Antioxidant activity and protection against oxidative-induced damage of Acacia shaffneri and Acacia farnesiana pods extracts: in vitro and in vivo assays

Characterization of Mineral Composition and Nutritional Value of Acacia Green Pods

The Acacia genus is considered one of the most invasive taxa in some habitats, namely coastal dunes, maritime calcareous soils, fresh lands in the valleys, mountainous areas, and the banks of watercourses and roadsides. In Portugal, the severity risk is very high, so this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and mineral contents of the green pods as a potential source for livestock feeds and soil fertilizer because, as far as we know, there is no use for this species. The seven different species of Acacia (Acacia mearnsii Link, Acacia longifolia (Andrews) Willd, Acacia melanoxylon R. Br., Acacia pycnantha Bentham, Acacia dealbata Link., Acacia retinodes Schlecht, and Acacia cyclops A. Cunn. ex G. Don fil) were evaluated. The results showed that Acacia green pods have a high protein, fibre and minerals content, especially in potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). All species present a different profile of the studied parameters, suggesting different potentials for their future use. Near-infrared spectroscopy was a potential tool to predict the earlier quality of the Acacia green pods to better select the raw material for the different applications.

Vachellia farnesiana Pods or a Polyphenolic Extract Derived from Them Exert Immunomodulatory, Metabolic, Renoprotective, and Prebiotic Effects in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Obesity causes systemic inflammation, hepatic and renal damage, as well as gut microbiota dysbiosis. Alternative vegetable sources rich in polyphenols are known to prevent or delay the progression of metabolic abnormalities during obesity. Vachellia farnesiana (VF) is a potent source of polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with potential anti-obesity effects. We performed an in vivo preventive or an interventional experimental study in mice and in vitro experiments with different cell types. In the preventive study, male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a Control diet, a high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet containing either 0.1% methyl gallate, 10% powdered VFP, or 0.5%, 1%, or 2% of a polyphenolic extract (PE) derived from VFP (Vachellia farnesiana pods) for 14 weeks. In the intervention study, two groups of mice were fed for 14 weeks with a high-fat diet and then one switched to a high-fat diet with 10% powdered VFP for ten additional weeks. In the in vitro studies, we evaluated the effect of a VFPE (Vachellia farnesiana polyphenolic extract) on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1E cells or of naringenin or methyl gallate on mitochondrial activity in primary hepatocytes and C2C12 myotubes. VFP or a VFPE increased whole-body energy expenditure and mitochondrial activity in skeletal muscle; prevented insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and kidney damage; exerted immunomodulatory effects; and reshaped fecal gut microbiota composition in mice fed a high-fat diet. VFPE decreased insulin secretion in INS-1E cells, and its isolated compounds naringenin and methyl gallate increased mitochondrial activity in primary hepatocytes and C2C12 myotubes. In conclusion VFP or a VFPE prevented systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hepatic and renal damage in mice fed a high-fat diet associated with increased energy expenditure, improved mitochondrial function, and reduction in insulin secretion.

Reversal of cisplatin triggered neurotoxicity by Acacia hydaspica ethyl acetate fraction via regulating brain acetylcholinesterase activity, DNA damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the rodent model

Background

Cisplatin (CisPT) is a chemotherapeutic that outcome in adverse effects including neurotoxicity. We examined the efficacy of hydaspica ethyl acetate extract (AHE) against CisPT-prompted neurotoxicity.

Methods

Group I: Distilled water; Group II: CisPT (12 mg/kg b.w. i.p) on the 13th day of treatment. Group III: received AHE (400 mg/kg b.w) orally for 16 days. Group IV and V received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w AHE orally for 16 days while CisPT injection on day 13, respectively. Group VI: received Silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w) orally for 16 days and CP (12 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) on day 13. TNF-α, IL6, brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), oxidative trauma markers, genotoxicity, antioxidant enzymes, and morphological alterations in cerebral hemispheres were inspected.

