Pulp or Peel? Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemical Content and Selected Cosmetic-Related Properties of Annona cherimola L., Diospyros kaki Thumb., Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Fortunella margarita Swingle Pulp and Peel Extracts.

Fruit peels might be a valuable source of active ingredients for cosmetics, leading to more sustainable usage of plant by-products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical content and selected biological properties of hydroglycolic extracts from peels and pulps of Annona cherimola, Diospyros kaki, Cydonia oblonga, and Fortunella margarita as potential cosmetic ingredients. Peel and pulp extracts were compared for their antiradical activity (using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays), skin-lightening potential (tyrosinase inhibitory assay), sun protection factor (SPF), and cytotoxicity toward human fibroblast, keratinocyte, and melanoma cell lines. The total content of polyphenols and/or flavonoids was significantly higher in peel than in pulp extracts, and the composition of particular active compounds was also markedly different. The HPLC-MS fingerprinting revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and rutoside in the peel of D. kaki, whereas kaempferol glucoside and procyanidin A were present only in the pulp. In A. cherimola, catechin, epicatechin and rutoside were identified only in the peel of the fruit, whereas procyanidins were traced only in the pulp extracts. Quercetin and luteolinidin were found to be characteristic compounds of F. margarita peel extract. Naringenin and hesperidin were found only in the pulp of F. margarita. The most significant compositional variety between the peel and pulp extracts was observed for C. oblonga: Peel extracts contained a higher number of active components (e.g., vicenin-2, kaempferol rutinoside, or kaempferol galactoside) than pulp extract. The radical scavenging potential of peel extracts was higher than of the pulp extracts. D. kaki and F. margarita peel and pulp extracts inhibited mushroom and murine tyrosinases at comparable levels. The C. oblonga pulp extract was a more potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibitor than the peel extract. Peel extract of A. cherimola inhibited mushroom tyrosinase but activated the murine enzyme. F. margarita pulp and peel extracts showed the highest in vitro SPF. A. cherimola, D. kaki, and F. margarita extracts were not cytotoxic for fibroblasts and keratinocytes up to a concentration of 2% (v/v) and the peel extracts were cytotoxic for A375 melanoma cells. To summarize, peel extracts from all analyzed fruit showed comparable or better cosmetic-related properties than pulp extracts and might be considered multifunctional active ingredients of skin lightening, anti-aging, and protective cosmetics.

The Changes in Metabolites, Quality Components, and Antioxidant Activity of Tea (Camellia sinensis) Infected with Exobasidium vexans by Applying UPLC-MS/MS-Based Widely Targeted Metabolome and Biochemical Analysis.

Blister blight infection with Exobasidium vexans is one of the most destructive foliar diseases that seriously affect the quality and yield of tea. This research investigated the metabolite changes of healthy and infected leaves on tea cultivar 'Fuding Dabaicha' and further explored the potential antimicrobial substances against E. vexans infection. In total, 1,166 compounds were identified during the entire course of an infection, among which 73 different common compounds were significantly accumulated involved in the important antimicrobial substances of flavonoids and phenolic acids, including kaempferol (3,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxyflavone), kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-glucoside, phloretin, 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid, galloylprocyanidin B4, and procyanidin C1 3'-O-gallate, which indicated that these metabolites might positively dominate resistance to E. vexans. Furthermore, relevant biological pathways, such as the flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and phenylpropane pathways, were more closely related to resistance to E. vexans. Additionally, total flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and terpenoids contributing to antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity were significantly altered during four different infection periods, especially the Leaf_S2 stage (the second stage of infection), in which the most concentration accumulated. The leaves affected by E. vexans infection at the second stage had the relatively highest antioxidant activity. Accordingly, this study provides a theoretical support for and comprehensive insights into the effects on the metabolite changes, tea quality components, and antioxidant activity of blister blight caused by E. vexans.

[Comprehensive identification of metabolites and metabolic characteristics of luteolin and kaempferol in Simiao Yong'an Decoction in rats by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS/MS].

Simiao Yong'an Decoction is a classic prescription for treating gangrene. Modern medical evidence has proven that Si-miao Yong'an Decoction has therapeutic effects on atherosclerosis(AS), vascular occlusion angeitides, and hypertension, while its pharmacodynamic mechanism remains unclear. The evidence of network pharmacology, molecular docking, literature review, and our previous study suggests that luteolin and kaempferol are two major flavonoids in Simiao Yong'an Decoction and can inhibit macrophage inflammation and exert anti-AS effects. However, due to lack of the metabolism studies in vivo, little is known about the metabolic characteristics of luteolin and kaempferol. This study employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry(UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS/MS) and relevant software to identify the metabolites and metabolic pathways of luteolin and kaempferol in rat plasma, urine, and feces, after oral administration of luteolin and kaempferol, respectively. After the administration of luteolin, 10, 11, and 3 metabolites of luteolin were detected in the plasma, urine, and feces, respectively. After the administration of kaempferol, 9, 3, and 1 metabolites of kaempferol were detected in the plasma, urine, and feces, respectively. The metabolic pathways mainly involved methylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation. This study enriches the knowledge about the pharmacological mechanism of luteolin and kaempferol and supplies a reference for revealing the metabolic process of other flavonoids in Simiao Yong'an Decoction, which is of great significance for elucidating the pharmacological effects and effective substances of this decoction in vivo.

Deciphering the fluorescence quenching potential of Croton bonplandianum leaves and detection of bioactive molecules using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

In this study, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to screen the active phytochemicals and analyze antioxidant activity of Croton bonplandianum. In addition, cadmium telluride quantum dots were used to analyze the fluorescence quenching capabilities of Croton bonplandianum plants. UPLC-ESI-MS was used to screen polyphenols in the mass range of 100-2000, with both positive and negative ionizations. Based on molecular weight, 7-Spirostanoldihexoside isomer, Rutin, Quercetin hexoside, Kaempferol-3-O-(p-coumaroyl)-glucoside, Kaempferol, Quercetin, and (E) Catechin-(E) Gallocatechin were tentatively identified. In total, 63.34 mg of polyphenols and 20.36 mg of flavonoids were detected. Lipid peroxidation IC50 values were 212, 38, 56, and 365 g/mL for DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide radicals. Reducing power of the plant material showed the maximum absorbance of 0.56 in 500 µg/mL concentration. Furthermore, the plant extract quenched cadmium telluride quantum dots fluorescence in a dose dependent manner. The results from quenching concluded that Croton bonplandianum with QDs might be used as a drug targeting and delivery nanomaterial.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Kale (Brassica oleracea L. Var. acephala DC.) and Wild Cabbage (Brassica incana Ten.) Polyphenolic Extracts.

Brassicaceae are rich in healthy phytochemicals that have a positive impact on human health. The aim of this study was to analyze the phenolic compounds and antioxidant and anticancer potential of traditional Croatian kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC.) and wild cabbage (Brassica incana Ten.) extracts. The phenolic groups and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometry, selected phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, sinapic acid, salicylic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin) were analyzed by LC-MS/MS, and anticancer potential was evaluated in vitro using HeLa cells. The extracts of both plant species are rich in phenolic compounds and showed significant antioxidant activity at similar levels. LC-MS/MS detected sinapic acid as the most abundant phenolic acid, followed by ferulic acid, while salicylic acid was present at lower concentrations. A comparative analysis showed that wild cabbage contained significantly more sinapic acid, while kale contained more kaempferol and quercetin. Both Brassica extracts at a concentration of 50 µg mL-1 showed an antiproliferative effect on HeLa cells, while they did not affect the proliferation of normal human skin fibroblasts. Wild cabbage extract also showed an antiproliferative effect on HeLa cells at a lower applied concentration of 10 µg mL-1 of extracts. The clonogenic analysis also revealed the inhibitory effect of the extracts on HeLa colony growth.

Nutrients, Phytochemicals and In Vitro Disease Prevention of Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz Fruit.

Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz is an evergreen tree in the Sapindaceae family, mostly found in the forests of some Southeast Asia countries, especially Thailand. The lack of biological information regarding this tree has led to inappropriate agricultural management, conservation and utilization. Thus, this study aims to examine the nutritional composition, organic acid and phenolic profiles and in vitro health properties through several key enzyme inhibitions against some civilization diseases including Alzheimer's disease (ß-secretase (BACE-1), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)), obesity (lipase), hypertension (angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)) and diabetes (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), α-amylase and α-glucosidase) on the aril (flesh) part of N. hypoleucum Kurz fruit. The remaining fruit parts including the pericarp (peel) and seed were also assessed as sources of potential phenolics as well as key enzyme inhibitors. As results, carbohydrate (17.18 g) was found to be a major source of energy (74.80 kcal) in the aril (100 g fresh weight), with trace amounts of protein (0.78 g) and fat (0.32 g). The fruit aril also contained high insoluble dietary fiber (5.02 g) and vitamin C (11.56 mg), while potassium (215.82 mg) was detected as the major mineral. Organic acid profile indicated that the aril was rich in citric acid, while the phenolic profile suggested predominant quercetin and kaempferol. Interestingly, high gallic acid contents were detected in both pericarp and seed, with the latter 3.2-fold higher than the former. The seed also possessed the highest total phenolic content (TPC, 149.45 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), while total anthocyanin content (TAC, 0.21 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalent/g dry weight) was only detected in pericarp. High TPC also led to high enzyme inhibitory activities in seed including BACE-1, AChE, BChE, ACE, DPP-IV and α-glucosidase. Interestingly, aril with the highest α-amylase inhibition suggested strong inhibitory distribution, predominantly from quercetin and kaempferol. Lipase inhibitory activities were only detected in the aril and pericarp, suggesting the biological function of these two phenolics and possibly anthocyanins.

Antidiabetic activity of Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet leaves: in-vitro and in-silico antidiabetic potential of isolated flavonoid glycosides and sulphated flavonoids.

Antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet leaves was performed in-vitro using α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition methods. Phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate fraction which possessed the highest antidiabetic activity led to isolation of five flavonoids for the first time from this plant, including two rare flavonoid sulphates, ombuin-3-sulphate [1] and rhamnetin-3-sulphate [2] and three flavonoid glycosides, kaempferol 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside [3], kaempferol 3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside [4] and quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside [5]. The 1H and 13C NMR of 1 and 13C NMR of 2, were reported here for the first time. Compounds [1-4] showed a concentration-dependent in-vitro inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Furthermore, in-silico study predicted that compounds (1-5) showed good interactions with α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b.

Mechanistic insights of Cucumis melo L. seeds for gastrointestinal muscle spasms through calcium signaling pathway-related gene regulation networks in WGCNA and in vitro, in vivo studies.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the nutritional benefits of Cucumis melo L., herbalists in Pakistan and India employ seeds to treat various ailments. This study aimed to determine the regulatory role of C. melo seeds in calcium-mediated smooth muscle contraction. METHODS: We identified and quantified the phytochemicals of C. melo with LC ESI-MS/MS and HPLC, then conducted in vitro and in vivo tests to confirm the involvement in smooth muscle relaxation. Then, diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome gene datasets from NCBI GEO were acquired, DEGs and WGCNA followed by functional enrichment analysis. Next, molecular docking of key genes was performed. RESULTS: The quantification of C. melo seeds revealed concentrations of rutin, kaempferol, and quercetin were 702.38 µg/g, 686.29 µg/g, and 658.41 µg/g, respectively. In vitro experiments revealed that C. melo seeds had a dose-dependent relaxant effect for potassium chloride (80 mM)-induced spastic contraction and exhibited calcium antagonistic response in calcium dose-response curves. In in vivo studies, Cm.EtOH exhibited antidiarrheal, antiperistaltic, and antisecretory effects. The functional enrichment of WGCNA and DEGs IBS-associated pathogenic genes, including those involved in calcium-mediated signaling, MAPK cascade, and inflammatory responses. MAPK1 and PIK3CG were identified as key genes with greater binding affinity with rutin, quercitrin, and kaempferol in molecular docking. CONCLUSIONS: The bronchodilator and antidiarrheal effects of C. melo were produced by altering the regulatory genes of calcium-mediated smooth contraction.

The Influence of Solid and Liquid Systems In Vitro on the Growth and Biosynthetic Characteristics of Microshoot Culture of Spiraea betulifolia ssp. aemiliana.

The paper focuses on the growth dynamics and biosynthetic characteristics of the microshoot culture of Spiraea betulifolia ssp. aemiliana obtained in vitro in agar-solidified and liquid media. Microshoots cultured in either type of media showed similar growth dynamics. The most active culture growth was observed from day 35 to day 60. A comparative analysis of the contents of flavonoids and phenol carboxylic acids showed a higher level of phenol carboxylic acids (5.3-6.84%) and a stronger 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration: 341 µg/mL) in S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana microshoots grown in the liquid medium compared to the microshoots cultured in the solid medium. The flavonoid content of the cultured microshoot did not depend on the consistency of the medium. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to study the profile and levels of phenolic compounds in microshoots, intact plants, and ex vitro-acclimated S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana plants. The concentration of kaempferol glycosides was found to be higher in microshoots (1.33% in the solid medium, 1.06% in the liquid medium) compared to intact plants and ex vitro-acclimated plants. Thus, the microshoots of S. betulifolia ssp. aemiliana cultured in the liquid medium rapidly increase their biomass and are an inexpensive promising source of biologically active antioxidant substances, mainly phenol carboxylic acids and kaempferol glycosides.

Potential of Kalanchoe pinnata as a Cancer Treatment Adjuvant and an Epigenetic Regulator.

Cancer is a global public health problem that is related to different environmental and lifestyle factors. Although the combination of screening, prevention, and treatment of cancer has resulted in increased patient survival, conventional treatments sometimes have therapeutic limitations such as resistance to drugs or severe side effects. Oriental culture includes herbal medicine as a complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This study aimed to identify the bioactive ingredients in Kalanchoe pinnata, a succulent herb with ethnomedical applications for several diseases, including cancer, and reveal its anticancer mechanisms through a molecular approach. The herb contains gallic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, quercitrin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, bersaldegenin, bryophyllin a, bryophyllin c, bryophynol, bryophyllol and bryophollone, stigmasterol, campesterol, and other elements. Its phytochemicals participate in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, angiogenesis, metastasis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. They have the potential to act as epigenetic drugs by reverting the acquired epigenetic changes associated with tumor resistance to therapy-such as the promoter methylation of suppressor genes, inhibition of DNMT1 and DNMT3b activity, and HDAC regulation-through methylation, thereby regulating the expression of genes involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Nrf2/Keap1, MEK/ERK, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways. All of the data support the use of K. pinnata as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.

Exploring the Palynological, Chemical, and Bioactive Properties of Non-Studied Bee Pollen and Honey from Morocco.

Bee products are known for their beneficial properties widely used in complementary medicine. This study aims to unveil the physicochemical, nutritional value, and phenolic profile of bee pollen and honey collected from Boulemane-Morocco, and to evaluate their antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity. The results indicate that Citrus aurantium pollen grains were the majority pollen in both samples. Bee pollen was richer in proteins than honey while the inverse was observed for carbohydrate content. Potassium and calcium were the predominant minerals in the studied samples. Seven similar phenolic compounds were found in honey and bee pollen. Three phenolic compounds were identified only in honey (catechin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid) and six phenolic compounds were identified only in bee pollen (hesperidin, cinnamic acid, apigenin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol). Naringin is the predominant phenolic in honey while hesperidin is predominant in bee pollen. The results of bioactivities revealed that bee pollen exhibited stronger antioxidant activity and effective α-amylase and α-glycosidase inhibitory action. These bee products show interesting nutritional and bioactive capabilities due to their chemical constituents. These features may allow these bee products to be used in food formulation, as functional and bioactive ingredients, as well as the potential for the nutraceutical sector.

Spray-drying Microencapsulation of an Extract from Tilia tomentosa Moench Flowers: Physicochemical Characterization and in Vitro Intestinal Activity.

Silver linden (Tilia tomentosa Moench, TtM) flowers possess several health-promoting properties, especially at the neurological level, such as intestinal relaxation activity associated with specific flavonols, particularly quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. However, such molecules are susceptible to degradation upon different triggers like heat, light and extreme pH values. To overcome the scarce stability of TtM flowers bioactive molecules and make them suitable for developing functional food and supplements, we applied microencapsulation. Spray-drying microencapsulation of TtM flowers extract was performed using three starch-derived wall materials: maltodextrin 12 DE (MD12) and 19 DE (MD19), and OSA-modified starch (OSA-S). The stability of total phenols, flavanols, and antioxidant capacity was monitored for 70 days under accelerated stress conditions (40 °C/70% RH) by HPLC and spectrophotometric methods, and the intestinal contractile activity was tested in a murine model. In comparison to MD12 and MD19, OSA-S stood out for the higher encapsulation efficiency of quercetin and kaempferol glycosides (+ 36-47% compared to MD12 and + 18-24% compared to MD19) and stability thereof (half-life on average + 30% compared to MD12 and + 51% compared to MD19). The intestinal contractile activity of OAS-S powders resulted comparable to the original extract, indicating that flavonols were biologically active and accessible. Our results underly the potential advantages of OSA-S encapsulated formulation as a functional ingredient for the development of nutraceutical products.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of the Ethanolic Extract from the Aerial Part of Crocus alatavicus Regel & Semen Growing Wildly in Southern Kazakhstan.

The composition of the ethanolic extract from the aerial parts of Crocus alatavicus Regel & Semen from southern Kazakhstan spontaneous flora was analyzed together with the determination of its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticancer activity. The phytochemical profile analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS) revealed the presence of multiple kaempferol derivatives. High-performance reverse-phase liquid chromatography combined with a photodiode-array detection (RP-HPLC/PDA) found that kaempferol 3-O-dihexoside and kaempferol 3-O-acyltetrahexoside accounted for 70.5% of the kaempferol derivatives. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extract for all the tested reference microorganisms were high, reaching 10 mg/mL for yeasts and 20 mg/mL for bacteria. In contrast, antiviral activity was observed at 2 mg/mL, resulting in the inhibition of the HSV-1-induced cytopathic effect and the reduction in virus infectious titer by 1.96 log, as well as the viral load by 0.85 log. Among the tested prostate cancer cell lines, significant cytotoxic activity of the extract was noted only on the LNCaP cell line, with an IC50 value of 1.95 mg/mL. The LNCaP cell line treated with 2 mg/mL of the extract showed a noticeably reduced number of spindle-shaped cells with longer cellular projections, a significant increase in the peak corresponding to the population of apoptotic cells in the sub-G1 phase and a decreased intracellular glutathione (GSH) level, suggesting the prooxidative properties of the extract. The obtained data provide novel information about the flavonoids present in the aerial part of C. alatavicus and suggest its potential application as a source of the compounds active against HSV-1 and metastatic, androgen-sensitive prostate cancer.

Potentially Bio-Accessible Metabolites from an Extract of Cornus mas Fruit after Gastrointestinal Digestion In Vitro and Gut Microbiota Ex Vivo Treatment.

Targeting pancreatic lipase and α-amylase by digestion-derived fractions of ethanolic-aqueous (60%, v/v) extract from Cornus mas fruit (CM) in relation to the control and prevention of metabolic disorders, including diabetes, was the first purpose of the present study. Taking into consideration the significance of bio-accessibility of compounds, we attempted to identify metabolites of CM after gastrointestinal digestion in vitro, as well as their kinetic changes upon gut microbiota treatment. The digestion of extract was simulated with digestive enzymes in vitro and human gut microbiota ex vivo (1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 24 h), followed by chromatographic analysis using the UHPLC-DAD-MSn method. The effect of fractions from gastrointestinal digestion in vitro on the activity of pancreatic lipase and α-amylase was studied with fluorescence-based assays. The gastric and intestinal fractions obtained after in vitro digestion of CM inhibited pancreatic lipase and α-amylase. Loganic acid as the main constituent of the extract was digested in the experimental conditions in contrast to cornuside. It was found in most analytes such as salivary, gastric, intestinal, and even colon (fecal slurry, FS) fractions. In all fractions, kaempferol hexoside and reduced forms of kaempferol, such as aromadendrin, and benzoic acid were assigned. The signals of tannins were detected in all fractions. Cornusiin A was tentatively assigned in the gastric fraction. The metabolites originating from kinetic analytes have been classified mainly as phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, and flavonoids. Phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, gallic acid), tannins (digalloylglucose, tri-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucose), and flavonoids (aromadendrin, dihydroquercetin) were detected in the late phases of digestion in fecal slurry suspension. Cornuside was found in FS analyte after 3 h incubation. It was not detected in the samples after 6 and 24 h incubation with FS. In conclusion, cornuside, aromadendrin, and phenolic acids may be potentially bio-accessible compounds of CM. The presence of plants' secondary metabolites in the intestinal fractions allows us to indicate them as responsible for decreasing glucose and lipid absorption.

Standardization, in-silico and in-vivo safety assessment of methanol extract of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam leaves.

Ziziphus mauritana Lam leaves were used to treat asthma, diabetes, pain, and inflammation in the Indian traditional system of medicine. The leaves of the Ziziphus mauritiana Lam were consumed as a vegetable in Indonesia and India. The present study aims to predict the pharmacokinetic properties of flavonoids identified & quantified through U(H)PLC and to evaluate the safety of methanol extract of Ziziphus mauritana Lam leaves (MEZ) in rats. A U(H)PLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was performed to identify flavonoids present in MEZ and quantified using U(H)PLC method. The in-silico ADME properties of the flavonoids were analyzed using Schrodinger Maestro software. The acute oral toxicity study was performed by administering a single dose of MEZ (5000 mg/kg) in female rats and observed for 14 days. The sub-chronic studies were carried out by oral administration of MEZ at 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg daily for 90 days. The changes in hematological parameters, clinical biochemistry, and histopathology were observed after the treatment period. Eight flavonoids rutin, kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, catechin, and apigenin were identified from were identified in UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. These results showed the highest amount of luteolin (5.41 µg/ml) and kaempferol (4.02 µg/ml) present in MEZ. No signs of toxicity or mortality were observed in acute toxicity studies. In the sub-chronic studies, data showed that MEZ does not produce any changes in hematological and clinical biochemical parameters compared to control rats. MEZ (1000 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, in male rats, which was more prominent on day 90. The histopathological analysis also revealed no changes in the vital organs. These results conclude that MEZ was considered safe and well-tolerated in rats.

Discrimination of Adulterated Ginkgo Biloba Products Based on 2T2D Correlation Spectroscopy in UV-Vis Range.

Ginkgo biloba is a popular medicinal plant widely used in numerous herbal products, including food supplements. Due to its popularity and growing economic value, G. biloba leaf extract has become the target of economically motivated adulterations. There are many reports about the poor quality of ginkgo products and their adulteration, mainly by adding flavonols, flavonol glycosides, or extracts from other plants. In this work, we developed an approach using two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2T2D COS) in UV-Vis range combined with multilinear principal component analysis (MPCA) to detect potential adulteration of twenty G. biloba food supplements. UV-Vis spectral data are obtained for 80% methanol and aqueous extracts in the range of 245-410 nm. Three series of two-dimensional correlation spectra were interpreted by visual inspection and using MPCA. The proposed relatively quick and straightforward approach successfully differentiated supplements adulterated with rutin or those lacking ginkgo leaf extract. Supporting information about adulteration was obtained from the difference between the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of both extracts and from chromatographic (HPLC-DAD) fingerprints of methanolic samples.

In silico and in vivo protective effect of Morus nigra leaves on oxidative damage induced by iron overload.

Morus nigra L. is a plant popularly known as 'amoreira preta', very used in folk medicine. Iron overload (hemochromatosis) is a clinical condition that causes damage to various tissues due to oxidative stress. Therapy to control iron overload is still unsatisfactory. The protective effect on oxidative stress induced by iron overload was verified. Phytochemical characterization was evaluated by UHPLC-MS/MS. The in silico toxicity predictions of the main phytochemicals were performed via computer simulation. To induce iron overload, the animals received iron dextran (50 mg/kg/day). The test groups received doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of M. nigra extract for six weeks. Body weight, organosomatic index, serum iron, hepatic markers, cytokines, interfering factors in iron metabolism, enzymatic and histopathological evaluations were analyzed. Vanillic acid, caffeic acid, 6-hydroxycoumarin, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, quercitrin, resveratrol, apigenin and kaempferol were identified in the extract. In addition, in silico toxic predictions showed that the main compounds presented a low probability of toxic risk. The extract of M. nigra showed to control the mediators of inflammation and to reduce iron overload in several tissues. Our findings illustrate a novel therapeutic action of M. nigra leaves on hemochromatosis caused by iron overload.

Phytochemical composition and In-vitro activity of ethanolic extract of Eucalyptus globulus leaves against multidrug resistant poultry pathogens.

Aim of the present study was to determine the In-vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of E. globulus leaves against common multidrug resistant poultry pathogens. Phytochemical analysis through HPLC revealed that kaempeferol (7.315min) followed by querecetin (6.655min) and myrecetin (3.655min). Percent area of kaempeferol (6826.88%) was highest, followed by myrecetin (5516.22%) and querecetin (163.748%). Phytochemical investigation of ethanolic extract of E. globulus leaves through GCMS showed highest retention time (min) α-pinene (20.43) and α-terpineol (20.15) accompanied by spathulenol (11.97), piperitone (11.04). The ethanolic extracts of E. globulus leaves showed a highest zone of inhibition against S. pullorum SP6; 20.64± 2.08, E. coli SE 12; 19.75± 2.83, C. perfringens type A (CPM38-01); 19.46± 2.02. The highest level of MIC of E. globulus noted were against S. gallinarum S22; 133.37±53.294, S. gallinarum S1; 130.20±45.10, S. gallinarum S4; 129.47±24.182, S. gallinarum S3; 126.83±72.392. In conclusion, the study confirmed that the ethanolic extract of E. globulus is composed of active ingredients having antibacterial activity and can be referred as an alternate to antibiotics.

Phytochemicals in Chinese Chive (Allium tuberosum) Induce the Skeletal Muscle Cell Proliferation via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Smad Pathways in C2C12 Cells.

Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) is a medicinal food that is cultivated and consumed mainly in Asian countries. Its various phytochemicals and physiological effects have been reported, but only a few phytochemicals are available for skeletal muscle cell proliferation. Herein, we isolated a new compound, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-feruloyl)-sophoroside (1), along with one known flavonoid glycoside (2) and six amino acid (3-8) compounds from the water-soluble fraction of the shoot of the Chinese chive. The isolated compounds were identified using extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and evaluated for their proliferation activity on skeletal muscle cells. Among the tested compounds, newly isolated flavonoid (1) and 5-aminouridine (7) up-regulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, which implies a positive effect on skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. In particular, compound 1 down-regulated the Smad pathways, which are negative regulators of skeletal muscle growth. Collectively, we suggest that major constituents of Chinese chive, flavonoids and amino acids, might be used in dietary supplements that aid skeletal muscle growth.

Determination of Afzelin and Astragalin from Lespedeza cuneata on Aldose Reductase Inhibition.

The bioactive chemicals in L. cuneata were investigated by repeated column chromatography and their effect on aldose reductase (AR), obtained from rat lenses, was examined. Results showed that the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of L. cuneata exhibited potential inhibitory effect against AR with IC50 values of 0.57 and 0.49 µg/mL, respectively. Phytochemical analysis of these two fractions resulted in the isolation of five flavonoids namely, acacetin (1), afzelin (2), astragalin (3), kaempferol (4) and scutellarein 7-O-glucoside (5). The AR inhibitory effect of compounds 1-5 was explored; compounds 2, 3 and 5 showed potential AR-inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 2.20, 1.91 and 12.87 µM, respectively. Quantitative analysis of afzelin (2) and astragalin (3) in L. cuneata by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection revealed its content to be 0.722-11.828 and 2.054-7.006 mg/g, respectively. Overall, this study showed that L. cuneata is rich in flavonoids with promising AR-inhibitory activities, which can be utilized for the development of natural therapies for treating and managing diabetic complications.