Free radicals trigger the closure of open pores in lignin-derived hard carbons toward improved sodium-storage capacity

The chemical activation of various precursors is effective for creating additional closed pores in hard carbons for sodium storage.However,the formation mechanism of closed pores under the influence of pore-forming agents is not well understood.Herein,an effective chemical activation followed by a high-temperature self-healing strategy is employed to generate interconnected closed pores in lignin-derived hard carbon(HCs).By systematic experimental design combined with electron paramagnetic res-onance spectroscopy,it can be found that the content of free radicals in the carbon matrix influences the closure of open pores at high temperatures.Excessively high activation temperature(>700 C)leads to a low free radical concentration,making it difficult to achieve self-healing of open pores at high tempera-tures.By activation at 700°C,a balance between pore making and self-healing is achieved in the final hard carbon.A large number of free radicals triggers rapid growth and aggregation of carbon microcrys-tals,blocking pre-formed open micropores and creating additional interconnected closed pores in as-obtained hard carbons.As a result,the optimized carbon anode(LK-700-1300)delivers a high reversible capacity of 330.8 mA h g^(-1) at 0.03 A g^(-1),which is an increase of 86 mA h g^(-1) compared to the pristine lignin-derived carbon anode(L-700-1300),and exhibits a good rate performance(202.1 mA h g^(-1) at 1 A g^(-1)).This work provides a universal and effective guidance for tuning closed pores of hard carbons from otherprecursors.

Characteristics and fate behavior of environmentally persistent free radicals in atmospheric particulate matter

Background,aim,and scope Environmentally persistent free radicals(EPFRs)have received significant attention due to their longer lifetime and stable existence in various environments.The strong environmental migration ability of particulate matter allows EPFRs to migrate over long-distance transport,thereby impacting the quality of the local atmospheric environment.Additionally,EPFRs can also adhere to atmospheric particles and interact with typical gaseous pollutants to affect atmospheric chemical reactions.EPFRs can produce some reactive organic species,promoting oxidative stress in the human body,damaging biological macromolecules and ultimately affecting the organism health.EPFRs are considered as a novel type of pollutant that affects human health.Despite their significance,there are few literatures available on the characteristics and fate behaviors of EPFRs up to date.Therefore,supplemental reviews are crucial for providing comprehensive understanding of EPFRs.Materials and methods This review summarizes the characteristics of EPFRs in particulate matter,outlines the generation mechanism and influencing factors of EPFRs,and the impacts of EPFRs on environmental quality and organism health.Results The content of EPFRs in particulate matter ranges from 1017 to 1020 spins∙g−1.Due to the strong mobility of atmospheric particulate matter,the long-term exposure to high levels of EPFRs may aggravate the impact of particulate matter on human health.The interaction between EPFRs and typical gaseous pollutants can alter their fate and influence atmospheric chemical reactions.EPFRs are mainly produced by transition metal elements and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons through electron transfer.Additionally,the chemical bond rupture of organic substances through heat treatment or ultraviolet radiation can also produce EPFRs,and heterogeneous reactions are capable producing them as well.The production of EPFRs is not only influenced by transition metal elements and precursors,but also by various environmental factors such as oxygen,temperature,light radiation,and relative humidity.Discussion EPFRs in atmospheric particulates matters are usually rich in fine particulates with obvious seasonal and regional variations.They can easily enter the human respiratory tract and lungs with inhalable particulates,thereby increasing the risk of exposure.Additionally,EPFRs in atmospheric particulates can interact with some typical gaseous pollutants,impacting the life and fate of EPFRs in the atmosphere,and alter atmospheric chemical reactions.Traditionally,EPFRs are generated by transition metal elements and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons undergoing electron transfer in the post-flame and cool-zone regions of combustion systems and other thermal processes to remove HCl,H2O or CO groups,ultimately produce semiquinones,phenoxyls,and cyclopentadienyls.Recent studies have indicated that EPFRs can also be generated under the conditions of without transition metal elemental.Organics can also produce EPFRs through chemical bond rupture during heat treatment or light radiation conditions,as well as through some heterogeneous reactions and photochemical secondary generation of EPFRs.The presence or absence of oxygen has different effects on the type and yield of EPFRs.The concentration,type,and crystal type of transition metal elements will affect the type,content,and atmospheric lifetime of EPFRs.It is generally believed that the impact of transition metal element types on EPFRs is related to the oxidation-reduction potential.The combustion temperature or heat treatment process significantly affects the type and amount of EPFRs.Factors such as precursor loading content,pH conditions,light radiation and relative humidity also influence the generation of EPFRs.EPFRs can interact with pollutants in the environment during their migration and transformation process in environmental medium.This process accelerates the degradation of pollutants and plays a crucial role in the migration and transformation of organic pollutants in environmental media.The reaction process of EPFRs may lead to the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)such as∙OH,which can induce oxidative stress,inflammation and immune response to biological lung cells and tissues,leading to chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary dysfunction,cardiovascular damage and neurotoxic effects,ultimately impacting the health of organisms.Conclusions The interaction mechanism between EPFRs in particulate matter and gaseous pollutants remains unclear.Furthermore,research on the generation mechanism of EPFRs without the participation of transition metals is not comprehensive,and the detection of EPFRs is limited to simple qualitative categories and lack accurate qualitative analysis.Recommendations and perspectives Further research should be conducted on the generation mechanism,measurement techniques,migration pathways,and transformation process of EPFRs.It is also important to explore the interaction between EPFRs in atmospheric particulate matter and typical gaseous pollutants.

Decontamination of Cr(Ⅵ) from water using sewage sludge-derived biochar: Role of environmentally persistent free radicals

Biochar is a well-known material for pollutant removal owing to its low cost and rich surface functionality. A kind of highly active substance, called environmentally persistent free radicals(EPFRs), can be produced in the preparation process of biochar, playing an important role in the removal of pollutants.In this study, sludge-derived biochars(SBC_(120) and SBC_(270)) were prepared by the hydrothermal carbonization under two temperatures(120℃ and 270℃) to investigate their removal abilities of Cr(Ⅵ). The maximum removal amounts of Cr(Ⅵ) by SBC_(120) and SBC_(270) were 16.58 and 22.93 mg·g^(-1), respectively. It was further revealed that the appearance of Cr(Ⅲ), as a result of EPFRs on sludge-derived biochar(SBC) transferred electrons to Cr(Ⅵ) in neutral solutions. That is to say, oxygen-centered(O-centered) EPFRs on SBC_(120) and carbon-centered(C-centered) EPFRs on SBC_(270) all could be used as electron donors to Cr(Ⅵ) to make it become Cr(Ⅲ). This study not only provides a theoretical basis for the mechanism of pollutants removal by sludge-derived biochar but also offers a new perspective on the direct effect of EPFRs on pollutants.

Correlation of free radical level and apoptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Objective To investigate the correlation of perihematomal free radical level and neuronal apoptosis following the intracerebral hemorrhage （ICH）. Methods Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups： sham operation group, model group, 1 mg/kg edaravone group, and 3 mg/kg edaravone group. Each group was then divided into seven subgroups, in which the rats were correspondingly killed at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 d or 14 d （n = 1 in each subgroup of the sham group, and n = 6 in each subgroup of the other 3 groups）. By Horseley-Clarke technique, autoblood （80 μL） were administered into the left caudate putamen of SD rats in a double administration-withdrawal way. Rats in the sham group were needled in but not administered with autoblood. The ICH model was then evaluated by Bederson＇s scale. Around the hematoma, the levels of malonaldehyde （MDA） and hydroxyl radical were tested by spectrophotometer, and the process of apoptosis was tested by terminal deoxynucleofidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling （TUNEL） method. Results （1） ICH significantly increased the levels of MDA and hydroxyl radicals. Significant differences in MDA and hydroxyl radical contents were observed among the four groups. （2） In the sham group, a small number of TUNEL-positive cells were found. In the other three groups, the TUNEL-positive cells were observed at 6 h, increased significantly at 24 h, and reached peak level at 3 d, then fell profoundly at 7 d, but remained detectable at 14 d. （3） The positive correlation existed between apoptosis and free radical level （r = 0.2003）, and existed between apoptosis and MDA content （r = 0.6563） in the brain. Conclusion Post-hemorrhagic apoptosis was related to the production of free radicals, indicating that the elevated free radicals following the ICH could induce neuron and glial cell apoptosis.

