Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Euphorbia paralias (L.): a bioprospecting study with phytoconstituents analysis.

Objectives: The phytochemicals in the aerial parts of Euphorbia paralias (also known as Sea Spurge) and their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were investigated. Methods: The methanolic extract was characterized using GC-MS and HPLC techniques. The anti-inflammatory feature was estimated through a Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization technique, while the antimicrobial feature was evaluated by the disc diffusion agar technique, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) via micro-broth dilution method. Results: The GC/MS results demonstrated the existence of various phytochemicals, such as n-hexadecenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, and methyl stearate, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial features. The similarity of the phytochemical composition with other Euphorbia species emphasizes the genus-wide similarity. The anti-inflammatory activity exhibited a noteworthy inhibitory effect comparable to the reference drug indomethacin. The extract's antimicrobial potential was tested against a range of microorganisms, demonstrating significant action against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. The quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids further supported the therapeutic potential of the extract. Conclusion: The methanolic extract from E. paralias emerges as a successful natural source of important active constituents with potential applications as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. This research provides a first step to valorize Euphorbia paralias insights as a source of worthwhile phytochemicals that have potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Rooted in therapeutics: comprehensive analyses of Cannabis sativa root extracts reveals potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal properties.

Following the legalization of recreational Cannabis in Canada in 2018, the associated waste, including Cannabis roots, has significantly increased. Cannabis roots, comprising 30%-50% of the total plant, are often discarded despite their historical use in Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory and infectious disorders. This study evaluates the phytochemical and therapeutic properties of Cannabis root extracts from a high tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, low cannabidiolic acid cultivar (variety Alien Gorilla Glue). We performed ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to identify the chemical components of the Cannabis roots. Extracts using water, ethanol and acid-base solvents were tested for antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging, metal chelation, and lipoperoxidation inhibition assays. Mitochondrial membrane protection was assessed using flow cytometry with the MitoPerOx probe in THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells. Anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by measuring interleukin-6 levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells. Bactericidal/fungicidal efficacy against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans was determined using the p-iodonitrophenyltetrazolium assay. Additionally, we investigated the anticholinesterase activity of Cannabis root extracts, given the potential role of plant alkaloids in inhibiting cholinesterase, an enzyme targeted in Alzheimer's disease treatments. UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis suggested the presence of several phenolic compounds, cannabinoids, terpenoids, amino acids, and nitrogen-containing compounds. Our results indicated significant antioxidant, bactericidal, and anticholinesterase properties of Cannabis root extracts from both soil and hydroponic cultivation. Extracts showed strong antioxidant activity across multiple assays, protected mitochondrial membrane in THP-1 cells, and exhibited anti-inflammatory and bactericidal/fungicidal efficacy. Notably, soil-cultivated roots displayed superior anti-inflammatory effects. These findings demonstrate the remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities of Cannabis roots, supporting their traditional uses and challenging their perception as mere waste. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Cannabis roots extracts and suggests avenues for further research and application.

Antiproliferative Effects of Methanolic Fruit Extract of Solanum xenthocarpum (L.) on Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Solanum xanthocarpum, a perennial herb native to India, contains steroidal glycoalkaloids with notable anticancer properties. This study investigated the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of methanolic fruit extract of S. xanthocarpum on human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Phytochemical screening and LC-HRMS analysis confirmed presence of various primary and secondary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging, reducing power, and phosphomolybdate assays. The extract demonstrated significant antioxidant potential with EC50 values of 60.10 ± 0.88 µg/mL (DPPH) and 392.29 ± 3.93 µg/mL (ABTS). Cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells was evaluated via morphological analysis, MTT assays, and IC50 determination (24.19 ± 0.56 µg/L). Apoptosis was confirmed using dual staining techniques (AO/EB, Hoechst 33342/PI, DAPI), revealing condensed nuclei, apoptotic bodies, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, as indicated by Rhodamine staining. Additionally, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were observed using H2-DCF-DA staining. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were 127.78 ± 3.547 mg GAE/g and 98.06 ± 4.289 mg QE/g, respectively. These findings suggest that the methanolic fruit extract of S. xanthocarpum possesses strong antioxidant and anticancer activities, indicating its potential role in cancer treatment. Further studies are warranted to explore its bioactive compounds for developing novel anticancer therapies.

Recent developments in intranasal drug delivery of nanomedicines for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Neuropsychiatric disorders are multifaceted syndromes with confounding neurological explanations. It includes anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, delirium, dementia, vascular cognitive impairment, and apathy etc. Globally, these disorders occupy 15% of all diseases. As per the WHO, India has one of the largest populations of people with mental illnesses worldwide. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) makes it extremely difficult to distribute medicine to target cells in the brain tissues. However, it is possible through novel advancements in nanotechnology, molecular biology, and neurosciences. One such cutting-edge delivery method, nose-to-brain (N2B) drug delivery using nanoformulation (NF), overcomes traditional drug formulation and delivery limitations. Later offers more controlled drug release, better bioavailability, improved patient acceptance, reduced biological interference, and circumvention of BBB. When medicines are delivered via the intranasal (IN) route, they enter the nasal cavity and go to the brain via connections between the olfactory and trigeminal nerves and the nasal mucosa in N2B. Delivering phytochemical, bioactive and synthetic NF is being investigated with the N2B delivery strategy. The mucociliary clearance, enzyme degradation, and drug translocations by efflux mechanisms are significant issues associated with N2B delivery. This review article discusses the types of neuropsychiatric disorders and their treatment with plant-derived as well as synthetic drug-loaded NFs administered via the IN-delivery system. In conclusion, this review provided a comprehensive and critical overview of the IN applicability of plant-derived NFs for psychiatric disorders.

Assessment of Vicia faba L. Peels: Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Potentials.

The current study intends to reach the optimal use of plant wastes and explore their biological activities. It evaluated the bioactivities and phytoconstituents of 70% methanol extract of Vicia faba L. peels. The results revealed that the extract possessed very potent cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3) (IC50 =0.01 µg/mL) which exceeds doxorubicin (IC50 =0.95 µg/ml), a reference anticancer agent, potent cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) (IC50 =13.60 µg/ml), and moderate cytotoxicity against liver cancer cell line (HepG2) (IC50 = 40.9 µg/ml). Furthermore, the extract exhibited a potent antimicrobial effect on the tested gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis& Micrococcus luteus) with inhibition zone (IZ) range (14.0 - 23.0 mm), gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (IZ= 14.0 mm), and pathogenic fungal yeast (Candida albicans) (IZ= 19.0 mm). Moreover, 46 phytoconstituents were tentatively identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) hyphenated with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) in positive ionization mode, 21 phytoconstituents were detected in Vicia faba peel for the first time. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify phenolic compounds, the major compounds were chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, and vanillin. In conclusion, plant wastes are a rich source of phytoconstituents that exhibit biological efficacy.

Bioassay Guided Isolation and α-Glucosidase Inhibition Studies of a New Sesquiterpene from Ochradenus aucheri.

AIMS: The aim of the current study was to explore the anti-diabetic potential of Ochradenus aucheri Boiss (O. aucheri). METHOD: All the fractions of O. aucheri were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibition, followed by bioassay-guided isolation which resulted in a new sesquiterpenoid, as a potential α-glucosidase inhibitor. RESULTS: The preliminary screening showed that all the fractions including n-hexane (38.0 ± 1.38 µg/mL), dichloromethane (92.6 ± 6.18 µg/mL), ethyl acetate (29.2 ± 0.51 µg/mL) and n-butanol (361.8 ± 5.80 µg/mL) displayed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The activity-directed fractionation and purification of ethyl acetate fraction led to the isolation of one new sesquiterpenoid, Jardenol (1), and two known metabolites: ß-stitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2) and ß-Sitosterol (3). To the best of our knowledge, these metabolites have not been isolated from this plant previously. The structure of the new metabolite 1 was confirmed through 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and MS analysis. Compound 1 showed significant α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 138.2 ± 2.43 µg/mL as compared to positive control acarbose (IC50 = 942.0 ± 0.60 µg/mL). Additionally, in-silico docking was employed to predict the binding mechanism of compound 1 in the active site of the target enzyme, α-glucosidase. The docking results suggested that the compound forms strong interactions at the catalytic site of α-glucosidase. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicated that the newly purified secondary metabolite, Jardenol, can be a promising anti-diabetic compound.

