Antioxidant activity of sesame coat

Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effects of Grape Seed Extract and Marine Collagen Peptide on the Fibroblast Cell Line: An In Vitro Study

Introduction Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity of dentin, and its modification with bioactive compounds can enhance its mechanical properties and bonding capabilities. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of grape seed extract (GSE) and marine collagen peptide (MCP) on dental pulp-derived primary cells. Methodology Human dental pulp stem cells were isolated, cultivated, and then treated with GSE and marine collagen peptides. DNA fragmentation was assessed using DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The results showed that GSE exhibited a minimum level of cell death compared to marine collagen peptides. The viable cell count increased steadily over three days in all groups, with the control group showing the highest number of viable cells. The differences in viable cell count among the groups were statistically significant. Conclusion This study suggests that GSE and marine collagen peptides are highly biocompatible with dental pulp cells and could be considered for further clinical studies.

Effect of Lentinus sajor-caju on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of highland barley straw under solid-state fermentation

Introduction

The efficient utilization of straw resources as animal feed has gained considerable attention. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Lentinus sajor-caju treatment alters the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of highland barley straw and enhances its functional value as a ruminant feed.

Methods

The chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and metabolomic profile of highland barley straw were determined after 21 days of solid-state fermentation with L. sajor-caju at 25°C. The differential metabolites between fermented and unfermented highland barley straw were identified by LC-MS and the relationship between the identified metabolites and antioxidant capacity was elucidated.

Results

The results showed that, compared with untreated highland barley straw, the crude protein and ether extract contents were higher (51.55 and 76.43%, respectively) in highland barley straw after 21 days of incubation with L. sajor-caju, whereas the hemicellulose, cellulose, and acid detergent lignin contents were lower (2.48, 25.08, and 45%, respectively). The total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in L. sajor-caju-treated than in untreated highland barley straw. In total, 600 differential metabolites (301 upregulated and 299 downregulated) were identified between L. sajor-caju-fermented and unfermented highland barley straw. Correlation analysis results showed that Fe2+ scavenging and total phenolic content were strongly correlated with total antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, the differential flavonoid metabolites between fermented and unfermented highland barley straw were primarily associated with antioxidant activity, with kaempferol 3-xylosylglucoside, isoginkgetin, and rhoifolin being the most representative.

Conclusion

Thus, this study demonstrates that L. sajor-caju could enhance the functional value of highland barley straw, showing the potential of L. sajor-caju for improving the utilization of agricultural straws in ruminants.

Variation in antioxidant capacity, antioxidant activity and mineral composition during flower development of oil-bearing rose (Rosa damascena Mill.)

Oil-bearing rose is an economically important rose species with a wide range of uses such as cosmetics, perfumery, food and health, but the changes in antioxidant capacity and antioxidant activity during flower development are not well understood. The antioxidant content and free radical scavenging properties of oil-bearing rose flowers are used in the cosmetic industry to modulate skin damage, and in the food industry as a source of antioxidants and sweeteners. The present investigation was carried out to explore the antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the composition and distribution of minerals in petals of oil-bearing rose at five flower development stages. The total antioxidant capacity of petals was determined using CUPRAC, DPPH, FRAP, FIC and ABTS methods. The antioxidant capacity of petals decreased during the flower development, suggesting that flowers in stage I and II are valuable sources of antioxidants. CUPRAC, DPPH, FRAP, FIC and ABTS scavenging activity of the petals at various developmental stages are strongly and positively correlated with each other. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase was highest at the bud stage (stage I), whereas the fully opened flowers (stage V) exhibited the lowest activity in oil-bearing rose petals. During the development of flower, malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased significantly from stage I to stage III and decreased at stage IV. Here we detected the contents of 15 elements in petals, some of them, especially calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus showed significant changes during rose flowering. Generally, the highest mineral content was observed in stage I while the lowest content observed in stage V of flower development. These results showed a close link between flower development, antioxidant capacity, enzymatic antioxidant activity and mineral content, with stage I exhibiting the best antioxidant activity, mineral content and free radical scavenging potential. This work will serve as a baseline for understanding the possible roles of antioxidant capacity, antioxidant enzymes, mineral content and their interactions in the regulation of flower development.

Use of titanium dioxide doped multi-wall carbon nanotubes as promoter for the growth, biochemical indices of Sesamum indicum L. under heat stress conditions

The behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) as plant growth enhancers was still unclear; however, in this study, the effects of MWCNTs, TiO2NPs, 5%TiO2@MWCNTs, 10%TiO2@MWCNTs and 15%TiO2@MWCNTs on physical and biochemical contents in Sesamum indicum L. under heat stress conditions were studied. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations were reduced by the spraying MWCNTs and TiO2 NPs on plants. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content was reduced by 49.02% in plants treated with 15%TiO2@MWCNTs while 42.14% reduction was found in plants treated with 10%TiO2@MWCNTs. The proportion of oil and the peroxidase enzyme activity in plants treated with 15%TiO2@MWCNTs were increased by 48.99%, for the oil content, and 2.39 times for POD activity respected to the stressed plants. The proportion of unsaturated fatty acids increased in plants treated with 15%TiO2@MWCNTs, 10%TiO2@MWCNTs and TiO2 NPs by 2.7, 2.52, and 2.09 times, respectively, greater than the control of the Shandweel-3 variety. Finally, plants treated with 15%TiO2@MWCNTs showed increases in seed yield and weight 1000-seeds by 4.42 and 1.67 times, respectively. These findings suggest that TiO2@MWCNTs more effective than separated MWCNTs and TiO2 NPs in improve plant growth. In addition, the cultivar Shandweel-3 showed an improvement in growth indicators more than the Giza-32 cultivar.

Parameters optimization of Fe3O4 NPs synthesis by Tamarindus indica leaf extract possessing both peroxidase as well as excellent dye removal activity

This study reports optimized conditions for the green synthesis of iron (II,III) oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) from Tamarindus indica (T. indica) leaf extract. The synthetic parameters like concentration of leaf extract, solvent system, buffer, electrolyte, pH, and time were optimized for Fe₃O₄ NPs synthesis. Fe₃O₄ NPs were obtained from the synthesis protocol by measuring size (80 ± 3 nm approx.), characteristics color changes, and an absorption peak between 270 nm and 280 nm using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) study. Peroxidase activity was tested with 3,3,5,5-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and dye removal activity was tested with malachite green (MG). The results indicated that the successful synthesis of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of T. indica is a practical alternative for biomedical applications due to its potent peroxidase activity and high dye removal capacity (about 93% with UV light and 55% with room light).

Natural antioxidants from some fruits, seeds, foods, natural products, and associated health benefits: An update

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules and protect the body from the effects of free radicals, produced either by normal cell metabolism or as an effect of pollution and exposure to other external factors and are responsible for premature aging and play a role in cardiovascular disease. degenerative diseases such as cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. While many antioxidants are found in nature, others are obtained in synthetic form and reduce oxidative stress in organisms. This review highlights the pharmacological relevance of antioxidants in fruits, plants, and other natural sources and their beneficial effect on human health through the analysis and in-depth discussion of studies that included phytochemistry and their pharmacological effects. The information obtained for this review was collected from several scientific databases (ScienceDirect, TRIP database, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science), professional websites, and traditional medicine books. Current pharmacological studies and evidence have shown that the various natural antioxidants present in some fruits, seeds, foods, and natural products have different health-promoting effects. Adopting functional foods with high antioxidant potential will improve the effective and affordable management of free radical diseases while avoiding the toxicities and unwanted side effects caused by conventional medication.

Valorization of mustard and sesame oilseed cakes for food application through eco-innovative technologies

