Total Flavonoid Content Research Articles

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction using response surface methodology and HPLC-DAD phenolic compounds quantification from Hylocereus undatus peel and pulp cultivated in Tunisia.

The present study aimed to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction process for both the peel and pulp of Hylocereus undatus (white dragon fruit) cultivated in Tunisia, using response surface methodology. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activities were optimized. A central composite design (CCD) was applied, considering three key variables: extraction time, extraction temperature, and liquid-to-solid ratio. The optimized extraction parameters for Hylocereus undatus peel and pulp were determined respectively (9.57 min, 42.20 °C and 27.79 mL/g) and (10.08 min, 40.84 °C and 31.52 mL/g). The main phenolic compounds identified in Hylocereus undatus peel and pulp extracts using HPLC-DAD were chlorogenic and caffeic acids and rutin, quercetin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside as flavonoids. Therefore, this research has revealed the potential of a sustainable and eco-friendly process hold promise a directional option and encouraging a circular economy approach for industrial production of antioxidant-rich Hylocereus undatus extracts.

Bioactive Properties of Campomanesia lineatifolia: Correlation Between Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity, Antioxidant Potential and Chemical Composition

Helicobacter pylori is found in the stomach of patients with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, infecting approximately half of the world’s population. Current treatment for H. pylori infection involves a multi-drug therapeutic regime with various adverse effects, which leads to treatment abandonment and contributes to the emergence of resistant strains of H. pylori. Previously, we demonstrated that the essential oil of Campomanesia lineatifolia leaves exhibited an anti-H. pylori activity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the phenolic content of the phenolic-rich ethanol extract (PEE) from C. lineatifolia and its anti-H. pylori and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the anti-H. pylori activity was assessed in polar and non-polar fractions from PEE, isolated myricitrin (MYR) and a mixture of myricitrin and quercitrin (MYR/QUER) from polar fractions, and aqueous extract (tea) to correlate the responsible fractions or compounds with the observed activity. Broth microdilution assays were performed to assess the anti-H. pylori activity using type cultures (ATCC 49503, NCTC 11638, both clarithromycin-sensitive) and clinical isolate strains (SSR359, clarithromycin-sensitive, and SSR366, clarithromycin-resistant). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. The total tannin and flavonoid contents were determined using the hide-powder method, the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, and the aluminium chloride colourimetric assay, respectively. The tea (MIC 1:100), PEE, polar and non-polar fractions, MYR, and MYR/QUER inhibited the growth of H. pylori strains tested (MIC values ranging from 0.49 to 250 μg/mL). The antioxidant assays revealed that PEE exhibited a higher antioxidant activity (EC50 = 18.47 μg/mL), which correlated to the high phenolic content (tannin and flavonoid, 22.31 and 0.15% w/w, respectively). These findings support the traditional use of C. lineatifolia as a multitarget medicinal plant for treating gastric ulcers and reinforce the potential use of the species as a coadjuvant in therapeutic regimes involving patients with resistant H. pylori infection.

Foliar Application of Methyl Jasmonate and Chitosan Improve Growth, Yield, and Quality of Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Under Water-Deficit Stress

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), a summer legume, is becoming increasingly important as an industrial crop due to its high gum and viscosity content. This study investigated the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), chitosan (CH), and their combination on the growth, yield, and quality of guar under irrigation regimes. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using a factorial design to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying with MeJA (5, 25, and 50 µM), CH (100, 150, and 200 mg/L), their combination (25 µM MeJA + 150 mg/L CH), and control on two commercial guar varieties (RGC-986 and BR-2017) under different irrigation regimes (100%, 70%, and 40% field capacity). The results showed that the exogenous application of MeJA and CH, individually and in combination, significantly enhanced various morphological traits and yield components in guar, including plant height, pod characteristics, seed yield, and root development. Additionally, the combination treatments improved seed quality parameters, such as gum percentage and viscosity content. Leaf analysis revealed increased levels of total phenolic content, total flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. The BR-2017 variety showed superior performance in most morphological and qualitative traits, demonstrating greater resistance to irrigation regimes. It maintained yield and quality characteristics under water-deficit conditions, particularly when treated with 25 µM MeJA and 150 mg/L CH. The highest gum percentage (33.67%) and viscosity (4768.5 cP) were observed in the RGC-986 variety, along with enhanced levels of secondary metabolites. This study provides new insights into how MeJA, CH, and their combination can improve the yield and quality of guar under water deficit stress conditions. The results suggest that the use of these elicitors, especially in combination, represents an innovative strategy for improving guar production and quality, with potential variety-specific responses to water-deficit stress.

Effect of vermicompost on the nutraceutical quality of tender cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica

The consumption of tender cladodes knows as “nopalitos” (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller.) has increased worldwide. That is because it is an important nutritional source in the human diet given its content of fiber, minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds and secondary metabolites (antioxidants, phenols and flavonoids), which are essential for human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of doses of vermicompost (0, 5, 15 and 25 t ha-1) on the yield and nutraceutical quality of tender cladodes of O. ficus-indica. The measured variables were tender cladodes production and nutraceutical quality. The results showed no significant effect on the content of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. However, the application of vermicompost showed significant effects on the yield, in which higher estimates were achieved for the highest dose with up to 100% compared to the control. The data obtained indicate that the dose of 25 t ha-1 of vermicompost promotes and increase in yield without compromising the nutraceutical quality of “nopalitos”.

The Utilization of Vegetable Powders for Bread Enrichment—The Effect on the Content of Selected Minerals, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, and the Coverage of Daily Requirements in the Human Diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of selected minerals and total phenolic and flavonoid content of wheat bread and bread enriched with varying amounts of carrot powder (CP) and pumpkin powder (PP). In addition, the coverage of daily requirements of selected minerals was evaluated after the consumption of 100 g of each type of bread. The research included seven types of bread: wheat bread (WB) and bread enriched with 10%, 20%, and 30% CP and PP. The vegetable powders were obtained by freeze-drying. The concentrations of minerals—sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn)—were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method. Coverage of daily requirements after consumption of a serving of bread was determined based on Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and Adequate Intake (AI) ratios for minerals, according to the nutritional standards for the Polish population. The addition of 10% PP led to a greater increase in Na, K, Mg, and Cu in the bread compared to CP, while for Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mn a greater increase was observed with the addition of 10% CP than PP. Among macronutrients, the greatest changes in content were recorded for Ca—the addition of 10 and 20% CP and PP resulted in increases of 66, 113, 51 and 59%. Among micronutrients, the addition of CP and PP to wheat bread caused the largest changes in Cu (46–150% increase) and Mn (25–99% increase) content. Additionally, there was a tenfold increase in total phenolic content (TPC) when 30% CP was added to the bread. Consuming 100 g of bread with CP and PP provided the greatest coverage of K (41–60%), Cu (8–17.5%), and Mn (6–17%). These findings suggest that fortification of bread with vegetable powders has the potential to be a useful method of enriching the mineral composition and increasing the proportion of selected minerals in the human diet.

Change Patterns of Major Functional Components in the Loquat Summer Shoot Leaf during Annual Growth

Loquat leaves are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and food processing as raw materials. To provide a theoretical basis for suitable harvesting periods based on the utilization of distinct components, the change patterns of major functional components in the annual growth of loquat leaves were investigated. In this study, the summer loquat leaves were sampled regularly during their annual growth, and the contents of seven main functional components and 13 monomer components were determined. The results showed that there was a regular change pattern for major functional components during loquat annual growth from Jul 2020 to Jun 2021; however, the change trend was different among different components. Among them, the contents of total flavonoids, total phenols, total triterpenoid acids, vitamin C, asiatic acid, quillaic acid, corosolic acid, and chlorogenic acid presented an overall upward trend. The content of maslinic acid showed a downward trend, whereas the content of neochlorogenic acid did not change much throughout the whole growth period. The content changes in the loquat leaves were affected by the light durations and temperature changes in different seasons, with mutual transit during the flowering and fruit growth processes. Sampling in May to June was found to be a most optimized option when applied in Chinese medicine processing; however, the degree of fibrosis is another indicator when it is used as food raw material. This study revealed the change pattern of major functional components of loquat leaves during the annual growth period and provides a theoretical basis for the reasonable harvesting period of loquat leaves as raw materials for processing different types of products.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties of Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. aqueous leaf extract on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl., a Thai medicinal herb, has garnered substantial attention among researchers due to its recognized efficacy as an antidote, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. Despite its extensive investigation, the specific role of T. laurifolia in apoptotic inhibition remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the protective properties of T. laurifolia leaf extract against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages and determine the extractʼs total phenolic as well as flavonoid content, and its antioxidant. Moreover, the cytotoxicity including anti-inflammatory potential on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were assessed by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO). The outcomes of this investigation revealed remarkable similarity between the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity of the leaf extract under scrutiny and those documented in prior studies. In addition, the extract demonstrated negligible cytotoxicity at low concentrations. Furthermore, it effectively impeded the LPS-mediated production of NO, inflammatory mediator, in the macrophages. Moreover, pre-treatment with T. laurifolia leaf extract improved LPS-induced apoptosis by reducing rate of apoptotic cell death up to 41 % at the same concentration (1.68 μL/mL) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Collectively, these findings provide compelling initial evidence attesting to the ability of T. laurifolia leaf extract to inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages, thereby augmenting our understanding of its potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory conditions.

Determination of Total Flavonoid Content from Extract and Fractions of Mangrove Leaves (Rhizopora mucronata)

Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a very wide coastal area. Lombok Island has a coastal area with quite extensive mangrove forest areas. Rhizopora mucronata was the most dominant species found in the region. The Rhizopora mucronata species was a plant from the Rhizoporaceae family reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. These biological activities were caused by the presence of secondary metabolite compounds in R. mucronata, one of which is flavonoids. Research regarding the flavonoid content of R. mucronata leaves has not been explored. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the total flavonoid content in extracts and fractions of R. mucronata leaves using the spectrophotometric UV-Vis method. R. mucronata mangrove leaves simplicia were extracted using the sonication method using 96% ethanol solvent, then fractionated using the liquid-liquid extraction method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. The percentage yield of 96% ethanol extract, water fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and n-hexane fraction respectively were 42.33%; 43.147%; 40.49%; 9.74%; and 32.49%. The TLC test showed the presence of flavonoid compounds detected in the extract and fractions which were marked with blue spots. The total flavonoid contents in the 96% ethanol extract, water fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and n-hexane fraction were respectively (12,980; 14,160; 23,880; and 25,350) mg Quercetin equivalent/gram sample (mg QE/ g). The total flavonoid content of the extract and fractions of R. mucronata leaves were analyzed using the One-way ANOVA test method. The total flavonoid content in the n-hexane fraction and ethyl acetate fraction was significantly higher than the 96% ethanol extract and water fraction. The total flavonoid content of R. mucronata leaves was relatively high, which contributes to several of its biological activities.

Unveiling the influences of P fertilization on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in grains of four sorghum cultivars.

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient in agriculture, influencing plant growth and nutritional quality. This study, uniquely designed to investigate the effects of phosphorus (P) fertilization levels, sorghum cultivars, and growing locations on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in sorghum grains, employed four sorghum cultivars (Hakeka, P954063, Tabat, and Tetron) grown under three P levels (0P, 1P, 2P) in two locations (Gezira and White Nile) in Sudan. In this study, four sorghum cultivars were grown in two distinct locations in Sudan, employing a split-plot design with three (P) fertilization levels. P was applied as triple super phosphate directly with the seeds, and additional fertilization included urea applied in two split doses. At physiological maturity, representative sorghum panicles were harvested, processed, and analyzed for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities using standard extraction and quantification techniques such as Folin-Ciocalteu for phenolics and colorimetric flavonoid assays. Antioxidant activities were assessed through various assays, including DPPH and FRAP. Statistical analyses were performed using a three-way ANOVA to examine the effects of cultivar, P level, and location on the measured parameters, supplemented by multivariate analysis to further elucidate the interactions between these factors. Significant interactions (p<0.001) were observed among cultivars, P levels, and locations for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), carotenoids, tannins, and various antioxidant activity measures (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, TRP, H2O2). P fertilization significantly increased all measured phytochemicals and antioxidant activities compared to non-treated cultivars, except for H2O2, which decreased with P application. Among cultivars, Hakeka consistently exhibited the highest TFC, carotenoid content, and antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP, TRP, ABTS), particularly at the 2P level. P954063 showed the highest TPC and tannin concentrations. Tetron generally had the lowest phytochemical and antioxidant levels. White Nile showed higher TPC, carotenoids, DPPH, FRAP, TRP, and ABTS levels, while Gezira had higher TFC, tannins, and H2O2 concentrations. The impact of phosphorus fertilization often varies between locations. Strong positive correlations were found between TPC and all antioxidant assays (r = 0.68-0.90) and total carotenoids and antioxidant activities (r = 0.73-0.93). This study recommended cultivating the Tabat variety with 2P doses in Gezira. In addition, the Hakeka cultivar showed the highest increases in total flavonoid content, carotenoids, and antioxidant activities, particularly under the highest P level (2P). The findings highlight that P plays a critical role in enhancing sorghum's nutritional and health-promoting qualities, which are essential for leveraging this staple crop for food and nutrition security strategies in semi-arid regions.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Breast Cancer Cytotoxicity of Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota Methanol Extracts

Breast cancer is the world's most frequent malignancy among women. Many dietary antioxidants have been shown to help prevent oxidative stress, which has been linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer. Many chronic diseases, such as cancer, can be avoided by eating fruits and vegetables on a regular and balanced basis. The current study's goal is to assess the antioxidant and cytotoxic capabilities of methanolic extracts of Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemical components, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic &amp; flavonoid contents in the methanolic extracts of Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota. Further, MTT assay against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was performed for the evaluation of cytotoxic activity. The majority of secondary metabolites were found in both the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota. Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota have different total phenolic and flavonoid contents. TLC results showed many spots having different Rf values. Moreover, we observe comparable cytotoxic activity in both the extracts against MCF-7 cell lines. Our results reveal that the methanolic extracts of Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota has effective phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and anticancer activity. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents vary between Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota. Further studies are needed to evaluate the chemopreventive potentials of the Beta vulgaris and Daucus carota extract when used alone or in combination with doxorubicin to mitigate the toxic side-effects of the latter.

Investigating Flavonoids by HPTLC Analysis Using Aluminium Chloride as Derivatization Reagent

This is the first study to report on high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) generated spectrophotometric data to systematically capture flavonoid compounds using optimized derivatization with either AlCl3 or NaNO2-AlCl3-NaOH as visualisation reagents. While the traditional AlCl3 colorimetric method using UV–Vis analysis provides valuable insights into the presence of flavonoids and allows derivation of the total flavonoid content (TFC) of a sample, HPTLC fingerprints obtained after spraying with AlCl3 or NaNO2-AlCl3-NaOH enable the visualization of the various flavonoids present in a sample based on their respective absorption shifts, thus complementing the traditional TFC assay. In this study, 40 different flavonoids representing different classes (flavonols, flavanolols, flavan-3-ol, flavones, flavanones, and isoflavonoids) were analysed. Upon derivatization with AlCl3 most of the investigated flavonoids recorded bathochromic shifts, yielding characteristic λmax values between 370 and 420 nm, while spraying with NaNO2-AlCl3-NaOH triggered hyperchromic shifts, and thus an increase in absorbance intensity in flavonoids with particular substitution patterns. A few non-flavonoid components with structural similarities to flavonoids (e.g., rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, aspirin, salicylic acid) served as the negative control in this study to determine whether the derivatization reagents allowed exclusive detection of flavonoids. The method was then applied to the analysis of flavonoid containing supplements as well as red clover honey to demonstrate the method’s application in the analysis of natural products.

Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Key Bitter Substances of Pleioblastus amarus Shoots at Different Developmental Stages

Pleioblastus amarus (bitter bamboo) shoots are a traditional forest vegetable in China, renowned for its nutritional composition and associated health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes in nutritional quality and bitterness-related metabolites, as well as corresponding gene expression in P. amarus shoots at three distinct growth stages, specifically at heights of 10 cm (BT1), 20 cm (BT2), and 40 cm (BT3). The results showed that the content of soluble sugars decreased while the content of total phenols and flavonoids, which contribute to bitterness, increased during the growth of P. amarus shoots. In addition, comparative analysis of BT2 vs. BT1, BT3 vs. BT1, and BT3 vs. BT2 revealed 14, 43, and 36, respectively, differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Notably, BT2 exhibited upregulation of flavonoids, such as apigenin, while bitter amino acids, including phenylalanine and arginine, showed a marked increase in BT3. Moreover, differential gene expression analysis revealed 3161, 13268, and 3742 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the BT2 vs. BT1, BT3 vs. BT1, and BT3 vs. BT2 comparisons, respectively. An integrated analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic data indicated that the metabolites and genes associated with the biosynthesis pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, arginine, and the branched-chain amino acids valine, leucine, and isoleucine were significantly enriched during the growth of P. amarus shoots. The study indicates that early-stage (≤20 cm) P. amarus shoots are mainly bitter due to flavonoids like apigenin, while the bitterness in later-stage (around 40 cm) shoots is largely due to bitter amino acids such as phenylalanine, arginine, valine, and isoleucine. This research highlights key compounds and genes related to bitterness, providing a basis for future research on enhancing the nutritional value and flavor of P. amarus shoots.

Microencapsulation of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract in taro starch: Determination of optimal conditions of bioactive compound retention using response surface methodology.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) extract contains a large amount of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antihypertensive effects. The extraction of total phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins is more efficient at boiling temperature (~91 °C) than that performed at room temperature (~27 °C). In this study, a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the inlet temperature conditions of a spray dryer and the concentration of taro starch solids to obtain microcapsules with the highest retention of bioactive compounds in hibiscus extracts. Optimized microcapsules (OM) were obtained at an inlet temperature of 118 °C and solid concentration of 26.5 %. Low moisture content (4.54 %) and water activity (0.2) and high content of total phenols (3374.91 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (372.81 mg QE/100 g), monomeric anthocyanins (36.74 mg C-3-GE/100 g), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity (80.01 %), were determined in OM using response surface methodology. OM showed a range of spherical agglomerate sizes (10--32 μm). These results indicate that CCRD is a good tool for establishing the optimal conditions for solid concentration and drying temperature to maximize the protection of bioactive compounds using taro starch as the wall material.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity of Wild Medicinal Plants of Himalayan Range

Plants that are indigenous to the Himalayas have been exploited for their therapeutic properties for over 6,500 years. Using their deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna, traditional healers in the region are able to treat a wide variety of maladies with herbal treatments. People who live in rural areas of the Himalayas rely on wild medicinal plants for their health, and we need to do everything in our power to ensure that these plants continue to thrive in the harsh desert climate of the Himalayas. Raw materials that are obtained from wild plants are in high demand all around the world, particularly among pharmaceutical companies, ethnomedics, and practitioners of traditional medicine as well as other medical practitioners. India has been a top exporter of raw herbal medications all over the world. This is mostly due to the number of medicinal plants that can be found in the Himalayas. The aim of this study was to determine the Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of various parts of 20 selected wild medicinal plants, found in the Himalayan regions in India, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan including Swertia bimaculate, Ficus neriifolia, Rubus treutleri, Periploca calophylla, G. depressa, Buddleja napaulensis, Habenaria edgeworthii, Pyracantha crenulate, Roscoea procera, Allium rubellum, Berberis chitria, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Artemisia maritima, C. glanduliferum, C. distans, Juniperus macropoda, Origanum vulgare, Valeriana jatamansi, Polygonatum verticillatum, Meconopsis aculeate and Fragaria nubicolais. There were several different parts of the species that were examined to determine their total polyphenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, and tannin concentrations. One fraction of the plant extracts was found to contain a higher quantity of phytochemicals when compared to the other portions. Through the utilisation of the DPPH and FRAP model systems, the antioxidant capacity of a number of different components was assessed. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique can be combined with the DPPH and/or ABTS tests in order to rapidly screen extracts for the presence of active chemicals.

Ethanolic cashew leaf extract: Antifungal activity and its application for shelf-life extension of dried salted tilapia fillets.

Ethanolic cashew leaf extract (ECLE) is rich in phenolic compounds with diverse bioactivities and can serve as a safe natural preservative. This study evaluated the antifungal activity and application of ECLE for shelf-life extension of dried salted tilapia fillets. Several extraction methods, antifungal activity, and application of ECLE in dried salted tilapia fillets were investigated. Ultrasonication followed by the Soxhlet extraction resulted in the highest yield (26.78%), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) (p<0.05). Conversely, the Soxhlet extraction method rendered lower yield (14.35%), TPC, and TFC (p<0.05). NaCl at high concentrations decreased both TPC and TFC in all ECLE samples, demonstrating the decomposition of those compounds induced by NaCl. ECLE obtained via the Soxhlet extraction method exhibited lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration values than those prepared using other extraction methods. Thus, the former showed higher efficacy in inhibiting fungal growth and reducing mycelium growth than others (p<0.05), despite being less effective than potassium sorbate. At 4MIC, ECLE inhibited mycelium growth (56.83%-78.66%) and spore germination (87.5%-100%) after 72h and 10-16h of treatment, respectively. ECLE (4MIC) could inhibit the toxin production of fungi. For the challenge test, in which ECLE at 400 and 600mg/kg was added to dried salted tilapia fillet inoculated with Aspergillus flavus, fungal growth was retarded over 9 days of storage at 25±2°C (room temperature). Thus, ECEL could act as a natural food preservative to prevent fungal contamination. Toxin from fungi could be avoided, and the quality of dried salted fish was maintained. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Cashew leaf extract rich in polyphenols can inhibit fungal proliferation, reduce mycelium expansion, prevent spore germination, and limit aflatoxin production. The extract canenhance the safety of dried salted fish, especially when contaminated with Aspergillus flavus in the humid atmosphere (80% relative humidity), particularly for small and medium enterprises. Nevertheless, this extract can also be applied in the fish processing industry, in which the synthetic antifungal agent could be replaced by the natural additive.

Assessment of Ethanolic Extraction of Chlorogenic Acid, Cynarin, and Polyphenols from Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) Roots Under Ultrasound

The bioactive compounds in burdock (Arctium lappa L.) roots, including chlorogenic acid (CGA) and cynarin, are valuable for use in nutraceutical foods. The ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive substances from dried burdock root powder (DBR) was investigated with 95% ethanol to reduce the impact of polysaccharide inulin on the extraction of free CGA and cynarin. The ethanolic extraction of CGA and cynarin was evaluated under ultrasound (300 W) at 40 kHz (U40) and 120 kHz (U120) with shaking at 120 rpm (S120) for comparison. Using a 1/30 (g/mL-solvent) solid-to-liquid ratio at 30 °C in 120 min, amounts of CGA and cynarin with U40 were as high as 818.74 μg/g-DBR and 173.68 μg/g-DBR, respectively, being much higher than those with U120 and S120. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of the extract using U40 were significantly better than using U120 and S120. For U40 and U120, CGA increased with a decreasing solid-to-liquid ratio, while cynarin showed a decrease with a decreasing solid-to-liquid ratio using U120. Moreover, no observable degradations of free CGA and cynarin in ethanol were detected. By combining ultrasound and ethanol, the extracts with high-content CGA and cynarin from burdock roots were effectively achieved for use in health foods.

Antiproliferative and biochemical evaluation of rose extracts: impact on tumor and normal skin cells

Rose petals (Rosa L.) are rich sources of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins. Anthocyanins and anthocyanidins are associated with multiple health benefits due to their antioxidant properties. In this study, eighteen rose cultivars were comparatively analyzed to determine their total polyphenol and flavonoid content, as well as their antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The extracts were purified using Amberlite XAD-7 and Sephadex LH-20 columns to obtain anthocyanin-rich fractions. Individual anthocyanins were separated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). The three cultivars with the highest anthocyanin content were further examined for cytotoxic effects on cell cultures at various extract concentrations (200-1000 µg/mL) using two skin cell lines: a melanoma cell line (A375) and a normal skin cell line (Hs27). The HPLC-MS analysis identified nine different anthocyanin compounds, with the total anthocyanin content in the rose cultivars varying from 12.42 to 331.95 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent/100g of fresh weight. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents ranged from 289 to 2703 mg gallic acid equivalent/100g fresh weight and 102 to 603 mg catechin equivalent/100g fresh weight, respectively. Antioxidant activity ranged from 450 to 1304 µmol trolox equivalent/g fresh weight. A significant correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and the content of anthocyanins (R = 0.875, p &amp;lt; 0.001), flavonoids (R = 0.982, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and polyphenols (R = 0.991, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Furthermore, principal component analysis, along with dendrograms and heatmaps, illustrated the relationships among these key compounds and their association with antioxidant activity. The MTT assay showed a substantial suppression of A375 cancer skin cells, while simultaneously exhibiting cell proliferation in Hs27 normal skin cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Altogether, results suggest that the anthocyanins from these rose cultivars could be considered as a promising agent for adjuvant treatment of skin melanoma.

Sodium nitroprusside applications modulate cell wall degrading enzymes and preserves the postharvest quality of cold-stored mangoes

ABSTRACT Mango fruit undergoes various physiochemical changes after its harvest that affect consumer acceptability. The present research work was carried out to evaluate the preservation effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatments on the postharvest quality of mango cv. Langra fruits at 12 ± 1°C for 35 days. The results revealed that SNP 1.0 mM treated fruits exhibited reduced weight loss (6.94%), decay incidence (8.05%), and activities of cell wall degrading enzymes like polygalacturonase and pectin methyl esterase in comparison to uncoated fruits on the last day of storage. Furthermore, the treatment maintained higher fruit firmness (56.77 N) along with fruit quality parameters like soluble solid content (16.24%), titratable acidity (0.20%), starch (4.99%), and, total flavonoid content (12.92 mg/100 g). Overall, SNP 1.0 mM combined with low-temperature storage was proved to be the most effective in extending the shelf life and preserving the quality characteristics of mango fruits.

Phenolic Profile of Seedless Ziziphusmauritiana Fruits and Leaves Extracts with In Vivo Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities: Influence on Pro-Inflammatory Mediators.

The study aimed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities ofpolyphenol-rich extracts of seedlessvariety of Ziziphus mauritiana(SZM). Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatographyanalysis of SZM leaves and fruit extracts in ethanol revealed the presence of sixteen phenolics including chlorogenic acid, p-coumeric acid, gallic acid, kaempferol and rutin. Leaf extract showed higher total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (177.6 mg/100 g and 46.2 mg/100 g) than in fruit extract (137.8 mg/100 g and 14.1 mg/100 g). The leaf extract exhibited higher DPPH radical-scavenging activity (63.5%) than the fruit extract (58.2%). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on carrageenan-induced rat model and suppression of inflammatory biomarkers (Interleukin-6, Tumor necrosis factor-α and CRP) were studied. The fruit extract exhibited inhibition (98.1%) at the doseof 500 mg/kg body weight (BW), comparable to the indomethacin (98.4%). Both extracts suppressed the inflammatory biomarkers, but pronounced results showed by the fruit extract including CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. The leaf extract demonstrated the higher antioxidant potential as evident from the superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione levels. These findings suggest that SZM leaf and fruit extracts possess potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can play a significant role in mitigating oxidative stress.

Antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-migratory, and pro-apoptotic effects of Bolanthus turcicus extracts on head and neck cancer cells.

Investigation of various plant extracts using in-vitro/in-vivo assays has emerged as a promising avenue for identifying potential pharmacophores that can be developed into therapeutic drugs. This study aims to assess the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the Bolanthus turcicus (B. turcicus) and to investigate the effects on head and neck cancer (HNC) cell lines. Methanol (MeOH), ethyl acetate (EA) and aqueous (Aq) extracts were prepared from B. turcicus, and the amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in the extracts were analyzed by the Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminum chloride method, respectively. In addition, the total antioxidant capacity and iron reducing potential of B. turcicus extracts were determined by the Phosphomolybdenum and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. The effect of B. turcicus on HEp-2, SCC-90, SCC-9, FaDu HNC cell viability, motility, and cell-nuclear morphology was evaluated by MTT, scratch-wound healing assay, and Pllalloidin-DAPI staining, respectively. The effect of B. turcicus on the expression of CASP-3, BAX, and BCL-2 genes at the mRNA, protein, and intracellular level was evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, Annexin V-FITC/PI, was used in flow cytometry to investigate the effect of B. turcicus on apoptosis. The MeOH extract exhibited the highest phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05 for all). HNC cells treated with extracts indicated delayed wound healing and decreased motility (p < 0.05 for all). Analysis of annexin V-PI staining indicated that the B. turcicus extracts induced apoptosis but not viability and necrosis in the HNC cell (p < 0.05 for all). Moreover, qPCR data regarding the apoptotic mechanism showed that the extracts could induce apoptosis by upregulation of pro-apoptotic CASP-3 and BAX genes and downregulation of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 gene (p < 0.05 for all). The expression of protein and intracellular levels of CASP-3 and BAX were increased, while the BCL-2 was decreased in cells treated with the extracts (p < 0.05 for all). In addition, diffuse pycnosis and DNA condensation in HNC cell nuclei, confirming apoptotic cell death (p < 0.05 for all). This study data indicated that B. turcicus extracts have antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-migratory and pro-apoptotic activity. In conclusion, it has been shown that B. turcicus can be used as a potential therapeutic agent against HNC.