Kochiae Fructus: Evaluation on the antioxidant properties and oral safety of its water decoction.

Kochiae Fructus (KF) was listed as 'top grade' medicinal material by the 'Shennong's Herbal Classic of Materia Medica' and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to delay aging and treat inflammation, such as rubella, eczema, cutaneous pruritus, etc. Our research focused on the antioxidant capability of water decoction and fractions from KF based on 2,2-iphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) cation radical scavenging assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, and inhibitory effects on DNA and protein oxidative damage. The results of total phenolics and flavonoids contents showed that ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) possessed the highest phenolics and flavonoids with values of 112.90 ± 9.58 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 329.60 ± 20.93 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively. At the same time, the results of antioxidant capacities showed that EAF possessed best antioxidant abilities. In addition, in this work, we evaluated the oral safety of the water decoction of KF (KFWD) via the 14-day acute and 28-day subacute toxicity tests. The results of in vivo toxicity assessment showed that KFWD did not cause significant changes in the general clinical symptoms, hematology and biochemical parameters, organ weights, or histopathological appearances in mice or rats. In summary, the reason why KF has the traditional effect on delaying aging may be related to the fact that its rich in flavonoids and phenolics. Simultaneously, no toxicity was detected after acute or subacute treatment of KFWD, providing valuable evidence for the traditional safe use of KF.

Efficacy of Sishen Wan on dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and its effect on toll-like receptor 2/interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-4/nuclear factor-κB signal pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Sishen Wan (, SSW) on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and its effect on toll-like receptor 2/interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-4/nuclear factor-κB (TLR2/IRAK4/NF-κB) sig-naling pathway in colonic tissue. METHODS: In this study, 120 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank and model groups. The experimental UC model in rats was established by subcutaneous injection of hydrocortisone + senna gavage for 21 d + dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)/ ethanol solution enema. The successful model rats were randomly divided into the model group; mesalazine (0.36 g/kg) group; and high-, medium-, and low- dose SSW (24, 12, and 6 g/kg) groups. The model and blank groups were gavaged with equal volumes of distilled water once a day for 21 d. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the body mass, fecal properties, and occult blood were recorded for calculating the disease activity index (DAI) score. The colonic tissue of the rats was collected, and its general morphology and pathological form were noted for obtaining the colonic mucosal injury index (CMDI) score. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to view the pathological changes of the colon tissue in each group, apoptosis of the cells was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expressions of TLR2, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), IRAK4, and NF-κB p65 mRNA in the colon tissue. The expressions of TLR2, MyD88, IRAK4, and NF-κB p65 protein were detected using western blotting and immunohistochemistry assay, and the levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the colon tissue were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the general condition of the model group was relatively poor. The DAI and CMDI scores of the model group increased significantly (< 0.01), the glands and intestinal mucosa disappeared partially, and several inflammatory cells infiltrated and gathered in the mucosal layer and base layer of the rats in the model group. Furthermore, the cell apoptosis and expression levels of TLR2, MyD88, IRAK4, and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein in the colon tissue of rats in the model group increased significantly (< 0.01). The levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α increased significantly in the colon tissue of rats in the model group (< 0.01). After treatment with SSW, compared with the model group, the general condition of the UC rats improved. Moreover, the DAI and CMDI scores of the UC rats decreased significantly (< 0.05), and the pathological changes in the colon tissue of the UC rats tended to be normal. The cell apoptosis and expression levels of TLR2, MyD88, IRAK4, and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein in the colon tissue of the UC rats decreased gradually ( < 0.01), and the levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α decreased significantly (< 0.01). CONCLUSION: SSW can improve the general condition and alleviate the intestinal mucosal injury of UC model rats. Additionally, SSW can inhibit the TLR2/IRAK4/ NF-κB signaling pathway, but further studies are required to confirm it.

TOB1 Blocks Intestinal Mucosal Inflammation Through Inducing ID2-Mediated Suppression of Th1/Th17 Cell Immune Responses in IBD.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: TOB1 is an anti-proliferative protein of Tob/BTG family and typically involved in the tumorigenesis and T cell activation. Although TOB1 is associated with T helper 17 cell-related autoimmunity, its role in modulating T cell-mediated immune responses in IBD remains poorly understood. Here, we explored its expression and the underlying mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: TOB1 and ID2 expression in IBD patients was examined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. IBD CD4+ T cells were transfected with lentivirus expressing TOB1, ID2, TOB1 short hairpin RNA and ID2 short hairpin RNA, respectively, and Tob1-/-CD4+ T cells were transfected with lentivirus expressing Id2. Experimental colitis was established in Tob1-/- mice by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema and in Rag1-/- mice reconstituted with Tob1-/-CD45RBhighCD4+ T cells to further explore the role of Tob1 in intestinal mucosal inflammation. Splenic CD4+ T cells of Tob1-/- mice were sorted to determine transcriptome differences by RNA sequencing. RESULTS: TOB1 expression was decreased in inflamed mucosa and peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of IBD patients compared with healthy subjects. Overexpression of TOB1 downregulated IBD CD4+ T cells to differentiate into Th1/Th17 cells compared with control subjects. Severe colitis was observed in Tob1-/- mice through trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema or in Rag1-/- mice reconstituted with Tob1-/-CD45RBhighCD4+ T cells, compared with control animals. RNA sequencing analysis revealed ID2 as functional target of TOB1 to inhibit IBD CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th1/Th17 cells. Mechanistically, TOB1 was associated with Smad4/5 to induce ID2 expression and restrain Th1/Th17 cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: TOB1 restrains intestinal mucosal inflammation through suppressing Th1/Th17 cell-mediated immune responses via the Smad4/5-ID2 pathway. It may serve as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of human IBD.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potentials of the methanolic crude extract from Inula glomerata Oliv. & Hiern (Asteraceae) and Salacia kraussii (Harv) Harv (Celastraceae) / Potenciales antioxidantes in vitro e in vivo del extracto crudo metanólico de Inula glomerata Oliv. & Hiern. (Asteraceae) y Salacia kraussii (Harv) Harv (Celastraceae)

Reactive oxygen species are implicated in multiple pathological conditions including erectile dysfunction. This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of the methanolic extracts of Inula glomerata and Salacia kraussii. The plant materials were pulverized and extracted with methanol. The phytochemical analysis, ability of the crude extracts to scavenge free radicals (ABTS, DPPH, NO.) in vitroas well as the total phenolic and flavonoid contents was investigated. In vivo, antioxidant potentials of the crude extracts (50/250 mg/kg body weight) were determined in an erectile dysfunction rat model. The phytochemical analysis revealed that both plants contain flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The crude extracts at varying degree of efficiency, scavenged ABTS and DPPH radicals. The crude extracts at low concentrations (50 mg/kg b.w) significantly (p<0.05) diminished the level of malondialdehyde, augmented catalase activities and elevated glutathione levels. However, SOD activities were significantly boosted in a dose-dependent manner by the crude extracts. Therefore, I. glomerataand S. kraussiipossess antioxidant properties, hence, can serve as a therapeutic modality in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced erectile dysfunction.

Las especies reactivas de oxígeno están implicadas en múltiples condiciones patológicas, incluyendo la disfunción eréctil. Este estudio evaluó el potencial antioxidante in vitro e in vivo de extractos metanólicos de Inula glomeratay Salacia kraussii. Los materiales vegetales fueron pulverizados y extraídos con metanol. A estos extractos crudos se les llevó a cabo el análisis fitoquímico junto con el contenido total de fenólicos y flavonoides, así como se les investigó la capacidad in vitro para atrapar radicales (ABTS, DPPH, NO.). Los potenciales antioxidantes in vivo de los extractos crudos (50/250 mg/kg de peso corporal) se determinaron en un modelo en ratas con disfunción eréctil. El análisis fitoquímico reveló que ambas plantas contuvieron flavonoides, taninos, terpenoides y alcaloides. Los extractos crudos con un grado variable de eficiencia, atraparon a los radicales ABTS y DPPH. Los extractos crudos a bajas concentraciones (50 mg/kg p.c) significativamente (p<0.05) disminuyeron el nivel de malondialdehído, aumentaron las actividades de catalasa y elevaron los niveles de glutatión. Sin embargo, las actividades de SOD por los extractos crudos fueron significativamente dosis-dependientes. Así, los extractos de I. glomeratay S. kraussii mostraron propiedades antioxidantes, y por lo tanto, podrían servir como una alternativa terapéutica en el tratamiento de disfunción eréctil inducida por estrés oxidativo.

Antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in extracts from various parts of fresh and frozen mangosteen.

BACKGROUND: The search for new sources of natural antioxidants is very important because many diseases are caused by oxidative stress. Fruit which contain antioxidants are an important part of a healthy diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of extracts of both the fresh and frozen peel and the flesh of Garcinia mangostana L. METHODS: The extracts from the fresh and frozen peel and the flesh of mangosteen were prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction using 20%, 40%, 70% and 96% (v/v) ethanol for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP and FIC methods, whereas the total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) technique. The contents of anthocyanins and flavonoids in the peel extracts were also determined. RESULTS: In most cases, the highest antioxidant activity was observed in the fresh peel samples. It was higher than the antioxidant potential of the frozen peels and the fresh and frozen flesh. The ultrasound-assisted extraction, in particular those lasting 30 or 60 minutes and using ethanol in concentrations higher than 20% (v/v), seemed to be an effective extraction process. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that G. mangostana, in particular its peels, could be a valuable source of antioxidants. The extraction parameters, such as the time or solvent concentration, as well as the type of plant material, had an impact on the tested properties of the extracts. However, more detailed studies on the antioxidant activity of the studied plants are required.

Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants.

BACKGROUND: Exposure of skin to urban air pollutants is closely related to skin aging and inflammatory responses such as wrinkles formation, pigmentation spot, atopic dermatitis, and acne. Thus, a great deal of interest has been focused on the development of natural resources that can provide a protective effect to skin from pollutants. METHODS: The antioxidative activity of Camellia japonica flower extract (CJFE) was evaluated by 1,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay, and the inhibitory effect of CJFE by urban air pollutants-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was determined in cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). We additionally investigated the protective effects of CJFE against urban air pollutant using in vitro and ex vivo model. RESULTS: CJFE with high phenolic concentration showed antioxidative activity on scavenging capacity of 1,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation in a concentration dependent manner. CJFE inhibited urban air pollutants-induced ROS generation, matrixmetalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production and a xenobiotic response element (XRE)-luciferase activity indicating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transactivation. In addition, CJFE showed an excellent protective activity against pollutants-induced deteriorating effect in ex vivo model. CJFE reduced the level of pollutants-induced malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxidation marker, inhibited MMP-1 expression and increased collagen synthesis. It also reduced the cell numbers with pyknotic nuclei (mainly occurring in apoptosis) and detachment of dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) induced by pollutants. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently, it is proposed that CJFE can be used as a protective material against pollutant-induced skin damages.

Antiplasmodial, anti-chikungunya virus and antioxidant activities of 64 endemic plants from the Mascarene Islands.

Vector-borne diseases cause more than 1 million deaths annually. The research into new medicines is urgent, especially as there is currently no specific treatment. In this study, the authors have selected 64 endemic plants from the Mascarene Islands based on their endemism, their medicinal use and their registration in the French Pharmacopeia to evaluate the antiplasmodial, anti-chikungunya and antioxidant activities. The list of these 64 plants including their local name, population, data of collection and voucher number are available in the Supporting Information. Forty active extracts were identified from the 38 species: 22 responded positively to the antiplasmodial activity, 8 to the anti-chikungunya activity and 8 to the antioxidant activity. Six plants demonstrated high antiplasmodial activity (concentration inhibiting 50% of parasitic growth (IC50) <5 µg/mL): Casearia coriaceae, Monimia rotundifolia, Poupartia borbonica, Psiadia retusa, Vernonia fimbrillifera and Zanthoxylum heterophyllum; and five showed high anti-chikungunya activity (IC50<20 µg/mL): Aphloia theiformis, Stillingia lineata, Croton mauritianus, Indigofera ammoxylum, and Securinega durissima. Eight plants displayed an important antioxidant activity, with values of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) or oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) >2000 µM of Trolox equivalent per mg/mL of extract: Bertiera borbonica, Erythroxylon laurifolium, Erythroxylon sideroxyloides, I. ammoxylum, P. borbonica, Scolopia heterophylla, Sophora denudata, and Terminalia bentzoe. Some data obtained tend to corroborate the reported traditional use of the plant, such as Z. heterophyllum (antiplasmodial), A. theiformis (anti-chikungunya), and E. laurifolium (antioxidant).

Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties, Phenolic Compounds, Anthelmintic, and Cytotoxic Activities of Various Extracts Isolated from Nepeta cadmea: An Endemic Plant for Turkey.

Nepeta cadmea Boiss. is a species endemic to Turkey that belongs to the Nepeta genus. Several species of this genus are used in folk medicine. This study was designed to investigate the phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anthelmintic, and cytotoxic activities of various extracts (ethanol, methanol, acetone, and water) of N. cadmea. The antioxidant activities of these extracts were analyzed using scavenging methods (DPPH, ABTS, and H2 O2 scavenging activity), the ß-carotene/linoleic acid test system, the phosphomolybdenum method, and metal chelating activity. Among the 4 different extracts of N. cadmea that were evaluated, the water extract showed the highest amount of radical scavenging (DPPH, 25.54 µg/mL and ABTS, 14.51 µg/mL) and antioxidant activities (ß-carotene, 86.91%). In the metal chelating and H2 O2 scavenging activities, the acetone extract was statistically different from the other extracts. For the phosphomolybdenum method, the antioxidant capacity of the extracts was in the range of 8.15 to 80.40 µg/mg. The phenolic content of the ethanol extract was examined using HPLC and determined some phenolics: epicatechin, chlorogenic, and caffeic acids. With regard to the anthelmintic properties, dose-dependent activity was observed in each of the extracts of N. cadmea. All the extracts exhibited high cytotoxic activities. The results will provide additional information for further studies on the biological activities of N. cadmea, while also helping us to understand the importance of this species. Furthermore, based on the results obtained, N. cadmea may be considered as a potentially useful supplement for the human diet, as well as a natural antioxidant for medicinal applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The plants of the Nepeta genus have been extensively used as traditional herbal medicines. Nepeta cadmea Boiss., one of the species belonging to the Nepeta genus, is a species endemic to Turkey. In our study, we demonstrated the antioxidant capacities, total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin content, anthelmintic, and cytotoxic activities of various extracts of Nepeta cadmea. The present study could well supply valuable data for future investigations and further information on the potential use of this endemic plant for humans, in both dietary and pharmacological applications.

Sessein and isosessein with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activity isolated from Salvia sessei Benth.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Salvia sessei Benth, popularly known as "pipilolxochitl" or "sabanito", is a plant utilized in Mexico in traditional medicine for the treatment of erysipela. To date, only one report, to our knowledge, has been found in which a royleanone-type diterpene of the aerial parts of the species was isolated but, again to our knowledge, studies have not been conducted on the pharmacological activity of extracts and compounds isolated from this plant. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the organic extracts of the aerial parts of Salvia sessei Benth and sessein and isosessein isomers isolated from this. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in a model of edema in mouse ear at 1 mg/ear of the isolated extracts and compounds (1 and 2), a dose-response curve was performed on these latter and one-half of the effective dose (ED50) was determined; antibacterial activity was determined through minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) by microdilution at 100, 50, 25, and 12.5 µg/mL, and antioxidant capacity, by means of DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays where, for the first two assays noted, the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) was calculated for the extracts as well as for the compounds isolated. RESULTS: The hexanic extracts (40.55 ±â€¯0.5%), dichloromethanic (56.01 ±â€¯1.1%) and methanolic (66.05 ±â€¯0.3%), as well as isolated compounds 1 (79.85 ±â€¯3.5%) and 2 (54.36 ±â€¯1.7%), demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity; the methanolic extract presented the greatest percentage of inhibition, while isolated compounds 1 and 2 did not present a difference in their ED50; additionally, compound 1 exerted a similar effect to that of the drug-of-reference at the same dose (75.24 ±â€¯2.4%). The antibacterial activity of the extracts and compounds was principally against Gram-positive bacteria: the hexanic extract presented activity against Staphylococcus hominis and the methanolic and dichloromethanic extracts, and compound 1 exhibited activity against Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. hominis, E. faecalis, in addition to that Escherichia coli was sensitive to compound 1, while isomer 2 showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus epidermis and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria related to erysipela. In the three assays, the extract demonstrating greatest antioxidant capacity was the methanolic extract, while that of the isolated compounds was compound 1. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the three extracts evaluated in the three models presented activity and the chromatographic separation of the dichloromethanic extract permitted the isolation of compounds 1 and 2 royleanone-type isomers, which also presented significant activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant, thus validate the use of this species in traditional medicine.

