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1.
Nutrients ; 15(9)2023 Apr 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37432169

We evaluated sex differences in the perception of bitter compounds and an aromatic bitter herbal liqueur (Mirtamaro) obtained by the infusion of myrtle leaves/berries together with a mixture of Mediterranean herbs/plants as flavoring/bittering ingredients. In a healthy population (n = 231 participants), using bivariate correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses, significant sex differences emerged in quinine bitterness perception, with women showing a higher bitter taste intensity rating than men. Among all participants, 40 subjects (subpopulation) were randomly selected for the evaluation of sex differences in Mirtamaro gustatory and olfactory perception using a hedonic Likert-type scale. Women showed higher ratings in Mirtamaro aroma (odor intensity) and bitterness (taste intensity) perception than men, with a superior capacity to perceive/describe its sensory attributes. 1,8-Cineole and methyl chavicol were the main contributors to the bitter liqueur aroma. A significant correlation (r = 0.564, p < 0.01) between Mirtamaro odor pleasantness/taste pleasantness was observed in women, indicating a positive contribution of aromatic herbs to bitter taste acceptability. Moreover, a higher bitter intensity rating of 6-n-propylthiouracil was evidenced in women than men. Our results highlighted sex differences in bitter taste acuity and the role of aromatic herbs/plants in modulating bitter taste acceptance, which is useful information in the field of precision nutrition and medicine.


Myrtus , Taste , Female , Humans , Male , Sex Characteristics , Alcoholic Beverages , Perception
2.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 13(13)2023 Jun 25.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37446444

For this study, the synthesis of TiO2 nanomaterials was performed via a novel sol-gel method employing titanium butoxide as a metal precursor, Pluronic F127 as a templating agent, toluene as a swelling agent, and acidic water or ethanol as the reaction solvents. The method was designed by tailoring certain reaction parameters, such as the sequence of toluene addition, magnetic stirring, the type of reaction solvent, and the calcination conditions. Analysis of the specific surface area and porosity was carried out via N2 physisorption, whereas the morphological features of the solids were investigated via transmission electron microscopy. The crystalline structure of both the dried powders and the calcined materials was evaluated using X-ray diffraction analysis. It transpired that the different phase compositions of the solids are related to the specific synthesis medium employed. Under the adopted reaction conditions, ethanol, which was used as a reaction solvent, promoted the local arrangement of dispersed anatase particles, the specific arrangement of which does not lead to rutile transformation. Conversely, the use of water alone supported high-particle packing, evolving into a rutile phase. The photodegradation of Rhodamine B was used as a target reaction for testing the photocatalytic activity of the selected samples.

3.
Molecules ; 28(6)2023 Mar 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36985610

Essential oils (EOs) obtained by hydro-distillation from different parts of twigs (EOT), leaves (EOL), and fruits (EOF) of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook. f. were screened for their chemical composition, insecticidal, repellence, and antibacterial properties. Based on GC and GC/MS analysis, 23 constituents were identified across the twigs, leaves, and fruits, with 23, 23, and 21 components, respectively. The primary significant class was oxygenated monoterpenes (82.2-95.5%). The main components were 1,8-cineole (65.6-86.1%), α-terpinyl acetate (2.5-7.6%), o-cymene (3.3-7.5%), and α-terpineol (3.3-3.5%). All three EOs exhibited moderate antibacterial activities. EOL was found to have higher antibacterial activity against all tested strains except Dickeya solani (CFBP 8199), for which EOT showed more potency. Globally, Dickeya solani (CFBP 8199) was the most sensitive (MIC ≤ 2 mg/mL), while the most resistant bacteria were Dickeya dadantii (CFBP 3855) and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (CFBP 5387). Fumigant, contact toxicity, and repellent bioassays showed different potential depending on plant extracts, particularly EOT and EOL as moderate repellents and EOT as a medium toxicant.


Eucalyptus , Insect Repellents , Myrtaceae , Oils, Volatile , Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Eucalyptus/chemistry , Myrtaceae/chemistry , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Insect Repellents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Plant Oils/chemistry
4.
Plants (Basel) ; 12(6)2023 Mar 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36986933

The Salvia L. genus (Lamiaceae) is largely used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Several species of biological relevance are extensively employed in traditional medicine, including Salvia aurea L. (syn. S. africana-lutea L.), which is used as a traditional skin disinfectant and in wounds as a healing remedy; nevertheless, these properties have not been validated yet. The aim of the present study is to characterise S. aurea essential oil (EO), unveiling its chemical composition and validating its biological properties. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and subsequently analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Different biological activities were assessed: the antifungal effect on dermatophytes and yeasts and the anti-inflammatory potential by evaluating nitric oxide (NO) production and COX-2 and iNOS protein levels. Wound-healing properties were assessed using the scratch-healing test, and the anti-aging capacity was estimated through the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. S. aurea EO is mainly characterised by 1,8-cineole (16.7%), ß-pinene (11.9%), cis-thujone (10.5%), camphor (9.5%), and (E)-caryophyllene (9.3%). The results showed an effective inhibition of the growth of dermatophytes. Furthermore, it significantly reduced protein levels of iNOS/COX-2 and simultaneously NO release. Additionally, the EO exhibited anti-senescence potential and enhanced wound healing. Overall, this study highlights the remarkable pharmacological properties of Salvia aurea EO, which should be further explored in order to develop innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly skin products.

5.
Biomed Chromatogr ; 37(5): e5596, 2023 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36740815

This study was designated to investigate the chemical composition, the antifungal activity and antibiofilm properties of Glycyrrhiza foetida (Desf.) growing in Tunisia and recognized for its pharmacological and therapeutic effects. The chemical analysis of essential oil samples prepared via hydrodistillation of the aerial parts was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Moreover, the antifungal activity of G. foetida essential oil was developed against three dermatophyte strains, two molds and Candida spp. yeasts using the broth microdilution assay. According to the percentages, the main constituents are δ-cadinene (13.9%), (E)-caryophyllene (13.2%) and γ-cadinene (8.3%). The efficiency of the essential oil in inhibiting Candida albicans biofilms formation was also evaluated in terms of inhibitory percentages. The results showed that C. albicans and Microsporum canis were the most sensitive to G. foetida essential oil with a complete inhibition at 0.4 and 0.2 mg ml-1 , respectively. Candida albicans biofilm development was reduced by 80% by the volatile oil at a concentration of 0.8 mg ml-1 . The essential oil of G. foetida has a promising role in the control of fungal agents with medical interest and in inhibition of Candida biofilm development.


Glycyrrhiza , Oils, Volatile , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Tunisia , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Candida , Candida albicans , Biofilms , Microbial Sensitivity Tests
6.
Chempluschem ; 88(3): e202200441, 2023 Mar.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36802130

While synthesis-properties-performance correlations are being studied for organophosphonic acid grafted TiO2 , their stability and the impact of the exposure conditions on possible changes in the interfacial surface chemistry remain unexplored. Here, the impact of different ageing conditions on the evolution of the surface properties of propyl- and 3-aminopropylphosphonic acid grafted mesoporous TiO2 over a period of 2 years is reported, using solid-state 31 P and 13 C NMR, ToF-SIMS and EPR as main techniques. In humid conditions under ambient light exposure, PA grafted TiO2 surfaces initiate and facilitate photo-induced oxidative reactions, resulting in the formation of phosphate species and degradation of the grafted organic group with a loss of carbon content ranging from 40 to 60 wt %. By revealing its mechanism, solutions were provided to prevent degradation. This work provides valuable insights for the broad community in choosing optimal exposure/storage conditions that extend the lifetime and improve the materials' performance, positively impacting sustainability.

7.
Plants (Basel) ; 12(2)2023 Jan 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36679072

Salvia is widely recognized for its therapeutic potential. However, the biological relevance of some species remains unknown, namely Salvia cacaliifolia Benth. Therefore, the aim of this study is to unveil the chemical composition and relevant properties to its essential oil (EO). The EO was characterized by GC and GC-MS and its antifungal effect was evaluated according to the CLSI guidelines on dermatophytes and yeasts. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, by assessing the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the effect on the protein levels of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 by western blot analysis. Wound healing capacity was determined using the scratch wound healing assay, and the anti-aging potential was assessed by evaluating the senescence marker ß-galactosidase. The EO was mainly characterized by γ-curcumene, ß-bisabolene, bicyclogermacrene and curzerenone. It is effective in inhibiting the growth of dermatophytes and C. neoformans. The EO significantly decreased iNOS and COX-2 protein levels and concomitantly reduced NO release. Additionally, it demonstrated anti-senescence potential and promoted wound healing. Overall, this study highlights relevant pharmacological properties of the EO of Salvia cacaliifolia, which should be further explored envisaging the development of sustainable, innovative, and environmentally friendly skin products.

8.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(24)2022 Dec 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36555102

Quasi-spherical undoped ZnO and Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles with different aluminum content, ranging from 0.5 to 5 at% of Al with respect to Zn, were synthesized. These nanoparticles were evaluated as photocatalysts in the photodegradation of the Rhodamine B (RhB) dye aqueous solution under UV-visible light irradiation. The undoped ZnO nanopowder annealed at 400 °C resulted in the highest degradation efficiency of ca. 81% after 4 h under green light irradiation (525 nm), in the presence of 5 mg of catalyst. The samples were characterized using ICP-OES, PXRD, TEM, FT-IR, 27Al-MAS NMR, UV-Vis and steady-state PL. The effect of Al-doping on the phase structure, shape and particle size was also investigated. Additional information arose from the annealed nanomaterials under dynamic N2 at different temperatures (400 and 550 °C). The position of aluminum in the ZnO lattice was identified by means of 27Al-MAS NMR. FT-IR gave further information about the type of tetrahedral sites occupied by aluminum. Photoluminescence showed that the insertion of dopant increases the oxygen vacancies reducing the peroxide-like species responsible for photocatalysis. The annealing temperature helps increase the number of red-emitting centers up to 400 °C, while at 550 °C, the photocatalytic performance drops due to the aggregation tendency.


Zinc Oxide , Zinc Oxide/chemistry , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Aluminum , Ultraviolet Rays
9.
Pediatr Rep ; 14(4): 401-409, 2022 Sep 26.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36278552

One of the most powerful weapons against COVID-19 is vaccines. After the worldwide spread of the disease, m-RNA vaccines were authorized not only in adult patients, but also in children and adolescents aged 12-18. Since then, alarming reports of cases of myocarditis and/or pericarditis have been noted, primarily involving males after the second vaccine shot. A typical example of myopericarditis occurring in an adolescent a few days after the second shot of an m-RNA vaccine is described here. An in-depth review of all 110 single case reports published up to July 2022 with related features and outcomes is also presented. This is the first extensive analysis focused solely on a significant number of single case reports, which have usually been excluded from systematic reviews and meta-analyses carried out in the field. The analysis presented here confirms that most cases occurred in males after the second injection of an m-RNA vaccine. Cases were mild and responsive to the usual medical treatment. What is newly reported is that not only adolescents, but also older people, especially females, were affected by this adverse event.

10.
J Sci Food Agric ; 102(13): 6005-6013, 2022 Oct.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35446446

BACKGROUND: Salt (sodium chloride) is an essential component of daily food, crucial for many physiological processes. Due to health risks related to salt over consumption, considerable interest is devoted to strategies to reduce dietary salt intake. In this work we evaluated the sensory dimensions of sea salts flavored with Mediterranean aromatic plants with the aim to confirm the role of herbs/spices in the enhancement of salty perception and to validate the use of flavored salts as a strategy to reduce salt intake. To this goal we compared taste dimensions (pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity) of solutions obtained with salt and sea salts flavored with Mediterranean herbs, spices, and fruits. Sensorial differences were analyzed using a seven-point hedonic Likert-type scale on 58 non-trained judges. RESULTS: Main flavor compounds, identified by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection-mass spectrometry (GC-FID-MS) analysis, were α-pinene and 1,8-cineole in myrtle salt (FS 1), verbenone, α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and rosifoliol in herbs/plants salt (FS 2), and limonene in orange fruits/saffron salt (FS 3). At the dose of 0.04 g mL-1 , saline solutions obtained with flavored salt (containing approximately 6-30% less sodium chloride) were perceived as more intense, less familiar, but equally pleasant than pure salt solution. In particular, sea salt flavored with orange fruits/saffron emerged as the most interesting in potentiating saltiness perception. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the important role of Mediterranean aromatic plants in the enhancement of saltiness perception and qualified the use of flavored sea salt during food preparation/cooking instead of normal salt as a potential strategy to reduce the daily salt intake. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.


Sodium Chloride, Dietary , Taste , Eucalyptol , Salts , Sodium Chloride/analysis , Sodium Chloride, Dietary/analysis , Spices/analysis , Taste Perception
11.
Nat Prod Res ; 36(4): 989-993, 2022 Feb.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33111582

Chemical composition determination and in vitro antibacterial effect of Essential Oil (EO) of Laurus nobilis leaves grown North West Algerian conditions were investigated. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the technique of the paper disc diffusion. Extractions were carried out with Clevenger apparatus and EO compositions were investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The oxygenated monoterpenes (MO) were the class with the highest contents, represent 59% of the EO. A total of twenty-seven of these compounds were identified, the major components were 1,8-cineole (30.1%), α-terpynil acetate (21.6%), methyl eugenol (16.9%) of the total oil. The highest antibacterial power of the EO tested was recorded in Streptococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus with the zone diameter of inhibition 13.6 and 11.2 mm respectively and a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25 mg/mL for both these two strains.


Laurus , Oils, Volatile , Anti-Bacterial Agents/analysis , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Eucalyptol/analysis , Laurus/chemistry , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Plant Leaves/chemistry
12.
Nat Prod Res ; 36(1): 445-449, 2022 Jan.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32496130

Santolina insularis is a Sardinian endemism that is widely used in traditional medicine. The essential oil was obtained with a yield of 2.7% and is mainly characterized by ß-phellandrene (22.6%), myrcene (11.4%) and artemisia ketone (7.6%). The oil significantly reduced NO production without affecting macrophages viability. In addition, it substantially inhibited the expression of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 (71% and 25% at 0.54 mg/mL). Furthermore, the oil had a promising antifungal activity being Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC = 0.13 mg/mL) and the majority of dermatophytes (MIC = 0.13 mg/mL) the most susceptible fungi. Moreover, it significantly decreased the yeast-to-hypha transition (80% inhibition at 0.13 mg/mL) on C. albicans long before showing inhibitory effects. Overall, these results show that S. insularis could be applied in the treatment of fungal infections and associated inflammatory response.


Asteraceae , Oils, Volatile , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Candida albicans , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology
13.
Nat Prod Res ; 36(12): 3234-3239, 2022 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34334069

Crataegus monogyna is an important plant of the Rosaceae family, widely used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and nephritis. The aim of the current study was to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of leaves' extracts against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The total amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids contained in the dry extracts of plants were estimated by colorimetric methods. DPPH assay was utilized to measure the antioxidant activity of C. monogyna. The phytochemical compounds were determined through HPLC technique, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ethanol extract was performed using the broth dilution method. The ethanol extract represented the richest extract in polyphenol with 473.4 mg GAE g-1 and flavonoids 80.9 mg CE g-1 and showed considerable antioxidant potential IC50 =22.50 µg/ml. The antibacterial susceptibility test against Staphylococcus aureus 0.512 mg/mL.


Crataegus , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Crataegus/chemistry , Ethanol , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Phenols/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Leaves , Polyphenols
14.
Nat Prod Res ; 36(22): 5828-5835, 2022 Nov.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34930083

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-migratory potential of the essential oil of Teucrium scordium subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcang, a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Sardinia. The oil was rich in germacrene D (25.1%), δ-cadinene (12.9%) and alloaromadendrene (11.3%). The yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and Epidermophyton floccosum were the most susceptible fungi to the action of the oil. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, the oil was able to decrease nitric oxide production by ca. 30% at 1.25 µL/mL, without affecting cell viability. In the scratch wound assay, it allowed for ca. 36% of wound closure after 18 h, thus showing anti-migratory properties. Overall, this study highlights the potential of this species to mitigate fungal infections associated with an inflammatory response. Furthermore, we also reported for the first time its anti-migratory capacity, thus suggesting anticancer properties.


Cryptococcus neoformans , Lamiaceae , Oils, Volatile , Teucrium , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Teucrium/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
15.
Materials (Basel) ; 14(17)2021 Aug 24.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34500892

In this study, CeO2, La2O3, and CeO2-La2O3 mixed oxide catalysts with different Ce/La molar ratios were prepared by the soft template method and characterized by different techniques, including inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. NH3 and CO2 adsorption microcalorimetry was also used for assessing the acid and base surface properties, respectively. The behavior of the oxides as catalysts for the dimethyl carbonate synthesis by the transesterification of propylene carbonate with methanol, at 160 °C under autogenic pressure, was studied in a stainless-steel batch reactor. The activity of the catalysts was found to increase with an increase in the basic sites density. The formation of dimethyl carbonate was favored on medium-strength and weak basic sites, while it underwent decomposition on the strong ones. Several parasitic reactions occurred during the transformation of propylene carbonate, depending on the basic and acidic features of the catalysts. A reaction pathway has been proposed on the basis of the components identified in the reaction mixture.

16.
Plants (Basel) ; 10(7)2021 Jul 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34371562

The genus Teucrium L. (Lamiaceae) is a genus growing in mild climate zones, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia. It is represented by 11 taxa in Sardinia (Italy), living commonly in sunny habitats. In this study, the following eight Sardinian Teucrium taxa were selected, and the essential oils (EOs), obtained by stem distillation, were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS: T. capitatum subsp. capitatum, T. chamaedrys subsp. chamaedrys, T. flavum subsp. glaucum, T. marum, T. massiliense, T. scordium subsp. scordioides, T. scorodonia, and T. subspinosum. The comprehensive analyses led to the identification of 87 constituents representing the majority of the volatile compounds. Significant differences, both qualitative and quantitative, were observed between the taxa. Overall, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes characterized all Teucrium EOs: T. capitatum subsp. capitatum and T. flavum subsp. glaucum revealed the highest content of monoterpene hydrocarbons, while in the other Teucrium taxa sesquiterpene hydrocarbons prevailed. Worthy of note, diterpenes were found only in T. marum and T. subspinosum, whereas T. massiliense was rich in non-terpenic oxygenated compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the chemical composition of EOs obtained from Sardinian Teucrium species.

17.
Pathogens ; 10(4)2021 Mar 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33805453

Plant products provide an alternative and successful source of lead compounds for the pharmaceutical industry. The present study was aimed to evaluate, in cell-based assays, the antiviral properties of essential oils obtained from plants that commonly grow in Sardinia, Italy, against a broad spectrum of RNA/DNA viruses. The essential oils of Helichrisumitalicum (Roth) G. Don ssp. microphyllum (Willd.) Nyman, Laurus nobilis L., Mirtuscommunis L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Salvia officinalis L., Saturejathymbra L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Interestingly, the essential oil of Salvia officinalis showed moderate activity against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), an enveloped RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. BVDV is responsible for several clinical manifestations in bovines, including respiratory, gastroenteric, and reproductive diseases, with a significant economic impact. With the aim to individuate the constituent of the Salvia officinalis responsible for the biological activity, we tested the major components of the oil: camphene, ß-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, cis-thujone, camphor, (E)-caryophyllene, and α-humulene. Here, we describe α-humulene as an active component that is non-cytotoxic and active against BVDV (EC50 = 36 µM). Its antiviral effects were evaluated using virucidal cytopathic effect inhibition and viral yield reduction assays. This is the first scientific report showing the anti BVDV effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil and α-humulene as the main active component.

18.
J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem ; 36(1): 517-524, 2021 Dec.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33494628

Washingtonia filifera seeds have revealed to possess antioxidant properties, butyrylcholinesterase and xanthine oxidase inhibition activities. The literature has indicated a relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type-2 diabetes (T2D). Keeping this in mind, we have now evaluated the inhibitory properties of W. filifera seed extracts on α-amylase, α-glucosidase enzyme activity and the Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP) fibrils formation. Three extracts from seeds of W. filifera were evaluated for their enzyme inhibitory effect and IC50 values were calculated for all the extracts. The inhibition mode was investigated by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis and the inhibition of IAPP aggregate formation was monitored. W. filifera methanol seed extract appears as the most potent inhibitor of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and for the IAPP fibril formation. Current findings indicate new potential of this extract that could be used for the identification or development of novel potential agents for T2D and AD.


Arecaceae/chemistry , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Islet Amyloid Polypeptide/antagonists & inhibitors , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors , alpha-Glucosidases/metabolism , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/chemistry , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Humans , Islet Amyloid Polypeptide/metabolism , Molecular Docking Simulation , Molecular Structure , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Seeds/chemistry , Structure-Activity Relationship , alpha-Amylases/metabolism
19.
J Phys Chem B ; 125(2): 587-600, 2021 01 21.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33428423

Binary alcohol + ether liquid mixtures are of significant importance as potential biofuels or additives for internal combustion engines and attract considerable fundamental interest as model systems containing one strongly H-bonded self-associating component (alcohol) and one that is unable to do so (ether), but that can interact strongly as a H-bond acceptor. In this context, the excess thermodynamic properties of these mixtures, specifically the excess molar enthalpies and volumes (HE and VE), have been extensively measured. Butanol isomer + di-n-butyl ether (DBE) mixtures received significant attention because of interesting differences in their VE, changing from negative (1- and isobutanol) to positive (2- and tert-butanol) with increasing alkyl group branching. With the aim of shedding light on the differences in alcohol self-association and cross-species H-bonding, considered responsible for the observed differences, we studied representative 1- and 2-butanol + DBE mixtures by molecular dynamics simulations and experimental excess property measurements. The simulations reveal marked differences in the self-association of the two isomers and, while supporting the existing interpretations of the HE and VE in a general sense, our results suggest, for the first time, that subtle changes in H-bonded topologies may contribute significantly to the anomalous volumetric properties of these mixtures.

20.
Plants (Basel) ; 10(1)2021 Jan 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33466576

The aim of this study was to test the inhibitory effect of fruit extracts from Washingtonia filifera on skin aging-related enzymes. The pulp extracts did not exert a significant enzyme inhibition while seed extracts from W. filifera exhibit anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. Tyrosinase was mildly inhibited while a stronger effect was observed with respect to elastase and collagenase inhibition. Alcoholic extracts provided better results than aqueous extracts. Among them, methanol extracts showed the prominent enzyme inhibitory activities being IC50 value for elastase and collagenase comparable and even better than the reference compound. The inhibition mode of the most active extracts was investigated by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis. Seed extracts from W. filifera were also investigated for their photo-protective effect by Mansur equation and the antioxidant activity of W. filifera extract was evaluated in oxidative-stressed cells. To evaluate the safety of the extract, the effect on cell viability of human keratinocytes cells was analyzed. Methanol extract presented the best photo-protective effect and exerted an antioxidant activity in a cellular system with no cytotoxic effect. The overall results demonstrate that W. filifera extracts are promising sources of bioactive compounds that could be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparation.

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