Pulp or Peel? Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemical Content and Selected Cosmetic-Related Properties of Annona cherimola L., Diospyros kaki Thumb., Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Fortunella margarita Swingle Pulp and Peel Extracts.

Fruit peels might be a valuable source of active ingredients for cosmetics, leading to more sustainable usage of plant by-products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical content and selected biological properties of hydroglycolic extracts from peels and pulps of Annona cherimola, Diospyros kaki, Cydonia oblonga, and Fortunella margarita as potential cosmetic ingredients. Peel and pulp extracts were compared for their antiradical activity (using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays), skin-lightening potential (tyrosinase inhibitory assay), sun protection factor (SPF), and cytotoxicity toward human fibroblast, keratinocyte, and melanoma cell lines. The total content of polyphenols and/or flavonoids was significantly higher in peel than in pulp extracts, and the composition of particular active compounds was also markedly different. The HPLC-MS fingerprinting revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and rutoside in the peel of D. kaki, whereas kaempferol glucoside and procyanidin A were present only in the pulp. In A. cherimola, catechin, epicatechin and rutoside were identified only in the peel of the fruit, whereas procyanidins were traced only in the pulp extracts. Quercetin and luteolinidin were found to be characteristic compounds of F. margarita peel extract. Naringenin and hesperidin were found only in the pulp of F. margarita. The most significant compositional variety between the peel and pulp extracts was observed for C. oblonga: Peel extracts contained a higher number of active components (e.g., vicenin-2, kaempferol rutinoside, or kaempferol galactoside) than pulp extract. The radical scavenging potential of peel extracts was higher than of the pulp extracts. D. kaki and F. margarita peel and pulp extracts inhibited mushroom and murine tyrosinases at comparable levels. The C. oblonga pulp extract was a more potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibitor than the peel extract. Peel extract of A. cherimola inhibited mushroom tyrosinase but activated the murine enzyme. F. margarita pulp and peel extracts showed the highest in vitro SPF. A. cherimola, D. kaki, and F. margarita extracts were not cytotoxic for fibroblasts and keratinocytes up to a concentration of 2% (v/v) and the peel extracts were cytotoxic for A375 melanoma cells. To summarize, peel extracts from all analyzed fruit showed comparable or better cosmetic-related properties than pulp extracts and might be considered multifunctional active ingredients of skin lightening, anti-aging, and protective cosmetics.

A comparative metabolomics investigation of flavonoid variation in faba bean flowers.

INTRODUCTION: Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) flowers are edible and used as garnishes because of their aroma, sweet flavor and attractive colors. Anthocyanins are the common plant pigments that give flowers their vivid colors, whereas non-anthocyanin flavonoids can serve as co-pigments that can modify the color intensity of flowers. OBJECTIVES: To explore the polyphenol diversity and differences in standard and wing petals of faba bean flowers; and identify glycosylated flavonoids that contribute to flower color. METHODS: Flower standard and wing petals from 30 faba bean genotypes (eight color groups with a total of 60 samples) were used for polyphenol extraction. Samples were analyzed using a targeted method and a semi-untargeted analysis using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) combined with photodiode array (PDA) detection. Compound Discoverer software was used for polyphenol identification and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The semi-untargeted analysis guided by the PDA detected 90 flavonoid metabolites present in faba bean flower petals. Ten anthocyanins largely influenced the flower colors, but other flavonoids (63 flavonols and 12 flavones) found with variable levels in different flower color groups appeared to also influence color, especially in mixed colors. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the different colored faba bean flowers confirmed that the color variation between the flowers was mainly controlled by anthocyanins in brown, red and purple-red flowers. Of the other flavonoids, multiglycosylated kaempferols were abundant in white and brown flowers, monoglycosylated kaempferols were common in red and purple-red flowers, and quercetin and apigenin glycosides were abundant co-pigments in purple-red flowers.

