RESUMO
Biopolymers have significant pharmaceutical applications, and their blending has favorable characteristics for their pharmaceutical properties compared to the sole components. In this work, sodium alginate (SA) as a marine biopolymer was blended with poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) to form SA/PVA scaffolds through the freeze-thawing technique. Additionally, polyphenolic compounds in Moringa oleifera leaves were extracted by different solvents, and it was found that extracts with 80% methanol had the highest antioxidant activity. Different concentrations (0.0-2.5%) of this extract were successfully immobilized in SA/PVA scaffolds during preparation. The characterization of the scaffolds was carried out via FT-IR, XRD, TG, and SEM. The pure and Moringa oleifera extract immobilized SA/PVA scaffolds (MOE/SA/PVA) showed high biocompatibility with human fibroblasts. Further, they showed excellent in vitro and in vivo wound healing capacity, with the best effect noted for the scaffold with high extract content (2.5%).
RESUMO
Finding renal and hepatoprotective agents preferably with antioxidant activities against environmental pollutants especially lead which can adversely affect liver and kidney is a great demand. In the current study, flaxseed protein isolate (FPI) was extracted from defatted flaxseed meal. Amino acids profile, antioxidant capacity and solubility of the extracted FPI were determined. The solubility of FPI in the acidic media was exploited in preparation of lemon juice with FPI. Twenty four male rats were assigned to four groups; normal control, lead intoxicated (oral daily dose of 60 mg/kg b.w. in distilled water for four weeks), lead intoxicated and orally administrated with daily dose equal 1 ml of lemon juice as well as lead intoxicated and orally administered with FPI (daily dose equal 100 mg/kg) in 1 ml of lemon juice. The oral administration of FPI incorporated in lemon juice suppressed the elevation in kidney functions, lipid peroxidation of kidney tissues, urinary protein and creatinine as well as liver functions caused by lead intoxication. Additionally, lemon juice with FPI combated the reduction of GSH of kidney tissues. It was revealed also that lemon juice without FPI suppressed the elevation in kidney and liver functions caused by lead. It can be concluded that flaxseed protein isolate is a good source of protein with potent antioxidant activity. Additionally, lemon juice and FPI are considered protective sources of kidney and liver against lead toxicity.
