Bioactive Components Research Articles

Identifying Anti-NSCLC Bioactive Compounds in Scutellaria via 2D NMR-Based Metabolomic Analysis of Pharmacologically Classified Crude Extracts.

We presented a strategy utilizing 2D NMR-based metabolomic analysis of crude extracts, categorized by different pharmacological activities, to rapidly identify the primary bioactive components of TCM. It was applied to identify the potential bioactive components from Scutellaria crude extracts that exhibit anti-non-small cell lung cancer (anti-NSCLC) activity. Four Scutellaria species were chosen as the study subjects because of their close phylogenetic relationship, but their crude extracts exhibit significantly different anti-NSCLC activity. Cell proliferation assay was used to assess the anti-NSCLC activity of four species of Scutellaria. 1H-13C HSQC spectra were acquired for the chemical profiling of these crude extracts. Based on the pharmacological classification (PCA, OPLS-DA and univariate hypothesis test) were performed to identify the bioactive constituents in Scutellaria associated with the anti-NSCLC activity. As a result, three compounds, baicalein, wogonin and scutellarin were identified as bioactive compounds. The anti-NSCLC activity of the three potential active compounds were further confirmed via cell proliferation assay. The mechanism of the anti-NSCLC activity by these active constituents was further explored via flow cytometry and western blot analyses. This study demonstrated 2D NMR-based metabolomic analysis of pharmacologically classified crude extracts to be an efficient approach to the identification of active components of herbal medicine.

Cornus officinalis Sieb. Et Zucc. attenuates Aβ25–35-induced mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation in mice by modulating the ERK pathway

BackgroundCornus officinalis Sieb. Et Zucc. has the efficacy of tonifying the marrow and filling up the essence, breaking up the accumulation and opening up the orifices. Our research team found that CoS extracts were protective against Aβ25–35-induced memory impairment in mice. However, the pharmacodynamic components and mechanisms by which CoS improves AD have yet to be thoroughly explored and investigated. PurposeThis study focused on exploring the bioactive components and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of CoS aqueous extract underlying mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation to improve Aβ25–35-induced AD. MethodsAD mouse models were generated using Aβ25–35 brain injections. Different doses of CoS aqueous extract were orally administered to mice for 28 days. The cognitive function, neuronal and synaptic damage, mitochondrial damage (mitochondrial length, mitochondrial fusion fission-related protein expression), neuroglial activation, and immune inflammatory factor and ERK pathway-related protein levels of mice were assessed. The CoS aqueous extracts components were identified using UPLC-TQ/MS and screened for cellular activity. Midivi-1 (Drp1 inhibitor) or PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) was added to Aβ25–35-exposed PC12 cells to assess whether CoS and its active compounds mMorB and CorE regulate mitochondrial fission through ERK/Drp1. PC12-N9 cells were cocultured to investigate whether mMorB and CorE could regulate mitochondrial division through the ERK pathway to modulate neuroinflammation. ResultsCoS improved exploration and memory in AD mice, reduced synaptic and mitochondrial damage in their hippocampus, and modulated disturbed mitochondrial dynamics. Moreover, CoS inhibited ERK pathway signaling and attenuated abnormal activation of glial cells and secondary immune inflammatory responses. Additionally, in vitro experiments revealed that CoS and its compounds 7β-O-methylmorroniside (mMorB) and Cornusdiridoid E (CorE) ameliorated mitochondrial injury caused by Aβ25–35 in PC12 cells through inhibition of the ERK/Drp1 pathway. Meanwhile, mMorB and CorE ameliorated cellular inflammation by inhibiting the Ras/ERK/CREB signaling pathway. ConclusionCoS aqueous extract ameliorates behavioral deficits and brain damage in Aβ25–35-induced AD mice by modulating the ERK pathway to attenuate mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation, and the compounds mMorB and CorE are the therapeutically active ingredients.

Antibacterial activity of Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. extract and its active component flavanthrinin against skin-associated bacteria

BackgroundDioscorea bulbifera Linn. has been used for wound care in Thailand. However, a comprehensive evaluation of its antibacterial activity is required. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of D. bulbifera extract against skin-associated bacteria and isolate and characterize its active antibacterial agent, flavanthrinin.MethodsAir-dried bulbils of D. bulbifera were pulverised and extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and distilled water; vacuum filtered; concentrated; freeze-dried; and stored at -20 ºC. Antibacterial activity of the extracts was assessed using microdilution techniques against several skin-associated bacteria. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautography was used to identify the active compounds in the extract, which were fractionated by column chromatography and purified by preparative TLC. The chemical structures of the purified compounds were analysed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The cytotoxicity of the extract and its active compounds was evaluated in Vero cells.ResultsThe ethyl acetate extract exhibited distinct inhibition zones against bacteria compared to other extracts. Therefore, the ethyl acetate extract of D. bulbifera in the ethyl acetate layer was used for subsequent analyses. D. bulbifera extract exhibited antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.78–1.56 mg/mL. An active compound, identified through TLC-bioautography, demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity, with MICs of 0.02–0.78 mg/mL. NMR analysis identified this bioactive compound as flavanthrinin. Both D. bulbifera extract and flavanthrinin-containing fraction demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and S. epidermidis. The flavanthrinin containing fraction demonstrated low cytotoxicity against Vero cells, showing CC50 values of 0.41 ± 0.03 mg/mL. These values are lower than the MIC value, indicating that this fraction is safer than the initial ethyl acetate extract.ConclusionsDioscorea bulbifera extract and its bioactive component flavanthrinin demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against the skin-associated bacteria Staphylococci, including MRSA. Flavanthrinin has potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for managing skin infections owing to its potent antibacterial effects and low cytotoxicity.

