Antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, phenolic content, and phytochemical composition of Pithecellobium Diversifolium benth: a pilot study / Atividade antioxidante, citotóxica, conteúdo fenólico e composição fitoquímica de Pithecellobium Diversifolium benth: um estudo piloto / Actividad antioxidante, citotóxica, contenido fenólico y composición fitoquímica de Pithecellobium Diversifolium benth: un estudio piloto

Species of Pithecellobium (Fabaceae) are used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, cough, bronchitis, and inflammation. This study aims to evaluate the content and determine the antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds content, and cytotoxicity of the extract and the fractions of Pithecellobium diversifolium. This is unprecedented research with an exotic species from the Caatinga, northeastern Brazil, using High-performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). The MeOH fractions of leaves and stem barks showed a high content of flavonoids (198.1 ± 106.50 and 542.7 ± 2.52 mg EqQ/g). The CH2Cl2 fraction of peels showed a high content of total phenolic compounds (516.7 ± 3.00 mg EqAG /g). The DPPH test showed that the CH2Cl2 fraction (leaves) held an EC50 of 0.08 ± 0.02, a higher value than that observed for the standards used in the test­Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ascorbic acid. The AcOEt and MeOH fractions of peels presented moderate cytotoxicity with values below 500 µg/mL. The MeOH fraction of leaves showed seven major compounds: myricetin, quercetin, quercetin-arabinofuranoside, apigenin-triglycosides, and apigenin-diglucoside, being the last three unpublished in studies involving the genus. The tests conducted in this study show the potential of P. diversifolium as a promising source of biomolecules with therapeutic applicability.

Espécies de Pithecellobium (Fabaceae) são usadas na medicina tradicional para tratar diabetes, tosse, bronquite e inflamação. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o teor e determinar a atividade antioxidante, o teor de compostos fenólicos e a citotoxicidade do extrato e das frações de Pithecellobium diversifolium, uma pesquisa inédita com uma espécie exótica da Caatinga do Nordeste do Brasil, utilizando a instrumentação Clae-IES. As frações MeOH das folhas e cascas do caule apresentaram alto teor de flavonoides (198,1 ± 106,50 e 542,7 ± 2,52 mg EqQ/g). A fração CH2Cl2 das cascas apresentou um elevado teor de compostos fenólicos totais (516,7 ± 3,00 mg EqAG/g). O teste DPPH mostrou que a fração CH2Cl2 (folhas) apresentou um EC50 de 0,08 ± 0,02, valor superior ao observado para os padrões utilizados no teste ­ Butil hidroxianisol (BHA), Butil hidroxitolueno (BHT) e ácido ascórbico. As frações AcOEt e MeOH das cascas apresentaram citotoxicidade moderada com valores inferiores a 500 µg/mL. A fração MeOH das folhas apresentou sete compostos majoritários: miricetina, quercetina, quercetina-arabinofuranosídeo, apigenina-triglicosídeos e apigenina-diglucosídeo, sendo os três últimos inéditos em estudos envolvendo o gênero. Os testes realizados demonstram o potencial de P. diversifolium, uma promissora fonte de biomoléculas com aplicabilidade terapêutica.

Las especies de Pithecellobium (Fabaceae) se utilizan en la medicina tradicional para tratar diabetes, tos, bronquitis e inflamación. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el contenido y determinar la actividad antioxidante, el contenido de compuestos fenólicos y la citotoxicidad del extracto y de las fracciones de Pithecellobium diversifolium, un estudio inédito con una especie exótica de la Caatinga de la región Nordeste de Brasil, que utilizó la instrumentación HPLC-ESI. Las fracciones MeOH de hojas y cortezas de tallo mostraron un alto contenido de flavonoides (198,1 ± 106,50 y 542,7 ± 2,52 mg EqQ/g). La fracción CH2Cl2 de las cortezas presentó un alto contenido de compuestos fenólicos totales (516,7 ± 3,00 mg EqAG/g). El ensayo DPPH mostró que la fracción CH2Cl2 (hojas) tenía EC50 de 0,08 ± 0,02, valor superior a lo observado para los estándares utilizados en el ensayo ­Butilhidroxianisol (BHA), butilhidroxitolueno (BHT) y ácido ascórbico. Las fracciones AcOEt y MeOH de las cortezas presentaron una citotoxicidad moderada con valores inferiores a 500 µ g/mL. La fracción MeOH de las hojas contiene siete compuestos principales: miricetina, quercetina, quercetina-arabinofuranosido, apigenina-triglucósidos y apigenina-diglucósido, de los cuales los tres últimos son inéditos en estudios sobre el género. Las pruebas realizadas demuestran el potencial de P. diversifolium, una fuente prometedora de biomoléculas con aplicabilidad terapéutica.

