Phytochemicals, Health-Promoting Effects, and Enzyme Inhibition Traits of Phlomis stewartii Extracts.

Phlomis stewartii is a wild, perennial woody plant used for diverse therapeutic targets. The present work evaluated the influence of independent variables such as extraction time, solvent concentration, and speed in the range of (100 mL, 150 mL, and 200 mL), (2 h, 5 h, and 8 h), and (100 rpm, 150 rpm, and 200 rpm), respectively, on extraction yields, phytochemical components, total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of P. stewartii extract. In the present work, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the extraction yield. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to detect the bioactive constituents of the extracts. The potent extracts were analyzed to study α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Under the optimized conditions of solvent concentration (200 mL), extraction time (8 h), and speed (150 rpm), the whole plant methanol extract (WPME) showed a maximum extraction yield of 13.5%, while the leaves methanol extract (LME) showed a maximum TPC of 19.5 ± 44 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of extract and a maximum TFC of 4.78 ± 0.34 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE) per gram of extract. HPLC analysis showed the presence of p-coumaric, gallic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, sinapic acid, and vanillic acid. LME showed the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 46.86 ± 0.21 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 45.81 ± 0.17 µg/mL). Therefore, in conclusion, LME could be considered to fix the α-amylase and α-glucosidase-mediated disorders in the human body to develop herbal phytomedicine.

Hazardous waste management (Buxus papillosa) investment for the prosperity of environment and circular economy: Response surface methodology-based simulation.

Dealing with the current defaults of environmental toxicity, heating, waste management, and economic crises, exploration of novel non-edible, toxic, and waste feedstock for renewable biodiesel synthesis is the need of the hour. The present study is concerned with Buxus papillosa with seeds oil concentration (45% w/w), a promising biodiesel feedstock encountering environmental defaults and waste management; in addition, this research performed simulation based-response surface methodology (RSM) for Buxus papillosa bio-diesel. Synthesis and application of novel Phyto-nanocatalyst bimetallic oxide with Buxus papillosa fruit capsule aqueous extract was advantageous during transesterification. Characterization of sodium/potassium oxide Phyto-nanocatalyst confirmed 23.5 nm nano-size and enhanced catalytic activity. Other characterizing tools are FTIR, DRS, XRD, Zeta potential, SEM, and EDX. Methyl ester formation was authenticated by FTIR, GC-MS, and NMR. A maximum 97% yield was obtained at optimized conditions i.e., methanol ratio to oil (8:1), catalyst amount (0.37 wt%), reaction duration (180 min), and temperature of 80 °C. The reusability of novel sodium/potassium oxide was checked for six reactions. Buxus papillosa fuel properties were within the international restrictions of fuel. The sulphur content of 0.00090% signified the environmental remedial nature of Buxus papillosa methyl esters and it is a highly recommendable species for biodiesel production at large scale due to a t huge number of seeds production and vast distribution.

Membrane-processed honey samples for pollen characterization with health benefits.

Better processing techniques must be utilized widely due to the rising demand for honey. The most common honey processing techniques are applied to melissopalynomorphs to check the quality and quantity of valuable honey using microporous ultrafiltration membranes. It is essential to have the ability to selectively filter out sugars from honey using ultrafiltration. This study authenticated 24 honey samples using membrane reactors ultrafiltration protocol to describe the pollen spectrum of dominant vegetation. The purpose of this study was also to explore nutritional benefits as well as the active phytochemical constituents of honey samples. Honey samples were collected and labeled Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Ziziphus species based on plant resources provided by local beekeepers. A variety of honeybee flora was collected around the apiaries between 2020 and 2021. Honey analysis revealed that the pollen extraction of 24 bee foraging species belonging to 14 families. The honey membrane technology verified the identities of honey and nectar sources. Also, pollen identified using honey ultrafiltration membranes revealed dominant resources: Acacia spp. (69%), Eucalyptus spp. (52%) and Ziziphus spp. Honey filtration using a membrane technology classified 14 samples as unifloral, represented by six dominant pollen types. The absolute pollen count in the honey sample revealed that 58.33% (n = 14) belong to Maurizio's class I. Scanning ultrasculpturing showed diverse exine patterns: reticulate, psilate, scabrate-verrucate, scabrate-gemmate, granulate, perforate, microechinate, microreticulate, and regulate to fossulate for correct identification of honey pollen types. Honey ultrafiltration should be utilized to validate the botanical sources of honey and trace their biogeographic authenticity. Thus, it is imperative to look at the alternative useful method to identify the botanical origin of filtered honey. It is critical to separate honey from adulteration by a standardized protocol. Membrane technology has yielded significant outcomes in the purification of honey.

