Inhibition of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis and molecular mechanisms by polyphenol-enriched fraction of Tagetes erecta L. flower.

BACKGROUND: The pursuit for safe and efficacious skin-whitening agents has prompted a dedicated exploration of plant-derived compounds. Notably, Tagetes erecta L. flowers have been used as a medicinal extract and possessed in vitro mushroom tyrosinase activity. However, whether polyphenol-enriched fraction extracted from T. erecta L. flowers (TE) regulates melanogenesis within cellular and animal models has not yet been investigated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of TE as a prospective inhibitor of melanogenesis. METHODS: Through advanced UPLC-QTof/MS analysis, the components of TE were analyzed. Anti-melanogenic effects of TE were evaluated in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells by measuring cell viability assay, extracellular and intracellular melanin biosynthesis, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, and melanogenesis-related gene and protein expression. Zebrafish larvae were employed for in vivo studies, assessing both heart rate and melanogenesis. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses were employed to predict the interaction between TE components and the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Direct binding activity of TE components to MC1R was compared with [Nle4, d-Phe7]-MSH (NDP-MSH). RESULTS: TE was found to contain significant phenolic compounds such as patulitrin, quercetagetin, kaempferol, patuletin, and isorhamnetin. This study revealed that TE effectively inhibits melanin biosynthesis in both in vitro and in vivo models. This inhibition was attributed to interference of TE with the cAMP-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF)-tyrosinase pathway, which plays a pivotal role in regulating melanogenesis. Importantly, TE exhibited the remarkable ability to curtail α-MSH-induced melanogenesis in zebrafish larvae without impacting heart rates. Molecular docking analyses predicted that the components of TE possibly interact with the melanocortin 1 receptor, suggesting their role as potential inhibitors of melanin biosynthesis. However, through the direct binding activity compared with NDP-MSH, any TE components did not directly bind to MC1R, suggesting that TE inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis by inhibiting the cAMP-mediated intracellular signaling pathway. The assessment of anti-melanogenic activity, conducted both in vitro and in vivo, revealed that patulitrin and patuletin exhibited significant inhibitory effects on melanin formation, highlighting their potency as major contributors. DISCUSSION: This investigation demonstrated the considerable potential of TE as a natural remedy endowed with remarkable anti-melanogenic properties. The demonstrated capacity of TE to attenuate melanin production by modulating the cAMP-CREB-MITF-tyrosinase pathway underscores its central role in management of disorders associated with excessive pigmentation. Importantly, the implications of these findings extend to the cosmetics industry, where TE emerges as a prospective and valuable ingredient for the formulation of skin-whitening products. The elucidated interactions between TE components and MC1R not only provide insight into a potential mechanism of action but also elevate the significance of this study. In summary, this study not only contributes to our comprehension of pigmentation-related conditions but also firmly establishes TE as a secure and natural strategy for the regulation of melanin production. The innovative aspects of TE propel it into the forefront of potential interventions, marking a noteworthy advancement in the pursuit of effective and safe solutions for pigmentation disorders.

Bio-valorization of Tagetes floral waste extract in fabrication of self-healing Schiff-base nanocomposite hydrogels for colon cancer remedy.

The drastic boom in floriculture and social events in religious and recreational places has inevitably led to generation of tremendous floral waste across the globe. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is one of the most common loose flowers offered for the same. Generally discarded, these Tagetes floral wastes could be valorized for biogenic syntheses. In this study, we have utilized the floral extract towards green synthesis of nano ZnO, the formation of which was affirmed from different analytical techniques. Bionanocomposite Schiff-base hydrogel composed of chitosan and dialdehyde pectin was fabricated by the facile strategy of in situ polymer cross-linking, and the ZnO nanoparticles were embedded in the hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel exhibited remarkable self-healing ability. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were enhanced owing to nano ZnO. Furthermore, it was hemocompatible and biodegradable. A controlled release drug profile for 5-fluorouracil from the hydrogel was accomplished in the colorectum. The exposure of the drug-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel demonstrated improved anticancer effects in HT-29 colon cancer cells. The findings of this study altogether put forth the successful biovalorization of Tagetes floral waste extract for colon cancer remedy.

