UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS Metabolic Profiling of a Medicinal Flourensia Fiebrigii Chemotype.

The comparative metabolic profiling and their biological properties of eight extracts obtained from diverse parts (leaves, flowers, roots) of the medicinal plant Flourensia fiebrigii S.F. Blake, a chemotype growing in highland areas (2750 m a.s.l.) of northwest Argentina, were investigated. The extracts were analysed by GC-MS and UHPLC-MS/MS. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of encecalin (relative content: 24.86 %) in ethereal flower extract (EF) and this benzopyran (5.93 %) together sitosterol (11.35 %) in the bioactive ethereal leaf exudate (ELE). By UHPLC-MS/MS the main compounds identified in both samples were: limocitrin, (22.31 %), (2Z)-4,6-dihydroxy-2-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]-1-benzofuran-3-one (21.31 %), isobavachin (14.47 %), naringenin (13.50 %), and sternbin, (12.49 %). Phytocomplexes derived from aerial parts exhibited significant activity against biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, reaching inhibitions of 74.7-99.9 % with ELE (50 µg/mL). Notably, the extracts did not affect nutraceutical and environmental bacteria, suggesting a selective activity. ELE also showed the highest reactive species scavenging ability. This study provides valuable insights into the potential applications of this chemotype.

Methyl jasmonate regulation of pectin polysaccharides in Cosmos bipinnatus roots: A mechanistic insight into alleviating cadmium toxicity.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a crucial phytohormone, which plays an important role in resistance to Cadmium (Cd) stress. The cell wall (CW) of root system is the main location of Cd and plays a key role in resistance to Cd toxicity. However, the mechanism effect of MeJA on the CW composition and Cd accumulation remain unclear. In this study, the contribution of MeJA in regulating CW structure, pectin composition and Cd accumulation was investigated in Cosmos bipinnatus. Phenotypic results affirm MeJA's significant role in reducing Cd-induced toxicity in C. bipinnatus. Notably, MeJA exerts a dual impact, reducing Cd uptake in roots while increasing Cd accumulation in the CW, particularly bound to pectin. The molecular structure of pectin, mainly uronic acid (UA), correlates positively with Cd content, consistent in HC1 and cellulose, emphasizing UA as pivotal for Cd binding. Furthermore, MeJA modulates pectin methylesterase (PME) activity under Cd stress, influencing pectin's molecular structure and homogalacturonan (HG) content affecting Cd-binding capacity. Chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) within soluble pectins accumulates a substantial Cd proportion, with MeJA regulating both UA content and the minor component 3-deoxy-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Kdo) in CSP. The study delves into the intricate regulation of pectin monosaccharide composition under Cd stress, revealing insights into the CW's physical defense and Cd binding. In summary, this research provides novel insights into MeJA-specific mechanisms alleviating Cd toxicity in C. bipinnatus, shedding light on complex interactions between MeJA, and Cd accumulation in CW pectin polysaccharide.

(Bio)active Compounds in Daisy Flower (Bellis perennis).

The common daisy (Bellis perennis) belongs to the family Asteraceae and, in recent years, some new research has been published on the bioactive compounds and biological activities of its extracts. In 2014, the knowledge was partially summarized, but several new studies have been published in the last nine years. In addition, the substances were tabularly consolidated to give a comprehensive overview of over 310 individual components, compound classes, and bioactivities, as well as their accurate plant organ origin. The latest results have shown that the plant has antioxidative, antimicrobial, anticancerogenic, wound healing, antidepressive, anxiolytic, nephroprotective, and insulin mimetic effects, as well as an effect on lipid metabolism. Some studies in the field of homeopathy were also listed. Ideally, a biological effect and one or several compound(s) can be correlated. However, the compounds of the extracts used have often been qualified and quantified, but it remains unclear which of these substances have an activity. The works often stick at the level of the crude extract or a fraction, but not at a single purified and tested compound and, consequently, they are hampered by a missing comprehensive bioactivity workflow. This review provides a critical overview and gaps and offers a basis for further research in this area.

Wild Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus subsp. sylvestris, Asteraceae) Leaf Extract: Phenolic Profile and Oxidative Stress Inhibitory Effects on HepG2 Cells.

Cynara cardunculus subsp. sylvestris (wild artichoke) is widespread in Sicily, where it has been used for food and medicinal purposes since ancient times; decoctions of the aerial parts of this plant have been traditionally employed as a remedy for different hepatic diseases. In this study, the phenolic profile and cell-free antioxidant properties of the leaf aqueous extract of wild artichokes grown in Sicily (Italy) were investigated. The crude extract was also tested in cells for its antioxidant characteristics and potential oxidative stress inhibitory effects. To resemble the features of the early stage of mild steatosis in humans, human HepG2 cells treated with free fatty acids at the concentration of 1.5 mM were used. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of several phenolic acids (caffeoylquinic acids) and flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin derivatives). At the same time, DPPH assay showed a promising antioxidant power (IC50 = 20.04 ± 2.52 µg/mL). Biological investigations showed the safety of the crude extract and its capacity to counteract the injury induced by FFA exposure by restoring cell viability and counteracting oxidative stress through inhibiting reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and increasing thiol-group levels. In addition, the extract increased mRNA expression of some proteins implicated in the antioxidant defense (Nrf2, Gpx, and SOD1) and decreased mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß), which were modified by FFA treatment. Results suggest that the total phytocomplex contained in wild artichoke leaves effectively modulates FFA-induced hepatic oxidative stress.

Pseudognaphalium affine Extract Alleviates COPD by Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response via Downregulation of NF-κB.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease with limited therapeutic options. Pseudognaphalium affine (D. Don) Anderb. is a medicinal and edible plant used to treat cough, asthma, and COPD for a long time in folk medicine. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Pseudognaphalium affine (D. Don) Anderb. extract (GAE) and investigate the possible underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, the administration of GAE in a rat COPD model could significantly ameliorate lung damage and pulmonary function by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Western blot and real-time PCR results showed that GAE could suppress nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which indicated that GAE down-regulated the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, GAE protected against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced inflammatory response in BEAS-2B and inhibited the NF-κB pathway. All data suggested that GAE exhibited its anti-COPD effect by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may be associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Stronger mutualistic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi help Asteraceae invaders outcompete the phylogenetically related natives.

Mutualistic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) greatly affect the outcome of plant-plant competition, especially for invasive plants competing against native plants. We examined the effects of AMF on the competition between invasive Asteraceae plants and the phylogenetically related native plants. We compared the performance of seven invasive Asteraceae plants from different genera with that of their phylogenetically related native counterparts in response to AMF in monocultures and mixed cultures. We investigated how interactions with AMF impact the competition between Asteraceae relatives. Total biomass increased with AMF colonization in both invasive and native plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved the competitiveness of invasive plants, but decreased that of native plants. Competition increased the shoot nitrogen, phosphorus and root myristic acid concentrations and relative expression of fatty acid transporter genes (RiFAT1 and RiFAT2) in AMF-colonized invasive plants, but decreased those in AMF-colonized native plants. Structural equation models indicated that the presence of AMF increased the uptake of phosphorus, but not nitrogen, by invasive plants, which probably provided more myristic acids to symbiotic AMF in return. These results suggest that invasive Asteraceae plants have greater mutualistic interactions with AMF than their phylogenetically related native counterparts, potentially contributing to invasion success.

Polyphenols Profile and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC.: A Potential Candidate against Obesity, Aging, and Skin Disorder.

Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC. is attracting scientific interest due to the diverse biological activities of its various parts and its use in folk medicine. The present study was undertaken to investigate the tissue-specific differential expression pattern of its total bioactive compounds. The study was further extended to whole plant phenolics profiling, in vitro enzyme inhibition activities, followed by in silico enzyme inhibition analysis to assess its potential as herbal medicine. The amount of total phenolics in different tissues was followed in decreasing order as old leaf, flower bud, root, young leaf, flower, old stem, and young stem, while that for the flavonoids was old leaf, root, young leaf, flower bud, flower, young stem, and old stem. This study identified rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol in this plant for the first time. The solvent extracts demonstrated strong inhibition of lipase and tyrosinase activity, along with varying degrees of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity. Among the detected compounds, ten displayed strong in silico binding affinities with the tested enzymes. The findings provide a new insight into further investigation of the medicinal potential of this species against obesity, neurological disorders, and aberrant skin color.

Performance assessment of in-vessel composter through heavy metal immobilization and humification of Parthenium hysterophorus.

The bioconversion of Parthenium hysterophorus was performed through rotary drum composter and examined the mechanism of humification and heavy metals immobilization in the process. The 20th day compost contains a significant increase in humic substances of 28.7% compared to the initial day mix. The bioavailable fractions of heavy metals have reduced by 30 to 55% in the 20th day compost compared to the initial day mix. The leaching potential of cadmium has been reduced by 69% in the 20th day compost. The immobile fractions (F5) of Cd, Ni and Pb have been increased to 100, 99 and 78% in the 20th day compost. The mitotic index was increased by 1.7 and 51.6% in 25% dosed compost extract compared to the control and P. hysterophorus extract respectively. The transition of heavy metals to immobile fraction indicated the biodegradation capability of P. hysterophorus through rotary drum composting.

Sulfur fertiliser enhancement of Erigeron breviscapus (Asteraceae) quality by improving plant physiological responses and reducing soil cadmium bioavailability.

Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. is an important medicinal plant; however, its quality is severely diminished by cadmium (Cd) pollution. Sulfur fertilisation can improve the production and application of E. breviscapus. This study examined Cd stress alleviation in the soil-plant system and determined the plant growth response after the application of sulfur fertiliser. The soil Cd concentration used in the treatments was 100 g·kg-1, and the sulfur fertiliser application rates were 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g·kg-1. Using pot experiments, we explored the impacts of high, medium, and low amounts of sulfur fertiliser on Cd accumulation and the quality and activity of E. breviscapus. The results showed that the application of sulfur fertiliser promoted Cd transformation to residual Cd under oxidation conditions, reducing Cd accumulation in E. breviscapus. Throughout the growth period, the application of sulfur fertiliser increased the soluble protein content and antioxidant enzyme activity, which alleviated Cd toxicity. The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, chlorophyll level, and leaf width increased significantly. The biomass content of E. breviscapus also increased. Sulfur fertiliser improves the quality of herbaceous medicinal plants by reducing Cd accumulation and increasing scutellarin, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C contents. A reasonable application of sulfur fertiliser is essential for improving E. breviscapus quality. This study provides a new method to reduce the ecological risk of planting herbaceous medicinal plants in Cd-contaminated soil.

Characterization of the Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Anacyclus maroccanus Ball. and Anacyclus radiatus Loisel Aerial Parts: Preliminary Evidence for the Possible Development of Moroccan Plants.

In the present study, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of A. maroccanus (AM) and A. radiatus (AR), two ecotypes collected in the Demnate road and Essaouira regions, respectively, were studied to highlight a pharmacological interest and to enable possible pharmaceutical development. To this end, methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared for each ecotype by fractionation; next, their phytochemical composition was evaluated by spectrophotometric and chromatographic analysis. Moreover, in line with the available evidence for Anacyclus spp. and their traditional use, a screening of bioactivities, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiglycative, chelating, and antibacterial activities, was performed. The extracts were characterized by high amounts of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, especially in the methanolic extracts; these samples were also enriched in carotenoids despite a lower chlorophyll content. Chlorogenic acid and rutin were the major identified compounds. The extracts also showed interesting hypoglycemic, antiglycative, and antibacterial properties, although with differences in efficacy and potency. Present results provide more scientific basis to the ethnopharmacological uses of Anacyclus spp. and suggest a further interest in AM and AR ecotypes as natural sources of bioactive compounds and/or phytocomplexes for possible pharmaceutical and nutraceutical developments.

The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Two Ent-kaurane Diterpenes from the Stems and Leaves of Gochnatia decora.

AIM & OBJECTIVES: The Gochnatia decora (Kurz) A. L. Cabrera is a rare woody plant belonging to the family of Asteraceae. The bark of this plant is used as a Chinese folk medicine to treat cough and pneumonia. However, the effective substance related to its efficacy remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory activities of the chemicals isolated from this plant using a model of LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical constituents were isolated from the stems and leaves of G. decora by a series of chromatographic separation methods and identified by spectral analysis techniques. The model of inflammation in vitro was established by treatment of 1µM LPS on RAW264.7 cells. The influence of tested compounds on inflammatory factor production, including NO, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, was determined by ELISA. The mechanisms involved were studied by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Two known ent-kaurane diterpenes (1 and 2), identified as ent-17-hydroxy-15-oxokauran- 19-oic acid (1) and ent-15α-hydroxy-16-kauran-19-oic acid (2), were isolated from the stems and leaves of G. decora. The bioassay showed that both of them produced significant inhibition of LPS-induced release of NO, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, iNOS, and COX-2 expression. Western blot analysis showed that these two chemicals blocked LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB. CONCLUSION: Compounds 1 and 2 were obtained from the genus Gochnatia.These compounds demonstrated useful anti-inflammatory activities in the model of LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. A potential action mechanism may be the correlation of the NF-κB pathway.

Antiparasitic potential of ethanolic extracts of Carpesii Fructus against Miamiensis avidus in hirame natural embryo cell line and their effects on immune response- and biotransformation-related genes.

Scuticociliatosis, caused by Miamiensis avidus, is a severe parasitic disease affecting marine organisms, particularly Paralichthys olivaceus. The aim of this study was to assess the antiparasitic potential of ethanolic extracts of Carpesii Fructus (EECF), the dried fruit of Carpesium abrotanoides L., which is used in traditional Chinese medicine, in vitro. We found that 50%, 70%, and 100% EECF induced morphological changes in M. avidus, including reduced motility, cell shrinkage, and lysis. Nearly 100% cell lysis was observed in M. avidus after 2 h of treating with 100% EECF. After 24 h, the survival rates of M. avidus treated with 100%, 70%, and 50% EECF were 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. Additionally, the mRNA levels of immune response-related (IL-1ß, IL-8, TNF-α, and CD8-α) and biotransformation-related (CYP1A, CYP1B, CYP3A4, and UGT2B19) genes increased with 70% and 100% EECF treatment and decreased with 50% EECF treatment following pretreatment with concanavalin A. The viability of hirame natural embryo (HINAE) cells was reduced by 50%, 70%, and 100% EECF (100 mg/L) and was between 67 and 80%. The IC50 values of 50%, 70%, 90%, and 100% EECF in HINAE cells were 102.3, 42.93, 39.15, and 38.39 mg/L, respectively. These results indicated that 50% EECF was less toxic to HINAE cells than 70% or 100% EECF, while still exhibiting antiparasitic activity against M. avidus. Therefore, we demonstrated the role of EECF as a natural antiparasitic agent against M. avidus. Our findings suggest that Carpesii Fructus has potential use as an antiparasitic agent in the aquaculture industry.

Functional Characterization of a New Bifunctional Terpene Synthase LpNES1 from a Medicinal Plant Laggera pter odonta.

Laggera pterodonta, known in China as 'Choulingdan' for its stimulous odor, has long been used as traditional herbal medicine. The essential oil of L. pterodonta, which exhibits various pharmacological activities, is a rich resource of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. To date, however, the terpene synthases responsible for their production remain unknown. In present study, a new terpene synthase gene (LpNES1) was identified from L. pterodonta, transcript level of which was significantly upregulated in response to methyl jasmonate treatment. Recombinant LpNES1 could synthesize (E)-nerolidol and minor ß-farnesene from farnesyl diphosphate and linalool from geranyl diphosphate in vitro. Whereas, only sesquiterpenes including (E)-nerolidol and minor ß-farnesene were released when LpNES1 was reconstituted in yeast, even coexpressed with a geranyl diphosphate synthase (ERG20WW). Combined with subcellular localization experiment, the result indicated that the cytosol-targeted LpNES1 was responsible for (E)-nerolidol biosynthesis exclusively in L. pterodonta. Additionally, the expression level of LpNES1 gene was more prominent in floral buds than that in other tissues. LpNES1 characterized in present study not only lays the molecular foundation for sesquiterpene biosynthesis of L. pterodonta, but provides a key element for further biosynthesis of bioactive compound in microbes.

Phyto-Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extract of Sanvitalia procumbens, and Characterization, Optimization and Photocatalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes Orange G and Direct Blue-15.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employing an aqueous plant extract has emerged as a viable eco-friendly method. The aim of the study was to synthesize AgNPs by using plant extract of Sanvitalia procumbens (creeping zinnia) in which the phytochemicals present in plant extract act as a stabilizing and reducing agent. For the stability of the synthesized AgNPs, different parameters like AgNO3 concentration, volume ratios of AgNO3, temperature, pH, and contact time were studied. Further, AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer) analysis. FT-IR analysis showed that the plant extract contained essential functional groups like O-H stretching of carboxylic acid, N-H stretching of secondary amides, and C-N stretching of aromatic amines, and C-O indicates the vibration of alcohol, ester, and carboxylic acid that facilitated in the green synthesis of AgNPs. The crystalline nature of synthesized AgNPs was confirmed by XRD, while the elemental composition of AgNPs was detected by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). SEM studies showed the mean particle diameter of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs were used for photocatalytic degradation of Orange G and Direct blue-15 (OG and DB-15), which were analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy. Maximum degradation percentage of OG and DB-15 azo dyes was observed, without any significant silver leaching, thereby signifying notable photocatalytic properties of AgNPs.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of an Endemic Species from Southern Algeria: Warionia saharae.

Warionia saharae Benth. & Coss. (Asteraceae) is an endemic species of North Africa naturally grown in the southwest of the Algerian Sahara. In the present study, this species' hydromethanolic leaf extract was investigated for its phenolic profile characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS). Additionally, the chemical composition of W. saharae was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and its antioxidant potential was assessed through five in vitro tests: DPPH● scavenging activity, ABTS●+ scavenging assay, galvinoxyl scavenging activity, ferric reducing power (FRP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity. The UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis allowed the detection and quantification of 22 compounds, with taxifolin as the dominant compound. The GC-MS analysis allowed the identification of 37 compounds, and the antioxidant activity data indicate that W. saharae extract has a very high capacity to capture radicals due to its richness in compounds with antioxidant capacity. The extract also showed potent α-glucosidase inhibition as well as a good anti-inflammatory activity. However, weak anti-α-amylase and anticholinesterase activities were recorded. Moreover, an in silico docking study was performed to highlight possible interactions between three significant compounds identified in W. saharae extract and α-glucosidase enzyme.

