In Vivo Genotoxicity Evaluation of an Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) Aqueous Extract

The Cynara scolymus (artichoke) is widely consumed as tea or food and shows important therapeutic properties. However, few studies have assessed the possible toxic effects of artichoke extracts. This study evaluates genotoxic and mutagenic activities of artichoke leaf aqueous extract in mice using the comet assay and the micronucleus test. Leaf extracts were given by gavage (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. Extract composition was investigated using phytochemical screening and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, antioxidant capacity was analyzed through the diphenyl‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and xanthine oxidase assay. Phytochemical screening detected the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins. HPLC analyses indicated the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isoquercetrin, and rutin. Extracts showed a dose‐dependent free radical scavenging effect of DPPH and an inhibitory effect of xanthine oxidase. The genotoxic results showed that leaf extracts did not increase micronuclei in peripheral blood cells. Compared to the control group, a significant increase in comet assay values was observed only in bone marrow of group treated with 2000 mg/kg, the highest dose tested, indicating that artichoke tea should be consumed with moderation. Practical Application: This is the first report of in vivo mutagenic and genotoxic evaluation with C. scolymus. The present study revealed leaf aqueous extract from artichoke shows lack of mutagenicity in vivo, and low genotoxicity and antioxidant activity; indicating that artichoke tea should be consumed with moderation.     

Antioxidant and Anti‐inflammatory Activities of Methanol Extracts of Tremella fuciformis and Its Major Phenolic Acids

Methanol extract subfractions of the edible white jelly mushroom (Tremella fuciformis), were assessed for the following antioxidant properties: ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activity, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and inhibitory activity of human low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Among the subfractions tested, the chloroform subfraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, with the highest total phenolic content (66.31 μg CAE/mg extract) and flavonoids content (5.12 μg QE/mg extract). The ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activity of the chloroform subfraction was 7.89 μmol trolox/mg extract, which was the highest among all subfractions. This subfraction also showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and inhibitory activity of LDL oxidation. In addition, the chloroform subfraction demonstrated anti‐inflammatory activity through inhibition of nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Major phenolic acids from the mushroom extract were identified as 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (323 mg/kg dry weight of mushroom), gentisic acid (174 mg/kg dry weight of mushroom), and 4‐coumaric acid (30 mg/kg dry weight of mushroom).     

Oral Administration of Puerh Tea Polysaccharides Lowers Blood Glucose Levels and Enhances Antioxidant Status in Alloxan‐Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract: The polysaccharides, named puerh tea polysaccharides (PTPS), were isolated from puerh tea. Physicochemical characteristics, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of PTPS in alloxan‐induced diabetic mice were investigated. PTPS was found to be a kind of acid heteropolysaccharides conjugate, but the physicochemical characteristics of which were different from the polysaccharides from other kinds of teas in literature. Meanwhile, daily administration of PTPS (40 mg/kg BW) could significantly lower the blood glucose levels, which was not different (P > 0.05) from the effects of metformin (15 mg/kg BW) throughout the entire experiment. Furthermore, after 4‐wk administration of PTPS (40 mg/kg BW), the superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde contents both in serum and liver were improved to the levels of those in normal mice. In regards to the serum GSH‐Px activity, it was even significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in normal mice, indicating the oxidative stress induced by alloxan could be reversed by administration of PTPS. Practical Application: Control of blood sugar levels and inhibition of oxidative stress are suggested to be important in the treatment of diabetes. In the present work, the effects of the polysaccharides from puerh tea (PTPS) on blood glucose levels and antioxidant status in alloxan‐induced diabetic mice were investigated. The information obtained will be valuable for potential application of PTPS in the treatment of diabetes.     

Oregano: chemical analysis and evaluation of its antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities

Abstract: GC‐FID and GC‐MS analysis of essential oil from oregano leaves (Origanum compactum) resulted in the identification of 46 compounds, representing more than 98% of the total composition. Carvacrol was the predominant compound (36.46%), followed by thymol (29.74%) and p‐cymene (24.31%). Serial extractions with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water were performed on aerials parts of Origanum compactum. In these extracts, different chemical families were characterized: polyphenols (gallic acid equivalent 21.2 to 858.3 g/kg), tannins (catechin equivalent 12.4 to 510.3 g/kg), anthocyanins (cyanidin equivalent 0.38 to 5.63 mg/kg), and flavonoids (quercetin equivalent 14.5 to 54.7 g/kg). The samples (essential oil and extracts) were subjected to a screening for antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS assays) and antimalarial activities and against human breast cancer cells. The essential oil showed a higher antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀= 2 ± 0.1 mg/L. Among the extracts, the aqueous extract had the highest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀= 4.8 ± 0.2 mg/L (DPPH assay). Concerning antimalarial activity, Origanum compactum essential oil and ethyl acetate extract showed the best results with an IC₅₀ of 34 and 33 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, ethyl acetate extract (30 mg/L) and ethanol extract (56 mg/L) showed activity against human breast cancer cells (MCF7). The oregano essential oil was considered to be nontoxic.     

甘草多糖的抗氧化及降血糖作用研究

目的:研究甘草多糖的抗氧化作用及对1型糖尿病（Type 1 diabetes mellitus, T1DM）小鼠降血糖作用。方法:提取并纯化甘草多糖,苯酚硫酸法测定多糖含量,采用DPPH·、ABTS+·的清除率测定其抗氧化性。小鼠适应性喂养7 d后,对其进行腹腔注射STZ（30 mg/kg·BW）,建立T1DM模型,实验分为正常组、模型组、甘草多糖高剂量组（400 mg/kg·BW）、甘草多糖低剂量组（200 mg/kg·BW）、阳性组（二甲双胍200 mg/kg·BW）,实验期间测定小鼠基础指标和小鼠脂代谢及氧化应激相关指标的变化。结果:甘草多糖含量为690 mg/g,在1000 μg/mL质量浓度下其对DPPH·、ABTS+·的清除能力分别为82.84%±0.80%,85.52%±2.27%。在动物实验中,第8周时,甘草多糖高剂量组小鼠体重达到了20.84±0.87 g,与阳性组无显著性差异（P>0.05）。高剂量组中空腹血糖值（Fasting blood glucose, FBG）水平为15.9 mmol/L,与阳性组无显著性差异（P>0.05）,且能显著提高葡萄糖耐量（Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, OGTT）水平（P<0.05）。甘草多糖高剂量组小鼠的总胆固醇（Total Cholesterol, TC）、甘油三酯（Triglyceride, TG）、高密度脂蛋白 （High-density lipoprotein, HDL-C）、低密度脂蛋白（Low-density lipoprotein, LDL-C）分别为2.79±0.36、0.98±0.12、1.28±0.23、1.67±0.29 mmol/L,与模型组有极显著性差异（P<0.01）,且能够极显著升高超氧化物歧化酶（Super Oxide Dismutase, SOD）、过氧化氢酶（Catalase, CAT）、总谷胱甘肽（Glutathione, GSH）的含量,极显著降低丙二醛（Malondialdehyde, MDA）含量(P<0.01)。结论:甘草多糖具有较好的抗氧化性,可以通过改善T1DM小鼠脂代谢水平和氧化应激水平从而起到降血糖作用。     

Effect of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. sinensis) leaf extract on the swimming endurance and exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress of rats

BACKGROUND: Seabuckthorn (SBT) leaves have significant antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to assess the anti‐fatigue, antioxidant and tissue‐protective properties of aqueous lyophilised extracts of SBT dried leaves in the hearts of Wistar male rats undergoing exhaustive physical exercise. Doses of 50, 200 and 800 mg kg^?1 body weight (BW) day^?1 were given orally for 1 week. A week later the rats were forced to swim in barrels until they were exhausted. The times were noted to establish the effective dose of the extracts in rats. After establishing the effective dose, the rats were then sacrificed and assessed for various biochemical parameters. RESULTS: SBT leaf aqueous extracts (200 and 800 mg kg^?1 BW) markedly prolonged the swim time of rats. Supplementation with SBT leaf aqueous extracts helped reduce the exhaustive exercise‐induced increase in malondialdehyde level and selenium‐dependent glutathione peroxidase activity. Alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase levels were lowered in the exhaustive exercise with SBT treatment group (E + SBT) compared with the exhaustive exercise group (E). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that SBT leaf aqueous extract supplements can enhance exercise capacity and protect against oxidative damage caused by exhaustive exercise in rats. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Neuroprotective effect of caffeoylquinic acids from Artemisia princeps Pampanini against oxidative stress-induced toxicity in PC-12 cells

Abstract: Phenolics in dry Artemisia princeps Pampanini, an herbal plant traditionally consumed as food ingredients in Korea was extracted, fractionated, and quantified as well as evaluated for its neuroprotection for PC‐12 cells. Whole extract had 5,852 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g of total phenolics and 6,274 mg and 9,698 mg vitamin C equivalents/100 g of antioxidant capacities assayed by DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively. The fraction extracted with n‐butanol had the highest levels of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity than the other fractions (n‐hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water). Using a reversed‐phase HPLC system, caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) and its derivatives such as 3‐CQA, 4‐CQA, 5‐CQA, 1,5‐diCQA, 3,4‐diCQA, 3,5‐diCQA, and 4,5‐diCQA were isolated and quantified. The whole extract and its n‐butanol fraction yielded 3,5‐diCQA with the highest amount, which consisted of approximately 36.8% and 33.5%, respectively. The whole extract, the n‐butanol fraction, and 3,5‐diCQA showed neuroprotective effect on PC‐12 cells under the insult of amyloid ß peptide in a dose‐dependent manner. Treatments of the whole extract and the n‐butanol fraction for PC‐12 cells under oxidative stress increased approximately 1.6 and 2.4 times higher cell viability, compared with the control without treatments. For PC‐12 cells treated with 3,5‐diCQA, intracellular oxidative stress decreased by 51.3% and cell viability increased up to 2.8 times compared to the control with oxidative insult of amyloid ß peptide only. These results indicate that phenolics from A. princeps Pampanini alleviated the oxidative stress and enhanced the viability of PC‐12 cells, suggesting that it may be applied as a dietary antineurodegenerative agent in functional foods.     

Antioxidant Activity of Ipomoea batatas L. Lam. Leaf Grown in Continental Croatia and Its Effect on Glutathione Level in Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress

Ethanolic and aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. leaf grown in Croatia were prepared. Antioxidant activity of the extracts, as well as their effect on intracellular glucose-induced oxidative stress, was determined. Antioxidant activity was assayed by DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, activity in β-carotene-linoleic acid assay, and superoxide dismutase-like activity. In addition to being richer in phenols and flavonoids than aqueous extract, ethanolic extract also demonstrated superior antioxidant activity in all the assays. In a concentration of 10 μg/ml, both extracts were able to significantly increase intracellular glutathione levels.     

In vitro antioxidant activity of different cultivars of banana flower (Musa paradicicus L.) extracts available in India

Abstract: Six different cultivars of banana flowers (Musa paradicicus) (Kathali, Bichi, Shingapuri, Kacha, Champa, and Kalabou) were analyzed for the content of polyphenol expressed as gallic acid equivalent and flavonoid expressed as quercetein equivalent, and the in vitro total antioxidative activities of the flower extracts were compared with standard and expressed as trolox equivalent. The reducing power, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS?⁺) scavenging activities, inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a linoleic acid emulsion system, and liposome peroxidation system were measured and compared with respective standard antioxidants. Iron‐mediated Fenton reaction was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of the extract of banana flower (Kacha cultivar) against H₂O₂‐induced DNA damage. The Kacha variety contains the maximum amount of polyphenol (11.94 ± 0.03 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of dry weight) and flavonoid (0.174 ± 0.001 g of quercetin equivalent/g of polyphenol). It also has the highest total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ABTS?⁺ radical scavenging activity with a least EC₅₀ value of 0.051 mg/mL. Hepatic cell damage in iron‐mediated Fenton reaction caused by free radicals is reduced by the banana flower extract. On the basis of the results obtained, the banana flowers are found to be a potential source of natural antioxidants. This is the first report on the antioxidant properties of the extracts from banana flowers. The study suggests that the flowers of M. paradicicus that are found in India and consumed as vegetable can provide valuable functional ingredients that help in the prevention of oxidative stress.     

The effects of dietary fish oil on inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress associated with obstructive renal injury in rats

Scope: We examined whether dietary supplementation with fish oil modulates inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress following obstructive renal injury. Methods and results: Three groups of Sprague–Dawley rats (n=16 per group) were fed for 4 wk on normal rat chow (oleic acid), chow containing fish oil (33 g eicosapentaenoic acid and 26 g docosahexaenoic acid per kg diet), or chow containing safflower oil (60 g linoleic acid per kg diet). All diets contained 7% fat. After 4 wk, the rats were further subdivided into four smaller groups (n=4 per group). Unilateral ureteral obstruction was induced in three groups (for 4, 7 and 14 days). The fourth group for each diet did not undergo surgery, and was sacrificed as controls at 14 days. When rats were sacrificed, plasma and portions of the kidneys were removed and frozen; other portions of kidney tissue were fixed and prepared for histology. Compared with normal chow and safflower oil, fish oil attenuated collagen deposition, macrophage infiltration, TGF‐β expression, apoptosis, and tissue levels of arachidonic acid, MIP‐1α, IL‐1β, MCP‐1 and leukotriene B₄. Compared with normal chow, fish oil increased the expression of HO‐1 protein in kidney tissue. Conclusions: Fish oil intake reduced inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress following obstructive renal injury.     

Moringa oleiferia leaves extract: a natural antioxidant for retarding lipid peroxidation in cooked goat meat patties

The effective utilisation of Moringa oleiferia mature leaves (MOL) extract as an antioxidant in cooked goat meat patties during refrigerated storage was investigated, and its efficiency was evaluated against butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The extract exhibited high phenolic content (48.36 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g), flavonoid (31.42 mg g^?1 of sample) being the major component. Moringa oleiferia mature leaves extract showed excellent antioxidant activity as determined by radical‐scavenging activity of 1, 1‐diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The IC₅₀ value of MOL extract for 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging was 18.54 μg mL^?1. Total phenolic content (as gallic acid equivalent) significantly (P < 0.05) increased from 285.56 in control to 379.45 in patties with MOL extract. MOL extract (0.1%) when added to meat was found to retard lipid peroxidation of cooked goat meat patties as measured by TBARS number during refrigerated storage. The increase in TBARS number in MOL extract–treated samples was very slow and remained lowest (0.53 mg malonaldehyde per kg sample) up to 15 days. The antioxidant activity of MOL extract was found to be comparable to BHT. Addition of MOL extract did not affect any of the sensory attributes of patties. The MOL extract at a level of 100 mg/100 g meat was sufficient to protect goat meat patties against oxidative rancidity for periods longer than the most commonly used synthetic antioxidant like BHT.     

Comparative in vivo antioxidant capacity of DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid (HMTBA) and DL-methionine in male mice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND: In animal diets, methionine (Met) is considered to be the first limiting amino acid, and the activity of synthetic Met is typically added either as DL ‐methionine (DLM) or as DL ‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐methylthiobutanoic acid (HMTBA). It has been demonstrated that HMTBA exhibits a higher antioxidant capability in vitro as compared to DLM. However, the difference in antioxidant capability between DLM and HMTBA in vivo is unknown. METHODS: In the present study, 60 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups and fed either a normal diet (NFD, 5.37% fat) or a high‐fat diet (HFD, 19.7% fat) in conjunction with 0.2% DLM, 0.2% HMTBA or 0.1% DLM and 0.1% HMTBA for 4 weeks. RESULTS: HFD supplemented with 2% DLM and NFD with 2% HMTBA both induced adverse affects in relation to serum lipid parameters and depressed antioxidant defense systems in the digestive system. However, these changes were restored in the 0.2% HMTBA‐treated HFD group. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in the lipid parameters and antioxidant status in the NFD and HFD group supplemented with 0.1% DLM and 0.1% HMTBA. CONCLUSION: HMTBA restored oxidative redox status under OS conditions and its antioxidant properties were positively correlated with the dosage included in diet. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) Seeds: Chemical Characterization and Extraction of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Compounds

This study was aimed to assess the effect of time and temperature on the extraction of antioxidant compounds from jabuticaba seeds (Myrciaria cauliflora cv. Sabará), to optimize the solvent proportion (water, ethyl alcohol, and propanone), and to characterize the extract according to the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Proximal composition, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities were analyzed. The optimized solvent ratio of 60% water and 40% propanone provided a mean TPC of 8.65 g GAE/100 g seeds and the antioxidant activity toward 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was 82.79% ± 0.50%. Time and temperature parameters did not influence the yield of TPC. The gross seed extract was partially purified and both exhibited a high antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potential toward Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The purified jabuticaba seed lyophilized extract contained a higher (P < 0.05) TPC, o‐diphenols, flavonols, and antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH assay and total reducing capacity as compared to the gross lyophilized extract. Electrospray ionization coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) data showed the presence of ellagitannins and ellagic acid in the extracts, which are probably the responsible for the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.     

Effect of flavonol glycoside in mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf on glucose metabolism and oxidative stress in liver in diet‐induced obese mice

BACKGROUND: Mulberry therapies on type 2 diabetic patients or streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats have been reported to improve fasting blood glucose levels. We investigated the effects of dietary consumption of mulberry‐leaf powder and purified quercetin 3‐(6‐malonylglucoside), the quantitatively major flavonol glycoside in mulberry leaves, on glucose and lipid metabolism in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice aged 8 weeks were assigned to three groups (control, mulberry leaf powder (MLP), and quercetin 3‐(6‐malonylglucoside) (Q3MG)) and treated with their respective diets for 8 weeks. RESULTS: We found that dietary supplementation of 10 g MLP kg^?1 or 1 g Q3MG kg^?1 in high‐fat diet effectively suppressed blood glucose levels. We also noted increased expression of glycolysis‐related genes and suppression of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentrations in the liver of Q3MG group compared to control mice. CONCLUSION: Dietary consumption of Q3MG, the quantitatively major flavonol glycoside in mulberry leaves, improved hyperglycemia in obese mice and reduced oxidative stress in the liver. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effects of Asparagus racemosus (shatavari) extract on oxidative stability of ghee,in relation to added natural and synthetic antioxidants

The potential of Asparagus racemosus (shatavari) extract was evaluated in comparison with natural (rosemary, green tea) and synthetic (butylated hydroxyanisole, tert‐butyl hydroquinone) antioxidants, in ghee using accelerated oxidation tests. Its aqueous and ethanolic extracts significantly retarded deterioration of ghee relative to the control (without addition of synthetic or natural herb extract), as observed in peroxide value (8.3, 13.2 and 25.8 mmolO₂/g fat respectively), conjugated diene% (1.30, 1.44 and 1.78, respectively), radical‐scavenging potential (40.0, 25 and 5.5% inhibition, respectively) and oxidative stability index (16.8, 13.5 and 10.3 h respectively) after 21 days. However, these were less effective than the natural and synthetic antioxidants. The ethanolic extract of shatavari, having polyphenol content of 24.99 ± 0.74 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, exhibited some antioxidative and radical‐scavenging activities.     

天然抗氧化剂联合作用对花生油氧化稳定性及风味特性的影响

以花生油为研究对象,在60 ℃加速氧化条件下探讨天然复合抗氧化剂协同提高其氧化稳定性的作用机制,分析了贮藏期内风味特性的变化趋势。结果表明,花生油在24 d加速氧化实验过程中,与其他组相比,0.07%粉状迷迭香提取物+0.07%油状迷迭香提取物+0.01% V_C表现出最佳的协同效应,此组样品过氧化值由第0 d的1.38 meq/kg仅增加到第24 d的1.65 meq/kg,酸值由第0 d的0.93 mg KOH/g仅增加到第24 d 1.03 mg KOH/g;和对照组相比,其p-茴香胺值,硫代巴比妥酸值在贮藏期内显著降低(p<0.05),表明该组复合抗氧化剂的协同抗氧化效果较优。风味测定结果表明,复合抗氧化剂不能改变风味化合物中的主要物质的组成,但会部分增加或减少某些风味物质的含量。添加最优复合抗氧化剂后氧化的花生油稍有天然提取物的风味,与吡啶类化合物,呋喃类化合物的含量变化有关。     

Enrichment of fresh pasta with antioxidant extracts obtained from artichoke canning by‐products by ultrasound‐assisted technology and quality characterisation of the end product

This work is aimed at: (i) analysing the extracts obtained from canning by‐products of three artichoke cultivars (Opal, Capriccio and Catanese) for antioxidant parameters; (ii) comparing UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS profile, colour, textural properties and cooking performance of fresh pasta enriched of the most antioxidant extract, with control pasta. The concentrated Catanese cv. extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity (1662 μmol Trolox equivalents L^?1) and the highest levels of luteolin‐7‐O‐rutinoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside and apigenin‐7‐O‐rutinoside compared to other cultivars. Fresh pasta enriched of Catanese extract showed higher (P < 0.05) phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (500 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 1324 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively) than control pasta (306 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 886 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively). The extract increased (P < 0.05) pasta brownness (from 19.93 to 23.34), and decreased yellowness (from 27.11 to 23.09), but did not alter textural and cooking parameters. So, pasta was a good vehicle to increase the antioxidant dietary intake.     

Turmeric Extract Rescues Ethanol‐Induced Developmental Defect in the Zebrafish Model for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Prenatal ethanol exposure causes the most frequent preventable birth disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The effect of turmeric extracts in rescuing an ethanol‐induced developmental defect using zebrafish as a model was determined. Ethanol‐induced oxidative stress is one of the major mechanisms underlying FASD. We hypothesize that antioxidant inducing properties of turmeric may alleviate ethanol‐induced defects. Curcuminoid content of the turmeric powder extract (5 mg/mL turmeric in ethanol) was determined by UPLC and found to contain Curcumin (124.1 ± 0.2 μg/mL), Desmethoxycurcumin (43.4 ± 0.1 μg/mL), and Bisdemethoxycurcumin (36.6 ± 0.1 μg/mL). Zebrafish embryos were treated with 100 mM (0.6% v/v) ethanol during gastrulation through organogenesis (2 to 48 h postfertilization (hpf)) and supplemented with turmeric extract to obtain total curcuminoid concentrations of 0, 1.16, 1.72, or 2.32 μM. Turmeric supplementation showed significant rescue of the body length at 72 hpf compared to ethanol‐treated embryos. The mechanism underlying the rescue remains to be determined.     

Rosemary Extract‐Mediated Lifespan Extension and Attenuated Oxidative Damage in Drosophila melanogaster Fed on High‐Fat Diet

Rosemary extract has a potent antioxidant activity and is widely used in the food industry. In this study, the lifespan prolonging and antioxidant activity of rosemary extract was evaluated by high‐fat‐induced oxidative damage in Drosophila melanogaster. The results revealed that the lifespan and climbing ability of fruit flies was enhanced significantly by feeding rosemary extract. Furthermore, feeding with rosemary extract significantly increased the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and significantly decreased the level of malonaldehyde. The gene expression of SOD, CAT, and nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor 2 was enhanced and that for methuselah was significantly reduced. The comet assay showed that high‐fat diet‐induced DNA lesion was significantly reduced in larvae treated with the rosemary extract. Our results suggest that feeding with rosemary extract is effective to the extended lifespan in fruit flies by strengthening of the resistance to high‐fat‐induced oxidative stress and by stimulating, at least in part, the endogenous antioxidant response.     

Effect of in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the stability and antioxidant activity of blueberry polyphenols and their cellular antioxidant activity towards HepG2 cells

In this study we investigated the influence of in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of polyphenols from blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). Total phenolic, anthocyanin, and flavonoid content was determined, and extract and digesta compositions were analysed by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The phenolic compounds were relatively stable under a gastric environment, whereas polyphenols and anthocyanins were unstable under an intestinal environment. The bioaccessibility of polyphenol, anthocyanin, and flavonoid was greatly decreased after the intestinal digestion, and the recoveries were only 13.93%, 1.95%, and 15.68% (the IN sample), respectively. Polyphenolic profile alteration occurred during in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Changes of phenolic compound antioxidant activity during digestion correlated with polyphenol, flavonoid, and caffeic acid concentrations. Digested extract cellular antioxidant activity was lower than non‐digested extract activity (P < 0.05). Polyphenol dose–response correlations with cellular antioxidant activity were observed. These results indicated that in vitro‐simulated gastrointestinal digestion significantly impact polyphenols and their antioxidant activity.