Polyphenol components and antioxidant activity of Thymus spp.

This scientific work was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of aromatic plants of Thymus spp. in the East of Ukraine. These plants are known as medicinal and food around the world. All antioxidant parameters were investigated spectrophotometrically: total content of polyphenols (TPC), the total content of phenolic acids (TPAC), the total content of flavonoids (TFC), molybdenum reducing power of extracts (MRP), and antioxidant activity by DPPH method (DPPH). Investigation of ethanolic extracts demonstrated that TPC varied from 57.89 to 123.67 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 61.43 to 168.18 mg GAE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 47.36 to 115.67 mg GAE/g for Th. vulgaris. TPAC ranged from 27.36 to 50.22 mg/g caffeic acid equivalent (CAE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 28.58 to 59.62 mg CAE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 22.95 to 53.82 mg CAE/g for Th. vulgaris. TFC was determined in a range from 29.88 to 61.23 mg/g quercetin equivalent (QE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 36.0 to 82.43 mg QE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 24.59 to 55.41 mg QE/g for Th. vulgaris. MRP was detected in the range of 94.65 – 204.76 mg/g Trolox equivalent (TE) DW for Th. pulegioides, 96.06 – 219.0 mg TE/g for Th. serpyllum, and 87.56 – 215.43 mg TE/g for Th. vulgaris. The antioxidant activity of extracts by the DPPH method was 6.34 – 9.23 mg TE/g for Th. pulegioides, 8.11 – 9.21 mg TE/g for Th. serpyllum, and 4.97 – 9.53 mg TE/g for Th. vulgaris. It was established that polyphenol accumulation depended on the growth stage and species. For all species was found a strong correlation between TPC and TFC (r = 0.938, 0.908, and 0.854). Investigated Thymus spp. are a valuable source of antioxidants that can be used in pharmacological studies and the food industry.

Suitable Areas for Apiculture Expansion Determined by Antioxidant Power, Chemical Profiles, and Pesticide Residues in Caldcluvia paniculate Honey and Beeswax Samples

Forty-two samples of Tiaca Honey (Caldcluvia paniculata) obtained from beehives belonging to 14 apiaries (three honey samples per apiary) were collected at the end of January near Osorno (40°34′ S, 73°8′ W), Puyehue (40°40′ S, 72°37′ W) and Frutillar 41°7′ S, 72°59′ W) covering an area of 1240 km2. They presented the highest phenol contents (0.36 mg gallic acid equivalent/kg) and antioxidant power (1.27 mM equivalent of Fe+2/g of sample), and were among the highest for antiradical activity. Phenol contents and antioxidant power (r = 0.72, p-value < 0.01) and total phenol contents and antiradical activity (r = 0.69; p-value < 0.01) displayed linear correlations. Only two beeswax samples showed residues of the pesticide fenhexamid. The respective sites (Purranque [40°55′ S, 73°10′ W] and Coligual [40°49′ S, 72°54′ W]) were the only areas located near active farms. Additionally, the m/z value 163.1091 was found as an element to identify honeys. Data were used to construct a mapped suitability index ranking for pesticide-free areas with high biological quality. The provided chemical profiles will aid local beekeepers in obtaining international certifications, particularly for the EU market. In turn, the constructed maps indicate suitable areas for apiculture expansion, while differentiated pesticide detection in honey and beeswax requires further comparative research.

Effects of Germination Black Soy Milk Fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 on Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Melanogenesis

Black soybean germination or fermentation increases active ingredient bioavailability and anti-oxidative activity. This study investigated the effects of fermented and germinated black soy milk on anti-oxidation and melanogenesis inhibition. The total phenolic content (TPC; 42.66 ± 1.65 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and total flavonoid content (TFC; 5.43 ± 0.54 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g) in ethanol extracts from Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 (TWK10)-fermented nongermination black soy milk (FNGB) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in ethanol extracts from nonfermented-nongermination black soy milk (NNGB). Although the TPC of ethanol extracts from nonfermented-germination black soy milk (NGB) and fermented-germination black soy milk (FGB) were not significantly different (p > 0.05), the TFC of FGB (1.79 ± 0.08 mg QE/g) was significantly higher than that of NGB (p < 0.05). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of ethanol extracts from NNGB, FNGB, NGB, and FGB was significantly higher than that of water extracts at 10 mg/mL (p < 0.05). Furthermore, ethanol extracts from both FNGB and FGB significantly reduced the melanin content in zebrafish embryos at 100 µg/mL (p < 0.05) without causing death, malformation or bradycardia. Overall, the antioxidant activity of black soy milk significantly increased after TWK10 fermentation; moreover, ethanol extracts from FNGB and FGB could inhibit melanogenesis, indicating their potential as whitening ingredients.

Determination of Selected Beneficial Substances in Peach Fruits

Peaches (Prunus persica L.) are a popular and sought-after dessert fruit. This is mainly due to their flavour, aroma, attractive appearance, and high content of substances that play an important role in human nutrition. The present study was carried out to determine some important analytical properties (sugars/sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol), total acid, total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, carotenoids and anthocyanins of 34 selected peach varieties. The analyses are also complemented by colorimetric measurements of peach skin colour using CIELAB and other chromatic parameters. The results show, for example, that all peach varieties are good sources of phenolic compounds (9.43–577 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE).100 g−1), flavonoids (1.12–95.1 mg catechin equivalent (CAE).100 g−1), and antioxidant capacity (136–462 mg Trolox equivalent (TE).100 g−1).

Characterization of Bioactive Phenolics and Antioxidant Capacity of Edible Bean Extracts of 50 Fabaceae Populations Grown in Thailand

Fabaceae is the third largest family containing great variation among populations. However, previous studies mainly focus on single species, and phytochemicals at population level have never been reported. This work aims to complete this knowledge with 50 populations from throughout Thailand by (1) determining total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and anthocyanin (TAC) contents; and (2) investigating in vitro and cellular antioxidant potentials. Phytochemicals of 50 populations from different localities are differed, illustrating high heterogeneity occurring in polyphenols accumulations. Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis populations showed low variability in TPC ranging from 628.3 to 717.3 mg/100 g DW gallic acid equivalent, whereas the high variability found in TFC and TAC range from 786.9 to 1536.1 mg/100 g DW quercetin equivalent, and 13.4 to 41.6 mg/100 g DW cyanidin equivalent. Red cultivar population #16 had the greatest TAC, but surprisingly the cream cultivars were relatively high in anthocyanins. HPLC quantification of genistein and daidzein showed great variations among populations. In vitro antioxidant results indicated that antioxidant capacity mediated by electron transfer. Cellular antioxidants ranged from 59.7% to 87.9% of ROS/RNS in yeast model. This study investigated at the population level contributing to better and frontier knowledge for nutraceutical/phytopharmaceutical sectors to seek potential raw plant material.

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Nutritional Factors in Acacia Nilotica Gum

The rapidly growing civilization and economy need the judicious usage of floral and faunal heritage. Acacia nilotica (Family: Fabaceae) is a beneficial plant species and each part of it exhibits numerous biological and pharmacological effects. The gum exudates of Acacia nilotica trees are underutilized plant products that can be explored for their potential as a therapeutic and curative agent. Its nutritional composition, interaction with anti-nutritional factors and antioxidants can determine its utility as a food. The present investigation was aimed to estimate the anti-nutritional factors and antioxidant activity of Acacia nilotica gum. It also focused on establishing a relationship of the obtained data with the ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties claimed in the literature. The analysis was carried out using standard methods and protocols involving spectrophotometric and gravimetric principles. The anti-nutritional components like tannin, trypsin inhibitor, phytate, oxalate, total saponin, steroidal saponins, alkaloid content of Acacia nilotica gum was found to be 0.2369±0.0354 g tannic acid equivalent/100 g, 0.0108±0.0037 TIU/mg, 156.3333±9.4516 mg/100 g, 132.5±28.3152mg/100 g, 12.7183±6.7788 mg diosgenin equivalent /g, 0.0705±0.01 mg diosgenin equivalent /g, 0.1333±0.0577 g/100 g respectively. The amounts of total phenols and flavonoids was determined to be 8.0033±2.7211 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g sample, 0.0458±0.0186 mg quercetin equivalent /g sample respectively with a significant DPPH Scavenging activity. The results indicate that the quantity of anti-nutritional factors in gum is within the range of the contents of anti-nutritional factors found in commonly consumed foods. The substantial presence of phenol, flavonoids and DPPH activity in the gum indicates the presence of high antioxidant properties. The presence of anti-nutritional factors and antioxidants in favourable levels can impart diverse physiological responses. The present study concluded that Acacia nilotica gum can be used as a nutritious food commodity with a plethora of recuperative activities.

Effect of two types of ozone treatments on the quality of apple fruits

The aim of this research was to demonstrate the effect of the ozonation process (exposure to ozone in gaseous form and rinsing in water saturated with ozone) on selected apple parameters. The scope of the study included: conducting the ozonation process under controlled conditions at a concentration of 1 ppm and exposure times of 1, 5 and 10 min (ozone in gaseous form) and 10, 15 and 30 min (ozonated water), respectively; polyphenols research; determining antiradical activity using ABTS radicals; and determining the influence of the applied method on the volatiles that give rise to odor chemicals (fragrance and aroma). In both cases, measurements were taken 24 hours after the ozonation process. Both exposure to ozone in gaseous form and washing in ozonated water did not adversely affect the appearance of the fruit. The rinsing process in ozonated water did not significantly affect the composition of the compounds responsible for the fruit’s odor. The proposed washing conditions affected the biochemical balance of the fruit. Differences in polyphenol content and antioxidant potential were noted. The mean content of polyphenols expressed as gallic acid equivalent in the control sample was determined to be 15.22 mg/100 g. In comparing the content of polyphenols with the control sample, insignificant changes in their content were noted, except for the sample with the longest ozonation. In the case of fruit washed within 30 minutes, a significant increase by 53% in antioxidant potential was noted. α- Farnesene was identified as the main component established by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) procedure. The proposed ozonation conditions made it possible to keep the volatile compounds influencing the sensory properties of apples unchanged.

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Nutritional Factors in Acacia Nilotica Gum

The rapidly growing civilization and economy need the judicious usage of floral and faunal heritage. Acacia nilotica (Family: Fabaceae) is a beneficial plant species and each part of it exhibits numerous biological and pharmacological effects. The gum exudates of Acacia nilotica trees are underutilized plant products that can be explored for their potential as a therapeutic and curative agent. Its nutritional composition, interaction with anti-nutritional factors and antioxidants can determine its utility as a food. The present investigation was aimed to estimate the anti-nutritional factors and antioxidant activity of Acacia nilotica gum. It also focused on establishing a relationship of the obtained data with the ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties claimed in the literature. The analysis was carried out using standard methods and protocols involving spectrophotometric and gravimetric principles. The anti-nutritional components like tannin, trypsin inhibitor, phytate, oxalate, total saponin, steroidal saponins, alkaloid content of Acacia nilotica gum was found to be 0.2369±0.0354 g tannic acid equivalent/100 g, 0.0108±0.0037 TIU/mg, 156.3333±9.4516 mg/100 g, 132.5±28.3152mg/100 g, 12.7183±6.7788 mg diosgenin equivalent /g, 0.0705±0.01 mg diosgenin equivalent /g, 0.1333±0.0577 g/100 g respectively. The amounts of total phenols and flavonoids was determined to be 8.0033±2.7211 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g sample, 0.0458±0.0186 mg quercetin equivalent /g sample respectively with a significant DPPH Scavenging activity. The results indicate that the quantity of anti-nutritional factors in gum is within the range of the contents of anti-nutritional factors found in commonly consumed foods. The substantial presence of phenol, flavonoids and DPPH activity in the gum indicates the presence of high antioxidant properties. The presence of anti-nutritional factors and antioxidants in favourable levels can impart diverse physiological responses. The present study concluded that Acacia nilotica gum can be used as a nutritious food commodity with a plethora of recuperative activities.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, TOTAL POLYPHENOLS AND FLAVONOIDS CONTENT AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ANNICKIA CHLORANTHA FROM GABON

In traditional medicine, Annnickia chlorantha (Annonaceae)is used in many parts of Africa to treat several pathologies. It is used for the management of stomach problems, for the treatment of jaundice, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, malaria, hepatitis and ulcers forms, for gallstones or even diarrhea. The phytochemical analysis and determination of the antiradical activity of the methanolic extract of the trunk bark from Annickia chlorantha from Gabon was the subject of this study. Phytochemical screening revealed the abundance of alkaloids, polyphenols and catechics tannins.The total polyphenol content released by the Folin-Ciocalteu method was 309.17 ± 38.05 g of gallic acid equivalent per 100 mg of dry matterand the total flavonoids content performed with AlCl3 was 155.16 ± 21.06 g of quercetin equivalent per 100 mg of dry matter. The antiradical activity was limited to 81.58% ± 1.25 without disappearance of the ABTS•+ radical after 6 minutes of incubation. These results confirm the correlation between the polyphenol content and the antiradical activity.

In vitro Antiurolithiatic activity of the leaves and flowers extracts of Paronychia argentea, a plant used in traditional medicine in Algeria

Plants are a large source of new bioactive molecules with therapeutic potentials. However, only a small amount of worldwide plants has been phytochemically investigated. The ethanolic extracts from leaves and flowers of Paronychia argentea were evaluated for their antilithiasic activity in vitro. The effect of extract (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 1, 2, and 5mg/mL) was studied by the measurement of turbidity in presence or absence of extract at 620nm using UV/Vis spectrophotometer. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were also evaluated. Polyphenol content was found to be more present in the leaves extract (9.29±0.009mg of Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) compared to the flowers extract (5.92±0.14mg GAE/g). Flavonoids content was also found to be more present in the floral extract that is estimated at 0.18±0.01 mg QE/g compared to the flowers extract (0.47±0.0035mg QE/g). For the antilithiasis activity, the results clearly shown that P. argentia extracts inhibited calcium oxalate crystallization by concentration-dependent manner. The maximum percent inhibition of calcium oxalate by flowers extract was found to be 70.97% at 5mg/mL. Further, P. argentea leaf extract has shown antilithiasic properties and may be used for the prevention of kidneys stones. Plants are a large source of new bioactive molecules with therapeutic potentials. However, only a small amount of worldwide plants has been phytochemically investigated. The ethanolic extracts from leaves and flowers of Paronychia argentea were evaluated for their antilithiasic activity in vitro. The effect of extract (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 1, 2, and 5mg/mL) was studied by the measurement of turbidity in presence or absence of extract at 620 nm using UV/Vis spectrophotometer. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were also evaluated. Polyphenol content was found to be more present in the leaves extract (9.29±0.009mg of Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) compared to the flowers extract (5.92±0.14mg GAE/g). Flavonoids content was also found to be more present in the floral extract that is estimated at 0.18±0.01mg QE/g compared to the flowers extract (0.47±0.0035mg QE/g). For the antilithiasis activity, the results clearly shown that P. argentia extracts inhibited calcium oxalate crystallization by concentration-dependent manner. The maximum percent inhibition of calcium oxalate by flowers extract was found to be 70.97% at 5mg/mL. Further, P. argentea leaf extract has shown antilithiasic properties and may be used for the prevention of kidneys stones.