Results

AHE administration before CisPT considerably reduced both tissue TNF-α and IL 6 expressions compared to CisPT treated group in a dose-dependent manner. AHE treatment (400 mg/kg b.w) significantly ameliorated brain AChE activity. Brain tissue MDA, H2O2, and NO content were markedly (p < 0.001) elevated after CisPT inoculation while a noticeable (p < 0.001) diminution was observed in AHE treatment groups. AHE treatment significantly (p < 0.001) improved brain antioxidant defense in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AHE efficiently recused CisPT to induce DNA damage in brain tissue as revealed by ladder assay and DNA fragmentation patterns. Histopathological findings revealed severe neurodegenerations in CisPT treated group, however, AHE treatment noticeably precluded morphological alterations and neuron damages induced by CisPT.

Conclusion

A. hydaspica AHE extract may be provided as a prospective adjuvant that precludes CisPT-induced neurotoxicity due to its radical scavenging and antioxidant potential.

Reviewing the Benefits of Grazing/Browsing Semiarid Rangeland Feed Resources and the Transference of Bioactivity and Pro-Healthy Properties to Goat Milk and Cheese: Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Inflammation and Hepatic Steatosis Prevention

The rangeland is an ecological resource that provides multiple benefits for environment and agriculture. Grazing/browsing on rangelands is a useful and inexpensive means to produce food derived from animal products. The aim of this study was to review the benefits of producing milk and cheese under this system in terms of bioactivity and the health benefits of their consumption in model animals. To conduct this review, we particularly considered the experiments that our research group carried out along the last fifteen years at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán in Mexico. Firstly, we examined the forages consumed by goats on the rangelands in terms of plant bioactive compound occurrence and their concentration. Further, goat milk and cheese coming from (1) grazing animals, (2) animals managed indoors, and from (3) animals managed indoor supplemented with rich plant bioactive compounds, were analyzed. Milk was discussed to modulate the negative effects of high-fat diets in mice. Forages consumed by goats on the rangelands showed a close correlation between antioxidant activity assessed by the DPPH⁺ radical with total flavonoid and total polyphenol contents (TPC). Milk concentration of PUFA, MUFA, and n-3 fatty acids from grazing goats (4.7%, 25.2%, and 0.94% of FAME) was higher than milk from goats fed indoor diets (ID). Similar results were shown in cheese. TPC was higher in cheese manufactured with milk from grazing goats (300 mg of GAE/kg of cheese) when compared to cheese from milk goats fed ID (60 mg of GAE/of cheese). Acacia pods are a semiarid rangeland feed resource that transfers pro-healthy activity, inhibited in vitro lipid peroxidation (inhibition of TBARS formation) and diminished the damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, in vivo assessment revealed that Acacia species increased free radical scavenging (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity. The results highlight that grazing/browsing practices are superior to indoor feeding in order to promote the transference of bioactive compounds from vegetation to animal tissue, and finally to animal products. Grazing management represents a better option than indoor feeding to enhance bioactivity of milk and cheese. Supplementation with rich-bioactive compound forages increased total polyphenol, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoid concentrations in milk and cheese. The consumption of goat milk prevents obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and hepatic steatosis while on a high-fat diet induced obesity in mice.

Acacia hydaspica R. Parker ethyl-acetate extract abrogates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by targeting ROS and inflammatory cytokines

Cisplatin (CisPT) is a chemotherapeutic drug that outcomes in adverse effects. In this study, we examined the effect of A. hydaspica ethyl acetate extract (AHE) in an animal model of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the AKI rat model, and CisPT (7.5 mg/kg BW, i.p) single dose was given. In the pretreatment module, AHE (400 mg/kgBW/day, p.o) was given for 7 days before and after CisPT injection. While in the post-treatment group AHE was administered for 7 days after a single CisPT shot. The standard group received silymarin (100 mg/kg BW, p.o) for 7 days before and after CisPT injection. In HCT 116 tumor xenografts (n = 32) two groups of mice were pretreated with 400 mg/kg AHE orally for 7 days and two groups were treated with distilled water. On day 7 of pretreatment one distilled water and one AHE pretreated group were injected i.p with 15 mg/kg bw dose followed by another dose of CisPT 2 wk later. AHE groups were additionally treated with 400 mg/kg AHE for 3 days/week for 2 weeks. CisPT significantly deteriorated renal function parameters, i.e., PH, specific gravity, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, globulin and blood urea nitrogen. CisPT treatment increased oxidative stress markers, while lower renal antioxidant enzymes. AHE pretreatment ameliorates significantly (p < 0.0001) CisPT-induced alterations in serum and urine markers for kidney function. Furthermore, AHE pretreatment more efficiently (p < 0.001) decreases oxidative stress markers, attenuate NF-κB, and IL-6 protein and mRNA expression by augmenting antioxidant enzyme levels compared to post-treatment. The histological observations verified the protective effect of AHE. In tumor xenograft mice, AHE treatment significantly reduced CisPT induced oxidative stress while it did not interfere with the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin as shown by significance (p < 0.001) decrease in tumor size after treatment. A. hydaspica AHE might provide a prospective adjuvant that precludes CisPT-induced nephrotoxicity without compromising its antitumor potential.

Insights for the Valorization of Biomass from Portuguese Invasive Acacia spp. in a Biorefinery Perspective

Acacia spp. are widespread all over the Portuguese territory, representing a threat to local biodiversity and to the productivity of the forest sector. The measures adopted in some countries for their eradication or to control their propagation are expensive, have been considered unfeasible from practical and economical perspectives, and have generated large amounts of residue that must be valorized in a sustainable way. This review brings together information on the valorization of bark, wood, leaves, flowers, pods, seeds, roots, and exudates from Acacia spp., through the production of high-value bioactive extracts (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiviral, anthelmintic, or pesticidal agents, suitable to be explored by pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetics, and food and feed industries), its incorporation in innovative materials (e.g., polymers and composites, nanomaterials, low-cost adsorbents), as well as through the application of advanced thermochemical processes (e.g., flash pyrolysis) and pre-treatments to decompose biomass in its structural components, regarding the production of biofuels along with valuable chemicals derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The knowledge of this research is important to encourage an efficient and sustainable valorization of Acacia spp. within a biorefinery concept, which can bring a significant economic return from the valorization of these residues, simultaneously contributing to forest cleaning and management, to reduce the risk of fires, and to improve the social-economic development of rural areas.

Cannabinoid-profiled agents improve cell survival via reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and Nrf2 activation in a toxic model combining hyperglycemia+Aβ1-42 peptide in rat hippocampal neurons

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder linked to various converging toxic mechanisms. Evidence suggests that hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and excitotoxicity, all of which play important roles in the onset and progression of AD pathogenesis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) orchestrates major physiological responses, including neuronal plasticity, neuroprotection, and redox homeostasis, to name a few. The multi-targeted effectiveness of the ECS emerges as a potential approach to treat AD. Here we characterized the protective properties of the endocannabinoids arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the synthetic cannabinoids CP 55-940 and WIN 55,212-2, and the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597, on a combined hyperglycemia + oligomeric amyloid β peptide (Aβ1-42) neurotoxic model in primary hippocampal neurons which exhibit several AD features. Cells were treated with cannabinoid agents at increased concentrations (1 nM-1 μM) for 6 h, and then co-treated with 150 mM glucose (GLU, 24 h), followed by incubation with 500 nM Aβ1-42 (24 h). Cell viability/survival, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GPx and GRx) activities, biological products of oxidative damage (AGE and HNE adducts) and nitrosative stress (3-NT), several endpoints of inflammation (iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α), amyloid quantification, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the involvement of the Nrf2 pathway, were all evaluated. The combined high glucose + amyloid beta 1-42 (GLU + Aβ1-42) condition decreased cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, while augmenting oxidative damage and inflammation. All agents tested preserved cell viability and stimulated mitochondrial membrane potential, while reducing all the evaluated toxic endpoints in a differential manner, with URB597 showing the highest efficacy. The neuroprotective efficacy of all cannabinoid agents, except for URB597, led to partial recruitment of specific antioxidant activity and Nrf2 pathway regulation. Our results support the neuroprotective potential of these agents at low concentrations against the damaging effects of GLU + Aβ1-42, affording new potential modalities for the design of AD therapies.

Acacia farnesiana pods (plant: Fabaceae) possesses anti-parasitic compounds against Haemonchus contortus in female lambs

Acacia farnesiana pods are rich in secondary metabolites and their biological activities have been recorded as antibacterial, antioxidant and anthelmintic. Previously, an in vitro bioguided study showed the important ovicidal and larvicidal effects of an organic fraction (EtOAc-F) from a hydroalcoholic extract of A. farnesiana pods against Haemonchus contortus. The present study aimed to assess the in vivo anthelmintic effect of EtOAc-F from A. farnesiana pods on the H. contortus faecal egg elimination in female lambs and on the infective larvae (L₃) population reduction in coprocultures. The EtOAc-F was obtained from a hydroalcoholic extract from A. farnesiana pods through chromatographic procedures; additionally, some secondary compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Twenty-one 'Katahdin' crossbred female lambs ranging from three to four months of age, with body weights 21.9 ± 0.39 kg were used. Animals were orally infected with H. contortus (L₃) by a single dose of 350 L₃/kg BW. Three experimental groups (n = 7) were assigned as follows: 1) Control (untreated), 2) Albendazole, as a positive control (at 7.5 mg/kg BW, unique dose) and 3) EtOAc-F (at 100 mg/kg BW, once every third day, with three applications in total). Individual faecal samples were collected once a week for 5 weeks (at days 38, 45, 52, 59 and 66) post-treatment, to measure the faecal egg counts (FEC) and to obtain the H. contortus (L₃) population from faecal cultures. The highest FEC reduction caused by EtOAc-F was 67.7%; meanwhile, albendazole showed a total FEC reduction after the second week post-treatment (day 45). On the other hand, the fraction caused an important reduction in the larval population in coprocultures (54.3-68.5%). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of galloyl derivatives and flavonoids as major compounds. The A. farnesiana pods could serve as a natural anthelmintic for the control of H. contortus, and perhaps for controlling other parasites of veterinary importance.

Doxorubicin-induced alterations in kidney functioning, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and renal tissue morphology; Improvement by Acacia hydaspica tannin-rich ethyl acetate fraction

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline drug used for cancer treatment. However, its treatment is contiguous with toxic effects. We examined the nephroprotective potential of A. hydaspica polyphenol-rich ethyl acetate extract (AHE) against DOX persuaded nephrotoxicity. 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assorted into 6 groups. Control group received saline; DOX group: 3 mg/kg b.w. dosage of DOX intraperitoneally for 6 weeks (single dose/week). In co-treatment groups, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w AHE was given orally for 6 weeks in concomitant with DOX (3 mg/kg b.w, i.p. injection per week) respectively. Standard group received silymarin 400 mg/kg b.w daily + DOX (single dose/week). Biochemical kidney function tests, oxidative stress markers, genotoxicity, antioxidant enzyme status, and histopathological changes were examined. DOX caused significant body weight loss and decrease kidney weight. DOX-induced marked deterioration in renal function indicators in both urine and serum, i.e., PH, specific gravity, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, etc. Also, DOX treatment increases renal tissue oxidative stress markers, while lower antioxidant enzymes in tissue along with degenerative alterations in the renal tissue compared to control rats. AHE co-treatment ameliorates DOX-prompted changes in serum and urine chemistry. Likewise, AHE treatment decreases sensitive markers of oxidative stress and prevented DNA damages by enhancing antioxidant enzyme levels. DOX induction in rats also caused DNA fragmentation which was restored by AHE co-treatment. Moreover, the histological observations evidenced that AHE effectively rescued the kidney tissue from DOX interceded oxidative damage. Our results suggest that co-treatment of AHE markedly improve DOX-induced deleterious effects in a dose-dependent manner. The potency of AHE co-treatment at 400 mg/kg dose is similar to silymarin. These outcomes revealed that A. hydaspica AHE extract might serve as a potential adjuvant that avoids DOX-induced nephrotoxicity.

Goats' Feeding Supplementation with Acacia farnesiana Pods and Their Relationship with Milk Composition: Fatty Acids, Polyphenols, and Antioxidant Activity

Simple Summary

The study aimed to describe the fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of goat’s milk from five different feeding systems: Grazing; conventional diet; and conventional diet supplemented with 10, 20, and 30 percent of Acacia farnesiana pods. Conventional diet showed the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids while grazing showed the healthiest fatty acid profile. Similarly, grazing and A. farnesiana boosted the polyphenol content. A. farnesiana pod meal inclusion in the goats’ diets increased the selective presence of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of goat’s milk while cholesterol content was reduced.

Abstract

Background: Research efforts have focused on the evaluation of the bioactive quality of animal products (milk, cheese, meat, and other by-products) contrasting various feeding strategies coming from different ecological zones. The study aimed to describe the fatty acids (FA), polyphenols (P), bioactive compounds (BC), and antioxidant activity (AA) of goat’s milk. Methods: Dairy goats were fed with five systems: (1) Grazing; (2) conventional diet (CD); (3) CD + 10% of Acacia farnesiana (AF) pods; (4) CD + 20% AF; and (5) CD + 30% AF. The fatty acid profile, health promoting and thrombogenic indexes were calculated. Milk extracts were evaluated by HPLC to determent phenolic compounds (gallic, caffeic, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids, catechin, epicatechin, and quercetin). Antioxidant activity of goat’s milk extract was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Results: Conventional diet showed the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids while grazing showed the best n-6:n-3 and the linoleic:alpha linolenic acid ratio. Similarly, grazing and AF boosted the polyphenol content. Conclusions: Acacia farnesiana inclusion in the goats’ diets increased the presence of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity while diminishing the cholesterol content of goat’s milk.

Phenolic Compounds in Organic and Aqueous Extracts from Acacia farnesiana Pods Analyzed by ULPS-ESI-Q-oa/TOF-MS. In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Inflammatory Response in CD-1 Mice

BACKGROUND

Acacia farnesiana (AF) pods have been traditionally used to treat dyspepsia, diarrhea and topically for dermal inflammation. Main objectives: (1) investigate the antioxidant activity and protection against oxidative-induced damage of six extracts from AF pods and (2) their capacity to curb the inflammation process as well as to down-regulate the pro-inflammatory mediators.

METHODS

Five organic extracts (chloroformic, hexanic, ketonic, methanolic, methanolic:aqueous and one aqueous extract) were obtained and analyzed by UPLC-ESI-Q-oa/TOF-MS. Antioxidant activity (DPPH•, ORAC and FRAP assays) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay) were performed. Assessment of anti-inflammatory properties was made by the ear edema induced model in CD-1 mice and MPO activity assay. Likewise, histological analysis, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, COX measurements plus nitrite and immunohistochemistry analysis were carried out.

RESULTS

Methyl gallate, gallic acid, galloyl glucose isomer 1, galloyl glucose isomer 2, galloyl glucose isomer 3, digalloyl glucose isomer 1, digalloyl glucose isomer 2, digalloyl glucose isomer 3, digalloyl glucose isomer 4, hydroxytyrosol acetate, quinic acid, and caffeoylmalic acid were identified. Both organic and aqueous extracts displayed antioxidant activity. All extracts exhibited a positive effect on the interleukins, COX and immunohistochemistry assays.

CONCLUSION

All AF pod extracts can be effective as antioxidant and topical anti-inflammatory agents.

Acacia hydaspica R. Parker ameliorates cisplatin induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and morphological alterations in rat pulmonary tissue

Background

Cisplatin (CP) drug is platinum compounds used for the treatment of various human malignancies. However, adverse outcomes related to CP restrict its usage. Acacia hydaspica is a natural shrub with various pharmacological properties. The current investigation aimed to assess the protective potential of A. hydaspica polyphenol rich ethyl acetate extract (AHE) against cisplatin (CP) induced pulmonary toxicity.

Methods

Rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 served as control (saline); Group 2 (drug control) recieved single dose of CP (7.5 mg/kg i.p.) on 1st day; Group 3 (extract control) (400 mg/kg bw, p.o.) received AHE for one week; Group 4 (Post-treated) and Group 5 (pretreated) received AHE (400 mg/kg bw/day, p.o) for 7 days after and before CP (7.5 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) respectively; Group 6 (Standard control) received silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w/7 days) before CP. At the end of dosing rats were sacrificed and pulmonary tissue samples were processed for the evaluation of antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress markers, genotoxicity and histopathological alterations.

Results

CP caused body weights loss and increase pulmonary tissue weight. The CP significantly increases oxidative stress markers and decreases tissue antioxidant enzyme levels. Furthermore, CP induced deleterious changes in the microanatomy of pulmonary tissue by rupturing the alveolar septa, thickening of alveolar walls, and injuring the cells with subsequent collapse of blood vessels. AHE pretreatment returned MDA, NO, H₂O₂ production and improved tissue antioxidant enzyme levels to near normalcy. The histological observations evidenced that AHE effectively rescues the lungs from CP-mediated oxidative damage. CP induction in rats also caused DNA fragmentation which was restored by AHE treatment. Our results suggest that pretreatment more significantly improve CP induced deleterious effects compared with post treatment indicating protective effect. Potency of AHE pretreatment is similar to silymarin.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated that A. hydaspica AHE extract might serve as potential adjuvant that prevents CP persuaded pulmonary toxicity due to its intrinsic antioxidant potential and polyphenolic constituents.

Modulatory influence of Acacia hydaspica R. Parker ethyl acetate extract against cisplatin inveigled hepatic injury and dyslipidemia in rats

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CP) is recommended as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent for solid tumors, however its usage outcomes in severe adverse effects. Acacia hydaspica possesses various phytochemicals and pharmacological activities. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effect of A. hydaspica ethyl acetate extract (AHE) against CP induced aberrations in lipid profile and hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Rats were randomly separated into six groups (n = 6). Group 1 (control) received distilled water orally for 21 days. Groups 2 (CP control) received a single dose of CP (7.5 mg/kg bw, i.p) on day 16, group 3 (Plant control) received AHE (400 mg/kg b.w, oral) for 21 days, group 4 (post treated group); CP received on day 16 and AHE (400 mg/kg b.w/day, p.o.) was administered after CP till day 21, Group 5 (pretreated group) received AHE (400 mg/kg b.w/day, p.o.) for 21 days and CP (7.5 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) on day 16, group 6 (Silymarin + CP) received 100 mg/kg b.w., p.o. (11 doses/21 days) and CP (7.5 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) on day 16. Lipid profile, liver functional tests, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes status and histopathological changes were examined.

RESULTS

The present study revealed that CP caused body weights loss and increase liver index. CP significantly increased serum total lipid, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels. Conversely, it significantly decreased serum HDL-cholesterol level. CP induced marked deteriorations in serum liver function biomarkers, reduced antioxidant enzymes in tissue, while elevated tissue oxidative stress markers along with morphological injuries compared to control rats. Treatment with AHE ameliorated CP induced alterations in lipid profile, serum ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin levels and liver weight. Furthermore AHE treatment improved the total protein and antioxidant enzymes levels while decreased the level of MDA, H2O2, and NO. The altered parameters were returned to the control level with AHE pretreatment. Histopathological analysis also supported the biochemical findings. Pretreatment seems to be more effective compared to post treatment indicating protective effect.

CONCLUSION

These results reveal that treatment of AHE may be useful in the prevention of CP induced hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant potential and polyphenolic constituents.

Effects of Power Ultrasound on Stability of Cyanidin-3-glucoside Obtained from Blueberry

Power ultrasound (US) could potentially be used in the food industry in the future. However, the extent of anthocyanin degradation by US requires investigation. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cy-3-glu) obtained from blueberry extracts was used as research material to investigate the effect of power ultrasound on food processing of anthocyanin-rich raw materials. The effects of ultrasonic waves on the stability of Cy-3-glu and on the corresponding changes in UV-Vis spectrum and antioxidant activity were investigated, and the mechanisms of anthocyanin degradation induced by ultrasonic waves were discussed. To explore Cy-3-glu degradation in different environments, we kept the Cy-3-glu solution treated with ultrasonic waves in four concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, and 50%) of ethanol aqueous solutions to simulate water, beer, wine, and liquor storage environment according to the chemical kinetics method. Results show that the basic spectral characteristics of Cy-3-glu did not significantly change after power ultrasound cell crusher application at 30 °C. However, with anthocyanin degradation, the intensity of the peak for Cy-3-glu at 504 nm significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The degradation kinetics of Cy-3-glu by ultrasonic waves (200–500 W frequency) fitted well to first-order reaction kinetics, and the degradation rate constant of Cy-3-glu under power ultrasound was considerably larger than that under thermal degradation (p < 0.05). The sensitivity of the anthocyanins of blueberry to temperature increased with increasing ethanol concentration, and the longest half-life was observed in 20% ethanol aqueous solution.