TAC Assays Research Articles

Effect of Two Drying Methods on the Bioactive Cashew Apple Varieties Consumed in the City of Garoua (Northern Cameroon)

Aims: The cashew tree (family Anacardiaceae) grows widely in many parts of African countries, including Cameroon. Its fruit and nut are used for food and several studies have shown their beneficial effects on health. This work aimed to evaluate the impact of two drying methods on the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.
 Methodology: Four varieties (VAR 1, VAR 2, VAR 3, VAR 4) of cashew apple samples were collected and drying using sun-dried and oven-dried to a constant weight, and then ground in a blender to a powder, the fresh one was cut up and crushed in a blender. All sample were reconstituted with distilled water and polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids contents, and antioxidant activity through different mechanisms (DPPH radical, FRAP and TAC assays) were assessed.
 Results: Alkaloids ranged from 1.50 mg EQui/g MF to 5.69 mg EQui/g DM for fresh and oven-dried VAR 1 respectively, polyphenols ranged from 786.15 mg EAG/g MF to 2836.92 mg EAG/g DM for fresh and oven-dried VAR 1 respectively, flavonoids ranged from 8.18 mg EAG/g MF to 295.45 mg EAG/g DM for fresh and oven-dried VAR 2 respectively. TAC values ranged from 13.09 mg EAA/g MF to 67.06 mg EAA/g for fresh and oven-dried VAR3 and VAR2 respectively. The highest DPPH radical scavenging value (86.25%) was obtained with fresh VAR 4 and the lowest (25.67%) with fresh VAR 1. The highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was obtained with fresh VAR 1 and VAR 3 (0.27 mg AAE/g MF) and the lowest with VAR 3 and VAR 4 oven-dried (0.23 mg AAE/g MF).
 Conclusion: In conclusion, the different cashew varieties studied in this work are a good source of antioxidants. The drying method significantly affects bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. A weak but not significant correlation was obtained between the number of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities.

Redox-modulation, Suppression of “Oncogenic” Superoxide and Induction of Apoptosis in Burkitt’s Lymphoma Cells Using Geum urbanum L. Extracts

Burkitt’s lymphoma is a highly aggressive type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, linked to the Epstein-Barr virus, which induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in the infected cells. We investigated the cytotoxicity and redox-modulating ability of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) extracts from Geum urbanum L. roots and aerial parts on Burkitt`s lymphoma cells (BLC), to elucidate their impact on oxidative stress and cell survival. BLC Raji was treated with EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts to analyze: cell viability; induction of apoptosis; hydroperoxides and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) by 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein assay; superoxide by dihydroethidium assay; total antioxidant capacity by TAC assay. All extracts suppressed cell growth and induce apoptosis. n-BuOH extracts possessed higher cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity compared to EtOAc. The fractions decreased the hydroperoxides and RNS levels. There was no correlation between the DCF fluorescence in the treated cells and their viability (R = -0.3722; p > 0.05). Root extracts decreased the superoxide level, while the leaf extracts did not. There was a good correlation between the dihydroethidium fluorescence in the treated cells and their viability (R = 0.9843; p < 0.01). All extracts increased the TAC of BLC. G. urbanum extracts serve as redox-modulators and anti-inflammatory compounds, decreasing the intracellular level of “oncogenic” superoxide and cell proliferation.

Ursane-Type Triterpenes, Phenolics and Phenolic Derivatives from Globimetula braunii Leaf.

