Effect of solvents extraction on phytochemical components and biological activities of Tunisian date seeds (var. Korkobbi and Arechti)

Optimization of extraction process and solvent polarities to enhance the recovery of phytochemical compounds, nutritional content, and biofunctional properties of Mentha longifolia L. extracts

The current study attempted to evaluate the influence of three extraction processes such as Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE,) and cold maceration on one hand and solvent polarities (ethanol 70%, ethyl acetate, and water) on the other hand, vs. phytoconstituents and biofunctional properties of Mentha longifolia L. Noteworthy, all extracts were examined in terms of their chemical components, phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials. Notably, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with array detector analysis (HPLC-DAD) showed the existence of many phenolic compounds. Hydro-ethanol extract (ETOH 70% (v/v)) prepared with maceration and Soxhlet process showed the ultimate rate of phenolic compounds coupled with the most powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. Notably, ETOH extract obtained with UAE showed important nutritional properties, particularly soluble carbohydrate (50.1 ± 0.70 mg/g dry weight), and soluble protein (26.5 ± 0.5 mg/g dry weight), while aqueous extract obtained by use of UAE extraction maximized pigment content. The outcome of this work showed that Soxhlet and maceration extraction processes with many polar solvents are more appropriate for M. longifolia extraction. M. longifolia possesses promising phytochemicals, which can be used in different sectors like food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations.

Comparative evaluation of ultrasound-assisted extraction with other green extraction methods for sustainable recycling and processing of date palm bioresources and by-products: A review of recent research

The global food waste crisis has significantly contributed to climate change, water pollution, and land degradation. Date palm waste, including seeds, fronds, and fruit pulp residues, represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study presents a comparative evaluation of ultrasound-assisted extraction and other novel extraction techniques, such as pressure-based extraction, pulsed electric fields, microwaves, and natural deep eutectic solvents, for recovering bioactive compounds from date palm waste. These methods were assessed for their efficiency and sustainability in extracting antioxidants and phenolic compounds, and other bioactives while minimizing the use of harmful solvents and high temperatures. Critical factors, such as extraction time, solvent type, temperature, and pressure were crucial indicators to achieve higher extraction efficiencies with lower environmental impacts compared to traditional methods. Additionally, combining these techniques may further optimize the extraction process. This study contributes to the development of sustainable strategies for valorizing date palm byproducts and promoting a circular economy in the food industry. By developing sustainable extraction methods that minimize environmental impacts, this research directly supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Characterization of some selected macroalgae extracts and assessment of their insecticidal and genotoxicity in Culex pipiens L. mosquito larvae

The continual use of synthetic insecticides to control mosquito larvae has severe implications for human health and the ecosystem, highlighting the need for alternative natural insecticides. Macroalgae may be a good alternative because of their biologically active metabolites with distinctive chemical structures that have been reported for their insecticidal properties. The study aimed to investigate the potential of different extracts from Jania rubens (Linnaeus) J.V.Lamouroux and Colpomenia sinuosa (Mertens ex Roth) Derbès & Solier as genotoxic and larvicidal agents against Culex pipiens Linnaeus larvae. The algae thallus was subjected to extraction using methanol, acetone, and methylene chloride. The phytochemical composition was quantified. The larvicidal activity of the different algae extracts was assessed against the third instar larvae of Culex pipiens. Genotoxic evaluation through comet assays and compound characterization by GC/MS was done. The results demonstrated that J. rubens methylene chloride extract exhibited the highest contents of phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins while C. sinuosa methanol extract demonstrated the highest levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, and saponins. The larvicidal activity results revealed that J. rubens methylene chloride extract was the most toxic for C. pipiens larvae with LC50 = 9.30 ppm followed by C. sinuosa acetone extract with LC50 = 82.58 ppm after 72 h of exposure. At 50 and 250 ppm, J. rubens methylene chloride and C. sinuosa acetone extracts maintained 100 and 93.33% larval mortality rates, respectively. Comet assay results demonstrated the genotoxicity of both algae extracts in C. pipiens larvae. This study would be a beginning towards replacing chemical insecticides with algae-based bioinsecticides against C. pipiens mosquitos.

Toxicological profiling of methanolic seed extract of Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet: in-vitro and in-vivo analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Abutilon indicum, a shrub of the Malvaceae family, is found abundantly in tropical countries like India. A. indicum is widely used for its high medicinal properties. Traditionally, A. indicum seed powder is consumed to treat piles, constipation, chronic cystitis, gonorrhea, gleet, and pregnancy-related problems. Despite having numerous medicinal properties and widespread traditional use of A. indicum seeds, scientific validation, and toxicity studies have yet to be documented.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive study on phytochemical profiling, in-vitro cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and in-vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity, and genotoxicity on animal models of methanolic extract of A. indicum seed (MAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The qualitative analysis of MAS was explored through FTIR and HR LC-MS. For in-vitro cytotoxicity, the HEK-293 cell line was used, and the TA100 (Staphylococcus typhimurium) bacterial strain was used for the Ames mutagenicity test. A single oral dose of 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg body weight of MAS was given to each male and female rat for acute toxicity study and observed for 14 days for any toxicity signs. In the sub-acute toxicity study, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg body weight of MAS was administered orally to each rat for 28 days. The experimental animals were weighed weekly, and general behavior was monitored regularly. After 28 days of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and different serum biochemical, hematological, and histological analyses were performed. The blood samples of different doses of MAS were used for genotoxicity study through comet assay.

RESULTS

FTIR analysis found different functional groups, which indicated the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids. HR LC-MS analysis depicts several components with different biological functions. The cell cytotoxicity and Ames mutagenicity results showed minimal toxicity and mutagenicity up to a certain dose. The acute toxicity study conducted in Wistar albino rats demonstrated zero mortality among the animals, and the LD50 value for seed extract was determined to be 2000 mg/kg body weight. Sub-acute toxicity assessments indicated that the administration of seed extract resulted in no adverse effects at dosages of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. However, at higher doses, specifically 1000 mg/kg body weight, the liver of the experimental rats exhibited some toxic effects. In the genotoxicity study, minimal DNA damage was found in 250 and 500 mg/kg doses, respectively, but slightly greater DNA damage was found in 1000 mg/kg doses in both male and female rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of A. indicum seed powder is deemed safe; however, doses exceeding 500 mg/kg body weight may raise concerns regarding use. These findings pave the path for the creation of innovative medicines with improved efficacy and safety profiles.

Recent advances in chemistry, biochemistry, and nutrition of dates palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars

Date palm trees, fruits and leaves have historic life changes with human beings, and their utilizations started by using them as foods and remedy, especially against the resulting bruises of consecutive wars involving wounds, burnes and invasive diseases such as Malaria, Cholera and recently against the emergence of Covid-19 disease symptoms. The richness of palm date- fruits with reducing sugars, polyphenolic acids, flavonoid compounds, hydrosoluble and liposoluble vitamins makes them as versatile food and feed products. In part, minerals remain as the catalyst elements for these golden fruits. In other part, the distribution of essential oils at the mesocarps of date fruits and into date pits constitutes other integral part with substantial therapeutic and nutrigenomic contributions. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a bound enzyme involved in the ripening of the date fruits. The aim of this book chapter is devoted in exploring the recent advances in date palm fruit cultivars as natural bioresources and the key elements beyond to their chemistry, biochemistry, and nutrition aspects, shedding lights on their important metabolites in enhancing food nutritional values, and human health attributes.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy Assessment of Ethanolic, Aqueous, and Dual Solvent Extracts of Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum: Genomic and Morphological Analysis

Background: Infectious diseases caused by bacteria are life-threating and are among the major causes of death in the world. Antibiotics have offered humans a new approach to infection control. Antibiotics are reckoned as the "magic bullets" for the fight against bacterial infections, therefore increasing life expectancy and decreasing mortality and morbidity. However, the overuse of antibiotics has resulted in the persistent growth of resistant bacterial pathogens. New antimicrobial approaches against resistant pathogens are being examined. Mushrooms seem to be a promising, and possibly more efficient, alternative method to that of conventional antimicrobials. This work aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial potential of ethanolic, aqueous, and dual solvent extracts of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Methods: The antimicrobial studies were carried out by broth dilution against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The present research work was also carried out to examine genomic changes associated with ethanolic, aqueous, and dual solvent extracts of G. lucidum in S. aureus and E. coli. Results: Our data quantitatively showed that all the extracts of G. lucidum were found to exhibit various degrees of antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and E. coli where the ethanolic extract exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity. SEM images showed untreated cells with normal cell characteristics while, after treatment with extracts of G. lucidum, cells appeared damaged with irregular cell surfaces and cell wall defacement. The results of HPLC analysis showed that ethanolic and aqueous extract of G. lucidum consisted of beta[1-3] glucans, ganoderic acid, and triterpenoids. Genomic analysis identified selective sweeps in several genes associated with growth, biosynthesis transport, and stress. Conclusions: This study concludes that the extracts of three solvents of G. lucidum have antimicrobial activity against infectious bacteria causing morphological changes and the acquisition of mutations in genes. Therefore, the extracts of G. lucidum may be candidates for preventing infectious diseases in the future. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom is therefore a reliable source of antimicrobial agent that can be used against infectious diseases.

The Effect of Maturity Stage on Polyphenolic Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities of Ficus rubiginosa Desf. ex Vent. Extracts

Ficus spp. are often used as food and in traditional medicine, and their biological activities as anti-inflammatory and diuretic, for wound healing, and as antimicrobial agents have been largely reviewed. The aim of this work was to investigate the polyphenol content and the antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties of the extracts from F. rubiginosa, a very poorly explored Ficus species. For this purpose, F. rubiginosa leaves were collected at three different maturity stages (H1, H2, and H3), and the environmentally sustainable methanolic extracts were evaluated for the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total catechins content (TCC). The polyphenolic profile was studied using HPLC-UV/DAD and UHPLC-MS, and the antioxidant activity was determined in vitro using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. The study showed that the H2 extract had higher TPC and TFC values (113.50 mg GA/g and 43.27 mg QE/g, respectively) and significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, the H2 extract was selected to study the anti-tyrosinase activity. The results also showed that H2 was able to bind and inhibit tyrosinase, with rutin being the compound responsible for the measured activity on the enzyme.

Antibacterial Activity and Proposed Mode of Action of Extracts from Selected Zimbabwean Medicinal Plants against Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii was identified by the WHO as a priority pathogen in which the research and development of new antibiotics is urgently needed. Plant phytochemicals have potential as sources of new antimicrobials. The objective of the study was to determine the antibacterial activity of extracts of selected Zimbabwean medicinal plants against A. baumannii and determine their possible mode of action. Extracts were prepared from the leaves of the eight plants including the bark of Erythrina abyssinica using solvents of different polarities. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the microbroth dilution method coupled with the in vitro iodonitrotetrazolium colorimetric assay. The effect of the extracts on membrane integrity was determined by quantifying the amount of protein and nucleic acid leaked from the cells after exposure to the extracts. The effects of the extracts on biofilms were investigated. Toxicity studies were carried out using sheep erythrocytes and murine peritoneal cells. Seven out of eight evaluated plant extracts were found to have antibacterial activity. The Combretum apiculatum acetonie (CAA) extract showed the highest inhibitory activity against A. baumannii with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 125 µg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the CAA extract caused a protein leakage of 32 µg/mL from A. baumannii. The Combretum apiculatum acetonie (CAA), C. apiculatum methanolic (CAM), Combretum zeyheri methanolic (CZM), and Erythrina abyssinica methanolic (EAM) extracts inhibited A. baumannii biofilm formation. The EAM extract was shown to disrupt mature biofilms. The potent extracts were nontoxic to sheep erythrocytes and mouse peritoneal cells. The activities shown by the extracts indicate that the plants have potential as sources of effective antibacterial and antibiofilm formation agents against A. baumannii.

Traditional uses, phytochemicals, and biological properties of Saba senegalensis

The fruit of Saba senegalensis is respectively known among local folks in Ghana, Senegal, and Burkina Faso as εsononantin, maad and weda. The plant has been used traditionally, ethnobotanically, and medicinally in most West African countries. The phytochemicals that have been discovered in various extracts of S. senegalensis parts include alkaloids, coumarins, anthracene glycosides, anthocyanosides, anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, saponin glycosides, sterols, condensed tannins, tannins, triterpenes, and triterpenoids. Presently, isolation and characterisation of phytochemicals from various parts of S. senegalensis has not been fully explored since scientists have isolated only two steroidal alkaloids from the stem of the plant namely Irehine and Homoandrost-9-ene-17β,17aβ-diol-3β-(methylamino)-17aα-methyl-12-one. The phytochemicals have shown biological properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anti-microbial, analgesic, larvicidal, ovicidal, myostimulant, hypotensive, anti-diabetic, anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-mycobacterial effects. Additionally, isolation and characterisation of medicinally beneficial phytochemicals from various parts of the plant, namely latex, leaf, stem, flower, root, fruit, and bark should be comprehensively investigated. Thus, this current review summarises the traditional uses, phytochemicals, and biological properties of various parts of the plant.

Metabolomic Profiles and Biopharmaceutical Properties of Petrosimonia brachiata and P. nigdeensis from Turkey

Halophytic plants possess a huge range of active constituents and medicinal benefits. In this study, extracts (water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and n-hexane) of two halophytes of the genus Petrosimonia (P. brachiata and P. nigdeensis) were investigated for their phytochemical profiles and pharmacological properties. The phytochemical profiles of both species were investigated using an untargeted metabolomics approach based on high-resolution mass spectrometry. The two species show different polyphenolic profiles and these are influenced by the different extraction solvents used. The same extracts were used for different bioactivity assays. The results show that all extracts yielded total flavonoid and phenolic contents of 11.14-24.22 mg GAE/g and 3.15-22.03 mg RE/g, respectively. While extracts of both species demonstrated a radical scavenging ability in the ABTS assay (16.12-98.02 mg TE/g), only the polar and moderately polar extracts (water, ethanol, and ethyl acetate) showed scavenging potential in the DPPH assay (4.74-16.55 mg TE/g). A reducing potential was also displayed by all extracts in the CUPRAC and FRAP assays (26.02-80.35 mg TE/g and 31.70-67.69 mg TE/g, respectively). The total antioxidant capacity of the extracts ranged from 0.24 to 2.17 mmol TE/g, and the metal chelating activity ranged from 14.74 to 33.80 mg EDTAE/g. The water extracts possessed a higher metal chelating power than the other extracts. All extracts acted as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (0.16-3.85 mg GALAE/g) and amylase (0.11-1.28 mmol ACAE/g). Moreover, apart from the water extracts, the other extracts also showed anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity (0.73-2.86 mg GALAE/g), as well as anti-tyrosinase (36.74-61.40 mg KAE/g) and anti-glucosidase (2.37-2.73 mmol ACAE/g) potential. In general, the water extracts were found to be weak inhibitors of the tested enzymes, while the ethanol extracts mostly showed an inhibitory effect. The obtained findings revealed the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of these two species and demonstrated that the solvent type used affected the pharmacological properties of the extracts and hence, can be useful to further investigate the active constituents yielded in the extracts and understand the mechanisms involved.

Effectiveness of date seed on glycemia and advanced glycation end-products in type 2 diabetes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic medical condition affecting more than 95% of people with diabetes. Traditionally, some medicinal plants have been considered as an effective approach in management of T2DM. This trial evaluated the effects of date seed powder (DSP) on glycemia indices and oxidative stress in T2DM patients.

METHODS

In this trail, 43 patients with T2DM were randomized to two groups: either 5 g/d of the DSP or placebo for 8 weeks. Levels of glycemic indices, lipolpolysaccharide (LPS), and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (s-RAGE), as well as other parameters associated with oxidative stress were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Independent t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for between-groups comparisons at baseline and the post-intervention phase, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that supplementation with DSP significantly decreased HbA1c (-0.30 ± 0.48%), insulin (-1.70 ± 2.21 μU/ml), HOMA-IR (-1.05 ± 0.21), HOMA-B (-0.76 ± 21.21), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (-3.68 ± 6.05 EU/mL), and pentosidine (118.99 ± 21.67 pg/mL) (P < 0.05, ANCOVA adjusted for baseline and confounding factors). On the other hand, DSP supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (0.50 ± 0.26 mmol/L), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (0.69 ± 0.32 U/ml), and s-RAGE (240.13 ± 54.25 pg/mL) compared to the placebo group. FPG, hs-CRP, GPx, CML, and uric acid had no significant within- or between-group changes.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of DSP could be considered an effective strategy to improve glycemic control and oxidative stress in T2DM patients (Registration ID at www.irct.ir : IRCT20150205020965N10).

Phytochemicals, Health-Promoting Effects, and Enzyme Inhibition Traits of Phlomis stewartii Extracts

Phlomis stewartii is a wild, perennial woody plant used for diverse therapeutic targets. The present work evaluated the influence of independent variables such as extraction time, solvent concentration, and speed in the range of (100 mL, 150 mL, and 200 mL), (2 h, 5 h, and 8 h), and (100 rpm, 150 rpm, and 200 rpm), respectively, on extraction yields, phytochemical components, total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of P. stewartii extract. In the present work, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the extraction yield. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to detect the bioactive constituents of the extracts. The potent extracts were analyzed to study α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Under the optimized conditions of solvent concentration (200 mL), extraction time (8 h), and speed (150 rpm), the whole plant methanol extract (WPME) showed a maximum extraction yield of 13.5%, while the leaves methanol extract (LME) showed a maximum TPC of 19.5 ± 44 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of extract and a maximum TFC of 4.78 ± 0.34 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE) per gram of extract. HPLC analysis showed the presence of p-coumaric, gallic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, sinapic acid, and vanillic acid. LME showed the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 46.86 ± 0.21 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 45.81 ± 0.17 µg/mL). Therefore, in conclusion, LME could be considered to fix the α-amylase and α-glucosidase-mediated disorders in the human body to develop herbal phytomedicine.

Effects of Ajwa date seeds on the oxidative stability of butter

Butter is a widely used food product. However, owing to its rich fatty acid content (saturated and unsaturated fatty acids), it is prone to lipid oxidation, which may affect the quality of butter-containing products. Because of the possible toxic properties of synthetic antioxidants, recent research has focused on the use of natural antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ajwa date seeds as natural antioxidants to retard lipid oxidation in butter. Date seeds as either a powder or extract were added to butter at concentrations of 0.5 % and 1 %; 100 % butter was used as the control. The samples were stored at 60 °C for 21 d. Radical scavenging activity, peroxide value, acid value, and thiobarbituric acid value (TBA) were analysed every 7 d. This study revealed a strong relationship between storage period and oxidative stability parameters. After 21 d, butter containing date seed powder exhibited higher radical scavenging activity than date seed extract. A reduction in peroxide, acid, and TBA values was also observed in butter samples containing date seed powder. In conclusion, date seed powder increased the oxidative stability of butter. Therefore, adding date seed powder to butter-rich food products can increase their shelf-life and stability.

Phenolic composition and correlation with antioxidant properties of various organic fractions from Hertia cheirifolia extracts

Hertia cheirifolia L. is a medicinal plant that has been used for a long time in folk Mediterranean medicine. The aim of the present study was to analyze and compare the phenolic profile and the antioxidant potential of organic fractions from H. cheirifolia extracts. Crude methanolic extracts were firstly prepared from the different parts of the plant. Then four different organic fractions were obtained by fractioning each extract, using different solvents with increasing polarity (hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate). The Phenolic content was analyzed using a UV-Vis colorimetric methods followed by a qualitative and quantitative analysis by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) system. After that, the antioxidant potential of the different organic fractions was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays, reducing power of iron (FRAP) and inhibition of β-carotene oxidation tests. Our results revealed that ethyl acetate fractions (EA) contained the highest content of total phenolics (100-250 mg GAE/g). Indeed, the ethyl acetate fraction from the flower extract (EA-F) displayed the lowest IC50 values for the scavenging of DPPH and ABTS free radicals (38.83 ± 0.34 µg/ml and 23.76 ± 0.11 µg/ml, respectively). Also, the strongest iron reducing power (2628.87 ± 16.47 µmol Fe2+Eq/ml) and the best rate of inhibition of the β-carotene oxidation (58.91 ± 5.79 %) were recorded. In sum, the present study suggests that, the organic fractions from H. cherifolia are potential natural antioxidants and this is probably related to their phenolics content and structure.

Effect of altitude and solvent on Psidium guajava Linn. leaves extracts: phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity against food spoilage microbes

BACKGROUND

Guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) has been traditionally used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases due to its rich content of secondary metabolites.

AIM

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of altitude and solvent systems on guava leaves crude extract's phenolics and flavonoid content, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and toxicity nature.

METHODS

Guava leaves were collected from three different geographical locations in Nepal while solvents with an increasing polarity index were used for extraction. The yield percentage of extracts was calculated. Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Content, and antioxidant activity were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, Aluminium chloride colorimetric method, and DPPH (2,2'-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay respectively. The quantification of fisetin and quercetin was performed using the HPLC with method validation. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested against bacteria and fungus isolated from spoiled fruits and vegetables and identified through 16s and 18s rRNA sequencing. Finally, Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA) was used for testing the toxicity of the extracts.

RESULTS

The phenolic and total flavonoid content was found to be higher in ethanol extract (331.84 mg GAE/g dry extract) and methanol extract (95.53 mg QE/g dry extract) from Kuleshwor respectively. Water extract of guava leaves from Kuleshwor (WGK) did not show significantly different antioxidant activity when compared to methanol and ethanol extracts. Fisetin and quercetin were higher in WGK (1.176 mg/100 g) and (10.967 mg/100 g) dry extract weight respectively. Antibacterial activity against food spoilage bacteria was dose-dependent and found to be highest for all the extracts from different solvents and altitudes at higher concentrations (80 mg/ml). Similarly, methanol and ethanol guava extracts from all locations showed antifungal activity against Geotrichum candidum RIBB-SCM43 and Geotrichum candidum RIBB-SCM44. WGK was found to be non-toxic.

CONCLUSION

Our study concludes that the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of WGK was found to be similar statistically to that of methanol and ethanol extracts of Bishnupur Katti and Mahajidiya. These results suggest the possibility of using water as a sustainable solvent to extract natural antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds which can further be used as natural preservatives to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

Pattern Recognition of Phytoconstituents and Bioactivities of Date Pit Extracts from Different Cultivars Grown in the Qassim Area

A huge number of date varieties grow annually throughout the world. The genetic variation between different date varieties is reflected in their variable sensory characters and phytochemical contents. Date pits are considered a waste product of the date industry, despite their rich metabolic content. The present study attempts to generate visual clustering to clarify the diversity among fourteen date cultivars growing in the Qassim region, according to the phytochemical contents and biological potentials of their pits. The results indicated a wide variation in the total phenolic content (11.4–29.7 mg GAE/g), flavonoids content (21.9–37.1 mg RE/g), proanthocyanidine content (12.0–207.0 mg CE/g), and antioxidant potential (10.3–25.5 mg AEAC/g) among the tested cultivars. Screening the antimicrobial activity of extracts from the 14 tested cultivars indicated different activities against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans. Multivariate analysis of phytochemical content and biological activity, using different analytical models, allowed the classification of the 14 cultivars into four classes, Class-1: Barhi, Safawi, and Sukkari; Class-2: Khodry and Nabtat Ali; Class-3: Ruthana, Segae, Shaqra, and Sheishee; and Class-4: Hulwa Aljouf, Mabroom, Meneifi, Rushodia, and Wannana. These findings provide a scientific basis for the classification of date pits which facilitates the future selection of promising candidates for more phytochemical and biological exploration.

Role and mechanism of fruit waste polyphenols in diabetes management

Among various diseases in humans, diabetes is one of the most complicated disorders resulting either from the malfunctioning of β cells, causing a poor discharge of insulin from them, or poor functioning of the liberated insulin. A wide array of chemical compounds so-called secondary metabolites are present in plants. These phytochemicals are produced as by-products of metabolism and play a key role in plant protection. However, in humans, they offer several beneficial functions. Polyphenols are an important class of phytochemicals and apart from fruits, they are also found in their major wastes mainly including the peel, pomace, and seed. The current review is aimed to focus on the potential sources, distribution, and extraction/isolation of polyphenols from major fruit wastes along with highlighting their medicinal and therapeutic benefits, especially in the management of diabetes.

An Updated Review on Prebiotics: Insights on Potentials of Food Seeds Waste as Source of Potential Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a group of biological nutrients that are capable of being degraded by microflora in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), primarily Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. When prebiotics are ingested, either as a food additive or as a supplement, the colonic microflora degrade them, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are simultaneously released in the colon and absorbed into the blood circulatory system. The two major groups of prebiotics that have been extensively studied in relation to human health are fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). The candidature of a compound to be regarded as a prebiotic is a function of how much of dietary fiber it contains. The seeds of fruits such as date palms have been reported to contain dietary fiber. An increasing awareness of the consumption of fruits and seeds as part of the daily diet, as well as poor storage systems for seeds, have generated an enormous amount of seed waste, which is traditionally discarded in landfills or incinerated. This cultural practice is hazardous to the environment because seed waste is rich in organic compounds that can produce hazardous gases. Therefore, this review discusses the potential use of seed wastes in prebiotic production, consequently reducing the environmental hazards posed by these wastes.

Marrubium alysson L. Ameliorated Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice through Regulation of Apoptosis and miRNA-29a Expression: LC-MS/MS Metabolic Profiling

Despite the efficient anti-cancer capabilities of methotrexate (MTX), it may induce myelosuppression, liver dysfunction and testicular toxicity. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether Marrubium alysson L. (M. alysson L.) methanolic extract and its polyphenol fraction could protect mouse testicles from MTX-induced damage. We also investigated the protective effects of three selected pure flavonoid components of M. alysson L. extract. Mice were divided into seven groups (n = 8): (1) normal control, (2) MTX, (3) Methanolic extract + MTX, (4) Polyphenolic fraction + MTX, (5) Kaempferol + MTX, (6) Quercetin + MTX, and (7) Rutin + MTX. Pre-treatment of mice with the methanolic extract, the polyphenolic fraction of M. alysson L. and the selected pure compounds ameliorated the testicular histopathological damage and induced a significant increase in the serum testosterone level and testicular antioxidant enzymes along with a remarkable decline in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level versus MTX alone. Significant down-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), p53 and miRNA-29a testicular expression was also observed in all the protected groups. Notably, the polyphenolic fraction of M. alysson L. displayed a more pronounced decline in the testicular levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and MDA, with higher testosterone levels relative to the methanolic extract. Further improvements in the Johnsen score, histopathological results and all biochemical assays were achieved by pre-treatment with the three selected pure compounds kaempferol, quercetin and rutin. In conclusion, M. alysson L. could protect against MTX-induced testicular injury by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic activities and through the regulation of the miRNA-29a testicular expression. The present study also included chemical profiling of M. alysson L. extract, which was accomplished by LC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Forty compounds were provisionally assigned, comprising twenty compounds discovered in the positive mode and seventeen detected in the negative mode.

Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties, and HPLC–MS/MS Profiles of Different Extracts of Arabis carduchorum Boiss.: An Endemic Plant to Turkey

In this study, six extracts of Arabis carduchorum prepared from solvents of varying polarity (water, methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and n-hexane) were investigated for their chemical profiles and total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC/TFC) using HPLC–MS/MS and spectrophotometric/colorimetric assays, respectively, along with the assessment of their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects. In general, the polar extracts (methanol, water, and infusion) showed higher TPC/TFC than the other extracts (range:13.73–26.62 mg GAE/g; 2.66–52.95 mg RE/g, respectively). The total antioxidant capacity of the polar extracts ranged from 0.90–1.85 mmol TE/g in phosphomolybdenum assay, while the free radical scavenging potential ranged from 4.36–32.13 mg TE/g and 12.58–67.73 mg TE/g in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. While the water and infuse extract inhibited only butyrylcholinesterase (2.68 and 2.39 mg GALAE/g, respectively), the other extracts were found to inhibit both acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases (0.96–2.73 mg GALAE/g and 1.86–5.11 mg GALAE/g, respectively). On the contrary, all extracts exhibited anti-tyrosinase (40.24–59.22 mg KAE/g) and anti-amylase (0.09–0.63 mmol ACAE/g) activities. Overall, this study highlighted the effect of solvent polarity on the extraction of bioactive compounds and the biological properties of the extracts of A. carduchorum; hence, the results obtained could be used to guide optimum extraction in future studies.

Texture Characteristics of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Jelly for the Elderly Based on the Gelling Agent

The aim of this study was to identify the nutritional components of sea buckthorn berries and to evaluate the hardness control of the elderly with mastication difficulties using various types and concentrations of gelling agents in the preparation of sea buckthorn jelly. As a result, sea buckthorn berry comprised various bioactive nutrients, including minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidative and antidiabetic substances. In addition, jelly added with 3.01% guar gum, 5.74% xanthan gum, and 11.38% locust bean gum had a smooth hardness that could be chewed with the elderly’s tongue. Guar gum at 3.23~6.40%, 6.02~9.90% xanthan gum, and 12.42~27.00% locust bean gum showed soft hardness that can be chewed with gum. These results show that the gelling agent is suitable for the development of food for the elderly that meets Korean Industrial Standards, considering the mastication difficulty and dysphagia in the elderly.

A novel strategy for producing nano-particles from date seeds and enhancing their phenolic content and antioxidant properties using ultrasound-assisted extraction: A multivariate based optimization study

Date seeds from the date palm fruit are considered as a waste and they are known to contain several bioactive compounds. Producing nanoparticles from the date seeds can enhances their effectiveness and their utilization as novel functional food ingredients. In this study, date seed nanoparticles (DSNPs) synthesized using acid (HCl) hydrolysis method (HCl concentration of 38% and hydrolysis time of 4 days) was found to have particle size between 50 and 150 nm. The obtained DSNPs were characterized by measuring particle size and particle charge (Zetasizer), morphology using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and determination of the functional groups using fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). DSNPs were further treated with green extraction technology [ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)] using water-based and methanol-based solvent for optimizing the extraction of the bioactive compounds by implementing response surface methodology (RSM). The UAE of DSNPs were analysed for set of responses including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrlthydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. Three-factor and four-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD) of three models (Synthesis of DSNPs, UAE with water, and UAE with methanol) was performed. The results showed that in UAE of DSNPs using water-based solvent, the key independent factors effecting the TPC and TFC and antioxidant activities were S:L ratio (40:1 mg/ml) and treatment time (9 min). Whereas the methanol-based UAE of DSNPs was mostly affected by US amplitude/power (90%) and methanol concentration (80%). All models were further optimized using response optimizer in Minitab and the generated predicted values were very comparable to the actual obtained results which confirm the significance and validity of all RSM models used. The phenolic compounds identified from DSNPs consisted mainly of 3,4-Dihydroxy benzoic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid. The present study demonstrated a successful method for synthesising DSNPs as well as documented the optimum UAE conditions to maximize the extraction of polyphenolic compounds from DSNPs and enhancing their antioxidant activities to be used in food application.

Light and scanning electron microscopy of Datura stramonium L. extract and its biological applications

The study deals with the LM and SEM (light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) of Datura stramonium L. extract and to evaluate its phytochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. The plant sample collected from different Lahore region was dried under shade. The plant extract was prepared using different solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol). Phytochemical screening performed qualitatively for alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Radical scavenging potential of plant extracts was estimated and ethyl acetate extract exhibited maximum percentage scavenging ability of 92.2 ± 0.09. Total antioxidant capacity of different extracts was measured by phosphomolybdate method. The ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts showed maximum values of 72.3 ± 0.08% and 79 ± 0.15% with respect to gallic acid. Total phenolic contents were determined through Folin-Ciocalteau method and highest value of 495.2 ± 3.4 was obtained by methanolic extract. DPPH-TLC autography was used for the visual detection of antioxidant compounds in different plant extracts. Antibacterial activity of plant extract was measured by disc diffusion method against microorganisms named Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis (Gram positive), and Salmonella typhimurium, and Proteus mirabilis (Gram negative). Because of the vast medicinal importance of D. stramonium L. it would be beneficial to study LM and SEM for correct identification of plant and to determine phytochemicals.

Biomimetic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Ethyl Acetate Extract of Urtica diocia Leaves; Characterizations and Emerging Antimicrobial Activity

The current work reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the antimicrobial activities of ethyl acetate extract of Urtica diocia (UD) leaves as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized UD-AgNPs were characterized using UV−visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The UD-AgNPs were evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and their size, shape, and distribution were recorded. The average size of an NP was 19.401 nm. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) for 75 µL of UD-AgNPs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was 21 ± 0.4 mm more than that of the control drug Ciprofloxacin (16 ± 10 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was the lowest against Escherichia coli (E. coli) (36 ± 3 µg/mL) and Staphylococcusepidermidis (S. epidermidis) (38 ± 3 µg/mL). Moreover, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was the lowest against E.coli (75 ± 00 µg/mL) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis (83 ± 16 µg/mL). Thus, the UD-AgNPs synthesized using the ethyl acetate extract of UD can be used as a new antimicrobial drug.

Effects of Catha Edulis Forsk on spatial learning, memory and correlation with serum electrolytes in wild-type male white albino rats

Background

The burdens of psychostimulant use disorders are becoming a worldwide problem. One of the psychostimulants widely consumed in Ethiopia and East African countries is Catha edulis Forsk (khat). However, no studies have been conducted on the cognitive effects of khat and its correlation with serum electrolytes. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of khat on spatial learning and memory and their correlation with serum electrolytes.

Materials and methods

Diethyl ether and chloroform (3:1v/v ratio) were solvents used to obtain the crude khat extract in this study. T80W was used to prepare the khat juice, fresh khat leave extract. The rats were received crude khat extract subchronically (KESC) (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg b.w), khat juice (KHJ 2.5 mL/kg), 2% tween 80 in distilled water (T80W- v/v, vehicle) and khat extract subacutely (KESA) (300 mg/kg). For subchronic treatment, each rat was administered for twelve weeks before Morris water maze experiment has been started, while it was administered for a week for acute treatment. Spatial learning and memory were measured using the Morris water maze model and serum sodium, calcium, potassium, and chloride were evaluated using Cobas 6000.

Results

Spatial learning was improved with trials across the groups, while average escape latency (s) of rats received KESC 200 mg/kg (p<0.001), KESC 300 mg/kg (p<0.01) and KHJ 2.5 mL/kg (p<0.05) was significantly greater than rats that received vehicle. There was no significant difference in the latency between rats that received KESA 300mg/kg and vehicle (p>0.05). Thigmotaxis was significantly higher in rats that received all doses of khat extract (p<0.001). The time spent in the target quadrant in rats that received KESC 300 mg/kg was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Serum calcium level was inversely correlated with the escape latency (R = -0.417, p<0.05) in rats that received khat.

Conclusions

Khat extract and juice administered subchronically, but not subacutely, impaired learning and memory and was associated with serum calcium reduction. The neuronal basis for such alteration should be investigated.

Date Components as Promising Plant-Based Materials to Be Incorporated into Baked Goods—A Review

Date (Phoenix dactylifera L. Arecaceae) fruits and their by-products are rich in nutrients. The health benefits of dates and their incorporation into value-added products have been widely studied. The date-processing industry faces a significant sustainability challenge as more than 10% (w/w) of the production is discarded as waste or by-products. Currently, food scientists are focusing on bakery product fortification with functional food ingredients due to the high demand for nutritious food with more convenience. Utilizing date components in value-added bakery products is a trending research area with increasing attention. Studies where the researchers tried to improve the quality of bakery goods by incorporating date components have shown positive results, with several drawbacks that need attention and further research. The objective of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the utilization of date components in bakery products and to identify gaps in the current knowledge. This review will help focus further research in the area of valorization of date by-products and thereby contribute to the generation of novel functional bakery products that meet consumer expectations and industry standards, thus generating income for the relevant industry and considerable alleviation of the environmental burden this waste and by-products contribute to. Only a few studies have been focused on utilizing date by-products and their extracts for baked goods, while a research area still remaining under-explored is the effect of incorporation of date components on the shelf life of bakery products.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, In Vitro Antidiabetic, Antioxidant Activities, and Toxicity of Leaf Extracts of Psychotria malayana Jack

Psychotria malayana Jack belongs to the Rubiacea and is widespread in Southeast Asian countries. It is traditionally used to treat diabetes. Despite its potential medicinal use, scientific proof of this pharmacological action and the toxic effect of this plant are still lacking. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, toxicity, and preliminary phytochemical screening of P. malayana leaf extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after derivatization. The antidiabetic activities of different extracts of this plant were investigated through alpha-glucosidase inhibitory (AGI) and 2-NBDG glucose uptake using 3T3-L1 cell line assays, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. Its toxicological effect was investigated using the zebrafish embryo/larvae (Danio rerio) model. The mortality, hatchability, tail-detachment, yolk size, eye size, beat per minute (BPM), and body length were taken into account to observe the teratogenicity in all zebrafish embryos exposed to methanol extract. The LC50 was determined using probit analysis. The methanol extract showed the AGI activity (IC50 = 2.71 ± 0.11 μg/mL), insulin-sensitizing activity (at a concentration of 5 µg/mL), and potent antioxidant activities (IC50 = 10.85 μg/mL and 72.53 mg AAE/g for DPPH and FRAP activity, respectively). Similarly, the water extract exhibited AGI activity (IC50 = 6.75 μg/mL), insulin-sensitizing activity at the concentration of 10 μg/mL, and antioxidant activities (IC50 = 27.12 and 33.71 μg/mL for DPPH and FRAP activity, respectively). The methanol and water extracts exhibited the LC50 value higher than their therapeutic concentration, i.e., 37.50 and 252.45 µg/mL, respectively. These results indicate that both water and methanol extracts are safe and potentially an antidiabetic agent, but the former is preferable since its therapeutic index (LC50/therapeutic concentration) is much higher than for methanol extracts. Analysis using GC-MS on derivatized methanol and water extracts of P. malayana leaves detected partial information on some constituents including palmitic acid, 1,3,5-benzenetriol, 1-monopalmitin, beta-tocopherol, 24-epicampesterol, alpha-tocopherol, and stigmast-5-ene, that could be a potential target to further investigate the antidiabetic properties of the plant. Nevertheless, isolation and identification of the bioactive compounds are required to confirm their antidiabetic activity and toxicity.

The potential antioxidant bioactivity of date palm fruit against gentamicin-mediated hepato-renal injury in male albino rats

Gentamicin (GM) is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial drug used for treatment of infections but associated hepatic and renal complications restrict its efficacy. Overproduction of free radicals and inflammation are involved in GM-induced hepato-renal damage. Date palm is renowned to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive composites. In this context, the current research was purposed to assess the ameliorative influence of date palm extract (DE) supplementation against GM-induced hepato-renal injury. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect the bioactive constitutes in DE. The protective action of high and low doses of DE was assessed alongside the GM remediation (80 mg/kg) in rats. GM evoked significant alterations in liver and kidney function biomarkers (aminotransferases, albumin, creatinine, and blood urea). Furthermore, notable elevations in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increment expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) along with reduction in catalase (CAT) activity were observed in both organs after GM treatment. Oxidative stress was the main modulatory mechanism in GM-induced hepato-renal toxicity. However, DE could mitigate the GM-inflicted liver and kidney damage, in a dose-response pattern, due to its high content of phenolics and flavonoids.

Date Fruit and Seed in Nutricosmetics

Many recent studies in the field of cosmetics have focused on organically sourced substances. Products made from organic materials are safe, high quality, cruelty-free, and more effective than those made from synthetic materials. Many organic compounds are known to be physiologically active in humans and have an extended storage capacity and long-lasting environmental effects. Agro-industrial waste has recently increased substantially, and the disposal of date palm waste, often performed in primitive ways such as burning, is harmful to the environment. Fruit processing industries generate over 10% of the total date seed waste daily, which could be converted into useful food products. Date fruit and seed are rich in sugar, vitamins, fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that significantly promote human and animal health. This waste is rich in bioactive compounds and essential oils used in many kinds of food, medicine, and cosmetics. Most active cosmetic ingredients come from natural sources such as fruit, fish, and dairy, and recent research shows that date extract and seed oil help to reduce melanin, eczema, acne, and dry patches, while increasing skin moisture and elasticity. This review details the bioactive compounds and nutraceutical properties of date fruit and seed, and their use as cosmetic ingredients.

Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Sempur (Dillenia suffruticosa (Griff.) Martelli) Leaves against Pathogenic Microorganisms

Sempur (Dillenia suffruticosa) leaves are known as a traditional medicine for the people of Bangka-Belitung Island. The local people empirically utilize the boiled water of D. suffruticosa leaves as anti-diarrhea. However, the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of D. suffruticosa leaves has not been reported. This study aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of D. suffruticosa leaves against several microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive bacteria, Escherichia coli as Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans as fungi. Extraction was carried out by maceration method with 70% ethanol, then screened for phytochemical constituents. The antimicrobial test was carried out by the disc diffusion method using Nutrient Agar (NA) for bacteria, and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) for fungi. The results of phytochemical screening showed that the ethanol extract of D. suffruticosa leaves contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. The antimicrobial test showed that the extract of D. suffruticosa leaves could inhibit the growth of S. aureus at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 40% were 8.35±0.05; 9.34±0.32; and 10.52±0.22, respectively. The ethanol extract of D. suffruticosa leaves could inhibit the growth of S. aureus, whereas E. coli and C. albicans did not show any activity.

Effect of Opuntia dejecta (Salm-Dyck) flowers in liver of fructose-fed rats: Biochemicals, enzymatic and histological studies

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of flowers decoction at post-flowering stage (F3D) of Opuntia dejecta were determined. The obtained findings demonstrate that F3D has a marked antioxidant activity in all tested assays. Furthermore, the present study was designed to test the protective activity of F3D against induced Diabetes type 2 (DT2) in male rats. Those metabolic syndromes were induced by a high-fructose diet (HFD) (10% fructose solution) for a period of 20 weeks. F3D was administered orally (100 and 300 mg/kg body weight) daily for the last 4 weeks. Metformin (150 mg/kg body weight) was used as a standard drug and administrated orally for the last 4 weeks. The results showed a significant increase in blood glucose, triglycerides and hepatic markers (ALAT, ASAT and ALK-P) in HFD group. A significant increase in hepatic TBARS and a significant decrease in SOD, CAT and GP_X were observed in fructose fed rats compared to control group. Administration of F3D showed a protective effect in biochemical and oxidative stress parameters measured in this study. Also, oral administration of F3D restored the histological architecture of rat liver in comparison with rats fed HFD. In conclusion, F3D attenuated hepatic oxidative stress in fructose-fed rats.

Effects of solvent-solvent fractionation on the total terpenoid content and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Serevenia buxifolia bark extract

Severinia buxifolia (Rutaceae) is often used as a traditional medical plant. The present study was carried out to estimate the effects of solvents (petroleum ether and hexane: ethyl acetate) used in liquid-liquid extraction to total terpenoid content (TTC) and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts obtained from S. buxifolia bark. The results showed that solvent fractionation increased the TTC compared with crude extracts. The hexane: ethyl acetate bark extract fraction (HEF) had the highest TTC (731.48 µg/ml) in comparison with the petroleum ether bark extract fraction (PEF) (564.81 µg/ml) and the crude extract (CE) (184.26 µg/ml). In addition, one of composition of terpenoid of S. buxifolia, namely ursolic acid, was determined by HPLC method from the crude CE and the fractions PEF and HEF: 2.44 μg/g DW, 3.56 μg/g DW and 5.04 μg/g DW, respectively. The samples had an in vitro anti-inflammatory activity comparable with that of two reference standards (aspirin and indomethacin). Particularly, the HEF fraction had the highest in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (i.e., albumin denaturation: IC50 = 147.91 μg/mL, heat-induced hemolysis: IC50 = 159.91 μg/mL, proteinase inhibition: IC50 = 117.72 μg/mL, and lipoxygenase activity: IC50 = 90.45 μg/mL). Besides, the preliminary experiments of this study were conducted to determine the influences of maceration factors (solvent type, temperature, and time) for S. buxifolia bark extract. The TTC ranged from 453.70 to 842.59 mg linalool/g DW, and the extraction yield from 2.40% to 5.120% in all extracts. Based on TTC and EY, the hexane: acetone mixture is recommended as the optimal solvent to obtain the crude bark extract (CE) at 46°C for 24 hr of maceration. Extracts of S. buxifolia bark are a promising source for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Obtaining Bioactive Compounds from the Coffee Husk (Coffea arabica L.) Using Different Extraction Methods

Coffee husks (Coffea arabica L.) are characterized by exhibiting secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, which can be used as raw material for obtaining bioactive compounds of interest in food. The objective of this study is to evaluate different methods for obtaining the raw material and extracting solutions of bioactive compounds from coffee husks. Water bath and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods were used, using water (100%) or ethanol (100%) or a mixture of both (1:1) as extracting solutions and the form of the raw material was in natura and dehydrated. The extracts were evaluated by their antioxidant potential using DPPH radicals, ABTS, and iron reduction (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)), and later total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins were quantified the phenolic majority compounds were identified. It was verified that the mixture of water and ethanol (1:1) showed better extraction capacity of the compounds with antioxidant activity and that both conventional (water bath) or unconventional (ultrasound) methods showed satisfactory results. Finally, a satisfactory amount of bioactive compounds was observed in evaluating the chemical composition (total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, condensed tannins, as well as the analysis of the phenolic profile) of these extracts. Corroborating with the results of the antioxidant activities, the best extracting solution was generally the water and ethanol mixture (1:1) using a dehydrated husk and water bath as the best method, presenting higher levels of the bioactive compounds in question, with an emphasis on chlorogenic acid. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of coffee husk as raw material to obtain extracts of bioactive compounds is promising. Last, the conventional method (water bath) and the water and ethanol mixture (1:1) stood out among the methods and extracting solutions used for the dehydrated coffee husk.

The Influence of Solvent, Host, and Phenological Stage on the Yield, Chemical Composition, and Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Properties of Phragmanthera capitata (Sprengel) S. Balle

Phragmanthera capitata was reported to possess many biological properties making it a good candidate for the formulation of a phytomedicine with multiple effects. In this work, we studied some factors likely to modify these therapeutic properties with the aim to contribute to its standardization as an improved traditional medicine. P. capitata parasitizing Persea americana, Psidium guajava, and Podocarpus mannii were harvested at three phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages). The extracts were prepared by maceration in n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and distilled water. The total phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and tannin contents were measured using appropriate methods. The antioxidant potential of extracts was investigated using TAC, DPPH scavenging, and FRAP methods. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of extracts were determined using enzymatic methods. The ethyl acetate extracts with the best phenolic content were subjected to HPLC analysis. The extraction yields were higher with methanol. The ethyl acetate extract of P. capitata harvested from P. guajava showed a stable HPLC profile during the development of the plant, while extracts from the plant collected from P. americana and P. mannii showed both qualitative and quantitative variations according to phonological stages of the plant. The inhibition of α-amylase was more pronounced for P. capitata harvested from P. guajava, decreasing during flowering and fruiting, while inhibition of α-glucosidase was not influenced by the phenological stage and the host of the plant. The α-amylase inhibitors were better extracted by ethyl acetate and those of α-glucosidase by ethanol or methanol. The phenolic contents and antioxidant properties of the extracts were influenced by the phenological stage of P. capitata and its hosts. These results suggest that it is preferable to harvest P. capitata during flowering or during fruiting stages on any host. None of the used solvents permitted an optimal extraction of active principles form P. capitata, suggesting that the mixture of solvents must be considered in further studies.

Date seeds alleviate behavioural and neuronal complications of metabolic syndrome in rats

Unhealthy dietary habits can play a crucial role in metabolic damages, promoting alteration of neural functions through the lifespan. Recently, dietary change has been perceived as the first line intervention in prevention and/or treatment of metabolic damages and related diseases. In this context, our study was designed to assess the eventual therapeutic effect of date seeds administration on memory and learning and on neuronal markers in a rat Metabolic Syndrome model. For this purpose, 32 adult male Wistar rats were fed with standard diet or high-fat high-sugar diet during ten weeks. After this, 16 rats were sacrified and the remaining rats received an oral administration of 300 mg of date seeds/kg of body weight during four supplementary weeks. Before sacrifice, we evaluate cognitive performances by the Barnes maze test. Afterwards, neuronal, astrocytic, microtubular and oxidative markers were investigated by immunoblotting methods. In Metabolic syndrome rats, results showed impairment of spatial memory and histological alterations. We identified neuronal damages in hippocampus, marked by a decrease of NeuN and an increase of GFAP and pTau396. Finally, we recorded an increase in protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, respectively identified by an up-regulation of protein carbonyls and 4-HNe. Interestingly, date seeds administration improved these behavioural, histological, neuronal and oxidative damages highlighting the neuroprotective effect of this natural compound. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) identified, in date seeds, protocatechuic acid, caffeoylshikimic acid and vanillic acid, that could potentially prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, acting through their antioxidant properties.

Potentials and Safety of Date Palm Fruit against Diabetes: A Critical Review

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder triggered by disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolisms, where either reduced secretion or sensitivity of insulin is observed coupled with poor glucose control. Date palm fruits are one of the fruits reported to have good potential in diabetes treatment due to its presence of polyphenols exerting strong antioxidant activities. Other possible mechanisms of action include the polyphenolic compounds, which can inhibit enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Flavonoids in dates can stimulate β-cells by increasing the number of islets and β-cells, recovering endocrine pancreatic tissues, reducing β-cell apoptosis, activating insulin receptors following the increase in insulin secretion, in addition to improving diabetes-induced complications. In this review, the in vitro, in vivo, and human study-based evidence of date palm as an anti-diabetic fruit is summarised.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect of Psychotria malayana Jack Leaf: A Rapid Analysis Using Infrared Fingerprinting

The plant Psychotria malayana Jack belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is known in Malaysia as “meroyan sakat/salung”. A rapid analytical technique to facilitate the evaluation of the P. malayana leaves’ quality has not been well-established yet. This work aimed therefore to develop a validated analytical technique in order to predict the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory action (AGI) of P. malayana leaves, applying a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) fingerprint and utilizing an orthogonal partial least square (OPLS). The dried leaf extracts were prepared by sonication of different ratios of methanol-water solvent (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% v/v) prior to the assessment of alpha-glucosidase inhibition (AGI) and the following infrared spectroscopy. The correlation between the biological activity and the spectral data was evaluated using multivariate data analysis (MVDA). The 100% methanol extract possessed the highest inhibitory activity against the alpha-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 2.83 ± 0.32 μg/mL). Different bioactive functional groups, including hydroxyl (O-H), alkenyl (C=C), methylene (C-H), carbonyl (C=O), and secondary amine (N-H) groups, were detected by the multivariate analysis. These functional groups actively induced the alpha-glucosidase inhibition effect. This finding demonstrated the spectrum profile of the FTIR for the natural herb P. malayana Jack, further confirming its medicinal value. The developed validated model can be used to predict the AGI of P. malayana, which will be useful as a tool in the plant’s quality control.

Anti-biofilm activity of plant derived extracts against infectious pathogen-Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

BACKGROUND

Biofilm forming ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa make them vulnerable, because it makes them recalcitrant against various antibiotics. Quorum sensing (QS) is cell density based signaling that helps in bacterial cell-cell communication, which regulated various virulence factors such as pigment and biofilm formation that contribute in the establishment of chronic infections. The interruption of QS is one of the effective approach to control various virulence factors. Present study was intended with the aim to authenticate antibiofilm potential in different solvents based extracts of selected medicinal plant species viz. Berginia ciliata, Clematis grata and Clematis viticella traditionally used by the inhabitants of Himalayan region of Pakistan to treat various pathogenic diseases. P. aeruginosa PAO1, an opportunistic pathogen and involves in various life-threatening infections specifically in immune deficient patients was used as a model pathogen.

METHODS

Plants were extracted in various organic (ethanol, methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, hexane, chloroform) as well as in aqueous solvents and their ability to inhibit biofilm was measured. Biofilm of PAO1 was grown in Jensen's medium while growing at 30°C and crystal violet assay was performed to assess the biofilm inhibiting activity of plant extracts.

RESULTS

Solvents play a vital role in extraction of plant components and it was found that the plants in various solvents exhibit different activity against the PAO1 biofilm. Comparatively, 1% methanolic extract of B. ciliata (rhizome with skin), showed more than 80% inhibition of biofilm formation without effecting on the growth of the bacterium. Significant correlation between flavonoids content and antibiofilm activity in methanolic extract revealed the contribution of secondary metabolites in P. aeruginosa (PAO1) biofilm inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that plants under investigation more specifically B. ciliata could be a potential candidate for drug discovery to treat P. aeruginosa PAO1, induced infectious diseases especially for its biofilm treatment.

The protective effect of cinnamon and ginger hydro-alcoholic extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced testicular damage in rats

Sexual dysfunction of men is one of the most serious problems in human society. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of cinnamon and ginger extract on testicular damages induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6): 1. Normal control; 2. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4); 3. CCl4 + Cinnamon; 4. CCl4 + Ginger; 5. CCl4 + Cinnamon and Ginger; and 6. Cinnamon + Ginger. CCl4 (1 ml/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on the 14th day, and cinnamon (50 mg/kg, orally) and ginger (250 mg/kg, orally) were administered daily for 14 days. Fifty hours after the CCl4 injection, the testicles and epididymis were separated and examined as to histological alterations and oxidative stress markers. CCl4 significantly increased malondialdehyde level and decreased total antioxidant capacity when compared to the normal control group (p < .05). In addition, degenerative alterations in the testicular and epididymal tissue were observed in CCl4 group. The pre-treatment with ginger and cinnamon extract significantly improved these parameters when compared to the CCl4 group (p < .05). The results of this study indicated that co-treatment of ginger and cinnamon reduces the damages induced by CCl4 in testicular tissue by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing lipid peroxidation.

Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant properties of water-soluble extracts obtained from Bangladesh vegetables

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of some Bangladesh vegetables using fruits of ash gourd, bitter gourd, brinjal, okra, ridge gourd, snake gourd, and leaves of Indian spinach, kangkong, and stem amaranth. Proximate composition showed that the dried extracts were composed mainly of crude protein (14.6%-46.7%) and non-fibre carbohydrates (26.4%-53.5%). With the exception of stem amaranth, all the extracts had >40% DPPH radical scavenging ability at 0.5 mg/ml. In contrast metal chelation was lower, except in Indian spinach with ~46%. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was highest for the kangkong (10.9 mM Fe³⁺ reduced), which is similar to the 9.9 mM for butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). All the extracts suppressed linoleic acid oxidation better than BHT within the first 5 days of the incubation period. We conclude that the Indian spinach, kangkong, and okra could be considered as the most promising sources of antioxidant compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Vegetables are commonly consumed as part of a regular diet but the high water and fiber contents usually mean that large quantities are required to provide long-term health benefits. Therefore, in this work, aqueous extracts of nine Bangladesh vegetables were prepared to provide a more concentrated form of nutrients and bioactive compounds. The extracts had strong nutritional value based on the high contents of crude protein, potassium, iron, and non-fibre carbohydrates. The high content of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts can also provide health benefits, which was demonstrated through strong free radical scavenging, metal chelation, ferric iron reduction, and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. These vegetable extracts have the potential to be used as sources of bioactive compounds to prevent or treat non-communicable diseases that are associated with high oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory activity of date palm seed by downregulating interleukin-1β, TGF-β, cyclooxygenase-1 and -2: A study among middle age women

The prevalence of degenerative diseases increases with age. Furthermore, various factors tend to trigger cells injury, thereby, causing inflammation. This study, therefore, aims to examine the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of steeping date seeds in middle age women. This is a quasi-experimental design with a pre- and post-test approach used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of 2.5 g of steeped of date palm seed, consumed by 30 healthy middle-aged women per day (in 250 mL water) for 14 days. The final numbers (22 subjects) of recruited women were included in the statistical analysis. Their level of IL-1β, TGF-β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, COX-1, COX-2, and PGE2 were determined using ELISA. The results showed that the expression of IL-1β, TGF-β, COX-1, and COX-2 in women significantly decreased after consuming date palm seed. Steeped of date seed acts as an anti-inflammatory by downregulating the expression of key proinflammatory mediators.

Evaluation of in-vivo antidiarrhoeal and in-vitro antibacterial activities of the root extract of Brucea antidysenterica J. F. Mill (Simaroubaceae)

BACKGROUND

Diarrhoea has been the major cause of death especially in children of developing countries. Brucea antidysenterica is one of the several medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of diarrhoea in Ethiopia. Hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate the antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activities of the root extract of B. antidysenterica.

METHODS

Plant material was extracted by maceration technique using 80% methanol. The antidiarrhoeal activity was tested using castor oil-induced diarrhoea, castor oil-induced charcoal meal test, and castor oil-induced enteropooling models in mice. Whilst, the antibacterial activity of the crude extract was evaluated using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods.

RESULTS

The 80% methanolic crude extract significantly delayed the diarrhoeal onset at the two higher doses (p < 0.001) and it has also inhibited the number and weight of faecal output at all tested doses as compared with the negative control. Moreover, it showed a significant anti-motility effect (p < 0.001) at all tested doses. Whereas it displayed a significant reduction in the weight and volume of intestinal contents at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01). The highest concentration (800 mg/mL) of test extract showed maximum zone of inhibition in all tested standard strains of bacteria (18.3 mm-22 mm). While MIC and MBC values (0.39 mg/mL and 1.56 mg/mL) showed that S. flexneri was the most susceptible pathogen for test extract.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that the root extract of B. antidysenterica has antidiarrhoeal and antibacterial activities.

In vitro enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic studies with Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn. Leaf extract: a plant from Ayurveda recognized as Dasapushpam for the management of Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn. (Convolvulaceae) is a therapeutic herb alleviating brain patterns associated with three categories of regulatory principles of the body, mind, and behaviour. In the current research, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic potentials of E. alsinoides (L.) L. leaf extract has been studied validating its potential application.

METHODS

The plant phenolics in the leaf extracts obtained via cold-maceration with solvents viz.: n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water were quantitatively analyzed. The antioxidant potency was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) assays at five concentrations (100-500 μg). The enzyme inhibition potential was performed with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase at seven concentrations (25-500 μg). The experiments were done in triplicates and statistically validated using Minitab-17 and SPSS 22.

RESULTS

Water extract contain 45.08 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g, 49.30 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g, 211.21 ± 0.02 mg QE/g tannins, phenolics, flavonoids respectively. Its antioxidant activity was supported by IC₅₀ 52.43 ± 0.2 μg/mL (DPPH assay) and 41.58 ± 0.03 (FRAP assay). Methanolic extract inhibits α-amylase with IC₅₀ 1.33 ± 0.05 μg/mL. Water extract inhibits α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase with IC₅₀ 3.58 ± 0.02 μg/mL and 4.46 ± 0.03 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity studies with SH-SY5Y cell-line substantiate the inhibition potential of water extract with IC₅₀ 103.0035 μg/mL.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The extracts with potent antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting activity were determined. The findings of the research are the first report about the inhibition effects of Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn extracts against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase. The extracts shall be examined in future studies to evaluate its pharmaceutical potential.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutritional Compositions of Some Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruit Cultivars

A comparative study was carried out for eight mature date fruit cultivars to assess physicochemical and nutritional values. Results showed that fruit and flesh weights and seed sizes indicated wide diversity among studied cultivars. The highest pH, acidity, and ash levels were obtained from Tazizaout and Oukasaba cultivars; protein contents varied from 0.47 (Tazizaout) to 0.31 g/100g DM (Delat), while free amino acids concentrations were found between 1.47 (Oukasaba) and 0.79 g/100g DM (Tazarzeit). Total carbohydrates were ranged from 96.28 to 84.51 g/100g DM. The date is low in fat, the highest concentration was 0.11 g/100g DM. Principal Component Analysis indicated that Ourous and Delat cultivars have specific characteristics and can be distinguished from the other cultivars.

Bioactive compounds from date fruit and seed as potential nutraceutical and functional food ingredients

Date palm is an important fruit bearing tree grown widely in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The date fruit and its by-products, such as seeds, have both nutritional and medicinal value. However, date fruit and seeds have not been fully considered as potential functional food ingredients to develop foods with promising health benefits. Based on the available information in the literature, fruit and seed of date palm are rich in phytochemicals, such as phenolics, anthocyanin, carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols and dietary fiber. In addition, they were reported to possess several beneficial health properties explored under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Further research in this area would provide valuable information for the potential utilization of date fruit and seed as functional food ingredients. This review presents a comprehensive information about the bioactive compounds and nutraceutical properties of different varieties of date fruit and seed, as well as the potential for using them as functional food ingredients.

In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of Thymus Sipyleus Boiss. Subsp. Rosulans (Borbas) Jalas

Thymus sipyleus Boiss. subsp. rosulans (Borbas) Jalas (TS) is a commonly used plant in the treatment of various complaints, including skin wounds in Turkish folk medicine. Despite the widespread traditional use of TS, there is not any scientific report confirming the effectiveness of this plant on the healing process. This research aimed to investigate the effects of different extracts obtained from TS on biological events during wound healing, on a cellular basis. In this context, proliferative activities of the extracts, as well as the effects on wound closure and hydroxyproline synthesis, were determined. In addition to wound healing properties, the antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated. Decoction (D) and infusion (I) extracts contained the highest amount of phenolic content and showed the most potent activity against DPPH radical. All extracts exhibited complete protection against the damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by increasing cell viability compared to only H2O2-treated groups, both in co-treatment and pre-treatment protocols. None of the extracts exhibited cytotoxic activity, and most of the extracts from the TS stimulated fibroblast proliferation and migration. All TS extracts exert anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO). The most pronounced activity on hydroxyproline synthesis was observed in D extract. In summary, it was observed that TS extracts can promote the healing process by enhancing fibroblast migration, proliferation and collagen synthesis as well as suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The obtained data in this work support the traditional use of TS as a valuable plant-based compound for the treatment of wounds.