Composition and antioxidant activity of Paeonia lactiflora petal flavonoid extract and underlying mechanisms of the protective effect on H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative damage in BRL3A cells

Flavonoids have attracted considerable attention due to their health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the flavonoid profiles and antioxidant activity of Paeonia lactiflora petal flavonoid extract(PPF). The UHPLC-ESI-Q-Exactive HF MS/MS method was established for characterization, and 21 predominant flavonoid compounds were tentatively identified in PPF. Among them, isoscutellarein-7-(6’-acetylallosyl-(1->2)-glucoside) and scutellarin methylester were discovered in PPF for the first time. Pretreatment with PPF significantly reduced H2O2-induced cell damage, ROS accumulation, and malondialdehyde content and increased the activity of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in buffalo rat liver 3A(BRL3A) cells. Moreover, the expression of nuclear Factor E2-related factor(Nrf2) was upregulated by PPF, whose expression trend was consistent with that of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit(GCLC), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO1). These findings suggested that herbaceous peony flavonoids can be used as a natural bioactive agent to prevent oxidative stress.

Antioxidant,Anti-inflammatory,and Antibacterial Activities of Different Extracts from Polygonum capitatum

[Objectives]To investigate the antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of different extracts(aqueous,ethanol,ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts)of Miao medicine Polygonum capitatum.[Methods]Eleven batches of P.capitatum in Guizhou province were collected,and water,ethanol,ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts were prepared by reflux extraction.Antioxidant activity was determined by radical scavenging capacity of 1,1 diphenyl-2-picyl hydrazine(DPPH),anti-inflammatory activity was screened by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced RAW264.7 cells to produce NO,and the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)was screened by broth microdilution method.[Results]When the concentration of ethyl acetate extract was 10 mg/L,the scavenging rate of DPPH ranged from 90%to 99%.The(MIC of the ethyl acetate extract against Staphylococcus aureus(SA),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA)and Escherichia coli(EC)was 0.18-0.65,0.13-0.82,and 0.15-0.78 g/L,respectively.In the anti-inflammatory activity,ethyl acetate extract inhibited NO production with inhibition rate of 70%.[Conclusions]The ethyl acetate extract and ethanol extract of Miao medicine P.capitatum have strong antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities.

Estimation of total phenolic content,in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of flowers of Moringa oleifera

Objective:To evaluate and compare the antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of flowers of Moringa oleifera(M.oleifera)grown in Oman.Methods:Flowers of M.oleiferawere collected in the month of December 2012 and identified by a botanist.Alcoholic extract of the dry pulverized flowers ofM.oleiferawere obtained by cold maceration method.The ethanolic flower extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening as the reported methods.Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used to estimate total phenolic content.DPPH was used to determinein-vitroantioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of flowers was investigated by protein denaturation method.Results:Phytochemical analysis of extract showed presence of major classes of phytochemicals such as tannins,alkaloids,flavonoids,cardiac glycosidesetc.M.oleiferaflowers were found to contain 19.31 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent of total phenolics in dry extract but exhibited moderate antioxidant activity.The anti-inflammatory activity of plant extract was significant and comparable with the standard drug diclofenac sodium.Conclusions:The results of our study suggest that flowers ofM.oleiferapossess potent anti-inflammatory activity and are also a good source of natural antioxidants.Further study is needed to identify the chemical compounds responsible for their anti-inflammatory activity.

Investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaves of Dalbergia paniculata(Roxb)

Objective:To investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered methanolic leaf extract of Dalbergia paniculala(D.paniculata) in Carrageenan induced inflammation in rats.Methods:In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated for superoxide radical, Hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical scavenging activity.Three doses 200 mg/kg,400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of D.paniculala were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan induced rat paw edema model and paw thickness was measured every one hour up to 6 h. Results:The melhanolic leaf extract of D.paniculala produced dose dependent inhibition of Superoxide radical,Hydroxyl radical and OPPH radicals.In Carrageenan induced inflammation model,all three doses produced significant percentage inhibition of rat paw edema and 800 mg/kg dose produced maximum percent inhibition of rat paw edema(47.83%) at 3h compared to control group.Conclusions:In the present study we found that methanolic leaf extract of D.paniculata showed good in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.

