In this study, it was aimed to determine some physiological effects of CuO nanoparticle on C. demersum. The plants were collected from an uncontaminated pond in Gaziantep province. Different concentrations of CuO (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L) were applied to the macrophytes after being acclimatized in controlled conditions. Some analyses were made on macrophytes harvested at the end of the application. The contents of protein, total carbohydrate, photosynthetic pigment, total phenolic compound, non-protein sulfhydryl groups of tissues increased with increasing CuO concentration under the influence of applied CuO concentrations. In addition, increases in hydrogen peroxide and MDA contents were also detected. As a result, it was determined that the applied CuO concentrations caused some physiological changes in C. demersum tissues.

To examine polyamines (PAs) effect in modulating the drought induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings (variety Khoibhutta, 8 day seedlings grown in petri dish in incubator) were subjected to 20% PEG (polyethylene glycol) followed by 20 µmol PAs, Putrescine (Put), Spermidine (Spd) and Spermine (Spm) with PEG solution for 48 hours. Sharp decrease in Relative Water Content (RWC), Chl a, Chl b, carotenoid (Car) and total pigment content was observed under drought compared to control condition, while PAs application reversed their decreasing trends. PEG significantly increased Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS) [superoxide (O2•−) and H2O2], Methyl Glyoxal (MG), Melondialdehyde (MDA) and Lipoxigenase (LOX) activity, while Pas decreased the contents considerably (except MG) as compared to those under drought. Drought increased proline content, which was further augmented in PA treatments. PAs failed to incline glyoxalase’s (Gly-I and Gly-II) activities, reduced under PEG. The activity and western blot confirmed the accumulation of Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) under drought, but PAs failed to augment the activity. Ascorbic Acid (AsA) and Glutathione (GSH) got oxidized into Dehydroascorbate (DHA) and oxidized Glutathione (GSSG) under drought but PAs effectively maintained homeostasis. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX), Monodehydroascorbatereductase (MDHAR), Dehydroascorbatereductase (DHAR), and Glutathione Reductase (GR) inclined in drought stressed seedlings, while Catalase (CAT) activity decreased under drought. PAs addition increased SOD, POD, GPX, CAT, MDHAR, and GR activities, but declined DHAR activity. These findings suggested important role of PAs in increasing tolerance under short term drought by modulating antioxidant effect.

Flavones and flavonoids are known to have potent antioxidant activity due to intracellular free radical scavenging capacities. Flavonoids are found ubiquitously in plants as a member of polyphenolic compounds which share diverse chemical structure and properties. Quercetin is among the most efficient antioxidants of the flavonoids. The antioxidant property of quercetin has been highlighted in this review. These compounds have pivotal role in treatment of diabetes, cancers and some cardiovascular diseases.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of palm oil, African walnut oil and their blends on hematological, inflammatory, and some oxidative stress markers in high fat diet (HFD) obese-induced Wistar rats. Obesity was induced for 60 days and treated for 28 days using edible oils [palm oil, African walnut oil, palm oil: African walnut oil (50:50) and palm oil : African walnut oil (60:40)] and orlistat (10 mg/Kg). Thereafter the animals were sacrificed, blood was collected for hematological studies and the preparation of the serum, while the organs harvested were used to prepare organ homogenates. Serum and organ homogenates were used for the evaluation of inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Results showed that the oils utilized were confirmed to be of high quality through their good stability indices (peroxide value: 2.52-3.87meq O2/Kg; p-anisidine value: 8.24-12.33, TOTOX value: 13.37-19.46,). Looking at the haematological study, animals that received the HFD presented the lowest (p<0.05) hematocrit and Platelet. PO:WO (50:50 and 60:40) significantly (p<0.05) decreased the granulocytes concentration in the blood of rats. PO:WO (50:50) significantly (p<0.05) increased the lymphocyte concentration while 100% PO increased the mid-size white blood cells level in the animals. Serum levels of inflammation markers were higher (p<0.05) in the negative control group (354.44-385.82 pg/mL) compared to the other groups (147.22-271.55 pg/mL). The analysis of oxidative stress parameters revealed that the administered oils and orlistat generally exhibited good protections compared to the normal and negative control groups, which might be due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and bioactives such as β-carotene and vitamin E which have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be concluded that these oils have a role in protecting against obesity through their effects on oxidative stress, hematology, and inflammatory cytokines.

Alpinia officinarum, which attracts attention with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is used in traditional medicine, especially to relieve stomach and digestive system disorders. Although many studies have revealed the various pharmacological effects of Alpinia officinarum, the effect of different ionic solvents on its biological activities has yet to be investigated. In this study, the effects of homogenization of Alpinia officinarum roots with potassium chloride (KCl), sodium chloride (NaCl), and phosphate (PBS) buffer solutions on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant were investigated. Alpinia officinarum plant was collected from the Adana region during the season, and fresh root parts were separated and analyzed. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of plant homogenates prepared with KCl, NaCl, and PBS were determined by spectrophotometric analysis. The highest MPO and CAT enzyme activities were observed in the KCl solution, while lower levels were observed in NaCl and PBS solutions, respectively. The highest MDA level was observed in the PBS solution. Moreover, SOD enzyme activity showed a decreasing trend in NaCl, KCl, and PBS solutions, respectively. These findings suggest that the biological activity of plant extracts may vary depending on the solvent used. Determination of the conditions under which the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Alpinia officinarum in different ionic solvents are the highest supports increasing the bioavailability of the plant.

