ABTS/PP Decolorization Assay of Antioxidant Capacity Reaction Pathways

Phytochemical constituents, ferric reducing and radical scavenging activities of helichrysm caespititium

Helichrysm caespititium is used for the treatment of viral infections and respiratory ailments. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents and antioxidants (using ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) of H. caespititium water and methanol extracts. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, tannins, glycosides etc. Whilst the alkaloids were absent. Quantitative analysis of total phenols using both methanol and water extracts yielded high values of (839,1 and 531) GA/mg indicating rich phytochemical constituents from this plant. Whilst flavonoids from methanol and water extracts yielded (324 and 58) mg GA/mg, respectively. Results obtained from FRAP water and methanol extracts were 20,42% and 2,36% respectively; DPPH water and methanol extracts results were 92,62% and 80,56% respectively; and ABTS water and methanol extracts were 93,64% and 97,68%, respectively. These findings support the potential of H. caespititium as the potential source for the development of antioxidant-based therapies and health-promoting products.

hmuSTUV operon positively regulates the alginate gene cluster to mediate the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas donghuensis HYS

Pseudomonas donghuensis HYS is highly virulent to Caenorhabditis elegans, but with mechanistic details that are not fully understood. The hmuSTUV operon was reported to participate in the synthesis of heme in Pseudomonas. However, the exact role of the hmuSTUV operon in Pseudomonas virulence has not been elucidated. In this study, we report for the first time that the hmuSTUV operon in P. donghuensis HYS causes host virulence, and that hmuS was a key gene for the toxicity of this operon. Furthermore, RNA-seq data showed that hmuS deletion inhibited alginate gene expression, thereby inhibiting biofilm formation. The hmuSTUV operon and alginate gene cluster are conserved in Pseudomonas. By constructing mutant strains carrying GFP, we found that the hmuS deletion reduced colonisation of HYS to the host gut. Moreover, the expression of the alginate gene cluster was controlled by the construction of a L-arabinose-inducible promoter. hmuS positively regulated alginate gene cluster expression, mediating bacterial virulence against C. elegans. In addition, HYS originating from the East Lake of Wuhan City was more pathogenic to zebrafish than any other pathogenic Pseudomonas, through impairment of zebrafish neurodevelopment and locomotor ability, by colonizing to the zebrafish brain. In conclusion, the hmuSTUV operon positively regulated the alg gene cluster, thereby disabling bacterial biofilm formation and colonisation to mediate bacterial pathogenicity to the host. These novel findings revealed the critical interaction between the hmuSTUV operon and the alg gene cluster in the bacterial virulence of Pseudomonas, providing new insights into Pseudomonas pathogenicity.

Novel chlorine-containing curcumin analogue CAK06 promotes neuroprotection and rapid antidepressant through Nrf2-induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Currently, conventional antidepressants are often limited by poor efficacy and delayed onset, and there is an urgent need for the development of rapid acting antidepressant alternatives. The aim of this study was to develop novel antidepressants with a rapid onset of action by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress. A series of chlorine-containing curcumin analogues were designed and synthesized. Among them, compound CAK06 exhibited the highest potency and most robust antidepressant activity, as demonstrated through ABTS free radical ion scavenging assays, relative proliferation rate measurements, and both hydrogen peroxide and corticosterone injury models. In the lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 cell stress model, treatment with CAK06 resulted in a 69 ​% decrease in nitric oxide levels and a 52 ​% reduction in the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species compared to the model group. qRT-PCR results showed that CAK06 upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant genes while downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. In the CUMS depression model, CAK06 exerted rapid antidepressant effects after 14 days of oral administration. Notably, after 28 days, CAK06 produced a more pronounced improvement in depression-like behaviors compared to the widely used antidepressant fluoxetine. Mechanistically, molecular docking, Western blot, and Elisa results indicated that CAK06 may alleviate oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and enhance synaptic plasticity in CUMS mice via the Nrf2-HO-1/BDNF-TrkB pathway. These results suggest that the new compound CAK06 exhibits rapid antidepressant effects, positioning it as a promising novel antidepressant candidate.

Effects of dietary oregano essential oil on digestive tissue structure and function, antioxidant and immune responses and gut microbiota of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Modifying the diet is an effective strategy to enhance the production and health of farmed red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). In this study the effects of adding dietary oregano essential oil (OEO) at 0, 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg concentrations were investigated in red swamp crayfish after a 3-week feeding trial. Histology showed no negative impacts on the structural integrity of the hepatopancreas and intestine. Total protease activity in the hepatopancreas, hemolymph alkaline and acid phosphatase activity, hemolymph superoxide dismutase activity and hepatopancreas glutathione levels were higher in the 500 mg/kg OEO group than in the 0 mg/kg group. No significant differences were observed in hepatopancreas phenoloxidase activity or hemolymph malondialdehyde content between treatment groups. Supplementing the diet with OEO upregulated the expression of antioxidant and immune-related genes in the hepatopancreas including metallothionein, gamma interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase, and catalase in the 500 mg/kg OEO group relative to the 0 mg/kg control. Ferritin gene expression was unaltered. The intestinal microbiota of crayfish fed OEO showed an increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota, and a lower abundance of Firmicutes. This study demonstrates the potential of OEO as a novel feed additive for enhancing antioxidant capacity and the immune response in red swamp crayfish. This research addresses the growing need for sustainable aquaculture practices and highlights the application of plant-derived bioactivities in improving crustacean health.

Antioxidant activity and selective cytotoxicity in HCT-116 and WI-38 cell lines of LC-MS/MS profiled extract from Capparis spinosa L

Introduction

Capparis spinosa L. is significant among the family Capparidaceae for its survival and tolerance to dry environments. In this study, we evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of extracts of roots and aerial parts of Capparis spinosa L.

Methods

Bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, in various ethyl acetate fractions from the extracted roots and aerial parts, were identified using LC-MS/MS. Principal leaf constituents characterized included Rutin, Resveratrol, Astragalin, and others. The Rutin, Resveratrol, Astragalin, (of ethyl acetate fraction), leaves, and roots were screened for antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and CUPRAC activity assays, as well as for cytotoxicity with the MTT assay.

Result

The antioxidant and anticancer activities of the samples were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC assays, and the MTT assay. Roots and Rutin consistently exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity across all assays, with Roots (IC50 = 0.06-0.36 mg/mL) excelling in FRAP and CUPRAC, and Rutin (IC50 = 0.013 mg/mL) showing the highest DPPH activity. In contrast, Astragalin displayed the weakest antioxidant potential. For anticancer activity, the MTT assay revealed that Leaves (IC50 = 23.26 μg/mL) and Roots (IC50 = 34.65 μg/mL) were the most potent against HCT-116 cells, outperforming Nutlin (IC50 = 62.72 μg/mL), with minimal toxicity to normal WI-38 cells. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of Roots and Rutin as strong antioxidant and anticancer agents.

Conclusion

The results provide useful information concerning the medicinal potentials of Capparis spinosa L., particularly about HCT-116 and WI-38 cell line selectivity, and its relevance in the synthesis of natural antioxidants.

Laccase Functional Analysis: Substrates, Activity Assays, Challenges, and Prospects

Enzyme functional analysis is a multifaceted process that can be used for various purposes, such as screening for specific activities, as well as developing, optimising, and validating processes or final products. Functional analysis methods are crucial for assessing enzyme performance and catalytic properties. Laccase, a well-known blue multi-copper oxidase, holds immense potential in diverse industries such as pharmaceuticals, paper and pulp, food and beverages, textiles, and biorefineries due to its clean oxidation process and versatility in handling a wide range of substrates. Despite its prominence, the use of laccase encounters challenges in selecting appropriate functional analysis substrates and methods. This review delves into the substrates utilised in qualitative and quantitative techniques for laccase activity analysis. Although laccase catalyses mono-electron oxidation of aromatic hydroxyl, amine, and thiol compounds efficiently, using molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor, the review identifies limitations in the specificity of the commonly employed substrates, concerns regarding the stability of certain compounds and highlights potential strategies.

