Biochemical and Molecular Investigation of the Effect of Saponins and Terpenoids Derived from Leaves of Ilex aquifolium on Lipid Metabolism of Obese Zucker Rats.

Ilex paraguariensis, the holly tree, is a plant with recognized biological properties, whose aqueous infusions are known as "Yerba mate", that regulate lipid metabolism, reduce obesity, and improve brain stimulation. In the present study, the effect of standardized saponin and terpenoid fractions of a European taxon, Ilex aquifolium, on blood biochemical parameters in a rat model of metabolic disorder, (fa/fa) Zucker, are presented. The profiles of the volatile fractions of two species and six European varieties of Ilex were investigated. After selecting the best variety, the saponin and terpenoid fractions were isolated and standardized, and animals were fed 10 mg kg−1 b.w. for 8 weeks. A statistically significant decrease in liver adiposity was observed, confirmed by histology and quantitative identification (gas chromatography−mass spectrometry analyses of hepatic lipids. RT-qPCR analysis of gene expression in the aorta revealed that the administration of the terpenoid fraction downregulated LOX-1, suggesting a reduction in atherosclerotic stimuli. In addition, a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in PPARγ for the saponin fraction was observed in the liver. The expression of the ACAT-1 gene in the liver, responsible for the formation of cholesterol esters, increased significantly in the group receiving the terpenoid fraction compared to the control, which was also confirmed by the analysis of individual blood biochemical parameters. The opposite effect was observed for saponins. Taking the above into account, it is shown for the first time that Ilex aquifolium can be a source of compounds that positively influence lipid metabolism.

Systematic Investigation of the Effects of Seven Plant Extracts on the Physiological Parameters, Yield, and Nutritional Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus var. sativus).

The modern agricultural sector faces the challenge of addressing the needs of the fast-growing global population. This process should be both high-yielding and sustainable, without creating risks for the environment and human health. Therefore, natural products are gaining attention in the production of safe and nutritious food. In a systematic effort to develop affordable and effective biostimulants, we examined the impact of botanical extracts on the growth and physiological parameters of radish plants under field conditions. Ultrasound-assisted extraction, mechanical homogenization, and water were used for the production of potential plant-based biostimulants. Foliar applications of the bio-products, developed and used in our study, have led to an increase in the examined parameters (total yield, dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, vitamin C, nitrates, and micro- and macroelements). A decrease in the total phenolic compounds content was also noted, as well as a varied impact on the steam volatile compounds, fatty acids, sterol, and glucosinolates composition. The most beneficial effects on radish, in terms of physiological and biochemical properties, were found in groups treated with extracts based on the common dandelion, valerian, and giant goldenrod. This innovative approach presented in our study could provide a valuable tool for sustainable horticultural production.

Effect of Botanical Extracts on the Growth and Nutritional Quality of Field-Grown White Head Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata).

Nutraceuticals and functional foods are gaining more attention amongst consumers interested in nutritious food. The consumption of foodstuffs with a high content of phytochemicals has been proven to provide various health benefits. The application of biostimulants is a potential strategy to fortify cultivated plants with beneficial bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, it has not yet been established whether the proposed higher plants (St. John's wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, and valerian) are appropriate for the production of potential bio-products enhancing the nutritional value of white cabbage. Therefore, this research examines the impact of botanical extracts on the growth and nutritional quality of cabbage grown under field conditions. Two extraction methods were used for the production of water-based bio-products, namely: ultrasound-assisted extraction and mechanical homogenisation. Bio-products were applied as foliar sprays to evaluate their impact on total yield, dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, vitamin C, nitrates, micro- and macroelements, volatile compounds, fatty acids, sterols, and sugars. Botanical extracts showed different effects on the examined parameters. The best results in terms of physiological and biochemical properties of cabbage were obtained for extracts from common dandelion, valerian, nettle, and giant goldenrod. When enriched with nutrients, vegetables can constitute a valuable component of functional food.

Field-Scale Evaluation of Botanical Extracts Effect on the Yield, Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Celeriac (Apium graveolens L. Var. rapaceum).

The use of higher plants for the production of plant growth biostimulants is receiving increased attention among scientists, farmers, investors, consumers and regulators. The aim of the present study was to examine the possibility of converting plants commonly occurring in Europe (St. John's wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, valerian) into valuable and easy to use bio-products. The biostimulating activity of botanical extracts and their effect on the chemical composition of celeriac were identified. Plant-based extracts, obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and mechanical homogenisation, were tested in field trials. It was found that the obtained formulations increased the total yield of leaves rosettes and roots, the dry weight of leaves rosettes and roots, the content of chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids, the greenness index of leaves, the content of vitamin C in leaves and roots. They mostly decreased the content of polyphenols and antioxidant activities in leaves but increased them in roots and conversely affected the nitrates content. Extracts showed a varied impact on the content of micro and macroelements, as well as the composition of volatile compounds and fatty acids in the celeriac biomass. Due to the modulatory properties of the tested products, they may be used successfully in sustainable horticulture.

Metabolism, Ketosis Treatment and Milk Production after Using Glycerol in Dairy Cows: A Review.

The aim of this paper is to review and systematize the current state of knowledge on glycol metabolism in cattle. Glycerol, derived from biodiesel production, must be purified in order to be a useful product for feeding livestock. The use of glycerol in the feeding of ruminants can be justified for several reasons: (i) it is a source of energy in the ration, (ii) it is a glucogenic precursor, and (iii) it may have an effect on milk composition. The high energy value of glycerol provides the opportunity to use this raw material as a partial grain substitute in cattle feed rations. Dietary supplementation of glycerol is associated with increased propionate, butyrate, valerate, and isovalerate concentrations in the rumen. Glycerol can be used at up to 10%-15% of the dietary dry matter (DM) and is well-established as a treatment for ketosis in cows. Glycerol increases plasma glucose and may reduce non-esterified fatty acids and ß-hydroxybutyrate levels. The use of glycerol does not have a clear effect on DM intake, milk yield, or milk composition. However, some authors have reported an increase in milk yield after glycerol supplementation associated with decreased milk fat concentration. It is also possible that the concentration in the milk of odd-chain fatty acids and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid may increase after glycerol application.

Polish Propolis-Chemical Composition and Biological Effects in Tongue Cancer Cells and Macrophages.

The purpose of this study was to compare the chemical composition and biological properties of Polish propolis. Ethanol, ethanol-hexane, hexane and hexane-ethanol extracts of propolis from three different regions of Poland were prepared. On the basis of the evaluation of their chemical composition as well as the extraction yield and free radical scavenging activity, the ethanol and hexane-ethanol extractions were proposed as the most effective methods. Subsequently, the biological properties of the extracts were evaluated to investigate the selectivity of an anticancer effect on tongue cancer cells in comparison to normal gingival fibroblasts. The obtained products demonstrated anticancer activity against tongue cancer cells. Additionally, when the lowest extract concentration (100 µg/mL) was applied, they were not cytotoxic to gingival fibroblasts. Finally, a possible anti-inflammatory potential of the prepared products was revealed, as reduced mitochondrial activity and proliferation of macrophages exposed to the extracts were observed. The results obtained indicate a potential of Polish propolis as a natural product with cancer-selective toxicity and anti-inflammatory effect. However, further studies are still needed to thoroughly explain the molecular mechanisms of its action and to obtain the promising health benefits of this versatile natural product.