DOCSLIB.ORG

Phytochemical Antioxidants for Health and Medicine – a Move Towards Nature

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Phytochemical Antioxidants for Health and Medicine – a Move Towards Nature Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Review Vol. 1 (4), pp. 097-104, September 2007 Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/BMBR ISSN 1538-2273 © 2006 Academic Journals Standard Review Phytochemical antioxidants for health and medicine – A move towards nature Duduku Krishnaiah*, Rosalam Sarbatly and Awang Bono Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering and Information Technology University Malaysia Sabah, 88999, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Accepted 4 July, 2007 Oxidants or reactive oxygen species are produced in our body during aerobic metabolism leading to many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases etc. Antioxidants are the chemicals that neutralize these oxidants. Natural antioxidants are the secondary metabolites of phytochemicals and are preferred over synthetic antioxidants, which are found to impose side effects. A review has been done on the effect of oxidants on human health and their neutralization by natural antioxidants. Major natural antioxidants and their plant sources, different recovery processes for antioxidants from plant matrices and the advantage of indirect supercritical fluid extraction over other processes are presented. Keywords: Free radical, secondary metabolites, oxidative stress, recovery processes, process parameters. Table of content 1. Introduction 2. Formation of Oxidants 3. Exogenous Sources 4. Endogenous Sources and Characteristics of oxygen radicals 5. Antioxidant and its mechanism 6. Antioxidant and Cancer 7. Antioxidant extraction processes 8. Future prospects 9. Conclusions 10. References INTRODUCTION Phytochemicals are the chemicals extracted from plants. Antioxidants are secondary constituents or metabolites These chemicals are classified as primary or secondary found naturally in the body and in plants such as fruits constituents, depending on their role in plant metabolism. and vegetables. An antioxidant can be defined in simple Primary constituents include the common sugars, amino terms as anything that inhibits or prevents oxidation of a acids, proteins, purines and pyrimidines of nucleic acids, susceptible substrate. Plants produce a very impressive chlorophyll’s etc. Secondary constituents are the remain- array of antioxidant compounds that includes carote- ing plant chemicals such as alkaloids (derived from ami- noids, flavonoids, cinnamic acids, benzoic acids, folic no acids), terpenes (a group of lipids) and phenolics (de- acid, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and tocotrienols to pre- rived from carbohydrates) (Walton et al., 1999). vent oxidation of the susceptible substrate (Hollman, 2001). Common antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and certain compounds called carotenoids (like lutein and beta-carotene) (Hayek, 2000). These *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] plant-based dietary antioxidants are believed to have an 1 098 Biotechnol. Mol. Biol. Rev. important role in the maintenance of human health be- oxidants. Low-wavelength electromagnetic radiation such cause our endogenous antioxidants provide insufficient as gamma rays splits water in the body to generate hy- protection against the constant and unavoidable challen- droxyl radical, OH-. The highly reactive OH- thus formed ge of reactive oxygen species (ROS; oxidants) (Fridovich, begins to react vigorously with the nearby cells (Halliwell, 1998). 1994). Even though OH- scavengers usually have rate Generation of free radicals or reactive oxygen species constants more than 1010 M-1 sec-1 for reaction with OH-, (ROS) during metabolism and other activities beyond the the most endogenous molecules react equally fast. The antioxidant capacity of a biological system gives rise to antioxidant systems that defend against damage by OH- oxidative stress (Mikulikova and Popes, 2001). Oxidative do so by preventing its formation and by repairing the da- stress plays a role in heart diseases, malaria, neurodege- mage it causes (Timothy et al., 2003). nerative diseases, AIDS, cancer and in the aging process It has been estimated that 1-3% of the oxygen we brea- - (Sian et al., 2003). This concept is supported by in- the in is used to make O2 . Since humans consume large creasing evidence that oxidative damage plays a role in quantities of O2, a simple calculation shows that over 2 kg - the development