compounds are the most proponents in the three extracts being 95.93% (HD), 80.94% (HS), and 48.4% (SF). Moreover, eucalyptol (1,8-cineol) represents the major component in the HD-EO (89.60%) and HS (73.13%) volatiles, while dl-α-tocopherol (16.27%) and α-terpineol (11.89%) represent the highest percentage in SF extract. Regarding the bioactivity profile, the HD-EO and SF-extract showed antioxidant potential in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and β- carotene assays, while exerting weak activity towards DPPH. In addition, they displayed potent anti-elastase and moderate anti-collagenase activities. The HD-EO exhibited potent anti-tyrosinase activity, while the SF extract showed a moderate level compared to tested controls. OPLS-DA and dereplication studies predicted that the selective antibacterial activity of HD-EO to S. aureus was related to eucalyptol, while SF extract to C. perfringens was related to α-tocopherol. M. rugulosa leaves are considered a vital source of bioactive volatile components that are promoted for controlling skin aging and infection. However, further safety and clinical studies are recommended.

Assessing light spectrum impact on growth and antioxidant properties of basil family microgreens.

Understanding the influence of light spectra on plant growth and antioxidant activities is crucial for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing crop quality. In this study, we investigated the effects of different light treatments on growth parameters and antioxidant activities in five plant species: peppermint, Thai basil, cumin, lemon basil, and green holy basil. Our results revealed distinct responses to varying light spectra, with green light consistently promoting taller plant heights across all species. Additionally, blue light induced notable increases in plant width for certain species. Analysis of antioxidant activities demonstrated dynamic fluctuations in Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Flavonoid Content (TFC) among different light treatments and plant species. While white and red light generally promoted higher TPC levels, blue light unexpectedly exhibited the highest TPC levels at specific time points. Moreover, investigation into DPPH Radical Scavenging activity revealed diverse temporal responses to light spectra, with blue light demonstrating exceptional activity at early stages and white and red light showing heightened activity at later time points. These findings underscore the importance of tailored light regimes in optimizing growth parameters and enhancing antioxidant activities in cultivated plants, thereby offering promising avenues for sustainable agriculture and food production practices.

Cytokine profile, differential somatic cell count, and oxidative status of Italian Mediterranean buffalo milk affected by the temperature–humidity index

In the context of climate change, there has been an increased interest in improving management practices for animals genetically adapted to extreme environmental conditions, such as buffaloes. The temperature–humidity index (THI) is used to determine the severity of heat stress in livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the cytokine profile, oxidative staus, differential somatic cell count (DCC), and the surface expression and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the somatic cells (SCs) of buffalo. Milk samples (n = 216) were collected from the spring to summer season under three different THI classes (THI < 72; ≤72 THI < 76, and THI ≥ 76). The cytokine profile was determined using ELISA, and the expression of DSCC and MPO was determined by flow cytometry. MPO activity was performed on SC extracts using a specific ELISA kit. Oxidative status was determined by the antioxidant/oxidant balance combining the free radical scavenging activity levels, and reactive oxygen and nitrogenous species. The results on the cytokine profile showed that at the THI ≥ 76 the levels of both IL-10 and IFN-γ were highest. IL-1β secretion was lower at the THI < 72 than at the THI values ranging from ≤72 THI < 76. Higher levels of both TNF-α and IL-12 were registered in both THI < 72 and THI ≥ 76 classes. The level of IL-4 was higher in the THI ≥ 76 class than in the ≤72 to <76 range. Data on DCC showed a decrease in the percentage of macrophages and lymphocytes as the THI increased from the ≤72 to <76 range to THI ≥ 76. Furthermore, the highest percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNLs) was registered in both ≤72 to <76 and THI ≥ 76 classes. The MPO activity and surface expression on SC were lower at a THI above 76, which could be associated with an absence of inflammation. A condition of oxidative imbalance was registered as demonstrated by the lower levels of antioxidant/oxidant balance along with increasing THI. Present data demonstrated that buffaloes were able to modulate the alteration of immune response activated by heat stress throughout a series of cross-linked mechanisms involving cytokine networks, different somatic cell distribution, and oxidative status.

Odontites linkii subsp. cyprius Ethanolic Extract Indicated In Vitro Anti-Acanthamoeba Effect

This study aims to investigate three endemic ethanolic leaf extracts from Cyprus for anti-Acanthamoeba activities: Odontites linkii subsp. cyprius (Boiss.) Bolliger, Ptilostemon chamaepeuce subsp. cyprius (Greuter) Chrtek & B. Slavík, and Quercus alnifolia Poech. Screening for radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were performed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABST) methods, Folin–Ciocalteu method, and aluminum chloride method, respectively. An antibacterial-susceptibility test (AST) was performed using a broth microdilution assay to estimate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT). Trypan blue (0.5%) was used to assess in vitro anti-Acanthamoeba cell viability of the ethanolic leaf extracts after 24-, 48-, and 72-h exposure—screening of ethanolic leaf extracts with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for known compounds with biological activity. The ethanolic leaf extract of Odontites linkii subsp. cyprius demonstrated the highest anti-Acanthamoeba activity, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 7.02 mg/mL after 72 h. This extract also showed an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.625 mg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis, a common nosocomial pathogen. The LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive iridoid compounds in O. linkii subsp. cyprius, further highlighting its potential as a source for new drug compounds. The ethanolic extract of O. linkii subsp. cyprius demonstrated a dose-dependent and time-dependent anti-Acanthamoeba effect in vitro. This study is the first to report the presence of iridoid compounds and anti-Acanthamoeba activities in the ethanolic extract of O. linkii subsp. cyprius. These promising findings highlight the potential of plant extracts, particularly O. linkii subsp. cyprius, as a source for new drug compounds for Acanthamoeba infections.

