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Five extraction techniques, maceration, reflux, Soxhlet, Tillepape, and ultrasonic extraction, were used to obtain the extractive matter from nettle leaves. The antioxidant activity of extracts was assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and H2O2 test, while the total phenolic and total flavonoid content was determined according to the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. Model Ponomarev and a non-stationary diffusion model through the plant material were used for modelling extraction process. The extract obtained by Soxhlet extraction, containing higher amounts of extractive matter as well as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, showed better antioxidant activity than those obtained by other extraction techniques.

Strawberry is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae, tribe Potentilleae) in the genus Fragaria. The cultivated varieties of commercial strawberries usually were designated as Fragaria ananassa. Root, leaf, flower and fruit have the healing properties. The strawberry leaves extract is used for blood cleaning, for treatment of oral inflammation, diarrhea, various gastro-intestinal inflammation, and hemorrhoids, as well as a diuretic. So far, many positive biological effects of strawberries (anticancer, antioxidant and anticoagulant effect) have been proven. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract from cultivated strawberries (Fragariae folium, varieties Senga Sengana) by using different antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, FIC, H2O2 and TBA-MDA). Ethanolic extract from strawberry leaves was obtained by reflux extraction at the boiling temperature. Total phenols and total flavonoids content was determined spectrophotometrically by the method of Folin-Ciocalteu and by method with AlCl3, respectively. In the extract was determined high content of total phenols, while the total flavonoid content is much lower. The concentrations of extract required to neutralize 50% of the initial concentration of DPPH radicals (EC50) after 20 minutes incubation and immediately after adding DPPH radical solution were 7,91 and 19,46 μgcm-3, respectively. Extract was achieved the maximum iron ions chelating ability (67.89%) at a concentration of 2 mgcm-3. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation of 70% was achieved by extract concentration of 0.03125 mgcm-3, while the maximum neutralization of H2O2 (30.47%) was achieved by extract concentration of 0.5 mgcm-3. FRAP value of the investigated extract is 284.51 mgFe/g of dry extract. Presented results of the antioxidant activity show that the obtained extract from the cultivated strawberry leaves is a potential source of natural antioxidants. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 34012: Biljni i sintetski bioaktivni proizvodi novije generacije]

The main carriers of the pharmacological activity of garlic (Allium sativum L.) are organic sulfur compounds, the most important among them being allicin, a sulfenic acid thioester, or allylthiosulfonate. In this paper, the identification of synthesized and purified allicin was determined by using various spectroscopic methods (UV/VIS, FTIR, NMR). A HPLC method was developed for the detection and determination of the allicin content. The thermal degradation of allicin by using FTIR method was monitored. The method for the production of allicin gel based on Carbopol 940 (poly(acrylic acid)) was elaborated. The antimicrobial activity of pure allicin and allicin incorporated into gel by using a disk diffusion method was determined. In order to determine the antioxidant activity of allicin DPPH test was done and it was proved that with low concentrations (1 mgcm-3) a high DPPH radicals scavenging capacity (90%) was achieved.

Allicin is the most biologically active substance present in garlic. It can be synthesized or obtained by extraction of fresh garlic. Transformation products of allicin are also biologically active. The aim of this study was to examine the antioxidant activity of synthesized allicin and its transformation products obtained using microwaves in methanol at 55 °C as well as their effect on HeLa cells growth. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) test. The effect on HeLa cells growth was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) test. For MTT test, allicin and its transformation products were dispersed in carmellose sodium solution and examined in concentrations ranging from 0.3 μg/mL to 3 mg/mL. Allicin showed stronger antioxidant activity than the transformation products. A maximum degree of neutralization of DPPH radicals, about 90%, was reached when the concentration of allicin was 2 mg/mL, with an EC50 (concentration of sample which is required for reduction of the initial concentration DPPH radicals to 50%) value of 0.37 mg/mL. In our study, allicin and its transformation products were not cytotoxic to HeLa cells under the examined conditions. The highest concentration of allicin and its transformation products had a slight antiproliferative effect, with a more pronounced effect of allicin, which reflected on the morphology of HeLa cells. The examined substances are safe to use on epithelial cells at concentrations up to 3 mg/mL when applied in carmellose sodium solution. Using carmellose sodium as a dispersing agent could be recommended as a good approach for testing liposoluble substances in liquid cell cultures.