Recent studies have shown the positive effects of Cucurbita pepo L. (pumpkin) seed oil (PSO) in different disease models. However, the effect of PSO on neurological diseases has not been clarified yet. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the effects of BBS on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced neuronal damage and the possible roles of oxidative and nitrosative stress in this effect in vitro. The HT-22 hippocampal neuronal cell line was used in the study. Cell survival after PTZ-induced neuronal damage was evaluated with the XTT test in the groups. While the effects of BBS on total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) after PTZ were measured with colorimetric commercial kits, its effects on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were also determined by ELISA kits. In light of the data obtained, it was found that pre-treatment with PSO prevented the decrease in cell survival after exposure to PTZ. In addition, it has been found that PSO normalizes the increase in TOS, nNOS, and NO in neuronal cells after PTZ. As a result, it was determined that the treatment of neuronal cells with PSO prevented neuronal damage caused by PTZ and showed neuroprotective properties. It is thought that PSO may achieve these effects through oxidative and nitrosative systems. Enrichment of a daily diet with PSO might be beneficial in reducing the risks of neurological diseases.

Spartium junceum L. is a plant traditionally used for different medicinal purposes. While limited research data explicates its antioxidizing ability, interest in this plant is induced mainly due to its possible role, especially against stress-causing oxidative effects. The objectives of this study were to compare antioxidant activity in flowers and leaves of Spartium junceum L., as well as time under different storage conditions implemented for antioxidative mechanisms. Spartium junceum L. plants were obtained from the Kahramanmaras, Turkey region; subsequently, the flowering and leaf parts of the plant were separated and analyzed. Plant homogenates were prepared, and the activities of SOD and CAT enzymes, as well as MDA levels, were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Enzyme activity upon storage at +4°C, -20°C, and -70° temperature enzyme samples were carried out separately and operated for less than one month in our laboratory. Flowers exhibited higher SOD and CAT activities than leaves. Flowers also showed higher levels of MDA. It may be due to the structural and biochemical differences, where flowers experience extra oxidative stress. The optimal enzyme retention under storage conditions was at -70°C, and a decrease in temperature increased the stability of this biocatalyst. In contrast, MDA levels increased at low temperatures at total capacity. The antioxidant properties of the flower extract had stronger antioxidant potential than those of the leaf part, which also means that chemically active substances show much higher concentrations in this plant section. Storage temperature significantly affects the stability of enzymes, and it was stated that low temperatures mainly maintain antioxidant activity. The results obtained from this study recommend Spartium junceum L. as a valuable antioxidant food resource.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is one of the most used plants in traditional medicine because of its high antioxidant properties. The antioxidant value, nonetheless, depends on locality where the plant is grown as well as specific parts on the plant. In this study, a phytochemical and antioxidant activity comparison of M. oleifera leaves, seeds and barks were carried out. Fresh leaves, seeds and barks were collected from 2 to 3 years old M. oleifera trees of Bukavu city of South Kivu province in DRC and Masii village of Machackos County in Kenya. A total of 300g of each dried sample powder was mixed with 700 mL of distilled water. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and tannins were performed following standard methods while the antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results indicate that only alkaloids were absent in leaves from Kenya and DRC while phenols, flavonoids and tannins were absent in barks. Glycoside in seeds from DRC had the highest concentration (6.17%) followed by alkaloids in seeds from Kenya (5.56%). There was low concentration of terpenoids and flavonoids in all samples compared to other compounds. The highest extract yield was found in leaves from DR Congo (22.5%) and seeds from Kenya (20%). At the highest concentration (10 µg/mL), leaves from Kenya (88.29±1.12 µg/mL) and DRC (80.17±3.59 µg/mL) had the highest percentage inhibition of reactive oxygen-free radicals but lower than the reference standard (92.63±2.76 µg/mL). Leaves from Kenya (23.59 μg/mL) and DRC (28.67 μg/mL) had the highest IC50 compared to mean values of seeds and barks from the two countries. M. oleifera leaves, especially from Kenya, are recommended as a satisfactory antioxidant but can be substituted with seeds and/or barks in order to alleviate the use of leaves which are overused these days.

Mushrooms used as food have medicinal importance due to their antioxidant compounds. In this context, it is very important to determine the biological potential of fungi and to reveal these medicinal properties. In this study, it was aimed to determine the element contents, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index of Suillus collinitus (Fr.) Kuntze mushroom. In this context, the mushroom samples were extracted with ethanol in the Soxhlet extractor. Element contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Total antioxidant (TAS) and total oxidant (TOS) levels and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined using Rel Assay commercial kits. As a result of the study, it was determined that the TAS value of S. collinitus was 2.467 ± 0.145 mmol/L, TOS value was 17.845 ± 0.273 µmol/L and OSI value was 0.677 ± 0.030. In addition, the Fe content (350.72 ± 10.23), Cu content (68.11 ± 2.51), Pb content (11.58 ± 2.43), Zn content (10.46 ± 1.28) and Ni content (1.47 ± 0.21 mg.kg-1) of S. collinitus measured. As a result, S. collinitus mushroom is thought to be a natural source of antioxidants. It has also been observed that the element contents are at normal levels.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of enteritis, pneumonia and omphalitis on oxidative/antioxidant balance in the calves. In total, 27 calves with neonatal disease and 10 healthy calves (control) were used. The sick calves were divided into 3 groups according to localization of infection, omphalitis (n = 10), pneumonia (n = 8) and enteritis (n = 9). Blood samples of the calves were taken from jugular vein for analysis. Blood in tubes without anticoagulant was centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 5 min following clotting, and the sera were removed and stored at -80°C until analyzed. Serum malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels of all groups were significantly higher, while glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly lower compared to the control group. As a conclusion, diarrhea, pneumonia and omphalitis are caused by oxidative damage in the calves, and antioxidant treatment may be beneficial in the treatment of these diseases.