Superior Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Evaluation of fig-milk dessert bioactive properties as a potential functional food.

The fig-milk dessert, a traditional and nutritionally rich treat infused with bioactive compounds, was subjected to a comprehensive analysis in this study. The novelty of this research lies in the investigation of the invitro antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial potential of the fig-milk dessert. This was accomplished through the utilization of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Annexin/propidium iodide staining, microtiter plate-based assay and agar well diffusion, respectively, for the first time. Additionally, the study assessed the total phenols and flavonoid content of the extract using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the aluminum chloride method, respectively. The findings revealed that the cooking method exerted a significant influence on the bioactive properties and nutritional composition of the dessert. Among the samples analyzed, CM1, consisting of figs steamed for 2 min and milk heated to 70°C, exhibited remarkable characteristics. This sample demonstrated the highest peptide concentration (1290 mg/L), superior antioxidant and anticancer activities, and favorable sensory attributes. Specifically, CM1 induced apoptosis in 84% of AGS cells and inhibited 68% of free radicals in the DPPH assay. It is noteworthy that the fig-milk dessert did not exhibit any antibacterial properties. These discerning results carry substantial implications for the development of functional dairy products endowed with both nutritional and potential therapeutic properties.

Aquaponics as a climate‐smart technology for sustainable food production: A comparison with conventional production system in United Arab Emirates

AbstractThis research aimed to standardize the growth of two commonly cultivated herbs in the United Arab Emirates, basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), within an aquaponic system. The study compared a recirculatory aquaponic system (RAS) with static aquaculture systems (for fish performance) and irrigated greenhouse cultivation systems (for herb performance). The project assessed growth, element composition, and aquaponic efficacy to determine the viability of aquaponics for these herbs. In the soilless (aquaponic) system, both herbs exhibited significantly enhanced growth parameters, including plant height, root length, leaf count, and fresh and dry weights, compared to conventional soil‐based cultivation. This growth enhancement was attributed to the additional nutrients derived from fish waste in the aquaponic system. Furthermore, plants displayed significantly higher element levels, highlighting the effectiveness of aquaponics in nutrient delivery. Notably, the aquaponic system demonstrated superior antioxidant activity in both herbs. The study also revealed remarkable water use efficiency in the aquaponic system, with water savings exceeding 90% compared to conventional methods. These findings establish the efficiency and sustainability of aquaponic systems over traditional food production approaches, particularly in arid regions such as the United Arab Emirates. Utilizing an aquaponic system for these commonly cultivated herbs resulted in improved growth and resource efficiency, affirming its viability as an environmentally sustainable and efficient method of food production in desert climates.

Propriedades biomédicas, caracterização de espécies de algas marinhas e atividade antimicrobiana

Abstract Marine organisms produce a variety of compounds with pharmacological activities. In order to better comprehend the medicinal value of five particular seaweed orders Ulvales (Ulva intestinalis), Bryopsidales (Codium decorticatum), Ectocarpales (Iyengaria stellata), Dictyotales (Spatoglossum aspermum) and Gigartinales (Hypnea musciformis), a bioactive analysis including the screening of phytochemical components, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities was the aim of the investigation. The species include U. intestinalis was collected from Sandspit, while C. decorticatum, I. stellata, S. aspermum, and H. musciformis were gathered from Buleji. These species evaluated for their ability to inhibit human infectious gram positive pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli. Additionally vegetable pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, and fruit pathogens (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus) were evaluated to determine the zone of inhibition. Two organic solvents, ethanol and methanol, were used to prepare seaweed extract. The disc diffusion method was utilized to quantify the zone of inhibition and the DPPH method was employed to measure the antioxidant activity. The study unveiled various phyto-constituents in the tested seaweeds, with flavonoids, tannins, and proteins found in all selected species, while saponins, terpenoids, and carbohydrates were absent in I. stellata and S. aspermum. Notably, ethanolic extracts of I. stellata and S. aspermum demonstrated superior higher antioxidant activity, with increasing percentages of inhibition from 1 to 6 mg/ml. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the ethanolic extract of U. intestinalis displayed the highest resistance against F. oxysporum and A. flavous among other seaweeds. Meanwhile, the ethanolic extract of C. decorticatum exhibited the highest resistance against A. Niger. Additionally, the ethanolic extract of I. stellata and H. musciformis displayed the highest resistance against the gram-negative bacteria E. coli and the gram-positive bacteria S. epidermidis, whereas the methanolic extract of U. intestinalis demonstrated the highest resistance against the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus. The findings of this investigation show that a range of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties are involved in the antimicrobial activities of disease-causing pathogens.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam.): A study on physiological and biochemical properties

