Hormesis management of Moringa oleifera with exogenous application of plant growth regulators under saline conditions

The study investigated the adaptability of Moringa oleifera to saline conditions, focusing on its hormesis behavior. It also examined how various plant growth regulators affected growth, physiological parameters, and bioactive compounds of moringa. In the first phase, different NaCl stress levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM) were applied. Notably, significant stimulation was observed at 100 mM stress for growth, total phenolics, total flavonoids and total chlorophyll content while 150 mM stress had a marked inhibitory effect, with survival decreasing at 200 and 250 mM NaCl levels. A 38% reduction in root attributes and shoot length, along with a 55% decrease in leaf score, was observed at 150 mM stress. Total phenolics showed a positive correlation with growth attributes. In the second phase, moringa plants grown under 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl stress were treated with various plant growth regulators, including cytokinin (50 mg L-1), thiourea (5 mM), bezyl amino purine (BAP @50 mg L-1), salicylic acid (50 mg L-1), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2@120 μM), or ascorbic acid (50 mg L-1) to mitigate adverse effects of salinity. Cytokinin, BAP, and salicylic acid applications improved salinity tolerance, enhancing enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and the abundance of kaempferol, quercetin, hydroxybenzoic, and hydroxycinnamic acids. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis manifested relationships among growth parameters, antioxidant activities, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. This study provides new insights into hormesis management for moringa plants and the influence of plant growth regulators on flavonoids and phenolic acid levels in moringa leaves under saline conditions.

Structural variation underlies functional diversity at methyl salicylate loci in tomato

Methyl salicylate is an important inter- and intra-plant signaling molecule, but is deemed undesirable by humans when it accumulates to high levels in ripe fruits. Balancing the tradeoff between consumer satisfaction and overall plant health is challenging as the mechanisms regulating volatile levels have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the accumulation of methyl salicylate in ripe fruits of tomatoes that belong to the red-fruited clade. We determine the genetic diversity and the interaction of four known loci controlling methyl salicylate levels in ripe fruits. In addition to Non-Smoky Glucosyl Transferase 1 (NSGT1), we uncovered extensive genome structural variation (SV) at the Methylesterase (MES) locus. This locus contains four tandemly duplicated Methylesterase genes and genome sequence investigations at the locus identified nine distinct haplotypes. Based on gene expression and results from biparental crosses, functional and non-functional haplotypes for MES were identified. The combination of the non-functional MES haplotype 2 and the non-functional NSGT1 haplotype IV or V in a GWAS panel showed high methyl salicylate levels in ripe fruits, particularly in accessions from Ecuador, demonstrating a strong interaction between these two loci and suggesting an ecological advantage. The genetic variation at the other two known loci, Salicylic Acid Methyl Transferase 1 (SAMT1) and tomato UDP Glycosyl Transferase 5 (SlUGT5), did not explain volatile variation in the red-fruited tomato germplasm, suggesting a minor role in methyl salicylate production in red-fruited tomato. Lastly, we found that most heirloom and modern tomato accessions carried a functional MES and a non-functional NSGT1 haplotype, ensuring acceptable levels of methyl salicylate in fruits. Yet, future selection of the functional NSGT1 allele could potentially improve flavor in the modern germplasm.

New trends in methyl salicylate sensing and their implications in agriculture

Methyl salicylate (MeSal) is an organic compound present in plants during stress events and is therefore a key marker for early plant disease detection. It has usually been detected by conventional methods that require bulky and costly equipment, such as gas chromatography or mass spectrometry. Currently, however, chemical sensors provide an alternative for MeSal monitoring, showing good performance for its determination in the vapour or liquid phase. The most promising concepts used in MeSal determination include sensors based on electrochemical and conductometric principles, although other technologies based on mass-sensitive, microwave, or spectrophotometric principles also show promise. The receptor elements or sensitive materials are shown to be part of the key elements in these sensing technologies. A literature survey identified a significant contribution of bioreceptors, including enzymes, odourant-binding proteins or peptides, as well as receptors based on polymers or inorganic materials in MeSal determination. This work reviews these concepts and materials and discusses their future prospects and limitations for application in plant health monitoring.

25-Year Storage of Human Choroid Plexus in Methyl Salicylate Preserves Its Antigen Immunoreactivity

OBJECTIVE

Immunohistochemical investigation of archival histological material is a serious problem, since long-term storage of biological tissues, most often in formalin, leads to a loss of antigenic properties. However, the biological material can also be stored in the clearing agent methyl salicylate. The aim of this study was to assess the antigenicity of the human choroid plexus after extra long-term storage in methyl salicylate.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The study was performed on samples of fixed human choroid plexus (occasionally with attached neighboring pineal gland) stored in either methyl salicylate or paraffin blocks for 25 years. Chromogenic and fluorescence immunohistochemistry of vimentin, GFAP, type IV collagen, β-catenin, α-smooth muscle actin, von Willebrand factor, CD68, mast cell tryptase, TMEM119, and synaptophysin was carried out.

RESULTS

The storage of human choroid plexus in methyl salicylate for 25 years does not impair its histomorphology and preserves the properties of all the antigens assessed, which makes their immunohistochemical visualization possible using both light and fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, we found that long-term storage of human choroid plexus in methyl salicylate does not cause an increase in autofluorescence.

CONCLUSION

Methyl salicylate can be recommended as a medium for long-term storage of biological tissue, as it provides excellent brain tissue preservation and retains its antigenic properties for up to 25 years.

Identification of Salicylates in Willow Bark (Salix Cortex) for Targeting Peripheral Inflammation

Salix cortex-containing medicine is used against pain conditions, fever, headaches, and inflammation, which are partly mediated via arachidonic acid-derived prostaglandins (PGs). We used an activity-guided fractionation strategy, followed by structure elucidation experiments using LC-MS/MS, CD-spectroscopy, and 1D/2D NMR techniques, to identify the compounds relevant for the inhibition of PGE2 release from activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Subsequent compound purification by means of preparative and semipreparative HPLC revealed 2'-O-acetylsalicortin (1), 3'-O-acetylsalicortin (2), 2'-O-acetylsalicin (3), 2',6'-O-diacetylsalicortin (4), lasiandrin (5), tremulacin (6), and cinnamrutinose A (7). In contrast to 3 and 7, compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 showed inhibitory activity against PGE2 release with different potencies. Polyphenols were not relevant for the bioactivity of the Salix extract but salicylates, which degrade to, e.g., catechol, salicylic acid, salicin, and/or 1-hydroxy-6-oxo-2-cycohexenecarboxylate. Inflammation presents an important therapeutic target for pharmacological interventions; thus, the identification of relevant key drugs in Salix could provide new prospects for the improvement and standardization of existing clinical medicine.

Effect of different drying methods on product quality, bioactive and toxic components of Ginkgo biloba L. seed

BACKGROUND

Ginkgo biloba seeds are used as a functional food across Asia. However, the presence of toxic compounds has limited their application. In this study, freeze drying, infrared drying, hot-air drying and pulsed-vacuum drying were used to dry G. biloba seeds. A comprehensive analysis was performed on their product quality, antioxidant activities, bioactive and toxic components.

RESULTS

Results showed that the drying methods had a significant influence on product quality with freeze drying being superior due to the minimal microstructural damage, followed by infrared drying and pulsed-vacuum drying. Infrared-dried product possessed the strongest antioxidant activities and higher bioactive compound content than hot-air-dried and pulsed-vacuum-dried product. Toxic compounds in fresh G. biloba seeds (ginkgotoxin, ginkgolic acid and cyanide) were reduced markedly by drying. Ginkgotoxin was reduced fourfold, and the contents of acrylamide, ginkgolic acid and cyanide in dried G. biloba seeds were reduced to the scope of safety. Amongst the four drying methods, infrared drying had the shortest drying time, and its product showed higher quality and bioactive compound content, and stronger antioxidant activities.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings will offer salient information for selecting a drying method during the processing of ginkgo seeds. Infrared drying could be considered as a multiple-effect drying method in the processing of ginkgo seeds. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gaultheria longibracteolata, an alternative source of wintergreen oil

Gaultheria longibracteolata (Ericaceae) has been traditionally used by different linguistic groups in Yunnan Province, China, but it has not been well studied. Through our ethnobotanical study in Lüchun County of Yunnan, we found that this species has multiple traditional uses including food, medicine, and worship. The essential oils from the root, stem, and leaf were investigated by both GC-MS and anti-bacterial assays. The GC-MS study showed that methyl salicylate is the main (>90%) component of the essential oil, and the oil composition extracted from different plant parts showed some similarities. The oil of G. longibracteolata displayed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, which is likely due to its methyl salicylate content. Gautheria longbracteolata appears to be a useful natural wintergreen oil substitute, but further studies are needed to develop this product.

Submerged fermentation of Ginkgo biloba seed powder using Eurotium cristatum for the development of ginkgo seeds fermented products

BACKGROUND

Ginkgo biloba seeds are well known for the significant curative effects on relieving cough and asthma. However, the development of products from ginkgo seeds still falls behind at present, resulting in a great waste of ginkgo seeds' resource. In this work, submerged fermentation of ginkgo seed powder using Eurotium cristatum was studied to investigate its feasibility as a new processing method.

RESULTS

To promote the growth of E. cristatum, the optimum fermentation medium was 80.0 g L^-1 of ginkgo seed powder with addition of 5.0 g L^-1 calcium chloride (CaCl₂ ), 4.0 g L^-1 magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄ ), 1.25 g L^-1 zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄ ) and 0.65 g L^-1 iron(II) sulfate (FeSO₄ ). The optimum fermentation conditions were pH 5.8 ± 0.1, inoculum size 5.1 × 10⁶  CFU mL^-1 , liquid medium volume 100 mL in 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask and fermentation 4 days. Through fermentation, the production of lovastatin in fermentation broth could reach up to 32.97 ± 0.17 μg mL^-1 and the total antioxidant capacity was improved by more than two-fold. In addition, 40.15% of the ginkgotoxin in ginkgo seed powder was degraded while the entire degradation of ginkgolic acids was obtained. Moreover, fermented ginkgo seed powder suspension presented pleasant fragrances, and the activities of amylase and protease were enhanced to 11.30 ± 0.10 U mL^-1 and 23.01 ± 0.20 U mL^-1 , respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Submerged fermentation using E. cristatum could significantly enhance the functional value and safety of ginkgo seed powder, and had great potential to become a novel processing method for the development of ginkgo seeds fermented products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

A controlled cross-over study to evaluate the efficacy of improvised dry and wet emergency decontamination protocols for chemical incidents

The UK Initial Operational Response (IOR) to chemical incidents includes improvised decontamination procedures, which use readily available materials to rapidly reduce risk to potentially exposed persons. A controlled, cross-over human volunteer study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of improvised dry and wet decontamination procedures on skin, both alone, and in sequence. A simulant contaminant, methyl salicylate (MeS) in vegetable oil with a fluorophore was applied to three locations (shoulder, leg, arm). Participants then received no decontamination (control) or attempted to remove the simulant using one of three improvised protocols (dry decontamination; wet decontamination; combined dry and wet decontamination). Simulant remaining on the skin following decontamination was quantified using both Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MSMS) for analysis of MeS and UV imaging to detect fluorophores. Additionally, urine samples were collected for 24 hours following application for analysis of MeS. Significantly less simulant was recovered from skin following each improvised decontamination protocol, compared to the no decontamination control. Further, combined dry and wet decontamination resulted in lower recovery of simulant when compared to either dry or wet decontamination alone. Irrespective of decontamination protocol, significantly more simulant remained on the shoulders compared to either the arms or legs, suggesting that improvised decontamination procedures are less effective for difficult to reach areas of the body. There was no effect of decontamination on excreted MeS in urine over 24 hours. Overall, findings indicate that improvised decontamination is an effective means of rapidly removing contaminants from skin, and combinations of improvised approaches can increase effectiveness in the early stages of decontamination and in the absence of specialist resources at an incident scene. However, the variable control and consistency of improvised decontamination techniques means that further intervention is likely to be needed, particularly for less accessible areas of the body.

Intake of Dietary Salicylates from Herbs and Spices among Adult Polish Omnivores and Vegans

There is a growing body of evidence that a diet rich in bioactive compounds from herbs and spices has the ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The consumption of herbs and spices is often overlooked in the studies on food intake. However, measurement of dietary intake of these products, as a source of bioactive compounds, including salicylates, has recently gained much significance. The aims of the study were (i) to assess the intake of herbs and spices at the individual level and (ii) to calculate the dietary salicylates intake from herbs and spices among adult omnivores and vegans. The study group consisted of 270 adults aged 19 to 67 years, including 205 women and 65 men. Among all, 208 individuals were following an omnivorous diet while 62 were vegans. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was designed to assess the habitual intake of 61 fresh and dried herbs and spices during the preceding three months. The five most frequently eaten herbs among omnivores were parsley, garlic, dill, marjoram and basil, while among vegans they were garlic, parsley, ginger, basil and dill. An average intake of all condiments included in the study was 22.4 ± 18.4 g/day and 25.8 ± 25.9 g/day for both omnivores and vegans, respectively (p = 0.007). Estimated medial salicylates intake was significantly higher among vegans (p = 0.000) and reached 5.82 mg/week vs. 3.13 mg/week for omnivores. Our study confirmed that herbs and spices are important sources of salicylates; however, the type of diet influenced their level in the diet. Vegans consume significantly more total salicylates than omnivores.

