Antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds isolated from Mesona procumbens Hemsl

Comparison analysis of bioactive metabolites in soybean, pea, mung bean, and common beans: reveal the potential variations of their antioxidant property

This study showed the significantly differences of basic nutrients and metabolite compounds in nine types of beans involved in soybean, mung bean, pea, and common beans. The metabolomics results showed that serval metabolites such as histidine, proline, 3-alanine, and myricetin which could be used to identify different beans. The random forest model showed that amino acid and fatty acid could be used as special indexes to distinguish different types of beans in practice. The different expressed metabolites among different types of beans were involved in various pathways including alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and purine metabolism. The antioxidant activity was significantly different among different types of beans, and the contents of amino acid, coumarin, and polyphenol contributed the antioxidant activities of beans. Together, these results will provide a comprehensive understanding of metabolites in different types of beans and theoretical guideline for the future application of beans.

Preparation technologies, structural features, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Mesona chinensis Benth.: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mesona chinensis Benth. (or Platostoma palustre (Blume) A. J. Paton) is an important medicinal and edible plant also known as the Hsian-tsao in China and Southeast Asian countries. It is cold in nature and sweet in taste, with the effects of clearing heat, relieving heatstroke and diuretic, and traditionally used to treat heatstroke, erysipelas, hypertension, joint pain and other diseases in folk medicine. It is also a popular supplement with the function of detoxifying and heat-clearing use in Asia. It is used to be processed into the popular tea, Bean jelly, and so on. Published studies have demonstrated that polysaccharides from M. chinensis (MCPs) are one of the principal bioactive ingredients with a variety of health-promoting effects in the prevention and treatment of diseases, including antioxidant, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, regulation of gut microbiota, and other pharmacological properties.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to compile the extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities including the mechanism of action of MCPs, and to further understand the applications of M. chinensis in order to lay the foundation for the development of MCPs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By inputting the search term "Mesona chinensis polysaccharides", relevant research information was obtained from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI).

RESULTS

More than 40 polysaccharides have been extracted from M. chinensis, different extraction and purification methods have been described, as well as the structural features and pharmacological activities of MCPs have been systematically reviewed. Polysaccharides, as important components of M. chinensis, were mainly extracted by methods such as hot water dipping method, hot alkali extraction method, enzyme-assisted extraction method and ultrasonic-assisted extraction method, subsequently obtained by decolorization, deproteinization, removal of other small molecules and separation on various chromatographic columns. The chemical composition and structure of MCPs show diversity and have a variety of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, regulation of gut microbiota, and so on.

CONCLUSIONS

This article systematically reviews the research progress of MCPs in terms of extraction and purification, structural characteristics, rheological gel properties, pharmacological properties, and safety assessment. The potentials and roles of M. chinensis in the field of medicine, functional food, and materials are further highlighted to provide references and bases for the high-value processing and utilization of MCPs.

Functionality and Health-Promoting Properties of Polysaccharide and Plant-Derived Substances from Mesona chinensis

Mesona chinensis, in Thai called Chao Kuay and in Chinese Hsian-tsao, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This herbal plant grows widely in Southern China, Taiwan (China), Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Mesona plant is used to make functional products such as drinks and soft textured sweet treats, and also traditional medicine, to treat heat stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack, high blood sugar, hepatic diseases, colon diseases, inflammatory conditions, and to alleviate myalgia. The proximate composition of M. chinensis is a mixture of protein, fat, fiber, ash, and minerals. The main biological compounds in M. chinensis extracts are polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, with wide-ranging pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, carcinoma-inhibitory, renal-protective, antihypertensive, DNA damage-protective, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review investigated the proximate composition, polysaccharide type, and pharmacological properties of M. chinensis extracts. Phytochemical properties enhance the actions of the gut microbiota and improve health benefits. This review assessed the functional and medicinal activities of M. chinensis extracts. Future studies should further elucidate the in vitro/in vivo mechanisms of this plant extract and its impact on gut health.

