Differential interaction with O2 and N2 free-radicals, phytochemical fingerprinting and molecular docking reveals potent antioxidant activities of three major recreational foods of the Indian subcontinent

Leaves of Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel, Piper betle L. and Mentha spicata L. are primarily used for recreational-dietary purpose in the Indian subcontinent. The present study was aimed to evaluate their capacity to neutralize physiologically relevant free-radicals (O2 and N2 derived) through direct interaction, primarily focusing on the individual components of Haber-Weiss reaction and comprehensive evaluation of their antioxidant properties. The capacity to chelate ferrous iron and inhibit peroxidation of tissue lipid was reported as well. Dose-dependency against individual free-radicals were reflected by linearity measurements by Pearson's coefficient, and inter-correlation patterns were studied by multivariate modelling. Several phytochemicals were identified using GC-MS and their interaction with antioxidant transcription factors (Nrf2 and FOXO) was studied through molecular docking and ADME profiling, reflecting potent bioactivities. The present study therefore, indicates that raw consumption of these dietary supplements would likely protect against free-radicals mediated oxidative stress.