Strong Antiradical Activity Research Articles

Xeroderris stuhlmannii (Taub.) Mendonça & E.P.Sousa (Fabaceae): Evidence of the antihypertensive and antioxidant activities of its leaf aqueous extract in cadmium chloride hypertensive rats

Xeroderris stuhlmannii (Fabaceae) is a medicinal reported in Cameroonian herbal medicine to treat hypertension. The aim of the study was to assess the antihypertensive and antioxidant activities of X. stuhlmannii aqueous leaf extract (AEXS) on cadmium chloride-induced hypertensive rats. The in vitro antioxidant activities of AEXS were investigated for their radical scavenging potency using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS), Nitric oxide (NO) and OH- assays completed with oxidative stress markers analyses. Antihypertensive activity of AEXS (35, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was assessed in CdCl2 induced-hypertensive rats. Antihypertensive activities performed include systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) variation, followed by evaluation of selected biochemical parameters in urine, blood (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), creatinine, urea and total protein) and histological examination of tissue samples (aorta, heart, kidneys and liver). The amount of the phenols of the leaf extract was estimated in mg gallic acid equivalent and identification of some compounds was done by UPLC-UV-ESI-TOF-MS. Accordingly, the identified phenols were stuhlmannione A (1), formononetin (2), stuhlmarotenoid A (3), 9-methoxymaackiain (4), 4-hydroxymaackiain (5) and 7-hydroxy-3′,4′-methylenedioxy-isoflavone (6). The extract exhibited a significant (P < 0.05–0.001) decrease of SBP, DBP and HR when compare to control. AEXS also reduced (P < 0.05) serum rates of ALT, AST, and urea. The extract showed beneficial effects on alterations observed in the histological structures of the aorta, heart, kidneys and liver. AEXS highlighted high level of phenols (26.48 ± 2.89 mg GAE/g) and a strong antiradical activity on DPPH, ABTS+, OH− and NO with IC50 of 148.8 μg/mL, 27.83 μg/mL, 22.29 μg/mL, 29.84 μg/mL respectively. An optical density of 1.79 nm was obtained with FRAP test. Thus, X. stuhlmannii leaf extract has in vitro antioxidant and antihypertensive effects that may support its use against hypertension.

Exploring the bioactive potential of dried fruit by-products: a focus on hazelnut, peanut, and almond teguments and shells

ABSTRACT Dried fruits are renowned for their nutritional value, particularly their seeds. However, their skins, shells, and hulls also hold significant nutritional and commercial potential, yet remain largely unexplored for their bioactive compounds. This study examines the teguments and shells of three types of dried fruits – hazelnut, peanut, and two almond varieties. Ethanol extracts from these by-products reveal a variety of phytochemicals with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, confirmed through in vitro and in vivo assays. Teguments contain higher polyphenol levels compared to shells, with 24 compounds identified via HPLC analysis. The Achak almond tegument extract demonstrates strong antiradical activity, significant antimicrobial effects, and notable antiviral properties at a low concentration. Moreover, extracts from Achak almond tegument and hazelnut shells exhibit notable anti-inflammatory properties. This underscores the potential of utilizing dried fruit by-products to create innovative, value-added products, supporting environmental sustainability and boosting the competitiveness of the dried fruit industry.

Optimization of Aqueous Extraction of Polyphenols from Cuminum cyminum Seeds Using Response Surface Methodology and Assessment of Biological Activity.

(1) Background: Cumin seeds, extracted from the plant Cuminum cyminum, are abundant in phenolic compounds and have been extensively researched for their chemical makeup and biological effects. The objective of this research is to enhance the water extraction of polyphenols through the water bath (WB) technique and to evaluate the antiradical, antibacterial, and anticancer effects of the extract. (2) Methods: Response Surface Methodology was used to find the best parameters to extract polyphenols. Three experimental parameters, time, temperature, and solid-liquid ratio, were tested. The disc diffusion method has been used to determine the antimicrobial activities against Salmonella Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The antiradical activity was performed using the DPPH method, while total phenolic content was performed using Folin-Ciocalteu. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was conducted to analyze the phytochemical profile of WB extracts. The anticancer activity of the lyophilized extract was assessed against three cancer cell lines (colon (HT29), lung (A549), and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines).; (3) Results: The optimal conditions for water extraction were 130 min at 72 °C. The total phenolic compounds yield (14.7 mg GAE/g DM) and antioxidant activity (0.52 mg trolox eq./mL) were obtained using a 1:40 solid-liquid ratio. The primary polyphenols identified were the flavonoids rutin (0.1 ppm) and ellagic acid (3.78 ppm). The extract had no antibacterial or antifungal activities against the microorganisms tested. The extract showed anticancer activity of about 98% against MCF7 (breast cancer cell line), about 81% against HT29 (colon cancer cell line), and 85% against A549 (lung cancer cell line) at high doses. (4) Conclusions: Extraction time and a high solid-liquid ratio had a positive impact on polyphenol recovery and in maintaining their quantity and quality. Furthermore, the optimal aqueous extract exhibited strong antiradical activity reflected by the inhibition of free radicals in addition to a significant specificity against the tested cancer cell lines.

Hypericum alpestre extract exhibits in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties by regulating the cellular antioxidant system and metabolic pathway of L-arginine.

Conventional treatment methods are not effective enough to fight the rapid increase in cancer cases. The interest is increasing in the investigation of herbal sources for the development of new anticancer therapeutics. This study aims to investigate the antitumor capacity of Hypericum alpestre (H. alpestre) extract in vitro and in vivo, either alone or in combination with the inhibitors of the l-arginine/polyamine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway, and to characterize its active phytochemicals using advanced chromatographic techniques. Our previous reports suggest beneficial effects of the arginase inhibitor NG-hydroxy-nor- l-arginine and NO inhibitor NG-nitro-Larginine methyl ester in the treatment of breast cancer via downregulation of polyamine and NO synthesis. Here, the antitumor properties of H. alpestre and its combinations were explored in vivo, in a rat model of mammary gland carcinogenesis induced by subcutaneous injection of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. The study revealed strong antiradical activity of H. alpestre aerial part extract in chemical (DPPH/ABTS) tests. In the in vitro antioxidant activity test, the H. alpestre extract demonstrated pro-oxidant characteristics in human colorectal (HT29) cells, which were contingent upon the hemostatic condition of the cells. The H. alpestre extract expressed a cytotoxic effect on HT29 and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells measured by the MTT test. According to comet assay results, H. alpestre extract did not exhibit genotoxic activity nor possessed antigenotoxic properties in HT29 cells. Overall, 233 substances have been identified and annotated in H. alpestre extract using the LC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS system. In vivo experiments using rat breast cancer models revealed that the H. alpestre extract activated the antioxidant enzymes in the liver, brain, and tumors. H. alpestre combined with chemotherapeutic agents attenuated cancer-like histological alterations and showed significant reductions in tumor blood vessel area. Thus, either alone or in combination with Nω -OH-nor- l-arginine and Nω -nitro- l-arginine methyl ester, H. alpestre extract exhibits pro- and antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic effects.

Promising Role of the Scutellaria baicalensis Root Hydroxyflavone–Baicalein in the Prevention and Treatment of Human Diseases

Plant roots, due to a high content of natural antioxidants for many years, have been used in herbal medicine. It has been documented that the extract of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has hepatoprotective, calming, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoid compounds found in the extract, including baicalein, have strong antiradical activity, which improves overall health and increases feelings of well-being. Plant-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity have for a long time been used as an alternative source of medicines to treat oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we summarized the latest reports on one of the most important aglycones with respect to the pharmacological activity and high content in Baikal skullcap, which is 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (baicalein).

