The antioxidant index and chemometric analysis of tannin, flavonoid, and total phenolic extracted from medicinal plant foods with the solvents of different polarities

Effect of different solvents on bioactive phenolics and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of Barringtonia acutangula Gaertn. flower extracts

Barringtonia acutangula Gaertn. is a well-known vegetable and medicinal plant. This study assessed solvents' effect on phytochemical contents and bioactivities of flower extracts. High-polar extracts (ethanol, aqueous) demonstrated much higher phenolic contents (132.21, 240.83 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract, respectively) than non-/medium-polar extracts, with more impressive flavonoid/saponin contents. Aqueous extract was highlighted for antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 35.01, 5.63 μg/mL, respectively) on which HPLC analysis revealed gallic acid (1), pyrogallol (2), ilexsaponin A1 (3) as major compounds for 1.83, 1.26, 0.15%, respectively. Phenolics 1 and 2 displayed strong α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 6.6 - 18.7 μM), consolidated by molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations, based on their stable complexes with α-glucosidase protein (MAL32) via H-bonds of hydroxy phenol moieties, which was more effective in 2. The study suggested the potency of B. acutangula flower water extract and its phenolics, displaying the need for in-depth investigation.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Cymbopogon nardus Ethanol Extract on 3T3-L1 Cells

Purpose

Cymbopogon nardus (L). Rendle has traditionally been recognized for its medicinal properties. Recent studies have suggested that its bioactive constituents possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is limited scientific evidence of its cellular effects. Given that the pathogenesis of many diseases involves oxidative stress and inflammation, this study aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant extracts in 3T3-L1 cells.

Methods

Phytochemical screening of C. nardus extracts was performed to identify bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays. Toxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. Additionally, the effects of the extract on the gene expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in menadione-induced 3T3-L1 cells, as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced 3T3-L1 cells, were investigated.

Results

Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids in the ethanolic extracts. The extract demonstrated antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 178.06 ppm for DPPH and 220 ppm for SOD. It did not affect the viability of 3T3-L1 cells at concentrations of up to 500 ppm. At 100 ppm, the extract increased cell viability (p<0.05) and reduced HIF-1α expression in the menadione-treated cells (p<0.05). Additionally, it decreased the expression of IL-6 and COX-2 in LPS-induced cells (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The ethanol extract of C. nardus demonstrated promising potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in 3T3-L1 cells. Further analysis is recommended to confirm the potential.

Therapeutic Scrutiny of Lentinus polychrous with Attention to Its Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Attributes

Mushrooms, being a source of therapeutically active compounds, are of great interest to researchers due to their historical usage in traditional therapies and the significant role that natural products have played in the development of contemporary medications. Lentinus polychrous is one underutilized mushroom species collected from the laterites of West Bengal, India. Our study aims toward its taxonomic validation, deciphering the secondary metabolic fingerprint, and testing its efficiency in countering many clinical issues, including oxidative stress, growing microbial drug resistance, and cancer. In vitro investigations have shown that the methanolic extract of the mushroom has a broad spectrum of antioxidant activities with effective concentration (EC50) ranging from 403.6 ± 3.8 to 841.2 ± 10.7 µg/mL depending on the type of free radicals and is effective in combating human pathogenic bacterial strains where MIC50 varies from as low as 302.2 ± 3.8 to 570.6 ± 1.8 µg/mL, mediated likely through inducing the breakdown of the outer coat and inducing increased porosity. The fraction was also shown to possess anticancer properties against A549 cells (LD50 120.9 ± 1.83 µg/mL) by triggering apoptosis. The modulation of Bcl-2 family gene expression was found to be the primary factor responsible for the induction of apoptosis in A549 cells during the experimental approaches. The findings revealed that the mushroom exhibits significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and particular cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cells, indicating its potential medical importance. These results provide essential insights into possibilities for the development of new therapeutic medicines derived from this mushroom.

Optimizing Extraction Solvents for Plant Chemical Analysis Using 1H NMR and Principal Component Analysis

Natural products, particularly plants, remain a vital source of bioactive compounds owing to their unparalleled metabolic diversity across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foods, and agriculture. However, this diversity, encompassing not only a multitude of compounds but also their varying chemical and physical properties, presents a challenge in their effective utilization. Targeted analysis of specific metabolites, as well as untargeted approaches covering a wide metabolite range, necessitate optimal extraction solvents tailored to meet diverse requirements. Achieving optimization requires two crucial components: analytical methods capable of capturing a broad spectrum of metabolites and effective data analysis to derive meaningful conclusions. In this regard, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis (PCA) emerges as a promising approach for optimization. In this protocol, employing two model plants, leaves of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and lettuce (Lactura sativa), we deduce optimal extraction solvents from mixtures of methanol-water, acetonitrile, and chloroform, leveraging 1H NMR and PCA analyses.

Ribes khorasanicum: A Potent Antioxidant Against Organ Toxicity by Effect on the NF-κB Pathway

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a well-known drug that, in high doses, induces hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This study has investigated the preventive effect of the extract and fractions of Ribes khorasanicum on APAP-induced liver and kidney damage. In this experiment, after analysis of the extract using FTIR, toxicity was induced by APAP on the 7th day. Before that, the extract and their aqueous, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions were administrated orally. 24 h after APAP administration, the animals were sacrificed. The liver and kidney were removed for the evaluation of oxidation and biochemical markers, including SGOT, SGPT, ALP, LDH, albumin, urea, creatinine, and bilirubin and also for histopathological evaluations. The safety of the extract was evaluated based on the MTT. Also, expression of the NF-kB is done. Administration of Ribes khorasanicum significantly decreased the biochemical parameters compared to the APAP. Oxidative parameters, as well as histopathological changes in preventive groups, were improved compared to the APAP in both tissues. The results showed that the aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of the extract had a better effect than the whole extract and n-hexane fraction against APAP toxicity.

Nutritional Qualities, Metabolite Contents, and Antioxidant Capacities of Yardlong Beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) of Different Pod and Seed Colors

Studying the effects of genetic and environmental factors on plant biochemical components helps in selecting the best varieties for the food industry and breeding programs. This study analyzed the nutritional qualities, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activities of 14 field-grown yardlong beans accessions and how they are affected by differences in pod and seed colors. The analyzed parameters varied significantly among the yardlong bean accessions, with variances ranging from 1.36% in total unsaturated fatty acid content to 51.01% in DPPH• scavenging activity. Accessions YLB4, YLB7, and YLB14 performed the best, showing antioxidant indices of 100.00, 70.10, and 67.88%, respectively. Among these, YLB14 showed a characteristic property, having the highest levels of vitamin C (2.62 mg/g) and omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (2.67). It also had the second highest dietary fiber (21.45%), stearic acid (4.44%), and linoleic acid (40.39%) contents, as well as the lowest thrombogenicity index (0.38). Although cluster and principal component analyses did not clearly separate the yardlong beans based on pod or seed color, analysis of variance revealed that these factors and their interaction had significant effects on total phenol, DPPH• scavenging activity, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and reducing power. In contrast, the nutritional parameters, except for dietary fiber, were not significantly affected by pod and seed color variations. Therefore, consuming yardlong beans of different pod and seed colors may not affect the overall nutrient intake. In general, this study identified yardlong beans with green pods and black seeds as good sources of antioxidants. Accordingly, further metabolomics and genomics studies are suggested to thoroughly explore their characteristics.

Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 pathways in LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the causes of death in men worldwide. Although treatment strategies have been developed, the recurrence of the disease and consequential side effects remain an essential concern. Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, a traditional Thai medicine, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer activity. However, its anti-cancer activity against prostate cancer has not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer activity and underlying mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of D. rhodocalyx Kurz (EADR) related to apoptosis induction in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line.

Methods

Ethyl acetate was employed to extract the dried bark of D. rhodocalyx Kurz. The cytotoxicity of EADR on both LNCaP and WPMY-1 cells (normal human prostatic myofibroblast cell line) was evaluated using MTS assay. The effect of EADR on the cell cycle, apoptosis induction, and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the staining with propidium iodide (PI), Annexin V-FITC/PI, and JC-1 dye, respectively. Subsequent analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. The phytochemical profiling of the EADR was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results

EADR exhibited a dose-dependent manner cytotoxic effect on LNCaP cells, with IC50 values of 15.43 and 12.35 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Although it also exhibited a cytotoxic effect on WPMY-1 cells, the effect was comparatively lower, with the IC50 values of 34.61 and 19.93 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EADR did not induce cell cycle arrest in either LNCaP or WPMY-1 cells. However, it significantly increased the sub-G1 population in LNCaP cells, indicating a potential induction of apoptosis. The Annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated that EADR significantly induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Subsequent investigation into the underlying mechanism of EADR-induced apoptosis revealed a reduction in MMP as evidenced by JC-1 staining. Moreover, Western blotting demonstrated that EADR treatment resulted in the upregulation of BAX, downregulation of BCL-2, and elevation of caspase-3 cleavage in LNCaP cells. Notably, the epilupeol was a prominent compound in EADR as identified by GC-MS.

Conclusion

The EADR exhibits anti-cancer activity against the LNCaP human prostate cancer cell line by inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Our findings suggest that EADR promotes apoptosis by upregulating pro-apoptotic BAX, whereas downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 results in the reduction of MMP and the activation of caspase-3. Of particular interest is the presence of epilupeol, a major compound identified in EADR, which may hold promise as a candidate for the development of therapeutic agents for prostate cancer.

Comparative analysis of medicinal attributes between Lignosus cameronensis and its sister species

Lignosus cameronensis holds promise for exploration given its morphological likeness to the renowned Lignosus rhinocerus, or tiger milk mushroom. Investigating its potential medicinal and industrial applications addresses a significant knowledge gap in this field. A comparative analysis with other Lignosus species and cultivars provides insights into biopharmacological potential. L. cameronensis cold water extract (LC-CWE) displayed moderate antioxidant activity, demonstrating promising Trolox equivalent antioxidant -capacity. Variable cytotoxicity was observed in different cell lines, with an IC50 of 215 μg/ml against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) cells. LC-CWE exhibited anti-inflammatory potential with an ED50 of 60 mg/kg in a λ-carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model. Comparison with other Lignosus species and cultivars emphasised LC-CWE's distinct attributes, including high phenolic content and moderate antioxidant capacity. LC-CWE displayed potential in selectively inhibiting MCF-7 cells and reducing inflammation, highlighting its medicinal promise. This research expands our understanding of L. cameronensis and underscores the need for further mechanistic exploration.

Evaluation of the merit of ethanolic extract of Annona reticulata as an anti-cancer agent in human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116)

Background

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer type worldwide. Novel alternative therapeutic anti-cancer drugs against colon cancer with less toxicity are to be explored . This study was aimed to explore the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity of various fractions of Annona reticulata ethanolic leaf extract on human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116) and to explore the potential molecular targets from the most potent plant extract fraction.

Methods

After obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional ethics committee, the extract and fractions were prepared and a preliminary analysis of the phytochemical was done qualitatively. Total phenolic and flavonoids were determined. Ethanolic leaf extract and its fractions were subjected to cytotoxicity analysis using the sulforhodamine B assay and the most promising fraction which showed the highest viability was selected to study anti-migratory activity. The anti-migratory effect was studied using a scratch wound healing assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was done to identify the major phytocompounds present in the fraction. The major five phytocompounds identified from the GC-MS were subjected to bioinformatics analysis.

Result

Among the four fractions, the petroleum ether fraction exhibited the highest anti-proliferative activity. The migration of colon cancer cells was significantly inhibited by the extract and petroleum ether fraction. The major phytocompounds identified from GC-MS were phytol (13.03%), 2,6-bis (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo (3.3.0) octane (11.95%), gamma.-sitosterol (10.45%), alpha.-tocopherol-beta.-D-mannoside (7.50%) and 3-amino-4-piperonyl-5-pyrazolone (5.84%). The bioinformatics analysis of these phytochemicals showed a high potential to affect the levels of key proteins driving colon cancer progression, inhibiting the enzymes and proteins overexpressed in cancer.

Conclusion

The outcome of this study endorses the potential of phytochemicals of the petroleum ether fraction of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona reticulata for the development of a new chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of colon cancer.

Unraveling the potential nutritional benefits of fermented date syrup waste: Untargeted metabolomics and carbohydrate metabolites of in vitro digested fraction

Valorization of fruit by-products is a crucial area of research for the development of innovative bio-based products. This study investigated the physicochemical properties and health-promoting benefits of date syrup waste, both fermented by Pichia cecembensis or Pichia kudriavzevii (FDSW), and unfermented (CDSW). Metabolomics profiles of these samples were identified post in vitro digestion. FDSW exhibited 42 volatile compounds, including 9 new ones, and contained (-)-epicatechin, tyrosol, and gallic acid. Bioaccessible fractions of FDSW demonstrated substantial α-amylase inhibition, with percentages of 40.7 % and 53.9 %, respectively. FDSW displayed superior cytotoxicity against Caco2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, with an average of ∼75 % and 56 %, respectively. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed an increase in secondary metabolites, totaling 27 metabolites. LC-QTOF analysis of bioaccessible carbohydrate metabolites in FDSW identified two phytochemical groups, alkaloids, and terpenoids. This study underscores the potential of FDSW for producing value-added bio-based products with desirable characteristics and health benefits.

Secondary metabolite fingerprinting, anti-pathogenic activity, elite chemotype selection and conservation of Curcuma caesia- an ethnomedicinally underutilized species

Curcuma caesia Roxb. is an ethnomedicinally important, essential oil (EO) yielding aromatic plant. A total of twelve accessions of this plant rhizome were collected from six different agro-climatic zones of West Bengal, India and evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against eight disease-causing, multi-drug-resistant pathogenic strains of urinary-tract infection and respiratory-tract infection. The EO and extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity, with the highest inhibition zone of 18.00 ± 0.08 and 17.50 ± 0.14 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae by accession 06, even where all the broad-spectrum antibiotics failed to respond. In this study, we employed high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to quantify curcumin, the primary secondary metabolite of C. caesia, and the highest 0.228 mg/gm of curcumin resulted from accession 06. Hence, on the basis of all aspects, accession 06 was identified as the elite chemotype among all twelve accessions. The chemical profiling of EO from accession 06 was done using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Conceivably, about 13 medicinally significant compounds were detected. As this plant species is seasonal and has difficulties in conventional breeding due to dormancy, it must be conserved through in vitro tissue culture for a steady supply throughout the year in massive amounts for agricultural demand. A maximum number of 19.28 ± 0.37 shoots has been obtained in MS medium fortified with 6-Benzylaminopurine, Kinetin, and Naphthalene acetic acid. The genetic uniformity of the plants has been studied through Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism. Therefore, this study must help meet the need for essential phytoactive compounds through a simple, validated, and reproducible plant tissue culture protocol throughout the year.

Identification of Bioactive Phytoconstituents, Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Calyptocarpus vialis

This study is focused to highlight the phytochemical, nutrient content and in vitro antioxidant capacity of the wildly growing plant Calyptocarpus vialis (CV) of the Asteraceae family collected from the Garhwal region of India. Phytochemical and nutritional analysis of CV is done by qualitative and quantitative methods. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the presence of phenols, alkanes, aliphatic primary amines, carboxylic acids, nitrile, aromatics and alcohols. Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed the presence of terpenoids, plant sterols and phenols such as phytol (14.9%), stigmasterol (10.02%), viridiflorol (4.19%), squalene (2.54%) and various other phytochemicals. The plant's study reveals the existence of numerous nutritious elements, including proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and amino acids. It also revealed the presence of the huge amount of phenolic content ⁓13.49 g in a 100-g dried CV plant sample. The antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of CV was estimated using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay, phosphomolybdate assay and reducing power assay. The highest percentage of antioxidant activity determined from three assays is 74 to 87% for 1 mg of dry extract. It is observed that the CV extract act as a good antioxidant when compared to other plants of the Asteraceae family even at very low concentration of the sample. Hence, CV found in the foothills of Himalayas can be further explored as a source of potent bioactive compounds and natural and economical antioxidant for biomedical and immunity-boosting applications.