Mei-Gin Formula Ameliorates Obesity through Lipolysis, Fatty Oxidation, and Thermogenesis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Obesity is a metabolic dysfunction characterized by excessive body fat deposition as a consequence of an energy imbalance. Novel therapeutic strategies have emerged that are safe and have comparatively low side effects for obesity treatment. Functional foods and nutraceuticals have recently received a great deal of attention because of their components with the properties of antimetabolic syndrome. Based on our previous in vitro and in vivo investigations on anti-adipogenesis activity and improved body fat accumulation in serials, the combination of three ingredients (including bainiku-ekisu, black garlic, and Mesona procumbens Hemsl), comprising the Mei-Gin formula (MGF), was eventually selected as a novel inhibitor that exhibited preventive effects against obesity. Herein, we verify the anti-obesity effects of MGF in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet and discuss the potential molecular mechanisms underlying obesity development. Oral administration of MGF significantly suppressed the final body weight, weight change, energy and water intake, subcutaneous and visceral fat mass, liver weight, hepatic total lipids and triglycerides (TG), and serum levels of TG, triglycerides (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine transaminase (AST), uric acid, and ketone bodies and augmented fecal total lipids, TG, and cholesterol excretion in the high-dose MGF-supplemented groups. Furthermore, the corresponding lipid metabolic pathways revealed that MGF supplementation effectively increased lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation gene expression and attenuated fatty acid synthesis gene expression in the white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver and it also increased mitochondrial activation and thermogenic gene expression in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). These results demonstrate that the intake of MGF can be beneficial for the suppression of HFD-induced obesity in rats through the lipolysis, fatty oxidation, and thermogenesis pathway. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the anti-obesity efficacy of MGF in vivo and suggest that MGF may act as a potential therapeutic agent against obesity.

Graphene-Cu Nanocomposites Induce Tolerance against Fusarium oxysporum, Increase Antioxidant Activity, and Decrease Stress in Tomato Plants

The tomato crop is susceptible to various types of stress, both biotic and abiotic, which affect the morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetic regulation of plants. Among the biotic factors, is the phytopathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), which can cause losses of up to 100%. Graphene-Cu nanocomposites have emerged as a potential alternative for pathogen control, thanks to their antimicrobial activity and their ability to induce the activation of the antioxidant defense system in plants. In the present study, the effect of the Graphene-Cu nanocomposites and the functionalization of graphene in the tomato crop inoculated with Fol was evaluated, analyzing their impacts on the antioxidant defense system, the foliar water potential (Ψ_h), and the efficiency of photosystem II (PSII). The results demonstrated multiple positive effects; in particular, the Graphene-Cu nanocomposite managed to delay the incidence of the "vascular wilt" disease and reduce the severity by 29.0%. This translated into an increase in the content of photosynthetic pigments and an increase in fruit production compared with Fol. In addition, the antioxidant system of the plants was improved, increasing the content of glutathione, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and the activity of the GPX, PAL, and CAT enzymes. Regarding the impact on the water potential and the efficiency of the PSII, the plants inoculated with Fol and treated with the Graphene-Cu nanocomposite responded better to biotic stress compared with Fol, reducing water potential by up to 31.7% and Fv/Fm levels by 32.0%.

An Innovative Mei-Gin Formula Exerts Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Obesity Effects in 3T3-L1 Adipocyte and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats

BACKGROUND

To investigate the potential anti-obesity properties of an innovative functional formula (called the Mei-Gin formula: MGF) consisting of bainiku-ekisu, Prunus mume (70% ethanol extract), black garlic (water extract), and Mesona procumbens Hemsl. (40% ethanol extract) for reducing lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro and obese rats in vivo.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The prevention and regression of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity by the intervention of Japan Mei-Gin, MGF-3 and -7, and positive health supplement powder were investigated in male Wistar rats. The anti-obesity effects of MGF-3 and -7 in rats with HFD-induced obesity were examined by analyzing the role of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in the development of obesity.

RESULTS

The results indicated that MGF-1-7 significantly suppressed lipid accumulation and cell differentiation through the down-regulation of GPDH activity, as a key regulator in the synthesis of triglycerides. Additionally, MGF-3 and MGF-7 exhibited a greater inhibitory effect on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The high-fat diet increased body weight, liver weight, and total body fat (visceral and subcutaneous fat) in obese rats, while these alterations were effectively improved by the administration of MGF-3 and -7, especially MGF-7.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the role of the Mei-Gin formula, particularly MGF-7, in anti-obesity action, which has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for the prevention or treatment of obesity.