Development and Validation of Analytical Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Active Constituents in a Polyherbal Ointment by Gas Chromatography

Background: The simultaneous, quantitative determination of all active ingredients present in the analgesic formulation (Dazzle ointment) requires an ideal and novel method by which these phytoconstituents can be separated with the highest resolution without any interference from one another. Objective: The present work was conducted to develop and validate a quantitative method for the simultaneous estimation of all five phytoconstituents present in a polyherbal analgesic ointment by GC. Methods: α-Pinene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate present in the ingredients of the ointment were analyzed and quantified by GC using a crosslinked 5% phenyl polydimethylsiloxane capillary column, nitrogen as a carrier gas, and a flame-ionization detector. Aniline was used as the internal standard. Method validation was also performed in order to demonstrate its selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD, LOQ, and robustness. Results: The calibration curves of all five marker compounds showed good linear correlation coefficients (r² >0.998) within the tested ranges. The precision of the method was tested by carrying out intra- and interday analyses of the same sample. RSD values were observed to be <1.00%. The accuracy of the method, determined by performing recovery studies, was found to be between 99.25 and 101.39%. The developed method was also demonstrated to be robust (RSD <1.29%) by making small but deliberate variations in method parameters. Conclusions: The developed GC method is simple, precise, and accurate, it and can be used for the rapid quality control testing of the polyherbal formulation. Highlights: The developed GC method will assist in the standardization of polyherbal analgesic formulation consists of α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate as active constituents.

A reagent-assisted method in SERS detection of methyl salicylate

With the explosive application of methyl salicylate (MS) molecules in food and cosmetics, the further detection of MS molecules becomes particularly important. Here we investigated the detection of MS molecules based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in a novel molecule/assistant/metal system constructed with MS, 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) bis (benzoic acid) and Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). The minimum detection concentration is 10^-4 M. To explore the function of assisted reagent, we also referred another system without assistant molecules. The result demonstrates that SERS signals were not acquired, which proves that the assistant molecules are critical for the capture of MS molecules. Two possible mechanisms of MS/assistant/AgNPs system were speculated through two patterns of hydrogen bonds. The linker molecules acted as the role of the bridge between metallic substrates and target molecules through the molecular recognition. This strategy is very beneficial to the expanding of MS detection techniques and other hydrogen bond based coupling detections with SERS.

Determination of four salicylic acids in aloe by in vivo solid phase microextraction coupling with liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection

In recent years, great concerns have been raised about salicylic acid (SA) and its derivatives as plant regulators. Therefore, precise determination of the distribution of SAs in the living plants is necessary for not only fundamental researches but also the regulating mechanisms. In this study, a custom-made solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber based on diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride-assembled graphene oxide-coated C18 composite (C18@GO@PDDA) was proposed for in vivo detection of salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), 4-methyl salicylic acid（4-SA）and 3-methyl salicylic acid (3-SA) in aloe plants. Under the optimized conditions, the analytical performance evaluated in homogenized aloe plant tissues exhibited low detection limits (1.8-2.8 μg g^-1), wide linear ranges (10-5000 μg g^-1), and satisfactory reproducibility (relative standard deviations less than 8.4% and 9.3% for inter-fiber and intra-fiber assays, respectively). Under cadmium stress, the developed method was applied for the in vivo tracing of four salicylic acids in aloe plants. A 48-h in vivo tracing revealed that salicylic acids were involved in the pathway of cadmium stress tolerance. To our best knowledge, it is the first effort to realize the in vivo analysis of SA and its derivatives in plants, and it has a made a great step forward in the area of plant hormone analysis.

Functional Characterization of Salicylic Acid Carboxyl Methyltransferase from Camellia sinensis, Providing the Aroma Compound of Methyl Salicylate during the Withering Process of White Tea

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is one of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that releases floral scent and plays an important role in the sweet flowery aroma of tea. During the withering process for white tea producing, MeSA was generated by salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (SAMT) with salicylic acid (SA), and the specific floral scent was formed. In this study, we first cloned a CsSAMT from tea leaves (GenBank accession no. MG459470) and used Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to express the recombinant CsSAMT. The enzyme activity in prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems was identified, and the protein purification, substrate specificity, pH, and temperature optima were investigated. It was shown that CsSAMT located in the chloroplast, and the gene expression profiles were quite different in tea organs. The obtained results might give a new understanding for tea aroma formation, optimization, and regulation and have great significance for improving the specific quality of white tea.

Overall Content of Salicylic Acid and Salicylates in Food Available on the European Market

The study aimed to determine the salicylates content in 112 products available on the European market. Quantitative determination of free and conjugated forms of salicylic acid in food was performed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The salicylates contents ranged from 0 to 1675.79 (μg/100 g). The results of this study confirm the presence of salicylates in food products, as well as a broad content diversity of these compounds depending on the species, variety, and method of processing the food items. The results can be very helpful for nutritionists and dieticians in planning low-salicylates or high-salicylates diets.

Adsorption of selected emerging contaminants onto PAC and GAC: Equilibrium isotherms, kinetics, and effect of the water matrix

The removal of three emerging contaminants (ECs) (amitriptyline hydrochloride (AH), methyl salicylate (MS) and 2-phenoxyethanol (PE)) dissolved in several water matrices by means of their adsorption onto powdered activated carbon (PAC) and granular activated carbon (GAC) has been investigated. When dissolved in ultrapure water, adsorption of the ECs followed the trend of AH > MS > PE, with a positive effect of the adsorbent dose. According to the analysis of the adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics, PAC showed strongly higher adsorption efficiency in both capacity and velocity of the adsorption, in agreement with its higher mesoporosity. Equilibrium isotherm data were fitted by Langmuir and Freundlich models. Pseudo-second order kinetics modeled very successfully the adsorption process. Finally, the effect of the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the water matrices (ultrapure water, surface water and two effluents from wastewater treatment plants) on the adsorption of the selected ECs onto PAC was established, as well as its performance on the removal of water quality parameters. Results show a negative effect of the DOM content on the adsorption efficiency. Over 50% of organic matter was removed with high PAC doses, revealing that adsorption onto PAC is an effective technology to remove both micro-pollutants and DOM from water matrices.

Use of fluorescence polarization immunoassay for salicylate to avoid positive/negative interference by bilirubin in the Trinder salicylate assay

Background: Significant positive bias of bilirubin in the Trinder salicylate method on automated analysers has been reported. Because the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for salicylate is also widely used in the clinical laboratory, we studied the potential interference of bilirubin in the salicylate FPIA.

Methods: Salicylate serum pools (three different pools) were prepared from patients receiving salicylate. We also prepared a normal serum pool containing no salicylate and serum pools containing no salicylate but elevated bilirubin. Aliquots of one salicylate pool were supplemented with various concentrations of bilirubin (42.8- 427.5 µmol/L) and salicylate concentrations were measured by the salicylate FPIA (TDxFLx and AxSYM analysers). We also assayed these specimens with the Trinder salicylate method, using both Synchron LX and Hitachi 917 analysers for comparison with the results obtained by the FPIA method. In another experiment, aliquots of the two other salicylate pools were supplemented with various concentrations of bilirubin (42.8-684.0 µmol/L) in order to further study the effect of very high bilirubin concentrations on the salicylate FPIA. We also added known amounts of salicylate to serum pools containing elevated bilirubin but no salicylate and measured salicylate using the FPIA in order to study the recovery of salicylate in the presence of elevated bilirubin concentrations.

Results: The FPIA showed minimal interference from bilirubin. We also observed good recovery of salicylate when specimens high in bilirubin but containing no salicylate were supplemented with known amounts of salicylate and the FPIA was used for the measurement of salicylate concentration. However, we observed falsely low salicylate concentrations with the Trinder method using the Synchron LX (primary wavelength 560 nm, secondary wavelength 700 nm) analyser and falsely increased salicylate concentrations using the same reagent but the Hitachi 917 (primary wavelength 546 nm, no secondary wavelength) analyser in the presence of elevated bilirubin levels compared with the FPIA results.

Conclusion: We conclude that the FPIA for salicylate is not affected by high bilirubin concentrations up to 427.5 µmol/L.

Efficacy of scalp hair decontamination following exposure to vapours of sulphur mustard simulants 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide and methyl salicylate

Chemical warfare agents are an actual threat and victims' decontamination is a main concern when mass exposure occurs. Skin decontamination with current protocols has been widely documented, as well as surface decontamination. However, considering hair ability to trap chemicals in vapour phase, we investigated hair decontamination after exposure to sulphur mustard simulants methyl salicylate and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide. Four decontamination protocols were tested on hair, combining showering and emergency decontamination (use of Fuller's earth or Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion RSDL^®). Both simulants were recovered from hair after treatment, but contents were significantly reduced (42-85% content allowance). Showering alone was the least efficient protocol. Concerning 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide, protocols did not display significant differences in decontamination efficacy. For MeS, use of emergency decontaminants significantly increased showering efficacy (10-20% rise), underlining their usefulness before thorough decontamination. Our results highlighted the need to extensively decontaminate hair after chemical exposure. Residual amounts after decontamination are challenging, as their release from hair could lead to health issues.

[Determination of five kinds of trace ginkgolic acids in diterpene ginkgolides meglumine injection materials by LC-MS/MS]

To develop a LC-MS/MS method for the determination of five kinds of trace ginkgolic acids in diterpene ginkgolides meglumine injection materials, the column was Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse plus C18 (3.0 mm x 50 mm, 1.8 µm), and the mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (containing 0.2% formic acid) (95:5) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL · min(-1). The multiple reaction ion monitoring (MRM) with an ESI interface in the negative ion mode was selected. The results showed that the linear ranges of five kinds of ginkgolic acids were in the range of 0.2-36.0 µg · L(-1) (r ≥ 0.999 5). The lowest limit of quantification (LOQ) of ginkgo acid C13: 0, C15:1, C17:2, C15:0 and C17:1 were 0.18, 0.18, 0.21, 0.10 and 0.20 µg · L(-1), respectively. The average recovery was between 73.28% and 87.56%, and the average content of total ginkgolic acids in three batches of samples was in the range of 0.023-0.028 µg · g(-1), which was much lower than 2 µg · g(-1) prescribed in drug registration standards. This method is simple and rapid with high sensitivity, which can be used for the determination of five kinds of trace ginkgolic acids in diterpene ginkgolides meglumine injection materials.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of amorfrutins, novel antidiabetic dietary natural products, by HPLC

CONTEXT

Initially isolated from fruits of Amorpha fruticosa L. (Fabaceae), amorfrutins are promising antidiabetic natural products as selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-agonists.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to develop a sensitive and convenient HPLC method to analysis amorfrutins in plant materials derived from genera Amorpha and Glycyrrhiza.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The reference compounds were isolated from fruits of A. fruticosa and characterized by UV, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR spectrometric techniques. Three amorfrutins were analyzed by HPLC on a Hypersil BDS C18 column (Waters Corporation, Milford, MA) within a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.2% glacial acetic acid. HR-ESI-MS spectra were acquired on a quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Three amorfrutins showed good linearity (r(2 )> 0.999) in the ranges of 4.2-84.5, 4.5-90.2, and 4.6-92.7 μg/mL. The amorfrutins were only detected in fruits of A. fruticosa with the contents of 2-carboxy-3,5-dihydroxy-4-geranylbibenzyl, amorfrutin A, and amorfrutin B in the ranges of 1.31-7.43, 0.54-3.52, and 0.64-4.63 mg/g, respectively. No amorfrutin was detected in fruits of Amorpha canescens Pursh and roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Fabaceae), Glycyrrhiza inflate Bat., or Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

A novel HPLC method was developed, validated, and applied to identify and quantify amorfrutins in complex botanic matrixes and the characteristic MS fragmentation behaviors of amorfrutins were revealed for the first time. The analytical method presented in this study could be used for the quality control of related plant materials and amorfrutin-based nutraceuticals.

HPLC quantification of all five ginkgolic acid derivatives in Ginkgo biloba extracts using 13 : 0 ginkgolic acid as a single marker compound

An HPLC quantification method for ginkgolic acid derivatives in Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts was developed. Using 13 : 0 ginkgolic acid as a marker compound, the relative correlation factors of the four other ginkgolic acid derivatives - namely, 15 : 0 ginkgolic acid, 15 : 1 ginkgolic acid, 17 : 1 ginkgolic acid, and 17 : 2 ginkgolic acid - to 13 : 0 ginkgolic acid were determined by HPLC and subsequently used for calculating their contents in ten hydro-ethanolic refined extract samples. In other words, the content of 13 : 0 ginkgolic acid in the extracts was determined using the isolated compound as an external standard. Subsequently the now known concentration of this compound functioned as an internal standard for the quantification of the other four ginkgolic acid derivatives via the described correlation factors. This HPLC method was validated by two independent control measurements, one with an external standard for every individual compound and one based on the present method with the single marker compound alone. The results did not differ significantly in any of the 10 tested extract samples. The protocol presented here thus not only uses the same reference substance for G. biloba extracts as the current Chinese Pharmacopoeia method but also incorporates the advantages of the current European Pharmacopoeia approach. It is simple, reproducible, and can be used to determine the total contents of ginkgolic acid derivatives in G. biloba leaf extracts.

Monitoring of sixteen fragrance allergens and two polycyclic musks in wastewater treatment plants by solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography

A methodology based on headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) determination was developed for the monitoring and evaluation of the removal efficiency of 16 common fragrance allergens and two polycyclic musks in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). An experimental design with a full factorial model was applied to evaluate the effects of the experimental parameters on the extraction (e.g., salt content, time and extraction temperature). After determining the optimum conditions (2.4 g NaCl, 45 min at 90 °C), an external calibration was performed and quality parameters of the proposed method were evaluated. Method detection limits in the range of 0.01-1.7 μg L(-1) were obtained. Satisfactory inter-day precision values between 4% and 23% (n=5) were obtained for most compounds. The method was applied to the monitoring of the target analytes in samples from two WWTPs. Seven target compounds were detected at the primary effluent of both plants at μg L(-1) levels. Limonene, linalool and eugenol were quantitatively eliminated during the secondary treatments of both WWTPs, while lilial, benzyl salicylate, galaxolide, and tonalide were still detected at the effluent waters.