Calotropis Procera Root Extract’s Anti-diabetic and Hepatoprotective Therapeutic Activity in Alloxan-induced Pancreatic Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Background: Studies suggest that herbal remedies may serve as functional anti-diabetic agents. This study investigated the therapeutic role of Calotropis procera aqueous-methanol root extract in hyperglycaemic and hepatopathy disorders in Wistar rats after exposure to alloxan. This compound destroys pancreatic β-cells and produce diabetes in experimental animals. Methods: Spectrophotometric methods were used to assay the antioxidants and biochemical parameters while histological examinations were employed to assess the structural changes in the harvested tissue under light microscopy. Results: The secondary metabolites were quantified by spectrochemistry methods. The extract was rich in flavonoids and low in terpenoids, and contained ursolic acid, lupeol and oleanolic acid. The extract’s strong anti-radical activity was due to its low IC50 values. The extract suppressed α-amylase more than α-glucosidase activity by 3.99%, and the blood glucose declined in the diabetic group by 64.25%. The malondialdehyde level was low in the treated group while it declined significantly in the normal group. The superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione levels were also low in the untreated versus the treated group. There were reduced activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase; however, the albumin and total protein levels increased mildly in the treated compared to the untreated group. The liver and pancreas histology revealed normal hepatocyte and β-islet architecture in the treated group as opposed to blood vessels congestion and β cells necrosis in the untreated group.

Synergistic Effect of Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Lemon (Citrus limon) Blended Essential Oils Optimized by Mixture Design for Improving the Antioxidant Activity

Background: Combining various essential oils (EOs) for developing pharmaceutical formulations has been the focus of attention in recent years. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the antioxidant effect of the combination of three Eos obtained from clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), lemon peel (Citrus limon L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) by using mixture design. Methods: The EOs of lemon peel (EOL), clove (EOC), and thyme (EOT) as well as their combination were analyzed using a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (GC/FID). The antioxidant activities of the EOs from EOL, EOC, and EOT as well as their combination were measured adopting DPPH assay. The construction and statistical analysis of the experiment were designed using the NemrodW (LPRAI, version 2000) software. Results: EOL, EOC, and EOT were found capable of neutralizing DPPH radical. EOC was distinguished by its strongest antiradical activity with IC50=15.02±0.02 µg/mL. EOT had an IC50=29.20±0.12 µg/mL while EOL had 188.69±0.95 µg/mL. The positive standard BHT was detected to be IC50=24±0.02 µg/ mL. The optimal, combinative mixture of essential oils may have been determined based on these isoresponse curves which allowed fixing the ideal combinations of ingredient in terms of quantity to obtain an EO mixture possessing appreciable and optimal antioxidant characteristics. The predicted antioxidant properties determined by the mixing plan model were retained and the experiments were carried out respecting the contents of proposed ingredients of 25.7% EOT, 32.3% EOL, and 41.9% EOC equivalent to 15.42 mg, 19.38 mg and 25.14 mg, respectively. This resulted in arriving at an essential oil mixture with an experimental IC50=11.023±0.145 µg/mL which was similar to those of the predicted antioxidant properties with an order of 10.907±0.212 µg/mL and a non-significant difference of P&lt;0.05, based on which the validity of the proposed mixing plan model was determined. The combined EO was also found to be rich in eugenol (32.35±1.13%), thymol (25.49±0.03%), and limonene (21.30±0.02%). Conclusion: Statistical planning and the development of utility profiles for mixtures of essential oils may have been used to predict the optimal composition as well as to determine their antioxidant profile.

Phytochemical profile, in vitro antioxidant, and anti-protein denaturation activities of Curcuma longa L. rhizome and leaves

Abstract Curcuma longa L. is a famous spice cultivated in many countries with significant variations reported in its phytochemical contents and biological potential. For the first time, the present work is aimed to identify the major phytochemicals present in methanol:chloroform (MC) and petroleum ether (PE) extracts of Curcuma longa rhizome and leaves (by determining polyphenols and GC/MS analysis), and their in-vitro antioxidant and anti-protein denaturation potential. Results showed that the highest value (P &lt; 0.05) of polyphenolic content was in MC extract of rhizome (51.46 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g) followed by 31.20 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g in MC leaves extract. The strong antiradical activity was evaluated in MC extract of rhizome with IC50 value of 92 ± 0.02 µg/mL. MC extracts of both the rhizome and leaves exerted a potent inhibitory effect against protein denaturation with IC50 values of 106.21 ± 0.53 and 108.06 ± 4.67 μg/mL (P &gt; 0.5), respectively. GC/MS analysis showed that α-tumerone was the main component in the rhizome oil (32.44%), whereas in the leaf oil, palmitic acid was the prominent constituent (28.33%) and α-phellandrene recorded a comparable percentage (7.29). In conclusion, C. longa is a valuable source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory constituents, as indicated by its high polyphenolic content and by its considerable in vitro antiradical and anti-protein denaturation potential.

Antiradical activity, total phenolic, and total flavonoids extract and fractions of pumpkin (Cucurbita moshata Duch) leaves

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moshata Duch) is one of the Cucurbitaceae plants, which traditionally used to treat skin diseases, measles, jaundice, insomnia, cancer and enhances endurance. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the potential of pumpkin leaves as antiradical. This research aim was to examine the antiradical activity and total phenolic and total flavonoids of pumpkin leaves extract and its fractions using the DPPH method and determined the phenolic and flavonoid contents. Pumpkin leave powder was extracted with methanol. Furthermore, water was added into methanol extract, and be partitioned using n-hexane and ethyl acetate to obtain n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water fractions. The antiradical activities of pumpkin leave extract and fractions were determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhidrazyl) method. Ethyl acetate fraction obtained higher antiradical activities (IC50 6.737±0.196 µg/mL). Correlation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents to inhibit DPPH radical showed that phenolic and flavonoid contents on pumpkin leaves could be inhibited DPPH radical R2 = 0.8994 and R2 = 0.9061, respectively. Extracts and fraction pumpkin leaves show strong antiradical activity with DPPH methods, so their potential as antiradical can developed and can be used as a functional food.

Determination of Antiradical Activity, Total Phenolic, and Total Flavonoid Contents of Extracts and Fractions of Langsat (Lansium domesticum Coor.) Seeds

Lansium domesticum Coor. is a fruit species from the Meliaceae family, which is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Local citizens call it langsat, longkong, or duku and have used it as traditional medicine. The seeds of L. domesticum are used as a fever medicine, its bark is used to treat scorpion sting, and its leaves are used to repel mosquitoes. Because of its various uses, it is necessary to explore the antiradical potential of L. domesticum seeds. This study aims to determine the antiradical potential of L. domesticum seeds extract and fractions by using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and to discover compounds that act as antiradical. Lansium domesticum seed powder was macerated with methanol, and then the extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator and fractionated by n-hexane and ethyl acetate. The antiradical assay was conducted on extract and fractions by using DPPH radicals. Phenolic and flavonoid contents from extract and fractions were also tested. The ethyl acetate fraction obtained strong antiradical potential with an IC50 value of 8.938 � 0.031 �g/mL. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of ethyl acetate fraction were higher with values ??of 58.25 � 0.501 mgGAE/g sample and 75.123 � 0.175 mgQE/g sample, respectively. Correlation of phenolic and flavonoid contents, which inhibited radicals had R2 values ??of 0.9182 and 0.7658. Ethyl acetate fraction of L. domesticum seeds had very strong antiradical activity. Further isolation is expected to be conducted to discover which compounds are the most responsible as antiradical.

Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Properties of Algerian Alkanna tinctoria aerial part Extracts

Objective: Evaluation of the polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins contents of different aqueous extracts of the aerial part of Alkanna tinctoria and their antioxidant activities. &#x0D; Methodology: Three extracts; decoction, macerate and infusion of the aerial part of Alkanna tinctoria were prepared. The content of total polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins of the extracts was carried out and antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH (2,2’-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl), β-carotene bleaching and iron chelation tests.&#x0D; Results : The results showed that Infusion (Inf) was the richest in total polyphenols (189.66 ± 30.77 mg EGA / g of dried extract) and flavonoids (26.80 ± 8.37 mg EQ / g of dried extract). While the content of tannins is almost the same for Dec and Inf (40.27 ± 15.00, 40.25 ± 18.27 mg ETA / g of dried extract). Moreover, the two extracts Inf (IC50 of 0.09 ± 0.0015 mg / ml) and Dec (IC50 of 0.17 ± 0. 031 mg / ml) showed a very strong anti-radical activity towards the radical DPPH. In the β-carotene bleaching test, Inf and Dec showed a significant inhibitory activity of peroxidation with values ​​of 100% and 99.8% and are more effective compared to BHT (98.15%). Dec and Mac showed strong chelating activity with IC50s of 0.003 ± 0.0002 mg / ml and 0.005 ± 0.00008 mg / ml respectively. These chelating activities remain higher than EDTA.&#x0D; Conclusion: It may be concluded that the extracts of the aerial part of Alkanna tinctoria exhibit significant both content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity.&#x0D; Keywords: Alkanna tinctoria, polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity.

Synthesis, DNA/RNA-interaction and biological activity of benzo[k,l]xanthene lignans

Interactions of two newly synthesized and six previously reported benzoxanthene lignans (BXLs), analogues of rare natural products, with DNA/RNA, G-quadruplex and HSA were evaluated by a set of spectrophotometric methods. Presence/absence of methoxy and hydroxy groups on the benzoxanthene core and minor modifications at C-1/C-2 side pendants – presence/absence of phenyl ring and presence/absence of methoxy and hydroxy groups on phenyl ring – influenced the fluorescence changes and the binding strength to double-stranded (ds-) and G-quadruplex structures. In general, compounds without phenyl ring showed stronger fluorescence changes upon binding than phenyl-substituted BXLs. On the other hand, BXLs with an unsubstituted phenyl ring showed the best stabilization effects of G-quadruplex. Circular dichroism spectroscopy results suggest mixed binding mode, groove binding and partial intercalation, to ds-DNA/RNA and end-stacking to top or bottom G-tetrads as the main binding modes of BXLs to those targets. All compounds exhibited micromolar binding affinities toward HSA and an increased protein thermal stability. Moderate to strong antiradical scavenging activity was observed for all BXLs with hydroxy groups at C-6, C-9 and C-10 positions of the benzoxanthene core, except for derivative bearing methoxy groups at these positions. BXLs with unsubstituted or low-substituted phenyl ring and one derivative without phenyl ring showed strong growth inhibition of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. All compounds showed moderate to strong tumor cell growth-inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity.

Anticancer Potential and Capsianosides Identification in Lipophilic Fraction of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

This study aimed to determine the health-promoting properties of sweet pepper by comparing the activity of fractions with variable lipophilicity. Fractions from red pericarp: aqueous (F1), 40% MeOH (F2), and 70% MeOH (F3) were analyzed for antiradical activity (with DPPH• and ABTS+•), and the contents of total phenolic compounds (TP), flavonoids (TF), and dihydroxycinnamic acids (TDHCA). The anticancer potential of the fractions was evaluated in vitro using different cancer cell lines: human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) and PC-3 (prostate cancer cell). Fibroblast-like cells of L929 obtained from subcutaneous adipose tissue of mouse were used as normal cells. The highest content of TP, TF, and TDHCA along with the strongest antiradical activity was observed for fraction F2, while the strongest anticancer properties against PC-3 were observed in fraction F3. Fraction F3 primarily contained capsianoside derivatives, which had been isolated through chromatographic methods and identified by spectral methods. These analyses helped in identifying 8 compounds, including 3 new compounds.

Phytochemical Contents of Salvia grossheimii SOSN. Species Extract and Its Protective Effect on Alcohol-Induced Fatty Liver in Rats

