Strong Free Radical Scavenging Activity Research Articles

Graphdiyne Nanoparticles with High Free Radical Scavenging Activity for Radiation Protection.

Numerous carbon networks materials comprised of benzene moieties, such as graphene and fullerene, have held great fascination for radioprotection because of their acknowledged good biocompatibility and strong free radical scavenging activity derived from their delocalized π-conjugated structure. Recently, graphdiyne, a new emerging carbon network material consisting of a unique chemical structure of benzene and acetylenic moieties, has gradually attracted attention in many research fields. Encouraged by its unique structure with strong conjugated π-system and highly reactive diacetylenic linkages, graphdiyne might have free radical activity and can thus be used as a radioprotector, which has not been investigated so far. Herein, for the first time, we synthesized bovine serum albumin (BSA)-modified graphdiyne nanoparticles (graphdiyne-BSA NPs) to evaluate their free radical scavenging ability and investigate their application for radioprotection both in cell and animal models. In vitro studies indicated that the graphdiyne-BSA NPs could effectively eliminate the free-radicals, decrease radiation-induced DNA damage in cells, and improve the viability of cells under ionizing radiation. In vivo experiments showed that the graphdiyne-BSA NPs could protect the bone marrow DNA of mice from radiation-induced damage and make the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (two kinds of vital indicators of radiation-induced injury) recover back to normal levels. Furthermore, the good biocompatibility and negligible systemically toxicity responses of the graphdiyne-BSA NPs to mice were verified. All these results manifest the good biosafety and radioprotection activity of graphdiyne-BSA NPs to normal tissues. Therefore, our studies not only provide a new radiation protection platform based on graphdiyne for protecting normal tissues from radiation-caused injury but also provide a promising direction for the application of graphdiyne in the biomedicine field.

Crystal Structure and Antioxidant Activity of 5,6-O-(4-chlorophenyl)-L-Ascorbic Acid Synthesized with Nanosolid Superacid.

The title compound 5,6-O-(4-chlorophenyl)-L-ascorbic acid (C13H11ClO6) was synthesized using nanosolid superacid SO2-4/SnO2 as a catalyst and its structure was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1H NMR data indicated the product is a mixture of two diastereomer compounds (a(7S) and b(7R)). And the crystal of one diastereomer compound a(7S) belongs to orthorhombic system, space group P212121 with a = 6.501(4), b = 7.803(5), c = 25.013(15) Å, V 1268.7(13) Å3, Z = 4, Dc 1.564g/cm3, μ(Mo-Kα) = 0.325 mm-1, F(000) = 616, R = 0.0255 and wR(I > 2σ (I)) = 0.0624. X-ray crystal structure data display that the hydrogen bonding interactions observed link the molecules to form a three-dimensional system. In addition, 5,6-O-(4-chlorophenyl)-L-ascorbic acid (CPAA) exhibited strong free-radical scavenging activities in vitro against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion. Therefore, CPAA should be investigated further as a worthy antioxidant.

Antioxidant and Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activity of the Kino of Eucalyptus citriodora

In the present study, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of ethanol extract and its ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Eucalyptus citriodora kino were evaluated. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods. The IC50 values of the ethanol extract were 5.11±0.13, 2.72±0.08 and 25.86±1.81 μg/ml in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods and the 15-lipoxugenase assay, respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of the ethanol extract were 490.77±1.95 mg catechin equivalents/g and 21.81±0.23 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. Solvent partition of the ethanol extract yielded ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions. Among the three fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, which were 575.87±3.92 mg catechin equivalents/g and 34.57±0.30 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. This fraction also showed the strongest free radical scavenging activity in the two methods used as well as inhibitory activity against 15-lipoxygenase, with IC50 values of 4.67±0.09, 2.57±0.06 and 14.67±0.93 μg/ml, respectively. These findings revealed that high antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of E. citriodora kino might be due to high phenolic and flavonoid content. These results showed that E. citriodora kino could be a potential source of natural antioxidants and lipoxygenase inhibitors which could be used to prevent free radical and lipoxygenase mediated diseases.

Pyrano[3,2-a]carbazole alkaloids as effective agents against ischemic stroke in vitro and in vivo

A series of pyrano[3,2-a]carbazole alkaloids were designed and synthesized as analogues of Claulansine F (Clau F, 10a) isolated from Clausena lansium. Some of compounds showed strong neuroprotective effects and were promising agents against ischemic stroke. Among these compounds, 7c was the most active in inhibiting the programmed death of PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons. This compound induced neuroprotection following ischemic reperfusion and decreased neurological deficit scores in treated animals. Furthermore, 7c could penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in rats, and its exposure in the brain was 4.3-fold higher than that in plasma. More importantly, compared to edaravone, 7c exhibited stronger free radical scavenging activity. Our findings suggest that 7c may be promising for further evaluation as an intervention for ischemic stroke.

Determination of In-vitro Biochemical Activities of Reflevone, A New Natural Organic Compound

A number of studies have shown that flavonoids possess numerous pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and anticancer effects. The study sought to determine the immunomodulatory, urease inhibitory, free radicals scavenging and cytotoxic activities of reflevone, a new flavonoid recently isolated from roots of Dioclea reflexa (Hook. F.). Reflevone, showed a very strong immunosuppressant effect on phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated T-cell (IC50: 6.5 μg/mL) and exhibited a very good urease inhibition activity with IC value of 65.03 ± 1.66 μM as compared to standard, thiourea (IC50 = 21 ± 0.11 μM). Strong free radical scavenging activities were observed; it scavenged hydroxyl radical by 95.8% and bleached purple color of DPPH (IC50: 96.6 μg/mL) at 1.0 mg/mL. In addition, it reduced ferric ion significantly and compared favorably well with ascorbic acid (standard). However, it showed a mild cytotoxic effect on human lung cancer cell line (NCI-H460). The findings suggest that various activities of reflevone may have pharmacological significance against immune disorders, gastrointestinal ulcers and oxidative stress diseases.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial evaluation of methanolic extracts of selected Zingiberaceae taxa from Peren district, Nagaland, Northeast India

Abstract The methanolic extract of ten Zingiberaceae taxa were evaluated for their phytochemical constituents, total phenolic and flavonoid contents along with in-vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Among the extracts, Kaempferia parviflora and Zingiber montanum were the most potent reducing agents, while Zingiber officinale exhibited strong free radical-scavenging activity. The high phenolic content observed in Z. montanum, Z. officinale and Curcuma longa may be attributed to the strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the extracts of C. longa, K. parviflora and Z. montanum effectively inhibite the growth of test pathogenic microbes. This study suggest that the ginger species are promising source of natural of antioxidant with strong antimicrobial properties.

Purification of wedelolactone from Eclipta alba and evaluation of antioxidant activity

ABSTRACTA hybrid chromatography-crystallization process to purify wedelolactone obtained from Eclipta alba was developed. The crude extract was obtained by microwave-assistant extraction and purified by silica gel column chromatography in which dichloromethane–methanol–acetic acid solution was used as the eluent. Dilution crystallization was employed to perform the final purification. To optimize the processing parameters, single factor analysis and response surface methodology were employed. The results indicated that the purification yield and purity of wedelolactone could reach 77.66% and 99.46%, respectively. Antioxidant assays showed that the products had strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity which was close to oligomeric proantho cyanidins.

Feruloylserotonin inhibits hydrogen peroxide-induced melanogenesis and apoptosis in B16F10 and SK-Mel-2 melanoma cells

Feruloylserotonin (FS) is a major bioactive component of safflower seeds, with documented strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging activities. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can strongly induce melanogenesis and cell apoptosis. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of FS in preventing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced melanogenesis and cell apoptosis. Melanogenesis and apoptotic cell death were induced by transient exposure to H2O2 in B16F10 and SK-Mel-2 melanoma cells. FS significantly inhibited melanogenesis and cell death in both cell lines. FS inhibited H2O2-induced melanin production by down-regulating CREB/MITF/TYR signaling via inhibited intracellular cAMP accumulation. Additionally, FS induced extracellular regulated kinase activation, which led to the degradation of MITF and consequently decreased TYR expression and melanin production in H2O2-stimulated cells. Furthermore, FS inhibited H2O2-induced apoptotic cell death by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential. Therefore, FS might have potential use for cosmetic whitening and as a therapeutic agent for hyperpigmentation disorder.

Broccoli seed extracts but not sulforaphane have strong free radical scavenging activities

SummaryThe abilities of broccoli seed extracts and purified sulforaphane (SF) to scavenge 2,2′‐azinobis [3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonate] (ABTS•+), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and superoxide anions were studied. The free radical scavenging activities of broccoli seed extracts had no exact correlation with SF content, indicating that SF was not the main antioxidant component. The broccoli seed extracts were separated by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography to obtain purified SF, which showed dose‐dependent free radical scavenging activities in the DPPH• and ABTS•+ assays, but its activities were weaker to those of ascorbic acid. The same trend was observed in the chemiluminescence assay. The results showed that broccoli seed extracts had strong free radical scavenging activities that were not attributable to SF.

Antioxidative properties of milk protein preparations fermented by Polish strains of Lactobacillus helveticus.

The increasing significance of food products containing substances with antioxidative activi- ties is currently being observed. This is mainly due to the fact that pathogenic changes underlying some diseases are related to the carcinogenic effects of free radicals. Antioxidative compounds play an important role in supporting and enhancing the body&rsquo;s defense mechanisms, which is useful in preventing some civili- zation diseases. Unfortunately, it has been already proved that some synthetic antioxidants pose a potential risk in vivo. Therefore, antioxidant compounds derived from a natural source are extremely valuable. Milk is a source of biologically active precursors, which when enclosed in structural protein sequences are inactive. The hydrolysis process, involving bacterial proteolytic enzymes, might release biopeptides that act in various ways, including having antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant properties of milk protein preparations fermented by Polish strains of L. helveticus. The research also focused on evaluating the dynamics of milk acidification by these strains and analyzing the textural properties of the skim milk fermented products obtained. The research studied Polish strains of L. helveticus: B734, 141, T80 and T105, which have not yet been used industrially. The antioxidant properties of 1% (w/v) solutions of milk protein preparations (skim milk powder, caseinoglycomacropeptide and &alpha;-lactoalbumin) fermented by these strains were determined by neutralizing the free radicals with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH˙). Moreover, solutions of skim milk powder (SMP) fermented by the microorganisms being tested were analyzed on gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The dynamics of milk acidification by these microorganisms was also analyzed L. helveticus strains were used to prepare fermented regenerated skim milk products that were subjected to texture profile analysis (TPA) performed using a TA-XT2i (Stable Micro Systems, Godalming, UK). The results suggest that the antioxidant activity of fermented milk protein preparations depended on the type of milk protein preparation and was also related to the strain that conducted the fermentation process. The process of caseinoglycomacropeptide (CGMP) fermentation by DSMZ 20075, T105 and 141 signifi- cantly (p < 0.05) influenced the increase in the antioxidant activities of the protein preparation, the highest values of parameter were obtained in samples fermented by L. helveticus T105 (64.82 &plusmn;0.013%), while in the case of &alpha;-lactoalbumin (&alpha;-la), the strongest free radical scavenging activity (66.67 &plusmn;0.020%) was noted for unfermented samples (control). The greatest increase in DPPH scavenging activity (% of inhibition) was noted for fermented SMP solutions. The highest values of the parameter measured were recorded for SMP fermented by the reference strain (85.98 &plusmn;0.009%) and T80 (81.66 &plusmn;0.013%). Strain T105 demonstrated the most desirable properties with respect to milk acidifying dynamic and texture properties of fermented skim milk products, while the reference strain (L. helveticus DSMZ 20075) and L. helveticus T80 seem to be more desirable in terms of the possibility of obtaining fermented protein preparations with the best antioxidant properties. The Polish strains analyzed here might find application in dairy products and also in developing functional food products. Furthermore, the preparations of milk protein that were fermented by the strains being tested may be a natural source dietary antioxidants.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Cytoprotective, and Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oil from Pistacia vera L. Variety Bronte Hull.

Although the chemical composition and biological properties of some species of the genus Pistacia has been investigated, studies on hull essential oil of Pistacia vera L. variety Bronte (HEO) are currently lacking. In this work, we have carried out an in-depth phytochemical profile elucidation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and an evaluation of antioxidant scavenging properties of HEO, using several different in vitro methods, checking also its cytoprotective potential on lymphocytes treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, both American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and clinical isolates, was also investigated. GC-MS analysis highlighted the richness of this complex matrix, with the identification of 40 derivatives. The major components identified were 4-Carene (31.743%), α-Pinene (23.584%), d-Limonene (8.002%), and 3-Carene (7.731%). The HEO showed a strong iron chelating activity and was found to be markedly active against hydroxyl radical, while scarce effects were found against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Moreover, pre-treatment with HEO was observed to significantly increase the cell viability, decreasing the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. HEO was bactericidal against all the tested strains at the concentration of 7.11 mg/mL, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. The obtained results demonstrate the strong free-radical scavenging activity of HEO along with remarkable cytoprotective and antimicrobial properties.

Antioxidant and anticancer effects of functional peptides from ovotransferrin hydrolysates.

Egg white is a good source for making functional peptides that can be used in the food industry. Ovotransferrin (OTF) is one of the major egg white proteins, with many functional properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral activities. However, enzymatic hydrolysis of ovotransferrin is known to further improve the functional activities of OTF. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of functional peptides produced by two-step enzyme hydrolysis of OTF. OTF hydrolysates were prepared using promod 278P, thermolysin and a combination of the two enzymes. OTF and OTF hydrolysates showed strong antioxidant activities when analyzed using the DPPH assay. However, only OTF hydrolysates showed a strong free radical scavenging activity when NO- or ABTS-scavenging activity was measured. OTF hydrolysates showed stronger cytotoxic activities than the natural OTF against human cancer cell lines. Furthermore, OTF hydrolysates prepared with promod 278P + thermolysin combination showed the strongest cytotoxic activity, and their IC50 values were 0.79, 0.78, 0.92 and 0.78 mg mL-1 against AGS, LoVo, HT-29 and HeLa, respectively. These results indicated that the two-step enzyme hydrolysates of OTF have great potential for use as a food ingredient with antioxidant and anticancer activities. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antioxidant properties of ginger (Kaempferia angustifolia Rosc.) and its chemical markers

ABSTRACTThe nutritional value of the rhizomes of Kaempferia angustifolia was measured through the antioxidant properties of various extracts and the determination of the bioactive compounds. The chloroform and methanol extracts of the rhizomes of Kaempferia angustifolia showed strong free radical scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with values of 615.92 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g each. The methanol extract also exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties in the azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay with a value of 38.87 mg TE/g. The hexane extract gave the strongest reducing ability in cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay with a value of 901.76 mg TE/g, whilst the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the strongest reducing ability against ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) with a value of 342.23 mg TE/g. Column chromatographic separation on the rhizomes of Kaempferia angustifolia afforded boesenboxide (1), crotepoxide (2), 2ˊ-hydroxy-4,4ˊ,6ˊ-trimethoxychalcone (3), kaempfolienol (4), and zeylenol (5), which were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Kaempfolienol (4) was the strongest free radical agent against DPPH with a value of 443.92 mg TE/g, whilst 2ˊ-hydroxy-4,4ˊ,6ˊ-trimethoxychalcone (3) exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties with values of 42.23, 1497.22, and 781.53 mg TE/g against ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays, respectively.

Chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of volatile oil from an edible seaweed Porphyra tenera (Kjellman, 1897)

BackgroundPorphyra tenera (Kjellman, 1897) is the most common eatable red seaweed in Asia. In the present study, P. tenera volatile oil (PTVO) was extracted from dried P. tenera sheets that were used as food by the microwave hydrodistillation procedure, after which the characterization of its chemical constituents was done by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy and its antioxidant potential was evaluated by a number of in vitro biochemical assays such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and reducing power assay and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.ResultsA total of 30 volatile compounds comprising about 99.4% of the total volume were identified, of which trans-beta-ionone (20.9%), hexadecanoic acid (9.2%) and 2,6-nonadienal (8.7%) were present in higher quantities. PTVO exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity by DPPH scavenging (44.62%), NO scavenging (28.45%) and superoxide scavenging (54.27%) at 500 µg/mL. Similarly, it displayed strong ABTS radical scavenging (IC50 value of 177.83 µg/mL), hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC50 value of 109.70 µg/mL), and moderate lipid peroxidation inhibition activity (IC50 value of 231.80 µg/mL) and reducing power (IC0.5 value of 126.58 µg/mL). PTVO exhibited strong antioxidant potential in a concentration dependent manner and the results were comparable with the BHT and α-tocopherol, taken as the reference standard compounds (positive controls).ConclusionsTaken together, PTVO with potential bioactive chemical compounds and strong antioxidant activity could be utilized in the cosmetic industries for making antioxidant rich anti-aging and sun-screen lotion and in the food sector industries as food additives and preservatives.

Characterization and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides extracted from enzymatic hydrolysate of Ginkgo biloba leaves

Three high purified polysaccharide monomers (GBP11, GBP22, and GBP33) were obtained from enzymatic hydrolysate of Ginkgo biloba leave using DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column and Sephadex G-100 column, and their basic structural characterization were investigated by utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography, high-performance ion chromatography, and Infrared Spectroscopy. In addition, antioxidant activities of related polysaccharides were also evaluated. The results showed that the molecular weight of GBP11, GBP22, and GBP33 were 1.944 × 103 KDa, 5.167 × 103 KDa, and 45.98 KDa, singly, and they were mainly made up of glucose, galactose, arabinose, and rhamnose with a molar ratio of 62.2:1.98:3.84:1.24, 3.57:68.0:4.67:0.36 and 5.34:48.8:1.70:8.97, respectively. Moreover, GBP22, GBP, and GBP11 demonstrated the strongest free radical scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide anion, showing that they have potential application value on the functional food and cosmetic industry. Practical applications Enzymatic hydrolysate of Ginkgo biloba leaves includes lots of carbohydrate, it will cause eutrophication and environment pollution if it is directly poured out. This research indicates that carbohydrate extracted from enzymatic hydrolysate of Ginkgo biloba leaves are made up of different polysaccharide monomers with various molecular weight and monosaccharide composition. Moreover, these polysaccharide monomers possess appreciating antioxidant activities. Therefore, this research could lay a foundation for the high-value application of polysaccharides in functional food and cosmetic industry, and provide theoretical reference for the treatment of waste water.

Curcumin-functionalized silk biomaterials for anti-aging utility

Curcumin is a natural antioxidant that is isolated from turmeric (Curcuma longa) and exhibits strong free radical scavenging activity, thus functional for anti-aging. However, poor stability and low solubility of curcumin in aqueous conditions limit its biomedical applications. Previous studies have shown that the anti-oxidation activity of curcumin embedded in silk fibroin films could be well preserved, resulting in the promoted adipogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured on the surface of the films. In the present study, curcumin was encapsulated in both silk fibroin films (silk/cur films) and nanoparticles (silk/cur NPs), and their anti-aging effects were compared with free curcumin in solution, with an aim to elucidate the mechanism of anti-aging of silk-associated curcumin and to better serve biomedical applications in the future. The morphology and structure of silk/cur film and silk/cur NP were characterized using SEM, FTIR and DSC, indicating characteristic stable beta-sheet structure formation in the materials. Strong binding of curcumin molecules to the beta-sheet domains of silk fibroin resulted in the slow release of curcumin with well-preserved activity from the materials. For cell aging studies, rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) were cultured in the presence of free curcumin (FC), silk/cur film and silk/cur NP, and cell proliferation and markers of aging (P53, P16, HSP70 gene expression and β-Galactosidase activity) were examined. The results indicated that cell aging was retarded in all FC, silk/cur NP and silk/cur film samples, with the silk-associated curcumin superior to the FC.

Diversity exists in development parameters and enhancement of antioxidant mechanisms of some einkorn and bread wheats under combined water deficits and salt stress

Introduction. Climatic changes worsen the production of wheat, an important stable crop while improving its some nutritional quality characteristics. Methods. Therefore, the purpose here was to evaluate some yield limiting factors as well as some quality characteristics in 8 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Kirac – 66, Kenanbey, Flamura - 85, Momtchill, Bayraktar – 2000, Tosunbey, Pandas, and Pehlivan) and 8 einkorn (Triticum monococcum spp. monococcum) populations (Populations – 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, and 15) under three different osmotic pressures (0.0 MPa., -0.5 MPa., or -1.0 MPa.) and three different salt concentrations [0.0 (distilled water), 50 mM or 100 mM NaCl]. Moreover, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities were determined. Results. Among bread wheat cultivars, Pandas had the longest shoot length, root length, the heaviest fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, and fresh root weight in the control group. In the einkorn populations, Pop – 6 had the longest shoot length, root length, the heaviest fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, and fresh root weight again in the control group. The heaviest dry root weight was obtained in Momtchill and Pop – 9 under drought stresses. The TPC was the highest in Kirac - 66 and in Pop – 10 under salt stress and the TFC was in Pehlivan under salt stress. The methanol extracts of Kirac – 66, Pop – 9, and Pop – 15 obtained under salt stress had stronger free radical scavenging activity than by ascorbic acid. Conclusion: Kirac – 66 had the highest free radical scavenging antioxidant activity under salt stress and higher secondary metabolite products (as flavonoids), which indicated the highest tolerance system under both drought and salt stress. Kirac – 66, which was improved for poorer, drier, and cooler lands had better root and metabolite production under combined drought and salt stress as expected.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Polyphenol-Enriched Fraction from Folium Microcos on Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.

Folium Microcos (FM), the leaves of Microcos paniculata L., shows various biological functions including antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. However, its therapeutic potential in acute liver injury is still unknown. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect and underlying mechanisms of the polyphenol-enriched fraction (FMF) from Folium Microcos. FMF exhibited strong free radical scavenging activities and prevented HepG2/Hepa1–6 cells from hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced ROS production and apoptosis in vitro. Antioxidant activity and cytoprotective effects were further verified by alleviating APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Western blot analysis revealed that FMF pretreatment significantly abrogated APAP-mediated phosphorylation of MAPKs, activation of proapoptotic protein caspase-3/9 and Bax, and restored expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl2. APAP-intoxicated mice pretreated with FMF showed increased nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and elevated hepatic expression of its target genes, NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and hemeoxygenase-1(HO-1). HPLC analysis revealed the four predominantly phenolic compounds present in FMF: narcissin, isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, isovitexin, and vitexin. Consequently, these findings indicate that FMF possesses a hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity mainly through dual modification of ROS/MAPKs/apoptosis axis and Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, which may be attributed to the strong antioxidant activity of phenolic components.

The effect of Searsia chirindensis stem-bark extract on renal and liver function in a rat model of neurotoxicity.

Searsia chirindensis (SC) (Baker F.) (Anacardiaceae) has shown potential for the treatment of many neurological diseases however its effect on other bodily systems in neurotoxic models is not well-documented. In this study we investigated the effects of SC on blood glucose homeostasis, as well as its effect on liver and kidney function by assessing lipid peroxidation using the TBARS assay and measuring plasma and urinary electrolyte concentrations in a 6-hydroxydopamine parkinsonian model. The relative levels of phytochemicals were also quantified, along with testing free radical scavenging activity via the DPPH assay. Our results showed that SC decreases blood glucose levels but did not alter the liver and kidney function as reflected by the absence of electrolyte imbalances and lipid peroxidation damage. We also found that SC comprises primarily phenolic acids (945.73±154.01mg GA/g SC) and triterpenoids (1997.21±404.04mg OA/g SC) with minimal flavonoid content (12.98±2.75mg Q/g SC) and exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity (≈80%). In conclusion, these results suggest that SC does not alter the renal and liver function at least in the different parameters studied.

Improvement of shoot proliferation and comparison of secondary metabolites in shoot and callus cultures of Phlomis armeniaca by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis

Phlomis armeniaca Willd. is a medicinal plant in the Lamiaceae family endemic to Turkey. The present study describes efficient plant regeneration and callus induction protocols for P. armeniaca and compares phenolic profiles, total phenol and flavonoid contents, and free radical scavenging activity of in vitro-derived tissues. Stem node explants from germinated seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 75 plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations. The highest shoot number per explant, frequency of shoot proliferation, and frequency of highly proliferated, green, compact callus were obtained on MS medium containing 0.25 mg L−1 thidiazuron (TDZ) and 0.25 mg L−1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The best root formation was on MS basal medium (control). Methanol extract of leaves obtained from regenerants contained higher total phenol and flavonoid contents than the callus extract. The callus extract showed stronger free radical scavenging activity than leaves with IC50 [concentration inhibiting 50% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical] values of 4.30 ± 0.08 and 2.21 ± 0.04 mg g−1 dry weight in leaves and callus, respectively. Apigenin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, luteolin, rutin hydrate, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, sinapic acid, and chlorogenic acid were detected by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization multistage tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis in in vitro-grown leaves and callus tissue. Rutin hydrate, p-coumaric acid, and vanillic acid were found at approximately tenfold higher levels in callus than in leaves. This new micropropagation protocol, the first for P. armeniaca, could be used in industrial production for new herbal tea and germplasm conservation.