Nontargeted metabolomics approach to determine metabolites profile and antioxidant study of Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa L.) fruit peels using GC-QTOF-MS and LC-QTOF-MS

Untargeted metabolomics-based identification of bioactive compounds from Mangifera indica L. seed extracts in drug discovery through molecular docking and assessment of their anticancer potential

BACKGROUND

Mangifera indica L. (mango), a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds, has potential to be used in disease-preventing and health-promoting products. The present investigation reveals and uncovers bioactive metabolites with remarkable therapeutic efficiency from mango (family: Anacardiaceae) seeds.

RESULTS

Biological activity was determined by antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer assays, and metabolite profiling was performed on gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-QTOF-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) platforms. Validation of active metabolites was carried out by in silico molecular docking (Molinspiration Cheminformatics Server and PASS). Extracted and identified metabolites were screened; 54 compounds associated with various groups were selected for the in silico interaction study.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular docking revealed lead molecules with a potential binding energy score, efficacy and stable modulation with a selected protein domain. Investigation, directed by in vitro and in silico analysis, confirms mango seeds as an excellent source of potential metabolites as a therapeutic agent. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

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.

Structural characterization and preventive effect on alcoholic gastric mucosa and liver injury of a novel polysaccharide from Dendrobium officinale

In this study, a polysaccharide (DOP) with molecular weight of 8.25 × 105 Da and monosaccharide composition of mannose (Man) and glucose (Glc) at a molar ratio of 4.2: 1 was isolated from Dendrobium officinale. The preventive effect on alcoholic gastric mucosa and liver injury of DOP was also investigated. In vitro data exhibited that the IC50 values of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging ability and Fe2+ chelating capacity were 2.762 mg/mL and 6.667 mg/mL, respectively. Both the alcoholic gastric mucosal injury (AGMI) and alcoholic liver injury (ALI) animal models were used to investigate the gastrotrophic and hepatoprotective abilities of DOP. After administration of DOP, both gastric mucosal index (TNF-α, IL-6, PGE2, SOD, and MDA) and hepatic indicators (ALT, AST, SOD and MDA) improved compared to non-DOP groups. Histopathological results displayed that the DOP groups improved gastric epithelial defect and inflammatory cell redness caused by AGMI, and decreased vacuolization, hepatocyte necrosis and fibrosis caused by ALI. The results might be related to adjusting inflammatory factors, eliminating free radicals, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation capacities. These results manifested that DOP may be a therapeutic reagent to attenuate alcohol gastric mucosal and liver injury.

The Free Radical Scavenging Property of the Leaves, Branches, and Roots of Mansoa hirsuta DC: In Vitro Assessment, 3D Pharmacophore, and Molecular Docking Study

In this work, a metabolic profile of Mansoa hirsuta was investigated, and in vitro assays and theoretical approaches were carried out to evaluate its antioxidant potential. The phytochemical screening detected saponins, organic acids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids in extracts of leaves, branches, and roots. Through LC-MS analysis, the triterpenes oleanolic acid (m/z 455 [M-H]⁻) and ursolic acid (m/z 455 [M-H]⁻) were identified as the main bioactive components. The extracts of the leaves, branches, and roots revealed moderate antioxidant potential in the DPPH test and all extracts were more active in the ABTS test. The leaf extracts showed better antioxidant capacity, displaying IC₅₀ values of 43.5 ± 0.14, 63.6 ± 0.54, and 56.1 ± 0.05 µg mL⁻¹ for DPPH, ABTS, and kinetics assays, respectively. The leaf extract showed higher total flavonoid content (TFC) (5.12 ± 1.02 mg QR/g), followed by branches (3.16 ± 0.88 QR/g) and roots (2.04 ± 0.52 QR/g/g). The extract of the branches exhibited higher total phenolic content (TPC) (1.07 ± 0.77 GAE/g), followed by leaves (0.58 ± 0.30 GAE/g) and roots (0.19 ± 0.47 GAE/g). Pharmacophore and molecular docking analysis were performed in order to better understand the potential mechanism of the antioxidant activity of its major metabolites.

A conversation between hyphenated spectroscopic techniques and phytometabolites from medicinal plants

Medicinal plant metabolomics has emerged as a goldmine for the natural product chemists. It provides a pool of bioactive phytoconstituents leading to accelerated novel discoveries and the elucidation of a variety of biosynthetic pathways. Further, it also acts as an innovative tool for herbal medicine's scientific validation and quality assurance. This review highlights different strategies and analytical techniques employed in the practice of metabolomics. Further, it also discusses several other applications and advantages of metabolomics in the area of natural product chemistry. Additional examples of integrating metabolomics with multivariate data analysis techniques for some Indian medicinal plants are also reviewed. Recent technical advances in mass spectrometry-based hyphenated techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance-based techniques, and comprehensive hyphenated technologies for phytometabolite profiling studies have also been reviewed. Mass Spectral Imaging (MSI) has been presented as a highly promising method for high precision in situ spatiotemporal monitoring of phytometabolites. We conclude by introducing GNPS (Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking) as an emerging platform to make social networks of related molecules, to explore data and to annotate more metabolites, and expand the networks to novel "predictive" metabolites that can be validated.

Exploration of Modern Chromatographic Methods Coupled to Mass Spectrometric Techniques for Trace Element and Chemical Composition Analyses in the Leaf Extracts of Kigelia africana

The use of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. plant dates back to last century. The different parts of the plant exhibited various pharmacological activities. But literature search revealed scanty use of the leaf extract owing to few information regarding the various phytochemical constituents. The aim of this study is, therefore, to profile the chemical compounds through the use of omics-based approach. Ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (qTOF-UPLC/MS) alongside gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (qTOF-GC/MS) were used to profile these chemical compounds. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentration of trace elements as well as limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ). For broader metabolite determination, a modified sample preparation was employed and to ascertain the cytoprotective potential of the leaf extract, MTT assay on A375 human melanoma cell lines was carried out. Sixty-eight peaks were characterized with the identification of 275 metabolites where 8 of these were confirmed. Of importance is the identification of eugenol; a polyphenolic compound at m/z 165.09 on fragments 119.09, 147.08, 109.10, 137.10, and 137.06. for qTOF-GC/MS analysis, 232 metabolites were identified consisting of terpenes, fatty acids, furans, amines, amides, and alkanes. The concentration of trace elements in the leaf extract ranged from 0.08 for Zn to 0.28 mg/kg for Fe with low concentrations of Cd according to the recommendation of European Legislation. The leaf showed higher inhibition of growth against A375 human melanoma cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The results showed that K. africana leaf contained various pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, designer drugs, and phytochemicals, and these chemicals have minimal cytotoxic side effects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study providing information on the various secondary metabolites in the leaf extract through the use of omics-based approach. Therefore, the leaves of K. africana plant can be used as antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiproliferative agents for industrial, therapeutic, and medicinal applications. Graphical Abstract.

CO2 supercritical fluid extraction of pulp and nut oils from Terminalia catappa fruits: Thermogravimetric behavior, spectroscopic and fatty acid profiles

The aim of this study was to investigate the attributes of the pulp and nut oils from Terminalia catappa fruits obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with pressurized CO₂. The yield, physico-chemical characterization and fatty acid profiles of both oils were assessed based on their acidity and peroxide indices, thermogravimetric behavior, infrared spectroscopic and gas chromatographic analyses. The extraction yields were 7.4% and 61.5% for the pulp and nut from T. catappa, respectively. The pulp and nut oils exhibited low levels of acidity, 3.3 and 1.9 mg KOH g^-1, and peroxides, 3.8 and 1.7 mEq kg^-1, respectively. These values are lower than the maximum recommended levels given by the Codex Alimentarius for virgin oils (4.0 mg KOH g^-1 and 15 mEq Kg^-1, respectively). Unsaturated fatty acids were a major constituent of the oils (58%), of which omegas 3 and 6 were predominant. The infrared spectroscopy of the nut oil showed high intensity bands between 2912 and 716 cm^-1, representative of chemical groups commonly present in unsaturated fatty acids. The pulp oil displayed higher thermal stability than the nut oil, whereby the initial degradation temperatures (T_onset) were 280 °C and 230 °C, respectively. This difference may be related to a greater amount of saturated fatty acids in the pulp oil compared to the nut oil. Thus, both pulp and nut oils displayed good physicochemical properties, which are desirable in diverse industrial sectors.

Metabolome modulatory effects of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. fruit extracts on oxidative stress, hyperlipidaemic biomarkers in STZ-induced diabetic rats and antidiabetic effects in 3T3 L1 adipocytes

OBJECTIVES

The management of diabetes is considered a global problem, and a cure is yet to be discovered. This study investigated the modulatory effect of Kigelia africana fruit on oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemic biomarkers in STZ-induced diabetic rats, profiled phytoconstituents using GC-TOF-MS and evaluated antidiabetic effects on 3T3 L1 adipocytes.

METHODS

Thirty male Wistar rats (120-150 g) were divided into six groups (n = 5). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg) and treated with 100, 200 and 400 of hexane fraction of KA for 28 days. Immunohistochemical evaluation was carried out using avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase (ABI) method. Catalase and SOD activities as well as the levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein were measured.

KEY FINDINGS

The expressions of oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemic biomarkers alongside fasting blood glucose concentrations were remarkedly decreased in KA-treated diabetic rats. Moreover, there was a significant increase in endocrine cell distribution, area covered with increase in β-cell mass, composition and morphology of KA-treated animals. Additionally, there was constant up-regulation in 3T3 L1 adipocytes due to the presence of phytoconstituents.

CONCLUSION

Kigelia africana fruit can act as a modulatory agent due to its ameliorative effects against oxidative stress.

Determination of phytochemical profile and antioxidant efficacy of Lavendula bipinnata leaves collected during Magha Nakshatra days and Normal days using LC-QTOF-MS technique

In the present work, we determined the phytochemical and antioxidant potential of Lavendula bipinnata leaves collected during Magha Nakshatra (NAK-leaf) and Normal (NOR-leaf) days. The extraction was done using decoction and maceration (DCE and MCE) and microwave assisted extraction and ultra sonic assisted extraction (MAE and UAE) methods and in all 16 extracts were obtained. Total phenol, flavonoid, flavonol, phenolic acid and proanthocyanidin content was estimated in all the extracts. Antioxidant efficacy of all the extracts was assessed by four different in vitro antioxidant assays viz. DPPH, super oxide, ABTS radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The obtained results revealed that MAE extracts of NAK-leaf showed better phytochemical content and antioxidant activity which was better than the standards revealing its excellent antioxidant potential. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that phenolic and non-phenolic compounds were responsible for the antioxidant activity. LC-QTOF-MS based metabolic profiling of MAE extract revealed 35 compounds in NAK- leaf and 33 compounds in NOR-leaf; their structure was determined and many of them were pharmacologically active. Hence, it can be concluded that the leaves of Lavendula bipinnata can be a good natural source of antioxidant compounds which can definitely be used in drug designing to fight against oxidative stress related diseases.

A Comprehensive Review of the Structure Elucidation of Tannins from Terminalia Linn

OBJECTIVES

Tannins with complex structures are important plant resources, which are abundant in the genus Terminalia. Various Terminalia species have been playing an important role in traditional medicine system. A systematic scoping review of Terminalia Linn. research literature for tannins was conducted to summarize the structures of tannins and analysis fragmentation pathway characteristics, which could provide references for the structural analysis of tannins from Terminalia Linn.

METHODS

After an update of the literature search up to September 2018, the terms of Terminalia in all publications were analyzed. Electronic searches were conducted in scifinder and PubMed, and the information from 197 articles in all with regard to the tannin structure study was extracted.

RESULTS

The compounds of 82 tannins from the genus Terminalia were reviewed. According to the structural differences, they can be divided into three categories, hydrolysable tannins, condensed tannins, and complex tannins, respectively. The fragmentation pathways of 46 identified tannins were analyzed, and the fragmentation rules of tannins were speculated according to different types.

CONCLUSION

This review has attracted attention to the active substances in this species such as the tannins summarized in further study. How to improve the extraction and purification technology of tannins from genus Terminalia is an urgent problem to be solved.

Biologically active metabolite(s) from haemolymph of red-headed centipede Scolopendra subspinipes possess broad spectrum antibacterial activity

The discovery of novel antimicrobials from animal species under pollution is an area untapped. Chinese red-headed centipede is one of the hardiest arthropod species commonly known for its therapeutic value in traditional Chinese medicine. Here we determined the antibacterial activity of haemolymph and tissue extracts of red-headed centipede, Scolopendra subspinipes against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Lysates exhibited potent antibacterial activities against a broad range of bacteria tested. Chemical characterization of biologically active molecules was determined via liquid chromatography mass spectrometric analysis. From crude haemolymph extract, 12 compounds were identified including: (1) L-Homotyrosine, (2) 8-Acetoxy-4-acoren-3-one, (3) N-Undecylbenzenesulfonic acid, (4) 2-Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, (5) 3H-1,2-Dithiole-3-thione, (6) Acetylenedicarboxylate, (7) Albuterol, (8) Tetradecylamine, (9) Curcumenol, (10) 3-Butylidene-7-hydroxyphthalide, (11) Oleoyl Ethanolamide and (12) Docosanedioic acid. Antimicrobial activities of the identified compounds were reported against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, that possibly explain centipede's survival in harsh and polluted environments. Further research in characterization, molecular mechanism of action and in vivo testing of active molecules is needed for the development of novel antibacterials.