This study investigates the physiological and biochemical properties of different sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) varieties grown in the Samarkand soil-climatic conditions and assesses the impact of these varieties on soil enzyme activities. The red, yellow, and white varieties were evaluated for their carbohydrate content, vitamin levels, antioxidant activities, growth parameters, root system development, and enzyme activities, including protease, amylase, and cellulase. Biochemical analysis revealed that the red variety had the highest carbohydrate content (25%) with significant levels of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. It also exhibited the highest vitamin C (30 mg/100g) and vitamin A (8 mg/100g) concentrations as determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant activity, measured using the DPPH assay, was highest in the red variety (85% scavenging activity). Physiological analysis showed that the red variety had superior growth parameters with a height of 35 cm, root length of 20 cm, and biomass of 150 g. It also demonstrated the most developed root system with a root weight of 50 g and root volume of 40 cm³. Enzyme activity assays indicated that the red variety had the highest levels of protease (85 U/mg), amylase (70 U/mg), and cellulase (65 U/mg). The study highlights the significant variations among sweet potato varieties in terms of their nutritional and health-promoting characteristics. The red variety emerged as the most beneficial, exhibiting superior nutritional content, antioxidant activity, and enzyme activities that enhance soil health. These findings underscore the potential of red sweet potatoes in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in regions with challenging environmental conditions.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Water and Methanol Extracts of Oldenlandia corymbosa

Background: Oldenlandia corymbose is a small perennial herb used traditionally to clear toxins, activate blood circulation, and relieve urinary obstruction. Objectives: This study investigated the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of water and methanol extracts of Oldenlandia corymbosa. Materials and Methods: Total phenolic, flavonoids, and tannin contents of Oldenlandia corymbosa were determined using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, Colorimetric AlCl3 method, and spectrophometry method respectively. The antioxidant activities were analyzed using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelating activity (MCA), 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethyl) benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging, and phosphomolybdenum assay (PMA). Results: The total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin of the methanolic extracts were found to be higher than that of the water extracts. The DPPH, FRAP, MCA, ABTS and PMA for the water extracts were found to be 56.05 ± 0.1 %, 0.018 ± 0.002 mg Fe(II) equivalent/g, 0.346 ± 0.04 mg EDTA equivalent/g, 63.67 ± 0.6 mg trolox equivalent/g, 0.82 ± 0.03 ascorbic acid equivalents/g and greater than that of the methanol extract 47.26 ± 0.09 %, 0.009 ± 0.0001 mg Fe(II) equivalent/g, 0.198 ± 0.002 mg EDTA equivalent/g, 62.68 ± 0.7 mg trolox equivalent/g and 0.365 ± 0.008 ascorbic acid equivalents/g respectively. These results show that, though the methanol extracts contain more polyphenolic compounds, the water extract exhibits more antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The water extract of Oldenlandia corymbosa shows superior antioxidant activity due to the synergistic effects of its phytoconstituents than that of methanol extracts and can serve as a natural remedy for managing oxidative stress.

