Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the essential oils of three Salvia species from Turkish flora

Essential oils of three different Salvia species [Salvia aucheri var. aucheri (endemic), Salvia aramiensis and Salvia pilifera (endemic)] were screened for their possible antioxidant and antimicrobial properties as well as their chemical compositions. According to the gas chromatography (GC)/EIMS (gas chromatography/electron impact mass spectrum) analysis results; 41 (97.2%), 51 (98.5%) and 83 compounds (98.2%) were identified, respectively. While 1,8-cineole (30.5%), camphor (21.3%) and borneol (8.50%) are the major compounds for S. aucheri var. aucheri oil, beta-pinene (10.3%), was the main constituent for S. aramienesis together with 1,8-cineole (46.0%) and camphor (8.7%). In the case of S. pilifera oil, alpha-thujene (36.1%) and alpha-pinene (13.8%) determined as the major compounds. Antioxidant activity was employed by two complementary test systems namely 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and beta-carotene/linoleic acid systems. Antioxidant activity of S. aramiensis was found to be higher than those of the others for the both systems (12.26+/-1.09 and 92.46%+/-1.64 microg mg(-1), respectively). Additionally, antioxidant activities of BHT, curcumin, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol were determined in parallel experiments. In the case of antimicrobial activity, similar activity pattern was obtained (both in disc diffusion and MIC tests). Antimicrobial activity of S. aramiensis was followed by S. aucheri var. aucheri and S. pilifera, respectively. In these experiments, the most sensitive microorganism Acinetobacter lwoffii was followed by Candida albicans.     

GC-MS analysis and in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of essential oil from aerial parts of endemic Thymus spathulifolius Hausskn. et Velen

We investigated the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities and chemical composition of the hydro-distilled essential oil (0.35% yield) from aerial parts of Thymus spathulifolius. Antioxidant capacity of the oil was assessed by different methods including free radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power (FRAP and CUPRAC) and phosphomolybdenum assay. Inhibitory activities were analyzed against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase. Twenty-one constituents were identified representing 97.2% of the total oil with thymol (50.5%), borneol (16.7%) and carvacrol (7.7%) as the major components. The essential oil exhibited good antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 3.82 and 0.22?mg/mL determined by free radical scavenging DPPH and ABTS, respectively. EC₅₀ values of FRAP and CUPRAC were found to be 0.12 and 0.34?mg/mL, respectively. The results of the present study support the uses of T. spathulifolius essential oil as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactivities for functional foods and phytomedicines.     

Hormonal contraception of feral mares with Silastic rods.

Homogeneous Silastic rods containing ethinylestradiol (EE) (1.5 or 4 g), estradiol-17 beta (E) (4 g) or progesterone (P) (6 g) were implanted into feral mares (Equus caballus) between 4- and 10-yr-old. Six treatment groups (greater than or equal to 10 mares/group) of non-pregnant mares received 36 g P and 12 g E (P+E), 36 g P and 8 g EE (P+HEE), 1.5 g EE (LEE), 3 g EE (MEE, 8 g EE (HEE) or control-implanted mares (CI). CI received implants containing no steroid. Two groups of pregnant mares received P+HEE or HEE. Stallions were placed with the mares 15 to 26 mo after implanting. Blood was collected biweekly for up to 28 mo after implanting and serum analyzed for P by radioimmunoassay. A single P value greater than or equal to 2.5 ng/ml indicated ovulation and 2 consecutive values greater than or equal to 2.5 ng/ml indicated pregnancy. Serum from blood collected before and at 4, 12, 24, 50, 64 and 89 wk after implanting was analyzed for EE concentrations. All animals pregnant at the time of contraceptive placement delivered normal foals. Contraceptive efficacy for groups LEE, MEE, HEE and P+HEE were 75, 75, 100, and 100%, respectively after two breeding seasons. Suppression of ovulation appeared to be inversely related to the concentration of EE used in the implant. The percent of animals ovulating after 2 yr of contraception in each group was 100, 100, 88, 62, 20, and 12 for groups CI, P+E, LEE, MEE, HEE and P+HEE, respectively. The pregnancy rate for the same groups was 100, 78, 25, 25, 0 and 0%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Antioxidant and antifungal properties of benzimidazole derivatives

Antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of a series of 2-[4-(substituted piperazin-/piperidin-1-ylcarbonyl)phenyl]-1H-benzimidazole derivatives were examined. Free radical scavenging properties of compounds 11-30 and 33 were evaluated for the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radical. In addition the inhibitory effects on the NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation levels were determined by measuring the formation of 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) using rat liver microsomes. Compound 33 which has a p-fluorobenzyl substitutent at position 1 exhibited the strongest inhibition (83%) of lipid peroxidation at a concentration of 10(-3) M, while the nonsubstituted analogue 13 caused 57% inhibition. This result is fairly consistent with the antimicrobial activity results against both Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.     

Evaluation of the composition and in vitro antimicrobial,antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L. leaves) cultivated in Saudi Arabia (Al-Kharj)

BackgroundIn the present study, we explored the composition of Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L. leaves) essential oil (CEO) cultivated in Saudi Arabia (Al-Kharj) and explored its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro.MethodsGas chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to detect the CEO composition. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-induced free radical and ferric chloride scavenging methods were used to determine the antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial activity was investigated using the well diffusion method. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using egg albumin and trypsin-induced inflammation methods.ResultsForty-six compounds representing 90.17% of the total aroma were identified in the CEO; the major constituents were found to be 1-decanol (17.85%), decanal (11.04%), trans-2-dodecen-1-ol (7.87%), menthone (6.71%), 2-decen-1-ol, trans- (5.44%), dodecanal (4.76%), trans-tetradec-2-enal (3.14%), sedanolide (3.02), and thymol (3.01%). DPPH-induced free radical and ferric chloride scavenging assays demonstrated low antioxidant effects of CEO, and the antioxidant activity was observed at a high CEO concentration. The antimicrobial activity of CEO was assessed against 5 microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) by using well diffusion methods; CEO was found to possess excellent antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms, except Escherichia coli. Moreover, CEO demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity against egg albumin- and trypsin-induced inflammation.ConclusionThe essential oil extracted from C. sativum chemotype grown in Al-Kharj region of Saudi Arabia possesses low antioxidant potential, superior antimicrobial activity, and outstanding anti-inflammatory effects.     

In vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Extracts of Endemic Tanacetum erzincanense Together with Phenolic Content by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS

In this study, phenolic composition, and in vitro biological activities of ethyl acetate (EAE) and methanol (ME) extracts obtained from the aerial parts of endemic Tanacetum erzincanense were investigated. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated over radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS) and metal ion reducing power (FRAP and CUPRAC) tests. Individual phenolic compounds in ME was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF/MS). Cell inhibitory potential of the extracts was tested against colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells by 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay. The results showed that ME contains higher TPC (64.4 mg GAE/g) and TFC (62.2 mg QE/g) than those of EAE (41.5 mg GAE/g and 40.0 mg QE/g). LC-ESI-QTOF/MS analysis revealed that ME is rich in phenolic compounds, namely, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, quercetin, luteolin, and diosmetin. Antioxidant assay results indicated that ME possess stronger activity than EAE and a power that competes with synthetic antioxidants. XTT assay results demonstrated that although both extracts displayed a considerable cytotoxicity against the tested cancer cell lines in a time and dose-dependent manner, ME expressed its selective inhibitory action towards MCF-7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 20.4 μg/mL for 72 h. These results may serve as a basis for further in vivo studies to examine the potential applications of T. erzincanense in food and pharmaceutical industries.     

Radical scavenging activities of Rio Red grapefruits and Sour orange fruit extracts in different in vitro model systems

Antioxidant fractions from two different citrus species such as Rio Red (Citrus paradise Macf.) and Sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) were extracted with five different polar solvents using Soxhlet type extractor. The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Ethyl acetate extract of Rio Red and Sour orange was found to contain maximum phenolics. The dried fractions were screened for their antioxidant activity potential using in vitro model systems such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), phosphomolybdenum method and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction at different concentrations. The methanol:water (80:20) fraction of Rio Red showed the highest radical scavenging activity 42.5%, 77.8% and 92.1% at 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, respectively, while methanol:water (80:20) fraction of Sour orange showed the lowest radical scavenging activity at all the tested concentrations. All citrus fractions showed good antioxidant capacity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex at 200 ppm. In addition, superoxide radical scavenging activity was assayed using non-enzymatic (NADH/phenaxine methosulfate) superoxide generating system. All the extracts showed variable superoxide radical scavenging activity. Moreover, methanol:water (80:20) extract of Rio Red and methanol extract of Sour orange exhibited marked reducing power in potassium ferricyanide reduction method. The data obtained using above in vitro models clearly establish the antioxidant potential of citrus fruit extracts. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted to ascertain the in vivo bioavailability, safety and efficacy of such extracts in experimental animals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on antioxidant activity of different polar extracts from Rio Red and Sour oranges.     

Synthesis and recovery of high bioactive phenolics from table-olive brine process wastewater

The generated wastewater of table-olive brine processing contains a high amount of polyphenols which are endowed with interesting biological activities. The ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of such wastewater shows high hydroxytyrosol (HT) and tyrosol concentrations of 690 and 98 mg g(-1) dry weight extract, respectively. Phenolic compounds analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the scavenging effect on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-Azinobis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate] radicals. Total polyphenol content was estimated with the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Hydroxytyrosol has DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging activities higher than 2,6-di-tert-butyl-hydroxytoluene (BHT), while triacetylated hydroxytyrosol (triAcHT) was devoid of any antioxidant activity. The assessment of these antioxidant compounds in biological systems was carried out by the determination of their in vitro cytotoxicity against two different human cancer cell lines (HeLa and DG75) and normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) using the MTT assay. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations were ranged between 27 and 210 microg mL(-1) for Hela and DG75. At the same concentration range, the EAE and the pure HT and triAcHT exhibited an insignificant cytotoxicity against PBL. Incubation of HeLa and DG75 cells with non-cytotoxic concentrations of EAE, HT or triAcHT resulted in a remarkable protection from the oxidative stress induced by Fe(2+). The antimicrobial activity evaluated by the broth dilution NCCL method using Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica) bacteria and (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger) fungi showed a broad spectrum bactericidal and fungicidal effect of table-olives-EAE, HT and triAcHT. The MICs vary from 125 to 500 microg mL(-1) for bacteria and from 500 to 2000 microg mL(-1) for fungi.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and methanolic extract of Ferulago bernardii Tomk. & M. Pimen of Iran

The aim of the study was to investigate chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities of the essential oil (EO), polar and nonpolar sub-fractions of methanolic extract of Ferulago bernardii. The chemical constituent of the EO was identified by means of GC–MS. The antimicrobial activities of the EO, polar and nonpolar extracts were evaluated by micro-dilution and agar disc diffusion assays. The antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity assay. The main components of the EO were α-pinene (35.03%), z-β-ocimene (14.24%) and bornyl acetate (11.64%). Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium were the most susceptible and resistant to the antibacterial activity of the essential oil and extract, respectively. The free radical scavenging activities of all extracts and the essential oil were in the order: polar > non-polar > EO. Our findings indicate that F. bernardii essential oil and methanolic extract has a potential to be applied as antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.     

Comparison of the contents of the main biochemical compounds and the antioxidant activity of some Spanish olive oils as determined by four different radical scavenging tests

The aim of this study was to compare the contents of the main biochemical compounds and the antioxidant capacity of five Spanish olive oils by four different antioxidant tests and to find out the most valuable oil for disease preventing diets. Fatty acids, sterols and individual antioxidant compounds in Arbequina, Hojiblanca, Extra Virgin, Picual and Lampante Spanish olive oils were determined. Antioxidant activities were done as well using different radical scavenging activities: total radical-trapping antioxidative potential by ABAP (TRAP-ABAP), radical scavenging activity by DPPH (RSA-DPPH), antioxidant assay by beta-carotene-linoleate model system (AA-beta-carotene) and total antioxidant status by ABTS (TAA-ABTS). The highest content of all studied antioxidant compounds (353; 329; 4.6 and 2.7 mg/kg for tocopherols, tocotrienols, polyphenols and o-diphenols, respectively) was found in Extra Virgin oil. Also the highest antioxidant capacity was observed in Extra Virgin oil (668 nM/ml; 29.4%; 40.4% and 2.64 mM TE/kg for TRAP-ABAP, RSA-DPPH, AA- beta-carotene and TAA-ABTS, respectively). The correlation between total phenols and antioxidant capacities measured by four methods was very high, but the highest for the beta-carotene (R = 0.9958). In conclusion, the best method for determination of the antioxidant capacity of olive oils is the beta-carotene test. Extra Virgin olive oil has high organoleptic properties and the highest antioxidant activity. The above-mentioned makes this oil a preferable choice for diseases preventing diets.     

Studies on the antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanol extract of Marrubium globosum subsp. globosum (lamiaceae) by three different chemical assays

This study is designed to examine the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of the essential oil and sub-fractions of the methanol extract of Marrubium globosum subsp. globosum. The GC and GC-MS analysis of the essential oil were resulted in the determination of 84 components representing 88.2% of the oil. The major constituents of the oil were spathulenol (15.8%), beta-caryophyllene (9.0%), caryophyllene oxide (7.9%), germacrene D (6.5%), and bicyclogermacrene (3.1%). Antioxidant activities of the samples were determined by three different test systems namely DPPH, beta-carotene/linoleic acid and reducing power assay. In DPPH system, the weakest radical scavenging activity was exhibited by the essential oil (1203.38+/-7.18 microg ml(-1)). Antioxidant activity of the polar sub-fraction of methanol extract was superior to the all samples tested with an EC(50) value of 157.26+/-1.12 microg ml(-1). In the second case, the inhibition capacity (%) of the polar sub-fraction of methanol extract (97.39%+/-0.84) was found the strongest one, which is almost equal to the inhibition capacity of positive control BHT (97.44%+/-0.74). In the case of reducing power assay, a similar activity pattern was observed as given in the first two systems. Polar sub-fraction was the strongest radical reducer when compared with the non-polar one, with an EC(50) value of 625.63+/-1.02 microg ml(-1). The amount of the total phenolics was highest in polar sub-fraction (25.60+/-0.74 microg/mg). A positive correlation was observed between the antioxidant activity potential and total phenolic level of the extracts. On the other hand, total flavonoid content was found equal for the both sub-fractions.     

Cytotoxic,antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Celery (Apium graveolens L.)

Celery (Apium graveolens Linn, Family: Apiaceae) is a common edible herb used as a spice in the traditional medicine of several nations since time immemorial. The whole plant is extensively used in cooking as soups and salads. A. graveolens has various pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-obesity, anti-hepatotoxic, and antihypertensive agents. Hence, it is of interest to document the in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of A. graveolens. The plants were collected in the local market, shade dried, and different parts of the plants were extracted with 70% ethanol using a cold maceration process. Antioxidant tests were performed based on the various radical scavenging methods. Antimicrobial activity and MIC were completed using the respective cup-plate and two-fold serial dilution method. In vitro cytotoxic studies were achieved by the MTT; Sulphorhodamine B assayed total cell protein content. DLA and ESC cells determined the short-term toxicity. The leaf extract exhibited significant antioxidant properties against NO, DPPH, ABTS, LPO, and HPO methods. Thus, potential inhibition against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal strains within the MIC ranges of 250-500 µg/ml was observed. All the extracts of the plant presented in the study revealed greater cytotoxicity effects against five respective cancer cell lines, L6, Vero, BRL 3A, A-549, L929, and L-929 with the ranging of 443-168.5 µg/ml. Thus, we show that A. graveolens possess a potential cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity.     

In vitro antioxidant studies in leaves of Annona species

Antioxidant potential of leaves of three different species of Annona was studied by using different in vitro models eg., 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothizoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS), nitric oxide, superoxide, hydroxy radical and lipid peroxidation. The ethanolic extract of A. muricata at 500 microg/ml showed maximum scavenging activity (90.05%) of ABTS radical cation followed by the scavenging of hydroxyl radical (85.88%) and nitric oxide (72.60%) at the same concentration. However, the extract showed only moderate lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. In contrast, the extract of A. reticulata showed better activity in quenching DPPH (89.37%) and superoxide radical (80.88%) respectively. A.squamosa extract exhibited least inhibition in all in vitro antioxidant models excepting hydroxyl radical (79.79%). These findings suggest that the extracts of A. muricata possess potent in vitro antioxidant activity as compared to leaves of A. squamosa and A. reticulata suggesting its role as an effective free radical scavenger, augmenting its therapeutic     

Effect of antioxidant extraction on the enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol production of the extracted steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse

Ethyl acetate extraction (EAE) of the steam exploded sugarcane bagasse may be an effective and economic way to extract antioxidants as well as enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol yield from the extracted residue. Therefore, the effects of EAE on steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse (SESB) were studied. Under boiling solvent extraction (BSE), the efficiency of EAE for obtaining phenolics from SESB was approximately 20%. EA extracts obtained under BSE showed an H₂O₂ scavenging activity (210 μL) of 99%. The IC₅₀ values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power of BSE40 were 50.89 and 256.38 μg/mL, respectively, while those of vitamin C were 24 and 112 μg/mL, respectively. EAE improved the glucose yield by 30% but had no significant effect on the xylose yield during the enzymatic hydrolysis obtained using Celluclast 1.5L and Novozym 188. EAE also increased the ethanol yield by 8.78% by employing simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. The present study may be of great importance in industrial bioethanol production from steam-exploded biomass environmentally friendly and economically.     

Screening the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the lichens Parmelia saxatilis, Platismatia glauca, Ramalina pollinaria, Ramalina polymorpha and Umbilicaria nylanderiana.

The aim of this study is to investigate in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the methanol extracts of Parmelia saxatilis (L) Ach., Platismatia glauca (L.) W.L. Club. & C.F. Culb., Ramalina pollinaria (Wesstr.) Ach., Ramalina polymorpha (Liljeblad) Ach. and Umbilicaria nylanderiana (Zahlbr.) H. Magn. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by two separate methods: scavenging of free radical DPPH and the inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. Extracts of Parmelia saxatilis, Platismatia glauca., Ramalina pollinaria and Ramalina polymorpha did not exert any activity in both assays, whereas those of Umbilicaria nylanderiana provided 50% inhibition at 400.2 microg/ml concentration in the former and gave 53% inhibition at 2g/l concentration. Total phenolic constituents of extracts from lichen species tested (P. saxatilis, P. glauca, R. pollinaria, R. polymorpha and U. nylanderiana) were 1.0% (w/w), 1.1% (w/w), 1.0% (w/w), 0.8% (w/w) and (3.0% w/w), respectively (as gallic acid equivalent); implying that the observed activity could be related to the amount of polar phenolics. Extracts were also found to possess antimicrobial activity against some test bacteria and fungi and yeast.     

Antioxidant and gastroprotective activities of Andrographis paniculata (Hempedu Bumi) in Sprague Dawley rats

Antioxidant and gastroprotective activities of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves in rats have been reported. Sprague Dawley rats, 6 per group were used and rats in groups 1 to 6 were pretreated with (0.25% w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose (negative control, 5 ml/kg), 20 mg/kg omeprazole (positive control), (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) of aqueous leaf extracts (APLAE) and (250 and 500 mg/kg) of ethanol leaf extracts (APLEE) respectively. Animals were orally administered with 95% ethanol (5 ml/kg) 60 min after their pretreatments. Rats were sacrificed 1 h after treatment and gastric contents were collected to measure pH and mucous weight. Stomach was analyzed for gross and histological changes. Ulcer control group showed extensive lesions of gastric mucosal layer, whereas rats pretreated with omeprazole, 250 and 500 mg/kg of APLAE showed significant and dose dependent reduction in gastric lesions with increased pH and mucus content of stomach. Rats pretreated with 250 or 500 mg/kg of APLEE showed significantly better inhibition of gastric mucosal lesions. Further, the in vitro antioxidant studies using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that ethanol extracts have superior free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value = 10.9 than aqueous extracts with IC50 value = 24.65. Results of this study showed that pretreatment with ethonolic extract of A. paniculata ethanolic provided significant protection against gastric ulcer by regulating of pH, mucous production and antioxidant property.     

Antioxidant activity of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Stephania rotunda: cepharanthine and fangchinoline

In the present study, we determined the antioxidant activity of cepharanthine and fangchinoline from Stephania rotunda by performing different in vitro antioxidant assays, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, N,N- dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (DMPD) radical scavenging, superoxide anion (O₂^?–) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, total antioxidant activity, reducing power, and ferrous ion (Fe²⁺) chelating activities. Cepharanthine and fangchinoline showed 94.6 and 93.3% inhibition on lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at 30 μg/mL concentration, respectively. On the other hand, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), α-tocopherol, and trolox indicated inhibitions of 83.3, 92.2, 72.4, and 81.3% on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at the same concentration (30 μg/mL), respectively. According to the results, cepharanthine and fangchinoline have effective antioxidant and radical scavenging activity.     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of rosemary extracts linked to their polyphenol composition

Rosmarinus officinalis extracts were investigated by a combination of bioassays and biochemical analysis to identify bioactive compounds. The 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydracyl hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging method, Folin–Ciocaulteau method and HPLC chromatography were used to study the distribution and levels of antioxidants (AOXs). Antimicrobial activity analysis was carried out using the disk diffusion and broth dilution techniques. A good correlation between the AOX activities and total phenol content in the extracts was found. Although all rosemary extracts showed a high radical scavenging activity, a different efficacy as antimicrobial agent was observed. Methanol extract containing 30% of carnosic acid, 16% of carnosol and 5% of rosmarinic acid was the most effective antimicrobial against Gram positive bacteria (minimal inhibition concentration, MIC, between 2 and 15 μg/ml), Gram negative bacteria (MIC between 2 and 60 μg/ml) and yeast (MIC of 4 μg/ml). By contrast, water extract containing only 15% of rosmarinic acid showed a narrow activity. MIC value of the methanol and water extracts is in a good correlation with the values obtained with pure carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, respectively. Therefore, our results suggested that the antimicrobial rosemary extracts efficacy was associated with their specific phenolic composition. Carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid may be the main bioactive antimicrobial compounds present in rosemary extracts. From a practical point of view, rosemary extract may be a good candidate for functional foods as well as for pharmaceutical plant-based products.     

Comprehensive Phytochemical Content by LC/MS/MS and Anticholinergic,Antiglaucoma, Antiepilepsy,and Antioxidant Activity of Apilarnil (Drone Larvae)

Apilarnil is 3–7 days old drone larvae. It is an organic bee product known to be rich in protein. In this study, the biological activities of Apilarnil were determined by its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition effects. Antioxidant activities were determined by Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺-TPTZ ((2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine), reducing ability and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) scavenging assays. Also, its enzyme inhibition effects were tested against carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I, hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. Antioxidant activity of Apilarnil was generally lower than the standard molecules in the applied methods. In DPPH⋅ radical scavenging assay, Apilarnil exhibited higher radical scavenging than some standards. Enzyme inhibition results towards hCA I (IC₅₀: 14.2 μg/mL), hCA II: (IC₅₀: 11.5 μg/mL), AChE (IC₅₀: 22.1 μg/mL), BChE (IC₅₀: 16.1 μg/mL) were calculated. In addition, the quantity of 53 different phytochemical compounds of Apilarnil was determined by a validated method by LC/MS/MS. Compounds with the highest concentrations (mg analyte/g dry extract) were determined as quinic acid (1091.045), fumaric acid (48.714), aconitic acid (47.218), kaempferol (39.946), and quercetin (27.508). As a result, it was determined that Apilarnil had effective antioxidant profile when compared to standard antioxidants.     

Production,characterization and bioactivities of biosurfactants from newly isolated strictly halophilic bacteria

Eight distinct halophilic bacteria isolated from extreme saline soil samples of Khewra Salt Mines, Pakistan, were investigated for biosurfactant production. Isolates were identified by physiological, phenotypic and genetic characterization. Using 16S rDNA sequence analysis, the strains MB590, MB591, MB593, MB594, MB595 and MB596 were identified as Halomonas elongata, MB588 as Halobacillus karajiensis, and MB589 as Alkalibacillus almallahensis. Preliminary screening of biosurfactant production in halophilic bacteria was done by multiple screening assays. All biosurfactants showed significant emulsification properties and remarkably low surface tension values (up to 16.5 dynes/cm). Structural characterization of partially purified biosurfactants using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques indicated different fatty acids, glycolipid derivatives and a novel antimicrobial peptide furanomycin. These biosurfactants exhibited strong bioactivities against bacterial/fungal pathogens i.e. Klebsiella pneumoniae (86.5 %), Staphylococcus aureus (97.75 %), Bacillus subtilis (97 %), Enterococcus faecalis (97.6 %), E. coli (54.5 %), Aspergillus niger (87.75 %), Aspergillus fumigatus (93.1 %), Aspergillus flavus (80.4 %), and Fusarium solani (89.05 %). Additionally, biosurfactants also showed 85 % free radical scavenging activity indicating their antioxidant potential. The present study revealed the potential of halophilic bacterial biosurfactants as effective antimicrobial agents against various pathogens, and their possible applications in the biomedical field.