Cyclic Sesquiterpene-Flavanone [4+2] Hybrids, Syzygioblanes A-C, Found in an Indonesian Traditional Medicine, "Jampu Salo" (Syzygium oblanceolatum).

A plant used in an Indonesian traditional herbal medicine as a diabetes treatment and known locally as "Jampu Salo" was collected on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. It was identified as Syzygium oblanceolatum (C. B. Rob.) Merr. (Myrtaceae) and found for the first time in Sulawesi; it was previously reported only in the eastern Philippines and Borneo. A phytochemical study of S. oblanceolatum led to the isolation of three unprecedented meroterpenoids, syzygioblanes A-C (1-3, respectively). These compounds might be biosynthesized through [4+2] cycloaddition of various germacrane-based cyclic sesquiterpenoids with the flavone desmethoxymatteucinol to form a spiro skeleton. The unique and complex structures were elucidated by microcrystal electron diffraction analysis in addition to general analytical techniques such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, various nuclear magnetic resonance methods, and infrared spectroscopy. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and calculations of electronic circular dichroism spectra helped to determine the absolute configurations. The newly isolated compounds exhibited collateral sensitivity to more strongly inhibit the growth of a multidrug resistant tumor cell line compared to a chemosensitive tumor cell line.

Similar and divergent responses to salinity stress of jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels) genotypes.

Background: Genetic variation for salt tolerance remains elusive in jamun (Syzygium cumini). Methods: Effects of gradually increased salinity (2.0-12.0 dS/m) were examined in 20 monoembryonic and 28 polyembryonic genotypes of jamun. Six genotypes were additionally assessed for understanding salt-induced changes in gas exchange attributes and antioxidant enzymes. Results: Salt-induced reductions in leaf, stem, root and plant dry mass (PDM) were relatively greater in mono- than in poly-embryonic types. Reductions in PDM relative to control implied more adverse impacts of salinity on genotypes CSJ-28, CSJ-31, CSJ-43 and CSJ-47 (mono) and CSJ-1, CSJ-24, CSJ-26 and CSJ-27 (poly). Comparably, some mono- (CSJ-5, CSJ-18) and poly-embryonic (CSJ-7, CSJ-8, CSJ-14, CSJ-19) genotypes exhibited least reductions in PDM following salt treatment. Most polyembryonic genotypes showed lower reductions in root than in shoot mass, indicating that they may be more adept at absorbing water and nutrients when exposed to salt. The majority of genotypes did not exhibit leaf tip burn and marginal scorch despite significant increases in Na+ and Cl-, suggesting that tissue tolerance existed for storing excess Na+ and Cl- in vacuoles. Jamun genotypes were likely more efficient in Cl- exclusion because leaf, stem and root Cl- levels were consistently lower than those of Na+ under salt treatment. Leaf K+ was particularly little affected in genotypes with high leaf Na+. Lack of discernible differences in leaf, stem and root Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents between control and salt treatments was likely due to their preferential uptake. Correlation analysis suggested that Na+ probably had a greater inhibitory effect on biomass in both mono- and poly-embryonic types. Discriminant analysis revealed that while stem and root Cl- probably accounted for shared responses, root Na+, leaf K+ and leaf Cl- explained divergent responses to salt stress of mono- and poly-embryonic types. Genotypes CSJ-18 and CSJ-19 seemed efficient in fending off oxidative damage caused by salt because of their stronger antioxidant defences. Conclusions: Polyembryonic genotypes CSJ-7, CSJ-8, CSJ-14 and CSJ-19, which showed least reductions in biomass even after prolonged exposure to salinity stress, may be used as salt-tolerant rootstocks. The biochemical and molecular underpinnings of tissue tolerance to excess Na+ and Cl- as well as preferential uptake of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ need to be elucidated.

Insecticidal Activity of Essential Oils and Their Synergistic Effect on Improving the Efficacy of ß-Cypermethrin against Blattella germanica.

We screened the contact activity of 32 commercial essential oils (EOs) and their synergistic effect with ß-cypermethrin against Blattella germanica. Results showed that the most effective EOs against B. germanica were from Illicium verum, Syzygium aromaticum, and Cinnamomum camphora, with LD50 values of less than 500 µg/insect. The most potent synergistic effects of ß-cypermethrin on B. germanica were from Dysphania ambrosioides and Mentha canadensis. Both oils have a co-toxic factor of 133.33. The results of the major compound testing of the EOs showed that trans-anisaldehyde and thymol have the best insecticidal activity against B. germanica, with LD50 values of 141.30 and 138.61 µg/insect, respectively. The compounds with the best synergistic effect on ß-cypermethrin were γ-terpinene and linalool at a concentration of 0.5%. The co-toxic factors for γ-terpinene and linalool were 150 and 133.33, respectively, which were similar to the synergistic effect observed with 2% piperonyl butoxide.

Nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with essential oils: a strategy against SARS-CoV-2.

This work aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Lippia sidoides and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils (EOs) encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors through virucidal activity assessment. We developed anionic and cationic NLCs loaded with the EOs and assessed their physicochemical properties and SARS-CoV-2 virucidal activity, focusing on the effects of EO type and the NLCs composition. The NLCs exhibited particle sizes of 141.30 to 160.53 nm for anionic and 109.30 to 138.60 nm for cationic types, with PDIs between 0.16 and 0.25. High zeta potentials (>29.0 in modulus) indicated stable formulations. The NLCs effectively encapsulated the EOs, achieving encapsulation efficiencies between 84.6 to 100% w/w of marker compound. The EOs-loaded NLCs reduced the SARS-CoV-2 virion count, exceeding 2 logs over the control. NLCs loaded with Lippia sidoides and Syzygium aromaticum EOs represent an innovative strategy for combating SARS-CoV-2.

In vivo determination of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) in an asthmatic rat model.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways strongly associated with interleukin-4 (IL-4), a cytokine that mediates and regulates various immune responses, including allergic reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of an Aqueous Extract of Clove (AEC) Syzygium aromaticum on the lungs and erythrocytes of an experimental asthma model in Wistar rats. For this purpose, four groups of male rats were examined: control, sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), treated with AEC, and treated with a combination of OVA/AEC. After treatment, the antioxidant effect was determined by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined by measuring IL-4 levels by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using serum, lung, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples. A significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the MDA levels and a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the levels of GPx and CAT were observed in the lungs of rats treated with cloves. However, no statistically significant variation was observed in GSH levels. In erythrocytes, no statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental batches. Regarding the anti-inflammatory effect, the administration of S. aromaticum extract to sensitized rats resulted in a recovery in the levels of total proteins and IL-4 and a decrease in the three compartments studied (lungs, serum, and bronchoalveolar liquid). These results were confirmed by microscopic examination of lung histological sections. Overall, these findings confirmed that the AEC has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Physicochemical, Structural, and Functional Properties of Fructans from Single-Clove Garlic and Multiclove Garlic: A Comparison.

This study aimed to compare the structural features and functional properties of polysaccharides from single-clove garlic (SGPs) and multiclove garlic (MGPs) and to establish their structure-function relationships. Both SGPs and MGPs were identified as fructans consisting mainly of →1)-ß-d-Fruf (2→ and →6)-ß-d-Fruf (2→ residues but differed in average molecular weights (6.76 and 5.40 kDa, respectively). They shared similar thermodynamic properties, X-ray diffraction patterns, and high gastrointestinal digestive stability. These two purified fructans could dose-dependently scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidized metals, and effectively alleviate metronidazole-induced oxidative stress and CuSO4-induced inflammation in zebrafish via inhibiting the overexpression of inflammation-related proteins and cytokines. SGPs showed lower free radical scavenging activity in vitro than MGPs but higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. Taken together, the molecular weight was the main structural difference between the two garlic fructans of different varieties, which is a potential reason for their differences in biological activities.

Biochemical properties and biological potential of Syzygium heyneanum with antiparkinson's activity in paraquat induced rodent model.