of chronic, age-related degenerative of O2 is made in the human body every year-people with diseases, and that dietary antioxidants oppose this and chronic inflammations may make much more (Halliwell et lower risk of disease (Atoui et al., 2005; Alasalvar et al., al., 1994). These oxidants damage cellular macromolecu- 2005) and thus there arises a necessity to extract these les, including DNA, protein and lipid (Fraga et al., 1990) antioxidants from the plant matrices. In a recent study and accumulation of such damage may con-tribute to (Grigonisa, 2005) different extraction techniques, such as ageing and age related diseases. dispersed-solids, percolation, Soxhlet, microwave assist- ed extraction and supercritical fluid extraction have been used to isolate antioxidants from the plants. Supercritical Endogenous sources and characteristics of oxygen fluid extraction (SFE) is found to be the feasible and radicals sophisticated technology for the extraction of the antioxi- dants (Nguyen et. al. 1994). The methodology of solid Other than the exogenous sources such as exposure to phase extraction (SPE) with super critical fluids such as radiation, enzymatically or non-enzymatically mediated CO2 is found to yield higher purity antioxidants. electron transfer reactions are the source of free radicals This review discusses the effect of oxidants on human produced in the cells. Electron leakage that occurs from health and their neutralization by antioxidants. Different electron transport chains, such as those in the mitochon- types of antioxidants, their properties and their extraction dria and endoplasmic reticulum, to molecular oxygen are processes from plant matrices have been dealt in detail. the major source of free radicals (Fridovich, 1986). Recent advances in supercritical extraction of antioxi- Oxidants are formed in the cells of our body mainly dants are presented. from the following four endogenous sources. Formation of oxidants 1. Consumption of O2 by mitochondria during normal aerobic respiration to produce H O. Oxidants such as Oxygen, an essential element for life, can also be a rea- 2 oxygen free radical, H O and hydroxyl radical are the by son for the destruction of tissue and/or impair its ability to 2 2 products of this process function normally (Kehrer et al., 1993). Oxidants or free 2. Destroying of bacteria and virus infected cells by pha- radicals or oxygen-free radicals (OFR) or more generally gogytic cells releases nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and called as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed due oxygen free radical. to various exogenous and endogenous factors. A free 3. Degradation of fatty acids and other molecules by radical contains one or more unpaired electrons and is peroxisomes, the organelles produce hydrogen peroxide capable of independent existence. The formation of oxy- as byproduct, which is then degraded by catalase. The gen radicals could be the reason for the damaging effects nondegraded peroxide gets into other compartments of of O . A class of enzymes called superoxide dismutases 2 nearby cell thereby leading to oxidative DNA damage (SODS) is responsible for the catalytic removal of super- - (Ames et al., 1993). When two free radicals a nonradical oxide free radical, O (Lee et al., 2001). An average 2 is produced due to the formation of covalent bond bet- person has around 10,000–20,000 free radicals attacking ween their unpaired electrons. But a radical is formed each body cell every day. In some cases, ROS are pro- when a free radical reacts with a nonradical and thus can duced specifically to serve essential biological functions, initiate a chain reaction in the body. whereas in other cases, they are the byproducts of meta- 4. Oxidants produced during the course of p. 450 degra bolic processes (Shigenaga et al., 1994). -dation of natural toxins. Exogenous sources Organisms have developed many defense mechanisms Exposure to radiation from the environment and man- to limit the level of reactive oxidants and the damage infli- made sources is the exogenous source for formation of cted by them (Sang et al., 2002). Despite the cell’s anti- 2 Krishnaiah et al 099 oxidant defense system to counteract oxidative damage Commercial chain breaking antioxidants are generally from free radicals, radical-related damage of DNA and phenols or aromatic amines. They owe their antioxidant proteins have been proposed to play a key role in the activity to their ability to trap peroxyl radicals are as development of age-dependent diseases such as cancer, shown in equation (2). arteriosclerosis, arthritis, eurodegenerative disorders and others (Ames, 1989). Reactive oxygen species interacts - O + Antioxidant O + Antioxidant + heat with cellular components including DNA bases and forms 2 2 (2) damaged bases or strand breaks (Atoui et al., 2005). Oxygen radicals oxidize lipids or proteins generating inte- Antioxidants can also be manufactured synthetically. mediates that react with DNA by forming adducts. There- These belong to the class of synthetic antioxidants. The fore, it is an utmost necessity to take antioxidants exoge- main disadvantage with these antioxidants is their side nously due to the changes in the environment for which effect when taken in
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Phytochemical Functional Foods Related Titles from Woodhead’S Food Science, Technology and Nutrition List
    Phytochemical functional foods Related titles from Woodhead’s food science, technology and nutrition list: Performance functional foods (ISBN 1 85573 671 3) Some of the newest and most exciting developments in functional foods are products that claim to influence mood and enhance both mental and physical performance. This important collection reviews the range of ingredients used in these ‘performance’ functional foods, their effects and the evidence supporting their functional benefits. Antioxidants in food (ISBN 1 85573 463 X) Antioxidants are an increasingly important ingredient in food processing, as they inhibit the development of oxidative rancidity in fat-based foods, particularly meat and dairy products and fried foods. Recent research suggests that they play a role in limiting cardiovascular disease and cancers. This book provides a review of the functional role of antioxidants and discusses how they can be effectively exploited by the food industry, focusing on naturally occurring antioxidants in response to the increasing consumer scepticism over synthetic ingredients. ‘An excellent reference book to have on the shelves’ LWT Food Science and Technology Natural antimicrobials for the minimal processing of foods (ISBN 1 85573 669 1) Consumers demand food products with fewer synthetic additives but increased safety and shelf-life. These demands have increased the importance of natural antimicrobials which prevent the growth of pathogenic and spoilage micro-organisms. Edited by a leading expert in the field, this important collection reviews the range of key antimicrobials such as nisin and chitosan, applications in such areas as postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables, and ways of combining antimicrobials with other preservation techniques to enhance the safety and quality of foods.
    [Show full text]
  • Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Satureja Montana L. and Satureja Cuneifolia Ten. Essential Oils
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE Acta Bot. Croat. 64 (2), 313–322, 2005 CODEN: ABCRA25 ISSN 0365–0588 Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Satureja montana L. and Satureja cuneifolia Ten. essential oils NADA BEZI]*, MIRJANA SKO^IBU[I],VALERIJA DUNKI] Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Education, University of Split, Teslina12, 21000 Split, Croatia The phytochemical composition and the antibacterial activity of the essential oils ob- tained from the aerial parts of two Lamiaceae species, winter savory (Satureja montana L.) and wild savory (Satureja cuneifolia Ten.) were evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the isolated oils resulted in the identification of twenty compounds in the oil of S. montana representing 97% of the total oil and 25 compounds of S. cuneifolia, representing 80% of the total oil. Carvacrol was the major constituent of the S. montana oil (45.7%). Other important compounds were the monoterpenic hydrocar- bons p-cymene, g-terpinene and the oxygenated compounds carvacrol methyl ether, borneol and thymol. Conversely, the oil of S. cuneifolia contained a low percentage of carvacrol and thymol. The major constituents of wild savory oil were sesquiterpenes b-cubebene (8.7%), spathulenol, b-caryophyllene, followed by the monoterpenic hydro- carbons limonene and a-pinene. The screening of the antimicrobial activities of essential oils were individually evalated against nine microorganisms, using a disc diffusion metod. The oil of S. montana exhibited greater antimicrobial activity than the oil of wild savory. Maximum activity of winter savory oil was observed against Escherichia coli, the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and against yeast (Candida albicans).
    [Show full text]
  • Phytochemicals Center for Nutrition in Schools Department of Nutrition University of California, Davis for Health Professionals June 2016
    Produced by: Nutrition and Health Info Sheet: Ashley A. Thiede, BS Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr, PhD Phytochemicals Center for Nutrition in Schools Department of Nutrition University of California, Davis For Health Professionals June 2016 What are phytochemicals? Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in vegetables, fruits, cereal grains, and plant- based beverages such as tea and wine. Phytochemical consumption is associated with a decrease in risk of several types of chronic diseases due to in part to their antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects.1 Recent research has also highlighted their potential role in improved endothelial function and increased vascular blood flow.2 What are the various types of phytochemicals? About 10,000 different phytochemicals have been identified, and many still remain unknown.1 Based on their chemical structure, phytochemicals can be broken into the following groups3, as shown below in Figure 1. Phytochemicals Phenolic Acids Flavonoids Stilbenes/Lignans Anthocyanins, Flavones, Flavanones, Flavonols Flavanols Isoflavones Catechins and Epicatechins Proanthocyanidins Procyanidins Prodelphinidins Figure 1: Types of Phytochemicals What are flavonoids and why are they of particular interest? Flavonoids make up the largest class of phytochemicals.2 In general, flavonoids can play an important role in decreasing disease risk through various physiologic mechanisms. Some of these include antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.4 Mechanisms responsible for improvements in heart disease risk include improved endothelial function, decreased blood pressure, and improvements in lipid and insulin resistance.5 Flavonoids can be divided into the following subclasses flavonols, flavanones, flavones, flavan-3-ols, and flavanonols.6 Certain clinical studies have documented relationships between flavonoid consumption and decreased cancer risk.
    [Show full text]
  • Phytochemical Rich Foods
    Phytonutrient-Rich Foods: Add color to your plate Your goal is to aim for five to 10 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every day. What Counts as a Serving? One serving = -1 cup leafy greens, berries or melon chunks -½ cup for all other fruits and vegetables -1 medium fruit/vegetable (i.e. apple, orange) -¼ cup dried fruit -¾ cup juice Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plant-based foods that give plants their rich pigment as well as their distinctive taste and smell. They are essentially the plant’s immune system and offer protection to humans as well. There are thousands of phytonutrients that may help prevent cancer as well as provide other health benefits. The best way to increase your intake of phytonutrients is to eat a variety of plant based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, spices and tea. Supplements are a poor substitute, as these compounds “work together as a team” and provide a more potent protective punch when eaten as whole foods. Vegetables Fruits Spices Artichokes Apples (w/skin) Cilantro Asparagus Apricots Parsley Avocadoes Blackberries Turmeric Beets Blueberries Bok Choy Cantaloupe Other Broccoli Cherries Flax Seeds Brussels Sprouts Cranberries Garlic Cabbage Grapefruit (Red) Ginger Carrots Grapes (Red or Concord) Green or Black Tea Cauliflower Guava Legume and Dried Eggplant Kiwi Beans Greens (Leafy) Mango Nuts Kale Oranges Soy Products Lettuce (Romaine) Papaya Whole Grains Okra Peaches Onions Plums Peppers (Red) Pomegranate or juice Pumpkin Prunes Spinach Raspberries Squash (Butternut) Strawberries Sweet Potatoes Tangerine Tomatoes Watermelon Watercress © 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Scorzonera Species
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Scorzonera Species Karolina Lendzion 1 , Agnieszka Gornowicz 1,* , Krzysztof Bielawski 2 and Anna Bielawska 1 1 Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; [email protected] (K.L.); [email protected] (A.B.) 2 Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +48-85-748-5742 Abstract: The genus Scorzonera comprises nearly 200 species, naturally occurring in Europe, Asia, and northern parts of Africa. Plants belonging to the Scorzonera genus have been a significant part of folk medicine in Asia, especially China, Mongolia, and Turkey for centuries. Therefore, they have become the subject of research regarding their phytochemical composition and biological activity. The aim of this review is to present and assess the phytochemical composition, and bioactive potential of species within the genus Scorzonera. Studies