Phytochemical diversity and biological activities of Hypericum japonicum and Hypericum sampsonii: potential for natural product-based food applications

This study characterizes two species of the genus Hypericum to envisage their applicability as effective and versatile functional foods, dietary supplements, and food preservatives. A wide phenolic composition was found in both extracts, highlighting flanovoids for H. japonicum and xanthones for H. sampsonii. Moreover, anthocyanins were analyzed for the first time in the latter plant. Antioxidant capacity was highlighted by oxidative hemolysis inhibition assay (OxHLIA), where H. japonicum was more effective (lower EC50) than antioxidant Trolox (16.3 < 21.8 μg/mL). H. sampsonii extract inhibited lipid peroxidation in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method (EC50 = 17.05 μg/mL) compared to Trolox (EC50 = 5.8 μg/mL). H. japonicum antibacterial activity showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.007 mg/mL, even lower than the control. These results indicate the bioactive potential of both extracts, as well as the importance of evaluating the food-related bioactive components of medicinal plants and the mechanisms involved in their bioactivities.

Morphological, anatomical, and bioactive properties of Hypericum scabrum L.: effects on diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and HDFa fibroblasts and U87-MG cancer cells

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and cancer are multifactorial diseases with significant health consequences, and their relationship with aging makes them particularly challenging. Epidemiological data suggests that individuals with DM are more susceptible to certain cancers. This study examined the bioactive properties of Hypericum scabrum extracts, including methanol, hexane, and others, focusing on their inhibitory effects on key enzymes associated with DM and neurodegenerative diseases, such as acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Additionally, the impact of these extracts on human fibroblast (HDFa) and glioblastoma (U87MG) cancer cells was evaluated. The methanol extract was analyzed for elemental composition using ICP-MS, secondary metabolites, and amino acids via LC-MS/MS and underwent morphological and anatomical characterization. The methanol extract demonstrated notable inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of < 1 µg/mL against α-glucosidase, surpassing acarbose in efficacy. The flower essential oil exhibited the highest inhibition (79.95%) of butyrylcholinesterase and the strongest acetylcholinesterase inhibition (21.62%). Elemental analysis revealed high concentrations of Na and K, while quinic acid and proline were identified as major metabolites, with proline concentrations reaching 494.0482 nmol/mL in the aerial part extract. The anticancer assays revealed higher cytotoxicity in U87MG glioblastoma cells compared to HDFa fibroblasts, suggesting potential applications for cancer therapy. The plant grows 20-50 cm tall, with yellow flowers and ovoid-ribbed capsules containing brown, reniform seeds. Its leaves are amphistomatic and ornamented, while stems feature striate cuticles and paracytic stomata. The pollen grains are microreticulate with syncolporate apertures. These results underscore the promising therapeutic potential of H. scabrum in managing DM, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, with its ability to inhibit key enzymes and show selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Hypericum Species-H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, H. rochelii

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae) is the most well-known species in the genus Hypericum, which comprises several hundred species. This study investigates the biological and phytochemical potential of the under-researched Hypericum species, H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, and H. rochelii. A high level of similarity between the chemical profiles of H. hirsutum and H. barbatum and the official source of the herbal drug (H. perforatum) was shown, but a higher content of quercetin and rutin was also found in all three evaluated species (116-230 µg/g dry herb). The highest amount of phenolics (195 mg GAE/g) was recorded in H. hirsutum extract, while the highest amount of flavonoids (47 mg QE/g) was recorded in H. barbatum extract. The evaluated species were excellent scavengers of DPPH, OH, and NO radicals, as well as strong ferric ion reducers in the FRAP test. Prominent monoamine oxidase A and α-glucosidase inhibition was observed, compared to modest inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase. High activity against Gram-positive MRSA S. aureus was demonstrated for the tested species, with MIC/MBC values recorded at 12.5 µg/mL. Antifungal activity against Candida strains was not observed. The obtained results emphasize the need for further investigation of species of the genus Hypericum to discover potentially new sources of biologically active compounds.

Phytochemical Analysis, Biological Activities, and Docking of Phenolics from Shoot Cultures of Hypericum perforatum L. Transformed by Agrobacterium rhizogenes

Hypericum perforatum transformed shoot lines (TSL) regenerated from corresponding hairy roots and non-transformed shoots (NTS) were comparatively evaluated for their phenolic compound contents and in vitro inhibitory capacity against target enzymes (monoamine oxidase-A, cholinesterases, tyrosinase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, and cholesterol esterase). Molecular docking was conducted to assess the contribution of dominant phenolic compounds to the enzyme-inhibitory properties of TSL samples. The TSL extracts represent a rich source of chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and procyanidins, quercetin aglycone and glycosides, anthocyanins, naphthodianthrones, acyl-phloroglucinols, and xanthones. Concerning in vitro bioactivity assays, TSL displayed significantly higher acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, pancreatic lipase, and cholesterol esterase inhibitory properties compared to NTS, implying their neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antiobesity potential. The docking data revealed that pseudohypericin, hyperforin, cadensin G, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid are superior inhibitors of selected enzymes, exhibiting the lowest binding energy of ligand-receptor complexes. Present data indicate that H. perforatum transformed shoots might be recognized as an excellent biotechnological system for producing phenolic compounds with multiple health benefits.

Phytochemical analyses by LC-HRMS, FTIR spectral analysis, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antityrosinase activity of Crataegus orientalis Pall. ex M. Bieb fruit extracted with various solvents

BACKGROUND

Crataegus orientalis Pall. ex M. Bieb fruit (COPMB) is extensively used as a source of various products in the medicinal-aromatic field and holds the potential for erosion control, ornamental purposes, food source, and economic benefits for forest villagers from its fruits. This study aims to determine the chemical components and biological activities of extracts prepared from COPMB using different solvents.

