朱砂根抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶与抗氧化活性研究

对朱砂根抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶与抗氧化活性进行研究.利用96微孔板法筛选α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制活性;采用DPPH、ABTS和FRAP方法分析抗氧化活性.结果表明,乙酸乙酯部位抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶的活性最高(IC50=39.27 μg/mL),石油醚部位次之(IC50 =56.11 μg/mL),正丁醇部位活性最弱(IC50=62.05μg/mL),但均远大于阳性对照Acarbose(IC50=1081.27 μg/mL);乙酸乙酯部位抗氧化能力最强,正丁醇部位次之.乙酸乙酯部位清除DPPH自由基(IC50=38.55 mg/L)的能力比BHT( IC50=18.71 mg/L)低1/2,清除ABTS自由基的能力(IC50=3.60 mg/L)比BHT(IC50=7.44 mg/L)强,但比BHA(IC50=1.74 mg/L)弱,还原Fe3+的能力(FRAP=512.99 ±6.80 μmoTE/g)为BHT(FRAP=1581.68±97.41μmol TE/g)的1/3.结果显示朱砂根乙酸乙酯部位抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶和抗氧化活性最好.     

Characterization of saponins and phenolic compounds: antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase in different varieties of colored quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd)

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the contents of saponins and phenolic compounds in relation to their antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition activity of 7 colored quinoa varieties. The total saponin content was significantly different among 7 varieties and ranged from 7.51 to 12.12 mg OAE/g DW. Darker quinoa had a higher content of phenolic compounds, as well as higher flavonoids and antioxidant activity than that of light varieties. Nine individual phenolic compounds were detected in free and bound form, with gallic acid and ferulic acid representing the major compounds. The free and bound phenolic compounds (gallic acid and ferulic acid in particular) exhibited high linear correlation with their corresponding antioxidant values. In addition, the free phenolic extracts from colored quinoa exhibited higher inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase than the bound phenolic extracts. These findings imply that colored quinoa with abundant bioactive phytochemicals could be an important natural source for preparing functional food.     

Entamoeba histolytica: ouabain-insensitive Na(+)-ATPase activity

Our aim was to determine the presence of sodium pumps in Entamoeba histolytica. It is shown through the measurement of ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity and immunoblotting that E. histolytica does not express (Na(+)+K(+))ATPase. On the other hand, we observed a Na(+)-ATPase with the following characteristics: (1) stimulated by Na(+) or K(+), but these effects are not addictive; (2) the apparent affinity is similar for Na(+) and K(+) (K(0.5) = 13.3 +/- 3.7 and 15.4 +/- 3.1mM, respectively), as well as the V(max) (24.9 +/- 1.5 or 27.5 +/- 1.6 nmol Pi mg(-1)min(-1), respectively); (3) insensitive up to 2mM ouabain; and (4) inhibited by furosemide with an IC(50) of 0.12 +/- 0.004 mM. Furthermore, this enzyme forms a Na(+)- or K(+)-stimulated, furosemide- and hydroxylamine-sensitive ATP-driven acylphosphate phosphorylated intermediate.     

Determination of the maximum water solubility of eight native starches and the solubility of their acidic-methanol and -ethanol modified analogues

The maximum water solubilities of eight native starches from potato, shoti, tapioca, maize, waxy maize, amylomaize-7, wheat, and rice and their acid-methanol and acid-ethanol modified analogues have been determined. Maximum solubilities of 18.7 and 17.4 mg/mL were obtained for waxy maize and tapioca and 12.4 mg/mL for potato and maize starches by autoclaving 220 mg/10 mL at 121 degrees C; 8.7 mg/mL was obtained for shoti starch by stirring in 85:15 (v/v) Me(2)SO-H(2)O at 20 degrees C; and 7.0 and 5.2mg/mL for rice and amylomaize-7 starches by stirring in 1M NaOH at 20 degrees C. The acid-alcohol treated starches were 4-9 times more soluble than their native starches. The compositions of the solubilized starches had, in general, much higher ratios of amylose to amylopectin than the ratios in their native granules. A major exception to this was the acid-methanol treated potato, shoti, and rice starches that had much lower ratios of amylose to amylopectin than the ratios in their granules.     

