Total Antioxidant Capacity Assay Research Articles

Antiviral activity of Lavandula angustifolia L. and Salvia officinalis L. essential oils against avian influenza H5N1 virus.

Nowadays, viral infection is considered a major cause of mortality all over the world such as covid-19 pandemic. In this context, searching for antiviral agents are major researchers interests. In this study, essential oils (EO) of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) and Salvia officinalis (salvia) were subjected to combat avian influenza H5N1 virus. Laboratory trials were performed to identify Lavender and salvia EOs and evaluate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity against an avian influenza H5N1 virus. EOs were prepared by the hydrodistillation of air-dried plants and analyzed by GC-MS methods. The results revealed that salvia has the highest EOs yield 1.3% than lavender 1%. The dominant constituents of lavender EO were linalyl acetate and linalool while camphor and α-thujone were the dominant compounds of salvia. Both oils exhibited antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS and total antioxidant capacity assays. The results suggest the use of salvia and lavender EOs as effective natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral agents.

Long-time low-temperature transportation of human ovarian tissue before cryopreservation

Research questionCan the low-temperature transport time of removed human ovarian tissue be prolonged until cryopreservation? DesignFresh ovarian cortex from nine premenopausal patients was either slow-frozen immediately or stored at 4°C for 24 or 48 h before slow-freezing. The fresh and frozen–thawed biopsies were evaluated by follicle counting via calcein staining, histologic analyses via haematoxylin and eosin staining, and apoptosis via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUDP nick-end labelling (TUNEL). The fresh cortex was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay to detect oxidative stress. The frozen–thawed cortex biopsies were also evaluated by quantitative PCR for messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of BCL-2, BAX, TNFa, HIF-1a, BMP15 and GDF9, and Western blot for detection of BCL-2, BMP15, GDF9 and CASPASE-3. The frozen–thawed cortex was cultured in vitro for 4 days, anti-Müllerian hormone and glucose were assessed in the supernatant, and ROS and TAC assay detected any oxidative stress in the cortex. ResultsIn the fresh cortex, there were no significant differences between the three groups. In the frozen–thawed cortex, there were no significant differences between the three groups regarding follicle viability, TUNEL, mRNA expression of TNFa, HIF-1a or BMP15. GDF9 mRNA and BAX/BCL-2 were lower and higher at 48 h than at 0 h, respectively. However, the protein expression of BCL-2, CASPASE-3, GDF9 and BMP15 were no different. In the cultured cortex, ROS, TAC and glucose uptake were no different across the three groups. ConclusionOvarian tissue transportation was validated for 24 h in the procedure used in clinical practice. This study showed that 4–8°C transportation for 24 or 48 h does not seem to damage the ovarian tissue. However, ovarian tissue transportation beyond 48 h needs to be further studied for conclusions to be made.

Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of some algal species: Thesis Abstract

Background: Algae are known to have active ingredients that have anti-oxidant activities that might have biological importance. Aim: Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of some algal species. Materials and Methods: In this study different crude extracts of two microalgae Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris and six seaweeds Turbinaria decurrens, Padina pavonica, Sargassum muticum and Sargassum acinarium; Ulva lactuca as well as Pterocladia capillacea were tested to evaluate their antioxidant properties and in vitro antidiabetic potential on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Results: The phytochemical screening of these extracts showed the presence of bioactive compounds that responsible for the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. In addition, all analyzed extracts exhibited antioxidant activity using DPPH, reducing power and total antioxidant capacity assays in addition to antidiabetic activity. Among these extracts, S. platensis methanolic extract and T. decurrens acetone extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase; which was related with its total phenolic content. Both extracts showed no toxicity on normal cell lines using MTT assay. GC-MS analysis of the S. platensis ME and the T. decurrens AE revealed the presence of different bioactive compounds. Concerning the in vivo study, both S. platensis ME and T. decurrens AE at different doses caused anti-hyperglycaemic activity by reducing the blood glucose level. A remarkable decrease in different liver and kidney functions and hyperlipidemia related to diabetes. The algal extracts treatment also showed enhancement of body weight loss and improvement of the total protein, albumin and hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, treatment of diabetic rats with the extracts caused improvement of the histopathological changes of the liver and pancreas tissues related to diabetes. Conclusion: The investigated compounds may be acted synergistically and responsible for its antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.

Accelerated Solvent Extraction and Pulsed Electric Fields for Valorization of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Sole (Dover sole) By-Products: Protein Content, Molecular Weight Distribution and Antioxidant Potential of the Extracts.

Fishery by-products are rich in biologically active substances and the use of green and efficient extraction methods to recover these high-added-value compounds is of particular importance. In this study, head, skin and viscera of rainbow trout and sole were used as the target matrices and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) (45–55 °C, 15 min, pH 5.2–6.8, 103.4 bars) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) (1–3 kV/cm, 123–300 kJ/kg, 15–24 h) were applied as extraction technologies. The results showed that ASE and PEF significantly increased the protein extract efficiency of the fish by-products (p < 0.05) by up to 80%. SDS-PAGE results showed that ASE and PEF treatments changed the molecular size distribution of the protein in the extracts, which was specifically expressed as the change in the area or number of bands between 5 and 250 kDa. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and total antioxidant capacity (ABTS) assays. The results showed that both ASE and PEF treatments significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of rainbow trout and sole skin and head extracts (p < 0.05). ASE and PEF extraction processes can be used as new technologies to extract high-added-value compounds from fish by-products.

Effect of zinc chloride and sodium selenite supplementation on in vitro maturation, oxidative biomarkers, and gene expression in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes.

This study examined the effects of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) supplementation in maturation medium on in vitro maturation (IVM) rate, oxidative biomarkers and gene expression in buffalo oocytes. Ovaries from a slaughterhouse were aspirated and good quality cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with at least four layers of compact cumulus cells and evenly granulated dark ooplasm were selected. COCs were randomly allocated during IVM (22 h) to one of four treatment groups: (1) control maturation medium (basic medium), or basic medium supplemented with (2) ZnCl2 (1.5 µg/ml), (3) Na2SeO3 (5 µg/l), or (4) ZnCl2 + Na2SeO3 (1.5 µg/ml + 5 µg/l, respectively). Oocytes were denuded after 22 h of IVM in the first four replicates. Specimens were fixed and stained to evaluate the stage of nuclear maturation. The spent medium was collected for biochemical assays of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide concentrations. A second four replicates were used for COCs for RNA extraction. The expression levels of antioxidant (SOD1, GPX4, CAT and PRDX1), antiapoptotic (BCL2 and BCL-XL) and proapoptotic (BAX and BID) genes were measured. Supplementation with ZnCl2 and Na2SeO3 during IVM increased the ratio of oocytes reaching metaphase II at 22 h, increased TAC and decreased MDA and H2O2 concentrations in the maturation medium (P < 0.05). Moreover, beneficial effects were associated with complementary changes in expression patterns of antioxidative, antiapoptotic and proapoptotic genes, suggesting lower oxidative stress and apoptosis. Supplementation medium with zinc chloride and sodium selenite improves the maturation rate, reduces oxidative stress and increases expression levels of antioxidative and antiapoptotic genes.

Study on Total Phenolic, Flavonoid and Antioxidant Capacity of Fish Singgang Extracts

Aim: To evaluate the ash and moisture contents, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential of Terengganu singgang extracts.&#x0D; Study Design: Experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Central Laboratory, Tissue Culture Laboratory, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu between April 2019 and July 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Samples comprised three types of singgang dishes, which were prepared, cooked, and then extracted with distilled water and ethanol (EtOH) in different strengths, 50%, 70%, and 100%. These singgang samples were chub mackerel (ST), Indian mackerel (SK), and a control sample with no fish(SC). Extracts were analyzed for their moisture and ash content. Also, the total phenolic content (TPC) was assayed using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, while total flavonoid content (TFC) using AlCl3 colorimetric assay, and antioxidant activity using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was also evaluated.&#x0D; Results: Experimental assays showed that the SC sample extracted in 100% EtOH produced the highest yield (3.7%). SK samples were lower than SC and ST in moisture content and ash content with 94.21%, 96.37% and 93.03% moisture content and 0.85%, 0.71%, and 0.96% ash content. Meanwhile, the extract of ST in 100% EtOH yielded the highest TPC (315.0 mg GAE/100g) and T-AC (8.8 U/mL) but the lowest in DPPH scavenging activity (12.2%). On the other hand, the extract of SK in 70% EtOH gave the highest TFC with 6485.3 mg QE/100g. The correlation of TFC and TPC with DPPH and T-AOC assays was positively significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, the ST extract yielded the best antioxidant capacity.

