An improved method for extraction of nutraceutically important polyphenolics from Berberis jaeschkeana C.K. Schneid. fruits

Generation and stabilization of CO2 nanobubbles using surfactants for extraction of polyphenols from Camellia oleifera shells

Camellia oleifera shells are abundant in polyphenolic compounds. Green extraction methods of polyphenolic compounds are essential to ensure product quality, efficiency, process cost, environment, and safety. This study investigated the effect of Tween 80 and Rhamnolipid surfactants on the production and utilization of stabilized carbon dioxide nanobubbles (CO₂ -NBs). The results confirmed the presence of the CO₂ -NBs in ultra-pure water with a concentration of 8.45 ± 1.05 × 10⁸  ml^-1 , among which the stable CO₂ -NBs possessed a mean size of 40-90 nm and a negative zeta potential (-41.6 ± 1.3 mV). Further, the efficiency of CO₂ -NBs combined with ultrasonication (CO₂ -NBs-Rh-UAE) was evaluated to extract polyphenols from Camellia oleifera shells (waste). The CO₂ -NBs treatment with ultrasonication showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (36.75 ± 0.22 mg GAE/g DW and 24.06 ± 0.22 mg RE/g DW, respectively). Overall, this study demonstrated an innovative approach for producing, stabilizing, and utilizing biosurfactant stabilized CO₂ -NBs to extract polyphenolic compounds from the waste agricultural products. These findings highlighted the potential application of biosurfactant-stabilized CO₂ -NBs.

Mining Therapeutic Efficacy from Treasure Chest of Biodiversity and Chemodiversity: Pharmacophylogeny of Ranunculales Medicinal Plants

Ranunculales, comprising of 7 families that are rich in medicinal species frequently utilized by traditional medicine and ethnomedicine, represents a treasure chest of biodiversity and chemodiversity. The phylogenetically related species often have similar chemical profile, which makes them often possess similar therapeutic spectrum. This has been validated by both ethnomedicinal experiences and pharmacological investigations. This paper summarizes molecular phylogeny, chemical constituents, and therapeutic applications of Ranunculales, i.e., a pharmacophylogeny study of this representative medicinal order. The phytochemistry/metabolome, ethnomedicine and bioactivity/pharmacology data are incorporated within the phylogenetic framework of Ranunculales. The most studied compounds of this order include benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, saponin and lignan, etc. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids are especially abundant in Berberidaceae and Menispermaceae. The most frequent ethnomedicinal uses are arthritis, heat-clearing and detoxification, carbuncle-abscess and sore-toxin. The most studied bioactivities are anticancer/cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, etc. The pharmacophylogeny analysis, integrated with both traditional and modern medicinal uses, agrees with the molecular phylogeny based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences, in which Ranunculales is divided into Ranunculaceae, Berberidaceae, Menispermaceae, Lardizabalaceae, Circaeasteraceae, Papaveraceae, and Eupteleaceae families. Chemical constituents and therapeutic efficacy of each taxonomic group are reviewed and the underlying connection between phylogeny, chemodiversity and clinical uses is revealed, which facilitate the conservation and sustainable utilization of Ranunculales pharmaceutical resources, as well as developing novel plant-based pharmacotherapy.

Distribution of Therapeutic Efficacy of Ranunculales Plants Used by Ethnic Minorities on the Phylogenetic Tree of Chinese Species

The medicinal properties of plants can be evolutionarily predicted by phylogeny-based methods, which, however, have not been used to explore the regularity of therapeutic effects of Chinese plants utilized by ethnic minorities. This study aims at exploring the distribution law of therapeutic efficacy of Ranunculales plants on the phylogenetic tree of Chinese species. We collected therapeutic efficacy data of 551 ethnomedicinal species belonging to five species-rich families of Ranunculales; these therapeutic data were divided into 15 categories according to the impacted tissues and organs. The phylogenetic tree of angiosperm species was used to analyze the phylogenetic signals of ethnomedicinal plants by calculating the net relatedness index (NRI) and nearest taxon index (NTI) in R language. The NRI results revealed a clustered structure for eight medicinal categories (poisoning/intoxication, circulatory, gastrointestinal, eyesight, oral, pediatric, skin, and urinary disorders) and overdispersion for the remaining seven (neurological, general, hepatobiliary, musculoskeletal, otolaryngologic, reproductive, and respiratory disorders), while the NTI metric identified the clustered structure for all. Statistically, NRI and NTI values were significant in 5 and 11 categories, respectively. It was found that Mahonia eurybracteata has therapeutic effects on all categories. iTOL was used to visualize the distribution of treatment efficacy on species phylogenetic trees. By figuring out the distribution of therapeutic effects of Ranunculales medicinal plants, the importance of phylogenetic methods in finding potential medicinal resources is highlighted; NRI, NTI, and similar indices can be calculated to help find taxonomic groups with medicinal efficacy based on the phylogenetic tree of flora in different geographic regions.

