In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition and antimicrobial activity of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica)

BACKGROUND: Chia seeds are gaining increasing interest among food producers and consumers because of their prohealth properties. RESULTS: The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of chia seeds to act as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. The highest inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE was observed for colored seed ethanol extracts. A positive correlation was found between the presence of quercetin and isoquercetin as well as protocatechuic, hydroxybenzoic, and coumaric acids and the activity of extracts as AChE and BChE inhibitors. It has also been shown that grain fragmentation affects the increase in the activity of seeds against cholinesterases (ChE). Furthermore, seeds have been shown to be a source of substances that inhibit microbial growth. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the chia seed extracts are rich in polyphenols and inhibit the activity of ChEs; therefore, their use can be considered in further research in the field of treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Air-drying temperature changes the content of the phenolic acids and flavonols in white mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves / Temperatura de secagem ao ar altera o teor de ácidos fenólicos e flavonóis em folhas de amoreira branca (Morus alba L.)

ABSTRACT: The white mulberry leaves are typically available on the market in dried or encapsulated form. It was assumed in the study that appropriate drying of leaves of the white mulberry is significant for obtaining intermediate products with high content of compounds having anti-oxidative activity. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the temperature of mulberry leaves air drying on the content of phenolic acids and flavonols. It has been determined that the content of these compounds in the leaves depended on the drying temperature. Drying at 60 °C favored release of phenolic acids and flavonols from complexes and/or formation of new compounds. Their total content was 22% higher than in leaves dried at 30 °C. Drying at 90 °C reduced the phenolic acid and flavonol content by 24%. The most favorable drying temperature was 60 °C.

RESUMO: As folhas da amoreira branca estão normalmente disponíveis no mercado em forma seca ou encapsulada. Assumiu-se no estudo que a secagem adequada das folhas da amora branca é importante para a obtenção de produtos intermediários com alto teor de compostos com atividade antioxidante. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a influência da temperatura de secagem de ar de folhas de amoreira sobre o teor de ácidos fenólicos e flavonóis. Foi determinado que o conteúdo destes compostos nas folhas dependia da temperatura de secagem. Secagem a 60 °C favoreceu a liberação de ácidos fenólicos e flavonóis a partir de complexos e / ou formação de novos compostos. Seu teor total foi 22% superior ao das folhas secas a 30 °C. A secagem a 90 °C reduziu o teor de ácido fenólico e flavonol em 24%. A temperatura de secagem mais favorável foi de 60 °C.

Composition of polyphenols of asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis) and their antioxidant potential / A composição dos polifenóis das espargos (Asparagus officinalis) e o seu potencial antioxidante

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of cultivar and spear color on the composition of polyphenols in asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis). The five genotypes (Schwetzinger Meisterschuss, Huchel's Alpha, Gijnlim, Grolim and Eposs) and three growing conditions of asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis) were investigated. The polyphenols were determined by applying the HPLC-DAD system. The obtained results were subjected to the principal component analysis. Among the analyzed asparagus samples cv. Grolim contained the highest amounts of phenolic acids and flavonols. The varied quantitative and qualitative composition of polyphenolics resulted most probably from changes occurring during vegetation, such as a lack of access to light in the case of white asparagus and limited access to light in purple asparagus. The scavenging activity on DPPH radicals by asparagus extract is dependent on the variety and color and was the greatest for green asparagus samples. Similar green extracts scavenged ABTS radicals to the highest degree. Results of this study suggested that asparagus may constitute a good source of natural antioxidants to be used in our diet as well as by industries for functional food formulations.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar o impacto da cor da cultivar e da cor dos turiões na composição de polifenóis em aspargos (Asparagus officinalis). Os cinco genótipos (Schwetzinger Meisterschuss, Huchel's Alpha, Gijnlim, Grolim e Eposs) e três condições de cultivo de aspargos (Asparagus officinalis) foram investigados. Os polifenóis foram determinados aplicando o sistema HPLC-DAD. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de componentes principais. Entre as amostras de aspargos analisadas a cv. Grolim continha as maiores quantidades de ácidos fenólicos e flavonóis. A composição quantitativa e qualitativa variada dos polifenóis resultou muito provavelmente de mudanças ocorridas durante a vegetação, como a falta de acesso à luz no caso dos aspargos brancos e o acesso limitado à luz nos aspargos purpúreos. A atividade sequestradora dos radicais DPPH pelo extrato de aspargos é dependente da variedade e cor, sendo que foi a maior para as amostras de aspargos verdes. Extratos verdes semelhantes capturaram os radicais ABTS no mais alto grau. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que os espargos podem constituir uma boa fonte de antioxidantes naturais a serem utilizados em nossa dieta, bem como pelas indústrias para formulações de alimentos funcionais.

Lipoxygenase inhibitors flavonoids from Cyperus rotundus aerial parts

ABSTRACT Cyperus rotundus L. (Suada, Sueda, family: Cyperaceae) is vastly spread in several world's subtropical and tropical regions. It had variable traditional uses and bioactivities. A new flavonol derivative: cyperaflavoside (myricetin 3,3',5'-trimethyl ether 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and five flavonoids: vitexin, orientin, cinaroside, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and myrcetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were separated from the methanolic extract of C. rotundus aerial parts. Their structures were verified based on UV, IR, NMR (1D and 2D), HRESIMS, and comparison with literature. All metabolites were assessed for their 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory potential. All compounds possessed 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory potentials with IC50s 5.1, 4.5, 5.9, 4.0, 3.7, and 2.3 µM, respectively, in comparison to indomethacin (IC50 0.98 µM). These results supported the traditional uses of C. rotundus in treating inflammation and its related symptoms.

In-vitro Assessment of Cholinesterase Inhibitory and Thrombolytic Activity of Six Available Citrus Fruits in Bangladesh: Relevant for Treating Neurodegenerative Disorder

Aim: Citrus fruits are well known for its medicinal and food value. Aim of this study is to investigate acetylcholinesterase ((AChE)) inhibitory activity, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity, total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols content and thrombolytic activities of crude methanol extracts of 6 citrus fruits (Citrus limon, Citrus aurantifollia, Citrus bergamia, Citrus maxima, Citrus sinensis and Citrus macroptera). Methods: The fruits were extracted by using methanol as solvent. Ellman’s colourimetric method was applied to determine both cholinesterase inhibitory activities, while folin-ciocalteau reagent (FCR) and aluminium chloride were used to quantify total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonol content of those fruits. Blood clot lysis method was applied for determining the thrombolytic activity of those fruits. Results: All citrus fruits contain a good amount of phenolics, flavonoids and flavonols. C. maxima found more prominent in containing phenolics and flavonols compare to other citrus fruits, with 414.06 ± 2.87 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/gm and 12.94 ± 1.31 mg Catechin Equivalent/gm dried extract respectively. Citrus sinensis showed the highest content in flavonoids with 21.16± 1.37 mg Catechin 20 Equivalent /gm dried extract. Citrus fruits are also a quality source of cholinesterase inhibitors. All the examined citrus fruits were found capable of inhibiting both acetylcholinesterases (AChE) as well as butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). C. bergamia was most effective in inhibiting AChE with IC50 of 27.18 µg/ml where C. macroptera was best in inhibiting BuChE (IC50 32.5 µg/ml). But none of the citrus fruits was found fit for thrombolytic activity. Conclusion: Citrus fruits are found the sound in inhibiting AChE and BuChE as well as containing Phenolics, flavonoids and flavonols. But they lack in their thrombolytic activity.

Transcriptome sequencing analysis of gene expression of flavonoid biosynthesis in Ginkgo biloba / 中草药

Objective The transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze the expression of key genes of flavonoid biosynthesis in different stages of growth and development of Ginkgo biloba. Methods The leaves of young trees and adult trees of G. biloba in different periods were used as the test material. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was carried out by using Illumina HiSeq 2000, and analyses of gene functional annotation of Unigene and expression characteristics of key genes for biosynthesis of G. biloba flavonoids were also performed. Results A total of 43 073 Unigene were obtained by transcriptome sequencing, of which 35 179 were annotated and 5 117 genes were screened by differential gene expression. Fifty candidate genes were screened by analyzing KEGG pathway related to flavonoid synthesis. The expression patterns of 50 candidate genes were analyzed. It was found that the key genes of flavonoid synthesis were all highly expressed in young leaves of G. biloba, but there was no significant difference in the leaves between adult and young trees at same time. The 13 genes closely related to the synthesis of flavonoids were analyzed. Among them, the expression of C4H, CHS, ANS, ANR, and FOMT genes was high, and the expression of F3’H, F3’5’H, and FLS genes was relatively low. Conclusion Through transcriptome sequencing, we screened and analyzed the key genes of flavonoid biosynthesis of G. biloba and their expression characteristics, which provided the theoretical basis of molecular pharmacology for improving the yield of ginkgo flavonoids.

Antioxidant potential of banana: Study using simulated gastrointestinal model and conventional extraction.

Most reports on fruit antioxidant capacities are based on extraction of antioxidants using polar solvents. In banana, little is known about the fate of bioactive compounds during the digestion process, particularly in the food matrix under the gastric and intestinal conditions. In the present study, an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method was used to simulate physiological conditions of the stomach and small intestine to evaluate the actual antioxidant capacity of banana. The simulated gastrointestinal extracts showed significantly higher antioxidant properties. The total phenol content of the physiological enzymatic extract was higher by almost 150% than the methanolic extract. Similarly, the flavonoid and flavonol contents were higher in the physiological enzymatic extract by 330.6 and 141.7%, respectively as compared to methanolic extract. These differences were also noticed in the antioxidant capacity measurement parameters. From the results, it can be concluded that the conventional extracts underrate the antioxidant value of banana and that they may have much higher health significance, as an antioxidant in particular.

Effect of Argemone mexicana (L.) against lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus and oxidative stress in wistar rats.

Argemone mexicana (L.) has a role in the treatment of epileptic disorders in Indian traditional system of medicine. We studied its effect on induced status epilepticus (SE) and oxidative stress in rats. SE was induced in male albino rats by administration of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg, ip) 24 h after injection of lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg, ip). Different doses of the ethanol extract of A. mexicana were administered orally 1 h before the injection of pilocarpine. The severity of SE was observed and recorded every 15 min for 90 min and thereafter at every 30 min for another 90 min, using the Racine scoring system. In vivo lipid peroxidation of rat brain tissue was measured utilizing thiobarbiturate-reactive substances. Both in vitro free radical nitric oxide and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl scavenging activities of the extract were also determined. The SE severity was significantly reduced following oral administration of the extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses. None of the animals from groups 3 to 5 (with A. mexicana extract) have exhibited forelimb clonus of stage 4 seizure. The extract also exhibited both in vivo and in vitro antioxidant activities.

Cloning and expression analysis of flavonols synthetase gene from Carthamus tinctorius / 中草药

Objective: To clone the flavonol synthase (FLS) gene from Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) pigments and study its expression in different blossom periods. Methods: Primers were designed according to FLS which was selected from transcriptome sequencing results of safflower petal. Taking total RNA of safflower petal as template, FLS genes were amplified by RT-PCR and connected to PEASY-T1 carrier, and positive cloning was detected by PCR and then sequenced. Results: Sequencing results showed that 224 bp sequence was acquired, to which the Blast comparison was carried out on NCBI. The gene had the higher homology compared with the FLS from other species. Conclusion: The fragment of FLS gene is cloned from safflower, and PCR primers of safflower are designed based on FLS gene for real-time PCR in different blossom of periods different varieties in safflower. The results show that the expression of safflower FLS genes in the full bloom of auspicious red oil sisters line is the highest.

Cardio Protective Effect of Dark Chocolate Components: Mechanisms of Actions.

Chocolate is made from the seeds of a tropical rainforest tree called “Theobroma cacao”. When compared with other food sources based on oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) measurement, dark chocolate is a major source of flavonols with highest antioxidant levels. Some of the health benefits of cocoa consumption include antioxidant properties such as polyphenolic compounds, among others are monomeric flavanols, epicatechin, catechin and oligomeric procyanidins. Both experimental and observational studies have suggested that chocolate consumption has a positive influence on human health, with antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and antithrombotic effects as well as influence on insulin sensitivity, vascular endothelial function, and bioavailability of nitric oxide. In addition, dark chocolate consumption may alter lipid effects, by lowering total and low density lipoproteins and increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The antioxidants found in chocolate have been shown to inhibit plasma lipid oxidation probably by scavenging free radical species. There are some experimental studies to prove that flavonoids could prevent LDL oxidation in vitro by scavenging radical species or sequestering metal ions. Dark chocolate (DC) has beneficial effects in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Polyphenols rich dark chocolate showed progress in insulin sensitivity and decreased blood pressure in healthy subjects. Dark Chocolate has a dual effect on platelets by decreasing platelet aggregation and also it reduces platelet adhesion. Chocolate extends its great beneficial effect from being by and large a palatable pleasant and hence sustainable therapeutic option. Thus, dark chocolate may be suggested as a potential delicacy and one of the agents for the prevention and control of cardiometabolic syndrome.

Formulation optimization of Kyllinga brevifolia total flavonols solid dispersion controlled porosity osmotic pump tablets / 中草药

Objective: To prepare Kyllinga brevifolia total flavonols (KBTF) solid dispersion controlled porosity osmotic pump tablets, and investigate the effects of core tablets and coating on its in vitro drug release behavior, so as to optimize the formulation. Methods: Using KBTF solid dispersion prepared by solvent method as drug core to increase the dissolution of KBTF in vitro, the optimal forrmulation of KBTF solid dispersion controlled porosity osmotic pump tablets was selected via the single factor investigation and orthogonal design. Results: The optimal formula was as follows: osmotic promoter was sodium chloride 100 mg, content of PEG 400 was 150%, content of DBP was 20%, and rate of weight growth of coating membrane was 2%. Conclusion: KBTF solid dispersion controlled porosity osmotic pump tablets with optimal forrmulation can stably release drugs in 12 h and the accumulative drug release rate was more than 90%, whilst its in vitro drug release behavior was up to the character of zero-order drug release.

Paparation of solid dispersion of Kyllinga brevifolia total flavonols and its properties / 中草药

Objective: To prepare the solid dispersion of Kyllinga brevifolia total flavonols (KBTF) for improving the dissolution rate of KBTF. Methods: The solid dispersion was prepared by the melted and dissolved method with the carriers of PVP K30, PEG 6000, PEG 4000, and Poloxamer 188 and the in vitro dissolution of KBTF solid dispersions was performed. The structure of the solid dispersion was characterized by SEM and IR. Results: The solid dispersion prepared with PVPK30 as carrier is better to improve the dissolution than those with other carriers, and drug-carrier (1:2) is the best. The results of SEM and IR showed that KBTF in solid dispersion took amorphous form. Conclusion: The solid dispersion technology can significantly increase the dissolution of KBTF in vitro.

Study on chemical constituents of Echinops integrifolius / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents of Echinops integrifolius from Xinjiang. METHODS: The compounds were isolated by chromatography on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and ODS C18 columns and preparative thin layer chromatography. RESULTS: Six flavonols and three phenolic compounds were isolated and identified as 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3-methanoxyfla-vone (L-1), quercetin-3-O-β-Z)-glucopyranoside (L-2), isorhamnetin 3-O-2G-rhamnopyranosylrutinoside (L-3), Sowie Spinacetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (L-4),5,1,4'-Trihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (L-5), rutin (L-6), 2, 6-dimethoxy-1, 4-benzoquinone (L-7), 3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (L-8) and arbutin (L-9). CONCLUSION: Compounds L-2 -L-5, L-7-L-9 were isolated from Echinops genus for the first time.

Determination of Flavonols and Flavonol Glycosides in Red Onion by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detection-Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

An ultra high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry ( UPLC-PAD-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of total 13 flavonols and flavonol glycosides in red onion which including 6 quercetin and its glycosides, 4 isorhamnetin and its glycosides, 3 Kaempferol and its glycosides. The chromatographic separation was carried out by used a UPLC HSS T3 column and eluted under gradient with mobile phases of acetonitrile and water both contained 0 . 1%formic acid at a flow rate of 0. 3 mL/min. The results showed that the major flavonols and flavonol glycosides in red onion were quercetin-4’-glucoside, quercetin-3, 4’-diglucoside, quercetin and Isorhamnetin-4’-glucoside. The amounts and distributions of flavonols and flavonol glycosides among different parts of red onion were different. For the same amount of dry materials, the content ratio of total flavonols and flavonol glycosides in the outer two layers, the third layer and the inner layer was 60. 3:33. 0:6. 7, the amount of quercitin and its glycosides accounts above 92. 1% of total flavonols and flavonol glycosides for each part. In the outer two layers, the amount of flavonol monoglycosides are the highest, in the third layer, the amount of flavonol aglycones were the highest, but in the inner layer, the amount of flavonol diglycosides were the highest. Small amounts of Kaempferol and its glycosides were found in red onion, and mostly were found in outer layers. This method is simple, fast, accurate and convenient, and can be used to analyze flavonols and flavonol glycosides in onion product.

GC-MS analysis and antifungal activity from galls of Guiera senegalensis J F Gmel (Combretaceae).

Guiera senegalensis is a well known medicinal plant which is used as a drug in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and antifungal activity from galls of Guiera senegalensis against different kinds of fungi in vitro. The chemical composition of the Guiera senegalensis volatile compounds obtained from the galls was analysed using gas chromatograph (GC)-flame ionization detectors (FID) and GC-MS. Thirteen (13) components were identified for hexane-acetone (50:50) column fraction of hydroacetone extract and twenty one (21) compounds for hexane-acetone (50:50) column fraction of aqueous decoction extract. This composition differed according to the kind of extract. The ethyl acetate fraction extract from hydroacetone extract (EAF/HAE) exhibited the highest of flavonol content (0.56 ± 0.01 mg QE/100 mg of fraction). The G senegalensis exhibited an interesting antifungal activity against all strains tested.

Chemical Constituents, Larvicidal Effects and Radical Scavenging Activity of Tetracera breyniana Schltdl. (Dilleniaceae).

Extracts and fractions from the leaves and stems of Tetracera breyniana Schltdl. were evaluated against the fourth instar Aedes aegypti larvae and ability to scavenge free radicals. Fractions that provided the best results were fractionated on silica gel column to afforded three flavonoils (quercetin, 7-O-methylquercetin and 7-Omethylkaempferol) and two terpenoids (β-sitosterol and betulinic acid). These compounds were identified on basis of their physical and NMR spectral data and by comparison with literature data. With exception of quercetin, all other compounds are been described for the first time in the investigated species. In the larvicidal assays, when compared to synthetic insecticide Temephos, only hexane fraction from stem was effective (LD50 72.08 g/mL). In the DPPH assays, EtOAc fractions from the leaves (CI50 74.15 ± 14.73 g/mL) and stem (IC50 39.87 ± 13.46 g/mL), of which quercetin was isolated, showed the best results when compared with the positive standards used while CHCl3 fractions of both plant parts, of which methylated flavonols were isolated, showed only a moderate activity. Possibly these constituents are responsible in part for the radical scavenging activities observed. Subsequently, evaluation of all isolated compounds will be needed to confirm the active component.

Lipophilicity and antibacterial activity of flavonols: antibacterial activity of resinous exudates of Haplopappus litoralis, H. chrysantemifolius and H. scrobiculatus / Lipofilia y actividad antibacteriana de flavonoles: actividad antibacteriana de los exudados resinosos de Haplopappus litoralis, H. chrysantemifolius y H. scrobiculatus

The antibacterial properties of the resinous exudates from Haplopappus litoralis, H. chrysantemifolius and H. scrobiculatus from Central Chile were assessed against Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and proved active against the latter. The results show that the antibacterial activities of the resinous exudates are independent from the flavonols isolated from each extract that proved to be inactive. The estimated lipophilicity of the flavonols isolated from the Haplopappus resinous exudates were compared with the lipophilicity of known antibacterial flavonols. This analysis showed that lipophilicity is an important variable to predict the antibacterial activity of flavonols.

La actividad antibacteriana de los exudados resinosos de Haplopappus litoralis, H. chrysantemifolius y H. scrobiculatus de la Zona Central de Chile fueron evaluadas frente a bacterias Gram-negativas y Gram-positivas, y resultaron activos frente a estas últimas. Los resultados mostraron que la actividad antibacteriana de los exudados resinosos es independiente de los flavonoles aisladas de cada extracto que no mostraron actividad antibacteriana. La lipofilia estimada de los flavonoles aislados de los exudados resinosos de Haplopappus se comparó con la lipofilia de conocidos flavonoles antibacterianos. Este análisis mostró que la lipofilia es una variable importante para predecir la actividad antibacteriana de los flavonoles.

Effect of Arrabidaea chica extracts on the Ehrlich solid tumor development

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Arrabidaea chica (Humb. & Bonpl.) B. Verl., Bignoniaceae, extracts on Ehrlich solid tumor development in Swiss mice. Leaves of A. chica were extracted with two distinct solvents, ethanol and water. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated different classes of secondary metabolites like as anthocyanidins, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Ethanol (EE) and aqueous (AE) extracts at 30 mg/kg reduced the development of Ehrlich solid tumor after ten days of oral treatment. The EE group presented increase in neutrophil count, α1 and β globulin values, and decrease of α2 globulin values. Furthermore, EE reduced the percentage of CD4+ T cells in blood but did not alter the percentage of inflammatory mononuclear cells associated with tumor suggesting a direct action of EE on tumor cells. Reduced tumor development observed in AE group was accompanied by a lower percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes in blood. At the tumor microenvironment, this treatment decreased the percentage of CD3+ T cells, especially due to a reduction of CD8+ T subpopulation and NK cells. The antitumor activity presented by the AE is possibly related to an anti-inflammatory activity. None of the extracts produced toxic effects in animals. In conclusion, the ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. chica have immunomodulatory and antitumor activities attributed to the presence of flavonoids, such as kaempferol. These effects appear to be related to different mechanisms of action for each extract. This study demonstrates the potential of A. chica as an antitumor agent confirming its use in traditional popular medicine.

Development of flavonoid database for commonly consumed foods by Koreans

Flavonoids have been hypothesized to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, but the lack of a flavonoid database hampered epidemiological studies addressing this issue in Korea. In this study, we developed a flavonoid database, based on a systematic review. A total of 1549 food items containing flavonoids were selected using the Korean Nutrient Database. Among them, flavonoid contents for only 649 food items were evaluated with analytical values and the remaining 900 items were replaced with adaptations or calculations from similar items. The developed flavonoid database covered 93.2% of fruits and fruit juices, 76.1% of vegetables, 98.4% of legumes and legume products, and 85.0% of all plant foods overall (1,549 items) as reported by the 24-hr dietary recall method regarding the 2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We found that this flavonoid database, overall, included 95.6% of all mainly consumed plant foods by Koreans. This flavonoid database is expected to be useful in regards to the correlation study of flavonoid intake and chronic diseases.

Assessment of effect of ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Fabaceae, activity on lithium-pilocarpine induced Status epilepticus and oxidative stress in Wistar rats / Avaliação do efeito do extrato etanólico da Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Fabaceae, sobre o status epilepticus induzido por lítio-pilocarpina e estresse oxidativo, em ratos Wistar

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Fabaceae, is claimed to be of use in the control and treatment of a variety of epileptic disorders in Indian system of medicine. The present study plans to systematically evaluate T. purpurea and to verify this claim. Status epilepticus was induced in male albino rats of Wistar strain by administration of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 h after lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg, i.p.). Different doses of the extract of T. purpurea were administered orally one hour before the injection of pilocarpine. The severity of status epilepticus was observed and recorded every 15 min till 90 min and thereafter every 30 min till 180 min, using the scoring system. The in vivo lipid peroxidation of rat brain tissue was measured. The in vitro NO free radical scavenging activity of plant extract was assessed. The interaction between plant extract and 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) was also observed for in vitro free radical scavenging activity. The severity of status epilepticus was reduced with the administration of ethanolic extract of T. purpurea. Ethanolic extract of the plant exhibited both in vivo and in vitro antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extract of T. purpurea was found to be useful to control lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus in albino rats of Wistar strain.

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Fabaceae, é conhecida pelo seu uso no controle e tratamento de uma variedade de distúrbios epilépticos no sistema indiano de medicina. O presente estudo pretende avaliar de forma sistemática T. purpurea e verificar essa alegação. Status epilepticus foi induzido em ratos albinos machos da linhagem Wistar pela administração de pilocarpina (30 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 h após o cloreto de lítio (3 mEq/kg, i.p.). Diferentes doses do extrato de T. purpurea foram administrados por via oral uma hora antes da injeção de pilocarpina. A gravidade do status epilepticus foi observada e registrada a cada 15 min até 90 min e, posteriormente, a cada 30 min até 180 min, utilizando um sistema de pontuação. A peroxidação lipídica in vivo do tecido cerebral de ratos foi avaliada. A atividade captadora de radicais livres do extrato da planta foi avaliada in vitro. A interação entre o extrato da planta e 2-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH) também foi observada in vitro para atividade sequestradora de radicais livres. A gravidade do status epilepticus foi reduzida com a administração do extrato etanólico da T. purpurea. Extrato etanólico da planta apresentou, tanto in vivo quanto in vitro atividade antioxidante. O extrato etanólico da T. purpurea parece ser útil no controle de lítio de status epilepticus induzido pela pilocarpina em ratos albinos da linhagem Wistar.