Phytochemical, antibacterial and antioxidant screening of Artemisia santolinifolia various parts

The current study was carried out to explore the phytochemical, antioxidant potential and antibacterial activities of the crude methanolic extract of A. santolinifolia Turcz. Ex Besser. The antioxidant activity was carried out by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay, while methanolic extract displayed the highest scavenging activity (DPPH) was 61.31µg/ml on Artemisia santolinifolia root and the lowest (51.05µg/ml) was record for their leaves. Similarly, in (ABTS) the highest activity (89.16µg/ml) was recorded for roots of A. santolinifolia followed by leaves (68.14µg/ml). In low inhibitory concentration assay, the crude methanolic extracts showed significant inhibition against all tested microbes on different concentrations like 25 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, and 100 µg/ml. The leaves extract of A. santolinifolia AsL showed MIC of 12.5µg/ml for B. subtilis, a gram-positive bacterium, 50µg/ml for gram positive bacteria S. aureus and 37.5 µg/ml for gram negative bacteria P. aeruginosa that is almost equal to the response of standard ciprofloxacin. Our current study revealed that Artemisia santolinifolia root (AsR) exhibited a significant antioxidant potential while AsL showed good antibacterial effect which is suggested to be used for treatment and management of different infectious diseases.

Nanoemulsion Improves Babassu Palm Oil (Orbignya phalerata) Antioxidant Properties

HIGHLIGHTS Production of lipid nanoemulsions (<100 nm) of industrial interest with low energy demand. The antioxidant properties of babassu oil have been improved and the nanoemulsions are not cytotoxic. Babassu oil is a food and medicinal product. The nanoemulsion is strategic for the developed of new antioxidants phytotherapeutics.

Abstract Background: Babassu oil is an extract from a Brazilian native coconut (Orbignya phalerata Martius) and is used both as a food and a medicinal product. Methods: we produced two babassu oil nanoemulsions and evaluated them regarding their nanoscopic stability, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity.The nanoemulsions were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering, and their stability was investigated for 120 days. The antioxidant activity was assessed by Spectroscopy Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and the cytotoxicity was assessed by a colorimetric method (MTT) with the NIH/3T3 cell lineage. Results: the results showed nanoemulsions with average hydrodynamic diameter lower than 100 nm (p(0.001).and a polydispersity index of less than 0.3 (p(0.001), indicating monodisperse systems and good stability at room temperature. The exposure of nanoemulsions at varying pH revealed that the isoelectric point was at 3.0, and the images obtained by Transmission Electron Microscopy showed spherical droplets with a size 27 nm. The antioxidant activity showed that the babassu nanoemulsions exposed to free radicals had a better response when compared to the oil free samples. The cell viability assays showed low toxicity of the formulation with viability over 92% (p(0.05). Conclusion: babassu oil nanoformulations showed low polydispersity and kinetic stability with effective antioxidant action. Therefore, they can be promising for application in the food industry or as antioxidant phytotherapeutics.

