Scavenging capacities of pollen extracts from cistus ladaniferus on autoxidation, superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and DPPH radicals

Response of Salvia officinalis to zinc and silicon nanoparticles and pollen extract as alternates to traditional fertilizers

Salvia officinalis is used in a variety of medicinal and aromatic products. The effects of various treatments on sage (Salvia officinalis) plants were investigated in an open-field experiment conducted between 2021 and 2022. During the experiment, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were used at concentrations of 1.0 and 1.5 g/L, SiO2 NPs were used at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 g/L, and date palm pollen extracts (DPE) were used at concentrations of 15 and 25 g/L, in combination with NPK fertilizers at 75%, 50%, and 25%, respectively, with a control group of 100% NPK fertilizer. A treatment consisting of 75% NPK, 15 g/L DPE, 1.0 g/L ZnO NPs, and 0.1 g/L SiO2 NPs significantly improved vegetative traits and essential oil yield. Compared to the control in the growing seasons of 2021 and 2022, this treatment resulted in increases in plant height, chlorophyll index, fresh and dry weights, and essential oil yield (EOY) per plant of 23.40% and 28.30%, 27.56% and 26.54%, 42.17% and 42.95%, 64.10% and 62.79%, and 93.38% and 91.08%, respectively. Combinations of 25% NPK + 25 g/L DPE + 1.5 g/L ZnO nanoparticles + 0.2 g/L SiO2 NPs and 75% NPK + 0.1 g/L SiO2 NPs produced the highest essential oil percentage (EO%). During the experimental seasons, these treatments increased EO% by 15.45% and 26.25%. In total, 58 substances were identified across the different treatments in the essential oil composition analysis. There were 11 compounds in the 25% NPK, 25 g/L DPE, 1.5 g/L ZnO NPs, and 0.2 g/L SiO2 NPs treatments, and 32 in the 50% NPK, 25 g/L DPE, and 0.2 g/L SiO2 NPs treatments. Oxygenated hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes, and monoterpenes varied by application. Thujone, camphor, manool, and ledol were the major constituents of the EO. Leaf chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic compounds were significantly influenced by the treatments. In combination with DPE, ZnO and SiO2 NPs reduced the need for higher amounts of mineral NPK fertilizers. These agents can therefore be useful for advancing sustainable agricultural practices in novel and advantageous ways.

Application of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs and Date Pollen Extract as Partial Substitutes to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizers for Sweet Basil Production

The reduction in mineral fertilizer usage is crucial to the production of medicinal and aromatic products for safety and health purposes. Presently, nanotechnology and the utilization of natural extracts have been extensively studied due to their significant contribution. Ocimum basilicum is commonly employed for various medicinal and aromatic applications. Therefore, randomized complete block design field experiments containing 10 treatments were conducted during the 2021 and 2022 seasons to investigate the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) of ZnO (1.5 and 2.0 g/L) and SiO2 (100 and 150 mg/L) and date palm pollen extract (DPPE) at 10 and 20 g/L either alone or in combination with the ¾ or ½ NPK recommended dose (RD). The NPK RD was served as a control treatment on basil plant production in each season. The effectiveness of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs, and DPPE for the decrease in NPK utilization was evaluated. Meanwhile, the most effective treatment for vegetative traits (except for plant height), essential oil %, and yield was ½ NPK RD + 20 g/L DPPE + 2.0 g/L ZnO NPs. Such a treatment increased the branch number/plant, main stem diameter, relevant chlorophyll content, fresh weight/plant, dry weight/plant, essential oil %, and essential oil yield/plant by 21.00 and 9.94%, 58.70 and 40.00%, 20.69 and 15.83%, 68.83 and 58.28%, 48.70 and 56.16%, 45.71 and 35.53%, and 113.22 and 110.32% over the control in the two seasons, respectively. For total phenol and antioxidant activity, the most effective treatments were the ¾ NPK +1.5 g/L ZnO NPs and ½ NPK +2.0 g/L ZnO NPs, respectively. Simultaneously, essential oil composition (with their compound numbers identified (11-29 for control and ¾ NPK RD + 1.5 g/L ZnO NPs)) and the percentage of total compounds, monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated hydrocarbons were varied among the used applications. The major observed compounds (>8%) estragole, methyl eugenol, linalool, cineole, and caryophyllene were found in different treatments. Thus, the findings of this study indicate the favorable utilization of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs, and DPPE in reducing the application of NPK, which may present a novel strategy and beneficial approach.

In vitro antioxidant activity evaluation of pine nut peptides (Pinus koraiensis) fermented by Bacillus subtilis LS-45

In this study, we utilized the remarkable capabilities of Bacillus subtilis ls-45 during the fermentation process to generate pine nut peptide. Through gene sequencing, we confirmed the proficiency of Bacillus subtilis ls-45 in producing protease, thereby serving as a valuable enzymatic source for protein hydrolysis. Our investigation focused on examining the variations in amino acid types and quantities between enzymatic pine nut protein peptide (EPP) and fermented pine nut protein polypeptide (FPP). Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the in vitro antioxidant activities of EPP and FPP, encompassing measurements of their Hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, Total reducing capacity, Superoxide anion scavenging rate, and ABTS+ radical scavenging rate. Notably, FPP exhibited superior antioxidant capacity compared to EPP. By employing semi-inhibitory mass concentration (IC50) analysis, we determined that FPP displayed enhanced efficacy in neutralizing hazardous free radicals when compared to EPP.

Extraction, Isolation of Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Potential of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a herbaceous annual plant of the Cruciferous family, the Cabbage genus. This oilseed crop is widely used in many areas of industry and agriculture. High-quality oil obtained from rapeseed can be found in many industrial food products. To date, extracts with a high content of biologically active substances are obtained from rapeseed using modern extraction methods. Brassica napus L. seeds contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, vitamins, glucosinolates and microelements. The data in this review show that rapeseed biocompounds have therapeutic effects in the treatment of various types of diseases. Some studies indicate that rapeseed can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic and anticancer agent. In the pharmaceutical industry, using rapeseed as an active ingredient may help to develop new forms drugs with wide range of therapeutic effects. This review focuses on aspects of the extraction of biocompounds from rapeseed and the study of its pharmacological properties.

Intermolecular hydrogen bonds between catechin and theanine in tea: slow release of the antioxidant capacity by a synergetic effect

The health benefits of drinking tea stem from it being rich in polyphenols and other physiologically-active substances. Thus, exploring the synergistic effect between polyphenols and a variety of physiologically-active substances can contribute to our understanding of how tea benefits health. In this work, we have studied the interactions between catechin and theanine, exploring the synergetic antioxidant mechanism of the two molecules. Electrochemical characterization results showed that the oxidation peak current of catechin decreased gradually with the concentration of theanine, which is due to theanine spontaneously binding to catechin through intermolecular hydrogen bonds and forming molecular clusters via two hydrogen bonds. The binding constant is 4.75 at room temperature. The molecular clusters reduce the diffusion coefficient of catechin in solution, leading to the slow release of its antioxidant capacity (ability to effectively inhibit free radical oxidation reactions). Density functional theory calculations were also performed and verified the binding behavior. In identifying the synergistic effect between catechin and theanine on the antioxidant capacity of tea, this study adds to our understanding of the efficacy of tea polyphenols.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of bioactive prodigiosin produces from Serratia marcescens using agricultural waste as a substrate

The objective of this investigation was to explore the antioxidant and antimicrobial property of bioactive prodigiosin produced from Serratia marcescens using rice bran. The antioxidant potential of prodigiosin was examined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging method via UV-visible, electron spin resonance spectrum (ESR), cyclic voltammetry and excitation emission spectrum. The antimicrobial activity of prodigiosin was examined against foodborne pathogens. The shelf life extending capacity of prodigiosin was evaluated with meat extract powder (MEP) as a model food material. The DPPH and ABTS radicals were completely scavenged by prodigiosin at the concentration of 10 mg/L. The food spoilage was inhibited by the addition of prodigiosin with MEP and it was compared with conventional preservative. The prodigiosin has prohibited the growth of foodborne pathogens effectively and the shelf life of the food was also extended significantly. The antimicrobial edible preservative developed in this study inhibited the growth of the microbial populations that produced through storage of the MEP and free radical scavenging activity. The results reveal that the bioactive prodigiosin effectively scavenged the free radical and inhibited the bacterial growth in food stuff.

Note: Antioxidant Properties of Lees Produced during Sake Making Using Fugu Muscle and Fin

Enzymatic hydrolysates were prepared from lees produced during sake making using fugu muscle and fin. The antioxidant properties of these hydrolysates were measured using four different methods: autoxidation test, superoxide anion radical, DPPH radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging test. The yields of enzymatic hydrolysates were around 8.0% and their protein average content 0.66 mg/mg. The lees had remarkable antioxidant properties and high superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities in comparison with those of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. According to the former results, lees produced during sake making could be used as a protein source with antioxidant properties for different applications in food processing, and its use could contribute to reduce industrial wastes.

Effect of sonication on different quality parameters of Pinus massoniana pollen

A study was initiated with the objective of evaluating the effects of sonication treatment on important quality parameters of extract of Pinus massoniana pollen. Sonication of extract was done (frequency 20kHz and various amplitude levels) for 10, 30, 50min, respectively. As results, total polysaccharide, phenolics and flavonoids significantly increased (P<0.05). And sonicated P.massoniana pollen displays strong immuno-stimulating activity by increasing proliferations of splenic lymphocytes and subsets of CD4+ T cells (CD3+CD4+), CD8 T cells (CD3+CD8+), and increased Ig secretion. Sonicated P. massoniana pollen also showed anti-tumor function by inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, inhibition of ROS production, up-regulation of GSH/GSSG ration, up-regulating the gene expression of P53, Bax and down-regulating the gene expression of Bcl-2. Findings of the present study suggested the sonication treatment of P. massoniana pollen could improve the quality and bioactivity of P. massoniana pollen, indicating that sonication is effective in processing of pollen and could be a potential process in tumor prevention and treatment.

Protective Effects of the Fermented Laminaria japonica Extract on Oxidative Damage in LLC-PK1 Cells

This study investigated the protective effect of the butanol (BuOH) fraction from fermented Laminaria japonica extract (BFLJ) on AAPH-induced oxidative stress in porcine kidney epithelial cells (LLC-PK1 cells). L. japonica was fermented by Aspergillus oryzae at 35±1°C for 72 h. Freeze-dried fermented L. japonica was extracted with distilled water, and the extracted solution was mixed with ethanol and then centrifuged. The supernatant was subjected to sequential fractionation with various solvents. The BuOH fraction was used in this study because it possessed the strongest antioxidant activity among the various solvent fractions. The BuOH fraction of fermented L. japonica had a protective effect against the AAPH-induced LLC-PK1 cells damage and increased cell viability while reducing lipid peroxidation formation and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The inhibitory effect of BFLJ on lipid peroxidation formation had a higher value of 0.11±0.01 nmol MDA at 100 μg/mL concentration in comparison with intact BuOH fraction showing 0.22±0.08 nmol MDA at the same concentration. Furthermore, BFLJ treatment increased glutathione concentration. GSH concentration in the cell treated with BFLJ of 100 μg/mL was 1.80 pmol/L×10(5) cells. These results indicate that BFLJ protects the LLC-PK1 cells against AAPH-induced cell damage by inhibiting lipid peroxidation formation and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione concentration.

Biological activities and some physicochemical properties of sunflower honeys collected from the Thrace region of Turkey

Honey is a sweet food made by bees using nectar from flowers. Its quality depends on a number of factors, such as floral type, pH, moisture, free acidity, diastase activity, invert sugar and sucrose. The aim of the study is to examine the qualities of 50 sunflower honey (Helianthus annuus L.) collected from the Thrace region of Turkey, in terms of melissopalynological analysis, important chemical parameters and antioxidant activities . The total phenolic content of the honey samples was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method with spectrophotometry. The 1,2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method was used to determine anti-radical activity and the phosphomolybdenum method was utilized for antioxidant activity. Correlations between the analysed parameters were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results obtained for physicochemical characteristics of sunflower honey indicate a good quality level, adequate processing, good maturity and freshness and that the sunflower honey samples studied proved to be good source of natural dietary antioxidants. This is the first report of the total phenolic content, antioxidant and antiradical activities of sunflower honeys collected from the Thrace region of Turkey.

Organic bee pollen: botanical origin, nutritional value, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and microbiological quality

Organic bee pollen (BP, n = 22) harvested from the Douro International Natural Park (DINP, Portugal) was studied. Nine botanical families were found in the mixture of the samples. The water activity and pH ranged 0.21-0.37 and 4.3-5.2, respectively. The BP analyses averaged 67.7% carbohydrates, 21.8% crude protein, 5.2% crude fat and 2.9% ash. The energy ranged from 396.4 to 411.1 kcal/100 g. The principal fatty acid found was linolenic, followed by linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid. The phenolic and flavonoid contents varied from 12.9 to 19.8 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of extract and from 4.5 to 7.1 mg of catechin equivalents/g of extract, respectively. The scavenger activity and β-carotene bleaching assays values (EC₅₀) were 3.0 ± 0.7 mg/mL and 4.6 mg/mL ± 0.9 mg/mL, respectively. E. coli, sulphite-reducing Clostridia, Salmonella and S. aureus were not found. Since there are studies indicating appreciable differences among BPs from different regions, the full characterization of BP from diverse origins still appears to be a sound research priority in order to obtain reliable data about this beehive product.

High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to electrospray time-of-flight and ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry to identify phenolic compounds from a Cistus ladanifer aqueous extract

INTRODUCTION

Cistus ladanifer is an aromatic shrub that is widespread in the Mediterranean region. The labdanum exudate is used in the fragrance industry and has been characterised. However, there is not enough information about the phenolic content of the raw plant, the aerial part of it being a very rich source of bioactive compounds.

OBJECTIVE

Characterisation of the bioactive compounds of the raw plant and its aerial parts.

METHODOLOGY

High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric detection was used to carry out the comprehensive characterisation of a Cistus ladanifer shrub aqueous extract. Two different MS techniques were coupled to HPLC: time-of-flight mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Many well-known compounds present in Cistus ladanifer were characterised, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, ellagitanins, hexahydroxydiphenoyl and derivatives, and other compounds.

CONCLUSION

The method described simultaneously separated a wide range of phenolic compounds and the proposed characterisation of the major compounds of this extract was carried out. It is important to highlight that, to our knowledge, this is the first time that a Cistus ladanifer aqueous extract from the raw plant has been characterised.

Characterization and antitumor activity of pollen polysaccharide

The polysaccharide LBPP was extracted and isolated from the pollen of brassica napus L., and the antitumor activity was evaluated on Sarcoma 180-bearing mice and B16 melanoma-bearing mice through transplantable animal tumor. Mice were treated with three doses of the polysaccharide LBPP (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 10 days. Tumor weight, relative spleen and thymus weight, lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer cell activity, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), phagocytic function of monocyte, serum hemolysis antibody and peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice were studied. At the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, a significant decrease (P<0.01) in tumor formation, a significant increase (P<0.05) in relative spleen and thymus weight, natural killer cell activity, phagocytic function of monocyte, lymphocyte proliferation, and serum hemolysis antibody, and a significant improvement of peripheral blood abnormality (P<0.05) and anemia (P<0.01) were observed. Results of these studies demonstrated that the polysaccharide LBPP had anti-tumor activity, which was mediated by immunomodulation and leukogenic and antianemic actions.

Effects of Turkish pollen and propolis extracts on respiratory burst for K-562 cell lines

Bee-collected pollen and propolis are apicultural products which are composed of nutritionally valuable substances and contain considerable amounts of polyphenol substances which may act as potent antioxidants. We wanted to show if respiratory burst within a cancer cell lines could be influenced when incubated with pollen and propolis extracts or not. Pollen and propolis extracts at concentrations of 50, 25, 12.5 and 0 mg/ml were prepared by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). K-562 cell cultures and mononuclear cell (MNC) cultures prepared from a peripheral blood sample to serve as control cells were incubated with extracts for 24 h. Determination of respiratory burst was carried out by intracellular dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) test by using flow-cytometric fluorescence analysis. While about 90% and 66% fluorescence was detected at zero concentrations for both K-562 and MNC cultures, fluorescence positivity decreased (between 3.8% and 11.8%) as concentrations of both propolis and pollen extracts increased for K-562 cell culture, but unchanged (between 20% and 83%) for MNC culture. It was concluded that pollen and propolis extracts inhibit respiratory burst within cancer cell lines probably by their antioxidant potentials.

Platelet anti-aggregant property of some Moroccan medicinal plants

It is known that blood platelets may present some dysfunction linked to cardiovascular pathologies such as arterial hypertension. The aim of this work is to examine the in vitro anti-aggregant effect of five medicinal plants among which three were reported as antihypertensive in oriental Morocco: Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae), Urtica dioïca (Urticaceae), and Petroselinum crispum (Apiaceae). The two other plants were Cistus ladaniferus (Cistaceae) and Equisetum arvense (Equisetaceae). The results obtained showed that all extracts produced a dose-dependent inhibition of thrombin and ADP-induced aggregation. The calculated IC50 (half-maximal inhibition of thrombin and ADP-induced aggregation) was found to be identical in all plant extracts while Urtica dioïca had a higher IC50 value. The effect of plants could be related in part to the polyphenolic compounds present in their extracts suggesting their involvement in the treatment or prevention of platelet aggregation complications linked to cardiovascular diseases. Phytochemical separation must be carried out to identify the active principles responsible for the anti-aggregant effect and elucidate their mechanisms of action.