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We used Achnatherum sibiricum, a native grass as test material and application of methyl jasmonate (MJ) to simulate herbivory, and compared the growth and physiological characters of en- dophyte-infected (EI) and endophyte-free (EF) plants. The results showed that MJ treatment significantly decreased the shoot growth, but significantly increased the concentrations of defensive substances such as total phenolic and lignin, and decreased the size of aphid population. Endophyte infection significantly increased the tiller number, total phenolic and lignin contents in the shoot. As for shoot biomass and total phenolic in the root, they were affected by MJ treatment. Without MJ treatment, no significant differences were found in shoot biomass or root phenolic content whether the plants were infected by endophyte or not. With MJ treatment, the shoot biomass was significantly lower and the shoot phenolic content was significantly higher in EI plants than in EF plants. Endophyte infection significantly increased resistance of the host plant to aphids, and the beneficial effect was enhanced by MJ treatments, after three applications with MJ, there were no aphids on EI plants. Overall, endophyte infection could alter the allocation pattern of the host plant between growth and defense, and MJ treatments further strengthened the defensive ability of the host plant at the cost of growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trollius chinensis Bunge is a traditional edible and medicinal plant utilized popularly in north China. This study is intended to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of extracts obtained with different processing methods from Trollius chinensis Bunge. The results showed that all extract displayed moderate or great potential of antioxidant and antibacterial activity, especially ultrasound-assisted ethanol extracts (UAE). It exhibited the highest 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH; EC50 0.215 ± 1.10 mg/mL), 2, 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS; EC50 < 10 μg/mL) and reducing power (RP; EC50 0.25 ± 0.02 mg/mL) with the highest level of flavonoids content (71.56 ± 0.35 mg/g) and total phenolic (35.75 ± 0.35 mg/g). In addition, the UAE had high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (19.7 ± 0.6 mm inhibition zone) , Bacillus subtilis (16.4 ± 0.3 mm inhibition zone), Escherichia coli (15.3 ± 0.2 mm inhibition zone), respectively. The HPLC analysis show that the main flavonoids components in T. chinensis Bunge were revealed to be 2″-O-β-L-galactopyranosylorientin, orientin, vitexin, hyperin. These results suggested the extracts of T. chinensis Bunge could be potentially used as a promising source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents for using in the food or drug industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the antioxidant and antibacterial activities and phenolic contents of Conyza bonariensis growing in Yemen. The whole plants of C. bonariensis were ultrasonically extracted by ethanol. The antioxidant activity of the extract was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene bleaching (BCB). The effectiveness of the extract on the growth inhibition of some indicators of foodborne illness bacteria were investigated by agar well diffusion assay. The total phenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), total tannins (TT), and total anthocyanins (TA) were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method, aluminium chloride method, Folin and Ciocalteu method, and pH-differential method, respectively. The extract of C. bonariensis possessed TP 144.1 mg/g, TF 143 mg/g, TT 0.99mg/g, and TA 0.97mg 100g, with 94.57% inhibition of DPPH and 92.47% inhibition of BCB, and strong inhibitory effects against tested bacteria, which was approximate to those of peel extract of Punica granatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of bignay [Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng.] fruit extract as a source of natural preservative was investigated. Bignay fruits, at red and fully mature stage, were analyzed for total phenolic content and free radical scavenging antioxidant activity. Crude and ethanol extracts from bignay fruits at concentrations 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% were screened for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus ochraceus using paper disc diffusion assay. Efficacy of the extract in controlling microbial growth in muffin was examined from 0 to 6 d of storage. Sensory evaluation of the baked product was also performed. Fully mature bignay fruit extract has higher total phenolic content (141.80 g CE 100 g-1) and antioxidant activity (87.10%) than red bignay, 84.43 g CE 100 g-1 and 75.87%, respectively. Largest zones of inhibition were produced by ethanol (16.50-25.00 mm and 15.83-25.17 mm) and crude (13.67- 21.67 mm and 15.50-23.83 mm) extracts from red bignay against P. fluorescens and B. subtilis, respectively. Red bignay extracts with pH adjusted to 6.5 also exhibited antibacterial effects against P. fluorescens and B. subtilis. Addition of 5% bignay extract can significantly inhibit the growth of microorganisms in a baked product and result in softer and more acceptable baked product. Bignay can be used as a natural ingredient with significant biological function due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total phenolic and flavonoid content and percentage of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of callus and in vivo plant parts of Heliotropium indicum Linn. were estimated. Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) 2.0 mg/l with benzyladenine (BA) 0.5 mg/l showed the highest amount of callus biomass (1.87 g/tube). The morphology of callus was significantly different according to the plant growth regulators and their concentrations used in the medium. The highest amount of total phenolic (21.70 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram (GAE/g)) and flavonoid (4.90 mg quercetin equivalent per gram (QE/g)) content and the maximum percentage (77.78 %) of radical scavenging activity were estimated in the extract of inflorescence. The synergistic effect of NAA (2.0 mg/l) and BA (0.5 mg/l) enhances the synthesis of total phenolic (9.20 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (1.25 mg QE/g) content in the callus tissue. The callus produced by the same concentration shows 45.24 % of free radical scavenging activity. While comparing the various concentrations of NAA with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for the production of callus biomass, total phenolic and flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activity, all the concentrations of NAA were found to be superior than those of 2,4-D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND In order to evaluate the effects of nano- CaCO3-based low density polyethylene (nano- CaCO3-LDPE) packaging on the quality of fresh-cut sugarcane, concentrations of O2 and CO2 within the packages, overall visual quality ( OVQ), total bacterial count ( TBC), yeast and mould count ( YMC), reducing sugar content and total phenolic content, respiration, ethylene production, and the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase ( PAL), polyphenol oxidase ( PPO), peroxidase ( POD), acid invertase ( AI) and neutral invertase ( NI) were examined during storage at 10 °C for 5 days. RESULTS The transmission rate of O2 and CO2 of the nano- CaCO3-LDPE material was lower than that of LDPE, which lead to the more rapid formation of gas environment with low O2 and high CO2 concentration in the package. TBC and YMC counts of fresh-cut sugarcane were significantly retarded by nano- CaCO3-LDPE packaging. Nano- CaCO3-LDPE packaging fresh-cut sugarcane exhibited significantly lower activities of PAL, PPO, POD AI and NI than LDPE packaging fresh-cut sugarcanes during the storage. Meanwhile, nano- CaCO3-LDPE packaging significantly inhibited the increase of browning index and total phenolic content, while improving OVQ. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that nano- CaCO3-LDPE packaging together with the cold storage is a promising approach in inhibiting browning and maintaining quality of fresh-cut sugarcane. [[ArtCopyrightmsg]] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valuable products that can be isolated from spent coffee ground (SCG) biomass consist of a high number of bioactive components, which are suitable for further application as raw materials in various production chains. This paper presents the potential value of the SCG obtained from large and local coffee beverage producers, for the production of valuable, biologically active products. Despite its high potential, SCG has not been utilized to its full potential value, but is instead discarded as waste in landfills. During its decomposition, SCG emits a large amount of CO 2 and methane each year. The main novelty of our work is the implementation of sequential extraction with solvents of increased polarity that allows for the maximal removal of the available extractives. In addition, we have compared different extraction techniques, such as conventional and Soxhlet extraction, with more effective accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), which has seen relatively little use in terms of SCG extraction. By comparing these extraction methods and highlighting the key differences between them in terms of extraction yield and obtained extract composition, this work offers key insights for further SCG utilization. By using sequential and one-step accelerated solvent extraction, it is possible to obtain a significant number of extractives from SCG, with a yield above 20% of the starting biomass. The highest yield is for coffee oil, which is obtained with n-hexane ranging between 12% and 14% using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) according to the scheme: n-hexane→ethyl acetate→60% ethanol. Using single-stage extraction, increasing the ethanol concentration also increases the total phenolic content (TPC) and it ranges between 18.7-23.9 Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) mg/g. The iodine values in the range of 164-174 using ASE and Soxhlet extraction shows that the hexane extracts contain a significant amount of unsaturated fatty acids; coffee oils with a low acid number, in the range of 4.74-6.93, contain few free fatty acids. The characterization of separated coffee oil has shown that it mainly consists of linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and a small number of phenolic-type compounds.

Fermented dairy products have long been associated with positive health benefits. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory properties, viable probiotic counts, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of probiotic yoghurt made by reconstituting of whole milk powder in aqueous fennel seed extract. Different concentrations of fennel aqueous seeds extract (2%, 4% and 6% w/v) were used as a substitute for water to reconstitute whole milk powder in formulations of yoghurt as functional additives. Interestingly, the use of aqueous extract of fennel seeds in the reconstituted yoghurt milk did not affect yoghurt composition (moisture, protein, fat and ash contents) compared to plain yoghurt. The titratable acidity significantly decreased after using aqueous fennel seed extract in the yogurt manufacture. In this regard, the titratable acidity value was 0.85 in the control yogurt at the fresh period and 1.14 after 21 days of storage, while this value significantly decreased in the yogurt treatments with 2%, 4% and 6% aqueous fennel seed extract to 80, 0.77 and 0.72, respectively, at fresh period and reached 1.03, 0.96 and 0.94, respectively, after 21 days of storage (p < 0.05). Conversely, the pH values significantly increased (p < 0.05) following the addition of aqueous fennel seed extract in the yogurt manufacture. Moreover, the total phenolic content significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 38.60 (mg GAE/L), in fresh plain yogurt, to 44.80, 53.20 and 64.30 (mg GAE/L), in 2% fennel extract yoghurt (FEY2), 4% fennel extract yoghurt (FEY4) and 6% fennel extract yoghurt (FEY6), respectively. Likewise, the antioxidant activity significantly increased (p < 0.05) from 0.11 (mM TE) in fresh plain yogurt to 0.18, 0.26 and 0.32 (mM TE) in (FEY2), (FEY4) and (FEY6), respectively. The survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum decreased during storage time in all yoghurt treatments, although it stood at recommended levels for health effects (at least 106 cfu/mL in traditional yoghurt). For sensory evaluation, FEY4 was more acceptable, followed by FEY6, FEY2 and PY, respectively. Collectively, the present study provides useful information about the bioactivity, physicochemical and sensory properties of probiotic yoghurt made from whole milk powder reconstituted in aqueous fennel extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oroxylum indicum, which is called Pheka in Thai, is a traditional Thai plant in the Bignoniaceae family with various ethnomedical uses such as as an astringent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an anti-bronchitic agent, an anti-helminthic agent and an anti-microbial agent. The young fruits of this plant have also been consumed as vegetables. However, there has been no report concerning its antibacterial activities, especially activities related to clinically isolated pathogenic bacteria and the in vitro antioxidant effects of this plant. Therefore, the extracts from O. indicum fruits and seeds collected from different provinces in Thailand were prepared by decoction and maceration with ethanol and determined for their in vitro antibacterial effects on two clinically isolated bacteria, Streptococcus suis and Staphylococcus intermedius, using disc diffusion assay. Ethanol extracts from O. indicum fruits collected from Nakorn Pathom province at the concentration of 1000 mg/mL exhibited intermediate antibacterial activity against S. intermedius with an inhibition zone of 15.11 mm. Moreover, it promoted moderate inhibitory effects on S. suis with an inhibition zone of 14.39 mm. The extracts prepared by maceration with ethanol promoted higher antibacterial activities than those prepared with water. The ethanol extract from the seeds of this plant, purchased in Bangkok, showed stronger in vitro antioxidant activities than the other extracts, with an EC50 value of 26.33 µg/mL. Phytochemical analysis suggested that the seed ethanol extract contained the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents (10.66 g% gallic acid equivalent and 7.16 g% quercetin equivalent, respectively) by a significant amount. Thin layer chromatographic analysis of the extracts showed the chromatographic band that could correspond to a flavonoid baicalein. From the results, extracts from O. indicum fruits have an in vitro antioxidant effect, with antibacterial potential, on clinically pathologic bacteria and they contain an antioxidant flavonoid which could be developed for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes in the future.

Within a project aimed to reintroduce non-drug hemp cultivars in the Italian Po valley, for fibre but also high added-value nutraceutical production, investigation on locally grown plants has been performed, in order to assess their oil and metabolic content. This study provides useful information regarding three different hemp cultivars, from two sites, in view of their potential industrial application. The oil was characterised by a high unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and by an almost perfect balance of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids, as requested for healthy foods. The alcoholic extracts, for which a high content of amino acids and phenolic compounds has been highlighted, could provide dietary supplements to help in preventing oxidative stress. By investigating the Carmagnola cultivar, six known and four new lignanamides have been identified, confirming and assessing the general metabolic pattern in the seeds of these locally grown plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of extrusion and drum-drying treatments on physico-functional and antioxidant properties of flours prepared from purple-flesh sweet potato were evaluated. Extrusion variables were feed moisture contents ( MC; 10%, 13%, 16%) and screw speeds ( SS; 250, 325, 400 r.p.m.), whereas drum-drying was done at 120, 130 or 140 °C. Effects of MC were generally greater than SS on flour properties. Extruded flours showed higher water absorption and water solubility indices compared with control nonextruded flours. Regardless of SS, total phenolic content and antioxidant activities ( DPPH and ABTS) of flours processed at 10% MC were significantly higher than those at 13% and 16%. Both extruded and drum-dried flours exhibited no peak viscosity, indicating complete gelatinisation of starch. Maximum phenolic content and antioxidant activities of drum-dried flours were obtained at 140 °C. Although drum-dried flours had higher antioxidant capacity than extruded flours, both flours could potentially be used as food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Antioxidants from black bamboo leaves were extracted by PLE. [•] PLE methods were optimised for TP, TF and DPPH radical scavenging activity. [•] Anti-oxidative activities were enhanced 2–4 times by superheated PLE process. [•] Eight phenolics at optimised conditions were identified and assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health-promoting compounds, antioxidant and myrosinase activity in the sprouts of three broccoli cultivars under 40 mM, 80 mM and 160 mM NaCl were investigated. LangYan (LY) sprouts had the richest health-promoting compounds among the evaluated cultivars. Treatment of 40 mM and 80 mM NaCl significantly decreased the content of ascorbic acid and total phenolic as well as antioxidant activity, but did not affect glucoraphanin, sulforaphane and myrosinase activity compared to the control. However, 160 mM NaCl treatment significantly enhanced the level of total phenolic, glucoraphanin, sulforaphane, antioxidant and myrosinase activity, while significantly decreased ascorbic acid content. The results suggest that 160 mM NaCl treatment would enhance antioxidant activity and sulforaphane yield in broccoli sprouts. The health-promoting value of broccoli sprouts depends on plant genotype and could be affected by NaCl stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Murta ( Ugni molinae T.) berries were air-dried at five temperatures (40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C), and the changes in β-carotene, phenolic acids, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacities ( DPPH and ORAC) were investigated. The berries showed a high content of β-carotene, which decreased during drying temperature between 40 °C and 80 °C. Free and bound phenolic acids were also determined, showing gallic acid to be the prevalent phenolic acid. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the dried berries showed a higher decrease at lower temperature due to longer drying time. The radical-scavenging activity also showed higher antioxidant activity at higher drying temperatures (70-80 °C) than at lower drying temperatures (40-50 °C). Total phenolic content ( TPC) and flavonoids showed good correlation with antioxidant capacity. Murta berries proved to be an excellent source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds and are therefore a potential ingredient for new functional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascorbic acid dip and high O2 modified atmosphere packaging were used to alleviate browning and quality loss of fresh-cut eggplants. Fresh-cut eggplants were dipped in water or 0.5% ascorbic acid solution for 2 min before being packed in polyethylene film bags filled with air or high O2. The physiochemical and sensorial attributes of cut eggplants were evaluated during 12 days for storage at 4 ℃. Results demonstrated that high O2 modified atmosphere packaging and ascorbic acid dip improved the preservation of fresh-cut eggplants compared with the control. High O2 showed an ability to reduce the browning and inhibit polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities. Higher total phenolic content and lower malondialdehyde content were also observed in ascorbic acid treated samples during storage. Moreover, the combination of ascorbic acid and high O2 was more effective than single treatments. The surface color was protected by ascorbic acid and high O2 packaging, and higher sensory scores were observed after 12 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medicinal herb coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.), with a high linalool (LIN) content, is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits. As a novel report, the goals of this study were to determine how methyl jasmonate (MeJA) affects total phenolic content (TPC), LIN content, flavonoid content (TFC), and changes in gene expression involved in the linalool biosynthesis pathway ( Cs γTRPS and CsLINS ). Our findings showed that, in comparison to the control samples, MeJA treatment substantially enhanced the TPC, LIN, and TFC content in both ecotypes. Additionally, for both Iranian coriander ecotypes, treatment-induced increases in CsγTRPS and CsLINS expression were connected to LIN accumulation in all treatments. A 24 h treatment with 150 µM MeJA substantially increased the LIN content in the Mashhad and Zanjan ecotypes, which was between 1.48 and 1.69 times greater than that in untreated plants, according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Our findings demonstrated that MeJA significantly affects the accumulation of LIN, TPC, and TFC in Iranian C. sativum treated with MeJA, which is likely the consequence of gene activation from the monoterpene biosynthesis pathway. Our discoveries have improved the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind LIN synthesis in coriander plants.

Cynara scolymus L. (Family: Compositae) or artichoke is a nutritious edible plant widely used for its hepatoprotective effect. Crude extracts of flower, bract, and stem were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity and phenolic content. The flower crude extract exhibited the highest phenolic content (74.29 mg GAE/gm) as well as the best in vitro antioxidant activity using total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FEAP), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhyazyl (DPPH) scavenging assays compared with ascorbic acid. Phenolic fractions of the crude extracts of different parts were separated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC-DAD analysis. The silver nanoparticles of these phenolic fractions were established and tested for their cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity. Results showed that silver nanoparticles of a polyphenolic fraction of flower extract (Nano-TP/Flowers) exhibited potent cytotoxicity against prostate (PC-3) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines with IC 50 values of 0.85 μg/mL and 0.94 μg/mL, respectively, compared with doxorubicin as a standard. For apoptosis-induction, Nano-TP/Flowers exhibited apoptosis in PC-3 with a higher ratio than in A549 cells. It induced total prostate apoptotic cell death by 227-fold change while it induced apoptosis in A549 cells by 15.6-fold change. Nano-TP/Flowers upregulated both pro-apoptotic markers and downregulated the antiapoptotic genes using RT-PCR. Hence, this extract may serve as a promising source for anti-prostate cancer candidates.

Recently, interest in plant-derived food additives has grown mainly because synthetic antioxidants suffer from several drawbacks. Some plants are traditionally used for both food and medicine in Iran. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of Smyrnium cordifolium Boiss leaves and stems and Sinapis arvensis L leaves, stems and flowers were prepared and evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF) and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by five different methods: free radical scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), inhibition of lipid peroxidation and reducing power. It was found that the leaves of S. cordifolium had the highest antioxidant activities (TPC: 51.31 ± 1.06 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight, DPPH: 78.25 ± 0.69 % inhibition, FRAP: 381.17 ± 7.35 µmol Fe2+/g dry weight, TEAC: 96.27 ± 0.20 µmol trolox equivalents/g dry weight and TF: 19.00 ± 0.30 mg catechin equivalents/g dry weight) and thus could be rich sources of natural antioxidants. These results suggest that leaves of S. cordifolium may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant for food and pharmaceutical application. Further research is needed to isolate, characterize, and identify the bioactive compounds present in these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of different percentages of ethanol (0 - 100%), extraction times (1 - 5 h) and temperatures (25 - 60°C) on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of sapodilla pulp and peel. TPC was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method, while AA was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and ß-carotene bleaching (BCB) assay. Based on the optimal extraction conditions used, sapodilla pulp extract had TPC of 3.89 mg GAE/g, 63.20% of DPPH scavenging activity, 4.30% of ABTS scavenging activity, 19.17% of BCB activity, and FRAP value of 15.24 mg TE/g; while its peel extract had TPC of 9.23 mg GAE/g, 92.95% of DPPH scavenging activity, 5.36% of ABTS scavenging activity, 8.14% of BCB activity, and 27.85 mg TE/g (FRAP value). Using the optimal extraction conditions for sapodilla pulp (40% ethanol as extraction solvent that extracted at 60°C for 4 h) and sapodilla peel (80% ethanol and 2 h extraction time at 40°C), highest antioxidants can be extracted from the pulp and peel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant capacity of Ocimum tenuiflorum L. or 'ruku' were determined in this study. Fresh leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum was subjected to freeze drying, vacuum drying and processed into fermented and unfermented tea. The samples were extracted using distilled water and the total phenolics, total flavonoids, condensed tannin content, anthocyanins and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed, measured with ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) assays. The results showed that drying the fresh leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum and processing them into tea leaves significantly increase (P < 0.05) the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and condensed tannin content. However, anthocyanins content showed reduction after drying. In the present study, it can be concluded that the vacuum drying method seem to produce a product with higher quality of antioxidant properties than freeze drying. Hence, vacuum drying can be used to replace freeze drying as it is also cheaper than freeze drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antitumor and antioxidant status of ethanol extract of Terminalia catappa leaves against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: The leaves powder was extracted with Soxhlet apparatus and subjected to hot continuous percolation using ethanol (95% v/v). Tumor bearing animals was treated with 50 and 200 mg/kg of ethanol extract. EAC induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of EAC cells 1 x 10 cells/mice. The study was assed using life span of EAC-bearing hosts, hematological parameters, volume of solid tumor mass and status of antioxidant enzymes such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Total phenolics and lavonoids contents from the leaves extract were also determined. Results: Total phenolics and lavonoids contents from the leaves extract were found 354.02 and 51.67 mg/g extract. Oral administration of ethanol extract of T. catappa (50 and 200 mg/kg) increased the life span (27.82% and 60.59%), increased peritoneal cell count (8.85 ± 0.20 and 10.37 ± 0.26) and significantly decreased solid tumor mass (1.16 ± 0.14 cm²) at 200 mg/kg as compared with EAC-tumor bearing mice (P < 0.01). Hematological profile including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin (11.91 ± 0.47 % g) and protein estimation were found to be nearly normal levels in extract-treated mice compared with tumor bearing control mice. Treatment with T. catappa significantly decreased levels of LPO and GSH, and increased levels of SOD and CAT activity (P < 0.01). Conclusion: T. catappa exhibited antitumor effect by modulating LPO and augmenting antioxidant defense systems in EAC bearing mice. The phenolic and flavonoid components in this extract may be responsible for antitumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to investigate the inflammatory and antioxidant activities of ethanolic leaf extract of Brownlowia tersa (L.) Kosterm. The anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extract was studied using carrageenan and histamine-induced rat paw edema test at different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight). DPPH free radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power, Fe ion chelating ability and total phenolic content were used for determining antioxidant activities. The extract, at the dose of 400 mg/kg, showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity ( P < 0.01) both in the carrageenan and histamine-induced edema test models in rats showing 54.76 % and 56.96 % reduction in the paw volume comparable to that produced by the standard drug indomethacin (64.88 % and 67.09 %) at 4 h respectively. In DPPH free radical scavenging test, IC value for ethanolic extract was found fairly significant 39.33 μg/ml when compared to the IC value of the reference standards ascorbic acid and Butylated Hydroxy Anisole (BHA) (3.16 and 5.81 μg/ml) respectively. The IC values of the extract and ascorbic acid were 99.06 and 39.35 μg/ml, respectively in nitric oxide scavenging assay. The maximum absorbance for reducing power assay was found to be 1.276 at 100 μg/ml when compared to 2.821 and 1.231 for standard ascorbic acid and BHA respectively. The IC value of the extract as percentage of Fe ion chelating ability was also found significant compared to that of EDTA. The total phenolic content was 211.82 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent. Acute toxicity test showed that the plant might be safe for pharmacological uses up to a dose level of 3,200 mg/kg of body weight in rats. Therefore, the obtained results suggest the acute anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of Brownlowia tersa leaves and thus provide the scientific basis for the traditional uses of this plant part as a remedy for pain and inflammations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To determine the chemical composition, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the crude extracts from leaves and stems of a Lebanese plant Euphorbia macroclada schyzoceras (E. macroclada), and to evaluate their antioxidant potential using DPPH, H2O2, and chelating of ferrous ions tests. Methods: Quantification of the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the crude extracts from leaves and stems and the antioxidant activities were evaluated using spectrophotometric analyses. The chemical composition has been estimated using different techniques such as IR, LC/MS and NMR. Results: Ethanolic extract from leaves of E. macroclada was better than aqueous extract and showed higher content in total phenolic and total flavonoid than found in the stems. On the other hand, using DPPH and H2O2 tests, this extract from leaves showed higher antioxidant capacity than aqueous extract. However, using the chelating of ferrous ions test, the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of both stems and leaves was stronger than that of ethanolic once. The chemical composition of the whole plant showed the presence of some aromatic compounds and fatty acids. Conclusions: Both ethanolic and water extracts from both parts of this plant are effective and have good antioxidant power. So, this plant can be used in the prevention of a number of diseases related to oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Grape is one of the world's largest fruit crops, with an approximate annual production of 58 million metric tons, and it is well known that the grape skins, seeds and stems, waste products generated during wine and grape juice processing, are rich sources of polyphenols. It contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and stilbenes. In this study, we tried to determine antioxidant properties and phenolic contents of grape and grape products (fresh fruit, seed, dried fruit, molasses, pestil, vinegar) of ethanol and water extracts. Antioxidant properties of extracts were investigated by DPPH√, ABTS√+, superoxide, H2O2 scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating activity and determination of total phenolic contents. The seed extracts revealed highest ABTS√+, DPPH√, H2O2 scavenging and reducing power activities. Furthermore, these extracts showed higher total phenolic contents than other grape product extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a study that examined the physical and chemical properties of 20 species of imported wood and their influence on the degradation of the wood by termites. Some of the wood species studied included Sycamore maple, Acer pseudoplatanus and Camphor, Dryobalanops aromatic. The termites present included Odontotermes horni and Odontotermes feae. The study noted a correlation between density, cellulose, lignin and total phenolic content of wood and degradation.

Edible nuts have an increasing role in human diet. Pistachio is a popular but less known kind of edible nut nevertheless it is rich in health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. Therefore, this study attempts to determine the antioxidants capacity, total phenolics and amount of some major elements (nitrogen, potassium, calcium and phosphorus), present in the most important Iranian pistachio nut, to enhance the health benefits, and use in breeding programs. For this reason eleven pistachio cultivars ('Akbary', 'Ahmad Aghaii', 'Daneshmandi', 'Kalle Ghoochi 1', 'Kalle Ghoochi 2', 'Garmeh', 'Ohadi 1', 'Ohadi 2', 'Sefid', 'Momtaz', and chance seedling tree ("None-grafted") as control) which are grown in commercial orchards of Fayzabad (Khorasan-e-Razavi) were analyzed for determination of some major elements, antioxidants capacity and total phenolics contents. The results showed that the amounts of the nutrients in 100 g kernel were within the following ranges: N 2.5-4.1 g, P 355.9-546.6 mg, K 573.6-994.9 mg and Ca 61.5-134.5 mg. Total phenolics content varied from 5.3-9.9 mg gallic acid equivalents in g fresh weight. The results also showed that the capacity of antioxidant ranged from 1.6-3.7 (mg ascorbic acid equivalents in g fresh weight). Weak correlation was observed between total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity (r²=0.3824). The result demonstrates that there is adequate variation in major elements, antioxidants capacity and total phenolics contents within pistachio cultivars and hence there is potential for improvement towards enhancing these health-promoting photochemical in this nuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Forty samples were extracted from defatted kernels and hulls of two varieties of hempseed (Bama and Yunma No. 1) using 10 different polar solvent systems. The radical scavenging capacity of the extracts was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-pikrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays and the total phenolic content was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent. The correlation analysis indicated that the antioxidants in hempseed belonged to phenolic and DPPH assay was suitable for evaluating the radical scavenging activity. Two compounds, with predominant antiradical activity, were isolated in 60% ethanol extract of hempseed hull using macroporous resin absorption, LH-20 gel chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography methods, which were identified as N-trans-caffeoyltyramine and cannabisin B by high-resolution mass spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and ultraviolet data. The two compounds exhibited significant high DPPH scavenging activity and protective effect against in vitro oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein compared with extracts from flaxseed, grape seed, and soybean. This suggests that hempseed hull extract is a potential source of natural antioxidants, which could be added to dietary supplements to help prevent oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Seventy-eight samples of southern Italy honey from five different floral origins (chestnut, eucalyptus, citrus, multifloral and sulla) were screened to quantify the polyphenol and metal contents, evaluate the antioxidant activity and determine the correlations between the parameters analysed. The average polyphenol content was 12.06 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g honey and 7.92 mg quercetin equivalent per 100 g honey, for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively. The antioxidant activity ranged from 58.40% (eucalyptus honey) to 60.42% (chestnut honey) in the ABTS assay, from 152.65 μ m Fe (II) (citrus honey) to 881.34 μ m Fe (II) (chestnut honey) in the FRAP assay, and from 54.29% (citrus honey) to 78.73% (chestnut honey) in the DPPH assay. Fe and Zn were the most abundant among the tested metals, while Cd, Co and Mo were those less present. Chestnut honey presented the highest polyphenol content, antioxidant activity and metal content. The correlations between the analysed parameters were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The correlations between metal content and both total phenolic and antioxidant activities were particularly interesting, suggesting a relationship between metal and polyphenol contents in honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the fatty acid composition and proximate analysis, including total proteins, dry matter, total phenol levels, antioxidants and antiradical activities of clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) seeds harvested in five consecutive years, from 2006 to 2010. Firstly, the dry matter, oil, protein and fatty acid composition of the clary sage seeds were determined. The dry matter, oil and protein content of the clary sage seed samples varied between 97.64 and 98.35, 23.83 and 29.34, and 21.97 and 22.96%, respectively. Secondly, the fatty acid compositions in the oil and the bioactive properties in the extract were investigated. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were the most abundant fatty acids in the clary sage. The α-linolenic, oleic and linoleic acid contents of the sage oils changed from 50.04 to 53.69%; 20.10 to 22.97%; 15.54 to 18.06%, respectively according to year. The total phenolic content, antioxidant and antiradical activities of the sage seeds were determined in the range of 7.71–13.21mg GAE/g dry extract, 50.45–74.04 (mg AAE/g dry extract) and 13.14–21.21% respectively. Each of the investigated parameters of the sage seeds was significantly affected by the harvesting year. Consequently, clary sage seeds are rich in fatty acids and contained high levels of antioxidant and antiradical activities making them ideal for use as nutraceuticals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tricholoma species, known as odorous mushrooms, are consumed in Anatolia as well as in the world. The antioxidant activity of extracts of Tricholoma fracticum, Tricholoma imbricatum and Tricholoma terreum was determined using five complementary tests: β-carotene/linoleic acid, DPPH scavenging, ABTS scavenging, ferrous ion chelating assay and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity assay. In the β-carotene/linoleic acid assay, the hexane extract of T. imbricatum showed 93.8 ± 1.4% lipid peroxidation inhibition at 0.8 mg/mL concentration, whilst in the ABTS assay, the ethyl acetate extract of T. fracticum exhibited 88.8 ± 0.1% inhibition in the same concentration. In addition, the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of Tricholoma species were determined as pyrocatechol and quercetin equivalents, respectively. The in vitro anticholinesterase activities of extracts of Tricholoma species were tested against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, which are the key enzymes taking place in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The hexane extract of T. imbricatum demonstrated the best inhibition activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes, indicating 71.8 ± 0.3% and 52.6 ± 1.0% at 0.2 mg/mL concentration, respectively. These results showed that the tested extracts obtained from Tricholoma species, particularly T. imbricatum, can be considered as sources of food additives, as well as moderate anticholinesterase agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the crude ethanolic extract of the kernel root of Xylocarpus mekongenesis (Lamk.) M. Roem. (Meliaceae) was evaluated in different methods. The extract showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced oedema test in rats showing 69.42 % reduction in the paw volume ( P < 0.01) comparable to that produced by the standard drug indomethacin (70.25 %) at 24 h when the extract was fed at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight. The percentage inhibition of the oedema paw volume was statistically significant ( p < 0.05) when compared with the indomethacin treated animals at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h. The extract exhibited IC value 4.78 μg/ml in DPPH free radical scavenging activity test that was found to be very significant and comparable to that of the standard antioxidants ascorbic acid and BHA (1.9372 and 4.81 μg/ml) respectively. In nitric oxide radical scavenging test, the IC value was also found fairly significant 57.37 μg/ml when compared to standard ascorbic acid (36.81 μg/ml). In reducing power test, the maximum absorbance of the same extract was observed as 1.923 at 100 μg/ml and that of ascorbic acid and BHA were 2.8111 and 1.0314 respectively. The extract showed highest antioxidant capacity at 100 μg/ml concentration expressed as equivalents of ascorbic acid (1.44). The total phenolic content of the extract was also found quite high (342.15 ± 0.92 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent). Therefore, the results of this study suggest the probable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of X. mekongenesis kernel root and justify its use in traditional medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on the anthocyanin and total phenolic content of mangosteen, the effect of drying on the quality of mangosteen mixed with fruit juice powder, and the effect of enzyme clarification and evaporation methods on the quality of mangosteen concentrate such as color value, anthoycanin and total phenolic content, and the percent of polymeric color. Mangosteen is composed of 17% of outer pericarp, 48% of inner pericarp, 31% of flesh and 4% of cap. Most of anthocyanin was found in outer pericarp (179.49 mg Cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cyn-3-glu) /100g) while most of total phenolic was found in inner pericarp (3,404 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g). After juice process, the total phenolic content and anthocyanin of mangosteen juice is about 205.36 mg GAE/100 mL whereas the anthocyanin content is around 0.87 mg Cyn- 3-Glu /100mL. Spray drying can preserve anthocyanin and total phenolic of mangosteen powder better than vacuum drying. After concentrated mangosteen juice by between two evaporation methods with and without pectinase enzyme, vacuum evaporation can prevent the degradation of anthocyanin better than the atmospheric evaporation. The enzymatic clarification can decrease the % polymeric color and increase the total phenolics of mangosteen juice concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legume is a plant in the family of Fabacae or Leguminosae that rich in protein, carbohydrate, dietary fibre, and minerals. Germination of legume causes some important changes in the biochemical and a nutritional characteristic of the legumes that may be beneficial to human's health and nutritional status. This study was carried out to determine the effect of germination on total phenolic, tannin and phytic acid contents of soy beans and peanut. The process of germination was carried out by soaking legumes in water for 6 hours, followed by germinating them in wet muslin cloth for 48 hours. After germination, samples were dried and stored in refrigerator before analysis. Total phenolic, tannin and phytic acid were determined spectrophotometrically. Total phenolic contents were decreased significantly (p<0.05) in germinated peanut and soy bean while significant decreased (p<0.05) of tannin content was found in germinated peanut. Phytic acid content was decreased significantly (p<0.05) in germinated soy bean. Germination reduced total phenolic, tannin and phytic acid contents more in peanut compared to soy bean sample. The decreased in total phenolic, tannin and phytic acid content was due to enzymatic changes during germination period in seeds. Germinated beans can be incorporated with wheat-based food product such as bread or pasta to improve nutrition content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The impact of grey mould ( Botrytis cinerea ( B. cinerea)) was quantified on chemical, phenolic and sensory qualities of grapes, derived musts and wines. Methods and Results: Analyses were carried out by using naturally or artificially infected grape berries at ripeness or overripeness. In grape seeds, chemical analyses revealed no major differences between healthy and rotten grapes. In grape skins of Botrytis-affected berries, concentrations of all the phenolic compounds (anthocyanins and proanthocyanidin monomers, dimers and trimer) decreased drastically. Mean degree of polymerization of the proanthocyanidin polymeric fraction was also affected in skins. Chemical analyses of musts and wines made with different percentages of rotten berries showed a moderate impact of the pathogen on their phenolic composition. Nevertheless, sensory analyses underlined a loss of wine sensory quality perceptible from a threshold as low as 5% of Botrytis-affected grapes onwards. Conclusion: Phenolic variations and the associated negative impact in grapes, derived musts and wines may be related to oxidation phenomena from B. cinerea. The main effects of severity/age of grey mould and the level of berry maturity are also discussed. Significance of the Study: B. cinerea drastically affects the phenolic and organoleptic properties of grape skins and derived wines. Therefore, prophylactic actions early in the vineyard, evaluation of the sanitary status of the harvested grapes and berry sorting are primordial even under low disease pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the possible antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extract of the root of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley growing in Bangladesh. Methods: The antinociceptive activity was evaluated in acetic acid induced writhing model in mice and five complementary test systems, namely DPPH free radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power, Fe++ ion chelating ability and total phenolic content were used for determining antioxidant activities of the root extract. Results: At the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight, the extract showed a significant antinociceptive activity in acetic acid induced writhing in mice showing 40.90% inhibition (P<0.001) comparable to that produced by Diclofenac Na (45.02%) used as standard drug. In DPPH free radical scavenging test, IC50 value for ethanolic extract was found significant 18.91 µg/ml while compared to the IC50 value of the reference standards ascorbic acid and Butylated Hydroxy Anisole (BHA) (2.93 and 4.10 µg/ml) respectively. The IC50 value for nitric oxide scavenging test was also found fairly 50 significant (38.58 µg/ml) while compared to the IC50 value of the standard ascorbic acid (37.93 µg/ml). The maximum absorbance for reducing power assay was found to 1.867 at 100 µg/ml while compared to 2.811 and 2.031 for standard ascorbic acid and BHA respectively. The IC value of the extract as percentage of Fe++ ion chelating ability was determined as 18.25 µg/ml where that of EDTA showed 8.87 µg/ml. The total phenolic amount was also calculated as quite high in ethanolic crude extract 243.50 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent. Conclusion: The present study tend to suggest the antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of the crude ethanolic extract of the root of Lagenaria siceraria and justify its use in folkloric remedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White dragon fruit is a well known and widely used herbal medicine, especially in Asia, which contains several interesting bioactive constituents and possesses health promoting properties. The aim of this study was to analyze for the bioactive compounds, evaluate total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities of methanolic extract of white dragon fruit. The antioxidant activity was determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity assay. Total phenolic content were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Phytochemical screening of the white dragon fruit showed the presence of triterpenoid, alkaloid, flavonoid and saponin. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity with IC50 of 193 μg/mL, and total phenolic content of 246 μg/mL in 1 Kg dry extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]