Topiramate potential neurotoxicity and mitigating role of ginger oil in mice brain.

Topiramate has multiple pharmacological mechanisms that are efficient in treating epilepsy and migraine. Ginger has been established to have gingerols and shogaols that cause migraine relief. Moreover, Topiramate has many off-label uses. Thus, it was necessary to explore the possible neurotoxicity of Topiramate and the role of ginger oil in attenuating the Topiramate neurotoxicity. Male albino mice were orally gavaged with Topiramate, ginger oil (400 mg/kg), and Topiramate plus ginger oil with the same pattern for 28 days. Oxidative stress markers, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were examined. Histopathological examination, immunohistochemical glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Bax expression analysis were detected. The GABAAR subunits, Gabra1, Gabra3, and Gabra5 expression, were assessed by RT-qPCR. The investigation showed that Topiramate raised oxidative stress markers levels, neurotransmitters, TNF-α, and diminished glutathione (GSH). In addition, Topiramate exhibited various neuropathological alterations, strong Bax, and GFAP immune-reactivity in the cerebral cortex. At the same time, the results indicated that ginger oil had no neurotoxicity. The effect of Topiramate plus ginger oil alleviated the changes induced by Topiramate in the tested parameters. Both Topiramate and ginger oil upregulated the mRNA expression of gabra1 and gabra3, while their interaction markedly downregulated them. Therefore, it could be concluded that the Topiramate overdose could cause neurotoxicity, but the interaction with ginger oil may reduce Topiramate-induced neurotoxicity and should be taken in parallel.

Effect of Light on the Oxidative Stability and Phthalate Levels of Black Cumin Oil-Corn Oil Blends in Plastic and Glass Bottling.

Black cumin oil (BC) contains certain phytochemicals, including phenolics, tocopherols, and sterols, which show strong oxidation stability. In this study, BC was blended with refined corn oil (CO) at two concentrations (5% and 10%, w/w) and stored in plastic and glass bottles under light and dark conditions. Under light-storage conditions, blended oils in plastic bottles showed lower peroxide value (PV) and conjugated diene value (CD) compared to the control sample than dark-storage. It was also aimed to examine the phthalate levels in oil samples and evaluate the products' safety. Five main phthalates, namely di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl-benzylphthalate (BBP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), were evaluated. In dark and light storage conditions, the phthalate level was determined below the LOQ value in CO without added BCO in the plastic and glass bottles. In the plastic-packaged blended samples, DEHP was determined above the LOQ value in dark storage, while BBP was detected in addition to DEHP in the samples stored under the light. On the other hand, phthalate values were determined below the LOQ value in all samples stored in glass packages under the light. DEHP was the most abundant phthalate in plastic-packaged blended oils under light storage, ranging from below the LOQ (0.23 mg/kg) to 0.83 mg/kg. Based on the present findings, BC improved the stability of CO under light storage, and the phthalate levels of blended oils did not exceed the specific migration limits (SMLs) for each phthalate.

Micro-morphological diversity of pollen among Asteraceous taxa from Potohar Plateau-Pakistan.

Microscopic pollen characters from 19 species of family Asteraceae collected from different areas of the Potohar Plateau of Pakistan have been investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. This study uses microscopic techniques to provide detailed information on pollen and its exine structure based on qualitative and quantitative characters. The present study has observed three types of pollen grains based on their apertures, that is, trizonocolporate, tetrazonocolporate, and tricolporate. Exine sculpturing is echinate in all studied taxa. Some species also exhibit Lacunae which differ in their shape and sizes. The size of the spines and the number of spines between the colpi play a vital role in differentiating the species of the same genus. Pollen fertility ranges from 94.3 to 74.19, showing that these species are well established in the study area. For the correct identification of species, a light and scanning electron microscopy was used that provides sufficient information for a taxonomist to distinguish species taxonomically. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Light and Scanning electron microscope is comparatively used to investigate the pollen characters of some species of the family Asteraceae. A scanning electron microscopy is used to study the micro-morphological characters of pollen grains. Qualitative and quantitative characters of pollen were studied.

Hepatoprotective Screening of Seriphidium kurramense (Qazilb.) Y.R. Ling.

Investigation on medicinal plants' therapeutic potential has gained substantial importance in the discovery of novel effective and safe therapeutic agents. The present study is aimed at investigating the hepatoprotective potential of Seriphidium kurramense methanolic extract (SKM) against carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. S. kurramense is one of the most imperative plants for its various pharmacological activities. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective potential against CCl4-induced liver toxicity. The serum samples were analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) together with the oxidative stress mediator levels as nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as peroxidation and H2O2 activity. CCl4 administration resulted in an elevated free radical generation, altered liver marker (AST and ALT) enzymes, reduced antioxidant enzyme, and increased DNA damage. Methanolic extract of S. kurramense decreased CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity by increasing the antioxidant status and reducing H2O2 and nitrate content generation as well as reducing DNA damage. Additionally, SKM reversed the morphological alterations induced by CCl4 in the SKM-treated groups. These results demonstrated that SKM displayed hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in experimental rats.

Advances in Research on Food Bioactive Molecules and Health.

Fresh and processed food products are rich in bioactive molecules, including polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, peptides, antioxidants, phenolics, phytosterols, and novel lipids. Bioactive molecules in food could prevent several diseases (i.e., metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc.). Thus, consumer awareness is growing about the health-promoting impact of food bioactive molecules. Health claims are essential added-value features, wherein health-enhancing potential of bioactives depend on their chemical structure. On the other hand, the investigation of the structure-function relationship of food bioactive molecules is of importance. In this regard, Molecules is delighted to highlight the importance of food bioactive molecules and their effect on health. In this Special Issue of Molecules, researchers are invited to contribute original research and up-to-date reviews.

Fruit Wastes as a Valuable Source of Value-Added Compounds: A Collaborative Perspective.

The by-products/wastes from agro-food and in particular the fruit industry represents from one side an issue since they cannot be disposed as such for their impact on the environment but they need to be treated as a waste. However, on the other side, they are a source of bioactive healthy useful compounds which can be recovered and be the starting material for other products in the view of sustainability and a circular economy addressing the global goal of "zero waste" in the environment. An updated view of the state of art of the research on fruit wastes is here given under this perspective. The topic is defined as follows: (i) literature quantitative analysis of fruit waste/by-products, with particular regards to linkage with health; (ii) an updated view of conventional and innovative extraction procedures; (iii) high-value added compounds obtained from fruit waste and associated biological properties; (iv) fruit wastes presence and relevance in updated databases. Nowadays, the investigation of the main components and related bioactivities of fruit wastes is being continuously explored throughout integrated and multidisciplinary approaches towards the exploitation of emerging fields of application which may allow to create economic, environmental, and social value in the design of an eco-friendly approach of the fruit wastes.

Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A Using Salvia farinacea and Azadirachta indica Water Extract and Application in Meat Products.

Seventy-five samples of selected meat products, including luncheon, beef burger, sausage, basterma, and kofta, were collected from Alexandria and New Borg El-Arab cities (Egypt). The samples were subjected to mycological examination as well as for detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) residues. Besides, the study evaluated the effect of aqueous leaf extracts from mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea) and neem (Azadirachta indica), individually and in combination, on the growth of human pathogens Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus producing AFB1, as well as Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger which produce OTA. The obtained results revealed that sausage samples had the highest mould count with a mean value of 13.20×102/g, followed by basterma samples 12.05×102/g, then beef burger 7.39×102/g. In contrast, luncheon and kofta samples had the lowest count with a mean value of 5.51×102/g and 2.82×102/g. The findings revealed the antifungal potential of tested extracts. The total inhibition of A. parasitcus and A. niger growth was observed at 2 mg/mL of the combined extract. Salvia farinacea extract had the highest total phenolic content and total flavonoid content with a value of 174.1 and 52.6 mg g-1, respectively. Rutin was the major phenolic component in neem and combined extracts, accounting for 19123 and 8882 µg/g, respectively. Besides, the study investigated detoxification of AFB1 and OTA using combined extract in albino rats. The results confirmed the convenient and safe use of Salvia farinacea and Azadirachta indica extract and their combination as natural antifungal and antioxidant agents. The combined extract could be used as a natural preservative in food processing to control or prevent contamination.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) leaf extract suppresses hepatotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate and acrylamide through obstructing apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest.

A large number of plant extracts have demonstrated to provide health benefits and mitigate several disease conditions. However, at the molecular and cellular levels, few studies have been conducted. The present work was designed to study the effect of Myrtus communis leaf extract (ME) (300 mg/kg bw) against hepatotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) (100 mg/kg bw), and acrylamide (ACR) (20 mg/kg bw) in male rats and determining its molecular and cellular mechanisms. The data showed that the treatment with MSG and/or ACR induced significant changes in numerous biomarkers (Bcl-2 and the programmed cell death protein-1) related to liver damage, as recorded by genotoxicity, apoptosis, and histopathological changes. On the other side, the oral administration of ME (300 mg/kg bw) improved the hepatic conditions as confirmed by the improvement in cell viability, programmed cell death, and histopathological alterations. It can be concluded that the consumption of ME might be useful for minimizing the occurred hepatotoxicity through up-regulation of the key apoptotic regulators as well as the improvement of DNA content and cell cycle restoration. Graphical abstract.

Evaluation of growth and nutritional value of Brassica microgreens grown under red, blue and green LEDs combinations.

Microgreens are rich functional crops with valuable nutritional elements that have health benefits when used as food supplements. Growth characterization, nutritional composition profile of 21 varieties representing five species of the Brassica genus as microgreens were assessed under light-emitting diodes (LEDs) conditions. Microgreens were grown under four different LEDs ratios (%); red:blue 80:20 and 20:80 (R80 :B20 and R20 :B80 ), or red:green:blue 70:10:20 and 20:10:70 (R70 :G10 :B20 and R20 :G10 :B70 ). Results indicated that supplemental lighting with green LEDs (R70 :G10 :B20 ) enhanced vegetative growth and morphology, while blue LEDs (R20 :B80 ) increased the mineral and vitamin contents. Interestingly, by linking the nutritional content with the growth yield to define the optimal LEDs setup, we found that the best lighting to promote the microgreen growth was the green LEDs combination (R70 :G10 :B20 ). Remarkably, under the green LEDs combination (R70 :G10 :B20 ) conditions, the microgreens of Kohlrabi purple, Cabbage red, Broccoli, Kale Tucsan, Komatsuna red, Tatsoi and Cabbage green, which can benefit human health in conditions with limited food, had the highest growth and nutritional content.

Immunomodulatory effect of papaya (Carica papaya) pulp and seed extracts as a potential natural treatment for bacterial stress.

The current study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of Carica papaya pulp and seeds methanol (MeOH) extracts on mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 10 active constituents in C. papaya seed MeOH extract and 10 compounds in C. papaya pulp MeOH extract. The experimental animals were divided into negative control (G1) group, positive control (G2) group, pulp extract treated (G3) group, and seed extract treated (G4) group. After infection of animals (G2, G3, and G4), treatments were started for 3 weeks. Estimation of the immunological parameters showed a marked decrease in IgM levels and an increase in IgG levels in the treated groups (G3 and G4) compared with those in G2. The proinflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-12, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TGF-ß1) were decreased in the treated groups (G3 and G4) compared with those in G2. Nitric oxide levels were also decreased, and the percentages of phagocytosis increased compared with those of G2. The results demonstrated the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of C. papaya pulp and seeds MeOH extracts. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Based on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities exhibited by the pulp and seed MeOH extracts investigated in this study, Carica papaya might be considered as a natural source of phytochemicals that could be utilized in novel foods and pharmaceuticals. Further investigation are needed to identify and purify compounds that might be responsible for the observed effects.

Inhibitory effect of black tea (Camellia sinensis) theaflavins and thearubigins against HCT 116 colon cancer cells and HT 460 lung cancer cells.

Recently, phytochemical-based dietary intervention has gained attention as a preventive and curative strategy against cancers owing to their safety, better tolerance, and economics. Against this background, black tea extract which contains the flavanol-3-ol, theaflavins (TF), and thearubigins (TR) with promising anti-oncogenic activity were assessed to determine its in vitro inhibitory impact on colon cancer (HCT 116) and lung cancer cell lines (HT 460). In a dose-dependent manner, results revealed that TF, TR, and their combinations cause inhibition in cell viability. However, TF imparted a maximum reduction in cell viability of HCT 116 and HT 460. Flow cytometry data revealed that TF, TR, and their combinations exhibited substantial cell arrest at the G2/M phase. The influence was more prominent in lung cancer cells (HT 460) when compared with colon cells (HCT 116). All treatments resulted in apoptosis, however, the combination of TF and TR exhibited the highest apoptotic ability in comparison to individual treatments. TF and TR exhibited a synergistic impact and significantly inhibited cell proliferation of HCT 116 and HT 460 in dose- and time-dependent manners by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, wherein TF showed a more pronounced impact. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Results from the present study revealed that black tea-isolated polyphenols (TF and TR) exhibited a significant inhibition of lung and colon cancer cell growth. A promising synergistic effect of TF and TR as inhibitors of cancer cells was observed. More clinical work, perhaps on a human subject, is needed before these two isolated compounds can be prescribed as anticancer drugs.

Phenolic profiles, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract.

This work is aimed to evaluate phenolics composition, and in vitro antioxidant activities of hydro-methanol pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract (MPE). In addition, the antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effect of MPE in Wister albino rats was compared with standard drugs (glibenclamide and atorvastatin). Total phenolic content and total flavonoid contents in MPE (mg g-1 ) accounted for 188.9 as GAE and 13.95 as QE, respectively. Phenolic and flavonoids compounds in MPE analyzed by HPLC and revealed the presence of 23 phenolic compounds and 20 flavonoid compounds. For in vivo experiment, 56 rats were distributed into 8 groups. Group 1 was the normal control, while group 2 contained rats orally administrated with 200 mg kg-1 MPE daily. Group 3 contained diabetic rats (induced with a single dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. alloxan). Group 4 contained diabetic rats administered daily with 200 mg/kg MPE. Group 5 contained diabetic rats administered orally with a glibenclamide (standard drug for diabetic) at 10 mg/kg daily. Group 6 fed with high fat diet (HFD). Group 7 contained HFD-rats administered orally with 200 mg/kg MPE daily. Group 8 contained HFD-rats administered orally with atorvastatin (used to lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and fats and to raise HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) in the blood) at 10 mg/kg daily. The study lasted for 56 days. Administration with MPE 200 mg/kg to both diabetic and hyperlipidemic rats significantly decreased blood glucose, HbA1c , total lipid, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as improved liver and kidney functions, compared with glibenclamide and atorvastatin effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Pomegranate peel, constituted about 50% of fruit fresh weight, is rich in bioactive compounds with potent health-promoting activities. The results of the current study stated that MPE is rich in phenolics and flavonoids with powerful antioxidant potential. In addition, MPE showed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities due to the strong antiradical action via its antioxidant compounds. MPE enhanced liver and kidney functions when compared to standard drugs in diabetic and hyperlipidemic rats. MPC could be used as a natural material to develop diabetic and hyperlipidemic drugs.

Antioxidant traits and protective impact of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against diclofenac sodium-induced liver toxicity in rats.

Moringa oleifera gained importance as a medicinal plant. The current study assesses Moringa leaf ethanol extracts (MLE) against experimentally diclofenac sodium (DcNa)-induced liver toxicity in male rats. Leaves were extracted with different solvents differing in polarity. Assessment involved total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·). HPLC was performed for identifying phenolic compounds, wherein ethyl vanillin (1,205 mg/kg), 3-OH-tyrosol (812.2 mg/kg), benzoic acid (273.8 mg/kg), salicylic acid (240.0 mg/kg), chlorogenic acid (233.3 mg/kg) and 3,4,5-methoxy-cinnamic acid (172.5 mg/kg) were measured. Fifty animals (each treatment group consisted of 10 rats) were subjected to five treatments and the experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Animals were exposed to DcNa (100 mg/kg) and two doses of MLE as well as silymarin (an antioxidant flavonoid C25 H22 O10 ) for 4 weeks. Liver marker enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase as well as urea, uric acid, and creatinine were increased. Serum albumin and total protein decreased in DcNa-treated rats. Homogenates nitric oxide increased in liver tissue of the DcNa-treated rats, while the activity of each of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, and catalase decreased. It could be concluded that MLE in both doses and silymarin are considerably hepatoprotective with antioxidant activity (AOA) against DcNa-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Administration of MLE caused improvements in kidney functions and acted as antioxidant enzymes as compared with silymarin (as a reference drug). AOA was exhibited by MLE in vivo, and this would have a positive effect against oxidative liver damage caused by DcNa. Plasma membrane was protected and the regenerative and reparative capacity of liver increased by phenolics in the MLE. The study demonstrated the MLE hepatoprotective activity and recommends using M. oleifera leaves for the treatment of liver disorders.

Ameliorative impact of cold-pressed Rosmarinus officinalis oil against liver toxicity and genotoxic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and their offspring.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, lifelong condition threatening human health. Rosmarinus officinalis oil (RO) could have a future role in DM therapy. This study evaluated the composition and antioxidative potential of RO. Antidiabetic traits of RO in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was also studied considering the ameliorative impact against embryogenesis defects using in vitro and in vivo biochemical, histological, and genetic assays. RO was investigated for fatty acids and bioactive compounds (tocols and total phenolic compounds), and antiradical potential against DPPH• radicals. The genetic effects were investigated using comet assay and DNA fragmentation test. DM was induced to albino rats by injecting 60 mg/kg of STZ, while RO (100 mg/kg b.w.) was administered. The pregnant animals were divided into four groups; control (C), RO-treated (RO), diabetic (D), and combined diabetic with RO-treated (D-RO). The study was conducted for 180 days. In RO, the contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids were 42.3%, 41.7%, and 15.8%, respectively. The levels of α-, ß-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols were 280, 20, 1,025, and 35 mg/100 g RO, respectively. RO contained 7.2 mg GAE/g of total phenolic compounds (TPC), while RO quenched 70% of DPPH• radicals. While glucose levels reached the highest in DM rats, treating STZ-induced diabetic animals with RO-resoluted serum glucose levels. RO reduced the highest levels of serum chemistry parameters were recorded in DM animals. Histological photographs of maternal and fetus liver exhibited degenerated hepatic cells and congestion central vein. Comet cells and DNA fragments were significantly decreased in D-RO group comparing to the DM group. RO exhibited antidiabetic capabilities, and thus, it could be utilized as a functional ingredient in novel foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements for diabetic patients. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: RO is rich in bioactive phytochemicals (tocols and phenolic compounds) with antiradical and antihyperglycemic capabilities. Tocols and phenolics are active in radical scavenging of reactive nitrogen species (i.e., peroxynitrite and nitrogen dioxide), and in the prevention of DNA bases nitration. Our results demonstrated that RO could improve the disturbed metabolism of carbohydrate in STZ-diabetic animals. The potential mode of action of bioactive compounds in RO most likely encompasses the intracellular pathway involved in glucose homeostasis or insulin signaling. In addition, the suppression of oxidative stress by phenolic compounds could provide to the antidiabetic impacts of RO. Our data supported that RO could be utilized to ameliorate DM. Protection with RO directed high protection of the maternal organs and offspring against the oxidative stress of diabetes due to the antihyperlipidemic effects and the antioxidant capabilities of RO.

In-vitro and in-silico anticancer potential of taxoids from Taxus wallichiana Zucc.

INTRODUCTION: Natural products derived from medicinal plants provide beneficial cancer chemotherapeutic drugs. Bioactive constituents from plants are explored for their anticancer properties. METHODS: Three known compounds (deacetylbaccatin III, tasumatrol B, and taxawallin J) were isolated from Taxus wallichiana. Compounds were screened against four cancer cell lines, such as eA498, HepG2, NCI-H226, and MDR 2780AD. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated using MTT assay against cancer cell lines. RESULTS: Tasumatrol B showed good cytotoxic activity conducted for the improvement of inhibiting potential of these compounds against the cancer drug target protein (EGFR tyrosine kinase enzyme). The docking study showed that all compounds have binding affinities and interaction profile with the receptor tyrosine kinase. DISCUSSION: The study suggests that these compounds could be used for the discovery of novel inhibitors against the target receptors for the treatment of cancer.

Optimizing the Addition of Functional Plant Extracts and Baking Conditions To Develop Acrylamide-Free Pita Bread.

The effects of using freeze-dried extracts (FDEs) of spearmint ( Mentha spicata), fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare), and turmeric ( Curcuma longa) as well as adjusting the baking temperature and time on acrylamide formation in pita bread were investigated to obtain the most acceptable conditions that produced the lowest acrylamide concentrations. A Box-Behnken design was adopted for optimization of the pita bread formulations by adding FDEs (3 to 25 g/100 g of wheat flour) and adjusting the baking temperature (200 to 300°C) and baking time (3 to 11 min), and the effects of these changes on color parameters, phytochemical attributes, and acrylamide concentrations were evaluated. Increasing the concentration of FDE and decreasing the baking temperature and time considerably decreased the acrylamide concentration in bread for all experimental trials. No acrylamide was detected in pita bread formulated with 25 g of mint FDE/100 g of wheat flour and baked at 250°C for 3 min, formulated with 25 g of mint or fennel FDE/100 g and baked at 300°C for 7 min, formulated with 3 g of mint, fennel, or turmeric FDE/100 g and baked at 200°C for 7 min, formulated with 14 g of mint FDE/100 g and baked at 300°C for 3 min, and formulated with 25 g of mint or fennel FDE/100 g and baked at 200°C for 7 min. Pita breads formulated with fennel and turmeric FDE were given high sensory scores.

Ameliorative impact of Morus alba leaves' aqueous extract against embryonic ophthalmic tissue malformation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is becoming a serious threat to human health. Morus alba var. multicaulis (Perr.) Loudon (Moraceae) showed a bright future in DM therapy. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluates the antioxidant activity of Morus alba leaves aqueous extract (MLAE) and antidiabetic properties of MLAE in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats focusing on the ameliorative effects against embryogenesis defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MLAE was assayed for bioactive compounds, and antiradical potential. MLAE (100mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to albino rats. DM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60mg/kg). The pregnant rats were arranged into 4 groups including control pregnant (C), MLAE-treated group (M), experimental diabetic group (D), and combined diabetic with MLAE-treated group (D-MLAE). The experiment performed in about six months. RESULTS: TPC in MLAE accounted for 11mg GAE/g dry weight (dw) while vitamin C and ß-carotene amounts were 144 and 0.1mg/100g, respectively. MLAE exhibited DPPH, NO and O-2 radical scavenging activities. Treatment of diseased-rats with MLAE resoluted serum glucose levels (378mg/dL), wherein glucose recorded the highest level (830mg/dL) in DM mothers. DM rats recorded the highest level of TC, TG, HDLc, LDLc, and CK, while MLAE treatment reduced those levels. DM rats recorded the highest level of MDA, H2O2, SOD, CAT, GST, GSPase, GSH, GOT, GPT, albumin, bilirubin, arginase, and α-l-fucosidase, while MLAE reduced those levels. Histological photomicrographs of maternal retina showed degenerated ganglionic cells, and neovascularization of nerve fiber layer with edematous inner plexiform layer, and partial loss outer plexiform layer in DM rats. CONCLUSION: MLAE could be used to ameliorate DM. Thus, it might be considered as useful dietary supplements in diabetic patients.