Abstract 4124277: Resorcimoline, a Novel Free Radical Scavenger, Exhibits Cardioprotective Effects Following Coronary Ischemia-reperfusion Injury

Background: Ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Early coronary revascularization is the most important treatment. Recent findings have revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to tissue damage following coronary artery revascularization, known as ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, we focused on a novel free radical scavenger, resorcimoline (RML). Last year, we reported the scavenging activity of RML in vitro against multiple ROS, confirmed by the electron spin resonance spectrometry. Hypothesis: Resorcimoline might reduce ROS damage in cardiomyocytes, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects following coronary ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: Nine-to-eleven-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to acute myocardial ischemia induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 minutes. Rats received intravenous injections of RML at 6 mg/kg before the ligation release or saline as a control. The heart sections were double-stained at 24-hour reperfusion with Evans blue and triphenyltetrazolium chloride to assess the infarct area. Cardiac function was evaluated at 2-day and 7-day reperfusion with echocardiography. Myocardial fibrosis was assessed at 7-day reperfusion by Masson’s trichrome staining. Primary cultured rat cardiomyocytes were treated with 10 μM angiotensin II for 3.5 hours and then exposed to RML for 30 minutes. Cellular ROS assay kits were used to assess the levels of ROS in the cardiomyocytes. Results: Infarct size in RML-treated animals was significantly smaller than in control animals (41.8±19.4% vs. 60.8±12.9%, p=0.03, Fig. 1A). Apoptotic cells in the border zone were significantly reduced in RML-treated animals (32.0±11.7% vs. 55.1±16.9%, p=0.01, Fig. 1B). Troponin I level in RML-treated animals was significantly lower than in control animals (p=0.04, Fig. 1C). Ejection fraction in RML-treated animals was significantly preserved at 2-day reperfusion and 7-day reperfusion when compared to control animals (p=0.001, p=0.003, Fig. 2A). Myocardial fibrosis area in RML-treated animals was significantly smaller than in control animals (23.9±11.7% vs. 40.6±15.6%, p=0.01, Fig. 2B). RML significantly reduced angiotensin II-induced ROS in cardiomyocytes in a concentration-dependent manner (Fig. 3A,B,C). Conclusion: Resorcimoline exhibits cardioprotective effects following coronary ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing the infarct size and ROS damage in cardiomyocytes.

Synthesis of arylated tetrahydrobenzo[H]quinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives as potential hits for treatment of diabetes.

Aim: Quinoline scaffolds are serving as the core structure for numerous antifungal, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory drugs as well as have also been investigated for their potential antidiabetic properties. Though further exploration is required in this area as the current antidiabetic agents, such as acarbose, miglitoland voglibose, are associated with several adverse side effects. In this context, arylated tetrahydrobenzo[H]quinoline-3-carbonitrile derivatives were designed and evaluated as potential antidiabetic agents.Materials & methods: A one-pot multicomponent reaction of 6-methoxy-1-tetralone with ethyl cyanoacetate, ammonium acetateand varying aldehydes yielded a range of new arylated tetrahydrobenzo[h]quinoline-3-carbonitrile molecules 1-36.Results: Compounds 2-5, 12, 13, 19 and 32-34 showed excellent inhibition against α-amylase (IC50=3.42-15.14μM) and α-glucosidase (IC50=0.65-9.23μM) enzymes in comparison to the standard acarbose (IC50=14.35μM). In addition, all compounds revealed significant to moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity (SC50=21.30-138.30μM) compared with BHT (SC50=64.40μM). Kinetic studies confirmed competitive inhibition mode, while molecular docking studies comprehend ligands'interaction with enzyme's active sitesand absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion analysis confirms that all synthetic derivatives are nontoxic.Conclusion: This research offers a range of lead candidates to become antidiabetic agents after further advanced study.

Development and quality evaluation of a finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) flour incorporated set yoghurt.

Nutritional and therapeutic properties of yoghurts can be enhanced by incorporating bioactive food components. The present study was focused on formulating a finger millet flour incorporated set yoghurt to deliver the inherent health benefits of finger millet to consumers in a ready-to-eat way. Ten yoghurt samples were formulated incorporating different percentages of finger millet flour. Physicochemical and microbiological properties of the yoghurts were evaluated. When considering organoleptic properties, 7% finger millet flour incorporated yoghurt was selected as the most preferable yoghurt among the tested finger millet flour incorporated yoghurts. It was complying with the physicochemical requirements and microbiological limits mentioned in the Sri Lanka Standard - Specification for yoghurts. Incorporation of 7% finger millet flour enhanced the nutritional composition of the yoghurt in terms of total dietary fibers (1.04%), total phenolic content (54.09 mg Gallic acid equivalents/100 g of yoghurt), total flavonoid content (8.00 mg Quercetin equivalents/100 g of yoghurt) and antioxidant properties including ABTS radical scavenging activity (190.81 mg Trolox equivalents/100 g of yoghurt) without affecting the sensory properties. Since it was formulated without adding gelatine, the 7% finger millet flour incorporated yoghurt is suitable for lacto-vegetarians. When stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C, the 7% finger millet flour incorporated yoghurt could be stored satisfactorily for four weeks. The finger millet flour incorporated yoghurt is capable of not only fulfilling the consumer demands for finger millet-based ready-to-eat foods and diversified yoghurt products, but also delivering additional health benefits, beyond the basic nutritional functions of a yoghurt, to consumers.