Yield performance, mineral profile, and nitrate content in a selection of seventeen microgreen species.

Introduction: Originally regarded as garnish greens, microgreens are increasingly valued for their nutritional profile, including their mineral content. Methods: A study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions utilizing a selection of seventeen microgreen species belonging to seven different botanical families to investigate the genetic variation of macro- and micro-minerals and nitrate (NO3 -) content. Plants were grown in a soilless system using a natural fiber mat as the substrate. After germination, microgreens were fertigated with a modified half-strength Hoagland solution prepared using deionized water and without adding microelements. At harvest (10 to 19 days after sowing, based on the species), yield components were measured and dry tissue samples were analyzed for the concentration of total nitrogen (N), NO3 -, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B. Results and discussion: Genotypic variations were observed for all of the examined parameters. Nitrogen and K were the principal macronutrients accounting for 38.4% and 33.8% of the total macro-minerals concentration, respectively, followed in order by Ca, P, S, and Mg. Except for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), all the tested species accumulated high (1,000-2,500 mg kg-1 FW) or very high (>2,500 mg kg-1 FW) NO3 - levels. Eight of the studied species had a K concentration above 300 mg 100 g-1 FW and could be considered as a good dietary source of K. On the other hand, scallion (Allium fistulosum L.), red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), and Genovese basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) microgreens were a good source of Ca. Among micro-minerals, the most abundant was Fe followed by Zn, Mn, B, and Cu. Sunflower, scallion, and shiso (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) were a good source of Cu. Moreover, sunflower was a good source of Zn, whereas none of the other species examined could be considered a good source of Fe and Zn, suggesting that supplementary fertilization may be required to biofortify microgreens with essential microminerals. In conclusion, the tested microgreens can be a good source of minerals showing a high potential to address different dietary needs; however, their yield potential and mineral profile are largely determined by the genotype.

Comprehensive chemical profiling of Bassia indica Wight. aerial parts extract using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, and its antiparasitic activity in Trichinella spiralis infected mice: in silico supported in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: Trichinellosis is a public health threat infected both animals and humans as a result of eating undercooked meat. It caused by Trichinella spiralis that has widespread drug resistance and even developed many sophisticated strategies for their survival, this increases the demand in searching for new anthelmintic drugs from natural source. METHODS: Our objectives were to test the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity of Bassia indica BuOH frac., and to characterize its chemical composition using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Besides an in silico molecular docking study with the prediction of the PreADMET properties. RESULTS: In vitro investigation of B. indica BuOH frac., showed severe destruction of the adult worm and larvae, marked cuticle swelling, areas with vesicles, blebs and loss of annulations. This was assured via in vivo study, which revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the mean adult worm count with efficacy of 47.8% along with a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the mean larval count per gram muscle with efficacy 80.7%. Histopathological examinations of the small intestine and muscular sections showed marked improvement. In addition, immunohistochemical findings demonstrated that B. indica BuOH frac. depressed the proinflammatory cytokines expressions of TNF-α, which was obviously upregulated by T. spiralis. Precise chemical investigation of the BuOH frac. using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS resulted in the identification of 13 oleanolic type triterpenoid saponins; oleanolic acid 3-O-6´-O-methyl-ß-D-glucurono-pyranoside (1), chikusetsusaponin-IVa (2) and its methyl ester (3), chikusetsusaponin IV (4) and its methyl ester (5), momordin-Ic (6) and its methyl ester (7), betavulgaroside-I (8), -II (9) -IV (10), -X (11), licorice-saponin-C2 (12) and -J2 (13). In addition, 6 more phenolics were identified as syringaresinol (14), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (15), 3-O-caffeoyl-4-O-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid (16), 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid butyl ester (17), 3,5-di-O-galloyl-4-O-digalloylquinic acid (18) and quercetin 3-O-(6´´-feruloyl)-sophoroside (19). The auspicious anthelmintic activity was further ascertained using in silico molecular docking approach that targeted certain protein receptors (ß-tubulin monomer, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cysteine protease (Ts-CF1), calreticulin protein (Ts-CRT)), all the docked compounds (1-19) fit into the binding site of the active pocket with binding affinities noteworthy than albendazole. In addition, ADMET properties, drug score and drug likeness were predicted for all compounds.

Enzymatic Properties of Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaf, Root Pulp, and Peel.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is botanically classified as a herbaceous biennial belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family and has several varieties with bulb colors ranging from yellow to red. Peroxidases are widely occurring in organisms including microorganisms, plants, and animals, and have been involved in various physiological and biochemical functions. OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of enzyme extracts from red beet leaves, root pulp, and peel. METHODS: The enzyme extraction involved the homogenization of the sample and filtrate in cold acetone and then the filtrate was homogenized in 0.1M sodium acetate buffer, pH 7. The protein content was determined using the Lowry assay using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a standard protein. Then, enzymatic activity was determined by peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and catalase assays. The patent for biological activity of enzymes was obtained from the Office of Career Development, Haramaya University. The antioxidant activities of the enzyme extract were conducted by using DPPH and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging activities. RESULTS: The result indicated that the Enzymatic activity of crude enzyme extract of red beet leaf, root pulp and peel indicated that significantly the highest total soluble protein (16.68 mg/ml), peroxidase activity (PODA, 111.50 U/ml), polyphenol oxidase activity (PPOA, 170.90 U/ml), polyphenol oxidase specific activity (PPOspa, 10.25 U/mg), catalase activity (CATA, 180.50 U/ml) and catalase specific activity (CATspa, 10.82 U/mg), were recorded for red beet leaf enzyme extract. The antioxidant activity of the enzyme extracts demonstrated that significantly higher DPPH radical scavenging activity of leaf extract (59.16) and peel extract (61.92) were recorded. The Pearson correlation coefficient of enzyme activity parameters and free radical scavenging activities presented that protein content was significantly and positively correlated with CATA, PPOA, and PPOspa. Catalase- specific activity (CATspa) was significant and positively correlated only with HPSA. Peroxidase-specific activity (PODspa) was significant and positively correlated with PODA and DPPH. Based on the plot for principal component PC2 vs. PC1 for D statistics DPPH, PODA, and PODspa have close PC1 and PC2 scores (with vector angle < 90° showing similar/correlated effects. CONCLUSION: In this study, B. vulgaris has shown promising peroxidase enzyme activity. Beetroot peel contained higher antioxidant compounds thus promising a more intense utilization of the peels in food and nutraceuticals.

Undescribed glucosylceramide, flavonol triglycoside, and oleanane saponin from the halophyte Agathophora alopecuroides: Promising candidates for stimulating ceramide synthesis.

The phytochemical study of Agathophora alopecuroides (Chenopodiaceae) led to the isolation of previously undescribed glucosylceramide, flavonol triglycoside, and triterpene oleanane saponin, together with eight known compounds. Their structures were elucidated using NMR analysis and HR-MS as (2'R, 12E) N-[(2S, 3S, 4R)-1-(ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3,4-dihydroxy-octadec-2-yl]-2-hydroxytetracos-12-enamide, namely Agathophamide A; isorhamnetin-3-O-[ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-ß-D-galactopyranoside, namely Agathophoroside A; and 3-O-[4'-(ß-D-xylopyranosyl)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-en-3ß-ol-28-oic acid, namely Solysaponin A. We evaluated the effect of extract and isolates on ceramide levels via the up-regulated expression of the enzyme for ceramide synthesis in HaCaT keratinocytes. Interestingly, the study results revealed that the methanol extract of A. alopecuroides, together with some isolated compounds significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of ceramide synthase-3 by 1.2- to 4.3-fold compared with the control in HaCaT cells. These findings indicate that the halophyte A. alopecuroides is a promising source of candidate compounds that can contribute to ceramide synthesis via the up-regulated expression levels of ceramide synthase-3 in the ceramide synthesis pathway.

A novel acylated flavonol tetraglycoside and rare oleanane saponins with a unique acetal-linked dicarboxylic acid substituent from the xero-halophyte Bassia indica.

In recent years, the scientific interest and particularly the economic significance of halophytic plants has been highly demanding due to the medicinal and nutraceutical potential of its bioactive compounds. A xero-halophyte Bassia indica is deemed to be a very cheap source of natural entities without chemical or biological investigation. In this context, a new acylated flavonol tetraglycoside, kaempferol-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-[ß-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-2-O-trans-feruloyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (14), together with rare occurring flavonol triglycoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside (15), were isolated from the aqueous methanol extract of the aerial parts of B. indica. The study also reported an optimal separation and characterization of a new seco-glycosidic oleanane saponin with 2'R,3'S stereocenters, identified as (2'R,3'S)-3-O-[2'-hydroxy-3'-(2"-O-glycolyl)-oxo-propionic acid-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-en-3ß-ol-28-oic acid (17), in addition to its derivative, 3-O-[2'-(2"-O-glycolyl)-glyoxylyl-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-en-3ß-ol-28-oic acid (16). The structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated based on 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-MS analysis, as well as comparing with similar derivatives published in the literature. Furthermore, thirteen known compounds were isolated and identified as ß-sitosterol (1), vanillic acid (2), o-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), р-hydroxybenzoic acid (4), 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (5), methyl caffeate (6), caffeic acid (7), quercetin (8), uracil (9), thymidine (10), tachioside (11), isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (12), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (13). The anticholinesterase activity of all isolated compounds was evaluated.

The immunomodulatory activity of Chenopodium ambrosioides reduces the parasite burden and hepatic granulomatous inflammation in Schistosoma mansoni-infection.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Folk medicine reports have described the use of Chenopodium ambrosioides as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anthelmintic herb. These effects, including its activity against intestinal worms, are already scientifically observed. However, the immunological mechanisms of this species in the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection are unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the immunological and anti-Schistosoma mansoni effects of a crude Chenopodium ambrosioides hydro-alcoholic extract (HCE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the in vitro analysis, cercariae and adult worms were exposed to different concentrations (0 to 10,000 µg/mL) of the HCE. For the in vivo evaluation, Swiss mice were infected with 50 cercariae of S. mansoni and separated into groups according to treatment as follows: a negative control (without treatment), a positive control (treated with Praziquantel®), HCE1 Group (treated with HCE during the cutaneous phase), HCE2 Group (treated with HCE during the lung phase), HCE3 Group (treated with HCE during the young worm phase), and HCE4 Group (treated with HCE during the adult worm phase). The animals treated with HCE received daily doses of 50 mg/kg, by gavage, for seven days, corresponding to the different developmental stages of S. mansoni. For comparison, a clean control group (uninfected and untreated) was also included. All animals were euthanized 60 days post-infection to allow the following assessments to be performed: a complete blood cells count, counts of eggs in the feces and liver, the quantification of cytokines and IgE levels, histopathological evaluations of the livers, and the analysis of inflammatory mediators. RESULTS: HCE treatment increased the mortality of cercariae and adult worms in vitro. The HCE treatment in vivo reduced the eggs in feces and liver. The number and area of liver granulomas, independent of the phase of treatment, were also reduced. The treatment with HCE reduced the percentage of circulating eosinophils, IgE, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4. In contrast, the treatment with the HCE, dependent on the phase, increased IL-10 levels and the number of peritoneal and bone marrow cells, mainly of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and macrophages. This effect could be due to secondary compounds presents in this extract, such as kaempferol, quercetin and derivatives. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that Chenopodium ambrosioides has antiparasitic and immunomodulatory activity against the different phases of schistosomiasis, reducing the granulomatous inflammatory profile caused by the infection and, consequently, improving the disease prognosis.

Sarcocornia perennis pectic polysaccharides orally administered to mice: Holistic histological evaluation of xenobiotic protection.

Sarcocornia perennis subsp. perennis is an edible halophyte with reported potential health benefits. To disclose the potential contribution of its polysaccharides to health benefits, in this work, hot water extracts were prepared and a holistic approach was performed, relating the simultaneous effects on different organs and molecular components administered orally, using the extract and the purified polysaccharides. The material rich in polysaccharides extracted with hot water was separated into two fractions by dialysis, allowing to obtain the pectic polysaccharides and the low molecular weight compounds. Oral administration of the extract and its fractions (120 mg/kg/day, 30 days) in mice was evaluated by histopathological analysis of liver, lymphoid (thymus and spleen) and reproductive organs (testis and epididymis). Extract and purified polysaccharides promoted a megakaryocytes increase in spleen, while low molecular weight compounds affected the reproductive organs (vacuolation and germ cells release in lumen), causing hydropic change in liver and degeneration of seminiferous tubules. This is the first study on polysaccharides from Sarcocornia. These pectic polysaccharides were shown to protect the immune and reproductive systems against toxic chemicals inducers of oxidation reactions. Their purification is a fundamental step, since the low molecular weight compounds of the edible parts may contribute to lesions in reproductive organs.

A new aryldihydronaphthalene-type lignan and other metabolites with potential anti-​inflammatory activities from Corispermum mongolicum Iljin.

One new aryldihydronaphthalene-type lignan (1) together with eight known lignans (2-4, 7-11) as well as two caffeic-acid dimers (5, 6) were isolated from an ethanol extract of the whole plant of Corispermum mongolicum Iljin (Chenopodiaceae). The chemical structures of these compounds were determined from 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectra, and results were compared with data from the literature. This study is the first demonstration of nine compounds (2 and 4-11) isolated from the Chenopodiaceae family, with one of these (3) from the genus Corispermum. Anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated compounds were evaluated in terms of inhibition of production of nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

[Pollen in surface soil at the southern slope of western Tianshan, China.] / 西天山南坡表土花粉分析.

We analyzed 52 pollen samples of surface soils from the southern slope of western Tian-shan, China, to understand the relationship between the surface pollen and modern vegetation, and the significance of the Artemisia/Chenopodiaceae (A/C). The results showed that there were five vegetation zones from the mountain top to the foot, i.e., alpine desert zone, alpine meadow zone, meadow and steppe zone, mountain desert zone, and typical desert zone. The typical taxa were Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae, Poaceae and Ephedra. The surface pollen assemblages greatly differed across different vegetation zones in this area. Surface pollen in the southern slope of the western Tianshan Mountains was affected by the northern slope, with the impacts increasing with the increases of altitude. The A/C increased with altitude, peaked in the alpine meadow zone, and then decreased, which could effectively indicate the vertical moisture change. Given the great fluctuation of A/C value, when using this ratio to reconstruct climate and environment, attention should be paid to the fact that high values caused by human activities and other factors may lead to misjudgments.

Chenopodium ambrosioides induces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat isolated aorta.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the vasodilatory effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the isolated rat aorta, and to explore its mechanism of action. METHODS: The vasorelaxant effect and the mode of action of various extracts from the leaves of C. ambrosioides were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Wistar rats. In addition, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions were analyzed, using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques, for their polyphenolic content. RESULTS: The various active extracts of C. ambrosioides at four concentrations (10-3, 10-2, 10-1 and 1 mg/mL) relaxed the contraction elicited by phenylephrine, in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect seems to be endothelium-dependent, since the vasodilatory effect was entirely absent in denuded aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect of the methanol fraction (MF) of C. ambrosioides at 1 mg/mL was also inhibited by atropine and tetraethylammonium. This effect remained unchanged by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride and glibenclamide. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that the leaves of C. ambrosioides are rich in phenolic and flavonoid derivatives. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the MF of C. ambrosioides produces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of the isolated rat aorta, which is thought to be mediated mainly through stimulation of the muscarinic receptors, and probably involving the opening of Ca2+-activated potassium channels.

Preparative mass-spectrometry profiling of minor concentrated metabolites in Salicornia gaudichaudiana Moq by high-speed countercurrent chromatography and off-line electrospray mass-spectrometry injection.

Salicornia species have just been introduced to the European market as a vegetable named 'samphire', 'green asparagus', or 'sea asparagus'. Due to its increasing attention, and associated value, minor compounds of Salicornia gaudichaudiana Moq were investigated. The use of countercurrent chromatography and mass spectrometry enabled the search for known, as well as potentially novel natural products. Their identification was achieved based on molecular weights and mass-spectrometric fragmentation data. Low detection limits enabled the visualization of all compounds with their identification in almost real time close to the preparative countercurrent chromatography experiment. A list of known natural products from Salicornia genus guided the identification process of compounds occurring in Salicornia gaudichaudiana Moq by tandem mass spectrometry fragment comparison. The natural product classes were divided into four groups: chlorogenic acid derivatives; flavonoid derivatives; pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins; and other compounds.

Beta vulgaris - A Mini Review of Traditional Uses in Iran, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: Beta vulgaris (family: Chenopodiaceae) is now widely is used more in the food industry as a rich source of sugar but it is less considered in medicine. Beet has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years to treat a variety of diseases such as constipation, decreased libido, gut and joint pain and dandruff. METHODS: This study introduced the benefits of Beta vulgaris by reviewing Iranian traditional documents from the 10th century until now and also compared modern phytotherapy of plant beet from the electronic data banks such as ISI, Pub Med and Scopus with findings that extracted from traditional literature. RESULTS: This plant is known in Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) as Selgh (Arabic) or Choghondar (Farsi) and its leaves are used to develop treatments. Results confirmed that the plant referred to as Selgh in traditional books is that the plant Beta vulgaris in contemporary studies. Treatments that have not been evaluated in modern phytotherapy but do appear in traditional treatments include fever, as well as psychological and psychiatric issues. This article tells the history of beet in ITM and can confirm use of plant Beta vulgaris in medicinal practice. The report can be applied for certification of plant Beta vulgaris for researchers and experts. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study can help the researchers in producing therapeutic products and new application.

Chenopodium ambrosioides induces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat isolated aorta / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#This study aims to evaluate the vasodilatory effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the isolated rat aorta, and to explore its mechanism of action.@*METHODS@#The vasorelaxant effect and the mode of action of various extracts from the leaves of C. ambrosioides were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Wistar rats. In addition, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions were analyzed, using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques, for their polyphenolic content.@*RESULTS@#The various active extracts of C. ambrosioides at four concentrations (10, 10, 10 and 1 mg/mL) relaxed the contraction elicited by phenylephrine, in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect seems to be endothelium-dependent, since the vasodilatory effect was entirely absent in denuded aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect of the methanol fraction (MF) of C. ambrosioides at 1 mg/mL was also inhibited by atropine and tetraethylammonium. This effect remained unchanged by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride and glibenclamide. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that the leaves of C. ambrosioides are rich in phenolic and flavonoid derivatives.@*CONCLUSION@#These results suggest that the MF of C. ambrosioides produces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of the isolated rat aorta, which is thought to be mediated mainly through stimulation of the muscarinic receptors, and probably involving the opening of Ca-activated potassium channels.

Extraction, isolation and identification of flavonoid from Chenopodium album aerial parts.

Chenopodium album L., (C. album) (family: Chenopodiaceae) is an annual shrub widely grown in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. It is commonly known as Bathua (in Hindi), pigweed, fat hen or lamb-quarters. The leaves of C. album are applied as a poultice to bug bites, sunstroke, rheumatic joints and as mild laxative. The flavonoids contained in C. album aerial parts were extracted, identified and characterized. Sequential soxhlet extraction was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and flavonoid quantification. The results showed that maximum yield of the flavonoid (7.335 mg/g) were obtained from acetone extract. This acetone extract was subjected to flash chromatography for isolation of flavonoid. Characterization of isolated flavonoid was done by UV, IR, 1H & 13C NMR and MS. On the basis of chemical and spectral analysis structure was elucidated as 2-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3, 5, 7-trihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one, a flavonoid.

In-vitro and In-vivo Hypolipidemic Activity of Spinach Roots and Flowers.

This study was designed in order to correlate the flavonoid and lipoidal matters content of Spinach roots and flowers to their hypolipidemic potential. The total flavonoid content was measured via complexation with aluminum chloride while determination of fatty acids methyl esters and unsaponifiable matters in both organs was performed using GC/MS. In an in-vitro study, the crude ethanol extracts of both organs and their different fractions were separately examined for inhibition of ß-hydroxy-ß-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase); the rate limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis. The percentage inhibition of alcohol extracts of roots and flowers were 78.19% and 72.68% respectively when compared to the control. The crude alcohol extracts of both organs were further examined in-vivo. Results showed that both extracts improved the investigated parameters by variable degrees compared to fenofibrate reference drug. The root extract showed significant improvement of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG and total lipids (52.75, 209.85, 21.84, 49.26 and 29.62% respectively) when compared to hypercholesterolemic rats. The histopathological picture of liver showed a noticeable amelioration after treatment with root extract. The flavonoid content was higher in flower than root (983.4 and 300.2 mg/kg respectively) while the percentage of sterols and triterpenes in roots was greater than flowers (22.47% and 17.02 % respectively). In conclusion, the root ethanolic extract recorded more potent activity than flower as hypolipidemic agent either in-vitro or in-vivo examination which was more correlated to the sterol content than to the flavonoid content.

Óleo essencial de Chenopodium ambrosioides L: estado da arte / Essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides L: state of the art

Chenopodium ambrosioides L. é uma erva aromática amplamente distribuída ao longo da América, África e também em países da Europa. No Brasil, a planta é popularmente conhecida como mastruz. Tem sido utilizada pela população como anti-helmíntica e para tratamentos de gripe. O óleo essencial das folhas é o componente mais conhecido da planta e de grande importância científica. As propriedades terapêuticas da planta são geralmente atribuídas ao óleo essencial pelos investigadores. Este trabalho traz uma revisão da literatura sobre o óleo essencial de C. ambrosioides, com ênfase nos seus constituintes químicos, atividade biológica e aspectos toxicológicos.(AU)

Chenopodium ambrosioides L. is an aromatic herb widely distributed throughout the Americas, Africa and also in European countries. In Brazil, the plant is popularly known as mastruz. It has been used by the population as anthelmintic and in the treatment of influenza. The essential oil of the leaves is the most familiar component of the plant and of great scientific importance. The therapeutic properties of the plant are generally attributed to the essential oil. This paper reviews the literature on the essential oil of C. ambrosioides, with emphasis on its chemical constituents, biological activity and toxicological aspects.(AU)

Five new bioactive compounds from Chenopodium ambrosioides.

Five new bioactive compounds, chenopodiumamines A-D (1-4) and chenopodiumoside A (5), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Chenopodium ambrosioides. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by various spectroscopic means (UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Compounds 1-3 had moderate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

New septanoside and 20-hydroxyecdysone septanoside derivative from Atriplex portulacoides roots with preliminary biological activities.

The phytochemical investigation of a Tunisian plant Atriplex portulacoides (Chenopodiaceae) led to the isolation of two new compounds designated as portulasoid (2) and septanoecdysone (3) along with the known 20-hydroxyecdysone (20HE) (1). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods including ES-HRMS, 1D and 2D-NMR. The isolated compounds were finally tested for their antioxidant activity by using DPPH, ABTS(+), Fe(3+) and catalase assays and also for their antibacterial and anticholinesterase activities.

Chemical studies on the polysaccharides of Salicornia brachiata.

A group of 12 polysaccharide extracts were prepared from the tips, stem and roots of an Indian halophyte Salicornia brachiata Roxb. obtained by sequential extractions with cold water (CW), hot water (HW), aqueous ammonium oxalate (OX) and aqueous sodium hydroxide (ALK) solutions. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that all the polysaccharide extract samples consisted primarily of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, glucose, whereas ribose and xylose were present only in some of the extracts. All the extracts exhibited low apparent viscosity (1.47-2.02 cP) and sulphate and contained no prominent toxic metal ions. Fucose was detected only in OX extract of the roots. These polysaccharides were found to be heterogeneous and highly branched (glycoside linkage analysis, size-exclusion chromatography, (13)C-NMR, FT-IR, circular dichroism and optical rotation data). Physico-chemical analyses of these polysaccharides including uronic acid, sulphate and protein contents were also carried out. This constitutes the first report on the profiling of Salicornia polysaccharides.