Evaluation of Chemical Constituents of Litchi Pericarp Extracts and Its Antioxidant Activity in Mice

Abstract

Litchi pericarp is the main byproduct of litchi processing and contains several polyphenols. However, the chemical constituents and the antioxidant effect in litchi pericarp extracts (LPE) have been rarely studied. The result of the quantitative analyses of the major monomers in LPE indicated that procyanidin A2, procyanidin B2, epicatechin, rutin, and catechin were the major polyphenol compounds of LPE. The LPE exhibited high radical scavenging activity, as indicated by the results of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ascorbic acid, 2,2′-Azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) tests. Moreover, administrating D-galactose in mice led to the reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes, aggravated lipid peroxidation, and induced protein oxidation. The results were improved in the aging mice after the LPE treatment was performed. The above results suggest that LPE has an excellent antioxidant effect. Accordingly, litchi pericarp can serve as a promising source of dietary antioxidants.

Litchi Pericarp Extract Treats Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response, and Energy Metabolism

“…Nevertheless, a dose-response relationship was not established between the low and high doses of LPE for weight reduction. Previous studies have confirmed LPE's non-toxicity in mice at doses up to 400 mg/kg [30], indicating that the weight loss may be due to LPE's slimming effects. Table 2 shows that the 24-h food intake of MC mice was significantly higher than that of BC mice (p < 0.05).…”

Advancements in Litchi chinensis Peel Processing: A Scientific Review of Drying, Extraction, and Isolation of Its Bioactive Compounds

“…Litchi peels, a by-product frequently discarded, represent about 15% of the total weight of fresh litchi, causing significant waste of resources and environmental pollution. Some plant chemicals, such as flavonoids [10], proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins, are increasingly known for their biological activities [14]. Litchi peel needs to be dried before its bioactive compounds are extracted.…”

“…Kaempferol achieves this reduction by directly scavenging free radicals, thus neutralizing their reactivity, and preventing them from causing oxidative stress within cells [64]. Yang et al [14] evaluated the radical scavenging activity of litchi peel extract, as indicated by IC 50 = 1.22 µg/mL in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and IC 50 = 1.12 µg/mL in the 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The study also examined the effects of D-galactose administration in mice, which is known to induce oxidative stress and mimic aging-related changes.…”

Comparative transcriptome and metabolome profiles of the leaf and fruits of a Xianjinfeng litchi budding mutant and its mother plant

“…(https:// www.mordorintelligence.com/; accessed on 28 September 2023). However, this increased demand can only be met by working to improve the current varieties by increasing their yield, fruit esthetics, and stress tolerance (Yang et al, 2022). In this regard, this exotic fruit is being grown in a wide range of environmental conditions (Sarin et al, 2009).…”