LC-MS/MS screening and identification of bioactive compounds in leaves, pulp and seed from Eugenia calycina Cambess

Extracts from Allium pseudojaponicum Makino Target STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Overcome Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with cisplatin-based chemotherapy being a standard treatment. However, the development of chemoresistance significantly limits its efficacy, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Here, we demonstrate the anticancer effects of the extracts of Allium pseudojaponicum Makino (APE), a salt-tolerant plant, in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC. Metabolite profiling using UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE identified 13 major compounds, predominantly alkaloids (71.65%) and flavonoids (8.81%), with key bioactive constituents such as lycorine (29.81%), tazettine (17.22%), and tricetin (8.19%). APE significantly inhibited cell viability in A549 and H460 cells, reducing viability to 38.6% (A549-Ctr), 37.2% (A549-CR), 28.4% (H460-Ctr), and 30.4% (H460-CR) at 40 µg/mL after 48 h. APE also suppressed colony formation by over 90% in both 2D and soft agar assays, while showing no cytotoxicity in normal human keratinocytes up to 80 µg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis revealed APE-induced G1 phase arrest, with the G1 population increasing from 50.4% to 56.6% (A549-Ctr) and 47.5% to 58.4% (A549-CR), accompanied by reduced S phase populations. This effect was associated with the downregulation of G1/S transition regulators, including cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin E, and CDK2. Furthermore, proteomic analysis identified STAT3 signaling as a major target of APE; APE decreased phosphorylated STAT3 and c-Myc expression, and STAT3 knockdown phenocopied the effects of APE. These findings highlight the potential of APE as a natural product-based therapeutic strategy for overcoming cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.

Efficacy of Aster chinensis aerial parts metabolites in BALB/c mice model of Imiquimod-induced psoriasis skin inflammation

Using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach, the most potent anti-psoriatic components of Aster squamatus herb, Aster chinensis stalks, and Aster chinensis flowers, cultivated in Egypt, were identified and evaluated against Imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis in female BALB/c mice and compared to standard drug, mometasone. The topical application of A. chinensis stalk methanolic extract exhibited the strongest anti-psoriatic effects against IMQ-induced psoriasis model, as evidenced by improvements in psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score, histopathological analysis, and spleen index. Further fractionation of A. chinensis stalk methanolic extract using petroleum ether, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol revealed that the methylene chloride fraction (MCF) was the most potent. Indeed, MCF significantly reduced the PASI score, alleviated histopathological changes, and restored spleen index. Mechanistically, MCF exerted its anti-psoriatic effects by suppressing inflammation, evidenced by decreased TLR-4 gene expression and lower levels of HMGB1 and NFκBp65 protein contents. Additionally, MCF reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-23, and IL-17 while mitigating oxidative stress through increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Notably, the efficacy of MCF was comparable to that of mometasone, with no significant differences observed. In parallel, the chemical profile of the MCF was analyzed using UHPLC-MS/MS techniques in negative and positive ionization full scan modes. MCF of A. chinensis stalk could be used a potential therapeutic agent for psoriasis.

Phenolic compounds profile of optimised green and eco-friendly extracts of Eugenia pyriformis leaves: an alternative for antioxidant and antibacterial applications

The Eugenia pyriformis Cambess (uvaia) is a well-known source of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the efficiency of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE) in obtaining uvaia leaf extracts with high antioxidant and antibacterial activity. In a first step, different variables of the leaves were employed to define the best conditions for obtaining the extract with the highest total phenolic content. In a second step, the optimised extracts were characterised. In total, twenty-four phenolic compounds were identified through LC-ESI-MS/MS. The EAE in optimised conditions showed a higher amount of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential. It was possible to note an analogous potential of antibacterial activity of the extracts, which showed action mainly against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings suggest that the aqueous extracts of uvaia leaves are feasible, economic, and sustainable alternatives for adding value to uvaia leaves, which are an agricultural residue that is generally underutilised.

Comparison of Vegetable Waste Byproducts of Selected Cultivars of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. by an Integrated LC-(HR)MS and 1H-NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach

INTRODUCTION

The metabolome of plants is influenced by various factors, especially environmental, as the season in which they are grown. So, distinct varieties of the identical plant might show an increase or decrease in metabolites. The diversity of content of primary and secondary metabolites can also determine the variation in their biological properties. Due to the current occurrence of various fennel varieties, the crop can now be grown for the entire year.

OBJECTIVE

This work used an integrated approach of LC/MS and NMR analysis to characterize the metabolome of fennel waste of different varieties by multivariate statistical analysis.

METHODS

The extracts were investigated by NMR and LC/MS analysis to focus attention on the primary and secondary metabolites. Both LC-HRMS and NMR data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA).

RESULTS

The 1H-NMR analysis led to the identification of 15 primary metabolites, such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acid derivatives. The secondary metabolites identified by LC/MS analysis mainly belong to the phenolic, lipid, and fatty acid compounds classes.

CONCLUSION

This integrated approach guarantees a precise and complete overview of the variations in the metabolic expression of the fennel varieties grown in different seasons.

Cognitive-enhancing effect of Cordia dichotoma fruit on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in rats: metabolite profiling, in vivo, and in silico investigations

Many plants are reported to enhance cognition in amnesic-animal models. The metabolite profile of Cordia dichotoma fruit methanolic extract (CDFME) was characterized by LC-QTOF-MS/MS, and its total phenolics content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were determined. In parallel, its cognitive-enhancing effect on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced AD in rats was evaluated. The TPC and TFC were 44.75 ± 1.84 mg gallic acid equiv. g-1 sample and 5.66 ± 0.67 mg rutin equiv. g-1 sample, respectively. In total, 81 metabolites were identified, including phenolic acids, lignans, coumarins, amino acids, fatty acids, and their derivatives, fatty acid amides, polar lipids, terpenoids, and others. The most abundant metabolites identified were quinic acid, caffeoyl-4'-hydroxyphenyllactate, rosmarinic acid, and oleamide. CDFME (200 mg kg-1) was found to significantly enhance recognition memory in the novel object recognition test. Furthermore, it nearly corrected acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acetylcholine, noradrenaline, and dopamine hippocampal levels, which changed due to SCOP. Further in silico validation of the in vivo results was conducted, focusing on the most abundant metabolites. Molecular docking showed that rosmarinic acid, caffeoyl-4'-hydroxyphenyllactate, sebestenoid C, and sagerinic acid exhibited the greatest affinity for receptor binding against AChE. However, molecular dynamics and mechanics calculations clarified that the complex of caffeoyl-4'-hydroxyphenyllactate with AChE was the most stable one. This study represents the first comprehensive metabolite profiling of CDFME to assess its cognition-enhancing effect both in vivo and in silico. These results demonstrate that CDFME protects against SCOP-induced cognitive impairment. Thus, additional preclinical and clinical studies on CDFME may provide an attractive approach in pharmacotherapy and AD prophylaxis.

Free and bound phenolic profiles and antioxidant ability of eleven marine macroalgae from the South China Sea

Marine macroalgae are of broad interest because of their abundant bioactive phenolic compounds. However, only a few previous studies have focused on bound phenolic compounds. In this study, there were significant differences in total phenolic content, total phlorotannin content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant ability in free and bound forms, as well as in their bound-to-free ratios, among 11 marine macroalgal species from the South China Sea. Padina gymnospora had the highest total phenolic content of free fractions, and total phlorotannin content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of free fractions. Sargassum thunbergii had the highest total phlorotannin content of bound fractions, whereas Sargassum oligocystum had the highest total flavonoid content and total phenolic content of bound fractions. Moreover, 15 phenolic acids, 35 flavonoids, 2 stilbenes, 3 bromophenols, and 3 phlorotannins were characterized and quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with Xevo triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, and 42 phenolic compounds were reported in the bound fractions of seaweeds for the first time. Among the species, the number and amount of free and bound phenolic compounds varied greatly and the main components were different. Padina gymnospora had the largest total phenolic number, while Turbinaria ornata showed the highest total phenolic amount. Coutaric acid and diosmetin were dominant in Sargassum polycystum, and hinokiflavone was dominant in Caulerpa lentillifera, and cyanidin was dominant in the other seaweeds. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to divide the seaweed species into seven groups. This study revealed that Padina gymnospora, Sargassum thunbergii, Turbinaria ornata, and Sargassum oligocystum are promising functional food resources.

Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds

In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

A comprehensive strategy for quality evaluation of Changan powder by fingerprinting combined with rapid qualitative and quantitative multi-ingredients profiling

INTRODUCTION

Changan powder (CAP) is mainly used to treat various intestinal diseases. Few studies on CAP have been reported; therefore, it is necessary to clarify the material basis of CAP to lay the foundation for further elucidating its functional mechanism and support the rational use of drugs.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we aimed to propose a methodology for the quality control of CAP based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of its components.

METHODS

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (UPLC-FT-ICR-MS) method was developed to identify chemical components in CAP. In addition, fingerprints of 10 different batches of CAP were established, and quantitative analysis based on UPLC was performed to analyze the quality of CAP.

RESULTS

A total of 58 compounds were preliminarily characterized. The similarity of 10 batches of CAP was greater than 0.995, and 23 common peaks were calibrated. Investigation of the quantitative analytical methodology showed that the four components had good linear relationships within their respective concentration ranges (r2 ≥ 0.9992), and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of precision and stability was less than 2%. The RSD of sample recovery ranged from 0.78% to 1.52%.

CONCLUSION

The established method can quickly and effectively identify the chemical components of CAP and accurately quantify the known components in CAP. The established fingerprinting and content determination method is stable, reliable, and easy to operate and can be applied in quality control and in vivo research on CAP.

Phytochemical exploration of Neolitsea pallens leaves using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS approach

Neolitsea pallens (D. Don) Momiyama & H. Hara (Family: Lauraceae), commonly known as Pale Litsea, is an evergreen small tree, distributed in India at altitudes of 1500-3000 m. Traditionally utilized for various purposes, its leaves and bark are used as spices, and the plant is valued in preparing a hair tonic from freshly pressed juice. Secondary metabolites of the leaves have not comprehensively been analysed so far. The objective of the study was to determine the chemical composition of the leaves by analysing their 25% aqueous methanol extract with the aid of ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, 56 compounds were identified in the study. Phenolics represented by phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids were the main components of the extract.

Phytocompounds and Regulation of Flavonoids in In Vitro-Grown Safflower Plant Tissue by Abiotic Elicitor CdCl2

In this study, a Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) investigation of embryogenic callus and somatic embryo regenerated shoots of Carthamus tinctorius revealed the presence of a variety of sugars, sugar acids, sugar alcohols, fatty acids, organic acids, and amino acids of broad therapeutic value. The in vitro developed inflorescence contained a wide range of active compounds. In embryogenic calluses, important flavonoids like naringenin, myricetin, kaempferol, epicatechin gallate, rutin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and delphinidin were identified. To augment the synthesis of active compounds, the effect of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) elicitation was tested for various treatments (T1-T4) along with a control (T0). Varying concentrations of CdCl2 [0.05 mM (T1), 0.10 mM (T2), 0.15 mM (T3), and 0.20 mM (T4)] were added to the MS medium, and flavonoid accumulation was quantified through ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-MS/MS). The flavonoids naringenin, kaempferol, epicatechin gallate, pelargonidin, cyanidin, and delphinidin increased by 6.7-, 1.9-, 3.3-, 2.1-, 1.9-, and 4.4-fold, respectively, at T3, whereas quercetin, myricetin, rutin, and peonidin showed a linear increase with the increase in CdCl2 levels. The impacts of stress markers, i.e., ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), on defense responses in triggering synthesis were also evaluated. The maximum APX and SOD activity was observed at T3, while CAT activity was at its maximum at T2. The impact of elicitor on biochemical attributes like protein, proline, sugar, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was investigated. The maximum protein, proline, and sugar accumulation was noted at high elicitor dose T4, while the maximum MDA content was noted at T3. These elevated levels of biochemical parameters indicated stress in culture, and the amendment of CdCl2 in media thus could be a realistic approach for enhancing secondary metabolite synthesis in safflower.

Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activities of the Most Favored Ready-to-Use Thai Curries, Pad-Ka-Proa (Spicy Basil Leaves) and Massaman

Food is one of the factors with the highest impact on human health. Today, attention is paid not only to food properties such as energy provision and palatability but also to functional aspects including phytochemical, antioxidant properties, etc. Massaman and spicy basil leaf curries are famous Thai food dishes with a good harmony of flavor and taste, derived from multiple herbs and spices, including galangal rhizomes, chili pods, garlic bulbs, peppers, shallots, and coriander seeds, that provide an array of health benefits. The characterization of phytochemicals detected by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 99 components (Masaman) and 62 components (spicy basil leaf curry) such as quininic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, luteolin, kaempferol, catechin, eugenol, betulinic acid, and gingerol. The cynaroside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside found in spicy basil leaf curry play a key role in antioxidant activities and were found at a significantly higher concentration than in Massaman curry. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds generally exhibit a bitter and astringent taste, but all the panelists scored both curries higher than 7 out of 9, confirming their acceptable flavor. Results suggest that the Massaman and spicy basil leaves contain various phytochemicals at different levels and may be further used as functional ingredients and nutraceutical products.

Antioxidant and Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activity of the Six Most Popular Instant Thai Curries

All living organisms undergo molecular damage by free radical products. Disrupting the balance between antioxidants and free radicals leads to greater risks of diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer. Consumption of curries containing various herbs and spices provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits which promote health. The antioxidant and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory properties of six popular Thai curries, including green curry (G), Panang curry (P), Massaman curry (M), spicy basil leaf curry (SB), southern sour curry (SS), and southern spicy yellow curry (SY) were determined. All six curries contained phenolic and flavonoid compounds and provided antioxidant activity based on electron transfer and hydrogen atom donor properties, as well as having the ability to reduce oxidized metal. The highest antioxidant value was found in SB, followed by M, SS, and SY. The replacement of sugar with dried stevia powder at 50% (Re) improved antioxidant activity. The ORAC assay provided five times higher results than DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. Extracts of all curries at 1 mg/mL on the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 showed no cytotoxicity. The highest NO inhibition was found in SB (p < 0.05). All curry extracts contained quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and apigenin. The six selected popular Thai curries had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Nutraceuticals, functional foods, and the ingredients of each raw material and curry powder should be further investigated.

Optimization of Pluchea indica (L.) leaf extract using ultrasound-assisted extraction and its cytotoxicity on the HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy and the third primary cause of cancer-related mortalities caused by unhealthy diet, hectic lifestyle, and genetic damage. People aged ≥ 50 are more at risk for CRC. Nowadays, bioactive compounds from plants have been widely studied in preventing CRC because of their anticancer and antioxidant properties. Herein, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract the bioactive compounds of Pluchea indica (L.) leaves. The resultant total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of P. indica (L.) leaves were analyzed using a response surface methodology (RSM). The central composite design was implemented to evaluate the amplitude (10 %-70 %) and treatment time (2-10 min) on both responses, i.e., TPC and TFC of P. indica (L.) leaves. The optimum UAE conditions were observed 40 % amplitude and 6 min of treatment, where the TPC and TFC were 3.26 ± 0.00 mg GAE/g d.w. and 67.58 ± 1.46 mg QE/g d.w., respectively. The optimum P. indica (L.) leaf extract was then screened for its cytotoxicity on the HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line. This extract had strong cytotoxicity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value (IC50) of 12 µg/mL. The phytochemical screening of bioactive compounds revealed that the optimal P. indica (L.) leaf extract contains flavonoids, namely, kaempferol 3-[2''',3''',5'''-triacetyl]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1->6)-glucoside, myricetin 3-glucoside-7-galactoside, quercetin 3-(3''-sulfatoglucoside), and kaempferol 7,4'-dimethyl ether 3-O-sulfate, which could be good sources for promising anticancer agents. This study employs the RSM approach to utilize UAE for bioactive compounds extraction of P. indica (L.) leaves, identified the specific compounds present in the optimized extract and revealed its potential in preventing CRC.

Uncovering the phenolic diversity of Guabiju fruit: LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics approach

The comprehensive composition of phenolic compounds (PC) from seven genotypes of guabiju were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS), and a targeted metabolomic approach was utilized to explore the PC-related similarities among the genotypes. Sixty-seven phenolic compounds were annotated and twenty-four were quantified in all genotypes of guabiju. The phenolic acids and anthocyanins were the major PC, representing more than 63% (w/w) of the total PC. Di-O-galloylquinic and tri-O-galloylquinic acids and ellagitannins were reported for the first time in guabiju. The results of hierarchical clustering and principal components analysis (PCA) suggested seven groups as suitable clusters to be formed according to phenolic composition. Eleven PC were selected as relevant for sample clustering, and six of them were highlighted as the most informative (in decreasing order of importance): epicatechin, catechin, (epi)gallocatechin gallate II, di-O-galloylquinic acid I, tri-O-galloylquinic acid and delphinidin 3-O-glucoside. To the best of our knowledge, this study contributes to the literature with the most complete phenolic profile of guabiju genotypes up to date. Moreover, guabiju susceptibility to fungal infestation related to PC composition was briefly discussed based on a parallel study using the same genotypes.

