Radical Scavenging Activity Of Extracts Research Articles

Phytochemical and In-vitro Antioxidants Potential of Aristolochia Bracteolata Root Extract

The study investigated the phytochemical and in-vitro antioxidants potential of Aristolochia bracteolata root extracts. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the plant extract and fractions were carried out. The total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of extract and fractions were measured by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, FRAP and TBARS methods. Results obtained showed that total saponins (10.10 ± 0.05d) as well as antioxidant activity were found to be significantly (p< 0.05) higher in the methanol extract compared to the fractions. From the findings above, Aristolochia bracteolata root contains bioactive phytochemicals that might be helpful in preventing or slowing the progress of various oxidative stresses.

2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging activity of extracts from roots and leaves of Searsia burchellii

Searsia burchellii finds therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. Methanolic extracts, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol/water fractions of methanolic extracts and water extracts were obtained separately from the roots and leaves of Searsia burchellii by the combination of maceration, hot solvent extraction and solvent-solvent partition techniques. These extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging assay (DPPH). The extracts from roots and their fractions showed radical scavenging activity ranging from 6.60±4.50 to 63.27±1.93% at various concentrations. Similarly, the extracts from leaves and their fractions showed radical scavenging activity ranging from 3.32±0.95 to 64.91±0.15% at various concentrations. Ascorbic acid served as positive control which showed radical scavenging activity ranging from 53.62±2.80 to 60.82±0.62% at various concentrations. The IC50 values of these extracts and fractions were found to be < 200 to > 3000 µg/mL. The IC50 value of ascorbic acid was found to be <200 µg/mL. From this study, we concluded that extracts and their fractions from S. burchellii showed promising radical scavenging activity.

Phytochemical and antioxidant evaluation of cassia sieberiana D.C. stem bark extracts

Cassia sieberiana D.C. belongs to the Fabaceae family and it is used ethnomedically in the management of cancer, diabetes and other diseases. There is a growing concern about the scourge of diseases caused by excessive free radicals in the body and lack of standardization of medicinal herbal products. Therefore, this research is aimed at evaluating the phytochemical and free radical scavenging activities of the plant extracts with the view to identify the chemical constituents and antioxidant properties of the extracts. The powdered stem bark was evaluated for its pharmacognostic profiles and then extracted successively with the aid of Soxhlet extractor using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The extracts obtained were concentrated using rotary evaporator and the percentage yields of the extracts were determined. The extracts were screened for their phytochemical constituents using standard protocols. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) profiles of the resulting extracts were determined using suitable solvent systems and the retention factor (Rf) values of separated spots of compounds were calculated. The total phenolic content of the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid was used as standard. The antioxidant (free radical scavenging) activity of the extracts were measured using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1- picryl hydrazyl) and ascorbic acid was used as standard. The results were expressed in terms of percentage inhibition. The percentage yields of the extracts were: 0.52 %, 6.58 % and 10.52 % respectively for n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids and triterpenoid/steroids. Also, the total phenolic contents were found to 7.64 mg and 2.97 mg gallic acid equivalents for ethyl acetate and methanolic extract respectively. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts revealed higher activity in the ethyl acetate extract. The results indicated that the extracts contain phenolic compounds which may be responsible for the antioxidant activity.

EVALUATION OF SALVIA LANATA LEAF EXTRACT FOR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Objective: The work is aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Salvia lanata.
 Methods: Anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extract of S. lanata at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg against the standard drug indomethacin at a dose of 10 mg/kg i.p. was evaluated by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and protein denaturation method. Antioxidant activity was determined by 1, 1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, reducing power method, and nitric oxide scavenging assay.
 Results: S. lanata leaf extract showed highly significant dose-dependent efficacy against carrageenan-induced paw edema at a dose of 200 mg/kg and lesser effect at 100 mg/kg. It inhibited heat-induced albumin denaturation with a maximum inhibition of 79.26% at 160 μg/ml. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of extract exhibited inhibition of 25.96%–87.74% within the concentration range of 10 μg/ml–160 μg/ml, nitric oxide assay from 12.26% to 79.22% in the same concentration range. In reducing power assay with an increase in concentrations, an increase in the absorbance of the reaction mixture was observed. Antioxidant activity was compared to standard drug ascorbic acid.
 Conclusion: The leaf extract of S. lanata has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Antoxidative Activities and Liver-protective Effects of <i>Myelophycus simplex</i> Extract

The free radical scavenging activity of extracts prepared from Myelophycus simplex was evaluated by using an ESR spectrometer. For this study, Myelophycus simplex was 70% ethanol extraction was performed. Myelophycus simplex extracts scavenged DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide, and alkyl radicals. Especially, the extracts exhibited the highest scavenging activity on hydroxyl radical, which is deemed of the strongest radical. In addition, we also evaluated the protective effects of Myelophycus simplex extract on 3.5% alcohol-induced damage (oxidative stress) in normal liver cells. The Myelophycus simplex extract inhibited productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell death against alcohol-induced liver cell damage. It was presumed that the Myelophycus simplex extract was involved in regulation of apoptosis-related pathway in the cell environments. These results indicate that Myelophycus simplex extract possess antioxidative activity on liver cells.

Benzoxazinoid and alkylresorcinol content, and their antioxidant potential, in a grain of spring and winter wheat cultivated under different production systems

The health-promoting properties of the grains of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are associated with the presence of unique phytochemicals. This study determines the profile of alkylresorcinols (ARs) and benzoxazinoids (BXs) in T. aestivum spring and winter cultivars grown in Poland under the two different production systems: conventional and organic. Wheat grain extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative UPLC-UV-MS/MS analyses. The ARs profile consisted of five 5-n-alkylresorcinol derivatives, among which 5-n-heneicosylresorcinol (C21:0) and 5-n-nonadecanylresorcinol (C19:0) predominated; while six different BXs were determined in hydrothermally treated grains. Our research shows significant differences in the contents of ARs and BXs among wheat cultivars, as well as the two production systems used. Organically grown varieties had their total contents of ARs and BXs significantly higher than those grown conventionally. Another aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant capacity of alkylresorcinol extracts from tested wheat cultivars. The quantitative TLC-DPPH• method for determining the antiradical capacity of wheat ARs extracts was developed. We observed a positive relationship between the free radical scavenging activity of extracts and the total amount of ARs. The biological activity research is important for developing value-added wheat cultivars, having an improved profile and composition of nutritional substances.

In vivo Hepatoprotective and in vitro Radical Scavenging Activities of Extracts of Rumex abyssinicus Jacq. Rhizome.

BackgroundLiver diseases contribute a prominent global burden of mortality and morbidity. The current therapies of liver diseases have numerous limitations including severe adverse effects. This denotes that new more effective, safer, and cheaper drugs are required and medicinal plants used in traditional medicines often offer ideal opportunities. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the in vivo hepatoprotective and in vitro radical scavenging activities of dried rhizome extracts of Rumex abyssinicus (R. abyssinicus), which is traditionally claimed to provide hepatoprotection.Materials and MethodsHepatoprotective activity of extracts was evaluated using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in mice. Pre- and post-treatment models were employed to test the effect of the extracts and silymarin (standard drug). Serum biochemical markers and liver histopathology were used as parameters to evaluate hepatoprotective activities whereas in vitro radical scavenging activity was tested by 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay.Results and ConclusionOral administration of CCl4 (1 ml/kg) significantly (P<0.001) raised the serum levels of liver enzyme markers compared to the normal control group. Pre-treatment with 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of R. abyssinicus extract reduced the serum level of CCl4-induced rise in liver enzyme markers with the highest reduction observed at a dose of 500 mg/kg. Likewise, in the post-treatment model, the crude extract and butanol fraction at dose 500 mg/kg reduced levels of liver enzymes. Histopathological examinations revealed lesser liver damage of extract-treated mice compared to the toxic (CCl4-treated) controls. The in vitro radical scavenging activity of the different extracts showed concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity. Thus, the results of this study may justify the traditional use of the plant as a hepatoprotective agent.ConclusionResults of serum biochemical markers and histopathological examinations of CCl4-induced mice models, in the present study, show the hepatoprotective potential of extracts from the rhizome of R. abyssinicus.

EVALUATION OF TOCOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS SEED EXTRACT OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI ON OXYTOCIN INDUCED PRETERM LABOR

Objective: The present investigation was aimed to determine the tocolytic activity of the aqueous seed extract of S. cumini (AESC) in animal models.&#x0D; Methods: The in vitro antioxidant activity of AESC was evaluated by (1, 1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) and (2,2’-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) ABTS radical scavenging assay which showed the hydrogen donating and free radical scavenging activity of extract that aids in the prevention of preterm labor. In vivo tocolytic activity of AESC was evaluated. The level of in vivo antioxidant parameters such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione was restored in the treated group compared to the control group. The AESC was subjected to pharmacological testing in vitro on a piece of isolated rat uterus previously pretreated with estradiol valerate, concentrations used were 80 mg/ml and 160 mg/ml.&#x0D; Results: The study showed the promising radical scavenging activity of the extract due to hydrogen-donating ability of the formulation. In the current study, a significant increase in the rate of preterm delivery (PTD) of the control animals was observed when compared with the normal group. The AESC treated group has showed a significant reduction in the rate of PTD which was comparable with the standard treated group as well as the normal group. The study reveals that the extracts have been able to increase the endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities while reducing the lipid peroxidation. The concentrations (80 mg/ml) and (160 mg/ml) produce 50.9% and 70.9 % inhibition, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results indicate the presence of active principles in the AESC which may be responsible for the tocolytic activity.

Vespa crabro germana Christ, 1791 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)’in Yuva Materyalinin Kimyasal Bileşenleri, Antimikrobiyal ve Antioksidan Aktiviteleri

Social wasps build their nests in nature by using various organic and inorganic materials. In this study, the total phenolic content, antioxidant potentials based on ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity, biochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of Vespa crabro germana Christ, 1791 nest were investigated. Antibacterial and antifungal activity was determined by disc diffusion method against 8 bacteria and 2 fungi species. The ethanol extract of the investigated nest sample showed maximum antimicrobial activities against Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtillis, Micrococcus luteus and Candida albicans . On the other hand, the minimum activities obtained against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia enterocolitica, Aspergillus niger and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Total phenolic content (TPC) of sample extract was analyzed using Folin–Ciocalteu assay and calculated as 0.56 mg gallic acid equivalent/g sample. FRAP value and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract value were determined as 1.94 mg trolox equivalent/g sample and 0.88 mg trolox equivalent/g sample, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the sample was according to solid phase microextraction (SPME) technique and 44 compounds were identified. The presence of these compounds with bioactive potential, add value to investigated sample extract with a pharmaceutical meaning as antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral agents and so on. In other words, the antioxidative and antimicrobial potantial of the nest sample could be attributed to presence of these compounds. For this reason, the materials used in the structure of the nests used for breeding by the social wasp are important for the biological activities.

Phytochemical Profile and Comparative Anti-radical Scavenging Activities of n-Hexane Extracts of Indigenous Zingiber officinale and Curcuma longa

Objectives: The therapeutic and nutritional values of plants and plant produce for aliment management and as food supplements are evolving. Free radical scavenging activities of n-haxane extracts of indigenous Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale was investigated and compared to CellGevity®; a nutraceutical antioxidant supplement. In addition, their phytochemical profile was qualitatively and quantitatively determined using standard procedure for phytochemical analysis. Methods: The antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. We used 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, 2,2’-Azinobis3- ethylbenzothialine-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cations and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to determine free radical scavenging activities of the extracts. The ability of the extracts to scavenge free radicals was determined following the discoloration of the solution mixtures, measured spectrophotometrically. The reducing power efficacy of the extracts was determined by their ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ ions. Results: Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale have more free radical scavenging power compared to CellGevity®. Curcuma longa has more scavenging power against DPPH and H2O2 system, while Zingiber officinale has more scavenging power against ABTS cations. CellGevity® had the least scavenging activity against the free radicals, as observed in this study. The highest phenolic, flavonoid, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2 quantified were found in Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale compared to CellGevity®. Conclusion: The indigenous Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale are natural sources of effective antioxidants with more scavenging power compared to a standard CellGevity® nutraceutical.

