Two-electron electrochemical oxidation of quercetin and kaempferol changes only the flavonoid C-ring

Amplification of the antioxidant properties of myricetin, fisetin, and morin following their oxidation

Quercetin oxidation leads to the formation of a metabolite, 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone, whose antioxidant potency was recently reported to be a 1000-fold higher than that of its precursor. The formation of similar metabolites (BZF) is limited to certain flavonols (FL), among which are myricetin, fisetin, and morin. Here we addressed the consequences of inducing the auto-oxidation of these flavonols in terms of their antioxidant properties (assessed in ROS-exposed Caco-2 cells). The mixtures that result from their oxidation (FLox) exhibited antioxidant activities 10-to-50-fold higher than those of their precursors. Such amplification was fully attributable to the presence of BZF in each FLox (established by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and chemical subtraction techniques). An identical amplification was also found when the antioxidant activities of BZF, isolated from each FLox, and FL were compared. These findings warrant the search of these BZF in edible plants and their subsequent evaluation as a new type of functional food ingredients.

Electrochemistry of Flavonoids

This review presents a description of the available data from the literature on the electrochemical properties of flavonoids. The emphasis has been placed on the mechanism of oxidation processes and an attempt was made to find a general relation between the observed reaction paths and the structure of flavonoids. Regardless of the solvent used, three potential regions related to flavonoid structures are characteristic of the occurrence of their electrochemical oxidation. The potential values depend on the solvent used. In the less positive potential region, flavonoids, which have an ortho dihydroxy moiety, are reversibly oxidized to corresponding o-quinones. The o-quinones, if they possess a C3 hydroxyl group, react with water to form a benzofuranone derivative (II). In the second potential region, (II) is irreversibly oxidized. In this potential region, some flavonoids without an ortho dihydroxy moiety can also be oxidized to the corresponding p-quinone methides. The oxidation of the hydroxyl groups located in ring A, which are not in the ortho position, occurs in the third potential region at the most positive values. Some discrepancies in the reported reaction mechanisms have been indicated, and this is a good starting point for further investigations.

A DFT Study on the Kinetics of HOO•, CH3OO•, and O2•- Scavenging by Quercetin and Flavonoid Catecholic Metabolites

Reaction kinetics have been theoretically examined to ascertain the potency of quercetin (Q) and flavonoid catecholic metabolites 1-5 in the inactivation of HOO^•, CH₃OO^•, and O₂^•- under physiological conditions. In lipidic media, the koverallTST/Eck rate constants for the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism indicate the catecholic moiety of Q and 1-5 as the most important in HOO^• and CH₃OO^• scavenging. 5-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (1) and alphitonin (5) are the most potent scavengers of HOO^• and CH₃OO^•, respectively. The koverallMf rate constants, representing actual behavior in aqueous media, reveal Q as more potent in the inactivation of HOO^• and CH₃OO^• via single electron transfer (SET). SET from 3-O^- phenoxide anion of Q, a structural motif absent in 1-5, represents the most contributing reaction path to overall activity. All studied polyphenolics have a potency of O₂^•- inactivation via a concerted two-proton-coupled electron transfer (2PCET) mechanism. The obtained results indicate that metabolites with notable radical scavenging potency, and more bioavailability than ingested flavonoids, may contribute to human health-promoting effects ascribed to parent molecules.

Oxidation of Quercetin and Kaempferol Markedly Amplifies Their Antioxidant, Cytoprotective, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The contention that flavonoids' oxidation would necessarily lead to a loss of their antioxidant properties was recently challenged by the demonstration that quercetin oxidation leads to the formation of 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone (Que-BZF), a metabolite whose antioxidant potency was notably higher than that of its precursor. Here, we compared and expanded the former observation to that of the quercetin analogue kaempferol. Oxidation of kaempferol led to the formation of a mixture of metabolites that included the 2-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone (Kae-BZF). Following the chromatographic isolation of Kae-BZF from such a mixture, its antioxidant, mitochondria- and cell-protecting, and NF-kB-inhibiting effects were assessed, and compared with those of Que-BZF, in Caco-2 cells exposed to indomethacin as a source of ROS. The concentrations of Que-BZF (100 nm) and Kae-BZF (1 nm) needed to attain their maximal protection effects were 50- and 5000-fold lower than those of their respective precursors. The former differences in concentrations were also seen when the abilities of Que-BZF and Kae-BZF to inhibit the indomethacin-induced activation of NF-kB were compared. These data not only reveal that the oxidative conversion of quercetin and kaempferol into their respective 2-benzoyl-2-hydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranones (BZF) results in a considerable amplification of their original antioxidant properties, but also that the in the case of kaempferol, such amplification is 100-fold greater than that of quercetin.

