This study aimed to optimize the extraction conditions of Piper betle leaves using a circumscribed central composite design, comparing dynamic and static maceration. Extraction temperatures were varied from 40°C to 80°C, while extraction times were varied from 15 to 45 minutes. Extraction yield, eugenol content in the raw material, and inhibition zone against Candita albicans were monitored. This study is notable for its comprehensive analysis of two maceration techniques under carefully controlled conditions and provides a novel comparison between dynamic and static maceration for this plant. The optimized conditions that maximized the extraction yield and inhibition zone were a temperature of 72.9°C for 19.4 minutes for dynamic maceration and 74°C for 19.4 minutes for static maceration. Under the optimal extraction conditions, static maceration resulted in superior extraction yield and eugenol content and a comparable inhibition zone compared to dynamic maceration. Specifically, static maceration produced an extraction yield of 27.50%±1.15%, eugenol content of 1.12%±0.05%, and an inhibition zone against C. albicans of 29.88±1.11 mm. Importantly, static maceration not only achieved comparable antifungal activity but also preserved the integrity of thermolabile compounds such as eugenol, which could contribute to a higher-quality extract. These findings have broader implications, particularly for industries prioritizing cost-effective and scalable extraction techniques for plant-based bioactives. In conclusion, static maceration was more suitable than dynamic maceration for extracting P. betle leaves. Moreover, the optimal conditions identified could serve as a guide for maximizing the extraction yield and anti-C. albicans of P. betle leaves.

This study aims to investigate the isolation, derivatization, and antifungal potential of sesquiterpenoids extracted from the roots of Saussurea lappa (Costus) against key wheat pathogens, Bipolaris sorokiniana and Fusarium graminearum. The research employs maceration, sonication, and Soxhlet extraction techniques for extraction, followed by column chromatography to isolate the bioactive compound, dehydrocostus lactone, which was then subjected to detailed structural characterization. The hexane extract was subjected to GC/MS analysis to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds present. To understand structure-activity relationships, dehydrocostus lactone was chemically modified to produce isozaluzanin-C and a diol derivative. The antifungal potential of various S. lappa root extracts, dehydrocostus lactone, and its derivatives was tested against F. graminearum and B. sorokiniana, with comparisons based on their ED50 values. Dehydrocostus lactone displayed the most significant antifungal activity, with the lowest ED50 value (0.27 mg/ml), closely followed by the hexane extract (ED50=0.28 mg/ml), while the methanol extract exhibited the weakest activity (ED50=1.01 mg/ml). The trend in activity was similar for both fungi. These findings underscore the potential of S. lappa sesquiterpenoids as natural fungicides, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for crop protection.

The stem bark of Populus ciliata is recognized as a valuable source of medicinal and therapeutic compounds. The study focused on extracting bioactive compounds from the ethyl acetate fraction of P. ciliata stem bark. Four flavonoids were isolated for the first time from the plant: EF01 [3,5-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one], EF02 [5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one], EF03 [2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxychromen-4-one] and EF04 [(2S)-5-hydroxy-2- (4- hydroxyphenyl)- 4-oxo- 3,4- dihydro-2H-chromen- 7-yl-2-O-(6-deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl)-β-D- glucopyranoside]. These compounds were characterized and evaluated for various biological activities using in vitro and in silico techniques. The findings revealed that EF01 (a flavonol glycoside) and EF04 (a flavanone glycoside) were isolated for the first time from the Populus genus. Among the compounds, EF03 exhibited the strongest biological activities, including antioxidant (IC50: 6.36±1.43 μg/mL; 14.74±1.49 μg/mL), antibacterial (MIC: 6.25-12.50 μg/mL), antifungal (Fusarium oxysporum-6.25 μg/mL; Candida glabrata-15.62 μg/mL), and anti-inflammatory (IC50: 9.39±0.81 μg/mL) activities. Additionally, EF04 demonstrated promising effects against Candida auris (MIC: 31.25 μg/mL). In molecular docking, dynamics stimulations and molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area studies, EF03 showed notable binding affinity (surpassing the positive controls) and stable complexes with human cyclooxygenase-2, human peroxiredoxin 5, N-myristoyl transferase and penicillin-binding protein, reinforcing its potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, the flavonoids extracted from P. ciliata exhibit significant biological activity, which may contribute to its medicinal properties. Further research is warranted to identify additional bioactive phytochemicals from P. ciliata with potential applications in various fields.

Infectious diseases and the rising levels of antibiotic resistance represent a critical challenge in modern medical care, contributing significantly to global mortality. Considering these critical issues, it is imperative to pursue research into natural plant-derived compounds that are more effective and less toxic, offering potential alternative therapeutic solutions. The current study aims to characterize Cymbopogon citratus essential oils (EOs) and evaluates their potential to control pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The chemical composition of Cymbopogon citratus essential oils (EOs) was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis identified 57 compounds, with a significant presence of citronellal (32.45%), geraniol (21.03%), citronellol (12.53%), and D-limonene (4.15%), all classified as monoterpenes. Pathogenic microorganisms were isolated from urine and vaginal samples, identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics, and subjected to antibiogram analysis using the disk diffusion method. Twelve uropathogen isolates were related to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis species. Additionally, five vaginal isolates were identified as C. albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii. These strains exhibited varying levels of antibiotic resistance. The antimicrobial activity of C. citratus EOs was subsequently evaluated in vitro against both isolated and reference pathogen strains using disc and vapor diffusion assays, with varying EOs volumes. The EOs completely inhibited the growth of all tested filamentous fungi, as well as the isolated yeast strain of Candida albicans, at a volume of 10 μl/disc in both methods. In terms of antibacterial activity, the largest inhibition zones, ranging from 25 ± 3 mm to 90 mm, were observed against Staphylococcus aureus strains in both methods. These findings underscore the significant in vitro efficacy of C. citratus EOs in inhibiting the bacterial and fungal pathogens associated with the urinary tract and vaginal infections, highlighting its potential as an alternative therapeutic agent.

Pleurotus pulmonarius (Pp), commonly called the Phoenix mushroom, is an edible tropical species with significant interest for its health-promoting properties. Renowned for its nutraceutical potential, Pp exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and prebiotic effects, positioning it as a valuable resource in functional food and therapeutic research. However, its anti-ulcer potential remains largely unexplored, prompting this investigation. The phytochemical profile and antibacterial activities of Pp were assessed using standard procedures. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=7 per group): normal control (CN), untreated control (CU), pre-treated control with antacid (CP) and two groups treated with Pp supplements at 10% (FS10) and 30% (FS30) concentrations. Following 14 days of treatment, gastric ulcers were induced with indomethacin (40 mg/kg orally) after a 24-hour fast. Four hours post-ulcer induction, rats were anesthetized and stomachs were excised for analyses of ulcer score, nitrite, mucin, H2O2 and H+K⁺-ATPase activity. Stomach tissues were further examined through histopathological analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA at α=0.05. The study confirmed the presence of all evaluated phytochemicals in Pp. Treatments with FS10 and FS30 resulted in ulcer inhibition rates of 64.5% and 56.58%, respectively. Significant improvements were observed in gastric parameters (total protein, nitric oxide, mucin content, H2O2 levels, malondialdehyde, and H⁺K⁺-ATPase) activities, in the FS10 and FS30 groups compared to the control groups (CN and CU). These findings underscore the antioxidant and gastroprotective properties of Pp, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing gastric ulcers.

The present study aimed to investigate the fatty acid composition and in vitro anticancer activities of the flower and leaf extracts of Sesbania grandiflora against breast cancer cells. Fatty acids (FA) were isolated using the method of Harvey’s 1994 and profiled using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis identified fourteen FAs in the flower extract and nine FAs in the leaf extract. Palmitic acid (5629.85 μg g−1) and ω-6 linolenic acid (12447.73 μg g−1) are the most abundant in the flower extract, while ω-6 linolenic acid (202576.9 μg g−1) is predominant in the leaf extract. The anticancer potential of the extracts was evaluated against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line through in-vitro analysis. The MTT assay results showed that the flower FA fraction most effectively inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells, with an IC50 value of 47.73 μg/mL. Treatment with leaf and flower extracts induced typical apoptotic morphology in MCF-7 cells. Dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescent staining revealed treated cells undergoing early and late stages of apoptosis. Both FA extracts, particularly flower FA extract, demonstrated strong anticancer potential, suggesting their efficacy as anticancer agents. This is the first-ever report on the anticancer efficacy of FA extracts from S. grandiflora, tested on MCF-7 breast cancer cells through various cellular assays, including cell viability and apoptosis assays. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the anticancer activities of FA extracts against MCF-7 cells and support their potential use in breast cancer treatment.

Phytochemical research using medicinal plants has been instrumental in discovering new drug skeletons. Infectious disease management and treatment are made more difficult by the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. Two new derivatives were obtained by reacting with 3-bromo-1-propyne to derivatise trans-N-coumaroyltyramine (1), a natural isolate from Celtis zenkeri stem-bark that our research group previously reported. These are 7-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)-N-coumaroyltyramine (1a) and 7, 6’-di-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)-N-coumaroyltyramine (1b). Compounds underwent screening for antibacterial activity after being characterised using NMR, MS, IR, and UV-VIS spectroscopic techniques. As compared to the zone of inhibition of 20 ± 0.34 mm to 31 ± 0.29 mm of streptomycin, the 1a and 1b (10 ± 0.17 mm to 16 ± 0.68 mm) demonstrated potent inhibitions across all tested bacteria. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the compounds and Streptomycin® (a common antibacterial drug) are part of the in silico studies, along with molecular docking. The potency and drug-like qualities of new derivatives were demonstrated by the in vitro and in-silico investigations.

Mangroves are salt-tolerant forest ecosystems that are mainly found in the tropical and subtropical intertidal regions of the world. These plants are used by humans as ethnobotanicals for the treatment of various diseases including eye problems, skin diseases, rheumatism, blisters, arthritis, hemorrhage, asthma, throat, stomach ache, infections, and diabetes. The ethnopharmacological investigations of the mangrove plants revealed biological activities, including antiplasmodial, antimycobacterial, and antidiabetic activities. The kinds of phytochemistry which are discussed in this article include macrolides, flavonoids, terpenes, quinones, and limonoids. The current review aims to investigate traditional medicines applications, bioactive profiles, and chemical compositions of mangrove plants based on the information collected from various electronic databases. The primary sources include Web of Science ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, tandfonline.com and the Journal of Natural Products. The results and discussion of the data from the articles which are used in this review cover traditional medicines applications, bioactive profiles, and chemical compositions from mangrove plants. This article covers 35 medicinal mangrove plant species. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of mangroves, focusing on bioactive compounds such as (2R,3R)- pinobanksin-3-caffeoylate, a flavonoid that demonstrated protein kinase inhibitory activity against several human tumor-related kinases, with IC50 values ranging from 2.2 to 3.6 μg/mL. The knowledge of mangrove plant species that are reported in this article is broad and will help in advancing the understanding of the pharmacology of these plants.

Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus Nees (Acanthaceae) is traditionally used in the North East Himalayan region to treat stomach issues, including gastritis. This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effect of 70% aqueous ethanol extract of Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus flowers (PTE), standardized by HPTLC and LC-MS/MS, and to establish its possible mechanisms. The gastroprotective effect of PTE, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, was evaluated using both physical (pylorus ligation, PL; cold restraint stress, CRS) and chemical (ethanol, EtOH) ulcerogens-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into control, ulcer control, positive control and PTE-treated groups, with PTE administered orally twice daily for 5 days. The protective effect of PTE was assessed through various gastric ulcer parameters, including gastric pH, gastric wall mucus, non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) content, microvascular permeability, endogenous antioxidant markers, and gastric histopathology. HPTLC and LC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of gallic acid, naringenin, β-sitosterol and ascorbic acid in PTE. The active components of PTE showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of ulcer index, with reductions of 28.59-50.03% in PL, 27.69-53.23% in EtOH and 31.14-57.53% in CRS models (P< 0.01). Additionally, PTE at 400 mg/kg significantly increased gastric pH by 23.41%, mucus content by 33.69%, and NP-SH levels by 37.24%. PTE also demonstrated significant antioxidant potential and histopathological studies confirmed its protective effect. The study suggests that the anti-ulcer effect of PTE may be attributed to its ability to preserve adhered gastric mucus, exhibit antisecretory effects, and scavenge free radicals.

Eelgrass, Zostera marina L., is vital to marine ecosystems, providing habitat, filtering pollutants, improving water quality, and serving as a source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to isolate and identify phenolic compounds from Z. marina, biotransform the main metabolite, rosmarinic acid (RA), and evaluate the anti-tyrosinase activity of these compounds. Various chromatographic techniques were employed to isolate compounds from Z. marina (1-4). Compound 1, exhibiting broad pharmaceutical activity, was biotransformed by Deinococcus geothermalis amylosucrase (DgAS) into two new glycosylated products (5-6). The isolated and biotransformed compounds were tested for anti-tyrosinase activity using a mushroom tyrosinase assay. Molecular docking and quantum chemical calculations were conducted to clarify the binding mode and reactivity of the compounds. The isolated compounds were identified via NMR and HR-MS as rosmarinic acid (RA) 1, methyl rosmarinate 2, methyl isorinate 3, and pinoresinol 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside 4. This is the first report of isolating and identifying compounds (2-4) from the Zosteraceae family. The glycosylated compounds were identified as rosmarinic acid 4-O-α-D-glucopyranoside 5 and rosmarinic acid 3′-O-α-D-glucopyranoside 6. Among all compounds, (4-6) showed significant tyrosinase inhibition, with rates of 55.5%, 22.3%, and 30.8%, respectively, compared to arbutin. The two glycosylated products exhibited better anti-tyrosinase activity than 1. In silico results aligned with in vitro findings. This study highlights Z. marina’s potential as a source of polyphenolic compounds with significant anti-aging activity, emphasizing the discovery of new anti-aging ingredients to enhance quality of life.