Beneficial Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

Effect of lactic acid bacteria by different concentrations of copper based on non-target metabolomic analysis.

Copper (Cu) is an essential element for mammals, but excess intake can have detrimental health consequences. However, Cu is no longer present in the "Limit of Contaminants in Foods" promulgated in 2022. The potential impact of different Cu (II) concentrations on human health remains unclear. In this study, a strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), namely, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CICC 23121 (L23121), was selected as a prebiotic indicator strain to indirectly assess the effects of food-limited Cu (II) concentrations (issued by Tolerance limit of copper in foods in 1994) on the functions of intestinal microbes. We used non-target metabolomics, automatic growth curve detector, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate the effects of Cu (II) on L23121. The study revealed shows that the 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) of Cu (II) for most lactic acid bacteria was 4 mg/L. At low Cu (II) concentrations (≤ 4 mg/L), the pentose phosphate pathway and pyrimidine metabolism of the lactic acid bacteria were affected, resulting in a decrease in the content of beneficial secondary metabolites and a significant decrease in the cell activity. As Cu (II) concentrations increase (≥ 6 mg/L), the key amino acid and lipid metabolisms were affected, leading to the inhibition of growth and primary metabolite production of the bacteria. Under high concentration of Cu (II) (6 mg/L), the surface adhesion of the bacteria was distorted and covered with significantly large particles, and the functional groups of the cells were significantly shifted. As a probiotic, the abundance of lactic acid bacteria in the intestine is significantly reduced, which will inevitably seriously damage intestinal homeostasis. Thus, to protect human intestinal microbes' health, it is recommended to limit the concentration of Cu in food to less than 4 mg/L.

Extraction, Separation and Characterization of Antibiotic Compound produced by Streptomyces rimosus (ACW9) Active against MDRs Uropathogens

Abstract: Soil is a well-studied ecological niche for the discovery of beneficial biologically active chemicals like therapeutically relevant antibiotics. Actinobacteria have been recognised as one of the largest microbial groups in soil that are capable of producing a wide range of beneficial secondary metabolites and compounds with varying characteristics. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Streptomyces rimosus ACW9 isolated from wheat farm soil. Molecular identification (16S rRNA ribotyping) was used to identify strain ACW9. Ethyl acetate crude extract displayed promising antibacterial activity against clinically isolated uropathogens, Enterobacter sp. (20 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (14 mm). In addition, the extract showed 62.3% DPPH scavenging with IC50= 1.829 mg/ml. The characterization of the purified metabolites from strain ACW9 was done by GCMS, FTIR, and HPLC techniques. The profound metabolites of ethyl acetate extract were identified by GCMS were cyclohexane, (-2-Nitro-2-Propyl), hexadecane, and pentanoic acid. It may be concluded that actinobacteria isolated from wheat farm soil is a promising source for medicinally important bioactive compounds

Genetic Regulation, Environmental Cues, and Extraction Methods for Higher Yield of Secondary Metabolites in Capsicum.

Capsicum (chili pepper) is a widely popular and highly consumed fruit crop with beneficial secondary metabolites such as capsaicinoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, among others. Interestingly, the secondary metabolite profile is a dynamic function of biosynthetic enzymes, regulatory transcription factors, developmental stage, abiotic and biotic environment, and extraction methods. We propose active manipulable genetic, environmental, and extraction controls for the modulation of quality and quantity of desired secondary metabolites in Capsicum species. Specific biosynthetic genes such as Pun (AT3) and AMT in the capsaicinoids pathway and PSY, LCY, and CCS in the carotenoid pathway can be genetically engineered for enhanced production of capsaicinoids and carotenoids, respectively. Generally, secondary metabolites increase with the ripening of the fruit; however, transcriptional regulators such as MYB, bHLH, and ERF control the extent of accumulation in specific tissues. The precise tuning of biotic and abiotic factors such as light, temperature, and chemical elicitors can maximize the accumulation and retention of secondary metabolites in pre- and postharvest settings. Finally, optimized extraction methods such as ultrasonication and supercritical fluid method can lead to a higher yield of secondary metabolites. Together, the integrated understanding of the genetic regulation of biosynthesis, elicitation treatments, and optimization of extraction methods can maximize the industrial production of secondary metabolites in Capsicum.

Metabolic responses of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) to the insecticide thiamethoxam.