have shown the presence of many bioactive compounds like triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, or caffeic acid and quinic acid derivatives in extracts obtained from aerial and subaerial parts of the plants. The antioxidant and cytotoxic properties have been evaluated, together with the mechanism of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective activity. Scorzonera species have also been investigated for their activity against several bacteria and fungi strains. Despite mild cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines in vitro, the bioactive properties in wound healing therapy and the treatment of microbial infections might, in perspective, be the starting point for the research on Scorzonera species as active agents in medical products designed for Citation: Lendzion, K.; Gornowicz, miscellaneous skin conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Studies on Betalain Phytochemistry by Means of Ion-Pair Countercurrent Chromatography
    STUDIES ON BETALAIN PHYTOCHEMISTRY BY MEANS OF ION-PAIR COUNTERCURRENT CHROMATOGRAPHY Von der Fakultät für Lebenswissenschaften der Technischen Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig zur Erlangung des Grades einer Doktorin der Naturwissenschaften (Dr. rer. nat.) genehmigte D i s s e r t a t i o n von Thu Tran Thi Minh aus Vietnam 1. Referent: Prof. Dr. Peter Winterhalter 2. Referent: apl. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Engelhardt eingereicht am: 28.02.2018 mündliche Prüfung (Disputation) am: 28.05.2018 Druckjahr 2018 Vorveröffentlichungen der Dissertation Teilergebnisse aus dieser Arbeit wurden mit Genehmigung der Fakultät für Lebenswissenschaften, vertreten durch den Mentor der Arbeit, in folgenden Beiträgen vorab veröffentlicht: Tagungsbeiträge T. Tran, G. Jerz, T.E. Moussa-Ayoub, S.K.EI-Samahy, S. Rohn und P. Winterhalter: Metabolite screening and fractionation of betalains and flavonoids from Opuntia stricta var. dillenii by means of High Performance Countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) and sequential off-line injection to ESI-MS/MS. (Poster) 44. Deutscher Lebensmittelchemikertag, Karlsruhe (2015). Thu Minh Thi Tran, Tamer E. Moussa-Ayoub, Salah K. El-Samahy, Sascha Rohn, Peter Winterhalter und Gerold Jerz: Metabolite profile of betalains and flavonoids from Opuntia stricta var. dilleni by HPCCC and offline ESI-MS/MS. (Poster) 9. Countercurrent Chromatography Conference, Chicago (2016). Thu Tran Thi Minh, Binh Nguyen, Peter Winterhalter und Gerold Jerz: Recovery of the betacyanin celosianin II and flavonoid glycosides from Atriplex hortensis var. rubra by HPCCC and off-line ESI-MS/MS monitoring. (Poster) 9. Countercurrent Chromatography Conference, Chicago (2016). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This PhD would not be done without the supports of my mentor, my supervisor and my family.
    [Show full text]
  • Common Nettle (Urtica Dioica L.) As an Active Filler of Natural Rubber Biocomposites
    materials Article Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as an Active Filler of Natural Rubber Biocomposites Marcin Masłowski * , Andrii Aleksieiev, Justyna Miedzianowska and Krzysztof Strzelec Institute of Polymer & Dye Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 12/16, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; [email protected] (A.A.); [email protected] (J.M.); [email protected] (K.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Common nettle (Urtíca Dióica L.), as a natural fibrous filler, may be part of the global trend of producing biocomposites with the addition of substances of plant origin. The aim of the work was to investigate and explain the effectiveness of common nettle as a source of active functional compounds for the modification of elastomer composites based on natural rubber. The conducted studies constitute a scientific novelty in the field of polymer technology, as there is no research on the physico-chemical characteristics of nettle bio-components and vulcanizates filled with them. Separation and mechanical modification of seeds, leaves, branches and roots of dried nettle were carried out. Characterization of the ground plant particles was performed using goniometric measurements (contact angle), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), themogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained natural rubber composites with different bio-filler content were also tested in terms of rheological, static and dynamic mechanical properties, cross-linking density, color change and resistance to simulated aging Citation: Masłowski, M.; Aleksieiev, processes. Composites with the addition of a filler obtained from nettle roots and stems showed the A.; Miedzianowska, J.; Strzelec, K.
    [Show full text]
  • Phytochemical Final
    Onions – Phytochemical and Health Properties Provided by the National Onion Association Abstract – Inhibit the proliferation of cultured ovarian, breast, and colon cancer cells. Onions have been valued for their medicinal qualities by many cultures around the globe. The organosulfur compounds are largely responsible Numerous health benefits have been attributed to for the taste and smell of onions. Research studies the vegetable, including prevention of cancer and have shown organosulfur compounds to: cardiovascular disorders. Scientific studies have – Reduce symptoms associated with diabetes shown a positive relationship between vegetable mellitus. intake and risk for these common diseases. This has – Inhibit platelet aggregation (involved in led many researchers to test whether the proposed thrombosis). medicinal attributes of onions are valid. Some of – Prevent inflammatory processes associated these studies have shown that including onion in with asthma. the diet: – Was associated with a reduced risk of stomach Many of these studies used non-human subjects. cancer in humans. Others used experimental assays that mimic – Was associated with a decreased risk for brain processes related to disease that occur in the body. cancer in humans. More research is underway to assess the effects of – Inhibited platelet-mediated thrombosis dietary intake of onions on health in human subjects. (a process leading to heart attacks and strokes). – Reduced levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and thromboxanes (substances involved in Introduction the development of cardiovascular disease) in the blood. For centuries consumption of fruits and vegetables – Was associated with a reduction in symptoms has been attributed to beneficial health effects. Ames associated with osteoporosis. and Gold (1998) stated that approximately one-third of cancer risk in humans could be attributed to diet.
    [Show full text]
  • Phenolic Compounds Assay Kit
    Phenolic Compounds Assay Kit Catalog Number MAK365 Storage Temperature –20 C TECHNICAL BULLETIN Product Description Components Phenolic compounds are phytochemical secondary The kit is sufficient for 200 colorimetric assays in metabolites found abundantly in dietary and medicinal 96 well plates. plants, vegetables, and fruits. Major types of phytochemical phenolic compounds include simple PC Assay Buffer 25 mL phenolic acids (such as gallic acid and vanillic acid), Catalog Number MAK365A flavonoids (such as catechin), stilbenoids, lignans, and various highly complex polyphenols (proanthocyanidins PC Probe 4 mL and tannins). These compounds play an important role Catalog Number MAK365B in plant defense against ultraviolet radiation, serve as a deterrent to herbivores, and also act as signaling Catechin Standard (100 mM) 100 L molecules in ripening and other plant growth processes. Catalog Number MAK365C Both simple phenolic acids and complex polyphenols Vanillic Acid (50 mM) 500 L are found in high concentrations in foods and Catalog Number MAK365D beverages such as berries, vegetables, cereals, coffee, tea, and wine. Phenolic compounds, being antioxidants, Reagents and Equipment Required but Not have been increasingly studied in dietary sources, due Provided. to their protective effects against cardiovascular Pipetting devices and accessories diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. (e.g., multichannel pipettor) Studies have also shown dietary polyphenols to Spectrophotometric multiwell plate reader possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and Clear flat-bottom 96 well plates anti-allergic properties. Ethanol, 200 proof (Catalog Number E7023) The Phenolic Compounds Assay Kit provides a quick, Organic solvents (e.g. methanol, acetone) and sensitive, and selective method for measuring the total dilute hydrochloric acid (1 M HCl) for sample amount of phenolic compounds in various biological extraction samples.
    [Show full text]
  • Capsicum Frutescens) Fruits
    Vol. 9(38), pp. 2067-2078, 23 September, 2015 DOI: 10.5897/AJMR2014.7286 Article Number: 1C3CADE55841 ISSN 1996-0808 African Journal of Microbiology Research Copyright © 2015 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article http://www.academicjournals.org/AJMR Full Length Research Paper Phytochemical screening and antibacterial properties of selected Nigerian long pepper (Capsicum frutescens) fruits Bello, I.*, Boboye, B. E. and Akinyosoye, F. A. Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria. Received 19 November, 2014; Accepted 31 August, 2015 Five varieties of Nigerian long pepper (Capsicum frutescens) fruits (var. baccatum, chacoense, fingerh, maxima and minima) were studied for their antibacterial activities. Methods described by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were employed to determine the phytochemicals in the pepper fruits. The Capsicum frutescens fruits showed antibacterial activity (10.33 - 32.66 mm zones of inhibition) against all the tested pathogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the peppers range between 7.8 and 37.5 mg/ml. Pepper var. minima had the highest MIC (37.5 mg/ml) while pepper var. fingerh exhibited the lowest MIC (7.8 mg/ml) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi, respectively. The flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins found present in the extracts were quantified as 0.0019-0.0043, 0.0084-0.0146, 6.57-15.78 and 15.67-26.29 mg/ml, respectively. From this study, it was concluded that the long peppers have antibacterial effect on the tested food borne pathogens; even the less pungent C. frutescens var. fingerh showed antibacterial activity. These peppers when consumed raw could prevent elaboration of infection that the test pathogenic bacteria could cause if consumed in foods.
    [Show full text]
  • Phytochemical Database & Health Function
    AMERICAN PISTACHIO PHYTOCHEMICAL DATABASE & HEALTH FUNCTION AMERICAN PISTACHIO PHYTOCHEMICAL DATABASE & HEALTH FUNCTION RAW KERNELS Pistachio Phytochemicals Pistachios have been considered beneficial to health for These include carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin and centuries by societies all over the world.1 In addition to beta-carotene; phytosterols like beta-sitosterol and being a rich source of many essential vitamins and minerals, polyphenols like quercetin and resveratrol. Research shows monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty that these phytochemicals have beneficial roles in the body, acids, protein and fiber, pistachios provide an array of acting as antioxidants, cholesterol-lowering and phytochemicals that may promote heath and well-being.1, 2, 3 anti-inflammatory agents.4, 5 Pistachio Phytochemical Database SUBSTANCE VALUE FUNCTION ALANINE 0.914 g per 100 g Amino Acid Building block for making proteins. (See Protein) ALPHA-LINOLENIC 0.259 g per 100 g Essential Fatty Acid Omega-3 fatty acids that is essential for life. Omega-3 fatty ACID acids have anti-inflammatory effect. They have been shown to lower blood triglycerides levels and protect from heart disease. ALPHA- 2.3 mg per 100 g Vitamin E Fat-soluble antioxidant: it protects cell membranes against free radical TOCOPHEROL 0.6 mg per oz serving - damage. Research has shown that vitamin E is important for heart health and (2% DV) protects from diseases that come with aging, it boosts immune system and keeps skin and eyes healthy. ANTHOCYANIDINS 6.06 mg per 100 g Flavonoids (Polyphenols) Health protective bioactive compounds (Phytochemicals). Anthocyanidins, a class of flavonoid, are responsible for the intense color of berries, wine, beets and red cabbage.
    [Show full text]
  • Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivity of Asparagus Acutifolius: a Focus on Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Lipase Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Activities
    molecules Article Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivity of Asparagus acutifolius: A Focus on Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Lipase Inhibitory and Antimicrobial Activities Amel Hamdi 1,2, Sara Jaramillo-Carmona 1, Rocío Rodríguez-Arcos 1 , Ana Jiménez-Araujo 1 , Mokhtar Lachaal 2, Najoua Karray-Bouraoui 2 and Rafael Guillén-Bejarano 1,* 1 Phytochemicals and Food Quality Group, Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), 41013 Seville, Spain; [email protected] (A.H.); [email protected] (S.J.-C.); [email protected] (R.R.-A.); [email protected] (A.J.-A.) 2 Unité de Physiologie et de Biochimie de la Réponse des Plantes aux Contraintes Abiotiques, FST Campus, Université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia; [email protected] (M.L.); [email protected] (N.K.-B.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +34-954-611-550 Abstract: The phytochemical composition of leaves, stems, pericarps and rhizomes ethanolic extracts of Asparagus acutifolius were characterized by HPLC-DAD-MS. A. acutifolius samples contain at least eleven simple phenolics, one flavonon, two flavonols and six steroidal saponins. The stem extracts showed the highest total phenolic acid and flavonoid contents, where cafeic acid and rutin were Citation: Hamdi, A.; the main compounds. No flavonoids were detected in the leaf, pericarp or rhizome while caffeic Jaramillo-Carmona, S.; acid and ferulic acid were the predominant. Steroidal saponins were detected in the different plant Rodríguez-Arcos, R.; Jiménez-Araujo, parts of A. acutifolius, and the highest contents were found in the rhizome extracts. The stem extracts A.; Lachaal, M.; Karray-Bouraoui, N.; exhibited the highest antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric Guillén-Bejarano, R.
    [Show full text]