Effect of Post-Extraction Ultrasonication on Compositional Features and Antioxidant Activities of Enzymatic/Alkaline Extracts of Palmaria palmata.

Palmaria palmata is a viable source of nutrients with bioactive properties. The present study determined the potential role of post-extraction ultrasonication on some compositional features and antioxidant properties of enzymatic/alkaline extracts of P. palmata (EAEP). No significant difference was detected in terms of protein content and recovery, as well as the amino acid composition of the extracts. The nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of 5 was found to be too high for the seaweed and EAEP. The extracts sonicated by bath for 10 min and not sonicated showed the highest and lowest total phenolic contents (p < 0.05), respectively. The highest radical scavenging and lowest metal-chelating activities were observed for the non-sonicated sample, as evidenced by IC50 values. The extract sonicated by bath for 10 min showed the most favorable in vitro antioxidant properties since its radical scavenging was not significantly different from that of the not-sonicated sample (p > 0.05). In contrast, its metal-chelating activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05). To conclude, post-extraction ultrasonication by an ultrasonic bath for 10 min is recommended to increase phenolic content and improve the antioxidant properties of EAEP.

Design of three-component essential oil extract mixture from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus with enhanced antioxidant activity.

The development of novel antioxidant compounds with high efficacy and low toxicity is of utmost importance in the medicine and food industries. Moreover, with increasing concerns about the safety of synthetic components, scientists are beginning to search for natural sources of antioxidants, especially essential oils (EOs). The combination of EOs may produce a higher scavenging profile than a single oil due to better chemical diversity in the mixture. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of three EOs extracted from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus in individual and combined forms using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro antioxidant assays were performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging approaches. The results of the Chromatography Gas-Mass spectrometry (CG-MS) characterization showed that citral (29.62%) and niral (27.32%) are the main components for C. flexuosus, while D-carvone (62.09%) and D-limonene (29.58%) are the most dominant substances in C. carvi. By contrast, ß-asarone (69.11%) was identified as the principal component of A. calamus (30.2%). The individual EO exhibits variable scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals. These effects were enhanced through the mixture of the three EOs. The optimal antioxidant formulation consisted of 20% C. flexuosus, 53% C. carvi, and 27% A. calamus for DPPHIC50. Whereas 17% C. flexuosus, 43% C. carvi, and 40% A. calamus is the best combination leading to the highest scavenging activity against ABTS radical. These findings suggest a new research avenue for EOs combinations to be developed as novel natural formulations useful in food and biopharmaceutical products.

Effect of Different Carbon Sources on Antioxidant Properties of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Scleroderma areolatum (Agaricomycetes).

Five kinds of exopolysaccharides (EPS) were obtained by fermentation of Scleroderma areolatum Ehrenb. with sucrose, glucose, maltose, lactose, and fructose as carbon sources. Antioxidant abilities of the obtained EPSs were evaluated by inhibiting AAPH, HO·, and glutathione (GS·) induced oxidation of DNA and quenching 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cationic radical (ABTS· and galvinoxyl radicals. The effects of carbon sources on the antioxidant properties of EPSs could be examined. The results showed that five EPSs can effectively inhibit radicals induced oxidation of DNA, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) percentages were 44.7%-80.8%, 52.3%-77.5%, and 44.7%-73.3% in inhibiting AAPH, HO·, and GS· induced oxidation of DNA, respectively. All five EPSs could scavenge ABTS· and galvinoxyh, and exhibit superior activity in scavenging free radicals. Antioxidant abilities of EPS with fructose as carbon source were highest among five EPS.

The Theoretical and Experimental Insights into the Radical Scavenging Activity of Rubiadin.

Rubiadin (RBD), an anthraquinone derivative, is obtained from Rubia cordifolia, a plant species classified under the Rubiaceae family. Rubiadin has proven beneficial properties, such as anticancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activity. The antioxidant activity of this molecule was suggested by some experimental results but has not been clearly established thus far. In this study, we employ DFT calculations to comprehensively assess the mechanism and kinetics of the HO•/HOO• radical scavenging activity of this compound in relation to solvents. RBD showed moderate HO• radical scavenging activity, with rate constants of 2.95 × 108 and 1.82 × 1010 M-1 s-1 in lipid and polar media, respectively. In the aqueous solution, the compound exhibited remarkable superoxide anion radical scavenging activity (k = 4.93 × 108 M-1 s-1) but modest HOO• antiradical activity. RBD also showed promising antiradical activity against a variety of radicals (CCl3O•, CCl3OO•, NO2, SO4•-, and N3•), while experimental and computational results confirmed that RBD has moderate activity in DPPH/ABTS•+ assays. Thus, RBD is predicted to be a good, albeit selective, radical scavenger.

