NMR analytical approach to clarify the molecular mechanisms of the antioxidative and radical-scavenging activities of antioxidants in tea using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl

Chemical Composition of Essential Oil and In Vitro Biological Activities of Dryopteris marginalis L

Introduction:

Dryopteris marginalis L. is a local plant in Bangladesh which is widely used as folk medicine.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, the chemical composition of essential oil of D. marginalis L. as well as the antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity and total phenolic content of various organic extracts were analyzed. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify the chemical compositions. The antibacterial activity of different extracts of Dryopteris marginalis was examined against three gram-negative bacteria and two gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial activity of different extracts was investigated using the disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration showing important antibacterial activity and was measured by using the broth dilution method.

Results:

The antioxidant activity was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and superoxide radical scavenging assay. The total phenolic portion of the extracts was ascertained by Folin-Ciocalteu in an alkaline medium. Twenty-two volatile compounds were identified from the essential oil. The methanol extract exhibited a significant inhibitory effect which was close to the value of standard antibiotic (Streptomycin). The zones of inhibition of different organic extracts against the tested bacteria were found in the range of (7-15) mm and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were recorded (15.62-1000) μg/ml. The antioxidant activity of D. marginalis was (82.13+1.2) % and (59.21+0.45) % highest activity with DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging assay, respectively.

Conclusion:

The methanol extract showed the highest (147.43+3.1) mg/g GAE of total phenolic content. The extracts and essential oil of D. marginalis showing strong antibacterial activity can be considered as a potential source of natural medicine and the ingredient of modern therapeutic agents.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, and NMR studies of 3-fluorinated derivatives of 3',4',5'-trihydroxyflavone and 3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone

Flavones are valuable scaffolds in medicinal chemistry, especially as they display activity as antioxidants and neuroprotective agents. The need to incorporate a fluorine atom on flavones has driven much of the recent synthetic work in this area. We now report a route for the production of 3-fluorinated derivatives of 3',4',5'-trihydroxyflavone and 3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone. Biological evaluation of these agents, along with their non-fluorinated counterparts, demonstrate that antioxidant activity may be enhanced whereas neuroprotective activity is conserved. Also, the 3-fluoro-3',4',5'-trihydroxyflavone can act as an NMR probe to detect structural changes during its action as a radical scavenger.

Analysis of Primary Metabolites in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) Varieties Correlated with Antioxidant Activity and Taste Attributes by Metabolic Profiling

Brassica vegetables, such as cabbage, have many health benefits arising from their antioxidant and anticancer properties. These properties are endowed by the metabolite composition of the plant, and it is therefore important to elucidate the metabolic profile and associated activities in this genus. This study objectively evaluated the characteristics of cabbage varieties using metabolic profiling to identify the primary metabolic components that correlate with antioxidant activity and taste attributes. GC-MS analysis was used to identify the primary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging assays, and an electronic tongue was used to quantitate nine taste attributes. Orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) using SIMCA 14 correlated the metabolite components with the taste and antioxidant characteristics. We identified 4-aminobutyric acid, fructose 1-phosphate, adipic acid, 5-oxoproline, N-acetylglycine, O-phosphoethanolamine, and homovanillic acid as important determinants of DPPH scavenging activity and umami, sourness, acidic bitterness, irritant and saltiness, bitterness, astringency, and richness, respectively. These metabolites represent markers indicating breed differences and contribute to differential cabbage functionality. These studies could be extended to measure additional metabolites, as well as to understand the role of growth conditions on the metabolic profile and health benefits of plants.

Spectroscopic characterization of thiol adducts formed in the reaction of 4-methylcatechol with DPPH in the presence of N-acetylcysteine

Nucleophiles such as thiol compounds have enhancing effects on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of polyphenols. Several authors have suggested that regeneration of the catechol structure from o-quinone plays a key role in enhanced radical scavenging activity. We therefore explored the reaction of 4-methyl catechol (MC) with DPPH in the presence of N-acetylcysteine (NACys) to clarify the mechanism underlying activity enhancement. Four types of NACys adducts were isolated and purified by preparative HPLC after the reactions reached equilibrium and their structures were characterized spectroscopically using UV-Vis absorption, NMR, and LC-MS. Oxidation of MC using a periodate resin and subsequent reaction with NACys were also studied. LC-MS analyses revealed that a mono-NACys adduct is produced as the major product in the reaction of MC quinone with NACys, and direct reduction by NACys occurs in reactions with NACys MC quinones.