WGA-M001, a Mixture of Total Extracts of Tagetes erecta and Ocimum basilicum, Synergistically Alleviates Cartilage Destruction by Inhibiting ERK and NF-κB Signaling.

Tagetes erecta and Ocimum basilicum are medicinal plants that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects against various diseases. However, their individual and combined effects on osteoarthritis (OA) are unknown. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate the effects of T. erecta, O. basilicum, and their mixture, WGA-M001, on OA pathogenesis. The administration of total extracts of T. erecta and O. basilicum reduced cartilage degradation and inflammation without causing cytotoxicity. Although WGA-M001 contained lower concentrations of the individual extracts, it strongly inhibited the expression of pathogenic factors. In vivo OA studies also supported that WGA-M001 had protective effects against cartilage destruction at lower doses than those of T. erecta and O. basilicum. Moreover, its effects were stronger than those observed using Boswellia and Perna canaliculus. WGA-M001 effectively inhibited the interleukin (IL)-1ß-induced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of the activated B cell (NF-κB) pathway and ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, RNA-sequence analysis also showed that WGA-M001 decreased the expression of genes related to the IL-1ß-induced NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways. Therefore, WGA-M001 is more effective than the single total extracts of T. erecta and O. basilicum in attenuating OA progression by regulating ERK and NF-κB signaling. Our results open new possibilities for WGA-M001 as a potential therapeutic agent for OA treatment.

Cytotoxic and Antitumor Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tagetes erecta in Lung Cancer Cells.

Among all cancers, lung cancer is the one with the highest mortality rate, and it also has limited therapeutics. Antitumor agents based on medicinal plants have gained importance as a source of bioactive substances. Tagetes erecta is a plant of great cultural value, and recent reports have suggested its cytotoxic effects in tumor cells. Our objective was to evaluate the antitumor activity of Tagetes erecta extract in a lung carcinoma model. Hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained from fresh flowers and leaves of T. erecta; both extracts did not exert toxicity on Artemia salina. We observed cytotoxic effects induced by the floral extract in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and breast tumor cell line (MCF7), but not by the leaf extract. In vivo, a xenograft lung carcinoma model was performed with LLC cells implanted on C57BL/6 mice, which showed that the floral extract reduced tumor growth and improved the effect of etoposide. Microscopic analysis of tumors showed a reduction in mitoses and an increase in necrotic areas with the extract and the etoposide. The main phytochemical compounds found are 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, octadecanoic acid, benzenacetic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and acetic acid. We conclude that the hydroalcoholic extract of T. erecta flowers has cytotoxic effects in lung carcinoma cells and enhances the effect of etoposide.

Analysis of Lutein Content in Microencapsulated Marigold Flower Extract (Tagetes erecta L.) Using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS and Its Cytotoxicity in ARPE-19 Cells.

Organic solvents are commonly used to extract lutein. However, they are toxic and are not environmental-friendly. There are only a few reports on the quantification of lutein. Therefore, this study aimed to determine a suitable extraction method by which to obtain lutein from marigold flower (Tagetes erecta L.), using coconut oil to evaluate the cytotoxicity of extract in ARPE-19 cells, to optimize the encapsulation process for the development of microencapsulated marigold flower extract, and to develop the method for analysis of lutein by using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS. Coconut oil was used for the extraction of marigold flowers with two different extraction methods: ultrasonication and microwave-assisted extraction. The UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS condition for the analysis of lutein was successfully developed and validated. Marigold flower extract obtained using the microwave method had the highest lutein content of 27.22 ± 1.17 mg/g. A cytotoxicity study revealed that 16 µM of lutein from marigold extract was non-toxic to ARPE-19 cells. For the development of microencapsulated marigold extract, the ratio of oil to wall at 1:5 had the highest encapsulation efficiency and the highest lutein content. Extraction of lutein using coconut oil and the microwave method was the suitable method. The microencapsulated marigold extract can be applied for the development of functional ingredients.

Antiulcer mechanisms of the hydroalcoholic extract from Aztec marigolds' medicinal and edible flowers (Tagetes erecta L.).

The antiulcer mechanisms of the dry extract of T. erecta flowers (DETe) were studied here. The acute ulcers induced by acidified ethanol or indomethacin were reproduced in mice pretreated with DETe (3 - 300 mg/kg). The antiulcer activity of DETe was also verified in mice pretreated with NEM, L-NAME, indomethacin, or yohimbine. The antisecretory effect of DETe was verified in rats, and its anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was determined in vitro. DETe (300 mg/kg, p.o) reduced the ethanol- or indomethacin-induced ulcer by 49 and 93%, respectively. The pre-treatment with L-NAME, NEM or yohimbine abolished the gastroprotective effect of DETe. However, DETe did not change the volume, acidity, or peptic activity in rats and did not affect H. pylori. This study expands knowledge about the antiulcerogenic potential of DETe, evidencing the role of nitric oxide, non-protein sulfhydryl groups, α2 adrenergic receptors, and prostaglandins, but not antisecretory or anti-H. pylori properties.

Analysis of Antioxidant Constituents of Filtering Infusions from Oak (Quercus sideroxyla Bonpl. and Quercus eduardii Trel.) and Yerbaniz (Tagetes lucida (Sweet) Voss) as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors.

The antioxidant constituents of ancestral products with ethnobotanical backgrounds are candidates for the study of filtering infusions to aid in pharmacotherapies focused on the treatment of depression and anxiety. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that regulates the metabolic breakdown of serotonin and noradrenaline in the nervous system. The goal of this study was to evaluate in vitro and in silico the effect of antioxidant constituents of filtering infusions from yerbaniz (Tagetes lucida (Sweet) Voss) and oak (Quercus sideroxyla Bonpl. and Quercus eduardii Trel.) as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Materials were dried, ground, and mixed according to a simplex-centroid mixture design for obtaining infusions. Differential analysis of the phenolic constituent's ratio in the different infusions indicates that among the main compounds contributing to MAO-A inhibition are the gallic, chlorogenic, quinic, and shikimic acids, quercetin glucuronide and some glycosylated derivatives of ellagic acid and ellagic acid methyl ether. Infusions of Q. sideroxyla Bonpl. leaves, because of their content (99.45 ± 5.17 µg/mg) and synergy between these constituents for MAO-A inhibition (52.82 ± 3.20%), have the potential to treat depression and anxiety. Therefore, future studies with pharmacological approaches are needed to validate them as therapeutic agents with applications in mental health care.

FEMA GRAS assessment of natural flavor complexes: Sage oil, Orris Root Extract and Tagetes Oil and related flavoring ingredients.

In recent years, the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) has conducted a program to re-evaluate the safety of natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavor ingredients. This publication, twelfth in the series, details the re-evaluation of NFCs whose constituent profiles are characterized by alicyclic or linear ketones. In its re-evaluation, the Expert Panel applies a scientific constituent-based procedure for the safety evaluation of NFCs in commerce using a congeneric group approach. Estimated intakes of each congeneric group of the NFC are evaluated using the well-established and conservative Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach. In addition, studies on the toxicity and genotoxicity of members of the congeneric groups and the NFCs under evaluation are reviewed. The scope of the safety evaluation of the NFCs contained herein does not include added use in dietary supplements or any products other than food. Thirteen (13) NFCs derived from the Boronia, Cinnamomum, Thuja, Ruta, Salvia, Tagetes, Hyssopus, Iris, Perilla and Artemisia genera are affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under conditions of their intended use as flavor ingredients based on an evaluation of each NFC and the constituents and congeneric groups therein.

Assessments of Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory Potential of Tagetes Flavonoids through In Vitro, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies.