Phytochemical Evaluation and Antioxidant Capacity of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus pulmonarius in Ibadan, Nigeria

Aims: To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of two selected mushrooms in Ibadan, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: An experimental and descriptive study was conducted using the fruit bodies of Ganoderma lucidum collected from the Botanical garden University of Ibadan and Pleurotus pulmonarius which was bought from a local store in Ibadan. Successive extraction was done on the mushrooms with four solvents of increasing polarity that is from the non-polar (N-hexane) to a more polar solvent(water).Phytochemical and antioxidant analysis were then carried out on the extract fractions.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Botany, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria and Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria between May 2018 and February 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: The N-Hexane, Ethyl acetate, Ethanol and Aqueous extract fraction of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus pulmonarius were analyzed in different system, including DPPH, Ferric ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). The various antioxidant activities were compared to the standard ascorbic acid. Phytochemical include: Phenol, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Steroids, Saponins, Terpenoids Anthraquinones, and Cardiac glycosides were also analysed.&#x0D; Results: The Phytochemical screening result shows the presence of Phenol, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Steroids, Saponins, Terpenoids Anthraquinones, and Cardiac glycosides. The quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that the Ethyl acetate fraction of Ganoderma lucidum recorded the highest percentage of Alkaloids (41.70±0.14%) while the Ethanolic fraction of Pleurotus pulmonarius has the lowest percentage of Tannins (0.10±0.24%). DPPH scavenging activity of the Ethanolic extract fraction of Ganoderma lucidum (at 200 µg/ml) was 94.96% higher than that of Pleurotus pulmonarius (22.39%). The extract fraction of all the mushrooms possesses significant TAC content with N-Hexane and Ethyl acetate fraction having the highest. The results of the DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays indicate that both mushrooms examined showed significant antioxidant activities. Among these, Ganoderma lucidum extract seems to be more effective antioxidant. The antioxidant activity of theses mushrooms has significant importance as it greatly contribute to their nutraceutical properties thus enhancing their nutritive value. Cultivation and production of dietary supplements from Ganoderma lucidum is highly recommended.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Mushrooms species analyzed have demonstrated to be good sources of phytochemical and antioxidants hence it can be recommended to pharmaceutical industries for the manufacturing of drugs.

Berberis lyceum and Fumaria indica: in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and in silico screening of their selected phytochemicals as novel hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors

Berberis lyceum and Fumaria indica are two Pakistani indigenous herbal medicines used to treat liver infections, including hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity, and antioxidant activity of these plant extracts and computationally screen their selected phytoconstituents as HCV NS5A inhibitors. The viability of HepG2 cells was assessed 24 h and 48 h post-treatment using colorimetric and dye exclusion methods. Antioxidant properties were examined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity assays. Seventeen known phytochemicals identified from each plant were docked into the active binding site of HCV NS5A protein. The top hit ligands were analyzed for their druglikeness properties and the indices of absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET). The results showed that both plant extracts were non-toxic (CC50 > 200 µg/ml). The IC50 values of DPPH-radical scavenging activity were 51.02 ± 0.94 and 62.91 ± 1.85 µg/ml for B. lyceum and F. indica, respectively. They also exhibited reducing power and total antioxidant capacity.The phytochemicals were identified as potent HCV NS5A inhibitors with good druglikeness and ADMET properties. Six of the docked phytochemicals exhibited higher binding scores (-17.9 to −19.2 kcal/mol) with HCV NS5A protein than the standard drug, daclatasvir (-17.2 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation confirmed the stability of two compounds, berbamine and paprafumine at 100 ns with active site of HCV NS5A protein. The identified compounds through molecular docking and MD simulation could have potential as HCV NS5A inhibitor after further validation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Redox biomarkers in dietary interventions and nutritional observation studies - From new insights to old problems

PurposeThe purpose of this review is to give an overview on recently published articles investigating the associations of diet and dietary interventions with biomarkers of oxidative stress with special emphasis on different categories of redox biomarkers. FindingsIntervention and observational studies both in healthy participants and patients that investigated associations of dietary habits, foodstuffs or isolated nutrients with biomarkers of oxidative stress were included in this review. Recently published observation studies confirm the inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and oxidative stress markers. Studies investigating the effect of vitamin D and vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, probiotic supplementation and several phytochemicals reported consistent changes in redox biomarkers. Of 88 articles included in this review, only seven studies measured biomarkers from the three categories: oxidative damage, endogenous antioxidants, and exogenous antioxidants. Many studies rely on controversial assays for total antioxidant capacity, thus there is potential in many studies to improve biomarker repertoire to cover all three categories of biomarkers and to turn away from such assays.

In Vitro Antioxidant and In Vivo Antidiabetic Properties of Citrus Maxima Leaf Extracts in Alloxan-Induced Swiss Albino Diabetic Mice

Aims: The current study aimed to explore in vitro antioxidant capacity and in vivo antidiabetic property of Citrus maxima leaf.&#x0D; Methods: Citrus maxima leaf extracts were prepared using methanol (MECML) and ethanol (EECML) in this study. Antioxidant capacity of both extracts was evaluated using total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and ABTS free radical scavenging assay. Cytotoxicity of MECML and EECML was assessed by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. To explore the in vivo antidiabetic property of MECML and EECML, diabetic mellitus (DM) was induced in Swiss albino mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Then diabetic mice were treated with both extracts for 28 days. Effects of both extracts on serum levels of glucose, liver function enzymes, and parameters of lipid profile associated with DM were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: In TAC and FRAP assays, MECML and EECML represented gradually increased reducing capacity in a dose-dependent manner. In DPPH and ABTS assays, both extracts showed notable free radical scavenging activity with lower IC50 values. Additionally, MECML and EECML showed very low toxicity with LC50 values of 80.46 and 105.59 μg/mL, respectively in brine shrimp lethality assay. Moreover, both extracts significantly augmented altered levels of serum glucose, parameters of lipid profile, SGPT, SGOT, and C-reactive protein with the treatment of MECML and EECML. &#x0D; Conclusion: This study suggests Citrus maxima leaf possesses significant antioxidant and antidiabetic properties and they might play a potential role to prevent diabetic mellitus and diabetic mellitus associated complications.

Synthesis and antioxidant activity of zinc(II) phthalocyanine tetranitroxide

Zinc(II) phthalocyanine (np-TEMPO-ZnPc) bearing four TEMPO fragments at the non-peripheral positions of the macrocycle was prepared through the cyclotetramerization of phthalonitrile derivative 3-TEMPO-Pht. Characterization of tetraradical was performed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at room temperature. A characteristic triplet was observed (g = 2.00715, hyperfine coupling constant of 15.73 G) in the EPR spectrum of np-TEMPO-ZnPc measured in chloroform. The np-TEMPO-ZnPc was also investigated for in vitro antioxidant activities. Antioxidant properties were determined for its free radical scavenging effect, reducing power, β-carotene bleaching and total antioxidant capacity assays. The results demonstrated that np-TEMPO-ZnPc has strong DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching activities even more than the standard antioxidant BHT. Especially, the compound exhibited similar radical scavenging effect at low concentrations when compared with BHT.

Oxidative stress activity of fingolimod in multiple sclerosis

ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in MS pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between total oxidative stress (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), which were reported to be effective in the pathogenesis of MS, and therapeutic efficacy of fingolimod used in the treatment of MS. Materials and methodsSerum TOS and total TAC levels of 25 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) were measured before fingolimod treatment was initiated and in the third month of treatment and compared with those of 40 healthy individuals. Measurement of TOS activity was performed with TOS Assay Kit (Rel Assay Diagnostics, Turkey). Measurement of TAC activity was also performed with TAC Assay Kit (Rel Assay Diagnostics, Turkey). ResultsA statistically significant increase was observed in the TOS levels measured before fingolimod treatment in the patient group compared to the control group. The TOS levels measured in the third month of the treatment were found to decrease significantly compared to the pre-treatment TOS levels. An increase was observed in TAC levels after the treatment; however, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of TAC levels. There was a positive correlation between the pre- and post-treatment Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and TOS values whereas no significant correlation was observed between the pre- and post-treatment EDSS scores and TAC values. ConclusionThe present study has revealed that fingolimod reduced oxidative stress. There was a positive correlation between the pre- and post-treatment EDSS and TOS values, which confirmed that there was a close correlation between the MS and oxidative stress. There are some limitations in this study. The small number of patients and the short follow-up times can be listed among these limitations. Our study does not contain a definitive answer to what is the mechanism of increased TOS in MS patients and how fingolimod reduces TOS levels. More detailed studies are needed on this subject.

Functional Characterization of Two Thioredoxin Proteins of Toxoplasma gondii Using the CRISPR-Cas9 System.

Toxoplasmosis caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii is an important parasitic zoonosis with a worldwide distribution. In this study, we examined the functions of two thioredoxins (namely CTrp26 and CTrx1) of T. gondii tachyzoites by generation of HA tag strains or gene deficient parasites in Type I RH strain (ToxoDB#10). Immunofluorescence analysis (IFA) was used to investigate the subcellular localization of the thioredoxins (Trxs). Results of IFA showed that both CTrp26 and CTrx1 were located in the cytoplasm of T. gondii. Functional characterizations of CTrp26 and CTrx1-deficient parasites were performed by plaque assay, intracellular replication, egress, H2O2 resistance, detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) assays in vitro, as well as mouse infection in vivo. Our results showed that deletion of CTrp26 or CTrx1 did not influence the ability of T. gondii RH strain to replicate, egress, form plaque, resist H2O2 exposure, maintain the ROS level, and T-AOC, and also did not serve as virulence factors in Kunming mice. Taken together, these results provide new properties of the two Trxs. Although they are not essential for RH strain, they may have roles in other strains of this parasite due to their different expression patterns, which warrants future research.

Light-responsive Au nanoclusters with oxidase-like activity for fluorescent detection of total antioxidant capacity

A fluorescent assay for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) detection based on the light-responsive oxidase-like activity of bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters (BSA-AuNCs) has been developed. Thiamine (TH) as the peroxidase substrate usually works at alkaline conditions and thus limits its practical applications. Here, by utilization the light-responsive oxidase-like activity of BSA-AuNCs, TH is oxidized to fluorescent thiochrome under neutral condition in two minutes due to the single oxygen generated by BSA-AuNCs upon light irradiation. After the introduction of antioxidants into the BSA-AuNCs-TH system, the formation of thiochrome is inhibited resulting in the fluorescence decrease. On the basis of the above facts, BSA-AuNCs-TH-based assay has been fabricated and applied successfully to detect antioxidants and the TAC of vitamin C tablets as well as some commercial fruit juice with satisfied results. This work may provide novel insights into developing light-responsive nanozymes-based fluorescent assays.

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%).

Variation of photosynthetic pigments and biochemical screening in some seaweeds from Eastern Harbor, Alexandria, Egypt

The current study examined the biochemical composition of four seaweeds (Ulva fasciata, Ulva compressa, Corallina officinalis, and Corallina elongate) which were collected from Eastern Harbor located at Alexandria Mediterranean coast, Egypt. Total chlorophyll content was the maximum in Ulva compressa (2.7 mg g–1 FW) and the minimum value was observed in Corallina elongate (0.90 mg g–1 FW). In comparison, the maximum carotenoids were registered in Corallina officinalis (1.04 mg g–1 FW) followed by Corallina elongate (0.86 mg g–1 FW). The lowest ratio was recorded in Ulva fasciata (0.45 mg g–1 FW). The results showed that the green seaweed (Ulva compressa) contained the highest amounts of phenols (12.7 mgGA/g dry wt.), flavonoid (9.42 mgCA/g dry wt.) and has the maximum percentage of DPPH radical scavenging capacity, Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay, and Total Reducing Capacity (TRC) (80.45, 12.5 and 71.6 respectively). On the other hand, the red seaweed (Corallina elongate) contained the lowest amounts of phenols (5.9 mgGA/g dry wt.), flavonoid (8.29 mgCA/g dry wt.), and has the maximum percentage of DPPH, TAC, and TRC (70.3, 8.4, and 57.8 respectively). Due to seaweed's biochemical composition, these findings recommend being used as an antioxidant agent for food supplements, cosmetics, medicinal applications, and pharmaceutical industries.