Recent insights into oxidative metabolism of quercetin: catabolic profiles, degradation pathways, catalyzing metalloenzymes and molecular mechanisms

Quercetin is the most abundant polyphenolic flavonoid (flavonol subclass) in vegetal foods and medicinal plants. This dietary chemopreventive agent has drawn significant interest for its multiple beneficial health effects ("polypharmacology") largely associated with the well-documented antioxidant properties. However, controversies exist in the literature due to its dual anti-/pro-oxidant character, poor stability/bioavailability but multifaceted bioactivities, leaving much confusion as to its exact roles in vivo. Increasing evidence indicates that a prior oxidation of quercetin to generate an array of chemical diverse products with redox-active/electrophilic moieties is emerging as a new linkage to its versatile actions. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the oxidative conversion of quercetin by systematically analyzing the current quercetin-related knowledge, with a particular focus on the complete spectrum of metabolite products, the enzymes involved in the catabolism and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Herein we review and compare the oxidation pathways, protein structures and catalytic patterns of the related metalloenzymes (phenol oxidases, heme enzymes and specially quercetinases), aiming for a deeper mechanistic understanding of the unusual biotransformation behaviors of quercetin and its seemingly controversial biological functions.

Revisiting the Oxidation of Flavonoids: Loss, Conservation or Enhancement of Their Antioxidant Properties

Flavonoids display a broad range of health-promoting bioactivities. Among these, their capacity to act as antioxidants has remained most prominent. The canonical reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging mode of the antioxidant action of flavonoids relies on the high susceptibility of their phenolic moieties to undergo oxidation. As a consequence, upon reaction with ROS, the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids is severely compromised. Other phenol-compromising reactions, such as those involved in the biotransformation of flavonoids, can also markedly affect their antioxidant properties. In recent years, however, increasing evidence has indicated that, at least for some flavonoids, the oxidation of such residues can in fact markedly enhance their original antioxidant properties. In such apparent paradoxical cases, the antioxidant activity arises from the pro-oxidant and/or electrophilic character of some of their oxidation-derived metabolites and is exerted by activating the Nrf2–Keap1 pathway, which upregulates the cell’s endogenous antioxidant capacity, and/or, by preventing the activation of the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathway. This review focuses on the effects that the oxidative and/or non-oxidative modification of the phenolic groups of flavonoids may have on the ability of the resulting metabolites to promote direct and/or indirect antioxidant actions. Considering the case of a metabolite resulting from the oxidation of quercetin, we offer a comprehensive description of the evidence that increasingly supports the concept that, in the case of certain flavonoids, the oxidation of phenolics emerges as a mechanism that markedly amplifies their original antioxidant properties. An overlooked topic of great phytomedicine potential is thus unraveled.

Origin and Function of Structural Diversity in the Plant Specialized Metabolome

The plant specialized metabolome consists of a multitude of structurally and functionally diverse metabolites, variable from species to species. The specialized metabolites play roles in the response to environmental changes and abiotic or biotic stresses, as well as in plant growth and development. At its basis, the specialized metabolism is built of four major pathways, each starting from a few distinct primary metabolism precursors, and leading to distinct basic carbon skeleton core structures: polyketides and fatty acid derivatives, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolics. Structural diversity in specialized metabolism, however, expands exponentially with each subsequent modification. We review here the major sources of structural variety and question if a specific role can be attributed to each distinct structure. We focus on the influences that various core structures and modifications have on flavonoid antioxidant activity and on the diversity generated by oxidative coupling reactions. We suggest that many oxidative coupling products, triggered by initial radical scavenging, may not have a function in se, but could potentially be enzymatically recycled to effective antioxidants. We further discuss the wide structural variety created by multiple decorations (glycosylations, acylations, prenylations), the formation of high-molecular weight conjugates and polyesters, and the plasticity of the specialized metabolism. We draw attention to the need for untargeted methods to identify the complex, multiply decorated and conjugated compounds, in order to study the functioning of the plant specialized metabolome.

