Strong Antioxidant Research Articles

LC-HRMS-Based Metabolomics Approach Reveals Antioxidant Compounds from <i>Centella asiatica</i> Leaves Extracts

Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant widely used as a traditional medicine due to several biological activities, such as antioxidants in Indonesia. This study aims to identify the active antioxidant compounds of C. asiatica leaves extract using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics approach. Extracts were prepared using different concentrations of ethanol p.a., i.e. 70% ethanol, 50% ethanol, 30% ethanol, and water. Antioxidant activity was tested using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. The results showed the highest antioxidant activity was C. asiatica extracted by 70% ethanol with IC50 of 72.48 ± 2.42 µg/mL. The positive control was ascorbic acid, having an IC50 value of 3.38 ± 0.04 µg/mL. Ascorbic acid and 70% ethanol extract have strong antioxidant activity. Metabolite profiling using LC-MS/MS could identify 35 metabolites consisting of flavonoids, fatty acids, phenolics, terpenes, and several other groups of compounds. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis classified the metabolites into active (ethanol 70% and ethanol 50%) and inactive (ethanol p.a., ethanol 30%, and water) antioxidants. Five metabolites have potential as antioxidants, namely 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (11), kaempferol (13), and three unknown compounds.

Preparation of wheat germ albumin polypeptide microcapsules embedded with starch sodium octenylsuccinate/sodium alginate-based materials and sustained-release properties in vitro

The enzymatic hydrolysis products of wheat germ albumin have been extensively studied due to their strong antioxidant properties. The small intestine is an important part for absorbing active substances, but polypeptides are not acid-resistant and are easily hydrolyzed and lose their activity in the stomach, which does not achieve the effect of small intestine absorption. In this study, the optimal process conditions for microencapsulation of wheat germ albumin polypeptides were determined based on response surface optimization experiments as follows: wall to material ratio (starch sodium octenylsuccinate (SSOS) : sodium alginate (SA) =3:1), homogenization time 10 min, and wall to core ratio 20:1. The embedding rate of microcapsules prepared under these conditions was 65.33%. The average particle size of microcapsules was 100.21 μm. SEM results showed that the freeze-drying microcapsules had a sheet-like structure. The increased intensity of the amide A band in the microcapsules in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between the wall materials, while thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the protective effect of microcapsules on the formation of wheat germ albumin polypeptides. The release rates of microcapsules in gastric and intestinal juice were 26.54% and 84.41%, respectively, indicating that microcapsules had a sustained release effect.

Antioxidant Potential and Characterization of Polyphenol Compounds in Moringa oleifera Pods

ABSTRACTThe aim of this investigation was to comparatively assess the antioxidant and polyphenol compounds in fresh moringa pods sourced from two different regions in Australia, namely Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WAU). Total polyphenol content varied between 1.64 and 5.97 mg GAE/g in moringa pod samples from QLD, while it ranged from 2.84 to 4.31 mg GAE/g in WAU samples. Total flavonoid content in QLD and WAU samples averaged 4.62 and 4.24 mg QE/g, respectively. Total condensed tannin content in QLD and WAU samples averaged 2.07 and 1.60 mg CE/g, respectively. The QLD samples had higher DPPH (2.87 vs. 2.74 mg AAE/g), ABTS (15.0 vs. 12.9 mg AAE/g), and total antioxidant capacity (2.34 vs. 1.46 mg AAE/g) than WAU samples. LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS analysis identified 111 polyphenol compounds in moringa pod samples, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins. Some compounds were prevalent across most samples, such as 3‐sinapoylquinic acid and theaflavin. The study revealed that moringa pods contain a high concentration of polyphenols with strong antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight the substantial influence of regional effects on the polyphenol content and bioactive properties of moringa pods.

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.

Improving properties of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol films using cashew nut testa extract: potential applications in food packaging.