In vitro risk assessment of Padina pavonica (Linnaeus) (Brown algae)

Padina pavonica (Linnaeus) Thivy 1960 is a brown algae that is antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects and is generally used in soup, salad, and other dishes. However, no studies have been reported on safe consumption in humans to date. For this purpose, this study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of P. pavonica on lymphocytes cultured from human blood. The water extract of P. pavonica was added into culture tubes at various concentrations (0.5-1000 μg/mL). Cytotoxic effects were determined by MTT assay. Antioxidant/oxidant status was evaluated by total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) assays. Genotoxic effects were investigated by sister chromatid exchanges and micronucleus assays. Our results showed that P. pavonica had no genotoxic effects, even at higher concentrations. 1000 μg/mL concentration of P. pavonica caused an increase (P&lt;0.05) TOS levels while significantly reducing cell viability. However, low concentrations (50 and 100 μg/mL) significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) TAC levels. In conclusion, P. pavonica can be safely consumed with its non-genotoxic and antioxidant properties in a manner dose-dependent.

Boron-based hybrids as novel scaffolds for the development of drugs with neuroprotective properties.

Novel boron-based compounds (BBCs) were synthesized and evaluated as potential candidates for the development of novel drugs against Alzheimer's disease (AD). The neuroprotective profile of novel BBCs was evaluated using Aβ1-42-treated-SH-SY5Y cells while their antioxidant activity was evaluated by total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) assays. Results showed that BLA (a novel boron-based hybrid containing an antioxidant portion) inhibited cell death induced by Aβ1-42-exposure in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, resulting in an increase in cell viability by 25-33% (MTT assay) and by 63-71% (LDH assay) in a concentration range of 25-100 μM. Antioxidant assays demonstrated a good capability of BLA to counteract the oxidative status. Moreover, BLA possessed a significant ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (22.96% at 50 μM), an enzyme whose enzymatic activity is increased in AD patients. In the present work, absorption and distribution properties of boron-based hybrids were predicted using Pre-ADMET software. In vitro preliminary results suggested that boron-based hybrids could be new structural scaffolds for the development of novel drugs for the management of AD.

Amauroderma rugosum Protects PC12 Cells against 6-OHDA-Induced Neurotoxicity through Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic Effects.

Amauroderma rugosum (AR) is a dietary mushroom in the Ganodermataceae family whose pharmacological activity and medicinal value have rarely been reported. In this study, the antioxidant capacity and neuroprotective effects of AR were investigated. The aqueous extract of AR was confirmed to contain phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and triterpenes. The results of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and total antioxidant capacity assays revealed that AR extract scavenged reactive oxygen species. Moreover, AR extract decreased the cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). In addition, 6-OHDA upregulated the expressions of proapoptotic proteins and downregulated the Akt (protein kinase B)/mTOR- (mammalian target of rapamycin-) and MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase)/ERK- (extracellular signal-regulated kinases-) dependent signaling pathways. These effects of 6-OHDA were abolished or partially reversed by AR extract. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of AR in 6-OHDA-treated PC12 cells were significantly abolished by Akt and MEK inhibitor. Thus, AR extract possesses neuroprotective effects, probably through its antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. These findings suggest the potential application of AR in the prevention or treatment of oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Diodia sarmentosa swartz leaves

This research studied proximate, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Diodia sarmentosa leaves. The ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves significantly inhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPHo) radical formation with IC50 values of 10.994 and 10.121 μg/mL respectively, compared to the ascorbic acid standard (IC50 value = 17.916 μg/mL).The aqueous extract exhibited more inhibitory effect on thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) with IC50 values of 2.657 μg/mL while the ethanol extract had an IC50 value of 8.53 μg/mL compared to butylated hydroxytoluene standard (IC50 = 2.142 μg/mL). For the total antioxidant capacity assay, the aqueous extract had higher ascorbic acid equivalent values than the ethanol extract. However, the two solvent extracts showed antioxidant activity. Diodia sarmentosa leaves possess useful phytochemicals which are indicative of its antioxidant properties.