Identification of flavonoids of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) at various stages of growth and evaluation of their Antioxidant Activity

Wheatgrass are 6-10 days young plantlet of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Ethopharmacologically, the wheatgrass is recognized for its anti-aging and other health promoting properties. This study was aimed at identifying the phytochemical composition of wheatgrass (var. Chinese Spring) and evaluating its antioxidant potentials at different stages of growth (5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th day). Phytochemical components were extracted with methanol and total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the extracts were evaluated. DPPH (1,1ꞌ- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), bleaching of β-carotene and metal chelating activity was used to assess the antioxidant activity of the extract and further correlated with TPC and TFC. Based on comparison of IC50 data, DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract was found to be best at 7th day of the growth and equivalent to standard gallic acid. The extract exhibited excellent metal chelating activity and β-carotene bleaching property on 9th day of growth and the IC50 corresponded with standard ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), respectively. Preliminary screening with thin layer chromatography identified the probable flavonoids which could be quercetin, rutin or myricetin and their glcycosides. Significant correlation between antioxidant activity with TPC and TFC ascertained that phenolics and flavonoids were the major contributors of antioxidant activity

Nanotherapeutics: A Way to Cure Cardiac Complications Associated with COVID-19

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has caused a catastrophe in the world. With significant efforts from the medical and scientific communities, millions of people all around the world have been vaccinated. Irrespective of that, individuals are getting infected due to mutations in the virus. Noticeable aftermath damage is seen in most of the major organs of the body. Although it is primarily a respiratory infection, previously healthy patients have mostly developed cardiovascular diseases. Natural products can be used as a cure for such newly developed diseases. Targeted drug delivery of natural products through nanotechnology (nanoparticles and nanorobots) can be an efficient way to tackle this modern-day problem. This review aims to discuss the ways nanotherapeutics can be used to treat cardiac complications. Essentially, it will help to develop an idea that can be used in the future as a solution to the problem under discussion

Antioxidant and DNA damage protective properties of anthocyanin-rich extracts from <i>Hibiscus</i> and <i>Ocimum</i>: a comparative study

<div><p>Anthocyanin extracts (AEs) from <i>Ocimum tenuiflorum</i> (leaf), <i>Hibiscus rosa-sinensis</i> (petal) and <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> (calyx) were investigated and compared for <i>in vitro</i> antioxidant activity and DNA damage protective property. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) of the AEs were determined and the major anthocyanins were characterised. <i>In vitro</i> antioxidant activities were assessed by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity, 2-deoxy-d-ribose degradation assay and lipid peroxidation assay. The protective property of the AEs was also examined against oxidative DNA damage by H₂O₂ and UV using pUC19 plasmid. All the AEs particularly those from <i>O. tenuiflorum</i> demonstrated efficient antioxidant activity and protected DNA from damage. Strong correlation between antioxidant capacity and TPC and TAC was observed. Significant correlation between antioxidant capacity and TPC and TAC ascertained that phenolics and anthocyanins were the major contributors of antioxidant activity.</p></div

Ameliorative effect of apple cider vinegar and p-coumaric acid combination in Ex ovo antimicrobial and in vivo wound healing models

Background: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is most commonly used in sweet and sour Chinese cuisine. This study aimed to overcome the side effects of raw ACV, by increasing the concentration of p-Coumaric acid (p-CA), a polyphenolic component of ACV. The combination (diluted ACV with p-CA) has also been compared with individual raw ACV and p-CA to confirm if the overall dosage of the ACV can be reduced to avoid side effects and if the combination therapy had any better effect than the individual component itself. Objective: To evaluate and compare antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing effects of ACV and p-CA combination with individual components ACV and p-CA. Methods: The antimicrobial properties of the samples were assessed by determining the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the broth microdilution method, and zone of inhibition (ZOI) and an ex ovo study was also done to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the samples in live embryo. For the evaluation of the test samples excision wound was created in Swiss male albino mice weighing 25–30 g of either sex to estimate parameters like wound contraction rate, WBC and platelet count, SOD and GSH levels. Histopathological analysis of the skin was also done. Result: In DPPH and ABTS antioxidant assays, the combined sample (ACV + p-CA) had lower IC50. The combination therapy also showed the best antimicrobial potential against P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis. In this context, ex-ovo antimicrobial study results showed that diluted ACV + p-CA treated live embryo samples had the least bacterial growth after 48 h, in comparison with non-treatment group as well as individually ACV and p-CA treated samples. In vivo study depicted that the highest dose of the combination test sample had the best wound contraction rate and antioxidant marker enzymes elevation compared to diseased control proving the potency to restore the wound healing progression. Conclusion: ACV and p-CA combination can be used with daily intake as this combination can prevent microbial contamination and oxidative stress additionally can repair wounds more safely than raw ACV