New insights into chitosan-Ag nanocomposites synthesis: Physicochemical aspects of formation, structure-bioactivity relationship and mechanism of antioxidant activity

Herein, a novel approach to the controlled formation of chitosan-Ag nanocomposites (NCs) with different structures and tunable chemical/biological properties was proposed. The chitosan-Ag NCs were obtained using hydrothermal synthesis and varying the concentrations of components. The hypothesis of chitosan-Ag NC synthesis using polysaccharide coils as a "microreactor" system was confirmed. A comparative analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of the NCs with single-core-shell and multi-core-shell structures was carried out, and the "structure-property" relationship was revealed. The obtained NCs exhibited excellent antiradical properties, comparable to the activity of phenolic acids: the IC50 values were 0.051, 0.022, and 0.019 mg/mL for CS7, CS5, and caffeic acid, respectively. A mechanism for the antiradical activity of chitosan-Ag NCs was discussed. The redox activity of the NCs was found to be 11.4 and 2.3 mg ABTS per 1 mg of Ag in CS5 and CS7, respectively. The proposed environmentally friendly one-pot, one-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles inside chitosan "microreactors" represents an innovative approach to designing hybrid materials with nanoscale control of desired structure and properties. These findings pave the way for further optimization of biopolymer‑silver nanostructures for various biomedical and industrial applications, including the design of a new type of hybrid catalysts such as nanozymes.

In vitro and in silico pharmacological effects of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf methanolic extracts and essential oils

Rosmarinus officinalis L. has been widely used as a spice to enhance the shelf-life of food for centuries. While existing research in the literature suggests that the primary antibacterial component of this plant is its essential oil (EO), there is a lack of comparative studies employing both in vitro and in silico approaches to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties of R. officinalis leaf EO (ROLEO) and R. officinalis leaf methanolic extract (ROLME). The present study investigates the bioactive components and biological activities of ROLEO and ROLME using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Additionally, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified, and their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antibacterial activities were evaluated in vitro and in silico studies. GC-MS analysis revealed 20 bioactive compounds of ROLME, compared to 73 bioactive compounds in ROLEO. The TPC of ROLEO was higher, measuring 49.34 ± 2.84 mg GAE per gram of dry weight of the extract, compared to ROLME, which had a TPC of 38.13 ± 3.31 mg GAE per gram of dry weight of the extract. The TFC of ROLEO was measured at 24 ± 1.47 mg QE/g of dry weight, which is higher than that of ROLME, measured at 19 ± 1.47 mg QE/g of dry weight. Additionally, ROLEO demonstrated superior antioxidant activity at low concentrations compared to ROLME and greater antidiabetic properties by suppressing the actions of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Moreover, ROLEO showed promising anticancer effects at lower doses, and antibacterial capabilities, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. Molecular docking studies have identified key components of ROLEO that exhibit significant bioactivity. Among these compounds, 1H-Cycloprop[e]azulen-4-ol, decahydro-1,1,4,7-tetramethyl-, [1ar-(1α,4β,4aβ,7α,7aβ,7bα)]-demonstrated the highest activity against α-amylase, while thymol exhibited the strongest activity against caspase-3 and E. coli gyrase B. Overall, molecular docking and pharmacokinetic analysis identified promising inhibitory effects of key ROLEO compounds on α-amylase, caspase-3, and E. coli gyrase B, with favorable drug-like properties. These findings suggest that the EO of R. officinalis may serve as the basis for the development of innovative synthetic medications, offering valuable insights for the pharmaceutical industry to design novel treatments for various diseases.

Mitochondria-targeted nanovesicles for ursodeoxycholic acid delivery to combat neurodegeneration by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondria are pivotal in sustaining oxidative balance and metabolic activity within neurons. It is well-established that mitochondrial dysfunction constitutes a fundamental pathogenic mechanism in neurodegeneration, especially in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD), this represents a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a clinical drug used for liver disease, possesses antioxidant and mitochondrial repair properties. Recently, it has gained attention as a potential therapeutic option for treating various neurodegenerative diseases. However, multiple barriers, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cellular/mitochondrial membranes, significantly hinder the efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the damaged neuronal mitochondria. Macrophage-derived nanovesicles (NVs), which can traverse the BBB in response to brain inflammation signals, have demonstrated promising tools for brain drug delivery. Nevertheless, natural nanovesicles inherently lack the ability to specifically target mitochondria. Herein, artificial NVs are loaded with UDCA and then functionalized with triphenylphosphonium (TPP) molecules, denoted as UDCA-NVs-TPP. These nanovesicles specifically accumulate in damaged neuronal mitochondria, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance ATP production by 42.62%, thereby alleviating neurotoxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Furthermore, UDCA-loaded NVs modified with TPP successfully cross the BBB and accumulate in the striatum of PD mice. These nanoparticles significantly improve PD symptoms, as demonstrated by a 48.56% reduction in pole climb time, a 59.09% increase in hanging ability, and the restoration of tyrosine hydroxylase levels to normal, achieving remarkable therapeutic efficacy. Our work highlights the immense potential of these potent UDCA-loaded, mitochondria-targeting nanovesicles for efficient treatment of PD and other central neurodegenerative diseases.

Navigating Side Reactions for Robust Colorimetric Detection of Galactose Oxidase Activity

Colorimetric assays are a rapid, scalable technique well suited to enzyme activity screening. However, side reactions or chromogenic reagent instability can result in false positives or false negatives that compromise the accuracy of such assays. Here, we identify three classes of compounds incompatible with the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) colorimetric assay for galactose oxidase activity. Dark green ABTS·+ cationic radicals indicating enzyme activity can get quenched to yield colorless solutions or couple with substrates to form differently colored adducts, thus preventing accurate colorimetric measurements. These side reactions limit the utility of the ABTS assay and introduce uncertainty in the substrate scope to which it is applicable. We have investigated the underlying mechanisms behind these side reactions to conclude that free radical scavengers, phenols with electron-donating substituents, and β,γ-unsaturated aryl ketones are incompatible with the ABTS colorimetric assay. In search of a viable alternative, we developed an assay using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine under neutral conditions with isopropyl alcohol as a solubilizing agent. The use of neutral conditions was found to be critical to avoid hydrolysis of hydrazone adducts, ensuring reproducible measurements. Our assay is compatible with free radical scavengers (R2 = 0.98), phenols with electron-donating substituents (R2 = 0.97), and β,γ-unsaturated aryl ketones (R2 = 0.88). This modified assay enables galactose oxidase activity screening across a broader substrate scope, thus facilitating enzyme use for more practical applications.

Exploring pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) mesocarp flour of Brazilian Cerrado biome to produce gluten-free antioxidant biscuits

The peels of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), native to the Brazilian Cerrado, represent ∼80% of the mass of the whole fruit. Despite their high quantities of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, they are generally discarded as waste. The impact of substituting rice flour with pequi mesocarp flour (PMF) in different concentrations in biscuit characteristics was determined. Pequi mesocarp was converted into flour through drying and milling, and used in quantities of 10%, 20%, and 30% in biscuit formulations. Biscuits were evaluated by their composition, physical parameters, microstructure, and antioxidant capacity. PMF was responsible for increasing protein and ash contents in biscuits. Besides that, higher concentrations of PMF resulted in a darker color of biscuits, higher spread ratio and firmness, and lower weight loss and specific volume. Such effects were attributed to the water and oil-holding capacity because of dietary fibers present in pequi mesocarp. All biscuits produced with PMF showed antioxidant capacity, it increased with higher substitutions. Even though using PMF resulted in darker and firmer biscuits, the results indicate that PMF has the potential to produce functional gluten-free bakery products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pequi peels have a rich composition representing an opportunity to improve the nutritional attributes of bakery products. The pequi mesocarp biscuits produced are gluten-free and contain antioxidants, promoting consumers' health. Producing biscuits with pequi mesocarp is advantageous to offer the population a nutritive alternative biscuit, while adding value to pequi peels, strengthening the local economy, and decreasing environmental pollution.

CMCS-PVA@CA hydrogel dressing: A promoter of wound healing with MRSA virulence attenuation function

Traditional wound dressings, primarily centered on antimicrobial or bactericidal strategies, have inadvertently contributed to the rise of drug-resistant bacterial colonies at wound sites, thus prolonging the healing process. In this study, we developed an innovative hydrogel dressing, CMCS-PVA@CA, incorporating carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and cichoric acid (CA), specifically designed to treat skin wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Computational biology analyses reveal that CA exerts substantial anti-virulence activity by targeting serine/threonine phosphatase (Stp1), achieving an IC50 of 3.912 μM, thereby mitigating MRSA pathogenicity. Notably, CA lacks intrinsic antibacterial properties, minimizing the risk of fostering drug resistance. Furthermore, CMCS-PVA@CA demonstrates effective wound healing acceleration and meets clinical application standards, with its robust mechanical properties enhancing patient comfort. In essence, this study presents CMCS-PVA@CA as a promising hydrogel dressing offering a viable solution for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections in skin wounds.

