Comparison of Different Extraction Solvents for Characterization of Antioxidant Potential and Polyphenolic Composition in Boletus edulis and Cantharellus cibarius Mushrooms from Romania

Edible mushrooms are well-known for their nutritional benefits and low energy density. In addition, mushroom extracts contain various bioactive compounds that account for their antioxidant activity; the applied extraction conditions influence the extraction efficiency of such compounds. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of four extractants on the content of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of Boletus edulis and Cantharellus cibarius mushrooms, aiming to optimize the extraction process. Powders of B. edulis and C. cibarius mushrooms were subjected to extraction with acidic water (10% CH₃COOH), ethanol/water/acetic acid (15:76.5:8.5, v/v/v), hexane, and diethyl ether to measure their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Furthermore, the level of individual polyphenolic compounds in these extracts was quantified using an HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS method. Results showed that the type of solvent significantly influenced the TPC and TEAC of mushroom powder but insignificantly influenced the TFC. A very strong positive correlation was found between TPC and TEAC, but no correlation was found between TFC and TEAC or TPC and TFC. Acidic water extracted the highest amount of polyphenolic compounds from these mushroom powders. Therefore, the aqueous extract showed the highest TPC and strongest antioxidant activity. Thus, acidic water is recommended for polyphenol analysis in B. edulis and C. cibarius mushrooms.     

Boiling Technique-Based Food Processing Effects on the Bioactive and Antimicrobial Properties of Basil and Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn) are mostly used as herbal teas, made by steeping whole or ground herbs in boiling water. Hence, it is important to know the effect of boiling time on the bioactivity of these herbs. The effect of different boiling times (5, 10, and 15 min) on the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and some selected phenolic compounds of these herbs was examined in this study. Experimental results revealed that basil displayed the highest total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity when it was boiled for 5 min, and the lowest TPC was obtained when it was boiled for 15 min. On the other hand, rosemary had the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant potential after being boiled for 15 min, while it had the lowest after being boiled for 5 min. There was no growth inhibition of rosemary extracts against gram-negative bacteria, whereas higher growth inhibition was observed against gram-positive bacteria. The MIC and MBC of rosemary ethanolic extract against Listeria monocytogenes were 5 and 5 mg/mL and against B. subtilis were 10 and 10 mg/mL, respectively. While MIC and MBC of methanolic extract against L. monocytogenes were 5 and 5 mg/mL and against Bacillus subtilis were and 5 and 5 mg/mL, respectively. Salicylic acid was the most abundant (324.7 mg/100 g dry weight (dw)) phenolic compound in the rosemary sample boiled for 5 min, and acetyl salicylic acid was the most abundant (122.61 mg/10 g dw) phenolic compound in the basil sample boiled for 15 min.     

Evaluation of antioxidants in Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) and its dietary supplements

The antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) in Dong quai (DQ, Angelica sinensis) raw materials and dietary supplements (DS) containing this plant were determined using the CUPRAC, FRAP and fluorescence methods. The antioxidant activity for DQ aqueous extracts revealed by CUPRAC was (1330.45 ± 1.30) μmol Trolox equivalent (TE) per 100 g of dry mass (DM), whereas the antioxidant activity as determined by FRAP was (1813.9 ± 2.0) μmol of TE per 100 g of DM. Lower values were noted for the fluorescence method than for CUPRAC and FRAP (ranging from (35.96 ± 0.3) to (304.6 ± 1.4) μmol of TE per 100 g of DM). The highest TPC values were determined for an aqueous extract of DQ ((3330.3 ± 2.3) μmol of TE per 100 g of DM), while TFC for ethanolic extracts of DQ was ((146.50 ± 0.5) mg of quercetin equivalent (QE) per 100 g of DM). Cinnamic acid, isomers of benzoic acid and derivatives of quercetin were analysed by HPLC-PDA. The ferulic acid concentration in an ethanolic extract of DQ was (21.83 ± 0.07) mg per 100 g of DM. Of the flavonols detected, rutin exhibited the highest concentration in ethanolic extract of DQ ((3.32 ± 0.13) mg of QE per 100 g of DM). Other phytochemicals (alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, steroids, etc.) were identified by phytoscreening colour reaction. The results were analysed by principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and one-way ANOVA tests.     

Effect of acid and base catalyzed hydrolysis on the yield of phenolics and antioxidant activity of extracts from germinated brown rice (GBR)

The influence of both acidic and basic hydrolysis on the yield, total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity of methanolic extract of germinated brown rice (GBR) was studied. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests were used for the measurement of antioxidant ability. There was a significant difference p < 0.05) in the TPC and DPPH radical scavenging assay results when comparing neutral with acidic and basic catalysed hydrolysis. The yield of the crude extract was slightly higher in acidic hydrolysis than in basic hydrolysis p > 0.05). The TPC and TFC were highest in acidic hydrolysis. A significant correlation was observed between ABTS radical cation scavenging and FRAP. The antioxidant activity measured using DPPH radical scavenging assay showed high activity in acidic hydrolysis, while the ABTS radical cationscavenging activity and FRAP showed the highest values in basic hydrolysis. The samples were further evaluated using HPLC to determine the individual phenolic concentrations in different hydrolytic media contributing to the antioxidant effects. This study revealed that acidic and basic hydrolysis can improve the yield, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of germinated brown rice.     

An insight into chemical composition and bioactivity of 'Prokupac' red wine

Abstract

Autochthonous variety 'Prokupac' (Vitis vinifera L.) red wines with the addition of selected aromatic herbs (Artemisia absinthium, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Pimpinella anisum L.) were evaluated for chemical composition and biological activity. Furthermore, their polyphenolic profiles were determined by HPLC-DAD. While total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, along with antioxidant activity, were significantly higher in all examined wine samples, the content of total anthocyanins was decreased, compared to a pure 'Prokupac' wine, used as the control one. On the other hand, 'Prokupac' wines with the addition of cinnamon (S. zeylanicum) and wormwood (A. absinthium) displayed highest antioxidant (EC₅₀, 0.021?±?0.001?mg/mL) and antibacterial (Enterococcus faecalis, MIC/MBC 15.63/62.50?μL/mL) activities, respectively. The study showed that 'Prokupac' wine with the addition of cinnamon was significantly enriched both with TPC and TFC, compared to control wine (p?<?0.05), which may contribute to its market potential.     

The Wound-Healing Effect of Mango Peel Extract on Incision Wounds in a Murine Model

Mangifera indica can generate up to 60% of polluting by-products, including peels. However, it has been shown that flavonoids and mangiferin are mainly responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities closely related to the wound-healing process. The chemical composition of MEMI (methanolic extract of M. indica) was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, as well as concentrations of total phenol (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) and antioxidant activity (SA₅₀). Wound-healing efficacy was determined by measurements of wound contraction, histological analysis, and tensiometric method; moreover, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and acute dermal toxicity (OECD 402) were also evaluated. Phenol, resorcinol, conjugated resorcinol, and mangiferin were detected. TPC, TFC, and SA₅₀ were 136 mg GAE/g, 101.66 mg QE/g, and 36.33 µg/mL, respectively. Tensile strength and wound contraction closure did not show significant differences between MEMI and dexpanthenol groups. Histological analysis (after 14 days) shows a similar architecture between MEMI treatment and normal skin. MEMI exhibits a reduction in edema. Staphylococcus epidermidis had an MIC of 2 mg/mL, while Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli reached 4 mg/mL. The MEMI showed no signs of toxicity. Therefore, this study demonstrates multiple targets that flavonoids and mangiferin of MEMI may present during the healing process.     

Phenolic Composition and Biological Properties of Wild and Commercial Dog Rose Fruits and Leaves

Rosa canina L. (dog rose) is a rich source of phenolic compounds that offer great hope for the prevention of chronic human diseases. Herein, wild and commercial samples of dog rose were chemically characterized with respect to their phenolic composition by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI/MS). Furthermore, in vitro antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of dog rose fruits and leaves hydromethanolic extracts and infusions were also evaluated. The results revealed that wild and commercial fruits of dog rose are similar in terms of l(+)-ascorbic acid, total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC) and total phenolic acids (TPAC) content, individual phenolic constituents and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the fruits had lower levels of phenolic compounds and also revealed lower biological activity than the leaves. On the other hands, the highest content of TPC, TFC, TPAC, individual phenolic constituents, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) were found in the leaf’s infusions. They were also the only ones to show antibacterial activity. Overall, these finding confirmed usefulness of R. canina L. leaves and fruits as a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds with potential use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.     

GC/MS and LC-MS/MS phytochemical evaluation of the essential oil and selected secondary metabolites of Ajuga orientalis from Jordan and its antioxidant activity

The current investigation aimed to shed light in the volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites of Ajuga orientalis L. from Jordan. GC/MS and GC/FID analysis of the hydrodistilled essential oil obtained from aerial parts of the plant revealed tiglic acid (18.90 %) as main constituent. Each of the methanol and butanol fractions of A. orientalis were screened for their total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity determined by DDPH and ABTS methods. The extracts were then analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS to unveil their chemical constituents, especially phenols and flavonoids. Results showed that the AO-B extract had the highest TPC (217.63 ± 2.65 mg gallic acid/g dry extract), TFC (944.41 ± 4.77 mg quercetin /g dry extract), highest DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity ((4.00 ± 0.20) × 10^-2; (3.00 ± 0.20) × 10^-2 mg/mL, respectively) as compared to the AO-M extract. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of both extracts revealed the presence of several phenolics, flavonoids and nonphenolic acids.     

Chemical composition of Artemisia annua L. leaves and antioxidant potential of extracts as a function of extraction solvents

This study was conducted to investigate the chemical and nutritional composition of Artemisia annua leaves in addition to determination of antioxidant potential of their extracts prepared in different solvents. Chemical composition was determined by quantifying fat, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, tocopherol, phytate, and tannin contents. Extraction of A. annua leaves, for antioxidant potential evaluation, was carried out using five solvents of different polarities, i.e., hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by estimating total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) contents, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), DPPH radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation. Efficiency of different solvents was compared for the yield of antioxidant extracts from leaf samples and a clear variation was observed. The highest TPC, TFC, TEAC, DPPH radical scavenging and lowest lipid peroxidation were observed in MeOH extracts, whereas aqueous extract exhibited high ferric reducing antioxidant power; suggesting MeOH to be the most favorable extractant.     

Phenolic and flavonoid compounds extraction from Calophyllum inophyllum leaves

Calophyllum inophyllum has been known as a part of the mangrove forest area. This species is distributed primarily in the coastal regions of Indonesia and Africa. It is rich in bioactive compounds and has been used as a traditional medication. This work employed a single replicate of the one-factor-at-a-time experiment method to investigate optimum conditions, which resulted in the highest TPC. The three factors studied were organic solvent type (acetone, ethanol, and methanol), organic solvent concentration in water (50–100%, v/v), and extraction temperature (30–60 °C). The extraction was conducted with the percolation method. The result shows that organic solvent type, organic solvent concentration in water, and extraction temperature significantly affect the TPC, TFC, and the yield of crude extract obtained. The highest TPC (289.12 mg GAE/g of the residue of C. inophyllum leaves) was achieved with 80% methanol in water at 30 °C for 48 h. Under this condition, TFC value of 410.4 mg QE/g of the residue of C. inophyllum leaves, the yield of 2.41%, and IC₅₀ value of 0.054 µg/mL were achieved. Moreover, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was firstly detected in the extract.     

Umbu Fruit Peel as Source of Antioxidant,Antimicrobial and α-Amylase Inhibitor Compounds

Herein, the extraction of bioactive compounds from umbu fruit peel was optimized using thermal-assisted solid–liquid extraction. In parallel, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and inhibitory effects against α-amylase of optimized extract were also evaluated. The combination of operational conditions including the temperature (32–74 °C), ethanol concentration (13–97%), and solid/liquid ratio (1:10–1:60; w/v) was employed using a rotational central composite design for optimization. The extracts were evaluated for total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC) and antioxidant capacity by ABTS^•+, DPPH^• and FRAP assays. The bioactive profile of the optimized extract was obtained by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry in electrospray ionization in both negative and positive modes. The statistically evaluated results showed that the optimal operational conditions for the recovery of bioactive compounds from umbu fruit peel included 74 °C, 37% ethanol, and a solid–liquid ratio of 1:38. Under these conditions, the obtained values were 1985 mg GAE/100 g, 1364 mg RE/100 g, 122 µmol TE/g, 174 µmol/TE g and 468 µmol Fe²⁺/g for TPC, TFC, ABTS^•+, DPPH^•, and FRAP assays, respectively. In addition, the optimized extract was effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (MBC ranged from 0.060 to 0.24 mg GAE/mL), as well as it was effective to inhibit α-amylase (IC₅₀ value of 0.076 mg GAE/mL). The optimized extract showed to be mainly constituted by phenolic acids and flavonoids.     

Sustainability in Skin Care: Incorporation of Avocado Peel Extracts in Topical Formulations

The avocado peel is an agro-industrial by-product that has exhibited a massive increase in its production in the last few years. The reuse and valorisation of this by-product are essential since its disposal raises environmental concerns. In the present study, ethanolic extracts of avocado peels of the Hass variety were obtained, for three extraction times (1.5 h, 3 h and 4 h) and analysed for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Antioxidant evaluations of the extracts revealed that the extraction time of 1.5 h exhibited the best results amongst the three, with a DPPH inhibition percentage of 93.92 ± 1.29 and an IC₅₀ percentage, the necessary concentration of the extract to inhibit 50% of DPPH, of 37.30 ± 1.00. The antibacterial capacity of the extracts was evaluated and it was revealed that they were able to inhibit the growth and development of bacteria of the Staphylococcus family. The obtained extract was incorporated in two types of cosmetic formulations (oil-in-water and water-in-oil) and their stability was evaluated and compared with formulations containing synthetic preservatives (BHT and phenoxyethanol). The results of the stability evaluation suggest that the avocado peel extract has the potential to be incorporated in both types of emulsions, acting as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent, proving it to be a viable option to reduce/replace the use of synthetic preservatives. Furthermore, the avocado peel extract proved to be more effective and stable in oil-in-water emulsions. These results highlight the possibility of obtaining sustainable cosmetics, significantly reducing the negative impacts on the environment by the incorporation of extracts sourced from the avocado peel, an interesting source of phenolic compounds, an abundant and low-cost by-product.     

Optimization Method for Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Medicinal Plant (Juniperus procera) and Phytochemicals Screening

Juniperus procera is a natural source of bioactive compounds with the potential of antitumor, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. An optimization method was developed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC) in leaf and seed extract of Juniperus procera. Organic solvents (methanol (99.8%), ethanol (99%), and acetone (99.5%)), and deionized water (DI) were used for extraction. The estimation of TPC, TFC, and TTC in plant materials was carried out using UV-spectrophotometer and HPLC with the standards gallic acid, quercetin, and tannic acid. Recovery of TPC in leaf extract ranged from 2.9 to 9.7 mg GAE/g DW, TFC from 0.9 to 5.9 mg QE/g DW, and TTC ranged from 1.5 to 4.3 mg TA/g DW while the TPC value in the seed extract ranged from 0.53 to 2.6 mg GAE/g DW, TFC from 0.5 to 1.6 mg QE/g DW, and TTC ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 mg TA/g DW. This result revealed that methanol is the best solvent for recovery of the TPC value (9.7 mg) from leaf extract in comparison to other solvents. Ethanol recorded the highest result of TFC (5.9 mg) in leaf extract among the solvents whereas acetone was the best for TTC yield recovery from leaf extract (4.3 mg). In the case of the seed extract, ethanol was the best solvent for both TPC (2.6 mg), and TFC (1.6 mg) recovery in comparison to other solvents. Total tannin content in methanol resulted in significant recovery from seed extract (1.4 mg). Separation and quantification of gallic acid, quercetin, and tannic acid in plant materials were undertaken using HPLC. Gallic acid in leaf and seed of J. procera ranged from 6.6 to 9.2, 6.5 to 7.2 µg/g DW, quercetin from 6.3 to 18.2, 0.9 to 4.2 µg/g DW, and tannic acid from 16.2 to 29.3, 6.6 to 9.3 µg/g DW, respectively. Solvents have shown a significant effect in the extraction of phenolic compounds. Moreover, phytochemicals in plant materials were identified using GC-MS and resulted in very important bioactive compounds, which include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor agents such as ferruginol, phenanthrene, and n-hexadecanoic acid. In conclusion, the optimal solvent for extraction depends on the part of the plant material and the compounds that are to be isolated.     

Relationships between the Content of Phenolic Compounds and the Antioxidant Activity of Polish Honey Varieties as a Tool for Botanical Discrimination

The study compared the content of eight phenolic acids and four flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of six Polish varietal honeys. An attempt was also made to determine the correlations between the antioxidant parameters of the honeys and their polyphenol profile using principal component analysis. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (ABTS) and reduction capacity (FRAP) were determined spectrophotometrically, and the phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The buckwheat honeys showed the strongest antioxidant activity, most likely because they had the highest concentrations of total phenols, total flavonoids, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid and chrysin. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the data showed significant relationships between the botanic origin of the honey, the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of the six Polish varietal honeys. The strongest, significant correlations were shown for parameters of antioxidant activity and TPC, TFC, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid. Analysis of four principal components (explaining 86.9% of the total variance), as a classification tool, confirmed the distinctiveness of the Polish honeys in terms of their antioxidant activity and content of phenolic compounds.     

Chemical Profile,Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of Malaysian Heterotrigona itama Bee Bread

The aim of the study was to determine the chemical profile, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities of Heterotrigona itama bee bread from Malaysia. The pH, presence of phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), as well as antimicrobial activities, were assessed. Results revealed a decrease in the pH of bee bread water extract (BBW) relative to bee bread ethanolic extract (BBE) and bee bread hot water extract (BBH). Further, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, resins, glycosides and xanthoproteins were detected in BBW, BBH and BBE. Also, significant decreases in TPC, TFC, DPPH activity and FRAP were detected in BBW relative to BBH and BBE. We detected phenolic acids such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, trans-ferulic acid, trans 3-hydroxycinnamic acid and 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, and flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin and mangiferin in BBE using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The strongest antimicrobial activity was observed in Klebsilla pneumonia (MIC₅₀ 1.914 µg/mL), followed by E. coli (MIC₅₀ 1.923 µg/mL), Shigella (MIC₅₀ 1.813 µg/mL) and Salmonella typhi (MIC₅₀ 1.617 µg/mL). Bee bread samples possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Bee bread contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, and could be beneficial in the management and treatment of metabolic diseases.     

Antioxidant Activity and Protective effect of Banana Peel against Oxidative Hemolysis of Human Erythrocyte at Different Stages of Ripening

Phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids are gaining importance because of their contribution to human health and their multiple biological effects such as antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and cytoprotective activities and their therapeutic properties. Banana peel is a major by-product in pulp industry and it contains various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, and others. In the present study, effect of ripening, solvent polarity on the content of bioactive compounds of crude banana peel and the protective effect of peel extracts of unripe, ripe, and leaky ripe banana fruit on hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis and their antioxidant capacity were investigated. Banana (Musa paradisica) peel at different stages of ripening (unripe, ripe, leaky ripe) were treated with 70% acetone, which were partitioned in order of polarity with water, ethyl acetate, chloroform (CHCl₃), and hexane sequentially. The antioxidant activity of the samples was evaluated by the red cell hemolysis assay, free radical scavenging (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical elimination) and superoxide dismutase activities. The Folin–Ciocalteu's reagent assay was used to estimate the phenolic content of extracts. The findings of this investigation suggest that the unripe banana peel sample had higher antioxidant potency than ripe and leaky ripe. Further on fractionation, ethyl acetate and water soluble fractions of unripe peel displayed high antioxidant activity than CHCl₃ and hexane fraction, respectively. A positive correlation between free radical scavenging capacity and the content of phenolic compound were found in unripe, ripe, and leaky ripe stages of banana peel.     

Extraction of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds from Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Seed Coat by Pressurized Liquid Extraction

Mung bean seed coat (MBC) is a by-product of the mung bean processing industry. It contains a large number of phenolic compounds with therapeutic anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. This research aimed to investigate the optimum conditions for phenolic and flavonoid extraction from MBC by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the effects of temperature (80–160 °C), pressure (1200–1800 psi) and ethanol concentration (5–95%) on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging activity (ABTS). Scale-up extraction was also performed. The optimum conditions for extraction were 160 °C, 1300 psi and 50% ethanol. Under optimum conditions, the TPC was 55.27 ± 1.14 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g MBC, TFC was 34.04 ± 0.72 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g MBC and ABTS scavenging activity was 195.05 ± 2.29 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g MBC. The TFC and ABTS scavenging activity of the extracts obtained at the pilot scale (10 L) was not significantly different from the laboratory scale, while TPC was significantly increased. The freeze-dried MBC extract contained vitexin and isovitexin 130.53 ± 17.89, 21.21 ± 3.22 mg/g extract, respectively. In conclusion, PLE was able to extract phenolics, flavonoids with ABTS scavenging activity from MBC with the prospect for future scale-up for food industry.     

Impact of Drying Methods on Phenolic Components and Antioxidant Activity of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Berries from Different Varieties in China

Sea buckthorn berries are rich in bioactive compounds and can be used for medicine and food. The variety and drying method used have an important influence on quality. In this study, different sea buckthorn varieties from China were selected and dried with four common drying methods. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), contents of 12 phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in vitro were analyzed. The results showed that the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of two wild sea buckthorn berries were higher than those of three cultivated berries, and for the same varieties, measured chemical contents and antioxidant activity of the freeze-dried fruit were significantly higher than those obtained with three conventional drying methods. In addition, forty-one compounds in sea buckthorn berry were identified by UPLC-PDA-Q/TOF-MS, most of which were isorhamnetin derivatives. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed narcissin and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside varied significantly in sea buckthorn berries of different varieties and with different drying methods; they were potential quality markers. Strong correlations were found between TPC, gallic acid and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). The results revealed how components and antioxidant activity varied in different sea buckthorn, which provides a valuable reference for quality control and further development and utilization of sea buckthorn.     

In vitro biological activities and preliminary phytochemical screening of different extracts from Achillea sintenisii Hub- Mor

This study was designed to investigate in vitro biological activities and phytochemical composition of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Achillea sintenisii Hub- Mor. (AS). To determine the chemical composition of AS extracts, phytochemical analyses were performed by using HPLC–ESI-Q-TOF-MS-MS. Afterwards, both extracts were investigated in terms of their effect on fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and hydrogen peroxide-induced damage. In addition to cell culture analysis, antibacterial, antioxidant, hyaluronidase inhibitory activities and total phenolic contents of the extracts were analyzed in cell-free systems. Our results demonstrated that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts did not show cytotoxic activity on fibroblasts, on the contrary, promoted fibroblast proliferation. Both AS extracts potently inhibited hyaluronidase activity and the inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract was comparable with the positive control, especially at high concentrations. The aqueous extract was the potent stimulator of collagen synthesis at 200 µg/mL concentration. Although the ethanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against all gram-positive bacteria, the aqueous extract was only effective against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis. The ability of AS extracts, which have a rich phenolic compound content (≥50 mg GAE/g), to scavenge free radicals and protect fibroblasts against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage can be considered as a result of their antioxidant potential. Our findings scientifically support the widespread use of this plant, by demonstrating the pharmacological properties of the extracts.     

Impact of Peels Extracts from an Italian Ancient Tomato Variety Grown under Drought Stress Conditions on Vascular Related Dysfunction

Background: Tomato by-products contain a great variety of biologically active substances and represent a significant source of natural antioxidant supplements of the human diet. The aim of the work was to compare the antioxidant properties of a by-product from an ancient Tuscan tomato variety, Rosso di Pitigliano (RED), obtained by growing plants in normal conditions (-Ctr) or in drought stress conditions (-Ds) for their beneficial effects on vascular related dysfunction. Methods: The antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content (TPC) were measured. The identification of bioactive compounds of tomato peel was performed by HPLC. HUVEC were pre-treated with different TPC of RED-Ctr or RED-Ds, then stressed with H₂O₂. Cell viability, ROS production and CAT, SOD and GPx activities were evaluated. Permeation of antioxidant molecules contained in RED across excised rat intestine was also studied. Results: RED-Ds tomato peel extract possessed higher TPC than compared to RED-Ctr (361.32 ± 7.204 mg vs. 152.46 ± 1.568 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight). All extracts were non-cytotoxic. Two hour pre-treatment with 5 µg GAE/mL from RED-Ctr or RED-Ds showed protection from H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and significantly reduced ROS production raising SOD and CAT activity (* p < 0.05 and ** p < 0.005 vs. H₂O₂, respectively). The permeation of antioxidant molecules contained in RED-Ctr or RED-Ds across excised rat intestine was high with non-significant difference between the two RED types (41.9 ± 9.6% vs. 26.6 ± 7.8%). Conclusions: RED-Ds tomato peel extract represents a good source of bioactive molecules, which protects HUVECs from oxidative stress at low concentration.