Chemometric Profile of Calotropis gigantea and its Antioxidant Activity through Bioactive Compounds from Latex, Leaves and Flower Extracts

In present study, antioxidant effect was compared among latex, leaf and flower extract of Calotropis gigantea and is first report on comparing the chemometric profiling of various parts of C. gigantea. Ethanol and chloroform extracts of C. gigantea revealed the presence of 28 different chemotypes in latex, 27 in leaves and 32 in flowers. Major phtyochemicals present were of which fatty acid ethyl esters, fatty alcohols, terpenes, coumarins and carbocycles. C. gigantea leaf extract recorded 78% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and IC50 values of 14.44, 6.74 and 21.35 μg/mL were observed for latex, leaves and flower extracts respectively. For 2,2′-azinobis-(3- ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) [ABTS+] assay, IC50 values ranged between 6.74 and 21.25 μg/mL by various components of C. gigantea. The results represent free radical-scavenging activities of extracts of several parts of C. gigantea. The findings will definitely use in new directions in pharmacological and therapeutic investigations on C. gigantea latex, leaves and flowers.

POTENSI ANTIOKSIDAN FENOLIK DARI FAMILI MYRTACEAE DAN PERANNYA SEBAGAI BAHAN AKTIF TABIR SURYA

ABSTRACT Suryanto et al., 2010. The potential of phenolic antioxidant from Myrtaceae family as sunscreen active compound. The objectives of study was to determine free radical scavenging activity and measure sun protective activity of the phenolic extract in Myrtaceae family in vitro. Analyses of phytochemicals were based on total phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannins. The antioxidant activities of extracts were determined by free radical 1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Syzygium polyanthum, clove and Eugenia aquea powder was extracted with methanol 80% at room temperature for 24 hours. Free radical scavenging activity of each extracts evaluated at 100-200 ppm level. The higher total phenolic and tannin content was find clove leave extract, followed by Eugenia aquea leave extract and Syzygium polyanthum leave extract. Contrary, Eugenia aquea leave possessed higher contents of flavonoid than clove extract and Syzygium polyanthum extract. The clove leave extract showed higher DPPH free radical scavenging than Syzygium polyanthum and Eugenia aquea leave extract at 200 ppm level. Free radical scavenging activity of three extracts increased with increasing concentration of extract. The result showed also that clove phenolic extract possessed high potential as ingredient of sunscreen followed by Eugenia aquea and Syzygium polyanthum leave phenolic extract. Result of measuring the sun protection factor (SPF) were 34.38; 33.98 and 7.92, resvectively. These result suggested that three extracts in Myrtaceae family leave having potential as antioxidant and sun protection factor (SPF) value is high that including in low protection (6-8) and medium protection (>15). Keywords : antioxidant, Myrtaceae family, phenolic extract, sunscreen

OPTIMIZATION OF DIFFERENT PARAMETERS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF POLYPHENOLS AND PROANTHOCYANIDINS FROM PISTACIA VERA HULLS

Objective: Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) hull are usually discarded as waste, which can lead to environmental pollution even a significant portion of polyphenols are often present in high concentrations in the outer parts of fruits. In this way, using a pistachio hull as a source of bioactive compounds will increase the value of pistachio production and offer valorization for a useless by-product.&#x0D; Methods: Different ethanol concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 95 %) were investigated and the extraction efficiency at extraction temperature from 20 to 90 °C and extraction times from 5 to 45 min was studied. The extraction yield of total polyphenols and proanthocyanidins from the pistachio hull and the antioxidant activity of the extract were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: The obtained results indicated relationships between the tested parameters and extraction yield. The maximum yield for total polyphenols and proanthocyanidins was obtained with 25% ethanol at 60 °C for 15 min (13.91±0.72 and 5.86±0.45 g/100g dry weight, respectively). DPPH radical scavenging activities of extracts were proved to have a linear relationship with the polyphenols yield in the extracts (R2=0.9907) with a maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity of 60.25%.&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings propose that pistachio hull extracts can be a valuable source of bioactive compounds.

Radical scavenging activity of plant extracts from improved processing

Radical scavenging activity of extracts obtained from 16 plants harvested in South Hungary was assessed and compared to the activity of ascorbic acid standard. During extraction, a novel technique involving an ethanolic treatment at ambient temperature was used for advanced active component release. Although the procedure is time consuming, it serves as an efficient and harmless route to extract valuable antioxidant compounds from their natural sources. The as-prepared extracts consist of two phases (except Allium sativum), a clear solution and a thick suspension containing solid plant parts that separates in about 2 h. The samples were analysed by the antioxidant assay based on the scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. For most of the species, the solid phase retained considerable amount of available antioxidant agents, while the solution parts showed significant radical scavenging activity. The main exceptions were Nigella sativa, Hippophae rhamnoides and Linum usitatissimum, where the solid parts were less active. Overall, the extracts possessed remarkable antioxidant activity that were compared to published literature data and were found to be superior.

Red and blue light ratio affects the growth and quality of edible cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera)

This study investigated the effects of light of different wavelengths on the growth and quality of daughter cladodes in the edible cactus Nopalea cochenillifera. Mother cladodes were cultivated under a deep-flow hydroponic culture system and irradiated with red or blue light alone or in combination (in the ratio 1:3 or 3:1) in an enclosed-type plant factory. Daughter cladodes developed from mother cladodes in all treatments. The rate of elongation of first cladodes was lower under blue light and the combination of red and blue light (in the ratio 1:3) compared with other treatments. The number of daughter cladodes was also low under blue light. Thus, compared with red light, blue light appears to suppress daughter cladode development. However, the width of daughter cladodes was higher under blue light and the combination of red and blue light (in the ratio 1:3) compared with other treatments. Total fresh weight (FW) of daughter cladodes emerging from one mother cladode was lowest under blue light and high under combined red and blue light (1:3 and 3:1). The number of spines, an undesirable characteristic of edible cacti, was significantly higher under both combinations of red and blue light (1:3 and 3:1) compared to other treatments. On the other hand, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of extracts of the daughter cladodes was highest under blue light or under combined red and blue light (1:3). Our results show that light wavelength strongly affects daughter cladode growth and development. Thus, controlling the lighting environment is effective for improving growth and quality in edible cacti.

Phenolic Compound Extraction from Industrial Tomato Waste by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

The tomato fruits have been reported that it contained high nutrient and bioactive compounds. The various Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), including extraction temperature of 30, 50 and 70oC and extraction time of 10, 30 and 50 min, were performed in order to extract phenolic compound from tomato waste from industry. The total phenolic compound, total flavonoid content and also retained carotenoid in obtained extract were determined. Moreover, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of extract were studied. The results showed that the extraction temperature was a main factor which affected the amount of extracted bioactive compound. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the extract was related to the total flavonoid and carotenoid content which can be draw the regression as follows; Y = 55.81 + 0.75X1 + 0.96X2 when radical scavenging activity, total flavonoid and carotenoid content was Y, X1 and X2, respectively. This regression analysis showed high significant (R2 = 0.74). Moreover, the UAE condition of 50oC for 50 min was a best condition which gave the highest antioxidant activity and in accordance with the high amount of total flavonoid and carotenoid content.

Phenolic Acids in Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.): Plant Organ Dependent Antioxidant Activity and Optimized Extraction from Leaves.

Phenolic acids including chlorogenic acids are major polyphenolic compounds found in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.). The plant itself is an emerging biorefinery crop due to the inulin-rich tubers, a bioethanol feedstock, but the aerial parts represent a rich source of bioactive compounds. We have determined the level of major phenolic acids in extracts of four plant organs: tuber, leaf, flower, and stem. Employing three heating conditions (20 °C, 60 °C, and microwaving), corrected total phenolic content (TPC) was highest in the leaves (4.5–5.7 mg gallic acid equivalents g−1 dry substance), followed by flower (2.1–2.9), tuber (0.9–1.4), and lowest in stem extracts (0.1–0.2). A previously overlooked interference of the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, namely a signal contribution from ascorbic acid, caused overestimation of TPC in various organs ranging from 65% to 94%. Radical scavenging activity of extracts correlated significantly with TPC, both on corrected (R2 = 0.841) and uncorrected (R2 = 0.884) values. Out of the identified phenolic acids determined by quantitative HPLC-UV analysis, chlorogenic and dicaffeoylquinic acids accounted for 72–82% of corrected TPC in leaf and tuber extracts. Optimization of leaf extraction was tested in a 23-factorial Central Composite Face (CCF) design. Temperature was the most important model term, and a solvent strength of less than 50% ethanol promoted the highest TPC yields. Further developments in extraction processing of crop residues may open avenues for improving the utilization of Jerusalem artichoke in valuable products.

Chlorophyll extraction from Egyptian Luffa leaf

This study examined factors affecting on chlorophyll extraction from Egyptian Luffa leaf for using as food colorant. Optimal conditions for chlorophyll extraction were ethanol 96% for 97 minutes at 49oC and extraction speed at 123 rpm. The quality of extracts was investigated for microorganisms, heavy metals and antioxidant activity by using the DPPH (2-2-diphenyl-1- DPPH) method. The free radical scavenging activities of extract presented by the IC50 value was 261,7 μg/mL.

Role of ashwagandha methanolic extract in the regulation of thyroid profile in hypothyroidism modeled rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-hypothyroidism potential of ashwagandha methanolic extract (AME). This target was performed through induction of animal model of hypothyroidism by propylthiouracil. After 1month from treatments, blood samples were collected for biochemical determinations, and liver and kidney were removed for the determination of oxidative stress markers and thyroid gland was removed for histopathological examination. The total phenolic compounds in the extract and the in vitro radical scavenging activity of extract were also determined. The results revealed that the induction of hypothyroidism by propylthiouracil induced a significant increase in serum TSH level but it induced significant decreases in the levels of total T3, free T3, free T4, and total T4 hormones compared with the control values. Also, serum glucose, Il-6, and body weight gain increased significantly while Il-10 and blood hemoglobin levels showed significant decrease. Induction of hypothyroidism increased also the levels of hepatic and renal MDA and NO and decreased significantly the values of GSH, GPx and Na+/ K+-ATPase. Both AME and the anti-hypothyroidism drug significantly ameliorated the changes occurred in the levels of the above parameters and improved histological picture of thyroid gland but with different degrees; where ashwagandha methanolic extract showed the strongest effect. We can conclude that ashwagandha methanolic extract treatment improves thyroid function by ameliorating thyroid hormones and by preventing oxidative stress.

Determination of thermal transitions of gluten-free chestnut flour doughs enriched with brown seaweed powders and antioxidant properties of baked cookies

A protocol for determining the characteristic temperatures of thermomechanical transitions on gluten-free flour doughs is proposed. This protocol is based on the mathematical analysis of experimental curve of storage modulus (G′) vs temperature obtained by means of Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) technique. Doughs at constant consistency of chestnut flour with different levels (3, 6 and 9% flour basis, f.b.) of brown seaweed (Bifurcaria bifurcata, Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum) powders addition, 2% f.b. of guar gum and 1.8% f.b. of salt with different water absorption were used to test the proposed protocol. The ranges of temperatures corresponding to starch gelatinization (59–97 °C), amylopectin crystallites melting (82–101 °C), reversible dissociation of lipid-amylose complexes (107–128 °C) and amylose melting (133–171 °C) showed a strong dependence with water absorption of samples. Doughs with the same water absorption submitted to starch gelatinization during mixing were also analysed to corroborate the protocol suitability. Total polyphenols content and radical scavenging activity of extracts from chestnut flour-seaweed powder blends and seaweed-enriched chestnut cookies baked at 180 °C were determined. Extraction assisted with ultrasounds was carried out employing acetone-water (70:30 v/v) solution as solvent during 4 min with a liquid/solid ratio of 30 w/w. Seaweed powder addition had a positive effect on antioxidant properties of doughs before baking. However, the seaweed powder addition effect on baked products (cookies) is not clear due to antioxidant activity is overlapped by Maillard's products generated during baking.