Salicylic acid and jasmonic acid are essential for systemic resistance against tobacco mosaic virus in Nicotiana benthamiana

Systemic resistance is induced by pathogens and confers protection against a broad range of pathogens. Recent studies have indicated that salicylic acid (SA) derivative methyl salicylate (MeSA) serves as a long-distance phloem-mobile systemic resistance signal in tobacco, Arabidopsis, and potato. However, other experiments indicate that jasmonic acid (JA) is a critical mobile signal. Here, we present evidence suggesting both MeSA and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) are essential for systemic resistance against Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), possibly acting as the initiating signals for systemic resistance. Foliar application of JA followed by SA triggered the strongest systemic resistance against TMV. Furthermore, we use a virus-induced gene-silencing-based genetics approach to investigate the function of JA and SA biosynthesis or signaling genes in systemic response against TMV infection. Silencing of SA or JA biosynthetic and signaling genes in Nicotiana benthamiana plants increased susceptibility to TMV. Genetic experiments also proved the irreplaceable roles of MeSA and MeJA in systemic resistance response. Systemic resistance was compromised when SA methyl transferase or JA carboxyl methyltransferase, which are required for MeSA and MeJA formation, respectively, were silenced. Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated that JA and MeJA accumulated in phloem exudates of leaves at early stages and SA and MeSA accumulated at later stages, after TMV infection. Our data also indicated that JA and MeJA could regulate MeSA and SA production. Taken together, our results demonstrate that (Me)JA and (Me)SA are required for systemic resistance response against TMV.

Measurement and visualization of mass transport for the flowing atmospheric pressure afterglow (FAPA) ambient mass-spectrometry source

Ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS) has developed into an important analytical field over the last 9 years. The ability to analyze samples under ambient conditions while retaining the sensitivity and specificity of mass spectrometry has led to numerous applications and a corresponding jump in the popularity of this field. Despite the great potential of ADI-MS, problems remain in the areas of ion identification and quantification. Difficulties with ion identification can be solved through modified instrumentation, including accurate-mass or MS/MS capabilities for analyte identification. More difficult problems include quantification because of the ambient nature of the sampling process. To characterize and improve sample volatilization, ionization, and introduction into the mass spectrometer interface, a method of visualizing mass transport into the mass spectrometer is needed. Schlieren imaging is a well-established technique that renders small changes in refractive index visible. Here, schlieren imaging was used to visualize helium flow from a plasma-based ADI-MS source into a mass spectrometer while ion signals were recorded. Optimal sample positions for melting-point capillary and transmission-mode (stainless steel mesh) introduction were found to be near (within 1 mm of) the mass spectrometer inlet. Additionally, the orientation of the sampled surface plays a significant role. More efficient mass transport resulted for analyte deposits directly facing the MS inlet. Different surfaces (glass slide and rough surface) were also examined; for both it was found that the optimal position is immediately beneath the MS inlet.

Efficient purification of ginkgolic acids from Ginkgo biloba leaves by selective adsorption on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles

Ginkgolic acids (GAs; anacardic acids; 6-alkylsalicylic acids) are both unwanted constituents in standardized Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo) extracts and desirable constituents for pharmacological assays. Thus, for the quality control of Ginkgo extracts, the availability of pure GAs is important. In this investigation, inexpensive and easily prepared Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in methanol were used to selectively adsorb GAs from crude petroleum ether extracts of Ginkgo leaves in the presence of various lipids including other alkylphenols (cardanols and cardols). The adsorption capacity of the MNPs is high, at 4-5% (w/w). The moiety responsible for the adsorption is the salicylic acid group, which binds strongly to Fe(III). Desorption with acidified methanol gave an extract with a GA content of 73%. This could be further separated by preparative HPLC on a C8 column. In total, eight different GAs were captured by MNPs. The MNP adsorption step can replace more traditional column chromatography and liquid-liquid extraction steps and is superior in terms of solvent consumption, selectivity, labor, and energy consumption. MNPs might become an efficient separation technique for selected high-value phytochemicals that contain a salicylic acid moiety.

Physics-based agent to simulant correlations for vapor phase mass transport

Chemical warfare agent simulants are often used as an agent surrogate to perform environmental testing, mitigating exposure hazards. This work specifically addresses the assessment of downwind agent vapor concentration resulting from an evaporating simulant droplet. A previously developed methodology was used to estimate the mass diffusivities of the chemical warfare agent simulants methyl salicylate, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, di-ethyl malonate, and chloroethyl phenyl sulfide. Along with the diffusivity of the chemical warfare agent bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, the simulant diffusivities were used in an advection-diffusion model to predict the vapor concentrations downwind from an evaporating droplet of each chemical at various wind velocities and temperatures. The results demonstrate that the simulant-to-agent concentration ratio and the corresponding vapor pressure ratio are equivalent under certain conditions. Specifically, the relationship is valid within ranges of measurement locations relative to the evaporating droplet and observation times. The valid ranges depend on the relative transport properties of the agent and simulant, and whether vapor transport is diffusion or advection dominant.

Highly sensitive electrochemical detection of methyl salicylate using electroactive gold nanoparticles

Electrochemical sensing of methyl salicylate, a key plant volatile has been achieved using a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The electrochemical response of planar gold electrodes, SPCE and AuNP-SPCE in alkaline electrolyte in the presence and absence of methyl salicylate were studied to understand the amperometric response of various electrochemical reactions. The reaction mechanism includes hydrolysis of methyl salicylate and the oxidation of negative species. The electrochemical responses were recorded using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques, where the results showed characteristic signals for methyl salicylate oxidation. Among the examined electrodes, AuNP-SPCE possessed three fold better sensitivity than planar gold and 35 times better sensitivity than SPCE (at 0.5 V). The methyl salicylate sensing by AuNP-SPCE possessed <5% variation coefficient for repeatability, one week of stable performance with no more than 15% activity loss even if used multiple times (n = 8). Even in the presence of high concentration of interfering compounds such as cis-3-hexenol, hexyl acetate and cis-hexenyl acetate, AuNP-SPCE retained >95% of its methyl salicylate response. The electroanalytical results of soybean extract showed that AuNP-SPCE can be employed for the determination of methyl salicylate in real samples.

Preparation and characterization of 5-sulphosalicylic acid doped tetraethoxysilane composite ion-exchange material by sol-gel method

In this manuscript, we report the preparation and characterization of sulphosalicylic doped tetraethoxysilane (SATEOS), composite material by sol-gel method as a new ion exchanger for the removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solution. The fine granular material was prepared by acid catalyzed condensation polymerization through sol-gel mechanism in the presence of cationic surfactant. The material has an ion exchange capacity of 0.64 mequiv./g(dry) for sodium ions, 0.60 mequiv./g(dry) for potassium ions, 1.84 mequiv./g(dry) for magnesium ions, 1.08 mequiv./g(dry) for calcium ions and 1.36 mequiv./g(dry) for strontium ions. Its X-ray diffraction studies suggest that it is crystalline in nature. The material has been characterized by SEM, IR, TGA and DTG so as to identify the various functional groups and ion exchange sites present in this material. Quantum chemical computations at DFT/B3LYP/6-311G (d,p) level on model systems were performed to substantiate the structural conclusions based ion instrumental techniques. Investigations into the elution behaviour, ion exchange reversibility and distribution capacities of this material towards certain environmentally hazardous metal ions are also performed. The material shows good chemical stability towards acidic conditions and exhibits fast elution of exchangeable H(+) ions under neutral conditions. This material shows remarkable selectivity for Ni(II) and on the basis of its Kd value (4×10(2) in 0.01M HClO4) some binary separations of Ni(II) from other metal ions are performed.

Blotting assisted by heating and solvent extraction for DESI-MS imaging

Imprints of potato sprout (Solanum tuberosum L.), gingko leaves (Gingko biloba L.) and strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) were successfully imaged by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) on TLC plates through blotting assisted by heating and/or solvent extraction. Ion images showing the distribution of significant compounds such as glycoalkaloid toxins in potato sprout, ginkgolic acids and flavonoids in ginkgo leaves, and sugars and anthocyanidin in strawberry were obtained. Practical implications of this work include analysis of a wide range of irregular or soft materials by different imprinting conditions without requiring the addition of matrices or use of specific kinds of surfaces.

[Rapid identification 15 effective components of anti common cold medicine with MRM by LC-MS/MS]

This paper reports the establishment of a method for rapid identification 15 effective components of anti common cold medicine (paracetamol, aminophenazone, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, methylephedrine hydrochloride, caffeine, amantadine hydrochloride, phenazone, guaifenesin, chlorphenamine maleate, dextromethorphen hydrobromide, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, promethazine hydrochloride, propyphenazone, benorilate and diclofenac sodium) with MRM by LC-MS/MS. The samples were extracted by methanol and were separated from a Altantis T3 column within 15 min with a gradient of acetonitrile-ammonium acetate (containing 0.25% glacial acetic acid), a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray ionization source (ESI) was used in positive ion mode, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was performed for qualitative analysis of these compounds. The minimum detectable quantity were 0.33-2.5 microg x kg(-1) of the 15 compounds. The method is simple, accurate and with good reproducibility for rapid identification many components in the same chromatographic condition, and provides a reference for qualitative analysis illegally added chemicals in anti common cold medicine.

[Determination methods for the content of methyl salicylate-2-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1-4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]

The paper is to report the establishment of three methods for determination of methyl salicylate-2-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1-4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (MSG) by HPLC, UV or potentiometric titration. The results determined by the three methods turned out to be of no significant difference (P>0.05). The method was chosen according to MSG difference test demands.

Endophytic fungi from pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] produce antioxidant Cajaninstilbene acid

In this study, novel endophytic fungi producing cajaninstilbene acid (CSA) from pigeon pea [ Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] were investigated and screened. CSA has prominent pharmacological activities. A total of 110 endophytic fungi isolates were grouped into 8 genera on the basis of morphological characteristics, and CSA-producing fungi were screened by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). According to ITS-rDNA sequences analysis, the CSA-producing fungi were identified as Fusarium solani (ERP-07), Fusarium oxysporum (ERP-10), and Fusarium proliferatum (ERP-13), respectively. The amount of CSA produced by the ERP-13 reached 504.8 ± 20.1 μg/L or 100.5 ± 9.4 μg/g dry weight of mycelium. In a DPPH radical-scavenging assay, when the concentration of fungal CSA was 500 μg/mL, inhibition percentage could reach 80%, which was almost the same as that of standard CSA. This study first reported the natural antioxidant CSA from endophytic fungi F. solani and F. proliferatum isolated from pigeon pea.

Differential presence of anthropogenic compounds dissolved in the marine waters of Puget Sound, WA and Barkley Sound, BC

Organic compounds were evaluated in March 2010 at 22 stations in Barkley Sound, Vancouver Island Canada and at 66 locations in Puget Sound. Of 37 compounds, 15 were xenobiotics, 8 were determined to have an anthropogenic imprint over natural sources, and 13 were presumed to be of natural or mixed origin. The three most frequently detected compounds were salicyclic acid, vanillin and thymol. The three most abundant compounds were diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), ethyl vanillin and benzaldehyde (∼600 n g L(-1) on average). Concentrations of xenobiotics were 10-100 times higher in Puget Sound relative to Barkley Sound. Three compound couplets are used to illustrate the influence of human activity on marine waters; vanillin and ethyl vanillin, salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid, and cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid. Ratios indicate that anthropogenic activities are the predominant source of these chemicals in Puget Sound.

UHPLC-ESI/TOFMS determination of salicylate-like phenolic gycosides in Populus tremula leaves

Associations of salicylate-like phenolic glycosides (PGs) with biological activity have been reported in Salix and Populus trees, but only for a few compounds, and in relation to a limited number of herbivores. By considering the full diversity of PGs, we may improve our ability to recognize genotypes or chemotype groups and enhance our understanding of their ecological function. Here, we present a fast and efficient general method for salicylate determination in leaves of Eurasian aspen that uses ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI/TOFMS). The time required for the liquid chromatography separations was 13.5 min per sample, compared to around 60 min per sample for most HPLC protocols. In leaf samples from identical P. tremula genotypes with diverse propagation and treatment histories, we identified nine PGs. We found the compound-specific mass chromatograms to be more informative than the UV-visible chromatograms for compound identification and when quantitating samples with large variability in PG content. Signature compounds previously reported for P. tremoloides (tremulacin, tremuloidin, salicin, and salicortin) always were present, and five PGs (2'-O-cinnamoyl-salicortin, 2'-O-acetyl-salicortin, 2'-O-acetyl-salicin, acetyl-tremulacin, and salicyloyl-salicin) were detected for the first time in P. tremula. By using information about the formic acid adduct that appeared for PGs in the LTQ-Orbitrap MS environment, novel compounds like acetyl-tremulacin could be tentatively identified without the use of standards. The novel PGs were consistently either present in genotypes regardless of propagation and damage treatment or were not detectable. In some genotypes, concentrations of 2'-O-acetyl-salicortin and 2'-O-cinnamoyl-salicortin were similar to levels of biologically active PGs in other Salicaceous trees. Our study suggests that we may expect a wide variation in PG content in aspen populations which is of interest both for studies of interactions with herbivores and for mapping population structure.

Facility monitoring of chemical warfare agent simulants in air using an automated, field-deployable, miniature mass spectrometer

Vapors of four chemical warfare agent (CWA) stimulants, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), diethyl malonate (DEM), dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), and methyl salicylate (MeS), were detected, identified, and quantitated using a fully automated, field-deployable, miniature mass spectrometer. Samples were ionized using a glow discharge electron ionization (GDEI) source, and ions were mass analyzed with a cylindrical ion trap (CIT) mass analyzer. A dual-tube thermal desorption system was used to trap compounds on 50:50 Tenax TA/Carboxen 569 sorbent before their thermal release. The sample concentrations ranged from low parts per billion [ppb] to two parts per million [ppm]. Limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.26 to 5.0 ppb. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves are presented for each analyte. A sample of CEES at low ppb concentration was combined separately with two interferents, bleach (saturated vapor) and diesel fuel exhaust (1%), as a way to explore the capability of detecting the simulant in an environmental matrix. Also investigated was a mixture of the four CWA simulants (at concentrations in air ranging from 270 to 380 ppb). Tandem mass (MS/MS) spectral data were used to identify and quantify the individual components.

On-line reaction monitoring by extractive electrospray ionisation

The design and development of a novel extractive electrospray ionisation (EESI) device for on-line reaction monitoring is described. The EESI apparatus uses a secondary, grounded nebuliser to produce an analyte aerosol and a Venturi pump is then used to transfer a sample of the aerosol to an electrospray source where it is ionised. The EESI apparatus was then tested with a variety of small, organic molecules to assess sensitivity, linearity and dynamic range. The performance of the technique will depend on the mass spectrometer used for the experiments; in the configurations used here it has a usable dynamic range of around 3.5 orders of magnitude with a linear range of around 2.5 orders of magnitude and is capable of analysing species present down to low µg/mL with signal-to-noise ratio greater than 2.5. The use of EESI for reaction monitoring was validated using a series of mock reaction mixtures and then used to monitor the base hydrolysis of ethyl salicylate to salicylic acid.

Analysis of salicylate and benzophenone-type UV filters in soils and sediments by simultaneous extraction cleanup and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

An analytical method for the determination of UV filters in soil and sediment has been developed and validated considering benzophenones (BP) and salicylates as target analytes. Soil and sediment samples were extracted with ethyl acetate-methanol (90:10, v/v) assisted with sonication, performing a simultaneous clean-up step. Quantification of these compounds was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after derivatization of the extracts with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). Recoveries from spiked soil samples ranged from 89.8% to 104.4% and they were between 88.4% and 105.3% for spiked sediment samples. The effect of the residence time and soil moisture content on the recovery of these compounds was also studied. The precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, was in all cases below 6.1% and the limits of detection (S/N=3) varied from 0.07 to 0.10 ng g(-1) and from 0.11 to 0.28 ng g(-1) for soils and sediments, respectively. The validated method was applied to the analysis of five benzophenone and two salicylate UV filters in soil and sediment samples collected in different areas of Spain.

Efficient 3D geometric and Zernike moments computation from unstructured surface meshes

This paper introduces and evaluates a fast exact algorithm and a series of faster approximate algorithms for the computation of 3D geometric moments from an unstructured surface mesh of triangles. Being based on the object surface reduces the computational complexity of these algorithms with respect to volumetric grid-based algorithms. In contrast, it can only be applied for the computation of geometric moments of homogeneous objects. This advantage and restriction is shared with other proposed algorithms based on the object boundary. The proposed exact algorithm reduces the computational complexity for computing geometric moments up to order N with respect to previously proposed exact algorithms, from N(9) to N(6). The approximate series algorithm appears as a power series on the rate between triangle size and object size, which can be truncated at any desired degree. The higher the number and quality of the triangles, the better the approximation. This approximate algorithm reduces the computational complexity to N(3). In addition, the paper introduces a fast algorithm for the computation of 3D Zernike moments from the computed geometric moments, with a computational complexity N(4), while the previously proposed algorithm is of order N(6). The error introduced by the proposed approximate algorithms is evaluated in different shapes and the cost-benefit ratio in terms of error, and computational time is analyzed for different moment orders.

Analysis of the essential oil of Amsonia illustris

The root and leaf essential oils, present in trace amounts in Amsonia illustris Woods. (Apocynaceae), were isolated by steam distillation and their chemical constituents identified by GC-FID and GC-MS. More than 80% of the thirty volatile compounds in the leaf oil were identified, the major constituents being mainly sesquiterpenes like a-humulene (14.5%), beta-caryophyllene (12.4%) and guaiol (11.6%). The volatile ingredients of the root oil were pinocampheol, methyl salicylate, (2E,4E)- decadienal, eugenol and trans-isoeugenol.

In vitro antioxidant properties, DNA damage protective activity, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effect of cajaninstilbene acid, a stilbene compound derived from pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] leaves

The antioxidant properties, DNA damage protective activities, and xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory effect of cajaninstilbene acid (CSA) derived from pigeon pea leaves were studied in the present work. Compared with resveratrol, CSA showed stronger antioxidant properties, DNA damage protective activity, and XOD inhibition activity. The IC(50) values of CSA for superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power, lipid peroxidation, and XOD inhibition were 19.03, 6.36, 39.65, 20.41, 20.58, and 3.62 μM, respectively. CSA possessed good protective activity from oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, molecular docking indicated that CSA was more potent than resveratrol or allopurinol to interact with the active site of XOD (calculated free binding energy: -229.71 kcal mol(-1)). On the basis of the results, we conclude that CSA represents a valuable natural antioxidant source and may potentially be applicable in health food industry.

Propolis specimens from different locations of central Italy: chemical profiling and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) quantitative analysis of the allergenic esters benzyl cinnamate and benzyl salicylate

Propolis is a beehive product popular in natural medicine thanks to its noteworthy properties. Propolis is non-toxic but is responsible for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. In this paper, we propose a new gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical methodology for the quantitative analysis of two allergenic esters in propolis specimens, benzyl salicylate and benzyl cinnamate, and test it on specimens from different locations of central Italy. We also present the results obtained in the chemical characterization of the same specimens. The characterization showed that the resin fractions of all of the specimens are of poplar origin.

Analysis of salazinic, norstictic, and usnic acids in Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

The lichen species Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa is toxic when consumed by domestic sheep, cattle, and Rocky Mountain elk. Clinical signs exhibited by poisoned animals include red urine, ataxia, and muscular weakness that rapidly progresses to recumbency. Elk are unable to recover once becoming recumbent; however, most affected cattle can recover if offered suitable feed shortly following the onset of signs. At present, the pathogenesis and specific toxin(s) are unknown. As part of an effort to elucidate the proximate toxin, a method using ultra-performance LC coupled to MS/MS with negative-ion electrospray ionization has been developed to compare salazinic, norstictic, and usnic acid concentrations in X. chlorochroa collected from locales associated with lichen poisonings. Compounds were extracted from lichen samples with acetone and sonication. The stationary phase was a Waters Acquity UPLCTM BEH Ca18 (50 x 2.1 mm; 1.7 microm particle size) column. The mobile phase consisted of an acetonitrile-water gradient. The precision of the method was confirmed by an SD below 0.4% (n=9) for triplicate samples. LOD values were 200, 100, and 50 ng/mL for salazinic, norstictic, and usnic acids, respectively.

Estimation of hydroxyl radical generation by salicylate hydroxylation method in multiple organs of mice exposed to whole-body X-ray irradiation

Appropriate experimental conditions for the estimation of hydroxyl radical generation by salicylate hydroxylation were determined for multiple organs of X-irradiated mice in vivo. The in vitro experiments showed that there were significant correlations between the salicylic acid (SA) concentration, the amount of 2,3-dihydroxy benzoic acid (2,3-DHBA) and the X-ray exposure dose, and we obtained two linear-regression equations to calculate the amounts of hydroxyl radicals generated by the X-irradiation. The optimum dosage of SA and the appropriate sampling time for in vivo experiments was determined, and significant increases in the ratio of 2,3-DHBA to SA were detected in several organs of mice after X-irradiation. The hydroxyl radical equivalents of the 2,3-DHBA increases were also calculated. Our results clearly demonstrated the usefulness of the salicylate hydroxylation method in estimating hydroxyl radical generation in multiple organs in vivo.

Soft-modeling based spectrofluorimetric study of simultaneous equilibria

A two-way soft resolution method will fail when applied to a simultaneous equilibria system due to rank deficiency in its concentration profiles. Increasing the dimensionality of measurements from two-way to three-way data can be used to overcome this problem. Simultaneous dissociation of two weak acids is considered as a model for simultaneous equilibria. Three-way data obtained from excitation-emission spectrofluorimetric monitoring of a pH-metric titration is analyzed using a proper combination of well-known soft-modeling methods. Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares is used for calculating the excitation and emission spectral profiles of involved species and rank annihilation factor analysis for obtaining the contribution of each species in measured excitation-emission matrices at different pHs. The results of simulated and real simultaneous acids dissociation equilibria showed that the proposed combined method performs well even in situation when the equilibrium constants are close to each other. The applicability of method for study of an acidic dissociation is also shown.

[Determination of ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba leaves by gas chromatography with on-line pyrolytic methylation]

A method to determine ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba leaves was developed on the basis of pyrolytic methylation-gas chromatography. Pyrolytic methylation of G. biloba leaves in the injector at 300 degrees C in the presence of an organic alkali, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH, 25% methanol), allowed quantitative analysis of ginkgolic acids as their corresponding methyl derivatives. On the basis of the relative areas of these peaks, chemical composition of the ginkgolic acids in G. biloba leaves was determined with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 3.4% (n = 3). The calibration curves of 5 main ginkgolic acids showed good linearity with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.996 6. The detection limits were between 0.8 - 2.8 mg/kg for the 5 compounds (S/N = 3). It is a simple, accurate and highly sensitive method for the chemical analysis and quality control of ginkgolic acids in G. biloba leaves and extracts.

Development of a palm portable mass spectrometer

A palm portable mass spectrometer (PPMS) has been developed with a weight of 1.48 kg (3 lb) and a size of 1.54 L (8.2 x 7.7 x 24.5 cm(3)) that can be operated with an average battery power of 5 W. A miniaturized ion trap has been used as a mass analyzer that consists of four parallel disks with coaxial holes. A rf voltage of 1500 V(p-p) at 3.9 MHz has been used for scanning ion mass of up to m/z 300. An ion-getter pump serves for high vacuum of the PPMS. Sample gas was introduced in pulse mode. An embedded microcomputer has been developed for system control. Detection of organic gases diluted in the air has been demonstrated up to 6 ppm for toluene and 22 ppm for dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). Performance results suggest usefulness of the PPMS as a personal mobile device for detection/identification of chemical warfare agents in the field.

Quercetin and rutin as potential sunscreen agents: determination of efficacy by an in vitro method

Given that flavonoids are known for their ultraviolet (UV)B photoprotective properties in plants that contain them, we chose to study quercetin (1) and rutin (2) as agents that could potentially be used in sunscreen products. These two substances proved to behave in similar ways. When incorporated in oil-in-water emulsions, at a concentration of 10% (w/w), 1 and 2 give sun protection factor (SPF) values similar to that of homosalate, a standard substance. These two flavonoids also provided a non-negligible level of photoprotection in the UVA range. When used in association with titanium dioxide, the SPF obtained was around 30.

Overexpression of AtSGT1, an Arabidopsis salicylic acid glucosyltransferase, leads to increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae

We reported previously that a recombinant salicylic acid (SA) glucosyltransferase1 (AtSGT1) from Arabidopsis thaliana catalyzes the formation of both SA 2-O-beta-D-glucoside (SAG) and the glucose ester of SA (SGE). Here, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing AtSGT1 have been constructed, and their phenotypes analyzed. Compared to wild-type plants, transgenic plants showed an increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae and reduced the accumulation levels of both free SA and its glucosylated forms (SAG and SGE). On the other hand, the overexpression increased the levels of methyl salicylate (MeSA) and methyl salicylate 2-O-beta-D-glucoside (MeSAG), and also induced SA carboxyl methyltransferase1 (AtBSMT1) expression, whose products catalyze the conversion of SA to MeSA. Our data indicate that reduced resistance by AtSGT1 overexpression results from a reduction in SA content, which is at least in part caused by increases in MeSAG and MeSA levels at the expense of SA. Our study also suggests that genetic manipulation of AtSGT1 can be utilized as an important regulatory tool for pathogen control.

Chromatographic analysis of salicylic compounds in different species of the genusSalix

The separation of nine phenol glycosides--salicin, salicortin, 2'-acetylsalicortin, populin, tremulacin, salidroside, triandrin, picein and helicin--by normal phase (NP), reversed phase (RP) HPLC techniques and a coupling of NP and RP monolithic silica columns was studied. Among the above nine compounds only five--salicin, populin, tremulacin, salidroside and triandrin--were resolved in an NP system with a mobile phase comprising hexane/isopropanol/methanol (87:12:1, v/v/v). Optimized separation was performed with two coupled monolithic silica columns of different polarity (bare silica and RP-18). The method was applied to verify the presence of salicylic compounds and other phenolic derivatives in the bark of six species from the genus Salix, namely S. purpurea, S. daphnoides clone 1095, S. alba clone 1100, S. triandra, S. viminalis, and S. herbacea. Gradient elution with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and water containing 0.05% of trifluoroacetic acid, with increasing acetonitrile concentration from 3% to 48%, was chosen as optimal. For the selective detection of the salicylic compounds, an evaporative light scattering detector was employed along with a UV detector. The differences in the composition of phenols in the different plant materials were confirmed. Additionally, it must be emphasized that for the first time the presence of 2'-acetylsalicortin was revealed in S. alba clone 1100. Furthermore, an SPE-HPLC method was developed for the rapid analysis of the salicin content, analyzed as free and total fraction, in willow barks. The determined concentrations of total salicin varied from 25.4 mg/g in S. alba clone 1100 to 96.47 mg/g in S. daphnoides clone 1095.