Macronutrient composition, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Pleurotus pulmonarius’s fruiting body vs. stem waste

The increasing cultivation of mushrooms has led to substantial waste production, ranging from 5-20% of total volume mushroom harvested. This study aimed to compare the macronutrient composition and bioactivities of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius), focusing on its stem waste versus fruiting bodies. Macronutrients analyzed include moisture, ash, fat, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates using proximate analysis. Antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH and ABTS assays, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated using microdilution techniques. Results indicated that mushroom stem waste contained significantly higher levels of carbohydrates (46.2 ± 0.69%), ash (8.2 ± 0.04%), and fiber (15.4 ± 0.10%) compared to the fruiting bodies (carbohydrates: 38.1 ± 0.84%, ash: 6.7 ± 0.12%, fiber: 9.1 ± 0.02%). Conversely, the fruiting bodies exhibited superior antioxidant activity with IC50 values ranging from 166.1 to 503.5 μg/mL. Similar minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were observed between both parts, except for E. coli, where the fruiting bodies showed an MIC of 2000 μg/mL compared to 1000 μg/mL for stem waste. In conclusion, this study highlights the bioactive potential of mushroom stem waste and further purification could enhance its suitability for diverse bioactive applications.

Protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice by 3-caffeoylquinic acid isomers isolated from Saxifraga tangutica.

The development of ischemic heart disease (IHD) involves a variety of pathophysiological responses, such as mitochondrial dysfunction. Many compounds with antioxidant activity isolated from natural products have been shown to have significant effects on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the palliative effects of 3-caffeoylquinic acid isomers isolated from Saxifraga tangutica (S. tangutica) on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Three isomers of 3-caffeoylquinic acid were isolated from S. tangutica and identified as neochlorogenic acid (Fr2-4-1-1, 18.5 mg), chlorogenic acid (Fr2-5-1-1, 81.7 mg) and cryptochlorogenic acid (Fr2-5-2-1, 15.0 mg) using medium-pressure liquid chromatography-high-pressure two-dimensional liquid chromatography. An in vitro DPPH assay showed that cryptochlorogenic acid (CCGA), neochlorogenic acid (NCGA) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) (in order of activity from strongest to weakest) possessed superior antioxidant activity. Langendorff's in vitro model was utilized to explore the protective effects of 3 caffeoylquinic acid isomers against MIRI. The ex vivo MIRI assay demonstrated that CCGA significantly improved hemodynamic function (P < 0.05), hemodynamic function-related indices (LVDP, RPP, +dP/dt and -dP/dt), and cell morphology in I/R myocardium tissues. In addition, the results of western blot analysis showed that mitochondrial biogenesis was significantly increased in I/R myocardial tissues after treatment with CCGA. In contrast, the activities of CGA and NCGA were lower. This is the first demonstration of efficient preparative isolation of 3-caffeoylquinic acid isomers (CGA, NCGA and CCGA) from S. tangutica. CCGA may be a promising approach for the treatment of cardiac I/R injury, especially for the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis after MIRI.

A Comparative Study of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of CuO, ZnO and Mixed (CuO/ZnO) Nanoparticles using Cassia alata Flower Extract

In the current scenario, environmental friendly methods of synthesizing nanoparticles and their composites have become a desirable trend. Phytochemicals derived from plant extracts are now being employed as a distinctive method for synthesizing nanoparticles due to their ability to serve as both reducing and capping agents. In present study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and their mixed composites (CuO/ZnO) were synthesized using the flower extract of plant Cassia alata. The synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed by observing the colour change of the reaction mixture and was determined by detecting the surface plasmon resonance band at 280, 320 and 359 nm for CuO, ZnO and CuO/ZnO, respectively. The antioxidant activity of nanoparticles was characterized for DPPH, ABTS, NO and iron reducing power method. In addition, the antibacterial properties of these bioactive nanoparticles were also investigated. The CuO/ZnO nanocomposites showed superior antioxidant and antibacterial activity than CuO and ZnO nanoparticles.

Retarding sunflower oil oxidation during the deep-fat frying of potato chips using micro-encapsulated Convolvulus arvensis Linn leaf phenolic extract

In this research, the extraction of polyphenols from Convolvulus arvensis (CA) leaves was optimized using ethanol (80%) at plant/solvent ratios and extraction times which varied between 1/10 to 1/30 (w/v) and 20 to 120 min, respectively. The extract with the highest polyphenol content was obtained at a ratio of 1/30 and 90 min. At 120 ppm, the preceding extract in either lyophilized (LyCAE) or encapsulated (EnCAE) form was evaluated as an antioxidant during the frying process using sunflower oil in comparison to TBHQ. Frying oil quality indices including refractive index, smoke point, acid value, anisidine value, polar and polymer compounds were monitored throughout frying times. FTIR spectroscopy was used to investigate the changes in trans-fatty acids, hydroperoxides and aldehyde contents. The results showed that the phenolic extract, especially in EnCAE form, exhibited superior antioxidant activity over TBHQ, which consequently led to the utilization of this phenolic extract as an antioxidant in frying oils.

Unlocking the Potential of the ANN Optimization in Sweet Potato Varieties Drying Processes.

This study explores the unexploited potential of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) optimization techniques in enhancing different drying methods and their influence on the characteristics of various sweet potato varieties. Focusing on the intricate interplay between drying methods and the unique characteristics of white, pink, orange, and purple sweet potatoes, the presented experimental study indicates the impact of ANN-driven optimization on food-related characteristics such as color, phenols content, biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory), chemical, and mineral contents. The results unveil significant variations in drying method efficacy across different sweet potato types, underscoring the need for tailored optimization strategies. Specifically, purple sweet potatoes emerge as robust carriers of phenolic compounds, showcasing superior antioxidant activities. Furthermore, this study reveals the optimized parameters of dried sweet potato, such as total phenols content of 1677.76 mg/100 g and anti-inflammatory activity of 8.93%, anti-hyperglycemic activity of 24.42%. The upgraded antioxidant capability is presented through DPPH●, ABTS●+, RP, and SoA assays with values of 1500.56, 10,083.37, 3130.81, and 22,753.97 μg TE/100 g, respectively. Additionally, the moisture content in the lyophilized sample reached a minimum of 2.97%, holding favorable chemical and mineral contents. The utilization of ANN optimization proves instrumental in interpreting complex interactions and unlocking efficiencies in sweet potato drying processes, thereby contributing valuable insights to food science and technology.

Citrus Peel Extracts: Effective Inhibitors of Heterocyclic Amines and Advanced Glycation End Products in Grilled Pork Meat Patties.

In the present study, citrus peels were extracted using various conventional and deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Compared to other citrus peel extracts, the DES extract based on choline chloride showed notably higher total phenolic and flavonoid content levels, along with superior antioxidant activity, among these extracts. Consequently, this study aimed to further investigate the inhibitory effects of the choline chloride based DES extract on the production of both free and bound heterocyclic amines (HAs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in roast pork meat patties. The results indicated that the addition of choline chloride-based DES extracts, particularly the choline chloride-carbamide based DES extract, can effectively reduce the oxidation of lipids and proteins by quenching free radicals. This approach proves to be the most efficient in reducing the formation of both HAs and AGEs, leading to a significant reduction of 19.1-68.3% and 11.5-66.5% in free and protein-bound HAs, respectively. Moreover, the levels of free and protein-bound AGEs were reduced by 50.8-50.8% and 30.5-39.8%, respectively, compared to the control group. Furthermore, the major phenolics of citrus peel extract identified by UHPLC-MS were polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs) including hesperidin, isosinensetin, sinensetin, tetramethoxyflavone, tangeretin, and hexamethoxyflavone, which inferring that these compounds may be the main active ingredients responsible for the antioxidant activity and inhibition effects on the formation of HAs and AGEs. Further research is needed to explore the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of PMFs with different chemical structures on the formation of HAs and AGEs.

Comparative Evaluation of Quality Attributes of the Dried Cherry Blossom Subjected to Different Drying Techniques.

Choosing an appropriate drying method is crucial for producing dried cherry blossoms with desirable quality. This study is designed to assess the effects of seven different drying methods-hot-air drying (HAD), infrared hot-air drying (IHAD), catalytic infrared drying (CID), relative humidity drying (RHD), pulsed vacuum drying (PVD), microwave vacuum drying (MVD), and vacuum freeze drying (VFD)-on drying time and various attributes of cherry blossoms, such as appearance, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase activity, and sensory properties. Our findings revealed that MVD recorded the shortest drying time, followed by PVD, CID, IHAD, RHD, HAD, and VFD. In qualities, VFD-dried petals exhibited superior appearance, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory capability; MVD-dried petals were a close second. Furthermore, the quality of tea infusions prepared from the dried petals was found to be significantly correlated with the quality of the dried petals themselves. Regarding sensory attributes, VFD-dried petals produced tea infusions most similar in flavor and taste to those made with fresh petals and received the highest sensory evaluation scores, followed by MVD, PVD, RHD, CID, IHAD, and HAD. These results could offer a scientific foundation for the mass production of high-quality dried cherry blossoms in the future.

Synthesis and characterization of zinc ion-integrated quercetin delivery system using areca nut seeds nanocellulose

This research introduces an innovative approach utilizing waste-derived cellulose from areca nut seeds. A novel quercetin-loaded cellulose nanofiber (CNF-Zn-QT) composite was synthesized by integrating zinc ions into a cellulose nanofiber-quercetin complex. With a high loading capacity (17.48%) and encapsulation efficiency (90.42%), the optimized CNF-Zn-QT composite exhibited superior antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS+ radicals compared to quercetin alone. Furthermore, the CNF-Zn-QT composite demonstrated a slower in vitro release rate of quercetin, indicating its potential for sustained release applications. Notably, the composite also displayed enhanced antibacterial properties, attributed to the antibacterial nature of zinc ions. In terms of storage, the CNF-Zn-QT composite outperformed the CNF-QT composite in stability, underscoring its promise for long-term applications. This research not only offers a novel perspective on the utilization of areca nut seeds waste but also emphasizes the multifunctional capabilities of the CNF-Zn-QT composite, making it a promising candidate for various applications, including antioxidant and antibacterial products, controlled release systems, and stable storage solutions.

In vitro evaluation of antioxidant potential of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides extracted from three different seaweeds.

Bioactive polysaccharides and oligosaccharides were successfully extracted from three distinct seaweeds: Sargassum sp., Graciallaria sp., and Ulva sp. utilizing various extraction techniques. The obtained polysaccharides and oligosaccharides were subjected to comprehensive characterization, and their potential antioxidant properties were assessed using a Hep G2 cell model. Analysis via FTIR spectroscopy unveiled the presence of sulfate groups in the polysaccharides and oligosaccharides derived from Sargassum sp. The antioxidant capabilities were assessed through various assays (DPPH, ABTS, Fe-ion chelation, and reducing power), revealing that SAR-OSC exhibited superior antioxidant activity than others. This was attributed to its higher phenolic content (24.6μg/mg), FRAP value (36μM Vitamin C/g of extract), and relatively low molecular weight (5.17kDa). The study also investigated the protective effects of these polysaccharides and oligosaccharides against oxidative stress-induced damage in Hep G2 cells by measuring ROS production and intracellular antioxidant enzyme expressions (SOD, GPx, and CAT). Remarkably, SAR-OSC demonstrated the highest efficacy in protecting Hep G2 cells reducing ROS production and downregulating SOD, GPx, and CAT expressions. Current findings have confirmed that the oligosaccharides extracted by the chemical method show higher antioxidant activity, particularly SAR-OSC, and robust protective abilities in the Hep G2 cells.

Evaluating Antioxidant Performance, Biosafety, and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Houttuynia cordata Extract and Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Biogenic Silver Nano-Antibiotics.

From the traditional Chinese medicine point of view, although Houttuynia cordata extract (HCE) possesses an incredible amount of phytonutrients and exhibits antioxidant activities, excessive doses of HCE can cause danger to organisms and lead to death. In this study, we first examine HCE's overall phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant efficacy, and antibacterial activity. Results show that HCE is suitable as a bio-reducing agent for the microwave-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles (HCE-AgNPs) with enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial performance. Under an optimized microwave condition (i.e., 100 °C for 10 min), the HCE-stabilized AgNPs were confirmed with a UV-visible peak at 430 nm and 19.7 ± 4.2 nm in size. Physicochemical properties of HCE-AgNPs were extensively characterized by zeta-potential, FT-IR, XRD, and XPS measurements. Compared to the HC extract counterpart, HCE-AgNPs display superior antioxidant activity, higher DPPH scavenging efficiency, and enhanced broad-spectrum bactericidal activity to inhibit the growth of all tested bacterial strains at doses of 2 μg/mL. Biosafety evaluation indicated that HCE-AgNPs are noncytotoxic on human red blood cells. These data show that the microwave synthesis of AgNPs exhibits a great antioxidant ability, superior antibacterial activity, and a trivial hemolytic effect, providing another bactericidal therapy strategy to address the increasing healthcare-associated infections.

Insoluble dietary fiber from five commercially cultivated edible mushrooms: Structural, physiochemical and functional properties

Mushroom is a high-fiber matrix, with its soluble dietary fiber (SDF) being well identified as prebiotic, leaving the abundant of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) being overlooked. This study aims to evaluate the functional and structural characteristics of IDF from 5 commercial cultivated mushrooms, to help improve their application. The IDF from the five edible mushrooms constitutes 52.49%–86.13% of the total dietary fiber, primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and chitin. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus IDF (PO-IDF) and Agaricus subrufescens IDF (AS-IDF) displayed remarkable absorption ability, presented by the higher water-holding capacity (12.66 g/g and 12.26 g/g), cholate absorption (26.74 mg/g and 26.94 mg/g), and cholesterol absorption (12.42 mg/g and 12.88 mg/g). These are might attributed to their smaller particle size, larger surface area, rough porous surface and relatively loose structure. FTIR analysis revealed that AS-IDF possesses appreciable O–H groups, which can enhance the adsorption performance of the sample. All these characteristics enable PO-IDF and AS-IDF to adsorb substances both physically and chemically. Notably, AS-IDF exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to other samples, attributable to its bound polyphenol. All these results raised the possibility of utilizing mushroom IDF as an economically viable functional food ingredient.

Bioprospecting for Rhizobacteria with the Ability to Enhance Drought Tolerance in Lessertia frutescens.

Lessertia frutescens is a multipurpose medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa that is used for the management of cancer, stomach ulcers, wounds, etc. The use and demand for the raw materials from this plant have been increasing steadily over the years, putting strain on the dwindling wild populations. Although cultivation may provide relief to the strained supply, the persistent drought climate poses a threat to the plant's growth and productivity. This study explored three plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria isolates, TUTLFNC33, TUTLFNC37 and TUTLFWC74, obtained from the root nodules of Lessertia frutescens as potential bioinoculants that can improve yield, biological activities and the production of secondary metabolites in the host plant. Isolate TUTLFNC37 was identified as the most promising isolate for inoculation of Lessertia frutescens under drought conditions as it induced drought tolerance through enhanced root proliferation, osmolyte proline accumulation and stomatal closure. Superior biomass yield, phenolics, triterpenes and antioxidant activity were evident in the extracts of Lessertia frutescens inoculated with TUTLFNC37 and under different levels of drought. Furthermore, the metabolomics of the plant extracts demonstrated the ability of the isolate to withstand drastic changes in the composition of unique metabolites, sutherlandiosides A-D and sutherlandins A-D. Molecular families which were never reported in the plant (peptides and glycerolipids) were detected and annotated in the molecular networks. Although drought had deleterious effects on Lessertia frutescens, isolate TUTLFNC37 alleviated the impact of the stress. Isolate TUTLFNC37 is therefore the most promising, environmentally friendly alternative to harmful chemicals such as nitrate-based fertilizers. The isolate should be studied to establish its field performance, cross infectivity with other medicinal plants and competition with inherent soil microbes.

Assessing the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and enzyme Inhibitory Effects of Pentapleura subulifera and Cyclotrichium glabrescens Extracts.

The Lamiaceae family, encompassing diverse plant species, holds significant value in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Within this family, Pentapleura subulifera and Cyclotrichium glabrescens, relatively unexplored species, were investigated for their chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme-inhibiting effects. The chemical composition of hexane, methanolic, and aqueous extracts from P. subulifera and C. glabrescens were analyzed using LC-ESI-MS/MS and the non-polar hexane fraction was investigated via GC-MS. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was determined through radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating assays. Additionally, inhibitory activity against six enzymes - acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase - was examined. The aqueous extract of P. subulifera and the methanolic extract of C. glabrescens exhibited elevated phenolic content at 129.47 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 55.97 mg GAE/g, respectively. Chemical profiling of the constituents of the two plant species resulted in the identification of a total of twenty compounds. The majority of which belonged to flavonoids and quinic acid derivatives, primarily concentrated in the methanol and aqueous extracts. Among all antioxidant assays, the aqueous extracts of P. subulifera demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, with the highest recorded activity of 404.93 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g in the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) test. Meanwhile, the hexane extract of C. glabrescens exhibited the highest AChE inhibitory activity at 2.71 mg galanthamine equivalent (GALAE)/g, followed by the methanol extract of P. subulifera at 2.41 mg GALAE/g. These findings unequivocally establish the notable antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity of P. subulifera and C. glabrescens extracts, underscoring their potential as a source of valuable natural antioxidants.

DYNAMICS OF THE PHENOLIC CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN SUBMERGED CULTURES OF Xylaria SPECIES

Purpose. This study was conducted to enhance comprehension of the dynamic process of synthesis of phenolic compounds by representatives of the genus Xylaria, and the correlation between phenol content and antioxidant properties found in biomass and culture liquid during submerged cultivation. Methods. Cultivation of Xylaria polymorpha and Xylaria longipes fungal strains from the IBK Mushroom Culture Collection was carried out on a glucose-yeast-peptone nutrient medium under submerged conditions. Harvesting of both biomass and culture liquid was done on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th day of cultivation, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The total phenol content of extracts was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant potential was evaluated through the DPPH assay. Results. Findings revealed that the accumulation of phenolic compounds by fungal species of the Xylaria genus was specified on a strain level. Notably, X. longipes strains exhibited higher production of phenolic constituents compared to X. polymorpha and demonstrated superior antioxidant activity at a specific time of cultivation. Furthermore, a strong correlation was established between the dynamics of polyphenol accumulation and antioxidant activity in both mycelial biomass and culture liquid. Conclusions. Natural phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties were extracted from the biomass and culture liquid of the studied strains. Significantly higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and values of antioxidant activity were found in the biomass compared to the culture liquid. The results indicate that a later day of cultivation is not necessarily equivalent to the production of more phenols, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of the accumulation of these compounds and the dynamic study of related parameters.

Synergistic improvement of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of carbon quantum complexes with zinc doping and chlorogenic acid for longan preservation

The deterioration of fruit could reduce the shelf life, decreased marketability and substantial economic value. Thus, a safe, simple, economical and environmentally friendly preservation technology for fruit is of great significance. Here, the postharvest preservation technology was investigated with zinc-doped carbon quantum dots and chlorogenic acid (Zn-CQDs/CGA) composite. Zn-CQDs/CGA composite were synthesized, which exhibits superior antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The binding mechanism of the Zn-CQDs/CGA composite was investigated, which revealed that the bindings of two components were mainly driven by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces to create a novel composite. The Zn-CQDs/CGA composite was applied to longan preservation and was found to significantly reduce the incidence of mildew spot, browning of fruit endocarp and pulp, as well as the degree of degradation of quality indexes. These results suggest that the Zn-CQDs/CGA composite has the potential for inhibiting browning and preserving the quality of longan during storage.