In vitro antioxidant activity of two molluscs, Loligo duvauceli Orbigny and Donax cuneatus Linnaeus, by solvent extraction methods

The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro antioxidant activity of solvent extracts prepared from two Indian molluscs viz., Loligo duvauceli Orbigny and Donax cuneatus Linnaeus. For this purpose, several tests were used such as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), reducing ability and total antioxidant activity. Ethyl acetate extract of Loligo duvauceli showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (58%), reducing ability and antioxidant activity (64%) compared to other extracts. All the extracts showed concentration-dependent activity, and increase in concentration increased the antioxidant activities. Therefore, solvent extracts of L. duvauceli and D. cuneatus are rich sources of antioxidants that justify their wide use as natural antioxidants and points out other possible therapeutical uses in the different diseases produced by free radicals.     

Antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract and fractions of Doenjang in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESFermentation can increase functional compounds in fermented soybean products, thereby improving antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated the changes in the contents of phenolics and isoflavones, antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of Doenjang during fermentation and aging.MATERIALS/METHODSDoenjang was made by inoculating Aspergillus oryzae and Bacillus licheniformis in soybeans, fermenting and aging for 1, 3, 6, 8, and 12 months (D1, D3, D6, D8, and D12). Doenjang was extracted using ethanol, and sequentially fractioned by hexane, dichloromethane (DM), ethylacetate (EA), n-butanol, and water. The contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and isoflavones, 2,2-diphenyl-1 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured. Anti-inflammatory effects in terms of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions were also measured using LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages.RESULTSTotal phenolic and flavonoid contents showed a gradual increase during fermentation and 6 months of aging and were sustained thereafter. DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP were increased by fermentation. FRAP was further increased by aging, but DPPH radical scavenging activity was not. Total isoflavone and glycoside contents decreased during fermentation and the aging process, while aglycone content and its proportion increased up to 3 or 6 months of aging and then showed a slow decrease. DM and EA fractions of Doenjang showed much higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and DPPH radical scavenging activity than the others. At 100 µg/mL, DM and EA fractions of D12 showed strongly suppressed NO production to 55.6% and 52.5% of control, respectively, and PGE2 production to 25.0% and 28.3% of control with inhibition of iNOS or COX-2 protein expression in macrophages.CONCLUSIONSTwelve month-aged Doenjang has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with high levels of phenolics and isoflavone aglycones, and can be used as a beneficial food for human health.     

Antioxidant activity,quality parameters and mineral content of Portuguese monofloral honeys

Physicochemical properties (pH, free, lactonic and total acidity, electrical conductivity and moisture), main mineral content (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron) and antioxidant activity (total phenolics, 1,1diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reduction antioxidant power) were determined for 39 Portuguese monofloral honeys (rosemary, orange, thyme, arbutus, locust podshrub and heather) with different geographical origins. Portuguese honeys showed good chemical and nutritional qualities fulfilling the criteria described in Directive 2001/110/CE. Potassium was the main mineral component representing 85% of total minerals. The mineral composition of sodium (4.63–200.60 mg/kg), calcium (0.43–72.30 mg/kg), magnesium (3.05–82.20 mg/kg) and iron (below 7.06 mg/kg) were higher for heather, eucalypt and arbutus honeys. Monofloral honeys of arbutus (Arbutus unedo), locust podshrub (Ceratonia siliqua L.) and heather (Erica umbellata) showed higher antioxidant activity with phenolic contents higher than 600 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/kg, a DPPH scavenging activity higher than 50% and a ferric reduction antioxidant power above 600 μM Fe²⁺. Furthermore, the chemometric analysis revealed that total phenolic content was a crucial variable explaining the antioxidant activity of arbutus and locust podshrub honeys characteristic of the south of Portugal.     

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.     

Composition of anthocyanins in mulberry and their antioxidant activity

Anthocyanins in the fruits of mulberry (Morus alba L.) were extracted and separated by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) using a biphasic solvent system composed of methyl tert-butyl ether–n-butanol–acetonitrile–water–trifluoroacetic acid (1:3:1:5:0.001) to yield five anthocyanins: cyanidin 3-O-(6″-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranoside) (C3RG), cyanidin 3-O-(6″-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-β-d-galactopyranoside) (C3RGa), cyanidin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (C3G), cyanidin 3-O-β-d-galactopyranoside (C3Ga) and cyanidin 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (C7G), respectively. The five compounds were identified by ESI–MS and one/two-dimensional NMR spectra. The antioxidant activity of crude mulberry anthocyanins (CMA), C3G, C3Ga, C7G, C3RG and C3RGa was investigated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. The results showed that CMA, C3G, C3Ga, C3G and C7G have higher scavenging ability on DPPH. At the concentration of 0.10 mg/mL, the DPPH radical scavenging rates of C3G, C3Ga and C7G were about 88% of vitamin C, while C3RG and C3RGa were about 60% of it. CMA had the same DPPH radical scavenging rate as vitamin C or the five anthocyanin monomers when the concentration reached 0.40 mg/mL, which shows that CMA is an excellent antioxidant agent.     