Comprehensive review on ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, biological potential and toxicology of Parthenium hysterophorus L.: A journey from noxious weed to a therapeutic medicinal plant.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a noxious weed and a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is regarded as the seventh most deadly weed in the world: harmful to both humans and livestock. It is widely known as Congress Grass or Feverfew. Despite its pitfalls, P. hysterophorus bestows medicinal effects. Although prolific in nature and difficult to control, many novel applications of this controversial herb have been discovered as an approach to manage the weed. AIM: The current review aims to compile all the ethnobotanical, phytochemistry, biological activities and utilities, clinical studies and toxicity data available on P. hysterophorus and its major chemical constituent parthenin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extensive literature surveyed Google search, Google scholar, Wiley online library, Elsevier, Springer, Science direct, American Chemical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry and Research Gate. RESULT: According to the study, P. hysterophorus is utilized as a traditional medicine throughout Central America and the Caribbean. It can be used to treat skin infections, dermatitis, amoebic dysentery, and as an analgesic in the treatment of muscular rheumatism. The extracts obtained from P. hysterophorus have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, larvicidal, anti-microbial, insecticidal, hypoglycaemic and anti-cancer activity. CONCLUSION: The earlier investigations confirmed that P. hysterophorus has numerous traditional and biological applications. However, the scientific data are limited in clinical and toxicological studies. Therefore, further research is required on clinical and toxicological aspects to understand the complete potential and effects of P. hysterophorus.

Germacranolides from Carpesium divaricatum: Some New Data on Cytotoxic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Carpesium divaricatum Sieb. & Zucc., a traditional medicinal plant used as an inflammation-relieving remedy, is a rich source of terpenoids. At least 40 germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones, representatives of four different structural groups, were isolated from the plant. Cytotoxicity against cancer cells in vitro is the most frequently described biological activity of the compounds. However, little is known about the selectivity of the cytotoxic effect. The anti-inflammatory activity of the germacranolides is also poorly documented. The objective of the present study was to assess the cytotoxic activity of selected C. divaricatum germacranolides-derivatives of 4,5,8,9-tetrahydroxy-3-oxo-germacran-6,12-olide towards cancer and normal cell lines (including cells of different p53 status). Moreover, to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the compounds, the release of four proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines (IL-1ß, IL-8, TNF-α and CCL2) by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human neutrophils was measured by ELISA. The investigated sesquiterpene lactones demonstrated nonselective activity towards prostate cancer (Du145 and PC3) and normal prostate epithelial cells (PNT2) as well as against melanoma cells (A375 and HTB140) and keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cytotoxic activity against osteosarcoma cells was independent of their p53 status. In sub-cytotoxic concentrations (0.5-2.5 µM) the studied compounds significantly decreased cytokine/chemokine release by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human leukocytes.

Kirenol: A promising bioactive metabolite from siegesbeckia species: A detailed review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kirenol (Kr) is an ent-pimarane type diterpenoid that has been reported from Siegesbeckiaorientalis, S. pubescens, and S. glabrescens (family Asteraceae). These plants have been used traditionally for treating various ailments such as hypertension, neurasthenia, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, snakebites, allergic disorders, paralysis, soreness, cutaneous disorders, rubella, menstrual disorders, numbness of limbs, dizziness, headache, and malaria. Importantly, in recent years, Kr has received great attention due to its diversified pharmacological activities. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current work aims to give an overview on the reported pharmacological activities of Kr. Furthermore, the findings regarding its methods for extraction, quantitative analysis, purification, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical and food preparations, biosynthesis, identification, semisynthetic analogues, and toxicity are highlighted to provide a reference and perspective for its further investigation. METHODS: Electronic databases including ScienceDirect, Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, Wiley Online Library, Taylor & Francis, PubMed, Springer, JACS, and Google Scholar were searched up to the beginning of 2021 to identify the reported studies. RESULTS: A total of 93 articles have been reviewed. The reported data suggested that Kr possessed various bioactivities including cytotoxic, apoptotic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective, anti-photo-aging, anti-adipogenic, antimicrobial, muscle function improvement, fracture and wound healing, and anti-arthritic. In addition, studies revealed that the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of Kr may mediate many of its therapeutic potentials as confirmed by several in-vitro and in-vivo studies. CONCLUSION: This review provides an updated summary of the recent studies on Kr, including methods for extraction, quantitative analysis, purification, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical and food preparations, biosynthesis, and identification, as well as semisynthetic analogues, pharmacological activities, and toxicity. Thus, this work can provide useful considerations for planning and design future research on Kr.

Bioefficacy of Epaltes divaricata (L.) n-Hexane Extracts and Their Major Metabolites against the Lepidopteran Pests Spodoptera litura (fab.) and Dengue Mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linn.).

The present research investigated the chemical characterization and insecticidal activity of n-Hexane extracts of Epaltes divaricata (NH-EDx) along with their chief derivatives n-Hexadecanoic acid (n-HDa) and n-Octadecanoic acid (n-ODa) against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti and lepidopteran pest Spodoptera litura. Chemical screening of NH-EDx through GC-MS analysis delivered nine major derivatives, and the maximum peak area percentage was observed in n-Hexadecanoic acid (14.63%) followed by n-Octadecadienoic acid (6.73%). The larvicidal activity of NH-EDx (1000 ppm), n-HDa (5 ppm), and n-ODa (5 ppm) against the A. aegypti and S. litura larvae showed significant mortality rate in a dose-dependent way across all the instars. The larvicidal activity was profound in the A. aegypti as compared to the S. litura across all the larval instars. The sublethal dosages of NH-EDx (500 ppm), n-HDa (2.5 ppm), and n-ODa (2.5 ppm) also showed alterations in the larval/pupal durations and adult longevity in both the insect pests. The enzyme activity revealed that the α- and ß-carboxylesterase levels were decreased significantly in both the insect pests, whereas the levels of GST and CYP450 uplifted in a dose-dependent manner of NH-EDx, n-HDa, and n-ODa. Correspondingly, midgut tissues such as the epithelial layer (EL), gut lumen (GL), peritrophic matrix (Pm), and brush border membrane (BBM) were significantly altered in their morphology across both A. aegypti and S. litura against the NH-EDx and their bioactive metabolites. NH-EDx and their bioactive metabolites n-HDa and n-ODa showed significant larvicidal, growth retardant, enzyme inhibition, and midgut toxicity effects against two crucial agriculturally and medically challenging insect pest of ecological importance.

Phytochemical Fingerprints and Bioactivities of Ripe Disseminules (Fruit-Seeds) of Seventeen Gundelia (Kenger-Kereng Dikeni) Species from Anatolia with Chemometric Approach.

Gundelia species are known as "Kenger-kereng dikeni" in Anatolia, and their aerial parts are consumed as food. Also, roots and seeds (disseminules) of the Gundelia species are used to prepare gum and coffee. The chemical contents of ethanol and hexane extracts of disseminules of 17 Gundelia species, 13 of them are endemic, were studied using LC/MS/MS and GC/MS. Additionally, their antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibitory capacity against acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase, urease, and tyrosinase were determined. The unsaturated fatty acid ratios of Gundelia species were higher than their saturated fatty acid ratio. The highest sum of oleic and linoleic acid was detected in G. tournefortii var. tenuisecta (70.42 %). ß-Sitosterol, α-amyrin, 3-acetyllupeol were identified in 17 Gundelia species by GC/MS, while chlorogenic acid and luteolin by LC/MS/MS as major compounds. The ethanol and hexane extracts of G. siirtica, G. rosea, and G. mesopotamica indicated good cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Among all species, ethanol extract of G. colemerikensis exhibited the best activity in ABTS (IC50 : 32.30±0.98 µg/mL), DPPH (IC50 : 59.91±0.89 µg/mL), and CUPRAC (A0.5 : 57.41±1.03 µg/mL) assays. Ethanol extract of G. colemerikensis also displayed the highest inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase (51.14±0.25 % at 200 µg/mL), urease (51.71±1.75 % at 200 µg/mL), and tyrosinase (39.50±0.85 % at 200 µg/mL) enzymes. According to the chemometric analysis of fatty acids, four groups were observed. Therefore, it is suggested that G. colemerikensis can be used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries due to its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties.