Evaluation of Phenolic Content and Total Antioxidant Activity in Berberis vulgaris Fruit Extract

Acetone extracts of Berberis vulgaris and Cornus mas L. induce apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Background/aim

This study aimed to determine the proliferation and apoptotic effects of extracts from Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7).

Materials and methods

The Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which constitute the herbal material of the study, were turned into 80% acetone extract after washing. The total phenolic content in Berberis vulgaris fruit extracts was determined calorimetrically using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the total flavonoid amount of the extracts. In order to measure the antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits and extracts, DPPH Radical Scavenging Power test and Cu (II) ion reducing antioxidant capacity method were applied. Cell viability rates were determined by the XTT method. Flow cytometric measurement was performed to examine the apoptotic role of the extracts in the cell by using the Annexin-V/7-AAD commercial kit.

Results

According to the data, Berberis vulgaris fruit extract appeared more effective on MCF-7 breast cancer cells in both 24 and 48 hours of exposure. Analyses made to examine the phenolic component and antioxidant capacity properties of the fruits used in the study and the results we encountered when we exposed the cell were found to be compatible with each other. Annexin-V/7-AAD method showed that the apoptotic effects of the extracts in 48 hour exposures were more effective.

Conclusion

It has been determined that Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which are rich in phenolic components with high flavonoid content and high antioxidant capacities, support the apoptosis of cancer cells.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Lipoxygenase Activity of Berberis vulgaris L. Leaves, Fruits, and Stem and Their LC MS/MS Polyphenolic Profile

Berberis vulgaris L. is currently widely studied for its antioxidant and chemopreventive properties, especially with regard to the beneficial properties of its fruits. Although the bark and roots have been well known and used in traditional medicine since ancient times, little is known about the other parts of this plant. The aim of the research was to determine the antioxidant and LOX inhibitory activity effects of extracts obtained from the leaves, fruits, and stems. Another aim of the work was to carry out the quantitative and qualitative analysis of phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides. The extracts were obtained with the use of ASE (accelerated solvent extraction). The total content of polyphenols was determined and was found to vary depending on the organ, with the highest amount of polyphenols found in the leaf extracts. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically in relation to the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical, with results ranging from 63.9 mgTE/g for the leaves to 65.2 mgTE/g for the stem. Antioxidant activity was also assessed using the ABTS test. The lowest value was recorded for the barberry fruit (117.9 mg TE/g), and the highest level was found for the barberry leaves (140.5 mgTE/g). The oxygen radical absorbance capacity test (ORAC) showed the lowest value for the stem (167.7 mgTE/g) and the highest level for the leaves (267.8 mgTE/g). The range of the percentage inhibition of LOX was determined as well. The percentage inhibition of the enzyme was positively correlated with the sum of the flavonoids, TPC, TFC, and the content of selected flavonoids. Phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides were determined qualitatively and quantitatively in individual parts of Berberis vulgaris L. The content of phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides was determined with the LC-MS/MS method. The following phenolic acids were quantitatively and qualitatively identified in individual parts of Berberis vulgaris L.: gallic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, protocatechuic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, and caffeic acid. The flavonoid glycosides determined were: eleutheroside E, Eriodictyol-7-glucopyranoside, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitin, luteoloside, narcissoside, naringenin-7-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, afzeline, and quercitrin. Flavonoid aglycones such as catechin, luteolin, quercetin, and eriodictyol were also determined qualitatively and quantitatively.

Partial substitution of alfalfa hay by Berberis vulgaris leaf modulated the growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant status of fattening lambs

BACKGROUND

Undoubtedly, global warming has caused a decrease in the production of agricultural commodities. This problem has increased the price of animal feed due to competition with human consumption. Meanwhile, the physiology of ruminants gives them the ability to use by-products and agricultural waste and supply their requirements for growth, maintenance and even production. Berberis vulgaris is a plant native to Iran, and after separating the fruit, its waste (mainly leaf) is unused and causes environmental pollution. The leaves of this plant contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds, alkaloids and anthocyanins that have antioxidant properties.

OBJECTIVES

This experiment was conducted with the aim of determining the chemical properties of barberry leaves, such as crude protein, phenolic compounds, tannins and alkaloids. The effects of substituting of B. vulgaris leaf (BVL) in the diet on performance characteristics of fattening Baluchi lambs were evaluated. The quality and antioxidant status of meat and blood parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen and liver enzymes were investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 21 male of 5-6 months old lambs with a mean body weight of 30.60 ± 1.28 kg were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments with different levels of BVL: 1-diet without BVL (control), 2-diet containing 7.5% BVL (BVL7.5), and 3-diet containing 15% BVL (BVL15; dry matter [DM] basis). Blood samples were harvested after overnight fasting from the jugular vein at 0, 28, 56 and 84 days. The lambs were slaughtered after 84 days of feeding trial and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was dissected. Meat quality and antioxidant stability status were measured.

RESULTS

15% substitution of alfalfa hay by BVL (BVL15) increased DM intake) and decreased average daily gain (p ≤ 0.05). The LD muscle (p ≤ 0.05), liver (p ≤ 0.01) and plasma (p ≤ 0.05) samples of lambs fed either BVL7.5 or BVL15 displayed a greater total antioxidant capacity than that of lambs fed the control diet. Also, malondialdehyde concentration was decreased in plasma (p ≤ 0.01) and LD muscle of lambs (p ≤ 0.05) fed both BVL7.5 and BVL15. In addition, higher a* and C* values (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in the meat of lambs fed BVL15 than those fed with the control, while the lightness (L*) in BVL15 was lower, compared to other experimental diets CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results indicated that 7.5% substitution of alfalfa hay by BVL may positively modulate the antioxidant status of fattening lambs and improve the colour stability of meat without negative effects on performance characteristics.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activities of the Ethanolic Extract Obtained from Berberis vulgaris Roots and Leaves

This work assessed the phenolic and flavonoid components and their antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial effects in the ethanolic extract of barberry leaf and roots. The antibactericidal activity of root and leaf extracts against pathogenic bacteria was tested using agar diffusion and microdilution broth production for the lowest inhibitory concentration (MIC). Berberis vulgaris root and leaf extracts inhibited Staphylococcus aureus ATCC9973, Escherichia coli HB101, Staphylococcus enteritis, and Escherichia coli Cip812. The disc assay technique was used to assess the bactericidal activity of the extracts versus both pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Hydro alcoholic extract was more effective against bacterial than fungal strains. The results showed that Berberis vulgaris leaf and roots extract had similar antifungal activities. Berberis vulgaris root extract inhibited the mycelial growth of Penicillium verrucosum, Fusarium proliferatum, Aspergillus ochraceous, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. Berberis vulgaris root extract has excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Berberis vulgaris exhibited antimicrobial activity in vitro, and MIC showed that Berberis vulgaris parts efficiently affected pathogens in vitro. In conclusion, both Berberis vulgaris roots and leaves have considerable antibacterial activity and can be used as a source of antibacterial, antioxidant, and bioactive compounds to benefit human health.

Phenolic Contents, Organic Acids, and the Antioxidant and Bio Activity of Wild Medicinal Berberis Plants- as Sustainable Sources of Functional Food

Wild fruits have increasingly been investigated as part of recent searches for food products with a high antioxidant activity. In this study, wild edible berberis Berberis vulgaris collected from three different provinces (Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Liaoning) were investigated for their phenolic contents, organic acid contents, mineral contents, antioxidant activity as well as their antimicrobial potential against a range of common food borne pathogens. In addition, a physiochemical and mineral analysis of the fruits was also performed. The methanol extracts of berberis fruit collected from Jilin province were highly active against all the studied food borne bacterial pathogens, i.e., S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, E. coli, P. fluorescens, V. parahaemolyticus, and A. caviae while the berberis extracts from Heilongjiang and Liaoning showed activity only against Gram-negative bacteria. The phenolic content and antioxidant activity were determined by the HPLC separation method and β-carotene bleaching methods, respectively. Four organic acids such as malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and succinic acid were identified while a variety of phenolic compounds were detected among which catechin, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid were found to be the predominant phenolic compounds in all three of berberis fruit samples. The berberis fruit from Jilin was found to be superior to the Heilongjiang and Liaoning fruit regarding desired physiochemical analysis; however, there were no significant differences in the mineral contents among the three samples. Overall, the berberis fruit from Jilin was ranked as the best in term of the nutritional, physiochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This study confirms the various useful characteristics and features of berberis at a molecular level that can be used as a sustainable source for their potential nutritional applications for making functional foods in different food industries.

Comparative Study of the Antioxidant Constituents, Activities and the GC-MS Quantification and Identification of Fatty Acids of Four Selected Helichrysum Species

Helichrysum Mill. (Asteraceae) is a plant genus comprising distinctively of aromatic plants of about 500–600 species. Since most of these plants have not been previously studied, extensive profiling helps to validate their folkloric uses and determine their potential value as sources of plant-derived drug candidates. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the antioxidant activity (DPPH, NO, FRAP); total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and fatty acid compositions of the aqueous acetone extracts from four Helichrysum plants namely, Helichrysum pandurifolium, Helichrysum foetidum, Helichrysum petiolare, and Helichrysum cymocum. The results obtained showed that the H. cymocum extract had the best DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 11.85 ± 3.20 µg/mL) and H. petiolare extract had the best nitric oxide scavenging activity (IC50 = 20.81 ± 3.73 µg/mL), while H. pandurifolium Schrank extract (0.636 ± 0.005 µg/mL) demonstrated the best ferrous reducing power, all of which are comparable with results from ascorbic acid used as the standard. The IC50 values of the radical scavenging activity ranged from 11.85–41.13 µg/mL (DPPH), 20.81–36.19 µg/mL (NO), and 0.505–0.636 µg/mL (FRAP), for all the plants studied. The H. petiolare has the highest total antioxidant capacity (48.50 ± 1.55 mg/g), highest total phenolic content (54.69 ± 0.23 mg/g), and highest total flavonoid content (56.19 ± 1.01 mg/g) compared with other species. The fatty acid methyl esters were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results obtained showed variations in the fatty acid composition of the plant extracts, with H. petiolare having the highest saturated fatty acid (SFA) content (7184 µg/g) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (7005.5 µg/g). In addition, H. foetidum had the highest monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (1150.3 µg/g), while H. cymocum had the highest PUFA:SFA ratio of 1.202. In conclusion, the findings from this study revealed that H. pandurifolium Schrank, H. foetidum, H. petiolare, and H. cymocum are repositories of natural bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting benefits that need to be investigated, for both their antioxidant activity in a number of disease conditions and for further exploration in drug discovery and development projects.

Development of an Optimized Drying Process for the Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from the Autumn Fruits of Berberis vulgaris L. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq

Hot air drying has proven to be an efficient method to preserve specific edible plant materials with medicinal properties. This is a process involving chemical, physical, and biological changes in plant matrices. Understanding these processes will lead to an improvement in the yields of bioactive compounds. This study aims to optimize the drying process of two species’ fruits used in folk medicine, Berberis vulgaris and Crataegus monogyna. The optimized extracts’ antioxidant capacity was assessed using various assays, with the barberry extract showing very good activity (50.85, 30.98, and 302.45 mg TE/g dw for DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP assays, respectively). Both species exerted good fungal α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.34 and 0.56 mg/mL, respectively) but no activity on mammalian α-glucosidase. Additionally, this study identified and quantified the main bioactive compounds. The results presented herein are a breakthrough in industrializing this drying process. Additional studies are necessary to mechanistically understand the drying process involved in these plant materials.

Bioactive Characteristics of Wild Berberis vulgaris and Berberis crataegina Fruits

There is an increasing trend to find novel sources of products with high antioxidant capacity and wild fruits are very good examples for these sources. In this study, fruits of Berberis vulgaris and Berberis crataegina, naturally grown in Bayburt province of Turkey, were tested for their physicochemical features, antioxidant capacities, phenolic compound profiles, and antimicrobial activities. The physicochemical analysis of the fruits revealed that the dry matter content, ash content, pH, and aw values were between 28.47% and 41.61%, 0.65% and 2.13%, 2.44 and 3.25, and 0.996 and 0.97, respectively. The total phenolic content of the fruits was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu methodology, and for the determination of the antioxidant capacity of the fruits, DPPH, ABTS, and β-carotene bleaching methods were performed and a high level of antioxidant activity was observed. HPLC analysis was applied to identify the phenolic content of the fruits, and gallic acid and chlorogenic acid were found to be the dominant phenolic compounds in Berberis fruits. The water extracts of the Berberis fruits were tested against important foodborne pathogenic bacteria as potential antimicrobials. The extracts inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Staphylococcus aureus at significant rates. This study revealed the potential antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics of wild-type B. vulgaris and B. crataegina that can be used for different future applications.

The effect of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) supplementation on glycemic indices in adults.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science from inception up to January 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of barberry supplementation on glycemic markers including fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentrations, insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) percentage. The results of this meta-analysis were reported, based on the random effects model.

RESULTS

In total, 7 studies, comprising 452 participants, were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis revealed that barberry significantly reduces insulin levels (Hedges's: -0.67; 95% CI: -1.31 to -0.03, P = 0.04, I² = 73.3%). However, no considerable changes was observed for FBS levels (WMD: -8.06 mg/dL; 95% CI: -20.46 to 4.33, P = 0.23, I² = 96.1%), HbA1c percentage (WMD: -0.83 %; 95% CI: -2.33 to 0.67, P = 0.27, I² = 88.3%), and HOMA-IR index (WMD: -0.55; 95% CI: -1.60 to 0.50, P = 0.30, I² = 99.4%).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that although barberry supplementation significantly improves insulin levels; however, other glycemic indices might not be affected. However, more high-quality RCTs with longer duration are needed to further clarify the effects of barberry on blood glucose control, especially among patients with diabetes.

ENCAPSULATION OF BARBERRY FRUIT EXTRACTS BY SPRAY DRYING AND LIPOSOME ENTRAPMENT

Barberry is a native Iranian plant including species Berberis integerrima and B. vulgaris. Barberry fruit is used for preparing sauces, jellies, carbonated drinks, candies, food colour powders, jams, marmalades, chocolates, juices, and nectars. They are used as a natural food colorant rich in anthocyanins instead of harmful artificial ones. They contain polyphenols and antioxidants that reduce damage from free radicals and prevent chronic diseases and cancers. Barberry fruit extracts were encapsulated in maltodextrin by spray drying and Liposome Entrapment. The sizes of spray dried particles were reported 1–20 μm by SEM. Dimensions of empty and extract loaded liposomes (B. vulgaris and B. integerrima) were 18–28, 37–51, and 51–77 nm, respectively, by FE-SEM. The moist diameter of liposomes measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) method at day 0 and after 6 months at –18 °C were as follows; empty liposomes: 163.9±2.23 and 378.90±4.98, liposomes loaded with extracts: 135.2±2.04 and 160.90±2.19 (B. vulgaris) and 113.4±1.83 and 144.20±2.01 nm (B. integerrima). Evaluation of thermal-oxidative decomposition from Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results at 0–45–90 days showed that the antioxidant activity and the onset temperature of the encapsulated extract was higher than the control. The extracts encapsulated in liposomes, especially B. integerrima extract, had better antioxidant properties.

Classification of barberry genotypes by multivariate analysis of biochemical constituents and HPLC profiles

INTRODUCTION

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of edible barberry and their extracts as a source of natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical industries.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical constituents of 18 samples of barberry fruits and classification of barberry genotypes by multivariate analysis.

METHODS

Total phenolic, total flavonoid, total anthocyanin, total tannin, total carbohydrate contents and antioxidant activity were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride, colorimetric, vanillin, anthron and DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assays, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system is used for quantitative determination of phytochemical constituents. The multivariate data analysis (principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis) and heat map data visualisation techniques were performed to classify barberry genotypes using Minitab and GraphPad Prism software, respectively.

RESULTS

The highest amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were obtained in fruit extracts of G3 (Berberis vulgaris). The highest total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity were observed in G8 (B. vulgaris) and G16 (B. vulgaris), respectively. HPLC analysis of phytochemicals (gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, rutin, apigenin, and quercetin) revealed that gallic acid and p-coumaric acid were found as the most abundant phytochemical compounds. Based on multivariate analysis and heat map visualisation techniques, Berberis genotypes were classified into three main clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that barberry species (especially B. vulgaris and B. carataegina) are promising sources of natural antioxidants and biochemical compounds beneficial to be used in the food industry and that the multivariate analysis was a suitable approach to classify the barberry samples.

Indigenous Ethiopian okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) mucilage: A novel ingredient with functional and antioxidant properties

Functional and antioxidant properties of mucilage extracted from the pods of eight okra accessions grown in Benishangul-Gumuz region, Western Ethiopia, were evaluated. This study had shown that the mucilage contents of the pods of eight okra accessions ranged from 1.25 to 3.45 g/100 g. Functional properties of the mucilage of okra pods varied significantly (p < .05) and had respective ranges of bulk density of 0.58-0.64 g/ml; water absorption capacity of 2.45-4.60 ml/g; oil absorption capacity of 0.02-3.64 ml/g; emulsifying capacity of 42.22%-74.45%; emulsion stability of 42.22%-74.45%; foaming capacity of 50.51%-62.50%, and foam stability of 36.04%-54.35%. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the mucilage of the pods of okra accessions ranged from 4.66 to 49.93 mg GAE/g and 8.18-18.72 mg CE/g, respectively. The effective concentration (EC 50) values (mg/ml) of mucilage of okra pods varied from 3.15 to 6.60 and 1.10 to 1.85 for DPPH scavenging and metal-chelating activity, respectively. The study revealed that the mucilage of the pods of okra accessions was found to exhibit good functional properties and can offer a great potential in various food systems. Particularly, mucilage of the pods from OPA#5 and OPA#7 had desirable water and oil absorption capacities, whereas the mucilage of accession OPA#1 and OPA#6 had high emulsifying and foaming properties. The results also demonstrated that okra pod mucilage had potential sources of natural antioxidant.

Chemotherapeutic effect of Berberis integerrima hydroalcoholic extract on colon cancer development in the 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine rat model

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a Berberis integerrima hydroalcoholic extract as a chemotherapeutic agent in colon carcinogenesis in the rat induced by 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH). Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: a negative control group without DMH treatment; a control group injected DMH (20 mg/kg b.w); two groups receiving B. integerrima extract (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w), concomitant with injected DMH, as chemotherapeutic groups; a positive control group receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) along with DMH. The effects of the extracts were determined by assessment of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and the activities of hepatic glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450 (GST and CYP450). Additionally, colon tissues were assessed for colonic β-catenin and histopathological analysis. In DMH-treated rats, the extracts partially normalized the levels of FRAP, CYP450, β-catenin, and GST. Likewise, formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in colon tissue of DMH-treated was reduced by the extracts. Thus, the extracts possess chemotherapeutic activity against colon carcinogenesis.

Phytochemical Profile and Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Medicinal Plants Used by Aboriginal People of New South Wales, Australia

Aboriginal people of Australia possess a rich knowledge on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of sores, wounds, and skin infections, ailments which impose a high global disease burden and require effective treatments. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities and phytochemical contents of extracts, obtained from eight medicinal plants used by Aboriginal people of New South Wales, Australia, for the treatment of skin related ailments, were assessed to add value to and provide an evidence-base for their traditional uses. Extracts of Acacia implexa, Acacia falcata, Cassytha glabella, Eucalyptus haemastoma, Smilax glyciphylla, Sterculia quadrifida, and Syncarpia glomulifera were evaluated. All extracts except that of S. quadrifida showed activity against sensitive and multidrug resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 7.81 to 1000 μg/mL. The sap of E. haemastoma and bark of A. implexa possessed high total phenolic contents (TPC) and strong DPPH radical scavenging abilities. A positive correlation was observed between TPC and free radical scavenging ability. GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane extract of S. glomulifera identified known antimicrobial compounds. Together, these results support the traditional uses of the examined plants for the treatment of skin related ailments and infections by Aboriginal people of New South Wales, Australia.

Application of pH-zone refining hydrostatic countercurrent chromatography (hCCC) for the recovery of antioxidant phenolics and the isolation of alkaloids from Siberian barberry herb

The development of a fast hCCC method tailored to recover phenolics of Siberian barberry (Berberis sibirica, Berberidaceae) responsible for the observed strong antioxidant activity was performed. Initially, the optimization of extraction procedure was evaluated based on the antiradical potential assessment (DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteu assays). 100 °C methanol ASE extract exhibited the highest antiradical activity (IC50=60 ± 4 μg/mL), and a significant TPC (159 ± 2 mgGAE/g). Thorough determination of phenolic content by UHPLC-DAD-ESI(-)HRMS revealed the presence of 10 phenolics as major constituents, and several groups of alkaloids. pH-zone refining hCCC was chosen as the most promising method for the extract's fractionation due to the ionizable character of its constituents. For this purpose a MtBE-H2O (1:1) system with 10mM TEA and HCl was applied leading to a phenolic fraction, free of alkaloids, with higher antioxidant capacity (IC50=25 μg/mL, TPC=178 mg GAE/g). Additionally, fractionation of alkaloids was achieved resulting isolation of pharmacologically important alkaloids: magnoflorine and berberine.

Environmental effect on the leaf morphology and anatomy of Berberis microphylla G. Forst

<em>Berberis microphylla</em> G. Forst is a fruit shrub native from Patagonia, considered as a non-timber forest product. In recent years, there has been an increased demand for its fruits, both for fresh and industrialized consumption, being the establishment of commercial orchards in different sites a need to meet this demand. <em>B. microphylla</em> cloned plants have been introduced from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego to Buenos Aires province in order to evaluate its phenotypic plasticity and the possibility of fruit production. At the same time, a comparative study on the morphology and anatomy of the mature leaves of <em>B. microphylla</em> grown in two different environmental conditions was carried out. Moreno leaves were significantly larger than Ushuaia leaves in all the morphological parameters registered, while Ushuaia leaves were more circular than Moreno leaves with the highest roundness and elongation indexes. Nevertheless, histological sections showed that Ushuaia leaves have one more layer of palisade cells respect to Moreno leaves. Ushuaia leaves showed higher palisade cells, larger abaxial epidermal cells and thicker cuticles than Moreno leaves. The stomatal density was superior on Moreno leaves. Scanning Electron Microscope of abaxial epidermis showed a surface with numerous ridges of different forms that prevent the layout of epidermal cells on Moreno leaves. Appearance of this surface is glossy and oily. On the contrary, epidermal cells are well recognized on Ushuaia leaves. Stomata of anomocytic type were observed and surface looks waxy. Auto-fluorescence on leaf cross sections were observed on the vascular bundles and partially on the epidermis cells. <em>B.</em> <em>microphylla</em> leaves showed a high phenotypic plasticity between the two sites of cultivation. The changes in the leaf morphology and structure observed in Moreno leaves could indicate that the plants are trying to adjust its morphology to the new culture conditions <em>i.e.</em> higher temperatures and lower irradiance.

