Inflammation is a complex mechanism employed by the body to promote healing and restoration to normal function in the event of injury. Eleven plant species were selected in this study based on their ...use in traditional medicine against inflammation in South Africa.
Hexane, acetone, ethanol, methanol and water extracts of the powdered plants were prepared and a total of fifty-five extracts were tested for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was evaluated via the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory and the nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Total flavonoid and total phenolic contents were determined. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was performed using radical scavenging DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and electron reducing ABTS (2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays.
The hexane extract of Typha capensis (TC) had good lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with IC50 of 4.65 µg/mL, significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the positive control quercetin (IC50 = 24.60). The same extract also had good nitric oxide inhibitory activity with 86% NO inhibition and cell viability of 97% at 50 µg/mL. The TC acetone extract had the best antioxidant activity with IC50 of 7.11 and 1.91 µg/mL respectively in the DPPH and ABTS assays. Following fractionation of the TC plant material, the ethyl acetate fraction had interesting antioxidant activity and the methanol/water (35%) and hexane fractions had good 15-LOX inhibitory activity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities therefore resided in both polar and more non-polar fractions.
The acetone extract of Typha capensis and its fractions had good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, supporting the medicinal use of this species against inflammation. Other species including Ficus elastica, Carpobrotus edulis, Cotyledon orbiculata and Senna italica also had good activity worthy of further investigation.
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Chitosan based bioactive films incorporated with catechin (CH), quercetin (QDH) and luteolin (LU) at 1, 3, 5 and 10% (w/w of chitosan) were prepared and their biological properties were evaluated. ...Additionally, the ability of the composite films to improve the shelf life and quality of beef was evaluated during storage at 4 °C for two weeks. Antioxidant activity of the composite films increased along with total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC). All three films inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under the contact surface of the film when tested in agar plates. Storage of the chitosan films at room (21 °C) and cold (4 °C) temperatures for six weeks resulted in significant reductions in the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of the films, and the reduction rate was higher at room temperature. During the two weeks storage the color of the beef was maintained, and the aerobic plate count remained low. The results demonstrated that chitosan composite films prepared with all three flavonoids could be used to improve the shelf life and color quality of beef without the addition of synthetic preservatives.
•Flavonoids increase the Total Phenolic antioxidant activity and Flavonoid content of chitosan films.•Chitosan – Flavonoids composite films can be used to keep the meat for 2 weeks in the cold storage while maintaining its color.•Cold storage is better to preserve the biological properties of chitosan based active edible films.
•Cascara has a higher total phenolic content when brewed using a hot brew method.•Optimum conditions for brewing coffee cherry are 77 °C for 8 min.•Propolis causes a decrease in antioxidant activity ...and total phenolic content of cascara.•Panellists preferred cascara that was brewed without the addition of propolis.
The processing of coffee cherries into coffee beans produced a lot of residues, particularly coffee pulp, which can be further valorized to produce valuable bioproducts, one of which is cascara. This study was carried out to determine the effects of brewing conditions (brewing temperature, time, and addition of propolis) on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of cascara. An organoleptic test was also carried out to determine the sensory properties of cascara. Cascara had a higher total phenolic content when brewed using a hot brew method. Increasing the brewing temperature from 70 to 90 °C reduced the antioxidant activity while increasing brewing time from 4 to 8 min increased the total phenolic content of cascara. The optimal conditions for brewing cascara based on the developed regression model were hot brewing at 77 °C for 8 min without additional propolis, with an antioxidant activity IC50 and total phenolic content of 432.87 ppm and 2.07%, respectively. The addition of propolis caused a decrease in the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of cascara. Based on the results of the organoleptic test, the panelists preferred cascara that was brewed without the addition of propolis because it had a fresher, sour taste.
Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a precious food made from the solidified saliva of swiftlets. EBN from three types of origin, namely production, swiftlet species and geographical were characterised based ...on its nutritional composition, physicochemical properties and antioxidant properties. Proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities were determined following official methods, while mineral and heavy metal contents were obtained by respective atomic adsorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Amino acids profile and sialic acid were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Calcium and sodium were the major elements in EBN samples at averages of 17,267 mg/kg and 13,681 mg/kg, respectively. Despite protein contents were not significantly different; interestingly the total amino acids in A. fuciphagus EBN, 64.57 g/100 g was found to be 23% higher than in A. maximus EBN. EBN from house, A. fuciphagus and Peninsular Malaysia had greater antioxidant activities, 2.33–3.49 mg AAE/g and higher sialic acid, 13.57 g/100 g while those from cave, A. maximus and East Malaysia contained more minerals like calcium and magnesium. The 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of house, A. fuciphagus and Peninsular Malaysia EBNs were approximately 2 times greater than the others. All samples were complied with the Malaysian Standard MS 2334:2011, except for mercury and nitrite. The overall findings suggest that the quality of EBN was varied following the production, species and geographical origins.
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•Antioxidant activities in edible bird's nest (EBN) vary with production, species and geographical origins.•EBN originated from house, A. fuciphagus and Peninsular Malaysia are more nutritious.•Amino acids profiling helps to differentiate EBN by their swiftlet species origins.•Nutritional, physicochemical and antioxidant databases for Malaysian EBN were established.•Core parameters for differentiating EBN origins to prevent mislabelling were identified.
•Poor nutrient management of citrus orchard results in inconsistent yield and poor fruit quality.•Application of 3% MLE improved nutrient content in ‘Kinnow’ mandarin leaves.•MLE along with 0.25% ...potassium sulphate and 0.6% zinc sulphate increased yield and improved fruit physic-biochemical quality.
‘Kinnow’ mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.×Citrus deliciosa T.) is the most important commercial citrus cultivar grown in Pakistan. Poor nutrient management practices in citrus orchards had significantly reduced its yield and fruit quality. Recent reports of Moringa olifera as a promising growth enhancer showed its potential for application in agriculture sector. Moringa leaf extract (MLE) is enriched with phytohormones, phenolics and minerals. Hence, present study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of MLE alone or in combination with zinc (Zn) (as ZnSO4) and potassium (K) (as K2SO4) on ‘Kinnow’ mandarin during two consecutive years (2013–2015). In first experiment, trees were sprayed with 3% MLE, 0.6% ZnSO4 and 0.25% K2SO4 alone and in combination with 3% MLE at fruit set stage (year-I); whilst, in second experiment trees were sprayed with 3% MLE at pre-mature stage and 3% MLE, 0.6% ZnSO4 and 0.25% K2SO4 at fruit set stage (year-II). Data were collected regarding leaf nutrient and ascorbic acid contents, yield and fruit quality. Leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), K, calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and Zn were significantly increased with all treatments in both experiments. Combined application of MLE, K and Zn at fruit set stage in both experiments resulted in significantly lower fruit drop and higher fruit set, yield, fruit weight, juice weight, soluble solid contents (SSC), vitamin C, sugars, total antioxidants and total phenolic contents. Activities of SOD and CAT enzymes in fruit juice were significantly increased with 3% MLE application in both experiments. Conclusively, combined foliar application of 3% MLE, 0.6% ZnSO4 and 0.25% K2SO4 at fruit set stage can be used effectively to improve leaf nutrient status, fruit yield and quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin trees.
Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extracts of Acnistus arborescens (L.) Schltdl. (Solanaceae); Albizia multiflora (Kunth) Barneby & J.W. Grimes (Fabaceae); Capparidastrum petiolare (Kunth) Hutch. ...(Capparaceae); Colicodendron scabridum (Kunth) Seem. (Capparaceae); Gronovia scandens L. (Loasaceae); Gustavia angustifolia Benth. (Lecythidaceae); Piscidia carthagenensis Jacq. (Fabaceae); Psidium rostratum Mc Vaugh (Myrtaceae); Psidium guayaquilense Landrum & Cornejo (Myrtaceae); Psidium cf. rostratum Mc Vaugh (Myrtaceae); Salicornia fruticosa L. (Amaranthaceae); Simira ecuadorensis (Standl.) Steyerm. (Rubiaceae); Ruellia floribunda Hook. (Acanthaceae) were assayed. Alkaloids, tannins and terpenoids were the secondary metabolites most frequently found, while flavonoids, quinones, anthraquinones, steroids and saponins were present in less proportion. Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to quantify the total phenolic content in the ethanolic extracts using a calibration curve of gallic acid. The range between 941.97±30.69 and 241.54±15.54GAE/mg dry extract, has been observed for Psidium guayaquilense and Acnistus arborescens, respectively. On the other hand, antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extracts was evaluated using the disk diffusion agar method against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802. P. rostratum, P. guayaquilense, P. cf. rostratum, R. floribunda and S. ecuadorensis were the most active extracts against the bacterial assays with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging between 20 and 100ppm. According to literature, it is most likely that this is the first report on phytochemical screening, total phenolic content and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of these species.
The use of plants as food flavourings, commonly known as herbs and spices, serves as natural sources of flavour, altering the taste and aroma of dishes with only a small amount. Beyond flavour, these ...plants also contribute essential antioxidants crucial for human health by inhibiting free radicals that can lead to various diseases. In Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia, locals traditionally consume indigenous flavouring plants primarily for their culinary impact, often overlooking the pharmaceutical value these plants may offer. This study aimed to assess the marketable appearance and antioxidant composition of indigenous food flavouring plants in Bintulu. Bunches of Pangium edule, Premna serratifolia, Pycnarrhena tumefacta, Scorodocarpus borneensis, and Syzygium polyanthum were obtained from the local farmers market and analyzed for morphological dimensions, total phenolic content, free radical scavenging ability (DPPH), and ferric reducing ability (FRAP). The edible portion of the plants ranged from 57.33% to 84.99%, with P. edule exhibiting the largest edible blade. Total phenolic content varied from 343.27 to 3245.67 mg GAE/100 g, with P. serratifolia having the highest value. Premna serratifolia demonstrated the strongest radical scavenging activity, while S. polyanthum exhibited the highest ferric reducing ability. All species exhibited high antioxidant composition (IC50 = 0.10 to 27.6 µg/mL, FRAP = 469.88 to 9272.50 mg TE/100 g), indicating potential medicinal utility. Further studies on anti-nutrients like oxalate and phytate are recommended to complement the obtained data. Additionally, an ethnobotanical study is suggested to document the traditional medicinal uses of these plants alongside their role as flavor enhancers in cooking.
Natural antioxidants are excellent substitute for their synthetic counterparts in dietary supplements. Present study employed three-level Box-Behnken design through RSM to optimize the recovery of ...natural antioxidants from Piper Betle via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The influence of three extraction parameters, temperature (50–70 °C), ethanol concentration (70–90%) and solute to solvent ratio (1:10–1:30 g/mL) on the extraction yield (EY), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity was investigated. The optimum conditions were determined to be 51.60 °C with 78.74% ethanol and ratio of 1:21.85 g/mL. Experimental validation showed a maximum EY of 13.88% with TPC of 311.21 mgGAE/gDW and 97.57% antioxidant capacity that were all within 95% confidence level of predicted values. Additionally, UAE gave significantly better yield (13.71%), TPC (289.05 mgGAE/gDW), total flavonoid content (21.50 mgRE/gDW) and antioxidant activity (94.99%) than maceration which gave lower yield (10.96%), TPC (246.98 mgGAE/gDW), total flavonoid content (13.48 mgRE/gDW) and antioxidant activity (78.12%) respectively. General phytochemical screening exposed the presence of additional saponins and tannins in the UAE extracts. Chemical composition of the optimized extract via GC/MS indicated the presence of four major phenolic compounds, hydroxychavicol, eugenol, isoeugenol and 4-allyl-1,2-diacetoxybenzene with peak areas of 66.55, 11.92, 2.90 and 3.21% respectively.
•Optimization of Ultrasound-assisted extraction of antioxidants from Piper betle.•Optimized condition at 51.60 °C with 78.74% ethanol concentration and ratio of 1:21.85 g/mL.•Phytochemical screening revealed additional constituents in ultrasound extracts.•Hydroxychavicol, eugenol, isoeugenol and 4-allyl-1,2-diacetoxybenzene were identified via GC/MS.
Muskmelon or cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) juice receives consumer preference throughout the world due to its sweet taste and flavour. The present research was aimed at investigating the impact of ...rotary vacuum evaporator-based conventional heating (CH) and microwave heating (MH) on the quality characteristics, i.e., pH, TSS (°Brix), TA (%), conductivity (ms), water evaporation rate (g/min), colour index, and total phenolic content (TPC mg GAE/mL) of Cucumis melo juice. The processing conditions for CH were temperature (50 °C, 70 °C, and 90 °C) and time (1 min, 1.5 min, and 2 min), whereas for MH, the processing conditions were microwave power (450 W, 600 W, and 900 W) and time (1 min, 1.5 min, and 2 min). The results illustrated that CH and MH affected the quality characteristics of Cucumis melo juice significantly. Among all the treatments, the water evaporation rate and TPC were the highest at 900 W for 2 min. Additionally, TCD among all the treatments was found to be minimum (0.56) when Cucumis melo juice was treated at 450 W for 1.5 min. Thus, MH treatment can be considered as an alternative to CH treatment. Overall, the present research provides insight into the treatment process of Cucumis melo juice, which can further enhance its quality characteristics and impact the global market.
•Cucumis melo L. juice was processed through microwave and rotary vacuum evaporator based conventional heating.•Cucumis melo L. juice was processed at 82.6 kPa pressure.•Total phenolic content was enhanced through microwave heating.
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