Fermented pomegranate wastes as sustainable source of ellagic acid: Antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory action, and controlled release under simulated digestion conditions.

Wastes deriving from production of wines by yeast fermentation of Punica granatum (fermented pomegranate wastes, FPW) showed a marked antioxidant activity in a series of conventional chemical tests. HPLC/MS analysis of the methanol extract showed the presence of ellagic acid (EA) as the main phenolic component at levels up to 40% on a w/w basis. Experiments using murine macrophages showed that FPW extract is able to reduce the LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1ß, TNF-α and iNOS. A remarkable increase in the antioxidant properties and extractable EA content was observed following acid hydrolytic treatment of FPW. Under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, EA was slowly released from FPW up to 80% of the overall content over 2 h incubation at the slightly alkaline pHs simulating the small intestine environment, suggesting a potential of the material in nutraceuticals and other applications.

Conformation of the tridimensional structure of 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl-ß-D-glucopyranose (PGG) by (1)H NMR, NOESY and theoretical study and membrane interaction in a simulated phospholipid bilayer: a first insight.

1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucopyranose (PGG) is a polyphenolic compound found in substantial amounts in a number of medicinal herbs. We report (i) its conformational analysis by solution NMR and molecular dynamics calculation and (ii) theoretical study of its interaction with a model membrane bilayer. The galloyl groups B and E appear to play important roles in the interaction with the phospholipid bilayer.

Gold nanoparticles prepared using cape aloe active components.

A novel use of two components of Cape aloe, aloin A and aloesin, acting as stabilizers in the preparation of gold and silver nanoparticles, is reported. Stable water-soluble particles of different size and shape are prepared by varying the reaction conditions, temperature, reaction time, and reducing agents. Characterization of the obtained particles is performed using UV-visible, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), and 1H NMR spectroscopies and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The efficient cellular uptake of 50 nm sized aloin A and aloesin stabilized gold particles into macrophages and HeLa cells was investigated, proposing these particles as nanovehicles.

Kynurenic acid in honey from arboreal plants: MS and NMR evidence.

KYNA, a Trp metabolite, shows neuroprotective activity against excitotoxic amino acids by antagonizing the NMDA receptor (glycine, glutamate). Here we report the identification of KYNA by a combination of ESI-MS/MS and 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses in honey varieties of arboreal origin. KYNA are absent in single-flower honeys from herbal flowers. These different distribution patterns might possibly involve an indirect plant defence mechanism against fungal pathogens and herbivorous parasites, ever-present on wild trees. The presence of KYNA in honey may explain its pain-relieving effects reported in the literature. The substance, acting in concert with honey flavonoids (COX-2 inhibitors), by antagonizing the NMDA receptor may contribute to the antinociceptive effect of honey. Moreover, kynureninates, owing to their antimicrobial properties, can favour the successful outcome of wounds and burns.