Syzygium heyneanum is a valuable source of flavonoids and phenols, known for their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This research aimed to explore the potential of Syzygium heyneanum ethanol extract (SHE) in countering Parkinson's disease. The presence of phenols and flavonoids results in SHE displaying an IC50 value of 42.13 when assessed in the DPPH scavenging assay. Rats' vital organs (lungs, heart, spleen, liver, and kidney) histopathology reveals little or almost no harmful effect. The study hypothesized that SHE possesses antioxidants that could mitigate Parkinson's symptoms by influencing α-synuclein, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), TNF-α, and IL-1ß. Both in silico and in vivo investigations were conducted. The Parkinson's rat model was established using paraquat (1 mg/kg, i.p.), with rats divided into control, disease control, standard, and SHE-treated groups (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) for 21 days. According to the ELISA statistics, the SHE treated group had lowers levels of IL-6 and TNF-α than the disease control group, which is a sign of neuroprotection. Behavioral and biochemical assessments were performed, alongside mRNA expression analyses using RT-PCR to assess SHE's impact on α-synuclein, AChE, TNF-α, and interleukins in brain homogenates. Behavioral observations demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in rats treated with SHE (600 > 300 > 150 mg/kg). Antioxidant enzyme levels (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione) were significantly restored, particularly at a high dose, with notable reduction in malondialdehyde. The high dose of SHE notably lowered acetylcholinesterase levels. qRT-PCR results indicated reduced mRNA expression of IL-1ß, α-synuclein, TNF-α, and AChE in SHE-treated groups compared to disease controls, suggesting neuroprotection. In conclusion, this study highlights Syzygium heyneanum potential to alleviate Parkinson's disease symptoms through its antioxidant and modulatory effects on relevant biomarkers.

A new endemic clove tree pest of Cryptophasa Lewin, from Sangihe Island, Indonesia (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae).

A novel endemic pest of clove tree, Cryptophasa warouwi sp. nov., has been discovered on Sangihe Island. This new species can be distinguished from its closest relative species, C. watungi Sutrisno & Suwito, 2015 which is found in North Sulawesi, by its dark brown straw-coloured wings in both males and females. The most distinctive diagnostic characters of this new species are observed in its genitalia structure: a bent-downward uncus with a strongly sclerotized finger-shaped apex, a bent phallus gradually widened towards coecum, and a double, membranous corpus bursae branching off at mid-ductus corpus bursae of female genitalia. Additionally, DNA barcodes revealed this new species to be embedded among Australian Cryptophasa species despite having fasciculated male antennae that have been considered diagnostic of the genus Paralecta. This suggests that the male antennae may not be a reliable character for separating Cryptophasa from Paralecta. A more comprehensive study including all Cryptophasa and Paralecta will be required to elucidate the definition of each genus. Images depicting both adults and genitalia are provided for this newly recognized species.

Antimicrobial Activity of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil in Human Health Treatment.

The use of natural compounds to prevent and treat infective diseases is increasing its importance, especially in the case of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms-mediated infections. The drug resistance phenomenon is today a global problem, so it is important to have available substances able to counteract MDR infections. Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry (commonly called clove) is a spice characterized by several biological properties. Clove essential oil (EO) consists of numerous active molecules, being eugenol as the principal component; however, other compounds that synergize with each other are responsible for the biological properties of the EO. S. aromaticum is traditionally used for bowel and stomach disorders, cold and flu, oral hygiene, tooth decay, and for its analgesic action. Its EO has shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, anti-stress, anticancer, and anti-nociceptive activities. This review aims to investigate the role of E. S. aromaticum EO in the counteraction of MDR microorganisms responsible for human disorders, diseases, or infections, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, Giardia lamblia, Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study might orient clinical researchers on future therapeutic uses of S. aromaticum EO in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Enhancing bread preservation through non-contact application of starch-based composite film infused with clove essential oil nanoemulsion.

In this study, we have successfully produced a corn starch-based composite film through the casting method, formulated with clove essential oil nanoemulsion (NCEO) and corn starch. The physical and chemical changes of the composite films were investigated at various concentrations (10 %, 20 % and 40 %) of NCEO. Furthermore, the non-contact preservation effects of the composite films on bread during 15-day storage were also examined in this study. As the concentration of NCEO increased, the composite films presented a gradual thinning, roughening, and yellowing in appearance. Following this, the water content, water vapor permeability rate, and elongation at break of the films decreased, while their hydrophobicity, tensile strength, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity increased accordingly. Through FT-IR, X-ray diffraction and thermal gravimetric analysis, it was demonstrated that NCEO has strong compatibility with corn starch. Additionally, the indices' analysis indicated that utilizing the composite film incorporating 40 % NCEO can significantly boost the shelf life and quality of bread. Moreover, it was revealed that application of the non-contact treatment with composite film could potentially contribute certain preservation effects towards bread. In light of these findings, the composite film with non-contact treatment exhibits potential as an effective, safe, and sustainable preservation technique for grain products.

Effect of clove essential oil nanoemulsion on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of chitosan film.

This study evaluated the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of clove essential oil (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 % v/v) nanoemulsion (CEON) loaded chitosan-based films. With the increasing concentrations of the CEON, the thickness, b* and ΔE values of the films increased significantly (P < 0.05), while L* and light transmission dropped noticeably (P < 0.05). The hydrogen bonds formed between the CEON and chitosan could be demonstrated through Fourier-transform infrared spectra, indicating their good compatibility and intermolecular interactions. Furthermore, the added CEON considerably reduced the crystallinity and resulted in a porous structure of the films, as observed through X-ray diffraction plots and scanning electron microscopy images, respectively. This eventually led to a drop in both tensile strength and moisture content of the films. Moreover, the antioxidant properties were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) with the increase in the amount of clove essential oil (CEO) due to the encapsulation of CEO by the nanoemulsion. Films containing 0.6 % CEO had higher elongation at break, higher water contact angle, lower water solubility, lower water vapor permeability, and lower oxygen permeability than the other films; therefore, such films are promising for application in meat preservation.

Incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals to improve the physicochemical and bioactive properties of pectin-konjac glucomannan composite films containing clove essential oil.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) isolated from cotton in augmenting pectin (PEC)/konjac glucomannan (KGM) composite films containing clove essential oil (CEO) for food packaging application. The effects of CNC dosage on film properties were examined by analyzing the rheology of film-forming solutions and the mechanical, barrier, antimicrobial, and CEO-release properties of the films. Rheological and FTIR analysis revealed the enhanced interactions among the film components after CNC incorporation due to its high aspect ratio and abundant hydroxyl groups, which can also prevent CEO droplet aggregation, contributing to form a compact microstructure as confirmed by SEM and 3D surface topography observations. Consequently, the addition of CNC reinforced the polysaccharide matrix, increasing the tensile strength of the films and improving their barrier properties to water vapor. More importantly, antibacterial, controlled release and kinetic simulation experiments proved that the addition of CNC could further slow down the release rate of CEO, prolonging the antimicrobial properties of the films. PEC/KGM/CEO composite films with 15 wt% CNC was found to have relatively best comprehensive properties, which was also most effective in delaying deterioration of grape quality during the storage of 9 days at 25 °C.

Tautomeric cinnamoylphloroglucinol-monoterpene adducts from Cleistocalyx operculatus and their antiviral activities.

Guided by 1H NMR spectroscopic experiments using the characteristic enol proton signals as probes, three pairs of new tautomeric cinnamoylphloroglucinol-monoterpene adducts (1-3) were isolated from the buds of Cleistocalyx operculatus. Their structures with absolute configurations were established by spectroscopic analysis, modified Mosher's method, and quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism calculation. Compounds 1-3 represent a novel class of cinnamoylphloroglucinol-monoterpene adducts featuring an unusual C-4-C-1' linkage between 2,2,4-trimethyl-cinnamyl-ß-triketone and modified linear monoterpenoid motifs. Notably, compounds 1-3 exhibited significant in vitro antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

DNA methylation remodeled amino acids biosynthesis regulates flower senescence in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus).

Dynamic DNA methylation regulatory networks are involved in many biological processes. However, how DNA methylation patterns change during flower senescence and their relevance with gene expression and related molecular mechanism remain largely unknown. Here, we used whole genome bisulfite sequencing to reveal a significant increase of DNA methylation in the promoter region of genes during natural and ethylene-induced flower senescence in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.), which was correlated with decreased expression of DNA demethylase gene DcROS1. Silencing of DcROS1 accelerated while overexpression of DcROS1 delayed carnation flower senescence. Moreover, among the hypermethylated differentially expressed genes during flower senescence, we identified two amino acid biosynthesis genes, DcCARA and DcDHAD, with increased DNA methylation and reduced expression in DcROS1 silenced petals, and decreased DNA methylation and increased expression in DcROS1 overexpression petals, accompanied by decreased or increased amino acids content. Silencing of DcCARA and DcDHAD accelerates carnation flower senescence. We further showed that adding corresponding amino acids could largely rescue the senescence phenotype of DcROS1, DcCARA and DcDHAD silenced plants. Our study not only demonstrates an essential role of DcROS1-mediated remodeling of DNA methylation in flower senescence but also unravels a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism underlying DNA methylation and amino acid biosynthesis during flower senescence.

Development of chemometric-assisted supercritical fluid extraction of effective and natural tyrosinase inhibitor from Syzygium aqueum leaves.

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in enzymatic browning, causing quality losses in food through the oxidation process. Thus, the discovery of an effective and natural tyrosinase inhibitor via green technology is of great interest to the global food market due to food security and climate change issues. In this study, Syzygium aqueum (S. aqueum) leaves, which are known to be rich in phenolic compounds (PC), were chosen as a natural source of tyrosinase inhibitor, and the effect of the sustainable, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process was evaluated. Response surface methodology-assisted supercritical fluid extraction (RSM-assisted SFE) was utilized to optimize the PCs extracted from S. aqueum. The highest amount of PC was obtained at the optimum conditions (55 °C, 3350 psi, and 70 min). The IC50 (661.815 µg/mL) of the optimized extract was evaluated, and its antioxidant activity (96.8 %) was determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results reveal that 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone (2,6-D4MC) (82.65 %) was the major PC in S. aqueum. Chemometric analysis indicated that 2,6-D4MC has similar chemical properties to the tyrosinase inhibitor control (kaempferol). The toxicity and physiochemical properties of the novel 2,6-D4MC from S. aqueum revealed that the 2,6-D4MC is safer than kaempferol as predicted via absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) evaluation. Enzyme kinetic analysis shows that the type of inhibition of the optimized extract is non-competitive inhibition with Km = 1.55 mM and Vmax = 0.017 µM/s. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis shows the effectiveness of S. aqueum as a tyrosinase inhibitor. The mechanistic insight of the tyrosinase inhibition using 2,6-D4MC was successfully calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular docking approaches. The findings could have a significant impact on food security development by devising a sustainable and effective tyrosinase inhibitor from waste by-products that is aligned with the United Nation's SDG 2, zero hunger.

Undescribed Triterpenes from the Leaves of Syzygium myrsinifolium with Their α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibition Activity.

Two undescribed triterpenes, syzyfolium A (1) and syzyfolium B (2), together with twelve known compounds, terminolic acid (3), actinidic acid (4), piscidinol A (5), threo-dihydroxydehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (6), lariciresinol-4-O-ß-D-glucoside (7), icariol A2 (8), 14ß,15ß-dihydroxyklaineanone (9), garcimangosone D (10), (+)-catechin (11), myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (12), quercitrin (13), and 3, 4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl-(6'-O-galloyl)-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (14) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium myrsinifolium. Their chemical structures were determined by IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Compounds 3 and 4 inhibited significantly α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 23.99 and 36.84, respectively, and compounds 1 and 2 inhibited significantly α-amylase with IC50 values of 35.48 and 43.65 µM, respectively.

Homeopathic Formulations of Syzygium jambolanum Alleviate Glycation-Mediated Structural and Functional Modifications of Albumin: Evaluation through Multi-Spectroscopic and Microscopic Approaches.

BACKGROUND: The growing interest in identifying the mode of action of traditional medicines has strengthened its research. Syzygium jambolanum (Syzyg) is commonly prescribed in homeopathy and is a rich source of phytochemicals. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to shed light on the anti-glycation molecular mechanism of Syzyg mother tincture (MT), 30c, and 200c on glycated human serum albumin (HSA) by multi-spectroscopic and microscopic approaches. METHODS: The phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of the Syzyg formulations were estimated by the high-performance liquid chromatography and spectroscopic technique, respectively. Glycation was initiated by incubating HSA with methylglyoxal, three Syzyg formulations, and the known inhibitor aminoguanidine in separate tubes at 37°C for 48 hours. The formation of glycation adducts was assessed by spectrofluorometer and affinity chromatography. The structural modifications were analyzed through circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, turbidity, 8-anilinonapthalene-1-sulfonic acid fluorescence, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Further, the formation of the aggregates was examined by thioflavin T, native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, the functional modifications of glycated HSA were determined by esterase-like activity and antioxidant capacity. The binding analysis of Syzyg formulations with glycated HSA was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). RESULTS: Syzyg formulations MT, 30c, and 200c contained gallic acid and ellagic acid as major phytochemicals, with concentrations of 16.02, 0.86, and 0.52 µg/mL, and 227.35, 1.35, and 0.84 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, all three formulations had remarkable radical scavenging ability and could significantly inhibit glycation compared with aminoguanidine. Further, Syzyg formulations inhibited albumin's structural and functional modifications. SPR data showed that Syzyg formulations bind to glycated HSA with an equilibrium dissociation constant of 1.10 nM. CONCLUSION: Syzyg formulations inhibited the glycation process while maintaining the structural and functional integrity of HSA.

Syzygium cumini ameliorates high fat diet induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, weight gain, hepatic injury and nephrotoxicity through modulation of PTP1B and PPARγ signaling.

Metabolic disorders are majorly associated with insulin resistance and an impaired glucose tolerance. Since, many of the currently available drugs exhibit adverse effects and are resistant to therapies, natural products are a promising alternate in the alleviation of complex metabolic disorders. In the current study, Syzygium cumini methanolic extract (SCE) was investigated for its anti-diabetic and anti-adipogenic potential using C57BL/6 mice fed on high fat diet (HFD). The HFD fed obese mice were treated with 200 mg/kg SCE and compared with positive controls Metformin, Pioglitazone and Sodium Orthovanadate. The biometabolites in SCE were characterized using Fourier transform infrared and gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. A reduction in blood glucose levels with improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance was observed in SCE-treated HFD obese mice. Histopathological and biochemical investigations showed a reduction in hepatic injury and nephrotoxicity in SCE-administered HFD mice. Results showed inhibition of PTP1B and an upregulation of IRS1 and PKB-mediated signaling in skeletal muscle. A significant decrease in lipid markers such as TC, TG, LDL-c and VLDL-c levels were observed with increased HDL-c in SCE-treated HFD mice. A significant decrease in weight and adiposity was observed in SCE-administered HFD mice in comparison to controls. This decrease could be due to the partial agonism of PPARγ and an increased expression of adiponectin, an insulin sensitizer. Hence, the dual-modulatory effect of SCE, partly due to the presence of 26% Pyrogallol, could be useful in the management of diabetes and its associated maladies.

Influence of nano-formulations of clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) extract on freezing ability, antioxidant capacity, caspase-3 activity, acrosome reaction and fertility of frozen rabbit semen.

The current study aimed to investigate the impact of nano-formulations of clove bud ethanolic extract (CBENF) in the extender on sperm characteristics, antioxidant capacity, oxidative biomarkers, enzymatic activity, apoptosis and fertility of post-thawed rabbit semen. Twelve mature male rabbits semen samples were pooled and cryopreserved in a Tris-egg yolk-based extender containing varying concentrations of CBENF (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL). After the equilibration and freezing-thawing process, CBENF (100 µg /mL) significantly enhanced progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity. Conversely, sperm abnormality was significantly reduced by CBENF supplementation. Total antioxidant capacity was increased in the post-thawed sperm medium, while nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were decreased in all CBENF concentrations. The lactic dehydrogenase and caspase-3 activities were decreased, whereas the number of live spermatozoa with an intact acrosome was increased in all CBENF concentrations. Conception rate and litter size per doe were higher in doe rabbits inseminated with semen supplemented with 100 µg CBENF/mL than un-supplemented group (76% vs. 52% and 8.4 vs. 7.7/doe), with no statistical differences. These findings suggest that supplementing rabbit extenders with 100 µg of CBENF/mL could be an effective strategy for enhancing freeze-thawing rabbit sperm attributes and fertility.

Identification of Novel -Glucosidase Inhibitors from Syzygium jambos (L.) Using Spectroscopy and Molecular Docking.

Fruits of Syzygium jambos (L.) are recognized as a "food", exhibiting significant antidiabetic activities. However, the α-glucosidase inhibition of the components from Syzygium jambos (L.) have not yet been investigated. In this study, a total of 14 compounds were isolated from Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston, eight of which showed significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, with IC50 values in the range of 0.011-0.665 mM. Notably, compounds 1-3 (IC50: 0.013, 0.011 and 0.030 mM, respectively) exhibited much stronger activity than acarbose (IC50: 2.329 ± 0.109 mM). The enzyme kinetics study indicated that compound 1 was an uncompetitive inhibitor, and compounds 2-8 were mixed-type inhibitors. Moreover, the interactions between compounds and α-glucosidase were investigated by molecular docking, which further revealed that the number of olefin double bonds and 2-COOH of heptadeca-phenols had a notable effect on the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. This study demonstrated that Syzygium jambos (L.) fruit might serve as a functional food for the prevention of diabetes mellitus.