Globimetula braunii is a hemi-parasitic plant used in African ethnomedicine for the management of microbial infections, rheumatic pain and tumors amongst others. We report the isolation and characterization of eight compounds with their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The air-dried powdered leaf was macerated in EtOH/H20 (4:1). The extract was solvent-partitioned into n-hexane, EtOAc, n-BuOH and aqueous fractions. The fractions were screened for their antioxidant properties, using DPPH, FRAP, TAC and FIC assays. Antimicrobial analysis was performed using the micro-broth dilution method. The active EtOAc fraction was purified for its putative compounds on a repeated silica gel column chromatography monitored with TLC-bioautography. The isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods of UV, FT-IR, NMR and MS. Eight compounds (1–8) were isolated and characterized as 13,27-cycloursane (1), phyllanthone (2), globraunone (3), three phenolics: methyl 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate (4), methyl 3-methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (5) and guaiacol (6), as well as two phenol derivatives: 4-formaldehyde phenone (7) and 6-methoxy-2H-inden-5-ol (8). The study identified 4 and 6 as natural antioxidant compounds with potential as antimicrobial agents.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and in vitro investigation of antimicrobial potential of Dittrichia viscosa L. leaf extracts against nosocomial infections

Dittrichia viscosa L., is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, and this study was performed to investigate the chemical composition of its extract, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Total phenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and tannins contents (TTC), were quantified using colorimetric methods in two extracts (EtOH and ACE). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH scavenging, phosphomolebdenum test (TAC) and ferric reducing power assay (FRAP). The antimicrobial activity was determined against six nosocomial pathogens: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, using disc diffusion method and microdilution assay. The ACE and EtOH extracts had similar TPC: 151.18 ± 1.57 and 127.09 ± 15,81 mg GAE/ g DW. TFC & TTC recorded were also closely matched. The chemical composition revealed the presence of 18 phytochemical compounds with a total of 99.91%, where trimethylsilyl-meso-inositol (20.54%) was the major compound, followed by 5(4H)-Thebenidinone (16.80%). Both extracts showed high radical scavenging activity with an IC50 equal to 12.54 ± 0.2 μg/mL for EtOH, and 7.84 ± 0.1 μg/mL for ACE in DPPH test. In the FRAP test, we recorded an EC50 of 6.37 ± 0,012 mg/mL for EtOH, and 6 ± 0.022 mg/mL for ACE. The ACE presented higher antioxidant capacity (253.52 ± 2.98 mg AAE/g) compared to EtOH (189.14 ± 4,86 mg AAE/g) in the TAC assay. The higher inhibition zone was observed on B. subtilus (13 ± 0.1 mm) for EtOH, and the ACE was more effective on S. enterica (13.3 ± 0.08 mm). All the microbial strains were sensitive for both extracts, with MICs ranging from 0.93 mg/mL to 15 mg/mL.

Comparative study among Avicennia marina, Phragmites australis, and Moringa oleifera based ethanolic-extracts for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities.

Microbial resistance and other emerging health risk problems related to the side effects of synthetic drugs are the major factors that result in the research regarding natural products. Fruits, leaves, seeds, and oils-based phyto-constituents are the most important source of pharmaceutical products. Plant extract chemistry depends largely on species, plant components, solvent utilized, and extraction technique. This study was aimed to compare the ethanolic extracts of a mangrove plant, i.e., Avicennia marina (1E: Lower half of A. marina‘s pneumatophores, 2E: A. marina‘s leaves, 3E: Upper half of A. marina‘s pneumatophores, and 4E: A. marina‘s shoots), with non-mangrove plants, i.e., Phragmites australis (5E: P. australis‘s shoot), and Moringa oleifera (6E: M. oleifera‘s leaves) for their antimicrobial activities, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity potential. The antimicrobial activity assays were performed on gram-positive bacteria (i.e., Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and fungi (i.e., Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Rhizopus spp.). We estimated antioxidant activity by TAC, DPPH, and FRAP assays, and the cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. The results of antimicrobial activities revealed that B. subtilis was the most sensitive to the tested plant extracts compared to S. aureus, while it only showed sensitivity to 6E and Imipenem. 5E and 6E showed statistically similar results against P. aeruginosa as compared to Ceftazidime. E. coli was the most resistant bacteria against tested plant extracts. Among the tested plant extracts, maximum inhibition activity was observed by 6E against A. niger (22 ± 0.57 mm), which was statistically similar to the response of 6E against C. albicans and 3E against Rhizopus spp. 2E did not show any activity against tested fungi. We found that 6E (208.54 ± 1.92 mg g−1) contains maximum phenolic contents followed by 1E (159.42 ± 3.22 mg g−1), 5E (131.08 ± 3.10 mg g−1), 4E (i.e., 72.41 ± 2.96 mg g−1), 3E (67.41 ± 1.68 mg g−1), and 2E (48.72 ± 1.71 mg g−1). The results depict a significant positive correlation between the phenolic contents and the antioxidant activities. As a result, phenolic content may be a natural antioxidant source.

Assessment of phytochemical screening, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity of leaves and stems extract from Adenocarpus bacquei and its essential oil antioxidant activity

The researchers’ focus has recently been directed towards finding new natural antioxidants especially those originated from plants. This work is about the screening of phytochemical constituents and the variation of total phenolic and flavonoid content for different parts of Adenocarpus bacquei (leaves and stems) harvested from Morocco. It regards also extracting its essential oil , analyzing its chemical composition by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) which reveals the presence of 25 compounds where the major one is the (+)-2-Bornanone (38.26%) followed by Eucalyptol (27.74%).Yet, this essential oil proved great antioxidant capacities measured with TAC and DPPH assays. On the other hand, the phytochemical analysis of Adenocarpus bacquei‘s leaves and stems showed the existence of principal groups of secondary metabolites (tannins, flavonoids, mucilage, oses and holosides sterols and triterpenes and combined antraquinons). Quantifying total phenolic and flavonoid content of different crudes extracts of leaves and stems of Adenocarpus bacquei was done using solvents with different polarity (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl-acetate, ethanol and water). These crude extracts’ total antioxidant activity and radical scavenging activity were respectively evaluated with the phosphomolybdenum and DPPH assays. Therefore, the results showed a simultaneous increasing in total phenolic content of crude extract and the solvent polarity. Yet, the aqueous leaves extract indicates the highest TPC. Also, the results show a significant positive correlation between TAC and DPPH assay in relation with the total phenolic and flavonoid content. These results revealed the powerful capacity of Adenocarpus bacquei’s essential oil and crudes extracts which comes to conclude that Adenocarpus bacquei can be a natural resource of antioxidants.

Persicaria strigosa (R.Br.) Nakai: a natural anthelmintic?

Persicaria strigosa (R.Br.) Nakai. (Family Polygonaceae) is an important plant of Assam, having several ethnobotanical uses. Tribal communities consume leaf extracts to cure helminth infection. The present study investigated the antioxidant, phytochemicals, and anthelmintic activity of P. strigosa. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated following standard methods. Antioxidant properties were analyzed by TAC, FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and TBARS assays. Anthelmintic activity of plant was investigated in Paramphistomum sp. treated with 5mg/mL, and paralysis and death times were recorded. The most potent solvent extract was performed GC-MS analysis to identify the phytocompounds. Plant extract-treated parasites were further analyzed for biochemical changes. Additionally, molecular docking was performed to study the binding affinities between phytocompounds and enzymes. P. strigosa showed rich phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant properties. Ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts showed more powerful antioxidant properties than other extracts. In vitro anthelmintic study found ethyl acetate and diethyl ether the most active extracts. Treated parasites showed a significant decrease in enzyme activity. The highest inhibition was observed in AchE, followed by MDH, LDH, ALP, and ACP. GC-MS study identified 12 probable compounds from the ethyl acetate extract of P. strigosa. Molecular docking showed the strongest binding affinity between the phytocompounds and AchE enzyme (- 7.6kcal/mol). Overall, compounds C6, C7, and C12 showed better binding affinity compared to other compounds. The in vitro helminth bioassays and biochemical analysis suggest Persicaria strigosa a possible anthelmintic agent. However, isolation and characterization of bioactive compound(s) may promise new drug candidates for helminth infections.

