• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.17 no.5
• /
• pp.720-726
• /
• 2010

The in vitro antioxidant activities and neuronal cell protective effects of 60% (w/v) methanolic extract from Houttuynia cordata were investigated. The contents of total phenolics and quercitrin in the extract were 17.71 mg/g and 75.80 ${\mu}g$/g, respectively. DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activities were 87.79% and 99.27%, respectively, when the extract was tested at 5 mg/ml. The FRAP (ferric reducing/antioxidant power) assay showed a dose-dependent increse in activity. In a cell viability assay using MTT, the extract protected against $H_2O_2$-induced neurotoxicity. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage was also inhibited by the extract, as was lipid peroxidation as shown using the mouse brain homogenate test. These data indicate that a 60% (w/v) methanolic extract of Houttuynia cordata has in vitro antioxidant activities, and ingestion there of may reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.481-487
• /
• 2010

The nutritional components, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of water and a 50% methanol extract from litchi fruit pericarp were investigated. The most abundant mineral, amino acid, and fatty acid were K, proline, and palmitic acid, respectively. In addition, the total water phenolics and 50% methanol extracts were 8.02 and 12.28 mg/g, respectively. The DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the water and 50% methanol extracts showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity. In a cell viability assay using MTT, almost all extracts showed a protective effect against $H_2O_2$-induced neurotoxicity, and lactate dehydrogenase leakage was also inhibited by the pericarp extracts. In particular, the 50% methanol extract showed a higher cell membrane protective effect than the water extract at the highest concentration. Consequently, these data suggest that litchi fruit pericarp can be utilized as an effective and safe functional food substances for natural antioxidants and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.