Anticancer,antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of anemone (Anemone cathayensis)

This study was performed to evaluate the anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of fractions and isolated compounds from anemone (Anemone cathayensis). Fourteen compounds were isolated from extracts. Anticancer activities of fractions and compounds were determined by MTT assay, and all tested fractions showed inhibition activity on human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The fraction 6 displayed the strongest anticancer activity, and inhibition percent was 50.32%. The antioxidant effect of fractions was evaluated by using DPPH scavenging assays. Fraction 5 had a higher DPPH radical scavenging activity with low IC₅₀ value of 30.578 μg/mL. The antimicrobial activity of the fractions was evaluated against 3 microorganisms using the agar well diffusion method. The fractions also showed moderate antimicrobial activity. These results suggest that anemone could hold a good potential source for human health.     

Extracts of Mexican Oregano (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lippia berlandieri</Emphasis> Schauer) with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobial activity of fractions obtained from Mexican oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) chloroform extract was tested by growth inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, and antioxidant capacity was tested by inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. Fractions were obtained by differences in polarity or structure (phenolic and non-phenolic fraction). Gram-positive organisms were more susceptible to Mexican oregano extracts. Fraction 3 (by polarity) and phenolic fractions I, II, III, IV and V were the extracts with higher antimicrobial activity. The non-phenolic fraction had effect against B. cereus. Polarity fraction 5 and phenolic Fraction II had a high antioxidant capacity; a 0.08% concentration of fraction 5 had a similar effect as butylated hydroxytoluene at 0.01% concentration. Fractions of Mexican oregano with different polarity and functional groups had antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and can be used in a variety of applications.     

PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CANOLA SEED (BRASSICA sp.) PHYTASE

Germinated Altex and Westar (Brassica napus) and Candle and Tobin (B. campestris) cultivars of Canola were screened for phytase activity. On the basis of this preliminary screening, 7-day germinated Altex seedlings were selected as a source for isolation and characterization of phytase. Partial purification of a crude extract (FI) by acetone precipitation resulted in an 8-fold increase in phytase activity. Ion-exchange chromatography of the partially purified preparation (FII) yielded two fractions (FIIIA and FIIIB) both of which demonstrated phytase and phosphatase activities. Further purification by gel filtration chromatography resulted in two fractions (FIVA1 and FIVA2) from fraction FIIIA and two fractions (FIVB1 and FIVB2) from fraction FIIIB. Fraction FIVB1 demonstrated both phytase and phosphatase activities, FIVA2 and FIVB2 demonstrated phosphatase activity but no phytase activity and FIVA1 showed phytase but no phosphatase activity. Fraction FIVB1, which showed highest phytase activity (5.3 IU/mg protein), had the following characteristics: temperature optimum of 50°C, pH optimum of 5.2, K_m of 0.36 mM and relative activity for pyrophosphate 232 times higher than for phytate.     

Phenolic profiles of andean mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruíz & Pavón) tubers: Identification by HPLC-DAD and evaluation of their antioxidant activity

Qualitative high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was performed to characterize non-anthocyanin phenolic compounds in three different coloured mashua genotypes. The ORAC antioxidant activity contribution in the tubers related to the type of phenolic compounds present was also evaluated. Phenolic compounds were analysed by separating them into four main fractions: fraction I obtained by means of a liquid–liquid partition with ethyl acetate and fractions II, III and IV obtained by elution on a Sephadex LH-20 column. Fraction I revealed the presence of gallic acid, gallocatechin, procyanidin B₂ and epigallocatechin. Other phenolic compounds such as hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, rutin and/or myricetin derivatives were also present in fraction I. Fraction II was mainly composed of epicatechin, hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives. Fraction III presented mainly anthocyanins for the purple coloured mashua tubers and rutin, hydroxycinnamic acid and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives for the yellow coloured genotype. Fraction IV was composed of proanthocyanidins. Alkaline and acid hydrolysis of the different fractions revealed the presence of gallocatechin, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, o-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, protocatechuic acid, rutin and quercetin as the main phenolic moieties present. The proanthocyanidin fractions were the major contributors to the ORAC antioxidant activity of the mashua tubers for two of the three genotypes (34.7–39.2%). The results obtained in the present study confirm that mashua tubers constitute a promising source of antioxidant phenolics and could potentially be considered as a functional food with beneficial health effects.     

Chemical characterization of the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus (Berkeley & Curtis) Teng and contribution of different fractions to its bioactivity

Mushrooms are widely appreciated for their organoleptic qualities, being also recognized as good sources of bioactive compounds that provide antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Polysaccharides (including glucans) are often pointed out as the most bioactive compounds isolated from mushrooms, but other molecules such as triterpenoids, might also be highlighted for their bioactivity. In scientific research, when isolated compounds are used, potential synergistic effects might be lost. Accordingly, the bioactivity of Phellinus linteus was evaluated in selected fractions (polysaccharides, glucans and triterpenoids), as well as in the methanolic and ethanolic extracts. The best antioxidant and antibacterial activities were obtained with methanolic extract, while glucan and triterpenoid fractions gave the strongest antifungal activity. In contrast, ethanolic extract gave the best results in cytotoxic activity, indicating that the bioactive compounds present might act synergistically. The differentiated activity of P. linteus fractions and extracts could be useful to find antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic agents as alternatives to synthetic chemicals with application in agriculture, food industry or pharmacy.     

Supercritical fluid extraction of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from Laurus nobilis L. Chemical and functional characterization

Extraction of laurel leaves by using supercritical carbon dioxide was carried out on a supercritical fluid (SF) pilot-scale plant. The extraction pressure and temperature were set to 250 bar and 60°C, respectively, using a 4% of ethanol as modifier. The employed apparatus, owing to a two-stage separation, allowed us to obtain two different fractions (F1 and F2), whose antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were investigated. Two different methods, β-carotene bleaching test and DPPH^• free radical–scavenging assay, were carried out to determine the antioxidant activity. Moreover, antimicrobial activity of laurel fractions was tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Escherichia coli ATCC 11775, Candida albicans ATCC 60193 and Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal and fungicidal concentration (MBC) were obtained. Both fractions showed a similar antioxidant activity, although it was slightly higher for the fraction recovered in separator 2. However, antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms tested was only found when fraction 2 was used. Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive microorganism to this fraction, with maximal inhibition zones (25 mm) and the lowest MBC values (1.25 mg/ml), whereas the least susceptible was the fungi Aspergillus niger. In order to determine the compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity, fraction 2 was analysed by GC–MS; results obtained showed that most of the compounds identified in the supercritical extract have been previously described to show antimicrobial activity; among them, the major compound found in the supercritical extract corresponded to a sesquiterpene lactone of the germacrolide type (6-epi-desacetyllaurenobiolide) previously described in laurel.     

Antimicrobial potential of Coriandrum sativum L. against different Candida species in vitro

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and antifungal activity of the essential oil from Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) against different Candida species. The essential oil (EO) was obtained by hydrodistillation and submitted to dry-column chromatography, resulting in six fractions, which were then submitted to TLC and GC–MS analysis. The main compounds identified were alcohols: 1-decanol (24.20%); 2E-decenol (18.00%); 2Z-dodecenol (17.60%); and aldehydes (89%). Antibacterial activity of the EO and its fractions was tested against five species of Candida albicans. The EO showed antimicrobial activity against all the species of Candida tested, except for Candida tropicalis CBS 94. Fractions 4 and 6 had a greater antibiotic spectrum, probably due to the presence of such alcohols as 3-hexenol, 1-decanol, 2E-decenol and 2Z-dodecenol. In conclusion, the EO and its fractions could be used as potential antimicrobial agents to treat or prevent Candida yeast infections.     

Evaluation of antimicrobial and proteolytic activity of enterococci isolated from fermented products

A collection of 26 enterococci isolated from dairy and meat products were tested for antimicrobial and proteolytic activity. Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis were the most frequent species among tested enterococci, and 11 isolates produced antimicrobial compounds. Results revealed that 10 out of 11 enterococci synthesized enterocins showing antimicrobial activity against food-born pathogen such as Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The broadest spectrum of antimicrobial activity was detected in E. faecalis BGPT1-10P and BGPT1-78. E. faecalis BG221 showed antimicrobial activity that was not related to production of enterocin, H₂O₂ or organic acid. Twenty-five enterococci showed strong or moderate proteolytic activity towards β-casein. Two isolates, BGPT1-10P and BGPT1-78, showed the most intense hydrolysis of α_s1-, β-, κ-casein fractions, total casein as well as gelatin. Extracellular BGPT1-10P and BGPT1-78 proteinases have a molecular mass of about 29 kDa. Bacteriocin production and proteinase activity of natural isolates of enterococci may be of technological interest in dairy and meat-fermented products.     

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Bidens frondosa Linn

Antibacterial and antioxidant potential of essential oil, extract and its fractions of Bidens frondosa Linn were evaluated. Sixty‐one components representing 95.41% of the total oil were identified. The essential oil (7.5 μL disc^?1), methanol extract and its different organic subfractions (0.5 μg disc^?1) of B. frondosa displayed a great potential of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 and KCTC 1916), Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19116, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 2004, Salmonella enteritidis KCTC 12021 and Enterobacter aerogenes KCTC 2190. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The free radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction was superior to all other fractions (IC₅₀ = 11.96 μg mL^?1), which was higher than synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole, (IC₅₀ = 18.27 μg mL^?1). Furthermore, the amount of total phenolic compounds was determined and its content in EtOAc fraction was the highest as compared to methanol extract or other fractions. The results indicate that the oil and extracts of B. frondosa could serve as an important bio‐resource of antimicrobial agents and antioxidants for using in the food industries.     

Antimicrobial effects of six Algerian propolis extracts

This study aimed to study the antimicrobial effect of propolis and determine the essential compounds which give it the antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial effect was investigated for six ethyl acetate extracts of propolis (EAPs) collected from different regions of Algeria on four pathogenic strains (Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and two benefit strains (Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus). The results obtained in this study indicated that the different EAPs showed potential inhibitory effects on tested pathogenic strains with variable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.3 and 9 mg ml^?1, while the beneficial bacteria showed resistance against EAPs of propolis. The results demonstrated also that the flavonoid compounds have very low MIC values, while phenolic acid compounds have variables MIC values of 1–10 mg ml^?1. These results indicated that propolis contains proven substances with antimicrobial activity and are a prelude to the investigations aimed at empowerment of the bee substance as a potential source of antimicrobial agents with multiple outlets.     

Antioxidant Activities In Vitro of Ethanol Extract and Fractions from Mushroom,Lenzites Betulina

The antioxidant potential of different fractions of Lenzites betulina was investigated. Fraction 2 showed the highest antioxidant activity in the 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH) radical‐scavenging assays. Three natural p‐terphenyls were identified in this fraction. The structure of a new natural compound was established as 2‐phenyl‐[1H‐2‐benzopyran][4,3‐e][p]benzoquinone in addition to two other compounds, 2,5‐diphenyl‐3,6‐dimethoxy‐p‐benzoquinone and 2‐phenyl‐3‐methoxy‐[1H‐2‐benzopyran][4,3‐e][p]benzoquinone that have been previously reported in L. betulina. The antioxidant activities of these p‐terphenyls were evaluated by DPPH and OH radical‐scavenging assays. 2‐phenyl‐3‐methoxy‐[1H‐2‐benzopyran][4,3‐e][p]benzoquinone was the most active in the OH radical‐scavenging test (IC ₅₀ = 37.69 μg/mL) and showed little inhibition in the DPPH assay. The chemical components of L. betulina therefore have some antioxidant capacities, and this species could be used as a potential source of new natural antioxidants.     

Functional characterization of pressurized liquid extracts of Spirulina platensis

Three different parameters (temperature, solvent, and extraction time) were studied regarding to pressure liquid extraction (PLE) of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from Spirulina platensis. Two different antioxidant methods, β-carotene bleaching method and DPPH^• (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate) free radical scavenging assay, were used to determine the optimal PLE conditions for antioxidants extraction. The selected conditions were as follows: extraction temperature equal to 115 °C, extraction time equal to 15 min and ethanol as extracting solvent. The main antioxidant compounds found in this extract were identified as zeaxanthin, a myxoxanthophyll-like compound and very polar phenolic compounds. Moreover, antimicrobial activity of different PLE fractions was tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 11775, Candida albicans ATCC 60193, and Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404. Data obtained showed the hexane and petroleum ether extracts were slightly more active than ethanolic extracts. As for water extracts, none of them were active against the microorganisms tested. Data indicated that both 115 and 170 °C were the best extraction temperatures conditions in order to optimize the extraction of antimicrobial compounds, whereas 9 min was the optimal extraction time. Besides, C. albicans was the most sensitive microorganism to all Spirulina PLE extracts.     

Improvement in the yield of lipophilized lysozyme by the combination with Maillard‐type glycosylation

Hen egg white lysozyme was modified using the Maillard‐type glycosylation method prior to the lipophilization with palmitic acid. The yield of lipophilized lysozyme significantly increased by the pre‐glycosylation of the protein. The lipophilized lysozyme derivative was separated into two main fractions with different level of glycosylation. All fractions showed a strong antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negative bacteria,Escherichia coli. The lipophilization of the lysozyme combined with glycosylation is a promising method for potential industrial applications of the lysozyme due to the enhanced antimicrobial activity and the improved yield.     

Antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties of phenolic extracts from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) fruit

The antioxidant activity and antimicrobial property of phenolic extracts from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) fruit were assessed. The contribution of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds in the total antioxidant capacity of the extracts was also evaluated. The extracts showed high total phenolic values and possessed high antioxidant activity as expressed by 2,2′‐diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays (ORAC). The ascorbic acid content ranged from 405 to 1744 mg/100 g of fruit on a fresh weight basis. The antioxidant capacity of the phenolic fractions was in the following order: anthocyanins<phenolic acids<flavonoids. The phenolic fractions contributed 7.1–36.5% of the antioxidant activity expressed by ORAC, whereas the contribution of ascorbic accounted for 18–39% of the total activity. Selected extracts from the flavonoids fraction showed some activity against Staphylococcus aureus.     

Phytochemical analysis,in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of male flower of Juglans regia L.

The male flower of Juglans regia L., were investigated for its in vitro antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and chemical constituents. The antioxidant activity showed that the methanol extract of J. regia male flower (MEJR) had highest scavenging potential than the other solvents (ethanolic = EEJR and aqueous = AEJR). The antimicrobial activity showed that Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most sensitive organisms and significant activity was also recorded against both the fungal strains tested, with highest activity against Candida albicans. Totally, 26 constituents were identified by high-resolution-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses from which seven compounds were identified first time from the extract.     

Bioactive peptides from collagen hydrolysates from squid (Dosidicus gigas) by-products fractionated by ultrafiltration

The bioactive properties of peptide fractions obtained from the hydrolysis of squid (Dosidicus gigas) by-products collagen, using Protease type XIV and ultrafiltration (UFI), were studied. The basic objective was to improve the bioactivity of squid hydrolysates via the application of UFI. Peptide fractions obtained after UFI had higher antioxidant and antimutagenic activities, but the antiproliferative activity did not improve after UFI. Peptides <5 kDa (Fraction F3) showed higher antioxidant and antimutagenic activities, as well as lower antioxidant and antiproliferative activities than both, peptides >10 kDa (F1) and those within the range of >5 to <10 kDa (F2). Band at lower field observed in FT-IR spectra and proton-peaks observed at higher ¹H-NMR fields, both associated to aromatic amino acids, as well as to other antioxidant amino acids such as hydroxyproline, glycine, arginine and lysine, may explain F3 bioactivity. Ultrafiltration can, therefore, be used to improve some bioactivities of squid collagen hydrolysates.     

Microtiter plate-based assay for screening antimicrobial activity of melanoidins against E. coli and S. aureus

A rapid plate reader based method examining the antimicrobial activity of both model and food melanoidins (coffee, beer, sweet wine) is described. Antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is evaluated as area under the growth curve compared to a control. Method was settled for an aqueous melanoidin concentration of 2 mg/ml inoculated to 10⁶ cfu/ml culture. All tested model and food melanoidins exerted antimicrobial activity in some extent, but inhibition was significantly higher over S. aureus (Gram-positive) than E. coli (Gram-negative). Antimicrobial activity can be further quantified by expressing it as OTEV (oxytetracyclin equivalent value, μg/l) which could serve to compare the results obtained within different laboratories, methodologies and/or compounds. Results indicate that both strains have different sensitivity against the presence of melanoidins and probably different mechanism of inhibition. Procedure can be used for a rapid screening of the potential antimicrobial properties of melanoidins, and subsequently to Maillard reaction products as well, against pathogenic strains in order to isolated substances with biological activity.     

Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity of protein hydrolysates prepared from three freshwater carps (Catla catla,Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala) using Flavorzyme

Fish protein hydrolysates from three freshwater carps, Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala with different degree of hydrolysis (DH) (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%), were prepared using Flavorzyme enzyme and designated as HCF, HRF and HMF, respectively. The angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of hydrolysates was found to vary from 43 ± 2% to 71 ± 3%. Based on ACE inhibitory activity, HRF with DH‐15% was taken up for further study. The mode of ACE activity inhibition by HRF‐DH 15% was mixed type as revealed by Lineweaver–Burk plot. Sequential digestion of HRF‐DH 15% using pepsin and pancreatin decreased the ACE inhibitory activity from 76% to 63%. Partial purification of HRF‐DH 15% by size exclusion chromatography gave three different fractions designated as F‐1, F‐2 and F‐3 with the molecular mass in the range of 6456–407 Da. Fraction 2 had significantly higher ACE inhibitory activity than the other fractions.     

Antimicrobial Activity of Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) and Its Application in Food Products

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a plant used in traditional medicine against different diseases because of its various properties (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, etc.). Ginger is “generally recognized as safe” by the Food and Drug Administration. Numerous studies have been carried out to characterize and isolate its main bioactive compounds to elucidate the mechanisms of its antimicrobial activity against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in foods. Results indicate that ginger contains monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and its derivatives, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, esters, which provide a broad antimicrobial spectrum against different microorganisms and make it an interesting alternative to synthetic antimicrobials. However, its application in foods has been scarcely explored and represents an opportunity area for further research. This review provides an updated overview of the main bioactive compounds of ginger, its potential application, and toxicity as an antimicrobial in food products.     

Functional properties and health benefits of bioactive peptides derived from Spirulina: A review

Bioactive peptides represent specific sequences of amino acids that have biological activity with several health effects and potential applications, which can be obtained from diverse protein sources. Spirulina, the cyanobacterium known for its high protein content and therapeutic properties, has been investigated as a potential source of bioactive peptides. Some bioactive peptides derived from Spirulina are under study for their ability to offer specific health benefits, such as antimicrobial, antiallergic, antihypertensive, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties. Bioactive peptide fractions from Spirulina biomass can be obtained through a series of operations, including cell lysis and protein extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, potential bioactivity screening, fractionation, and purification. Potentially, Spirulina-derived peptide fractions can be applied as nutraceutical ingredients in foods and pharmaceuticals. This article reviews the functional properties and health benefits of bioactive peptides from Spirulina, and presents potential mechanisms by which bioactive components can be exploited in the development of novel foods with special health claims. In addition, this article describes recent developments in proteomics, bioactivity screening methods, and opportunities for designing future peptide-based foods.