Computational and experimental validation of antioxidant properties of synthesized bioactive ferulic acid derivatives

Feruloyl Glyceride Mitigates Tomato Postharvest Rot by Inhibiting Penicillium expansum Spore Germination and Enhancing Suberin Accumulation

Postharvest rot, caused by Penicillium expansum, in tomatoes poses significant economic and health risks. Traditional control methods, such as the use of fungicides, raise concerns about pathogen resistance, food safety, and environmental impact. In search of sustainable alternatives, plant secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic compounds and their derivatives, have emerged as promising natural antimicrobials. Among these, feruloyl glyceride (FG), a water-soluble derivative of ferulic acid, stands out due to its antioxidant properties, antibacterial properties, and improved solubility. In this study, we provide evidence demonstrating FG is capable of inhibiting the spore germination of P. expansum and effectively reducing the incidence rate of Penicillium rot of tomatoes, without compromising quality. Electron microscopy observations combined with metabolite and transcriptomic analyses revealed that FG treatments resulted in enhanced suberin accumulation through promoting the expression of suberin synthesis related genes and, consequently, inhibited the growth and expansion of P. expansum on the fruits. This work sheds light on the mechanisms underlying FG's inhibitory effects, allowing its potential application as a natural and safe alternative to replace chemical fungicides for postharvest preservation.

Antioxidant and inflammatory-modulating properties of ginger and bitterleaf teas

The present study evaluated the effects of ginger and bitterleaf tea infusions on redox and inflammatory balance in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats with weights of between 160 and 180 g were assigned into four (4) groups (n = 6). The control group received distilled water, while the remaining groups were administered tea infusions of ginger, bitterleaf, or a combination of both at 5 mg/mL, respectively. Bitterleaf and ginger teas elevated the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione in rat plasma and liver, while malondialdehyde levels decreased. Furthermore, ginger tea caused an increase in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The GC-MS analysis of the teas identified 77 chemical compounds, among which gingerol and precocene I were predominant. Collectively, the findings indicate, in particular, that ginger tea may boost antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity by increasing Nrf-2 levels.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant capacities and volatile compounds changes in fermented spicy Chinese cabbage sauces treated by thermal and non-thermal technologies

To extend shelf life of fermented spicy Chinese cabbage sauce at room temperature, the effects of electron beam irradiation (EBI), high pressure processing (HPP), pasteurization (PT) and autoclave sterilization (AS) treatments on the colony counts of Lactobacillus plantarum, phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and volatile compounds were investigated. Results showed that thermal and non-thermal treatments could significantly decrease the colony counts of Lactobacillus plantarum, in which EBI and AS treatments inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum thoroughly. EBI and HPP treatments were superior to PT and AS treatments in terms of volatile compounds, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. The total contents of volatile compounds in sauces treated by EBI and HPP were significantly increased by 43.92%-61.87% and 71.53%-84.46%, respectively, and the new formed substance 2,3-butanedione endowed sauces with sweet and creamy aroma. In addition, HPP treatment improved the extractable contents of total phenolics and carotenoids, retained capsicum red pigment content, and significantly enhanced antioxidant capacities of sauces. Sauce treated by HPP at 200 MPa exhibited the highest total carotenoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP, increasing by 9.27%, 2.24% and 16.13%, respectively, compared with CK. EBI treatment exhibited higher total phenolic content and FRAP, which positively depended on the dose. Therefore, HPP and EBI treatments were suggested as potential technologies to improve shelf-life stability and volatile compounds of fermented spicy Chinese cabbage sauce.

