ABSTRACT
The exquisite sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy for detecting biomolecular changes in skin cancer has previously been explored; however, this mostly required analysis of excised tissue samples using bulky, immobile laboratory instrumentation. In this study, the technique was translated for clinical use with a portable Raman system and customized fiber optic probe and applied to differentiation of skin cancers from benign lesions and inflammatory dermatoses. The aim was to provide an easy-to-use, easy-to-manage assessment tool for clinicians to use in their daily patient examination routine to perform rapid Raman measurements of skin lesions in vivo. Using this system, >867 spectra were measured in vivo from 330 patients with a wide variety of different benign skin lesions (n = 603), inflammatory dermatoses (n = 140), and skin cancers (n = 124). Ethnicities represented were 70% European; 16% Asian; 6% Maori; 5% Pacific people; and 4% Middle East, Latin American, and African. Accurate differentiation of skin cancers from benign lesions and inflammatory dermatoses was achieved using partial least squares discriminant analysis, with area under curve for the receiver operator curves for external validation sets ranging from 0.916 to 0.958. This study shows evidence for robust clinical translation of Raman spectroscopy for rapid, accurate diagnosis of skin cancer.
ABSTRACT
In spite of the progress in treatment strategies, cancer remains a major cause of death worldwide. Therefore, the main challenge should be the early diagnosis of cancer and the design of an optimal therapeutic strategy to increase the patient's life expectancy as well as the continuation of the search for increasingly active and selective molecules for the treatment of different forms of cancer. In the recent decades, research in the field of natural compounds has increasingly shifted towards advanced and molecular level understandings, thus leading to the development of potent anti-cancer agents. Among them is the diterpene lactone andrographolide, isolated from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees that showed shows a plethora of biological activities, including not only anti-cancer activity, but also anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory properties. Andrographolide has been shown to act as an anti-tumor drug by affecting specific molecular targets that play a part in the development and progression of several cancer types including breast, lung, colon, renal, and cervical cancer, as well as leukemia and hepatocarcinoma. This review comprehensively and systematically summarized the current research on the potential anti-cancer properties of andrographolide highlighting its mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and potential side effects and discussing the future perspectives, challenges, and limitations of use.
ABSTRACT
Cornus species are widely distributed in central and southern Europe, east Africa, southwest Asia, and America. Several species are known for edible fruits, especially Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. These delicious fruits, characterized by their remarkable nutritional and biological values, are widely used in traditional medicine. In contrast to the other edible Cornus species, C. mas and C. officinalis are the most studied for which little information is available on the main phytochemicals and their biological activities. Fruits are characterised by several classes of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, anthocyanins, tannins, triterpenoids, and iridoids. The available phytochemical data show that the different classes of metabolites have not been systematically studied. However, these edible species are all worthy of interest because similarities have been found. Thus, this review describes the traditional uses of Cornus species common in Europe and Asia, a detailed classification of the bioactive compounds that characterize the fruits, and their beneficial health effects. Cornus species are a rich source of phytochemicals with nutritional and functional properties that justify the growing interest in these berries, not only for applications in the food industry but also useful for their medicinal properties.
ABSTRACT
In this work, we conducted a comparative phytochemical, chemotaxonomic, and biological study of essential oils (EOs) and extracts (ethyl acetate and methanol) obtained from the leaves of Juniperusmacrocarpa and J. oxycedrus. The dominant compounds of J. macrocarpa EO, analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), are α-pinene, sabinene, manoyl oxide, and germacrene D, whereas α-pinene, limonene, (Z,E)-farnesol, ß-pinene, and γ-cadinene are the most representative volatiles of J. oxycedrus EOs. A multivariate analysis of EOs, included a selection of literature data comparing our samples to samples of J. oxycedrus/macrocarpa/deltoides from the Mediterranean area, was performed. As evident by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses, apigenin, (-)-epicatechin, and luteolin were abundant in J. oxycedrus extracts, while gallic acid, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, and protocatechuic acid were the dominant constituents of J. macrocarpa extracts. EOs and extracts have been investigated for their potential antioxidant properties and anti-proliferative activity against lung adenocarcinoma (A549), breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), and lung large cell carcinoma (COR-L23) human cell lines. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of J. oxycedrus exerted the most valuable antioxidant activity and exhibited the most promising activity against the COR-L23 cell line with an IC50 of 26.0 and 39.1 µg/mL, respectively, lower than that obtained with the positive control (IC50 of 45.5 µg/mL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report highlighting the anti-proliferative activity of J. oxycedrus and J. macrocarpa extracts against this lung cancer cell line. Our results indicate that J. oxycedrus may be considered a source of natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects that could be suitable for future applications.