Chemistry and biology of natural stilbenes: an update

Covering: 2009 up to the end of 2023Stilbenes, an emblematic group of polyphenols, have attracted the attention of numerous researchers owing to their intriguing polycyclic architectures and diverse bioactivities. In this updated review, natural stilbenes were analysed, especially oligomeric stilbenes, which are an emblematic group of polyphenols that harbor intriguing polycyclic architectures and diverse bioactivities compared with those previously anticipated. Oligomeric stilbenes with unique skeletons comprise a large majority of natural stilbenes owing to their structural changes and different substitutions on the phenyl rings. These compounds can be promising sources of lead compounds for studying new drugs and medicines. In addition, the exploration of unusual structures of oligomeric stilbenes such as polyflavanostilbenes A and B, analysing their absolute stereochemistry, and improving their yield using synthetic biology methods have recently gained interest. This review provides a systematic overview of 409 new stilbenes, which were isolated and identified over time from January 2009 to December 2023, focusing on the classification and biomimetic syntheses of oligomeric stilbenes, in addition to presenting meaningful insights into their structural diversity and biological activities, which will inspire further investigations of biological activities, structure-activity relationships, and screening of drug candidates.

Protective Effect and Gut Microbiota Modulation of Grifola frondosa Antioxidant Peptides in Sodium Dextran Sulfate-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Mice

Grifola frondosa antioxidant peptides (GFAP) were prepared through trypsin enzymolysis and characterized. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of clinical symptoms, colon pathological injuries, levels of inflammatory factors, expression of inflammation-related proteins, and alterations in gut microbiota composition in mice with ulcerative colitis (UC). The findings demonstrated that GFAP effectively mitigated UC, alleviated mucosal damage, and reduced inflammatory infiltration. Specifically, GFAP administration resulted in significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, while enhancing the expression levels of tight junction proteins such as Occludin and ZO-1. Additionally, GFAP treatment led to decreased levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and TNF-α. Noteworthy, GFAP also influenced the gut microbiota by decreasing the abundance of Proteobacteria and increasing Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Moreover, specific bacteria like Bacteroides uniformis and Alistipes exhibited elevated abundances following GFAP treatment. In summary, GFAP exhibited preventive and protective effects against UC in mice by effectively alleviating clinical symptoms and modulating gut microbiota composition.

Eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles fabricated using Fioria vitifolia L. and their biomedical potentials

The present study aimed to environmentally friendly synthesis of ZnO NPs using Fioria vitifolia leaf extracts which provides a sustainable and green approach for production of NPs. The produced ZnO NPs were evaluated using various spectrum approaches (UV-vis, FTIR XRD, TEM and EDAX). The synthesized ZnO NPs was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy exhibited a peak at 370 nm. SEM imaging revealed a flash-like and needle-like bottom morphology. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis detected vibrations corresponding to alcohols, halides, and aromatics functional groups. TEM showed spherical-shaped NPs with an average diameter of 11 nm. XRD analysis exhibited distinct peaks at 2θ values of 31.7°, 34.3°, 36.2°, 47.4°, 56.6°, 62.8°, 66.4°, 67.9°, 69.1°, and 76.8°, corresponding to the crystallographic planes (100), (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), (200), (112), (201), (004), and (202) planes respectively. The antibacterial activity demonstrated significant zones of inhibition against E. coli (17 ± 0.6 mm) and S. aureus (23.7 ± 0.5 mm), and inhibition of biofilm formation in S. aureus and C. albicans. Additionally, S. mutans exhibited the highest sensitivity to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO NPs, with complete inhibition occurring at 7.5 μg/mL. Furthermore, antioxidant DPPH assays exhibited IC50 values of 42 μg/mL. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of ZnO NPs of F. vitifolia were evaluated in-vitro using models utilizing the human red blood cells (HRBC) membrane stabilization method (MSM), and it was shown to have an MSM of 83.87 % at 250 μg/mL. Furthermore, ZnO NPs exhibited anticancer activity against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 35.50 μg/mL. Toxicological evaluation of FV-ZnO nanoparticles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos indicated low toxicity at maximum concentration. These is first findings suggest that ZnO NPs synthesized from F. vitifolia leaf extracts possess significant antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Additionally, their low toxicity in zebrafish embryos makes them suitable for further development in antimicrobial therapies with minimal side effects, offering a sustainable, biocompatible solution to tackle multidrug-resistant microbial infections.

Effect of triple-frequency sono-germination and soaking treatments on techno-functional characteristics of barley

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of triple-frequency ultrasound treatment (TFUT), germination (GE), and traditional soaking (TS) methods on the nutritional and techno-functional properties of two different barley varieties, including ZQ2000 and XMLY22. Both ZQ2000 and XMLY22 varieties exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC) with 840.73 ± 23.59 μg of GAE/g DW and 720.33 ± 30.56 μg of GAE/g DW, and total flavonoid content (TFC) with 520.79 ± 23.45 μg of QUE/g DW and 420.84 ± 19.80 μg of QUE/g DW, respectively. Enzyme activities, such as peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), were notably elevated, indicating enhanced defense mechanisms. The study also found increased γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) levels and antidiabetic potential through inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Further, gene expression analysis revealed differential regulation of phenylpropanoid pathway genes, contributing to the bioactive compound enhancement. Strong intermolecular interactions were observed in both ZQ2000 and XMLY22 samples subjected to TFUT, GE, TFUT + GE, and TS, as validated by FTIR and molecular docking analyses. The structural configuration of two barley types, ZQ2000 and XMLY22, was determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which indicated an increase in α-helix and β-sheet conformation and a decrease in random coil conformation in samples treated with TFUT + GE. Moreover, SEM observation provides convincing evidence that TFUT + GE improves and speeds up the breakdown of ZQ2000's internal structures. Conclusively, this study suggests that the combination of ultrasound and germination treatments significantly enhances the functional properties of barley, making it a promising method for creating health-enhancing barley-based products offering potential applications in functional food development.

An overview of ELISA: a review and update on best laboratory practices for quantifying peptides and proteins in biological fluids

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detects antigen-antibody interactions by using enzyme-labelled conjugates and enzyme substrates that generate colour changes. This review aims to provide an overview of ELISA, its various types, and its applications in detecting metabolites in biological fluids. The article discusses the history of the assay, its underlying principles and procedures, common ELISA protocols, and the most accurate and reliable techniques for measuring peptide molecules in biological fluids. Additionally, we emphasize best laboratory practices to achieve consistent, high-quality results and outline the essential materials for setting up an ELISA laboratory, drawing from our over 30 years of experience in the field.

Bio-inspired preparation of Ag NPs, rGO, and Ag/rGO nanocomposites for acoustical, antioxidant, and plant growth regulatory studies

Acoustical properties are essential for understanding the molecular interactions in fluids, as they influence the physicochemical behavior of liquids and determine their suitability for diverse applications. This study investigated the acoustical parameters of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and Ag/rGO nanocomposite nanofluids at varying concentrations. Ag NPs and Ag/rGO nanocomposites were synthesized via a Bos taurus indicus (BTI) metabolic waste-assisted method and characterized using advanced techniques, including XRD, TEM, Raman, DLS, zeta potential, and XPS. The synthesized nanocomposites were evaluated for their acoustical, antioxidant, and plant growth-regulatory properties. Acoustical analysis revealed a linear relationship between the nanofluid concentration and density, with key parameters such as adiabatic compressibility, apparent molar compressibility, and apparent molar volume increase at lower concentrations. Irregular changes in ultrasonic velocity and other parameters at 0.025 mol/dm3 suggest unique nanoparticle-solvent interactions. The Ag/rGO nanocomposites exhibited superior antioxidative potential compared to Ag NPs, with DPPH scavenging activity reaching 65.69% and ABTS scavenging activity reaching 65.01% at 100 µg/mL. Plant growth studies have demonstrated enhanced germination rates (100% in spinach and 40% in fenugreek) and improved root and shoot elongation at 0.0025-0.005 mol/dm3. This study bridges the gap in understanding the acoustical and multifunctional properties of nanocomposites for biomedical, agricultural, and environmental applications.

Nutritional value, phytochemical content, and pharmacological screening of Borassus flabellifer L. fruits

The present study aimed to evaluate the nutrition value, phytochemical content, and diverse pharmacological activities of different solvent extracts of Borassus flabellifer L. fruit. Among all, the hydro-alcoholic extract showed high DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities with IC50 values of 82.98 ± 0.93, and 75.67 ± 0.48 μg/mL, respectively. The hydro-alcoholic extract offered a noticeableα-amylase (IC50 = 82.90 ± 0.73 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects (IC50 = 62.5 ± 0.39 µg/mL), which were comparable to standard drug Acarbose. In anti-denaturation assay, the hydro-alcoholic extract showed a weaker inhibitory effect (IC50 = 93.47 ± 0.93) than standard Diclofenac-Na (IC50 =65.85 ± 0.42 µg/mL). Furthermore, the hydro-alcoholic extract showed the highest potential in preventing the harmful effects of UV radiation with a sun protection factor of 37.12 ± 0.28.

Bioactive Molecules, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Toxicology, and Pharmacology of Peltophorum africanum Sond (Fabaceae): Systematic Review

Plants have long been used to treat serious illnesses in both humans and animals. A significant underappreciated medicinal tree, Peltophorum africanum Sond is utilized by many different ethnic groups to cure a wide range of illnesses. A variety of electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scielo, Scifinder, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Google Scholar, were used to search the literature on P. africanum, using key words such as uses, survey, pharmacology, antigonococcal, toxicity, phytochemistry and others. Further data was obtained from several scholarly theses, dissertations, and books on general plant sciences, ethnomedicine, and other pertinent ethnobotanical topics. The plant species possess very important pharmacological activities in vitro, which includes antimicrobial, anti-HIV, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and other activities. Phytochemically, the plant possesses various classes of compounds, dominated by flavonols, which may well explain its wider range of pharmacological activities. Although the plant is promising anti-HIV activity, the mode of action and safety profiles of the plant also need to be explored as its extracts exerted some degree of mutagenicity. It is also important to further explore its ethnoveterinary use against a plethora of nematodes that infects both wild and domestic animals. Given its potent pharmacological activity, the further in vivo studies need to be explored to ascertain the comprehensive toxicology of the plant species, thereby developing possible medications. The plant species may further be elevated to a potent pharmaceutical product against plethora of infections.

Targeting cow's milk allergy using hypoallergenic protein-polyphenol formulas: A proof of concept

Cow's milk allergy caused by a hypersensitivity to milk proteins has increased over the last years. Hypoallergenic responses can be induced by altering the structure of such proteins with chemical modifiers; this paper is about the creation of edible matrices based on polyphenols from orange peel. Some compounds were able to significantly lower the IgE binding from β-lactoglobulin allergic serum in sensitized patients. Such effects could also be observed for casein allergic serum in patients sensitized to both proteins. A certain inter-individual variability is observed, although polyphenols do actually induce salient structural changes. This indicates that molecular modifications aimed at oral treatments against food allergy may or may not correlate with reduced allergenicity, and hence the necessity for serum monitoring through immunological assays. Overall, the results are promising enough to validate the polyphenol-fortified approach. In addition, this study highlights the upgrading of vegetable waste, consistent with a circular economy in food chemistry.

Antilipase activities of cultivated peppermint and rosemary essential oils: in vitro and in silico studies

Background/aim

The growing interest in essential oils clearly indicates the power of nature and aligns with our increasing need to find therapeutic solutions in the natural world. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of the essential oils of Mentha × piperita and Salvia rosmarinus, harvested from the Laghouat region of Algeria, against Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) and pancreatic lipase through both in vitro and in silico studies.

Materials and methods

Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and spectrophotometry. Their antilipase activities were assessed using an inhibition assay, and molecular docking was performed with AutoDock Vina to explore interactions between essential oil compounds and lipase enzymes.

Results

Spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated significant inhibitory activity for each essential oil against CRL lipase, with IC50 values of 0.56 ± 0.005 and 0.69 ± 0.008 mg/mL for peppermint and rosemary oils, respectively. These results were satisfactory in comparison to those achieved with orlistat. Molecular docking studies revealed the mechanisms of major compounds in each essential oil, demonstrating that these compounds inhibited CRL (PDB ID: 1CRL) and pancreatic lipase (PDB ID: 1LPB) with repeated hydrophobic interactions. The interactions were observed to be consistent with His449, Gly123, Gly124, Phe344, and Ser152 for many molecules.

Conclusion

This study highlights opportunities for essential oils and their bioactive components to be utilized as adjuvants in the management of obesity and other lipase-related disorders.

Enhancing Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Leaf By-Products: Bioactive Compounds, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, and Potential Health Applications

The sustainable utilization of biomass-derived bioactives addresses the growing demand for natural health products and supports sustainable development goals by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals in healthcare. Cannabis sativa biomass, in particular, has emerged as a valuable resource within this context. This study focuses on the hydroethanolic extract of C. sativa leaves (CSE), which exhibited significant levels of phenolic compounds contributing to robust antioxidant activity. Evaluation using potassium ferricyanide, ABTS, and DPPH methods revealed potent radical scavenging activity comparable to the Trolox standard. UPLC-MS/MS profiling identified cannabinoids as the predominant secondary metabolites in CSE, with flavonoids also present in substantial quantities. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of CSE on RAW 264.7 macrophages and IL-1β-stimulated C-20/A4 immortalized human chondrocytes, demonstrating protective effects without cytotoxic or mutagenic effects. Mechanistically, CSE reduced inflammation by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. In silico approaches showed the ability of CSE's main metabolites to bind and influence MAPK and NF-κB activity, confirming in vitro evidence. Incorporating C. sativa leaf extract into a hyaluronic acid-based formulation showed biotechnological promise for treating joint inflammation. Future research should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and explore the potential of CSE-derived compounds in mitigating osteoarthritis progression. This approach highlights the significance of utilizing annually increasing biomass waste for sustainable bioactivity and environmental impact reduction.

Anti-Obesogenic and Antioxidant Potential of Lychee Seed Flour in Zebrafish Fed a High-Fat Diet

OBJECTIVE

Obesity has become one of the major public health issues and is associated with various comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Lychee seeds are considered promising ingredients for developing functional foods owing to their nutraceutical properties and phytochemical composition. This study aimed to induce obesity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through a hyperlipidic diet supplemented with different concentrations of lychee seed flour and to evaluate its effects on adipose tissue, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, and caudal fin regeneration.

METHODS

A total of 200 adult zebrafish were u anded and divided into five experimental groups: control, hyperlipidic diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with 2%, 4%, and 6% lychee seed flour. After 12 wk of feeding, biochemical parameters (glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-HDL, aspartate aminotransferase-AST, alanine aminotransferase-ALT, and cortisol) and oxidative stress biomarkers, such as Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), Glutathione (GSH), and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), were evaluated.

RESULTS

The results showed that the HFD4% group exhibited a significant reduction in the diameter of visceral adipocytes compared with the control, HFD, and HFD2% groups. There was a higher prevalence of severe steatosis in the control and HFD groups and mild steatosis in the HFD6% group. The HFD4% and HFD6% groups had the lowest glycemic levels, whereas the HFD6% group had the highest HDL levels. Supplementation with lychee seed flour also positively modulated oxidative stress biomarkers, with increased CAT and GST activity in the HFD6% group and reduced ROS in the HFD4% and HFD6% groups compared with the HFD group.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that adding 4 to 6% lychee seed flour may have beneficial effects on biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers in HFD-fed zebrafish. The results indicate that lychee seed flour shows promise for use in foods and supplements targeting obesity prevention and management.

Antioxidant Potential and Chemical Evaluation of Extracts from Endophytic Fungus Lasiodiplodia sp

Antioxidants are compounds that can eliminate free radicals and are known to prevent cell damage and health disorders, in turn, improving the quality of life of human beings. This study aims to evaluate the presence of antioxidants in ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts from Lasiodiplodia endophyte, which was previously isolated and cultivated by our research group, given its ability to produce a variety of metabolites with different chemical and biological properties. The antioxidant activities were determined using ABTS+⋅, DPPH and FRAP. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were evaluated, as well as the NMR metabolomics of extracts. All extracts showed promising antioxidant activity, and optimal results were achieved between the sixth and eleventh days of fungus cultivation. Furthermore, one of the extracts showed no in vivo toxicity against Galleria mellonella for all tested concentrations. The 1H-NMR spectra showed that there are two distinct groups of molecules present in EtOAc extracts obtained from Lasiodiplodia cultivation, and the data corroborate the results concerning antioxidant activity for TPC and TFC. This suggests that it is possible to monitor the chemical profile of fungal extracts using NMR, and to correlate compounds within days of fungus cultivation, along with their antioxidant activities.

Conjugates of amiridine and salicylic derivatives as promising multifunctional CNS agents for potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease

New conjugates of amiridine and salicylic derivatives (salicylamide, salicylimine, and salicylamine) with different lengths of alkylene spacers were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as potential multifunctional central nervous system therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Conjugates demonstrated high acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition (IC50: AChE, 0.265-4.24 μM; BChE, 0.01-0.64 μM) but poor activity against off-target carboxylesterase (CES). Specifically, conjugates with a (CH2)8 spacer showed the highest AChE and BChE inhibition: 3-16 times more effective than amiridine. Salicylamides 7b and 7c had the maximum BChE/AChE selectivity ratios: 193 and 138, respectively. Conjugates were mixed-type reversible inhibitors of both cholinesterases and displaced propidium from the AChE peripheral anionic site (PAS) at the level of donepezil. All conjugates inhibited Aβ42 self-aggregation in the thioflavin test; inhibition increased with spacer elongation, being greatest for (CH2)8. The results agreed with molecular docking to AChE, BChE, and Aβ42. Conjugates exhibited high 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)•+-scavenging activity comparable to the standard antioxidant Trolox, and they showed the ability to bind Cu2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+. Conjugates had favorable predicted intestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier permeability. Altogether, the results indicate that the new conjugates possess potential for further development as multifunctional anti-AD drug candidates.

Antioxidant properties of the soluble carotenoprotein AstaP and its feasibility for retinal protection against oxidative stress

Photodamage to the outer segments of photoreceptor cells and their impaired utilization by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) leading to blindness. Degeneration of photoreceptor cells and RPE cells is triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by photochemical reactions involving bisretinoids, by-products of the visual cycle, which accumulate in photoreceptor discs and lipofuscin granules of RPE. Carotenoids, natural antioxidants with high potential efficacy against a wide range of ROS, may protect against the cytotoxic properties of lipofuscin. To solve the problem of high hydrophobicity of carotenoids and increase their bioaccessibility, specialized proteins can ensure their targeted delivery to the affected tissues. In this study, we present new capabilities of the recombinant water-soluble protein AstaP from Coelastrella astaxanthina Ki-4 (Scenedesmaceae) for protein-mediated carotenoid delivery and demonstrate how zeaxanthin delivery suppresses oxidative stress in a lipofuscin-enriched model of photoreceptor and pigment epithelium cells. AstaP in complex with zeaxanthin can effectively scavenge various ROS (singlet oxygen, free radical cations, hydrogen peroxide) previously reported to be generated in AMD. In addition, we explore the potential of optimizing the structure of AstaP to enhance its thermal stability and resistance to proteolytic activity in the ocular media. This optimization aims to maximize the prevention of retinal degenerative changes in AMD.

Efficiency of potato peel extract in the preservation of cow butter

This study investigates that the phenolic compound extracted from the potato peels using ethanol by maceration as a natural preservation agent for cow butter, yielding 10.42 ± 0.03 % phenolic compound. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of potato peels extract (PPE) was conducted to examine the phenolic compounds. The major preliminary phytochemical screenings (Alkaline Reagent Test, Ferric Chloride Test, Chloride Test) were performed to detect the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method with UV spectrophotometry, which produced 2.9468 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g of dry extract. The total flavonoid content was determined using the aluminum chloride colorimetric method, resulting in 3.6885 ± 0.02 mg equivalent Quercetin/g of dry extract. During 21 days, butter samples treated with PPE at various concentrations (0.2 % and 0.3 %) and storage temperatures (20 °C and 45 °C) were examined for chemical parameters (peroxide value and free fatty acid value) and microbiological parameters (aerobic total bacterial count and yeast mould count). The findings showed that the samples preserved at 20 °C with a concentration of 0.3 % extract had better preservation than samples stored at other temperatures. It also showed lower values of peroxide and free fatty acids, as well as less microbial growth. On the other hand, samples without extract that were kept at 45 °C demonstrated more oxidation and microbial growth. The oxidative stability of cow butter was assessed using the Rancimat method. Results indicate that PPE significantly enhances both oxidative stability and shelf life, offering preservative benefits for up to six months. Specifically, the induction period (IP) at room temperature reached 3960 h (165 days) with PPE, compared to only 120 h (5 days) without it. These findings suggest that the phenolic compounds in the potato peels could serve as natural preservatives for cow butter, particularly when stored at lower temperatures.

Liquid phase preparation and characterization of MgO nanoparticles and their butchery activities against dental bacterial pathogens and human cervical cancer cell line

A novel method for synthesizing nanomaterials involves microbial or phytochemical nano-factories, which offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and reliable approach to producing clean and reproducible products. In this study, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized using Avicennia marina, a marine plant, as both a nucleation and stabilizing agent. The MgO NPs were characterized for crystallinity, cut-off wavelength, morphology, thermal stability, and surface properties using XRD, EDX, BET, UV-Visible spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential analysis, SEM, TEM, TGA/DTA, and PL spectroscopy. Using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, the specific surface area of the MgO nanoparticles was determined to be 97.248 m2/g. The optical band gap energy of the MgO nanoparticles that corresponded to the highest absorption peak was determined to be 5.8 eV. Additionally, the antimicrobial, scavenging, and antioxidant activities of the MgO NPs were evaluated against dental bacterial pathogens. To explore anticancer potential, the MgO NPs were tested on a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) using an MTT assay, which revealed that cytotoxicity increased with higher MgO NP concentrations. MgO nanoparticles were applied at concentrations of 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, 75 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cell lines. The cytotoxicity observed at an IC50 concentration of 56.54 μg/mL is primarily influenced by factors such as the small size, increased surface-to-volume ratio, oxygen vacancies, and the morphology of the nanoparticles. This interdisciplinary study contributes to the understanding of MgO NPs and their multifunctional potential in combating dental infections and cervical cancer.

In Vitro Evaluation, Chemical Profiling, and In Silico ADMET Prediction of the Pharmacological Activities of Artemisia absinthium Root Extract

Artemisia absinthium L., is a plant with established pharmacological properties, but the A. absinthium root extract (AARE) remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the chemical composition of AARE and assess its biological activity, which included antidiabetic, antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. GC-MS was used to analyze the chemical components. The antioxidant activity of the total phenolic and flavonoid content was evaluated. Antibacterial activity and cytotoxic effects were identified. Enzyme inhibition experiments were performed to determine its antidiabetic potential. Molecular docking was utilized to evaluate the potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities of the compounds from AARE using Maestro 11.5 from the Schrödinger suite. AARE exhibited moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC50: 172.41 ± 3.15 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 378.94 ± 2.18 μg/mL) assays. Cytotoxicity tests on MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cells demonstrated significant anticancer effects, with IC50 values of 150.12 ± 0.74 μg/mL and 137.11 ± 1.33 μg/mL, respectively. Apoptotic studies indicated an upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (caspase-3, 8, 9, Bax) and a downregulation of anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Bcl-Xl). AARE also inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase, suggesting potential antidiabetic effects, with IC50 values of 224.12 ± 1.17 μg/mL and 243.35 ± 1.51 μg/mL. Antibacterial assays revealed strong activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Molecular docking and pharmacokinetic analysis identified promising inhibitory effects of key AARE compounds on NADPH oxidase, E. coli Gyrase B, and Topoisomerase IIα, with favorable drug-like properties. These findings suggest AARE's potential in treating cancer, diabetes, and bacterial infections, warranting further in vivo and clinical studies.

Isolation and Antioxidant Mechanism of Polyphenols from Sanghuangporous vaninii

Sanghuangporous vaninii, as an edible and medicinal macrofungus, represents a high source of polyphenols with considerable antioxidant activities. However, due to the significant differences in polyphenol content and bioactivity caused by different cultivation substrates, its antioxidant mechanism has not been fully determined. In this paper, five groups of S. vaninii fruiting bodies were collected from cultivation substrates from different areas. The ethanol extracts of mulberry sawdust from Haining City (HNMS) had the highest polyphenol content, as well as excellent antioxidant activity. HNMS3, a polyphenol component with promising antioxidant capacity, was further isolated through optimization with different extractants, silica gel column chromatography, and thin layer chromatography analysis. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis showed that HNMS3 was composed of 33 compounds, corresponding to 257 targets of oxidative stress by network pharmacology analysis, which were strongly associated with mental health and neurodegenerative diseases. Protein-protein interaction and molecular docking analysis indicated that eight hub genes (PPARG, IL-6, STAT3, PTGS2, SRC, MTOR, ERS1, and EGFR) are attributed to the regulation of the key compounds hispidin, inoscavin A, inoscavin_C, and phellibaumin B. Consequently, this study obtains S. vaninii polyphenolic component HNMS3 with excellent antioxidant capacity, simultaneously revealing its potential antioxidant mechanisms, providing new insights into the application of S. vaninii.

BBPT attenuated 6-OHDA-induced toxicity by modulating oxidative stress, apoptotic, and inflammatory proteins in primary neurons and rat models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) results from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Adenosine A2AR acting through the striato-pallidal pathway has emerged as a non-dopaminergic target in the therapy of PD. In the present work, the anti-parkinsonian potential of (4E)-4-(4-bromobenzylideneamino)-3-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-2-thioxo- thiazole-5-carbonitrile (BBPT) was explored. BBPT exhibited significant antioxidant activity in situ. In the MTT assay, the BBPT treatment showed insignificant toxicity to the primary midbrain neuronal (PMDN) cells. 6-OHDA induced PMDN cells, 3 h post-treated with BBPT showed 80-85 % survival of the cells and restoration of dopamine and TNF-α levels. The acute and sub-acute toxicity test for BBPT was performed with Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. In toxicity assay, any significant physical, hematological, or biochemical changes in the rats were not observed. To evaluate the effect of BBPT in vivo, a 6-OHDA-induced unilaterally lesioned SD rat model of PD was established. We observed that the BBPT treatment improved the behavioral symptoms in 6-OHDA-induced unilaterally lesioned rats. The proteins of 6-OHDA-induced BBPT-treated rats were isolated from the brain tissue to assess the antioxidant effect (GSH, catalase, SOD, lipid-peroxidation, nitrite), dopamine levels, and the restoration in the apoptosis and inflammation. Our results demonstrated that BBPT increased the anti-oxidant enzyme levels, restored the caspase-3/Bcl-2 levels to arrest apoptosis, and attenuated the TNF-α/IL-6 levels, thus restoring the neuronal damage in unilaterally lesioned 6-OHDA-induced SD rats. Precisely, the findings suggested that BBPT possessed significant anti-parkinsonian activity and has the potential to prevent dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

Anionic surfactant effect on the structural and thermal insulation properties of crosslinked-cellulose nanofiber foam and its superhydrophobic treatment

Sustainable and environmentally friendly cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has unique advantages and properties for preparing porous materials for various applications. This study reports a CNF foam developed via an environmentally friendly, expeditious and cost-effective process using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and citric acid (CA) as an anionic surfactant and a bio-based green crosslinker. Incorporating 0.5 wt% SDS into CA-crosslinked CNF foam significantly enhances its porous structure, indicating the highest porosity (>99.24 %) and a very low density (18.59 mg/cm3). The performance improvement is attributed to the formation of robust ester bonds through chemical crosslinking, which stabilizes the foam's microstructure and enhances its mechanical strength. Additionally, the SDS facilitates better foaming and reduces surface tension, promoting uniform distribution of pores. The foam shows better mechanical properties and antioxidant behavior than the neat CNF foam. Moreover, adding SDS into the CA-crosslinked NC foam exhibits lower thermal conductivity (0.029 W/mK) and diffusivity than commercial insulation foams, including polyurethane foam. Finally, a superhydrophobic CA-crosslinked CNF foam is made by a water-based hydrophobic treatment (water contact angle = 150°), indicating its waterproof behavior.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, And α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect Of Algerian Peganum harmala Seeds Extract

Peganum harmala seeds crude hydro-methanolic extract and their fractions (obtained with ethyl acetate and butan-1-ol) were analyzed and compared for their chemical profiles of alkaloids and polyphenols content. Moreover, their antioxidant, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were evaluated. The butan-1-ol fraction revealed the highest total phenolic content and exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. From the inhibitory enzyme evaluations, it should be highlighted the butan-1-ol fraction inhibitory potential of ɑ-glucosidase (the IC50=141.18±4 μg/mL), which was better than the acarbose inhibitory effect (IC50=203.41±1.07 μg/mL). The extracts' chemical profile analysis revealed several compounds, in which quercetin dimethyl ether, harmine and harmaline emerged as the major compounds. The different solvents used impacted Peganum harmala seed contents and biological responses. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between bioactive compounds and biological activities. Thus, Peganum harmala seeds could be a promising natural source of bioactive compounds at the crossroads of many human diseases, and its cultivation may be encouraged.

Antioxidant and Antiaging Activity of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Ethyl Acetate Fraction in Caenorhabditis elegans

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In aerobic organisms, such as humans, oxygen radicals are inevitably produced. To counteract oxidation, the body generates antioxidant substances that suppress free radicals. However, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase due to aging and lifestyle factors, leading to exposure to various diseases. While synthetic antioxidants offer advantages like high stability, low cost, and availability, their safety remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antiaging activities of Houttuynia cordata (HC), which is rich in flavonoids and has excellent antioxidant properties, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model.

METHODS

Extraction and fractionation of HC were performed to evaluate antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, superoxide radical scavenging activity) and antiaging effects (lifespan). The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) with the highest activity was selected for further investigation.

RESULTS

The EAF of HC exhibited high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, presenting the highest DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide radical scavenging activities. This fraction increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in nematodes in a concentration-dependent manner and provided resistance to oxidative stress, reducing ROS accumulation. Additionally, the fraction enhanced the lifespan of nematodes, improved resistance to heat stress, increased survival rates, and decreased the accumulation of aging pigments (lipofuscin). The expression of daf-2, daf-16, and sir-2.1, proteins directly involved in nematode aging, was confirmed. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry identified quercitrin in the HC extract, which may contribute to its antioxidant and antiaging effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The EAF of HC demonstrates significant potential for influencing antioxidant and antiaging, as evidenced by functional investigations using C. elegans.

Metabolomic Profiling and Functional Characterization of Biochar from Vine Pruning Residues for Applications in Animal Feed

Biochar has gained interest as a feed ingredient in livestock nutrition due to its functional properties, circularity, potential to reduce environmental impact, and alignment with sustainable agro-zootechnical practices. The in vivo effects of biochar are closely tied to its physical characteristics, which vary depending on the biomass used as feedstock and the production process. This variability can result in heterogeneity among biochar types used in animal nutrition, leading to inconsistent outcomes. The aim of this study was to characterize the metabolomic and functional properties of an aqueous biochar extract from vine pruning waste, in order to predict its potential in vivo effects as a functional feed ingredient. A metabolomic analysis of the biochar extracts was conducted using quadrupole time-f-light (QQTOF) high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC MS/MS). Antimicrobial activity against E. coli F18+ and E. coli F4+ was assessed using standard growth inhibition assays, while quorum sensing in E. coli exposed to biochar extracts was evaluated using real-time PCR. Prebiotic activity was assessed by exposing selected Lactobacillus strains to the biochar extract, monitoring growth patterns to determine species-specific responses. The metabolomic profile revealed several distinct molecular classes, including multiple peaks for phenolic compounds. The extract significantly inhibited the growth of both E. coli pathotypes, reducing growth by 29% and 16% for the F4+ and F18+, respectively (p < 0.001). The relative expression of the genes involved in quorum sensing (MotA, FliA for biofilm formation, and FtsE, HflX for cell division) indicated that the observed inhibitory effects likely resulted from interference with flagellar synthesis, motility, and reduced cell division. The biochar extract also showed species-specific prebiotic potential. In conclusion, biochar derived from vine pruning waste represents a valuable feed ingredient with functional properties that may help to reduce antibiotic use in livestock production.

Oestrogen Detoxification Ability of White Rot Fungus Trametes hirsuta LE-BIN 072: Exoproteome and Transformation Product Profiling

White rot fungi, especially representatives of the genus Trametes spp. (Polyporaceae), are effective destructors of various xenobiotics, including oestrogens (phenol-like steroids), which are now widespread in the environment and pose a serious threat to the health of humans, animals and aquatic organisms. In this work, the ability of the white rot fungus Trametes hirsuta LE-BIN 072 to transform oestrone (E1) and 17β-oestradiol (E2), the main endocrine disruptors, was shown. More than 90% of the initial E1 and E2 were removed by the fungus during the first 24 h of transformation. The transformation process proceeded predominantly in the direction of the initial substrates' detoxification, with the radical oxidative coupling of E1 and E2 as well as their metabolites and the formation of less toxic dimers in various combinations. A number of minor metabolites, in particular, less toxic estriol (E3), were identified by HPLC-MS. The formation of E1 from E2 and vice versa were shown. The exoproteome of the white rot fungus during the transformation of oestrogens was studied in detail for the first time. The contribution of ligninolytic peroxidases (MnP5, MnP7 and VP2) to the process of the extracellular detoxification of oestrogens and their possible metabolites is highlighted. Thus, the studied strain appears to be a promising mycodetoxicant of phenol-like steroids in aquatic environments.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of different ratios and preparations of Angelica sinensis and chuanxiong rhizoma extracts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Angelica sinensis (AS) and Chuanxiong rhizoma (CR) are frequently prescribed in clinical settings for their ability to enrich blood, regulate menstrual cycles, and alleviate pain. Despite their widespread use, there is a relative dearth of studies exploring their anti-inflammatory properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Angelica sinensis-Chuanxiong rhizoma (ASCR) extracts and investigate its anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AS and CR were combined in six ratios and extracted using five solvents. The quality of the resulting ASCR extracts was assessed by determining the content of ferulic acid (FA) using HPLC. The antioxidant effects of the ASCR extracts were evaluated in vitro using the DPPH and ABTS assays, as well as in HUVECs exposed to H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts were investigated in vivo through the assays of ear edema in mice and paw edema in rats. Biochemical markers including NO, MDA, and SOD in paw tissues, as well as PGE2, TNF-α, and COX-2 in rat serum, were measured to further elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ASCR extracts.

RESULTS

The WA-2-1 was obtained by combining AS and CR in a 2:1 ratio through first water then ethanol extraction, and showed favorable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The extract demonstrated effective scavenging abilities against DPPH• and ABTS+• radicals while also protecting against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed that WA-2-1 had significant inhibitory effects on ear and paw edema as well as the ability to decrease NO and MDA levels, enhance SOD activity, and downregulate the expression of COX-2, PGE2, and TNF-α.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of AS and CR exhibits favorable anti-inflammatory effects, attributed to its dual actions of mitigating oxidative stress and suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators in serum or tissues during the inflammatory process.

Towards the Development of Novel, Point-of-Care Assays for Monitoring Different Forms of Antioxidant Activity: The RoXstaTM System

(1) Background: This study set out to develop a series of simple, novel, rapid methods for assessing different forms of antioxidant activity. (2) Methods: An ABTS platform was used to engineer: (i) an electrochemical post-activation assay to assess free radical scavenging activity; (ii) an electrochemical pre-activation strategy to assesses the suppression of free radical formation; (iii) a horseradish peroxidase-mediated oxidation system to monitor hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and (iv) a cumene peroxide-hematin system to determine the ability of samples to scavenge the mixture of organic peroxides and peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals generated in the presence of these reagents. Each assay was assessed against a panel of candidate antioxidant compounds to determine their relative activities and specificities. In addition, human semen samples were analyzed to determine how the results of these antioxidant assays correlated with semen quality. (3) Results: All 4 assays revealed dose-dependent antioxidant activity on the part of vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine, hypotaurine, BSA, melatonin, glutathione, resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate. The other compounds tested either completely lacked antioxidant activity or were only active in one of the assays. Using unfractionated human semen as an exemplar of biological fluids rich in antioxidants, the outputs from the individual assays were found to reflect different aspects of semen quality. When the data from all 4 assays were combined, accurate predictions were generated reflecting the importance of oxidative stress in defining semen quality as reflected by sperm count, seminal lipid aldehyde content, sperm DNA damage and free radical generation by the sperm mitochondria. (4) Conclusions: The methodologies described in this paper constitute the basis for rapid, point-of-care assessments of oxidative stress.

Molecular Identification and Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity Assessment of Catharanthus roseus Leaf Extract: Exploring Antioxidant Potential and Antimicrobial Activities

Plants have long been at the main focus of the medical industry's attention due to their extensive list of biological and therapeutic properties and ethnobotanical applications. Catharanthus roseus, sometimes referred to as Nithyakalyani in Tamil, is an Apocynaceae family member used in traditional Indian medicine. It also examines the plant's potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities as well as its preliminary phytochemical makeup. Leaf material from C. roseus was analyzed and found to include a variety of phytochemicals including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, glycosides, quinones, and steroids. Four of the seven secondary metabolic products discovered in C. roseus leaves showed bioactive principles: 3-methylmannoside, squalene, pentatriacontane, and 2,4,4-trimethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-5a-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene. Catharanthus roseus is rich in the anticancer compounds vinblastine and vincristine. Whole DNA was isolated from fresh leaves, then amplified, sequenced, and aligned to find prospective DNA barcode candidates. One DNA marker revealed the restricted genetic relationship among C. roseus based on genetic distance and phylogenetic analysis. The antioxidant activity of the plant extract was evaluated using the DPPH, ABTS, phosphomolybdenum, FRAP, and superoxide radical scavenging activity assays, while the antibacterial potential was evaluated using the agar well diffusion assay. The ethanol extract of C. roseus was found to have the highest reducing power. In addition, a 4- to 21-mm-wide zone of inhibition was seen when the C. roseus extract was tested against bacterial and fungal stains. In conclusion, C. roseus has the most promise as an antibacterial and antioxidant agent.

Co-Mn Complex Oxide Nanoparticles as Potential Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Agents for Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and age-related lung disease that has few treatment options. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the introduction and development of IPF. In the present study, we developed multifunctional Cobalt (Co)-Manganese (Mn) complex oxide nanoparticles (Co-MnNPs), which can scavenge multiple types of ROS. Benefiting from ROS scavenging activities and good biosafety, Co-MnNPs can suppress canonical and non-canonical TGF-β pathways and, thus, inhibit the activation of fibroblasts and the productions of extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the scavenging of ROS by Co-MnNPs reduce the LPS-induced expressions of pro-inflammatory factors in macrophages, by suppressing NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, Co-MnNPs can reduce the excessive extracellular matrix deposition and inflammatory responses in lungs and, thus, alleviate pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) in mice. Taken together, this work offers an anti-fibrotic agent for treatment of IPF and other ROS-related diseases.

Recent Advances in Nanozyme-Based Sensing Technology for Antioxidant Detection

Antioxidants are substances that have the ability to resist or delay oxidative damage. Antioxidants can be used not only for the diagnosis and prevention of vascular diseases, but also for food preservation and industrial production. However, due to the excessive use of antioxidants, it can cause environmental pollution and endanger human health. It can be seen that the development of antioxidant detection technology is important for environment/health maintenance. It is found that traditional detection methods, including high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, etc., have shortcomings such as cumbersome operation and high cost. In contrast, the nanozyme-based detection method features advantages of low cost, simple operation, and rapidity, which has been widely used in the detection of various substances such as glucose and antioxidants. This article focuses on the latest research progress of nanozymes for antioxidant detection. Nanozymes for antioxidant detection are classified according to enzyme-like types. Different types of nanozyme-based sensing strategies and detection devices are summarized. Based on the summary and analysis, one can find that the development of commercial nanozyme-based devices for the practical detection of antioxidants is still challenging. Some emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence) should be fully utilized to improve the detection sensitivity and accuracy. This article aims to emphasize the application prospects of nanozymes in antioxidant detection and to provide new ideas and inspiration for the development of detection methods.

Chemical characterization and pharmacological properties of polysaccharides from Allium roseum leaves: In vitro and in vivo assays

Allium roseum is amongst the most important wild medicinal plants. It is known for its diverse biological properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial and antidiabetic activities. In this work, the polysaccharides (PARLs) were ultrasonically extracted from Allium roesum leaves then purified and analyzed by several techniques. Chemical composition and GC-MS analysis showed that the obtained polysaccharides were composed mainly of glucose (40.20 %), mannose (25.30 %), fructose (10.60 %) and galacturonic acid (15.11 %). Moreover, PARLs exhibited a potent antioxidant effect with higher capacities up to 69.61 % and 71.72 % for DPPH and ABTS free radicals, respectively. Furthermore, PARLs significantly modulated inflammatory response by reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 pro-inflammatory mediators and promoting the anti-inflammatory IL-10 mediator in LPS stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages. The in-vivo tests proved that the extract was able to decrease carrageenan-induced rat paw swelling by around 68.15 % after 4 h of treatment. PARLs, significantly reduced the growth of U87 (glioblastoma) and IGROV-1 cancer cells with IC50 values of about 4.27 and 7.89 mg/mL respectively. This research clearly shows that Allium roseum polysaccharides can be used as natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Antioxidant Activity and Hypoallergenicity of Egg Protein Matrices Containing Polyphenols from Citrus Waste

This study reports on the interactions of egg proteins, which represent a major health concern in food allergy, with polyphenols obtained from orange and lemon peels. The antioxidant properties of such citrus peel extracts prior to protein binding were evaluated. The resulting edible, and therefore inherently safe, matrices exhibit reduced IgE binding compared to pure proteins in indirect immunological assays (ELISA) using individual sera from patients allergic to ovalbumin and lysozyme. The reduced allergenicity could arise from the interactions with polyphenols, which alter the structure and functionality of the native proteins. It is hypothesized that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the polyphenols, described as inhibitors of the allergic response, could add immunomodulatory features to the hypoallergenic complexes. A docking analysis using lysozyme was conducted to scrutinize the nature of the protein-polyphenol interactions. An in silico study unravelled the complexity of binding modes depending on the isoforms considered. Altogether, the presented results validate the antioxidant properties and reduced allergenicity of polyphenol-fortified proteins. Lastly, this study highlights the upgrading of vegetable wastes as a source of natural antioxidants, thus showing the benefits of a circular economy in agri-food science.

Synthesis, electrochemical properties, and antioxidant activity of sterically hindered catechols with 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-triazole, thiazole or pyridine fragments

A series of new RS-, RS-CH2- and R2N-CH2-functionalized сatechols with heterocyclic fragments such as 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-triazole, thiazole, or pyridine were synthesized by the reaction of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone or 3,5-di-tert-butyl-6-methoxymethylcatechol with different heterocyclic thiols. The S-functionalized catechols were prepared by the Michael reaction from 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone and the corresponding thiols. The starting reagents such as substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiols and 4H-triazole-3-thiols are characterized by thiol-thione tautomerism, therefore their reactions with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-6-methoxymethylcatechol can proceed at the sulfur or nitrogen atom. In the case of mercapto-derivatives of thiazole or pyridine, this process leads to the formation of the corresponding thioethers with a methylene linker. At the same time, thiolated 1,3,4-oxadiazole or 1,2,4-triazole undergo alkylation at the nitrogen atom in the reaction with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-6-methoxymethylcatechol to form the corresponding thiones. The yield of reaction products ranges from 42 to 80%. The crystal structures of catechols with 3-nitropyridine or 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione moieties were established by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The possibility of forming intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds has been established for these compounds. The electrochemical behavior of the studied compounds is influenced by several factors: the nature of the heterocycle and its substituents, the presence of a sulfur atom in the catechol ring, or a thione group in the heterocyclic core. The radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties were determined using the reaction with synthetic radicals, the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assay, the inhibition process of superoxide radical anion formation by xanthine oxidase, and the process of lipid peroxidation of rat liver (Wistar) homogenates in vitro.

Exploring the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Saffron (Crocus sativus) Tepals Extract within the Circular Bioeconomy

Repurposing saffron (Crocus sativus) waste presents a sustainable strategy for generating high-value products within the bioeconomy framework. Typically, flower components are discarded after stigma harvest, resulting in significant waste-350 kg of tepals per kilogram of stigmas. This research employed a comprehensive approach, integrating bioactivity studies (in vitro and in silico) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluations, to extract and assess bioactive compounds from C. sativus tepals sourced in Tuscany, Italy. Phytochemical characterization using UPLC-MS/MS revealed a high abundance and variety of flavonoids in the hydro-ethanolic extract (CST). The antioxidant capacity was validated through various assays, and the ability to mitigate H2O2-induced oxidative stress and enhance fermentation was demonstrated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study reports that C. sativus tepals extract reduces oxidative stress and boosts ethanol fermentation in yeast, paving the way for applications in the food and biofuels sectors. Further validation in RAW 264.7 macrophages confirmed CST's significant anti-inflammatory effects, indicating its potential for pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical applications. In silico studies identified potential targets involved in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes, shedding light on possible interaction mechanisms with Kaempferol 3-O-sophoroside (KOS-3), the predominant compound in the extract. The integration of LCA studies highlighted the environmental benefits of this approach. Overall, this research underscores the value of using waste-derived extracts through "green" methodologies, offering a model that may provide significant advantages for further evaluations compared to traditional methodologies and supporting the circular bioeconomy.

New Antibacterial and Antioxidant Chitin Derivatives: Ultrasonic Preparation and Biological Effects

This work focuses on the first use of ultrasonic phenol-ene coupling as a polymer analogous transformation. The ultrasonic reaction was introduced into chitin chemistry, resulting in the fast and convenient preparation of new water-soluble cationic chitin derivatives. Since water-soluble derivatives of fully deacetylated chitin are poorly described in the literature, the synthesis of each new type of these derivatives is a significant event in polysaccharide chemistry. Polycations, or cationic polymers, are of particular interest as antibacterial agents. Consequently, the resulting polymers were tested for their antibacterial activity and toxicity. We found that the highly substituted polymer of medium molecular weight exhibited the most pronounced in vitro antibacterial effect. We prepared nanoparticles using the ionic gelation technique. The most effective in vitro antibacterial chitin-based systems were tested in vivo in rats. These tests demonstrated outstanding antibacterial effects combined with an absence of toxicity. Additionally, we found that the resulting polymers, unlike their nanoparticle counterparts, also exhibited strong antioxidant effects. In summary, we demonstrated the effectiveness of ultrasound in polymer chemistry and highlighted the importance of the sonochemical approach in the chemical modification of polysaccharides. This approach enables the synthesis of derivatives with improved physicochemical and biological properties.

Multiplexed colorimetric assay of antioxidants in wines with paper-based sensors fabricated by pen plotting

This work reports the development of low-cost and rapid multiplexed colorimetric assay of antioxidants (total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids and anthocyanins) in wines at daisy-shaped fluidic paper-based analytical devices (PADs). The desired fluidic patterns were formed on paper by pen drawing and colorimetric reagents were immobilized at the 6 peripheral test zones. The sample was added at the central sample zone, migrated to the test zones and reacted with the immobilized reagents producing characteristic colors that were captured and analyzed. The paper-based approach was applied to the analysis of several wine samples and the results were statistically correlated to standard solution-based colorimetric assays, indicating that it could be reliably used for ranking wines according to their antioxidants content. In addition, the paper-based analytical methodology is simple, instrument-free, portable, cost-effective, rapid and environment friendly.

Novel assaying method for the accurate and rapid analysis of antioxidant total capacity based on hexachloroiridate(IV)

We introduce a novel method, namely IrRAC, for assessing total antioxidant capacity utilizing the single electron oxidant hexachloroiridate(IV). This method leverages the 488 nm absorption band of [IrCl6]2- largely reducing interferences from antioxidants and their oxidation products. [IrCl6]2- is stable 6 h in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) ensuring consistent and reproducible absorbance readings and rendering spectrophotometric determinations under physiological neutrality. Individual assessments of 23 antioxidants reveal a linear correlation between decreasing absorbance and increasing antioxidant concentration. When the IrRAC assay was compared with several established water-based methods, strong correlations were found. Importantly, [IrCl6]2- shows a minimal oxidation of non-antioxidative substances. Moreover, IrRAC performs well with synthetic antioxidant mixtures and real samples, highlighting that the nature of antioxidants dominates the assay without much disturbance. Commercial availability of K2[IrCl6] eliminates the need of pretreatment of the oxidant. Undoubtedly, the new method confers a compelling and cost-effective alternative to the existing electron transfer-based methodologies.

Extraction, Identification, and Antioxidant Activity of Flavonoids from Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba

The extraction of total flavonoids from Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba (H. spectabile) leaves was studied through the use of a double enzyme-assisted ultrasonic method, and the extraction process was optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Eight different macroporous resins were screened for purification in single-factorial experiments, and the flavonoid compounds in the extract of H. spectabile leaves were identified using HPLC-MS. Through the evaluation of the total reducing capacity and capacity for reducing 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and 2,2'-biazobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), the in vitro antioxidant activities of the crude extracts of the total flavonoids and purified total flavonoids of H. spectabile leaves were investigated. The results showed that the most efficient conditions for flavonoid extraction were an ultrasonic extraction time of 60 min, an ethanol concentration of 35%, a liquid-to-material ratio of 20:1 mL/g, and an amount of enzyme (cellulose/pectinase = 1:1) of 1.5%, forming H. spectabile powder. Under these conditions, the total flavonoid extraction rate in the H. spectabile leaf extract was 4.22%. AB-8 resin showed superior performance in terms of purification, and the optimal adsorption and desorption times were 1.5 h and 3 h, respectively. The recommended parameters for purification included a liquid volume of 5.5 BV, a flow rate of 1.2 BV/min, a pH of 5, and a concentration of 0.8 mg/mL. The observed order for reducing capacity was ascorbic acid (VC) > rutin > purified total flavonoids > crude extract of total flavonoids. The purified total flavonoid extract from H. spectabile showed a good scavenging ability against DPPH, ·OH, and ABTS·+, suggesting strong antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study can serve as technical support and reference data for the further development and utilization of H. spectabile resources.