Molecular Fingerprinting and Phytochemical Investigation of Syzygium cumini L. from Different Agro-Ecological Zones of India

Syzygium cumini L. (ver Jamun; BlackBerry) is a native, evergreen multipurpose tree species of India. Besides being a fruit tree and for agroforestry in different regions, it is medicinally important too. This study aimed to determine genetic diversity using molecular and phytochemical markers in sixteen genotypes of Indian S. cumini from different agro-ecological zones. The present study used a combination of ISSR markers and the HPLC technique to explore these genotypes. The results showed a wide genetic diversity range based on the similarity coefficient values observed in S. cumini sixteen accessions from different sites. Four primary phenolic acids were discovered in all the accessions; caffeic acid (CA) was found in high concentrations. The intraspecific association between molecular and phytochemical characteristics was the primary goal of this investigation. By employing gene-specific markers for the route of secondary metabolites (polyphenols) production, it further investigated the progressive research of diversity analysis of polyphenol content in S. cumini accessions, which may also expand its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical utilization.

Sensorially accepted Mangifera indica and Myrciaria dubia yogurts with high ascorbic acid content

Ascorbic acid deficiency has been associated with several health conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the content of ascorbic acid and the sensorial qualities of Mangifera indica and Myrciaria dubia yogurts. Four yogurt treatments were elaborated with different concentrations of these fruits (T1: 15% and 5%; T2: 15% and 10%; T3: 20% and 5% and T4: 20% and 10%) respectively, compared with a control treatment (CT: yogurt with 15% of Fragaria vesca). The ascorbic acid contents of the different treatments were determined by spectrophotometry, with values in the following order (T1: 63.2 mg/100 g; T2:114.3 mg/100 g; T3: 57.3 mg/100 g; T4: 115.1 and the control treatment CT:11.5 mg/100 g). The sensorial evaluation consisted of the application of a hedonic scale of 5 points (1: I dislike it very much; 2: I dislike it; 3: I neither like it nor dislike it; 4: I like it; 5: I like it a lot), results show evidence that the acidity level had a significant influence during the sensory evaluation. Treatment (T3) showed the greatest preference. The use of Mangifera indica and Myrciaria dubia in the treatments studied ensured ascorbic acid concentrations compared to the control treatment. This was significantly appreciated by consumers when the percentage of Myrciaria dubia was less than 10% of the total mass of the yogurt.

Anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene and triterpene acids from Mesona procumbens Hemsley

Mesonaprocumbens Hemsley is a plant conventionally processed to provide popular food materials and herbal medicines in Asia. In this study, six triterpene acids, including five new ones (mesonaic acids D-H, 1–5), and one proximadiol-type sesquiterpene (7) were isolated from the methanolic extract of the air-dried M. procumbens. Chemical structures of 1‒7 were established by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR techniques (1H–1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and HRESIMS. Concerning their biological activities, compounds 1, 2, 6, and 7 were examined manifesting high inhibition toward the pro-inflammatory NO production with EC50 values ranging from 12.88 to 21.21 µM, outrunning the positive control quercetin (24.12 µM). The mesoeudesmol B (7) identified from M. procumbens is the very first example, which exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity diminishing the level of the lipopolysaccharide-induced NO in RAW264.7 macrophage cells, thereby suppressing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and the level of two critical downstream inflammatory mediators iNOS and COX-2.

Encapsulation of Mesona chinensis Benth Extract in Alginate Beads Enhances the Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenols under Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion

The aim of this study was to investigate the stability and antioxidant activity of the polyphenols from Mesona chinensis Benth extract (MCE) and its alginate-based encapsulation by extrusion technique during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The encapsulation efficacy ranged from 41.1 ± 4.7 to 56.7 ± 3.4% with different concentrations of MCE (50-75% v/v), sodium alginate (1.2-1.8% w/v), and CaCl₂ solution (3-5% w/v). The optimal condition for MCE-loaded alginate beads (MCB) was composed of 75% MCE, 1.5% alginate, and 3% CaCl₂ solution, which provided the highest encapsulation efficiency with a spherical structure and a mean particle diameter of 1516.67 ± 40.96 μm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) reported no chemical interaction between alginate and MCE. The release of total phenolic content (TPC) was only 8.9% after placing MCB in water for 4 h. After simulated digestion, changes in TPC and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of MCE significantly decreased by 25.0% and 29.7%, respectively. Interestingly, the incorporation of MCB significantly increased TPC and FRAP in the digesta compared to those of MCE during gastrointestinal tract conditions. The findings suggest that the encapsulation of MCE with alginate as a carrier helps to improve the bioaccessibility and biological activity of M. chinensis polyphenols.

Seed Priming with Carbon Nanomaterials Improves the Bioactive Compounds of Tomato Plants under Saline Stress

The consumption of food with a high content of bioactive compounds is correlated with the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. Tomato is a food with exceptional nutraceutical value; however, saline stress severely affects the yield, the quality of fruits, and the agricultural productivity of this crop. Recent studies have shown that seed priming can mitigate or alleviate the negative effects caused by this type of stress. However, the use of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in this technique has not been tested for this purpose. In the present study, the effects of tomato seed priming with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GP) (50, 250, and 500 mg L−1) and two controls (not sonicated and sonicated) were evaluated based on the content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves; the physicochemical parameters of the fruits; and the presence of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds, carotenoids, and stress biomarkers such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the leaves and fruits of tomato plants without saline stress and with saline stress (50 mM NaCl). The results show that saline stress in combination with CNTs and GP increased the content of chlorophylls (9.1–21.7%), ascorbic acid (19.5%), glutathione (≈13%), proteins (9.9–11.9%), and phenols (14.2%) on the leaves. The addition of CNTs and GP increased the activity of enzymes (CAT, APX, GPX, and PAL). Likewise, there was also a slight increase in the content of H2O2 (by 20.5%) and MDA (3.7%) in the leaves. Salinity affected the quality of tomato fruits. The physico-chemical parameters and bioactive compounds in both the stressed and non-stressed tomato plants were modified with the addition of CNTs and GP. Higher contents of total soluble solids (25.9%), phenols (up to 144.85%), flavonoids (up to 37.63%), ascorbic acid (≈28%), and lycopene (12.4–36.2%) were observed. The addition of carbon nanomaterials by seed priming in tomato plants subjected to saline stress modifies the content of bioactive compounds in tomato fruits and improves the antioxidant defense system, suggesting possible protection of the plant from the negative impacts of stress by salinity. However, analysis of the mechanism of action of CNMs through seed priming, in greater depth is suggested, perhaps with the use of omics sciences.

The Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Effects of Mesona Chinensis Benth Extracts

In this study, the antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of Mesona Chinensis Benth (MCB) extracts were evaluated. Seven fractions (F0, F10, F20, F30, F40, F50 and MTF) were obtained from the MCB ethanol extracts. Compared to the commercial antioxidants (vitamin C), MTF and F30 exhibited higher antioxidant activities in the antiradical activity test and the FRAP assay. The half-inhibition concentration (IC50) for MTF and F30 were 5.323 µg/mL and 5.278 µg/mL, respectively. MTF at 200 µg/mL significantly decreased the accumulation of TG in oleic acid (OA)-induced HepG2 cells and reversed the inhibitory effect of Compound C on AMPK (MTF and F30 significantly increased the glucose utilization of insulin-induced HepG2 cells). In addition, the components of MTF were identified by HPLC-MS, which were caffeic acid, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, isoquercetin, astragalin, rosmarinic acid, aromadendrin-3-O-rutinoside, rosmarinic acid-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-7-O-glucoside. Through statistical correlations by Simca P software, it was found that the main antioxidant and hypolipidemic components of MCB might be caffeic acid, kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, rosmarinic acid-3-O-glucoside and aromadendrin-3-O-rutinoside, which may play important roles in the AMPK pathway. MTF and F30 in MCB could be potential health products for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Therapeutic Implications of Caffeic Acid in Cancer and Neurological Diseases

Caffeic acid (CA) is found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, oils, and more. CA and its derivatives have been used for many centuries due to their natural healing and medicinal properties. CA possesses various biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. The potential therapeutic effects of CA are mediated via repression and inhibition of transcription and growth factors. CA possesses potential anticancer and neuroprotective effects in human cell cultures and animal models. However, the biomolecular interactions and pathways of CA have been described highlighting the target binding proteins and signaling molecules. The current review focuses on CA's chemical, physical, and pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. We further described CA's characteristics and therapeutic potential and its future directions.

Genome survey sequencing and characterization of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in Platostoma palustre (Blume) A.J.Paton (Chinese mesona)

Platostoma palustre (Blume) A.J.Paton is an annual herbaceous persistent plant of the Labiatae family. However, there is a lack of genomic data for this plant, which severely restricts its genetic improvement. In this study, we performed genome survey sequencing of P. palustre and developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers based on the resulting sequence. K-mer analysis revealed that the assembled genome size was approximately 1.21 Gb. A total of 15,498 SSR motifs were identified and characterized in this study; among them, dinucleotide, and hexanucleotide repeats had the highest and lowest, respectively. Among the dinucleotide repeat motifs, AT/TA repeat motifs were the most abundant, and GC/CG repeat motifs were rather rare, accounting for 44.28% and 0.63%, respectively. Genetic similarity coefficient analysis by the UPMGA methods clustered 12 clones, of P. palustre and related species into two subgroups. These results provide helpful information for further research on P. palustre resources and variety improvements.

Impact of Silicon Nanoparticles on the Antioxidant Compounds of Tomato Fruits Stressed by Arsenic

Tomato fruit is rich in antioxidant compounds such as lycopene and β-carotene. The beneficial effects of the bioactive compounds of tomato fruit have been documented as anticancer activities. The objective of this research was to determine whether arsenic (As) causes changes in the content of antioxidant compounds in tomato fruits and whether Silicon nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) positively influence them. The effects on fruit quality and non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds were determined. The results showed that As decreased the oxide-reduction potential (ORP), while lycopene and β-carotene were increased by exposure to As at a low dose (0.2 mg L^-1), and proteins and vitamin C decreased due to high doses of As in the interaction with SiO₂ NPs. A dose of 250 mg L^-1 of SiO₂ NPs increased glutathione and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and phenols decreased with low doses of As and when they interacted with the NPs. As for the flavonoids, they increased with exposure to As and SiO₂ NPs. The total antioxidant capacity, determined by the ABTS (2,2´-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid]) test, showed an increase with the highest dose of As in the interaction with SiO₂ NPs. The application of As at low doses induced a greater accumulation of bioactive compounds in tomato fruit; however, these compounds decreased in high doses as well as via interaction with SiO₂ NPs, indicating that there was an oxidative burst.

Analysis of Volatile Constituents in Platostoma palustre (Blume) Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and Simultaneous Distillation-Extraction

Hsian-tsao (Platostoma palustre Blume) is a traditional Taiwanese food. It is admired by many consumers, especially in summer, because of its aroma and taste. This study reports the analysis of the volatile components present in eight varieties of Hsian-tsao using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE) coupled with gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). HS-SPME is a non-heating method, and the results show relatively true values of the samples during flavor isolation. However, it is a kind of headspace analysis that has the disadvantage of a lower detection ability to relatively higher molecular weight compounds; also, the data are not quantitative, but instead are used for comparison. The SDE method uses distillation 2 h for flavor isolation; therefore, it quantitatively identifies more volatile compounds in the samples while the samples withstand heating. Both methods were used in this study to investigate information about the samples. The results showed that Nongshi No. 1 had the highest total quantity of volatile components using HS-SPME, whereas SDE indicated that Taoyuan Mesona 1301 (TYM1301) had the highest volatile concentration. Using the two extraction methods, 120 volatile components were identified. Fifty-six volatile components were identified using HS-SPME, and the main volatile compounds were α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene. A total of 108 volatile components were identified using SDE, and the main volatile compounds were α-bisabolol, β-caryophyllene, and caryophyllene oxide. Compared with SDE, HS-SPME sampling extracted a significantly higher amount of monoterpenes and had a poorer detection of less volatile compounds, such as sesquiterpenes, terpene alcohols, and terpene oxide.

In Vitro Culture for Ex Situ Conservation of “Roveja” and Nutritional Considerations on this Italian Rare Legume

Roveja is a pea cultivar from the Sibillini Mountains (Umbria-Marche Apennine mountain range, Italy). Abandoned for long time, Roveja is nowadays cultivated only in few farms. The present work deals with the in vitro plant growth of this pea by tissue culture for shoots regeneration and ex situ conservation. Total polyphenols content evaluation, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity test and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay were performed on the flour obtained from Roveja seeds and the results were compared to those collected by performing the same tests on the flour from two common green peas. The best shoots regeneration from embryonic axes was obtained in Murashige & Skoog (MS) media with combinations of 4.0 mg/L BA (6-Benzyladenine) plus 0.4 mg/L NAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic acid), and the best roots induction from the regenerated shoots was obtained in half strength MS media containing 1.0 mg/L IBA (3-Indolebutyric acid). The embryonic axes of Roveja seeds can be used as the starting material for in vitro regeneration of the plant; the antioxidant properties shown by this legume suggest further investigations to evaluate its nutritional/functional benefit.

Effect of different concentrations of pulverized mesocarp of Citrus paradisi Macf. on the bromatological characteristics of spray-dried lemon juice powder

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of pulverized mesocarp of Citrus paradisi Macf. as a drying aid on the bromatological characteristics and yield of spray-dried lemon juice powder. Five concentrations of grapefruit mesocarp encapsulant (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0% (w / w)) and maltodextrin DE 10 (1.2%, w / w) were evaluated as encapsulant agents. The highest yield (46.76%) was obtained with 1.2% of grapefruit encapsulant. Water activity and ash content were inversely proportional to the added encapsulant concentration. The highest moisture value was obtained with 0.4% and the highest soluble solids with 2.0%. For all treatments, the pH level did not change, except at 0.4% (it was lower). The concentrations of the encapsulants significantly affected the evaluated characteristics, except for the proteins.

Hypouricemic effects of Mesona procumbens Hemsl. through modulating xanthine oxidase activity in vitro and in vivo

Uric acid is a metabolite obtained from purine by xanthine oxidase activity (XO) and high levels of serum uric acid leads to hyperuricemia and gout. Mesona procumbens Hemsl. has been used as a healthy beverage and a traditional remedy. In this study, the hypouricemic effects of M. procumbens extracts were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The 50% ethanol extract of M. procumbens (EE50) showed the strongest inhibitory effect on monosodium urate (MSU)-induced XO activity in THP-1 cells. However, the phenolics and flavonoids in EE50 may not serve as inhibitors of XO. EE50 prevented an increase in the serum uric acid level in potassium oxonate (PO)-challenged ICR mice and streptozocin (STZ)-induced SD rats. EE50 down-regulated STZ-induced liver XO activity, and it restored renal OAT1 and urate transporter expression. STZ-induced renal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level were inhibited by EE50 treatment. EE50 exhibits the hypouricemic effect via down-regulation of XO activity, suggesting that EE50 has potential to improve hyperuricemia and its complications.

Inhibitory mechanism against oxidative stress of caffeic acid

The purpose of this article is to summarize the reported antioxidant activities of a naturally abundant bioactive phenolic acid, caffeic acid (CA, 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid), so that new avenues for future research involving CA can be explored. CA is abundantly found in coffee, fruits, vegetables, oils, and tea. CA is among the most potential and abundantly found in nature, hydroxycinnamic acids with the potential of antioxidant behavior. Reactive oxygen species produced as a result of endogenous processes can lead to pathophysiological disturbances in the human body. Foods containing phenolic substances are a potential source for free radical scavenging; these chemicals are known as antioxidants. This review is focused on CA's structure, availability, and potential as an antioxidant along with its mode of action. A brief overview of the literature published about the prooxidant potential of caffeic acid as well as the future perspectives of caffeic acid research is described. CA can be effectively employed as a natural antioxidant in various food products such as oils.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Insoluble Dietary Fiber Isolated from Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc.)

Bambara groundnut (BGN) is a widely cultivated legume with a rich nutritional profile, yet despite its many benefits it still remains underutilized. To highlight its potential value, 4 BGN varieties-brown, red, black eye, and brown eye were subjected to sequential enzymatic treatments followed by centrifugation to obtain the insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) fraction. The IDFs were vacuum-dried and evaluated for color, hydration properties, fat absorption, polyphenolic compounds, neutral sugars, and uronic acids. An optimized white bread formulation was also determined using brown BGN-IDF in an optimal (IV) mixture design. Three mixture components constrained at lower and upper limits (water: 57% to 60%, yeast: 2.3% to 5.3%, and BGN-IDF: 7% to 10%) were evaluated for their effects on responses of specific loaf volume, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience of the loaves. All BGN-IDFs differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) across all color parameters. Polyphenols were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) highest in red and brown BGN-IDFs. Arabinose/galactose (31.04% to 37.12%), xylose (16.53% to 27.30%), and mannose (14.48% to 22.24%) were the major sugars identified. Swelling capacity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) highest for brown eye BGN-IDF (7.72 ± 0.49 mL/g). Water retention capacity ranged from 1.63 to 2.01 g water/g dry weight. Fat absorption for red BGN-IDF differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the best optimal white bread formulation enriched with brown BGN-IDF was established with numerical optimization at 59.5% water, 4.3% yeast, and 8.5% BGN-IDF. Overall positive physicochemical and functional properties were observed for BGN-IDFs, and it was shown that an optimal white bread enriched with BGN-IDF could be produced.

Consumption of Mesona chinensis attenuates postprandial glucose and improves antioxidant status induced by a high carbohydrate meal in overweight subjects

Edible plants constitute a potential source for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate in vitro antioxidant and intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Mesona chinensis (MC). In addition, the acute effect of MC on postprandial glucose and plasma antioxidant status after the consumption of a high carbohydrate (HC) meal by overweight subjects was also determined. The results showed that total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extract were 212.37 ± 5.64 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried extract and 23.44 ± 2.50 mg catechin equivalents/g dried extract, respectively. MC extract markedly inhibited the intestinal maltase and sucrose with the IC50 values of 4.66 ± 0.22 mg/mL and 1.30 ± 0.43 mg/mL, respectively. However, MC extract had no inhibitory activity against pancreatic α-amylase. In addition, MC extract had antioxidant properties including DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity (SRSA), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferrous ion cheating activity (FICP). The significant decrease in postprandial plasma glucose, triglyceride and malondialdehyde levels, and the increase in plasma antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ORAC) were observed in overweight subjects receiving a HC meal together with MC extract (1 g). The finding supports that MC helps normalize and enhance antioxidant defense induced by a HC meal, suggesting that MC may have the potential for the prevention of chronic conditions and diseases associated with overweight and obesity.

Mesona Chinensis Benth extract prevents AGE formation and protein oxidation against fructose-induced protein glycation in vitro

BACKGROUND

Mesona chinensis Benth (Chinese Mesona), an economically significant agricultural plant, is the most widely consumed as an herbal beverage in Southeast Asia and China. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of Mesona chinensis (MC) extract on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and protein oxidation in an in vitro model of fructose-mediated protein glycation.

METHODS

The content of total polyphenolic compounds was measured by using Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Antiglycation activity was determined using the formation of AGE fluorescence intensity, Nϵ-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), the level of fructosamine, and the formation of amyloid cross β-structure. The protein oxidation was examined using the level of protein carbonyl content and thiol group.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the content of total polyphenolic compound in MC extract was 212.4 ± 5.6 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried extract. MC extract (0.25-1.00 mg/mL) significantly inhibited the formation of fluorescence AGEs in fructose-glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA) during 4 weeks of study. Furthermore, MC extract also decreased the level of Nϵ-CML, fructosamine, and amyloid cross β-structure in fructose-glycated BSA. While the total thiol group was elevated and the protein carbonyl content was decreased in BSA incubated with fructose and MC extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The extract of MC inhibits fructose-mediated protein glycation and protein oxidation. This edible plant could be a natural rich source of antiglycation agent for preventing AGE-mediated diabetic complication.

Synthesis of new 2,5-di-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles bearing 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol moieties and evaluation of their antioxidant activity

Eleven new 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-(5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenols 5a-k were synthesized by reacting aryl hydrazides with 3,5-di-tert butyl 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride. The resulting compounds were characterized based on their IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and HRMS data. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazide (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to test the antioxidant properties of the compounds. Compounds 5f and 5j exhibited significant free-radical scavenging ability in both assays.

