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.

Identification of different extracts and phytoconstituents of Callistemon viminalis Cheel for their anti-anxiety effects based on pharmacognostic, toxicological, and pharmacological strategies.

Background: Psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety are global challenges, exacerbated by the limitations of synthetic medications, including addiction and toxic side effects. Methods: This study meticulously investigated the pharmacognostic, phytochemical, toxicological, and pharmacological properties of Callistemon viminalis Cheel. Toxicological assessments, including hemocompatibility assays, LD50 studies, FOB analysis, biochemical parameters, and structural integrity of vital organs, were conducted on aqueous, methanolic, chloroform, and petroleum ether extracts of leaves and stems. Phytochemical profiling via qualitative tests and GC-MS screened extracts for molecular docking against key receptors. Categorically screened extracts were evaluated for therapeutic potential against LPS-induced anxiety in mice. Results: Toxicological evaluations on experimental animals demonstrated the safety of various extracts, evidenced by no in vitro and in vivo toxicity. GC-MS identified numerous phytochemicals that passed "Lipinski's Rule of Five." These compounds were screened for molecular docking, revealing significant binding affinities with CB1, SERT, α2A-AR, and GABAß2 receptors, suggesting potential therapeutic effects against anxiety. The phytoconstituents with the highest docking scores, particularly in aqueous and methanolic extracts, were further validated for their therapeutic efficacy. Preliminary analysis based on the EPM test and serum cortisol levels confirmed these extracts' superior therapeutic effectiveness. Conclusion: In conclusion, aqueous and methanolic extracts of Callistemon viminalis Cheel's leaf and stem showed promising potential as therapeutic interventions for anxiety disorders.

Isolation, characterization and antimicrobial activity study of Thymus vulgaris.

Herbal medicines are important for ensuring sustainable development goals (SDGs) in healthcare, particularly in developing countries with high rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and little access to medical facilities. Thymus vulgaris is a widely used herbal medicinal plant known for its secondary metabolites and antimicrobial properties. The present study involved a comprehensive examination of the isolation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris obtained from Ethiopia. The aerial part of the plant Thymus vulgaris was successively extracted with hexane, chloroform, and methanol based on differences in polarity. Phytochemical screening tests conducted against hexane, chloroform and MeOH crude extracts indicated the presence of some secondary metabolites. Based on the thin-layer chromatography tests, the chloroform extract was subjected to column chromatography, yielding Tv-2 compounds, namely 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol. The structures of the compounds were elucidated via spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, FT-IR and NMR). We investigated the antibacterial properties of hexane crude extract, chloroform crude extract, MeOH crude extract, and isolated fractions derived from T. vulgaris against various bacterial strains. This study contributes to a better understanding of the bioactive components present in Thymus vulgaris crude extracts and their potential role in tackling microbial infections.

Phytochemical analysis, evaluation of the antioxidant and anti alzheimer activities of Algerian Seseli Trotuosum.

HPLC analysis, phytochemical screening, thin layer chromatography, polyphenols and flavonoid contents were conducted to determine the bioactive contents of the Algerian Seseli tortuosum plant. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays, reducing power, phenanthroline and silver nanoparticle (SNP) assays. BChE inhibitory assay was performed in vitro and in silico. Phytochemical analysis highlighted the richness of the extracts in terms of coumarins and terpenoids. The quantitative determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids showed that the highest amounts occurred in the dichloromethane (DCME) and methanolic (MeOH) extracts. The antioxidant activities indicated a moderate potential. Compared with galantamine, DCME had a significantly greater inhibitory effect on BChE (CI50 = 9.14±1.74 µg/ml and 34.75±1.99 µg/ml respectively). An in silico study of butyrylcholinesterase inhibition revealed a significant effect of quercetin (-30,13 KJ/mol). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the richness of the phytochemical components of seseli tortuosum, which are responsible for several biological properties, mainly their anti-Alzheimer potential.

Bioactive profiling of Rumex vesicarius L. from the Hail region of Saudi Arabia: a study on its phytochemical and elemental analysis, antibiofilm, antibacterial, antioxidant properties, and molecular docking analysis.

Background: Rumex vesicarius is a wild leafy plant belonging to the family Polygonaceae, renowned for its therapeutic benefits. The genus Rumex comprises approximately 150 species distributed globally. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the biological activities of R. vesicarius using in vitro and in silico methods. Methods: Rumex vesicarius was collected from the mountains in Hail and extracted with methanol. The phytochemical composition was qualitatively determined using colorimetric detection methods. Additional analyses included elemental analysis, in silico docking, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm properties. Results: The extract contained various classes of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, terpenes, and saponins. Sixteen constituents were identified through molecular docking, revealing inhibition against the filamentous temperature-sensitive protein Z (FtsZ), a crucial factor in bacterial cell division. Six compounds exhibited low binding scores ranging from -8.3 to -5.0 kcal/mol, indicating efficient interaction at the active site. Elemental analysis identified 15 elements, with potassium being the most abundant, followed by calcium, aluminum, silicon, iron, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, titanium, strontium, zinc, manganese, bromine, and chromium. Antioxidant analysis revealed significant properties at lower concentrations compared to ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, and ß-carotene. Antibacterial analysis demonstrated inhibitory effects on Bacillus subtilis MTCC121 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 741, with inhibition zones of 13.67 ± 1.0 mm and 11.50 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The MIC and MBC values ranged from 250 to 500 µg/mL. R. vesicarius also exhibited anti-biofilm activity. Conclusion: Wild-grown R. vesicarius from the mountains of Hail is rich in bioactive phytochemicals and essential minerals, exhibiting notable antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

GC-MS Assisted Determination of 26 Compounds in Phlomis stewartii Extract Exhibiting Antioxidant, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Properties.

Medicinal plants have long been studied for their therapeutic benifits. The present research aims to unveil complex phytochemical profile and therapeutic properties of ethyl acetate fraction of Phlomis stewartii, an important medicinal plant. In this context, the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the fraction identified 26 compounds. Additionally, the fraction exhibited concentration dependent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value lower than the standard antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene. The antifungal activity of the fraction examined against F. oxysporum, A. alternate, and R. solani resulted in almost complete inhibition (>90%) of fungal growth. Furthermore, the fraction exhibited significant antibacterial potential against B. subtilus, S. aureus, E. coli, and S. dysenteriae, with inhibition zones of 18±0.22, 17±0.22, 12±0.11, and 10±0.12, respectively. Briefly, the plant extract was found to be highly potent, particularly in its antifungal action. Further studies, including natural products isolation coupled with bioassays, are recommended for promising drug candidates discovery.

Phytochemical profiling and evaluation of antimicrobial activities of common culinary spices: Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Piper nigrum (black pepper).

Background: The increasing resistance of microbial pathogens to conventional antibiotics necessitates the exploration of alternative antimicrobial agents. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial potential and phytochemical properties of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Piper nigrum (black pepper) extracts, both of which are known for their historical use in traditional medicine and culinary applications. Methods: Hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of clove and black pepper were prepared. The antimicrobial activity of these extracts was assessed using the disk diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth dilution method. Qualitative phytochemical screening identified the presence of key bioactive compounds, while quantitative analysis measured total phenolic and flavonoid contents. LC-HRMS/MS analysis of ethanolic extracts was performed. Results: Both spices extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 14 to 18 mm. clove showed superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to black paper, particularly against fungi. MIC values ranged between 3 mg/mL and 6 mg/mL for both spices. Phytochemical analysis revealed higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents in clove, with hydroalcoholic extracts showing greater concentrations than aqueous extracts. HPLC quantified higher eugenol content in clove extracts and higher piperine content in black pepper extracts. The differences in bioactive compound content were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study confirms that both spices possess significant antimicrobial properties, attributable to their rich phytochemical composition, particularly phenolics and flavonoids. Clove exhibited slightly superior antimicrobial activity compared to black paper. These findings support the potential use of these spices as complementary antimicrobial agents. Further research should investigate their synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics and explore their applications in food preservation and alternative medicine.

Citrus limon var. pompia Camarda var. nova: A Comprehensive Review of Its Botanical Characteristics, Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Profile, and Potential Health Benefits.

Citrus limon var. pompia Camarda var. nova, commonly known as pompia, is a distinctive citrus ecotype native to Sardinia, notable for its unique botanical, phytochemical, and potential health benefits. It holds cultural significance as a traditional food product of Sardinia, recognized by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural Food and Forestry Policies. This comprehensive review examines pompia's traditional uses, taxonomic classification, pomological characteristics, phytochemical profile, and potential health benefits. Pompia phytochemical analyses reveal a rich composition of flavonoids and terpenoids, with notable concentrations of limonene, myrcene, and various oxygenated monoterpenes. Pompia essential oils are primarily extracted from its peel and leaves. Peel essential oils exhibit a high concentration of the monoterpene limonene (82%) and significantly lower quantities of myrcene (1.8%), geranial (1.7%), geraniol (1.5%), and neral (1.4%). In its rind extract, flavanones such as naringin (23.77 µg/mg), neoeriocitrin (46.53 µg/mg), and neohesperidin (44.57 µg/mg) have been found, along with gallic acid (128.3 µg/mg) and quinic acid (219.67 µg/mg). The main compounds detected in the essential oils from pompia leaves are oxygenated monoterpenes (53.5%), with limonene (28.64%), α-terpineol (41.18%), geranial (24.44%), (E)-ß-ocimene (10.5%), linalool (0.56%), and neryl acetate (13.56%) being particularly prominent. In pompia juice, the presence of phenolic compounds has been discovered, with a composition more similar to lemon juice than orange juice. The primary flavonoid identified in pompia juice is chrysoeriol-6,8-di-C-glucoside (stellarin-2) (109.2 mg/L), which has not been found in other citrus juices. The compound rhoifolin-4-glucoside (17.5 mg/L) is unique to pompia juice, whereas its aglycone, rhoifolin, is found in lemon juice. Other flavonoids identified in pompia juice include diosmetin 6,8-C-diglucoside (54.5 mg/L) and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside (79.4 mg/L). These findings support the potential of pompia in developing nutraceuticals and natural health products, further confirmed by its compounds' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction methods, conducting clinical trials to evaluate efficacy and safety, and exploring sustainable cultivation practices. The potential applications of pompia extracts in food preservation, functional foods, and cosmetic formulations also warrant further investigation. Addressing these areas could significantly enhance pompia's contribution to natural medicine, food science, and biotechnology.

Phytochemical Analysis of Centaurea calcitrapa L. Aerial Flowering Parts Serial Solvent Extracts and Its Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities.

To evaluate the phytochemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity of successive extracts of Centaurea calcitrapa L. (C. calcitrapa) aerial flowering parts, they were assessed in vitro. Using a spectrophotometer, the sample absorbance at 517 nm was used to quantify the scavenging activity. The negative control was DPPH. In the current study, the diffusion using agar wells technique was adapted to measure antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis was performed using the recommended standard procedures. The methanol extract of C. calcitrapa exhibited high levels of total phenolic acids expressed as gallic acid (GA), measured as (97.25 ± 0.73 mg GAE/g) content compared to the chloroform, acetyl acetate, and aqueous extracts (27.42 ± 0.29, 64.25 ± 0.96, and 17.25 ± 0.73 mg GAE/g), respectively. Additionally, the methanol extract had a higher total tannin (27.52 ± 0.53 mg TAE/g) content compared to the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts (12.02 ± 0.55, 26.01 ± 0.81, and 7.35 ± 0.56 mg TAE/g), respectively, while the aqueous extract contains a lower percentage of flavonoids (141.10 ± 1.31 mg RTE/g) compared to the higher content achieved by the methanol extract (425.93 ± 1.27 mg RTE/g). The hydroxyl groups of the flavonoid and the phenolic compounds found in C. calcitrapa are essentially scavenging free radicals. Radical scavenging activity was highest in the methanol extract (IC50 = 2.82 µg/mL), aqueous extract (IC50 = 8.03 µg/mL), ethyl acetate extract (IC50 = 4.79 µg/mL), and chloroform extract (IC50 = 6.33 µg/mL), as compared to the standard scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.52 µg/mL). The antibacterial properties of C. calcitrapa against Gram-negative bacterial strains Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Acinetobacter baumanii, in addition to Gram-positive strains Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, revealed inhibition zone diameter. The findings of this investigation establish that the aerial flowering parts of C. calcitrapa have substantial antibacterial action against human infections, and the plant can serve as a significant antioxidant that can be employed to prevent and treat severe degenerative diseases brought on by oxidative stress. qPCR showed that C. calcitrapa extracts elevate both SOD1 and SOD2 (cellular oxidation markers) with remarkable folds (1.8-fold for SOD1 and SOD2) with ethyl acetate plant extract against ascorbic acid as a control. This result reflects that C. calcitrapa extracts have remarkable antioxidant activity.

GC-MS analysis and antifungal potential of flower extract of Acacia nilotica subsp. Indica against Macrophomina phaseolina.

Macrophomina phaseolina is a wide host ranged soil-borne fungal plant pathogen. It infects more than 500 host plant species belonging to 100 families. Many important oil-seed and leguminous crops are known to be attacked by this devastating plant pathogen. In the present study, antifungal potential of flowers of a leguminous tree Acacia nilotica subsp. indica, was assessed against this pathogen through bioassays guided fractionation. Initially, methanolic extracts of 1 %-5 % of leaf, flower, root-bark and stem-bark of the plant species under consideration were evaluated for their antifungal potential against the target pathogen. Among these, the best antifungal activity was shown by flower extract. The reduction in growth of the test fungal strain was 27-49 %, 4-40 % and 2-27 % due to flower, root-bark and leaf extracts, respectivey, over control. Flower extract was partitioned using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol as the solvents. Bioassays guided study of these fractions of methanolic extract of flower revealed that high antifungal potential was shown by n-hexane and chloroform fractions against M. phaseolina causing 26-53 % and 28-50 % decline in fungal biomass, respectively, as compared to that of control. GC-MS analysis of chloroform fraction revealed the presence of 27 compounds in this fraction. Among these cyclopentanol,-1-methyl (10.93 %) was the predominant compound followed by methyl, 4,4-dimethyl butanoate (7.04 %), 1-pentanol (6.80 %), 2-propanol, 1-cyclopropyl (6.11 %), 1H,imidazole-4-5-dihydro-2-methyl (5.93 %), trichloroethane (5.91 %), carbonic acid-ethyl hexyl ester (4.59 %), 1,4-butandiol,2,3-bis(methylene)- (4.54 %) and [S]-3,4-dimethyl pentanol (4.48 %).

Comprehensive in vitro evaluation of Indigofera hochstetteri Baker extract: Effect of chemicals in antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities.

The study aimed to analyze the pharmacological properties of medicinal plant Indigofera hochstetteri Baker extracts. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed a diverse range of secondary metabolites present in it. TLC analysis detected numerous phytochemicals with varying Rf values, aiding in different solvent systems. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 29 bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial effect of I. hochstetteri Baker methanolic extract showed significant inhibitory effects against E. coli, E. aerogenes, S. flexneri, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. faecalis, B. cereus, and fungal strain C. albicans. The methanol extract also showed significant antifungal activity by inhibiting the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii in food poisoning method. MTT assays revealed significant cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract against human leukemia HL-60 cancer cells with IC50 of 116.01 µg/mL. In apoptotic study, I. hochstetteri Baker methanolic extract showed 28.84% viable cells, 30.2% early apoptosis, 35.54% late apoptosis, and 5.86% necrosis comparatively similar with standard used. The extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effect on HRBC stabilization, and protein denaturation of BSA and egg albumin denaturation with IC50 of 193.62 µg/mL, 113.94 µg/mL respectively. In anti-diabetic assays like α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and Glucose uptake assay, I. hochstetteri extract showed good anti-diabetic effect with IC50 of 60.64 µg/mL, 169.34 µg/mL, and 205.63 µg/mL respectively. In conclusion I. hochstetteri Baker have promising bioactive metabolites with significant biological activities, it can be good substitute for the chemical drugs after successful clinical studies.

Recent Advancements in the Analyses of Natural Products.

Since ancient times, medicinal plants and their active ingredients have played a key role in treating a wide array of ailments. Notably, in recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in treatments using products derived from natural sources, and some have been studied as clinical treatments for a variety of disorders. The use of natural products to treat illness has gained increasing scientific and public interest. Not only to ensure quality control but also to verify their efficacy as active ingredients in various pharmaceutical formulations, the evaluation of natural products is of paramount importance. In this field, analytical methods like spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and chromatography are essential and are constantly being improved upon. Chromatographic techniques are essential for determining the quality and authenticity of natural products. Moreover, strict adherence to internationally recognized norms in validating analytical procedures guarantees the accuracy and dependability of results. Continual research initiatives are essential for tackling issues like adulteration and enhancing customer trust in natural products. This review navigates through the complex field of quality control methodologies and analytical techniques applied in evaluating plant-derived sources, which are generally used as natural products, and focuses on the analysis of Hypericum, Curcuma, and Cannabis species.

Comparative Antioxidant Efficacy of Green-Synthesised Selenium Nanoparticles From Pongamia pinnata, Citrus sinensis, and Acacia auriculiformis: An In Vitro Analysis.

Aim This study aims to synthesise selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using extracts from Citrus sinensis peel (CSP), Millettia pinnata Leaf (MPL), and Acacia auriculiformis bark (AAB) as eco-friendly reducing agents. It seeks to compare the effectiveness of these plant extracts in the production of SeNPs and evaluate the antioxidant activities of the synthesised nanoparticles, establishing a link between the phytochemical constituents of the extracts and the antioxidant capacity of SeNPs for their potential applications in drug development and environmental sustainability. Introduction Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions in various fields, including medicine, environmental science, and materials engineering. SeNPs are of particular interest due to their unique properties and potential applications. The methods for synthesizing nanoparticles often involve hazardous chemicals, posing risks to the environment and human health. In response, green synthesis methods utilizing plant extracts have emerged as a sustainable alternative. This study focuses on utilizing CSP, MPL, and AAB extracts, rich in natural reducing agents such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, for the eco-friendly synthesis of SeNPs. These plant sources are chosen based on their known phytochemical profiles and potential antioxidant activities, and we aim to explore the correlation between the extracts' phytochemical composition and the antioxidant capabilities of the synthesised SeNPs. Methods SeNPs were synthesised using aqueous extracts of CSP, MPL, and AAB through a reduction process, in which selenium ions (Se4+) are reduced to elemental selenium. The presence of SeNPs was first visually monitored by colour change and then confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses. The antioxidant activity of the synthesised SeNPs was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the efficacy of SeNPs synthesised from different plant extracts was compared. Results The UV-Vis spectral analysis indicated a successful synthesis of SeNPs, as evidenced by the characteristic absorption peaks. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of organic molecules derived from the plant components on the outer layer of SeNPs, suggesting successful capping and stabilization of nanoparticles by phytochemicals in the extracts. Among the three types of SeNPs, those synthesised using Citrus sinensis peel extract (CSPE) exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, indicating superior antioxidant properties compared to SeNPs synthesised from Millettia pinnata leaf extract (MPLE) and Acacia auriculiformis bark extract (AABE). This suggests that the antioxidant capacity of SeNPs is significantly influenced by the phytochemical composition of the plant extract used for synthesis. Conclusion The study highlights the potential of CSPE as an effective natural source for synthesising antioxidant-rich SeNPs and underscores the importance of green synthesis approaches in producing environmentally friendly and biologically active nanomaterials.

Introducing the glycyrrhizic acid and glabridin rich genotypes from the cultivated Iranian licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) populations to exploit in production systems.

Currently, the stable, uniform, and highly efficient production of raw materials for pharmaceutical companies has received special attention. To meet these criteria and reduce harvesting pressure on the natural habitats of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), cultivation of this valuable plant is inevitable. In the present study, to introduce the glycyrrhizic acid (GA)- and glabridin-rich genotypes from cultivated Iranian licorice, forty genotypes from eight high-potential wild populations were cultivated and evaluated under the same environmental conditions. The GA content varied from 5.00 ± 0.04 mg/g DW (TF2 genotype) to 23.13 ± 0.02 mg/g DW (I5 genotype). The highest and lowest glabridin content were found in the K2 (0.72 ± 0.021 mg/g DW) and M5 (0.02 ± 0.002 mg/g DW) genotypes, respectively. The rutin content in the leaves of the studied genotypes varied from 1.27 ± 0.02 mg/g DW in E4 to 3.24 ± 0.02 mg/g DW in BO5 genotypes. The genotypes from the Ilam population were characterized by higher vegetative growth and yield traits in the aerial parts and roots. The average root dry yield was 2.44 tons per hectare (t/ha) among the studied genotypes and a genotype from Ilam (I5) yielded the maximum value (3.08 ± 0.034 t/ha). The highest coefficient of variation among the genotypes was observed for leaf width (CV = 34.9%). The GA and glabridin-rich genotypes introduced in this study can be used in the future breeding programs to release new bred licorice cultivars.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Effects of Prunella vulgaris in Experimental Acute Inflammation.

Prunella vulgaris (PV) is one of the most commonly used nutraceuticals as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of PV and its in vivo antioxidant properties. A phytochemical analysis measuring the total phenolic content (TPC), the identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-ESI, and the evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the DPPH assay of the extract were performed. The antioxidant effects on inflammation induced by turpentine oil were experimentally tested in rats. Seven groups with six animals each were used: a control group, the experimental inflammation treatment group, the experimental inflammation and diclofenac sodium (DS) treatment group, and four groups with their inflammation treated using different dilutions of the extract. Serum redox balance was assessed based on total oxidative status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiols, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) contents. The TPC was 0.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL extract, while specific representatives were represented by caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin-glucuronide, hesperidin, kaempferol-glucuronide. The highest amount (370.45 µg/mL) was reported for hesperidin, which is a phenolic compound belonging to the flavanone subclass. The antioxidant activity of the extracts, determined using the DPPH assay, was 27.52 mmol Trolox/mL extract. The PV treatment reduced the oxidative stress by lowering the TOS, OSI, NO, and MDA and by increasing the TAC and thiols. In acute inflammation, treatment with the PV extract reduced oxidative stress, with lower concentrations being more efficient and having a better effect than DS.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, toxicity, and phytochemical analysis of Beaumontia grandiflora Wall.

Preliminary pharmacological studies revealed that the EtOAc fraction (BGEA) might be the main active fraction with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in Beaumontia grandiflora Wall. Further assays on BGEA at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg using four animal models showed that it could inhibit the xylene-induced ear edema, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and acetic acid-induced writhing and prolong the latency time in the hot-plate test. ELISA analysis revealed that the anti-inflammatory activity of BGEA might be associated with the decrease of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 levels and the increase of the IL-10 level. The acute toxicity test showed that except for the n-BuOH fraction, the LD50 values of the extract and other three fractions were higher than 2000 mg/kg bw. Finally, 14 compounds were identified from BGEA by LC-MS. This research provides some basis for the folk use of B. grandiflora in the treatment of inflammation and pain-related diseases.

Identification Data of secondary metabolites and Antibacterial Action of leaf extract of Lantana camara L. on multidrug-resistant microorganisms.

Tentative identification of secondary metabolites in Lantana camara L. leaves was done. This plant belongs to the verbenaceae family and is used for several treatments in folk medicine. The data was acquired by collecting leaves and their stems of L. camara manually, in Nampula city, during the flowering period around 4pm. Then, the plant material collected was washed with water to remove impurities, and it was covered by paper and dried in the sun for a week. After the drying process, it was crushed and sieved, and 200 g of homogeneous powder was obtained. The method of preparation of the leaf extract of L. camara was cold maceration, mixing 200 g of powder leaves with 2 L of 90 % ethanol, in the proportion of 1 g/10 mL, and it was stored in favourable conditions and stirred occasionally during a week. Then it was filtrated and divided into two parts so as to be dried in an oven at 80 °C for 8 h and another part was dried in a rotary evaporator at 42 °C for 6 h. Before drying the ethanolic extract, the yield of the dry extract was determined. The class of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds and quinone were identified using general and specific chemical reagents. In addition, antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Staphylococus aureus was evaluated using a disc diffusion method, according to Kirby-Bauer. These data provide helpful leads for pharmacological intervention from the extraction of the raw form of the metabolites, which is responsible for the antibacterial action specifically for the eradication of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

A comprehensive study on Geranium robertianum L. antibacterial potential.

AIMS: The research aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of secondary metabolites and the antibacterial activity of the plant species Geranium robertianum. The phytochemical profiles of the optimized extracts, as well as their antibacterial and synergistic activity with an antibiotic and their potential mechanisms of action and cytotoxicity, were examined. METHODS AND RESULTS: Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize extraction conditions. Optimized ethanol and acetone extracts were tested via microdilution, checkerboard, time-kill kinetics, and cell membrane permeability methods. The extracts displayed broad antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 20 mg ml-1. In addition, the extract synergistically reacted with gentamicin against gentamicin-resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, enhancing the efficacy of the antibiotic up to 32-fold. The extracts demonstrated strain-dependent bactericidal activity in a 24-h time interval. They increase the permeability of the cell membrane, thus disrupting its normal functioning. The cytotoxic concentration (CC50) on human keratinocytes was 1771.24 ± 5.78 µg ml-1 for ethanol extract, and 958.01 ± 6.14 µg ml-1 for acetone extract. Kaempferol, ellagic acid, quercetin, and rutin were recognized as the main components in both extracts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that the extracts of G. robertianum can be considered as potential natural antibacterial agents in the control of microorganisms.

Metabolomic Profiling and DNA-Fingerprinting of Newly Recorded White-Flowered Populations of Salvia lanigera Poir. in Egypt.

Salvia lanigera Poir. is a small herbaceous perennial species with violet flowers that grows in low-altitude deserts, and sandy loam. During the collection of S. lanigera, unusual populations with white flowers were found. Therefore, the two populations (violet- and white-flowered) were subjected to comparative investigations, including DNA fingerprinting, chemical composition, and biological evaluation. The two populations showed DNA variations, with 6.66 % polymorphism in ISSR and 25 % in SCoT markers. GC/MS and UHPLC/HRMS of aqueous methanol extracts, led to the tentative identification of 43 and 50 compounds in both populations. In addition, the structures of nine compounds, including four first-time reported compounds in the species, were confirmed by NMR. Furthermore, the total extracts exhibited weak radical scavenging activity against DPPH and a lower inhibitory effect towards acetylcholinesterase. In conclusion, the obtained data suggested that the white-colored flower could be an additional important character record for the Egyptian S. lanigera.

Exploring the potential of a Ephedra alata leaf extract: Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, antibacterial properties, and green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.

Ephedra alata leaf extracts have therapeutic properties and contain various natural compounds known as phytochemicals. This study assessed the phytochemical content and antioxidant effects of a Ephedra alata leaf extract, as well as zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle production. The extract contained phenolic acids, including vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillin and rutin. Its total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were 48.7 ± 0.9 mg.g-1 and 1.7 ± 0.4 mg.g-1, respectively. The extract displayed a DPPH inhibition rate of 70.5%, total antioxidant activity of 49.5 ± 3.4 mg.g-1, and significant antimicrobial activity toward Gram-positive and negative bacteria. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles had spherical shape, crystallite size of 25 nm, particle size between 5 and 30 nm, and bandgap energy of 3.3 eV. In specific conditions (90 min contact time, pH 7, and 25°C), these nanoparticles efficiently photodegraded 87% of methylene blue, suggesting potential applications for sustainable water treatment and pollution control.