Nrf2-regulated antioxidant response ameliorating ionizing radiation-induced damages explored through in vitro and molecular dynamics simulations

This study aims to investigate the mechanism of natural antioxidant ferulic acid (FA) in reducing oxidative stress followed by its inhibitory effect on the Keap1-Nrf2 complex. FA was treated ex vivo with human blood for 30 min at 37 °C ± 1 °C and exposed to 1.5 Gy of γ- rays of 60Co (0.789 Gy/min) and allowed for repair for an hour at 37 °C ± 1 °C. FA's free radical scavenging capacity was measured using 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay and cytogenetic assays. Further, a possible mechanism of protein-ligand interaction between FA and Keap1-Nrf2 pathway protein as a cellular drug target was studied using docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The 1.5 Gy of γ- rays exposed to pre-treated blood with FA showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in reactive oxygen species and DNA damage compared to the normal control blood group sample. The ligand-protein transient binding interaction in molecular dynamic simulation over a period of 100 ns was consistent and stable emphasizing complementary charge between the protein and ligand, speculating higher hydrophobic amino acid residues in the Keap1 active pocket. This might sway the Keap1 from interaction with Nrf2, and could lead to nuclear translocation of Nrf2 during radiation-induced oxidative stress. The present study emphasizes the radioprotective effect of FA against 1.5 Gy of γ- rays exposed to human blood and the application of in silico approaches helpful for the possible protective effect of FA.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Rational Design of Multifunctional Ferulic Acid Derivatives Aimed for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases

Ferulic acid has numerous beneficial effects on human health, which are frequently attributed to its antioxidant behavior. In this report, many of them are reviewed, and 185 new ferulic acid derivatives are computationally designed using the CADMA-Chem protocol. Consequently, their chemical space was sampled and evaluated. To that purpose, selection and elimination scores were used, which are built from a set of descriptors accounting for ADME properties, toxicity, and synthetic accessibility. After the first screening, 12 derivatives were selected and further investigated. Their potential role as antioxidants was predicted from reactivity indexes directly related to the formal hydrogen atom transfer and the single electron transfer mechanisms. The best performing molecules were identified by comparisons with the parent molecule and two references: Trolox and α-tocopherol. Their potential as polygenic neuroprotectors was investigated through the interactions with enzymes directly related to the etiologies of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. These enzymes are acetylcholinesterase, catechol-O-methyltransferase, and monoamine oxidase B. Based on the obtained results, the most promising candidates (FA-26, FA-118, and FA-138) are proposed as multifunctional antioxidants with potential neuroprotective effects. The findings derived from this investigation are encouraging and might promote further investigations on these molecules.

Antioxidant Activity and Metabolite Profiling of Xylocarpus granatum Extracts Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The potential application of Xylocarpus granatum, a mangrove species, as traditional medicine has been widely linked to its high secondary metabolite and antioxidant contents. However, few studies have been reported to identify and classify active metabolites responsible for such excellent biological activities. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the antioxidant activity, identify the metabolite profiles, and predict the metabolites acting as antioxidants in X. granatum extract using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomics approach. The seeds, stems, fruit peel, pulp, leaves, and twigs of X. granatum were macerated with ethanol. Each extract was analyzed with GC-MS, and the data were processed using mass spectrometry data-independent analysis (MS-DIAL) software to identify the metabolites. The IC₅₀ value of plant parts of X. granatum ranged from 7.73 to 295 ppm. A total of 153 metabolites were identified and confirmed in the X. granatum extracts. Among the identified metabolites, epicatechin and epigallocatechin were the two most abundant in the stem extracts and are expected to have the greatest potential as antioxidants. Principal component analysis (PCA) succeeded in grouping all parts of the plant into three groups based on the composition of the metabolites: group 1 (stems, fruit peel, and twigs), group 2 (seeds and pulp), and group 3 (leaves).

