We have evaluated the antioxidant and radical scavenging activity of the water extract of Mume Fructus by applying various in vitro assays. We have determined total phenolic and flavonoid contents, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), hydroxyl radical (OH • ), superoxide radical (O2 -• ) and nitrite scavenging activities, inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation and reducing power activity. The extract exhibited high scavenging activities on DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals with the IC50 of 0.40, 0.36, 1.75 and 1.60 mg/mL, respectively. The extract also showed nitrite scavenging and reducing power activity in a dose-dependent manner. It inhibited 69.42% of linoleic acid oxidation at the concentration of 0.4 mg/mL. Owing to have high antioxidant activity, the water extract of Mume Fructus may serve as a new dietary supplement.

Oxidative stress induced by free radicals is the main cause of many human diseases. Plant‐derived antioxidant supplements can counter oxidative damage in cells. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of water extracts from dried seeds of Benincasa hispida (B. hispida) on antioxidant activity and how this related to total contents of phenolics and flavonoids in vitro. The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were 81.3 ± 1.4 µg gallic acid /g and 486.8 ± 4.1 µg catechin/g dry mass, respectively. B. hispida showed DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate), ABTS (1, 2,2′‐azinobis‐[3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid]) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in a dose‐dependent manner, with maximum inhibition of 79.8 ± 0.2%, 82.3 ± 1.9% and 95.5 ± 0.8%, respectively. Inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation and nitrite scavenging activity were maximum 73.2 ± 1.0% and 73.6 ± 1.3% at 6 days and 1‐h incubation time, respectively. Our data suggest that the dried seeds from B. hispida could be used as a source of natural antioxidants in the food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Other evidence suggests that the consumption of wax gourd promotes health. This is because of several important bioactive compounds such as lipids, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and vitamins that have already been isolated from wax gourd. Wax gourd is effective against diabetes, dropsy, diseases related to liver, leucorrhea and fever. It can strengthen the function of bladder and small and large intestines. It is also good for the detoxication of minerals. The findings of this study can demonstrate the antioxidant activity of the water extracts from B. hispida dried seeds. The nitrite and free radical scavenging effects of the extract would be useful to improve human health.

The objective of this study was to characterize the antioxidant properties of the extracts from Chrysanthemum indicum flower (CIF). The water and ethanol extracts were prepared from CIF and its antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro by different methods including 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals and nitrite scavenging, reducing (Fe3+ to Fe2+) power, linoleic acid oxidation inhibition as well as free radical‐induced DNA damage prevention activity. The cytotoxic effect of the ethanol extract was determined on chang normal liver cell. The ethanol‐based extract prevented free radical‐induced DNA damage and did not show any cytotoxicity. The antioxidant activity was highly correlated with the observed phenolic and flavonoid contents. The present study suggests that the extracts of CIF could be considered as a potent source of natural antioxidants. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Chrysanthemum indicum Linné has been used as a traditional medicine for various immune‐related diseases as well as in mixed spices and alcoholic beverages in Korea, China and Japan. The tea prepared from chrysanthemum flower could prevent sore throat and promote the reduction of fever. Recently, Chrysanthemum indicum flower (CIF) extracts has been reported to have therapeutic potential in a variety of immune‐related cutaneous diseases and lowering blood pressure activity. In this context, we studied antioxidant activities and DNA damage preventive activity of CIF. The results suggest that the extract may have potential as a new source of natural antioxidant.

β-Glucan is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of dietary β-glucan on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is unknown how β-glucan mediates its protective effects on IBD. Therefore, we used a well-established mouse model for IBD, interleukin (IL)-10(-/-) mice, to explore the protective effects of β-glucan on IBD-like symptoms caused by IL-10 deficiency. The mice were divided into two groups: IL-10(-/-) and IL-10(-/-) + β-glucan treatment groups. IL-10(-/-) mice treated with dietary β-glucan exhibited less inflammation within the colon. The levels of immunoglobulins A and E were lower in the serum, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches in the IL-10(-/-) mice compared with the IL-10(-/-) + β-glucan mice. Also, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was lower in the IL-10(-/-) + β-glucan mice compared with the IL-10(-/-) mice. Histological analysis also revealed that administration of dietary β-glucan in IL-10(-/-) mice reduced colonic tissue damage. Finally, the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tissue necrosis factor-α was significantly lower with dietary β-glucan treatment in IL-10(-/-) mice. In conclusion, dietary β-glucan reduces the inflammation associated with IBD caused by IL-10 deficiency.

The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of different extracts from Inonotus obliquus (IO) grown on germinated brown rice by employing several established methods. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were performed by Folin–Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, respectively. All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity. However, the ethanol‐based extract showed significantly highest antioxidant activity with the values of the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities were 16, 30, 45, and 100 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activities of IO extracts were highly correlated with the observed total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Our study successfully demonstrates that the extracts from IO could be a potential source of antioxidant as a medicinal and dietary supplement. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Inonotus obliquus (IO) has been used as a medicine in many Asian countries. IO extracts build up immunity, treat influenza and other viral and bacterial infections, and improves skin elasticity. As a folk remedy, IO was taken in tea or powder form. Japanese scientists reported that topical use of IO helps combat the signs of aging. In Japan, it is used in creams to treat wrinkles. The water extract of IO has antitumor and antimicrobial activities. In addition, hot water extract from IO inhibits the cellular proliferation in cancer cell lines in human stomach. IO is regarded as a “functional food” and believed to promote longevity.