A Study on the In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) Fruit Extracts

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activity of water and ethanol extracts of juniper (Juniperus communis L., Family Cupressaceae) fruit. The antioxidant properties of both Juniper extracts were studied using different antioxidant assays, including reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities. Both the water and the ethanol extracts exhibited strong total antioxidant activity. The concentrations of 20, 40, and 60 µg/mL of water and ethanol extracts of juniper fruit showed 75%, 88%, 93%, 73%, 84%, and 92% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. On the other hand, 60 µg/mL of standard antioxidant such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and α‐tocopherol exhibited 96, 96, and 61 inhibitions on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. However, both extracts of juniper had effective reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities at these same concentrations (20, 40, and 60 µg/mL). Those various antioxidant activities were compared to BHA, BHT, and α‐tocopherol as standard antioxidants. In addition, total phenolic compounds in both aqueous and ethanolic juniper extracts were determined as gallic acid equivalents. Accordingly, these results indicate that juniper has in vitro antioxidant properties and these may be major reasons for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation properties.     

Comparative analysis of phytochemical profile,antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from Hibiscus manihot L. flower

Hibiscus manihot L. is a kind of healthy plant with edible value and health benefits, which possesses multiple pharmacological activities that are closely related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The dynamic changes of main active components and biological activities in Hibiscus manihot L. flower (HMLF) during its flowering period were systematically studied to determine the appropriate harvest time. Chemopreventive efficacies of the investigated HMLF extracts, by means of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, were assessed. The sample harvested on early August had the supreme total flavonoid content, total phenolic content and the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 0.160 mg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging activity (1.570 mmol/g Trolox), reducing power (IC₅₀ 0.101 mg/mL) and FRAP (3.644 mmol FeSO₄/g)). The results of principal component analysis indicated that the primary active components included hyperin, isoquercetin, hibifolin and quercetin-3′-O-glucoside, which were strongly associated with the antioxidant activity in the early August sample, while neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were associated with the anti-inflammatory activity. The extracts significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells, especially the samples harvested around August, which was only 3.569 μΜ with the inhibition ratio of>50%. This study indicated that HMLF harvested on the early August possessed the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and could be used as high bioactive resources for healthy production.     

Free radical scavenging, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities of Orthosiphon stamineus

Orthosiphon stamineus is considered an important traditional folk medicine. In this study ethanol and aqueous extracts of O. stamineus were evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant, antimicrobial as well as for their immunomodulatory properties on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The DPPH radical scavenging method was used for the determination of antioxidant activity, while the antibacterial efficacy was investigated by both disc diffusion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against four bacterial strains (Gram-positive and Gram-negative). Furthermore, the immunomodulatory potential of the extracts was investigated through the MTT assay. Aqueous extract of O. stamineus exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity with IC?? 50 9.6 μg/mL, whereas the IC?? for the ethanol extract was 21.4 μg/mL. The best antimicrobial activity was shown by the aqueous extract of O. stamineus against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zone of 10.5 mm and MIC value 1.56 mg/mL. Moreover, the results observed from the MTT assay showed that both plant extracts stimulated the PBMCs proliferation in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner, but the aqueous extract has remarkable activity against PBMCs. These findings indicate that O. stamineus showed high antioxidant activity and may be considered as an immunomodulatory agent.     

Antioxidant potential of non-oil seed legumes of Indonesian’s ethnobotanical extracts

This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC and FRAP), total phenolic content and flavonoid content of extracts from three non-oil seed legumes (Phaseolus lunatus red and white, and Canavalia ensiformis), local edible seeds from Indonesia, obtained using different solvent system (distilled water, 70% ethanol, and 100% ethanol). The variety of legume was a major source of variation in the phenolic contents, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis of the non-oil seed legume extracts identified gallic acid, epicatechin and coumaric acid. Among the varieties of non-oil seed legume extracts, the phenolic content varied from 15.21–38.60 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight and the flavonoid content was 11.73–24.61 mg catechin equivalents/g dry weight. The antioxidant activity of the extracts suppressed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cellular damage induced by UV-B in HaCaT cells. These results showed that antioxidant activity (1.83–19.42% of inhibition DPPH; 2.99–37.29% of inhibition ABTS; 0.20–2.47 µM CUPRAC value; and 0.96–1.10 µM of FRAP value) of extracts possessed strong radical scavenging activity as well as inhibited ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner without showing any cytotoxicity. Collectively, the data presented that antioxidant of the extracts have potent antioxidant activity and decreasing ROS generation in HaCaT cells. It can be intimately used as alternative criterion for antioxidant and antiradical activities that can be utilized as a functional food and nutraceutical ingredients.     

Radical scavenging activity and antioxidant capacity of bay leaf extracts

Bay leaves (BL) (Laurus nobilis L., Family: Lauraceae) are traditionally used orally to treat the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, such as epigastric bloating, impaired digestion, eructation, and flatulence. In this study, lyophilized extracts (both water and ethanol) of BL were studied for their antioxidant properties. The antioxidant activity, reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and metal chelating activities were evaluated to determine the total antioxidant capacity of both BL extracts. Both extracts exhibited strong total antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion. Concentrations of 20, 40, and 60 μg ml^?1 showed 84.9, 95.7, 96.8, and 94.2, 97.7, and 98.6% inhibition of lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, for water and ethanol extracts, respectively. On the other hand, 60 μg ml^?1 of the standard antioxidants butylated hydroxyianisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and α-tocopherol exhibited 96.6, 99.1, and 76.9% inhibition of lipid peroxidation in linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. In addition, the both BL extracts had effective reducing power, DPPH? free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and metal chelating activities at 20, 40, and 60 μg ml^?1. The total amount of phenolic compounds in each BL extract was determined as gallic acid equivalents.     

Antioxidant, antimicrobial properties and phenolics of different solvent extracts from bark, leaves and seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre

This study appraises the antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes of various solvent extracts (absolute methanol, aqueous methanol, absolute ethanol, aqueous ethanol, absolute acetone, aqueous acetone, and deionized water) from bark, leaves and seeds of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. Maximum extraction yield of antioxidant components from bark (16.31%), leaves (11.42%) and seeds (21.51%) of P. pinnata was obtained using aqueous methanol (20:80). Of the extracts tested, the bark extract, obtained with aqueous methanol, exhibited greater levels of total phenolics [6.94 g GAE/100 g dry weight (DW)], total flavonoids (3.44 g CE/100 g DW), inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation (69.23%) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC(50) value, 3.21 μg/mL), followed by leaves and seeds extracts. Bark extract tested against a set of bacterial and fungal strains also revealed the strongest antimicrobial activity with the largest inhibition zone and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). HPLC analysis of aqueous methanol extracts from bark, leaves and seeds indicated the presence of protocatechuic, ellagic, ferulic, gallic, gentisic, 4-hydroxybenzoic and 4-hydroxycinnamic acids in bark (1.50-6.70 mg/100 g DW); sorbic, ferulic, gallic, salicylic and p-coumaric acids in leaves (1.18-4.71 mg/100 g DW); vanillic, gallic and tannic acids in seeds (0.52-0.65 mg/100 g DW) as the main phenolic acids. The present investigation concludes that the tested parts of P. pinnata, in particular the bark, have strong potential for the isolation of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for functional food and pharmaceutical uses.     

Comparison of fatty acid profile and antioxidant potential of extracts of seven Citrus rootstock seeds

The extracts of seven Citrus rootstock seeds have been compared regarding fatty acid profile and antioxidant potential. Sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) was found to contain the highest oil amount (34%), while the Poncirus trifoliata cultivars contained the highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (84-87%). In addition, the antioxidant properties of the extracts from defatted seeds have been evaluated by measuring their radical scavenging activity against 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. The highest antioxidant activities were observed in the case of the acetone extract of sour orange and Citrumelo Swingle (76% and 75%, respectively), at a concentration of 0.17?mg?mL(-1). Moreover, the total phenolic content of the extracts, determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, was found to be correlated with the radical scavenging activity results. The acetone extracts of sour orange and Citrumelo Swingle exhibited the highest phenolic content [112.3 and 103.4?mg gallic acid equivalent?g(-1) dry sample weight, respectively].     

Wood Extractives of Silver Fir and Their Antioxidant and Antifungal Properties

The chemical composition of extractives in the sapwood (SW), heartwood (HW), knotwood (KW), and branchwood (BW of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) was analyzed, and their antifungal and antioxidant properties were studied. In addition, the variability of extractives content in a centripetal direction, i.e., from the periphery of the stem towards the pith, was investigated. The extracts were analyzed chemically with gravimetry, spectrophotometry, and chromatography. The antifungal and antioxidative properties of the extracts were evaluated by the agar well diffusion method and the diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method. Average amounts of hydrophilic extractives were higher in KW (up to 210.4 mg/g) and BW (148.6 mg/g) than in HW (34.1 mg/g) and SW (14.8 mg/g). Extractives identified included lignans (isolariciresinol, lariciresinol, secoisolariciresinol, pinoresinol, matairesinol) phenolic acids (homovanillic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid), and flavonoids epicatechin, taxifolin, quercetin). Secoisolariciresinol was confirmed to be the predominant compound in the KW (29.8 mg/g) and BW (37.6 mg/g) extracts. The largest amount of phenolic compounds was extracted from parts of knots (281.7 mg/g) embedded in the sapwood and from parts of branches (258.9 mg/g) adjacent to the stem. HW contained more lignans in its older sections. Hydrophilic extracts from knots and branches inhibited the growth of wood-decaying fungi and molds. KW and BW extracts were better free radical scavengers than HW extracts. The results of the biological activity tests suggest that the protective function of phenolic extracts in silver fir wood can also be explained by their antioxidative properties. The results of this study describe BW as a potential source of phenolic extractives in silver fir.     

Variation in antioxidant attributes at three ripening stages of guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit from different geographical regions of Pakistan

The present investigation was carried out to appraise the levels of total phenols and vitamin C as well as antioxidant potential at three different ripening stages (un-ripe, semi-ripe and fully-ripe) of guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit collected from three different geographical regions of Pakistan (Islamabad, Faisalabad and Bhakkar). The antioxidant potential of guava fruit extracts was assessed by means of different in-vitro antioxidant assays, namely inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system, reducing power and radical scavenging capability. Overall, fruit at the un-ripe stage (G1) exhibited the highest levels of TPC, TFC, reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity, followed by the semi-ripe (G2) and fully-ripe (G3) stages. On the other hand, vitamin C content increased as the fruit maturity progressed, with highest value seen at the fully-ripe stage (G3) followed by the semi-ripe (G2) and un-ripe stage (G1). The concentration of vitamin C in fruits varied as: Faisalabad (136.4-247.9 mg 100 g?1), Islamabad (89.7-149.7 mg 100 g?1) and Bhakkar (73.1-129.5 mg 100 g?1). The results showed that different stages of maturation and geographical locations had profound effects on the antioxidant activity and vitamin C contents of guava fruit.     

Thymus algeriensis and Artemisia herba-alba Essential Oils: Chemical Analysis,Antioxidant Potential and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory,Analgesic Activities,and Acute Toxicity

The study of bioactive molecules of natural origin is a focus of current research. Thymus algeriensis and Artemisia herba-alba are two medicinal plants widely used by the Moroccan population in the traditional treatment of several pathologies linked to inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the single and combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the essential oils extracted from these two medicinal plants, and also their potential toxicity. Essential oils were extracted using hydro-distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods: the scavenging of the free radical DPPH, and the reduction in iron. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by evaluating the edema development induced by carrageenan injecting, while the analgesic power was evaluated according to the number of abdominal contortions induced by the intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid (0.7%). The acute oral toxicity was performed to assess the potential toxicity of the studied EOs, followed by an analysis of the blood biochemical parameters. The results of the two antioxidant tests indicated that our extract mixture exhibits good iron reduction capacity and very interesting DPPH free radical scavenging power, with an IC₅₀ of around 4.38 ± 0.98 μg/mL higher than that of the benchmark antioxidant, BHT. The anti-inflammatory test demonstrated that the mixture administered orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg has a better activity, exceeding that of 1% Diclofenac, with a percentage of maximum inhibition of the edema of 89.99 ± 4.08. The number of cramps in the mice treated with the mixture at a dose of 150 mg/kg is significantly lower (29.80 ± 1.92) than those of the group treated with Tramadol (42.00 ± 2.70), respectively. The toxicity results show no signs of toxicity with an LD₅₀ greater than 150 mg/Kg. These interesting results show that the two plants’ EOs had an important anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activity, and also a powerful synergistic effect, which encourages further in-depth investigations on their pharmacological proprieties.     

Estimation of cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant effects of the leaf extracts of Anatolian Ficus carica var. domestica and their total phenol and flavonoid contents

Ficus carica var. domestica Tsch. & Rav. (common fig) is widely grown in Turkey and exported for its edible fruits. In this study, the n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol, n-butanol, and water extracts of the leaves of F. carica var. domestica were screened for their cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Cholinesterase inhibition against acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was measured by the spectrophotometric method of Ellman at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 microg/mL., while antioxidant activity was tested using three in vitro methods; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, metal-chelation capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. Our results revealed that the n-hexane and acetone extracts exerted a notable inhibition against both AChE (62.9 +/- 0.9% and 50.8 +/- 2.1%, respectively) and BChE (76.9 +/- 2.2% and 45.6 +/- 1.3%, respectively). However, they had low activity in the antioxidant tests. The chloroform extract was found to be the richest in total flavonoid content (252.5 +/- 1.1 mg/g quercetin equivalent), while the n-butanol extract had the highest total phenol amount (85.9 +/- 3.2 mg/g extract gallic acid equivalent).     

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Borago officinalis L. leaf extract growing in Algeria

The aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of borage (Borago officinalis) leaves from Annaba region (Algeria) were preliminary analyzed for their phenolic profile (total phenolics, total flavonoids, total flavonols, total tannins and total anthocyanins). These extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant properties by different methods such as DPPH radical scavenging, test NBT and total antioxidant activity. The two extracts have exhibited a high antiradical capacity. Indeed, the ethanolic extract showed the lower IC50 values and the highest amount of phenolics (94.09 ± 1.72 mg gallic acid/g dry extract). Using LC-MS/MS analysis, it was possible to identify phenolic acids, flavonoids, sterol and for the first time oleuropein was identified in the aqueous extract of the plant. The obtained results have demonstrated that phenolic compounds are the major contributor to the antioxidant activity of plants.     

In vitro antioxidant activities of maillard reaction products produced in the steaming process of Polygonum multiflorum root

The root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Heshouwu in Chinese) is one of the most popular herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, after steam processing (Zhi-heshouwu in Chinese), the root is known to have different properties and medicinal values compared with Heshouwu. Eleven volatile Maillard reaction products were identified in the extract of Zhi-heshouwu, but not in that of Heshouwu. The new products were four furanones, two furans, two nitrogen compounds, one pyran, one alcohol and one sulfur compound. The antioxidant activities were compared between the extracts from Zhi-heshouwu and Heshouwu. The results showed that the extract from Zhi-heshouwu presented a higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than the extract from Heshouwu, with IC50 values of 0.43 mg/mL and 2.9 mg/mL, respectively (p < 0.05). The hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of the two were similar (IC50 0.98 mg/mL and 1.45 mg/mL, respectively; p > 0.05). 5-Hydroxymethyl-furfural, a main compound in the extract of Zhi-heshouwu, showed IC50 values for scavenging DPPH radicals and hydroxyl radicals of 1.6 mg/mL and 0.24 mg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extract from Zhi-heshouwu could partly explain the different therapeutic effects of Heshouwu and Zhi-heshouwu in TCM.     

Free-radical scavenging properties and reducing power of grape cane extracts from 11 selected grape cultivars widely grown in China

Total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), related antioxidative and antiradical capabilities of grape cane extracts from 11 varieties (five V. vinifera cultivars and six Chinese wild grapes) widely grown in China were evaluated. Antioxidant properties were determined as DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging abilities, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, as well as reducing power. Phenolic profiles of the extracts were characterized by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. All extracts exhibited strong antioxidant and effective free radical inhibition activities (EC(50) values), which generally correlated negatively with TPC (r = -0.804 to -0.918) and TFC (r = -0.749 to -0.888). In comparison with gallic acid, Trolox and tert-butylhydroquinone (positive controls), most grape cane extracts showed more efficient scavenging effects toward different reactive oxygen species. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, and trans-resveratrol as major phenolic components in the extracts. These results suggest that grape cane extracts may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant for food and pharmaceutical application.     

Phytochemical Profile,Free Radical Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Acalypha Indica Root Extract: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

In our in vitro and in vivo studies, we used Acalypha indica root methanolic extract (AIRME), and investigated their free radical scavenging/antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Primarily, phytochemical analysis showed rich content of phenols (70.92 mg of gallic acid/g) and flavonoids (16.01 mg of rutin/g) in AIRME. We then performed HR-LC-MS and GC-MS analyses, and identified 101 and 14 phytochemical compounds, respectively. Among them, ramipril glucuronide (1.563%), antimycin A (1.324%), swietenine (1.134%), quinone (1.152%), oxprenolol (1.118%), choline (0.847%), bumetanide (0.847%) and fenofibrate (0.711%) are the predominant phytomolecules. Evidence from in vitro studies revealed that AIRME scavenges DPPH and hydroxyl radicals in a concentration dependent manner (10–50 μg/mL). Similarly, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation were also remarkably inhibited by AIRME as concentration increases (20–100 μg/mL). In vitro antioxidant activity of AIRME was comparable to ascorbic acid treatment. For in vivo studies, carrageenan (1%, sub-plantar) was injected to rats to induce localized inflammation. Acute inflammation was represented by paw-edema, and significantly elevated (p < 0.05) WBC, platelets and C-reactive protein (CRP). However, AIRME pretreatment (150/300 mg/kg bodyweight) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased edema volume. This was accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of WBC, platelets and CRP with both doses of AIRME. The decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase in paw tissue were restored (p < 0.05 / p < 0.01) with AIRME in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AIRME attenuated carrageenan-induced neutrophil infiltrations and vascular dilation in paw tissue. For the first time, our findings demonstrated the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of AIRME, which could be considered to develop novel anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Variation in minerals, phenolics and antioxidant activity of peel and pulp of different varieties of peach (Prunus persica L.) fruit from Pakistan

Peach (Prunus persica L.), being a potential source of bioactive compounds, has been demonstrated to have medicinal benefits. In this study variation of minerals and antioxidant characteristics (total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, reducing power, inhibition of peroxidation using linoleic acid system and DPPH free radical scavenging activity) between peel and pulp parts of different peach varieties, namely Golden, Shireen, and Shahpasand were investigated. The peel and pulp extracts, derived from the varieties analyzed, exhibited an appreciable amount of total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF), ranging from 1,209.3-1,354.5, 711.7-881.3 mg GAE/100 g and 599.7-785.5, 301.3-499.7 mg CE/100 g on a dry weight basis, respectively. Reducing power of peel and pulp extracts (12.5 mg/mL concentration) ranged from 2.57-2.77 and 1.54-1.99.The inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and DPPH scavenging activity of the extracts varied from 70.8-80.9% and 66.8-76.5% in peels, and 51.9-60.1% and 43.4-49.1% in pulps. The mineral analysis revealed that the content of K was highest in both parts of the peach fruit followed by Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn. The results of our present study indicate that peach peel had significantly higher levels of minerals, antioxidant capacity and phenolics than those of the pulp, suggesting the intake of unpeeled peach as a potential source of high-value components. The peach peel can be a useful as a viable source of natural antioxidants for functional foods and nutraceutical applications.     

Essential oil constituents,phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Lavandula stricta Delile growing wild in southern Iran

Lavandula stricta belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is considered as an endemic medicinal plant in southern Iran. Essential oil composition, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity from two different populations of L. stricta were studied for the first time. A GC and GC/MS analysis of essential oil isolated from the aerial part of L. stricta identified 31 constituents; the major constituents were α-pinene (58.34–63.52%), linalool (8.85–9.36%), 3-methyl butyl 2-methyl butanoate (7.45–7.70%), sabinene (2.84–3.56%), limonene (2.87–3.21%) and myrcene (2.25%). The total phenolic content of methanolic extracts was determined with the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract and essential oil were determined with the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging assay, respectively. Total phenols varied from 61.05 to 64.45 mg GAE/g dry weight, and IC₅₀ values in the radical scavenging assay ranged from 334.11 to 395.23 μg/mL in methanolic extracts and 420–475 μg/mL in essential oil.     

Antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of natural organic matter extracted from cretaceous shales in district Nowshera-Pakistan

Traditionally, Natural Organic Matter (NOM) derived from cretaceous rocks has been used for treatment of various ailments such as diabetes, inflammation and skin infections. This study evaluated the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of natural organic matter obtained from cretaceous shales. The shales were collected from Lumshiwal formation; located north of the main Kala Chitta range in district Nowshera-Pakistan. Isolation was done by sonicating crushed rock sample with chloroform, methanol and acetone (70: 15: 15 v/v, respectively). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of sample was determined by agar well diffusion and Agar slanting methods, respectively. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was performed using cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. Antioxidant activity was assessed for scavenging of DPPH, superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was performed using “Carrageenan-induced paw edema model”. The sample showed significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with MIC values 0.82, 0.87 and 0.79 mg/ml, respectively. Considerable inhibition was observed against Bacillus subtilis (MIC; 0.93 mg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC; 1.12 mg/ml) when compared with Imipenem as a standard. Moreover, the sample displayed significant antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani with MIC values of 0.60 and 0.68 mg/ml, respectively. Both COX-2 (IC₅₀ 31.34 µg/ml) and 5-LOX (IC₅₀ 38.45 µg/ml) enzymes were inhibited by NOM in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the NOM exhibited significant free radical scavenging, especially against DPPH and superoxide anions; and a moderate effect on hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide scavenging. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity revealed that the edema volume was significantly (P < 0.001) decreased at all doses when compared with control and maximum activity (33, 47 and 54% at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg dose, respectively) was observed at fifth hr of treatment. Likewise, the inhibition capacity was increased with dose. The present findings showed that cretaceous shales may contain a variety of medicinal agents that are traditionally believed to possess properties useful in the treatment of various ailments particularly skin and inflammatory disorders. Therefore, these shales could be a new source for activity-guided isolation of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents.     

Antioxidant,Anti-Inflammatory,and Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase Potentials of Cassia timoriensis DC. Flowers

Despite being widely used traditionally as a general tonic, especially in South East Asia, scientific research on Cassia timoriensis, remains scarce. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the in vitro activities for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential, radical scavenging ability, and the anti-inflammatory properties of different extracts of C. timoriensis flowers using Ellman’s assay, a DPPH assay, and an albumin denaturation assay, respectively. With the exception of the acetylcholinesterase activity, to the best of our knowledge, these activities were reported for the first time for C. timoriensis flowers. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the existence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids in the C. timoriensis flower extracts. The ethyl acetate extract possessed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (527.43 ± 5.83 mg GAE/g DW and 851.83 ± 10.08 mg QE/g DW, respectively) as compared to the other extracts. In addition, the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant (IC₅₀ 20.12 ± 0.12 and 34.48 ± 0.07 µg/mL, respectively), anti-inflammatory (92.50 ± 1.38 and 92.22 ± 1.09, respectively), and anti-AChE (IC₅₀ 6.91 ± 0.38 and 6.40 ± 0.27 µg/mL, respectively) activities. These results suggest that ethyl acetate and methanol extracts may contain bioactive compounds that can control neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, through high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-AChE activities.     

Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts as Valuable Ingredients in Cosmetic and Dermatological Products

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a popular and well-known medicinal plant. In this study, an attempt to evaluate the possibility of using this plant in preparations for the care and treatment of skin diseases was made. The antioxidant, antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic extracts from Epilobium angustifolium (FEE) were assessed. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of extracts chemically composition was performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total polyphenol content (TPC) of biologically active compounds, such as the total content of polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and assimilation pigments, as well as selected phenolic acids, was assessed. FEE was evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties, achieving 68% inhibition of lipoxygenase activity, 60% of collagenase and 49% of elastase. FEE also showed high antioxidant activity, reaching to 87% of free radical scavenging using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 59% using 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Additionally, in vitro penetration studies were performed using two vehicles, i.e., a hydrogel and an emulsion containing FEE. These studies showed that the active ingredients contained in FEE penetrate through human skin and accumulate in it. The obtained results indicate that E. angustifolium may be an interesting plant material to be applied as a component of cosmetic and dermatological preparations with antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties.