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Abstract: Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize a fungal endophyte Y3 from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan [L.] Millsp), as a novel producer of vitexin, and its culture medium optimization and antioxidant activity. Methods and Results: The endophyte from the leaves of pigeon pea was identified as Dichotomopilus funicola by the morphological and molecular characteristics. The most important medium variables affecting vitexin production in liquid culture of D. funicola Y3 were screened by Plackett–Burman design, and three culture medium constituents (i.e. l‐phenylalanine, salicylic acid and CuSO4·5H2O) were identified to play significant roles in vitexin production. The most significant factors were further optimized using by central composite design with response surface methodology. The DPPH radical‐scavenging assay indicated that fungal vitexin exhibited notable antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 164 μg l−1. Conclusions: First, a novel endophyte vitexin‐producing Dichotomopilus funicola Y3 was isolated from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan[L.] Millsp.). The maximum vitexin yield was obtained as 78·86 mg l−1 under the optimum culture medium constituents: 0·06 g l−1  l‐phenylalanine, 0·21 g l−1 salicylic acid, and 0·19 g l−1 CuSO4·5H2O in medium, which is 4·59‐fold higher than that in the unoptimized medium. Also, fungal vitexin clearly demonstrated its antioxidant potential. Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings provide an alternative source for large‐scale production of vitexin by endophytic fungal fermentation and have a promising prospect in food and pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato seed contains proteins of high nutritional value and nutraceutical properties, which can be recovered for application as food additives. In this study, we investigated the use of a Lactobacillus plantarum strain to obtain high-added-value peptides from the fermentation process using tomato seed meal extract as the substrate. Potentially tomato seed meal extract have antioxidant activity which is correlated to the amino acid structures, compositions and sequences. After 24 h of fermentation, the radical scavenging activity of the isolated extract was increased by 87%. The increase of antioxidant activity is potentially attributed to the production of different bioactive peptides bio transformed during fermentation. L. plantarum growth on tomato seed meal extract as substrate reduced content of crude and soluble proteins by 18.44% and 68.99%, respectively, after 24 h of fermentation. Gel filtration chromatography showed a depolymerization of high molecular weight of polymers. HPLC analysis showed a significant decrease in the concentration of total amino acids, especially glutamic acid and aspartic acid. FTIR results showed that the fermentation favors the production of new amides and aromatic compounds. The production of protease by L. plantarum was investigated and results showed that highest activity (401.45 U/ml) were obtained after 20 h of fermentation. Results confirmed that L. plantarum could degrade and convert tomato seed proteins into bioactive peptides that contributed positively to the improvement of antioxidant activity of the protein isolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is a plant native of Central and South America, but widely distributed in the wild or semi-cultivated areas in Africa, India, and South East Asia. Although studies are available in literature on the polyphenolic content and bioactivity of Jatropha curcas L., no information is currently available on plants grown in pedoclimatic and soil conditions different from the autochthon regions. The aim of the present work was to characterize the antioxidant system developed by the plant under a new growing condition and to evaluate the polyphenol amount in a methanolic extract of leaves. Along with these analyses we have also tested the antioxidant and cytoprotective activities on lymphocytes. RP-HPLC-DAD analysis of flavonoids revealed a chromatographic profile dominated by the presence of flavone C-glucosydes. Vitexin is the most abundant identified compound followed by vicenin-2, stellarin-2, rhoifolin, and traces of isovitexin and isorhoifolin. Methanolic extract had high scavenging activity in all antioxidant assays tested and cytoprotective activity on lymphocytes exposed to tertz-buthylhydroperoxide. The results highlighted a well-defined mechanism of adaptation of the plant and a significant content of secondary metabolites with antioxidant properties, which are of interest for their potential uses, especially as a rich source of biologically active products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Various studies have shown that the leaf extracts ofSpondias mombinLinn (Anacardiaceae) possess pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and antiviral effects. However, no biological activity from its essential oil has been reported in literature. Objective:To analyse the chemical constituents, cytotoxic activity and antioxidant capability of the essential oils from fresh and dried leaves ofS. mombin. Materials and methods:Hydrodistillation using Clevenger-type apparatus was employed to obtain the essential oil. Oil analysis was performed using an HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph coupled with an HP 5973 Mass Selective Detector. The cytotoxicity bioassay was carried out using the brine shrimp lethality test (10,000–0.01 μg/mL). Additionally, the reactive oxygen species scavenging potential of the twoS. mombinoils (1000–200 μg/mL) were investigated using a hydroxyl radical scavenging and ferric iron reducing system. Results:Chemical analysis of essential oils fromS. mombinrevealed the presence of 41 compounds, with predominance of monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids and non-terpenoids derivatives. In both fractions, the principal component was β-caryophellene (27.9–30.9%), followed by γ-cadinene (9.7–12.3%). There was an increase in the oxygenated monoterpenoid contents and a concomitant decrease in the amounts of sesquiterpenoids hydrocarbons observed on drying the leaves. The oil obtained from the fresh leaves was more active than that obtained from dried leaves, with LC50values (from the brine shrimp lethality assay) of 0.01 and 4.78 μg/mL, respectively. The two oils (from fresh and dried leaves) at 1.0 mg/mL scavenged hydroxyl radical by 83% and 99.8%, respectively. Moreover, they reduced ferric ion significantly and compared favourably with vitamin C. Conclusions:Essential oil derived from the leaves ofS. mombincould hold promise for future application in the treatment of cancer-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysobalanus icacoL. is an underexplored plant found in tropical areas around the globe. Currently, there is no apparent information regarding the effectsC. icacofruits may exert in vivo or potential role in health promotion. This study aimed at providing evidence regarding the in vivo influence of this fruit on antigenotoxicity, antimutagenicity, and oxidative stress in rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg body weight (bw)/dC. icacofruit for 14 d. Doxorubicin (DXR, 15 mg/kg bw, ip) was used for DNA damaging and as an oxidant to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Genomic instability was assessed by the comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test, while antioxidant activity was determined by oxidative burst of neutrophils.Chrysobalanus icacofruit polyphenols were quantified and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS). The concentrations of 19 chemical elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Significant amounts of polyphenols, magnesium, and selenium were found inC. icacofruit. This fruit displayed in vivo antioxidant activity against DXR-induced damage in rat peripheral blood neutrophils, antigenotoxicity in peripheral blood cells, and antimutagenicity in bone-marrow cells and peripheral blood cells. Correlation analyses between endpoints examined indicated that the mechanism underlying chemopreventive actions ofC. icacofruit was attributed to inhibition of NADPH oxidase complex manifested as low levels of DNA damage in animals exposed to DXR. Data indicate that phytochemicals and minerals inC. icacofruit protect DNA against damage in vivo associated with their antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents some of the most recent aspects related to antioxidants and the basic kinetic models of inhibited autoxidation and analyzes the chemical principles of antioxidant capacity assays. Taking into account the reactions involved, in the antioxidant activity determinations, the assays can be classified into two main types: hydrogen atom transfer reactions and electron transfer. This review focuses on analytical methods used for antioxidant activity assay, published in the period 2009-2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Science (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of the present study was to assess the ecotoxicological responses of Pardosa pseudoannulata to a common environmental pollutant, cadmium. Third-instar spiderlings and adult spiders were exposed to sublethal concentrations of CdCl solution in their drinking water. The Cd content in P. pseudoannulata adults increased significantly with the number of days of exposure to a 0.2 mM CdCl solution, when exposed to 2 mM CdCl solution, the Cd content in the spiders increased sharply in the first two (male) or three (female) weeks, and then no significant changes were recorded following with the next three (male) or two (female) weeks exposure. Exposure of spiders to Cd contaminated drinking water resulted in reduced body mass, delayed development, fewer eggs and increased mortality. Significantly higher activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione- s-transferase were recorded in the spiders after 7 day exposure to 0.2 mM CdCl solution. However, longer-term exposures or increased Cd concentrations did not result in significantly higher antioxidant enzyme activity relative to control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We exposed the microalgal strain, Chlorella sp. MM3, to unused or used engine oil, or their water accommodated fractions (WAFs) to determine growth inhibition and response of antioxidant enzymes. Oil type and oil concentration greatly affected the microalgal growth. Used oil at 0.04 % (0.4 g L) resulted in 50 % inhibition in algal growth, measured in terms of chlorophyll-a, while the corresponding concentration of unused oil was nontoxic. Similarly, used oil WAF showed significant toxicity to the algal growth at 10 % level, whereas WAF from unused oil was nontoxic even at 100 % concentration. Peroxidase enzyme in the microalga significantly increased with used oil at concentrations above 0.04 g L whereas the induction of superoxide dismutase and catalase was apparent only at 0.06 g L. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes increased significantly when the microalga was exposed to 75 and 100 % WAF obtained from used oil. The used oil toxicity on microalga could be due to the presence of toxic soluble mono- and polyaromatic compounds, heavy metals, and other compounds attained by the oil during its use in the motor engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Microbiology is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: This paper highlighted the effect of selected soil containing metals, viz. Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn on the biochemical compositions and antioxidant activity in leaf of 20 years old two Cassia fistula L. (CF) cultivars. The leaf samples were collected from CF grown on road sides from the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka in India. Methods: Antioxidant activity and total phenol contents from methanolic and aqueous leaf extract were evaluated by assays like oxygen radical absorbance capacities (ORAC), 2, 2/-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and folin-ciocalteu reagent methods respectively. Maximum dose dependent antioxidant activity was observed in methanol leaf extract of both the cultivars, but marginal variation observed in antioxidant activity. Results: The result revealed that total phenolic content was maximum in the methanolic leaf extract (11.40 ± 0.37 mg g-1 of gallic acid equivalent). A positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenol compounds was noticed from both the samples. Furthermore a significant correlation was observed between element contents and antioxidant activities. Conclusion: This was may be due to elements like Fe, Cu, and Zn for accumulation of secondary constituents in the methanolic leaf extract that are major contributors to the antioxidant potential of CF. There were no other heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Pb and Cr) reported in both the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salinity stress on growth of Cassia italica and role of gamma amminobutyric acid (GABA) in mitigating the salt stress induced damaging effects. Antioxidant activity, level of endogenous growth hormones and other biochemical parameters were evaluated. Salt stress enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in the enhanced lipid peroxidation which was however reduced by application of GABA. Increased lipid peroxidation in salt stressed plants caused an obvious reduction in the total lipid content as compared to GABA treated plants. The antioxidant enzymes were higher in GABA treated plants which indicated a reduction of oxidative damage. The concentrations of growth hormones like indole acetic acid (IAA), indole butyric acid (IBA), gibberellic acid-1 (GA1), and gibberellic acid-4 (GA4) were reduced by salt stress, while enhanced by GABA treatment. In addition GABA treated plants maintained lower levels of sodium and chloride ions as compared to salt stressed plants. It could be concluded that toxic effects of salt stress on growth, antioxidant system, hormones and mineral nutrients in Cassia italica could be alleviated by exogenous application of GABA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbicillinoids are important hexaketide metabolites derived from fungi. They have a variety of biological activities including cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial activity. The unique structural features of the sorbicillinoids make them attractive candidates for developing new pharmaceutical and agrochemical agents. About 90 sorbicillinoids have been reported in the past few decades. This mini-review aims to briefly summarize their occurrence, structures, and biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The secondary metabolites of the Artemisia genus are well known for their important therapeutic properties. This genus is one of the valuable sources of flavonoids and other polyphenols, but due to the low contents of these important metabolites, there is a need to either enhance their concentration in the original plant or seek alternative sources for them. The aim of the current study was to detect and enhance the yield of antioxidant compounds of Artemisia carvifolia Buch. HPLC analysis was performed to detect the antioxidants. With the aim of increasing flavonoid content, Rol gene transgenics of A. carvifolia were established. Two genes of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase, were studied by real time qPCR. Antioxidant potential was determined by performing different antioxidant assays. Results: HPLC analysis of wild-type A. carvifolia revealed the presence of flavonoids such as caffeic acid (30 μg/g DW), quercetin (10 μg/g DW), isoquercetin (400 μg/g DW) and rutin (300 μg/g DW). Compared to the untransformed plants, flavonoid levels increased 1.9-6-fold and 1.6-4-fold in rol B and rol C transgenics, respectively. RT qPCR analysis showed a variable expression of the flavonoid biosynthetic genes, including those encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase, which were found to be relatively more expressed in transformed than wild-type plants, thus correlating with the metabolite concentration. Methanolic extracts of transgenics showed higher antioxidant capacity, reducing power, and protection against free radical-induced DNA damage. Among the transgenic plants, those harboring rol B were slightly more active than the rol C-transformants. Conclusion: As well as demonstrating the effectiveness of rol genes in inducing plant secondary metabolism, this study provides insight into the molecular dynamics of the flavonoid accumulation pattern, which correlated with the expression of biosynthetic genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper tries to assess the protective effect of fisetin against ?OH-induced DNA damage, then to investigate the possible mechanism. Methods:The protective effect was evaluated based on the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). The possible mechanism was analyzed using various antioxidant methods in vitro, including ?OH scavenging (deoxyribose degradation), ?O2 - scavenging (pyrogallol autoxidation), DPPH? scavenging, ABTS?+ scavenging, and Cu2+-reducing power assays. Results: Fisetin increased dose-dependently its protective percentages against ?OH-induced DNA damage (IC50 value =1535.00±29.60 µM). It also increased its radical-scavenging percentages in a dose-dependent manner in various antioxidants assays. Its IC50 values in ?OH scavenging, ?O2 - scavenging, DPPH? scavenging, ABTS?+ scavenging, and Cu2+- reducing power assays, were 47.41±4.50 µM, 34.05±0.87 µM, 9.69±0.53 µM, 2.43±0.14 µM, and 1.49±0.16 µM, respectively. Conclusion: Fisetin can effectively protect DNA against ?OH-induced oxidative damage possibly via reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging approach, which is assumed to be hydrogen atom (H?) and/or single electron (e) donation (HAT/SET) pathways. In the HAT pathway, the 3',4'-dihydroxyl moiety in B ring of fisetin is thought to play an important role, because it can be ultimately oxidized to a stable ortho-benzoquinone form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant capacity of cysteine, glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, and ascorbic acid to reduce Methylene Blue to colourless Leucomethylene Blue was analysed. Interestingly, transient exposure of Leucomethylene Blue to sunlight resulted in a reversible oxidation reaction and thus, provided a fast, easy, and simple quantitative assay to determine antioxidant capacity and photostability of biologically relevant antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The boldo leaf has several traditional folk medicinal uses, such as for gallbladder, hepatic problems, digestive disorders, rheumatism and others. In the work reported herein, botanic profiling, extraction optimization by Soxhlet, quantification of boldine by an easy/simple to run HPLC method and antioxidant assay are proposed for the quality assurance of boldo dried leaves, standardized extracts, dried extracts, tablets and capsules. Materials and Methods: In this present work we are studying a systematic approach in the quality assurance study of quality assurance for Peumus boldus M products by the ascertainment of pharmacobotanic parameters for boldo identification, investigation of the extraction parameters by Soxhlet method, development and validation of an easy/simple to run HPLC method to quantify boldine in the raw drug, extracts, commercial tablets, capsules and coated tablets, and antioxidant assay. Results: The plant material was submitted to a pharmacognostic evaluation through morpho-anatomical diagnosis, showing that starlike trichomes can be used for boldo authentication. The HPLC validated analytical method is reliable, accurate and precise for boldine quantification. Furthermore, the Soxhlet extraction conditions were optimized. Conclusion: The methods proposed in this paper can be used for the quality assurance of boldo dried leaves, standardized extracts, dried extracts, tablets and capsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3,5-dihydroxy-4-ethyl-trans-stilbene (DETS) is a natural stilbene, which was first identified as bioactive bacterial secondary metabolite isolated from Bacillus cereus associated with a rhabditid entomopathogenic nematode. The present study was intended to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer activity of this compound in vitro. Antioxidant activity was investigated by assaying DPPH free radical scavenging, superoxide radical-(O2-) scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and metal chelating activity, which proved that the compound is a powerful antioxidant. The metal chelating activity of DETS was higher than butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA) and gallic acid, two well-known antioxidants. As the molecule exhibited strong antioxidant potential, it was further evaluated for cytotoxic activity toward five cancer cells of various origins. Since the compound has a strong structural similarity with resveratrol (trans-3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene), a well-studied chemopreventive polyphenolic antioxidant, its anticancer activity was compared with that of resveratrol. Among the five cancer cells studied, the compound showed maximum cytotoxicity toward the human melanoma cell line, [A375, IC50: 24.01 μM] followed by cervical [HeLa-46.17 μM], colon [SW480-47.28 μM], liver [HepG2-69.56 μM] and breast [MCF-7-84.31 μM] cancer cells. A375 was much more sensitive to DETS compared to the non-melanoma cell line, A431, in which the IC50 of the compound was more than double (49.60 μM). In the present study, the anticancer activity of DETS against melanoma was confirmed by various apoptosis assays. We also observed that DETS, like resveratrol, down-regulates the expression status of major molecules contributing to melanoma progression, such as BRAF, b-catenin and Brn-2, all of which converge in MITF-M, the master regulator of melanoma signaling. The regulatory role of MITF-M in DETS-induced cytotoxicity in melanoma cells was confirmed by comparing the cytotoxicity of DETS in A375 cells (IC50-24.01 μM), with that in SK-MEL-2 (IC50-67.6 μM), another melanoma cells which highly over-express MITF-M. The compound arrests the cells at S-G2 transition state of the cell cycle, as resveratrol. Our results indicate that DETS is a powerful antioxidant, having anticancer efficacy comparable with that of resveratrol, and is a potential candidate to be explored by in vivo studies and in-depth mechanistic evaluation. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the antioxidant and anticancer properties of DETS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of treating plant tissue with enzymatic agent ViscoStar 150L for the extraction of biologically active compounds. In the current study the screening of extraction methods from citrus fruit peels (grapefruit, lemon, orange) was performed. The samples treated with enzymatic agent ViscoStar 150L showed better extraction results than the traditional ethanol/water extraction method. Citrus peels' extracts assayed for antioxidant activity (determined as ferric reducing antioxidant power -- FRAP) decreased in the following order: grapefruit > orange > lemon. The enzymatic agent ViscoStar 150L proved to have a positive synergic effect on juice yield from cowberry previously treated with a complex pectolytic enzymatic agent. The enzymatic agent ViscoStar 150L proved to have a synergic effect on grain grist mashes previously treated with an amylolytic enzymatic agent, the inhibitor activity of the compounds produced by actinomycetic microorganisms grown on substrates based on these mashes being higher than that of previously known inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurotransmission unavoidably increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. However, the intrinsic antioxidant defense of neurons is weak and hence the mechanism whereby these cells are physiologically protected against oxidative damage is unknown. Here we found that the antioxidant defense of neurons is repressed owing to the continuous protein destabilization of the master antioxidant transcriptional activator, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). By contrast, Nrf2 is highly stable in neighbor astrocytes explaining their robust antioxidant defense and resistance against oxidative stress. We also show that subtle and persistent stimulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in astrocytes, through a mechanism not requiring extracellular Ca2+ influx, upregulates a signal transduction pathway involving phospholipase C-mediated endoplasmic reticulum release of Ca2+ and protein kinase Cδ activation. Active protein kinase Cδ promotes, by phosphorylation, the stabilization of p35, a cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5) cofactor. Active p35/Cdk5 complex in the cytosol phosphorylates Nrf2 at Thr395, Ser433 and Thr439 that is sufficient to promote Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus and induce the expression of antioxidant genes. Furthermore, this Cdk5-Nrf2 transduction pathway boosts glutathione metabolism in astrocytes efficiently protecting closely spaced neurons against oxidative damage. Thus, intercellular communication through NMDAR couples neurotransmission with neuronal survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of antioxidant compounds bearing pharmacologically active groups has become a research interest in the last decade. A series of hydrazones containing a butylated hydroxyl group were synthesized from 2-((3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)thio)acetohydrazide and various benzaldehyde derivatives, and their radical scavenging activity was explored by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl ( DPPH) assay and computational calculations. Based on the results, the effects of different substituents on the DPPH IC50 values were discussed. The bond dissociation enthalpies ( BDE) of OH and NH bonds and the spin density ( SD) values of the compounds were calculated using the density functional theory ( DFT) to determine the theoretical capability of the hydrazones as radical scavengers. Based on the results, the effects of the thioether group and the substituent groups next to the NH bond on the BDE values were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin sensitization potential of chemicals has been determined with the use of the murine local lymph node assay (LLNA). However, in recent years public concern about animal welfare has led to a requirement for non-animal risk assessment systems for the prediction of skin sensitization potential, to replace LLNA. Selection of an appropriate in vitro test or in silico model descriptors is critical to obtain good predictive performance. Here, we investigated the utility of artificial neural network (ANN) prediction models using various combinations of descriptors from several in vitro sensitization tests. The dataset, collected from published data and from experiments carried out in collaboration with the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA), consisted of values from the human cell line activation test (h-CLAT), direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA), SH test and antioxidant response element (ARE) assay for chemicals whose LLNA thresholds have been reported. After confirming the relationship between individual in vitro test descriptors and the LLNA threshold (e.g. EC3 value), we used the subsets of chemicals for which the requisite test values were available to evaluate the predictive performance of ANN models using combinations of h-CLAT/DPRA ( N = 139 chemicals), the DPRA/ARE assay ( N = 69), the SH test/ARE assay ( N = 73), the h-CLAT/DPRA/ARE assay ( N = 69) and the h-CLAT/SH test/ARE assay ( N = 73). The h-CLAT/DPRA, h-CLAT/DPRA/ARE assay and h-CLAT/SH test/ARE assay combinations showed a better predictive performance than the DPRA/ARE assay and the SH test/ARE assay. Our data indicates that the descriptors evaluated in this study were all useful for predicting human skin sensitization potential, although combinations containing h-CLAT (reflecting dendritic cell-activating ability) were most effective for ANN-based prediction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to extract lignin from sugarcane bagasse followed by its structural characterization, oxidation, and evaluation of antioxidant activities. Lignin was extracted in a process involving different concentrations (1, 5, and 10 %) of NaOH solutions. The chemical composition of untreated and treated bagasse samples was analyzed which clearly showed that the delignification was found to be maximum with 10 % NaOH. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of untreated and treated samples of bagasse were taken to study the physical changes occurred in the bagasse during different treatments. Lignin extracted was purified with acidified water and oxidized with 10 % HO. Both lignin and oxidized lignin were structurally characterized using Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR), H, and C NMR spectra. The antioxidant potential of lignin and its oxidized derivative was evaluated by radical scavenging activity using DPPH method. Lignin was found to have higher antioxidant activity than oxidized lignin. This was attributed to a higher number of phenolic groups in lignin than in oxidized lignin. Both lignin and its oxidized derivative were observed to have higher antioxidant activity than 3,5-di- tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT) and lower than 3- tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA). It was concluded that sugarcane bagasse lignin and its oxidized derivative could be used as potential antioxidant of food oils and fats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants are of primary value biologically since they restrict the damage that reactive free radicals can do to cells and cellular components. These reactive free radicals are produced in cells and tissues in various ways, e.g., by the impact of radiation, by the transition metal catalysis and by redox processes often involving enzymes. In many cases, a reactive free radical arises as a result of a metabolic process within a cell, which is called metabolic activation and is of considerable significance with respect to the mechanism of action of some chemical carcinogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total antioxidant activity of three apple cultivars conventionally farmed (Jonagold, Golden Delicious and Idared) and two cultivars organically farmed (Jonagold and Golden Delicious) were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The spin label used for experiments was TEMPO radical (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) with a well-defined EPR spectrum consisting of three equidistant peaks. The results obtained indicated difference in the total antioxidant activity of apples grown in two different ways, conventional and organic, as well as between different cultivars grown in the same way. The Golden Delicious cultivar is richer in antioxidants than the Jonagold and Idared, regardless of the method of farming. The difference between them is higher in conventionally grown apples than in organically farmed apples. Experimental data was fitted with non-linear curve fit for exponential decay of the first order based on the Levenberg-Marquardt method. The high values of the R² parameters for all data indicated correctness in the proposition of exponential decay of the first order as a model describing the dynamic properties of spin labels which diminish in the presence of fresh apple juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) varieties cultivated in Huelva (Spain) and picked at two seasons during two consecutive years, were characterized for their antioxidant activity (free radicals scavenging activity, reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition) and vitamin content (vitamin E and vitamin C). The effects induced by sweet orange variety and stage of maturity were comprehensively compared by applying 2-way ANOVA and linear discriminant analysis. The results indicated higher differences in antioxidant activity and vitamin contents in response to the effect of the harvesting season, when compared to the effect of sweet orange variety. Nevertheless, the results observed in 2012 showed less marked differences among the assayed sweet orange varieties. Either way, it might be concluded that oranges sampled in January show the highest antioxidant activity and vitamin contents. Furthermore, concerning the properties evaluated in this work, all sweet orange varieties represent good alternatives, except for Rhode Summer, which would not be the preferable choice as a target to enhance sweet orange overall characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient synthetic route to the resveratrol oligomers quadrangularin A and pallidol is reported. It features a scalable biomimetic oxidative dimerization that proceeds in excellent yield and with complete regioselectivity. A systematic evaluation of the natural products and their synthetic precursors as radical-trapping antioxidants has revealed that, contrary to popular belief, this mode of action is unlikely to account for their observed biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigated some biochemical effects associated with subchronic administration of the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty male albino Wistar rats were assigned to four groups of five rats per group. Diabetes was induced in rats in groups 1, 2 and 3 by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) while rats in group 4 served as positive control. Upon establishment of diabetes, rats in group 1 were treated with 30 mg/ml of H. sabdariffa extract ad libitum while those in group 3 were treated with glibenclamide (2 mg/kg), a known anti-diabetic drug. Rats in groups 2 and 4 were given clean water. All treatment lasted for 21 days. Blood glucose levels of the rats were assessed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 while blood for clinical chemistry analyses (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein) were collected on days 0 and 21. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated using Friedewald formula and very low density lipoprotein was gotten by dividing triglyceride by 5. In vitro antioxidant assay was carried out using ferric reducing antioxidant power model. Results showed that the blood glucose level of the extract-treated rats decreased significantly ( p < 0.05) from 296.00 ± 86.11 on day 0 to 30.87 ± 11.39 on day 21. This was comparable with reduction achieved by glibenclamide-treated group. The total cholesterol and LDL levels of the extract-treated rats were significantly ( p < 0.05) lower than that of the diabetic-untreated controls. There was no significant difference ( p > 0.05) in the mean activities of serum AST, ALT and ALP when compared across the groups. The results of in vitro antioxidant test revealed that the antioxidant activity of H. sabdariffa extract was concentration-dependent with the maximum antioxidant activity of 87 % at 400 mg/ml. The aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa exhibited hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), as one of the main active ingredients of the natural product propolis, shows the unique biological activities such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, and so on. These have attracted the attention of many researchers to explore the compound with potent biological activities. This review aims to summarize its bioactivities, synthetic methods and derivatives, which will be helpful for further study and development of CAPE and its derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this paper is to report the results of investigations into the antioxidant effect of dihydrofurocoumarins ( 1-6), isolated from the salt marsh plant Corydalis heterocarpa. The scavenging activities of the isolated compounds against DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals were evaluated by electron spin resonance. The protective activities of these compounds against hydroxyl radical-mediated genomic DNA damage and peroxynitrite-mediated dihydrorhodamine oxidation were also investigated. The experimental results show that most compounds had antioxidant activity but their capabilities differed a little for the different indicators. Among them, compound 6 exerted the strongest antioxidant activity at a concentration of 100 μM/mL for all tested bioassay systems, compared with other compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we attempted to explore banana rhizome (BR) as a source of natural bioactive compounds. Dried BR powder was subjected to sequential extraction using solvents with increasing polarity and studied for antioxidant activities. Chloroform and acetone extracts were selected for isolation and identification of bioactive compounds because of their high antioxidant properties. Antioxidant activity guided fractionation of these extracts yielded 3 compounds. The spectroscopy studies revealed the identity of isolated compounds as 4-epicyclomusalenone, cycloeucalenol acetate and chlorogenic acid. Polyphenolic compound chlorogenic acid and triterpenoid compounds, 4-cyclomusalenone and cycloeucalenol acetate displayed multifunctional antioxidant activity. Practical Application The isolated compounds namely 4-epicyclomusalenone, cycloeucalenol acetate and chlorogenic acid have demonstrated their antioxidant properties in different in vitro assay models. The present study indicated that the vast quantity of banana rhizome which was incinerated could be a potential source of natural antioxidant compounds. This can also be used in the food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of African Medicine is the property of Wolters Kluwer India Pvt Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Faba bean phenolic compounds encompassed phenolic acids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. Roasting faba beans for 120 min decreased the total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents by 42, 42 and 30 %, respectively. Roasting beans for 120 min decreased the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, total equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power by 48, 15 and 8 %, respectively. High performance liquid chromatography-post column derivatisation revealed the generation of new phenolic compounds as a result of roasting. Antioxidant mechanism of bean less-polar phenolic compounds was largely based on free radical scavenging activity. The bean phenolic compounds with reducing capability were heat stable. Roasted faba bean extracts (70 % acetone, v/v) were fractionated into relatively polar and non-polar fractions; the latter contributed the majority of the antioxidant capacity. The extracts from beans with different seed coat colours differed in their phenolic compositions, which suggest different levels of potential benefits to health. Although roasting initially lowers the bean antioxidant capacity, prolonged roasting at 150 °C for 60 min and longer causes generation of new phenolic compounds and an increased antioxidant capacity. The findings encourage a wider ultilisation of faba beans for human foods particularly in baked/roasted products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present study, antioxidant status was evaluated in rat serum following exposure to magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. The lungs of rats were intratracheally instilled with (single dose) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + 1% of Tween 80 (solvent control) or MgO or carbonyl iron (negative control) or quartz particles (positive control) at a dose of 1 and 5 mg/kg of body weight. The blood samples were collected at 1, 7, and 30 days of postinstillation of nanoparticles after their exposure, and different parameters were estimated to assess the oxidative stress induced by the instillation of MgO. Exposure of rats to MgO produced a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent reduction in blood total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity levels than PBS + 1% Tween 80 control group. This reduction in the antioxidant capacity in MgO nanoparticle-exposed rats indicates the reduction in antioxidant defense mechanisms due to the instillation of MgO. These results indicate that exposure to MgO nanoparticles induces oxidative stress by reducing the total antioxidant capacity in rats. The findings suggest possible occupational health hazard in chronic exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The synthesis of anthocyanin, the xanthophyll cycle, the antioxidant system and the production of active oxygen species (AOS) were compared between red and non‐red apple cultivars, in response to either long‐term sunlight exposure (high light intensity) during fruit development, or to exposure of bagged fruits to lower light intensity late in fruit development. During fruit development of red and non‐red apples, the xanthophyll cycle pool size decreased much more in red apple peel late in development. With accumulation of AOS induced by long‐term sunlight exposure, enhancement of the antioxidant system was found. However, this change became significantly lower in red apple than non‐red apple as fruit developed, which might serve to accelerate the anthocyanin synthesis in red apple peel. When, late in fruit development, bagged fruits were exposed to sunlight, the accumulation of AOS was lower in red apple peel than in non‐red peel. This could be due to the higher anthocyanin concentration in the red peels. Meanwhile, compared with that in non‐red cultivar, the xanthophyll cycle and the antioxidant system in red apple peel were protected first but then down‐regulated by its higher anthocyanin concentration during sunlight exposure. In conclusions, red and non‐red apples peel possess different photoprotective mechanisms under high light conditions. The relationship between anthocyanin synthesis and the xanthophyll cycle, and the antioxidant system, depends on the light conditions that fruit undergoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cultivars contrasting in NaCl tolerance were used to investigate the possible involvement of polyamines in salt tolerant mechanisms in roots of vegetable soybean. 'Tianfeng', the salt tolerant cultivar exhibited overall higher contents of free, soluble conjugated and insoluble bound forms of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) except for free spermidine over the salt sensitive line during the course of NaCl treatment for 15 days. Consistent with this observation, arginine decarboxylase, the essential enzyme of polyamines biosynthesis and two enzymes catalyzing breakdown of polyamines were differentially regulated between the two cultivars. Antioxidant enzymes downstream to the polyamines signaling globally showed higher activity in 'Tianfeng', resulting in lower contents of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde subsequently. These results taken together indicate that higher levels of polyamines may be important in conferring enhanced salt tolerance in roots of vegetable soybean by activating antioxidant enzymes and, therefore, attenuating oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the acetylcholinesterase inhibition and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of Ganoderma lucidum grown on germinated brown rice (GLBR) were evaluated. In antioxidant assays in vitro, GLBR was found to have strong metal chelating activity, DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activity. Cell-based antioxidant methods were used, including lipid peroxidation on brain homogenate and AAPH-induced erythrocyte haemolysis. In antioxidant assays in vivo, mice were administered with GLBR and this significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the mice sera, livers and brains. The amount of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were 43.14 mg GAE/g and 13.36 mg CE/g dry mass, respectively. GLBR also exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. In addition, HPLC analyses of GLBR extract revealed the presence of different phenolic compounds. These findings demonstrate the remarkable potential of GLBR extract as valuable source of antioxidants which exhibit interesting acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of technogenic dust pollution on changes in the physiological and biochemical characteristics and their heterogeneity (variability) has been studied in Lepidum apetalum seedlings, as has the formation of their radioresistance. In spite of the high antioxidant status of seedlings, a higher level of dust pollution in the habitat of maternal plants does not significantly influence the radioresistance of seedlings when compared to the control group, which is probably a result of the reduced variability of the studied characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt marshes constitute major sinks for heavy metal accumulation but the precise impact of salinity on heavy metal toxicity for halophyte plant species remains largely unknown. Young seedlings of Kosteletzkya virginica were exposed during 3 weeks in nutrient solution to Cd 5 µ M in the presence or absence of 50 m M NaCl. Cadmium (Cd) reduced growth and shoot water content and had major detrimental effect on maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of photosystem II (Y(II)) and electron transport rates (ETRs). Cd induced an oxidative stress in relation to an increase in O2•− and H2O2 concentration and lead to a decrease in endogenous glutathione (GSH) and α-tocopherol in the leaves. Cd not only increased leaf zeatin and zeatin riboside concentration but also increased the senescing compounds 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and abscisic acid (ABA). Salinity reduced Cd accumulation already after 1 week of stress but was unable to restore shoot growth and thus did not induce any dilution effect. Salinity delayed the Cd-induced leaf senescence: NaCl reduced the deleterious impact of Cd on photosynthesis apparatus through an improvement of Fv/Fm, Y(II) and ETR. Salt reduced oxidative stress in Cd-treated plants through an increase in GSH, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid synthesis and an increase in glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) activity. Additional salt reduced ACC and ABA accumulation in Cd+ NaCl-treated leaves comparing to Cd alone. It is concluded that salinity affords efficient protection against Cd to the halophyte species K. virginica, in relation to an improved management of oxidative stress and hormonal status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DPPH radical-scavenging activity of the bene hull oil (BHO), sesame oil (SEO), rice bran oil (RBO), the oils' methanolic (CH3OH/H2O, 80:20 v/v) or hexane extracts, and their unsaponifiable matters fraction were measured and compared with each other. As a radical-scavenger, SEO was significantly stronger than RBO and BHO, respectively. Unlike BHO and RBO, the unsaponifiable (USM) fraction of the SEO could not considerably scavenge the free radicals at the concentrations studied. The contribution of aqueous methanolic and hexane extracts of the SEO to the inhibition of the DPPH radicals were calculated to be about 75 and 25%, respectively. The aqueous methanolic extract of the RBO could not considerably scavenge the free radicals at the concentrations experimented and the inhibition activity belonged mainly to the hexane extract. The DPPH radical-scavenging active components of the BHO were approximately distributed equally (48 and 52%) between the two extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet and sour cherries are a valuable natural source of somebioactive compounds important in human health preservation. Total phenolics,tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity in a fruits of atwo selected sweet cherry genotypes (Szomolyai Gombolyii and Valerij Cskalov)and 2 sour cherry cultivars (Érdi bőtermő and Kántorjánosi) were investigated.Total phenolic content ranged from 76.05 up to 301.19 mg gallic acidequivalents/100 g fresh fruit weight and total tannins content ranged from32.33 to 236.61 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh fruit weight. Totalflavonoids were within the range 49.47-70.27 mg of rutin equivalents/100 gfresh fruit weight and total anthocyanins content were between 16.86 and51.16 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/100 g fresh fruit weight. Antioxidantactivity of sweet and sour cherries is correlated with the total phenolics andtotal tannins content, and partially related with total anthocyanins, but not withthe total flavonoids. Fruits of sour cherries contains more phenolics than fruitsof sweet cherries and possess more potent antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles that remain in the blood of patients are frequently ignored as targets for AIDS treatment. We therefore investigated the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) as a means of inactivating cell-free HIV in vitro. Virus particles including HIV-1, resistant HIV-1 variants, HIV-1 clinical variants, and HIV-2 variants were incubated with HMME for 40 min, followed by irradiation with a 630-nm semiconductor laser at an energy density of 0.3 J/cm. The antiviral effects were evaluated by counting syncytium formation or measuring p24 antigen expression levels in supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationships between photoinactivation and HMME concentrations, energy density, power density and antioxidants (NaN and d-mannitol) were also assessed using the above methods. All the tested virus particles were completely responsive to HMME-PDT. HMME concentration and energy density were positively correlated with photoinactivation of HIV, while power density was negatively correlated. Both sodium azide and d-mannitol weakened the inhibitory effect of PDT on virus-induced membrane fusion, with d-mannitol having a stronger effect. HMME-PDT can inactivate HIV particles, and may therefore represent a promising treatment for AIDS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exercise is intended to introduce undergraduate biochemistry students to the analysis of antioxidants as a biotechnological tool. In addition, some statistical resources will also be used and discussed. Antioxidants play an important metabolic role, preventing oxidative stress-mediated cell and tissue injury. Knowing the antioxidant content of nutritional components can help make informed decisions about diet design, and increase the commercial value of antioxidant-rich natural products. As a reliable and convenient technique to evaluate the whole spectrum of antioxidants present in biological samples is lacking, the general consensus is to use more than one technique. We have chosen two widely used and inexpensive methods, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assays, to evaluate the antioxidant content of several fruits, and to compare and analyze the correlation between both assays. © 2012 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of jam processing of grape and raisin on the nutraceutical, physiochemical, and sensory properties. The results showed that fresh grape had the highest antioxidant activity, and total phenolic and anthocyanin content followed by grape jam, raisin, and raisin jam, respectively. No significant differences existed in soluble solids, pH, or firmness between grape and raisin jams. No significant differences in color parameters, Δ E, and chroma existed between grape and raisin jam. Descriptive sensory results showed minor differences in some sensory attributes between grape and raisin jams. In terms of consumer evaluation (9-point verbal hedonic scale and a 5-point just-about-right scale) the jams made from local raisins were parity with those from grape, despite small differences especially in whole raisin jam. Although raisin and other dried products are not traditionally considered as a raw material for jam processing, they have the same potential as fresh fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research evaluated the effect of drought on total and individual polyphenol contents as well as the antioxidant activities of cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds of 2 geographic origins, Tunisia (TCS) and India (ICS). Plants were treated with different levels of water deficit: control. Our results indicated that, in both varieties, moderate water deficit (MWD) improved the number of umbels per plant as well as the number of umbellets per umbel and the seed yield, in comparison to the control, but it decreased under severe water deficit (SWD). Besides, total phenolic contents were higher in the treated seeds and drought increased the level of total and individual polyphenols. This increase was appreciably more important in TCS than in ICS. Moreover, antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by 4 different test systems, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, β-carotene/linoleic acid chelating, and reducing power assays, and showed that treated seeds exhibited the highest activity, for both TCS and ICS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two morphologically different cultivars of Italian melons (Baggio and Giusto) were characterized considering samples harvested in different times, at the beginning (BPP) and at the end of the physiological plant production period (EPP). Proximate composition, protein, minerals, pH, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, condensed tannins, and flavonoids were measured, showing a significant decrease in EPP samples (phenolics, antioxidant capacity, condensed tannins, and flavonoids); ascorbic acid decreased in Giusto cv, carotenoids in Baggio cv. Mineral content increased in either the cultivars (EPP samples). Year-to-year difference was significantly highlighted; the plant growing cycle significantly affected the chemotype. Despite these effects, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) permitted the discrimination of Baggio from Giusto cv, and the discrimination of BPP from EPP samples as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]