Total Reducing Capacity Research Articles

Assessment of the reducing capacity of processed fruit juices with the copper(I)/4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-biquinoline complexes.

An alternative method for quantification of the total reducing capacity (TRC) of processed ready-to-drink fruit juices (orange, grape, peach, mango, cashew, strawberry, apple and guava) is suggested. The spectrophotometric procedure is based on the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) by antioxidants (present in the samples) in aqueous buffered solution (pH 7.0), containing 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-biquinoline acid (H2BCA), yielding the [Formula: see text] complexes. The absorbance values at 558nm (A558nm) of the [Formula: see text] complexes obtained with juice samples were compared with A558nm values of the same complexes obtained with a standard ascorbic acid solution and used to quantify and express the reducing capacity of each sample. Regarding orange juices a positive relationship between the TRC values using the [Formula: see text] complexes and the labelled ascorbic acid (AA) content along with the total polyphenol content (TPC) was measured. Grape juices showed the best positive correlation was verified between the TRC (with the [Formula: see text] complexes) and the TPC. While other fruit juices showed good agreement of TRC values with [Formula: see text] complexes and DPPH reagent. The proposed method may be applied to measure the TRC of beers and wines and also for biological samples like serum and follicular fluid.

Nema

In this study, water and various concentrations of ethanol in water (30 %, 50 %, 70 %, and 90 %) were used as a solvent in the extraction of two different samples of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). The extraction yield, total phenols content, total flavonoids content, antioxidant activity, and reductive capacity were determined in the obtained extracts. The extraction yield was from 8.16 to 19.56 %, the content of total phenols was in the range from 5.85 to 17.05 mg GAE/g dw, and content of total flavonoids was in the range from 5.85 to 9.25 mg CE/g dw. Antioxidant activity was tested by DPPH assay and EC50 values were from 0.1331 to 0.7563 mg/mL, while EC50 values obtained by reducing power test ranged from 0.4450 to 1.1980 mg/mL. Ethanol/water mixture (50 %) was determined to be the best solvent for the extraction of phenolic compounds from both hemp samples. Total phenols content in 50 % ethanolic extracts were 17.05 mg/g dw and 9.25 mg/g dw for young and mature hemp, respectively.

Phenolic profiling and therapeutic potential of local flora of Azad Kashmir; In vitro enzyme inhibition and antioxidant

AbstractThe current study supports the phytochemical screening, evaluation of antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential and correlations between antioxidant activities and phenolics of Rumex dentatus (Family: Polygonaceae), Mentha spicata (Family: Lamiaceae), Withania somnifera (Family: Solanaceae), Nerium indicum (Family: Apocynaceae) and Artemisia scoparia (Family: Asteraceae). The herbal materials were extracted in ethanol (90%) and partitioned between several solvents based on polarities. Total phenols were determined with FC method and ranged 21.33 ± 1.53 - 355.67 ± 6.03 mg GAE/ mg of the extract. Antioxidant activities (DPPH, total iron reducing capacity, phosphomolybdate assay & FRAP) and enzyme inhibition potential (Protease, AChE & BChE) were performed by the standard protocols. The results showed that all extracts exhibited significant DPPH activity ranging from 12.67 ± 2.08 - 92.67 ± 1.53%. The extracts that were active in DPPH activity also potrayed marvelous FRAP, total iron reducing and phosphomolybdate values. Correlation studies of antioxidant activities and the content of phenolic compounds in plant materials exhibited positive correlation between them. The outcome of enzyme inhibition activity exhibited that about 80% of the fractions under surveillance plants intimated more than 50% inhibition. Isolation of bioactive compounds from these plants is in progress.

Total reducing capacity in Arabidopsis thaliana cat2cat3 knockout mutants under heat stress

Aim. It was investigated whether the simultaneous loss of the two catalase isoforms CAT2 and CAT3 can be compensated by the increase in content of low-molecular weight antioxidants. To clarify this question, the total reducing capacity in Arabidopsis wild type and cat2cat3 knockout mutants was evaluated under optimal growth conditions and after heat stress. Methods. Leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana wild type and cat2cat3 knockout mutants were exposed to high temperatures. The content of water-soluble low molecular weight antioxidants was evaluated by determining the total reducing capacity using iodometry. Results. In intact cat2cat3 mutants there is an 1.7 times increase in the content of low-molecular weight antioxidants compared to wild type plants. A high content of these compounds in knockout plants was also observed upon heat stress. Patterns of changes in total reducing capacity differ between wild type and knockout lines. Conclusion. The loss of activity of the catalase isoforms CAT2 and CAT3 in knock-out mutants of Arabidopsis results in activation of non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses. The increase of the content of low-molecular weight antioxidants is one of the mechanisms that provide protection of mutant plants from chronic oxidative stress, both under optimal cultivation conditions and under the influence of elevated temperatures.Keywords: multigenic family, heat shock, total reducing capacity, knockout mutants, Arabidopsis thaliana.

Effect of solvent type and high pressure treatment on the extraction of Gomphrena globosa L. bioactive compounds

The present study aimed to compare the influence of different extraction solvents (water, methanol, water:acetone (6:4, v/v)), methods (heating (37 °C, 30 min) or high pressure (HP) (300 or 500 MPa) and extraction time (7.5 or 15 min)) on flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins and antioxidant activity (Total Reducing Capacity (TRC), DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Reducing Power) of Gomphrena globosa L. flower extracts. The water:acetone extracts obtained by heating had the highest values of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins and antioxidant activity. When applying HP, variable results were obtained. Still, the application of HP to water allowed to extract more hydrolysable tannins, as well as to obtain extracts with higher antioxidant activity than with heating, but no significant alterations were observed with methanol. In conclusion, both solvent and extraction method influence the content of bioactive compounds, being HP treatment a promising method to obtain enriched aqueous extracts in line with the principles of green-chemistry.

Evaluating Antioxidative Activity of the Peel of Cucurbita Pepo Cultivated In Two Areas of Mazandaran, Iran

Background: A new vegetable cultivated in North Iran (Guilan and Mazandaran) is Cucurbita pepo. C. pepo peel is often removed from the fruit before use. Thus, antioxidant activity of C. pepo peel could be an interesting topic for research. Methods: In this research, antioxidative activity of peels from C. pepo cultivated in Behshar and Amol areas (in Mazandaran province, Iran) was investigated. For this purpose, water-ethanol extracts of C. pepo were prepared by common and ultrasound-assisted methods. Antioxidative activities of the extracts were investigated by three methods including β-carotene bleaching assay, 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay and rancimat test. Moreover, total reducing capacity (total phenolic compounds) and tocopherols of the extracts were measured. Results: C. pepo extract was better than tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in β-carotene bleaching assay and DPPH radical-scavenging assay; while the opposite was the case for rancimat test. Moreover, antioxidative power of peel from C. pepo cultivated Behshahr region was better than that of Amol region. Ultrasound waves promoted extraction of phenolic compounds, too. Conclusion: The results obtained in this research indicated that C. pepo peel is rich source of antioxidative compounds. Keywords: Cucurbita pepo, peel, antioxidative activity, phenolic compounds, water-ethanol extracts, ultrasound waves.

Optimization of high pressure bioactive compounds extraction from pansies (Viola × wittrockiana) by response surface methodology

ABSTRACTResponse surface methodology (RSM) was employed for the first time to optimize high pressure extraction (HPE) conditions of bioactive compounds from pansies, namely: pressure (X1: 0–500 MPa), time (X2: 5–15 min) and ethanol concentration (X3: 0–100%). Consistent fittings using second-order polynomial models were obtained for flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, total reducing capacity (TRC) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. The optimum extraction conditions based on combination responses for TRC, tannins and anthocyanins were: X1 = 384 MPa, X2 = 15 min and X3 = 35% (v/v) ethanol, shortening the extraction time when compared to the classic method of stirring (approx. 24 h). When the optimum extraction conditions were applied, 65.1 mg of TRC, 42.8 mg of tannins and 56.15 mg of anthocyanins/g dried flower were obtained. Thus, HPE has shown to be a promising technique to extract bioactive compounds from pansies, by reducing the extraction time and by using green solvents (ethanol and water), for application in diverse industrial fields.

Low temperature and ultraviolet-B radiation affect chlorophyll content and induce the accumulation of UV-B-absorbing and antioxidant compounds in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants

Low temperature (LT) and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation are abiotic factors that cause plant stress and limit crop production because of their detrimental effects on photosynthetic components. There is evidence of chlorophyll and carotenoid degradation by LT and UV-B radiation, as well as the production of phenolic compounds as defense components against these stress factors; however, there is scarce information about the interactions between LT and UV-B radiation. Therefore, in this study, the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds were analyzed in response to LT, UV-B radiation and the combination of both (LT+UV-B) in leaves of bell pepper plants. The LT+UV-B condition produced the greater degradation of chlorophyll in the bell pepper leaves and the higher accumulation of carotenoids, chlorogenic acid and the flavonoids apigenin-7-O-glucoside (A-7-G) and luteolin-7-O-glucoside (L-7-G) compared to the LT and UV-B conditions applied separately. UV-B radiation induced a higher total flavonoid concentration than LT, but the highest flavonoid concentration was observed in the leaves exposed to LT+UV-B. The higher accumulation of chlorogenic acid and A-7-G biosynthesis in leaves exposed to LT than control, indicate a higher resistance of plants to UV-B radiation damage because chlorogenic acid and A-7-G both have high UV-B absorbance capacities. However, a higher concentration of L-7-G, respect to A-7-G, in leaves exposed to UV-B and LT+UV-B indicates a higher necessity to quench ROS, because L-7-G has a higher antioxidant capacity than A-7-G. The increment of carotenoid and L-7-G concentrations in bell pepper plants exposed to LT and UV-B radiation stress displayed a high correlation with the raise of total reducing capacity in their leaves.

Optimization of an organic yogurt based on sensorial, nutritional, and functional perspectives

The effects of purple grape juice (PGJ), grape skin flour (GSF), and oligofructose (OLI) on proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), sensory, physicochemical, and textural properties of yogurts were analyzed using response surface methodology. Multiple regression models were proposed and results showed that PGJ increased the viscosity, AA, and TPC, while GSF increased the ash and total fiber contents of yogurts. GSF and OLI increased the hardness and consistency. A simultaneous optimization was performed to maximize TPC, ash and fibers contents, and sensory acceptance: a yogurt containing 1.7% GSF and 8.0% PGJ had a high fiber (5.60±0.13%) and ash (0.76±0.02%) contents, TPC (28.32±2.10mg GAE/100g), AA toward DPPH (57.85±1.36mg AAE/100g), and total reducing capacity (28.86±5.19mg QE/100g). The optimized yogurt had 79% acceptability index, indicating the use of PGJ and GSF is a feasible alternative to increase the functional properties of yogurts.

Physicochemical composition and antioxidant activity of several pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars grown in Spain

Nine pomegranate cultivars grown in Spain were selected, and their physicochemical (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, maturity index, monomeric anthocyanin pigment, flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins, and vitamin C) and antioxidant properties and polyphenolic composition of the juices were compared. A total of 53 polyphenols were identified, showing cultivars different profiles. Of all nine cultivars, Katirbasi had the highest contents of flavonoids, hydrolyzable tannins and vitamin C, as well as gallic acid and ellagic acid contents, explaining its high total reducing capacity. Principal component analysis allowed Katirbasi to be differentiated clearly from the others. Other cultivars presented also interesting characteristics such as high monomeric anthocyanin pigment content (CG8 cultivar) and interesting antioxidant activity (Wonderful 2 and CG8 cultivars). CG8 was the cultivar with the highest value of cyanidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside. Thus, this study will assist pomegranate producers in choosing the most suitable cultivar according to its ultimate use.

열처리 조리방법이 마늘의 항산화 활성과 이화학적 특성에 미치는 영향

한국인이 마늘을 섭취할 때 주로 사용하는 조리방법으로 8종의 마늘을 준비하여 조리 조건이 마늘의 항산화 활성과 이화학적 특성에 미치는 영향을 살펴보았다. 열처리 강도가 높은 조리법일수록 마늘의 수분 손실이 컸으며, 명도는 낮아지고 황색도는 높아지는 전형적 갈변 현상을 나타내었다. 특히 명도가 가장 낮았던 프라잉과 팬 프라잉으로 조리된 마늘에서는 수용성 고형분 함량 역시 유의적으로 낮아 조리온도가 높을수록 수용성 저분자 물질로부터 불용성 고분자 중합물질을 형성하는 비효소적 갈변반응이 더 가속화되었음을 시사해주었다. 한편 조리된 마늘은 생마늘보다 thiosulfinates 함량이 낮았으며, 이는 열처리에 의해 thiosulfinates가 polysulfides로 분해되었거나, 열전달 매체를 사용한 삶기, 프라잉, 팬 프라잉으로 조리된 마늘에서는 이들 물질이 열전달 매체로 용출되었을 가능성을 시사해주었다. 전자레인지로 조리된 마늘은 다른 마늘보다 유기산과 thiosulfinates, 플라보노이드 성분들이 상대적으로 많이 보유되어 있었으며, 이는 에너지가 낮고 조리시간이 짧은 전자레인지 가열방식에 의해 마늘 속 열에 약한 성분들이 상대적으로 덜 분해된 결과로 볼 수 있다. 높은 온도에서 조리된 마늘들은 총 환원력과 금속 소거능이 높은 경향을 나타내었으며, 이는 색도 결과에 의해 시사된 것과 같이 환원력을 지닌 갈변반응의 중간물질과 최종물질들이 고온 조리 시 더 활발히 생성된 결과로 해석되었다. 물과 기름을 열전달 매체로 하여 조리된 마늘에서는 총 환원력과 플라보노이드 함량이 상대적으로 낮은 경향을 나타내었다. 그러나 생마늘과 조리된 마늘에서 측정된 총 환원력과 플라보노이드 정량 결과는 DPPH 라디칼 소거능 결과와는 다소 일치하지 않았다. 이는 환원성 물질들의 총량이 증가하였음에도 불구하고 우수한 항산화 활성을 지닌 일부 열에 불안정한 플라보노이드와 페놀 화합물들이 조리 중 감소하였을 가능성을 말해준다. 따라서 조리 중 마늘 내부에서 분해 혹은 새로이 생성될 수 있는 개별 환원성 물질들의 조성과 항산화 활성 비교에 대한 후속연구가 필요할 것으로 생각한다.

Загальна редукуюча спроможність рослин Arabidopsis thaliana за дії сольового стресу

Загальна редукуюча спроможність рослин Arabidopsis thaliana за дії сольового стресу

Analytical optimization of a phenolic-rich herbal extract and supplementation in fermented milk containing sweet potato pulp.

The aims of the present study were to optimize and characterize the phenolic composition of a herbal extract composed of green mate (Ilex paraguariensis), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and to propose the addition of this polyphenol-rich extract to fermented milks (FM) with/without sweet potato pulp (Ipomoea batatas). Proximate composition, pH, acidity, instrumental texture profile, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) of all formulations were measured, and sensory attributes were also investigated. The addition of a lyophilized extract (1g 100g-1) containing 87.5% clove and 12.5% green mate increased the AA and TPC, while FM with added sweet potato pulp had the best sensory acceptance. The TPC and total reducing capacity had a slight change during 21days of storage. The data showed that herbal extracts and sweet potato pulp may be used to develop new dairy foods with potential functional properties.

Effects of time and extraction temperature on phenolic composition and functional properties of red rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)

This work was aimed at assessing the time-temperature effects on the phenolic compounds and in vitro functional properties of aqueous extracts from red rooibos (Aspalathus linearis). The major phenolic composition (tannins, flavonoids, flavonols, ortho-diphenols, total phenolic content), antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH) and reducing capacities (FRAP and total reducing capacity), antimicrobial effects and inhibition of α-amylase/α-glucosidase were measured. Phenolic compounds were also determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Aqueous extracts did not inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans between 7.81 and 1000mgL−1. Rooibos extracted at 85°C for 10min showed a beneficial interaction with the human erythrocytes, reducing the hemolysis. The correlation analysis showed that the phenolic compounds responsible for the inhibition of α-amylase (IC50) were isohrmanetin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, salicylic acid, and syringaldehyde, whereas the inhibition of α-glucosidase was correlated to syringaldehyde, isoquercitrin, and luteolin. Overall, rooibos extracted at 85°C had the highest antioxidant activity measured by all assays, higher contents of phenolic compounds (spectrophotometric and LC-ESI-MS/MS data), and lower IC50 values for the digestive enzymes. On the other hand, rooibos extracted at 65°C had the opposite behavior, while rooibos extracted at 75°C presented mean intermediate values for the responses. This result clearly indicates that the extraction temperature is the main factor leading to a higher extraction of bioactive compounds from red rooibos.

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) Seeds: Chemical Characterization and Extraction of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Compounds.

This study was aimed to assess the effect of time and temperature on the extraction of antioxidant compounds from jabuticaba seeds (Myrciaria cauliflora cv. Sabará), to optimize the solvent proportion (water, ethyl alcohol, and propanone), and to characterize the extract according to the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Proximal composition, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities were analyzed. The optimized solvent ratio of 60% water and 40% propanone provided a mean TPC of 8.65 g GAE/100 g seeds and the antioxidant activity toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was 82.79% ± 0.50%. Time and temperature parameters did not influence the yield of TPC. The gross seed extract was partially purified and both exhibited a high antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potential toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The purified jabuticaba seed lyophilized extract contained a higher (P < 0.05) TPC, o-diphenols, flavonols, and antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH assay and total reducing capacity as compared to the gross lyophilized extract. Electrospray ionization coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) data showed the presence of ellagitannins and ellagic acid in the extracts, which are probably the responsible for the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Influence of Sulfur Fertilization on the Antioxidant Activities of Onion Juices Prepared by Thermal Treatment.

Two onions (Sulfur-1 and Sulfur-4) cultivated with different sulfur applications were thermally processed to elucidate the effects of heat treatment on browning index and antioxidant activity. Sulfur-4 onion had higher sulfur content compared with the Sulfur-1 onion. After thermal processing, browning intensity was different between the two onions juices, with lower values observed for Sulfur-4 onion juice. This suggests that sulfur inhibits the Maillard browning reaction. The total reducing capacity of the juices increased at higher thermal processing temperatures; however, it was also lower in the Sulfur-4 onion juice. This suggests that the heat treatment of onions enhanced their antioxidant activity, but the effect was offset in the Sulfur-4 onion juice presumably due to higher sulfur content. This study indicates that sulfur, a core element for the functionality of onions, can decrease the antioxidant activity of thermally processed onions because of its potential as a Maillard reaction inhibitor.

Phenolic Analyses of Haskap Berries (Lonicera caerulea L.): Spectrophotometry Versus High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) are known for their high phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant potential. The data on the phenolic profile of these fruits are lacking. In this study, the phenolic profiles of three haskap varieties; tundra, berry blue, and indigo gem grown in Nova Scotia, Canada were investigated for the first time using spectrophotometery and high-performance liquid chromatography. Berries were analyzed for total phenolic content/total reducing capacity, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant potential (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity). The total reducing capacity, total anthocyanin content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl values were 6.17–8.42 mg gallic acid equivalents/gram fresh weight, 4.49–6.97 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/gram fresh weight, and 78.70–89.55%, respectively. The extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase diode array detector–high-performance liquid chromatography through a gradient elution using Synergi 4 µm Max-RP C12 column and the chromatograms were acquired at 520, 360, and 320 nm for athocyanins, flavonoids, and free phenolic acids, respectively. The identified anthocyanins were cyanidin-3-glucoside (82.81–91.99% of the total anthocyanins), cyanidin 3,5-di-glucoside (2.31–4.27%), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (1.54–9.20%), peonidin-3-O-glucoside (0.75–3.44%), and pelargonidin-3-glucoside (0.77–2.98%). Other flavonoids (quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside and quercetin-3-rutinoside) and free phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic) were also quantified.

Comparative investigation of the free radical scavenging potential and anticancer property of Diospyros blancoi (Ebenaceae)

ObjectiveTo investigate the comparative effects of Diospyros blancoi (Ebenaceae) leaves (DBL), root bark (DBRB) and stem bark (DBSB) on free radicals and cancer. MethodsThe polyphenol contents, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Cytotoxicity and anticancer activities were performed on brine shrimp nauplii and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells, respectively. ResultsAmong the extracts, DBSB showed the highest total antioxidant capacity and reducing capacity on ferrous ion. Based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, DBSB showed (95.760 ± 0.343)% and (67.460 ± 2.641)% scavenging with IC50 of (3.10 ± 0.17) and (50.00 ± 3.11) μg/mL, respectively. The IC50 values of standard butylated hydroxytoluene and catechin (CA) for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals were (8.50 ± 0.25) and (75.00 ± 0.14) μg/mL, respectively suggesting that DBSB had a significant (P < 0.05) radical scavenging activity than standards. In lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, the inhibitory activity of the extracts and the standard was in the following order: DBSB > DBRB > CA > DBL. Also, the phenolic [(139.91 ± 3.924) mg gallic acid equivalent/g] and flavonoid contents [(412.00 ± 16.70) mg catechin equivalent/g)] of DBSB were higher than that of other extracts. In addition, the DBSB showed the moderate cytotoxic and anticancer properties. ConclusionsOur results indicate that Diospyros blancoi stem bark had the significant highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties as well as moderate anticancer activity. Hence, we assume that the anticancer activity of this plant can be, at least in part, attributed to its content in phenolic compounds as well as its significant free radical scavenging properties.

Phenolic Profile and Biological Activities of the Pepino (Solanum muricatum) Fruit and Its Wild Relative S. caripense.

The pepino (Solanum muricatum) is an edible and juicy fruit native to the Andean region which is becoming increasingly important. However, little information is available on its phenolic composition and bioactive properties. Four pepino varieties (37-A, El Camino, Puzol, and Valencia) and one accession (E-7) of its close wild relative S. caripense were characterized by HPLC-DAD-MSn/ESI. Twenty-four hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were detected (5 to 16 compounds per variety or accession), with differences of more than two-fold for their total content among the materials studied. The major phenolics in the pepino varieties were chlorogenic acids and derivatives, while in S. caripense a caffeoyl-synapoyl-quinic acid was the major compound. The in vitro antioxidant capacity (DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate), ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), and TRC (total reducing capacity) tests) was higher in S. caripense. Pepino and S. caripense extracts were not toxic for RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and the raw extracts inhibited NO production of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by 36% (El Camino) to 67% (37-A). No single variety ranked high simultaneously for hydroxycinnamic acids content, antioxidant activity and biological activity. We suggest the screening of large collections of germplasm or the use of complementary crosses between Puzol (high for hydroxycinnamic acids and biological activity) and S. caripense E-7 (high for antioxidant activity) to select and breed pepino varieties with enhanced properties.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Feronia Limonia Bark Relevant to the Treatment of Oxidative Stress Mediated Neurodegenerative Disorders

The present study was designed to explore the potent antioxidant of crude methanol extract (CME) of Feronia limonia bark and its four fractions such as petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CLF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and aqueous fractions (AQF) in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, caused by oxidative stress. The highest phenolic and flavonoid content were detected in CLF (18.16 µg of gallic acid equivalent/gm of dried sample &160.20 µg of GAE/gm of extract) suggestive for good source of antioxidant. To the best of the knowledge, the compound C-1, Umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin), reported for the first time from this plant source, was isolated & characterized from the chloroform fraction by column chromatography, PTLC and by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HMBC respectively. All the fractions and the compound isolated were investigated for in vitro antioxidant activity by total antioxidant capacity assay, ferric reducing power assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) free radical & hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay. The total antioxidant activity and reducing capacity of CLF & EAF was higher than CME, AQF & PEF. In case of DPPH assay, all the extracts tested exhibited strong and similar free radical scavenging activity (IC50 values 15.8-17.4 µg/ml) compared with the reference standard ascorbic acid(IC50 value 12.6 µg/ml). The AQF had the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 12.5 µg/ml. The isolated compound and seven column fractions (F2 to F8) of CLF also possessed good antioxidant activity. The highest lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity was found from F7 (IC50 value 14 µg/ml) appearing more potent than the standard catechin. Irrefutably, the study revealed that the plant bark inhibits multiple components of the oxidative stress pathway, which is suggestive for using in the effective and safe treatment of neurodegenerative diseases after in vivo effectiveness test is done.