ABSTRACT
Even though Salvia is one of the most known genera of the Lamiaceae family, some traditionally used Salvia species are still now less investigated. To that end, the present study aims to evaluate the chemical profile and the potential bioactivities of extracts and related fractions obtained from the endemic sage Salvia haematodes L. by applying a traditional extraction method such as Soxhlet apparatus (SHS) and the rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) by Naviglio extractor® (SHN), considered among the "green techniques" operating at room temperature and with minimum solvent employment and minimum energy. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity was measured by a modified Ellman's method. The antioxidant activity was investigated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and ß-carotene bleaching tests. The SHN methanol fraction resulted the most active in all assays in particular in inhibiting lipid peroxidation with IC50 of 1.7 and 1.6 µg/mL, respectively, after 30 and 60 min of incubation. The SHN n-hexane fraction exhibited a selective activity against AChE with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 22.9 µg/mL, while the SHS n-hexane extract was more active against BChE (IC50 of 30.9 µg/mL). Based on these results, these fractions were subjected to further bio-fractionation by Medium Pressure Liquid Chromatography (MPLC) and the relative obtained fractions were investigated for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activity. A comparative analysis with bio-activity and chemical profile was performed. The observed biological effects provided us with a good starting point for further studies on S. haematodes extracts and fractions such as agents beneficial for the treatment of AD.
ABSTRACT
Edible flowers consumption has increased in recent years due to their rich content of healthy phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to analyse the chemical profile of Cucurbita pepo L. flowers, and to explore their antioxidant and hypoglycaemic properties. Moreover, in order to assess in vivo effects, biochemical analysis, Reactive Oxygen Metabolites (d-ROMs) and Biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP) tests were performed on mice serum. High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection (HPLC-DAD) analyses revealed the presence of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, rutin, and syringic acid as main constituents. 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) tests showed interesting results. The extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase (IC50 of 144.77 µg/mL). In vivo results confirmed the hypoglycaemic effects, also affecting lipid metabolism but did not revealed benefits on ROS production. These results may add some information supporting the use of C. pepo flowers as functional foods and/or nutraceuticals.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cucurbita , Animals , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Cucurbita/chemistry , Flowers/chemistry , Mice , Phytochemicals/isolation & purification , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Salvia officinalis L. (sage) is one of the most appreciated plants for its plethora of biologically active compounds. The objective of our research was a comparative study, in the Mediterranean context, of chemical composition, anticholinesterases, and antioxidant properties of essential oils (EOs) from sage collected in three areas (S1-S3) of Southern Italy. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory properties were investigated by employing Ellman's method. Four in vitro assays, namely, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric-reducing ability power (FRAP), and ß-carotene bleaching tests, were used to study the antioxidant effects. Camphor (16.16-18.92%), 1,8-cineole (8.80-9.86%), ß-pinene (3.08-9.14%), camphene (6.27-8.08%), and α-thujone (1.17-9.26%) are identified as the most abundant constituents. However, the content of these constituents varied depending on environmental factors and pedoclimatic conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. Based on Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI), S2 essential oil exhibited the highest radical potential with an IC50 value of 20.64 µg/mL in ABTS test and presented the highest protection of lipid peroxidation with IC50 values of 38.06 and 46.32 µg/mL after 30 and 60 min of incubation, respectively. The most promising inhibitory activity against BChE was found for S3 sample (IC50 of 33.13 µg/mL).
Subject(s)
Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Salvia officinalis/chemistry , Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/chemistry , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Italy , Molecular Structure , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Structure-Activity RelationshipABSTRACT
The chemical composition of the essential oil from Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. collected in Calabrian Ionian (R1) and Tyrrhenian (R2) coast (Southern Italy) was examined by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Essential oils are mainly characterized by monoterpene hydrocarbons (39.32-40.70%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (36.08-39.47%). The 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, and trans-caryophyllene are the most representative compounds. S. rosmarinus essential oils were investigated for their antioxidant activity by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and ß-carotene bleaching tests. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity assays were used to screen the neuroprotective effects of S. rosmarinus. R2 showed the highest antioxidant potential as confirmed by relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI) and exhibited a selective activity against AChE (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50, value of 41.86 µg/mL). These results suggest S. rosmarinus essential oil as a potential source of bioactive compounds.
ABSTRACT
This study aims at investigating the contribution of two classes of compounds, flavonoids and iridoids, to the bioactivity of Arbutus unedo L. leaves and fruits. The impact of different extraction procedures on phytochemicals content and hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities of A. unedo fresh and dried plant materials was investigated. Ellagic acid 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, and norbergenin were identified for the first time in this genus by using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Three iridoids (gardenoside, geniposide, unedoside) are specifically identified in the leaves. Interestingly, asperuloside was extracted only from dried fruits by ethanol with Soxhlet apparatus. Extracts were screened for their potential antioxidant activities by using the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Activity Power (FRAP), and ß-carotene bleaching tests. Based on the Global Antioxidant Score (GAS) calculation, the most promising antioxidant extract was obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration of dried leaves that showed half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.42 and 0.98 µg/mL in ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. The hypoglycaemic activity was investigated by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition tests. Extracts obtained by ethanol ultrasound extraction of fresh leaves and hydroalcoholic maceration of fresh fruits (IC50 of 19.56 and 28.42 µg/mL, respectively) are more active against α-glucosidase than the positive control acarbose (IC50 of 35.50 µg/mL). Fruit extracts exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity.
ABSTRACT
Natural compounds have always played a key role in drug discovery. Anthocyanins are secondary metabolites belonging to the flavonoids family responsible for the purple, blue, and red colour of many vegetables and fruits. These phytochemicals have attracted the interest of researchers for their important implications in human health and for their use as natural colorants. Many in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the potential effects of anthocyanins and anthocyanins-rich foods in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This review reports the recent literature data and focuses on the potential role of anthocyanins in drug discovery. Their biological activity, analysis of structure-activity relationships, bioavailability, metabolism, and future prospects of their uses are critically described.
Subject(s)
Anthocyanins/pharmacology , Drug Discovery , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Anthocyanins/chemistry , Anthocyanins/therapeutic use , Biological Availability , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy , Fruit/chemistry , Humans , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neurodegenerative Diseases/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Structure-Activity Relationship , Vegetables/chemistryABSTRACT
This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the chemical profile as well as the antityrosinase and antioxidant activities of ethanol (EtOH) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of Sambucus nigra L. (Adoxaceae) flowers and leaves in order to discover new candidates for food additives and cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. For this purpose, a novel lower-melting-point ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (LMP ECTFE) nanofiltration (NF) membrane was employed in order to produce the concentrated fractions of S. nigra. Floral extracts were richer in phytochemicals in comparison to the leaf extracts. The High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profile revealed rutin, quercetin, protocateuchic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and neochlorogenic acid as the most abundant compounds. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2'-diphenil-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging, and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) tests were used to investigate the antioxidant properties. NF retentate fractions of floral ethanol extracts exerted the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 53.9 µg/mL and the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 of 46.4 µg/mL). In conclusion, the present investigation revealed the potential benefits of NF application in S. nigra extracts processing, suggesting the use of retentate fractions as a promising source for antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory compounds which could pave the way for future applications.
ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant effects and antitumor properties of a methanol extract of Anchusa azurea Mill. (Boraginaceae) aerial parts against four tumour cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, RKO, and R2C). The antioxidant effects were assessed by using ß-carotene bleaching, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) tests. HPLC analyses revealed chlorogenic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, and astragalin as the most abundant compounds. Interesting results were obtained in the ß-carotene bleaching test with IC50 values of 7.6 and 27.5 µg mL-1 after 30 and 60 min of incubation, respectively. Furthermore, the A. azurea extract protects 3T3-L1 mouse cells from oxidative stress induced by menadione and exhibits good antitumor activity, with very low toxicity. Our data indicate that the antitumor properties are due to the ability to induce programmed cancer cell death through caspase 3/7 and 9 activation and interference with the cytoskeleton dynamics.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Apoptosis/drug effects , Boraginaceae/chemistry , Cytoskeleton/drug effects , Plant Components, Aerial/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Benzothiazoles , Biphenyl Compounds , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , Mice , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Picrates , Reactive Oxygen Species , Sulfonic AcidsABSTRACT
In this study, we investigated for the first time the anti-proliferative and antioxidant properties of D. mezereum and D. striata. The aerial parts were extracted by maceration with n-hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol. MPLC, GC, and GC-MS were used for the phytochemical study. The anti-proliferative activity was tested against MCF-7, A549, LNCaP, ACHN, and C32 cancer human cells. The antioxidant activity was measured by employing ß-carotene bleaching, ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP tests. The Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI) was applied from the perspective of statistics. D. mezereum dichloromethane extract showed a remarkable anti-proliferative with an IC50 of 6.08 µg/mL against LNCaP cells. Experimental data indicate that Daphne species have interesting anti-proliferative and antioxidant properties that deserve more investigations to develop novel antineoplastic drugs.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Daphne/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical , Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Humans , Plant Components, Aerial/chemistry , Plant Extracts/analysis , Plant Extracts/chemistryABSTRACT
Tyrosinase is a multifunctional copper-containing oxidase which catalyses the oxidation of tyrosine to produce melanin. The alteration in melanin biosynthesis occurs in many diseases. The pigment has a protecting role against skin photo-carcinogenesis, but anomalous melanin pigmentation is an aesthetic problem in human beings. Moreover, the formation of neuromelanin in human brain could contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's disease. Finally, tyrosinase is also responsible for undesired browning in fruits and vegetables. These topics encouraged the search for new inhibitors of this enzyme for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and foods industries. This review is to report recent trends in the discovery of tyrosinase inhibitors from plant sources, to provide a rationale for the continued study of natural tyrosinase inhibitors, and to recognise the potential therapeutic rewards associated with the identification of these agents.
Subject(s)
Biological Products , Enzyme Inhibitors , Monophenol Monooxygenase/antagonists & inhibitors , Parkinson Disease/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plants/chemistry , Animals , Biological Products/chemistry , Biological Products/pharmacology , Biological Products/therapeutic use , Drug Evaluation, Preclinical , Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry , Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Humans , Melanins/chemistry , Melanins/metabolism , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic useABSTRACT
The aim of this work is to investigate the in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrycholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Prunus armeniaca and P. domestica in relation to their composition, analysed by Gas Chromatographyâ»Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, at different times. Moreover, considering the role of free radicals in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, the antioxidant properties of essential oils were investigated by using, 2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ß-carotene bleaching tests. The relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI) was used to achieve more comprehensive comparison between analysed antioxidant effects of essential oils. P. armeniaca oils were more active than P. domestica oils against AChE. Against BChE, the most active was the essential oil from P. domestica leaves collected in August with an IC50 value of 95.80 µg/mL. This oil exerted the highest inhibitory activity of lipid peroxidation with IC50 values of 11.15 and 11.39 µg/mL after 30 and 60 min of incubation, respectively. All samples demonstrated a remarkable ABTS radicals scavenging activity, with IC50 values in the range 0.45â»0.57 µg/mL in comparison to the positive control, ascorbic acid.