DPPH scavenging capacity of extracts from Camellia seed dregs using polyol compounds as solvents

Extraction and identification of polyphenol from Camellia oleifera leaves using tailor-made deep eutectic solvents based on COSMO-RS design

Camellia oleifera leaf is a rich source of polyphenols. In this study, 50 polyphenolic compounds from C. oleifera leaves was identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Accordingly, COSMO-RS was used in the design of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to extract those polyphenols. 17 types of choline chloride (ChCl)-based DESs molecules (ChCl-acid, ChCl-sugar, ChCl-alcohol, ChCl-amine and amide) were synthetized into virtual cluster molecules with Materials Studio software. They were used to determine the activity coefficients with the standard compounds. The results showed that the amine and amide-based DESs exhibited outstanding dissolution effects. Additionally, ChCl-acetamide was selected as the solvent in response surface methodology to optimize the ultrasound-assisted DES extraction process parameters, including ultrasonic power, ultrasonic time, and liquid-solid ratio, resulting in an improved total phenolic content of 131.63 ± 0.85 mg GAE/g. This study developed a system utilizing UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS to acquire specific substances required for COSMO-RS calculations.

Natural products from Camellia oleifera fruit and its comprehensive utilisation

Camellia oleifera (C. oleifera) is a woody oil plant with a good reputation of 'Oriental Olive Oil' in China. The national understanding of the health-care benefits of Camellia oil are already widespread, but the production of C. oleifera fruit has not been achieved large-scale industrialisation. In this review, we focus on the properties and commercial value of its natural products, and processing technology, performance characterisation, and novel modification strategies of its processed products. In addition, we briefly summarised the research progress of breeding and put forward the comprehensive utilisation of C. oleifera fruit based on the tandem of extraction and processing. This review might attract more researchers to make profound study regarding it as an alternative of olive oil.

Genomic characterization and probiotic potential assessment of an exopolysaccharide-producing strain Pediococcus pentosaceus LL-07 isolated from fermented meat

BACKGROUND

The genomic information available for Pediococcus pentosaceus is primarily derived from fermented fruits and vegetables, with less information available from fermented meat. P. pentosaceus LL-07, a strain isolated from fermented meat, has the capability of producing exopolysaccharides (EPS). To assess the probiotic attributes of P. pentosaceus LL-07, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using the PacBio SequelIIe and Illumina MiSeq platforms, followed by in vitro experiments to explore its probiotic potential.

RESULTS

The genome size of P. pentosaceus LL-07 is 1,782,685 bp, comprising a circular chromosome and a circular plasmid. Our investigation revealed the absence of a CRISPR/Cas system. Sugar fermentation experiments demonstrated the characteristics of carbohydrate metabolism. P. pentosaceus LL-07 contains an EPS synthesis gene cluster consisting of 13 genes, which is different from the currently known gene cluster structure. NO genes associated with hemolysis or toxin synthesis were detected. Additionally, eighty-six genes related to antibiotic resistance were identified but not present in the prophage, transposon or plasmid. In vitro experiments demonstrated that P. pentosaceus LL-07 was comparable to the reference strain P. pentosaceus ATCC25745 in terms of tolerance to artificial digestive juice and bile, autoaggregation and antioxidation, and provided corresponding genomic evidence.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the safety and probiotic properties of P. pentosaceus LL-07 via complete genome and phenotype analysis, supporting its characterization as a potential probiotic candidate.

Preventive and ameliorative effects of potato exosomes on UVB‑induced photodamage in keratinocyte HaCaT cells

Exosomes isolated from potato (Solanum tuberosum) exhibit the biophysical characteristics of exosomes observed in mammalian cells and microorganisms, as determined by dynamic light scattering analysis and transmission electron microscopy. In the present study, it was shown that potato exosomes (ExoPs) can penetrate keratinocyte HaCaT cells, as determined by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. In addition, ExoPs can suppress the expression of the collagen‑destroying enzymes MMP1, 2 and 9, and the inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNF‑α, while inducing the expression of glutathione S‑transferase α 4, a cellular detoxifying enzyme, as revealed by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. Furthermore, ExoPs promote HaCaT cell proliferation, exhibit in vitro antioxidant activity against the free radical 2,2‑diphenyl‑β‑picrylhydrazyl, and protect cells from hydrogen peroxide‑induced cytotoxicity. ExoPs can also minimize the induction of photodamage initiated by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, and have the tendency to cure the photodamage already incurred on cells by UVB irradiation. ExoPs also prevent collagen degradation as observed in the culture media of UVB‑irradiated HaCaT cells. Collectively, ExoPs may protect and ameliorate photodamage in keratinocyte HaCaT cells.

Investigating the efficacy of topical application of Ipomoea carnea herbal cream in preventing skin damage induced by UVB radiation in a rat model

Ultraviolet-B irradiation is a common environmental stressor that has detrimental effects on human skin. Natural sunscreens are well-known for their ability to benefit inflamed sunburn and dry skin. This study examined the effect of formulated Ipomoea carnea herbal cream on UVB-induced skin damage. We screened the bioactive compounds of I. carnea crude extract, showing significant antioxidant activity. Additionally, we evaluated the cytotoxicity, revealing that I. carnea extract has less toxicity to vero cells (IC50 98.45 μg/mL) than to A375 cells (IC50 48.95 μg/mL). Based on this, we formulated the I. carnea herbal cream (FIHC) at 50, 100 and 200 mg concentrations and evaluated its organoleptic characteristics. Then, the rats were exposed to UVB radiation (32,800 J/m2) four times/week (on alternate days) before the cream was applied topically to the dorsal skin surface. Under UVB stress without treatment, rats showed deep dermal damage. In contrast, rats treated with the FIHC exhibited significantly reduced sunburn. Moreover, the histopathological and biochemical assays were confirmed by the topical application of FIHC, which had potentially reduced the skin elasticity and maintained the imbalanced enzyme and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. Our findings amply demonstrate that the FIHC significantly accelerated the recovery of UVB-induced lesions through antioxidant and down-regulation of skin photodamage.

Butylene Glycol Used as a Sustainable Solvent for Extracting Bioactive Compounds from Camellia sinensis Flowers with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

The research aims to assess the yield of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant activities obtained from tea flowers using an ultrasound-assisted extraction method with butylene glycol (BG-UAE) through Box-Behnken design. It investigates the bioactive compounds including the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC) and analyzes their antioxidant activities, bioactive compound composition by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry, and their cellular activities via UAE and maceration using BG or ethanol as the solvent. Under optimal conditions, the values of the TPC, TFC, TTC, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging assay, 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical scavenging assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) of the BG-UAE extract were 54.00 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g sample, 291.47 ± 3.34 mg QE/g sample, 65.37 ± 1.78 mg TAE/g sample, 106.45 ± 1.21 mg TEAC/g sample, 163.58 ± 2.76 mg TEAC/g sample, and 121.31 ± 4.75 mg FeSO₄/g sample, respectively. Except for FRAP, BG-UAE exhibited the highest values in all parameters compared to the other extraction methods. Catechins and caffeine were predominantly detected in tea flower extracts through UAE with BG and ethanol (EtOH-UAE). BG-UAE exhibited greater cell viability and cellular antioxidant activity than EtOH-UAE. The researcher expects that this research will contribute to the emergence of a green extraction technique that will offer larger functional components with economic and environmental benefits and minimal chemicals and energy use.

Hemin with Peroxidase Activity Can Inhibit the Oxidative Damage Induced by Ultraviolet A

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), a highly reactive substance that contains oxygen, induced by ultraviolet A (UVA) cause oxidative damage to skin. We confirmed that hemin can catalyze the reaction of tyrosine (Tyr) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Catalysis was found to effectively reduce or eliminate oxidative damage to cells induced by H₂O₂ or UVA. The scavenging effects of hemin for other free-radical ROS were also evaluated through pyrogallol autoxidation, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·)-scavenging assays, and phenanthroline–Fe²⁺ assays. The results show that a mixture of hemin and tyrosine exhibits strong scavenging activities for H₂O₂, superoxide anion (O₂⁻·), DPPH·, and the hydroxyl radical (·OH). Furthermore, the inhibition of oxidative damage to human skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells induced by H₂O₂ or UVA was evaluated. The results show that catalysis can significantly reduce the ratio of cell apoptosis and death and inhibit the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, the resistance to apoptosis was found to be enhanced. These results show that the mixture of hemin and tyrosine has a significantly protective effect against oxidative damage to HaCaT cells caused by UVA, suggesting it as a protective agent for combating UVA damage.

