Physico-chemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of three different types of honey from Central Serbia

There are many studies dealing with the comparison of the quality and biological characteristics of honey of distinct geographical and botanical origins. However, there is scarce literary data on the physico-chemical and biological properties of different types of honey from the same production regions. Honey samples used in this study were from the following botanical origins: forest honey (honeydew), polyfloral honey and monofloral acacia honey. All samples were provided by a local beekeeper from Šumadija district (Central Serbia) and produced during the flowering season in 2018. Spectrophotometric determination of phenolic compounds in honey samples showed that the forest honey contained the highest total phenolics (806.10 mg GAE/kg) and flavonoids (146.27 mg QU/kg) contents, more than ten times higher than acacia honey (68.48 mg GAE/kg and 18.59 mg QU/kg, respectively). Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH· and ABTS·+ assays. Forest honey showed better antioxidant activity than the other examined honey samples (594.77 mg Trolox/kg for ABTS assay and 260.77 mg Trolox/kg for DPPH assay). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of honey samples against a panel of eleven bacterial and eight fungal species, along with yeast Candida albicans, showed that forest honey was the most effective in inhibition of their growth. These results suggest that forest honey has the best potential, among studied honey samples, for use in the human diet as food with valuable biological properties.Publishe

Insight into Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Properties of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.)-Based Tisanes with Addition of Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Tisane is a fruit or herbal infusion, commonly referred to as herbal tea. These products are consumed as part of a balanced diet, which is closely related to the trend of a healthier lifestyle. In this work, tisanes prepared from rosehip (R), and herbal mixtures containing rosehip/hibiscus flowers (R/H) and rosehip/hibiscus flowers/saffron (R/H/S) were studied. Rosehip was dried by the convective drying method at 40, 50 and 60 °C. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total flavonol content (TFlC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), antioxidant properties (DPPH∙ and ABTS∙+ assays) and in vitro inhibitory potential toward α-amylase of tisanes were examined. The highest TPC (based on dry weight (dw)) was measured in tisane obtained from rosehip dried at 60 °C (37.84 mg GAE/g dw). Tisanes prepared from a R/H/S mixture had the highest values of TFC (4.66–6.13 mg QUE/g dw), TFlC (2.67–3.98 mg QUE/g dw) and TAC (1.35–2.27 mg Cy 3-glc/g dw). The highest DPPH∙ scavenging activity (53.42 mg TE/g dw) was measured in rosehip (dried at 60 °C) tisane, whereas tisane prepared from a rosehip (dried at 60 °C)/hibiscus mixture expressed the best ABTS∙+ scavenging activity (107.44 mg TE/g dw). All tisane samples expressed high inhibitory potential toward α-amylase, with the highest activity of 85.03% and 89.90%, measured for tisanes prepared from rosehip/hibiscus flowers mixture (rosehip dried at 50 and 60 °C, respectively).</p

Dropwort (Filipendula hexapetala Gilib.): potential role as antioxidant and antimicrobial agent

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Filipendula hexapetala Gilib. aerial parts (FHA) and roots (FHR) and their potential in different model systems, as well as antimicrobial activity. According to this, a number of assays were employed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of F. hexapetala extracts. In addition, the antioxidant activity assays in different model systems were carried out, as well as pH, thermal and gastrointestinal stability studies. The phenolic compounds contents in FHA and FHR were also determined. The results showed that F. hexapetala extracts had considerable antioxidant activity in vitro and a great stability in different conditions. The extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against most of the tested bacterial and fungal species. Also, the extracts contain high level of phenolic compounds, especially aerial parts extract

Algae as a source of bioactive compounds to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. It is considered a new pandemic and its control involves numerous challenges. Although many of the measures are based on improving life habits, diet is also of vital importance due to bioactive compounds present in food. In this regard, several raw materials have been investigated whose bioactivities seem to slow the progression of this disease. Within these matrices, there are algae of importance, such as brown algae, showing to have beneficial effects on glycemic control. These pieces of evidence are increasing every day due to the development of cell or animal models, which lead to the conclusion that bioactive compounds may have direct effects on decreasing hyperglycemia, enhancing insulin secretion and preventing the formation of amyloid plaques.Serbian co-authors thank the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia for the support within the contracts for the realization and financing of scientific research work in 2021 ; financial support from Programa de Cooperación Interreg V-A España—Portugal (POCTEP) 2014–2020; MICINN supporting the Ramón&Cajal grant for M.A. Prieto; to Xunta de Galicia and University of Vigo supporting the pre-doctoral grants for A.G. Pereira, and P. García-Oliveira; to Ibero-American Program on Science and Technology for financial support. This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (JU); the JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and the Bio Based Industries Consortium.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Synthesis of series of different imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives and evaluation of their antimicrobial potential

A series of twenty two different imidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives, divided according to their structure into five groups, including alkyl, alkenyl or aryl 5,5disubstituted hydantoins, spirohydantoins, and fused bicyclic and tricyclic hydantoins, was synthesized and examined for in vitro antimicrobial activity against 15 strains of bacteria and 4 strains of yeast. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal microbicidal concentration (MMC) using the microdilution method. The assayed compounds exerted moderate antibacterial and weak antifungal activity. The antimicrobial activities were influenced by the structure and concentration of the tested compounds as well as the type of test microorganisms. The fused bicyclic hydantoin derivatives obtained by organoselenium induced intramolecular cyclization exhibited the highest inhibitory activity. The examined hydantoin derivatives seem as drug-like candidate for further evaluation of biological activities.Publishe

Polyphenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) and Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) Fruit Extracts from Serbia

Plant-based food represents an excellent source of different nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, vitamins, etc., with proven health benefits for humans. The content of selected phytochemicals, polyphenolic profile, and biological activity (antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity) of fruit extracts of medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.), and common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.), the neglected Rosaceae species originated from Serbia were studied. Targeted UHPLC/(−)HESI–MS/MS quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds revealed pinocembrin only in medlar fruit extract, and it is the first report of this flavanone in medlar fruits. Total phenolic content did not differ between extracts, whereas significant differences were observed for the contents of total flavonoids, total phenolic acids, and total gallotannins. Monomeric anthocyanins and total anthocyanins were significantly higher in blackthorn compared to medlar and hawthorn fruit extracts (p < 0.05). DPPH· and ABTS·+ scavenging activities for examined fruits were modest compared to other natural antioxidants and BHT. The most potent inhibitory activity toward α-glucosidase expressed medlar and blackthorn extracts with IC50 values of 129.46 and 199.84 μg/mL, respectively, which was higher compared to the standard drug acarbose

The qualitative composition and comparative biological potential of Lunaria annua L. (Brassicaceae) extracts

Lunaria annua L. (Brassicaceae) in contrast to its name is a biennial plant native to the Balkans and southwest Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the composition of phenolic compounds (total phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols, and gallotannins) of methanolic extracts of the aboveground parts (LAA) and roots (LAR) of L. annua, as well as antioxidant, antigenotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts in vitro. LAA was richer in all groups of phenolics in comparison to LAR. LAA also had higher antioxidant potential except for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. LAA and LAR showed inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and -2) enzymatic activities. The anti-inflammatory potential of L. annua extracts was outstanding, especially regarding COX-2 inhibition. Presented findings can lead to the isolation of compounds in L. annua responsible for this plant's remarkable anti-inflammatory properties.Publishe

Allium Species in the Balkan Region—Major Metabolites, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties

Ever since ancient times, Allium species have played a significant role in the human diet, in traditional medicine for the treatment of many ailments, and in officinal medicine as a supplemental ingredient. The major metabolites of alliums, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, with an emphasis on the species most represented in the Balkan region, are discussed in this review. Due to its richness in endemic species, the Balkan region is considered the genocenter of alliums. There are 56 recorded Allium species in the Balkans, and 17 of them are endemic. The most common and well-studied Allium species in the Balkans are A. cepa (onion), A. sativum (garlic), A. ampeloprasum (leek), A. schoenoprasum (chives), A. fistulosum (Welsh onion), and A. ursinum (wild garlic or bear’s garlic), which are known for their pungent taste and smell, especially noticeable in garlic and onion, and attributed to various organosulfur compounds. These plants are valued for their macronutrients and are used as desirable vegetables and spices. Additionally, phytochemicals such as organosulfur compounds, phenolics, fatty acids, and saponins are associated with the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of these species, among many other bioactivities. All parts of the plant including the bulb, peel, clove, leaf, pseudostem, root, flower, and seed exhibit antioxidant properties in different in vitro assays. The characteristic phytocompounds that contribute to the antimicrobial activity of alliums include allicin, ajoene, allyl alcohol, and some diallyl sulfides. Nanoparticles synthesized using Allium species are also recognized for their notable antimicrobial properties. © 2023 by the authors

An Overview of the Beneficial Role of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Nanoparticle-Induced Toxicities

Nanoparticles (NPs) are used in many products and materials for humans such as electronics, in medicine for drug delivery, as biosensors, in biotechnology, and in agriculture, as ingredients in cosmetics and food supplements. Besides that, NPs may display potentially hazardous properties on human health and the environment as a consequence of their abundant use in life nowadays. Hence, there is increased interest of researchers to provide possible therapeutic agents or dietary supplements for the amelioration of NP-induced toxicity. This review summarizes the new findings in the research of the use of antioxidants as supplements for the prevention and alleviation of harmful effects caused by exposure of organisms to NPs. Also, mechanisms involved in the formation of NP-induced oxidative stress and protective mechanisms using different antioxidant substances have also been elaborated. This review also highlights the potential of naturally occurring antioxidants for the enhancement of the antioxidant defense systems in the prevention and mitigation of organism damage caused by NP-induced oxidative stress. Based on the presented results of the most recent studies, it may be concluded that the role of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of nanoparticle-induced toxicity is unimpeachable. This is particularly important in terms of oxidative stress suppression