Protection against indomethacin-induced loss of intestinal epithelial barrier function by a quercetin oxidation metabolite present in onion peel: In vitro and in vivo studies

Oxidative stress is directly implicated in the loss of intestinal epithelial barrier function (IEBF) induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Previous studies by our research team demonstrated that 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone (BZF), a quercetin oxidation metabolite that naturally occurs in onion peels, exhibits an antioxidant potency notably higher than quercetin. Thus, we assessed the potential of BZF and a BZF-rich onion peel aqueous extract (OAE) to protect against the loss of IEBF in Caco-2 cell monolayers and in rats exposed to indomethacin. In vitro, pure BZF and OAE standardized in BZF (100 nM), protected against the drop in transepithelial electrical resistance by 70 - 73%. Likewise, it prevented the increase in fluorescein-isothiocyanate labelled dextran (FITC-dextran) paracellular transport by 74% and oxidative stress by 84 - 86%. In vivo, BZF, given orally at a dose 80 µg/Kg bw as OAE, totally abolished a 30-fold increase in FITC-dextran serum concentration induced by indomethacin. This effect was dose-dependent and largely conserved (85%) when OAE was given 180-min prior to indomethacin. The IEBF-protective effect of OAE was accompanied by a full prevention of the NF-ĸB activation, and the increases in interleukine-8 secretion and myeloperoxidase activity induced by indomethacin. The protection was also associated with a 21-fold increase in Nrf2, and a 7-fold and 9-fold increase in heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1, respectively. The IEBF-protecting effect of OAE involves, most likely, its dual capacity to activate Nrf2 while inhibiting NF-ĸB activation. The extremely low doses of BZF needed to promote such actions warrants extending its IEBF-protective effects to other NSAIDs.

Protein Adducts and Protein Oxidation as Molecular Mechanisms of Flavonoid Bioactivity

There are tens of thousands of scientific papers about flavonoids and their impacts on human health. However, despite the vast amount of energy that has been put toward studying these compounds, a unified molecular mechanism that explains their bioactivity remains elusive. One contributing factor to the absence of a general mechanistic explanation of their bioactivity is the complexity of flavonoid chemistry in aqueous solutions at neutral pH. Flavonoids have acidic protons, are redox active, and frequently auto-oxidize to produce an array of degradation products including electrophilic quinones. Flavonoids are also known to interact with specificity and high affinity with a variety of proteins, and there is evidence that some of these interactions may be covalent. This review summarizes the mechanisms of flavonoid oxidation in aqueous solutions at neutral pH and proposes the formation of protein-flavonoid adducts or flavonoid-induced protein oxidation as putative mechanisms of flavonoid bioactivity in cells. Nucleophilic residues in proteins may be able to form covalent bonds with flavonoid quinones; alternatively, specific amino acid residues such as cysteine, methionine, or tyrosine in proteins could be oxidized by flavonoids. In either case, these protein-flavonoid interactions would likely occur at specific binding sites and the formation of these types of products could effectively explain how flavonoids modify proteins in cells to induce downstream biochemical and cellular changes.

Quercetin Oxidation Metabolite Present in Onion Peel Protects Caco-2 Cells against the Oxidative Stress, NF-kB Activation, and Loss of Epithelial Barrier Function Induced by NSAIDs

The potential of 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone (BZF), a quercetin oxidation metabolite, and that of a BZF-rich onion peel aqueous extract (OAE) to protect Caco-2 monolayers against the oxidative stress (OS) and an increased permeability (IP) induced by five nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (indomethacin, diclofenac, piroxicam, ibuprofen, and metamizole) were investigated. Under identical OS conditions, the NSAIDs substantially differed in their ability to induce an IP and/or NF-kB activation. The OAE (100 nM BZF) protected in identical magnitude (84-86%) against OS but in a highly dissimilar manner against the IP (18-73%). While all NSAIDs activated NF-kB, the OAE prevented only that induced by indomethacin. Results reveal that the IP has no direct relationship with the OS and that with the exception of indomethacin, the prevention of NSAIDs-induced OS and/or NF-kB activation plays no fundamental role in the IP-protecting effect of OAE. These results warrant the in vivo evaluation of OAE against indomethacin-induced loss of intestinal barrier function.

Inhibitory activity of quercetin, its metabolite, and standard antiviral drugs towards enzymes essential for SARS-CoV-2: the role of acid-base equilibria

The recently declared global pandemic of a new human coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which causes respiratory tract disease COVID-19, has reached worldwide resonance and global efforts are being made to look for possible cures. Sophisticated molecular docking software, as well as available protein sequence and structure information, offer the ability to test the inhibition of two important targets of SARS-CoV-2, furin (FUR) enzyme, and spike glycoprotein, or spike protein (SP), that are key to host cell adhesion and hijacking. The potential inhibitory effect and mechanism of action of acid-base forms of different antiviral drugs, dominant at physiological pH, chloroquine (CQ), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and cinanserin (CIN), which have been shown to be effective in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 virus, is reported with the special emphasis on their relative abundances. On the other hand, the potential inhibitory effect of the dominant acid-base forms of quercetin (Q) and its oxidative metabolite 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H) benzofuranone (BZF), which are constituents of traditional food products believed to exhibit antiviral effects, was also examined. The undertaken study includes the determination of the major energy contributions to the binding energy as well as in-depth analysis of amino acid residues at the active pocket and possible interactions. The approach that we propose here may be an additional strategy for combating the deadly virus by preventing the first step of the virus replication cycle. Preliminary research has shown that the investigated compounds exert an inhibitory effect against the SARS-CoV-2 furin enzyme and spiked glycoprotein through different acid-base forms. These investigations may be helpful in creating potential therapeutic agents in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. On the other hand, the results we predicted in this computational study may be the basis for new experimental in vitro and in vivo studies.

Photochemically Synthesized Ruthenium Nanoparticle-Decorated Carbon-Dot Nanochains: An Efficient Catalyst for Synergistic Redox Reactions

Ruthenium nanoparticle (NP)-decorated carbon dots (Ru/C-dots) were fabricated as a potential catalyst in the application of both oxidation and reduction. The photochemical method was used to synthesize Ru/C-dot nanohybrids. The as-prepared Ru/C-dots exhibited a core-shell-based nanochain structure, in which the spherical nature of C-dots further evolved to a layer structure to homogeneously encapsulate Ru NPs. Such Ru/C-dots have excellent catalytic properties, which were demonstrated in the oxidation of flavonoids and concomitantly reduction of inorganic complex and organic dyes, each yielding a high catalytic rate constant. We also proposed an appropriate catalytic mechanism for each reaction. Higher catalytic activity was achieved by the synergistic effect of the encapsulated Ru NPs and the C-dots layer. Further, this nanohybrid was successfully applied to inspect a real aqueous sample. We anticipated that Ru/C-dots nanohybrid may open up a broad platform for the design of efficient multifunctional catalysts.

Low nanomolar concentrations of a quercetin oxidation product, which naturally occurs in onion peel, protect cells against oxidative damage

The occurrence of the quercetin oxidation metabolite 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone (BZF), whose antioxidant potency is notably higher than the antioxidant potency of quercetin, was investigated in twenty quercetin-rich plant foods. BZF was identified (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) only in the dry outer scales of onions and shallots. Aqueous extracts of onions (OAE) and shallots (SAE) were evaluated for their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. OAE, whose potency did not differ from SAE, protected ROS-exposed Caco2 cells against oxidative (78%) and cellular (90%) damage at a 3 µg/L concentration (corresponding to 0.03 nM of BZF). After chromatographic resolution of OAE, the BZF peak accounted fully and exclusively for its antioxidant effect. The antioxidant effects of OAE and of a pure BZF were described by two perfectly overlapping curves whose concentration-dependence was within the 3 × 10^-4 to 10² nM BZF range. Such unprecedented low concentrations place BZF-containing plants on the frontier of the search for novel sources of antioxidants.