Chemical fingerprinting, comparative in vitro antioxidant properties, and biochemical effects of ginger and bitterleaf infusion

Botanicals with remarkable pharmacological properties include Zingiber officinale Roscoe [Zingiberaceae] (ginger) and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delie) Sch. Bip [Asteraceae] (bitterleaf). The plants are frequently used as teas and decoctions, and have been studied in the treatment of various illnesses. Thus, this study investigated the in vitro antioxidant activities and chemical fingerprints of ginger and bitter leaf infusions separately and as a combination. In addition, we assessed the effects of the tea infusions on rat liver and kidney indices. The findings from this study showed that the bitterleaf infusion had the highest phenolic content (21.77 ± 3.140 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg) in comparison with that of ginger (15.17 ± 1.50 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg) and their combination (8.81 ± 0.48 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg). The ginger infusion had the highest flavonoid content (547.15 ± 1.17 µg quercetin equivalent/mg), which was preceded by bitterleaf (473.02 ± 10.48 µg quercetin equivalent/mg) and the ginger and bitterleaf infusion (415.08 ± 4.15 µg quercetin equivalent/mg). Furthermore, our results showed that the tea infusions had no significant effect on the liver function indices (ALT and AST) compared to the control. In contrast, the rat plasma urea significantly increased in the groups given bitterleaf and a combination of ginger and bitterleaf infusions, while creatinine significantly decreased in the group that received the combined form of the infusion. The GC-MS analysis of ginger and bitterleaf infusions revealed that n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, and ergosterol were most abundant in the bitterleaf infusion. At the same time, gingerol, 2-butanone, and 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) were the most abundant in the ginger infusion. Together, the findings are not only evidence in support of the medicinal value of these plants but also reinforce their prospects as nutriceuticals.

Zingiber officinale and Vernonia amygdalina Infusions Improve Redox Status in Rat Brain

The study investigated the effects of Zingiber officinale root and Vernonia amygdalina leaf on the brain redox status of Wistar rats. Twenty-four (24) rats weighing 160 ± 20 g were randomly assigned into four (4) groups, each with six (6) rats. Animals in Group 1 (control) were orally administered distilled water (1 mL), while the test groups were orally administered 5 mg/mL of either Z. officinale, V. amygdalina infusion, or a combination of both, respectively, for 7 days. The rats were sacrificed at the end of treatments and blood and tissue were harvested and prepared for biochemical assays. Results showed that administration of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale, as well as their coadministration, reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in rat brain tissue compared with the control group. Conversely, coadministration of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale increased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in rat brain tissue compared with the control group. However, the administration of the infusions singly, as well as the combination of both infusions, did not have any effect on the rat brain levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes compared to the control. Taken together, the findings indicate that the V. amygdalina and Z. officinale tea infusions have favorable antioxidant properties in the rat brain. The findings are confirmatory and contribute to deepening our understanding of the health-promoting effects of V. amygdalina and Z. officinale tea infusions.

Antioxidant Properties of Ester Derivatives of Cinnamic and Hydroxycinnamic Acids in Nigella sativa and Extra-Virgin Olive Oils-Based Emulsions

New hydrophobic derivatives of cinnamic and hydroxycinnamic (ferulic and cumaric) acids obtained by chemical esterification of the carboxylic group with C10 linear alcohol were studied to evaluate their antioxidant capacity toward the superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in physiological buffer and in extra-virgin olive oil (EVO) or Nigella sativa oils. Results showed that cumaric and ferulic acids have higher antioxidants activity against superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide than the other compounds. Cumaric acid and its C10-ester derivative were selected to be incorporated into EVO or Nigella sativa oil-based emulsions. The prepared emulsions had a comparable particle size distribution (in the range of 3–4 µm) and physical stability at least up to three months. Nigella sativa oil-based emulsions loaded with cumaric acid or its C10-ester showed a higher capacity to scavenger superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide than EVO oil-based emulsions. In conclusion, cumaric acid or its C10-ester could promote the antioxidant properties of Nigella sativa oil when formulated as emulsions.

Hepatoprotective effect of ferulic acid and/or low doses of γ-irradiation against cisplatin-induced liver injury in rats

The therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin (CIS) is limited owing to its hepatotoxic side effects. The current study aimed to investigate the protective impact of ferulic acid (FA) and low-doses of γ-irradiation (LDR) against CIS-prompted hepatotoxicity in rats. Adult male Swiss albino rats were divided into eight groups: untreated group; FA, LDR, and CIS treated groups; and combinations of one or more of the above treatments. Post-treatment analyses included measuring redox markers like SOD and CAT activity, NO free radical content, and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Serum aminotransferase activities were also determined. Additionally, gene transcript levels of liver NF-ҡB-P65, caspase-1, COX-2, and IL-1β were quantified. Moreover, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 and histopathological examinations were estimated in liver tissue. Our findings revealed increased levels of oxidative stress along with a significant reduction in anti-oxidative responses and a significant increase in serum aminotransferase activities in the CIS-intoxicated group. A similar increase was also observed in COX-2 and IL-1β transcript levels and caspase-3 enzyme activity, besides a decrease in transcript levels of NF-ҡB-p65 and caspase-1, indicating an overall inflammatory trend and an increase in the apoptotic shift. The co-administration of FA and/or treatment with LDR has ameliorated the hepatotoxic effect induced by CIS. The histopathological investigation of liver tissues confirmed this ameliorating action of these adjuvant therapies against CIS toxicity. In conclusion, it is plausible to suggest that the hepatoprotective effects of co-administration of FA and/or LDR against CIS-induced hepatotoxicity are attributed to the possession of anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic capabilities.

Tailored Functionalization of Natural Phenols to Improve Biological Activity

Phenols are widespread in nature, being the major components of several plants and essential oils. Natural phenols' anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, pharmacological and nutritional properties are, nowadays, well established. Hence, given their peculiar biological role, numerous studies are currently ongoing to overcome their limitations, as well as to enhance their activity. In this review, the functionalization of selected natural phenols is critically examined, mainly highlighting their improved bioactivity after the proper chemical transformations. In particular, functionalization of the most abundant naturally occurring monophenols, diphenols, lipidic phenols, phenolic acids, polyphenols and curcumin derivatives is explored.

Synthesis, Photoisomerization, Antioxidant Activity, and Lipid-Lowering Effect of Ferulic Acid and Feruloyl Amides

The Ugi four-component reaction employing naturally occurred ferulic acid (FA) is proposed as a convenient method to synthesize feruloyl tertiary amides. Applying this strategy, a peptoid-like derivative of ferulic acid (FEF77) containing 2 additional hydroxy-substituted aryl groups, has been synthesized. The influence of the configuration of the double bond of ferulic acid and feruloyl amide on the antioxidant activity has been investigated thanks to light-mediated isomerization studies. At the cellular level, both FA, trans and cis isomers of FEF77 were able to protect human endothelial cord vein (HECV) cells from the oxidative damage induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide, as measured by cell viability and ROS production assays. Moreover, in steatotic FaO rat hepatoma cells, an in vitro model resembling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the molecules exhibited a lipid-lowering effect, which, along with the antioxidant properties, points to consider feruloyl amides for further investigations in a therapeutic perspective.

Ferulic acid influences Nrf2 activation to restore testicular tissue from cadmium-induced oxidative challenge, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats

Here, we examined the protective effect of ferulic acid (FA) on cadmium chloride (CdCl₂ )-mediated reproductive toxicity in male rats. Animals were divided into four groups: control, FA (20 mg/kg), CdCl₂ (6.5 mg/kg), and FA + CdCl₂ . CdCl₂ treatment evoked a significant increase in testis cadmium concentration in addition to obvious increase in testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Moreover, CdCl₂ -induced oxidative damage through exhausting the cellular defenses (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione) and downregulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression accompanied by increases of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents. Testicular inflammation was evident indicated by increased levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in CdCl₂ -treated rats. CdCl₂ exposure also decreased the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and augmented apoptotic events associated with prominent histopathological alterations. However, FA coadministration mitigated the impaired hormonal level, apoptotic and inflammatory injuries elicited by CdCl_2, and maintained the oxidant/antioxidant balance in testicular tissue via Nrf2 activation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cadmium is an environmental toxicant and known to cause adverse effects including reproductive toxicity. However, antioxidant application has been found to protect against heavy metals-mediated toxic effects. Here, we examined the potential protective efficacy of ferulic acid against cadmium-mediated testicular impairments through estimating the amount of cadmium in the testis, hormonal profile, oxidative status, inflammatory response, apoptotic and proliferating markers in addition to the histopathological alterations. The obtained findings revealed that ferulic acid supplementation was able to abolish the testicular damages coupled with cadmium exposure. The protective efficiency of ferulic acid may correlated with its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities; suggesting that ferulic acid may be used to ameliorate cadmium-induced testicular deficits.

DFT Studies of Distinct Anilines with p-Hydroxycinnamic Acids for Antioxidant Profile

BACKGROUND

Life style and jobs in current situations have generated increased free radicals such as hydroxyl (OH•) and superoxide (O2•) radicals, thereby increasing stress in humans. Interest in search of antioxidants that trap these free radicals has increased to relieve stress. β-carotene (provitamin A), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherol or vitamin E, Trolox; butyl hydroxy toluene and phenolic compounds are the well-known antioxidants. Several methods evaluate the antioxidant property existing in natural substances (medicinal plants and agri-food products) and synthetic compounds (2-methyl-3- (pyrrolidin-2-ylideneamino) quinazolin-4 (3H) -one and 3,3'- (1,4- phenylenebis (methanylylidene)) bis (azanylylidene) (2-methyl-quinazolin-4 (3H) -one).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to focus on complexes with p-hydroxycinnamic acids to trap free radicals in a greener way.

METHODS

Spectroscopic shifts and structural studies were employed to attribute electronic properties responsible for antioxidant profile. Spectroscopic shifts in wavenumbers were attributed with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) and Fourier Transform Raman spectra (FT Raman Spectra). Structural studies were performed with Gaussian package, electron density method the B3LYP method, basis set 6-31(d) for attributing electronic properties responsible for antioxidant profile.

RESULTS

Interpretation of FTIR spectra revealed spectroscopic shifts in wavenumbers in all the complexes responsible for bonding. Further, studies confirmed the formation of complex with reduced intensities in Raman spectra. Computational studies revealed enhancement in molecular and electronic properties responsible for antioxidant power.

CONCLUSION

Studies revealed that complex with p-nitroaniline contribute to greater acceptor and donor power responsible for antioxidant power. These higher powers suggest the best antiradicals to trap free radicals.

Altered redox status, DNA damage and modulation of L-tryptophan metabolism contribute to antimicrobial action of curcumin

Identification and development of newer and better antimicrobials from natural products represent ongoing research efforts by many investigators. Curcumin is a polyphenol commonly found in the plant Curcuma longa (better known as turmeric). It has been reported to possess several bioactivities including antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-fibrotic, and antimicrobial properties. However, little is known about the antimicrobial mode of action of curcumin, thus undermining its prospects as an alternative antimicrobial agent. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of antimicrobial action by curcumin. The mechanism of inhibition was evaluated in representatives of Gram negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria isolates, treated with either curcumin singly or in combination with ascorbic acid (1000 μg/mL). Results showed that curcumin has broad antimicrobial capacity. In addition, curcumin only and/or co-treatment with ascorbic acid caused lipid peroxidation in S. aureus and E. coli, and by extension led to DNA damage, indicative of oxidative stress. It is plausible that the oxidative might be related to the activation of the kynurenine pathway in S. aureus but not in E. coli. Furthermore, curcumin exposure led to elevated total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and level of total thiol, but decreased nitric oxide level in the bacteria isolates. Together, the findings suggest that oxidative stress and DNA damage might be partly responsible for the antimicrobial action of curcumin.