Strong Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Development of a Highly Nutritious Vegetable Beverage Based on Kurugua (Sicana odorifera) and Chia Oil (Salvia hispanica).

Concerns over malnutrition, synthetic additives and post-harvest waste highlight the need for innovation in food technology, turning towards underutilized crops. Plant-based beverages offer sustainable dietary alternatives and the increasing demand for such products makes the exploration of native crops particularly relevant. This study focuses on the development of a beverage derived from the native South American fruit kurugua (Sicana odorifera), combined with chia oil (Salvia hispanica L.) and stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) as a natural sweetener, aiming to provide a nutritious, environmentally friendly option with appealing sensory attributes. The beverage was formulated using whole kurugua fruit flour (WKF) and chia oil (CO). Comprehensive analyses of the physicochemical properties, centesimal composition, caloric value, minerals, amino acid profile, and fatty acid content revealed that the beverage is rich in carbohydrates (2.16 ± 0.11g/100 mL), dietary fiber (1.89 ± 0.04g/100 mL), zinc (2.53 ± 0.16mg/100 mL), polyunsaturated fatty acids (2.39g/100 mL), AA (Glu + Gln, 248g AA/g of WKF and WKCOB-L protein and 168mg AA/ g of WKCOB protein/100 mL) and exhibits strong antioxidant activity. This is the first report on a product enriched with essential fatty acids with totally natural ingredients based on kurugua and chia oil, which has potential in healthy and vegan nutrition. This formulation supports the sustainable use and conservation of kurugua, offering a high-nutrient alternative for diets.

Effect of magnetization on antibacterial, lipid-lowering and antioxidant activities of isoquinoline alkaloids

The magnetization strategy of isoquinoline alkaloids has been successfully used in the extraction and isolation, but the effect of the magnetization on biological activities of those alkaloids still deserves further investigation. Therefore, the antibacterial, lipid-lowering and antioxidant activities of five isoquinoline alkaloids (berberine, tetrahydroberberine, palmatine, tetrahydropalmatine and tetrahydropapavine) before and after magnetization were compared in this study, and the results showed that the relevant activities were enhanced after magnetization. Additionally, among the five magnetic derivatives studied, berberine magnetic derivative ([Ber·H]+[FeCl4]−) had the best antibacterial effect on S. aureus and E. coli with MIC of 200 and 800 µM, respectively; palmatine magnetic derivative ([Pal·H]+[FeCl4]−) showed the strongest lipid-lowering activity with IC50 of 429 mM, and the inhibitory effect and type on lipase was reversible and mixed inhibition of competition and non-competition type; tetrahydroberberine magnetic derivative ([THBer·H]+[FeCl4]−) had the strongest antioxidant activity. This study provides new ideas and references for the further application of magnetization strategy.

Metallofullerenol Gd@C82(OH)22 preserves human erythrocyte plasma membrane integrity from AAPH-induced oxidative stress: molecular mechanisms and antioxidant activity.

Metallofullerenols and fullerenols have attracted attention due to their remarkable ability to interact with various biologically relevant molecules, paving the way for biomedical applications, ranging from medical imaging techniques to drug carriers, acting with increased efficiency and reduced side effects. In this work, we investigated the effects of two fullerene derivatives, Gd@C82(OH)22 and C70(OH)12, on erythrocyte membrane components under oxidative stress conditions induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) as a source of peroxyl radicals. The results demonstrated that gadolinium encapsulation within the fullerene cage enhanced the electron affinity of Gd@C82(OH)22, resulting in stronger antioxidant activity. Gd@C82(OH)22 formed a protective hydrophilic layer at the lipid-water interface, effectively preventing lipid peroxidation, oxidative protein damage, and potassium leakage, outperforming C70(OH)12. Both compounds improved membrane fluidity, but Gd@C82(OH)22 exhibited superior preservation of the erythrocyte lipid bilayer and protein function. Additionally, Gd@C82(OH)22 maintained the anion exchange function of Band 3 protein, which is critical for ionic homeostasis, by preventing oxidation-induced aggregation and preserving thiol groups. Despite its limited membrane penetration, Gd@C82(OH)22 stabilized membrane components through hydrogen bonding, which indirectly enhanced membrane stiffness and fluidity under oxidative stress. This external protection of membrane integrity reduced the risk of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to erythrocyte proteins. In contrast, C70(OH)12, while effective in protecting membrane lipids, was less effective in preserving protein structure. These findings highlight the unique protective properties of Gd@C82(OH)22, attributed to polarization effects induced by the encapsulated Gd atom. This study indicates that metallofullerenols, such as Gd@C82(OH)22, may have therapeutic potential in mitigating oxidative damage.

Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of New Mono- and Bis-Pyrazole Derivatives; In Vitro Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Activity; and In Silico Studies: DFT, ADMETox, and Molecular Docking

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance and oxidative stress are major global health challenges, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents. Pyrazole derivatives, known for their diverse pharmacological properties, hold promise in addressing these issues. This study aimed to synthesize new mono- and bis-pyrazole derivatives using an eco-friendly, catalyst-free approach and evaluate their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities, supported by in silico ADMET profiling, molecular docking, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis. Methods: The compounds were synthesized via a green condensation reaction and characterized using NMR and mass spectrometry, which was verified by DFT analysis. Biological activities were assessed through DPPH and FRAP antioxidant assays, as well as disk diffusion and MIC methods, against bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli) and fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). Computational ADMET profiling evaluated pharmacokinetics and toxicity, while molecular docking assessed interactions with target proteins, including catalase, topoisomerase IV, and CYP51. Results: Theoretical calculations using DFT were in agreement with the experimental results; regarding biological activities, O4 demonstrated the most significant antioxidant activity, with 80.14% DPPH radical scavenging and an IC50 value of 40.91 µg/mL. It exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, surpassing Streptomycin with a 30 mm inhibition zone against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and showing strong efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Computational studies confirmed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, no AMES toxicity, and strong binding affinities. DFT analysis revealed O4’s stability and reactivity, further validating its potential as a therapeutic candidate. Conclusions: This study identified and characterized novel pyrazole derivatives with promising biological and pharmacological properties. O4 emerged as the most potent compound, demonstrating strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities alongside favorable computational profiles. These findings highlight the potential of the synthetized compounds for therapeutic development and underscore the value of integrating green synthesis with computational techniques in drug discovery.

Specific Rosetta-based protein-peptide prediction protocol allows the design of novel cholinesterase inhibitor peptides.

The search for novel cholinesterase inhibitors is essential for advancing treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we employed the Rosetta pepspec module, originally developed for designing peptides targeting protein-protein interactions, to design de novo peptides targeting the peripheral aromatic site (PAS) of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). A total of nine peptides were designed for human AChE (hAChE), T. californica AChE (TcAChE), and human BChE (hBChE). These peptides were synthesized using Fmoc-SPPS and tested in vitro using Ellman's reaction to evaluate their inhibitory potency. Peptide 11tA, designed for TcAChE, exhibited potent inhibition of hAChE (IC50=1.21±0.25µM) and demonstrated strong antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals and lipid peroxidation, making it a promising multitherapeutic candidate for AD. Peptide 11hB, designed for hBChE, showed the highest inhibitory activity against hBChE, with a Ki of 12.69±1.27µM, making it the most potent natural amino acid peptide reported against hBChE. The computational protocol effectively distinguished the specific characteristics of each enzyme target. Toxicity assessments, including hemolysis tests and A. salina lethality assays, revealed no toxic effects at low concentrations, further supporting the potential of these peptides for peptide-based drug development in AD. This study underscores the growing potential of peptides as alternatives to small-molecule drugs. It demonstrates that computational protocols for protein-protein interactions can be successfully adapted to design high-affinity peptide inhibitors.

Isolation, Purification,andCharacterization of Lentinus edodes Polysaccharides Extracted with Subcritical Water Enhanced with Deep Eutectic Solvent.

TheLentinus edodespolysaccharide (LEP) was extracted witha new subcritical water extraction (SWE) enhanced with deep eutectic solvent (DES) methodand then purified with a DEAE-52 cellulose column and a Sephadex G-100 column. Two purifiedpolysaccharides (LEP1 and LEP2) were obtained and their structure, antioxidant activity,and immunomodulatory activitywere analyzed. LEP1 and LEP2 were composed ofmannose, glucose, and galactose with amolar ratio of 1:12.97:7.84 and 1:51.18:5.29, respectively. The molecular weightswere 9.878×104Da and 1.976×104Da, respectively. Interestingly, both LEP1 and LEP2 were mainly composed of→4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→and →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→ withdifferentmolar ratio. Besides, both LEP1 and LEP2 hadstrong DPPH free radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating capacity.Moreover, theycould reduce the level of ROS and regulate the activities of MDA, CAT, and SOD in HepG2 cells, demonstrating strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, both LEP1 and LEP2 could improve the phagocytic capacity, NO release, and the content of IL-6, IL-1β,and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells, exhibitedsignificant immunostimulatory activity. It wasworth noting that LEP2 exhibitedstronger biological activities than LEP1. Therefore, the SWE enhanced with DESis an ideal method for extracting polysaccharides, whichcan be further applied toextract otherpolysaccharides.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Test and Antimicrobial Test of Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans from Extracts of Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Red Betel Leaves (Piper Ornatum N. E. Br)

Red betel (Piper ornatum) is an ornamental plant with potential antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to its bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, saponins, and tannins. This study aimed to determine the relationship between flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity in red betel leaves. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) was employed using three solvents of varying polarity: n-hexane (non-polar), ethyl acetate (semi-polar), and ethanol (polar). Total flavonoid content was determined spectrophotometrically based on flavonoids' ability to form complexes with AlCl3. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. Antibacterial and antifungal properties were evaluated through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) tests. MIC was determined using the agar dilution method, while ZOI was measured using the disc diffusion method. Results showed that the 96% ethanol extract yielded the highest flavonoid content (4.748%) and the strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 47.185 ppm, classified as very strong). The n-hexane extract at 25% concentration exhibited the best antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (ZOI = 17.43 mm), while the 96% ethanol extract at 25% concentration demonstrated the highest antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ZOI = 17.02 mm). In conclusion, red betel leaf extracts show promising potential as strong antioxidants and antimicrobial agents against C. albicans and S. mutans.

Green Synthesis of Silver-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles From Adiantum venustum D. Don (Pteridaceae): Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Evaluation.

One of the main difficulties in nanotechnology is the development of an environmentally friendly, successful method of producing nanoparticles from biological sources. Silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag-ZnO NPs), with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, were produced using Adiantum venustum extract as a green technique. Fresh A. venustum plants were gathered, then their bioactive elements were extracted with cold water and processed into nanoparticles. The main goal was to develop Ag-ZnO NPs (nanoparticles) for medical applications, especially with regard to their antifungal and antibacterial properties. Pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were tested against the synthesized nanoparticles. While FTIR spectroscopy revealed functional groups, X-ray diffraction validated the crystalline structure. The scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the Ag-ZnO NPs had an average size of 30.16 nm and an irregular shape. Additionally, energy dispersive X-ray analysis) confirmed the elemental composition. The bioactive compounds present in A. venustum significantly stabilized the nanoparticles. Strong antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the Ag-ZnO nanoparticles was demonstrated. In particular, this work shows that the Ag-ZnO nanoparticles produced by green synthesis could be used in biomedical drug delivery and therapy.

HPTLC-Bioautography-MS-Guided Strategy for the Detection of Phthalides With Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities From Ligusticum chuanxiong Essential Oil.

Antimicrobial resistance and free radical-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation involved in many pathological processes have become treatment challenges. One strategy is to search for antimicrobial and antioxidant ingredients from natural aromatic plants. This study established a rapid and high-throughput effect-component analysis method to screen active ingredients from Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil (CXEO). The study aims to screen phthalides with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities from CXEO by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-bioautography combined with HPLC-TOF/MS method. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and micro broth dilution methods. Antioxidant capacity was performed by DPPH scavenging test. Phthalides in CXEO were identified using HPLC-TOF/MS method. HPTLC-bioautography technique was established to screen phthalides of antifungal and antioxidant activities. CXEO had significant inhibitory activity against Candida albicans, weak or undetected inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For tested strains of C. albicans, inhibition zone diameters ranged from 13 to 17 mm, and MICs were from 0.5 to 2 mg mL-1. CXEO also had strong antioxidant activity, IC50 value for scavenging DPPH free radicals was 1.014 ± 0.014 mg mL-1. Nine phthalides in CXEO were tentatively identified. Ligustilide and senkyunolide A were screened to have both antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and strong DPPH scavenging property. HPTLC-bioautography-MS-guided strategy is very practical for high-throughput screening of antifungal and antioxidant phthalides from CXEO. Invitro experiments have shown that phthalides and CXEO have good biological activities, which may be used to the treatment of C. albicans infection or oxidative stress damage caused by various diseases. The therapeutic potential should be validated invivo in the future.

Preparation of a biodegradable packaging film by konjac glucomannan/sodium alginate reinforced with nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots from crayfish shell for crayfish meat preservation.

The development of biomass material is an important approach to alleviating the excessive using of plastic packaging, by which the product could be more environmentally friendly and lower toxicity. In this study, we developed a biodegradable photodynamic antibacterial food packaging film using nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) synthesized from crayfish shells, combined with konjac glucomannan (KGM) and sodium alginate (SA). Casting method was used to prepare the composite film and results indicated that incorporation of N-CQDs significantly enhanced the mechanical and barrier properties of the film by reducing the number of micropores. The N-CQDs endowed the film with strong antioxidant activity and UV resistance. The DPPH scavenging rate of the composite film reached 77.92 %, while the transmittance of ultraviolet (300 nm) was reduced to 16.97 %. Furthermore, under blue light irradiation, the film exhibited excellent photodynamic antibacterial effects against Shewanella putrefaciens and Staphylococcus aureus, achieving inhibition rates of 99.2 % and 98.99 %, respectively. The film solution demonstrated no cytotoxicity, and the composite film preserved crayfish meat for up to 8 days at 4 °C. Furthermore, the film almost completely degrading in soil within 14 days. These findings suggest that the KGM/SA/N-CQD film is a promising degradable antimicrobial material for food packaging applications.

Investigation of biological activities of silver nanoparticles synthesis from the root extract of endemic Onosma mutabilis (O. mutabilis) Plant

Plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis appears to be reliable and environmentally friendly, requiring less energy, and cost. Various components present in its natural products can function as strong reducing and capping substrates, ensuring the stability of the resulting NPs. This study synthesized AgNPs with root extracts of O. mutabilis. The effect of many different synthesis parameters (such as silver ion concentration, temperature and reaction pH) of the obtained root extract on the synthesis of AgNPs was also examined. Furthermore, AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size measurement (Malvern Mastersizer) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The surface plasmon resonance band features of AgNPs were determined in the ultraviolet-visible absorbance spectrum at 410 nm. Total phenolic compound (TPC) determination was analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and TPC in AgNPs extracts was determined as 295 ± 0.02 mg GAEs/gr extract. The antioxidant activity of the AgNPs was examined using the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity method. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity. The antidiabetic activity was determined by measuring alpha-amylase inhibition by spectrophotometric method. α-amylase inhibition values were determined to be highest at 31%. The study was further elaborated for determining AgNPs antibacterial using MIC. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed effective antibacterial activity against the Acinetobacter baumannii (A.baumannii) bacteria.Suggests that green biosynthesized AgNPs can constitute an effective antioxidant, antidiabetic and antibacterial agent.

Is Punica granatum Efficient Against Sepsis? A Comparative Study of Amifostine Versus Pomegranate.

Sepsis is a clinical condition causing tissue damage as a result of infection and an exaggerated immune response. Sepsis causes 11 million deaths annually, a third of which are associated with acute lung injury (ALI). Rapid and effective treatment is crucial to improve survival rates. Punica granatum (pomegranate) is rich in polyphenols and demonstrates strong antioxidant activity, while amifostine acts as a free radical scavenger. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of P. granatum peel extract (PGPE) and amifostine in sepsis-related ALI. Experimental groups included Control, CLP (cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis), Amf (200 mg/kg amifostine, intraperitoneally), and PGPE250, and PGPE500 (250 and 500 mg/kg PGPE via oral gavage, respectively). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total thiol (TT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels, and metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were assessed in the lung tissue. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that TBARS and TNF-α levels significantly decreased in both the PGPE and amifostine treatment groups compared to the CLP group, while TT levels showed notable improvement. Histopathological evaluation revealed reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 immunopositivity in the PGPE250 and PGPE500 groups. These findings highlight the lung-protective properties of PGPE, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent for sepsis-induced acute lung injury.

Multifunctional Hydrogel with Photothermal ROS Scavenging and Antibacterial Activity Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing.

Poor diabetic wound healing poses a critical threat to human health. Excessive oxidative stress and increased susceptibility to bacterial infection are key issues that impede diabetic wound healing. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have attracted increasing attention because of their unique antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Here, this work designs a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/CeO2/polydopamine (PDA) hydrogel with antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The hydrogel exhibits a stable, efficient, and controllable photothermal conversion capacity under NIR stimulation. The hydrogel can be used to construct a local microenvironment conducive to chronic diabetic wound healing. Significant antibacterial effects of the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel on both Escherichia coli (E.coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are demonstrated by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) and in bacterial live/dead staining experiments. The strong antioxidant activity of hydrogels is demonstrated by measuring the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effect of the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel in terms of promoting diabetic wound healing is validated in full-thickness cutaneous wounds of diabetic rat models. Additionally, this work describes the mechanism by which the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel promotes diabetic wound healing; the hydrogel inhibits the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway. This NIR-responsive, multifunctional hydrogel dressing provides a targeted approach to diabetic wound healing.

Preliminary Data on Silybum marianum Metabolites: Comprehensive Characterization, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial Activities, LC-MS/MS Profiling, and Predicted ADMET Analysis.

Silybum marianum extract, obtained via microwave-enhanced extraction, was evaluated for its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities to explore its therapeutic potential. The extraction was performed using microwave-enhanced techniques, and LC-MS/MS was employed to profile the metabolites in the extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, Phenanthroline, and FRAP assays. Enzyme inhibition assays were conducted to evaluate antidiabetic activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the disc diffusion method, and in silico ADMET and drug-likeness analyses were performed for key metabolites. The extract contained 251.2 ± 1.2 mg GAE/g of total phenolics and 125.1 ± 1.6 mg QE/g of total flavonoids, with 33 metabolites identified, including phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids, and flavolignans. Strong antioxidant activity was observed, with IC50 values of 19.2 ± 2.3 μg/mL (DPPH), 7.2 ± 1.7 μg/mL (ABTS), 22.2 ± 1.2 μg/mL (CUPRAC), 35.2 ± 1.8 μg/mL (Phenanthroline), and 24.1 ± 1.2 μg/mL (FRAP). Antidiabetic effects were significant, with IC50 values of 18.1 ± 1.7 μg/mL (α-glucosidase) and 26.5 ± 1.3 μg/mL (α-amylase). Antimicrobial activity demonstrated inhibition zones of 8.9 ± 1.1 mm (Bacillus subtilis), 12.6 ± 1.6 mm (Escherichia coli), 8.2 ± 1.2 mm (Fusarium oxysporum), and 9.2 ± 1.1 mm (Aspergillus niger). In silico analyses showed high absorption, favorable metabolism and excretion, and minimal toxicity, with no hERG channel inhibition or hepatotoxicity. The comprehensive results highlight the significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities of S. marianum extract, suggesting its potential for therapeutic and preventive applications.

Comparative Analysis of Five Moroccan Thyme Species: Insights into Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, Anti-Enzymatic Properties, and Insecticidal Effects

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and bioactivities of essential oils (EOs) from five Moroccan thyme species: Thymus broussonetii subsp. broussonetii, T. maroccanus, T. willdenowii, T. zygis subsp. gracilis, and T. satureioides, collected from various geographical regions. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified thymol, p-cymene, borneol, γ-terpinene, carvacrol, α-pinene, and camphene as major constituents, with variations across species. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) revealed important levels of calcium (450.6–712.2 mg/kg), potassium (255.4–420.7 mg/kg), magnesium (97.3–150.7 mg/kg), and iron (1.95–15.1 mg/kg). The EOs demonstrated strong antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching assays. Insecticidal activity against Aphis gossypii revealed the highest efficacy with T. willdenowii EO (LC50 = 6.2 µL/mL), followed by T. maroccanus and T. zygis subsp. gracilis. Additionally, the EOs exhibited potent enzyme inhibitory effects at 1 mg/mL on acetylcholinesterase (83.1–96.4%), tyrosinase (77.5–89.6%), and α-glucosidase (79.4–89.5%). These findings suggest that thyme EOs, particularly from T. willdenowii, T. zygis, and T. maroccanus, are promising candidates for integrated pest management and natural enzyme inhibitors. Their potential applications in medicinal and pharmaceutical fields underscore the need for further research to optimize their use under specific conditions and dosages.

α -lipoic acid supplementation reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in red skeletal muscle of insulin-resistant rats

α -lipoic acid (ALA) is an eight-carbon saturated fatty acid with strong antioxidant activity. Despite previous reports of ALA's protective properties in treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (including insulin resistance and diabetes), little is known about the compound's effects on skeletal muscle metabolism. In particular, the effect of ALA on glycooxidative and nitrosative damage in red muscles during insulin resistance is unknown. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of ALA on the antioxidant barrier as well as oxidative, nitrosative and carbonyl stress in the red skeletal muscle of rats with high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance. Male Wistar cmdb/outbred rats were divided into four equal groups: control diet (CTRL), high fat diet (HFD), CTRL+ALA (30 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks; intragastrically) and HFD+ALA. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems, protein and lipid glycoxidation, nitrosative stress, and selected inflammatory/apoptosis parameters were assessed using colorimetric, fluorimetric, and immune-enzymatic methods. ALA lowered body weight and glucose metabolism parameters in insulin-resistant rats. ALA not only strengthened enzymatic antioxidant defense (by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity) but also stimulated the synthesis of non-enzymatic GSH. ALA supplementation inhibited lipid peroxidation (decreased lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde content) and prevented protein oxidation (by lowering advanced oxidation protein products concentration) in red muscle. ALA's multifactorial actions on muscle tissue also included inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis, requiring further research to elucidate its effects in metabolic diseases.

Overcoming drug delivery challenges with lipid-based nanofibers for enhanced wound repair.

Wound healing is a dynamic, multi-phase process that includes haemostasis, tissue regeneration, cellular proliferation, and matrix modification. Traditional wound care procedures frequently encounter complications such as delayed healing and infection, demanding new therapeutic approaches. In this context, nanomaterial-based devices provide considerable benefits due to their capacity to improve medication delivery and tissue healing. We suggest a lipid-based nanofiber formulation for wound treatment that overcomes the restricted skin penetration of hydrophilic niacin, a strong wound healing agent. Niacin-loaded nanofibers (NLNFs) were manufactured utilizing glyceryl monostearate (GMS) by a self-assembly process, which included high-pressure homogenization and probe sonication for optimum nanostructure creation. The NLNFs were physicochemically characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface profilometry to determine their morphology and homogeneity, and a drop shape analyser was used to determine hydrophobicity. In vitro tests revealed prolonged drug release, great cytocompatibility, and strong antioxidant activity, indicating superior free radical scavenging capacity. Ex vivo tests, such as the Draize skin irritation test, skin permeation test, and drug retention assays, revealed low skin irritation, increased permeability, and efficient drug retention in skin layers. In vivo experiments showed rapid wound closure and positive histological results, which were backed by hemocompatibility tests such as hemolysis and whole blood clot analysis, validating the formulation's safety. ELISA results indicated that the NLNF-treated group had higher levels of critical wound-healing indicators than the controls. Overall, our findings suggest that NLNFs have tremendous potential as a unique and effective treatment alternative for controlling and improving wound healing processes.

The effect of different wall materials on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPP) microcapsules.

Pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPP) are natural compounds known for their various biological activities; however, they are easily degraded by environmental conditions, leading to a reduction in their biological activity and health benefits. Therefore, improving the stability of PPP is a critical question that needs to be addressed. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of five common microcapsule wall materials-carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMCNa), sodium alginate (SA), gum Arabic (GA), beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and hydroxypropyl starch (HPS)-in encapsulating PPP to enhance its stability and antioxidant activity. Remarkable results indicated that β-CD-PPP exhibited the lowest moisture content (3.68 %), the highest thermal decomposition temperature (306.03 °C), and the strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.26 mg/mL for DPPH, 96.57 % for ABTS). In contrast, CMC-Na-PPP demonstrated the highest encapsulation efficiency (97.94 %) and the largest particle size (9895.63 nm). Moreover, the molecular docking results revealed that all wall materials formed intermolecular interactions with PPP components, with notable differences in binding energies; CMC-Na-PPP had the highest binding energy at -4.38 kcal/mol. These variations are attributed to factors such as molecular weight, free active groups, and spatial conformation of the wall materials. Therefore, in order to fully utilize the biological activity of PPP in food processing, microcapsules formed with β-CD as the wall material are more valuable compared to those formed with other wall materials.

Excited-state antioxidant activity for apigenin based on external electric field-modulated ESIPT behavior: TD-DFT and molecular docking calculations.

Apigenin (Api), a flavonoid possessing dual features of antioxidant activity and intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB), is subjected to an external electric field (EEF) to investigate its excited-state antioxidant activity after excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) behavior employing the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods, as well as molecular docking. The existence of IMHB is demonstrated by structural parameters and AIM topological analysis, where Api in the enol⁎ form under an EEF of +60×10-4a.u. possesses strong IMHB. The potential energy curves confirm that the ESIPT process varies from barrierless to barriered as the positive EEF grows, thus determining the excited-state form. Api exhibits strong excited-state antioxidant activity in vitro whether or not under an EEF, especially under the EEF of -40×10-4a.u., utilizing HOMO energy. According to average local ionization energy (ALIE), the electrophilic reaction site also changes after ESIPT process under the EEF, and the activity is significantly increased. Furthermore, activation of the antioxidant Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway in vivo, namely, the interaction of Keap1 protein with Api, calculated by molecular docking, suggests that an interaction between the Keap1 and excited-state Api exists accompanying lower and variable bind energy under the distinct EEFs. Taken together, combining the modulation of the ESIPT process with the excited-state antioxidant activity is an effective approach to enhance the antioxidant activity of compounds.

Enhancing stability, bioavailability and nutritional intervention effect of procyanidins using bio-based delivery systems: A review.

Procyanidins (PCs), a kind of polyphenolic compound, have attracted extensive attention due to their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other activities. However, PCs are susceptible to complex micro-environments, resulting in low stability, poor target tissue delivery and bioavailability, which limits their biological effects. Therefore, it is urgent to find some suitable pathways to protect PCs, avoid their degradation, and maximize their health benefits in nutritional intervention. This review focused on the design and construction of different types of bio-based delivery systems loaded with PCs, such as nanoparticles, microparticles, emulsions, liposomes, hydrogels and fibers. The advantages and biological effects of PCs-based delivery systems in promoting cellular uptake, realizing targeted release of organs, cells and organelles, and even nutritional intervention for different chronic diseases were summarized. Furthermore, the development prospects and challenges of delivery systems in the field of precision nutrition were discussed. The construction of these delivery systems can effectively improve the stability and bioavailability of PCs, and maximize their precise nutritional intervention for various chronic diseases.