Phytochemical and taxonomic evaluation of Rhazya stricta in Saudi Arabia

Rhazya stricta Decne is an important medicinal species used in indigenous medicinal herbal drugs to cure various diseases in South Asia (Pakistan, India and Afghanistan) and in the Middle East (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran and Iraq). Some of its alkaloids have been reported to have anticancerous properties. The aim of our study is to examine the morphological and taxonomical parameters for R. stricta in the Saudi Arabia; concentrations and distributions of some secondary metabolites; and also to determine the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The results of present study showed that there was no influence of environment on the structure of stomata and trichomes as studying species with R. stricta. In conclusion our study shows no trichomes on leaf of R. stricta it is glabrous, whereas, variations between many secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds occurred in response to changing climatic conditions.     

Chemical composition and antioxidant activities of Jeddah corniche algae,Saudi Arabia

The increased use of natural product in the pharmaceutical industry has led to an increase in demand for screening for bioactive compounds in marine algae. An important economic algae, through chemical composition analysis and their antioxidant activities were investigated in this study. Chemical composition analysis of three algal samples from the Chlorophyta Ulva lactuca (U), Phaeophyta Sargassum crassifolia (S) and Rhodophyta Digenea simplex (D) was tested. Main components were sugars (57.40–185.13 mg/g dry weight), uronic acids (29.3–45.26 mg/g dry weight), sulfate (94.7–181.2 mg/g dry weight), amino acids (7.6–16.7 mg/g dry weight) and small amounts of betaines (2.38–8.47 mg/g dry weight). Hydrolyzed chemical composition analysis fractions of algal extract was shown a great proportion of sugars plus sulfate (as polysaccharide composed) ranges between 332 and 538.2 mg/g dry weight with trace amounts of uronic acids (⩽9%). All three algal extract showed antioxidant activities on lipoxygenase, DPPH and on Ames test. Two of aqueous extracts (U and D) inhibited lipoxygenase activity by less than 50%, where as the methanolic extract (S) caused 76% inhibition of the control. In all cases, the methanolic extract were more inhibitory than the aqueous extract. The (S) showed the highest antioxidant activity with DPPH (69%) in aqueous extract and in methanol extract with Ames test (85%). Both U and D showed antioxidant activity with DPPH in hexane by less of 25% where as in both aqueous and methanolic extracts by less than 50% of the control. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of U and D showed high inhibition by Ames test which caused 70% and 75% respectively. IR spectra of algal extracts (U; D and S) range from 1450 to 750 cm⁻¹ were very similar absorption band at 1430, 1370, 1250, 1130, 1110, 1050 and 1020 cm⁻¹. Absorption bands were due to uronic acids, glucosides and sulfate. The presence of sulfated polysaccharide material in the fractions UF2, DF2 and SF2 were found as cell wall storage of marine algae, confirmed by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. It is concluded that the algal species probably have a different components and can be used in the activities of antioxidant enzymes as reduced the risks of enzymes. But the correlation between the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of algal extracts needs further investigation.Abbreviations: (U), Ulva lactuca; (S), Sargassum crassifolia; (D), Digenea simplex; DPPH, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl; HPLC, high performance liquid chromatographic     

A comparison of screening methods for antioxidant activity in seaweeds

The inhibition of lipid peroxidation and radical scavenging effects were studied to evaluate the antioxidant activity for extracts of 17 species of seaweed. The antioxidant effect was evaluated by determination of lipoxygenase activity and by α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) decolorization. Lipoxygenase activity was depressed in the presence of aqueous and ethanol extracts of 4 algal species; Sargassum species had the highest antioxidant activity of all the species examined. The ethanol extracts of one Sargassum species showed competitive inhibition with the substrate. The same species also showed radical scavenging activity in the DPPH decolorization test. Comparison of these results shows no relationship between enzyme inhibition and radical scavenging activity. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Purification and identification of antioxidant peptides from walnut (Juglans regia L.) protein hydrolysates

Walnut proteins were hydrolyzed separately using three different proteases to obtain antioxidant peptides. The antioxidant activities of the hydrolysates were measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Among hydrolysates, pepsin hydrolysate obtained by 3 h exhibited the highest antioxidant activities, which could also quench the hydroxyl radical, chelate ferrous ion, exhibit reducing power and inhibit the lipid peroxidation. Then, 3-h pepsin hydrolysates were purified sequentially by ultrafiltration, gel filtration and RP-HPLC. The sequence of the peptide with the highest antioxidative activity was identified to be Ala-Asp-Ala-Phe (423.23 Da) using RP-HPLC-ESI-MS, which was identified for the first time from walnut protein hydrolysates. Last, the inhibition of the peptide on lipid peroxidation was similar with that of reduced glutathione (GSH). These results indicate that the protein hydrolysates and/or its isolated peptides may be effectively used as food additives.     

Synthesis, spectroscopy, and biological properties of vanadium(IV)-hydrazide complexes

The synthesis, spectroscopic, enzyme-inhibition, and free-radical-scavenging properties of a series of vanadium(IV) complexes, compounds 1-10, were investigated. These complexes exhibit a dimeric structure with hydrazide ligands coordinated in a bidentate fashion. All complexes are stable in the solid state, but exhibit varying degrees of stability in solution. In coordinating solvent such as DMSO, stepwise binding of two solvent molecules at the 6th positions trans to the V double bond O bond of the dimeric unit is observed. The dimeric compounds are converted to monomeric species in which both solvent molecules and the hydrazide ligands are coordinated to the V(IV) center. The free hydrazide ligands 11-20 were inactive against alpha-glucosidase, but the V(IV) complexes showed varying degrees of inhibition, depending on the type of ligand. The DPPH-radical-scavenging activities of 1-20 were determined, which indicated that steric and/or electronic effects responsible for changes in geometry play important roles in terms of antioxidant potential.     

球孢白僵菌不同菌株清除自由基活性评价

选择不同来源的12株球孢白僵菌,分别测定菌丝体2种溶剂提取物在不同抗氧化模型中的抗氧化作用。结果表明,不同溶剂提取物对二苯基苦味酰基苯肼自由基(DPPH)和羟自由基(.OH)均有清除作用,但是清除自由基的活性不同,乙酸乙酯提取物对.OH的清除作用最为显著,活性较高,最高清除率达到71.54%。甲醇提取物活性均较低,30 min时甲醇提取物对DPPH和.OH清除率最高分别为36%和38.96%,12株白僵菌间的清除自由基活性有较大的差异。     

Isolation and characterization of two new phenolic acids from cultured cells of Saussurea involucrata

Two new phenolic acids, 1, 5-O-dicaffeoyl-3-O-(4-maloyl)-quinic acid (1) and 3, 5-di-O-caffeoyl-1-O-(2-O-caffeoyl-4-maloyl)-quinic acid (2), were isolated from cultured cells of Saussurea involucrata. Their structures were elucidated using 2D NMR spectroscopy and MS. Further in vitro bioactive investigations demonstrated that 3, 5-di-O-caffeoyl-1-O-(2-O-caffeoyl-4-maloyl)-quinic acid (2) had significant scavenging activities against radicals 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS).     

Saddleback Deformities in Fish Species Collected from the Arabian Gulf Coast of Jubail City,Saudi Arabia

The saddleback syndromes were observed in several commercial fishes obtained from Saudi Arabian coast of the Arabian Gulf. These deformities resulting in missing dorsal spines or rays, sometimes accompanied by a depression in the dorsal profile, were found in ten fish species from seven families. Other morphological abnormalities such as scale disturbances, lateral line deformity, and kyphosis, the presence of a lesion, slight ambicoloration, and supraneural deformities accompanying the saddleback deformity were also observed. The occurrence of similar deformities across such a spectrum of fishes from the same location suggests that the abnormalities were induced by something in the environment common to all these species.     

Synthesis,antielastase, antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of 4-(aza substituted) methylene substituted dihydroxy coumarines

A series of some 4-(aza substituted) methylene substituted dihydroxy coumarines were evaluated for their antioxidant and antielastase activities. Different in vitro methodologies such as total reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH·) free radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging activity were used as antioxidant activity. All the tested compounds exhibited potent free radical scavenging ability and antielastase activites.     

Carotenoid stabilized gold and silver nanoparticles derived from the Actinomycete Gordonia amicalis HS-11 as effective free radical scavengers

The Actinomycete Gordonia amicalis HS-11 produced orange pigments when cultivated on n-hexadecane as the sole carbon source. When cells of this pigmented bacterium were incubated with 1 mM chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) or silver nitrate (AgNO₃), pH 9.0, at 25 °C, gold and silver nanoparticles, respectively, were obtained in a cell associated manner. It was hypothesized that the pigments present in the cells may be mediating metal reduction reactions. After solvent extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography, two major pigments displaying UV–vis spectra characteristic of carotenoids were isolated. These were identified on the basis of Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry (APCI-MS) in the positive mode as 1′-OH-4-keto-γ-carotene (Carotenoid K) and 1′-OH-γ-carotene (Carotenoid B). The hydroxyl groups present in the carotenoids were eliminated under alkaline conditions and provided the reducing equivalents necessary for synthesizing nanoparticles. Cell associated and carotenoid stabilized nanoparticles were characterized by different analytical techniques. In vitro free radical scavenging activities of cells (control, gold and silver nanoparticle loaded), purified carotenoids and carotenoid stabilized gold and silver nanoparticles were evaluated. Silver nanoparticle loaded cells and carotenoid stabilized silver nanoparticles exhibited improved nitric oxide (NO) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activities compared to their control and gold counterparts. This paper thus reports cell associated nanoparticle synthesis by G. amicalis, describes for the first time the role of carotenoid pigments in metal reduction processes and demonstrates enhanced free radical scavenging activities of the carotenoid stabilized nanoparticles.     

Population dynamics and fecundity estimates of Long-spined Black Sea Urchin Diadema savignyi (Audouin, 1890) from the Red Sea,Saudi Arabia

Sea Urchin is not only the crucial keystone species for the coral reef restoration but also it has antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities. This study undertaken to focus on length weight relationship, size fecundity distribution and the estimation of fecundity from the long-spined Sea Urchin, Diadema savignyi at the coastal water of the middle Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. A total of 633 specimen of D. savignyi has been collected from the coastal water of Obhur Creak during the sampling time. In each species, total length (TL) measured as a TW = 11.908 × 0.9995 (R² = 0.8975) through the linear regression graph and digital slide callipers and, individual body weight estimated by the digital balance. The natural and fishing mortality 2.02/yr and 0.19/yr respectively has documented from study area. The Asymptotic length value (L∞) (cm) were estimated 7.35 where the growth coefficient (K) was 0.67 from the monthly length-frequency numeric data by using FAO FISAT II software for generating and estimating the population parameters and age. However, the recruitment pattern was observed to be increased gradually with the maximum recruitment peak between the months of September and October 2021. Therefore, the estimation of fecundity varied from 49,226 ova (total length 3.1 cm) to 466,133 ova (total length 6.8). As a result, analysis of the relationship between the absolute fecundity (F) and total length (TL), and between the fecundity and drained body weight (DW), revealed a linear regression model with a positive and significant relationship at p < 0.05. This is the first approach to study the detailed population dynamic of the ecologically and economically important tropical long spine sea urchin (D. savignyi) endemic to the region. However, the result so far obtained from this research would greatly be useful towards the understanding of the detailed population structure and growth patterns that will undoubtedly help us to develop captive breeding, seed production, culture protocols, conservation strategies and isolation bioactive compounds of this high-valued species incommensurate with national and international perspectives.     

Taphonomic signatures on modern molluscs and corals from Red Sea coast,southern Saudi Arabia

Bioeroded gastropod, bivalve and coral specimens (n = 570) were collected from the Jazan area, Saudi Red Sea coast, from which 22 ichnospecies of 8 ichnogenera were identified and illustrated. These traces were produced by clionid sponges (Entobia geometrica, E. ovula, E. cf. goniodes, E. cretacea, E. laquea, E. cf. paradoxa and E. isp.), duraphagous drillers (Oichnus ovalis, O. paraboloides, O. simplex and O. isp.), endolithic bivalves (Gastrochaenolites cf. dijugus, G. lapidicus, G. torpedo and G. isp.), polychaete annelids (Caulostrepsis taeniola, C. isp., Maeandropolydora sulcans, M. isp. and ?Trypanites isp.), acorn barnacles (Rogerella isp.), and vermetid gastropods (Renichnus isp.). The seashells act as hard substrate for colonization by serpulid worm, bivalves, bryozoans, and barnacles. Ichnogenus Entobia was most abundant (56.1%), followed by Gastrochaenolites (25.4%), Caulostrepsis (5.3%), Trypanites (4.2%), Maeandropolydora (3.2%), Oichnus (2.8%), Renichnus (1.9%), and Rogerella (1.0%). Oichnus occurred on the thin-shelled and smooth molluscs, while most Gastrochaenolites borings were found in the larger and thicker seashells as a suitable substrate for the settlement of polychaetes, lithophages, naticids, mytilids, and vermetids. Presence of annelid traces among radial ribs and at the siphonal areas of bivalves is indicative of nutrient capturing from water flow during the lifetime of these bivalves, within a shallow, high energy marine environment, where disarticulation, fragmentation, and abrasion of the seashells were abundantly observed.     

Synthesis and antioxidant properties of diphenylmethane derivative bromophenols including a natural product

Bromination of bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methanone (5) gave four products (6–9) with mono, di, tri, and tetra Br under different conditions. Reduction and demethylation reactions of product 9 with tetra Br were performed, consecutively and a natural product, 5,5′-methylene bis(3,4-dibrombenzene-1,2-diol) (1), was obtained with a 53% yield. Five derivatives, (13–17) (bromophenols), of 1 were also synthesised. The antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of bromophenols 1 and 13–17 were determined by employing various in vitro assays such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH^?), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS^?+), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride radical cation (DMPD^?+), and superoxide anion radical (O₂^?-) scavenging, reducing ability determination by the Fe³⁺-Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺-Cu⁺ cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) transformation methods, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferrous ion (Fe²⁺) chelating activities. Moreover, these activities were compared to those of synthetic standard antioxidant compounds such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), α-tocopherol, and trolox. The results showed that the synthesised bromophenols had effective antioxidant power.     

Chemical Characterization,Antioxidant Capacity and Antimicrobial Potential of Essential Oil from the Leaves of Baccharis oreophila Malme

This is the first time that composition, antimicrobial potential and antioxidant ability of essential oil from the leaves of Baccharis oreophila are reported. Essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. Antimicrobial potential was evaluated by diffusion disk and broth microdilution methods. ABTS^.+, DPPH^. and FRAP methods were employed for antioxidant activity evaluation. Essential oil yield was 0.47 %. Sixty‐five compounds were identified, representing 88.53 % of the total essential oil, which showed to be rich in oxygenated (37.88 %) and hydrocarbons sesquiterpenes (34.84 %). The main constituents were khusimone (16.37 %) and spathulenol (16.12 %). Antimicrobial activity was verified against S. aureus (10.33±0.5 mm, MIC: 1250 μg mL^?1) and C. albicans (8.66±0.5 mm, MIC: >2500 μg mL^.1). Antioxidant ability was evidenced by FRAP (4.09 μmol FeSO₄ E mL^?1), ABTS^.+ (1.45 μmol TE mL^?1) and DPPH^. (1.04 μmol TE mL^?1) scavenging capacity. Results showed that this essential oil has interesting biological potential, encouraging further investigations especially in relation to action mechanisms of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.     

Antibacterial substances from marine algae isolated from Jeddah coast of Red sea,Saudi Arabia

Marine algae are known to produce a wide variety of bioactive secondary metabolites and several compounds have been derived from them for prospective development of novel drugs by the pharmaceutical industries. However algae of the Red sea have not been adequately explored for their potential as a source of bioactive substances. In this context Ulva reticulata, Caulerpa occidentalis, Cladophora socialis, Dictyota ciliolata, and Gracilaria dendroides isolated from Red sea coastal waters of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were evaluated for their potential for bioactivity. Extracts of the algae selected for the study were prepared using ethanol, chloroform, petroleum ether and water, and assayed for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25322, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Stapylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. It was found that chloroform was most effective followed by ethanol, petroleum ether and water for the preparation of algal extract with significant antibacterial activities, respectively. Results also indicated that the extracts of red alga G. dendroides were more efficient against the tested bacterial strains followed by green alga U. reticulata, and brown algae D. ciliolata. Chemical analyses showed that G. dendroides recorded the highest percentages of the total fats and total proteins, followed by U. reticulata, and D. ciliolate. Among the bioflavonoids determined Rutin, Quercetin and Kaempherol were present in high percentages in G. dendroides, U. reticulata, and D. ciliolate. Estimation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids revealed that palmitic acid was present in highest percentage in all the algal species analyzed. Amino acid analyses indicated the presence of free amino acids in moderate contents in all the species of algae. The results indicated scope for utilizing these algae as a source of antibacterial substances.     

Phenolic derivatives with free-radical-scavenging activities from Ixeridium gracile (DC.) Shih

Phytochemical investigation of the Tibetan medicinal plant Ixeridium gracile resulted in the isolation and identification of twelve flavonoids and two coumarins, compounds 1-14, the dimeric '2alpha,3alpha-epoxy-5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavan-(4beta-->8)-epicatechin' (1) being a new constituent. The free-radical-scavenging potentials of different extract fractions as well as of the pure compounds towards the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical were evaluated, and are discussed in terms of structure-activity relationship (SAR). The flavonoids were found to be the major constituents contributing to the free-radical-scavenging activity of I. gracile, but the high concentration of coumarins additionally contributed to the observed activity.     

Reproductive biology of captive Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in Saudi Arabia

Reproductive data on captive Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) were collected from June 1986 through April 1992 at the National Wildlife Research Center (Taif, Saudi Arabia). Oryx females are polyestrous. The estrous cycle averaged 22 days and mean gestation length was 260 ± 5.5 days (S.D). Sex ratio at birth was unbiased and mean weight was 6.5 ± 0.7 kg (S.D.), with no difference between sexes. Under captive breeding conditions, births occurred throughout the year. Females gave birth to a single calf at any time during the day and produced 1.03 young per year. Abortion rate was 3.6%. Mortality rate of young was 6.1% before weaning at 3 months of age. The interbirth interval averaged 295 ± 42 days (S.D.), with 53% lasting between 270 and 279 days. Females reached sexual maturity at the age of 13 months. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

L-Propionyl-carnitine as superoxide scavenger, antioxidant, and DNA cleavage protector

L-Propionylcarnitine, a propionyl ester of L-carnitine, increases the intracellular pool of L-carnitine. It exhibits a high affinity for the enzyme carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT) and, thus, is readily converted into propionyl-coenzyme A and free carnitine. It has been reported that L-propionylcarnitine possesses a protective action against heart ischemia–reperfusion injury; however, the antioxidant mechanism is not yet clear. L-Propionylcarnitine might reduce the hydroxyl radical production in the Fenton system, by chelating the iron required for the generation of hydroxyl radicals. To obtain a better insight into the antiradical mechanism of L-propionylcarnitine, the present research analyzed the superoxide scavenging capacity of L-propionylcarnitine and its effect on linoleic acid peroxidation. In addition, the effect of L-propionylcarnitine against DNA cleavage was estimated using pBR322 plasmid. We found that L-propionylcarnitine showed a dose-dependent free-radical scavenging activity. In fact, it was able to scavenge superoxide anion, to inhibit the lipoperoxidation of linoleic acid, and to protect pBR322 DNA from cleavage induced by H₂O₂ UV-photolysis. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of culinary treatments on the physicochemical properties of Ulva lactuca collected from Tabuk coast of Red sea in Saudi Arabia

The increasing demand for healthy, natural, and sustainable food led scientists to take advantage of marine resources and promote interest in culinary and the use of algae that give a variety of colours, textures and flavours from the seaweed. However, few studies have been done on the effect of culinary treatments. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the most popular culinary treatments (boiled, steamed and sous vide) on the physicochemical properties of Ulva lactuca. The treatments were applied at temperatures of 100 °C in the case of both boiling and steaming whereas 50 and 75 °C on sous vide culinary. Results illustrated that both the chemical composition and physical properties of Ulva lactuca greatly affected depending on the culinary method and time. The culinary processes produce an increase in water activity (0.962–0.989) with respect to the raw algae (0.952). All the applied culinary treatments showed an increase in the content of pH, chlorophylls and carotenoids compared to the raw algae, and the highest rise was after boiling for 5 min, although this effect decreases slightly at longer times of boiling. The same about ash, protein, fat, minerals (K, Ca, and Mg), and poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) boiling is a culinary method that greatly influences and on the contrary, sous vide culinary is a technique that respects and can even improve the nutritional value of raw algae.