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of gamma irradiated sun dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.)

The phenolics from both control and irradiated (3.0 kGy) dried apricots of Halman variety were identified and quantified by HPLC method using external standards. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of seventeen phenolic acids and eight flavonoids in dried apricots. Among the phenolic acids, ten were hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives (HBA), six hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCA) and the one was present as ellagic acid. The most abundant flavonoids present in dried apricots were apigenin followed by quercetin and catechin. The results of the antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) and β-carotene bleaching assay revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in EC₅₀ values and corresponding increase in antioxidant profile and activity due to irradiation, in addition to its effect in overcoming quarantine barriers. Irradiation decreased the EC₅₀ values by 19.1%, 13.6%, and 16.1% respectively with respect to control for DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene assays.     

Nutritional values, metabolic profile and radical scavenging capacities of wild asparagus (A. acutifolius L.)

Wild asparagus, Asparagus acutifolius L., produces edible spears used in local diets of Mediterranean countries for millenia. Recently, interest has risen for its cultivation as frugal crop for niche markets, but only limited information exists on the nutritional values of this vegetable. In this paper, the nutritional values and metabolic profile (i.e. moisture content, total proteins, lipids and phenols, folic and ascorbic acids, ribose, arabinose, xylose, fructose, mannose, glucose, galactose, total and free aminoacids, and fatty acid composition) and radical scavenging capacities of spears of A. acutifolius from the Caserta area (southern Italy) were compared to those of the cultivated Asparagus officinalis L. On a fresh weight basis, proteins (4.83 vs. 3.62 g/100 g), essential amino acids (184.08 vs. 78.13 mg/100 g) and lipids (0.90 vs. 0.33 g/100 g) were higher in wild asparagus. Among the fatty acids, the two essential n-6 linoleic and n-3 alpha-linolenic, and palmitic acids were the most abundant in both species, representing about 90% of the total acids analysed. A. acutifolius contained comparable amounts of pentoses such as ribose (0.13 vs. 0.15 g/100 g) and xylose (0.17 vs. 0.14 g/100 g), and hexoses such as galactose (0.21 vs. 0.19 g/100g) and fructose (0.17 vs. 0.17 g/100 g), lower arabinose (0.27 vs. 0.39 g/100 g) and higher mannose (0. 90 vs. 0.49 g/100 g) and glucose (2.52 vs. 1.21 g/100 g) content, compared to A. officinalis. Folic acid was lower in A. acutifolius (47.5 vs. 80.6 μg), while ascorbic acid was more than fivefold higher (117 vs. 23 mg/100 g). Phenolic compounds were more abundant in A. acutifolius spears (41.97 vs. 27.62 mg/100 g) as was the radical scavenging activity against DPPH radical and nitric oxide. A. acutifolius appears nutritionally interesting for its high content in dry matter, proteins, lipids, phenols and for its strong antioxidant properties, raising interest for this potential new crop.     

The Composition and Anti-Aging Activities of Polyphenol Extract from Phyllanthus emblica L. Fruit

Phyllanthus emblica L. (PE) is commonly known as a medicine and food homologous plant, which is abundant in natural products polyphenols. In the present study, polyphenols were extracted from PE fruit by response surface method, and the anti-aging ability was determined. PE fruit polyphenols exhibited strong antioxidant capacities in scavenging free radicals, and anti-cholinesterase ability by inhibition of AChE (IC₅₀ 0.2186 ± 0.0416 mg/mL) and BuChE (IC₅₀ 0.0542 ± 0.0054 mg/mL) in vitro. Moreover, PE fruit polyphenols showed strong protective effect against the aging process in Caenorhabditis elegans model, including increased thermal resistance, extended lifespan by 18.53% (p < 0.05), reduced activity of AChE by 34.71% and BuChE by 45.38% (p < 0.01). This was accompanied by the enhancement in antioxidant enzymes activity of SOD by 30.74% (p < 0.05) and CAT by 8.42% (p > 0.05), while decrease in MDA level by 36.25% (p < 0.05). These properties might be interrelated with the presence of abundant flavonols and phenolic acids identified by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, such as quercetin, myricetin, ellagic, gallic, and chlorogenic acids, together with their glycosides. The remarkable antioxidant and anti-aging potential of PE fruit polyphenols could be implemented in the food and pharmaceutical industry.     

Anti-Photoaging Effect of Rhodiola rosea Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum on UVA-Damaged Fibroblasts

UVA can cause oxidative stress and photoaging of cells. We established a UVA-induced oxidative stress model of human fibroblasts and focused on the antioxidant and anti-photoaging ability of Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea. Compared with the unfermented Rhodiola rosea, Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea has better DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical scavenging ability, significantly reduces the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and improves the antioxidant level. Further studies have shown that the Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea can activate the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and up-regulate heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), catalase (CAT) and glutathione Peptide peroxidase (GSH-Px), and protect fibroblasts from oxidative stress caused by UVA. On the other hand, Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea significantly reduces the activity of metalloproteinases in the cell, thereby increasing the collagen and elastin in the cell, alleviating the photoaging caused by UVA. Finally, we concluded that the antioxidant capacity and anti-photoaging ability of Lactobacillus plantarum fermented Rhodiola rosea are better than that of unfermented Rhodiola rosea.     

Citrus medica “Otroj”: Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Cardiac Dysrhythmia in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Rats

Citrus medica L. commonly known as Otroj, is an important medicinal plant reputed for its nutritious and therapeutic uses. The present work was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of the ethanolic extract of otroj (EEOT) against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. In addition, the antioxidant activity and the phenolic and flavonoidal contents were determined. Rats were administered EETO (250 and 500 mg/kg) or vehicle orally for 15 days along with ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c.) on the 14th and 15th day. ISO induced cardiac dysfunction, increased lipid peroxidation and alteration of myocyte-injury specific marker enzymes. ISO also showed an increase in levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and VLDL-C. Moreover, the histological investigations showed myocardial necrosis and inflammation. EETO treatment brought the above parameters towards normal level. Moreover, in vitro DPPH radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid tests of the EEOT exhibited a notable antioxidant activity in both assays used. In addition, histopathological examination reconfirmed the protective effects of EEOT. Thus, the present study reveals that C. medica alleviates myocardial damage in ISO-induced cardiac injury and demonstrates cardioprotective potential which could be attributed to its potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity.     

Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Effects of Ephedra foeminea Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Ephedra foeminea is known in Jordan as Alanda and traditionally. It is used to treat respiratory symptoms such as asthma and skin rashes as an infusion in boiling water. The purpose of this study was to determine the antidiabetic property of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The aqueous extract of Ephedra foeminea plant was used to determine the potential of its efficacy in the treatment of diabetes, and this extract was tested on diabetic rats as a model. The chemical composition of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract was determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed using two classical assays (ABTS and DPPH). Results: The most abundant compounds in the Ephedra foeminea extract were limonene (6.3%), kaempferol (6.2%), stearic acid (5.9%), β-sitosterol (5.5%), thiamine (4.1%), riboflavin (3.1%), naringenin (2.8%), kaempferol-3-rhamnoside (2.3%), quercetin (2.2%), and ferulic acid (2.0%). The antioxidant activity of Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract was remarkable, as evidenced by radical scavenging capacities of 12.28 mg Trolox/g in ABTS and 72.8 mg GAE/g in DPPH. In comparison to control, induced diabetic rats treated with Ephedra foeminea extract showed significant improvement in blood glucose levels, lipid profile, liver, and kidney functions. Interleukin 1 and glutathione peroxidase levels in the spleen, pancreas, kidney, and liver of induced diabetic rats treated with Ephedra foeminea extract were significantly lower than in untreated diabetic rats. Conclusions: Ephedra foeminea aqueous extract appears to protect diabetic rats against oxidative stress and improve blood parameters. In addition, it has antioxidant properties that might be very beneficial medicinally.     

Extracts,Anthocyanins and Procyanidins from Aronia melanocarpa as Radical Scavengers and Enzyme Inhibitors

Extracts, subfractions, isolated anthocyanins and isolated procyanidins B2, B5 and C1 from the berries and bark of Aronia melanocarpa were investigated for their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. Four different bioassays were used, namely scavenging of the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO), inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) and inhibition of α-glucosidase. Among the anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-arabinoside possessed the strongest and cyanidin 3-xyloside the weakest radical scavenging and enzyme inhibitory activity. These effects seem to be influenced by the sugar units linked to the anthocyanidin. Subfractions enriched in procyanidins were found to be potent α-glucosidase inhibitors; they possessed high radical scavenging properties, strong inhibitory activity towards 15-LO and moderate inhibitory activity towards XO. Trimeric procyanidin C1 showed higher activity in the biological assays compared to the dimeric procyanidins B2 and B5. This study suggests that different polyphenolic compounds of A. melanocarpa can have beneficial effects in reducing blood glucose levels due to inhibition of α-glucosidase and may have a potential to alleviate oxidative stress.     

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of the underutilized legume, Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich

The raw and processed seeds of the underutilized legume, Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich were extracted with 70% acetone and used for the evaluation of its antioxidant potential. The different heat treatments included dry heating, soaking followed by autoclaving with 0.1% sodium bicarbonate, soaking followed by autoclaving and autoclaving without soaking. The raw seed extract contained higher levels of total phenolics (11.7 g/100 g) and tannins (5.9 g/100 g) than the processed seed extracts. The extracts were further evaluated for their antioxidant activities using FRAP, Fe²⁺ chelation, phosphomolybdenum reduction, DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging, antihemolytic and β-carotene/linoleic acid emulsion systems. In general, the raw seed extracts were the most potent antioxidant suppliers and free radical scavengers. Interestingly, among the various processing methods, acetone extract of dry heated seed sample registered higher antihemolytic activity (86.2%) at the concentration of 500 μg/ml, whereas, in β-carotene/linoleic acid emulsion system, the extracts of raw seeds and the presoaked seeds followed by autoclaving with 0.1% sodium bicarbonate exhibited higher and comparable activity than other processed seed extracts.     

Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of extracts from Cirsium japonicum roots

This study investigated the antioxidant activity of methanol (MeOH) and water extracts from roots of Cirsium japonicum in vitro. MeOH extract showed a stronger free radical scavenging activity than water extract. However, both of extracts showed a concentration dependent hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, reducing power and metal chelating ability. MeOH extract had greater phenolic and flavonoid contents than water extract. The antidiabetic activity of these two extracts was evaluated by the α-glucosidase inhibition assay. The water extract showed a considerable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. To our knowledge, this may be the first time to report the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in Cirsium japonicum roots.     

Assessment of Antioxidant Potential,Total Phenolics and Flavonoids of Different Solvent Fractions of Monotheca Buxifolia Fruit

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant potential of methanol extract and its derived fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous) of fruits of Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) Dc., a locally used fruit in Pakistan.MethodsDried powder of the fruit of M. buxifolia was extracted with methanol and the resultant was fractionated with solvents having escalating polarity; n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and the residual soluble aqueous fraction. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated for the methanol and various fractions. These fractions were also subjected to various in vitro assays to estimate the scavenging activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide and reductive ability for ferric ions and phosphomolybdate assay.ResultsThe n-butanol, aqueous and methanol fractions possessed high amount of phenolics and flavonoids compared with other fractions, and subsequently showed a pronounced scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide radicals and had a potent reductive ability on ferric ion and phosphomolybdate assay. There was a found significant correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and EC₅₀ of DPPH, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide radical and phosphomolybdate assays, whereas a nonsignificant correlation was found with the hydroxyl radical and ABTS radical assay.ConclusionM. buxifolia fruit can be used as natural antioxidant source to prevent damage associated with free radicals.     

High frequency in vitro plantlet regeneration and antioxidant activity of Enicostema axillare(Lam.) Raynal ssp. littoralis (Blume) Raynal: An important medicinal plant

ObjectiveTo develop a method for high frequency plantlets regeneration protocol for Enicostema axillare (Lam.) Raynal ssp. littoralis (Blume) Raynal (E. axillare) without intermediate callus phase and to determine the content and correlation of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity of both the plants derived from nature and nodal culture by DPPH assay.MethodsThe nodal explants were cultured on MS basal medium fortified with different concentration of various growth regulators such as BAP, KIN, TDZ and 2iP (0.5–2 mg/L) individually and in combinations with or without GA₃ for shoot bud induction and multiplication. Total phenol and flavonoid content was determined in both plants from nature and nodal culture and antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay.ResultsThe highest number of multiple shoot (108.00±3.55 shoots/explants) was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2 mg/L) in combination with KIN (0.5 mg/L) and GA₃ (2 mg/L). Rooting was optimized on half-strength MS medium supplemented with IAA (0.5 mg/L). The rooted plantlets were transferred to paper cups containing vermiculite and hardening was successfully attained with 75% survival. Among the four extract of methanol and water extract from both the plantlet from nature and nodal culture, the concentration of flavonoid was found to be higher in methanol extract of the plants from nature (146.57±1.68 mg rutin/g extract) and phenol content was higher in the water extract of plant from nature (52.53±1.67 mg GAE/g extract). The radical scavenging activity of four extracts. Methanol extract of plant grown in nature showed the highest radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 87.10 μg/mL) was investigated by DPPH test.ConclusionThe present study not only enables reinforcement of wild plant populations using ex situ growth of individuals, but it also helps for high scale production of plantlets. A high correlation between antioxidant capacities and their total phenolic contents indicated that flavonoid compounds were a major contributor of antioxidant activity of both plants grown from nature and nodal culture.     

Changes of antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds during storage of selected fruits

The antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds in various fruits (common fruits—two varieties of mangoes (ripe and unripe), guava, papaya, mangosteen and banana; and two indigenous fruits—makiang and maluod) were investigated. Banana and papaya showed the lowest activity, and mangosteen, mango and guava exhibited high levels of antioxidant activity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) as well as total phenolic compounds. The studied indigenous fruits (makiang and maluod) are high in both antioxidant activity (ORAC and FRAP) and total phenolic compounds. Three independent batches of selected fruits—guava (Psidium guajava), makiang (Cleistocalyx nervosum var paniala) and maluod (Elaeagnus iatifolia, Linn)—were used to determine the changes in antioxidant activity (AO) and total phenolic compounds (TP) during storage at −20 °C for 3 months and at 5 °C for 10 days. The ORAC-AO during storage at −20 °C for 2 wk decreased significantly in homogenised guava (23%) and in whole fruits of maluod (62%), whereas that of makiang was constant. A continuous decrease in TP was found in homogenised guava throughout the 3-months storage period (69% retention) whereas constant levels were found in other fruits. At 5 °C, a decrease in the ORAC-AO in the whole fruits of makiang (14%) and maloud (70%) was found after a 3-days storage, whereas a gradual increase in the activity (120–190%) was found in the whole fruit of guava throughout the storage period. Among the factors which can affect the levels of antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds in fruits could be the species, size and texture of fruits, the prepared form of the samples and the conditions of storage (e.g. time, temperature). Preliminary studies on the effect of storage in individual types of fruits are suggested before making a sampling plan for systematic analyses of their antioxidant activity.     

Determination of total phenol content, antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in selected mushrooms from Turkey

In the present study, we investigated the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of the ethanolic extracts of a number of mushroom species growing in Turkey, including mainly Polyporus species (Polyporus gilvus, Polyporus sulphureus, Polyporus annosus, Polyporus radiatus, Polyporus pinicola, Polyporus volvatus, Polyporus fomentarius, Polyporus stevenii, Polyporus badius), as well as Cantharellus cibarius, Lactarius deliciosus, and Trametes versicolor. The analyses were carried out using the spectrophotometric method of Ellman in ELISA microplate reader at 500 μg/ml. Since Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with oxidative degeneration of cells, several methods of antioxidant activity were applied to the mushroom extracts such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion-chelating effect, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and beta-carotene bleaching tests. Total phenol contents of the extracts were also determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. In anti-AChE assay, the most active one was P. sulphureus having 31.44% of inhibition. P. voluatus showed the best scavenging effect against DPPH, while all of the extracts exerted low capacity in chelating ferrous ions and reducing ferric ion.     

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.     

Radical scavenging,antioxidant and metal chelating activities of Annona cherimola Mill. (cherimoya) peel and pulp in relation to their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents

This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, radical scavenging activity (by DPPH and ABTS tests) and antioxidant capacity (by β-carotene bleaching test) of Annona cherimola (cherimoya) fruits cultivated in Italy for human consumption. The metal chelating activity and ferric reducing power were also determined. A. cherimola peel and pulp were characterized by a total phenolic content of 14.6 and 12.6 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents/100 g fresh weight, respectively. A similar trend was observed with flavonoid content. Both extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity through different mechanisms of action. In particular, peel extract demonstrated the strongest free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 57.7 μg/mL. The same extract was more effective in preventing β-carotene oxidation (IC₅₀ value of 63.5 μg/mL after 60 min) and showed higher chelating ability (IC₅₀ value of 79.6 μg/mL) than pulp extract. This work demonstrated the high quality of cherimoya fruits cultivated in Italy, and recommends the peel of this fruit product that may be of interest from a functional point of view as a major source of natural antioxidants.