Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) determined by HPLC-MS/MS

Comparison of pulsed vacuum and ultrasound osmotic dehydration on drying of Chinese ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): Drying characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and volatile profiles

The effects of pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration (PVOD) and ultrasound osmotic dehydration (USOD) on drying characteristics and quality attributes of ginger were investigated. PVOD was subjected to pulsed vacuum at 13 kPa for 30 min, and USOD was subjected to ultrasound with the frequency of 40 kHz for 30 min. After PVOD and USOD treatments, the samples were then dried at intermittent microwave & air-drying oven with an output of 700 W and temperature of 60°C to the final moisture content of 0.12 g water/g d.w. The results showed PVOD and USOD treatments could improve the total phenolic contents by -1.8% to 16.4%, total flavonoid content by 7.7%-18.7%, DPPH radical scavenging by 9.5%-12.2%, and ABTS+ antioxidant activity by 17.8%-27.4%, although they prolonged the later stages drying of ginger. Besides, the PVOD- and USOD-pretreated dried samples had less brownings than the untreated-dried samples which could be attributed to the inactivation of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD). The PPO activity was significantly reduced in the PVOD and USOD ginger, whereas POD activity was decreased in USOD ginger but increased in PVOD ginger. Moreover, PVOD pretreatment also led to a better preservation of volatile profiles and cell structure than USOD treatment. Therefore, both PVOD and USOD are effective pretreatments for drying of ginger.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of Asphodelus microcarpus methanolic extracts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Asphodelus microcarpus is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Liliaceae. This plant is used in traditional medicine to treat abscesses by local application of the powder; the roots are used against white spots, and specifically used for ear pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro antioxidant effects and the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the different parts methanolic extracts of the Asphodelus microcarpus: aerial part (APME), leaf (LME), stem flowers (SFME) and root (RME).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The antioxidant potency of extracts was evaluated by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS, β-carotene bleaching assays, iron chelating, free hydroxyl radicals (HO^•) assays, and reducing power. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts was evaluated using the carrageenan induced rat paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema in mice.

RESULTS

The estimation of polyphenols and flavonoids showed that the leave methanolic extract contains a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids: 755.3 ± 0.036 mg Gallic acid equivalent and 42.2 ± 0.043 mg Rutin equivalent/g of dried material, respectively. Oral administration of the APME and RME extract produced significant (p < 0.05) anti-edematogenic effect with a dose of 500 mg/kg in the carrageenan induced paw edema after 6 h (58.04%, 58.75%, respectively). APME, LME; SFME and RME extracts at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg, exhibited significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of xylene induced ear edema.

CONCLUSION

the present study confirms the use of A. microcarpus in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory agent.

Ginger and Turmeric Essential Oils for Weed Control and Food Crop Protection

Ginger and turmeric are two food ingredients that are in high demand due to their flavor and positive effects on health. The biological properties of these spices are closely related to the aromatic compounds they contain. The chemical compositions of their essential oils and their in vitro phytotoxic activity against weeds (Portulaca oleracea, Lolium multiflorum, Echinochloa crus-galli, Cortaderia selloana, and Nicotiana glauca) and food crops (tomato, cucumber, and rice) were studied. Forty-one compounds, accounting for a relative peak area of 87.7% and 94.6% of turmeric and ginger essential oils, respectively, were identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analysis. Ginger essential oil with α-zingiberene (24.9 ± 0.8%), β-sesquiphelladrene (11.7 ± 0.3%), ar-curcumene (10.7 ± 0.2%), and β-bisabolene (10.5 ± 0.3%) as the main compounds significantly inhibited the seed germination of P. oleracea, L. multiflorum, and C. selloana at the highest dose (1 µL/mL) assayed, as well as the hypocotyl and radicle growth of the weeds. Turmeric essential oil with ar-turmerone (38.7 ± 0.8%), β-turmerone (18.6 ± 0.6%), and α-turmerone (14.2 ± 0.9%) as principal components significantly inhibited the seed germination of C. selloana and hypocotyl and radicle growth of weeds (the latter in particular) at the highest dose, whereas it did not affect either the seed germination or seedling growth of the food crops. Turmeric essential oil can be an effective post-emergent bioherbicide against the tested weeds without phytotoxicity to crops.

Assessment of antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-proliferative (lung cancer cell line A549) activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles from Derris trifoliata

In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNP-DTa) were prepared using an aqueous seed extract of D. trifoliata. The importance of the present piece of work is viewed specially with respect to ascertaining the potential of a widely distributed under-utilized mangrove associated plant, Derris trifoliata (DT), as medicine. The as-prepared AgNP-DTa were well dispersed and stabilised in aqueous solution through biological ligands extracted from the seeds of DT. The functional groups present in the bio-ligands of DT act as reducing and stabilising agents in the formation of nanoparticles. Besides, in the present work, sunlight could induce and catalyse the reduction process of Ag+ to its corresponding silver atoms of nanoscale dimensions. The size of AgNP-DTa decreased with an increase in the duration of sunlight irradiation. Bio-augmented nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD, HR-TEM, DLS, AFM and photoluminescence measurements. Preliminary phytochemical studies and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of secondary metabolites with hydroxyl, amine and carbonyl groups as reducing/capping agents. AgNP-DTa demonstrated high DPPH scavenging activity with an IC 50 value of 8.25 μg ml-1. Greater antioxidant activity of AgNP-DTa was also confirmed from total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay where it was found that the reducing power of 1 g of AgNP-DTa is almost equivalent to that of 1.3 g of Trolox. In addition, highly stable AgNP-DTa showed antibacterial activities against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The as-prepared AgNP-DTa were observed to inhibit the growth of Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and no clear zone was obtained for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With reference to the anti-proliferative activities, AgNP-DTa exhibited moderate activity on A549 lung cancer cell lines with a median effective concentration of 86.23 ± 0.22 μg ml-1.

The antioxidant activity of steamed ginger and its protective effects on obesity induced by high-fat diet in C57BL/6J mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Ginger, a root vegetable, is known to have antioxidant and antiobesity effects. Preparation, such as by steaming, can affect the chemical composition of prepared root vegetables or herbs and can change their functional activities. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of steamed ginger against oxidative stress and steatosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in two different extracts of steamed ginger, i.e., water extract (SGW) and ethanolic extract (SGE); as well, their antioxidant activities were examined. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, n = 10), high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat, w/w, n = 10), HFD supplemented with 200 mg/kg of SGE or garcinia (GAR) by weight (SGED or GARD, respectively, n = 10) for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was examined, and the expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism were determined in the liver. Histological analysis was performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads and liver.

RESULTS

The SGE had higher contents of polyphenols and flavonoids and higher DPPH and ABTS⁺ free radical scavenging activities compared to those of SGW. Treatment with SGE or GAR significantly decreased the HFD-induced weight gain. Both SGE and GAR significantly reduced the high serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein levels induced by HFD. Compared to ND, HFD significantly increased hepatic TC and TG levels. SGE or GAR supplementation significantly decreased the increase of hepatic lipids by HFD. Interestingly, SGE had a more significant effect in reducing hepatic TC and TG levels than GAR. Furthermore, hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis were altered in both the SGED and GARD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that steamed ginger supplementation can decrease plasma TC and TG and can inhibit liver steatosis by regulating the expressions of hepatic genes.

Metabolite identification of tanshinol borneol ester in rats by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Tanshinol borneol ester (DBZ) is a potential drug candidate composed of danshensu and borneol. It shows anti-ischemic and anti-atherosclerosis activity. However, little is known about its metabolism in vivo. This research aimed to elucidate the metabolic profile of DBZ through analyzing its metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent TC-C₁₈ column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm) with gradient elution using methanol and water containing 0.2% (v/v) formic acid as the mobile phase. Metabolite identification involved analyzing the retention behaviors, changes in molecular weights and MS/MS fragment patterns of DBZ and its metabolites. As a result, 20 potential metabolites were detected and tentatively identified in rat plasma, urine and feces after administration of DBZ. DBZ could be metabolized to O-methylated DBZ, DBZ-O-glucuronide, O-methylated DBZ-O-glucuronide, hydroxylated DBZ and danshensu. Danshensu, a hydrolysis product of DBZ, could further be transformed into 12 metabolites. The proposed method was confirmed to be a reliable and sensitive alternative for characterizing metabolic pathways of DBZ and providing valuable information on its druggability.

Strategy for Screening of Antioxidant Compounds from Two Ulmaceae Species Based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics implies that annotated metabolites can serve as potential markers of the associated bioactivities of plant extracts. Firstly, we selected Aphananthe aspera and Zelkova serrata (Family: Ulmaceae) from 16 Korean plant species based on their distinct principal component analysis (PCA) patterns in LC-MS datasets and antioxidant activity assays. Further, we chose 40% solid-phase extraction (SPE) extracts of the two species displaying the highest antioxidant activities coupled with distinct PCA patterns. Examining the metabolite compositions of the 40% SPE extracts, we observed relatively higher abundances of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin O-glucosides for A. aspera, whereas quercetin, isorhamnetin O-glucuronides, and procyanidin dimer were relatively higher in Z. serrata. These metabolites were clearly distinguished in pathway map and displayed strong positive correlations with antioxidant activity. Further, we performed preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC) analysis coupled with the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay to validate their functional correlations. As a result, quercetin O-sophoroside was determined as the main antioxidant in A. aspera, while isorhamnetin O-glucuronide and procyanidin dimer were the primary antioxidants in Z. serrata. The current study suggests that the LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics strategy can be used to illuminate subtle metabolic disparities as well as compounds associated with bioactivities.

Ginger Extract and [6]-Gingerol Inhibit Contraction of Rat Entire Small Intestine

This study aims to investigate the effect of oral administration and the direct action of ginger extract or [6]-gingerol on small intestinal contractility. The direct effect of 10 minutes preincubation of ginger ethanolic extract (10, 100 and 300 μg/mL) or [6]-gingerol (1, 30, and 100 μM) on 0.01 to 30 μM ACh-induced contractions of all parts of the small intestine isolated from normal rats was investigated using the organ bath technique. For in vivo study, the rats were orally administered with extract (10, 20, and 100 mg/kg/d) or [6]-gingerol (2 mg/kg/d) for 7 days, followed by determining the contractile responses to ACh of rat isolated duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and their histology were assessed. Direct application of the extract or [6]-gingerol attenuated ACh-induced contractions in each small intestinal segment, E_max was reduced by 40% to 80%, while EC₅₀ increased 3- to 8-fold from control. Similarly, in the in vivo study ACh-induced contractions were reduced in all parts of the small intestine isolated from rats orally treated with ginger extract (20 and 100 mg/kg/d) or [6]-gingerol (2 mg/kg/d). E_max decreased 15% to 30%, while EC₅₀ increased 1- to 3-fold compared to control. No discernable changes in the histology of intestinal segments were detectable. Thus, the results support the clinical application of ginger for disorders of gastrointestinal motility.

Seed Antioxidants Interplay with Drought Stress Tolerance Indices in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L) Seedlings

Altering climatic conditions and water stress drastically affects the chilli crop yield. In this scenario we adapted a strategic approach for screening of elite chilli genotypes, by exploring role of seed antioxidants in stress tolerance during vegetative phase. A total of 20 chilli genotypes' seed antioxidant potential and its effect on water stress tolerance were studied at three water regimes, namely, control (100% Field Capacity), moderate (80% Field Capacity), and severe (60% Field Capacity) stress conditions. Drought tolerance traits relative water content, chlorophyll content, and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were measured. A strong correlation was observed between seed antioxidants and water stress tolerant traits in seedlings. Genotypes KCa-5, KCa-6, and KCa-10 showed low quantity of H2O2 and Malondialdehyde in seeds and maintained high membrane integrity and chlorophyll content in seedlings. High content of proline in KCa-5, KCa-7, and KCa-10 seeds retained high relative water content at seedling stage under severe water stress. Present work reveals genotypic differences of hot pepper to different water regimes. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of seed antioxidant variables and drought tolerance indices twenty genotypes segregated into three clusters, namely, drought tolerant and susceptible and moderately tolerant.

Phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of some tropical edible plants

OBJECTIVE

To find biological functions such as antibacterial and antioxidant activities in several tropical plants and to investigate the possibility of antibiotic substitute agents to prevent and treat diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria.

METHODS

Plants such as Poncirus trifoliata fruit (Makrut), Zingiber officinale Rosc (Khing), Areca catechu L. (Mak), Solanum melongena L. I (Makkhuayao), and Solanum melongena L. II (Makhurapro) were extracted by methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and water. The free radical scavenging activities were measured using 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl photometric assay. Antibacterial activities with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were observed by agar diffusion assay against pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, Burkholderia sp., Haemopilus somnus, Haemopilus parasuis, Clostridium perfringens, and Pantoea agglomerans.

RESULTS

Poncirus trifoliata fruit methanol extract showed antibacterial activities against gram-negative and gram-positive pathogens. Additionally, this showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Burkholderia sp. and Haemopilus somnus with MIC 131 μg/mL, respectively. Areca catechu L. water extract showed antibacterial activities against Burkholderia sp., Haemopilus somnus, and Haemopilus parasuis. The MIC value for Haemopilus parasuis was 105 μg/mL in this. Antioxidant activity of Zingiber officinale Rosc n-hexane extract showed 2.23 mg/mL effective concentration 50% (EC50) value was the highest activity among tropical plants extracts. Total polyphenol content in Zingiber officinale Rosc methanol extract was 48.4 μg/mL and flavonoid content was 22.1 μg/mL showed the highest values among tested plants extracts.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that tropical plants used in this study may have a potential benefit as an alternative antibiotics agent through their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Identification of Bioactive Polyphenolic Compounds and Assessment of Antioxidant Activity of <i>Origanum acutidens</i>

The main objective of the current work is to search the antioxidant activities of Origanum acutidens leaves by using DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC methods severally. Three well known antioxidant compounds (BHA, BHT and ascorbic acid) were used as standards for comparing the extracts. Also, phenolic compounds of Origanum acutidens leaves were identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The high concentrations of rosmarinic acid (11158.99 ppb) quinic acid (3200.84 ppb) and naringenin (1238.45 ppb) were detected quantitatively.

Identification of Bioactive Polyphenolic Compounds and Assessment of Antioxidant Activity of Origanum acutidens

The main objective of the current work is to search the antioxidant activities of Origanum acutidens leaves by using DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC methods severally. Three well known antioxidant compounds (BHA, BHT and ascorbic acid) were used as standards for comparing the extracts. Also, phenolic compounds of Origanum acutidens leaves were identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The high concentrations of rosmarinic acid (11158.99 ppb) quinic acid (3200.84 ppb) and naringenin (1238.45 ppb) were detected quantitatively.