Antioxidants

Research

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19 pages, 2520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Characterization of Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antimutagenic Activities of the Green Microalga Ettlia pseudoalveolaris

by Andrea Vornoli, Teresa Grande, Valter Lubrano, Francesco Vizzarri, Chiara Gorelli, Andrea Raffaelli, Clara Maria Della Croce, Santiago Zarate Baca, Carla Sandoval, Vincenzo Longo, Luisa Pozzo and Cristina Echeverria

Antioxidants 2023, 12(6), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061308 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1463

Abstract

Recently, green microalgae have gained importance due to their nutritional and bioactive compounds, which makes them some of the most promising and innovative functional foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical profile and the in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and [...] Read more.

Recently, green microalgae have gained importance due to their nutritional and bioactive compounds, which makes them some of the most promising and innovative functional foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical profile and the in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and antimutagenic activity of an aqueous extract of the green microalga Ettlia pseudoalveolaris, obtained from the freshwater lakes of the Ecuadorian Highlands. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were used to determine the ability of the microalga to reduce the endothelial damage caused by hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, the eukaryotic system Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to evaluate the possible cytotoxic, mutagenic and antimutagenic effect of E. pseudoalveolaris. The extract showed a notable antioxidant capacity and a moderate antibacterial activity mostly due to the high content in polyphenolic compounds. It is likely that the antioxidant compounds present in the extract were also responsible for the observed reduction in endothelial damage of HMEC-1 cells. An antimutagenic effect through a direct antioxidant mechanism was also found. Based on the results of in vitro assays, E. pseudoalveolaris proved to be a good source of bioactive compounds and antioxidant, antibacterial and antimutagenic capacities making it a potential functional food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Challenges and Perspectives on Future Nutrition)

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18 pages, 976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Characteristics of New Generation Extruded Snack Pellets with Edible Cricket Flour Processed at Various Extrusion Conditions

by Maciej Combrzyński, Tomasz Oniszczuk, Agnieszka Wójtowicz, Beata Biernacka, Karolina Wojtunik-Kulesza, Maciej Bąkowski, Renata Różyło, Jarosław Szponar, Jakub Soja and Anna Oniszczuk

Antioxidants 2023, 12(6), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061253 - 10 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1854

Abstract

As new sources of proteins, edible insects may be excellent additives in a new generation of environmentally friendly food products that are nutritionally valuable, safe, sustainable, and are needed in today’s world. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of [...] Read more.

As new sources of proteins, edible insects may be excellent additives in a new generation of environmentally friendly food products that are nutritionally valuable, safe, sustainable, and are needed in today’s world. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the application of cricket flour on extruded wheat-corn-based snack pellets’ basic composition, fatty acids profile, nutritional value, antioxidant activity and selected physicochemical properties. Results showed that the application of cricket flour had a significant impact on the composition and properties of snack pellets based on wheat-corn blends. In newly developed products, the enhanced level of protein and almost triple increase in crude fiber was found as an insect flour supplementation reached 30% level in the recipe. The level of cricket flour and the applied processing conditions (various moisture contents and screw speeds) significantly affect the water absorption and water solubility index and texture and color profile. Results revealed that cricket flour application significantly increased the total polyphenols content in the assessed samples in comparison to plain wheat-corn bases. Antioxidant activity was also noted to be elevated with increasing cricket flour content. These new types of snack pellets with cricket flour addition may be interesting products with high nutritional value and pro-health properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Challenges and Perspectives on Future Nutrition)

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17 pages, 3155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Physiological, Cytological and Antioxidative Responses of the Edible Halophyte Chenopodium quinoa Exposed to Salt Stress

by Aymen Souid, Lorenza Bellani, Eliana Lanfranca Tassi, Karim Ben Hamed, Vincenzo Longo and Lucia Giorgetti

Antioxidants 2023, 12(5), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12051060 - 07 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1623

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a plant of South American origin recently valorized for its nutritional and nutraceutical properties in human diet. Quinoa is cultivated in many parts of the world, with a selection of varieties with good adaptability to extreme climatic [...] Read more.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a plant of South American origin recently valorized for its nutritional and nutraceutical properties in human diet. Quinoa is cultivated in many parts of the world, with a selection of varieties with good adaptability to extreme climatic conditions and salt stress. The variety Red Faro, native to southern Chile but harvested in Tunisia, was considered for salt stress resistance, considering its seed germination and 10-day seedling growth at increasing doses of NaCl (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM). Seedlings were spectrophotometrically analyzed for antioxidant secondary metabolites (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols and anthocyanins), antioxidant capacity (ORAC, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, DPPH*, 2,2-diphenyl-1-pic-rylhydrazyl), antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT)) and mineral nutrient content in root and shoot tissues. Cytogenetic analysis of root tip was performed to check for meristematic activity and the possible presence of chromosomal abnormalities induced by salt stress. The results indicated a general increase in antioxidant molecules and antioxidant enzymes NaCl dose-dependent, no effects on seed germination but negative effects on seedling growth, and little effect on root meristems mitotic activity. These results indicated that stress conditions can induce an increase in biologically active molecules that could be used for nutraceutical purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Challenges and Perspectives on Future Nutrition)