Agricultural waste valorization is currently getting attention across the world owing to its environmental impact and rich phytochemistry. The mandate of the current investigation was the extraction and characterization of bioactive moieties from the mustard oilseed cake/meal MOC and sesame oilseed cake/meal SOC through ultrasound extraction (UE) techniques due to its higher yield and less burden on the environment as compared to conventional extraction (CE). Purposely, the MOC and SOC were initially subjected to compositional analysis. Thereafter, bioactive moieties were extracted by using different solvents, that is, ethanol and distilled water, and by applying conventional and ultrasonic extraction techniques. The outcomes indicated that among the techniques, ultrasound exhibited the highest results, and in solvents, ethanol performed better. The treatment extracted with ethanol with UE at 10 min showed the best result for total phenolic contents (TPC) as (6.07 ± 0.03 09 g GAE/100 g MOC) and (7.09 ± 0.04 g GAE/100 g SOC), DPPH radical scavenging activity (67.3 ± 1.9 TE/100 g MOC) & (72.68 ± 1.9 TE/100 g SOC), and FRAP was recorded as (2.83 ± 0.02 g TE/100 g MOC) & (3.56 ± 0.03 g TE/100 g SOC). The higher antioxidant potential showed that the mustard and sesame waste holds significant therapeutic potential owing to its rich antioxidant profile and thus should be utilized for the development of functional products against lifestyle-related disorders. In conclusion, ultrasound is a better technique for maximum as well as accurate extraction, with ethanol exhibiting as a better solvent for this process with more yields as compared to distilled water.

Synthesis of benzylated amine-substituted xanthone derivatives and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

Oxidative stress and its constant companion, inflammation, play a critical part in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic illnesses. The discovery of new multi-targeted drug candidates with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is deemed necessary. Thus, a series of novel xanthone derivatives with halogenated benzyl (4b-4d, 4f-4h) and methoxylated benzyl groups (4e) attached to the butoxy amine substituent were synthesized in this study. The synthesized xanthone derivatives exhibited stronger antioxidant activity against H₂ O₂ scavenging than the standard drug, α-tocopherol, but weaker towards DPPH scavenging and ferrous ion chelation. Besides that, 4b-4d, 4f-4h demonstrated good anti-inflammatory activities through NO production inhibition towards lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and showed 2-4 times stronger effects than the standard drug, diclofenac sodium. Moreover, compound 4b with two brominated benzyl groups attached to the butoxy amine substituent suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, significantly. Structure-activity relationship elucidated that the halogenated benzylamine substituent plays an important role in contributing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of xanthones. In summary, xanthone 4b was identified as a potential lead compound to be further developed into antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus, further studies on the related mechanisms of action of 4b are recommended.

Characterization of Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides From Sesame Seed Hull

Sesame seed hull is the major by-product of sesame seed processing and is rich in polysaccharides. In this work, sesame hull polysaccharides (SHP) were extracted by ultrasound-assisted alkali extraction methods with a yield of 6.49%. Three purified polysaccharide fractions were obtained after decolorization, deproteinization, and column chromatography. Then, their main composition and antioxidant activity were investigated. The dominant fraction was SHP-2 with a yield of 3.78%. It was composed of galacturonic acid (51.3%), glucuronic acid (13.8%), rhamnose (8.9%), glucose (8.4%), and others. The linkage types of SHP-2 have the α-D-GalpA-(1,4)-linked, α-D-GlcpA-(1,2)-linked, β-T-D-Rhap-linked, β-D-Glcp-(1,6)-linked, β-T-D-Galp-linked, α-L-Xylp-(1,4)-linked, α-L-Araf-(1,3,5)-linked, and β-D-Manp-(1,4)-linked. This study might provide some useful basic data for developing applications for sesame seed hull polysaccharides in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Phytochemical Characterization and Utilization of Dried Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Peel Extract in Maintaining the Quality of Nile Tilapia Fish Fillet

Phytochemicals derived from agro-industrial waste materials could be employed as functional food additives and natural antioxidants to replace their synthetic counterparts, which are increasingly being rejected. The current study aims to assess total phenolic compound (TPC), flavonoids, betalain contents, and antiradical scavenging using DPPH and IC50% of dried red beetroot peel (DRBP) extract at different concentrations of 50, 80, 100, 150, and 200 mg/100 mL t. In addition, a characterization of phenols and flavonoids was conducted using HPLC. The second part of this study aims to utilize aqueous DRBP extract in preserving Nile Talipia fish fillet at two concentrations of 80 and 100 mg/100 mL water, compared with 200 ppm of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and control at 5 °C for 10 days. The DRBP aqueous extract was found to have a high concentration of TPC (832 mg/100 g), flavonoids (234 mg/100 g) and betalains (535 mg/100 g) compounds, resulting in a potential antioxidant activity. The IC50% for the extract was detected at 80 mg/100 mL extract. DRBP aqueous extract showed an excellent preservative effect on the fish fillet. Fish fillet samples treated with DRBP extract at a concentration of 100 mg/100 mL were superior in reducing TBA (thiobarbituric acid) increase compared with other treatments at the end of cold storage. Overall, the study showed that red beetroot extracts can act as a natural preservative agent due to their significant antioxidant activity, providing healthy and safe food to consumers.

Bioactive Properties and Phytochemical Screening of Mad Honey Bee Pollen

INTRODUCTION

Mad honey is widely used in folk medicine in the Black Sea region of Turkey for its medicinal properties, but its pollen is not collected by mad honey producers and its benefits are unknown.

METHODS

In this study, water and ethanol extracts of mad honey bee pollen from four different plateaus in the Black Sea region of Turkey were researched for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Phytochemical analyses were carried out and the data were supported with UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Antimicrobial activity was researched against four Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria, one fungus, and one yeast. The results were compared with standard antioxidants and antibiotics.

RESULTS

The ethanol extracts of the samples from Sinop (P5), Giresun (P7), and Trabzon (P8) were the most active samples as antioxidants, and almost all the extracts of R. ponticum bee pollen were effective on the tested microorganisms. However, P5-8 showed better values for B. cereus, E. feacalis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa.

CONCLUSION

It has been proven that mad honey bee pollen is a natural product with previously unknown medicinal properties and rich phytochemical content. Future research and clinical trials are important to scientifically support its benefits in complementary medicine.

A, Almasoudi AG, Mekawi E. Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum) By-Products for Stability and Shelf Life Improvement of Refined Olive Oil

The by-product of sesame seed coats from the tahini industry was used for the extraction of bioactive compounds as novel antioxidants. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a natural antioxidant on the quality of refined olive oil (ROO) stored at 60 ± 1 °C for up to 48 days. The lyophilized sesame seed coats extract (LSSCE) was placed into fresh ROO at three levels, i.e., 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1, and compared with 200 mg kg−1 BHT (reference) and without antioxidant (control). LSSCE exhibited high phenolic (105.9 mg GAE g−1) and lignin (6.3 mg g−1) contents as well as antioxidant activity based on HPLC/DAD. In ROO samples, Including LSSCE, the values of peroxide, p-anisidine, K232, and K270 were remarkably lower than control during storage. The kinetic rate constant (k) of oxidation indicators was the lowest in ROO samples containing BHT and LSSCE 600 mg kg−1compared with other treatments. LSSCE improved the organoleptic acceptability of ROO samples up to 48 days of storage. Moreover, the shelf life (assuming a Q10 value of 2.0 for lipid oxidation) of ROO treated with LSSCE was increased. The findings revealed that LSSCE is a promising natural antioxidant in delaying oxidation, enhancing oil stability, and prolonging the shelf life (~475 days at ambient temperature).

Development of an ultrasonic system for industrial extraction of unheated sesame oil cake

Sesame is a popular functional food in Asia. However, research on sesame seed oil cake compounds and their extraction methods is lacking. Ultrasound technology was applied to develop an efficient extraction method for this purpose. First, pilot-scale extraction from sesame oil cake was performed and optimized using response surface methodology. The extract obtained using optimized conditions (0% ethanol for 4 h at 20°C) showed the highest yield (45.1%) and inhibitory effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS; 55.1%). Compared to extracts obtained by conventional extraction methods, those obtained by ultrasound technology exhibited a higher extraction yield, greater antioxidant effect, and increased lignan content. Based on pilot-scale experiments, an industrial-scale ultrasonic extraction system was designed to extract a 2.1-ton solution at once. The extract contained sesaminol 1,2-diglucoside (4.6 mg/g) as the major component and showed 28.3% ROS inhibition activity. Our industrial ultrasound-assisted extraction method has potential application for other compounds.

Transcriptome Dynamics during Black and White Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Seed Development and Identification of Candidate Genes Associated with Black Pigmentation

Seed coat color is a crucial agronomic trait in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) since it is strongly linked to seed oil, proteins, and lignans contents, and also influences consumer preferences. In East Asia, black sesame seed is used in the treatment and the prevention of various diseases. However, in sesame, little is known about the establishment of the seed coat color, and only one gene has been reported to control black pigmentation. This study provides an overview of developing seeds transcriptome of two varieties of sesame "Zhongfengzhi No.1" (white seed) and "Zhongzhi No.33" (black seed) and shed light on genes involving in black seed formation. Until eight days post-anthesis (DPA), both the seeds of the two varieties were white. The black sesame seed turned to yellow between 9 and 11 DPA and then black between 12 and 14 DPA. The black and white sesame showed similar trend-expressed genes with the numbers increased at the early stages of seed development. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) number increased with seed development in the two sesame varieties. We examined the DEGs and uncovered that more were up-regulated at the early stages. The DEGs between the black and white sesame were mainly enriched in 37 metabolic pathways, among which the flavonoid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were dominants. Furthermore, we identified 20 candidate genes associated with pigment biosynthesis in black sesame seed, among which 10 were flavonoid biosynthesis and regulatory genes. These genes also include isochorismate and polyphenol oxidase genes. By comparing the phenotypes and genes expressions of the black and white sesame seed at different development stages, this work revealed the important role of 8-14 DPA in black pigment biosynthesis and accumulation. Moreover, it unfolded candidate genes associated with black pigmentation in sesame. These findings provide a vast transcriptome dataset and list of genes that will be targeted for functional studies related to the molecular mechanism involved in biosynthesis and regulation of seed coat color in sesame.

Biovalorization of soybean residue (okara) via fermentation with Ganoderma lucidum and Lentinus edodes to attain products with high anti-osteoporotic effects

Okara, despite being a soybean processing by-product, still holds many nutrients. Thus, considerable attention has been recently paid to its reuse. In this study, solid-state fermentation was performed using Ganoderma lucidum and Lentinus edodes. Antioxidant activity and bioactive compound levels in G. lucidum-fermented okara (GLFO) and L. edodes-fermented okara (LEFO) were assayed. Antiosteoporosis bioactivity was evaluated using an animal model. The results demonstrated that solid-state fermentation significantly improved the antioxidant activity and bioactive compound levels. Furthermore, GLFO and LEFO increased trabecular bone volume, although only the GLFO-treated group exhibited significantly improved trabecular separation compared with the bilateral ovariectomy-treated control group. GLFO-related outcomes were superior to those of LEFO. The results demonstrate that okara products are effective for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis in humans.

A high-density genetic map constructed using specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing and QTL mapping of seed-related traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

BACKGROUND

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L., 2n = 2x = 26) is an important oilseed crop with high oil content but small seed size. To reveal the genetic loci of the quantitative seed-related traits, we constructed a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) linkage map of an F₂ population by using specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) technique and determined the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of seed-related traits for sesame based on the phenotypes of F₃ progeny.

RESULTS

The genetic map comprised 2159 SNP markers distributed on 13 linkage groups (LGs) and was 2128.51 cM in length, with an average distance of 0.99 cM between adjacent markers. QTL mapping revealed 19 major-effect QTLs with the phenotypic effect (R²) more than 10%, i.e., eight QTLs for seed coat color, nine QTLs for seed size, and two QTLs for 1000-seed weight (TSW), using composite interval mapping method. Particularly, LG04 and LG11 contained collocated QTL regions for the seed coat color and seed size traits, respectively, based on their close or identical locations. In total, 155 candidate genes for seed coat color, 22 for seed size traits, and 54 for TSW were screened and analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

This report presents the first QTL mapping of seed-related traits in sesame using an F₂ population. The results reveal the location of specific markers associated with seed-related traits in sesame and provide the basis for further seed quality traits research.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Sesamum indicum L.-A Review

The use of foodstuff as natural medicines has already been established through studies demonstrating the pharmacological activities that they exhibit. Knowing the nutritional and pharmacological significance of foods enables the understanding of their role against several diseases. Among the foods that can potentially be considered as medicine, is sesame or Sesamum indicum L., which is part of the Pedaliaceae family and is composed of its lignans such as sesamin, sesamol, sesaminol and sesamolin. Its lignans have been widely studied and are known to possess antiaging, anticancer, antidiabetes, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Modern chronic diseases, which can transform into clinical diseases, are potential targets of these lignans. The prime example of chronic diseases is rheumatic inflammatory diseases, which affect the support structures and the organs of the body and can also develop into malignancies. In line with this, studies emphasizing the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of sesame have been discussed in this review.

New Chemical Constituents from the Bark of Dendropanax morbifera Leveille and their Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities

Four new constituents, as cis-6-oxogeran-4-enyl-10-oxy-O-β-arabinopyranosyl-4′-O-β-arabinopyranosyl-2″-octadec-9‴,12‴,15‴-trienoate (1), geran-3(10)-enyl-1-oxy-O-β-arabinopyranosyl-4′-O-β-arabinopyranosyl-2″-octadec-9‴,12‴,15‴-trienoate (2), geranilan-8-oxy-O-α-d-xylopyranosyl-2′-n-octadec-9″,12″,15″-trienoate (3), 1-cyclohex-2′, 5′-dienyl 1-cyclohexylethanol-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (4), along with six known constituents, guaiacol-O-β-d-arabinopyaranoside (5), n-tetradecanyl oleate (6), oleyl-O-β-d-xyloside (7), n-octadec-9,12-dienoyl-O-β-d-arabinopyranoside (8), linolenyl-O-β-d-arabinofuranoside (9) andglyceryl-1,3-dipalmito-2-olein (10), were isolated and identified from the Dendropanax morbifera bark. The new structures were established by one-and two-dimensional NMR (and in combination with IR, FAB-MSand HR-ESI-FTMS. The comparative evaluation of antioxidant potential by phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, FRAP and the NO assay of four different compounds (1–4), we have found that the compounds 1 and 2 have power as a natural antioxidant, whereas the compound 3 and 4 exhibited mild activity in comparison to compounds 1 and 2.

Total Phenolic Content, Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Potential of Wild Vegetables from Western Nepal

Eight selected wild vegetables from Nepal (Alternanthera sessilis, Basella alba, Cassia tora, Digera muricata, Ipomoea aquatica, Leucas cephalotes, Portulaca oleracea and Solanum nigrum) were investigated for their antioxidative potential using 2,2-dyphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ferric thiocyanate (FTC) methods. Among the selected plant extracts C. tora displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value 9.898 μg/mL, whereas A. sessilis had the maximum H₂O₂ scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value 16.25 μg/mL—very close to that of ascorbic acid (16.26 μg/mL). C. tora showed the highest absorbance in the FRAP assay and the lowest lipid peroxidation in the FTC assay. A methanol extract of A. sessilis resulted in the greatest phenolic content (292.65 ± 0.42 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent method, while the smallest content was recorded for B. alba (72.66 ± 0.46 GAE/g). The greatest flavonoid content was observed with extracts of P. oleracea (39.38 ± 0.57 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g) as measured by an aluminium chloride colorimetric method, while the least was recorded for I. aquatica (6.61 ± 0.42 QE/g). There was a strong correlation between antioxidant activity with total phenolic (DPPH, R² = 0.75; H₂O₂, R² = 0.71) and total flavonoid content (DPPH, R² = 0.84; H₂O₂, R² = 0.66). This study demonstrates that these wild edible leafy plants could be a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Density functional theory study of the role of benzylic hydrogen atoms in the antioxidant properties of lignans

Antioxidants are a diverse group of chemicals with proven health benefits and thus potential preventive medicine and therapeutic applications. While most of these compounds are natural products, determining their mechanism of radical scavenging and common motifs that contribute to antioxidant activity would allow the rational design of novel antioxidants. Here the origins of the antioxidant properties of ten natural products of the lignan family were studied in silico by calculating their thermochemical properties by using ROB3LYP/6-311++G(2df,2p)//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) model chemistry. Three conditions were modelled: gas phase, ethanol and water solvents. The results allowed assigning the antioxidant activity to specific moieties and structural features of these compounds. It was found that the benzylic hydrogen atoms are the most likely to be abstracted to form radicals and hence define antioxidant properties in most of the studied compounds. The results also suggested that the most likely mechanism of HOO^• radical scavenging differs by the key moiety: it is hydrogen atom transfer in case the benzylic C-H bonds, however it is proton coupled electron transfer in case of the compounds where O-H bonds are responsible for radical scavenging.

In vitro antioxidative potential of Artemisia indica Willd

There is enough evidence, including epidemiological studies indicating the relationship between the plant antioxidants and reduction of chronic diseases in animals and humans. This paper is the first report regarding the evaluation of in vitro antioxidative potential of Artemisia indica Willd. extracts (AEs), a perennial herb found in western Himalayas and many other parts of world, traditionally utilized as medicine and food for livestock and humans. The dried and powdered aerial parts were Soxhlet extracted with methanol (AME), ethanol (AEE) and 50% hydro-methanol (AHME), to compare the extraction efficacies of these solvents. These respective crude extracts were then subjected to DPPH, H2O2, NO scavenging and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. For scavenging assays, various concentrations of each extract in triplicate, were tested with Quercetin as the standard. All AEs exhibited a significant DPPH, H2O2 and NO scavenging activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Lower to higher order of the IC50 value of all three scavenging assays were AME<AEE<AHME. TAC was expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE), with AME giving comparatively the highest TAC. Methanol proved to be better solvent system (as compared to ethanol and 50% hydro-methanol) in context to the antioxidative activity of A. indica, as AME gave consistently better results. Therefore, choice of extraction solvent is an important criterion regarding selecting a specific biological activity. The in vitro antioxidative potential of various AEs as evident by these assays may well be attributed to the presence of various polyphenolic compounds, as we have earlier reported (elsewhere) that A. indica possess a good amount of TPC and TFC. In gist, A. indica has a significant potential to be developed/used as a natural source of antioxidant not only as a food supplement for animals and humans, but also as an antioxidant additive in packaged food and animal feed industries.

Development of an SSR-based genetic map in sesame and identification of quantitative trait loci associated with charcoal rot resistance

Sesame is prized for its oil. Genetic improvement of sesame can be enhanced through marker-assisted breeding. However, few simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and SSR-based genetic maps were available in sesame. In this study, 7,357 SSR markers were developed from the sesame genome and transcriptomes, and a genetic map was constructed by generating 424 novel polymorphic markers and using a cross population with 548 recombinant inbred lines (RIL). The genetic map had 13 linkage groups, equalling the number of sesame chromosomes. The linkage groups ranged in size from 113.6 to 179.9 centimorgans (cM), with a mean value of 143.8 cM over a total length of 1869.8 cM. Fourteen quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sesame charcoal rot disease resistance were detected, with contribution rates of 3–14.16% in four field environments; ~60% of the QTL were located within 5 cM at 95% confidence interval. The QTL with the highest phenotype contribution rate (qCRR12.2) and those detected in different environments (qCRR8.2 and qCRR8.3) were used to predict candidate disease response genes. The new SSR-based genetic map and 14 novel QTLs for charcoal rot disease resistance will facilitate the mapping of agronomic traits and marker-assisted selection breeding in sesame.

Anti-arthritic activity of aqueous-methanolic extract and various fractions of Berberis orthobotrys Bien ex Aitch

Background

The roots and stem bark of Berberis orthobotrys (Berberidaceae) have long been used traditionally to treat joint pain. Though, it has not been pharmacologically assessed for rheumatoid arthritis. The current study explores anti-arthritic activity and phytochemical analysis of aqueous-methanolic extract (30:70) and fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous) of Berberis orthobotrys roots.

Methods

Anti-arthritic potential was evaluated in vitro using protein denaturation (bovine serum albumin and egg albumin) and membrane stabilization methods at 12.5–800 μg/ml concentration and in vivo via turpentine oil, formaldehyde and Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) models at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg doses. Also, in vitro antioxidant ability was appraised by reducing power assay. Moreover, total flavonoid content, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and High performance liquid chromatography of n-butanol fraction were performed.

Results

The results revealed concentration dependent inhibition of albumin denaturation and notable RBC membrane stabilization, with maximum results obtained at 800 μg/ml. Similarly, plant exhibited dose dependent anti-arthritic effect in turpentine oil and formaldehyde models, with maximum activity observed at 150 mg/kg. The results of CFA model depicted better protection against arthritic lesions and body weight alterations. Also, B.orthobotrys remarkably ameliorated altered hematological parameters, rheumatoid factor and positively modified radiographic and histopathological changes. Additionally, plant exhibited remarkable anti-oxidant activity. Moreover, phytochemical analysis revealed polyphenols and flavonoids.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results support traditional use of B.orthobotrys as potent anti-arthritic agent that may be proposed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Assessment of the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the wild edible mushroom Agaricus lanipes (F.H. Møller & Jul. Schäff.) Hlaváček

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the wild edible mushroom Agaricus lanipes, and also to investigate its cytotoxicity and potential and possible apoptotic effect against the A549 lung cancer cell line in in vitro conditions. Total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, lipid hydroperoxides, and total free -SH levels of A. lanipes were found to be 4.55 mg T/g, 14.6 mg GA equivalent/g, 3.10 mg H2O2 equivalent/g, 2.25 mg H2O2 equivalent/g, and 1.90 µmol/g, respectively. The methanolic extract of A. lanipes had relatively strong antimicrobial activity against seven tested microorganism strains. It also had high anti-proliferative potency and strong pro-apoptotic effects, and this mushroom used as a daily nutrient could be a source for new drug developments and treatment in cancer therapies, and could be a guide for studies in this area.

New constituents triterpene ester and sugar derivatives from Panax ginseng Meyer and their evaluation of antioxidant activities

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae), is a well-known herb and used in the old established system of Oriental remedy, especially in Japan, China and Korea. Four new compounds characterized as (cis)- 7β,11α,19,21-tetra-O-decanoyl-18, 22β-dihydroxy-dammar-1-en-3-one (1), 3β,4α,12β-trihydroxystigmast-5-en-21-yl octadecan-9',12'-dienoate (2), dammar-12, 24-dien-3α, 6β, 15α-triol-3α-D-arabinopyranosyl-6β-L-arabinopyranoside (3) and dammar-24-en-3α, 6β, 16α, 20β-tetraol-3α-D-arabinopyranosyl-6β-D-arabinopyranoside (4) were isolated and established from the ethyl acetate and butanol extracts of the roots of P. ginseng. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral data and chemical reactions. Natural compounds indicative a great reservoir of materials and compounds with evolved biological activity, including antioxidant. Compounds 1-4 were investigated in vitro for antioxidant potential using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), the Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging actions, and the decision showed the compounds 3and 4 have probablyessential antioxidant properties than the compounds 1and 2 presented weak activity.

Phytochemical investigation of crude methanol extracts of different species of Swertia from Nepal

Background

The genus Swertia is reported to contain potent bitter compounds like iridoids, xanthones and c-glucoflavones that are known to heal many human disorders. In contrast to high ethnomedicinally valued Swertia chirayita, its other species have not been studied extensively, in spite of their common use in traditional medicinal system in Nepalese communities. So, the present study attempts to investigate the content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and estimate the rough content of amarogentin, swertiamarin and mangiferin from different species of Swertia from Nepalese Himalayas.

Methods

Whole plant parts of S. chirayita (SCH), S. angustifolia (SAN), S. paniculata (SPA), S. racemosa (SRA), S. nervosa (SNE), S. ciliata (SCI) and S. dilatata (SDI) were collected; total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified spectrophotometrically and in vitro DPPH free radical scavenging assay was measured. Thin layer chromatography was performed on TLC aluminium plates pre-coated with silica gel for identification of swertiamarin, amarogentin and mangiferin from those species and semi quantitative estimation was done using GelQuant.NET software using their standard compounds.

Results

The phenolic content was highest in the methanol extract of SCH (67.49 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g) followed by SDI, SRA, SNE, SCI, SPA and SAN. The contents of flavonoids were found in the order of SCH, SPA, SRA, SNE, SDI, SCI and SAN. Promising concentration of phenolics and flavonoids produced promising DPPH free radical scavenging values. The IC50 values for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test was lowest in SCH (23.35 ± 0.6 μg/ml), even lower than the standard ascorbic acid among the seven studied species. A significant correlation of 0.977 was observed between the polyphenol content and antioxidant values. The TLC profile showed the presence of all three major phytochemicals; amarogentin, swertiamarin and mangiferin in all of the plant samples.

Conclusion

Among the seven studied species, SCH showed anticipating results in total phenol content, flavonoid content and DPPH radical scavenging test. The less considered species of Swertia can be a potential source of bioactive amarogentin, and other useful therapeutic compounds in the alarming status of Swertia chirayita as shown by the phytochemical analysis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1753-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.