Quantum-mechanical characteristics of apigenin: Antiradical, metal chelation and inhibitory properties in physiologically relevant media

Prospecting of the Antioxidant Activity from Extracts Obtained from Chañar (Geoffroea decorticans) Seeds Evaluated In Vitro and In Vivo Using the Tenebrio molitor Model

Geoffroea decorticans, commonly known as Chañar, is a native Chilean plant widely used in folk medicine for its expectorant, pain relief, and antinociceptive properties. This study explored the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and protective effects of its ethanolic (EE) and aqueous (EA) seed extracts against oxidative stress induced by copper sulfate, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the extracts. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) identified significant components such as phytol, alpha-tocopherol, vitexin, and rutin, with the EE being particularly rich in phytol and vitexin. Antioxidant assays-measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging, and copper and iron chelation-confirmed their potent antioxidant capabilities. Both extracts were non-cytotoxic and provided protection against CuSO4-induced oxidative stress in the 3T3 cell line. Additionally, the use of Tenebrio molitor as an invertebrate model underscored the extracts' antioxidant and protective potentials, especially that of the EE. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant antioxidant and protective properties of Chañar seed extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Unveiling the Antioxidative Potential of Galangin: Complete and Detailed Mechanistic Insights through Density Functional Theory Studies

A comprehensive quantum mechanical investigation delved into the antioxidative activity of galangin (Glg). Thermochemical and kinetic data were used to assess antiradical, chelating, and renewal potential under physiological conditions. A brief comparison with reference antioxidants and other flavonoids characterized Glg as a moderate antioxidative agent. The substance showed significantly lower performance in lipid compared to aqueous solvent─the reaction rates for scavenging •OOH in both media were established at 3.77 × 103 M-1 s-1 and 6.21 × 104 M-1 s-1, respectively, accounting for the molar fraction of both interacting molecules at the given pH. The impact of pH value on the kinetics was assessed. Although efficient at chelating Cu(II) ions, the formed complexes can still undergo the Fenton reaction. On the other hand, they persistently scavenge •OH in statu nascendi. The flavonoid effectively repairs oxidatively damaged biomolecules except model lipid acids. All Glg radicals are readily restored by physiologically prevailing O2•-. Given this, the polyphenol is expected to participate in antiradical and regenerating activities multiple times, amplifying its antioxidative potential.

An Update in Computational Methods for Environmental Monitoring: Theoretical Evaluation of the Molecular and Electronic Structures of Natural Pigment-Metal Complexes

Metals are beneficial to life, but the presence of these elements in excessive amounts can harm both organisms and the environment; therefore, detecting the presence of metals is essential. Currently, metal detection methods employ powerful instrumental techniques that require a lot of time and money. Hence, the development of efficient and effective metal indicators is essential. Several synthetic metal detectors have been made, but due to their risk of harm, the use of natural pigments is considered a potential alternative. Experiments are needed for their development, but they are expensive and time-consuming. This review explores various computational methods and approaches that can be used to investigate metal-pigment interactions because choosing the right methods and approaches will affect the reliability of the results. The results show that quantum mechanical methods (ab initio, density functional theory, and semiempirical approaches) and molecular dynamics simulations have been used. Among the available methods, the density functional theory approach with the B3LYP functional and the LANL2DZ ECP and basis set is the most promising combination due to its good accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Various experimental studies were also in good agreement with the results of computational methods. However, deeper analysis still needs to be carried out to find the best combination of functions and basis sets.

Apigenin: a natural molecule at the intersection of sleep and aging

NAD+, a pivotal coenzyme central to metabolism, exhibits a characteristic decline with age. In mice, NAD+ levels can be elevated via treatment with apigenin, a natural flavonoid that inhibits the NAD+-consuming glycoprotein CD38. In animal models, apigenin positively impacts both sleep and longevity. For example, apigenin improves learning and memory in older mice, reduces tumor proliferation in a mouse xenograft model of triple-negative breast cancer, and induces sedative effects in mice and rats. Moreover, apigenin elongates survival in fly models of neurodegenerative disease and apigenin glycosides increase lifespan in worms. Apigenin's therapeutic potential is underscored by human clinical studies using chamomile extract, which contains apigenin as an active ingredient. Collectively, chamomile extract has been reported to alleviate anxiety, improve mood, and relieve pain. Furthermore, dietary apigenin intake positively correlates with sleep quality in a large cohort of adults. Apigenin's electron-rich flavonoid structure gives it strong bonding capacity to diverse molecular structures across receptors and enzymes. The effects of apigenin extend beyond CD38 inhibition, encompassing agonistic and antagonistic modulation of various targets, including GABA and inflammatory pathways. Cumulatively, a large body of evidence positions apigenin as a unique molecule capable of influencing both aging and sleep. Further studies are warranted to better understand apigenin's nuanced mechanisms and clinical potential.

Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activities of the Most Favored Ready-to-Use Thai Curries, Pad-Ka-Proa (Spicy Basil Leaves) and Massaman

Food is one of the factors with the highest impact on human health. Today, attention is paid not only to food properties such as energy provision and palatability but also to functional aspects including phytochemical, antioxidant properties, etc. Massaman and spicy basil leaf curries are famous Thai food dishes with a good harmony of flavor and taste, derived from multiple herbs and spices, including galangal rhizomes, chili pods, garlic bulbs, peppers, shallots, and coriander seeds, that provide an array of health benefits. The characterization of phytochemicals detected by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 99 components (Masaman) and 62 components (spicy basil leaf curry) such as quininic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, luteolin, kaempferol, catechin, eugenol, betulinic acid, and gingerol. The cynaroside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside found in spicy basil leaf curry play a key role in antioxidant activities and were found at a significantly higher concentration than in Massaman curry. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds generally exhibit a bitter and astringent taste, but all the panelists scored both curries higher than 7 out of 9, confirming their acceptable flavor. Results suggest that the Massaman and spicy basil leaves contain various phytochemicals at different levels and may be further used as functional ingredients and nutraceutical products.

Theoretical Insights into the Oxidative Stress-Relieving Properties of Pinocembrin─An Isolated Flavonoid from Honey and Propolis

Bee products are a valuable group of substances that have a wide range of applications for humans. They contain a high level of polyphenolic compounds, which have been shown to combat radicals and effectively reduce oxidative stress. In this study, density functional theory was utilized to determine the anti-OOH activity, sequestration of free Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions, the potential pro-oxidative activity of the formed complexes, and the repairing capabilities toward essential biomolecules. The kinetic constants for scavenging of hydroperoxide radical were found to be low, with an order of magnitude not exceeding 10-3 M-1 s-1. Chelating properties showed slightly more satisfactory outcomes, although most complexes exhibited pro-oxidant activity. Pinocembrin, however, proved effective in repairing oxidatively damaged biological compounds and restoring their original functionality. The study found that whilst the system displays limited type I and type II antioxidant activity, it may support the role of physiological reductants already present in the biological matrix.

Computational assessment of the primary and secondary antioxidant potential of alkylresorcinols in physiological media

Alkylresorcinols are a group of natural phenolic compounds found in various foods such as whole grain cereals, bread, and certain fruits. They are known for their beneficial health effects, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of two typical alkylresorcinols namely olivetol and olivetolic acid (Oli and OliA) under physiological conditions. The free radical scavenging capacity of Oli and OliA toward oxygenated free radicals (HO˙ and HOO˙ radicals) was investigated using thermodynamic and kinetic calculations. The results revealed that Oli and OliA are potent scavengers of HO˙ radical in both polar and lipid media, acting exclusively via the FHT (formal hydrogen transfer) mechanism. Moreover, they demonstrated excellent scavenging activity toward HOO˙ radical in water via the SET (single electron transfer) mechanism, outperforming the common antioxidant BHT. In lipid media, Oli and OliA showed moderate scavenging activity toward HOO˙ radical via the FHT mechanism. Significant prooxidant potential of OliA- was also demonstrated through the formation of complexes with copper ions. Additionally, docking studies indicate that the compounds exhibited a good affinity for ROS-producing enzymes, including myeloperoxidase (MP), cytochrome P450 (CP450), lipoxygenase (LOX), and xanthine oxidase (XO), highlighting their potential as natural antioxidants with promising therapeutic applications.