Search Results (21)

The current work is dedicated to the search for new high-energy materials (HEMs) with improved characteristics, which are gained through agglomeration with salts. The research was performed by Becke’s three-parameter hybrid functional approach, with non-local correlation provided by Lee, Yang, and Parr, and the cc-pVTZ basis set. The structure, total energy, and heat of formation, presented as binding energy per atom of the most stable compounds formed due to 3-amino-5-[(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) amino]-1H-1,2,4-triazole (APATO) within selected salts, were obtained to foresee its influence on resistance to shock stimuli, detonation pressure, and velocity of the materials under study. The results obtained allow us to foresee that only agglomeration with precise salts could lead to a significant improvement in the stability of the specific high-energy materials and resistance to shock stimuli. We also show that agglomeration leads to better energetic properties of the above-mentioned compound, although the improvement may be insignificant in some cases. Full article

This research was performed using Becke’s three-parameter hybrid functional approach with non-local correlation provided by Lee, Yang, and Parr and the cc-pVTZ basis set. The geometry, total energy, and heat of formation of the most stable conformers of the nitramines under study were obtained to obtain the density, resistance to shock stimuli, detonation pressure, and velocity of the materials under study. The results obtained allow us to predict new multipurpose energetic materials with a good balance between energy and stability. Our findings show that N-(2-nitroethyl)-N-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)nitramine, N-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-N-[(3,4,5-trinitro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]nitramine, N-(2,2-dinitroethyl)-N-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)nitramine, N-(2,2,2-trinitroethyl)-N-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)nitramine, and N-(trinitromethyl)-N-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)nitramine possess better explosive properties and a greater stability compared to tetryl, although they remain sensitive to shock stimuli. Referring to the results obtained, we recommend new tetryl analogs containing dinitroethyl, trinitroethyl, and trinitromethyl substituents for practical usage. Full article

To improve the crystal quality of 4,8-bis(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)difurazolo [3,4-b:3′,4′-e] pyrazine (TNBP), the solubility of TNBP in organic solvents (six pure and four mixed solvents) was determined by the laser monitoring technique from 293.15 to 353.15 K. The results showed that the solubility was positively correlated with the increase in the experimental temperature and the main solvent content, except for the co-solvent phenomenon in the DMSO + ethyl acetate solvent mixture. To explain the dissolution behavior of TNBP, the KAT-SER model was analyzed for pure solvent systems, and it was found that hydrogen bonding alkalinity and self-cohesiveness were the main influencing factors. The free energy of solvation and radial distribution function of TNBP in mixed solvents were also obtained by molecular dynamics simulation, and the effect of solute–solvent and solvent–solvent interactions on the solubility trend was analyzed. The experimental data were correlated using three empirical equations (van’t Hoff equation, modified Apelblat equation, and λh equation), and the deviation analysis showed the good applicability of the modified Apelblat model. Furthermore, the dissolution of TNBP was heat-absorbing and not spontaneous, according to the thermodynamic characteristics estimated by the van’t Hoff equation. Full article

The dried root of Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino (A. japonica.) is a traditional medicine used to treat fever, pain, and wound healing. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antityrosinase, and antimelanogenic activities. In this paper, we used different solvent extracts from the root of A. japonica to determine their antioxidant activity. Acetone extract showed relatively strong antioxidant properties by 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. In addition, these extracts also showed significant α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. Acetone extract significantly inhibited α-glucosidase with an IC₅₀ value of 8.30 ± 0.78 μg/mL, and ethanol extract remarkably inhibited AChE with an IC₅₀ value of 37.08 ± 7.67 μg/mL. Using HPLC analysis and comparison with the chemical composition of various solvent extracts, we isolated seven active compounds and assessed their antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, and anti-AChE activities. Catechin (1), gallic acid (2), kaempferol (3), quercetin (4), resveratrol (6), and epicatechin (7) were the main antioxidant components in the root of A. japonica. According to the results of DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide radical scavenging assays, these isolates showed stronger antioxidant capacity than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Moreover, 1, 3, 4, euscaphic acid (5), 6, and 7 also expressed stronger anti-α-glucosidase activity than the positive control acarbose, and all the isolated compounds had a good inhibitory effect on AChE. Molecular docking models and hydrophilic interactive modes for AChE assays suggest that 1 and 5 exhibit unique anti-AChE potency. This study indicates that A. japonica and its active extracts and components may be a promising source of natural antioxidants, α-glucosidase, and AChE inhibitors. Full article

