Antioxidative activity of hen egg ovalbumin hydrolysates

To evaluate the antioxidative activity of the hydrolysates of ovalbumin, the antioxidative activities of the enzymatic extracts were evaluated using three different methodologies scavenging assays such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and inhibitory oxidation of linoleic acid in vitro, and the activities of SOD, GSH-PX, CAT and the level of MDA were determined in serum and liver of aged mice induced by G-gal. The results showed that the hydrolysates had a distinctly inhibitory action to superoxide anion made by alkaline pyrogallic acid, HO. produced by Fenton reaction, the oxidation of linoleic acid in linoleic acid autoxidation system, and presented a positive correlation. The inhibition capacity of hydrolysates against superoxide anion and HO. were more than 45% and 56% respectively at the concentration 5 mg/mL. And the hydrolysates could significantly (p< 0.01) prevented the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT against reducing and all three concentrations could significantly (p< 0.01) decrease the MDA contents in the serum and liver of aged mice induced by G-gal. The antioxidative activity of high concentration was similar to that of control group.     

Evaluation of antioxidant properties of a new compound, pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6'-bieckol isolated from brown algae, Ecklonia cava

In this study, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of the natural antioxidative compound, pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6''-bieckol (PPB) isolated from brown algae, Ecklonia cava was assessed in vitro by measuring the radical scavenging activities (DPPH, alkyl, hydroxyl, and superoxide) using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, and DNA damage assay. According to the results of these experiments, the scavenging activity PPB against difference radicals was in the following order: DPPH, alkyl, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals (IC₅₀; 0.90, 2.54, 62.93 and 109.05 µM). The antioxidant activities of PPB were higher than that of the commercial antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Furthermore, PPB effectively inhibited DNA damage induced by H₂O₂. These results suggest that the natural antioxidative compound, PPB, can be used by the natural food industry.     

Antioxidative effects of glycoprotein isolated from Solanum nigrum L

Glycoprotein from Solanum nigrum L. (SNL glycoprotein) was isolated and tested for antioxidative effects on oxygen free radicals using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The free radical scavenging activities of the SNL glycoprotein are optimal in acidic pH and up to 60 degrees C. However, it has minimal activities in the presence of EDTA, although such activities are not dependent on M(2+) ions (Ca(2+), Mn(2+), and Mg(2+)) in the presence of EDTA. Interestingly, when SNL glycoprotein was treated with deactivation agents (pronase E and NaIO(4)), the DPPH radical scavenging activity was decreased compared with the SNL glycoprotein treatment alone. The antioxidative effects of SNL glycoprotein on superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical under optimal conditions revealed that SNL glycoprotein has remarkable scavenging effects on both radicals, but exhibited slightly higher scavenging effects on superoxide anion generated by the enzymatic hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase system than on hydroxyl radicals generated by the Fenton reaction. However, SNL glycoprotein was more effective against hydroxyl radials in cell cultures (NIH/3T3). Consequently, 20 microg/mL SNL glycoprotein has a scavenging ability against superoxide anion corresponding to that of ascorbic acid. On the other hand, its hydroxyl radical scavenging activity corresponds to 0.1 microg/mL catalase. From these results, we suggest that SNL glycoprotein has potent antioxidative potential.     

Antioxidant activity of far-infrared radiated rice hull extracts on reactive oxygen species scavenging and oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes

The antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of far-infrared irradiated rice hull (FRH) and non-irradiated intact rice hull (IRH) were determined. The antioxidant effects against reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by measuring scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitric oxide radical and capacity for chelating metals. Except for H2O2 scavenging activity, FRH showed higher scavenging activity than IRH; for example, the 50% inhibitory concentration (mg/mL) values for DPPH radical scavenging of FRH and IRH were 0.067 and 0.085, respectively, as compared with 0.362 and 0.012 for butylated hydroxytoluene and alpha-tocopherol, respectively. The effect of rice hull extract on DNA damage induced by H2O2 in human lymphocytes was also evaluated by comet assay. The protective effect of rice hull extract increased as its concentration increased from 12.5 to 50 microg/mL, as indicated by DNA strand breakage decreasing from 38% to 22% with FRH and from 49% to 28% with IRH as compared with H2O2-treated positive controls. When human lymphocytes were post-incubated with rice hull extract for 30 minutes after exposure to H2O2, the protective ability of the rice hulls remained unchanged. These results suggest that methanol extracts of rice hulls possess significant ROS scavenging and metal chelating activities and protective effect against oxidative DNA damage.     

Corni fructus scavenges hydroxy radicals and decreases oxidative stress in endothelial cells

Corni fructus has been used as a tonic, analgesic, and diuretic in Korean herbal medicine. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidative effect of corni fructus and its capacity to protect cells against oxidative damage. The radical scavenging activity of corni fructus extracts was measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the peroxide value in a linoleic acid emulsion system. In addition, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with corni fructus extracts and incubated with H(2)O(2) to investigate protection against apoptosis induction. Both ethanol and water extracts of corni fructus produced higher DPPH radical scavenging activity than hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extracts. Strong antioxidative activities of both water and ethanol extracts were observed in an emulsion system containing linoleic acid and phosphate buffer. The incubation of HUVECs with the addition of ethanol extract significantly decreased H(2)O(2)-initiated damage of endothelial cells, but the water extract did not. The pretreatment with ethanol extract, but not with water extract, significantly decreased apoptotic damage of the H(2)O(2)-treated HUVECs and kept the morphological normality. This study demonstrates that corni fructus is a potent antioxidant substance, and suggests that further investigation is needed to characterize the difference between extract types and to identify its antioxidant compounds.     

In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of Cyperus rotundus

Cyperus rotundus (Family Cyperaceae) is used both as a functional food and as a drug. In this study, the antioxidative potential of a hydroalcoholic extract of C. rotundus (CRE) was evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including antioxidant capacity by the phosphomolybdenum method, total antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion systems, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging. We further evaluated the reducing potential of the extract as well as Fe(2+)/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate. These various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene, tocopherol, L-ascorbic acid, and catechin. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of CRE was also determined by a colorimetric method. The extract exhibited high reduction capability and powerful free radical scavenging, especially against DPPH and superoxide anions as well as a moderate effect on NO. CRE also showed inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate induced by Fe(2+)/ascorbate and prevented deoxyribose degradation in both non-site-specific and site-specific assays showing the hydroxyl radical scavenging and metal chelating activity of the hydroalcoholic extract. Moreover, the peroxidation inhibiting activity of CRE was demonstrated in the linoleic acid emulsion system. These results clearly established the antioxidative potency of C. rotundus, which may account for some of the medical claims attributed to this plant.     

Free radical scavenging activity of a novel antioxidative peptide isolated from in vitro gastrointestinal digests of Mytilus coruscus

A low-molecular-weight peptide with potent antioxidative activity was obtained from Mytilus coruscus muscle protein using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion system. The potent antioxidant peptide, which was identified as Leu-Val-Gly-Asp-Glu-Gln-Ala-Val-Pro-Ala-Val-Cys-Val-Pro (1.59 kDa), exhibited higher protective activity against polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) peroxidation than the native antioxidants, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. In a free radical scavenging assay using electron spin resonance spectroscopy, hydroxyl radical formation was quenched by 75.04% in the presence of M. coruscus peptide (50 microg/mL), which was similar to ascorbic acid. In addition, the purified peptide could also quench super-oxide and carbon-centered radicals, but those activities were weaker than for ascorbic acid. This study showed that the low-molecular-weight peptide released from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of mussel exhibited potent antioxidant potential by inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species formed by the peroxidation of PUFAs.     

Youngia denticulata protects against oxidative damage induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide in HepG2 cells

Improvement of liver function is one of the most popular commercial health claims of functional foods in Asian countries, including Korea. After examining the potential of several traditional Korean wild vegetables for enhancing liver function, we found that Youngia denticulata Kitam. has strong hepatoprotective effects against oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP). We are the first to report that the extract and ethyl acetate fractions of Y. denticulata have radical scavenging activities and inhibit oxidative stress-induced cell death and DNA damage in HepG2 cells. The extract and ethyl acetate fractions significantly decreased cellular reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis induced by t-BHP in HepG2 cells. In addition, they prevented the depletion of cellular glutathione, which is an important defense molecule against oxidizing xenobiotics. Chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were found to be major active components responsible for the activity of Y. denticulata and could serve as marker compounds for standardization. These data suggest that Y. denticulata could be promoted as a potential antioxidative functional food candidate, particularly for hepatoprotection against oxidative stress.     

Protective effects of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and its active components against radical-induced oxidative damage

The radical scavenging effect and protective potential from oxidative damage by radical generator, 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), in renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cell of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) were investigated and identified the active components under the bioassay-linked fractionation method. The MeOH extract, and fractions of CH2Cl2, BuOH and H2O from broccoli showed the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, they exerted the protective effect against LLC-PK1 cellular damage induced by AAPH dose-dependently. In particular, the BuOH fraction was evaluated as the most active fraction, indicating that the BuOH fraction contains the active components with antioxidative capacity. Employing a bioassay-linked fractionation method, the active principles were isolated and characterized as 1,2-disinapoylgentiobiose and 1-sinapoyl-2-feruloylgentiobiose from the BuOH fraction. These two compounds from broccoli displayed potent antioxidant effects against the DPPH radical, showing the IC50 values of 5.18 and 7.52 microg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the compounds significantly and dose-dependently recovered cell viability lowered by AAPH treatment, suggesting the protective roles from cellular oxidative damage. The present study suggests that broccoli has excellent antioxidative potential and the hydroxycinamic acid esters from broccoli, 1,2-disinapoylgentiobiose and 1-sinapoyl-2-feruloylgentiobiose, are considered as the active components with antioxidative effect.     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of some lichens and their constituents

The aim of this study is to examine the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the acetone, methanol, and aqueous extracts of the lichens Cladonia furcata (many-forked Cladonia), Hypogymnia physodes (puffed lichen), and Umbilicaria polyphylla (manyleaf navel lichen) and the antimicrobial activity of fumarprotocetraric acid, gyrophoric acid, and physodic acid isolated from the respective lichen species. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by five different methods: free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, reducing power, determination of total phenolic compounds, and determination of total flavonoid content. U. polyphyla exhibited more powerful antioxidant activities than the other lichen species examined: methanol extracts of U. polyphyla showed 90.08% free radical scavenging activities (the ratio was greater than those of standard antioxidants). Moreover, the extracts tested had effective reducing power and superoxide anion radical scavenging. Total contents of phenol and flavonoid in extracts were determined as pyrocatechol equivalents and as rutin equivalents, respectively. A significant strong relationship between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and their antioxidative activities was observed. The antimicrobial activity was estimated by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration by the broth microdilution method against six species of bacteria and 10 species of fungi. In general, the lichen extracts tested and their respective acids had relatively strong antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms tested. The present study shows that the lichen species tested demonstrated strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The results suggest that lichens may be used as good sources of natural antioxidants and for pharmaceutical purposes in treating various diseases.     

Radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of Melissa officinalis L. extracts

The aromatic herb Melissa officinalis L. can be used as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants and as a possible food supplement and as a phytochemical. Radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water extracts of M. officinalis L. extracts were investigated. The results of antioxidative activity, obtained by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, confirmed that investigated extracts suppressed the formation of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and lipid peroxyl radicals in all investigated systems in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities (SA(DPPH) = SA(OH) = 100%) were achieved in the presence of n-butanol extract at concentrations of 0.4 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. The highest lipid peroxyl scavenging activity (93.20%) was observed at a higher concentration (5 mg/mL) of n-butanol extract in the lipid peroxidation system. The most effective antibacterial activities were expressed by petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts on Sarcina lutea. Chloroform extract showed the strongest antiproliferative effect with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 0.09 mg/mL and 0.10 mg/mL for HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. The present study demonstrated the high phenolic content and radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of extracts of M. officinalis L. originating from Serbia.     

Antioxidant Activities and Total Phenolic Content of Aqueous Extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (Cultivated Oyster Mushroom)

Pleurotus ostreatus better known as oyster mushroom is widely cultivated and consumed as food in Malaysia. The present study aims to assess the antioxidative potential and total phenolic content of P. ostreatus aqueous extract. The antioxidant activities were evaluated against DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and β-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay, and the Folin-Ciocalteu method for total phenolic content (TPC). The DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity was found to be 63.20% and 87.29% respectively; antioxidant activity using FRAP at 1.45 mM FE/100g and β-carotenelinoleate bleaching assay was 83.51%, while the TPC was found to be 798.55 mg GAE/100g. These antioxidant activities were compared to synthetic antioxidant, BHA and ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid showed highest scavenging effects on DPPH and ABTS radical, followed by P. ostreatus and BHA (at maximum safety limit). The ferric reducing power of P. ostreatus was significantly higher than BHA and ascorbic acid. The antioxidant activity as assessed in β-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay was found to be higher in BHA compared to P. ostreatus. The aqueous extract of P. ostreatus was found to respond differently in antioxidant assays. The antioxidative activity of the aqueous extract of P. ostreatus correlated with its total phenolic content. Generally, the antioxidant activities of P. ostreatus' aqueous extract are comparable to that of BHA and ascorbic acid to a certain extent.     

Comparative analysis of the in vitro antioxidant activity of white and black pepper

As a result of normal metabolic processes, the human body produces reactive oxygen species capable of oxidizing biomolecules that can damage DNA, cells, and contribute to chronic disease. This process can be attenuated or perhaps reversed by diets containing spices that have the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species. The present study measured the concentration of polyphenols in peppercorn (black and white) using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and investigated the radical scavenging activities of hydrolyzed and nonhydrolyzed pepper extracts using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, the superoxide radical, and the hydroxyl radical as substrates. The hydrolyzed and nonhydrolyzed extracts of black pepper contained significantly (P < .001) more polyphenols compared with those of white pepper. For either of these peppercorns, the hydrolyzed extract contained significantly (P < .001) more polyphenols compared with the nonhydrolyzed extract. A dose-dependent effect was observed in the free radical and reactive oxygen species scavenging activities of all the extracts, with the black pepper extracts being the most effective. Peppercorns especially black pepper, which constitutes an important component in the diet of many sub-Saharan and oriental countries, can therefore be promoted for their nutritional importance as antioxidants and radical scavengers.     

Royal jelly peptides inhibit lipid peroxidation in vitro and in vivo

Royal jelly peptides (RJPx) isolated from hydrolysates of water-soluble royal jelly proteins prepared with protease P exhibited significantly stronger hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity (p<0.001), and antioxidant activity against lipid peroxidation (LPO, p<0.001), than did water-soluble royal jelly protein (WSRJP) in vitro. We also investigated the in vivo antioxidant activity of RJPx against ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced LPO. Male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (Group C), an Fe-NTA group (Group Fe), and an Fe-NTA with RJPx group (Group Fe+R). Rats in Group Fe+R were fed RJPx (2 g/kg body weight) daily for 5 wk. Fe-NTA (8 mg Fe/kg body weight) was then intraperitoneally injected, and serum lipid levels were examined 2 h later. Serum total cholesterol (TC) levels were lower (p<0.05) while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and LPO were significantly higher (p<0.01) in Group Fe than in Group C. TC (p<0.05) and LPO levels (p<0.01) were lower in Group Fe+R than in Group Fe. Our data suggest that RJPx may inhibit LPO both in vitro and in vivo.     

鲜蜂皇浆、SOD对更年期妇女保健作用的探讨

探讨鲜蜂皇浆、SOD对更年期妇女清除体内氧自由基 ,改善更年期综合征症状的作用。 [方法 ]　将 79例更年期妇女随机分成两组 ,A组服用鲜蜂皇浆加SOD ,B组单纯服用SOD。服用前及服用后 3个月测定外周血凝固相自由基含量及网状结构的破坏程度 ,并观察临床症状的改善情况。 [结果 ]　A、B组都有明显清除体内氧自由基、恢复网状结构、改善临床症状作用。A组效果更优于B组。 [结论 ]　鲜蜂皇浆联合SOD比单味SOD在更年期妇女保健中更有临床意义。     

Antioxidative effects of Kimchi under different fermentation stage on radical-induced oxidative stress

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented vegetable containing several ingredients. We investigated the protective activity of methanol extract of kimchi under different fermentation stages against oxidative damage.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Fresh kimchi (Fresh), optimally ripened kimchi (OptR), and over ripened kimchi (OvR) were fermented until the pH reached pH 5.6, pH 4.3, and pH 3.8, respectively. The radical scavenging activity and protective activity from oxidative stress of kimchi during fermentation were investigated under in vitro and cellular systems using LLC-PK₁ cells.

RESULTS

Kimchi exhibited strong radical scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical. In addition, the free radical generators led to loss of cell viability and elevated lipid peroxidation, while treatment with kimchi resulted in significantly increased cell viability and decreased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the protective effect against oxidative stress was related to regulation of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor-κB p65, and IκB expression. In particular, OvR showed the strongest protective effect from cellular oxidative stress among other kimchi.

CONCLUSION

The current study indicated that kimchi, particularly OptR and OvR, played a protective role against free radical-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that kimchi is a promising functional food with an antioxidative effect and fermentation of kimchi led to elevation of antioxidative activity.     

Radical-scavenging activity of hot water extract of Japanese rice bran--association with phenolic acids

A strong radical-scavenging activity against a stable radical compound, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was found in the hot water extract of Japanese rice bran. When the extract was treated with ethanol, a dominant radical-scavenging activity was observed in the ethanol-soluble (ES) fraction in a dose-dependent manner, but a weak radical-scavenging activity was detected in the ethanol-precipitable (EP) fraction. Their activities were proportional to the amounts of phenolic substances in each fraction. The phenolic substances in the ES fraction were efficiently separated by Amberlite XAD column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography using an ODS column. The four major phenolic acids (ferulic, para-coumaric, para-hydroxybenzoic and vanillic acids) and four minor phenolic acids (caffeic, gentisic, protocatechuic and syringic acids) were detected in the HPLC system. Among these phenolic acids, protocatechuic, caffeic, ferulic and gentisic acids showed relatively strong radical scavenging activities (EC50: 8, 9, 29 and 75 microM, respectively) compared with the control antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol (EC50: 93 and 134 microM). Para-coumaric, syringic and vanillic acids exhibited weak but significant radical-scavenging activities (EC50: 780, 2640 and 3250 microM). However, para-hydroxybenzoic acid did not show any significant effects even at 5 mM. Furthermore, a simulated mixture combined with these phenolic acids in comparable amounts in the ES fraction showed slightly weak radical-scavenging activity compared with that of rice bran extract. However, all the phenolic acids detected in the ES fraction did not show significant antioxidant activities against hydroperoxide generation in lipid peroxidation compared with that of a typical antioxidant such as ascorbic acid, which was estimated by the alminum chloride method. These results suggest that Japanese rice bran has a potent radical-scavenging activity against DPPH radical and this activity is associated with some phenolic acids in the ES fraction. The significance of this finding is discussed from the viewpoint of the protective role of rice bran against oxygen radical-induced chronic diseases.     

Antioxidant Activity of Anthocyanin Extract from Purple Black Rice

Antioxidant activity was studied for anthocyanins extracted from purple black rice (PBR) by a 3% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid solution (TFA), as well as for anthocyanins extracted from blueberry (Bluetta, high bush type). Capillary zone electrophoresis revealed that the PBR extract contained almost exclusively a single anthocyanin, which was identified as cyanidin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside (Cy 3-Glc) after purification by polyvinylpyrrolidone column chromatography. In contrast, 11 anthocyanins were identified in the blueberry extract. PBR extract showed slightly weaker superoxide scavenging and crocin bleaching activities than blueberry extract did. Both PBR and blueberry extracts, however, showed 10 to 25 times stronger activity than the same concentration of Trolox used as a reference antioxidant. It was further noted that the purified Cy 3-Glc from PBR extract retained approximately 74% of the antioxidant activity (both crocin bleaching and superoxide scavenging) observed in the original TFA extract. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of both extracts was several times weaker than that of the same concentration of Trolox, although the PBR extract showed approximately two times stronger activity than blueberry extract did. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of the purified Cy 3-Glc from PBR, however, decreased to approximately 20% of that of the original PBR extract. These results indicate that the anthocyanin Cy 3-Glc contributes to the antioxidant activity of PBR through its strong superoxide radical but not hydroxyl radical scavenging activity.     

Antifungal activity of the honeybee products against Candida spp. and Trichosporon spp

Honeybee products (honey, royal jelly, pollen, and propolis) were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of 40 yeast strains of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, and Trichosporon spp. The broth microdilution method was used to assess the antifungal activity of honeybee products against yeasts. Fluconazole was selected as the antifungal control agent. Using the broth microdilution method, minimal inhibitory concentration ranges with regard to all isolates were 5-80% (vol/vol), 0.06-1?μg/mL, 0.002-0.25?μg/mL, 0.006-0.1?μg/mL, and 0.02-96?μg/mL for honey, royal jelly, pollen, propolis, and fluconazole, respectively. The antifungal activities of each product decreased in the following order: propolis >pollen?>?royal jelly?>?>?honey. This study demonstrated that honeybee products, particularly propolis and pollen, can help to control some fluconazole-resistant fungal strains.     

Mogrosides extract from Siraitia grosvenori scavenges free radicals in vitro and lowers oxidative stress,serum glucose,and lipid levels in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

This study evaluated the supplementation of a mogrosides extract (MG) from fruits of Siraitia grosvenori on reducing oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The oxygen free radical scavenging activity of MG was also assessed in vitro. After induction of diabetes, a significant increase in the levels of serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as a reduction in the level of hepatic high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) associated with diminution of the corresponding antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase, were observed in all diabetic mice. Treatment of diabetic mice with MG (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg ) for 4 weeks significantly decreased serum glucose, TC, TG, and hepatic MDA levels (P < .05), whereas it increased serum HDL-C level and reactivated the hepatic antioxidant enzymes (P < .05) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice (P < .05). The hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidative activities of MG (100 mg/kg treatment) were all higher compared with all other diabetic groups and were similar to that observed for XiaoKeWan-pill (894 mg/kg; Guangzhou Zhongyi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China), a Chinese traditional antidiabetic drug. Antioxidant capacity evaluated in vitro showed that MG and mogroside V, which was the main component of MG, possessed strong oxygen free radical scavenging activities. These results demonstrate that the extract may have capacity to inhibiting hyperglycemia induced by diabetes, and the data suggest that administration of the extract may be helpful in the prevention of diabetic complications associated with oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia. We conclude that the extract should be evaluated as a candidate for future studies on diabetes mellitus.