Trolox Equivalents Research Articles

Characterization of Key Phytoconstituents in Nigella Oil from Diverse Sources and Their Transfer Efficiency During Oil Processing

Nigella sativa L., which is commonly referred to as black cumin, is a globally recognized plant for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical values of its seed oil. While numerous studies have investigated Nigella oil, there is a scarcity of information regarding the variation of key phytoconstituents in Nigella oil from diverse seed sources. It is also unclear whether the variation in phytoconstituents across different seed sources translates to variations in their respective oils, which is important for understanding their health benefits. Additionally, there is a gap in information on how specific phytochemicals transfer from seed to oil during the oil pressing. Therefore, this study investigated Nigella sourced from different genotypes and agricultural practices (planting densities and sowing times) to determine total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (FRAP and CUPRAC), thymoquinone (TQ), and fatty acid composition. The results showed significant variation of TPC (87.4–144.1 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g), FRAP (454.1–560.9 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 g), CUPRAC (356.3–482.5 mg TE/100 g), TQ (1493.5–2268.4 mg TQ/100 g), saturated fatty acid (SFA) (65.9–83.7 mg/g), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (42.5–67.8 mg/g), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (266.1–383.4 mg/g) in the oil derived from the seeds of different genotypes and agricultural practices. The total transfer of TPC, FRAP, and CUPRAC into the screw-pressed oil was relatively low, contributing only 2.3–3.7%, 7.1–11.7%, and 1.5–2.3%, respectively, of their total value in the respective seed. However, the transfer of TQ, SFA, MUFA, and PUFA was observed to be comparatively higher, contributing 32.8–48.5%, 60.8–84.2%, 45.6–74.4%, and 43.1–69.4%, respectively, of their total value in the respective seed. There was no strong correlation observed among TPC, FRAP, CUPRAC, and TQ, and none of the fatty acids showed a strong correlation with these variables.

Biostimulant effect of Cladophora glomerata extract on garden cress plant growth

Biostimulants that improve agriculture's productivity and environmental responsibility are widely favored and used. Algae has emerged as a viable option for sustainable agriculture. In the present study, the effects of the Cladophora glomerata (L.) Kütz. aqueous extract in three concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 mg extract per mL of tap water) was tested on the growth and productivity of garden cress (GCR) Lepidium sativum L., plants over 12 days, and the results were compared with those of the control group (irrigated only with tap water). The effect of the algae extract was studied by assessing the changes in phenolic compounds using HPLC–DAD and determining the chlorophyll content as well as the total antioxidant capacity of the GCR using DPPH and ABTS tests. Total phenolics, as well as total flavonoids, were measured. The potential role of algae extract in promoting cress plant growth was attained when compared to the control, mainly at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, which exhibited the highest yield growth after 12 days and presented the highest antioxidant capacity at 13.53 ± 1.16 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g dry weight (DW), compared to 10.44 ± 0.33 mgTE/g DW for the control. The total phenolic content significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 14.34 ± 0.84 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ g dry weight (DW) to 23.14 ± 0.55 mg GAE/g DW. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in different tested samples of GCR, whether treated or not treated with algae extracts. Chrysin was only identified in the treated plants. Therefore, the use of algae (C. glomerata) presents promising potential as a biostimulant in agriculture, contributing to increased plant growth and improved resistance to environmental stress.

Development, characterization, and comparison of chitosan microparticles as a carrier system for black bean protein hydrolysates with antioxidant capacity.

Peptides in black bean protein hydrolysates (BPHs) exert antioxidant capacity. However, peptides are prone to degradation during processing and digestion. Chitosan (Ch) can protect them and provide a delayed release. This work develops and compares two drying methods producing porous structured Ch microparticles (MPs) as carriers for antioxidant BPH. Ch gels were obtained by ionic gelation and dried by supercritical CO2 solvent displacement or fast-freeze-drying methods. The resulting aerogels and fast-freeze-dried MPs were structurally characterized, and their swelling and release profiles were obtained at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The antioxidant capacity of systems was determined by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and superoxide radical assays. The results showed BPH-Ch best complexation conditions occurring at a pH of 4.5 and a 4:1 BPH/Ch ratio. The particle size of the complex was 1047.6nm, and the entrapment efficiency and loading capacity were 28.2% and 54.3%, respectively. At pH 1.2 and 7.4, the release rate of BPH was lower in aerogel than in fast-freeze-dried MPs. Besides, entrapment BPH in Ch significantly reduced the ABTS antioxidant activity IC50 from 35.1µM Trolox equivalents (TE)/mg to 250.7 and 406.2µM TE/mg for Ch fast-freeze-dried and aerogels, respectively. Superoxide radical inhibition IC50 ranged from 74.6 to 92.9mM ascorbic acid equivalents/mg in the different samples. BPH-loaded aerogels presented lower specific surface area (94.7 vs. 138.6m2/g, p<0.05) and higher average pore size (26.4 vs. 19.8nm) than Ch aerogels. Ch aerogel is a promising carrier for delaying the release of common bean antioxidant peptides useful for developing functional foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This novel system could act as an ingredient to incorporate antioxidant compounds in different formats to develop delayed-release nutraceuticals and functional foods, such as bakery, dairy products, or beverages. Along, antioxidant peptide-loaded aerogels could be used as a slow-release system for compounds acting as natural preserving antioxidants for food applications such as raw meat products or high-fat foods.

Optimizing the Precipitation of Bioactive Compounds From Extracted Curcuma longa Linn. Using Gas Anti‐Solvent Process

ABSTRACTTurmeric is a medicinal herb that can be used in a wide range of applications, such as food ingredients, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. The active ingredients found in turmeric are curcumin (CUR), desmethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdesmethoxycurcumin (BMDC). The aim of this research was to precipitate the active ingredients from a turmeric extract using the gas anti‐solvent process with carbon dioxide as the anti‐solvent. The effects of solvent type (ethanol, methanol, and acetonitrile), precipitation temperature (25°C–45°C), and CO2 flow rate (4–12 mL/min) on the amount of precipitates were investigated using the Box–Behnken design of experiments. The precipitates were analyzed for curcuminoids and CUR content using HPLC and were tested for antioxidant activity. It was found that solvent type and temperature were significant variables at a 5% significance level on the amount of precipitates. Using a mixture of ethanol and methanol (77.5% v/v ethanol) with a polarity index of 4.48 as the solvent, a precipitation temperature of 25.40°C, and a CO2 flow rate of 7.56 mL/min was found to be the optimal conditions for achieving the highest amount of precipitates. At the optimal conditions, the amounts of curcuminoids and CUR precipitates were found to be 27.33 ± 0.23 and 13.30 ± 0.12 mg/5 mL of extracted solution, respectively. In the antioxidant studies, the Trolox equivalents found in the products at the optimal conditions using DPPH and ABTS assays were 38.19 ± 0.17 and 65.96 ± 2.36 mg/5 mL of extracted solution, respectively. The total phenolic content was found to be 30.84 ± 1.80 mg/5 mL of extracted solution.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Roasted Green Tea: Applications in Alginate–Gelatin Hydrogels for Bone Regeneration

The incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into alginate–gelatin (Alg-Gel) hydrogels can enhance the properties of these materials for bone regeneration applications, due to the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs and non-cytotoxic concentrations, osteoinductive properties, and regulation of stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, the hydrogel formulation included 2% (w/v) sodium alginate, 4 µg/mL AgNPs, and 2.5% (w/v) gelatin. AgNPs were synthesized using a 2% (w/v) aqueous extract of roasted green tea with silver nitrate. The aqueous extract of roasted green tea for AgNP synthesis was characterized using HPLC and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, and antioxidant capacity was measured in Trolox equivalents (TE) from 4 to 20 nmol/well concentrations. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous tooth cells were used for differentiation assays including positive (SHEDs/hydrogel with AgNPs) and negative controls (hydrogel without AgNPs). FTIR was used for hydrogel chemical characterization. Statistical analysis (p &lt; 0.05, ANOVA) confirmed significant findings. Roasted green tea extract contained caffeine (most abundant), (−)-Gallocatechin, gallic acid, and various catechins. XRD analysis revealed FCC structure, TEM showed quasispheroidal AgNPs (19.85 ± 3 nm), and UV–Vis indicated a plasmon surface of 418 nm. This integration of nanotechnology and biomaterials shows promise for addressing bone tissue loss in clinical and surgical settings.

Comprehensive Analysis of Antioxidant Properties, GC-MS, and FTIR Profiles of Myrica esculenta Fruit Extracts from Western East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.

This study investigates the phytoconstituents of Myrica esculenta fruit extracts using various solvents, including n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several phytochemicals, with the highest concentration found in the methanol extract. The total phenolic (94.5±0.96 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and flavonoid (74.27±0.29 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g) contents were also highest in the methanol extract. Antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The methanol extract exhibited superior antioxidant activity with DPPH and ABTS IC50 values of 22.27±0.98 μg/ml and 19.69±0.36 μg/ml, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid. FRAP activity was also highest in the methanol extract (87.125±0.33 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified antioxidant compounds hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, methyl 11,12-octadecadienoate, and pentadecanoic acid. while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis detected functional groups such as alkenes, ketones, esters, alcohols and carboxylic acids. These findings suggest that the methanolic extract of M. esculenta fruits is a rich source of natural antioxidants, making it suitable for pharmaceutical, health, and nutritional supplements aimed at enhancing overall health.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition activities of Crithmum maritimum essential oils: the first chemo-biological study for species grown in North Africa

Crithmum maritimum (sea fennel), is a halophytic plant species found globally in coastal environments. This study is the first investigation into the chemical composition and biological activities of C. maritimum growing wildly in Jebel Akhdar, Libya. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was utilized to identify and profile the plant’s volatile components; it resulted in the identification of twenty-four components, representing 99.17% of the total peaks in the GC-MS chromatogram. The analysis revealed that thymyl methyl ether, γ-terpinene, and ledene oxide, were the major volatile constituents of the plant at relative percentage levels of 56.86, 16.17, and 4.32%, respectively. The analysis also indicated substantial variations in the volatile composition of C. maritimum Libyan species compared to those from various geographic regions. The plant’s volatile oil quality was evaluated by investigating its in vitro antioxidant activity and the oil’s ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and tyrosinase enzymes. The oil markedly scavenged the free radicals and reduced the ferric ions in the DPPH and FRAP assays at levels of 34.30 ± 0.10 and 38.90 ± 0.51 Trolox equivalents, respectively. The plant’s volatile oil has substantially reduced the AChE at the IC50 value of 34.43 ± 0.25 compared to its effect against tyrosinase (IC50 12.449 ± 0.68). The in silico approach was used to highlight the mechanisms underlying the enzyme inhibitory effect of the plant volatile oil. The stigmastene and γ-santonin demonstrate stronger binding affinity towards AChE and tyrosinase compared to the co-crystalized controls, donepezil and tropolone. The study provides significant information for the environmental changes effect on the volatile constituents of C. maritimum and highlights the plant’s importance within the scope of its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities.

Phytochemical Characterization and Assessment of the Wound Healing Properties of Three Eurasian Propolis

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the wound healing potential of Eurasian propolis by analyzing the phytochemical profile and the biological effects of three representative propolis samples. Methods: Specific colorimetric assays were used to estimate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the triterpenoids content. Some of the main components of Eurasian propolis (pinocembrin, pinobanksin, CAPE, chrysin and galangin) were analyzed using HPLC-DAD. Scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity were assessed through DPPH and ORAC assays, respectively. Human keratinocyte, fibroblast, and monocytic cell lines were used for the biological in vitro analyses. The direct wound healing properties were tested through scratching assays and ELISA kits for the assessment of the production of growth factors (FGF-7, Latency Associated Peptide-LAP), while the indirect effects were evaluated through the estimation of the levels of MMP9, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α using ELISA kits together with a cell-free test on the inhibition capacity on collagenases. Network Pharmacology analysis was employed to further explore possible mechanisms of the action of propolis on the healing process. Results: The analyses confirmed the high phenolic content of Eurasian propolis (142.50–211.30 mg GAE/g), dominated by flavonoids (95.50–196.80 mg Galangin Equivalents/g), and terpenes (431.50–650.00 mg β-sitosterol Equivalents/g), while also verifying the significant antioxidant (4.9–8.9 mM/g Trolox Equivalents) and antiradical (DPPH IC50 26.1–54.4 μg/mL) activities. The samples showed indirect wound healing properties by mitigating inflammation and remodeling (reduced IL-1β and MMP9) and potentially modulating the immune response (upregulated IL-8). In vitro studies confirmed these effects, demonstrating decreased MMP9 production and collagenase inhibition when cells were co-treated with propolis and a stressor. Propolis also suppressed IL-1β release in fibroblasts, although its impact on TNF-α was inconclusive. Notably, co-treatment upregulated IL-8 in monocytes, suggesting a potential immunomodulatory role. Conclusions: Eurasian propolis may not directly stimulate cell proliferation during wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties could indicate an indirect contribution in helping the process.

Bioprospecting of novel and biologically active compounds and enzymes from a new fungal biobank for industrial biotechnology

Here, we present methods for screening any newly isolated microbial biobank for enzymes, antioxidants, and additional secondary metabolites. Bioactive compounds and enzymes produced by fungi have many applications in industry as valuable leads for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and potential strains for industrial biotechnology. In this study, fungi collected from Irish habitats were purified and identified by sequencing Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA regions. Reducing sugars released because of enzyme hydrolysis was used to estimate the relative enzyme activity for carboxymethyl cellulase, pectinase, β-xylanase, arabinoxylanase, mannanase, and galacto-mannanase in the fungal extracts and was normalized against the crude protein content to express relative enzyme activity/milligram. The best enzyme producers were as follows: F1 Clonostachys rosea demonstrated 351.63 U/mg β-xylanase and 645.50 U/mg arabinoxylanase activity; F2 Penicillium expansum had 25 U/mg cellulase and 112.5 U/mg pectinase activity; F3 Fusarium avenaceum had 139.36 U/mg arabinoxylanase, 52.33 U/mg galacto-mannanase, and 45 U/mg mannanase activity; and F9 Trichoderma koningii had 372.15 U/mg β-xylanase and 655.18 U/mg arabinoxylanase activity. In addition to enzyme activity, these strains also exhibited antioxidant activity when tested in Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, with activity expressed as μmol Trolox equivalents (TE) per gram of dried fungal extract. In results from the ORAC assay, F1 C. rosea reported 655,669 µmol TE/g; F2 P. expansum had 636,889 µmol TE/g; and F3 F. avenaceum had 4,488,035 µmol TE/g. High DPPH activity was observed for F1 C. rosea at 12,572 µmol TE/g, F3 F. avenaceum at 22,646 µmol TE/g, and F9 T. koningii at 22,558 µmol TE/g. F1 C. rosea, F3: F. avenaceum, and F9 T. koningii also reported high FRAP activity at 36,019 µmol TE/g, 69,325 µmol TE/g, and 25,812 µmol TE/g, respectively. In terms of secondary metabolites, the main compounds detected for the isolates were F1 C. rosea produced benzoic acid, 3-pyridinepropionic acid, and cyclo(-Gly-Phe); F2 P. expansum produced Cyclo(-Gly-Phe) and prenitremone A; F3 F. avenaceum produced cyclo(-Leu-Leu) and p-anisaldehyde; and F9 T. koningii produced cyclo(-Gly-Phe), canescin, citreoviridin X, and cyclopaldic acid. These selected isolates indicate that Irish fungi are a potential source of enzymes and novel biologically active compounds useful in industrial biotechnology and bioproduction supporting sustainability and responsible environmental management.

Characterization of Physico-Functional, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Properties of Jackfruit By-Product Flour and Assess its Potential Use in the Development of Pasta

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) is a popular seasonally grown crop in Sri Lanka. The by-products generated from jackfruit season are mostly used as animal feed or landfilled without being used. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize the nutritional and functional properties of jackfruit by-product flour (jackfruit core and rags; 3:1 w/w) while exploring its potential use to develop pasta. The physico-functional properties, proximate composition, and antioxidant properties of jackfruit by-product flour compared with commercial wheat flour were analyzed. Composite flour was prepared by substituting wheat flour with different amounts of jackfruit by-product flour (25%, 35%, and 40% w/w). Thirty semi-trained panelists were used to conduct a sensory evaluation to select the best pasta made from a composite flour mixture. Proximate composition, physical properties, and shelf-life of the selected best product were analyzed using standard methods; in comparison to wheat flour, jackfruit by-product flour displayed a higher water absorption capacity (8.77±0.06%) and swelling capacity (46.00±5.66 mL), indicating that it can be used for making bakery products with enhanced properties. The jackfruit by-product flour contained a significantly (p&lt;0.05) high amount of crude fiber (13.00±1.13%) compared to the wheat flour (2.24±0.23%). Further, the total phenolic and flavonoid content of jackfruit by-product flour were 40.9±0.02 mg GAE (Gallic acid equivalent)/100 g and 65.7±0.02 mg QE (Quercetin equivalent)/100 g, respectively, and it showed 8.46 ± 0.01 mg TE (Trolox equivalent)/100 g DPPH radical scavenging activity. The pasta made from 25% (w/w) jackfruit by-product flour showed the highest mean rank values for all the tested sensory attributes. The shelf-life study showed that the developed product could be stored in low-density polyethylene laminated packages for 6 weeks under ambient temperature. In conclusion, jackfruit by-product flour can be used as a partial replacement for wheat flour when preparing pasta.

Protective Effects of Purple Corn (Zea mays L.) Byproduct Extract on Blue Light-Induced Retinal Damage in A2E-Accumulated ARPE-19 Cells.

This study investigated the antioxidative characteristics of Zea mays L. purple corn cob and husk extract (PCHE) and its potential protective effects against blue light (BL)-induced damage in N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E)-accumulated ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cells. PCHE had a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging capacity and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of 1.28±0.43 mM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g and 2,545.41±34.13 mM TE/g, respectively. Total content of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids in the PCHE was 11.13±0.10 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g, 227.90±7.38 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, and 117.75±2.46 mg catechin equivalents/g, respectively. PCHE suppressed the accumulation of A2E and the photooxidation caused by BL in a dose-dependent manner. After initial treatment with 25 µM/mL A2E and BL, ARPE-19 cells showed increased cell viability following additional treatment with 15 µg/mL PCHE while the expression of the p62 sequestosome 1 decreased, whereas that of heme oxygenase-1 protein increased compared with that in cells without PCHE treatment. This suggests that PCHE may slow the autophagy induced by BL exposure in A2E-accumulated retinal cells and protect them against oxidative stress.

Phytochemical, biological, and computational investigations of Ephedra alata Decne. growing in salinity conditions of Arabian Peninsula

Ephedra alata Decne is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for the management of bronchial asthma and cancer. Phytochemical analysis and biological activities, including antioxidant and anticancer effects, were investigated in the current work as new findings for the plant E. alata, a species growing wildly in the marsh and saline environments of the central area of Saudi Arabia. The Ultra Pressure Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electron spray ionization-Quadropole-Time of flight (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF) system was used for the phytochemical analysis of the plant constituents. In addition, Polyphenolic profiling including the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of the plant extracts were measured. Phenolic acids were found at the highest relative percentages among all the identified compounds and were measured at 66.07 mg GAE (Gallic acid equivalent). The UPLC analysis of the E. alata extract indicated the presence of chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, rosmarinic acid, umbelliferone, isorhoifolin, and apigenin at the highest relative percentages. Mineral analysis indicated that the microelement content of E. alata was relatively low, except for magnesium (Mg). In vitro antioxidant assays revealed the ability of the plant to scavenge DPPH free radicals, reduced molybdenum ions, and ferrous at levels of 14.63, 19.97, and 27.78 mg Trolox equivalents, respectively. The extract induced transition metal chelation at 31.36 mg EDTA equivalents. The extract induced cytotoxic effects against MDA-231 and A549 cell lines at IC50 levels of 25.31 and 39.81 µg/mL, respectively. The plant extract inhibited the colonization and migration of cancer cells as part of its potential anticancer effects. In addition, major E. alata constituents like isorhoifolin, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and rosmarinic acid exhibited the lowest binding energy to the CAIX enzyme at − 8.41, − 6.64, − 6.32, and − 6.26 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to the binding energy (− 7.72 kcal/mol) of the co-crystallized ligand (Y0R). The docking results further supported the selection of the CAIX enzyme as a standard predictive therapeutic target, since it exhibited significant binding interactions with the major constituents of the plant.

Quercus infectoria Gall Ethanolic Extract Accelerates Wound Healing through Attenuating Inflammation and Oxidative Injuries in Skin Fibroblasts.

Quercus infectoria Olivier (Fagaceae) nutgall, a traditional Asian medicine, is renowned for its efficacy in treating wounds and skin disorders. Although the gall extract has shown promising results in accelerating wound healing in diabetic animal models, its mechanisms, particularly the effects on redox balance, remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Q. infectoria gall ethanolic extract (QIG) on wound healing in fibroblasts, with a specific emphasis on its modulation of oxidative stress. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated L929 cells were used as an in vitro model of oxidation-damaged fibroblasts. QIG exhibited potent antioxidant activity with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay values of 305.43 ± 7.48, 508.94 ± 15.12, and 442.08 ± 9.41 µM Trolox equivalents (TE)/µg, respectively. Elevated H2O2 levels significantly reduced L929 cell viability, with a 50% lethal concentration of 1.03 mM. QIG mitigated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, showing protective effects in pre-, post-, and co-treatment scenarios. QIG significantly reduced H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production and inflammation-related gene expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, at 25 µg/mL, QIG remarkably improved wound closure in H2O2-treated L929 cells by approximately 9.4 times compared with the H2O2 treatment alone (p < 0.05). These findings suggest QIG has potential therapeutic applications in wound healing, mediated through the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

The effect of debittering by sonication in brine, NaOH and water on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity of caper (Capparis ovata Desf.) young shoot and buds

SummaryThe total carotenoid amounts of the caper young shoot and buds debittered by sonication in brine, NaOH and tap water were reported to be between 19.99 (control) and 37.23 μg g−1 (water) to 4.36 (control) and 20.38 μg g−1 (NaOH), respectively. Total phenolic contents of sonicated caper young shoot and buds in brine, NaOH and tap water were specified to be between 34.96 (NaOH) and 299.84 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (control) to 45.04 (NaOH) and 373.12 mg GAE/100 g (control), respectively. Radical scavenging activity values of sonicated young shoots were measured between 1.26 (NaOH) and 7.58 mmol trolox equivalent (TE) kg−1 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (control). In addition to DPPH, antioxidant activity values of sonicated caper young shoot and buds were measured to be between 2.06 (NaOH) and 17.72 Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), mg g−1 (control) to 1.70 (NaOH) and 13.44 FRAP mg g−1 (control), respectively. Kaempferol quantities of sonicated caper young shoot were identified between 40.08 (control) and 53.83 mg/100 g (Brine). In general, the most reduction in phenolic components was observed in caper young shoot and buds sonicated in NaOH solution. The phenolic components of the caper young shoot and buds sonicated in different solutions showed changes on the solution type when compared to the control.

Crop Productivity, Phytochemicals, and Bioactivities of Wild and Grown in Controlled Environment Slender Amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.)

Amaranthus viridis L. is a wild edible plant that occasionally is cultivated as an alternative crop because of its interest as a functional food and its adaptation to high-saline soils. In this work, leaves from A. viridis were compared with their grown in controlled environment (GCE) counterparts in a soilless system at electrical conductivities (EC) and different light exposures for assessing growth parameters, moisture, total phenolic and total flavonoid content, phenolic compound profiles, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, and antiproliferative activity against the HT–29 human colorectal cancer cell line. The highest biomass production was obtained using EC of 2.5 dS m−1 and the AP67 Milk LED lamp. Vitamin C in wild samples ranged from 83.1 to 104.9 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight (fw), and in GCE ones, it ranged from 112.3 to 236.7 mg 100 g−1 fw. Measured by the DPPH and ABTS assays, the antioxidant activity was higher in wild than in GCE plants: the ranges for wild samples were in the 1.8–4.9 and 2.0–3.9 mmol of Trolox Equivalent (TE) 100 g−1 dry weight (dw) ranges, and for GCE ones in the 1.3–1.9 and 1.5–2.2 mmol TE 100 g−1 dw ranges, respectively. As for phenolic compounds, in wild samples, the range was from 14.65 to 22.70 mg 100 g−1 fw, and these amounts were much higher than those found in their GCE counterparts, in which the range was from 2.58 to 5.95 mg 100 g−1 fw. In wild plants three compounds, namely trans-p-coumaric acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, and nicotiflorin, accounted for more than half of the total quantified phenolic compounds. The MTT assay revealed concentration- and time-dependent inhibitory effects on HT–29 cells for all checked extracts. Cancer cells were less influenced by extracts from GCE plants, which showed higher GI50 compared to wild plants. This work improves knowledge on the growth parameters, phytochemical profiles, and biological activities of wild and GCE A. viridis.

Biotransformation of Tropical Fruit By-Products for the Development of Kombucha Analogues with Antioxidant Potential.

In a country where millions of people have nutritional needs, innovative ways of producing food from commonly wasted agro-industrial by-products, can be an important alternative for the production of fermented beverages. In light of this, the aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of fruit by-products from acerola, guava and tamarind for the production of fermented beverages. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters, total antioxidant capacity and fermentation kinetics were investigated during the first (at 0, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h) and second fermentation (at 0 and 24 h). The acid profile of fermented beverages was determined by chromatography, and the sensory profile was determined by consumer acceptance test. Physicochemical parameters of all formulations complied with current legislation and were of satisfactory microbiological quality. The reslts of fermentation kinetics showed that both pH and soluble solids content decreased - with an average final pH of 3.12, 2.85 and 2.78 for the acerola, guava and tamarind formulations, respectively - while acidity increased with final values of 0.94, 0.75 and 1 % for the same formulations. Of all formulations, tamarind had the highest total soluble solids content (8.17 g/100 g), and acerola had the highest antioxidant potential determined as Trolox equivalents ((20.0±0.8) μM/g). Organic acids were found in all samples, with mainly glucuronic acid detected in the kombucha beverages. All formulations showed satisfactory sensory acceptability, although the results were better for guava. The fruit by-products can be used as raw materials for the development of alternative kombucha beverages. As consumers are increasingly selective in their food choices, the development of food products with high nutritional value has increased significantly in recent years. New types of fermentable beverages such as kombucha - using tropical fruit by-products to enhance their chemical composition, sensory properties and nutritional value - have created new opportunities for beverage consumption and offer greater health benefits than the traditional version, where only Camellia sinensis is used. The promotion of these co-products and their respective beverages is an excellent opportunity for sustainability and their commercialisation.

Assessing the impact of cold plasma rotational dynamics on ginger's total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, surface structure and color using response surface methodology

This study investigated the efficacy of a rotational chamber in enhancing the effectiveness of cold plasma application to augment antioxidant activity and phenolic content in ginger (Zingiber officinale). To address the limitation of cold plasma (CP), which predominantly treats only the surface layers of samples, we implemented rotational techniques during the treatment. This methodology facilitates a more uniform treatment, ensuring that all layers of the samples are effectively exposed to plasma. We employed response surface methodology (RSM) to analyze the effects of three variables: power (10–90 W), treatment time (1–30 min), and pressure (0.4–0.9 mbar), along with a categorical variable for rotation. CP treatment (65 W, 0.7 mbar, 1 min with rotation) resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant activity compared to non-treated samples, determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) ABTS assays, and total phenolic content reaching their highest values of 100.9 Trolox equivalent (TE) μmol⋅L−1, 8.23 Fe2+⋅g−1, 0.293 μmol⋅g−1, and 32.80 gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, respectively. There were no significant changes in color. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the samples treated with CP exhibited a smoother surface, albeit with minimal damage to cell walls in our selected samples. Including a rotational feature as a unique upgrade to the cold plasma, the glow discharge device demonstrated positive enhancements and preservation of antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds.

Recovery of Saponins, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn Rhizomes by Different Extraction Methods

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the solvent type, extraction time, extraction temperature and solvent-to-material ratio on the recovery of the total saponin content (TSC), the total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant activity from the rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. The extraction efficiency of the bioactive compounds by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was also evaluated. Extraction with 80% ethanol achieved the highest extraction yields, and the optimal conditions for the extraction of TSC were 60 min, 57 °C and an 80 mL/g solvent-to-material ratio. The optimal conditions for the recovery of TPC were 178 min, 45 °C and a solvent-to-material ratio of 68 mL/g. The highest antioxidant activity of the extracts from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn rhizomes was obtained with the optimal conditions of 180 min, 40 °C and an 80 mL/g solvent-to-material ratio. The actual extraction yields obtained from the optimal conditions were 11.33 mg aescin equivalents (AE)/g dry weight (DW) for TSC, 23.58 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g DW for TPC and DPPH antioxidant activity of 133.45 µM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW. UAE using the same type and amount of solvent for only 10 min could result in comparable extraction yields of TSC, TPC and DPPH antioxidant activity to the 180 min conventional extraction process. These promising results suggest the potential for the development of effective extraction processes to recover bioactive compounds from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn rhizomes in practical production.

Assessing the impact of temperature, pH, light and chemical oxidation on fucoxanthin colour changes, antioxidant activity and the resulting metabolites.

The present study evaluated the effects of temperature, pH, light and chemical oxidation on fucoxanthin changes in terms of colour, antioxidant activity and metabolomic profile. Additionally, the correlation between antioxidant activity and identified metabolites was analysed. It was found that colour change was significantly reduced at elevated heat (100 °C, *∆E = 0.81 ± 0.05), reduced pH (pH 3, *∆E = 0.59 ± 0.04) and length of light exposure (*∆E = 3.16 ± 0.04). Antioxidant activity decreased under all treatments. Among the temperatures tested, fucoxanthin exhibited the highest activity at 60 °C, ranging from 0.92 to 3.04 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) g-1. Significant activity reductions (P < 0.05) were observed as a result of pH changes in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and β-carotene bleaching assays. Exposure to light 2: warm white lamp for 120 h significantly reduced antioxidant activity (0.01 to 1.70 mg TE g-1). Chemical oxidation also led to reduced activity, ranging from 0.18 to 0.29 mg TE g-1. Multivariate data analysis revealed distinct profiles for temperature, pH, light and chemical oxidation treatments. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics analysis identified 10 metabolites, and significant correlations (P < 0.05) indicate that these metabolites contributed to the samples' antioxidant activities. In conclusion, fucoxanthin tolerates well at 60 °C, within pH range 3-9, and within 8 h of light exposure, as indicated by its consistent antioxidant activity and minimal colour change. Each treatment resulted in distinct metabolite concentrations, as shown by LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics analysis. Further research into these metabolites could advance the understanding of their roles and aid in optimising processing conditions to favour beneficial metabolites. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

In vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Galega officinalis extracts.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the total phenolic, flavonoid, and galegine content and antioxidant activity, as well as the invitro antidiabetic potential of different extracts of Galega officinalis using the solvent extraction method. The results demonstrated that the highest yield of extraction (28.05%) and galegine content (17.40 ± 0.04 μg/g of sample) was obtained using water as the solvent (p < .05). However, the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (138.35 ± 0.63 mg GAE per gram of dried GOEs) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (189.12 ± 1.47 mg catechin per gram of dried GOEs) were extracted using A90 (acetone-water, 90:10) solvent. A90 extract exhibited the highest inhibition of sucrase activity (91.42%) (p < .05). Also, the inhibitory activity of A90 against α-amylase (59.96%), α-glucosidase (54.3%), and maltase (62.73%) was significantly higher than that of A70 (acetone-water, 70:30) and E20 (ethanol-water, 20:80) (p < .05). According to antioxidant activity results, the highest ABTS•+ (360.5 ± 15.69 μmol Trolox eq per gram of dried GOEs), hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity (3657.75 ± 21.56 μmol histidine eq per gram of dried GOEs), and FRAP assay (558.18 ± 20.26 μmol FeSO4 eq per gram of dried GOEs) were related to A90, while the best DPPH radical-scavenging activity and metal-chelating activity were related to A70 (302.66 ± 2.42 μmol Trolox equivalents per gram of dried GOEs) and E20 (36.5 ± 1.02 μmol EDTA eq per gram of dried GOEs), respectively. Taken together, A90 appears to be the best solvent to get Galega officinalis extract with the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic activity.