The purpose of this research was to improve the properties of functional edible oils with potential health promoting effects, enriched with phenolic-rich extracts obtained from pistachio and walnut (5.1 and 27.4% phenolic contents respectively), by means of emulsion and micro emulsion systems. Stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions were obtained employing polyglycerol polyrhizinoleate (PGPR) as emulsifier (0.5, 2% H₂O in oil), despite having a whitish and opaque appearance; transparent and stable microemulsions were prepared using proper proportion (e.g., 97:3) between the oily phase and the mixture of aqueous phase and emulsifiers (3:2 lecithin-distilled monoglycerides (DMG). Total polar phenolics contents ranging between 257 and 835 mg/kg were obtained in the novel functional edible oils’ formulations, reaching higher content using walnut as compared to pistachio extracts. Antioxidant capacity determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH) method increased approx. 7.5 and 1.5 times using walnut and pistachio extracts respectively. An emulsion using gallic acid and a microemulsion employing hydroxytyrosol, two well-known antioxidants, were also studied to compare antioxidant capacity of the proposed enriched oils. Furthermore, the oxidative stability of these products—very relevant to establish their commercial value—was measured under accelerated testing conditions employing the Rancimat equipment (100 °C) and performing an oven test (at 40 °C for walnut oils and 60 °C for pistachio and refined olive oils). Rancimat oxidative stability greatly increased and better results were obtained with walnut (2–3 times higher) as compared to pistachio extract enriched oils (1.5–2 times higher). On the contrary, under the oven test conditions, both the initial oxidation rate constant and the time required to reach a value of peroxide value equal to 15 (upper commercial category limit), indicated that under these assay conditions the protection against oxidation is higher using pistachio extract (2–4 times higher) than walnut’s (1.5–2 times higher). Stable emulsions and transparent microemulsions phenolic-rich nut oils (250–800 mg/kg) were therefore developed, possessing a higher oxidative stability (1.5–4 times) and DPPH antioxidant capacity (1.5–7.5 times). Full article

The rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (AA, family Liliaceae) is a famous and frequently used herbal drug in the traditional medicine of Northeast Asia, under vernacular name “zhimu”. A. asphodeloides has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-depressant, and anti-diabetic agent in traditional Chinese medicine. We examined the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and anti-α-glucosidase activities of various solvent extracts and the main bioactive compounds from the rhizome of A. asphodeloides. Acetone extract exhibited comparatively high antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. A water extract exhibited relatively strong antioxidant activity by superoxide radical scavenging test. Furthermore, dichloromethane, chloroform, and n-hexane extracts showed significant anti-α-glucosidase activities. Finally, ethanol and dichloromethane extracts exhibited relatively strong AChE inhibitory activity. HPLC analysis was used to examine and compare various solvent extracts for their compositions of isolates. We isolated four major chemical constituents and analyzed their antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, and AChE inhibitory activities. The bioactivity assays showed that mangiferin displayed the most potential antioxidant activities via FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, and superoxide assays and also exhibited the most effective anti-AChE and anti-α-glucosidase activities among all the isolates. The present study suggests that A. asphodeloides and its active extracts and components are worth further investigation and might be expected to develop as a candidate for the treatment or prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases, AChE inhibition, and hyperglycemia. Full article

To assess the potential of by-products of the black bean fermented soybean sauce manufacturing process as new functional food materials, we prepared black bean steamed liquid lyophilized product (BBSLP) and analysed its antioxidant effects in vitro. RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured and treated with BBSLP for 24 h, and 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was then used for another 24 h to induce inflammation. The cellular antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response were then analysed. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in RAW264.7 macrophages was also analysed. Results showed BBSLP had 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium (ABTS⁺) radical-scavenging abilities and reducing power in vitro. The levels of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were reduced after RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with BBSLP after LPS induction. After RAW264.7 macrophage treatment with BBSLP and induction by LPS, the levels of inflammatory molecules, including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α, decreased. NF-κB signaling activity was inhibited by reductions in IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB DNA-binding activity after RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with BBSLP after LPS induction. In conclusion, BBSLP has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities and can be a supplement material for functional food. Full article

Chenopodium formosanum (CF), rich in nutrients and antioxidants, is a native plant in Taiwan. During the harvest, the seeds are collected, while the roots, stems, and leaves remain on the field as agricultural waste. In this study, di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) radical scavenging ability and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging ability experiments of seeds, leaves, stems, and roots were designed using the Taguchi method (TM) under three conditions: Ethanol concentration (0–100%), temperature (25–65 °C), and extraction time (30–150 min). The result demonstrates that seeds and leaves have higher radical scavenging ability than stems and roots. Many studies focused on CF seeds. Therefore, this study selected CF leaves and optimized DPPH, ABTS, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and reducing power (RP) through TM, showing that the predicted value of the leaf is close to the actual value. The optimized results of CF leaves were DPPH 85.22%, ABTS 46.51%, TPC 116.54 µg GAE/mL, TFC 143.46 µg QE/mL, and RP 23.29 µg VCE (vitamin C equivalent)/mL. The DPPH and ABTS of CF leaves were second only to the results of CF seeds. It can be seen that CF leaves have the potential as a source of antioxidants and help in waste reduction. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of raspberry juice addition on the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of wafers. The research was carried out on non-supplemented wafers (control) and wafers in which water was replaced with raspberry juice in the amount of 10%, 20%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The potential bioavailability of the phenolic compounds after in vitro digestion was also determined. As shown by the consumer assessment, wafers in which the water was replaced with 100% raspberry juice turned out to be the best variant of the enriched wafers. The content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins in the tested products increased with the increasing amount of raspberry juice added to the wafers. The fortification of the wafers with raspberry juice had a positive effect on the antioxidant activity, expressed as the ability to neutralize free radicals ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and DPPH (di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium), the ability to chelate iron ions, and as the reduction power. The simulated digestion increased the content of phenolic compounds and increased the antioxidant activity of the wafers. The ability to inhibit lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (i.e., enzymes involved in the induction of inflammation), varied and depended on both the amount of raspberry juice added and the type of extract. Full article

Since the discovery in 1922 of 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl stable free radical (DPPH^·), the chemistry of such open-shell compounds has developed continuously, allowing for both theoretical and practical advances in the free radical chemistry area. This review presents the important, general and modern aspects of the chemistry of hydrazyl free radicals and the science behind it. Full article

Nanobiotechnology has offered great attention in drug delivery and the development of various medicines used to treat microorganism infections. The present investigation deals with antimycobacterial activity, in-vitro hemolysis assay, and antioxidant activity of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs). NiO NPs, with controlled size and shape, prepared by a simple and inexpensive successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method was scanned using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) digital images for surface morphology confirmation. Spherical irregular island-type NPs of about 24 nm diameter are obtained. The X-ray diffraction pattern demonstrates the synthesis of polycrystalline and cubic in phase NiO NPs. The Raman spectrum has revealed the presence of two vibration bands cantered at 550 and 1095 cm⁻¹ for one photon longitudinal optical, and two longitudinal optical modes, respectively. The as-prepared NiO NPs endow 10 µg/mL against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis, MTCC-300) and 10 µg/mL against Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei, MTCC-1723) inhibitory concentrations. The hemolytic activity of NiO NPs has also been explored. The antioxidant result demonstrates 63.44% for NiO NPs over 88.23% for standard, i.e., di(phenyl)-(2, 4, 6-trinitrophenyl) viminoazaniun antioxidant. Taken together, NiO NPs act as a potential candidate against mycobacteria. Full article

Galega officinalis L. has been known for centuries as an herbal medicine used to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, but its comprehensive chemical composition and pharmacological activity are still insufficiently known. The current study involved the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidative and methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping properties of galega herb. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with both the electrospray ionization mass spectrometer and diode-array detector (UHPLC-ESI-MS and UHPLC-DAD) were used to investigate the composition and evaluate the anti-MGO capability of extracts and their components. Hot water and aqueous methanol extracts, as well as individual compounds representing phytochemical groups, were also assessed for antioxidant activity using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Quercetin and metformin were used as a positive control. We confirmed the presence of tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids, guanidines, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) in galega extracts. The polyphenolic fraction was dominated by mono-, di-, and triglycosylated flavonols, as well as monocaffeoylhexaric acids. The in vitro tests indicated which G. officinalis components exhibit beneficial antioxidative and MGO trapping effects. For galega extracts, flavonols, and HCAs, a potent antiradical activity was observed. The ability to trap MGO was noted for guanidines and flavonoids, whereas HCA esters and quinazoline alkaloids were ineffective. The formation of mono-MGO adducts of galegine, hydroxygalegine, and rutin in the examined water infusion was observed. Full article

Purinergic receptors of the P2 subclass are commonly found in human and rodent macrophages where they can be activated by adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) or uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP) to mediate Ca²⁺ mobilization, resulting in downstream signalling to promote inflammation and pain. However, little is understood regarding these receptors in canine macrophages. To establish a macrophage model of canine P2 receptor signalling, the expression of these receptors in the DH82 canine macrophage cell line was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. P2 receptor function in DH82 cells was pharmacologically characterised using nucleotide-induced measurements of Fura-2 AM-bound intracellular Ca²⁺. RT-PCR revealed predominant expression of P2X4 receptors, while immunocytochemistry confirmed predominant expression of P2Y₂ receptors, with low levels of P2X4 receptor expression. ATP and UTP induced robust Ca²⁺ responses in the absence or presence of extracellular Ca²⁺. ATP-induced responses were only partially inhibited by the P2X4 receptor antagonists, 2′,3′-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-ATP (TNP-ATP), paroxetine and 5-BDBD, but were strongly potentiated by ivermectin. UTP-induced responses were near completely inhibited by the P2Y₂ receptor antagonists, suramin and AR-C118925. P2Y₂ receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ mobilization was inhibited by U-73122 and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), indicating P2Y₂ receptor coupling to the phospholipase C and inositol triphosphate signal transduction pathway. Together this data demonstrates, for the first time, the expression of functional P2 receptors in DH82 canine macrophage cells and identifies a potential cell model for studying macrophage-mediated purinergic signalling in inflammation and pain in dogs. Full article

Myristica fragrans is a well-known species for flavoring many food products and for formulation of perfume and medicated balm. It is also used to treat indigestion, stomach ulcers, liver disorders, and, as emmenagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, nervine, and aphrodisiac. We examined antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds in various solvent extracts from the seeds of M. fragrans. Methanol, ethanol, and acetone extracts exhibited relatively strong antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging tests. Furthermore, methanol extracts also displayed significant anti-α-glucosidase activity. Examined and compared to the various solvent extracts for their chemical compositions using HPLC analysis, we isolated the ten higher content compounds and analyzed antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase activities. Among the isolates, dehydrodiisoeugenol, malabaricone B and malabaricone C were main antioxidant components in seeds of M. fragrans. Malabaricone C exhibited stronger antioxidant capacities than others based on lower half inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and it also showed significant inhibition of α-glucosidase. These results shown that methanol was found to be the most efficient solvent for extracting the active components from the seeds of M. fragrans, and this material is a potential good source of natural antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitor. Full article

Mushroom irradiation has been considered a sustainable process to generate high amounts of vitamin D₂ due to the role of this vitamin for human health and of the global concerns regarding its deficient or inadequate intake. Mushrooms are also receiving increasing interest due to their nutritional and medicinal properties. However, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the effect of UV irradiation on mushroom bioactive compounds. In this study, two of the most cultivated mushroom species worldwide, Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus, were irradiated with UV-B, and the effect of processing was investigated on the contents of vitamin D₂ as well as on antioxidant and antiglycation activities. UV irradiation increased vitamin D₂ up to 57 µg/g d.w, which is an adequate level for the fortification of a number of target foods. UV irradiation decreased the antioxidant activity when measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6 trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl radical assay and the ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power assay, but did not decrease the mushroom’s ability to inhibit glycation of a target protein. These results open up a new area of investigation aimed at selecting mushroom species with high nutraceutical benefits for irradiation in order to maintain their potential properties to inhibit oxidative and glycation processes responsible for human diseases. Full article