GC-MS Profiling, Pharmacological Predictions, Molecular Docking, and ADME Studies of Different Parts of Thymus Linearis against Multiple Target Proteins in Wound Healing.

Thymus linearis from the Himalayan woodlands of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, is a phytomedicine that has not been well-studied. Traditionally, it is recognized for its potential in treating conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, weight loss, and discomfort. The study investigates the wound-healing properties of methanolic extracts from the plant's stems, leaves, and roots. GC-MS disclosed cadaverine, dihydroxy-3,3-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-N-isopropylbutyramide, phthalic acid-di(2-propylpentyl)ester, and benzo[h]quinolone-2,4-dimethyl in stem along with betamethasone velerate, 17-pentatriacontene, 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxmide, heptadecane-9-hexyl, cyclohexanol-2-methylene-3(1-methylethenyl) and pentacyclo[12.3.0.0(1,13).0(2,10).0(5,9)]hepatodecane-6-ol-15-one in leaf extracts and 2-myristynonyl pantetheine, 7,8-epoxylanostan-11-ol-3-acetoxy, heneicosane (1-(1-ethyl propyl)), 2-piperidinone-N-[4-bromobutyl] and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethyl silyl ether in the root extract. The antioxidant activity was assessed using several assays including DPPH, bound iron %, ABTS, total flavonoid content, and total phenolic content. The methanolic stem extract (MSE) showed the highest antioxidant capacity compared to the leaf and root extracts.  The stem extract demonstrated the highest wound-healing potential, followed by leaves and roots in albino mice. The findings were supported by computational analysis, which revealed that the binding interactions of phytochemicals from stem have more affinity than leaf and root with specific receptor sites. The in-silico analysis ascertains that dihydroxy-3,3-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-N-isopropylbutyramide from MSE is the most effective wound-healing agent. Moreover, ADME predictions demonstrated the drug-like properties of the hit compounds.

Reutilization of Fruit Waste as Potential Prebiotic for Probiotic or Food-grade Microorganisms in Food Applications: A Review.

Food waste has been a global issue with 2.5 billion tons generated globally in 2021. Approximately 46% of the food waste is contributed by fruit and vegetable waste. Due to improper waste handling, these fruit by-products have a negative impact on the environment through soil and water pollution, the greenhouse effect, global warming, and eutrophication. However, research has shown the potential to reuse fruit waste in various applications for sustainability owing to their high source of valuable components and potential health benefits. In recent years, researchers have also explored the potential of reutilizing fruit waste as a prebiotic. Hence, literatures from the past 10 years has been critically analyzed and presented in this review. This review focused on the potential of fruit waste as a prebiotic for probiotic and gastrointestinal microorganisms and its food applications. The nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of the fruit wastes had been introduced to reflect their potential as prebiotics. Moreover, the increase in bioactive compounds and bioactivities in probiotics with the presence of fruit wastes has been reviewed. The impact of fruit by-products on the growth of the probiotic and its survivability in food matrices as compared to established prebiotic and the absence of prebiotics have also been extensively discussed in this review. This review also highlighted some of the factors that might contribute to the negative effect of fruit waste on probiotics. The safety concerns and future prospects of reutilizing fruit wastes for food applications have been emphasized. The review article is beneficial for researchers exploring fruit wastes as prebiotics and industrialists who are interested in incorporating fruit wastes as an added-value ingredient for food applications.

In-vitro Neuro-2a cytotoxicity analysis and molecular docking investigation on potential anti-amyloid agents from Adiantum lunulatum.

In neurodegenerative diseases, amyloid formation by some proteins cause neuronal damage and loss. To prevent this neuronal damage and loss certain pharmaceuticals are available. Many of these pharmaceuticals act on the neurodegenerative disease symptoms but not on the root cause. This study helps to detect more effective agents which directly act on the root cause and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. To identify new anti-amyloid agents, the folk medicinally important plant Adiantum lunulatum was collected, authenticated, dried, extracted with ethanol and analyzed by GC-MS method. The screening of the identified phytochemicals was done using the webservers swissADME and ProTox-II. In-vitro MTT assay using Neuro-2a cell lines was carried out to determine the cytotoxicity of the extract. The interactions of these phytochemicals with the amyloid forming peptides and proteins were predicted using the molecular docking tools such as AutoDock Vina and BIOVIA discovery studio visualizer 2020. Through GC-MS analysis, 18 different volatile phytochemicals were identified from the ethanol extract. From this, 7 phytochemicals were selected based on the computational non-toxicity prediction. In-vitro cytotoxicity analysis of the ethanol extract using Neuro-2a cell lines detected the IC50 value of 0.09 mg/ml. Of these, the phytochemical P1 (trans, trans-9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid, propyl ester) interacts with tau, and huntingtin proteins, P2 (2-Pentadecanone, 6, 10, 14-trimethyl-) interacts with prion protein. The phytochemicals P1, P3 (Ethyl oleate), P4 (Octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester), and P5 (Phytol) interact with acetylcholinesterase. P2, P4, P5 and P6 (Henicosanal), interact with BACE-1. The phytochemical P3 interacts with γ- Secretase. The interaction of P2 and P5 with BACE-1 and P3 with γ- Secretase show better inhibition in inhibitory constant (K i ) analysis. These phytochemicals have been predicted to show significant potential against the formation or breakdown of peptide/protein amyloids, and further in-vitro studies are necessary to develop them into anti-amyloid agents.

An In-depth Review on Argemone mexicana in the Management of Liver Health and Liver Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Argemone mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican prickly poppy, has been historically employed in traditional medicine for various ailments, including liver disorders. Given the rising prevalence of liver diseases, including cancer, investigating the potential efficacy of Argemone mexicana in promoting liver health is of paramount importance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the hepatoprotective and anticancer properties of Argemone mexicana. METHODOLOGY: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant botanical and pharmacological databases. Studies from various sources, including in vitro experiments, animal models, and clinical trials, were included in the review. The search focused on articles published up to 2010-2023, encompassing research that explored the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of Argemone mexicana, specifically emphasizing its impact on liver health and cancer. RESULTS: The review revealed a wealth of studies highlighting the diverse pharmacological properties of Argemone mexicana. The botanical composition includes compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, suggesting hepatoprotective effects. Studies using in vitro and in vivo models demonstrated promising outcomes regarding liver function improvement and inhibition of liver cancer cell proliferation. While some clinical studies supported the traditional uses of Argemone mexicana, further well-designed trials are warranted to establish its clinical efficacy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Argemone mexicana shows promise as a natural agent for promoting liver health and combating liver cancer. Bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential hepatoprotective effects. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires further rigorous investigation, including well-designed clinical trials. This review provides a foundation for future research efforts aimed at elucidating the full therapeutic potential of Argemone mexicana in liver health and cancer management.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential and Conservation Strategies for Rare and Endangered Medicinal Plants in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Review.

INTRODUCTION: Incorporating rare and threatened healing plants from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into modern medicine is a hopeful way to expand treatment choices and encourage the long-term use of plant resources. These plants have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a long time. They have powerful healing properties, including the ability to reduce inflammation and fight cancer. They also protect nerves and the heart. METHOD: A thorough study of all the scientific studies, clinical trials, ethnobotanical surveys, and conservation reports that were found were all looked at in relation to rare and threatened medical plants used in TCM. We looked through databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for relevant pieces. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals, reports from reputable conservation organisations, and written down traditional knowledge were all considered to be relevant. RESULTS: Key results show that plants like Dendrobium, Panax notoginseng, Taxus chinensis, and Cistanche deserticola can be used as medicines and that there are good ways to protect them. Some of the conservation methods that have been named are agroforestry, community-based management, current breeding techniques, and sustainable gathering. Collaboration in research, clinical trials, personalised medicine, regulatory harmonisation, and public education programs are all part of the integration with modern medicine. These programs try to solve problems like scientific proof, protection, and cultural integration. CONCLUSION: When rare and threatened medical plants from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are used in modern medicine, it can improve health and help protect wildlife. Using both old information and new science discoveries together can lead to new treatments and long-term uses for these plant materials. Large-scale clinical studies, new ways of growing plants, and looking into how TCM herbs and regular drugs can work together should be the main topics of future study. For global healthcare to improve and for these important plant resources to be used in the long term, academics, healthcare workers, lawmakers, and local communities must work together.

How does plant chemodiversity evolve? Testing five hypotheses in one population genetic model.

Plant chemodiversity, the diversity of plant-specialized metabolites, is an important dimension of biodiversity. However, there are so far few mathematical models to test verbal hypotheses on how chemodiversity evolved. Here, we develop such a model to test predictions of five hypotheses: the 'fluctuating selection hypothesis', the 'dominance reversal hypothesis', the interaction diversity hypothesis, the synergy hypothesis, and the screening hypothesis. We build a population genetic model of a plant population attacked by herbivore species whose occurrence fluctuates over time. We study the model using mathematical analysis and individual-based simulations. As predicted by the 'dominance reversal hypothesis', chemodiversity can be maintained if alleles conferring a defense metabolite are dominant with respect to the benefits, but recessive with respect to costs. However, even smaller changes in dominance can maintain polymorphism. Moreover, our results underpin and elaborate predictions of the synergy and interaction diversity hypotheses, and, to the extent that our model can address it, the screening hypotheses. By contrast, we found only partial support for the 'fluctuating selection hypothesis'. In summary, we have developed a flexible model and tested various verbal models for the evolution of chemodiversity. Next, more mechanistic models are needed that explicitly consider the organization of metabolic pathways.

Obscure properties of a traditional herb Pittosporum neelgherrense used to treat snakebite envenoming against Daboia russelli venoms.

In tropical nations, snakebite envenomation is a significant public health issue with negative human and social effects. This is due to three factors: 1) more species of the most hazardous snakes are present; 2) emergency medical assistance is not readily available; and 3) inadequate health care. The problems caused by snakebite envenomation have been partially resolved by immunotherapy. An extensive collection of medicinal herbs is recognized to have antivenomous properties in traditional medicine. However, very few species have undergone scientific investigation, and even fewer have had their active components separated and structurally and functionally defined. In this work, the anti-venom potential of hot and cold aqueous extracts from Pittosporum neelgherrense is evaluated using an in-vitro model. The experimental results showed that 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-(11.20), 1-Undecanol (16.38), Lauryl acetate (18.25), and Cyclotridecane (19.14) were phytochemical substances whose chemical structures were recognized by GCMS. The Direct and Indirect hemorrhagic activity was found to be completely neutralized by P. neelgherrense extract (44.61% hot plant extract & 55.38% cold plant extract) and the zone (2.4 mm), respectively. The neutralization of venoms was indicated by the zone (0.5-0.9 cm) of hydrolysis production of proteolytic activity. Additionally, the results of the gelatine liquefaction study demonstrated that clot formation was not triggered by venom at low concentrations (50:50) but was instead brought on by higher concentrations. The present study suggested that the neutralization of venom by hot water extracts of P. neelgherrense is a potentially therapeutic application.

Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity study of seaweed Halimeda macroloba using Wistar albino rats.

OBJECTIVES: Halimeda macroloba (H. macroloba) a seaweed commonly known as green macroalgae is a potential source of bioactive compounds utilised in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. However, there are no reliable scientific studies that describe harmful consequences, which attest to its safety. Thus, the current investigation focuses on a 14-day acute toxicity assessment of H. macroloba hydroalcoholic extract (HME). METHODS: HME was prepared using 70 % alcohol as solvent by the maceration method for 72 h & Soxhlet method. Phytochemical analysis was done using standard procedures, according to OECD 423 guidelines. Female Wistar albino rats fasted overnight and received a single oral dosage of 50, 300, and 2,000 mg/kg BW (Body Weight). Further rats were starved for 4 h and watched individually for every 30 minutes, then twice a day for 14 days. To determine the toxicity overall behaviour, BW, haematological, biochemical, histopathology, and gross morphology were examined. RESULTS: Pharmacologically active phytoconstituents were identified by phytochemical analysis. No significant abnormalities/fatalities from single-dose of HME at escalating doses. No BW or behavioural changes. The majority of the haematological and biochemical parameters were normal. Did not show any apparent changes. simultaneously, a few indicated slight variations that may or may not be caused by HME extract no lesions or anomalies in Gross morphology. Histopathological investigations revealed that HME had no adverse effects on organs. CONCLUSIONS: HME administration at doses up to 2,000 mg/kg BW didn't result in acute toxicity/impairment to the pancreas, liver or kidney. Nevertheless, the study's limited test dose of 2,000 mg/kg, BW, didn't result in any fatalities/ adverse effects.

Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as a Promising Antibacterial Agent: Synthesis and Characterization.

Nanotechnology has gained popularity in recent years due to its wide-ranging applications within the scientific community. The three main methods for synthesizing nanoparticles are physical, chemical, and biological. However, the adverse effects associated with physical and chemical methods have led to a growing interest in biological methods. Interestingly, green synthesis using plants has gained prominence in developing new treatments for bacterial infections. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced using environmentally friendly methods are more biocompatible and have potential applications as antibacterial agents in the biomedical field. As a result, this review discusses the green synthesis of ZnO NPs, factors influencing optimal synthesis, characterization techniques, and the antibacterial activity of some plant-mediated ZnO NPs. It also provides a comprehensive and analytical exploration of ZnO NP biosynthesis, the role of phytochemical compounds as reducing and stabilizing agents, the mechanism of action of their antibacterial properties and further highlights the challenges and prospects in this innovative research area.

Unveiling Drimenol: A Phytochemical with Multifaceted Bioactivities.

Drimenol, a phytochemical with a distinct odor is found in edible aromatic plants, such as Polygonum minus (known as kesum in Malaysia) and Drimys winteri. Recently, drimenol has received increasing attention owing to its diverse biological activities. This review offers the first extensive overview of drimenol, covering its sources, bioactivities, and derivatives. Notably, drimenol possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, anti-insect, antiparasitic, cytotoxic, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. Moreover, some mechanisms of its activities, such as its antifungal effects against human mycoses and anticancer activities, have been investigated. However, there are still several crucial issues in the research on drimenol, such as the lack of experimental understanding of its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and toxicity. By synthesizing current research findings, this review aims to present a holistic understanding of drimenol, paving the way for future studies and its potential utilization in diverse fields.

Phytochemical Characterization of Two New Olive Oil Genotypes Growing in Southern Tunisia.

This research can be considered as the first complete survey for the valorization of new olive genotypes cultivated in the South-East of Tunisia as well as their oils. The study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition of virgin olive oil produced from two olive cultivars, namely Nourgou and Gousalani. The pomological characterization of fruits, the quality criteria and the phytochemical profile were quantified. Additionally, antioxidant activity was evaluated using Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) tests to also obtain a bioactive characterization of these monovarietal olive oils. The obtained results revealed that the analyzed olive oils samples can be classified into Extra Virgin category (EVOO) according to the regulated physicochemical characteristics. Our findings showed a significant variability in the chemical parameters of the analyzed EVOO likely associated with the genetic potential, mainly for chlorophylls contents (1.37-1.64 mg/kg), in carotenoids pigments (3.97-10.86 mg/kg), in α-tocopherol (175.59-186.87 mg/kg), in sterols (1036.4-1931.4 mg/kg) in oleic acid (65.33-68.73%), in palmitic acid (C16:0) (13.32-17.48%), in linoleic acid (C18:2) (11.06-13.47%). Additionally, the HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed that the two EVOOs analyzed contained appreciable amounts of total polyphenols, ranging from 348.03 up to 516.16 mg/kg, in Nourgou and Gousalani oils, respectively. Regarding the individual phenolic compounds, the EVOO samples were mainly characterized by phenolic alcohols, phenolic acids, secoiridoids, verbascoside, flavonoids and phenolic aldehydes. The prevalent simple phenolics detected were secoiridoids with the dominance of the oleuropein aglycone in Gousalani oil. In addition, findings from in vitro antioxidant assays (FRAP and ORAC) revealed that the two studied oils possessed a powerful antiradical activity and a good reducing power capacity. In conclusion, these new EVOOs exhibited a superior quality compared to other Tunisian varieties, considering their antiradical activity and reducing power capacity.

