Superoxide Radical Scavenging Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Depressant Activity of Macrotyloma Uniflorum vs. Clitoria Ternatea Methanolic Leaf Extracts

Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent psychiatric disorders in the modern era, often attributed to the alterations in signalling neurotransmitters or the release of biogenic amines characterized by changes in consciousness, psychomotor functions, and emotional disturbances. Purpose: Several antidepressant drugs are available; they may cause irreversible adverse effects. Therefore, exploring herbal remedies as an alternative therapy holds potential benefits. Macrotyloma uniflorum and Clitoria ternatea are among the plants traditionally utilized for their anti-depression activity. Method: This study aims to compare the antidepressant activity of the methanolic extracts of M. uniflorum and C. ternatea leaves. Their phytochemical compositions were analysed, and antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH and Superoxide radical scavenging assays. Results: The outcomes of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of secondary metabolites in both extracts, including alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids and tannins. The antioxidant assays indicated significant antioxidant potential in both M. uniflorum and C. ternatea extracts. Various biochemical assays, behavioural studies, and histopathological evaluations were conducted using a toluene-induced mice model. Conclusion: The behavioural study and biochemical estimations confirmed the antidepressant potential of both extracts. However, the M. uniflorum extract exhibited better efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms. In light of future perspectives, it would be valuable to isolate and identify the specific compounds facilitating a more targeted pharmacological approach for depression pharmacotherapy.

An ultrasonic-assisted Synthesis, Characterization, and application of Nano-Fe3O4/TiO2 as nano-catalyst for the removal of organic dye by Like-Photo-Fenton reactions

In this research, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple co-precipitation method. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were used to synthesize TiO2-Fe3O4 nanocomposites via solvothermal ultrasonic-assisted method. Obtained nanomaterials Fe3O4 and TiO2-Fe3O4 were structurally characterized by UV–visible, XRD, and SEM-EDS. Synthesized nano-catalysts were tested as catalysis of organic dye degradation. Furthermore, an optimization study was conducted to evaluate selected TiO2-Fe3O4 nanocomposites to degrade Methylene Blue (MB) in an aqueous solution through Fenton-like reactions. Several experimental variables, including pH (from 2 to 8), H2O2 concentration (from 10-2 to 5.10-1M), catalyst amount (20 to 80 mg), and target organic compound concentrations, were tested in order to optimize the Fenton-like catalytic activity of the TiO2-Fe3O4 as a nano-catalyst to degrading MB under ambient light conditions (natural sunlight). The results showed that TiO2-Fe3O4 had an efficient degradation rate of up to 85% for MB at the optimal pH 3, H2O2 at 10-1M and 40 mg/L catalyst amount. Also, the results showed the good reusability of TiO2-Fe3O4 as a nanophotocatalyst. Also, based on the results of the scavenging agent experiments, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals play an important role in methylene blue (MB) photodegradation. Finally, a possible mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation of MB was proposed. In this study, the synthesis and application of TiO2-Fe3O4 nanocomposite as a nano-catalyst in the Fenton-like oxidation process demonstrated a promising eco-friendly method for treating organic pollutants in water.

Phytochemical Investigation of Hypericum heterophyllum Flowers: LC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents, Antioxidant Activity

Background: Hypericum heterophyllum has been used as a traditional medicine and includes significant bioactive compounds. Objective: To quantitatively determine the phenolic and flavonoid contents of Hypericum heterophyllum flowers and evaluate the antioxidant activity. Also, to present the activity-compound relationship. Methods: Flowers of H. heterophyllum Vent., endemic species for Turkey were collected from Yozgat-Turkey. H. heterophyllum flowers were extracted with methanol, ethanol, acetone, and chloroform individually. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis for phytochemicals was carried out for each extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were carried out for each extract. The antioxidant activity was performed using DPPH•, ABTS•+, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical scavenging assays. Results: Chlorogenic acid was found as a major compound in all extracts. Among the extracts, methanol extract included the most phenolic compound. The methanol extract and acetone extract consisted of the most flavonoids. Acetone and ethanol extracts revealed the most DPPH and ABTS activity respectively. Acetone extract exhibited the highest hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical scavenging effect Conclusion: Flowers of H. heterophyllum contain bioactive compounds and they revealed good antioxidant activity. Hence, H. heterophyllum flowers could be a promising agent for the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Physicochemical properties and biological activities of litchi glycans with different molecular weights

