Functional Activity of the Antioxidant System of Artemisia Genus Plants in the Republic of Buryatia (Russia) and Its Significance in Plant Adaptation.

Plants are sessile organisms and any changes in environmental factors activate various responses and defense mechanisms. Artemisia plants widely inhabit harsh conditions of arid and semiarid ecosystems. Using two species-a subshrub, Artemisia frigida, and an annual-biennial herb, Artemisia scoparia-the functioning of the antioxidant system of plants in semiarid territories have been examined. The activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants in both species as well as the antiradical activity of their extracts have been shown. Although the plants were collected in areas differing in moisture supply, the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants corresponds to their physiological level, within the range of the norm of reaction, in wormwood. Consequently, conditions of differing moisture deficiency do not cause a specific biochemical response at the level of the antioxidant system in the studied species, which confirms their adaptability to these conditions. Meanwhile, A. frigida plants show greater morphological and biochemical plasticity than A. scoparia under changing growth conditions. Both species contain tissue monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, the emission of which provides additional protection against high temperatures and drought. Their composition and contents of phenolic components illustrates the differences in adaptation between perennial and annual plants.

Antiradical effect and phytochemical characterisation of the leaves of Parkia platycephala Benth.

The objective of this study was to isolate and identify compounds present in the leaves of Parkia platycephala Benth (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) and evaluate the antiradical potential of the derived extracts and fractions. Seven compounds were successfully isolated from the ethanolic leaf extract, comprising gallic acid, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phytosteroids. Structural identification was accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, including NMR and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and comparison with existing literature. The antiradical efficacy of both the extract and its fractions was determined in vitro through assays measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and quantifying total phenolics via UV/Vis, revealing notable antioxidant activity in extracts from P. platycephala Benth, especially in the EtOH, EtOAc, and aqueous fractions, attributed to their high phenolic content and prevalence of flavonoids. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Parkia's chemical composition and its potential biological benefits.

Synthesis and Characterization of Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes with 3-(Morpholin-4-yl)propane-2,3-dione 4-Allylthiosemicarbazone Exploring the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiradical Properties.

The eleven new copper(II) and nickel(II) coordination compounds [Cu(L)Br]2 (1), [Cu(L)Cl] (2), [Cu(L)NO3] (3), [Ni(L)Cl] (4), [Ni(HL)2](NO3)2 (5), and [Cu(A)(L)]NO3, where A is 1,10-phenanthroline (6), 2,2'-bipyridine (7), 3,4-dimethylpyridine (8), 3-methylpyridine (9), pyridine (10) and imidazole (11) were synthesized with 3-(morpholin-4-yl)propane-2,3-dione 4-allylthiosemicarbazone (HL). The new thiosemicarbazone was characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. All the coordination compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Also, the crystal structures of HL and complexes 1, 6, 7, and 11 were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 has a dimeric molecular structure with two bromide bridging ligands, while 6, 7, and 11 are ionic compounds and comprise monomeric complex cations. The studied complexes manifest antibacterial and antifungal activities and also have an antiradical activity that, in many cases, surpasses the activity of trolox, which is used as a standard antioxidant in medicine. Copper complexes 1-3 have very weak antiradical properties (IC50 > 100 µM), but nickel complexes 4-5 are strong antiradicals with IC50 values lower than that of trolox. The mixed ligand copper complexes with additional ligand of N-heteroaromatic base are superior to complexes without these additional ligands. They are 1.4-5 times more active than trolox.

The Influence of Micronization on the Properties of Black Cumin Pressing Waste Material.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of micronization on the characteristics of black cumin pressing waste material. The basic composition, amino acid, and fatty acid content of the raw material-specifically, black cumin pressing waste material-were determined. The samples were micronized in a planetary ball mill for periods ranging from 0 to 20 min. The particle sizes of micronized samples of black cumin pressing waste material were then examined using a laser analyzer, the Mastersizer 3000. The structures of the produced micronized powders was examined by X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectra of the micronized samples were recorded. The measurement of phenolic and antiradical properties was conducted both before and after in vitro digestion, and the evaluation of protein digestibility and trypsin inhibition was also conducted. The test results, including material properties, suggest that micronization for 10 min dramatically reduced particle diameters (d50) from 374.7 to 88.7 µm, whereas after 20 min, d50 decreased to only 64.5 µm. The results obtained using FTIR spectroscopy revealed alterations, especially in terms of intensity and, to a lesser extent, the shapes of the bands, indicating a significant impact on the molecular properties of the tested samples. X-ray diffraction profiles revealed that the internal structures of all powders are amorphous, and micronization methods have no effect on the internal structures of powders derived from black cumin pressing waste. Biochemical analyses revealed the viability of utilizing micronized powders from black cumin pressing waste materials as beneficial food additives, since micronization increased total phenolic extraction and antiradical activity.

