Plant Active Compounds Research Articles

Natural Melanogenesis Inhibitor, Antioxidant, and Collagen Biosynthesis Stimulator of Phytochemicals in Rice Bran and Husk Extracts from Purple Glutinous Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Pieisu 1 CMU) for Cosmetic Application

Oryza sativa L. cv. Pieisu 1 CMU (PES1CMU) has a high anthocyanin content in the colored bran and high phenolic content in the husk. Biologically active compounds in plants are available as dietary supplements and cosmetics. To expand the utilization of natural resources, PES1CMU will be a natural remedy for skin hyperpigmentation and aging. Cell-free tyrosinase inhibition and scavenging assays were used to screen all extracts, including PES1CMU-rice bran oil (RBO), PES1CMU-defatted rice bran (DFRB), and PES1CMU-husk (H). PES1CMU extracts were first examined in IBMX-stimulated B16 cells and H2O2-induced fibroblasts. The results exhibited that PES1CMU-DFRB was the most effective inhibitor of mushroom tyrosinase, intracellular melanin production (fold change of 1.11 ± 0.01), and tyrosinase activity (fold change of 1.22 ± 0.10) in IBMX-stimulated B16 cells. Particularly, PES1CMU-DFRB showed a comparable whitening effect to the standard arbutin with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Moreover, PES1CMU-DFRB and PES1CMU-H demonstrated strong scavenging activities. After accelerated cell aging caused by H2O2 exposure in fibroblasts, the levels of malondialdehyde production in all PES1CMU-treated fibroblasts were comparable with those of standard l-ascorbic acid (p > 0.05). Besides, PES1CMU-DFRB and PES1CMU-H treatment significantly inhibited collagen degradation against MMP-2 compared to l-ascorbic acid-treated cells (p > 0.05). PES1CMU rice-processing wastes (DFRB and H) could become potential natural sources for dermatocosmetic constituents in skin anti-aging and whitening products.

Potential Inhibitor of Ten Medicinal Plant Active Compounds Against Covid 19 In Silico Study

Potential Inhibitor of Ten Medicinal Plant Active Compounds Against Covid 19 In Silico Study

Study of The Potential Compound on Leaves of Syzygium samarangense as An Antibacterial to Streptococcus pneumoniae

Pneumonia is one of the respiratory infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial resistance problems regarding the treatment of pneumonia can be overcome by exploring active compounds in plants that have potential as antibacterials, one of which is water guava (Syzygium samarangense). This study aims to discover active compounds with the antibacterial potential of S. pneumoniae from water guava leaves (S. samarangense). This study was conducted in September 2022 at Universitas Negeri Surabaya with in silico method (blind molecular docking). The method used in this study was in silico approach, including the collection of proteins and compounds, preparation of proteins and ligands, minimization of compounds, blind molecular docking, and visualization of the results of molecular docking. The results showed that the value of binding affinity and RMSD of PBP-2X protein (PDB ID: 1QME) which binds to 1-methyl ethyl acetate, valeraldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate was -5.6 KJ/mol and 2.575 Å, -5 KJ/mol and 1.373 Å, and -6.7 KJ/mol and 1.637 Å, respectively. The result indicates that the selected compounds have the potential as antibacterial to S. pneumoniae. In the near future, this study requires further in vitro and in vivo testing as a step to validate the activity of the active compound of guava leaves as an antibacterial of S. pneumoniae.

A comparative study to evaluate the effects of antibiotics, plant extracts and fluoride-based toothpaste on the oral pathogens isolated from patients with gum diseases in Pakistan.

Oral diseases caused by various microorganisms are common around the world. Scientific research has now been focusing on novel medicines to overcome bacterial resistance and antibiotics side effects; therefore, the current study was designed to assess the efficacy of certain antibiotics, toothpaste, and medicinal plant extracts (Ajuga bracteosa and Curcuma longa) versus the bacterial pathogens isolated from the human oral cavity. A total of 130 samples were collected from Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan, among those 27 species isolated, and eight bacterial species were identified from the samples. Among all the bacterial species, Staphylococcus aureus (29.62%) and Proteus mirabilis (22.2%) were found to be more prevalent oral pathogens. In comparison, the least pervasive microbes were Proteus vulgaris, Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila. The study also suggested that dental problems were more prevalent in males (41-50 years of age) than females. Among the eight antibiotics used in the study, the most promising results were shown by Foxicillin against A. hydrophila. The survey of TP1 revealed that it showed more potent antagonist activity against Proteus vulgaris as compared TP2 and TP3 that might be due to the high content of fluoride. The Curcuma longa showed more significant activity than Ajuga bracteosa (Stem, leaves and root) extracts. The data obtained through this study revealed that antibiotics were more effective for oral bacterial pathogens than toothpaste and plant extracts which showed moderate and low activity, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that the active compounds in individual medicinal plants like Curcuma longa and Ajuga bracteosa could replace the antibiotics when used in daily routine as tooth cleansers or mouth rinses.