RESULTS

The present work was designed to define the antioxidant activity [phosphomolybdenum (total antioxidant capacity), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and metal chelating activity (MCA)], phytochemical screening analysis, enzyme inhibitor (α-amylase, α-glucosidase and tyrosinase) potential, and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) secondary metabolite profiling in different extracts of COPMB. The results of LC-HRMS revealed that fumaric acid was the main phenolic compound in all extracts. Among the extracts, ethyl acetate extract has the highest phytochemical and antioxidant properties [total phenolic content (TPC): 32.5 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid content (TFC): 12.2 mg QE/g, ABTS: 213.0 mg TE/g; CUPRAC: 126.0 mg TE/g, MCA: 145.0 mg EDTA/g; FRAP: 122.8 mg TE/g; TAC: 2.8 mmol TE/g]. Ethyl acetate and methanol extracts are more effective in α-amylase (0.27 ± 0.01 mg/mL; 0.12 ± 0.00 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (0.63 ± 0.02 mg/mL; 0.77 ± 0.02 mg/mL) and tyrosinase (0.03 ± 0.00 mg/mL; 0.03 ± 0.00 mg/mL) enzyme inhibition potentials compared to standard acarbose (0.75 ± 0.02 mg/mL for α-amylase; 1.11 ± 0.03 mg/mL for α-glucosidase) and kojic acid (0.04 ± 0.00 mg/mL).

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study suggest that COPMB could serve as a valuable source of natural agents for the food and pharmaceutical industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antiinflammatory effect of the ethanolic extract of Korean native herb Potentilla rugulosa Nakai in Bisphenol-a-stimulated A549 cells

Potentilla rugulosa Nakai (P. rugulosa) is a perennial herb in the Rosaceae family and found in the Korean mountains. Previously, our findings demonstrated that P. rugulosa contains numerous polyphenols and flavonoids exhibiting important antioxidant and anti-obesity bioactivities. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen that was shown to produce pulmonary inflammation in humans. However, the mechanisms underlying BPA-induced inflammation remain to be determined. The aim of this study was to examine whether ethanolic extract of P. rugulosa exerted an inhibitory effect on BPA-induced inflammation utilizing an adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cell line A549. The P. rugulosa extract inhibited BPA-mediated cytotoxicity by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further, P. rugulosa extract suppressed the upregulation of various pro-inflammatory mediators induced by activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. In addition, inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways by P. rugulosa extract was found to occur via decrease in the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Further, blockade of phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and stress-activated protein kinase/Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) was noted. Thus, our findings suggest that the ethanolic extract of P. rugulosa may act as a natural anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent.

Valorization of bio-colorants extracted from Hypercium scabrum L. plant for sustainable and ecological coloration of wool yarns

Recently, natural dyes are being explored all over the world as safer and highly sustainable bio-based alternatives to synthetic dyes. Agricultural wastes and plant by-products are the most commonly explored alternatives with dual benefits of waste reclamation and sustainable dye production with extra value-adds. Hypercium scabrum plant contains interesting bio-dye molecules with high flavonoids and tannin contents. The present study aims at exploring the potential of H. scabrum plant extract to color wool textiles with a focus on sustainable bio-dye production and fastness properties. The extracted bio-dye was quantitatively (for total phenolic (2.733 mg per CE/g) and total flavonoid (1.140 mg per GAE/g) content using the Folin-Ciocalteu method) and qualitatively (UV-Vis, FT-IR, and EDX) characterized. The effect of dyeing parameters like pH (2-8), temperature (60-90 °C), dry-weight content of plant material as a dye (25-150% o.w.f.), and dyeing time (15-120 min) on color strength (K/S) values were assessed. Color fastness assays showed good resistance to light, washing, and rubbing. The effect of artificial aging (Xenon arc lamp) on the color strength of dyed wool yarns under different exposure times (0-48 h) was explored. The highest color fading occurred in control dyed samples with a first-order rate constant of 131.57 h-1 and a half-life period of 5.26 x 10-3 h. Color difference (ΔE) values suggested that mordanted samples showed less fading compared to control dyed samples at equal times of Xenon exposure. Additionally, the dyed samples were washed in double distilled water, tap water, and 4 g/L NaCl solution to check their effects on the corresponding K/S values while 4 g/L NaCl solution mimics the real conditions of perspiration. Maximum color leaching occurred in 4 g/L NaCl washing with a first-order rate constant of 11.57 min-1. Cost analysis of the dye extraction and dyeing procedure revealed that the process is sustainable and economical. Thus, the use of H. scabrum whole plant can provide a clean, economical, and sustainable source of alternative natural dyes that can be used to substitute synthetic analogs.

Antigenotoxic properties of the halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. highlight its potential to mitigate oxidative stress-related damage

Long-term exposure to dietary xenobiotics can induce oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract, possibly causing DNA damage and contributing to the initiation of carcinogenesis. Halophytes are exposed to constant abiotic stresses, which are believed to promote the accumulation of antioxidant metabolites like polyphenols. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties of the ethanol extract of the aerial part of the halophyte Polygonum maritimum L. (PME), which can represent a dietary source of bioactive compounds with potential to attenuate oxidative stress-related damage. The PME exhibited a high antioxidant potential, revealed by the in vitro capacity to scavenge the free radical DPPH (IC₅₀ = 2.29 ± 0.10 μg/mL) and the improved viability of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae under oxidative stress (p < 0.001, 10 min). An antigenotoxic effect of PME against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress was found in S. cerevisiae (p < 0.05) with the dominant deletion assay. In vitro colorimetric assays and LC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ analysis showed that PME is a polyphenol-rich extract composed of catechin, (epi)catechin dimer and trimers, quercetin and myricetin glycosides. Hence, P. maritimum is a source of antioxidant and antigenotoxic metabolites for application in industries that develop products to provide health benefits.