Innovative Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Harnessing Selenosugar-Linked Hydroxycinnamic Acids for Antioxidant and Wound-Healing Properties.

Selenosugars are gaining growing interest due to their antioxidant efficacy, and their ability to inhibit glycosidases, repair skin tissue or reduce endothelial dysfunction. Among selenosugars, those in which selenium replaces heterocyclic oxygen in a 5-membered sugar were our focus, and their coupling with phenolic compounds appears to be a strategy aimed at producing new compounds with enhanced antioxidant efficacy. In this context, the Mitsunobu reaction has been advantageously explored to obtain trans-p-coumaroyl-1,4-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-seleno-d-ribose, trans-caffeoyl-1,4-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-seleno-d-ribose, and trans-feruloyl-1,4-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-seleno-d-ribose. These compounds underwent removal of the iso-propylidene group, to provide the corresponding hydroxycinnamoyl-1,4-deoxy-4-seleno-d-ribose. All compounds were characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). This latter technique was pivotal for ensuing cellular metabolomics analyses. In fact, after evaluating the anti-radical efficacy through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods, which underline the massive role of the phenolic moiety in establishing efficacy, the compounds, whose cytotoxicity was first screened in two highly oxidative-stress-sensitive cells, were tested for their wound healing properties towards human HaCaT keratinocytes cells. Caffeoyl- and feruloyl selenosugars exerted a dose-dependent repair activity, while, as highlighted by the metabolomic approach, they were poorly taken up within the cells.

Phenolic Composition, Antiradical, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Propolis Extracts from North East Spain.

Antioxidant-related parameters and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities against Listeria monocytogenes were assessed in eight North East Spain poplar propolis samples. Propolis extracts (PEs) were obtained using 70% ethanol (PEE) and methanol (PME). Yield and total phenol compounds were higher in PEE. Phenolic acids were analyzed by a high-performance liquid chromatograph-diode array detector. Caffeic and ferulic acids were quantified in all PEE and PME. All samples contained p-coumaric acid (quantified in 6 PEE and in 3 PME). Ascorbic acid was detected in all propolis, but mainly quantified in PME (≤0.37 mg/g PE). Biological properties were tested on PEE. As for antiradical activities, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) [against 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)•+], ranged between 578 and 4620 µmol trolox/g, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (against DPPH free radical), between 0.049 and 0.094 mg/mL, antioxidant activity against hydroxyl (•OH) radical (AOA), between 0.04 and 11.01 mmol uric acid/g, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) against peroxyl (ROO•) radical between 122 and 3282 µmol trolox/g. Results of TEAC, AOA, and ORAC were significantly correlated. IC50 anti-inflammatory activity ranged from 1.08 to 6.19 mg/mL. Propolis showed higher inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes CECT934 and L. monocytogenes CP101 by agar well diffusion (P < .05) (10.5 and 10.2 mm, respectively) than against L. monocytogenes CP102 (7.0 mm). Data of this research show that North East Spain propolis may be of interest for pharmaceutical and food industry use.

Antioxidant activity and Inhibitory effects of Cydonia oblonga Miller. leaves extracts against calcium oxalate stones.

Urinary stone disease is a widespread health problem in both adults and children, and its prevalence has been increasing worldwide. Various plants preparations have already been used since ancient times in order to treat urolithiasis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and litholytic effect on kidney stones of Cydonia oblonga Miller. leaves. The infusion, methanol and acetone extracts were made from Cydonia oblonga Miller. leaf at different concentration. Estimation of mass fractions of total polyphenol, flavonoid, and flavonol contents, as well as the in vitro radical scavenging potential on 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·) of the investigated extracts was carried out using colorimetric methods. The litholytic property of the extracts was performed by an in-vitro model using experimentally prepared kidney stones- calcium oxalate. As results, the quince leaf extracts revealed stronger antioxidant properties in the DPPH assay, which was proved by the semi-maximal inhibitory concentration values, being about 36.06 ± 3.55, 74.15 ± 6.29, and 142.35 ± 5.09 µg/ml for methanol, acetone and infusion extracts respectively. Furthermore, the tested extracts were found to be more effective in dissolving calcium oxalate stones compared to the control solutions, the mass loss is about 15.13 ± 1.10% with methanol extract, while it is 14.77 ± 1.74% and 11.14 ± 2.86% for acetone and infusion extracts respectively. These findings confirm the quince leaf's richness in phyto-components, offering anti-oxidant property and being able to be used as a remedy for the management of kidney stones by dissolving calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys.

Changes in Photosystem II Complex and Physiological Activities in Pea and Maize Plants in Response to Salt Stress.

Salt stress significantly impacts the functions of the photosynthetic apparatus, with varying degrees of damage to its components. Photosystem II (PSII) is more sensitive to environmental stresses, including salinity, than photosystem I (PSI). This study investigated the effects of different salinity levels (0 to 200 mM NaCl) on the PSII complex in isolated thylakoid membranes from hydroponically grown pea (Pisum sativum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) plants treated with NaCl for 5 days. The data revealed that salt stress inhibits the photochemical activity of PSII (H2O → BQ), affecting the energy transfer between the pigment-protein complexes of PSII (as indicated by the fluorescence emission ratio F695/F685), QA reoxidation, and the function of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). These processes were more significantly affected in pea than in maize under salinity. Analysis of the oxygen evolution curves after flashes and continuous illumination showed a stronger influence on the PSIIα than PSIIß centers. The inhibition of oxygen evolution was associated with an increase in misses (α), double hits (ß), and blocked centers (SB) and a decrease in the rate constant of turnover of PSII reaction centers (KD). Salinity had different effects on the two pathways of QA reoxidation in maize and pea. In maize, the electron flow from QA- to plastoquinone was dominant after treatment with higher NaCl concentrations (150 mM and 200 mM), while in pea, the electron recombination on QAQB- with oxidized S2 (or S3) of the OEC was more pronounced. Analysis of the 77 K fluorescence emission spectra revealed changes in the ratio of the light-harvesting complex of PSII (LHCII) monomers and trimers to LHCII aggregates after salt treatment. There was also a decrease in pigment composition and an increase in oxidative stress markers, membrane injury index, antioxidant activity (FRAP assay), and antiradical activity (DPPH assay). These effects were more pronounced in pea than in maize after treatment with higher NaCl concentrations (150 mM-200 mM). This study provides insights into how salinity influences the processes in the donor and acceptor sides of PSII in plants with different salt sensitivity.

Fishing antioxidant 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro assessments.

Coumarins represent a diverse class of natural compounds whose importance in pharmaceutical and agri-food sectors has motivated multiple novel synthetic derivatives with broad applicability. The phenolic moiety in 4-hydroxycoumarins underscores their potential to modulate the equilibrium between free radicals and antioxidant species within biological systems. The aim of this work was to assess the antioxidant activity of 18 4-hydroxycoumarin coumarin derivatives, six of which are commercially available and the other 12 were synthesized and chemically characterized and described herein. The 4-hydroxycoumarins were prepared by a two steps synthetic strategy with satisfactory yields. Their antioxidant potential was evaluated through three in vitro methods, two free radical-scavenging assays (DPPH• and ABTS•+) and a metal chelating activity assay. Six synthetic coumarins (4a, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4k, 4l) had a scavenging capacity of DPPH• higher than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (IC50 = 0.58 mmol/L) and compound 4a (4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2 H-chromen-2-one) with an IC50 = 0.05 mmol/L outperformed both BHT and ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.06 mmol/L). Nine hydroxycoumarins had a scavenging capacity against ABTS•+ greater (C3, 4a, 4c) or comparable (C1, C2, C4, C6, 4g, 4l) to Trolox (IC50 = 34.34 µmol/L). Meanwhile, the set had a modest ferrous chelation capacity, but most of them (C2, C5, C6, 4a, 4b, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l) reached up to more than 20% chelating ability percentage. Collectively, this research work provides valuable structural insights that may determine the scavenging and metal chelating activity of 4-hydroxycoumarins. Notably, substitutions at the C6 position appeared to enhance scavenging potential, while the introduction of electron-withdrawing groups showed promise in augmenting chelation efficiency.

Synthesis and Biological Properties of Polyphenol-Containing Linear and Dendrimeric Cationic Peptides.

Natural polyphenols are promising compounds for the pharmacological control of oxidative stress in various diseases. However, low bioavailability and rapid metabolism of polyphenols in a form of glycosides or aglycones have stimulated the search for the vehicles that would provide their efficient delivery to the systemic circulation. Conjugation of polyphenols with cationic amphiphilic peptides yields compounds with a strong antioxidant activity and ability to pass through biological barriers. Due to a broad range of biological activities characteristic of polyphenols and peptides, their conjugates can be used in the antioxidant therapy, including the treatment of viral, oncological, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we synthesized linear and dendrimeric cationic amphiphilic peptides that were then conjugated with gallic acid (GA). GA is a non-toxic natural phenolic acid and an important functional element of many flavonoids with a high antioxidant activity. The obtained GA-peptide conjugates showed the antioxidant (antiradical) activity that exceeded 2-3 times the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid. GA attachment had no effect on the toxicity and hemolytic activity of the peptides. GA-modified peptides stimulated the transmembrane transfer of the pGL3 plasmid encoding luciferase reporter gene, although GA attachment at the N-terminus of peptides reduced their transfection activity. Several synthesized conjugates demonstrated the antibacterial activity in the model of Escherichia coli Dh5α growth inhibition.