Comparative antioxidant activity of extracts from leaves,bark and catkins of Salix aegyptiaca sp.

Leaves, bark and catkins of Salix aegyptiaca L. were extracted into solvents of increasing polarity from cyclohexane (non-polar), butanol, ethanol and water (polar) and analysed for their antioxidant capacity, total phenol and flavonoids. The highest antioxidant activity (19 μg/ml IC₅₀ for inhibition of DPPH radical activity), total phenolic content (212 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of dried extract) and total flavonoid (479 mg catechin equivalents/g of dried extract) was observed in the ethanolic extract of bark. HPLC identification of phenolic compounds from the extracts indicated the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin and p-coumaric acid, myricetin, catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, rutin, quercetin as well as salicin. Our data indicates the presence of high amounts of phenols and flavonoids in different parts of S. aegyptiaca species and propose that extracts from this plant may be utilised as a source of health promoting antioxidants.     

Inhibitory effects of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extracts and its active compounds on the glycation process of protein

Hyperglycaemia causes increased protein glycation and the formation of early glycation products and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which are major factors responsible for the complications of diabetes. This study investigated the ability of guava leaf and compounds to inhibit glycation process in an albumin/glucose model system and compared the potency of these extracts with Polyphenon 60 which is a commercial polyphenol product extracted from green tea and with the standard antiglycation agent, aminoguanidine. The results showed that the inhibitory effects of guava leaf extracts on the formation of α-dicarbonyl compounds were over 95% at 50 μg/ml. Phenolic compounds present, namely gallic acid, catechin and quercetin exhibited over 80% inhibitory effects, but ferulic acid showed no activity. The guava leaf extracts also showed strong inhibitory effects on the production of Amadori products and AGEs from albumin in the presence of glucose. The phenolic compounds also showed strong inhibitory effects on the glycation of albumin, especially quercetin exhibited over 95% inhibitory effects at 100 μg/ml. According to the results obtained, guava leaf extracts are potent antiglycation agents, which can be of great value in the preventive glycation-associated complications in diabetes.     

Effects of various solvents on the extraction of antioxidant phenolics from the leaves, seeds, veins and skins of Tamarindus indica L.

The effects of solvents, of varying polarities, on the extraction of antioxidant phenolics from the leaves, seeds, veins and skins of Tamarindus indica (T. indica) were studied. The efficiencies of the solvents for extraction of the antioxidant phenolics were in the order: methanol > ethyl acetate > hexane. Phenolic content ranged from 3.17 to 309 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g. Methanol leaf extract (MEL) had the highest phenolic content and was the most potent scavenger of DPPH and superoxide radicals. Methanol vein extract had the highest ferric reducing activity whereas methanol seed extract was the most potent ABTS radical-scavenger. A positive correlation existed between phenolic content and antioxidant activities of the plant parts. HPLC analyses of MEL revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and isorhamnetin. Overall, methanol was the most effective solvent for extraction of antioxidant phenolics from T. indica. T. indica, particularly the leaf, can be a useful source of natural antioxidants.     

Analysis of antioxidant activity and antioxidant constituents of Chinese toon

Antioxidant activity of the methanol and water extracts of Chinese toon (Toona sinensis) leaf was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation assays. Contents of four major types of antioxidants including β-carotene, ascorbate, α-tocopherol and phenolics were also quantified. Open column chromatography followed by semi-preparative HPLC were applied to separate phenolic antioxidants whose contents were subsequently determined by HPLC. The methanol extract demonstrated much higher antioxidant activity than the water extract. Contents of β-carotene, ascorbate, α-tocopherol and phenolics were 1.23 μmol g^?1, 34.2 μmol g^?1, 2.40 μmol g^?1 and 872 μmol gallic acid equivalents g^?1, respectively. Six phenols were isolated. Their structures were characterized as 5-O-galloylquinic acid, gallic acid, methyl gallate, β-1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-d-glucose, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-(2′′-O-galloyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside, respectively. The results indicate that phenolic compounds are the dominant antioxidants in Chinese toon. The compounds β-1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-d-glucose and quercetin 3-O-(2′′-O-galloyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside were reported for the first time in Chinese toon.     

Infusion,decoction and hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves from artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. cardunculus) are effective scavengers of physiologically relevant ROS and RNS

The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. cardunculus) is a perennial plant cultivated in the Mediterranean region and Americas for its edible young flower heads and as an interesting source of bioactive compounds. The present study was undertaken to evaluate scavenging capacity against the most physiologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) of three different extracts from artichoke leaves (infusion, decoction and hydroalcoholic) using different solvents, commonly accepted for human consumption (water and a mixture of ethanol/water). Additionally, the phenolic compounds in each extract were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array and mass spectrometer detectors (HPLC–DAD–MS/MS). Chlorogenic acid was the major phenolic compound identified in all extracts, followed by 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid (cynarin), luteolin-7-rutinoside and the infusion extract presented the highest phenolic content (108 mg/g extract, dry basis). In general, the extracts of artichoke leaves presented a remarkable capacity to scavenge ROS and RNS with IC₅₀ values in a low μg/mL range (3.4–43 μg/mL). These findings suggest that artichoke could be a potential source of natural antioxidants and has an undeniable nutraceutical value.     

Citharexylum solanaceum fruit extracts: Profiles of phenolic compounds and carotenoids and their relation with ROS and RNS scavenging capacities

Citharexylum solanaceum is a native fruit from Brazil, which both bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential were not yet investigated. Thus, the freeze-dried extracts of seed and pulp + skin of C. solanaceum fruits were obtained after solid-liquid extraction with ethanol and their bioactive compounds composition, namely phenolic compounds and carotenoids, were determined. The antioxidant capacity of both extracts against physiologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) was further investigated. Both C. solanaceum extracts showed high contents of phenolic compounds; however, pulp + skin extract presented 2.4-times more phenolic compounds (33.54 mg/g) than the seed extract (14.09 mg/g). Verbascoside (phenylpropanoid) was the major compound identified in both extracts (11–25 mg/g). Regarding the carotenoid composition, all-trans-lutein (14–42 μg/g) and all-trans-β-carotene (13–44 μg/g) were the major compounds in both extracts. The high content of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in pulp + skin extract might explain its higher scavenging capacity against all the ROS/RNS as compared to seed extract. In general, both extracts showed better scavenging capacity for the RNS than for the ROS. Our results indicate that C. solanaceum fruits can be explored as an important natural source of antioxidant compounds.     

HPLC-DAD-ESIMS analysis of phenolic compounds in bayberries (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.)

Qualitative analysis of the ethyl acetate extracts from three bayberry cultivars, Xiangshan, Biqi and Dongkui, was performed by means of a hyphenated technique of HPLC coupled to photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESIMS). Three phenolic compounds were identified (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and quercetin 3-glucoside) and seven others (two myricetin hexoside and two myricetin deoxyhexoside derivatives; quercetin hexoside and quercetin deoxyhexoside derivatives; kaempferol hexoside derivative) partially identified. Quantification of phenolic compounds was performed by HPLC-DAD, which revealed that gallic acid (2.6–7.0 mg/kg FW) was the major phenolic acid in all analysed cultivars. Myricetin glycosides (71.1 mg/kg FW) were the major flavonol glycosides in cultivar Xiangshan and quercetin glycosides (117.8 mg/kg FW) were the major ones in cultivar Biqi. Cultivar Dongkui had medium contents of quercetin glycosides (48.0 mg/kg FW) and myricetin glycosides (53.2 mg/kg FW). Kaempferol glyosides (3.1–4.6 mg/kg FW) were the lowest contents of flavonol glycosides in the assayed bayberries. These results are relevant not only from a nutritional point of view, but also in the control of color stability and haze formation during bayberry juice processing and storage.     

Polyphenol characterization and encapsulation in β-cyclodextrin of a flavonoid-rich Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) extract

Purified methanolic extracts of Hypericum perforatum (HP) from Northern Greece were very rich in flavonoids. Among simple polyphenols determined by GC-MS, epicatechin, catechin and quercetin predominated, their concentrations being 118.9 ± 20.6, 8.7 ± 1.4 and 5.8 ± 0.8 mg/g extract. LC-MS analysis revealed that the HP extract was mainly consisted of quercetin glucosides, catechin and quercetin. Among anthocyanins, malvidine was present at 1.96 ± 0.2 mg/g. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays showed that the HP extract exerted significant antioxidant activity. The inclusion complex of HP with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was prepared by mixing 1:4 mass ratios of its components in aqueous media and subsequent freeze-drying. The encapsulation was verified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and NMR studies, and encapsulation efficiencies were 27.5, 30.0 and 35.0% for catechin, epicatechin and quercetin respectively. DSC after thermal oxidation indicated that the inclusion complex remained intact at temperatures where the free HP extract was oxidized. It is concluded that the encapsulation in β-CD improves the thermal stability of nutraceutical antioxidants present in St John's wort extract, suggesting that the inclusion complex could serve as a flavonoids-rich food supplement or a novel additive to enhance the antioxidant capacity of fresh or thermally processed food.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of 4 medicinal plant extracts in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells

The anti-inflammatory activity of 4 plant extracts [guava (Psidium guajava) leaf, capillary wormwood (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.), Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis), and dandelion (Taraxacum platycarpum)] was investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Six phenolic compounds (gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, quercetin, and baicalin) were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Guava leaf extracts showed the highest inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO, 52.58%) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂, 43.45%) production. The total phenolic contents (TPC) in guava leaf, capillary wormwood, Chinese goldthread, and dandelion were 426.84, 154.42, 41.73, and 122.04 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of extract, respectively. TPC was positively correlated with the NO-inhibitory effect (r= 0.963, p<0.05) and the PGE₂-inhibitory effect (r=0.971, p<0.05) at 30 μg/mL of treatment. The guava leaf extracts contained the highest levels of gallic acid and catechin, while the capillary wormwood extracts contained the highest levels of chlorogenic acid and quercetin.

     

Polyphenolic compounds characterization and reactive nitrogen species scavenging capacity of Oenothera paradoxa defatted seed extracts

Biological investigations have revealed high scavenging capacity of Oenothera paradoxa defatted seed extract on reactive nitrogen species such as NO and ONOO⁻. The characteristics of the polyphenols present in the extracts were checked using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray negative ionization ion trap mass spectrometry. Extracts contained five groups of compound: phenolic acids (gallic acid, ethyl gallate, ellagic acid and ferulic acid pentoside), flavanols (catechin, catechin gallate) and oligomeric procyanidins, flavonols (quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-pentoside and quercetin), and gallotannins (tetragalloyl glucose, pentagalloyl glucose and hexagalloyl glucose). Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose were present in the extracts in concentrations from 9.44 to 16.75 mg/g, which demonstrated a significant NO and ONOO⁻ scavenging activity with IC₅₀ 0.20 and 0.06 μM, respectively, may be considered as an O. paradoxa extract quality marker.     

Antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts from Terminalia catappa leaves

Aqueous extracts were prepared from green, yellow fallen and red fallen leaves of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) and their antioxidant activity, scavenging and chelating abilities were evaluated. Aqueous extracts from three different leaves showed high antioxidant activities and moderate scavenging abilities on hydroxyl radicals at 1 mg/ml. EC₅₀ values in antioxidant activity were 0.549-0.557 mg/ml whereas those in scavenging ability on hydroxyl radicals were 0.631-0.686 mg/ml for aqueous extracts prepared from three leaves with boiling water for 3 min. EC50 values in reducing power were 0.15-0.23 mg/ml. EC50 values in scavenging abilities on superoxide anion and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydryl radicals were 0.36-0.44 and 10.4-35.3 mg/ml, respectively. EC50 values in chelating abilities on ferrous and cupric ions were 0.41-2.50 and 8.96-9.89 mg/ml, respectively. Based on the results obtained, the aqueous extracts displayed higher antioxidant properties. Six phenolic compounds identified in the aqueous were p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, m-coumaric acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid and gallic acid. Therefore, the aqueous extracts from three different leaves of T. catappa might be a potential antioxidant supplement for application in food products or as a drink.     

Polyphenol input to the antioxidant activity of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extracts

Industrial processing modified the polyphenol content, composition and antioxidant activity of the yerba mate extracts. Pre-dried leaves were the most appropriate raw material combining maximum activity with high polyphenol content. Chlorogenic acid and its derivatives were the major components of the phenolic fraction but we also identified caffeic, rutin and quercetin.Yerba mate extracts inhibited malonedialdehyde formation in sunflower oil (20 μmol/kg) and conjugated dienes production in oil/water emulsions (60 μmol/kg). Enhancing the dose to 60 μmol/kg reduced 27.8% the extract’s activity in oil.The relationship between polyphenol composition and antioxidant activity of a mixture of caffeic, chlorogenic, kaempferol, quercetin and rutin was satisfactorily predicted with a polynomial model. Results showed that quercetin was the highest contributor to the linear term followed by kaempferol and caffeic acid while rutin and chlorogenic acid inputs were the lowest. The model detected five synergistic and six antagonistic effects.     

Polyphenolic antioxidant profiles of yellow camellia

Yellow camellia (section Nitidissima Chang) is a subgroup of tea plant with golden yellow flowers. It is a very rare species with potential as antioxidant rich plant as it is closely related to tea. We found, for the first time, that the antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic constituents of six yellow camellia species varied widely. Among them, the dry leaf of Camellia impressinervis had the highest level of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC, 2270.9 μmol TE/g), total phenolic content (TPC, 475.6 μmol GAE/g), and proanthocyanidin content (PAC, 66.1 μmol CE/g). The ORAC level correlated well with TPC (R² = 0.9402), and PAC (R² = 0.9954). The compounds responsible for antioxidant activities were further profiled by HPLC and LC–MS analysis. Compared to the commonly consumed tea leaves, yellow camellia leaves contain more diverse phenolic compounds, including ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins, taxifolin deoxyhexose, apigenin derivatives, kaempferol derivative, quercetin derivatives, glucosyl isorhamnetin, (epi)catechin-(epi)afezelechin polymers and platphyllosides. Unlike tea leaves, no caffeine is detected in the yellow camellia leaves. The antioxidant activity of the polyphenolic compounds were further verified by precolumn treatment of the extracts with a stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).     

Phenolic composition,antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of free and bound phenolic extracts of Moringa oleifera seed flour

Phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of defatted Moringa oleifera seed flour (DMF) were investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using colorimetric methods. Free phenolic acid and flavonoid profiles were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, while antioxidant capacities were evaluated using scavenging assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant capacity. The results showed that extractability of phenolic compounds was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in bound phenolic extract (4173.00 ± 32.22 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g) than in free phenolic extract (780.00 ± 14.2 mg GAE/100 g) and it showed higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The IC₅₀ value for DPPH radical scavenging activity was 0.9 ± 0.05 and 14.9 ± 0.07 mg/mL for bound phenolic and free phenolic extracts, respectively. Bound phenolic extract was more effective (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 0.06–0.157%) than free phenolic extract (MIC, 0.117–0.191%) against tested bacteria. Ten phenolic compounds (gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, cinnamic acid, catechin, epicatechin, vanillin and quercetin) were identified and quantified in both extracts. These natural plant phenolics from Moringa seeds could be a good source of antioxidants and antibacterials for food and pharmaceutical industries.     

Organic acids,antioxidant capacity,phenolic content and lipid characterisation of Georgia-grown underutilized fruit crops

Four underutilized Georgia-grown fruit crops, namely loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), mayhaw (Crataegus sp.), fig (Ficus carica), and pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and their leaves were analysed for total polyphenols by Folin–Ciocalteau method, and antioxidant capacity by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. Organic acids and phenolic compounds were identified by RP-HPLC. For lipid profile, fruits were separated into two fractions – seed and fruit (i.e., without seed); lipid was extracted using the Folch method and analysed for fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and phospholipids. The major organic acid identified in all samples was malic acid (177–1918 mg/100 g FW). The predominant phenolic acids in all the fruits were gallic (1.5–6.4 mg/100 g FW) and ellagic (0.2–33.8 mg/100 g FW), and the most abundant flavonoid was catechin (12.2–37.8 mg/100 g FW). Total lipid content varied from 0.1% in mayhaw fruit to 21.5% in pawpaw seed. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all of the samples (28.2–55.7%).     

Antioxidant properties of various solvent extracts from wild ginseng leaves

Water, methanol and ethanol extracts of freeze-dried leaves of wild ginseng were examined for their antioxidant properties. All leaf extracts were capable of free radicals scavenging activity. Among solvent extracts of wild ginseng leaves, ethanol extract showed the highest DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelating activity. Otherwise, the highest superoxide radical scavenging activity was found in water extract followed by ethanol and methanol extracts of wild ginseng leaves. Ethanol extracts contained more phenolics (2333.2 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (1199.1 mg/100 g) than other extracts. These differences in concentrations of key antioxidants among various solvent extracts seemed to be responsible for their differences in antioxidant activities. When various solvent extracts were hydrolysed by acid, two aglycons of flavonoid, quercetin and kaempferol, were detected. According to the results obtained from this study, wild ginseng leaves showed marked antioxidant activities due to their abundant antioxidants.     

Chemical composition and anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of the leaf and whole-plant samples of diploid and tetraploid Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino

Leaf and whole-plant samples of the diploid and tetraploid Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) were investigated and compared for their chemical compositions, and their potential anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. The highest levels of total flavonoids and phenolics were observed in the diploid leaf botanical (2L3) at 36.84 mg rutin equiv/g and 41.15 mg gallic acid equiv/g, respectively. The diploid leaf sample (2L2) had the highest amount of rutin and quercetin contents of 77.7 μmol quercetin equiv/g. The tetraploid whole-plant botanical (4L3) had the highest total saponin content of 227.1 mg gypenoside equiv/g. Extracts from all tested GP samples showed time- and dose-dependent antiproliferative effects in HT-29 cells, and the diploid leaf samples had the overall highest inhibitory activity. These extracts had different order of antiproliferative properties in the LNCaP cells, suggesting the potential selective inhibition of GP extracts against different types of cancer cells and the effect of the cell model in screening and evaluation of antiproliferative components. In addition, the diploid leaf extracts showed the strongest inhibitory effects on the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2 mRNA at final concentrations of 0.2 and 1 mg botanical equiv/ml media. The results from this study will be used to develop new nutraceutical products from G. pentaphyllum.     

The effects of solvents on the phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of Stypocaulon scoparium algae extracts

Water, water/methanol (1/1), methanol and ethanol crude extracts from a brown alga Stypocaulon scoparium were examined for total phenolic contents (TPC) using Folin–Ciocalteu method. DPPH scavenging assay was performed to measure the radical scavenging activities (RSA) of the extracts. Results showed a significant association between the antioxidant potency and the TPC. The aqueous extract showed both, the highest antioxidant activity and highest phenolic contents. The identification and quantification of phenolic antioxidants were carried out with a rapid and simple method of reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 14 polyphenols, namely gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, p-coumaric acid, myricetin, quercetin and protocatechuic, vanillic, caffeic, ferulic, chlorogenic, syringic and gentisic acids. The chromatographic separation of 14 polyphenols was achieved in less than 40 min by RP-HPLC (Varian, Pursuit XRs C18 column, 5 μm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm) using linear gradient elution of methanol and water (0.1% formic acid) with a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Gallic acid was by far the predominant polyphenol.     

Phenolic content,antioxidant and physico‐chemical properties of Sardinian monofloral honeys

In this study, fifty‐one monofloral Sardinian honeys from ten various floral origins were screened for their phenolic content, antioxidant activity, colour and electrical conductivity. The total phenolic amounts have been evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu method, whereas quantification of several phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) has been carried out by HPLC‐DAD technique. The richest sample in phenolic compounds resulted strawberry tree honey with about 40 mg GAE/100 g, as well FRAP test and DPPH˙ test confirm that antioxidant activity of strawberry tree honey extract exceed both honey extracts and synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT. Among the studied phenolic compounds a total of five phenolic acids (ferulic, syringic, trans‐cinnamic, chlorogenic and p‐hydroxycinnamic) and nine flavonoids (catechin, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, galangin, pinocembrin and pinobanksin) were identified. Our results show good correlations between total polyphenol amount and antioxidant activity and between colour and electrical conductivity.