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Antioxidant activity of Benincasa hispida seeds
Journal of Food Biochemistry
Abstract
Oxidative stress induced by free radicals is the main cause of many human diseases. Plant-derived antioxidant supplements can counter oxidative damage in cells. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of water extracts from dried seeds of Benincasa hispida (B. hispida) on antioxidant activity and how this related to total contents of phenolics and flavonoids in vitro. The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were 81.3 ± 1.4 µg gallic acid /g and 486.8 ± 4.1 µg catechin/g dry mass, respectively. B. hispida showed DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate), ABTS (1, 2,2′-azinobis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner, with maximum inhibition of 79.8 ± 0.2%, 82.3 ± 1.9% and 95.5 ± 0.8%, respectively. Inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation and nitrite scavenging activity were maximum 73.2 ± 1.0% and 73.6 ± 1.3% at 6 days and 1-h incubation time, respectively. Our data suggest that the dried seeds from B. hispida could be used as a source of natural antioxidants in the food industry.
... Bagian yang paling dimanfaatkan adalah daging buahnya. Dalam daging buah beligo terkandung asam-asam lemak, flavonoid, senyawa fenolik, dan steroid (Samad et al., 2013) yang memiliki potensi sebagai agen antipiretik. (Robinson, 1991Zaini, et al., 2011. ...
... Penggunaan pelarut etanol dipilih karena pelarut ini dapat melarutkan berbagai jenis metabolit sekunder, baik yang bersifat polar maupun non-polar (universal), dan inilah sebabnya mengapa etanol sering digunakan dalam ekstraksi senyawa metabolit sekunder dari bahan alam (Harbone, 1987;Nyoman, 2015). Temuan dari penelitian sebelumnya mengindikasikan bahwa buah beligo mengandung berbagai jenis asam lemak, flavonoid, fenolik dan steroid (Samad et al., 2013) yang potensial sebagai antipiretik (Robinson, 1991;Zaini et al., 2011). ...
... Aktivitas antipiretik buah beligo ditentukan oleh kandungan metabolit sekundernya. Buah beligo mengandung asam-asam lemak, flavonoid, fenolik dan steroid (Samad et al., 2013) yang berpotensi sebagai antipiretik (Robinson, 1991Zaini et al., 2011. Efek antipiretik suatu senyawa bekerja dengan cara menghambat biosintesis prostaglandin melalui mekanisme penghambatan enzim siklooksigenase (COX) sehingga dapat menurunkan suhu demam (Howart et al., 2009;Mradu et al., 2013). ...
Masyarakat di Sulawesi Selatan menggunakan beligo sebagai tumbuhan yang bisa menurunkan demam. Bagian yang dimanfaatkan adalah daging buahnya. Buah beligo mengandung asam lemak, flavonoid, senyawa fenolik, dan steroid yang berpotensi sebagai agen antipiretik. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi aktivitas antipiretik dari ekstrak etanol daging buah beligo pada tikus jantan Wistar yang diinduksi dengan larutan pepton. Metode penelitian melibatkan ekstraksi dengan maserasi menggunakan pelarut etanol 70% dan pengujian aktivitas antipiretik pada tikus jantan Wistar sebanyak 15 ekor yang dibagi menjadi 5 kelompok perlakuan. Kelompok I sebagai kontrol negatif menerima Na-CMC 1%, kelompok II, III, dan IV menerima ekstrak etanol daging buah beligo dengan dosis masing-masing 250 mg/kg BB, 500 mg/kg BB, dan 750 mg/kg BB, sedangkan kelompok V sebagai kontrol positif menerima tablet parasetamol. Pengukuran suhu awal, suhu setelah induksi, dan suhu setelah perlakuan diambil setiap 30 menit selama 180 menit. Data dianalisis secara statistik menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dan uji Duncan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan persentase penurunan demam sebesar 1,57% untuk kelompok I, 4,03% untuk kelompok II, 4,28% untuk kelompok III, 4,45% untuk kelompok IV, dan 5,25% untuk kelompok V. Analisis data mengindikasikan bahwa ekstrak etanol daging buah beligo dengan dosis 250 mg/kg BB, 500 mg/kg BB, dan 750 mg/kg BB memiliki aktivitas antipiretik yang signifikan (p < 0,05). Ekstrak etanol daging buah beligo memiliki aktivitas antipiretik pada tikus Wistar yang diinduksi, sehingga berpotensi digunakan sebagai obat penurun demam. Kata kunci: Antipiretik; Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.; demam
... This is because, ethanol interacts with flavonoids through non-covalent interactions, allowing for fast diffusion of flavonoids into the solution(Premi & Sharma, 2017). According toSamad et al. (2012), the total flavonoid content (TFC) of water extracted from dried ash gourd seeds was about 486.8 ± 4.1 μg catechin/g dry mass. It is reported that Belinjau seed flour has an ample amount of flavonoids that can be used in developing novel functional foods(Bhat & Binti Yahya, 2014). ...
... In the procedures of DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, and nitrite scavenging activities, the inhibition was found approximately to be 79.8%, 82.3%, 95.5%, and 73.6% (after 1 h of incubation), respectively, while, linoleic acid inhibition was found to be highest at 73.2% after 6 days of incubation(Samad et al., 2012). Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, the principal cellular antioxidant and cytoprotective, is abundant in capsicum seeds. ...
... Vegetative seeds are the hub of polyphenols. According toSamad et al. (2012), the total phenolic content (TPC) of water extracted from dried ash gourd seeds was about 81.3 ± 1.4 μg gallic acid/g. Bottle gourd seeds contain higher total phenolic content (TPC) than that of other fruit parts (epicarp and mesocarp). ...
Traditionally, vegetables are consumed as ingredients of daily household meals. Before cooking, vegetables are washed thoroughly, unpeeled, and deseeded, followed by chopping into desired shapes and sizes. Vegetable peels and seeds are also byproducts of various food industries. If they are not used, they will contribute significantly to global garbage. On the other hand, developing novel functional foods and food ingredients out of unorthodox sources has become a trending issue among researchers. The focus of this review was to access the utility of seed flour from sixteen commonly eaten seed‐bearing vegetables such as ash gourd (Benincasa hispida), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), buffalo gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima), capsicum (Capsicum annuum), drumstick (Moringa oleifera), Gnetum (Gnetum gnemon), hemp (Cannabis sativa), lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus), noni (Morinda citrifolia), pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica), pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), ridge gourd (Luffa acutangular), snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina), spine gourd (Momordica dioica), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) have been presented. A complete picture of the nutritional qualities, phytochemical constituents, health benefits of these vegetable seeds, and their impact on the fortification of ready‐to‐eat foods have been illustrated. The development of functional food goods (bakery products, milk products, cereal‐based products, and meat products) from food waste (vegetable seeds) is extensively discussed in this study. It also highlights possible research gaps related to this field.
... ROS and reactive nitrogen species include free radicals which oxidize the membrane lipids. As a result, many cellular components including proteins, lipids and DNA become damaged [1] . Thus different diseases such as age-related degenerative brain disorders, atherosclerosis, cirrhosis, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, hemorrhagic shock, etc. are caused [2] . ...
... The amount of total phenolics was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu method [1] . In this method gallic acid was used as a standard and a calibration curve was obtained. ...
... Total flavonoid content was determined following a colorimetric method where catechin was used as a standard. A calibration curve was obtained with solutions of 0.05 to 0.5 mg/mL of this compound which was described previously by Samad et al [1] . Briefly, 0.025 mL of the extracts (10 mg/mL) or catechin standard solution (0.05 to 0.50 mg/mL) was mixed with 0.125 mL of distilled water in 96-well plate and afterward 0.08 mL of a 5% w/v sodium nitrite solution was added. ...
Objective: To investigate in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Korean blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.).
Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the Korean blueberry water and ethanol extracts were determined before determining the potential of the extracts as antioxidant. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by following some well established methods for free radical scavenging such as 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate, 1,2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid), free radical induced DNA damage, superoxide dismutase-like and catalase assay etc. Furthermore, 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan and nitric oxide assay were performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts.
Results: Total phenolic contents were found (115.0±3.0) and (4.2±3.0) mg GAE/100 g fresh mass for both extracts, respectively and flavonoid contents were (1 942.8±7.0) and (1 292.1±6.0) mg CE/100g fresh mass for water and ethonal extracts, respectively. Both the extracts displayed significant scavenging activity of some radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (IC50 at 1.8 mg/mL and 2.05 mg/mL, respectively), 1,2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) (IC50 at 1.5 mg/mL and 1.6 mg/mL, respectively) and nitrite (IC50 at 1.7 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL, respectively) etc. The extracts were found to prevent inflammation as well by reducing nitric oxide production and cytotoxicity in cell.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that the fresh Korean blueberry could be used as a source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
... The pyrosol process requires less initial investment and operational expense, because of its atmospheric pressure operation, in comparison with other methods conducted at a high vacuum [104,105]. Recently this method has been used to prepare colloidal aggregates of supermagnetic maghemite nanoparticles with different form, hallow or dense sphere enriched or not in silica [106], [107]. Also by this method were prepared air stable supermagnetic metalic α-Fe and Fe Co nanomagnets encapsulated in silica or alumina. ...
... Hyperthermia is a treatment method, used to raise the temperature in a region of the body affected by the cancer tumour. The method is based on the temperature rise in the cancerous tissue between 41 (mild hyperthermia) -43 o C (advanced hyperthermia) and maintaining this temperature for 20 -60 min [39,106,183,184]. The temperature required for hyperthermia can be obtained by different methods: radiofrequency, microwave, ultrasonic or infrared irradiation [106,185,186]. ...
... The method is based on the temperature rise in the cancerous tissue between 41 (mild hyperthermia) -43 o C (advanced hyperthermia) and maintaining this temperature for 20 -60 min [39,106,183,184]. The temperature required for hyperthermia can be obtained by different methods: radiofrequency, microwave, ultrasonic or infrared irradiation [106,185,186]. Application of magnetic hyperthermia in cancer therapy is an opportunity in nanomedicine and could be an alternate route to decrease the amount of citostatics without any compromise [5,175]. ...
In this review the synthesis, functionalization and some applications of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were highlighted. It is our intention to highlight the correlations between the synthesis routes, related synthesis parameters, functionalization strategies and the properties expected for the materials containing MNPs. The uses of MNPs are strongly influenced by the properties of the materials. Therefore this review is trying to discuss the applications of the magnetite and magnetite based nanomaterials by taking into account all the factors that can influence the properties of the final materials and consequently their potential applications.
... In living organisms, oxidation is a crucial biological process for energy production, which is responsible for an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Arunachalam, Parimelazhagan, & Saravanan, 2011). The formation of the ROS causes aging and a number of diseases including inflammation, cancer, and other degenerative diseases in the living body (Samad et al., 2013). A wide range of phytochemicals including polyphenols and flavonoids are plenty in natural products, such as flower, fruits, and vegetables. ...
... A wide range of phytochemicals including polyphenols and flavonoids are plenty in natural products, such as flower, fruits, and vegetables. Recently, many researchers have reported that the phytochemicals may afford protection against some chronic diseases, caused by oxidative stress (Debnath, Kim, & Lim, 2013;Samad et al., 2013). These phytochemicals can scavenge the free radicals by inhibiting their initiation and chain propagation. ...
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) has been used as topical and oral therapeutic. This research highlights the phenolic constituents’ profile and antioxidant activity of 70% ethanol extracts of Aloe vera flower for the first time. The ethanol-based extracts showed the inhibition for linoleic acid oxidation and free radical-induced DNA damage. Among about 11 phenolic constituents of the extract, identified by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the content of vanillic acid was highest, corresponding to strong antioxidant activities of the extract. The extracts elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities in the liver tissue of hydrogen peroxide-treated BALB/c mice. The radical-scavenging activities of the extracts were well-correlated to the total phenolic content. Therefore, Aloe bardadensis flower might be an effective source of natural antioxidant.
... Total flavonoid content was determined according to Samad et al. (6,36) by the following colorimetric method, where catechin was used as a standard. Catechin concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 mg/mL were used to generate the standard calibration curve. ...
... ABTS radical cation scavenging activity ABTS radical cation (ABTS þ ) scavenging activity of probiotic-mediated fermented and control extracts was measured using the ABTS þ assay described by Samad et al. (6,36). Scavenging activity was measured based on the ability of the antioxidant molecules to quench the ABTS þ , a blue-green chromophore with characteristic absorption at 734 nm. ...
The aim of this study was to investigate the fermentation of blueberry fruit with selected probiotic bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Lactobacillus brevis) and yeast (Starmerella bombicola) isolated from fermented starfish for the extraction of functionalized products for biomedical applications. All probiotic-based fermented extracts showed augmented antibacterial and antioxidant activity compared to the control. Biochemical parameters of viable cell count, titratable acidity, total phenol, total anthocyanin, total flavonoids, total sugar, and reducing sugar were analyzed during a 0-96 h fermentation period. In addition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to determine the functional groups in the control and fermented extracts and it signifies the presence of alcohol groups, phenol groups, carboxylic acids, and aliphatic amines, respectively. The well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays determined that the S. bombicola-mediated fermented extract has excellent activity, followed by B. amyloliquefaciens and L. brevis, at a high concentration of 1.0 g/mL fermented extract. The ABTS and DPPH showed significant scavenging activity with IC50 values of (30.52 ± 0.08)/(155.10 ± 0.06) μg/mL, (24.82 ± 0.16)/(74.21 ± 1.26) μg/mL, and (21.81 ± 0.08)/(125.11 ± 0.04) μg/mL for B. amyloliquefaciens, L. brevis, and S. bombicola, respectively. Developing a value-added fermented blueberry product will help circumvent losses because of the highly perishable nature of the fruit.
... Different parts of the wax gourd such as the peel, core and pulp as well as fresh seeds have antioxidant capacity [58]. Water extract from dry seeds of Benincasa hispida showed strong antioxidant activity by scavenged DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl radical in a dose-dependent manner [59]. The extracts also showed inhibitory activity on linoleic acid oxidation and nitrite radical [59]. ...
... Water extract from dry seeds of Benincasa hispida showed strong antioxidant activity by scavenged DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl radical in a dose-dependent manner [59]. The extracts also showed inhibitory activity on linoleic acid oxidation and nitrite radical [59]. The dried seed extracts produced significant reduction in ulcer index in Wistar albino rats. ...
Accumulating epidemiological and clinical study indicates that inflammation is a significant risk factor to develop various human diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. Suppressing inflammation is therefore important to control or prevent various diseases. Among them, IBD is one of the major problems affecting people worldwide. IBD affects at least one in a thousand persons in many Western countries. Various natural products have been shown to safely suppress pro-inflammatory pathway and control IBD. In vivo and/or in vitro studies indicate that anti-IBD effects of natural products occur by inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (for example, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intercellular adhesion molecule expression and pro-inflammatory mediators (such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), master transcription factors (such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by improving the antioxidant activity. In this review, we summarize recent research focused on IBD and the effects that natural products have on IBD factors.
... Nadira Binte Samad and colleagues conducted an investigation into the effects of water extracts obtained from the dried seeds of Benincasa hispida on antioxidant activity, examining its relationship with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in vitro. The researchers determined that the dried seeds of Benincasa hispida may serve as promising natural antioxidants within the food industry [32]. The results of these findings are consistent with those observed in our own study. ...
... It is rich in antioxidant 5 and proved its effectiveness in many diseases. It acts as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anthelmintic and also as antilarval [6][7][8][9] . It also proved it effect as an anti-cancer agent, useful in treating metabolic diseases such and diabetes and obesity. ...
Background: Abelmoschus esculentus (Ae) and Benincasa hispida (Bh) are herbal plants has embarked its benefits in ayurveda medicine since history. Chemical compounds present in these two plant parts have numerous health benefits. Aim: In the present study seeds of the selected plants Ae and Bh are evaluated for its physicochemical, pharmacognostical, and analyzing fatty acid profile along with estimating important phospholipids such as Phosphatidyl Choline (PC) and Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine (PE) by HPLC-ELSD method. Methods: PC and PE are phospholipids which are the important components of cell membrane. PC and PE are involved in cell signaling, brain development, signal transduction, cell to cell communication and used for the synthesis of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. Hence, estimating PC and PE in the seeds of Ae and Bh will serve as an important data, and which will act as a source of memory enhancing components. Total lipids were extracted from the seeds using chloroform and methanol. The extracted lipids were subjected to column chromatography to estimate PC and PE. Using seed powder physicochemical and pharmacognostical values were evaluated. Results: Current study results show optimized physicochemical and pharmacognostical values. Fatty acids such as linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids make up the higher percentage. Importantly we could be able to estimate PC and PE by proposed HPLC-ELSD method, in Ae account for 24.6 % (PC) and 75.4% (PE), but unfortunately, we could not be able to estimate phospholipids in Bh by proposed method. Conclusion: The obtained results will serve as a parameter for the standardization of seeds and fixed oil obtained from seeds, with the estimation of phospholipids, which can be utilized as a potential source in the treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease etc.
... The study utilised traditional Soxhlet extraction (CSE) to investigate the effects of various solvents including n-hexane, ethanol and ethyl acetate on the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the Benincasa hispida seed extract. Results from TPC, DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity tests showed that ethanol seed extracts had the highest antioxidant activity followed by n-hexane and ethyl acetate [9]. Methanolic and aqueous extract of Benincasa hispida showed significant neuroprotective potential by reducing the oxidative stress brought on by the injection of D-galactose. ...
This article provides details on the annual climbing plant Benincasa hispida, a natural herb from the cucurbitaceae family.. The fruit is also called as winter gourd, ash gourd and kushmanda fruit. It is the most well-liked herb that is readily available to communities for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The phytochemical review indicates the presence of pentacyclic triterpene, flavonoids, volatile oils, bryonolic acid, alnusenol, multiflorenol, isomultiflorenol, lupeol, β-sitosterol etc. Benincasa hispida fruit is one of incredible fruit which can improve health, treat a variety of illnesses and prevent many more. Pharmacological studies have revealed that the Benincasa hispida plant is useful in the treatment of several nerve diseases, including peptic ulcer, diabetic mellitus, internal organ hemorrhages, jaundice, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.. The review mainly focuses on the effect of the fruit Benincasa hispida's potential to treat alzheimer's disease.This article covers all relevant information regarding Benincasa hispida with both historical and contemporary examples
... Antioxidant effects of various parts of B. hispida on various test models have been also observed by several authors [17,28,29,56,61]. Table 2 shows the antioxidant effects of various parts of B. hispida. ...
Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual climbing plant, native to Asia with multiple therapeutic uses in traditional medicine. This updated review is aimed at discussing the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological properties, and molecular mechanisms highlighted in preclinical experimental studies and toxicological safety to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this genus. The literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Science Direct, and database was analyzed using the basic keyword “Benincasa hispida.” Other searching strategies, including online resources, books, and journals, were used. The taxonomy of the plant has been made by consulting “The Plant List”. The results showed that B. hispida has been used in traditional medicine to treat neurological diseases, kidney disease, fever, and cough accompanied by thick mucus and to fight intestinal worms. The main bioactive compounds contained in Benincasa hispida have cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Further safety and efficacy investigations are needed to confirm these beneficial therapeutic effects and also future human clinical studies.
... Its fruits is succulent and fleshy, it is commonly being used in ayurvedic and herbal formulations for gastric ulcers, nervous disorders. Benincasa fruit is generally called as memory booster by many Indian people and it is known to possess antiinflammatory (Grover and Rathi, 1994), antioxidant (Samad et al., 2013), anti-depressant (Dhingra and Joshi, 2012) activities. It is also proven to be beneficial in colchicine induced AD model. ...
Objectives
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with cognitive and memory impairment. Benincasa hispida is being used in the treatment of various neurological diseases in Ayurveda system of medicine. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of Benincasa hispida fruit extract in the Alzheimer's disease rats.
Methods
Benincasa hispida fruits extract was administered orally for 16 weeks at doses of 250 and 500-mg/kg/day. The cognitive deficits were examined by behavioural tests like Morris water maze test, Y-maze and rota-rod test. Biochemical and neurochemical analysis of Acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin levels and anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory markers were evaluated and the mRNA expression of Keap/Nrf2 axis was analysed by RT-PCR.
Results
Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) induction altered the behavioural profile and produced significant alterations in the cortical and hippocampal regions of the brain and the treatment with Benincasa hispida extract at doses of 250-mg/kg/day (p<0.05) and 500mg/kg/day (p<0.05) alleviated the acetylcholine, dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter levels. The antioxidant enzyme markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) were increased and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde(MDA) was decreased. The inflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-1β were decreased in Alzheimer's disease induced rats. We further estimated Keap/Nrf2/HO-1 genes these anti-oxidant genes were upregulated(p < 0.001) in treatment groups. Further, the neuroprotective activity of Benincasa was further confirmed by histopathological studies of hippocampal CA3 fields.
Conclusions
The findings of the current study indicates Benincasa hispida as a possible neuroprotective alternative for Alzheimer's disease.
... were investigated for in vitro antioxidant activity along with its relation with total phenolics and flavonoids contents (Samad et al., 2013). In a study, the total phenolic quantity of seeds of Cucurbita was recorded at 0.34-0.4% (w/w) shown as GAE (Achu, Fokou, Kansci, & Fotso, 2013;Ismail et al., 2010 Haghi & Hatami, 2010). ...
Oxidative stress is the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and accumulation and the ability of a biological system to clear these reactive products. This imbalance leads to cell and tissue damage causing several disorders in human body, such as neurodegeneration, metabolic problems, cardiovascular diseases , and cancer. Cucurbitaceae family consists of about 100 genera and 1,000 species of plants including mostly tropical, annual or perennial, monoecious, and dioecious herbs. The plants from Cucurbita species are rich sources of phytochemicals and act as a rich source of antioxidants. The most important phytochemicals present in the cucurbits are cucurbitacins, saponins, carotenoids, phytosterols, and
... Seed extract was prepared according to a modified method of Samad et al. (2013) as following; 1 g of seeds from each concentration was placed in a 15 ml tube and 2.3 ml of distilled water was added in each tube. Tubes were placed in water bath for 3 h at 90 C. The last step was repeated twice and the extract was stored at -20 C. Seed extracts were subjected to biochemical analysis for the quantitation of sugar and the total protein and for the detection of the activities of the amylases and the catalases. ...
Background
Seed germination is a critical stage in plant life, and recent practices use nanomaterials for the improvement of plant seed germination indices. This study was conducted to assess the effect of laboratory prepared zinc oxide nanoparticles on the physiological and biochemical changes of lettuce seeds.
Methods
Lettuce seeds were soaked in a suspension of moderately polydisperse zinc oxide nanoparticles at two different concentrations (25 ppm or 50 ppm) and shaken for 3 h at 25 °C. Seeds treatment was followed subsequently by two to three days drying at ambient conditions. Treated seeds were stored for 3–4 weeks, at ambient conditions and then tested for germination in petri dishes. Germination was observed on daily basis and seedling length was measured. After imbibition and before the start of the visible germination, seeds were examined for topography and surface analysis using the scanning electron microscope and zinc uptake was measured by using the atomic absorption spectrometry and the energy dispersive X-ray. The pattern of mobilization of biomolecules was analyzed to detect any differences among different seed groups.
Results
There was no loss of viability for the nanoparticles treated seeds. Indeed their germination was enhanced and their biomass increased. The activated performance of the nanoparticles imbibed seeds has been found to be correlated with an increased level of Zn inside lettuce seeds. The recorded measurements show a significant enhancement of seedling length. Interaction of zinc oxide nanoparticles with lettuce seeds mediates a variation in the biochemical processes. Changes detected in treated seeds were as following: reduced levels of the total carbohydrates (including simple saccharides and polysaccharides), higher capacity of protein synthesis, an elevated level of starch as well as an increased activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Discussion and conclusion
Lettuce seeds primed with ZnO nanoparticles were found not only to maintain seed viability but even to exhibit a detectable level of germination enhancement compared to the control seeds. Overall, the promoted response of lettuce seeds during early stages of seed growth is encouraging for the application of ZnO NPs for seed priming for better germination indices.
... This assay was carried out following a method mentioned earlier [23]. In this method, the hydrogen donating ability of the extract was determined based on the changing of a radical methanolic DPPH solution into non-radical form. ...
Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJ) is a medicinal plant and has well-known health benefits. This study has evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the fermented extract of AJ (FAJ). Fermentation of the extract increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of AJ. FAJ showed significantly higher free radical scavenging activities as compared with NFAJ. In addition, FAJ exhibited higher ferric (Fe3+) reducing activity than NFAJ. FAJ inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells at a higher level than NFAJ without affecting the cell viability. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in RAW 264.7 cells was substantially reduced by FAJ treatment. Moreover, the upregulation of pp38 and protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (pERK) by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells was markedly suppressed by FAJ. These results suggest that FAJ has therapeutic potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
... Total flavonoid content was determined according to Samad et al. by the following colorimetric method, where catechin was used as a standard. Catechin concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 mg/mL were used to generate the standard calibration curve [16]. The product yield is 5.28%. ...
The flavonoid-rich extract from Paulownia fortunei flowers (EPF) has been reported to prevent obesity and other lipid metabolism disease. However, the mechanism of its protective effects is not yet clear. The objective of this study was to investigate molecular factors involved in the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of EPF in obese mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Male h ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were fed a HFD containing or not containing the EPF (50 or 100 mg/kg) for eight weeks. EPF reduced body weight gain, lipid accumulation in livers and levels of lipid, glucose and insulin in plasma as well as reduced insulin resistance as compared with the HFD group. EPF significantly decreased serum aminotransferase activity of the HFD group. We observed that EPF administration significantly increased the level of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and prevented fat deposits in livers and HepG2 cells, but these effects were blocked by compound C (an AMPK inhibitor). The protective effects of EPF were probably associated with the decrease in HMGCR, SREBP-1c and FAS expressions and the increase in CPT1 and phosphor-IRS-1 expressions. Our results suggest that EPF might be a potential natural candidate for the treatment and/or prevention of overweight and hepatic and metabolic-related alterations induced by HFD.
... Samad, et al (63) investigated the antioxidant activity of the water extract of the dried seeds of B. hispida. And its in vitro relation to total phenolic content (TPC) and fl avonoids was found out to be 81.3±1.4 μg gallic acid/ g and 486.8±4.1 μg catechin/g dry mass, respectively. ...
Benincasa cerifera (Savi.), belonging to Cucurbitaceae, is an annual creepy wine that posses highm edicinal value and istraditionally used as fruit and medicine throughout India. In Indian system of medicine, its fruit is used as nutritive, tonic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, styptic, vermifuge and in various diseases and disorders like asthma, bronchitis, insanity, epilepsy, dry cough, fever, urethrorrhea, syphilis, hyperdipsia and vitiated conditions of pitta, etc. Phytochemically the plant is found to contain lupeol, β-sitosterol, cucurbitacin B, iso-vitexin, etc. It has been demonstrated to posses numerous pharmacological activities such as antiepileptic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, immunopotentiator and anxiolytic, etc. In the present review there is a detailed description of its botany, phytochemistry, ethno-botany and pharmacological activities.
... The phenolic content of the extract was determined by using FC (Folin-Ciocalteu) method [13] . Data were expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 g dry mass. ...
Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of distilled water
extract of fresh Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) rhizome.
Methods: The extracts were tested for antioxidant activity by using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), and hydroxyl (OH•) radicals scavenging activity. The level of intracellular reactive
oxygen species (ROS) was determined in H2O2 treated chang liver cells. Anti-inflammatory activity
was evaluated by the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well
as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) protein expression in a lipopolysaccharide stimulated
Raw 264.7 murine macrophages cell line.
Results: P. sibiricum water extracts scavenged DPPH, OH• radicals and decreased the level ROS.
The extracts reduced NO reduction and inhibited the expression of iNOS and TNF-α proteins.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that water extracts of P. sibiricum could be considered as
natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents for food and drug industries.
... Avicennia marina (Acanthaceae) decreased the colonic lipid peroxides, glutathione peroxidase, and serum nitric oxide, lesion score and wet colon weight, and increased the colonic and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels compared with colitis control 24 . Aqueous extract from dry seeds of Benincasa hispida (Cucurbitaceae) showed strong antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner 25 . The dried seed extracts produced significant reduction in ulcer index in Wistar albino rats 26 . ...
Currently available treatment options for ulcerative colitis (UC) in modern medicine have several adverse effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop safe and effective treatment modalities for ulcerative colitis (UC). Traditional and alternative medicine play an important role in the management of UC as they were developed from the experience of people which passed from one generation to next since history of civilisation. This article presents a review on some reported traditional and alternative medicine for UC. Introduction Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term for a group of chronic inflammatory disorders of unknown etiology involving the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic IBD may be divided into two major groups, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), clinically characterized by recurrent inflammatory involvement of intestinal segments with several manifestations often resulting in an unpredictable course 1 . Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory chronic disease primarily affecting the colonic mucosa; the extent and severity of colon involvement are variable. In its most limited form it may be restricted to the distal rectum, while in its most extended form the entire colon is involved. However, 80% of the patients present with disease extending from the rectum to the splenic flexure, and only 20% have pancolitis 2 . Although the causes of IBD remain unclear, considerable progress has been made recently in the identification of important pathophysiologic mechanisms, and further and newer knowledge has been obtained from recent studies concerning their epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms Initial symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhoea, blood in stool, pain, weight loss, arthralgia, fever, loss of appetite, ophtalmopathies, nausea, vomiting, abscesses, fistulae and lymph node swelli 3
Beligo or Bligo is the name of Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. in Indonesian, is empirically used in the treatment of cholesterol and hypertension. The part of the plant used is the seed. This have a look at aimed to determine the antihyperlipidemic activity of beligo seeds in L-NAME-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Male albino rats (n= 25) were divided into 5 groups: Sod. CMC 1%, plant extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg body weight), and Simvastatin were induced by L-NAME 40 mg/kg BW for 4 weeks. Measurement of lipid profile levels consisting of TC, HDL, LDL, TG, and VLDL, using a human analyzer (Thermo Scientific Indico®). L-NAME was shown to significantly (p
The edible part of Benicasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. fruit is traditionally used in Southeast Sulawesi to treat high blood pressure, typhoid fever, and body cooling. The present study evaluated the chemical compounds present in the 80% ethanol of the edible part of the plant using phytochemical screening and an LC-MS analysis, antioxidant activity based on assays on total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and DPPH, and antimicrobial activity towards Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and saponins in the extract. As many as eighteen compounds (1-18) were tentatively identified in the extract, including sugars, a simple phenolic, a tricarboxylic acid, a peptide, flavonoids, quinic acid derivatives, phytosterols, triterpenoids, and saponins. The extract exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity with an SC50 value of 23.4 µg/mL, although its TPC (1.1±0.1 mg GAE/g extract) and TFC (1.0±0.1 mg QE/g extract) values were considered in low amounts. The extract was found inactive to inhibit the microbial growths of all tested microbes. However, raffinose (3) present in the extract might be beneficial as a prebiotic to promote a healthy human gut. The study concludes that the 80% ethanol extract of the edible part of B. hispida fruit could be used to develop natural antioxidant agents and nutraceuticals.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety of standardized 70% ethanolic extract of Benincasa hispida fruit pulp (HABH) in rodents. Chemical characterization of HABH has been done by GC-MS and dimethylsulfoxonium formyl methylide, l-(+)-ascorbic acid and 2,6-dihexadecanoate were identified as major compounds in the extract. Acute oral toxicity study of HABH was done according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guideline, by ‘up and down’ method, using the limit test at 2000 mg/kg, body weight in mice and were observed up to 14 days. In sub-chronic oral toxicity study, HABH was administered to Wistar rats at doses of 1000, 200 and 40 mg/kg b. w. per day for 90 days. In acute toxicity study, there was no mortality and no behavioural signs of toxicity at the limit test dose level (2000 mg/kg b. w.). In sub-chronic oral toxicity study, there was no significant difference observed in the consumption of food and water, body weight and relative organ weights. Haematological, serum biochemical and urine analysis revealed the non-adverse effects of prolonged oral consumption of HABH. The histopathologic examination did not show any differences in vital organs. Based on our findings, HABH, at dosage levels up to 1000 mg/kg b. w., is non-toxic and safe for long term oral consumption.
All the anti-inflammatory sources or drugs achieve their effects by blocking the increase in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. PG synthesis is blocked by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase – an enzyme in arachidonic acid cascade for the synthesis of prostanoids. Mother Nature created these natural supplements eons ago, and it has been present in ecosystems for over a billion years. Hundreds of plant metabolites are reported to have many pharmacological activities although most of these reports are of academic interest and very few find entry at clinical trials. Compilation of the information would help promote wider acceptance and use of these nature-based drugs in mainstream of medicine. The present chapter is directed towards compilation of the pharmacological attributes of natural sources in the drug discovery and development process as it could be a driving force to identify lead molecules providing an attractive strategy for novel and improved therapeutics. In this chapter, we are going to reveal the name of these natural medicines and different sources available to us and what health benefits it provides to us to fight against inflammation.
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Loureiro) Merrill. (AC) is used as a traditional medi-cine for treating inflammation and oxidative stress-related diseases. In this study, aqueous extract of AC tuber was investigated to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Free radical-scavenging activities as well as total phe-nolics and flavonoid contents of the extracts were measured. As primary screening of anti-inflammatory activity, cell viability and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production were determined using the lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds from AC were found to be 459 1 mg gallic acid equivalent/g (GAE/g) dry mass and 642 4 mg catechin equivalent/g (CE/g) dry mass, respectively. AC showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitrite scavenging and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner. Significant NO production and cell viability were also found in the extracts. Results suggest that AC can be a source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Asparagus cochinchinensis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Dried roots are being used for medicinal purposes. The roots contain asparagine, starch, mucilage and sugars. The dried root is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipyretic, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic, nervous stimulant and tonic. It is taken internally in the treatment of fever, sore throat, debility, coughs, etc. The plant has a folk history for the treatment of cancer. Modern research has detected antitumor activity. It is now being studied for the treatment of lung cancer. The findings of this study can demonstrate the antioxi-dant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract from A. cochinchin-ensis dried roots. The effects would be useful to improve human health.
Chilean hazelnuts (Gevuina avellana Mol) and mosqueta rose (Rosa aff. Rubiginosa L.) meals were extracted with methanol, ethanol, acidified water, acetone, butanol, diethyl ether and ethyl acetate. Ethanol and methanol extracted the highest amount of soluble substances from both seed meals. The highest concentration of total polyphenols was found in the ethanolic extracts, although that of acetone from R. rubiginosa presented similar values. The antioxidant activity of the extracts evaluated by the β-carotene assay and with as hydrogen radical scavenging ability showed that the activity of the butanol and methanol extracts from G. avellana was comparable to those of synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The 2,2,-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the G. avellana methanol, ethanol and water extracts was 2–3 times lower than those of BHT and BHA, respectively. The activity of R. rubiginosa extracts ranged from that of BHT for the water extracts to 80% inhibition in respect to control achieved with the ethanol extracts.
Cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in several diseases, and hence natural antioxidants have significant importance in human health. The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and reactive oxygen species scavenging activities of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis fruit extracts.
The 70% methanol extracts were studied for in vitro total antioxidant activity along with phenolic and flavonoid contents and reducing power. Scavenging ability of the extracts for radicals like DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, singlet oxygen, hypochlorous acid were also performed to determine the potential of the extracts.
The ability of the extracts of the fruits in exhibiting their antioxative properties follow the order T. chebula >E. officinalis >T. belerica. The same order is followed in their flavonoid content, whereas in case of phenolic content it becomes E. officinalis >T. belerica >T. chebula. In the studies of free radicals' scavenging, where the activities of the plant extracts were inversely proportional to their IC50 values, T. chebula and E. officinalis were found to be taking leading role with the orders of T. chebula >E. officinalis >T. belerica for superoxide and nitric oxide, and E. officinalis >T. belerica >T. chebula for DPPH and peroxynitrite radicals. Miscellaneous results were observed in the scavenging of other radicals by the plant extracts, viz., T. chebula >T. belerica >E. officinalis for hydroxyl, T. belerica >T. chebula >E. officinalis for singlet oxygen and T. belerica >E. officinalis >T. chebula for hypochlorous acid. In a whole, the studied fruit extracts showed quite good efficacy in their antioxidant and radical scavenging abilities, compared to the standards.
The evidences as can be concluded from the study of the 70% methanol extract of the fruits of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis, imposes the fact that they might be useful as potent sources of natural antioxidant.
In order to demonstrate whether the known biological effects of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. fil. could correlate with the antioxidant activity of the plant, the antioxidant activity of the aqueous leaf extract was investigated. The present study demonstrated that the aqueous extract from A. vera leaves contained naturally occuring antioxidant components, including total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol. The extract exhibited inhibitory capacity against Fe(3+)/ascorbic acid induced phosphatidylcholine liposome oxidation, scavenged stable DPPH(*), ABTS(*+) and superoxide anion radicals, and acted as reductant. In contrast, the leaf inner gel did not show any antioxidant activity. It was concluded that the known beneficial effects of Aloe vera could be attributed to its antioxidant activity and could be related to the presence of phenolic compounds and antioxidant vitamins.
Cyanthillium cinereum (Less.) H. Rob. (Asteraceae) has been traditionally known for its medicinal properties, all aspects of which are yet to be exploited. This study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic potential of polar (methanolic and aqueous) and nonpolar (hexane and chloroform) crude extracts of the whole plant. Several parameters including free-radical (DPPH(•), ABTS(•+), H(2)O(2) and (•)OH) scavenging, reducing power, protection of DNA against oxidative damage, cytotoxicity, inhibition of oxidative hemolysis in erythrocytes, total phenolic content and inhibition of lipid peroxidation were examined. All the free-radical generating assay models demonstrated positive scavenging efficiency with differential but considerable magnitudes for the four extracts. However, only the hexane extract showed significant H(2)O(2) scavenging effect. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by thiobarbituric acid-malondialdehyde (MDA) reaction, and a high degree of inhibition was shown by all the extracts. Reducing power of the polar extracts was higher than the non-polar ones. All extracts showed a concentration-dependent increase in phenolic contents. Oxidative damage to erythrocytes was hindered by all extracts in diverse degrees. XTT assay showed that all extracts have mild cytotoxic property. The aqueous extract evidently demonstrated protective effect on pBR322 plasmid DNA against oxidative breakdown. These results suggested the potential of C. cinereum as medicine against free-radical-associated oxidative damage and related degenerative diseases involving metabolic stress, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.
In the present study, the phenolic (Folin-Dennis) and flavonoid (colorimetric assay) constituents, antioxidant [2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay] and cytotoxic activities of an aqueous extract (AE) of Centella asiatica leaves were investigated. The aqueous extract (50 g/L) was obtained by infusion followed by cold maceration for 24 h. The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were 2.86 g/100 g and 0.361 g/100 g, respectively. The AE showed elevated DPPH scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 31.25 μg/mL. The AE had a promising activity against mouse melanoma (B16F1), human breast cancer (MDA MB-231) and rat glioma (C6) cell lines, with IC50 values of 698.0, 648.0 and 1000.0 μg/mL, respectively. A positive correlation was established between the level of flavonoids, antioxidant and antitumor activities.
Buddleja saligna Willd (Loganiaceae) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree; trunk short, often gnarled and crooked; crown dense, rounded or domed-shaped; foliage greyish green. The wild olives are traditionally used to lower blood pressures in many parts of the world. In southern Africa, bark and leaf decoctions are used to treat colic, coughs, colds, sore eyes, urinary problems and as purgatives.
The antibacterial, antioxidant activities and phenolic contents of the methanol extracts of the leaves and stems of Buddleja saligna were evaluated using in vitro standard methods. Spectrophotometry was the basis for the determinations of total phenol, total flavonoids, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins. Tannins, quercetin and catechin equivalents were used for these parameters. The antioxidant activities of the leaves and stem extracts of Buddleja saligna were determined by ABTS, DPPH, and ferrous reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) methods. Laboratory isolates of 10 bacteria species which included five Gram-positive and five Gram-negative strains were used to assay for antibacterial activity of this plant.
The antioxidant activities of the leaves as determined by the ABTS and DPPH were similar to that of the stem. The flavonoids and the flavonols contents of the leaves were higher than that of the stem but the total phenols, proanthocyanidins and FRAP activities were higher in the methanol extracts of the stem. The extracts did show activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For instance, while the methanol extract of the leaves showed good activities on all the organisms except Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at MICs of between 2.5 and 5.0 mg/ml, the extract of the stem only showed activities on Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyrogens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the same concentration.
The results from this study indicate that the leaves and stem extracts of Buddleja saligna possess antioxidant properties and could serve as free radical inhibitors or scavenger or, acting possibly as primary antioxidants. Although, the antibacterial properties of Buddleja saligna are not as effective as the standard drugs-Chloramphenicol and Streptomycin, they still possess some activity against bacterial strains used in this study. Buddleja saligna may therefore be a good candidate for functional foods as well as pharmaceutical plant-based products.
In the present study the phenolic (Folin-Dennis) and flavonoid (colorimetric assay) constituents and the antioxidant activity of Pterodon emarginatus seeds were investigated in several samples prepared with different extraction procedures: essential oil (EO) using a Clevenger-type apparatus; hexanic (HF), ethyl acetate (EAF), buthanolic (BF) and methanolic (MF) fractions using Soxhlet extraction, and extracts (1 g/extract) obtained from different methods: reflux 80°C/30 min, ultrasound/30 min, static maceration/48 h and heating plate 100°C/45 min. These extracts were prepared using water or ethanol/water at 30:70 v/v, 50:50 v/v or 70:30 v/v. Antioxidant activity [2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH)] was tested only in the fractions obtained from Soxhlet extraction. The extract obtained from reflux using ethanol/water (70:30, v/v) showed the highest phenolic constituents level. The EAF, BF and MF showed DPPH scavenging activities with IC50=163.22, 18.89 and 10.15 μg/ml, respectively.
Resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in grapes and other food products, was purified and shown to have cancer chemopreventive activity in assays representing three major stages of carcinogenesis. Resveratrol was found to act as an antioxidant and antimutagen and to induce phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes (anti-initiation activity); it mediated anti-inflammatory effects and inhibited cyclooxygenase and hydroperoxidase functions (antipromotion activity); and it induced human promyelocytic leukemia cell differentiation (antiprogression activity). In addition, it inhibited the development of preneoplastic lesions in carcinogen-treated mouse mammary glands in culture and inhibited tumorigenesis in a mouse skin cancer model. These data suggest that resveratrol, a common constituent of the human diet, merits investigation as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent in humans.
We evaluated total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, reducing power and antibacterial activity of ethanol, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Rumex japonicus HOUTT. The ethyl acetate extract had the highest amount of phenolic compounds. It also exhibited the highest reducing power and antioxidant activity when assayed by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), beta-carotene bleaching and superoxide radical methods. The ethyl acetate extract possessed the strongest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus and E. coli. GC-MS analysis indicated that ethyl acetate extract contained a variety of phenolic compounds. HPLC analysis showed that pyrogallol was the predominant phenolic compound in this extract. Thus, our study verified that the ethyl acetate extract has strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities which are correlated with its high level of phenolic compounds, particularly pyrogallol and pyrocatechin. This extract of R. japonicus aerial parts can be utilized as an effective and safe source of antioxidants.
Resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in grapes and other food products, was purified and shown to have cancer chemopreventive
activity in assays representing three major stages of carcinogenesis. Resveratrol was found to act as an antioxidant and antimutagen
and to induce phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes (anti-initiation activity); it mediated anti-inflammatory effects and inhibited
cyclooxygenase and hydroperoxidase functions (antipromotion activity); and it induced human promyelocytic leukemia cell differentiation
(antiprogression activity). In addition, it inhibited the development of preneoplastic lesions in carcinogen-treated mouse
mammary glands in culture and inhibited tumorigenesis in a mouse skin cancer model. These data suggest that resveratrol, a
common constituent of the human diet, merits investigation as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent in humans.
As a search for natural antioxidants from plant materials, strong antioxidative activity was observed in leaf waxes extracted from Eucalyptus species. A novel type of antioxidant was isolated from the leaf wax of Eucalyptus globulus and identified as n-tritriacontan-16, 18-dione. Antioxidative activities were determined by different methods; a thiocyanate method, a thiobarbituric acid method, a total carbonyl value method and a weighing test. The antioxidant showed remarkable antioxidative activity in a water/alcohol system and was more effective than α-tocopherol and BHA; however, it has no antioxidative activity in an oil system.
We have evaluated the antioxidant and radical scavenging activity of the water extract of Mume Fructus by applying various in vitro assays. We have determined total phenolic and flavonoid contents, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), hydroxyl radical (OH•), superoxide radical (O2-•) and nitrite scavenging activities, inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation and reducing power activity. The extract exhibited high scavenging activities on DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals with the IC50 of 0.40, 0.36, 1.75 and 1.60 mg/mL, respectively. The extract also showed nitrite scavenging and reducing power activity in a dose-dependent manner. It inhibited 69.42% of linoleic acid oxidation at the concentration of 0.4 mg/mL. Owing to have high antioxidant activity, the water extract of Mume Fructus may serve as a new dietary supplement.
Mume Fructus has been used as a medicine in China, Korea and Japan. It has been reported that the water extract of Mume Fructus is able to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. The fruit has been used for stomachic, alexipharmic expectorant and eye pain and skin disease since before. People also used fruits as folk medicine for fever, cough and intestinal disorder, etc. Dried fruits have been used for thirst, refrigerant, laxative. In addition, previous reporters showed the inhibitory activities of fruit juice against Helicobacter pylori motility, human influenza disease as well as proliferation of cancer cells. In this context, we studied antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities of Mume Fructus in vitro. The results of this study suggest that it may have potential as new source of natural antioxidant and dietary supplement.
In the present study, an aqueous extract from Choerospondias axillaries fruit was evaluated for its in vivo antioxidant activity, using the d-galactose induced mouse aging model, and for its in vitro scavenging effects on the superoxide anions, DPPH, H2O2, OH. The reducing power and Fe2+-chelating ability, as well as the inhibition of lipid peroxidation were also evaluated. The flavonoid and phenolic contents of the extract were determined. Pertaining to the in vivo activity, the intragastric administration of the extract inhibited d-galactose induced oxidative damage. Furthermore, in the in vitro assays, the extract showed a high antioxidant effect, especially scavenging of DPPH anions and its reducing power. The total content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was 568 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g dry material and 2.09 mg of quercetin equivalents/g dry material respectively. These results provide scientific support for the empirical use of C. axillaries fruit as a medicine for cardiovascular diseases.
Water and organic extracts (diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol and methanol) obtained from Hizikia fusiformis were screened on reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging assays (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical) and lipid peroxidation (inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation) inhibitory assays. Water, methanol and ethanol extracts showed significant ROS radical scavenging activities. Water extracts showed high scavenging activities on hydrogen peroxide (around 76%) and DPPH radicals (around 75%) while it presented a moderate scavenging activity on hydroxyl radicals (around 54%). Comparatively higher ROS scavenging activities were recorded in hydroxyl radical and DPPH scavenging assays. DPPH radical scavenging activities were well correlated with the polyphenolic content. ROS scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition activities indicated that H. fusiformis might be a valuable natural antioxidative source containing both water and fatsoluble antioxidative components.
The antioxidative potential of ethanolic extracts from roasted wheat germ was compared with extracts from other roasted food. Among the cereal products, roasted wheat germ and roasted press cake from wheat germ processing yielded the most efficient extracts when added to stripped maize oil under accelerated-oxidation conditions. Ground and roasted hazelnut and sweet almond, respectively, showed comparable protective effects in stripped maize oil. In the same model system, an ethanolic extract of commercial coffee suppressed lipid oxidation almost completely. Radical scavenging effects of some extracts were analysed using the bleaching of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). The results were not in full agreement with those obtained in the accelerated oxidation experiments using stripped maize oil.
The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of the bamboo oil on antioxidative activity and nitrite scavenging activity in vitro and in vivo. When the bamboo oil concentration was increased from 10 to 90μL/mL, the DPPH scavenging rate increased from 15.6 to 98.2%. However, at bamboo oil concentrations above 110μL/mL, it was not increased. The superoxide anion radical scavenging rate increased from 54.8 to 89.1% when the bamboo oil concentration increased from 110 to 150μL/mL. When the bamboo oil was incubated for 20h, the linoleic acid scavenging rate was approximately 91.2%, similar to that of ascorbic acid. The glutathione production using bamboo oil in vivo was 59.0μM/g of liver, which was about 6.5-fold higher than that of the control. In the case of the activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase, they were 16.8U/mg of protein and 295KU/mg of protein, respectively, approximately 5.6-fold higher and 3.0-fold higher than that of the control. The nitrite scavenging activity was increased from 60.1 to 93.9% at pH of 1.2 when the saturation time was increased from 2 months to 8 months. However, at more than 10 months of saturation, this level was not increased. These results suggest that the bamboo oil of Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis can be used in bioactive and functional materials.
The autoxidation of soybean oil in a cyclodextrin emulsion system was studied in the presence of an emulsion stabilizer consisting of polysaccharides such as xanthan, tragacanth gum, and methylcellulose. Xanthan strongly inhibited the peroxidation of soybean oil containing tocopherols but showed no antioxidant activity on soybean oil without tocopherols in the emulsion. Xanthan did not have hydrogen-donating ability but expressed Fe2+-binding activity. The Fe2+-binding activity corresponded to the pyruvate content of xanthan. Depyruvated xanthan did not inhibit effectively the autoxidation of soybean oil. The Fe2+-chelating structure of xanthan is discussed.
In this study, we examined the antioxidant activities of red pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.) pericarp and red pepper seed extracts. The extracts were evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] (ABTS) radical scavenging, ferrous chelating activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reducing power, along with the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity by the testing methods. The red pepper pericarp extract exhibited strong ferrous chelating activity and high scavenging activity against free radicals, including both the hydroxyl and DPPH radicals, but it exhibited weaker scavenging activity for the superoxide anion radical and for SOD. In contrast, the red pepper seed extract exhibited strong SOD activity and high scavenging activity against the superoxide anion radical, but showed weaker ferrous chelating activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and DPPH radical scavenging. We observed that the reducing power level and ABTS radical scavenging activity of the red pepper seed were higher than those of the red pepper pericarp at the highest tested concentration. Most of the test results for the red pepper seed and red pepper pericarp extracts increased markedly with increasing concentration; however, the metal chelating, SOD and ABTS radical scavenging activities did not increase with the concentration. Highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained from the red pepper pericarp extracts. Overall, the red pepper seed and red pepper pericarp extracts were highly effective for the antioxidant properties assayed, with the exceptions of ferrous chelating activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging and SOD activity.
Duck processing by-products were hydrolysed using eight proteases to produce an antioxidative peptide. Of the various hydrolysates produced, the pepsin extract exhibited the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The derived peptide was purified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify any potent radical scavenging activity. The sequence of the antioxidative peptide obtained was identified as Asp-Val-Cys-Gly-Arg-Asp-Val-Asn-Gly-Tyr, with a molecular weight of 1096 Da. The IC50 value of purified peptide for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was 75 μg/ml as the measurement by an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer. In addition, the purified peptide exhibited a protective effect on H2O2-induced DNA damage. These results indicate that the purified peptide possesses a potent antioxidative activity and protective effect of DNA against H2O2-induced oxidative damage.
Four known carcinogenic compounds, all of which contain the nitroso group, have been found to be effective in producing cell killing, chromatid breaks, mutagenesis and chromatid rearrangements in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Single cell survival curves revealed these agents to exhibit a 50,000-fold difference in their mean lethal dose (Do) values. However, all agents yielded constant values for their efficiencies of production of chromatid breaks and single gene mutagenesis, but not chromatid rearrangements, when these were expressed in terms of the Do value of each agent. Three of the carcinogens produced single-hit and one produced a multiple-hit survival curve. The system offers distinct advantages in study of the interrelationships between mutagenic and carcinogenic actions in mammalian cells.
The antioxidant activity and free-radical and active oxygen-scavenging activity of burdock extracts were investigated. Of
the solvents used for extraction, water yielded the greatest amount of extract that exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity.
Water extracts of burdock (WEB) and hot water extracts of burdock (HWEB) exhibited comparable and marked activity on inhibition
of linoleic acid peroxidation, indicating that heat treatment did not alter the antioxidant activity of WEB. WEB and HWEB
produced significantly lower (P<0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) in both linoleic acid and liposome model systems than did the control. Moreover, mixtures of
tocopherol (Toc), WEB, and HWEB exhibited a remarkable synergistic antioxidant effect in a liposome system; WEB and HWEB thus
potentiated the action of Toc. Furthermore, WEB and HWEB displayed a marked inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation of rat
liver homogenate in vitro. WEB and HWEB exhibited an 80% scavenging effect on α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl radical and marked reducing power, indicating
that WEB and HWEB act as primary antioxidants. Both extracts at a dose of 1.0 mg exhibited a 60.4–65.0% scavenging effect
on superoxide and an 80.5% scavenging effect on hydrogen peroxide. They also showed a marked scavenging effect on the hydroxyl
radical. These results revealed that WEB and HWEB are also active as oxygen scavengers and as secondary antioxidants. Based
on these results, termination of free-radical reactions and quenching of reactive oxygen species in burdock extracts are suggested
to be, in part, responsible for the antioxidant activity of burdock extracts.
The present study was designed to elucidate the inhibitory potential of Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd) peel, pulp, seed and whole fruit extract on mouse skin papillomagensis with the modulatory influence of biotransformation system enzymes. Topical application of Momordica whole fruit extract (100 microl/animal per day) during the peri-initiation stage (1 week before and 2 weeks after initiation) by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and/or during the tumor promotion stage reduced the (i) tumor burden to 4.26, 3.72 and 3.11 (positive control value: 5.42); (ii) cumulative number of papillomas to 81, 67 and 53 (positive control value: 103); and (iii) percent incidence of mice bearing papillomas to 100, 94 and 94, respectively (positive control value: 100). In a comparison of the anticarcinogenic efficacy of Momordica peel, pulp, seed and whole fruit extract (100 microl/animal per day), after topical treatment during the peri-initiation and during the tumor promotion stage, revealed the modulation of the (i) tumor burden (tumors/mouse) to 3.06, 3.61, 3.17 and 3.11; (ii) cumulative number of papillomas to 49, 65, 54 and 53; and (iii) percent incidence of mice bearing papillomas to 84, 100, 94 and 94, respectively. Significant elevation in the sulfhydryl (-SH) level was observed in the liver and skin tissues by the topical treatment of Momordica peel, pulp, seed and whole fruit extract. Elevation in the hepatic levels of cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) and microsomal cytochrome b, was also observed by the topical treatment of Momordica peel, seed and whole fruit extract. The results suggest the maximum chemopreventive potential is in the Momordica peel. Equivocal efficacy is in the Momordica seed and whole fruit extract. Biotransformation system enzymes may be the cause of this reduced papillomagenesis.
Lipid oxidation, especially the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, is a significant issue in the food industry impacting both food quality and health of consumers. Apple skin was investigated as a source of natural antioxidants. The phenolic compound composition and antioxidant properties of 21 selected apple genotypes were evaluated. The lipid stabilizing ability of the apple skin extracts was examined using an aqueous emulsion system of methyl linolenate. The total phenolic concentrations determined by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry of methanolic extracts of skins of the apple genotypes varied from 150 to 700 mg/100 g DW. The antioxidant capacity measured by Folin-Ciocalteu (16.2 to 34.1 mg GAE/100 g DW), ferric reducing antioxidant power (1.3 to 3.3 g TE/100 g DW), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (5.2 to 14.2 g TE/100 g DW), and percent inhibition of oxidation of methyl linolenate (73.8% to 97.2%) varied among the apple genotypes. The apple skin extracts, specifically the crab apple varieties such as "Dolgo," were revealed to be effective inhibitors of oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid in a model system and thus can be considered as a potential source of natural food antioxidants.
Herba Moslae is a well-known edible and medicinal plant in China, and the essential oil, which is assumed to contain the active components, was isolated by steam distillation method. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity and the antioxidant activity of the essential oil from Herba Moslae.
The essential oil from Herba Moslae exhibited antimicrobial activity against all of the tested bacteria and fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for bacteria ranged from 118 to 472 microg mL(-1), and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were from 236 to 944 microg mL(-1). The oil showed pronounced antibacterial and antifungal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus oryzae, but weak inhibition to Escherichia coli. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil from Herba Moslae was evaluated by using DPPH radical scavenging assay, beta-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay and metal chelating activity assay. In addition, the amount of total phenolic content in the oil (386 +/- 1 microg kg(-1)) was determined.
This study suggests that the essential oil from Herba Moslae could be potentially used as a new potential source of natural antimicrobial, antioxidants and antiputrefactive in food industry.
The epidemiologic literature on the relationship between vegetable and fruit consumption and human cancer at a variety of sites is reviewed systematically. A total of 13 ecologic studies, nine cohort studies, and 115 case-control studies are included. Cancer of all sites, cancers of lung, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, stomach, pancreas, prostate, bladder, ovary, endometrium, cervix, and thyroid, as well as mesothelioma and gestational trophoblastic disease, are considered. Relevant data from clinical trials, animal, and in vitro studies are included. It is concluded that consumption of higher levels of vegetables and fruit is associated consistently, although not universally, with a reduced risk of cancer at most sites. The association is most marked for epithelial cancers--particularly those of the alimentary and respiratory tracts--and, currently, is weak to nonexistent for hormone-related cancers. The association exists for a wide variety of vegetables and fruit with some suggestion that raw forms are associated most consistently with lower risk. Possible mechanisms by which vegetable and fruit intake might alter risk of cancer and possible adverse effects of vegetable and fruit consumption will be considered in Part II of this review.
Reactive oxygen species are constantly formed in the human body and removed by antioxidant defenses. An antioxidant is a substance that, when present at low concentrations compared to that of an oxidizable substrate, significantly delays or prevents oxidation of that substrate. Antioxidants can act by scavenging biologically important reactive oxygen species (O2-., H2O2.OH, HOCl, ferryl, peroxyl, and alkyl), by preventing their formation, or by repairing the damage that they do. One problem with scavenging-type antioxidants is that secondary radicals derived from them can often themselves do biologic damage. These various principles will be illustrated by considering several thiol compounds.
The methanol extract of wax gourd (Japanese name "Tougan"), the fruits of Benincasa hispida COGN. (Cucurbitaceae), was found to show inhibitory activity on the histamine release from rat exudate cells induced by antigen-antibody reaction. Through bioassay-guided separation, four known triterpenes and two known sterols were isolated as active components together with a flavonoid C-glycoside, an acylated glucose, and a benzyl glycoside. Among the active triterpenes and sterols, two triterpenes, alnusenol and multiflorenol, were found to potently inhibit the histamine release.
Fifteen kinds of commonly consumed Thai vegetables were sequentially extracted with hexane, chloroform and methanol, and then tested for antimutagenic activities against direct-acting (AF-2 and NaN3) and indirect-acting (AFB1 and B(a)P) mutagens using Ames' Salmonella mutagenicity test with Salmonella typhimurium TA100 as tester strain. It was found that only the methanol extract of neem leaves contain weak antimutagen inhibiting the mutagenicities of both direct-acting mutagens. Interestingly, all vegetables studied were found to contain chemical compounds, mainly nonpolar ones, capable of inhibiting the mutagenicity of AFB1, while only some vegetables contain chemical compounds capable of inhibiting the mutagenicity of B(a)P, which is also an indirect-acting mutagen. Studies on anticarcinogenic potentials demonstrated that Thai bitter gourd fruits, but not sweet basil leaves, at the concentration of 6.25% and 12.5% in the diet, partially inhibited DMBA-induced mammary gland carcinogenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats when fed to the animals 2 weeks prior to DMBA. Results in the present study therefore demonstrated that most Thai vegetables contain antimutagens inhibiting the mutagenicity of some indirect-acting mutagen, particularly AFB1. The mechanism of their antimutagenicity may probably be the inhibition of the activity of metabolic-activating enzymes in rat liver homogenates. Very interestingly, our results clearly reveal that Thai bitter gourd fruits, which possess Phase II enzymes inducing property, as well as the ability to reduce Phase I enzyme activities in rat liver, contain some anticarcinogens or chemopreventive agents. However, sweet basil leaves that possess both Phase I and Phase II enzyme-inducing properties may not contain any anticarcinogen, at least against DMBA-induced mammary gland carcinogenesis.
Flavonoids represent a diverse group of phytochemicals which possess the capacity to act as antioxidants in vitro. This study examined the free radical scavenging properties of a luteolin-rich artichoke extract and some of its pure flavonoid constituents by assessing their ability to prevent Cu2+-mediated LDL oxidation. Artichoke extract retarded LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner as measured by a prolongation of the lag phase to conjugated diene formation, a decrease in the rate of propagation and a sparing of endogenous LDL alpha-tocopherol during oxidation. The pure aglycone, luteolin (1 microM), demonstrated an efficacy similar to that of 20 microg/ml artichoke extract in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, one of the glycosylated forms in the diet, also demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction of LDL oxidation that was less effective than that of luteolin. Studies of the copper-chelating properties of luteolin-7-O-glucoside and luteolin suggest a potential role for chelation in the antioxidative effects of artichoke extract. Overall, the results demonstrate that the antioxidant activity of the artichoke extract relates in part to its constituent flavonoids which act as hydrogen donors and metal ion chelators, and the effectiveness is further influenced by their partitioning between aqueous and lipophilic phases.
The putative beneficial effects of an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables have been associated with antioxidant nutrients. However, the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on the overall antioxidant status in humans is unclear.
The objective of this study was to investigate whether a diet rich in fruit and vegetables would affect the antioxidant capacity of human plasma.
Thirty-six healthy nonsmokers resided in a metabolic research unit and consumed 2 sets of controlled diets. Diet A contained 10 servings of fruit and vegetables each day for 15 d. Diet B was the same as diet A, except diet B also provided 2 servings of broccoli each day on days 6-10. There was a free-living period of a minimum of 6 wk between the 2 experiments using either diet A or diet B. Fasting plasma antioxidant capacity, measured as oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were determined on days 1, 6, 11, and 16.
The fasting baseline plasma ORAC of these subjects was significantly correlated with their estimated daily intake of total antioxidants from fruit and vegetables during the previous year. Plasma ORAC of these subjects was significantly increased by both diets A and B. This increase in ORAC could not be explained by the increase in the plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration.
Increased consumption of fruit and vegetables can increase the plasma antioxidant capacity in humans.
A method for the screening of antioxidant activity is reported as a decolorization assay applicable to both lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants, including flavonoids, hydroxycinnamates, carotenoids, and plasma antioxidants. The pre-formed radical monocation of 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS*+) is generated by oxidation of ABTS with potassium persulfate and is reduced in the presence of such hydrogen-donating antioxidants. The influences of both the concentration of antioxidant and duration of reaction on the inhibition of the radical cation absorption are taken into account when determining the antioxidant activity. This assay clearly improves the original TEAC assay (the ferryl myoglobin/ABTS assay) for the determination of antioxidant activity in a number of ways. First, the chemistry involves the direct generation of the ABTS radical monocation with no involvement of an intermediary radical. Second, it is a decolorization assay; thus the radical cation is pre-formed prior to addition of antioxidant test systems, rather than the generation of the radical taking place continually in the presence of the antioxidant. Hence the results obtained with the improved system may not always be directly comparable with those obtained using the original TEAC assay. Third, it is applicable to both aqueous and lipophilic systems.
The juice of Benincasa hispida (BH) showed significant activity against symptoms of morphine withdrawal, such as jumping response and diarrhoea, in mice. These results seem to indicate that BH may prevent the development of morphine addiction and also suppress symptoms of opioid withdrawal in animals.
Under oxidative stress, which is associated with atherosclerosis, oxidative modifications of LDL take place. A major effect of antioxidants in the LDL environment is to prevent the formation of oxidized LDL during atherogenesis. The question that arises is what are the body's capabilities to inhibit LDL oxidation and to remove and/or to neutralize atherogenic Ox-LDL when formed. Strategies to reduce LDL oxidation and atherogenesis can involve the enrichment of the LDL and arterial cells with potent antioxidants that can prevent oxidative damage to the arterial wall. There seems to be a clear cause and effect relationship between LDL oxidation and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and LDL is oxidized by all major cells of the arterial wall during the development of atherosclerosis via more than one mechanism. The various LDL oxidation pathways produce several lipid peroxidation products such as isoprostanes from arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, oxysterols from unesterified and esterified cholesterol, hydroxy fatty acids, lipid peroxides and aldehydes. Thus, one single assay of lipid peroxidation is probably not sufficient to serve as a marker for cardiovascular risk and there is a need for measurements of several markers. The use of biomarkers provides a logical scientific basis for major intervention trials of antioxidants; such trials will, in turn, eventually validate or disprove the biomarker concept. Any intervention trial that does take place should be accompanied by measurements of one or more relevant biomarkers at intervals during the study. If the endpoint of the trial is disease incidence or mortality, such studies will help to validate or disprove the biomarker concept. They might also help to explore the possibility that in vivo levels of oxidative lipid damage are early predictors of subsequent development of cardiovascular disease. In addition, specific antioxidants in serum, as well as serum paraoxonase activity can provide very useful information on the risk for cardiovascular diseases. For vascular disease risk, in addition to the markers in use for lipid peroxidation, there is a need to include also markers for endothelial dysfunction, monocyte adhesion, macrophage uptake of lipoproteins, thrombotic, and inflammatory processes.
Vegetables and fruits have been shown to be good sources of antioxidants. Benincasa hispida (wax gourd) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat hypertension and inflammation. The aims of this study were to investigate the abilities of antioxidation and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity of wax gourd pulp, core, seed, and peel prepared by different extraction methods. The fresh weights required to reach 50% inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation were higher in fresh extracts, compared to other extraction methods. Fresh weights required to reach 50% inhibition were the lowest in seed. The seed had the lowest Cu2+ -induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation percentage and inhibition level of ACE activity among all parts. The higher antioxidant capacity of the seed may result from the higher total phenolics contents and superoxide dismutase activity. The abilities of antioxidation and ACE activity inhibition may provide protective effects against cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
Benincasa hispida in Korea was used mainly diabetes and diuresis diseases. This study was carried out to evaluate anti-angiogenic effect of the seed extract of Benincasa hispida Cogniaux. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potent angiogenic factor found in various tumors. In this study, we found that the seed extract of Benincasa hispida Cogniaux decreased bFGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, Benincasa hispida seed extract showed no cytotoxicity on HUVECs and normal fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the seed extract of Benincasa hispida showed a potent inhibitory effect on bFGF-induced angiogenesis in vivo. These results suggest that the seed extract of Benincasa hispida inhibits the proliferation of endothelial cells induced by bFGF, which may explain its anti-angiogenic properties.
Six polyphenolic acid esters were synthesized and their antioxidative properties were evaluated in three model systems [2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced lipid peroxidation system, and the dye-bleaching assay of peroxynitrite radical]. Among these compounds, we found that compounds 4 [3,4-dihydroxy-benzoic acid-(2-phenoxyethyl ester)], and 5 [3,4-dihydroxy-cinnamic acid-(2-phenoxyethyl ester)] provided comparable activity to caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in the DPPH model. Compound 3 [2,5-dihydroxy-benzoic acid-(2-phenoxyethyl ester)], was found to be more active than CAPE in the AAPH system, it also displayed about 2-fold greater activity than CAPE in the peroxynitrite radical model. These results suggest that these phenolic acid ester derivatives, with their potent anti-oxidant activities, may have useful applications as antioxidants.
The processed green tea leaves were irradiated by far-infrared (FIR) at eight temperatures (80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 degrees C) for 10 min. After FIR irradiation, green teas were prepared by soaking the leaves in boiling water, and the physicochemical characteristics of the green tea were determined. FIR irradiation at 90 degrees C increased total phenol contents of green tea from 244.7 to 368.5 mg/g and total flavanol contents from 122.0 to 178.7 mg/g, compared with non-irradiated control. FIR irradiation also significantly affected the amounts of epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate. Nitrite scavenging activity also increased with increasing FIR irradiation until the temperature reached 110 degrees C. However, the overall color changes of green tea irradiated with FIR at 90 and 100 degrees C were negligible. These results indicate that the chemical quality of green tea is significantly affected by FIR irradiation temperature of the green tea leaves.
Curcumin (diferuoyl methane) is a phenolic compound and a major component of Curcuma longa L. In the present paper, we determined the antioxidant activity of curcumin by employing various in vitro antioxidant assays such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH*) scavenging, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (DMPD) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity determination by ferric thiocyanate, total reducing ability determination by the Fe(3+)-Fe(2+) transformation method, superoxide anion radical scavenging by the riboflavin/methionine/illuminate system, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and ferrous ions (Fe(2+)) chelating activities. Curcumin inhibited 97.3% lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at 15 microg/mL concentration (20 mM). On the other hand, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA, 123 mM), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, 102 mM), alpha-tocopherol (51 mM) and trolox (90 mM) as standard antioxidants indicated inhibition of 95.4, 99.7, 84.6 and 95.6% on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at 45 microg/mL concentration, respectively. In addition, curcumin had an effective DPPH* scavenging, ABTS*(+) scavenging, DMPD*(+) scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferric ions (Fe(3+)) reducing power and ferrous ions (Fe(2+)) chelating activities. Also, BHA, BHT, alpha-tocopherol and trolox, were used as the reference antioxidant and radical scavenger compounds. According to the present study, curcumin can be used in the pharmacological and food industry because of these properties.
Therapeutic potential of polar and non-polar extracts of Cyanthillium cinereum in vitro. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine doi:10.1093/ecam Polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity of lyophilized aqueous extract of propolis from Erzurum, Turkey
- G Guha
- V Rajkumar
- R Ashok Kumar
- L Mathew
- I Gülçin
- E Bursal
- M H Sehitoglu
- M Bilsel
- A C Gören
GUHA, G., RAJKUMAR, V., ASHOK KUMAR, R. and MATHEW, L. 2009. Therapeutic potential of polar and non-polar extracts of Cyanthillium cinereum in vitro. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine doi:10.1093/ecam/nep155 GÜLÇIN, I., BURSAL, E., SEHITOGLU, M.H., BILSEL, M. and GÖREN, A.C. 2010. Polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity of lyophilized aqueous extract of propolis from Erzurum, Turkey. Food Chem. Toxicol. 48(8–9), 2227–2238.
Mutagenesis by carcinogenic nitroso compounds
- KATO
KATO, F.T. and PUCK, T.T. 1971. Mutagenesis by carcinogenic nitroso compounds. J. Cell. Physiol. 78, 139–144.
Antioxidant activity of Mume fructus extract Antioxidant activity of Budrock (Arctium laooa Linn.): Its scavenging effect on free radical and active oxygen
- T Debnath
- J P Bak
- N B Samad
- H L Jin
- B R Lee
- B O Lim
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Novel Natural Antioxidants for Utilization in Food and Biological Systems A novel type of antioxidant isolated from leaf wax of eucalyptus leaves
- T Osawa
- Japan
- T Osawa
- M Namiki
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Vegetables, fruit, and cancer. I. Epidemiology
- STEINMETZ