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Bee pollen is produced by collecting pollen grains from flowers in addition to the salivary secretions of the Apis bee. The objective of this work was to analyze the chemical constituents of monofloral bee pollen from Mimosa pudica L (sensitiva) and its free radical-scavenging activity. Four samples collected in the municipality of Nilo Peçanha, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil were submitted to palynological analysis, determination of the polyphenolic profile by ultra-efficient liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and quadrupolar mass spectrometry with flight time, total phenolics, mineral content, and antiradical activity (DPPH• e ABTS•+). Sixty-two compounds were identified, including 1 disaccharide, 7 flavonoids, 15 hydroxycinnamic acid amide derivatives, and 39 lipids derivatives. The predominant minerals were magnesium followed by potassium, sodium, and calcium. The samples presented antiradical activity, being this activity related to the phenolic compounds. M. pudica bee pollen is an important source of minerals and compounds with antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wine lees, as one of the main by-products of winery wastes, is considered a rich source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. Recovery of such bioactive compounds would amplify the valorization of winery by-products, as well as promote their use in cosmetics and health applications. Towards this aim, the objective of this work is the recovery of phenolic compounds from wine lees by ultrasound-assisted extraction. The effect of extraction time, and ethanol content on the extraction yield of total phenolics was investigated, while the phenolic profile of the extract was monitored by GC-MS. Under the optimized conditions, the total phenolic content was calculated at 302.6 mg gallic acid equivalents g− 1 dry extract; the dry extract was investigated for its biological activities, exhibiting excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the extract was found to be a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase, elastase, collagenase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase with IC50 values of 53.3, 83.5, 82.7, 19.0, and 31.3 µg mL− 1, respectively. Finally, the wine lees dry extract was incorporated into chitosan films, reinforcing the properties of the films, and providing them with excellent antioxidant activity. The results support that wine lees extract exhibits high antioxidant activity and can be used as a highly efficient inhibitor of enzymes with pharmaceutical and health interest. Moreover, the chitosan film enriched with wine lees extract is a promising material with high antioxidant potential and can lead to the development of novel food packaging films in the food industry. Highlights: UAE with 70% ethanol was the most effective solvent for phenolic recovery. The extract exhibits high antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was sufficient for Gram+ and Gram- strains. The extract was effective in inhibition of enzymes with cosmetic and health interest. Extract incorporation into chitosan films improved film properties. Statement of Novelty: The utilization of wine lees as starting material is of utmost importance due to their high annual production during the winemaking processes. Wine lees are rich in phenolic compounds that are well-known for their high bioactivity. Generally, winemaking by-products' extracts, such as grape pomace, grape stalks, and grape seed extracts, have been partially investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibition activity. The present study demonstrated the effective extraction of phenolics from raw wine lees and the high antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibition potential of the extract. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that wine lees extract has been used for its inhibitor capacity towards α-glucosidase and α-amylase, indicating its potential in health applications. Moreover, the novelty of the present work expands to the successful incorporation of the extract into chitosan films, resulting in increased antioxidant activity and water resilience compared to the parental material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound-assisted extraction for bioactive compound retrieval is a viable alternative to traditional extraction methods. Employing ultrasound-assisted extraction, this study aimed to enhance the scavenging capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothia-zoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), total polyphenol content (TPC), and flavonoid content in Ainsliaea acerifolia (A. acerifolia) through response surface methodology (RSM). Initially, the impact of extraction temperature, time, and ethanol concentration on DPPH scavenging capacity, ABTS, TPC, and flavonoid content was assessed. Optimal conditions for maximizing antioxidant activity and TPC were determined as 78% (v/v) ethanol, 60 °C extraction temperature, and 91 min of extraction time. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the optimized extract revealed dicaffeoylquinic acid as the primary polyphenol in A. acerifolia extracts, comprising the majority of phenolic compounds (102.06 mg/g DW). This model enabled the optimization of conditions for phenolic compound extraction with antioxidant properties from A. acerifolia, highlighting its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds for industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.

Plants are sessile organisms and any changes in environmental factors activate various responses and defense mechanisms. Artemisia plants widely inhabit harsh conditions of arid and semiarid ecosystems. Using two species—a subshrub, Artemisia frigida, and an annual–biennial herb, Artemisia scoparia—the functioning of the antioxidant system of plants in semiarid territories have been examined. The activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants in both species as well as the antiradical activity of their extracts have been shown. Although the plants were collected in areas differing in moisture supply, the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants corresponds to their physiological level, within the range of the norm of reaction, in wormwood. Consequently, conditions of differing moisture deficiency do not cause a specific biochemical response at the level of the antioxidant system in the studied species, which confirms their adaptability to these conditions. Meanwhile, A. frigida plants show greater morphological and biochemical plasticity than A. scoparia under changing growth conditions. Both species contain tissue monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, the emission of which provides additional protection against high temperatures and drought. Their composition and contents of phenolic components illustrates the differences in adaptation between perennial and annual plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eleven new copper(II) and nickel(II) coordination compounds [Cu(L)Br]2 (1), [Cu(L)Cl] (2), [Cu(L)NO3] (3), [Ni(L)Cl] (4), [Ni(HL)2](NO3)2 (5), and [Cu(A)(L)]NO3, where A is 1,10-phenanthroline (6), 2,2′-bipyridine (7), 3,4-dimethylpyridine (8), 3-methylpyridine (9), pyridine (10) and imidazole (11) were synthesized with 3-(morpholin-4-yl)propane-2,3-dione 4-allylthiosemicarbazone (HL). The new thiosemicarbazone was characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. All the coordination compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Also, the crystal structures of HL and complexes 1, 6, 7, and 11 were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 has a dimeric molecular structure with two bromide bridging ligands, while 6, 7, and 11 are ionic compounds and comprise monomeric complex cations. The studied complexes manifest antibacterial and antifungal activities and also have an antiradical activity that, in many cases, surpasses the activity of trolox, which is used as a standard antioxidant in medicine. Copper complexes 1–3 have very weak antiradical properties (IC50 > 100 µM), but nickel complexes 4–5 are strong antiradicals with IC50 values lower than that of trolox. The mixed ligand copper complexes with additional ligand of N-heteroaromatic base are superior to complexes without these additional ligands. They are 1.4–5 times more active than trolox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts have received much attention according to the wide area of potential applications. In recent years, pH-sensitive colorimetric indicators as the part of intelligent packaging are developed on plant extracts basis. In this study, aqueous extracts of black chokeberry and red beetroot as pH-sensitive indicators were obtained. Extraction was carried out with a material-to-liquor ratio of 1:10. The total anthocyanins content of the black chokeberry extract was 175.43 ± 21.83 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/L. The beetroot extract showed the betacyanins content of 457.95 ± 0.66 mg betanin equivalents/L and the betaxanthins content of 238.12 ± 1.02 mg vulgaxanthin I equivalents/L. The effect of pH on color behavior of extracts was examined in the pH range of 2–12. The black chokeberry and beetroot extracts presented an obvious color change while the pH changed from neutral to slightly alkaline. The antiradical activity assay of extracts was carried out using the DPPH radical method. The black chokeberry extract was found to have the highest antiradical activity among the investigated extracts with the concentration needed to scavenge the 50% of radical (EC50) of 5.89 µL/mL. The extracts exhibited a distinguishable color response to ammonia exposure confirmed by ΔE values. The plant extracts have potential as colorimetric indicators in pH-sensitive intelligent packaging for meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ruellia angustiflora is a shrub popularly known as flower of fire, used in traditional medicine as a healing agent. This study aims to verify the presence of characteristics of pharmaceutical interest in extracts from the root, stem and leaves of this species. The ideal time for ultrasound-assisted extraction is 60 min with a solid-liquid ratio of 1% (w/v). The kinetics of the reaction of the extracts with DPPH is biphasic, and IC50 values are related to the total phenolic compounds. Five phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, where ferulic acid, rutin and quercetin showed to be the main responsible for the antiradical activity. The extracts displayed considerable photoprotective activity, mainly Ra-LE (SPF = 23). Ra-RE showed an inhibition halo similar to erythromycin against Streptococcus pyogenes. Taken together, these data reveal that Ruellia angustiflora is a source of phenolic compounds and has relevant antiradical, photoprotective and antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant-related parameters and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities against Listeria monocytogenes were assessed in eight North East Spain poplar propolis samples. Propolis extracts (PEs) were obtained using 70% ethanol (PEE) and methanol (PME). Yield and total phenol compounds were higher in PEE. Phenolic acids were analyzed by a high-performance liquid chromatograph–diode array detector. Caffeic and ferulic acids were quantified in all PEE and PME. All samples contained p-coumaric acid (quantified in 6 PEE and in 3 PME). Ascorbic acid was detected in all propolis, but mainly quantified in PME (≤0.37 mg/g PE). Biological properties were tested on PEE. As for antiradical activities, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) [against 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)•+], ranged between 578 and 4620 µmol trolox/g, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (against DPPH free radical), between 0.049 and 0.094 mg/mL, antioxidant activity against hydroxyl (•OH) radical (AOA), between 0.04 and 11.01 mmol uric acid/g, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) against peroxyl (ROO•) radical between 122 and 3282 µmol trolox/g. Results of TEAC, AOA, and ORAC were significantly correlated. IC50 anti-inflammatory activity ranged from 1.08 to 6.19 mg/mL. Propolis showed higher inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes CECT934 and L. monocytogenes CP101 by agar well diffusion (P <.05) (10.5 and 10.2 mm, respectively) than against L. monocytogenes CP102 (7.0 mm). Data of this research show that North East Spain propolis may be of interest for pharmaceutical and food industry use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of micronization on the characteristics of black cumin pressing waste material. The basic composition, amino acid, and fatty acid content of the raw material—specifically, black cumin pressing waste material—were determined. The samples were micronized in a planetary ball mill for periods ranging from 0 to 20 min. The particle sizes of micronized samples of black cumin pressing waste material were then examined using a laser analyzer, the Mastersizer 3000. The structures of the produced micronized powders was examined by X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectra of the micronized samples were recorded. The measurement of phenolic and antiradical properties was conducted both before and after in vitro digestion, and the evaluation of protein digestibility and trypsin inhibition was also conducted. The test results, including material properties, suggest that micronization for 10 min dramatically reduced particle diameters (d50) from 374.7 to 88.7 µm, whereas after 20 min, d50 decreased to only 64.5 µm. The results obtained using FTIR spectroscopy revealed alterations, especially in terms of intensity and, to a lesser extent, the shapes of the bands, indicating a significant impact on the molecular properties of the tested samples. X-ray diffraction profiles revealed that the internal structures of all powders are amorphous, and micronization methods have no effect on the internal structures of powders derived from black cumin pressing waste. Biochemical analyses revealed the viability of utilizing micronized powders from black cumin pressing waste materials as beneficial food additives, since micronization increased total phenolic extraction and antiradical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic substances (HS) belong to a fairly common class of organic compounds in nature, which are a component of soils, peat, lignite and sapropels. Some properties of humates (salts of humic acids) make it possible to use them in various fields – crop production, animal production, well drilling and soil structuring. The biological and chemical activity of humic substances is well known. It is caused by the presence of such functional groups as carboxyl, hydroxyl, carbonyl, nitrogen- and sulfur-containing in the composition of GR macromolecules. This fact also serves as a basis for a more extensive study of other properties of GR, namely antioxidant activity. Purpose. Deepening and expanding the understanding of the biological and antioxidant activity of lignite humic (HA) and hymatomelanic (HmA) acids, determining its nature and evaluating the prospects of its use in little-studied processes of oxidation of organic and consumer substances. Methodology. The paper used a photocolorimetric method for determining the antiradical activity (ARA) of two components of humic substances of domestic lignite - humic and hymatomelanic acids. The antioxidant activity (AOA) of humic and hymatomelanic acids from lignite was determined using the gas volumetric method, evaluating the rate of reaction inhibition using the example of the initiated liquid-phase oxidation of cumene with oxygen. Findings. It was established that humic acids exhibit more pronounced antioxidant properties in the processes of radical-chain oxidation of hydrocarbons compared to hymatomelanic acids. The total AOA of HA is 1.68 relative units, which is almost three times higher than this figure for HmA (0.50). On the other hand, it has been experimentally proven that hymatomelanic acids have more pronounced antiradical properties than humic acids. ARA HmA is 0.90 relative units, which is approximately three times more than the similar value for HA (0.57). Originality. Despite the fact that a number of methods for determining the antiradical and antioxidant activity of low-molecular antioxidants and their mixtures have been developed, a method for determining these indicators for high-molecular native compounds has not yet been created. For the first time, a method for determining the antiradical effect of humic substances using the stable 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) was proposed and experimentally tested. A method for determining the antioxidant activity of humic and hymatomelanic acids in hydrocarbon oxidation processes (on the example of cumulus) has been developed. The convenience and satisfactory reproducibility of the developed methods are shown. Practical value. The green-chemistry related development and application of drugs based on native and modified humic substances as polymers with adjustable redox properties (redox polymers) is a relevant direction of sustainable development of society. These substances are the basis for obtaining new medicines, plant protection products, new sorbents, preparations for the reclamation of territories contaminated with radionuclides, heavy metals, organic ecotoxicants, oil products, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary stone disease is a widespread health problem in both adults and children, and its prevalence has been increasing worldwide. Various plants preparations have already been used since ancient times in order to treat urolithiasis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and litholytic effect on kidney stones of Cydonia oblonga Miller. leaves. The infusion, methanol and acetone extracts were made from Cydonia oblonga Miller. leaf at different concentration. Estimation of mass fractions of total polyphenol, flavonoid, and flavonol contents, as well as the in vitro radical scavenging potential on 2,2ʹ-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·) of the investigated extracts was carried out using colorimetric methods. The litholytic property of the extracts was performed by an in-vitro model using experimentally prepared kidney stones- calcium oxalate. As results, the quince leaf extracts revealed stronger antioxidant properties in the DPPH assay, which was proved by the semi-maximal inhibitory concentration values, being about 36.06 ± 3.55, 74.15 ± 6.29, and 142.35 ± 5.09 µg/ml for methanol, acetone and infusion extracts respectively. Furthermore, the tested extracts were found to be more effective in dissolving calcium oxalate stones compared to the control solutions, the mass loss is about 15.13 ± 1.10% with methanol extract, while it is 14.77 ± 1.74% and 11.14 ± 2.86% for acetone and infusion extracts respectively. These findings confirm the quince leaf's richness in phyto-components, offering anti-oxidant property and being able to be used as a remedy for the management of kidney stones by dissolving calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 4-hydroxy-4,9-dihydro-4H-xanthen-4-one derivatives were synthesized using the oxidative cyclization reaction of space-shielded catecholphenols. The structure of 1,3,5,7-tetra-tert-butyl-4a,8-dihydroxy-9H-xanthen-4(4aH)-one was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (CCDC 2345899). The antiradical properties of new compounds were studied by their reaction with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH radical). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis, which results from infection and inflammation, is one of the most common inflammatory diseases. Some studies have shown that plant extracts can inhibit inflammation in periodontitis. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of black rice extract (BRE) have not yet been investigated. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of BRE in vitro on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. a) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results showed that BRE did not affect cell viability at concentrations ranging from 0.015 to 0.5 mg/mL, but toxicity was observed >1 mg/mL. A. a-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and iNOS protein expression were inhibited by treatment with BRE. In addition, BRE inhibited the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, and blocked NF-κB p65 translocation as well as IκBα and IKK α/β phosphorylation. Moreover, the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity results showed that BRE exhibits strong antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. This study found that BRE exerts anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of NF-κB signaling and antioxidant activity. The above finding suggests that BRE can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for treating inflammation in periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress significantly impacts the functions of the photosynthetic apparatus, with varying degrees of damage to its components. Photosystem II (PSII) is more sensitive to environmental stresses, including salinity, than photosystem I (PSI). This study investigated the effects of different salinity levels (0 to 200 mM NaCl) on the PSII complex in isolated thylakoid membranes from hydroponically grown pea (Pisum sativum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) plants treated with NaCl for 5 days. The data revealed that salt stress inhibits the photochemical activity of PSII (H2O → BQ), affecting the energy transfer between the pigment–protein complexes of PSII (as indicated by the fluorescence emission ratio F695/F685), QA reoxidation, and the function of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). These processes were more significantly affected in pea than in maize under salinity. Analysis of the oxygen evolution curves after flashes and continuous illumination showed a stronger influence on the PSIIα than PSIIβ centers. The inhibition of oxygen evolution was associated with an increase in misses (α), double hits (β), and blocked centers (SB) and a decrease in the rate constant of turnover of PSII reaction centers (KD). Salinity had different effects on the two pathways of QA reoxidation in maize and pea. In maize, the electron flow from QA- to plastoquinone was dominant after treatment with higher NaCl concentrations (150 mM and 200 mM), while in pea, the electron recombination on QAQB- with oxidized S2 (or S3) of the OEC was more pronounced. Analysis of the 77 K fluorescence emission spectra revealed changes in the ratio of the light-harvesting complex of PSII (LHCII) monomers and trimers to LHCII aggregates after salt treatment. There was also a decrease in pigment composition and an increase in oxidative stress markers, membrane injury index, antioxidant activity (FRAP assay), and antiradical activity (DPPH assay). These effects were more pronounced in pea than in maize after treatment with higher NaCl concentrations (150 mM–200 mM). This study provides insights into how salinity influences the processes in the donor and acceptor sides of PSII in plants with different salt sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mashing is one of the key operations in beer brewing. Together with polyphenolic compounds it can affect the quality and stability of beer. In our pilot brewing trials of pale lager (200 L), malts of three barley varieties were compared using either infusion or double decoction mashing. Total polyphenols, anthocyanogens and flavanoids were determined in sweet and hopped wort. Free phenolics were measured by HPLC coupled with coulometric detection. Antiradical power was determined by RC-DCPI, ARA-DPPH and ESR-T150 methods. In this way the influence of mashing method and barley variety on polyphenols and antiradical activity of sweet wort was demonstrated showing that the effect of mashing was stronger (ANOVA). The results showed significantly higher, i.e. by tens of per cent, levels of all polyphenols studied in both the decoction sweet wort and hopped wort. The decoction process resulted in higher levels of the antiradical power, ARA-DPPH (37–47%) and RC-DCPI (25–60%). A cluster analysis partitioned 28 free phenolic compounds in sweet wort primarily by variety and secondarily by mashing. The Malz malt showed a greater increase in polyphenols, free phenolic compounds and antiradical power in the decoction process compared to the Bojos and Sebastian malts. Decoction mashing introduces higher levels of phenolic antioxidants into the beer with the potential to improve the sensory stability of the beer and provide health benefits to the consumer. The different behaviour of malts and barley varieties needs to be better elucidated in further research.

Purified and crude proteases have been broadly applied to obtain hydrolysates from soy protein isolate (SPI) with the improved functional and biological properties. However, the use of fruit juices containing native proteases to produce SPI hydrolysates with better bioactivities receives less attention. The present study attempted to investigate the ability of papaya ( Carica papaya ) and cantaloupe ( Cucumis melo ) juices in the hydrolysis of SPI and assess the antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and wound-healing activities of obtained hydrolysates. Our analysis showed that SPI was hydrolysed by papaya juice, at the juice to substrate ratio of 2.5:2 ( v/ w), with a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of approximately 11% after 4 h of treatment at 55ºC. A higher DH (about 26%) was obtained by the hydrolysis with cantaloupe juice at the same juice to substrate ratio and treatment conditions. Papain used at the enzyme to substrate ratio of 0.625:2 ( w/w ) broke down SPI in a similar DH as papaya juice at the juice to substrate ratio of 2.5:2 ( v/w ). The ABTS •+ -scavenging, • OH-scavenging and tyrosinase inhibitory capacities of SPI were lower than those of hydrolysates obtained by the treatment with papaya juice (IC 50 of 2.39, 7.17, and 32.07 μg/mL, respectively) and cantaloupe juice (IC 50 of 2.46, 6.93, and 30.49 μg/mL, respectively). An enhancement in ABTS •+ -scavenging, • OH-scavenging and anti-tyrosinase activities was also observed in the hydrolysate obtained by papain (IC 50 of 2.75, 17.85, and 117.80 μg/mL, respectively) compared to SPI. However, the increased level of the • OH-scavenging capacity of the hydrolysate obtained by papain was lower than that of the fruit juice-treated samples. Remarkably, the hydrolysates prepared from the hydrolysis with fruit juices accelerated the wound closure in human fibroblasts by estimately 1.5 times after 24 h of treatment while this property was not observed in the hydrolysate by papain. Our study data suggest the potential of SPI hydrolysates obtained by papaya and cantaloupe juices in the preparation of healthy food products.

The main physiological and biochemical characteristics and elemental composition of three lichen species of the genus Hypogymnia (Nyl.) Nyl. in one habitat were studied using spectroscopic methods. The model species were placed in the following order of decreasing degree of anthropotolerance: H. physodes (L.) Nyl. → H. tubulosa (Schaer.) Hav. → H. vittata (Ach.) Parrique. The contents of chlorophylls a and b, phenolic compounds, pheophytinization quotient, and antiradical activity were determined by a spectrophotometric method. The antioxidant activity was determined by an amperometric method. The physiological and biochemical parameters for each of the three species corresponded to those for background ecotopes. These parameters and the integrity of the system of correlations between the parameters were lower in species with a low degree of anthropotolerance. Twenty-three elements were found in thalli of the model species using atomic emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma. They included macro- and microelements, heavy metals, and metalloids. The maximum concentrations of most elements were found in H. vittata; the minimum concentrations, in H. physodes. An analysis of the interaction between the physiological and biochemical characteristics and the contents of the elements indicated the presence of a complex system of correlations in each species. Differences in this system of correlations may have been due to the specific composition of secondary metabolites, which determine the features of adaptive reactions. The use of various optical spectroscopy methods enabled an evaluation of not only the functional specificity of the studied species but also its connection to their anthropotolerance level. Low resistance to anthropogenic influences was combined with lower coordination of physiological and biochemical characteristics and low integrity of the system of correlations. The most vulnerable species H. vittata had the minimal values of the main functional parameters, a poorer correlation of them with the elemental composition, and higher concentrations of some toxic elements. The use of a complex analysis of the physiological and biochemical characteristics and elemental compositions using various spectral methods was crucial for the bioindication and ecological physiology of lichens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper Juniperus phoenicea L. leaves essential oil (EO) and hydrolate (Hy) were analyzed, for the first time, by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) respectively, with the aim to describe their chemical volatile profile. The antimicrobial tests carried out highlighted that the Hy did not show antimicrobial activity on all the sixteen tested strains, while the EO was able to exert a slight inhibitory activity against all S. aureus strains and both inhibitory and cytocidal activity against the E. faecium strains. Noteworthy was the ability to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines by both matrices and, in particular, by the Hy. Furthermore, the study of the antioxidant efficacy of the EO and the Hy carried out on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) and on S. aureus strains, showed that these were able to neutralize the production of ROS in the presence of an oxidizing stimulus. This activity was longer using the EO than the Hy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate Marisol strawberries' (Fragaria × ananassa) physicochemical quality and shelf-life during storage, using an integrated analytical approach. More specifically, the research aimed to assess the strawberries' color, texture, and nutritional quality, over an 11-day storage period, employing physicochemical analyses, spectrophotometric assays, Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, image analysis, and statistical tools. The results revealed significant changes in the outer surface texture and color characteristics, indicating spoilage progression. Physicochemical parameters such as water activity, moisture content, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content exhibited significant alterations, influencing the taste profile and freshness perception. Antioxidant and antiradical activities showed fluctuations, suggesting a potential decrease in phenolic content during storage. Moreover, the ATR-FTIR spectra findings confirmed the results regarding the moisture content, soluble solids, and total phenolic content. The integration of physicochemical and image analysis-derived features through a principal component analysis (PCA) enabled the accurate classification of samples based on storage days. Regression analysis, using these features, successfully predicted the storage day with high accuracy. Overall, this integrated analytical approach provided valuable information on the estimation of Marisol strawberries' shelf-life and the prediction of their quality deterioration, contributing to better fruit management and the minimization of discards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is part of the traditional diet of Mexico and other Latin American countries. The diverse varieties of maize produced by adaptation to different regions and climates are known as creole or native maize. The characteristics and nutritional contributions of each of these native maize are relatively diverse areas of study. This work specifically analyzes the nutritional aspects of creole maize grown in the Sierra Gorda in Querétaro. For this, a proximal chemical analysis was carried out, with a quantification of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities using the ABTS (2,20-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazolin,6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo) methods to examine four landraces and one commercial hybrid control. The results indicate that, in general, the landraces present similar—and, in some cases, higher—nutritional indices than the commercial hybrid. With regard to polyphenolic compounds, the Elotes Occidentales and Tuxpeño varieties present greater amounts of total phenols and antiradical activity (ARA), as well as a higher concentration of flavonoids and percentage inhibition, respectively. Condensed tannins are identified both in the creole varieties and in the commercial hybrid. Creole maize presents important nutritional characteristics and can be a good source of antioxidant compounds, which can help the population as a source of food and in the prevention of chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mashing is one of the key operations in beer brewing. Together with polyphenolic compounds it can affect the quality and stability of beer. In our pilot brewing trials of pale lager (200 L), malts of three barley varieties were compared using either infusion or double decoction mashing. Total polyphenols, anthocyanogens and flavanoids were determined in sweet and hopped wort. Free phenolics were measured by HPLC coupled with coulometric detection. Antiradical power was determined by RC-DCPI, ARA-DPPH and ESR-T150 methods. In this way the influence of mashing method and barley variety on polyphenols and antiradical activity of sweet wort was demonstrated showing that the effect of mashing was stronger (ANOVA). The results showed significantly higher, i.e. by tens of per cent, levels of all polyphenols studied in both the decoction sweet wort and hopped wort. The decoction process resulted in higher levels of the antiradical power, ARA-DPPH (37-47%) and RC-DCPI (25-60%). A cluster analysis partitioned 28 free phenolic compounds in sweet wort primarily by variety and secondarily by mashing. The Malz malt showed a greater increase in polyphenols, free phenolic compounds and antiradical power in the decoction process compared to the Bojos and Sebastian malts. Decoction mashing introduces higher levels of phenolic antioxidants into the beer with the potential to improve the sensory stability of the beer and provide health benefits to the consumer. The different behaviour of malts and barley varieties needs to be better elucidated in further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosehip seeds (RS) are rich in important dietary antioxidants such as polyphenolic substances, vitamins and carotenoids. In the present study dried RS samples were exposed to gamma-irradiation at doses of 10 and 25 kGy. Free radicals, induced in seeds by ionizing rays and their time stability were investigated. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) study revealed that carbon-centered radicals from the cellulose are generated in the samples irradiated by both doses, in addition spectrum, attributed to starch free radicals was observed at 25 kGy irradiated seeds. The EPR signals were reduced significantly for 120 days after treatment. The effect of irradiation on antiradical activity of rosehip defatted seed extracts was evaluated using the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The results show that free radical scavenging activity increased in irradiated rosehip seeds samples with approximately 19% compared to that of untreated seeds. For evaluation of antiradical activity of the sample extracts before and after irradiation the IC50 as well as Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) value were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eleven new copper(II) and nickel(II) coordination compounds [Cu(L)Br]2 (1), [Cu(L)Cl] (2), [Cu(L)NO3] (3), [Ni(L)Cl] (4), [Ni(HL)2](NO3)2 (5), and [Cu(A)(L)]NO3, where A is 1,10-phenanthroline (6), 2,2′-bipyridine (7), 3,4-dimethylpyridine (8), 3-methylpyridine (9), pyridine (10) and imidazole (11) were synthesized with 3-(morpholin-4-yl)propane-2,3-dione 4-allylthiosemicarbazone (HL). The new thiosemicarbazone was characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. All the coordination compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Also, the crystal structures of HL and complexes 1, 6, 7, and 11 were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 has a dimeric molecular structure with two bromide bridging ligands, while 6, 7, and 11 are ionic compounds and comprise monomeric complex cations. The studied complexes manifest antibacterial and antifungal activities and also have an antiradical activity that, in many cases, surpasses the activity of trolox, which is used as a standard antioxidant in medicine. Copper complexes 1–3 have very weak antiradical properties (IC50 > 100 µM), but nickel complexes 4–5 are strong antiradicals with IC50 values lower than that of trolox. The mixed ligand copper complexes with additional ligand of N-heteroaromatic base are superior to complexes without these additional ligands. They are 1.4–5 times more active than trolox.

A series of sterically hindered catecholphenols was synthesized by the reaction 4,6-di-tert-butyl-3-methoxymethylcatechol with resorcinol, 4,6-di-tert-butylresorcinol, orcinol, 3,5-dimethoxyphenol, α- and β-naphthol. The structure of the obtained compounds was proved by NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy. The structure of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-3-[(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methyl]benzene-1,2-diol was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The radical scavenging of obtained compounds were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the method of exhaustive hydroparodistillation, essential oil was isolated from the aboveground part of Yenisei thyme (Thymus jenisseensis Iljin), which grows on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Separate fractions of essential oil were obtained depending on the duration of isolation. The composition of whole essential oil was established, the main components of which are borneol (17.9%), camphor (10.6%) and α-terpineol (10.8%), and the maximum content of borneol (30.5%) and α-terpineol (19.9%) was noted in the fourth fraction. For the first time, the antiradical properties of T. jenisseensis essential oil were studied in a model reaction with a free stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. It is shown that all the studied samples of essential oil exhibit antiradical activity (ARA), the value of which increases from 14.6% (the first fraction) to 41.1% (the fourth fraction). ARA of the fifth fraction was 35.4%, whole oil—26.4%. An increase in antiradical activity was noted with a decrease in the number of monoterpenes and an increase in the content of oxygen-containing compounds in the composition of essential oil. The correlation coefficient (r) of APA on the content of oxygen–containing compounds was 0.99, for sesquiterpenes—r = 0.84, for monoterpenes—r = –0.94. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of azomethine derivatives of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde on the formation of radiolysis products of deaerated n-hexane and ethanol have been studied. It was shown that the catechol moiety in the tested compounds did not significantly affect their reactions with carbon-centered radicals. The aldimine group exhibited high activity as an α-hydroxyalkyl radical scavenger and low activity as a scavenger of alkyl radicals. The introduction of additional radical-inhibiting groups –OH, –SH, –NO2, and =N–NH– into the side fragment of a molecule led to a significant increase in the antiradical activity with respect to various types of carbon-centered radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between antioxidant and anticancer properties of extracts from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves and their fractions and chemical contents. Dried ethanolic extract was divided into three fractions using solid phase extraction: aqueous (F1), 40% MeOH (F2), and 70% MeOH (F3). Both the extract and the fractions were analyzed in terms of antiradical activity (DPPH• and ABTS+•), total phenolic compounds, and total flavonoids. The antitumor potential of the fractions was evaluated in vitro on human colorectal (HCT 116) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cells. Phenolics were identified using HPLC-QTOF-MS, and twelve compounds were quantified by HPLC-DAD. Finally, principal component analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between the tested factors. The results confirmed that blackcurrant leaves are a rich source of phenolics with high antioxidant activity and anticancer properties. It was demonstrated that the F2 fraction had the highest content of phenolics and the highest antiradical activity. Additionally, only this fraction showed cytotoxic activity against HCT 116 cells. It was confirmed that both the blackcurrant leaf extract and its fractions are a promising source of condensed active compounds and can be used as natural functional food additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New amphiphilic VP-(di)methacrylate terpolymers of different monomer compositions and topologies have been synthesized by radical polymerization in toluene without any growth regulator of polymer chains. Their structures and properties in solid state and water solution were studied by double-detector size-exclusion chromatography; IR-, 1H, and 13C NMR-spectroscopy; DLS, TEM, TG, and DSC methods. The composition of the VP-AlkMA-TEGDM monomer mixture has been established to regulate the topology of the resulting macromolecules. The studied terpolymers presented on TEM images as individual low-contrast particles and their conglomerates of various sizes with highly ordered regions; in general, they are amorphous structures. None of the terpolymers demonstrated cytotoxic effects for noncancerous Vero and tumor HeLa cells. Hydrophobic D-α-tocopherol (TP) was encapsulated in terpolymer nanoparticles (NPs), and its antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS (radical monocation 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) or DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) methods. The reaction efficiency depends on the TP-NP type. The IC50 values for the decolorization reaction of ABTS•+ and DPPH inhibition in the presence of initial and encapsulated TP were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method was developed for the synthesis of 5-arylidene-2,3-disubstituted 4H-imidazol-4-ones by cyclization of N-substituted α,β-dehydroamino acid arylamides with N-trimethylsilylimidazole (TMSIM) in dimethylformamide. The process was carried out by both conventional and microwave heating. Target imidazol-4-one was also synthesized by a one-pot method based on the reaction of unsaturated 5(4H)-oxazolone, arylamine, and TMSIM. The anticholinesterase and antiradical properties of synthesized both arylamides and 4-imidazolones were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry needs more effective drying procedures that would maintain the quality of the original fruit or vegetable. Infrared drying combined with advanced electrophysical technologies may be a perfect solution. The present research objective was to study the effect of low-temperature atmospheric gas plasma treatment on the drying efficiency of apple slices. The research featured apples of the Idared variety (Russia) sliced into pieces of 5, 7, and 10 mm. The experiment involved the parameters of drying kinetics and moisture diffusion. The quality of the apple slices was assessed by the total content of phenols and flavonoids, generalized antiradical activity, color characteristics, and the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. The electropores induced by the cold atmospheric gas plasma processing had a tree-like structure. The pre-treatment reduced the drying time by 18.0, 13.0 and 10.5% for the samples with a thickness of 5, 7, and 10 mm, respectively. The specific energy consumption decreased by 15–18%, depending on the slice thickness. The pre-treatment also increased the total content of phenols, flavonoids, and antiradical activity by 2.5–14.3, 19.1–25.9, and 8.3–35.4%, respectively. Therefore, the pre-treatment with cold atmospheric gas plasma reduced the drying time and preserved the original biologically active compounds in dried apple slices.

Artemisia jacutica Drob. is a valuable source of chamazulene, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We experimentally introduced this plant in the climatic conditions of Buryatia and compared the compositions of the essential oils produced from both cultivated and wild plants. The reserves of A. jacutica and the laboratory/field germination of seeds were assessed by standard methods. Macro- and microscopic features were determined in line with general pharmacopoeia monographs. The composition of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The resulting data were processed by the principal component method. The antiradical activity was measured by the DPPH test. The reserves of A. jacutica were determined in the Yeravninsky district of Buryatia. The laboratory germination of A. jacutica seeds was 75.00 ± 5.35%, while the field germination was only 11–23%. Planting with seedlings showed a good survival rate of 67–80%. In the first year of cultivation, A. jacutica plants had similar macro- and microscopic features to those of wild plants. The soils from the experimental plots were superior to the soils of A. jacutica’s natural habitat in terms of fertility. The essential oils from cultivated and wild plants contained 51 components. The content of chamazulene, the dominant component, was 59.22–66.60% in the cultivated plants and only 15.98–47.77% in the wild plants. The essential oil of A. jacutica exhibited high antiradical activity (IC50 = 49.47 μL/mL). The primary introduction of A. jacutica showed good prospects for its cultivation in Buryatia. The macro- and microscopic features and dominant components found in the essential oil of A. jacutica grown on the experimental plots were similar to those found in the wild plants. Two chemotypes of A. jacutica, Yakutian and Buryatian, were identified according to the oil composition, with the chemotypes preserved in the cultivated plants. The oil’s high antiradical activity and a high content of chamazulene make A. jacutica a valuable material for the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries.

Salt stress significantly impacts the functions of the photosynthetic apparatus, with varying degrees of damage to its components. Photosystem II (PSII) is more sensitive to environmental stresses, including salinity, than photosystem I (PSI). This study investigated the effects of different salinity levels (0 to 200 mM NaCl) on the PSII complex in isolated thylakoid membranes from hydroponically grown pea (Pisum sativum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) plants treated with NaCl for 5 days. The data revealed that salt stress inhibits the photochemical activity of PSII (H2O → BQ), affecting the energy transfer between the pigment–protein complexes of PSII (as indicated by the fluorescence emission ratio F695/F685), QA reoxidation, and the function of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). These processes were more significantly affected in pea than in maize under salinity. Analysis of the oxygen evolution curves after flashes and continuous illumination showed a stronger influence on the PSIIα than PSIIβ centers. The inhibition of oxygen evolution was associated with an increase in misses (α), double hits (β), and blocked centers (SB) and a decrease in the rate constant of turnover of PSII reaction centers (KD). Salinity had different effects on the two pathways of QA reoxidation in maize and pea. In maize, the electron flow from QA- to plastoquinone was dominant after treatment with higher NaCl concentrations (150 mM and 200 mM), while in pea, the electron recombination on QAQB- with oxidized S2 (or S3) of the OEC was more pronounced. Analysis of the 77 K fluorescence emission spectra revealed changes in the ratio of the light-harvesting complex of PSII (LHCII) monomers and trimers to LHCII aggregates after salt treatment. There was also a decrease in pigment composition and an increase in oxidative stress markers, membrane injury index, antioxidant activity (FRAP assay), and antiradical activity (DPPH assay). These effects were more pronounced in pea than in maize after treatment with higher NaCl concentrations (150 mM–200 mM). This study provides insights into how salinity influences the processes in the donor and acceptor sides of PSII in plants with different salt sensitivity.

Proso millet has been proposed as an effective anti-diabetic food thanks to the combined action of polyphenols and starch. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of twenty-five accessions, in order to enhance this cereal as an alternative to available starch for food applications or to propose new food ingredients with health benefits. Proso millet contained a high percentage of starch, reaching values of 58.51%. The amylose content showed high variability, with values ranging from 1.36 to 42.70%, and significantly higher values were recorded for the white accessions than for the colored ones. High-resistant starch content (13.41–26.07%) was also found. The HPLC-MS analysis showed the same phenolic pattern in all the samples. Cinnamic acids are the most abundant compounds and significant differences in their total content were found (0.69 to 1.35 mg/g DW), while flavonoids were only detected in trace amounts. Statistical results showed significantly higher antiradical activity in the colored accessions than in the white ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free radicals and oxidants may cause various damages both to the lifeworld and different products. A typical solution for the prophylaxis of oxidation-caused conditions is the usage of various antioxidants. Among them, various classes are found—polyphenols, conjugated polyalkenes, and some sulfur and nitrogen derivatives. Regarding the active site in the molecules, a widely discussed group of compounds are 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. Among them are natural (e.g., curcumin and pulvinic acids) and synthetic (e.g., 4-hydroxy coumarins, substituted Meldrum's acids) compounds. Herein, information about various compounds containing the 1,3-dicarbonyl moiety is covered, and their antiradical and antioxidant activity, depending on the structure, is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pollen grains, honey, and lactic acid bacteria are combined to make bee bread, which serves as the hive's one of the sources. This study aimed to evaluate a Turkish bee bread concerning the total phenolic content, antiradical, and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH test were used to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity of the aqueous extract of bee bread, respectively. Antibacterial activity of the extract on the bacteria was evaluated using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The TPC of the bee bread was found to be 24.45 ± 3.75 g GAE/mg. The DPPH assay results indicated that the water-soluble extract of bee bread (1 mg/mL) had a scavenging activity of 3.40 ± 2.99%. Additionally, it showed an antibacterial effect on S. aureus, E. coli, S. Typhimurium, and B. cereus at the different concentrations (6.25 to 25 mg/mL). Overall, it was revealed that the bee bread had high total phenolic content and antiradical activity. Also, it showed antibacterial activity on all of the tested bacteria. This research contributes to the knowledge of the bioactive properties of this unexplored natural material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of Vitis vinifera L. with a high content of bioactive compounds are valuable by-products from grape processing. However, little is known about the bioactivity of seeds from other Vitis species. The aim of this study has been to compare the phenolic composition, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant activity of extracts from seeds of four Vitis species (V. riparia Michx., V. californica Benth., V. amurensis Rupr., and V. vinifera L.). Antioxidant activities were assessed as ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) scavenging activity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). The antimicrobial activity was determined using the microdilution method against some Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium, and Enterobacter aerogenes) and Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to evaluate the phenolic profile of extracts. Flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and stilbenoids were detected. (+)-Catechin and (−)-epicatechin turned out to be the most abundant in the phenolic profile of V. amurensis seed extract. Phenolic acids prevailed in the extract from V. vinifera seeds. The V. riparia and V. californica seed extracts had higher contents of most individual phenolics compared to the other Vitis species. They also showed a higher total phenolic content, DPPH• scavenging activity, ORAC, and overall antibacterial activity. Total phenolic content significantly correlated with antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed discrimination between V. vinifera, V. amurensis, and clustered V. riparia and V. californica with respect to variables. To recapitulate, this research demonstrates that seeds of different Vitis species, especially V. riparia and V. californica, are sources of molecules with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities that can be used in different sectors, such as in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape pomace is a natural product rich in dietary fibers, polyphenols and anthocyanidins. By their chemical composition, secondary products from grape processing are valuable raw materials for obtaining a variety of new products. Recently, in food biotechnology, fermented and unfermented grape pomace have undergone a deeper study of the role of additives in dry powders or extracts. The quality and biological value of natural food products are determined by their chemical composition and a whole complex of integral organoleptic properties that depend on this composition. Natural anthocyanin dyes not only give color to vegetable raw materials, but also have a well-known physiological activity, in particular, coloring and antioxidant. Purified natural dyes have recently been increasingly used to improve the consumer properties of food products, in biologically active additives, in pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. At the same time, the composition of anthocyanins, even for the same variety of plant raw materials, is complex and variable; it depends on climatic conditions, on the maturity of berries, root crops, and the quality of agricultural work. Anthocyanins easily undergo a number of transformations depending on the conditions of extraction and analysis. The originality and novelty of the isolation and production of biologically active extracts with antiradical properties from by-products of local wineries in ecologically safe areas of southern Kazakhstan lies in the fact that natural environmental conditions: high temperatures and low humidity which contribute to the formation of biologically active substances with increased concentrations. Current research was aimed at the deep study of extracts from grape pomace rich - anthocyanins. Red grape pomaces of Vitis vinifera L. Cabernet Sauvignon were extracted using a solvent-based (SE) method with concentrations of 70% v/v and solid/liquid ratios of 1:10, followed by incubation at three different temperatures of 30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C for 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h. All solvent extracts showed higher amounts of anthocyanin pigments. The maximum yield was obtained by using the optimal time of extraction (2 h at 50 °C), with the highest total anthocyanin recovery obtained by means of 70% ethanol. The anti-radical and toxic effects of the obtained extract (anthocyanin) were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compounds of plant origin are considered promising alternative approaches in the development of medicines for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The large diversity of herbal species still requires careful exploration as a source for new anticancer compounds. The goal of the study was to screen different herbal extracts traditionally used in Armenian folk medicine for their cytotoxic effect against some cancer cell lines, and to find the prospective plant species among them. The cytotoxicity of the plant ethanol extracts was evaluated with MTT test against HeLa (human cervical carcinoma) and A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) cells. Antioxidant properties were assessed with DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Five of the tested ten herbal extracts exhibited significant growth-inhibiting activity on HeLa cells. Moreover, Alchemilla smirnovii and Hypericum alpestre extracts also showed potent cytotoxicity on human lung adenocarcinoma cells. These two plants possessed high antiradical activity as well. Their DPPH stoichiometric values were 0.4234 and 0.14437 respectively, meaning that 1 µg of plant extract brought the reduction of DPPH equal to the respective stoichiometric values in µg. Thus, A. smirnovii and H. alpestre extracts expressed themselves as potent cytotoxic and antioxidant agents and could have promising anticancer potential. Further evaluation of their in vivo anticancer properties has much interest.

Antiradical activity of water-soluble components of tissues is investigated for 26 species of marine organisms belonged to 7 classes: Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, Malacostraca, Holothuroidea, Asteroidea, Echinoidea, and Actinopterygii. Molecular weight of the proteins and peptides was measured in the water extracts using the modular liquid chromatograph (Agilent Technologies 1260 Infinity, USA) with UV detection at 280 nm in TSK gel column G 3000PWXL 7.8 mm I.D. × 30 cm (TOSOH Corporation, Japan) under flow rate of 0.3 mL/min and temperature of 25о C. All samples were twice prepared and double measured. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1 N NaCI 20 mM Tris-HCI buffer with pH 7.8. The following standard protein samples were used as a reference for the molecular weight measurement: bovine serum albumin (MW 66.3 kDa), egg albumin (44.3 kDa), myoglobin (18.0 kDa), cytochrome C (12.4 kDa), aprotinin (6.5 kDa), and bacitracin (1.4 kDa) (Sigma-Aldrich Co., USA). All samples were filtered before injection through 0.2 µm syringe filter (Whatman, PVDF). Molecular weight of peptides was calculated by the elution time. Scavenging effect on DPPH free radical was measured by Molyneux method and on ABTS radical – by the method proposed by Re et al. The maximum antiradical activity (measured by mg of ascorbic acid per 1 g) was found for the tissue of Patiria pectinifera (5.21), its various values were determined for the tissue of bivalve mollusks (Corbicula japonica, Mercenaria stimpsoni, Spisula sachalinensis, and Glycymeris yessoensis — 5.10; 1.15; 1.36 and 1.08, respectively) and medium values — for gonads of Strongylocentrotus intermedius and S. nudus (2.18 and 2.21, respectively). The amount of proteins and peptides with low molecular weight (1–5 kDa) correlated well with the radical scavenging activity (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.801, r2 = 0.642).

The geometry optimization of a series of twenty-seven lapachol derivatives used for the treatment of carcinosarcoma tumor (Walker 256) is performed at B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p) level in three distinct media (gas phase, water, and acetonitrile). The migration from the E to the Z configuration or vice versa provokes a noticeable change in the O–H bond distance and potentially a remarkable alteration of the antioxidant activity. In addition, the majority of the E configuration structures have shown a more pronounced antioxidant activity in solution (water and acetonitrile). In their various Z/E configurations, the 2-hydroxy-3-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-1,4-naphtoquinone compound bearing O···HO hydrogen bond (La21(HB)) as well as the (2-hydroxy-3-(but-2-enyl)-1,4-naphtoquinone (La6(HB)) and 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methylpent-2-enyl)-1,4-naphtoquinone (La7(HB)) compounds have stronger antioxidant powers than classical bioactive compounds (caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, and vitamin C). On the whole, however, all Z configuration compounds have a higher antiradical status compared to that of their E configuration counterparts. From the global donor–acceptor mappings, the 2-hydroxy-3-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-1,4-naphtoquinone structure (La21 (HB)) has been elected as the best antiradical molecule of the series in the three study media. Its antiradical power has been detected to be higher than that of these five standard references adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The six new copper(II) coordination compounds [Cu(HL1)Cl2] (1), [Cu(HL1)Br2] (2), [Cu(H2O)(L1)(CH3COO)]·1.75H2O (3), [Cu(HL2)Cl2] (4), [Cu(HL2)Br2] (5), [Cu(H2O)(L2)(CH3COO)] (6) were synthesized with 2-formyl- and 2-acetylpyridine N4,S-diallylisothiosemicarbazones (HL1 and HL2). The new isothiosemicarbazones were characterized by NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography ([H2L2]I). All copper(II) coordination compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and molar conductivity of their 1mM methanol solutions. Furthermore, the crystal structure of complex 3 was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The studied complexes manifest antibacterial and antifungal activities, that in many cases are close to the activity of medical drugs used in this area, and in some cases even exceed them. The complexes 4 and 5 showed the highest indexes of selectivity (280 and 154) and high antiproliferative activity against BxPC-3 cell lines that surpass the activity of Doxorubicin. The complexes 1–3 also manifest antioxidant activities against cation radicals ABTS•+ that are close to that of trolox, the antioxidant agent used in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds has been increasing because it is a good alternative to the conventional extraction methods. UAE was used to maximize total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the mushroom Inonotus hispidus using response surface methodology (RSM). Firstly, the effect of 40% (v/v) ethanol and 80% (v/v) methanol on the TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP was evaluated. The ethanolic extracts showed a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP than the methanolic extracts. The best condition to produce an extract with the higher TPC and antioxidant activity was achieved when using 40% (v/v) ethanol, a ratio of 75 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min. The chromatographic profile of the extract obtained in the optimized condition revealed that hispidin is the main polyphenol present in the extracts of I. hispidus, representing, together with hispidin-like compounds, the majority of the phenolic compounds (159.56 µg/g DW out of 219.01 µg/g DW). The model allowed us to optimize the conditions to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from I. hispidus, demonstrating its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds, with possible industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is part of the traditional diet of Mexico and other Latin American countries. The diverse varieties of maize produced by adaptation to different regions and climates are known as creole or native maize. The characteristics and nutritional contributions of each of these native maize are relatively diverse areas of study. This work specifically analyzes the nutritional aspects of creole maize grown in the Sierra Gorda in Querétaro. For this, a proximal chemical analysis was carried out, with a quantification of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities using the ABTS (2,20-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazolin,6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo) methods to examine four landraces and one commercial hybrid control. The results indicate that, in general, the landraces present similar—and, in some cases, higher—nutritional indices than the commercial hybrid. With regard to polyphenolic compounds, the Elotes Occidentales and Tuxpeño varieties present greater amounts of total phenols and antiradical activity (ARA), as well as a higher concentration of flavonoids and percentage inhibition, respectively. Condensed tannins are identified both in the creole varieties and in the commercial hybrid. Creole maize presents important nutritional characteristics and can be a good source of antioxidant compounds, which can help the population as a source of food and in the prevention of chronic diseases.

[Display omitted] The dimensional characteristics of nanoparticles of N -mono- substituted amino acid derivatives of fullerene C 60 (AAFDs) in aqueous colloidal solutions, determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), were compared. The DLS data on the dimensional characteristics of fullerene C 60 and AAFD nanoparticles, obtained at scattering angles of 90° and 173°, are close in values with a correlation coefficient of 0.89, and the SAXS data indicate that AAFDs form ordered structures in solution. Based on the results of DLS and the ability of fullerene and AAFDs to inhibit peroxyl radicals, it can be concluded that varying the concentrations of the studied compounds in the range from 10-7 to 10-3 m does not affect the degree of aggregation of their nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress, to which many modern people are subjected, promotes the development of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, inflammatory, oncological and other socially important diseases. The antioxidant system consisting in the endogenous and exogenous antioxidants exists in the body to regulate the action of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. The main source of exogenous antioxidants is food and this conditions an increase in the demand for functional foods. The market of functional drinks based on teas, cereal products, fruit and vegetable juices is developing especially actively. Drinks based on oat flakes with addition of plant components are distinguished by the high nutrition value being a rich source of dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. During the experiment, a functional drink based on oat flakes and enriched with bananas, blueberry berries and a powder of elder (Sambucus nigra L.) berries recognized for the high content of anthocyanins was developed. The antioxidant potential of the experimental product was assessed by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by the FRAP method and determining the antiradical activity (ARA) by the DPPH method. The TAC values for the aqueous and methanol extracts were 807.3±18.0 µmol quercitin equivalents /L and 948.7±47.9 µmol quercitin equivalents/L, respectively, which significantly exceeded the similar values in the control sample (by 2.44 and 1.69 times, respectively). The ARA of the methanol extract of the experimental drink was 86.49±2.01%, which was 1.9 times higher than the ARA of the control sample. It was established that about 10% of fat-soluble antioxidants are lost upon preparation of oat-based functional drinks with addition of elder berries.