Exposure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Cinnamaldehyde Selects Multidrug Resistant Mutants.

Cinnamaldehyde (CNA), the main component of cinnamon essential oil, is one of the most active plant compounds against nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Exposure of wild-type strain PA14 (MIC 700 µg/mL) for 5 to 10 days to fixed (900 µg/mL) or increasing (from 900 to 1400 µg/mL) concentrations of this natural antibacterial resulted in emergence of resistant mutants CNA-A1 to A3, and CNA-B1 to B7, respectively. Genome sequencing experiments showed that each of CNA-A1 to A3 mutants differed from PA14 by one SNP, and a slight increase in CNA resistance level (from 700 to 900 µg/mL). By comparison, mutants B1 to B7 were more resistant (up to 1100 µg/mL); each of them harbored multiple SNPs (from 24 to 39) likely as a consequence of alteration of DNA mismatch repair gene mutS. Of the ten mutants selected, eight contained mutations in gene nalC, which indirectly downregulates expression of the operon that codes for multidrug efflux system MexAB-OprM, and showed increased resistance (up to 16-fold versus PA14) to antibiotic molecules exported by the pump, including ß-lactams and fluoroquinolones. Of the six mutants with the highest CNA resistance, five were no longer motile because of alteration of genes flgJ, fliE and/or pilJ genes. Altogether, our data show that P. aeruginosa is able to adapt to strong electrophilic molecules such as CNA by upregulating its intrinsic efflux pump MexAB-OprM, and through less well-characterized pleiotropic changes. Whether multidrug-resistant mutants can emerge in patients using cinnamon essential oil as self-medication needs to be assessed further.

Biomass, Phenolic Compounds, Essential Oil Content, and Antioxidant Properties of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) Grown in Hydroponics as Affected by Treatment Type and Selenium Concentration

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) is an aromatic plant that is rich in various biologically active compounds and is widely used as a natural preservative and flavoring agent in the food and cosmetic industry and as a folk medicine against certain respiratory diseases. Despite the fact that selenium is not an essential trace element for plants, in a certain range of concentrations it can not only improve plant growth, but also increase the content of nutrients and biologically active compounds in plants. In the present study, the effect of treatment type (in a nutrient solution (NS) or by foliar application (FA)) and selenium (Se) concentration (2.0, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0 μM) on the biomass, phenolic compounds, essential oil content, and antioxidant properties of hyssop grown in hydroponics was studied. Neither a toxic nor a beneficial effect of Se addition on the plants was observed. Selenium treatment significantly increased Se concentration in hyssop up to 38.35 μg g−1 (NS) and 34.86 μg g−1 (FA). The effect of selenium on the content of phenolic compounds, essential oil, and the antioxidant activity of hyssop depended on the applied selenium concentration. Hyssop treated with 10 μM Se (NS) and with 20 μM Se (FA) had a higher total content of hydroxycinnamic acids and higher contents of rosmarinic and chlorogenic acids, as well as a higher total content of phenolic compounds, higher content of essential oil, and higher antioxidant activity compared to other experimental plants. The results confirm the feasibility of selenium treatment of hyssop without reducing its production in order to enhance its nutritional and pharmaceutical properties.

