Examining food additives and spices for their anti-oxidant ability to counteract oxidative damage due to chronic exposure to free radicals from environmental pollutants

The main objective of this work was to examine food additives and spices (from the Apiaceae family) to determine their antioxidant properties to counteract oxidative stress (damage) caused by Environmental pollutants. Environmental pollutants generate Reactive Oxygen species and Reactive Nitrogen species. Star anise essential oil showed lower antioxidant activity than extracts using DPPH scavenging. Dill Seed -- Anethum Graveolens -the monoterpene components of dill showed to activate the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase , which helped attach the antioxidant molecule glutathione to oxidized molecules that would otherwise do damage in the body. The antioxidant activity of extracts of dill was comparable with ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and quercetin in in-vitro systems. Black Cumin -- Nigella Sativa: was evaluated the method 1,1-diphenyl2-picrylhhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Positive correlations were found between the total phenolic content in the black cumin extracts and their antioxidant activities. Caraway -- Carum Carvi: The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the scavenging effects of 1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Caraway showed strong antioxidant activity. Cumin -- Cuminum Cyminum - the major polyphenolic were extracted and separated by HPTLC. The antioxidant activity of the cumin extract was tested on 1,1'-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. Coriander -- Coriandrum Sativum - the antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging property of the seeds was studied and also investigated whether the administration of seeds curtails oxidative stress. Coriander seed powder not only inhibited the process of Peroxidative damage, but also significantly reactivated the antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant levels. The seeds also showed scavenging activity against superoxides and hydroxyl radicals. The total polyphenolic content of the seeds was found to be 12.2 galic acid equivalents (GAE)/g while the total flavonoid content was found to be 12.6 quercetin equivalents/g. The Maximum free radical-scavenging action and free radical reducing power of coriander seed extract was observed at a concentration of 50microg galic acid equivalents (GAE) (Sharma Om P. et al 2009) Anise - Pimpinella Anisum - the seeds of anise were investigated and the extracts showed marked antioxidant activity, both linoleic acid and liposome model systems. The antioxidant activity of alcohol extracts decreased in the order chamomile flowers > gtill seeds>gtnise seeds. The extract also showed good free radical-scavenging 2,2'-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity, indicating that they act as hydrogen donors. (Sharma, Om P. et al 2009) Carrot Seed-- Daucus Carota --carrot seed is known for containing potent amounts of antioxidants. It is known for its phenomenal free-radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorbing abilities. It contains high levels of carotenoids and components of vitamin A and powerful antioxidants. It also has high levels of tocopherol, a fat soluble form of vitamin E Carrot seed is a natural antioxidant. Total Phenolic content in extracts was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) reagent method. Results were expressed as micrograms of galic acid equivalents (GAE). Celery Seed -- Apium Graveolens - Celery contains well known antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids. Scientists have identified at least a dozen other types of antioxidants in celery. Celery is an important food source of conventional antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. But its claim to fame may very well be its phytonutrients. Many of these phytonutrients fall into the category of phenolic antioxidants and have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well. Celery is an excellent source of vitamin K and molybdenum. It is a very good source of folate, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and pantothenic acid. Celery is also a good source of vitamin B2, copper, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E. The total phenolic content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) reagent method. Fennel--- Foeniculum Vulgare : Like many of its fellow spices contains its own unique combinations of phytonutrients -- including the flavonoids rutin, quercetin, and various kaempferol glycosides -- that give it strong antioxidant activity. The phytonutrients in fennel extracts compare favorably in research studies to BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), a potentially toxic antioxidant commonly added to processed food. The most fascinating phytonutrients compound in fennel, may be anethole - the primary component of its volatile oil. In addition to its unusual phytonutrients, fennel bulb is an excellent source of vitamin C Vitamin C is the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant, able to neutralize free radicals in all aqueous environments of the body. The vitamin C found in fennel bulb is directly antimicrobial and is also needed for the proper function of the immune system. The total phenolic content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method Cilantro Powder -- Coriandrum Sativum - Cilantro herb is very low in calories and contains no cholesterol. However its deep-green leaves possess good amounts of antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, and dietary fiber, which help reduce LDL or "bad cholesterol" while raising HDL or "good cholesterol" levels. Its leaves and seeds contain many essential volatile oils. The leaves and stem are also rich in numerous antioxidant polyphenolic Flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferel, rhamnetin, and epigenin. The herb is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium manganese, iron, and magnesium. Carrot Powder -- Daucus Carota : Carrot is known for containing potent amounts of antioxidants. It is known for its phenomenal free-radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorbing abilities. It contains high levels of carotenoids and components of vitamin A and powerful antioxidants. It also has high levels of tocopherol, a fat soluble form of vitamin E Carrot seed is a natural antioxidant. Total Phenolic content in extracts was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) reagent method. Results were expressed as micrograms of galic acid equivalents (GAE). Weed -- Anethum Graveolens: Dill weed contains numerous plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties. This popular herb contains no cholesterol and low in calories. Nonetheless, it holds many antioxidants, vitamins like niacin, pyridoxine, etc. and dietary fibers. Dill seeds contain many essential volatile oils such as d-carvone, clillapiol, DHC, eugenol, limonene, terpinene, and myristicin. Dill is also rich in many vital vitamins, including folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin A, 13-carotene, vitamin C, that is essential for optimum metabolism in the human body. Dill weed is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium manganese, iron, and magnesium. Ammi -- Ammi visnaga L.: Eleven flavonols have been isolated from the aerial parts of Ammi visnaga L. from which four aglycones, four monoglycosides, two diglycosides and one triglycoside. Ammi oil evaluation was done by the antioxidant power of 1,11-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazal (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. DPPH is a stable free radical, which changes its colour from violet to yellow upon reduction by the process of electron donation. The scavenging potential of the antioxidants present in E.O.A seeds can thus be determined by their degree of discoloration to yellow. As per data obtained through experiment, it was seen that scavenging effect of DPPH radical increased with increasing the concentration of essential oil (1.25-10micro1).E.O.A. The E.O.A. has shown considerable reducing power) They exhibited moderate scavenging activity when compared with ascorbic acid (standards). The ability of samples to scavenge DPPH radical was determined on the basis of their concentration providing % effect. Parsley Seed -- Pet...