Phytochemical Profiles of Plant Materials: From Extracts to Added-Value Ingredients.

In the scientific research on medicinal and food plants, studying phytochemical profiles in plant materials has gained increasing attention over the years [...].

Determination of Heavy Metal Content: Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead in Cyano-Phycocyanin Isolated from the Cyanobacterial Biomass.

Cyano-phycocyanin (C-PC) is a light-absorbing biliprotein found in cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. Due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, this protein is a promising substance in medicine and pharmaceuticals. However, cyanobacteria tend to bind heavy metals from the environment, making it necessary to ensure the safety of C-PC for the development of pharmaceutical products, with C-PC isolated from naturally collected cyanobacterial biomass. This study aimed to determine the content of the most toxic heavy metals, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in C-PC isolated from different cyanobacterial biomasses collected in the Kaunas Lagoon during 2019-2022, and compare them with the content of heavy metals in C-PC isolated from cultivated Spirulina platensis (S. platensis). Cyanobacteria of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (A. flos-aquae) dominated the biomass collected in 2019, while the genus Microcystis dominated the biomasses collected in the years 2020 and 2022. Heavy metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). ICP-MS analysis revealed higher levels of the most investigated heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and As) in C-PC isolated from the biomass with the dominant Microcystis spp. compared to C-PC isolated from the biomass with the predominant A. flos-aquae. Meanwhile, C-PC isolated from cultivated S. platensis exhibited lower concentrations of As and Pb than C-PC isolated from naturally collected cyanobacterial biomass.

Efficacy of Proanthocyanidins in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of proanthocyanidins (PACNs) as an adjunctive periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis. METHODS: Patients with periodontitis (stage III-IV) were included in this randomised clinical study. Patients with periodontitis received 2 different treatment modalities: minimally invasive nonsurgical therapy only (MINST group) or minimally invasive nonsurgical therapy and subgingival application of collagen hydrogels with PACNs (MINST + PACNs group). Clinical periodontal parameters, that is, pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI), were evaluated before treatment and after 8 weeks. Concentrations of immunologic markers, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in saliva were assessed at baseline and at 8-week follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-six patients diagnosed with periodontitis were randomised into 2 groups: 23 patients in the MINST group and 23 patients in the MINST + PACNs group received the intended treatment. PACNs combined with MINST resulted in additional statistically significant PPD reduction and CAL gain in moderate periodontal pockets by 0.5 mm (P < .05) on average compared to MINST alone. Additional use of PACNs did not result in additional statistically significant improvement of BOP or PI values. Application of PACNs showed significant reduction of MMP-3 levels in saliva after 8 weeks (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive use of PACNs in MINST resulted in better clinical outcomes for moderate pockets. Additional use of PACNs improved MMP-3 concentration in saliva more than MINST alone. Biochemical analysis revealed that MMP-3 concentration in saliva reflected the periodontal health state.

Cyano-Phycocyanin: Mechanisms of Action on Human Skin and Future Perspectives in Medicine.

Cyano-phycocyanin is one of the active pigments of the blue-green algae and is usually isolated from the filamentous cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis Gomont (Spirulina). Due to its multiple physiological functions and non-toxicity, cyano-phycocyanin may be a potential substance for the topical treatment of various skin diseases. Considering that the conventional medicine faces drug resistance, insufficient efficacy and side effects, the plant origin compounds can act as an alternative option. Thus, the aim of this paper was to review the wound healing, antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimelanogenic and anticancer properties and mechanisms of cyano-phycocyanin topical activities on human skin. Moreover, possible applications and biotechnological requirements for pharmaceutical forms of cyano-phycocyanin for the treatment of various skin diseases are discussed in this review.

Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) Hemagglutinin Effect on Immune Response In Vivo.

Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) is used in traditional and conventional medicine. However, there is lack of data on the biological activities of primary plant metabolite lectins. The aim of our experiment was to find out how lectin LysM (lysine motif), which was previously purified, affects the immune response in vivo. Eight-week-old BALB/c male mice (n = 15) received four weekly 250 µg/kg peritonial injections of purified Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) roots' LysM lectin. The control animal group (n = 15) received 50 µL peritoneal injections of fresh Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) root tincture, and the negative control animal group (n = 15) received 50 µL peritoneal injections of physiological solution. At the fifth experimental week, the animals were sedated with carbon dioxide, and later euthanized by cervical dislocation, and then their blood and spleen samples were collected. The leukocytes' formula and lymphocytes' count was estimated in blood samples, the T lymphocytes' density was evaluated in spleen zones. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between each group was observed in the leukocytes' formula (monocytes' percentage, also little, medium and giant size lymphocytes). The purple coneflower fresh roots' tincture significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the T lymphocytes' quantity in peritoneal lymphoid sheaths (PALS) compared with the physiological solution injection's group (p < 0.05) and the lectin injection's group (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, lectin injections caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the T lymphocytes in a spleen PALS zone, compared with the physiological solution and tincture injection's group. Our data suggests that LysM lectin acts as an immunostimulant, while fresh purple coneflower tincture causes immunosuppression.

Investigation of Antibacterial and Antiinflammatory Activities of Proanthocyanidins from Pelargonium sidoides DC Root Extract.

The study explores antibacterial, antiinflammatory and cytoprotective capacity of Pelargonium sidoides DC root extract (PSRE) and proanthocyanidin fraction from PSRE (PACN) under conditions characteristic for periodontal disease. Following previous finding that PACN exerts stronger suppression of Porphyromonas gingivalis compared to the effect on commensal Streptococcus salivarius, the current work continues antibacterial investigation on Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Escherichia coli. PSRE and PACN are also studied for their ability to prevent gingival fibroblast cell death in the presence of bacteria or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to block LPS- or LPS + IFNγ-induced release of inflammatory mediators, gene expression and surface antigen presentation. Both PSRE and PACN were more efficient in suppressing Staphylococcus and Aggregatibacter compared to Escherichia, prevented A. actinomycetemcomitans- and LPS-induced death of fibroblasts, decreased LPS-induced release of interleukin-8 and prostaglandin E2 from fibroblasts and IL-6 from leukocytes, blocked expression of IL-1ß, iNOS, and surface presentation of CD80 and CD86 in LPS + IFNγ-treated macrophages, and IL-1ß and COX-2 expression in LPS-treated leukocytes. None of the investigated substances affected either the level of secretion or expression of TNFα. In conclusion, PSRE, and especially PACN, possess strong antibacterial, antiinflammatory and gingival tissue protecting properties under periodontitis-mimicking conditions and are suggestable candidates for treatment of the disease.

Efficacy of Proanthocyanidins from Pelargonium sidoides Root Extract in Reducing P. gingivalis Viability While Preserving Oral Commensal S. salivarius.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the disruption of beneficial microbiota are key problems in contemporary medicine and make the search for new, more efficient infection treatment strategies among the most important tasks in medicine. Multicomponent plant-derived preparations with mild antibacterial activity created by many simultaneous mechanisms together with anti-inflammatory, innate immune and regenerative capacity-stimulating properties are good candidates for this therapy, and proanthocyanidins are among the most promising compounds of this sort. In this study, we have isolated proanthocyanidins from Pelargonium sidoides DC root extract and characterized and compared the composition, antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of the proanthocyanidin fraction with those of the whole extract. The results revealed that proanthocyanidins had significantly stronger antioxidant capacity compared to the root extract and exhibited a unique antibacterial action profile that selectively targets Gram-negative keystone periodontal and peri-implant pathogenic strains, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, while preserving the viability of beneficial oral commensal Streptococcus salivarius. The finding suggests that proanthocyanidins from Pelargonium sidoides root extract are good candidates for the prolonged and harmless treatment of infectious diseases.

Fractionation and evaluation of proteins in roots of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a plant rich in flavonoids, essential oils, phenolic compounds, saponins, polysaccharides and glycoproteins. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protein content in dried roots of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench after homogenization of roots with liquid nitrogen, extraction in 0.01 mol L-1 phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and purification followed by fractionation of proteins using gel filtration chromatography. Total concentration of proteins was measured using the Bradford method, and evaluation of the molecular mass of proteins was accomplished by applying the SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis. The Bradford assay revealed that the highest concentration of proteins in fractions collected after gel filtration chomatography was 4.66-6.07 mg mL-1. Glycoproteins, alkamides and polysaccharides in roots of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench are chemical compounds that are responsible for their immunomodulatory properties. However, information about the difference of protein contents in fresh and dried roots of E. purpurea is insufficient.

Antimutagenic and antioxidant activity of a protein fraction from aerial parts of Urtica dioica.