Evaluation of L-dopa,proximate composition with in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Mucuna macrocarpa beans:A future drug for Parkinson treatment

Objective: To investigate L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine(L-dopa, anti-Parkinson drug),anti-inflammatory activity, proximate nutritional composition and antioxidant potential of Mucuna macrocarpa(M. macrocarpa) beans.Methods: L-dopa content was determined and quantified by high performance thin layer chromatography and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography(RPHPLC) methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was performed by in vitro protein denaturation inhibition and human red blood cell membrane stabilisation activity. Proximate composition and elemental analysis were also investigated. The antioxidant potential(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, N-N-dimethyl-phenylenediamine and ferric-reducing antioxidant power) of M. macrocarpa beans were evaluated by using different extraction solvents. The RP-HPLC analysis also quantified significant phenolics such as gallic acid, tannic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid.Results: RP-HPLC quantification revealed that M. macrocarpa beans contain a high level of L-dopa [(115.41 ± 0.985) mg/g] which was the highest among the Mucuna species from Indian sub-continent. Water extract of seed powder showed strong antiinflammatory and antioxidant potential. Proximate composition of M. macrocarpa beans revealed numerous nutritional and anti-nutritional components. RP-HPLC analysis of major phenolics such as tannic acid(43.795 mg/g), gallic acid(0.864 mg/g), p-coumaric acid(0.364 mg/g) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid(0.036 mg/g) quantified successfully from M. macrocarpa beans respectively.Conclusions: This study suggests that M. macrocarpa is a potential source of L-dopa with promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and nutritional benefits.

Effects on antioxidant enzyme activities and osmolytes in Halocnemum strobilaceum under salt stress

The seedlings of Halocnermum strobilaceum were cultivated in 0.5% hoagland nutrient solution containing 0.0%, 0.9%, 2.7% and 5.4% of NaC1 as well as composite salt （Na^＋, Ca^2＋, K^＋, Si^4＋） for 20 days; all the contents are in weight ratio. Succulent level, inorganic ions （Na^＋, K^＋）, organics such as betaine, proline, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, peroxidase （POD）, betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase （BADH） were measured to reveal its salt tolerance mechanism. When the composite salt concentration reaches 5.4%, SOD activity level, and MDA content is five times the control group; when it reaches 2.7%, the succulent level of seedlings, and the content ofK＋ in roots is nearly two times the NaCl treatment; the dry weight is more than three times the control group; with the NaCl treatment, MDA is three times the contrast; when the salt concentration is 2.7%, POD reaches the maximum. Results indicate that Si^4＋, K^＋, and Ca^20 from composite salt in the roots of H. strobilaceum improved the water-holding capacity. The activities of antioxidant enzyme were raised by the accumulation ofproline and betaine, which increased the salt tolerance. The absorption of K^＋ promoted the high ratio of K^＋/Na^＋ and alleviated the damage of cell membranes of H. strobilaceum, which is associated with osmotic contents such as betaine and proline.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Arbutus unedo aqueous extract

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract of Arbutus unedo(A. unedo) leaves.Methods: In this context, the in vitro antioxidant activity was demonstrated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical and H_2O_2 radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating, ferric reducing power, total antioxidant capacity and by the protection against peroxidation of b-carotene-linoleic acid in emulsion. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated first by studying the membrane of human red blood cells against different hypotonic concentrations of Na Cl and against heat, inhibiting the denaturation of albumin.Results: Total phenolic and flavonoid content were found respectively [(207.84 ± 15.03)mg gallic acid equivalent/g, and(13.070 ± 0.096) mg quercetin equivalent/g]. The extract displayed significant scavenging activity of some radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [IC_(50)at(7.956 ± 0.278) mg/m L],OH [IC_(50)=(1 015.74 ± 46.35 mg/m L)], H_2O_2[IC_(50)=(114.77 ± 16.86) mg/m L] and showed a good antioxidant activity through ferrous ion chelating activity [IC_(50)=(1 014.30 ± 36.21) mg/m L], ferric reducing power [IC_(50)=(156.55 ± 17.40) mg/m L], total antioxidant capacity [IC_(50)=(461.67± 4.16) mg/m L] and b-carotene-linoleic acid protection against peroxidation [I% =(87.04 ± 1.21)% at 1 000 mg/m L].Conclusions: A. unedo showed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the heat induced albumin denaturation and red blood cells membrane stabilization. Our results show that aqueous leaf extract of A. unedo has good antioxidant activity and interesting anti-inflammatory properties. A. unedo aqueous extract can be used to prevent oxidative and inflammatory processes.

