Increased anti-inflammatory activity and enhanced phytochemical concentrations in superfine powders obtained by controlled differential sieving process from four medicinal plants.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Rosa canina, Salix alba, Scrophularia nodosa and Hedera helix were studied in LPS-stimulated primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from mice (n=18) by comparing homogeneous powders of small microparticles (50-100 µm, 100-180 µm and 180-315 µm) obtained from plants via a controlled differential sieving process (CDSp) versus total plant materials obtained via hydroethanolic (HE) extraction. Further, phytochemical composition of the fine powders and HE extracts was determined by LC-PDA-ESI/MS analyses. Results showed that a one-hour pretreatment of PBMCs with fine powders, particularly those with superfine particle sizes (i.e. 50-100 µm and 100-180 µm), significantly inhibited TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6 and NO production in LPS-stimulated PBMCs, by at least ca. 20% more than HE extracts (all, p<0.05). For each of the plants studied, their superfine powdered fractions were more concentrated in phenolic contents than their HE extracts. Overall, our results further confirm CDSp, as an environmentally friendly method, for improving the concentration of bioactive compounds as well as their biological activities.

Oxidative stress status and vitamin D levels of asymptomatic to mild symptomatic COVID-19 infections during the third trimester of pregnancy: A retrospective study in Metz, France.

It is believed that the subtle equilibrium between tolerance and immunity during the unique biological state of pregnancy, which is characterized by further physiological and hormonal changes, rends pregnant women more vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this retrospective study, confirmed COVID-19-positive pregnant women (n = 15) during their third trimester, comprising asymptomatic (n = 7) and mild symptomatic (n = 8), and healthy pregnant controls (n = 20), were enrolled between June 1, 2020 and  June 1, 2021 from the Hospital CHR Metz-Thionville in Metz, France. Vitamin D concentrations, C-reactive protein (CRP), and oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione levels, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), and the total antioxidant capacity, measured the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), were evaluated in the serum of patients and controls. Results showed that all pregnant women (patients and controls) enrolled in this study were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/ml). However, mild COVID-19 pregnant women were severely vitamin D deficient (<12 ng/ml), which may suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and the symptomatology of COVID-19 illness in singleton pregnancy. No differences between the levels of CRP and the majority of the studied oxidative stress markers in COVID-19-positive pregnant women (asymptomatic and/or mildly symptomatic patients) versus COVID-19-negative pregnant women were found, suggesting the absence or a low magnitude of oxidative stress in pregnant women with COVID-19. This may also explain the absence of severe courses of COVID-19 infection. More studies are warranted to investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation and antioxidant-rich diets in the prevention against severe forms of COVID-19 in pregnant women.

Reduction of paw edema and liver oxidative stress in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation by Lobaria pulmonaria and Parmelia caperata, lichen species, in mice.

Paw edema volume reduction is a useful marker in determining the anti-inflammatory effect of drugs and plant extracts in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of Lobaria pulmonaria (LP) and Parmelia caperata (PC), two lichen species, was examined in carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema test. Compared to the controls in carrageenan-induced inflammation (n = 5/group), our results showed that pretreatment by single oral doses with PC extract (50-500 mg/kg) gives better results than LP extract (50-500 mg/kg) in terms of anti-edematous activity, as after 4 h of carrageenan subplantar injection, paw edema formation was inhibited at 82-99% by PC while at 35-49% by LP. The higher anti-inflammatory effect of PC, at all doses, was also observed on the time-course of carrageenan-induced paw edema, displaying profile closely similar to that obtained with diclofenac (25 mg/kg), an anti-inflammatory drug reference (all p < 0.001). Both LP and PC, at all doses, significantly ameliorated liver catalase (CAT) activity (all p < 0.05). However, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels were found increased in liver of PC- compared to LP-carrageenan-injected mice. Our findings demonstrated on one hand higher preventive effects of PC compared to LP in a mouse carrageenan-induced inflammatory model and suggested, on the other hand, that anti-inflammatory effects elicited by the two lichens were closely associated with the amelioration in the endogenous antioxidant status of liver.

Powders with small microparticle size from Hedera helix and Scrophularia nodosa exhibited high preventive antioxidant activity against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in mouse primary spleen cells.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of powder particle size on the cytoprotective and antioxidant activity of Hedera helix (HH) and Scrophularia nodosa (SN), two medicinal plants more commonly known as ivy and figwort, against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in mouse primary spleen cells. Thus, the preventive effects of powders of 3 different granulometric classes (50-100 µm, 100-180 µm and 180-315 µm) and those of the hydroethanolic (HE) extract from HH and SN on oxidative stress were compared by monitoring reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and the activity of enzymatic antioxidants including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Results showed that pretreatment with the 3 fine powders from both plants generally offered to H2O2-exposed spleen cells, a protection against oxidative stress, highlighted by a significant decrease of both ROS formation and the level of MDA (p < 0.001), and a significant increase of GPx activity (p < 0.05). The two superfine powders (i.e. 50-100 µm and 100-180 µm), at 250 µg/mL, were more effective in modulating all oxidative stress markers studied than both HE extracts (p < 0.01), and the powder with the highest particular size (i.e., 180-315 µm) (p < 0.01). Compared to untreated cells, our results suggest that pretreatment with powders, in particular the superfine fractions, has relatively restored the levels of antioxidant-related enzymes including GPx, CAT and SOD. In summary, our results suggest differential effects between the 3 different fine powders studied, with the best cytoprotective and antioxidant activities being in favor of the superfine powders.

Improvement of cytoprotective and antioxidant activity of Rosa canina L. and Salix alba L. by controlled differential sieving process against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in mouse primary splenocytes.

In this study, cytoprotective and antioxidant activities of Rosa canina (RC) and Salix alba (SA), medicinal plants, were studied on mouse primary splenocytes by comparing Controlled Differential Sieving process (CDSp), which is a novel green solvent-free process, versus a conventional technique, employing hydroethanolic extraction (HEE). Thus, preventive antioxidant activity of three plant powders of homogeneous particle sizes, 50-100 µm, 100-180 µm and 180-315 µm, dissolved directly in the cellular buffer, were compared to those of hydroethanolic (HE) extract, at 2 concentrations (250 and 500 µg/mL) in H2O2-treated spleen cells. Overall, compared to HE extract, the superfine powders, i. e., fractions < 180 µm, at the lowest concentration, resulted in greater reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination, increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Better antioxidant and preventive effects in pre-treated cells were found with the superfine powders for SA (i. e., 50-100 µm and 100-180 µm, both p < 0.001), and with the intermediate powder for RC (i. e., 100-180 µm, p < 0.05) versus HE extract. The activity levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in pretreated splenocytes exposed to H2O2, albeit reduced, were near to those in unexposed cells, suggesting that pretreatment with the fine powders has relatively restored the normal levels of antioxidant-related enzymes. These findings supported that CDSp improved the biological activities of plants, avoiding the use of organic solvents and thus it could be a good alternative to conventional extraction techniques.

Anxiolytic-like effect of a salmon phospholipopeptidic complex composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids and bioactive peptides.

A phospholipopeptidic complex obtained by the enzymatic hydrolysis of salmon heads in green conditions; exert anxiolytic-like effects in a time and dose-dependent manner, with no affection of locomotor activity. This study focused on the physico-chemical properties of the lipidic and peptidic fractions from this natural product. The characterization of mineral composition, amino acid and fatty acids was carried out. Stability of nanoemulsions allowed us to realize a behavioral study conducted with four different tests on 80 mice. This work highlighted the dose dependent effects of the natural complex and its various fractions over a period of 14 days compared to a conventional anxiolytic. The intracellular redox status of neural cells was evaluated in order to determine the free radicals scavenging potential of these products in the central nervous system (CNS), after mice sacrifice. The complex peptidic fraction showed a strong scavenging property and similar results were found for the complex as well as its lipidic fraction. For the first time, the results of this study showed the anxiolytic-like and neuroprotective properties of a phospholipopeptidic complex extracted from salmon head. The applications on anxiety disorders might be relevant, depending on the doses, the fraction used and the chronicity of the supplementation.

Chemical Composition and, Cellular Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Desmodium adscendens Leaves.

Desmodium adscendens plant is widely used as juice or tea in various parts of the world against a wide range of diseases. This study determines the quality and the quantity of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins in D. adscendens leaves by UV-spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC methods. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of these phenolic compounds is evaluated by ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic)), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl), and Cellular tests. D. adscendens leaves are mainly composite of flavonoid compounds with 12.8 mg of catechin equivalent (CE)/g dw. The amounts of total polyphenol compounds are 11.1 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dw. The quantity of total anthocyanin and total tannin compounds is not considerable 0.0182 mg CgE/g dw and 0.39 mg CE/g dw, respectively. A direct correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity is observed (R(2) = 0.96). The RP-HPLC analyses reveal that the main phenolic compound identified in the methanol-water extract is quercetrin dihydrat (2.11 mg/mL). According to the results, it is observed that D. adscendens leaves possess a considerable scavenging antioxidant and antiradical capacity, therefore these antioxidant properties might increase the therapeutic value of this medicinal plant.

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of three malian medicinal plant parts.

This study evaluates the levels of total polyphenolic compounds in three Malian medicinal plants and determines their antioxidant potential. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of polyphenolics contained in plants extracts were carried out by RP-C18 RP-HPLC using UV detector. The antioxidant activity was determined by three tests. They are phosphomolybdenum, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic)] tests. The total phenolic and the total flavonoid contents varied from 200 to 7600 mg 100 g(-1) dry weight (dw), expressed as gallic acid equivalents and from 680 to 12 300 mg 100 g(-1) dw expressed as catechin equivalents, respectively. The total anthocyanin concentrations expressed as cyanin-3-glycoside equivalent varied from 1670 to 28 388 mg 100 g(-1) dw. The antioxidant capacity was measured by determining concentration of a polyphenolic (in mg ml(-1)) required to quench the free radicals by 50% (IC(50)) and expressed as vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity. The IC(50) values were ranked between 2.68 and 8.80 µg ml(-1) of a solution of 50% (v/v) methanol in water. The uses of plants are rationalized on the basis of their antioxidant capacity.

Assessment of polyphenolic compounds, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties of Securidaca longepedunculata root barks.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the root bark extract of Securidaca longepedunculata. This plant material is commonly used in folk medicine in several parts in the world. The bark extracts of S. longepedunculata were evaluated for their total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins content and total antioxidant capacity. The compounds were identified and quantified both by RP-HPLC and UV spectrophotometer; the antioxidant capacity was assessed by ABTS and DPPH tests and expressed as IC(50). The total phenolic compounds determinate was 9.86mg gallic acid equivalents/g dw, the total flavonoid contents was 5.85mg catechin equivalents/g dw, the total anthocyanin contents was 0.032mg cyanidin-3-glycosyl equivalents/g dw and the condensed tannins content were 1.03mg catechin equivalents/g dw. The major compound identified using RP-HPLC was quercetin (0.98mg/ml). The IC(50) value reached 5.5microg/ml, revealing that the root barks of S. longepedunculata have a very high antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties.

The antioxidant effect of plums and polyphenolic compounds against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress in mouse blood granulocytes.

Epidemiological and scientific research has contributed to the identification of the key role of dietary antioxidants in maintaining human health by preventing oxidative damage to cellular components. The antiradical activity of seven varieties of plums and their protective effects against oxidative stress were comparatively evaluated in mouse granulocytes in this study using a 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) test and a cellular test. The class of phytochemical compounds responsible for the main antioxidant capacities observed was also investigated. The ABTS and cellular tests revealed that the total antioxidant capacities, expressed as vitamin C equivalents, ranged from 691.2 to 2,164.64 mg and from 613.98 to 2,137.59 mg per 100 g of fresh weight, respectively, suggesting that plums are rich in natural antioxidants and appreciably protect granulocytes from oxidative stress. Our results showed a linear correlation between either total phenolic or flavonoid contents and total antioxidant capacity, revealing that these compounds contribute significantly to the antioxidant activity of plums. The major polyphenolics in plums, identified and quantified using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, were tested to evaluate their protective effect on peripheral blood granulocytes from oxidative stress. The results suggest that individual polyphenolics contribute directly to the total protective effect of plums.

Chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol from Prunus domestica (Mirabelle), with coupled anxiolytic and antioxidant effects.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and to some behaviors, such as anxiety and depression. In particular, recent research observed a close relationship between oxidative stress and anxiety. METHODS: We investigated the anxiolytic effect of chlorogenic acid, a dietary antioxidant present in fruits, in mouse models of anxiety including the light/dark test, the elevated plus maze and the free exploratory test. Moreover, the antioxidative effect of chlorogenic acid on peripheral blood granulocytes was investigated. RESULTS: Chlorogenic acid (20 mg/kg) induced a decrease in anxiety-related behaviors suggesting an anxiolytic-like effect of this polyphenol. The anti-anxiety effect was blocked by flumazenil suggesting that anxiety is reduced by activation of the benzodiazepine receptor. In vitro, chlorogenic acid protected granulocytes from oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Chlorogenic acid is one of the most abundant polyphenols in fruits. We demonstrated in vivo and in vitro for the first time, that chlorogenic acid has anxiolytic effects coupled with antioxidant activity. Thus, fruits such as plums (Mirabelle), apples and cherries may provide health-promoting advantages to consumers.