Antioxidant activity of a water-soluble polysaccharide purified from Pteridium aquilinum

Health and Environmental Hazards of the Toxic Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn (Bracken Fern)

Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) is ubiquitous and acts as a cosmopolitan weed in pastures and similar environments. Despite its historical uses, it presents risks due to toxicity. This study, conducted in the second half of 2023, aimed to assess the environmental and health hazards of P. aquilinum, primarily focusing on its carcinogenic compound, ptaquiloside. The literature was comprehensively reviewed using diverse databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Information was synthesized from original research articles, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and relevant animal studies. Animals grazing on bracken fern face annual production losses due to toxin exposure. The substantial impact on biodiversity, animal health, and human well-being arises from the presence of ptaquiloside and related compounds in milk, meat, and water, along with the increasing global prevalence of P. aquilinum and its swift colonization in acidic soil and fire-damaged areas. The objectives were to identify major bioactive compounds and explore their effects at molecular, cellular, pathological, and population levels. Various cooking techniques were considered to mitigate toxin exposure, although complete elimination remains unattainable. Therefore, the findings emphasize the need for cautious consumption. In conclusion, continued research is necessary to better understand and manage its environmental and health implications.

Structure characterization of novel heteropolysaccharides from Pteridium revolutum with antioxidant and antiglycated activities

This study aims to analysis the structures of polysaccharides isolated from Pteridium revolutum and their antioxidant and antiglycated activities. Three novel water-soluble heteropolysaccharides, named PRP0, PRP1, and PRP2, were isolated from P. revolutum. The average molecular weight was determined by high performance gel permeation chromatography analysis as 1.04 × 106, 8.39 × 105, and 7.37 × 105 Da, respectively. Their structures were characterized using physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant and antiglycated activities were assayed in vitro. PRP0, PRP1, and PRP2 consist of l-Ara, l-Rha, d-Man, d-Xyl, d-Fuc, d-Gal, and d-Glc in different proportions. PRP1 mainly has a backbone of (1 → 3,6)-linked d-Man and (1 → 3)-linked d-Gal on main chain. PRP2 is mainly composed of (1 → 2,4)-linked d-Man and (1 → 3)-linked d-Gal on main chain. All polysaccharides have strong scavenging power on 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil and hydroxyl radicals and significantly antiglycated activity in Bovine serum albumin-Glucose model, which showing that the polysaccharides have potential application value on the functional food.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Impacts of Lentinan Combined with Probiotics in Ulcerative Colitis

Multi-methods have been developed to control ulcerative colitis. This research targeted to probe that lentinan combined with probiotics suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress responses in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. A mouse model of colitis was induced through oral administration with 2.5% DSS and treated with lentinan and probiotics independently or in combination. Then, bodyweight and Disease Activity Index (DAI) of mice were determined. Histopathology of colon tissue was analyzed, and apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in the colon tissue of mice were observed. An HT-29 cell model of colitis was established by DSS stimulation and cultured with lentinan and/or probiotics to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis. The data discovered that after DSS induction of colitis, mice developed weight loss, increased DAI score, and shortened the length of colon. Also, severe histopathology of the colon, and increased apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were recognizable. Lentinan could alleviate DSS-induced colitis, and the highest dose was the most significant. Probiotics could also relieve UC in mice, and mixed probiotics had a better therapeutic effect than single probiotics. Lentinan combined with probiotics could further alleviate DSS-induced colitis damage. In addition, lentinan combined with probiotics impaired apoptosis and enhanced proliferation of DSS-treated HT-29 cells. In a word, lentinan combined with probiotics reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of UC.

Antioxidant properties of water-soluble polysaccharides prepared by co-culture fermentation of straw and shrimp shell

Herein, we present a method for producing water-soluble polysaccharides (WSPs) by co-culture fermentation of straw and shrimp shells. The chitin-degrading strain was isolated and genotypically identified as the non-pathogen Photobacterium sp. LYM-1 in this study. Photobacterium sp. LYM-1 and Aureobasidium pullulans 2012 could coexist without antagonism. WSPs concentrations were higher in co-culture fermentations of Photobacterium sp. LYM-1 and A. pullulans 2012 (PsL/AP-WSPs) compared to monocultures (PsL-WSPs and AP-WSPs). FTIR was used to examine the polysaccharide properties of three WSP fractions. The monosaccharide compositions of three WSPs fractions were primarily composed of mannose, ribose, glucosamine, glucose, galactose, and arabinose with varying molecular weights and molar ratios according to HPLC analysis. PsL/AP-WSPs showed better scavenging effects on DPPH, ABTS, and OH free radicals, demonstrating the application potential of PsL/AP-WSPs from straw and shrimp shells. The maximum yield obtained under optimum conditions (fermentation time of 6 days, temperature of 31°C, inoculum concentration of 10% (w/v), and inoculum composition of 2:1) was 5.88 ± 0.40 mg/mL, based on the PsL/AP-WSPs production optimization by orthogonal design. The results suggest that an environmentally friendly approach for WSPs production from agro-food wastes straw and shrimp shells was developed.

Preparation and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro of Fermented Tremella fuciformis Extracellular Polysaccharides

This study was aimed at increasing the capacity of fermented Tremella fuciformis extracellular polysaccharides (TEPS) for possible functional food applications. Thus, strain varieties, fermentation parameters and purification conditions, and the in vitro antioxidant activities of purified EPS fractions were investigated. An EPS high-yield strain Tf526 was selected, and the effects of seven independent fermentation factors (time, temperature, initial pH, inoculum size, shaking speed, carbon, and nitrogen source) on the EPS yield were evaluated. By single factor optimization test, yeast extract and glucose were chosen as nitrogen sources and carbon sources, respectively, and with initial pH of 6.0, inoculum size of 8%, shaking speed of 150 rpm, and culture at 25 °C for 72 h, the optimal yield of TEPS reached 0.76 ± 0.03 mg/mL. Additionally, A-722MP resin showed the most efficient decoloration ratio compared to six other tested resins. Furthermore, optimal decoloration parameters of A-722MP resin were obtained as follows: decoloration time of 2 h, resins dosage of 2 g, and temperature of 30 °C. Decoloration ratio, deproteinization ratio, and polysaccharide retention ratio were 62.14 ± 2.3%, 81.21 ± 2.13%, and 73.42 ± 1.96%, respectively. Furthermore, the crude TEPS was extracted and four polysaccharide fractions were isolated and purified as Tf1-a, Tf1-b, Tf2, and Tf3 by the DEAE-Sepharose FF column and the Sephasryl S100 column. In general, the antioxidant activities of the Lf1-a and Lf1-b were lower compared with Vc at the concentration of 0.1 to 3 mg/mL, but the FRAP assay, DPPH scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity analysis still revealed that Tf1-a and Tf1-b possess significant antioxidant activities in vitro. At the concentration of 3 mg/mL, the reducing power of Lf1-a and Lf1-b reached 0.86 and 0.70, the maximum DPPH radical were 54.23 ± 1.68% and 61.62 ± 2.73%, and the maximum hydroxyl radicals scavenging rates were 58.76 ± 2.58% and 45.81 ± 1.79%, respectively. Moreover, there were significant correlations (r > 0.8) among the selected concentrations and antioxidant activities of TEPS major fractions Tf1-a and Tf1-b. Therefore, it is expected that Tf1-a and Tf1-b polysaccharide fractions from fermented TEPS may serve as active ingredients in functional foods.

Physicochemical characterization of a fern polysaccharide from Alsophila spinulosa leaf and its anti-aging activity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Alsophila spinulosa , as a rare tree fern with potential medicinal value, has attracted extensive attention. Herein, the physicochemical properties, antioxidant and anti-aging activities of polysaccharide from A. spinulosa leaf (ALP) were investigated. ALP was composed of galactose, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, mannose, and fucose. (1→), (1→6), and (1→2) bond types were the primary glycosidic bond in ALP. Surprisingly, ALP displayed the wonderful activity of antioxidant and anti-aging, including excellent scavenging ability against DPPH and ABTS radicals in vitro ; prolonging the life span, improving activity of antioxidative enzymes (SOD and CAT), and decreasing the level of ROS, MDA in Caenorhabditis elegans . Meanwhile, ALP promoted DAF-16 to move into the nuclear. Overall, our results illustrated that ALP could be further developed as a functional food ingredient.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of novel heteropolysaccharide isolated from Lobularia maritima on CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the extraction and the characterization of a novel heteropolysaccharide from Tunisian halophyte Lobularia maritima (LmPS). We were also interested in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. LmPS physicochemical properties were evaluated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV absorption. According to TLC and HPLC results, LmPS was a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, and xylose. Its molecular weight was 130.62 kDa. This heteropolysaccharide was characterized by a significant antioxidant potential and was efficient against oxidative stress and CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity in rat Wistar models (n = 8) treated with a single dose of LmPS 250 mg/kg of body weight. This was evidenced by a significant increase in serum marker enzymes specially aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The cytokines released after stimulation of rats with LmPS showed high anti-inflammatory profiles with an increased rate of interleukine-10 (IL-10) with 0.03 pg/mL compared to animals treated only with CCl4. On the contrary, we noticed a decrease of the other cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α: TNF-α, interleukine-6: IL-6, transforming growth factor beta 1: TGF-β1) with average concentration values of <0.2, 0.1, and 0.04 pg/mL, respectively. Besides, histopathological examinations revealed that CCl4 causes acute liver damage, characterized by extensive hepatocellular necrosis, vacuolization, and inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as DNA fragmentation. LmPS administration at a dose of 250 mg/kg resulted in a significant hepatoprotection, evidenced by a reduction of CCl4-induced oxidative damage for all tested markers. These findings eagerly confirmed that LmPS was effective in the protection against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity. It, therefore, suggested a potential therapeutic use of this polysaccharide as an alternative medicine for patients with acute liver diseases.

Structure Characterization, Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities of Polysaccharide from Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn (Pteridaceae family) has been widely used as a food and medicine in China and Korea. Previous studies indicate that P. aquilinum contains a variety of bioactive chemical components such as flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and so on. In the present study, a novel polysaccharide (named as PAP-3) with average molecular weight of 2.14 × 10⁵ Da was obtained from P. aquilinum. The structure was studied through physicochemical and spectroscopic analysis. The results indicated that PAP-3 consists of arabinose, rhamnose, fucose, galactose, mannose, and xylose in a molar ratio of 1.58:1.00:3.26:4.57:4.81:3.33. The polysaccharide is mainly composed of (1→2)-linked xylose and (1→3,6)-linked mannose on the main chain, with (1→2)-linked xylose, (1→6)-linked mannose, and (1→6)- and (1→3,6)-linked galactose as side chains. Galactose, fucose, and xylose are located at the end of the side chains. The in vitro immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities were assayed. PAP-3 has strong free-radical scavenging activity on DPPH and ABTS radicals and significant immunomodulatory activity on RAW264.7 cells. These data provide useful information for further study on the polysaccharides of P. aquilinum and their applications in the food and medical industries.

Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antihyperglycemic Capacity of Ferulated Arabinoxylan Extracted from “Chicha de Jora” Bagasse: An Ancestral Fermented Beverage from Zea mays L

Bagasse is a byproduct generated during the process of making the traditional Andean drink named “chicha de jora” in Peru, which is a potential source for the extraction of ferulated arabinoxylan (FAX). The aim of this study was to extract and characterize the FAX from bagasse and determine its antioxidant and antihyperglycemic capacity in vitro. As a result, FAX of molecular weight ≥3.5 kDa presented moisture content, pH, total ash, proteins, and total phenolic content with values of 8.00%, 5.81, 2.68%, 3.78%, and 5.72 mg EAG/g, respectively. Thin-layer chromatography identified the monosaccharides L-arabinose and D-xylose. HPLC-MS/MS analysis of FAX confirmed the presence of methyl-pentofuranosides or methyl-pentopyranosides. The FT-IR spectrum presented characteristic bands of FAX. The FAX showed antioxidant capacity determined by the DPPH assay (IC50 = 6.59 mg/mL and TEAC = 7.7844 μmol/g sample), ABTS (IC50 = 6.50 mg/mL and TEAC 35.34 μmol/g sample), and FRAP (14.08 μmol AA/g and 36.63 μmol FeSO4/g). On the other hand, FAX showed glucose adsorption capacity, inhibition of glucose diffusion, and inhibition of the enzyme α-amylase (IC50 = 4.73 mg/mL). The results showed that the FAX extracted from the bagasse generated during the production of the “chicha de jora” has in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic capacity.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Thymus broussonetii Boiss and Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmann and Link Essential Oils

Thymus capitatus and Thymus broussonnetii are two Moroccan endemic medicinal plants used traditionally by the local population. The present study aims to investigate their essential oil chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The chemical composition of the essential oils was determined using the GC-MS analysis, the antioxidant activity assessed using DPPH and FRAP methods while the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against nine bacteria species tested (Enterococcus faecalis, Serratia fonticola, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella oxytoca, sensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensitive Escherichia coli, resistant Escherichia coli, resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter aerogenes). The major identified compounds of T. capitatus essential oil where carvacrol (75%) and p-cymene (10.58%) while carvacrol (60.79%), thymol (12.9%), p-cymene (6.21%) and γ-terpinene (4.47%) are the main compounds in T. broussonnetii essential oil. The bioactivity of the essential oils of the two species of thyme was explained by their richness in oxygenated monoterpenes known for their great effectiveness with an IC₅₀ of 3.48 ± 0.05 and 4.88 ± 0.04 μL/mL and EC₅₀ of 0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.20 ± 0.02 μL/mL in the DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively, with an important antibacterial activity. These results encourage the use of these plants as a source of natural antioxidants, and antibacterial additives, to protect food from oxidative damage and to eliminate bacteria that are responsible for nosocomial infections.

Free Radical Scavenging Capacities and Alleviating Actions of Polysaccharides Extract of Termitomyces le-testui on Methylprednisolone-Induced Immunodepression in Rats

Background

Natural products have been said to show immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. The research study was aimed to assess the immunomodulatory and free radical scavenging activities of crude polysaccharide from dry mushroom fruiting bodies of Termitomyces le-testui.

Materials and Methods

Hot water extract of polysaccharide extract of T. le-testui was prepared and tested in white albino Wister rats for its immunomodulatory activities effect on methylprednisolone-immunosuppressed animals. In addition, the radical scavenging activity of the polysaccharide was evaluated using nitrite and hydrogen peroxide.

Results

The result of the study showed that the polysaccharide T. le-testui increases the phagocytic index, energy metabolism of macrophages, spleen index, and nitric oxide in a concentration-dependent manner in immunosuppressed animals. Also, it was observed that the extract increased dose-dependent total oxidative stress and thymus index. Finally, the crude polysaccharide-rich extract showed nitrite and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Polysaccharide-rich extract possesses immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.

Biomedical and therapeutic potential of exopolysaccharides by Lactobacillus paracasei isolated from sauerkraut: Screening and characterization

The intention of the study was evaluated for purification and characterization of exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus paracasei; was isolated from homemade Sauerkraut sample collected from Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India, confirmed by biochemical and gene sequencing (16S rRNA). The purification and characterization of exopolysaccharides from candidate bacterium were studied on appearance, solubility of the EPS, carbohydrate estimation, emulsifying activity, sulphate, protein, uronic acid content, FTIR, HPLC and GC-MS analysis. The percentage of elemental carbon, (54.36%) hydrogen (21.74%), nitrogen (9.63%) and sulphur content (18.03%) were recorded in exopolysaccharides. The emulsification index (E24) of EPS was higher in toluene (79.20) and benzene (78.867) supplemented medium. FTIR spectrum of the candidate bacterial EPS confirmed presence of sulphate compounds, carboxyl group, and hydrogen bonded compounds etc. EPS exhibited 76.34% of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), 71.15% of reducing power, 68.65% of Hydrogen Peroxide scavenging activity and also 60.31% DPPH radical scavenging activity. The potential antioxidant properties observed in exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus paracasei is considered as valuable drugs.

Hydrogen Peroxide Effects on Natural-Sourced Polysacchrides: Free Radical Formation/Production, Degradation Process, and Reaction Mechanism-A Critical Synopsis

Numerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) entities exist, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is very key among them as it is well known to possess a stable but poor reactivity capable of generating free radicals. Considered among reactive atoms, molecules, and compounds with electron-rich sites, free radicals emerging from metabolic reactions during cellular respirations can induce oxidative stress and cause cellular structure damage, resulting in diverse life-threatening diseases when produced in excess. Therefore, an antioxidant is needed to curb the overproduction of free radicals especially in biological systems (in vivo and in vitro). Despite the inherent properties limiting its bioactivities, polysaccharides from natural sources increasingly gain research attention given their position as a functional ingredient. Improving the functionality and bioactivity of polysaccharides have been established through degradation of their molecular integrity. In this critical synopsis; we articulate the effects of H2O2 on the degradation of polysaccharides from natural sources. Specifically, the synopsis focused on free radical formation/production, polysaccharide degradation processes with H2O2, the effects of polysaccharide degradation on the structural characteristics; physicochemical properties; and bioactivities; in addition to the antioxidant capability. The degradation mechanisms involving polysaccharide's antioxidative property; with some examples and their respective sources are briefly summarised.

Novel Therapeutic Effects of Pterosin B on Ang II-Induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by an abnormal increase in cardiac muscle mass in the left ventricle, resulting in cardiac dysfunction. Although various therapeutic approaches are being continuously developed for heart failure, several studies have suggested natural compounds as novel potential strategies. Considering relevant compounds, we investigated a new role for Pterosin B for which the potential life-affecting biological and therapeutic effects on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are not fully known. Thus, we investigated whether Pterosin B can regulate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) using H9c2 cells. The antihypertrophic effect of Pterosin B was evaluated, and the results showed that it reduced hypertrophy-related gene expression, cell size, and protein synthesis. In addition, upon Ang II stimulation, Pterosin B attenuated the activation and expression of major receptors, Ang II type 1 receptor and a receptor for advanced glycation end products, by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PKC-ERK-NF-κB pathway signaling molecules. In addition, Pterosin B showed the ability to reduce excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species, critical mediators for cardiac hypertrophy upon Ang II exposure, by regulating the expression levels of NAD(P)H oxidase 2/4. Our results demonstrate the protective role of Pterosin B in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, suggesting it is a potential therapeutic candidate.

Soluble soybean polysaccharide/nano zinc oxide antimicrobial nanocomposite films reinforced with microfibrillated cellulose

Nanocomposite films of soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS)/nano zinc oxide (nZnO) reinforced with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) were developed by solvent casting method. The structure, optical, barrier, thermal, surface wettability, mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of the SSPS/MFC, SSPS/nZnO and SSPS/nZnO/MFC nanocomposite films were evaluated. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra indicated interactions between SSPS and the nano-fillers. The nanocomposite films containing MFC showed improved tensile strength, stiffness, ultraviolet (UV) light barrier property, thermal stability and water resistance when compared with the neat SSPS film. The nZnO-incorporated nanocomposite films exhibited good antimicrobial activity against E. coli and B. subtlis. Overall, the MFC-reinforced SSPS/nZnO nanocomposite films possessed desirable characteristics to be considered as potential candidates for antimicrobial packaging and biomedical applications.

Preparation and characterization of selenium nanoparticles decorated by Spirulina platensis polysaccharide

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted lots of attention recently owing to their excellent bioavailability and low toxicity. However, the stability of SeNPs needs to be improved. To enhance the stability of SeNPs, we used Spirulina platensis polysaccharides (SPs) as stabilizers to prepare SPs-SeNPs. The SPs-SeNPs were spherical, with a mean particle size of 73.42 ± 0.69 nm. The optimal preparation conditions for the SPs-SeNPs were a SPs concentration of 100 mg/L, ascorbic acid/sodium selenite concentration ratio of 3:1 and reaction time of 6 hr. The prepared SPs-SeNPs were stable for 75 d at 4°C. Furthermore, MTT assay showed that the median toxic concentration (TC₅₀ ) of SPs-SeNPs was approximately 22,000 μg/L. In contrast, the TC₅₀ value of selenite was approximately 400 μg/L, which confirmed that the cytotoxicity of SPs-SeNPs on RAW264.7 cells was significantly reduced compared with sodium selenite. In conclusion, SPs can improve the stability of SeNPs. The toxicity of SPs-SeNPs is lower than that of sodium selenite. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Spirulina platensis polysaccharides can improve the stability and reduce the toxicity of selenium nanoparticles. It can lay the foundation for the comprehensive utilization of S. platensis and the development and research of polysaccharide nano-selenium complexes.

Combining online size exclusion chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to characterize plant polysaccharides

Characterizing polysaccharides with large molecular weights and isomeric heterogeneity with mass spectrometry (MS) is generally difficult. In this work, we demonstrate how coupling size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and high-resolution MS with source-induced dissociation (SID) can be used for the separation and direct structural evaluation of intact polysaccharides. The analytical method was successfully developed using dextran standards up to 3755 kDa. This method was used to separate naturally occurring plant polysaccharides based on size, after which numerous polysaccharide fragments were identified from the resulting MS spectra. The results provided strong evidence for structural diversity, complexity, and heterogeneity among polysaccharides. MS showed superior sensitivity and reliability for the polysaccharides in eluted fractions when compared to a refractive index detector. Putative compositions for the fragments were proposed based on exact mass values. The work demonstrated that SEC-SID-MS is a feasible alternative for obtaining valuable structural information from the analysis of intact polysaccharides.

Network Pharmacology-Based Approach Uncovers the Mechanism of GuanXinNing Tablet for Treating Thrombus by MAPKs Signal Pathway

Background

GuanXinNing tablet (GXNT), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, has been found to have remarkable antithrombotic effects and can effectively inhibit pro-thrombotic factors in previous studies. However, the mechanism of its antithrombotic effects remains little known.

Methods

In this study, we first determined and identified the sources of each main compound in GXNT using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Through the approach of network pharmacology, we predicted the action targets of the active components, mapped the target genes related to thrombus, and obtained potential antithrombotic targets for active ingredients. We then performed gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses and KEGG signaling pathway analyses for the action targets, and constructed networks of active component–target and active component–target–pathway for GXNT. Additionally, we evaluated the pharmacodynamic effects of GXNT on thrombus using the rat thrombus model induced by FeCl₃, observed the effects of antiplatelet aggregation via platelet assay, and further verified the results predicted by network pharmacology via Western blot.

Results

In total, 14 active ingredients were identified in GXNT, and 83 action targets were predicted, 17 of which are antithrombotic targets that potentially participate in processes including response to oxidative stress and positive regulation of blood vessel endothelial cell migration. KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the predicted action targets were involved in multiple signal pathways, such as MAPK, IL-17, and platelet activation. Pharmacodynamics study found that GXNT could significantly reduce the thrombus length and weight, lower platelet aggregation function, and decrease the levels of Fbg and PAI-1. In addition, GXNT could significantly increase 6-keto-PGF1α content and regulate the ratio of TXB₂/6-keto-PGF1α, while not having dramatic effects on TXB₂. GXNT was also observed to visibly inhibit maximum platelet aggregation. Herein, we further studied the thrombus-related MAPKs signaling pathway and found that GXNT could significantly reduce the phosphorylation levels of p38MAPK, ERK, and JNK proteins in platelet.

Conclusions

This study revealed the pharmacodynamic material basis of GXNT and its potential multicomponent–multitarget–multipath pharmacological effects, confirmed the antithrombotic effects of GXNT, and showed that its mechanism may be related to inhibiting phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK proteins in MAPKs signaling pathway, partially verifying the results from network pharmacology. The results from this study could provide a theoretical basis for the development and clinical application of GXNT.

Processed Fruiting Bodies of Lentinus edodes as a Source of Biologically Active Polysaccharides

Water soluble polysaccharides (WSP) were isolated from Lentinus edodes fruiting bodies. The mushrooms were previously subjected to various processing techniques which included blanching, boiling, and fermenting with lactic acid bacteria. Therefore, the impact of processing on the content and biological activities of WSP was established. Non-processed fruiting bodies contained 10.70 ± 0.09 mg/g fw. Boiling caused ~12% decrease in the amount of WSP, while blanched and fermented mushrooms showed ~6% decline. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) confirmed the presence of β-glycosidic links, whereas due to size exclusion chromatography 216 kDa and 11 kDa molecules were detected. WSP exhibited antioxidant potential in FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assays. Cytotoxic properties were determined on MCF-7 and T47D human breast cell lines using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test. Both biological activities decreased as the result of boiling and fermenting.

On the Use of Gallic Acid as a Potential Natural Antioxidant and Ultraviolet Light Stabilizer in Cast-Extruded Bio-Based High-Density Polyethylene Films

This study originally explores the use of gallic acid (GA) as a natural additive in bio-based high-density polyethylene (bio-HDPE) formulations. Thus, bio-HDPE was first melt-compounded with two different loadings of GA, namely 0.3 and 0.8 parts per hundred resin (phr) of biopolymer, by twin-screw extrusion and thereafter shaped into films using a cast-roll machine. The resultant bio-HDPE films containing GA were characterized in terms of their mechanical, morphological, and thermal performance as well as ultraviolet (UV) light stability to evaluate their potential application in food packaging. The incorporation of 0.3 and 0.8 phr of GA reduced the mechanical ductility and crystallinity of bio-HDPE, but it positively contributed to delaying the onset oxidation temperature (OOT) by 36.5 °C and nearly 44 °C, respectively. Moreover, the oxidation induction time (OIT) of bio-HDPE, measured at 210 °C, was delayed for up to approximately 56 and 240 min, respectively. Furthermore, the UV light stability of the bio-HDPE films was remarkably improved, remaining stable for an exposure time of 10 h even at the lowest GA content. The addition of the natural antioxidant slightly induced a yellow color in the bio-HDPE films and it also reduced their transparency, although a high contact transparency level was maintained. This property can be desirable in some packaging materials for light protection, especially UV radiation, which causes lipid oxidation in food products. Therefore, GA can successfully improve the thermal resistance and UV light stability of green polyolefins and will potentially promote the use of natural additives for sustainable food packaging applications.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant properties and anticancer activity of exopolysaccharides from Floccularia luteovirens

Two polysaccharides, ALF1 and ALF2 were obtained from the fermentation liquid of Floccularia luteovirens. These fractions had good performance in scavenging radicals and ALF1 exhibited obvious antioxidant activities. Further, linkage analysis and NMR were used to characterize the structures of ALF1. Linkage and NMR data comprehensively showed that ALF1 mainly contained six kinds of linkage type units as →4)-β-D-Manp→, 1,3-α-Fucp→, α-L-Araf-C1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-C1→, →4)-α-D-GlcAp-(1→ and →3)-β-D-Glcp(1→. In addition, ALF1 had good bioactivities such as anticancer and antioxidant activities. ALF1 was proven to be able to inhibit tumor cells without affecting the normal cells. Besides, ALF1 improved the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT, and decreased the production of MDA which result in protecting PC12 cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. ALF1 decreased ROS production, and stabilize mitochondrial membrane potential. The findings indicated that the fermentation liquid of Floccularia luteovirens could be used as a potential natural source of antioxidant.

Lentinan inhibits oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production induced by benzo(a)pyrene in human keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Benzo(a)pyrene, a major environmental pollutant, is known to accelerate skin aging through oxidative stress, increase the production of inflammatory mediators, and cause skin cancer. Lentinan, prepared from Lentinus edodes (Shiitake mushroom), has been reported to exhibit anti-coagulant, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and anti-coagulant effects. However, the effect of lentinan on human keratinocytes treated with benzo(a)pyrene is unknown.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to explore whether lentinan inhibits benzo(a)pyrene-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production in human keratinocytes.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of lentinan on benzo(a)pyrene-induced oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). We also assessed the production of inflammatory factors interleukin-8 and chemokine ligand-2 induced by benzo(a)pyrene exposure at both mRNA and protein levels.

RESULTS

Lentinan inhibited oxidative stress induced by benzo(a)pyrene, as shown by the concentration-dependent reduction in reactive oxygen species in HaCaT cells. In addition, malondialdehyde levels were reduced to 53% of those of cells treated with benzo(a)pyrene without lentinan. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were approximately 18- and 2.7-fold higher in benzo(a)pyrene-treated cells with lentinan than in those without lentinan. Moreover, lentinan significantly reduced interleukin-8 and chemokine ligand-2 mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that lentinan has two biological activities that are potentially useful for managing inflammatory skin diseases or disorders related to oxidative stress induced by benzo(a)pyrene. Therefore, cosmetics containing L edodes have promising dermatological applications, with potential utility in protecting the skin against environmental pollutants.

The role of bracken fern illudanes in bracken fern-induced toxicities

Bracken fern is carcinogenic when fed to domestic and laboratory animals inducing bladder and ileal tumours and is currently classified as a possible human carcinogen by IARC. The carcinogenic illudane, ptaquiloside (PTQ) was isolated from bracken fern and is widely assumed to be the major bracken carcinogen. However, several other structurally similar illudanes are found in bracken fern, in some cases at higher levels than PTQ and so may contribute to the overall toxicity and carcinogenicity of bracken fern. In this review, we critically evaluate the role of illudanes in bracken fern induced toxicity and carcinogenicity, the mechanistic basis of these effects including the role of DNA damage, and the potential for human exposure in order to highlight deficiencies in the current literature. Critical gaps remain in our understanding of bracken fern induced carcinogenesis, a better understanding of these processes is essential to establish whether bracken fern is also a human carcinogen.

Purification, characterization and in vitro and in vivo immune enhancement of polysaccharides from mulberry leaves

Mulberry leaf polysaccharide (MLP) was extracted and purified by DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography to afford two major purified polysaccharides (MLP-1 and MLP-2). The purified polysaccharides were characterized, and their immune-enhancing properties were investigated. MLP-1 had a molecular weight of 9.31×104 Da and was composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose in a molar ratio of 0.71:1.00:2.76:1.13:3.70:2.81. The molecular weight of MLP-2 was 2.22×106 Da, and its monosaccharide constituents were mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose, and arabinose in a molar ratio of 1.31:8.45:6.94:1.00:11.96. Infrared spectroscopy showed that each MLP had a typical absorption peak characteristic of sugars, and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy showed that neither MLP contained nucleic acid or protein components. Then, the abilities of these polysaccharides to stimulate spleen lymphocyte proliferation in mice in vitro were compared by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. MLP-2 was more effective than MLP-1; therefore, MLP-2 was chosen for the study of its immune-enhancing effects in vivo. For the in vivo experiments, 14-day-old chickens immunized with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine were orally administered MLP-2, and Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) was used as the control. Each chicken was orally administered 4 mg or 8 mg of MLP-2 for seven consecutive days starting three days before ND vaccine immunization. MLP-2 significantly improved the ND serum antibody titer and interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations in tracheal and jejunal wash fluids, and increasing numbers of immune globulin A-positive (IgA+) cells in cecal tonsils and increased body weight. These results indicated that MLP-2 could significantly enhance immune activity and could therefore be utilized as an immunopotentiator drug candidate.

Impact of acidic, water and alkaline extraction on structural features, antioxidant activities of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides

This study comparatively evaluated the effects of different extraction methods on yield, structural features and antioxidant activities of Laminaria japonica (L. japonica) polysaccharides. Results showed that acid, water and alkaline extracted L. japonica polysaccharides (LJP-CA, LJP-W and LJP-A, respectively) differed significantly. Among three polysaccharides, LJP-W showed the highest viscosity with high uronic acid content and average molecular weight, whereas LJP-CA showed the lowest viscosity with low uronic acid and high sulfate content with moderate average molecular weight. LJP-CA was mainly composed of fucose, mannose and galactose, but the proportion of glucose was greatly increased in LJP-W and LJP-A. LJP-W had an even and smooth sheet-like appearance, while LJP-CA and LJP-A exhibited irregular and rough fragments or particles with stronger antioxidant activities. These results suggest that acid and alkali would propose an improved process for polysaccharide preparation from L. japonica and to exploit its potential application as a functional ingredient in food application.

Tapping the Bioactivity Potential of Residual Stream from Its Pretreatments May Be a Green Strategy for Low-Cost Bioconversion of Rice Straw

In this study, it was found that the residual stream from pretreatments of rice straw exhibited high antioxidant activity. Assays based on the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method confirmed that the residual stream contained large amounts of phenolic compounds. Three antioxidant assays were employed to evaluate the bioactivity of the residual stream. Strong linear correlations existed among the release of phenolic compounds, saccharification efficiency, and antioxidant activity. The alkaline pretreatment provided a much greater release of phenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids, compared to the acid pretreatment, and consequently, it had stronger linear correlations than the acid pretreatment. Antibacterial experiments demonstrated the ability of the phenolic compounds in the residual stream to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, indicating the potential of these compounds as antimicrobial agents. To discuss the possibility of the co-production of antimicrobial agents and biofuels/biochemicals, both acid and alkaline pretreatments were optimized using response surface methodology. Under the optimal conditions, 285.7 g glucose could be produced from 1 kg rice straw with the co-production of 3.84 g FA and 6.98 g p-CA after alkaline pretreatment. These results show that the recovery of phenolic compounds from the residual stream could be a green strategy for the low-cost bioconversion of rice straw.

Antioxidant action and protective and reparative effects of lentinan on oxidative damage in HaCaT cells

BACKGROUND

Lentinus edodes is one of the largest edible fungi. Lentinan, extracted from its fruiting body has clinically significant anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticoagulant effects; however, its preventive effects on skin oxidative damage are unclear.

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidation capability of lentinan and its protective and reparative effects on a model of cell oxidative damage.

METHODS

We evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential of lentinan by assessing its free-radical quenching ability using DPPH and ABTS and superoxide anions. Using the HaCaT cell line as the experimental system, we tested the protective and reparative effects of lentinan on a model of H₂ O₂ -induced cellular oxidative damage through assessment of cell survival rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.

RESULTS

Lentinan displayed high antioxidant potential: DDPH and ABTS quenching rates were above 60%; superoxide anions, approximately 18%. Furthermore, lentinan could dose-dependently prevent the reduction of activity in HaCaT cells by H₂ O₂ , reduce MDA formation, and increase SOD activity. Moreover, lentinan showed not only a protective effect against oxidative damage but also reparative effects to a certain extent, in HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated the ability of lentinan to enhance cellular tolerance to oxidative damage, stress resistance, and to have protective and reparative effects on damaged cells. Therefore, with L. edodes as a source for antiaging substances, cosmetics with homology to foods have great potential clinical applications.

Phytochemical, antioxidant and protective effect of cactus cladodes extract against lithium-induced liver injury in rats

CONTEXT

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Castaceae) (cactus) is used in Tunisian medicine for the treatment of various diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study determines phytochemical composition of cactus cladode extract (CCE). It also investigates antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of CCE against lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃)-induced liver injury in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four Wistar male rats were divided into four groups of six each: a control group given distilled water (0.5 mL/100 g b.w.; i.p.), a group injected with Li₂CO₃ (25 mg/kg b.w.; i.p.; corresponding to 30% of the LD₅₀) twice daily for 30 days, a group receiving only CCE at 100 mg/kg of b.w. for 60 days and then injected with distilled water during the last 30 days of CCE treatment, and a group receiving CCE and then injected with Li₂CO₃ during the last 30 days of CCE treatment. The bioactive components containing the CCE were identified using chemical assays.

RESULTS

Treatment with Li₂CO₃ caused a significant change of some haematological parameters including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular volume (VCM) compared to the control group. Moreover, significant increases in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were observed in the blood of Li₂CO₃-treated rats. Furthermore, exposure to Li₂CO₃ significantly increased the LPO level and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the hepatic tissues.

CONCLUSION

CCE possesses a significant hepatoprotective effect.

Cellulase-Assisted Extraction of Polysaccharides from White Hyacinth Bean: Characterization of Antioxidant Activity and Promotion for Probiotics Proliferation

Food-derived polysaccharides have advantages over synthetical compounds and have attracted interest globally for decades. In this study, we optimized the cellulase-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from white hyacinth bean (PWBs) with the aid of response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction parameters were a pH of 7.79, a cellulase of 2.73%, and a ratio of water to material of 61.39, producing a high polysaccharide yield (3.32 ± 0.03)%. The scavenging ability of PWBs varied on three radicals (hydroxyl > 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) > superoxide). Furthermore, PWBs contributed to the proliferation of three probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus LB6). These investigations of PWBs provide a novel bioresource for the exploitation of antioxidant and probiotic bacterial proliferation.

Phytochemicals from fern species: potential for medicine applications

Ferns are an important phytogenetic bridge between lower and higher plants. Historically they have been used in many ways by humans, including as ornamental plants, domestic utensils, foods, and in handicrafts. In addition, they have found uses as medicinal herbs. Ferns produce a wide array of secondary metabolites endowed with different bioactivities that could potentially be useful in the treatment of many diseases. However, there is currently relatively little information in the literature on the phytochemicals present in ferns and their pharmacological applications, and the most recent review of the literature on the occurrence, chemotaxonomy and physiological activity of fern secondary metabolites was published over 20 years ago, by Soeder (Bot Rev 51:442-536, 1985). Here, we provide an updated review of this field, covering recent findings concerning the bioactive phytochemicals and pharmacology of fern species.