Subacute Toxicity Test of Hydrocotyle Sibthorpioides Lam. Extract on Histopathological Images of Liver and Kidney of White Male Mice

Introduction: Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. in Indonesia known as pegagan embun. It has been used to increase the immune system and has been shown to have immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and hematopoietic effects. However, there is no scientific evidence that shows this plant is safe for long-term use. Based on that circumstance, this study aimed to measure the safety of Pegagan Embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam.) ethanol extract activities on liver and kidney histopathology. Aim: The study aimed to measure the safety of Pegagan Embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam.) ethanol extract activities on liver and kidney histopathology. Material and Method: Ethanol extract used because all the active compounds in plants extracted as a whole, and it cheaper and more efficient in the extraction process. Determine as many thirty-six white male mice as test animals and separate them into eight treatment groups. The administrated ethanol extract of Pegagan Embun (Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam.) at doses of 7, 35, and 150 mg/kg BW for 7, 14, and 21 days. On days 8th, 15th, and 22nd, three white male mice collected from each treatment group and collected their liver and kidney. The data analysed used a T-test with IBM SPSS type 24. Result: LD50 of ethanol extract of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. > 15,000 mg/kg means practically not toxic. The results showed that the administration of extract Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. for 7, 14, and 21 days showed a non-significant effect on any histological damage to the liver of male white mice at doses of 7 and 35 mg/kg BW (normal histology). The non-significant effect also occurs at150 mg/kg BW for 7 days; however, it caused mild damage at a dose of 150 mg/kg BW for 14 days and moderate damage at 150 mg/kg BW for 21 days. In renal histopathology, doses of 7 mg/kg BW. for 7, 14, and 21 days showed normal histology and doses of 35 mg/kg BW for 7, 14, and 21 days showed minimal damage. The administration at doses of 150 mg/kg BW for 7 days showed mild damage, while a dose of 150 mg/kg BW for 14 and 21 days showed moderate damage. Conclusion: It concluded that the administration of extract of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. did not cause severe damage to the histology of the liver and kidneys of white male mice.

Biotechnological Potential of Different Organs of Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Collected from Various Host Tree Species in an Urban Area

From an economic and ecological standpoint, it is crucial to investigate the biologically active compounds of mistletoe plants, which are currently discarded by pruning urban mistletoe-infested trees. In the present study, the content of phenolic compounds, triterpenic and organic acids, as well as the antioxidant activity of the extracts of various mistletoe organs (leaves, stems, and fruits) collected from the most infested tree species were investigated. The mistletoe samples collected from Betula pendula, Acer platanoides, Crataegus monogyna, and Sorbus aucuparia showed the highest content of phenolic acids and flavonoids as well as antioxidant activity, as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The leaves and stems of mistletoe from Tilia cordata were characterized by a high content of triterpenic acids (oleanolic, ursolic, and betulinic). The leaves and fruits of mistletoe plants from Populus nigra and Salix alba contained a high concentration of organic acids, particularly succinic and citric acids. Compared to stem and leaf extracts, the antioxidant activity of the mistletoe fruit extracts was 1.5–3 times higher. The obtained results indicate that mistletoe is a valuable raw material and can be used as a source of phenolic compounds and triterpenic and organic acids, as well as for producing extracts with antioxidant properties.

GC-MS analysis of Taraxacum officinale flowers and investigation of antimicrobial, anti-pellicle & anti-biofilm activities

Plants synthesize large amount of useful and complex products which have no obvious metabolic and growth functions. These complex materials are said to be as secondary metabolites—phytochemicals which are plants active compounds possessing the potential to inhibit diseases. The purpose of the recent study was to investigate the pharmaceutical values of the flowers of Taraxacum officinale, for antimicrobial, anti-pellicle and anti-biofilm properties. Metanolic extracts with chloroform and n-hexane fractions against selected different bacterial (E.coli, P.aeruginosa, S.aureus, S.typhi) and fungal (F.oxysporum, A.niger, A.alternata, A.Terreus) strains were tested and GC-MS, FTIR and HPLC techniques, for detection of various secondary metabolites which are responsible for these activities, were performed. In antimicrobial assay, the result of the methanolic extract and fractions of the flowers was found to be effective against the tested bacterial and fungal strains. The GC-MS and FTIR analysis of chloroform fractions of T. officinale flowers reported the presence of a wide range of phytochemicals and secondery metabolites liable for the biological activities that can be purified in future for the synthesis of noval improved and valuable pharmaceutical products.

Identification Pharmacodynamic Interactions of Active Compounds of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Herbal Plants Using the Random Forest Method

Drug-drug interactions is defined as the modification of the effect of a drug as a result of another drug given simultaneously or with an interval or when two or more drugs interact so that the effectiveness or toxicity of one or more drugs changes. Pharmacodynamic interactions are one type of interaction that needs special attention because these interactions work directly on the body's physiological systems and compete on the same receptors so that they can be antagonistic, additive, or synergistic. The use of medicinal plants is becoming an alternative because in addition to their relatively safer side effects, medicinal plants consisting of active compounds are appropriate in treating degenerative metabolic diseases triggered by mutations in many genes. As in the case of polypharmacies, interactions of active compounds in medicinal plants can also lead to phapharmodynamic interactions. Therefore, it is also necessary to identify the active compounds so that it can then be known whether the interaction of the compounds will be beneficial or detrimental. In this study, pharmacodynamic identification was applied to Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 medicinal plant compounds by using the independent variables Target Protein Connectedness (TPC), Side Effect Similarity (SES), and Chemical Similarities (CS) using Random Forest classification method. From a search of various databases, 21 active compounds were obtained and then only 100 compound interactions could be calculated as independent variables. With an accuracy value and AUC of 0,96, there were 93 pairs of compounds that interacted pharmacodynamically and the remaining 7 did not interact.

Solar photocatalytic degradation of inherent pharmaceutical residues in real hospital WWTP effluents using titanium dioxide on a CPC pilot scale reactor

Hospital wastewaters (HWW) contain a complex mixture of pharmaceutical compounds that cannot be removed by conventional treatment processes. This study reports on the degradation of Pharmaceutical Active Compounds (PhACs) in hospital wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) secondary effluents using TiO2 and solar compound parabolic collector pilot plant. Inherent concentration loadings of pharmaceuticals in secondary wastewater were photocatalytically treated in a ‘’real-world’’ approach. Among the detected pharmaceuticals, amisulpride, venlafaxine and metabolite O-desmethyl venlafaxine, citalopram and carbamazepine occurred in all experimental runs. The analysis of the samples before and after the photocatalytic treatment was accomplished by solid phase extraction, followed by liquid chromatography-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. Results showed that photocatalytic degradation of PhAcs followed first order kinetics. Catalyst loadings higher between 150 mgL−1 resulted in removal percentages higher than 73% with accumulative energy c.a. > 25 kJL−1 depending on the initial wastewater characteristics. For 200 mgL−1 catalyst loading pharmaceutical removal rate constants ranged between 0.018 and 0.039 LkJ−1 recorded for citalopram and venlafaxine, respectively. Photocatalytic treatment resulted also in the amelioration of the effluent quality physicochemical characteristics i.e. COD, BOD as well of the biodegradability index. The catalyst reusability was studied without any treatment for three consecutive cycles showing a significant efficiency decrease mainly between the first and the second cycle i.e. from 21% to 80% in the respective reaction constants. Finally, the effluent toxicity before and during the photocatalytic treatment was evaluated by Vibrio fischeri bioassay revealing that toxicity is sharply decreased leading to non-toxicity in the final treated effluents. Further studies on TiO2 photocatalytic applications should focus on the separation and regeneration of catalyst.

Research Progress of Plant Active Compounds in Anti Osteoporosis

Research Progress of Plant Active Compounds in Anti Osteoporosis

Phytochemical Compositions and Antioxidant Properties of Combined Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum Extract (CFAE)

Medically active compounds in plants confer biological effects including antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the phytochemical content and in vitro antioxidant properties of combined Funtumia africana leaves and Abutilon mauritianum extract (CFAE). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and nitric oxide radical (NO.) scavenging capabilities were used as antioxidant assay models. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that CFAE is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols and cardiac glycosides. The extract contains antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, vitamin E being the most abundant. The CFAE showed a dose-dependent TAC based on the observed FRAP, TBARS, and DPPH scavenging activity which could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and vitamins E. These strongly suggest that CFAE is a potential source of phytochemicals and antioxidants which could be exploited in the food and pharmaceutical industries in production of potent nutraceuticals or therapeutically-important products.

Pelatihan Uji Fitokimia Senyawa Metabolit Sekunder Tanaman Secang (Caesalpinia sappan L.) Kepada Perkumpulan Pendidik Sains Kimia Indonesia (PPSKI)

The content of active compounds in plants can be analyzed by phytochemical tests. One of the herbal plants that is widely consumed is secang (Caesalpinia sappan). Secang is usually stored in the form of herbal tea and brewed with hot water then drunk to reduce throat inflammation or any other symtompts. To introduce simple research activities in schools, training on phytochemical tests of secondary metabolites of local plants (in this case secang) was conducted for chemistry teachers who are members of the Indonesian Chemical Science Educators Association(PPSKI). The method is carried out by providing online training using zoom meeting, video tutorial, discussion, question and answer, and assignment. In this training, pre-test and post-test were carried out to measure the participants abilities before andafter the training. The average value of the pretest was 50 points (scale of 100) and increased to 70 points (scale of 100). There was an increase in participants knowledge by 20% after the training. This phytochemical test training provides chemistry teachers with new insights to conduct simple research with simple materials which is available in schools and their surrounding.

Extraction of itaconic acid by endophytic Aspergillus sp., isolated from Garcinia indica: Spectroscopic, structural and quantum computational studies

Endophytic fungi are generally absorbed into the metabolic networks of their hosts, causing changes in metabolite synthesis and higher levels of active compounds in medicinal plants. The primary objective of this research is to study the secondary metabolite profile of Aspergillus sp., BGSm03, a fungal endophyte isolated from a shrub called Garcinia indica grown in the Bisle Ghat region of Karnataka, India. Organic acids were effectively produced during fermentation with the isolate Aspergillus sp., BGSm03. Itaconic Acid (IA) was extracted and purified from them using chromatography. For the chemical structure and characterization of substances, spectroscopic analyses such as ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and mass spectrometry (MS) are carried out. Following that, the single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) technique is used to determine the 3D molecular structure and to identify the various intra and intermolecular interactions responsible for the stability of the crystal structure of IA. The energy and other quantum chemical characteristics of IA were calculated using density functional theory (DFT). Furthermore, the purified IA is evaluated for antimicrobial and anticancer activity.

Effect of giving nanochitosan preparations ethanol extract of neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) against pancreatic histology of white rat male (Rattus norvegicus) Sprague Dawley

Abstract. Handayani S, Sitasiwi AJ, Isdadiyanto S, Mardiati SM. 2022. Effect of giving nanochitosan preparations ethanol extract of neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) against pancreatic histology of white rat male (Rattus norvegicus) Sprague Dawley. Cell Biol Dev 6: 13-19. The selection of herbal plants as a treatment in the community is considered safer, more practical, and cheaper than synthetic drugs. Neem (Azadirachta indica A.Juss.) is one of the herbal plants that have the potential as an antioxidant. However, the low bioavailability of drugs and the distribution of active compounds in herbal plants are constraints in administering drugs orally. The solution to overcome this problem is to prepare the test material in the form of nanochitosan. This study aimed to analyze the effect of nanochitosan ethanol extract of neem (A. indica) leaf extract on the pancreas histology of male Sprague Dawley rats. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 32 rats aged 2 months divided into 4 treatments, and each treatment consisted of 6 replications. P0 (normal rat group treated with 2 mL distilled water, P1 (normal rats induced with Natrium tripolifosfat "NaTPP" and 2 mL chitosan), P2 (normal rat group induced by nanochitosan neem leaf ethanol extract 1:0.5), P3 (normal rat group induced nanochitosan ethanol extract of neem leaves 1:1). Data were analyzed by ANOVA test with a significance level of 5%. Data that were not normally distributed were tested by the Kruskal Wallis test and Duncan's test. The results showed that the administration of nanochitosan ethanol extract of neem leaves 1:0.5 and 1:1 had no significant effect on the diameter parameter of the islets of Langerhans (P?0.05) but had a significant effect on the parameters of pancreatic weight and damage scoring of the islets of Langerhans (P?0.05). The administration of nanochitosan preparations of ethanolic extract of neem leaves can deliver bioactive compounds neem to the pancreas and minimize damage to the cells that make up the islets of Langerhans due to toxic neem compounds.

Antimicrobial Activity of Kalanchoe Pinnata: A Review

Kalanchoe pinnata (synonym to Byrophyllum pinnatum) or commonly known as “Setawar” is a medicinal plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is also known as “life plant” and “resurrection plant” due to its multiple roles in traditional medication. The therapeutic values of K. pinnata mostly lie on the presence of phytochemicals or plant active compounds which possess high potential as a natural antimicrobial agent source. Given the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance towards synthetic drugs, uncovering the natural sources as a novel drug is of crucial need. In this regard this review highlights the antimicrobial property of K. pinnata extract, the bioactive compound analysis of this plant extract and their mode of action against pathogenic microorganisms. The potent bioactive compounds extracted from K. pinnata plant could be further explored as an alternative medicine to the current synthetic antimicrobial drugs.

Antimicrobial Activity of Kalanchoe Pinnata: A Review

Kalanchoe pinnata (synonym to Byrophyllum pinnatum) or commonly known as “Setawar” is a medicinal plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is also known as “life plant” and “resurrection plant” due to its multiple roles in traditional medication. The therapeutic values of K. pinnata mostly lie on the presence of phytochemicals or plant active compounds which possess high potential as a natural antimicrobial agent source. Given the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance towards synthetic drugs, uncovering the natural sources as a novel drug is of crucial need. In this regard this review highlights the antimicrobial property of K. pinnata extract, the bioactive compound analysis of this plant extract and their mode of action against pathogenic microorganisms. The potent bioactive compounds extracted from K. pinnata plant could be further explored as an alternative medicine to the current synthetic antimicrobial drugs.

Effects of Preharvest Methyl Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid Treatments on Growth, Quality, Volatile Components, and Antioxidant Systems of Chinese Chives.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) regulate the production of biologically active compounds in plants and stimulate the accumulation of plant aromatic substances. However, the underlying mechanisms of how MeJA and SA influence characteristic flavor compounds and the antioxidant activity of vegetables are poorly understood. Five MeJA and SA concentrations were used to investigate the dose-dependent effects of these phytohormones on the dry and fresh weight; chlorophyll abundance; the contents of vitamin C, soluble protein, and sugar, nitrate, total phenols, flavonoids, volatile components, and enzymatically produced pyruvic acid; and antioxidant activity in Chinese chive. We found that MeJA and SA at concentrations of 500 and 150 μM, respectively, significantly increased the levels of total chlorophyll, phenols and flavonoids, vitamin C, and volatile components and significantly reduced the accumulation of nitrate. In addition, compared with the control, 500 μM of MeJA significantly increased the soluble sugar and protein content, and 150 μM SA significantly increased the dry and fresh weight of Chinese chive. Furthermore, these concentrations of MeJA and SA significantly increased the enzymatic pyruvate content and the amount of sulfide and aromatic volatile compounds and improved the characteristic flavor compounds. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant capacity were significantly improved after a preharvest treatment with 500 μM MeJA and 150 μM SA, which could improve the antioxidant activity, thus improving the postharvest quality and preservation characteristics of Chinese chives. Taken together, a preharvest treatment with 500 μM MeJA and 150 μM SA is optimal to improve the growth, quality, antioxidant activity, and flavor of Chinese chive, thereby enhancing its commercial value.

Therapeutic capability of five active compounds in typical African medicinal plants against main proteases of SARS-CoV-2 by computational approach

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a pandemic cause of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), that has claimed numerous human lives across the globe. Main protease being the active protein of SARS-CoV-2 requires urgent mitigating effect against the spread of the virus. The therapeutic roles of the active compounds present in ten typical African medicinal plants were investigated in this study. Five active compounds Curcuma longa (Curcumin and Bisdethoxy curcumin), Garcinia kola (kolaviron), Zingiber officinale (Gingerol) and Vernonia amygdalina (Artemisinin) were selected and docked against Main protease through receptor grid generation, protein ligand docking, receptor ligand complex pharmacophore and binding free energy. The results obtained revealed Curcumin had the highest binding score of −8.628 kcal/mol while artermisinin presented the least with −4.123 kcal/mol. The outcome of the pharmacokinetic prediction in this study revealed high transport capacity across the gastrointestinal tract and high blood brain barrier permeability for curcumin, bisdemethoxy curcumin, gingerol and artemisinin. The exemption is gingerol with low LD50 value (250 mg/kg), the LD50 of all active compounds ranged from 2000 to 4228 mg/kg. Adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties exhibited by all compounds portrayed them as non-hepatotoxic, non-cytotoxic, non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic. The active compounds exhibited drug-likeness features against Main protease of Covid-19.