Effect of mulberry leaf or mulberry leaf extract on glycemic traits: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mulberry leaf (ML) and mulberry leaf extract (MLE) have numerous biological properties, such as regulating sugar and lipid metabolism, reducing blood glucose, and increasing insulin secretion. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to examine the effect of ML/MLE supplementation on glycemic traits in adults, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting plasma insulin (FPI). Twelve clinical trials (615 participants) fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the present meta-analysis, which included sensitivity analysis and GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) certainty. Based on the heterogeneity between included studies, a random effects model was applied in the meta-analysis, and the results are expressed as WMD (weighted mean differences) with 95% CI (confidence intervals). Meta-analysis showed that ML/MLE supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in FBG by -0.47 mmol L^-1, HbA1c by -2.92 mmol mol^-1, and FPI by -0.58 μIU mL^-1. In addition, subgroup analysis indicated that long-term supplementation of ML/MLE (≥8 weeks) was more effective for regulation of the glycemic traits in the non-healthy and baseline FPG >6.1 mmol L^-1 subgroups. Glycemic regulation by ML/MLE may be attributed to the phytochemicals they contain, which are mainly 1-deoxynojirimycin, flavonoids, phenolics, and polysaccharides.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Athyrium yokoscense extract via inhibition of the Erk1/2 and NF-κB pathways in bisphenol A-stimulated A549 cells

Bisphenol A is an environmental endocrine disruptor that has similar functions to estrogen in humans. However, few studies have investigated pulmonary inflammation induced by BPA, and the effect of Athyrium yokoscense extract on this inflammatory response is unknown. In this study, we investigated this effect in A549 human alveolar epithelial cells. BPA at concentrations higher than 100 µM were cytotoxic to A549 cells at 24 and 48 h after treatment; however, AYE (100 µg/mL) had a protective effect against BPA-induced cytotoxicity. AYE also inhibited the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 proteins, activities of phospholipase A2, COX-2, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and proinflammatory mediators including prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 induced by BPA in A549 cells. This study demonstrated that BPA, which induces chronic lung disease, causes oxidative stress and inflammatory response in lung epithelial cell line, and found that AYE reduces BPA-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response by down-regulating the Erk1/2 and NF-κB pathways.

Unravelling Phytochemical and Bioactive Potential of Three Hypericum Species from Romanian Spontaneous Flora: H. alpigenum, H. perforatum and H. rochelii

Hypericum perforatum L., also known as St. John’s Wort, is recognized worldwide as a valuable medicinal herb; however, other Hypericum species were intensively studied for their bioactive potential. To fill the research gap that exists in the scientific literature, a comparative evaluation between H. alpigenum Kit., H. perforatum L. and H. rochelii Griseb. & Schenk was conducted in the present study. Two types of herbal preparations obtained from the aerial parts of these species were analyzed: extracts obtained through maceration and extracts obtained through magnetic-stirring-assisted extraction. LC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols and flavonoid derivatives as the main constituents of the above-mentioned species. Moreover, all extracts were tested for their antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory and antimicrobial potential. Our work emphasizes for the first time a detailed description of H. rochelii phenolic fractions, including their phytochemical and bioactive characterization. In comparison with the other two studied species, H. rochelii was found as a rich source of phenolic acids and myricetin derivatives, showing important antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antibacterial activity. The study offers new perspectives regarding the chemical and bioactive profile of the less-studied species H. alpigenum and H. rochelii.

Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Eucommia ulmoides Leaves on PM2.5-Induced Inflammation and Cognitive Dysfunction

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of the ethyl acetate from Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EFEL) on PM2.5-induced cognitive impairment in BALB/c mice. EFEL improved PM2.5-induced cognitive decline by improving spontaneous alternative behavioral and long-term memory ability. EFEL increased ferric reducing activity power (FRAP) in serum. In addition, EFEL increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and inhibited the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung and brain tissues. EFEL also restored the mitochondrial function by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level, and ATP level in lung and brain tissues. EFEL ameliorated the cholinergic system by regulating the acetylcholine (ACh) content and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain tissue and the expression of AChE and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the whole brain and hippocampal tissues. EFEL reduced PM2.5-induced excessive expression of inflammatory protein related to the lung, whole brain, olfactory bulb, and hippocampus. Physiological compounds of EFEL were identified as 5-O-caffeolyquinic acid, rutin, quercetin, and quercetin glycosides. As a result, EFEL has anti-inflammation and anti-amnesic effect on PM2.5-induced cognitive impairment by regulating the inflammation and inhibiting the lung and brain tissue dysfunction, and its effect is considered to be due to the physiological compounds of EFEL.

Mulberry leaf (Morus alba L.): A review of its potential influences in mechanisms of action on metabolic diseases

The leaves of Morus alba L. (called Sangye in Chinese, ML), which belong to the genus Morus., are highly valuable edible plants in nutrients and nutraceuticals. In Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea, ML are widely used as functional foods including beverages, noodles and herbal tea because of its biological and nutritional value. Meanwhile, ML-derived products in the form of powders, extracts and capsules are widely consumed as dietary supplements for controlling blood glucose and sugar. Clinical studies showed that ML play an important role in the treatment of metabolic diseases including the diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, atherosclerosis and hypertension. People broadly use ML due to their nutritiousness, deliciousness, safety, and abundant active benefits. However, the systematic pharmacological mechanisms of ML on metabolic diseases have not been fully revealed. Therefore, in order to fully utilize and scale relevant products about ML, this review summarizes the up-to-date information about the ML and its constituents effecting on metabolic disease.

LC-MS Based Analysis and Biological Properties of Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms Extracts: A Valuable Source of Antioxidant, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Compounds

The impact of two extraction solvents on the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and enzymes inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of two parts (leaves and stem bark) of P. kotschyi was studied. Two different LC-DAD-MSⁿ approaches were used to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds in the different extracts. A total of thirty-two compounds were quantified, being the procyanidin the most abundant in stem bark while catechin and flavonoids are most abundant in leaves. Overall, the stem bark extraction using methanol showed higher amounts of total phenolic (131.83 ± 1.81 mg GAE/g) and flavanol (14.14 ± 0.11 mg CE/g) while the leaves extraction using water exhibited stronger levels of total flavonoid (44.95 ± 0.38 mg RE/g) and phenolic acid (63.58 ± 2.00 mg CAE/g). As regards the antioxidant assays, methanol stem bark extracts were characterized by the highest antioxidant activities (DPPH: 1.94 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g, ABTS: 3.31 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g, FRAP: 2.86 ± 0.02 mmol TE/g, CUPRAC: 5.09 ± 0.08 mmol TE/g, phosphomolybdenum: 5.16 ± 0.23 mmol TE/g and metal chelating: 17.12 ± 0.46 mg EDTAE/g). In addition, the methanolic extracts of stem bark had highest impact on acetylcholinesterase (2.54 mg GALAE/g), butyrylcholinesterase (5.48 mg GALAE/g). In contrast, the methanolic extracts of leaves was potent against tyrosinase (77.39 ± 0.21 mg KAE/g) and α-glucosidase (0.97 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g), while a higher anti-α–amylase (0.97 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g) was observed for water extracts of the same part. All of the tested extracts showed inhibitory effects on elastase, except methanolic leaves extracts. Additionally, the extracts exhibited appreciable antifungal toward A. ochraceus, A. fumigatus, P. ochrochloron, T. viride, and P. funiculosum and promising antibacterial activity against M. flavus, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, E. cloacae, and S. typhimurium. Taken together, the outcomes demonstrated P. kotschyi as a novel source of bioactive molecules of interest with an evident therapeutic value.

Biological insights and NMR metabolic profiling of different extracts of Spermacoce verticillata (L.) G. Mey

Spermacoce verticillata (L.) G. Mey. is commonly used in the folk medicine by various cultures to manage common diseases. Herein, the chemical and biological profiles of S. verticillata were studied in order to provide a comprehensive characterization of bioactive compounds and also to highlight the therapeutic properties. The in vitro antioxidant activity using free-radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum, ferrous-ion chelating and reducing power assays, and the inhibitory activity against key enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase of S. verticillata extracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) were investigated. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content were observed in the methanolic and aqueous extracts. Exhaustive 2DNMR investigation has revealed the presence of rutin, ursolic and oleanoic acids. The methanolic extract, followed by aqueous extract have showed remarkable free radical quenching and reducing ability, while the dichloromethane extract was the best source of metal chelators. The tested extracts showed notable inhibitory activity against cholinesterases (AChE: 1.63 - 4.99 mg GALAE/g extract and BChE: 12.40 - 15.48 mg GALAE/g extract) and tyrosinase (60.85 - 159.64 mg KAE/g extract). No inhibitory activity was displayed by ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts against BChE and tyrosinase, respectively. All the tested extracts showed modest α-amylase inhibitory activity, while only the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts were potent against α-glycosidase. This study further validates the use of S. verticillata in the traditional medicine, while advocating for further investigation for phytomedicine development.

UHPLC-MS Chemical Fingerprinting and Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, and Enzyme Inhibition Potential of Gaultheria pumila Berries

Gaultheria pumila (Ericaceae) (known as Chaura or Mutilla) is a Chilean native small shrub that produces berry fruits consumed by local Mapuche people. In this study, the chemical fingerprinting and antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative activities of the berries were investigated for the first time. Thirty-six metabolites were identified in the fruits by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection, hyphenated with Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-DAD-Orbitrap-MS). Metabolites, included anthocyanins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, diterpenes, and fatty acids. Moderate inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (7.7 ± 0.3 µg/mL), butyrylcholinesterase (34.5 ± 0.5 µg/mL), and tyrosinase (3.3 ± 0.2 µg/mL) enzymes were found. Moreover, selected major compounds were subjected to docking assays in light of their experimental inhibition. Results indicated that hydrogen bonding, π–π interaction, and a salt bridge interaction contributed significantly. Gaultheria pumila berries showed a total phenolic content of 189.2 ± 0.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g, total flavonoid content of 51.8 ± 0.1 mg quercetin equivalents/g, and total anthocyanin content of 47.3 ± 0.2 mg of cianydin-3-glucoside equivalents/g. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH (92.8 ± 0.1 µg/mL), FRAP (134.1 ± 0.1 μmol Trolox equivalents/g), and ORAC (4251.6 ± 16.9 μmol Trolox equivalents/g) assays. Conversely, Gaultheria pumila showed a scarce antiproliferative potential against several solid human cancer cells. Our findings suggest that Gaultheria pumila berries have several bioactive metabolites with inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase, and have the potential for use in food supplements.

Bougainvillea glabra (choisy): A comprehensive review on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bougainvillea glabra (Choisy). (Family: Nyctinaginacea) is a valuable ornamental plant with culinary uses and also utilized in traditional medicine for treating common ailments. It is traditionally employed against several diseases such as diarrhoea, hypotension, intestinal disorders, stomachache, nausea, inflammation-related ailments, and in pain management. Though widely validated via in vitro and in vivo models, to date no endeavour has been made to compile in a single review the traditional, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of B. glabra.

AIMS

To provide an up-to-date, authoritative review with respect to the traditional uses, chemical composition, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties, and toxicological estimations accomplished either utilizing the crude extracts or, wherever applicable, the bioactive compounds isolated from B. glabra. Besides, a critical evaluation of the published literature has been undertaken with regards to the current biochemical and toxicological data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Key databases per se, Ovid, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google scholar amongst others were probed for a systematic search using keywords to retrieve relevant publications on this plant. A total of 52 articles were included for the review depending on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

The studies conducted on either crude extracts, solvent fractions or isolated pure compounds from B. glabra had reported a varied range of biological effects comprising antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Phytochemical analysis of different parts of B. glabra unveiled 105 phytochemicals, belonging to phenolic, flavonoid, betacyanin, terpenoid, glycoside and essential oils classes of secondary metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Most of the pharmacological activities of crude extracts from this plant have been reported. A very few studies have reported the isolation of compounds responsible for observed biological potential of this plant. Moreover, the toxicity studies of this plant still need to be explored comprehensively to ensure its safety parameters. Additional investigations are recommended to transmute the ethnopharmacological claims of this plant species in folklore medicines into scientific rationale-based information.

Nine prenylated acylphloroglucinols with potential anti-depressive and hepatoprotective activities from Hypericum scabrum

In our screening program for new biologically active secondary metabolites, nine new polycyclic polyprenyled acylphloroglucinols, hyperscabins D-L, together with three known compounds, were obtained from the aerial parts of Hypericum scabrum. The chemical structures of 1-9 were characterized by extensive spectroscopic analyses, nuclear magnetic resonance calculation with DP4+ probability analysis, and the electronic circular dichroism spectra were calculated. Compound 1 was an unusual prenylated acylphloroglucinol decorated with a 5-oxaspiro [4,5] deca-1,9-dione skeleton. Compound 2 was a newly identified spirocyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol possessing a rare 5,5-spiroketal segment. Compounds 3, 8, and 10 (10 μM) exhibited pronounced hepatoprotective activity against d-galactosamine-induced WB-F344 cell damage in vitro assays. All test compounds (1, 3, and 7-12) demonstrated potential inhibitory effects at 10 μM against noradrenalinet ([³H]-NE) reuptake in rat brain synaptosome.

Detection of flavone C-glycosides in the extracts from the bark of Prunus avium L. and Prunus cerasus L

The extracts from the bark of Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus have been analyzed by using high pressure liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. For the first time in the bark of Prunus species flavonoid C-glycosides have been detected. On the basis of the characteristic fragmentation patterns of their [M-H]^- and [M + H]⁺ ions, three flavonoid C-glycosides have been identified, namely apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside (vicenin-2), apigenin-6-C-glucoside (isovitexin) and chrysin-8-C-glucoside. Taking into account the widely studied biological activities of flavonoid C-glycosides, the barks of these common fruit trees seem to be interesting materials of potential medical or cosmetic application.

Pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside: a lignan from prunes (Prunus domestica) attenuates oxidative stress, hyperglycaemia and hepatic toxicity in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the pharmacological properties of pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PG), isolated from prunes.

METHODS

In-vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]-diammonium salt (ABTS) assays. In-vivo hepatoprotective activity was evaluated using CCl₄ -induced hepatotoxicity mouse model. The antihyperglycaemic activity was determined in vitro using α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibiting activity and in vivo using streptozotocin-treated model. Molecular modelling was done on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, aldose reductase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma.

KEY FINDINGS

Pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside showed promising antioxidant activity in FRAP and ABTS assays with total antioxidant capacity equal 418.47 and 1091.3 µmol/g in terms of ascorbic acid, respectively. PG (50 mg/kg b.w.) exhibited a hepatoprotective activity in vivo as it lowered AST and ALT levels. PG showed a potent in-vitro antihyperglycaemic activity as it inhibited α-glucosidase with an IC₅₀ value of 48.13 μg/ml. PG caused a prominent decline in serum glucose level by 37.83% in streptozotocin-treated mice with promising elevation in insulin level of 25.37%. Oxidative stress markers were reduced by PG, and it showed a high fitting on α-amylase and α-glucosidase active sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside is a natural entity combating oxidative stress, hepatic damage and diabetes.

A GC-MS method validation for quantitative investigation of some chemical markers in Salvia hypargeia Fisch. & C.A. Mey. of Turkey: Enzyme inhibitory potential of ferruginol

In the present study, a GC-MS method used for quantitative screening of 26 compounds (sclareolide, sclareol, ferruginol, cryptanol, 6,7-dehydroroyleanone, suginal, 9,10-dihydro-7,8-dimethyl-2-(1-methylethyl) phenanthren-3-ol, sugiol, inuroyleanone, 12-demethylmulticauline, 7α-hydroxy-β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, salvigenin, sinensetin, α-amyrin, lupeol, lupenone, 3-acetyl lupeol, 1α,21α-dihydroxy-2,3-(1'1'-dimethyl-dioxymethylene) urs-9(11),12-dien, uvaol, betulin, pyxinol, lup-(20),29-ene-2α-hydroxy-3β-acetate, betulin 3β, 28β-diacetate, 21α-hydroxy,2α,3β-diacetoxy urs-9(11),12-dien) specific to Turkish Salvia species was developed and validated. According to the GC-MS analysis results, Salvia hypargeia Fisch. & C.A. Mey. roots were found to be rich in ferruginol (30787.97 µg/g extract) and lupenone (23276.21 µg/g extract), and leaves in lupeol (20625.92 µg/g extract). Additionally, the essential oil and aroma contents of this species were identified by GC-MS technique. According to the LC-MS/MS results, especially S. hypargeia leaf extract was rich in rosmarinic acid (38035.7 µg/g extract) and isoquercitrin (4136.91 µg/g extract). Furthermore, anticholinesterase, antiurease, antityrosinase and antielastase inhibitory, antioxidant, cytotoxic activities of the ethanol extracts, essential oil, and major components of the species were evaluated. Antioxidant potentials of all extracts of this species were quite high in all studied antioxidant methods. Moreover, butyrylcholinesterase and elastase inhibitory capacities of ferruginol, the major component of S. hypargeia roots, were notable. For these reasons, this species has a high potential for food and pharmaceutical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This new GC-MS method was applied to S. hypargeia Fisch. & C.A. Mey. and it indicated that this species possessed high amount of ferruginol and lupeol, and that this species could be used for their natural sources. According to the results of the activity studies (antioxidant, anticholinesterase, tyrosinase, elastase, and cytotoxic), this method was used to exhibit which compound may be responsible for the activities. This developed and validated method could be easily applied to determine major/active/toxic secondary metabolites of Salvia species which are used and/or could be used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

Phytochemical Analysis, Network Pharmacology and in Silico Investigations on Anacamptis pyramidalis Tuber Extracts

Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) Rich. forms part of the Orchidaceae family that is highlyvalued for its horticultural as well as therapeutic benefits. The present study set out to investigatethe inhibitory activity of A. pyramidalis tubers against key biological targets for the management oftype 2 diabetes, Alzheimer disease, and skin hyperpigmentation. In addition, the antioxidantpotential of the extracts was also assessed using multiple methods. The detailed phytochemicalprofiles of the extracts were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Based onqualitative phytochemical fingerprint, a network pharmacology analysis was conducted as well.Parishin was identified from the water extract only, whereas gastrodin and caffeic acid derivativeswere present in the methanol extract. The methanol extract exhibited high inhibitory activityagainst tyrosinase (69.69 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), α-amylase (15.76 mg acarboseequivalent/g extract), and α-glucosidase (20.07 mg acarbose equivalent/g extract). Similarly, themethanol extract showed highest antioxidant potential (22.12, 44.23, 45.56, and 29.38 mg Troloxequivalent/g extract, for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC),and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays, respectively). Finally, the results ofnetwork pharmacology analysis, besides corroborating traditional uses of plant extracts in themanagement of cold and flu, confirmed a direct involvement of identified phytochemicals in theobserved enzyme inhibitory effects, especially against tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase.Furthermore, based on the results of both colorimetric assays and network pharmacology analysis related to the activity of A. pyramidalis extracts and identified phytocompounds on enzymesinvolved in type 2 diabetes, a docking study was conducted in order to investigate the putativeinteractions of oxo-dihydroxy octadecenoic acid trihydroxy octadecenoic acid against aldosereductase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV,and α-glucosidase. Docking analysis suggested the inhibitory activity of these compounds againstthe aforementioned enzymes, with a better inhibitory profile shown by oxo-dihydroxyoctadecenoic acid. Overall, the present findings supported the rationale for the use of A.pyramidalis as source of bioactive metabolites and highlight, today more than ever, for the strongnecessity of linkage strategy between wild resource valorization and conservation policy.

Chemical characterization, computational analysis and biological views on Daphne gnidioides Jaub. & Spach extracts: Can a new raw material be provided for biopharmaceutical applications?

The scientific world tends to turn to natural products such as medicinal and aromatic plants because of the inadequacy of commercially available synthetic drugs as antibiotics or anticancer, and their adverse effects on healthy tissues. One of these plants is Daphne gnidioides Jaub. & Spach, which belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family, and there is no data in the literature on its biological activity. This study is aimed to elucidate the chemical profiles and in vitro anticancer, antibacterial and DNA protection and enzyme inhibitory properties of methanol extracts of root, stem, and leaf of D. gnidioides Jaub. & Spach. Polyphenolic components of the extracts were characterized by HPLC-MS/MS. The highest phenolic content was detected in the leaf extract (TIPC = 43.5 ± 0.5 mg/g DE), followed by stem (TIPC = 27.3 ± 0.7 mg/g DE) and root (TIPC = 18.3 ± 0.2 mg/g DE) extracts. Vicenin-2 and 3-O-p-coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid were the main identified compounds in leaf and both root and stem extracts, respectively. The extracts did not show any protective effect on DNA against experimental Fenton's reagent. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration values for the root and leaf extracts against tested bacterial strains ranged from 31.25 to 500 μg/mL. After 48 h interaction of the cancer cell lines with the extracts, only the stem extract had significant cytotoxicity on HeLa cells (IC50 = 86.16 μg/mL). No remarkable activity of the extracts, which was tested against MDA-MB-231, was detected (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL). These data showed that D. gnidioides Jaub. & Spach stem extract inhibited the survival of HeLa cells in a time-dependent manner. After the treatment of IC50 concentration of stem extract with HeLa cells, an increase in LC3-II autophagic gene expression was detected. Also, the extracts exhibited significant tyrosinase inhibitory effects which were confirmed by molecular docking. To sum up, the tested extracts could be used as a starting point for the development of new multifunctional drugs.

Untargeted metabolomic profiling of three Crataegus species (hawthorn) and their in vitro biological activities

BACKGROUND

In this investigation, the chemical and biological profiles of three Turkish Crataegus species (Crataegus orientalis, Crataegus szovitsii and Crataegus tanacetifolia) were studied in order to provide the first comprehensive characterization and their health-promoting potential. In this respect, polyphenolic profiles were evaluated using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the Crataegus samples were evaluated by using free-radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum, ferrous-ion chelating, and reducing power assays. The inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, amylase, cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)), and tyrosinase were also established.

RESULTS

The untargeted metabolomic approach highlighted the effect of both extraction types and species on the phenolic profiles of different Crateagus tissues (i.e. leaves and twigs). The methanolic extracts showed the maximum radical scavenging and reducing activity in all test systems, whereas for ferrous-ion chelating assays the decocted and infused extracts showed the highest activity. Only the methanolic extracts were effective against AChE and BChE. The extract tested showed remarkable inhibitory effects against tyrosinase and α-glucosidase, whereas all the extracts exhibited modest inhibition against α-amylase. Overall, the twig extracts of the three species studied showed superior antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of these results, the three Crataegus species can be classified as potent bioresources for high-value phytochemicals, which warrant further investigations for developing novel nutraceuticals. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Novel insights into the fruit and seed extracts of Morinda morindoides (Baker) Milne-Redh: HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS profiling, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory propensities

In this study, we attempted for the first time to determine the phytochemical compositions and biopharmaceutical properties of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of Morinda morindoides fruits and seeds. Antioxidant propensities of the extracts were determined via free radical-scavenging, phosphomolybdenum, metal chelating, and reducing power assays. Inhibitory activities against cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase were assessed. Moreover, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS) analysis was performed to establish the chemical profile of the investigated extracts. The tested extracts showed remarkable antioxidant abilities with aqueous fruit extract being most potent in all assays, except for ferrous ion chelating assay. Overall, the methanolic extracts were potent inhibitors of the tested enzymes. In conclusion, M. morindoides may be endorsed as promising sources of bioactive compounds and used for designing functional foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In recent years, new compounds from plant sources have attracted great interest to design functional foods. Thus, we aimed to detect biological and chemical properties of Morinda morindoides fruits and seeds, a widely used as food with medicinal properties in Africa. Based on our findings, fruits extracts exhibited stronger activity when compared to seed extracts. Also, chemical identification was performed for each extracts. The presented findings could provide valuable information into the pool of scientific knowledge and may be basis for the design of novel functional applications from M. morindoides.

Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Limonium delicatulum (Girard) Kuntze and Limonium quesadense Erben

In this work, we report the phytochemical composition and bioactive potential of methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves from Limonium delicatulum (Girard) Kuntze and Limonium quesadense Erben. The characterization and quantitation of individual phytochemicals were performed with liquid chromatography with diode array and electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry detection. Myricetin glycosides were abundant in L. delicatulum, whereas L. quesadense was rich in gallo(epi)catechin-O-gallate. Total phenolics, flavonols, and flavonoids were assayed with conventional methods. Antioxidant and radical scavenging assays (phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and metal chelating activity), as well as enzyme inhibitory assays (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, glucosidase, and lipase), were performed to evaluate the potential bioactivity. The methanolic extracts of both species presented higher phenolic content and bioactivity than the aqueous extracts. Overall, L. quesadense extracts exhibited the most potent activity for most assays, representing a potential source of bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Toxicity assessment of Hypericum olympicum subsp. olympicum L. on human lymphocytes and breast cancer cell lines

There is a limited number of studies about the constituents of Hypericum olympicum subsp. olympicum and its genotoxic and cytotoxic potency. We examined the possible antigenotoxic/genotoxic properties of methanolic extract of H. olympicum subsp. olympicum (HOE) on human lymphocytes by employing sister chromatid exchange, micronucleus and comet assay and analyzed its chemical composition by GCxGC-TOF/MS. The anti-growth activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines was assessed by using the ATP viability assay. Cell death mode was investigated with fluorescence staining and ELISA assays. The major components of the flower and trunk were determined as eicosane, heptacosane, 2-propen-1-ol, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and α-muurolene. HOE caused significant DNA damage at selected doses (250-750 µg/ml) while chromosomal damage was observed at higher concentrations (500 and 750 µg/ml). HOE demonstrated anti-growth activity in a dose-dependent manner between 3.13-100 µg/ml. Pyknotic nuclei were observed at 100 µg/ml concentration of HOE in both cell lines. In conclusion, HOE demonstrated cytotoxic effects in a cell type-dependent manner, however its genotoxic effects were observed at relatively higher doses.

Pereira C, Stefanucci A, Mollica A, Zengin G, Llorent-Martínez EJ, Castilho PC, Custódio L. Phenolic Profile, Toxicity, Enzyme Inhibition, In Silico Studies, and Antioxidant Properties of Cakile maritima Scop. (Brassicaceae) from Southern Portugal

Cakile maritima Scop. (sea rocket) is an edible halophyte plant with several ethnomedicinal uses. This work reports the chemical profile and bioactivities of food grade extracts from sea rocket organs. Toxicity was determined on mammalian cells, and phenolic profiling and the quantitation of the main metabolites were made by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Enzymatic inhibition was determined towards acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE, BuChE), α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and tyrosinase. Docking studies were performed to tyrosinase, on the major metabolites, and samples were tested for antioxidant properties. Extracts were not toxic, were constituted mainly by flavonoids, and some compounds (roseoside and oleuropein) are here described for the first time in the species. The aerial organs' ethanol extract had relevant activity towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH, half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 0.59 mg/mL], and ferric-reducing activity power (FRAP, IC50 = 0.99 mg/mL). All samples were more active towards AChE than on BuChE. The ethanol fruits' extract inhibited α-glucosidase [2.19 mmol of equivalent of acarbose (ACAE)/g]. Samples were active against tyrosinase, especially the aerial organs' ethanol extracts [25.9 mg of equivalent of kojic acid (KAE)/g]. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides fit well into the enzymatic pocket of tyrosinase. Our results suggest sea rocket as a candidate to be further explored as a source of bioactive products.

Phenolic Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Berberis thunbergii DC. Leaves: A Valuable Source of Phenolic Acids

Berberis species are known for their use in traditional medicine. Here, we report the phenolic composition and bioactivity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Berberis thunbergii DC. leaves. The phenolic profiling and the quantitation of the main compounds were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometry detections. The most abundant compounds in both extracts were caffeoylquinic acids (chlorogenic acid, particularly, with a concentration of 90.1–101.3 mg g⁻¹ dried extract), followed by caffeoylglucaric acids and quercetin glycosides. Antioxidant and radical scavenging assays (phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, metal chelating activity), as well as enzyme inhibitory assays (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, glucosidase, and lipase), were carried out to evaluate the potential bioactivity of B. thunbergii. The methanolic extract presented the highest antioxidant and radical scavenging values, in agreement with its higher phenolic content. Regarding enzyme inhibitory potential, the methanolic extract was also more potent than the aqueous one. Hence, B. thunbergii leaves represent a suitable candidate for the preparation of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products.

Recent Trends in the Application of Chromatographic Techniques in the Analysis of Luteolin and Its Derivatives

Luteolin is a flavonoid often found in various medicinal plants that exhibits multiple biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. Commercially available medicinal plants and their preparations containing luteolin are often used in the treatment of hypertension, inflammatory diseases, and even cancer. However, to establish the quality of such preparations, appropriate analytical methods should be used. Therefore, the present paper provides the first comprehensive review of the current analytical methods that were developed and validated for the quantitative determination of luteolin and its C- and O-derivatives including orientin, isoorientin, luteolin 7-O-glucoside and others. It provides a systematic overview of chromatographic analytical techniques including thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), liquid chromatography (LC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and counter-current chromatography (CCC), as well as the conditions used in the determination of luteolin and its derivatives in plant material.

Chemical profiling of Centaurea bornmuelleri Hausskn. aerial parts by HPLC-MS/MS and their pharmaceutical effects: From nature to novel perspectives

Ethnobotanical evidences substantiate the use of several Centaurea species to treat and/or manage several human ailments. In the present study, the phytochemical profile of the ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts (prepared by infusion and decoction) of Centaurea bornmuelleri Hausskn. aerial parts was established. The enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant properties were also determined by in vitro bioassays. Methanol extract (38.58 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and ethyl acetate extract (38.83 mg rutin equivalent/g extract) possessed the highest concentration of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. Aqueous extract prepared following traditional infusion method showed potent DPPH (38.54 mg TE/g extract) and ABTS (57.75 mg TE/g extract) scavenging abilities. The methanol extract (101.46 mg TE/g extract) of C. bornmuelleri exhibited potent reducing activity in the CUPRAC assay while the aqueous extract obtained by infusion was more active in the FRAP assay (69.81 mg TE/g extract). Ethyl acetate extract of C. bornmuelleri inhibited both acetylcholinesterase (1.14 mg galantamine equivalent [GALAE]/g extract), butyrylcholinesterase (0.63 mg GALAE/g extract), tyrosinase (69.84 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), amylase (19.90 mg acarbose equivalent [ACAE]/g extract), and glucosidase (33.12 mg ACAE/g extract). The phytochemical profile of C. bornmuelleri has been characterized and the main components quantified in order to provide scientific base to design innovative products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or nutraceuticals although further investigation concerning the isolation of the main bioactive compounds would be required.

Phytochemical profile, mineral content, and antioxidant activity of Olea europaea L. cv. Cornezuelo table olives. Influence of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion

The main goals of this study were to determine the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of table olives from Olea europaea L. cv. Cornezuelo, as well as the effect caused by a simulated in vitro digestion to evaluate compounds bioavailability. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array and mass spectrometry detection (HPLC-DAD-MSⁿ) was used to evaluate the phytochemical profile, whereas conventional spectrophotometric methods (ABTS·⁺ and DPPH) were used to determine the antioxidant activity. The mineral content was also quantified by inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry. Thirty compounds were identified, mainly polyphenols, quantifying the major compounds by HPLC-DAD. After the simulated digestion, the phenolic content suffered an important decrease - more than 50% - reaching losses of up to 75% for oleuropein and comselogoside isomers. This decrease also resulted in a loss of antioxidant activity, observing significant differences for all parameters. However, the analyzed extracts still retained considerable antioxidant potential.

Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of Jasonia glutinosa herbal tea. Influence of simulated gastrointestinal in vitro digestion

In order to value J. glutinosa DC (rock tea), we characterised its phenolic profile and antioxidant activity. The study was performed in aqueous extracts before and after a simulated in vitro digestion to obtain data regarding phenolics bioavailability. Methanolic extracts were also analysed for comparison purposes. Phytochemical profiles were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection, whereas total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant assays were performed by conventional spectrophotometric methods. The most abundant compounds were dicaffeoylquinic acids, representing more than 90% of phenolics in tea infusions. Statistically significant differences were observed for all parameters except for TPC in methanol and aqueous extracts. Both phenolics amount and antioxidant activities were lower after the in vitro digestion of the infusions. However, although phenolics were lost during the simulated digestion, rock tea is still a good source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical industries.

Parentucellia latifolia subsp. latifolia: A potential source for loganin iridoids by HPLC-ESI-MSn technique

This study attempts to compare the pharmaceutical potential (antioxidant and key enzyme inhibition of clinical relevance) of organic and aqueous extracts of Parentucellia latifolia (L.) Caruel subsp. latifolia (L.) Caruel as well as phytochemical composition. The phytochemical compounds were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods (for total amounts) and HPLC-ESI-DAD-MSⁿ (for individual compounds). The extracts were screened for antioxidant abilities by in vitro assays. Inhibition effects were also investigated against a set of enzymes linked to major health problems. Generally, the methanol (MeOH) and aqueous extracts displayed higher scavenging abilities on radicals and reductive effects when compared with the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract. On the other hand, the EtOAc extract was the most active inhibitor on cholinesterases (1.81-1.88 mg GALAE/g), amylase (0.70 mmol ACAE/g), glucosidase (2.85 mmol ACAE/g) and lipase (33.24 mg OE/g). The highest TPC was observed in the aqueous extract (25.07 mg GAE/g) while MeOH extract possessed the highest level of TFC (44.15 mg RE/g) and TPAC (3.46 mg CE/g). LC-MSⁿ metabolite profiling indicated that loganin and its isomers, rutin, and luteolin-O-hexoside were the most abundant compounds. Our results suggest that P. latifolia may be valuable source of phyto-agents for the management of noncommunicable diseases.

Pharmacological and polyphenolic profiles of Phyllanthus phillyreifolius var. commersonii Müll. Arg: An unexplored endemic species from Mauritius

Phyllanthus phillyreifolius var. commersonii Müll. Arg is an endemic plant of Mauritius. To date, no study has been performed concerning its polyphenolic profile and pharmacological properties. In this study, a decoction (water), ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the aerial parts of P. phillyreifolius, obtained from different extraction procedures (maceration and Soxhlet), were studied for antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and enzyme inhibitory properties along with their polyphenolic profile. The ethyl acetate macerated extract showed high antibacterial activity against B. cereus (MIC = 0.293 mg/mL) and E. coli (MIC = 0.417 mg/mL) while S. epidermidis was most susceptible to the ethyl acetate-Soxhlet extract (MIC = 0.521 mg/mL). The methanol-Soxhlet extract displayed the most potent cupric and ferric reducing power, and metal chelating effect, while the macerated methanolic extract was the most effective DPPH and ABTS scavenger, and BChE inhibitor. Only the ethyl acetate-Soxhlet extract exhibited α-glucosidase inhibition. All extracts exhibited a strong anti-tyrosinase activity, which was further investigated by molecular docking and molecular dynamic. After 48 h exposure to the extracts for HeLa cell lines, the ethyl acetate-Soxhlet extract showed the highest inhibition (IC₅₀ = 533.1 μg/mL) while the decoction extract was more cytotoxic to MDA-MB-231 cells (IC₅₀ = 337.4 μg/mL). Treatment of cancer cell lines with all P. phillyreifolius extracts resulted in a time-dependent reduction of cell viability for HeLa and dose-and time-dependent reduction for MDA-MB-231. Gene expression ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was higher for all Soxhlet-extracts. Total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content were highest in the decoction and methanol-Soxhlet extract, respectively (122.43 mg GAE/g extract and 31.28 mg RE/g extract, respectively). The extracts were abundant in ellagitannins, although phenolic acids and flavonoids were also detected. Granatin B was detected for the first time in Phyllanthus species. Overall, the aerial parts of P. phillyreifolius exemplify a potent reservoir of bioactive phytochemicals for therapeutic applications.

Chemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties of two Scutellaria species: S. orientalis L. and S. salviifolia Benth

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates into the biological effects of solvent extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of Scutellaria orientalis L. and Scutellaria salviifolia Benth. based on its enzyme inhibitory activity and antioxidant ability together with the screening of bioactive compounds.

METHODS

Total and individual bioactive components were determined using spectrophotometric and HPLC-ESI-MS methods. Six antioxidant assays were conducted and enzyme inhibition was tested against key enzymes linked to the pathology of common chronic disorders.

KEY FINDINGS

Results revealed that the aqueous extracts of both plants exerted better 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The methanol extracts showed highest tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity in phosphomolybdenum assay while the less polar ethyl acetate extracts showed better acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and α-amylase inhibition. Phytochemical evaluation by HPLC-ESI-MS revealed the presence of high amounts of flavones.

CONCLUSIONS

Scutellaria orientalis and S. salviifolia are important sources of bioactive agents that warrants further studies.