Biochemical and toxicity evaluation of Retama sphaerocarpa extracts and in-silico investigation of phenolic compounds as potential inhibitors against HPV16 E6 oncoprotein.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer which affects the cervix cells. The conventional treatments for cervical cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are only effective in premature stages and less effective in late stages of this tumor. Therefore, the therapeutic strategies based on biologically active substances from plants are needed to develop for the treatment of cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess in vivo toxicity, hematological and biochemical blood parameters in Wistar rats fed Retama sphaerocarpa aqueous leaf extract (RS-AE), as well as to perform in silico molecular docking studies and dynamic simulation of phenolic compounds against HPV16 oncoprotein E6 in order to identify potential inhibitors. RS-AE was found not to induce acute or sub-acute oral toxicity or significant alterations in hematological and biochemical blood parameters in Wistar rats. A total of 11 phenolic compounds were identified in RS-AE, including dihydrodaidzein glucuronide, chrysoperiol pentoside, genistin and vitexin, which turned out to have the highest binding affinity to HPV16 oncoprotein E6. Based on these results, these RS-AE phenolic compounds could be used as natural drugs against the HPV16 E6 oncoprotein.

Phenolic Compound, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and In Silico Studies of Extracts from the Aerial Parts of Lactuca saligna L.

Medicinal plants are considered a major source for discovering novel effective drugs. To our knowledge, no studies have reported the chemical composition and biological activities of Moroccan Lactuca saligna extracts. In this context, this study aims to characterize the polyphenolic compounds distributed in hydro-methanolic extracts of L. saligna and evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities; in addition, in silico analysis based on molecular docking and ADMET was performed to predict the antibacterial activity of the identified phenolic compounds. Our results showed the identification of 29 among 30 detected phenolic compounds with an abundance of dicaffeoyltartaric acid, luteolin 7-glucoronide, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 5-caffeoylquinic acid with 472.77, 224.30, 196.79, and 171.74 mg/kg of dried extract, respectively. Additionally, antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and ferrous ion-chelating (FIC) assay showed interesting antioxidant activity. Moreover, the results showed remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes with minimum inhibitory concentrations between 1.30 ± 0.31 and 10.41 ± 0.23 mg/mL. Furthermore, in silico analysis identified three compounds, including Apigenin 7-O-glucuronide, Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, and 3-p-Coumaroylquinic acid as potent candidates for developing new antibacterial agents with acceptable pharmacokinetic properties. Hence, L. saligna can be considered a source of phytochemical compounds with remarkable activities, while further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to explore the main biological activities of this plant.

Imperatorin from the aerial parts of Cleome viscosa L.: a characterization study and evaluation of the antibacterial activity.

Cleome viscosa L., a member of the family Cleomaceae, is a potential medicinal plant, known for several bioactive properties such as: anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing, etc. Our study aimed to isolate a bioactive compound and assess its antibacterial activity. The crystal compound imperatorin was isolated and reported for the first time from the aerial parts of C. viscosa. The isolation was made using silica gel (100-200 mesh) column chromatography. The structure of imperatorin was investigated through single-crystal XRD, unit cell molecules, FTIR, and ESI-MS spectral analysis. The results validated imperatorin's triclinic crystal structure and P2i/c distance group. The electronic structure was also calculated (4.28/6.21 D) along with the frontier molecular orbital, dipole moment, atomic charges, and electrostatic map of particles in gaseous stage and active site. Imperatorin showed highest activity at 40 µg/mL concentration against Gram + ve bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (3 ± 0.2 mm), Bacillus subtilis (3 ± 0.6 mm), and Gram -ve bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae (3 ± 0.2 mm), Escherichia coli (5 ± 0.2 mm). The study highlights that the compound can be isolated in larger quantities as the plant is easily available across the tropics.

Biofilm Inhibition of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton and Globularia alypum L. Extracts Against Candida Infectious Pathogens and In Vivo Action on Galleria mellonella Model.

The increasing importance of fungal infections has fueled the search for new beneficial alternatives substance from plant extracts. The current study investigates the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton and Globularia alypum (L.) leaves extracts against Candida both in vitro and in vivo. The inhibition of planktonic and sessile Candida albicans and Candida glabrata growth using both leaf extracts are evaluated. Moreover; an in vivo infection model using Galleria mellonella larvae; infected and treated with the extracts are performed. All extracts show fungicidal activity; with a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) ranging from 128 to 512 µg mL-1 against the two selected strains of Candida. In particular, the best results are obtained with methanolic extract of I. viscosa and G. alypum with an MFC value of 128 µg mL-1 . The extracts are capable to prevent 90% of biofilm development at minor concentrations ranging from 100.71 ± 2.49 µg mL-1 to 380.4 ± 0.92 µg mL-1 . In vivo, tests on Galleria mellonella larvae show that the extracts increase the survival of the larvae infected with Candida. The attained results reveal that I. viscosa and G. alypum extracts may be considered as new antifungal agents and biofilm inhibiting agents for the pharmaceutical and agro-food field.

Comparative Study on Phenolic Profile and Biological Activities of the Aerial Parts of Sinapis pubescens L. subsp. pubescens (Brassicaceae) Wild from Sicily (Italy).

This work aimed to investigate Sinapis pubescens subsp. pubescens spontaneously grown in Sicily (Italy) as new potential source of active metabolites; specifically, a comparative study on leaf, flower, and stem hydroalcoholic extracts was performed. Polyphenols were quantitatively determined by spectrophotometric methods and characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS; a total of 55 polyphenolic compounds were identified, highlighting considerably different qualitative-quantitative profiles. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, evaluated by in vitro assays; particularly, the leaf extract displayed the best radical scavenging activity (DPPH test) and reducing power, while the flower extract showed the greatest chelating activity. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts were investigated against bacteria and yeasts by standard methods; no antimicrobial activity was found against the strains tested. The extracts resulted to be non-toxic after preliminary toxicity evaluation by the Artemia salina lethality bioassay. The aerial parts of S. pubescens subsp. pubescens proved to be valuable sources of antioxidants for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Metabolomic profiling and antianginal activity of the bark of Sterculia setigera from Mali.

The present work focuses on the phytochemical characterization and evaluation of antianginal activity of the bark of Sterculia setigera. It was collected and authenticated in the African region of Mali, where the local population largely employs this plant for the treatment of several diseases. In the context of traditional or folk medicine and recent progresses in alternative medicine practices, it is essential to expand the knowledge about the chemical composition of such medicinal plants. In this research, a direct-Mass Spectrometry (MS) technique, known as Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (REIMS) was used for the identification of the main constituents of the Sterculia setigera bark. The REIMS source is here coupled with an electroknife as sampling device, so that the dried and pulverized bark was directly cut through the electroknife to generate a vapor, which was online transferred to the source via a Venture tube. In this way, an ambient MS approach was realized, which avoids any sample preparation procedure or pretreatment; the sample was analyzed in its native state according to a time-saving analytical process. A quadrupole-time of flight MS/MS analyzer was exploited for the identification process, based on mass accuracy data and MS/MS experiments for structure elucidation purposes. Lipids, including triterpenes, fatty acids, γ-sitosterol and α-tocopherol, and phenolic compounds were identified, some of them reported for the first time in a plant of the Sterculia genus and further confirmed through a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The obtained metabolomic profile was successfully correlated to the antianginal activity of this plant.

Chemical Profile, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity of a Phenolic-Rich Fraction from the Leaves of Brassica fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa (Brassicaceae) Growing Wild in Sicily (Italy).

Recently, our research team has started a study on Brassica fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa, an edible plant traditionally used to treat various ailments, little investigated to date. Good in vitro antioxidant properties were highlighted for the leaf hydroalcoholic extract, with the secondary higher than the primary ones. In continuation of the ongoing research, this work was designed to elucidate the antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds contained in the extract. For this purpose, a phenolic-rich ethyl acetate fraction (Bff-EAF) was obtained from the crude extract by liquid-liquid extraction. The phenolic composition was characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS analysis and the antioxidant potential was investigated by different in vitro methods. Furthermore, the cytotoxic properties were evaluated by MTT, LDH and ROS determinations on human colorectal epithelial adenocarcinoma cells (CaCo-2) and human normal fibroblasts (HFF-1). Twenty phenolic compounds (flavonoid and phenolic acid derivatives) were identified in Bff-EAF. The fraction exhibited good radical scavenging activity in the DPPH test (IC50 = 0.81 ± 0.02 mg/mL), and moderate reducing power (ASE/mL = 13.10 ± 0.94) and chelating properties (IC50 = 2.27 ± 0.18 mg/mL), contrary to what previously observed for the crude extract. Bff-EAF reduced in a dose-dependent manner CaCo-2 cell proliferation after 72 h of treatment. This effect was accompanied by the destabilization of the cellular redox state due to the antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities displayed by the fraction at lower and higher concentrations. No cytotoxic effect was observed on HFF-1 fibroblasts, used as control cell line.

Phytochemical profile and antioxidant capacity, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Oxalis pes-caprae extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

Diabetes and its complications are closely correlated with chronic hyperglycemia, causing severe oxidative stress and leading to glycation reaction with formation of advanced glycation end products. However, medicinal plants are still a source of inspiration for the discovery of new treatments of several diseases, including diabetes. The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Oxalis pes-caprae flowers extract in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The phytochemical and antioxidant activities of both aqueous and methanolic extracts were assessed by in-vitro testing such as free radical scavenging assays (DPPH and ABTS+), ferrous ions (Fe2+) chelating activity and reducing power assay. Additionally, the detection of Amadori products and advanced glycation end products was used to determine the antiglycation potential. α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory assessment was employed to determine the antidiabetic effect, while alloxan-induced diabetic mice were used to measure the in-vivo activities of antioxidants and carbohydrates enzymes. The effect of the methanolic extract on body weight and blood glucose level of extract-treated diabetic mice were also investigated. Among the tested extract, the methanolic extract was the richest in phenolic compounds which is directly related with their remarkable antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and antiglycation activity. The oral administration of the two doses of Oxalis pes-caprae flowers (150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) daily for 3 weeks resulted in hypoglycemic effect compared to the reference drug, glibenclamide (10 mg/kg). Furthermore, the extract was shown to significantly increase the activities of antioxidants and glycolysis enzymes in the liver, kidney and spleen of diabetic mice, compared to diabetic control group. Therefore, Oxalis pes-caprae extract effectively exhibited hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects as indicated by in-vitro and in-vivo studies, confirming the protective effects on hyperglycemia and oxidative damage.

Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extracts of Cuminum cyminum L. seeds along with the evaluation of antidiabetic properties by molecular docking approach.

In this contribution, ethanolic extracts of Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) seeds were evaluated in terms of phytochemical content, total phenol and flavonoid contents. As far as the analytical techniques are concerned, UV-Vis, FTIR, HPLC, NMR (1H and 13C) and ESI-MS were performed. The binding capacity of five different antidiabetic enzymes was tested by in silico molecular docking studies. The HPLC, UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR and ESI-MS data highlighted the presence of seven biologically active molecules e.g. α-pinene, ß-pinene, Δ3-carene, ρ-cymene, α-terpineol, cuminaldehyde and linalool. The results coming from the in silico molecular docking studies showed that such phytochemicals present in the cumin seed extracts play an important role in the activity of key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, C. cyminum is proven to be useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its major secondary complications.

Evaluation of Different Extraction Methods on the Phenolic Profile and the Antioxidant Potential of Ceratonia siliqua L. Pods Extracts.

The present work was designed to investigate the effects of different extraction processes, namely ultrasonic-assisted, supercritical fluid, microwave-assisted and Soxhlet applied to carob pods. The total phenolic quantification and the antioxidant activity were assessed by the means of rapid in vitro spectrophotometric assays; the phenolic profile was identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The results revealed that the phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity varied significantly with the nature of the extraction process. The content of total phenolic compounds ranged from 11.55 to 34.38 mg GAE/g DW; the content of total flavonoids varied from 3.50 to 10.53 mg QE/g DW, and the content of condensed tannins fluctuated from 3.30 to 6.55 mg CE/ g DW. All extracts performed differently on antioxidant activity when determined by the DPPH assay producing a dose-dependent response, with IC50 extended from 11.33 to 6.07 µg/mL. HPLC analysis enabled the identification of nine compounds. As a function of the studied extraction methods, the phenolic compound contents were positively correlated with antioxidant activity.

Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review.

Spirulina is a kind of blue-green algae (BGA) that is multicellular, filamentous, and prokaryotic. It is also known as a cyanobacterium. It is classified within the phylum known as blue-green algae. Despite the fact that it includes a high concentration of nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids-in particular, the necessary omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids-the percentage of total fat and cholesterol that can be found in these algae is substantially lower when compared to other food sources. This is the case even if the percentage of total fat that can be found in these algae is also significantly lower. In addition to this, spirulina has a high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as phenols, phycocyanin pigment, and polysaccharides, which all take part in a number of biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. As a result of this, spirulina has found its way into the formulation of a great number of medicinal foods, functional foods, and nutritional supplements. Therefore, this article makes an effort to shed light on spirulina, its nutritional value as a result of its chemical composition, and its applications to some food product formulations, such as dairy products, snacks, cookies, and pasta, that are necessary at an industrial level in the food industry all over the world. In addition, this article supports the idea of incorporating it into the food sector, both from a nutritional and health perspective, as it offers numerous advantages.

Determination of the Phenolic Profile, and Evaluation of Biological Activities of Hydroethanolic Extract from Aerial Parts of Origanum compactum from Morocco.

Origanum compactum belonging to the family Lamiaceae is widely used in food and pharmaceutical fields due to its biologically active substances. We aimed to investigate the total phenol and flavonoid contents and the phenolic composition, and to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of hydroethanolic extract from of Origanum compactum. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were evaluated using gallic acid and quercetin as standards, respectively, and the phenolic profile was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS). The antioxidant activity was determined by two methods: ferric reducing power (FRAP) assay and the phosphomolybdate method. The antibacterial effect was evaluated against four bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) using the broth microdilution method. The findings show that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 107.789 ± 5.39 mg GAE/g dm and 14,977 ± 0.79 mg QE/g dm, respectively. A total of sixteen phenolic compounds belonging to phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected. Furthermore, the extract showed strong antioxidant activity, and displayed a bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimuriumn, and a bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Therefore, this study reveals that Origanum compactum extracts display potential as antibacterial and natural antioxidant agents for fighting against pathogenic bacteria and preventing oxidative stress.

Phytochemical profile, in vivo anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of the aqueous extract from aerial parts of Cistus ladanifer L.

Cistus ladanifer L. is a Mediterranean shrub, well recognized for its many pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile, the in vivo anti-inflammatory and the wound healing activities of the aqueous extract from its aerial parts (AECL). The in vivo anti-inflammatory and the wound healing properties were evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema (CAECL) and burn wound in rats, respectively. The results showed that six compounds belonging to flavonoids and tannins were identified in the AECL extract. Moreover, the AECL administrated orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly reduced edema with a percentage of 72 % in terms of inflammation inhibition, using indomethacin as reference drug. On the other hand, when administrated topically, both doses of CAECL cream (5 % and 10 %) manifested a significant anti-inflammatory action using diclofenac as reference drug with a percentage reduction of inflammation that reached 85 % (CAECL-10). As far as wound healing is concerned, the CAECL showed higher effect at a dose of 10 % (CAECL-10) producing a wound contraction of 96 %, similar to that of the reference drug. The findings of the present study indicate that the aqueous extract from aerial parts of Cistus ladanifer L. display strongly anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects to be advantageously used for medical purposes.

Optimized Green Extraction of Polyphenols from Cassia javanica L. Petals for Their Application in Sunflower Oil: Anticancer and Antioxidant Properties.

The total phenolic content (TPC) from Cassia javanica L. petals were extracted using ethanolic solvent extraction at concentrations ranging from 0 to 90% and an SCF-CO2 co-solvent at various pressures. Ultrasound-assisted extraction parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Antioxidant and anticancer properties of total phenols were assessed. An SCF-CO2 co-solvent extract was nano-encapsulated and applied to sunflower oil without the addition of an antioxidant. The results indicated that the best treatment for retaining TPC and total flavonoids content (TFC) was SCF-CO2 co-solvent followed by the ultrasound and ethanolic extraction procedures. Additionally, the best antioxidant activity by ß-carotene/linoleic acid and DPPH free radical-scavenging test systems was observed by SCF-CO2 co-solvent then ultrasound and ethanolic extraction methods. SCF-CO2 co-solvent recorded the highest inhibition % for PC3 (76.20%) and MCF7 (98.70%) and the lowest IC50 value for PC3 (145 µ/mL) and MCF7 (96 µ/mL). It was discovered that fortifying sunflower oil with SCF-CO2 co-solvent nanoparticles had a beneficial effect on free fatty acids and peroxide levels. The SCF-CO2 method was finally found to be superior and could be used in large-scale processing.

Determination of the Phenolic Profile by Liquid Chromatography, Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Toxicity of Moroccan Erica multiflora, Erica scoparia, and Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae).

This study aimed to investigate the phenolic profile and selected biological activities of the leaf and aerial extracts of three Ericaceae species, namely Erica multiflora, Erica scoparia, and Calluna vulgaris, collected from three different places in the north of Morocco. The phenolic composition of all extracts was determined by LC coupled with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection. Among the investigated extracts, that of E. scoparia aerial parts was the richest one, with a total amount of polyphenols of 9528.93 mg/kg. Up to 59 phenolic compounds were detected: 52 were positively identified and 49 quantified-11 in C. vulgaris, 14 in E. multiflora, and 24 in E. scoparia. In terms of chemical classes, nine were phenolic acids and 43 were flavonoids, and among them, the majority belonged to the class of flavonols. The antioxidant activity of all extracts was investigated by three different in vitro methods, namely DPPH, reducing power, and Fe2+ chelating assays; E. scoparia aerial part extract was the most active, with an IC50 of 0.142 ± 0.014 mg/mL (DPPH test) and 1.898 ± 0.056 ASE/mL (reducing power assay). Further, all extracts were non-toxic against Artemia salina, thus indicating their potential safety. The findings attained in this work for such Moroccan Ericaceae species, never investigated so far, bring novelty to the field and show them to be valuable sources of phenolic compounds with interesting primary antioxidant properties.

Phenolic Content and in Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and antimicrobial Evaluation of Algerian Ruta graveolens L.

Plants constitute a valuable source of natural antioxidants such as polyphenols and are responsible for exhibiting many biologically significant functions. Ruta species including Ruta chalepensis L. and Ruta graveolens L. are widespread species in Algeria and are used as medicinal plants to treat various diseases; however, so far, most of the conducted studies focused on analyzing alkaloids and essential oils mostly on R. chalepensis. The aim of the present research is to investigate the phenolic profile of the aerial parts of Ruta graveolens L. from Algeria and assess its in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The total polyphenols and flavonoids were assessed using colorimetric methods, and the individual polyphenols were identified and quantified using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated with DPPH and ß-carotene tests, and the anti-inflammatory activity with inhibition of bovine serum albumin denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization methods. The results showed that Ruta graveolens extract is rich in phenolic compounds with a total phenol and flavonoid contents of 41.63±0.394 mg GAE/gE and 13.97±0.33 mg EQ/gE, respectively. Nine phenolic compounds were determined, including three phenolic acids and six flavonoids. Rutin was the major phenolic compound in Ruta graveolens (464.95 µg/g), followed by syringic acid (179.74 µg/g), and naringenin (109.78 µg/g). R. graveolens phenolic extract also showed good antioxidant activity with values of 0.77 mM TE/g DW and 0.37 mM ß-CE/g DW with DPPH and ß-carotene tests, respectively. For the anti-inflammatory activity, the highest tested concentration (200 µg/mL) gave 50.61 % of inhibition of the denaturation of albumin and 44.12 % of membrane stabilization. With regards to antimicrobial results, Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive bacteria with an inhibition zone of 14.37 mm and MIC value of 0.625 mg/mL, followed by Listeria monocytogenes (11.75 mm and MIC=1.25 mg/mL), and Escherichia coli (10.25 mm and MIC=1.25 mg/mL).

Determination of the polyphenolic content of Ammodaucus leucotrichus Cosson and Durieu by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and evaluation of the antioxidant and antiglycation properties.

Ammodaucus leucotrichus Cosson and Durieu, known as Sahara cumin, is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family with a very strong smell of anise growing in the maritime sands in the countries of North Africa. The present work aims to study the polyphenolic profile of its seeds hydroalcoholic extract along with the determination of the antioxidant and antiglycation properties. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of 16 compounds, out of which 15 have been detected in this extract for the first time. Luteolin-glucoside turned out to be the most abundant one (281.32 ± 0.34 mg/kg), followed by apigenin-hexoside (235.06 ± 0.29 mg/kg) and luteolin (202.41 ± 0.40 mg/kg). In terms of antioxidant activity, a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value as high as 0.39 ± 0.003 mg AAE/ml (w/v) was attained. Further, the antiglycation activity was determined to yield interesting results: at a concentration of 1.5 mg/ml, the extract showed an antiglycation activity (%I) of 61.86 compared to metformin as a positive control (%I = 84.01); on the other hand, increasing the concentration to 10 mg/ml, the inhibition activity switched to advanced glycation end products formation activation (%I = 41.71).

Phenolic and Volatile Composition and Antioxidant Properties of the Leaf Extract of Brassica fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa (Brassicaceae) Growing Wild in Sicily (Italy).

In continuation of research conducted on species of the spontaneous flora of Sicily (Italy) belonging to the Brassicaceae family, Brassica fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa was selected. It is an edible species utilized in Sicilian traditional medicine. In this study, for the first time, the phenolic and the volatile compounds and the antioxidant properties of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of B. fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa were characterized. Through HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS analysis, a total of 22 polyphenolic compounds (20 flavonoids and 2 phenolic acids) were identified, with 3-hydroxiferuloylsophoroside-7-O-glucoside (1.30 mg/g ± 0.01) and kaempferol-3-O-feruloylsophoroside-7-O-glucoside (1.28 mg/g ± 0.01) as the most abundant compounds. Through SPME-GC/MS several volatiles belonging to different chemical classes were characterized, with nitriles and aldehydes accounting for more than 54% of the whole volatile fraction. The extract of B. fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa showed moderate activity in the DPPH assay (IC50 = 1.65 ± 0.08 mg/mL), weak reducing power (17.47 ± 0.65 ASE/mL), and good chelating properties (IC50 = 0.38 ± 0.02 mg/mL), reaching approximately 90% activity at the highest tested concentration. Lastly, the extract was non-toxic against Artemia salina, indicating its potential safety. According to the findings, it can be stated that B. fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa represents a new valuable source of bioactive compounds.

Dittrichia viscosa L. Leaves: A Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds with Multiple Pharmacological Effects.

This work focused on the leaves of Dittrichia viscosa, a plant used in Mediterranean folk medicine. Compared to water extract, the methanolic extract had higher antioxidant effects. Moreover, this extract showed potent in vitro inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase and showed an interesting antiglycation effect. Additionally, the evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extract against two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468, was very promising, with no cytotoxicity towards normal cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The antibacterial effect was also assessed and showed potent inhibitory activity against Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus subtilis. On the other hand, Dittrichia viscosa leaves were rich in macro-elements containing appropriate micro-elements and high levels of phenolics and flavonoids such as caffeic acid derivatives. Taken together, the results obtained in this study indicate that Dittrichia viscosa could constitute a valuable source of bioactive molecules and could be used either on the preventive side or for therapeutic applications without toxicity.

Phenolic compounds, in vivo anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the aqueous extracts from fresh and dry aerial parts of Brocchia cinerea (Vis.).

Aerial parts of Brocchia cinerea (Vis.) (Asteraceae family) are traditionally used for the treatment of pain, fever and inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the phenolic profile, the acute oral toxicity, and anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the aqueous extracts from fresh (FBC) and dry (DBC) aerial parts of Brocchia cinerea (Vis.). Phenolic profile from FBC and DBC was characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic of both FBC and DBC were evaluated by carrageenan induced paw edema, acetic acid induced writhing and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in Wistar rats, respectively. The results achieved showed that thirteen phenolic compounds were detected in the aqueous extracts obtained from the aerial parts of FBC and DBC, highlighting a quite different quantitative profile. The FBC and DBC administrated orally at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly reduced edema, after 2 h of the injection of carrageenan (p < 0.001) with a percentage inhibition of 47.73% and 50.01% respectively. On the other hand the rats treated with DBC at the same dose significantly lowered the writhing induced by the injection of acetic acid (18.52 ± 0.38) with respect to the ones treated with FBC (20.47 ± 0.92). Moreover, a significant reduction in rectal temperature was observed in rats treated with FBC/DBC and at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Furthermore, no acute toxicity symptoms were observed on oral administration of all doses of both FBC and DBC in Wistar rats. The results of the present study indicate that the aerial part of Brocchia cinerea extracts exhibit strongly anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties and they can be potentially used in the treatment of inflammation, pain and fever.