Antihypertensive and antioxidant activity of Cassytha filiformis L.:A correlative study

Objective: To study the blood pressure lowering effect of Cassytha filiformis extract in animal models of hypertension and its correlation with the antioxidant activity.Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: endocrine hypertension(HTN group) that received a combination of prednisone and salt for two weeks and oxidative stress-associated hypertension(HTN-OS group) that received additional induction of L-Nitro Arginine Methyl Esther(L-NAME) for two days. Each group was subdivided into 4 and treated intravenously with the extract 5; 10; and 20 mg/kg, and vehicle control. The systolic blood pressure(SBP), diastolic blood pressure(DBP), and mean arterial pressure(MAP) were recorded. The blood was taken before and at the end of recording for the measurement of serum concentration of nitric oxide(NO). The changes of blood pressure were analyzed by two-way ANOVA while its correlation with NO concentration was analyzed by Pearson's Correlation.Results: The study showed a significant antihypertensive effect of the extract as compared with control group(P < 0.05) in both hypertensive models. Extract in the dose of 5 mg/kg showed the best blood pressure lowering effect. However, the correlation analysis did not show an association between NO increase and blood pressure lowering effect(P > 0.05).Conclusions: The study concludes that C. filiformis extract in the dose of 5 mg/kg exhibits the best blood pressure lowering effect in both animal models. Antihypertensive activity of the extract is not correlated with its antioxidant effect.

Physicochemical properties,antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of coumarin-carbonodithioate hybrids

Objective:To study physicochemical properties,antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of coumarin-carbonodithioate hybrids.Methods:The substituted 4-bromomethyl coumarins were synthesized in first step by the cyclization.Then the reaction of substituted coumarins(a-e)with potassium O-ethyl/methyl carbonodithioate(1)by using absolute ethanol as solvent,afforded coumarin-carbonodithioate(1a-1j)derivatives under microwave irradiation and the conventional method.The spectroscopic analysis was used for the characterization of coumarin derivatives.The title(1a-1j)compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic methods.Antioxidant property was evaluated by using DPPH free radical-scavenging ability assay method and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by protein denaturation procedure using diclofenac sodium as a standard.Drug-likeness.In-silico toxicity was predicted with LD_(50)value and bioactivity score was also calculated for all the compounds.Results:All coumarin(1a-1j)compounds exhibited promisingin-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in comparison to standard drugs.All tested compounds were used for evaluating their physicochemical properties as set by Lipinski rule.It was observed that the synthesized compounds followed rule of five,indicating more'drug-like'nature.Conclusions:All the screened coumarin-carbonodithioates display promising in vitro antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities.From the physicochemical properties of coumarin derivatives,it is found that none of the compounds violate the Lipinski rule and they fall well in the range of rule of five.It is concluded that the coumarin-carbonodithioate hybrids act with more'drug-like'nature.

Digestibility,Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Pecan Nutshell(Carya illioinensis)Extracts

Phenolic compounds are related to high biological activity,avoiding oxidation in food and human systems.Nutshells are by-products derived from the pecan nut processing that contain important amounts of phenols which biological activity must be studied.This research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant(DPPH,ABTS,FRAP and hemolysis)and anti-inflammatory activities of shell extracts from pecan nuts harvested during the crop production cycle 2018 and 2019,as well as the in vitro digestibility of their phenolic compounds,including flavonoids.Results showed that extracts from the crop production cycle 2018 obtained the highest yield,while those from 2019 contained the highest concentration of phenolic compounds,flavonoids and antioxidant capacity determined by DPPH(22.96 mmol ET),ABTS(91.55 mmol ET)and inhibition of hemolysis(92.12%).The anti-inflammatory activity exhibited an inhibition of the elastase enzyme up to 50 min and the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds reached up to 32%.These results showed that pecan nutshell extracts are an important source of biologically active compounds,thus,they are suitable to be used as commodities in different fields such as agricultural,food and pharmaceutical industries.Future studies must be carried out in order to elucidate the activity of nutshell extracts within in vivo systems.

Progress on antioxidant activity of single or compound traditional Chinese medicine

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various diseases.Nature antioxidants derived from traditional Chinese medicine protect the cells and tissues from oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and reactive oxygen species,therefore have a great potential in delaying ageing process and preventing oxidative stress-related disease.In this article,the antioxidant benefits of common single and compound traditional Chinese medicine in protecting tissues from injury are reviewed,along with identification of the various constituents that possess antioxidant activity and its mechanism were reviewed.

Antioxidant capacity of chemical constituents and antiinflammatory activity of ethanol extract from Semen sojae praeparatum

Semen sojae praeparatum is a kind of plant resource used both as medicine and food and has been used in preventing oxidative damage and treating some clinical inflammatory symptoms. However, the involved active mechanisms and the pharmacodynamic material basis of this fermented legume are not clear. Therefore, this study attempts to evaluate the chemical composition and provide further insights of the antioxidant activities of isolated compounds. In the meantime, the anti-inflammatory role and potential mechanisms were investigated. The all results revealed that genistein and it derivatives showed significantly high antioxidant activity. In anti-inflammatory assay, Semen sojae praeparatum extract significantly suppressed acute and chronic inflammation. In vitro results also verified that the extract markedly inhibited inflammatory mediator production at 120 mg/mL. These effects are consistent with previous research about anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids. Our research also discussed the anti-inflammatory activity of detected constituents on the basis of literature data. It could be concluded that genistein might be showed the most powerful anti-inflammatory activity due to the presence of the phenolic hydroxyl at C-5, C-7 and C-4'. These finding highlight the very powerful antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of genistein and Semen sojae praeparatum extract, thereby considering its availability as a medicinal or an edible treatment against oxidative and inflammatory diseases.

Plasma catalase,glutathione-s-transferase and total antioxidant activity levels of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Objective: In this study, we plan to measure plasma Catalase (CAT), Antioxidant Activity (AOA) and Glu- tathione-S-Transferase (GST) levels to understand whether oxidative stress develops or not and whether or not the detoxification mechanism properly functions in children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Method and Results: Plasma CAT, AOA, and GST activities were spectrophotometrically measured in forty patients (average age 10.27 ± 2.54) and thirty-five (average age, 9.97 ± 2.59) healthy individuals as the control group. While the CAT activity showed no difference in the patient group (P > 0.05) compared to the control group, AOA and GST levels were found significantly meaningful (P = 0.001). Conclusion: In this pilot study ,the study shows that no oxidative stress develops in individuals with ADHD in high AOA and stable CAT activity, and that the de- toxification mechanism functions extremely in high GST activity. These findings need to be supported by other studies.

Antioxidant Activity and Protective Effects of Alcalase-Hydrolyzed Soybean Hydrolysate in Human Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells

Soybeans are known as a promising source of bioactive peptides.However,knowledge on the antioxidant behaviors of soybean protein hydrolysate(SPH)in the human intestinal epithelium is limited.In this study,SPH was prepared with Alcalase and subsequently ultrafiltered into four peptide fractions as SPH-I(<3 kDa),SPH-II(3~5 k Da),SPH-III(5~10 k Da)and SPH-IV(>10 kDa).The antioxidant properties of SPH and membrane fractions were investigated using different chemical assays and their protective effects against oxidative stress were evaluated using H2 O2-stressed human intestinal Caco-2 cells.Results showed that SPH-I exhibited the strongest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)radical scavenging activity(IC50=2.56 mg/m L)and reducing capacity while SPH-III had the best metal ion-chelating activity(IC50=0.29 mg/m L).Both SPH and the peptide fractions dose-dependently suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation induced by H2O2 in Caco-2 cells,but the strongest inhibitory effect was observed for SPH-I.Amino acid(AA)results revealed that SPH-I was rich in hydrophobic and antioxidant AAs,which could contribute to its stronger antioxidant properties.Additionally,SPH-I protected Caco-2 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress via inhibiting lipid peroxidation and stimulating antioxidant enzyme activities.These results suggest that SPH-I and constitutive peptides can be beneficial ingredients with antioxidant properties and protective effects against ROS-mediated intestinal injury.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidants activities of aqueous stem bark extract of Schotia latifolia Jacq

Objective:To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Scholia latifolia(S.latifolia)bark locally used for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced ailments in South Africa.Methods:The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of aqueous extract of the plant was assessed against 1,1-diphenyl-2-pierylhydrazyl(DPPH),nitric oxide(NO),2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt(ABTS)and the ferric reducing agent.Total phenolics,flavonoids,flavonols and proanthocyanidins were also determined to assess their corresponding effect on the antioxidant activity of this plant.Results:The activities of plant extract against DPPH,ABTS and NO radicals were concentration dependent with IC_(50)value of 0.06,0.05 and 0.05 mg/mL,respectively.The reducing power of the extract was greater than that of butylated hydroxyl toluene(BHT)and ascorbic acid which were used as standard drugs in a concentration dependent manner.The total phenolics content of the aqueous bark extract was(193.33±0.03 TE/g),followed by flavonoids(72.70±0.01 QE/g),proanthocyanidins|48.76±0.00 CE/g)and flavonols(47.76±0.21 QE/g).Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of percentage tannin(11.40±0.02),alkaloid(9.80±0.01),steroids(18.20±0.01),glycosides(29.80±0.01)and saponins(6.80±0.00).The results exhibited a positive linear correlation between these polyphenols and the free radical scavenging activities.Conclusions:Our findings provide evidence that the crude aqueous extract of S.latifolia is a potential source of natural antioxidants and this justifies its uses in folkloric medicines.

Antioxidant activities of Indigofera cassioides Rottl.Ex.DC.using various in vitro assay models

Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant potential of methanolic leaf extract of Indigofera cassioides(MEIC) using various in vilro antioxidant assay systems.Methods:Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of MEIC was assayed by using different in vitro models like ABTS, DPPH,nitric oxide,superoxide,hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical.Reductive ability of the extract was tested by the complex formation with potassium ferricyanide.Further total phenol and flavonoid contents of the crude extract were also determined.Rutin and ascorbic acid were used as standards.Results:MEIC exhibited potent and concentration dependent free radical scavenging activity in all the tested models.Reductive ability was also found to increase with increase in MEIC concentration.Total phenol and flavonoid content determination showed that the extract is rich in phenols and flavonoids.Conclusions:All the results of the in vitro antioxidant assays reveal potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of the leaves of Indigofera cassioides,equivalent to that of standard ascorbic acid and rutin.This potent antioxidant activity may be attributed to its high phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Capacity of Ferulic Acid Released from Wheat Bran by Solid-state Fermentation of Aspergillus niger

Objective A strain of Aspergillus niger(A. niger), capable of releasing bound phenolic acids from wheat bran, was isolated. This strain was identified by gene sequence identification. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of ferulic acid released from wheat bran by this A. niger strain(FA-WB) were evaluated. Methods Molecular identification techniques based on PCR analysis of specific genomic sequences were conducted; antioxidant ability was examined using oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC), cellular antioxidant activity(CAA) assays, and erythrocyte hemolysis assays. RAW264.7 cells were used as a model to detect anti-inflammatory activity. Results The filamentous fungal isolate was identified to be A. niger. ORAC and CAA assay showed that FA-WB had better antioxidant activity than that of the ferulic acid standard. The erythrocyte hemolysis assay results suggested that FA-WB could attenuate AAPH-induced oxidative stress through inhibition of reactive oxy gen species(ROS) generation. FA-WB could significantly restore the AAPH-induced increase in intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities to normal levels as well as inhibit the intracellular malondialdehyde formation. TNF-?, IL-6, and NO levels indicated that FA-WB can inhibit the inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Conclusion Ferulic acid released from wheat bran by a new strain of A. niger had good anti-inflammatory activity and better antioxidant ability than standard ferulic acid.

Chicken collagen hydrolysates differentially mediate anti-inflammatory activity and type I collagen synthesis on human dermal fibroblasts

Collagen is a major extracellular matrix protein.Given the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles of these bioactive compounds,there has been increasing interest in using collagen derived peptides and peptide-rich collagen hydrolysates for skin health,due to their immunomodulatory,antioxidant and proliferative effects on dermal fibroblasts.However,all hydrolysates are not equally effective in exerting the beneficial effects;hence,further research is needed to determine the factors that improve the therapeutic applicability of such preparations.We used different enzymatic conditions to generate a number of different collagen hydrolysates with distinct peptide profiles.We found that the use of two rather than one enzyme for hydrolysis generates a greater abundance of low molecular weight peptides with consequent improvement in bioactive properties.Testing these hydrolysates on human dermal fibroblasts showed distinct actions on inflammatory changes,oxidative stress,type I collagen synthesis and cellular proliferation.Our findings suggest that different enzymatic conditions affect the peptide profile of hydrolysates and differentially regulate their biological activities and potential protective responses on dermal fibroblasts.

Cd and Hg Mediated Oxidative Stress,Antioxidative Metabolism and Molecular Changes in Soybean(Glycine max L.)

Cadmium(Cd)and Mercury(Hg)is among the heavy metals most hazardous for plant and human health.Known to induce oxidative stress in plants and disbalance equilibrium in the antioxidant defence system,these metals alter plant growth and cause damage at the cellular and molecular levels.Soybean is an important oilseed crop that is raised in soils often contaminated by Cd and Hg.The comparative studies on the deleterious effect of Cd and Hg and the defence system of antioxidants were not studied earlier in soybean plant.In this study,soybean plants were exposed to Cd(100μM CdCl_(2))and Hg(100μM HgCl_(2))and studied for physiological,biochemical and molecular responses.Both Cd and Hg treatment increased the magnitude of oxidative stress.Activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly upregulated in response to Cd and Hg stress.Quantitative and qualitative assessment of isolated RNA showed significant differences in RNA under stress.Integrity values of RNA confirmed alterations.Transcript level of the Actin gene,involved in the morphogenesis of plants and also used as referenced gene in expression studies was analyzed using qRT-PCR just to check its stability and response under heavy metal stress.Results showed significant upregulation of the gene in the presence of Cd.It can be concluded that both Cd and Hg caused oxidative damage to plants,and adversely affected the quality of RNA.However,soybean tried to limit the adverse impacts of Cd and Hg stress by elevating the antioxidant system and upregulating Actin gene.

African eggplant(Solanum anguivi Lam.)fruit with bioactive polyphenolic compounds exerts in vitro antioxidant properties and inhibits Ca^(2+)-induced mitochondrial swelling

Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of Solanum anguivi fruit(SAG)and its possible effect on mitochondrial permeability transition pore as well as mitochondrial membrane potential(△Ψ_m)isolated from rat liver.Methods:Antioxidant activity of SAG was assayed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH),reducing power,iron chelation and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in both liver and brain homogenate of rats.Also,the effect of SAG on mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling were determined.Identification and quantification of bioactive polyphenolics was done by HPLC-DAD.Results:SAG exhibited potent and concentration dependent free radical-scavenging activity(IC_(50)/DPPH=275.03±7.8μg/mL).Reductive and iron chelation abilities also increase with increase in SAG concentration.SAG also inhibited peroxidation of cerebral and hepatic lipids subjected to iron oxidative assault.SAG protected against Ca^(2+)(110μmol/L)-induced mitochondrial swelling and maintained the△Ψ_m.HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid[(17.54±0.04)mg/g],chlorogenic acid(21.90±0.02 mg/g),caffeic acid(16.64±0.01 mg/g).rutin[(14.71±0.03)mg/g]and quercetin[(7.39±0.05)mg/g].Conclusions:These effects could be attributed to the bioactive polyphenolic compounds present in the extract.Our results suggest that SAG extract is a potential source of natural antioxidants that may be used not only in pharmaceutical and food industry but also in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.