Some Heavy Metals Correlated Negatively with Total Antioxidant Capacity, Glutathione Peroxidase, Fructose, and Testosterone in Seminal Plasma of Oligospermic and Azoospermic Males

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between some heavy metals and total antioxidant capacities, glutathione levels, fructose, and testosterone in seminal plasma of infertile azoospermic and oligospermic males in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.
 Study Design: A cross-sectional design with a total of 124 males included in the study of which 32 were azoospermic, 38, oligospermic, and 54, normospermic.
 Place and Duration of Study: Semen samples were collected from the urology or fertility clinic of UUTH, St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, and Ibom specialist hospital of Akwa Ibom State. However, laboratory assays were performed at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt between May, 2018 and January, 2021.
 Methodology: Semen specimens were collected after 3-5 days abstinence according to WHO criteria while seminal plasma were obtained from semen by spinning at 4500 rpm for 10 minutes and stored at -700C prior to laboratory analysis. Atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) was used to determine the levels of heavy metals while ELISA methods were used to determine testosterone and GSH concentrations. TAC and fructose assays were carried out using spectrophotometric methods.
 Results: Results showed that non-essential heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic correlated negatively with testosterone, fructose, and antioxidant activities of the seminal plasma in azoospermic subjects. In addition, lead and mercury correlated positively in the azoospermic subjects. Meanwhile, selenium, an essential heavy metal, correlated positively with testosterone and antioxidant activities in oligospermic subjects with 11-19 x106cells/ml.
 Conclusion: The levels of non-essential heavy metals in azoospermic subjects precipitated poor anti-oxidant and testosterone activities inducing oxidative stress while in oligospermic subjects, selenium and antioxidant parameters and testosterone were in good association indicating improved antioxidant activities and testicular function.

Identification of Phenolic Compounds by LC-MS/MS and Evaluation of Bioactive Properties of Two Edible Halophytes: Limonium effusum and L. sinuatum.

This work aimed to evaluate the phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and enzyme inhibitory activities of the methanol extracts and their fractions of two edible halophytic Limonium species, L. effusum (LE) and L. sinuatum (LS). The total phenolic content resulted about two-fold higher in the ethyl acetate fraction of LE (522.82 ± 5.67 mg GAE/g extract) than in that of LS (274.87 ± 1.87 mg GAE/g extract). LC-MS/MS analysis indicated that tannic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid in both species (71,439.56 ± 3643.3 µg/g extract in LE and 105,453.5 ± 5328.1 µg/g extract in LS), whereas hyperoside was the most abundant flavonoid (14,006.90 ± 686.1 µg/g extract in LE and 1708.51 ± 83.6 µg/g extract in LS). The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH and TAC assays, and the stronger antioxidant activity in ethyl acetate fractions was highlighted. Both species were more active against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram negatives and showed considerable growth inhibitions against tested fungi. Interestingly, selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed with LE and LS. Particularly, the water fraction of LS strongly inhibited AChE (IC50 = 0.199 ± 0.009 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate fractions of LE and LS, as well as the n-hexane fraction of LE, exhibited significant antityrosinase activity (IC50 = 245.56 ± 3.6, 295.18 ± 10.57 and 148.27 ± 3.33 µg/mL, respectively). The ethyl acetate fraction and methanol extract of LS also significantly inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 83.76 ± 4.19 and 162.2 ± 7.29 µg/mL, respectively). Taken together, these findings warrant further investigations to assess the potential of LE and LS as a bioactive source that can be exploited in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.

Extraction of Phenolic Compounds of six Algerian date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars from Ain-Saleh region, using Reflux method and Screening of Antioxidant Activity in vitro

This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds for six cultivars of date from In Saleh region (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which were extracted by reflux with solvents, 80% methanol and 70% aceton after the phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extracts were measured using Folin–Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity acetone/H2O and methanol/H2O extracts using ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, TAC and CUPRAC assays. The results showed that methanolic solvent reflux gives better yields. The highest level of phenolic compounds for all dates varieties was found in the 80% methanol extract. This level ranged from 8.04 ± 0.14 to 46.81 ± 1.22 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight and flavonoid content was observed relatively low for both two solvents. However, extraction into 70% acetone gave the highest antioxidant activity with all assay. These results showed that dates had strongly scavenging activity on DPPH reaching 3.12 µg/mL in methanol/H2O from Cul1 (6.9 µg/mL with ascorbic acid), also on ABTS reaching 6.51 µg/mL in acetone/H2O from Cul2 (104.98 µg/mL with ascorbic acid).

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Catharanthus roseus Flower Extracts and the Determination of Their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Photocatalytic Activity

The present study describes the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic activity of silver nanoparticles (AGNPs) synthesized using six varieties of Catharanthus roseus flower extracts for the first time. Initially, the synthesized AgNPs were visually confirmed by color change. Further, the formation, size, and shape of the synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM image of purple flower AgNPs and the calculated bandgap energies of the synthesized AgNPs showed that the synthesized AgNPs were in the range of 0–30 nm. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of the phytocompounds that were responsible for the capping, formation, bioreduction, and stabilization of AgNPs. The antioxidant ability of the AgNPs and their respective flower extracts were analyzed using TFC, TPC, TAC, DPPH, FRAP, and IC50 assays. The results of the antioxidant assays indicated that the AgNPs showed higher antioxidant activity compared to their respective flower extracts. The synthesized AgNPs showed significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli compared to Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus assayed using the agar well diffusion method. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized purple flower AgNPs at two different concentrations 5000 ppm and 333 ppm was analyzed by the removal of methyl orange dye from an aqueous solution under sunlight irradiation in the presence of NaBH4 catalyst. Results indicated that 333 ppm purple flower AgNPs exhibited an efficient photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methyl orange compared to 5000 ppm purple flower AgNPs in 20 minutes. Thus, the results obtained indicated that Catharanthus roseus is an ecofriendly source for the green synthesis of AgNPs which can be used as a novel antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic agent; thereby, it can be used in a variety of applications to improve the quality of human life.

Comparative Study of the Effect of Five Drying Methods on Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Potential and Organoleptic Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Rhizome

Aims: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most popular and widely used spice, known for its health benefits. This study aimed at assessing the potential impact of a Handcrafted dryer (HCD) on the quality of ginger in comparison to the most common drying methods.
 Methodology: Fresh ginger originating from 2 regions were dried using the following techniques: HCD; Air Drying (AD); Ventilator Oven (VO) at 50°C, 60°C and 80°C; Freeze Drying (FD) and Microwave drying (MD) at 700 and 900 W) methods. Dried products were ground and infused in hot water and the total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant potential through different mechanisms (DPPH radical, FRAP and TAC assays) as well as the sensory properties of the infusions were assessed.
 Results: TFC of the samples significantly varied with regard to the origin of the Ginger. Infusions deriving from the dried ginger from HCD and VO at 80°C exhibited the highest TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities. While the rise of temperature with VO led to an increase of TPC, it was rather a decrease that was observed with the rise of microwave power level but which did not have a significative effect on the antioxidant potential. No significant difference was noticed in the acceptance of infusions by consumers except MD samples, which received the lowest score by panelists.
 Conclusion: Heat-based processes appears to be useful in the optimization of the nutritional value of dried ginger, and HCD appropriate for farmers as it is easy and not expensive to put into practice.

Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity, toxicity, and mineral composition of kernel and pomace of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Balochistan, Pakistan.

