Untargeted metabolomic profile of recovered bioactive compounds by subcritical water extraction of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) pomace.

The untargeted metabolomics approach was used to compare the chemical profiles of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) pomace extracts. The effect of drying the raw material before subcritical water extraction (SWE) at different temperatures on the yield, phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated. The results were compared with those obtained via Soxhlet and the findings suggest that SWE saves time (15 min) and solvent for extracting valuable components as compared to Soxhlet (6 h). An increase in temperature significantly improved the extraction yield (23.9 to 33.4 %), phenolic content (119.1 to 362 mgGAEg-1), and antioxidant activity, and higher values were obtained with SWE as compared to Soxhlet. The most abundant compounds detected by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS were ascorbic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. The investigation of different moisture contents in the SWE showed promising results for eliminating the drying operation, saving time and energy, and obtaining highly concentrated phenolic-rich by-products.

Phenolics in buckwheat hull extracts and their antioxidant activities on bulk oil and emulsions.

Buckwheat hulls are discarded as waste, although they have more phenolic compounds than buckwheat groats. The antioxidant activities of buckwheat hull extracts prepared with water, 50% ethanol, and 100% ethanol were investigated in bulk oil, oil-in-water (O/W), and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. The relationship between the phenolic compositions of the extracts and their antioxidant activities in the three different lipid systems was also evaluated. Fifty percent ethanol extract had the highest total phenolic content (327 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g extract) followed by water and 100% ethanol extracts (211 and 163 mg GAE/g extract, respectively). The total oxidation rate (k) was not significantly different among the bulk oils added with the buckwheat hull extracts. However, in the O/W emulsion, the k was more reduced by the 50% and 100% ethanol extracts than by the water extract at the concentration of 100 µg GAE/g (2.9, 2.8, and 3.7 Totox/day, respectively). The k of the W/O emulsion was more reduced by the 100% ethanol extract than by the water and 50% ethanol extract at the concentration of 100 µg GAE/g (3.8, 4.7, and 4.5 Totox/day, respectively). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the contents of phenolic acids and their derivatives were the highest in the water extract among the extracts, while the contents of flavonoid glycosides and methylated polyphenols were the highest in the 50% and 100% ethanol extracts, respectively. The results suggest that flavonoid glycosides and methylated polyphenols could be potential candidates for retarding the oxidation of the emulsion system. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Buckwheat hull extracts could retard lipid oxidation. Flavonoid glycosides and methylated polyphenols in buckwheat hull extracts may have an antioxidative effect on lipids. Thus, buckwheat hulls could be used as an antioxidant in lipid systems, as flavonoid glycosides and methylated polyphenols are properly extracted from buckwheat hulls.

Phytochemicals with protective effects against acute pancreatitis: a review of recent literature.

CONTEXT: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute abdominal inflammatory disease with episodes ranging from mild to fulminant symptoms which could include necrosis, systemic inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction. Increasing experimental evidence demonstrates that specific bioactive ingredients from natural plants have a favourable therapeutic effect on AP. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to summarize the protective effects and potential mechanisms of action of phytochemicals on the attenuation of AP. METHODS: Experimental studies in vivo or in vitro between January 2016 and June 2021 were sought in PubMed and Web of Science using the following search terms: ('phytochemicals' OR 'medicinal plant' OR 'traditional medicine') AND ('pancreatitis' OR 'pancreatic damage' OR 'pancreatic injury'). Data concerning the basic characteristics of phytochemicals, therapeutic dose and potential molecular mechanisms related to AP were extracted in this study. RESULTS: A total of 30 phytochemicals with potential therapeutic effects were reviewed and summarized systematically. According to their molecular pathways in AP, the underlying mechanisms of the phytochemicals were illustrated in detail. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities may be efficient candidate drugs for AP treatment. Importantly, more preclinical investigations are needed to illustrate the efficacy of future phytochemicals.

Preparation and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of Bioactive Peptides Obtained from Cornus officinalis.

The present study is a preparation of bioactive peptides from Cornus officinalis proteins by the compound enzymatic hydrolysis method. Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with Box-Behnken design (BBD) is used to optimize the preparation process of Cornus officinalis peptides. The effects of independent variables, such as the amount of enzyme, pH value, time, extraction times and the ratio of material to liquid on the yield of peptides, are also investigated. The analysis results of the RSM model show that the optimum conditions for the extraction of Cornus officinalis peptides were a pH value of 6.76, temperature of 48.84 °C and the amount of enzyme of 0.19%. Under optimal conditions, the yield of peptides was 36.18 ± 0.26 %, which was close to the predicted yield by the RSM model. Additionally, the prepared Cornus officinalis peptides showed significant antioxidant activity; the scavenging rates of the peptides for DPPH and ·OH were 48.47% and 29.41%, respectively. The results of the cell proliferation assay revealed that the prepared Cornus officinalis peptides could promote embryo fibroblast cells proliferation and repair oxidative damage cells. These results have a practical application value in the design of novel functional food formulations by using Cornus officinalis.

Development of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction to Produce Skin-Whitening and Anti-Wrinkle Substances from Safflower Seed.

In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied to extract bioactive substances with skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant effects from safflower seeds, and the extraction conditions were optimized by a central composite design. The independent variables, including extraction time (5.0~55.0 min), extraction temperature (26.0~94.0 °C), and ethanol concentration (0.0~100%), were optimized to increase tyrosinase activity inhibitory (TAI), collagenase activity inhibitory (CAI), and radical scavenging activity (RSA), which are indicators of skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant effects. An extraction time of 26.4 min, extraction temperature of 52.1 °C, and ethanol concentration of 50.7% were found to be optimum conditions of UAE, under which TAI, CAI, and RSA were 53.3%, 91.5%, and 27.7%, respectively. The extract produced by UAE was analyzed by LC-MS/MS, and maleic acid and levulinic acid were identified as the main substances. Therefore, UAE is evaluated as an effective process to extract skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle, and antioxidant substances from safflower seeds at lower temperatures and shorter extraction times compared to the conventional extraction methods. Overall, safflower seeds extract can be used as a material for value-added cosmetics, including maleic acid and levulinic acid, which have bioactive functions.

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effect, Antioxidant Activity, and Polyphenolic Content of Extracts from Capsicum chinense By-Products.

By-products of Capsicum chinense Jacq., var Jaguar could be a source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidant activity, and their relationship with the polyphenol content of extracts of habanero pepper by-products obtained from plants grown on black or red soils of Yucatán, Mexico. Moreover, the impact of the type of extraction on their activities was evaluated. The dry by-product extracts were obtained by maceration (ME), Soxhlet (SOX), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Afterward, the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect (TPA-induced ear inflammation) and the in vitro antioxidant activity (ABTS) were evaluated. Finally, the polyphenolic content was quantified by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), and its correlation with both bioactivities was analyzed. The results showed that the SFE extract of stems of plants grown on red soil yielded the highest anti-inflammatory effect (66.1 ± 3.1%), while the extracts obtained by ME and SOX had the highest antioxidant activity (2.80 ± 0.0052 mM Trolox equivalent) and polyphenol content (3280 ± 15.59 mg·100 g-1 dry basis), respectively. A negative correlation between the anti-inflammatory effect, the antioxidant activity, and the polyphenolic content was found. Overall, the present study proposed C. chinense by-products as a valuable source of compounds with anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Aerva lanata in ovalbumin induced allergic asthmatic mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aerva lanata Linn. (A. lanata) is traditionally used for cough, sore throat and asthma. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potentials of A. lanata in allergic asthmatic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were administered with three different (methanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate) extracts of A. lanata two weeks after immunization with ovalbumin and continued for 7 days. Inflammatory cells count was estimated in blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RT-PCR was used to find out mRNA expression levels of inflammatory mediators. GC-MS analysis was also carried out. RESULTS: Among three extracts of A. lanata, ethyl acetate extract ameliorated (p < 0.001) count of inflammatory cells both blood and BALF remarkably. This study indicated that ethyl acetate extract of A. lanata lowered (p < 0.001) the level of inflammatory modulator TNF-α and IgE antibodies. A. lanata reduced (p < 0.001) interleukin 4, 5, 13 and enhanced (p < 0.001) expression levels of AQP1 and AQP5 in asthmatic mice. GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate fraction indicated the presence of various anti-oxidant phyto-constituents. The groups treated with A. lanata improved inflammatory, goblet cells hyperplasia scoring and alveolar thickening. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-asthmatic effect of A. lanata might be contributed by the suppression of edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines and IgE antibodies, and elevation of aquaporin expression levels, suggesting future study and clinical trials to propose it as a candidate to treat allergic asthma. The anti-oxidant phytochemicals present in A. lanata might be responsible for such potential.

New dimer and trimer of chalcone derivatives from anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive extracts of Schinopsis brasiliensis roots.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. is an endemic tree of the Brazilian semi-arid regions belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is the main representative of the genus Schinopsis, mostly native to Brazil and popularly known as "braúna" or "baraúna". Different parts of this plant are employed in Brazilian folk medicines to treat inflammation in general, sexual impotence, cough, and influenza. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work describes the antinociceptive (acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced nociception) and anti-inflammatory (paw edema and neutrophil migration) activities of the extract of the root of S. brasiliensis. Besides, the evaluation of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant, antimicrobial (including MRSA bacteria), and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities were also determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pure compounds were isolated by different chromatographic techniques and their chemical structures have been unambiguously elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D (1H, 13C, DEPT, and NOEdiff) and 2D (HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) NMR experiments, MS data, and comparison with the literature data of similar compounds. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by acid acetic writhing test, formalin paw edema, and by the investigation of neutrophil migration to the peritoneal cavities of mice. For antimicrobial evaluation were determined MIC and MBC, antioxidant activities were obtained by TPC and DPPH tests, and AChE inhibition by Elmann's methodology. RESULTS: The extracts showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and two unusual new compounds, a cyclobutanyl chalcone trimer (schinopsone A) and a cyclohexene-containing chalcone dimer (schinopsone B), with six known compounds were isolated from the active extracts. Additionally, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity for isolated compounds was reported for the first time in this study. Molecular docking studies indicated that the isolated compounds are responsible for the interaction with anti-inflammatory targets (COX 1 and 2 and LOX) with variable binding affinities, indicating a possible mechanism of action of these compounds. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate for the first time the correlation between the anti-inflammatory activity different enriched polyphenol-organic soluble fractions of S. brasiliensis, and it contributes to the understanding of the anti-inflammatory potential of S. brasiliensis.

Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Papaver rhoeas L. Organ Extracts Growing in Taounate Region, Morocco.

The objective of this study is to valorize Papaver rhoeas L. from the Taounate region of Morocco by determining the total polyphenol content (TPC), the total flavonoid content (TFC) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of four organs. The quantification of TPC and TFC in root, stem, leaf and flower extracts (RE, SE, LE and FE, respectively) was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu reaction and the aluminum trichloride method, respectively. Two tests were used to assess antioxidant power: the DPPH test and TAC assay. The antimicrobial activity was studied against five pathogenic bacteria and yeast, using two methods: disk diffusion and microdilution. The TPC in LE and LF was twice as high as that in RE and SE (24.24 and 22.10 mg GAE/g, respectively). The TFC values in the four extracts were very close and varied between 4.50 mg QE/g in the FE and 4.38 mg QE/g in the RE. The LE and FE showed low DPPH values with IC50 = 0.50 and 0.52 mg/mL, respectively. The TAC measurement revealed the presence of a significant amount of antioxidants in the studied extracts, mainly in LE and FE (6.60 and 5.53 mg AAE/g, respectively). The antimicrobial activity results revealed significant activity on almost all of the tested strains. The MIC of FE and SE against E. coli 57 was 1.56 and 0.78 mg/mL, respectively, while against the S. aureus it was 50 and 25 mg/mL, respectively. The low MLC value (1.56 mg/mL) was recorded against E. coli 57 by RE and SE.

The Response Surface Optimization of Supercritical CO2 Modified with Ethanol Extraction of p-Anisic Acid from Acacia mearnsii Flowers and Mathematical Modeling of the Mass Transfer.

A widely disseminated native species from Australia, Acacia mearnsii, which is mainly cultivated in Brazil and South Africa, represents a rich source of natural tannins used in the tanning process. Many flowers of the Acacia species are used as sources of compounds of interest for the cosmetic industry, such as phenolic compounds. In this study, supercritical fluid extraction was used to obtain non-volatile compounds from A. mearnsii flowers for the first time. The extract showed antimicrobial activity and the presence of p-anisic acid, a substance with industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The fractionation of the extract was performed using a chromatographic column and the fraction containing p-anisic acid presented better minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results than the crude extract. Thus, the extraction process was optimized to maximize the p-anisic acid extraction. The response surface methodology and the Box-Behnken design was used to evaluate the pressure, temperature, the cosolvent, and the influence of the particle size on the extraction process. After the optimization process, the p-anisic acid yield was 2.51% w/w and the extraction curve was plotted as a function of time. The simulation of the extraction process was performed using the three models available in the literature.

Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection Method for the Separation and Quantification of Antioxidant and Skin Anti-Aging Flavonoids from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Stamen Extract.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., or the so-called sacred lotus, is a useful aquatic plant in the Nelumbonaceae family that has long been used to prepare teas, traditional medicines as well as foods. Many studies reported on the phytochemicals and biological activities of its leaves and seeds. However, to date, only few studies were conducted on its stamen, which is the most important ingredient for herbal medicines, teas and other phytopharmaceutical products. Thus, this present study focuses on the following: (1) the application of high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection for a validated separation and quantification of flavonoids from stamen; (2) the Nelumbo nucifera stamen's in vitro and in cellulo antioxidant activities; as well as (3) its potential regarding the inhibition of skin aging enzymes for cosmetic applications. The optimal separation of the main flavonoids from the stamen ethanolic extract was effectively achieved using a core-shell column. The results indicated that stamen ethanolic extract has higher concentration of in vitro and in cellulo antioxidant flavonoids than other floral components. Stamen ethanolic extract showed the highest protective effect against reactive oxygen/nitrogen species formation, as confirmed by cellular antioxidant assay using a yeast model. The evaluation of potential skin anti-aging action showed that the stamen extract has higher potential to inhibit tyrosinase and collagenase compared with its whole flower. These current findings are the first report to suggest the possibility to employ N. nucifera stamen ethanolic extract as a tyrosinase and collagenase inhibitor in cosmetic applications, as well as the utility of the current separation method.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Chemically-Characterized Essential Oil from Artemisia aragonensis Lam. against Drug-Resistant Microbes.

This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of essential oil extracted from Artemisia aragonensis Lam. (EOA). Hydrodistillation was employed to extract EOA. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses (GC-MS) were used to determine the phytochemical composition of EOA. Antioxidant potential was examined in vitro by use of three tests: 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), ferric reducing activity power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC). Agar diffusion and microdilution bioassays were used to assess antimicrobial activity. GC/MS and GC-FID detected 34 constituents in the studied EOA. The major component was Camphor (24.97%) followed by Borneol (13.20%), 1,8 Cineol (10.88%), and Artemisia alcohol (10.20%). EOA exhibited significant antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, with IC50 and EC50 values of 0.034 ± 0.004 and 0.118 ± 0.008 mg/mL, respectively. EOA exhibited total antioxidant capacity of 7.299 ± 1.774 mg EAA/g. EOA exhibited potent antibacterial activity as judged by the low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against selected clinically-important pathogenic bacteria. MIC values of 6.568 ± 1.033, 5.971 ± 1.033, 7.164 ± 0.0 and 5.375 ± 0.0 µg/mL were observed against S. aureus, B. subtills, E. coli 97 and E. coli 57, respectively. EOA displayed significant antifungal activity against four strains of fungi: F. oxysporum, C. albicans, A. flavus and A. niger with values of 21.50 ± 0.43, 5.31 ± 0.10, 21.50 ± 0.46 and 5.30 ± 0.036 µg/mL, respectively. The results of the current study highlight the importance of EOA as an alternative source of natural antioxidant and antibacterial drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes and free radicals implicated in the inflammatory responses accompanying microbial infection.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-Based Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Sennoside A, Sennoside B, Aloe-Emodin, Emodin, and Chrysophanol from Senna alexandrina (Aerial Parts): HPLC-UV and Antioxidant Analysis.

In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions were optimized to maximize the yields of sennoside A, sennoside B, aloe-emodin, emodin, and chrysophanol from S. alexandrina (aerial parts). The three UAE factors, extraction temperature (S1), extraction time (S2), and liquid to solid ratio (S3), were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken design was used for experimental design and phytoconstituent analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-UV. The optimal extraction conditions were found to be a 64.2 °C extraction temperature, 52.1 min extraction time, and 25.2 mL/g liquid to solid ratio. The experimental values of sennoside A, sennoside B, aloe-emodin, emodin, and chrysophanol (2.237, 12.792, 2.457, 0.261, and 1.529%, respectively) agreed with those predicted (2.152, 12.031, 2.331, 0.214, and 1.411%, respectively) by RSM models, thus demonstrating the appropriateness of the model used and the accomplishment of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions. Excellent antioxidant properties were exhibited by S. alexandrina methanol extract obtained using the optimized extraction conditions with a DPPH assay (IC50 = 59.7 ± 1.93, µg/mL) and ABTS method (47.2 ± 1.40, µg/mL) compared to standard ascorbic acid.

In vitro antioxidant extracts evaluation from the residue of the Hevea brasiliensis seed.

The antioxidants used in the food industry are essential to inhibit the formation of free radicals, preserving the existing properties in the different matrices. However, the insecurity of the synthetic antioxidants regarding human health propels search for natural substrates with potential antioxidant activity as an alternative to synthetic compounds. In this way, the work had as objective obtaining extracts from the seed pomace of the Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree), relating the contents of flavonoids and total phenols in the application as an antioxidant. The methodology consisted of the extraction using four solvents, varying extractive methods, time, and seed concentrations. The antioxidant activity in vitro was evaluated by capturing the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil) radical. The optimized results demonstrate that the aqueous extracts produced in the Soxhlet in the concentrations of 85 g L-1 and retention time of 4 h reached 37.73 ± 1.69% in the antioxidant tests of the free radical DPPH capture, 1405.15 mg EAC 100 g-1 in the quantification of phenolic compounds and 223.34 mg 100 g-1 of total flavonoids. Thus, this work may contribute to the realization of studies and future research for characterization and identification concerning which phenolic compounds and flavonoids attribute the antioxidant characteristic to the extracts produced, enabling the discovery of products with high added value in the production chain. In addition, because the water used as a solvent showed greater antioxidant potential between the extracts, the non-toxic and environmentally friendly character is highlighted, allowing a wide variety of applications in the food industry.

Pharmacological studies of rhizomes of extract of Cyperus tegetum, emphasized on anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: With over 950 species, Cyperus is one of the most promising health boosting genera in the Cyperaceae family. Traditional uses of Cyperus sp. have been described for gastrointestinal blood abnormalities, menstrual irregularities, and inflammatory diseases, among others. Cyperus tegetum Roxb belonging to Cyperaceae family, is used in traditional medicine to treat skin cancers. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was carried out to explore the potential effect of the extract of the plant Cyperus tegetum against different pharmacological activity namely inflammatory, analgesic activity as well as skin cancer activity in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytotoxicity of the extract was measured by MTT and Live/death assay on HeLa cell line. Skin cancer was induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in mice to measure its effects. RESULT: Stigmasterol and some poly phenolic compounds are identified using HPTLC process from the methanol extract of the rhizome of the plant Cyperus tegetum (CT-II). After confirmation of the presence of different polyphenolic compound and triterpenoids in the extract, it was subject to MTT and Live/death assay on HeLa cell line. From the observation it could be concluded that the IC50 of the extract is 300 µg/ml. Thus, the CTII was evaluated further for its in vivo anticancer property. In the tumorigenesis study, the number of tumor growths, the area and weight of the tumor significantly decreases with increment in the dose of CT-II extract and some elevated enzyme release in renal (creatinine, urea) as well as hepatic (AST, ALT, ALP) enzymes are also controlled with the increased dose of the same extract. The elevated enzyme release may be due to cancer induced rupture of the plasma and cellular damage. This CT-II extract also exhibits some other pharmacological activity like anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. CONCLUSION: As metabolic activation via carcinogens and inflammation response plays important role in development of cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can be correlated with anti-cancer properties. Taken all the above studies, it was illustrated that the extract of Cyperus tegetum might be a promising compound to reduce skin cancer risk.

Comparison of chemical profiles, antioxidation, inhibition of skin extracellular matrix degradation, and anti-tyrosinase activity between mycelium and fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris and Isaria tenuipes.

CONTEXT: Cordyceps militaris and Isaria tenuipes (Cordycipitaceae) are high-value fungi that are used for health-promoting food supplements. Since laboratory cultivation has begun for these fungi, increased output has been achieved. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the chemical profiles, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and skin extracellular matrix degradation inhibition between mycelium and fruiting body of C. militaris and I. tenuipes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antioxidative potential of 10% v/v aqueous infused extract from each fungus was separately investigated using 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant ability, and ferric thiocyanate methods. The inhibition against MMP-1, elastase, and hyaluronidase were determined to reveal their anti-wrinkle potential. Anti-tyrosinase activities were determined. RESULTS: C. militaris and I. tenuipes extracts were found to contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and adenosine. A correlation was discovered between the chemical compositions and their biological activities. The extract from I. tenuipes fruiting body (IF) was highlighted as an extraordinary elastase inhibitor (IC50 = 0.006 ± 0.004 mg/mL), hyaluronidase inhibitor (IC50: 30.3 ± 3.2 mg/mL), and antioxidant via radical scavenging (ABTS IC50: 0.22 ± 0.02 mg/mL; DPPH IC50: 0.05 ± 0.02 mg/mL), thereby reducing ability (EC1: 95.3 ± 4.8 mM FeSO4/g extract) and lipid peroxidation prevention (IC50: 0.40 ± 0.11 mg/mL). IF had a three-times higher EC1 value than ascorbic acid and significantly higher elastase inhibition than epigallocatechin gallate. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: IF is proposed as a powerful natural extract with antioxidant and anti-wrinkle properties; therefore, it is suggested for further use in pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical industries.

COVID-19: an In Silico Analysis on Potential Therapeutic Uses of Trikadu as Immune System Boosters.

Corona virus pandemic outbreak also known as COVID-19 has created an imbalance in this world. Scientists have adopted the use of natural or alternative medicines which are consumed mostly as dietary supplements to boost the immune system as herbal remedies. India is famous for traditional medicinal formulations which includes 'Trikadu'-a combination of three acrids, namely Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum and Piper longum which have antioxidant properties that boost our immune system hence acting as a strong preventive measure. In this study, AutoDock 4.0 was used to study interaction between the phytocompounds of Trikadu with RNA-dependent polymerase protein and enveloped protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Analysis of the results showed that coumarin, coumaperine and bisdemethoxycurcumin showed strong bonding interactions with both the proteins. We can conclude that Trikadu has the potential molecules; hence, it can be incorporated in the diet to boost the immune system as a preventive measure against the virus.

Saponins and flavonoids from Bacopa floribunda plant extract exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on amyloid beta 1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease in BALB/c mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bacopa floribunda (BF), a locally available plant has been employed traditionally as memory enhancer in Southwestern, Nigeria. It has been utilized in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine as brain tonic for enhancing memory, anti-aging and forestalling series of psychological disorders. However, there is a dearth of scientific information on the mechanism(s) of action of important phytochemicals from BF extract on dementia. AIM OF THE STUDY: Alzheimer's disease, the commonest form of dementia has been postulated to triple by 2050 as a result of increase in life expectancy. This study therefore assessed and compared the possible mechanism(s) of action of flavonoids and saponins from BF on Amyloid beta (Aß1-42)-induced dementia in male BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty (80) healthy BALB/c mice divided into 10 groups (n = 8) were given a single bilateral ICV injection of Aß1-42 or normal saline. Graded doses of Saponins and flavonoids (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were used as treatment for 21 days. Hippocampal homogenates were assayed for the levels of antioxidants, oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory markers. In vitro antioxidant activity of flavonoids and saponins were equally assessed using standard procedures. The extent of microglial activation was quantified through immunohistochemistry procedure. RESULTS: Aß1-42 successfully caused a spike in hippocampal levels of MDA, IL1ß, TNF-α including MPO levels and invariably decreased antioxidant activities. Likewise an increase in reactive microglia (microgliosis) was observed. However, crude saponins and flavonoids from BF were able to suppress microgliosis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by Aß1- 42 and were observed to be more effective at higher doses of saponins (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and flavonoid (100 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Phytochemicals from BF efficiently exhibited dose dependent alleviation of some symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cleome arabica L. Fruits Extract against Formalin Induced Chronic Inflammation in Female Wistar Rat: Biochemical, Histological, and In Silico Studies.

In recent decades, the use of herbs and plants has been of great interest, as they have been the sources of natural products, commonly named as bioactive compounds. In specific, the natural compounds from the Capparaceae family which has been proved to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic activities, by several studies. Cleome arabica L. (CA) specie is the most used medicinal plants in Tunisia and elsewhere in North African countries for treatment of various diseases including diabetes, rheumatism, inflammation, cancer, and digestive disorders. The current work was undertaken to estimate the total phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin contents, to identify and quantify the polyphenolic compounds, and to evaluate the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory proprieties of CA fruits extract against formalin induced chronic inflammation in Female Wistar rats. In fact, the antioxidant activity was tested by Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging (DPPH), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Nitric Oxide radical (NO·). Anti-inflammatory effect of fruits extract was examined using formalin (2%) induced paw edema in rats. Molecular docking tools were used to investigate the interaction of some compounds from CA fruits extract with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) target protein. Our results showed that, the total phenolic, flavonoid and tannins contents, which were assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu, Quercetin, and Catechin methods, respectively, were 230.22 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (mg GAE/g DW), 55.08 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight (QE/g DW) and 15.17 mg catechin equivalents/g dry weight (CatE/g DW), respectively. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of five polyphenolic compounds whose catechin was found to be the most abundant compounds. The antioxidant activity of extract was quantified by DPPH, FRAP and NO· tests and IC50 reached the values of 3.346 mg/mL, 2.306 and 0.023 mg/mL, respectively. Cleome fruits ameliorated the histological integrity of the skin and alleviated the disruptions in hematological parameters (WBC, LYM, RBC, and HGB), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α), C-reactive protein, and some oxidative stress markers (TBARS (-49%) and AOPP (-42%) levels, SOD (+33%) and GPx (+75%) activities, and GSH (+49%) content) induced by formalin injection. Moreover, the in-silico investigation had shown that CA fruits extract compounds have a stronger interaction with COX-2 active site, more than the reference drug "indomethacin" (two H-bonds). Our research gives pharmacological backing to the healthcare utilization of Cleome plant in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and oxidative harm.

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L.: Phytochemical Profile, In Vitro Anti-Denaturation Effects and Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Two Ornamental Plants Traditionally Used as Herbal Remedies.

Ornamental plants often gain relevance not only for their decorative use, but also as a source of phytochemicals with interesting healing properties. Herein, spontaneous Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L., mainly used as ornamental species but also traditionally consumed and used in popular medicine, were investigated. The aerial parts were extracted with methanol trough maceration, and resultant crude extracts were partitioned using solvents with increasing polarity. As previous studies mostly dealt with the phenolic content of these species, the phytochemical investigation mainly focused on nonpolar constituents, detected with GC-MS. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was also verified, and HPTLC analyses were performed. In order to explore the potential antiarthritic and anti-obesity properties, extracts and their fractions were evaluated for their anti-denaturation effects, with the use of the BSA assay, and for their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase. The antioxidant properties and the inhibitory activity on the NO production were verified, as well. Almost all the extracts and fractions demonstrated good inhibitory effects on NO production. The n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions from T. majus, as well as the n-hexane fraction from C. ruber, were effective in protecting the protein from heat-induced denaturation (IC50 = 154.0 ± 1.9, 270.8 ± 2.3 and 450.1 ± 15.5 µg/mL, respectively). The dichloromethane fractions from both raw extracts were also effective in inhibiting pancreatic lipase, with IC50 values equal to 2.23 ± 0.02 mg/mL (for C. ruber sample), and 2.05 ± 0.02 mg/mL (T. majus). Obtained results support the traditional use of these species for their beneficial health properties and suggest that investigated plant species could be potential sources of novel antiarthritic and anti-obesity agents.