A new sulfonylated flavonoid and other bioactive compounds isolated from the aerial parts of Cotula anthemoides L

A new sulfonyl flavonol glucoside, 5,7,4',5'-tetrahydoxyflavonol 2'-[propanoic acid-(2″'-acetoxy-1″'-sulfonyl)]-5'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) was isolated from the aerial parts of Cotula anthemoides L. in addition to 15 known compounds (2-16). The structure elucidation of these compounds was based on analyses of spectroscopic data including 1D-, 2D-NMR and HR-ESI-MS techniques and by comparing their NMR data with those reported in the literature. These compounds were evaluated for their DPPH radical scavenging and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Compound 6 showed a high DPPH radical scavenging with EC₅₀ value of 9.1 ± 0.4 μM. Compound 11, 9 and 1 exhibited a mild tyrosinase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 85 ± 0.8, 95 ± 1.5 and 100 ± 0.5 μM, respectively.

Effects of Functional Groups and Sugar Composition of Quercetin Derivatives on Their Radical Scavenging Properties

Quercetin derivatives are widespread in the plant kingdom and exhibit various biological actions. The aim of this study was to investigate the structure-activity relationships of quercetin derivatives, with a focus on the influence of functional groups and sugar composition on their antioxidant capacity. A series of quercetin derivatives were therefore prepared and assessed for their DPPH radical scavenging properties. Isoquercetin O-gallates were more potent radical scavengers than quercetin. The systematic analysis highlights the importance of the distribution of hydroxy substituents in isoquercetin O-gallates to their potency.

A ¹H NMR Investigation of the Interaction between Phenolic Acids Found in Mango (Manguifera indica cv Ataulfo) and Papaya (Carica papaya cv Maradol) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) Free Radicals

The benefits of phenolic acids on human health are very often ascribed to their potential to counteract free radicals to provide antioxidant protection. This potential has been attributed to their acidic chemical structure, which possesses hydroxyl groups in different positions. Phenolic acids can interact between themselves and exhibit an additive, antagonistic or synergistic effect. In this paper, we used ¹H NMR to analyze the interactions and mechanisms that are present in major phenolic acids found in mango (gallic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids) and papaya (caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids), and the DPPH radical was used to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant mixtures. The interactions were found to occur via hydrogen bonds between the -OH and -COOH groups. Moreover, the phenolic acids exhibit two types of mechanisms for the neutralization of the DPPH radical. According to the results, these two mechanisms are Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) and Single Electron Transfer (SET). The ability of the phenolic acid to neutralize the DPPH radical decreases in the following order in mango: gallic > chlorogenic > protocatechuic > vanillic. Moreover, within the acids found in papaya, the order was as follows: caffeic > p-coumaric > ferulic.

Rapid Estimation of Tocopherol Content in Linseed and Sunflower Oils-Reactivity and Assay

The reactivity of tocopherols with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was studied in model systems in order to establish a method for quantifying vitamin E in plant oils. The method was optimized with respect to solvent composition of the assay medium, which has a large influence on the course of reaction of tocopherols with DPPH. The rate of reaction of α-tocopherol with DPPH is higher than that of γ-tocopherol in both protic and aprotic solvents. In ethyl acetate, routinely applied for the analysis of antioxidant potential (AOP) of plant oils, reactions of tocopherols with DPPH are slower and concentration of tocopherols in the assay has a large influence on their molar reactivity. In 2-propanol, however, two electrons are exchanged for both α- and γ-tocopherols, independent of their concentration. 2-propanol is not toxic and is fully compatible with polypropylene labware. The chromatographically determined content of tocopherols and their molar reactivity in the DPPH assay reveal that only tocopherols contribute to the AOP of sunflower oil, whereas the contribution of tocopherols to the AOP of linseed oil is 75%. The DPPH assay in 2-propanol can be applied for rapid and cheap estimation of vitamin E content in plant oils where tocopherols are major antioxidants.

Molecular analysis of proanthocyanidins related to pigmentation in brown cotton fibre (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

The structural characteristics and component differences of proanthocyanidins in brown and white cotton fibres were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analyses. Proanthocyanidins in brown and white cotton fibres were found to contain mainly procyanidin (PC) and prodelphidin (PD) units with 2, 3-cis form (epigallocatechin and epicatechin). However, part of the proanthocyanidins in the white cotton fibres were modified by acylation and were constitutively different from the proanthocyanidins in brown cotton fibres. The relative amount of PD was similar to that of PC in white cotton fibres, while proanthocyanidins in brown cotton fibres consisted mainly of PD units with a relative ratio of 9:1. In brown cotton fibres, the proanthocyanidin monomeric composition was consistent with the expression profiles of proanthocyanidin synthase genes, suggesting that anthocyanidin reductase represented the major flow of the proanthocyanidin biosynthesis pathway. In addition, the structural characteristics and component differences of proanthocanidins in brown and white cotton fibres suggested that quinones, the oxidation products of proanthocyanidins, were the direct contributors to colour development in brown cotton fibre. This was demonstrated by vanillin-HCl staining and Borntrager's test. Collectively, these data demonstrated that the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins is a crucial pigmentation process in brown cotton fibre, and that quinones may represent the main pigments contributing to formation of the the brown colour. This study revealed the molecular basis of pigmentation in brown cotton fibres, and provided important insights for genetic manipulation of pigment production in cotton fibres.

Re-evaluation of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) assay for antioxidant activity

Kinetics and stoichiometry of reactions between the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) stable radical and 25 antioxidant compounds with different structure, molecular weight, number of -OH groups, and redox potential were investigated by recording the loss of DPPH(•) absorbance at 515 nm continuously for 10 min. A series of antioxidant concentrations was tested to determine linear response ranges and reaction saturation points. The primary feature distinguishing antioxidant activity--rate of initial reaction (<30 s)--was controlled by whether the dominant antioxidant mechanism was electron (very fast) or hydrogen atom (slow) transfer and by impairment of steric accessibility to the DPPH radical site by bulky ring adducts and multiple phenolic rings. Results raise serious questions regarding application of the DPPH assay for ranking antioxidants and natural extracts and suggest possible redirection of this assay to distinguish active reaction mechanisms by comparing reactions rates and patterns in different solvents and in 50% water/methanol mixtures at different pH values.

A comparative study of the antioxidant scavenging activity of green tea, black tea and coffee extracts: a kinetic approach

The antioxidant activities of three beverages, coffee, black tea and green tea, along with their major components, were investigated in terms of their reaction with the stable radical 2,2'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). We used a kinetic approach in parallel with quantification methods based on a fixed end-point to determine the scavenging efficiency of compounds abundant in these beverages during their reaction with DPPH using a stopped-flow spectrophotometer-based method. Ascorbic acid, (+)-catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, tannic acid, and caffeic acid were selected as model antioxidants to study in coffee, black tea and green tea. We applied a second-order model to demonstrate similarities in the kinetics behavior of beverages and related compounds. Our findings showed the slopes k2(')((mol/L)(-1)s(-1)) and k2max(')((mol/L)(1)s(-1)) exhibited similar and correlated values; we suggest the variation in k2(') as a function of time is more informative about antioxidant properties than reaction with DPPH alone. We also used IC100 to test the reliability of the relative stoichiometry using a new comparative parameter "n", which was calculated as: n=c0DPPHIC100 (mol/L(mol/L)(-1), (mol/L)mlmg(-1) or molg(-1)).

Antioxidant and antiradical SiO2 nanoparticles covalently functionalized with gallic acid

Gallic acid (GA) and its derivatives are natural polyphenolic substances widely used as antioxidants in nutrients, medicine and polymers. Here, nanoantioxidant materials are engineered by covalently grafting GA on SiO(2) nanoparticles (NPs). A proof-of-concept is provided herein, using four types of well-characterized SiO(2) NPs of specific surface area (SSA) 96-352 m(2)/g. All such hybrid SiO(2)-GA NPs had the same surface density of GA molecules (~1 GA per nm(2)). The radical-scavenging capacity (RSC) of the SiO(2)-GA NPs was quantified in comparison with pure GA based on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(•)) radical method, using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The scavenging of DPPH radicals by these nanoantioxidant SiO(2)-GA NPs showed mixed-phase kinetics: An initial fast-phase (t(1/2) <1 min) corresponding to a H-Atom Transfer (HAT) mechanism, followed by a slow-phase attributed to secondary radical-radical reactions. The slow-reactions resulted in radical-induced NP agglomeration, that was more prominent for high-SSA NPs. After their interaction with DPPH radicals, the nanoantioxidant particles can be reused by simple washing with no impairment of their RSC.

Characteristics of vitamin C immobilized particles and sodium alginate beads containing immobilized particles

This paper reports the properties of vitamin C encapsulated sodium alginate beads prepared by an alternative approach. The alternative encapsulation process mainly involves immobilization of vitamin C in hydrated zinc oxide layers and encapsulation of prepared immobilized particles in sodium alginate bead. The immobilization of vitamin C in hydrated zinc oxide layers was achieved by a coprecipitation process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the vitamin C was found to be stable after its immobilization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that anionic vitamin C molecules are adsorbed between positively charged zinc hydroxide layers with a 1:1 layer sequence, since well-defined change in basal spacing was observed. Well-defined change in surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) when vitamin C immobilized particles are encapsulated in sodium alginate bead. The biological activity of vitamin C was retained, even after its immobilization which was confirmed by 4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) oxidase inhibition and free radical scavenging activity studies. The release rate of vitamin C from immobilized particles and beads was sustained through an ion exchange process. A higher amount of stable vitamin C was recovered from the bead when compared to neat vitamin C itself.

Cosmetic applications of selected traditional Chinese herbal medicines

Because tyrosinase catalyzes melanin synthesis, tyrosinase inhibitors are important in cosmetic skin-whitening. Oxidative stress contributes to skin aging and can adversely affect skin health, which means antioxidants active in skin cells may support skin health. We examined 25 traditional Chinese herbal medicines that might be useful for skin-whitening and skin health. Extracts (100microg/mL) were tested for cytotoxicity on human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn); 12 exhibited low cytotoxicity. Their effects on tyrosinase and melanin inhibitory activities and free radical scavenging activities were further assessed. Phenolic contents were evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Four herbs, Pharbitis nil, Sophora japonica, Spatholobus suberectus, and Morus alba, exhibited potent inhibitory effects on tyrosinase (IC(50) values 24.9, 95.6, 83.9, and 78.3microg/mL, respectively). Melanin inhibition was not dose-dependent. Sophora japonica (IC(50): 14.46microg/mL, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 1.95microg/mL, hydroxyl radical) and Spatholobus suberectus (IC(50): 10.51microg/mL, DPPH; 4.36microg/mL, hydroxyl radical) showed good antioxidative activities and high phenolic contents (255 and 189mg of gallic acid/g extract, respectively). Among active anti-tyrosinase extracts, Sophora japonica and Spatholobus suberectus were especially potent in HEMn cells in terms of free radical scavenging effects and high phenolic contents, making them the strongest candidates for cosmetic application found in the current study.

Evaluation of multiple oxidation products for monitoring effects of antioxidants in Fenton oxidation of 2'-deoxyguanosine

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the two antioxidants, ascorbic acid and (+)catechin, on the oxidation of 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG), using an iron-mediated Fenton reaction. The oxidation products 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyguanosine, together with the secondary oxidation products guanidinohydantoin and dehydro-guanidinohydantoin, were identified and quantified through the use of an LC-MS/MS system. The results obtained showed that catechin inhibited the oxidation better than ascorbic acid did, indicating that the chelating ability of catechin rather than the radical scavenging mechanism alone is vital for the observed antioxidative efficiency. The correlation between the different oxidation products was found to be quite low, primarily because of the instability of 8-oxodG, making it prone to further oxidation. This led to apparent anti- and pro-oxidative results being obtained, emphasizing the potential problems in evaluating oxidative stress, by use of a single marker.

