Procyanidins as antioxidants and tumor cell growth modulators

Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Activity, Antiviral Activity, NO Production Inhibition, and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Crude Extracts of Leaves, Flower Buds, and Stems of Tetradenia riparia

The chemical composition of extracts (CEs) and essential oils (EOs) from Tetradenia riparia leaves, flower buds, and stems was analyzed. Antiproliferative activity against tumor cell lines, NO production inhibition, and antioxidant and antiviral activities were assessed. The CEs contained flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and saturated fatty acids. The EOs included monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. NO production inhibition ranged from 76 to 247 µg mL-1, and antiproliferative activity exhibited GI50 between 20 and >204 µg mL-1, with low cytotoxicity (SI: 1.08 to 4.75). Reactive oxygen species inhibition ranged from 45 to 82%. Antioxidant activity varied when determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (IC50: 0.51 to 8.47 mg mL-1) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.35 to 0.81 µM ferrous sulfate per mg). The reduction in β-carotene-linoleic acid co-oxidation varied between 76.13 and 102.25%. The total phenolic content of CEs and EOs was 10.70 to 111.68 µg gallic acid mg-1. Antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed an EC50 between 9.64 and 24.55 µg mL-1 and an SI between 8.67 and 15.04. Leaf EOs exhibited an EC50 of 9.64 µg mL-1 and an SI of 15.04. Our study unveils the diverse chemical composition and multifaceted pharmacological properties of T. riparia, demonstrating its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.

The multiple actions of grape and its polyphenols on female reproductive processes with an emphasis on cell signalling

Grapes are an economically important fruit crop, and their polyphenols (mainly phenolic acids, flavanols, flavonols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and stilbenes) can exert a wide range of health benefits as an interesting and valuable dietary supplement for natural complementary therapy. However, their potential physiological and therapeutic actions on reproductive processes have not been sufficiently elucidated. This evidence-based study presents current knowledge of grape extracts and polyphenols, as well as their properties and therapeutical actions in relation to female reproduction in a nutshell. Grape extract, and its polyphenols such as resveratrol, proanthocyanidin B2 or delphinidin may influence female reproductive physiology and pathology, as well as regulate multiple signaling pathways related to reproductive hormones, steroid hormones receptors, intracellular regulators of oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation, apoptosis, and proliferation. Their role in the management of ovarian cancer, age-related reproductive insufficiency, ovarian ischemia, PCOS, or menopausal syndrome has been indicated. In particular, the potential involvement of grapeseed extracts and/or proanthocyanidin B2 and delphinidin on ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and developmental capacity has been implicated, albeit at different regulatory levels. Grape polyphenols exert a wide range of health benefits posing grape extract as an interesting and valuable dietary supplement for natural complementary therapy. This evidence-based study focuses on the actions of grapeseed extract and grape polyphenols on female reproductive processes at various regulatory levels and multiple signalling pathways by regulating reproductive hormones (GnRH, gonadotropins, prolactin, steroid hormones, IGFBP), steroid receptors, markers of proliferation and apoptosis. However, lack of knowledge of standardized dosages so far limits their clinical application despite the wide range of their biological and therapeutic potentials.

Extraction Methods, Properties, Functions, and Interactions with Other Nutrients of Lotus Procyanidins: A Review

Lotus procyanidins, natural polyphenolic compounds isolated from the lotus plant family, are widely recognized as potent antioxidants that scavenge free radicals in the human body and exhibit various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiobesity, and hypoglycemic. With promising applications in food and healthcare, lotus procyanidins have attracted extensive attention in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive summary of current research on lotus procyanidins, including extraction methods, properties, functions, and interactions with other nutrient components. Furthermore, this review offers an outlook on future research directions, providing ideas and references for the exploitation and utilization of lotus.

Natural-product-inspired bioactive alkaloids agglomerated with potential antioxidant activity: Recent advancements on structure-activity relationship studies and future perspectives

Alkaloids derived from natural sources have been shown to have substantial antioxidant activity, suggesting that these natural-product-inspired bioactive entities may have major beneficial influence on human health and food processing sector. The primary process intricates in the etiology of several disorders such as neurodegenerative, inflammatory cardiovascular, and other chronic diseases appear to be either oxidative injury or a cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free-radicals. The alkaloid class of bio-heterocycles have been divided into numerous groups based on their biosynthetic precursor and heterocyclic ring systems i.e., piperidine, imidazole, purine, pyrrolizidine, indole, quinolozidine, isoquinoline, tropane, and pyrrolidine alkaloids. Distinct biological properties have been attributed to various compounds belonging to this chemical groups, including antirheumatic, cardiovascular, antispasmodic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antinociceptive etc. For many years, natural products and their analogs have been recognized as a possible source of medicinal agents. Recently, research has been concentrated on the synthesis, separation/purification, and identification of new alkaloids derived from a variety of natural sources. This book chapter aims to summarize on the latest developments on the current knowledge on the relationship between the structural features of promising class of bioactive alkaloids with their antioxidant activities.

Effects of Phenolic-Rich Pinus densiflora Extract on Learning, Memory, and Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation in Scopolamine-Induced Amnesic Rats

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia with cognitive impairment. Various plant-derived phenolics are known to alleviate cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease by radical scavenging and strengthening synaptic plasticity activities. Here, we examined the cognition-improving effect of Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. bark extract (PBE). We identified and quantified phenolics in the PBE using a UHPLC-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. To evaluate the cognition-enhancing effects of PBE, scopolamine-induced amnesic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (5 weeks old) and ion channel antagonist-induced organotypic hippocampal slices of SD rats (7 days old) were used. Twenty-three phenolics were tentatively identified in PBE, 10 of which were quantified. Oral administration of PBE to the scopolamine-induced SD rats improved cognitive impairment in behavioral tests. PBE-fed SD rats showed significantly improved antioxidant indices (superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and malondialdehyde content) and reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in hippocampal lysate compared with the scopolamine group. PBE increased the long-term potentiation (LTP) induction and rescued LTP from blockades by the muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist (scopolamine) and N-methyl-D-aspartate channel antagonist (2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid) in the organotypic hippocampal slices. These results suggest that polyphenol-rich PBE is applicable as a cognition-improving agent due to its antioxidant properties and enhancement of LTP induction.

Novel Zero Headspace Solid-Liquid Extraction for the Recovery of Polyphenolic Fractions from Grape Pomace

Grape pomace (GP) is a good source of high-value compounds as up to 60% of grape polyphenols remain in it after wine-making. To overcome traditional membrane technologies’ d rawbacks, such as fouling, a novel Zero Head Space extraction (ZHE) procedure was developed. The reaction vessel comprised a filtration device with a nitrocellulose membrane. The separation was performed at 50 lb/in2 and 23 °C, with no headspace during the process. Water and methanol (both acidifie d) were evaluated as solvents during two extraction stages for the recovery and fractionation of polyphenols. Aqueous extract (AE) was mainly constituted by monomeric polyphenols while Methanol extract (ME) presented less soluble compounds, as well as a higher concentration of total anthocyanin content than AE. Additional methanolic (CE) and acetone (CAE) extractions of residual GP showed CE presented a similar profile to ME (at a lower concentration), indicating ZHE efficiency at extracting polyphenols in GP. CAE presented a non-resolved hump, characteristic of high proanthocyanidins’ polydispersity. ZHE rendered a monomeric fraction in ME (mean Degree of Polymerization, mDP of 1.38). Residual GP (cake) extractions demonstrated oligomeric polyphenol retention; mDP up to 3.05 when acetone was used. Fractionation of GP polyphenols was successfully established using a Zero Head space extractor.

Network pharmacology and in vitro testing of Theobroma cacao extract's antioxidative activity and its effects on cancer cell survival

Theobroma cacao L. is a commercially important food/beverage and is used as traditional medicine worldwide against a variety of ailments. In the present study, computational biology approaches were implemented to elucidate the possible role of cocoa in cancer therapy. Bioactives of cocoa were retrieved from the PubChem database and queried for targets involved in cancer pathogenesis using BindingDB (similarity index ≥0.7). Later, the protein-protein interactions network was investigated using STRING and compound-protein via Cytoscape. In addition, intermolecular interactions were investigated via molecular docking. Also, the stability of the representative complex Hirsutrin-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) complex was explored using molecular dynamics simulations. Crude extract metabolite profile was carried out by LC-MS. Further, anti-oxidant and cytotoxicity studies were performed in Chinese hamster ovary (normal) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (cancer) cell lines. Herein, the gene set enrichment and network analysis revealed 34 bioactives in cocoa targeting 50 proteins regulating 21 pathways involved in cancer and oxidative stress in humans. EGFR scored the highest edge count amongst 50 targets modulating 21 key pathways. Hence, it was selected as a promising anticancer target in this study. Structural refinement of EGFR was performed via all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent. A complex EGFR-Hirsutrin showed the least binding energy (-7.2 kcal/mol) and conserved non-bonded contacts with binding pocket residues. A stable complex formation of EGFR-Hirsutrin was observed during 100 ns MD simulation. In vitro studies corroborated antioxidant activity for cocoa extract and showed a significantly higher cytotoxic effect on cancer cells compared to normal cells. Our study virtually predicts anti-cancer activity for cocoa affected by hirsutrin inhibiting EGFR. Further wet-lab studies are needed to establish cocoa extract against cancer and oxidative stress.

Procyanidins: From Agro-Industrial Waste to Food as Bioactive Molecules

Procyanidins are an important group of bioactive molecules known for their benefits to human health. These compounds are promising in the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as they prevent cell damage related to oxidative stress. It is necessary to study effective extraction methods for the recovery of these components. In this review, advances in the recovery of procyanidins from agro-industrial wastes are presented, which are obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized fluid extraction and subcritical water extraction. Current trends focus on the extraction of procyanidins from seeds, peels, pomaces, leaves and bark in agro-industrial wastes, which are extracted by ultrasound. Some techniques have been coupled with environmentally friendly techniques. There are few studies focused on the extraction and evaluation of biological activities of procyanidins. The identification and quantification of these compounds are the result of the study of the polyphenolic profile of plant sources. Antioxidant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory activity are presented as the biological properties of greatest interest. Agro-industrial wastes can be an economical and easily accessible source for the extraction of procyanidins.

Effects of Water Deficit Irrigation on Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Monastrell Grapes under Semiarid Conditions

The high phenolic compound content of grapes makes them an important source of natural antioxidants, among other beneficial health properties. Vineyard irrigation might affect berry composition and quality. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is a widely used strategy to reduce the possible negative impact of irrigation on grapes, improving grape composition and resulting in water savings. Monastrell grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) grown in eastern Spain were subjected to two water regime strategies: rainfed (non-irrigation) and RDI. The content of anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, and stilbenes was determined by HPLC and was related with total phenolic content and three antioxidant activity methods (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC). The study aimed to evaluate and compare the phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of Monastrell grapes. The rainfed regime concentrated grapes in terms of phenolic compounds. Thus, total content of anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, hydroxybenzoic acids, and total phenols were higher in the rainfed grapes than in the RDI ones. Besides, the rainfed grapes doubled their antioxidant potential with respect to the RDI grapes with the ORAC method. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity by ORAC assay positively correlated with most of the total phenolic compounds analyzed. This study demonstrates how field practices can modulate final grape composition in relation to their antioxidant activity.

A Prospective of Multiple Biopharmaceutical Activities of Procyanidins-Rich Uapaca togoensis Pax Extracts: HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS Coupled with Bioinformatics Analysis

The article reports the chemical composition, antioxidant, six key enzymes inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of two solvent extracts (water and methanol) of leaves and stem bark of Uapaca togoensis. For chemical composition, methanol extract of stem bark exhibited significant higher total phenolic (129.86 mg GAE/g) and flavanol (10.44 mg CE/g) contents. Methanol extract of leaves and water extract of stem bark showed high flavonoids (20.94 mg RE/g) and phenolic acid (90.40 mg CAE/g) content, respectively. In addition, HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis revealed that U. togoensis was rich in procyanidins. The methanol and water extracts of stem bark had overall superior antioxidant activity; however, only methanol extract of stem bark showed higher inhibition of cholinesterase (AChE: 2.57 mg GALAE/g; BChE: 4.69 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (69.53 mg KAE/g) and elastase (2.73 mmol CE/g). Potent metal chelating ability was showed by water extract of leaves (18.94 mg EDTAE/g), higher inhibition of amylase was detected for water extracts of leaves (0.94 mmol ACAE/g) and stem bark (0.92 mmol ACAE/g). The tested extracts have shown wide-spectrum antibacterial properties and these effects have shown to be more effective against Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium funiculosum, Trichoderma viride, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results revealed that the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and antimicrobial activities depended on the extraction solvents and the parts of plant. Bioinformatics analysis on the 17 major compounds showed modulation of pathway associated with cancer. In brief, U. togoensis might be valuable as potential source of natural agents for therapeutic application.

Effect of different roasting methods on the bioactive properties, phenolic compounds and fatty acid compositions of pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Hicaz) seed and oils

In this study, whole and ground pomegranate (cv. Hicaz) seeds using conventional and microwave ovens were investigated under different parameter. The results show that the total phenolic contents of whole and ground seeds roasted in oven at (150 °C) and microwave at (720 W) for 10 and 20 min, and 5 and 7.5 min, respectively, were found to be slightly higher than those of the control group. In addition, the same roasting method of microwave at (720 W), ground seed oils showed greater fatty acids contents than those of whole seed oils. According to achieved results, roasting techniques used caused noticeable fluctuations of phenolic and fatty acids contents and that depending on which counterparts of pomegranate seeds treated. In addition, a caution recommended when using microwave oven in roasting pomegranate seeds to prevent undesirable alteration or losing of bioactive properties of this value-added product.

Grape juice attenuates left ventricular hypertrophy in dyslipidemic mice

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effects of grape juice (Vitis labrusca L.) on dyslipidemia, resistance to insulin, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in mice homozygous for the absence of the LDL receptor gene (LDLr -/-) under a hyperlipidemic diet.

METHODOLOGY

We divided 30 male mice (3 months old) into three groups (n = 10); the HL group was fed a high-fat diet, the HLU group received a high-fat diet and 2 g/kg/day of grape juice, and the HLS group was fed a high-fat diet and simvastatin (20 mg/kg/day). We assessed the blood pressure profile of the mice. We also determined the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile, glycemic and insulinemic profiles, and calculated the HOMA-IR. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, interstitial collagen deposit, and the expression of CD40 ligand (CD40L) and metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were assessed immunohistologically.

RESULTS

After 60 days, the mice treated with grape juice showed similar results as those of the group treated with simvastatin. The use of grape fruit attenuated dyslipidemia and insulin resistance and significantly increased the levels of high cholesterol density lipoproteins (HDLc). The antioxidant potential of phenolic compounds associated with the increase in HDLc levels in the mice of the HLU group prevented the development of LVH and arterial hypertension since it inhibited the inflammatory response induced by the CD40 pathway and its ligand CD40L. Consequently, there was a lower expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and lower serum levels of CRP.

CONCLUSION

Grape juice has a hypolipidemic and cardiac protective potential, presenting a similar effect as that of simvastatin through a direct antioxidant action of phenolic compounds, or indirectly, via antioxidant action and anti-inflammatory activity of the HDLc. These results suggest that grape juice is a functional food possessing a high potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Bioactive Compounds and Metabolites from Grapes and Red Wine in Breast Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy

Phytochemicals and their metabolites are not considered essential nutrients in humans, although an increasing number of well-conducted studies are linking their higher intake with a lower incidence of non-communicable diseases, including cancer. This review summarizes the current findings concerning the molecular mechanisms of bioactive compounds from grapes and red wine and their metabolites on breast cancer-the most commonly occurring cancer in women-chemoprevention and treatment. Flavonoid compounds like flavonols, monomeric catechins, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, anthocyanidins and non-flavonoid phenolic compounds, such as resveratrol, as well as their metabolites, are discussed with respect to structure and metabolism/bioavailability. In addition, a broad discussion regarding in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials about the chemoprevention and therapy using these molecules is presented.

Ion mobility-mass spectrometry for the separation and analysis of procyanidins

Procyanidins are polymeric flavan-3-ones occurring in many plants with antioxidant and other beneficial bioactivities. They are composed of catechin and epicatechin monomeric units connected by single carbon-carbon B-type linkages or A-type linkages containing both carbon-carbon and carbon-oxygen-carbon bonds. Their polymeric structure makes analysis of procyanidin mixtures always difficult. Evaluation of procyanidins according to degree of polymerization (DP) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is time-consuming and at best has resolved polymeric families up to DP-17. To expedite studies of procyanidins, the utility of positive ion electrospray ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) was investigated for the rapid separation and characterization of procyanidins in mixtures. Applying IM-MS to analyse structurally defined standards containing up to five subunits, procyanidins could be resolved in less than 6 ms not only by degree of polymerization but also by linkage type. A-type procyanidins could be resolved from B-type and both could be at least partially resolved from mixed-type procyanidins of the same DP. IM-MS separated higher order procyanidins with DP of at least 24 from extracts of cranberry. As DP increased, the abundances of multiply-charged procyanidins also increased. During IM-MS of ions of similar m/z, the ion drift times decreased inversely with increasing charge state. Therefore, IM-MS was shown to separate mixtures of procyanidins containing at least 24 interconnected subunits in less than 16 ms, not only according to DP, but also according to linkage type between subunits and charge state.

Effect of Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction on the Properties of Freeze-Dried Pomegranate Arils

Background:

All parts of the pomegranate (fruits, leaves, flowers, and roots) are traditionally used as a folk medicine due to its high antioxidant and phenolic property. The pomegranate fruit is known for its antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-arteriosclerotic properties.

Objective:

The current study aims to the effect of ultra-sonication and temperature (45°C) on freezedried pomegranate arils powder for extraction of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and to study the antioxidant activity.

Methods:

The freeze-dried arils of pomegranate (Ganesh variety) were procured and subjected to ultra- sonication methods at 45ºC applied for 30 minutes by using methanol, ethanol, water, acetone and hexane solvent for obtaining the extract. The methanolic extract showed the highest phenolic (3036.725 ± 5.39 Gallic acid equivalents mg/100gm), flavonoid (15882.088 ± 0.64, quercetin mg/100g), antioxidant activity (96.1367±0.13%) and free reducing antioxidant power (FRAP assay-18.9033 ± 0.12, Tor. mg/100 ml) respectively, as compared to the extract obtained through other solvents.

Results:

The results obtained indicate that the freeze-drying method and ultrasonic extraction method is one of the effective and quick methods for quality extraction of phenolic and flavonoids compounds from fruits.

Conclusion:

The technology can further be explored for the development of nutraceutical and health supplements.

Pomegranate Juice Diminishes The Mitochondria-Dependent Cell Death And NF-kB Signaling Pathway Induced By Copper Oxide Nanoparticles On Liver And Kidneys Of Rats

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L) has been used since ancient times in the traditional medicine of several cultures, particularly in the Middle East. It is an essential commercial crop full of bioactive compounds with several medical applications. Pomegranate is very popular for its biological effects exerted by phenolic compounds via free radical scavenging abilities. It has revealed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and is beneficial for the amelioration of liver and kidney diseases.

PURPOSE

To elucidate the potential efficacy of pomegranate juice (PJ) against copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs)-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress damage.

STUDY DESIGN

37 nm sized CuO-NPs were prepared by precipitation method and characterized by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Zetasizer nano-and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). 30 Wistar rats were partitioned into 6 equal groups as follows: Group 1 (negative control), groups 2 & 3 (PJ control groups), group 4 (CuO-NPs group), groups 5 & 6 (CuO-NPs + PJ groups). Methods: Hepato-renal protective effect of PJ was evaluated by measuring levels of serum marker enzymes (ALT, AST,blood urea nitrogen and creatinine). Cu NPs bioaccumulation in liver and kidneys was determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The oxidative stress markers, Rt-PCR analysis, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were carried out in the liver and kidneys to support the above parameters.

RESULTS

Rats injected with CuO-NPs showed higher levels of the above serum marker enzymes, alteration of oxidant-antioxidant balance together with severe pathological alterations in liver and kidney tissues and overexpression of both caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B protein (NF-ĸB) associated with upregulation of Bax gene and downregulation of Bcl2 gene in these organs. PJ ameliorated all of the above toxicological parameters.

CONCLUSION

PJ was proved to be a potential hepato-renal protective agent against liver and kidney damage induced by CuO-NPs via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Understanding toward the Biophysical Interaction of Polymeric Proanthocyanidins (Persimmon Condensed Tannins) with Biomembranes: Relevance for Biological Effects

Persimmon condensed tannins (PT) are highly polymerized (mDP = 26) and highly galloylated (72%) proanthocyanidins. Its pleiotropic effects in oxidation resistance, neuroprotection, hypolipidemia, and cardio-protection both in vitro and in vivo were widely reported. Because large proanthocyanidins are unlikely to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, it is believed that the interaction of PT with biological membranes may play a crucial role in its biological activities. In the present study, the capacities of PT adsorbing to membrane, partitioning into membrane, and its influence on the membrane fluidity were investigated by fluorescence quenching, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence anisotropy measurements in a biomembrane-mimetic system composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), sphingomyelin (SPM), and cholesterol (CHOL). Besides, the effects of PT on the morphology and integrity of the cell membrane were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence staining in the 3T3-L1 cell model. The results suggested that PT could affect cell membrane rafts domains, destroy the cell membrane morphology, and regulate cell membrane fluidity, which might contribute to its biological effects.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of grape pomace and grape seed extracts on colorectal cancer cell lines

Grape pomace is the source of bioactive compounds (anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and stilbenes) which exhibit antiproliferative actions on cell cultures. We have investigated the antitumoral effects of grape pomace and grape seed extracts on colon cancer cells (Caco-2, HT-29) and fibroblasts. Crude extracts prepared from white and red pomace, and grape seeds, reduced the viability and proliferation of Caco-2. HT-29 cells were resistant to these actions. Purified extracts were then prepared from the same sources and compared with the LDH test; again, all three extracts were active and purified extract from grape seed was the most potent and specific on Caco-2 cells. HT-29 cells were more sensitive to these purified extracts. The biological activity resided almost exclusively in the flavonol and flavan-3-ols subfractions, rather than the anthocyanin subfraction. Preliminary results on the mechanisms involved in these effects revealed downregulation of Myc gene expression in HT-29 and upregulation of Ptg2 in Caco-2 cells.

A multidirectional investigation of stem bark extracts of four African plants: HPLC-MS/MS profiling and biological potentials

The practice of traditional medicine, especially herbal medicine, is still prevalent across the African continent. Yet, their in-depth pharmacological and chemical exploitation by the scientific community remain a necessity. The aim of the present study was to investigate into the phenolic components, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibitory activities of three solvent extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of the stem bark of four African plant species (Senna siamea, Distemonanthus benthamianus, Harrisonia abyssinica, and Pycnanthus angolensis). It was found that D. benthamianus followed by P. angolensis, displayed the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging, ferric and cupric reducing, and total antioxidant capacity in the phosphomolybdenum assay. A similar result was observed for AChE, BChE, and tyrosinase inhibition. The two plants also showed comparable α-amylase inhibitory effect. On the other hand, H. abyssinica showed high metal chelating and α-glucosidase inhibition. Among the solvents used, the methanol extract seemed to be the most bioactive. In addition, TPC was highest in D. benthamianus (135.33-192.29 mg GAE/g) while P. angolensis was richest in TFC (7.68-12.48 mg RE/g). A range of bioactive compounds were identified in the extracts, with variations observed among the plants. Senna siamea stem bark showed the presence of nine compounds; where flavonoids (e.g. naringenin, kaempferol, dihydroquercetin) were recorded. Genistein (m/z 271.06), procyanidin B (m/z 577.13) and C (m/z 865.19) isomers were common in stem barks extracts of D. benthamianus and P. Angolensis. To conclude, D. benthamianus and P. angolensis can be considered as potential pharmaceutical agents or functional food components that could reduce the risks of oxidative stress-related disorders.

Metabolism of anthocyanins and consequent effects on the gut microbiota

Anthocyanins are natural water-soluble polyphenols present in fruits and vegetables. Health-promoting effects attributed to anthocyanins are mainly associated with oxidative stress inhibition and gut microbiota modulation. Dietary anthocyanins undergo a complex metabolism after ingestion and interact with endogenous and microbial enzymes, leading to the production of a large number of circulating and excreted anthocyanin metabolites and catabolic products. To date, the bioavailability and health benefits of anthocyanins have been widely documented. Although there are several papers that illustrated the metabolism of anthocyanins, the effects of dietary anthocyanins on the modulation of the gut microbial ecology and on the growth of certain microbial species are still poorly understood. The present paper summarizes the recent data on the absorption of anthocyanins in the upper gastrointestine and the metabolism of anthocyanins by gut microbiota. The modulatory effects of anthocyanins from different sources on gut microbiota are also discussed.

Benefits of procyanidins on gut microbiota in Bama minipigs and implications in replacing antibiotics

Several studies have reported the effect of absorption of procyanidins and their contribution to the small intestine. However, differences between dietary interventions of procyanidins and interventions via antibiotic feeding in pigs are rarely reported. Following 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing, we observed that both procyanidin administration for 2 months (procyanidin-1 group) and continuous antibiotic feeding for 1 month followed by procyanidin for 1 month (procyanidin-2 group) increased the number of operational taxonomic units, as well as the Chao 1 and ACE indices, compared to those in pigs undergoing antibiotic administration for 2 months (antibiotic group). The genera Fibrobacter and Spirochaete were more abundant in the antibiotic group than in the procyanidin-1 and procyanidin-2 groups. Principal component analysis revealed clear separations among the three groups. Additionally, using the online Molecular Ecological Network Analyses pipeline, three co-occurrence networks were constructed; Lactobacillus was in a co-occurrence relationship with Trichococcus and Desulfovibrio and a co-exclusion relationship with Bacillus and Spharerochaeta. Furthermore, metabolic function analysis by phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states demonstrated modulation of pathways involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, energy, and nucleotides. These data suggest that procyanidin influences the gut microbiota and the intestinal metabolic function to produce beneficial effects on metabolic homeostasis.

Compostos bioativos e atividade antirradicalar em farinhas de bagaço de uvas de diferentes cultivares desidratadas em liofilizador e em estufa

Resumo Este estudo objetivou caracterizar compostos bioativos e atividade antirradicalar em farinhas de bagaços de uvas das cultivares Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc e Sangiovese (Vitis vinifera), desidratados em estufa de circulação de ar a 45 °C ou liofilizador a vácuo. Foram analisados compostos fenólicos totais e individuais, antocianinas monoméricas e atividade antirradicalar pelos métodos ABTS e HOCl. A perda total de antocianinas monoméricas foi maior para as cultivares Cabernet Sauvignon e Sangiovese, pelo método de desidratação em estufa. Todas as cultivares liofilizadas preservaram índices estatisticamente superiores de compostos fenólicos totais, com superioridade para a cultivar Sauvignon Blanc. Na análise individual destes compostos, as amostras liofilizadas tiveram maiores teores médios de todos os flavonoides (epicatequina, catequina, quercetina, ácido vanílico, rutina), enquanto que os ácidos gálico, cafeico e ferrúlico, aparentemente, não foram influenciados pelo método de secagem. Todas as amostras desidratadas em estufa tiveram menor capacidade de inibição dos radicais livres em relação às amostras liofilizadas, por ambos os métodos de IC50. O método ABTS apresentou os melhores resultados para as amostras liofilizadas, ou seja, quantidades menores das farinhas foram capazes de inibir em pelo menos 50% a atividade dos radicais livres ABTS e HOCl, com destaque para a cultivar Merlot.

Discovery of Aporphine Analogues as Potential Antiplatelet and Antioxidant Agents: Design, Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationships, Biological Evaluations, and in silico Molecular Docking Studies

To explore the potential of aporphine alkaloids, a novel series of functionalized aporphine analogues with alkoxy (OCH₃ , OC₂ H₅ , OC₃ H₇ ) functional groups at C1/C2 of ring A and an acyl (COCH₃ and COPh) or phenylsulfonyl (SO₂ Ph and SO₂ C₆ H₄ -3-CH₃ ) functionality at the N6 position of ring B of the aporphine scaffold were synthesized and evaluated for their arachidonic acid (AA)-induced antiplatelet aggregation inhibitory activity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical-scavenging antioxidant activity, with acetylsalicylic acid and ascorbic acid as standard references, respectively. The preliminary structure-activity relationship related to AA-induced platelet aggregation inhibitory activity results showed that the aporphine analogues 1-[1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-6a,7-dihydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinolin-6(5H)-yl]ethanone and 1-[2-(benzyloxy)-1,9,10-trimethoxy-6a,7-dihydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinolin-6(5H)-yl]ethanone to be the best compounds of the series. Moreover, the DPPH free-radical-scavenging antioxidant activity results demonstrated that the aporphine analogues 1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-6-(methylsulfonyl)-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline, 2-ethoxy-1,9,10-trimethoxy-6-(methylsulfonyl)-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline, 1-ethoxy-2,9,10-trimethoxy-6-(methylsulfonyl)-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline, 2,9,10-trimethoxy-6-(methylsulfonyl)-1-propoxy-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline, and 1-(benzyloxy)-2,9,10-trimethoxy-6-(methylsulfonyl)-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline were the best compounds of the series. Moreover, in silico molecular docking simulation studies of the active analogues were also performed.

Safety evaluation, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of subchronically dietary supplemented high dosing grape seed powder (GSP) to healthy rat

Grape seed powder (GSP) contains high amount of bioactive polyphenols usually used as nutritional supplement or food preservatives due to their antioxidant and scavenging properties. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the safety of increasing dosage GSP (w/w) of 0.5%, 5%, 10% and 20% corresponding to 0.4, 4, 8 and 16 g/kg bw respectively, when administered sub-chronically to Wistar rats in a 2 month-repeated dosing oral toxicity trial. Overally GSP had no effect on food intake, decreased body weight gain without affecting brain, liver, heart or kidney relative weight. GSP did not alter haematology except an increase in platelets, slightly decreased plasma transaminases, creatinine, urea and xanthine oxidase activity, without affecting uricemia, glycemia, triglyceridemia and cholesterolemia. GSP did not affect intracellular mediators as calcium, free iron or H₂O₂, but exerted real anti-oxidative properties in the four selected organs as assessed by lower lipoperoxidation and carbonylation, higher non protein thiols and antioxidant enzyme activities as CAT, GPx and SOD. Besides GSP exerted anti-inflammatory properties as supported by lower plasma IL17 A and CRP and higher IL10 and adiponectin. Histopathologically GSP provoked the dilation of heart and kidney arterioles and increased the size of the hippocampal dentate gyrus reflecting higher neurogenesis as assessed by Ki-67 labeling. Under the experimental conditions of the current study, GSP appeared as highly safe even when administered at very high dosage and could find potential applications in a variety of biotic or abiotic stresses-induced multi-organ dysfunction.

Subcritical water extraction of polyphenolic compounds from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) bran and their biological activities

Subcritical water extraction (SWE), an environment-friendly technique, was applied to extract polyphenolics from sorghum bran. Extraction temperatures (°C), time (min), and solid-liquid ratio (mL/g) were investigated and optimized by Box-Behnken design. The optimized conditions for SWE was 144.5 °C of temperature, 21 min of time, and 35 mL/g of solid-liquid ratio, with a polyphenolics yield of 47.253 ± 0.375 mg GAE/g dw, which was in good agree with the predicted value. Comparing with hot water extraction (HWE), SWE resulted in a higher yield of polyphenolics, higher radical scavenging activities, and more efficient antiproliferative activity. Furthermore, major polyphenolic compositions of the extracts were identified and quantified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Taxifolin, taxifolin hexoside, oligomeric procyanidins, and epicatechin were the most abundant polyphenolic compounds in the extracts. Taken together, SWE can be used as a effective extraction method for polyphenolics from sorghum bran, which could be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants.

Discovery of C-3 Tethered 2-oxo-benzo[1,4]oxazines as Potent Antioxidants: Bio-Inspired Based Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, Cytotoxic, and in Silico Molecular Docking Studies

The discovery of C-3 tethered 2-oxo-benzo[1,4]oxazines as potent antioxidants is disclosed. All the analogs 20a-20ab have been synthesized via “on water” ultrasound-assisted irradiation conditions in excellent yields (upto 98%). All the compounds have been evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activities using DPPH free radical scavenging assay as well as FRAP assay. The result showed promising antioxidant activities having IC₅₀ values in the range of 4.74 ± 0.08 to 92.20 ± 1.54 μg/mL taking ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ = 4.57 μg/mL) as standard reference. In this study, compounds 20b and 20t, the most active compound of the series, showed IC₅₀ values of 6.89 ± 0.07 μg/mL and 4.74 ± 0.08 μg/mL, respectively in comparison with ascorbic acid. In addition, the detailed SAR study shows that electron-withdrawing group increases antioxidant activity and vice versa. Furthermore, in the FRAP assay, eight compounds (20c, 20j, 20m, 20n, 20r, 20u, 20z, and 20aa) were found more potent than standard reference BHT (C_0.5FRAP = 546.0 ± 13.6 μM). The preliminary cytotoxic study reveals the non-toxic nature of active compounds 20b and 20t in non-cancerous 3T₃ fibroblast cell lines in MTT assay up to 250 μg/mL concentration. The results were validated via carrying out in silico molecular docking studies of promising compounds 20a, 20b, and 20t in comparison with standard reference. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed study of C-3 tethered 2-oxo-benzo[1,4]oxazines as potential antioxidant agents.

Procyanidins: a comprehensive review encompassing structure elucidation via mass spectrometry

Procyanidins are polyphenols abundant in dietary fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains with a variety of chemopreventive biological effects. Rapid structure determination of these compounds is needed, notably for the more complex polymeric procyanidins. We review the recent developments in the structure elucidation of procyanidins with a focus on mass spectrometric approaches, especially liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) MS/MS.

Mitigation Effect of Proanthocyanidin on Secondary Heart Injury in Rats Caused by Mechanical Trauma

Multiple organ dysfunctional syndrome secondary to mechanical trauma (MT) has attracted considerable research attention. The heart is one of the most important organs of the body, and secondary cardiac insufficiency caused by MT seriously affects the quality of life. This study aims to investigate whether proanthocyanidin can alleviate myocardial injury and improve heart function in the process of MT leading to secondary cardiac insufficiency. Noble-Collip drum wasused to prepare MT model in rats. And myocardial apoptosis index was calculated after TUNEL staining. Ventricular intubation was employed to detect heart function. Changes in myocardial ultrastructure were observed using an electron microscope. ELISA was used to detect the content of TNF-α and reactive oxygen species generated from monocytes and cardiomyocytes. The changes in Ca²⁺ concentration in cardiomyocyte were observed by confocal microscope. Compared with trauma group, the administration group had a decreased apoptosis index of cardiomyocytes, and increased ±dp/dtmax. Meanwhile, proanthocyanidin can inhibit monocytes' TNF-α production, and reduce plasma TNF-α concentration. Moreover, proanthocyanidin can attenuate the excessive oxidative stress reaction of cardiomyocyte, and inhibit calcium overload in cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, proanthocyanidin can effectively ease myocardial damage and improve cardiac function, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in secondary cardiac insufficiency caused by MT.

Characterisation and Antioxidant Activity of Crude Extract and Polyphenolic Rich Fractions from C. incanus Leaves

Cistus incanus (Cistaceae) is a Mediterranean evergreen shrub. Cistus incanus herbal teas have been used as a general remedy in traditional medicine since ancient times. Recent studies on the antioxidant properties of its aqueous extracts have indicated polyphenols to be the most active compounds. However, a whole chemical characterisation of polyphenolic compounds in leaves of Cistus incanus (C. incanus) is still lacking. Moreover, limited data is available on the contribution of different polyphenolic compounds towards the total antioxidant capacity of its extracts. The purpose of this study was to characterise the major polyphenolic compounds present in a crude ethanolic leaf extract (CEE) of C. incanus and develop a method for their fractionation. Superoxide anion, hydroxyl and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assays were also performed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the obtained fractions. Three different polyphenolic enriched extracts, namely EAC (Ethyl Acetate Fraction), AF1 and AF2 (Aqueos Fractions), were obtained from CEE. Our results indicated that the EAC, enriched in flavonols, exhibited a higher antiradical activity compared to the tannin enriched fractions (AF1 and AF2). These findings provide new perspectives for the use of the EAC as a source of antioxidant compounds with potential uses in pharmaceutical preparations.

Theobroma cacao: Review of the Extraction, Isolation, and Bioassay of Its Potential Anti-cancer Compounds

Plants have been a good source of therapeutic agents for thousands of years; an impressive number of modern drugs used for treating human diseases are derived from natural sources. The Theobroma cacao tree, or cocoa, has recently garnered increasing attention and become the subject of research due to its antioxidant properties, which are related to potential anti-cancer effects. In the past few years, identifying and developing active compounds or extracts from the cocoa bean that might exert anti-cancer effects have become an important area of health- and biomedicine-related research. This review provides an updated overview of T. cacao in terms of its potential anti-cancer compounds and their extraction, in vitro bioassay, purification, and identification. This article also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques described and reviews the processes for future perspectives of analytical methods from the viewpoint of anti-cancer compound discovery.

Protections of bovine serum albumin protein from damage on functionalized graphene-based electrodes by flavonoids

A sensitive electrochemical sensor based on bovine serum albumin (BSA)/poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) functionalized graphene nanosheets (PDDA-G) composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (BSA/PDDA-G/GCE) had been developed to investigate the oxidative protein damage and protections of protein from damage by flavonoids. The performance of this sensor was remarkably improved due to excellent electrical conductivity, strong adsorptive ability, and large effective surface area of PDDA-G. The BSA/PDDA-G/GCE displayed the greatest degree of BSA oxidation damage at 40 min incubation time and in the pH 5.0 Fenton reagent system (12.5 mM FeSO4, 50 mM H2O2). The antioxidant activities of four flavonoids had been compared by fabricated sensor based on the relative peak current ratio of SWV, because flavonoids prevented BSA damage caused by Fenton reagent and affected the BSA signal in a solution containing Co(bpy)3(3+). The sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-vis spectrophotometry and FTIR were also used to investigate the generation of hydroxyl radical and BSA damage, respectively. On the basis of results from electrochemical methods, the order of the antioxidant activities of flavonoids is as follows: (+)-catechin>kaempferol>apigenin>naringenin. A novel, direct SWV analytical method for detection of BSA damage and assessment of the antioxidant activities of four flavonoids was developed and this electrochemical method provided a simple, inexpensive and rapid detection of BSA damage and evaluation of the antioxidant activities of samples.

Identification of bioactive phytochemical from two Punica species using GC-MS and estimation of antioxidant activity of seed extracts

Punica species are medicinally important plants belonging to the family Lythraceae. The pomegranate is widely reported to exhibit antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-proliferative activities. In the present study the ethanolic extract of the peel seeds of two species of Punica (Punica granatum and Punica protopunica) were subjected to GC–MS analysis. Twenty-one and 14 compounds were identified in P. granatum and P. protopunica peel seeds, respectively. The main chemical constituents in P. granatum-peel seeds were propanoic acid, benzenedicarboxylic acid, methoxypropionic acid and methyl amine. The corresponding constituents of P. protopunica peel seeds were benzenedicarboxylic acid, benzoic acid and propanoic acid. Moreover, the antioxidant effects of the aqueous ethanolic extracts were estimated in vitro. The two tested extracts contained significantly different phenolic and total flavonoid contents in P. granatum than in P. protopunica. Different in vitro methods of antioxidant activity determination produced varying results. In malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, the two peel seed extracts exhibited very high antioxidant activities, with higher activity observed for the P. granatum extract.

Oligomeric Procyanidins Interfere with Glycolysis of Activated T Cells. A Novel Mechanism for Inhibition of T Cell Function

Procyanidins, which are flavonoids that are found in a variety of plant species, reduce or prevent immune disorders, such as allergy and autoimmune diseases, through an unknown mechanism. In the present study, we investigated the effects of procyanidins on the T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated responses of CD4⁺ T cells in vitro. Apple procyanidins strongly suppressed the proliferation of splenic CD4⁺ T cells that were stimulated by an anti-CD3ε antibody, as well as splenocytes stimulated by antigen, but did not alter interleukin (IL)-2 secretion from these cells. Furthermore, we found that oligomeric procyanidins strongly suppressed, in a degree of polymerization dependent manner, the proliferation of activated CD4⁺ T cells, as well as their production of effector cytokines, including glycolysis associated-cytokines, without affecting IL-2 secretion. Additionally, we investigated the inhibitory effects of oligomeric procyanidins on the glycolytic activity of activated CD4⁺ T cells. We show that pentameric procyanidin suppressed L-lactate production and glucose uptake in activated CD4⁺ T cells. These results suggest that oligomeric procyanidins suppress the functions of activated CD4⁺ T cells by interfering with glycolysis.

Correlation of antioxidant activities with theoretical studies for new hydrazone compounds bearing a 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzyl moiety

A new series of antioxidants, namely imines bearing the well-known free radical scavenger group 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy, was designed and synthesized. Theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were performed to understand the antioxidant activities. Experimental studies evaluating the antioxidant activities of the compounds using DPPH and FRAP assays verified the predictions obtained by DMOL3 based on DFT.1. The DPPH radical scavenging activities depended on the substitution pattern of the aromatic aldehyde, with both the substitution type and position showing significant effects. Compounds 7b, 7c and 7d, which contain a phenolic hydroxyl group at the para position to the imine as well as, additional electron donating groups at the ortho-position to this hydroxyl group, exhibited IC₅₀ values of 62, 75 and 106 μg/mL, respectively, and potent antioxidant activities against DPPH, which were better than that of the reference compound BHT. With the exception of compounds 7a and 7h with a phenolic hydroxyl group at the ortho position, all of the investigated compounds exhibited ferric reducing activities above 1000 μM. Correlation analysis between the two antioxidant assays revealed moderate positive correlation (r = 0.59), indicating differing antioxidant activities based on the reaction mechanism. Therefore, imines bearing a 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy group can be proposed as potential antioxidants for tackling oxidative stress.

Lutein alleviates arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice via Nrf2 signaling

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms involved in the action of lutein (LU) alleviating arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity using mice model. Forty male Kunming mice were received following treatments by gavage: normal saline solution (control), arsenic trioxide (ATO; 5 mg/kg/day), LU (40 mg/kg/day), and ATO + LU (5 mg/kg/day + 40 mg/kg/day). At the end, the mice were killed by cervical dislocation and weighed. Pathological examination was done on the testis. The biomedical parameters including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidative capability, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and reproductive indexes were analyzed. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate dehydrogenase, quinone 1 (NQO1) in testis were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. We found that there was a decrease in sperm count; testis somatic index; the activities of SOD, GSH, total antioxidative capacity ( p < 0.01, respectively) in ATO-treated mice, while there was an increase in the levels of sperm abnormalities, MDA, and 8-OHdG than control ( p < 0.01, respectively). The groups treated with ATO + LU showed recovery of the measured parameters between those of ATO or saline-treated group. The antagonized interaction between ATO and LU was statistically significant ( p < 0.01). Mice treated with ATO + LU also showed greater mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GST than ATO or saline-treated groups. These findings suggest that LU alleviates reproductive toxicity induced by arsenic in male mice via Nrf2 signaling, which implicates a possible mechanism of LU in preventing the reproductive injury, and elucidates that consuming the rich plant sources of LU will alleviate the reproductive toxicity induced by chemicals.

Invitro assessment of cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaves from two grape varieties collected from arid and temperate regions in Palestine

Grape leaves (Vitis vinifera L.) are widely consumed in Palestine, and other Mediterranean countries. Positive health effects of grape products are reported by various studies and pharmaceutical preparations from grape leaves are patented and commercialized as drugs. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess the therapeutic potential of leaf extracts; their cytotoxicity against lung cancerous cells, their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against several human pathogenic bacterial strains, and according to geographical location, to examine the overall effect of annual rainfall on the aforementioned activities.

Leaves from Shami and Baituni grapes, collected from Dahria (an arid region) and Beit Omar (a temperate region) in Palestine were ground to powder using liquid nitrogen and a pestle and mortar. Cytotoxicity was measured against lung cancer cells and muscle cells. Antioxidants potential of leaf extracts and antimicrobial activity against five human pathogenic bacterial strains were assessed.

Results showed Shami leaves from Beit Omar inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells. Cytotoxicity assessment against lung cancer cells showed leaves from Baituni grapes are ineffective. Antioxidant capacity of the leaf extracts of both genotypes from both locations gave high levels of antioxidants, but no significant differences recorded between treatments. Leaf extracts of both grape genotypes were effective against S. aureus and slightly effective against P. aeruginosa bacteria. However, these extracts were ineffective against L. monocytogenes, S. typimurium and E. coli.

Results show the therapeutic potential of leaves of Shami and Baituni might be related to their phytochemical composition. Our findings suggest effective cytotoxic activity of Shami grape leaves against lung cancer cells and provide a preliminary view of the effect of annual rainfall on the grape leaves‘ anticancer and antimicrobial activities.

Evaluation of antioxidant and antiradical properties of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed and defatted seed extracts

Pomegranate seeds are byproducts of the Pomegranate juice industries that contains functional compounds such as phenols. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of solvents on extraction from Pomegranate seed and Pomegranate defatted seed and to measure the yield extract and phenolic content and antioxidant properties. For this purpose, the seeds and defatted seeds were directly isolated from fruits and seeds by cold pressing respectively, then were crushed and extracted with different solvents, including water, Methanol, Acetone, Ethyl acetate and Hexane and finally the extracts of them were evaluted. Phenolic compounds, ferric reducing-antioxidant power and radicals scavenging property of extracts were measured. The results showed the highest extraction efficiencies were for Hexane and Acetone solvents in extraction of seed and defatted seed respectively. The highest phenolic content was obtained from Methanol seed extract. Reducing activity test proved that the Methanol extracts of Pomegranate seed and Pomegranate defatted seed had the highest reducing strength. Results of radical scavenging activity were similar to reducing activity results. The order of antioxidant capacity of Pomegranate seed and Pomegranate defatted seed were found to be Methanol > Water > Acetone > Butanol > Ethyl acetate > Hexane. It can be concluded Pomegranate seed, which possesses high levels of polyphenols, can be one of the sources of the natural antioxidants. The Methanol extract had a higher antioxidant efficiency than seed and defatted seed extracts.

Interaction between red wine procyanidins and salivary proteins: effect of stomach digestion on the resulting complexes

Some tannin(T)/SP complexes were disrupted by gastric digestion, leading to T release. This was seen for complexes formed with tannin mono-, di- and trimers. In contrast, complexes made by tetra- and pentamers were more resistant to gastric digestion.