Crataegus pentagyna willd. Fruits, leaves and roots: phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials.

BACKGROUND: The hawthorn has recently been used as a popular herbal medicine in food applications and phytotherapy, especially for the cardiovascular system. METHODS: In this study, phytochemicals were evaluated by LC-ESI-MS, GC-MS, and biological activity, including antioxidant (DPPH test) and antibacterial (broth dilution assay), in different extracts of Crataegus pentagyna fruit, leaf, and root. RESULTS: Globally, 49 phenolics were tentatively identified using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in the hydro-methanolic extract of the fruit (major apigenin, caffeoylquinic acid derivative, and 4-O-(3'-O-glucopyranosyl)-caffeoyl quinic acid), 42 in the leaf (major salicylic acid, naringenin-6-C-glucoside, and naringin), and 33 in the root (major naringenin-7-O-neohesperidoside, isovitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside, and 4-O-(3'-O-glucopyranosyl)-caffeoyl quinic acid). The major group compounds analyzed by GC-MS in petroleum ether extracts were hydrocarbons (63.80%) and fatty acids and their derivatives (11.77%) in fruit, hydrocarbons (49.20%) and fatty acids and their derivatives (13.85%) in leaf, and hydrocarbons (53.96%) and terpenes (13.06%) in root. All samples exhibited promising phytochemical profile (total phenol, flavonoid, phenolic acid, and anthocyanin), antioxidant and antibacterial capacities, especially in hydro-methanolic extract of fruit (210.22 ± 0.44 mg GAE/g DE; 79.93 ± 0.54 mg QE/g DE; 194.64 ± 0.32 mg CAE/g DE; 85.37 ± 0.13 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/100 g FW; DPPH: 15.43 ± 0.65 µg/mL; MIC: 0.15-0.62 µg/mL; and MBC: 0.62-1.25 mg/mL), followed by the leaf and root extracts, respectively. The PCA and heatmap analysis results distinguished metabolite profile differences for samples. CONCLUSION: The results of the present work provide scientific support for C. pentagyna as antimicrobial agents and natural antioxidants in human health and food preservation.

Unveiling the chemical profiling and remarkable modulation of carbohydrate metabolism by costus root, Dolomiaea costus (Falc.) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dolomiaea costus (Falc.), formerly Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch., an ayurvedic medicinal plant, has long been recognized and utilized in diverse indigenous systems of medicine for its multifaceted therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, carminative, expectorant, antiarthritic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, anodyne, and antidiabetic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: The potential and underlying mechanisms of D. costus root as an antidiabetic agent were investigated in this study. Additionally, the quantification of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which dominate the extracts, was of particular interest in order to elucidate their contribution to the observed effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was employed to analyze the chemical constituents in D. costus root aqueous extract (DCA) and D. costus root ethanolic extract (DCE). Furthermore, the inhibitory potentials of DCE and its respective fractions as well as DCA against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase enzymes were assessed. Subsequently, the efficacy of DCA and DCE extracts was evaluated using an established streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animal model; this involved administering the extracts at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bwt. and comparing them with a positive control (glibenclamide (Glib.) at 0.6 mg/kg bwt.). After induction of diabetes (except for negative control), all animals received the treatments orally for 21 days consecutively, followed by the collection of rat serum to assess various parameters including, glycemic and lipid profiles, liver and kidney functions, antioxidant activity, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis pathways. RESULTS: The results of HPLC-ESI-MS/MS revealed that isochlorogenic acid A (8393.64 µg/g) and chlorogenic acid (6532.65 µg/g) were the predominant compounds in DCE and DCA, respectively. Both extracts exhibited notable antidiabetic properties, as evidenced by their ability to regulate blood glycemic and lipid profiles (glucose, insulin, HBA1C; HDL, TC, TGs), liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, AST), kidney function (urea, creatinine, uric acid), oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA), antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GSH, SOD), as well as glycolysis (glucokinase) and gluconeogenesis (G-6-P, FBP1) pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Furthermore, the administration of D. costus extracts significantly mitigated STZ-induced diabetic hyperglycemia. These results can be attributed, at least partially, to the presence of several polyphenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Identification of bioactive compounds and inhibitory effects of TNF-α and COX-2 in the extract from cultured three-spot seahorse (H. trimaculatus).

Three-spot seahorse (Hippocampus trimaculatus) has been consumed as traditional Chinese medicine in Asian society. This study was designed to analyze the bioactive compounds of the solvent extracts from cultured three-spot seahorse by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI/MS/MS). Subsequently, their biological activities were evaluated and confirmed by cell modes and Western blot analysis. Experimental results indicated that taurine and arginine were the primary bioactive compounds identified and quantified without pre- or post-column derivatization within 20 min retention time. The analytical method was established and validated with intraday/interday RSD from 0.25% to 3.34% and with recovery from 87.8% to 91.2%. As compared to other extracts, water layer extract (WLE) contained the most taurine and arginine contents of 6.807 and 0.437 mg/g (dry basis), respectively. In the meanwhile, WLE also showed anti-inflammatory activity on LPS-induced NO production and inhibited the protein expression of TNF-α and COX-2 by Western blot analysis with better cell viability.

Enhancement of Female Rat Fertility via Ethanolic Extract from Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) Seeds Assessed via HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Molecular Docking.

The characteristic chemical composition of Nigella seeds is directly linked to their beneficial properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of Nigella sativa seeds using a 100% ethanolic extract using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Additionally, it explored the potential biological effects of the extract on female rat reproduction. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2), and Progesterone (P4) hormone levels were also assessed, along with the morphological and histological effects of the extract on ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues. Molecular docking was performed to understand the extract's activity and its role in regulating female reproduction by assessing its binding affinity to hormonal receptors. Twenty metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, were found in the ethanolic extract of N. sativa seeds through the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS study. The N. sativa seed extract exhibited strong estrogenic and LH-like activities (p < 0.05) with weak FSH-like activity. Furthermore, it increased the serum levels of LH (p < 0.05), P4 hormones (p < 0.001), and E2 (p < 0.0001). Molecular docking results displayed a strong interaction with Erß, LH, GnRH, and P4 receptors, respectively. Based on these findings, N. sativa seeds demonstrated hormone-like activities, suggesting their potential as a treatment for improving female fertility.

Certification of New Selenium-Enriched Yeast and Supplement Reference Materials for Selenomethionine Using Two Independent Measurement Strategies.

Selenium-enriched yeast possesses the unique ability of transforming chemical selenium, such as sodium selenite, into a biologically active form, which mitigates its toxic effects on the human body. The transformation product of this process, selenomethionine, can be safely and effectively absorbed and utilized by the human body; hence, it has been spiked into a selenium-enriched supplement. This study employs two distinct measurement strategies to determine the selenomethionine content in two candidate reference materials, a selenium-enriched yeast powder and supplement, using both organic and inorganic mass spectrometry. The concentrations of selenomethionine in the selenium-enriched yeast were determined using HPLC-ICP-MS and HPLC- ESI-MS/MS, with mass fractions measured at 718 mg SeMet kg-1 and 715 mg SeMet kg-1, respectively. Notably, both methods yielded consistent results for the selenium supplement, with a selenomethionine mass fraction of 59 mg SeMet kg-1. Ultimately, the certified values of these candidate reference materials were determined as 716 mg kg-1 and 59 mg SeMet kg-1 with expanded uncertainties of 36 mg SeMet kg-1 (k = 2) and 5 mg SeMet kg-1 (k = 2), respectively. The development of these candidate reference materials serves as a valuable reference for diverse methods aiming to determine the value of organic selenium speciation in complex food substrates.

Metabolome Mining of Curcuma longa L. Using HPLC-MS/MS and Molecular Networking.

Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., is a type of medicinal plant characterized by its perennial nature and rhizomatous growth. It is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is distributed across the world's tropical and subtropical climates, especially in South Asia. Its rhizomes have been highly valued for food supplements, spices, flavoring agents, and yellow dye in South Asia since ancient times. It exhibits a diverse array of therapeutic qualities that encompass its ability to combat diabetes, reduce inflammation, act as an antioxidant, exhibit anticancer properties, and promote anti-aging effects. In this study, organic extracts of C. longa rhizomes were subjected to HPLC separation followed by ESI-MS and low-energy tandem mass spectrometry analyses. The Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) approach was utilized for the first time in this ethnobotanically important species to conduct an in-depth analysis of its metabolomes based on their fragments. To sum it up, a total of 30 metabolites including 16 diarylheptanoids, 1 diarylpentanoid, 3 bisabolocurcumin ethers, 4 sesquiterpenoids, 4 cinnamic acid derivatives, and 2 fatty acid derivatives were identified. Among the 16 diarylheptanoids identified in this study, 5 of them are reported for the first time in this species.

Metabolomics-Based Profiling, Antioxidant Power, and Uropathogenic Bacterial Anti-Adhesion Activity of SP4TM, a Formulation with a High Content of Type-A Proanthocyanidins.

Flavonoids and proanthocyanidins (PACs) have been the subject of intense scientific investigations, both for their antioxidant properties and anti-adhesion activity against uropathogenic bacteria. We investigated the metabolomics and antioxidant capacity of SP4TM, a patent-pending formulation based on a mixture of plant extracts with a high content of bioactive PACs and other polyphenols. The total content of polyphenols (885.51 ± 14.19 mg/g), flavonoids (135.52 ± 8.98 mg/g), anthocyanins (54.84 ± 2.97 mg/g), and PACs (379.43 ± 12.44 mg/g) was quantified using UV-Vis assays. Use of HPLC-ESI-MS/MS revealed the presence of 5 flavanols (100.77 ± 3.90 mg g-1 d.wt), 11 flavonols (59.96 ± 1.83 mg g-1 d.wt), and 8 anthocyanins (46.96 ± 1.59 mg g-1 d.wt), whereas MALDI-TOF MS showed that SP4TM contains PACs with one or more type-A interflavan bonds at each degree of polymerization. Regarding antioxidant properties, LUCS technology on HepG2 cells evidenced the ability of SP4TM to neutralize intracellular free radicals, inhibit membrane lipid peroxidation, quench H2O2, and reduce free radicals mainly through chelating mechanism, as demonstrated by a higher FRAP value (2643.28 ± 39.86 mmol/g) compared with ABTS (139.92 ± 6.16 mmol/g) and DPPH (89.51 ± 3.91 mmol/g). Finally, the SP4TM type-A PAC content strongly prevented bacterial adhesion of P-fimbriated uropathogenic Escherichia coli (0.23 mg/mL). In conclusion, SP4TM has a strong antioxidant capacity involving multitarget mechanisms and is a potential supplement to fight urinary tract infections due to its ability to inhibit uropathogenic E. coli adhesion.

In vitro wound healing properties, antioxidant activities, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS profile and phytoconstituents of the stem aqueous methanolic extract of Dracaena reflexa Lam.

Column chromatography of the stem aqueous methanolic extract of Dracaena reflexa Lam. (DRSE) led to the isolation of five flavonoids, one phenolic glycoside, one triterpenoid and two steroidal saponins. Furthermore, 44 compounds were tentatively identified in the phytoconstituent profile of DRSE using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The antioxidant activity of DRSE was evaluated. In a DPPH radical scavenging assay, DRSE exhibited an IC50 value of 311.6 ± 10.10 µg/ml compared with the IC50 value of the standard Trolox (24.42 ± 0.87 µg/ml). The antioxidant activities of DRSE using ABTS assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay were 326.63 µm Trolox equivalents/mg extract and 208.67 µm Trolox equivalents/mg extract, respectively. The wound-healing activity of DRSE was studied by the scratch assay using Human Skin Fibroblast cells. After 24 h DRSE (at 10 and 20 µg/ml) decreased the wound width to 0.55 ± 0.37 and 0.47 ± 0.55 mm, respectively, compared with the wound width in the control cells (0.77 ± 0.17 mm). This result suggested that DRSE improved the wound-healing process by inducing the migration of fibroblasts. Moreover, a docking study was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of the identified phytoconstituents toward GSK-3ß relative to the co-crystalized inhibitor and curcumin with the possible involvement of this pathway in the wound-healing activity of the extract.

Simultaneous determination of 11 alkaloids in rat plasma by LC-ESI-MS/MS and a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of total alkaloids extracted from Naucleaofficinalis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Nauclea officinalis, a widely used Li medicine, has been used for the treatment of cold, fever, bronchitis, pneumonia, acute tonsillitis, and other ailments. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that the most abundant and active components in N. officinalis are alkaloids, which possess various biological properties such as antibacterial and antitumor activities. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the phytochemical profile of a selected group of alkaloids from the N. officinalis total alkaloids, and to determine the chemical profile of the alkaloids extracted from rat plasma. Further investigation was conducted to determine the pharmacokinetic behaviors of 11 selected major alkaloids, including pumiloside, naucleoxoside A, naucleoxoside B, nauclefine, angustidine, angustoline, (3S,19S)-3,14-dihydroangustoline,[α]D20: (-)191°, (3S,19R)-3,14-dihydroangustoline, [α]D20: (-) 294.7°, strictosamide, angustine, and 3,14-dihydroangustine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: N. officinalis total alkaloids were extracted with 79% ethanol and enriched with AB-8 macroporous resin. The phytochemical profile of alkaloids from the N. officinalis total alkaloids and the chemical profile of the alkaloids extracted from rat plasma were first analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. A simple, convenient, and sensitive LC-ESI-MS/MS method was subsequently developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of major active alkaloids in rat plasma after oral administration of N. officinalis total alkaloids. After addition of an internal standard (verapamil), plasma samples were pretreated first by protein precipitation with methanol and then underwent liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Waters BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 µm) at 30 °C, with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B), a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min, and a total run time of 30 min. The detection was performed using an electrospray ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with multiple reaction monitoring and positive ionization mode. RESULTS: Based on the fragmentation patterns of 11 authentic alkaloids and previous reports, 55 alkaloids were identified or tentatively identified in the N. officinalis total alkaloids. Among them, 25 alkaloids were absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract in rats after administration of the N. officinalis total alkaloids. The 11 alkaloids were selected for quantitative analysis. The established quantitative method was fully validated and proved to be sensitive and specific. Satisfactory linearity of the 11 alkaloids obtained in the respective concentration ranges (r > 0.9931). The lower limits of quantification for strictosamide was 20.86 ng/ml, and the other ten alkaloids were all less than 4.47 ng/ml in rat plasma. The intra-and inter-day precision was less than 15% for all 11 alkaloids in terms of relative standard deviation, and the accuracies ranged from -11.4% to 11.1% in terms of relative error. Extraction recovery, matrix effect, and stability were within the required limits in rat plasma. CONCLUSION: The validated method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the 11 alkaloids in rat plasma after oral administration of N. officinalis total alkaloids. Eleven alkaloids were rapidly absorbed to achieve a maximum plasma concentration with Tmax from 0.25 h to 1.5 h after oral administration. The pharmacokinetic parameters and plasma concentration-time profiles will prove valuable in pre-clinical and clinical investigations on the disposition of N. officinalis total alkaloids.

Analysis of Se and Hg biomolecules distribution and Se speciation in poorly studied protein fractions of muscle tissues of highly consumed fishes by SEC-UV-ICP-MS and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

Distribution of Se and Hg in sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar and alkali-soluble protein fractions extracted from muscle tissue of tuna, swordfish and salmon (wild vs. farmed) is investigated for the first time. SEC-UV-ICP-MS analyses revealed that Se and Hg are mostly bound to proteins of 2-12 kDa and up to 574 kDa, respectively. Moreover, Se and Hg appeared associated to proteins of same molecular weight, evidencing that Se-Hg interaction may occur at the level of the fish tissue evaluated. Important differences were found between farmed and wild salmon, suggesting the effect of the type of feed and growing conditions on Se and Hg content and their distribution through protein fractions. Finally, Se speciation studies performed by HPLC-ICP-MS and confirmed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS showed SeMeSeCys as the only Se specie found in soluble, sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar and alkali-soluble proteins of all fishes analysed, except in soluble proteins extracted from tuna, where SeMet was also identified.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Potentials of Ficus glumosa and Its Bioactive Polyphenol Metabolites.

Ficus glumosa Delile (Moraceae), a reputed plant that is used in herbal medicine, is of high medicinal and nutritional value in local communities primarily ascribed to its phytochemical profile. Currently, there are hardly any fine details on the chemical profiling and pharmacological evaluation of this species. In this study, the flavonoids and phenolics contents of the ethanol extracts and four extracted fractions (petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol, and water) of the stem bark of Ficus glumosa were firstly quantified. Further, their antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials were also evaluated. The quantitative determination indicated that the EA and n-butanol fractions possessed the highest total flavonoids/phenolics levels of 274.05 ± 0.68 mg RE/g and 78.87 ± 0.97 mg GAE/g, respectively. Similarly, for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, the EA fraction exhibited high potency in both DPPH and ABTS+ scavenging activities with IC50 values of 0.23 ± 0.03 mg/mL, 0.22 ± 0.03 mg/mL, and FRAP potential of 2.81 ± 0.01 mg Fe2+/g, respectively. Furthermore, the EA fraction displayed high cytotoxicity against human lung (A549) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells. Additionally, the liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was employed in order to characterize the chemical constituents of the EA fraction of Ficus glumosa stem bark. Our findings revealed 16 compounds from the EA fraction that were possibly responsible for the strong antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties. This study provides edge-cutting background information on the exploitation of Ficus glumosa as a potential natural antioxidant and anti-cancer remedy.

Flavan-3-ols in Vitis seeds: Their extraction and analysis by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

An orthogonal L1643 × 22 test design was applied to select the optimum conditions for extracting flavan-3-ols in grape seeds. Highest yield of flavan-3-ols was achieved with 80% methanol, a ratio [1:30 (g/mL)] of sample-to-solvent, sonication for 20 min, and extraction at 25 °C for 12 h in darkness. The optimized analytical method for HPLC separation was a multistep gradient elution using 1% formic acid (A) and acetonitrile containing 1% formic acid (B), at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min in 36 min. Moreover, fourteen flavan-3-ols were separated and identified using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, including four monomers ((+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate) and ten oligomers (three dimers, four trimers, two tetramers and one pentamer). The optimized method was used to determine flavan-3-ols content and compositions among ten representative cultivars. The new wine grape - Beihong, had higher flavan-3-ols content and polymerization than classic wine grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon and Riesling.

Isolation of bioactive components with soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory activity from Stachys sieboldii MiQ. by ultrasonic-assisted extraction optimized using response surface methodology.

Stachys sieboldii MiQ (SSM) is an important food and medicinal herb in Korea, used to improve memory of patients with senile dementia and cardiovascular diseases. However, little information on bioactive components from SSM or standardized extraction methods for these components is available. This study isolated and purified major components from SSM for the first time, and assessed their ability to inhibit soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The results showed that acteoside is the most potent inhibitor of sEH, with an IC50 of 33.5 ± 0.5 µM. Additional active components, including harpagide, tryptophan, and 8-acetate-harpagide, along with acteoside, were tentatively identified using high-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS) and quantified using an ultraviolet detector at 210 nm. Further, an ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique for extraction of four bioactive compounds in SSM was developed and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal extraction conditions were: extraction time, 30.46 minutes; extraction temperature, 67.95 °C, and methanol concentration 53.85%. The prediction model of RSM was validated with laboratory experiments. The similarity between predicted and actual values was 97.84%. The extraction method is thus a rapid, environment-friendly, energy-saving method can be applied to extract bioactive components from SSM in large quantities.

Hypolipidemic, hipoglycemiant and antioxidant effects of Myrcia splendens (Sw) DC in an animal type 2 diabetes model induced by streptozotocin / Efectos hipolipemiante, hipoglucemiante y antioxidante de Myrcia splendens (Sw) DC en un modelo animal de diabetes tipo 2 inducido por estreptozotocina

We investigated the effects of dichloromethane extract (DME) from Myrcia splendenson alterations caused by type 2 diabetes in the blood and kidney of rats, in order to reduce side effects caused by synthetic drugs. Rats received streptozotocin (60 mg/kg),15 minutes after nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) or water. After 72 hours, the glycemic levels were evaluated to confirm diabetes and the animals received (15 days) DME (25, 50, 100 or 150 mg/Kg) or water. DME partially reversed hyperglycemia and (100 and 150 mg/kg) reversed hypertriglyceridemia. Histopathological findings elucidated that DME reduced damage to pancreatic islets. DME 150 mg/kgreversed the increases in TBA-RS, the reduction in the sulfhydryl content, 100 and 150 mg/kg increased CAT, reversed the decrease in GSH-Px and increased it activity in the blood. DME 150 mg/kg reversed CAT and GSH-Px reductions in the kidney. We believe that DME effects might be dependent on the presence of phenolic compounds.

Investigamos los efectos del extracto de diclorometano (DME)de Myrcia splendens sobre las alteraciones causadas por la diabetes tipo 2 en la sangre y los riñones de las ratas, para reducir los efectos secundarios causados por las drogas sintéticas. Las ratas recibieron estreptozotocina (60 mg/kg), 15 minutos después de la nicotinamida (120 mg/kg) o agua. Después de 72 horas, se confirmo la diabetes y los animales recibieron (15 días) DME (25, 50, 100 o 150 mg/Kg) o agua. DME revierte parcialmente la hiperglucemia y revierte la hipertrigliceridemia. DME redujo el daño a los islotes pancreáticos. DME revirtió los aumentos en TBA-RS, la reducción en el contenido de sulfhidrilo, aumentó la CAT, revirtió la disminución en GSH-Px y aumentó su actividad en la sangre. Además, DME revirtió las reducciones de CAT y GSH-Px en el riñón. Creemos que los efectos provocados por DME pueden depender de la presencia de compuestos fenólicos.

Phenolic Fingerprinting, Antioxidant, and Deterrent Potentials of Persicaria maculosa Extracts.

Persicaria maculosa (Polygonaceae) (known as lady's thumb) is an annual morphologically variable weed that is widely distributed in Chile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antifeedant potential of methanolic (MeOH), ethanolic (EtOH), and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts from the aerial parts of this plant collected in the Valparaíso and Curicó provinces (Chile) and relate this activity to the antioxidant capacity and the presence of phenolic compounds in the extracts. A phenolic profile based on HPLC-ESI-MS/MS allowed the identification of 26 phenolic compounds, most of them glycosyl derivatives of isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. In addition, the total phenolic content (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant activity measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion scavenging (O2-), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) of the extracts are reported. The antifeedant potentials of the plant extracts were tested against Epilachna paenulata, Pseudaletia adultera, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and Diaphorina citri insects for the first time. The activity against the aphid M. euphorbiae was significant for the DCM extracts of plants from Valparaíso and Curicó (settling % = 23% ± 4% and 23% ± 5%, respectively). The antifeedant activities against the beetle E. paenulata and the lepidoptera P. adultera were significant for Valparaíso extracts, especially when tested against E. Paenulata (IFP = 1.0 ± 0.0). Finally, the MeOH and EtOH extracts from Valparaíso plants reduced the diet consumption of the psilid D. citri (p < 0.05). The results showed that P. maculosa is a good source of flavonoids with some antioxidant capacities and has potential interest as botanical eco-friendly alternative with deterrent activity.

Mutamba (Guazuma ulmifolia Lam.) fruit as a novel source of dietary fibre and phenolic compounds.

This study covers the proximate and phytochemical composition of mutamba (Guazuma ulmifolia Lam.) fruit. This fruit showed high dietary fibre (36.9%) and low moisture (10.0%) contents which justify its hardness and dryness. Nevertheless, this fruit is very appreciated due to its sweet pulp (high sucrose content, 16.3%) and attractive taste. The soluble and insoluble-bound phenolic compounds from mutamba fruit were analysed by using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). LC-MS identified 26 compounds. Mutamba fruit was composed mainly by soluble flavonoids (1385.9 µg/g dw), namely proanthocyanidins, and aglycones and glycosylated flavonoids. Procyanidin trimer C1 (972.8 µg/g dw) followed by procyanidin dimer B2, rutin, epicatechin, and hyperoside were the main soluble phenolics, accounting 1435.5 µg/g dw. Conversely, the main cell wall bound phenolics (228.8 µg/g dw) were catechin, followed by protocatechuic acid, epicatechin, and gallic acid. In conclusion, mutamba fruit may be a novel source of dietary fibre and bioactive phenolic compounds.

Flavonoid compounds and antibacterial mechanisms of different parts of white guava (Psidium guajava L. cv. Pearl).

The flavonoid compositions, extracted from leaves, peel and flesh of white guava (Psidium guajava L. cv. Pearl), were identified and quantified by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC. The main components of three extracts all were quercetin-glycosides, but the proportion and content of quercetin-hexoside and quercetin-pentoside in each extract were different. Based on the measurements of MIC, MBC value and time killing curve, it emerged that 3 flavonoid extracts of white guava had good antibacterial effects on four pathogenic bacteria. White guava leaves flavonoids (WGLF) concentrations of 5.00 mg/mL and 0.625 mg/mL could change the micro-morphology of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It suggested that the antibacterial mechanism of WGLF on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was to destroy the structure and function of the cell membrane. It is indicated that the flavonoid extracts from white guava is a potential natural antimicrobial agent.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in liqueurs, elixirs and herbal juices.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs and corresponding N-oxides (PANOs)) are known to have adverse health effects. Their toxic effects on liver cells are especially well-documented. In addition, potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in chronic exposure via food and/or herbal medicines have been a subject of vivid discussion in the last decade. Liqueurs and elixirs are traditionally used alcoholic extracts made from parts of plants and herbs. PA cross-contamination of the final products seems likely. Hence, this study aims to detect and quantify the PAs in such products in the light of a possible PA-contamination. The PA content was determined in the form of a single sum parameter using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and a stable isotope-labeled internal standard. Overall, 56 products available at German pharmacies, drugstores, or internet shops were analyzed, comprising in total 38 samples of liqueurs (mainly bitters), 12 samples of plant elixirs and six different herbal juices. The results showed that 9 out of 38 liqueurs were PA-positive (24%). The total amount of PAs ranged from non-detectable to 9.5 µg/kg. Seven out of ten elixirs were PA-positive (70%) with a maximum PA-content of 3121 µg/kg. Four out of six plant juices were PA-positive (67%) with an average of 4.4 µg/kg (PA-positive samples only).The results and potential risks are discussed in the light of recommended portions for daily consumption or daily doses, in association with the detected PA amounts for individual products and product classes.

Rapid and selective screening for toxic phorbol esters in Jatropha curcas seed oil using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

Jatropha curcas L. is an inedible plant whose seed oil is an interesting source for biodiesel production. Seed cake, the main byproduct remaining (about 70% w/w) after the oil extraction process, has a high nutritional value but the presence in Jatropha curcas seed of phorbol esters (PEs), a family of toxic compounds with a tigliane skeleton, prevents application of seed cake and other byproducts (e.g. glycerin) in animal feed without an efficient detoxification. Considering the high toxicity of PEs, it is important to have a sensitive analytical method to evaluate the presence of these compounds in Jatropha curcas derivatives. In this paper we present the study of the ESI-MS/MS fragmentation pattern of the [M+Na]+ ion at m/z 733.5 of the six known PEs, namely Jatropha factors (JFs) C1-C6, which allowed to tentatively identify a series of characteristic and specific fragment ions useful to reveal the presence of JFs in Jatropha curcas seed oil, distinguish them from each other, and identify new PEs (J1-J4). Moreover, the substitution of the usual acetonitrile/water as mobile phase with a mixture of methanol/water (85:15, v/v) allowed to increase the signal of the sodium adduct of about 50-fold during the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis.

HPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profiling of Polyphenolics of a Leaf Extract from Alpinia zerumbet (Zingiberaceae) and Its Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Nociceptive, and Antipyretic Activities In Vivo.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been linked to several health conditions, among them inflammation. Natural antioxidants may attenuate this damage. Our study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of a methanol leaf extract from Alpinia zerumbet and its possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and antipyretic effects. Altogether, 37 compounds, representing benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids (aglycones and glycosides), were characterized. The extract showed substantial in vitro antioxidant effects, and inhibited both cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in vitro, with a higher selectivity towards COX-2. It also inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) activity in vitro with nearly double the potency of zileuton, a reference 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor. The extract exhibited anti-inflammatory effects against carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, and suppressed leukocyte infiltration into the peritoneal cavity in carrageenan-treated mice. Furthermore, it possessed antipyretic effects against fever induced by subcutaneous injection of Brewer's yeast in mice. Additionally, the extract demonstrated both central and peripheral anti-nociceptive effects in mice, as manifested by a decrease in the count of writhing, induced with acetic acid and an increase in the latency time in the hot plate test. These findings suggest that the leaf extract from Alpinia zerumbet could be a candidate for the development of a drug to treat inflammation and ROS related disorders.