Protective effects of the extracts of Barringtonia racemosa shoots against oxidative damage in HepG2 cells

The profiles of durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) shell phenolics and their antioxidant effects on H2O2-treated HepG2 cells as well as the metabolites and organ distribution in rats

Durian is a nutritious tropical fruit with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects. However, the durian shell was mainly discarded as waste, while there were few studies on the characterization of its phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, and in vivo metabolites. In the present study, a total of 17 compounds were identified in durian shell extract (DSE) by using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS), while 33 metabolites were found in rats' plasma, urine and organ. Moreover, DSE could effectively reduce H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells, reduce the expression of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and inhibit apoptosis by regulating the expression of Bcl-2-Associated X (BAX), B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 genes and proteins related to mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. This is the first comprehensive report on Durian shell phenolics, their metabolic profiles and underlying mechanisms of the in vitro antioxidant activities.

Cytoprotective effects and antioxidant activities of acteoside and various extracts of Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum Turcz leaves against t-BHP induced oxidative damage

This study evaluates the antioxidant potential and cytoprotective effects of ethanolic crude extract from Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum leaves (ECE) and five derived fractions (namely, petroleum ether fraction (PEF), dichloromethane fraction (DMF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), n-butyl alcohol fraction (BAF) and the remaining fraction (RF)), as well as acteoside (Ac, a major phenolic component in EAF) on oxidative damage caused by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in HepG2 cells. MTT assay results showed that ECE, EAF, BAF, RF and Ac increased the viability of t-BHP-damaged cells in a dose-dependent manner, while EAF significantly promoted cell viability. EAF, BAF, RF, or Ac reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased. Western blot analysis further indicated that EAF, BAF, RF, or Ac up-regulated pro-caspase-3 and reduced cleaved caspase-3 during t-BHP-induced oxidative stress. Flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence micrographs showed that Ac could inhibit apoptosis.

Aegle marmelos Leaf Extract Phytochemical Analysis, Cytotoxicity, In Vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities

For many years, Aegle marmelos (A. marmelos) has been used medicinally and as a dietary supplement. Despite this, there are minimal research data on A. marmelos phytochemical properties and pharmacological effects. This study aimed to explore the phytoconstituents, cytotoxicity, glucose uptake, and antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of an alcoholic extract of A. marmelos leaf. The cytotoxicity of A. marmelos in HepG2 cells was tested in vitro, and the results revealed that it has strong cytocompatibility and cytoprotective properties. The extract's antioxidant activities were investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Antioxidant potential was shown to be quite impressive. The enzymes α-amylase and α-glycosidase were found to be substantially inhibited by A. marmelos, with IC₅₀ values of 46.21 and 42.07 mg/mL, respectively. In HepG2 cells, A. marmelos significantly reduced ROS levels that were elevated due to high glucose and enhanced glucose consumption (p < 0.05). These activities might be due to the enrichment of bioactive phytoconstituents analyzed chromatographically using GC/MS and HPLC. The findings of this study show that A. marmelos could be an effective restorative therapy for diabetes and related diseases.

Analysis of polyphenols in Aegle marmelos leaf and ameliorative efficacy against diabetic mice through restoration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status

The biomedical survey reports edible plant Aegle marmelos has been utilized for centuries by tribal communities in India as a dietary supplement for the management of diabetes. Herein, we have investigated cytotoxicity, cytoprotective and antidiabetic activity of characterized alkaloid-free hydroalcoholic extract of A. marmelos (AFEAM; 200 and 400 mg/kg). Identification of polyphenols and quantification of major compounds were done using UPLC-MS and HPTLC, respectively. AFEAM showed good cytocompatibility and cytoprotective potential against oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia in HepG₂ cells. The AFEAM intake had significantly ameliorated the serum blood glucose level, state of dyslipidemia, level of pro-inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β), and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde) status in diabetic mice. Histological examination of the treated groups showed amelioration of damaged pancreas, liver, and kidney tissues. Conclusively, AFEAM intake might be promising dietary supplements for prediabetics as well as an adjuvant to modern treatment in diabetics. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Different reports have been published on Aegle marmelos but as per our understanding till date, no study has been reported on the amelioration of diabetes due to alkaloid free hydroalcoholic extract of A. marmelos /polyphenolic content in the animal model. The result of this study indicated that A. marmelos supplementation effectively ameliorates diabetes through the restoration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status. This study has collated sufficient scientific evidence for the dietary application of A. marmelos in society especially for prediabetics, however, it can also be used as an adjuvant to modern treatments in diabetics.

Water and alcohol extracts from Diaphragma juglandis on anti-fatigue and antioxidative effects in vitro and vivo

BACKGROUND

To estimate the anti-fatigue and antioxidative effects of water and alcohol extracts from Diaphragma juglandis (DJ), H₂ O₂ -treated HepG2 cells were used as an in vitro model to determine the total antioxidant capacities of these two extracts, and behavioral tests on mice and biochemical assay were performed via in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

The results indicate that both extracts possess remarkable HepG2 protective capacities and were capable of scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) similar to vitamin C. Furthermore, they could significantly prolong the bar climbing time and force swimming time, as well as decrease the serum urea nitrogen and increase the lactate dehydrogenase level and glycogen content. These extracts could also improve the activities of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, both water and alcohol extracts from DJ showed good performance with respect to anti-fatigue and could be a potential antioxidant additive in the field of functional foods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chinese liquor extract attenuates oxidative damage in HepG2 cells and extends lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

Chinese liquor is obtained from various grains by fermentation and complex processes. Chinese liquor contains complex ingredients. However, the low contents and presence of ethanol restricted the flavor substances function study. In current study, a flavor substance, homofuraneol (HOMO) was isolated from the Chinese liquor and the potency against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells and lifespan-extending ability in Caenorhabditis elegans were explored. Results indicated that HOMO increased the HepG2 cells cytoactive by eliminating excessive intracellular free radicals, upregulating antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibiting the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway. Further study revealed that HOMO extended the lifespan of N2 nematodes under normal and oxidative stress conditions. Moreover, RT-PCR results showed that paraquat activated the expression of PMK-1 and SKN-1 was significantly regulated by HOMO. Of note, our results indicated that HOMO recovered the redox states of HepG2 cells by targeting MAPKs and upregulating the stress resistance of nematodes by modulating the expression of stress-responsive genes, such as DAF-16.

Evaluation of Anti-proliferative Effects of Barringtonia racemosa and Gallic Acid on Caco-2 Cells

Barringtonia racemosa leaf water extract (BLE) had been shown to have high gallic acid (GA) content and BLE has been postulated to have anti-proliferative effects towards colorectal cancer. This study aims to further investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative effect of BLE in Caco-2 cells and to determine if GA is responsible for the observed effects. Both BLE and GA inhibited Caco-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cells exposed to IC₅₀ concentration of BLE and GA showed reduced antioxidant activities. GA-treated Caco-2 cells experienced higher oxidative stress compared to cells treated with BLE. Both BLE and GA significantly up-regulated the expression of SLC2A1. BLE but not GA, significantly down-regulated the expression of ADH4. Meanwhile, GA but not BLE, significantly up-regulated AKRIB10 and GLO1 but significantly down-regulated HAGH. Alterations in gene expression were coupled with changes in extracellular glucose and pyruvate levels. While BLE decreased intracellular pyruvate, GA did the opposite. Both intracellular and extracellular D-lactate were not affected by either BLE or GA. GA showed more pronounced effects on apoptosis while BLE irreversibly reduced cell percentage in the G0/G1 phase. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the multiple-actions of BLE against Caco-2 cells, potentially involving various polyphenolic compounds, including GA.

Preparation and Identification of Antioxidative Peptides from Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) Protein

The aim of this study was to isolate and purify antioxidative peptides from Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) protein. Five enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, papain, flavourzyme, and neutrase) were used for protein hydrolysis, and Pacific herring protein hydrolysates (PHPH) were separated by ultrafiltration. The fraction with the molecular weight below 3500 Da exhibited the highest in vitro antioxidant activities and cellular antioxidant activity. The PHPH was isolated and purified by consecutive chromatographic methods including gel filtration chromatography and reverse high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The purified antioxidant peptides were identified as Leu-His-Asp-Glu-Leu-Thr (MW = 726.35 Da) and Lys-Glu-Glu-Lys-Phe-Glu (MW = 808.40 Da), and the IC₅₀ values of cellular antioxidant activity were 1.19 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 1.04 ± 0.06 mg/mL. The results demonstrate that is possible to produce natural antioxidative peptides from Pacific herring protein via enzymatic hydrolysis and purification.

Seasonal Variation in Essential Oils Composition and the Biological and Pharmaceutical Protective Effects of Mentha longifolia Leaves Grown in Tunisia

This research assessed the seasonal variation of the chemical composition and antibacterial and anticholinesterase activities of essential oils extracted from M. longifolia leaves. The leaves organic fractions were also investigated for their biological activities and pharmacological functions. The essential oil highest yield was recorded in the spring season. Pulegone (26.92%), 1.8 cineole (21.3 %), and L-menthone (10.66 %) were determined as its major compounds in the winter season. In the spring oil, the main components were pulegone (38.2 %) and oleic and palmitic acids (23.79 % and 15. 26 %, respectively). Oxygenated monoterpenes were predominant in the two analyzed samples. The tested oils and organic extracts exhibited promising antibacterial effects against all of the tested bacterial strains. Thanks to its richness in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the ethyl acetate fraction (Ml EtOAcF) displayed the most active DPPH scavenging ability (IC50 =12.64 μg/ml) and an interesting β-carotene bleaching inhibition (IC50 =34.75 μg/ml) making it a potential candidate for anti-inflammatory evaluation on rats. This evaluation evidenced that M. longifolia pretreated rats showed a marked decrease in paw oedema and inflammatory cells. Additionally, a remarkable acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the Ml EtOAcF (IC50 = 12.3μg/ml) and essential oils were also observed suggesting their neuroprotective property against Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, it was found that its activity level was season dependent. Our investigation, therefore, clearly revealed the medicinal characteristics of M. longifolia leave indicating their potential uses for natural remedies.

Comparison of Antioxidant Constituents of Agriophyllum squarrosum Seed with Conventional Crop Seeds

Twelve chemical constituents were identified from the Agriophyllum squarrosum seed (ASS). ASS contained large amounts of flavonoids, which were more concentrated in the seed coat. ASS-coat (1 g) contained 335.7 μg flavonoids of rutin equivalent, which was similar to the flavonoid content in soybean (351.2 μg/g), and greater than that in millet, wheat, rice, peanut, and corn. By LC-MS analysis, the major constituents in ASS were 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D- glucopyranosyl]-7- O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-quercetin (1), rutin (4), quercetin-3-O-β-D- apiosyl(1→2)-[α-L-rhamnosyl(l→6)]-β-D-glucoside (2), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (5), and allantoin (3), compared with isoflavonoids-genistin (16), daidzin (14), and glycitin (18) in soybean. Among constituents in ASS, compounds 1, 2, 4, protocatechuic acid (8), isoquercitrin (11), and luteolin-6-C-glucoside (12) potently scavenged DPPH radicals and intracellular ROS; strongly protected against peroxyl radical-induced DNA scission; and upregulated Nrf2, phosphorylated p38, phosphorylated JNK, and Bcl-2 in HepG2 cells. These results indicate that ASS is rich in antioxidant constituents that can enrich the varieties of food flavonoids, with significant beneficial implications for those who suffer from oxidative stress-related conditions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

This study found that A. squarrosum seed contains large amounts of antioxidative flavonoids and compared its chemical constituents with those of conventional foods. These results should increase the interest in planting the sand-fixing A. squarrosum on a large scale, thus preventing desertification and providing valuable foods.

The antioxidant activity and genotoxicity of isogarcinol

The antioxidant activity and genotoxicity of isogarcinol were assessed by several in vitro tests. Its IC₅₀ values for DPPH and ABTS were 36.3 ± 3.35 µM and 16.6 ± 3.98 µM, respectively, which were all lower than those of VC and BHT. Isogarcinol had no cyctotoxic or promotional activities at 1-10 µM in the CCK-8 assay, and negligible genotoxic effects at 50-500 µM on HepG2 cells by the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay. Pre-incubation of the cells with 0.5-1.5 µM isogarcinol, before exposure to H₂O₂, significantly increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Isogarcinol also reduced intercellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, lactate dehydrogenase release and malondialdehyde levels, and increased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels. Western-blot analysis revealed that it up-regulated pro-caspase-3 and reduced cleaved caspase-3 during H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. All the above results indicate that isogarcinol promises to be useful as a natural antioxidant.

Dose-Response Effect of Tualang Honey on Postprandial Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress in Female Athletes: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

Tualang honey (TH) contains antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, phenolic acids, and flavonoids that may be protective against oxidative stress of exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the postprandial antioxidant activity and oxidative stress after ingestion of high and low dosages of TH in female athletes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty female athletes (aged 21.3 [2.1] years; body weight [BW] 54.1 [5.7] kg) were randomly assigned into two groups and consumed either 1.5 g/kg BW TH (high honey; HH; n = 10) or 0.75 g/kg BW TH (low honey; LH; n = 10). Blood sample was collected at fasting and at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h after TH consumption. Plasma was analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]), and oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and reactive oxygen species [ROS]).

RESULTS

The 3-h area under the curve (AUC) for MDA was significantly lower in the LH group compared with HH group, suggesting less oxidative stress in the LH group. However, the AUCs for TPC, FRAP, and ROS were not affected by the dosages. The concentrations of TPC and FRAP increased from baseline to 2 and 1 h after TH consumption, respectively, and concentrations returned toward baseline at 3 h in both LH and HH groups. MDA concentration significantly decreased (p < 0.05) from baseline to 2 h and significantly increased from 2 to 3 h in the HH group. Meanwhile, ROS levels increased significantly from 0.5 to 3 h in the HH group. The LH group showed similar trends as the HH group for MDA and ROS; however, this was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of high and low doses of TH demonstrated a comparable response in increasing antioxidant activity and suppressing oxidative stress in female athletes. The time-course effect of TH that provides optimal antioxidant activity and oxidative stress protection was between 1 and 2 h after its consumption.

Characterization, Preparation, and Purification of Marine Bioactive Peptides

Marine bioactive peptides, as a source of unique bioactive compounds, are the focus of current research. They exert various biological roles, some of the most crucial of which are antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, anticancer activity, antihypertensive activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and so forth, and specific characteristics of the bioactivities are described. This review also describes various manufacturing techniques for marine bioactive peptides using organic synthesis, microwave assisted extraction, chemical hydrolysis, and enzymes hydrolysis. Finally, purification of marine bioactive peptides is described, including gel or size exclusion chromatography, ion-exchange column chromatography, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, which are aimed at finding a fast, simple, and effective method to obtain the target peptides.

Optimization of the Extraction and Stability of Antioxidative Peptides from Mackerel (Pneumatophorus japonicus) Protein

This study optimizes the preparation conditions for mackerel protein hydrolysate (MPH) by response surface methodology (RSM) and investigates the stability of the antioxidant activity of MPHs (<2.5 kDa). The optimal conditions were as follows: enzyme concentration of 1726.85 U/g, pH of 7.00, temperature of 39.55°C, time of 5.5 h, and water/material ratio of 25 : 1, and the maximum DPPH scavenging activity was 79.14%. The MPHs indicated significant cellular antioxidant activity at low concentrations. Furthermore, the temperature and freeze-thaw cycles had little effect on the antioxidative stability while pH had significant effect on the antioxidative stability. In addition, the MPHs were sensitive to the metal ions, such as Fe2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+. Notably, when the concentrations of Fe2+ and Fe3+ were 5 mM, the DPPH scavenging activities were only 1.1% and 0.6%, respectively; furthermore, Cu2+ at a 5 mM concentration could completely inhibit the DPPH scavenging activity of MPHs. In contrast, K+ and Mg2+ had no notable effect on the antioxidant activity of MPHs. These results may provide a scientific basis for the processing and application of MPHs.

The Antiapoptosis Effect of Glycyrrhizate on HepG2 Cells Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide

This study demonstrated that glycyrrhizate (GAS) could protect HEPG2 cells against damage and apoptosis induced by H₂O₂ (1600 μM, 4 h). Cell viability assay revealed that GAS was noncytotoxity at concentration 125 µg/mL, and GAS (5 μg/mL, 25 μg/mL, and 125 μg/mL) protected HepG2 cells against H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. H₂O₂ induced the HepG2 cells apoptosis, obvious morphologic changes were observed after Hochest 33258 staining, and more apoptotic cells were counted in flow cytometry assay compared to that of the natural group. Pretreatment GAS (5 μg/mL, 25 μg/mL, and 125 μg/mL) prior to H₂O₂ reverses the morphologic changes and reduced the apoptotic cells in HepG2 cells. GAS reduced the release of MDA, increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, and diminished the release of ALT and AST during oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. After Elisa kit detecting, GAS inhibited the caspase activity induced by H₂O₂, GAS decreased the level of caspase-3 and caspase-9 from mitochondria in dose-dependent manner. Western blot results showed that pretreatment GAS upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of Bax. These results reveal that GAS has the cytoprotection in HepG2 cells during ROS exposure by inhibiting the caspase activity in the mitochondria and influencing apoptogenic factors of the expression of Bax and Bcl-2.