HPLC-DAD finger printing, antioxidant, cholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of a novel plant Olax nana.

BACKGROUND: The medicinal importance of a novel plant Olax nana Wall. ex Benth. (family: Olacaceae) was revealed for the first time via HPLC-DAD finger printing, qualitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, cholinesterase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays. METHODS: The crude methanolic extract of O. nana (ON-Cr) was subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis and HPLC-DAD finger printing. The antioxidant potential of ON-Cr was assessed via 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free radical scavenging assays. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) & butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were performed using Ellman's assay, while α- glucosidase inhibitory assay was carried out using a standard protocol. RESULTS: The qualitative phytochemical analysis of ON-Cr revealed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, saponins and terpenoids. The HPLC-DAD finger printing revealed the presence of 40 potential compounds in ON-Cr. Considerable anti-radical activities was revealed by ON-Cr in the DPPH, ABTS and H2O2 free radical scavenging assays with IC50 values of 71.46, 72.55 and 92.33 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, ON-Cr showed potent AChE and BChE inhibitory potentials as indicated by their IC50 values of 33.2 and 55.36 µg/mL, respectively. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, ON-Cr exhibited moderate inhibitory propensity with an IC50 value of 639.89 µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated Olax nana for the first time for detailed qualitative phytochemical tests, HPLC-DAD finger printing analysis, antioxidant, anticholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory results were considerable and can provide scientific basis for further studies on the neuroprotective and anti-Alzheimer's potentials of this plant. ON-Cr may further be subjected to fractionation and polarity guided fractionation to narrow down the search for isolation of bioactive compounds.

LC-MS/MS profiling of polyphenol-enriched leaf, stem and root extracts of Korean Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc and determination of their antioxidant effects.

Polyphenols from ethyl acetate extracts from the leaves, stems and roots of Korean Humulus japonicus were comprehensively profiled using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 36 polyphenols were detected, of which 26 were structurally characterized based on their [M - H]- peak, tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern, UV-vis absorption and published data. Validation data provided satisfactory results for the evaluated parameters. The determination coefficients were ≥0.9812. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.017-0.573 and 0.056-1.834 mg/L, respectively, indicating good performance limits. The accuracy (expressed as percentage recovery) at 50 and 100 mg/L was 71.4-99.7 and 75.1-105.1%, with precisions (expressed as relative standard deviation) of 1.5-7.3 and 0.8-4.1%, respectively, indicating acceptable accuracy and precision values. The leaves were rich in total polyphenols (3089.9 ± 6.4 mg/kg of fresh sample) followed by the stems (1313.9 ± 6.4 mg/kg of fresh sample) and roots (655.2 ± 2.7 mg/kg of fresh sample). Antioxidant activity, determined by α,α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, revealed the lowest EC50 value for the leaf extracts, indicating a higher scavenging activity in this tissue followed by the roots and stems. Overall, the results indicated that H. japonicus is rich in polyphenols and could be a potential alternative to Humulus lupulus (hop plant) in the brewery industry.

Improved Biocompatibility of Black Phosphorus Nanosheets by Chemical Modification.

Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPs) show great potential for various applications including biomedicine, thus their potential side effects and corresponding improvement strategy deserve investigation. Here, in vitro and in vivo biological effects of BPs with and without titanium sulfonate ligand (TiL4 ) modification are investigated. Compared to bare BPs, BPs with TiL4 modification (TiL4 @BPs) can efficiently escape from macrophages uptake, and reduce cytotoxicity and proinflammation. The corresponding mechanisms are also discussed. These findings may not only guide the applications of BPs, but also propose an efficient strategy to further improve the biocompatibility of BPs.

Enhancing the Antioxidant Activities of Wines by Addition of White Rose Extract.

White rose petal extract (WRE) contains large amounts of phenolic compounds and is considered edible. In this study, red and white wines were prepared by the addition of WRE (0.10% or 0.25% (w/v)), followed by fermentation at 25°C for 15 days. The fermentation profiles, colors, sensory test results, and antioxidant activities of the wines were compared. As reported herein, the fermentation profiles of the pH, CO2 production rate, and final ethanol concentration were not affected by the addition of WRE, but a slow consumption rate of sugar was observed in 0.25% WRE-added wine. In contrast, the total polyphenol concentrations in WRE-added wines increased significantly (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in appreciable enhancement of the antioxidant activities of the wines. Chromaticity tests showed slight changes in the redness and yellowness, but sensory tests showed that the overall flavor qualities of the WRE-added wines were acceptable to the panels. This study demonstrates that addition of WRE to wine confers beneficial health effects and this treatment results in better outcome in white wine.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND A-AMYLASE INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF ROSA CANINA L.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrinal disorders and medicinal plants continue to play an important role in the management of this disease. In this study, Rosa canina was investigated for the antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methanolic extract of Rosa canina was investigated for its potential antioxidant activity. The extracts' total phenolic and flavonoid contents and scavenging capacity for free radicals were evaluated. The α-amylase inhibition assay was also carried. RESULTS: Rosa canina extract exhibits a total Phenolic and flavonoid levels respectively (21.918 mg GAE/g and 2.647mg ER/g). The free radical scavenging activity was found to be prominent against DPPH with an IC50 of 0.668 mg/ml and against ABTS with an IC50 of 0.467 mg/ml. Extract showed a significant ferric ion reducing activities with an IC50 of4.962 mg/ml. CONCLUSION: Rosa canina exerted a higher inhibitory activity against α-amylase. The obtained results support the antidiabetic use of rosa canina.

Lyophilized aqueous extracts of Mori Fructus and Mori Ramulus protect Mesenchymal stem cells from •OH-treated damage: bioassay and antioxidant mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Mori Fructus and Mori Ramulus are two traditional Chinese herbal medicines from mulberries. The present work explores their beneficial effects on •OH-treated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and discusses possible mechanisms. METHODS: Lyophilized aqueous extracts of Mori Fructus (LAMF) and Mori Ramulus (LAMR) were prepared and analyzed using HPLC. LAMF and LAMR (along with morin) were further investigated for their effects on •OH-treated MSCs using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl (MTT) assay. The direct antioxidation mechanisms were studied using 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO•)-scavenging, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+•)-scavenging and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazl (DPPH•)-scavenging, as well as Cu2+-reducing and Fe3+-reducing antioxidant power. Finally, the indirect antioxidant mechanism was investigated based on the UV-vis spectra of Fe2+-chelation. RESULTS: In each LAMF and LAMR, seven phytophenols were successfully measured by HPLC, including five flavonoids (morin, rutin, astragalin, isoquercitrin and luteolin) and two non-flavonoids (chlorogenic acid and maclurin). MTT assays revealed that LAMF, LAMR and morin could effectively increase the survival of •OH-treated MSCs at 10-100 µg/mL, and could effectively scavenge PTIO• (IC 50 6609.7 ± 756.6, 4286.9 ± 84.9 and 103.4 ± 0.9 µg/mL, respectively), DPPH• (IC 50 208.7 ± 3.0, 97.3 ± 3.1 and 8.2 ± 0.7 µg/mL, respectively) and ABTS+• (IC 50 73.5 ± 5.8, 34.4 ± 0.1 and 4.2 ± 0.2 µg/mL, respectively), and reduce Cu2+ (IC 50 212.5 ± 7.0, 123.2 ± 0.9 and 14.1 ± 0.04 µg/mL, respectively) & Fe3+ (IC 50 277.0 ± 3.1, 191.9 ± 5.2 and 5.0 ± 0.2 µg/mL, respectively). In the Fe2+-chelating assay, the five flavonoids produced much stronger shoulder-peaks than the two non-flavonoids within 420-850 nm. CONCLUSION: Mori Fructus and Mori Ramulus, can protect MSCs from •OH-induced damage. Such beneficial effects can mainly be attributed to the antioxidant action of phytophenols, which occurs via direct (ROS-scavenging) and indirect mechanism (Fe2+-chelating). The ROS-scavenging mechanism, however, include at least a H+-transfer and an electron-transfer (ET), and possibly includes a hydrogen-atom-transfer (HAT). In the Fe2+-chelating, flavonoids are more effective than non-flavonoids. This can be attributed to several adjacent planar chelating-sites between the 3-OH and 4-C = O, between the 4-C = O and 5-OH, or between the 3'-OH and 4'-OH in flavonoids. Such multiple-Fe2+-chelating reactions cause overlap in the UV-vis absorptions to deepen the complex color, enhance the peak strength, and form shoulder-peaks. By comparison, two non-flavonoids with catechol moiety produce only a weak single peak.

Phenolic compounds from Citrus leaves: antioxidant activity and enzymatic browning inhibition.

Background Phenolic compounds from Citrus are known to be a topic of many studies due to their biological properties including antioxidant activity. Methods Methanolic and aqueous extracts were isolated from Citrus leaves of different species (C. clementina, C. limon, C. hamlin, C. navel, C. aurantifolia, C. aurantium and C. grandis) harvested in Algeria. Results The results showed that aqueous extracts of all species are rich in total phenolic compounds and flavonoids (from 68.23 to 125.28 mg GAE/g DM) and (from 11.99 to 46.25 mg QE/g DM) respectively. The methanolic and aqueous extracts were examined for in vitro antioxidant properties using various antioxidant assays. For aqueous extracts, C. limon showed an important DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 35.35 µg/mL), and C. clementina exerted the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity (1,174.43 µM ET/g DM) and a significant ferric reducing potential (30.60 mg BHAE/g DM). For methanolic extracts, C. clementina showed the highest antioxidant activity for all the realized assays (IC50 41.85 µg/mL, 378.63 µM ET/g DM and 13.85 mg BHAE/g DM) for DPPH, ABTS radicals scavenging activities and ferric reducing potential respectively. Antiperoxidase and antipolyphenol oxidase activities of these samples were also evaluated. Conclusions In this investigation, the assessment of antiperoxidase activity proved that the leaves extracts of different species were able to inhibit peroxidase activity. However, this inhibition varied with the species and the source of these enzymes. On the other hand, the aqueous extracts of different species showed moderate inhibition of polyphenol oxidase, while no effect on these enzymes was obtained with methanolic extracts.

Riboflavin Phototransformation on the Changes of Antioxidant Capacities in Phenolic Compounds.

Eight phenolic compounds including: p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, trolox, quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol were treated with riboflavin (RF) photosensitization and in vitro antioxidant capacities of the mixtures were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2' azino bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Mixtures containing p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid under RF photosensitization showed increases in ferric ion reducing ability and radical scavenging activity of DPPH, whereas mixtures of other compounds had decreases in both radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Hydroxycoumaric acid and conjugated hydroxycoumaric and coumaric acids were tentatively identified from RF photosensitized p-coumaric acid, whereas dimmers of vanillic acid were tentatively identified from RF photosensitized vanillic acid. RF photosensitization may be a useful method to enhance antioxidant properties like ferric ion reducing abilities of some selected phenolic compounds.

Antioxidative activities of 62 wild mushrooms from Nepal and the phenolic profile of some selected species.

