Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of common vegetables

In-Depth Characterization of Bioactive Extracts from Posidonia oceanica Waste Biomass

Posidonia oceanica waste biomass has been valorised to produce extracts by means of different methodologies and their bioactive properties have been evaluated. Water-based extracts were produced using ultrasound-assisted and hot water methods and classified according to their ethanol-affinity (E1: ethanol soluble; E2: non-soluble). Moreover, a conventional protocol with organic solvents was applied, yielding E3 extracts. Compositional and structural characterization confirmed that while E1 and E3 extracts were mainly composed of minerals and lipids, respectively, E2 extracts were a mixture of minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. All the extracts showed remarkably high antioxidant capacity, which was not only related to phenolic compounds but also to the presence of proteins and polysaccharides. All E2 and E3 extracts inhibited the growth of several foodborne fungi, while only E3 extracts decreased substantially the infectivity of feline calicivirus and murine norovirus. These results show the potential of P. oceanica waste biomass for the production of bioactive extracts.

Cranberry: A Promising Natural Source of Potential Nutraceuticals with Anticancer Activity

Studies have shown that cranberry and its components may exert anticancer properties. The present study aims to critically summarise the existing experimental studies evaluating the potential effects of cranberry on cancer prevention and treatment. PubMed database was searched to identify relevant studies. Current in vitro studies have indicated that cranberry and/or its components may act as chemopreventive agents, diminishing the risk for cancer by inhibiting cells oxidation and inflammatory-related processes, while they may also exert chemotherapeutic effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis, inducing cell apoptosis and attenuating the ability of tumour cells to invade and metastasis. Limited in vivo studies have further documented potential anticancer activity. Cranberry could be considered as a conglomeration of potential effective anticancer druglike compounds.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant and antimutagenic evaluations of pigmented corn

In order to identify pigmented corn with nutraceutical potential, the secondary metabolite content, the antioxidant capacity and antimutagenic activity of red, and blue corn were analyzed. The ranges of total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents of the corn samples were from 69.4 to 212.8 mg gallic ac. equiv./100 g DW, 0.07 to 12.19 mg (+) catechin eq./100 g DW and 3.89 to 34.17 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside eq./100 g DW, respectively. The phenolic extracts demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity evaluated by the ABTS assay displaying values from 2.06 to 7.34 mmol Trolox/100 g DW. None of the extracts was toxic to the tested bacteria strains TA98 and TA100. For TA98 tester strain, percentage inhibition values against AFB₁ mutagenicity from 61 to 93, and 38 to 75 for flavonoid and anthocyanin extracts were obtained. The total phenol and anthocyanin contents correlate with the observed antioxidant capacity. The most biological active corn samples were the blue color while the least actives were the red ones. The results show that the studied blue corn samples are good sources of antioxidant and antimutagenic compounds, which could use to develop products that contribute to human health.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.): Genome organization, adaptive evolution and phylogenetic relationships in Cardamineae

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.), an aquatic leafy vegetable of the Brassicaceae family, is known as a nutritional powerhouse. Here, we de novo sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of watercress based on combined PacBio and Illumina data. The cp genome is 155,106 bp in length, exhibiting a typical quadripartite structure including a pair of inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) of 26,505 bp separated by a large single copy (LSC) region of 84,265 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,831 bp. The genome contained 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs, with 20 duplicate in the IRs. Compared with the prior cp genome of watercress deposited in GenBank, 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 27 indels were identified, mainly located in noncoding sequences. A total of 49 repeat structures and 71 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected. Codon usage showed a bias for A/T-ending codons in the cp genome of watercress. Moreover, 45 RNA editing sites were predicted in 16 genes, all for C-to-U transitions. A comparative plastome study with Cardamineae species revealed a conserved gene order and high similarity of protein-coding sequences. Analysis of the Ka/Ks ratios of Cardamineae suggested positive selection exerted on the ycf2 gene in watercress, which might reflect specific adaptations of watercress to its particular living environment. Phylogenetic analyses based on complete cp genomes and common protein-coding genes from 56 species showed that the genus Nasturtium was a sister to Cardamine in the Cardamineae tribe. Our study provides valuable resources for future evolution, population genetics and molecular biology studies of watercress.

Phenolic distribution, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibitory properties of eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) cultivated in two different locations within Nigeria

Solanum aethiopicum is commonly cultivated in Nigeria for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Although, information on the possible effect of location on the biological activities of S. aethiopicum has not been reported, however, present research work investigated the phenolic contents and distribution, antioxidative properties, and enzyme inhibitory activities of S. aethiopicum collected from two locations in Nigeria. HPLC phenolic profile, polyphenol contents, free radical scavenging activities, and inhibitory effect of eggplant extracts on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes were carried out. Significant variations were observed in the phenolic profile, polyphenol contents, antioxidant activities, and enzymes inhibitory properties of the extracts from different locations. In most of the analyses carried out, extract of eggplant fruit collected from Uyo (UEF) showed higher activities than the one obtained from Ibadan (IEF). Thus, findings from this study revealed that geographical location may influence the phenolic contents, antioxidant, and enzymes inhibitory properties of eggplant fruits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The geographical location of a particular place determines the nature and biological activities of plants cultivated in the area. Hence, we presented the effect of location on the phenolic profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties of eggplant fruit (S. aethiopicum) cultivated in two different locations in Nigeria. However, data generated in this study showed the effect of location on phenolic composition and biological activities of eggplant fruit cultivated in Nigeria.

Oxygen Availability during Growth Modulates the Phytochemical Profile and the Chemo-Protective Properties of Spinach Juice

Fruits and vegetables are a good source of potentially biologically active compounds. Their regular consumption in the human diet can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Plants produce additional chemical substances when subject to abiotic stress or infected by microorganisms. The phytochemical profile of spinach leaves (Spinacia oleracea L.), which is a vegetable with widely recognized health-promoting activity, has been affected by applying root hypoxic and re-oxygenation stress during plant growth. Leaf juice at different sampling times has been subject to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MSn) analysis and tested on the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT29 by using the Comet assay. The cells were previously treated with H₂O₂ to simulate the presence of an oxidative stress (as in colon cancer condition) and the leaf juice application resulted in a significant antioxidant and protective in vitro effect. The duration of the hypoxic/re-oxygenation stress imposed on the plant reflects the antioxidant leaf juice content. After hypoxic stress (24 h) and reoxygenation (2 h), we show a decrease (50%) of the relative abundance of the principal identified antioxidant molecules but a higher antioxidant activity of the spinach juice on HT29 cells (20%). Data shows a complex relation between plant growing conditions and the modulation of secondary metabolites content in leaf juice that results in different chemo-protective activities in colon cancer cells.

Starchy Carbohydrates in a Healthy Diet: The Role of the Humble Potato

Potatoes have been an affordable, staple part of the diet for many hundreds of years. Recently however, there has been a decline in consumption, perhaps influenced by erroneous reports of being an unhealthy food. This review provides an overview of the nutritional value of potatoes and examines the evidence for associations between potato consumption and non-communicable diseases. Potatoes are an important source of micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, folate, and iron and contribute a significant amount of fibre to the diet. However, nutrient content is affected by cooking method; boiling causes leaching of water-soluble nutrients, whereas frying can increase the resistant starch content of the cooked potato. Epidemiological studies have reported associations between potato intake and obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, results are contradictory and confounded by lack of detail on cooking methods. Indeed, potatoes have been reported to be more satiating than other starchy carbohydrates, such as pasta and rice, which may aid weight maintenance. Future research should consider cooking methods in the study design in order to reduce confounding factors and further explore the health impact of this food.

Drying alters the phenolic constituents, antioxidant properties, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf

Moringa oleifera leaf is a popular green leafy vegetable which has found its usefulness in the preparation of traditional stews and soups. Like most green leafy vegetable which are not around year-round, the leaf is usually dried and pulverized for storage and easier handling, and despite the popularity of this processing technique, there is dearth of information on how drying affects the health-promoting properties of the leaves. Hence, this study sought to investigate the effect of some drying methods (freeze-drying, sun, air and oven drying) on the phytoconstituents, antioxidant properties, and biological activities of moringa leaf. This study revealed that drying methods significantly altered the phytoconstituents (phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C, tannin, saponin, phytate, oxalate, alkaloid, cardenolides, and cardiac glycosides), antioxidant capacities (reducing power, Fe2+chelating, ABTS •+, DPPH, and • OH scavenging abilities), and enzyme inhibitory (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) effects of the leaf, with freeze-drying being the most promising method for preserving the nutraceutical properties of moringa leaf. However, for practical application, the order of preference of the drying methods which ensures adequate retention of phytoconstituents and possibly biological activities of the leaf as observed in this study is freeze-drying > air drying > sun drying > oven drying, in the order of decreasing magnitude.

In vitro antioxidant activities and inhibitory effects of phenolic extract of Senecio biafrae (Oliv and Hiern) against key enzymes linked with type II diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease

The phenolic extract of Senecio biafrae leaves was investigated to determine the in vitro antioxidant, phenolic profiles, and inhibition of key enzymes relevant to type II diabetes mellitus (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinesterase and butrylcholinesterase). The phenolic extract demonstrated significant scavenging abilities against all in vitro antioxidant parameters assessed. Reversed-phase HPLC of the extract revealed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol. The extract also inhibited activities of α-amylase (IC 50 = 126.90 μg/ml), α-glucosidase (IC 50 = 139.66 μg/ml), acetylcholinesterase (IC 50 = 347.22 μg/ml), and butrylcholinesterase (IC 50 = 378.79 μg/ml), which may be attributed to the antioxidant potential of the extract and its phenolic composition. Therefore, this study suggests that the leaves of S. biafrae may be useful in the management of diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease.

Phytochemical and antioxidative potential of orange, red, yellow, rainbow and black coloured tropical carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus Schubl. & Martens)

This study was executed to determine phytochemical content i.e. total carotenoids, phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant ability expressed in the form of FRAP, CUPRAC and ABTS activity among different coloured tropical carrots (orange, red, yellow, rainbow and black carrot) developed at ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Overall, within different colour group, the extent of variation for various phytochemical content and antioxidant potentiality is narrow i.e. ranged from 1.04- to 3.21-fold; but at the same time, the genotypic variability across genotypes is too wide which varied 20.90- to 57.92-fold for phytochemical and antioxidants is an indication of broad genetic base of carrot germplasm. Among all the carrots, black carrot had an exceptionally high content of total phenolics and flavonoids, and thereby led to the highest antioxidant ability in the terms of FRAP, CUPRAC and ABTS activity expressing about 76-83% relative potentiality followed by rainbow carrot, and least in orange, red and yellow carrot (black carrot > rainbow carrot > red carrot ≈ orange carrot ≈ yellow carrot). The content of phenolics and flavonoids were highly correlated with antioxidant activity (0.955** to 0.992**). However, the most cultivated and consumed carrots, orange and red one, possessed higher amount of carotenoids. The content of carotenoids negatively correlated with total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants activity (- 0.612** to - 0.627**). Broad genetic base and selection based on total phenolics content could be pivotal in the future breeding to harness the genetic wealth of carrot efficiently.

Plant growth, phytochemical accumulation and antioxidant activity of substrate-grown spinach

Spinach production in soilless cultivation systems, mainly in substrate, transplanted with soil blocks and drip-irrigation is increasing worldwide. However, spinach establishment with soil blocks, with several seedlings per block compared with traditional planting methods, may affect light interception by plant canopy, wetting and salt patterns in root medium and therefore the plant growth and functional value of spinach. The effects of soil block number (plant density) and emitters spacing on plant growth, nitrate, proline and total phenols content and antioxidant activity were evaluated in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L). Five seedlings per soil block were transplanted to Styrofoam boxes filled with the substrate and grown during winter in an unheated greenhouse. Four treatments were carried out with two soil block numbers [8 (160 plants/m²) and 14 (280 plants/m²) soil blocks per Styrofoam box] and two emitter spacing [emitters spaced every 25 and 12.5 cm, respectively, with 4 and 8 emitters per Styrofoam box]. Neither plant density nor emitter spacing had any effect on shoot dry weight. Fresh yield increased as planting density and the number of emitters per Styrofoam box increased. The yield in Styrofoam boxes with 160 plants/m² and 8 emitters (3.85 kg m⁻²) was ≈31 % lower than that obtained in treatment with 280 plants/m² and 8 emitters (5.09 kg m⁻²). However, the leaf blade of the latter treatment presented a higher content of phenols and proline and greater antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) as well as lower content of nitrate and lesser PDH activity. Decrease of space between emitters reduced the leaf blade nitrate concentration of spinach grown in a greenhouse during the winter. Leaf blade antioxidant activity (FRAP) decreased as planting density increased.

Modulatory effect of some citrus (Citrus limon, Citrus reticulata, Citrus maxima) peels on monoamine oxidase, phosphodiesterase-5 and angiotensin-1 converting enzyme activities in rat heart homogenate

Background

Citrus peels have been reported useful in folk medicine for the management of cardiovascular diseases, but there is dearth of information on the possible mechanisms for their therapeutic action. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of methanolic extracts from some citrus [lime (Citrus limon), tangerine (Citrus reticulata), shaddock (Citrus maxima)] peels on some enzymes relevant to the management of cardiovascular diseases [monoamine oxidase (MAO), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) and angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE)].

Methods

Effect of methanolic extracts of lime, tangerine and shaddock peels on MAO, PDE-5 and ACE were carried out using standard methods. In addition, the ability of the extracts to prevent oxidative damage in rat heart homogenates was also investigated. Finally, the total polyphenol content of extracts was determined.

Results

The results revealed that methanolic extracts of lime, tangerine and shaddock peels inhibited MAO, PDE-5, ACE and pro-oxidants induced lipid peroxidation in rat heart homogenate in a concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusions

Findings in this study revealed citrus peel methanolic extracts as natural inhibitor of enzymes (MAO, PDE-5 and ACE) implicated in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, citrus peels could help in the management of cardiovascular diseases possibly through inhibition of these enzymes.

A full utilization of rice husk to evaluate phytochemical bioactivities and prepare cellulose nanocrystals

Rice husks (RHs) as an agro-waste generated from rice production, while its application is limited. This study was designed to introduce a full utilization of rice husks, which extracted the phytochemical at first and then produced cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as the use of the residue. Furthermore, the phytochemicals extracted from rice husk was identified and its biological activity, including antioxidant activity, cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and antiproliferative activity, had been detected as well. Results showed the bound fraction of rice husk had higher antioxidant than common fruit and grain. Free fraction of rice husk deserved to have further analysis in antiproliferative activity due to its low cytotoxicity. The CNCs produced by residue was using delignification process and acid hydrolysis treatments. The chemical composition of the residue obtained after phytochemical extraction was determined. CNCs morphological investigation was performed using an optical microscope and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our strategy is to achieve a comprehensive utilization of rice husks with both economy and environment benefits.

Water/ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus L. fruit attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in endothelial cells

Background

It is widely accepted the key role of endothelium in the onset of many chronic and acute vascular and cardiovascular diseases.

In the last decade, traditional compounds utilized in “folk medicine” were considered with increasing interest to discover new bioactive molecules potentially effective in a wide range of diseases including cardiovascular ones. Since ancient times different parts of the Cucumis sativus L. plant were utilized in Ayurvedic medicine, among these, fruits were traditionally used to alleviate skin problem such as sunburn irritation and inflammation. The main purpose of the present research was, in a well-defined in vitro model of endothelial cells, to investigate whether a water/ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus L. (CSE) fruit can attenuate the damaging effect of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

Cell viability, gene expression of endothelial cell markers, cytokines secretion and in vitro angiogenesis assay were performed on porcine Aortic Endothelial Cells exposed to increasing doses (0.02; 02; 2 mg/ml) of CSE in the presence of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS 10 μg/ml).

Results

CSE reduced LPS-induced cytotoxicity and decreased the cellular detachment, restoring the expression of tight junction ZO-1. The increase of TLR4 expression induced by LPS was counterbalanced by the presence of CSE, while the protective gene Hemeoxygenase (HO)-1 was increased. Cucumis sativus L. inhibited the early robust secretion of inflammatory IL-8 and GM-CSFs, furthermore inhibition of inflammatory IL-6 and IL-1α occurred late at 7 and 24 h respectively. On the contrary, the secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10, together with IL-18 and IFN-γ was increased. Moreover, the in vitro angiogenesis induced by inflammatory LPS was prevented by the presence of Cucunis sativus L. extract, at any doses tested.

Conclusions

Our results have clearly demonstrated that Cucumis sativus L. extract has attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in endothelial cells.

Standardized extract of Lactuca sativa Linn. and its fractions abrogates scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice: A possible cholinergic and antioxidant mechanism

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Lactuca sativa (LS) Linn. (Asteraceae) against scopolamine-induced amnesia and to validate its traditional claim as memory enhancer.

METHODS

Ethanol extract of fresh LS leaves (LSEE), standardized on the basis of quercetin content, was successively partitioned using various solvents viz., hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol in increasing order of polarity. LSEE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and its various fractions (at a dose equivalent to dose of LSEE exhibiting maximum activity), administered orally for 14 days, were evaluated for their memory enhancing effect against scopolamine-induced (1 mg/kg, i.p.) amnesia in 3-4 months old male Laca mice (n = 6 in each group). The memory enhancing effect was evaluated using behavioural (elevated plus maze, novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests) and biochemical parameters (acetylcholinesterase activity, malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase, nitrite, catalase, and reduced gultathione content). The results of the test substances were compared with both scopolamine and donepezil that was used as a standard memory enhancer and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

RESULTS

Scopolamine elicit marked deterioration of memory and alteration in biochemical parameters in comparison to the control group. LSEE and its n-butanol and aqueous fractions significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the scopolamine-induced amnesia that was evident in all the behavioural and biochemical test parameters. LSEE (200 mg/kg) and n-butanol fraction (15 mg/kg) exhibited maximum anti-amnesic effect among various tested dose levels.

DISCUSSION

The results exhibited that LS prophylaxis attenuated scopolamine-induced memory impairment through its acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activity validating its traditional claim.

Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Polyphenolic-Rich Extract of Syzygium cumini Linn Leaves in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

In this study, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities of polyphenolic-rich extract of Syzygium cumini leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were determined. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight) in female Wistar rats. The rats were orally administered with 400 mg/kg free phenol, 400 mg/kg bound phenol, and 5 mg/kg metformin, respectively. On the 14th day of oral administration, the animals were sacrificed, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory were assessed. Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels; homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance scores, lipid peroxidation concentration, glucose-6-phosphatase activity, and all concentrations of anti-inflammatory studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were significantly ( P < .05) reduced with the administration of polyphenolic-rich extract of Syzygium cumini leaves. Also there was significant ( P < .05) increase in glycogen and insulin concentrations, pancreatic β-cell scores, antioxidant enzymes and hexokinase activities, as well as glucose transporter levels in diabetic animals administered with polyphenolic-rich extract of S cumini leaves. The results indicate that S cumini leaves possess anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities.

A heating method for producing frozen pizza ingredients with increased total polyphenol content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity

Despite growing demand for more healthful frozen pizza, current technologies for increasing potential healthfulness such as reformulation or enrichment of raw ingredients may lead to undesirable changes in the final product. This study evaluated alternative heat treatments of selected frozen pizza ingredients as methods for increasing the healthfulness of frozen pizza. Four common vegetable toppings (i.e., onion, corn, Japanese green pepper, and red pepper) were heated on a 250°C hot plate, and commercially available par-baked pizza base was reheated at 500°C for 50 s to induce browning. These alternatively heat-treated (AHT) ingredients were compared to their conventional counterparts (e.g., steam-blanched vegetable toppings and commercially available par-baked pizza base, respectively) in terms of total polyphenol content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH RSA). TPC increased and was correlated with internal temperature for onion and peppers during alternative heat treatment, while increases in DPPH RSA of AHT onion and pizza base may be due to the formation of Maillard reaction products. Replacing conventional samples with AHT counterparts increased TPC and DPPH RSA by 1.2-fold to 1.6-fold and 1.3-fold to 2.1-fold, respectively, for vegetable toppings after reheating at 230°C for 12 min. Significant differences in acceptability of sensory attributes (i.e., appearance, taste, aroma, texture, and overall preference) were not observed between AHT and conventional vegetable topping when incorporated into pizza. These results suggest that alternative heat treatment of raw ingredients, particularly vegetable toppings, for the purpose of increasing TPC and DPPH RSA may be a viable method for increasing the potential healthfulness of frozen pizza.

Inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of raw and roasted Sesamum indicum L. seeds on key enzymes linked to type-2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase)

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds are nutritional food, but researches have limited knowledge about the antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticholinesterase activities of the seed. This study was conducted to determine the antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibitory potential (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory property of aqueous extracts of raw and roasted sesame seeds. Antioxidant activities were analyzed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging property, 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenthiazoline-6- sulphonic acid (ABTS) scavenging ability, iron chelating ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Anti-Alzheimer's potential was determined using acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition assay. The results showed that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were higher in the roasted S. indicum sample with the values of 19.81mg/100g and 17.19 mg/100g respectively. The raw S. indicum sample showed higher antioxidant activity in DPPH, and iron chelation assays; while roasted S. indicum sample showed higher in the reducing power and ABTS scavenging activity. However, anticholinesterase activity was higher in the roasted S. indicum sample than in the raw S. indicum sample. The extracts inhibited α-amylase activity in a concentration-dependent manner (20 - 100 µg.mL-1). The raw sample (16.55 ±0.89%) had higher inhibitory α-amylase activity compared to the roasted sample (15.78 ±0.48%) at 100 µg.mL-1. Inhibition of α-glucosidase was higher in the roasted sample at 100 µg.mL-1 (19.40 ±0.26%) compared to the raw sample at the same concentration (3.65 ±0.52%). These findings suggest that S. indicum L. is not only nutritious but also showed potential pharmacological properties.

Chromatographic fingerprint analysis, antioxidant properties, and inhibition of cholinergic enzymes (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) of phenolic extracts from Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill bark

BACKGROUND

Irvingia gabonensis stem bark is a medicinal plant used in most parts of Africa to manage a number of ailments including neurodegenerative diseases that occur without scientific basis. This work characterized the phenolic composition, evaluated the cholinergic enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, AChE and butyrylcholinesterase, BChE) inhibition, and assessed the antioxidant activity of phenolic extracts from I. gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill bark.

METHODS

Total phenol and flavonoids content was evaluated in addition to antioxidant activity as shown by Fe2+ chelation, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability, and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging ability. Inhibitory activities on AChE and BChE were evaluated.

RESULTS

The extract was found to be rich in phenolic acid (ellagic acid) and flavonoids (quercetrin, kaempferol, and apigenin). The phenolic extracts displayed DPPH radical scavenging ability (IC50=19.98 μg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging ability (IC50=18.25 μg/mL), iron chelation (IC50=113.10 μg/mL), and reducing power (Fe3+ to Fe2+) (5.94 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g). Extracts of I. gabonensis inhibited AChE (IC50=32.90 μg/mL) and BChE (IC50=41.50 μg/mL) activities in concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Hence, possible mechanism through which the stem bark executes their anti-Alzheimer's disease activity might be by inhibiting cholinesterase activities in addition to suppressing oxidative-stress-induced neurodegeneration.

Dried and free flowing granules of Spinacia oleracea accelerate bone regeneration and alleviate postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of extract derived from Spinacia oleracea extract (SOE) in reversing bone loss induced by ovariectomy and bone healing properties in a drill-hole fracture model in rats.

METHODS

SOE was administered orally for 12 weeks in adult ovariectomized Sprague Dawley rats after inducing osteopenic condition. Bone micro-architecture, expressions of osteogenic and resorptive gene markers, biomechanical strength, new bone formation, and bone turnover markers were studied. Uterine histomorphometry was used to assess estrogenicity. Bone regeneration potential of SOE was assessed in a drill-hole fracture model. Fracture healing was assessed by calcein intensity and micro-CT analysis of callus at fracture region.

RESULTS

SOE prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss as evident from 122% increase in bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) and 29% decline in Tb.Sp in femoral trabecular micro-architecture. This was corroborated by the more than twofold stimulation in the expression of osteogenic genes runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix, osteocalcin, bone morphogenetic protein 2, collagen-1. Furthermore in the fracture healing model, we observed a 25% increase in BV/TV and enhancement in calcein intensity at the fractured site. The extract when converted into dried deliverable Spinaceae oleracea granule (SOG) form accelerated bone regeneration at fracture site, which was more efficient as evident by a 39% increase in BV/TV. Transforming SOE into dried granules facilitated prolonged systemic availability, thus providing enhanced activity for a period of 14 days.

CONCLUSIONS

SOE treatment effectively prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss and stimulated fracture healing in adult rats. The dried granular form of the extract of Spinaceae oleracea was effective in fracture healing at the same dose.

Metabolic Profiling and Chemical-Based Antioxidant Assays of Green and Red Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa) is an important leaf vegetable crop worldwide. The total phenolic content was higher in the red skirt methanol extracts with a level of 64.9 ± 0.3 mg GA/g, and phenolic content of green skirt was 49.4 ± 0.3 mg GA/g. The total flavonoid content in the methanol extract of red skirt showed the highest concentration (291.6 ± 9.0 mg rutin/g), followed by green skirt (223 ± 9.8 mg rutin/g). The red skirt showed a higher content of anthocyanin (23.7 ± 0.8 mg/100 g) compared to the green skirt (7.4 ± 0.9 mg/100 g). Seven carotenoids i.e., lutein, β–carotene, 9 Z–β–carotene, 13 Z–β–carotene, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and α–carotene were detected in both cultivars. The polar metabolites are strongly associated with the metabolites that participate in the TCA cycle. Correlations between primary and secondary metabolites were easily achieved by gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS)-based metabolite profiling method. Red skirt methanol extract showed 77.5 ± 0.4% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity, 50.8 ± 0.8% hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay and absorbance value (0.052) reducing power assay at 250 μL/mL, having significantly higher activity than the green skirt extract. The red lettuce extract also showed higher levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and it possesses more antioxidant properties compared to the green skirt extract. In this study we compared two cultivars of lettuce, red skirt and green skirt, for various nutritional parameters and to understand the association of secondary metabolites with their corresponding primary metabolites. From the overall analysis, it is confirmed that GC-TOFMS-based metabolite profiling is an appropriate method for determining biochemical reactions and also acts as a combined resource to understand primary and secondary metabolism.

Inhibition of cell proliferation and triggering of apoptosis by agrimonolide through MAP kinase (ERK and p38) pathways in human gastric cancer AGS cells

Data from the present study showed that agrimonolide exhibited a high anti-proliferation effect against human gastric cancer AGS cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the number of total apoptotic cells increased after the treatment with the agrimonolide in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it was found that agrimonolide-induced cell apoptosis was associated with the increase in the (Bcl-2 Associated X Protein, BAX)/(B-cell lymphoma-2, Bcl-2) ratio and the activation of cleaved caspase-3. MAPK (p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and ERK1/2) signaling pathways were involved in agrimonolide-induced apoptosis. Cells were exposed to 40 μM of agrimonolide and the level of phospho-ERK/ERK protein was increased to 7.0-fold as compared to the control, and the expression of phospho-p38 protein showed a significant 6.2-fold increase after 24 h incubation, as compared to the control. The employment of protein kinase inhibitors of PD98059 and SB203580, showed the block effects of agrimonolide on the activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis.

Gallic acid induces G1 phase arrest and apoptosis of triple-negative breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/p21/p27 axis

Gallic acid (GA) possesses potential antitumoral activity on different types of malignancies. In this study, we aimed to explore the antitumoral effects of GA on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, the breast cancer cells showing resistance to hormonal therapy or HER2 receptor targeting therapy. We observed that GA treatment significantly decreased the cell viability of human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and HS578T in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, GA exerted a relative lower cytotoxicity on noncancer breast fibroblast MCF-10F. Next, we analyzed the changes of cell-cycle distribution in response to GA treatment and found that GA led to an increase of G0/G1 and sub-G1 phase ratio in MDA-MB-231 cells. We further explored the crucial mediators controlling cell cycle and inducing apoptotic signaling, and the findings showed that GA downregulated cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin E/CDK2, upregulated p21and p27, and induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. In addition, we demonstrated that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was involved in the GA-mediated cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Collectively, our findings indicate that GA inhibits the cell viability of TNBC cells, which may attribute to the G1 phase arrest and cellular apoptosis via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/p21/p27 axis. Thus, we suggest that GA could be beneficial to TNBC treatment.

Angiotensin-1-converting enzyme inhibition, antioxidant activity, and modulation of cerebral Na+/K+ ATPase by free phenolics of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa)

AIMS

To investigate the antioxidant activities and effects of free phenols (FPPB) and bound phenols (BPPB) of Parkia biglobosa leaves on some enzymes of neuro-cardiovascular relevance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HPLC-DAD fingerprinting of FPPB and BPPB, and the antihemolytic, radical (1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl, DPPH; 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), ABTS) scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant properties of extracts, were assessed. In addition, the effects of the phenolics on angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE), cerebral acetylcholinesterase/butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BuChE), and Na+/K+ATPase were determined in vitro. FPPB was more potent than BPPB in terms of ABTS (EC50:4.06 ± 0.3 vs 24.07 ± 2.1 μg/mL) and DPPH (EC50:3.82 ± 0.2 vs 10.22 ± 0.1 μg/mL) radicals scavenged, respectively. The free phenolic extract was a better DPPH. scavenger than ascorbic acid (EC50 = 12.58 ± 0.4 μg/mL; DPPH reference) and compared well with Trolox (EC50:4.44 ± 0.08 μg/mL; ABTS reference). The anti-hemolytic effect of FPPB (36%) and BPPB (53%) was highest at 15 μg/mL but lower than that recorded for ascorbic acid (67% at 10 μg/mL). Even though FPPB (IC50 = 15.35 ± 4.0 μg/mL) and BPPB (IC50 = 46.85 ± 3.3 μg/mL) showed considerably lower ACE-inhibitory effect than ramipril (IC50:0.173 ± 0.04 μg/mL), both extracts demonstrated dose-dependent, significant (p < 0.01/p < 0.05) inhibition of the enzyme. FPPB increased cerebral Na+/K+ATPase activity but neither phenolic extract affects cerebral AChE/BuChE activities. HPLC-DAD revealed catechin, caffeic acid, and quercetin, respectively, as the major phenolics (mg/g) in FPPB (29.85, 30.29, and 17.10) and BPPB (32.70, 30.51, and 19.25).

CONCLUSION

The effects of P biglobosa on ACE and cerebral ATPase are related to its constituent phenolics. ACE inhibition could be an important mechanism underlying the documented hypotensive effect of the plant.

Phenolic extracts and amino acids content from Cucumeropsis mannii naudin and Citrullus lanatus inhibit relevant enzymes of erectile dysfunction in rat's penile tissue

•A focused on the erectogenic potentials of two tropical pumpkin seeds was established.•The antioxidant properties of these seed varieties were also discussed.•The inhibitory effects of the seeds on key enzymes relevant to ED were critically explored.•The potentials of the seeds to manage ED were recommended.

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dietary Interventions

Self-help by means of dietary interventions can help in management of various disorders including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating autoimmune disease. Dietary interventions necessitate a widespread appeal for both patients as well as clinicians due to factors including affordability, accessibility, and presence of scientific evidences that demonstrate substantial benefits in reducing disease symptoms such as pain, joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness and associated disability with disease progression. However, there is still an uncertainty among the community about the therapeutic benefits of dietary manipulations for RA. In the present review, we provide an account of different diets and their possible molecular mechanism of actions inducing observed therapeutic benefits for remission and management of RA. We further indicate food that can be a potential aggravating factor for the disease or may help in symptomatic relief. We thereafter summarize and thereby discuss various diets and food which help in reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines in RA patients that may play an effective role in management of RA following proper patient awareness. We thus would like to promote diet management as a tool that can both supplement and complement present treatment strategies for a better patient health and recovery.