Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology reveals the potential development value of Campanumoea javanica Bl. and its metabolite differences with Codonopsis Radix.

Campanumoea javanica Bl. (CJ) traditionally used in Southwestern China, is now widely consumed as a health food across the nation. Due to its similar efficacy to Codonopsis Radix (CR) and their shared botanical family, CJ is often used as a substitute for CR. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L.T. Shen (CPM), Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. (CP), and Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. (CT) are the primary sources of CR. However, details on the differences in composition, effectiveness, and compositional between CJ and CR are still limited. Besides, there is little evidence to support the application of CJ as a drug. In this study, we employed widely targeted metabolomics, network pharmacology analysis, and molecular docking to explore the disparities in metabolite profiles between CJ and CR and to predict the pharmacological mechanisms of the dominant differential metabolites of CJ and their potential medicinal applications. The widely targeted metabolomics results indicated that 1,076, 1,102, 1,102, and 1,093 compounds, most phenolic acids, lipids, amino acids, and flavonoids, were characterized in CJ, CPM, CP, and CT, respectively. There were an average of 1061 shared compounds in CJ and CRs, with 95.07% similarity in metabolic profiles. Most of the metabolites in CJ were previously unreported. Twelve of the seventeen dominant metabolites found in CJ were directly associated with treating cancer and lactation, similar to the traditional medicinal efficacy. The molecular docking results showed that the dominant metabolites of CJ had good docking activity with the core targets PIK3R1, PIK3CA, ESR1, HSP90AA1, EGFR, and AKT1. This study provides a scientific basis for understanding the similarities and differences between CJ and CR at the metabolome level, offering a theoretical foundation for developing innovative medications from CJ. Additionally, it significantly enhances the metabolite databases for both CJ and CR.

Croton stipulaceus Kunth, a native Mexican medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities / Croton stipulaceus Kunth, planta medicinal mexicana con actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria

Leaves of Croton stipulaceuswere extracted (EHex, ECHCl3and EEtOH extracts) to assesstheir antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity in murine models and acute toxicity. EEtOH showed the highest effect in DPPH (37.80% inhibition), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) and total polyphenols (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). EHex was the most active, ~ 50% inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema; while EEtOH (dose of 2 mg/ear) showed the highest inhibition in the chronic model (97% inhibition), and inhibited MPO activity (48%). In carrageenan-induced edema, ECHCl3(dose 500 mg/kg) was the most active. None of the extracts showed acute toxicity (LD50) at 2 g/kg (p.o.). This work is the first report that supports the traditional use of C. stipulaceusas an anti-inflammatory.

De las hojas de Croton stipulaceusse obtuvieron diferentes extractos (EHex, ECHCl3y EEtOH) evaluando el potencial antioxidante y la actividad antiinflamatoria en modelos murinos y la toxicidad aguda. El EEtOH mostró mayor efecto en DPPH (37.80% inhibición), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) y polifenolestotales (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). El EHex fue el más activo, cercano al 50% de inhibición del edema auricular inducido con TPA; mientras que el EEtOH (dosis de 2 mg/oreja) mostró la mayor inhibición en el modelo crónico (97% inhibición), e inhibió la actividad de la MPO (48%). En el edema inducido con carragenina, el ECHCl3(dosis 500 mg/kg) fue el más activo. Ninguno de los extractos mostró una toxicidad aguda (DL50) mayor a 2 g/kg (p.o). Este trabajo es el primer reporte que sustenta el uso tradicional de C. stipulaceuscomo antiinflamatorio.

Synergistic effects of superfine grinding and high hydrostatic pressure on the contents, distribution, digestive behaviors and antioxidant activities of polyphenols in barley leaves.

