Effect of In Vitro Digestion on the Antioxidant and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of Buffalo Milk Processed Cheddar Cheese

The purpose of this study was to develop an in-vitro digestion protocol to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the peptides found in processed cheddar cheese using digestion enzymes. We first studied antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and antioxidant activities of processed cheddar cheese with the addition of spices e.g., cumin, clove, and black pepper made from buffalo milk and ripened for 9 months. Then we conducted an in vitro digestion of processed cheddar cheese by gastric and duodenal enzymes. Freeze-dried water (WSE) and ethanol-soluble fractions (ESE) of processed cheddar cheese were also monitored for their ACE inhibition activity and antioxidant activities. In our preliminary experiments, different levels of spices (cumin, clove, and black pepper) were tested into a cheese matrix and only one level 0.2 g/100 g (0.2%) based on cheese weight was considered good after sensory evaluation. Findings of the present study revealed that ACE-inhibitory potential was the highest in processed cheese made from buffalo milk with the addition of 0.2% cumin, clove, and black pepper. A significant increase in ACE-inhibition (%) of processed cheddar cheese, as well as its WSE and ESE, was obtained. Lower IC₅₀ values were found after duodenal phase digestion compared to oral phase digestion.

Antioxidant Activity and Molecular Docking Study of Volatile Constituents from Different Aromatic Lamiaceous Plants Cultivated in Madinah Monawara, Saudi Arabia

A comparative study of volatile constituents, antioxidant activity, and molecular docking was conducted between essential oils from Mentha longifolia L., Mentha spicata L., and Origanum majorana L., widely cultivated in Madinah. The investigation of volatile oils extracted by hydrodistillation was performed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). A total number of 29, 42, and 29 components were identified in M. longifolia, M. spicata, and O. majorana representing, respectively, 95.91, 94.62, and 98.42, of the total oils. Pulegone (38.42%), 1,8-cineole (15.60%), menthone (13.20%), and isopulegone (9.81%) were the dominant compounds in M. longifolia oil; carvone (35.14%), limonene (27.11%), germacrene D (4.73%), and β-caryophyllene (3.02%) were dominant in M. spicata oil; terpin-4-ol (42.47%), trans-sabinene hydrate (8.52%), γ-terpinene (7.90%), α-terpineol (7.38%), linalool (6.35%), α-terpinene (5.42%), and cis-sabinene hydrate (3.14%) were dominant in O. majorana oil. The antioxidant activity, assessed using DPPH free radical–scavenging and ABTS assays, was found to be the highest in O. majorana volatile oil, followed by M. spicata and M. longifolia, which is consistent with the differences in total phenolic content and volatile constituents identified in investigated oils. In the same context, molecular docking of the main identified volatiles on NADPH oxidase showed a higher binding affinity for cis-verbenyl acetate, followed by β-elemene and linalool, compared to the control (dextromethorphan). These results prove significant antioxidant abilities of the investigated oils, which may be considered for further analyses concerning the control of oxidative stress, as well as for their use as possible antioxidant agents in the pharmaceutical industry.

Phytochemical profiles of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora H.B.K.) and its potential application to cookie enrichment

In this research, phytochemical properties of lemon verbena and oxidative stability of the fat component in cookies (contain lemon verbena powder and EO) were investigated. The essential oil (EO) profile and polyphenol compounds were identified by GC/MS and HPLC, respectively. Different concentrations of lemon verbena powder and EO were added to the cookies in comparison with TBHQ. The oxidative stability of fat component in cookies (peroxide value, p-Anisidine, TOTOX value), along with the physicochemical (pH, acidity, weight loss, and moisture content) and sensory properties of the cookies were evaluated over a period of 6 months during storage at room temperature. The main constituents of EO are geranial (27.21%), neral (20.01%), spathulenol (7.28%), and limonene, while trans-Ferulic acid (6.71 mg/g), Hesperidin (1.87 mg/g), and ρ-Coumaric acid (0.04 mg/g) were measured as main phenolic compounds. The peroxide value increased in all samples for the first 2 months of storage and then decreased as hydroperoxide was converted to secondary oxidation products. The p-Anisidine value increased in all samples during storage. This parameter was lower in cookies containing lemon verbena EO and TBHQ treatments. Sensory evaluations of cookies showed that lemon verbena EO had positive effects on the aroma and taste of cookies during storage, whereas lemon verbena powder had adverse effects on mouthfeel and consumer acceptance. The results showed that lemon verbena can increase the eating quality, prolong the shelf life, and maintain the integrity of bakery products with high-fat content.

Analysis of the Composition of Lyophilisates Obtained from Aloe arborescens Gel of Leaves of Different Ages from Controlled Crops

The aim of the study is to evaluate the composition of lyophilisates obtained from Aloe arborescens leaf gel at the age of one to four years. The leaves were obtained from controlled crops, which allowed to exclude environmental factors as variables. It was confirmed that the lyophilisates obtained from different years of Aloe arborescens leaf gel varied in chromatographic analyses in terms of aloin A and aloenin A content (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection HPLC-DAD, high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection HPLC-MS/MS). Similarly, while testing the phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols content, differences in their levels in leaf gel lyophilisates from plants of individual years were observed (spectrophotometric method UV-VIS). The lyophilisate composition analysis showed that the one-year-old leaves were characterized by the highest content of aloin A and aloenin A. While the content of polyphenols, including phenolic acids, was higher in the leaves of older plants. The antioxidant potential of the tested lyophilisates was assessed simultaneously. Regardless of the research model used (CUPRAC, DPPH, ABTS), an antioxidant effect was noted for Aloe arborescens leaves.

Perilla Seed Oil Enhances Cognitive Function and Mental Health in Healthy Elderly Japanese Individuals by Enhancing the Biological Antioxidant Potential

Oxidative stress plays an important role in age-associated cognitive decline. We recently reported that dietary intake of perilla seed oil (PO), a rich source of α-linolenic acid (LNA, C18:3, ω-3), helps in maintaining good mental health in adults. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of dietary PO intake on cognitive functions and mental health in healthy, elderly Japanese individuals. Seventy-five healthy volunteers aged 64–84 years were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and a PO-administered group. At baseline and at 12 months of intervention, cognitive function, mental health condition, fatty acid profile of the red blood cell plasma membranes (RBC-PM), and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results showed that serum biological antioxidant potential and LNA levels in the RBC-PM at 12 months after the trial were significantly higher in the PO group compared to the control group. Further, both the cognitive function measures, as evaluated by the Frontal Assessment Battery test and the apathy scores, tended to be improved after 12 months in the PO group. Our results demonstrate that dietary PO intake enhances the antioxidant potential and prevents the age-related cognitive and mental decline in healthy elderly individuals by enhancing the blood LNA levels.

Potential Health Benefits Associated with Lunasin Concentration in Dietary Supplements and Lunasin-Enriched Soy Extract

Lunasin has demonstrated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties. The objectives were to evaluate the concentration of lunasin in different lunasin-based commercial dietary supplements, to produce a lunasin-enriched soy extract (LESE) using a two-step pilot-plant-based ultrafiltration process, and to evaluate their biological potential in vitro. LESE was produced using 30 and 1 kDa membranes in a custom-made ultrafiltration skid. Lunasin was quantified in eight products and LESE. Lunasin concentrations of the lunasin-based products ranged from 9.2 ± 0.6 to 25.7 ± 1.1 mg lunasin/g protein. The LESE extract contained 58.2 mg lunasin/g protein, up to 6.3-fold higher lunasin enrichment than lunasin-based dietary supplements. Antioxidant capacity ranged from 121.5 mmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g in Now® Kids to 354.4 mmol TE/g in LESE. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibition ranged from 5.3% on Soy Sentials® to 38.3% on synthetic lunasin. ORAC and lunasin concentrations were positively correlated, and HAT and lunasin concentrations were negatively correlated (p < 0.05). Melanoma B16-F10 and A375 cells treated with lunasin showed dose-dependent inhibitory potential (IC50 equivalent to 330 and 370 μM lunasin, respectively). Lunasin showed protein kinase B expression (57 ± 14%) compared to the control (100%) in B16-F10. Lunasin concentration found in commercial products and lunasin-enriched soy extract could exert benefits to consumers.

Myrcia eriopus DC. (Myrtaceae) fruits, a new endemic Brazilian source of bioactive anthocyanins

Myrcia eriopus DC. (Myrtaceae) is a native and endemic Brazilian species, and there is no information about its chemical composition. In our study, five different anthocyanins and two other phenolic compounds were described for the first time in M. eriopus fruits. Delphinidin 3-O-glucoside (1), cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (2), petunidin 3-O-glucoside (3), peonidin 3-O-glucoside (4), malvidin 3-O-glucoside (5), gallic acid (6) and myricetin (7) were identified by offline system RP-HPLC-DAD/ESI-QTOF-MS and compared to the scientific literature. Furthermore, the lyophilized powder of M. eriopus fruits showed a high anthocyanin content (1878.14 mg cy-3-glu eqv/100 g f.w.), with greater levels of compounds 1 and 3, and an antioxidant potential in DPPH and ABTS assays (EC₅₀ 2419 μg/mL and 339 μmol Trolox/g f.w.), results superior to other non-conventional Brazilian fruits. This first report about the chemical composition of M. eriopus fruit reveals the potential of this fruit as a new source of bioactive anthocyanins.

Extraction of Carotenoids from Pumpkin Peel and Pulp: Comparison between Innovative Green Extraction Technologies (Ultrasonic and Microwave-Assisted Extractions Using Corn Oil)

Natural pigments improve aesthetic value as well as antioxidant potential of a food product. This study was designed to determine the effects of green extraction techniques on carotenoids, polyphenols and antioxidant activities of pulp and peel of two varieties of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima). Innovative green extractions (IGE; Ultrasound and Microwave-Assisted Extractions) synergised with corn oil (used as green solvent) were compared with conventional extraction (CE; hexane/isopropyl alcohol; 60:40, v/v). Results showed total carotenoids to be almost double on employing IGE (PM2-UAE-peel = 38.03 ± 4.21; PM4-UAE-peel = 33.78 ± 1.76 µg/g) when compared to conventional extraction (PM2-CE-peel = 19.21 ± 4.39; PM4-CE-peel = 16.21 ± 2.52 µg/g). Polyphenolic contents ranged between 510.69 ± 5.50 and 588.68 ± 7.26 mg GAE/100 g of extract in IGE, compared with conventional extracts (269.50 ± 2.17 to 318.46 ± 6.60 mg GAE/100 g) and percent inhibition of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) ranging between 88.32 ± 1.51 and 93.53 ± 0.30% in IGE when compared with conventional extraction (50.61 ± 1.44 to 57.79 ± 2.09%). Further, oxidative stability of carotenoids extracts from IGE (protection factor = 1.59 ± 0.01 to 1.81 ± 0.05) were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than conventional extracts. Based on results, this study supports the use of innovative green extraction techniques to obtain bioactive pigments like carotenoids. It is anticipated that results generated will find potential applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Effect of cereal products supplementation with american blueberries, cranberries and cinnamon on the formation of type A and B trichothecenes group

INTRODUCTION

Mycotoxins - secondary mould metabolites with undesirable effects for humans - are common in the environment. These toxins are mainly produced by fungi of the genera Penicilium, Aspergillus and Fusarium.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of various sources of antioxidants (blueberries lyophilisate, cranberries lyophilisate and cinnamon powder), at 5 different concentrations (3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%), to inhibit the formation of mycotoxins during the storage of cereal products. Analysed cereal samples included selected cereal grains, bran and cereal products intended for consumption by children.

RESULTS

The results showed that supplementation of oat brans with the highest concentrations of blueberry lyophilisate resulted in a significant decrease in the mycotoxins levels; specifically: 20% concentration reduced the level of HT-2 toxin by 10.7% in one sample, while 30% concentration reduced it by 9.4% and 17.4% in 2 other samples. A similar result was measured for oat bran samples supplemented with the cranberry lyophilisate: specifically, 20% concentration significantly reduced the level of HT-2 toxin by 10.6% in one sample, while 30% concentration reduced it by an average of 18.0% ± 6,0% in 5 other samples. Finally, cinnamon powder supplementation caused a significant reduction in HT-2 levels in all stored samples, even at its lowest concentration. 30% supplementation resulted in HT-2 reduction in cereal samples by 67.1% - 76.1%, in wheat bran samples by 57.5% - 69.2%, in oat bran samples by 83.4% - 87.0% and by 55.0% - 100% in samples of cereal products intended for consumption by children.

CONCLUSIONS

Natural products used in the experiment (blueberry, cranberry, cinnamon) inhibited the formation of mycotoxins from the group of trichothecenes.

ROS Modulating Effects of Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Polyphenols on Obese Adipocyte Hypertrophy and Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction

Oxidative stress and dysregulated adipocytokine secretion accompanying hypertrophied adipose tissue induce chronic inflammation, which leads to vascular endothelial dysfunction. The present study investigated the ability of anthocyanin (ACN) and non-anthocyanin polyphenol (PP) fractions from lingonberry fruit to mitigate adipose tissue hypertrophy and endothelial dysfunction using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This study showed that the PP fraction decreased intracellular ROS generation in hypertrophied adipocytes by enhancing antioxidant enzyme expression (SOD2) and inhibiting oxidant enzyme expression (NOX4, iNOS). Moreover, PP and ACN fractions reduced triglyceride content in adipocytes accompanied by downregulation of the expression of lipogenic genes such as aP2, FAS, and DAGT1. Treatment with both fractions modulated the mRNA expression and protein secretion of key adipokines in hypertrophied adipocytes. Expression and secretion of leptin and adiponectin were, respectively, down- and upregulated. Furthermore, PP and ACN fractions alleviated the inflammatory response in TNF-α-induced HUVECs by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-1β) and adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, SELE). The obtained results suggest that consuming polyphenol-rich lingonberry fruit may help prevent and treat obesity and endothelial dysfunction due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Therapeutic perspective of thymoquinone: A mechanistic treatise

The higher utilization of fruits and vegetables is well known to cure human maladies due to the presence of bioactive components. Among these compounds, thymoquinone, a monoterpene and significant constituent in the essential oil of Nigella sativa L., has attained attention by the researchers due to their pharmacologies perspectives such as prevention from cancer, antidiabetic and antiobesity, prevention from oxidative stress and cardioprotective disorder. Thymoquinone has been found to work as anticancer agent against different human and animal cancer stages including propagation, migration, and invasion. Thymoquinone as phytochemical also downregulated the Rac1 expression, mediated the miR-34a upregulation, and increased the levels of miR-34a through p53, as well as also regulated the pro- and antiapoptotic genes and decreased the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IKKα/β. In addition, thymoquinone also lowered the metastasis and ERK1/2 and PI3K activities. The present review article has been piled by adapting narrative review method and highlights the diverse aspects of thymoquinone such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging through various pathways, and further utilization of this compound in diet has been proven effective against different types of cancers.

A Novel Digestive α-Amylase from Blue Crab (Portunus segnis) Viscera: Purification, Biochemical Characterization and Application for the Improvement of Antioxidant Potential of Oat Flour

This study reports on the purification and characterization of a digestive α-amylase from blue crab (Portunussegnis) viscera designated Blue Crab Amylase (BCA). The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by ultrafiltration, Sephadex G-100 gel filtration and Sepharose mono Q anion exchange chromatography, with the final purification fold of 424.02, specific activity of 1390.8 U mg⁻¹ and 27.8% recovery. BCA, showing a molecular weight of approximately 45 kDa, possesses desirable biotechnological features, such as optimal temperature of 50 °C, interesting thermal stability which is enhanced in the presence of starch, high stability towards surfactants (Tween 20, Tween 80 and Triton X-100), high specific activity, quite high storage and broad pH range stability. The enzyme displayed Km and Vmax values, of 7.5 ± 0.25 mg mL⁻¹ and 2000 ± 23 μmol min⁻¹ mg⁻¹ for potato starch, respectively. It hydrolyzed various carbohydrates and produced maltose, maltotriose and maltotetraose as the major end products of starch hydrolysis. In addition, the purified enzyme was successfully utilized for the improvement of the antioxidant potential of oat flour, which could be extended to other cereals. Interestingly, besides its suitability for application in different industrial sectors, especially food industries, the biochemical properties of BCA from the blue crab viscera provide novel features with other marine-derived enzymes and better understanding of the biodegradability of carbohydrates in marine environments, particularly in invasive alien crustaceans.

Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, and DNA-Protective Potential of 2,3-Substituted Quinazolinones: Structure-Activity Relationship Study

The evaluation of antioxidant compounds that counteract the mutagenic effects caused by the direct action of reactive oxygen species on DNA molecule is of considerable interest. Therefore, a series of 2,3-substituted quinazolinone derivatives (Q1-Q8) were investigated by different assays, and the relationship between their biological properties and chemical structure was examined. Genotoxicity and the potential DNA-protective effects of Q1-Q8 were evaluated by comet assay and DNA topology assay. Antioxidant activity was examined by DPPH-radical-scavenging, reducing-power, and total antioxidant status (TAS) assays. The cytotoxic effect of compounds was assessed in human renal epithelial cells (TH-1) and renal carcinoma cells (Caki-1) by MTT assay. Analysis of the structure-activity relationship disclosed significant differences in the activity depending on the substitution pattern. Derivatives Q5-Q8, bearing electron-donating moieties, were the most potent members of this series. Compounds were not genotoxic and considerably decreased the levels of DNA lesions induced by oxidants (H2O2, Fe2+ ions). Furthermore, compounds exhibited higher cytotoxicity in Caki-1 compared to that in TH-1 cells. Substantial antioxidant effect and DNA-protectivity along with the absence of genotoxicity suggested that the studied quinazolinones might represent potential model structures for the development of pharmacologically active agents.

Technofunctional quality assessment of soymilk fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei

The current research work was carried out to evaluate the effect of three different varieties (NARC-II, Williams 82, Ajmeri) of soybean along with single and coculture impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei on fermented soymilk. The periodically microbial and antioxidative activities of fermented soymilk were analyzed during the storage of 24 days. Moreover, the effect of fermentation on rheological and structural changes was examined along with isoflavone contents in fermented soymilk. Viability of cells and antioxidative activities were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fermented soymilk using mixed cultures. The rheological attributes demonstrated higher viscosity in coculture fermented soymilk. Scanning electron microscopic examination indicated that the growth characteristic of L. casei has a relatively more uniform texture and smaller pore size in comparison to L. acidophilus. Nevertheless, the combination of cultures exhibited precise pore formation with stronger cross-links of soybean protein throughout the structure. Assessment of isoflavones exhibited higher values, for daidzein (20.87 ppm) in comparison to genistein (6.57 ppm), in Ajmeri-based coculture soymilk. Conclusively, L. casei and L. acidophilous exhibited considerable antioxidant potential in the development of viscous, less porous, and rich in bioactive metabolites fermented soymilk, when used in combination and among varieties Ajmeri results it was the top of all. This suggests that the process evidence in this study could be recommended for high-quality soymilk production.

Protective Potential of Ginkgo biloba Against an ADHD-like Condition

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder commonly found in children, which is recognized by hyperactivity and aggressive behavior. It is known that the pathophysiology of ADHD is associated with neurobiological dysfunction. Although psychostimulants are recognized as the therapeutic drugs of choice for ADHD patients, the side effects might be of great concern. Ginkgo biloba is a promising herbal, complementary supplement that may modulate the neuronal system in an ADHD-like condition. The beneficial effect of Ginkgo biloba on ADHD-like symptoms may be related to the modulation of the system by novel molecular mechanisms. Ginkgo biloba is known to modulate dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine signaling. Flavonoid glycosides and terpene trilactones are the two major phytochemical components present in the Ginkgo biloba preparations, which can exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. The pharmacological mechanisms of the phytochemical components may also contribute to the neuroprotective activity of Ginkgo biloba. In this review, we have summarized recent findings on the potential of various Ginkgo biloba preparations to treat ADHD-like symptoms. In addition, we have discussed the pharmacological mechanisms mediated by Ginkgo biloba against an ADHD-like condition.

Antioxidant properties of novel curcumin analogues: A combined experimental and computational study

The multi-target activity of curcumin makes it a promising pharmacological lead for structural modifications focused on the preparation of new better therapeutics with improved bioavailability. A possible modification is to "decompose" the parent curcumin structure into constituent units and to build up curcumin analogues with biphenyl structural moiety. The antioxidant properties of the so-called "monomers" (m1-m3) and "dimers" (d1-d3) are studied experimentally and computationally. Their protective effects as chain-breaking antioxidants are investigated for the individual compounds and in binary/ternary compositions with α-tocopherol (TOH) and ascorbyl palmitate (AscPH). All monomers manifest significant synergism up to 70% in mixtures with TOH. Synergistic effects are found for the ternary compositions of monomeric analogues upon addition to the binary mixture of standard antioxidants (TOH + AscPH). Dimers with biphenyl skeleton manifest a lower potential in compositions under lipid oxidation conditions. DFT computations provide a detailed insight into the structure and antiradical properties of the curcumin analogues and standard antioxidants. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bioactive compounds in the diet play a crucial role in the prevention of numerous diseases in whose pathogenesis oxidative stress is well known to be involved. Therefore, enhancement of the antioxidant status of the biological target is often helpful. Two of the monomers studied are considered leading agents in the treatment or prophylaxis of smooth muscle disorders and are useful in the maintenance of the normal gut function- as a calmative for the gut and to ease upset stomach. We hypothesized that the presence of a biphenyl scaffold in the parent molecular structure can enhance the biological activity. Equimolar mixtures of TOH with studied compounds have potential application in food chemistry and medicine. A composition comprising the active agent and additional components (strong conventional antioxidants) may be administered in foodstuffs, as a food supplement, beverage supplement, or as a pharmaceutical composition.

Fermentation with Edible Rhizopus Strains to Enhance the Bioactive Potential of Hull-Less Pumpkin Oil Cake

Solid-state fermentation with food-grade fungal strains can be applied to enhance the bioactive parameters of agro-industrial by-products. Tempe-type fermentation can be adapted to various substrates, but the key factor is the appropriate strain selection. The aim of this study was to compare the potential of Rhizopus strains for obtaining products of improved antioxidant activity from pumpkin oil cake. For this purpose, substances reacting with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, with free radical scavenging potential, as well as reducing power were assessed. The effect of the fermentation on the phytate level and inositol phosphate profile in the material was also monitored. The fermentation resulted in the significant enhancement of the antioxidant potential of pumpkin oil cake in the case of all the strains tested, but the most efficient one was R. oligosporus ATCC 64063. During the course of fermentation, the level of phytate in the material decreased (the highest reduction rate was observed in the oil cake fermented with R. oryzae CBS 372.63), while peptides and fungal glucosamine were accumulated. Tempe-type fermentation can be considered as an alternative way of improving the bioactive parameters of pumpkin oil cake and, thanks to the various activities of different Rhizopus strains, it is possible to obtain products of desired parameters.

Effects of Ozone Treatment on Microbial Status and the Contents of Selected Bioactive Compounds in Origanum majorana L. Plants

This study presents the effects of ozone treatment on microbial status and contents of selected bioactive compounds in marjoram plants. Origanum majorana L. is a widely used plant which in the course of production is affected by microbial infections. One of the ways to reduce microbial load involves application of a strong oxidant, such as ozone. In order to determine the effects of ozonation, a number of analyses were carried out including microbiological tests (aerobic colony count, yeast and mould count, and mesophilic lactic acid bacteria count) and chemical tests assessing total antioxidant potential, total polyphenols, and volatile fraction composition. Ultimately, the findings showed considerable (6-log) reduction in microbial load, with unchanged composition of headspace volatile compounds. Furthermore, the raw material obtained presented elevated the contents of the selected bioactive compounds. It was shown that the most beneficial effects are achieved when ozone treatment is applied at a rate of 1 ppm for a duration of 10 min.

Antidiabetic potential evaluation of aqueous extract of waste Syzygium cumini seed kernel's by in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition

Syzygium cumini, owing to higher bioactive constituents, its parts principally kernels are used for the antidiabetic purpose since the olden days. The current manuscript illustrated batch extraction of phenolic compounds from S. cumini using a stirred extractor. The yields 0.61 mg/g, 35.9 mg/g, 79.89 mg GAE/g, and 7.29 mg CE/g of catechin, gallic acid, TPC and TFC, respectively, were obtained in 105 min. at 1:20 SCKP to water, 50 ± 2 °C temperature, 4 pH, at 250 rpm and 106 µm particle size of SCKP. In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the obtained aqueous extract was carried out by DPPH, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays. The IC₅₀ values of SCKP aqueous extract obtained were 12.97, 9.03, and 7.13 µg/mL for DPPH scavenging, inhibition of α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, respectively. The cost required to extract 1 kg of catechin, gallic acid, TPC, and TFC was Rs 6691.6, 113.7, 51.1, and 559.93/-, respectively. Stirred batch extraction technique manifests traditional but simple, ecofriendly, and efficient compared to other traditional techniques. The output of this research bestows support to utilize the SCKP stirred batch extract as a promising source of antioxidant and antidiabetic compounds in ayurvedic formulations.

Phytochemical and Biological Activity Studies on Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) Microshoot Cultures Grown in RITA® Temporary Immersion Systems

The main compounds in both extracts were gluconasturtiin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and rutoside, the amounts of which were, respectively, determined as 182.93, 58.86 and 23.24 mg/100 g dry weight (DW) in biomass extracts and 640.94, 23.47 and 7.20 mg/100 g DW in plant herb extracts. The antioxidant potential of all the studied extracts evaluated using CUPRAC (CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Activity), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma), and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays was comparable. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was tested based on the inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phospholipase A₂. The results demonstrate significantly higher inhibition of COX-2 for in vitro cultured biomass compared with the herb extracts (75.4 and 41.1%, respectively). Moreover, all the studied extracts showed almost similar antibacterial and antifungal potential. Based on these findings, and due to the fact that the growth of in vitro microshoots is independent of environmental conditions and unaffected by environmental pollution, we propose that biomass that can be rapidly grown in RITA^® bioreactors can serve as an alternative source of bioactive compounds with valuable biological properties.

Antioxidative Characteristics of Chicken Breast Meat and Blood after Diet Supplementation with Carnosine, L-histidine, and β-alanine

The objective of the study was to test the effect of diets supplemented with β-alanine, L-histidine, and carnosine on the histidine dipeptide content and the antioxidative status of chicken breast muscles and blood. One-day-old Hubbard Flex male chickens were assigned to five treatments: control diet (C) and control diet supplemented with 0.18% L-histidine (ExpH), 0.3% β-alanine (ExpA), a mix of L-histidine\β-alanine (ExpH+A), and 0.27% carnosine (ExpCar). After 28 days, chicken breast muscles and blood samples were analyzed for the antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD)), carnosine and anserine content, amino acid profile, and anti-radical activity (ABTS, DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)). The results of the study showed that carnosine supplementation effectively increased body weight and breast muscle share in chicken carcasses. Carnosine and L-histidine supplementation with or without β-alanine increased carnosine content in chicken breast muscles up to 20% (p = 0.003), but the boost seems to be too low to affect the potential antioxidant capacity and amino acid content. The β-alanine-enriched diet lowered dipeptide concentration in chicken blood serum (p = 0.002) and activated catalase in chicken breast muscles in relation to the control group (p = 0.003). It can be concluded that histidine or dipeptide supplementation of chicken diets differently affected the total antioxidant potential: in breast muscles, it increased dipeptide content, while in blood cell sediment (rich in erythrocytes), increased SOD and GPx activities were observed.

Polysaccharide from Lycium arabicum: Structural Features, in Vitro Antioxidant Activities and Protective Effect against Oxidative Damage in Human Erythrocytes

In this research work, a water-soluble polysaccharide (LAP) isolated from the fruits of Lycium arabicum was investigated. LAP contains carbohydrates (82.45±1.23 %), protein (1.56±0.21 %), and uronic acids (3.56±0.34 %). The analysis of the monosaccharide composition revealed the presence of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose and mannose in a molar ratio of 4.7 : 1.5 : 1 : 8.7 : 16.4 : 5.6. The extracted polysaccharide (PS) was considered as heterogeneous and highly branched by interpreting its GC/MS, FT-IR and NMR data. Crystallinity of LAP was inferred from its X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. LAP exhibited an interesting stability at high temperatures (∼254 °C) and in a wide range of pH (3-9) deduced, respectively, from its DSC and zeta potential analysis. LAP displayed a strong antioxidant activity at low concentrations evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical scavenging, ferric reducing activity power (FRAP), free radical scavenging ability, superoxide radical-scavenging and hydroxyl radical-scavenging abilities. Inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis and lipid peroxidation was also assessed. In 5 h, LAP treatment allowed the protection of the damaged erythrocytes caused by AAPH (2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride), to reduce the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as to increase the reduced glutathione (GSH) level.

Fragaria viridis Fruit Metabolites: Variation of LC-MS Profile and Antioxidant Potential during Ripening and Storage

Fragaria viridis Weston or creamy strawberry is one of the less-known species of the Fragaria genus (Rosaceae family) with a wide distribution in Eurasia and is still in the shadow of more popular relatives F. ananassa (garden strawberry) or F. vesca (wild strawberry). Importantly, there is a lack of scientific knowledge on F. viridis compounds, their stability in the postharvest period, and bioactivity. In this study, metabolites of F. viridis fruits in three ripening stages were characterized with high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-PAD-ESI-tQ-MS). In total, 95 compounds of various groups including carbohydrates, organic acids, phenolics, and triterpenes, were identified for the first time. The quantitative content of the compounds varied differently during the ripening progress; some of them increased (anthocyanins, organic acids, and carbohydrates), while others demonstrated a decrease (ellagitannins, flavonols, etc.). The most abundant secondary metabolites of F. viridis fruits were ellagitannins (5.97–7.54 mg/g of fresh weight), with agrimoniin (1.41–2.63 mg/g) and lambertianin C (1.20–1.86 mg/g) as major components. Antioxidant properties estimated by in vitro assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation radical (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)) showed good antioxidant potential in all ripening stages of F. viridis fruits. The pilot human experiment on the effect of F. viridis fruit consumption on the serum total antioxidant capacity confirmed the effectiveness of this kind of strawberry. Postharvest storage of ripe fruits at 4 °C and 20 °C lead to declining content in the majority of compounds particularly ascorbic acid, ellagitannins, and flavonols, with the most significant loss at room temperature storage. These results suggest that F. viridis fruits are a prospective source of numerous metabolites that have potential health benefits.

Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Properties of Cyanobacteria: Potential for Biotechnological Applications

Antioxidant compounds from cyanobacteria may constitute a natural alternative to current synthetic antioxidants, which contain preservatives and suspected toxicity. In this work, we evaluate the antioxidant potential of cyanobacterial strains of distinct species/genus isolated from freshwater (n = 6), soil (n = 1) and wastewater (n = 1) environments. Lyophilized biomass obtained from in-vitro cultures of those strains was extracted with ethanol and methanol. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by chemical (DPPH scavenging method, β-carotene bleaching assay, determination of total phenolic and total flavonoid compounds) and biological (H₂O₂-exposed HEK293T cell line model) approach. Some strains showed high yields of antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay (up to 10.7% IP/20.7 TE μg/mL) and by the β-carotene bleaching assay (up to 828.94 AAC), as well as significant content in phenolic (123.16 mg EAG/g DW) and flavonoid (900.60 mg EQR/g DW) compounds. Normalization of data in a “per cell” or “per cell volume” base might facilitate the comparison between strains. Additionally, most of the cyanobacterial extracts conferred some degree of protection to HEK293T cells against the H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. Freshwater Aphanizomenon gracile (LMECYA 009) and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (LMECYA 088), terrestrial Nostoc (LMECYA 291) and wastewater Planktothrix mougeotii (LEGE 06224) seem to be promising strains for further investigation on cyanobacteria antioxidant potential.

Pu-erh Tea Extract Treatment Could Be an Efficient Way to Enhance the Yield and Nutritional Value of Soybean Sprout

Soybean sprouts are one of the most inexpensive and nutritious food items that can be easily grown year-round. Several studies have been conducted to increase their yield and nutritional values. This study was carried out to examine the effects of Pu-erh tea extracts on the production and nutrients content of soybean sprouts. Soybean seeds were soaked in 1%, 2%, or 3% (w/v) tea extracts, or tap water, before keeping for sprout cultivation; the sprout samples were named PE-1, PE-2, PE-3, and the control, respectively. The sprout yields were increased by up to 17% in PE-2 and PE-3 than in the control. The vitamin C, total free amino acid, total mineral, total isoflavone, total polyphenol, and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant potentials of the tea extract-treated sprouts were higher than those of the control. The results indicated that pre-soaking soybean seeds in 2% Pu-erh tea extracts could offer an easy, inexpensive, and efficient way to improve the yield and nutritional value of soybean sprouts.