A structural similarity networking assisted collision cross-section prediction interval filtering strategy for multi-compound identification of complex matrix by ion-mobility mass spectrometry

Ion mobility coupled with mass spectrometry (IM-MS), an emerging technology for analysis of complex matrix, has been facing challenges due to the complexities of chemical structures and original data, as well as low-efficiency and error-proneness of manual operations. In this study, we developed a structural similarity networking assisted collision cross-section prediction interval filtering (SSN-CCSPIF) strategy. We first carried out a structural similarity networking (SSN) based on Tanimoto similarities among Morgan fingerprints to classify the authentic compounds potentially existing in complex matrix. By performing automatic regressive prediction statistics on mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) and collision cross-sections (CCS) with a self-built Python software, we explored the IM-MS feature trendlines, established filtering intervals and filtered potential compounds for each SSN classification. Chemical structures of all filtered compounds were further characterized by interpreting their multidimensional IM-MS data. To evaluate the applicability of SSN-CCSPIF, we selected Ginkgo biloba extract and dripping pills. The SSN-CCSPIF subtracted more background interferences (43.24%∼43.92%) than other similar strategies with conventional ClassyFire criteria (10.71%∼12.13%) or without compound classification (35.73%∼36.63%). Totally, 229 compounds, including eight potential new compounds, were characterized. Among them, seven isomeric pairs were discriminated with the integration of IM-separation. Using SSN-CCSPIF, we can achieve high-efficient analysis of complex IM-MS data and comprehensive chemical profiling of complex matrix to reveal their material basis.

Enhancement of Antioxidant Properties of the Medicinal Plant, Costus Pictus by Optimization of its Drying and Extraction Criteria

Antioxidants act as major protective factors against different infections and diseases. The search for natural antioxidants has gained significant momentum due to its associated health benefits. It prompted the investigation of the antioxidant properties of widely recognized medicinal plants, considering their prominent role in conventional medicine. The incorporation of natural antioxidants derived from medicinal plants into food products has the potential to enhance their health benefits. The present investigation is the first study on the optimization of drying and extraction techniques in Costus pictus leaves. C. pictus leaves were dried under varying conditions (40, 50 and 60 °C) and dried powders were subjected to various solvents, namely water, ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate. The leaves dried at 60 °C and treated with ethanol showed improved activities and were subsequently selected for further extraction. Among the various extraction methods, ultrasound-assisted extraction demonstrated superior antioxidant properties and increased phytochemical contents, making it the optimal technique for our study. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reports also substantiated these quantitative results. The extraction process played a significant role in enhancing the desirable attributes and properties of the leaf extracts, surpassing the results obtained from both dried and fresh leaves. The application of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis to the leaf extracts facilitated the identification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, presenting a comprehensive insight into the composition of the extract. Exploration of antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds and flavonoids would validate the benefits and expand the applications of C. pictus in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Toward the bioactive potential of myricitrin in food production: state-of-the-art green extraction and trends in biosynthesis

Myricitrin is a member of flavonols, natural phenolic compounds extracted from plant resources. It has gained great attention for various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, as well as cardio-/neuro-/hepatoprotective activities. These effects have been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo models, making myricitrin a favorable candidate for the exploitation of novel functional foods with potential protective or preventive effects against diseases. This review summarized the health benefits of myricitrin and attempted to uncover its action mechanism, expecting to provide a theoretical basis for their application. Despite enormous bioactive potential of myricitrin, low production, high cost, and environmental damage caused by extracting it from plant resources greatly constrain its practical application. Fortunately, innovative, green, and sustainable extraction techniques are emerging to extract myricitrin, which function as alternatives to conventional techniques. Additionally, biosynthesis based on synthetic biology plays an essential role in industrial-scale manufacturing, which has not been reported for myricitrin exclusively. The construction of microbial cell factories is absolutely an appealing and competitive option to produce myricitrin in large-scale manufacturing. Consequently, state-of-the-art green extraction techniques and trends in biosynthesis were reviewed and discussed to endow an innovative perspective for the large-scale production of myricitrin.

Antioxidant Capacity through Electrochemical Methods and Chemical Composition of Oenocarpus bataua and Gustavia macarenensis from the Ecuadorian Amazon

This study evaluated the antioxidant properties and chemical composition of the seeds, pulp and peels of Ungurahua (Oenocarpus bataua) and Pasu (Gustavia macarenensis)-fruits, native to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The antioxidant capacity was measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and cyclic voltammetry (antioxidant index 50 (AI₅₀)) assays; differential pulse voltammetry was used to evaluate antioxidant power using the electrochemical index. The total phenolic content, as well as the yellow flavonoid and anthocyanin content, were quantified via spectrophotometry. In addition, the trans-resveratrol and ascorbic acid content were evaluated through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to identify secondary metabolites with possible therapeutic properties. Results showed that the Pasu peel and seed extracts had the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by the Ungurahua peel; these results were consistent for both spectroscopic and electrochemical assays. HPLC and UPLC-MS analysis suggest that Oenocarpus bataua and Gustavia macarenensis are important sources of beneficial bioactive compounds.

Investigation of Enzyme Inhibitory Activities, Antioxidant Activities, and Chemical Properties of Pistacia vera Leaves Using LC-QTOF-MS and RP-HPLC

Since the leaves of some Pistacia species are used in traditional folk medicine for diabetes, this study investigated the in vitro antidiabetic effect (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) of Pistacia vera leaves. Additionally, the current study investigated the antihypercholesterolemic (cholesterol esterase), antiobesity (pancreatic lipase), and antioxidant activities (i.e., total antioxidant capacity, DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power) of P. vera leaves. The aqueous-alcoholic leaf extract inhibited α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 7.74 ± 0.72, 11.08 ± 3.96, and 168.43 ± 26.10 µg/mL, respectively. It was determined that the crude extract had high DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing power, and moderate metal chelating activity. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) subextract obtained by the liquid-liquid fractionation of the crude extract showed potent α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The EtOAc subextract (5.794 ± 0.027 g/100 g subextract) was standardized by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography based on β-pentagalloyl glucose, which showed inhibitory effects on both amylase and glucosidase enzymes. Fifteen compounds, seven of which are organic acid derivatives and eight of which are flavonoids, were identified by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) analysis in the crude extract of P. vera leaves. Seven of the fifteen phenolic compounds detected in the crude extract by LC-QTOF-MS have both glucosidase and amylase inhibitory effects. As a result, P. vera leaves can be a potential source for compounds with high antioxidant effects that show inhibitory effects on enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion in the prevention and treatment of diabetes or can be evaluated as a standardized extract.

Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content and LC–MS Profiling of Leaves Extracts of Alstonia angustiloba

Plants have a wide range of active compounds crucial in treating various diseases. Most people consume plants and herbals as an alternative medicine to improve their health and abilities. A. angustiloba extract showed antinematodal activity against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, antitrypanosomal action against Trypanosoma brucei and anti-plasmodial activity against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain. Moreover, it has demonstrated growth inhibitory properties towards several human cancer cell lines, such as MDA-MB-231, SKOV-3, HeLa, KB cells and A431. DPPH and ABTS assays were carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of the aqueous and 60% methanolic extract of A. angustiloba leaves. Moreover, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified. The presence of potential active compounds was then screened using liquid chromatography coupled with a Q-TOF mass spectrometer (LC–MS) equipped with a dual electrospray ionisation (ESI) source. The EC50 values measured by DPPH for the 60% methanolic and aqueous extracts of A. angustiloba leaves were 80.38 and 94.11 µg/mL, respectively, and for the ABTS assays were 85.80 and 115.43 µg/mL, respectively. The 60% methanolic extract exhibited the highest value of total phenolic and total flavonoid (382.53 ± 15.00 mg GAE/g and 23.45 ± 1.04 mg QE/g), while the aqueous extract had the least value (301.17 ± 3.49 mg GAE/g and 9.73 ± 1.76 mg QE/g). The LC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 103 and 140 compounds in the aqueous and 60% methanolic extract, respectively. It consists of phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, glycosides, alkaloids, etc. It can be concluded that the therapeutic action of this plant is derived from the presence of various active compounds; however, further research is necessary to determine its efficacy in treating diseases.

Evaluation of the antiproliferative potential of Eugenia pyriformis leaves in cervical cancer cells

Eugenia pyriformis , typically known as uvaia, ubaia, uvaieira, uvalha or uvalha-do-campo, is a plant representative of the Myrtaceae family. E. pyriformis decreased HeLa cells proliferation, can induce cell death and reduce cell migration that may be related to metastasis and induction of cell death by apoptosis in vitro assays. Its leaves are used in folk medicine for hypertension control, decreased cholesterol and uric acid, slimming, astringent, and digestive. In this work, the evaluation of the in vitro anticancer potential Cervical Cancer (HeLa cells) and phytochemical analysis in E. pyriformes was performed. It was possible to quantify phenolic compounds and total flavonoids and identify Chlorogenic acid, Quercetrin, and Myricitrin in this species. The crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction inhibited cell viability by 50% in the dose of 44.42 μg/mL and 40.39 μg/mL, respectively. The induced effector caspase 3/7 activation, which results in apoptosis and the ethyl acetate fraction , decreases cell migration of cancer cell line; it is responsible for the cleavage of several cellular proteins that will result in the classic phenotype of the apoptotic cell.

Phenolic Compound Profile by UPLC-MS/MS and Encapsulation with Chitosan of Spondias mombin L. Fruit Peel Extract from Cerrado Hotspot-Brazil

Taperebá (Spondias mombin L.) is a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado that has shown important characteristics such as a significant phenolic compound content and biological activities. The present study aimed to characterize the phenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity in taperebá peel extract, as well as microencapsulating the extract with chitosan and evaluating the stability of the microparticles. The evaluation of the profile of phenolic compounds was carried out by UPLC-MS/MS. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. The microparticles were obtained by spray drying and were submitted to a stability study under different temperatures. In general, the results showed a significant content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The results of UPLC-MS/MS demonstrated a significant content of polyphenols in taperebá peel, highlighting the high content of ellagic acid and quercetin compounds. There was significant retention of phenolic compounds when microencapsulated, demonstrating high retention at all evaluated temperatures. This study is the first to microencapsulate the extract of taperebá peel, in addition to identifying and quantifying some compounds in this fruit.

Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Enzymatic Activity of Five Common Spices: Focus on Their Essential Oils and Spent Material Extractives

The essential oil industry of aromatic herbs and spices is currently producing a significant amount of by-products, such as the spent plant materials remaining after steam or hydrodistillation, that are simply discarded. The aim of this study was to comparatively investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and multi-enzymatic inhibitory potential of the essential oils and spent plant material extractives obtained from cinnamon, cumin, clove, laurel, and black pepper. The essential oils were characterized by the presence of several phytochemical markers (cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, eucalyptol, α-terpinene, limonene, β-caryophyllene or β-pinene). On the other hand, the LC-HRMS/MS profiling of the spent material extracts allowed the annotation of species specific and non-specific metabolites, such as organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, hydrolysable tannins, fatty acids, or piperamides. All samples exhibited very strong antioxidant effects, with the clove essential oil displaying the strongest radical scavenging (525.78 and 936.44 mg TE/g in DPPH and ABTS assays), reducing (2848.28 and 1927.98 mg TE/g in CUPRAC and FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (68.19 mmol TE/g). With respect to the anti-acetylcholinesterase (0.73-2.95 mg GALAE/g), anti-butyrylcholinesterase (0-3.41 mg GALAE/g), anti-tyrosinase (0-76.86 mg KAE/g), anti-amylase and anti-glucosidase (both 0-1.00 mmol ACAE/g) assays, the spice samples showed a modest activity. Overall, our study reports that, not only the volatile fractions of common spices, but also their spent plant materials remaining after hydrodistillation can be regarded as rich sources of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and multi-enzymatic inhibitory effects.

Functional and nutritional properties of selected Amazon fruits: A review

This review reports the nutritional, phytochemical compounds and biological properties of 4 fruits commonly consumed by people living in Amazon region, namely Biribá (Rollinia mucosa Jacq.), Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), Pupunha (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) and Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer). These fruits have been high held nutritional, functional and economic potential and contribute to the daily intake of nutrients, energy and bioactive compounds by people living in Amazon rainforest region. Phytochemical compounds with biological properties were detected in these fruits, for instance (but not limited to), annonaceous acetogenins in Biribá, geraniin and corilagin in Rambutan, rutin and catechin in Pupunha, and β-carotene and flavonoids in Tucumã. The biological properties of Biribá, Rambutan, Pupunha and Tucumã have been evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays, especially antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, these Amazonian fruits can be exploited by the food industry as a food and therapeutic plant-material to develop valuable products, such as medicine products and can be used as sources for obtaining compounds for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications.

LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS Metabolomic Analysis of Fennel Waste (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) as a Byproduct Rich in Bioactive Compounds

Food industries produce a high amount of waste every year. These wastes represent a source of bioactive compounds to be used to produce cosmetic and nutraceutical products. In this study, the possibility to retrain food waste as a potential source of bioactive metabolites is evaluated. In particular, metabolite profiles of different parts (bulb, leaves, stems and little stems) of fennel waste were investigated by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/LTQ Orbitrap MS). To discriminate the different plant parts, a Multivariate Data Analysis approach was developed. Metabolomic analysis allowed the identification of different metabolites mainly belonging to hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoid aglycons, phenolic acids, iridoid derivatives and lignans. The identification of compounds was based on retention times, accurate mass measurements, MS/MS data, exploration on specific metabolites database and comparison with data reported in the literature for F. vulgare. Moreover, the presence of different oxylipins was relieved; these metabolites for the first time were identified in fennel. Most of the metabolites identified in F. vulgare possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory properties. Considering that polyphenols are described to possess antioxidant activity, spectrophotometric tests were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of each part of the fennel.

Plants from the genus Eugenia as promising therapeutic agents for the management of diabetes mellitus: A review

This review combined scientific data regarding the use of genus Eugenia plants for the management of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease mainly characterized by hyperglycaemia, which can lead to serious health complications. Scientists have been seeking therapeutic compounds in plants, reporting the species of the genus Eugenia as a potential source of phytochemicals with antidiabetic properties. In vitro and in vivo studies have proved that the bioactive compounds in the genus Eugenia can positively affect the biomarkers of diabetes. We discussed the phytochemical profile of the genus Eugenia and its mechanism of action on diabetes, which could modulate carbohydrate metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and insulin secretion, inhibit carbohydrases and reduce oxidative stress, suppressing the formation of advanced glycation end-products and protecting/regenerating pancreatic β-cells. Therefore, plants of the genus Eugenia showed therapeutic potential to be used in the treatment of diabetes and its comorbidities.

Preparation of glass-ionomer cement containing ethanolic Brazilian pepper extract (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruits: chemical and biological assays

Plants may contain beneficial or potentially dangerous substances to humans. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate a new drug delivery system based on a glass-ionomer-Brazilian pepper extract composite, to check for its activity against pathogenic microorganisms of the oral cavity, along with its in vitro biocompatibility. The ethanolic Brazilian pepper extract (BPE), the glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and the composite GIC-BPE were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and thermal analysis. The BPE compounds were identified by UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS. The release profile of flavonoids and the mechanical properties of the GIC-BPE composite were assessed. The flavonoids were released through a linear mechanism governing the diffusion for the first 48 h, as evidenced by the M_t/M_∞ relatively to \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\sqrt t$$\end{document}t, at a diffusion coefficient of 1.406 × 10^–6 cm² s⁻¹. The ATR-FTIR analysis indicated that a chemical bond between the GIC and BPE components may have occurred, but the compressive strength of GIC-BPE does not differ significantly from that of this glass-ionomer. The GIC-BPE sample revealed an ample bacterial activity at non-cytotoxic concentrations for the human fibroblast MRC-5 cells. These results suggest that the prepared composite may represent an alternative agent for endodontic treatment.

Role of the Encapsulation in Bioavailability of Phenolic Compounds

Plant-derived phenolic compounds have multiple positive health effects for humans attributed to their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, etc. These effects strongly depend on their bioavailability in the organism. Bioaccessibility, and consequently bioavailability of phenolic compounds significantly depend on the structure and form in which they are introduced into the organism, e.g., through a complex food matrix or as purified isolates. Furthermore, phenolic compounds interact with other macromolecules (proteins, lipids, dietary fibers, polysaccharides) in food or during digestion, which significantly influences their bioaccessibility in the organism, but due to the complexity of the mechanisms through which phenolic compounds act in the organism this area has still not been examined sufficiently. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion is one of the commonly used in vitro test for the assessment of phenolic compounds bioaccessibility. Encapsulation is a method that can positively affect bioaccessibility and bioavailability as it ensures the coating of the active component and its targeted delivery to a specific part of the digestive tract and controlled release. This comprehensive review aims to present the role of encapsulation in bioavailability of phenolic compounds as well as recent advances in coating materials used in encapsulation processes. The review is based on 258 recent literature references.