Strong Radical Scavenging Activity Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of Brassica oleracea, Ocimum basilicum, and Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on lipase inhibition and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

The anti-adipogenic effects of alcohol extract of Brassica oleracea (BO), Ocimum basilicum (OB), and Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte as well as their lipase inhibitory properties were comparatively evaluated. The polyphenol-rich extracts of MO, BO, and OB leaves were profiled for major bioactive compounds using UPLC-HRMS/MS analysis. Among the three plant extracts, BO had the highest flavonoid content with stronger radical scavenging activity. All extracts exhibited lipase inhibitory activities, dose-dependently and a non-competitive type of inhibition with altered kinetic parameters was observed. In cell culture studies, these plant extracts remarkably inhibited the intracellular triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and the effect was in the decreasing order of BO > OB > MO. The extracts also down-regulated the key transcription factors of adipogenesis (PPARγ, C/EPB-α, PI3k, p-Akt, and FAS enzyme) as well as modulated the release profile of leptin and adiponectins. Overall, BO extract showed an exceptional inhibitory potential against both adipogenesis and lipase activities among the evaluated plants. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present study highlights the anti-adipogenic potential of three local edible plants and herbs, that is, Brassica oleracea (BO), Ocimum basilicum (OB), and Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves, using in vitro models. The results revealed that the BO extract had remarkable activity against adipogenesis in the 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation model as well as lipase inhibitory properties. This study elucidates the prospects of natural plant-derived compounds in managing obesity-related health issues. The outcomes of this study would be useful in developing alternative or complementary therapies that are being preferred and largely sought over pharmacological treatments and procedures for controlling and treating abnormal weight gain in humans.

Phenolic compounds composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of Nigerian Amaranthus viridis seed as affected by autoclaving and germination

Due to the rise in several diseases and conditions, there has been the need for food that possesses supplemental health advantages asides its nutritional advantages. This study evaluates total phenolics, total flavonoids, total antioxidants, and antioxidant activity measured in DPPH radical scavenging activity (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and metal chelating activity (MCA) of methanol extract of Amaranthus viridis seed with the view of utilizing it as functional food or ingredient. There was also the identification and quantification of phenolic as well as flavonoid compounds with the use of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extracts of amaranth seed exhibited a total phenolic content of 107.89, 95.26 and 164.73 mg tannic acid equivalent/100 g extract for raw, autoclaved and germinated Amaranthus viridis seed respectively. A comparable trend was observed in the total flavonoid as well as the antioxidant content. The strongest radical scavenging activities (48.63 mg tannic acid equivalent (TE)/100 g extract), FRAP (mg Fe (II)/100 g extract) and metal chelating ability (mg ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid/g extract) was observed in germinated flour. An abundance of ferulic and para-hydroxybenzoic acid was observed among the phenolic compounds of the seed of the amaranth.The high efficacy of the seeds of Amaranthus viridis cultivated in Nigeria was demonstrated in this work and it recommends the functionality of the seeds as an important natural antioxidant source.

Antioxidant and Antivenom Potential of an Essential Oil, 4-(2-Oxo-propyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione, and Allantoin Derived from the Polyherbal Combination of Aristolochia indica L. and Piper nigrum L.

The goal of this study was to identify new compounds from a methanol extract of a polyherbal combination of Aristolochia indica L. and Piper nigrum L. (MECAIPN), two traditional medicinal plants used to cure envenomation, as well as to assess their antioxidant and antivenom properties. MECAIPN yielded EA1 (an essential oil), AA2 (4-(2-oxo-propyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione), and W3 ((2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-4-yl)-urea) (Allantoin). Although EA1 had stronger radical scavenging activity, AA2 had higher DPPH and ferric ion radical scavenging activity, and W3 had higher molybdenum ion radical scavenging activity due to being a single molecule, the binding investigation revealed that EA1 has a greater Stern–Volmer quenching constant (Ksv) than AA2 and W3. Synchronous measurements indicated that EA1, AA2, and W3 bind to tryptophan and tyrosine residues in venom, causing denaturation of the secondary structure of the residue. Finally, the current study concludes that EA1 has more therapeutic antivenom potential, which could be related to the synergism of chemicals found in it. When it came to single compounds, AA2 had stronger antioxidant and antivenom capabilities than W3. To understand the mechanism of action and manufacture the green antivenom medication, more testing of the EA1 and compounds remains required.

Evaluation of the Biological Potential of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell Subcritical Water Extracts.

Neuroprotection is a need that remains unmet in treating chronic neurodegenerative disorders, despite decades of extensive research. To find new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Himanthalia elongata (L.) S.F.Gray and of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell were obtained through subcritical water extraction applying a four-step temperature gradient. The fractions obtained were screened against brain enzymes involved in neurodegenerative etiology, namely in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, all contributing factors to the progression of neurodegeneration. Results showed no significant enzyme inhibition but strong radical scavenging activities, particularly in the fourth fraction, extracted at the highest temperature (250 °C), highlighting their ability to retard oxidative and nitrosative stresses. At higher temperatures, fractions were composed of phenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products, a combination that contributed to their antioxidant activity and, consequently, their neuroprotective properties. All fractions were evaluated for the presence of iodine, 14 organochlorine and 7 organophosphorus pesticides, and pharmaceuticals used in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (14), psychiatric drugs (8), and metabolites (8). The fractions studied did not present any of the screened contaminants, and only fraction 1 of E. bicyclis should be used with caution due to iodine content.

Evaluations of Morpho-Physiological Variances in Soybean Varieties under Low Water Conditions

This study used pot experiments with a completely randomized design (CRD) in triplicates to evaluate physiological and morphological attributes used for the characterization of drought stress tolerance in six soybean varieties (Knap, Mopani, LS677, LS678, Pan1564, and Sonop). Growth and physiological parameters analyzed in this study, included plant height, number of flowers, number of pods, seed number per pod, leaf surface area (LSA), grain yield, and total phenolics, flavonoids, ureides as well as antioxidant activity. Low water conditions caused varied negative effects depending on the level of stress on both morphological and physiological responses of the plants. Enhanced secondary products (ureides, total phenolic, and flavonoid content) were observed in plants subjected to severe water stress, in addition to reduced photosynthetic components and percentage grain yields. However, soybean variety Sonop, LS677, and LS678 consecutively, induced high secondary metabolite accumulations and antioxidant activity possibly preventing the occurrence of excessive oxidative stress damage caused by water shortage. The performance of LS varieties, Knap and Sonop were more prominent than Mopani and Pan1564. Results showed potential tolerance to stress in Sonop, LS678 and LS677, attributed to the strong free radical scavenging activity and maintenance of photosynthetic pigments used to achieve sufficient growth balance in plants.

Multi-target bioactivity of summer quinones production in the Persian Gulf burrowing black-type sea urchin

After harvesting the sea urchin gonads for Japanese food “uni” echinoculture systems, the remaining shells and spines are considered waste. However, the material of shells and spines is thought to be rich in natural bioactive molecules. The current study used liquid chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry to extract summer quinones pigment present in spines and shells of the burrowing sea urchin ‘black’ type Echinometra mathaei from the natural Qeshm Island echinoculture. Then, the biochemical, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of sea urchin quinones pigment were investigated. In terms of bioactivity, both shell and spine pigments demonstrated strong radical scavenging activity (antioxidant). The shell pigment exhibited maximum albumin denaturation inhibition (IC50 = 9.62 μg/ml) (anti-inflammatory), as well as α-amylase inhibition (92.28 percent 4.77) (antidiabetic). Pigments were discovered to have a low antibacterial effect against positive gramme bacteria, as well as low cytotoxic and embryotoxic effects when compared to Artemia salina and zebrafish (Danio rerio). For identification and quantification of pigment extracts, both the photodiode array detector and LC-ESI-MS were used. Spinochrome A, B, and C, as well as echinochrome A, were identified as bioactive quinonoid pigments. This chemical defence is discussed in relation to its algal diet and environmental conditions. In conclusion, the isolated pigments obtained from the shell and spines of E. mathaei sea urchins found to have potent bio-activity and can be used for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Antiproliferative Properties of 7,8-Ethylene Diamine Chelator-Lipophilic Fluoroquinolone Derivatives Against Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines.

Cancer is one of the most overwhelming diseases nowadays. It is considered the second cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Due to the diversity of its types, stages and genetic origin, there is no available drug to treat all cancers. Serious side effects and resistance of existing drugs are other problems in the struggle against cancer. In such quest, fluoroquinolones (FQs) promising as antiproliferative compounds due to safety, low cost and lack of resistance. Therefore, this work aims at developing lipophilic FQs and screening their antiproliferative activity against colorectal cancer. Nine prepared FQs were investigated for antiproliferative activity utilizing in vitro SRB method. In comparison to the antiproliferative agent cisplatin; the assessment of antiproliferative activities of these novel FQs in a panel of Colorectal Cancer Cell (CRC) lines (HT29, HCT116, SW620, CACO2, SW480) and normal periodontal ligament fibroblasts for safety examination was performed. Antibacterial activity (MIC) was conducted against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli standard strains using the broth double dilution method. Antioxidant properties were suspected as the mechanism of antiproliferative activity; thus, a DPPH test was performed to analyze radical scavenging potency of FQs compared to ascorbic acid as reference agent. FQs compounds 3-5(a-c) were prepared, characterized and their structure was confirmed using spectroscopy techniques. All compounds manifested good to excellent antiproliferative activity on HT29, HCT116, and SW620 with high safety index. The reduced series 4a, 4b and 4c exerted excellent micro to nano -molar antiproliferative activities on HT29, HCT116, and SW620 which were stronger than the reference cisplatin against all cells. The reduced group of compounds 4(a-c) revealed higher potency vs. both nitro and triazolo groups. On cell lines HT29, HCT116, and SW620, reduced 4a with 7,8-ethylene diamine,the substitution revealed the highest antiproliferative efficacy (IC50 value) approaching nano molar affinity with higher safety vs. cisplatin. The most active compound, 4a, exhibited significant potency against HCT116, and SW620 with IC50 0.6 and 0.16 μM respectively. Novel FQs (4a, 4b and 4c) also showed strong radical scavenging activity with IC50 values (μM) 0.06, 23, and 7.99, respectively. Exquisitely 4a revealed a similar pattern of activity to doxorubicin, indicating a similar mechanism of action. Strong antiproliferative and weak antibacterial activities of series 4 endorse that their mechanism involves eukaryotic topoisomerase II inhibition. This work has revealed novel FQs with excellent anticancer activity against 5 colorectal cancer (HT29, HCT116, SW620, CACO2, SW480) cell lines with a potential chelation mechanism due to 7,8-ethylene diamine chelator bridge. The new FQs have confirmed that more lipophilic compounds could be more active as hypothesized. The p-halogenated aniline, N1-Butyl group in addition to 3-COOH, 8-NH2 are all essential requirements for strong antiproliferative FQ of our FQ scaffold. This work emphasizes the role of C-8 amino as part of ethylene diamine group as an essential requirement for antiproliferative FQs for the first time in the literature, entailing its role toward potential antineoplastic FQs.

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiarthritic, Thrombolytic, and Anthelmintic Activity of Methanol Extract of Lepidagathis hyalina Nees Root.

Lepidagathis hyalina Nees is an ethnomedicinally potential Asian herb, locally used to treat cardiovascular diseases and coughs. The study was intended to evaluate qualitative and quantitative investigation to ensure numerous pharmacological properties of methanol extracts of L. hyalina Ness root (MELHR). MELHR manifested strong radical scavenging activity in the reducing power and DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays, and phenol and flavonoid in the quantitative assays. In the study of the thrombolytic assay, MELHR showed moderate explicit percentage of clot lysis (29.39 ± 1.40%) with moderate (135.35 µg/mL) toxic properties. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the inhibition of hypotonicity-induced RBC hemolysis, whereas the plant extract exhibited a significant (pp ˂ 0.005) dose-dependent inhibition and the highest inhibition was found 55.01 ± 3.22% at 1000 µg/mL concentration. Moreover, the MELHR also showed significant (p < 0.005) dose-dependent potentiality on protein denaturation which is considered as antiarthritic activity, and the peak inhibition was found significant (71.97 ± 2.71%) at 1000 µg/mL concentration. MELHR also exhibited the dose-dependent and statistically significant anthelmintic potential on aquarium worm (Tubifex tubifex). So, the present investigation suggests that L. hyalina could be the best choice for the management of cardiovascular, inflammation, arthritis, and anthelmintic diseases. Further investigation should be necessary to determine behind the mechanism of bioactivity and therapeutic potential of this plant.

Radical Scavenging Activity, Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay and HPLC Analysis of Methanol Extracts of Secamone afzelii

Background: Medicinal plants produce several phytochemicals with strong free radical scavenging activities. Objectives: To evaluate radical scavenging activity, brine shrimp toxicity and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the methanol extracts of Secamone afzelii (SA) leaves and Ceiba pentandra (CP) stem-bark.Materials and methods: The leaves of SA and CP stem-bark were extracted with methanol and the total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was determined and expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE). The extracts were evaluated for their nitric oxide scavenging activity, antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, toxicity using brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) and phytochemical constituents using HPLC. Results: The TPC in SA extract was 21.26±1.29 while that of CP extract was 95.31±8.71 mg GAE. The SA and CP extracts showed antioxidant activity by DPPH with IC50 of 97.60 and 22.35 μg/mL as compared to ascorbic acid (1.4±0.34) and gallic acid (2.8±0.78) Similarly, the extracts showed nitric oxide scavenging activity of 22.50±1.3 and 5.40±0.3 µg/mL respectively compared to gallic acid with IC50 value of 1.1±0.1 µg/mL. In BSLA, SA extract had LC50 value of &gt;1000 μg/mL while CP extract and Cyclophosphamide (standard) had LC50 value of &lt;1000 μg/mL. HPLC analysis suggested that 8-β-L-arabinofuranosyl-6-β-D-glucopyranosylapigenin, kaempferol-3-0-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-(6''-malonyl-glucoside), kampferol-3-O-rhamnoglucoside and palitantin were the major components in SA extract while the major components in CP extract were lateritin/beauvericin, procyanidin B2, pavetannin, (-)-catechin and genistein-8-C-glucoside .Conclusion: The results demonstrate the free radical scavenging properties of SA and CP extracts which could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds.

Antidiabetic, neuroprotective and antioxidant potentials of different parts of Pistacia terebinthus fruits

• Luteolin is the major characteristic compound of the terebinth fruits, in particular fruit shells parts. • Terebinth fruits and its principal component, luteolin have potent antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials. • Terebinth fruits and its principal component, luteolin acted as weak neuroprotective agents. • The antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials of terebinth fruits are closely related to its principal metabolite, luteolin. • The use of terebinth fruits as a food ingredient is beneficial for human health. The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects of hexane, acetone and ethanol extracts of different parts (shells, nuts and whole fruits) of Pistacia terebinthus (terebinth) were determined against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholineesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholineesterase (BChE). All extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase with the IC 50 values (0.19-2.13 mg/mL) and their inhibition effects were stronger than the acarbose (IC 50 =10.30 mg/mL). However, all applications of the terebinth fruits acted as much weaker inhibitors against α-amylase with IC 50 =23.49-243.99 mg/mL in comparision to the acarbose (IC 50 =0.07 mg/mL). Hexane extracts rich in the vegetable oils exhibited very weak or no inhibition effect against α-amylase however, they were more effective against α-glucosidase. The acetone extract of the fruits shell was found to be most effective against α-glucosidase and α-amylase with IC 50 =0.19 mg/mL and IC 50 =23.49 mg/mL, respectively. A major compound was isolated from the acetone extract by silica gel column chromatography and its structure was elucidated as luteolin with 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, 1D and 2D NMR. Luteolin showed stronger antidiabetic properties than the extracts with lower IC 50 values (0.17 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and 9.49 mg/mL for α-amylase). In addition, terebinth extracts and luteolin were found to be very weak neuroprotective agents in comparison to neostigmine and galantamine. The acetone and ethanol extracts, and luteolin exhibited very strong DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Our results concluded that there is a powerful relationship between luteolin content and biological activities of the terebinth fruits. Graphical Abstract .

Role of melatonin in respiratory diseases (Review).

Melatonin, primarily secreted by the pineal gland, is an anthracemal compound. Its chemical name is N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine. Great advances in melatonin-related research have been made, including the understanding of its roles in the rhythm of the sleep/wake cycle, retardation of aging processes, as well as antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory effects. Melatonin exerts a wide range of physiological effects related to the high lipophilicity of melatonin itself. Melatonin has strong radical scavenging activity, which serves an important role in pulmonary disorders. Pulmonary disorders are among the diseases that threaten human health. Especially in developing countries, due to environmental factors such as smoke and dust, the incidences of pulmonary disorders are high. Melatonin has been reported to have great potential to treat patients with pulmonary disorders. The present review discusses the relationship between melatonin and pulmonary disorders, including coronavirus disease-2019, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, non-small cell lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

Phyto-chemistry and therapeutic potential of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): An age-old ingredient in traditional medicine

The litchi ( Litchi chinensis sonn.), long been used in traditional medicine, has been endowed by nature with myriad biological properties that makes it a potential crop for healing various sufferings of mankind. Different bioactive compounds like flavonoids and anthocyanins have been reported from pulp as well as the non-edible tissues such as pericarp, seed, flowers and leaves which possess strong free radical scavenging activities and can be used as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant and anti-cancerous agents. Potential role of litchi seed extracts in preventing type 2 diabetes has been suggested in recent studies. Some components identified from litchi seeds are claimed to possess anti-cancer properties mainly against lung, liver, pulmonary and cervical cancer. Leaf extracts of litchi possess significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities. An innovative formulation, oligonol-L, derived from fruits of litchi is reported to possess chemo-preventive and chemo-protective potential against photo-injuries such as skin photo-ageing and cancer. Thus, it could be implied that litchi tree is studded with more blissful properties than hitherto conceded. However, an intensive research is paramount to unveil the exact mechanism of action of the active components in order to exploit the preventive and therapeutic potentials of this crop. The main objective of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the pharmacological activities of litchi reported till date and suggest future investigations required to exploit the neutraceutical properties of this potential plant.

Membrane diafiltration for enhanced purification of biologically active compounds from goji berries extracts

• The recovery of phenolic compounds from aqueous goji berries extract was investigated. • Three tight ultrafiltration membranes with different cut-off (1, 2.5 and 3.5 kDa) were studied. • Diafiltration was implemented to improve the separation of phenolic compounds from sugars. • Membrane performance was evaluated in terms of productivity and selectivity towards target compounds. • All selected membranes allowed high recovery of phenolic compounds into the retentate. Goji berries represent a valuable source of phenolic compounds with a strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity combined to huge quantities of small sugars. This study was aimed at evaluating the potential of three tight ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) from 1.0 to 3.5 kDa in the fractionation of phenolic compounds from sugars in the aqueous extract of dried goji berries. The aqueous extract produced in optimized conditions of water-to-solid ratio and temperature (6.66 mL/g and 65 °C, respectively) was preliminarily clarified by UF in order to remove suspended solids and colloidal particles. A membrane diafiltration (DF) process was developed in order to fractionate phenolic compounds from sugars with selected UF membranes from the clarified extract. The membrane performance was evaluated in terms of productivity and selectivity towards target compounds. All selected membranes allowed high recovery (more than 80%) of phenolic compounds into the retentate. On the other hand, the yield of carbohydrates increased in the permeate by increasing the diafiltration volume. Among the selected membranes, the 2.5 kDa membrane allowed to reduce the concentration of total carbohydrates from 26.5 up to 2.2 g glucose/L (a reduction of 91.7%) in a diafiltration/batch concentration process producing a concentrated extract enriched in phenolic compounds of interest for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical applications.

Antioxidant activity of banana flesh and antiproliferative effect on breast and pancreatic cancer cells.

Bananas, one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide, are a rich source of valuable phytochemicals. In this study, the antioxidant and the anticancer potential of banana flesh was investigated. Of the four kinds of banana flesh extracts, the hexane extract (HE) had the highest total polyphenol content (2.54 ± 0.60 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (1.69 ± 0.34 mg RE/g), followed by the chloroform fraction, total ethanol extract, and ethanol fraction. HE was found to exert a strong radical scavenging activity on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonicacid) (ABTS•) free radicals. According to the IC50 values in various cancer cell lines, HE was found to possess the greatest cell growth inhibitory potential in human pancreatic cancer PANC‐1 cells and human triple‐negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells. HE induced apoptosis in PANC‐1 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, as evidenced by the appearance of condensation of chromatin, proteolytic activation of caspase‐3 and 7, and increase in the level of the cleaved form of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase protein. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis of HE identified several anticancer compounds including palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, campesterol, stigmasterol, and γ‐sitosterol, supporting the anticancer potential of HE. Our investigation provides a rationale for the use of banana flesh to minimize the risk of cancer‐like diseases.

Antioxidant and antifungal activities &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; of essential oils and extracts of twelve Algerian species of &lt;em&gt;Thymus&lt;/em&gt; against some mycotoxigenic &lt;em&gt;Aspergillus&lt;/em&gt; genera

The aim of the study was to determine the phenolic and flavonoid content of Essential Oils (EOs), chloroform and ethanolic extracts of 12 Algerian Thymus species and evaluate their antioxidant and antifungal activities. EOs (1.73±0.30– 15.00±1.24μg/mg), chloroform extracts (33.8±2.42– 160.93±3.88μg/mg) and ethanol extracts (27.01±3.56 – 148.46±4.40μg/mg) showed considerable phenolic content. Flavonoids values of chloroform extracts ranged between 3.39±0.17 and 20.27±0.29μg/mL while ethanolic extracts values ranged between 2.81±0.11 and 26.64±0.18μg/mg. Results of DPPH showed that EOs, chloroform and ethanolic extracts exhibited strong radical scavenging activity (IC50=21.75±6.54– 338.22±2.99μg/mL, 22.91±5.59–90.93±1.36μg/mL, and 33.51±5.72–103.80±4.54μg/m, respectively). Inhibition of β-carotene bleaching was potentially performed by all EOs (66.48±2.41–94.06±2.68%), chloroform extracts (68.98±1.58– 95.30±1.99%), and ethanolic extracts (62.15±2.51–92.36±1.15%). The antifungal activity of EOs and extracts was tested using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). The EOs (0.1±0.00mg/mL– 1.06±0.46mg/mL), chloroform (0.1±0.00 mg/mL– 1.06±0.46mg/mL) and ethanol (0.1±0.00mg/mL–1.6±0.00 mg/mL) showed remarkable antifungal activity against mycotoxigenic Aspergillus genera. The MFC of EOs (1.0±0.34mg/mL and &gt;4.8mg/mL), chloroform (0.26±0.11mg/mL and &gt;1.6 mg/mL) and ethanol (0.2±0.00mg/mL and &gt;1.6 mg/mL) were fungicidal in nature higher than MICs. The findings of the study indicated that Thymus spp. EOs and extracts could be used as natural alternatives for food industry

Meso-Dihydroguaiaretic Acid Ameliorates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through Inhibiting Neutrophilic Inflammation and Scavenging Free Radical.

The pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is very complex. Patients with ARDS still suffer high mortality rates. Infiltration and activation of neutrophils in lungs are critical pathogenic factors in ARDS. In this study, we demonstrate that meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (MDGA), a natural lignan, inhibits inflammatory responses in human neutrophils and ameliorates ARDS in mice. MDGA inhibited superoxide anion generation and elastase release in various G-protein coupled receptor agonists-induced human neutrophils. However, MDGA did not alter superoxide anion generation and elastase activity in cell-free systems. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of MDGA are mediated by regulating cellular signals in human neutrophils. In consistent with this, MDGA suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in activated human neutrophils. Moreover, MDGA inhibited CD11b expression and adhesion in activated human neutrophils. Interestingly, MDGA reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation but not superoxide anion generation in protein kinase C (PKC) activator-induced human neutrophils, suggesting that MDGA may also have ROS scavenging ability. Indeed, MDGA showed strong free radical scavenging activity in cell-free assays. Significantly, MDGA suppressed PKC-induced neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Additionally, treatment of MDGA attenuated neutrophil infiltration and lung damage on lipopolysaccharide-induced ARDS in mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MDGA has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory effects and free-radical scavenging activity. We also suggest that MDGA has potential to serve as a lead for developing new therapeutics to treat ARDS.

Comparison of Essential Oil Composition, Phenolic Compound and Biological Activities of Salvia microphylla and Teucrium polium (Lamiaceae)

Salvia microphylla and Teucrium polium are medicinal and aromatic plants with ethnobotanical uses. The present study was conducted to investigate the chemical composition of Salvia microphylla and Teucrium polium essential oils, the secondary metabolites, and the biological activities of their infusion and methanolic (MeOH) extracts. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from shoots Salvia microphylla and Teucrium polium. Phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results showed the presence of significant qualitative and quantitative variations for the composition of the both essential oils (EO). Salvia microphylla EO were most complex and present 70 compounds with the major components were β-caryophyllene (13.32%), 1,8 cineole (11.25%), Cis p-Menthane-3-one (10.74%), and β-Selinenol (9.71%). Where in the Teucrium polium EO, 45 compounds were identified with the important components are β-cadinene (10%), β-citronellol (8.5%), Carvacrol (7.63%), and Eugenol (7.15%). Obtained results showed that both plant are very rich in secondary metabolites. Extracts isolated from Salvia microphylla presented the highest contents in the phenolic compound than extracted from Teucrium polium. The antioxidant activity data demonstrated that all extracts showed strong antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. Essential oil and methanol extracts presented a potential for antimicrobial activities against all tested microorganisms. The obtained results highlight the potential use of Salvia microphylla and Teucrium polium as possible natural antioxidant substances and sources of bioactive molecules.

Extraction, Isolation and Characterization by HPLC-ESI-MS and Evaluating Chemical Constituents of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of the Invasive Weed Cleome viscosa L.

The aim of this study was to extract, identify and isolate the chemical constituents of the root and leaves of Cleome viscosa by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). The antioxidant activity and content of associated secondary metabolites in the extracts from different parts of the plant were also measured. The free radical scavenging activity of the methanol extracts of different parts of C viscosa was determined using DPPH assays. A wide range of polar and non- polar compounds were characterized by LC-ESI-MS. Based on the obtained results, 22 and 21 compounds were characterized in the extracts of leaf and root of C viscosa, respectively. Among these compounds, cleomeolide and 57,4′.trihydroxy-6,3.5-trimethoxyflavone, in the leaf extract, and nevirapine and vincetoxicoside A, in the root extract, were considered as main compounds. Phytochemical analysis also showed that the content of bioactive compounds varied remarkably in the extract of different parts of C viscosa. The leaf ethanol extract contained higher amounts of secondary metabolites, namely total phenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was also dependent on the plant parts, which was significantly correlated with the content of bioactive compounds studied. A strong free radical scavenging activity was observed for the methanol extract of the leaf (50.3%), followed by the flower (35.2%). In general, this study confirmed a wide range of compounds in different parts of the invasive weed C viscosa, especially in the leaf, with a high free radical scavenging activity.

Profiling of Polyphenolic Compounds of Leontopodium alpinum Cass Callus Cultures Using UPLC/IM-HRMS and Screening of In Vitro Effects.

Leontopodium alpinum Cass. (edelweiss) is recognized as a frequent constituent of anti-aging skin care products, providing increased antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defense. Considering the growing demand and the protected status of edelweiss in many countries, alternative methods of production have been developed, one of them being callus culturing. This study reports the phytochemical composition of a methanolic extract of L. alpinum callus cultures, characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to ion-mobility high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC/IM-HRMS). The methanolic extract exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity (122.19 ± 7.28 mg AAE/g dw), while the quantitative evaluation revealed that four major constituents (phenylpropanoid derivatives) represent 57.13% (m/m) of the extract. Consequently, a screening of antiproliferative effects was performed on ten cancer cell lines, representative of prostate, colon, lung and breast cancer, showing inhibition of colony formation in all cases. These results provide a comprehensive phytochemical characterization of L. alpinum callus cultures using advanced IM-HRMS, while the in vitro explorations confirmed the potent antioxidant properties of edelweiss which are worth exploring further in cancer prevention.

Protein hydrolysate from duck egg white by Flavourzyme® digestion: Process optimisation by model design approach and evaluation of antioxidant capacity and characteristic properties

Studies on duck egg white (DEW) hydrolysate with potential health benefits are limited despite the fact that duck egg is an excellent source of protein to develop hydrolysate similar to that of a chicken egg. The present communication deals with the optimisation of antioxidant capacity of hydrolyzed protein using Flavourzyme® assisted digestion of DEW, adopting Response surface methodology, for the development of hydrolysate from DEW (R2 = 0.9868). Antioxidant capacity was measured by %ABTS•+ scavenging activity. Hydrolysis for 19.24 h and enzyme/substrate ratio of 320.8 μL (164.4 unit) enzyme/20 mL of DEW were recorded as optimum. The DEW hydrolysate (DEWH) exhibited a maximum %ABTS•+ scavenging activity of 56.9, at a concentration of 10 μL at 52.28 μg mL−1 proteins (15.4 μmol L−1 Trolox equivalent). The DEWH also showed strong peroxyl and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Powder of DEWH was prepared by spray and freeze-drying. The DEWH were analysed by RP-HPLC, SDS-PAGE, SEM and FTIR. The results suggest that hydrolysis of DEW proteins by Flavourzyme® could be exploited for effective utilization of duck eggs to produce natural antioxidant-rich hydrolysate, which could significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the poultry farmers and supplement human nutrition in future.