@article {1368, title = {Synthesis and Characterization of Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Infused Microspheres: An in vitro Exploration of their Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Virtues}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {244-250}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {244}, abstract = {

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids are vital polyunsaturated fats that are fundamental to maintaining overall health and well-being. Objectives: This research focused on the preparation of omega-3 fatty acid microspheres and evaluated their cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Materials and Methods: Omega-3 fatty acid microspheres were developed using the water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion method. The resulting microspheres were analyzed for their surface characteristics using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Various concentrations (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) were subjected for characterization. Cytotoxicity of the synthesized microspheres was assessed using brine shrimp lethality assay. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were assessed through protein denaturation and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. Results: Particle size analysis showed that over 90\% of the produced microspheres ranged from 32 to 55 μm. Nauplii lethality was assessed over two days. At 25 μg/mL, no mortality was observed on either day. However, on day 2, mortality was 20\% at both 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL concentrations. Additionally, protein denaturation and DPPH assays indicated a significant increase in inhibition percentages as the concentration of omega-3 fatty acid microspheres increased. Conclusion: The omega-3 fatty acid microspheres developed in this study was non-cytotoxic and exhibited outstanding anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, making them an ideal candidate for local drug delivery applications.

}, keywords = {Antioxidant, Fatty acid, Free radical, Inflammation}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252014}, author = {Johnisha Harris John Manohar and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {547, title = {Assessment of Nutritional Quality and Global Antioxidant Response of Banana (Musa sp. CV. Nanjangud Rasa Bale) Pseudostem and Flower}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {December 2017}, pages = {s74-s83}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {s74}, abstract = {

Background: The assessment of the nutritional composition and phytochemical screening of banana pseudostem (PB) and flower (FB) advocate this nonconventional food source for routine consumption, considering its various health benefits. Objectives: The aim is to assess the proximate nutrient composition, fatty acids, minerals, amino acid profile, and global antioxidant response (GAR) of PB and FB. Methods: Standard analytical procedures were used to determine the nutritional quality and GAR of PB and FB. Results: The chemical analysis illustrated that functional profile (water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, swelling power, and solubility), and proximate (ash, moisture, protein, fat, dietary fiber, and carbohydrate) contents were substantially high in FB than PB. With a well-proportionate amino acid profile, PB (0.56) and FB (0.54) comprised of a high ratio of essential to nonessential amino acids than those of FAO/WHO requirement (0.38). The mineral analysis revealed that PB and FB were rich in macro and micro minerals in the order K \> Ca \> Mg \> P \> Na and K \> Mg \> Na \> Ca \> P, respectively. Linoleic acid was found to be the major component in PB and FB. Besides, total antioxidant activity conducted for PB and FB by GAR method, measuring both bio-accessible and insoluble fractions, revealed that the soluble fraction fared better than the chemical extracts. Conclusion: The results revealed high nutritional qualities of the byproducts of banana and the low cost of its production promotes their use as a prospective nonconventional food resource with high nutraceutical value.

}, keywords = {Amino acid, Fatty acid, Global antioxidant response, Mineral element, Proximate composition}, doi = {10.4103/pr.pr_67_17}, author = {Ramith Ramu and Prithvi S Shirahatti and KR Anilakumar and Shivasharanappa Nayakavadi} }