Antioxidant Potential of Several Polypores Mushrooms from the South of France.

We selected polypore mushrooms growing in the Mediterranean area of France to screen their antioxidant activity: Ganoderma applanatum, G. lucidum, Inonotus cuticularis, I. hispidus, Trametes hirsuta, and T. versicolor. Our work also evaluated antioxidant capacity from wild and cultivated G. lucidum fruiting bodies to optimize this biological property on human health. Dried fungal materials were sequentially extracted using cyclohexane, dichloromethane, ethanol, and water. Folin-Ciocalteu assay, oxygen radical absorbance capacity using DPPH and ORAC tests of the polypore extracts were assessed and compared. Among the 28 mushroom extracts tested, four exhibited significant antioxidant activity as ethanol extracts of I. cuticularis, T. hirsuta and wild and cultivated G. lucidum. The ethanol extracts of I. cuticularis and T. hirsuta revealed the highest values for the ORAC test, while the highest values for the Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH tests were found for the ethanol extracts of cultivated G. lucidum and I. cuticularis. Further studies are needed to identify potential bioactive compounds, especially from I. cuticularis and G. lucidum grown under selected conditions and explore their benefits in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Managing Encapsulated Oil Extract of Date Seed Waste for High Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Assayed via Hybrid Photo-Mediated/Spectrofluorimetric Probing.

This work addresses two research topics: the first concerns the specific/sensitive trapping of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and the second concerns the efficacy of encapsulating natural antioxidants, potentially lengthening their preservation activity. For context, nano-titania was solar-irradiated to produce •OH, which was spectrofluorimetrically assessed, based on the selective aromatic hydroxylation of the non-fluorescent sodium terephthalate to 2-hydroxyterephthalate fluorophore. Fluorescence intensity is proportional to generated •OH. Thus, a simple/rapid indirect method was utilized to assess •OH precisely. Accordingly, novel photoluminescent system is outlined in order to assess the scavenging potentiality of •OH in date seed oil (DSO) in both its pure and encapsulated formulations (ECP-DSO), i.e., when fresh and 5 months after extraction and encapsulation, respectively. With the addition of 80 µg/mL DSO or ECP-DSO, the efficacy of •OH scavenging amounted to 25.12 and 63.39%, which increased to 68.65 and 92.72% when 200 µg/mL DSO or ECP-DSO, respectively, was added. Moreover, the IC50 of DSO and ECP-DSO is 136.6 and 62.1 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, DSO and ECP-DSO decreased the kinetics for producing •OH by ≈20 and 40%, respectively, relative to •OH generated in the absence of antioxidant. This demonstrates the benefits of encapsulation on the preservation activity of natural antioxidants, even after five months after extraction, in terms of its interesting activity when compared to synthetic antioxidants. The developed fluorimetric •OH probing upgrades antioxidant medicines, thus paving the way for theoretical/practical insights on mechanistic hydroxyl radical-damaging biology.

LC-HRMS Profiling and Phenolic Content, Cholinesterase, and Antioxidant Activities of Terminalia citrina.

Terminalia citrina (T. citrina) belongs to the Combretaceae family and is included in the class of medicinal plants in tropical countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India. The antioxidant activities of lyophilized water (WTE) and alcohol extracts (ETE) of T. citrina fruits, their phenolic content by LC-HRMS, and their effects on cholinesterases (ChEs; AChE, acetylcholinesterase, and BChE, butyrylcholinesterase) were investigated. Especially ten different analytical methods were applied to determine the antioxidant capacity. Compared with similar studies for natural products in the literature, it was determined that both WTE and ETE exhibited strong antioxidant capacity. Syringe and ellagic acids were higher than other acids in ETE and WTE. IC50 values for ETE and WTE in DPPH radical and ABTS⋅+ scavenging activities were calculated as 1.69-1.68 µg mL-1 and 6.79-5.78 µg mL-1 , respectively. The results of the biological investigations showed that ETE and WTE had an inhibition effect against ChEs, with IC50 values of 94.87 and 130.90 mg mL-1 for AChE and 262.55 and 279.70 mg mL-1 for BChE, respectively. These findings indicate that with the prominence of herbal treatments, T. citrina plant may guide the literature in treating Alzheimer's Disease, preventing oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Dysosmaflavonoid A-F, new flavonols with potent DPPH radical scavenging activity from Dysosma versipellis.

Six new flavonols, including four glucosylated flavonols (dysosmaflavonoid A-D), one phenylpropanoid-substituted flavonol (dysosmaflavonoid E), and one phenyl-substituted flavonol (dysosmaflavonoid F), together with five known analogues, were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Dysosma versipellis. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of their NMR, IR, UV, HRESIMS, and HPLC data. The antioxidant activities of all isolated compounds were examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Compounds 2, 3, 5-8, and 12 exhibited significant DPPH scavenging capacity with IC50 values of 33.95, 39.02, 31.17, 32.79, 31.85, 30.48, and 23.75 µM, respectively, in comparison with Trolox (IC50, 15.80 µM). Compound 12 displayed more potent DPPH radical scavenging activity than prenylated and (or) glucosided derivatives (2-4, or 10). The preliminary structure-activity relationship showed that the catechol structure in flavonol is essential for DPPH radical scavenging effect.

Chemical Constituents from Mushroom Suillus luteus (Agaricomycetes) and Their Bioactivities.

Wild edible mushrooms are a huge source to discover bioactive natural products. In this work, one new polyprenylphenol derivative, termed 2-geranylgeranyl-1,4-benzenediol 1-O-acetate (1), together with eight known compounds (2-9) were isolated from wild edible mushroom Suillus luteus. The structure of new compound was elucidated by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance data. The structures of known compounds were elucidated by comparison of their nuclear magnetic resonance data with literature data. Compounds 1-7 exhibited significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values ranging from 1.55 ± 0.29 to 19.89 ± 2.28 µM. In addition, compounds 1-7 also showed tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 21.97 ± 3.74 to 66.26 ± 6.85 µM.

A Comprehensive Review on Beneficial Effects of Catechins on Secondary Mitochondrial Diseases.

Mitochondria are the main sites for oxidative phosphorylation and synthesis of adenosine triphosphate in cells, and are known as cellular power factories. The phrase "secondary mitochondrial diseases" essentially refers to any abnormal mitochondrial function other than primary mitochondrial diseases, i.e., the process caused by the genes encoding the electron transport chain (ETC) proteins directly or impacting the production of the machinery needed for ETC. Mitochondrial diseases can cause adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis disorder, an increase in oxygen free radicals, and intracellular redox imbalance. It can also induce apoptosis and, eventually, multi-system damage, which leads to neurodegenerative disease. The catechin compounds rich in tea have attracted much attention due to their effective antioxidant activity. Catechins, especially acetylated catechins such as epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), are able to protect mitochondria from reactive oxygen species. This review focuses on the role of catechins in regulating cell homeostasis, in which catechins act as a free radical scavenger and metal ion chelator, their protective mechanism on mitochondria, and the protective effect of catechins on mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This review highlights catechins and their effects on mitochondrial functional metabolic networks: regulating mitochondrial function and biogenesis, improving insulin resistance, regulating intracellular calcium homeostasis, and regulating epigenetic processes. Finally, the indirect beneficial effects of catechins on mitochondrial diseases are also illustrated by the warburg and the apoptosis effect. Some possible mechanisms are shown graphically. In addition, the bioavailability of catechins and peracetylated-catechins, free radical scavenging activity, mitochondrial activation ability of the high-molecular-weight polyphenol, and the mitochondrial activation factor were also discussed.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Coenzyme Q10 in Rats with Diclofenac Toxicity.

The liver and kidney are the most important organs in the body, and they both act as target structures for drug-induced injury as a consequence of their functions in metabolisms, detoxifications, storage, elimination of medications, and their metabolites. The present study aimed to examine the role of the natural and free radical scavenger "CoQ10" against diclofenac-induced hepatic and renal tissue injury. In total, 36 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into three equal groups (n=12). The animals in the control group did not receive any medication or treatments, and the second group included animals that received intramuscular (IM) injection of Diclofenac (DF) (at a dose of 10 mg/kg once daily for 14 days). Moreover, the third group was given the IM injection of DF (at a dose of 10 mg/kg once daily for 14 days) +CoQ10. After 14 days, DF prompted signified hepatic and renal injury indicated by elevated biochemical parameters, such as total serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid, compared to the control and the third group. However, the group that received Diclofenac+CoQ10 had significantly lower hepatic and renal dysfunctions, compared to the second treated group. DF toxic effects could be the consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical effects. Remarkably, therapeutic supplementation of CoQ10 diminished the DF-induced toxic oxidative injury and apoptotic cell death. The protective effects of CoQ10 were attributed to its antioxidants and free radical scavenger activity.

Anti-inflammatory effects of N-Acetylcysteine and Elaeagnus angustifolia extract on acute lung injury induced by λ-carrageenan in rat.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a chemical compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and acts as a free radical scavenger. Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) is a plant native to the western part of Iran, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study been taken evaluated the protective effect afforded by EA and NAC extracts on carrageenan-induced acute lung injury in Wistar rats. In this study, 42 rats were randomly assigned into seven groups. NAC and EA extracts were orally administered once/day for 21 continuous days. Pulmonary damage was induced by intratracheal injection of 100 µl of 2% λ-Carrageenan on day 21. Twenty-four hours post-surgery, the rats were euthanized and the samples were collected. Pretreatment with NAC and EA extracts reduced the total and differential cell accumulation as well as IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines. Antioxidant indicators demonstrate that in the groups receiving NAC and EA extract, MDA decreased while thiol and antioxidant capacity elevated. Treatment with NAC and EA significantly reduced Carrageenan-induced pathological pulmonary tissue injury. NAC and EA extract has protective effects on acute carrageenan-induced lung injury.

High-performance thin-layer chromatography coupled attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared and NMR spectroscopy-based identification of α-amylase inhibitor from the aerial part of Asparagus racemosus Willd.

INTRODUCTION: α-Amylase inhibitors from natural sources are of interest for new drug development for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled bioassay guided isolation of bioactive compounds has been improved within last few years. OBJECTIVE: A microchemical derivatised HPTLC-coupled attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed for profiling α-amylase inhibitor from the aerial part of Asparagus racemosus Willd. METHODOLOGY: Asparagus racemosus Willd. aerial part extracted with different solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol) and assayed to detect free radical scavengers and α-amylase inhibitor by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and starch-iodine assay method, respectively. HPTLC-coupled ATR-FTIR and NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the α-amylase inhibitor. RESULTS: Methanolic extract of A. racemosus showed highest antioxidant activity (21.99 µg GAE/µL) where n-hexane extract showed lowest antioxidant activity (5.87 µg GAE/µL). The α-amylase inhibition was recorded as highest and lowest in ethyl acetate extract (13.13 AE/µL) and n-hexane extract (3.92 AE/µL), respectively. The deep blue zone of α-amylase sprayed TLC plate of extracts with hRF = 72 analysed for ATR-FTIR and NMR spectroscopy which revealed the presence of stigmasterol is responsible for α-amylase inhibition. CONCLUSION: The present work establishes the α-amylase inhibiting properties of A. racemosus maintaining its use for the treatment of DM as a traditional medicine. Bioassay guided isolation through HPTLC-coupled ATR-FTIR and NMR spectroscopy offers an effective method for the exploration of bioactive compounds such as α-amylase inhibitor from complex plant extracts.

Purification, characterization, and determination of biological activities of water-soluble polysaccharides from Mahonia bealei.

Mahonia bealei is one of the important members of the genus Mahonia and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Several compounds isolated from this plant have exhibited useful biological activities. Polysaccharides, an important biomacromolecule have been underexplored in case of M. bealei. In this study, hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation were used for the extraction of polysaccharides from the stem of M. bealei, and then extract was purified using ultrafiltration membrane at 50,000 Da cut off value. Characterization of the purified M. bealei polysaccharide (MBP) was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), along with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray crystallography XRD analysis and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The purified polysaccharide MBP was tested for antioxidant potential by determining its reducing power, besides determining the DPPH, ABTS, superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging along with ferrous ion chelating activities. An increased antioxidant activity of the polysaccharide was reported with increase in concentration (0.5 to 5 mg/ml) for all the parameters. Antimicrobial potential was determined against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. 20 µg/ml MBP was found appropriate with 12 h incubation period against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis bacteria. We conclude that polysaccharides from M. bealei possess potential ability of biological importance; however, more studies are required for elucidation of their structure and useful activities.

Kinetics and stoichiometry of gallic acid and methyl gallate in scavenging DPPH radical as affected by the reaction solvent.

The activity and capacity of gallic acid (GA) and methyl gallate (MG) in scavenging DPPH· were determined in different solvents. Based on the bimolecular rate constants k2, both antioxidants showed highest activities in EtOH, followed by in MeOH, t-BuOH, MeCN, 2-PrOH, acetone, THF, ethyl acetate, and 1,4-dioxane. GA indicated better activities (k2 value, M-1 s-1) than MG in the alcoholic solvents (51-1939 vs. 25-1530) and in MeCN (203 vs. 187) whereas MG was of higher activities in the polar aprotic solvents (1.7-41 vs. 1.6-13). The highest stoichiometries for GA vs. MG were in 2-PrOH (6.67 vs. 5.37), followed by EtOH (5.84 vs. 4.57), MeOH (5.34 vs. 3.8) ~ acetone (5.02 vs. 4.44), MeCN (3.68 vs. 3.05) ~ t-BuOH (3.14 vs. 2.99), THF (2.34 vs. 2.2), ethyl acetate (1.2 vs. 0.93), and 1,4-dioxane (0.34 vs. 0.35).

Extraction, derivatization and antioxidant activities of onion polysaccharide.

The preparation of purified polysaccharides was described from fresh onions by hot water extraction, protein removal and dialysis treatment. The structure of onion polysaccharide was confirmed by 13C NMR, DEPT, COSY, HSQC and HMBC. In order to study the structure-activity relationship of onion polysaccharide, the derivatives of onion polysaccharide including acetylated onion polysaccharide and phosphoric onion polysaccharide were prepared. On this basis, the antioxidant activities of onion polysaccharide and its derivatives were tested in vitro. The results showed that onion polysaccharides and its derivatives had a good antioxidant activity, and the activity of phosphorylated polysaccharide was similar to that of Vc positive control.

Determination of Antioxidants by DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Ficus religiosa.

The use of F. religiosa might be beneficial in inflammatory illnesses and can be used for a variety of health conditions. In this article, we studied the identification of antioxidants using (DPPH) 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylradical scavenging activity in Ficus religiosa, as F. religiosa is an important herbal plant, and every part of it has various medicinal properties such as antibacterial properties that can be used by the researchers in the development and design of various new drugs. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) is a popular, quick, easy, and affordable approach for the measurement of antioxidant properties that includes the use of the free radicals used for assessing the potential of substances to serve as hydrogen providers or free-radical scavengers (FRS). The technique of DPPH testing is associated with the elimination of DPPH, which would be a stabilized free radical. The free-radical DPPH interacts with an odd electron to yield a strong absorbance at 517 nm, i.e., a purple hue. An FRS antioxidant, for example, reacts to DPPH to form DPPHH, which has a lower absorbance than DPPH because of the lower amount of hydrogen. It is radical in comparison to the DPPH-H form, because it causes decolorization, or a yellow hue, as the number of electrons absorbed increases. Decolorization affects the lowering capacity significantly. As soon as the DPPH solutions are combined with the hydrogen atom source, the lower state of diphenylpicrylhydrazine is formed, shedding its violet color. To explain the processes behind the DPPH tests, as well as their applicability to Ficus religiosa (F. religiosa) in the manufacture of metal oxide nanoparticles, in particular MgO, and their influence on antioxidants, a specimen from the test was chosen for further study. According to our findings, F. religiosa has antioxidant qualities and may be useful in the treatment of disorders caused by free radicals.

Assessment of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of quercetin-rutin blend (SophorOx™) - an invitro cell based assay.

OBJECTIVES: Quercetin & Rutin, are bioactive compounds that are widely used for various therapeutic properties. There's been growing interest in the biological activities of these polyphenols belonging to the class of flavonoids known to have various health benefits. Quercetin is now popularly recognized as a phytochemical remedy for a plethora of disease groups such as metabolic syndrome (more specifically diabetes), obesity/weight management and mood disorders. Due to its unique chemical structure, the most prominent property of Quercetin is probably its antioxidant capability. It acts as a free radical scavenger to form resonance-stabilized phenoxyl radicals. Certain in vitro studies have also shown quercetin to have anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic and platelet aggregation properties. Rutin has also been shown to exert diverse biological effects such as anti-tumor activities, reduction of inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial activities. The current study was designed to further confirm the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property of a Quercetin-Rutin blend (SophorOx™). METHODS: The analysis was performed in a cell-based assay using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. SophorOx™ was screened for cytotoxicity using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to obtain optimum concentrations for experimental assays. SophorOx™ was measured for pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α & IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Additionally, ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels in RAW cells were estimated using a cell-permeant reagent 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). RESULTS: SophorOx™ at 10 µM concentration, exhibited an anti-inflammatory property with significant inhibitory levels of TNF-α (∼28.25%) and IL-6 (∼32.25%). SophorOx™ at similar concentrations reduced nitric oxide levels to 70.55% in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Raw 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS exhibited a significant increase in intracellular ROS and this was significantly reduced (78.2% reduction) at lower concentrations (0.3 µM) of SophorOx™. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-inflammatory effects of SophorOx™ were investigated in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Data suggests, that SophorOx™ reduced levels of nitric oxide, intracellular ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α & IL-6) at low concentrations without affecting the viability of RAW cells. Present invitro trial suggests that SophorOx™ is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and displays a prominent ability to block mediators of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Sambucus nigra L. leaves inhibit TNF-α secretion by LPS-stimulated human neutrophils and strongly scavenge reactive oxygen species.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sambucus nigra (elderberry) leaves were used in folk medicine to treat skin inflammations, ulcers, burns or boils, as well as to treat wounds, including infected and chronic ones. For centuries, elderberry leaves have been used mainly in eastern and southern Europe, as well as in western Asia. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of four different extracts, such as aqueous and ethanolic prepared at room temperature and the solvent's boiling point, from the leaves of elderberry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of extracts both on the secretion of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-8) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils stimulated with bacteria-derived products was investigated. The cytotoxicity of extracts was analyzed by staining with propidium iodide measured by flow cytometry. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was also investigated through their influence on lipoxygenase activity. The antioxidant properties, including scavenging superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical were investigated in cell-free systems. The total content of phenolic compounds was tested using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The qualitative and quantitative determination of the content of individual phenolic acids and flavonoids was performed by HPLC-DAD-MSn and HPLC-DAD method, respectively. RESULTS: Elderberry leaves extracts turned out to affect the inflammatory response of neutrophils by inhibiting the secretion of TNF-α and ROS. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts at a concentration of 50 µg × mL-1 reduce the secretion of TNF-α by approximately 40% and 10%, respectively. ROS secretion was decreased by around 50% for all extracts at concentration of 5 µg × mL-1. All the extracts were able to inhibit the activity of lipoxygenase. The ethanolic extracts were characterized by a higher content of phenolic compounds and a higher antioxidant activity, especially against nitric oxide, compared to the aqueous extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our research has confirmed that elderberry leaves are a plant material with anti-inflammatory activity, especially against reactive oxygen species, and a potentially rich source of antioxidants. Preliminary analyses performed in this study could be the first step in confirming the traditional use of elderberry leaves in relieving inflammation.

Multi-target neuroprotective effects of herbal medicines for Alzheimer's disease.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but its treatment options remain few and ineffective. To find new therapeutic strategies, natural products have gained interest due to their neuroprotective potential, being able to target different pathological hallmarks associated with this disorder. Several plant species are traditionally used due to their empirical neuroprotective effects and it is worth to explore their mechanism of action. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study intended to explore the neuroprotective potential of seven traditional medicinal plants, namely Scutellaria baicalensis, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Curcuma longa, Lavandula angustifolia, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Rosmarinus officinalis. The safety assessment with reference to pesticides residues was also aimed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Decoctions prepared from these species were chemically characterized by HPLC-DAD and screened for their ability to scavenge four different free radicals (DPPH•, ABTS•+, O2•‒ and •NO) and to inhibit enzymes related to neurodegeneration (cholinesterases and glycogen synthase kinase-3ß). Cell viability through MTT assay was also evaluated in two different brain cell lines, namely non-tumorigenic D3 human brain endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and NSC-34 motor neurons. Furthermore, and using GC, 21 pesticides residues were screened. RESULTS: Regarding chemical composition, chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of several flavonoids, phenolic acids, curcuminoids, phenolic diterpenoids, one alkaloid and one naphthodianthrone in the seven decoctions. All extracts were able to scavenge free radicals and were moderate glycogen synthase kinase-3ß inhibitors; however, they displayed weak to moderate acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition. G. biloba and L. angustifolia decoctions were the less cytotoxic to hCMEC/D3 and NSC-34 cell lines. No pesticides residues were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The results extend the knowledge on the potential use of plant extracts to combat multifactorial disorders, giving new insights into therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer's disease.