Purification and characterization of an antioxidant protein (∼16 kDa) from Terminalia chebula fruit

Terminalia chebula fruit is used as folk medicine in India and Southeast Asia. An antioxidant protein was isolated by bioassay guided fractionation of T.chebula fruit by homogenizing in the citrate phosphate buffer. The isolated protein (TCP-III) obtained from fruit was purified by gel chromatography and preparative HPLC, showed apparent molecular weight of 16 kDa by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/MS analyses. Amino acid sequence obtained by LC-MS^E analysis showed homology with the predicted protein fragments of Populus trichocarpa, putative uncharacterized protein fragments from Oryza sativa and with fragments of 17 kDa thylakoid lumenal protein from Spinacia oleracea. TCP-III exhibited significant radical scavenging in DPPH, NO, H₂O₂ and ABTS assays. In addition, TCP-III inhibited oxidation of linoleic acid in β-carotene bleaching assay, reduced ferric ions and chelated ferrous ions. The present finding demonstrates uniquely, for the first time, characterization of an antioxidant protein from T. chebula fruit.     

Storage of olives (Olea europaea) under CO2 atmosphere: Effect on anthocyanins,phenolics, sensory attributes and in vitro antioxidant properties

Green, unripe olives were subjected to post-harvest treatment under a CO₂ atmosphere for a period of 12 days. The total polyphenol (TP), total flavonoid (TFd) and total anthocyanin (TA) contents, along with the antioxidant and sensory characteristics, were continuously monitored during the treatment on a 24 h-interval basis, in order to identify possible changes in the quality of olives related mainly to changes in the polyphenolic contents. The storage of olives under CO₂ atmosphere resulted in pronounced increases in TP and TF contents, mainly within the first 3-5 days, but TA exhibited a different pattern of evolution. Furthermore, storage under CO₂ contributed to flavour appearance with the development of fruity/floral notes, and reduced bitterness. The in vitro antioxidant properties of the CO₂-treated sample showed notable increases compared with the sample stored under regular atmospheric conditions. It was concluded that storage of olives under a CO₂ atmosphere resulted in the appearance of desired sensory attributes, by decreasing bitterness and developing aroma and colour, and the functional (antioxidant) properties were improved. This approach may be used as an alternative, chemical-free means of table olive debittering.     

Chemistry and medicinal properties of the Bakul (Mimusops elengi Linn): A review

India is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and reports confirm that a great variety of fruiting trees are indigenous to this region of the world. Mimusops elengi Linn (family Sapotaceae) commonly known as Bakul is one such tree native to the Western Ghat region of the peninsular India. However, today this tree is also found growing in other parts of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The tree is of religious importance to the Hindus and finds mention in various mythological texts. The stem, barks, leaves and fruits are used in various Ayurvedic and folk medications to treat various ailments. In the prehistoric days the ripe fruits were an important source of diet but today no one knows of its dietary use as it is seldom used. Studies suggest the tree contains medicinally-important chemicals, particularly the triterpenes and alkaloids. Preclinical studies in the past five years have shown that the extracts prepared from Bakul possess antibacterial, antifungal, anticariogenic, free radical scavenging, antihyperglycemic, antineoplastic, gastroprotective, antinociceptive and diuretic effects, thus lending pharmacological support to the tree's ethnomedicinal uses in Ayurveda. In this review for the first time attempt is made at addressing the chemical constituents, medicinal uses and validated pharmacological observations of Bakul.     

Efficiency and capacity of antioxidant rich foods in trapping peroxyl radicals: A full evaluation of radical scavenging activity

For the first time a variety of foods, characterized by high antioxidant activity, have been tested for the reactivity by which the system of antioxidants present in these foods competes for peroxyl radicals with poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The oxygraphic method we have used, on the basis of a rigorous kinetic model, permits to obtain the reactivity that is the Peroxyl Radical Trapping Efficiency (PRTE), beyond the Peroxyl Radical Trapping Capacity (PRTC) and to assign to each food characteristic values of these parameters, so facilitating their inter-comparison. In the analyzed foods the PRTE/PRTC ratio spans more than one order of magnitude, so reflecting the quality of antioxidants present in foods. According to the PRTE values and on the basis of the serving size the ranking of antioxidant food efficiency in trapping peroxyl radicals was blueberry > red chicory > coffee > pineapple ≈ red wine ≥ orange ≈ dark chocolate ≈ apple ≥ tea > pomegranate.     

Phytochemistry and medicinal uses of the bael fruit (Aegle marmelos Correa): A concise review

Aegle marmelos, a plant indigenous to India has been used by the inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent for over 5000 years. The leaves, bark, roots, fruits and seeds are used extensively in the Indian traditional system of medicine the Ayurveda and in various folk medicine to treat myriad ailments. Bael fruits are of dietary use and the fruit pulp is used to prepare delicacies like murabba, puddings and juice. Bael fruits are also used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and peptic ulcers, as a laxative and to recuperate from respiratory affections in various folk medicines. Scientific studies have validated many of the ethnomedicinal uses and reports indicate that the fruit possesses broad range of therapeutic effects that includes free radical scavenging, antioxidant, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-diarrheal, gastroprotective, anti-ulcerative colitis, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective and radioprotective effects. For the first time, this review critically assesses the nutritional values, phytochemistry and preclinical pharmacological properties of the bael fruit. Attempts are also made at emphasizing the dietary and pharmaceutical potential of bael fruit that has been largely underutilized and neglected.     

Isolation,characterization and antioxidant capacity assessment of the bioactive compounds derived from Hypoxis rooperi corm extract (African potato)

The rhizome of the plant Hypoxis rooperi (“African potato”) is known for its traditional and ethnomedical uses in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and other diseases. We have characterized an extract derived from H. rooperi, isolated its major bioactive compound, hypoxoside, and obtained its aglycone, rooperol, by enzymatic digestion. Absorption, fluorescence emission and bidimensional NMR complete spectral data of these compounds were obtained. The antioxidant capacity of both compounds was fully analyzed through the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays, and it was compared to catechins and olive biophenolics. Both compounds showed a strong antioxidant capacity, although rooperol exhibited a higher antioxidant activity against lipid peroxidation which correlated to its strong affinity for phospholipid membranes as derived from its extremely high lipid/water partition coefficient (K_p = 3.4 × 10⁴). The study of the lipophilic (EtOH) and hydrophilic (water) TEAC values revealed that more hydrophobic compounds, had greater lipophilic TEAC values than hydrophilic ones, probably indicating that lipophilic TEAC assay may be more reliable for these compounds. The H. rooperi extract also showed higher antioxidant efficacy compared to other strong antioxidant herbal extracts, such as olive leaf or green tea. Moreover, neither evidence of acute oral toxicity nor adverse effects were observed when the H. rooperi commercial extract containing 45% hypoxoside was used at a dosage of 2000 mg/kg. The results obtained in this work may contribute to understanding the biological activity described for these dicatechols and the African potato extract for food and cosmetic applications.     

Metabolic profile and biological activities of Lavandula pedunculata subsp. lusitanica (Chaytor) Franco: Studies on the essential oil and polar extracts

We investigated the metabolic profile and biological activities of the essential oil and polar extracts of Lavandula pedunculata subsp. lusitanica (Chaytor) Franco collected in south Portugal. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that oxygen-containing monoterpenes was the principal group of compounds identified in the essential oil. Camphor (40.6%) and fenchone (38.0%) were found as the major constituents. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) analysis allowed the identification of hydroxycinnamic acids (3-O-caffeoylquinic, 4-O-caffeoylquinic, 5-O-caffeoylquinic and rosmarinic acids) and flavones (luteolin and apigenin) in the polar extracts, with rosmarinic acid being the main compound in most of them. The bioactive compounds from L. pedunculata polar extracts were the most efficient free-radical scavengers, Fe²⁺ chelators and inhibitors of malondialdehyde production, while the essential oil was the most active against acetylcholinesterase. Our results reveal that the subspecies of L. pedunculata studied is a potential source of active metabolites with a positive effect on human health.     