Effects of structure on radical-scavenging abilities and antioxidative activities of tea polyphenols: NMR analytical approach using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals

Tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves contain various antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (1) and polyphenols. This study tries to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidative and radical-scavenging activities of these antioxidants, and the reactivities of each antioxidant have been compared against that of the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, 2) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Catechol (3) and (+)-taxifolin (4) were oxidized to o-quinone by 2. However, ethyl protocatechuate (5) and quercetin (6) were not oxidized to o-quinone, even though they possess a catechol structure. The radical-scavenging ability of o-dihydroxyl phenolic compounds with a conjugated olefinic double bond (e.g., 6) was superior to that of compounds without this bond (e.g., 4), whereas the ability of o-dihydroxyl phenolic compounds possessing a conjugated carbonyl bond (5) was inferior to that of compounds lacking this bond (3). Vicinal trihydroxyl phenolic compounds with a conjugated olefinic double bond [e.g., myricetin (7)] had an inferior scavenging ability as compared with compounds lacking this bond [e.g., pyrogallol (8)], but 7 was a better scavenger than compounds with a conjugated carbonyl double bond [e.g., ethyl gallate (9)]. In addition, vicinal trihydroxyl phenolic compounds (e.g., 9) were superior to o-dihydroxyl phenolic compounds (e.g., 6). Finally, 1 scavenged radicals more quickly than 8.

The Use of Ozone as an Oxidizing Agent to Evaluate Antioxidant Activities of Natural Substrates

Ozone, the main component of photochemical smog and air pollution, can damage the skin by oxidizing stratum corneum enzymes, lipids and structural proteins. We have developed a rapid screening assay to determine free radical scavenging capacity of various active ingredients that are frequently used in personal care products. Several known antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E analog Trolox, walnut seed extract, lipoic acid and ergothioneine inner salt were assayed for their ability to neutralize ozone-induced oxidation of beta-phycoerythrin, a fluorescent reporter protein derived from algae. The free radical scavenging capacities of these antioxidants were quantified and compared. The results demonstrate that this assay is a valuable primary screening tool for identifying antioxidant activity of natural or synthetic substrates that can be used in personal care products to protect the uppermost layer of our skin from oxidizing damage induced by O3.

Free radical-scavenging activity of Taiwanese native plants

The 70% aqueous acetone extracts of ten Taiwanese native plants were evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (.OH) radicals, and reducing power assay. In the present study, extracts of Acer buerferianum var. formosanum, Cleyera japonica var. morii, Cyclobalanopsis stenophylla var. stenophylloides, and Machilus zuihoensis exhibited stronger activity against DPPH radicals, and their IC50 values ranged from 5.4 to 8.3 microg/ml. The ten selected extracts effectively inhibited the formation of .OH generated in the Fenton reaction system. Among the extracts whose reducing power activities were determined, A. buerferianum var. formosanum, C. japonica var. morii, C. stenophylla var. stenophylloides, Eriobotrya deflex, and M. zuihoensis showed high activity. The results indicate the 70% aqueous acetone extracts of A. buerferianum var. formosanum, C. japonica var. morii, C. stenophylla var. stenophylloides, and M. zuihoensis with great potency in these assay systems and may be candidates for the development of natural antioxidants.

Oxidative dimers produced from protocatechuic and gallic esters in the DPPH radical scavenging reaction

DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging reactions of protocatechuic and gallic acids, and their methyl esters, have been investigated by NMR. In acetone, methyl protocatechuate was gradually converted to a Diels-Alder adduct of two molecules of the intermediate quinone in the reaction with DPPH radical, whereas methyl gallate rapidly gave a symmetrical dimer via a putative quinone precursor. Both dimers are rather unstable and their structures have been deduced by in situ NMR measurements of the reaction mixtures. Gallic acid also gave a corresponding symmetrical dimer in the same reaction as methyl gallate, although protocatechuquinone produced from protocatechuic acid did not yield a Diels-Alder adduct, unlike its methyl ester. Interestingly, these dimer formations were not observed in methanol solution.

Antioxidant activity of chemical components from sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) measured by the oil stability index method

A new abietane diterpenoid, 12-O-methyl carnosol (2), was isolated from the leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), together with 11 abietane diterpenoids, 3 apianane terpenoids, 1 anthraquinone, and 8 flavonoids. Antioxidant activity of these compounds along with 4 flavonoids isolated from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) was evaluated by the oil stability index method using a model substrate oil including methyl linoleate in silicone oil at 90 degrees C. Carnosol, rosmanol, epirosmanol, isorosmanol, galdosol, and carnosic acid exhibited remarkably strong activity, which was comparable to that of alpha-tocopherol. The activity of miltirone, atuntzensin A, luteolin, 7-O-methyl luteolin, and eupafolin was comparable to that of butylated hydroxytoluene. The activity of these compounds was mainly due to the presence of ortho-dihydroxy groups. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of these compounds showed the similar result.