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: The bioactivities of Santolina corsica Jord. & Fourr. n-hexane (EHS) and methanol (EMS) extracts were evaluated in relation to their chemical profile. MAIN METHODS: EHS and EMS were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry () and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined by ß-carotene bleaching, Ferric Reducing Activity Power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) tests. Nitric oxide (NO) production was assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Anti-proliferative activity was evaluated by MTT assay on A549, HeLa, PC3, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, and non-tumorigenic MCF10 A cells. Cell motility, migration and invasion were assessed by wound-healing scratch, migration and invasion assays, respectively. DNA fragmentation was tested by TUNEL assay. Cells morphology was studied by phase-contrast microscopy. Procaspase-8, -9, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and COX-2 expression levels were evaluated by immunoblotting analysis. KEY FINDINGS: Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (5878.67 mg/100 g of extract), chlorogenic acid (746.11 mg/100 g), and rosmarinic acid (550.16 mg/100 g) were the dominant EMS constituents. EHS showed myrcene (18.86%) as the main compound, followed by palmitic acid methyl and ethyl esters (9.35 and 9.16%, respectively), ß-phellandrene (8.48%), and ar-curcumene (5.63%). Both extracts showed promising anti-proliferative activity on all tested cancer cells, without inducing cytotoxicity in non-tumorigenic cells MCF-10 A. Moreover, extracts inhibited motility, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, inducing apoptosis. EHS decreased NO production, showing anti-inflammatory activity. SIGNIFICANCE: S. corsica extracts might be potentially useful in cancer treatment, since reduce invasive and migratory potential of MDA-MB-231 cells triggering apoptosis.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Asteraceae/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cell Line , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods , DNA Fragmentation/drug effects , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Humans , In Situ Nick-End Labeling , Neoplasm Invasiveness/prevention & control , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/pathology , Solvents/chemistryABSTRACT
For the first time the chemical profile, physico-chemical parameters, inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes, and radical scavenging properties of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) juice treated by nanofiltration (NF) were investigated. Three commercial NF membranes with different molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) (400 and 1000 Da) and polymeric material (composite fluoro-polymer and polyethersulphone) were tested. According to HPLC analyses, most part of bioactive compounds were retained by the NF membranes producing a retentate fraction of interest for the production of functional foods. The NP030 membrane, a polyethersulphone membrane with a MWCO of 400 Da, exhibited the highest rejection towards phenolic compounds when compared with the other selected membranes. Accordingly, the produced retentate fractions exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity.
Subject(s)
Filtration/instrumentation , Food Handling/methods , Fruit and Vegetable Juices , Membranes, Artificial , Sambucus nigra/chemistry , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Filtration/methods , Food Handling/instrumentation , Fruit and Vegetable Juices/analysis , Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Molecular Weight , Permeability , Polymers/chemistry , Sulfones/chemistry , alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitorsABSTRACT
Glycyrrhiza glabra cultivation and harvesting produces substantial quantities of aerial parts as waste. With the aim to prospect an innovative valorization of these byproducts, the aerial parts were harvested in May and October and analyzed for their chemical profile, antioxidant properties, and effects on viability of five cancer cell lines. Pinocembrin was the main constituent. A significant protection of lipid peroxidation was observed with the May total extract (IC50 of 4.2 ± 0.4 µg/mL at 30 min of incubation). The effects on viability of HeLa, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, Caco-2, and PC3 human cancer cells were investigated. All samples shown a remarkable activity with IC50 values below 25 µg/mL. Samples from plants harvested in May exhibited greater activity than those harvested in October. MCF-7 and HeLa were the most sensitive cells with IC50 in the range 2.73-3.01 and 3.28-5.53 µg/mL, respectively. G. glabra aerial parts represent a good source of valuable products.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cell Survival/drug effects , Flavanones/pharmacology , Glycyrrhiza/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Vegetables/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Cell Line, Tumor , Flavanones/chemistry , Flavanones/isolation & purification , Humans , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Waste Products/analysisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Salvia species are known for their biological properties in many countries and might potentially provide novel therapeutic agents. This review provides an overview of the available literature on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Salvia species. METHODS: Using bibliographic databases, particularly PubMed, this review aims to add new information to the list of Salvia species, including S. ceratophylla, S. chloroleuca, S. fruticosa, S. lachostachys, S. lavandulifolia, S. miltiorrhiza, S. mirzayanii, S. officinalis, S. plebeia, S. verbenaca, and S. virgata, and their main constituents as promising antiinflammatory and antioxidant agents, highlighting their mode of action. RESULTS: Salvia species are sources of health-promoting phytochemicals that comprise polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes and several other constituents. Many studies have indicated that plants from the Salvia genus reduce the oxidative stress and may be able to prevent and/or to treat inflammatory diseases. These potential beneficial effects have been attributed to the presence of compounds that show antioxidant properties and that demonstrated to inhibit the molecular targets of pro-inflammatory mediators in inflammatory responses. CONCLUSION: Salvia species and their secondary metabolites may be potential agents to improve the quality of life in patients with inflammatory diseases.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Salvia , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Humans , Phytochemicals/analysis , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Salvia/chemistryABSTRACT
Studies have proven the relationship between cutaneous vasculature abnormalities and dermatological disorders, but to image vasculature noninvasively