Narrow Results

The (Ni/NiO)${}_{CG}$/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite was green synthesized using Cleome gynandra via sol–gel method. The photocatalytic dye decomposition, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the nanocomposite were studied and compared with those of (Ni/NiO)${}_{\mathrm{\text{CG}}}$ and g-C₃N₄. The nanocomposite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of 97% compared to (Ni/NiO)${}_{\mathrm{\text{CG}}}$ (63%) and g-C₃N₄ (80%) due to the synergistic effect between both the composite partners. The nanocomposite, (Ni/NiO)${}_{\mathrm{\text{CG}}}$/g-C₃N₄ showed notable antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC${}_{50}$ of $41.76\pm 0.88$$\mu$g/mL with 87.06% of inhibition at 500$\mu$g/mL) and ABTS (IC${}_{50}$ of $47.60\pm 0.81$$\mu$g/mL with 88.40 % of inhibition at 500$\mu$g/mL) radical scavenging assays. The green synthesized nanocomposite also exhibited significant antidiabetic activity in $\alpha$-amylase and $\alpha$-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assays with the IC${}_{50}$ of $33.83\pm 0.53$$\mu$g/mL and $49.94\pm 0.64$$\mu$g/mL, respectively. The XRD and SEM analyses confirmed the nanocomposite formation of (Ni/NiO)${}_{CG}$/g-C₃N₄. The results showed that the green synthesized (Ni/NiO)${}_{\mathrm{\text{CG}}}$/g-C₃N₄ has desirable dye degradation, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. This paper presents the results of the remarkable photocatalytic dye decomposition, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of the nanocomposite (Ni/NiO)${}_{\mathrm{\text{CG}}}$/g-C₃N₄ synthesized via an eco-friendly greeny way using Cleome gynandra leaf extract which may be the first report of this kind utilizing this plant.

Recently, there has been a strong interest in nanoparticles (NPs) and their use in a wide range of food applications due to their possession of a set of unique physical and chemical properties. In this work, the nanoformulation was synthesized by coating Fe Ion and Zahdi date pit powder (ZDP) by whey protein. This nanosystem was functionalized by folic acid (FA) molecules. The physiochemical characteristics of WPI@Fe-ZDP-FA nanocomposite were evaluated and confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and radical scavenging activity using DPPH methods. These NPs were added to skim milk and yogurt was produced from it. The effects of this addition on the chemical, physical and sensory properties of yogurt were studied during storage at $5^{\circ }$C for 28 days. The prepared nanocomposite was used in proportions of 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%, respectively. The chemical tests included measuring the percentage of moisture, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and ash, in addition to the total acidity and pH, while the rheological tests included hardness, cohesion and flexibility. A sensory evaluation of the curd parameters was also performed. The curd treatments to which the nanocomposite was added showed a decrease in the level of moisture over the length of the storage period and an increase in the percentage of protein, carbohydrates and ash compared to the control sample that was without the addition. As for the rheological tests, there was a discrepancy in the results of the treatments when compared to the control treatment, as the addition of 0.25% has higher characteristics than all other treatments, especially in the ability to retain water and spontaneous whey excretion. It was more acceptable in terms that the novel WPI@Fe-ZDP-FA nanoformulation greatly improved the characteristics of texture, taste and flavor in yogurt.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Polygonum multiflorum (PM) Thunb. on the learning and memory ability in one- and seven- month-old male senescence accelerated mice (SAMP8). The mice were fed with two different diets for 18 weeks; they were casein dietary group (control group) and casein diet supplemented with PM extracts. Active shuttle avoidance test was performed to determine the learning and memory ability of the mice while the spongy degeneration and the lipofuscin, malondialdehyde, and total thiol levels of the brain were measured to evaluate the extent of the brain degeneration and oxidative status. Results of active shuttle avoidance test showed the mice fed with the PM extracts had significantly better learning and memory ability than the control group. The spongy degeneration and the lipofuscin and malondialdehyde concentrations of the mice in the PM groups were significantly lower than the control in both age groups, whereas the total thiol levels were higher but not significantly different. It was concluded that the supplement of the PM extracts could improve the learning and memory ability and reduce the brain pathological changes in mice. This might be due to the antioxidant phytochemicals of the PM extracts.

The aim of this study is to investigate the antioxidant defense system induced by the methanol extract of Bauhinia racemosa L.(MEBR) against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wister albino rats. The effects of MEBR on surface visible macroscopic (Morphometry) liver lesions (neoplastic nodules) and the levels of serum enzymes, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were evaluated in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.In rats treated, with NDEA, significantly elevated levels of serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP), bilirubin and decreased levels of protein and uric acid were observed. Significantly elevated amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), the end product of lipidperoxidation, indicated higher levels of lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by significantly decreased levels of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Administration of MEBR was able to suppress nodule development/hepatocellular lesion formation in rats. The extract treatment increases in antioxidant levels and dramatic decreases in lipid peroxidation levels. MEBR also produced a protective effect by decreasing the level of serum enzymes, bilirubin and increased the protein and uric acid levels. The results suggest that MEBR exert chemopreventive effects by suppressing nodule development and decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the levels of antioxidants in NDEA carcinogenesis by reducing the formation of free radicals.

Some traditional Chinese medicinal seeds and fruits are well known for their antioxidant properties. This research aims to investigate whether Fructus Lycii, Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Semen Cuscutae protect DNA from oxidant challenge by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The standard comet assay was used to assess the genoprotective effect of these medicinal herbs. Blood was taken from three healthy adults, aged from 36 to 42. Lymphocytes were isolated and treated with different concentrations of aqueous herbal extracts, while controls were treated with phosphate buffered saline. The lymphocytes were stressed with 50 μMH₂O₂. Treated cells were embedded in agarose and layered on slides. These sandwiched lymphocytes were lysed and afterwards subjected to an electric field in an alkaline environment. Damaged DNA was pulled out from the nucleus towards the positive electrode as a comet tail; its density was related to the degree of DNA damage. Finally, the slides were stained with fluorescence dye and tails were visually scored for 100 cells. The experiment was repeated three times and DNA damage in treated cells was compared to the controls. There was no statistical difference in DNA damage among the herb treated cells and untreated cells in the comet assay. Our data demonstrated that the selected medicinal herbs did not show in vitro DNA protection in the comet assay against oxidant challenge.

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Ten (Good) Reasons to Drink Green Tea.

Nanosized metal aluminates MAl₂O₄, [$\mathrm{\text{M}}=\mathrm{\text{Cu}}$ and Co] are synthesized from their nitrates solution by using pomegranate peel extract as fuel in microwave combustion. MAl₂O₄ [$\mathrm{\text{M}}=\mathrm{\text{Cu}}$ and Co] nanoparticles are grown in microwave assisted synthesis followed by annealing at 700${}^{\circ }$C. The nanoparticles have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-VIS spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PXRD analysis has confirmed their spinel composition. The green protocol and microwave combustion route for spinel synthesis are rapid, simple, without any hazardous chemicals as reducing or stabilizing agents and economical.

The molecular properties of robinetin and melanoxetin which are the two naturally occurring flavonoid compounds have been studied theoretically by means of density functional theory approach (DFT) at the level of B3LYP/6-311G(d,p). The analysis of computed bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), proton affinity (PA), electron transfer enthalpy (ETE) values for both the flavonoid compounds indicate the role of B-ring for the significant antioxidant characteristics and the instability of the A-ring. It also concerns the dominant role of BDE mechanism for antioxidant activity than PDE, PA and ETE mechanisms. Ionization potential (IP) is also found to be trustworthy in the study of antioxidant activity and the computed IP magnitudes are in agreement with the values of synthetic food additives. Further, the various molecular descriptors along with the plot of frontier molecular orbitals and Mulliken spin population analysis have been obtained and the validity of Koopmans' theorem is also verified with reference to antioxidant behavior.

The aim of this work is to perform a computational study of the radical scavenging activity of a series of common hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) in polar and nonpolar solvents in order to rationalize the experimental order obtained in ethanol and to analyze the solvent effect on mechanism and radical scavenging capacity. The thermodynamics of the main mechanisms, namely, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), sequential proton loss followed by electron transfer (SPLET), and single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT) were investigated at the M05-2X/6-31$+$G($d,p$) level of theory using the SMD solvation model. This study shows that the SET-PT mechanism is disfavored in all media, whereas HAT is the most thermodynamically favored mechanism in gas phase and SPLET is the preferred reaction pathway in pentyl ethanoate, ethanol and water. The thermodynamically preferred site of antioxidant action and the radical scavenging order are predicted using the BDE${}_{min}$ and (PA$+$ETE)${}_{min}$ descriptors corresponding to the HAT and SPLET mechanisms, respectively. The obtained results point out that the mechanism and the radical scavenging potency are influenced by solvent polarity and our predictions are in agreement with the experimental measurements performed in ethanol giving the following descending order: caffeic $\mathrm{\text{acid}}>\mathrm{\text{sinapic}}$$\mathrm{\text{acid}}>\mathrm{\text{ferulic}}$$\mathrm{\text{acid}}>p$-coumaric acid. Our results also show that the ortho substitution of caffeic acid by strong electron donating groups leads to a notable increase of their radical scavenging activity and new potent HCA derivatives are designed.

The growing number of research in epilepsy provides evidences regarding the progressive neuronal damage which occur as a result of recurrent brief seizures as well as prolonged seizures. Advances in understanding the neurobiology of epilepsy indicate that initial seizure injury triggers a sequence of adaptive molecular and cellular mechanisms that interact in a highly complex manner. These changes evolve over a period of time (up to years) and involve gene alteration, channel dysfunction, impaired inhibitory/excitatory balance tipped towards excitation, mitochondrial embarrassment, homeostatic alteration of cell essential elements and exhaustion of endogenous protective mechanisms. This results in long-lasting functional and structural neurobiological reorganization at different levels that contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability, excitotoxicity, apoptotic and necrotic cell death, gliosis, persistent epileptogenesis and spontaneous seizures later in life. Importantly, seizure is only one aspect of epilepsy, however, behavioral and cognitive deficits which occur as a result of seizures or its treatment can be more detrimental to an individual's overall function. The perspectives of beneficial neuroprotection in epilepsy aim not only to improve seizure control, but also to promote compensatory processes in repairing, modifying or blocking the active changes triggered by the initial injury. Recent evidences indicate that the current AEDs have some neuroprotective potentials. However, their limited capabilities against broader range of neurotoxic insults, differential effect on the brain during various stages of development and undesirable adverse effects, trigger the inspiration of new strategies. Speculative targets may include free radical scavengers/antioxidants, modifiers of mitochondrial dysfunction, antiapoptotics, immunomodulators, hormonotherapy and neurotrophic factors. For all, assessments of therapeutic time window, long-term neuroprotective potentials and adverse consequences are mandatory.

The influence of free bases of meso-tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)porphyrins and meso-tetraphenylporphyrins and their complexes of Co, Ni, Cu, Pt upon the radical chain oxidation of oleic acid as model substrates for lipid peroxidation has been studied. It was shown that the introduction of the antioxidative phenolic fragment into the porphyrin ring leads to the dual activity of phenolic porphyrins when compared with their tetraphenyl substituted analogues in substrate oxidation. Free base phenolic porphyrins and their nickel, copper, platinum complexes demonstrate acute inhibitory effect upon oleic acid peroxidation due to the key role of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol moities, whereas cobalt porphyrin exhibits dual activity associated with the presence of both the redox active metal center and phenolic group.

The degradation of the green pigment chlorophyll in plants is known to yield phyllobilins as highly abundant linear tetrapyrroles. Recently, a split path of the degradation pathway has been discovered, leading to so-called dioxobilin-type (or type-II) phyllobilins. The first characterized type-II phyllobilin was colorless featuring four deconjugated pyrrole units. Similar to the type-I branch, for which yellow oxidation products of the colorless phyllobilins – the type-I phylloxanthobilins – are known, a type-II phylloxanthobilin has recently been characterized from senescent leaves of grapevine. Type-I phylloxanthobilins appear to be actively produced in the plant, are known to possess interesting chemical properties, and were shown to act as potent antioxidants that can protect cells from oxidative stress. Here we report the isolation and structural characterization of a type-II phylloxanthobilin from de-greened leaves of savoy cabbage, which turned out to be structurally closely related to bilirubin. Bilirubin is known to possess high antioxidative activity; in addition, savoy cabbage is considered to promote health benefits due to its high content in antioxidants. We therefore investigated the in vitro antioxidative potential of the newly identified type-II phylloxanthobilin using two different approaches, both of which revealed an even higher antioxidative activity for the type-II phylloxanthobilin from savoy cabbage compared to bilirubin.

Tea is the most frequently consumed beverage worldwide besides water. Generally, there are five most popular types of tea: green, white, black, Pu’er, and oolong. Tea possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Several research investigations, epidemiological studies, and meta-analyses suggest that tea and its bioactive polyphenolic constituents have numerous beneficial effects on health, including the prevention of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and obesity. Recently, there are many reports about the resistance of tea to COVID-19 virus on the Internet, which has attracted a lot of attention to tea drinking and the discussion about the pros and cons of tea drinking. Based on our research results and relevant reports form literatures, this review is intended to highlight the beneficial effects and possible side-effects associated with tea consumption, answer 10 questions and point out a few matters for attention.

The degradation of the green pigment chlorophyll in plants is known to yield phyllobilins as highly abundant linear tetrapyrroles. Recently, a split path of the degradation pathway has been discovered, leading to so-called dioxobilin-type (or type-II) phyllobilins. The first characterized type-II phyllobilin was colorless featuring four deconjugated pyrrole units. Similar to the type-I branch, for which yellow oxidation products of the colorless phyllobilins — the type-I phylloxanthobilins — are known, a type-II phylloxanthobilin has recently been characterized from senescent leaves of grapevine. Type-I phylloxanthobilins appear to be actively produced in the plant, are known to possess interesting chemical properties, and were shown to act as potent antioxidants that can protect cells from oxidative stress. Here we report the isolation and structural characterization of a type-II phylloxanthobilin from de-greened leaves of savoy cabbage, which turned out to be structurally closely related to bilirubin. Bilirubin is known to possess high antioxidative activity; in addition, savoy cabbage is considered to promote health benefits due to its high content in antioxidants. We therefore investigated the in vitro antioxidative potential of the newly identified type-II phylloxanthobilin using two different approaches, both of which revealed an even higher antioxidative activity for the type-II phylloxanthobilin from savoy cabbage compared to bilirubin.

Lithium (Li) and nickel (Ni) are two of the most widely used metals in various industrial applications. Since they are available for plants’ uptake from the soil, excessive plant exposure to high doses of both metals may be tolerable or not for accumulating species and sensitive species, respectively. Many plants adopt a number of powerful detoxification techniques in their fight for survival. Among them, the antioxidant defence system is a crucial mechanism that helps plants cope with toxic metals, including Li and Ni. Understanding the different approaches that plants use to activate this system can provide insights into how we can improve plant resilience and protect them from environmental stressors. Besides the natural endogenously reacting antioxidant system in the plant’s own body, exogenously applied antioxidants have proven to be effective in mitigating the negative effects of the aforementioned metals. Herein, we review the traditional as well as recent advances used in overcoming the toxicity of Li and Ni to plants.

Purpose: Cancer patients widely use complementary alternative medicines. Although some remedies have been shown to be of benefit, there is also a risk of potentially serious interactions with conventional cancer therapies and diagnostic procedures. The aim of this review is to identify the main factors which might make complementary medicines potentially unsafe in cancer.

Method: Systematic review of potential interactions with chemo- and radiotherapy and review of the purported mechanisms of action.

Results: Four factors were identified. These included the potential modification of the clinical course, interaction with the pharmacodynamics and pharma-cokinetics of conventional therapies and potential alterations of investigations. Complementary immunostimulants may be contraindicated in lymphomas and other cancers in which suppression of the immune system is desired. Phytoestrogens could stimulate growth of hormone sensitive cancer cells. Antioxidants should not be used in chemotherapies whose mechanisms of action rely on cell damage through oxidative stress. Many remedies can interact with the cytochrome P450 system thereby potentially changing plasma levels of conventional medicines. However, in vitro effects or findings from animal studies may not translate into clinically relevant effects. Some remedies may interfere with the membrane transporter proteins thereby contributing to multi-drug resistance. Finally some complementary medicines remedies may interfere with unsealed source radiotherapy or nuclear scans.

Conclusions: Predicting the safety profile of complementary medicines is complex and may depend on personal and genetic factors. In cancer therapy, where the therapeutic margin of chemotherapies is very narrow, potential risks and benefits need to be meticulously evaluated.

The following sections are included:

• Introduction

• The Thioredoxin System

• The Glutaredoxin System

• Redox Regulation by Thioredoxin and Glutaredoxin

• Effects of Oxidants and Antioxidants

• Future Perspectives

• Acknowledgments

• References

The following sections are included:

• Introduction

• Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidants

• Vitamin E

• Nitric Oxide as an Antioxidant

• Vitamin C

• Antioxidant Network

• Aging

• Summary

• Abbreviations

• References

The following sections are included:

• Summary

• The Role of Oxidative Stress in Aging

• Reducing Oxidative Stress — Lowering Exposure to Environmental Oxidants

• Reducing Oxidative Stress — Lower the In Vivo Generation of Oxidative Free Radicals

• Reducing Oxidative Stress — Increase the In Vivo Levels of Antioxidant Defenses

• Clinical Trials on Nutritional Supplements that May Reduce Oxidative Stress

• Extending Lifespan by Lowering Insulin and Glucose Levels

• Dietary Changes and Nutritional Supplements that Counteract

• Age-Related Diseases

• Conclusions

• References