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Iris kashmiriana belongs to the family Iridaceae and is an important endemic medicinal plant of Kashmir. The current study was designed to determine the phytoconstituents, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of ethyl acetate (IRK-ETH) and methanol (IRK-MTH) extracts of Iris kashmiriana flowers. IRK-MTH extract demonstrated maximum radical scavenging activity in DPPH, ABTS, and Superoxide anion radical antioxidant assays with IC 50 values of 73.15 μg/ml, 79.05 μg/ml, and 86.52 μg/ml respectively. IRK-ETH and IRK-MTH extracts possessed phenolic (70.9 and 208.5 mgGAE/gdw) and flavonoid (487.7 and 40.55 mgRE/gdw) contents respectively. In MTT assay IRK-ETH demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity towards the MCF-7 cell line with a GI 50 value of 49.13 μg/ml. Phase contrast and fluorescence microscopic studies in MCF-7 cells revealed that IRK-ETH extract caused condensation of chromatin, rounding of cells, and nuclear condensation in cells which shows the apoptotic potential of the extract. GCMS analysis for phytochemical characterization revealed the presence of 9 compounds in both extracts which have been reported to possess antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-oxidant activities. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of different polyphenols in both extracts with IRK-MTH extract having maximum polyphenols like epicatechin, rutin, quercetin, vanillic acid, sinapic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ellagic acid. These findings suggest that the flowers of Iris kashmiriana possess very good antioxidant and cytotoxic potential owing to its rich phytoconstituents., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the net effect of limited irrigation on the antioxidant status of pollens, flag leaves, and developing grains of wild and inbred maize lines. Teosinte pollens showed the highest activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and peroxidase (POX) under stressful conditions while LM 11 showed a significant decrease in APX, CAT, GR, and GST activities. Limited irrigations increased the contents of superoxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) to maximum levels in LM 11 leaves. The pollens, leaves, and developing grains of teosinte had the highest content of total phenols. Proline was maximum in the developing grains of teosinte and CML 32 while lowest in those of LM 11. Principal component analysis showed that LM 11 genotype and the respective antioxidant enzymes were in completely opposite quadrants. Chord analysis showed that CAT activity and total phenol content in pollens, leaves, and developing grains contributed towards most of the variations observed in teosinte and might be responsible for managing the yield attributes of genotype during stress conditions. The pollens and leaves of teosinte, with significant SOD activity, further helped in optimizing plant yield, under stressful conditions. CML 32 occupied intermediate position owing to the unaffected activities of most of the antioxidant enzymes and high content of antioxidants in its tissues. It may be concluded that the overall antioxidant status of tissues decides the tolerance behavior of plants., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Underutilized fruits are thought to be nutrient and antioxidant gold mines. Despite their high nutritive value, therapeutic properties, and ability to grow in adverse soil and climatic conditions, they have received little attention. However, these underutilized fruits are an important component of traditional foods, particularly in arid and semiarid regions of Rajasthan. Lasoda (Cordia myxa) contains numerous phytochemicals that contribute to its antioxidant potential, including tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, xanthones, terpenes, and saponins. The primary goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of extracting bioactive compounds from lasoda and evaluating their antioxidant potential. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the major areas for the application of lasoda and its extract as prospective positive health agents that can be used in the preparation of functional foods. The use of lasoda may also improve the value of bakery products and meat quality and prevent postharvest losses. This review is a pilot article that can aid in the nutritional profiling of Cordia fruits and seeds, and it provides information on the effective and efficient use of this underutilized fruit in the food and nutraceutical industries., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Progenitor cell therapy can restore myocardial structure and function. However, its efficacy is severely limited by cell aging and senescence. Gremlin-1 (GREM1), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein antagonist family, has been implicated in cell proliferation and survival. However, GREM1's role in cell aging and senescence has never been investigated in human cardiac mesenchymal progenitor cells (hMPCs). Therefore, this study assessed the hypothesis that overexpression of GREM1 rejuvenates the cardiac regenerative potential of aging hMPCs to a youthful stage and therefore allows better capacity for myocardial repair. We recently reported that a subpopulation of hMPCs with low mitochondrial membrane potential can be sorted from right atrial appendage-derived cells in patients with cardiomyopathy and exhibit cardiac reparative capacity in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. In this study, lentiviral particles were used to overexpress GREM1 in these hMPCs. Protein and mRNA expression were assessed through Western blot and RT-qPCR. FACS analysis for Annexin V/PI staining and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to assess cell survival. It was observed that cell aging and cell senescence led to a decrease in GREM1 expression. In addition, overexpression of GREM1 led to a decrease in expression of senescence genes. Overexpression of GREM1 led to no significant change in cell proliferation. However, GREM1 appeared to have an anti-apoptotic effect, with an increase in survival and decrease in cytotoxicity evident in GREM1-overexpressing hMPCs. Overexpressing GREM1 also induced cytoprotective properties by decreasing reactive oxidative species and mitochondrial membrane potential. This result was associated with increased expression of antioxidant proteins, such as SOD1 and catalase, and activation of the ERK/NRF2 survival signal pathway. Inhibition of ERK led to a decrease in GREM1-mediated rejuvenation in terms of cell survival, which suggests that an ERK-dependent pathway may be involved. Taken altogether, these results indicate that overexpression of GREM1 can allow aging hMPCs to adopt a more robust phenotype with improved survival capacity, which is associated with an activated ERK/NRF2 antioxidant signal pathway.

Background: Ionizing radiation from telluric sources is unceasingly an unprotected pitfall to humans. Thus, the foremost contributors to human exposure are global and medical radiations. Various evidences assembled during preceding years reveal the pertinent role of ionizing radiation- induced oxidative stress in the progression of neurodegenerative insults, such as Parkinson's disease, which have been contributing to increased proliferation and generation of reactive oxygen species., Objective: This review delineates the role of ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease and proposes novel therapeutic interventions of flavonoid family, offering effective management and slowing down the progression of Parkinson's disease., Methods: Published papers were searched in MEDLINE, PubMed, etc., published to date for indepth database collection., Results: The oxidative damage may harm the non-targeted cells. It can also modulate the functions of the central nervous system, such as protein misfolding, mitochondria dysfunction, increased levels of oxidized lipids, and dopaminergic cell death, which accelerate the progression of Parkinson's disease at the molecular, cellular, or tissue levels. In Parkinson's disease, reactive oxygen species exacerbate the production of nitric oxides and superoxides by activated microglia, rendering death of dopaminergic neuronal cell through different mechanisms., Conclusion: Rising interest has extensively engrossed in the clinical trial designs based on the plant-derived family of antioxidants. They are known to exert multifarious impact on neuroprotection via directly suppressing ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production or indirectly increasing the dopamine levels and activating the glial cells., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

The mechanisms underlying multifactorial diseases are always complex and challenging. Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are common around the globe, posing a critical healthcare issue and financial burden to the country. However, integrative evidence implies some common shared mechanisms and pathways in NDs, which include mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, intracellular calcium overload, protein aggregates, oxidative stress (OS), and neuronal destruction in specific regions of the brain, owing to multifaceted pathologies. The co-existence of these multiple pathways often limits the advantages of available therapies. The nutraceutical-based approach has opened the doors to target these common multifaceted pathways in a slow and more physiological manner to starve the NDs. Peer-reviewed articles were searched via MEDLINE and PubMed published to date for in-depth research and database collection. Considered to be complementary therapy with current clinical management and common drug therapy, the intake of nutraceuticals is considered safe to target multiple mechanisms of action in NDs. The current review summarizes the popular nutraceuticals showing different effects (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuro-protectant, mitochondrial homeostasis, neurogenesis promotion, and autophagy regulation) on vital molecular mechanisms involved in NDs, which can be considered as complementary therapy to first-line treatment. Moreover, owing to its natural source, lower toxicity, therapeutic interventions, biocompatibility, potential nutritional effects, and presence of various anti-oxidative and neuroprotective constituents, the nutraceuticals serve as an attractive option to tackle NDs.

Obesity and its related complications are a world-wide health problem. Dietary tocotrienols (TT) have been shown to improve obesity-associated metabolic disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, and gut dysbiosis. This study examined the hypothesis that the antioxidant capacity of TT alters metabolites of oxidative stress and improves systemic metabolism. C57BL/6J mice were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD control) or HFD supplemented with 800 mg annatto-extracted TT/kg (HFD+TT800) for 14 weeks. Sera from obese mice were examined by non-targeted metabolite analysis using UHPLC/MS. Compared to the HFD group, the HFD+TT800 group had higher levels of serum metabolites, essential amino acids (lysine and methionine), sphingomyelins, phosphatidylcholine, lysophospholipids, and vitamins (pantothenate, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal, and retinol). TT-treated mice had lowered levels of serum metabolites, dicarboxylic fatty acids, and inflammatory/oxidative stress markers (trimethylamine N-oxide, kynurenate, 12,13-DiHOME, and 13-HODE + 9-HODE) compared to the control. The results suggest that TT supplementation lowered inflammation and oxidative stress (oxidized glutathione and GSH/GSSH) and improved macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates) in obese mice. Thus, TT actions on metabolites were beneficial in reducing obesity-associated hypercholesterolemia/hyperglycemia. The effects of a non-toxic dose of TT in mice support the potential for clinical applications in obesity and metabolic disease.

In the modern world, indiscriminate human activities impelled environmental toxicity through heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) that poses significant health hazards to the flora and fauna. Multiple mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptotic cell death, and chromosomal aberrations underlie the Cd-induced organ toxicity with the liver and kidneys bearing most of the brunt. Fumaric acid (FA) is an organic acid (C 4 H 4 O 4 ) omnipresent in nature and attributed with such properties (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, chemopreventive, anti-psoriatic, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective) that may bestow relief in Cd-induced liver damage. Hence, in the present study, the protective effects of FA were determined in Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Wistar rats were chronically exposed to Cd (5 mg/kg, p.o.) to induce liver dysfunction. The rats were subjected to FA (1.25, 2.5, 5 mg/kg; p.o.) pre-treatment for 28 days to observe effects on liver and serum biomarkers of oxidative stress, enzymatic activities, and hepatic damage (liver histopathology). Body weights, feed/water intake, body mass index (BMI), and non-invasive parameters (FIB-4 score; AST/ALT ratio) were quantified. Cd-triggered hepatic injury in rats through oxidative stress, derangement of hepatic serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and platelet count), and pathogenic alteration in non-invasive parameters. FA pre-treatment significantly protected rat livers against Cd toxicity by decreasing oxidative stress and improving the hepatic serum biomarkers and non-invasive parameters. In a histopathological analysis, FA prevented Cd-accrued hepatocellular damage. Fumaric acid showed potential to avert hepatic injury against cadmium in rats. Graphical abstract.

The present work aims at the fabrication of iron oxide nanocolloids using biocompatible microemulsion and their cytotoxic, genotoxic effect on Vitis vinifera plant has been evaluated. The three iron-based metallosurfactant complexes were synthesized. Nanosuspensions (Ns) were prepared using microemulsion technique and for the purpose, the microemulsion was prepared using oleic acid, butanol, tween 80 and as synthesized iron metallosurfactant. In this technique, no additional capping agent and/or reducing agent was added. Tween 80 which is a biocompatible surfactant acted as a reducing agent as well as stabilizing for the iron oxide Ns. Characterization of Ns's was done using TEM, FESEM, EDX, XRD, AFM, and zeta potential. Mixed type of iron oxide nanoparticles i.e. magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ), and maghemite (Fe 2 O 3 ) with a size range of 1-16 nm was found to be present in the nanosuspensions prepared from all the three precursors. The antioxidant activity of the Fe Ns was also confirmed using DPPH assay, with order of activity FeDDA > FeCTAC > FeHEXA. The cellular toxicity of Ns was evaluated by observing the morphological changes on V. vinifera plant (petiole) using a light microscope. Further, the interactions of iron oxide Ns with V. vinifera's DNA (plant-DNA) was assessed using circular dichroism (CD) and gel electrophoresis. For the case of FeCTAC Ns, a decrease in the intensity of bands was observed indicating fragmentation or adduct formation resulting in DNA damage. In the case of FeDDA, a modest decrease in the intensity of bands was observed. However, for FeHEXA Ns, complete neutralization of bands was confirmed implying maximum damage to the plant DNA. CD, gel electrophoresis and antioxidant activity confirmed that FeHEXA Ns were most toxic and FeDDA Ns were safest among the three as-fabricated nanosuspensions.

Background: Inflammation-induced endothelial abnormalities, dietary habits, and tobacco smoking are considered to be the primary risk factors for causing atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), including Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disorders, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart defects, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Prevention of CVDs with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents has been a challenging task for decades. Currently, CVDs have taken a top position among the health-related issues and are considered the foremost cause of mortality and morbidity around the globe., Objective: Emerging evidence from several sources indicates that nutraceuticals and plant products may be a cost-effective approach for the prevention of CVDs. A limited number of clinical studies done with nutraceuticals have shown positive effects for promoting health and well-being as well as reduction of CVDs in humans. Some plants from which nutraceutical ingredients are isolated and will be discussed in this review are: Murraya koenigii, Curcuma longa, Beta vulgaris, Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Lagenaria siceraria Stand, Trigonella foenum-graecum., Methods: Literature searches were done using keywords for plants, nutraceuticals, and plant products that have revealed beneficial effects in the prevention of CVDs. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of nutraceuticeuticals and plant ingredients play a significant role in capturing free radicals and reducing endothelial risk factors associated with the occurrence CVDs., Results: This review has explored the usefulness of animal studies performed with nutraceuticals and herbal products and to understand their mode of action in the prevention of CVDs. Also, we have referred to patents for different nutraceuticals for better understanding their quantitative effects and dosage forms., Conclusion: It is concluded that nutraceuticals possess enormous health benefits and their interventions can be highly beneficial in the prevention/reduction of CVDs and related disorders such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart attack and stroke. The findings of this review provide an update on the emerging uses of nutraceuticals, functional foods, and herbal remedies in humans. Nevertheless, large-scale randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials are needed to confirm the health benefit claims about nutraceuticals and herbal products to establish their long-term safety and to resolve the controversy about the role of clinical nutrition in curing lifestyle diseases., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Six rice bran oil (RBO) blends were prepared in two ratios i.e., 80:20 and 70:30 and analysed for physicochemical properties, and antioxidants and fatty acid composition. Among all the RBO blends, rice bran oil+groundnut oil (70:30) had the highest smoke point (204 °C) and rice bran oil+olive oil (70:30) was the most stable blend in terms of chemical parameters. The highest value of total antioxidants was observed in rice bran oil+sunflower oil (70:30) (2568.7 mg/kg). Fatty acid composition (SFA:MUFA:PUFA) (1:1.5:2) of rice bran oil+palm oil (80:20), and products prepared using this RBO blend, were close to the recommended intake. Boiling with sautéing was a better cooking method in terms of maintaining fatty acid ratios., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Stress is recognized to precipitate anxiety and related psychological problems characterized by a wide range of biochemical and behavioral changes. The present study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of melatonin and buspirone, and their combination, against six hours immobilization stress-induced, anxiety-like behavioral and oxidative damage in mice., Method: Male Laca mice were pre-treated with melatonin (2.5, 5 mg·kg(-1)), buspirone (5, 10 mg·kg(-1)), and their combination for consecutive five days. On the 6(th) day, animals were immobilized for six hours, and thereafter various behavioral tests were performed followed by biochemical tests., Results: Immobilization stress significantly impaired body weight, locomotor activity, and caused anxiety-like behavior, along with increased oxidative damage. Pretreatment with melatonin and buspirone significantly improved the loss in body weight and locomotor activity, attenuated anxiety-like behavior (in both the mirror chamber and plus maze performance tasks), further restored the levels of brain total proteins, and caused antioxidant-like effects, as evidenced by reduced lipid peroxidation, nitrite concentration, and restoration of reduced glutathione and catalase activity, as compared to control animals. In addition, combination of melatonin (2.5, 5 mg·kg(-1)) with buspirone (5 mg·kg(-1)) significantly potentiated their protective effects, as compared to their effects individually., Conclusion: The present study suggests that melatonin potentiates the beneficial effect of buspirone against immobilization stress-induced, anxiety-like behavioral and oxidative damage in mice possibly by involving a serotonergic mechanism., (Copyright © 2014 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The present study was designed to elucidate the effects of sesamol, buspirone and their combination in immobilization stress induced behavioral and biochemical alterations in mice., Materials and Methods: Male Laca mice (divided into 10 groups with 6 animals each) were pre-treated with sesamol (5 and 10 mg/kg; p.o.), buspirone (5 and 10 mg/kg; p.o.) and combination of sesamol (5 and 10 mg/kg; p.o.) with buspirone (5 mg/kg; p.o.) for consecutive five days. On the 6(th) day, animals were immobilized for 6 h and various behavioral tests such as body weight, locomotor activity, mirror chamber test and elevated plus maze were carried out. Biochemical estimations such as lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration, glutathione and catalase levels were done. Data was analyzed using One way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (P < 0.05) was considered statistical significant., Results: Immobilization stress significantly (P < 0.05) impaired body weight, locomotor activity, induced anxiety like behavioral and oxidative damage as compared to naοve animal. Pretreatment with sesamol (5 and 10 mg/kg; p.o.) and buspirone (5 and 10 mg/ kg; p.o.) significantly (P < 0.05) improved body weight, locomotor activity, and anxiety like behavior in mirror chamber as well as plus maze performance tasks and anti-oxidant like effect as evidenced by reduced lipid peroxidation, nitrite concentration and restoration of reduced glutathione and catalase activity as compared to control animals. Further, co- administration of sesamol (5 and 10 mg/kg) with buspirone (5 mg/kg) significantly (P < .05) potentiated the anti anxiety effects as compared to their effects alone., Conclusions: The present study suggests that combination of sesamol and buspirone potentiated the antianxiety effects against anxiety induced by immobilization stress and oxidative damage in mice.

We examined the effect of Pb(2+) (8 and 40 mg l(-1)) on reactive oxygen species generation and alterations in antioxidant enzymes in hydroponically grown wheat at 24, 72, and 120 h after exposure. Pb(2+) toxicity was more pronounced on root growth, and it correlated with the greater Pb accumulation in roots. Pb exposure (40 mg l(-1)) enhanced superoxide anion, H(2)O(2), and MDA content in wheat roots by 1.9- to 2.2-folds, 56-255%, and 41-90%, respectively, over the control. Pb-induced loss of membrane integrity was confirmed by the enhanced electrolyte leakage and in vivo histochemical localization. Activities of scavenging enzymes, superoxide dismutases and catalases, enhanced in Pb-treated wheat roots by 1.4- to 5.7-folds over that in the control. In contrast, the activities of ascorbate and guaiacol peroxidases and glutathione reductases decreased significantly, suggesting their non-involvement in detoxification process. The study concludes that Pb(2+)-induced oxidative damage in wheat roots involve greater H(2)O(2) accumulation and the deactivation of the related scavenging enzymes.

Guilandina bonduc Linn. (Fabaceae), a prickly shrub that grows abundantly in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, possesses an extensive medicinal value. The present communication reports ethanolic extract of G. bonduc fruit pods to possess potent antioxidant activity and significantly protect against Ferric Nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced renal oxi-dative stress, nephrotoxicity, and tumor promotion response. Intraperitoneal administration of Fe-NTA (9 mg Fe/Kg body weight) to Swiss albino mice depleted renal antioxidant armory (glutathione content and activities of antioxidant enzymes), and caused oxidative stress, induced inflammation (inducing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 and increasing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines). It also induced hyperproliferation in kidney-enhancing ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. Histopathological changes and levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) suggested Fe-NTA to afflict substantial damage to the kidney. Prophylactic treatment of mice with G. bonduc extract (100-200 mg /Kg body weight) for seven days not only restored renal antioxidant armory close to normal, but also significantly precluded Fe-NTA associated inflammation and hyperproliferation. Furthermore, pretreatment with extract markedly prevented renal oxidative damage and histopathological alterations, and restored the levels of renal damage markers close to control values. The data obtained in the present study indicate G. bonduc fruit pods to possess a potent antioxidant activity and avert chemically inflicted renal oxidative damage and tumor promotion response.

The present study was intended to appraise the oxidant and antioxidant status in preeclampsia women. Seventy-seven preeclampsia women with severe variety having average B.P. of 170/140 mmHg with proteinuria; 47 preeclampsia women with mild variety having average B.P. of 138/100 mmHg were compared to 56 healthy pregnant women and 15 non-pregnant women for oxidant and antioxidant status. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant status was assessed by measuring antioxidant enzymes N.B.; superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, catalase and vitamins viz; A, E, C and reduced glutathione (GSH). Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in severe preeclampsia women. Antioxidant status was also compromised as is evident from decreased GSH levels and increased SOD activities not only in severe preeclampsia but also in normal pregnancy and mild preeclampsia women compared to non-pregnant women. Decreased antioxidant enzyme activity viz catalase and glutathione peroxidase was observed in pregnancy as compared to non-pregnant women. The levels of vitamin E which act as an antioxidant were significantly elevated in preeclampsia compared to that of normal pregnancy. These findings conclude that initially the oxidative stress due to pregnancy-induced hypertension is critically combated by the intricate defensive mechanism of natural antioxidant system of the body. It appears that this imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant is the effect of disease and not the causative factor.

The present study reports the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Quercus infectoria galls. The antioxidant potency of galls was investigated employing several established in vitro model systems. Their protective efficacy on oxidative modulation of murine macrophages was also explored. Gall extract was found to contain a large amount of polyphenols and possess a potent reducing power. HPTLC analysis of the extract suggested it to contain 19.925% tannic acid (TA) and 8.75% gallic acid (GA). The extract potently scavenged free radicals including DPPH (IC(50)~0.5 microg/ml), ABTS (IC(50)~1 microg/ml), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (IC(50)~2.6 microg/ml) and hydroxyl (*OH) radicals (IC(50)~6 microg/ml). Gall extract also chelated metal ions and inhibited Fe(3+) -ascorbate-induced oxidation of protein and peroxidation of lipids. Exposure of rat peritoneal macrophages to tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) induced oxidative stress in them and altered their phagocytic functions. These macrophages showed elevated secretion of lysosomal hydrolases, and attenuated phagocytosis and respiratory burst. Activity of macrophage mannose receptor (MR) also diminished following oxidant exposure. Pretreatment of macrophages with gall extract preserved antioxidant armory near to control values and significantly protected against all the investigated functional mutilations. MTT assay revealed gall extract to enhance percent survival of tBOOH exposed macrophages. These results indicate that Q. infectoria galls possess potent antioxidant activity, when tested both in chemical as well as biological models.

Mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)) is a well-known nephrotoxic agent. Increasing number of evidences suggest the role of oxidative stress in HgCl(2) induced nephrotoxicity. Eruca sativa is widely used in folklore medicines and has a good reputation as a remedy of renal ailments. In the present study, the antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of E. sativa seeds was determined and its protective effect on HgCl(2) induced renal toxicity was investigated. The extract was found to possess a potent antioxidant effect, with a large amount of polyphenols and a high reducing ability. HPLC analysis of the extract revealed glucoerucin and flavonoids to be the major antioxidants present in it. E. sativa extract significantly scavenged several reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Feeding of the extract to rats afforded a significant protection against HgCl(2) induced renal toxicity. Subcutaneous administration of 4 mg/kg body weight HgCl(2) induced renal injury evident as a marked elevation in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, and histopathological changes such as necrosis, oedema and congestion of stroma and glomeruli. Oxidative modulation of renal tissues following HgCl(2) exposure was evident from a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation and attenuation in glutathione (GSH) contents and activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR). Oral administration of E. sativa extract to rats at a dose regimen: 50-200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days prior to HgCl(2) treatment significantly and dose dependently protected against alterations in all these diagnostic parameters. The data obtained in the present study suggests E. sativa seeds to possess a potent antioxidant and renal protective activity and preclude oxidative damage inflicted to the kidney.

Didymocarpus pedicellata R. Br. (Gesneriaceae) is widely used in traditional Indian medicines against renal afflictions. In the present study, we have revealed ethanolic extract of aerial parts of D. pedicellata to possess significant antioxidant activity and protect against ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) mediated renal oxidative stress, nephrotoxicity and tumor promotion response. D. pedicellata extract was found to possess a high content of total polyphenolics, exhibit potent reducing power and significantly scavenge free radicals including several reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). The extract also significantly and dose-dependently protected against Fe-NTA plus H(2)O(2)-mediated damage to lipids and DNA. Protective efficacy of the extract was also tested in vivo against Fe-NTA mediated nephrotoxicity and tumor promotion response. Administration of Fe-NTA (9 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) to Swiss albino mice depleted renal glutathione content and activities of antioxidant and phase II metabolizing enzymes with concomitant induction of oxidative damage. Fe-NTA also incited hyperproliferation response elevating ornithine decarboxylase activity and [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. Elevation in serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and histopathological changes were also evident and suggested Fe-NTA to afflict damage to kidney. Pretreatment of mice with D. pedicellata extract (100-200 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days not only restored antioxidant armory near normal values but also significantly protected against renal oxidative stress and damage restoring normal renal architecture and levels of renal damage markers, viz., BUN and SCr. The results of the present study indicate D. pedicellata to possess potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities and preclude oxidative damage and hyperproliferation in renal tissues.

The study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activity of alcoholic extract of Cassia siamea Lam. (Fabaceae) flowers. The extract was found to contain a large amount of polyphenols and also exhibited an immense reducing ability. At a concentration of 250 microg/ml, 96% of DPPH radicals and at 500 microg/ml, 42.7, 32.7 and 64.5% of O2-, H2O2 and NO respectively could be scavenged by C. siamea flower extract. The extract also inhibited OH radical induced oxidation of protein (BSA) and LPO in murine hepatic microsomes. The determination of metal chelating capacity of the extract indicated chelating of metal ions (Fe2+) to be a putative mechanism implicated in the inhibition of OH radical-induced BSA oxidation and LPO. C. siamea flower extract also exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in acute oxidative tissue injury animal model constituted by CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Oral administration of the extract at a dose of 50-150 mg/kg of body weight significantly protected from CCl4 induced elevation in AST and ALT in the serum, elevation in hepatic LPO, depletion of hepatic GSH and decrease in the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes: SOD, CAT and GPX. The extract also protected against histopathological changes produced by CCl4 such as necrosis, fatty changes, ballooning degeneration, etc. The data obtained in the present study suggests that the alcoholic extract of C. siamea flowers have potent antioxidant activity against free radicals, prevent oxidative damage to major biomolecules and afford significant protection against oxidative damage in the liver.

Most pomegranate (Punica granatum Linn., Punicaceae) fruit parts are known to possess enormous antioxidant activity. The present study evaluated antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of pomegranate flowers. Alcoholic (ethanolic) extract of flowers was prepared and used in the present study. The extract was found to contain a large amount of polyphenols and exhibit enormous reducing ability, both indicative of potent antioxidant ability. The extract showed 81.6% antioxidant activity in DPPH model system. The ability of extract to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) was tested and it was found to significantly scavenge superoxide (O(2)(.-)) (by up to 53.3%), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (by up to 30%), hydroxyl radicals (()OH) (by up to 37%) and nitric oxide (NO) (by up to 74.5%). The extract also inhibited (.)OH induced oxidation of lipids and proteins in vitro. These results indicated pomegranate flower extract to exert a significant antioxidant activity in vitro. The efficacy of extract was tested in vivo and it was found to exhibit a potent protective activity in acute oxidative tissue injury animal model: ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of 9 mg/kg body wt. Fe-NTA to mice induced oxidative stress and liver injury. Pretreatment with pomegranate flower extract at a dose regimen of 50-150 mg/kg body wt. for a week significantly and dose dependently protected against Fe-NTA induced oxidative stress as well as hepatic injury. The extract afforded up to 60% protection against hepatic lipid peroxidation and preserved glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) by up to 36%, 28.5%, 28.7%, 40.2% and 42.5% respectively. A protection against Fe-NTA induced liver injury was apparent as inhibition in the modulation of liver markers viz., aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and albumin in serum. The histopathological changes produced by Fe-NTA, such as ballooning degeneration, fatty changes, necrosis were also alleviated by the extract. These results indicate pomegranate flowers to possess potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective property, the former being probably responsible for the latter.

The study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activity of an ethanol extract of Salix caprea L. (Salicaceae) flowers. The extract was found to possess a large amount of polyphenols and also exhibited a high reducing ability. The extract significantly and dose dependently scavenged DPPH, superoxide (O(2) (*-)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and nitric oxide (NO). At a concentration of 250 microg/mL, 85.04% of DPPH radicals and at 500 microg/mL 45.97%, 17.97% and 56.53% of O(2) (*-), H(2)O(2) and NO, respectively, were scavenged by the S. caprea flower extract. A significant amount of protection was also afforded by the extract in the acute oxidative tissue injury animal model constituted by ferric nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA) induced hepatotoxicity in mice. An intraperitoneal administration of FeNTA at a dose of 9 mg/kg of body weight caused an elevation in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) to 176.90% and a suppression in hepatic glutathione (GSH) content and the activities of antioxidant enzymes namely, catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) to 46.49%, 64.37%, 41.71% and 48.76%, respectively, of the saline treated control. The pretreatment of mice with S. caprea flower extract at a dose range of 50-150 mg/kg of body weight for 7 days followed by FeNTA treatment caused preservation of all these parameters. The present study indicates that the flowers of S. caprea possess a significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective property, the former being implicated in the latter.

Whole extract of rhizomes of Podophyllum hexandrum has been reported earlier by our group to render whole-body radioprotection. High-altitude P. hexandrum (HAPH) was therefore fractionated using solvents of varying polarity (non-polar to polar) and the different fractions were designated as, n-hexane (HE), chloroform (CE), alcohol (AE), hydro-alcohol (HA) and water (WE). The total polyphenolic content (mg% of quercetin) was determined spectrophotometrically, while. The major constituents present in each fraction were identified and characterized using LC-APCI/MS/MS. In vitro screening of the individual fractions, rich in polyphenols and lignans, revealed several bioactivities of direct relevance to radioprotection e.g. metal-chelation activity, antioxidant activity, DNA protection, inhibition of radiation (250 Gy) and iron/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO). CE exhibited maximum protection to plasmid (pBR322) DNA in the plasmid relaxation assay (68.09% of SC form retention). It also showed maximal metal chelation activity (41.59%), evaluated using 2,2'-bipyridyl assay, followed by AE (31.25%), which exhibited maximum antioxidant potential (lowest absorption unit value: 0.0389 +/- 0.00717) in the reducing power assay. AE also maximally inhibited iron/ascorbate-induced and radiation-induced LPO (99.76 and 92.249%, respectively, at 2000 microg/ml) in mouse liver homogenate. Under conditions of combined stress (radiation (250 Gy) + iron/ascorbate), at a concentration of 2000 microg/ml, HA exhibited higher percentage of inhibition (93.05%) of LPO activity. HA was found to be effective in significantly (p < 0.05) lowering LPO activity over a wide range of concentrations as compared to AE. The present comparative study indicated that alcoholic (AE) and hydro-alcoholic (HA) fractions are the most promising fractions, which can effectively tackle radiation-induced oxidative stress.

The development of nontoxic yet effective radioprotectors is needed because of the increasing risk of human exposure to ionizing radiation. We have reported that high-altitude Podophyllum hexandrum (HAPH) confers a radioprotective effect in in vitro and in vivo models. The present study reports on the antioxidant and radioprotective properties of low-altitude Podophyllum hexandrum (LAPH), from which the toxic compound podophyllotoxin has been partially removed during the extraction process. Using HPLC,we estimated the relative content of two marker compounds, podophyllotoxin and podophyllotoxin glycoside, in low-altitude Podophyllum extract (LAPE) and found them to be 23.3% and 9.50%, respectively. The ferrous ion chelation potential of LAPE was estimated using the 2,2 bipyridyl assay, and the activity was found to be increased concomitantly with the increase in its concentration, with a maximal inhibition at 25 microg/mL (42.20%) as compared to quercetin (34.9%). The electron donation potential of LAPE was also evaluated, because the antioxidant activities of natural products are known to bear a direct correlation with their ability to donate electrons. The concentration required to attain unit absorbance values at 700 nm were 0.230541+/-0.09 and 0.041+/-0.06 for butylated hydroxyl toluene and LAPE, respectively, indicating a higher antioxidant activity of LAPE. The free radical scavenging ability of LAPE was also assessed and exhibited a dose-dependant increase (1-100 microg/mL), comparable to that of quercetin at 25 microg/mL. The role of LAPE in protecting DNA was evaluated, and it was found that LAPE (30 microg/mL) rendered its maximum radioprotection against the 250 Gy-induced damage in the plasmid (pBR322) relaxation assay. LAPE significantly inhibited radiation-induced, iron/ascorbate- and combined stress (iron/ascorbate and radiation)-induced formation of TBARS (p<0.05). We conclude that LAPH, with its easy accessibility, ease of cultivation, multifarious radioprotective properties, and role as a renewable source of bioactive constituents, along with its low associated toxicity (due to partial removal of podophyllotoxin), enhances its possible use for human clinical applications.

A novel naphthanol glycoside, arjunaphthanoloside (1), was isolated from the stem bark of Terminalia arjuna and its structure was established as 2,3,6,7,8,9-hexahydroxynaphthalene-2-O-alpha-L(-)-rhamnoside by means of spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compound 1 showed potent antioxidant activity and inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages.

Glutamate, a major excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter is also an endogenous excitotoxin. The present study examined the prolonged and delayed effects of glutamate excitotoxicity on mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and antioxidant parameters in different brain regions, namely, cerebral hemisphere, cerebellum, brain stem and diencephalon. Wistar rats (male) were exposed to monosodium glutamate (MSG) (4 mg x g body wt(-1), i.p.) for 6 consecutive days and sacrificed on 30th and 45th day after last MSG dose. MSG treatment markedly decreased the mitochondrial manganese superoxide-dismutase (Mn-SOD), catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and increased the lipid peroxidation (LPx), uric acid and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. These results indicate that oxidative stress produced by glutamate in vulnerable brain regions may persist for longer periods and mitochondrial function impairment is an important mechanism of excitatory amino acid mediated neurotoxicity in chronic neurodegeneration.

In ischaemic heart conditions we report a remarkable increase in platelet xanthine oxidase activity and rise in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) with concomitant decrease in the activities of free radical scavenging enzymes - superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The increased levels of free radical generating system and MDA and lowered levels of free radical scavenging systems seem to have critical role in ischaemic heart conditions.

The combined effect of salicylic acid (SA) and thiourea (TU) on antioxidative response was determined in maize (Zeamays L.) exposed to high temperature stress. Among the varied concentrations used, 200 µM SA + 9 mM TU improved seedling growth in CML 32 (relatively tolerant towards high temperature) and LM 11 (relatively susceptible towards high temperature) genotypes. The increased activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) in the roots of CML 32 and shoots of LM 11 seedlings may indicate that SA + TU application induced Halliwell-Asada pathway in these tissues. It might be also suggested that H2O2 detoxification was primarily carried out by SA + TU induced catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) activities in the roots of LM 11 and shoots of CML 32 seedlings. With foliar spray of SA + TU, proline content increased in roots of both the genotypes that might help the maize genotypes in combating heat stress by maintaining osmotic adjustments or by acting as an antioxidant. The contents of H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased in the roots and shoots of foliar sprayed seedlings of both the genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]