Antioxidant activity of twenty five plants from Colombian biodiversity

The role of Algerian Ephedra alata ethanolic extract in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis in a p53- dependent pathway

Background

Ephedra alata, a member of the Ephedraceae family, was used to treat different diseases and it might be shown a strong efficacy to inhibit cancer cell lines.

Methods

Due to the limited research available about this plant, the objective of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Ephedra alata ethanolic extract (EAEE), against different human cancer cell lines.

Results

EAEE inhibited the growth of the liver (HepG2), breast (MCF-7), and colon cancer cells (Caco-2). MCF-7 cells with an IC₅₀ of 153 µg/ml, were the most sensitive to the extract. Furthermore, exploration using flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI assay demonstrated that EAEE caused death for all human cancer cells mainly through apoptosis. Very interestingly, qRT-PCR analysis using the ΔΔCt method revealed that four genes, Bax, p21, RB1, and TP53 were up-regulated in MCF-7 cells treated either with EAEE or S-FU drug. These findings let us believe that the mechanism by which EAEE kills breast cancer cells seems to be apoptosis via a P53-dependent manner, which involved intrinsic pathways through the induction of Bax, p21, and RB1.

Conclusions

EAEE exhibits good biological properties in contradiction of HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cell lines. This study appoints for the first time that EAEE increases the expression in MCF-7 cells of p53 and three more genetic traits that control cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, this plant could serve as a potential source to find new pro-apoptotic drugs for cancer treatment.

An Endemic Plant of the Mediterranean Area: Phytochemical Characterization of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruits Extracts at Different Ripening Stages

This work focused on the extraction, quantification, and characterization of bioactive compounds of Arbutus unedo L. fruits, comparing the results obtained from the different ripening states. Extractions were performed by different methods (such as maceration extraction and ultrasonic extraction) and food grade solvents (aqueous and hydroalcoholic solvents) in each of the all ripening states (four states considered, associated with four different colors, i.e., green, yellow, orange, and red). The presence of (poly)phenols was quantified and characterized, and scavenging activity was determined by the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent and the DPPH method, respectively. The content of bioactive compounds was characterized by LC-MS/MS, such as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) performed better than maceration extraction; ethanol–water mixture extracts showed a more positive effect than the use of aqueous extracts regarding the content of total phenolic compounds. Overall, the total phenolic compounds in the EtOH:H₂O mixture at a ratio of 7:3 (v:v) were higher than that of the other solvents for both extraction methods. Some bioactive molecules were characterized for the first time in the extracts of A. unedo. The chemical profile of the strawberry tree extracts depended on the degree of fruit ripeness. The results suggest that A. unedo fruits may be of great interest for food and nutraceutical applications.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Protein Kinase Inhibition Profiling of C. ambrosioides Seed Extracts along with RP-HPLC

The validation of underexplored traditional plant remedies represents a reservoir of novel leads for drug discovery. In line with this, in vitro total phenolics and flavonoids content, multimode antioxidants, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and protein kinase inhibition assays were conducted on C. ambrosioides seed extracts in addition to RP-HPLC. Methanol extract exhibited highest total phenolics ( $64.6\pm 0.6\mu \text{g}$ gallic acid equivalent/mg) and flavonoids ( $50.9\pm 0.5\mu \text{g}$ quercetin equivalent/mg) content. RP-HPLC quantified rutin (1.98 μg/mg) in methanol extract whereas quercetin (0.322 μg/mg) and kaempferol (2.86 μg/mg) in methanol-distilled water extract. Methanol extract exhibited highest ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) free radical (DPPH) scavenging (IC50 of $110.7\pm 5\mu \text{g}/\text{ml}$ ), total antioxidant capacity ( $110.6\pm 2.2\mu \text{g}$ AAE/mg), and total reducing power ( $94.30\pm 0.46\mu \text{g}$ AAE/mg). Highest antibacterial activity against K. pneumonia ( $14\pm 1.61\text{mm}$ ZOI) and antifungal activity against F. solani ( $17\pm 1.38\text{mm}$ ZOI) were shown by n-hexane and chloroform extracts, respectively. Ethyl acetate extract exhibited highest brine shrimps cytotoxicity (LC50 of 125 μg/ml). A noteworthy protein kinase inhibitory potential was shown by ethanol extract with a $20\pm 1.27\text{mm}$ bald zone. Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants can be completely explored by using multiple solvent system. This study makes C. ambrosioides, a resourceful prospect for the bioactivity-guided isolation of lead compounds.

The Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidants Potential of Schoenoplectus triqueter L. Palla

Over the centuries, humans use different types of therapeutic plants to treat several diseases. Cyperaceae family has a significant number of monocotyledon plants, and Schoenoplectus is one of the genera that belong to this family; about forty-nine compounds are isolated. Our current study was evaluated on Schoenoplectus triqueter L. Palla to show the potential of its antioxidants and confirm the phytochemical constituents in this plant species. Fully powdered plant taken for successive extraction process in hot continuous process for Soxhlet was 20 g plant in porous bag manually prepared; the constant temperature provided was 40–50°C. In the maceration extraction method, 30 g plant was taken in a closed jar and the solvent placed for extraction was 300 mL of ethanol; the extract gets filtered and fractioned to different solvents such as water, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fraction. Important types of phytochemicals found in this species are alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and carbohydrates. All the entire extracted fractions which are water, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane possess noticeable activity at various concentrations of 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 µg/mL by the dilution method. The ethyl acetate extract holds greater median inhibitory concentration (IC50 = 3.52 ± 0.01), and water showed IC50 = 3.61 ± 0.01 percent potential as compared to the standard ascorbic acid which possesses IC50 = 2.27 ± 0.01. Their potential may be enhanced or lowered with the purification of extracts which might be useful in biological activities.

Investigation of polyphenol profile, antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Aconogonon alpinum (All.) Schur roots

Liver plays vital role in detoxification of exogenous and endogenous chemicals. These chemicals as well as oxidative stress may cause liver disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of various fractions of Aconogonon alpinum methanolic extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity in mice. First, hepatoprotective potential of various fractions of A. alpinum was assessed and then antioxidant activity and profiling of polyphenolic compounds were assessed. A total of 78 male albino mice (BALB/c) were randomly divided into 13 groups (n = 6); Group I (normal control), Group II (CCl4 only), Group III (CCl4 + silymarin 100 mg/kg) and Groups IV–XIII (CCl4 + various fractions [200 and 400 mg/kg]). Hepatic biochemistry and liver injury were assessed by analysis of serum levels of hepatic enzymes and histopathological analysis, respectively. Results showed that polar fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions) exhibited highly significant (P < 0.01) reduction in increased level of liver biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner with consistent histopathological findings. Likewise, these fractions revealed strong antioxidant potential and polyphenolic compound contents. In conclusion, the present work has revealed promising antioxidant activity, polyphenolic profiling and potential hepatoprotective efficacy. Thus, the significant results unveil the study as a step forward towards evidence-based phytomedicine.

The Effects of Storage on Quality and Nutritional Values of Ehrenberg's Snapper Muscles (Lutjanus Ehrenbergi): Evaluation of Natural Antioxidants Effect on the Denaturation of Proteins

Protein denaturation in frozen minced fillets (Ehrenberg’s Snapper), stored at −25 °C was studied; 50.0 mg biomass/50g mince fillets treated with cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, garlic, ginger and 25.0 mg of vitamin C were used to slow protein denaturation. FT-IR stretching vibration of Amide-A (νNH) at 3300 cm⁻¹; Amide-I stretching (νC=O) between 1600−1690 cm⁻¹ and Amide-II stretching (νCN) and bending (δNH) between 1480 and 1575cm⁻¹ were used as marker peaks. Garlic was the most significant (p ≤ 0.01) in controlling the rate of protein denaturation when νNH was used as a marker peak. DSC analysis showed that turmeric presented the highest effect on delaying the denaturation of sarcoplasmic proteins with a ΔH0=73.7J/g  followed by garlic-treated mince fillets ΔH0=70.1J/g. All spices used were efficient in stopping the denaturation of myosin with the highest ΔH0=769.3 J/g registered for cinnamon-treated mince fillets. Actin was less vulnerable to denaturation in comparison to myosin and sarcoplasmic proteins.

Metabolomics analysis reveals that elevated atmospheric CO2 alleviates drought stress in cucumber seedling leaves

Elevated atmospheric CO₂ alleviates moderate to severe drought stresses at physiological level in cucumber. To investigate the underlying metabolic mechanisms, cucumber seedlings were treated with two [CO₂] and three water treatments combinations, and their leaves were analyzed using a non-targeted metabolomics approach. The results showed that elevated [CO₂] changed 79 differential metabolites which were mainly associated with alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; TCA cycle; and glycerophospholipid metabolism under moderate drought stress. Moreover, elevated [CO₂] promoted the accumulation of secondary metabolites; including isoferulic acid, m-coumaric acid and salicyluric acid. Under severe drought stress, elevated [CO₂] changed 26 differential metabolites which mainly involved in alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; pyruvate metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; cysteine and methionine metabolism; starch and sucrose metabolism; glycolysis or gluconeogenesis; and pyrimidine metabolism. In addition, elevated [CO₂] accumulated carbohydrates, 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, pyrocatechol, glutamate, and l-gulonolactone, to allow adaption to severe drought. In conclusion, the metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with the alleviation of drought stresses by elevated [CO₂] were different according to the level of drought stress. Our results may provide a theoretical basis for CO₂ fertilization and application of exogenous metabolites to enhance drought tolerance of cucumber.

Free Radical Scavenging Properties of Annona squamosa

Annona squamosa has extensively been used in the traditional and folkloric medicine and found to possess many biological activities. Different solvents, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Annona squamosa seeds (ASPE, ASCH, ASEA, ASME) have been used to prepare plant extracts. The present investigations dealt with the free radical scavenging activity of four extracts using various techniques such as total reducing power estimation, total phenolic count, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect, evaluation of ABTS cation decolorisation capacity, FRAP assay, hdroxyl radical scavenging assay, super oxide assay and Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay of the extracts. The results showed that the four extracts of Annona squamosa showed significant reducing power in four extracts. The total phenolic contents in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol extracts and positive control were 0.64±0.17, 0.54±0.27, 0.49±0.24, 0.57±0.22 and 0.66±0.33. The antioxidant capacity by ABTS assay of ASPE, ASCH, ASEA, ASME and positive control, trolox showed 77.75±0.5,73.25±1.7,78.5± 1.2 , 80 ± 0.8 μg/ml and 94.2 ± 0.9 respectively. The (50 % scavenging activity) SA50 of ASPE and ASCH, ASEA and ASME was found to be 34.4 μg/ml, 43.8 μg/ml 34.7 μg/m and 28.8 μg/ml respectively by DPPH assay. The percentage of hydroxyl radical scavenging increased with the increasing concentration of the extracts. ASPE, ASCH, ASEA and ASME showed superoxide radical scavenging activity, as indicated by their values 66 ± 0.5, 68 ± 1 ,63 ± 1 and 70 ± 0.5 μg/ml respectively compared to gallic acid which was 97 ± 0.5 μg/ml. The values for scavenging of nitric oxide for ASPE, ASCH, ASEA and ASME were 91.0 ± 1.0, 66.75 ± 0.5, 71.75 ± 1.1 and 75.75 ± 1.15 μg/ml while value for standard ascorbic acid was 91.0 ± 1.0 μg/ml. The results revealed strong antioxidants in four extracts may lead to the development of potent antioxidant agents from Annona squamosa seeds.

Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts from Colombian Coffee-Growing Eco-Region

The present study describes the in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of 34 plant species collected in the Colombian coffee-growing eco-region belonging to Euphorbiaceae, Piperaceae and Solanaceae families. The antioxidant properties of extracts were evaluated by determining radical scavenging power measured with a DPPH assay. The methanolic extracts of  Hyeronimia antioquiensis, Mabea montana, and Alchornea grandis species (Euphorbiaceae), presents EC50 values equal to 0.686, 12.35, and 13.01 µg/mL, respectively, showing high antioxidant potential.

Naringin regulates glutamate-nitric oxide cGMP pathway in ammonium chloride induced neurotoxicity

Naringin, plant bioflavonoid extracted mainly from grapefruit and other related citrus species. This study was designed to assess the neuroprotective effect of naringin on ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) induced hyperammonemic rats. Experimental hyperammonemia was induced by intraperitonial injection (i.p) of NH₄Cl (100mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) thrice a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Hyperammonemic rats were treated with naringin (80mg/kg b.w.) via oral gavage. Naringin administration drastically restored the levels of blood ammonia, plasma urea, nitric oxide (NO), glutamate, glutamine, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, activities of liver marker enzymes, antioxidant status and sodium/potassium-ATPase (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase). In addition, naringin supplementation reverted back the pathological changes of liver, brain and kidney tissues, the expressions of Glutamine synthetase (GS), Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, neuronal nitric oxide (nNOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in hyperammonemic rats. Hence, this study suggested that nargingin exhibited their protective effect against NH₄Cl induced toxicity via enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting the lipid peroxidation process. Take together, this study provides data that naingin effectively reduced neurotoxicity by attenuating hyperammonemia, suggesting that naringin act as a potential therapeutic agent to treat hyperammonemic rats.

Research progress in phytochemistry and biology of Aframomum species

CONTEXT

The African genus Aframomum (Zingiberaceae) is a group of diverse tropical plants frequently collected yet largely neglected taxonomically. The current and unprecedented loss of species due to man-made habitat destruction and climate change adds a desperate urgency not only to understand the phylogenetics, chemotaxonomy and biology, but also to preserve the quickly disappearing species.

OBJECTIVES

The present systematic review reports on the research progress in phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Aframomum species.

METHODOLOGY

Scientific databases such as MedSci, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Knowledge were used to retrieve publications (from the year 1990 to 2014) related to Aframomum plants, isolated compounds and their bioactivity, phytochemistry and toxicology. The keywords combinations for the search were: Aframomum; chemotaxonomy, phylogenetics, pharmacology and bioactive metabolites and toxicology. A total of 71 research articles that report on the biological activity of extracts and chemical constituents were recovered and presented in this review.

RESULTS

Most published data related to the potential of Aframomum melegueta, a medicinal plant from West and Central Africa. The potential of phenols and terpenoids isolated from Aframomum plants were generally much better documented than that of arylalkanoids.

CONCLUSION

Aframomum genus represents an enormous resource for novel compounds with a range of medicinal properties. However, these plants are under-researched and their conservation is poor. To unravel their full potential, efforts should be strengthened throughout the continent to establish the taxonomy, preserve the genus and explore novel medicinal properties.

Potential assessment of Rumex vesicarius L. as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds

The present work is designed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) and its fractions (viz., hexane (HF), chloroform (CF), ethyl acetate (AF), n-butanol (BF) and water (WF)) obtained from aerial part of Rumex vesicarius L. by using different in vitro antioxidant assays. The content in pigments (carotenoids and chlorophylls), total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Qualitative analyses of major phenolics by TLC analysis were also evaluated. Experimental results obtained show that R. vesicarius is a rich source of β-carotene (116.83 ± 1.60 μg/g DW), lycopene (156.40 ± 1.59 μg/g DW) and chlorophyll a (271.45 ± 3.46 μg/g DW). The greatest antioxidant activity was found in AF (IC50.DPPH = 0.07 ± 0.00 mg/ml) followed by BF and CF (0.15 ± 0.00 and 0.16 ± 0.00 mg/ml, respectively). These fractions were also better in their effect on reducing the oxidation of β-carotene. Reducing power of crude methanol extract/fractions increased with increasing concentration of the extract. The amount of total phenolics varied from 0.37 ± 0.01 to 43.28 ± 0.28 mg GAE/g of dry weight, HAE had the higher content (43.28 ± 0.28 mg GAE/g of DW). A negative correlation was found between phenolic compounds and the antioxidant efficiencies of the crude extract/fractions, suggesting that phenolic compounds are not the only contributors to the antioxidant activities of Rumex vesicarius. The present findings suggest that Rumex vesicarius L. can be used as natural antioxidant source to prevent damage associated with free radicals.

Medicinal plants from the genus Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae)--a review of their ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acalypha is the fourth largest genus of the Euphorbiaceae family with approximately 450-570 species. Several Acalypha species are used as medicinal plants in Africa and in the Mascarene Islands. Almost every part of the plant including the leaves, stem and roots are used as traditional remedies to treat and manage a panoply of ailments. However, there is no updated compilation of traditionally important medicinal plants from the Acalypha genus. The present review therefore, endeavors to provide for the first time an updated compilation of documented ethnopharmacological information in relation to the ethnomedicinal, ethnoveterinary, zoopharmacognosy, phytochemistry and biological activities of medicinal plants from the Acalypha genus which can subsequently open new perspectives for further pharmacological research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed on Acalypha species using ethnobotanical text books and scientific databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar and other web sources such as records from PROTA, PROSEA, and Botanical Dermatology Database. The Plant List, International Plant Name index and Kew Botanical Garden Plant name databases were used to validate scientific names.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Plants from Acalypha genus are traditionally used in the treatment and/or management of diverse ailments such as diabetes, jaundice, hypertension, fever, liver inflammation, schistosomiasis, dysentery, respiratory problems including bronchitis, asthma and pheumonia as well as skin conditions such as scabies, eczema and mycoses. Approximately 124 species were listed in ethnobotanical studies with some botanical description and others mentioned from different web sources. However, only 40 species have been included in the present review due to the unavailability of ethnopharmacological data on the remaining species. Among the 40 cited species, 30 were traditionally used for the treatment and/or management of approximately 70 human diseases or health conditions. Two species, Acalypha alnifolia and Acalypha fruticosa are used as insecticides and sand fly repellent respectively. Only 2 species (Acalypha fruticosa and Acalypha indica) are used in ethnoveterinary practice and have similar human and veterinary applications. In zoopharmacognosy, only Acalypha ornata has been mentioned. Natives from Africa, Central America, North America, Southern China, India, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea and Mascarenes islands utilize Acalypha species as ethnomedicine. Traditionally used Acalypha species have been reported to possess at least one of the following biological activities: antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, larvidal, pupicidal, hepatoprotective, anticancer, leishmanicidal, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anti-venom, analgesic, anthelmintic, antiemetic, laxative, expectorant, diuretic, post-coital antifertility effects and wound healing. A total of 167 compounds have been identified from 19 species, with 16 from eight species were reported to be bioactive.

CONCLUSION

The present review represents 32.3% of species from the Acalypha genus and can be considered as the first compilation of ethnopharmacologically useful plants from this genus. There is a great potential to discover new biologically active phytochemicals from the Acalypha genus because only few species have been studied comprehensively. Therefore, the clinical evaluation of species from this genus is warranted in future studies to confirm the ethnomedicinal claims and for the safety approval of therapeutic applications.

Evaluation of the In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Potentials of Aframomum melegueta Methanolic Seed Extract

Aframomum melegueta Schum (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial herb widely cultivated for its valuable seeds in the tropical region of Africa. The present study evaluated the antioxidant effects of methanolic seed extract of A. melegueta. The antioxidant effects were evaluated using in vitro, 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine photometric assay and in vivo serum catalase, superoxide dismutase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay method. The extract (25–400 μg/mL concentration) produced concentration dependent increase in antioxidant activity in 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine photometric assay. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activity when compared with the control group. The extract (400 mg/kg) showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the serum level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance when compared with the control group. These findings suggest that the seed of A. melegueta has potent antioxidant activity which may be responsible for some of its reported pharmacological activities and can be used as antioxidant supplement.

Structure characterization of proanthocyanidins from Caryota ochlandra Hance and their bioactivities

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) from Caryota ochlandra fruit pericarp and fruit flesh were characterized by (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance, high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry techniques. The fruit pericarp and flesh PAs were complex mixtures of homo- and heteropolymers of B-type procyanidins and prodelphinidins both with degrees of polymerization up to dodecamer. Their antioxidant and antityrosinase activities were investigated. The fruit pericarp PAs exhibited potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 142.86 ± 1.53 and 80.51 ± 0.4 μg/ml for DPPH and ABTS free-radical scavenging assays; with FRAP value of 373.09 ± 5.02 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g dry weight. Furthermore, the fruit pericarp PAs had antityrosinase activity while the fruit flesh PAs could be oxidized by tyrosinase. The structure and antioxidant activities of the C. ochlandra fruit PAs together with their effects on tyrosinase activity would lay scientific foundation for their utilization in food and nutrition industry.

A review on plant-based rutin extraction methods and its pharmacological activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rutin is a common dietary flavonoid that is widely consumed from plant-derived beverages and foods as traditional and folkloric medicine worldwide. Rutin is believed to exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetic, anti-adipogenic, neuroprotective and hormone therapy. Till date, over 130 registered therapeutic medicinal preparations are containing rutin in their formulations. This article aims to critically review the extraction methods for plant-based rutin and its pharmacological activities. This review provides comprehensive data on the performance of rutin extraction methods and the extent of its pharmacological activities using various in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literatures including journals, patents, books and leaflets reporting on rutin from natural resources are systematically reviewed, particularly in the aspect of its extraction methods and biological activities. Factors affecting the efficiency of rutin extraction such as extraction temperature, duration and solvent to sample ratio are presented based on the findings of previous studies. The observed biological activities followed by clear explanation are also provided accordingly.

RESULTS

The biological activities of rutin varied largely dependent on the geographical and plant origins. The complexity of natural rutin has impeded the development of rutin derived drugs. The detail mechanism of rutin in human body after consumption is still unclear. Therefore, studies are intensively carried out both in vitro and in vivo for the better understanding of the underlying mechanism. The studies are not limited to the pharmacological properties, but also on the extraction methods of rutin. Many studies have focused on the optimization of extraction method to increase the extraction yield of rutin. Currently, the performances of modern extraction approaches have also been compared to the conventional heat reflux method as a benchmark.

CONCLUSION

There are various extraction methods for plant-based rutin ranging from conventional method up to the use of modern techniques such as ultrasound, mechanochemical, microwave, infrared and pressurized assisted methods. However, proper comparison between the methods is very difficult because of the variance in plant origin and extraction conditions. It is important to optimize the extraction method in order to produce high yield and acceptable purity of rutin with a reasonable cost. Even though rutin has been proven to be effective in numerous pharmacological activities, the dosage and toxicity of rutin for such activities are still unknown. Future research should relate the dosage and toxicity of rutin for the ethnobotanical claims based on the underlying mechanisms.

Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of plant seed extracts from Brazilian semiarid region

The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of ethanolic seed extracts of twenty-one plant species from Brazilian semiarid region were investigated. The extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against six bacteria strains and three yeasts. Six extracts presented activity against the Gram (-) organism Salmonella choleraesuis and the Gram (+) organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The MIC values ranged from 4.96 to 37.32 mg/mL. The Triplaris gardneriana extract presented activity against the three species, with MIC values 18.8, 13.76, and 11.15 mg/mL, respectively. Five extracts presented antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 69.73 μ g/mL (T. gardneriana) to 487.51 μ g/mL (Licania rigida). For the anticholinesterase activity, eleven extracts were capable of inhibiting the enzyme activity. From those, T. gardneriana, Parkia platycephala and Connarus detersus presented the best activities, with inhibition values of 76.7, 71.5, and 91.9%, respectively. The extracts that presented antimicrobial activity were tested for hemolytic assay against human A, B, and O blood types and rabbit blood. From those, only the Myracrodruon urundeuva extract presented activity (about 20% of hemolysis at the lowest tested concentration, 1.9 µg/mL). Infrared spectroscopy of six representative extracts attested the presence of tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which was confirmed by a qualitative phytochemical assay.

Antioxidant activity and anti-adipogenic effects of wild herbs mainly cultivated in Korea

Wild herbs, which are edible plants that grow in mountainous areas, have diverse biological effects such as anti-obesity and anti-cancer activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of Aster scaber, Ligularia fischeri, Kalopanax pictus, Codonopsis lanceolata, and Cirsium setidens and to assess their effects on lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. The results revealed that among the five studied wild herb extracts, Ligularia fischeri showed the highest total phenolic contents (215.8 ± 14.2 mg GAE/g) and Aster scaber showed the highest total flavonoid content (103.9 ± 3.4 mg RE/g). Furthermore, Aster scaber and Ligularia fischeri extracts showed higher antioxidant activity than the other wild herbs. Regarding anti-adipogenic activity, the Cirsium setidens extract significantly inhibited lipid accumulation (~80%) and ROS production (~50%) during adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells compared with control cells. These results suggest that wild herbs could be used for the development of functional foods as well as health promoting and pharmaceutical agents.

Synthesis and in vitro antioxidant functions of protein hydrolysate from backbones of Rastrelliger kanagurta by proteolytic enzymes

Every year, a huge quantity of fishery wastes and by-products are generated by fish processing industries. These wastes are either underutilized to produce low market value products or dumped leading to environmental issues. Complete utilization of fishery wastes for recovering value added products would be beneficial to the society and individual. The fish protein hydrolysates and derived peptides of fishery resources are widely used as nutritional supplements, functional ingredients, and flavor enhancers in food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Antioxidants from fishery resources have attracted the attention of researchers as they are cheaper in cost, easy to derive, and do not have side effects. Thus the present investigation was designed to produce protein hydrolysate by pepsin and papain digestion from the backbones of Rastrelliger kanagurta (Indian mackerel) and evaluate its antioxidant properties through various in vitro assays. The results reveal that both hydrolysates are potent antioxidants, capable of scavenging 46% and 36% of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl) and 58.5% and 37.54% of superoxide radicals respectively. The hydrolysates exhibit significant (p < 0.05) reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Among the two hydrolysates produced, pepsin derived fraction is superior than papain derived fraction in terms of yield, DH (Degree of hydrolysis), and antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical constituents of Mongolian traditional medicinal plants, Chamaerhodos erecta and C. altaica, and its constituents prevents the extracellular matrix degradation factors

Activity-guided isolation of the n-butanol fraction of Chamaerhodos erecta and water soluble fraction of C. altaica resulted in the isolation of 39 compounds, including new compounds identified as 4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) from C. erecta and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) from C. altaica. A total of 37 other compounds were identified based on physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic data. Antioxidative activity was evaluated using a DPPH radical-scavenging method, hyaluronidase inhibitory activity, and advanced glycation end products production inhibitory activity of isolated compounds. Some flavonols (4, 6, 9-11, 14, 15), catechins (18, 19), an amino acid (20), a lignan glucoside (23), and tannins (29-39) exhibited potential a free radical scavenging activity while the new compound (1) showed weak activity. A catechin (18) and some of the tannins (32, 33, 35, 36, 38) had moderate hyaluronidase inhibitory activity. Some of flavonoids and tannins prevented advanced glycation end products production, and the IC₅₀ of compounds 3, 9, 14-16, 33, 34, 36, 38, and 39 were determined.

Antioxidative effects of Brassica juncea and Moringa oliefera prepared by different processing methods

The effects of different cooking methods (boiling, microwave cooking, frying and steaming ) on the antioxidant activity of Brassica juncea (BJ) and Moringa oliefera (MO) were assessed by measuring the total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging activity and Fe(2+)-chelating ability . TPC (mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry weight) and TFC (quercetin equivalents per gram of extract) of the fresh, boiled, microwaved, fried and steamed BJ were found to be 23.16, 27.7, 18.7, 35.94, 22.06 and 27.09, 27.8, 24.5, 36.34, 18.01 respectively. For MO it was found to be 34.6, 31.5, 31.6, 39.4, 33.72 and 70.84, 58.13, 55.4, 69.5, 52.78. A proportionate variation in DPPH radical scavenging activity and Fe(2+)-chelating ability was observed. The results of the present investigation showed that all the cooking methods affected the antioxidant properties of the vegetables; however, frying exhibited less deleterious effects when compared with those of other treatments. Thus an appropriate method might be sought for the processing of such vegetables to retain their antioxidant components at maximum level.

Antioxidant activity of five Brazilian plants used as traditional medicines and food in Brazil

Background:

This study evaluates the radical-scavenging activity of five plants used as food and medicines in the northeastern region of Brazil.

Materials and Methods:

Spectrophotometric analysis of the plants’ ethanol extracts was carried out. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl) test. The antioxidant capacity was measured using ascorbic acid as a positive control.

Results:

All tested plant extracts showed an antioxidant activity, but the highest activity was observed with the extracts of Momordica charantia and Eugenia jambolana.

Conclusions:

Therefore, these species must be studied as a putative source of products for use in the prevention and treatment of diseases in which oxidants or free radicals are implicated.

Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Content of four Myrtaceae Plants of the South of Brazil

Antioxidant compounds can be useful to prevent several degenerative diseases or as preservative in food and toiletries. Species of the Myrtaceae family are able to accumulate phenolic substances and those are closely related to the antioxidant activity due to their capacity to scavenge free radicals, protect against lipid peroxidation and quench reactive oxygen species. These facts prompted us to investigate the antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extracts of the leaves of four Myrtaceae plants collected of the south of Brazil: Eugenia chlorophylla O. Berg., Eugenia pyriformis Cambess, Myrcia laruotteana Cambess and Myrcia obtecta (Berg) Kiacrsk. The antioxidant potential was performed using the DPPH (a single electron transfer reaction based assay) and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, a hydrogen atom transfer reaction based assay) assays. Moreover, the total soluble phenolic content was also measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. A preliminary evaluation of the ethanolic extracts of these Myrtaceae plants revealed high levels of phenolic compounds (343.7-429.3 mg GAE) as well as high antioxidant activity according to both methods (1338 a 3785 μmol of TE/g of extract in ORAC and SC50 in the range of 1.70 and 33.7 μg/mL in the DPPH). The highest antioxidant activity obtained by DPPH assay was exhibited by ethanol extract of the leaves of E. pyriformis (1.70 μg/mL), followed by extracts of M. laruotteana (3.38 μg/mL) and M. obtecta (6.66 μg/mL). In comparison with controls, in the DPPH assay, the extract of E. pyriformis was more active than trolox (SC50 = 2.55 μg/mL), while the extracts of M. laruotteana and M. obtecta were more actives than quercetin (SC50 = 7.80 μg/mL). In the ORAC assay, all species also show good antioxidant capacity (>1000 μmol of TE/g). Initial HPLC-UV/DAD and ESIMS confirmed the presence of phenolic acids constituents in the ethanol extracts. The results indicate the presence of compounds possessing promising antioxidant/free-radical scavenging activity in the analyzed extracts of Myrcia and Eugenia plants of the south of Brazil.

Evaluation of free-radical quenching properties of standard Ayurvedic formulation Vayasthapana Rasayana

BACKGROUND

Cellular damage induced by free-radicals like Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (ROS and RNS) has been implicated in several disorders and diseases, including ageing. Hence naturally occurring anti-oxidant rich-herbs play a vital role in combating these conditions. The present study was carried out to investigate the in vitro free-radical quenching capacity of a known Ayurvedic poly-herbal formulation called Vayasthapana Rasayana.

METHODS

Methanol extracts of Vayasthapana Rasayana formulation (VRF) were studied for in vitro total antioxidant activity along with phenolic content and reducing power. In vitro assays like DPPH, FRAP, ABTS scavenging to evaluate radical quenching potential were performed.

RESULTS

The formulation has shown 94% at 0.1 mg/ml DPPH free-radical scavenging activity as against 84% at 0.1 mg/ml for standard ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ value 5.51 μg/ml for VRF and 39 μg/ml for standard). It has a significant higher ferric reducing potential also (OD 0.87 at 700 nm & 0.21 at 0.1 mg/ml for VRF and standard, respectively). The total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalent) of the VRF is 8.3 mg per g of dry mass. Total antioxidant capacity of the formulation, estimated by FRAP was 1150 ± 5 μM Fe(II)/g dry mass. ABTS radical scavenging activity of VRF was 69.55 ± 0.21% at 100 μg/ml concentration with a IC50 value of 69.87 μg/ml as against 9% and 95% by ascorbic acid and Trolox (at 70.452 μg/ml and 0.250 μg/ml concentrations, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In Indian traditional Ayurvedic system, use of VRF is in regular practice for mainly combating age-related disorders and diseases as many of the components of the Rasayana are known for their free-radical scavenging activity. This study has validated the potential use of VRF as an anti-oxidant to fight age-related problems.

Antioxidative and antigenotoxic effects of garlic (Allium sativum L.) prepared by different processing methods

This study describes the antioxidant activities and antigenotoxic effects of garlic extracts prepared by different processing methods. Aged-garlic extract (AGE) showed a significantly higher total phenolic content (562.6 +/- 1.92 mg/100 g garlic acid equivalents) than those of raw garlic extract (RGE) or heated garlic extract (HGE). The SC(50) for DPPH RSA in HGE was significantly the highest at 2.1 mg/ml. The SC(50) for SOD-like activity in garlic extracts was, in decreasing order, RGE (7.3 mg/ml) > AGE (8.5 mg/ml) > HGE (9.2 mg /ml). The ED(50) of AGE was the highest (19.3 microg/ml) regarding H2O2 induced DNA damage and its inhibition rate was 70.8%. The ED(50) of RGE for 4-hydroxynonenal (a lipid peroxidation product) induced DNA damage was 38.6 microg/ml, followed by AGE > HGE. Although the heat treatment of garlic tended to decrease the TPC and SOD-like activity and increased DPPH RSA, garlic, in general, has significant antioxidant activity and protective effects against oxidative DNA damage regardless of processing method.