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14 pages, 1460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Compounds of Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum and Optimization of Extraction Condition

by Heewon An, Le Nguyen Thanh, Le Quoc Khanh, Se Hwan Ryu, Solip Lee, Sang Won Yeon, Hak Hyun Lee, Ayman Turk, Ki Yong Lee, Bang Yeon Hwang and Mi Kyeong Lee

Antioxidants 2023, 12(2), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12020511 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum (Kurz.) Gogel (Guttiferae), called kuding tea, is widely distributed in Southeast Asia. In this study, the constituents and biological activity of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum were investigated. Extract of its leaves, roots and stems showed antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory [...] Read more.

Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum (Kurz.) Gogel (Guttiferae), called kuding tea, is widely distributed in Southeast Asia. In this study, the constituents and biological activity of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum were investigated. Extract of its leaves, roots and stems showed antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Interestingly, comparison of the metabolite profiles of leaves, roots and stems of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum by LC-MS analysis showed a great difference between the roots and leaves, whereas the roots and stems were quite similar. Purification of the roots and leaves of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum through various chromatographic techniques resulted in the isolation of 25 compounds. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis as 18 xanthones, 5 flavonoids, a benzophenone and a phenolic compound. Among them, a xanthone (16) and a benzophenone (19) were first reported from nature. Evaluation of biological activity revealed that xanthones had a potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while flavonoids were responsible for the antioxidant activity. To maximize the biological activity, yield and total phenolic content of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum, extraction conditions such as extraction solvent, time and temperature were optimized using response surface methodology with Box–Behnken Design (BBD). Regression analysis showed a good fit of the experimental data, and the optimal condition was obtained as MeOH concentration in EtOAc, 88.1%; extraction time, 6.02 h; and extraction temperature 60.0 °C. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity, yield and total phenolic content under the optimal condition were found to be 72.2% inhibition, 10.3% and 163.9 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. These results provide useful information about C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum as functional foods for oxidative stress–related metabolic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Challenges and Perspectives on Future Nutrition)

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12 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Total Dietary Antioxidant Capacity, Its Seasonal Variability, and Dietary Sources in Cardiovascular Patients

by Magdalena Czlapka-Matyasik and Anna Gramza-Michalowska

Antioxidants 2023, 12(2), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12020292 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1692

Abstract

The favourable role of dietary antioxidants in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and protection from them is widely discussed, and total dietary antioxidant capacity (TAOX) is perceived as a diet-quality marker. Data concerning TAOX and its dietary sources related to seasonal variability are limited. We [...] Read more.

The favourable role of dietary antioxidants in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and protection from them is widely discussed, and total dietary antioxidant capacity (TAOX) is perceived as a diet-quality marker. Data concerning TAOX and its dietary sources related to seasonal variability are limited. We aimed to analyse the TAOXs, seasonal variability, and sources in the daily diets of CVD patients. A total of 143 subjects (82 men, 61 women) since CVD problems were studied. Seasonal recalls were collected regarding dietary sources of antioxidant compounds in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. A food frequency questionnaire was used. The total dietary antioxidant capacity (in μmolTE/day) was calculated for each season. The primary sources of antioxidants in cardiovascular patients’ diets were drinks (33%), fruits (28%), vegetables (16%), and black tea (14%). The TAOXs of CVD patients’ diets significantly depended on the season (p < 0.001) and were highest in the summer and lowest in the spring. This seasonal variation in consumption was noted. Our findings suggest that a diet characterised with a TAOX might be subjected to fluctuations between seasons. We suggest considering modifications in the dietary recommendations for cardiovascular patients with a low antioxidant capacity between seasons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Challenges and Perspectives on Future Nutrition)

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25 pages, 2421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Three Prangos Species (P. heyniae, P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, and P. uechtritzii) Depicted by Comprehensive LC-MS and Multivariate Data Analysis

by Stefano Dall’Acqua, Stefania Sut, Gokhan Zengin, Gregorio Peron, Fevzi Elbasan, Evren Yildiztugay, Nabeelah Bibi Sadeer and Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally

Antioxidants 2022, 11(9), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11091712 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1627

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify/quantify bioactive compounds and determine the antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory effects of various solvent extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of Prangos heyniae H. Duman and M.F. Watson, Prangos meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, [...] Read more.

The aim of the present study was to identify/quantify bioactive compounds and determine the antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory effects of various solvent extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of Prangos heyniae H. Duman and M.F. Watson, Prangos meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, and Prangos uechtritzii Boiss. and Hausskn. This is the first time such a report has been designed to validate the phytochemical composition and bioactivity (especially enzyme inhibitory properties) of these plants. A combined approach of liquid chromatography (LC) with mass spectrometry (HR-MS and MSⁿ) allowed to identify that P. heyniae contains condensed tannins; P. meliocarpoides is rich in hydrolysable tannins; and P. uechtritzii possesses coumarins, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids. Different extracts were tested for antioxidant activities using a battery of assays, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (phosphomolybdenum), and metal chelating. Enzyme inhibitory effects were investigated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase as target enzymes. The obtained results depended on the extraction solvents used for each Prangos species. The methanol extract of P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides exhibited significant radical scavenging activity (DPPH: 52.27 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g; ABTS: 92.84 mg TE/g), the most potent-reducing potential (CUPRAC: 154.04 mg TE/g; FRAP: 104.34 mg TE/g), and high TAC (2.52 mmol TE/g). Moreover, the strongest BChE (7.97 mg galantamine equivalent/g), α-amylase (0.46 mmol acarbose equivalent/g), and tyrosinase (81.15 mg kojic acid equivalent/g) inhibitory effects were observed for the hexane extract of P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between hydrolysable tannins and antioxidant activities. The same trend was also observed between the same class of compounds and the inhibitory effects on enzymatic activities. These results suggest a principal role of hydrolysable tannins in the observed bioactivities of Prangos. Our results suggested that the tested Prangos species could be valuable as sources of natural agents in the development of health-promoting applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Challenges and Perspectives on Future Nutrition)

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13 pages, 1140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study on Phytochemical Fingerprint of Two Diverse Phaseolus vulgarisvar. Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio Extracts

by Azzurra Stefanucci, Giuseppe Scioli, Lorenza Marinaccio, Gokhan Zengin, Marcello Locatelli, Angela Tartaglia, Alice Della Valle, Angelo Cichelli, Ettore Novellino, Stefano Pieretti and Adriano Mollica

Antioxidants 2022, 11(8), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081474 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1690

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) represents one of the most famous foods with antiobesity activity showing a significant efficacy against fat accumulation, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. In this work, two Italian varieties of common bean, i.e., Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio, [...] Read more.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) represents one of the most famous foods with antiobesity activity showing a significant efficacy against fat accumulation, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. In this work, two Italian varieties of common bean, i.e., Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio, from the centre of Italy were studied to characterise their phenolic profile by HPLC-PDA in relation to different fractions after a straightforward extraction procedure. Antioxidant property and enzymatic inhibition power were also evaluated in order to delineate a possible biological profile. Results show a considerable phenolic content (0.79 and 1.1 µg/mg of 3-hydroxybenzoic acid for hexane extract of Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio, respectively; 0.30 µg/mg p-coumaric acid for n-hexane extract of Tondino del Tavo) for both varieties, and a strong antioxidant activity according to the major phenolic concentration of the extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity of the decoction extracts was also investigated through a zymosan-induced edema formation assay, revealing a moderate ability for both of them. These preliminary data prompt us to further explore the nutrient components of these two varieties in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Challenges and Perspectives on Future Nutrition)

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Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1712 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Current State of Knowledge in Biological Properties of Cirsimaritin

by Taoufiq Benali, Imane Jaouadi, Rokia Ghchime, Nasreddine El Omari, Kaoutar Harboul, Khalil Hammani, Maksim Rebezov, Mohammad Ali Shariati, Mohammad S. Mubarak, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Gokhan Zengin, Moon-Nyeo Park, Bonglee Kim, Shafi Mahmud, Learn-Han Lee and Abdelhakim Bouyahya

Antioxidants 2022, 11(9), 1842; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11091842 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2872

Abstract

The search for natural plant-based products as new pharmacological alternatives to treat various human pathologies has taken on great importance for researchers and research laboratories. In this context, research has intensified to extract and identify natural molecules endowed with biological effects. The objective [...] Read more.

The search for natural plant-based products as new pharmacological alternatives to treat various human pathologies has taken on great importance for researchers and research laboratories. In this context, research has intensified to extract and identify natural molecules endowed with biological effects. The objective of this study is to review the source and pharmacological properties of cirsimaritin. The identification and isolation of this flavonoid from various natural sources, including medicinal plants such as Artemisia judaica, Cirsium japonicum, Lithocarpus dealbatus, Microtea debilis, and Ocimum sanctum, has been carried out and verified using different spectral techniques. Biological effect investigations are carried out with a wide variety of experimental models in vitro and in vivo and laboratory techniques. The results of these research works showed the biological properties of cirsimaritin including anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The mechanisms involved in the multiple activities of this molecule are diverse and include sub-cellular, cellular, and molecular levels. Indeed, this bioactive induces anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects by inhibiting cell membrane receptors, interference with signaling pathways, and inhibiting transcriptional factors such as Nf-κB involved in cell promotion and proliferation. In the light of these results, cirsimaritin appears as a promising and viable alternative natural bioactive drug to treat many pathological conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: Challenges and Perspectives on Future Nutrition)

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