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of a medicinal tincture from Pedilanthus tithymaloides

Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L.) Poit. (Euphorbiaceae) is a low tropical American shrub with a reported wide range of healing properties such as emetic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic, antihemorrhagic, antiviral, antitumoral, and abortive. In the present study, a tincture from P. tithymaloides collected in Cuba was evaluated for its in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, using the rat paw oedema assay, and for its in vitro scavenging effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) (HO*, O2*-, HOCl, ROO* and H2O2), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) (ONOO- and *NO), and DPPH* radical. The protein, free amino acid, and phenolic contents of the tincture were also determined. Pertaining to the anti-inflammatory activity, the intraperitoneal administration of the tincture inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, whereas in the scavenging assays the tincture showed to be effective against all the assayed ROS and RNS, specially for HO* (IC50 = 345+/-77 microg/mL), O2*- (IC50 = 143+/-7 microg/mL), HOCl (IC50 = 113+/-20 microg/mL), ONOO- (IC50 = 44+/-3 microg/mL), and *NO (IC50 = 54+/-4 microg/mL), but displayed weak activity in the DPPH* assay. The protein content of the tincture was 0.70%, and twenty free amino acids were identified and quantified. The content of total phenolics was 17.4+/-0.15 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry material. These results provide scientific support for the empirical use of P. tithymaloides tincture as an anti-inflammatory medicine.     

白皮锦鸡儿黄酮醇类化合物及其抗菌和抗氧化活性(英文)

从豆科植物白皮锦鸡儿(Caragana leucophloea Pojark.)地上部分分离到3个黄酮醇类化合物,经理化和波谱分析鉴定为3-O-甲基山奈酚(1)、3-O-甲基槲皮素(2)和槲皮素(3)。活性测定表明,1表现出较强的抗细菌活性,对大肠杆菌和番茄疮痂病菌的半抑制浓度分别为9.00μg/mL和7.42μg/mL,最低抑制浓度均为12.5μg/mL;而2和3则表现出较强的抗氧化活性,对DPPH还原的半抑制浓度分别为14.39μg/mL和13.64μg/mL;对β-胡萝卜素-亚油酸氧化的半抑制浓度分别为10.26μg/mL和9.87μg/mL。上述黄酮醇类化合物均为首次从白皮锦鸡儿中分离得到。     

The inductive responses of the antioxidant enzymes by salt stress in the rice (Oryza sativa L.)

To access contributions of inductive responses of the antioxidant enzymes in the resistance to salt stress, activities of the enzymes were determined in the rice (Oryza sativaL. cv. Dongjin) plant. In the leaves of the rice plant, salt stress preferentially enhanced the content of H₂O₂ as well as the activities of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase specific to guaiacol, whereas it induced the decrease of catalase activity. On the other hand, salt stress had little effect on the activity levels of glutathione reductase (GR). In order to analyze the changes of antioxidant enzyme isoforms against salt stress, plant extracts were subjected to native PAGE. Leaves of the rice plant had two isoforms of Mn-SOD and five isoforms of Cu/Zn-SOD. Fe-SOD isoform was not observed in the activity gels. Expression of Cu/Zn-1, -2, and Mn-SOD-2 isoforms was preferentially enhanced by salt stress. Seven APX isoforms were presented in the leaves of the rice plants. The intensities of APX-4 to -7 were enhanced by salt stress, whereas those of APX-1 to -3 were minimally in changed response to salt stress. There were seven GR isoforms in the leaves of rice plants. Levels of activity for most GR isoforms did not change in the stressed plants compared to the control plants. On the other hand, the levels of activity for most antioxidant enzymes changed little in the roots of stressed plants compared to the control plants. These results collectively suggest that SOD leads to the overproduction of hydrogen peroxide in the leaves of rice plants subjected to salt stress: The overproduction of hydrogen peroxide functions as the signal of salt stress, which induces the induction of specific APX isoforms but not specific GR isoforms under catalase deactivation.     

Inhibitory activity of xanthine oxidase and superoxide-scavenging activity in some taxa of the lichen family Graphidaceae

Results on the screening of species of the lichen family Graphidaceae for superoxide-scavenging activity (SSA) and xanthine-oxidase inhibitory (IXO) activity have been presented. The potential of the extracts for scavenging of superoxide and inhibition of xanthine-oxidase under various physiological conditions has been evaluated. The methanolic extracts of the species of family Graphidaceae showed inhibitory properties of xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 2.0 to 5.26 microg/ml) with an additional superoxide scavenging capacity (IC50 = 3.63 to 13.88 microg/ml). The potential of the methanolic extracts for scavenging of superoxide and inhibition of xanthine oxidase remained stable at 4 degrees C. Thus the extracts can be maintained for longer periods for their therapeutic uses.     

Antioxidant activities of cultured Armillariella mellea

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of a cultured medicinal fungus--Armillariella mellea (Vahl. ex Fr.) Karst. (AM). Three antioxidant assay systems, namely cytochrome c, xanthine oxidase inhibition and FeCl2-ascorbic acid stimulated lipid peroxidation in rat tissue homogenate tests, were used. Total flavonoid and phenol contents of AM extracts were also analyzed. Results showed that both aqueous (AM-H2O) and ethanolic (AM-EtOH) extracts of solid state cultured AM showed antioxidant activities in a concentration-dependent manner. At concentrations 1-100 microg/ml, the free radical scavenging activity was 73.7-92.1% for AM-H2O, and 60.0-90.8% for AM-EtOH. These extracts also showed an inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase activity, but with a lesser potency (IC50 - 9.17 microg/ml for AM-H2O and 7.48 microg/ml for AM-EtOH). In general, AM-H2O showed a stronger anti-lipid peroxidation activity on different rat's tissues than AM-EtOH. However, both AM extracts displayed a weak inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation in plasma. Interestingly, the anti-lipid peroxidation activity of AM-H2O (IC50 - 6.66 microg/ml) in brain homogenate was as good as alpha-tocopherol (IC50 - 5.42 microg/ml). AM-H2O (80.0 mg/g) possessed a significant higher concentration of total flavonoids than AM-EtOH (30.0 mg/g), whereas no difference was noted in the total phenol content between these two extracts. These results conclude that AM extracts possess potent free radical scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activities, especially the AM-H20 in the brain homogenate.     

Structure and protective effect of exopolysaccharide from P. Agglomerans strain KFS-9 against UV radiation

The water-soluble exopolysaccharide (WSEPS) from Pantoea agglomerans strain KFS-9 isolated from mangrove forest was prepared by removing bacterial cell from the fermentation liquid following by concentration and cold ethanol precipitation of the supernatant. The polysaccharide material was purified by gel permeation chromatography on a Sephacryl S-300HR column and characterized using chemical and spectral methods. The results show that WSEPS is protein-bound polysaccharide, and it is composed of arabinose, glucose galactose and gulcuronic acid in the molar ratio of 1.0:2.2:2.8:0.9. Their antioxidant activities in vitro were studied by various antioxidant assays, including hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging and antilipid peroxidation. The results show that the WSEPS extracted had a high antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner (except the activity of antilipid peroxidation). WSEPS quenched hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals at low amounts, the IC(50) of which were 0.07 and 0.15 mg/ml, respectively. These results indicate that the protective effect of WSEPS against UV radiation is most likely to be due to the free radicals-scavenging ability.     

Safety, efficacy and anti-inflammatory activity of rho iso-alpha-acids from hops

A defined mixture of rho iso-alpha-acids (RIAA), a modified hop extract, was evaluated for anti-inflammatory efficacy and safety. RIAA inhibited LPS-stimulated PGE(2) formation with >200-fold selectivity of COX-2 (IC(50)=1.3 microg/ml) over COX-1 (IC(50)>289 microg/ml). This occurred only when RIAA was added prior to, but not post, LPS stimulation. Consistent with this observation, RIAA produced no physiologically relevant, direct inhibition of COX-1 or COX-2 peroxidase activity. This suggests that RIAA inhibits inducible but not constitutive COX-2. In support, we found RIAA showed minimal PGE(2) inhibition (IC(50)=21mug/ml) relative to celecoxib (IC(50)=0.024 microg/ml), aspirin (IC(50)=0.52 microg/ml) or ibuprofen (IC(50)=0.57 microg/ml) in the AGS gastric mucosal model, where COX-1 and -2 are expressed constitutively. Taken together these results predict RIAA may have lower potential for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity observed with COX enzyme inhibitors. Following confirmation of bioavailable RIAA administered orally, gastrointestinal safety was assessed using the fecal calprotectin biomarker in a 14-day human clinical study; RIAA (900 mg/day) produced no change compared to naproxen (1000 mg/day), which increased fecal calprotectin 200%. Cardiovascular safety was addressed by PGI-M measurements where RIAA (1000 mg) did not reduce PGI-M or affect the urinary PGI-M/TXB(2) ratio. Drug interaction potential was evaluated against six major CYPs; of relevance, RIAA inhibited CYP2C9. Toxicity was assessed in a 21-day oral, mouse subchronic toxicity study where no dose dependent histopathological effects were noted. Clinically, RIAA (1000 mg/day) produced a 54% reduction in WOMAC Global scores in a 6-week, open-label trial of human subjects exhibiting knee osteoarthritis.     

Antioxidant constituents of Nymphaea caerulea flowers

As part of an ongoing search for antioxidants from medicinal plants, 20 constituents were isolated from the Nymphaea caerulea flowers, including two 2S,3S,4S-trihydroxypentanoic acid (1), and myricetin 3-O-(3'-O-acetyl)-alpha-L-rhamnoside (2), along with the known myricetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside (3), myricetin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside (4), quercetin 3-O-(3'-O-acetyl)-alpha-L-rhamnoside (5), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside (6), quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-(3'-O-acetyl)-alpha-L-rhamnoside (8), kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucoside (9), naringenin (10), (S)-naringenin 5-O-beta-D-glucoside (11), isosalipurposide (12), beta-sitosterol (13), beta-sitosterol palmitate (14), 24-methylenecholesterol palmitate (15), 4alpha-methyl-5alpha-ergosta-7,24(28)-diene-3beta,4beta-diol (16), ethyl gallate (17), gallic acid (18), p-coumaric acid (19), and 4-methoxybenzoic acid (20). The structures were determined by spectroscopic means. Compounds were tested for antioxidant activity and nine compounds 2-7, 11, 12 and 18 were considered active with IC(50) of 1.16, 4.1, 0.75, 1.7, 1.0, 0.34, 11.0, 1.7 and 0.95 microg/ml, respectively, while 1 was marginally active (IC(50)>31.25 microg/ml). The most promising activity was found in the EtOAc fraction (IC(50) 0.2 microg/ml). This can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the compounds present in it.     

响应面法优化干花豆总黄酮提取工艺研究

干花豆( Fordia cauliflora)的主要有效成分为黄酮类、生物碱、有机酸等,具有益智、抗衰老、抗炎等作用。目前的研究主要集中在化学成分及药理活性等方面,对总黄酮成分提取工艺优化报道较少。该研究以新鲜干花豆为材料,以总黄酮提取量为评价指标,在提取温度、料液比、乙醇浓度和提取时间单因素实验基础上,采用响应面法优化了干花豆总黄酮提取工艺,同时测定了总黄酮对1,1-二苯基苦基苯肼自由基( DPPH.)和羟基自由基(.OH)清除能力。结果表明：干花豆总黄酮提取最佳工艺条件为提取温度78℃、料液比为1∶30(g.mL-1)、乙醇浓度71％和提取时间为187 min。在此条件下,总黄酮得率预测值为10.61 mg.g-1,实际为10.53 mg.g-1,理论值与预测值的相对误差为0.76％;干花豆总黄酮对DPPH和OH自由基清除能力IC50值分别为14.09和78.43μg.mL-1,弱于Vc(8.11和67.95μg.mL-1)。该提取工艺稳定合理,准确可靠,是提取干花豆总黄酮的可行方法。该研究结果为干花豆中总黄酮成分的进一步开发利用奠定了基础。     

