Action of methanolic extract of mung bean hulls as inhibitors of lipid peroxidation and non-lipid oxidative damage

A comparison study on polysaccharides extracted from banana flower using different methods: Physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities

This work investigated and compared the physicochemical characteristics, and antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties in vitro of polysaccharides from a single banana flower variety (BFPs) extracted by different methods. BFPs extracted using hot water (HWE), acidic (CAE), alkaline (AAE), enzymatic (EAE), ultrasonic (UAE) and hot water-alkaline (HAE) methods showed different chemical composition, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, chain conformation and surface morphology, but similar infrared spectra characteristic, main glycosidic residues, crystalline internal and thermal stability, suggesting that six methods have diverse impacts on the degradation of BFPs without changing the main structure. Then, among six BFPs, the stronger antioxidant activity in vitro was found in BFP extracted by HAE, which was attributed to its maximum uronic acid content (21.67 %) and phenolic content (0.73 %), and moderate molecular weight (158.48 kDa). The highest arabinose and guluronic acid contents (18.59 % and 1.31 % in molar ratios, respectively) and the lowest uronic acid content (14.30 %) in BFP extracted by HWE contributed to its better α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro (66.55 %). The data offered theoretical evidence for choosing suitable extraction methods to acquire BFPs with targeted biological activities for applications, in which HAE and HWE could serve as beneficial methods for preparing antioxidant BFP and antihyperglycemic BFP, respectively.

Optimization parameters for the production of dimer of epicatechin from an endophytic fungus Curvularia australiensis FC2AP using response surface methodology (RSM)

The search for natural therapeutic agents has intensified due to their potential to treat various diseases. Bioactive secondary metabolites from endophytes offer high therapeutic profiles and can be mass-produced after optimizing medium parameters and purification. This investigation aimed to maximize crude pigmented secondary metabolite (CPSM) production from Curvularia australiensis FC2AP by optimizing fermentation conditions statistically. The endophytic fungus produced a maximum yield of 8.81 UL/g from biomass using Sabouraud's Dextrose Broth. After screening essential factors, the Plackett-Burman design was used for factorial optimization, and the Box Behnken design was employed to investigate three significant factors. The final CPSM yield was 12.3 UL/g, approximately 4-fold higher than the preliminary growth medium. Chromatographic purification using a gradient solvent system resulted in six fractions, with the fourth fraction demonstrating the highest bioactivity profile. Structural characterization confirmed this fraction to be a dimer of epicatechin, which has anti-cancer properties, as confirmed through in vivo studies on Sprague Dawley rats. This is the first report of a epicatechin dimer produced from C. australiensis.

Synthesis of Water-Soluble Sulfonated Chitin Derivatives for Potential Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity

Chitin is a natural renewable and useful biopolymer limited by its insolubility; chemical derivatization can enhance the solubility and bioactivity of chitin. The purpose of this study was to synthesize novel water-soluble chitin derivatives, sulfo-chitin (SCT) and sulfopropyl-chitin (SPCT), as antioxidant and antifungal agents. The target derivatives were characterized by means of elemental analysis, FTIR, 13C NMR, TGA and XRD. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the chitin derivatives was estimated by free radical scavenging ability (against DPPH-radical, hydroxyl-radical and superoxide-radical) and ferric reducing power. In addition, inhibitory effects against four fungi were also tested. The findings show that antioxidant abilities and antifungal properties were in order of SPCT > SCT > CT. On the basis of the results obtained, we confirmed that the introduction of sulfonated groups on the CT backbone would help improve the antioxidant and antifungal activity of CT. Moreover, its efficacy as an antioxidant and antifungal agent increased as the chain length of the substituents increased. This derivatization strategy might provide a feasible way to broaden the utilization of chitin. It is of great significance to minimize waste and realize the high-value utilization of aquatic product wastes.

