Antidiabetic Properties of Plant Secondary Metabolites.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is one of the major medical problems that the modern world is currently facing. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus both result in early disability and death, as well as serious social and financial problems. In some cases, synthetic drugs can be quite effective in the treatment of diabetes, though they have side effects. Plant-derived pharmacological substances are of particular interest. This review aims to study the antidiabetic properties of secondary plant metabolites. Existing review and research articles on the investigation of the antidiabetic properties of secondary plant metabolites, the methods of their isolation, and their use in diabetes mellitus, as well as separate articles that confirm the relevance of the topic and expand the understanding of the properties and mechanisms of action of plant metabolites, were analyzed for this review. The structure and properties of plants used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, including plant antioxidants, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and insulin-like plant substances, as well as their antidiabetic properties and mechanisms for lowering blood sugar, are presented. The main advantages and disadvantages of using phytocomponents to treat diabetes are outlined. The types of complications of diabetes mellitus and the effects of medicinal plants and their phytocomponents on them are described. The effects of phytopreparations used to treat diabetes mellitus on the human gut microbiota are discussed. Plants with a general tonic effect, plants containing insulin-like substances, plants-purifiers, and plants rich in vitamins, organic acids, etc. have been shown to play an important role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the prevention of its complications.

Feasibility of Old Bark and Wood Waste Recycling.

The pulp and paper industry leads to the formation of significant amounts of bark and wood waste (BWW), which is mostly dumped, causing negative climate and environmental impacts. This article presents an overview of methods for recycling BWW, as well as the results of assessing the resource potential of old bark waste based on physicochemical and thermal analysis. It was found that using BWW as a plant-growing substrate is challenging because it was observed that bark waste is phytotoxic. The C:N waste ratio is far from optimum; moreover, it has a low biodegradation rate (less than 0.15% per year). The calorific value content of BWW ranged from 7.7 to 18.9 MJ/kg on d.m., the ash content was from 4% to 22%, and the initial moisture content was from 60.8% to 74.9%, which allowed us to draw conclusions about the feasibility of using hydrothermal methods for their processing to obtain biofuel and for the unreasonableness of using traditional thermal methods (combustion, pyrolysis, gasification).

Algae: Study of Edible and Biologically Active Fractions, Their Properties and Applications.

The beneficial properties of algae make them perfect functional ingredients for food products. Algae have a high energy value and are a source of biologically active substances, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and macro- and microelements. They are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, mycosporine-like amino acids, polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, steroids, lectins, halogenated compounds, polyketides, alkaloids, and carrageenans. Different extraction parameters are used depending on the purpose and the substances to be isolated. In this study, the following parameters were used: hydromodule 1:10 and an extraction duration of 1-2 h at the extraction temperature of 25-40 °C. A 30-50% solution of ethanol in water was used as an extractant. Algae extracts can be considered as potential natural sources of biologically active compounds with antimicrobial activity and antiviral properties. The content of crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrates in U. Prolifera, C. racemosa var. peltata (Chlorophyta), S. oligocystum and S. fusiforme (SF-1) was studied. It was found that C. muelleri (Bacillariophyta), I. galbana (Haptophyta), and T. weissflogii (Bacillariophyta) contain about 1.9 times more omega-3 than omega-6 fatty acids. N. gaditana (Ochrophyta), D. salina (Chlorophyta), P. tricornutum (Bacillaryophyta) and I. galbana (Haptophyta) extracts showed inhibitory activity of varying intensities against E. coli or P. aeruginosa. In addition, algae and algae-derived compounds have been proposed to offer attractive possibilities in the food industry, especially in the meat sector, to evolve functional foods with myriad functionalities. Algae can increase the biological activity of food products, while the further study of the structure of compounds found in algae can broaden their future application possibilities.

First Insight into the Diversity and Antibacterial Potential of Psychrophilic and Psychotrophic Microbial Communities of Abandoned Amber Quarry.

Natural habitats, including extreme ones, are potential sources of new antimicrobial compound producers, such as bacteriocins and enzymes, capable of degrading the matrix polysaccharides of bacterial biofilms. This study aimed to investigate biodiversity and evaluate the antibacterial potential of psychrophilic and psychrotrophic microbial communities of the flooded Walter amber quarry (Kaliningrad region, Russia). As a result of 16S rDNA high-throughput profiling, 127 genera of bacteria belonging to 12 phyla of bacteria were found in sediment samples: Acidobacteria sp., Actinobacteria sp., Armatimonadetes sp., Bacteroidetes sp., Chloroflexi sp., Cyanobacteria sp., Firmicutes sp., Gemmatimonadetes sp., Planctomycetes sp., Proteobacteria sp., Tenericutes sp., and Verrucomicrobia sp. The dominant bacteria groups were the families Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, belonging to the order Clostridiales phylum Firmicutes. Analysis of enrichment cultures obtained from sediments showed the presence of antibacterial and cellulolytic activity. It seems likely that the bacteria of the studied communities are producers of antimicrobial compounds and have the potential for biotechnological use.

Antimicrobial Potential of Microorganisms Isolated from the Bottom Sediments of Lake Baikal.

Extremophilic microorganisms attract researchers by their unique characteristics, primarily antagonistic ones, acquired in the process of survival in extreme natural conditions. The antimicrobial potential of the metabolites of these microorganisms is quite broad, from the food industry to therapeutic drugs. Microbial mats of Lake Baikal are a source of unique and diverse microorganisms. The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of bacterial strains isolated from the bottom sediments of the lake. Using heterotrophic growth conditions, seven bacterial strains were isolated from samples collected in several coastal zones of Lake Baikal. Thisstudy identified both widespread strains of the genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus and rare genera Micrococcus and Acinetobacterrepresentatives. Metabolites of five strains were found to have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Four large fractions of metabolites of the isolated strains wereidentified. Two peptides of the isolated fractions of metabolites (one is produced by microorganisms of all five isolated strains, another-only by Pseudomonas putida) are low molecular weight oligopeptides. These peptides were proved to be bacteriocins.

Study of the Biologically Active Properties of Medicinal Plant Cotinus coggygria.

The results of the studies have shown that to obtain an extract of a complex of biologically active substances of Cotinus coggygria, ethyl alcohol (mass fraction of alcohol 70%) with a hydromodule of 1:5 should be used, and the extraction should be carried out for 60 min at a temperature of 60 °C. The investigated plant extracts with the complex of bioactive substances from the Cotinus coggygria leaves and flowers are safe from the point of view of the content of heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxin B1, radionuclides, as well as pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. It has been established that the Cotinus coggygria extract contains rutin, hyperoside, ferulic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, disulphuretin, sulphurein, sulphurein, gallic acid, methyl gallate, pentagalloyl glucose, 3,3',4',5,6,7-hexahydroxyflavonone, 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavonone, 3-O-α-L-rhamnofuranoside, 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavulium(1+), 7-O-ß-D glucopyranoside, and 3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavonone. The tested extracts have anticancer, antigenotoxic, and antimicrobial (against E. coli, S. aureus, P. vulgaris, C. albicans, L. mesenteroides) properties. The high antioxidant status of the tested extracts was established; the antioxidant activity of the samples was 145.09 mg AA/g (AA-ascorbic acid).

Study of the Properties of In Vitro Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soó (Family Orchidaceae) Extracts.

The medicinal plant Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soó (family Orchidaceae) is used to treat gastritis, colic, gastrointestinal tract, and bladder diseases. This study aimed to investigate the properties and characteristics of the in vitro Dactylorhiza maculata extract. The recommended parameters for producing Dactylorhiza maculata extract were determined: temperature 60 °C, process duration 60 min, hydro module 1:10. It is recommended to carry out the extraction using an aqueous ethyl alcohol solution with a mass fraction of the parent substance of 70%. It was found that such biologically active substances as rutin, quercetin, 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavonone, 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavonone-3-O-glycoside, gallic acid, and ferulic acid were dominant in Dactylorhiza maculata. A high phosphorus content was noted (2410.8 mg/kg dry matter). The studied Dactylorhizamaculata samples contained a large number of organic acids and water-soluble vitamins. The tested extracts were safe in terms of the content of heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxin B1, and radionuclides, as well as pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms; the content was significantly lower than the threshold limit values. The studied complex of biologically active substances from Dactylorhiza maculata extract samples had antimicrobial properties. It was found that the antioxidant activity of the samples was 217.89 ± 10.89 mg AA/g (AA-ascorbic acid). The high content of bioactive substances and the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Dactylorhizamaculata extract samples determine the application potential of this plant as a substitute for growth stimulants and feed antibiotics in the production of feed additives, aiming to increase the physiological and immune status of livestock and poultry.

Study of the l-Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Penetration Kinetics and the Efficacy of Phenylalanine Catabolism Correction Using In Vitro Model Systems.

The kinetics of l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) penetration into the monolayer of liver cells after its release from capsules was studied. The studies showed the absence of the effect of the capsule shell based on plant hydrocolloids on the absorption of l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in systems simulating the liver surface. After 120 min of incubation, in all variants of the experiment, from 87.0 to 96.8% of the enzyme penetrates the monolayer of liver cells. The combined analysis of the results concludes that the developed encapsulated form of l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase is characterized by high efficiency in correcting the disturbed catabolism of phenylalanine in phenylketonuria, which is confirmed by the results of experiments carried out on in vitro model systems. PAL is approved for the treatment of adult patients with phenylketonuria. The encapsulated l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase form can find therapeutic application in the phenylketonuria treatment after additional in vitro and in vivo studies, in particular, the study of preparation safety indicators. Furthermore, it demonstrated high efficacy in tumor regression and the treatment of tyrosine-related metabolic disorders such as tyrosinemia. Several therapeutically valuable metabolites biosynthesized by PAL via its catalytic action are included in food supplements, antimicrobial peptides, drugs, amino acids, and their derivatives. PAL, with improved pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, is a highly effective medical drug.

Chondroprotection and Molecular Mechanism of Action of Phytonutraceuticals on Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and an important cause of incapacitation. There is a lack of drugs and effective treatments that stop or slow the OA progression. Modern pharmacological treatments, such as analgesics, have analgesic effects but do not affect the course of OA. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to serious side effects. Given the OA nature, it is likely that lifelong treatment will be required to stop or slow its progression. Therefore, there is an urgent need for disease-modifying OA treatments that are also safe for clinical use over long periods. Phytonutraceuticals are herbal products that provide a therapeutic effect, including disease prevention, which not only have favorable safety characteristics but may have an alleviating effect on the OA and its symptoms. An estimated 47% of OA patients use alternative drugs, including phytonutraceuticals. The review studies the efficacy and action mechanism of widely used phytonutraceuticals, analyzes the available experimental and clinical data on the effect of some phytonutraceuticals (phytoflavonoids, polyphenols, and bioflavonoids) on OA, and examines the known molecular effect and the possibility of their use for chondroprotection.

Overview of Global Trends in Classification, Methods of Preparation and Application of Bacteriocins.

This paper summarizes information about the division of bacteriocins into classes (Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and archaea). Methods for producing bacteriocins have been studied. It is known that bacteriocins, most successfully used today are products of secondary metabolism of lactic acid bacteria. It is established that the main method of bacteriocin research is PCR analysis, which makes it possible to quickly and easily identify the presence of bacteriocin encoding genes. The mechanism of cytotoxic action of bacteriocins has been studied. It is proved that the study of cytotoxic (antitumor) activity in laboratory conditions will lead to the clinical use of bacteriocins for cancer treatment in the near future. It is established that the incorporation of bacteriocins into nanoparticles and targeted delivery to areas of infection may soon become an effective treatment method. The delivery of bacteriocins in a concentrated form, such as encapsulated in nanoparticles, will increase their effectiveness and minimize potential toxic side effects. The analysis of publications on this topic confirmed that diverse research on bacteriocins is relevant.

Study of the Potential of the Capsule Shell Based on Natural Polysaccharides in Targeted Delivery of the L-Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Enzyme Preparation.

The treatment of classical phenylketonuria is currently represented by many new methods of disease management. A promising method is the use of the enzyme L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in various forms. The widespread use of enzyme preparations in therapy is limited by a lack of understanding of the mechanisms and systems of the targeted transport of PAL into certain organs and tissues as a result of the incorporation of a drug into the carrier. To ensure the stability of enzymes during the delivery process, encapsulation is preferable, which, as a rule, ensures the preservation of the qualitative characteristics of the enzymes orally applied to the environmental effects of the gastrointestinal tract (acidity, temperature, oxidation, etc.). Capsule preparations showed sufficient stability in the model gastric fluids and sustained release of the drug in the simulated intestinal fluid. Currently, there is a wide range of polymers used for encapsulation. The use of natural sources in the production technology of capsule systems improves bioavailability, controls the release, and prolongs the half-life of active substances. The advantage of this method is that the used enzyme is completely protected by the cell membranes of the capsules, which preserve its stability in the aggressive environment of the gastrointestinal tract. Capsules were obtained on the basis of compositions of hydrocolloids of plant origin. The potential of the developed capsules for targeted delivery of the enzyme preparation was studied. The degradation of the encapsulated form of the PAL enzyme preparation was studied in vitro in model bio-relevant media simulating the gastric and intestinal environment. The dynamics of the breakdown of the capsule shell allow us to expect that the release of L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from capsules based on plant hydrocolloids will occur no earlier than reaching the upper intestines, where the interaction with the protein components of the consumed food products to neutralize phenylalanine should occur.

The effectiveness of plant hydrocolloids at maintaining the quality characteristics of the encapsulated form of L-phenylalanine-ammonia-lyase.

The effect of three types of polysaccharides (agar-agar, carrageenan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) on the activity and stability during storage at given temperature conditions of the enzyme preparation L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase was studied. It was found that the most suitable storage temperature for encapsulated L-phenylalanine-ammonia-lyase is room temperature up to 25 °C for all samples of capsules from plant polysaccharides. Samples of capsules with agar-agar and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose under different temperature conditions inhibited the decrease in enzyme activity, which in other samples of capsules reached 90% in 6 months of storage. In samples of capsules with carrageenan at temperatures of 4 °C and 30 °C, there was a significant decrease in the activity of the enzyme preparation. Selection of capsule samples from plant polysaccharides suitable for L-phenylalanine-ammonia-lyase replacement therapy is done after studying the mechanisms of capsule destruction under conditions close to the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, to which the next stage of our research will be devoted.