Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Borago Officinalis, Teucrium Polium, Mentha Aquatica and Allium Taradox

Background and Aim: Free radicals and the oxidative stress they generate are implicated in a wide range of disorders in the human body. One of the important approaches to eliminate free radicals and prevent their side effects is to use natural antioxidants. Plants contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds in all their parts that give them antioxidant properties. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of methanolic extracts from aerial parts of some medicinal plants. Methods: Methanolic extracts from the leaves of Wild Borage (Borago officinalis), Teucrium (Teucrium polium), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Wild Leek (Allium taradox) were prepared and evaluated for their free-radical scavenging capacity or their antioxidant activity. The amount of total phenolic content was determined using the folin-ciocalteu method and the amount of anti - radical activity was determined using the DPPH free radical scavenging method and determining inhibitory concentration (IC50). All experiments were performed in triplicate. Results: The obtained results and statistical analyses showed that the methanolic extracts of Borago officinalis and Teucrium polium contain high amounts of phenolic compounds and also had more free radical inhibition due to the lower IC50 values. Also, Borago officinalis had significant antioxidant activity compared to other plants. Conclusion: Our investigation indicates that Borago officinalis leaves are a promising source of natural antioxidants.    *Corresponding Author: Ali Salehi Sardoei; Email: [email protected]; ORCID ID: 0000-0002-4054-3750 Please cite this article as: Shahdadi F, Salehi Sardoei A. Free Radical Scavenging Capacity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Borago Officinalis, Teucrium Polium, Mentha Aquatica and Allium Taradox. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2023;9:1-7 (e4). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v9.3831

Antioxidant Activities of Traditional Plants in Qaen by DPPH Free Radical- Scavenging Assay

Background and Aim: In humans, many diseases are associated with the accumulation of free radicals. Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and minimize their impact. Therefore, the search for naturally occurring antioxidants of plant origin is imperative. Methods: Here, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of methanolic extracts from Plantago major, Asperugo procumbens, Fumaria paviflora. Methanolic extract of P. major, A. procumbens, F. paviflora leaf is a potential source of natural antioxidants and serves as an effective free radical scavenger and/or inhibitor. Hence, of P. major, A. procumbens, F. paviflora might be a good plant-based pharmaceutical product for several diseases caused by free radicals. Results: In this experiment, we examined different parts (leaf) of A. procumbens and found that methanolic extract of A. procumbens leaf, which contains large amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, exhibited the highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging. A positive correlation (P-value < 0.005) was observed between phenolic content and free radical (DPPH) scavenging efficiencies. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of A. procumbens leaf is a potential source of natural antioxidants and serves as an effective free radical scavenger and/or inhibitor. Hence, A. procumbens might be a good plant-based pharmaceutical product for several diseases caused by free radicals. *Corresponding Author: Fatemeh Shahdadi; Email: [email protected]; ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7523-3429 Please cite this article as: Salehi Sardoei A, Shahdadi F. Antioxidant Activities of Traditional Plants in Qaen by DPPH Free Radical- Scavenging Assay. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2022;8:1-6 (e4). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v8.3500

EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID AND CALCIUM CHLORIDE ON KEEPING QUALITY AND VASE LIFE OF NARCISSUS (NARCISSUS TAZETTA) CUT FLOWERS

ABSTRACT: The effects of Gibberellic Acid and Calcium Chloride, on cut Narcissus was studied. gibberellic acid (0, 20 and 40 mg L -1 ) and calcium chloride (0, 10, 20, 40 mM), their combinations were tested as preservative mixture. This study was conducted in a factorial experiment with complete randomized design on 108 Narcissus cut flowers in horticulture laboratory of agriculture faculty of Islamic Azad University, jiroft branch. The recorded traits included vase life, microbial count, relative fresh weight and solution uptake. The results shown using gibberellic acid and calcium chloride as a preservative significantly increased the vase life, Fresh weight changes, Microbial Count and Solution uptake. The results showed that calcium chloride increased cut flower vase life, while decreased the Microbial Count with total delay of senescence. Maximum flower vase life was recorded in 20 Mm calcium chloride treatments. A direct relationship between vase life and, increasing of relative fresh weight and water uptake was observed as well

Corresponding Author Effects of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid on Chlorophyll and Carotenoids of Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)

ABSTRACT Effect of gibberellic acid on marigold (Calendula Officinalis L.) was evaluated in a pot culture experiment. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design including 12 treatments and four replications was carried out. Main factor was foliar application stages (first, second and third) and sub factor included different concentrations of GA 3 (0, 50, 150 and 250 mg L -1 ). Results showed that foliar application of GA 3 had positive effect on photosynthetic pigments. Effect of different concentrations of GA 3 on chlorophyll a was significant (p<0.01). Chlorophyll a content was enhanced by increase in GA 3 concentration up to 250 mg L -1 treatment of 250 mg L -1 resulted in production of 7.78 µg/L -1 chlorophyll a, the index which was to some extent dropped in other concentrations. Different concentrations of GA 3 had significant effect on chlorophyll b (p<0.01). Chlorophyll b was increased by increase in GA 3 concentration up to 250 mg L -1 . the highest rate of total chlorophyll content and total pigment in three times of application and one application of 250 mg L -1 was 14.6 and 15.4 µg/L -1 respectively; whereas the lowest chlorophyll and pigment content was observed in one foliar application of control treatment with mean value as 4.67 and 5.5 µg/L -1

Corresponding Author Stimulatory Effect of benzyladenine and gibberellic acid on Growth and Photosynthetic pigments of (Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel) Plants

Abstract Field trials with Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel were conducted at the experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, University Azad Jiroft in 2012 growth seasons. The aim of this work is to study the effect of foliar application with benzyladenine (BA) at 0, 100, 200 and 400 mg.L -1 and gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) at 0, 100 and 200 mg.L -1 on the vegetative growth constituents of Spathiphyllum plants. Most of the criteria of vegetative growth expressed as number of leaves/plant, leaf area and petiole length and were significantly affected by application of the two factors which were used in this study. All foliar applications of SPAD BA and GA 3 separately promoted all the aforementioned characters in this study, as well as chl. a, petiole length, number of leaves/plant, leaf area and spad compared with control plants. The most number of produced leaves was in a plant in applications of 400 mg l -1 of BA, 100 mg l -1 of BA, 400 mg l -1 BA+100 mg l -1 GA 3 , 400 mg l -1 BA+mg l -1 of GA 3 and respectively, with average of 11/33, 11,10/66, 10/66 that they did not show a meaniful diference, statically

Exogenously applied gibberellic acid and benzylamine modulate growth and chemical constituents of dwarf schefflera: a stepwise regression analysis

Abstract Ornamental foliage plants that have a dense appearance are highly valued. One way to achieve this is by using plant growth regulators as a tool for plant growth management. In a greenhouse with a mist irrigation system, a study was conducted on dwarf schefflera, an ornamental foliage plant, which was exposed to foliar application of gibberellic acid and benzyladenine hormones. The hormones were sprayed on dwarf schefflera leaves at 0, 100, and 200 mg/l concentrations, at 15-day intervals in three stages. The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design, with four replicates. The combination of gibberellic acid and benzyladenine at 200 mg/l concentration had a significant effect on leaf number, leaf area, and plant height. The treatment also resulted in the highest content of photosynthetic pigments. Furthermore, the highest soluble carbohydrate to reducing sugars ratio was observed in treatments of 100 and 200 mg/l benzyladenine, and 200 mg/l gibberellic acid + benzyladenine. Stepwise regression analysis showed that root volume was the first variable to enter the model, explaining 44% of variations. The next variable was root fresh weight, and the two-variable model explained 63% of variations in leaf number. The greatest positive effect on leaf number was related to root fresh weight (0.43), which had a positive correlation with leaf number (0.47). The results showed that 200 mg/l concentration of gibberellic acid and benzyladenine significantly improved morphological growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis, and reducing sugar and soluble carbohydrate contents in dwarf schefflera

Carnauba wax-based edible coatings retain quality enhancement of orange (Citrus sinensis cv. Moro) fruits during storage

Abstract Fruit coatings serve a dual purpose in preserving the quality of fruits. Not only do they act as a barrier against water evaporation and fungal infiltration, but they also enhance the fruit’s visual appeal in the market. Yet, their influence on the fruit’s quality components, which play a crucial role in determining its nutritional value, taste, and overall flavor, has remained relatively unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carnauba wax coating on the quality of Moro oranges during storage. The selected fruits were meticulously chosen for uniformity in size. The experiment involved applying carnauba wax, a commonly used type among local producers, at four different concentrations: 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. These treatments were applied during various storage periods, including immediately after fruits were harvested and after 40 and 80 days. Following the application of these treatments, the oranges were stored in a controlled environment (morgue) at a temperature of 4 ± 1 °C. Subsequently, several physicochemical parameters of both the fruit flesh and skin were examined. The results unveiled a decline in the overall ascorbic acid content of the fruits. In terms of phenol content, a general decreasing trend was observed after harvesting. At each sampling interval during storage, the phenol content in uncoated fruits consistently exceeded that of their waxed counterparts. Significant reduction in fruit weight was observed throughout the storage period. Both vitamin C and total acidity levels in the fruit exhibited decreases during the storage period. As time passed, fruit firmness gradually declined, while fruit decay increased during the 40- and 80-day storage periods for untreated Moro oranges. The anthocyanin content showed an increasing trend. The study also unveiled a decline in the antioxidant capacity of citrus fruits during storage. Strong significant positive correlations were observed between total phenol content and key parameters, such as antioxidant activity (0.941**), MDA (0.364*), vitamin C content, and total carbohydrate content (0.475**). Skin radiance showed a perfect correlation with chroma and hue (1.000**). Principal component analysis revealed that the first principal component accounted for 34.27% of the total variance, out of a total of five principal components that explained 77.14% of the variance. Through cluster analysis, the variables were categorized into three distinct groups; one associated with weight loss and another with ion leakage. Considering these findings, carnauba wax-based coating emerges as a promising solution for preserving Moro oranges. It effectively mitigates fruit weight loss and helps maintain fruit firmness during storage, making it a valuable tool for fruit preservation

Investigation of physio-mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of starch–zinc oxide nanoparticles active films reinforced with Ferula gummosa Boiss essential oil

Abstract The production of surface compounds coated with active substances has gained significant attention in recent years. This study investigated the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of a composite made of starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) containing various concentrations of Ferula gummosa essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The addition of ZnO NPs improved the thickness, mechanical and microbial properties, and reduced the water vapor permeability of the starch active film. The addition of F. gummosa essential oil to the starch nanocomposite decreased the water vapor permeability from 6.25 to 5.63 g mm−2 d−1 kPa−1, but this decrease was significant only at the concentration of 1.5% of essential oils (p < 0.05). Adding 1.5% of F. gummosa essential oil to starch nanocomposite led to a decrease in Tensile Strength value, while an increase in Elongation at Break values was observed. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite revealed that the pure starch film did not show any lack of growth zone. The addition of ZnO NPs to the starch matrix resulted in antimicrobial activity on both studied bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in the starch/ZnO NPs film containing 1.5% essential oil with an inhibition zone of 340 mm2 on S. aureus. Antioxidant activity increased significantly with increasing concentration of F. gummosa essential oil (P < 0.05). The film containing 1.5% essential oil had the highest (50.5%) antioxidant activity. Coating also improved the chemical characteristics of fish fillet. In conclusion, the starch nanocomposite containing ZnO NPs and F. gummosa essential oil has the potential to be used in the aquatic packaging industry