DETERMINATION OF ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF “ASQOV-1” AND “ASATAQOV” FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

ABSTRACT

In this work, antiradical (antioxidant) activity, phenolic compound composition and acute toxicological properties of the food supplements “Asqov-1” and “Asataqov” were investigated. The findings revealed that each supplement is capable to scavenge free radicals according to the DPPH measurement. The antiradical activity of “Asataqov” (ARF=19.43%) was marginally elevated relative to “Asqov-1” (ARF=18.35%). Analysis of phenolic compounds showed higher levels of salicylic acid, quercetin, and apigenin in Asataqov.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В данной работе исследуются антирадикальная (антиоксидантная) активность, фенольный состав и острые токсикологические свойства пищевых добавок «Асков-1» и «Асатакав». Результаты подтвердили, что обе добавки способны нейтрализовать свободные радикалы при определенной концентрации методом DPPH. Что касается антирадикальной активности добавки «Асатакав» (ARF = 19,43%), она была немного выше по сравнению с «Асков-1» (ARF = 18,35%). Фенольные соединения в «Асатакав» оказались более насыщенными салициловой кислотой, кверцетином и апигенином.

Keywords: antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, DPPH, Asataqov, Asqov-1, oxidative stress, perinatal encephalopathy, toxicological assessment

Ключевые слова: антиоксидантная активность, фенольные соединения, DPPH, Asataqov, Asqov-1, окислительный стресс, перинатальная энцефалопатия, токсикологическая оценка.

INTRODUCTION

Food supplements, which contain biologically active compounds, have emerged as a widespread option in recent times for human health promotion, metabolic stabilization, or the support of the nervous system [1; 159-164]. Oxidative stress, characterised by high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a critical etiological factor responsible for the development of cellular and tissue damage. It is particularly involved in cardiovascular, endocrine, oncological, and neurological diseases like perinatal encephalopathy (PE). PE is most commonly the result of hypoxia or ischemia during childbirth that leads to brain injury. Here, the excess free radical formation induces neurotoxicity to lipid membranes, proteins, and structures of the DNA [2; 341-349]. Thus, natural antioxidant-rich supplements being utilized for reductions of oxidative stress have shown to be of significant scientific interest as neuroprotective agents. Also of scientific interest is the antioxidant activity, phenolic composition, and safety profile of plant-derived supplements, such as "Asataqov" and "Asqov-1" [3; 154-171]. 

METHODS OF STATISTICS 

1. Study Objects 

The food supplements “Asataqov” (M₂) and “Asqov-1” (M₁) were chosen for investigation. The products are based on plant extracts of Cucurbita pepo L. (pumpkin), Avena sativa L. (oat), and Cucumis melo L. (melon) [4; 18-20]. 

2. Analysis of Phenolic Compounds 

HPLC (High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography) was used to measure phenolic substances. Chromatographic characterization was performed with respect to reference standards where the quantitative results were reported in mg/100 g [5; 18-20]. 

3. Evaluation of Antiradical Activity 

Antioxidant activity was tested using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging method. Variations in absorbance were determined at 517 nm spectrophotometrically [6;832-839]. 

RESULTS

1. Phenolic Compound Composition 

The diagram presents the quantitative content of several phenolic compounds in the food supplements Asqov-1 and Asataqov, expressed in mg per 100 g of product. Phenolic compounds are known for their strong antioxidant properties and their role in neutralizing free radicals in biological systems.

A comparison of phenolic compounds is described below:

Figure 1. Content of major phenolic compounds in Asqov-1 and Asataqov (mg/100 g)

Salicylic acid is in the figure presented as the most common phenolic substance found in both supplements. Indeed, the concentration of salicylic acid in Asataqov reaches up to 165 mg/100 g and in Asqov-1 up to 58 mg/100 g, suggests that Asataqov is rich in antioxidant phenolics. The quantity of quercetin is also increased more in Asataqov (constituting ~18 mg/100 g) than Asqov-1 (around 13 mg/100 g). The levels of apigenin in Asataqov (approximately 40 mg/100 g) were also significantly more than in Asqov-1 (approximately 6 mg/100 g). Gallic acid and rutin on the other hand were detected at low concentrations and kaempferol was not found in any supplement. On the whole, the observations indicate that Asataqov contains many phenolic substances over Asqov-1 might enhance the antioxidant and antiradical activity. Thus, if phenolic compounds function as an important anti oxidative stress, these supplements might have promising benefits for human health [7;355-370].

2. DPPH Antiradical Activity

Figure 2. Relationship between extract concentration (µL) and antiradical activity (ARF, %) of Asqov-1 and Asataqov supplements

The illustration illustrates how the concentration of tested extracts is associated with the antiradical activity (ARF%). To the best of our knowledge, the antiradical activity of compounds (Asqov-1 and Asataqov) is higher when used in larger quantities. The antiradical activity is a minimum of 10.2% for Asqov-1 as well as 11.0% for Asataqov at 25 µL. With an increased concentration of 50 µL, activity was significantly increased, with Asqov-1 (13.3%) and Asataqov (13.8%) showing markedly increased activity. At 100 µL the highest antiradical activity was observed for both samples at the highest tested concentration. The activity of Asqov-1 was about 18.3%, and Asataqov was higher at 19.4%. The present data suggests that both supplements are capable of overcoming the free radicals, and the antioxidant activity increases with concentration. Asataqov also showed slightly greater antiradical activity as compared to Asqov-1 at each concentration tested suggesting an improved antioxidant functionality. This potentially is probably due to the higher levels of phenolic compounds found in Asataqov supplementation for improved activity [8; 1905].

3. Biological Significance of Antiradical Mechanism

Free radicals damage lipids, proteins, and DNA. Under oxidative stress, the endogenous antioxidant systems (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) become inadequate. The phenolic compounds found in such supplements: 

• Shield neurons from oxidative damage 

• Enhance cerebral oxygen metabolism 

• Decrease inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6) 

• Facilitate the production of ATP and cellular energy metabolism 

Hence, the high ARF value of “Asataqov” indicates more potent neuroprotective potential. 

DISCUSSION

The biological activities of the investigated supplement apparently mainly arise with the presence of a wide range of phenolic molecules, namely, salicylic acid, quercetin, apigenin and rutin. These bioactive agents, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, form one of the main pharmacological potentials of the preparation. Salicylic acid is one of the common phenolic compounds in the supplement. It is specifically anti-inflammatory due to blocking the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Thus, it dampens the inflammatory response, decreases edema and reduces tissue irritation [9;139-146]. Salicylic acid also acts on neuroprotective effect by decreasing oxidative stress and protecting neuronal cells from damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because these properties are wonderful, the compound might turn into a viable one to play a role in safeguarding against the onset of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Quercetin is one of the significant bioactive flavonoids as part of the supplement. Its antioxidant activity has been well documented due to its ability in scavenging free radicals and metal ions for catalytic oxidative reactions [10;41-48]. Quercetin also has anti-stress and neuroprotective effects through modulation of neurotransmitter systems and membrane protection against lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, quercetin influences signaling pathways related to inflammation and apoptosis, which protects and preserves neuronal function in response to oxidants. There is a naturally synthesized flavonoid, apigenin, that is biologically relevant in the central nervous system. It can modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors of the brain and thus has a mild sedative and anxiolytic action. This interaction suppresses neuronal excitability and is believed to alleviate anxiety and stress symptoms. Moreover, apigenin is known for important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that improve the neuroprotective action of the drug and assist in normal functioning of brain. Rutin is a glycosylated flavonoid that has been extensively studied for its vascular protective effects. It strengthens capillary walls and has functional capacity not only to enhance cerebral perfusion for the flow of oxygen and nutrients in the blood vessels of the brain, but also to support brain function. Moreover, it acts as a membrane stabilizer in cell membranes and contributes to the energy metabolism of the brain through antioxidant activity in mitochondrial structures [11;55-99]. These mechanisms are necessary to protect neural tissues from oxidative stress and metabolic derangements. Such phenolic compounds act synergistically to significantly amplify the antioxidant profile of our supplement overall. Their effect as additive compounds also counteract free radicals and reduce oxidative damage, and play a role in the preserving of neuronal and vascular components functions. So, based on bioactive ingredients availability, the supplementation have an antioxidant action against oxidative stress–related diseases and may be beneficial to neural and cardiovascular health. In conclusion, the observed phenolic values of the supplement suggested significant antioxidant activity of the supplementation. Salicylic acid, quercetin, apigenin, and rutin have been shown to have synergistic effects responsible for the reported antiradical action which may also be a reason that this preparation could be used as a pharmaceutical compound. The compounds might also be studied in additional studies for understanding the mechanisms of action and to assess clinical relevance in human health.

CONCLUSION

Thus, “Asqov-1” and “Asataqov” are natural supplements rich in antioxidants which are highly active biologically (research findings). Both show concentration-dependent antiradical activity in the DPPH assay where “Asataqov” has slightly more active compounds in the assay due to high salicylic acid, quercetin, and apigenin. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, organic acids, and key microelements facilitate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. These results suggest that “Asataqov” and “Asqov-1” represent additional natural compounds to reduce oxidative stress and stimulate neurological recovery, including in perinatal encephalopathy.

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