Strong Natural Antioxidant Research Articles

Lignicolous fungi from northern Serbia as natural sources of antioxidants

AbstractAs a result of an interest in natural derived metabolites, lignicolous fungi have taken on great importance in biochemical investigations. In the present study, antioxidative screening analyses have included in vitro testing of different extracts (aqueous, methanol, chloroform) of four fungal species using three different assays: Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation by TBA assay, the neutralisation of OH· radicals and the radical scavenging capacity with the DPPHk]assay. TLC analysis confirmed the existance of phenolics in the extracts, but also indicates the presence of some other compounds. The obtained results indicate that MeOH extracts manifested a degree of activity higher than that of CHCl3 extracts. With respect to antioxidative activity, the extracts can be ranged in the following declining order: G. lucidum, G. applanatum, M. giganteus and F. velutipes. These results suggest that analyzed fungi are of potential interest as sources of strong natural antioxidants that could be used in the food industries and nutrition.

The Antioxidant Phytochemicals of Nutraceutical Importance

Over production of free radicals result in oxidative stress that deregulates the cellular and metabolic functions. Phytochemicals with antioxidant property are of great interest due to their beneficial effects on human health as they offer protection against metabolic dysfunction, gastro-duodenal pathogenesis, premature aging, inflammation, rheumatoid ar- thritis, atherosclerosis, cancer, neuro-degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbates, lipoic acids, polyphenols and enzymes like super oxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase are strong natural antioxidants with free radical scavenging activity. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes and beverages are the main sources of polyphenols. Flavonoids possess ideal structural characteristics, which are responsible for their phar- macological properties and are also powerful metal chelators. The future of dietary antioxidants hold a great promise to ensure a better disease free lifestyle for the mankind by scavenging free radicals and consequently preventing mutagenic changes and associated disorders.

The potential of Manitoba chokecherry as a source of high natural antioxidants

AbstractConsumption of fruits and vegetables is shown to be beneficial for protecting health and preventing some chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. The positive health effects have been mainly due to the contributions of their natural antioxidant capacity. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), a unique fruit, is a member of the Rose family and native to North America. Here we demonstrate that chokecherry fruit with strong antioxidant capacity is available in Manitoba, and that its potent antioxidant potential can be developed for health benefits in value-added applications.These findings are useful for developing novel value-added antioxidant products from chokecherry because of its phytochemical profile associated with health protection and prevention of disease. The results provide evidence essential for breeding novel cultivars of fruit plants with strong natural antioxidants.

Combined conventional/antioxidant "Astaxanthin" treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trial

To evaluate the treatment of male infertility with a strong natural antioxidant, in addition to conventional treatment. Using a double blind, randomized trial design, 30 men with infertility of > or =2 months and female partners with no demonstrable cause of infertility received conventional treatment according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), and either a strong antioxidant Astaxanthin 16 mg/day (AstaCarox, AstaReal AB, Gustavsberg, Sweden) or placebo for 3 months. The effects of treatment on semen parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS), zona-free hamster oocyte test, serum hormones including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Inhibin B, and spontaneous or intrauterine insemination (IUI)-induced pregnancies were evaluated. ROS and Inhibin B decreased significantly and sperm linear velocity increased in the Astaxanthin group (n = 11), but not in the placebo group (n = 19). The results of the zona-free hamster oocyte test tended to improve in the Astaxanthin group in contrast with the placebo group, though not reaching statistical significance. The total and per cycle pregnancy rates among the placebo cases (10.5 % and 3.6 %) were lower compared with 54.5 % and 23.1 % respectively in the Astaxanthin group (P = 0.028; P = 0.036). Although the present study suggests a positive effect of Astaxanthin on sperm parameters and fertility, the results need to be confirmed in a larger trial before recommending Astaxanthin for the complementary treatment of infertile men.

Lignicolous fungi as potential natural sources of antioxidants

As a result of an interest in natural derived metabolites around the world higher fungi (Basidiomycotina) have taken on great importance in biochemical investigations. A large number of structurally divergent compounds - both cellular components and secondary metabolites - have been extracted and found to possess significant biological activity, such as an immunomodulative effect on the human body. Effects of fungal biomolecules as potential natural antioxidants have not been examined so far. Biochemical analysis have included in vitro testing of the influence of different extracts (water methanol, chloroform) of selected fungal sporocarps on Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation (LP) in a lecithin liposome system by TBA assay, as well as various other procedures. Qualitative analysis by TLC revealed a distinction both between different extracts of the same fungal species and between similar extracts of different species. The results obtained on antioxidative activities (LP inhibition and "scavenging" activity) indicate that MeOH extracts manifested a degree of activity higher than that of CHCl3 extracts with respect to antioxidative activity, the extracts can be ranged in the following declining order: Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma applanatum Meripilus giganteus, and Flammulina velutipes. The obtained results suggest that the analyzed fungi are of potential interest as sources of strong natural antioxidants in the food and cosmetics industries, whereas synthetic ones have proved to be carcinogenic. <br><br><b><font color="red">Detected autoplagiarism. Link to the Editorial Decision <u><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/ABS1004251U">10.2298/ABS1004251U</a></u></font></b><br>

Fungal biotransformation of p-coumaric acid into caffeic acid by Pycnoporus cinnabarinus: an alternative for producing a strong natural antioxidant

Fungal biotransformation of p-coumaric acid into caffeic acid, potentially a strong antioxidant, was evidenced in Pycnoporus cinnabarinus cultures grown with high feeding of p-coumaric acid. Preliminary experiments showed no toxicity of both p-coumaric and caffeic acids at concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 mg l−1. Feeding 450 mg p-coumaric acid l−1 into P. cinnabarinus cultures grown on 20 g l−1 glucose medium resulted in the production of 257 mg caffeic acid l−1with a molar yield of 21%.