Proceedings

Other

7 pages, 213 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Antioxidant Potential of Ergosterol–Phospholipid Liposomes with Thymus serpyllum Extract

by Dragana Dekanski, Andrea Pirković, Diana Lupulović, Predrag Petrović and Aleksandra A. Jovanović

Proceedings 2025, 119(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025119001 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 294

The antioxidant activity of ergosterol–phospholipid liposomes with chemically characterized, encapsulated wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) extract was examined. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric ion-reducing potential of the extract-loaded liposomes with different proportions of ergosterol were investigated. [...] Read more.

The antioxidant activity of ergosterol–phospholipid liposomes with chemically characterized, encapsulated wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) extract was examined. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric ion-reducing potential of the extract-loaded liposomes with different proportions of ergosterol were investigated. The neutralization of DPPH radicals for the samples with 10 and 20 mol% of ergosterol was 56.3 ± 2.2% and 53.1 ± 3.5%, respectively. The elimination of ABTS radicals was significantly higher and amounted to 95.3 ± 2.6% (10 mol% of ergosterol) and 98.2 ± 1.7% (20 mol% of ergosterol). The Fe³⁺-reducing potential of the liposomes was 0.14 ± 0.01 and 0.15 ± 0.03 mmol FeSO₄/L. Therefore, there was no significant difference between the antioxidant capacity of the liposomes with various amounts of ergosterol. The shown antioxidant potential highlights the employment of prepared liposomes with ergosterol and T. serpyllum extract active compounds in functional foods, pharmaceutics, or cosmetics. Full article

7 pages, 215 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Radical Scavenging and Ion-Reducing Capacity of Fumaria officinalis Extracts Obtained by Traditional and Assisted Extraction Techniques

by Rabiea Ashowen Ahmoda, Andrea Pirković, Violeta Milutinović, Dragana Dekanski, Aleksandar Marinković and Aleksandra A. Jovanović

Proceedings 2025, 119(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025119002 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 251

Abstract

The present research aimed to extract antioxidants from the fumitory aerial part in the flowering stage (containing leaves, stems, and flowers) by performing traditional and novel extraction procedures (maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)). The fumitory macerate showed significantly lower ABTS [...] Read more.

The present research aimed to extract antioxidants from the fumitory aerial part in the flowering stage (containing leaves, stems, and flowers) by performing traditional and novel extraction procedures (maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)). The fumitory macerate showed significantly lower ABTS radical scavenging activity, expressed as a higher IC₅₀ value (the concentration of extract required to neutralize 50% of radicals, 11.4 ± 0.1 mg/mL), in comparison to the other two extracts, whose IC₅₀ values varied in a narrow range (8.6–9.5 mg/mL). In the DPPH assay, the trend was different: MAE (11.4 ± 0.3 mg/mL) ≥ UAE (12.0 ± 0.8 mg/mL) ≥ macerate (12.8 ± 0.1 mg/mL). In the CUPRAC assay, the UAE and MAE extracts (17.84 ± 0.85 and 18.05 ± 0.71 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g, respectively) showed significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to the macerate (16.43 ± 0.45 µmol TE/g). Regarding the results of the FRAP method, there was no statistically significant difference in ferric ion reduction between the macerate, UAE, and MAE extracts (3.00–3.27 µmol Fe²⁺/g). However, the extract prepared using MAE provided the highest antioxidant potential, as shown in all four tests used. Due to demonstrated extracts’ antioxidant properties, additional research could address additional biological effects or the creation of delivery systems or encapsulates for the controlled delivery of fumitory bioactives. Full article

6 pages, 352 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Bee Product Royal Jelly Reduces Oxidative Stress in Healthy MRC-5 Cells and Upregulates GSTP1 Expression

by Milena Jovanović and Dragana Šeklić

Proceedings 2025, 119(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025119003 - 27 May 2025

Viewed by 354

Abstract

Redox homeostasis in the human body is strictly regulated by reducing molecules, such as glutathione, as well as various antioxidant enzymes. Examination of the antioxidant effects of natural products is necessary in order to prevent and treat various pathological conditions considering the correlation [...] Read more.

Redox homeostasis in the human body is strictly regulated by reducing molecules, such as glutathione, as well as various antioxidant enzymes. Examination of the antioxidant effects of natural products is necessary in order to prevent and treat various pathological conditions considering the correlation of their occurrence with oxidative stress damage. RJ has been identified as a very potent regulator of many metabolic processes and is considered as a medicinal agent that can cope with the oxidative stress. The present study evaluated the RJ’s ability to scavenge superoxide anion radicals O₂^∙− and modulate the expression of GSTP1 marker in healthy lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cell line) after 24 h. Assessment was performed with the NBT test and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our results show that RJ successfully reduced the O₂^∙− concentration for ~12% and upregulated GSTP1 gene expression (1.75 fold-change) whose protein product is responsible for catalyzation of glutathione (GSH) binding to oxidative stress metabolites and their further neutralization in cells. We found that RJ has an important protective effect against oxidative damage of healthy human cells and these properties could be used to explore new resources for pharmacological treatments, as well as to improve application of natural medicine for maintaining human health. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 209 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Stability of Cotinus coggygria Scop. Extract-Loaded Liposomes: The Impact of Storage on Physical and Antioxidant Properties

by Aleksandra A. Jovanović, Amjed Karkad, Andrea Pirković, Dragana Dekanski, Diana Lupulović, Miroslav Novaković and Aleksandar Marinković

Proceedings 2025, 119(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025119004 - 28 May 2025

Viewed by 260

Abstract

The stability of Cotinus coggygria extract-loaded liposomes (non-treated and UV-irradiated) was determined after 60 days through an investigation of the impact of storage on liposomal physical and antioxidant properties. The liposome size varied in a narrow range for 60 days; PDI was 0.273–0.313 [...] Read more.

