scholarly journals Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Enhancing Properties of Selective Equisetum Extracts

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2565
Author(s):  
Denisa Batir-Marin ◽  
Monica Boev ◽  
Oana Cioanca ◽  
Cornelia Mircea ◽  
Ana Flavia Burlec ◽  
...  

The sterile stems belonging to the Equisetum species are often used in traditional medicine of various nations, including Romanians. They are highly efficient in treating urinary tract infections, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory tract infections, and medical skin conditions due to their content of polyphenolic derivatives that have been isolated. In this regard, this study aimed to provide the chemical composition of the extracts obtained from the Equisetum species (E. pratense, E. sylvaticum, E. telmateia) and to investigate the biological action in vitro and in vivo. For the chemical characterization of the analyzed Equisetum species extracts, studies were performed by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-DAD). In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts obtained from these species of Equisetum genus was determined. The neuroprotective activity of these three ethanolic extracts from the Equisetum species using zebrafish tests was determined in vivo. All obtained results were statistically significant. The results indicate that E. sylvaticum extract has a significant antioxidant activity; whereas, E. pratense extract had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects significantly higher than the other two extracts used. All these determinations indicate promising results for the antioxidant in vitro tests and neuroprotective activity of in vivo tests, particularly mediated by their active principles.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
O. V. Trineeva

Introduction. Recently, much attention has been paid to the primary assessment of the pharmacological effect of various drugs using in vivo and in vitro tests. It is known that such a medicinal plant as sea buckthorn, in its phytochemical composition is rich in natural antioxidants: carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, etc. In some publications there is information about the antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn and fatty oil based on them. However, information on the comparative characteristics of the use of various methods for determining the antioxidant activity of this type of medicinal plant material and the results obtained are not found in the scientific literature.Aim. The aim of this work was a comparative determination of the antioxidant activity of medicinal plant material of buckthorn fruits of various species of buckthorn.Materials and methods. The total antioxidant activity of water and water-alcohol extracts from the fruits of sea buckthorn fruits was determined using various techniques recommended in the literature. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by permanganometric titration, in vitro inhibition of adrenaline autooxidation, and also in a biological model, Parametium caudatum cell culture.Results and discussion. The effect of the extractant polarity on the value of antioxidant activity was studied. It was found that the highest content of antioxidants in the extraction is observed when using 96 % ethanol as an extractant.Conclusion. Using three methods, the prospects of using sea buckthorn fruits and preparations based on them as a source of antioxidants are shown. 


Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana B. Cerezo ◽  
Giorgiana M. Cătunescu ◽  
Mercedes Martínez-Pais González ◽  
Ruth Hornedo-Ortega ◽  
Carmen R. Pop ◽  
...  

Anthocyanins are extensively studied for their health-related properties, including antibacterial activity against urinary tract infections (UTI). Among common fruits, blueberries, with their remarkable antioxidant capacity, are one of the richest sources. Anthocyanin-rich extracts were obtained from four varieties: Snowchaser, Star, Stella Blue and Cristina Blue, grown in the hot climate of Southern Spain. Their total anthocyanins contents (TAC) were determined spectrophotometrically, and the anthocyanin profile by ultra high performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS). Their antioxidant activity was assessed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, while antibacterial activity against strains isolated from UTI patients was assessed in vitro, helping to select the varieties with the highest bioactive potential. Star showed the highest TAC and antioxidant activity (1663 ± 159 mg of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (cy-3-O-glu) equivalents/100 g fresh weight (FW), 6345 ± 601 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 g FW, respectively), followed by Cristina Blue, Stella Blue and Snowchaser. As far as we know, this is the first time that cyanidin-3-rutinoside has been identified in blueberries. The extracts inhibited all the tested strains, MICs ranging from 0.4 mg/mL (for Stella Blue extract against UTI P. aeruginosa) to 9.5 mg/mL (for all extracts against UTI K. pneumoniae ssp. pneumoniae). This is the first study that assessed in vitro the antibacterial activity of blueberries against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia stuartii and Micrococcus spp. strains isolated from UTI.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Letícia Aparecida Ferreira de Abreu ◽  
Renato Paiva ◽  
Judith Georgette Alcalde Mosqueira ◽  
Michele Valquíria dos Reis ◽  
Ana Beatriz Silva Araújo ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Campomanesia rufa (O. Berg) Nied. is a native Cerrado species that presents great edible potential. However, it is a species “in danger of extinction” as recommended by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). No technical and scientific information about the species exists, thus demonstrating the importance of its research. The present work aimed at the physical and chemical characterization of immature and mature C. rufa fruits. The fruits showed a change in coloration from green (b * = 25.11, h = 122.43) to yellowish-green (b * = 34.26 , h = 115.73), an increase in mass (6.54 g to 10.88 g), diameter (23.76 mm to 28.03 mm) and soluble solids (8.00 to 10.80%). The fruits presented high levels of total (1246.35 mg 100 g-1) and soluble pectin (195.93 mg 100 g-1), high water content (78.86 g 100 g-1), low pH value (3.40), and high citric acid content (1.2%). However, the fruits had low protein (0.81 g 100 g-1), lipid contents, and low caloric values (64.76 kcal 100 g-1). The fruits presented significant values of carotenoids, phenolic compounds (312.47 mg 100 g-1), vitamin C (263.60 mg 100 g-1) as well as good in vitro antioxidant activity (1862.81 µM g-1). The results obtained indicate that C. rufa fruits showed a similar composition to the fruits of other Campomanesia species, and their biological properties should be investigated additionally under in vivo conditions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 107602962096082
Author(s):  
Dalia Qneibi ◽  
Eduardo Ramacciotti ◽  
Ariane Scarlatelli Macedo ◽  
Roberto Augusto Caffaro ◽  
Leandro Barile Agati ◽  
...  

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) represent depolymerized heparin prepared by various methods that exhibit differential, biochemical and pharmacological profiles. Enoxaparin is prepared by benzylation followed by alkaline depolymerization of porcine heparin. Upon the expiration of its patent, several biosimilar versions of enoxaparin have become available. Heparinox (Sodic enoxaparine; Cristália Produtos Químicos Farmacêuticos LTDA, Sao Paulo, Brazil) is a new biosimilar form of enoxaparin. We assessed the molecular weight and the biochemical profile of Heparinox and compared its properties to the original branded enoxaparin (Lovenox; Sanofi, Paris, France). Clotting profiles compared included activated clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin time (TT). Anti-protease assays included anti-factor Xa and anti-factor IIa activities. Thrombin generation was measured using a calibrated automated thrombogram and thrombokinetic profile included peak thrombin, lag time and area under the curve. USP potency was determined using commercially available assay kits. Molecular weight profiling was determined using high performance liquid chromatography. We determined that Heparinox and Lovenox were comparable in their molecular weight profile. Th anticoagulant profile of the branded and biosimilar version were also similar in the clot based aPTT and TT. Similarly, the anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities were comparable in the products. No differences were noted in the thrombin generation inhibitory profile of the branded and biosimilar versions of enoxaparin. Our studies suggest that Heparinox is bioequivalent to the original branded enoxaparin based upon in vitro tests however will require further in vivo studies in animal models and humans to determine their clinical bioequivalence.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narcisa Marangoci ◽  
Daniel Timpu ◽  
Andreia Corciova ◽  
Cornelia Mircea ◽  
Anca-Roxana Petrovici ◽  
...  

In this study, we proposed formulations of diminazene aceturate (DA) designed to improve its bioavailability and to maximize the therapeutic index in animals by overcoming the rapid degradation under the acidic pH of the stomach. An important consequence is the fact that its amount in the bloodstream is close to the administered dose. This was made possible by incorporating DA into the β-cyclodextrin’s (βCD) cavity in a molar ratio of 1:1. The structure of the resulted inclusion complex was established by Raman, DSC, and Wide-Angle X ray Diffraction (WAXD) in solid state and by 1H-NMR and H-H ROESY in aqueous solutions. The stoichiometry of the DA:βCD inclusion complex was obtained by using the continuous variation method (Job’s plot), considering the chemical shifts variations of protons from both DA and βCD compounds in 1H-NMR spectra. The biological activity was estimated in vitro by antioxidant activity and in vivo by comparing the bioavailability of parent DA and its inclusion complexes after a single dose administration in Wistar rats by using the HPLC method on their blood plasma. In vitro tests showed an improved antioxidant activity. In vivo tests have shown that the DA concentration is always much higher in blood plasma of rats when DA:βCD inclusion complex of 1:1 molar ratio was administered (i.e., at 60 min, DA is around 11 and 3 times higher when DA:βCD inclusion complex of 1:1 molar ratio was administered than the parent DA one and DA:βCD lyophilized mixture of 1:2 molar ratio, respectively).


2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1903-1907
Author(s):  
Roxana Liana Stan ◽  
Bogdan Sevastre ◽  
Adriana Corina Hangan ◽  
Sanda Bota ◽  
Daniela Hanganu ◽  
...  

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo toxicity of the Artemisia Annua L. extract. The plant was harvested from Bihor area (Crisul Repede and Negru river valleys), Romania. Preparation of the plant product and of the lyophilizated extract was carried out in accordance with the Romanian Pharmacopeia Xth Edition. Lyophilized extract was evaluated in terms of polyphenol content using HPLC method. Antioxidant activity was highlighted using the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods. Hepatic, renal and haematological toxicity studies have been performed on laboratory mice. For this purpose blood and organs were collected. Biochemical and haematological parameters were determined on the blood samples and histopathological examination was performed on organs. In vitro antioxidant effect of Artemisia Annua L extract and its lack of in vivo toxicity were demonstrated. It is desirable to obtain a new phytoproduct harvested from spontaneous flora of Romania with antioxidant / antitumoral properties and which is devoid of toxicity.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (24) ◽  
pp. 5810
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Bednarska ◽  
Piotr Kuś ◽  
Izabela Fecka

Galega officinalis L. has been known for centuries as an herbal medicine used to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, but its comprehensive chemical composition and pharmacological activity are still insufficiently known. The current study involved the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidative and methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping properties of galega herb. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with both the electrospray ionization mass spectrometer and diode-array detector (UHPLC-ESI-MS and UHPLC-DAD) were used to investigate the composition and evaluate the anti-MGO capability of extracts and their components. Hot water and aqueous methanol extracts, as well as individual compounds representing phytochemical groups, were also assessed for antioxidant activity using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Quercetin and metformin were used as a positive control. We confirmed the presence of tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids, guanidines, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) in galega extracts. The polyphenolic fraction was dominated by mono-, di-, and triglycosylated flavonols, as well as monocaffeoylhexaric acids. The in vitro tests indicated which G. officinalis components exhibit beneficial antioxidative and MGO trapping effects. For galega extracts, flavonols, and HCAs, a potent antiradical activity was observed. The ability to trap MGO was noted for guanidines and flavonoids, whereas HCA esters and quinazoline alkaloids were ineffective. The formation of mono-MGO adducts of galegine, hydroxygalegine, and rutin in the examined water infusion was observed.


Antioxidants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 611
Author(s):  
Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu ◽  
Nqobile Andile Masondo ◽  
Jiri Gruz ◽  
Karel Doležal ◽  
Johannes Van Staden

Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. subspecies autumnalis is a popular African plant that is susceptible to population decline because the bulbs are widely utilized for diverse medicinal purposes. As a result, approaches to ensure the sustainability of the plants are essential. In the current study, the influence of smoke-water (SW) and karrikinolide (KAR1 isolated from SW extract) on the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of in vitro and greenhouse-acclimatized Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis were evaluated. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with SW (1:500, 1:1000 and 1:1500 v/v dilutions) or KAR1 (10−7, 10−8 and 10−9 M) and grown for ten weeks. In vitro regenerants were subsequently acclimatized in the greenhouse for four months. Bioactive phytochemicals in different treatments were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-MS/MS), while antioxidant potential was evaluated using two chemical tests namely: DPPH and the β-carotene model. Smoke-water and KAR1 generally influenced the quantity and types of phytochemicals in in vitro regenerants and acclimatized plants. In addition to eucomic acid, 15 phenolic acids and flavonoids were quantified; however, some were specific to either the in vitro regenerants or greenhouse-acclimatized plants. The majority of the phenolic acids and flavonoids were generally higher in in vitro regenerants than in acclimatized plants. Evidence from the chemical tests indicated an increase in antioxidant activity of SW and KAR1-treated regenerants and acclimatized plants. Overall, these findings unravel the value of SW and KAR1 as potential elicitors for bioactive phytochemicals with therapeutic activity in plants facilitated via in vitro culture systems. In addition, it affords an efficient means to ensure the sustainability of the investigated plant. Nevertheless, further studies focusing on the use of other types of antioxidant test systems (including in vivo model) and the carry-over effect of the application of SW and KAR1 for a longer duration will be pertinent. In addition, the safety of the resultant plant extracts and their pharmacological efficacy in clinical relevance systems is required.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyung Min Kim ◽  
Yanxue Song ◽  
Gyu Hwan Hyun ◽  
Nguyen Phuoc Long ◽  
Jeong Hill Park ◽  
...  

Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) is the most widely consumed herbal plant in Asia and is well-known for its various pharmacological properties. Many studies have been devoted to this natural product. However, polysaccharide’s components of ginseng and their biological effects have not been widely studied. In this study, white ginseng neutral polysaccharide (WGNP) and white ginseng acidic polysaccharide (WGAP) fractions were purified from P. ginseng roots. The chemical properties of WGNP and WGAP were investigated using various chromatography and spectroscopy techniques, including high-performance gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultra-violet detector. The antioxidant, anti-radical, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans as the model organism. Our in vitro data by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), reducing power, ferrous ion chelating, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity suggested that the WGAP with significantly higher uronic acid content and higher molecular weight exhibits a much stronger antioxidant effect as compared to that of WGNP. Similar antioxidant activity of WGAP was also confirmed in vivo by evaluating internal reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, WGAP may be used as a natural antioxidant with potent scavenging and metal chelation properties.


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Thabit ◽  
Heba Handoussa ◽  
Mariana Roxo ◽  
Nesrine S. El Sayed ◽  
Bruna Cestari de Azevedo ◽  
...  

Background Cassia fistula (L.) (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant from tropical Asia. It is known for its marked antioxidant activity, which is attributed to its high phenolic content. The present study aims at testing both the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of a hydroalcoholic extract from the aerial parts of Cassia fistula using the Caenorhabditis elegans model, which is widely used in this context. Methods Chemical profiling of secondary metabolites that seem to be responsible for both antioxidant and neuroprotective capacities was carried out by HPLC/PDA/ESI-MSn. Antioxidant activity was tested in vitro by CUPRAC and DPPH assays. In vivo antioxidant and neuroprotective activities were investigated using the C. elegans model. Results The Cassia extract improved the survival rate of the nematodes and protected them against oxidative stress. In addition, a decrease in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed. The important role of DAF-16/FOXO pathway was confirmed through an increased nuclear localization of the DAF-16 transcription factor, increased expression of SOD-3 stress response gene and decreased expression of HSP-16.2. Furthermore, the putative involvement of SKN-1/NRF2 pathway was demonstrated by a decrease in GST-4 levels. A neuroprotective activity of the Cassia extract was shown by a decline in polyglutamine (polyQ40) aggregate formation and a delay in paralysis caused by amyloid beta (Aβ1–42) accumulation. Discussion The Cassia extract exhibits substantial antioxidant and neuroprotective activities in vivo, which might provide a rich and novel source of natural antioxidants and neuroprotective compounds to be further studied for the use in various food and cosmetic industrial fields.


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