Optimization of Enzyme-Assisted Extraction and Purification of Flavonoids from Pinus koraiensis Nut-Coated Film and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation

Pinus koraiensis nut-coated film is a kind of by-product of nut processing, which has been shown to contain flavonoids, polyphenols, and other substances that can be used to produce natural antioxidant extracts. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process of flavonoids of P. koraiensis nut-coated film (PNF), and macroporous resin HPD600 was used to purify PNF (P-PNF). Its antioxidant activity was examined by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging capacity, oxygen free radical absorption capacity (ORAC), total oxygen radical capture (TRAP), and iron ion reduction capacity. Under the ideal extraction conditions comprising a cellulase dosage of 90 U/g, a material/liquid ratio of 1:20 (g/mL), and an extraction time of 2 h, the PNF yield was 3.37%. Purification conditions were sample concentration of 2.0 mg/mL, pH of 5, water washing volume of 3 bed volume (BV), eluent ethanol concentration of 50%, and volume of 2 BV. The P-PNF recovery was 84.32%, and purity increased from 33.80% to 61.70%. Additionally, P-PNF showed increased antioxidant activity compared to PNF. Cumulatively, this study obtained the optimal values for the process parameters in order to achieve the maximum rates of extraction of PNF for economically optimal production at an industrial scale.

Hypotensive effect of Cichorium intybus extract in rats

Introduction: Oxidative stress is involved in many diseases, including hypertension, kidney failure, and heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic Cichorium intybus extract on blood pressure in rats. Antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of the plant extract were also evaluated. Methods: In this study, 32 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were divided into four groups of eight each. Animals in the control group were administered with normal saline and in the C. intybus groups with extract at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg for two weeks. Then, the homodynamic parameters were examined by the Power lab. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated by a spectrophotometer and the rate of free radical scavenging activity was measured by the diphenyl-1-picyryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical method. Results: The free radical scavenging activity of C. intybus extract was obtained 47.85% of DPPH, and flavonoid and phenolic contents were 8.21 and 27.19 mg/g of dry extract, respectively. Meanwhile, median (MAP), systolic (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) significantly decreased in the 50 mg/kg extract-treated group compared to the control and 200 mg/kg extract-treated groups. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of C. intybus plays a protective role against hypertension, which, in part, might be due to antioxidant compounds of the plant against free radicals.

Developing New Health Material: The Utilization of Spray Drying Technology on Avocado (Persea Americana mill.) Seed Powder

Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) generates byproducts, especially the avocado seeds. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential utilization of avocado seed as a very important, high phenolic content, climacteric fruit with unique characteristics and high nutritional properties. As such, theantioxidative test is conducted, then spray drying is used to produce avocado seed powder. The objective of this study was to develop an avocado seed powder using the spray drying technique by investigating the solution stability with different avocado seed extract concentrations, and to determine the physical properties of spray dried avocado powder that consists of powder yield, moisture, water activity, solubility, and color. The avocado seed extract was mixed with maltodextrin and water and homogenized for 10 min at 8000 rpm. The avocado seed solution was then spray dried with different inlet temperatures and feed flow rates. The spray dried avocado seed powder was analyzed for its yield, moisture content, water activity, solubility, and color. It was reported that the solution with the least avocado extract concentration (10 g) had the best stability in terms of presence of solute particles and color. The avocado seed powder obtained from this experiment had yield ranges from 24.46-35.47%, moisture content ranges from 7.18-7.96%, water activity ranges from 0.27-0.34, solubility ranges from 55.50-79.67 seconds, L* value ranges from 38.38-41.05, a* value ranges from 6.20-7.25, and b* value ranges from 13.33-15.17. In addition, increasing inlet temperature resulted in an increase in powder yield, solubility, a* value, and b*value, as well as a decrease in moisture, water activity, and L* value. Meanwhile, increasing the feed flow rate resulted in an increase in powder yield, moisture, water activity, and all L*, a*, b* values, as well as a decrease in solubility. In conclusion, spray drying technology is able to develop avocado seed powder.