Phytochemical profiling and characterization of flavonoid derivatives from propolis sample and investigation of cytotoxic and antiprotozoal activities.

Recently, the growth of consumer demand for functional foods with potential nutritional and health benefits led to rapid growth of analytical tools for profiling of bioactive metabolites and assure quality. Bee propolis is one of the most important bee products owing to its myriad health value. As a gummy exudate produced in beehives after harvesting from different plant species, bee propolis contains bioactive secondary metabolites. The current study aims to profiling the chemical composition of propolis samples from Nigeria using HPLC-UV-ELSD and with the aid of NMR-based analysis for assignment of metabolites classes abundant in Nigerian propolis. Red Nigerian propolis samples were subjected to phytochemical analysis using HPLC-UV-ELSD and NMR. Further chromatographic separation of promising fractions was performed by column chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. Screening of the antitrypanosomal and cytotoxic activities against Trypanosoma brucei and human leukemia cell lines (U937), respectively, was performed. The performance of LC-MS permitted identification of the different components from which 13 compound were identified and allowed combination of fractions to afford 9 fractions from which two isoflavonoids were isolated and identified using 1D and 2D NMR analysis with MS as isosativan and Medicarpin. Red Nigerian propolis crude extract showed the highest inhibitory activity at 6.5 µg/ml compared to moderate activity for the isolated compounds with MIC of 7.6 µg/ml and 12.1 µg/ml for medicarpin and isosativan, respectively. Moreover, the fraction RN-6 from the total extract showed the potent cytotoxic effect with IC50 = 26.5 µg/ml compared to standard diminazen which showed IC50 = 29.5 µg/ml.

Proximate Analysis and Techno-Functional Properties of Berberis aristata Root Powder: Implications for Food Industry Applications.

Berberis aristata, commonly known as Indian barberry, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Despite its recognized pharmacological benefits, its potential application in the food industry remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the proximate analysis and techno-functional properties of Berberis aristata root powder to evaluate its feasibility as a functional food ingredient. The root powder of Berberis aristata was subjected to proximate analysis to determine its moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate content. Techno-functional properties, including water and oil absorption capacity, emulsifying and foaming properties, and bulk density, were evaluated using standardized analytical techniques. The proximate analysis revealed a high fiber content and a significant number of bioactive compounds. The root powder exhibited favorable water and oil absorption capacities, making it suitable for use as a thickening and stabilizing agent. Emulsifying and foaming properties were comparable to conventional food additives, indicating their potential in various food formulations. The findings suggest that Berberis aristata root powder possesses desirable techno-functional properties that could be leveraged in the food industry. Its high fiber content and bioactive compounds offer additional health benefits, making it a promising candidate for functional food applications. Further research on its incorporation into different food matrices and its sensory attributes is recommended to fully establish its utility.

The phytochemical plumbagin: mechanism behind its "pleiotropic" nature and potential as an anticancer treatment.

Chemotherapeutics are most often used to treat cancer, but side effects, drug resistance, and toxicity often compromise their effectiveness. In contrast, phytocompound plumbagin possesses a distinct pleiotropic nature, targeting multiple signaling pathways, such as ROS generation, cell death, cellular proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance, and is shown to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Plumbagin has been shown to act synergistically with various chemotherapeutic drugs and enhance their efficacy in drug-resistant cancers. The pleiotropic nature is believed to be due to plumbagin's unique structure, which contains a naphthoquinone ring and a hydroxyl group responsible for plumbagin's various biological responses. Despite limitations such as restricted bioavailability and delivery, recent developments aim to address these challenges and harness the potential of plumbagin as an anticancer therapeutics. This review delves into the structural aspect of the plumbagin molecule contributing to its pleiotropic nature, explores the diverse mechanism that it targets, and discusses emerging strategies to overcome its limitations.