Theoretical Study of the Antioxidant Activity of Quercetin Oxidation Products

It was recently shown that, when tested in cellular systems, quercetin oxidized products (Qox) have significantly better antioxidant activity than quercetin (Q) itself. The main Qox identified in the experiments are either 2,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxy-3,4-flavandione (Fl) or its tautomer, 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone (Bf). We have now performed a theoretical evaluation of different physicochemical properties using density functional theory (DFT) calculations on Q and its main Qox species. The most stable structures (for Q and Qox) were identified after a structural search on their potential energy surface. Since proton affinities (PAs) are much lower than the bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) of phenolic hydrogens, we consider that direct antioxidant activity in these species is mainly due to the sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) mechanism. Moreover, our kinetic studies, according to transition state theory, show that Q is more favored by this mechanism. However, Qox have lower PAs than Q, suggesting that antioxidant activity by the SPLET mechanism should be a result of a balance between proclivity to transfer protons (which favors Qox) and the reaction kinetics of the conjugated base in the sequential electron transfer mechanism (which favors Q). Therefore, our results support the idea that Q is a better direct antioxidant than its oxidized derivatives due to its kinetically favored SPLET reactions. Moreover, our molecular docking calculations indicate a stabilizing interaction between either Q or Qox and the kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1), in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-binding site. This should favor the release of the Nrf2 factor, the master regulator of anti-oxidative responses, promoting the expression of the antioxidant responsive element (ARE)-dependent genes. Interestingly, the computed Keap1-metabolite interaction energy is most favored for the Bf compound, which in turn is the most stable oxidized tautomer, according to their computed energies. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that Qox species may be better indirect antioxidants than Q, reducing reactive oxygen species in animal cells by activating endogenous antioxidants.

Redox properties of individual quercetin moieties

Quercetin is one of the most prominent and widely studied flavonoids. Its oxidation has been previously investigated only indirectly by comparative analyses of structurally analogous compounds, e.g. dihydroquercetin (taxifolin). To provide direct evidence about the mechanism of quercetin oxidation, we employed selective alkylation procedures for the step-by-step blocking of individual redox active sites, i.e. the catechol, resorcinol and enol C-3 hydroxyls, as represented by newly prepared quercetin derivatives 1-3. Based on the structure-activity relationship (SAR), electrochemical, and computational (density functional theory) studies, we can clearly confirm that quercetin is oxidized in the following steps: the catechol moiety is oxidized first, forming the benzofuranone derivative via intramolecular rearrangement mechanism; therefore the quercetin C-3 hydroxy group cannot be involved in further oxidation reactions or other biochemical processes. The benzofuranone is oxidized subsequently, followed by oxidation of the resorcinol motif to complete the electrochemical cascade of reactions. Derivatization of individual quercetin hydroxyls has a significant effect on its redox behavior, and, importantly, on its antiradical and stability properties, as shown in DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging assays and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, respectively. The SAR data reported here are instrumental for future studies on the oxidation of biologically or technologically important flavonoids and other polyphenols or polyhydroxy substituted aromatics. This is the first complete and direct study mapping redox properties of individual moieties in quercetin structure.

Biocatalytic oxidation of flavone analogues mediated by general biocatalysts: horseradish peroxidase and laccase

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and laccase are well known oxidases, which have been widely applied for the biosynthesis of organic compounds. In the present work, flavone analogues as an important type of bioactive natural product could be oxidized by HRP or laccase, which afforded dimeric and oxidative flavones. All of the flavone analogues usually possessing phenolic groups could be transformed using HRP. However, only flavonols, isoflavones and chalcones with phenolic groups and dihydroxylflavones were effective substrates of laccase. The radical reaction mechanism with the B-ring of flavone analogues as the radical reaction trigger was proposed for the oxidation of flavones. In silico molecular docking analyses for assaying the interaction between flavone analogues and oxidases indicated that the phenolic groups at the B rings of flavones docked into the HEME active pocket of HRP well. Kinetic behaviors of the oxidation for various flavone analogues mediated by HRP or laccase displayed Hill and substrate inhibition kinetic models. Therefore, in the present work, the oxidation of various flavone analogues mediated by HRP or laccase has been successfully characterized, which would be helpful for the preparation of flavone derivatives.

HRP and laccase as the oxidases have been applied to catalyze the oxidation of various flavones, and the mechanism has been investigated.

Antioxidant capacity of phenolics in Camellia nitidissima Chi flowers and their identification by HPLC Triple TOF MS/MS

Camellia nitidissima Chi (CNC) is a valuable medicinal and edible plant in China. In this study, CNC flowers were extracted with 95% ethanol, then partitioned into dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fractions, with the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids and other phytochemicals in CNC flowers investigated for the first time. Results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity and highest total phenolic content (TPC) compared with the other fractions. Furthermore, in the ethyl acetate fraction, the 50% effective concentrations (EC₅₀) of ABTS⁺ and DPPH radical scavenging activities were 64.24 ± 1.80 and 78.80 ± 0.34 μg/mL, respectively, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was 801.49 ± 2.30 μM FeSO₄ at 1,000 μg/mL. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and principal component analyses (PCA) for the TPC and antioxidant capacity of the five fractions indicated that the phenolic compounds were the major antioxidant constituents in the flowers. To exploit the antioxidants in CNC flowers, 21 phenolic compounds in the ethanolic extract fraction were identified by HPLC Triple TOF MS/MS, next, 12 flavonoids were isolated and elucidated, of which compounds 1–5 showed potent antioxidant capacity. In addition, the potential structure-activity relationship among these 12 flavonoids showed that (1) the o-catechol group in the B-ring was primarily responsible for the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids and (2) steric hindrance, produced by glycosides and other groups, could reduce the antioxidant capacity of the flavonoids.

Iron(iii) coordination properties of ladanein, a flavone lead with a broad-spectrum antiviral activity

The Fe(iii) complexation properties of ladanein, a potent antiviral flavone, and related analogues (negletein and salvigenin), have been studied in solution under quasi-physiological conditions using physico-chemical tools and provided important insights into their stability/reactivity in solution.

Interactions of flavonoids with α-amylase and starch slowing down its digestion

Hydrophobic flavonoids can suppress starch digestion in the intestine by forming starch-flavonoid complexes.

Quercetin Oxidation Paradoxically Enhances its Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Properties

Quercetin oxidation is generally believed to ultimately result in the loss of its antioxidant properties. To test this assertion, quercetin oxidation was induced, and after each of its major metabolites was identified and isolated by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, the antioxidant (dichlorodihydrofluorescein oxidation-inhibiting) and cytoprotective (LDH leakage-preventing) properties were evaluated in Hs68 and Caco2 cells exposed to indomethacin. Compared to quercetin, the whole mixture of metabolites (Q_OX) displayed a 20-fold greater potency. After resolution of Q_OX into 12 major peaks, only one (peak 8), identified as 2,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxy-3,4-flavandione or its 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3(2H)-benzofuranone tautomer, could account for the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects afforded Q_OX. Peak 8 exerted such effects at a 50 nM concentration, revealing a potency 200-fold higher than that of quercetin. The effects of peak 8 were seen regardless of whether it was added to the cells 40 min before or simultaneously with the oxygen-reactive species-generating agent, suggesting an intracellular ability to trigger early antioxidant responses. Thus, the present study is the first to reveal that in regard to the intracellular actions of quercetin, attention should be extended toward some of its oxidation products.

Rapid synthesis for monodispersed gold nanoparticles in kaempferol and anti-leishmanial efficacy against wild and drug resistant strains

Synthesis of monodispersed gold nanoparticles using kaempferol and antileishmanial activity with high macrophage uptake capacity.

Substituent Inductive Effects on the Electrochemical Oxidation of Flavonoids Studied by Square Wave Voltammetry and Ab Initio Calculations

Flavonoids are natural products commonly found in the human diet that show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxic activities. These nutraceutical properties may relate to the electrochemical activity of flavonoids. To increase the understanding of structure–electrochemical activity relations and the inductive effects that OH substituents have on the redox potential of flavonoids, we carried out square-wave voltammetry experiments and ab initio calculations of eight flavonoids selected following a systematic variation in the number of hydroxyl substituents and their location on the flavan backbone: three flavonols, three anthocyanidins, one anthocyanin and the flavonoid backbone flavone. We compared the effect that the number of –OH groups in the ring B of flavan has on the oxidation potential of the flavonoids considered, finding linear correlations for both flavonols and anthocyanidins (R2=0.98). We analyzed the effects that position and number of –OH substituents have on electron density distributions via ab initio quantum chemical calculations. We present direct correlations between structural features and oxidation potentials that provide a deeper insight into the redox chemistry of these molecules.

Conjugated Oligo-Aromatic Compounds Bearing a 3,4,5-Trimethoxy Moiety: Investigation of Their Antioxidant Activity Correlated with a DFT Study

A series of heterocyclic compounds bearing the well-known free radical scavenging 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy group, was synthesized. The key compound 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl-oxy)benzohydrazide was converted into thiosemicarbazide derivatives, which were subsequently cyclized with NaOH to provide 1,2,4-triazole derivatives. Alternative treatment of the acid hydrazide with carbon disulfide in the presence of KOH led to the corresponding 1,3,4-oxadiazole and various alkylated derivatives. The newly synthesized compounds were purified and the structures of the products were elucidated and confirmed on the basis of their analytical and spectral data. Their antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(•)) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The thiosemicarbazide derivatives were highly active in both antioxidant assays with the lowest IC50 value for DPPH radical scavenging. Theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were performed to understand the relative importance of NH, SH and CH hydrogens on the radical scavenging activities of these compounds.

Effects of hydroxyl group variations on a flavonoid backbone toward modulation of metal-free and metal-induced amyloid-β aggregation

Structural variations of a flavonoid framework noticeably tune the interaction and reactivity of flavonoids with metals, Aβ, and metal–Aβ.

Correlation of antioxidant activities with theoretical studies for new hydrazone compounds bearing a 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzyl moiety

A new series of antioxidants, namely imines bearing the well-known free radical scavenger group 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy, was designed and synthesized. Theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were performed to understand the antioxidant activities. Experimental studies evaluating the antioxidant activities of the compounds using DPPH and FRAP assays verified the predictions obtained by DMOL3 based on DFT.1. The DPPH radical scavenging activities depended on the substitution pattern of the aromatic aldehyde, with both the substitution type and position showing significant effects. Compounds 7b, 7c and 7d, which contain a phenolic hydroxyl group at the para position to the imine as well as, additional electron donating groups at the ortho-position to this hydroxyl group, exhibited IC₅₀ values of 62, 75 and 106 μg/mL, respectively, and potent antioxidant activities against DPPH, which were better than that of the reference compound BHT. With the exception of compounds 7a and 7h with a phenolic hydroxyl group at the ortho position, all of the investigated compounds exhibited ferric reducing activities above 1000 μM. Correlation analysis between the two antioxidant assays revealed moderate positive correlation (r = 0.59), indicating differing antioxidant activities based on the reaction mechanism. Therefore, imines bearing a 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyloxy group can be proposed as potential antioxidants for tackling oxidative stress.

Kaempferol and inflammation: From chemistry to medicine. Pharmacol Res. 2015;99:1-10. [PMID: 25982933 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.05.002]

Inflammation is an important process of human healing response, wherein the tissues respond to injuries induced by many agents including pathogens. It is characterized by pain, redness and heat in the injured tissues. Chronic inflammation seems to be associated with different types of diseases such as arthritis, allergies, atherosclerosis, and even cancer. In recent years natural product based drugs are considered as the novel therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases. Among the different types of phyto-constituents present in natural products, flavonoids which occur in many vegetable foods and herbal medicines are considered as the most active constituent, which has the potency to ameliorate inflammation under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Kaempferol is a natural flavonol present in different plant species, which has been described to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the voluminous literature on the anti-inflammatory effects of kaempferol, only very limited review articles has been published on this topic. Hence the present review is aimed to provide a critical overview on the anti-inflammatory effects and the mechanisms of action of kaempferol, based on the current scientific literature. In addition, emphasis is also given on the chemistry, natural sources, bioavailability and toxicity of kaempferol.

Quercetin 7-O-glucoside suppresses nitrite-induced formation of dinitrosocatechins and their quinones in catechin/nitrite systems under stomach simulating conditions

Catechins in foods can be transformed into dinitrosocatechins and the quinones by salivary nitrite in the stomach, and the transformation can be suppressed by flavonols including quercetin and its 7-O-glucoside.

Influence of closure, phenolic levels and microoxygenation on Cabernet Sauvignon wine composition after 5 years' bottle storage

BACKGROUND

Wine aging is generally limited by the amount of oxidation, which is dependent on the amount of oxygen entering via the closure. Cabernet Sauvignon wine is well known for its high concentration of tannin, making it an ideal red wine for aging. The impact of closure type after 5 years' bottle aging has been investigated on a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon red wine, treated with or without polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and micro-oxygenation (Mox). Two oxygen transfer rate (OTR) conditions (16 and 5 µg per day) into 375 mL bottles were obtained by using different synthetic stoppers.

RESULTS

Color was evaluated by UV-visible spectrophotometry, carbonyls by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization, phenolics by high-performance liquid chromatography and sulfur dioxide by the aspiration method. Closure type strongly influenced color parameters involving SO2 bleaching and some phenolics, particularly quercetin, were affected, but there was little effect on carbonyls other than acetaldehyde. PVPP treatment afforded wines with the lowest levels of phenolics and color density, but highest acetaldehyde. Few effects of Mox could be detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Closure OTR strongly affects sulfur dioxide levels - the primary antioxidant in wine - in aged wine, but phenolic levels substantially alter the secondary reactions of oxidative aging.

Possibilities of quercetin insertion into poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-3, 9-divinyl-2, 4, 8, 10-tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane) network

The study presents the possibility of coupling quercetin into poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-3, 9-divinyl-2, 4, 8, 10-tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane) (PDMA-co-U) gel network through a semi-imprinted procedure in order to obtain a responsive antioxidant composite. A continuous magnetic field was used during quercetin insertion for prearranging the compounds - macromolecular matrix and quercetin - and improving the coupling efficiency of the flavonoid structure into the polymeric network. The new supramolecular systems were characterized by FTIR, SEM and thermogravimetric analyses. The dependence of the swelling degree equilibrium and particle size distribution of the studied chemical structures were also evaluated related to the experimental conditions of preparation.

Semi-imprinting quercetin into poly[N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-3, 9-divinyl-2, 4, 8, 10-tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane] network: evaluation of the antioxidant character

A responsive antioxidant system constituted from quercetin inserted into poly[N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-3, 9-divinyl-2, 4, 8, 10-tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane] through a semi-imprinted procedure was evaluated. A continuous magnetic field (MF) was used during supramolecular structure preparation. The strength of coupling quercetin was evaluated based on the template release from the polymeric matrices, as well as to what extent quercetin reloaded into the polymer matrix in prescribed conditions--with or without the MF presence--shows antioxidant properties. The antioxidant activity of the complex was investigated by radical inhibitor activity method using 2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl. The evaluation of the homogeneity distribution of the quercetin inside the polymeric network was made by near-infrared chemical imaging and correspondingly statistical analysis. For in vivo biocompatibility investigation, granuloma test in rats was performed correlated with the activity of enzymes involved in oxidative stress as well as immunologic effects of tested supramolecular complexes that include quercetin as therapeutic agent.

Metmyoglobin reduction by polyphenols and mechanism of the conversion of metmyoglobin to oxymyoglobin by quercetin

The effect of antioxidant polyphenols and related phenolic compounds from plants on the reduction of metmyoglobin (MetMb) was investigated. Potent activity in the reduction of MetMb to oxymyoglobin (MbO2), a bright red protein in meat, was observed for three flavonols, kaempferol, myricetin, and quercetin, at 300 μmol/L against 60 μmol/L MetMb. Sinapic acid, catechin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, taxifolin, morin, and ferulic acid promoted reduction at 600 μmol/L. A mechanism for the reduction by one of the active flavonols, quercetin, was proposed on the basis of analytical results for redox reaction products derived from quercetin. This suggested the importance of a high propensity toward reduction of the flavonol structure and rapid convertibility of the quinone form to the phenol form for the MbO2 reduction and the maintenance of the level of MbO2 produced.

Thermally accelerated oxidative degradation of quercetin using continuous flow kinetic electrospray-ion trap-time of flight mass spectrometry

Thermally accelerated oxidative degradation of aqueous quercetin at pH 5.9 and 7.4 was kinetically measured using an in-house built online continuous flow device made of concentric capillary tubes, modified to fit to the inlet of an electrospray ionization-ion trap-time-of-flight-mass spectrometer (ESI-IT-TOF-MS). Time-resolved mass spectral measurements ranging from 2 to 21 min were performed in the negative mode to track intermediate degradation products and to evaluate the degradation rate of the deprotonated quercetin ion, [Q-H](-). Upon heating solutions in the presence of dissolved oxygen, degradation of [Q-H](-) was observed and was accelerated by an increase in pH and temperature. Regardless of the condition, the same degradation pathways were observed. Degradation mechanisms and structures were determined using higher order tandem mass spectrometry (up to MS(3)) and high mass accuracy. The observed degradation mechanisms included oxidation, hydroxylation, and ring-cleavage by nucleophilic attack. A chalcan-trione structure formed by C-ring opening after hydroxylation at C2 was believed to be a precursor for other degradation products, formed by hydroxylation at the C2, C3, and C4 carbons from attack by nucleophilic species. This resulted in A-type and B-type ions after cross-ring cleavage of the C-ring. Based on time of appearance and signal intensity, nucleophilic attack at C3 was the preferred degradation pathway, which generated 2,4,6-trihydroxymandelate and 2,4,6-trihydroxyphenylglyoxylate ions. Overall, 23 quercetin-related ions were observed.