Antioxidants

Editorial

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5 pages, 189 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications

by Lucia Panzella

Antioxidants 2020, 9(5), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9050427 - 15 May 2020

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 4737

Abstract

Based on their potent antioxidant properties, natural phenolic compounds have gained more and more attention for their possible exploitation as food supplements, as well as functional ingredients in food and in the cosmetic industry [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

Research

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14 pages, 1590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Davide Liberti, Maria Laura Alfieri, Daria Maria Monti, Lucia Panzella and Alessandra Napolitano

Antioxidants 2020, 9(4), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9040270 - 25 Mar 2020

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 7028

Abstract

Eumelanins, the dark variant of skin pigments, are endowed with a remarkable antioxidant activity and well-recognized photoprotective properties that have been ascribed to pigment components derived from the biosynthetic precursor 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA). Herein, we report the protective effect of a polymer obtained [...] Read more.

Eumelanins, the dark variant of skin pigments, are endowed with a remarkable antioxidant activity and well-recognized photoprotective properties that have been ascribed to pigment components derived from the biosynthetic precursor 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA). Herein, we report the protective effect of a polymer obtained starting from the methyl ester of DHICA (MeDHICA-melanin) against Ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced oxidative stress in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). MeDHICA-melanin was prepared by aerial oxidation of MeDHICA. At concentrations as low as 10 µg/mL, MeDHICA-melanin prevented reactive oxygen species accumulation and partially reduced glutathione oxidation in UVA-irradiated keratinocytes. Western blot experiments revealed that the polymer is able to induce the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf-2) to the nucleus with the activation of the transcription of antioxidant enzymes, such as heme-oxygenase 1. Spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis of cell lysate allowed to conclude that a significant fraction (ca. 7%), consisting mainly of the 4,4′-dimer of MeDHICA (ca. 2 μM), was internalized in the cells. Overall these data point to the potential use of MeDHICA-melanin as an antioxidant for the treatment of skin damage, photoaging and skin cancers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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15 pages, 2723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gelatin-Based Hydrogels for the Controlled Release of 5,6-Dihydroxyindole-2-Carboxylic Acid, a Melanin-Related Metabolite with Potent Antioxidant Activity

by Maria Laura Alfieri, Giovanni Pilotta, Lucia Panzella, Laura Cipolla and Alessandra Napolitano

Antioxidants 2020, 9(3), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9030245 - 18 Mar 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4159

Abstract

The ability of gelatin-based hydrogels of incorporating and releasing under controlled conditions 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA), a melanin-related metabolite endowed with marked antioxidant properties was investigated. The methyl ester of DHICA, MeDHICA, was also tested in view of its higher stability, and different solubility [...] Read more.

The ability of gelatin-based hydrogels of incorporating and releasing under controlled conditions 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA), a melanin-related metabolite endowed with marked antioxidant properties was investigated. The methyl ester of DHICA, MeDHICA, was also tested in view of its higher stability, and different solubility profile. Three types of gelatin-based hydrogels were prepared: pristine porcine skin type A gelatin (HGel-A), a pristine gelatin cross-linked by amide coupling of lysines and glutamic/aspartic acids (HGel-B), and a gelatin/chitosan blend (HGel-C). HGel-B and HGel-C differed in the swelling behavior, showed satisfactorily high mechanical strength at physiological temperatures and well-defined morphology. The extent of incorporation into all the gelatins tested using a 10% w/w indole to gelatin ratio was very satisfactory ranging from 60 to 90% for either indoles. The kinetics of indole release under conditions of physiological relevance was evaluated up to 72 h. The highest values were obtained with HGel-B and HGel-C for MeDHICA (90% after 6 h), and an appreciable release was observed for DHICA reaching 30% and 40% at 6 h for HGel-B and HGel-C, respectively. At 72 h, DHICA and MeDHICA were released at around 30% from HGel-A at pH 7.4, with an increase up to 40% at pH 5.5 in the case of DHICA. DHICA incorporated into HGel-B proved fairly stable over 6 h whereas the free compound at the same concentration was almost completely oxidized. The antioxidant power of the indole loaded gelatins was monitored by chemical assays and proved unaltered even after prolonged storage in air, suggesting that the materials could be prepared in advance with respect to their use without alteration of their efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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16 pages, 7868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Compound Isoliquiritigenin, an Antioxidant from Licorice, Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Tumor Growth via Apoptotic Death Program Activation in Cell and Xenograft Animal Models

by Po-Han Lin, Yi-Fen Chiang, Tzong-Ming Shieh, Hsin-Yuan Chen, Chun-Kuang Shih, Tong-Hong Wang, Kai-Lee Wang, Tsui-Chin Huang, Yong-Han Hong, Sing-Chung Li and Shih-Min Hsia

Antioxidants 2020, 9(3), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9030228 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 5480

Abstract

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer have few therapeutic strategy options. In this study, we investigated the effect of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on the proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells. We found that treatment with ISL inhibited triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) cell growth [...] Read more.

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer have few therapeutic strategy options. In this study, we investigated the effect of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on the proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells. We found that treatment with ISL inhibited triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) cell growth and increased cytotoxicity. ISL reduced cell cycle progression through the reduction of cyclin D1 protein expression and increased the sub-G1 phase population. The ISL-induced apoptotic cell population was observed by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of Bcl-2 protein was reduced by ISL treatment, whereas the Bax protein level increased; subsequently, the downstream signaling molecules caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) were activated. Moreover, ISL reduced the expression of total and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), ULK1, and cathepsin B, whereas the expression of autophagic-associated proteins p62, Beclin1, and LC3 was increased. The decreased cathepsin B cause the p62 accumulation to induce caspase-8 mediated apoptosis. In vivo studies further showed that preventive treatment with ISL could inhibit breast cancer growth and induce apoptotic and autophagic-mediated apoptosis cell death. Taken together, ISL exerts an effect on the inhibition of triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell growth through autophagy-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, future studies of ISL as a supplement or alternative therapeutic agent for clinical trials against breast cancer are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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11 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Constituents, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Activities of the Ethanolic Extract of Mexican Brown Propolis

by J. Fausto Rivero-Cruz, Jessica Granados-Pineda, José Pedraza-Chaverri, Jazmin Marlen Pérez-Rojas, Ajit Kumar-Passari, Gloria Diaz-Ruiz and Blanca Estela Rivero-Cruz

Antioxidants 2020, 9(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010070 - 13 Jan 2020

Cited by 125 | Viewed by 7233

Abstract

Propolis is a complex mixture of natural sticky and resinous components produced by honeybees from living plant exudates. Globally, research has been dedicated to studying the biological properties and chemical composition of propolis from various geographical and climatic regions. However, the chemical data [...] Read more.

Propolis is a complex mixture of natural sticky and resinous components produced by honeybees from living plant exudates. Globally, research has been dedicated to studying the biological properties and chemical composition of propolis from various geographical and climatic regions. However, the chemical data and biological properties of Mexican brown propolis are scant. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) sample collected in México and the isolated compounds is described. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated in a central nervous system and cervical cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity of EEP was evaluated in a C6 cell line and cervical cancer (HeLa, SiHa, and CasKi) measured by the 3-(3,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. The antibacterial activity was tested using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Twelve known compounds were isolated and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Additionally, forty volatile compounds were identified by means of headspace-solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry time of flight analysis (HS-SPME/GC-MS-TOF). The main volatile compounds detected include nonanal (18.82%), α-pinene (12.45%), neryl alcohol (10.13%), and α-pinene (8.04%). EEP showed an anti-proliferative effect on glioma cells better than temozolomide, also decreased proliferation and viability in cervical cancer cells, but its effectiveness was lower compared to cisplatin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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17 pages, 3686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Evaluation of Resveratrol-Loaded Composite Nanoparticles Using a Supercritical Fluid Technology for Enhanced Oral and Skin Delivery

by Eun-Sol Ha, Woo-Yong Sim, Seon-Kwang Lee, Ji-Su Jeong, Jeong-Soo Kim, In-hwan Baek, Du Hyung Choi, Heejun Park, Sung-Joo Hwang and Min-Soo Kim

Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8110554 - 14 Nov 2019

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 6269

Abstract

We created composite nanoparticles containing hydrophilic additives using a supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process to increase the solubility and dissolution properties of trans-resveratrol for application in oral and skin delivery. Physicochemical properties of trans-resveratrol-loaded composite nanoparticles were characterized. In addition, an in [...] Read more.

We created composite nanoparticles containing hydrophilic additives using a supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process to increase the solubility and dissolution properties of trans-resveratrol for application in oral and skin delivery. Physicochemical properties of trans-resveratrol-loaded composite nanoparticles were characterized. In addition, an in vitro dissolution–permeation study, an in vivo pharmacokinetic study in rats, and an ex vivo skin permeation study in rats were performed. The mean particle size of all the composite nanoparticles produced was less than 300 nm. Compared to micronized trans-resveratrol, the trans-resveratrol/hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC)/poloxamer 407 (1:4:1) nanoparticles with the highest flux (0.792 μg/min/cm²) exhibited rapid absorption and showed significantly higher exposure 4 h after oral administration. Good correlations were observed between in vitro flux and in vivo pharmacokinetic data. The increased solubility and flux of trans-resveratrol generated by the HPMC/surfactant nanoparticles increased the driving force on the gastrointestinal epithelial membrane and rat skin, resulting in enhanced oral and skin delivery of trans-resveratrol. HPMC/surfactant nanoparticles produced by an SAS process are, thus, a promising formulation method for trans-resveratrol for healthcare products (owing to their enhanced absorption via oral administration) and for skin application with cosmetic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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12 pages, 2042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salicylic Acid and Melatonin Alleviate the Effects of Heat Stress on Essential Oil Composition and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Mentha × piperita and Mentha arvensis L.

by Milad Haydari, Viviana Maresca, Daniela Rigano, Alireza Taleei, Ali Akbar Shahnejat-Bushehri, Javad Hadian, Sergio Sorbo, Marco Guida, Caterina Manna, Marina Piscopo, Rosaria Notariale, Francesca De Ruberto, Lina Fusaro and Adriana Basile

Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8110547 - 13 Nov 2019

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 6398

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the chemical profile of essential oils and antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase SOD, Glutathione S-transferases GST, and Peroxidase POX) in Mentha × piperita L. (Mitcham variety) and Mentha arvensis L. [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the chemical profile of essential oils and antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase SOD, Glutathione S-transferases GST, and Peroxidase POX) in Mentha × piperita L. (Mitcham variety) and Mentha arvensis L. (var. piperascens), in response to heat stress. In addition, we used salicylic acid (SA) and melatonin (M), two brassinosteroids that play an important role in regulating physiological processes, to assess their potential to mitigate heat stress. In both species, the heat stress caused a variation in the composition of the essential oils and in the antioxidant enzymatic activity. Furthermore both Salicylic acid (SA) and melatonin (M) alleviated the effect of heat stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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13 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Minor Ginsenosides Contents and Antioxidant Capacity of American and Canadian Ginsengs (Panax quinquefolius) by Puffing

by Min-Soo Kim, Sung-Joon Jeon, So Jung Youn, Hyungjae Lee, Young-Joon Park, Dae-Ok Kim, Byung-Yong Kim, Wooki Kim and Moo-Yeol Baik

Antioxidants 2019, 8(11), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8110527 - 5 Nov 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3344

Abstract

The effects of puffing on ginsenosides content and antioxidant activities of American and Canadian ginsengs, Panax quinquefolius, were investigated. American and Canadian ginsengs puffed at different pressures were extracted using 70% ethanol. Puffing formed a porous structure, inducing the efficient elution of [...] Read more.

The effects of puffing on ginsenosides content and antioxidant activities of American and Canadian ginsengs, Panax quinquefolius, were investigated. American and Canadian ginsengs puffed at different pressures were extracted using 70% ethanol. Puffing formed a porous structure, inducing the efficient elution of internal compounds that resulted in significant increases in extraction yields and crude saponin content. The content of minor ginsenosides (Rg2, Rg3, compound K) increased with increasing puffing pressure, whereas that of major ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rc, Rd) decreased, possibly due to their deglycosylation and pyrolysis. Furthermore, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, amount of Maillard reaction products, and acidic polysaccharides content increased with increasing puffing pressure, but 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity did not. There was no substantial difference in the results between puffed American and Canadian ginsengs. Consequently, these results suggest that puffing can be a promising novel technology for processing P. quinquefolius to achieve higher levels of minor ginsenosides and obtain value-added products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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12 pages, 1185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Bioactive Compounds Incorporated in a Nanoemulsion as Coating on Avocado Fruits (Persea americana) during Postharvest Storage: Antioxidant Activity, Physicochemical Changes and Structural Evaluation

by Antonio de Jesus Cenobio-Galindo, Juan Ocampo-López, Abigail Reyes-Munguía, María Luisa Carrillo-Inungaray, Maria Cawood, Gabriela Medina-Pérez, Fabián Fernández-Luqueño and Rafael Germán Campos-Montiel

Antioxidants 2019, 8(10), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8100500 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 6916

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the application of a nanoemulsion made of orange essential oil and Opuntia oligacantha extract on avocado quality during postharvest. The nanoemulsion was applied as a coating in whole fruits, and the [...] Read more.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the application of a nanoemulsion made of orange essential oil and Opuntia oligacantha extract on avocado quality during postharvest. The nanoemulsion was applied as a coating in whole fruits, and the following treatments were assessed: concentrated nanoemulsion (CN), 50% nanoemulsion (N50), 25% nanoemulsion (N25) and control (C). Weight loss, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, total soluble solids, pH, external and internal colour, total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity by 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while the structural evaluation of the epicarp was assessed through histological cuts. Significant differences were found (p < 0.05) among the treatments in all the response variables. The best results were with the N50 and N25 treatments for firmness and weight loss, finding that the activity of the PPO was diminished, and a delay in the darkening was observed in the coated fruits. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion treatments maintained the total phenol and total flavonoid contents and potentiated antioxidant activity at 60 days. This histological study showed that the nanoemulsion has a delaying effect on the maturation of the epicarp. The results indicate that using this nanoemulsion as a coating is an effective alternative to improve the postharvest life of avocado. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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16 pages, 4407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Thermal Stability and Bioaccesibility of Açaí Fruit Polyphenols through Electrohydrodynamic Encapsulation into Zein Electrosprayed Particles

by Carol López de Dicastillo, Constanza Piña, Luan Garrido, Carla Arancibia and María José Galotto

Antioxidants 2019, 8(10), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8100464 - 9 Oct 2019

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 5035

Abstract

The açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is well known for its high content of antioxidant compounds, especially anthocyanins, which provide beneficial health properties. The incorporation of this fruit is limited to food products whose processing does not involve the use of high temperatures [...] Read more.

The açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is well known for its high content of antioxidant compounds, especially anthocyanins, which provide beneficial health properties. The incorporation of this fruit is limited to food products whose processing does not involve the use of high temperatures due to the low thermal stability of these functional components. The objective of this work was the encapsulation of açaí fruit antioxidants into electrosprayed zein, a heat-resistant protein, to improve their bioavailability and thermal resistance. First, the hydroalcoholic açaí extract was selected due to its high polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacities, and, subsequently, it was successfully encapsulated in electrosprayed zein particles. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that the resulting particles presented cavities with an average size of 924 nm. Structural characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed certain chemical interaction between the active compounds and zein. Encapsulation efficiency was approximately 70%. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of the encapsulated extract on protecting polyphenolic content after high-temperature treatments, such as sterilization (121 °C) and baking (180 °C). Bioaccesibility studies also indicated an increase of polyphenols presence after in vitro digestion stages of encapsulated açaí fruit extract in contrast with the unprotected extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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12 pages, 1474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spray Drying of Blueberry Juice-Maltodextrin Mixtures: Evaluation of Processing Conditions on Content of Resveratrol

by César Leyva-Porras, María Zenaida Saavedra-Leos, Elsa Cervantes-González, Patricia Aguirre-Bañuelos, Macrina B. Silva-Cázarez and Claudia Álvarez-Salas

Antioxidants 2019, 8(10), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8100437 - 1 Oct 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4237

Abstract

Resveratrol is an antioxidant abundant in red fruits, and one of the most powerful inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) produced by human metabolism. The effect of the spray drying processing conditions of blueberry juice (BJ) and maltodextrin (MX) mixtures [...] Read more.

Resveratrol is an antioxidant abundant in red fruits, and one of the most powerful inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) produced by human metabolism. The effect of the spray drying processing conditions of blueberry juice (BJ) and maltodextrin (MX) mixtures was studied on content and retention of resveratrol. Quantitatively, analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that concentration of MX was the main variable influencing content of resveratrol. Response surface plots (RSP) confirmed the application limits of maltodextrins based on their molecular weight, where low molecular weight MXs showed a better performance as carrying agents. After qualitatively comparing results for resveratrol against those reported for a larger antioxidant molecule (quercetin 3-D-galactoside), it was observed a higher influence of the number of active sites available for the chemical interactions, instead of stearic hindrance effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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13 pages, 3922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Influence of Process Parameters on the Properties of Resveratrol-Loaded NLC Using 2² Full Factorial Design

by Andréa A. M. Shimojo, Ana Rita V. Fernandes, Nuno R. E. Ferreira, Elena Sanchez-Lopez, Maria H. A. Santana and Eliana B. Souto

Antioxidants 2019, 8(8), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8080272 - 3 Aug 2019

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 5208

Abstract

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural antioxidant commonly found in grapes, berries, and nuts that has shown promising results in the treatment of a variety of degenerative and age-related diseases. Despite the proven beneficial results on reduction of reactive oxidant species (ROS) and on [...] Read more.

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural antioxidant commonly found in grapes, berries, and nuts that has shown promising results in the treatment of a variety of degenerative and age-related diseases. Despite the proven beneficial results on reduction of reactive oxidant species (ROS) and on inflammatory process, RSV shows various limitations including low long-term stability, aqueous solubility, and bioavailability, restricting its applications in the medical-pharmaceutical area. To overcome these limitations, it has been applied in pharmaceutical formulations as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Thus, the present study focuses on the optimization of the production process of NLC. NLC was produced by high shear homogenization (HSH) and ultrasound method (US) using Compritol^® ATO C888 as solid lipid and Miglyol 812^® as liquid lipid. In order to obtain an optimized formulation, we used a 2² full factorial design with triplicate of central point investigating the effects of the production process parameters; shear intensity and homogenization time, on the mean particle size (PS) and polydispersity index (PDI). Instability index, encapsulation efficiency, and production yield were also evaluated. As the PS and PDI values obtained with 6 min of shear at 19,000 rpm and 10 min of shear and 24,000 rpm were similar, the instability index (<0.1) was also used to select the optimal parameters. Based on the results of the experimental design and instability index, it was concluded that the shear rate of 19,000 rpm and the shear time of 6 min are the optimal parameters for RSV-loaded NLC production. Factorial design contributed therefore to optimize the variables of the NLC production process from a small number of experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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14 pages, 2492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenol-Rich Feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) Extracts Protect Human Red Blood Cells from Mercury-Induced Cellular Toxicity

by Fabiana Tortora, Rosaria Notariale, Viviana Maresca, Katrina Vanessa Good, Sergio Sorbo, Adriana Basile, Marina Piscopo and Caterina Manna

Antioxidants 2019, 8(7), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8070220 - 11 Jul 2019

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5653

Abstract

Plant polyphenols, with broadly known antioxidant properties, represent very effective agents against environmental oxidative stressors, including mercury. This heavy metal irreversibly binds thiol groups, sequestering endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione. Increased incidence of food-derived mercury is cause for concern, given the many severe [...] Read more.

Plant polyphenols, with broadly known antioxidant properties, represent very effective agents against environmental oxidative stressors, including mercury. This heavy metal irreversibly binds thiol groups, sequestering endogenous antioxidants, such as glutathione. Increased incidence of food-derived mercury is cause for concern, given the many severe downstream effects, ranging from kidney to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the possible beneficial properties of Feijoa sellowiana against mercury toxicity were tested using intact human red blood cells (RBC) incubated in the presence of HgCl₂. Here, we show that phenol-rich (10–200 µg/mL) extracts from the Feijoa sellowiana fruit potently protect against mercury-induced toxicity and oxidative stress. Peel and pulp extracts are both able to counteract the oxidative stress and thiol decrease induced in RBC by mercury treatment. Nonetheless, the peel extract had a greater protective effect compared to the pulp, although to a different extent for the different markers analyzed, which is at least partially due to the greater proportion and diversity of polyphenols in the peel. Furthermore, Fejioa sellowiana extracts also prevent mercury-induced morphological changes, which are known to enhance the pro-coagulant activity of these cells. These novel findings provide biochemical bases for the pharmacological use of Fejioa sellowiana-based functional foods in preventing and combating mercury-related illnesses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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9 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Lipophilic Esters of Tyrosol, Homovanillyl Alcohol and Hydroxytyrosol

by Roberta Bernini, Isabella Carastro, Francesca Santoni and Mariangela Clemente

Antioxidants 2019, 8(6), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8060174 - 14 Jun 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6615

Abstract

Low-molecular weight phenols such as tyrosol, homovanillyl alcohol and hydroxytyrosol are valuable compounds that exhibit a high number of health-promoting effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Despite these remarkable properties, their applications such as dietary supplements and stabilizers of foods and [...] Read more.

Low-molecular weight phenols such as tyrosol, homovanillyl alcohol and hydroxytyrosol are valuable compounds that exhibit a high number of health-promoting effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Despite these remarkable properties, their applications such as dietary supplements and stabilizers of foods and cosmetics in non-aqueous media are limited for the hydrophilic character. With the aim to overcome this limitation, the paper describes a simple and low-cost procedure for the synthesis of lipophilic esters of tyrosol, homovanillyl alcohol and hydroxytyrosol. The reactions were carried out under mild and green chemistry conditions, at room temperature, solubilizing the phenolic compounds in dimethyl carbonate, an eco-friendly solvent, and adding a little excess of the appropriate C2–C18 acyl chloride. The final products were isolated in good yields. Finally, according to the “circular economy” strategy, the procedure was applied to hydroxytyrosol-enriched extracts obtained by Olea europaea by-products to prepare a panel of lipophilic extracts that are useful for applications where solubility in lipid media is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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13 pages, 2496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exhausted Woods from Tannin Extraction as an Unexplored Waste Biomass: Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Pollutant Adsorption Properties and Activating Effects of Hydrolytic Treatments

by Lucia Panzella, Federica Moccia, Maria Toscanesi, Marco Trifuoggi, Samuele Giovando and Alessandra Napolitano

Antioxidants 2019, 8(4), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8040084 - 1 Apr 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5141 | Correction

Abstract

Exhausted woods represent a byproduct of tannin industrial production processes and their possible exploitation as a source of antioxidant compounds has remained virtually unexplored. We herein report the characterization of the antioxidant and other properties of practical interest of exhausted chestnut wood and [...] Read more.

Exhausted woods represent a byproduct of tannin industrial production processes and their possible exploitation as a source of antioxidant compounds has remained virtually unexplored. We herein report the characterization of the antioxidant and other properties of practical interest of exhausted chestnut wood and quebracho wood, together with those of a chestnut wood fiber, produced from steamed exhausted chestnut wood. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays indicated good antioxidant properties for all the materials investigated, with exhausted chestnut wood, and, even more, chestnut wood fiber exhibiting the highest activity. High efficiency was observed also in the superoxide scavenging assay. An increase of the antioxidant potency was observed for both exhausted woods and chestnut wood fiber following activation by hydrolytic treatment, with an up to three-fold lowering of the EC₅₀ values in the DPPH assay. On the other hand, exhausted quebracho wood was particularly effective as a nitrogen oxides (NO_x) scavenger. The three materials proved able to adsorb methylene blue chosen as a model of organic pollutant and to remove highly toxic heavy metal ions like cadmium from aqueous solutions, with increase of the activity following the hydrolytic activation. These results open new perspectives toward the exploitation of exhausted woods as antioxidants, e.g., for active packaging, or as components of filtering membranes for remediation of polluted waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

20 pages, 897 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol

by Sinemyiz Atalay, Iwona Jarocka-Karpowicz and Elzbieta Skrzydlewska

Antioxidants 2020, 9(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021 - 25 Dec 2019

Cited by 550 | Viewed by 66030

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main pharmacologically active phytocannabinoids of Cannabis sativa L. CBD is non-psychoactive but exerts a number of beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The chemistry and pharmacology of CBD, as well as various molecular targets, including [...] Read more.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main pharmacologically active phytocannabinoids of Cannabis sativa L. CBD is non-psychoactive but exerts a number of beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The chemistry and pharmacology of CBD, as well as various molecular targets, including cannabinoid receptors and other components of the endocannabinoid system with which it interacts, have been extensively studied. In addition, preclinical and clinical studies have contributed to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of CBD for many diseases, including diseases associated with oxidative stress. Here, we review the main biological effects of CBD, and its synthetic derivatives, focusing on the cellular, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications)

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