CONTEXT: Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae), stinging nettle, has been employed as a folklore remedy for a wide spectrum of ailments, including urinary disorders, prostatic hyperplasia, and liver diseases. It has been also used traditionally for cancer treatment. OBJECT: To evaluate the potential chemopreventive properties of a protein fraction from the aerial part of Urtica dioica (namely UDHL30). MATERIALS AND METHODS: UDHL30 has been tested for the antimutagenic activity in bacteria (50-800 µg/plate; Ames test by the preincubation method) and for the cytotoxicity on human hepatoma HepG2 cells (0.06-2 mg/mL; 24 and 48 h incubation). Moreover, the antioxidant activity of UDHL30 (0.1-1200 µg/mL; ABTS and superoxide-radical scavenger assays) was evaluated as potential protective mechanisms. RESULTS: UDHL30 was not cytotoxic on HepG2 cells up to 2 mg/mL; conversely, it exhibited a strong antimutagenic activity against the mutagen 2-aminoanthracene (2AA) in all strains tested (maximum inhibition of 56, 78, and 61% in TA98, TA100, and WP2uvrA strains, respectively, at 800 µg/plate). In addition, a remarkable scavenging activity against ABTS radical and superoxide anion (IC50 values of 19.9 ± 1.0 µg/mL and 75.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL, respectively) was produced. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: UDHL30 possesses antimutagenic and radical scavenging properties. Being 2AA a pro-carcinogenic agent, we hypothesize that the antimutagenicity of UDHL30 can be due to the inhibition of CYP450-isoenzymes, involved in the mutagen bioactivation. The radical scavenger ability could contribute to 2AA-antimutagenicity. These data encourage further studies in order to better define the potential usefulness of UDHL30 in chemoprevention.

Effect of Acanthopanax senticosus on the accumulation of cadmium and on the immune response of spleen cells.

Exposure to cadmium (Cd) is known to alter immune responses. Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms (AS) extract, an antioxidant-containing complex of phenolic compounds, tetracyclic triterpenoids/steroids, and polysaccharides, is known to produce Cd mobilization and excretion in vivo. Building upon earlier findings, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of an AS extract on Cd accumulation and changes in the presence of splenic immune cells in hosts during a chronic metal exposure. Chronic Cd exposure of BALB/c mice was induced by providing them solutions containing different levels of CdCl2 (25 or 250 mg/L) in double-distilled water, with/without a concurrent presence of AS root extract (approximately 151 g material/L), for 8 wk. At the study end, Cd levels in spleen were measured. Levels of key splenic immune cells, including macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and B-lymphocytes, were determined by immunohistochemistry using, respectively, CD68, CD3, and CD20 antibodies. The results indicated that chronic consumption of AS extract in the presence of the high dose of CdCl2 led to a significant decrease in Cd levels in mouse spleen. The effects of AS on the lower CdCl2 dose were less apparent. In addition, the presence of AS and Cd increased the amount of macrophages and both B and T lymphocytes in mouse spleen relative to concentrations that were lowered as a result of chronic metal only intake.

The effect of Ginkgo biloba and Camellia sinensis extracts on psychological state and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Interest in finding natural antioxidants for use in food or medical materials to prevent free radical imbalance has increased considerably over the past years. The aim of this research was to evaluate changes in glycemic control and psychological state of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after use of antioxidant plant preparations. Fifty-six patients with T2DM were randomly allocated to receive standardized Ginkgo biloba L. leaves dry extract, green tea dry extract, or placebo capsules. Diabetes glycemic control measured as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, antioxidant state and psychological data were evaluated at baseline, after 9 and 18 months of using either antioxidant preparations or placebo. The level of perceived stress lowered significantly after 9 months (p = 0.038) and 18 months (p = 0.030), and the psychological aspect of quality of life significantly improved after 18 months (p = 0.019) of use of G. biloba extrac. No significant differences were detected after using green tea extract. In patients using placebo, significant lowering of HbA1c level was observed after 18 months (p = 0.017). In conclusion, antioxidant G. biloba leaf extract exhibited a mild effect on psychological state and a trend of improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Antioxidant effects of Camellia sinensis L. extract in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has dramatically increased in the past decade. Furthermore, increasing evidence from research shows that oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and in its complications. A search for ways to reduce oxidative damage has become the focus of interest for the majority of scientists. In this study, we determined the radical scavenging activity of single green tea constituents by using an on-line high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and evaluated the antioxidant effects on type 2 diabetic patients by performing a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Epigallocatechin gallate was identified as the most potent antioxidant, contributing approximately 50% of the total antioxidant capacity of green tea extract. We also found a statistically significant decrement of lipid peroxidation markers in patients treated with green tea extract after 9 months or after 18 months of follow-up. Overall, these findings are attractive for diabetic patients, helping them to keep a high level of performance and well-being, which ultimately may delay the time of disability and reduce mortality.

Estimation of the combined effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract and cadmium on liver cells.

Cadmium (Cd) is an important industrial pollutant, even though its mechanism of toxicity has not been completely clarified. Cd(2+) is toxic to a wide range of organs and tissues. Liver and kidneys are the primary target organs of cadmium toxicity. Cd(2+) induces apoptosis and causes necrotic cell death in certain pathophysiological situations. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. has many beneficial features. It supports the organism's stress response, immune system, and endocrine system, including the adrenal glands, spleen, and thymus gland. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of the Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES) liquid extract on the accumulation of Cd(2+) in liver and on the mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells after chronic intoxication by Cd(2+). Experiments were carried out on white laboratory mice. Laboratory mice were given to drink solutions of different Cd(2+) and ES concentrations for 8 weeks. Cd(2+) concentration in mouse liver was detected using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells was expressed as an estimated number of mitotic and apoptotic cells in randomly selected reference areas in a histological slide. ES combined with CdCl(2) leads to a significant decrease of cadmium concentration in the blood and liver of experimental mice. ES decreased the cadmium-induced mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells.

Assessment of the effect of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench on apoptotic and mitotic activity of liver cells during intoxication by cadmium.

Cadmium (Cd(2+)) is an important industrial pollutant, although its mechanism of toxicity has not been completely clarified. Cd(2+) is toxic to a wide range of organs and tissues, however, the primary target organs of Cd(2+) toxicity are the liver and kidney. Echinacea purpurea stimulating one or another tread of the immune system stimulates the expression of immunoglobulins and interferons. The experiments were performed on white laboratory mice using intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections 0.05 LD(50) amount of CdCl(2) solution. Two groups of mice were injected by Echinacea purpurea liquid extract: one 0.05 LD(50) and the other 0.1 LD(50). In this article, the Cd(2+) distribution in internal organs, its effect on the mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells, as well as effects of Echinacea purpurea liquid extract on Cd(2+)-induced changes in mice were investigated. Cd(2+) concentration in mice blood, liver, and kidney was detected by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Long-term injections of extract of Echinacea purpurea combined with Cd(2+)Cl(2) leads to the significant increase of Cd(2+) concentration in blood and investigated organs of experimental mice. Mitotic and apoptotic activity of liver cells was expressed as the estimated number of mitotic and apoptotic liver cells in randomly selected reference areas in histological slide. Echinacea purpurea decreases the mitotic activity of liver cells induced by Cd(2+) and increases apoptotic activity of the liver cells.

Influence of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench extract on the toxicity of cadmium.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP) has many beneficial features, especially strengthening the immune system. Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous metal and cumulative poison that may cause liver and kidney damage and the formation of neoplasia. In this article, the changes in organs and metabolism, the accumulation of various levels of Cd in tissues, and the effects of EP liquid extract on Cd-induced changes in mice were investigated. Experiments were carried out on the white laboratory mice. Solution of different Cd and EP concentrations were given to drink and experiments were performed. The concentration of Cd in mice blood, liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, skeletal muscle was determined using an electrothermal graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer Perkin-Elmer/Zeeman 3030. Long time per os of extract of EP combined with Cd leads to a significant increase of Cd concentration in blood and investigated organs of experiment mice.

[Herbal medicinal preparations in the Lithuanian market]. / Augalines kilmes preparatai Lietuvos farmacijos rinkoje.

Today phytopreparations take important place in the modern therapy. There are 6475 medicinal preparations registered in Lithuania (2 January, 2003). Out of them, 7.38 % or 482 are preparations herbal and animal origin. Lithuanian companies produce the biggest part of these drugs. Tea is the most popular drug form produced from medicinal plants. There are 4 producers of medicinal teas in Lithuania: "Acorus Calamus", "Svencioniu vaistazoles", "Herba Humana" and "Karvelio terapijos-fitoterapijos imone". Preparations of herbal origin are generally used in treatment of digestive, respiratory tract, and nervous system problems. Twenty-six different drug forms are produced from medicinal plants.

[Technology and analysis of "Askoeziuofito" tablets]. / Askoeziuofito tableciu technologija ir analize.

