Effects of gamma radiation on chemical and antioxidant properties, anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity and hepatotoxicity of borututu

Effects of electron beam irradiation on microbial load, physicochemical properties, sensory quality, stability of active components, and antioxidant activity of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC

Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. (PG) is an edible and medicinal plant. This study aimed to investigate the potential of electron beam (EB) irradiation for preserving PG. EB irradiation at doses of 2-8 kGy were applied to PG, and the effects on microbial content, sensory qualities, chemical qualities, and EB penetration were examined. Results showed that irradiation with 6 kGy effectively maintained the microbiological quality of PG when packing thickness was ≤6.3 cm during a 360-day storage period. The physicochemical properties, color, active ingredient contents, and antioxidant capacities of PG remained unaffected. However, total flavonoid and platycodin D (PD) content exhibited a non-dose-dependent alteration. The use of electronic nose analysis successfully differentiated the odor of EB irradiated PG samples from non-irradiated ones. Fingerprint analysis also indicated no significant impact of EB irradiation on PG quality. These findings suggest that EB treatment could be a valuable approach for extending the shelf life of PG.

Effects of gamma radiation on cork wastewater: Antioxidant activity and toxicity

A comprehensive assessment of the toxicity and antioxidant activity of cork boiling wastewater and the effects of gamma radiation on these parameters was performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using different methodologies as DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. The results have shown that gamma radiation can induce an increase on the antioxidant activity of cork boiling wastewater. Toxicity tests were performed to access the potential added value of the irradiated wastewaters and/or minimization of the impact for discharge in the environment. Two different methods for toxicity evaluation were followed, bacterial growth inhibition test and cytotoxicity assay, in order to predict the behavior of different cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) in the presence of cork wastewater. Non-treated cork boiling wastewater seemed to be non-toxic for prokaryotic cells (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis) but toxic for eukaryotic cells (A549 human cells and RAW264.7 mouse cells). The gamma radiation treatment at doses of 100 kGy appeared to increase the toxicity of cork compounds for all tested cells, which could be related to a toxic effect of radiolytic products of cork compounds in the wastewaters.

Quality Control of Gamma Irradiated Dwarf Mallow (Malva neglecta Wallr.) Based on Color, Organic Acids, Total Phenolics and Antioxidant Parameters

This study addresses the effects of gamma irradiation (1, 5 and 8 kGy) on color, organic acids, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of dwarf mallow (Malva neglecta Wallr.). Organic acids were analyzed by ultra fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) coupled to a photodiode array (PDA) detector. Total phenolics and flavonoids were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was evaluated based on the DPPH(•) scavenging activity, reducing power, β-carotene bleaching inhibition and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation inhibition. Analyses were performed in the non-irradiated and irradiated plant material, as well as in decoctions obtained from the same samples. The total amounts of organic acids and phenolics recorded in decocted extracts were always higher than those found in the plant material or hydromethanolic extracts, respectively. The DPPH(•) scavenging activity and reducing power were also higher in decocted extracts. The assayed irradiation doses affected differently the organic acids profile. The levels of total phenolics and flavonoids were lower in the hydromethanolic extracts prepared from samples irradiated at 1 kGy (dose that induced color changes) and in decocted extracts prepared from those irradiated at 8 kGy. The last samples also showed a lower antioxidant activity. In turn, irradiation at 5 kGy favored the amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the effects of irradiation in indicators of dwarf mallow quality, and highlighted the decoctions for its antioxidant properties.

Combined effects of gamma-irradiation and preparation method on antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of Tuberaria lignosa

The preparation method had a higher influence on bioactive properties than the processing treatment, with decoctions being preferable over infusions, as indicated by the higher antioxidant activity and levels of phenolic compounds.