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This study introduces a highly effective technique for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing an extract from the bark of Annona muricata, which is rich in bioactive compounds. The AgNP synthesis was performed at room temperature, providing an environment-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods that involve harmful chemicals and high energy consumption. Characterization of the AgNPs was performed using various techniques: scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope analyses revealed spherical nanoparticles ranging from 29nm to 67nm in size, FTIR techniques was used to analyze the functional groups involved in the reduction and stabilization, UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed surface plasmon resonance peaks, X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a face-centered cubic crystal structure and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis verified the elemental composition and stabilization. The antioxidant properties of biogenic AgNPs were evaluated using in vitro assays, which demonstrated their significant antioxidant efficacy. This study highlights the potential of A. muricata bark extract as a sustainable and effective agent for decreasing and stabilizing the synthesis of AgNPs. This technique demonstrates promising potential as antioxidant therapy.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an attractive model for studying antioxidant-based composite therapy. We previously reported that Shengmai San (SMS), a TCM formulation for treating cardiac disorders, inhibited cerebral oxidative damage in rats when evaluated by both glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity loss and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation after forebrain ischemia-reperfusion. In the present study, we further examined the preventive effect of SMS and related decoctions composed of three component herbs (Panax ginseng, Ophiopogon japonicus and Schisandra chinensis) against oxidative brain injury to rationalize the complex formulation of SMS. Schisandra chinensis itself and decoctions containing it all inhibited TBARS formation in vivo. In contrast, Ophiopogon japonicus itself and formulations containing it had little effect on TBARS formation. GPX activity loss in vivo, on the other hand, was completely prevented only by SMS and Ophiopogon japonicus itself. A comparison of the in vitro antioxidant potential of SMS and related decoctions and in vivo effectiveness in preventing cerebral oxidative damage revealed that all the in vitro antioxidant indices examined here essentially correlated well with inhibition of TBARS formation in vivo. DPPH quenching and crocin bleaching activities showed particularly good correlation, and then, superoxide scavenging activity followed. However, none of them correlated with the inhibition of GPX activity loss in vivo. The role of each component herb is also discussed for the SMS effect.

Glossogyne tenuifolia (Labill) Cass. (Compositae) is a special medicinal plant in the Pescadores Islands. Ethanolic, cold and hot water extracts were prepared from the dried herb and their antioxidant properties and components were studied. Ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxyanisole, citric and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acids were used in assays for comparison. With regard to EC₅₀ values in antioxidant activity, ethanolic and hot water extracts (0.08 and 0.09 mg/ml) were much more effective than the cold water extract (0.76 mg/ml). At 1.0 mg/ml, reducing capacities were 1.57, 0.31 and 1.04 for ethanolic, cold water and hot water extracts, respectively. Scavenging abilities on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals were in descending order: ethanolic > cold water > hot water extracts. At 20 mg/ml, the hot water extract chelated all hydroxyl ions (100%) whereas the scavenging ability of the cold water extract was 68.86%. Chelating abilities on ferrous ions were in descending order: cold water > hot water > ethanolic extracts. Phenols were found to be the major antioxidant components. All EC₅₀ values were below 20 mg/ml, and some even below 0.1 mg/ml, indicating that all three extracts from G. tenuifolia were rich in antioxidant properties.

The chemical compositions, antimicrobial activities, antioxidant activities and cytotoxicities of the essential oils isolated from the root of Kadsura longepedunculata Finet et Gagnep (KLREO) and the fruit of Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wills. (SSFEO) were investigated.The analyses of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that cadinane type compounds and their derivatives were rich in both oils (54.2% and 39.7%, respectively) and δ-cadinene was the major component of both oils (13.8% and 25.6%, respectively). The antimicrobial activities of both oils were evaluated against five microorganisms with the disc diffusion and the broth micro-dilution method. Results showed that Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to both oils than Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the oil of KLREO were lower than those of SSFEO, indicating that the former possessed slightly stronger antibacterial capability than the latter. The reducing power and lipid peroxidation assays were employed to study the potential antioxidant activities of both oils. Both oils remarkably decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat liver homogenate in a dose dependent manner. The antioxidant activities of KLREO appeared to be more potent than that of SSFEO. The oils of KLREO and SSFEO exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicities and were proved to be toxic to HepG2 cells with IC₅₀ of 147 and 189 μg/ml, respectively.

Nostoc sphaeroides Kuetzing has been used as a traditional medicine in China to treat a variety of ailments. This research identified the antioxidant activities of polysaccharide extract from Nostoc sphaeroides. The extract, which contains 46.2% carbohydrates, exhibited an effective scavenging capability on superoxide radical, hydroxyl radicals in non site-specific as well as site-specific assays, and also performed lipid peroxidation inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. Polysaccharide extract had no 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging potential at all test concentrations. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in human embryo kidney 293 cells were increased effectively when Nostoc sphaeroides extract was applied. These results suggested that the use of N. sphaeroides in treating ailments may be based on the antioxidant capacities of polysaccharide composition.

This study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant abilities of water (SGWE), 50% ethanolic (SGE50) and 95% ethanolic (SGE95) extracts from the stem of Graptopetalum paraguayense, and the extract with the highest antioxidant activity was assayed for its inhibitory effect on proliferation of human hepatoma (Hep G2) cell line. Antioxidant abilities of extracts were assessed their radical-scavenging abilities and effects on Fe/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in a liposome model system. The results of this study showed that antioxidant activities were increased with the increase of the extracts concentrations, and the activities correlated with both the total phenol and anthocyanin contents. A comparison of the 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values of different antioxidant reactions revealed that SGWE was the more effective at scavenging superoxide anion radical and preventing lipid peroxidation than SGE50 and SGE95 (p < 0.05). The flow cytometry results indicated that SGWE lowered cell viability, and induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in Hep G2 cells. These results demonstrated the antioxidatant and anti-hepatoma potential of stem of Graptopetalum paraguayense.

Recently, modern scientific research has been required to understand pharmacological basis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory based on the ancient clinical experience, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of Chinese herbs. Here, 20 Chinese herbs, classified into 4 properties (hot, warm, cold and cool) of TCM, were analyzed for their ability to exhibit antioxidant action, to enhance glucose uptake by murine microglia N9 cells, and to influence neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) release from rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. We found a generally protective effect of both hot/warm-natured and cold/cool-natured herbs against H₂O₂-induced N9 cell death, partially by elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Glucose uptake was elevated after treatment with some hot/warm-natured herbs. In addition, most herbs with hot/warm nature tended to stimulate NE release, while such stimulatory effect was not observed in the herbs with cold/cool nature. Two cold/cool-natured herbs, Rhizoma coptidis and Radix scutellariae, even significantly suppressed the release. These results suggest that the distinct abilities of Chinese herbs to regulate neural cell functions appear to be correlated with their natures identified in traditional TCM theory, and may be a useful guide for their utility in neural degenerative diseases.

Breviscapine is a commercially produced plant extract from the Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus. (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz., which contains 2 main flavonoids. It is widely used in clinic to treat ischemic diseases in which free radicals are considered to be the main causal factor. Our study is aimed to examine the antioxidant activity of this extract. The following assays were employed: 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, nitric oxide radical scavenging, total anti-oxidative capacity, and antilipid peroxidation assays. Breviscapine was demonstrated to show an effective activity on scavenging DPPH, superoxide anion radicals and nitric oxide. The total antioxidative capacity of breviscapine (7.8 μg/ml to 250 μg/ml) was 1.22 to 6.74 FRAP value (× 10^-5 mmol). At the highest concentration of breviscapine, the inhibition extent of lipid peroxidation induced by Fe²⁺ in rat liver homogenates was 38.5%. Because of the antioxidant activity, the present study is therefore designed to investigate the therapeutic potential of breviscapine for treatment of ischemic diseases.

Phellodendron amurense Rupr. bark extracts were examined for antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity and antiviral activity on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Ethanol extract showed higher content of both total phenolic and flavonoid than aqueous extract. In DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, the concentration providing 50% inhibition (IC₅₀) values were 6.73 ± 0.87 mg/ml and 4.26 ± 0.59 mg/ml for aqueous and ethanol extracts respectively. Ethanol extract had a much higher antimicrobial activity than aqueous extract. Furthermore, the antiviral activity of the ethanol extract on HSV-1 was also tested. The maximum noncytotoxic concentration was 44.12 μg/ml for RC-37 cells. Plaque formation was inhibited by 74±6% when HSV-1 was pretreated with the extract prior to adsorption, whereas pretreatment of the cells with the extract, added during adsorption or after the adsorption only exhibited above 10% antiviral effect. This study has to some extent validated the medicinal potential of P. amurense bark.

Crossostephium chinensis (L.) (CC) Makino is a common traditional Chinese medicinal plant used to dehumidify and cure rheumatism and arthralgia. The water and methanol extracts of C. chinensis (CCW and CCM) were evaluated for their antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. The antioxidant activities of CC were evaluated by using ABTS radical scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and superoxide scavenging methods. Iron chelating activity, lipid peroxidation, total polyphenol contents, total flavonoid contents and total flavonol contents were also detected. In all the tested models, both CCW and CCM showed their ability to scavenge the free radicals in a does-dependent manner. CCW had higher antioxidant and antiproliferative activities than CCM. In LC-MS-MS analysis, the chromatograms of CCW with good antioxidant activities were established. Rutin might be an important bioactive compound in CCW. The antiproliferative activities of CCW and CCM were also studied in vitro by using human hepatoma HepG2 cells. CCW exhibited good antiproliferative activity. These results indicated that CCW might be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants and as an anti-tumor agent.

Platycodi Radix is the root of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC and has been used as a traditional medicine in China. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, Platycodi Radix (PR) possesses the character of lung meridian tropism (Guijing) and has selective effects on the lung and respiratory system. The aim of this study was to confirm the antioxidant effects of saponins from Platycodi Radix (PRS), with emphasis on its selective inhibition of lipid peroxidation in different tissues. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was determined by a H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ system; a modified thiobarbituric acid reactive species assay was used to measure the lipid peroxide in rats' tissues. These antioxidant activities were compared to ascorbic acid (Vc). The results showed that PRS had antioxidant activities in various antioxidant systems. And the inhibition capability of lipid peroxidation of PRS and Vc were excellent, but differed greatly in different tissues. These results suggested that PRS had antioxidant effects and selective inhibition of lipid peroxidation. It indicated that the mechanism of Platycodi Radix to treat some diseases might be related to its antioxidant activity, especially its tissue selective effects. However, further study is needed.

A water-soluble polysaccharide named CPS1 had been isolated from C. sinensis mycelium by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange, and gel-permeation chromatography. UV spectra, FTIR spectra, partial acid hydrolysis, PMP precolumn derivation, periodate oxidation and Smith degradation studies were conducted to elucidate its structure. The results indicated that CPS1 was a glucomannogalactan with the monosaccharide composition of glucose: mannose: galactose = 2.8: 2.9: 1. The total carbohydrate content of CPS1 was 99.0%. The weight-average molecular weight was 8.1 × 10³Da. The results predicted (1 → 2) and (1 → 4)-linkage of mannose, (1 → 3)-linkage of galactose, (1 → ) and (1 → 3, 6)-linkage of glucose composed the backbone of CPS1. CPS1 was also evaluated for its antioxidant activity in vitro, including scavenging effects on the hydroxyl radicals, the reducing power, Fe²⁺-chelating activity, scavenging effect on superoxide radicals, as well as the inhibition of hydrogen peroxide induced haemolysis. CPS1 showed a high antioxidant effect, especially scavenging effect of hydroxyl radicals, the reducing power and Fe²⁺-chelating activity. The results provide scientific support for the antioxidant activity and indicated a connection between antioxidant activity and reparation of renal failure.

This study evaluated the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of the crude extract and fractions of Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. The total phenolic content, 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), reducing power, total flavonoid content of D. triflorum were evaluated for the exploration of its antioxidant activities. Furthermore, its antiproliferative activities were investigated through the MTT method. It was compared with the antioxidant capacities of known antioxidants, including catechin, α-tocopherol, trolox and ascorbic acid. Among all fractions, ethyl acetate fraction was the most active in scavenging DPPH and TEAC radicals, of which 0.4 mg was equivalent to 186.6 ± 2.5 μg and 82.5 ± 2.1 μg of α-tocopherol and trolox respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the crude extract were equivalent to 36.60 ± 0.1 mg catechin and 45.6 ± 0.6 mg rutin per gram respectively. In the reducing power assay, 1.25 mg of crude extract was similar to 61.2 ± 0.3 μg of ascorbic acid. For the assessment of the safety and toxicity of D. triflorum, LD₅₀ of the crude extract was greater than 10 g/kg when administered to mice through gastric intubation. The above experimental data indicated that D. triflorum was a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and such efficacy may be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic compounds.

This study was designed to examine antioxidant activities, antiglycating abilities and neuroprotective effects of methanolic extracts of Salvia choloroleuca, Salvia santolinifolia and Salvia mirzayanii from Iran. The extracts were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by several biochemical assays such as DPPH, FRAP, β-carotene bleaching and TEAC assays. HPLC analysis of these extracts led to the separation of a number of components such as catechine and rosmarinic acid. Based on our results, all these plants had antioxidant and antiglycating activities, among them S. choloroleuca seems to be the most effective one. Furthermore, these species not only showed no cytotoxic effects in neuron-like PC12 cells, but also protected them against oxidative stress-induced cell death, exerted by H₂O₂. We further showed that these plants increase superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, reduce lipid peroxidation and up regulate hemeoxygenase-1 and glutamylcysteine synthetase proteins. This study raised the possibility of developing these plants as potential neuroprotective agents.

Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of death in the world. Common therapies, such as primary coronary angioplasty and thrombolysis, are applied to restore blood supply to the heart, limit infarct size and reduce mortality. However, the restoration of blood supply would generate reactive oxygen species in damaged sites of the myocardium, intensifying the damage to the cardiac tissues. Radix Scutellariae baicalensis (Huangqin) is a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine with high antioxidant power. In this study, extract of the dry root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Sb) was confirmed to have a high content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The cardioprotective effects of the Sb extracts (3, 30 and 300 mg/kg) were evaluated in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuried rats. The results showed that animals that had received five-day pretreatment of the Sb extract (30 mg/kg) had a significant reduction in myocardial infarct size and a marked increase in the activity of catalase in the liver. The Sb extract could additionally enhance acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation. It was proposed that the Sb extract exerted its cardioprotection by stimulating the catalase activity and improving vascular elasticity.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are related to several chronic diseases including cancer and atherosclerosis. Kalanchoe gracilis (L.) DC is a special folk medicinal plant in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of the methanolic extract and fractions of the stem of K. gracilis. TEAC, total phenolic compound content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation were analyzed. Among all fractions, the chloroform fraction showed the highest TEAC and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The chloroform fraction also had the highest content of polyphenols and flavonoids. Chloroform fractions also decreased LPS-induced NO production and expressions of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. The antiproliferative activities of the methanolic extract and fractions were studied in vitro using HepG2 cells, and the results were consistent with their antioxidant capacities. Chloroform fractions had the highest antiproliferative activity with an IC₅₀ of 136.85 ± 2.32 μg/ml. Eupafolin also had good pharmacological activity in the antioxidant, anti-inflammation and antiproliferative. Eupafolin might be an important bioactive compound in the stem of K. gracilis. The above experimental data indicated that the stem of K. gracilis is a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and such efficacy may be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic compounds.

Inflammation is related to several chronic diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis. Taxillus sutchuenensis (Lecomte) Danser is a special folk medicinal plant in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities of the aqueouse-thanol extract from T. sutchuenensis (AETS) and its fractions. TEAC, DPPH radicals, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid content, inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation were tested. Among all fractions, the ethyl-acetate (EA) fraction showed the highest TEAC and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The EA fraction also had the highest polyphenol and flavonoid content. The EA fractions also decreased LPS-induced NO production and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. The antiproliferative activities of the aqueous/ethanol extract and fractions were studied in vitro using A549 cells, and the results were consistent with their antioxidant capacities. EA fractions had the highest antiproliferative activity with an IC₅₀ of 454.38 ± 1.48 μg/ml. Quercetin also had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities. Quercetin might be an important bioactive compound in T. sutchuenensis. The experimental data indicated that T. sutchuenensis is a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and such efficacy may be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic compounds.

In this study, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts (leaves, stems and fruits) from Morus alba L., a traditional Chinese medicine, were evaluated for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Ethanolic extracts showed higher contents of both total phenolics and flavonoids than aqueous extracts. The total phenolic content was in the order of: leaf extracts > fruit extracts > stem extracts, whereas the total flavonoids was: leaf extracts > stem extracts > fruit extracts. Using DPPH assays, the concentrations providing 50% inhibition (IC₅₀) values of aqueous extracts from leaves, stems and fruits were 7.11 ± 1.45 mg/ml, 86.78 ± 3.21 mg/ml and 14.38 ± 2.83 mg/ml, respectively, whereas the IC₅₀ values of ethanolic extracts were 3.11 ± 0.86 mg/ml, 14.62 ± 2.45 mg/ml and 12.42 ± 2.76 mg/ml, respectively. In sum, the antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts from M. alba L. were stronger than the aqueous extracts, and in the order of: leaf extracts > fruit extracts > stem extracts. The ethanolic extracts exhibited moderate antimicrobial activities, whereas the aqueous extracts showed poor antimicrobial properties in our test system. This study validated the medicinal potential of M. alba L.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are related to several chronic diseases including cancer. Actinidia callosa var. ephippioides (ACE) is a special folk medicinal plant from Taiwan. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities of the methanol extract and fractions from the stem of ACE. Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, inhibition on nitric oxide (NO) productions by LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell, and on lung cancer cell proliferation were employed. Among all fractions, ethyl-acetate fraction (EA-ACE) showed higher TEAC, DPPH radical scavenging activities, polyphenol and flavonoid contents, respectively. EA-ACE also decreased the LPS-induced NO production and expressions of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) in RAW264.7 cells. EA-ACE had the highest antiproliferative activity with an IC₅₀ (The concentrations required for inhibition of 50% of cell viability) of 469.17 ± 3.59 μg/mL. Catechin also had good effects in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Catechin might be an important bioactive compound in the stem of ACE. The above experimental data indicated that the stem of ACE is a potent antioxidant medicinal plant, and such efficacy may be mainly attributed to its polyphenolic compounds.

Two types of white wines with different places of provenience, and a few types of commercial and natural juices were chosen for preliminary studies of their antioxidant characteristics by using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant capacity of these samples was assessed using stable free radicals such as nitroxide radical Tempol (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine-oxyl), as a paramagnetic agent. The inhibition by antioxidants of the absorbance of the paramagnetic species was found to decrease in time with different rates, and was correlated to the antioxidant activity of the studied samples. The obtained results permit us to make a brief evaluation of the main antioxidative characteristics of the studied wines and juices samples.