Bioavailability of Calcium,Iron and Zinc Fortified Whole Wheat Flour Chapatti

The bioavailability and interactive effects of calcium, iron and zinc fortified whole wheat flour chapattis on female Sprague–Dawley albino rats were determined. The whole wheat flour was fortified with CaCO₃, FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄ at 1000, 40 and 20 mg/kg, respectively and fed to 64 female Sprague–Dawley rats for 4 weeks. Retention of Ca, Fe and Zn was determined in plasma, femur and liver tissues. Ca levels in plasma and liver did not alter significantly while the Ca retention in femur changed significantly with the change in fortificants. The calcium retention was higher in the femur of rats fed on the diet supplemented with Ca + Zn (221 ± 13.61 mg/g) than the rats fed on the diet supplemented with Ca + Fe (219 ± 18.92 mg/g). The iron in plasma, liver and femur ranged from 2.19 ± 0.11 to 2.77 ± 0.10 μg/ml, 203.5 ± 13.24 to 251.5 ± 17.19 μg/g and 43.5 ± 1.05 to 52 ± 2.07 μg/g while zinc content ranged from 1.31 ± 0.089 to 1.55 ± 0.114 μg/ml, 89.5 ± 3.41 to 132 ± 6.10 μg/g and 175 ± 8.29 to 191 ± 10.85 μg/g, respectively. The minerals interacted with each other resulting in decrease of bioavailability among each other. The absorption was higher in the rats fed on fortified diet than those fed on unfortified chapatti diet. Hence, it is concluded that fortification of whole wheat flour is feasible to overcome the Ca, Fe and Zn malnutrition in the vulnerable groups.     

Circulating Salicylic Acid and Metabolic and Inflammatory Responses after Fruit Ingestion

We hypothesized that fruit ingestion provides measurable amounts of salicylic acid (SA) and produces different metabolic and inflammatory responses compared to mere fruit sugars. In a randomized-crossover study, 26 healthy subjects received a peach shake meal (PSM) (SA: 0,06 ± 0,001 mg/100 g) and a mixed sugar meal (MSM), consisting in an aqueous solution with the same sugars found in the peach shake. In order to control for the SA contribution from meals in the previous day, 16 subjects (Group 1) abstained from fruits and vegetables consumption the evening before trials, and 10 subjects (Group 2) maintained their usual diet. Circulating SA, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, and interleukin-6 were determined. Basal SA was lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (0.09 ± 0.02 vs. 0.30 ± 0.03 μmol/l, p < 0.001), peaked at 90 min in both groups (0.18 ± 0.01 vs. 0.38 ± 0.02 μmol/l, p < 0.01) and remained above baseline (p < 0.05) up to 3 h. Glycemia increased less after PSM at 15 min (p < 0.01) with a lower average glucose excursion (p < 0.05). Insulin peaked at 45 min with both meals but decreased less rapidly with PSM. Free fatty acids decreased more (p < 0.01), and interleukin-6 increased less (p < 0.05) with PSM. Dietary fruit intake increases the concentration of SA in vivo, and provides non-nutrients capable to modulate the inflammatory and metabolic responses to carbohydrates.     

Sugars Profiles of Different Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and Almond (Prunus dulcis) Cultivars by HPLC-RI

Sugar profiles of different almond and chestnut cultivars were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), by means of a refractive index (RI) detector. A solid-liquid extraction procedure was used in defatted and dried samples. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a Eurospher 100-5 NH₂ column using an isocratic elution with acetonitrile/water (70:30, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. All the compounds were separated in 16 min. The method was optimized and proved to be reproducible and accurate. Generally, more than 95% of sugars were identified for both matrixes. Sugars profiles were quite homogeneous for almond cultivars; sucrose was the main sugar (11.46 ± 0.14 in Marcona to 22.23 ± 0.59 in Ferragnes g/100 g of dried weight), followed by raffinose (0.71 ± 0.05 in Ferraduel to 2.11 ± 0.29 in Duro Italiano), glucose (0.42 ± 0.12 in Pegarinhos two seeded to 1.47 ± 0.19 in Ferragnes) and fructose (0.11 ± 0.02 in Pegarinhos two seeded to 0.59 ± 0.05 in Gloriette). Commercial cultivars proved to have higher sucrose contents, except in the case of Marcona. Nevertheless, chestnut cultivars revealed a high heterogeneity. Sucrose was the main sugar in Aveleira (22.05 ± 1.48), Judia (23.30 ± 0.83) and Longal (9.56 ± 0.91), while glucose was slightly prevalent in Boa Ventura (6.63 ± 0.49). The observed variance could serve for inter-cultivar discrimination.     

Antioxidant Capacity and Antimutagenic Activity of Natural Oleoresin from Greenhouse Grown Tomatoes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lycopersicon esculentum</Emphasis>)

Natural oleoresins rich in lycopene were obtained from two varieties of tomato (Zedona and Gironda) and their nutraceutical potential (antioxidant and antimutagenic capacity) was evaluated. Both oleoresins had a high content of lycopene, 58.33 ± 1.67 mg/g (Zedona) and 63.97 ± 0.80 mg/g (Gironda). The antioxidant activity (AA) of the oleoresins by β-carotene method were 56.4–74.5% (Zedona) and 51–72.8% (Gironda), while when using the free radical stable 2,2-diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) method, the antiradical activity (ARA) was determined to be 18.2–32.7% (Zedona) and 16.6–26.7% (Gironda) for the concentrations tested that of 200–400 μM equivalents of lycopene. The antimutagenic activity of the oleoresins was tested against aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) using the microsuspension assay, both varieties had a very high antimutagenic potential against AFB₁ (60–66%).These results suggest the NCRT can be taken advantage to obtaining rich oleoresin in lycopene with a nutraceutical value.     

Inhibitory Activity of Cinnamon Bark Species and their Combination Effect with Acarbose against Intestinal α-glucosidase and Pancreatic α-amylase

Inhibition of α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase is one of the therapeutic approaches for delaying carbohydrate digestion, resulting in reduced postprandial glucose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical analysis and the inhibitory effect of various cinnamon bark species against intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase. The results showed that the content of total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin ranged from 0.17 to 0.21 g gallic acid equivalent/g extract, from 48.85 to 65.52 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract, and from 0.12 to 0.15 g catechin equivalent/g extract, respectively. The HPLC fingerprints of each cinnamon species were established. Among cinnamon species, Thai cinnamon extract was the most potent inhibitor against the intestinal maltase with the IC₅₀ values of 0.58 ± 0.01 mg/ml. The findings also showed that Ceylon cinnamon was the most effective intestinal sucrase and pancreatic α-amylase inhibitor with the IC₅₀ values of 0.42 ± 0.02 and 1.23 ± 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, cinnamon extracts produced additive inhibition against intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase when combined with acarbose. These results suggest that cinnamon bark extracts may be potentially useful for the control of postprandial glucose in diabetic patients through inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidase and pancreatic α-amylase.     

Antioxidant Effect of Dietary Supplement Withania somnifera L. Reduce Blood Glucose Levels in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The phenolic compounds and flavonoids were determined from the extracts of Withania somnifera root (WSREt) and leaf (WSLEt). The WSREt has 28.26 mg/g total phenolic compounds and 17.32 mg/g flavonoids, whereas WSLEt has 5.4 mg/g total phenolic compounds and 5.1 mg/g flavonoids. The WSREt, WSLEt and glibenclamide were orally administered daily to diabetic rats for 8 weeks. After the treatment, the levels of urine sugar, blood glucose, liver glycogen, and antioxidants like vitamin C and E in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver, kidney and heart were determined. Diabetic rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) elevation in glucose and TBARS and a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in glycogen, vitamin C and E, SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH levels when compared to normal control rats. Administration of WSREt, WSLEt and glibenclamide to diabetic rats restored the levels to normal. In the light of aforesaid facts, it is suggested that the presence of phenolic compounds including flavonoids in W. somnifera root and leaf extracts and their antioxidant activity may play a vital role in reduction of blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.     

Determination of the Antimicrobial and Antioxidative Properties and Total Phenolics of Two “Endemic” Lamiaceae Species from Turkey: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ballota rotundifolia</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Teucrium chamaedrys</Emphasis> C. Koch

This study was designed to examine the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and the amount of total phenolics of the methanol extracts of Ballota rotundifolia L. and Teucrium chamaedrys C. Koch. In the case of antimicrobial activity tests, polar sub-fractions of the methanol extracts of plant species exhibited weakest antimicrobial activity when compared with the non-polar ones. While, non-polar sub-fraction of B. rotundifolia showed moderate activity against A. lwoffii, C. perfringens and the yeasts, T. chamaedrys performed excellent activity pattern against all of the tested microorganisms. The sub-fractions were also screened for their possible antioxidant activities by two complementary tests, namely DPPH free radical-scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. Non-polar extracts of the plant species remained inactive in both test systems. On the other hand polar extracts showed remarkable antioxidant activities. In DPPH system, free radical scavenging effect of T. chamaedrys was measured as 18.00 ± 1.42 μg.mg⁻¹. It is extremely important to point out that, polar sub-fraction of T. chamaedrys is found as effective as the positive control BHT. Non-polar sub-fraction of T. chamaedrys found to have the highest total phenolic amount (97.12 ± 1.28 μg/mg). Results obtained from this experiment confirm the relationship between the amount of phenolics and biological activities.     

Absorption,Distribution and Elimination of Carnosic Acid,A Natural Antioxidant from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosmarinus officinalis</Emphasis>, in Rats

The absorption, distribution and elimination of carnosic acid, the main antioxidant found in rosemary was studied, in vivo, in rats. Therefore, carnosic acid was administrated in a single dose, intravenously (20.5 ± 4.2 mg/kg) and orally (64.3 ± 5.8 mg/kg), to four and nine rats, respectively. Blood samples were collected at different time points, and plasma concentrations of carnosic acid were determined using LC-MS. Furthermore, total collection of urine and feces was done during 4 h and 24 h for the intravenous and oral administrations, respectively. After euthanizing the rats, intestinal content, liver and muscle tissue were sampled to determine carnosic acid concentrations. The bioavailability of carnosic acid, after 360 min, was 40.1%. Traces of carnosic acid were found in the rats intestinal content, liver and muscle tissue of abdomen and legs. The recovery of carnosic acid in the feces, 24 h after oral administration, was 15.6 ± 8.2%. Carnosic acid is absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration in rats and is therefore bioavailable. It was found that carnosic acid in vivo is present in its free form and that its main elimination route is the fecal route.     

Effects of Different Sources of Fructans on Body Weight,Blood Metabolites and Fecal Bacteria in Normal and Obese non-diabetic and Diabetic Rats

Fructans contribute significantly to dietary fiber with beneficial effects on gastrointestinal physiology in healthy individuals and offer a promising approach to treating some diseases. Two experiments (Experiment 1 = rats with normal weight; Experiment 2 = obese rats) were developed to compare the effects of three fructan sources (Cichorium intybus L. Asteraceae, Helianthus tuberosus L. Asteraceae and Agave angustifolia ssp. tequilana Haw, Agavaceae) on body weight change, blood metabolites and fecal bacteria in non-diabetic (ND) and diabetic (D) rats. In Experiment 1 total body weight gain and daily feed intake in D and ND rats decreased (P < 0.05) with supplements of fructan. Only in D rats, blood glucose concentrations, fecal Clostrodium spp. counts, and liver steatosis decreased, while blood HDL concentrations and fecal Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. counts increased due to fructans. In Experiment 2, total body weight gain and feed intake in ND and D rats were also decreased by fructans. In ND rats, fructan decreased blood glucose concentrations. In D rats, fructans from A. angustifolia ssp. tequilana decreased blood cholesterol and LDL and liver steatosis. For both ND and D rats, fecal Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. counts were higher (P < 0.05) with fructan supplements.     

Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic and Antiglycation Effects of Byrsonima crassifolia Fruit and Seed in Normal and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The hypoglycemic effects of hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts from fruits and seeds of Byrsonima crassifolia were evaluated by oral administration to normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced severe diabetic rats (SD). The anti-diabetic effect was examined by blood glucose, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation, total cholesterol levels in the serum, glycogen content of liver and skeletal muscles, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels. The most active extracts were obtained with hexane. Hexane and chloroform extracts from fruits and seeds of Byrsonima crassifolia increased the levels of SOD, GSH, GSSG and CAT, hepatic glycogen content, glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and the plasma insulin levels. They also decreased glucokinase (GK) and TBAR (thiobarbituric acid assay). In conclusion, Byrsonima crassifolia possesses significant antihyperglycemic properties after 4 h of a single oral dose. It can also improve hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Both extracts exhibited significant inhibitory activity against AGEs (advanced glycation end products) formation with IC₅₀ values ranging from 94.3 to 138.7 μg/ml. Therefore, B. crassifolia can be considered as a potential safe anti-diabetic agent.     

Anti-hyperglycemic Effect of Bilberry, Blackberry and Mulberry Ultrasonic Extracts on Diabetic Rats

Small fruits like bilberry, blackberry and mulberry are rich sources of anthocyanins and other phenols, compounds with a certified antioxidant activity and spectacular effects in some chronic diseases. Romanian bilberry, blackberry and mulberry extracts were tested as anti-hyperglycemic agents on diabetic rats. Anthocyanins extraction was carried out with 80 % acidified ethanol in ultrasonically conditions at 23?±?2 °C and 40 kHz. Monomeric anthocyanins content was determined by pH differential method and varied between 1200 and 2800 mg/L. The analyses of anthocyanins were achieved using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Phenolics content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and values varied between 2320 and 4250 mg/L gallic acid. Antioxidant activities of extracts were estimated by DPPH scavenging method and the values varied between 8 and 16 miliequivalents Trolox. In order to evaluate the toxicology of the extracts, the heavy metals concentration and pesticides content were analyzed. The extracts were administrated to diabetic rats in drinking water for five weeks. The administration of bilberry extract offered no satisfactory results. Treatment with blackberry extract determined a significant decrease of glucose level from 360 to about 270 mg/dL (p?<?0.05). The mulberry extract administration determined a significant decrease of glucose level from 252 mg/dL at the start day to 155 mg/dL at the final of experiment (p?<?0.05).     

Seasonal Variation of Phenolic Antioxidant-mediated α-glucosidase Inhibition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ascophyllum nodosum</Emphasis>

Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed that grows abundantly in the US Northeast coastal region. This study examined the seasonal variation of A. nodosum in phenolic contents and subsequent antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. A. nodosum was harvested monthly and extracted in hot water and the resulting extracts were spray-dried. The results indicate a clear seasonal variation in terms of phenolic content, with June and July being the highest (36.4 and 37 mg/g, respectively) and May the lowest (21.8 mg/g). The antioxidant activities, in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, correlated with the phenolic contents observed (r = 0.81), with the month of July being the highest (58%) and April the lowest (26%). Similarly in terms of Trolox equivalent, July had the highest activity (15.53 μM) and April and May the lowest (8.40 and 8.27 μM, respectively). α-glucosidase inhibitory activity exhibited a pattern similar to the phenolic contents observed with July having the highest inhibitory activity (IC₇₀ 2.23 μg) and April the lowest (IC₇₀ 26.13 μg), resulting in an inverse correlation between IC₇₀ values and total phenolic content (r = −0.89). Such seasonal variation is believed to be caused by temperature-related stress considering that A. nodosum is a cold water species.     

Volatile Compounds and Antioxidative Activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Porophyllum tagetoides</Emphasis> Extracts

Porophyllum tagetoides is an annual warm-weather herb that has an intense typical smell. Its leaves are commonly used in soup preparation and traditional medicine for treatment of inflammatory diseases. Its volatile compounds and antioxidant properties were evaluated in crude, aqueous and ethanol leaf extract and an oil emulsion using different antioxidant assays in vitro, such as: DPPH radical scavenging activity, redox potential, polyphenol content, reducing power and optical density. A high antioxidative activity was found when comparing leaves with stems. The crude extract from leaves showed a very high reducing power (2.88 ± 0.20 O.D.) and DPPH radical-scavenging activity (54.63 ± 4.80%), in concordance with a major concentration of vitamin C (23.97 ± 0.36 mg/100 g). Instead, the highest polyphenol content (264.54 ± 2.17 mg GAE/g of sample) and redox potential (561.23 ± 0.15 mV) were found by the ethanol and aqueous extract, respectively. Aldehydes and terpenes such as nonanal, decanal, trans-pineno, β-myrcene and D-limonene were the major volatiles found. This study suggests that Porophyllum tagetoides extracts could be used as antioxidants.     

Insoluble Carob Fiber Rich in Polyphenols Lowers Total and LDL Cholesterol in Hypercholesterolemic Sujects

Recently, polyphenols have been found to affect blood lipids in animals in a similar manner as soluble dietary fibre. The aim was to assess whether an insoluble dietary fiber very rich in polyphenols has a beneficial effect on serum lipids in humans. In a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical study with parallel arms, 88 volunteers with hypercholesterolemia were randomly assigned to consume daily either, fiber with insoluble 84% polyphenols 4 g twice a day (n = 43) or placebo (n = 45). Serum total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. The insoluble polyphenols consumption reduced the total cholesterol by 17.8 ± 6.1% (p < 0.05), LDL cholesterol by 22.5 ± 8.9% (p < 0.001), LDL: HDL cholesterol ratio by 26.2 ± 14.3% (p < 0.001) and triglycerides by 16.3 ± 23.4% (p < 0.05) at the end of the study compared with baseline. No significant differences were found during the study time in the placebo group for the lipid profile. The consumption of fiber very rich in insoluble polyphenols shows beneficial effects on human blood lipid profile and may be effective in prevention and treatment of hyperlipemia.     

Effect of Quinoa Seeds (Chenopodium quinoa) in Diet on some Biochemical Parameters and Essential Elements in Blood of High Fructose-Fed Rats

The effect of Chenopodium quinoa seeds on lipid profile, glucose level, protein metabolism and selected essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) level was determined in high—fructose fed male Wistar rats. Fructose decreased significantly LDL [42%, p < 0.01] and activity of alkaline phosphatase [20%, p < 0.05], and increased triglycerides level [86%, p < 0.01]. The analysis of blood of rats fed quinoa indicated, that these seeds effectively reduced serum total cholesterol [26%, p < 0.05], LDL [57%, p < 0.008] and triglycerides [11%, p < 0.05] when compared to the control group. Quinoa seeds also significantly reduced the level of glucose [10%, p < 0.01] and plasma total protein level [16%, p < 0.001]. Fructose significantly decreased HDL [15%, p < 0.05] level in control group but when the quinoa seeds were added into the diet the decrease of HDL level was inhibited. Quinoa seeds did not prevent any adverse effect of increasing triglyceride level caused by fructose. It was shown in this study that quinoa seeds can reduce most of the adverse effects exerted by fructose on lipid profile and glucose level.     

Folates Stability in Two Types of Rye Breads During Processing and Frozen Storage

High-performance liquid chromatography was used to study the stability of folate vitamers in two types of rye breads after baking and 16 weeks of frozen storage. Bread made using sourdough seeds contained less total folate (74.6 μg/100 g dry basis, expressed as folic acid) than the whole rye flour (79.8 μg/100 g dry basis) and bread leavened only with baker’s yeast (82.8 μg/100 g dry basis). Most importantly, it was generated by a significant decrease in 5-CH₃-H₄folate form. The baking process caused some changes in folate distribution. Storage of breads at -18°C for 2 weeks did not have a significant effect (p < 0.05) on total folates compared to the content directly after baking. After a 5-weeks storage period, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the content of total folates was recorded and it dropped on average by 14% for both type of breads. After a longer period of storage (16 weeks), a 25% loss of folates in the bread made with baker’s yeast and a 38% loss in the bread fermented with sourdough seeds was found. Retention of 5-CH₃-H₄folate and 10-HCO-H₂folate forms were much lower in the bread made with a sourdough addition than with baker’s yeast only.     

Comparison of the Nutrient and Chemical Contents of Traditional Korean Chungtaejeon and Green Teas

This study was conducted in order to compare the nutrient and chemical contents of two Korean teas: traditional Chungtaejeon tea (CTJ) with that of green tea (GT). Main bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activities using four radical scavenging assays (ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP and DPPH) in methanol and acetone extracts of both teas were determined. It was found that the contents of vitamin C, amino acids and total nitrogen in CTJ were lower than that of GT (p < 0.05). Caffeine, reducing sugar and chlorophyll contents in CTJ were similar to GT. Catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), and epigallocatechin (EGC) contents were lower in CTJ than in green tea (p < 0.05), but gallocatechin (GC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and catechin gallate (CG) showed no significant differences between CTJ and GT (p ≥ 0.05). The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols and tannins in CTJ methanol were 229.30 ± 11.3 mg GAE/g dry weight (DW), 15.24 ± 0.8 mg CE/g DW, 109.10 ± 5.1 mg CE/g DW and 25.68 ± 1.2 mg CE/g DW, respectively, and significantly higher than in acetone extracts (p < 0.05). Flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol) were higher in GT than in CTJ and myricetin was higher in CTJ (p < 0.05). Threonine and aspartic acid was lower, and glutamic acid was higher in CTJ compared with GT (p < 0.05). Free amino acid content in CTJ and GT showed no significant difference. Potassium and magnesium in CTJ were lower compared to GT, but no significant difference was found for iron, manganese and calcium. Also, the level of the antioxidant activity by all four used assays was significantly higher in CTJ and in methanol was higher than in acetone extracts (p < 0.05). In conclusion, traditional fermented Korean tea Chungtaejeon contains high quantities of bioactive compounds and possesses high antioxidant activity. The contents of the bioactive compounds and the levels of antioxidant activities are significantly higher in methanol than in acetone extracts. 3-D fluorescence and FTIR- spectroscopy showed slight differences between the two investigated tea samples and can be used as additional tools for identification of polyphenols. Both studied teas can be recommended as a source of bioactive compounds.     

Antioxidative and Anticancer Activity of Extracts of Cherry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus serrulata</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">spontanea</Emphasis>) Blossoms

Organic solvent (methanol, ethanol, and acetone) extracts and water extracts of cherry (Prunus serrulata var. spontanea) blossoms were prepared, and antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated. Methanolic CBE (100 μg/ml) showed the highest total phenol content (104.30 μM), radical scavenging activity (34.2%), and reducing power (0.391). The effect of CBE on DNA damage induced by H₂O₂ in human leukocytes was evaluated by Comet assay. All CBE was a potent dose dependent inhibitor of DNA damage induced by 200 μM of H₂O₂, methanolic CBE showed the most strong inhibition activity. The methanolic CBE of 500 μg/ml showed 38.8% inhibition against growth of human colon cancer cell line HT-29. These results indicated that cherry blossoms could provide valuable bioactive materials.     

Biochemical Characteristics of the Herb Mixture Prolipid as a Plant Food Supplement and Medicinal Remedy

Prolipid a known mixture of herbs is used as a plasma lipid lowering medicine. No side effects were registered. However, the bioactive substances of Prolipid were not investigated. Therefore in this investigation Prolipids bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were studied. The contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were 19.87 ± 2.09 and 3.09 ± 0.31 mg gallic acid equivalent GAE/g DW and 2.09 ± 0.24 and 0.57 ± 0.05 mg catechin equivalent CE/g DW in water and methanol fractions, respectively. Anthocyanins (0.02 ± 0.001 mg/g DW) and flavanols (7.58 ± 0.81 μg CE/g DW) were found only in water fraction. The antioxidant activity of Prolipid, as determined by four different antioxidant assays [ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP); cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC); trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC); 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH)], was higher in water than in methanol fraction. The correlation coefficients between polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activities of Prolipid water extracts with TEAC were 0.97 and 0.90, respectively. It can be concluded that the content of polyphenol compounds in Prolipid is very high and they are the main contributors to Prolipids overall antioxidant activity. Prolipid is widely used in human treatment without known side effects on patients and is comparable to other medicinal plants, and as a strong antioxidant mixture could be used as a supplement to known atherosclerosis preventing diets.     

Antioxidative and Antigenotoxic Effects of Garlic (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium sativum</Emphasis> L.) Prepared by Different Processing Methods

This study describes the antioxidant activities and antigenotoxic effects of garlic extracts prepared by different processing methods. Aged-garlic extract (AGE) showed a significantly higher total phenolic content (562.6 ± 1.92 mg/100 g garlic acid equivalents) than those of raw garlic extract (RGE) or heated garlic extract (HGE). The SC₅₀ for DPPH RSA in HGE was significantly the highest at 2.1 mg/ml. The SC₅₀ for SOD-like activity in garlic extracts was, in decreasing order, RGE (7.3 mg/ml) > AGE (8.5 mg/ml) > HGE (9.2 mg /ml). The ED₅₀ of AGE was the highest (19.3 μg/ml) regarding H₂O₂ induced DNA damage and its inhibition rate was 70.8%. The ED₅₀ of RGE for 4-hydroxynonenal (a lipid peroxidation product) induced DNA damage was 38.6 μg/ml, followed by AGE > HGE. Although the heat treatment of garlic tended to decrease the TPC and SOD-like activity and increased DPPH RSA, garlic, in general, has significant antioxidant activity and protective effects against oxidative DNA damage regardless of processing method.