The stability of Cotinus coggygria extract-loaded liposomes (non-treated and UV-irradiated) was determined after 60 days through an investigation of the impact of storage on liposomal physical and antioxidant properties. The liposome size varied in a narrow range for 60 days; PDI was 0.273–0.313 (non-treated) and 0.829–0.911 (UV-irradiated). The zeta potential ranged from −28.2 to −29.6 mV (non-treated) and from −21.5 to −22.0 mV (UV-irradiated). The obtained liposomes with the extract neutralized 81.9% of free DPPH radicals before UV irradiation and 80.9% after irradiation. In the ABTS assay, UV irradiation also significantly reduced the antioxidant capacity, from 12.02 to 10.55 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/mL. The ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the UV-irradiated liposomes significantly decreased after the 60-day storage (8.93 µmol TE/mL and 75.4%, respectively), whereas in the non-treated sample, the mentioned drop in antioxidant capacity was not noticed. Liposomal formulations of C. coggygria extract can exhibit significant potential for further development as a functional food or dermo-cosmetic ingredient. Full article

6 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

From Waste to Value: Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Potential in Cistus ladanifer Residues via Solid–Liquid and Subcritical Water Extraction

by Filipe Fernandes, Cristina Delerue-Matos and Clara Grosso

Proceedings 2025, 119(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025119005 - 26 Jun 2025

Abstract

The aim of this work was to extract phenolic compounds (PCs) from Cistus ladanifer L. post-distillation residues using two different methods (solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and subcritical water extraction (SWE)) and to compare the extracts’ total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) by [...] Read more.

The aim of this work was to extract phenolic compounds (PCs) from Cistus ladanifer L. post-distillation residues using two different methods (solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and subcritical water extraction (SWE)) and to compare the extracts’ total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^•) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS^•+) scavenging activities, as well as by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. SWE extraction displayed a higher TPC value (increased from 146.53 ± 11.68 to 276.37 ± 20.59 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/g extract dry weight (dw)) and higher AA in the DPPH^• (increased from 334.27 ± 36.06 to 532.17 ± 66.38 mg Trolox equivalents (TEs)/g extract dw), ABTS^•+ (increased from 438.07 ± 77.22 to 594.08 ± 33.57 mg TEs/g extract dw), and FRAP (increased from 10.91 ± 2.03 to 170.26 ± 25.36 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAEs)/g extract dw) assays. These results demonstrate the importance of the extraction method in PC extraction and the antioxidant power of the extracts produced. These results provide critical insights into the potential application of C. ladanifer post-distillation residues and the production of polyphenol rich extracts that might be useful in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 193 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Obesity: Insights into Mechanism and Therapeutic Targets

by Bhagyashri Sandip Patil, Javesh Kashinath Patil, Hemangi Somnath Chaudhari and Bhagyashri Sunil Patil

Proceedings 2025, 119(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025119006 (registering DOI) - 27 Jun 2025

Abstract

Due to being correlated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and cancer, obesity is a global health issue that predisposes those affected to morbidity and mortality. Obesity can be defined as an excessive amount of fat accretion in the [...] Read more.

Due to being correlated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and cancer, obesity is a global health issue that predisposes those affected to morbidity and mortality. Obesity can be defined as an excessive amount of fat accretion in the body. According to current research, visceral adipose tissue performs a critical function as an active endocrine organ due to its function in releasing adipokines that facilitate complex physiological events. These adipokines exacerbate both low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress (OS), two key constituents of obesity-related comorbidities. This review summarizes the most recent data on the relationship between inflammation, OS, and diseases linked to obesity, focusing on how OS overexpression causes cellular damage by weakening antioxidant mechanisms. To understand the mechanisms by which OS is related to comorbidities, we assess a wide range of models, including animal models, biochemical analysis, and clinical research. The most important discoveries are that heightened OS exacerbates inflammation and cellular damage by increasing the formation of ROS and weakening antioxidant defenses. Increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage in adipose tissue associated with insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction have been identified through data from research conducted on KKAy mice, a model of diabetes obesity. Adipokines, like adiponectin, have been shown to have protective functions against inflammation and OS. Thereby, some of these candidates may become promising therapeutic targets. Understanding the mechanism of these systems is a must for developing therapies to decrease OS, restore antioxidant balance, and reprogram inflammatory pathways. Such tactics may further augment clinical outcomes and reduce the occurrence of obesity-associated diseases in global populations. Unlike previous reviews, this work bridges basic mechanisms and therapeutic implications, with a unique emphasis on translational barriers and future clinical directions. Full article

5 pages, 194 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Antioxidant Capacity of Colombian Tropical Fruits with Dietary Potential to Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

by Claudia Milena Ardila Meléndez

Proceedings 2025, 119(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025119007 (registering DOI) - 27 Jun 2025

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of death globally and in Colombia. Oxidative stress plays a key role in CVD pathogenesis by promoting endothelial damage. Antioxidant compounds from fruits can mitigate oxidative stress through free radical scavenging and metal ion chelation. This [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of death globally and in Colombia. Oxidative stress plays a key role in CVD pathogenesis by promoting endothelial damage. Antioxidant compounds from fruits can mitigate oxidative stress through free radical scavenging and metal ion chelation. This review highlights tropical fruits rich in phenolic compounds and evaluates their antioxidant capacity using FRAP and DPPH methods. Evidence supports the inverse relationship between antioxidant intake and CVD incidence. Given Colombia’s fruit diversity, assessing dietary antioxidant capacity may inform strategies to improve diet quality and reduce CVD risk in the population. Full article

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Proceedings, 2025, IECAN 2025

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI