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The effect of solvent polarity on extraction yield and antioxidant properties of phytochemical compounds in bean seeds was studied. Seed flour of three varieties of bean was extracted in a series of organic solvents with increasing polarity (n-hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, acetone and water). Preliminary screening of phytochemicals showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthocyanins, terpenoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and reducing compounds in all extracts. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of results showed that extraction yield, phytochemical content and antioxidant properties were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the polarity of extracting solvents. The regression analysis of data showed polarity-dependent second order polynomial variations in the extraction yield, phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity, reducing properties and free radical scavenging activity of each variety. Extraction in highly polar solvents resulted in high extract yield but low phenolic and flavonoid content as compared to non-polar ones. The polarity-dependent increase in total antioxidant activity and reducing properties indicates the extraction of strong antioxidant compounds in polar solvents. The study suggests the use of a combination of polar and nonpolar solvents to increase the extraction efficiency of phytochemicals with good antioxidant quality from the bean and other legume seeds.
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Aim:Golden melon (Cucumis melo)is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbit). This study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical composition and in vitroantioxidant activity of golden melon seed extract.Place and Duration of Study:The study was carried out between a period of July and August 2017 at Baking Milling Division, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi Nigeria. Methodology:The crude methanolic extracts of the seed were tested for phytochemical and antioxidant activities according to standard analytical procedure. The antioxidant potential of the seed extracts was examined using different assays by determining total phenolic content,total flavonoid content, total antioxidant capacity. The free radicalscavenging activities of the extract such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, in vitrolipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay weredetermined spectrophotometrically. Results:The phytochemical screening of the seed extracts revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolic, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. The total phenolic content of extract was found to be 29.39mg/100g while the amount of total flavonoid content was 20.67mg/100g. Scavenging ability was observed to increase in proportion to concentration for all the scavenging assays and at the highest concentrationof100μg/ml.Total antioxidant capacity assay showed 19.44mg per 100 g. This high scavenging ability in the seed extracts may be attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoids compounds in the extract. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 100μg/ml Cucumis meloextract was 75.20% ± 0.72 while the reference standard (Ascorbic acid) was 83.24% ±0.31. Lipid peroxidation inhibition ability of 100μg/ml Cucumis meloextract was 87.18% ± 0.16 while the standard (ascorbic acid) was 94.96%± 0.16 at the same concentration. Results obtained from this study showed that the nitric oxide scavenging ability of the extract was 80.50%±0.63 while the standard antioxidant was 85.94% ± 0.54. Conclusion:In all the assays, Cucumis meloextract showed maximum percentage of antioxidant potentials at 100μg/ml. Additionally, golden melon seed possess appreciable amount of phenols and high antioxidant properties which could be explored and incorporated in functional food applications particularly in baked products
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The number of people affected by nutrition insecurity worldwide in 2016 was 815 million, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This has been attributed to starvation and overdependence on a few crops for nutritional needs. There is therefore need to find alternative nutrition sources. This study sought to determine the nutritional profile, mineral composition, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Jackfruit seeds and pulps, collected from selected regions in Kenya and Uganda. The moisture contents were found to be higher in the edible pulp region (62.67-70.42%), compared to the seeds (44.76-50.54%). The ash, lipid, carbohydrate and protein contents of fresh weight, on the other hand, were found to be higher in the seeds than in the edible pulp region. The ash contents were (1.12 -1.64%) and (0.34 -0.48%), the lipid contents were (0.41-0.50%) and (0.09-0.12%), the protein contents were (14.11 to 16.26%) and (10.56 to 13.67%) and the carbohydrate contents were (31.41%-34.95%) and (21.65 to 24.91%) for the seeds and pulps respectively. The mineral analysis showed that Jackfruit seeds and pulps were rich in essential minerals. The seeds and pulps, were found to both rich in potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron minerals. The phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities, were also found to be higher in the seeds than in the pulps. The phenolic contents were (17.37 to 18.69 mg/g) and (12.10 to 14.55 mg/g), while flavonoids contents were (0.5 - 0.89 mg/g) and (0.18 -0.29 mg/g) for the seeds and pulps respectively. The DPPH scavenging activities were (21.70 - 24.44%) and (15.49 - 17.47%), while the reducing powers were (51.05 -58.00 µg/ml) and (43.54-45.38 µg/ml) for the seeds and pulp respectively. Jackfruit seeds and pulps are therefore highly nutritious, rich in minerals and can be used as natural antioxidants.
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OBJECTIVE@#Scandix pecten-veneris L. is a less studied wild edible herb and is considered an extinct plant species in many parts of the world. This study was designed to evaluate its phytochemical composition and biological potential of S. pecten-veneris L.@*METHODS@#Phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins were determined in extracts of S. pecten-veneris. Antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while reducing power was tested by ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial and four fungal strains was evaluated using agar well diffusion assay. Enzymes inhibition study was performed for urease, phosphodiesterase-I, and catalase-II.@*RESULTS@#S. pecten-veneris showed moderate antiradical activity and reducing potential of hydroxyl radicals to about 20% of the initial value. The antioxidant activity of various extracts of S. pecten-veneris showed a linear correlation with total phenolic contents in the order of water>n-butanol>chloroform>ethyl acetate>methanol extracts. S. pecten-veneris leaves showed the highest inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus while the highest antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans. The plant extract was most potent against urease enzymes but showed moderate activity against phosphodiestrase-I and carbonic anhydrase-II.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our data demonstrate that in addition to its culinary uses, S. pecten-veneris has good medicinal potential and hence could be used for treating some specific health ailments.
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Animals , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Apiaceae/chemistry , Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/analysis , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plants, Edible/chemistry , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Urease/antagonists & inhibitorsABSTRACT
INTRODUCCIÓN: el alga roja Galaxaura rugosa (J. Ellis & Solander) J.V. Lamouroux (Galaxauraceae) es una de las especies más abundantes en la plataforma rocosa del arrecife coralino del archipiélago cubano, sin embargo, poco se conoce de sus propiedades farmacológicas. OBJETIVOS: evaluar la actividad antiinflamatoria y analgésica del extracto en diclorometano del alga roja G. rugosa, así como la composición fitoquímica de esta especie. MÉTODOS: las algas se colectaron en el litoral norte de La Habana. La caracterización fitoquímica del alga se realizó según el Método de Chabra. Para la preparación del extracto se sometió la muestra a extracción Soxhlet con diclorometano a 40 ºC. La actividad antiinflamatoria tópica se estudió en el modelo de edema de la oreja inducido por aceite de Croton en ratones machos OF-1, a las dosis de 10*10-3; 0,125; 0,25; 0,5; 1 y 2 mg/oreja. Se evaluó también la actividad analgésica del extracto en el modelo de contorsiones inducidas por ácido acético al 0,8 %, por vía intraperitoneal (i.p.), a las dosis de 3; 6; 12,5; 25 y 100 mg/kg. RESULTADOS: G. rugosa presentó en su composición fitoquímica compuestos grasos, lactónicos, triterpénicos y/o esteroidales y carbohidratos. El extracto en diclorometano de G. rugosa a partir de la dosis de 0,125 mg/oreja presenta una potente actividad antiinflamatoria (superior al 40 %). El extracto logró reducir las contorsiones en más de un 75 % a partir de la dosis de 6 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados presentados demuestran que el extracto en diclorometano del alga roja G. rugosaestá constituido por una mezcla de compuestos capaces de inhibir con una elevada eficacia farmacológica la respuesta inflamatoria aguda y el dolor inducido por agentes químicos.
INTRODUCTION: the red alga Galaxaura rugosa (J. Ellis & Solander) J.V. Lamouroux (Galaxauraceae) is one of the most abundant species on the rocky platform of the Cuban coral reef. However, little is known about its pharmacological properties. OBJECTIVES: evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of a dichloromethane extract from the red alga G. rugosa and determine the phytochemical composition of the species. METHODS: the algae were collected from the northern coast of Havana. Phytochemical characterization of the alga was performed using Chabra's method. The extract was obtained with a Soxhlet device with dichloromethane at 40 ºC. Topical anti-inflammatory activity was studied with the croton oil ear edema test model in male OF-1 mice at doses of 10*10-3, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/ear. The analgesic activity of the extract was evaluated on a model of writhing induced by 0.8 % acetic acid administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at doses of 3, 6, 12.5, 25 and 100 mg/kg. RESULTS: phytochemical analysis of G. rugosa revealed the presence of fatty, lactonic, triterpenic and/or steroidal compounds, as well as carbohydrates. The dichloromethane extract of G. rugosa at the dose of 0.125 mg/ear displayed a potent anti-inflammatory activity (above 40 %). The extract reduced writhing by more than 75 % with a dose of 6 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: results show that dichloromethane extract of the red alga G. rugosa is composed of a mixture of compounds capable of inhibiting the acute inflammatory response and the pain induced by chemical agents with a high pharmacological efficacy. composed of a mixture of compounds capable of inhibiting the acute inflammatory response and the pain induced by chemical agents with a high pharmacological efficacy.
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Rats , Seaweed , Analgesics/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , CubaABSTRACT
This paper aimed to study the antioxidant properties of two Nigerian plants Psidium guajava (guava) Myrtaceae and Aloe vera Liliaceae plants which have a broad application in phytomedicine. The plants were assessed by quantifying their individual chemical contents and their 1:1 (mass/mass) homogenous combination (guava+A. vera) simultaneously. The non-antioxidant phytochemical quantified included total alkaloids. There was a significant difference in the total alkaloids content (measure on dry weight basis, mg/g) in the analysed plant materials in the order of guava (111.13±0.45)>guava+A. guava (65.99±0.37)>A. vera (22.86±0.15). The antioxidant properties measured were the levels of total phenol, tannin, total flavonoid, total saponin, vitamin C, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging ability and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). P. guajava recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) antioxidant phytochemicals contents than A. vera except for vitamin C where it recorded significantly lower (p<0.05) value. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the vitamin C contents of A. vera and the combined plant materials, guava+A. vera. Guava had also significantly higher (p<0.05) DPPH scavenging ability (0.056 mg/ml), and TEAC (12.51±0.40 mM/gdw) than A. vera. The combined plant materials guava+ A. vera showed synergistic properties in the DPPH free radical scavenging ability (0.15 mg/ml) and antagonistic activity in the TEAC (4.58±0.17 mM/gdw). This study suggests that while guava may be a better antioxidant than A. vera when used separately, the combined plant materials produces synergistic