Extraction Storage and Qualitative Analysis of Free Radicals Scavenging Substances from Sweet Potato Leaves

[ Objective ] The research aimed to provide reference for the application of extracts from sweet potato leaves in anti-aging cosmetics. [ Method ] The extraction and storage conditions for free radicals scavenging substances from sweet potato leaves were optimized by orthogonal test and the bioactive components in extracts were investigated by correlation analysis. [ Result] Sweet potato leaves contain the bioactive substances scavenging DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical. Extracting solvent species is the most important factor that influencing extraction yield. The optimal extraction and storage conditions are as following： water as solvent, pH 8.0 of extracting liquid, storage at 25 ℃. There is a good positive linear relationship between the content of total phenols in sweet potato leaves and corresponding scavenging rates against both the DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical. For the content of total flavones in sweet potato leaves, just a correlation with scavenging rate against hydroxyl free radical shown in test. [ Conclusion] The phenols in ex- tracts could effectively scavenge both the DPPH free radical and hydroxyl free radical, whereas the flavones in extracts can only function on the hydroxyl free radical.

Effects of Water─soluble Components Isolated from Salviamilltiorrhiza on Oxygen Free Radical Generation and LipidPeroxidation

The effects of water─soluble components isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza on oxygen free radical prodction and lipid peroxidation were estimated. Five components(10 μmol/L)were shown to inhibit superoxide anion generation by xanthine─xanthine oxidase system. It was also demonstrated that six components( 100 μmol/L) prevented H_2O_2─induced hemolysis and MDA fonnation in mouse erythrocytes.The effects of Sal A, Sal B, Sal C and Ros A were dose dependent. In Langendorff rat heart, pretreatment with Sal A 20μmol/L significantly prevented MDA production induced by 30 min reoxygenation after 45 min anoxia.The results indicated that there were also other potent antioxidant componentts in Salvia milliorrhiza besides Dphl and Pal. The protection of Sal A against myocardial anoxiareoxygenation inury may be mainly ascribed to its oxygen free radical scavenging activity.

On the Scaling Study for the A_f-A_g Type Free Radical Polymerization

根据Ａｆ－Ａｇ自由基加聚反应的数量分布函数，导出凝胶点附近的渐进分布函数和高分子矩的表示式．进一步应用标度变换，得到了描述溶胶－凝胶相变的广义标度律，从而揭示了Ａｆ－Ａｇ自由基加聚的固化反应是一个相变过程．

Oxidative Stress and Free Radical Damage in Patients With Acute Dipterex Poisoning

Objective To investigate whether acute dipterex poisoning (ADP) may cause oxidative stress and free radical damage in the bodies of acute dipterex poisoning patients (ADPPs), and to explore the mechanisms by which ADP may cause oxidative stress and free radical damage. Methods Fifty ADPPs and fifty healthy adult volunteers (HAVs) whose ages, gender and others were matched with the ADPPs were enrolled in a randomized controlled study, in which concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and P-carotene (P-CAR) in plasma as well as concentration of lipoperoxide (LPO), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometric analytical methods. Results Compared with the average values of experimental parameters in the HAVs group, the average values of plasma NO and erythrocyte LPO in the ADPPs group were significantly increased (P<0.0001), while those of plasma VC, VE and P-CAR as well as erythrocyte SOD, CAT, GPX and AChE in the ADPPs group were significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Bivariate correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis suggested that when NO and LPO values were increased, and VC, VE, β-CAR, SOD, CAT and GPX values were decreased in the ADPPs, AChE value was decreased gradually in the ADPPs (P<0.001-0.0001). Reliability analysis of experimental parameters reflecting oxidative stress and free radical damage in the ADPPs showed that the reliability coefficient (8 items) alpha=0.6909, and the standardized item alpha=0.8574. Conclusion The findings in the present study suggest that ADP can cause oxidative stress and free radical damage, and inhibit markedly erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity in ADPPs.