Thiamethoxam (TMX) is insecticidal, but also can trigger physiological and metabolic reactions of plant cycles. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological and metabolic effect of TMX on tea plants and its potential benefits. In this study, dose of TMX (0.09, 0.135 and 0.18 kg a.i./ha) were tested. Except for peroxidase (POD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), chlorophyll, carotenoid, catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly affected compared with the controls. The CAT activity was increased by 3.38, 1.71, 2.91 times, respectively, under three doses of TMX treatment. The metabolic response between TMX treatment and control groups on the third day was compared using a widely targeted metabolomics. A total of 97 different metabolites were identified, including benzenoids, flavonoids, lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, organic nitrogen compounds, organic oxygen compounds, organoheterocyclic compounds, phenylpropanoids and polyketides, and others. Those metabolites were mapped on the perturbed metabolic pathways. The results demonstrated that the most perturbation occurred in flavone and flavonol biosynthesis. The beneficial secondary metabolites luteolin and kaempferol were upregulated 1.46 and 1.31 times respectively, which protect plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. Molecular docking models suggest interactions between TMX and flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase. Thiamethoxam spray positively promoted the physiological and metabolic response of tea plants. And this work also provided the useful information of TMX metabolism in tea plants as well as rational application of insecticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dynamic changes of active substances of rice, Pueraria and yam fermentation by Monascus ruber

Monascus spp., a fungus of medicine food homology, produces various beneficial secondary metabolites such as monacolin K (MK) during fermentation. In this study, the mixed fermentation of Monascus with rice, Pueraria, and yam has been systematically investigated. Single-factor and response surface methodology (RSM) were carried out to maximize MK content, and the optimized fermentation results showed that the content of MK reached 1.40 ± 0.04 mg/g. The optimal fermentation process determined the ratio of 8: 1: 1 for rice, Pueraria, and yam, respectively, the inoculation amount was 106 spores/mL, fermentation time was 15 days. Further analysis of the content of active substance in the fermentation process revealed that the β-glycosidase activity increased, the amylase enzyme activity decreased, the dioscin content decreased by 19.5%, and the diosgenin content increased by 175%, suggesting that there was a dynamic equilibrium relationship among the changes of active substances. This study aims at provide a basis and reference for the research of Monascus fermented foods by medicine food homology raw materials.

Vinca alkaloids as a potential cancer therapeutics: recent update and future challenges.

Vinca alkaloids including vincristine, vinblastine, vindesine, and vinflunine are chemotherapeutic compounds commonly used to treat various cancers. Vinca alkaloids are one of the first microtubule-targeting agents to be produced and certified for the treatment of hematological and lymphatic neoplasms. Microtubule targeting agents like vincristine and vinblastine work by disrupting microtubule dynamics, causing mitotic arrest and cell death. The key issues facing vinca alkaloids applications include establishing an environment-friendly production technique based on microorganisms, as well as increasing bioavailability without causing harm to patient's health. The low yield of these vinca alkaloids from the plant and the difficulty of meeting their huge colossal demand around the globe prompted researchers to create a variety of approaches. Endophytes could thus be selected to produce beneficial secondary metabolites required for the biosynthesis of vinca alkaloids. This review covers the significant aspects of these vital drugs, from their discovery to the present day, in a concise manner. In addition, we emphasize the major hurdles that must be overcome in the coming years to improve vinca alkaloid's effectiveness.

The anticancer effect of Salvia pisidica essential oil through promotion intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways in human cancer cell lines

IntroductionSpecies of the Salvia genus are aromatic herbs and traditionally used for many medicinal purposes in Anatolia. The genus has produced an extraordinarily large number of beneficial secondary metabolites belonging to numerous chemical groups. Salvia pisidica is an endemic plant of southwest Anatolia, the dried parts of which are used as herbal tea and local materia medica. MethodsThe composition of endemic S. pisidica essential oil was determined through GC-MS studies. In vitro cytotoxicity activity and apoptosis analysis were investigated by MTT assay, q-PCR and Annexin V staining experiments. ResultsOur results showed that 1,8 cineole (19.15 %) camphor (18.12 %) and γ-gurjunene (8.58 %) were the major constituents of the essential oil. It showed cytotoxic effects on the human breast cancer MCF-7, colon carcinoma Caco-2, hepatocyte carcinoma HepG2, and prostate carcinoma LnCap. The results of q-PCR and image-cytometer analysis showed that the essential oil caused induction of apoptosis by intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in all cancer cell lines. ConclusionS. pisidica essential oil demonstrates considerable cytotoxic activity due to an apoptosis-related mechanism, suggesting that their bioactive components could be used as natural anticancer substances.

The isolation of novel terrestrial Streptomyces strains with antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties

Streptomyces are very important Gram-positive filamentous bacteria because they can produce many beneficial secondary metabolites with various biological activities. The study aims to isolate and identify novel Streptomyces strains from terrestrial habitats in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. The antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using the disk and well susceptibility methods. Crude ethyl acetate extracts of active-producing strains were used to determine the antimicrobial activity by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, S. cerevisiae, B. subtilis, and E. coli-ESBL (extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase), and cytotoxic properties against HeLa cells by MTT assay and DAPI staining. The novelty of the strains was determined by sequencing the 16S rRNA fragment. Results showed that antimicrobial activity was observed for CSK1, CSK3, CSW2, CSU1, CSU2, and CSG1 strains, with zones of inhibition ranging between 16 and 35 mm. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of ethyl acetate extracts ranged from 0.21 to 12.17 µg/mL, with the highest inhibitory effect against S. aureus ranging between 0.21 and 0.29 µg/mL. Some strains (CSK3, CSW2, CSU1 and CSG1) also displayed cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cancer cell line with IC50 values ranging between 3.46 and 9.74 µg/µL, and apparent DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation. This study indicates that Streptomyces sp. strains isolated from different soil habitats in the UAE can produce antimicrobial compounds that can treat microbial infections. In addition, some strains’ cytotoxicity suggests that they are producing bioactive compounds that can lead to drug discovery.

Essential oil and phytoconstituent (Linalool) from Homalomena aromatica Schott. rhizomes exhibit antibacterial and synergistic effects with beta-lactam antibiotics against Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) pathogens

Homalomena aromatica Schott. (HA) locally known as “Sugandhmantri” in India is a perennial herb commonly found in Assam, Northeast India and popular for its aromatic and medicinal properties. The main aim of this study was to determine the phytoconstituents of the essential oil (HA-EO) extracted from the rhizomes of Homalomena aromatica, purify its major phytoconstituent (HA-EOC-L) and examine the antibacterial activity. Further the study investigated the synergistic effect of both HA-EO and HA-EOC-L with beta lactam antibiotics against a panel of multi drug resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens comprising CRE (Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae namely Escherichia coli & Klebsiella pneumonia genetically harboring NDM/OXA enzymes that deactivates major β-lactam antibiotics including carbapenem) and MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus harboring mecA gene that encodes PBP2a protein and attributes to antibiotic resistance). Gas chromatography – Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of HA-EO displayed a total of 177 phytoconstituents with Linalool (mono-terpene alcohol) (38.6 %), terpinen-4-ol (9.5 %), gamma terpinene, and gamma muurolene (3.6 %) as the major class. The major phytoconstituent (Linalool) HA-EOC-L of this lot was purified by fractional distillation. In vitro investigation of the antibacterial activity of HA-EO and HA-EOC-L demonstrated its potential antibacterial activity with MIC 134–1075 µg/ml and 75–606 µg/ml against MDR bacteria (CRE & MRSA) respectively. Further, testing the combinatorial activity of HA-EO and HA-EOC-L with β-lactam antibiotics [(ceftriaxone-CRO (third generation cephalosporin) and meropenem-MEP (carbapenem)], by checkerboard test and time kill assay, demonstrated its synergistic effect towards MDR bacteria with HA-EOC-L showing better adjuvant activity with fractional inhibitory concentration index values (FICI) ranging from 0.13 to 0.49. The results emphasize the significant use of HA-EO and its constituent (HA-EOC-L) as an antibiotic-adjuvant agent to combat MDR infections propounded by the MRSA and CRE indicating HA with its beneficial secondary metabolites as a useful plant that can help human health, animal health besides food and cosmetic industry to combat MDR pathogens.

Morphological and pomological characterization of some genotypes Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) obtained by selection breeding

