Anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of chemically fingerprinted extract from Cyclamen persicum Mill.

In the last few decades, researchers have thoroughly studied the use of plants in Palestine, one of them is Cyclamen persicum Mill. (C. persicum). Cyclamen persicum has been historically cultivated since the 1700s due to its tuber. The tuber is known to stimulate the nasal receptors, thus triggering the sensory neurons. Cyclamen persicum has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces cholesterol levels, treats diabetes, and inhibits tumor growth. In this respect, in-vitro examination of antibacterial and anticancer activities and antioxidative potency of C. persicum ethanolic extract were evaluated. The antioxidative potency of the extracted plant material was determined spectrophotometrically using the DPPH free radical scavenging method and the HPLC-PDA method to evaluate its total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The experimental results revealed weak antibacterial activity of C. persicum extract against both gram negative (E. coli) and gram positive (Streptococcus aureus and S. aureus) bacterial strains, with the zones of inhibition found to be less than 8 mm. On the other hand, powerful activity against MCF7 breast cancer as well as HT29 colon cancer cell lines was obtained. The findings also revealed potent inhibition of free radicals and the presence of maximal levels of natural products such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which supportits biological activities and powerful ability to scavenge free radicals. HPLC results showed the presence of numerous flavonoid and phenolic compounds such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, trans-cinnamic acid, quercetin, sinapic acid, and p-coumaric acid.

Ephedra alte extracts' GC-MS profiles and antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens (MRSA).

The extracts of E. alte offer promising potential as renewable resources for various chemical derivative products aimed at addressing antibiotic resistance. These extracts exhibited significant activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a strain known for its resistance to multiple antibiotics. The extracts were found to be effective against several common antibiotics, including Imipenem, Ampicillin, Penicillin G, Oxacillin, and Amoxicillin-clavulanate. GC-MS analysis revealed that the phytoconstituents of E. alte extracts, obtained using both methanol and ethyl acetate, consist of a diverse range of 83 and 160 phytocompounds, respectively. These organic compounds serve as important biochemical precursors for the synthesis of vitamins E and K1, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in both plants and microorganisms. Notable compounds identified include fatty acids (such as palmitic acid, dodecanoic acid, sebacic acid, pentadecanoic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, and linoelaidic acid), phytosterols (Campesterol, ß-sitosterol, Stigmast-5-ene), sugars (D-fructose, Fructofuranans), terpenoids (Phytol, citronellol), and phenolic acids (Protocatechoic acid, shikimic acid). The antimicrobial activity of all E. alte extracts was found to be superior to that of mupirocin and ciprofloxacin, as observed in susceptibility testing against MRSA ATCC 43300 and other pathogenic bacteria and fungi. It is likely that the combined action of the antimicrobial components within the E. alte extract bypasses the mechanisms employed by MRSA to protect itself from antibiotics. Further experiments are needed to investigate the individual effects of each pure compound and their potential synergistic interactions, which may enhance their overall performance.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of natural extract as a substituent for synthetic preservatives and antioxidants in pharmaceutical preparations.

Background: Despite the fact that synthetic preservatives and antioxidants have strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity, they are frequently associated with negative health consequences. Currently, there is an increasing interest in pharmaceutical products that are excellent in quality and free of synthetic preservatives. Methods: As a result, the purpose of this research is to assess the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of olive leaf extract, oleuropein, and thymol in various pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the efficacy of these natural extracts to substitute synthetic preservatives (methyl-propylparaben and benzalkonium chloride) and antioxidants (butylhydroxytoluene) will be investigated. Results: The results revealed that oleuropein, olive leaf extract, and a blend of oleuropein and thyme oil may be utilized as preservatives at concentrations of (0.6 % w/v), (0.4 % w/v), and (0.4 %/0.1 % v/v), respectively. The results demonstrated that thyme oil and oleuropein have synergistic efficacy against the studied microorganisms. By assessing antibacterial activity, and physical properties, the results demonstrated that pharmaceutical formulations containing natural preservatives were stable and effective for three months under accelerated settings (40 °C/75 % RH). Conclusion: Natural compounds such as oleuropein, olive leaf extract, and thyme oil have shown antibacterial effectiveness equivalent to synthetic preservatives in selected pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, there was synergy in antimicrobial activity between thyme oil and oleuropein and this facilitates the use of these compounds at different levels.

Unveiling the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of Hedera helix leaf extracts: recent findings.

Hedera helix L., a member of the Araliaceae family, is a commonly known decorative plant with recognized medicinal activities. In this study, the ethanolic extract from H. helix leaves was investigated for its total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The aim was to evaluate its potential for controlling certain infections by screening its antibacterial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were determined using colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity was assessed through two assay methods: the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and the reducing power ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). The antibacterial activity against different pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was evaluated using the well diffusion method. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the H. helix extract were found to be 134.3 ± 4.9 mg gallic acid/g and 42.4 ± 3.6 mg catechin/g, respectively. The extract exhibited antioxidant activity, with a reducing power represented by an FRAP value of 9.5 ± 0.9 mmol Fe+2/g DW and a percentage inhibition of DPPH of 64.7 ± 3.8 at 80 µg/mL. The extract demonstrated antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of K. pneumoniae and S. aureus with zone of inhibition values of 18.5 and 23.2 mm, respectively, using 25 mg/well. However, E. coli and P. aeruginosa exhibited resistance to the extract. The findings of this study highlight the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extract from H. helix leaves. The extract exhibited significant phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activity. It also demonstrated antibacterial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria, suggesting its potential for controlling certain infections. Further research is warranted to identify the active compounds responsible for these activities and to explore their mechanisms of action.

Phytochemical composition and bioactivities of Crataegus aronia as antioxidant, antibacterial and antioxidative stress in red blood cells - Is it a window of hope for children with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Background: Crataegus aronia (C. aronia) extracts have been used medicinally since ancient times and are often utilized in traditional Arab medicine. An extensive study has revealed that Crataegus species have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hypotensive properties. Objectives: This work was performed to explore the phytochemical contents of C. aronia extract, as well as its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and to assess the lipid peroxidation level as an oxidative stress biomarker in erythrocytes. Methods: Chemical constituents in the methanolic extract of C. aronia were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and their relative concentrations were determined. The antioxidant activity of C. aronia extract was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The effect of C. aronia on the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the erythrocyte hemolysates was studied. Also, the crude extract was assessed for its antimicrobial activity through agar diffusion and microbroth dilution assays. Key findings: The DPPH IC50 value of the extract showed that the antioxidants activity was equal to (14.3 µg/mL) and according to FRAP assay, the antioxidant activity was in the range of 33.9 µmol-82.86 µmol Fe+2/g dw. The extract exerts a protective effect against oxidative stress in RBCs and shows a 50% inhibition of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) at 39.48 µg/mL extract. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were found in the range of 800-1000 µg/mL of leave extracts. The phytochemical analysis showed that the total phenols, flavonoids, and flavonols content were 494.071 mg GAE/g extract, 155.251 mg RE/g extract, and 103.2049 mg RE/g extract). C. aronia extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids. Crude extract of C. aronia was more potent in inhibiting the growth of B. subtilis, S. aureus and M. luteus with MIC and MBC values of 800,800 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively. According to GC-MS, 20 compounds were identified: dihydro-3-methylene-5-methyl-2-furanone (14.71%), hexanoic acid (6.57%), ethyl 3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (6.4%), N, N-dimethylheptadecan-1-amine (4.91%), methyl 2-oxobutanoate (4.14%), glyceraldehyde (3.98%), and 2-methoxy-1-(2-nitroethenyl)-3-phenylmethoxybenzene (3.16%), were the major constituents. Conclusion: This study may open a window of hope for children with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase disorder by possible utilization of the active ingredients of C. aronia to minimize both oxidative stress and infection which negatively impact the disease sequelae.According to these in vitro experiments, this plant extract has a significant amount of natural antioxidants, which may aid in the protection of various oxidative stresses. As a result, employing the active components of C. aronia to minimize oxidative stress and infection, both of which have a detrimental impact on disease sequelae, may bring hope to children with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase disorder.

Assessment of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities of Sisymbrium officinale plant extract.

The most efficient and safe source of medications is the natural and traditional medications which are produced from plants and herbs. In this study, Sisymbrium officinale (S. officinale) was tested to explore its total phenolic and flavonoids contents. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities were assessed as well. S. officinale was bought from a local Palestinian market, air-dried, and extracted with 99% ethanol with the aid of ultrasonication. The extract was tested on three types of bacteria using well diffusion method. The anti-microbial testing included three different types of bacteria, two gram-positive bacteria, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus and E. coli as a gram-negative bacterium. Antioxidant activity of the plant extract was conducted using DPPH method, while total phenolic and flavonoids contents were performed using a well-known assay chemical method. Anticancer activity of the extract was conducted against two cancer cell lines (breast (MCF7) and colon (HCT116) cancer cell lines). Results showed that the extract is rich polyphenolic and flavonoids and has strong antioxidant activity reflected by inhibition of free radicals (DPPH) (193.7 ± 3.4). The plant extract showed also strong antimicrobial activity against both E. coli and Streptococcus bacteria with of inhibition of 10 and 14 mm respectively. The extract of this plant also showed anticancer activity (about 6%) against MCF7 (breast cancer cell line).

The dual impact of Jordanian Ephedra alte for inhibiting pepsin and treating microbial infections.

Screening of phytochemical Ephedra alte crude extract by GC-MS and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acid in the extract. The total phenolic content of E. alte methanol extract was 39.43 mg of Gallic acid eq/g, crude E. alte with 56.74, and 2.42 µg Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/g of plant extract according to DPPH and FRAP assay, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of E. alte against Staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiellaoxytoca demonstrated a mean zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 0 to 17 mm. The MIC of the extracts ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/mL. E. alte extract inhibits pepsin enzyme activity with IC50 values of 213.67 µg/ml. This study revealed that E. alte extract has pepsin enzyme inhibitory, antibacterial, antioxidant activities. The current outcomes indicate that E. alte might be employed as a natural agent for managing GERD and infectious diseases.

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticle-coated electro-membrane extraction of perchlorate in different seafood samples.

In this work we developed a rapid and straightforward technique in which biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were coated on a porous membrane utilizing electrical potential to extract perchlorate from seafood samples. The biosynthesized Ag-NPs were well characterized using UV-Vis. spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. After extraction, analyses were performed using ion chromatography. The Ag-NP-coated porous polypropylene membrane shows higher extraction efficiency due to the high electrical conductivity of the Ag-NPs. The performance of this efficient technique was compared with those previously reported in the literature. The extraction variables that affect extraction of the target analyte and influence percentage recovery, such as pH of the sample solution, extraction time, and applied voltage, were investigated and optimized. The results demonstrated optimum conditions to achieve low detection limits [LODs (limits of detection)]: sample solution (pH = 6), short extraction time (10 min), and applied voltage (5 V). The developed method shows excellent linearity for perchlorate ion in the range from 0.001 to 350 µg L-1 with a coefficient of determination (r2 ) of 0.9991. The detection limit (LODs) and quantification limits (limits of quantification) were found to be 0.04 and 0.1225 µg kg-1 , respectively. The mean recovery percentages for three replicates of 10 different spiked fish samples by 3 µg g-1 of perchlorate were between 92.2 and 106.2%, with an observed relative standard deviation in the range of 0.8-3.7%. The proposed method is rapid, sensitive, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and highly effective in extracting perchlorate from different seafood samples.

The Role of the Xylem in Oxytetracycline Translocation within Citrus Trees.

Antibiotics have been successfully used to control plant diseases for more than fifty years. Recently, oxytetracycline and streptomycin have been approved for the treatment of Huanglongbing, which is threatening the citrus industry in many regions. Because the efficiency of antibiotics in planta is highly affected by their movement and distribution, understanding the mechanism of antibiotics' uptake and distribution could lead to a better control of plant pathogens. Herein, we investigated the movement of oxytetracycline within citrus plants. Oxytetracycline was applied by root drenching to both girdled and non-girdled citrus seedlings. In addition, oxytetracycline was applied by trunk injection to girdled and non-girdled citrus trees. After the exposure time (24 h), citrus seedlings were dissected and the levels of oxytetracycline in the different tissues were measured using an oxytetracycline ELISA kit. Upon root application (laboratory experiment), oxytetracycline was detected in the inner part of the stem (xylem-associated tissue), cortex (phloem-associated tissue), and leaves above and below the girdled area. Likewise, oxytetracycline was also detected in leaves of trunk-injected field trees (girdled and non-girdled) three days post treatment. Interestingly, cortex girdling did not affect the distribution and translocation of oxytetracycline, indicating that the xylem is the main path for oxytetracycline translocation. Taken together, our results indicate that oxytetracycline translocation mainly occurs via xylem vessels, and that movement into the phloem occurs subsequent to xylem translocation. Our findings also clearly demonstrated that upon trunk injection, only trace levels of oxytetracycline reached the roots, minimizing its therapeutic value there. Thus, our recommendation is to time tree injections to coincide with the flushing periods when the bacteria are moving into new shoots to maximize the efficiency of oxytetracycline.

Phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacities in Citrus species with different degree of tolerance to Huanglongbing.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a highly destructive disease to the citrus industry in Florida caused by the bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus(CLas) and is transmitted by Diaphorina citri. It is hypothesized that plants with high phenolic contents show higher tolerance to certain plant pathogens. In this regard, different citrus varieties and plants of genera related to Citrus were analyzed for their total phenolic and flavonoids contents, and their antioxidant capacities. In addition, the secondary metabolites in the leaves of seven citrus species were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Colorimetric assays showed that curry leaf contained the highest total phenolic content and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH). Curry leaf also contained high concentrations of an unusual class of carbazole alkaloids. Tolerant Citrus species contained high levels of phenolics and flavonoids and showed high antioxidant capacities. Our results suggest that high phenolic and flavonoid leaf contents correlate with increased citrus tolerance to CLas bacterium. The results also suggest that the high level of carbazole alkaloids, known for their strong antimicrobial properties in curry leaf, could make it immune to the CLas bacteria. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning citrus tolerance to HLB will contribute to the development of commercially tolerant citrus cultivars.

Tracing Penicillin Movement in Citrus Plants Using Fluorescence-Labeled Penicillin.

Huánglóngbìng (HLB), citrus greening, is one of the most destructive diseases of citrus plants worldwide. In North America, HLB is caused by the phloem-limited bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. No cure exists at present, and the use of antibiotics for the control of HLB has gained interest due to the significant losses to the citrus industry. Because of unsatisfactory results when using foliar applications of antibiotics, concerns were raised regarding the uptake and translocation of these materials within trees. We, therefore, investigated a method that allows us to study the movement of antibiotic materials in citrus plants. Herein, we utilized a fluorescence-labeled penicillin, BOCILLINTM FL-Penicillin (FL-penicillin), to study the uptake and translocation of penicillin in citrus plants. FL-penicillin was applied by puncture to the stem of young citrus seedlings and was traced by using fluorescence microscopy. After application, we detected FL-penicillin in the leaves and in the stem xylem and phloem tissues above and below the application site in both intact and partially bark-girdled citrus seedlings, indicating that it is easily taken up and transported through the plant vascular system. In addition, we detected FL-penicillin in the gut of D. citri, which were allowed to feed on the treated plants, suggesting translocation of this molecule into the vascular tissue. We propose that the use of fluorescent-labeled molecules could be an effective tool for understanding the uptake and translocation of antibiotics and other macromolecules in plants and insects.

Uptake, Translocation, and Stability of Oxytetracycline and Streptomycin in Citrus Plants.

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, is the most destructive disease to the citrus industry. In Florida, it is caused by the bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) and is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. Recent studies suggested that antibiotics could inhibit the growth of the CLas pathogen in planta. In the current study, we investigated the uptake and translocation of oxytetracycline and streptomycin in citrus seedlings. Oxytetracycline and streptomycin were delivered via root and stem and their level in various tissues was monitored using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Oxytetracycline and streptomycin were detected in the leaves, xylem, phloem, and root after root drench and stem delivery. High levels of antibiotics were detected in the roots after root drench, whereas high levels of antibiotics were detected in the canopy after stem delivery. The level of oxytetracycline detected in the phloem, xylem, and leaves after root drench was higher than that of streptomycin. Whereas the level of streptomycin in root was higher than that of oxytetracycline, indicating that streptomycin was bound to the xylem tissues. Oxytetracycline and streptomycin were detected in the phloem, xylem, leaves, and root tissues thirty-five days after the root incubation in 200 µg·mL-1 solution. These results demonstrated that oxytetracycline and streptomycin were relatively stable and could inhibit CLas growth for a couple of months in citrus trees. Observations reported in this study regarding the distribution and stability of oxytetracycline and streptomycin in citrus plants could be useful for designing an effective program for the control of HLB disease using antibiotics.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of two novel [CuBr(diamine)2·H2O]Br complexes: Solvatochromism, crystal structure, physicochemical, Hirshfeld surface thermal, DNA/binding, antitumor and antibacterial activities.

Two new hydrated monocationic Cu(II) complexes with 1,3-propylenediamine and 1,2-ethylenediamine of general formula [CuBr(N-N)2·H2O]Br were prepared. The complexes were identified by means of several spectroscopic tools (Uv-visible, IR and MS), thermally (TG/DTA) and CHN-elemental analysis. The three dimensional structure for complex A and B was provide by X-ray diffraction studies and showed the Cu(II) ion as 4 + 1 + 1 coordinated, four nitrogen atoms of the diamine ligands, one bromide ion and one H2O semi-coordinated to the Cu(II) center, a typical trans effect is clearly observed in the two complexes. The molecular crystal structures are linked via several H-bonds like N_H…Br and N_H…O. Additionally, intra-molecular H-bonds of kind C_H…Br is observed; these interactions lead to crystal structure three dimensional architecture packing. Hirshfeld surfaces (HSA) analysis was served to figure out the inter-contacts and fingerprints atoms percentage. DNA-binding, antitumor and antibacterial effectiveness of the desired complexes were evaluated.

Oleuropein Is Responsible for the Major Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Olive Leaf Extract.

Olive leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds that are known to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, olive leaf extract (OLE) is considered as a natural supplement. In this study we evaluated the antibacterial and the anti-inflammatory effect of OLE and its individual phenolic components in vitro. Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNCs) were isolated from the whole blood using Histopaque solution and cultured in RPMI-enriched medium. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) level was determined by ELISA after 24 h of lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The antibacterial activity of OLE was determined by well diffusion assay. We found a significant decrease in TNFα secretion level in PMNCs culture treated with OLE. Oleuropein is the only OLE component that has shown anti-inflammatory effects at a concentration of 20 µg/mL. Furthermore, OLE exhibited antibacterial activity against some gram positive bacterial strains; however, gram negative bacterial strains were resistant to OLE. Downregulation of TNFα secretion in PMNCs culture in response to OLE treatment indicates that this polyphenol-rich extract has an anti-inflammatory effect, and oleuropein is the major OLE component responsible for this effect. The antibacterial activity of OLE is limited to gram positive bacteria.

Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Florfenicol and Flunixin Meglumine Combination in an Injectable Solution.

The combination of the powerful antimicrobial agent florfenicol and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory flunixin meglumine is used for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and control of BRD-associated pyrexia, in beef and nonlactating dairy cattle. This study describes the development and validation of an HPLC-UV method for the simultaneous determination of florfenicol and flunixin, in an injectable preparation with a mixture of excipients. The proposed RP-HPLC method was developed by a reversed phase- (RP-) C18e (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column at room temperature, with an isocratic mobile phase of acetonitrile and water mixture, and pH was adjusted to 2.8 using diluted phosphoric acid, a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and ultraviolet detection at 268 nm. The stability-indicating method was developed by exposing the drugs to stress conditions of acid and base hydrolysis, oxidation, photodegradation, and thermal degradation; the obtained degraded products were successfully separated from the APIs. This method was validated in accordance with FDA and ICH guidelines and showed excellent linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, robustness, LOD, LOQ, and system suitability results within the acceptance criteria.

ANALYSIS OF PHENOLIC AND FLAVONOIDS OF WILD EPHEDRA ALATA PLANT EXTRACTS BY LC/PDA AND LC/MS AND THEIR ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY.

BACKGROUND: Ephedra is among Palestinian medicinal plants that are traditionally used in folkloric medicine for treating many diseases. Ephedra is known to have antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The goal of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of different extracts from the Ephedra alata plant growing wild in Palestine, and to analyze their phenolic and flavonoid constituents by HPLC/PDA and HPLC/MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of the Ephedra alata plant grown wild in Palestine were extracted with three different solvents namely, 100% water, 80% ethanol, and 100% ethanol. The extracts were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (AA), as well as phenolic and flavonoids content by HPLC/PDA/MS. RESULTS: The results revealed that the polarity of the extraction solvent affects the TPC, TFC, and AA of extracts. It was found that both TPC and AA are highest for plant extracted with 80% ethanol, followed by 100% ethanol, and finally with 100% water. TFC however was highest in the following order: 100% ethanol > 80% ethanol > water. Pearson correlation indicated that there is a significant correlation between AA and TPC, but there is no correlation between AA and TFC. Simultaneous HPLC-PDA and UHPLC-MS analysis of the ethanolic plant extracts revealed the presence of Luteolin-7-O-glucuronide flavone, Myricetin 3-rhamnoside and some other major polyphenolic compounds that share myricetin skeleton. CONCLUSION: Ephedra alata extract is rich in potent falvonoid glycosidic compounds as revealed by their similar overlaid UV-Vis spectra and UHPLC-MS results. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that Ephedra alata constitutes a natural source of potent antioxidants that may prevent many diseases and could be potentially used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.

New isomeric Cu(NO2-phen)2Br]Br complexes: Crystal structure, Hirschfeld surface, physicochemical, solvatochromism, thermal, computational and DNA-binding analysis.

Water soluble mono-cationic copper(II) complex of the general formula [Cu(NO2-phen)2Br]Br, (NO2-phen=5-nitro-1.10-phenantholine) was prepared in good yield under ultrasonic irradiation. The desired complex was isolated as a bromide salt and identified by MS, EA, UV-Vis., TG/DTA, FT-IR and XRD. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirschfield analysis revealed a square pyramidal distorted geometry around the Cu(II) center. The geometry of the [Cu(NO2-phen)2Br]+ complex was fully optimized with ab-initio methods and (DFT/B3LYP) density functional theory, then structural parameters were compared to the XRD data. The solvatochromism of [Cu(NO2-phen)2Br]Br complex was investigated in several polar solvents. Absorption and viscosity titration studies concluded that the [Cu(NO2-phen)2Br]Br complex is a very good CT-DNA binder.

A Validated Stability-Indicating HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Amoxicillin and Enrofloxacin Combination in an Injectable Suspension.

The combination of amoxicillin and enrofloxacin is a well-known mixture of veterinary drugs; it is used for the treatment of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In the scientific literature, there is no high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method for the simultaneous determination of this combination. The objective of this work is to develop and validate an HPLC method for the determination of this combination. In this regard, a new, simple and efficient reversed-phase HPLC method for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of amoxicillin and enrofloxacin, in an injectable preparation with a mixture of inactive excipients, has been developed and validated. The HPLC separation method was performed using a reversed-phase (RP)-C18e (250 mm × 4.0 mm, 5 µm) column at room temperature, with a gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer containing methanol at pH 5.0, a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and ultraviolet detection at 267 nm. This method was validated in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines and showed excellent linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, robustness, ruggedness, and system suitability results within the acceptance criteria. A stability-indicating study was also carried out and indicated that this method can also be used for purity and degradation evaluation of these formulations.

Enrichment of Phenolic Compounds from Olive Mill Wastewater and In Vitro Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activities.

The production of olive oil generates massive quantities of by-product called olive mill wastewater (OMWW). The uncontrolled disposal of OMWW poses serious environmental problems. The OMWW effluent is rich in several polyphenolic compounds. Liquid-liquid extraction of OMWW using ethyl acetate solvent was used to enrich phenolic compounds under investigation. Total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of the extract were determined. HPLC coupled to photodiode array (PDA) detector was used to analyze the main three phenolic compounds of OMWW, namely, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was also investigated. Additionally, the OMWW extract was used as natural preservative and antioxidants for olive oil. Results showed that OMWW is very rich in phenolic compounds and has strong antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis showed that the extract contains mainly hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol but no oleuropein. The OMWW extract showed also positive activities as antibacterial (gram positive and gram negative) and antifungal as well as activities against yeast. The addition of OMWW extract to olive oil samples has an effect on the stability of olive oil as reflected by its acid value, peroxide value, K232 and K270, and total phenolic content.

Anticancer Activity, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic and Flavonoids Content of Wild Tragopogon porrifolius Plant Extracts.

Tragopogon porrifolius, commonly referred to as white salsify, is an edible herb used in folk medicine to treat cancer. Samples of Tragopogon porrifolius plant grown wild in Palestine were extracted with different solvents: water, 80% ethanol, and 100% ethanol. The extracts were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA). Four different antioxidant assays were used to evaluate AA of the extracts: two measures the reducing power of the extracts (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and cupric reducing antioxidant power (CUPRAC)), while two other assays measure the scavenging ability of the extracts (2,2-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothialozine-sulphonic acid (ABTS)) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)). Anticancer activity of the plant extracts were also tested on HOS and KHOS osteosarcoma cell lines. The results revealed that the polarity of the extraction solvent affects the TPC, TFC, and AA. It was found that both TPC and AA are highest for plant extracted with 80% ethanol, followed by water, and finally with 100% ethanol. TFC however was the highest in the following order: 80% ethanol > 100% ethanol > water. The plant extracts showed anticancer activities against KHOS cancer cell lines; they reduced total cell count and induced cell death in a drastic manner.