Evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of anthocyanins from black berry (Morus nigra L.), strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) and berry (Morus alba L. Var. nigra) extracts

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are various forms of activated oxygen and nitrogen that cause DNA damage that may lead to mutation 3. In fact, free radicals are believed to play important roles in different health conditions, including the aging process, cancer and atherosclerosis. Several anti-inflammatory, digestive, anti-necrotic, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective drugs, have recently been shown to have an antioxidant and/or radical scavenging mechanism as part of their activity. Many studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activities and health benefits of the anthocyanins occurring in various fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins are a group of naturally occurring phenolic compounds, which are responsible for the attractive colors of many flowers, fruits (particularly in berries), vegetables and related products derived from them. These polyphenolic substances are glycosides of poly hydroxy and poly methoxy-derivatives of 2-phenylbenzopyrylium or flavilium salts. Grapes and berries are the chief dietary sources of anthocyanins. Berries are rich in anthocyanins, compounds that provide pigmentation to fruits and serve as natural antioxidants. Earlier studies have shown that berry anthocyanins are beneficial in reducing age_associated oxidative stress. The aim of this study was evaluation of inhibitory effect of anthocyanins from three spicies of berries. In this study, anthocyanin pigments were extracted from berries with Cribago & Francis method. Nitric oxide radical inhibition assay of berries’ extracts have been done by the use of Griess Illosvoy reaction. The scavenging of nitric oxide by berries extract was increased in a dose-dependent manner.