DPPH Scavenging Ability Research Articles

The antioxidant and selective apoptotic activities of modified auraptene-loaded graphene quantum dot nanoparticles (M-AGQD-NP)

BackgroundPancreatic and Gastric cancers are very aggressive and deadly types of cancer that require effective treatment strategies to stop their progression. Nano-drug delivery systems, like those using Auraptene-loaded GQD nanoparticles, play a crucial role in addressing this need by delivering targeted and controlled treatments to cancer cells, making treatment more effective, and reducing side effects. The study focused on investigating the effects of Auraptene, an efficient anticancer compound when loaded into Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) on types of human cancer cells.MethodsTo create auraptene-loaded graphene quantum dot nanoparticles (AGQD-NP) (Unmodified and modified types) a combination of hydrothermal and high-energy homogenization methods was used. The nanoparticles were characterized by conducting DLS (Dynamic light scattering), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron microscopy), and zeta potential analysis. bioactivity of AGQD-NP was assessed through tests, including antioxidant capacity measured by ABTS and DPPH scavenging abilities well as cytotoxicity tested using MTT assay on both human cancer cell lines and normal human vascular endothelial cells.ResultsThe modified AGQD-NP (M-AGQD-NP) demonstrated antioxidant properties by neutralizing free radicals. They also displayed selective toxicity, towards human gastric adenocarcinoma cell-line (AGS) and human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PANC) cancer cells with IC50 values recorded at 78.8 µg/mL and 89.72 µg/mL respectively. The specific targeting of gastric cancer cells was evident from the differing IC50 values compared to the Human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7), Human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Hella), and normal vascular endothelial cells (Huvec). Additionally, the induced apoptotic death, in the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PANC) cancer cells was confirmed through AO/PI staining and Annexin-based flow cytometry revealing increased expression levels of P53, Caspase3, BAX, and Caspase8.ConclusionIn summary, the M-AGQD-NP have shown encouraging effects displaying antioxidant capabilities and a specific focus, on pancreatic and gastric cancer cells. These findings indicate uses for AGQD-NP as an efficient apoptosis inducer in cancer treatment. Additional In-vivo researches are required to validate their effectiveness, in living organisms.

Anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant potential of new biologically active thiazole-derivatives: Experimental and molecular docking studies

In this study, we synthesised and characterised a series of thiazole derivatives (compounds 3a–j) and assessed their potential for anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activities. The anti-diabetic potential of the compounds was assessed by measuring their inhibition of key enzymes involved in blood glucose regulation. Compound 3i demonstrated the highest α-Amylase inhibition activity (IC50 value: 18.68 µg/mL), while compounds 3i and 3c exhibited significant α-Glucosidase inhibition (IC50 values: 20.25 and 22.63 µg/mL respectively), even surpassing the control drug, Acarbose (IC50 value: 33.77 µg/mL). Interestingly, most of the compounds displayed favourable dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) inhibition and DPPH scavenging ability, with compound 3i showing the highest DPP IV inhibition ability (IC50 value: 23.81 µg/mL) and most robust anti-oxidant potential (IC50 value: 2.50 µg/mL). Additionally, anti-bacterial studies against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli revealed compounds 3i and 3c as effective inhibitors of bacterial growth. The MICs (4, 16, 16, and 32 µg/mL) and MBCs (4, 32, 32, and 16 µg/mL) respectively of the compounds supported their potential application in controlling and preventing bacterial growth. These results provide valuable insights into the multifunctional properties of the new thiazole derivatives and their potential in managing diabetes, combating bacterial infections, and serving as anti-oxidants.

Composite Coatings with Liposomes of Melissa officinalis Extract for Extending Tomato Shelf Life

In this study, active coatings based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were prepared using liposomes filled with an aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis retained in high acyl gellan gum (HAG), low acyl gellan gum (LAG), and their mixture (HAG/LAG). The objective was to investigate the effect of these coatings on postharvest preservation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits. The tomato fruits were divided into four groups: (i) coating with HAG-based liposomes (WL-HAG), (ii) coating with LAG-based liposomes (WL-LAG), (iii) coating with HAG/LAG-based liposomes (WL-HAG/LAG), and (iv) control group treated with sterile water. Over a period of 10 days, various quality attributes, such as respiration rate, soluble solids, titratable acidity, luminosity, weight loss, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, hydrogen peroxide, total phenols, and DPPH scavenging ability, were studied. The results indicated that the WL-HAG coatings significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the respiration rate, hydrogen peroxide, and MDA content compared to the control fruits and other coatings. Therefore, WL-HAG could be considered a promising option to enhance postharvest preservation of tomato fruits in the Colombian fruit and vegetable industry.

Comparison of the Controlled Atmosphere Treatment for Submerged and Solid-State Fermentation of Inonotus obliquus.

In this study, a controlled atmosphere (CA) treatment was used in the submerged (SM) and solid-state (SS) fermentation of Inonotus obliquus to determine the optimal conditions. The goal was to accelerate the artificial fermentation to obtain I. obliquus as an ingredient for dietary supplements. The results indicated that when CA treatment was used, the SM and SS fermentation of I. obliquus yielded polysaccharide and betulinic acid contents 2-2.5 times higher than those obtained when such treatment was not used. The two fermentation methods yielded similar outcomes in terms of DPPH scavenging ability, bioactivity, and antioxidant activity. Although SS fermentation yielded highly bioactive fruiting bodies when the period of fermentation was extended to 60 days, the mycelia produced by SM reached a similar bioactivity quality with only 30 days of fermentation. It was indicated that SM fermentation is more economically feasible than SS fermentation in the production of I. obliquus.

Effects of Different Pretreatments on the GABA Content of Germinated Brown Rice

Brown rice germination increases γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and enhances its antioxidant activity. In this study, Kaohsiung 145 brown rice was used as the raw material, and soaked in various solutions for 6 h before being processed with either high-pressure processing (HPP) or ultrasonic treatment to increase the GABA content. The GABA and antioxidant components of brown rice were analyzed after 42 h of germination and subsequent air-drying to obtain a moisture content of 14%. The results showed that non-germinated brown rice had GABA at 7.10 mg/100 g and treatment with various soaking solutions (0.1% CaCl2, 0.1% Glu, 0.2% CaCl2, and 0.2% Glu) increased GABA contents. Specifically, 0.1% CaCl2 and 0.1% Glu exhibited higher GABA content, at 42.51 and 44.64 mg/100 g. Furthermore, the GABA content increased synergistically when combined with HPP (100 MPa, 10 min) and ultrasonic (20 min) treatments after soaking. The results showed that the GABA contents in germinated rice were the greatest after ultrasonic treatment, followed by HPP treatment, and the least with only soaking treatment. The treatments with 0.1% CaCl2 and 0.2% Glu combined with ultrasonic processing for 20 min resulted in the highest GABA content at 102.38 and 110.88 mg/100 g, respectively. Finally, 0.1% CaCl2 with ultrasonic treatment for 20 min was chosen, as it demonstrated a considerable improvement in total polyphenols content and DPPH scavenging abilities, as seen by improved scores in subsequent taste evaluations.

Combining Different Natural Plant Extracts to Stabilize the Antioxidative Activity of Dragon's Blood.

Dragon's blood () is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its wound hemostasis, blood circulation, and stasis properties. Recently, it has also been utilized in cosmetics, though its antioxidant capacity remains unclear. This study aims to stabilize the bioactivity of dragon's blood using various plant extracts. We evaluated single plant extracts and their combinations to identify the conditions that maintained the antioxidant capacity of dragon's blood the longest. Selected plants included Hibiscus sabdariffa, Clitoria ternatea, Hylocereus sp., Pandanus amaryllifolius, and Camellia sinensis. We used two sources of dragon's blood: Daemonorops draco and Dracaena cochinchinensis. Extraction conditions were optimized and antioxidant activity was assessed using the free radical scavenging ability of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total anthocyanin concentration (TAC), total polyphenol content (TPC), the free radical scavenging activity of ABTS, and a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The results showed that all plant extracts exhibited high antioxidant capacity. Clitoria ternatea had the highest DPPH scavenging ability at 93.81%, with the best combination being green tea and Daemonorops draco at 92.57%. Clitoria ternatea had the highest TPC at 9921 mg GAE/100 g, with the best combination (green tea and Dracaena cochinchinensis) at 10500 mg GAE/100 g. ABTS activity was highest for green tea at 98.3%, with the best combination (Clitoria ternatea and Daemonorops draco) at 93.29%. The FRAP assay showed that green tea had the highest electron-donating potential at 3.85 mg/mL, with the best combination (Daemonorops draco and Dracaena cochinchinensis) at 3.71 mg/mL. This study advances our understanding of the antioxidant properties of these plants and the traditional Chinese medicine dragon's blood, enhancing the efficacy of dragon's blood in skincare and cosmetics. Moreover, the application of these extracts could rejuvenate local agriculture, impacting the skincare, cosmetics, and sustainable agriculture sectors.

Stability and lipid oxidation of oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by Maillard conjugates of soybean phosphatidylethanolamine with different polysaccharides

Lipid oxidation and instability in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion are the main challenges in emulsion-based foods. Polysaccharide-induced Maillard conjugation of soybean phosphatidylethanolamine (SP) holds great potential in improving physicochemical stability of emulsions. This work applied tamarind gum, pectin, inulin and maltodextrin to conjugate with SP to obtain the four Maillard conjugates (MCs), and investigated their difference in interface and anti-oxidant abilities in emulsions. Results showed that lower polymerization degree of polysaccharide moieties (tamarind gum＞pectin＞maltodextrin＞inulin) caused higher glycation degree in MC: inulin-SP-MC＞maltodextrin-SP-MC＞pectin-SP-MC ≈ tamarind gum-SP-MC, which corresponded their color changes. Compared with unconjugated mixtures, interface activity and anti-oxidant abilities of MCs were strengthened. Among the four MCs, tamarind gum-SP-MC (7.77 mN/m) and pectin-SP-MC (8.42 mN/m) could decrease interfacial tension more largely. It was due to the faster interface saturation benefited from broader steric network of tamarind gum and pectin moieties, and stable interfacial absorption facilitated by improved zeta potential and lipophilicity. Pectin-SP-MC also exhibited the highest anti-oxidant ability (DPPH scavenging ability of 97.81% and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of 2.742 A). It was attributed to the combined effects of grafting degree, interface activity and chain length of pectin moiety. As a result, emulsions stabilized by pectin-SP-MC had less water loss, smaller droplet sizes, and lower contents of oxidation products. Maillard reaction between SP and pectin was favorable to produce MCs with higher potential for the improvements of physical and oxidative stability of O/W emulsions.

Sesame lignans modulate aroma formation in sesame oil through the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation in model systems

The unknown effect of sesame lignans on aroma formation in sesame oil via the Maillard reaction (MR) and lipid oxidation was investigated. Sesamin, sesamolin, or sesamol was added to 3 models: lysine+glucose (MR), cold-pressed sesame oil (SO), and MR + SO, and were heated at 120 °C for 60 min. All three lignans suppressed SO oxidation while increasing DPPH scavenging ability (p < 0.05). Lignans increased depletions of lysine and glucose and MR browning (p < 0.05). Lignans reduced most aroma-active pyrazines, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and esters (p < 0.05). Sesamol and sesamolin increased perceptions of the preferable aromas of nutty, roasted sesame, and popcorn while reducing the undesirable green and rancid aromas (p < 0.05). Sesamol demonstrated a stronger effect on lipid oxidation, MR browning, aroma formation, and sensory perception than sesamin and sesamolin. This study suggests that sesame lignans can modulate aroma formation and sensory perception of sesame oil by interacting with the MR and lipid oxidation pathways.

Thermal stability, antioxidant activity and bioavailability of pea protein–naringin Pickering emulsion for enhanced delivery applications

After successfully addressing to mitigate bitterness of naringin through construction Pickering emulsion using pea protein (PP) and naringin (NG) in our previous study, we now probed thermal stability, antioxidant efficacy, and bioavailability. FTIR analysis and UV–vis spectroscopy indicated predominant interactions between PP and NG were hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds. TGA and DSC analyses demonstrated that PP-NG complexes exhibited superior heat-resistance compared to pure PP and NG. Thermal stability assessments indicated a significant retention of NG in the PP-NG Pickering emulsion than the control NG across varied temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 37 °C, and 65 °C). Moreover, the antioxidant activity of PP-NG emulsion was dependent on the concentration of NG, as evidenced by DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging abilities, ferric reducing power, and lipid peroxidation resistance. Additionally, PP-NG Pickering emulsion exhibited substantially high bioavailability (92.01 ± 3.91%). These results suggest a promising avenue for the application of NG with improved characteristics.

Near-freezing temperature suppresses avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit softening and chilling injury by maintaining cell wall and reactive oxygen species metabolism during storage

To enhance the postharvest quality of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit, this study investigates alterations in cell wall metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism during near-freezing temperature (NFT) storage, and explores their impact on fruit softening. The fruit was stored at 25 °C, 5 °C, 2 °C, and NFT, respectively. NFT storage retarded firmness loss and chilling injury in comparison with 25 °C, 5 °C, and 2 °C. NFT storage delayed the decrease of ionic-soluble pectin (ISP) and cellulose (CLL) contents by suppressing cell wall degradation enzyme activities. Correlation analysis showed that cell wall degradation enzyme activities were positively correlated to rates of ethylene release and respiration. Moreover, NFT storage maintained higher levels of DPPH and ABTS scavenging abilities, activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, as well as ascorbate-glutathione cycle (ascorbic acid, glutathione, glutathione disulfide, ascorbate peroxidase, cycle-related enzymes), thereby inhibited the increase of ROS content, malondialdehyde content, and cell membrane permeability. Fruit firmness and chilling injury were correlated with the contents of hydrogen (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2.-), ISP, and CLL. These results suggested that NFT could suppress fruit softening and chilling injury by inhibiting cell wall degradation through delaying respiration and ethylene production and suppressing ROS production via activation of antioxidant systems, thereby maintaining quality and prolonged storage life during avocado fruit storage.

Pulsed electric field treatment improves the oil yield, quality, and antioxidant activity of virgin olive oil

Pulsed electric field (PEF) is an innovative technique used to assist in the extraction of vegetable oils. There has been no research on the effects of PEF on virgin olive oil (VOO) quality and antioxidant activity to date. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of PEF on oil yield, quality, and in vitro antioxidant activity of “Koroneiki” extra virgin olive oil. The results show that the PEF treatment increased the oil yield by 5.6%, but had no significant effect on the saponification value, K232, K270, and ∆K value of the VOO. PEF treatment reduced the oleic acid content by 3.12%, but had no significant effect on the content of palmitic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. After PEF treatment, the levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and oleuropein increased by 7.6%, 18.3% and 76%, respectively. There was no significant effect on the levels of 4 phenolic acids (vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and cinnamic acid), 2 lignans (lignans and apigenin), hydroxytyrosol, and 3 pigments (lutein, demagnetized chlorophyll, and carotenoids). In addition, PEF treatment significantly increased the content of tocopherols, with α, β, γ, and δ tocopherols increasing by 9.8%, 10.7%, 13.6% and 38.4%, respectively. The free radical scavenging ability of DPPH and ABTS was also improved. In conclusion, the use of PEF significantly increased the yield of VOO oil as well as the levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, oleuropein, tocopherol, and in vitro antioxidant activity.

Synthesis,Antidiabetic and Antitubercular Evaluation of Quinoline-pyrazolopyrimidine hybrids and Quinoline-4-Arylamines.

Two libraries of quinoline-based hybrids 1-(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine and 7-chloro-N-phenylquinolin-4-amine were synthesized and evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant properties. Compounds with 4-methylpiperidine and para-trifluoromethoxy groups, respectively, showed the most promising α-glucosidase inhibition activity with IC50=46.70 and 40.84 μM, compared to the reference inhibitor, acarbose (IC50=51.73 μM). Structure-activity relationship analysis suggested that the cyclic secondary amine pendants and para-phenyl substituents account for the variable enzyme inhibition. Antioxidant profiling further revealed that compounds with an N-methylpiperazine and N-ethylpiperazine ring, respectively, have good DPPH scavenging abilities with IC50=0.18, 0.58 and 0.93 mM, as compared to ascorbic acid (IC50=0.05 mM), while the best DPPH scavenger is NO2-substituted compound (IC50=0.08 mM). Also, compound with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine moiety emerged as the best NO radical scavenger with IC50=0.28 mM. Molecular docking studies showed that the present compounds are orthosteric inhibitors with their quinoline, pyrimidine, and 4-amino units as crucial pharmacophores furnishing α-glucosidase binding at the catalytic site. Taken together, these compounds exhibit dual potentials; i. e., potent α-glucosidase inhibitors and excellent free radical scavengers. Hence, they may serve as structural templates in the search for agents to manage Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Finally, in preliminary assays investigating the anti-tubercular potential of these compounds, two pyrazolopyrimidine series compounds and a 7-chloro-N-phenylquinolin-4-amine hybrid showed sub-10 μM whole-cell activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles from red seaweed Hypnea valentiae and evaluation of their antioxidant and antitumor potential via the AKT/PI3K pathway

This work specifically examines the eco-friendly production of iron oxide nanoparticles from the red seaweed Hypnea valentiae (Hv-Fe3O4-NPs), with an emphasis on their potential applications in cancer treatment. The synthesised Hv-Fe3O4-NPs were characterised and confirmed through various analytical techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). Hv-Fe3O4-NPs exhibit notable DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging abilities, suggesting their potential as antioxidants. Moreover, these nanoparticles exhibit effective anticancer efficacy against human MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cells (IC50 = 33.89 µg/mL) compared to lung cancer (A549 cells) (IC50 = 66.79 µg/mL). The Hv-Fe3O4-NPs effectively generates the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level to induce apoptotic activity in breast cancer cells. The RT-PCR gene expression analysis showed that Hv-Fe3O4-NPs could downregulate the expression of AKT and PI3K and upregulate the expression of PTEN at 34 µg/mL, showing strong anti-cancer activity. Moreover, the molecular docking examination of compounds from H. valentiae, which targeted the AKT/PI3K pathway proteins in breast carcinoma with aberrant mutations, resulted in advantageous binding scores. This research presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach with considerable potential for exhibiting antioxidant and anticancer properties, particularly against breast cancer.

Two new sesquiterpenoid glycoside compounds from the calyces of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino

Two new sesquiterpenoid glycosides, 8α (H)-eudesmane-1,3,11 (13)-triene-2-one -12-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and dmetelisproside B (2), together with ten known compounds (3–12) were isolated from calyces of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (PAF). Their structures were unambiguously elucidated through HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, and NMR spectral data. Compounds 1, 10, and 12 exhibited DPPH scavenging ability with IC50 values of 33.69 ± 6.65, 6.29 ± 0.06, and 25.66 ± 3.06 μM, respectively. Additionally, 10 and 12 demonstrated weak α-glucosidase inhibition activity with IC50 values of 250.9 ± 6.60 and 347.6 ± 2.48 μM, respectively.

Semisynthesis and characterization of versatile azide intermediates using sodium alginate and its homopolymeric derivatives as starting material

Alginate, a polyuronic biopolymer composed of mannuronic and guluronic acid units, contain hydroxyl and carboxyl groups as targeting modification sites to obtain structures with new and/or improved biological properties. The copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is a versatile click reaction for polymer functionalization, but it typically requires a “pre-click” modification to introduce azide or alkyne groups. Here, we described a straightforward chemical path to selectively modify alginate carboxyl groups producing versatile azido derivatives through N-acylation using 3-azydopropylamine. The resulting azide-functionalized polysaccharides underwent click chemistry to yield amino derivatives, confirmed by NMR and FTIR analyses. The 1H NMR spectrum reveals a characteristic triazole group signal at 8.15 ppm. The absence of the azide FTIR band for all amino derivatives, previously observed for the N-acylation products, indicated reaction success. Antibacterial and antioxidant assessments revealed that the initial polysaccharide lacks E. coli inhibition, while the click chemistry-derived amine products exhibit growth inhibition at 5.0 mg/mL. Lower molecular weight derivatives demonstrate superior DPPH scavenging ability, particularly amino-derivatives (24–33 % at 1.2 mg/mL). This innovative chemical pathway offers a promising strategy for developing polysaccharide structures with enhanced properties, demonstrating potential applications in various fields.

Comparative analysis of phytochemical profile and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of four Gentiana species from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGentiana species, known as the traditional Tibetan medicine “Bangjian,” have been integral to clinical practice for millennia. Despite their longstanding use, our understanding of the variation in chemical constituents and bioactive effects among different species is limited. Aim of the studyIn the present study, we aimed to assess the differences in chemical profiles and bioactivities among four Gentiana species (G. veitchiorum, G. trichotoma, G. crassuloides, and G. squarrosa) and explore potential bioactive markers. Materials and methodsThe chemical composition of the four Gentiana species was analyzed using UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was compared through DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring the inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by RAW264.7 macrophages. Additionally, compounds strongly correlated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were identified through spectrum–effect relationship analysis. ResultsA total of 50 compounds were identified across the four Gentiana species. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated DPPH and ABTS scavenging abilities and reducing power within the concentration range of 62.5–2000 μg/mL. All four species inhibited the production of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. Spectrum–effect relationship analysis revealed that gentiascabraside A, gentiatibetine, tachioside, lutonarin, and isotachioside were associated with the highest antioxidant activity; and swertiamarin, tarennoside, eleganoside C, and alpigenoside were associated with the highest anti-inflammatory activity. ConclusionsThis study presents, for the first time, the chemical profiles and bioactivities of G. trichotoma, G. crassuloides, and G. squarrosa, which were comprehensively compared with those of G. veitchiorum. The findings provide novel insights to understand the traditional use and/or expand the current use of Gentiana species. Additionally, this research highlights the potential of Gentiana species as natural sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, suggesting promising applications in tea production or medicinal contexts in the near future.

Micellar and Solvent Loan Chemical Extraction as a Tool for the Development of Natural Skin Care Cosmetics Containing Substances Isolated from Grapevine Buds

The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using micellar and solvent loan chemical extraction (LCE) to isolate valuable components from grapevine leaf buds, subsequently utilizing them to prepare functional and safe-to-use cosmetic preparations, specifically facial serums. An aqueous solution of polyglyceryl-4 laurate/sebacate and polyglyceryl-6 caprylate/caprate was employed for a micellar LCE, while an aqueous solution of 1,3-propanediol was used for a solvent LCE. Importantly, the extraction medium was exclusively comprised of components from the designed final cosmetic product. Consequently, no additional substances were present in the cosmetics developed, and the formulation was notably enhanced by compounds extracted from grapevine buds. The antioxidant properties and compound characterization of the obtained micellar (SurfE) and solvent (SolvE) extracts based on grapevine buds were tested and compared. UPLC-MS/MS results indicated that the extracts were rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, exhibiting antioxidant activity as measured using the DPPH and ABTS scavenging ability. The extracts were used to prepare model facial serums, which underwent evaluation based on fundamental functionality-related parameters (e.g., rheological characteristics and color) and their impact on the skin through cytotoxicity assessment. The results demonstrated that facial serums with extracts based on grapevine buds provided safe, natural cosmetics.

Alleviation of chilling injury in cold-stored Chinese olive (Canarium album Lour.) fruit by γ-aminobutyric acid treatment in relation to ROS metabolism

Chinese olives are susceptible to chilling injury (CI) during refrigeration. Exploring economical and convenient approaches to suppress CI development is important for preserving fruit quality and prolonging postharvest shelf-life of Chinese olives. In this study, the effects of 1.0 mM γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) treatment on CI development and ROS metabolism in cold-stored Chinese olives at 2 °C for 100 d were evaluated. The results demonstrated that, compared to control Chinese olives, GABA treatment observably alleviated CI development, remarkably suppressed the increased CI index, O2−. production rate, and MDA amount, but retained higher SOD, CAT and APX activities, higher values of GSH and AsA, higher abilities of scavenging DPPH radical, and higher reducing power. On the last day of storage (day 100), CI index, O2−. production rate, and MDA content in control Chinese olives were 2.06-, 1.28, 1.48-fold higher compared with those of GABA-treated fruits. In contract, SOD, CAT and APX activities in GABA-treated fruits were 1.54-, 3.24, 1.57-fold higher than in that of control Chinese olives. The GSH and AsA contents, DPPH scavenging ability and reducing power were 64.7%, 128.4%, 51.8% and 35.0% higher in GABA-treated olives, as compared to control fruits. Together, these findings indicate that 1.0 mM GABA shows a potential application in improving antioxidant capacity and alleviating CI development of Chinese olives during cold storage.

Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethereal extracts of elephants’ feeds in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana

This study reports on the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant properties of aqueous and ethereal crude extracts of Cassia sieberiena root, Ficus platyphylla stembark, Terminalia laxiflora root, and leaves, Tamarindus indica fruits, Kigelia africana root and Mitragyna inermis stembark as Elephants feed. Standard and approved methods were employed in this study. The phytochemical constituents detected included alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. The IC50s were 115 µg/mL and 7865 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Mitragyna inermis. 77.29 µg/mL and 1564 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Ficus platyphylla, 5352 µg/mL and 7843 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Terminalia Laxiflora, 8.963 µg/mL and 1253 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Cassia sieberiena, 10423µg/mL and 12645 µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Kigelia africana, 1339 µg/mL and 2653µg/mL for aqueous and ethereal extracts of Tamarindus indica and 3.819 µg/mL for gallic acid (control). Cassia sieberiena root aqueous extract had the highest total phenol content of 62.36 ± 6.18 with a corresponding total antioxidant capacity of 289.0 ± 6.642 and the lowest total phenol content of 1.543±2.76 was detected in ethereal extract of Terminalia laxiflora leaves with a corresponding total antioxidant capacity of 241.3±4.04. The aqueous extracts possess stronger DPPH scavenging abilities compared to the ethereal extracts for all samples studied. These findings revealed the health-supporting potentials of these elephant feeds. The finding is also a guide to the managers of our zoos and National parks on the importance of natural feeding in wildlife.

Identification of Volatile Molecules and Bioactivity of Gruyt Craft Beer Enriched with Citrus aurantium var. dulcis L. Essential Oil.

In this work, for the first time, a gruyt beer and the same one after the addition of Citrus aurantium essential oil (AEO), were investigated to determine the composition of the volatile fraction. The applied analytical techniques, such as Head Space/Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS/SPME-GC-MS) and Proton Transfer Reaction-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS), allowed us to identify the content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). From the comparison between the two beer samples, it showed that the one after the addition of AEO was particularly richened in limonene and a series of minor terpene compounds. AEO was also characterized by GC/MS analysis and the results showed that limonene reached 95%. Confocal microscopy was used to look at riboflavin autofluorescence in yeast cells. It was found that beer with AEO had twice as much fluorescence intensity as the control. A spectrophotometric analysis of total polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, and a bioactivity screening, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-Ethylbenzthiazolin-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS) radical scavenger, chelating, reducing, antiglycative ones, were also carried out. Moreover, the tolerability of the tested samples in human H69 cholangiocytes and the cytoprotection towards the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH)-induced oxidative damage were evaluated. Under our experimental conditions, the beers were found to be able to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals and chelate iron ions, despite weak antiglycative and reducing properties. The tested samples did not affect the viability of H69 cholangiocytes up to the highest concentrations; moreover, no signs of cytoprotection against the damage induced by tBOOH were highlighted. Adding AEO to beer resulted in a moderate enhancement of its DPPH scavenging and chelating abilities, without improvements in the other assays. Conversely, AEO and its major compound limonene were ineffective when assessed at the concentrations added to beer. This evidence suggests that the addition of AEO may enhance the organoleptic features of the beer and slightly potentiate some of its bioactivities.