Optimized extraction of polyphenolic antioxidants from the leaves of Himalayan Oak species

In this study heat-assisted extraction conditions were optimized to enhance extraction yield of antioxidant polyphenols from leaves of Himalayan Quercus species. In initial experiments, a five-factor Plackett-Burman design including 12 experimental runs was tested against the total polyphenolic content (TP). Amongst, X_A: extraction temperature, X_C: solvent concentration and X_E: sample-to-solvent ratio had shown significant influence on yield. These influential factors were further subject to a three-factor-three-level Box-Wilson Central Composite Design; including 20 experimental runs and 3D response surface methodology plots were used to determine optimum conditions [i.e. X_A: (80°C), X_C:(87%), X_E: (1g/40ml)].This optimized condition was further used in other Quercus species of western Himalaya, India. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) revealed occurrence of 12 polyphenols in six screened Quercus species with the highest concentration of catechin followed by gallic acid. Amongest, Q. franchetii and Q. serrata shared maximum numbers of polyphenolic antioxidants (8 in each). This optimized extraction condition of Quercus species can be utilized for precise quantification of polyphenols and their use in pharmaceutical industries as a potential substitute of synthetic polyphenols.

Optimization of diosgenin extraction from Dioscorea deltoidea tubers using response surface methodology and artificial neural network modelling

INTRODUCTION

Dioscorea deltoidea var. deltoidea (Dioscoreaceae) is a valuable endangered plant of great medicinal and economic importance due to the presence of the bioactive compound diosgenin. In the present study, response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) modelling have been implemented to evaluate the diosgenin content from D. deltoidea. In addition, different extraction parameters have been also optimized and developed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was applied for screening the significant variables among the selected extraction parameters i.e. solvent composition, solid: solvent ratio, particle size, time, temperature, pH and extraction cycles on diosgenin yield. Among seven tested parameters only four parameters (particle size, solid: solvent ratio, time and temperature) were found to exert significant effect on the diosgenin extraction. Moreover, Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize the significant extraction parameters for maximum diosgenin yield.

RESULTS

The most suitable condition for diosgenin extraction was found to be solid: solvent ratio (1:45), particle size (1.25 mm), time (45 min) and temperature (45°C). The maximum experimental yield of diosgenin (1.204% dry weight) was observed close to the predicted value (1.202% dry weight) on the basis of the chosen optimal extraction factors. The developed mathematical model fitted well with experimental data for diosgenin extraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Experimental validation revealed that a well trained ANN model has superior performance compared to a RSM model.

Sonication-synergistic natural deep eutectic solvent as a green and efficient approach for extraction of phenolic compounds from peels of Carya cathayensis Sarg

An excellent high-efficiency natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES, ChCl-MA) was screened out and integrated with pulse-ultrasonication technique for extracting phenolic compounds from Carya cathayensis Sarg. peels (CCSPs). Single factor experiment combined with response surface methodology (RSM) using Box-Behnken design (BBD) were employed to investigate significant factors and optimize their influence on extraction of phenolic compounds. Significant synergistic effect triggered by ChCl-MA based pulse-ultrasonication over other methods used alone were proved by comparative study concerning a variety of bioactive components and antioxidant activities. The second-order kinetic model was developed and validated (R² > 0.99) to describe the extraction process and its mechanism; and second-order kinetic extraction rate constant (k), saturation concentration (C_s), and initial extraction rate (h) were calculated. FT-IR, DSC and SEM results further demonstrated synergistic effect and influence during extraction. Overall, this study provided a green and high-efficiency alternative for the recovery of various phenolics compounds from plant source by-products.

The Bioavailability, Extraction, Biosynthesis and Distribution of Natural Dihydrochalcone: Phloridzin

Phloridzin is an important phytochemical which was first isolated from the bark of apple trees. It is a member of the dihydrochalcones and mainly distributed in the plants of the Malus genus, therefore, the extraction method of phloridzin was similar to those of other phenolic substances. High-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), resin adsorption technology and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to separate and purify phloridzin. Many studies showed that phloridzin had multiple pharmacological effects, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, anticancer and antibacterial activities. Besides, the physiological activities of phloridzin are cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antiobesity, antioxidant and so on. The present review summarizes the biosynthesis, distribution, extraction and bioavailability of the natural compound phloridzin and discusses its applications in food and medicine.

Evaluation of the status quo of polyphenols analysis: Part I-phytochemistry, bioactivity, interactions, and industrial uses

Phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, are gaining more attention from both the scientific community and food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries due to their implications in human health. In this line, lately new applications have emerged, and of great importance is the selection of accurate and reliable analytical methods for better evaluation of the quality of the end-products, which depends on diverse process variables as well as on the matrices and on the physicochemical properties of different polyphenols. The first of a two-part review on polyphenols will address the phytochemistry and biological activities of different classes of polyphenols including flavonoids, lignans and flavanolignans, stilbenoids, tannins, curcuminoids, and coumarins. Moreover, the possible interactions of polyphenols and current and potential industrial applications of polyphenols are discussed.

Investigations of Phytoconstituents, Antioxidant and Anti-Liver Cancer Activities of Saueda monoica Forssk Extracted by Microwave-Assisted Extraction

Background:

Wild edible plants are good sources for bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals with various applications. They can play a role in supporting the immune system and are highly beneficial as resources. Suaeda monoica Forssk is a wild edible plant that grows in Iraq and it’s biological activities have not yet reported.

Methods:

Saueda monoica Forssk bioactive compounds were extracted by a microwave-assisted extraction method using ethanol as a solvent, and its chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS. The biological activities were evaluated via antioxidant, anti-liver-cancer, antibacterial, and toxicity tests in vitro.

Results:

The results of GC-MS analysis showed that there were about 20 bioactive compounds. The most abundant compound was N,N-Dimethylglycine methyl ester, followed by 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, and N,N-Dimethylglycine. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of the plant showed a significant IC₅₀. The extract of S. monoica against liver cancer cells (HCAM) showed significant toxicity. Flow cytometric analysis showed a significant induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrested at G1 phase.

Conclusions:

The results indicated the significance of the components of Iraqi S. monoica Forssk by MAE method as a potential food supplement in nutrition systems to prevent liver cancer and enhance the liver’s defense against diseases.

Phytopharmacology and Clinical Updates of Berberis Species Against Diabetes and Other Metabolic Diseases

The incidences of diabetic mellitus and other metabolic diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia are increasing worldwide; however, the current treatment is not able to control the rapidly increasing trend in diabetes mortality and morbidity. Studies related to the effectiveness of extracts and pure compounds obtained from plants have shown promising responses in preclinical and clinical studies related to these metabolic diseases. Plants belonging to the genus Berberis (Family: Berberidaceae) are widely distributed with nearly 550 species worldwide. Extracts and compounds obtained from Berberis species, especially Berberine alkaloid, showed effectiveness in the management of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Various pharmacological experiments have been performed to evaluate the effects of Berberis extracts, berberine, and its natural and chemically synthesized derivatives against various cell and animal disease models with promising results. Various clinical trials conducted so far also showed preventive effects of Berberis extracts and berberine against metabolic diseases. The present review focuses on i) research updates on traditional uses, ii) phytopharmacology and clinical studies on Berberis species, and iii) active metabolites in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases with a detailed mechanism of action. Furthermore, the review critically analyzes current research gaps in the therapeutic use of Berberis species and berberine and provides future recommendations.

Optimized microwave assisted extraction (MAE) of alkaloids and polyphenols from Berberis roots using multiple-component analysis

Berberis, one of the major sources of berberine and polyphenols, is widely accepted genus for its medicinal properties. The inclusion of these phytochemicals in different health formulations has widened its scope in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. In the present study, multi-component analysis (MCA) has been used to extract these nutraceutical compounds from Berberis jaeschkeana roots under microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions. To determine the optimum extraction condition, different factors, including, microwave power, sample to solvent ratio, irradiation time, solvent pH and solvent concentration were tested under 42 experiments. The MCA includes, Plackett-Burmen and Central Composite Design and analyzes model fitness, regression coefficient (β), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and 3D response curve. The results showed significant model fitness and involvement of linear, quadratic and interactive effect of different factors. Under optimized MAE condition, [i.e. 1 g of sample extracted through 70 mL of a solution (100% methanol pH 2.0), provided microwave power of 598 W for 2 min of irradiation time], the berberine and palmatine contents were recorded as 46.38 mg g^-1 and 20.54 mg g^-1 respectively. Under optimized condition, the yield of alkaloids were found closer to the models' predicted value. Similarly, total phenolic content and antioxidant activities were also found closer to the models' predicted value. To test the suitability of the optimized MAE condition for other species i.e., Berberis asiatica, extraction of alkaloids and polyphenolics was conducted and recorded higher yield to the previous records. Moreover, under optimum extraction condition, six and seven polyphenolic compounds from B. jaeschkeana and B. asiatica were quantified respectively. The proposed MAE optimization design using MCA contributes towards faster and greener extraction of alkaloids and polyphenolics with higher yield. Moreover these greener approaches could sustainably utilize species during extract preparation and harnessing its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential. This study design could also be replicated on other valuable species or compounds for effective extraction of nutraceutical components and sustainable utilization of natural products.

Trends of polyphenolics and anthocyanins accumulation along ripening stages of wild edible fruits of Indian Himalayan region

Wild fruits are important food resources that provide health promoting nutraceutical components, which vary with ripening stages. In present study, five wild edible fruits of Indian Himalayan Region i.e., Myrica esculenta, Berberis asiatica, Rubus ellipticus, Pyracantha crenulata and Morus alba were examined for their nutraceutical potential at different ripening stages. The results of present study showed that polyphenolic concentration decreased whereas anthocyanin level increased with fruit ripening, however few species and compounds showed different trends. Among the tested fruit species, unripe fruits of B. asiatica followed by M. esculenta were found to be the best for harvesting polyphenolics (especially catechin), while ripen fruits of M. esculenta followed by B. asiatica were found the best for anthocyanin (cyanin and delphinidin) extraction. The results from this study can be effectively used by the harvesters, consumers, traders and food and nutraceutical industries to harness maximum nutraceutical potential depending on the preferred compounds and ripening stages of these species.

Optimization of Flavonoid Extraction in Dendrobium officinale Leaves and Their Inhibitory Effects on Tyrosinase Activity

In order to establish the extraction technology of flavonoids from Dendrobium officinale leaves, a method combining Plackett–Burman design (PBD), steepest ascent design, and central composite design was developed to optimize the extraction of flavonoids. In addition, the tyrosinase activity inhibition of flavonoids was further tested in vitro. PBD results showed that ethanol concentration and number of extractions were key factors. Response surface methodology (RSM) indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were 78% ethanol concentration, six extraction times, 2 h, and 1:50 solid-liquid ratio. Under these conditions, the total flavonoid content could reach 35 mg/50 mL. In vitro tyrosinase experiment, the extracted total flavonoids had better inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity than β-arbutin, and its inhibition rate for monophenolase and diphenolase exceeded 100% and 70%, respectively. These results indicate that RSM can effectively improve the extraction of flavonoids from Dendrobium officinale leaves and the flavonoids have the prospect of being applied to foods and cosmetics.

(Berberidaceae) with Anticariogenic and Antiperiodontal Activities

Berberis goudotii is an endemic Colombian plant found in the paramo ecosystem. It has been used in food preparation and as a medicinal plant for diverse treatments. Additionally, it is used as a mouthwash to strengthen the gums and combat throat irritations and periodontitis. The present research evaluated Berberis goudotii aerial parts extract and fractions antimicrobial activities. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was used to attain total ethanol-water extract. Solid-liquid fractionation was used to obtain hexane fraction. The residue was dispersed in water and liquid-liquid fractionation was carried-out to acquire dichloromethane, butanol and water fractions. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed on total extract and phenol, polyphenol, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin, while tannin content was quantified. Antimicrobial activity assessment was performed by agar diffusion method using disks and wells employing Ceftazidime as a positive control against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Antimicrobial activity was determined as relative percentage inhibition (RPI), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Phenols (92.5 ± 7.7 mg GA/10 g), polyphenols (87.7 ± 8.1 mg PG/10 g) and tannins (44.1 ± 4.3 mg PG/10 g) were among the highest secondary metabolites observed. Total extract presented an MBC of 1.0 µg/µL against cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus) and 0.12 µg/µL against bacteria associated with periodontal disease (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum). Butanol and hexane fractions showed antiperiodontal activity with MBC of 0.12 and 1.0 µg/µL, respectively. In conclusion, Berberis goudotii total extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against cariogenic and periodontal microorganisms, on the other hand, hexane and butanol fractions displayed antiperiodontal activity.