Fabrication of Large-Area Multi-Stimulus Responsive Thin Films via Interfacially Confined Irreversible Katritzky Reaction

Fabrication of large-area thin films through irreversible reactions remains a formidable task. This study reports a breakthrough strategy for in situ synthesis of large-area, free-standing, robust and multi-stimulus responsive thin films through a catalyst-free and irreversible Katritzky reaction at a liquid-liquid interface. The as resulted films are featured with adjustable thickness of 1-3 μm and an area up to 50 cm2. The thin films exhibit fast photo-mechanical motions (a response time of ca 0.1 s), vapor-mechanical motions, as well as photo-chromic and solvato-chromic behaviors. It was revealed that the reason behind the observable motions is proton transfer from the imine groups to the carbonyl structures within the film induced by photo- and/or dimethyl sulfoxide-stimulus. In addition, the films can harvest anionic radicals and the radicals as captured can be efficiently degraded under UV light illumination. This study provides a new strategy for fabricating smart thin films via interfacially confined irreversible Katritzky reaction.

Phytochemical analysis and biological investigation of Cheilanthes tenuifolia (Burm.f.) Swartz

Introduction: Cheilanthes tenuifolia is an evergreen ornamental small fern, belonging to the family Pteridaceae, that grows in warm and rocky regions worldwide. Many species of Cheilanthes genus are evidently endowed with important phytochemicals and bioactivities. This study aimed to perform a preliminary phytochemical analysis of Cheilanthes tenuifolia leaves alongside an evaluation of free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and clot lysis activities of extract fractions. Materials and methods: A preliminary phytochemical analysis was done after fractionation of ethanolic extract (ECT) with n-hexane (HCT) and chloroform (CCT). Then, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, egg albumin and RBC membrane stabilization tests, disc diffusion, and human blood clot lysis assays were performed. Results: Phytochemical investigations suggested that the plant is rich in alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids. All obtained fractions exhibited concentration-dependent radical scavenging, inhibition of egg protein denaturation and RBC membrane lysis capacities. Except for antifungal tests, ECT exhibited better DPPH radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and clot lysis capacities than HCT and CCT fractions. However, all fractions exhibited a mild anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: C. tenuifolia might be a good source of antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-atherothrombotic agents. Further studies are required to isolate and characterize the active principles liable for each bioactivity, along with possible molecular interactions.

Investigation of novel radical scavenging mechanisms in the alkaline environment: Green, sustainable and environmentally friendly antioxidative agent(s)

Pharmaceutical and industrial utilization of synthetic chemicals has an immerse impact on the environment. In that sense, novel chemicals with potential for industrial application should be investigated for their behaviour in reactions with hydroxyl radical, simulating AOPs (Advanced Oxidation Processes). AOPs are known for being highly effective in wastewater management and natural water remediation. In this paper, exhaustive research on the radical scavenging activity of a newly synthesized coumarin derivative (4HCBH), as a representative of the series of coumarin-benzohydrazides with high antioxidative potential was conducted. This study took into consideration the pH value range significant for practically all living organisms (pH = 7.0-8.5). According to the experimentally obtained results, the 4HCBH showed an increase in radical scavenging activity, following the slight increase in pH values, which suggested that the formation of anionic form of 4HCBH is responsible for its antiradical activity. Further investigations led to the postulation of a novel mechanistic approach called Sequential Proton Loss Electron Transfer - Radical-Radical Coupling (SPLET-RRC), in which, by a series of steps, a new, stable compound was formed. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the product generated through SPLET-RRC showed lower toxicity than the parent molecule.

Dietary Fruit By-Products Improve the Physiological Status of Nile Tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) and the Quality of Their Meat

By-products from fruit industrialization retain nutritional and functional components; thus, they may find use in animal feeding. This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary fruit industrial by-products on the tilapias blood biochemical and oxidative parameters and on the composition and lipid peroxidation of their fillets. Four diets were supplied to the tilapias: a C-control diet, with no fruit meal, and three diets containing 5% of either acerola (ACM), apple (APM) or grape (GRM) meal. The phenolic compounds and the carotenoids in the meals and their antioxidant capacities were measured. Fish were weighed and measured for the calculation of the growth performance data, their blood was analyzed for health and oxidative status biomarkers and their fillets were analyzed for proximal composition and lipid peroxidation. Grape meal had the highest concentration of phenolics and carotenoids and the highest antioxidant activity, followed by acerola and apple meals. The productive performance was similar among the treatments. The fruit by-product diets either maintained or improved the biochemical biomarkers of health and improved the oxidative status of the fish. The fruit by-product diets increased the concentration of lipids in the fillets and slowed down the onset of the lipid peroxidation during frozen storage.

Associations between composite dietary antioxidant index and estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among U.S. adults

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability both in U.S. and worldwide. Antioxidants have been proved critical in mitigating the development of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the associations between composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and estimated 10-year ASCVD risk among U.S. adults.

Methods

Data extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. A total of 10,984 adults aged 18 years and above were included in this study. CDAI was calculated based on the dietary intake reported in their 24-h recall interviews. The estimated 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated via Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE).

Results

After adjusting potential confounders, it was indicated that CDAI score was negatively correlated with 10-year ASCVD risk (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99). Stratify CDAI score by quartile, results showed that participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles had lower ASCVD odds ratio (Q2: OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69-1.09; Q3: OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.98; Q4: OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.94) than those in the first quartile (Q1, lowest CDAI score group), which was confirmed by the trend test as well (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and smoking status did not show significant effect modification.

Conclusion

Higher dietary antioxidants intake is associated with lower ASCVD risk among U.S. adults, for which policymakers and healthcare professionals may consider increasing the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods as a preventive strategy for ASCVD.

Effect of Moringa Leaf Extract (Moringa oleifera Lam.) on the Diameter of the Primary and Secondary Follicles in Female Mice (Mus musculus)

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Infertility is still a phenomenon in the community, so consuming Moringa leaves (<i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam.) is expected to increase fertility. This study aimed to determine the effect of Moringa leaf extract (<i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam.) on the diameter of the primary and secondary follicles in female mice (<i>Mus musculus</i>). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study was an experiment using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The population of this study was 45 mice and samples were obtained by a simple random sampling technique from as many as 24 mice with the following criteria: Weight 20-25 g, 2-3 months old, female and in good health. Data analysis was performed through the ANOVA Test with a confidence level of α = 0.05 and further tested for the least significant difference (LSD). <b>Results:</b> Moringa leaf extract significantly positively affects the diameter of primary and secondary follicles in female mice (p<0.05). The average primary follicle diameter was P₀ (92.65 μm), P₁ (124.92 μm), P₂(150.72 μm), P₃ (175.68 μm) and the average secondary follicle diameter was control (157.17 μm), P₁(171.33 μm), P₂ (204.57 μm), P₃ (211.11 μm). Giving Moringa leaf extract (<i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam.) significantly increases the diameter of mice's primary and secondary follicles due to the presence of vitamin E in Moringa leaf extract (<i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam.). <b>Conclusion:</b> This can stimulate granulosa cells to secrete the hormone estrogen, causing an increase in the diameter of the primary and secondary follicles.

In vitro comparative evaluation of Tamarix gallica extracts for antioxidant and antidiabetic activity

Tamarix gallica known as Jhau is traditionally used as expectorant, liver tonic, laxative, astringent, and antidiarrheal. The current study was proposed to determine the in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic properties of the methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Tamarix gallica arial part, subsequently the phytochemical evaluation. Hence, Tamarix gallica arial part extracts were extracted with methanol (MthTg), ethanol (EthTg), and distilled water (AqTg). Extracts phytochemical analysis were accomplished to identify the phenolic components (TPC and TFC). Extracts antioxidant property was evaluated by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assay. For antidiabetic property, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were assessed. One Way ANOVA was applied statistically by means of software SPSS Statistics 23 and attained data were definite as mean ± standard deviation. Result revealed that EthTg have the maximum TPC and TFC levels than MthTg and AqTg. Antioxidant property in relations of DPPH (lowest IC₅₀ = 1.309 ± 0.31), FRAP (323.51 ± 2.32), and ABTS (266.97 ± 25.14) assay was also highest in EthTg. EthTg was also exposed highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity with lower IC₅₀ (1.116 ± 0.051; 0.402 ± 0.2, respectively). The extracts antioxidant and antidiabetic activities order was as EthTg > MthTg > AqTg. TFC and TPC also revealed directly proportional correlation with antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of the Tamarix gallica arial part extracts. Results noticeably stated that the ethanolic extract of Tamarix gallica have the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Tamarix gallica has competency to reduce the oxidative stress and can be utilized in the management of diabetes.

Integrated chromatographic approach for the discovery of gingerol antioxidants from Dracocephalum heterophyllum and their potential targets

As a traditional Tibetan medicine, Dracocephalum heterophyllum has many benefits, but due to the complicated procedures of separation and purification of its chemical constituents, there are few reports on gingerols. In this study, four antioxidative gingerols were isolated from Dracocephalum heterophyllum by an integrated chromatographic approach. Antioxidant activity was then determined by in vitro experiments and its potential targets of action were investigated. First, the extract was pretreated using silica gel, MCI GEL®CHP20P, and diol and spherical medium pressure columns, while the antioxidant peaks were identified using an online HPLC-1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl system. Then, the antioxidant peaks were directionally separated and purified by high pressure liquid chromatography to obtain four gingerols with a purity higher than 95%, namely 5-methoxy-6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 6-paradol, and diacetoxy-6-gingerdiol. Finally, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assays and cellular antioxidant experiments were carried out, and molecular docking was used to explore potential antioxidant targets. The isolated gingerols upregulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), while they had little effect on the activity of nadph:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1). This method can efficiently prepare and isolate antioxidative gingerols from Dracocephalum heterophyllum, and it can be extended to isolate antioxidants from other natural products.

Metabolites of medicine food homology-derived endophytic fungi and their activities

Medicine food homology (MFH) substances not only provide essential nutrients as food but also have corresponding factors that can prevent and help treat nutritional imbalances, chronic disease, and other related issues. Endophytic fungi associated with plants have potential for use in drug discovery and food therapy. However, the endophytic fungal metabolites from MFH plants and their effects have been overlooked. Therefore, this review focuses on the various biological activities of 108 new metabolites isolated from 53 MFH-derived endophytic fungi. The paper explores the potential nutritional and medicinal value of metabolites of MFH-derived endophytic fungi for food and medical applications. This research is important for the future development of effective, safe, and nontoxic therapeutic nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

Inhibiting Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6 by Taurine: Implications in Anticancer Therapeutics

Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) is linked with a cyclin partner and plays a crucial role in the early stages of cancer development. It is currently a potential drug target for developing therapeutic molecules targeting cancer therapy. Here, we have identified taurine as an inhibitor of CDK6 using combined in silico and experimental studies. We performed various experiments to find the binding affinity of taurine with CDK6. Molecular docking analysis revealed critical residues of CDK6 that are involved in taurine binding. Fluorescence measurement studies showed that taurine binds to CDK6 with a significant binding affinity, with a binding constant of K = 0.7 × 10⁷ M^-1 for the CDK6-taurine complex. Enzyme inhibition assay suggested taurine as a good inhibitor of CDK6 possessing an IC₅₀ value of 4.44 μM. Isothermal titration calorimetry analysis further confirmed a spontaneous binding of taurine with CDK6 and delineated the thermodynamic parameters for the CDK6-taurine system. Altogether, this study established taurine as a CDK6 inhibitor, providing a base for using taurine and its derivatives in CDK6-associated cancer and other diseases.

The effect of ascorbic acid and bio fertilizers on basil under drought stress

Evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid application and coexistence of Mycorrhiza fungus and Azospirillium on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under drought stress. This experiment was performed as a split factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the crop year 2017-2018 in Shahriar, Iran. In this experiment, irrigation was the main factor in three levels, including drought stress based on 40-70-100 mm from the evaporation pan of class A. Biofertilizer including growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillium) and mycorrhiza fungus in four levels, including a(Non-consumption) B (Seeds of growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillium)) C (Consumption of mycorrhiza fungus as seeds) D (Concomitant use of growth-promoting bacteria Azospirillium with mycorrhiza fungi as seeds) and ascorbic acid in two levels of foliar application, including A (Absence Application of ascorbic acid) and B (Application of ascorbic acid (two days after irrigation treatment)) was considered as a factorial factor. The results showed that the highest biological yield was obtained in drought stress of 40 mm and application of biological fertilizers in the form of mycorrhiza application with an average of 3307.1 kg/ha, which was about 70% more than 100 mm evaporation stress and no application of biological fertilizer. The use of ascorbic acid under drought stress conditions improved by 10%, the essential oil using ascorbic acid evaporated under drought stress conditions of 100 mm. As a general conclusion, the use of ascorbic acid and Mycorrhiza + Azospirillium biological fertilizer improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of basil under drought stress.

From Foods to Chemotherapeutics: The Antioxidant Potential of Dietary Phytochemicals

Food plants have been recognized for their medicinal properties for millennia, a concept supported by epidemiological studies indicating long-term health benefits for people consuming greater amounts of fruits and vegetables. As our technology and instrumentation advance, researchers have the ability to identify promising phytochemicals, and examine their potential benefits, or detriments, to human health. While results from trials investigating single chemical supplementation have sometimes produced negative health results, studies investigating the synergistic action of phytochemicals—either within our diet or as an adjuvant to radiation or chemotherapy—appear promising. Utilizing phytochemicals as synergistic agents may lower the chemotherapeutic doses needed to incur physiological results, while also using chemicals with fewer toxic effects. This review investigates a variety of plant-produced chemicals humans typically ingest, their impacts on overall health patterns, molecular mechanisms associated with their health impacts, and the potential of their synergistic use for therapeutic purposes.

Phycocyanin: A Natural Antioxidant to Combat Free Radicals

:

Various research showed that antioxidants can effectively overcome the damage caused by free radicals to human health. Therefore, antioxidants are identified as one of the main directions in the development of health care and cosmetics products due to high demand in the market. This review mainly focuses on the phycocyanin, a type of natural antioxidant mainly found in cyanobacteria. This mini review summarizes the phycocyanin sources and numerous extraction methods of phycocyanin along with the analytical methods and determine its ability to suppress free radicals. Phycocyanin has been proven to play an important role in scavenging free radicals and enhancing the body’s antioxidant capacity. However, there is a lack of long-term randomized clinical trial results that can be used as evidence in showing the benefits of phycocyanin. The existing phycocyanin extraction methods using solvents, ultrasonic-assisted, freeze-thaw, etc. can extract high-quality phycocyanin efficiently and quickly. Scientists are also trying to incorporate advanced technologies, such as "Industry 4.0" to optimize and enhance the industrial production of phycocyanin. Lastly, this review also describes the difficulties faced during the phycocyanin production or extraction process and financial obstacles in order to achieve the popularization of phycocyanin.

The role of plant-derived natural antioxidants in reduction of oxidative stress

Free radicals are a group of damaging molecules produced during the normal metabolism of cells in the human body. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, cigarette smoking, and other environmental pollutants enhances free radicals in the human body. The destructive effects of free radicals may also cause harm to membranes, enzymes, and DNA, leading to several human diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, malaria, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative illnesses. This process occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses. Since antioxidants scavenge free radicals and repair damaged cells, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables containing high antioxidant values is recommended to slow down oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, natural products demonstrated a wide range of biological impacts such as anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-cancer properties. Hence, in this review article, our goal is to explore the role of natural therapeutic antioxidant effects to reduce oxidative stress in the diseases.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant, and Inhibition Activity of Picrorhiza kurroa Against α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase

Picrorhiza kurroa (P.K) usually familiar as kutki is a well-known plant in the Ayurvedic system of medicine due to its reported activities including antidiabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective. The current research was intended to evaluate the antioxidant, inhibition activity of the ethanolic, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of P.K roots against α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro, after the phytochemical analysis. For this purpose, P.K roots were extracted with ethanol (EthPk), methanol (MthPk), and distilled water (AqPk) and phytochemical study of the extracts were performed to recognize the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC). Antioxidant capability of the extracts was assessed by FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assay. α-amylase inhibitory and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were also determined. Software SPSS-23 was used to statistically analyze with One Way ANOVA and results were stated as mean standard deviation. Result of the study showed that MthPk contained the maximum concentration of TPC and TFC than EthPk and AqEh. Antioxidants in terms of DPPH (lowest IC₅₀ = .894 ± .57), FRAP (612.54 ± 11.73) and ABTS (406.42 ± 4.02) assay was also maximum in MthPk. MthPk was also showed maximum inhibition activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with lowest IC₅₀ (.39 ± .41; .61 ± .24), respectively. The extracts α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities order was as MthPk > EthPk> AqPk. Results clearly specified that the methanolic extract of Picrorhiza kurroa have the maximum antioxidant, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. A positive correlation of TPC, TFC with antioxidant, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of the P.K roots were also shown. The plant has capability to diminish the oxidative stress and can be used to treat diabetes by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase actions.

Environmental cadmium exposure during pregnancy causes diabetes-like phenotypes in mouse offspring: Association with oxidative stress in the fetal liver

Cadmium (Cd), a noxious heavy metal, is widespread in the living environment. Gestational exposure to Cd at environmental dose has been shown to cause fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the long-term effects and the mechanisms underlying environmental Cd exposure on glucose metabolism in offspring remain unclear. Here, we established a murine model to study the impacts of gestational exposure to environmental Cd on glucose metabolism at different life stages of offspring. Results demonstrated that the offspring mice developed hyperglycemia in puberty and impaired glucose tolerance in adulthood following maternal Cd exposure during gestation. Further mechanistic investigation showed that Cd exposure upregulated the expression of key proteins in hepatic gluconeogenesis, including p-CREB, PGC-1α and G6PC, in pubertal and adult offspring. In addition, we demonstrated that Cd exposure during pregnancy markedly elevated the level of oxidative stress-related proteins, including NOX2, NOX4 and HO-1, in the fetal liver. The effects of gestational exposure to N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a free-radical scavenging antioxidant, presented that NAC supplementation alleviated hepatic oxidative stress in fetuses, and thereby reversed hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance in mouse offspring. Collectively, our data suggested that gestational exposure to environmental Cd caused diabetes-like phenotypes via enhancing hepatic gluconeogenesis, which is associated with oxidative stress in fetal livers. This work provides new insights into the protective effects of antioxidants on fetal-originated diabetes triggered by environmental toxicants.

Berberine-Albumin Nanoparticles: Preparation, Thermodynamic Study and Evaluation Their Protective Effects Against Oxidative Stress in Primary Neuronal Cells as a Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Berberine has shown an outstanding antioxidant activity, however the low bioavailability limits its applications in pharmaceutical platforms. Therefore, in this paper, after fabrication of the berberine-HSA nanoparticles by desolvation method, they were well characterized by TEM, SEM, DLS, and FTIR techniques. Afterwards the interaction of HSA and the berberine was evaluated by molecular docking analysis. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the berberine-HSA nanoparticles against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in cultured neurons as a model of AD was evaluated by cellular assays. The results showed that the prepared berberine-HSA nanoparticles have a spherical-shaped morphology with a size of around 100 nm and zeta potential value of -31.84 mV. The solubility value of nanoparticles was calculated to be 40.27%, with a berberine loading of 19.37%, berberine entrapment efficiency of 70.34%, and nanoparticles yield of 88.91%. Also, it was shown that the berberine is not significantly released from HSA nanoparticles within 24 hours. Afterwards, molecular docking investigation revealed that berberine spontaneously interacts with HSA through electrostatic interaction. Finally, cellular assays disclosed that the pretreatment of neuronal cultures with berberine-HSA nanoparticles decreased the H₂O₂-stimulated cytotoxicity and relevant morphological changes and enhanced the CAT activity. In conclusion, it can be indicated that the nanoformulation of the berberine can be used as a promising platform for inhibition of oxidative damage-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Traditional plants with antioxidant properties in clinical trials-A systematic review

There is a trend toward the use of natural substances present in plants and vegetables. In general, foods rich in antioxidants are complex matrices; therefore, understanding its absorption effects is extremely relevant to know its bioactive potential. Thus, this systematic review focused on clinical trials involving plants (or compounds) registered on the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS) with antioxidant properties. Following the reporting guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes studies of interest indexed in the PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were analyzed. Of the 59 clinical trials found, Allium sativum and Curcuma longa are the plant species with the highest percentage of clinical research. Prevention/attenuation of oxidative stress was one of the main antioxidant mechanisms indicated in the studies. The most tested compounds of the RENISUS plants in clinical trials were curcumin and soy isoflavone. In this review, we selected studies in advanced stages that highlight plants' value in optimizing antioxidant status; however, even with high-quality studies, it is not prudent to overstate the clinical efficacy of these plants.

Intergenerational effects of the antioxidant Idebenone on the placentas of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus

Experimental models of maternal diabetes lead to the intrauterine programming of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in the offspring, together with an intrauterine proinflammatory environment, feto-placental metabolic alterations and fetal overgrowth. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the mitochondrial antioxidant Idebenone given to F0 mild pregestational diabetic rats on the development of GDM in their F1 offspring and the intergenerational programming of a pro-oxidant/proinflammatory environment that affects the placentas of F2 fetuses. Control and mild pregestational diabetic female rats (F0) were mated with control males, and Idebenone or vehicle was administered to diabetic rats from day 1 of gestation to term. The F1 female offspring were mated with control males and maternal and fetal plasma samples were obtained for metabolic determinations at term. The F2 fetuses and placentas were weighed, and placental protein levels and peroxynitrite-induced damage (immunohistochemistry), mRNA levels (PCR), nitric oxide production (Griess reaction), and number of apoptotic cells (TUNEL) were evaluated. The F1 offspring of F0 diabetic rats (treated or not with Idebenone) developed GDM. The placentas of GDM rats showed a decrease in the mRNA levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and an increase in the production of nitric oxide, peroxynitrite-induced damage, and connective tissue growth factor levels, alterations that were prevented by the maternal Idebenone treatment in F0 rats. In conclusion, the maternal treatment with Idebenone in pregestational diabetic F0 rats ameliorates the pro-oxidant/proinflammatory environment that affects the placentas of F2 fetuses, although it does not prevent F1 rats from developing GDM.

A study of effect of Centella asiatica on oxidative markers in the hippocampus of offsprings born to alcohol-fed pregnant rats and the correlation with their cognitive functions

OBJECTIVES

Alcohol consumption causes several harmful effects on the organs, which is hugely understated. Many deformities occur in the fetus when pregnant mothers indulge in alcoholism. Alcohol is a known teratogen, hence organ formation, particularly development of parts brain critical for cognitive function may be affected. The oxidative brain damage also could contribute to reduced cognitive efficiency of brain exposed to alcohol. In this study, effect of Centella asiatica in relieving the oxidative brain damage in offspring of alcohol fed mother rats was evaluated.

METHODS

In this study we fed alcohol (5 g/kg body weight, 30% w/v) to a group of pregnant Wistar rats during gestation period, and another group served as control. Four groups of rats (n = 6 each) were selected from the offspring of these mother rats. The groups were, control, positive (treated) control, untreated and treated from alcohol-fed mother. Their cognitive parameters were tested in water maze, shuttle box and compared. Further their oxidative status was evaluated by estimating malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, total antioxidants and glutathione reductase (GSH) in hippocampus.

RESULTS

The results suggested that there was significantly high cognitive performance in maze test and shuttle box memory retention in rats treated with C. asiatica water extract and the antioxidant levels were high in their hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of the study suggested that C. asiatica produced beneficial effects in reversing the alcohol induced brain damage in pregnancy.

Effect of natural leaf extracts as phytomedicine in curing geriatrics

Old age is viewed as an unavoidable, undesirable, and problem-ridden phase of life. As people age, they become more susceptible to disease and disability due to various factors like low immunity, decreased functionality of cells, DNA damage, higher incidence of inflammation, etc. Healthy aging is very important. The nutrition and health of the elderly is often neglected. Nutritional interventions could play an important part in the prevention of degenerative conditions of the elderly and an improvement of their quality of life. The medicinal properties of plants are always believed for its therapeutic effect and its efficiency in treating many without adverse effects. The role of phytomedicine in aging is very crucial as it possesses important bioactive compounds and constituents (such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and others) which are considered to provide anti-aging properties as well as helps in reducing age-associated problems. Some natural leaves such as Moringa oleifera, curry leaves, guava leaves, green tea, olive leaves, Ginkgo biloba, thankuni leaves, grape leaves, vasaka leaves, and kulekhara leaves are found to have therapeutic effects against diseases like cancer, diabetes, immunosuppression, hepatic damage, and neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, this review aims at understanding the effectiveness of these natural products in curing the geriatric population and the mechanism by which the therapeutic effects are exerted by them.

Biochemical Profiling for Antioxidant and Therapeutic Potential of Pakistani Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genetic Resource

In Pakistan, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are the largest grown legume crops, especially in desert areas. Along with an excellent source of nutrition, chickpea seeds have discernible medicinal and antioxidant characteristics. The diverse set of 90 chickpea genotypes (66 desi and 24 kabuli) were collected from different research zones in Pakistan, and seed flour was used for biochemical profiling. Genotypes were significantly different (Tukey HSD test, P < 0.05) for the traits under investigation. In non-enzymatic antioxidants, highest seed total phenolic contents (TPC) (34725 ± 275 μM/g s. wt.) was found in CM-98 (desi), ascorbic acid (AsA) (69.23 ± 2.25 μg/g s. wt.) in WH-3 (desi), and total flavonoid content (TFC) (394.98 ± 13.06 μg/mL sample) was detected in WH-11 (desi). In the class of enzymatic antioxidants, the highest seed ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (1680 ± 40 Units/g s. wt.) was detected in Tamman-2013 (kabuli), peroxidases (POD) (2564.10 ± 233.10 Units/g s. wt.) activity in CM1235/08 (desi), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (279.76 ± 50 Units/g s. wt.) was detected in CH24/11 (desi). Highest seed catalase activity (CAT) (893 ± 50 Units/g s. wt.) and proline content (272.50 ± 20.82 μg/g s. wt.) was detected in an ICC-4951 (desi). In hydrolytic enzymes, the highest activity of esterase (37.05 μM/min/g s. wt) was found in, CH56/09(Kabuli), protease (11080 ± 10 Units/g s. wt.) in Karak-2 (desi), and α-amylase (213.02 ± 3.20 mg/g s. wt.) was observed in CH74/08 (kabuli). In other biochemical parameters, the highest seed total oxidant status (TOS) (356 ± 17.50 μM/g s. wt.) was detected in CM3457/91 (desi); malondialdehyde (MDA) content (295.74 ± 3.097 uM/g s. wt.) was observed in CM-2008 (kabuli), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (8.36 ± 0.082 μM/g s. wt.) was found in CM-72 (desi). In case of pigment analysis, Sheenghar-2000 (desi) depicted highest lycopene (12.579 ± 0.313 μg/g s. wt.) and total carotenoids (58.430.23 ± 0.569 μg/g s. wt.) contents. For seed therapeutic potential, the highest seed α-amylase inhibition (82.33 ± 8.06%) was observed in CM-88 (desi), while WH-1, WH-6, and ICCV-96030 (desi) depicted the highest value for seed anti-inflammatory potential (78.88 ± 0.55%). Genotypes with the highest antioxidant and therapeutic potential can be utilized as a natural antioxidant source and in breeding programs aimed at improving these traits in new breeding lines.

Characterization of phytochemical components and identification of main antioxidants in Crateva unilocalaris Buch. shoots by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS2 analysis

The chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of the three different extracts (80% methanol, 80% ethanol, and 80% acetone) of Crateva unilocalaris Buch. shoots were investigated. Six phenolic compounds and seven saponins were characterized in all extracts. Chikusetsusaponin IVa had the highest content (17.92 to 29.16 mg/g), and chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound (10.48 to 13.99 mg/g). The acetone extract had the highest total phenolic, flavonoid, and saponin contents and the strongest antioxidant activity. Moreover, all extracts exhibited good effects on the inhibition of intracellular ROS generation in HepG2 cells. Phenolic compounds but not saponins contributed significantly to the DPPH or ABTS radical scavenging activity of C. unilocalaris shoots according to the results of DPPH•-UHPLC-HRMS and ABTS•+-UHPLC-HRMS analyses. These results may be helpful for further understandings and utilization of C. unilocalaris shoots as a potential natural source in the food or nutraceuticals industry.

Hypotensive effect of Cichorium intybus extract in rats

Introduction: Oxidative stress is involved in many diseases, including hypertension, kidney failure, and heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic Cichorium intybus extract on blood pressure in rats. Antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of the plant extract were also evaluated. Methods: In this study, 32 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were divided into four groups of eight each. Animals in the control group were administered with normal saline and in the C. intybus groups with extract at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg for two weeks. Then, the homodynamic parameters were examined by the Power lab. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated by a spectrophotometer and the rate of free radical scavenging activity was measured by the diphenyl-1-picyryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical method. Results: The free radical scavenging activity of C. intybus extract was obtained 47.85% of DPPH, and flavonoid and phenolic contents were 8.21 and 27.19 mg/g of dry extract, respectively. Meanwhile, median (MAP), systolic (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) significantly decreased in the 50 mg/kg extract-treated group compared to the control and 200 mg/kg extract-treated groups. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of C. intybus plays a protective role against hypertension, which, in part, might be due to antioxidant compounds of the plant against free radicals.

Comprehensive chemical analysis of Zhenshu Tiaozhi formula and its effect on ameliorating glucolipid metabolic disorders in diabetic rats

The present study aims to reveal the compositions of Zhenshu TiaoZhi formula (FTZ) comprehensively, and investigate whether FTZ ameliorate glucolipid metabolism disorders in diabetic rats with the involvement of glucocorticoids in peripheral insulin-sensitive tissues. The fingerprint was established based on 11 batches of FTZ samples and chemical compostions of FTZ were identified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-time of flight/mass spectrometry (UPLC-TOF/MS). High-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats were orally administrated with 3 and 6 g/kg body weight of FTZ for 8 weeks. Indices of glucolipid metabolism, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, insulin resistance index (IRI) and blood lipids were evaluated after treatment of FTZ. The levels of HPA axis hormones were examined. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was adopted to investigate the relative mRNA expressions of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) and glucolipid metabolic indicators. A reference fingerprint was established and 93 compounds of FTZ were tentatively identified. In vivo, FTZ treatment exerted antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic effects while decreased the level of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). 11β-HSD1 mRNA showed similar trajectory in both liver, adipose and skeletal muscle tissues, which was up-regulated in diabetic group and ameliorated in FTZ groups. Furthermore, the expressions of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) were down-regulated in liver and skeletal muscle. These results elucidated the compositions of FTZ comprehensively and indicated its effect on ameliorating glucolipid metabolism of diabetic rats involved hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis homeostasis. Down-regulating 11β-HSD1 in insulin-sensitive tissues might be a potential mechanism of FTZ in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Antioxidants in Plants: A Valorization Potential Emphasizing the Need for the Conservation of Plant Biodiversity in Cuba

Plants are phytochemical hubs containing antioxidants, essential for normal plant functioning and adaptation to environmental cues and delivering beneficial properties for human health. Therefore, knowledge on the antioxidant potential of different plant species and their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties is of utmost importance. Exploring this scientific research field provides fundamental clues on (1) plant stress responses and their adaptive evolution to harsh environmental conditions and (2) (new) natural antioxidants with a functional versatility to prevent and treat human pathologies. These natural antioxidants can be valorized via plant-derived foods and products. Cuba contains an enormously rich plant biodiversity harboring a great antioxidant potential. Besides opening new avenues for the implementation of sustainable agroecological practices in crop production, it will also contribute to new strategies to preserve plant biodiversity and simultaneously improve nature management policies in Cuba. This review provides an overview on the beneficial properties of antioxidants for plant protection and human health and is directed to the valorization of these plant antioxidants, emphasizing the need for biodiversity conservation.

Plant Fortification of the Diet for Anti-Ageing Effects: A Review

Ageing is an enigmatic and progressive biological process which undermines the normal functions of living organisms with time. Ageing has been conspicuously linked to dietary habits, whereby dietary restrictions and antioxidants play a substantial role in slowing the ageing process. Oxygen is an essential molecule that sustains human life on earth and is involved in the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that pose certain health complications. The ROS are believed to be a significant factor in the progression of ageing. A robust lifestyle and healthy food, containing dietary antioxidants, are essential for improving the overall livelihood and decelerating the ageing process. Dietary antioxidants such as adaptogens, anthocyanins, vitamins A/D/C/E and isoflavones slow the ageing phenomena by reducing ROS production in the cells, thereby improving the life span of living organisms. This review highlights the manifestations of ageing, theories associated with ageing and the importance of diet management in ageing. It also discusses the available functional foods as well as nutraceuticals with anti-ageing potential.