In vitro antioxidant activity of Ficus carica L. latex from 18 different cultivars

Physicochemistry, Nutritional, and Therapeutic Potential of Ficus carica - A Promising Nutraceutical

In an era where synthetic supplements have raised concerns regarding their effects on human health, Ficus carica has emerged as a natural alternative rich in polyphenolic compounds with potent therapeutic properties. Various studies on F. carica focusing on the analysis and validation of its pharmacological and nutritional properties are emerging. This paper summarizes present data and information on the phytochemical, nutritional values, therapeutic potential, as well as the toxicity profile of F. carica. An extensive search was conducted from various databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 126 studies and articles related to F. carica that were published between 1999 and 2023 were included in this review. Remarkably, F. carica exhibits a diverse array of advantageous effects, including, but not limited to, antioxidant, anti-neurodegenerative, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiepileptic, anticonvulsant, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-angiogenic, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and antimutagenic properties. Among the highlights include that antioxidants from F. carica were demonstrated to inhibit cholinesterase, potentially protecting neurons in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The antimicrobial activities of F. carica were attributed to its high flavonoids and terpenoids content, while its virucidal action through the inhibition of DNA and RNA replication was postulated due to its triterpenes content. Inflammatory and arthritic conditions may also benefit from its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties through the modulation of various signalling proteins. Studies have also shown that F. carica extracts were generally safe and exhibit low toxicity profile, although more research in this aspect is required, specifically its effects on the skin. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of F. carica as a valuable natural therapeutic agent and dietary supplement. However, continued exploration on F. carica's safety and efficacy is still required prior to embarking on clinical trials, as its role in personalized nutrition and medication will open a new paradigm to improve health outcomes.

Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of Mulberry Lattices

In order to find the most advantageous bioactive compounds from mulberry latex for drug development in the near future, this study was conducted to characterize and evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial properties from four different mulberry lattices (BR-2, S-1, AR-14, and S-146). The characterization of the lattices was performed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further, screenings of the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of selected lattices were performed in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and agar well diffusion methods, respectively. Interestingly, the outcome of the current study revealed that tested mulberry lattices contain a considerable amount of bioactive phytoconstituents, particularly antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, as revealed by chromatographic analysis. BR-2 latex was found to have significant antioxidant activity (75%) followed by S-146 (64.6%) and AR-14 (52.9%). The maximum antimicrobial activity was found in BR-2 latex compared to other tested latex varieties. The results of this investigation showed that mulberry latex from the BR-2 type may successfully control both bacterial and fungal infections, with the added benefit of having enhanced antioxidant capabilities.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Eclipta alba and Its Activity Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line (MDA-MB-231)

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) doesn't have well-defined molecular targets making it unable to treat with chemotherapy also have faster metastatic rate and worse survival rate. In the current study we aim to target TNBC through eco-friendly green synthesized silver nanoparticles having anti-cancer phytoconstituents from the traditional anti-cancer medicinal plant Eclipta alba. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are agglomerates of spherical shaped 40-60 nm sized showing characteristic light absorption at 437 nm, banding pattern at 1479, 1285, 1036, and 471 showing and further X-ray diffraction pattern confirm face-centered cubic crystal silver structure exist in the green synthesized silver nanoparticle preparation. Further in vitro anti-oxidant analysis results revealed that green synthesized AgNPs showed 2.6-fold higher anti-oxidant potential (IC50 15.70 g/ml) than that of aqueous plant leaf extract (IC50 39.80 g/ml). In MTT cytotoxicity analysis Eclipta alba plant extract and AgNPs both display dose-dependent cytotoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), although their IC50 values differ substantially, at 105.80 µg/ml and 77.20 g/ml, respectively. Finally, AgNPs from Eclipta alba tested for anti-leishmanial activity and it showed 91.36 ± 1.05 for promastigotes and 76.62 ± 0.95 for amastigotes at the highest dose of 400 g/ml. Altogether present data showed that Eclipta alba leaf extract actively bonded with silver nanoparticles suppresses the MDA-MB-231 cells growth through high antioxidant characters and anti-leishmanial activity. From together we confirm that Eclipta alba was recommended to a future therapeutic drug and agent to control breast cancer in the clinical level.

A novel breathable package system to improve the fresh fig (Ficus carica L. 'Dottato') shelf life

BACKGROUND

The postharvest management of fresh figs is a susceptible phase that could impair the quality standards. Given the high perishability, their marketing is limited to around the production areas using open punnets and when marketed non-locally the use of modified-atmosphere packaging enables their quality maintenance up to 7-14 days, depending upon the cultivar, storage temperature, and packaging system. We show the results of the effectiveness of an innovative packaging system endowed with a breathable device (Blow Device®, BD) for fresh fig storage. BD was evaluated in comparison with a sealed (S) and a macro-perforated film-based tray (MF), at 2 and 8 °C.

RESULTS

The lowest rot decay incidence was observed in S and BD (5-20% after 21 days). S significantly mitigated rot and physical-mechanical decay rate compared with BD and MF. However, S led to anoxia, with relevant carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) content (30-40%), tray volume increasing, and the highest titratable acidity values. The exploitation of BD led to 10-15% oxygen (O₂ ) and 5-10% CO₂ , along with storage. After 14 days, the figs packed with BD had a negligible mass loss (0.2%) and excellent marketing quality parameters at both temperatures tested.

CONCLUSION

Exploiting an open or sealed container for extend the fresh fig' storage is not appropriate due to the severe effect of O₂ or CO₂ accumulation, respectively. BD enables the maintenance of high quality standards for up to 21 days at 2 °C, suggesting it could represent a profitable and sustainable solution to prevent decay after picking and reduce food losses along with wider marketability. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Industrial Application and Health Prospective of Fig (Ficus carica) By-Products

The current review was carried out on the industrial application of fig by-products and their role against chronic disorders. Fig is basically belonging to fruit and is botanically called Ficus carica. There are different parts of fig, including the leaves, fruits, seeds and latex. The fig parts are a rich source of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals including antioxidants, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and vitamins. These different parts of fig are used in different food industries such as the bakery, dairy and beverage industries. Fig by-products are used in extract or powder form to value the addition of different food products for the purpose of improving the nutritional value and enhancing the stability. Fig by-products are additive-based products which contain high phytochemicals fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants. Due to the high bioactive compounds, these products performed a vital role against various diseases including cancer, diabetes, constipation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Concussively, fig-based food products may be important for human beings and produce healthy food.

Molecular Characterization of Gene-Mediated Resistance and Susceptibility of ESKAPE Clinical Isolates to Cistus monspeliensis L. and Cistus salviifolius L. Extracts

Background

Multidrug resistance (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) are now the biggest threats to human beings. Alternative antimicrobial regimens to conventional antibiotic paradigms are extensively searched. Although Cistus extracts have long been used for infections in traditional folk medicines around the world, their efficacy against resistant bacteria still needs to be elucidated. We aim to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of clinical strains Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter cloacae (acronym “ESKAPE”), and their resistance mechanisms by PCR, as well as their sensitivity to C. monspeliensis (CM) and C. salviifolius (CS) methanol extracts and their fractions.

Methods

Antibiotic susceptibility profile and resistance mechanism were done by antibiogram and PCR. Fractions of CM and CS were obtained using maceration and Soxhlet; their antibacterial activities were evaluated by determining inhibition zone diameter (IZD), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).

Results

Results revealed that all strains were XDR except S. aureus, which was MDR. The PCR indicates the presence of gene-mediated resistance (bla_CTX-M, bla_SHV, bla_OXA-48, bla_NDM, bla_OXA-51, bla_OXA-58, bla_IMP, bla_VIM, and bla_mecA). Also, maceration was slightly better for bioactivity preservation. Overall, the extracts of CM (IZD = 20 mm, MIC = 0.01 mg/mL) were more active than those of CS. All extracts inhibited MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and ERV (Enterococcus faecium Vancomycin-Resistant) with interesting MICs. The ethyl acetate fraction manifested great efficacy against all strains. Monoterpene hydrocarbons and sesquiterpenes oxygenated were the chemical classes of compounds dominating the analyzed fractions. Viridiflorol was the major compound in ethyl acetate fractions of 59.84% and 70.77% for CM and CS, respectively.

Conclusions

The superior activity of extracts to conventional antibiotics was seen for the first time in the pathogens group, and their bactericidal effect could be a promising alternative for developing clinical antibacterial agents against MDR and XDR ESKAPE bacteria.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. hexane extract: phytochemical analysis, nanoencapsulation, and in silico, in vitro, and in vivo anti-photoaging potential evaluation

A shift towards natural anti-aging ingredients has spurred the research to valorize traditionally used plants. In this context, Rosmarinus officinalis L. was evaluated for its photoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkling properties. GC/MS and LC-ESI-HRMS based phytochemical profiling of rosemary leaves hexane extract resulted in the identification of 47 and 31 compounds, respectively and revealed rich content in triterpenoids, monoterpenoids and phenolic diterpenes. In vitro assays confirmed the antioxidant, anti-aging, and wound healing potential of rosemary extract along with a good safety profile, encouraging further development. A systematic molecular modelling study was conducted to elucidate the mechanistic background of rosemary anti-aging properties through the inhibitory effects of its major constituents against key anti-aging targets viz. elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. Development of rosemary extract lipid nanocapsules-based mucoadhesive gels was performed to improve skin contact, permeation, and bioavailability prior to in vivo testing. The developed formulae demonstrated small particle size (56.55–66.13 nm), homogenous distribution (PDI of 0.207–0.249), and negatively charged Zeta potential (− 13.4 to − 15.6). In UVB-irradiated rat model, topical rosemary hexane extract-loaded lipid nanocapsules-based gel provided photoprotection, restored the antioxidant biochemical state, improved epidermal and dermal histological features, and decreased the level of inflammatory and wrinkling markers. The use of rosemary hexane extract in anti-aging and photoprotective cosmeceuticals represents a safe, efficient, and cost-effective approach.

Anticancer, Anticoagulant, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Thevetia peruviana Latex with Molecular Docking of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities

Natural origin molecules represent reliable and excellent sources to overcome some medicinal problems. The study of anticancer, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial activities of Thevetia peruviana latex were the aim of the current research. An investigation using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that the major content of the flavonoids are rutin (11.45 µg/mL), quersestin (7.15 µg/mL), naringin (5.25 µg/mL), and hisperdin (6.07 µg/mL), while phenolic had chlorogenic (12.39 µg/mL), syringenic (7.45 µg/mL), and ferulic (5.07 µg/mL) acids in latex of T. peruviana. Via 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, the experiment demonstrated that latex had a potent antioxidant activity with the IC₅₀ 43.9 µg/mL for scavenging DPPH. Hemolysis inhibition was 58.5% at 1000 µg/mL of latex compared with 91.0% at 200 µg/mL of indomethacin as positive control. Negligible anticoagulant properties of latex were reported where the recorded time was 11.9 s of prothrombin time (PT) and 29.2 s of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at 25 µg/mL, compared with the same concentration of heparin (PT 94.6 s and APPT 117.7 s). The anticancer potential of latex was recorded against PC-3 (97.11% toxicity) and MCF-7 (96.23% toxicity) at 1000 μg/mL with IC₅₀ 48.26 μg/mL and 40.31 µg/mL, respectively. Disc diffusion assessment for antimicrobial activity recorded that the most sensitive tested microorganisms to latex were Bacillus subtilis followed by Escherichia coli, with an inhibition zone (IZ) of 31 mm with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (10.2 μg/mL) and 30 mm (MIC, 12.51 μg/mL), respectively. Moreover, Candida albicans was sensitive (IZ, 28 mm) to latex, unlike black fungus (Mucor circinelloides). TEM examination exhibited ultrastructure changes in cell walls and cell membranes of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa treated with latex. Energy scores of the molecular docking of chlorogenic acid with E. coli DNA (7C7N), and Rutin with human prostate-specific antigen (3QUM) and breast cancer-associated protein (1JNX), result in excellent harmony with the experimental results. The outcome of research recommended that the latex is rich in constituents and considered a promising source that contributes to fighting cancer and pathogenic microorganisms.

Bioprospecting of the novel isolate Microbacterium proteolyticum LA2(R) from the rhizosphere of Rauwolfia serpentina

The study aimed to assess the proficiency of secondary metabolites (SMs) synthesized by actinobacteria isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Rauwolfia serpentina for its antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity. After morphological and biochemical identification of actinobacteria, primary and secondary screening was done for specific metabolite production. The secondary metabolites were then tested for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm potential. Out of 29 bacterial colonies isolated, only one emerged as a novel isolate, Microbacterium LA2(R). Partial 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate LA2(R) was deposited in NCBI GenBank with accession number MN560041. The highest antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract the novel isolate was found to be 474.183 µL AAE/mL and 319.037 µL AAE/mL by DPPH assay and ABTS assay respectively; three folds higher than the control. These results were further supported by the high total phenolic (194.95 gallic acid equivalents/mL) and flavonoid contents (332.79 µL quercetin equivalents/mL) of the methanolic extract. GC–MS analysis revealed the abundance of antibacterial compounds; where, n-Hexadecanoic acid was found to be the major compound present with a peak of 14 min retention time (RT) and 95% similarity index. MIC value of the metabolite was noted to be around 132.28 ± 84.48 μg/mL. The IC₅₀ value was found to be 74.37, 71.33, 66.28 and 84.48 μg/mL against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Salmonella abony, respectively. Treatment with IC₅₀ of the extract decreased the biofilm formation up to 70%–80% against pathogenic strains viz. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella abony. These significant activities of Microbacterium sp. LA2(R) suggests that it could be utilized for antibiotic production for human welfare and in various important industrial applications.

Antimicrobial and Larvicidal Activities of Different Ocimum Essential Oils Extracted by Ultrasound-Assisted Hydrodistillation

Infectious diseases and their vectors have remained a concern for human population from their historical origin. Microbial pathogens have also emerged as a potent threat to the healthcare systems even in developed countries. Essential oils remain a less explored method for infectious disease control; besides, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of essential oil production has emerged as promising source of bioactive volatiles over conventional methods. This study analyzed the possible use of UAE- Essential oils (EOs) from different species of Ocimum plants (Ocimum basilicum (OB), O. gratissimum (OG), O. tenuiflorum (OT), and O. canum (OC)) in the management of microbial pathogens and mosquito larval control. The antibacterial activity was estimated in terms of a disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentrations against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteritidis. The larvicidal property was found using three important mosquito vectors and the LC50 value was determined. Furthermore, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were estimated in terms of radical scavenging activities and the inhibition of lipoxygenase enzyme activity. The EOs exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging (high in OG), hydrogen-peroxide scavenging (OB) and lipoxygenase inhibition (OB). The antibacterial activity was high in OB and OG (p < 0.05) and the larvicidal activity was of higher sensitivity against Aedis and Culex, whereas Armigeres was more resistant. However, no sign of toxicity in the Allium cepa model or non-targeted organism Guppy fishes was observed. Overall, the UAE extracted Ocimum essential oils were found to be effective against various human pathogenic microbial organisms, with OB and OG being highly active. Likewise, the EOs was also able to induce mortality in the larval forms of various mosquito vectors.

Tandem mass spectrometry of aqueous extract from Ficus dubia sap and its cell-based assessments for use as a skin antioxidant

Since 2006, Ficus dubia has been reported as a new Ficus species in Thailand. As per our recent report, the red-brown aqueous extract of F. dubia sap (FDS) has been determined to strongly exhibit in vitro anti-radicals. However, the phytochemicals in the FDS extract related to health-promoting antioxidation have not been explored. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the chemical components of the F. dubia sap extract by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/QTOF-MS) and its potential use in cosmetics in terms of cellular antioxidation on keratinocytes (HaCaT), phototoxicity, and irritation on 3D skin cell models following standard tests suggested by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It was found that the sap extract was composed of quinic acid and caffeoyl derivatives (e.g., syringoylquinic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and dimeric forms of caffeoylquinic acids). The extract has significantly exhibited antioxidant activity against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. The cellular antioxidative effect of the FDS extract was remarkably dependent on the presence of 3- and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid in the extract. Furthermore, the FDS extract showed negative results on skin phototoxicity and irritation. Overall, the results reveal that the FDS extract could be developed as a new antioxidant candidate for a skin healthcare product.

New insights of phenolic compounds from optimized fruit extract of Ficus auriculata

In this study, the extraction conditions extracted maximize amounts of phenolic and bioactive compounds from the fruit extract of Ficus auriculata by using optimized response surface methodology. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated through the assay of radical scavenging ability on DPPH and ABTS as well as reducing power assays on total phenolic content (TPC). For the extraction purpose, the ultrasonic assisted extraction technique was employed. A second-order polynomial model satisfactorily fitted to the experimental findings concerning antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.968, P < 0.0001) and total phenolic content (R2 = 0.961, P < 0.0001), indicating a significant correlation between the experimental and expected value. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was achieved 85.20 ± 0.96% at the optimum extraction parameters of 52.5% ethanol (v/v), 40.0 °C temperature, and 22 min extraction time. Alternatively, the highest yield of total phenolic content was found 31.65 ± 0.94 mg GAE/g DF at the optimum extraction conditions. From the LC-ESI-MS profiling of the optimized extract, 18 bioactive compounds were tentatively identified, which may regulate the antioxidant activity of fruits of F. auriculata.

Effects of topical gel formulation of Ficus carica latex on cutaneous leishmaniasis induced by Leishmania major in BALB/c mice

Objectives

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ficus carica latex on the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), induced by Leishmania major. A 5% topical gel with F. carica latex was prepared. BALB/c mice were infected by inoculation of amastigotes form of L. major. Thirty BALB/c mice were divided into five groups, where the first group was treated daily, the second group twice per day, and the third group every other day with the 5% topical gel, for 3 weeks. The sizes of the lesions were measured before and during the course of treatment.

Results

Although the mean size of lesions in the mice group treated with the 5% F. carica gel, especially in the group receiving daily treatment, was less than the mean size of the lesions in the control group, yet, the differences was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The findings of the current study demonstrated that the 5% F. carica latex with a 3-week course of treatment had no considerable effect in recovery or control of CL induced by L. major in the murine model. Using higher concentration of F. carica latex and with longer treatment lengths may increase its efficacy in the treatment of CL.