The effect of berberis vulgaris extract on transaminase activities in non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disorder in western countries and an important cause of liver cirrhosis, as well as liver failure. Up to now, 20‒40% of the individuals suffer from this disorder and its prevalence is estimated around 5‒30% in Asia. The NAFLD is one of the most prevalent causes for increases in liver enzymes and has a close relationship with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type II diabetes. However, no definite treatment has been identified for it yet.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of berberis vulgaris extract in inducing changes in liver enzymes levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients, including 32 males (40%) and 48 females (60%), who were randomly assigned into two groups of case and control. All the patients had ultrasound evidence of lipid accumulation in the liver and increases in liver enzymes. The case group received two capsules (750 mg) containing berberis vulgaris extract every day for 3 months, while the control group was treated with placebo. The weight, liver transaminases levels and lipid profiles of the two groups were assessed before, during, and after the study.

RESULTS

In the case group, the mean serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) decreased from 49 to 27.48 and 48.22 to 29.8 u/L, respectively, which was statistically significant compared to the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). In the control group, the mean of ALT and AST decreased from 50.4 to 46.8 and 45.7 to 44.9 u/L, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. In addition, a significant decrease was observed in weight, triglycerides, and cholesterol, while no significant change was found in fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the significant decrease in the liver enzymes, triglycerides and cholesterol after using berberis vulgaris extract, further studies with larger sample sizes will identify the accurate dose as well as duration of consumption for this extract, to recommend in the treatment of patients with NAFLD.

Scientific evaluation of edible fruits and spices used for the treatment of peptic ulcer in traditional Iranian medicine

In traditional Iranian medicine (TIM), several edible fruits and spices are thought to have protective and healing effects on peptic ulcer (PU). The present study was conducted to verify anti-PU activity of these remedies. For this purpose, edible fruits and spices proposed for the management of PU in TIM were collected from TIM sources, and they were searched in modern medical databases to find studies that confirmed their efficacy. Findings from modern investigations support the claims of TIM about the efficacy of many fruits and spices in PU. The fruit of Phyllanthus emblica as a beneficial remedy for PU in TIM has been demonstrated to have antioxidant, wound healing, angiogenic, anti-H. pylori, cytoprotective, antisecretory, and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit of Vitis vinifera has been found to be anti-H. pylori, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, angiogenic, cytoprotective, and antioxidant. The fruit and aril of seed from Myristica fragrans exert their beneficial effects in PU by increasing prostaglandin, modulation of nitric oxide and inflammatory mediators, wound healing, antisecretory, antacid, antioxidant, and anti-H. pylori activities, and improving angiogenesis. Pharmacological and clinical studies for evaluation of efficacy of all TIM fruits and spices in PU and their possible mechanisms of action are recommended.

Berberis vulgaris root extract alleviates the adverse effects of heat stress via modulating hepatic nuclear transcription factors in quails

To evaluate the action mode of Berberis vulgaris root extract in the alleviation of oxidative stress, female Japanese quails (n 180, aged 5 weeks) were reared, either at 22°C for 24 h/d (thermoneutral, TN) or 34°C for 8 h/d (heat stress, HS), and fed one of three diets: diets containing 0, 100 or 200 mg of B. vulgaris root extract per kg for 12 weeks. Exposure to HS depressed feed intake by 8·5 % and egg production by 12·1 %, increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level by 98·0 % and decreased hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities by 23·5, 35·4 and 55·7 %, respectively (P< 0·001 for all). There were also aggravations in expressions of hepatic NF-κB and heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) by 42 and 43 %, respectively and suppressions in expressions of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and haeme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) by 57 and 61 %, respectively, in heat-stressed quails (P< 0·001 for all). As supplemental B. vulgaris extract increased, there were linear increases in performance parameters, activities of antioxidant enzymes and hepatic Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions (P< 0·001 for all) and linear decreases in hepatic MDA level and NF-κB and HSP70 expressions at a greater extent in quails reared under TN condition and those reared under HS condition. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of B. vulgaris root extract to quails reduces the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation resulting from HS via activating the host defence system at the cellular level.

Hepatoprotective effects of Berberis vulgaris L. extract/β cyclodextrin on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute toxicity in mice

The present study investigated the capacity of formulated Berberis vulgaris extract/β-cyclodextrin to protect liver against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Formulated and non-formulated extracts were given orally (50 mg/kg/day) to mice for 7 days and were then intra-peritoneally injected with 1.0 mL/kg CCl₄ on the 8th day. After 24 h of CCl₄ administration, an increase in the levels of apartate-amino-transferase (AST), alanine-amino-transferase (ALT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was found and a significant decrease in superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) levels could be detected. This was accompanied by extended centrilobular necrosis, steatosis, fibrosis and an altered ultrastructure of hepatocytes. Pre-treatment with formulated or non-formulated extract suppressed the increase in ALT, AST and MDA levels and restored the level of antioxidant enzymes at normal values. Histopathological and electron-microscopic examination showed milder liver damage in both pre-treated groups and the protective effect was more pronounced after the formulated extract was administered. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation induced by CCl₄ was reduced in the group which received non-formulated extract and absent in the group which received formulated extract. Taken together, our results suggest that Berberis vulgaris/β-cyclodextrin treatment prevents hepatic injury induced by CCl₄ and can be considered for further nutraceutical studies.

Phenolic content and antioxidant property of the bark extracts of Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata Willd

BACKGROUND

Several plants traditionally used in treatment of a variety of infections in South Africa are reported in ethnobotanical surveys. Many of these plants including Ziziphus mucronata subsp. mucronata lack scientific reports to support their medicinal importance.

METHODS

The antioxidant activities and phenolic contents of the acetone, ethanol and aqueous extracts of the stems of Z. mucronata subsp. mucronata were evaluated using in vitro standard methods. The total phenol, total flavonoids and proanthocyanidin content were determined spectrophotometrically. Quercetin, Tannic acid and catechin equivalents were used for these parameters. The antioxidant activities of the stem bark extracts of this plant were determined by ABTS, DPPH, and ferrous reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) methods.

RESULTS

The quantity of the phenolic compounds, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins detected differ significantly in the various extracts. The phenolics were significantly higher than the flavonoids and proanthocyanidin contents in all the extracts investigated. The ferric reducing ability and the radical scavenging activities of the extracts were very high and dose-dependent. The ethanol extract had the highest antioxidant activity, followed by the acetone extract while the aqueous extract was the least active. Reacting with ABTS, the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were (0.0429 ± 0.04 mg/ml) for aqueous, (0.0317 ± 0.04 mg/ml) for acetone and (0.0306 ± 0.04 mg/ml) for ethanol extracts while they inhibited DPPH radical with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.0646 ± 0.02 mg/ml (aqueous), 0.0482 ± 0.02 mg/ml (acetone) and 0.0422 ± 0.03 mg/ml (ethanol).

CONCLUSIONS

A correlation between the antioxidant activity and the total phenolic contents of the extracts indicated that phenolic compounds were the dominant contributors to the antioxidant activity of the plant. This study, therefore, demonstrated that Z. mucronata subsp. mucronata has strong antioxidant property and free radical scavenging capability.

Evaluation of antioxidant activities and phenolic content of Berberis vulgaris L. and Berberis croatica Horvat

Antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extracts of roots, twigs and leaves of common barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) and Croatian barberry (Berberis croatica Horvat) were studied. All the extracts were found to possess some radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities, as determined by scavenging effect on the DPPH free radical, reducing power and beta-carotene-linoleic acid model system. With the exception of the beta-carotene-linoleic acid test, antioxidant activity correlated well with the content of main plant antioxidants, phenols and flavonols, which suggests an important role of these compounds in overall antioxidant activity of investigated plant organs. The antioxidant activity varied mostly in relation to the organ, while no significant statistically differences were found between B. vulgaris and B. croatica.