Total Reducing Capacity Research Articles

Physicochemical characterization of Dillenia indica fruits and exploration of extraction methods to obtain reducing compounds and pectin

Dillenia indica Linn. is an unconventional edible plant with numerous health benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Dillenia indica fruit, known as elephant apple, is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds and is an excellent source of pectin, a polysaccharide extensively used in the food industry. Despite the potential of this plant, it has been little studied and is still under-explored for commercial purposes. This study aimed to explore methods for extracting total reducing compounds and pectin from Dillenia indica fruit. First, the extraction of reducing compounds was optimized by ultrasound-assisted method within an experimental design considering three variables: solvent-to-feed (S/F) ratio (10:1 – 30:1), ethanol-to-water ratio (0:100 – 100:0) and ultrasound amplitude (24 – 40 %). In the following step, kinetic curves at the optimized conditions were obtained for up to 16 min. The ultrasound-assisted method was then compared to mechanical stirring (100 rpm). In the last step, pectin was extracted, maintaining the same S/F ratio (30:1) and ethanol-to-water ratio (20:80), but using magnetic stirring, pH 2.0, and 80 ºC. Pure water at pH 2.0 was used as a solvent for comparison. In the ultrasound-assisted extraction, the optimal yield was achieved with an S/F ratio of 30:1, an ethanol-to-water ratio of 20:80, and an ultrasound amplitude of 24 %. In the kinetic curves, a higher reducing capacity was obtained at 8 min through mechanical stirring. The pectin extraction was more effective with pure water (12.1 %). However, the ethanol-water mixture promoted a similar amount of pectin (10.3 %) but with a considerably higher total reducing capacity (25.82 mg GAE/g for ethanol-water and 14.5 mg GAE/g for pure water). These results demonstrated that reducing compounds and pectin can be effectively extracted from Dillenia indica fruit, highlighting the potential of this fruit to produce valuable ingredients.

Production of Long Fermentation Bread with Jabuticaba Peel Flour Added: Technological and Functional Aspects and Impact on Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses.

The consumption of jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora), a native Brazilian fruit, has shown promising results concerning some metabolic disorders. Therefore, studying it may aid in the development of products capable of preventing or delaying pathological conditions. The objective of the present study was to formulate a functional sourdough bread with the inclusion of jabuticaba peel flour (JPF) and to evaluate the effect on the postprandial response. The proximate composition of the JPF and bread, the stability of the antioxidant compounds after baking, and the functional activity in a clinical trial were carried out to develop the product and guarantee its quality. JPF increased the fiber content of the bread in comparison to the control from 1.0 g/100 g to 2.3-2.9 g/100 g. Also, the antioxidant capacity increased 1.35 to 3.53 times by adding JPF to the bread, as well as the total reducing capacity (1.56 to 2.67 times). The bread's shelf life was guaranteed for seven days. In the clinical trial, the consumption of control bread resulted in a glycemia peak at 30 min, remaining high until 45 min; for the JPF bread, we noticed a less prominent peak at 45 min and a decrease with less inflection until 180 min. The serum antioxidant capacity of the individuals increased after the 3 h. Although no statistical difference was observed between the groups in the satiety profile, JPF bread presented higher scores after 60 min. Furthermore, a lessened desire to eat other foods and hunger was observed after consuming JPF bread. The inclusion of JPF in the bread manufacturing process promoted a longer shelf life and increased nutritional quality.

Partitioning of proteins and small molecular weight compounds from alfalfa juice during ultrafiltration

Ribulose-1,5-biphosphate-carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) from alfalfa is a promising source of alternative food protein, but it is challenging to purify. Ultrafiltration shows potential for concentrating and fractionating RuBisCO from low molecular weight compounds present in the extracted juice, but there is limited information on their partitioning depending on the membrane pore size. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the partitioning of various compounds from the juice depending on membrane pore size. It was hypothesized that both membrane pore sizes will retain RuBisCO but might partition low molecular weight compounds within the matrix differently. RuBisCO was fully retained by both the 300 and 100 kDa polyethersulfone (PES) membranes, while ash (29.7%–35.4% dry matter (DM)), non-protein nitrogen (2.38%–2.53% DM), and free N-terminals (10.13–10.34 mg glutamic equivalent/100 mg DM) were transmitted through both membranes. The retentates showed a distinct yellow color when filtering with 100 kDa membranes, but not when using 300 kDa membranes. Although no significant differences in total polyphenol permeation were observed through a spectrophotometric assay, a metabolomics screening analysis showed that the 100 kDa membranes had less transmission of the flavonoids apigenin, chrysoeriol, tricin, and tricin glycosides, which might contribute to the yellow color. These results reiterate the importance of measuring individual polyphenols using hyphenated techniques as opposed to spectrophotometric total reducing capacity. Sixteen saponins were identified and their permeation was lower in the 100 than the 300 kDa membranes, indicating a better potential for higher degree of protein refinement for the latter. This study demonstrates for the first time the difference in partitioning of the small molecular weight components, using PES membranes of similar chemistry but different size, during ultrafiltration of alfalfa juice.

Extraction, Identification, and Antioxidant Activity of Flavonoids from Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba.

The extraction of total flavonoids from Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba (H. spectabile) leaves was studied through the use of a double enzyme-assisted ultrasonic method, and the extraction process was optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Eight different macroporous resins were screened for purification in single-factorial experiments, and the flavonoid compounds in the extract of H. spectabile leaves were identified using HPLC-MS. Through the evaluation of the total reducing capacity and capacity for reducing 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and 2,2'-biazobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), the in vitro antioxidant activities of the crude extracts of the total flavonoids and purified total flavonoids of H. spectabile leaves were investigated. The results showed that the most efficient conditions for flavonoid extraction were an ultrasonic extraction time of 60 min, an ethanol concentration of 35%, a liquid-to-material ratio of 20:1 mL/g, and an amount of enzyme (cellulose/pectinase = 1:1) of 1.5%, forming H. spectabile powder. Under these conditions, the total flavonoid extraction rate in the H. spectabile leaf extract was 4.22%. AB-8 resin showed superior performance in terms of purification, and the optimal adsorption and desorption times were 1.5 h and 3 h, respectively. The recommended parameters for purification included a liquid volume of 5.5 BV, a flow rate of 1.2 BV/min, a pH of 5, and a concentration of 0.8 mg/mL. The observed order for reducing capacity was ascorbic acid (VC) > rutin > purified total flavonoids > crude extract of total flavonoids. The purified total flavonoid extract from H. spectabile showed a good scavenging ability against DPPH, ·OH, and ABTS·+, suggesting strong antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study can serve as technical support and reference data for the further development and utilization of H. spectabile resources.

Optimized Ultrasonic Extraction of Essential Oil from the Biomass of Lippia graveolens Kunth Using Deep Eutectic Solvents and Their Effect on Colletotrichum asianum

Essential oils are emerging as alternatives to conventional pest control chemicals. Lippia graveolens Kunth (Mexican oregano) is a source of essential oils and during conventional extraction, the biomass generated is discarded as waste; however, reports show that this biomass is still a rich source of essential oils. Conventional essential oil extraction causes contamination and utilizes toxic solvents. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer low toxicity, biodegradability, high selectivity, and yields comparable to organic solvents. This study obtained essential oil from Lippia graveolens biomass via hydrodistillation with ultrasound-assisted DES pretreatment. This research aimed to optimize the extraction of essential oil from Lippia graveolens biomass using ultrasound-assisted DESs and assess its in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect on C. asianum. The response variables were extraction yield and total reducing capacity. Optimal conditions were determined using a central composite rotatable design, considering solid-to-liquid ratio (0.38 g/mL), ultrasonic amplitude (45.05%), and time (7.47 min). The optimized oil, with thymol (48%) as the predominant component, exhibited more volatile compounds than conventional hydrodistillation. Fungicidal assays highlighted its potential in controlling anthracnose in papaya fruits caused by C. asianum, making ultrasound-assisted DES pretreatment a promising alternative for obtaining essential oil from botanical byproducts.

Optimizing oxidative stability and quality in fish balls: the synergistic effects of cooking methods and turmeric powder addition.

This study examined the effects of cooking methods (boiling, steaming, pan-frying, oven-roasting, and microwave cooking) and turmeric powder (TP) addition on the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of fish balls. Higher cooking temperatures increased moisture evaporation. Pre-cooking before freezing reduced hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde levels in fish balls over 4 months of storage, especially noticeable in boiled, pan-fried, and oven-roasted fish balls. Additionally, TP addition significantly improved the total reducing capacity of the fish balls, an effect that persisted even after cooking. Consequently, hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde levels decreased during storage, with a more pronounced effect observed in steamed and microwave-cooked fish balls. Principal component analysis identified distinct clusters based on cooking methods and TP addition, categorizing the fish balls into three groups, and highlighting the complex interplay between these two factors. These findings offer valuable insights into extending the shelf life of fish balls through optimized antioxidant and cooking methods.

Unraveling the biological potential of chicken viscera proteins: a study based on their enzymatic hydrolysis to obtain hydrolysates with antioxidant properties

Chicken meat production has increased over the years, leading to a proportional increase in waste generation, which often contains high levels of proteins, such as viscera. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis of chicken viscera proteins as a strategy to value solid waste from the poultry industry. The hydrolysates were characterized for their antioxidant properties and molecular weight distribution. Additionally, the enzymatic hydrolysis process was scaled up from 125 mL flasks with 50 mL of protein solution to 3 L using a 6 L bioreactor. The enzymatic hydrolysis of chicken viscera proteins using a binary mixture of proteases (85.25 U/mL of each enzyme, Alcalase and Flavourzyme, totaling 170.5 U/mL) resulted in an increase of up to 245% in 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, 353% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) in radical scavenging, 69% in Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) and 146% in total reducing capacity (TRC). The antioxidant properties of the protein hydrolysates are preserved during the scale-up of enzymatic hydrolysis. Protein fractions smaller than 5 kDa showed the highest ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities, while fractions greater than 30 kDa showed the best results for the FRAP method.

Assessment of phytochemicals, nutritional compositions and metabolite profiling using GCMS– from annual edible flowers

In this work, the nutritional value and phytochemical content of the six annual flower petals such as Pansy (Viola wittorckiana), Dianthus (Dianthus chinensis), Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Petunia (Petunia hybrida), and Geranium (Pelargonium hortorum), were assessed. Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was utilized to characterize their metabolites in addition to assessing their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Dianthus chinensis was found to have the highest concentrations among all six annuals' components, including total protein (19.5 gm/100 g), ascorbic acid (100 mg/100 g), anthocyanin (1.23 mg Cyn. H./g), total reducing capacity (9.47 mg GAE/g), and hydrolysable tannin (36.96 mg TAE/g). While TPC and TFC values in all of the studied flowers ranged from 13.94 to 107.9 mg catechol/g and 13.3 to 135.84 mg rutin /g, respectively. Maximum TPC was found in geranium flowers (107.9 mg catechol/g). The pansy was shown to have a minimum amount of total phenol (13.9 mg catechol/g). Calendula has the highest level of β-carotene (0.85 mg/g), whereas the cosmos has the highest amount of carotenoid (18.8 µg/g) and lycopene (0.55 µg/g) among the flowers. Petunia flowers showed the highest antioxidant activity (98.3 %), according to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, followed by pansies (87.6 %), cosmos (65 %), geraniums (56.3 %), and calendula (46.4 %), with the exception of Dianthus. The concentration of micronutrients differed significantly among all six flowers which accumulated nutrients in descending order from (highest to lowest) Fe (1771 ppm) > Zn (143 ppm)>Cu (21.1 ppm) with maximum concentration obtained in Cosmos, Dianthus, and Calendula, respectively. It was found that Petunia extracts exhibited the highest antimicrobial properties, with a maximum growth inhibition zone against Salmonella typhi A (S. typhi A), S. typhi B, Enterobacter, and Pseudomonas with hexane extract, except for S. typhi. However, Dianthus extracts exhibited the highest growth inhibition zones against Enterobacter. Several bioactive metabolites were found in the petals during GC–MS analysis. Among others, notable metabolites include ß-Amyrin, Caryophyllene, 2,4-Di‑tert-butylphenol, ß-Sitosterol, and Stigmasterol, while brewing samples include significant amounts of phenylethyl alcohol, indole, 4-Vinylphenol,.tau.-Muurolol, and 2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol. The results are significant information that may be utilized to promote the consumption of annual edible flowers and to recognize their usage as flower infusions or as tea supplements.

In vitro antioxidant activity evaluation of pine nut peptides (Pinus koraiensis) fermented by Bacillus subtilis LS-45

In this study, we utilized the remarkable capabilities of Bacillus subtilis ls-45 during the fermentation process to generate pine nut peptide. Through gene sequencing, we confirmed the proficiency of Bacillus subtilis ls-45 in producing protease, thereby serving as a valuable enzymatic source for protein hydrolysis. Our investigation focused on examining the variations in amino acid types and quantities between enzymatic pine nut protein peptide (EPP) and fermented pine nut protein polypeptide (FPP). Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the in vitro antioxidant activities of EPP and FPP, encompassing measurements of their Hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, Total reducing capacity, Superoxide anion scavenging rate, and ABTS+ radical scavenging rate. Notably, FPP exhibited superior antioxidant capacity compared to EPP. By employing semi-inhibitory mass concentration (IC50) analysis, we determined that FPP displayed enhanced efficacy in neutralizing hazardous free radicals when compared to EPP.

Perioperative redox changes in patients undergoing hepato-pancreatico-biliary cancer surgery

BackgroundTissue injury induces inflammation and the surgical stress response, which are thought to be central to the orchestration of recovery or deterioration after surgery. Enhanced formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species accompanies the inflammatory response and triggers separate but integrated reduction/oxidation (redox) pathways that lead to oxidative and/or nitrosative stress (ONS). Quantitative information on ONS in the perioperative period is scarce. This single-centre exploratory study investigated the effects of major surgery on ONS and systemic redox status and their potential associations with postoperative morbidity.MethodsBlood was collected from 56 patients at baseline, end of surgery (EoS) and the first postoperative day (day-1). Postoperative morbidity was recorded using the Clavien-Dindo classification and further categorised into minor, moderate and severe. Plasma/serum measures included markers of lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances; TBARS, 4-hydroxynonenal; 4-HNE, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2⍺; 8-isoprostanes). Total reducing capacity was measured using total free thiols (TFTs) and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Nitric oxide (NO) formation/metabolism was measured using cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), nitrite, nitrate and total nitroso-species (RxNO). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-⍺) were measured to evaluate inflammation.ResultsBoth oxidative stress (TBARS) and nitrosative stress (total nitroso-species) increased from baseline to EoS (+14%, P = 0.003 and +138%, P < 0.001, respectively), along with an increase in overall reducing capacity (+9%, P = 0.03) at EoS and protein-adjusted total free thiols (+12%, P = 0.001) at day-1 after surgery. Nitrite, nitrate and cGMP concentrations declined concomitantly from baseline to day-1. Baseline nitrate was 60% higher in the minor morbidity group compared to severe (P = 0.003). The increase in intraoperative TBARS was greater in severe compared to minor morbidity (P = 0.01). The decline in intraoperative nitrate was more marked in the minor morbidity group compared to severe (P < 0.001), whereas the cGMP decline was greatest in the severe morbidity group (P = 0.006).ConclusionIn patients undergoing major HPB surgery, intraoperative oxidative and nitrosative stress increased, with a concomitant increase in reductive capacity. Baseline nitrate was inversely associated with postoperative morbidity, and the hallmarks of poor postoperative outcome include changes in both oxidative stress and NO metabolism.

Green Extracts and UPLC-TQS-MS/MS Profiling of Flavonoids from Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents/Ultrasound-Assisted and Supercritical Fluids.

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is an important source of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids. These have presented different therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; however, their functionality is related to the quantity and type of compounds, and these characteristics depend on the extraction method used. This study aimed to compare different extraction procedures to identify and quantify flavonoids from oregano (Lippia graveolens). Emerging and conventional technologies include maceration with methanol and water, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using deep eutectic solvents (DES) such as choline chloride-ethylene glycol, choline chloride-glycerol, and choline chloride-lactic acid. Supercritical fluid extraction using CO2 as a solvent was also studied. Six different extracts were obtained and the total reducing capacity, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity by ABTS•+, DPPH•, FRAP, and ORAC were evaluated. In addition, flavonoids were identified and quantified by UPLC-TQS-MS/MS. Results showed that UAE-DES had the best extraction effect and antioxidant capacity using colorimetric methods. However, maceration-methanol was superior in compound content, and highlighting naringenin and phloridzin were the major compounds. In addition, this extract was microencapsulated by spray drying, which provided a protection feature of their antioxidant potential. Oregano extracts are rich in flavonoids and the microcapsules present promising results for future research.

Comparative study of total reducing and total antioxidant capacity of Escherichia coli on different media composition obtained by response surface methodology

Anti-oxidants are compounds that act against oxidative stress, prevent DNA damage and lipid peroxidation which are usually the major causes of aging and many diseases including cancer, cardio vascular disorders etc. There are many anti-oxidant assays which are used to measure anti-oxidant potential but total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) and total reductive capability (TRC) are more preferred because of ease to use, good reproducibility and accuracy. Media components were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) and sixteen different media compositions were obtained at primary level. These media compositions were used for TAC and TRC antioxidant assays. The highest reducing power activity was observed in the form of absorbance in media number 4 (0.0275 for 10 min) in wet biomass and for media number 6 (0.0244 for 10 min) in dry biomass. After 30 min, highest reducing power was reported in media number 5 (0.0286) in wet biomass and for dry biomass it was in media number 6 (0.0230). Total anti-oxidant capacity showed the higher percentage inhibition of microbial growth for wet biomass in media number 4 and media number 13 and for dry biomass, the highest percentage inhibition was in media number 5. Therefore, it was observed that media have same nutrients but different compositions which directly affect the level of TAC and TRC. Hence it is an important parameter that before experiments, media components must be optimized by RSM.

Changes of Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Capacity of Pear Ferment in Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion In Vitro.

Fruit ferment is rich in polyphenols, organic acids, enzymes, and other bioactive components, which contribute to their antioxidant ability. In this study, we investigated the effect of the simulated gastric and intestinal digestion in vitro on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), phenolic components content, organic acid content, protease activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA), hydroxyl (·OH) radical scavenging activity (·OH-RSA), and total reducing capacity in 'Xuehua' pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd) ferment. The result showed that the TPC, TFC, protease activity, and phenolic components such as arbutin, protocatechuic acid, malic acid, and acetic acid showed a rising trend during the simulated gastric digestion in 'Xuehua' pear ferment, and these components might contribute to the increasing of ·OH-RSA and total reducing capacity. The SOD activity and epicatechin content showed an increasing trend at first and then a decreasing trend, which was likely associated with DPPH-RSA. During in vitro-simulated intestinal digestion, the majority of evaluated items reduced, except for protease activity, quercetin, and tartaric acid. The reason for the decreasing of bio-accessibility resulted from the inhibition of the digestive environment, and the transformation between substances, such as the conversion of hyperoside to quercetin. The correlation analysis indicated that the antioxidant capacity of 'Xuehua' pear ferment was mainly affected by its bioactive compounds and enzymes activity as well as the food matrices and digestive environment. The comparison between the digestive group with and without enzymes suggested that the simulated gastrointestinal digestion could boost the release and delay the degradation of phenolic components, flavonoids, and organic acid, protect protease and SOD activity, and stabilize DPPH-RSA, ·OH-RSA, and total reducing capacity in 'Xuehua' pear ferment; thus, the 'Xuehua' pear ferment could be considered as an easily digestible food.

Evaluation of Fermented Turmeric Milk by Lactic Acid Bacteria to Prevent UV-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Fibroblast Cells

The nutrition enhancement of turmeric using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was studied. Among the 23 different LAB strains, Levilactobacillus brevis BCRC12247 was chosen due to its robustness. The fermentation of a turmeric drink from L. brevis significantly improved DPPH antioxidant activity (from 71.57% to 75.87%) and total reducing capacity (2.94 ± 0.03 mM Trolox/g dw) compared to the unfermented product. The fermented turmeric samples were subjected to liquid–liquid partition, producing four different fractions. An in vitro study was conducted by treating the fractions on human fibroblast cells (Hs68). The results indicated that hexane (Hex) and water residual (WA) samples could significantly attenuate UVA (15 J/cm2)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing the oxidative damage from 16.99 ± 3.86 to 3.42 ± 2.53 and 3.72 ± 1.76 times, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results showed that Hex and WA inhibited the expression of c-jun and c-fos and lowered the mmp-1 value compared to the negative control group (by 2.72 and 2.58 times, respectively). Moreover, the expressions of Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant-related genes were significantly elevated in the Hex fraction. Therefore, fermentation using L. brevis can be an effective method to elevate the nutritional values of turmeric, protecting fibroblast cells from UVA-induced photoaging and oxidative stress.

Phenolic compounds in Hungarian acacia, linden, milkweed and goldenrod honeys

Honey is a valuable source of nutrients, minerals and phenolic compounds. Phenolic acids and flavonoids are associated with health benefits of honey and can serve as markers for distinguishing honey types. This study aimed at determining the phenolic profile of four Hungarian unifloral honeys that were not analyzed previously. After verifying their botanical origin with melissopalynological analysis, total reducing capacity was determined with Folin-Ciocalteau method, and phenolic composition was analyzed with HPLC-DAD-MS. From the 25 phenolic substances examined, pinobanksin was the most abundant, followed by chrysin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and galangin. Quercetin and p-syringaldehyde were detected only in acacia honey, which contained higher levels of chrysin and hesperetin compared to the other three honeys. Milkweed and linden honeys displayed higher levels of caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids compared to acacia and goldenrod honeys. Taxifolin may serve as a unique marker compound of milkweed honey. Goldenrod honey contained the highest level of syringic acid. Principal component analysis supported the indicator role of polyphenols in honey identification, discriminating clearly the four unifloral honeys. Our results suggest that phenolic profiles may be useful to find markers of honey's floral origin, but geographical origin can strongly influence the composition of characteristic compounds.

Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous Extract of Spatholobi Caulis and Its Ameliorative Effect on CCl4 Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

The acute liver injury model of mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was used to explore the protective effect of aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis on acute liver injury. Methods: The contents of total phenols and total flavonoids in the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Caulis spatholobi were determined, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging rate and FRAP total reducing capacity. 30 C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into model group, bifendate group, the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis (n = 6). The animal model of acute liver injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ after 7 days with corresponding drugs. The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by H&E staining. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The indexes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and antioxidant effects of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Results: Liver histomorphology observation showed that aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis could significantly improve liver cell injury and inflammatory cell infiltration, and significantly increased the activities of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px antioxidant enzymes in liver, decreased the contents of MDA and ALT and AST in serum, significantly down-regulated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, and up-regulated the levels of IL-10 and other inflammatory factors. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis can improve acute liver injury induced by CCl₄ in mice through improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Sustainable and effective approach to recover antioxidant compounds from purple tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica cv. Zijuan) leaves

Camellia sinensis var. assamica cv. Zijuan (purple tea) is known for its content of anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, and bioactivities. This study aimed to verify the influence of solvent polarity, in a solid–liquid extraction, on the content of phenolic compounds and chlorophylls, instrumental color, and antioxidant activity. Different proportions of water and ethanol (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 v/v) were used for extraction. The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract (75 % ethanol + 25 % water) had the highest contents of total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, chlorophyll A, and total carotenoids, as well as presenting the highest color intensity, proportion of yellow pigments, and antioxidant activity (total reducing capacity and scavenging of the DPPH free radical). Twenty-two compounds were identified, with chlorogenic acid, hesperidin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, and isoquercitrin being the main phenolics. This phenolic-rich extract inhibited lipoperoxidation induced in egg yolk homogenate (IC50 = 455 mg/L), showed no hemolytic behavior when human erythrocytes were subjected to osmotic stress, and exerted in vitro cytotoxic effects against cancer and hybrid cells. The extract obtained with the mixture of non-toxic solvents presented critical bioactivities, as well as a comprehensive identification of phenolic compounds in the cultivar, and has potential to be used in technological applications.

Hyperglycemia-associated Alzheimer's-like symptoms and other behavioral effects attenuated by Plumeria obtusa L. Extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic complaint with numerous short- and long-term complications that harm a person's physical and psychological health. Plumeria obtusa L. is a traditional medicine used in the treatment of diabetes to reduce complications related to behavior. Plumeria is a genus with antipsychotic activities. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a methanolic extract of Plumeria obtusa L. in the attenuation of diabetes, on symptoms of Alzheimer disease, and on other associated behavioral aspects. A single dose of alloxan was administered to an experimental group of rats to induce development of diabetes (150mg/kg, intraperitoneal) and the rats were then administered selected doses of methanolic extract of Plumeria obtusa L. (Po.Cr) or glibenclamide (0.6mg/kg) for 45 consecutive days. Behavioral effects were evaluated using three validated assays of anxiety-related behavior: the open field test, the light and dark test, and the elevated plus maze. Anti-depressant effects of Plumeria obtusa L. were evaluated using the forced swim test (FST) and memory and learning were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) task. Po.Cr was also evaluated for phytochemicals using total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and high-performance liquid chromatography assays, and antioxidant capability was assessed through assays of DPPH radical scavenging, total oxidation capacity, and total reducing capacity. In the alloxan-induced model of diabetes, the administration of Po.Cr and glibenclamide for 45days produced a marked decrease (p < 0.001) in hyperglycemia compared to control animals. Po.Cr treatment also resulted in improvement in indicators, such as body weight and lipid profile (p < 0.05), as well as restoration of normal levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) (p < 0.001), a biomarker of liver function. Diabetic rats presented more Alzheimer-like symptoms, with greater impairment of memory and learning, and increased anxiety and depression compared to non-diabetic normal rats, whereas treated diabetic rats showed significant improvements in memory and behavioral outcomes. These results demonstrate that Po.Cr reversed alloxan-induced hyperglycemia and ameliorated Alzheimer-related behavioral changes, which supports additional study and assessment of conventional use of the plant to treat diabetes and associated behavioral complications.

Loading and Release of Phenolic Compounds Present in Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens) in Different Chitosan Bio-Polymeric Cationic Matrixes.

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but low bioaccessibility. Therefore, in the present work the micro/nano-encapsulation of these compounds in two different matrixes of chitosan (CS) and chitosan-b-poly(PEGMA2000) (CS-b-PPEGMA) is described and assessed. The particle sizes of matrixes of CS (~955 nm) and CS-b-PPEGMA (~190 nm) increased by 10% and 50%, respectively, when the phenolic compounds were encapsulated, yielding loading efficiencies (LE) between 90–99% and 50–60%, correspondingly. The release profiles in simulated fluids revealed a better control of host–guest interactions by using the CS-b-PPEGMA matrix, reaching phenolic compounds release of 80% after 24 h, while single CS retained the guest compounds. The total reducing capacity (TRC) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of the phenolic compounds (PPHs) are protected and increased (more than five times) when they are encapsulated. Thus, this investigation provides a standard encapsulation strategy and relevant results regarding nutraceuticals stabilization and their improved bioaccessibility.

An Electrochemical Determination of the Total Reducing Capacity of Wheat, Spelt, and Rye Breads.

The most interesting activities associated with bread components such as phenolic compounds, fibre, tocols, or newly formed compounds in the Maillard reaction, are their reducing properties responsible for the formation of the overall reducing capacity of bread. Among the electrochemical methods, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique has been recently adapted for this purpose. In this study, the application of the CV assay for the determination of the total reducing capacity of flours, doughs, and breads as well as their crumbs and crusts, originated from wheat, spelt, and rye formulated on white flours (extraction rate of 70%) and dark flours (extraction rate of 100%) and baked at 200 °C for 35 min and at 240 °C for 30 min was addressed. The reducing capacity of hydrophilic extracts from white flours and breads as well as their crumbs and crusts showed double values when compared to that of lipophilic ones whilst hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts from dark breads and their parts revealed comparable levels. The dark wheat, spelt, and rye breads showed an approximately threefold higher total reducing capacity than white breads. Baking at higher temperature slightly increased the total reducing capacity of breads and the highest value was found for dark rye bread as well as its crust baked at 240 °C for 30 min. The cyclic voltammetry methodology showed to be especially suitable for screening the bread technology and allows for obtaining rapid electrochemical profiles of bread samples.