Mushrooms have garnered immense popularity for their nutritional as well as medicinal values. The therapeutic potential of mushrooms in Nepal, a country well known for its biodiversity and natural medicinal resources, remains largely unstudied. Therefore, this study attempts to unveil the antioxidative properties of Nepalese wild mushrooms. Sixty-two wild mushroom samples were collected from several forests in different parts of Nepal. Ethanol and water extracts of the dried samples were tested for their antioxidative activities using total phenolic content (TPC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reducing power (RP) assays. Ethanol extracts of samples belonging to the order Hymenochaetales showed significantly high activity in all the assays. Inonotus clemensiae had an exceptionally high TPC of 643.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract and also exhibited the lowest EC50 values in DPPH (0.081 mg/mL), ABTS (0.409 mg/mL), and EC0.5 value in reducing power (RP; 0.031 mg/mL) assays. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the top ten samples with the highest TPC was done to identify the phenolic compounds in the extracts, followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis for some unknown compounds. These findings highlight the very strong antioxidative activity of Nepalese mushrooms, and paves the way for further research to explore their economic potential.

Extraction and Purification of Quercitrin, Hyperoside, Rutin, and Afzelin from Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Maxim Leaves Using an Aqueous Two-Phase System.

In this study, an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) based on ethanol/NaH2 PO4 was developed for the extraction and purification of quercitrin, hyperoside, rutin, and afzelin from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim leaves. These 4 flavonoids were 1st extracted from dried Z. bungeanum leaves using a 60% ethanol solution and subsequently added to the ATPS for further purification. The partition behavior of the 4 flavonoids in ATPS was investigated. The optimal ATPS conditions were: 29% (w/w) NaH2 PO4 , 25% (w/w) ethanol concentration, 1% (w/w) added amount of leaf extracts, no pH adjustment, and repeated 1 h extractions at 25 °C. Under the optimal conditions for the 10 g ATPS, the absolute recovery of quercitrin, hyperoside, rutin, and afzelin reached 90.3%, 83.5%, 92.3%, and 89.1%, respectively. Compared to the 60% ethanol extracts, the content of quercitrin (44.8 mg/g), hyperoside (65.6 mg/g), rutin (56.4 mg/g), and afzelin (6.84 mg/g) in the extracts increased by 49.9%, 38.8%, 45.6%, and 36.8% respectively. The extracts after ATPS also exhibited stronger antioxidant activities, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl IC50 value (10.5 µg/mL) decreased by 41.8%, and the 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt value (966 µmol Trolox/g) and ferric reducing power value (619 µmol Trolox/g) increased by 29.8% and 53.7%, respectively. Furthermore, scale-up experiments indicated that a larger scale experiment was feasible for the purification of the 4 flavonoids.

Synergistic Effects of Potentilla fruticosa L. Leaves Combined with Green Tea Polyphenols in a Variety of Oxidation Systems.

Potentilla fruticosa L. leaves are widely used as tea in China, with many commercial "Jinlaomei" teas available in markets. It has been confirmed to possess significant antioxidant activity than that of butylated hydroxytoluene. In this study, the synergistic effects of P. fruticosa leaves extracts (PFE) combined with green tea polyphenols (GTP) were studied to elucidate their use in combination and find specific combinations with least concentrations that enhance the antioxidant activity. Isobolographic analysis indicated that the combination of PFE and GTP demonstrated extensive synergism (22/28 of the tests showed significant synergy) with 3:1 (PFE:GTP) exhibiting the best synergistic effect. Chemical compositions and content of 7 phenolic compounds in PFE, GTP, and their mixtures were evaluated by reverse-phase-high-performance liquid chromatography. While chemical composition did not seem to change after the combination, as no new peaks appeared in the chromatogram, and no existing peaks disappeared. However, the content of (+)-catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and , (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) changed. Besides, antioxidant interactions of extracts and compounds were evaluated, EGC with hyperoside exhibited the greatest synergistic effect and the combination of 3:1 exhibited the strongest synergism (DPPH γ = 0.86, ABTS γ = 1.12, FRAP γ = 1.16). Therefore, interaction of phytochemicals may be one reason for the synergistic effects in PFE + GTP, with EGC + hyperoside likely playing an important role. This report provides a theoretical basis for the concomitant use of P. fruticosa blended with GTP, which can be effectively used as a compounded tea, dietary supplements, and substituent of synthetic antioxidant.