Variation in Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Extracts from Different Plant Organs of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.).

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.) has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. The pharmacological properties of meadowsweet are derived from the presence of phenolic compounds of a diverse structure in sufficiently large quantities. The purpose of this study was to examine the vertical distribution of individual groups of phenolic compounds (total phenolics, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, catechins, proanthocyanidins, and tannins) and individual phenolic compounds in meadowsweet and to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of extracts from various meadowsweet organs. It was found that the leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of meadowsweet are characterized by a high total phenolics content (up to 65 mg g-1). A high content of flavonoids was determined in the upper leaves and flowers (117-167 mg g-1), with high contents of hydroxycinnamic acids in the upper leaves, flowers, and fruits (6.4-7.8 mg g-1); high contents of catechins and proanthocyanidins in the roots (45.1 and 3.4 mg g-1, respectively); and high tannin content in the fruits (38.3 mg g-1). Analysis of extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the qualitative and quantitative composition of individual phenolic compounds in various parts of the meadowsweet varied greatly. Among the flavonoids identified in meadowsweet, quercetin derivatives dominate, namely quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, quercetin 3-ß-d-glucoside, and quercetin 4'-O-glucoside. Quercetin 4'-O-glucoside (spiraeoside) was found only in the flowers and fruits. Catechin was identified in the leaves and roots of meadowsweet. The distribution of phenolic acids across the plant was also uneven. In the upper leaves, a higher content of chlorogenic acid was determined, and in the lower leaves, a higher content of ellagic acid determined. In flowers and fruits, a higher contents of gallic, caftaric, ellagic, and salicylic acids were noted. Ellagic and salicylic acids were also dominant among phenolic acids in the roots. Based on the results of the analysis of antioxidant activity in terms of the ability to utilize the radicals of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazolino-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and in terms of iron-reducing ability (FRAP), the upper leaves, flowers, and fruits of meadowsweet can be considered plant raw materials suitable to obtain extracts with high antioxidant activity. Extracts of plant fruits and flowers also showed high antibacterial activity against the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The Integral Boosting Effect of Selenium on the Secondary Metabolism of Higher Plants.

Selenium is a micronutrient with a wide range of functions in animals, including humans, and in microorganisms such as microalgae. However, its role in plant metabolism remains ambiguous. Recent studies of Se supplementation showed that not only does it increase the content of the element itself, but also affects the accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants. The purpose of this review is to analyze and summarize the available data on the place of selenium in the secondary metabolism of plants and its effect on the accumulation of some plant metabolites (S- and N-containing secondary metabolites, terpenes, and phenolic compounds). In addition, possible molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways underlying these effects are discussed. It should be noted that available data on the effect of Se on the accumulation of secondary metabolites are inconsistent and contradictory. According to some studies, selenium has a positive effect on the accumulation of certain metabolites, while other similar studies show a negative effect or no effect at all. The following aspects were identified as possible ways of regulating plant secondary metabolism by Se-supplementation: changes occurring in primary S/N metabolism, hormonal regulation, redox metabolism, as well as at the transcriptomic level of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In all likelihood, the confusion in the results can be explained by other, more complex regulatory mechanisms in which selenium is involved and which affect the production of metabolites. Further study on the involvement of various forms of selenium in metabolic and signaling pathways is crucial for a deeper understanding of its role in growth, development, and health of plants, as well as the regulatory mechanisms behind them.

Biotechnological Potential of Different Organs of Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Collected from Various Host Tree Species in an Urban Area.

From an economic and ecological standpoint, it is crucial to investigate the biologically active compounds of mistletoe plants, which are currently discarded by pruning urban mistletoe-infested trees. In the present study, the content of phenolic compounds, triterpenic and organic acids, as well as the antioxidant activity of the extracts of various mistletoe organs (leaves, stems, and fruits) collected from the most infested tree species were investigated. The mistletoe samples collected from Betula pendula, Acer platanoides, Crataegus monogyna, and Sorbus aucuparia showed the highest content of phenolic acids and flavonoids as well as antioxidant activity, as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The leaves and stems of mistletoe from Tilia cordata were characterized by a high content of triterpenic acids (oleanolic, ursolic, and betulinic). The leaves and fruits of mistletoe plants from Populus nigra and Salix alba contained a high concentration of organic acids, particularly succinic and citric acids. Compared to stem and leaf extracts, the antioxidant activity of the mistletoe fruit extracts was 1.5-3 times higher. The obtained results indicate that mistletoe is a valuable raw material and can be used as a source of phenolic compounds and triterpenic and organic acids, as well as for producing extracts with antioxidant properties.

Study of the Antioxidant Properties of Filipendula ulmaria and Alnus glutinosa.

The demographic situation of the last few decades is characterized by the increased numbers of elderly and senile people, i.e., by the aging of the population. In humans, ageing is closely associated with the enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), development of systemic inflammation and related vascular atherosclerotic alterations and metabolic disorders, like obesity, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases. As these age-related alterations are directly associated with up-regulation of ROS production and development of chronic oxidative stress, their onset can be essentially delayed by continuous daily consumption of dietary antioxidants-natural products of plant origin. Such antioxidants (in the form of plant extracts, biologically active complexes or individual compounds) can be supplemented to functional foods, i.e., dietary supplementations for daily diet aiming prolongation of active life and delay of the senescence onset. Thereby, use of widely spread medicinal plants might essentially improve cost efficiency of this strategy and availability of antioxidant-rich functional foods. Therefore, here we addressed, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, the antioxidant activity of the extracts prepared from the aerial parts of Filipendula ulmaria and Alnus glutinosa growing in the Kaliningrad region of Russia, and assessed the contents of the biologically active substances underlying these properties. It was found that the extract prepared with the leaves of Filipendula ulmaria and female catkins of Alnus glutinosa demonstrated high antioxidant activity, although the former plant was featured with a higher antioxidant potential. The highest antioxidant activity detected in the methanol extracts of Alnus glutinosa reached 1094.02 ± 14.53 µmol TE/g, radical scavenging of activity was 584.45 ± 35.3 µmol TE/g, reducing capacity at interaction with iron complex-471.63 ± 7.06 µmol TE/g. For the methanol extracts of Filipendula ulmaria the antioxidant activity reached 759.78 ± 19.08 µmol TE/g, antioxidant activity for free radical removal was 451.08 ± 24.45 µmol TE/g and antioxidant activity for restorative ability with iron complex was 332.28 ± 10.93 µmol TE/g. These values are consistent with the total yields of the extracts and their content of ellagic acid. The ethyl acetate extracts of the both plants showed just minimal antioxidant activity. Thus, the considered extracts have an essential potential. This creates good prospects for the further use of herbal extracts of Filipendula ulmaria and Alnus glutinosa as a source of natural antioxidants.

Effect of salicylic acid on phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity of Lamiaceae plants grown in a temperate climate.

BACKGROUND: The Lamiaceae family, one of the most important herbaceous and shrub plant families, includes a wide variety of plants with biological and medicinal uses. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of phenolic compounds content and biological activity of extracts from eight species of Lamiaceae plants, cultivated in a temperate climate, and to study the effect of the foliar salicylic acid application on these parameters. METHODS: Lamiaceae plants (Lavandula angustifolia, Salvia officinalis, Hyssopus officinalis, Agastache foeniculum, Thymus serpyllum, Mentha × piperita, Origanum vulgare, Monarda didyma) cultivated on field experimental sites. Plants were sprayed with salicylic acid at a concentration of 1 mM. The untreated with salicylic acid plants were used as control. RESULTS: The highest contents of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids in control plants were observed in the Agastache foeniculum (6.4 ± 0.6 mg g-1 and 6.5 ± 0.4 mg g-1 respectively). The highest content of phenolic compounds was found in Monarda didyma (13.8 ± 0.7 mg g-1). Among the control plants, Agastache foeniculum, Hyssopus officinalis, and Mentha × piperita were characterized by the highest antioxidant activity. All the studied extracts had the ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Significant positive correlations were revealed between the antioxidant activity and the contents of hydroxycinnamic acids, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. A high degree of correlation was found between the α-amylase inhibitory activity and the content of hydroxycinnamic acids (r = 0.72, p ≤ 0.05), as well as between the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and the content of flavonoids (r = 0.83, p ≤ 0.05) and hydroxycinnamic acids (r = 0.81, p ≤ 0.05). The foliar treatment with salicylic acid led to an increase in the contents of hydroxycinnamic acids (in 6 species), flavonoids (in 2 species), total phenolic compounds (in 7 species), antioxidant activity (in 5 species), as well as in α-amylase (in 4 species) and α-glucosidase (in 5 species) inhibitory activity compared to the control plants. Lavandula angustifolia was the most susceptible to foliar treatment with salicylic acid. In this plant species, a significant increase in all studied biochemical parameters was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained on the stimulating effects of salicylic acid can be used to increase the nutritional and pharmacological value of plants of the Lamiaceae family cultivated in temperate climates.

Variability of Phenolic Compound Accumulation and Antioxidant Activity in Wild Plants of Some Rumex Species (Polygonaceae).

Today, more than ever, the search for non-trivial sources of biologically active substances is critical. Plants of the genus Rumex are noteworthy. Plants of this genus stand out for a number of advantages from the dominant plant core of meadow phytocenoses of the temperate climatic zone: a short growing season, an intensive increase in biomass, and undemanding growth conditions. In addition, this plant genus is known as a super-producer of secondary phenolic compounds. The wide distribution and intensive synthesis of biologically active substances make plants from the genus Rumex a promising object for study. Seven species of the genus Rumex (R. acetosa, R. acetosella, R. confertus, R. crispus, R. maritimus, R.obtusifolius, and R. sanguineus) were analyzed. Plants were collected under relatively uniform growing conditions. For subsequent extraction and analysis of phenolic compounds, as well as antioxidant activity, plants leaves were used. R. acetosella, R. crispus, R. maritimus, R. obtusifolius, and R. sanguineus were characterized by a high total content of phenolic compounds (111-131 mg g-1). The maximum content of flavonoids was found in the leaves of R. maritimus and R. acetosella. At the same time, according to high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis, derivatives of flavones (apigenin and luteolin) predominated in the leaves of R. acetosella, while in other species, mainly derivatives of flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol) were identified. Plants of R. acetosa, in comparison with other studied species, were characterized by a lower content of the studied groups of phenolic compounds, with the exception of hydroxycinnamic acids, the content of which in this species was comparable to the content of flavonoids. The maximum content of catechins was found in R. sanguineus; proanthocyanidins-in R. sanguineus, R. obtusifolius, and R. crispus; and tannins-in R. obtusifolius. Extracts from R. crispus were characterized by high antioxidant activity, measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. In addition, the assessment of the phenolic profile of the plant made it possible to group the plants within the framework of cluster analysis. The distribution pattern in the clusters corresponded to the generally accepted taxonomy, with a characteristic division into subgenera (Acetosa, Acetosella, and Rumex). Thus, the phenolic profile can be considered as an additional instrumental approach when drawing up a systematic hierarchy.

Chemical Composition and Content of Biologically Active Substances Found in Cotinus coggygria, Dactylorhiza maculata, Platanthera chlorantha Growing in Various Territories.

Medicinal plants (Cotinus coggygria, Dactylorhiza maculata, Platanthera chlorantha) growing in various territories (Kaliningrad, Moscow, and Minsk regions) were the objects of research. This paper presents a study of the chemical composition of these plants. To analyze the qualitative and quantitative composition of biologically active substances, the method of high-performance liquid chromatography was used. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to study the content of trace elements. The content of organic acids and vitamins was determined by capillary electrophoresis using the Kapel-105/105M capillary electrophoresis system with high negative polarity. Extracts of medicinal plants were obtained on a Soxhlet apparatus using 70% ethanol as an extractant. It was found that among the biologically active substances in the plants under discussion, hyperoside, rutin (C. coggygria), Ferulic acid and Gallic acid (D. maculata), triene hydrocarbon (3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene), unsaturated alcohol (3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol), and benzyl acetate (P. chlorantha) prevailed. Samples of these medicinal plants contained trace elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and sulfur) and many aliphatic organic acids (succinic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, and tartaric acid). The largest amount of biologically active substances and secondary metabolites of the studied plants from the Eastern Baltic is associated with climatic and ecological differences from other regions. The composition of these plants determines the potential of their use in feed additives for livestock and poultry as part of measures to improve the quality of livestock products. The use of medicinal plants for the production of feed additives is relevant in terms of improving regional economies, as well as improving the quality of life and nation's health by providing ecologically clean livestock products.

Study of the Biologically Active Properties of Medicinal Plant Cotinus coggygria.

The results of the studies have shown that to obtain an extract of a complex of biologically active substances of Cotinus coggygria, ethyl alcohol (mass fraction of alcohol 70%) with a hydromodule of 1:5 should be used, and the extraction should be carried out for 60 min at a temperature of 60 °C. The investigated plant extracts with the complex of bioactive substances from the Cotinus coggygria leaves and flowers are safe from the point of view of the content of heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxin B1, radionuclides, as well as pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. It has been established that the Cotinus coggygria extract contains rutin, hyperoside, ferulic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, disulphuretin, sulphurein, sulphurein, gallic acid, methyl gallate, pentagalloyl glucose, 3,3',4',5,6,7-hexahydroxyflavonone, 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavonone, 3-O-α-L-rhamnofuranoside, 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavulium(1+), 7-O-ß-D glucopyranoside, and 3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavonone. The tested extracts have anticancer, antigenotoxic, and antimicrobial (against E. coli, S. aureus, P. vulgaris, C. albicans, L. mesenteroides) properties. The high antioxidant status of the tested extracts was established; the antioxidant activity of the samples was 145.09 mg AA/g (AA-ascorbic acid).

Study of the Properties of In Vitro Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soó (Family Orchidaceae) Extracts.

The medicinal plant Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soó (family Orchidaceae) is used to treat gastritis, colic, gastrointestinal tract, and bladder diseases. This study aimed to investigate the properties and characteristics of the in vitro Dactylorhiza maculata extract. The recommended parameters for producing Dactylorhiza maculata extract were determined: temperature 60 °C, process duration 60 min, hydro module 1:10. It is recommended to carry out the extraction using an aqueous ethyl alcohol solution with a mass fraction of the parent substance of 70%. It was found that such biologically active substances as rutin, quercetin, 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavonone, 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavonone-3-O-glycoside, gallic acid, and ferulic acid were dominant in Dactylorhiza maculata. A high phosphorus content was noted (2410.8 mg/kg dry matter). The studied Dactylorhizamaculata samples contained a large number of organic acids and water-soluble vitamins. The tested extracts were safe in terms of the content of heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxin B1, and radionuclides, as well as pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms; the content was significantly lower than the threshold limit values. The studied complex of biologically active substances from Dactylorhiza maculata extract samples had antimicrobial properties. It was found that the antioxidant activity of the samples was 217.89 ± 10.89 mg AA/g (AA-ascorbic acid). The high content of bioactive substances and the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Dactylorhizamaculata extract samples determine the application potential of this plant as a substitute for growth stimulants and feed antibiotics in the production of feed additives, aiming to increase the physiological and immune status of livestock and poultry.