Cashew nut testa, a by-product of cashew nut processing, is abundant in phenolic compounds and exhibits strong antioxidant properties, making it a potential additive for enhancing the antioxidant properties of biodegradable films used in food packaging. This study explores the fabrication of biodegradable chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol films incorporating varying concentrations of cashew nut testa extract (CNTE; 0, 1, 2 and 3% v/v) and evaluates their physical, structural, mechanical, optical and antioxidant properties. The results demonstrate that increasing extract concentration generally increased the thickness, tensile strength, Young's modulus, thermal stability and antioxidant capacity of the films, while reducing the moisture content, swelling degree, elongation at break, and light transmittance. Specifically, the film with 3% extract showed approximately 11% lower moisture content and 31% lower swelling degree compared with the plain film. It also displayed the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus at 28.63 and 147.35 MPa, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that the incorporation of CNTE resulted in a smoother and slightly denser film structure. Antioxidant activity, determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, was not detected in the plain film but increased with increasing extract concentration. The film with 3% CNTE exhibited the highest antioxidant activity of 58.93 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE) g-1 film. This study highlights the potential of CNTE as an effective edible additive for developing antioxidant and ultraviolet barrier films with improved mechanical strength and water resistance for food packaging applications.

Melatonin protects spermatogenic cells against DNA damage and necroptosis induced by atrazine

Atrazine (ATZ), a widely used triazine herbicide, has been shown to disrupt reproductive development in organisms. Melatonin (MLT) is a natural hormone and has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties. Due to its lipophilicity, it can cross biological barriers freely and act on germ cells directly. However, the mechanism through which melatonin affects atrazine-induced damage to male sperm cells remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ATZ on spermatocyte development and to elucidate MLT's role in preventing ATZ-induced spermatogenesis failure. Pubertal mice were randomly divided into four groups: blank control group (Con), 5 mg/kg melatonin group (MLT), 170 mg/kg atrazine group (ATZ), and ATZ + MLT group. GC-1 cell culture was employed to access the in vitro effects of MLT and ATZ on spermatogonia. The results indicate that atrazine affected protein and metabolite composition, and reduced sperm viability, sperm motility (VAP, VSL and VCL) and levels of proteins related to spermatogenesis function in the mice testis. Melatonin alleviated the development of cellular DNA damage and necroptosis caused by atrazine both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we proposed that it was GC-1 cells developing necroptosis, but not other cell types in the testis. In conclusion, this study suggests that atrazine disrupts the development process, causing DNA damage in spermatozoa during spermatogenesis. Additionally, ATZ-induced necroptosis specifically targets spermatogenic cells. Notably, melatonin alleviates atrazine-induced necroptosis and DNA damage in spermatogenic cells. This study provides new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for atrazine-induced male infertility.

Synthesis of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Zinc Oxide Hydrogel for Drug Delivery Applications

A novel and simple method was used to synthesize antimicrobial and antioxidant porous (N-tert-butylacrylamide-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) zinc oxide hydrogel via free radical copolymerization. The hydrogel was characterized by NMR, XRD, and SEM. Thermodynamic properties of the hydrogel were described quantitatively by the Flory-Rehner method. The results indicate that the synthesized hydrogel exhibits strong antioxidant activity, making it a potential candidate for use in preventing degenerative diseases. The antimicrobial tests showed that the hydrogel could inhibit the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The inhibition zones ranged from 10 to 15 mm for bacteria and from 5.2 to 9.1 mm for fungi. The reactivity ratio r1 × r2 equal to 1 confirmed ideal copolymerization showed the composition of the copolymer and the comonomer feed are same. The hydrogel's structure and reactivity are significant for constructing effective delivery systems for specific applications. Optimizing the monomer proportion could enhance hydrogel efficiency and release behavior. The hydrogel's water solubility, non-toxicity, and antioxidant properties suggest it could be safe and effective throughout the drug delivery process, contributing both passive and reactive targeting functions.

Improvement of antioxidant capability by dietary N-acetyl cysteine supplementation alleviates bone loss induced by chronic heat stress in finisher broilers

BackgroundHeat stress (HS) incidence is associated with the accumulation of reactive substances, which might be associated with bone loss. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) exhibits strong antioxidants due to its sulfhydryl group and being as the precursor for endogenous glutathione synthesis. Therefore, interplay between oxidative stress and bone turnover of broilers and the effects of dietary NAC inclusion on antioxidant capability and “gut-bone” axis were evaluated during chronic HS.ResultsImplementing cyclic chronic HS (34 °C for 7 h/d) evoked reactive oxygen species excessive production and oxidant stress, which was accompanied by compromised tibia mass. The RNA-seq of proximal tibia also revealed the enrichment of oxidation–reduction process and inflammatory outbursts during HS. Although no notable alterations in the growth performance and cecal microbiota were found, the diet contained 2 g/kg NAC enhanced the antioxidant capability of heat-stressed broiler chickens by upregulating the expression of Nrf2 in the ileum, tibia, and bone marrow. Simultaneously, NAC tended to hinder NF-κB pathway activation and decreased the mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines in both the ileum and bone marrow. As a result, NAC suppressed osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, thereby increasing osteocyte-related gene expression. Furthermore, the inclusion of NAC tended to increase the ash content and density of the whole tibia, as well as improve cortical thickness and bone volume of the diaphysis.ConclusionsThese findings HS-mediated outburst of oxidant stress accelerates bone resorption and negatively regulates the bone quality of tibia, which is inhibited by NAC in broilers.Graphical abstract

A DFT analysis of the antioxidant capacity of scopolin and scopoletin.

Scopolin and scopoletin belong to the class of coumarins and have experimentally proven natural antioxidants. Natural antioxidants are crucial in mitigating the impact of oxidants in the human body through radical scavenging. Even though scopolin and scopoletin are proven antioxidants by experimental results, their antioxidant mechanisms still remained unexplained. In this study, Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to study the radical scavenging mechanisms of both scopolin and scopoletin using kinetic and thermodynamics parameters. The global parameters indicated that both scopolin and scopoletin have antioxidant properties. The band gap energy revealed that scopoletin (4.18eV) has strong antioxidant activity compared to scopolin (4.31eV). These studies found that hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) is the primary mechanism for CH3OO• radical scavenging at the C-H bond in scopolin (91.98kcal.mol-1) and the O-H bond in scopoletin (77.05kcal.mol-1) due to their lowest bond dissociation energies. The calculated activation energy ( ) for the radical scavenging reaction, reconfirmed scopoletin ( =11.19kcal.mol-1) performed as a better antioxidant compared to scopolin ( =20.91kcal.mol-1). In this study, the results of DFT calculations confirmed that scopoletin exhibits a higher antioxidant capacity, and HAT mechanism is the most effective radical scavenging mechanism. The antioxidant activity of scopolin and scopoletin was determined by DFT at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. Global parameter calculations and frontier molecular orbital analysis were conducted to assess these compounds' capacity for scavenging radicals. Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), sequential electron transfer proton transfer (SETPT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) mechanisms were the three main mechanisms that were taken into consideration. The potential energy surface (PES) verified the most appropriate processes shown by the enthalpy calculations.

Anti-oxidative, anti-AChE and neuroprotective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Sansevieria cylindrica leaves and Plumeria obtusa seed pods in Wistar rats

The rising incidence of neurodegenerative diseases represents a significant global health concern. The prognosis for such diseases is often unfavorable, and patients require supportive treatment to manage their condition effectively. The present study investigated the anti-oxidative, anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE) effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Sansevieria cylindrica leaves and Plumeria obtusa seed pods in Wistar rats. Plants were authenticated followed by pharmacognostic evaluation. The antioxidant and anti-AChE activities were evaluated by scopolamine-induced oxidative stress and acetylcholine level alterations in Wistar rats. On the 0th, 7th, and 14th days during study period behavioral parameters were evaluated, including open field test, new object recognition test, and Morris water maze task. Different antioxidant enzymes were also evaluated in brain homogenate post 7 days treatment. AChE levels in rats’ brains were assessed post 14 days of treatment. Finally, histopathology of brains samples was performed. Correspondingly, in-vitro and in-silico studies were done to support the study findings.ResultsSansevieria cylindrica and Plumeria obtusa exhibited strong antioxidant and anti-AChE activities due to secondary metabolites content. Rearing and, line crossing by rats showed substantial alteration (p < 0.05) by combination of both plants at high dose. The escape latency found to be reduced significantly (p < 0.05) by Sansevieria cylindrica individually and in combination with Plumeria obtusa at all doses. The lipid peroxidation level in brain was decreased significantly than standard at 1:1 combination of plants extracts. The levels of GSH, CAT and SOD were attenuated significantly by different concentration of extracts (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The reduction in AChE levels was around 34.62% and 31.10% in male and female rats, respectively in combination of both plants at high dose compared to disease control group. It was further evident in brain histopathology. All in-vivo results were supported by in-vitro free radicals scavenging effect and in-silico study.ConclusionThe hydro-alcoholic extracts from Plumeria obtusa seed pods and Sansevieria cylindrica leaves showed a strong natural antioxidant, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitions which can aid in the treatment of neurodegerative diseases including Alzheimer.

Gene cloning and characterization of N-carbamyl-l-glutamic acid amidohydrolase involved in ergothioneine utilization in Burkholderia sp. HME13.

Burkholderia sp. HME13 utilizes ergothioneine, a strong antioxidant, as the nitrogen source. We have previously shown that ergothionase (ErtA), thiourocanate hydratase (ErtB), 3-(5-oxo-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-yl) propionic acid desulfhydrase (ErtC), and hydantoin-5-propionic acid amidohydrolase (ErtD) may be involved in ergothioneine utilization in this strain. In this study, we identified the ertE gene in Burkholderia sp. HME13, which encodes a bivalent metal-dependent N-carbamyl-l-glutamic acid amidohydrolase. ErtE showed maximum activity at 60°C and pH 7.0 and was stable at temperatures up to 55°C and pH 6.5-8.0. The Km and Vmax values of ErtE for N-carbamyl-l-glutamic acid were 0.74 mM and 140 U/mg, respectively. EDTA-treated ErtE showed no enzymatic activity, which was restored upon the addition of Co2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Fe2+. Expression analyses and enzymatic assays suggested that ErtE is involved in ergothioneine utilization in this strain. Finally, we propose a mechanism for ergothioneine utilization in Burkholderia sp. HME13.

Isolation of phytoconstituents from an extract of Murraya paniculata with cytotoxicity and antioxidant activities and in silico evaluation of their potential to bind to aldose reductase (AKR1B1)

The study on Murraya paniculata (Orange Jasmine) stem bark extract found it to have antioxidant and cytotoxic proper-ties. The structures of the isolated phytoconstituents were determined using NMR spectroscopy. Compounds were evaluated for their potential to be aldose reductase inhibitors using molecular docking and dynamics (MD) simulations. Phytochemical screening of methanolic crude extract was performed from which different fractions of the extract were screened for antioxidant activity using the DPPH radical scavenging method and cytotoxicity using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The aqueous fraction showed strong antioxidant activity as compared to the standard butylated hy-droxytoluene, whereas pet ether, dichloromethane, chloroform and methanolic extract exhibited moderate antioxidant activity. Activities in the DPPH assay ranged from 17 to 63 µg/ml and all fractions showed cytotoxic activity. Five identified phytochemical compounds (1-5) include ergosterol endoperoxide (1), the coumarin derivatives 7-methoxy-8-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-1-benzopyran-2-one (2) and 5,7-dimethoxy-8-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-1-benzopyran-2-one (3) and a mixture of β-sitosterol (4), and stigmasterol (5). Among them ergosterol endoperoxide has been isolated from the stem bark of the M. paniculata for the first time. MD simulations of the identified compounds indicated their potential to bind to the aldose reductase (AKR1B1) protein. Predicted binding affinities of the compounds based on the site identification the ligand competitive saturation (SILCS) technology was −15.04, −8.85, −9.83, −11.95, and −11.75 kcal/mol for 1 through 5, respectively. The present results are anticipated to lead to further study of the activities of the five compounds including experimental evaluation of their inter-actions with AKR1B1.

Assessment of clot-lysing and membrane-stabilizing capacity of ascorbic acid: In vitro approach with molecular docking

This study aimed to evaluate the clot-lysing and membrane stabilizing capacities of ascorbic acid (AA) using in vitro and in silico methods. For this, we used in vitro clot lysis and hemolyzing tests to check the anti-atherothrombosis and membrane-stabilizing properties of AA, respectively. Additionally, molecular docking studies were performed to investigate AA’s interactions with cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and plasminogen enzymes. Findings suggest that AA exhibited a concentration-dependent effect, with 43.95 ± 1.27 % clot lysis and 64.46 ± 0.01 % membrane stabilization at 100 µg/mL. The IC50 values for clot lysis and membrane stabilization were 215.19 ± 1.09 and 57.21 ± 2.11 µg/mL, respectively. In silico analysis showed strong binding affinities of AA with COX-1 (−6.2 kcal/mol) and plasminogen (−5.8 kcal/mol), supporting its observed clot lysis and membrane protection activities. Taken together, AA showed moderate clot-lysing and robust membrane-stabilizing effects, which may be due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. AA might be a good therapeutic agent for atherothrombosis and membrane damage, highlighting the need for further investigation into its underlying molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications. AA shows promising clot-lysing and membrane-stabilizing effects, highlighting its therapeutic potential for atherothrombosis and membrane damage.

Bio-catalytic activity of novel poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate hybridized silver nanomaterials

The widespread extensive use of common antibiotics and increase in drug-resistant bacterial strains have attained focus on the search for novel and effective antiproliferative agents. This study uses Periploca aphylla Dcne's as reducing and stabilizing agents to produce stable poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate hybridized silver nanomaterials (PEGMA-AgNPs) with controlled physicochemical and biological properties in an environment friendly manner.The study revealed that poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) coating had no effect on the crystal structure of Periploca aphylla Dcne's capped silver nanoparticles (Pe-AgNPs) which shows that only physical interactions took place during capping.Characterization techniques like UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Zeta potential (ZP), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used. Relationships between the physicochemical properties of Pe-AgNPs, including synthesis, temperature, pH, and salt were studied. The produced PEGMA-AgNPs, which had a spherical shape and a negatively-charged Zeta potential of -20.2 mV, were stable in colloidal form for six months, as evidenced by a single symmetric surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 425 nm.Pe-AgNPs and PEGMA-AgNPs used against PC-3 human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line and in addition, they also exhibited up-regulated anti-proliferative activity to this cell line. These results showed that gels and films which can be loaded with PEGMA-AgNPs may have potential as antiproliferative systems. Catalytic activity of the Pe-AgNPs and hybrid system were tested by choosing the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as a model reaction. Both synthesized Pe-AgNPs and PEGMA-AgNPs exhibits catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol. Surprisingly however among various kinds of Pe-Ag nano-composites investigated only those stabilized by PEGMA had high catalytic activity. The study revealed that PEGMA-AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-diabetic and antileishmanial properties.

Antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of extracts from Hass avocado peel obtained through a biorefinery process: A sustainable strategy for the valorization of agro-food waste

This study presents a novel three-step biorefinery approach for extracting bioactive compounds from Hass avocado (Persea americana, Mill.) epicarp. By sequentially using supercritical CO2, CO2-expanded ethanol, and subcritical water, we efficiently recovered a diverse range of extracts with distinct phytochemical profiles and potent biological activities. Our innovative extraction strategy outperformed conventional methods, demonstrating the potential of biorefinery for sustainable valorization of agricultural byproducts. Medium and high extracts exhibited strong antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity. For example, the CO2-expanded ethanol extracts demonstrated an ABTS radical cation scavenging capacity of 3.01 ± 0.06 mmol Trolox equivalents/g and an SC50 value of 53.4 ± 1.2 μg/mL for anticholinesterase activity. These findings highlight the feasibility of integrating biorefinery processes into circular economy initiatives to create high-value bioproducts while minimizing waste.

Anti-neuropathic effects of astaxanthin in a rat model of chronic constriction injury: passing through opioid/benzodiazepine receptors and relevance to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating neurological disorder and is on the rise. Since no effective treatment has been so far approved to combat the complex pathological mechanisms behind neuropathic pain, finding new therapeutic candidates is of great importance. Astaxanthin (AST) is a carotenoid with strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present research aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of AST on a rat model of neuropathic pain. To induce neuropathic pain, a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was employed. Accordingly, Wistar rats were divided into nine groups of six including sham, negative control group (CCI), positive control group gabapentin (100mg/kg), AST (5, 10mg/kg), flumazenil (0.5mg/kg), naloxone (0.1mg/kg), AST (10mg/kg) + flumazenil (0.5mg/kg), and AST (10mg/kg) + naloxone (0.1mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. To check the experimental signs of neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction, hot plate, acetone drop, and open field tests were used at the same time points. Additionally, biochemical assay and zymography were done on days 7 and 14 to assess the changes in catalase, glutathione and nitrite, as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Besides, histological evaluations were performed for tissue damages on days 7 and 14. Results indicated that intraperitoneal injection of AST improved allodynia, hyperalgesia, and locomotor activity after CCI. AST also increased catalase and glutathione while suppressing nitrite, MMP-2, and MMP-9 activity through opioid/benzodiazepine receptors. The results highlighted AST as a promising candidate against neuropathic pain with beneficial effects on motor function by suppressing inflammatory mediators, and augmenting antioxidant factors, passing through opioid/benzodiazepine receptors.

Formulation and Antioxidant Activity Test of Gel from Fermented Red Pomegranate Peel Juice (Punica Granatum L)

Red pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel has secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins which are known to have antioxidant potential. The purpose of this study was to see the comparison of antioxidant activity of juice before and after fermentation and then formulated into a gel preparation that is physically and chemically stable. Red pomegranate peel juice was dried by freeze drying method and then fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 bacteria and measured OD600, pH, and antioxidant activity using DPPH reagent. The results showed that pomegranate peel juice before fermentation had strong antioxidant activity with a value (of IC50 35.64 ± 0.68 ppm) and after fermentation, it was in the very strong category (IC50 8.00 ± 0.01 to 8.11 ± 0.06 ppm); pH before and after (3.96 ± 0.02 and 3.33 ± 0.01). Formula II with juice concentration of 300 x IC50 has the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values ​​(64.37 ± 1.13 ppm); pH (6.33); spreadability (6.20 ± 0.07); and viscosity (31333.3 ± 577.35 dPas). There was an increase in antioxidant activity of red pomegranate peel juice after fermentation, the resulting gel is physically and chemically stable based on the results of accelerated stability tests for 4 weeks .

Extracting Quercetin from Different Plant Sources, Purifying It Using Different Extraction Methods (Chemical, Physical, and Enzymatic), and Measuring Its Antioxidant Activity

Background: Flavonoids are among the most important compounds found in plants, since laboratory studies have shown them to be a daily requirement in human diets due to their various health benefits. Therefore, this study focused on extracting, purifying, and measuring the antioxidant activity of the flavonoid quercetin, which is widely found in plants and possesses a variety of biological activities, from different plant sources. Methods: The extraction of quercetin was performed using several methods (chemical, physical, and enzymatic) and several extraction solutions (water, ethanol, and chloroform) from several plants (spinach, dill, Onion Skin, Pistacia eurycarpa, sumac, digalkhasab chemri, and leelwi chemri). The alcoholic extract extracted by chemical method was purified and the content of total flavonoids based on quercetin in all plant extracts was determined using adsorption chromatography on a silica gel column (100–200 mesh), followed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). TLC and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to assess the purity of quercetin. The ability of quercetin to capture free radicals using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was compared to that of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Statistical analyses were performed using completely randomized designs (CRD) for factorial experiments, and the least significant difference (LSD) test was used to calculate the significant differences between the averages of the coefficients at the 0.05 probability level. Results: The alcoholic Pistacia extract extracted by chemical method yielded the highest concentration of quercetin (84.037 mg/g). Furthermore, it was found that quercetin purified from Pistacia possessed strong antioxidant activity, and its antioxidant activity increased with increased concentration. Conclusions: Pistacia eurycarpa showed the highest quercetin content among the assessed plants. Moreover, solvents played a major role in extracting plant components due to the high polarity of flavonoids. Quercetin purified using a silica gel column demonstrated antioxidant activity.

Proteases and keratinases from Bacillus zhangzhouensis MH1: Practical use in detergent, leather, and waste management processes

Microbial proteases and keratinases find extensive application in both the detergent and leather industries, as well as in poultry waste management. In this study, a multifunctional strain MH1 exhibiting proteolytic and keratinolytic activities was newly isolated and identified as Bacillus zhangzhouensis. To improve its stability, the proteolytic extract was spray-dried and the stability was assessed during two years of storage. The enzyme preparation was fully stable up to 20 months of conservation at 4 °C even in the absence of any protective agent, while the enzymatic half-life at room temperature was twenty months using maltodextrin as a protector additive. MH1 was a feather-decomposing strain producing keratinases (95 U/ml) on feather medium. Therefore, the study evaluated the use of these enzymes in the detergent, tannery, and feed processes. Results showed that the sprayed proteases showed high compatibility with commercial liquid and solid detergents and efficiently removed bloodstains at low wash temperatures. They also revealed significant dehairing activity of cow skin without surface damage. While keratinases effectively transformed chicken feathers into keratin hydrolysate with strong antioxidant activity. Therefore, these enzymes could be a green alternative to hazardous chemicals utilized for detergent, leather, and biodegradation of keratinous waste.

Revealing the Therapeutic Potential: Investigating the Impact of a Novel Witch Hazel Formula on Anti-Inflammation and Antioxidation.

Skin barrier health is crucial for preventive and corrective skincare across all skin types. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) extracts show potential in addressing skin issues, but their efficacy in treating chronic inflammation, improving skin barrier function, and combating UV-induced oxidation requires further investigation. To evaluate the efficacy of a novel formula containing witch hazel extracts in treating chronic inflammation, improving skin barrier function, and combating UV-induced oxidation. We employed a novel exvivo chronic inflammation model to assess anti-inflammatory effects, measuring key pro-inflammatory cytokines. Barrier function markers, such as loricrin and transglutaminase-1, were analyzed. An exvivo model with UV-induced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) elevation was used to evaluate antioxidant properties, measuring specific ROS markers like 4-Hydroxynonenal and carbonylated protein. The novel witch hazel formula significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in both 2D and exvivo models, including IL-6 and IL-8, demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory effects. Barrier function markers showed notable improvements compared to the inflamed condition. In the UV-induced ROS model, the formula remarkably decreased ROS levels, specifically 4-Hydroxynonenal and carbonylated protein, indicating strong antioxidant properties. Our findings demonstrate that the novel witch hazel formula exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties while enhancing skin barrier function. This natural, well-tolerated ingredient offers a promising treatment option for improving overall skin health, presenting new opportunities in skincare formulation and treatment strategies.