绣球菌多糖表征及其抗氧化和免疫活性

提取纯化绣球菌多糖(Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides,SCPs),研究其表征和功能活性,探索绣球菌多糖表征与其抗氧化及免疫活性之间的关系。以绣球菌子实体为原料,采用聚能超声波辅助水提醇沉法提取绣球菌多糖,经DEAE-52、SephadexG-100纯化,用高效凝胶渗透色谱法、离子色谱法、傅里叶红外色谱法、扫描电镜、原子力显微镜对绣球菌多糖进行初步表征,检测绣球菌多糖清除DPPH、·OH、O2^-·自由基能力以及总还原力,用MTT法检测绣球菌多糖对巨噬细胞RAW264.7增殖的影响。结果表明,SCPs分子量范围为215Da–393kDa,由葡萄糖、甘露糖、半乳糖、木糖、果糖构成,摩尔比13:4:1:2:3,其表观形貌为簇状堆积,交织,结构规律性不强,表面光滑,呈一定的网络状结构,分子呈现链状构象,具有高度的分支结构,链间形成小环且伴随一定的球形颗粒。SCPs具有一定的还原能力和清除DPPH、·OH、O2^-·自由基的能力,且能够促进巨噬细胞RAW264.7的增殖。绣球菌多糖的抗氧化及免疫活性可能与其分子量、单糖组成、糖链分支及分子构象有关。     

Phenolic Profiling,Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants from Tunisia

Phytochemical screening of aqueous extract from six medicinal wild plants grown in South-eastern of Tunisia: Atriplex halimus, Teucrium polium, Moricandia arvensis, Deverra tortuoa, Haplophyllum tuberculatum and Polygonum equisetiforme were evaluated. Both decoction and ultrasound assisted extraction were used. Antioxidant, antibacterial proprieties, and phenolic profiling, using LC-ESI-MS method, were assessed. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins contents ranged from 7.47±0.19 to 22.25±0.49 mg GAE/g Dw, 5.47±0.06 to 7.55±0.07 mg RE/g Dw, and 0.33±0.02 to 19.43±0.64 mg TAE/g Dw, respectively. Moreover, the reducing power and DPPH tests showed that P. equisetiforme (EC₅₀: 12.50±0.50 μg/ml; DPPH⋅⁺: 213.49±4.24 mg TEAC/g DW), T. polium (EC₅₀: 25.00±1.00 μg/ml; DPPH⋅⁺: 181.39±9.47 mg TEAC/g DW) as well as H. tuberculatum (EC₅₀: 56.25±0.25 μg/ml; DPPH⋅⁺: 177.83±5.85 mg TEAC/g DW) extracts were the most effective natural antioxidants. For anti-bacterial activity, the ultrasonic extract of H. tuberculatum showed the highest activity against both P. aeruginosa (13.50±0.71 mm) and S. aureus (13.00±0.00 mm) at 10 mg/ml. Furthermore 24 phenolic compounds were identified, with predominance of quinic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, catechin (+), trans-cinnamic and silymarin. These results were further consolidated by to heatmap clustering with P. equisetiforme, H. tuberculatum, T. polium as the main antioxidant and antibacterial sources which supports their domestication and industrial use.     

Quercus infectoria galls possess antioxidant activity and abrogates oxidative stress-induced functional alterations in murine macrophages

The present study reports the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Quercus infectoria galls. The antioxidant potency of galls was investigated employing several established in vitro model systems. Their protective efficacy on oxidative modulation of murine macrophages was also explored. Gall extract was found to contain a large amount of polyphenols and possess a potent reducing power. HPTLC analysis of the extract suggested it to contain 19.925% tannic acid (TA) and 8.75% gallic acid (GA). The extract potently scavenged free radicals including DPPH (IC(50)~0.5 microg/ml), ABTS (IC(50)~1 microg/ml), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (IC(50)~2.6 microg/ml) and hydroxyl (*OH) radicals (IC(50)~6 microg/ml). Gall extract also chelated metal ions and inhibited Fe(3+) -ascorbate-induced oxidation of protein and peroxidation of lipids. Exposure of rat peritoneal macrophages to tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) induced oxidative stress in them and altered their phagocytic functions. These macrophages showed elevated secretion of lysosomal hydrolases, and attenuated phagocytosis and respiratory burst. Activity of macrophage mannose receptor (MR) also diminished following oxidant exposure. Pretreatment of macrophages with gall extract preserved antioxidant armory near to control values and significantly protected against all the investigated functional mutilations. MTT assay revealed gall extract to enhance percent survival of tBOOH exposed macrophages. These results indicate that Q. infectoria galls possess potent antioxidant activity, when tested both in chemical as well as biological models.     

Anticholinesterse and antioxidant investigations of crude extracts,subsequent fractions,saponins and flavonoids of atriplex laciniata L.: potential effectiveness in Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders

Background

Atriplex laciniata L. was investigated for phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant, anticholinesterase activities, in an attempt to explore its effectiveness in Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders. Plant crude methanolic extract (Al.MeF), subsequent fractions; n-hexane (Al.HxF), chloroform (Al.CfF), ethyl acetate (Al.EaF), aqueous (Al.WtF), Saponins (Al.SPF) and Flavonoids (Al.FLVF) were investigated for DPPH, ABTS and H₂O₂ free radical scavenging activities. Further these extracts were subjected to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) & butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities using Ellman’s assay. Phenolic and Flavonoid contents were determined and expressed in mg Gallic acid GAE/g and Rutin RTE/g of samples respectively.

Results

In DPPH free radicals scavenging assay, Al.FLVF, Al.SPF and Al.MeF showed highest activity causing 89.41 ± 0.55, 83.37 ± 0.34 and 83.37 ± 0.34% inhibition of free radicals respectively at 1 mg/mL concentration. IC₅₀ for these fractions were 33, 83 and 82 μg/mL respectively. Similarly, plant extracts showed high ABTS scavenging potential, i.e. Al.FLVF (90.34 ± 0.55), Al.CfF (83.42 ± 0.57), Al.MeF (81.49 ± 0.60) with IC₅₀ of 30, 190 and 70 μg/ml respectively. further, H₂O₂ percent scavenging was highly appraised in Al.FLVF (91.29 ± 0.53, IC₅₀ 75), Al.SPF (85.35 ± 0.61, IC₅₀ 70) and Al.EaF (83.48 ± 0.67, IC₅₀ 270 μg/mL). All fractions exhibited concentration dependent AChE inhibitory activity as; Al.FLVF, 88.31 ± 0.57 (IC₅₀ 70 μg/mL), Al.SPF, 84.36 ± 0.64 (IC₅₀ 90 μg/mL), Al.MeF, 78.65 ± 0.70 (IC₅₀ 280 μg/mL), Al.EaF, 77.45 ± 0.46 (IC₅₀ 270 μg/mL) and Al.WtF 72.44 ± 0.58 (IC₅₀ 263 μg/mL) at 1 mg/mL. Likewise the percent BChE inhibitory activity was most obvious in Al.FLVF 85.46 ± 0.62 (IC₅₀ 100 μg/mL), Al.CfF 83.49 ± 0.46 (IC₅₀ 160 μg/mL), Al.MeF 82.68 ± 0.60 (IC₅₀ 220 μg/mL) and Al.SPF 80.37 ± 0.54 (IC₅₀ 120 μg/mL).

Conclusions

These results stipulate that A. laciniata is enriched with phenolic and flavonoid contents that possess significant antioxidant and anticholinestrase effects. This provide pharmacological basis for the presence of compounds that may be effective in Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders.     

Effect of selenium-enriched malt on hepatocarcinogenesis, paraneoplastic syndrome and the hormones regulating blood glucose in rats treated by diethylnitrosamine

233 SD rats weighing 100 approximately 120 g were divided randomly into 6 groups. The animals in group I and group II received 0.1 mg/kg selenium in the form of sodium selenite only and served as the negative control and positive control, respectively. Animals in groups III, IV and V were fed with selenium as Se-enriched malt supplemented diets (0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg), and group VI with selenium by using sodium selenite supplemented diets (3 mg/kg). Animals of groups II approximately VI were induced hepatoma by diethylnitrosamine (100 mg/l) for 16 weeks, then drunk with sterilized water for 2 more weeks. Subsequently, the effects of Se-enriched malt and sodium selenite on hepatoma nodules, relative liver weight, the liver function indices including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), and the tumor markers, named as gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) were recorded. The calcium concentration, glucose content in plasma and values of the hormones regulating blood glucose, such as insulin, glucagons and thyroid hormones (3,5,3'-tetraiodothyronine, T(3); 3,5,3'5'-tetraiodothyronine, T(4)) were observed as well. At the same time, the correlations between the concentration of plasma glucose and related hormones were also analyzed. The results indicated that Se-enriched malt showed a better chemopreventive efficiency in decreasing the number of hepatoma nodules, relative liver weight and the contents of AFP, GGT, IGF-II, ALT, ALP and TBIL in the plasma, and delaying the descent of hormones in the serum, names as insulin, glucagons, T(3) and T(4) than those feeding with sodium selenite. Effect of Se-enriched malt excelled sodium selenite in the aspects of deadening the descent of glucose concentration in the plasma and the rise of calcium concentration in the serum of the rats with hepatoma induced by diethylnitrosamine. The values of glucose and calcium were significantly related to those items fore-named. In conclusion, the function of Se-enriched malt in deadening the lesion and delaying the development of hepatoma of rats induced by diethylnitrosamine was better than that of sodium selenite. Hypoglycemia and hypercalcemia were significantly correlated with the multifactors mentioned above.     

Echinophora tenuifolia L. inflorescences: phytochemistry and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

During the last decades, different natural compounds have been demonstrated to modulate inflammatory pathways. In this study, methanolic extract of Echinophora tenuifolia L. inflorescences was investigated for its chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemical profile was investigated by means of high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses. Myristic acid and palmitic acid were found to be the major constituents. Six terpenes were identified: α-phellandrene, o-cymene, dihydroactinidiolide, neophytadiene, phytol and β-amyrin, and two phenolic compounds: carvacrol and ferulic acid. HPTLC analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction highlighted the presence of the flavonoid glycosides rutin and quercitrin. This sample showed the best diphenylpicrylhydrazyl scavenging capacity, with an IC₅₀ value equal to 40.39 μg/ml, and the strongest capacity to protect linoleic acid from peroxidation, as assessed by the β-carotene bleaching test (IC₅₀ = 16.31 μg/ml). All samples inhibited nitric oxide production in cell supernatants in a dose-dependent manner, being the two apolar fractions (n-hexane and dichloromethane) even more active than the positive control indomethacin. A relevant biological activity was observed for dichloromethane fraction (IC₅₀ value equal to 39.97 μg/ml). Obtained results indicate that this sample could be an excellent candidate for further investigations aimed at the development of new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Protective effects of a standard extract of Mangifera indica L. (VIMANG) against mouse ear edemas and its inhibition of eicosanoid production in J774 murine macrophages

A standard aqueous extract of Mangifera indica L., used in Cuba as antioxidant under the brand name VIMANG, was tested in vivo for its anti-inflammatory activity, using commonly accepted assays. The standard extract of M. indica, administered orally (50-200mg/kg body wt.), reduced ear edema induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in mice. In the PMA model, M. indica extract also reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In vitro studies were performed using macrophage cell line J774 stimulated with pro-inflammatory stimuli lipopolysaccharide-interferon gamma (LPS-IFNgamma) or calcium ionophore A23187 to determine prostaglandin PGE(2) or leukotriene LTB(4) release, respectively. The extract inhibited the induction of PGE(2) and LTB(4) with IC(50) values of 21.7 and 26.0microg/ml, respectively. Mangiferin (a glucosylxanthone isolated from the extract) also inhibited these AA metabolites (PGE(2), IC(50) value=17.2microg/ml and LTB(4), IC(50) value=2.1microg/ml). These results represent an important contribution to the elucidation of the mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects reported for the standard extract of M. indica VIMANG.