Beneficial Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

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.

Mild-Intensity UV-A Radiation Applied Over a Long Duration Can Improve the Growth and Phenolic Contents of Sweet Basil.

UV-A radiation (320–400 nm) is an abiotic stressor that may be used to enhance the production of beneficial secondary metabolites in crops such as leafy vegetables. However, tradeoffs between enhanced phytochemical contents and overall growth/yield reductions have been reported. The responses varied depending on the UV-A intensity, spectral peak, exposure time, species, and varieties. We quantified the changes in growth, morphology, photosynthesis, and phenolic contents of sweet basil grown under a base red/blue/green LED light with four supplemental UV-A intensity treatments (0, 10, 20, and 30 W·m−2) in an indoor environment over 14 days. The objective was to determine whether UV-A radiation could be utilized to improve both yield and quality of high-value sweet basil in a controlled production environment. Biomass harvested at 14 days after treatment (DAT) was highest under mild-intensity UV-A treatment of 10 W·m−2 and lowest under high-intensity UV-A treatment of 30 W·m−2. The total leaf area and the number of leaves were significantly lower under the 30 W·m−2 treatment than under the 10 and 20 W·m−2 treatments at 14 DAT. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) for photochemistry (Fv/Fm) showed a gradual decrease under the 20 and 30 W·m−2 treatments from 3 to 14 DAT, whereas Fv/Fm remained relatively constant under the 0 and 10 W·m−2 treatments over the entire 14 days. The leaf net photosynthesis rate showed a significant decrease of 17.4% in the 30 W·m−2 treatment compared to that in the 10 W·m−2 treatment at 14 DAT. Phenolic contents (PAL enzyme activity, total phenolic concentration, and antioxidant capacity) were the highest under the 20 W·m−2 treatment, followed by the 10, 30, and 0 W·m−2 treatments. Overall, our results indicate that the biomass production and accumulation of beneficial phenolic compounds in sweet basil varied depending on the intensity and duration of UV-A application. Mild UV-A radiation (10–20 W·m−2) can be a beneficial stressor to improve sweet basil yield and quality over relatively long-term cultivation.

Monascin and ankaflavin-Biosynthesis from Monascus purpureus, production methods, pharmacological properties: A review.

Monascus purpureus copiously yields beneficial secondary metabolites , including Monascus pigments, which are broadly used as food additives, as a nitrite substitute in meat products, and as a colorant in the food industry. Monascus yellow pigments (monascin and ankaflavin) have shown potential antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antibiotic, anticancer, and antiobesity activities. Cosmetic and textile industries are other areas where it has established its potential as a dye. This paper reviews the production methods of Monascus yellow pigments, biosynthesis of Monascus pigments from M. purpureus, factors affecting yellow pigment production during fermentation, and the pharmacological properties of monascin and ankaflavin.

Histone deacetylase MrRpd3 plays a major regulational role in the mycotoxin production of Monascus ruber

Monascus spp. are filamentous fungi, which can produce Monascus azaphilone pigments, monaklin K and other beneficial secondary metabolites, and they can also produce a mycotoxin citrinin. In this study, the gene Mrrpd3, encoding Rpd3-like histone deacetylase was overexpressed to evaluate its regulation on the production of pigments and mycotoxin in Monascus ruber. RT-qPCR confirmed the expression of Mrrpd3 was increased in the Mrrpd3-overexpressing strain. UPLC detection showed Mrrpd3-overexpressing strain enhanced the citrinin content by 61.9%, 56.5% and 52.6% at the 3rd day, 9th day and 11th day, respectively. But overexpression of Mrrpd3 had no significant effect on pigments production. RT-qPCR results showed that overexpression of Mrrpd3 significantly increased the relative expression of citrinin biosynthetic pathway genes including pksCT, mrl1, mrl2, mrl4, mrl6 and mrl7. Western blot results suggested that overexpression of Mrrpd3 caused the decrease of acetylation modification of total protein and histone H3K27. Overall, these results indicate that Mrrpd3 plays an important role in regulating citrinin production of Monascus ruber. This study provides important insights into the mechanisms underlying the effects of the Mrrpd3 gene on the citrinin of Monascus ruber.

Exploring the phytochemical and antioxidant potentialof Hylocereuspolyrhizus peel extract using biochemical approach

Red dragon fruit or Hylocereuspolyrhizus is one of the most popular fruits in Indonesia. Besides being consumed directly, H. Polyrhizus processed into various forms of processed food products such as jams, syrups, sweets, tea, and functional drinks. Unfortunately, massive quantities of solid waste, including H. polyrhizuspeel produced every year, continues to increase from year to year. Their disposal led to severe environmental issues. Whereas, H. polyrhizuspeels are abundant in beneficial secondary metabolites compoundespecially flavonoid and phenolic. The presence of flavonoid and phenolic content provides many benefits in the development of natural medicines, especially as antioxidants. However, the research related to exploring antioxidant potentials of H. polyrhizuspeel is still very limited. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical of H. polyrhizuspeel and their role as a natural-antioxidant agent. H. polyrhizuspeels were extracted through a maceration method using 96% of ethanol as their solvent. A total phenolic essay is determined by the method of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent using gallic acid as a reference. AlCl3 reagent is used to analyse the flavonoid content by comparing with quercetin. Antioxidant activity was done by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging methods. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of H. polyrhizuspeel extract (HPPE) at 107.35 ± 8.02 mg GAE/g and 108.82 ± 12.69 mg QE/g respectively. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of HPPE showed IC50 value at 136.20 ± 0.70 Lig/ml Lig/ml with DPPH methods and 390.70 ± 1.25 Lig/ml ug/ml with ABTS methods. Based on this recent study, HPPE has a moderate antioxidant activity by reducing free radicals in dose dependent manner.

The treasure inside barley seeds: microbial diversity and plant beneficial bacteria

BackgroundBacteria associated with plants can enhance the plants’ growth and resistance against phytopathogens. Today, growers aim to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides. Since phytopathogens cause severe yield losses in crop production systems, biological alternatives gain more attention. Plant and also seed endophytes have the potential to influence the plant, especially seed-borne bacteria may express their beneficiary impact at initial plant developmental stages. In the current study, we assessed the endophytic seed microbiome of seven genetically diverse barley accessions by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and verified the in vitro plant beneficial potential of isolated seed endophytes. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of the barley genotype and its seed microbiome on the rhizosphere microbiome at an early growth stage by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.ResultsThe plant genotype displayed a significant impact on the microbiota in both barley seed and rhizosphere. Consequently, the microbial alpha- and beta-diversity of the endophytic seed microbiome was highly influenced by the genotype. Interestingly, no correlation was observed between the endophytic seed microbiome and the single nucleotide polymorphisms of the seven genotypes. Unclassified members of Enterobacteriaceae were by far most dominant. Other abundant genera in the seed microbiome belonged to Curtobacterium, Paenibacillus, Pantoea, Sanguibacter and Saccharibacillus. Endophytes isolated from barley seeds were affiliated to dominant genera of the core seed microbiome, based on their 16S rRNA gene sequence. Most of these endophytic isolates produced in vitro plant beneficial secondary metabolites known to induce plant resistance.ConclusionAlthough barley accessions representing high genetic diversity displayed a genotype-dependent endophytic seed microbiome, a core seed microbiome with high relative abundances was identified. Endophytic isolates were affiliated to members of the core seed microbiome and many of them showed plant beneficial properties. We propose therefore that new breeding strategies should consider genotypes with high abundance of beneficial microbes.

Copper Tolerance and Accumulation on Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. Grown in Hydroponic Culture.

Heavy metal contamination is a major health issue concerning the commercial production of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) that are used for the extraction of bioactive molecules. Copper (Cu) is an anthropogenic contaminant that, at toxic levels, can accumulate in plant tissues, affecting plant growth and development. On the other hand, plant response to metal-induced stress may involve the synthesis and accumulation of beneficial secondary metabolites. In this study, hydroponically grown Pelargonium graveolens plants were exposed to different Cu concentrations in a nutrient solution (4, 25, 50, 100 μM) to evaluate the effects Cu toxicity on plant growth, mineral uptake and distribution in plants, some stress indicators, and the accumulation of bioactive secondary metabolites in leaf tissues. P. graveolens resulted in moderately tolerant Cu toxicity. At Cu concentrations up to 100 μM, biomass production was preserved and was accompanied by an increase in phenolics and antioxidant capacity. The metal contaminant was accumulated mainly in the roots. The leaf tissues of Cu-treated P. graveolens may be safely used for the extraction of bioactive molecules.

Comparative assessment of polyphenolics’ content, free radicals’ scavenging and cellular antioxidant potential in apricot fruit

Natural antioxidants possess health beneficial properties and are being substantially used in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Polyphenolics content, antioxidant activity and HepG2 liver cancer cells’ inhibition potential were determined and compared in the fruit of apricot cultivars collected from lower Himalayan region of Pakistan using standard analytical procedures. Comparatively, fruit of AP3 cultivar had highest levels of total phenolics and total flavonoids contents (220.5 ± 15.9 mgGAE/100 g and 382.0 ± 18.0 mgQE/100 g, respectively) on fresh weight basis. Fruit of the same cultivar had maximum DPPH scvenging potential (94.24 ± 4.55%), oxygen radicals absorbance capacity at 4.71 ± 0.12 mMolTE/100 g and inhibition of HepG2 cancer cells (45.80 ± 4.01 µMolQE/100 g). Though, fruit of AP4 cultivar was rich in vanillic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin, epi-catechin and quercetin, but had relatively low antioxidant and anticancer potential. Disparities in the phytochemical composition and properties of apricot fruit are attributed to genetic differences and growing conditions. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and caffic acid depicted highly significant positive association (˃90%) with ORAC, CAA and FRAP. Our findings suggest that being a rich source of health beneficial secondary metabolites, apricot fruit of Himalayan region of Pakistan could contribute considerably in socio-economic development of the local communities and as a functional food in regional and global markets.

Extracellular Hydrolysis of NAD+and its Secondary Metabolites by a new Aspergillus sp

In some organisms, the metabolism of extracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays an important role in purine salvage and uptake. Since filamentous fungi are used to degrade NAD and produce beneficial secondary metabolites, various enzymes, fermented foods and organic acids. Many strains belonging to filamentous fungi were screened for the enzymes production that catalyzed hydrolytic dephosphorylation and deamination of NAD and its secondary metabolites. A fungal isolate which was found to be the most prominent strain was identified genetically as Aspergillus fumigatous. Extracts of this new strain catalyzes the hydrolysis the ester bond between the two nucleotides of NAD by pyrophosphatase activity, which catalyzes NAD to nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), at that point NMN and AMP are hydrolyzed to nicotinamide riboside (NR) and adenosine separately by 5’–nucleotidase activity This research reports also existence of deaminase activity hydrolyzed adenosine to inosine. The study demonstrated major enzymatic pathways involved in NAD degradation and identification of intermediates formed by Aspergillus fumigatous. Separation and partial purification of these enzymes and some kinetic properties of them were achieved

Spatial and developmental regulation of putative genes associated with the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes and pyrethrin I in Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium

Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium) is a plant from the Asteraceae family discovered as a plant-based insecticidal source which is producing beneficial secondary metabolites such as sesquiterpenes and pyrethrins, hence raised attention due to the insecticidal properties of its secondary metabolites. To improve our knowledge about the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes and pyrethrin I, we directed a survey to analyze the gene expression in different developmental stages of leaves and also in chloroform dipped leaves (to remove glandular trichomes). Along with this, histochemical experiments were carried out on leaves to detect the accumulation site of lipids, monoterpene phenols, and sesquiterpenes. Gene expression results showed that chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase (CDS), farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDS), and 13-Lipoxygenase (13-LOX) putative genes were highly expressed in intact leaves (leaves with glandular trichomes). In contrast, their expression significantly decreased in chloroform dipped leaves (without glandular trichomes). Also, the higher expression of genes that are related to the biosynthetic pathways of sesquiterpenes and pyrethrin I was observed in young leaves compared with the leaflets and fully-expanded leaves. The obtained results demonstrate that glandular trichomes’ relative density changes markedly during the developmental stages of leaves and, consequently, influences the transcript levels of trichome-specific genes.

Assessing the impact of nitrogen supplementation in oats across multiple growth locations and years with targeted phenotyping and high-resolution metabolite profiling approaches

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are a healthy food, being high in dietary fibre (e.g. β-glucans), antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Understanding the effect of variety and crop management on nutritional quality is important. The response of four oat varieties to increased nitrogen levels was investigated across multiple locations and years with respect to yield, grain quality and metabolites (assessed via GC- and LC- MS). A novel high-resolution UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS method was developed, providing improved metabolite enrichment, resolution, and identification. The combined phenotyping approach revealed that, amino acid levels were increased by nitrogen supplementation, as were total protein and nitrogen containing lipid levels, whereas health-beneficial avenanthramides were decreased. Although nitrogen addition significantly increased grain yield and β-glucan content, supporting increasing the total nitrogen levels recommended within agricultural guidelines, oat varietal choice as well as negative impacts upon health beneficial secondary metabolites and the environmental burdens associated with nitrogen fertilisation, require further consideration.

Ecological Gradient Analysis and Environmental Interpretation of Cyclocarya paliurus Communities

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinsk. is mainly distributed in the subtropical areas of China. The leaves of this species are rich in beneficial secondary metabolites exhibiting bioactivity against human diseases, including hyperlipemia, diabetes, and hypertension. To explore the adaptability and distribution characteristics along the environmental gradient of this species, investigation of the characteristics of C. paliurus communities is necessary. In this study, we established 31 sample plots, each 20 m × 20 m, and comparatively analyzed the species composition, species importance value, and tree species diversity of different C. paliurus communities in 2 years. Canonical correspondence analyses were carried out: the first between tree-species importance value and 12 environmental factors, and the second between C. paliurus population-related indices and the 12 environmental factors. On the basis of these analyses, we identified tree species varying markedly in abundance in the studied C. paliurus communities. Several tree species showed adaptive characteristics similar to those of C. paliurus. We also observed that the C. paliurus importance value varied along elevational, longitudinal, and temperature gradients. Our findings should be valuable for prediction of C. paliurus adaptive areas and mixed forest afforestation in different distribution areas.

UPLC-MS-Based Metabolomics Profiling for α-Glucosidase Inhibiting Property of Parkia speciosa Pods.

Parkia speciosa is a food plant that grows indigenously in Southeast Asia. A great deal of interest has been paid to this plant due to its traditional uses in the treatment of several diseases. The pods contain many beneficial secondary metabolites with potential applications in medicine and cosmetics. However, studies on their phytochemical properties are still lacking. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to profile the bioactive compounds of P. speciosa pods collected from six different regions of Malaysia through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. This study applied metabolomics to elucidate the differences between P. speciosa populations found naturally in the different locations and to characterize potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from P. speciosa pods. P. speciosa collected from different regions of Malaysia showed good α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.45–0.76 μg/mL. The samples from the northern and northeastern parts of Peninsular Malaysia showed the highest activity. Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, 25 metabolites were identified in the pods of P. speciosa. The findings unveiled that the pods of P. speciosa collected from different locations exhibit different levels of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The pods are a natural source of potent antidiabetic bioactive compounds.

SELECTIVE ISOLATION OF Dactylosporangium AND Micromonospora FROM THE SOIL OF KARST CAVE OF SIMEULUE ISLAND AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL POTENCY

Karst is a unique ecosystem that consists of a thin soil layer on the carbonate rocks. It has a diverse microorganism, especially actinomycetes group, which might potentially produce beneficial secondary metabolites that remain unknown. In this study, we were interested in isolating Dactylosporangium and Micromonospora that have been potentially reported as antibiotic sources. We used two methods using the chemical germicide (pretreatment 1.5% phenol) compared with the SDS-YE (0.05% SDS pretreatment). Thirty-nine isolates actinomycetes were successfully isolated from two samples of the karst cave soils. Thirteen isolates were obtained by using the germicide chemical method and closely related to the genera of Dactylosporangium and Micromonospora. On the other hand, the SDS-YE grew twenty-six isolates which closely related to 11 genera of actinomycetes (Catenulispora, Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Ornithinimicrobium, Catellatospora, Dactylosporangium, Micromonospora, Streptacidiphilus, Streptomyces, Nonomuraea, and Streptosporangium). These results suggest that 1.5% of phenol pretreatment could preserve the genera of Dactylosporangium and Micromonospora, while the Streptomyces and other rare actinomycetes were killed. Among all isolates, only 7 showed the antibacterial activity on tested bacteria. Even though the antibacterial activity of those isolates was not high, the isolation of actinomycetes from a specific substrate is necessary to be conducted on exploring the richness of our natural resources.

In vitro Immunomodulatory Effect from Edible Green Seaweed of Caulerpa lentillifera Extracts on Nitric Oxide Production and Phagocytosis Activity of RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophage Cells

<strong>Background: </strong><em>Caulerpa lentillifera</em> is edible macroalgae which has several biological properties. This marine plant also contains beneficial secondary metabolites that can be used for treatment and prevent several deficiencies. <strong>Objectives: </strong>This research was conducted to evaluate immunomodulatory effect on nitric oxide production and phagocytosis of RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells from edible green seaweed of <em>C. lentillifera</em> extract. <strong>Methods: </strong>Extraction was applied to obtained ethanol extract, water extract and insoluble fraction. Alamar blue inclusion method was used to determine cytotoxicity and proliferation of RAW 264.7 after treated with sample. Griess assay using colourimetric commercial kits was selected to evaluate NO production and phagocytosis effect of samples was determined using phagocytic kit. <strong>Results:</strong><em> C. lentillifera </em>extracts did not show any cytotoxic effect against RAW 264.7 macrophage. One hundred &mu;g/mL of water extract increased the production of nitrite oxide. This extract revealed suspected-giant cells formation as a results of phagocytosis activity. The extract of <em>C. lentillifera </em>also enhanced phagocytosis activity of murine macrophage against <em>E. coli. C. lentillifera</em> extract enhanced activity of RAW 264.7 murine macrophage by increasing NO production and phagocytosis activity. This extract also caused suspected-giants&rsquo; cells as indicator of phagocytosis effect. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>This result provides an insight that the potency of<em> C. lentillifera </em>extract as immunostimulant. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words: </strong>Caulerpa lentillifera, Immunomodulatory, Macrophage, Nitric oxide, Phagocytosis.

Comparative analysis of gut microbiota diversity in endangered, economical, and common freshwater mussels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Freshwater mussels are both among the most diverse and endangered faunas worldwide. The gut microbiota of species plays a key role in nutrition and immunity, such as preventing it from pathogen invasion, synthesizing beneficial secondary metabolites, and contributing to the digestion of complex nutrients. Information on the gut microbiota could have significant implications for conservation biology, especially for threatened or endangered species. However, there is relatively little study into the gut microbiota of freshwater mussels. Here, the gut microbiota diversity was analyzed in endangered (Solenaia carinata), economical (Sinohyriopsis cumingii), and common (Sinanodonta woodiana) freshwater mussels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This study represents the first to compare the gut microbiota diversity of endangered, economical, and common Chinese freshwater mussels. The results showed that 13,535 OTUs were found in S. carinata, 12,985 OTUs in S. cumingii, and 9,365 OTUs in S. woodiana. The dominant phylum in S. carinata and S. cumingii was Fusobacteria, and was Firmicutes in S. woodiana. Alpha diversity indices indicated that S. carinata and S. cumingii had a higher abundance and diversity of gut microbiota than S. woodiana. The composition of gut microbiota was different among three freshwater mussels, but their composition variation was not significant. This study provides insight for the conservation of freshwater mussel biodiversity, which will not only help conserve these vulnerable groups but also, will offer wider benefits to freshwater ecosystems.

The Magnetic Receptor of Monascus ruber M7: Gene Clone and Its Heterologous Expression in Escherichia coli.

It is well known that many organisms can perceive the magnetic field (MF), including the geomagnetic field, but how to feel MF is unclear. Recently, a study has claimed that a biological compass, namely a complex of the magnetic receptor (MagR) and blue light (BL) receptor (cryptochrome), has been found in Homo sapiens, Drosophila melanogaster, and Danaus plexippus, which may bring some new ideas to explore the mechanism of biomagnetism. Monascus spp. are edible filamentous fungi that can produce abundant beneficial secondary metabolites and have been used to produce food colorants for nearly 2000 years in the world, especially in China, Japan, and Korea. In this work, we firstly treated M. ruber M7 by BL (500 lux,465–467 nm), MF (5, 10, 30 mT), and the combination of MF and BL (MF-BL), respectively. The results revealed that, compared with the control (CK, neither BL nor MF), the MF alone had no effect on the growth and morphological characteristics of M7, but BL made the colonial diameters only 66.7% of CK’s and inhibited the formation of cleistothecia. Under MF-BL, the colony diameters were still 66.7% of CK’s, but the colonial growth and cleistothecia production inhibited by BL were partially restored. Then, we have found that the magR gene widely exists in the genomes of animals, plants, and microorganisms, and we have also discovered a magR gene in the M7 genome, hereinafter referred to mr-magR. Finally, the full-length cDNA of mr-magR was successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the Mr-MagR protein was purified by a Ni+-NTA column and identified by Western blot. These results have laid a foundation for further investigation on the relationship between Mr-MagR and BL receptor(s) that might exist in M7. According to a literature search, it is the first time to report magR in filamentous fungi.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Effects of Anacardium Plants: An Ethnopharmacological Perspective.

Anacardium plants have received increasing recognition due to its nutritional and biological properties. A number of secondary metabolites are present in its leaves, fruits, and other parts of the plant. Among the diverse Anacardium plants' bioactive effects, their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities comprise those that have gained more attention. Thus, the present article aims to review the Anacardium plants' biological effects. A special emphasis is also given to their pharmacological and clinical efficacy, which may trigger further studies on their therapeutic properties with clinical trials.

Increasing Health Benefit of Wild Yam (Dioscorea hispida) Tuber by Red Mold (Angkak) Fermentation

Detoxification of cyanogen is very important in cyanide containing tubers such as wild yam (Dioscorea hispida). Principally, cyanogen detoxification is by converting cyanogenic glycoside into acetone cyanohydrin and further converted into free HCN that is easily removed by heating or soaking. Conversion of cyanogenic glycoside into free HCN is catalyzed by beta glucosidase enzyme (linamarase) in linamarin deglycosilation and a- hydroxyinitril liase (HNL) in acetone cyanohydrin degradation into free HCN and acetone. Endogen linamarase is found in the tubers and exogenous linamarase might be from microbes. It is supposed that fermentation of wild yam by angkak will reduce cyanide level. Angkak or Red Mold Rice (RMR) is a product of rice fermentation using Monascus sp mainly M. purpureus. Beside red pigment, angkak fermentation also produces a variety of secondary metabolites such as lovastatin, mevinolin, and citrinin. Monacolin K (lovastatin) from Monascus purpureus is an inhibitor for HMG-CoA reductase in cholesterol biosynthesis. Monacolin K production is higher in Dioscorea substrate compared to rice. RMD (Red Mold Dioscorea) reveals higher anti-cholesterol activity and anti-hypertension than red mold rice. RMD also exhibits antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and induces cancer sell apoptosis and does not reveal mutagenic and toxicity. In RMD, monascin and ankaflavin have a role in reducing cholesterol. It is expected that wild yam fermentation by angkak will reduce cyanide level and produce health beneficial secondary metabolites.

In-silico elucidation of Moringa oleifera phytochemicals against diabetes mellitus.

Moringa oleifera is also known as “Miracle tree”, due to its multiple uses and adaptability. Because of nutritive and pharmacological values, it is widely cultivated across the world. M. oleifera leaves are rich source of minerals, vitamins and many health beneficial secondary metabolites, and possess significant anti-diabetic potential. Consequently, Insilco study could be noteworthy to expand effective anti-diabetic drugs from this plant. Present study was designed to find out the best bioactive compounds of M. oleifera as a potential therapeutic agent against diabetes mellitus through In-silico method. For this, structures of phytochemicals were extracted from PubChem and docked to mutated protein from PBD. Afterwards, datasets were prepared for ligand based pharmacophore and their pharmacophoric features were generated from LigandScout. Finally five phytochemicals viz. anthraquinone, 2-phenylchromenylium (Anthocyanins), hemlock tannin, sitogluside (glycoside) and A-phenolic steroid were selected, which exhibited effective binding within the active binding pocket of the targeted protein. Ligand based pharmacophore model showed the key features i.e. HBD, HBA, aromatic ring, hydrophobic, positively ionizable surface essential for receptor binding. Our findings suggest that screened phytochemicals present in M. oleifera can be used as potential therapeutic drug candidates to treat diabetes mellitus.