Barley leaves (BLs) naturally contained abundant phenolics, most of which are hardly completely released from food matrix during gastrointestinal digestion. Superfine grinding (SFG) and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) are generally used to treat the functional plants due to their effectiveness to cell wall-breaking and improvement of nutraceutical bioavailability. Thus, this study investigated the synergistic effects of SFG and HHP (100, 300, 500 MPa/20 min) on the bioaccessbility of typical phenolics in BLs during the simulated in-vitro digestion. The results demonstrated that the highest bioaccessbility (40.98%) was found in the ultrafine sample with HHP at 500 MPa. CLSM and SEM confirmed SFG led to microstructurally rapture of BLs. Moreover, the recovery index of ABTS radical scavenging activity and FRAP of HHP-treated ultrafine and fine BLs samples maximumly increased by 53.62% and 9.61%, respectively. This study is expecting to provide the theoretical basis to improve the consumer acceptance of BLs.

Assessment of bioactive compound variations and in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant activity in edible fresh and processed Bambusa nutans shoot through FTIR, GC/MS and HPLC analyses.

This study explores the impact of processing techniques on the bioactive composition and antioxidant properties of Bambusa nutans shoots, an underutilized superfood. Boiling resulted in a significant reduction of total phenols (39.52%), flavonoid (8.07%), and tannin (27.77%). Conversely, fermentation increased total phenols (25.92%), tannin (34.72%), and phytosterol (75.39%). Antioxidant activities were notably higher in fermented-shoots, as indicated by DPPH and FRAP assays, and in-vivo experiments demonstrated increased GSH (31.85%) and decreased LPO levels (11.12%) post-administration of fermented-shoots extract. Spectral analysis revealed an increased diversity of compounds in fermented shoots, with GC/MS identifying hexadecane-1-ol in significantly higher proportions and 11 characteristic bands in FTIR spectra. HPLC analysis demonstrated changes in phenolic acids and flavonoid content, with fermentation enhancing 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 4'-hydroxycinnamic acid, benzene-1,2-diol, and luteolin contents. This study underscores the dynamic nature of B. nutans shoots, highlighting the potential for enhanced bioactivity and antioxidant properties through fermentation, offering promising avenues for culinary and pharmaceutical developments.

Exploring the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and glucosinolates from Brassicaceae microgreens by combining metabolomics profiling and computational chemometrics.

Microgreens constitute natural-based foods with health-promoting properties mediated by the accumulation of glucosinolates (GLs) and phenolic compounds (PCs), although their bioaccessibility may limit their nutritional potential. This work subjected eight Brassicaceae microgreens to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and large intestine fermentation before the metabolomics profiling of PCs and GLs. The application of multivariate statistics effectively discriminated among species and their interaction with in vitro digestion phases. The flavonoids associated with arugula and the aliphatic GLs related to red cabbage and cauliflower were identified as discriminant markers among microgreen species. The multi-omics integration along in vitro digestion and fermentation predicted bioaccessible markers, featuring potential candidates that may eventually be responsible for these functional foods' nutritional properties. This combined analytical and computational framework provided a promising platform to predict the nutritional metabolome-wide outcome of functional food consumption, as in the case of microgreens.

Effect of Phenol and Alkylamide Interaction on α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Cellular Antioxidant Activity during In Vitro Digestion: Using Szechuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum genus) as a Model.

Although recent evidence indicated significant phenol and alkylamide interaction in aqueous solutions, the gastrointestinal digestion influence of the combination remains unclear. This study aims to investigate phenol and alkylamide interaction during in vitro digestion, focusing on bioaccessibility and bioactivity, including α-glucosidase inhibition and cellular antioxidant activity. Additionally, the structural mechanism of phenol and alkylamide interaction during in vitro digestion was explored. The results indicated that the presence of phenols and alkylamides significantly increased or decreased their respective bioaccessibility, depending on the Zanthoxylum varieties. Furthermore, although antagonistic phenol/alkylamide interaction was evident during α-glucosidase inhibition, cellular oxidative stress alleviation, and antioxidant gene transcription upregulation, this effect weakened gradually as digestion progressed. Glycoside bond cleavage and the methylation of phenols as well as alkylamide isomerization and addition were observed during digestion, modifying the hydrogen bonding sites and interaction behavior. This study provided insights into the phenol/alkylamide interaction in the gastrointestinal tract.

Cytotoxic potential and metabolomic profiling of alkaloid rich fraction of Tylophora indica leaves.

Tylophora indica (Burm f.) Merrill, belong to family Asclepiadaceae, is considered to be a natural remedy with high medicinal benefits. The objective of this work is to assess the metabolomic profile of T. indica leaves enriched in alkaloids, as well as to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of these leaves using the MTT assay on human breast MCF-7 and liver HepG2 cancer cell lines. Dried leaves of T. indica were extracted by sonication, using methanol containing 2 % (v/v) of acetic acid and obtained fraction was characterized by HPTLC and UPLC-MS. The UPLC-MS study yielded a preliminary identification of 32 metabolites, with tylophorine, tylophorine B, tylophorinine, and tylophorinidine being the predominant metabolites. The cytotoxicity of the extract of T. indica was evaluated on HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines, yielding inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 75.71 µg/mL and 69.60 µg/mL, respectively. Data suggested that the phytochemical screening clearly showed presence of numerous secondary metabolites with moderate cytotoxic efficacy. In conclusion, the future prospects of T. indica appear promising for the advancement of phytopharmaceutical-based anticancer medications, as well as for the design of contemporary pharmaceuticals in the field of cancer chemotherapy.

Charting the Cannabis plant chemical space with computational metabolomics.

INTRODUCTION: The chemical classification of Cannabis is typically confined to the cannabinoid content, whilst Cannabis encompasses diverse chemical classes that vary in abundance among all its varieties. Hence, neglecting other chemical classes within Cannabis strains results in a restricted and biased comprehension of elements that may contribute to chemical intricacy and the resultant medicinal qualities of the plant. OBJECTIVES: Thus, herein, we report a computational metabolomics study to elucidate the Cannabis metabolic map beyond the cannabinoids. METHODS: Mass spectrometry-based computational tools were used to mine and evaluate the methanolic leaf and flower extracts of two Cannabis cultivars: Amnesia haze (AMNH) and Royal dutch cheese (RDC). RESULTS: The results revealed the presence of different chemical compound classes including cannabinoids, but extending it to flavonoids and phospholipids at varying distributions across the cultivar plant tissues, where the phenylpropnoid superclass was more abundant in the leaves than in the flowers. Therefore, the two cultivars were differentiated based on the overall chemical content of their plant tissues where AMNH was observed to be more dominant in the flavonoid content while RDC was more dominant in the lipid-like molecules. Additionally, in silico molecular docking studies in combination with biological assay studies indicated the potentially differing anti-cancer properties of the two cultivars resulting from the elucidated chemical profiles. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight distinctive chemical profiles beyond cannabinoids in Cannabis strains. This novel mapping of the metabolomic landscape of Cannabis provides actionable insights into plant biochemistry and justifies selecting certain varieties for medicinal use.

Tibetan kefir grains fermentation alters physicochemical properties and improves antioxidant activities of Lycium barbarum pulp polysaccharides.

There is a lack of research on how Tibetan kefir grains fermentation alters the physicochemical properties and biological activity of Lycium barbarum pulp polysaccharides, despite some reports that fermentation can affect the structure and activity of plant polysaccharides. This study demonstrated that, through fermentation, the molecular weight of polysaccharides decreased from 25.33 to 15.11 kg/mol while the contents of total sugar and uronic acid increased by 19.11% and 40.38%, respectively. Furthermore, after fermentation, the polysaccharides exhibited an uneven and rough surface along with a reduced number of branched chains and triple helix structures. Tibetan kefir grains fermentation enhanced the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides, which may be attributed to an increase in arabinose, galactose, and uronic acid content and a decrease in polysaccharide molecular weight. This research offers an alternative viewpoint on the potential application of Tibetan kefir grains-fermented Lycium barbarum pulp polysaccharides in functional foods.

Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Metabolite Chemodiversity of Citrus Genebank Collection in Greece: Can the Peel be More than Waste?

Citrus fruits are among the most economically important crops in the world. In the global market, the Citrus peel is often considered a byproduct but substitutes an important phenotypic characteristic of the fruit and a valuable source of essential oils, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids with variable concentrations. The Mediterranean basin is a particularly dense area of autochthonous genotypes of Citrus that are known for being a source of healthy foods, which can be repertoires of valuable genes for molecular breeding with the focus on plant resistance and quality improvement. The scope of this study was to characterize and compare the main phenotypic parameters (i.e., peel thickness, fruit volume, and area) and levels of bioactive compounds in the peel of fruits from the local germplasm of Citrus in Greece, to assess their chemodiversity regarding their polyphenolic, volatile, and carotenoid profiles. A targeted liquid chromatographic approach revealed hesperidin, tangeretin, narirutin, eriocitrin, and quercetin glycosides as the major polyphenolic compounds identified in orange, lemon, and mandarin peels. The content of tangeretin and narirutin followed the tendency mandarin > orange > lemon. Eriocitrin was a predominant metabolite of lemon peel, following its identification in lower amounts in mandarin and at least in the orange peel. For these citrus-specific metabolites, high intra- but also interspecies chemodiversity was monitored. Significant diversity was found in the essential oil content, which varied between 1.2 and 3% in orange, 0.2 and 1.4% in mandarin, and 0.9 and 1.9% in lemon peel. Limonene was the predominant compound in all Citrus species peel essential oils, ranging between 88 and 93% among the orange, 64 and 93% in mandarin, and 55 and 63% in lemon cultivars. Carotenoid analysis revealed different compositions among the Citrus species and accessions studied, with ß-cryptoxanthin being the most predominant metabolite. This large-scale metabolic investigation will enhance the knowledge of Citrus peel secondary metabolite chemodiversity supported by the ample availability of Citrus genetic resources to further expand their exploitation in future breeding programs and potential applications in the global functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Characterization of a symbiotic beverage based on water-soluble soybean extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014.

The health benefits of functional foods are associated with consumer interest and have supported the growth of the market for these types of foods, with emphasis on the development of new formulations based on plant extracts. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize a symbiotic preparation based on water-soluble soy extract, supplemented with inulin and xylitol and fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014. Regarding nutritional issues, the symbiotic formulation can be considered a source of fiber (2 g/100 mL) and proteins (2.6 g/100 mL), and it also has a low-fat content and low caloric value. This formulation, in terms of microbiological aspects, remained adequate to legal standards after storage for 60 days under refrigeration and also presented an adequate quantity of the aforementioned probiotic strain, corresponding to 9.11 Log CFU.mL-1. These viable L. plantarum cells proved to be resistant to simulated human gastrointestinal tract conditions, reaching the intestine at high cell concentrations of 7.95 Log CFU.mL-1 after 60 days of refrigeration. Regarding sensory evaluation, the formulation showed good acceptance, presenting an average overall impression score of 6.98, 5.98, and 5.16, for control samples stored for 30 and 60 days under refrigeration, respectively. These results demonstrate that water-soluble soy extract is a suitable matrix for fermentation involving L. plantarum ATCC 8014, supporting and providing data on the first steps towards the development of a symbiotic functional food, targeting consumers who have restrictions regarding the consumption of products of animal origin, diabetics, and individuals under calorie restrictions.

Analysis of Lemon Verbena Polyphenol Metabolome and Its Correlation with Oxidative Stress under Glucotoxic Conditions in Adipocyte.

Lemon verbena has been shown to ameliorate obesity-related oxidative stress, but the intracellular final effectors underlying its antioxidant activity are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to correlate the antioxidant capacity of plasma metabolites of lemon verbena (verbascoside, isoverbascoside, hydroxytyrosol, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, homoprotocatechuic acid, and luteolin-7-diglucuronide) with their uptake and intracellular metabolism in hypertrophic adipocytes under glucotoxic conditions. To this end, intracellular ROS levels were measured, and the intracellular metabolites were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). The results showed that the plasma metabolites of lemon verbena are absorbed by adipocytes and metabolized through phase II reactions and that the intracellular appearance of these metabolites correlates with the decrease in the level of glucotoxicity-induced oxidative stress. It is postulated that the biotransformation and accumulation of these metabolites in adipocytes contribute to the long-term antioxidant activity of the extract.

Fermentation of millet bran with Bacillus natto: enhancement of bioactivity levels and the bioactivity of bran extract.

BACKGROUND: Millet bran (MB), a byproduct of millet production, is rich in functional components but it is underutilized. In recent years, researchers have shown that fermentation can improve the biological activity of cereals and their byproducts. This study used Bacillus natto to ferment millet bran to improve its added value and broaden the application of MB. The bioactive component content, physicochemical properties, and functional activity of millet bran extract (MBE) from fermented millet bran were determined. RESULTS: After fermentation, the soluble dietary fiber (SDF) content increased by 92.0%, the ß-glucan content by 164.4%, the polypeptide content by 111.4%, the polyphenol content by 32.5%, the flavone content by 16.4%, and the total amino acid content by 95.4%. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the microscopic morphology of MBE changed from complete and dense blocks to loosely porous shapes after fermentation. After fermentation, the solubility, water-holding capacity, and viscosity significantly increased and the particle size decreased. Moreover, the glucose adsorption capacity (2.1 mmol g-1), glucose dialysis retardation index (75.3%), and α-glucosidase inhibitory (71.4%, mixed reversible inhibition) activity of the fermented MBE (FMBE) were greater than those of the unfermented MBE (0.99 mmol g-1, 32.1%, and 35.1%, respectively). The FMBE presented better cholesterol and sodium cholate (SC) adsorption properties and the adsorption was considered inhomogeneous surface adsorption. CONCLUSION: Fermentation increased the bioactive component content and improved the physicochemical properties of MBE, thereby improving its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. This study not only resolves the problem of millet bran waste but also encourages the development of higher value-added application methods for millet bran. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cdc48 and its co-factor Ufd1 extract CENP-A from centromeric chromatin and can induce chromosome elimination in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

CENP-A determines the identity of the centromere. Because the position and size of the centromere and its number per chromosome must be maintained, the distribution of CENP-A is strictly regulated. In this study, we have aimed to understand mechanisms to regulate the distribution of CENP-A (Cnp1SP) in fission yeast. A mutant of the ufd1+ gene (ufd1-73) encoding a cofactor of Cdc48 ATPase is sensitive to Cnp1 expressed at a high level and allows mislocalization of Cnp1. The level of Cnp1 in centromeric chromatin is increased in the ufd1-73 mutant even when Cnp1 is expressed at a normal level. A preexisting mutant of the cdc48+ gene (cdc48-353) phenocopies the ufd1-73 mutant. We have also shown that Cdc48 and Ufd1 proteins interact physically with centromeric chromatin. Finally, Cdc48 ATPase with Ufd1 artificially recruited to the centromere of a mini-chromosome (Ch16) induce a loss of Cnp1 from Ch16, leading to an increased rate of chromosome loss. It appears that Cdc48 ATPase, together with its cofactor Ufd1 remove excess Cnp1 from chromatin, likely in a direct manner. This mechanism may play a role in centromere disassembly, a process to eliminate Cnp1 to inactivate the kinetochore function during development, differentiation, and stress response.

An overview of the ameliorative efficacy of Catharanthus roseus extract against Cd2+ toxicity: implications for human health and remediation strategies.

Rapid industrialization has led to an increase in cadmium pollution, a dangerously toxic heavy metal. Cadmium (Cd) is released into the environment through industrial processes and can contaminate air, water, and soil. This pollution poses a significant risk to human health and has become a pressing concern in many industrialized areas. Due to its extended half-life, it leads to a range of health problems, including hepato-nephritic toxicity, brain damage, and degenerative bone disorders. Intoxication alters various intracellular parameters, leading to inflammation, tissue injury, and oxidative stress within cells, which disrupts normal cellular functions and can eventually result in cell death. It has also been linked to the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. These adverse effects highlight the urgent need to address cadmium pollution and find effective solutions to mitigate its impact on human health. This article highlights the Cd-induced risks and the role of Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) extract as a source of alternative medicine in alleviating the symptoms. Numerous herbal remedies often contain certain bioactive substances, such as polyphenols and alkaloids, which have the power to mitigate these adverse effects by acting as antioxidants and lowering oxidative cell damage. Research conducted in the field of alternative medicine has revealed its enormous potential to meet demands that may be effectively used in safeguarding humans and their environment. The point of this review is to investigate whether C. roseus extract, known for its bioactive substances, is being investigated for its potential to mitigate the harmful effects of cadmium on health. Further investigation is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Moreover, it is important to explore the potential environmental benefits of using C. roseus extract to reduce the negative effects of Cd. This review conducted in the field of alternative medicine has revealed its enormous potential to meet demands that could have significant implications for both human health and environmental sustainability.

Sulforaphane-Enriched Extracts from Broccoli Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity against Plant Pathogens, Promising a Natural Antimicrobial Agent for Crop Protection.

Sulforaphane (SFN) is one of the hydrolysates of glucosinolates (GSLs), primarily derived from Brassica vegetables like broccoli. In clinical therapy, SFN has been proven to display antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the antimicrobial effects and mechanism of SFN against plant pathogens need to be further elucidated, which limits its application in agriculture. In this study, the genetic factors involved in SFN biosynthesis in 33 B. oleracea varieties were explored. The finding showed that besides the genetic background of different B. oleracea varieties, myrosinase and ESP genes play important roles in affecting SFN content. Subsequently, the molecular identification cards of these 33 B. oleracea varieties were constructed to rapidly assess their SFN biosynthetic ability. Furthermore, an optimized protocol for SFN extraction using low-cost broccoli curds was established, yielding SFN-enriched extracts (SFN-ee) containing up to 628.44 µg/g DW of SFN. The antimicrobial activity assay confirmed that SFN-ee obtained here remarkably inhibit the proliferation of nine tested microorganisms including four plant pathogens by destroying their membrane integrity. Additionally, the data demonstrated that exogenous application of SFN-ee could also induce ROS accumulation in broccoli leaves. These results indicated that SFN-ee should play a dual role in defense against plant pathogens by directly killing pathogenic cells and activating the ROS signaling pathway. These findings provide new evidence for the antimicrobial effect and mechanism of SFN against plant pathogens, and suggest that SFN-ee can be used as a natural plant antimicrobial agent for crop protection and food preservation.

Argel's stemmoside C as a novel natural remedy for mice with alcohol-induced gastric ulcer based on its molecular mechanistic pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Solenostemma argel is widely distributed in Africa & Asia with traditional usage in alleviating abdominal colic, aches, & cramps. This plant is rich in phytochemicals, which must be explored for its pharmacological effects. PURPOSE: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is the digestion of the digestive tube. PUD not only interferes with food digestion & nutrient absorption, damages one of the largest defensive barriers against pathogenic micro-organisms, but also impedes drug absorption & bioavailability, rendering the oral route, the most convenient way, ineffective. Omeprazole, one of the indispensable cost-effective proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) extensively prescribed to control PUD, is showing growing apprehensions toward multiple drug interactions & side effects. Hence, finding a natural alternative with Omeprazole-like activity & limited side effects is a medical concern. STUDY DESIGN: Therefore, we present Stemmoside C as a new gastroprotective phytochemical agent isolated from Solenostemma argel to be tested in upgrading doses against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice compared to negative, positive, & reference Omeprazole groups. METHODS: We carried out in-depth pharmacological & histopathological studies to determine the possible mechanistic pathway. RESULTS: Our results showed that Stemmoside C protected the stomach against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers parallel to Omeprazole. Furthermore, the mechanistic studies revealed that Stemmoside C produced its effect using an orchestrated array of different mechanisms. Stemmoside C stimulates stomach defense by increasing COX-2, PGE-2, NO, & TFF-1 healing factors, IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine, & Nrf-2 & HO-1 anti-oxidant pathways. It also suppresses stomach ulceration by inhibiting leucocyte recruitment, especially neutrophils, leading to subsequent inhibition of NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-1ß, & iNOS pro-inflammatory cytokines & JAK-1/STAT-3 inflammation-induced carcinogenicity cascade in addition to MMP-9 responsible for tissue degradation. CONCLUSION: These findings cast light on Stemmoside C's clinical application against gastric ulcer progression, recurrence, & tumorigenicity & concurrently with chemotherapy.

Functional and Therapeutic Potential of Cynara scolymus in Health Benefits.

Dietary supplements enriched with bioactive compounds represent a promising approach to influence physiological processes and enhance longevity and overall health. Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus serves as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offers various health-promoting benefits. Several chronic diseases have metabolic, genetic, or inflammatory origins, which are frequently interconnected. Pharmacological treatments, although effective, often result in undesirable side effects. In this context, preventive approaches are gaining increased attention. Recent literature indicates that the consumption of bioactive compounds in the diet can positively influence the organism's biological functions. Polyphenols, well-known for their health benefits, are widely recognized as valuable compounds in preventing/combating various pathologies related to lifestyle, metabolism, and aging. The C. scolymus belonging to the Asteraceae family, is widely used in the food and herbal medicine fields for its beneficial properties. Although the inflorescences (capitula) of the artichoke are used for food and culinary purposes, preparations based on artichoke leaves can be used as an active ingredient in herbal medicines. Cynara scolymus shows potential benefits in different domains. Its nutritional value and health benefits make it a promising candidate for improving overall well-being. C. scolymus exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective, bile-expelling, antimicrobial, and lipid-lowering neuroprotective properties. Different studies demonstrate that oxidative stress is the leading cause of the onset and progression of major human health disorders such as cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and cancer diseases. The large amount of polyphenol found in C. scolymus has an antioxidant activity, enabling it to neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage. This reduces the subsequent risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, these polyphenols demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, which is closely associated with their antioxidant properties. As a result, C. scolymus has the potential to contribute to the treatment of chronic diseases, including intestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative pathologies. The current review discussed the nutritional profiles, potential benefits, and pharmacological effects of C. scolymus.

Resource-Efficient Use of Residues from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Production of Secondary Plant Metabolites.

Although people's interest in green and healthy plant-based products and natural active ingredients in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries is steadily increasing, medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) represent a niche crop type.It is possible to increase cultivation and sales of MAPs, by utilizing plant components that are usually discarded. This chapter provides an overview of studies concerning material flows and methods used for sustainable production of valuable metabolites from MAPs between 2018 and 2023. Additionally, it describes new developments and strategies for extraction and isolation, as well as innovative applications. In order to use these valuable resources almost completely, a systematic recycling of the plant material is recommended. This would be a profitable way to increase sustainability in the cultivation and usage of MAPs and provide new opportunities for extraction in plant science.

Untargeted metabolomics-based identification of bioactive compounds from Mangifera indica L. seed extracts in drug discovery through molecular docking and assessment of their anticancer potential.

BACKGROUND: Mangifera indica L. (mango), a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds, has potential to be used in disease-preventing and health-promoting products. The present investigation reveals and uncovers bioactive metabolites with remarkable therapeutic efficiency from mango (family: Anacardiaceae) seeds. RESULTS: Biological activity was determined by antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer assays, and metabolite profiling was performed on gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) platforms. Validation of active metabolites was carried out by in silico molecular docking (Molinspiration Cheminformatics Server and PASS). Extracted and identified metabolites were screened; 54 compounds associated with various groups were selected for the in silico interaction study. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular docking revealed lead molecules with a potential binding energy score, efficacy and stable modulation with a selected protein domain. Investigation, directed by in vitro and in silico analysis, confirms mango seeds as an excellent source of potential metabolites as a therapeutic agent. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.