Antifungal Effect of Triglycerol Monolaurate Synthesized by Lipozyme 435-Mediated Esterification.

This study was designed to synthesize triglycerol monolaurate (TGML) with Lipozyme 435 as the catalyst, and explore its effects on the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus) and Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and the secretion of aflatoxin b1. The highest content of TGML (49.76%) was obtained at a molar ratio of triglycerol to lauric acid of 1.08, a reaction temperature of 84.93°C, a reaction time of 6 h and an enzyme dosage of 1.32%. After purification by molecular distillation combined with the washes with ethyl acetate and water, the purity of TGML reached 98.3%. Through characterization by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry, infrared spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance, the structure of TGML was identified as a linear triglycerol combined with lauroyl at the end. Finally, the inhibitory effects of TGML on the growths of A. parasiticus and A. flavus and the secretion of aflatoxin b1 were evaluated by measuring the colony diameter, the inhibition rate of mycelial growth and the content of mycotoxin in the media. The results indicated that TGML had a stronger inhibitory effects on colony growth and mycelial development of both toxic molds compared to sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, and the secretions of toxins from A. parasiticus and A. flavus were completely suppressed when adding TGML at 10 and 5 mM, respectively. Based on the above results, TGML may be used as a substitute for traditional antifungal agents in the food industry.

Inhibition of Cronobacter sakazakii in reconstituted infant formula using triglycerol monolaurate and its effect on the sensory properties of infant formula.

Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen in infant formula. This study was designed to explore the inhibitory effect of TGML on C. sakazakii in reconstituted infant formula (RIF). Firstly, the growth curve of C. sakazakii in RIF treated by TGML and the effect of different temperatures (4, 10, 21, 30 and 37 °C), pH values (5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) and ionic strengths (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mM) on its activity were assessed. The results showed that the inhibitory effect of TGML on C. sakazakii was dose-dependent, and 1, 2 and 5 µg/mL TGML delayed the visible growth of pathogen by 4, 12 and 24 h, respectively. Storage temperature above or below room temperature enhanced the bioactivity of TGML. And a decrease in pH also increased the antibacterial effect of TGML. However, the effect of ionic strength on its activity was not obvious. Subsequently, the antibacterial effect of TGML in physiological gastric acid and simulated gastric juice in vitro was further explored. We found that only 5 µg/mL TGML could inhibit the growth of pathogen below the infectious dose (10,000 CFU in total) in simulated gastric juice during the whole gastric emptying period (3.5-21 h), weaker than its antibacterial effect in physiological gastric acid and room temperature culture. Finally, the effect of TGML and the above environmental factors on the color and aroma of infant milk was evaluated by a 12-person panel. The results revealed that TGML did not affect the sensory flavor of milk, and the color and odor scores of infant milk under different environmental conditions did not show any significant differences. Therefore, it is concluded that TGML has a good inhibitory effect on C. sakazakii in RIF and a high sensory acceptability for consumers. Adjusting the temperature or lowering the pH enhances its bacteriostatic activity. However, the presence of infant gastric juice can impair the bioactivity of TGML. Overall, this study will provide some new ideas for controlling and eliminating the potential risk of C. sakazakii infection during infant feeding.

Preparation and characterization of a novel colorimetric indicator film based on gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol incorporating mulberry anthocyanin extracts for monitoring fish freshness.

This work aimed to develop a novel colorimetric indicator film for monitoring of food freshness based on gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol matrix incorporated with anthocyanin extracts from mulberry. The color of anthocyanin extracts solutions obviously changed from bright red to dark green in the pH range of 2.0-11.0. FTIR spectra and isothermal titration calorimetry showed that the anthocyanin extracts were successfully combined with gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol matrix by hydrogen binding and electrostatic interaction, which enhanced the stability of anthocyanin. The scanning electric microscopy showed that the compatibility between polyvinyl alcohol and gelatin were improved owing to the addition of anthocyanin extracts. With the anthocyanin extracts addition from 0 to 45 mg/100 mL mixed solution, the tensile strength decreased from 30.80 to 21.01 MPa and the elongation at break increased from 589.22% to 905.86%. The color response of film in buffer solution of different pH were in accordance with anthocyanin extracts solutions, and its color changes were clearly visible with naked eye. Finally, the film was evaluated by a test on monitoring fish spoilage, which presented visible color changes due to volatile nitrogenous compounds formed over time. These results showed that this developed film could be used as an effective method for the monitoring of food freshness.

Identification of specific modules and hub genes associated with the progression of gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) has high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Abundant literature has reported several individual genes and their related pathways intimately involved in tumor progression. However, little is known about GC progression at the gene network level. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of pathological transition from early stage to late stage is urgently needed. This study aims to identify potential vital genes and modules involved in the progression of GC. To understand the gene regulatory network of GC progression, we analyzed micro RNAs and messenger RNA s expression profiles by using a couple of bioinformatics tools. miR-205 was identified by differentially expressed analysis and was further confirmed through using multiple kernel learning-based Kronecker regularized least squares. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, the gastric cancer progression-related module, which has the highest correlation value with cancer progression, was obtained. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and biological processes of the GCPR module genes were related to cell adhesion. Meanwhile, large-scale genes of GCPR module were found to be targeted by miR-205, including two hub genes SORBS1 and LPAR1. In brief, through multiple analytical methods, we found that miR-205 and the GCPR module play critical roles in GC progression. In addition, miR-205 might maintain cell adhesion by regulating SORBS1 and LPAR1. To screen the potential drug candidates, the gene expression profile of the GCPR module was mapped connectivity map (Cmap), and the mTOR inhibitor (Sirolimus) was found to be the most promising candidate. We further confirmed that Sirolimus can suppress cell proliferation of GC cell in vitro.

Optimization of Extraction of Hypoglycemic Ingredients from Grape Seeds and Evaluation of α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitory Effects In Vitro.

Grape seeds full with oil and also rich in hypoglycemic ingredients. This study is to improve the comprehensive utilization of grape seeds and the quality of grape seeds oil. Extract water soluble active substances before extracting oil from grape seeds, which show the grape seeds in water soluble extracts containing TP, TC, PC contents, respectively, are 171.1 ± 1.1, 658.8 ± 0.2, 482.3 ± 0.2 (mg GSAE/g). Also we found GSAE samples containing catechin and epicatechin were 44.12 ± 0.21 mg/mL, 111.23 ± 1.29 mg/g, GSAE against α-glucosidase IC50 was 25.25 ± 0.53 g/mL and GSAE against α-amylase IC50 was 66.68 ± 1.1 g/mL, both were competitive way, the effects of Inhibitory were obviously better than that of acarbose. In addition, our process guarantee the fat ingredients remained in the grape seeds and not reduce functional components of oil, our study suggests that GSAE can be used to develop functional foods for prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Grape seeds, by-products of brewing wines, are rich in polyphenol and other ingredients. The optimized extraction, composition of constituents and hypoglycemic activity were investigated in this study. The results showed that grape seeds were rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols and other active substances, inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity, which provide background and practical knowledge for the deep-processed products of grape seeds with high added value.

Development of a Sono-Assembled, Bifunctional Soy Peptide Nanoparticle for Cellular Delivery of Hydrophobic Active Cargoes.

Soy proteins are prone to aggregate upon proteolysis, hindering their sustainable development in food processing. Here, a continuous work on the large insoluble peptide aggregates was carried out, aiming to develop a new type of soy peptide-based nanoparticle (SPN) for active cargo delivery. Sono-assembled SPN in spherical appearance and core-shell structure maintained by noncovalent interactions was successfully fabricated, exhibiting small particle size (103.95 nm) in a homogeneous distribution state (PDI = 0.18). Curcumin as a model cargo was efficiently encapsulated into SPN upon sonication, showing high water dispersity (129.6 mg/L, 104 higher than its water solubility) and storage stability. Additionally, the pepsin-resistant SPN contributed to the controlled release of curcumin at the intestinal phase and thus significantly improved the bioaccessibility. Encapsulated curcumin was effective in protecting glutamate-induced toxicity in PC12 cells, where the matrix SPN can simultaneously reduce lipid peroxidation and elevate antioxidant enzymes levels, innovatively demonstrating its bifunctionality during cellular delivery.

Structural Design and Physicochemical Foundations of Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications.

Biomedical research, known as medical research, is conducive to support and promote the development of knowledge in the field of medicine. Hydrogels have been extensively used in many biomedical fields due to their highly absorbent and flexible properties. The smart hydrogels, especially, can respond to a broad range of external stimuli such as temperature, pH value, light, electric and magnetic fields. With excellent biocompatibility, tunable rheology, mechanical properties, porosity, and hydrated molecular structure, hydrogels are considered as promising candidate for simulating local tissue microenvironment. In this review article, we mainly focused on the most recent development of engineering synthetic hydrogels; moreover, the classification, properties, especially the biomedical applications including tissue engineering and cell scaffolding, drug and gene delivery, immunotherapies and vaccines, are summarized and discussed.

Moderation of hyperuricemia in rats via consuming walnut protein hydrolysate diet and identification of new antihyperuricemic peptides.

In this study, walnut meal hydrolysates (WMH) and dephenolized walnut meal hydrolysates (DWMH) were found to effectively decrease the serum uric acid level and protect the renal function in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats in vivo as well as inhibit xanthine oxidase in vitro. Two novel antihyperuricemic peptides including WPPKN (640.8 Da) and ADIYTE (710.7 Da) were purified from DWMH via Sephadex G-15 gel filtration and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by LC-ESI-MS/MS. These peptides displayed high in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibition (XOI) activity with IC50 values of 17.75 ± 0.12 mg mL-1 (WPPKN) and 19.01 ± 0.23 mg mL-1 (ADIYTE). Based on the results of molecular simulation, WPPKN entered into the hydrophobic channel and even obstructed the interaction between xanthine and xanthine oxidase (XO), while ADIYTE was positioned on the surface of the B-chain and blocked the entrance of the substrate to the hydrophobic channel. Therefore, the two peptides are partially responsible for the antihyperuricemic properties of DWMH.

Soy peptide aggregates formed during hydrolysis reduced protein extraction without decreasing their nutritional value.

Upon enzymatic hydrolysis, soy protein isolates showed a strong tendency to aggregate, presenting a significant loss of valuable proteins. This study mainly focused on the large insoluble aggregates formed during proteolysis, and the influence of heating was further explored for a better understanding of the mechanism involved. The results from SDS-PAGE and amino acid analysis clearly showed that the insoluble aggregates formed upon hydrolysis were aggregated peptides, mainly attributed to the hydrophobic interactions between peptides with hydrophobic amino acids (Val, Ala, Leu, Ile, Tyr, Phe, and Pro) and sulfur-containing (Met and Cys) residues. Heating of the hydrolysates further enhanced the peptide-protein interactions through hydrophobic forces and disulfide bonds, accelerating the aggregation, where fractions from the basic subunits of glycinin were particularly involved. Furthermore, taking into consideration the fact that aggregates had a high proportion of essential amino acids, the in vitro digestion properties of the aggregates were also investigated. Interestingly, the relatively pepsin-resistant aggregates showed a high degradability toward pancreatin, releasing low molecular weight peptides possessing a higher proportion of antioxidative amino acids, which therefore had a better antioxidant activity. These results indicated a potential use of the insoluble peptide aggregates as protein supplements or active delivery systems for human consumption.

Proteomic analysis of intestinal tissues from mice fed with Lentinula edodes-derived polysaccharides.

Lentinula edodes-derived polysaccharides are well known for their immunomodulation and antitumor activities. However, the mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. This study presents proteomic analysis of the colon and small intestine from mice fed with an immunostimulating heteropolysaccharide L2 from the fruit body of L. edodes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and MALDI-TOF-TOF MS/MS were employed to characterize the protein profiles. Twenty nine gel spots representing 20 proteins in colon tissues and 38 gel spots in small intestine tissues representing 23 proteins were identified as showing significant changes in abundance. These differential proteins in abundance are mainly involved in metabolism, binding, structural components, and response to stimulus. Protein-protein interaction network analysis demonstrated mapping of the 20 colon proteins to a 7-protein and a 3-protein sub-network, and mapping of the 23 small intestine proteins to a 9-protein and a 5-protein sub-network. All the 40 altered proteins were integrated into a unified network containing 25 proteins, suggesting the existence of a concerted mechanism, although acting on the colon and small intestine separately. These findings facilitate the understanding of the regulatory mechanism in response to L2 treatment.

Biofunctionalization of Selenium Nanoparticle with Dictyophora Indusiata Polysaccharide and Its Antiproliferative Activity through Death-Receptor and Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptotic Pathways.

Bio-functionalized nanoparticles with semiconducting/metallic core encapsulated in a bio- or bio-derived materials are promising for applications in biology and especially in cancer diagnostic and healing. In this report, we report a facile, single-step, first-time synthesis and in-situ functionalization strategy for the preparation of monodispersed selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) functionalized using a novel polysaccharide (DP1) extracted from Dictyophora indusiata (a fungus). The DP1 functionalized SeNPs (DP1-SeNPs), where DP1 is attached to the surface via Se-O bond as well as physic-sorption had, an average diameter of 89 nm, and were highly uniform, extremely stable compared to bare SeNPs. Detailed investigation of the biological properties of DP1-SeNP illustrated that they exhibit unprecedented, enhanced, and selective antiproliferative activity through inducing cell apoptosis confirmed by nuclear condensation, DNA cleavage, and accumulation of S phase cell arrest. The mechanism of the induced apoptosis was found to be a combination of the activation of caspases 3, 8, and 9, the Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. It is envisioned that the reported DP1-SeNPs will offer a new phase space for high-efficiency anticancer treatment with little side effect.

Preparation and Characterization of Dictyophora indusiata Polysaccharide-Zinc Complex and Its Augmented Antiproliferative Activity on Human Cancer Cells.

Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide (DP1) was successfully chelated with zinc chloride to achieve its enhanced antiproliferative activity. The obtained DP1-Zn complex showed significant antiproliferative activity (18.1 ± 2.84% viability of MCF-7 cells at 250 µg/mL) on a group of human cancer cell lines through induction of apoptosis. The pro-apoptotic action of DP1-Zn was confirmed by morphological changes including chromatin condensation, DNA breakage, and S phase cell cycle arrest in human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7). The DP1-Zn-induced apoptotic pathways were characterized by the activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction (305 ± 7.06% production of control at 250 µg/mL). This study suggested that DP1-Zn can be developed as a candidate for cancer treatment and prevention, especially human breast adenocarcinoma.

Lentinula edodes-derived polysaccharide rejuvenates mice in terms of immune responses and gut microbiota.

Aging is characterized by impaired immunity and unbalanced gut microbiota. Prebiotics have the capability to prevent or reverse age-related declines in health by modulating gut microbiota. Mushroom polysaccharides have been suggested to be potential prebiotics. However, their effects on the immunity and gut microbiota in aged mice have not been determined. This study firstly assessed the effects of a heteropolysaccharide L2 isolated from the fruit body of L. edodes on the immune response of aged mice, and then compared the composition of fecal microbiota in adult (N), old (O) and L2-treated old (Oa) mice using the high-throughput pyrosequencing technique. The results showed that L2 can restore the age-attenuated immune responses by increasing cytokine levels in peripheral blood. Moreover, L2 can partly reverse the age-altered composition of gut microbiota. The Euclidean distances (De) among 3 groups (N, O and Oa) are determined to be De(O, N) = 0.19, De(O, Oa) = 0.20, and De(N, Oa) = 0.10, i.e. there is a marked reduction in the distance from 0.19 to 0.1 by L2. This suggests the beneficial effects of L2 on enhancing immunity and improving gut health.

Structure characterization of a novel polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata and its macrophage immunomodulatory activities.

A novel polysaccharide, here named DP1, was isolated from the fruiting body of Dictyophora indusiata using a water extraction method. Structure characterization revealed that DP1 had an average molecular weight of 1132 kDa and consisted of glucose (56.2%), galactose (14.1%), and mannose (29.7%). The main linkage type of DP1 were proven to be (1 → 3)-linked α-l-Man, (1 → 2,6)-linked α-d-Glc, (1 → 6)-linked ß-d-Glc, (1 → 6)-linked ß-d-Gal, and (1 → 6)-linked ß-d-Man by periodate oxidation-Smith degradation and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. The immunostimulating assay indicated that DP1 could significantly promote macrophage NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 secretion in murine RAW 264.7 cells involving complement receptor 3 (CR3). The immune activities of DP1 were quite stable under thermal processing (100, 121, and 145 °C). Besides, DP1 retained stability after acidic/alkline treatment (pH 4.0-10.0), which enabled it to be an ideal complementary medicine or functional food for therapeutics of hypoimmunity and immunodeficiency diseases.

Intracellular antioxidant detoxifying effects of diosmetin on 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stress through inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation.

The intracellular antioxidant activities of diosmetin were evaluated by cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay, 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced erythrocyte hemolysis assay and cupric chloride (CuCl2)-induced plasma oxidation assay. The results showed that diosmetin exhibits strong cellular antioxidant activity (EC50 = 7.98 µmol, CAA value = 58 µmol QE/100 µmol). It was also found that diosmetin treatment could effectively attenuate AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis (91.0% inhibition at 100 µg/mL) and CuCl2-induced plasma oxidation through inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Diosmetin could significantly restore AAPH-induced increase of intracelluar antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GPx, and CAT) activities to normal levels, as well as inhibit intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Thus, the intracellular antioxidant detoxifying mechanism of diosmetin is associated with both nonenzymatic and enzymatic defense systems.

Recrystallization of dihydromyricetin from Ampelopsis grossedentata and its anti-oxidant activity evaluation.

A fast and efficient method for purification of dihydromyricetin (3,5,7,3',4',5'-six hydroxy-2,3-dihydro flavonol; DMY) from Ampelopsis grossedentata was created by crystallization eight times at 25°C, and a purity of 98% was finally achieved. The purified DMY exhibited high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) (30.21 µmol Trolox equiv/mg) and strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50]=0.235 µg/mL). The addition of DMY could also effectively attenuate 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced human erythrocyte hemolysis and cupric chloride (CuCl2)-induced human plasma lipid peroxidation via inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. It was also found that DMY (>12 µg/mL) treatment significantly inhibited intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Meanwhile, DMY treatment significantly inhibited the obvious increase of anti-oxidant enzymes levels (superoxide dismutase [SOD]; glutathione peroxidase [GPX], and catalase [CAT]) induced by AAPH radicals, suggesting that stress defense mechanisms are associated with protection of DMY against intracellular oxidation.

Preparation of anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) protein hydrolysates with high free radical-scavenging activity using endogenous and commercial enzymes.

Anchovy protein hydrolysates with high free radical-scavenging activity were prepared by endogenous and commercial enzymes. Various hydrolytic factors (commercial protease composition, protease concentration, temperature, and reaction time) were optimized. Using a single-factor experiment, three commercial proteases (Protamex, Flavourzyme 500 MG, and Alcalase 2.4 L) were selected for further optimization using a simplex lattice design. The optimum composition of Protamex:Flavourzyme 500 MG:Alcalase 2.4 L was found to be 1.1:1.0:0.9. The hydrolytic conditions (commercial protease concentration, temperature, and reaction time) for the optimum protease composition were optimized using a Box-Behnken design. The optimum hydrolytic conditions were as follows: total commercial protease concentration of 3.27%, pH of 7.5, temperature of 55.4℃, and reaction time of 2.7 h. Under these conditions, hydrolysate with a 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl scavenging activity of 84.7% was obtained. Meanwhile, a degree of hydrolysis of 33.2% and high protein nitrogen recovery of 87.5% were achieved. The amino acid composition of the hydrolysates demonstrated that they have high nutritional value, thereby suggesting that the hydrolysates have potential to be used as raw material for functional food.

Interaction of dihydromyricetin and alpha-amylase.

The interaction of dihydromyricetin (DMY) and alpha-amylase was investigated. The complex formed between DMY and alpha-amylase resulted in decreased antioxidant activity of DMY and the catalytic activity of the enzyme, as well as efficient quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of alpha-amylase. An alpha-amylase molecule provides one binding site for a DMY molecule. These results will be useful for exploiting this compound to combat diseases efficiently.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in HSP17.8 and their association with agronomic traits in barley.

Small heat shock protein 17.8 (HSP17.8) is produced abundantly in plant cells under heat and other stress conditions and may play an important role in plant tolerance to stress environments. However, HSP17.8 may be differentially expressed in different accessions of a crop species exposed to identical stress conditions. The ability of different genotypes to adapt to various stress conditions resides in their genetic diversity. Allelic variations are the most common forms of genetic variation in natural populations. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the HSP17.8 gene were investigated across 210 barley accessions collected from 30 countries using EcoTILLING technology. Eleven SNPs including 10 from the coding region of HSP17.8 were detected, which form nine distinguishable haplotypes in the barley collection. Among the 10 SNPs in the coding region, six are missense mutations and four are synonymous nucleotide changes. Five of the six missense changes are predicted to be deleterious to HSP17.8 function. The accessions from Middle East Asia showed the higher nucleotide diversity of HSP17.8 than those from other regions and wild barley (H. spontaneum) accessions exhibited greater diversity than the cultivated barley (H. vulgare) accessions. Four SNPs in HSP17.8 were found associated with at least one of the agronomic traits evaluated except for spike length, namely number of grains per spike, thousand kernel weight, plant height, flag leaf area and leaf color. The association between SNP and these agronomic traits may provide new insight for study of the gene's potential contribution to drought tolerance of barley.

Tyrosinase inhibitory effects and antioxidative activities of novel cinnamoyl amides with amino acid ester moiety.

Nine cinnamoyl amides with amino acid ester (CAAE) moiety were synthesized by the conjugation of the corresponding cinnamic acids (cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxy cinnamic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid) with amino acid esters, and their inhibitory effects on the activities of mushroom tyrosinase were investigated, using l-3,4-dihydroxyl-phenylalanine (l-DOPA) as the substrate. Among these CAAE amides, ethyl N-[3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-propen-1-yl]-l-phenylalaninate (b(4)) showed the strongest inhibitory activity; the IC(50) was 0.18 µM. The IC(50) values, inhibition types, inhibition mechanisms and kinetics of all these CAAE amides were evaluated. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study found that the inhibitory effects were potentiated with the increasing length of hydrocarbon chains at the amino acid esters and also influenced by the substituents at the styrene groups. Furthermore, the hydroxyl radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activities of four CAAE derivatives were also investigated. Among these compounds, b(3) (ethyl N-[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-propen-1-yl]-l-phenylalaninate) and b(4) exhibited potential antioxidant activities.