Metabolomic analysis reveals the effect of ultrasonic-microwave pretreatment on flavonoids in tribute Citrus powder.

In this study, the ultrasonic-microwave pretreatment was defined as a processing technology in the production of tribute citrus powder, and it could increase the flavonoid compounds in the processing fruit powder. A total of 183 upregulated metabolites and 280 downregulated metabolites were obtained by non-targeted metabolomics, and the differential metabolites was mainly involved in the pathways of flavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis. A total of 8 flavonoid differential metabolites were obtained including 5 upregulated metabolites (6"-O-acetylglycitin, scutellarin, isosakuranin, rutin, and robinin), and 3 downregulated metabolites (astragalin, luteolin, and (-)-catechin gallate) by flavonoids-targeted metabolomics. The 8 flavonoid differential metabolites participated in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways, and isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathways. The results provide a reference for further understanding the relationship between food processing and food components, and also lay a basis for the development of food targeted-processing technologies.

Citrus reticulata peel extract mitigates oxidative stress and liver injury induced by abamectin in rats.

The prevalent use of abamectin (ABM) has latterly raised safety attention as it has different toxicities to non-target living organisms. Citrus fruits are widely renowned for their nutritional and health-promoting qualities, and their peels are full of phenolic constituents. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the modulatory effectiveness of Citrus reticulata peel extract (CPE) against abamectin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative injury. Rats were distributed into 4 groups as follows: control, CPE (400 mg/kg bw orally for 14 days), ABM (2 mg/kg bw for 5 days), and CPE + ABM at the doses mentioned above. Results revealed that GC-MS analysis of CPE has 19 identified components with significant total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Treatment with ABM in rats displayed significant variations in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, oxidative stress markers (MDA, H2O2, PCC), liver and kidney function biomarkers, hematological parameters, lipids, and protein profile as well as histopathological abnormalities, inflammation and apoptosis (TNF-α, Caspase-3, NF-κB, and Bcl-2 genes) in rats' liver. Supplementation of CPE solo dramatically improved the antioxidant state and reduced oxidative stress. C. reticulata peel extract pretreatment alleviated ABM toxicity by modulating most of the tested parameters compared to the ABM group. Conclusively, CPE had potent antioxidant activity and could be used in the modulation of ABM hepatotoxicity presumably due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gene-regulating capabilities.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analyses and Antilipidemic Effects of Citrus Physiological Premature Fruit Drop.

Increasingly globally prevalent obesity and related metabolic disorders have underscored the demand for safe and natural therapeutic approaches, given the limitations of weight loss drugs and surgeries. This study compared the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of five different varieties of citrus physiological premature fruit drop (CPFD). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify variations in metabolites among different CPFDs, and their antilipidemic effects in vitro were assessed. The results showed that Citrus aurantium L. 'Daidai' physiological premature fruit drop (DDPD) and Citrus aurantium 'Changshan-huyou' physiological premature fruit drop (HYPD) exhibited higher levels of phytochemicals and stronger antioxidant activity. There were 97 differential metabolites identified in DDPD and HYPD, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, terpenes, and lipids. Additionally, DDPD and HYPD demonstrated potential antilipidemic effects against oleic acid (OA)-induced steatosis in HepG2 hepatocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In conclusion, our findings reveal the outstanding antioxidant activity and antilipidemic effects of CPFD, indicating its potential use as a natural antioxidant and health supplement and promoting the high-value utilization of this resource.

Bioconversion of citrus waste into mucic acid by xylose-fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mucic acid holds promise as a platform chemical for bio-based nylon synthesis; however, its biological production encounters challenges including low yield and productivity. In this study, an efficient and high-yield method for mucic acid production was developed by employing genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the NAD+-dependent uronate dehydrogenase (udh) gene. To overcome the NAD+ dependency for the conversion of pectin to mucic acid, xylose was utilized as a co-substrate. Through optimization of the udh expression system, the engineered strain achieved a notable output, producing 20 g/L mucic acid with a highest reported productivity of 0.83 g/L-h and a theoretical yield of 0.18 g/g when processing pectin-containing citrus peel waste. These results suggest promising industrial applications for the biological production of mucic acid. Additionally, there is potential to establish a viable bioprocess by harnessing pectin-rich fruit waste alongside xylose-rich cellulosic biomass as raw materials.

Synephrine and Its Derivative Compound A: Common and Specific Biological Effects.

This review is focused on synephrine, the principal phytochemical found in bitter orange and other medicinal plants and widely used as a dietary supplement for weight loss/body fat reduction. We examine different aspects of synephrine biology, delving into its established and potential molecular targets, as well as its mechanisms of action. We present an overview of the origin, chemical composition, receptors, and pharmacological properties of synephrine, including its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity in various in vitro and animal models. Additionally, we conduct a comparative analysis of the molecular targets and effects of synephrine with those of its metabolite, selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) Compound A (CpdA), which shares a similar chemical structure with synephrine. SEGRAs, including CpdA, have been extensively studied as glucocorticoid receptor activators that have a better benefit/risk profile than glucocorticoids due to their reduced adverse effects. We discuss the potential of synephrine usage as a template for the synthesis of new generation of non-steroidal SEGRAs. The review also provides insights into the safe pharmacological profile of synephrine.

A systematic review exploring the mechanisms by which citrus bioflavonoid supplementation benefits blood glucose levels and metabolic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Citrus bioflavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are derived from citrus fruits and vegetables. Although they are well known for their powerful antioxidant properties, their effects on glycemic control are not well understood. This review aims to highlight the potential benefits of using citrus bioflavonoids in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its metabolic complications, as well as the medicinal effects of known subclasses of naturally occurring citrus bioflavonoids. METHODS: In this systematic review, a survey of studies was conducted from January 2012 to February 2023 using various databases (PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus) to determine the effects of citrus bioflavonoid supplementation on reducing oxidative stress, improving lipid profiles, and glycemic index in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as the proposed mechanisms of action. RESULTS: The results of the survey indicate that citrus bioflavonoids may have a positive impact on reducing oxidative stress levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to reducing oxidative stress, citrus bioflavonoids may also have a positive impact on other markers of diabetes. For example, studies have shown that they can reduce non-enzymatic protein glycation, which is a process that occurs when glucose molecules bind to proteins in the body. CONCLUSION: The reduction in oxidative stress that can be achieved using citrus bioflavonoids may help to maintain antioxidant levels in the body, thereby reducing the severity of diabetes and its complications. These findings suggest that citrus bioflavonoids may be a useful complementary therapy for patients with diabetes.

Citrus peel extract protects against diesel exhaust particle-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-like lung lesions and oxidative stress.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide and characterized by emphysema, small airway remodeling and mucus hypersecretion. Citrus peels have been widely used as food spices and in traditional Chinese medicine for chronic lung disease. Given that citrus peels are known for containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, we hypothesize that citrus peel intake can suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response to air pollution exposure, thereby alleviating COPD-like pathologies. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of citrus peel extract, namely Guang Chenpi (GC), in preventing the development of COPD induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) and its potential mechanism. DEP-induced COPD-like lung pathologies, inflammatory responses and oxidative stress with or without GC treatment were examined in vivo and in vitro. Our in vivo study showed that GC was effective in decreasing inflammatory cell counts and inflammatory mediator (IL-17A and TNF-α) concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pretreatment with GC extract also significantly decreased oxidative stress in the serum and lung tissue of DEP-induced COPD rats. Furthermore, GC pretreatment effectively reduced goblet cell hyperplasia (PAS positive cells) and fibrosis of the small airways, decreased macrophage infiltration as well as carbon loading in the peripheral lungs, and facilitated the resolution of emphysema and small airway remodeling in DEP-induced COPD rats. An in vitro free radical scavenging assay revealed robust antioxidant potential of GC in scavenging DPPH free radicals. Moreover, GC demonstrated potent capacities in reducing ROS production and enhancing SOD activity in BEAS-2B cells stimulated by DEPs. GC treatment significantly attenuated the increased level of IL-8 and MUC5AC from DEP-treated BEAS-2B cells. Mechanistically, GC treatment upregulated the protein level of Nrf-2 and could function via MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38, JNK and p65. Citrus peel extract is effective in decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of the peripheral lungs to DEP exposure. These protective effects further contributed to the resolution of COPD-like pathologies.

Treatment with bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaves extract attenuates leptin resistance in obese rats.

Low-grade chronic inflammation in obesity is associated with leptin resistance. In order to alleviate this pathological condition, bioactive compounds capable of attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation have been researched, and bergamot (Citrus bergamia) presents these properties. The aim was to evaluate the effect of bergamot leaves extract on leptin resistance in obese rats. Animals were divided into 2 groups: control diet (C, n = 10) and high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 20) for 20 weeks. After detecting hyperleptinemia, animals were divided to begin the treatment with bergamot leaves extract (BLE) for 10 weeks: C + placebo (n = 7), HSF + placebo (n = 7), and HSF + BLE (n = 7) by gavage (50 mg/kg). Evaluations included nutritional, hormonal and metabolic parameters; adipose tissue dysfunction; inflammatory, oxidative markers and hypothalamic leptin pathway. HSF group presented obesity, metabolic syndrome, adipose tissue dysfunction, hyperleptinemia and leptin resistance compared to control group. However, the treated group showed a decrease in caloric consumption and attenuation of insulin resistance. Moreover, dyslipidemia, adipose tissue function, and leptin levels showed an improvement. At the level of the hypothalamus, the treated group showed a reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and modulation of leptin signaling. In conclusion, BLE properties were able to improve leptin resistance through recovery of the hypothalamic pathway.

Chitosan based encapsulation of Valeriana officinalis essential oil as edible coating for inhibition of fungi and aflatoxin B1 contamination, nutritional quality improvement, and shelf life extension of Citrus sinensis fruits.

In this study, a novel chitosan nanoemulsion coating embedded with Valeriana officinalis essential oil (Ne-VOEO) was synthesized in order to improve the postharvest quality of Citrus sinensis fruits against infesting fungi, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) mediated nutritional deterioration. The developed nanoemulsion was characterized through SEM, FTIR, XRD, and DLS analyses. The nanoemulsion showed controlled delivery of VOEO responsible for effective inhibition of Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. versicolor, Penicillium italicum, and Fusarium oxysporum growth at 6.5, 5.0, 4.0, 5.5, and 3.5 µL/mL, respectively and AFB1 production at 5.0 µL/mL. The biochemical and molecular mechanism of aflatoxigenic A. flavus inhibition, and AFB1 diminution was associated with impairment in ergosterol biosynthesis, methylglyoxal production, and stereo-spatial binding of valerianol in the cavity of Ver-1 protein. During in vivo investigation, Ne-VOEO coating potentially restrained the weight loss, and respiratory rate of C. sinensis fruits with delayed degradation of soluble solids, titrable acidity, pH, and phenolic contents along with maintenance of SOD, CAT, APX activities (p < 0.05) and sensory attributes under specific storage conditions. Based on overall findings, Ne-VOEO nanoemulsion could be recommended as green, and smart antifungal coating agent in prolonging the shelf-life of stored fruits with enhanced AFB1 mitigation.

Antimicrobial high molecular weight pectin polysaccharides production from diverse citrus peels using a novel PL10 family pectate lyase.

The discovery of environmentally friendly enzymes that can convert inexpensive and abundant citrus peel pectin into high value-added product is a potential avenue for the citrus peel application. In this study, a novel PL10-family pectate lyase (pelA) was characterized from marine bacterium Echinicola pacifica. PelA was a Ca2+ dependent pectate lyase whose activity was highest at pH 8 and 40 °C. It was capable of degrading polygalacturonic acid (PGA) and citrus peel pectin (CPP), but not apple peel pectin. Notably, PelA hydrolyzed PGA to high molecular weight polysaccharide (average molecular weight 111.4 kDa). Moreover, PelA was also able to degrade CPP from nine distinct citrus species into polysaccharides (average molecular weight ranging from 84.7 to 539.2 kDa) that showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (88.8 %), Bacillus subtilis (99.8 %), Staphylococcus aureus (92.1 %), Escherichia coli (100.0 %) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (86.4 %). Considering the high market value of pectin in the food industry, PelA's capacity to convert citrus pectin into high molecular weight polysaccharides lays a foundation for its applications.

Flavonoid constituents and protective efficacy of Citrus reticulate (Blanco) leaves ethanolic extract on thioacetamide-induced liver injury rats.

Context: Oxidative stress leads to deleterious processes in the liver that resulted in liver diseases.Objective: To evaluate antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic leaves extract of Citrus reticulate against hepatic dysfunction induced by thioacetamide (TAA).Materials and Methods: Flavonoid constituents were isolated from the ethanol extract by chromatographic techniques and identified by the spectroscopic analyses. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH assay. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats via intraperitoneal injection of TAA and the ethanol extract was orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for four weeks. Serum biomarkers, hepatic antioxidant enzymes, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), hepatic hydroxyproline levels, and histopathology were examined.Results: Ten known flavonoids were identified, among of them, 6,3`-dimethoxyluteolin and 8,3`-dimethoxyluteolin possessed the highest antioxidant activity. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of ALT, ALP, and bilirubin were found to be restored towards normalisation significantly by the plant extract. Furthermore, the markers including MDA, GSH, SOD, NO, and protein carbonyl which were close to oxidative damage, were restored. Meanwhile, the extract treatment decreased TNF-α level and also was able to reverse the induced fibrosis by significantly reducing the hydroxyproline content. Moreover, histopathological studies further substantiate the protective effect of the extract.Conclusion: C. reticulate leaves extract is a rich source of phytochemicals with in vitro and in vivo protective effects.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the RNase T2 Family and Identification of Interacting Proteins of Four ClS-RNase Genes in 'XiangShui' Lemon.

S-RNase plays vital roles in the process of self-incompatibility (SI) in Rutaceae plants. Data have shown that the rejection phenomenon during self-pollination is due to the degradation of pollen tube RNA by S-RNase. The cytoskeleton microfilaments of pollen tubes are destroyed, and other components cannot extend downwards from the stigma and, ultimately, cannot reach the ovary to complete fertilisation. In this study, four S-RNase gene sequences were identified from the 'XiangShui' lemon genome and ubiquitome. Sequence analysis revealed that the conserved RNase T2 domains within S-RNases in 'XiangShui' lemon are the same as those within other species. Expression pattern analysis revealed that S3-RNase and S4-RNase are specifically expressed in the pistils, and spatiotemporal expression analysis showed that the S3-RNase expression levels in the stigmas, styles and ovaries were significantly higher after self-pollination than after cross-pollination. Subcellular localisation analysis showed that the S1-RNase, S2-RNase, S3-RNase and S4-RNase were found to be expressed in the nucleus according to laser confocal microscopy. In addition, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays showed that S3-RNase interacted with F-box, Bifunctional fucokinase/fucose pyrophosphorylase (FKGP), aspartic proteinase A1, RRP46, pectinesterase/pectinesterase inhibitor 51 (PME51), phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (PDAT1), gibberellin receptor GID1B, GDT1-like protein 4, putative invertase inhibitor, tRNA ligase, PAP15, PAE8, TIM14-2, PGIP1 and p24beta2. Moreover, S3-RNase interacted with TOPP4. Therefore, S3-RNase may play an important role in the SI of 'XiangShui' lemon.

Metabolic Profiling and Transcriptional Analysis of Carotenoid Accumulation in a Red-Fleshed Mutant of Pummelo (Citrus grandis).

Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa', commonly known as 'Huajuhong' pummelo (HJH), is used in traditional Chinese medicine and can moisten the lungs, resolve phlegm, and relieve coughs. A spontaneous bud mutant, named R-HJH, had a visually attractive phenotype with red albedo tissue and red juice sacs. In this study, the content and composition of carotenoids were investigated and compared between R-HJH and wild-type HJH using HPLC-MS analysis. The total carotenoids in the albedo tissue and juice sacs of R-HJH were 4.03- and 2.89-fold greater than those in HJH, respectively. The massive accumulation of carotenoids, including lycopene, ß-carotene and phytoene, led to the attractive red color of R-HJH. However, the contents of flavones, coumarins and most volatile components (mainly D-limonene and γ-terpinene) were clearly reduced in R-HJH compared with wild-type HJH. To identify the molecular basis of carotenoid accumulation in R-HJH, RNA-Seq transcriptome sequencing was performed. Among 3948 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the increased upstream synthesis genes (phytoene synthase gene, PSY) and decreased downstream genes (ß-carotene hydroxylase gene, CHYB and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene, CCD7) might be the key factors that account for the high level of carotenoids in R-HJH. These results will be beneficial for determining the molecular mechanism of carotenoid accumulation and metabolism in pummelo.

Cardioprotection by Citrus grandis (L.) Peel Ethanolic Extract in Alloxan-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Diabetic Rats.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) pathogenesis is multifarious, and there are insufficient therapeutic options to treat DCM. The present research explored the effects of Citrus grandis peel ethanolic extract (CGPE) in alloxan-induced DCM in rats. Diabetes was triggered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg) in Wistar rats (200-250 g). CGPE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (Glib, 10 mg/kg) were administered orally for 2 weeks. After the treatment schedule, prooxidants (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), antioxidants (glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase), and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α) were determined in cardiac tissues. Biomarkers of cell death, viz., lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) activity, glucose levels, total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), were assessed in the blood. Rats administered with alloxan showed a consistent increase in blood glucose level (days 7 and 14) that was lowered considerably (p < 0.001) by CGPE or Glib. Alloxan-induced increase in LDH, CK-MB, TC, and decline in HDL was attenuated (p < 0.001) in rats that were treated with CGPE or Glib. Alloxan significantly (p < 0.001) elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced antioxidants in the cardiac tissue of rats, and these pathogenic abnormalities were ameliorated (p < 0.001) by CGPE. Histopathological studies showed a decrease in morphological disruptions by alloxan in CGPE-treated rats. CGPE (400 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated biochemical parameters in comparison to the lower doses against alloxan cardiotoxicity. Citrus grandis peel extract can be an alternative in the management of DCM.

Ameliorative Effect of Citrus junos Tanaka Waste (By-Product) Water Extract on Particulate Matter 10-Induced Lung Damage.

Citrus junos Tanaka (CJ)-related products are well-accepted by consumers worldwide; thus, they generate huge amounts of waste (peel, pulp, and seed) through CJ processing. Although some CJ by-products (CJBs) are recycled, their use is limited owing to the limited understanding of their nutritional and economic value. The exposure to particulate matter (PM) increases the risk of respiratory diseases. In this study, we investigated the ameliorative effects of CJB extracts (100, 200 mg/kg/day, 7 days) on PM10-induced (10 mg/kg, intranasal, 6 h) lung damage in BALB/c mice. Cell type-specific signaling pathways are examined using the A549 (PM10, 200 µg/mL, 6 h) and RAW264.7 (LPS, 100 ng/mL, 6 h) cell lines. The CJB extracts significantly attenuated PM10-induced pulmonary damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in a mouse model. The essential protein markers in inflammatory signaling pathways, such as AKT, ERK, JNK, and NF-κB for PM10-induced phosphorylation, were dramatically reduced by CJB extract treatment in both the mouse and cell models. Furthermore, the CJB extracts reduced the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in a dose-dependent manner in the cells. Comprehensively, the CJB extracts were effective in reducing PM10-induced lung injuries by suppressing pulmonary inflammation, potentially due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

A Narrative Review of the Effects of Citrus Peels and Extracts on Human Brain Health and Metabolism.

As life expectancy increases, age-associated diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) become a major health problem. The onset of AD involves neurological dysfunction due to amyloid-ß accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in the brain. In addition, lifestyle-related diseases-such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and vascular dysfunction-increase the risk of developing dementia. The world population ages, prompting the development of new strategies to maintain brain health and prevent the onset of dementia in older and preclinical patients. Citrus fruits are abundant polymethoxylated flavone and flavanone sources. Preclinical studies reported that these compounds have neuroprotective effects in models of dementia such as AD. Interestingly, clinical and epidemiological studies appear to support preclinical evidence and show improved cognitive function and reduced associated disease risk in healthy individuals and/or patients. This review summarizes the recent evidence of the beneficial effects of citrus peels and extracts on human cognition and related functions.

Effect of Extraction Procedures with Ultrasound and Cellulolytic Enzymes on the Structural and Functional Properties of Citrus grandis Osbeck Seed Mucilage.

The structural and functional properties of Citrus grandis Osbeck (CGO) seed mucilage by different extraction practices, including conventional citrate buffer, ultrasonic-assisted (UAE), enzymatic-assisted extraction (EAE) with cellulase or Celluclast® 1.5 L and various ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) procedures were investigated. It was found that CGO seed from agricultural and processing byproducts is an excellent new source of high methoxyl pectin with quite high intrinsic viscosity (about 108.64 dL/g) and molecular weight (about 1.9 × 106) as compared with other pectin sources. UAEE with Celluclast® 1.5 L enhanced the extraction yield most pronouncedly (about 2.3 times). Moreover, the monosaccharide composition of CGO seed mucilage is least affected by EAE with Celluclast® 1.5 L. In contrast, EAE with cellulase dramatically reduces the galacturonic acid (GalA) content to less than 60 molar%, and increases the glucose (Glc) content pronouncedly (to about 40 molar%), which may be considered as an adverse effect in terms of pectin purity. Though extraction procedures involved with ultrasound and cellulolytic enzymes generally show a decrease in GalA contents, weight average molar mass and intrinsic viscosity, EAE with Celluclast® 1.5 L is least affected, followed by UAE and UAEE with Celluclast® 1.5 L. These features can be leveraged in favor of diversified applications.

Efficacy of an herbal compound in decreasing steatosis and transaminase activities in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Hepatoprotective effects of many herbal agents have been reported in animal studies and clinical trials. In this study, five hepatoprotective plants with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects were chosen to prepare a polyherbal compound for managing NAFLD. Sixty patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into treatment and control groups (2:1 ratio). Both group were advised to take healthy diet and exercise. The treatment group also received herbal capsules containing 400 mg of the mixture of Anethum graveolens, Citrus aurantium, Cynara scolymus, Portulaca oleracea, and Silybum marianum (2 capsules, thrice daily, for two months). The liver ultrasound and biochemical markers including the serum lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose were evaluated before starting the study and at the end of the treatment. Thirty patients in the treatment group and sixteen patients in the control group completed the study. The herbal compound significantly decreased the serum level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total cholesterol. Treatment with the herbal compound significantly improved the grade of the fatty liver, but no significant change was found in the control group. In conclusion, the formulated herbal compound appeared to be effective in biochemical improvement and decreasing the grade of the fatty liver in the patients with NAFLD.

Determination of enantiomeric and stable isotope ratio fingerprints of active secondary metabolites in neroli (Citrus aurantium L.) essential oils for authentication by multidimensional gas chromatography and GC-C/P-IRMS.

Neroli essential oil (EO), extracted from bitter orange blossoms, is one of the most expensive natural products on the market due to its poor yield and its use in fragrance compositions, such as cologne. Multiple adulterations of neroli EO are found on the market, and several authentication strategies, such as enantioselective gas chromatography (GC) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), have been developed in the last few years. However, neroli EO adulteration is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and analytical improvements are needed to increase precision. Enantiomeric and compound-specific isotopic profiling of numerous metabolites using multidimensional GC and GC-C/P-IRMS was carried out. These analyses proved to be efficient for geographical tracing, especially to distinguish neroli EO of Egyptian origin. In addition, δ2H values and enantioselective ratios can identify an addition of 10% of petitgrain EO. These results demonstrate that enantioselective and stable isotopic metabolite fingerprint determination is currently a necessity to control EOs.

Quantification of Flavonoids, Phenols and Antioxidant Potential from Dropped Citrus reticulata Blanco Fruits Influenced by Drying Techniques.

Physiologically dropped immature Citrus reticulata Blanco fruits are regarded as waste and discarded in the citrus orchard but are a good source of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, antioxidants and total phenols. A study was undertaken to identify and quantify these bioactive compounds and to investigate the influence of different drying techniques, namely freeze drying and hot air oven drying, on flavonoids namely flavanone glycosides, antioxidant potential and total phenol content in immature dropped fruits of Citrus reticulata Blanco. Flavonoids were quantified in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity were investigated with three assays azino-bis [3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) and total phenol content was determined. Freeze dried samples of 12 and 14 mm size retained maximum hesperidin flavonoid content (27.03% and 27.20%) as compared to the hot air dried samples (17.99%) and retained higher phenolic content ranged from 50.54-54.19 mg GAEL-1. The antioxidant activity in freeze dried fruits was from 12.21-13.55 mM L-1 Trolox and 15.27-16.72 mM L-1 Trolox with ABTS, DPPH assay and FRAP values ranging from 7.31-9.07 mM L-1 Trolox. Significant positive correlation was found between the flavonoid hesperidin with antioxidant assays and total phenolic content (TPC). The results showed that waste citrus fruits can act as potential source of bioflavonoids, especially hesperidin, and antioxidants for pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical industry.