SummaryIn this study, three litchi glycans (Lzp1–Lzp3) with molecular weights (Mw) of 2.25 × 106 Da, 6.00 × 103 Da and 3.24 × 102 Da were purified, and their structural characteristics, biological activities and structure–activity relationships were investigated. The results showed that Lzp1–Lzp3 had similar inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as evidenced by the fact that there were no significant correlations between the Mw, active groups, monosaccharide compositions of Lzp1–Lzp3 and their antimicrobial activities. Lzp1 consisted of more mannose, galactose and arabinose, and less ribose and xylose, thus leading to its higher antioxidant activities of DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging and ferric‐ion reducing with the values of 78.0%, 99.0%, 90.2%, 1.08 and 3.93 respectively. Lzp2 contained more sulphonic acid and uronic acid, and the least glucose possessed the best effect on the promotion of exopolysaccharide production (24.77 mg/mL) by Weissella confusa, and the proliferation of Weissella confusa, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve with the OD600 ranging from 0.278–1.082. This study can provide a reference for the preparation of litchi glycans possessed specific biological activity.

Exploring the Potential of Water-Soluble Squid Ink Melanin: Stability, Free Radical Scavenging, and Cd2+ Adsorption Abilities.

Squid ink melanin can be efficiently extracted from the byproduct ink sac generated during squid processing. As a natural food colorant, it possesses inherent antioxidant properties and the capability to adsorb heavy metals. This study aims to investigate the solubility of water-soluble squid ink melanin (WSSM) obtained from the ink sac, as well as its stability under various conditions including temperature, pH, salt, sugar, potassium sorbate, metal ions, sodium benzoate, sodium sulfite (reducing agent), and hydrogen peroxide (oxidizing agent). Moreover, it explores the scavenging effects of WSSM on free radicals and cadmium ions. The findings suggest that WSSM's stability is insignificantly affected by high temperature, sucrose, and salt. However, acidity, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium sulfite (Na2SO3), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) significantly influence its stability. Most metal ions do not impact the stability of WSSM, except for Fe2+, Fe3+, Al3+, and Cu2+, which result in the precipitation of WSSM. Additionally, WSSM exhibits remarkable antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 0.91, 0.56, and 0.52 mg/mL for scavenging superoxide anion radicals (O2-·), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and DPPH radicals, respectively. It also demonstrates the ability to adsorb the heavy metal Cd2+, with the adsorption rate gradually increasing with a higher temperature and larger amounts of WSSM added. Infrared spectroscopy analysis reveals the weakening of characteristic peaks (-COOH and -OH) during the process of Cd2+ adsorption by WSSM, while SEM confirms surface roughening and structural damage after Cd2+ adsorption. This study provides valuable insights for the utilization of squid melanin products as natural antioxidants and heavy metal adsorbents in the food industry.

Guaiacol as an Organic Superoxide Dismutase Mimics for Anti-ageing a Ru-based Li-rich Layered Oxide Cathode.

High-capacity Li-rich layered oxides using oxygen redox as well as transition metal redox suffer from its structural instability due to lattice oxygen escaped from its structure during oxygen redox and the following electrolyte decomposition by the reactive oxygen species. Herein, we rescued a Li-rich layered oxide based on 4d transition metal by employing an organic superoxide dismutase mimics as a homogeneous electrolyte additive. Guaiacol scavenged superoxide radicals via dismutation or disproportionation to convert two superoxide molecules to peroxide and dioxygen after absorbing lithium superoxide on its partially negative oxygen of methoxy and hydroxyl groups. Additionally, guaiacol was decomposed to form a thin and stable cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer, endowing the cathode with the interfacial stability.

Biomass fractionation techniques impact on the structure and antioxidant properties of isolated lignins

Lignin is a phenolic residue from biomass refinery industries. Biomass fractionation techniques keep emerging because of the pursuit of improved revenues from biomass refineries, which generates lignin structurally different from conventional one, i.e., the kraft lignin. To understand the impact of emerging biomass fractionation processes on the antioxidant properties of lignin, six lignins were isolated from pine wood, and structurally analyzed with ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, hetereonuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography. The antioxidant activity of isolated lignins was determined by DPPH assay, ABTS assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. The structure and antioxidant properties of lignin were discussed accordingly. The results of this study would provide solid data guiding the isolation of lignin-based high-performance antioxidants from biomass.

Piezo- and photo- responsive ZnO nanostructures for efficient tetracycline water remediation

Tetracycline (TC) is one of the most produced and consumpted antibiotics. TC pollution represents a serious environmental and health risk, since TC overaccumulates in water and food. Wastewater purification is of course an urgent need. In this frame, zinc oxide nanoflakes have been synthesized and used as catalyst for TC degradation in water. A double external trigger has been used to promote the TC degradation: luminous and mechanical stimuli were demonstrated to induce TC degradation, with kinetic constant values of 0.026 min−1 and 0.027 min−1, respectively. The two mechanisms clearly promote different degradation pathways and a synergic effect of the two stimuli is observed when combined. In fact, a kinetic parameter of 0.063 min−1 is recorded when the two stimuli are simultaneously applied. The photo- and piezo- degradation physical chemical mechanisms were rationalized starting from the experimental evidence recorded when ascorbic acid and isopropanol are used as superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical scavenger. Interestingly, TC degradation efficiency induced by the two separated stimuli, alternatively used in order to simulate a day-night alternance, was evaluated and demonstrated. Tap water spiked with TC was indeed used and again the proposed nanostructures allowed TC degradation with 66% of efficiency in 40 min

Neuroprotective Potential of Isoquinoline Alkaloids from Glaucium grandiflorum Boiss. and A. Huet subsp. refractum (Nábelek) Mory: Role of NRF2-KEAP1 Pathway

The extracts of Glaucium grandiflorum have been used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, no former study has investigated whether the alkaloid extracts of G. grandiflorum have antioxidative effects against oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidative effects of the alkaloid extracts of G. grandiflorum with a variety of targets and probable mechanisms. First, we used spectrophotometry to investigate alkaloid extracts with respect to their alkaloid amounts. Then, we determined the alkaloid extracts’ impact on thiol/disulfide homeostasis, total oxidant status/total antioxidant status/oxidative stress index, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Finally, the effects of alkaloid extracts on the genes in the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway were determined via qRT-PCR. We conducted molecular docking analyses to determine the potential binding of isoquinoline alkaloids found within the alkaloid extracts with target proteins. We observed the best results from chloroform alkaloid extract and methanol alkaloid extract. Chloroform alkaloid extract was prominent in DPPH radical scavenging and metal ions chelating, and methanol alkaloid extract showed significant hydroxyl radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity. Alkaloid extract groups substantially increased in total thiol activity, native thiol activity, disulfide activity, total antioxidant status level, antioxidant enzyme levels, and gene expression levels (GCLC, HO-1, NRF2, and NQO1) compared to the H2O2 group. Also, alkaloid extract groups led to a significant drop in total oxidant status level, oxidative stress index level, and KEAP1 gene expression level relative to the H2O2 group. According to our study results, oxidative stress brought about by H2O2 was regulated by alkaloid extracts. As a result, a phytochemical-based therapeutic that regulates H2O2-induced oxidative stress was brought to the neurochemical field.