Sumac (R. coriaria L.) is a subtropic and temperate climate plant with medicinal and aromatic properties which has a natural distribution in many regions of Anatolia. Sumac which is used as a food additive in the food industry due to the flavoring substances has been in high demand in recent years. Besides the beneficial secondary metabolites, it is used in the field of medicine and pharmacy. Sumac (R. coriaria) which grows spontaneously in the natural environment without any agricultural practices is collected by the local people in the region and supplied to the local market. Since this situation, the ideas of creating modern orchards for sumac have begun to emerge. For this reason, selection breeding studies have been planned in sumac (R. coriaria L.). This study was carried out at the East Mediterranean Transition Zone Agricultural Research Institute during 2019-2021 years. Approximately 300 different sumac genotypes were observed and botanically 92 genotypes were found positive in this study. It was determined that the wet weight values of the clusters in the examined sumac genotypes varied between 5.63-87.74 g as a result of the statistical analysis. The highest cluster weight varied between 87.74, 78.92, and 70.81 g in GN26, GN86, and GN90 genotypes respectively. The lowest cluster wet weight was found in GN28 (5.63 g) and GN41 (6.00 g) genotypes in the study. It was found in the study that the cluster powder efficiency values varied between 30.62% and 72.49% and the average cluster powder efficiency was 49.15%. It was determined that the results obtained from about 20 sumac genotypes were found to be positive in the statistical analyzes made on the characteristics examined in this study. It is aimed to use this sumac (R. coriaria L.) genotypes in the modern sumac cultivation planned for the future.

Genome-Based Analysis of the Potential Bioactivity of the Terrestrial Streptomyces vinaceusdrappus Strain AC-40.

Streptomyces are factories of antimicrobial secondary metabolites. We isolated a Streptomyces species associated with the Pelargonium graveolens rhizosphere. Its total metabolic extract exhibited potent antibacterial and antifungal properties against all the tested pathogenic microbes. Whole genome sequencing and genome analyses were performed to take a look at its main characteristics and to reconstruct the metabolic pathways that can be associated with biotechnologically useful traits. AntiSMASH was used to identify the secondary metabolite gene clusters. In addition, we searched for known genes associated with plant growth-promoting characteristics. Finally, a comparative and pan-genome analysis with three closely related genomes was conducted. It was identified as Streptomyces vinaceusdrappus strain AC-40. Genome mining indicated the presence of several secondary metabolite gene clusters. Some of them are identical or homologs to gene clusters of known metabolites with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other bioactivities. It also showed the presence of several genes related to plant growth promotion traits. The comparative genome analysis indicated that at least five of these gene clusters are highly conserved through rochei group genomes. The genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of S. vinaceusdrappus strain AC-40 indicate that it is a promising source of beneficial secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.

Polyploidy and its relevance in crop improvement

Many areas of research in crop production have been geared towards crop improvement and increased yield. Crop improvement include but not restricted to; plant introduction and acclimatization, domestication, ploidy manipulation (polyploidization), recombinant DNA technology, crossing for superior selection (cultivar development), molecular genetics, etc. Polyploidy is a condition where the genome of an organism has more than the usual number of complete sets of chromosomes and the product of this phenomenon is called a Polyploid. Polyploidy occurs naturally, and can be induced chemically using antimitotic agents or physically using protoplast fusion and temperature shock. It is mostly artificially induced through a process called polyploidization. Polyploids are more advantageous in important plant attributes than the regular diploid. Relative success has been reported in the application of polyploidization for crop improvement which resulted chiefly in increased amount of beneficial secondary metabolites (phytochemicals), larger stomata and leaves,improved adaptation to stress and unfavourable conditions, to mention but a few. Therefore, it is imperative to state that polyploidy is an area of research that has been and will continually be deployed in crop improvement .

Key insights into secondary metabolites from various Chaetomium species.

Endophytic fungi have proved to be a major source of secondary metabolites, wherein the genus Chaetomium has emerged as a source of multifarious bioactive natural compounds belonging to diverse classes such as chaetoglobosins, epipolythiodioxopiperazines, azaphilones, xanthones, anthraquinone, chromones, depsidones, terpenoids, and steroids. The objective of this review is to encapsulate recent findings on various Chaetomium strains, such as C. globosum, C. cupreum, C. elatum, C. subspirale, C. olivaceum, C. indicum, and C. nigricolor known for production of beneficial secondary metabolites, with an insight into their origin and function. A thorough literature survey was conducted for obtaining Chaetomium-derived secondary metabolites, with a scope of future application into drug development efforts. More than 100 secondary metabolites, with various beneficial properties such as antitumor, cytotoxic, antimalarial, and enzyme inhibitory activities, were enlisted. We believe this review will enhance the understanding of beneficial effects conferred by various Chaetomium-derived secondary metabolites and emphasize their potential in serving novel drug development efforts. KEY POINTS: • Identified Chaetomium-derived metabolites with potential for drug development. • More than 100 beneficial metabolites are enlisted. • Benefits include anti-cancerous, antimalarial, and anti-enzymatic properties.

Antimicrobial and toxicological evaluation of Origanum vulgare: an in vivo study.

Origanum vulgare has been of great interest in academia and pharma industry due to its antioxidant, antifungal and antitumor properties. The present study aimed to find the anti-MRSA potential and in vivo toxicity assessments of O. vulgare. O. vulgare extract was used to monitor anti-MRSA activity in mice. Following MRSA established infection in mice (Mus musculus), treatment with O. vulgare was continued for 7 days. Autopsies were performed and re-isolation, gross lesion scoring and bacterial load in various organs were measured. Additionally, blood sample was analysed for hematological assays. Toxicity assessment of O. vulgare potential as medicine was done at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg by evaluating liver and kidney functions. Bacterial load and gross lesion in lungs and heart were significantly low compared to positive control following O. vulgare treatment. Likewise, O. vulgare treated groups had hematological, neutrophil and TLC values similar to control groups. Increased AST, ALP and total bilirubin alongwith marked hepatocellular degeneration and distortion around the central vein, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatic cells was observed at higher dose. It is concluded that crude extract of O. vulgare may contain beneficial secondary metabolites and in future may be explored for curing infectious diseases.

Effects of various Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains on hairy root induction and analyses of primary and secondary metabolites in Ocimum basilicum.

The hairy root (HR) culture system is an excellent alternative strategy to the whole plant system for producing valuable compounds. However, selection of suitable Agrobacterium strain for the successful induction of HR is an essential step for enhanced production of beneficial secondary metabolites. In this study, we examined the transformation efficiency of various A. rhizogenes strains (ATCC 13333, ATCC 15834, A4, R1000, R1200, and R1601) for transgenic HRs induction in Ocimum basilicum. Among the tested strains, the R1601 was found to be one of the most promising strain for mass production of HR in terms of transformation efficiency (94%) and the number and length of HR (8.4 ± 0.52 and 1.68 ± 0.14 cm). The HR induced by the same strain exhibited highest levels of rosmarinic acid level (62.05 ± 4.94 µg/g DW) and total phenolic content (62.3 ± 4.95 µg/g DW). A total of 55 metabolites were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS). The PCA and PLS-DA plot of the identified metabolites showed that HR induced by A4 and ATCC 15834 displayed variation in primary and secondary metabolite contents. Analysis of the metabolic pathway identified a total of 56 pathways, among which 35 were found to be impacted. A heat map and hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that HR induced by different Agrobacterium strains exhibited differential metabolites profiles. In conclusion, Agrobacterium strains R1601 is one of the best and most promising strains for inducing mass HR production and enhanced levels of secondary metabolites in O. basilicum.

Extraction, isolation and identification of bioactive compound from extract of Euphorbia thymifolia Linn

Natural products are stored in plants, animals, and microorganisms, which are referred to as "natural sources generating compounds." Strong therapeutic substances are developed with the help of medicinal plants. As a source of several beneficial secondary metabolites that work as a plant's defensive system against predators including microorganisms, insects, and herbivores and have been shown to be potentially active chemicals, plant-based medicines provide a significant addition to current treatments. Common names for Euphorbia Thymifolia Linn (E. Thymifolia) include "duddi" and "Laghu didhika" and "Raktavindaka," respectively, in Sanskrit. It is a member of the Euphorbiceae family. This plant is used as a diuretic, laxative, and thermogenic. It is bitter, acrid, and sweet. This plant is commonly used in ayurveda to treat a variety of illnesses, including leprosy, helminthiasis, and ringworm skin infections. The current study's objective is to analyze the entire E. thymifolia Linn plant in order to isolate and identify bioactive components and determine its phytochemical profile. An established test technique that is documented in the literature was used to determine the qualitative analysis of different phytochemical elements. From a methanolic extract of E. thymifolia, a bioactive component was isolated and characterized.

Phycochemistry and bioactivity of cyanobacterial secondary metabolites.

Microbes are a huge contributor to people’s health around the world since they produce a lot of beneficial secondary metabolites. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotic bacteria cosmopolitan in nature. Adaptability of cyanobacteria to wide spectrum of environment can be contributed to the production of various secondary metabolites which are also therapeutic in nature. As a result, they are a good option for the development of medicinal molecules. These metabolites could be interesting COVID-19 therapeutic options because the majority of these compounds have demonstrated substantial pharmacological actions, such as neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activity against HCMV, HSV-1, HHV-6, and HIV-1. They have been reported to produce a single metabolite active against wide spectrum of microbes like Fischerella ambigua produces ambigols active against bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Similarly, Moorea producens produces malygomides O and P, majusculamide C and somocystinamide which are active against bacteria, fungi and tumour cells, respectively. In addition to the above, Moorea sp. produce apratoxin A and dolastatin 15 possessing anti cancerous activity but unfortunately till date only brentuximab vedotin (trade name Adcetris), a medication derived from marine peptides, for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma has been approved by FDA. However, several publications have effectively described and categorised cyanobacterial medicines based on their biological action. In present review, an effort is made to categorize cyanobacterial metabolites on the basis of their phycochemistry. The goal of this review is to categorise cyanobacterial metabolites based on their chemical functional group, which has yet to be described.

Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Ficus tikoua Bureau

Ficus tikoua Bureau (F. tikoua Bur.) is a perennial woody vine in the Moraceae family that has been used as a traditional folk medicine for centuries to treat many diseases such as chronic bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatism, and other inflammation-related diseases in certain parts of China, India, Vietnam, and Laos. This medicinal plant contains beneficial secondary metabolites belonging to various chemical classes, including flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, and alkaloids. In this review, we have summarized the natural compounds isolated from F. tikoua Bur. and their biological effects.

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of the Marine Microalgae: Nannochloropsis Sp.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder and is one of the major challenges on health of people all over the world. The phytochemicals of various marine algae are found to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that produce oxygen and are capable of producing beneficial secondary metabolites. The bioactive metabolites like pigments, phenolics, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids etc. produced by them have a positive effect on human health. In the present investigation, the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. was screened for phytochemicals qualitatively and quantitatively. The evaluation of antidiabetic activity was determined against the enzymes such as alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase. The extracts were prepared in five different solvents such as petroleum ether, aqueous, isopropanol, methanol and ethyl acetate. The qualitative analysis for phytochemicals showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, cardiac glycosides, sterols, coumarin and tannins. The maximum total phenolic, flavonoid and sterol content was present in ethyl acetate extract of Nannochloropsis sp. and the values are found to be 42.17 ± 0.12mg GAE/g, 60.23 ± 0.09 mg QE/g, 55.34 ± 0.07 mg cholesterol/g of extract respectively. The ethyl acetate extract showed highest inhibitory effect of 78.52 ±0.56 % (IC50 121.96 µg/ml) on α-amylase and 80.42 ± 0.13 % (IC 50 178.53µg/ml) on α-glucosidase enzyme at a concentration of at 1mg/ml which implies the microalgae possess anti-diabetic property. The results indicate that the phytochemicals present in the microalgae contribute the antidiabetic activity. Hence Nannochloropsis sp. can be applied in pharmaceuticals for the development of antidiabetic drugs which have the benefits over side effects by the use of synthetic drugs.

Ehretia laevis leaves: Potential herbal remedy for mouth microflora

The advantages and uses of folklore herbs have been acclaimed and executed from ancient times in India. The use of these Folklore remedial herbs for therapeutic applications is contributing to maintenance of human health. The ancient literature, i.e., Ayurveda and Unani, also describes the global usage of herbal medicine for treatment, and its formulation’s concoction for prevention of various diseases. Ehretia laevis is a conventional therapeutic herb from ancient times, frequently designated as Khandu Chakka by local people in Maharashtra. E. laevis leaves are used in the treatment of skin infections, fungal infections, mouth blisters, eczema, cuts and wounds, diabetes, asthma, fever and joint pain etc. The leaf of this plant contains abundant therapeutically beneficial secondary metabolites besides primary metabolites. This paper describes antimicrobial sensitivity of E. laevis leaf (fresh and dried) acetone and ethyl alcohol (95%) soxhlet extract and dried leaf dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) extract (prepared after from evaporation of acetone in dried leaf acetone extract) against isolated oral microbial flora i.e., Streptococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp. Amoxicillin in dimethyl sulphoxide was also tested for antimicrobial sensitivity. The result revealed that E. laevis fresh leaf ethyl alcohol and acetone extract and dried leaf acetone and DMSO extract was efficacious against isolated oral microbial flora. The extracts showed positive results for flavonoids and tannins. The results showed the antibacterial and antifungal potential of this folklore plant, particularly against S. aureus and Candida spp., which are microorganisms that are becoming resistant against most therapeutic drugs. This use of this folklore herb requires further study on pharmacological drug formulations. And it can also be used in herbal products i.e., toothpastes, mouthwash etc.