The objective of this work is to produce chewable tablets out of Echinacea purpurea liquid extract (1:1) and ascorbic acid: to create the technology, to select methods of analysis and to examine stability. The paper describes the technology of tablets: a method of condensation is chosen; the influence of additional substances over tableting is established; pressing characteristics of tableting mixtures are examined. The quality of tablets is evaluated in terms of appearance and technological rates: average tablet mass, hardness against pressure, hardness against wearing, time of disintegration, and speed of ascorbic acid secretion. The identity of ascorbic acid, ferments and hydroxycinamon acid was established. Quantities of ascorbic and chicory acids were defined. The tablets produced were named "Askoeziuofito" tablets. The name consists of abbreviated terms of ascorbic acid, Echinacea plant and phytochemical preparation.

[Estimation of maximum acceptable concentration of lead and cadmium in plants and their medicinal preparations]. / Svino ir kadmio leistinu koncentraciju ivertinimas augalinese zaliavose ir is ju pagamintuose vaistuose.

UNLABELLED: Heavy metals (lead, cadmium) are possible dashes which quantity is defined by the limiting acceptable contents. Different drugs preparations: infusions, decoctions, tinctures, extracts, etc. are produced using medicinal plants. The objective of this research was to study the impurities of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in medicinal plants and some drug preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated liquid extracts of fruits Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and herbs of Echinacea purpurea Moench., tinctures--of herbs Leonurus cardiaca L. The raw materials were imported from Poland. Investigations were carried out in cooperation with the Laboratory of Antropogenic Factors of the Institute for Biomedical Research. Amounts of lead and cadmium were established after "dry" mineralisation using "Perkin-Elmer Zeeman/3030" model electrothermic atomic absorption spectrophotometer (ETG AAS/Zeeman). It was established that lead is absorbed most efficiently after estimation of absorption capacity of cellular fibers. About 10.73% of lead crosses tinctures and extracts, better cadmium--49.63%. Herbs of Leonurus cardiaca L. are the best in holding back lead and cadmium. About 14.5% of lead and cadmium crosses the tincture of herbs Leonurus cardiaca L. We estimated the factors of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in the liquid extracts of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Echinacea purpurea Moench., tincture of Leonurus cardiaca L. after investigations of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in drugs and preparations of it. The amounts of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) don't exceed the allowable norms in fruits of Crataegus monogyna Jacq., herbs of Leonurus cardiaca L. and Echinacea purpurea Moench. after estimation of lead and cadmium extraction factors, the maximum of acceptable daily intake and the quantity of drugs consumption in day.

The cumulation of Wild pansy (Viola tricolor L.) accessions: the possibility of species preservation and usage in medicine.

Wild pansy (Viola tricolor L.) has a history in folk medicine of helping respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and cold symptoms. The drugs and extracts are prepared from raw material of pansy; it is a component of some prepared antitussives, cholagogues, dermatological medicines, roborants and tonics, alternatives, and anti-phlebitis remedies. Wild pansy is indigenous to or naturalized in large parts of Europe and the Middle East as far as Central Asia, also found through the United States. In the Lithuanian flora wild pansy habitats areas have been fast reducing; this not only limits the availability of the reserves of medicinal raw materials for pharmacy and therapy needs but also causes a menace to survival of species. The reasons of reduction of natural habitats and areas of wild pansy are not only unfavorable meteorological conditions (including summer droughts) but also the competition of different herbs and irrational human activities. The opportunities of preservation of the species wild pansy need to be cultivated and the most exhaustive adaptation research should be performed.

[Importance of biologically active components and plants in the prevention of complications of diabetes mellitus]. / Biologiskai veikliuju junginiu ir augalu reiksme cukrinio diabeto komplikaciju prevencijai.

Diabetes complications, especially late (chronic) ones, are the main reasons of invalidity and early mortality. The most threatening diabetes complications are vascular and metabolic complications (diabetic neuropathy, angiopathy, cataract, glaucoma, optic neuropathy, retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy). Good diabetes control is very important, because in early stages these changes are reversible. In order to decrease the number of diabetes complications and to postpone their development, the use of biologic active components and plants is recommended. The most important biologic active substances for this purpose are vitamins and minerals, proteins, polysaccharides, lectins, saponins and flavonoids. According the scientific data, the mostly used plants are: Ginkgo biloba, Allium sativum, Silybum marianum, Panax Ginseng, Carica papaya, Vaccinium myrtillus, Phaseolus vulgaris. Some of them are proposed for treatment of symptoms related to venous and lymphatic vessel insufficiency, for the prophylaxis and treatment of liver damage caused by metabolic toxins, in chronic degenerative liver conditions, for the therapy of digestive disorders, to increase in the unspecific way the resistance of the organism to various environmental influences, and to stabilize membranes through antioxidant and radical scavenging actions.