Phyllanthus amarus attenuated derangement in renal-cardiac function, redox status, lipid profile and reduced TNF-α, interleukins-2, 6 and 8 in high salt diet fed rats

High salt diet (HSD) has been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of immune derangement, cardiovascular disorders and, metabolic syndromes. This study investigated the protective effect of ethanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus (EEPA) against high salt diet (HSD) induced biochemical and metabolic derangement in male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each as follows; control group fed with normal rat chow, negative control group, fed HSD only, animals on HSD treated orally with 75 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and, 150 mg/kg EEPA once daily. At the end of 8 weeks treatment, lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL), oxidative stress (catalase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde), inflammatory (TNF-a, interleukins 2, 6, and 8), cardiac (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase) and kidney function markers (urea, uric acid, creatinine) were assessed. Serum TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL content were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in HSD-only fed rats, while HDL was significantly elevated in a concentration-dependent manner in EEPA treated animals. The extract produced a significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent increase in the antioxidant enzymes activities and a significant reduction in the malondialdehyde level. A significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in serum TNF-alpha, IL-2, 6, and 8 of EEPA treated rats compared with HSD-fed rats was observed. More so, reduction in serum LDH, creatine kinase, creatinine, urea, and uric acid activity of extract-treated animals were noted. EEPA attenuated high salt diet-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia in rats.

Structural characterization and antioxidant activities of Bletilla striata polysaccharide extracted by different methods

Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSPs) are effective for anti-inflammatory, detumescence, and radicals scavenging, with important applications in the area of food chain, pharmacy science, and health care. In this study, we comprehensively studied the interplay between the polysaccharides' formation, physicochemical properties, rheological properties, and associated antioxidant activities of BSPs from different extraction methods. The crude polysaccharides obtained from Bletilla striata by using the hot water extraction (BSPs-H), alkali-assisted extraction (BSPs-A), boiling water extraction (BSPs-B), and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (BSPs-U) methods showed different molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, glycosidic bond compositions, and zeta potentials, but with the same IR spectra characteristic and thermal stability. By the above-mentioned four kinds of extraction methods, the resultant BSPs exhibited various degrees of reticular and lamellar structure. All the BSPs solutions exhibited shear-thinning behavior with the increase of the shear rate. Among these BSPs, BSPs-A exhibited better DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and reducing power, whereas BSPs-H showed better hydroxyl radical scavenging activities.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Efficacies of Anethum graveolens against Human Breast Carcinoma Cells through Oxidative Stress and Caspase Dependency

Anethum graveolens, belonging to the family Apiaceae, has been extensively used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes since long. Plants encompass rich number of effective constituents with less toxicity. Thus, nowadays, the attempts are being made to search plant constituents that can prevent and reverse the chronic diseases, such as cancer. In this study, an in vitro antioxidant and anticancer efficacies of Anethum graveolens (AG-ME) were studied on human breast (MCF-7), lung (A-549), and cervical (HeLa) carcinoma cell lines. The antioxidant efficacies of AG-ME were evaluated by total antioxidant, DPPH radical scavenging, H2O2 scavenging, and ferrous reducing antioxidant assays. Further, the anticancer potential of AG-ME was also determined against different cancer cell lines. The AG-ME exhibited strong antioxidant activities as observed by antioxidant assays. AG-ME also showed a dose-dependent anticancer/cytotoxic potential against MCF-7, A-549, and HeLa cell lines. The AG-ME-induced reduction in GSH and increase in SOD activities indicates the role of oxidative stress in AG-ME-induced MCF-7 cell death. The results also exhibited that AG-ME triggered ROS production and significantly reduced MMP level. Moreover, a dose-dependent increase in caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities suggests that the AG-ME-induced MCF-7 cell death is caspase-dependent. Together, the present study provides reasoning and reassurance for the uses of A. graveleons for medical purposes as an antioxidant and anticancer agent. Additional investigations are required to examine biological and anticancer activities under an in vivo system to discover a possible beneficial use of AG-ME against diseases.

Evaluation of nutritional value and antioxidant activity of Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. root and leaf

Background

Hanshia dabar or hathkan is one of the folklore plant of Odisha, the botanical source of which is Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem., family Vitaceae. Its root and leaves are eaten as vegetables, and used for Rasayana purpose (tonic and alterative properties).

Aim

The aim is to assess the nutritive value and antioxidant potential of the root and leaves of L. macrophylla with compound leaf.

Materials and methods

Nutritional parameters such as energy value, carbohydrate, protein, true protein, fat, mineral contents, and Vitamin A, Vitamin C of the root and leaves of the plant were evaluated with standard procedures. The in vitro antioxidant properties of the root and leaf of L. macrophylla were screened through 1,1diphenyl2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and phosphomolybdenum assay.

Results

Root is having higher energy value (391.87 Kcal/100 g) as compared to leaf (353.62 Kcal/100 g). L. macrophylla root and leaf showed the presence of carbohydrates (30.65% and 21.72%), protein (8.78% and 9.37%), true protein (6.85% and 7.23%), fat (0.77% and 1.89%), iron (723.80 ppm and 285.07 ppm), zinc (26.51 ppm and 13.75 ppm), manganese (44.88 ppm and 35.00 ppm), phosphorous (0.07 ppm and 0.03 ppm), calcium (7806.90 ppm and 3862.80 ppm), Vitamin A (3.63 mg/g and 2.47 mg/g), and Vitamin C (8.49 mg/g and 6.7 mg/g), respectively. Percentage scavenging of DPPH radical was found to rise with an increase in concentration. IC50 values of root and leaf, by DPPH assay, were 66.46 and 110.68 μg/ml, respectively. In the FRAP assay, the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of leaf (507.06 μmol/l) was found to be more than root (455.93 μmol/l). The total antioxidant capacity of root and leaf were 20.15 and 17.90 mg, equivalent to ascorbic acid on a dry weight basis, respectively.

Conclusion

Root and leaf of L. macrophylla has the highest energy value, contains carbohydrate, protein, fat, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorous, calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, and possesses antioxidant capacity.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Defatted Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) Pupa Protein by Combined Neutral Protease Yield Peptides With Antioxidant Activity

In this study, peptides were prepared from defatted Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) pupa protein via hydrolysis with combined neutral proteases. Single-factor tests and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to determine the optimal hydrolysis condition suitable for industrial application. Optimal hydrolysis of the defatted pupa protein was found to occur at an enzyme concentration of 4.85 g/liter, a substrate concentration of 41 g/liter, a hydrolysis temperature of 55°C, and a hydrolysis time of 10 h and 40 min. Under these conditions, the predicted and actual rates of hydrolysis were 45.82% and 45.75%, respectively. Peptides with a molecular weight of less than 2,000 Da accounted for 90.5% of the total peptides generated. Some of the peptides were antioxidant peptides as revealed by sequencing and functional analysis. The antioxidant activity of the mixed peptides was subsequently confirmed by an antioxidant activity assay. The results showed that peptides with high antioxidant activity could be obtained from the hydrolysis of A. pernyi pupa protein.

Critical analysis of biophysicochemical parameters for qualitative improvement of phytogenic nanoparticles

Conventional chemical approaches for synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs) may restrict their applicability as they are not eco-friendly, energetically efficient and often involve toxic reducing/capping agents; but phytonanotechnology enabled the synthesis of safe, inexpensive, highly biocompatible NPs. In this regard, thorough understanding of green components and the modulatory effects of different reaction conditions on the physicochemical parameters of green synthesized NPs would be a prerequisite, which is not depicted elsewhere. This review critically analyzes the relevant reaction conditions from their mechanistic viewpoints in plant-based synthesis of NPs arising fundamental issues which need to be determined carefully. The size, stability and surface chemistry of phytogenic NPs may be fabricated as a function of multiple interconnected reaction parameters and the plant species used. The therapeutic potential of phytogenic NPs may depend on the plant species used; and so the meticulous understanding of physicochemical parameters and the family wise shorting of elite plant species may potentially benefit the theranostic future of plant-based NPs.

In vitro antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content of commonly used spices from Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

In this study, the antioxidative effectiveness, and polyphenolic content of methanol and aqueous extracts of spices such as Lippia adoensis (Koseret), Nigella sativa (Thikur azmud), Piper capense (Timiz), Thymus schimperi (Tosign) and Trachyspermum ammi (Netchazmud), consumed among people of Ethiopia were investigated.

METHODS

The antioxidant activity was assessed via established in vitro assay models such as 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical quenching assay, reducing power assay and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) inhibitory potential. Total phenolics content was measured according to Folin-Ciocalteu's method and total flavonoid content was estimated by using Aluminium chloride colorimetric method.

RESULTS

The results showed that the total phenolic content was highest in both methanol (720 ± 0.04 mg GAE/100 g extract DW) and aqueous (580 ± 0.08 mg GAE/100 g DW) extracts of L. adoensis. Among the five tested spices, the methanol and aqueous extracts of L. adoensis exerted the strongest DPPH radical quenching activity with IC50values of 49.17 ± 1.26 and 20.99 ± 8.6 μg/mL, respectively. Both methanol and aqueous extracts of L. adoensis showed notable reducing capacity. The highest RNS scavenging activity was shown by both methanol (IC50 597.21 ± 6.99 μg/mL) and aqueous (IC50 = 551.5 ± 28.9 μg/mL) extracts of L. adoensis. High to moderate positive correlations were observed between total phenolic contents and in vitro antioxidant assays. This indicates that the antioxidant activities of the tested spices are attributed to the phenolic contents.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present work revealed that the tested spices demonstrated high phenolic contents and antioxidant properties. Thus, these spices are worth considering as important sources of natural antioxidant agents.

Effect of thermosonication pre-treatment on mung bean (Vigna radiata) and white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) proteins: Enzymatic hydrolysis, cholesterol lowering activity and structural characterization

Protein hydrolysates have attained great attention due to a good nutritive food ingredient and higher biological activities. In this study, thermosonication, ultrasound and heat were used as a pre-treatment to obtain (<3KDa) hydrolysate from mung bean and white kidney bean to understand the mechanism of cholesterol absorption into micelle and inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) activity. Size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) results of mung bean showed that the concentration of peptides (0.5KDa-1KDa and 1-3KDa) in the hydrolysate were significantly (p < 0.05) increased after thermosonication while, the peptides concentration (1-3KDa) in white kidney bean was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. Thermosonication of mung bean hydrolysate exhibited higher inhibition of cholesterol solubilization, hydrophobicity and antioxidant activities. In addition, there was no difference observed in HMG-CoA activity and hydrophobicity between ultrasound alone and ultrasound combined with heat i.e. thermosonication treated hydrolysate of white kidney bean. Changes in secondary and tertiary structures were also analyzed under different processing conditions with maximum change due to thermosonication. Results indicated that mung bean hydrolysate had a great potential for inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and its solubility in the micelle, antioxidant activity and also convinced for its application in food and nutraceutical industries.

Bioresource Utilization of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) Biomass as Natural Antioxidants

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) is a yearly, fast-growing, under-utilized pseudo-cereal with a high proportion of biomass content. We used the hulls, which are usually removed from djulis as crop residue, to evaluate the free-radical scavenging and antioxidant capacity of djulis. We studied the antioxidant capacity of ethanol- and water-extracted hulls and roots by using various in vitro methods. Ascorbic acid was the reference sample. The extract samples were used at 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 µg/mL. Total sugar content, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were assessed. Antioxidant activity was assessed by using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, and N, N-dimethyl-ρ-phenylenediamine. Ethanol- and water-extracted red djulis hulls showed high amounts of total sugar, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, ethanol- and water-extracted red djulis roots showed moderate antioxidant capacity. However, ethanol- and water-extracted yellow djulis hulls showed limited antioxidant activities. Utilization of the biomass of djulis hulls and roots as natural antioxidant resources may be environmentally friendly and foreseeable.

Production, extraction and characterization of Chlorella vulgaris soluble polysaccharides and their applications in AgNPs biosynthesis and biostimulation of plant growth

Chlorella vulgaris, like a wide range of other microalgae, are able to grow mixotrophically. This maximizes its growth and production of polysaccharides (PS). The extracted polysaccharides have a complex monosaccharide composition (fructose, maltose, lactose and glucose), sulphate (210.65 ± 10.5 mg g-1 PS), uronic acids (171.97 ± 5.7 mg g-1 PS), total protein content (32.99 ± 2.1 mg g-1 PS), and total carbohydrate (495.44 ± 8.4 mg g-1 PS). Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of the extracted polysaccharides showed the presence of N-H, O-H, C-H, -CH3, >CH2, COO-1, S=O and the C=O functional groups. UV-Visible spectral analysis shows the presence of proteins, nucleic acids and chemical groups (ester, carbonyl, carboxyl and amine). Purified polysaccharides were light green in color and in a form of odorless powder. It was soluble in water but insoluble in other organic solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates that Chlorella vulgaris soluble polysaccharide is thermostable until 240°C and degradation occurs in three distinct phases. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed the characteristic exothermic transition of Chlorella vulgaris soluble polysaccharides with crystallization temperature peaks at 144.1°C, 162.3°C and 227.7°C. The X-ray diffractogram illustrated the semicrystalline nature of these polysaccharides. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) had been biosynthesized using a solution of Chlorella vulgaris soluble polysaccharides. The pale green color solution of soluble polysaccharides was turned brown when it was incubated for 24 hours with 100 mM silver nitrate in the dark, it showed peak maximum located at 430 nm. FT-IR analysis for the biosynthesized AgNPs reported the presence of carbonyl, -CH3, >CH2, C-H,-OH and -NH functional groups. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy show that AgNPs have spherical shape with an average particle size of 5.76. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis showed the dominance of silver. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were tested for its antimicrobial activity and have positive effects against Bacillus sp., Erwinia sp., Candida sp. Priming seeds of Triticum vulgare and Phaseolus vulgaris with polysaccharides solutions (3 and 5 mg mL-1) resulted in significant enhancement of seedling growth. Increased root length, leaf area, shoot length, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, carbohydrate content, fresh and dry biomass were observed, in addition these growth increments may be attributed to the increase of antioxidant activities.

Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, cytotoxic effects and anti-bacterial activity of selected mangrove plants (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Heritiera littoralis) in Bangladesh

Objectives

In this present study, antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, cytotoxic and anti-bacterial activities derived from methanol extracts of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Heritiera littoralis were investigated in order to determine their medicinal activities.

Materials and methods

Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and aluminum chloride methods were used to determine the mangroves’ total phenolics and total flavonoid content, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was assessed via the following methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), 43 mM H2O2, Fe2+ quenching assay, and anti-hemolytic activity. Brine shrimp (Artemia salina L.) lethality assay was also carried out to determine the cytotoxic potential of the mangroves along with anti-bacterial activity test using five Gram-negative and another two Gram-positive bacterial strains.

Results

The mangroves yielded 58.917 ± 0.601 and 36.625 ± 0.551 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g sample and 76.417 ± 0.19 and 113.637 ± 0.17 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g sample in B. gymnorrhiza and H. littoralis, respectively. Methanol extracts of both mangroves exhibited high radical scavenging activity against DPPH, H2O2 and Fe2+ radicals. The reductive capacity of the extracts increased with increasing concentrations of samples, and the extracts inhibited H2O2 induced hemolysis in human red blood cells (RBCs). Antioxidant properties were found to be moderately weaker than that of the reference standard, L-ascorbic acid (AA), and Gallic acid (GA). Further, brine shrimp (Artemia salina L.) lethality assay revealed significant cytotoxicity (241.4 and 272.6 μg/mL, respectively). Methanol extracts could also inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacterial strains.

Conclusion

This study showed that the crude methanol extract of selected mangrove plants possesses free radical scavenging, anti-hemolytic, cytotoxic and anti-bacterial activity. The experimented plant has the potential to be used as a traditional medicine and replace synthetic drugs. Further studies are necessary to isolate active compounds responsible for the overall antioxidant activity of the crude extracts.

Antioxidant properties and membrane stabilization effects of methanol extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves on normal and sickle erythrocytes

This study was aimed at investigating the antioxidant properties and membrane stabilization effects of Mucuna pruriens leaves on sickle erythrocyte as a possible means of sickle cell disease management. Pulverized plant material was extracted with methanol, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure with a rotary evaporator. Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant studies of the extract were carried out using standard methods. Blood samples of volunteer sickle cell patients and healthy individuals used in the study were collected from the University of Nigeria Medical Centre and University campus community, Nsukka respectively. The genotypes of the individuals were confirmed by cellulose acetate paper electrophoresis. Water induced haemolysis of human red blood cell was used to assess membrane stabilization of the erythrocytes. Phytochemical result of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, proteins, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones. Antioxidant vitamins C and E were present in concentrations of 495.36 mg/100 g and 101.03 mg/100 g respectively. The percentage (%) scavenging activity of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical by the extract was significant. The extract exhibited membrane stabilization on both normal and sickle erythrocytes. The percentage (%) inhibition of haemolysis by the extract in both normal and sickle erythrocytes at different concentrations of 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 μg/ml were significant and concentration dependent. We conclude that M. pruriens leaves have antioxidant properties and erythrocyte membrane stabilizing potentials and could be recommended for use in the management of patients with sickle cell anaemia.

Polyamines modulate growth, antioxidant activity, and genomic DNA in heavy metal-stressed wheat plant

A pot experiment was performed to assess the useful effects of seed soaking or seedling foliar spray using 0.25 mM spermine (Spm), 0.50 mM spermidine (Spd), or 1 mM putrescine (Put) on heavy metal tolerance in wheat plants irrigated with water contaminated by cadmium (2 mM Cd²⁺ in CdCl₂) or lead (2 mM Pb²⁺ in PbCl₂). Cd²⁺ or Pb²⁺ presence in the growth medium resulted in significant reductions in growth and yield characteristics and activities of leaf peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) of wheat plants. In contrast, significant increases were observed for Cd²⁺ content in roots, leaves and grains, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, radical scavenging activity (DPPH), reducing power capacity, and fragmentation in DNA in comparison to controls (without Cd²⁺ or Pb²⁺ addition). However, treating the Cd²⁺- or Pb²⁺-stressed wheat plants with Spm, Spd, or Put, either by seed soaking or foliar spray, significantly improved growth and yield characteristics and activities of POD, GR, AAO, PPO, SOD, and CAT, DPPH, and reducing power capacity in wheat plants. In contrast, Cd²⁺ levels in roots, leaves, and yielded grains, and fragmentation in DNA were significantly reduced compared with the stressed (with Cd²⁺ or Pb²⁺) controls. Generally, seed soaking treatments were more effective than foliar spray treatments. More specifically, seed priming in Put was the best treatment under heavy metal stress. Results of this study recommend using polyamines, especially Put, as seed soaking to relieve the adverse effects of heavy metals in wheat plants.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of Asphodelus microcarpus methanolic extracts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Asphodelus microcarpus is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Liliaceae. This plant is used in traditional medicine to treat abscesses by local application of the powder; the roots are used against white spots, and specifically used for ear pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro antioxidant effects and the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the different parts methanolic extracts of the Asphodelus microcarpus: aerial part (APME), leaf (LME), stem flowers (SFME) and root (RME).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The antioxidant potency of extracts was evaluated by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS, β-carotene bleaching assays, iron chelating, free hydroxyl radicals (HO^•) assays, and reducing power. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts was evaluated using the carrageenan induced rat paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema in mice.

RESULTS

The estimation of polyphenols and flavonoids showed that the leave methanolic extract contains a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids: 755.3 ± 0.036 mg Gallic acid equivalent and 42.2 ± 0.043 mg Rutin equivalent/g of dried material, respectively. Oral administration of the APME and RME extract produced significant (p < 0.05) anti-edematogenic effect with a dose of 500 mg/kg in the carrageenan induced paw edema after 6 h (58.04%, 58.75%, respectively). APME, LME; SFME and RME extracts at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg, exhibited significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of xylene induced ear edema.

CONCLUSION

the present study confirms the use of A. microcarpus in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory agent.

Effects of Aloe vera and Eucalyptus methanolic extracts on experimental toxoplasmosis in vitro and in vivo

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which is most commonly treated by pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. However, this treatment presents several adverse side effects; Thus, new drugs with lower toxicities are urgently needed. In this study the anti-T. gondii activity of A. vera and Eucalyptus extracts were evaluated in vitro using a MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and in vivo by measuring the survival rates of mice infected with 2 × 10³ tachyzoites of RH strain of T. gondii and then injected intraperitoneally by different concentrations of extracts for 4 days. Biochemical parameters such as Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay were also evaluated. As results, in the in vitro assay, the IC₅₀ values were 13.2, 24.7, 2.63 μg/ml, and the selectivity indexes were 3.3, 2.4, 3.03 for the A. vera, Eucalyptus and pyrimethamine, respectively. The mice treated with Eucalyptus showed a better survival rate than others (P < 0.05). The increased weight of liver and spleen, due to infection, was reduced by treatments. In FRAP assay Eucalyptus showed a better antioxidant activity than the other extracts. MDA levels in both liver and spleen were reduced by treatment. The results show that A. Vera and Eucalyptus possess anti-T. gondii activities in vitro and in vivo, in addition, Eucalyptus shows antioxidant activity with a higher survival rate. Therefore, Eucalyptus may be a useful candidate for treating Toxoplasma infection. Moreover, further studies are required to investigate the fractionations of this plant against T. gondii.

Antioxidant Activity and Antifungal Activity of Chitosan Derivatives with Propane Sulfonate Groups

We successfully synthesized the water-soluble chitosan derivatives propane sulfonated chitosan (PSCS) and dipropane sulfonated chitosan (DPSCS) in this paper. These derivatives were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, and 13C NMR. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the chitosan derivatives was evaluated by free radical scavenging ability (against DPPH-radical, hydroxyl-radical, and superoxide-radical) and ferric reducing power. Meanwhile, inhibitory effects against two fungi were also tested. Our results suggested antioxidant abilities and antifungal properties were in order of DPSCS > PSCS > CS, which were consistent with the number of propane sulfonated groups. The scavenging activity of DPSCS against superoxide-radical and DPPH-radical were 94.1% and 100% at 1.6 mg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory indices of DPSCS against P. asparagi and F. oxysporum were up to 82.2% and 94% at 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. Obviously, the number of propane sulfonated groups of chitosan derivatives not only contributes to antioxidant activity, but also to antifungal activity. Therefore, DPSCS with more propane sulfonated groups endowed with antioxidant and antifungal activity that can be used as a candidate material in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Preparation and Characterization of Quaternized Chitosan Derivatives and Assessment of Their Antioxidant Activity

Chitosan (CS) is an abundant and renewable polysaccharide that is reported to exhibit a great variety of beneficial properties. However, the poor solubility of chitosan in water limits its applications. In this paper, we successfully synthesized single N-quaternized (QCS) and double N-diquaternized (DQCS) chitosan derivatives, and the resulting quaternized materials were water-soluble. The degree of quaternization (DQ) of QCS and DQCS was 0.8 and 1.3, respectively. These derivatives were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, 13C NMR, TGA, and SEM. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the chitosan was evaluated by free radical scavenging ability (against DPPH-radical, hydroxyl-radical, and superoxide-radical) and ferric reducing power. Our results suggested that the antioxidant abilities were in the order of DQCS > QCS > CS, which was consistent with the number of quaternized groups. These data demonstrate that the number of quaternized groups of chitosan derivatives contributes to their antioxidant activity. Therefore, DQCS, with a higher number of quaternized groups and higher positive charge density, is endowed with high antioxidant activity, and can be used as a candidate material in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Amino acid composition, antioxidant and functional properties of protein hydrolysates from Cucurbitaceae seeds

In this study, the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of globulin fraction of C. moschata (CMH), C. lanatus (CLH) and L. siceraria (LSH) on antioxidant capacity, functional properties, structural and micro-structural properties, as well as amino acid compositions were evaluated. All the hydrolysates exhibited significant antioxidant properties. The essential amino acids content in LSH (92.7 mg/g) was higher than CMH (79.9 mg/g) and CLH (70.5 mg/g). Water absorption capacity (5 g/g), heat stability (89%), emulsifying activity index (98.3 m2/g) and emulsifying stability index (45.1 min) were statistically more significant for LSH as compared to CMH and CLH. In addition, LSH had significantly higher FS and FC at pH 3-9. Among all hydrolysates, LSH showed highest solubility (87.3%) as compared to other hydrolysates. The results suggested that enzymatic hydrolysis improve the antioxidant and functional properties. Thus, the globulin hydrolysates might be served as an innovative source with promising nutritive values, good antioxidant and functional properties. Moreover, these could be used in food and pharmaceutical industries for the development of novel functional foods.

Synthesis and antioxidant ability of 6,6'-diamino-6,6'-dideoxytrehalose

In order to study the influence of amino group on antioxidant activity of oligosaccharides, an amino disaccharide, 6,6'-diamino-6,6'-dideoxytrehalose (DAMDT) was successfully prepared in this paper, and its antioxidant activities against DPPH, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, and reducing power were evaluated, respectively. The results indicated that DAMDT had better antioxidant activity than trehalose at any tested concentration. The influence of amino group on antioxidant activity of disaccharides is positive based on the results in this paper, and amination should be an effective method to improve the bioactivity of saccharides.

In vitro anticancer activity of ethanolic extracts of Piper nigrum against colorectal carcinoma cell lines

Background:

Piper nigrum (PN) is well known for its cytotoxic and pharmacological benefits. However, there is minimal documented evidence about its cytotoxic efficacy against colorectal carcinoma. We therefore sought to procure a precisely quantitative and qualitative result, pertaining the efficacy of an ethanolic extract of PN (EEPN) against colorectal carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:

EEPN was prepared by subjecting dried PN seeds to gradient ethanol fractionation. The total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AOA), and anti-inflammatory activity (AIA) were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu assay, ferric reducing ability of plasma and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl methods, and human red blood cells membrane stabilizing assay, respectively. Colorectal carcinoma cell lines (HCT-116, HCT-15, and HT-29) were procured from National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, and were cultured in Dulbecco's modified eagle media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1 mM L-glutamine. Cells were seeded into a 96-well plate, followed by treatment with increasing concentrations of EEPN. The cytotoxic efficacy was evaluated based on percentage inhibition of cells, using sulforhodamine-B assay. The IC-50 values were calculated using Prism software (Prism from GraphPad software, Inc. CA, USA).

Results:

Biochemical analysis revealed that 50% EEPN exhibited higher TPC, AOA, and AIA when compared to 70% and 100% EEPN at any given concentration (P = 0.041). Cytotoxic analysis revealed a dose-dependent response with maximum cellular inhibition at TPC of 6 and 3 μg/ml, using 50% EEPN. However, 50% inhibition of cellular growth using 50% EEPN was seen with TPC of 3.2, 2.9, and 1.9 μg/ml at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, in HCT-15 cells. Hence, time- and dose-dependent increase in the cytotoxic efficacy of 50% EEPN against colorectal carcinoma cell lines were noted (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Given the significantly positive correlations exhibited between the biochemical and the cytotoxic properties evaluated in our study, we hereby conclude PN as a novel therapeutic spice for the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.

Antioxidant activities of essential oil of Bidens pilosa (Linn. Var. Radita) used for the preservation of food qualities in North Cameroon

This study aimed to determine the total antioxidant capacity of the essential oil (EO) of leaves of Bidens pilosa (Linn. Var. Radita) used as protectant of stored grains in Northern Cameroon. EO was characterized by GC‐FID, antioxidant activity (AA) was determined by combining: evaluation of radical‐scavenging activity, reducing power (RP) and co‐oxidation of β‐carotene methods. Tests were carried out on crude and stored EO kept for two weeks at 31.48 ± 2.88°C and 58.56 ± 6.78% relative humidity. These conditions are the same as those of grain storage. GC analyses enabled the identification of 27 compounds, representing around 97.57% of the total oil contents. The major constituents of the EO were α‐pinene (14.7%), ε‐caryophyllene (13.5), and β‐ocimene (12.8%). The AA of the crude and stored EO are proportional to the concentrations and time of exposition. Exposed at the day light, this EO inhibit 77.4–18.69% for the DPPH system, 59.55–19.14% for RP method and 91.88–21.8% for β‐carotene‐linoleate model system, respectively, from crude and 15 days storage EO at 20 mg L⁻¹. For the EC₅₀ values, β‐carotene method is excellent and in the decreasing order of DPPH method, PR with 2.52 mg L⁻¹, 2.77 mg L⁻¹ and 4.13 mg L⁻¹, respectively, for the crude oil. The ET₅₀ were 1.59 days for the RP method and 2.88 days DPPH system and β‐carotene‐linoleate model system at 20 mg L⁻¹. These results showed that the EO of B. pilosa leaves exhibits AA that might be an added value for this EO preventing stored products from pest attacks.