Efficient and sustainable bleaching of cotton/spandex integrating UVA radiation and peroxide activator: A study focus on the degradation mechanism of natural pigments in fibres

Establishing an energy/water-saving bleaching process is highly expected by textile plants to reduce industrial carbon emission, wastewater discharge and general cost. Therefore, an efficient UVA-assisted N-[4-(triethylammoniomethyl)-benzoyl]- caprolactam-chloride (TBCC) -activated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching strategy at ambient temperature for cotton/spandex (C/S) fabric was developed in this study. Results reveal that 7.4 g/L of TBCC-activated H2O2 (30%) achieves a slightly higher whiteness index (WI) on C/S fabrics than those only treated with 60 g/L H2O2 (30%). The treated C/S fabric displays a good dyeability using direct dyes due to the qualified wettability. The mild pH process protects C/S fabrics from damage with a low tensile loss (less than 10%) in warp and weft directions. The WI of C/S fabric mainly depends on the concentration of TBCC/H2O2 couple and radiation time. Moreover, the degradation mechanism of cotton pigment in UVA/TBCC/H2O2 bleaching system was implemented including the identification of effective reactive oxygen species (ROS), tracking of the concentration variation of hydroxyl radical (HO•) under UVA irradiation, and the exploration of degrading kinetics and pathway of morin as the model of pigment impurity. Indicated by the degradation rate constant, both TBCC and UVA plays an accelerating role in enhancing the degradation efficiency. In the radical scavenging experiment, HO• and superoxide radical (O2–•) are two major ROS participating in the degradation. And therein, HO• makes larger contribution than O2–•. HO• concentration has a high positive correlation with radiation duration and TBCC dosage based on the fluorescence labelling method. Confirmed by LC-MS/MS analyses, 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid (MW: 170.12) and 2,4,-dihydroxybenzoic acid (MW: 154.12) are two major segments degraded from the oxidation and ring-opening of C-ring in morin. Finally, considering energy, water and chemical conservations, the condition i.e. 7.4 g/L of H2O2 (30%) and 20 g/L of TBCC under 30 W UVA radiation for 1 h, is recommended, which significantly increases the WI by 46.5%, and saves about 90% energy and 50% water consumption compared with the conventional waterbath bleaching at 95 °C for 45 min when similar WI enhancement was achieved.

Innovative Insights for Establishing a Synbiotic Relationship with Bacillus coagulans: Viability, Bioactivity, and In Vitro-Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion.

This study investigates the use of encapsulating agents for establishing a synbiotic relationship with Bacillus coagulans (TISTR 1447). Various ratios of wall materials, such as skim milk powder, maltodextrin, and cellulose acetate phthalate (represented as SMC1, SMC3, SMC5, and SMC7), were examined. In all formulations, 5% inulin was included as a prebiotic. The research assessed their impact on cell viability and bioactive properties during both the spray-drying process and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The results demonstrate that these encapsulating agents efficiently protect B. coagulans spores during the spray-drying process, resulting in spore viability exceeding 6 log CFU/g. Notably, SMC5 and SMC7 displayed the highest spore viability values. Moreover, SMC5 showcased the most notable antioxidant activity, encompassing DPPH, hydroxy radical, and superoxide radical scavenging, as well as significant antidiabetic effects via the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Furthermore, during the simulated gastrointestinal digestion, both SMC5 and SMC7 exhibited a slight reduction in spore viability over the 6 h simulation. Consequently, SMC5 was identified as the optimal condition for synbiotic production, offering protection to B. coagulans spores during microencapsulation and gastrointestinal digestion while maintaining bioactive properties post-encapsulation. Synbiotic microcapsules containing SMC5 showcased a remarkable positive impact, suggesting its potential as an advanced food delivery system and a functional ingredient for various food products.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Lipophilic Fraction from Liriope platyphylla Seeds Using Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Experiments.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms counteract the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, aging, and cancer. Therefore, enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions may help manage these pathological conditions. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of lipophilic fraction of Liriope platyphylla seeds (LLPS) using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. Here GC-MS analysis tentatively identified forty-three lipophilic compounds in LLPS. LLPS exhibited powerful antioxidant activity, according to the results from chemical-based antioxidant assays on DPPH, ABTS+, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging, lipid peroxidation, reducing antioxidant powers, and total antioxidant capacity. Additionally, LLPS enhanced cellular antioxidant capacity by inhibiting reactive oxygen species formation and elevating antioxidant enzyme levels, including catalase and heme oxygenase-1. Moreover, LLPS attenuated inflammatory response by reducing nitric oxide secretion and downregulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-1β in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses showed that key compounds in LPPS, particularly phytosterols and fatty acid esters, exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through regulating NFKB1, PTGS1, PTGS2, TLR4, PRKCA, PRKCD, KEAP1, NFE2L2, and NR1l2. Overall, these data suggest that LLPS may be a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for developing functional foods.

Degradation of bisphenol A by Fe-doped BiOBr enhanced UV/persulfate system: Significant role of superoxide radicals

Widely diffused pollution of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has indeed threatened the safety of ecological environment and human health. A hydrangea-like Fe doped BiOBr (Fe-BiOBr) microsphere was synthesized and used to enhance the performance of UV/persulfate (PS) system using bisphenol A (BPA) as the targeted contaminant. The photochemical characterization of Fe-BiOBr showed that Fe doping markedly improved the separation efficiency of photoelectron and hole, and enhanced the utility rate of luminous energy of BiOBr. Degradation test demonstrated that with the assistance of Fe-BiOBr, the efficiency of UV/PS system was increased by 1.8 times, while 85.7% of BPA can be degraded within 10 min. Through scavenging experiments, sulfate radical (SO4•−), superoxide radical (O2•−), and hole were demonstrated as the dominate reactive species (RSs) in UV/Fe-BiOBr/PS system. Then, the role and mutual transformation of RSs was further clarified by radicals steady-state concentrations estimation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Based on the results, the produced O2•− can be subdivided into confined O2•− and free O2•− from the UV induced oxygen vacancy and photoelectron, respectively. Of which, SO4•− and confined O2•− were symbiotic via the redox cycle of Fe species. Significantly, only 2.6% of TOC can be simultaneously removed within 10 min treatment time, suggesting the incomplete degradation of BPA. For this, 16 organics was detected using LC-MS and the degradation route of BPA was also determined based on the intermediates analysis. Finally, the application possibility of the system was evaluated from the perspective of ecotoxicity by ECOSAR and T.E.S.T. softwares. This study investigates the dual effect of transition metal doped semiconductor on coupling system, and provides new insights into the role of O2•−.

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of inclusion complex of pterostilbene-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for enhancing the application of pterostilbene in cosmetics

Pterostilbene (PTS) is a kind of natural plant polyphenol with a high antioxidant capacity. However, it is a challenge to apply PTS in cosmetic formulations due to its lower water solubility and stability. In order to overcome these limitations, a PTS-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (PTS-HP-β-CD) inclusion complex with a 1:1 host–guest molar ratio was prepared using the stirred solution method. The inclusion complex of PTS-HP-β-CD was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), two-dimensional rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (2D ROESY), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, the photostability and antioxidant activity of PTS and PTS-HP-β-CD were also evaluated. After complexation with HP-β-CD, the water solubility of PTS was found to be 81-fold higher by phase solubility. The results of XRD, SEM, 1H NMR, and 2D ROESY demonstrated that PTS was successfully encapsulated by HP-β-CD and formed a 1:1 inclusion complex. After the formation of the PTS-HP-β-CD inclusion complex, TG, DSC, UV irradiation, DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity revealed that the stability and antioxidant activity of PTS were enhanced. Therefore, this work could provide a promising approach to improve the application of PTS or other polyphenolic substances in cosmetic formulations.

Đánh giá tác dụng chống oxy hóa và bảo vệ gan trên thực nghiệm của cây muồng lùn

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of different fractions of extract from Chamaecrista pumila (Lam.) K. Larsen were investigated by employing in vitro and in vivo models, respectively. In vitro antioxidant activity of ethanol extract and its n-hexan, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-butanol and remained water fraction extracts obtained from C. pumila was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide radical scavenging assay. In vitro results revealed that the ethanol extract had potential DPPH radical and superoxide radical scavenging activities with an IC50 value of 18.65 (9.91-35.08) µg/ml and 12.33 (5.24-29.02) µg/mL, respectively. Among fractions extracted from ethanol extract, the ethyl acetate fraction possessed highest antioxidant property through DPPH radical scarvenging activity with an IC50value of 9.98 (6.23-16.01) µg/mL and superoxide radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 8.38 (6.11-11.50) µg/mL. In vivo hepatoprotective activities of ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction obtained from C. pumila were investigated in mice using a model of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Ethanol extract of C. pumila at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg decreased levels of serum transaminases ASAT. Ethyl acetate fraction of C. pumila at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly improved the parameters of paracetamol-induced liver injury including ASAT, ALAT and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities; ethyl acetat fraction of C. pumila at dose of 500 mg/kg also exhibited in vivo antioxidant properties by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increasing glutathione (GSH) content.

Multicolor Hair Dyeing with Biocompatible Dark Polyphenol Complex-Integrated Shampoo with Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Activity.

Hair dyeing has become a prevalent lifestyle trend, especially within the fashion industry. However, it possesses disadvantages, such as containing carcinogenic and toxic materials. In this study, we developed a biocompatible hair-dyeing technology using a shampoo with a dark polyphenol complex (DPC), referred to as S-DPC. The DPC was formed from a mixture of gallic acid and [1,1'-biphenyl]-2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexol and used to enhance both the stability of the hair coating and its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Colloidal DPC particles play a pivotal role in the coating process of various hair dyes, ensuring the uniform coloring of human hair through intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding. Owing to the effect of a polyphenol complex on hair coating, we observed improved antistatic performance and enhanced mechanical strength, resulting in a substantial increase in elongation at the breaking point from 33.74% to 48.85%. The multicolor S-DPC exhibited antioxidant properties, as indicated by its ROS-scavenging ability, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition (87-89%), superoxide radical scavenging (84-87%), and hydroxyl radical scavenging (95-98%). Moreover, the in vitro analysis of the DPC revealed nearly 100% cell viability in live and dead assays, highlighting the remarkable biocompatibility of the DPC. Therefore, considering its effectiveness and safety, this biomaterial has considerable potential for applications in hair dyeing.

Heme-Based Composites as Cathode Catalysts for Lithium-Oxygen Batteries and Analysis of the Reaction Mechanism

Despite the high theoretical energy density of lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries, the charge/discharge efficiency is unsatisfactory. To overcome this critical problem, we synthesized heme-graphene composites (HEME-GO) as catalysts for Li-O2 batteries. The introduction of graphene produced π-π interactions with the heme matrix, resulting in a composite with enhanced ORR/OER catalytic activity. The free energy diagram of the redox reaction was calculated using density functional theory (DFT) for HEME-GO based on the four-electron reaction pathway, and it was demonstrated that HEME-GO has the lowest ORR overpotential (0.67 V) and OER overpotential (0.53 V). The catalytic mechanism of HEME-GO was also quantitatively described by calculating the adsorption energy of intermediates in the rate determining step (RDS). In addition, the Li-O2 batteries with the composite catalyst exhibited better cycling performance, discharge capacity (7770 mAh g−1), and lower overpotential due to the ability of heme to scavenge superoxide radicals and thus protect the electrode. The results in this paper contribute to the understanding of the redox process of Li-O2 batteries for organic systems and suggest innovative ideas for the design of environmentally friendly batteries.

Extraction of nutrients from Rumex vesicarius, a wild indigenous edible plant from United Arab Emirates

In the present study, an attempt has been done to explore the phytochemicals and proximate compositions from an edible plant Rumex vesicarius, which is found in the wild habitats in United Arab Emirates. Extracts were prepared from the dried powder of the areal parts of the plant using methanol as solvent in Soxhlet. The extract was tested for phytochemicals and also studied for the proximate composition. The antioxidant power of the extract was determined by using four different assays (ABTS, DPPH, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity). The results revealed that the extracts contain phytochemicals, which can be used as effective radical scavengers. The antioxidant activities were highly significant in the extract, which shows that this plant has high potential to be used in traditional and alternative medical systems. The present information would be of helpful for the future isolation and pharmacologically active compound identification from this plant.

Biochemical Screening, Fabrication of Green Nanoparticles and Its Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Studies of Endophytic Fungus Phlebia Species.

Endophytes are organism dwelling totally dynamic and novel biotopes this makes them able to produce novel biochemicals that may become assets to the future. This study aims at understanding the biochemical components of the endophytic fungus Phlebia sp. synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles from it, and the antimicrobial as well as antioxidant ability of these green synthesised nanoparticles. Aqueous fungal extract was subjected for HRLCMS analysis which revealed 34 biochemicals within the extract. Silver and gold nanoparticles were also produced from the fungal extract. UV-vis analysis revealed a peak at 450nm for silver nanoparticle and 550nm for gold nanoparticles. FESEM analysis confirmed the presence of these nanoparticles with its spherical shape. Both of these nanoparticles were able to produce a conspicuous zone of inhibition in the antimicrobial tests against Escherichia coli, Salmonella paratyphi. For both of the organisms under study, a concentration-dependent expansion of the zone of inhibition was discovered in the nanoparticles. However, with silver nanoparticles, a relatively high zone of inhibition and vulnerability of the organism was discovered. Four in vitro free radical scavenging assays, including the DPPH, Hydroxyl, Superoxide, and Nitric oxide radical scavenging assays, were used for antioxidant analysis. The results of every test demonstrated that green synthesisedsilver nanoparticles had higher activity than gold nanoparticles. All of the tests showed that silver nanoparticles were more active than gold nanoparticles with the maximum value of 86.254 ± 0.296% being discovered at the greatest concentration of superoxide radical scavenging assay.

Antioxidative and ROS-dependent apoptotic effects of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. stem against human lung cancer: network pharmacology and in vitro experimental validation

Lung cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigates the potential of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. stem extract as an anticancer agent against human lung cancer, focusing on its antioxidative and ROS-dependent apoptotic effects. Utilizing a combination of network pharmacology and in-vitro experimental validation, we delineate the multifaceted molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects. The antioxidant potential of C. reflexa stem extract was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl free radical scavenging, reactive nitrogen oxide scavenging and super oxide anion radical scavenging assays. Furthermore, the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect of C. reflexa stem extract was evaluated against A549 lung adenocarcinoma cell line using the consecrated sulforhodamine B (SBR) and Annexin V-PI assays. Additionally, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the total reactive oxygen species (ROS) estimation assays were performed. As a result, network pharmacology analysis revealed a complex interaction network between the bioactive constituents of C. reflexa and key proteins implicated in lung cancer progression. The C. reflexa stem extract showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity against DPPH• (IC50 − 87.38 µg/mL), reactive nitrogen oxide (IC50 − 318.34 µg/mL), FRAP (IC50 − 359.96 µg/mL), hydroxy free radicals (IC50 − 526.12 µg/mL) than ABTS●+ (IC50 − 698.45 µg/mL) and super oxide anion (IC50 − 892.71 µg/mL) as well as cytotoxic activity against A549 cells (IC50 − 436.80 µg/mL). Observations of morphological features in treated cells have revealed hallmark of apoptosis properties. Furthermore, as a result of treatment with C. reflexa stem extract, ROS generation and mitochondrial depolarization were increased in A549 cells, suggesting that this treatment has significant apoptotic properties. . These findings highlight the potential utility of this natural extract as an innovative therapeutic strategy for lung cancer treatment. The integration of network pharmacology and experimental validation enhances our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and provide the way for further translational research. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma