Distribution of Triterpenoids and Steroids in Developing Rugosa Rose (Rosarugosa Thunb.) Accessory Fruit

How to sample a seizure plant: the role of the visualization spatial distribution analysis of Lophophora williamsii as an example

Natural compounds in plants are often unevenly distributed, and determining the best sampling locations to obtain the most representative results is technically challenging. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) can provide the basis for formulating sampling guideline. For a succulent plant sample, ensuring the authenticity and in situ nature of the spatial distribution analysis results during MSI analysis also needs to be thoroughly considered. In this study, we developed a well-established and reliable MALDI-MSI method based on preservation methods, slice conditions, auxiliary matrices, and MALDI parameters to detect and visualize the spatial distribution of mescaline in situ in Lophophora williamsii. The MALDI-MSI results were validated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Low-temperature storage at -80°C and drying of "bookmarks" were the appropriate storage methods for succulent plant samples and their flower samples, and cutting into 40 μm thick sections at -20°C using gelatin as the embedding medium is the appropriate sectioning method. The use of DCTB (trans-2-[3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propenylidene]malononitrile) as an auxiliary matrix and a laser intensity of 45 are favourable MALDI parameter conditions for mescaline analysis. The region of interest semi-quantitative analysis revealed that mescaline is concentrated in the epidermal tissues of L. williamsii as well as in the meristematic tissues of the crown. The study findings not only help to provide a basis for determining the best sampling locations for mescaline in L. williamsii, but they also provide a reference for the optimization of storage and preparation conditions for raw plant organs before MALDI detection.

Key Points

An accurate in situ MSI method for fresh water-rich succulent plants was obtained based on multi-parameter comparative experiments.Spatial imaging analysis of mescaline in Lophophora williamsii was performed using the above method.Based on the above results and previous results, a sampling proposal for forensic medicine practice is tentatively proposed.

Flowers and Inflorescences of Selected Medicinal Plants as a Source of Triterpenoids and Phytosterols

Steroids and triterpenoids are compounds valued for their various biological and pharmacological properties; however, their content in medicinal and edible plants is often understudied. Flowers have been consumed since the ancient times as a part of traditional cuisine and as alternative medicines. Currently, the interest in medicinal and edible flowers is growing since contemporary consumers are incessantly seeking innovative natural sources of bioactive compounds. The aim of this report was the GC-MS (gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis of steroid and triterpenoid content in flowers, inflorescences and leaves of several plants (Berberis vulgaris L., Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC., Pulsatilla vulgaris Mill., Rosa rugosa Thunb., Sambucus nigra L. and Vinca minor L.), applied in herbal medicine in various forms, including isolated flowers (Flos), inflorescences (Inflorescentia) or aerial parts (Herba, i.e., combined flowers, leaves and stems). The most abundant source of triterpenoids was V. minor flowers (6.3 mg/g d.w.), whereas the steroids were prevailing in P. vulgaris flowers (1.8 and 1.1 mg/g). The profiles of triterpenoid acids and neutral triterpenoids in C. laevigata and S. nigra inflorescences were particularly diverse, involving compounds belonging to lupane-, oleanane- and ursane-type skeletons. The obtained results revealed that some flowers can constitute an abundant source of phytosterols and bioactive triterpenoids, valuable for utilization in functional foods, dietary supplements and cosmetic products.

Radical Scavenging, Anti-Inflammatory, and Hepatoprotective Activities of Pentacyclic Triterpene isolated from Rosa webbiana

INTRODUCTION

Rosa webbiana (RW) Wall Ex. Royle is used in traditional medicine in Pakistan for the treatment of several diseases including jaundice. To date, only neuroprotective potential of the plant has been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was designed to isolate bioactive compound(s) and investigate its possible radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities.

METHODS

Column chromatography was done to isolate compounds from the chloroform fraction of RW. The compound was characterized by mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR, and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Radical scavenging activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assays, while anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated via xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema models. For hepatoprotection, CCl4-induced model in mice was used.

RESULTS

A triterpene compound (3α, 21β-dihydroxy-olean-12-ene) was isolated from RW fruits (ARW1). The compound exhibited DPPH and H2O2 scavenging activities 61 ± 1.31% and 66 ± 0.48% respectively at 500 μg/ml. ARW1 (at 50 mg/kg) exhibited 62.9 ± 0.15% inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema and 66.6 ± 0.17% carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. In CCl4-induced hepatotoxic mice, ARW1 significantly countered elevation in alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (T.B), and reduction in total protein (T.P) levels. Liver histomorphological study supported the serum biochemical profile for hepatoprotection. Moreover, ARW1 significantly attenuated the toxic changes in body and liver weight induced by CCl4.

CONCLUSION

The compound ARW1 exhibited anti-radical, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. The anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities may be attributed to anti-oxidant potential of the compound.

Bioactive Compounds in Rosehip (Rosa canina) Powder with Encapsulating Agents

Rosa canina pseudo-fruits contain interesting bioactive compounds. This work aims to evaluate the use of different biopolymers as encapsulating agents on the content of organic acids, minerals, fibers, phenols, carotenoids, and the antioxidant activity of the powdered product. Fruits were ground and freeze-dried with or without biopolymers (maltodextrin, resistant maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, and pea protein). Rosehip formulated purees with encapsulating agents are an interesting food ingredient rich in fiber and minerals that could be used in the food industry in order to obtain different functional foods. Results obtained in this study show that all formulated samples are a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese. Both rosehip without biopolymers and rosehip with pea protein formulations are also a good source of Zn. Formulation with pea protein can be claimed as a good source of Fe. All formulations are food ingredients with a very high content of ascorbic acid. Comparing the encapsulating agents, depending on the studied bioactive compound samples behaved differently. In conclusion, it can be indicated that pea protein is recommended as an encapsulating agent since the rosehip with pea protein sample has the highest content of fiber, minerals, organic acids, and carotenoids among the encapsulating agents studied.

Special Issue “Natural Plant Substances—Structural and Application Aspects: A Theme Issue in Honor of Professor Wieslaw Oleszek”

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Valorization of Rose Hip (Rosa canina) Puree Co-Product in Enriched Corn Extrudates

Serious issues and challenges of the world’s population are represented by dwindling natural food resources and the scale-up of sustainable food manufacturing. Therefore, the valorization of co-products from the food industry represents new methods for food development. The principal goal of the study was to capitalize rose hip (Rosa canina) co-product powder in extrudates, highlighting its influence on extrusion parameters, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics. The water absorption index, swelling index, and hygroscopicity increased with the rose hip co-product addition. Furthermore, water solubility index, expansion index, porosity, image parameters (area and perimeter) of the extrudates decreased. Lycopene, β-Carotene, Zea-esters, and lutein were the main carotenoids identified in the extrudates; whereas Catechin, Di-gallic acid, Procyanidin dimmer 1, Procyanidin dimmer 2, and Isorhamnetin-glucuronide were the main flavonoids. Strong Pearson correlations were identified between carotenoids, total flavonoids, vitamin C, total folate, and antioxidant activity. Valorization of the Rosa canina powder co-product led to value-added products—corn extrudates—rich in bioactive compounds.