Antioxidant activities of Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum Turcz leaf extracts and their major components

The Influence of Basal Medium on Polyphenol Accumulation in Shoot Cultures of Clerodendrum trichotomum and Clerodendrum colebrookianum

Plants of the Clerodendrum genus, known for their rich phytochemical profiles, are used in traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Indian medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cancer. Due to the limited natural availability of these plants, there is a growing interest in utilizing in vitro culture techniques to produce their bioactive compounds sustainably. In this study, the effects are compared of Murashige and Skoog (MS), Woody Plant medium (WP), Gamborg B5 (B5), and Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) basal media on growth, biomass accumulation, and polyphenolic compound production in shoot cultures of Clerodendrum colebrookianum and Clerodendrum trichotomum. The composition of the culture medium significantly influenced the growth and metabolic profiles of both species. C. trichotomum exhibited the highest proliferation potential on WP and SH media, while C. colebrookianum was similar on WP, SH, and B5 media (multiplication factor of about 20). Dry weight accumulation was highest in C. trichotomum grown on SH medium (0.292 g/culture), while C. colebrookianum achieved a comparable biomass on SH and WP media (0.240 g/culture and 0.228 g/culture, respectively). The chemical analysis showed similar secondary metabolite profiles between the two Clerodendrum species with phenylethanoids such as acteoside being the predominant bioactive compounds in hydromethanolic extracts. WP medium was the most favorable for polyphenol accumulation in C. colebrookianum (64.5 mg/g DW), while the SH medium yielded the highest total polyphenol content in C. trichotomum (36.6 mg/g DW). In this study, the importance is underscored of basal medium selection in optimizing the in vitro production of bioactive polyphenolic compounds in Clerodendrum species, providing a foundation for the sustainable and scalable production of these pharmacologically significant metabolites.

Red blood cell-derived materials for cancer therapy: Construction, distribution, and applications

Cancer has become an increasingly important public health issue owing to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Although traditional treatment methods are relatively effective, they have limitations such as highly toxic side effects, easy drug resistance, and high individual variability. Meanwhile, emerging therapies remain limited, and their actual anti-tumor effects need to be improved. Nanotechnology has received considerable attention for its development and application. In particular, artificial nanocarriers have emerged as a crucial approach for tumor therapy. However, certain deficiencies persist, including immunogenicity, permeability, targeting, and biocompatibility. The application of erythrocyte-derived materials will help overcome the above problems and enhance therapeutic effects. Erythrocyte-derived materials can be acquired via the application of physical and chemical techniques from natural erythrocyte membranes, or through the integration of these membranes with synthetic inner core materials using cell membrane biomimetic technology. Their natural properties such as biocompatibility and long circulation time make them an ideal choice for drug delivery or nanoparticle biocoating. Thus, red blood cell-derived materials are widely used in the field of biomedicine. However, further studies are required to evaluate their efficacy, in vivo metabolism, preparation, design, and clinical translation. Based on the latest research reports, this review summarizes the biology, synthesis, characteristics, and distribution of red blood cell-derived materials. Furthermore, we provide a reference for further research and clinical transformation by comprehensively discussing the applications and technical challenges faced by red blood cell-derived materials in the treatment of malignant tumors.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Cordyceps militaris spent substrate

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom and has been extensively used as a traditional medicine in East Asia. After the chrysalis seeds are matured and harvested, the spent substrate of C. militaris still contains active ingredients but is usually discarded as waste. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of C. militaris spent substrate extract and its inhibitory activity on the Malassezia commensal yeasts that can cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Active substances in the spent substrate of C. militaris were extracted using a hot water extraction method and were used for the determination of antioxidant activity by measuring their ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anions. The ability to inhibit Malassezia was analyzed using the broth microdilution method, and the reparative effect on oxidative damage in HaCaT cells was measured using in vitro cell analysis. Respiratory burst evaluation was used to determine the anti-inflammatory capacity of extracts. Analysis of the Malassezia-inhibiting activity of the extracts showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration was 6.25 mg/mL. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of DPPH, O2-, H2O2 and OH- were 3.845 mg/mL, 2.673 mg/mL, 0.037 mg/mL and 0.046 mg/mL, respectively. In the concentration range of 2 to 50%, the extract was non-toxic to cells and was able to protect HaCaT cells from H2O2 damage. When the volume fraction of the extract was 20.96%, its anti-inflammatory ability reached 50%. These results demonstrated that the extract may be a safe and efficacious source for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, with Malassezia-inhibiting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Physical, chemical, and sensory properties of water kefir produced from Aronia melanocarpa juice and pomace

Water kefir is widely consumed all over the world due to its potential health benefits. The aim of this current study was to compare non-fermented juice and fermented beverage of water kefir produced from Aronia melanocarpa juice and pomace in terms of chemical, physical and sensory quality as well as valorisation of pomace in the production of water kefir. When compared to water kefir made with aronia juice, less reduction in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) was observed in samples made with aronia pomace during the fermentation process. Similarly, greater antioxidant activity was demonstrated in water kefir made with aronia pomace than juice. Based on sensory evaluation, no difference was found in overall acceptability, taste, aroma/odor, and turbidity of water kefir made with aronia pomace before and after fermentation. Results indicated that aronia pomace has potential in water kefir production.

In vitro antioxidant activities of Carissa edulis ((Forssk) Vahl) and Pappea capensis (Eckyl. & Zeyh) extracts

Herbal medications are gaining popularity due to their long history of use in traditional medicine. They serve as a reservoir for a diverse array of phytocompounds linked to amelioration of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a disturbance in the balance between generation and elimination of reactive species in human body. Moreover, reactive species are implicated in the onset and progression of chronic disorders. The current therapeutic approaches despite showing efficacy are characterized by several limitations such as adverse effects and prohibitive costs. This drives the need to explore alternatives that can inhibit, ameliorate or reverse conditions caused by oxidative stress. Several studies have evaluated antioxidant effects of diverse plant extracts. C. edulis and P. capensis are used as traditional therapy among the African communities to manage oxidative stress-related ailments. However, there is limited research on the antioxidant effects of these medicinal plants. The current study, therefore, sought to evaluate the antioxidant and phytochemical profile, of C. edulis and P. capensis extracts. Samples were collected from Embu County, Kenya. In vitro antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated through ferric reduction, Iron chelating, hydroxyl radical, and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductases of the extracts were further determined. Phytochemical profiles were determined using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) analyses. The extracts displayed concentration dependent antioxidant activities. Phytochemical analyses revealed presence compounds which are associated with antioxidant activities including flavonoids, phenolics, tocopherols and terpenoids. The findings provide a scientific validation for the folklore use of C. edulis and P. capensis in management of oxidative stress. Nevertheless, there is a need for further purification and characterization of phytochemicals associated with antioxidant activities.

Effect of Bamboo Essential Oil on the Oxidative Stability, Microbial Attributes and Sensory Quality of Chicken Meatballs

This study explores the efficacy of bamboo essential oil (BEO) incorporated at 15 ppm (T1, BEO-I) and 30 ppm (T2, BEO-II) on the overall physicochemical and oxidative stability, microbial deterioration, and sensory acceptability of meatballs stored for 20 days under refrigerated conditions. Analysis of various parameters, including physicochemical quality, color (CIE L*, CIE a* and CIE b*), generation of oxidative products (TBARS), microbial growth, and sensory acceptability of meatballs were evaluated at 5-day intervals. In addition, the total phenolics and flavonoid content of BEO were estimated, and fatty acids were determined by Gas chromatography (GC.) To gain insights into the biological activities of the BEO, antioxidant assays were determined in vitro using various methods. The antibacterial activity of BEO was also evaluated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Vibrio cholera, Salmonella Typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacterial strains. The BEO contained a good quantity of total phenolics and flavonoids. In addition, the oil exhibited very potent antioxidant activity scavenging reactive oxygen and other such species, effectively showing IC₅₀ at a very minimal concentration. Further, the BEO exhibited a strong antibacterial effect with MICs within 2 µL and MBCs from 5 to 7 µL for Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. At both the concentrations used, BEO did not show any negative effect on the color of cooked meatballs but rather increased the microbiological and oxidative stability during the overall storage period. Meatballs treated with BEO had considerably reduced oxidative changes in terms of TBARS levels compared to the control. The total viable microbial count was lowest in BEO-treated meatballs and the highest in control. Both control and treated meatballs had a desirable flavor and good acceptability. The sensory attributes and aroma of treated meatballs were better and acceptable during the storage study, whereas the control samples were disliked by the panelists on 15th day. From this study, it can be concluded that bamboo essential oil could be used as a benign and non-toxic preservative to improve the quality and shelf life of cooked meatballs stored under refrigerated conditions.

Cytoprotective effects and antioxidant activities of acteoside and various extracts of Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum Turcz leaves against t-BHP induced oxidative damage

This study evaluates the antioxidant potential and cytoprotective effects of ethanolic crude extract from Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum leaves (ECE) and five derived fractions (namely, petroleum ether fraction (PEF), dichloromethane fraction (DMF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), n-butyl alcohol fraction (BAF) and the remaining fraction (RF)), as well as acteoside (Ac, a major phenolic component in EAF) on oxidative damage caused by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in HepG2 cells. MTT assay results showed that ECE, EAF, BAF, RF and Ac increased the viability of t-BHP-damaged cells in a dose-dependent manner, while EAF significantly promoted cell viability. EAF, BAF, RF, or Ac reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased. Western blot analysis further indicated that EAF, BAF, RF, or Ac up-regulated pro-caspase-3 and reduced cleaved caspase-3 during t-BHP-induced oxidative stress. Flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence micrographs showed that Ac could inhibit apoptosis.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant Properties of Honey from Poland, Italy, and Spain Based on the Declarations of Producers and Their Results of Melissopalinological Analysis

Natural bee honeys are commonly used by patients for nutritional, preventive, and curative purposes. Honey varieties produced in other countries, including Italy and Spain, are gaining popularity. The aim of the study was to evaluate selected antioxidant properties of honey, taking into account the declared and actual variety. The research material consisted of 105 honey samples, including honeys from Poland (n = 50), from Spain (n = 35), and from Italy (n = 20). The variety was determined by the melissopalinological method, and in the case of honeydew honeys, the electrical conductivity was measured. Total phenolic content (TPC), color intensity, color in Pfund scale, DPPH, and FRAP were assessed. Polish buckwheat honeys, with confirmed botanical origin, are characterized by the highest median of the TPC (213.05 mg GAE/100 g), the highest color intensity (1.138 mAU), and the highest value in the FRAP test (0.394 µM Fe²⁺/mL). In conclusion, proper labeling of bee honeys is necessary so as not to mislead consumers, and buckwheat honeys from Poland can be recommended to patients for prophylactic purposes in order to provide antioxidants in the diet.

Unprecedented Insights on Chemical and Biological Significance of Euphorbia cactus Growing in Saudi Arabia

Euphorbia cactus Ehrenb ex Boiss. is a plant species reported from central Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, belonging to the family of Euphorbiaceae. The plant has ethnobotanical values and is well-known for its milky latex, which has been turned into medicine to treat various ailments. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no literature reports available on phytochemical constituents and antiproliferative mechanism of E. cactus. In the current study, the phytochemical investigation of E. cactus methanolic extract (ECME) resulted in the isolation and characterization of four secondary metabolites, which are reported for the first time from this plant species. In addition, the results of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assays expressed maximum antioxidant activity by ECME and the isolated phytochemicals. Furthermore, ECME exerted a promising antiproliferative effect against different cancer cell lines, and the A549 lung cancer cells were the most sensitive with an IC₅₀ value of 20 µg/mL. The antiproliferative action of ECME in A549 cells was associated with cell accumulation in the G2/M phase and an increase in early and late apoptosis. In addition, RT-PCR and western blot analysis revealed that ECME decreased the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) expression, while the expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and caspase-3 were increased. This study provides the first insight into the phytochemical constituents and the antiproliferative mechanism of ECME, implying that it could be exploited as a promising natural source for developing new cancer therapies. Further preclinical research is warranted to support the current results.

Teucrium polium (L.): Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activities at Different Phenological Stages

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the content of phytochemical compounds and in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of Teucrium polium L. aerial parts and root methanolic extracts at different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, and seeding). The T. polium extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their antioxidant properties were tested with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), ferrous ions (Fe2+), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) methods. Forty-nine compounds were identified with the majority of germacrene D, t-cadinol, β-pinene, carvacrol, bicyclogermacrene, α-pinene, and limonene. The results show that the extracts significantly differ between different phenological stages of the plant material used in terms of the phytochemical composition (total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total alkaloids, and total saponin contents) and bioactivities (antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory) (p < 0.05). The highest total contents of phenolics (72.4 ± 2.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight), flavonoids (36.2 ± 3.1 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry weight), alkaloids (105.7 ± 2.8 mg atropine equivalent (AE)/g dry weight), and saponins (653 ± 6.2 mg escin equivalent (EE)/g dry weight), as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities, were measured for the extract of the aerial parts obtained at the flowering stage. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the extracts were varied within 9.4−300 µg/mL, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were varied within 18.75−600 µg/mL. In addition, they were more active on Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. The data of this work confirm that the T. polium extracts have significant biological activity and hence can be used in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical applications, and medical research, as well as cosmetic and food industries.

Flavonoids Extraction Kinetics, Antimicrobial Activity and Radical Scavenging Potential of Bulgarian Woundwort (Solidago virgaurea L.)

The medicinal plant woundwort (Solidago virgaurea L.) characterizes by diuretic, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory activity and it has been applied for urinary tract, nephrolithiasis and prostate disorders treatment. The aim of the present study was to analyze the extraction kinetics of catechin, epigallocatechin and quercetin from Bulgarian woundwort extracts, to assess the antibacterial potential of the medicinal plant extracts against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Bacillus cereus), their antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging potential. The concentrations of the flavonoids in the extracts obtained at different extraction conditions (solvent, temperature, extraction time) were determined by newly-developed by the scientific team RP-HPLC-PDA methodologies. The agar well diffusion method was applied to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts. The 70% EtOH extracts at 20 °C displayed significantly higher antibacterial activity against the foodborne pathogenic bacteria S. aureus and P. aeruginosa as compared to the 70% and 98% EtOH extracts at 30 °C and 20 °C, respectively. The medicinal plant exhibited satisfactory antioxidant potential and radical-scavenging activity.