Diabetes is a chronic fast-growing metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose levels. Tagetes minuta L. has been used as a traditional remedy for various illnesses for many years, and, furthermore, its oil is used in the perfume and flavor industries. T. minuta contains various metabolites, such as flavonoids, thiophenes, terpenes, sterols, and phenolics, with varied bioactivities. Flavonoids can inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, such as alpha-amylase, which is a convenient dietary strategy for controlling hyperglycemia. In the current investigation, the isolated flavonoids quercetagetin-6-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside), quercetagetin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, quercetagetin-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, minutaside A, patuletin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, quercetagetin-7-methoxy-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, tagenols A and B, quercetagetin-3,7-dimethoxy-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, patuletin, quercetin-3,6-dimethyl ether, and quercetin-3-methyl ether from T. minuta were assessed for their alpha-amylase inhibition (AAI) efficacy using an in vitro assay, as well as molecular docking, dynamics simulation, and ADMET analyses. Our findings show that quercetagetin-6-O-(6-O-caffeoyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside) (1), quercetagetin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercetagetin-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3), minutaside A (4), patuletin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5), and quercetagetin-7-methoxy-6-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6) had a notable AAI capacity (IC50s ranged from 7.8 to 10.1 µM) compared to acarbose (IC50 7.1 µM). Furthermore, these compounds with the highest binding affinity among the tested flavonoids revealed high docking scores for AA (ranging from -12.171 to 13.882 kcal/mol) compared to that of acarbose (-14.668 kcal/mol). In MDS, these compounds were observed to show maximum stability and the greatest binding free energy, suggesting that they may contend with native ligands. In addition, the ADMET analysis showed that these active compounds had a broad span of drug-like, pharmacokinetic, and physicochemical features and did not possess any considerable undesired effects. The current results suggest the potential of these metabolites as AAI candidates. However, further in vivo and mechanistic studies are warranted to specify the efficacy of these metabolites.

In Vitro α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effects, Antioxidant Activities, and Lutein Content of Nine Different Cultivars of Marigold Flowers (Tagetes spp.).

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are major sources of bioactive compounds. The flowers are used to treat a variety of illnesses and have both antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. However, marigolds exhibit a wide range of genetic variations. Because of this, both the bioactive compounds and biological activities of the plants differ between cultivars. In the present study, nine marigold cultivars grown in Thailand were evaluated for their bioactive compound content, as well as for their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, using spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that the Sara Orange cultivar possessed the highest total carotenoid content (431.63 mg/100 g). However, Nata 001 (NT1) had the highest amount of total phenolic compounds (161.17 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (20.05 mg QE/g), and lutein (7.83 mg/g), respectively. NT1 exhibited strong activities against the DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, and had the highest FRAP value as well. Moreover, NT1 demonstrated the most significant (p < 0.05) α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects (IC50 values of 2.57 and 3.12 mg/mL, respectively). The nine marigold cultivars had reasonable correlations between lutein content and the capacity to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Hence, NT1 may be a good source of lutein; it may also be beneficial in both functional food production and medical applications.

Antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties of a polyphenol-rich flower extract from Tagetes erecta L. and its effects on Caenorhabditis elegans fat storages.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by a high blood sugar level that can cause severe complications to the organism or even death when not treated. However, certain dietary habits and foods may have beneficial effects on this condition. A polyphenolic-rich extract (containing hyperoside, isoquercitrin, quercetin, ellagic acid, and vanillic acid) of Tageres erecta L. (T. erecta) was obtained from yellow and orange flowers using an ethanolic Soxhlet extraction. These extracts were screened for antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties using in vitro and in vivo procedures. The capacity to inhibit the enzymes lipase and α-glucosidase, as well as the inhibition of advance glycation end-products (AGEs) was tested in vitro. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used as an obesity in vivo model to assess extracts effects on fat accumulation using the wild-type strain N2 and a mutant with no N3 fatty acid desaturase activity BX24. Extracts from both cultivars (yellow and orange) T. erecta presented in vitro inhibitory activity against the enzymes lipase and α-glucosidase, showing lower IC50 values than acarbose (control). They also showed important activity in preventing AGEs formation. The polyphenol-rich matrices reduced the fat content of obese worms in the wild-type strain (N2) down to levels of untreated C. elegans, with no significant differences found between negative control (100% reduction) and both tested samples (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the fat reduction was considerably lower in the BX24 mutants (fat-1(wa-9)), suggesting that N3 fatty acid desaturase activity could be partially involved in the T. erecta flower effect. Our findings suggested that polyphenols from T. erecta can be considered candidate bioactive compounds in the prevention and improvement of metabolic chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

The volatile organic compounds and palatability of mixed ensilage of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) crop residues.

With increasing acreage of cash crops, the use of their by-products as supplements for livestock feed becomes an important factor. Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) account for more than half of the world's loose flower production. However, there is no precedent for the abundantly available marigold crop residue (MCR) being used as feed in agricultural production, probably because of its strong pungent taste. This study aimed to evaluate the biotransformation of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of MCR by mixed ensilage and assess its palatability by cattle. Caryophyllene, the most prevalent VOC in MCR, decreased by 29.11% (P < 0.05), 38.85% (P < 0.05), 37.15% (P < 0.05), and 28.36% (P < 0.05) ensilage with corn meal (CM), bran (BR), crop corn (CC), and straw (ST), respectively. The acetic acid content increased by 686.05% (P < 0.05), 1337.21% (P < 0.05), 1244.19% (P < 0.05), and 1795.34% (P < 0.05) after mixed ensilage with CM, BR, CC, and ST, respectively. The total amount of alcoholic VOCs followed an overall increasing trend during mixed storage and 10 new alcohols were obtained. Over seven days, feed intake of mixed ensilage MCR by cattle differed significantly (P < 0.05) among treatments compared with MCR and was highest in MCRCM. Combined with palatability trials, the best MCR feed intake was achieved with MCRCM. The findings shed light on how feed odor can be improved and how degradation of terpenes can be enhanced in practical applications by mixed ensilage.

Efficacy of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) for the treatment of tannery and surgical industry wastewater under citric acid amendment: a lab scale study.

Contamination of land and aquatic ecosystems with heavy metals (HMs) is a global issue having the persistent potential to damage the quality of food and water. In the present study, Tagetes erecta L. plants were used to assess their potential to uptake HMs from wastewater. Plants were grown in soil for 20 days and then transplanted in hydroponic system containing Hoagland nutrient solution. After more than 15 days of growth, plants were then subjected to wastewater from tannery and surgical industries in different concentrations ranging from 25 to 100% in combination of citric acid (5 and 10 mM). After 6 weeks of treatment, plants were collected and segmented into roots, stem, and leaves for characterizing the morphological properties including plant height, roots length, fresh and dry mass of roots, stem, and leaves. For evaluation of the effect of wastewater on the plants, photosynthetic pigments; soluble proteins; reactive oxygen species (ROS); antioxidant enzymes SOD, POD, CAT, and APX; and metal accumulation were analyzed. Application of industrial wastewater revealed a significant effect on plant morphology under wastewater treatments. Overall growth and physiological attributes of plant decreased, and metal accumulation enhanced with increasing concentration of wastewater. Similarly, the production of ROS and antioxidant enzymes were also increased. Chlorophyll, protein content, and enzyme production enhanced with CA (5 and 10 mM) mediation; however, ROS production and EL were reduced. Metals analysis showed that the maximum accumulation of Pb was in roots, while Cr and Ni in the stem which further increased under CA mediation. Overall, the metal accumulation ability was in the order of Pb > Ni > Cr under CA.

Accumulation and distribution characteristics of rare earth elements (REEs) in the naturally grown marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) from the soil.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are considered environmental pollutants that have received extensive attention recently. The accumulation of REEs in plants is important because REEs can eventually enter the human body via the food chain. Marigolds are widely utilized as medicinal and commercial plants in medicine, feed, and therapeutics. Due to the extremely high demand for marigold in global, it is urgent to investigate the accumulation and distribution of REEs in marigold plants to reduce human and animal health risks. Marigold leaves tended to bioaccumulate the highest amounts of REEs from soil compared with other tissues. The distribution patterns of REEs in marigold were similar to those in the rhizosphere soil, which was enriched in light rare earth elements. Cerium accumulated most in marigold and soil, accounting for nearly 50% of ΣREEs, followed by lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium. Roots were the most susceptible tissue affected by soil REE concentration, and a significant positive correlation was observed for REEs in the roots of marigold and soils (R = 0.87), while no significant correlation was observed for REEs in soils and other tissues. REEs were poorly transferred from soil to marigold, with bioaccumulation factor values for all tissues of marigold less than one. Additionally, REEs exhibited a positive correlation with Al and Fe in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of marigold. The present research revealed the biological interactions between marigold and soil and the distribution of REEs in various parts of marigold. It provides a reference for large-scale commercial cultivation and potential environmental risk in the future.

Bioactive Properties of Tagetes erecta Edible Flowers: Polyphenol and Antioxidant Characterization and Therapeutic Activity against Ovarian Tumoral Cells and Caenorhabditis elegans Tauopathy.

Tagetes erecta is an edible flower deeply rooted in traditional Mexican culture. It holds a central role in the most popular and iconic Mexican celebration, "the Day of the Dead". Furthermore, it is currently receiving interest as a potential therapeutic agent, motivated mainly by its polyphenol content. The present study aims to evaluate the biological activity of an extract synthesized from the petals of the edible flower T. erecta. This extract showed significant antioxidant scores measured by the most common in vitro methodologies (FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH), with values of 1475.3 µM trolox/g extr, 1950.3 µM trolox/g extr, and 977.7 µM trolox/g extr, respectively. In addition, up to 36 individual polyphenols were identified by chromatography. Regarding the biomedical aspects of the petal extract, it exhibited antitumoral activity against ovarian carcinoma cells evaluated by the MTS assay, revealing a lower value of IC50 compared to other flower extracts. For example, the extract from T. erecta reported an IC50 value half as low as an extract from Rosa × hybrida and six times lower than another extract from Tulbaghia violacea. This antitumoral effect of T. erecta arises from the induction of the apoptotic process; thus, incubating ovarian carcinoma cells with the petal extract increased the rate of apoptotic cells measured by flow cytometry. Moreover, the extract also demonstrated efficacy as a therapeutic agent against tauopathy, a feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the Caenorhabditis elegans experimental model. Treating worms with the experimental extract prevented disfunction in several motility parameters such as wavelength and swimming speed. Furthermore, the T. erecta petal extract prevented the release of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are associated with the progression of AD. Thus, treatment with the extract resulted in an approximate 20% reduction in ROS production. These findings suggest that these petals could serve as a suitable source of polyphenols for biomedical applications.

Chemical Composition of Tagetes patula Flowers Essential Oil and Hepato-Therapeutic Effect against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity (In-Vivo).

The liver is a crucial organ among body organs due to its wide functions, in particular, detoxification and metabolism. Exposure to detrimental chemicals or viral infections may provoke liver dysfunction and ultimately induce liver tissue damage. Finding natural substances for liver disease treatment to overcome the conventional treatments' side effects has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. Our current work was conducted to investigate the hepato-therapeutic activities of essential oil (EO) isolated from Tagetes patula flowers. EO was extracted using the hydro-distillation (HD) technique and its chemical composition was identified by GC/MS. Then, the hepatic treatment potential of extracted EO was evaluated in vivo against CCL4 in rats. HD of T. patula flowers yielded highly chemical constituents of EO along with significant antioxidant potential. A coherent molecular network was fashioned via the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) to visualize the essential components and revealed that the sesquiterpene (E)-ß-caryophyllene was the most predominant volatile constituent which accounted for 24.1%. The treatment of CCL4 led to significant induced oxidative stress markers malonaldehyde, total protein, and non-protein sulfhydryl, as well as elevated serum aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. In addition, it disrupted the level of lipid profile. The post-treatment using T. patula EO succeeded in relieving all toxic effects of CCl4 and recuperating the histopathological signs induced by CCL4. Silymarin was used as a standard hepatoprotective agent. The obtained results demonstrated that the extracted EO exerted high protective activities against the toxicity of CCL4. Moreover, the T. patula flowers EO can be used as a natural remedy to relieve many contemporary liver diseases related to oxidative stress.

Application of New Sources of Bioactive Substances (Perilla frutescens L. and Tagetes erecta L.) in the Chosen Cookies Production.

Today, one of the most important challenges of ensuring the society's health is the prevention of civilization diseases. Most of them are associated with an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the human body. Due to the need to increase the intake of antioxidants, opportunities are being studied to increase their consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of plant extracts of marigold (Tagetes erecta spp.) (MEx) and perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) (PEx) on selected qualitative properties of muffins. We studied the effects of the extracts in amounts of 1% (1), 3% (3), and 5% (5) on selected muffin characteristics, i.e., crust and crumb color, cooking yield, specific volume, and water activity, and changes in textural properties as well as sensory acceptance analysis. The level of crust lightness (L*) of muffins was lower than that of the control sample only for the samples with the PEx. For the crumb, the muffins with MEx and PEx were darker than the control sample. Fortification of muffins resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant capacity. The PEx_3 and PEx_5 samples were rated highest in the sensory acceptance evaluation. The other quality attributes were similar to the control sample, indicating the validity of introducing extracts in the muffin recipe.

An efficient process for the extraction of lutein and chemical characterization of other organic volatiles from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flower.

Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) petals are the primary industrial source of lutein, which is used as a colouring agent and nutrient supplement to foods. This research extracted marigold petals using different solvents, covering conventional and non-toxic green solvents. The oleoresin, free lutein, and recrystallized lutein yields varied from 8.47-16.67%, 2.56-9.62%, and 1.11-1.61%, respectively. The purity of lutein was achieved up to 92.57% and 97.64% in conventional and newly established green methods, respectively. The present study described an efficient green process to isolate lutein with significantly improved yield (2.56%) and purity (97.33%) over the conventional methods. Based on the results, 2-methyltetrahydrofurancould be a practical green alternative to the traditional toxic solvents for the processing of lutein. Further, the chemical analysis of the essential oil of the residual receptacles obtained after removing petals revealed the presence of important organic volatiles, including piperitone (54.7%) and piperitenone oxide (6.5%), indicating its usefulness for value-addition.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of the Essential Oil of Tagetes parryi A. Gray (Asteraceae) and Verbenone.

Tagetes parryi is a plant empirically used to treat gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, its essential oil (EOTP) was obtained from the aerial parts, and the composition was elucidated by GC-MS. The in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities and the antinociceptive activity of EOTP and (1S)-(-)-verbenone (VERB) were assessed. The major compounds identified for EOTP were verbenone (33.39%), dihydrotagetone (26.88%), and tagetone (20.8%). EOTP and VERB diminished the ear oedema induced with TPA by 93.77 % and 81.13 %, respectively. EOTP and VERB decreased inflammation in a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) chronic model with ED50 = 54.95 mg/kg and 45.24 mg/kg, respectively. EOTP (15 µg/mL) inhibited the in vitro production of the pro-inflammatory mediators NO (67.02%), TNF-α (69.21%), and IL-6 (58.44%) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In the acetic induced writhing test, EOTP and VERB showed antinociceptive effects with ED50 = 84.93 mg/kg and ED50 = 45.24 mg/kg, respectively. In phase 1 of the formalin test, EOTP and VERB showed no antinociceptive effects, whereas in phase 2, EOTP (ED50 = 35.45 mg/kg) and VERB (ED50 = 24.84 mg/kg) showed antinociceptive effects. The antinociceptive actions of ETOP and VERB were blocked with the co-administration of L-NAME. This study suggests that EOTP and VERB might be used in the treatment of pain and inflammatory problems.

Effect of Natural Antioxidants from Marigolds (Tagetes erecta L.) on the Oxidative Stability of Soybean Oil.

In recent years, synthetic antioxidants that are widely used in foods have been shown to cause detrimental health effects, and there has been growing interest in antioxidants realised from natural plant extracts. In this study, we investigate the potential effects of natural antioxidant components extracted from the forage plant marigold on the oxidative stability of soybean oil. First, HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to screen and identify potential antioxidant components in marigold. Four main antioxidant components were identified, including quercetagetin-7-O-glucoside (1), quercetagetin (2), quercetin (3) and patuletin (4). Among them, quercetagetin (QG) exhibited the highest content and the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity and effectively inhibited the production of oxidation products in soybean oil during accelerated oxidation, as indicated by reductions in the peroxide value (PV) and acid value (AV). Then, the fatty acids and volatile compounds of soybean oil were determined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). A total of 108 volatile components, including 16 alcohols, 23 aldehydes, 25 ketones, 4 acids, 15 esters, 18 hydrocarbons, and 7 other compounds, were identified. QG significantly reduced the content and number of aldehydes and ketones, whereas the formation of acids and hydrocarbons was completely prevented. In addition, the fatty acid analysis demonstrated that QG significantly inhibited oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Consequently, QG was identified as a potential, new natural antioxidant that is believed to be safe, effective and economical, and it may have potential for use in plant extracts feed additives.