The present study aims to investigate some physical attributes, total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, mineral composition, bioluminescence toxicity assay and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, HPS, TAC and FRAP assays in the kernel and pomace samples of six apricot cultivars grown in Balochistan, Pakistan. TFC and TPC determined by the AlCl3 and Folin-Ciocalteu assays in apricot kernel extracts of six cultivars varied from 1797.5 (Chagali) to 4778.9 (Badoghur) mg QUE/100 g DW and from 1750.0 (Chagali) to 5005.8 (Badoghur) mg GAE/100 g DW. Apricot kernels exhibited higher antioxidant activity than pomace; antioxidant activity in terms of IC50 in kernels ranged from 24.88 to 98.61 μg/ml for DPPH, 334.84 to 516.63 μg/ml for HPS, from 22.02 to 110.80 μg/ml for TAC and from 96.27 to 163.35 μg/ml for FRAP. The apricot kernels showed higher TPC, TFC, bioluminescence toxicity to V. logei and antioxidant activity than the pomace. The correlation analysis demonstrated substantial contributions of polyphenols and flavonoids to antioxidant assays. The sample type was the leading factor affecting the amounts of K, Na, Ca, Fe, and Mn in the tested samples; mineral contents were higher in pomace than kernels. The highest inhibition to V. logei was found in the kernels of Badoghur (IC50 = 1.61 mg/ml). The PCA analysis showed significant contributions of phenolic and flavonoid contents towards antioxidant bioluminescence toxicity assays. Our results suggest Badoghur, Shakarpara and Sardai kernels are rich sources of secondary metabolites and possess remarkable antioxidant and antiluminescence activity and can make a significant contribution to the treatment and prevention of chronic health problems.

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of N-Mannich base derivatives of 2-phenyl-2-imidazoline as potential antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, antimicrobials, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory agents

A series of N-Mannich base derivatives of 2-phenyl-2-imidazoline with substituted amines (1–13) were designed, synthesized, and characterized by spectroanalytical techniques. The newly synthesized compounds (SP1-SP13) were evaluated biologically for their antioxidant, α-amylase enzyme inhibition, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds were analyzed to predict their drug-likeliness behavior SP11 showed good activity in % FRSA against DPPH free radical at IC50 of 148.16 ± 2.81 µg/mL. SP11 and SP13 exhibited good antioxidant responses in TAC and TRP assays, respectively. SP2 has shown maximum % inhibition against α-amylase enzyme to 94.02 ± 0.2% at 200 µg/mL. SP2, SP8, and SP12 exhibited potent effect against α-amylase enzyme at IC50 value of 9.20 ± 0.48, 10.25 ± 0.43, and 13.81 ± 0.90 µg/mL, respectively. Compounds showed good to moderate activity against all bacterial and fungal strains. The compounds were selected for further analysis against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) based on LD50 and IC50 values obtained in brine shrimp cytotoxicity and biocompatibility assay, respectively. SP3, SP12, and SP13 were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h against HepG2 cells. Maximum response was observed at 72 h. A dose-optimization study was conducted and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was performed on SP3, SP12, and SP13 based on results obtained from in vitro NO assay. The results are compared to that of standard (acetylsalicylic acid).

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS characterization of phenolic compounds from Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem. and their antioxidant capacity.

Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem. is considered as an important medicinal plant contributing remarkably to health and medicinal benefits. This is attributed to the presence of abundant polyphenols with powerful antioxidant properties. However, little research has been studied on the comprehensive identification and characterization of the phenolic compounds in areal parts of P. coccinea. This study aimed to investigate, characterize, and quantify the phenolic profiles of P. coccinea through liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA. Further, it showed a significantly higher value in total phenolic content (TPC) than that of total flavonoids (TFC) and tannins (TTC). As for antioxidant capacities, P. coccinea presented the highest activity in ABTS (7.12 ± 0.25 mg AAE/g dw) compared with DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. The LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis detected 28 phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids (12), flavonoids (13), other polyphenols (2), and lignans (1) in P. coccinea samples. The results from HPLC-PDA indicated the chlorogenic acid (11.49 ± 1.89 mg/g) was the most abundant phenolic acid, while kaempferol (14.67 ± 2.17 mg/g) was the predominant flavonoid in P. coccinea. This research confirms the benefits of the P. coccinea plant as a potential source of natural antioxidants for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Influence of plant and environment parameters on phytochemical composition and biological properties of Pistacia atlantica Desf.

The aim of the current study is to analyze the phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of 34 extracts prepared from Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica, according to gender, organ type (roots, buds and fruits), geographical location and stage of ripening. Bud extracts exhibited the highest phenolic content (565.74 ± 9.84 mg GAE/g DM), followed by fruit and root extracts. TFC and TTC ranged from 0.38 ± 0.03 to 1.92 ± 0.11 mg CE/g DM and from 0.37 ± 0.03 to 16.54 ± 0.94 mg CE/g DM, respectively. For DPPH and TAC assays, the values varied from 0.038 ± 0.000 to 1.331 ± 0.114 mg/mL and 1.58 ± 0.06 to 43.64 ± 2.58 mg AAE/g DM, respectively. Besides, bud extracts showed the highest bioactivity against pathogenic bacteria and a slight antifungal effect. Additionally, HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that the caffeic acid and the dimethyl-allyl caffeic acid characterized the bud extract, while the rutin and the hydroxytyrosol were abundant in the red fruit extract. The present evidence suggests that P. atlantica may be considered as a potential source of new additives for therapeutic, food and cosmetic products.

Simultaneous Detection and Validation of Analytical Markers of Swertia chirata by HPLC-DAD to Evaluate the Potency of Extracts and Fractions against Antioxidant Potential

The present study is based on the selection of extract and fraction of Swertia chirata plant for the antioxidant potential with HPLC fingerprinting, which includes the simultaneous detection and quantification of four analytical markers protocatechuic acid (PCA), swertiamarin (SM), mangiferin (MF) and amarogentin (AG) by HPLC-DAD. The yield of water extract (SWA), hydroalcoholic extract (SHA) and fractions of hydroalcoholic extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate free radical assay (DPPH assay), 2,2′-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging assay (ABTS assay), total reducing assay (TRA), ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay (FRAP assay), total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC assay). The hydroalcoholic extracts (SHA) can be a better choice as compared to water extract (SWA) due to higher yield of extract (13.680 ± 0.548%) and higher antioxidant activity against DPPH assay, ABTS assay, TRA assay, FRAP assay and TAC assay. In hydroalcoholic extract (SHA), ethyl acetate fraction (SEA) showed most potent activity against DPPH (IC50 = 0.008 ± 0.002 mg/mL) and ABTS (0.025 ± 0.001 mg/mL). n-Hexane fraction of SHA showed higher FRAP (28.664 ± 3.153 μmol/mL) and TAC (3.263 ± 0.325 μmol/mL) value (equivalent to ascorbic acid in μmol/mL) but showed very low yield (0.468 ± 0.018%), SBU showed higher TRA value (0.413 ± 0.309 mg/mL). The ethyl acetate fraction (SEA) can be a choice for antioxidant as it showed second highest FRAP (19.547 ± 2.119 μmol/mL) and TAC (2.750 ± 0.466 μmol/mL) with better yield (2.473 ± 0.594%) as compared to n-hexane (SH) fractions (0.468 ± 0.018%).

One-pot multicomponent synthesis of novel 3, 4-dihydro-3-methyl-2(1H)-quinazolinone derivatives and their biological evaluation as potential antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, antimicrobials, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory agents

A series of novel 3, 4-dihydro-3-methyl-2(1H)-quinazolinone derivatives with substituted amine moieties (1–13) and substituted aldehyde (S) were designed and synthesized by a reflux condensation reaction in the presence of an acid catalyst to get N-Mannich bases. Mannich bases were evaluated pharmacologically for their antioxidant, α-amylase enzyme inhibition, antimicrobial, cell cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities. Most of the compounds exhibited potent activities against these bioassays. Among them, SH1 and SH13 showed potent antioxidant activity against DPPH free radical at IC50 of 9.94 ± 0.16 µg/mL and 11.68 ± 0.32 µg/mL, respectively. SH7, SH10 and SH13 showed significant results in TAC and TRP antioxidant assays, comparable to that of ascorbic acid. SH2 and SH3 showed potent activity in inhibiting α-amylase enzyme at IC50 of 10.17 ± 0.23 µg/mL and 9.48 ± 0.17 µg/mL, respectively, when compared with acarbose (13.52 ± 0.19 µg/mL). SH7 was the most active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, SH13 being the most potent against P. aeruginosa by inhibiting its growth up to 80% (MIC = 11.11 µg/mL). SH4, SH5 and SH6 exhibited significant activity against some fungal strains. Among the thirteen synthesized compounds (SH1-SH13), four were screened out based on the results of brine shrimp lethality assay (LD50) and cell cytotoxicity assay (IC50), to determine their anti-cancer potential against Hep-G2 cells. The study was conducted for 24, 48, and 72 h. SH12 showed potent results at IC50 of 6.48 µM at 72 h when compared with cisplatin (2.56 µM). An in vitro nitric oxide (NO) assay was performed to shortlist compounds for in vivo anti-inflammatory assay. Among shortlisted compounds, SH13 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing the paw thickness to the maximum compared to the standard, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).

Phytochemical Screening and In-Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Various Extracts of Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt used for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

The phytochemical contents of the acetone, ethanol, and boiled and cold aqueous whole-plant extracts of Helichrysum petiolare were determined using standard phytochemical reaction methods. ABTS, DPPH, NO and TAC assays were used to evaluate their antioxidant properties. This study reported the highest total phenolic content (212,963 mg/g) in the boiled aqueous extract, while the ethanol had the highest flavonoid (172.393 mg/g) and proanthocyanidin contents (65.855 mg/g). Alkaloids, flavonols, and saponin were highest in the acetone extract, while the cold aqueous extract had the lowest phytochemical content. Among the extracts, the boiled aqueous extract had the highest DPPH•+ (IC50 0.02 mg/mL) and ABTS•+ (IC50 0.07) inhibition capacities, while the ethanol extract exhibited the highest NO• Inhibition (IC50 0.41 mg/mL) and TAC (IC50 0.19 mg/mL). These findings justify the use of H. petiolare in traditional medicine and further recommend the ethanol and boiled aqueous extracts of the plant as more effective extracts for medicinal treatment.

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves of Salacia kraussii

Abstract The present work was aimed at identifying the bioactive compounds and determine the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the hydroethanolic extract of S. kraussii leaves. Phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and classical colorimetric methods. Folin-Ciocalteu method, aluminum chloride precipitation, and casein precipitation were employed for quantification of total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, respectively. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH scavenging, phosphomolybdate (TAC), ABTS radical scavenging, and reducing power assays (FRAP-1 and FRAP-2). Antimicrobial activity was determined by the disk diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, quinones, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, and saponins. GC-MS analysis identified 17 biologically important compounds belonging to different classes, including fatty acids, carbohydrates, and terpenoids. The extract showed relatively low content of total phenols, tannins, and flavonoids of 5.00 mgEAG g−1, 0.08 mgEAT g−1, and 0.67 ± 0.29 mgEQ g−1, respectively. Its antioxidant potential was considerably stronger than that of the other Salacia sp. with EC50 values of 64.28 ± 0.01, 36.44 ± 0.67, 35.78 ± 0.09, 33.91 ± 0.12, and 2.22 ± 0.25 μg mL−1 as measured by FRAP-1, TAC, DPPH, FRAP-2, and ABTS radical scavenging assays, respectively. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the extract inhibited the growth of all the test organisms with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 125 μg mL−1 and 250 μg mL−1 for the bacteria and fungus, respectively. This insightful study is a significant step towards the exploitation of S. kraussii leaves as a cheap source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.