Evaluation of antioxidant activity of vanillin by using multiple antioxidant assays

Protective effect of ethyl vanillin against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells via the reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis

Increased aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides induces oxidative stress, which is considered a major contributor in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prevention of Aβ-induced neurotoxicity is proposed as a possible modality for treatment of AD. The present study aimed to elucidate possible effects of ethyl vanillin (EVA), an analog of vanillin isolated from vanilla beans, on the Aβ_1-42-induced oxidative injury in PC12 cells. EVA restrained the decrease in PC12 cell viability and apoptosis induction caused by treatment with Aβ_1-42. In addition, EVA markedly alleviated intracellular lipid peroxidation as demonstrated by malondialdehyde levels and reactive oxygen species production in Aβ_1-42-treated PC12 cells. In addition, the reduction in the activity levels of the antioxidative enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was detected in Aβ_1-42-treated PC12 cells. This effect was partially reversed by treatment with EVA. Furthermore, the results indicated that EVA attenuated Aβ_1-42-induced caspase-3 activation and the increase noted in the apoptosis regulator Bcl-2/apoptosis regulator Bax ratio of PC12 cells. These results indicated that EVA could be used as an efficient and novel agent for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases via inhibition of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.

Chitosan Membrane Modified With a New Zinc(II)-Vanillin Complex Improves Skin Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

The treatment of chronic wounds is considered a public health problem. When the condition affects at-risk groups such as those with diabetics, it becomes a great clinical challenge. In this work, we evaluated the healing effects of a new zinc complex, [Zn(phen)(van)2], identified as ZPV, which was synthesized, characterized and associated with chitosan (CS) membranes and tested on cutaneous wounds of diabetic rats. Chitosan membranes were modified by Schiff base reaction with the complex under two experimental conditions (14 and 21 days), resulting in membranes with concentrations of complex equal to 0.736 μmol cm-2 (CS-ZPV1) and 1.22 μmol cm-2 (CS-ZPV2). Release assays in aqueous medium indicated that the membranes release the complex gradually when exposed to an aqueous medium. Diabetes was inducted in Wistar rats using 40 mg/kg (i.v.) streptozotocin. On the 7th day after diabetic induction, a circular excision on the skin (1.0 cm) was performed with a punch. The lesions were treated with the pure chitosan membrane and the membrane associated with the zinc-vanillin complex in two different doses. Skin samples were subjected to macroscopic and histopathological analyses, cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) quantification and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (TGF-β and VEGF) assays. The analyses showed a decrease in wound size, reepithelialization, angiogenic stimulus, collagen deposition, and reduced levels of TNF-α and IL-1β as well as increased IL-10 and gene expression of TGF-β and VEGF. The evaluated parameters suggest that CS-ZPV in the two concentrations tested may be effective in the treatment of chronic wounds.

The Potential Use of Plant Natural Products and Plant Extracts with Antioxidant Properties for the Prevention/Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases: In Vitro, In Vivo and Clinical Trials

Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, present a major health issue and financial burden for health care systems around the world. The impact of these diseases will further increase over the next decades due to increasing life expectancies. No cure is currently available for the treatment of these conditions; only drugs, which merely alleviate the symptoms. Oxidative stress has long been associated with neurodegeneration, whether as a cause or as part of the downstream results caused by other factors. Thus, the use of antioxidants to counter cellular oxidative stress within the nervous system has been suggested as a potential treatment option for neurological disorders. Over the last decade, significant research has focused on the potential use of natural antioxidants to target oxidative stress. However, clinical trial results have lacked success for the treatment of patients with neurological disorders. The knowledge that natural extracts show other positive molecular activities in addition to antioxidant activity, however, has led to further research of natural extracts for their potential use as prevention or treatment/management of neurodegenerative diseases. This review will cover several in vitro and in vivo research studies, as well as clinical trials, and highlight the potential of natural antioxidants.

Lignocellulosic Biomass as Source for Lignin-Based Environmentally Benign Antioxidants

Antioxidant activity is an essential aspect of oxygen-sensitive merchandise and goods, such as food and corresponding packaging, cosmetics, and biomedicine. Technical lignin has not yet been applied as a natural antioxidant, mainly due to the complex heterogeneous structure and polydispersity of lignin. This report presents antioxidant capacity studies completed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The influence of purification on lignin structure and activity was investigated. The purification procedure showed that double-fold selective extraction is the most efficient (confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and X-ray diffraction), resulting in fractions of very narrow polydispersity (3.2⁻1.6), up to four distinct absorption bands in UV/Vis spectroscopy. Due to differential scanning calorimetry measurements, the glass transition temperature increased from 123 to 185 °C for the purest fraction. Antioxidant capacity is discussed regarding the biomass source, pulping process, and degree of purification. Lignin obtained from industrial black liquor are compared with beech wood samples: antioxidant activity (DPPH inhibition) of kraft lignin fractions were 62⁻68%, whereas beech and spruce/pine-mixed lignin showed values of 42% and 64%, respectively. Total phenol content (TPC) of the isolated kraft lignin fractions varied between 26 and 35%, whereas beech and spruce/pine lignin were 33% and 34%, respectively. Storage decreased the TPC values but increased the DPPH inhibition.

Syzygium Aromaticum Alleviates Cerium Chloride-Induced Neurotoxic Effect In The Adult Mice

Previous studies have brought to light the toxic effect of cerium chloride (CeCl₃) but very little is known about the oxidative brain injury caused by this metal. Medical plants have a well-recognized role in the management of damage caused by pollutants such as CeCl₃. Syzygium aromaticum, a potent natural source of bioactive compounds and rich in secondary metabolites, has a broad range of biological functions. The aim of this study is to investigate the capacity of Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract (ESA) to improve the adverse effects of CeCl₃ in the brain tissue. Adult mice were exposed to CeCl₃ (20 mg/kg body weight [BW]), with or without ESA, for 60 days. We investigate mice's behavior, damages of cholinergic system and oxidative stress parameters in mice brain. In the present study, in vitro test confirmed that ESA has antioxidant capacity attributed to the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins contents. In vivo study showed that CeCl₃ caused brain injuries manifested in memory impairment, increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid, proteins, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems), and histopathological alteration in brain tissue. Addition of ESA repaired memory impairment, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity, restored oxidative state, and prevented histopathological alteration. In conclusion, the experimental results showed the protective effects of ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum against cerium-induced brain damage.

Unique antioxidant effects of herbal leaf tea and stem tea from Moringa oleifera L. especially on superoxide anion radical generation systems

This study aimed to investigate the unique antioxidative effects of Japanese moringa products, herbal leaf tea and stem tea, using established free radical assays, focusing on superoxide anion (O₂^-) radical generation systems. Hot-water extracts from moringa teas resulted in different but lower scavenging activities than Trolox in four synthetic free radical models. Interestingly, these extracts further showed higher O₂^- radical scavenging effects than Trolox in the phenazine methosulfate-NADH-nitroblue tetrazolium and xanthine oxidase assay systems. Incubating human neutrophils in the presence of these tea extracts rather than Trolox effectively suppressed cellular O₂^- radical generation. Among the eight known phenolic constituents of moringa leaves, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid may be responsible for the O₂^-specific radical scavenging capacity stronger than that of Trolox. These results suggest that moringa herbal teas are a good source of natural antioxidants for preventing O₂^- radical-mediated disorders. Abbreviations: O₂^-: superoxide anion; ROS: reactive oxygen species; H₂O₂: hydrogen peroxide; XOD: xanthine oxidase; DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; ABTS⁺: 2,2'-azinobis(2-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation; CPZ⁺: chlorpromazine cation; PMS: phenazine methosulfate; NBT: nitroblue tetrazolium; PMA: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.

Phenolic Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity of Eugenia uniflora L. (Pitanga) Samples Collected in Different Uruguayan Locations

The use of nutrient-rich foods to enhance the wellness, health and lifestyle habits of consumers is globally encouraged. Native fruits are of great interest as they are grown and consumed locally and take part of the ethnobotanic knowledge of the population. Pitanga is an example of a native fruit from Uruguay, consumed as a jelly or an alcoholic beverage. Pitanga has a red-violet pigmentation, which is a common trait for foods that are a good source of antioxidants. Hence, fruits from different Uruguayan regions were analyzed via miniaturized sample preparation method, HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ and RP-HPLC-DAD techniques to identify and quantify phenolic compounds, respectively. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated via DPPH and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assays. A multivariate linear regression was applied to correlate the observed antioxidant capacity with the phenolic content. Furthermore, Principal Components Analysis was performed to highlight characteristics between the various samples studied. The main results indicated differences between northern and southern Uruguayan samples. Delphinidin-3-hexoside was present in southern samples (mean of 293.16 µmol/100 g dry weight (DW)) and absent in the sample collected in the north (sample 3). All the samples contain high levels of cyanidin-3-hexoside, but a noticeable difference was found between the northern sample (150.45 µmol/100 g DW) and the southern sample (1121.98 µmol/100 g DW). The antioxidant capacity (mean ORAC of 56370 µmol Trolox^®/100 g DW) were high in all the samples compared to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database of similar berry-fruits. The results of this study highlight the nutraceutical value of a native fruit that has not been exploited until now.

A colorimetric assay for vanillin detection by determination of the luminescence of o-toluidine condensates

Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), a food additive with rich milk flavor, is commonly used in the food, beverage and cosmetic industries. However, excessive consumption of vanillin may cause liver and kidney damage. Therefore, methods for detecting and controlling the level of vanillin in food, especially in infant powder, have important practical significance. In this study, we established a colorimetric assay for vanillin detection. The detection was performed under high-temperature and acidic conditions, which can induce the reaction of the aldehyde group of vanillin with the amino group of o-toluidine. The resulting product had a maximum absorption at 363 nm, which was quantified by a UV spectrophotometer. This assay had a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 pg mL⁻¹ and a linear range between 1 μg mL⁻¹ and 100 μg mL⁻¹. The average recoveries at three spiked levels were in the range from 91.1% to 101.6% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.62% ~ 7.27%.

Polymer-free nanofibers from vanillin/cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: high thermal stability, enhanced solubility and antioxidant property

Vanillin/cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanofibers (vanillin/CD-IC NFs) were successfully obtained from three modified CD types (HPβCD, HPγCD and MβCD) in three different solvent systems (water, DMF and DMAc) via an electrospinning technique without using a carrier polymeric matrix. Vanillin/CD-IC NFs with uniform and bead-free fiber morphology were successfully produced and their free-standing nanofibrous webs were obtained. The polymer-free CD/vanillin-IC-NFs allow us to accomplish a much higher vanillin loading (∼12%, w/w) when compared to electrospun polymeric nanofibers containing CD/vanillin-IC (∼5%, w/w). Vanillin has a volatile nature yet, after electrospinning, a significant amount of vanillin was preserved due to complex formation depending on the CD types. Maximum preservation of vanillin was observed for vanillin/MβCD-IC NFs which is up to ∼85% w/w, besides, a considerable amount of vanillin (∼75% w/w) was also preserved for vanillin/HPβCD-IC NFs and vanillin/HPγCD-IC NFs. Phase solubility studies suggested a 1 : 1 molar complexation tendency between guest vanillin and host CD molecules. Molecular modelling studies and experimental findings revealed that vanillin : CD complexation was strongest for MβCD when compared to HPβCD and HPγCD in vanillin/CD-IC NFs. For vanillin/CD-IC NFs, water solubility and the antioxidant property of vanillin was improved significantly owing to inclusion complexation. In brief, polymer-free vanillin/CD-IC NFs are capable of incorporating a much higher loading of vanillin and effectively preserve volatile vanillin. Hence, encapsulation of volatile active agents such as flavor, fragrance and essential oils in electrospun polymer-free CD-IC NFs may have potential for food related applications by integrating the particularly large surface area of NFs with the non-toxic nature of CD and inclusion complexation benefits, such as high temperature stability, improved water solubility and an enhanced antioxidant property, etc.

Vanillin improves scopolamine‑induced memory impairment through restoration of ID1 expression in the mouse hippocampus

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin), contained in a number of species of plant, has been reported to display beneficial effects against brain injuries. In the present study, the impact of vanillin on scopolamine‑induced alterations in cognition and the expression of DNA binding protein inhibitor ID‑1 (ID1), one of the inhibitors of DNA binding/differentiation proteins that regulate gene transcription, in the mouse hippocampus. Mice were treated with 1 mg/kg scopolamine with or without 40 mg/kg vanillin once daily for 4 weeks. Scopolamine‑induced cognitive impairment was observed from 1 week and was deemed to be severe 4 weeks following the administration of scopolamine. However, treatment with vanillin in scopolamine‑treated mice markedly attenuated cognitive impairment 4 weeks following treatment with scopolamine. ID1‑immunoreactive cells were revealed in the hippocampus of vehicle‑treated mice, and were hardly detected 4 weeks following treatment with scopolamine. However, treatment with vanillin in scopolamine‑treated mice markedly restored ID1‑immunoreactive cells and expression 4 weeks subsequent to treatment. The results of the present study suggested that vanillin may be beneficial for cognitive impairment, by preventing the reduction of ID1 expression which may be associated with cognitive impairment.

Catalytic Oxidation of Vanillyl Alcohol Using FeMCM-41 Nanoporous Tubular Reactor

Iron containing nanoporous MCM-41 (FeMCM-41) with different Si/Fe ratios of 50, 100 and 150 was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis process. The materials obtained from hydrothermal synthesis were characterized by various physico chemical techniques such as XRD, N2 adsorption, DR UV-vis, EPR and FTIR spectroscopy. XRD analyses of FeMCM-41 materials confirmed the presence of well-ordered crystalline structure. N2 isotherm of FeMCM-41 materials showed type IV adsorption isotherm. EPR and DR UV-vis analysis of FeMCM-41 samples indicates the presence of high tetrahedral coordination at the Si/Fe ratios of 100 and 150. The catalytic performance of FeMCM-41 nano tubular reactor was tested in the liquid phase oxidation of vanillyl alcohol into vanillin using H2O2 (50[Formula: see text]wt% in water). The reaction products were analyzed by gas chromatography in DB-5 capillary column with flame ionization detector. The products were confirmed by 1H NMR, [Formula: see text]C NMR and LC-Mass spectroscopy. The maximum conversion of vanillyl alcohol (85%) and selectivity towards vanillin (82%) were observed using the catalyst FeMCM-41(100) in 30[Formula: see text]min at 60[Formula: see text]C. The influence of reaction temperature, reaction time, reactants molar ratio, Si/Fe ratio and amount of catalyst were investigated.

Elucidation of Dietary Polyphenolics as Potential Inhibitor of Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase 4: In silico and In vitro Studies

Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is a Ser/Thr kinase belonging to AMPK-like family, has recently become an important drug target against cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we have evaluated different natural dietary polyphenolics including rutin, quercetin, ferulic acid, hesperidin, gallic acid and vanillin as MARK4 inhibitors. All compounds are primarily binds to the active site cavity of MARK4. In silico observations were further complemented by the fluorescence-binding studies and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements. We found that rutin and vanillin bind to MARK4 with a reasonably high affinity. ATPase and tau-phosphorylation assay further suggesting that rutin and vanillin inhibit the enzyme activity of MARK4 to a great extent. Cell proliferation, ROS quantification and Annexin-V staining studies are clearly providing sufficient evidences for the apoptotic potential of rutin and vanillin. In conclusion, rutin and vanillin may be considered as potential inhibitors for MARK4 and further exploited to design novel therapeutic molecules against MARK4 associated diseases.

2-Phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-Oxide (PTIO•) Radical Scavenging: A New and Simple Antioxidant Assay In Vitro

Current in vitro antioxidant assays have several limitations, which frequently cause inconsistent results. The study develops a new antioxidant assay using the 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide radical (PTIO^•). After the investigation of various factors, the experimental protocol was briefly recommended as follows: PTIO^• and the sample solution were added to phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 50 mM), incubated at 37 °C for 2 h, and then spectrophotometrically measured at 557 nm. The validation test based on 20 pure compounds and 30 lyophilized aqueous extracts suggested that PTIO^• scavenging had a good linear relationship, stability, and reproducibility. In the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis, PTIO^• was observed to give m/z 234 when encountering l-ascorbic acid. As an antioxidant assay, PTIO^• scavenging possesses four advantages, i.e., oxygen-centered radical, physiological aqueous solution, simple and direct measurement, and less interference from the tested sample. It can also satisfactorily analyze the antioxidant structure-activity relationship. PTIO^• scavenging has no stereospecificity and is at least involved in H⁺ transfer.

Effects of vanillin on potassium bromate-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice: impact on behavior, oxidative stress, genes expression, inflammation and fatty acid composition

CONTEXT

Vanillin is known to possess important antioxidant activity.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was conducted to establish the therapeutic efficiency of vanillin against potassium bromate (KBrO₃)-induced depression-like behavior and oxidative stress in mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mice were exposed during 15 days either to potassium bromate (KBrO₃), KBrO₃+ vanillin or to only vanillin.

RESULTS

Our results revealed a significant modification in the fatty acid composition of the KBrO₃-treated mice. In addition, KBrO₃ induced a significant reduction in enzymatic activities and gene expressions, Na⁺ -K⁺ and Mg²⁺-ATPases, acetylcholinesterase and butylcholinesterase activities. The gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and COX₂, significantly increased in the cerebrum of KBrO₃-treated group. Histopathological observations were consistent with these effects. Co-treatment with vanillin significantly attenuated KBrO₃-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

This work suggests that vanillin mitigates KBrO₃-induced depression, and that this neuroprotective effect proceeds through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Facile Synthesis of Novel Vanillin Derivatives Incorporating a Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithhioacetal Moiety as Antiviral Agents

A series of vanillin derivatives incorporating a bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithioacetal moiety was designed and synthesized via a facile method. A plausible reaction pathway was proposed and verified by computational studies. Bioassay results demonstrated that target compounds possessed good to excellent activities against potato virus Y (PVY) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), of which, compound 6f incorporating a bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithioacetal moiety, exhibited the best curative and protection activities against PVY and CMV in vivo, with 50% effective concentration values of 217.6, 205.7 μg/mL and 206.3, 186.2 μg/mL, respectively, better than those of ribavirin (848.0, 808.1 μg/mL and 858.2, 766.5 μg/mL, respectively), dufulin (462.6, 454.8 μg/mL and 471.2, 465.4 μg/mL, respectively), and ningnanmycin (440.5, 425.3 μg/mL and 426.1, 405.3 μg/mL, respectively). Current studies provide support for the application of vanillin derivatives incorporating bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithioacetal as new antiviral agents.

Induction of axial chirality in divanillin by interaction with bovine serum albumin

Vanillin is a plant secondary metabolite and has numerous beneficial health applications. Divanillin is the homodimer of vanillin and used as a taste enhancer compound and also a promissory anticancer drug. Here, divanillin was synthesized and studied in the context of its interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA). We found that divanillin acquires axial chirality when complexed with BSA. This chiroptical property was demonstrated by a strong induced circular dichroism (ICD) signal. In agreement with this finding, the association constant between BSA and divanillin (3.3 x 105 mol-1L) was higher compared to its precursor vanillin (7.3 x 104 mol-1L). The ICD signal was used for evaluation of the association constant, demonstration of the reversibility of the interaction and determination of the binding site, revealing that divanillin has preference for Sudlow's site I in BSA. This property was confirmed by displacement of the fluorescent markers warfarin (site I) and dansyl-L-proline (site II). Molecular docking simulation confirmed the higher affinity of divanillin to site I. The highest scored conformation obtained by docking (dihedral angle 242°) was used for calculation of the circular dichroism spectrum of divanillin using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT). The theoretical spectrum showed good similarity with the experimental ICD. In summary, we have demonstrated that by interacting with the chiral cavities in BSA, divanillin became a atropos biphenyl, i.e., the free rotation around the single bound that links the aromatic rings was impeded. This phenomenon can be explained considering the interactions of divanillin with amino acid residues in the binding site of the protein. This chiroptical property can be very useful for studying the effects of divanillin in biological systems. Considering the potential pharmacological application of divanillin, these findings will be helpful for researchers interested in the pharmacological properties of this compound.

Vanillin Protects Dopaminergic Neurons against Inflammation-Mediated Cell Death by Inhibiting ERK1/2, P38 and the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Neuroinflammation plays a very important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). After activation, microglia produce pro-inflammatory mediators that damage surrounding neurons. Consequently, the inhibition of microglial activation might represent a new therapeutic approach of PD. Vanillin has been shown to protect dopaminergic neurons, but the mechanism is still unclear. Herein, we further study the underlying mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PD models. In vivo, we firstly established rat models of PD by unilateral injection of LPS into substantia nigra (SN), and then examined the role of vanillin in motor dysfunction, microglial activation and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In vitro, murine microglial BV-2 cells were treated with vanillin prior to the incubation of LPS, and then the inflammatory responses and the related signaling pathways were analyzed. The in vivo results showed that vanillin markedly improved the motor dysfunction, suppressed degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and inhibited microglial over-activation induced by LPS intranigral injection. The in vitro studies demonstrated that vanillin reduces LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-1β, and IL-6 through regulating ERK1/2, p38 and NF-κB signaling. Collectively, these data indicated that vanillin has a role in protecting dopaminergic neurons via inhibiting inflammatory activation.

Herb pair Danggui-Honghua: mechanisms underlying blood stasis syndrome by system pharmacology approach

Herb pair Danggui-Honghua has been frequently used for treatment of blood stasis syndrome (BSS) in China, one of the most common clinical pathological syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, its therapeutic mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, a feasible system pharmacology model based on chemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological data was developed via network construction approach to clarify the mechanisms of this herb pair. Thirty-one active ingredients of Danggui-Honghua possessing favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and biological activities were selected, interacting with 42 BSS-related targets to provide potential synergistic therapeutic actions. Systematic analysis of the constructed networks revealed that these targets such as HMOX1, NOS2, NOS3, HIF1A and PTGS2 were mainly involved in TNF signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway and neurotrophin signaling pathway. The contribution index of every active ingredient also indicated six compounds, including hydroxysafflor yellow A, safflor yellow A, safflor yellow B, Z-ligustilide, ferulic acid, and Z-butylidenephthalide, as the principal components of this herb pair. These results successfully explained the polypharmcological mechanisms underlying the efficiency of Danggui-Honghua for BSS treatment, and also probed into the potential novel therapeutic strategies for BSS in TCM.

Intracellular antioxidant effect of vanillin, 4-methylguaiacol and 4-ethylguaiacol: three components in Chinese Baijiu

Vanillin, 4-methylguaiacol, and 4-ethylguaiacol can improve AAPH-induced alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes in HepG2 cells.

Overview of the Role of Vanillin on Redox Status and Cancer Development

Bioactive natural products play critical roles in modern drug development, especially anticancer agents. It has been widely reported that various pharmacological activities of such compounds are related to their antioxidant properties. Vanillin is a natural substance widely found in many plant species and often used in beverages, foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Antioxidant and anticancer potential have been described for this compound. Considering the importance of vanillin in the area of human health and food and pharmaceuticals sectors, in this review, we discuss the role of vanillin on redox status and its potential contribution to the prevention and the treatment of cancer.

Isolation and Characterization of the 2,2'-Azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) Radical Cation-Scavenging Reaction Products of Arbutin

Arbutin, a glucoside of hydroquinone, has shown strong 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation-scavenging activity, especially in reaction stoichiometry. This study investigated the reaction mechanism of arbutin against ABTS radical cation that caused high stoichiometry of arbutin in an ABTS radical cation-scavenging assay. HPLC analysis of the reaction mixture of arbutin and ABTS radical cation indicated the existence of two reaction products. The two reaction products were purified and identified to be a covalent adduct of arbutin with an ABTS degradation fragment and 3-ethyl-6-sulfonate benzothiazolone. A time-course study of the radical-scavenging reactions of arbutin and the two reaction products suggested that one molecule of arbutin scavenges three ABTS radical cation molecules to generate an arbutin-ABTS fragment adduct as a final reaction product. The results suggest that one molecule of arbutin reduced two ABTS radical cation molecules to ABTS and then cleaved the third ABTS radical cation molecule to generate two products, an arbutin-ABTS fragment adduct and 3-ethyl-6-sulfonate benzothiazolone.

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of indigocarpan, a pterocarpan from Indigofera aspalathoides

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of indigocarpan (1), a pterocarpan isolated from Indigofera aspalathoides, a plant found in India which has been used in Ayurveda for centuries for the treatment of oedematous tumours.

Methods

The antiproliferative activity in a panel of four human cancer cell lines was studied. The mechanism of its antiproliferative activity in human colorectal adenocarcinoma LS174T cells was investigated in detail.

Key findings

Indigocarpan (1) showed antiproliferative activity in a panel of four human cancer cell lines with IC50s ranging from 180 to 250 μm. Indigocarpan induces p53-dependent p21 upregulation and apoptosis in LS174T cells, upregulates p53 and p21WAF1 protein levels, enhances cleavage of caspase-3 and downregulates cyclin D1, cyclin B1 and PCNA protein levels, indicating its role in modulating cell cycle progression. Indigocarpan also exhibited a strong antioxidative effect in LS174T cells.

Conclusions

Along with the antiproliferative capacity, the strong antioxidative property of the compound makes it a promising candidate for further development as an anticancer and chemopreventive compound.

Use of in vitro assays to assess the potential cytotoxic, genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of vanillic and cinnamic acid

Vanillic acid (VA) found in vanilla and cinnamic acid (CA) the precursor of flavonoids and found in cinnamon oil, are natural plant phenolic acids which are secondary aromatic plant products suggested to possess many physiological and pharmacological functions. In vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that phenolic acids exhibit powerful effects on biological responses by scavenging free radicals and eliciting antioxidant capacity. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant capacity of VA and CA by the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, cytotoxicity by neutral red uptake (NRU) assay in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and also the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of these phenolic acids using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) and the alkaline comet assays in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. At all tested concentrations, VA (0.17-67.2 μg/ml) showed antioxidant activity but CA (0.15-59.2 μg/ml) did not show antioxidant activity against 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). VA (0.84, 4.2, 8.4, 16.8, 84 and 168 μg/ml) and CA (0.74, 3.7, 7.4, 14.8, 74, 148 μg/ml) did not have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects alone at the studied concentrations as compared with the controls. Both VA and CA seem to decrease DNA damage induced by H₂O₂ in human lymphocytes.

Vanillin mitigates potassium bromate-induced molecular, biochemical and histopathological changes in the kidney of adult mice

The present study aimed to explore the ability of vanillin to ameliorate the adverse effects induced by potassium bromate (KBrO3) in the renal tissue. Our results showed a significant increase in hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein product and protein carbonyl levels in the kidney of KBrO3 treated mice, compared with the control group. Nephrotoxicity was evidenced by a decrease in plasma uric acid and kidney glutathione levels, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, lactate dehydrogenase and catalase activities. Additionally, creatinine and urea levels significantly increased in the plasma and declined in the urine. Also, Kidney glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, metallothionein (MT1 and MT2) mRNA expression remarkably increased. These modifications in biochemical and molecular values were substantiated by histopathological data. Co-treatment with vanillin restored these parameters to near control values. Interestingly, vanillin proved to possess, in vitro, a stronger scavenging radical activity than vitamin C and Trolox. Thus, vanillin inhibited KBrO3-induced damage via its antioxidant and antiradical activities as well as its capacity to protect genes expression and histopathological changes.

Vanillin Attenuated Behavioural Impairments, Neurochemical Deficts, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Against Rotenone Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), a pleasant smelling organic aromatic compound, is widely used as a flavoring additive in food, beverage, cosmetic and drug industries. It is reported to cross the blood brain barrier and also displayed antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. We previously reported the neuroprotective effect of vanillin against rotenone induced in in vitro model of PD. The present experiment was aimed to analyze the neuroprotective effect of vanillin on the motor and non-motor deficits, neurochemical variables, oxidative, anti-oxidative indices and the expression of apoptotic markers against rotenone induced rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Rotenone treatment exhibited motor and non-motor impairments, neurochemical deficits, oxidative stress and apoptosis, whereas oral administration of vanillin attenuated the above-said indices. However further studies are needed to explore the mitochondrial protective and anti-inflammatory properties of vanillin, as these processes play a vital role in the cause and progression of PD.

Delivery of vanillin by poly(lactic-acid) nanoparticles: Development, characterization and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles containing vanillin were prepared using an emulsion-solvent evaporation technique and were characterized and assessed for their in vitro antioxidant potential. Physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and stability. Solid state and thermal properties were assessed using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, while in vitro drug release profile was also evaluated. Results showed PLA nanoparticles having a characteristic amorphous structure, sizes in the range of 240 nm with high homogeneity in size distribution, zeta potential of -22 mV and vanillin encapsulation efficiency of 41%. In vitro release study showed a slow and sustained release of vanillin governed by diffusion. Nanoparticles were stable over a period of three months. Antioxidant ability of the vanillin-loaded PLA nanoparticles in scavenging the radical 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) was inferior to free vanillin and due to its prolonged release showed a profile that was both time and concentration dependent, while free vanillin showed concentration-dependent activity. The study concluded that PLA nanoparticles are potential carriers for vanillin delivery.

Vanillin abrogates ethanol induced gastric injury in rats via modulation of gastric secretion, oxidative stress and inflammation

Vanillin is commonly used as an additive in food, medicine and cosmetics, but its effect has not yet been studied in gastric injury. Therefore the effect of vanillin was studied in experimental gastric ulcer. Gastric secretion and acidity were studied in pylorus ligated rats. Ulcer index, levels of gastric mucus, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and histopathological changes were determined in ethanol induced gastric ulcer. Pre treatment with vanillin significantly reduced gastric secretion (P < 0.001) and acidity (P < 0.0001) and gastric ulcer index scores (P < 0.001). and augmented the gastric mucosal defense. Vanillin significantly restored the depleted gastric wall mucus levels (P < 0.0001) induced by ethanol and also significantly attenuated ethanol induced inflammation and oxidative stress by the suppression of gastric MPO activity (P < 0.001), reducing the expression of NF-κB p65 and the increased MDA levels (P < 0.001). Vanillin was also effective in alleviating the damage to the histological architecture and the activation of mast cells induced by ethanol.

Together the results of this study highlight the gastroprotective activity of vanillin in gastric ulcers of rats through multiple actions that include inhibition of gastric secretion and acidity, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, suppression of expression of NF-κB, and restoration of the histological architecture.

Systems pharmacology to decipher the combinational anti-migraine effects of Tianshu formula

Migraine is the most common neurovascular disorder that imparts a considerable burden to health care system around the world. However, currently there are still no effective and widely applicable pharmacotherapies for migraine patients. Herbal formulae, characterized as multiple herbs, constituents and targets, have been acknowledged with clinical effects in treating migraine, which attract more and more researchers' attention although their exact molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this work, a novel systems pharmacology-based method which integrates pharmacokinetic filtering, target fishing and network analysis was developed and exemplified by a probe, i.e. Tianshu formula, a widely clinically used anti-migraine herbal formula in China which comprises of Rhizoma chuanxiong and Gastrodia elata. The results exhibit that 20 active ingredients of Tianshu formula possess favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, which have interactions with 48 migraine-related targets to provide potential synergistic therapeutic effects. Additionally, from systematic analysis, we speculate that R. chuanxiong as the monarch herb mediates the major targets like PTGS2, ESR1, NOS2, HTR1B and NOS3 to regulate the vascular and nervous systems, as well as the inflammation and pain-related pathways to benefit migraine patients. Meanwhile, as an adjuvant herb, G. elata may not only assist the monarch herb to improve the outcome of migraine patients, but also regulate multiple targets like ABAT, HTR1D, ALOX15 and KCND3 to modify migraine accompanying symptoms like vomiting, vertigo and gastrointestinal disorders.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Topical Ethyl Vanillate in Enhancing the Effect of Narrow Band Ultraviolet B against Vitiligo: A Double Blind Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is an acquired disease of skin that presents with depigmented patches due to lack of melanocytes in the epidermis. Accumulation of toxic free radicals like hydrogen peroxide in the epidermis may be responsible for melanocytes death. Since ethyl vanillate (vanillic acid ethyl ester) is a strong hydrogen peroxide scavenger, it may be effective against vitiligo. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ethyl vanillate cream on vitiligo patients receiving phototherapy.

METHODS

A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial using ethyl vanillate cream 20% was performed on 30 cases of generalized stable vitiligo (randomly selected) who were receiving phototherapy in the outpatient clinic of Faghihi Hospital (Shiraz, Iran). The patients randomly applied ethyl vanillate on an assigned lesion (left or right side of the body) and placebo on the opposite side lesion (almost the same size and location) twice a day for 3 months, while receiving a narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) 2-3 times weekly. Photos were taken at the beginning of the trial and at the end of 4(th), 8(th), and 12(th) weeks. Then, images were compared with the photos from the beginning of the trial based on VASI score.

RESULTS

There was a significant change in pigmentation after applying ethyl vanillate compared with baseline in medication side (P=0.002), but no significant change in placebo side (P=0.066). Additionally, there was a significant difference between medication and placebo sides in pigmentation (P=0.005).

CONCLUSION

Ethyl vanillate may serve as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of vitiligo, although changes in pigmentation are mild clinically.

Antioxidant Effects of Herbal Tea Leaves from Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) on Multiple Free Radical and Reducing Power Assays, Especially on Different Superoxide Anion Radical Generation Systems

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), a native Andean plant, has been cultivated as a crop and locally used as a traditional folk medicine for the people suffering from diabetes and digestive/renal disorders. However, the medicinal properties of this plant and its processed foods have not been completely established. This study investigates the potent antioxidative effects of herbal tea leaves from yacon in different free radical models and a ferric reducing model. A hot-water extract exhibited the highest yield of total polyphenol and scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical among four extracts prepared with hot water, methanol, ethanol, and ethylacetate. In addition, a higher reducing power of the hot-water extract was similarly demonstrated among these extracts. Varying concentrations of the hot-water extract resulted in different scavenging activities in four synthetic free radical models: DPPH radical (EC50 28.1 μg/mL), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation radical (EC50 23.7 μg/mL), galvinoxyl radical (EC50 3.06 μg/mL), and chlorpromazine cation radical (EC50 475 μg/mL). The yacon tea-leaf extract further demonstrated superoxide anion (O2(-)) radical scavenging effects in the phenazine methosulfate-NADH-nitroblue tetrazolium (EC50 64.5 μg/mL) and xanthine oxidase assay systems (EC50 20.7 μg/mL). Subsequently, incubating human neutrophilic cells in the presence of the tea-leaf extract could suppress the cellular O2(-) radical generation (IC50 65.7 μg/mL) in a phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-activated cell model. These results support yacon tea leaves may be a good source of natural antioxidants for preventing O2(-) radical-mediated disorders.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Yacon has been considered to be a potent alternative food source for patients who require a dietary cure in regional area, while the leaf part has been provided and consumed as an herbal tea in local markets. We demonstrated here potent antioxidative effects of the tea leaves from yacon in different free radical assays, reducing power assay, and cellular superoxide anion radical generation assay. Results support yacon tea leaves may be a good source of natural antioxidants for preventing O2(-) radical-mediated disorders.

Evolution of availability of curcumin inside poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles: impact on antioxidant and antinitrosant properties

Purpose

Curcumin exhibits antioxidant properties potentially beneficial for human health; however, its use in clinical applications is limited by its poor solubility and relative instability. Nanoparticles exhibit interesting features for the efficient distribution and delivery of curcumin into cells, and could also increase curcumin stability in biological systems. There is a paucity of information regarding the evolution of the antioxidant properties of nanoparticle-encapsulated curcumin.

Method

We described a simple method of curcumin encapsulation in poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles without the use of detergent. We assessed, in epithelial cells and in an acellular model, the evolution of direct antioxidant and antinitrosant properties of free versus PLGA-encapsulated curcumin after storage under different conditions (light vs darkness, 4°C vs 25°C vs 37°C).

Results

In epithelial cells, endocytosis and efflux pump inhibitors showed that the increased antioxidant activity of PLGA-encapsulated curcumin relied on bypassing the efflux pump system. Acellular assays showed that the antioxidant effect of curcumin was greater when loaded in PLGA nanoparticles. Furthermore, we observed that light decreased, though heat restored, antioxidant activity of PLGA-encapsulated curcumin, probably by modulating the accessibility of curcumin to reactive oxygen species, an observation supported by results from quenching experiments. Moreover, we demonstrated a direct antinitrosant activity of curcumin, enhanced by PLGA encapsulation, which was increased by light exposure.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the antioxidant and antinitrosant activities of encapsulated curcumin are light sensitive and that nanoparticle modifications over time and with temperature may facilitate curcumin contact with reactive oxygen species. These results highlight the importance of understanding effects of nanoparticle maturation on an encapsulated drug’s activity.

Fabrication of chitosan microspheres using vanillin/TPP dual crosslinkers for protein antigens encapsulation

Microspheres were prepared from water soluble chitosan using dual vanillin/TPP crosslinkers. Placebo (C1), Bovine serum albumin (BSA) (C2), monovalent tetanus toxoid (TT) (C3) and divalent tetanus (TT) and diphtheria toxoids (DT) (C4) encapsulated microspheres were studied in terms of size (1-4 μm), encapsulation efficiency (75-80%), swelling and mucoadhesion (56-68%). FT-IR, TGA, XRD and SEM characterization of microspheres suggested specific interaction, more thermal stability, amorphous nature and rough surfaces of encapsulated microspheres. EDS confirmed the co-crosslinking and ninhydrin tests were showing higher crosslinking density. Zeta potential was 47.7 to 66.2 +mV indicating the potential stability of the colloidal system. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms described encapsulated microspheres followed the Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting monolayer adsorption of the mucin on microspheres. In-vitro release studies up to four weeks indicated zero order kinetics and obeyed swelling-controlled super case II transport release mechanism. Thus, the present study could be helpful in developing the multivalent oral vaccine.