Effects of Different Solvents on the Total Phenol Content, Total Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant, and Antifungal Activities of Micromeria graeca L. from Middle Atlas of Morocco

Micromeria graeca L. is a dense chemical source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, which have various health-related properties. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of different extractor solvents on phenol and flavonoid contents, as well as the antioxidant and antifungal activities of different extracts. Initially, three extractor solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, and water) were used to prepare the Soxhlet extracts, which were then examined for their polyphenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential using three complementary assays (DPPH, FRAP, and TAC). The antifungal capacity against the two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) was performed using the method of diffusion on disc. The dosage of phytochemical compounds revealed that the highest values were established in water extract with values of 360 ± 22.1 mg GAE/g dry weight plant and 81.3 ± 21.2 mg RE/g dry weight plant for TPC and TFC, respectively. In addition, the strongest antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and FRAP assays was established in water extract with IC50 values of 0.33 ± 0.23 and 0.23 ± 0.12 mg/mL, respectively, while the methanol extract showed the best antioxidant activity as measured by TAC with an IC50 of 483 ± 17.6 mg GAEq/g dry weight plant. The water extract recorded the most important antifungal activity against Candida albicans with an inhibition zone of 16 ± 1.6 mm and MFC = 500 μg/mL, whereas ethyl acetate extract showed the lowest activity against both studied fungi strains. Micromeria graeca L. contains considerable amounts of bioactive contents with high antioxidant and antifungal potentials, which may make it a promising source of antioxidants and natural antifungal agents.

A Comparative Study on UHPLC-HRMS Profiles and Biological Activities of Inula sarana Different Extracts and Its Beta-Cyclodextrin Complex: Effective Insights for Novel Applications

Within this particular framework, the extracts obtained from Inula sarana using a variety of solvents, included n-hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane (DCM), 70% ethanol, ethanol, and water. The extracts obtained from n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and DCM were then subjected to a specific method for their incorporation into β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The establishment of complex formation was validated through the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The identification of phytochemical components was executed using UHPLC-HRMS. Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid content was evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the AlCl3 method. Subsequently, the determination of antioxidant capacity was conducted utilizing DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, Frap, PBD, and MCA assays. The enzyme inhibitory activities of the samples (extracts and β-CD complexes) were also examined by AChE, BChE, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. The findings indicated that water and 70% ethanol extracts contained the highest phenolic content. One hundred and fourteen bioactive compounds were identified by UHPLC-HRMS analysis. This study unveiled a substantial array of flavonoids, phenolic acid-hexosides and caffeoylhexaric acids within I. sarana, marking their initial identification in this context. Among the various extracts tested, the 70% ethanol extract stood out due to its high flavonoid content (jaceosidin, cirsiliol, and eupatilin) and hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid hexosides. This extract also displayed notably enhanced antioxidant activity, with ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP test values of 106.50 mg TE/g dry extract, 224.31 mg TE/g dry extract, and 110.40 mg TE/g, respectively. However, the antioxidant values of the complex extracts with β-CD were generally lower than those of the pure extracts, an observation warranting significant consideration. In terms of enzyme inhibition activity, the ethanol and 70% ethanol extracts exhibited higher inhibitory effects on AChE, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase. Conversely, n-hexane displayed stronger inhibitory activity against BChE. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated elevated amylase inhibitory activity. However, the antioxidant values of the complex extracts with β-CD were generally lower than those of the pure extracts, a noteworthy observation, while water and extracts from the I. sarana complex with β-CD exhibited minimal or negatable inhibitory activity against specific enzymes.

Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of brown seaweeds extracted by different solvents and characterization of their phenolic compounds by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS

Seaweeds, serving as valuable natural sources of phenolic compounds (PCs), offer various health benefits like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential anticancer effects. The efficient extraction of PCs from seaweed is essential to harness their further applications. This study compares the effectiveness of different solvents (ethanol, methanol, water, acetone, and ethyl acetate) for extracting PCs from four seaweed species: Ascophyllum sp., Fucus sp., Ecklonia sp., and Sargassum sp. Among them, the ethanol extract of Sargassum sp. had the highest content of total phenolics (25.33 ± 1.45 mg GAE/g) and demonstrated potent scavenging activity against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (33.65 ± 0.03 mg TE/g) and phosphomolybdate reduction (52.98 ± 0.47 mg TE/g). Ecklonia sp. had the highest content of total flavonoids (0.40 ± 0.02 mg QE/g) in its methanol extract, whereas its ethyl acetate extract contained the highest content of total condensed tannins (8.09 ± 0.12 mg CE/g). Fucus sp. demonstrated relatively strong antioxidant activity, with methanolic extracts exhibiting a scavenging ability against 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (54.41 ± 0.24 mg TE/g) and water extracts showing ferric-reducing antioxidant power of 36.24 ± 0.06 mg TE/g. Likewise, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 61 individual PCs, including 17 phenolic acids, 32 flavonoids, and 12 other polyphenols. Ecklonia sp., particularly in the ethanol extract, exhibited the most diverse composition. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate solvents based on the specific seaweed species and desired compounds, further providing valuable guidance in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The PCs, which are secondary metabolites present in terrestrial plants and marine organisms, have garnered considerable attention due to their potential health advantages and diverse biological effects. Using various organic/inorganic solvents during the extraction process makes it possible to selectively isolate different types of PCs from seaweed species. The distinct polarity and solubility properties of each solvent enable the extraction of specific compounds, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the phenolic composition found in the seaweed samples and guiding industrial production.

Exploring the potentials of sorghum genotypes: a comprehensive study on nutritional qualities, functional metabolites, and antioxidant capacities

Introduction

Sorghum, long regarded as one of the most underutilized crops, has received attention in recent years. As a result, conducting multidisciplinary studies on the potential and health benefits of sorghum resources is vital if they are to be fully exploited. In this study, the nutritional contents, functional metabolites, and antioxidant capacities of 23 sorghum breeding lines and three popular cultivars were assessed.

Materials and method

All of the sorghum genotypes were grown under the same conditions, and mature seeds were hand-harvested. The metabolite contents and antioxidant capacities of sorghum seeds were assessed using standard protocols. Fatty acids were quantified using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, whereas flavonoids and 3-deoxyanthocyanidins were analyzed using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate statistical approaches.

Results and discussion

Total protein (9.05-14.61%), total fat (2.99-6.91%), crude fiber (0.71-2.62%), dietary fiber (6.72-16.27%), total phenolic (0.92-10.38 mg GAE/g), and total tannin (0.68-434.22 mg CE/g) contents varied significantly across the sorghum genotypes (p < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity, measured using three assays, also differed significantly. Five fatty acids, including palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, were found in all the sorghum genotypes with statistically different contents (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the majority of the sorghum genotypes contained four 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, including luteolinidin, apigeninidin, 5-methoxyluteolinidin, and 7-methoxyapigeninidin, as well as two dominant flavonoids, luteolin and apigenin. Compared to the cultivars, some breeding lines had significantly high levels of metabolites and antioxidant activities. On the other hand, statistical analysis showed that total tannin, total phenolic, and antioxidant capacities varied significantly across white, yellow, and orange genotypes. Principal component analysis was used to differentiate the sorghum genotypes based on seed color and antioxidant index levels. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed strong links between biosynthetically related metabolites and those with synergistic antioxidant properties.

Conclusion

This research demonstrated the diversity of the sorghum resources investigated. Those genotypes with high levels of nutritional components, functional metabolites, and antioxidant activities could be used for consumption and breeding programs.

Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts of two varieties of ginger and garlic

There is limited information on the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of ginger and garlic consumed in Uganda. This could have an impact on its widespread use and industrial application. Thus, this study was done to determine the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of two varieties of ginger and garlic commonly consumed in Uganda. Fresh ginger rhizomes and garlic cloves of "local" and "hybrid" varieties were acquired from a local food market, washed, grated, and extracted using acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water. Standard techniques were used to determine the phytochemical composition. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride assays, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Ginger extracts exhibited significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid content compared to garlic (p˂0.05). The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content was in ethanol and methanol extracts of local ginger: 1968.49 and 2172.65 mg GAE/100 g; 254.24 and 184.62 mg QE/100 g, respectively. Tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids were in varying concentrations in the extracts. Levels of Vitamin C were significantly high in aqueous extracts (p˂0.05), 38.34 and 40.80 AAE/100 g in local and hybrid ginger; 33.65 and 35.24 mg AAE/100 g in local and hybrid garlic, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity of extracts varied depending on concentration, with a strong positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid content. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranged from 0.16 to 8.93 mg/ml in local ginger, 4.43-6.44 mg/ml in hybrid ginger, 3.93-5.64 mg/ml in local garlic, and 4.44-5.27 mg/ml in hybrid garlic. The best antioxidant activity was exhibited by ethanol extracts of the local ginger. According to the findings, the two varieties of ginger and garlic have strong antioxidant activity due to their different phytochemical compositions, which could make them useful as natural antioxidants in food and medicine applications.

Phytochemical Profiling, Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Stemodia viscosa Roxb. of Western Ghats Region, India

The present study shows the chemical profile, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects of Stemodia viscosa extracts. Thirteen bioactive compounds were identified in the 80 % ethanolic extract by GC/MS analysis. The acetone extract exhibited a higher content of flavonoids and phenols of 805.10 μg QE/mg DW and 89.31 μg GAE/mg DW extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the acetone extract possessed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 =9.96 μg/mL). The 80 % ethanolic extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity; the highest activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition of 25±0.51 mm, MIC value of 4 mg/mL, and MBC value of 8 mg/mL. The antiproliferative results revealed the presence of anticancer activity with an IC50 =91.562 and 74.362 μg/mL against the B16F10 skin and COLO205 colon cancer cells, respectively. The flow cytometric analysis shows that the plant extracts cause cancer cell death through the induction of apoptosis. Our findings confirmed that Stemodia viscosa is a potential source of biologically active compounds.

Potential of Syzygnium polyanthum as Natural Food Preservative: A Review

Food preservation is one of the strategies taken to maintain the level of public health. Oxidation activity and microbial contamination are the primary causes of food spoilage. For health reasons, people prefer natural preservatives over synthetic ones. Syzygnium polyanthum is widely spread throughout Asia and is utilized as a spice by the community. S. polyanthum has been found to be rich in phenols, hydroquinones, tannins, and flavonoids, which are potential antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Consequently, S. polyanthum presents a tremendous opportunity as a natural preservative. This paper reviews recent articles about S. polyanthum dating back to the year 2000. This review summarizes the findings of natural compounds presented in S. polyanthum and their functional properties as antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, and natural preservatives in various types of food.

Phytochemicals from Phillyrea latifolia L. leaves and fruit extracted with various solvents: Their identification and quantification by LC-MS and antihyperglycemic effects

Phillyrea latifolia L. is a type of shrubland, which is widely known as mock privet, and belongs to the Oleaceae family. The objective of this study was to compare and assess the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of the fruit and leaves of P. latifolia L. Phenolics were analysed by detecting individual bioactive compounds using an LCMS-2020 quadrupole mass spectrometer and by calculating total phenolic content (TPC). For the first time, the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of both leaves and fruit were determined using DPPH radical scavenging. The aqueous extract was indicated to have higher antioxidant activities than ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. The individual constituents within the different extracts for both fruit and leaves were detected as the luteolin-7-O-glucoside in the ethyl acetate (854 μg · g–1 and 1,098 μg · g–1), methanol (1,241 μg · g–1 and 2,136.43 μg · g–1) and aqueous (509 μg · g–1 and 898.23 μg · g–1) extracts, respectively. Extractions of ethyl acetate and methanol demonstrated stronger inhibitory activity against human salivary α-amylase than the aqueous extract of both parts of the mock privet. Similarly, extraction of ethyl acetate from the leaves and fruit of the mock privet indicated significantly better inhibitory activity than the methanol and aqueous extracts, respectively, for the inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. This study indicates that both fruit and leaves of mock privet may use as a potential source of natural biomolecules to promote healthy activities.

Bergenia stracheyi extract-based hybrid hydrogels of biocompatible polymers with good adhesive, stretching, swelling, self-healing, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties

An ultra-stretchable, quickly self-healable, adhesive hydrogel with efficient anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities makes it potential wound dressing material, particularly in healing skin wounds. However, it is highly challenging to prepare such hydrogels with a facile and efficient material design. Given this, we opine the synthesis of medicinal plant Bergenia stracheyi extract-loaded hybrid hydrogels of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers like Gelatin, Hydroxypropyl cellulose, and Polyethylene glycol with acrylic acid via in situ free radical polymerization reaction. The selected plant extract is rich in phenols, flavonoids, and tannins and found to have important therapeutic benefits such as anti-ulcer, anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus, anti-inflammatory, and burn wound healing effects. The polyphenolic compounds in the plant extract interacted strongly via hydrogen bonding with -OH, -NH₂, -COOH, and C-O-C groups of the macromolecules. The synthesized hydrogels were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and rheology. The as-prepared hydrogels demonstrate ideal tissue adhesion, excellent stretchability, good mechanical strength, broad-band anti-bacterial capability, and efficient anti-oxidant properties, in addition to quick self-healing and moderate swelling properties. Thus, the aforementioned properties attract the potential use of these materials in the biomedical field.

Multiobjective response and chemometric approaches to enhance the phytochemicals and biological activities of beetroot leaves: an unexploited organic waste

Research on medicinal plants is developing each day due to inborn phytochemicals, which can encourage the progress of novel drugs. Most plant-based phytochemicals have valuable effects on well-being. Among them, beetroot leaves (BL) are known for their therapeutic properties. Here, three solvents, namely, acetonitrile, ethanol, and water, and their combinations were developed for BL extraction and simultaneous assessment of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant and antifoodborne pathogen bacteria activities. By using the augmented simplex-centroid mixture design, 40.40% acetonitrile diluted in water at 38.74% and ethanol at 20.86% favored the recovery of 49.28 mg GAE/mL (total phenolic content (TPC)) and 0.314 mg QE/mL (total flavonoid content (TFC)), respectively. Acetonitrile diluted in water at 50% guarantees the best antioxidant activity, whereas the optimal predicted mixture for the highest antibacterial activity matches 24.58, 50.17, and 25.25% of acetonitrile, ethanol, and water, respectively. These extraction conditions ensured inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli, respectively, at 0.402, 0.497, and 0.207 mg/mL. Under optimized conditions, at three concentrations of BL, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), 2 × MIC, and 4 × MIC, a linear model was employed to investigate the inhibition behavior against the three tested bacteria. The early logarithmic growth phase of these bacteria illustrated the bactericidal effect of optimized extracted BL with a logarithmic growth phase inferior to 6 h. Therefore, BL extract at 4 × MIC, which corresponds to 1.608, 1.988, and 0.828 mg/mL, was more efficient against S. aureus, S. enterica, and E. coli.

Phenolic compounds of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.): Separation method, chemical characterization, and biological properties

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a good source of bioactive compounds. However, information on the biological properties of sugar beet root is limited and its beneficial effects have not been completely understood. In this work, 10 phenolic compounds have been separated and identified in various parts of sugar beet for the first time, including the most abundant epicatechin (31.16 ± 1.89 mg/100 g), gallic acid (30.57 ± 2.69 mg/100 g), and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (30.14 ± 3.63 mg/100 g). The biological activity tests indicated that sugar beet peel potently scavenged the nitric oxide and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals with IC50 values of 88.17 ± 05.14 and 28.77 ± 0.62 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, sugar beet peel exhibited the highest reducing power, IC50 values of 11.98 ± 1.20 μg/ml, and the highest ion-chelating activity, IC50 values of 48.52% and 55.21% for cupric and ferrous ions at 250 μg/ml, respectively. Compared to synthetic antioxidants, sugar beet showed promising biological activities, which could be considered further in future studies.

Bioactive properties and untargeted metabolomics analysis of bioaccessible fractions of non-fermented and fermented date fruit pomace by novel yeast isolates

In this study, attempts were made to utilize date by-product (date fruit pomace; DFP). This study aimed to investigate the health-promoting benefits of the fermented and non-fermented DFP before in vitro digestion and after (bioaccessible fraction). Untargeted metabolomic analyses for bioaccessible fractions were performed by UPLC-QTOF. DPPH percentages were 89.7%-90.3%, 90.1%-91.3%, and 90.8%-91.3% in the control, I. orientalis, and P. kudriazevii samples, respectively, before digestion; α-glucosidase inhibition before digestion was 1.9%-24.4%, 16.3%-30.0%, and 21.3%-31.3%, respectively; antimicrobial activities were 6.1%-13.3%, 13.7%-25.7%, and 20.6%-28.0% against E. coli O157:H7 and 2.2%-11.9%, 7.2%-20.7%, and 11.9%-29.2% against L. monocytogenes, respectively. The DPPH scavenging percentages were ∼63% lower in the bioaccessible fraction. The differentially regulated metabolites classes were benzene and derivatives, amino acids, peptides and analogs, organic acids, and phenols. This study revealed that the fermented DFP exhibited higher health properties than control.

Preparation, characterization, and bioactivity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe powder-based Pickering emulsions

BACKGROUND

Biocompatible Pickering emulsions (PE) stabilized by tailor-made antioxidant-loaded particles have been known for some time now, but antioxidant-rich natural plant particle-based emulsions are much less well known. This study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical properties of commercial Zingiber officinale powders obtained from biological and conventional agricultural practice and ginger powder-based PE.

RESULTS

The physico-chemical and biological properties of Zingiber officinale powders (GDPs) obtained from conventional (GDPC1 and GDPC2) and biological agricultural (GDPBIO) practices, and the properties of derived PE (PE_GDPs) were examined. All GDPs showed weak aggregation in aqueous media and a sufficiently hydrophobic surface to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) PE against coalescence for at least 1 month. Zingiber officinale powders (2% w/w) derived from biological agricultural practices (GDPBIO) demonstrated the best emulsifying properties. The Zingiber officinale powders and PE_GDPs were also characterized by their phytochemical profiles. All the investigated samples exhibited ferric reducing ability power greater than the positive control, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), with values ranging from 91.21 to 102.63 μmol L-1 Fe (II) g-1 for GDPC2 and 05PE_GDPC1 (O/W=1:1), respectively. In β-carotene bleaching test the following trend GDPC1 > GDPBIO > GDPC2 was observed. A 05PE_GDPBIO sample with the oil volume fraction equal to 50% was stable to oxidation and exhibited a promising α-amylase inhibitory activity.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that ginger powder should be used as a starting point to design biocompatible PEs for different applications in the functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. In fact, powder and based PE are characterized by a promising antioxidant activity, carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme and lipase inhibitory properties. Further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm these findings. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative Analysis of In Vitro Enzyme Inhibitory Activities and Phytochemicals from Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco via Solvent Partitioning Method

The extraction of plant bioactive compounds from Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco remains a great challenge due to the different chemical groups. This study aimed to compare the bioactive compounds with enzyme inhibitory effect from P. orientalis via solvent partitioning method. Dried leaf samples were macerated and fractionated with six solvents of different polarities. The phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, alkaloid and pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-glycation potential were compared across the six plant fractions. Toxicity assessment was performed with an in vivo brine shrimp model. The varying levels of bioactive compounds in ethyl acetate (phenolics, flavonoids), hexane (saponins, tannins) and chloroform (alkaloids) fractions clearly demonstrated the significant impact of solvent polarity on the extraction of bioactive compounds. The reducing potential (r = 0.67), IC₅₀ of α-amylase inhibition (r = -0.71), IC₅₀ of advanced glycation end-product inhibition (r = -0.93) and dicarbonyl compound inhibition (r = 0.57) in the plant fractions were correlated (p<0.05) with the flavonoids. Besides, the alkaloid, saponin and tannin were associated with cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitory activity. Principal component analysis confirmed that solvent polarity (23.9%) and plant extraction yield (37.1%) collectively contributed to 61% of bioactivity variation in P. orientalis. Among the six plant fractions, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited relatively high anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-glycation potential while the non-toxic methanolic and aqueous fractions displayed optimal hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase inhibitory activities, respectively. The current study has identified semi-polar ethyl acetate fraction of P. orientalis as a good alternative source of bioactive compounds for future pharmaceutical product development.

Enrichment of Sunflower Oil with Ultrasound-Assisted Extracted Bioactive Compounds from Crithmum maritimum L

Crithmum maritimum L., or sea fennel, is an edible halophyte plant, rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, that naturally grows in Mediterranean coasts. This study aims to incorporate bioactive compounds extracted from lyophilized Crithmum maritimum to sunflower oil assisted by ultrasounds (UAE), to improve its biological value and oxidative stability. UAE conditions were optimized as a function of time (5–20 min) and lyophilized plant concentration (5–20% m/v). The experiments were dictated by a central composite rotatable matrix. Oxidation products were not influenced by UAE conditions. Acidity, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents were affected by both factors, while total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (FRAP method) only increased with plant concentration. Response surfaces were fitted to these experimental results. Flavonoids were highly related with oil antioxidant activity. No sensory defects were detected in supplemented oil (12.5% m/v plant/5 min UAE). The oxidative stability of this oil was evaluated at 60 °C/12 days. Chlorophylls, phenols, radical scavenging (DPPH), and antioxidant activities decreased over time but were always higher than the values in non-supplemented oil (8.6 and 7-fold with FRAP and DPPH, respectively). C. maritimum presented high amounts of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, adequate for sunflower oil supplementation by UAE.

Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and brine shrimp cytotoxicity of different solvent extracts of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans

Background

The root, root bark, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans are used for managing bacterial and fungal infections among the Luo community of Kisumu East Sub County in Kenya. However, data on the efficacy of these plants against common bacterial and fungal pathogens is not available. The safety of these plants is also not known. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial properties, and safety of different solvent extracts of the roots, root barks, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans. The broth microdilution method evaluated the antimicrobial activities of the root, root bark, and root tuber extracts (water, acetone, and methanol) of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans. Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative (Escherichia coli), and fungal (Candida albicans) microorganisms were used in the evaluation. The safety of the extracts was evaluated in Artemia salina. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined using qualitative and quantitative assays.

Results

In general, the extracts of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans displayed poor antimicrobial properties relative to conventional antimicrobial agents including Amoxicillin, Gentamicin, and Nystatin. The aqueous extract of Acanthus polystachyus and the aqueous, acetone, and methanol extracts of Keetia gueinzii were safe in Artemia salina but all other extracts were cytotoxic to Artemia salina.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the use of the roots, root barks, and root tubers of Acanthus polystachyus, Keetia gueinzii, and Rhynchosia elegans is limited by poor antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity.

Composition Changes in Lycium ruthenicum Fruit Dried by Different Methods

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum (LRF), known as black wolfberry, is a medicinal and edible fruit. The fresh LRF is perishable and has only about 3 days of shelf life. Drying could prolong the shelf life of LRF. However, it could imply physical changes and chemical modification. This study evaluated the effect of sun drying (SD), hot air drying (HD), and freeze drying (FD) on the appearance characteristics, moisture content, bioactive compounds, amino acid composition, and antioxidant activity of LRF. The results showed that LRF dried by FD was round, expansive, fragile, and maintained the largest amount of appearance traits among the three drying methods. Drying methods had a significant effect on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of LRF (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that procyanidin content (PAC), asparagine (Asn), total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and moisture content were the main sources of the difference in LRF dried by different methods. The characteristic of LRF in FD was low moisture content, and high TPC, Asn, PAC, and TAC. Sun drying was opposite to FD. Hot air drying was high TPC and low TAC content. The quality of LRF was in the order of FD > HD > SD based on comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemical component content and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the water temperature and soaking time had different antioxidant activity effect on LRF dried by different methods. These findings will provide useful information for production and utilization of LRF.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum enriched with organic/inorganic selenium on the quality and microbial communities of fermented pickles

Lactobacillus enriched with organic/inorganic selenium and pickles fermented with the Lactobacillus plantarum R were prepared. The results showed that selenium-enriched Lactobacillus plantarum R enhanced the antioxidant capacity, inhibition rate of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), nitrite degradation, and the organic acid production of fermented pickles, while Lactobacillus plantarum R enriched with inorganic selenium (R-Se-IN) showed the best performance. Twenty-three aroma-active substances and seven characteristic compounds were detected in the R-Se-IN group. Moreover, the bacterial community result revealed that Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc were predominant in the R-Se-IN group, while the other groups contained Enterobacter, Halomonas, and Klebsiella. Furthermore, the correlations between environmental factors, differential flavor substances, and microbial communities were explored based on multivariate statistical analysis. These results indicate that the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum R enriched with organic/inorganic selenium influenced the environmental factors, differential flavor substances, and microbial communities of the fermented pickles.

Novel 2,5-Diarylcyclopentenone Derivatives from the Wild Edible Mushroom Paxillus involutus and Their Antioxidant Activities

Wild edible mushrooms are important as a source of nutraceuticals and for the discovery of bioactive metabolites as pharmaceuticals. In this work, 10 rare 2,5-diarylcyclopentenone derivatives were isolated from the wild edible mushroom Paxillus involutus (Batsch) Fr., including eight novel compounds termed involutenone A-H (1-8) and two previously identified compounds (9-10). Their structures were established using high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-3 and 6-8 were assigned based on the comparison of the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data. The antioxidant activities of 1-8 were tested through DPPH free radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and superoxide anion radical scavenging assays. Compounds 3, 5, 6, and 7 demonstrated significant antioxidant activity compared to the positive control (tert-butylhydroquinone). These compounds could be effective natural antioxidants with considerable pharmaceutical value.

Extraction and purification of total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. and evaluation of their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities

The health benefits and promising medical treatment potential of total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. (TFELDC) have been recognized. The process parameters of extracting total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. by ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction (UMSE) were optimized, and they were purified by AB-8 macroporous resin in the current study. In addition, the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of the purified TFELDC (PTFELDC) were evaluated. The results showed that the optimal parameters of UMSE were as follows: ethanol volume fraction 71.5%, L/S ratio 12.2 ml/g, microwave power 318 W, and extraction time 143 s. After TFELDC were purified by AB-8 macroporous resin, the total flavonoid contents of PTFELDC increased from 208.18 ± 1.60 to 511.19 ± 3.21 mg RE/g FDS. Compared with TFELDC, the content of total flavonoids in PTFELDC was increased by 2.46 times. The antioxidant activities of PTFELDC were assessed using DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, reducing power, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays, and the IC50 values were found to be 37.13, 19.62, 81.22, and 24.72 μg/ml, respectively. The enzyme inhibitory activities of PTFELDC were measured using lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase assays with the IC50 values 1.38, 2.08, 1.63, and 0.58 mg/ml, respectively. By comparing with their positive controls, it was found that PTFELDC had good antioxidant activities, and lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, However, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was relatively weaker. These results suggested that PTFELDC have a promising potential as natural antioxidant, antilipidemic, and hypoglycemic drugs used in functional foods or pharmaceuticals.

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth herbal tea: Effect of fermentation and drying methods on the consumer acceptance, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities

This study aimed to compare the effect of fermentation and drying on the organoleptic characteristic, total phenolic content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth tea with commercial Camellia sinensis tea. The phenolic content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in P. pellucida were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than C. sinensis, irrespective of the fermentation and drying methods. Although fermentation decreased the total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in both P. pellucida and C. sinensis teas, the anti-inflammatory potential of P. pellucida was significantly (p < 0.05) improved. Principle component analysis revealed that fermentation and drying methods contributed to respective 42.3% and 27.2% of activity variation in P. pellucida. The browning index was positively correlated with fermentation index (r = 0.670, p < 0.05) of leaves samples. Overall, unfermented and fermented P. pellucida leaves were best dried with microwaving and freeze drying, respectively for optimal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with favorable consumer's acceptance.