Chemical composition and antioxidative activity of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) extracts

Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L., Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb native to central Asia and naturalized in eastern and central Europe. It is commonly consumed as a food-related product and as a herbal preparation because of its reputed medicinal properties. Despite its importance, few reports exist in the literature regarding the chemistry or antioxidant activity of this species. In this study, the aerial material of Moldavian balm collected from Iran was extracted by Soxhlet using seven solvents of different polarity, viz., petroleum ether, dichloromethane, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, methanol, n-butanol and water. The qualitative-quantitative chemical composition of each extract was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detection. For each extract, the total phenolic content was estimated as was the in vitro antioxidant activity using the iron(III) reduction assay, the β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assay and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) free radical scavenging assays. Hydroxylated cinnamic acids, their derivatives and flavonoids were identified and quantified within the extracts, with rosmarinic acid being the most abundant component identified. The extracts demonstrated different degrees of potency within each assay, however, the observed pattern was not necessarily replicated between assays indicating the importance of the use of more than one screening technique to estimate the antioxidant activity of plant extracts.     

Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidative activity of a lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) extract

The leaf material of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) was extracted with 450 ml/l aqueous ethanol by medium pressure liquid-solid extraction. The total phenolic content of the extract was estimated as gallic acid equivalents by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and a qualitative-quantitative compositional analysis was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection. The lemon balm extract contained hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids with caffeic acid, m-coumaric acid, eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside, naringin, hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, naringenin, hesperetin being identified based on their chromatographic behaviour and spectral characteristics. The extract was also investigated for potential in vitro antioxidant properties in iron(III) reduction, iron(II) chelation, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate), superoxide anion and nitric oxide free-radical scavenging, and inhibition of β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays. The extract demonstrated antioxidant activity in all the assays. However, it was not as potent as the positive controls except in the β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assay, where its activity was superior to that of gallic and caffeic acids and statistically indistinguishable from quercetin and BHA. The exceptionally high antioxidant activity and the fact that this assay is of biological relevance warrants further investigation of lemon balm extract in ex vivo and in vivo models of oxidative stress.     

Antioxidant properties of different fractions of Vitex negundo Linn.

Vitex negundo Linn. (VN), belonging to family Verbenaceae, is an aromatic shrub distributed throughout India. In the ayurvedic system of medicine it is used as a drug of choice to manage pain, inflammation and other related diseases. It contains many polyphenolic compounds, terpenoids, glycosidic iridoids and alkaloids. Since polyphenolic compounds have high antioxidant potential, the antioxidant potency of V. negundo was investigated by employing various established in vitro systems, such as 2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfuric acid (ABTS^∗+)/Lipid Peroxides (LPO)/Superoxide/Hydroxyl radical scavenging and iron ion chelation. Total antioxidant capacity was determined by the assay based on the preformed radical monocation ABTS^∗+. Lipid peroxidation was assessed in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances by using egg yolk homogenates as lipid rich media. Superoxide radical scavenging assay was based on the riboflavin-light-Nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) system. Hydroxyl radical trapping potential was determined by evaluating hydroxyl radical induced deoxyribose degradation using the thiobarbituric acid method. In order to assess the metal chelation properties, hydroxyl radical induced deoxyribose degradation was evaluated in the absence of Ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA). All the polar fractions significantly showed trapping of free radicals, and thereby inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and also chelated the iron ion. Interestingly, the hexane fraction did not show any activity against superoxides radicals and it had minimum trapping potential for other free radical (FR) species also. Thus, it may be concluded that the polar fractions of VN possess potent antioxidant properties, which may be mediated through direct trapping of the free radicals and also through metal chelation. Therefore its reported anti-inflammatory properties, could be through the down regulation of the free radical mediated pathway of inflammation.     

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of Achillea santolina extracts

The antioxidative activities of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea santolina were investigated employing various established in vitro systems including total antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion system, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide and hydroxyl radicals scavenging, reducing power, and inhibitory effect on protein oxidation as well as the inhibition of Fe²⁺/ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of A. santolina extract (ASE) was also determined by a colorimetric method. The results revealed that ASE has notable inhibitory activity on peroxides formation in linoleic acid emulsion system along with concentration-dependent quenching of DPPH and superoxide radicals. Furthermore, the extract showed both nonsite-specific (Fe²⁺ + H₂O₂ + EDTA) and site-specific (Fe²⁺ + H₂O₂) hydroxyl radical scavenging suggesting potent hydroxyl radical scavenging and chelating ability for iron ions in deoxyribose degradation model. A linear correlation between ASE and the reducing power was also observed (r² = 0.9981). ASE prevents thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation in Fe²⁺/ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver tissue in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, free radical induced protein oxidation was suppressed significantly by the addition of ASE over a range of concentration. These results clearly demonstrated that A. santolina extract possess a marked antioxidant activity.     

Antioxidant activity of enzymatic extracts from the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida by electron spin resonance spectroscopy

Enzyme assisted extraction of Undaria pinnatifida was performed using five proteases (Alcalase, Flavourzyme, Neutrase, Trypsin and Protamex) and six carbohydrases (AMG, Dextrozyme, Maltogenase, Promozyme, Viscozyme and Celluclast) in order to acquire extracts rich in antioxidants. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was investigated using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Extracts exhibited strong radical scavenging activity on DPPH and hydroxyl radical, and activity increased with increasing extract concentration. In contrast to DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, extracts showed weak scavenging activity on superoxide radical. Extracts exhibited weak radical scavenging activity compared to vitamin C as a reference compound. However, they are still a good source of antioxidant materials that are safe for consumption and show water-soluble properties.     

Nutritional analysis and antioxidant activity of palmyrah (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Borassus flabellifer</Emphasis> L.) seed embryo for potential use as food source

The present study was carried out with ungerminated seed embryos of palmryah to evaluate nutritional quality with respect to minerals and fiber components, total phenols, and antioxidant properties. It is found to be good source of carbohydrate, fiber, fat, amino acids, and protein. Analysis of macro and micronutrient composition showed potent source of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by different assays, including 2,2-diphenylpicryl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2′azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) disodium salt (ABTS^·+) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, phospomolybdenum reduction assay, metal chelating activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The results indicate that this plant seed embryo possesses micro, macro nutrients and antioxidant properties and has nutraceuticals potential for the treatment of malnutrition.     

In vitro antioxidant analysis and characterisation of antler velvet extract

The chemical composition and antioxidant properties of antler velvet extract prepared by supercritical CO₂ extraction with co-solvent are presented in this study. The composition in different extracts was determined by radioimmunoassay analysis (RIA), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin layer chromatographic (TLC), separately. The antioxidant properties including hydroxyl radical-scavenging by phenanthroline-Fe(II) oxidation, inhibition of lipid peroxidation from lipoprotein induced by iron and the ability of the extract to protect 2-deoxy-d-ribose against hydroxyl radical-mediated degradation were assessed. The extract mainly contained three biological bases, two sex hormones, five phospholipids and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, which may contribute greatly to antioxidant activity. The antler velvet extracts demonstrated activity in the three antioxidant assays, and did so in a concentration-dependent fashion. The supercritical extract technology showed obvious advantage, and the inhibitory activity of SFE extract was obviously higher than that of traditional refluxing extracts.     

Antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Cortex fraxini and use in peanut oil

Cortex fraxini was extracted with 95% ethanol to obtain a crude antioxidant extract. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the linoleic acid peroxidation method and the free radical scavenging assays, namely 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals. Cortex fraxini extract (CFE) showed high inhibition of peroxidation of linoleic acid when compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). CFE also exhibited excellent scavenging activity on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. Total antioxidant activity was measured by the reduction of Mo(VI) to Mo(V) by the extract, and subsequent formation of a green phosphate/Mo(V) complex at acid pH. CFE had significant total antioxidant activity and the effects were increased with increasing reaction time. The total phenolic content of the sample, analyzed by using Folin–Ciocalteu’s reagent, was 91.33 mg/g dry weight expressed as pyrocatechol equivalents. Then the suitability of CFE as an antioxidant was determined in peanut oil, and the decrease of lipid oxidation was monitored using thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay. CFE treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced lipid oxidation in peanut oil compared to the control. No significant differences (P = 0.05) in lipid oxidation were detected between CFE antioxidant and BHT antioxidant samples.     

Assessment of the antioxidant potential and fatty acid composition of four Centaurea L. taxa from Turkey

This paper focused on the assessment of antioxidant property and fatty acid composition of four Centaurea species. The antioxidant activity of its methanol extract was evaluated by several in vitro experiments including phosphomolybedum assay, DPPH assay, β-carotene/linoleic acid, ferric and cupric reducing power. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated. The methanol extract of Centaurea pulcherrima var. pulcherrima showed the superior free radical scavenging activity, linoleic acid inhibition capacity, reducing power and also had the highest total phenolic content. A significant relationship between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic components was found. The oils of Centaurea taxa were also analysed for fatty acid concentration by gas chromatography. The principal fatty acids in the species were palmitic acid (23.38–30.49%) and linoleic acid (20.19–29.93%). These findings suggest that the Centaurea species could be used as a potential source of new natural antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids in food industry, cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations.     

Importance of Deoxyribose Degradation Assay for Evaluating Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity of Punica Extract

Punica granatum L. (Family: Punicaceae), commonly known as pomegranate (Anar) has been used traditionally as medicine to treat a number of diseases and disorders. Various parts of the plant and their active constituents are known to possess diverse biological activity. However, little is known about the antioxidant potential of pomegranate fruit peel, which is otherwise considered as waste. Therefore, the concentration-dependent hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of Punica granatum seed and peel extracts (alcoholic and aqueous) using deoxyribose degradation assay were analyzed and compared. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity at different concentrations of extract (10 to 250 μg/mL) both in presence and/or absence of ascorbic acid and ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid was determined. It was observed that a higher concentration of extract suppresses scavenging activity and lower promotes antioxidant property. Based on the observations, it may be inferred that pomegranate extract, especially from the spent/waste prt, has a strong antioxidant property as assessed by its property of scavenging hydroxyl radical formation.     

核桃分心木黄酮物质的组分及其抗氧化性分析

采用超声波辅助乙醇提取核桃分心木黄酮,利用AB-8大孔树脂对黄酮粗提物进行分离纯化,利用自动收集器收集到6 管样液。分别对6 管样品的2,2’-联氮双(3-乙基苯并噻唑啉-6-磺酸)（2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid),ABTS）阳离子自由基、1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼（1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,DPPH）自由基、羟自由基、超氧阴离子自由基、活性氧（reactive oxygen species,ROS）自由基清除率以及铁离子还原力6 个抗氧化指标进行测定。利用超高效液相色谱-三重四极杆串联质谱仪联用进样,对6 管样品进行组分以及含量分析。结果表明：6 管样品中的ABTS阳离子自由基清除率、羟自由基清除率以及ROS自由基清除率显著高于VC阳性对照。6 管样品中槲皮苷含量最多,质量浓度高达2 426.9 ng/mL,芦丁和没食子酸几乎不存在。组分分析结果除了文献已报道的黄酮类物质柚皮素、金丝桃苷、二氢槲皮素、儿茶素、槲皮苷、芦丁、异槲皮素、没食子酸（属多酚）外,还含有槲皮素、黄芪苷、表儿茶素没食子酸酯。黄酮物质含量与抗氧化能力的相关性分析发现,柚皮素含量与DPPH自由基清除能力和ABTS阳离子自由基清除能力呈显著负相关,而儿茶素含量与ROS清除率呈正相关。验证实验的结果表明：槲皮苷的ABTS阳离子自由基清除能力显著高于VC阳性对照以及混合样品。本研究为槲皮苷、柚皮素和儿茶素的抗氧化能力及其构效关系的研究提供一定理论基础。     

Antioxidant activities of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Panax notoginseng

Traditional Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and Panax notoginseng (PN) have been widely used for the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases in the clinics. To better understand their mechanisms of pharmacological actions, the in vitro antioxidant activities of extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (ESM) and extract of Panax notoginseng (EPN) were evaluated with different antioxidant testing systems. Their activities of scavenging superoxide anion radicals, DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide, chelating Ferrous ion, and ferric ion reducing power were assessed. The results showed that the mechanisms of their antioxidant effects were distinct and diverse. ESM possessed strong reducing power and high scavenging activities against free radicals including superoxide anion, hydroxyl and DPPH radicals, but a weaker scavenging activity for hydrogen peroxide. ferrous ion chelating activity of ESM was undetectable at the tested concentrations. In contrary, EPN exhibited strong ferrous ion chelating activity and high scavenging activities against hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and a weak activity against superoxide anion and DPPH free radicals. EPN did not show any ferric ion reducing power. Since their antioxidant mechanisms are complementary, the combined use of ESM and EPN might be even more beneficial. These antioxidant properties of SM and PN are likely part of the reasons that they are effective in the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases.     

Dracaena draco L. fruit: Phytochemical and antioxidant activity assessment

The present study reports for the first time the metabolite profile and antioxidant activity of aqueous extract obtained from Dracaena draco L. fruit. Volatiles profile was determined by HS-SPME/GC-IT-MS, with 9 compounds being identified, distributed by several distinct chemical classes: 1 alcohol, 3 aldehydes, 2 carotenoid derivatives, and 3 terpenic compounds. Aldehydes constituted the most abundant class in this exotic berry, representing 59% of total identified volatile compounds. Phenolics profile was determined by HPLC/DAD and 5 constituents were identified: 5-O-caffeoylquinic, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic, ferulic and sinapic acids, and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. The major phenolic compound is quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, comprising 42% of the total phenolic content. Organic acids composition was also characterized, by HPLC-UV, and oxalic, citric, l-ascorbic, malic, quinic and shikimic acids were determined. The most abundant is quinic acid, representing 39% of the total organic acid content. The antioxidant potential of this matrix was assessed by (i) reducing power of Fe³⁺/ferricyanide complex, (ii) scavenging effect on DPPH free radicals, and (iii) ability to inhibit the 2,2´-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative hemolysis in human erythrocytes. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Camarosa) extract was used for comparison purposes. All assay models showed remarkable concentration dependent antioxidant activity, reducing power and radical scavenging efficiency for D. draco fruit, being invariably higher than that of strawberry extract. This is the first report showing that D. draco fruit is a promising new antioxidant agent.     

Effect of processing methods on the nutraceutical and antioxidant properties of little millet (Panicum sumatrense) extracts

The effect of germination, steaming and roasting on the nutraceutical and antioxidant properties of little millet (Panicum sumatrense) was investigated. The nutraceutical properties were determined by evaluating the total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents while the antioxidant properties were studied by the DPPH free radical scavenging activity and the iron reducing power assay. The results showed that the total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents of processed little millet increased by 21.2, 25.5 and 18.9 mg/100 g, respectively, compared to native sample. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and the iron reducing power of roasted millet extract were the highest compared to the other processed millet. Fractionation of phenolic extracts by HPLC showed that the analytes were derivatives of benzoic acid (gallic acid, proto-catechuic acid and vanillic acid), aromatic carboxylic acid (gentisic acid) and cinnamic acid (syringic acid and ferulic acid). The results indicate that processing has significant effects on the nutraceutical and antioxidant properties of little millet phenolic extracts.     

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).     

牡蛎水提液的抗氧化特性

研究了低温条件下制备牡蛎水提液体外抗氧化特性,及牡蛎水提液清除二苯代苦味酰自由基(DPPH·)、Feton体系产生的羟基自由基(·OH)、邻苯三酚自氧化体系产生的超氧阴离子自由基(O2 -·)的能力,以Fe2 +诱发脂蛋白PUFA过氧化体系研究牡蛎水提液的抗氧化活性。结果表明,牡蛎水提液具有较强的清除自由基能力,并有一定的抗脂质过氧化作用     

Antioxidant properties of different fractions of tubers from Pueraria tuberosa Linn

Pueraria tuberosa Linn. (PT), Leguminosae, is a perennial climber, growing throughout tropical parts of India. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, it is used as a drug of choice to manage pain, inflammation and other related diseases. The antioxidant potency of P. tuberosa was investigated for the first time. Total antioxidant capacity was determined using an ABTS^∗+ assay. Lipid peroxidation was assessed in terms of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances by using egg-yolk homogenates as lipid-rich media. Superoxide radical-scavenging was measured using riboflavin-light-nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay. Hydroxyl radical trapping potential was determined by evaluating hydroxyl radical induced deoxyribose degradation using thiobarbituric acid method. In order to assess the metal chelation property, hydroxyl radical induced deoxyribose degradation was evaluated in the absence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Both hexane and methanol fractions inhibited lipid peroxidation and also chelated the iron, showing potent antioxidant property.     

Determination of antioxidative potential of lichen Usnea ghattensis in vitro

The study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activities of extract of Usnea ghattensis. The antioxidant activity, reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging and free radical scavenging activities were studied. The antioxidant activity increased with the increasing amount of extracts (2-20 mg/ml) added to the linoleic acid emulsion. Lipid peroxidation upto 73.3% was inhibited by the extract of 20 mg/ml and 39.2% by α-tocopherol at the same concentration. These effects were statistically significant (r²=0.876,P<0.01) when compared with control. However, the extract had no significant effect on superoxide anion scavenging by the PMS/NADH-NBT method. Like antioxidant activity, the reducing power and free radical scavenging activity of extract depends on concentration and increasing with increased amount of sample. The reducing power and DPPH radical-scavenging activity of U. ghattensis extract were found greater than the BHA and BHT. The results obtained in the present study indicate that U. ghattensis is a potential source of natural antioxidant.     

Antioxidant potential and phenolic constituents of Salvia cedronella

The acetone extract of the aerial parts of the plant Salvia cedronella Boiss. was screened for its total phenolic content and flavonoid content. The antioxidant potential was evaluated, in vitro, by using three different assays; β-carotene–linoleic acid test system for total antioxidant activity, DPPH for free radical scavenging activity, Fe²⁺–ferrozine test system for metal chelation. A high content of phenolics, potent radical scavenging ability and significant iron chelating effect were observed. However, the inhibition of lipid peroxidation was not significant in β-carotene–linoleic acid test system. A phytochemical analysis yielded a new coumarin, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymethyl coumarin, together with p-hydroxyphenylethyl docosanoate, and two triterpenoids oleanolic acid and betulinic acid.