Phenolic antioxidants isolated from the flowers of Osmanthus fragrans

O. fragrans has slightly less antioxidative activity than green tea. Five phenolic compounds, tyrosyl acetate (1), (+)-phillygenin (2), (8E)-ligustroside (3), rutin (4), and verbascoside (5), were isolated from the CHCl3 sub-extract of O. fragrans. The structures were elucidated by interpreting their spectral data. Evaluation of the antioxidative property of the isolated (+)-phillygenin (2), rutin (4), and verbascoside (5) revealed strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 19.1, 10.3, and 6.2 μM, respectively. These isolates also exhibited an H2O2 scavenging ability, with IC50 values of 10.5, 23.4, and 13.4 μM, respectively.

Anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract of Mesona procumbens in experimental mice

BACKGROUND

Mesona procumbens is consumed as a herbal drink and jelly-type dessert in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of M. procumbens (AMP) using the λ-carrageenin (Carr)-induced mouse paw oedema model. The fingerprint chromatogram of AMP was obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of AMP, the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in paw oedema were monitored. Serum nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The fingerprint chromatogram from HPLC indicated that AMP contained protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid and caffeic acid. In the anti-inflammatory test, AMP decreased paw oedema after Carr administration and increased the CAT, SOD and GPx activities and decreased the MDA level in paw oedema at 5 h after Carr injection. AMP also affected the serum NO, TNF-α and IL-1β levels at 5 h after Carr injection. Western blotting revealed that AMP decreased the expression of Carr-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

CONCLUSION

Mesona procumbens has the potential to provide a therapeutic approach to inflammation-associated disorders.

Xanthones from the stems of Cratoxylum cochinchinense

Three xanthones, named cratoxylumxanthones B-D (1-3), along with five known xanthones (4-8), were isolated from the stems of Cratoxylum cochinchinense (Lour.) Blume. Their structures were elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data. Among these xanthones, cochinxanthone D (4) exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity in both the DPPH radical scavenging and the lipid peroxidation inhibition assays.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicity Test of Pilea microphylla

A total of 9 plant extracts were tested, using two different kinds of extracting methods to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from Pilea microphylla (Urticaceae family) and including toxicity test. Antioxidant activity were tested by using DPPH free radical scavenging, also total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents were determined. Toxicity assay carried out by using brine shrimps. Methanol extract of method I (ME I) showed the highest antioxidant activity at 69.51 +/- 1.03. Chloroform extract of method I (CE I) showed the highest total phenolic contents at 72.10 +/- 0.71 and chloroform extract of method II (CE II) showed the highest total flavonoid contents at 60.14 +/- 0.33. The antimicrobial activity of Pilea microphylla extract was tested in vitro by using disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The Pilea microphylla extract showed antibacterial activity against some Gram negative and positive bacteria. The extracts did not exhibit antifungal and antiyeast activity. The hexane extract of method I (HE I) was not toxic against brine shrimp (LC50 value was 3880 mug/ml). Therefore, the extracts could be suitable as antimicrobial and antioxidative agents in food industry.

A novel neuroprotective agent with antioxidant and nitric oxide synthase inhibitory action

N(alpha)-vanillyl-N(omega)-nitroarginine (N - 1) that combines the active functions of natural antioxidant and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor was developed for its neuroprotective properties. N - 1 exhibited protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell damage and the inhibitory effect on nitric oxide 'NO' production induced by calcium ionophore in NG 108-15 cells. N - 1 inhibited the constitutive NOS isolated from rat cerebellar in a greater extent than constitutive NOS from human endothelial cells. Low binding energy (-10.2 kcal/mol) obtained from docking N - 1 to nNOS supported the additional mode of action of N - 1 as an nNOS inhibitor. The in vivo neuroprotective effect on kainic acid-induced nitric oxide production and neuronal cell death in rat brain was investigated via microdialysis. Rats were injected intra-peritonially with N - 1 at 75 micromol/kg before kainic acid injection (10 mg/kg). The significant suppression effect on kainic acid-induced NO and significant increase in surviving cells were observed in the hippocampus at 40 min after the induction.