Inductive modulation on P-glycoprotein and cytochrome 3A by resveratrol,a constituent of grapes

Resveratrol has been reported to show various beneficial pharmacological effects. Nowadays, resveratrol dietary supplement (RDS) is available in the market. Cyclosporin (CsA), a probe drug of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), is an important immunosuppressant. This study investigated the effect of coadministration of RDS on CsA pharmacokinetics.     

A review of botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, clinical relevance in efficacy and safety of Lycium barbarum fruit (Goji)

Lycium barbarum has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to nourish liver and kidney, and brighten the eye. The fruits are dried or freshly squeezed for their juice and concentrated for beverages. Among various constituents, a group of polysaccharides (LBP) with a Glycan-O-Ser glycopeptide structure has been most researched and considered to be important for the efficacy of L. barbarum. Studies indicate effects of L. barbarum on aging, neuroprotection, general well-being, fatigue/endurance, metabolism/energy expenditure, glucose control in diabetics, glaucoma, anti-oxidant properties, immunomodulation, anti-tumor activity and cytoprotection. In addition to TCM, L. barbarum can be sold as a dietary supplement or classified as a food based upon the long and safe traditional usage. This review is to provide background and updated information of chemical constituents and efficacies with safety including a new direction for research and current regulatory situation of L. barbarum.     

Correlation between plasma antioxidant capacity and verbascoside levels in rats after oral administration of lemon verbena extract

Phenylpropanoids are the main class of compounds from lemon verbena which have shown a wide biological activity, verbascoside being the most abundant one. In this work, the composition of a lemon verbena extract was elucidated by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and one flavone and one methoxylated phenylpropanoid were found in this source for the first time. The antioxidant activity of the lemon verbena extract was fully characterised by several methodologies. Unexpectedly, the extract was especially active in lipophilic environments and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, as it was found for pure verbascoside. The lemon verbena extract, containing verbascoside as its major bioactive compound, was acutely administered to rats and verbascoside was the only metabolite detected in plasma samples as measured by HPLC mass spectrometry. The correlation between the highest verbascoside concentration in plasma and maximum plasma antioxidant capacity was observed at 20 min as measured by different techniques, i.e. minimum malondialdehyde (MDA) generation, highest ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP value) and maximum superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Therefore, the in vitro measurements of the antioxidant activity of lemon verbena extract may significantly support the antioxidant activity observed in vivo in this work. Moreover, neither evidence of acute oral toxicity nor adverse effects were observed in mice when the lemon verbena extract containing 25% verbascoside was used at a dosage of 2000 mg/kg.     

The chemistry and medicinal uses of the underutilized Indian fruit tree Garcinia indica Choisy (kokum): A review

Garcinia indica Choisy Syn Brindonia indica, commonly known as kokum and belonging to Guttiferae family, is a plant native to certain regions of India. The trees yield fruits annually in the summer season during the months of March to May. The fruits are green when raw and red to dark purple when fully ripe. They are used to prepare juice, pickles and as acidulant in curries. In the traditional Indian system of medicine the Ayurveda and in various folk systems of medicine, the fruit rinds and leaves are used to treat various inflammatory ailments, rheumatic pain and bowel complaints. The kokum butter prepared from the seed is of both commercial and medicinal use. Chemical studies have shown that the rind contains protein, tannin, pectin, sugars, fat, organic acids like (−)-hydroxycitric acid, hydroxycitric acid lactone and citric acid; the anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside; and the polyisoprenylated phenolics garcinol and isogarcinol. Preclinical studies have shown that kokum or and some of its phytochemicals possess antibacterial, antifungal, anti-ulcerogenic, cardioprotective, anticancer, chemopreventive, free radical scavenging, antioxidant and anti-obesity effects. The present paper reviews the nutritional value, the phytochemical compounds, traditional uses and validated pharmacological properties of kokum.     

Essential oils,kava pyrones and phenolic compounds from leaves and rhizomes of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt. & R.M. Sm. and their antioxidant activity

During essential oil production from Alpinia zerumbet, large volumes of water and solid wastes are produced and subsequently discarded. An extraction protocol to obtain essential oil, dihydro-5,6-dehydrokawain (DDK) and enriched antioxidant phenolic extracts from fresh leaves or rhizomes of A. zerumbet and their wastes was developed. The main components determined in leaf oil were 1,8-cineol, camphor and methyl cinnamate, whereas rhizome oil mainly contained DDK and methyl cinnamate. The highest DDK content was found in the hexane extract of fresh rhizomes. Ethyl acetate extracts from leaves showed higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities than those from rhizomes. Ethyl acetate extract from wastewater of leaves possessed the strongest inhibition to β-carotene oxidation. Ferulic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were the major phenolics present in these extracts. The results indicate that disposed wastes produced during essential oil production from A. zerumbet leaves or rhizomes may be utilized in foodstuffs as a cheap source of natural antioxidants.     

Phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacology of Eugenia jambolana Lam. (black plum): A review

Eugenia jambolana Lam. (syn. Syzigium cumini (L.) SKEELS; S. jambolana DC; Family: Myrtaceae), commonly known as black plum or Jamun is a plant native to India. Annually the trees produce oblong or ellipsoid fruits (berries). They are green when raw and purplish black when fully ripe. The ripe fruits are sweetish sour to taste and are used to prepare health drinks, squashes, juices, jellies and wine. Studies have shown that the berries contain carbohydrates, minerals and the pharmacologically active phytochemicals like flavonoids, terpenes, and anthocyanins. Jamun is a plant with known ethnomedicinal uses. Before the discovery of insulin, Jamun was useful in the treatment of diabetes and is an integral part in the various alternative systems of medicine. Scientific studies have shown that the various extracts of Jamun possess a range of pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-genotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, cardioprotective, anti-allergic, anticancer, chemopreventive, radioprotective, free radical scavenging, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-diarrheal, hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects. The present paper reviews these aspects and also addresses the lacunas in the existing knowledge.     

Selected primary and secondary metabolites in fresh persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.): A review of analytical methods and current knowledge of fruit composition and health benefits

Diospyros kaki Thunb. (Ebenaceae) is a widely cultivated tree species in some countries of Asia, while in other continents persimmons are mostly considered “exotic” fruits. Peculiar characteristics of this species are a complex sex expression, parthenocarpy and fruit astringency at harvest time, associated with a different composition in polymerized flavan-3-ols. Analytical methods for determining sugars, vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols in persimmons were critically reviewed in order to evaluate the overall significance of literature results; the nutritional and nutraceutical properties, together with the health benefits of both astringent and non astringent cultivars, were also overviewed. To these aims, the available literature from the last twenty years and the most important formerly published papers were investigated using SciFinder^®, Elsevier SciVerse, AGRIS, and PubMed search engines. Persimmons resulted rich in sugars (about 12.5 g/100 g FW), being fructose, glucose and sucrose the major components, and in total vitamin C, for which 100-150 g of fresh persimmon supplies the recommended daily amount. Astringent varieties supply higher amounts of sugars than nonastringent ones; conversely, higher concentrations of total vitamin C were found in nonastringent cultivars. The main carotenoid components are ??-cryptoxantin (193 ??g/100 g FW), ??,??-carotene (113 ??g/100 g FW) and ??,??-carotene (30 ??g/100 g FW). Persimmons are also a good source of polyphenolic compounds such as p-coumaric acid, catechin, epicatechin, epigallo catechin, and condensed proanthocyanidins. This chemical composition, together with in vivo and in vitro studies, suggests a relevant role of persimmon in the protection against free radicals and in the prevention of some human diseases.