Isolation of Anticomplementary Substances from Cucurbita Moschata Duch

Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of the edible part of Cucurbita moschata Duch, which is commonly used as an oriental medicine as well as a popular food source, showed significant anticomplementary activities on the classical pathway of the complement system. Bioassay‐guided chromatographic separation using silica gel, Sephadex LH‐20, octadecyl silica gel, thin layer chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography was performed to isolate the anticomplementary substances. Among the isolated substances, apigenin, phytosterols, and mixture of fatty acids, which were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, presented the strongest activities. Especially, phytosterols and mixture of saturated fatty acids isolated from the ethyl acetate extracts had 0.74 and 0.67 mg/ml as IC₅₀, respectively, indicating that the ethyl acetate extraction is the best way to isolate the anticomplementary substances from Cucurbita moschata Duch.     

Inhibition of 2‐Amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo [4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP) Formation by Alkoxy Radical Scavenging of Flavonoids and Their Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship in a Model System

The inhibitory effect of 10 flavonoids on the formation of 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP) in a creatinine–phenylalanine model system was investigated through electronic spin resonance and a quantitative structure–activity relationship. Alkoxy radicals were observed during the heating process, providing evidence for a radical pathway in the formation of PhIP. The alkoxy radical scavenging capability of the flavonoids was proportional to their inhibition of PhIP formation (IC₅₀). We deduced that flavonoid inhibition of PhIP generation occurs via scavenging of alkoxy radicals during the heating process. Multiple linear regression and partial least squares models were used to elucidate the relationship between PhIP inhibition activity and structure characteristics of the flavonoids. The lipo–hydro partition coefficient and molecular fractional polar surface area of the flavonoids were found to be predictive of the inhibition effect.     

Effect of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) phytochemicals on stable free radicals and human cancer cells

BACKGROUND: The commercial development of plants as sources of antioxidants that can be used to enhance the properties of foods, for nutritional purposes and preservation as well as for prevention of oxidation‐related diseases, is currently of major interest. Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) is a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. RESULTS: Phytochemicals in rosehip tea were separated into three fractions: Fr1 (vitamin C, 39.17 mg kg^?1), Fr2 (flavonoids, 451.05 µg kg^?1) and Fr3 (phenolic acids, 504.69 µg kg^?1). Quercetin and ellagic acid were the most abundant polyphenolic compounds. Rosehip fractions, primarily rosehip flavonoids (EC₅₀ = 49 mg L^?1), showed high antioxidant activity towards 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH^?). Cell growth effects of rosehip fractions were assessed in HeLa, MCF7 and HT‐29 cell lines, with the lowest IC₅₀ values being determined for rosehip flavonoids, (80.63, 248.03 and 363.95 mg L^?1 respectively). However, the vitamin C fraction did not inhibit the growth of tested tumour cells. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm that vitamin C and flavonoids are responsible for the antioxidant activity of rosehip tea, while only polyphenols contribute to its antiproliferative activity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Analysis of Flavonoids in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Portulaca oleracea</Emphasis> L. by UV–Vis Spectrophotometry with Comparative Study on Different Extraction Technologies

Portulaca oleracea L. is a traditional edible and medicinal plant in China. Flavonoids are one of the main active ingredients of this plant. Five extraction technologies of flavonoids from P. oleracea L. were investigated and compared, including microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasonic extraction, reflux extraction, Soxhlet extraction, and marinated extraction. The results showed that microwave-assisted extraction was most suitable for the extraction of flavonoids from P. oleracea L. because of its high effect and short extraction time. The found optimum extraction conditions were that the ethanol concentration was 70% (v/v), solid–liquid ratio was 1:50, extracting temperature was 50 °C and irradiation time was 9 min. Quantification was performed by means of UV–Vis spectrophotometry with chromogenic system of NaNO₂–Al (NO₃)₃–NaOH. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve for the analyte was linear with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.9999. The average recovery was 102.6%, and its RSD was 1.13%(n = 5). Eight types of P. oleracea L. according to different habits were investigated. The total content of flavonoids was 7.16, 7.10, 9.38, 6.82, 6.78, 11.36, 5.12, and 1.76 mg g⁻¹, respectively.     

Essential oil composition,total phenolic content,antioxidant and antibiofilm activities of four Origanum species from southeastern Turkey

This study reports a comparative screening of four species of Origanum in Turkey, based on their essential oil composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant and antibiofilm activities. The major components of essential oils were p-cymene, linalool, and thymol. The total phenolic contents differed from 3.81 to 47.54 mg of GAE/g of extract. The concentrations of flavonoids varied from 12.74 to 58.39 mg of Ru/g of extract. Antioxidant activity was determined in vitro using DPPH reagent and expressed as concentration of each extract required to inhibit radical by 50% (IC₅₀) values that ranged from 16.03 to 48.94 μg/ml. Our results indicated that chloroform extracts of species O. majorana and O. onites, with a total content of polyphenols (47.54 mg of GAE/g and 45.17 mg of GAE/g, respectively) and an IC₅₀ of 16.03 μg/ml and 16.89 μg/ml, respectively were more antioxidant. Among the essential oil concentrations tested, maximum antibiofilm activity was found as 92.24% against M. luteus NRRL-B 1013 by O. majorana essential oil at 50 mg/ml.     

Anti-complementary activity of flavonoids from Gnaphalium affine D. Don

Gnaphalium affine D. Don, is used as a vegetable as well as a folk medicine in China for its anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and expectorant activities. Phytochemical investigation of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of this plant led to isolation of three new acylated flavonol glycosides, apigenin 4′-O-β-d-(6″-E-caffeoyl)-glucopyranoside, luteolin 4′-O-β-d-(6″-E-caffeoyl)-glucopyranoside, and quercetin 4′-O-β-d-(6″-E-caffeoyl)-glucopyranoside, together with 24 known compounds. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-complementary activity on the classical pathway of the complement system in vitro, and luteolin 4′-O-β-d-(6″-E-caffeoyl)-glucopyranoside exhibited highest anti-complementary activity with an IC₅₀ value of 0.045 ± 0.005 mg/ml. This is the first report of anti-complementary activity of G. affine D. Don, which displays the initial evidence that this plant is a potent complement inhibitor.     

Characterization and density functional theory study of the antioxidant activity of quercetin and its sugar-containing analogues

Inhibition of free radicals using quercetin, hyperin and rutin is examined to determine their antioxidant effects and the structure–activity relationships of flavonoids. Two species of the free radicals are used, including hydroxyl radical (·OH) and superoxide anion radical (O₂ ^?·). Density functional theory calculations under the level of B3LYP/6-311G (d) have been utilized to explore the structure, molecular properties and antioxidant abilities of the three flavonoids. Bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) and frontier molecular orbital energy gap are investigated. They are compared with the experiment results assayed by the spectrophotometric. All of the flavonoids show a high activity on inhibiting ·OH and O₂ ^?· radicals. Scavenging activity determined by half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of the three flavonoids decreases in the order: quercetin > hyperin > rutin. The calculations show that quercetin owns the lowest BDE values, which agree well with the experimental results of antioxidant activity determined by IC₅₀ values.     

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diodic Array Detector,Fungistatic, and Anti-Morphogenical Analysis of Extracts from Psidium brownianum Mart. ex DC. Against Yeasts of the Genus Candida

We assessed extracts from Psidium brownianum for antifungal activity and identified the phenolic phytocompounds. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by microdilution and IC₅₀ was calculated. The minimun fungicidal concentration and the morphology of Candida were evaluated. Extracts analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated flavonoids and phenolic acids. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 8192 µg/mL and the IC₅₀ varied between 1056 and 5128 µg/mL. Extracts showed fungistatic effect and altered the dimorphism of the strains, being the better result observed using the decoction, that affected the fungal dimorphism of the strain CA ATCC40006 at 4096 µg/mL.     

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.     

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) juices: chemical composition, micronutrient cations, and antioxidant capacity

Abstract: Phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins of pomegranate juices, obtained from 9 Tunisian ecotypes were quantified. Phenolics and flavonoids in the variety Tounsi (TN) (3299 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/L and 636 mg quercetin equivalents [QE]/L of juice, respectively) were higher than in the variety Gabsi (GB) (1570 mg GAE/L and 135 mg QE/L of juice, respectively). The highest anthocyanins quantity was found in GB 2 with 156 mg cyanidin‐3‐glucoside equivalents (CGE)/L. TN 3 ecotype showed the highest tannins quantity with 2550 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/L of juice. TN 1 presented the highest radical‐scavenging activity (2, 2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonate [ABTS], IC₅₀ [50% inhibition concentration] = 525 mg/L), as well as the highest concentration of micronutrient cations (potassium and sodium). A high correlation (R²= 0.80) between antioxidant capacity and proanthocyanin contents was found, this suggests that proanthocyanins are the principal contributor in the antioxidant capacity of pomegranate. Our data suggest also that the high concentrations of K⁺ and Na⁺ may play a role in the adaptation of pomegranate to arid environments.     

Honey Flavonoids,Natural Antifungal Agents Against Candida Albicans

Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen in humans. In this study, flavonoids from unprocessed multifloral honey were extracted and investigated their anticandidal activity in vitro. These results indicated that honey flavonoids inhibited Candida growth; however, they did not kill the yeasts and did not directly affect the cytoplasmic membrane. The viability tests of cells yeast with the fluorescent probe Sybr green I in combination with propidium iodide suggested that antifungal activity of honey flavonoids depended on their relative lipophilic properties and that they may reach a possible intracellular site of action without compromising membrane-associated functions.     

Evaluation of edible flowers of agathi (Sesbania grandiflora L. Fabaceae) for in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic,and in vitro antioxidant potential

The methanol extract from flowers of agathi (Sesbania grandiflora L. Fabaceae) was evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, and in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in several experimental models. The extract has sustainable concentrations of dietary polyphenolics, tannins, and flavonoids. The extract exhibited maximum radical scavenging activity on nitric oxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radical and these values were significantly (p<0.05) higher over positive standards butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytolune. The extract also exhibited potential cytotoxic activity against human cervical cancer cell line HeLa (IC₅₀ value of 0.13 mg/mL). Further, the methanol extracts showed significant inhibitory activity against inflammation (carrageenan and cotton pellet induced models) and on a pain model (hot plate test). The inhibitory values are comparable with positive standards. Owing to these properties, agathi flowers can be used as a potential source of natural nutraceutical food supplement.     

Effects of pulsed thermosonication treatment on fungal growth and bioactive compounds of Berberis vulgaris juice

In this study, the single and combined effects of pulsed‐ultrasound amplitude (100 W, 30 kHz with 25 and 50% amplitude levels for up to 30 min) and temperature (65 °C and 75 °C) on fungal growth, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Berberis vulgaris juice were investigated. The combination of pulsed ultrasound at 50% amplitude for 30 min at temperature of 75 °C as the most effective treatment was resulted in a reduction of about?3.083 ± 0.02, ?3.04 ± 0.03, ?3.10 ± 0.01 and ?2.88 ± 0.02 log (N/N₀) on S. cerevisiae, A. flavus, A. versicolor and B. fulva, respectively. Additionally, the highest total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were noted for the barberry juice after 30 min of sonication with 50% pulsed‐ultrasound amplitude at either 65 °C or 75 °C. Pulsed thermosonication is a promising technology to extend the shelf life of B. vulgaris fruit juice because of the improvement of antioxidant activity as well as microbial quality.     

Complement‐modulating water‐soluble polysaccharide fractions in two global staple cereals: rice and wheat

BACKGROUND: There has been considerable interest recently in the physiological effects of foods on health. Research has focused on biological effects on the immune system, as substances related to the human defense system are expected to be found in staple cereals. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether water‐soluble polysaccharide fractions in wheat have anticomplementary activity, which was found in rice, and to distinguish between real complement inhibitors and complement‐activating substances. RESULTS: Anticomplementary activity of polysaccharide isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, a medicinal herb, showed similar potency to that of rice polysaccharides but not wheat polysaccharide. By varying pre‐incubation time with complement, rice polysaccharides were identified as a stimulator of both the classical and alternative pathways of complement activation (humoral immunity). CONCLUSION: Non‐amylaceous water‐soluble polysaccharide fractions in cereals do not necessarily have similar activity, whereas it is a new finding that staple cereals include this immunomodulating activity, which is positively related to health. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity and Hypouricemic Effect of Aspalathin from Unfermented Rooibos

Rooibos is rich in flavonoids such as aspalathin, which is a unique C‐glycosyl dihydrochalcone, that is used as a traditional herbal tea. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activity of the aspalathin‐rich fraction (ARF) and purified aspalathin from rooibos. The hypouricemic effects of the ARF and aspalathin on hyperuricemic mice were also assessed. The ARF was prepared from aqueous extract of unfermented rooibos leaves and stems, and it was collected by column chromatography; the aspalathin content in this fraction was 21.4%. The ARF and aspalathin inhibited XOD in a dose‐dependent manner. The concentrations of the ARF and aspalathin required to inhibit XOD at 50% (IC₅₀) were 20.4 μg/mL (4.4 μg/mL aspalathin equivalents) and 4.5 μg/mL, respectively. Lineweaver–Burk plot analysis indicated that aspalathin was a competitive inhibitor of XOD, and the inhibition constant (Ki) was 3.1 μM. In hyperuricemic mice induced by inosine‐5’‐monophosphate, treatment with the ARF and aspalathin significantly suppressed the increased plasma uric acid level in a dose‐dependent manner. The suppressed plasma uric acid level in mice could be attributed to the XOD inhibitory activity of the ARF and aspalathin. Further study is required to determine the effect of aspalathin or its metabolites on XOD activity in vivo.     

Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Composition of Greek Propolis Extracts

This study was undertaken to determine the total phenols, total flavonoids, and major phenolic compounds in the polar (methanol, 80% methanol, and aqueous) extracts of propolis collected from the Greek mainland (West Macedonia) and the Greek island, Rhodes. The antioxidant properties of the propolis extracts were also evaluated by using free 2,2^′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The results showed that propolis from West Macedonia was found to be the strongest radical scavenger and ferric reducing agent (mean IC₅₀ 0.179 and 0.009 mg/ml, respectively). Methanol (mean IC₅₀ 0.181 mg/ml) and 80% methanol extracts (mean IC₅₀ 0.138 mg/ml) of propolis from West Macedonia showed higher radical scavenging activity than the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (mean IC₅₀ 0.207 mg/ml), while exhibiting similar levels of reducing activity (IC₅₀ 0.0099 mg/ml and 0.0085 mg/ml, respectively) with flavonol quercetin (mean IC₅₀ 0.0101 mg/ml). In addition, analysis by high performance liquid chromatography showed that West Macedonia propolis, contained the highest amount of phenolic compounds: phenolic acids (caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethylester, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, galangin, luteolin, apigenin). Caffeic acid (0.639–4.172 mg/g propolis) and galangin (1.317–8.551 mg/g propolis) were found to be the predominant phenolic compounds in these propolis extracts.     

基于比较转录组学的多花黄精黄酮类化合物合成基因表达分析

为了解药用植物多花黄精Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua.中黄酮类化合物的生物合成途径,为黄精属植物黄酮类化合物的代谢与调控的分子机制研究提供数据,利用二代高通量测序技术,对分别培养了 3个月和9个月的多花黄精组培苗根茎进行比较转录组学研究.结果显示,经序列组装与功能注释,多花黄精根茎的转录组数据经拼接...     

Phenols,Flavonoids, and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Leaves and Stem Bark of Morus Species

Leaves and stem bark composition from Morus species (M. alba var. alba, M. alba var. rosa and M. rubra) was evaluated for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in order to enhance its therapeutic uses. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents were estimated in hydromethanolic and aqueous extracts. Results showed highest content in M. rubra leaves aqueous extract (1129 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry weight and 816 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry weight, respectively). Using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained in aqueous stem barks extracts. M. alba var. alba has an IC₅₀ of 2.84 mg/ml and the IC₅₀ value of M. rubra was the highest (4.78 mg/ml). ABTS^.+ (2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) method and reducing power assay were used to confirm the results from the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test. All extracts expressed considerable free radical-scavenging properties. Hydromethanolic and aqueous extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus feacalis, Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria. Hydromethanolic stem bark extracts have the highest antimicrobial activities, and it may be a good antimicrobial agent for human gastrointestinal infections. This plant could be used as an additive to foods and also as a possible source to obtain new and effective herbal medicines to treat infections of multi-drug resistant strains of microorganisms.     

Anti‐acetylcholinesterase,antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory,antityrosinase and antixanthine oxidase activities of Moroccan propolis

Biological properties of Moroccan propolis have been scarcely studied. In the present work, the total phenols and flavonoids from 21 samples of propolis collected in different places of Morocco or 3 supplied in the market were determined, as well as the in vitro capacity for inhibiting the activities of acetylcholinesterase, α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase, xanthine oxidase and hyaluronidase. The results showed that samples 1 (region Fez‐Boulemane, Sefrou city) (IC₅₀ = 0.065, 0.006, 0.020, 0.050, 0.014 mg mL^?1) and 23 (marketed) (IC₅₀ = 0.018, 0.002, 0.046, 0.037, 0.008 mg mL^?1) had the best in vitro capacity for inhibiting the α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase activities, respectively. A negative correlation between IC₅₀ values and concentration of phenols, flavones and flavanones was found. These activities corresponded to the generally higher amounts of phenols and flavonoids. In the same region, propolis samples have dissimilar phenol content and enzyme inhibitory activities.     

Cytoprotective effects of polyphenolics on H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells in relation to their antioxidant activities

The cytoprotective effects of five flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, catechin, kaempferol and morin) and four hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, ferulic, sinapic and chlorogenic acids) were evaluated by the degree of protection they provided against H₂O₂-induced damage to human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. All compounds exhibited protection against H₂O₂-mediated cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner. The concentration required to give a 50% reduction in cell death (EC₅₀ value) were derived from their dose–response relationships. The cytoprotective activities of these phenolic compounds in the order of quercetin > caffeic acid > rutin > chlorogenic acid > catechin > ferulic acid > sinapic acid > morin > kaempferol. The EC₅₀ values of the phenolic compounds were strongly related to their chemical structures. The EC₅₀ values were compared with the antioxidant activities as determined by five different chemically based antioxidant assays [2,2-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity (LPIC)]. The ability of these phenolic compounds to protect from H₂O₂-induced SH-SY5Y cell death correlated (r ² = 0.85) with their determined LPIC values and weakly (r ² = 0.44) with their ABTS activities. There was no correlation between EC₅₀ values and ORAC, FRAP or DPPH activities. The cytoprotection assay is a more biologically relevant measurement than the chemically defined antioxidant activity assays because it uses human cells as a substrate and therefore accounts for some aspects of uptake, metabolism and location of antioxidant compounds within cells.