Abnormal Reactions of Free Radicals and Oxidative Damages in the Bodies of Patients With Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Objective To study the abnormal reactions of a series of free radicals and the oxidative damages induced by free radical abnormal reactions in the bodies of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis. Methods Eighty chronic glomerulonephritis patients (CGNP) and eighty healthy adult volunteers (HAV) were enrolled in a random control study, in which concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) in plasma, lipoperoxides (LPO) in plasma and in erythrocytes, and vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and beta-carotene (?CAR) in plasma as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in erythrocytes were determined with spectrophotometric assays. Results Compared with the average values of the above biochemical parameters in the HAV group, the average values of NO in plasma, and LPO in plasma and erythrocytes in the CGNP group were significantly increased (P = 0.0001), while those of VC, VE and -CAR in plasma as well as those of SOD, CAT and GPX in erythrocytes in the CGNP group were significantly decreased (P = 0.0001). Pearson product-moment correlation analysis showed that with increase of the concentration of blood creatinine as well as prolongation of the course of disease in the CGNP, the concentrations of NO in plasma, and LPO in plasma and erythrocytes in the CGNP increased gradually, while the concentrations of VC, VE and ?CAR in plasma as well as the activities of SOD, CAT and GPX in erythrocytes in the CGNP decreased gradually (P = 0.002454 0.000001). The relative risk ratio (RR) of the above biochemical parameters reflecting oxidative damages in the bodies of CGNP ranged from 6.061 to 72.429. The reliability coefficient (alpha) that the above biochemical parameters were used to reflect the oxidative damages of the CGNP was 0.8137, standardized item alpha = 0.9728, Hotelling抯 T-Squared = 1135680.191, F = 53274.6478, P = 0.000001. Conclusions The findings in this study show that in the bodies of CGNP a series of free radical chain reactions result in severe pathological aggravation and induce oxidative damages in their bodies. Therefore, suitable dose of antioxidants should be supplemented to them so as to alleviate oxidative damages in their bodies.

Component Analysis and Free Radicals Scavenging Activity of Physalis alkekengi L. Polysaccharide

A crude polysaccharide was extracted from Physalis alkekengi L. fruit. HPLC was used for the component analysis of the polysaccharide. The results indicate that Physalis alkekengi L. polysaccharide（PAP） was composed of rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, galactose, and glucose. Free radicals scavenging activity of PAP was studied through 3 free radicals scavenging tests. PAP exhibited high scavenging effects on OH and DPPH radicals, and both the scavenging rates were about 80%. The scavenging rate of O2^- radical was about 22%.

Antioxidant,lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging efficacy of a diterpenoid compound sugiol isolated from Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Objective:To investigate the antioxidant enicacy of a biologically active dilerpenoid compound sugiol isolated from Metasequoia glyptostroboides(M.glyptostroboides)in various antioxidant models.Methods:An abietane type diterpenoid sugiol,isolated from ethyl acetate extract of M.glyptostroboides cones,was analyzed for its antioxidant efficacy as reducing power ability and lipid peroxidation inhibition as well as its ability to scavenge free radicals such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl,nitric oxide,superoxide and hydroxyl radicals.Results:The sugiol showed significant and concentration-dependent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities.Consequently,the sugiol exerted lipid peroxidation inhibitory effect by 76.3%as compared to a-tocopherol(80.13%)and butylaled hydroxyanisole(76.59%).In addition,the sugiol had significant scavenging activities of l,l-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl,nitric oxide,superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals in a concentration-dependent manner by 78.83%,72.42%,72.99%and 85.04%,when compared to the standard compound ascorbic acid(81.69%,74.62%,73.00%and 73.79%)and a-tocopherol/butylated hydroxyanisole(84.09%,78.61%,74.45%and 70.02%),respectively.Conclusions:These findings justify the biological and traditional uses of M.glyptostroboides or its secondary metabolites as confirmed by its promising antioxidant efficacy.

Changes of free radicals and digestive enzymes in saliva in cases with deficiency inspleen-yin syndrome

Objective：To explore the nature of deficiency in spleen-yin syndrome,which could provide scientific theoretical support and practical guidance for clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM）syndrome differentiation based on biology,and had a strong clinical significance.Methods：Serum Cu and Zn were detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer,serum vitamin E by high performance liquid chromatography,serum vitamin C by 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine Colorimetry,total superoxide dismutase（SOD）and Cu and Zn- SOD by the xanthine oxidase method,and malondialdehyde（MDA）by the 2-thiobarbituric acid method（TBA）.Total antioxidant capacity was detected by a colorimetry kit.Amylase Activity was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer.Lysozyme was detected by lysozyme detection plate,the diameter of bacteriolysis circle was measured and the corresponding content of lysozyme was obtained from a table of standard curve values.Results： No significant difference in total SOD and Cu,Zn-SOD was found between deficiency in spleen-yin group and normal group.However,such factors in deficiency in kidney-yin group were significantly lower than the other groups（P〈0.05）.The MDA content in both deficiency in spleen-yin group and deficiency in kidney-yin group were significantly higher than that of normal group（P〈0.05）,while the total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower than normal group（P〈0.05）.The vitamin E content in deficiency in kidney-yin group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups（P〈0.05）.No significant difference in the contents of vitamin C,Cu and Zn were observed in these groups.The Zn/Cu level in deficiency in kidney-yin group and the vitamin E level in deficiency in spleen-yin group decreased,but with no significant difference.Amylase activity in unit time in cases with deficiency in spleen-yin was lower than and had significant differences with that in normal cases,and higher than that in cases with deficiency in kidney-yin.The sectional velocity of saliva and the ratio of lysozyme in normal case group were significantly higher than other two groups,while deficiency in the spleen-yin group was significantly higher than the deficiency in kidney-yin group.Conclusion：All the results indicated that the objective pathological mechanism between the deficiency in spleen-yin and deficiency in kidney-yin was different.

May Chronic Childhood Constipation Cause Oxidative Stress and Potential Free Radical Damage to Children?

Objective To investigate whether chronic childhood constipation (CCC) may cause oxidative stress and potential free radical damage to children, and to explore the mechanisms by which CCC may cause oxidative stress and potential free radical damage to chronic constipation patients (CCPs). Methods Sixty CCPs and sixty healthy child volunteers (HCVs) whose ages, gender and others were matched for the CCPs were enrolled in a randomized controlled study, in which levels of vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) in plasma as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometric analytical methods. Results Compared with average values of the above biochemical parameters in the HCVs group, the average values of VC and VE in plasma as well as those of SOD and CAT in erythrocytes in the CCPs group were significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Linear regression and bivariate correlation analysis showed that with prolonged course of the CCPs, the levels of VC and VE in plasma as well as the activities of SOD and CAT in erythrocytes in the CCPs were decreased gradually (P<0.0001). Conclusion The findings in the present study suggest that chronic childhood constipation causes oxidative stress and potential free radical damage to children with chronic constipation.

STUDIES ON FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY IN CHINESE SEAWEEDS PART I. SCREENING RESULTS

Antioxidants have attracted the attention of researchers due to their beneficial effects as free radical scavengers. Application of a stable free radical named 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) to screen the free radical scavenging activity in 27 species of Chinese seaweed showed that 15 of them had significant activity in at least one of the organic solvent extracts. The most interesting seaweed species were Gelidium amansii, Gloiosiphonia capillaris, Polysiphonia urceolata, Sargassum kjellmanianum, Desmarestia viridis, and Rhodomela teres.

Effect of resveratrol on pancreatic oxygen free radicals in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM： To investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol （RESV） as a free radical scavenger on experimental severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. METHODS： Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into sham operation group, SAP group, and resveratrol-treated group. Pancreatitis was induced by intraductal administration of 0.1 mL/kg 4% sodium taurocholate. RESV was given intravenously at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. All animals were killed at 3, 6, 12 h after induction of the model. Serum amylase, pancreatic superoxide dismutase （SOD）, malondialdehyde （MDA）, and myeloperoxidase （MPO） were determined. Pathologic changes of the pancreas were observed under optical microscope. RESULTS： The serum amylase, pancreatic MPO and the score of pathologic damage increased after the induction of pancreatitis, early （3, 6 h） SAP samples were characterized by decreased pancreatic SOD and increased pancreatic MDA. Resveratrol exhibited a protective effect against lipid peroxidation in cell membrane caused by oxygen free radicals in the early stage of SAP. This attenuation of the redox state impairment reduced cellular oxidative damage, as reflected by lower serum amylase, less severe pancreatic lesions, normal pancreatic MDA levels, as well as diminished neutrophil infiltration in pancreas. CONCLUSION： RESV may exert its therapeutic effect on SAP by lowering pancreatic oxidative free radicals and reducing pancreatic tissue infiltration of neutrophils.

Comparative investigation of the free radical scavenging potential and anticancer property of Diospyros blancoi(Ebenaceae)

Objective: To investigate the comparative effects of Diospyros blancoi(Ebenaceae)leaves(DBL), root bark(DBRB) and stem bark(DBSB) on free radicals and cancer.Methods: The polyphenol contents, antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Cytotoxicity and anticancer activities were performed on brine shrimp nauplii and Ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells, respectively.Results: Among the extracts, DBSB showed the highest total antioxidant capacity and reducing capacity on ferrous ion. Based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, DBSB showed(95.760 ± 0.343)% and(67.460 ± 2.641)%scavenging with IC50of(3.10 ± 0.17) and(50.00 ± 3.11) mg/m L, respectively. The IC50 values of standard butylated hydroxytoluene and catechin(CA) for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals were(8.50 ± 0.25) and(75.00 ± 0.14) mg/m L,respectively suggesting that DBSB had a significant(P < 0.05) radical scavenging activity than standards. In lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, the inhibitory activity of the extracts and the standard was in the following order: DBSB > DBRB > CA > DBL.Also, the phenolic [(139.91 ± 3.924) mg gallic acid equivalent/g] and flavonoid contents[(412.00 ± 16.70) mg catechin equivalent/g)] of DBSB were higher than that of other extracts. In addition, the DBSB showed the moderate cytotoxic and anticancer properties.Conclusions: Our results indicate that Diospyros blancoi stem bark had the significant highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties as well as moderate anticancer activity.Hence, we assume that the anticancer activity of this plant can be, at least in part, attributed to its content in phenolic compounds as well as its significant free radical scavenging properties.

Phytochemical screening and free radical scavenging activity of Citrullus colocynthis seeds extracts

Objective:To study the phytochemical screening of different extracts from Citrullus colocynthis(C.colocynthis)seeds extracts and to assess their antioxidant activity on the DPPH free radical scavenging.Methods:Phytochemical screening,total content of polyphenols and flavonoids of C.colocynthis seeds extracts,including a crude aqueous extract(E1),a defatted aqueous extract(E2),a hydromethanolic extract(HM),an ethyl acetate extract(EA)and a n-butanol extract(n-B)was carried out according to the standard methods and to assess their corresponding effect on the antioxidant activity of this plant.Results:None of these extracts contained detectable amount of alkaloid,quinone,antraquinone,or reducing sugar.Catechic tannins and flavonoids were abundant in E1,MM and EA,whilst terpenoids were abundantly present in E1 and n-B but only weekly in HM.Coumarins were found in E2,EA and n-B.Polyphenols,expressed as gallic acid equivalent,amounted,per 100 g plant matter,to 329,1002 and 150 mg in EA,HM an E1 respectively.Flavonoids,expressed as catechin equivalent,amounted.per 100 g plant matter to 620,241 and 94 mg in EA,HM and E1 respectively.Comparable values were found in n-B and E1,with lower values in E2.Quercetin,myricetin and gallic acid were found in the EA and HM extracts by thin layer chromatography,The antioxidative effect of these extracts yielded,when tested at a concentration of 2000μg/mL in a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay,a reducing percentage of 88.8%with EA,74.5%with HM and 66.2%with E1,and corresponding IC_(50)of 350,580and 500μg/mL as compared to 1.1μg/mL for ascorbic acid.Conclusions:These qualitative and quantitative analytical data document the presence in C.colocynthis extracts of such chemical compounds as flavonoids responsible for the antioxidant activity,as well as other biological activities of this plant.

Lipophilic Enhance of Vitamin C Protective Activity Against Free-radical-induced Damage in vivo

A group of experimental rats under free radical damage are given various amounts of a lipophilic vitamin C(ascorbyl-6-laurate, VC-12), and its parent compound, vitamin C, respectively. It has been found that the effects of 1 12 mmol/kg VC-12 on decreasing triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and lipid peroxide(LPO), and increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) are similar to those of 2 27 mmol/kg vitamin C. In addition, VC-12(1 12 mmol/kg) can increase the prostacycline(PGI 2) and decrease the thromboxane(TXA 2) even better than vitamin C(2 27 mmol/kg). The above facts demonstrate that the antioxidative activity of VC-12 is higher than twice that of vitamin C. So, ascorbyl-6-laurate may be a novel antioxidant drug against free radical damage.

Inhibitory effects of grape procyanidins on free radical-induced cell damage in rat hepatocytes in vitro

AIM： To study the protective effect of grape procyanidins on oxidative injury induced by ethanol and carbon tetrachloride in rat hepatocytes. METHODS： Normal rat hepatocytes as well as cells damaged by ethanol or carbon tetrachloride were incubated with different doses of grape procyanidins for 24 h. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and TNFα mRNA expression were subsequently determined using MTT assay, cell death ELISA and in situ hybridization. RESULTS： Proliferative levels of the control cells from ethanol and CCh injury groups significantly decreased while apoptosis and TNFα mRNA expression significantly increased compared to the normal control and grape procyanidins co-treatment groups （0.455 ± 0.051 vs 0.318 ±0.045, P 〈 0.05）. In comparison with the normal control, 50 and 100 mg/L grape procyanidins significantly stimulated cell growth, with a better effect observed with 100 mg/L grape procyanidins. CONCLUSION： Grape procyanidins inhibit the hepatocyte damage induced by ethanol and carbon tetrachloride, and stimulate normal hepatocyte proliferation.