Deciphering the fluorescence quenching potential of Croton bonplandianum leaves and detection of bioactive molecules using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

In this study, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to screen the active phytochemicals and analyze antioxidant activity of Croton bonplandianum. In addition, cadmium telluride quantum dots were used to analyze the fluorescence quenching capabilities of Croton bonplandianum plants. UPLC-ESI-MS was used to screen polyphenols in the mass range of 100-2000, with both positive and negative ionizations. Based on molecular weight, 7-Spirostanoldihexoside isomer, Rutin, Quercetin hexoside, Kaempferol-3-O-(p-coumaroyl)-glucoside, Kaempferol, Quercetin, and (E) Catechin-(E) Gallocatechin were tentatively identified. In total, 63.34 mg of polyphenols and 20.36 mg of flavonoids were detected. Lipid peroxidation IC50 values were 212, 38, 56, and 365 g/mL for DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide radicals. Reducing power of the plant material showed the maximum absorbance of 0.56 in 500 µg/mL concentration. Furthermore, the plant extract quenched cadmium telluride quantum dots fluorescence in a dose dependent manner. The results from quenching concluded that Croton bonplandianum with QDs might be used as a drug targeting and delivery nanomaterial.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Kale (Brassica oleracea L. Var. acephala DC.) and Wild Cabbage (Brassica incana Ten.) Polyphenolic Extracts.

Brassicaceae are rich in healthy phytochemicals that have a positive impact on human health. The aim of this study was to analyze the phenolic compounds and antioxidant and anticancer potential of traditional Croatian kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC.) and wild cabbage (Brassica incana Ten.) extracts. The phenolic groups and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometry, selected phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, sinapic acid, salicylic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin) were analyzed by LC-MS/MS, and anticancer potential was evaluated in vitro using HeLa cells. The extracts of both plant species are rich in phenolic compounds and showed significant antioxidant activity at similar levels. LC-MS/MS detected sinapic acid as the most abundant phenolic acid, followed by ferulic acid, while salicylic acid was present at lower concentrations. A comparative analysis showed that wild cabbage contained significantly more sinapic acid, while kale contained more kaempferol and quercetin. Both Brassica extracts at a concentration of 50 µg mL-1 showed an antiproliferative effect on HeLa cells, while they did not affect the proliferation of normal human skin fibroblasts. Wild cabbage extract also showed an antiproliferative effect on HeLa cells at a lower applied concentration of 10 µg mL-1 of extracts. The clonogenic analysis also revealed the inhibitory effect of the extracts on HeLa colony growth.

Water-soluble phenolic compounds and their putative antioxidant activities in the seed coats from different lentil (Lens culinaris) genotypes.

The seed coat is a major byproduct of lentil processing with potential as a sustainable source of antioxidant polyphenols. Profiles of water-soluble phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of seven genotypes of lentil which includes both normal-tannin and low-tannin seed coats were investigated. Antioxidant activities were assessed using four antioxidant assays, and phenolic compounds were quantified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Total phenolic content (TPC) varied significantly among genotypes and ranged between 1519 ± 140 and 6502 ± 154 µg/g. Thirty phenolic compounds were identified with kaempferol tetraglycoside, catechin-3-glucoside and procyanidins being the dominant compounds in normal-tannin seed coats. Kaempferol tetraglycoside predominated (80-90%) in low-tannin seed coats. Antioxidant activities strongly correlated with TPC (r > 0.93) with a 6-9 times higher activity in normal-tannin than that of low-tannin lentils. Without flavan-3-ols and procyanidins, low-tannin seed coat may not exert strong antioxidant potential, whereas normal-tannin seed coat contains water-extractable natural phenolic compounds with promising antioxidant potential.

Potential of Kalanchoe pinnata as a Cancer Treatment Adjuvant and an Epigenetic Regulator.

Cancer is a global public health problem that is related to different environmental and lifestyle factors. Although the combination of screening, prevention, and treatment of cancer has resulted in increased patient survival, conventional treatments sometimes have therapeutic limitations such as resistance to drugs or severe side effects. Oriental culture includes herbal medicine as a complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This study aimed to identify the bioactive ingredients in Kalanchoe pinnata, a succulent herb with ethnomedical applications for several diseases, including cancer, and reveal its anticancer mechanisms through a molecular approach. The herb contains gallic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, quercitrin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, bersaldegenin, bryophyllin a, bryophyllin c, bryophynol, bryophyllol and bryophollone, stigmasterol, campesterol, and other elements. Its phytochemicals participate in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, angiogenesis, metastasis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. They have the potential to act as epigenetic drugs by reverting the acquired epigenetic changes associated with tumor resistance to therapy-such as the promoter methylation of suppressor genes, inhibition of DNMT1 and DNMT3b activity, and HDAC regulation-through methylation, thereby regulating the expression of genes involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Nrf2/Keap1, MEK/ERK, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways. All of the data support the use of K. pinnata as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.

Exploring the Palynological, Chemical, and Bioactive Properties of Non-Studied Bee Pollen and Honey from Morocco.

