Anti-aging potential of extracts from Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst and its chemical profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Marula oil nanoemulsion improves motor function in experimental parkinsonism via mitigation of inflammation and oxidative stress

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurologic condition exhibiting motor dysfunction that affects old people. Marula oil (M-Oil) has been used longley in cosmetics and curing skin disorders. M-Oil is particularly stable due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants. The current study formulated M-Oil in an o/w nanoemulsion (M-NE) preparations and tested its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions against experimental parkinsonism. Methods: Four experimental groups of male albino mice were used and assigned as vehicle, PD, PD + M-Oil and PD + M-NE. Locomotor function was evaluated using the open field test and the cylinder test. Striatal samples were used to measure inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Results: The results indicated poor motor performance of the mice in PD control group then, improvements were recorded after treatment with crude M-Oil or M-NE. In addition, we found high expression and protein of inflammatory markers and malondialdehyde levels in PD group which were downregulated by using doses of crude M-Oil or M-NE. Hence, formulating M-Oil in form of M-NE enhanced its physical characters. Discussion: This finding was supported by enhanced biological activity of M-NE as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that resulted in downregulation of the inflammatory burden and alleviation of locomotor dysfunction in experimental PD in mice.

Integration of Metabolome and Transcriptome Reveals the Major Metabolic Pathways and Potential Biomarkers in Response to Freeze-Stress Regulation in Apple (Malus domestica)

Freezing stress is the main factor affecting the normal growth and distribution of plants. The safe overwintering of a perennial deciduous plant is a crucial link to ensuring its survival and yield. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of its gene regulation metabolites as related to its freeze-tolerance. In order to enhance our comprehension of freeze-tolerance metabolites and gene expression in dormant apple trees, we examined the metabolic and transcriptomic differences between 'Ralls' and 'Fuji', two apple varieties with varying degrees of resistance to freezing. The results of the freezing treatment showed that 'Ralls' had stronger freeze-tolerance than 'Fuji'. We identified 302, 334, and 267 up-regulated differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 408, 387, and 497 down-regulated DAMs between 'Ralls' and 'Fuji' under -10, -15, and -20 °C treatment, respectively. A total of 359 shared metabolites were obtained in the upward trend modules, of which 62 metabolites were associated with 89 pathways. The number of up-regulated genes accounted for 50.2%, 45.6%, and 43.2% of the total number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively, at -10, -15, and -20 °C. Through combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis, we identified 12 pathways that included 16 DAMs and 65 DEGs. Meanwhile, we found that 20 DEGs were identified in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and its related pathways, involving the metabolism of p-Coumaroyl-CoA, 7, 4'-Dihydroxyflavone, and scolymoside. These discoveries advance our comprehension of the molecular mechanism underlying apple freeze-tolerance and provide genetic material for breeding apple cultivars with enhanced freeze-tolerance.

Antioxidant and in vitro cosmeceutical activities of chestnut inner shell fermented by Monascus kaoliang

Chestnut inner shell (CIS) was fermented at 30 °C for 12 day using Monascus kaoliang, either in solid or submerged state, and alcohol extracts (70% ethanol) of the fermented CIS were examined for their antioxidant (total phenol content and diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity) and in vitro cosmeceutical activities (tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activities). Both activities were significantly increased by the M. kaoliang-fermentation, more apparently by submerged fermentation (SMF) than by solid-state fermentation (SSF). The cosmeceutical activity reached its maximum value on the 3rd day of fermentation. The residual amounts of phenolic acids and catechins in the CIS extracts were increased by the fermentation, up to 395.0 and 344.3 µg/g, respectively. More phenolic acids were produced by SMF than SSF, whereas more catechins were produced by SSF than SMF. Therefore, SMF using M. kaoliang was an efficient process for the utilization of CIS as a source of cosmeceuticals.

Recent Advances in Herbal-Derived Products with Skin Anti-Aging Properties and Cosmetic Applications

Although aesthetic benefits are a desirable effect of the treatment of skin aging, it is also important in controlling several skin diseases, mainly in aged people. The development of new dermocosmetics has rapidly increased due to consumers' demand for non-invasive products with lower adverse effects than those currently available on the market. Natural compounds of plant origin and herbal-derived formulations have been popularized due to their various safe active products, which act through different mechanisms of action on several signaling pathways for skin aging. Based on this, the aim of the review was to identify the recent advances in herbal-derived product research, including herbal formulations and isolated compounds with skin anti-aging properties. The studies evaluated the biological effects of herbal-derived products in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, highlighting the effects that were reported in clinical trials with available pharmacodynamics data that support their protective effects to treat, prevent, or control human skin aging. Thus, it was possible to identify that gallic and ferulic acids and herbal formulations containing Thymus vulgaris, Panax ginseng, Triticum aestivum, or Andrographis paniculata are the most promising natural products for the development of new dermocosmetics with skin anti-aging properties.

Antifungal Activities of Phytochemically Characterized Hydroethanolic Extracts of Sclerocarya birrea Leaves and Stem Bark against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans Strains

The study evaluated the antifungal activities of the 70% ethanol extracts of Sclerocarya birrea leaves (SBL) and stem bark (SBB) against C. albicans strains and fluconazole-resistant isolates, their antifungal effects in combination with conventional antifungals as well as their effects on the biofilms of the C. albicans strains and isolates. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis was then carried out to investigate the metabolite profile of the extracts and UPLC fingerprints developed for their routine identification as part of quality control measures. The extracts exhibited considerable antifungal activity with MIC ranging from 12.21 to 97.66 μg/mL and MFC from 12.21 to 390.63 μg/mL against the C. albicans strains and isolates. The antifungal activity of the stem bark extract was higher than the leaf extract. SBL and SBB also significantly inhibited biofilm formation (IC₅₀ = 12.49 to 164.42 μg/mL) and the mature biofilms (IC₅₀ = 91.50 to 685.20 μg/mL) of the strains and isolates of the C. albicans and demonstrated potential for their use in combination therapies with currently used antifungals especially the stem bark extract with nystatin. Metabolite profiling identified the presence of polyphenolic compounds in both leaves and stem bark mostly flavonoids, their derivatives, and proanthocyanidins, which contribute in part to the bioactivity of the plant. Whereas flavonoids like quercetin, myricetin, and their derivatives were abundant in the leaves, epicatechin monomers with their condensed tannins, including procyanidin B2 and procyanidin C, were abundant in the stem bark. Fingerprints of SBL and SBB were developed and validated and could be used as qualitative tools to authenticate the plant. The outcomes of the study show the promise of the leaf and stem bark extracts of S. birrea to be studied further and developed as antifungal agents.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Analysis of Phenolic Compounds from the Fruit of Cephalostachyum fuchsianum Gamble and Their Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Activities

Bamboo is a widely distributed graminaceous plant in China and is a potential source of bioactive substances. Incidentally, bamboo’s fruit is rich in phytochemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which are significant to human health. In this study, we identified the phenolic compounds of the fruit and investigated the antioxidant activities of Cephalostachyum fuchsianum Gamble (CFG) fruit polyphenols with in vitro and in vivo tests for the first time. UPLC–Q–TOF–MS/MS analysis results showed that the fruit contained 43 phenolic compounds, including 7 hydroxybenzoic acids, 12 flavonoids, 7 coumarins, 10 hydroxycinnamic acids, 1 terpenoid, and 5 lignans. The TPC of SP extracts was higher than that of IBPs extracts in FP and FF. The SP extracts in FP showed better antioxidant activities in vitro compared to those in FF. In addition, polyphenols from CFG fruits protected against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells, and the protective effect of polyphenols in FP was superior to that in FF. The analysis results showed that CFG fruit has great potential in exploiting natural chemical substances, which can provide valuable pieces of information for the further development and utilization of CFG.

Potential Anti-aging Components From Moringa oleifera Leaves Explored by Affinity Ultrafiltration With Multiple Drug Targets

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera), widely used in tropical and subtropical regions, has been reported to possess good anti-aging benefits on skincare. However, the potential bioactive components responsible for its anti-aging effects, including anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase activities, have not been clarified so far. In this study, M. oleifera leaf extracts were first conducted for anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities in vitro by spectrophotometric and fluorometric assays, and the results revealed that they possessed good activities against skin aging-related enzymes. Then, multi-target bio-affinity ultrafiltration coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (AUF-HPLC-MS) was applied to quickly screen anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-hyaluronidase ligands in M. oleifera leaf extracts. Meanwhile, 10, 8, and 14 phytochemicals were screened out as the potential anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-hyaluronidase ligands, respectively. Further confirmation of these potential bioactive components with anti-aging target enzymes was also implemented by molecule docking analysis. In conclusion, these results suggest that the M. oleifera leaves might be a very promising natural source of anti-aging agent for skincare, which can be further explored in the cosmetics and cosmeceutical industries combating aging and skin wrinkling.

Nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of the fruit of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk

Objective

This study assessed the major nutrients and antioxidant properties of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk fruits collected from the Nanshan Mountain area of Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.

Methods and materials

We assessed the basic nutrients, including amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids, and determined the total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents of the extracts.

Results

The analytical results revealed the average water (75.22 g/100 g), total fat (0.506 g/100 g), total protein (2.55 g/100 g), ash (1.31 g/100 g), and carbohydrate (17.72 g/100 g) contents in fresh B. heteropoda fruit, with total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents of B. heteropoda fruits at 68.55 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, 108.42 mg quercetin equivalents/g, and 19.83 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent/g, respectively. Additionally, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS^E analysis of polyphenols in B. heteropoda fruit revealed 32 compounds.

Conclusion

B. heteropoda fruits may have potential nutraceutical value and represent a potential source of nutrition and antioxidant phytochemicals in the human diet.

A Comparison of Bioactive Metabolites, Antinutrients, and Bioactivities of African Pumpkin Leaves (Momordica balsamina L.) Cooked by Different Culinary Techniques

Prior to consumption, African pumpkin leaves (Momordica balsamina L.) are generally cooked. In this study, the effects of common household cooking methods (boiling, steaming, microwaving, stir-frying) on bioactive metabolites, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, antinutrients and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities were examined. A set of 14 bioactive metabolites were identified in raw and cooked African leaves using UPLC-QTOF/MS. The results showed that the four different types of household cooking methods had different effects on the bioactive metabolomics profile of African pumpkin leaves. In comparison to raw leaves and leaves cooked in other methods, the concentrations of six phenolic compounds, rutin, cryptochlorogenic acid (4-caffeoylquinic acid), pseudolaroside A, isorhamnetin 3-O-robinoside, quercetin 3-galactoside, and trans-4-feruloylquinic acid, were highest in stir-fried leaves. Of all household cooking methods tested, stir-frying increased the content of lutein, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin by 60.00%, 146.15%, and 123.51%, respectively. Moreover, stir-frying African pumpkin leaves increased the antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) and the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Compared to all four methods of household cooking, stir-frying reduced the antinutritive compounds compared to raw leaves. This work provides useful information to the consumers on the selection of suitable cooking methods for African pumpkin leaves.

Flower Extracts as Multifunctional Dyes in the Cosmetics Industry

Flowers are a natural source of bioactive compounds that not only have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, but can also be used as natural dyes. For this reason, nowadays plants are widely used to produce natural cosmetics and foods. In these studies, the properties of the water extracts of Papaver rhoeas L., Punica granatum L., Clitoria ternatea L., Carthamus tinctorius L., and Gomphrena globosa L., as bioactive, natural dyes, were investigated. Plant flower extracts were tested for their antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH radical methods) and anti-inflammatory effects by determining the ability to inhibit the activity of lipoxygenase and proteinase. The extracts were tested for their cytotoxic effect on skin cells, using Alamar Blue and Neutral Red tests. The ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes responsible for the destruction of elastin and collagen was also studied. Research has shown that extracts have no toxic effect on skin cells, are a rich source of antioxidants and show the ability to inhibit the activity of elastase and collagenase enzymes. P. rhoeas extract showed the strongest antioxidant properties with IC50 value of 24.8 ± 0.42 µg/mL and 47.5 ± 1.01 µg/mL in ABTS and DPPH tests, respectively. The tested plants are also characterized by an anti-inflammatory property, for which the ability to inhibit lipoxygenase at a level above 80% and proteinase at the level of about 55% was noted. Extracts from P. rhoeas, C. ternatea, and C. tinctorius show the strongest coloring ability and can permanently dye cosmetic products, without significant color changes during the storage of the product.

Determination of Phenolics and Flavonoids of Some Useful Medicinal Plants and Bioassay-Guided Fractionation Substances of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hochst Stem (Bark) Extract and Their Efficacy Against Salmonella typhi

Gallic acid and catechin are the most abundant phenolic and flavonoid contents found in all plant extracts. The contents and the bioassay-guided fractionating substances of the Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hochst (Anacardiaceae) fraction played vital roles. The goals of the study were to determine the contents of some useful medicinal plants and the bioassay-guided fractionation substances of S. birrea fraction compounds capable of acting against Salmonella isolate using LC-MS/LC-HRMS (Dionex ultimate 3000 RS UPLC with Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Orbitrap Hybrid Tandem Mass Spectrometer). The Folin-Ciocalteu reagent procedure and flavonoid content determination were conducted spectrophotometrically. Bioassay-guided fractionation, chronological partitioning, and screening of the antibacterial action against Salmonella typhi were performed. The ethyl acetate fraction extracts of S. birrea stem (bark) extract were analyzed using LC-MS/LC-HRMS. The gallic acid content increased tremendously in Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H. Hurter and Mabb (Fabaceae) pod extracts with curve fitting (R ² = 0.9958). Catechin content increase was significantly increased in S. birrea stem (bark) extracts followed by that of V. nilotica pod extracts with curve fitting (R ² = 0.9993); they were all significantly different in the Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. and the Leptadenia lanceolata (Poir.) Goyder leaves extracts at p value <0.0001. Subsequently, 10 mg/ml of S. birrea stem (bark) ethyl acetate fraction extract was the MIC, where no MBC was recorded and susceptible to the positive control with the highest inhibition zone, followed by the ethyl acetate fraction extract at 10 mg/ml (9.7 ± 0.0) at Turkey's p < 0.0001. Vidarabine is one of the novel compounds, specifically having antimicrobial actions, found in the S. birrea stem (bark). Reasonable amounts of phenolic and flavonoid contents determined the actions of the individual plant extract.

Comprehensive and Rapid Quality Evaluation Method for the Ayurvedic Medicine Divya-Swasari-Vati Using Two Analytical Techniques: UPLC/QToF MS and HPLC-DAD

Divya-Swasari-Vati (DSV) is a calcium-containing herbal medicine formulated for the symptomatic control of respiratory illnesses observed in the current COVID-19 pandemic. DSV is an Ayurvedic medicine used for the treatment of chronic cough and inflammation. The formulation has shown its pharmacological effects against SARS-CoV-2 induced inflammation in the humanized zebrafish model. The present inventive research aimed to establish comprehensive quality parameters of the DSV formulation using validated chromatographic analytical tools. Exhaustive identification of signature marker compounds present in the plant ingredients was carried out using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/QToF MS). This was followed by simultaneous estimation of selected marker components using rapid and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Eleven marker components, namely gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, methyl gallate, ellagic acid, coumarin, cinnamic acid, glycyrrhizin, eugenol, 6-gingerol, piperine and glabridin, were selected out of seventy-four identified makers for the quantitative analysis in DSV formulation. Validation of the HPLC method was evaluated by its linearity, precision, and accuracy tests as per the International Council of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Calibration curves for the eleven marker compounds showed good linear regression (r2 > 0.999). The relative standard deviation (RSD) value of intraday and interday precision tests were within the prescribed limits. The accuracy test results ranged from 92.75% to 100.13%. Thus, the present inclusive approach is first of its kind employing multi-chromatographic platforms for identification and quantification of the marker components in DSV, which could be applied for routine standardization of DSV and other related formulations.

Changes in Phenolic Metabolites and Biological Activities of Pumpkin Leaves (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir.) During Blanching

Pumpkin leaves (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir.) are popularly consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Blanching the leaves before drying is a method of preservation during off-season. In this study, different blanching treatments and media are used to test the changes in non-targeted phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS activity), in vitro α-glucosidase activity and cell cytotoxicity of pumpkin leaves. Steam blanching in plain water led to the highest retention of total phenolic content and reduced the loss of quercetin 3-glucoside 7-rhamnoside (Rutin), kaempferol 7-neohesperidoside, isoorientin 2″-O-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin 3-galactoside, coumaroyl glucaric acid, isorhamnetin-3-galactoside-6″-rhamnoside, 2-caffeoylisocitric acid, quercetin 3-galactoside 7-rhamnoside by (3.04%), (7.37%), (10.65%), (10.97%), (14.88%), (16.1%), (16.73%), (18.88%), and (23.15%), respectively, and coumaroyl isocitrate increased by 14.92%. Candidate markers, 2-O-caffeoylglucaric acid, 2-(E)-O-feruloyl-D-galactaric acid, quercetin 3-galactoside 7-rhamnoside (rutin) and unidentified compounds ([(M-H) 677.28 and at RT 21.78] were responsible for the separation of the steam blanched samples in plain water from the other blanching treatments. Steam blanching in plain water increased the antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS activity). There were no cytotoxic effect or inhibitory effect of α-glucosidase activity detected in the raw or blanched pumpkin leaves. Thus, this study recommends steam blanching in plain water for African cuisine, and confirms it is safe to consume pumpkin leaves frequently.

An integrated strategy for discovering effective components of Shaoyao Gancao decoction for treating neuropathic pain by the combination of partial least-squares regression and multi-index comprehensive method

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Neuropathic pain, the incidence of which ranges from 5 to 8% in the general population, remains challenge in the treatment. Shaoyao Gancao decoction (SGD) is a Chinese classical formula used to relieve pain for thousands of years and has been applied for neuropathic pain nowadays. However, the effective components of SGD for the treatment of neuropathic pain remains unclear.

AIMS OF STUDY

To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of SGD against neuropathic pain and further reveal the effective components of SGD in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Spared nerve injury (SNI) model rats of neuropathic pain were orally given SGD to intervene, the components in vivo after SGD administration were determined, behavior indicators, biochemical parameters, and metabolomics were applied for assessing the efficacy. Then correlation between components and biomarkers was analyzed by pearson correlation method. To further measure the contribution of components to efficacy, the combination of partial least-squares regression (PLSR) and multi-index comprehensive method was carried out, according to the corresponding contribution degree of the results, the components with large contribution degree were considered as the effective components.

RESULTS

SGD exhibited a significant regulatory effect on neuropathic pain, which could increase the pain threshold and decrease the levels of SP, β-EP, PGE2 and NO. With the high resolution of UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology, a total of 128 compounds from SGD were identified and 44 of them were absorbed in blood. Besides, 40 serum biomarkers were identified after intervention of SGD and the metabolic pathways were constructed. The key metabolic pathways including Glycerophospholipid metabolism, Linoleic acid metabolism, Alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor biosynthesis and Arachidonic acid metabolism may be related to the regulation of neuropathic pain. Metabolomics combined with PLSR and multi-index comprehensive method was utilized to discover 5 components including paeonol, DL-Arabinose, benzoic acid, hispaglabridin A and paeonilactone C as effective components of SGD in the treatment of neuropathic pain. This strategy was used to explore the effective components of SGD and elucidate its possible analgesic mechanism.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrate that SGD significantly relieved neuropathic pain and elucidated the effective components of SGD for treating neuropathic pain, the strategy as an illustrative case study can be applied to other classical formula and is beneficial to improve the quality and efficacy.

Plant Fortification of the Diet for Anti-Ageing Effects: A Review

Ageing is an enigmatic and progressive biological process which undermines the normal functions of living organisms with time. Ageing has been conspicuously linked to dietary habits, whereby dietary restrictions and antioxidants play a substantial role in slowing the ageing process. Oxygen is an essential molecule that sustains human life on earth and is involved in the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that pose certain health complications. The ROS are believed to be a significant factor in the progression of ageing. A robust lifestyle and healthy food, containing dietary antioxidants, are essential for improving the overall livelihood and decelerating the ageing process. Dietary antioxidants such as adaptogens, anthocyanins, vitamins A/D/C/E and isoflavones slow the ageing phenomena by reducing ROS production in the cells, thereby improving the life span of living organisms. This review highlights the manifestations of ageing, theories associated with ageing and the importance of diet management in ageing. It also discusses the available functional foods as well as nutraceuticals with anti-ageing potential.

Schisandra chinensis bee pollen's chemical profiles and protective effect against H2O2-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes

Background

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill bee pollen extract (SCBPE) is often used as a functional food in China due to its good antioxidant property. However, its chemical compositions and effects on H9c2 cardiomyocytes against H₂O₂-induced cell injury still lacks of reports thus far. This study aimed to characterize the main components of SCBPE and investigate its protective effects against H₂O₂-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury.

Methods

The main components of SCBPE were analyzed via ultraperformance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF MS/MS). The three main nucleosides in SCBPE were quantitatively analyzed via ultraperformance liquid chromatography–diode array detection. Furthermore, the potential mechanism by which SCBPE exerts protective effects against H₂O₂-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury was explored for the first time via cell survival rate measurements; cell morphological observation; myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) level determination; flow cytometry; and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Two carbohydrates, three nucleosides, and nine quinic acid nitrogen-containing derivatives in SCBPE were identified or tentatively characterized via UPLC–QTOF MS/MS. The nine quinic acid nitrogen-containing derivatives were first reported in bee pollen. The contents of uridine, guanosine, and adenosine were 2.4945 ± 0.0185, 0.1896 ± 0.0049, and 1.8418 ± 0.0157 μg/mg, respectively. Results of in vitro experiments showed that cell survival rate, myocardial SOD activity, and GSH level significantly increased and myocardial MDA level significantly decreased in SCBPE groups compared with those in H₂O₂ group. Cell morphology in SCBPE groups also markedly improved compared with that in H₂O₂ group. Results indicated that SCBPE protected H9c2 cardiomyocytes from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis by downregulating the mRNA expressions of Bax, cytochrome C, and caspase-3 and upregulating the Bcl-2 mRNA expression.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report that SCBPE could protect against oxidative stress injury and apoptosis in H₂O₂-injured H9c2 cells. Results indicated that the nucleosides and quinic acid nitrogen-containing derivatives could be the main substances that exert protective effects against H₂O₂-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury.

Premna odorata: Seasonal Metabolic Variation in the Essential Oil Composition of Its Leaf and Verification of Its Anti-Ageing Potential via In Vitro Assays and Molecular Modelling

The metabolic variation in the essential oil composition of Premna odorata leaves obtained from different seasons was quantitatively and qualitatively determined employing GC/MS (Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry) and GC/FID (Gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector) techniques. It displayed the existence of 97 constituents accounting for 94.19%, 92.27%, 91.95% and 92.63% for POS (spring), POM (summer), POA (autumn) and POW (winter) whole essential oils. β-Caryophyllene constituting the main metabolite in the oil in the different seasons. To better visualize the differences between them, GC data were exposed to chemometric analysis. A PCA (principal component analysis) score plot revealed the closeness of POS and POW. Molecular modelling on collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes active centres shows that different compounds existing in the essential oil of Premna odorata leaves shows binding to the active sites with variable degrees that suggested its anti-ageing potential. Palmitic acid displayed the highest fitting for both the collagenase and elastase active centres in both pH-based and rule-based ionization methods with ∆G equals -78.27 and -44.77 kcal/mol, respectively; meanwhile, heptacosane showed the highest fitting score in the hyaluronidase centre with ∆G = -43.78 kcal/mol. In vitro assays consolidates the obtained modelling studies in which essential oil shows considerable anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase potential as evidenced by their IC₅₀ values being 49.3 and 37.7 μg/mL, respectively; meanwhile, the essential oil of Premna odorata leaves displayed mild anti-collagenase potential. Thus, it can be concluded that Premna odorata could serve as a promising anti-ageing naturally occurring drug that could be effectively incorporated by pharmaceutical industries in cosmetics combating ageing and skin wrinkling.

A Novel Biochemical Study of Anti-Ageing Potential of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Bark Waste Standardized Extract and Silver Nanoparticles

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh belongs to family Myrtaceae. They are massive in Egypt. Although reputed for high phenolic content, barks are considered waste. Ageing is a natural phenomenon caused by apoptosis and senescence resulting in wrinkles. The phytochemical analysis of the 70% ethanolic Eucalyptus camaldulensis bark extract (EBE) and evaluation of its anti-ageing potential and as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were conducted in this study. Ultra performance liquid chromatography / electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of EBE fingerprint revealed twenty compounds, where Rutin was major. EBE was standardized to contain 1.26 % Rutin. AgNPs synthesized by green synthesis, were characterized by transmission electron microscope and zeta potential measurement. Both EBE and AgNPs were subjected to MTT assay in HFB4 cells and cell cycle arrest. Flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis and p16 ^INK4a. Genetic expression of p53 and p21 and telomerase level were determined. Anti-wrinkle enzyme assays were done. AgNps were spherical, 468.7 nm in size and with Poly dispersity index of 0.817 ± 0.129. EBE and AgNPs with IC₅₀ 0.156 mg/mL ± 0.05 and 2.315 ± 0.07 μg/mL expressed significant difference in % of cells (DNA content) at G2/M, apoptotic cells numbers, p53 and p21expression and p16^INK4a vs aged cells (P < 0.0001). Both expressed significant increase in telomerase (P < 0.0001). They exhibited elastase, collagenase and tyrosinase inhibition (75 ± 4.3 and 75.9 ± 6.8 % at 300 μg/mL, 58 ± 4.8 and 63 ± 2.3, at 500 μg/mL, 51 ± 4.8 and 65 ± 5.87, at 500 μg/mL, respectively. Although it is considered waste, EBE and Ag NPs are anti-ageing candidates as they inhibit apoptosis, senescence and prevent wrinkles formation.

Activity of catechins and their applications

Background

Catechins, which are polyphenol compounds found in many plants and are an important component of tea leaves, are strong anti-oxidants.

Research

Many studies seek to enhance the effects of catechins on the human body and boost their protective power against UV radiation. There are many examples of the positive anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and anti-cancer effects of catechins. Catechins increase the penetration and absorption of healthy functional foods and bio cosmetics into the body and the skin, thus improving their utility. High value-added anti-oxidant substances have been extracted from food and plant sludge, and experiments have shown that catechins are safe when applied to the human body. The stability of catechins is very important for their absorption into the human body and the effectiveness of their anti-oxidant properties.

Conclusion

Continued research on the strong anti-oxidant effects of catechins is expected to result in many advances in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF Analysis and Antifungal Activity of the Spondias tuberosa Arruda Leaf and Root Hydroalcoholic Extracts

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the chemical compositions and effects of the S. tuberosa leaf and root hydroalcoholic extracts (HELST and HERST) against different strains of Candida. Chemical analysis was performed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Quadrupole/Time of Flight System (UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF). The Inhibitory Concentration of 50% of the growth (IC₅₀₎ as well as the intrinsic and combined action of the extracts with the antifungal fluconazole (FCZ) were determined by the microdilution method while the minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) and the effect on fungal morphological transitions were analyzed by subculture and in humid chambers, respectively. From the preliminary phytochemical analysis, the phenols and flavonoids were the most abundant. The intrinsic IC₅₀ values for HELST ranged from 5716.3 to 7805.8 µg/mL and from 6175.4 to 51070.9 µg/mL for the HERST, whereas the combination of the extracts with fluconazole presented IC₅₀ values from 2.65 to 278.41 µg/mL. The MFC of the extracts, individually, for all the tested strains was ≥16384 µg/mL. When fluconazole was combined with each extract, the MFC against CA URM 5974 was reduced (HELST: 2048 and HERST: 4096 µg/mL). Synergism was observed against standard C. albicans (CA) and C. tropicalis (CT) strains and with the root extract against the CT isolate. The leaf extract inhibited the morphological transition of all strains while the root extract inhibited only CT strains.

The effect of aging in primary human dermal fibroblasts

Skin aging is a complex process, and alterations in human skin due to aging have distinct characteristic as compared to other organs. The aging of dermal cells and the biological mechanisms involved in this process are key areas to understand skin aging. A large number of biological mechanisms, such as decreasing of protein synthesis of extracellular matrix or increasing of degradation, are known to be altered through skin aging. However, environmental influence can accelerate this characteristic phenotype. In this study, we analyzed primary human dermal fibroblasts in three different in-vitro aging models—UVB irradiation and accelerated proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts from young donors as well as from elderly donors—for the gene expression of COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL7A1, MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP7, MMP8, MMP9, MMP10, MMP12, MMP13, MMP14, TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3, TIMP4, IL1B, IL1A, IL6, IL8, IL10, PTGS2, TP53, CASP3, LMNA, SIRT1. We compared the gene expression levels with young control. Furthermore, the behavior of skin fibroblasts was also evaluated using cell growth rate. The findings reveal that the gene expression levels in skin fibroblasts was altered in the process of aging in all three in-vitro aging models, and the cell growth rate was reduced, suggesting that these methods can be employed to understand skin aging mechanisms as well as drug discovery screening method.

Investigation of the Inhibitory Effects of Mangrove Leaves and Analysis of Their Active Components on Phaeocystis globosa during Different Stages of Leaf Age

The presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) can cause significant problems to the quality of the water, the marine ecosystems, and the human health, and economy worldwide. Biological remediation can inhibit harmful algal growth efficiently in an environmental-friendly manner. Therefore, the research conducted on biological remediation with regard to the inhibition of HABs is becoming a major focus in marine ecology. To date, no study has been reported with regard to the red tides occurring in mangrove wetlands. Therefore, the present study used two mangrove species, namely Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Kandelia candel and one harmful algae species Phaeocystis globosa as experimental organisms. The present study determined the inhibitory effects and algae physiology of specific aqueous extracts from mangrove leaves on the viability of harmful algae, and analyzed the main chemical composition of the aqueous extracts by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). The results indicated that the aqueous extracts from different leaf ages of B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves exhibited apparent inhibitory effects on the growth of P. globosa. The inhibitory effects of B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves aqueous extracts on the growth of P. globosa were in the following order: senescent > mature > young leaves. The levels of the parameters superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA)content in P. globosa following treatment with B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves aqueous extracts were increased as follows: senescent > mature > young leaves. Simultaneously, the intensity of the ion peaks of the specific secondary metabolites assigned 4 (No.: 4 Rt: 2.83 min), 7 (No.: 7 Rt: 3.14 min), 8 (No.: 8 Rt: 3.24 min), 9 (No.: 9 Rt: 3.82min) and 10 (No.: 10 Rt: 4.10 min) were increased. These metabolites were found in the aqueous extracts from B. gymnorrhiza leaves. The intensities of the ion peaks of the secondary metabolites 7, 8 in the aqueous extracts from the K. candel leaves were also increased. The majority of the substances that inhibited the algae found in the mangrove plants were secondary metabolites. Therefore, we considered that the norsesquiterpenes compounds 4, 8, 9, and 10 and a phenolic glycoside compound 7 were the active constituents in the aqueous extracts of the mangrove leaves responsible for the inhibition of algae growth. This evidence provided theoretical guidance for the development of biological methods to control red tides and for the further use of substances with antiproliferative activity against algae.