Comparative study of biological activities and multicomponent pattern of two wild Turkish species: Asphodeline anatolica and Potentilla speciosa

Chemical exploration of different extracts from Phytolacca americana leaves and their potential utilization for global health problems: ın silico and network pharmacology validation

Phytolacca americana L. is of great interest as a traditional additive in various folk remedies in several countries, including Turkey. We aimed to determine the chemical profile (assisted by high-Performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass apectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) experiments of three extracts obtained by different polarity solvents viz. ethyl acetate (to extract semipolar compounds), methanol and water (to extract highly polar metabolites) from P. americana leaves. Their anti-diabetic effects were investigated in vitro by assessing their inhibition toα-amylase and α-glucosidase. Assessment of the neuroprotective potential of the three extracts was carried out against acetyl-(AChE) and butyryl-(BChE) cholinesterase enzymes. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS experiments showed a total of 17 chromatographic peaks primarily classified to six flavonoids, two saponins, and six fatty acids. Antioxidant assays revealed remarkable activity for the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. The BChE inhibition was considerably more significant (4.08 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g) for the ethyl acetate extract, whereas the methanol extract had good inhibitory efficacy for AChE (2.05 mg GALAE/g). Through network pharmacology, the compounds' mechanism of action of targeted key gene in their associated diseases were identified. The hubb gene signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and tumour necrosis factor (TNFα) where the P. americana compound's site of action in inflammation bowel disease. The results offer possibilities for the prospective application of P. americana in metabolic regulation, blood glucose control, and as a source of bioactive compounds with cholinesterase enzyme inhibitory characteristics which could be of relevance in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry for combating melanogenesis.

Six new triterpenoids from the root of Potentilla reptans and their cardioprotective effects in silico

Tormentic acid ester glucosides derivatives (1, 2 and 4), 3-oxoursane ester glycoside (3) and 11-methoxy-ursane ester glycosides (5, 6) as six new triterpenoids, along with catechin were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Potentilla reptans root (Et) methanolic extract. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR, IR and MS spectroscopy. Additionally, isolated triterpenoid compounds (1-6) and catechin were evaluated for their cardioprotective effects via glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and glucocorticoid regulated kinase-1 (SGK1) protein kinase inhibition by Molecular Docking. Compound 1 and catechin (compound 7) exhibited significant inhibitory effects against GSK-3β and SGK1 protein kinases with a binding energy value -9.1 and -8.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Hence, Et can be a suitable natural candidate to protect cardiomyocytes injury.

Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Bioactive Properties of Tisanes Prepared from Promising Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

The chemical composition and biological properties correlation in several medicinal and aromatic plants is still underexplored, especially in its most common form of consumption as tisane. The present study aims to characterize the organic acids and vitamin E composition of five tisanes and their extracts by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and HPLC coupled to a fluorescence detector techniques, respectively, and the phenolic composition by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS (mass spectrometry by electrospray ionization). It also focuses on their bioactive properties, namely antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-diabetic activities. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed in order to understand the correlation between the chemical composition and bioactive properties of the tisanes. The tisane 5 (T5) composed by lemon thyme, tutsan, cloves, and cinnamon, was the most promising mixture, presenting the lowest values for the lipid peroxidation inhibition, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activity. It also presented the highest concentration of phenolic acids (caffeoylquinic acids derivatives), and flavan-3-ols (catechin derivatives). Only the dry plants presented tocopherols. For the antihemolytic, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity, T2 and T4 (with lemon thyme) were highlighted as the best herbal mixtures. The PCA proved to be a valid tool to select the most promising tisane according to the bioactivity. These results suggest that the studied tisanes can be source of high added-value bioactive compounds with health-promoting effects and potential for application in the food and nutraceutical industries, among others.

Recent phytochemical and pharmacological advances in the genus Potentilla L. sensu lato - An update covering the period from 2009 to 2020

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Potentilla plants are still common herbal medicines used in folk medicine. This review provides an update of research undertaken on Potentilla from 2009 until 2020.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This comprehensive review considers biological updates, recent advances in phytochemical and pharmacological research, and toxicological reports on Potentilla sensu lato based on available data since 2009.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using available databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Until now, more than 210 new and known compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and phenolic compounds, have been confirmed and elucidated for numerous Potentilla species, i.e., in the underground and aerial parts of this genus. Modern pharmacology studies have revealed that those structures are responsible for a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as anti-neoplastic, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antibacterial and anti-yeast effects.

CONCLUSIONS

However, in vitro studies must be re-considered due to the discovery of urolithins and their origins, including microbiota, which can lead to different results when applying Potentilla species and their extracts to in vivo conditions. Thus, future research should focus more on in vivo and particularly clinical studies to confirm the validity and safety of traditional uses. Particularly, the use of Potentilla alba extracts in the treatment of thyroid gland disorders should be further explored to confirm the underlying mechanism of their action, efficacy and safety. In addition, more clinical studies should focus on Potentilla erecta rhizome extracts for application as herbal remedies against dysentery, diarrhoea and inflammation of the skin.

Exploring the Nutraceutical Potential of Dried Pepper Capsicum annuum L. on Market from Altino in Abruzzo Region

Sweet pepper is a typical type of Capsicum annuum from Abruzzo region, recognized as a traditional and local product, traditionally cultivated in the town of Altino (Abruzzo region, Italy). The aim of this study is to compare the sweet type of peppers from Altino with the hot pepper cultivated in the same area, in order to delineate their different phytochemical and biological profiles in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we elucidated their phytochemical composition, fatty acids composition and phenolic/flavonoid contents in extracts. Then antioxidant and enzyme inhibition assays were performed to evaluate their biological properties, together with in vitro cell assay and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Microwave (1000 mg/mL) extract of hot pepper showed the best inhibition value on in vitro cell growth assay; in fact, the number of survived cells was about 20% and 40% for microwave and Soxhlet extracts, respectively. In vivo anti-inflammatory assay revealed good activity for both species, which, when associated with in vitro cell inhibition results, could explain the protective effect on human prostatic hyperplasia.

Metabolomics profiling and biological properties of root extracts from two Asphodelus species: A. albus and A. aestivus

The pharmacological properties of Asphodelus species have been advocated previously. In this respect, the present study attempts to unravel the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity of root extracts of two Asphodelus species, namely, A. albus and A. aestivus. Data gathered demonstrated that the dichloromethane (25.49, 51.30, 104.31, and 81.58 mg Trolox equivalents [TEs]/g, for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH], 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) [ABTS], cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC], and ferric reducing antioxidant power[FRAP] assays respectively) and ethyl acetate (20.60, 41.86, 89.07, and 57.85 mg TEs/g, for DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays respectively) extracts of A. albus roots showed highest radical scavenging and reducing potential. These findings were in accordance with total phenolic content observed which showed the highest phenolic content of A. albus dichloromethane (30.74 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAEs]/g) and ethyl acetate (23.41 mg GAEs/g) extracts. Interestingly, A. albus and A. aestivus root extracts were active inhibitors of tyrosinase and lipase, with values varying from 56.52 to 71.49 mg kojic acid equivalent/g and 34.88 to 86.32 mg orlistat equivalent/g, respectively. Flavonoids, anthraquinones, and phenolic acids were identified as main individual compounds in chemical profile analysis. This is the first report of the presence of aloin A, aloin B, and aloesin in species other than in Aloe. Scientific evidences gathered from this study claimed the biological activity of the studied Asphodelus species and provided rationale for further investigations which might lead to the development of novel pharmacophores to alleviate oxidative stress related complications, obesity, as well as, skin hyperpigmentation complications.

Multidirectional Pharma-Toxicological Study on Harpagophytum procumbens DC. ex Meisn.: An IBD-Focused Investigation

In the present study, we investigated the water extract of Harpagophytum procumbens DC. ex Meisn. in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Additionally, a microbiological investigation was carried out to discriminate the efficacy against bacterial and fungal strains involved in IBDs. Finally, an untargeted proteomic analysis was conducted on more than one hundred colon proteins involved in tissue morphology and metabolism. The extract was effective in blunting the production of oxidative stress and inflammation, including serotonin, prostaglandins, cytokines, and transcription factors. Additionally, the extract inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and C. tropicalis. The extract was also able to exert a pro-homeostatic effect on the levels of a wide plethora of colon proteins, thus corroborating a protective effect. Conversely, the supraphysiological downregulation of cytoskeletal-related proteins involved in tissue morphology and antimicrobial barrier function suggests a warning in the use of food supplements containing H. procumbens extracts.

Liquid Phase and Microwave-Assisted Extractions for Multicomponent Phenolic Pattern Determination of Five Romanian Galium Species Coupled with Bioassays

Background: Galium is a plant rich in iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and small amounts of essential oils and vitamin C. Recent works showed the antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antioxidant activity of this plant genus. Methods: For the determination of the multicomponent phenolic pattern, liquid phase microextraction procedures were applied, combined with HPLC-PDA instrument configuration in five Galium species aerial parts (G. verum, G. album, G. rivale, G. pseudoaristatum, and G. purpureum). Dispersive Liquid–Liquid MicroExtraction (DLLME) with NaCl and NAtural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) medium and Ultrasound-Assisted (UA)-DLLME with β-cyclodextrin medium were optimized. Results: The optimal DLLME conditions were found to be: 10 mg of the sample, 10% NaCl, 15% NADES or 1% β-cyclodextrin as extraction solvent—400 μL of ethyl acetate as dispersive solvent—300 μL of ethanol, vortex time—30 s, extraction time—1 min, centrifugation at 12000× g for 5 min. Conclusions: These results were compared with microwave-assisted extraction procedures. G. purpureum and G. verum extracts showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, respectively. The most potent extract in terms of antioxidant capacity was obtained from G. purpureum, whereas the extract obtained from G. album exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect against tyrosinase.

Multiple pharmacognostic characterization on hemp commercial cultivars: Focus on inflorescence water extract activity

One of the most promising economic perspectives of hemp production chain is female inflorescence valorization, despite there being actually no chemical composition or biological data from water fraction. In this context, the focus of this study is the evaluation of protective effects related to hemp water flower extracts from four commercial cultivars (Futura 75, Kc virtus, Carmagnola Cs and Villanova). We evaluated the phytochemical profile through validated spectrophotometric and HPLC methods. Then, we studied the biological activity on C2C12 and HCT116 cell lines, and in an ex vivo experimental model of ulcerative colitis, constituted by isolated LPS-stimulated colon. Particularly, we assayed the blunting effects induced by hemp water extract treatment on LPS-induced levels of nitrites, malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandin (PG)E₂ and serotonin (5-HT). All tested cultivars displayed similar total phenolic and flavonoid profile. However, Futura 75 water extract displayed a better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile. Considering this, Futura 75 extract activity has been subsequently assayed on bacterial and fungal species involved in ulcerative colitis, finding a significant inhibition on C. albicans and selected Gram positive and negative bacterial strains. Concluding, our results support the potential efficacy of hemp inflorescence water extracts in managing the clinical symptoms related to ulcerative colitis.

Graminex Pollen: Phenolic Pattern, Colorimetric Analysis and Protective Effects in Immortalized Prostate Cells (PC3) and Rat Prostate Challenged with LPS

Prostatitis, a general term describing prostate inflammation, is a common disease that could be sustained by bacterial or non-bacterial infectious agents. The efficacy of herbal extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects for blunting the burden of inflammation and oxidative stress, with possible improvements in clinical symptoms, is under investigation. Pollen extracts have been previously reported as promising agents in managing clinical symptoms related to prostatitis. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the protective effects of Graminex pollen (Graminex^TM, Deshler, OH, USA), a commercially available product based on standardized pollen extracts, in rat prostate specimens, ex vivo. In this context, we studied the putative mechanism of action of pollen on multiple inflammatory pathways, including the reduction of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), and malondialdehyde (MDA), whose activities were significantly increased by inflammatory stimuli. We characterized by means of chromatographic and colorimetric studies the composition of Graminex pollen to better correlate the activity of pollen on immortalized prostate cells (PC3), and in rat prostate specimens challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that Graminex pollen was able to reduce radical oxygen species (ROS) production by PC3 cells and MDA, NFκB mRNA, and PGE₂ levels, in rat prostate specimens. According to our experimental evidence, Graminex pollen appears to be a promising natural product for the management of the inflammatory components in the prostate.

Use of Innovative (Micro)Extraction Techniques to Characterise Harpagophytum procumbens Root and its Commercial Food Supplements

INTRODUCTION

For the determination of harpagoside and the wide phenolic pattern in Harpagophytum procumbens root and its commercial food supplements, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), ultrasound-assisted DLLME (UA-DLLME), and sugaring-out liquid-liquid extraction (SULLE) were tested and compared.

OBJECTIVES

In order to optimise the extraction efficiency, DLLME and UA-DLLME were performed in different solvents (water and aqueous solutions of glucose, β-cyclodextrin, (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin, sodium chloride, natural deep eutectic solvent, and ionic liquid).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The plant material was ground and sieved to obtain a uniform granulometry before extraction. Commercial food supplements, containing H. procumbens are commercially available in Italy.

RESULTS

The most effective sodium chloride-aided-DLLME was then optimised and applied for analyses followed by HPLC-PDA. For comparison, microwave-assisted extraction was performed using the same solvents and the best results were obtained using 1% of β-cyclodextrin or 15% of sodium chloride.

CONCLUSION

All commercial samples respected the European Pharmacopoeia monograph for this plant material, showing a harpagoside content ≥ 1.2%. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Crocus sativus L. stigmas and byproducts: Qualitative fingerprint, antioxidant potentials and enzyme inhibitory activities

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been previously reported to be active as a protective agent in multiple experimental models of oxidative stress, inflammation and cancer. These findings refer to the protective effects of stigmas, not byproducts such as tepals and anthers. In this context, the aims of the present work were to characterize the phytochemical profile of saffron stigmas (CST) and high quality byproducts (tepals + anthers - CTA) extracts. Additionally, we studied the antioxidant and chelating effects of CST and CTA extracts by preliminary in vitro assay. The antioxidant activity was further investigated through the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity on mouse myoblast (C2C12) and human colon cancer (HCT116) cell lines. Additionally, we evaluated CST and CTA extract treatment on cholinesterases, α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity, in vitro. Finally, we studied the effects of CST extract on malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rat colon specimens challenged with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We observed that water CST extracts are rich in phenolic content, whereas for CTA the olive oil was the elective extraction solvent. As expected, water CST extracts were the most effective in reducing hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in both cell lines and in vitro assays. Furthermore, both CST and CTA water extracts reduced the LDH activity in HCT116 cells challenged with hydrogen peroxide and LPS-induced MDA levels in rat colon specimens. Concluding, the present findings showed protective effects exerted by CST and CTA extracts in in vitro and ex vivo models of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Different Extracts from Thymus algeriensis Aerial Parts

This study was performed to evaluate the metabolite recovery from different extraction methods applied to Thymus algeriensis aerial parts. A high-performance liquid chromatographic method using photodiode array detector with gradient elution has been developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of different phenolic compounds in the extracts and in their corresponding purified fractions. The experimental results show that microwave-assisted aqueous extraction for 15 min at 100 °C gave the most phenolics-enriched extract, reducing extraction time without degradation effects on bioactives. Sixteen compounds were identified in this extract, 11 phenolic compounds and five flavonoids, all known for their biological activities. Color analysis and determination of chlorophylls and carotenoids implemented the knowledge of the chemical profile of this plant.

A Comparative Assessment of Biological Effects and Chemical Profile of Italian Asphodeline lutea Extracts

The present study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of Asphodeline lutea (AL), a wild edible plant of the Mediterranean diet. Roots, aerial parts, and flowers of AL at two different phenological stages were collected from three locations in Italy. The inhibitory activities of extracts on strategic enzymes linked to human diseases were assessed. The antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro, using six standard bioassays. The phenolic and anthraquinone profiles were also established using HPLC-PDA. Zinc, cadmium, lead, and copper contents were also determined. All the samples inhibited acetylcholinesterase (from 1.51 to 2.20 mg GALAEs/g extract), tyrosinase (from 7.50 to 25.3 mg KAEs/g extract), and α-amylase (from 0.37 to 0.51 mmol ACAEs/g extract). Aloe-emodin and physcion were present in all parts, while rhein was not detected. The phenolic profile and the heavy metals composition of specimens gathered from three different regions of Italy were different. It can be argued that samples collected near the street can contain higher concentrations of heavy metals. The experimental data confirm that the A. lutea species could be considered as a potential source of bioactive metabolites, and its consumption could play a positive and safe role in human health maintenance.

Novel Strategies Using Total Gastrodin and Gastrodigenin, or Total Gastrodigenin for Quality Control of Gastrodia elata

Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata), a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used for treatment of various neuro dysfunctions. However, its quality control is still limited to the determination of gastrodin. In the present study, two novel strategies based on quantitative evaluation of total gastrodin and gastrodigenin with base hydrolysis and total gastrodigenin with base-enzymatic hydrolysis followed by HPLC-FLD were put forward and successfully applied to evaluate the quality of 47 batches of G. elata from eight localities. Meanwhile, a systematic comparison of the novel strategy with the multiple markers and the Pharmacopeia method was performed. The results showed that the parishins category could be completely hydrolyzed to gastrodin by sodium hydroxide solution, and gastrodin could further utterly hydrolyze to gastrodigenin with β-d-glucosidase buffer solution. The contents of total gastrodin and gastrodigenin ranged from 1.311% to 2.034%, and total gastrodigenin from 0.748% to 1.120% at the eight localities. From the comparison, we can conclude that the two novel strategies can comprehensively reveal the characteristics of overall active ingredients in G. elata for quality control. The present study provides a feasible and credible strategy for the quality control of G. elata, suggesting a revision of the latest Chinese Pharmacopoeia or European Pharmacopoeia methods for the modernization of G. elata use.

Neem oil nanoemulsions: characterisation and antioxidant activity

The aim of the present work is to develop nanoemulsions (NEs), nanosized emulsions, manufactured for improving the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients. In particular, nanoemulsions composed of Neem seed oil, contain rich bioactive components, and Tween 20 as nonionic surfactant were prepared. A mean droplet size ranging from 10 to 100 nm was obtained by modulating the oil/surfactant ratio. Physicochemical characterisation was carried out evaluating size, ζ-potential, microviscosity, polarity and turbidity of the external shell and morphology, along with stability in simulated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), activity of Neem oil alone and in NEs, HEp-2 cell interaction and cytotoxicity studies. This study confirms the formation of NEs by Tween 20 and Neem oil at different weight ratios with small and homogenous dimensions. The antioxidant activity of Neem oil alone and in NEs was comparable, whereas its cytotoxicity was strongly reduced when loaded in NEs after interaction with HEp-2 cells.

An optimized protocol for anthraquinones isolation from Rhamnus frangula L

Different from works described in the literature, which use expansive analytical methods to separation of anthraquinones derivatives (AQs), this communication reported a simple and inexpensive methodology to get them. In this way, the expensive commercial AQs: Chrysophanol, physcione and emodine were extracted from plant material (Rhamnus frangula L.) and isolated by classical column chromatography technique under optimised binary mobile phase gradients (CHCl₃ : AcOEt(a), a = 1 to 5%) in excellent yields.

Cytotoxic and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of Two Potentilla species (P. speciosa L. and P. reptans Willd.) and Their Chemical Composition

In this work, the biological and chemical fingerprints of three extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) from two Potentilla species (Potentilla reptans and P. speciosa) were investigated. Antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities were performed for the biological fingerprint. For the chemical characterization, total bioactive components, and individual phenolic components were determined using photometric and HPLC methods, respectively. The main identified phenolic compounds in these extracts were rutin and catechin. Methanol and water extracts contained the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content. The results of antioxidant assays showed that methanol and water extracts displayed higher antioxidant activity compared to the ethyl acetate extract. Generally, methanol and water extracts exhibited higher biological activities correlated with higher levels the bioactive components. For P. speciosa, the methanol extract exhibited the highest enzyme inhibitory activity (except BChE inhibitory activity). P. reptans exhibited also high antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells whilst P. speciosa had weak to moderate activity against both of A549 and MCF-7 cell lines. The results suggest that Potentilla species could be potential candidates for developing new phyto-pharmaceuticals and functional ingredients.

Optimization of Aqueous Extraction and Biological Activity of Harpagophytum procumbens Root on Ex Vivo Rat Colon Inflammatory Model

Harpagophytum procumbens has a long story of use for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Considering both the antiinflammatory effects of H. procumbens in multiple tissues and the stability of harpagoside in artificial intestinal fluid, the aim of the present study was to explore the possible protective role of a microwave-assisted aqueous Harpagophytum extract (1-1000 μg/mL) on mouse myoblast C2C12 and human colorectal adenocarcinoma HCT116 cell lines, and isolated rat colon specimens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a validated ex vivo model of acute ulcerative colitis. In this context, we evaluated the effects on C2C12 and HCT116 viability, and on LPS-induced production of serotonin (5-HT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, prostaglandin (PG)E₂ and 8-iso-prostaglandin (8-iso-PG)F_2α . Harpagophytum extract was well tolerated by C2C12 cells, while reduced HCT116 colon cancer cell viability. On the other hand, Harpagophytum extract reduced H₂ O₂ -induced (1 mM) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, in both cell lines, and inhibited LPS-induced colon production of PGE₂ , 8-iso-PGF_2α , 5-HT and TNFα. Concluding, we demonstrated the efficacy of a microwave-assisted Harpagophytum aqueous extract in modulating the inflammatory, oxidative stress and immune response in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), thus suggesting a rational use of Harpagophytum in the management and prevention of ulcerative colitis in humans. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Multicomponent pattern and biological activities of seven Asphodeline taxa: potential sources of natural-functional ingredients for bioactive formulations

The current study was carried out to evaluate multicomponent pattern, biological and enzymatic activities of seven Asphodeline taxa root extracts as useful ingredients, due to the fact that these plants are commonly used as traditional food supplements in Turkish regions. The extracts were characterized for free anthraquinones and phenolics to obtain a specific chemical fingerprint useful for quality control. These analyzes were coupled to biological and enzymatic activities in order to obtain comprehensive information of the natural product. Free anthraquinones and phenolics were determined using validated HPLC-PDA methods. Antioxidant properties were determined by different procedures including free radical scavenging, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating assays. Ames assay was performed to evaluate mutagenic/antimutagenic properties. Enzyme inhibitory activities were tested against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase. From the herein reported results, Asphodeline could be valuable for the production of bioactive products or food supplements for cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

A comparative study of the antihyaluronidase, antiurease, antioxidant, antimicrobial and physicochemical properties of different unifloral degrees of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) honeys

This study was planned to investigate some physicochemical and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties of three different degrees of unifloral characters of chestnut honeys. Antihyaluronidase, antiurease and antimicrobial activities were evaluated as anti-inflammatory characteristics. Total phenolic contents, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic profiles, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), scavenging activities of 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS⁺) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals were evaluated as antioxidant properties. Color, optical rotation, conductivity, moisture, pH and ash content were evaluated as physicochemical parameters, and some sugars content, prolin, diastase, HMF and minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn) were evaluated as chemical and biochemical parameters. All studied physicochemical and biological active properties were changed in line with the unifloral character of the chestnut honeys. A higher unifloral character was found associated with greater apitherapeutic capacity of the honey, as well as biological active compounds.