Relationship between breath isoprene excretion and oxidative stress responses to submaximal exercise / 体力科学

The physiological functions of expiratory isoprene, which is abundantly contained in human breath, are not well known. Recently, breath isoprene has been proposed to be related to oxidative stress, although no direct evidence has been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between breath isoprene and oxidative stress status. Ten healthy male subjects performed a 20-min submaximal step-load cycling exercise, the intensity of which corresponded to a 60% peak oxygen uptake after a 10-min rest. Breath isoprene excretion during the exercise was calculated from the product of minute ventilation and isoprene expiratory concentration. To evaluate the oxidative stress, we collected blood samples from the subject’s fingertips before and immediately after the end of the exercise, and then diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), which is an index of oxidative stress level, and biological antioxidant potential (BAP), which is an index of antioxidant potential, were measured. The breath isoprene concentration at the rest was significantly positively correlated with the ratio from BAP to d-ROMs (BAP/d-ROMs), which is an index of latent antioxidant potential (r = 0.63, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the change in breath isoprene excretion from before to after the exercise was significantly negatively correlated with the change in d-ROMs (r = -0.73, P < 0.05) and positively correlated with the change in BAP/d-ROMs (r = 0.88, P < 0.01). These results suggest that isoprene might play a role in the control of oxidative stress.

Comparative Evaluation of Physical and Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Potential of Various Cooking Oils

The study was based on the comparative evaluation of physical and physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of different cooking oils as awareness for the consumers. The cooking oils extracted from sunflower, corn, canola, soybean, and rapeseed and available for consumers as different commercial brands were purchased from the local market and analysed for their physical, physicochemical and antioxidant properties. All of the selected oils were found to be statistically similar on the basis of their physical properties including odour, specific gravity (P=.65) and refractive index (P=0.84). All of the selected oils contained vitamin A except one brand of each of the sunflower, corn and canola oils. The selected oils and their blend showed statistically different physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential (P=.000). The corn oil and rapeseed oil were found to be the best quality oil due to comparatively lower acid, peroxide and saponification values and higher antioxidant potential in terms of free radical scavenging capacity. The study results would provide valuable information to the consumers and the researchers regarding the selection of the best quality cooking oils available in the market.

The role of seasonality on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of Polish propolis in human erythrocytes

ABSTRACT Propolis extracts possess beneficial biological effects, such as antioxidant activity. However, the composition of propolis and biological properties of its extracts depend on many factor, including time of harvesting. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the seasonal effect on the phenolic profile of Polish propolis extracts and their antioxidant activity. Propolis samples were collected from the same apiary during three seasons of the year. The chemical composition (contents of phenolic acids and flavonoids) of ethanolic propolis extracts was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a photodiode detector and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The antioxidant potential of propolis extracts was evaluated. Additionally, in vitro effects of propolis extracts on the morphology of human red blood cells and the selective permeability of their membrane were determined. The capacity of propolis extracts to protect human red blood cells against free radical-induced hemolysis was also studied. The analyze of the chemical composition of propolis extracts collected in three season of the year indicated that the sum of determined flavonoids and phenolic acids was the highest in the sample harvested in the spring (125.14 mg/g) and it was the lowest in the extract of material collected in the fall (110.09 mg/g), but the differences were slightly. The concentration of examined phenols in propolis samples collected in different seasons was similar and only content of seven among fifteen determined compound was significantly different in extracts according to statistical analysis. The propolis extracts possess high antioxidant potential and significantly protect human red blood cells from oxidative damage. There was no significant differences with regard to the seasonal effect on the chemical profile and antioxidant potential of Polish propolis extracts. These results indicate that the time of Polish propolis harvesting have no influence on phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of its extract.

Cichorium intybus from India: GC-MS Profiling, Phenolic Content and in vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Sequential Soxhlet Extracted Roasted Roots

Abstract Research on the bio-activities and chemical composition of roasted C. intybus roots from India is very little. In present studies GC-MS analysis of volatile components of roasted C. intybus roots, phenolics and flavonoid content estimation and antioxidant potential of roasted C. intybus roots was carried out. Antioxidant potential was also evaluated using FRAP, DPPH, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide and superoxide free radical scavenging method. Extracts were prepared by sequential Soxhlet extraction. GC-MS analysis of volatile components of roasted C. intybus root extracts revealed that 5-hydroxymethyl furfural was major volatile component in dichloromethane and methanol extract whereas lupeol and its derivative compounds were major constituents of hexane extract. Quantitative estimation for total phenols and flavonoids showed that the methanol extract of C. intybus roots contained highest phenolic and flavonoid content as compared to other extracts and also showed strong radical scavenging activities which were comparable with ascorbic acid used as standard. All extracts showed IC50 values less than 0.6 mg/mL furthermore, extracts of roasted C. intybus showed the high total antioxidant potential for the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+. The C. intybus roots possess good antioxidant capacity even after roasting and all the extracts showed good activities.

Association between Abdominal Obesity and Oxidative Stress in Korean Adults / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Obesity causes several changes in the body and is associated with both inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the relationship between abdominal obesity, diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) levels in Korean adults has not yet been proved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between d-ROMs, BAP levels, and abdominal obesity in the Korean adult population using clinical data. METHODS: A total of 2,367 individuals, aged 18–86 years, were identified from health check-up examination records at a university hospital, between January 2015 and August 2016. Clinical and biochemical parameters, including waist circumference, lipid profile, alcohol drinking status, and smoking status, were investigated. Oxidative stress levels, viz., d-ROM concentration and antioxidant capacity, viz., BAP, were measured. RESULTS: Subjects with abdominal obesity presented significantly higher levels of d-ROMs compared to those with a normal waist circumference (P<0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, alcohol drinking status; smoking status; and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein levels were found to have a significant positive correlation with abdominal obesity (P<0.001). BAP did not significantly correlate with abdominal obesity. CONCLUSION: We observed a positive association between abdominal obesity and d-ROM concentration. This result indicates that abdominal obesity can increase oxidative stress and may affect the pathways involved in obesity, such as the inflammatory pathway. Such correlation analyses were helpful in revealing the causes, as well as methods to reduce, oxidative stress.

Antioxidant potential of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extracts in Saccharomyces cerevisae deficient in oxidant defense genes / Potencial antioxidante de extratos de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) em Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficientes para genes de defesa oxidante

Abstract Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) is mainly consumed as “chimarrão”, a hot drink highly appreciated in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts of I. paraguariensis precipitated with ethanol. The leaves were processed as for tea product (TM) and oxidized (OX). The antioxidant potential was evaluated in cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in antioxidant defense genes. Three strains evaluated were: a wild (EG) and two mutants (ctt1Δ e ctt1Δsod1Δ). These strains were pre-treated with the yerba-mate extracts (TM e OX) and submitted to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. None of the extracts produced loss of cell viability. The extracts exerted antioxidant activity, protecting the strains (except sod1∆ctt1∆). The TM extract was more effective than OX. I. paraguariensis extracts showed a potential to be explored in the development of new products.

Resumo A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) é consumida principalmente como “chimarrão”, uma bebida quente muito apreciada no Brasil, Argentina, Paraguai e Uruguai. Este estudo avaliou o potencial antioxidante de extratos aquosos de I. paraguariensis precipitado com etanol. Folhas de erva-mate foram processados de maneira semelhante ao processamento do chá-preto (OX) e na forma de mate (TM). O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado sobre células de Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficientes para genes de defesa antioxidante. Três linhagens celulares foram estudadas: uma selvagem (EG) e duas mutantes (ctt1Δ e ctt1Δsod1Δ). As linhagens foram pré-tratadas com os extratos de erva-mate (TM e OX) e submetidos ao estresse oxidativo induzido por peróxido de hidrogênio. Nenhum dos extratos produziu perda de viabilidade celular. Os extratos exerceram atividade antioxidante, protegendo as linhagens (exceto a sod1Δctt1Δ). O extrato TM foi mais eficaz em relação ao OX. Extratos de I. paraguariensis apresentaram potencial para ser explorado no desenvolvimento de novas formulações.

Prevalence of Glucose -6- Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) Deficiency in Sokoto: Liver Function and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Deficient Individual.

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and plays an essential role in the oxidative stress response by producing Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), the main intracellular reductant. Deficient individuals suffer from mild chronic haemolytic episode which could be exacerbated on exposure to oxidant drugs. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency in Sokoto, assess liver function, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants status in G-6-PD deficient individuals. Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken at the Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, between February and April 2015. Methods: G-6-PD screening in 1000 individuals (603 males and 397 females) using Methaemoglobin Reduction Method was carried out, liver function and oxidative stress biomarkers were then evaluated in 60 deficient individuals (30 males and 30 females) and 60 individuals with normal G-6-PD status as controls using standard techniques. Results: 376 (37.6%) subjects were found to be G-6-PD deficient, 128 (12.8%) of the males and 248 (24.8%) of the females screened were deficient. G-6-PD deficient individuals have significantly low (p<0.05) total protein (TP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase activities when compared to control group but the decreases were within the reference range, while albumin (Alb), total bilirubin (TB) and conjugated bilirubin (CB), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Significantly high (p<0.001) malondialdehyde (MDA) and low total antioxidant potential (TAP) values were obtained in G-6-PD deficient individuals compared to controls. Conclusion: The prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency in Sokoto is high, hence screening for G-6-PD deficiency before administration of oxidant drugs in G-6-PD deficient subjects may be necessary. G-6-PD deficient individuals may also be at the risk of developing oxidative stress induced diseases.

Chemo-type of essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. from DR Congo and relative in vitro antioxidant potential to the polarity of crude extracts

Objective To carry out a phyto-chemical characterization of essential oil from Ocimum basilicum L. (O. basilicum) harvested in DR Congo and to assess the antioxidant potential of crude extracts with respect to the polarity for comparison reason. Methods The phyto-chemical characterization of essential oil produced by hydro-distillation was performed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis and the antioxidant potential evaluation by in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity method. Results A previously weighed amount of fresh leaves of O. basilicum produced 0.65% of essential oil that led to the identification of a set of 84.44% out of 99.98% as major compounds (> 1.5%). The chemo-type of this essential oil was linalool-methyl chavicol. Chemical components of oil were characterized by oxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons (46.00%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (26.75%). With respect to the amount of components, methyl chavicol also known as estragole (35.72%) constituted the very large quantity afterward linalool (21.25%) and then epi-α-cadinol (8.02%), α-bergamotene (6.56%), eugenol (4.60%), 1,8-cineole (4.04%), germacrene D (2.06%), thymol (1.64%), and (E)-citral (1.55%), respectively. Essential oil exhibited antioxidant potential and IC

Comparative analysis of bioactive compounds in different habitat of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: Application for in vitro clonal propagation of elite ecotype.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is a perennial herb with high utility in traditional medicines and pharmaceutical industries. In India the wild populations C. asiatica are overexploited at an unrestrained rate to cope up with its high market demands. The aim of this study was to identify potential chemotype of C. asiatica from different geographical region in India and optimized in vitro micropropagation protocol of the elite ecotype was established for commercial purposes. Five C. asiatica accessions were collected from different geographic locations and their active biological components were analyzed. Among these accessions total phenolic and flavonoid content combined with ascorbic acid was found to be significantly higher in CA-4 compared to other ecotypes. The free radical scavenging activity as well as reducing power of the CA-4 ecotype also corroborate the higher phenolic content. Therefore the elite ecotype CA-4 was selected for in vitro conservation and micropropagation. Shoot-tips explants was inoculated on Murashige and Skoog basal medium with different concentrations and combinations of cytokinins and auxins. Optimum multiplication was achieved on medium containing 6-benzyl-aminopurine (2.0 mg L–1) and indole-3-acetic acid (0.2 mg L–1). In vitro rooting of multiplied individual shoots was achieved on half strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with IBA (1.5 mg L–1), with a maximum of 16.4 ± 0.22 roots. These micropropagated plants were successfully established in soil after hardening with 94.55 % survival rate.

Gastro-protective Anti-Helicobacter pylori and, Antioxidant Properties of Moroccan Zizyphus lotus L.

Zizyphus lotus L. is a common medicinal plant used in Moroccan folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers and diarrhea. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the anti-ulcer properties of Z. lotus (fruits) methanol extract (ZLM) in various experimental models, as well as its anti-Helicobacter pylori and antiscavenging properties. Anti-ulcer studies were performed in three ulcerogenic induced models (HCl/Ethanol; HCl/EtOH), pylorus ligature and aspirin) in Wistar rats. Up to 500 mg/kg body weight, ZLM produced a nonsignificant inhibition in the acute ulcer induced by HCl/EtOH solution and a significant effect on the aspirin model (46.2 %). The anti-ulcer effect was lower, for both models, compared to cimetidine and omeprazole used as positive controls. ZLM showed a significant reduction of gastric juice secretion and total acidity and an increase in pH value in pylorus-ligature model similarly to positive controls. ZLM inhibited, at 128μg/ml, three H. pylori clinical strains among which two were resistant to metronidazole and clarythromycine. ZLM showed a moderate scavenging capacity in DPPH assay (IC50= 477.6 ± 47.6 μg/ml). ZLM extract act essentially as antacid agent, which support the use of this plant in the traditional Moroccan medicine to cure gastrointestinal disorders.

Compositional studies and biological activities of some mash bean (Vigna mungo (L) Hepper) cultivars commonly consumed in Pakistan

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the desire to adopt a healthy diet has drawn attention to legume seeds and food products derived from them. Mash bean is an important legume crop used in Pakistan however a systematic mapping of the chemical composition of mash bean seeds is lacking. Therefore seeds of four mash bean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper, family Leguminoseae) cultivars (NARC-Mash-1, NARC-Mash-2, NARC-Mash-3, NARC-Mash-97) commonly consumed in Pakistan have been analyzed for their chemical composition, antioxidant potential and biological activities like inhibition of formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) activity and tyrosinase inhibition activity. RESULTS: The investigated cultivars varied in terms of biochemical composition to various extents. Mineral composition indicated potassium and zinc in highest and lowest amounts respectively, in all cultivars. The amino acid profile in protein of these cultivars suggested cysteine is present in lowest quantity in all cultivars while fatty acid distribution pattern indicated unsaturated fatty acids as major fatty acids in all cultivars. All cultivars were found to be rich source of tocopherols and sterols. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) fingerprints of seed flour and extracts indicated major functional groups such as polysaccharides, lipids, amides, amines and amino acids. Results indicated that all investigated cultivars possessed appreciable antioxidant potential. CONCLUSIONS: All cultivars are rich source of protein and possess sufficient content of dietary fiber, a balanced amino acid profile, low saturated fatty acids and antioxidant capacity that rationalizes many traditional uses of seeds of this crop besides its nutritional importance. The collected data will be useful for academic and corporate researchers, nutritionists and clinical dieticians as well as consumers. If proper attention is paid, it may become an important export commodity and may fetch considerable foreign exchange for Pakistan.

A comparative in vitro antioxidant potential profile of extracts from different parts of Fagonia cretica

Objective: To evaluate antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of organic extracts from fruit, roots and aerial parts of Fagonia cretica. Methods: Shed dried and powdered plant parts were initially extracted in methanol and subsequently partitioned in n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and 1-butanol successively. Antioxidant and radical scavenging potential of the methanol extracts and the fractions of each part were evaluated using total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation radicals scavenging, reducing power (potassium ferricyanide-trichloroacetic acid system), ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity (linoleic acid system) and total antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdate) assays. Results: TPC and TFC values for methanol extracts and various fractions ranged from 0.23-4.30 mg/L gallic acid equivalents and from 30-545 mg/L rutin equivalents, respectively. Overall, methanol extracts and all the fractions of root and aerial parts showed higher TPC and TFC values. Methanol extracts and aqueous fractions of root and aerial parts and the n-butanol fraction of root showed lower EC

A comparative in vitro antioxidant potential profile of extracts from different parts of Fagonia cretica

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of organic extracts from fruit, roots and aerial parts of Fagonia cretica.@*METHODS@#Shed dried and powdered plant parts were initially extracted in methanol and subsequently partitioned in n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and 1-butanol successively. Antioxidant and radical scavenging potential of the methanol extracts and the fractions of each part were evaluated using total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation radicals scavenging, reducing power (potassium ferricyanide-trichloroacetic acid system), ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity (linoleic acid system) and total antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdate) assays.@*RESULTS@#TPC and TFC values for methanol extracts and various fractions ranged from 0.23-4.30 mg/L gallic acid equivalents and from 30-545 mg/L rutin equivalents, respectively. Overall, methanol extracts and all the fractions of root and aerial parts showed higher TPC and TFC values. Methanol extracts and aqueous fractions of root and aerial parts and the n-butanol fraction of root showed lower EC50 values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging than the other plant extracts. The 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, total antioxidant potential and ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential values confirmed the presence of potent antioxidant principles in the methanol extract of roots. In general, all the extracts/fractions and especially those of root showed high antioxidant and radical scavenging activities.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The crude methanol extract of root can be explored further for in vivo studies. This study revealed the potent antioxidant potential of Fagonia cretica and its prospective efficacy against various reactive oxygen species-mediated diseases.

Antioxidants from Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Obesity.

Aims: The objective of this work was to quantify phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamin C, total carotenoids, β-carotene and lycopene and to measure the antioxidant activity in the medicinal plants Aloe vera (L.) Burm. (aloe), Simaba ferruginea St. Hil. (calunga), Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC (carqueja), Garcinia cambogia Desr., and Tournefortia paniculata Cham. (marmelinho) and of the phytotherapic made with the combination of these plants. Place and Duration of Study: Chemistry Department of Federal University of Lavras – UFLA, Brazil between June 2011 and September 2012. Methodology: Phenolic compounds, flavonoid, vitamin C, total carotenoids and β-carotene and lycopene contents were quantified by UV-Vis spectrophotometer and antioxidant activity by ABTS and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods. Results: High contents of phenolic compounds were found in marmelinho (36.19g 100g-1 dry matter – DM), followed by carqueja (4.03g 100g-1DM) and calunga (1.62g 100g-1DM); of flavonoids in marmelinho (480.30mg 100g-1DM) and carqueja (173.68mg 100g-1DM); of vitamin C in marmelinho (652.80mg 100g-1DM) and G. cambogia (127.63mg 100g-1DM); and of carotenoids in marmelinho (23.16 mg 100 g-1). The antioxidant activity, in µmol trolox g-1, by the ABTS method, was considered moderate in the aqueous (728.80) and ethanolic (731.06) marmelinho extracts, and weak for the other plants. However, by the β-carotene/linoleic acid method, the aqueous and ethanolic marmelinho extracts show great antioxidant potential at all tested concentrations (above 80% inhibition), and those of carqueja, calunga and the ethanolic of the phytotherapic, at the concentrations of 40,000 and 20,000mg L-1, also showed good antioxidant potencies (over 60% inhibition). Conclusion: Those five species of plants showed antioxidant activity with potential for use in pharmaceutical and food preparations, with possible health benefits.

Phytochemical screening and invitro determination of antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of streospermum chelonoides.

Plant derived phytochemicals consisting of phenols and flavonoids possess antioxidant properties, eventually renders a lucrative tool to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Current study evaluates the preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of bark and leaf of Stereospermum chelonoides. Thus, various in vitro assay strategies were implemented to evaluate antioxidant potential of Stereospermum chelonoides, using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity, determination of total phenol and flavonoid contents. Preliminary phytochemical study revealed the presence of alkaloid, carbohydrate, glycoside, flavonoid, steroid and tannin. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the fraction showed significant antioxidant activities in the assay compared to the reference ascorbic acid in a dose dependent manner. The IC50 value of the crude methanol extract of bark and leaf was 53.99±3.25 μg/mL and 84.73±4.02 μg/mL, respectively, whereas IC50 value for the reference ascorbic acid was 14.56±0.24 μg/mL. Moreover, profound total antioxidant activity was observed for bark (309.88±1.03 mg/g equivalent to ascorbic acid) as well as leaf (147.09±1.79 mg/g equivalent to ascorbic acid) at 200 μg/mL extract concentration. Furthermore, extract showed good reducing power capability in both bark and leaf fraction. Total phenol content for the bark was 574.82 mg/g equivalent to gallic acid and for leaf was 189.86 mg/g. For bark, the total flavonoid content was found 55.82 mg/g equivalent to quercetin and for leaf it was 49.44 mg/g.

Antioxidant properties of species from the Brazilian cerrado by different assays / Avaliação da propriedade antioxidante de espécies do cerrado no Brasil detectada por diferentes ensaios

The purpose of this study was to screen the antioxidant activity of medicinal plant extracts from the Brazilian cerrado, through other methods than the total phenolic content and its correlation with the antioxidant activity. Ethanolic extracts of ten species were evaluated through three antioxidant assays, in vitro, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total antioxidant activity and reducing power; and by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method the total phenolic content was determined. Ethanolic extracts of Stryphnodendron obovatum, Cecropia pachystachya and Duguetia furfuraceae showed strong antioxidant activity (IC50<5 µg mL-1) in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay; the species Vernonia phosphorea, Hymenaea stignocarpa and Jacaranda ulei may also be highlighted. These results were confirmed in the assays of total antioxidant capacity and reducing power. The extracts of S. obovatum and V. phosphorea showed an abundant phenolic content; therefore, the phenolic content may play a role in the antioxidant activity. These two species, traditionally used in Brazil, showed great power in these assay systems and may be a promising source for the development of natural antioxidants and future candidates for phytochemical and pharmacological studies in related diseases.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi triar a atividade antioxidante de extratos de plantas medicinais do cerrado do Brasil, por outros métodos além do conteúdo de fenóis totais e sua correlação com a atividade antioxidante. Assim, o extrato etanólico de dez espécies vegetais do cerrado brasileiro foi avaliado por três ensaios de atividade antioxidante, in vitro: 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH); atividade antioxidante total e poder redutor; e o teor de fenóis determinado pelo reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu. O extrato etanólico de Stryphnodendron obovatum, Cecropia pachystachya e Duguetia furfuraceae apresentaram forte atividade antioxidante (CI50<5 mg mL-1) no ensaio com o DPPH, tendo destaque também as espécies Vernonia phosphorea, Hymenaea stignocarpa e Jacaranda ulei. Os extratos de S. obovatum e V. phosphorea demonstraram maiores teores de fenóis, indicando que esse grupo de substâncias possa ser a responsável pela atividade antioxidante. Essas duas espécies, usadas tradicionalmente no Brasil, representam fontes promissoras para o desenvolvimento de antioxidantes naturais e futuros estudos fitoquímicos e farmacológicos em doenças relacionadas.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of a Lebanese plant Euphorbia macroclada schyzoceras

Objective:To determine the chemical composition, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the crude extracts from leaves and stems of a Lebanese plant Euphorbia macroclada schyzoceras (E. macroclada), and to evaluate their antioxidant potential using DPPH, H2O2, and chelating of ferrous ions tests. Methods:Quantification of the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the crude extracts from leaves and stems and the antioxidant activities were evaluated using spectrophotometric analyses. The chemical composition has been estimated using different techniques such as IR, LC/MS and NMR. Results:Ethanolic extract from leaves of E. macroclada was better than aqueous extract and showed higher content in total phenolic and total flavonoid than found in the stems. On the other hand, using DPPH and H2O2 tests, this extract from leaves showed higher antioxidant capacity than aqueous extract. However, using the chelating of ferrous ions test, the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of both stems and leaves was stronger than that of ethanolic once. The chemical composition of the whole plant showed the presence of some aromatic compounds and fatty acids. Conclusions:Both ethanolic and water extracts from both parts of this plant are effective and have good antioxidant power. So, this plant can be used in the prevention of a number of diseases related to oxidative stress.