Bee products are known for their beneficial properties widely used in complementary medicine. This study aims to unveil the physicochemical, nutritional value, and phenolic profile of bee pollen and honey collected from Boulemane-Morocco, and to evaluate their antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity. The results indicate that Citrus aurantium pollen grains were the majority pollen in both samples. Bee pollen was richer in proteins than honey while the inverse was observed for carbohydrate content. Potassium and calcium were the predominant minerals in the studied samples. Seven similar phenolic compounds were found in honey and bee pollen. Three phenolic compounds were identified only in honey (catechin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid) and six phenolic compounds were identified only in bee pollen (hesperidin, cinnamic acid, apigenin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol). Naringin is the predominant phenolic in honey while hesperidin is predominant in bee pollen. The results of bioactivities revealed that bee pollen exhibited stronger antioxidant activity and effective α-amylase and α-glycosidase inhibitory action. These bee products show interesting nutritional and bioactive capabilities due to their chemical constituents. These features may allow these bee products to be used in food formulation, as functional and bioactive ingredients, as well as the potential for the nutraceutical sector.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of the Ethanolic Extract from the Aerial Part of Crocus alatavicus Regel & Semen Growing Wildly in Southern Kazakhstan.

The composition of the ethanolic extract from the aerial parts of Crocus alatavicus Regel & Semen from southern Kazakhstan spontaneous flora was analyzed together with the determination of its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticancer activity. The phytochemical profile analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS) revealed the presence of multiple kaempferol derivatives. High-performance reverse-phase liquid chromatography combined with a photodiode-array detection (RP-HPLC/PDA) found that kaempferol 3-O-dihexoside and kaempferol 3-O-acyltetrahexoside accounted for 70.5% of the kaempferol derivatives. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extract for all the tested reference microorganisms were high, reaching 10 mg/mL for yeasts and 20 mg/mL for bacteria. In contrast, antiviral activity was observed at 2 mg/mL, resulting in the inhibition of the HSV-1-induced cytopathic effect and the reduction in virus infectious titer by 1.96 log, as well as the viral load by 0.85 log. Among the tested prostate cancer cell lines, significant cytotoxic activity of the extract was noted only on the LNCaP cell line, with an IC50 value of 1.95 mg/mL. The LNCaP cell line treated with 2 mg/mL of the extract showed a noticeably reduced number of spindle-shaped cells with longer cellular projections, a significant increase in the peak corresponding to the population of apoptotic cells in the sub-G1 phase and a decreased intracellular glutathione (GSH) level, suggesting the prooxidative properties of the extract. The obtained data provide novel information about the flavonoids present in the aerial part of C. alatavicus and suggest its potential application as a source of the compounds active against HSV-1 and metastatic, androgen-sensitive prostate cancer.

In silico and in vivo protective effect of Morus nigra leaves on oxidative damage induced by iron overload.

Morus nigra L. is a plant popularly known as 'amoreira preta', very used in folk medicine. Iron overload (hemochromatosis) is a clinical condition that causes damage to various tissues due to oxidative stress. Therapy to control iron overload is still unsatisfactory. The protective effect on oxidative stress induced by iron overload was verified. Phytochemical characterization was evaluated by UHPLC-MS/MS. The in silico toxicity predictions of the main phytochemicals were performed via computer simulation. To induce iron overload, the animals received iron dextran (50 mg/kg/day). The test groups received doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of M. nigra extract for six weeks. Body weight, organosomatic index, serum iron, hepatic markers, cytokines, interfering factors in iron metabolism, enzymatic and histopathological evaluations were analyzed. Vanillic acid, caffeic acid, 6-hydroxycoumarin, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, quercitrin, resveratrol, apigenin and kaempferol were identified in the extract. In addition, in silico toxic predictions showed that the main compounds presented a low probability of toxic risk. The extract of M. nigra showed to control the mediators of inflammation and to reduce iron overload in several tissues. Our findings illustrate a novel therapeutic action of M. nigra leaves on hemochromatosis caused by iron overload.

Phytochemicals in Chinese Chive (Allium tuberosum) Induce the Skeletal Muscle Cell Proliferation via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Smad Pathways in C2C12 Cells.

Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is a medicinal food that is cultivated and consumed mainly in Asian countries. Its various phytochemicals and physiological effects have been reported, but only a few phytochemicals are available for skeletal muscle cell proliferation. Herein, we isolated a new compound, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-feruloyl)-sophoroside (1), along with one known flavonoid glycoside (2) and six amino acid (3-8) compounds from the water-soluble fraction of the shoot of the Chinese chive. The isolated compounds were identified using extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and evaluated for their proliferation activity on skeletal muscle cells. Among the tested compounds, newly isolated flavonoid (1) and 5-aminouridine (7) up-regulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, which implies a positive effect on skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. In particular, compound 1 down-regulated the Smad pathways, which are negative regulators of skeletal muscle growth. Collectively, we suggest that major constituents of Chinese chive, flavonoids and amino acids, might be used in dietary supplements that aid skeletal muscle growth.

Biochemical, antioxidant and sensory evaluation of Davidsonia pruriens and Davidsoina jerseyana fruit infusion.

Davidsonia pruriens (DP) and Davidsonia jerseyana (DJ) are a gourmet bushfood with a sweet and sour taste. This study investigated the biochemical content, antioxidant activities, and sensory attributes of DP and DJ fruit infusions in comparison with commercial forest fruits (FF) infusion. Total phenolic and anthocyanin content was higher in FF infusion compared to DP or DJ fruit infusions (P < 0.05). An abundant amount of gallic acid was found in DP and DJ fruit infusions (P < 0.05). Quercetin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and peonidin-3-sambubioside was detected only in DP and DJ fruit infusions (P < 0.05). However, a high level of oxalic acid, minerals and soluble sugars were observed in FF infusions (P < 0.05). The antioxidant capacities and overall likeness score of DP or DJ infusion were comparable with the commercial FF infusion. Therefore, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities and sensory properties suggested that DP and DJ fruit infusion have the potential to become a commercial health promoting drink.

Six months under uncontrolled relative humidity and room temperature changes technological characteristics and maintains the physicochemical and functional properties of carioca beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Carioca beans contribute to health maintenance around the world, and the evaluation of commercial postharvest storage (CPS) ensures their quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CPS on technological, physicochemical and functional properties of carioca beans. Two genotypes (Pontal-PO and Madreperola-MP beans) were stored under CPS or controlled conditions and were evaluated after harvest and after three- and six-months storage. PO and MP hardened with time, but the cooking time did not differ. PO is darker than MP and both darkened over time. Storage time affected pH and acidity of the beans and MP presented better physicochemical properties than PO, with lower activity of peroxidase (p = 0.004) and polyphenoloxidase (p = 0.001) enzymes. Glycosylated kaempferol was suggested as a possible chemical marker to differentiate the aging of PO and MP beans. In conclusion, besides the technological differences, the storage was able to prevent physicochemical and functional alterations of beans.

Molecular Mechanism of the Effect of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

BACKGROUND: Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula comprising four herbal medicines. This decoction has long been used in China for clinically treating T2DM. However, the molecular mechanism of HLJDD treat for T2DM is still not fully known. Hence, this study was designed to reveal the synergistic mechanism of HLJDD formula in the treatment of T2DM by using network pharmacology method and molecular docking. METHODS: Retrieving and screening of active components of different herbs in HLJDD and corresponding T2DM-related target genes across multiple databases. Subsequently, STRING and Cytoscape were applied to analysis and construct PPI network. In addition, cluster and topological analysis were employed for the analysis of PPI networks. Then, the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed by using ClueGO tool. Finally, the differentially expressed analysis was used to verify whether the expression of key target genes in T2DM and non-T2DM samples was statistically significant, and the binding capacity between active components and key targets was validated by molecular docking using AutoDock. RESULTS: There are 65 active components involved in 197 T2DM-related targets that are identified in HLJDD formula. What is more, 39 key targets (AKT1, IL-6, FOS, VEGFA, CASP3, etc.) and 3 clusters were obtained after topological and cluster analysis. Further, GO and KEGG analysis showed that HLJDD may play an important role in treating T2DM and its complications by synergistically regulating many biological processes and pathways which participated in signaling transduction, inflammatory response, apoptotic process, and vascular processes. Differentially expressed analysis showed that AKT1, IL-6, and FOS were upregulated in T2DM samples and a significant between sample differential expression. These results were validated by molecular docking, which identified 5 high-affinity active components in HLJDD, including quercetin, wogonin, baicalein, kaempferol, and oroxylin A. CONCLUSION: Our research firstly revealed the basic pharmacological effects and relevant mechanisms of the HLJDD in the treatment of T2DM and its complications. The prediction results might facilitate the development of HLJDD or its active compounds as alternative therapy for T2DM. However, more pharmacological experiments should be performed for verification.

Chemical and cytological evaluation of honeybee pollen antioxidant ability.

The crude flavonoid extract of pollen (CFP) of four species of honeybee pollens were extracted with ethanol, and the total flavonoid contents ranged from 3.4 to 14.5 mg rutin/g dry weight. The antioxidant activities of the CFPs were evaluated from both chemical and cytological aspects. Comprehensive antioxidant scores were determined based on these two evaluation systems. The results showed that canola CFP had the highest antioxidant capacity among the four CFPs. A cytotoxicity assay was conducted to assess the safety threshold of the CFPs, and canola CFP was proved to be the least toxic to vascular endothelial cell. Of the four tested CFPs, this research suggests that canola CFP is the most promising natural antioxidant. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis detected seven flavonoid glycosides in the hydrolysates of the four CFPs. Among them, quercetin and kaempferol were present in all four honeybee pollen extracts, but there were significant differences between their contents. A correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between the content of quercetin in the pollen extract and the extract's antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Many varieties of honeybee pollen are commercially available. The results of this study help guide consumers to choose honeybee pollens that have a better antioxidant effect. This report can also provide guidance and data in support of the development of honeybee pollen health products.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Studies on a Rare Rheum cordatum Losinsk. Species from Kazakhstan.

An optimisation of extraction towards an increased antioxidant capacity and the study on the extracts' composition by HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS were performed on different organs of a rarely studied plant: Rheum cordatum Losinsk (Polygonaceae) growing in Kazakhstan. More than 20 compounds from anthraquinones and phenolics were identified in an optimised method. The plant was proven to contain a wide variety of phenolic compounds (catechins, flavonoids, and their glucosides and phenolic acids) in contrast to the anthraquinone composition, which was mainly represented by emodin and its analogues. The results of the studies could determine the plant as a rich source of pharmacologically precious polyphenols. It was evidenced that the extracting solvents, the time of collection, and the organs tested affected both the chemical content and the antioxidant potential of the extracts. Ethanol : water (50 : 50 v/v) was selected as the most beneficial extractant for all metabolites, and based on the principal component analysis of raw data, the radical scavenging potential of the plant was strictly related to the presence of epicatechin gallate (ECG), kaempferol glucoside, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) occurring in this extract at the concentration of 1.69-5%, 0.16-0.47%, and 0.001-2.93%, respectively.

Blueberry leaves from 73 different cultivars in southeastern China as nutraceutical supplements rich in antioxidants.

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) have great beneficial effects, and their leaves are rich in phenolics. In the present study, the total phenolic, total flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents in the leaf extracts from 73 different blueberry cultivars among five categories were investigated. The phenolic composition was analyzed, and the antioxidants were also evaluated. Here, a total of 23 individual phenolic constituents were identified, among which eight predominant phenolics were quantified, including five caffeoylquinic acids, two quercetin glycosides, and one kaempferol glycoside. The different cultivars could be well clustered according to their phenolic compositions and antioxidant capacities. The correlations among the quantified phenolic constituents and the antioxidant capacities were determined using principal component analysis. The results indicated that blueberry leaves may be a potential resource of antioxidant phenolics, and the differences among the cultivars should be considered when blueberry leaves are further developed.

Cudrania Tricuspidata Extract and Its Major Constituents Inhibit Oxidative Stress-Induced Liver Injury.

The fruits, leaves, and roots of Cudrania tricuspidata have been reported to contain large amounts of vitamin B, vitamin C, and flavonoids. They exhibit various physiological activities such as antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the hepatoprotective effects of C. tricuspidata extracts against oxidative stress-mediated liver injury have not yet been investigated. We thus examined whether C. tricuspidata leaf extracts (CTEs) protect against oxidative stress-mediated liver injury in vitro and in vivo and elucidated the underlying mechanism. The cytoprotective effects of CTE through the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) activation were presented and measured by biochemical analysis in HepG2 cells. To assess the protective effects of CTE in vivo, mice were administered with CTE (250 and 500 mg/kg; 5 days; p.o.) before a single dose of acetaminophen (APAP) (300 mg/kg; 24 h; i.p.). CTE increased ARE luciferase activity when compared with extracts of other parts of C. tricuspidata. CTE upregulated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and its target gene expression. In addition, CTE inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and iron (Fe) treatment in primary hepatocytes or HepG2 cells. The cytoprotective effects of CTE against oxidative stress might be due to kaempferol, the major flavonoid present in CTE. Kaempferol pretreatment blocked AA+Fe-induced ROS production and reversed glutathione depletion, which in turn led to decreased cell death. Furthermore, the protective effects of CTE against liver injury induced by excess APAP in mice or primary hepatocytes were observed. CTE could be a promising therapeutic candidate against oxidative stress-induced liver injury.

Chemical composition and bioactive properties of the wild edible plant Raphanus raphanistrum L.

Recently, there has been an interest regarding the consumption of wild edible plants in modern diets. However, there is still scarce information about several wild vegetables traditionally consumed. Therefore, this work aims on documenting the nutritional and chemical composition of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.), as well as its bioactive potential. Results showed that wild radish is a potential source of beneficial compounds, including vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acid (particularly α-linolenic acid) and different phenolic compounds, in which fourteen phenolics were identified, with kaempferol-3,7-O-di-rhamnoside being the most abundant. The bioactive potential was exploited using hydroethanolic and decoction extracts. Both proved to inhibit several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and revealed antioxidant activity, while cytotoxicity against non-tumor cell was not observed. In general, results evidence the interest in recovering the use of this wild vegetable as part of a varied diet, which can bring several health benefits.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Chloroform Fraction of Pyrus Ussuriensis Maxim. Leaf Extract on 2, 4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in nc/nga Mice.

Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim, a pear commonly known as "Sandolbae" in Korea, is used as a traditional herbal medicine for asthma, cough, and fever in Korea, China, and Japan. P. ussuriensis Maxim leaves (PUL) have therapeutic effects on atopic dermatitis (AD). However, there are no reports on the efficacy of specific components of PUL. In the present study, activity-guided isolation of PUL was used to determine the compounds with potent activity. Astragalin was identified as the major component of the chloroform-soluble fraction of PUL (PULC) using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Astragalin and PULC were tested in vitro and in vivo for their effects against AD. PULC and astragalin dose-dependently inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) in mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells, and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ß in tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)/interferon γ (IFNγ) induced HaCaT cells. In the AD mice model, PULC and astragalin application significantly reduced dermatitis severity, scratching behavior, and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) when compared to that of 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene-treated NC/Nga mice. Additionally, they normalized skin barrier function by decreasing immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the serum. Filaggrin and involucrin protein levels were normalized by PULC treatment in HaCaT cells and skin lesions. These results indicate that PULC and astragalin ameliorate AD-like symptoms by alleviating both pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune stimuli in vitro and in vivo in animal models. Therefore, PULC and astragalin might be effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD.

Identification of Six Phytochemical Compounds from Asparagus officinalis L. Root Cultivars from New Zealand and China Using UAE-SPE-UPLC-MS/MS: Effects of Extracts on H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress.

A simple, rapid, specific, and sensitive method was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of six major bioactive compounds, namely, caffeic acid, quercetin, apigenin, ferulic acid, baicalein, and kaempferol, from Asparagus officinalis roots (ARs) native to New Zealand (green and purple cultivars) and China (yellow, green, purple, and white cultivars) using ultrasound-assisted, solid-phase extraction (UASE-SPE) coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The method was validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy (expressed as recovery %), and precision (expressed as relative standard deviation (%RSD)). The retention times, ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) data, and mass spectral patterns of the detected peaks matched those of commercial standards, allowing characterization of the target compounds. The LODs and LOQs were 23 ng/mL and 70 ng/mL, 50 ng/mL and 150 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL, 18 ng/mL and 54 ng/mL, 14.4 ng/mL and 43.6 ng/mL, and 7.5 ng/mL and 22.5 ng/mL for caffeic acid, quercetin, apigenin, ferulic acid, baicalein, and kaempferol, respectively, and the mean recovery rates were 85.8%, 73.0%, 90.2%, 80.6%, 76.7%, and 74.5% for the six compounds, respectively. The levels of the target compounds were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the six cultivars. The Chinese yellow AR had the highest levels of bioactive compounds: 6.0, 3.9, 0.4, 1.0, 0.86, and 0.8 mg/g for caffeic acid, quercetin, apigenin, ferulic acid, baicalein, and kaempferol, respectively. The AR extracts showed protective effects against oxidative stress in the HepG2 and L929 cell lines. The results indicate that AR extracts contain high flavonoid levels that provide protective functions against oxidative stress and support the potential commercial application of AR extracts.