Background: Researchers are interested in finding new agents with natural sources to cure oxidant-induced diseases. Objectives: The study aimed at determining the antioxidant potential and protective effect of S. grossheimii extract against alcohol-induced fatty liver. Methods: This experimental study was performed in Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran. In 2016 - 2017. The sample size was determined to include 22 male Wistar rats (150 - 200 g) using Morgan’s table. In total, 18 rats were divided into three different groups to receive (1) 1 mL water daily (control), (2) 1 mL alcohol daily (alcohol group), and (3) 1 mL extract (500 mg/kg) and alcohol daily (alcohol + extract). Tissue and blood samples were obtained to determine the protective effect of S. grossheimii extract against alcohol-induced fatty liver by histological and biochemical examinations. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results: The extract possessed stronger antiradical activity (IC50: 0.102 ± 0.002 mg/mL) than Vitamin C (IC50: 0.162 ± 0.009 mg/mL). The histological studies found liver tissue injury in group 2 and biochemical examinations indicated significantly lower (P < 0.05) total protein content (0.205 ± 0.002 mg/g.W.t) and superoxide dismutase (42.11 ± 0.18 U protein/min) enzyme tissue activity than group 1 (TP: 0.236 ± 0.003 mg/g.W.t and SOD: 62.22 ± 0.90). In addition, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than group 1. Also, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum enzyme levels (314.33 IU/L) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in alcohol-treated animals than in group 1 (152.33 IU/L). However, these injuries were remarkably lower (P < 0.05) in animals treated by the extract (group 3). Conclusions: The results demonstrated the strong pharmaceutical activity of S. grossheimii extract to apply as a new antioxidant agent, especially for the treatment of fatty liver.

The antitoxic effects of quercetin and quercetin-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles (QNPs) against H2O2-induced toxicity in PC12 cells.

BackgroundWe recently showed that quercetin-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles (QNPs) promoted the bioavailability of quercetin (Qu) in the brain of rats and improved the learning and memory of diabetic rats. In this study, we characterized the modifications in the antitoxic effects of Qu after conjugation.Materials and methodsWe conjugated Qu to dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (DNPs) and characterized DNPs and QNPs using FTIR, XRD, DLS, Fe-SEM, and EDX analyzes. The antiradical properties of Qu, DNPs, and QNPs were compared by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity assay. Catalase-like activities of DNPs and QNPs were estimated using catalase activity assay kit, and the antitoxic effects of Qu and QNPs were evaluated with spectrophotometry, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and real-time q-PCR.ResultsQu had a stronger anti-radical activity than DNPs and its activity decreased after being conjugated to DNPs. The catalase-like activity of DNPs remained intact after conjugation. DNPs had less toxicity on PC12 cells viabilities as compared to free Qu, and the conjugation of Qu with DNPs attenuated its cytotoxicity. Furthermore, MTT assay results indicated 24 h pretreatment with Qu had more protective effects than QNPs against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity, while Qu and QNPs had the same effects for 48 and 72 h incubation. Although the total antioxidant capacity of Qu was attenuated after conjugation, the results of flow cytometry and real-time q-PCR confirmed that 24 h pretreatment with the low concentrations of Qu and QNPs had the similar antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects against the cytotoxicity of H2O2.ConclusionQu and QNPs showed the similar protective activities against H2O2-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. Given the fact that QNPs have magnetic properties, they may serve as suitable carriers to be used in neural research and treatment.

Green biotechnology for valorisation of residual biomasses in nutraceutic sector: Characterization and extraction of bioactive compounds from grape pomace and evaluation of the protective effects in vitro

The grape pomace (GP) is an important by-product of winemaking, accounting for about 13-25% of the grapes processed. The aim of this work was to investigate the nutritional and antioxidant composition of GP obtained from Nero d’Avola (NA) grape, one of the most important indigenous varieties in Italy, in order to verify application in nutraceutics. Seeds and skin of the GP were studied for their nutritional and antioxidants composition, fatty acid and polyphenols profile, bioactives properties in vitro, by gravimetric, spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques. The results showed that NAGP seeds are rich in the beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids and that the polyphenols extracted from the GP skin present a strong antiradical and antiproliferative activity, attested also in vitro, in human skin fibroblast (HS-68) and in hepatoma cell line (Hep-G2). Obtained results underline the possibility to employ this residual biomass for nutraceuticals application, contributing also to increase the sustainability.

Secondary Metabolites and Antiradical Activity of Liquid Fermentation of Morchella sp. Isolated from Southwest China.

Morels famous for their taste and nutrition are in short supply all over the world although they were considered as one of the most highly prized edible and medicinal mushrooms. Because of the limitation of resource and cultivation technology, fermentation of edible mushroom was gradually applied to nutrient, bioactivity and breeder seed preparation. At present, there are more reports on sugar and amino acid but less on other components. Morchella sp. YDJ-ZY-1 was isolated from the wild fruiting body by the spores releasing method in Zunyi Guizhou province in Southwest China and identified based on phenotype and genotype characteristics. Chemical compositions of YDJ-ZY-1 were investigated from liquid fermentation that will lay the foundation for further development and utilization. Four pyranoids (1–4) and 2-(1-oxo-2-hydroxyethyl) furan (5), linoleic acid (6), Morelin (2-hydroxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester, (7) and 1-O-β-d-ribofuranose-Morelin (8) were obtained from EtOAc extraction and elucidated by spectral data. Product 4 and 8 were new compounds and 7 was isolated from nature for the first time. Antiradical activity was evaluated by free radical scavenging effect on DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-Diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl). Compound 5 exhibited strong antiradical activity while compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate activity. Thus, incubation of Morchella sp YDJ-ZY-1 separated from the wild fruit body afforded eight compounds. Secondary metabolites with new structures were mined from fermentation of Morchella sp. and antiradical activity was evaluated.

Smectite clay KSF as effective catalyst for oxidation of m-tyrosol with H2O2 to hydroxytyrosol

A successful procedure to demonstrate the ability to produce high-added value phenolic hydroxytyrosol by oxidation of m-tyrosol was developed, using clay KSF/H2O with peroxide hydrogen to afford excellent yields (more than 60%). Three different operating parameters, including m-tyrosol, H2O2 concentration and amount of catalyst were performed using an experimental design methodology “Box–Behnken” for hydroxytyrosol production. All derivative compounds in reaction mixture during reaction time were identified using mass spectrometry. Hydroxytyrosol 3,4-dihydroxystyrene; 3-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid and 2.5-dihydroxyphenylethanol were the major compounds. By means of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH method, the antioxidant activity was realized, indicating that the strongest antiradical activity (IC50% = 21.57 mg/mL) was detected when the concentration of hydroxytyrosol is higher. The developed synthesis, investigated for the first time, is operationally simple and could find application for industrial purposes.

Japanese Quince Chaenomeles Japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach Leaves a New Source of Antioxidants for Food

ABSTRACTJapanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.)) is a very important ornamental plant that is rich in many biochemical compounds such as antioxidants and secondary metabolites that have positive effects on human health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biochemical compounds in the leaves of three Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.)) Lindl. ex Spach cultivars (ʻRasaʼ, ʻDariusʼ and ʻRondoʼ). The results showed that the leaves of Japanese quince have strong antiradical activity (1091 ± 22–1135 ± 15 µmol TE/g) in the CUPRAC reaction system. The analysis by the HPLC method revealed that the major polyphenol group in Japanese quince cultivars leaves was phenolic acids and the most common polyphenol compound is chlorogenic acid (11.2– 52.4 mg/g DW). The most common triterpene is ursolic acid (3.7– 6.8 mg/g DW). Japanese quince leaf powder can be used as a food or beverage additive and enriches our diet with compounds with strong antioxidant activity.

Phenolic compounds, chromatic characteristics and antiradical activity of plum wines

ABSTRACTThe operations applied in plum processing and in the production of plum wine can significantly affect the content and activity of biologically active compounds extracted from the raw material. The aim of this study was to assess the composition of phenolic compounds, chromatic characteristics and antiradical activity of plum wines produced from three plum varieties (Čačanska rana, Čačanska lepotica and Požegača) commonly grown in Serbia. Čačanska lepotica wine was characterised by the highest content of total phenols, total anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols, the highest colour intensity (CI) and the strongest antiradical activity against DPPH free radicals. A significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.828–0.905) between the antiradical activity and the content of total phenolics and total anthocyanins was determined. Peonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, peonidin-3-rutinoside, chlorogenic and caffeic acids and rutin were identified as the main polyphenols in plum wines.