Comparison of different drying technologies for coffee pulp tea: Changes in color, taste, bioactive and aroma components

Drying is a crucial process in the production of tea. The effects of sun drying (SD), hot air drying (HAD), microwave drying (MD), vacuum drying (VD) and freeze drying (FD) on the color, taste, bioactive, and aroma of coffee pulp tea (CPT) were evaluated systematically. The results showed that FD could better retain the original color, total phenolics (4.75 mg/mL), trigonelline (0.31 mg/mL), chlorogenic acid (0.067 mg/mL), protocatechuic acid (0.81 mg/mL), and total soluble sugars (24.33 mg/mL) of CPT, but its drying time was longer (32.56 h), and the taste and flavor were the worst. HAD and SD displayed the highest loss rates of most bioactive components, exceeding 40%. In contrast, MD can better improve the quality of CPT, giving it a better color, superior retention of bioactive components, and the most attractive taste and aroma, and decrease the drying time by 66.1% and 96.5%, respectively. Overall, MD is a promising production method for obtaining high-value-added CPT products.

Effects of Bioactive Dietary Components on Changes in Lipid and Liver Parameters in Women after Bariatric Surgery and Procedures.

Excess adipose tissue, as well as its distribution, correlates strongly with disorders of lipid and liver parameters and chronic inflammation. The pathophysiology of metabolic diseases caused by obesity is associated with the dysfunction of visceral adipose tissue. Effective and alternative interventions such as the Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon and bariatric surgeries such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of modifying the recommended standard weight loss diet after bariatric surgery and procedures on reducing chronic inflammation in overweight patients. In the study, bioactive anti-inflammatory dietary components were used supportively. Changes in the concentrations of lipid parameters, liver parameters, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, and chemokines were demonstrated. The enrichment of the diet, after bariatric surgery, with the addition of n-3 EFAs(Essential Fatty Acids), bioflavonoids, vitamins, and synbiotics resulted in higher weight losses in the patients in the study with a simultaneous reduction in parameters indicating liver dysfunction.

Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L08 fermentation on xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and flavour profile of honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica thunb.)

Xanthine oxidase (XOD) catalyses the oxidation of hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid, and inhibition of its activity has become the main strategy to reduce uric acid production. Honeysuckle (HON) which is rich in polyphenols potentially has the capacity to inhibit XOD activity. However, it carries the bitter and astringent flavor as well as many traditional Chinese medicines, along with that most of the polyphenols in HON exist in bound form, the exploitation and application of HON in food is limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L08 fermentation on the bioactive components, XOD inhibitory activity and flavour characteristics of HON. The results showed that the XOD inhibitory activity was increased by 2.08 times after 96 h of fermentation. It was demonstrated that the increase in the total flavonoid content and total phenol content was the main reason for the enhancement of the fermentation solution's XOD inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the fermentation also enriched the composition of volatile components of HON and reduced levels of undesirable flavour substances, which made the usage of fermented HON as functional food or in pharmaceutical use feasible and applicable.

Revealing the potential bioactive components and mechanism of Qianhua Gout Capsules in the treatment of gouty arthritis through network pharmacology, molecular docking and pharmacodynamic study strategies

Recent clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Qianhua Gout Capsules (QGC) in the treatment of gouty arthritis (GA). However, the specific regulatory targets and mechanisms of action of QGC are still unclear. To address this gap, we utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, and pharmacodynamic approaches to investigate the bioactive components and associated mechanisms of QGC in the treatment of GA. By employing UPLC-Q Exactive-MS, we identified the compounds present in QGC, with active ingredients defined as those with oral bioavailability ≥30 % and drug similarity ≥0.18. Subsequently, the targets of these active compounds were determined using the TCMSP database, while GA-related targets were identified from DisGeNET, GeneCards, TTD, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. Further analysis including PPI analysis, GO analysis, and KEGG pathway enrichment was conducted on the targets. Validation of the predicted results was performed using a GA rat model, evaluating pathological changes, inflammatory markers, and pathway protein expression. Our results revealed a total of 130 components, 44 active components, 16 potential shared targets, GO-enriched terms, and 47 signaling pathways related to disease targets. Key active ingredients included quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, and wogonin. The PPI analysis highlighted five targets (PPARG, IL-6, MMP-9, IL-1β, CXCL-8) with the highest connectivity, predominantly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated strong binding of CXCL8, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP9, and PPARG targets with the top five active compounds. Furthermore, animal experiments confirmed the efficacy of QGC in treating GA in rats, showing reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA levels, and increases in SOD levels in serum. In synovial tissues, QGC treatment upregulated CXCL8 and PPARG expression, while downregulating IL-1β, MMP9, and IL-6 expression. In conclusion, this study applied a network pharmacology approach to uncover the composition of QGC, predict its pharmacological interactions, and demonstrate its in vivo efficacy, providing insights into the anti-GA mechanisms of QGC. These findings pave the way for future investigations into the therapeutic mechanisms underlying QGC's effectiveness in the treatment of GA.

Macromolecules with predominant β-pleated sheet proteins in extracellular vesicles released from Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef microgreens induce DNA damage-mediated apoptosis in HCT116 colon cancer cells

Plant-derived bioactive macromolecules (i.e., proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) were prepared as extracellular vesicles (EVs). Plant-derived EVs are gaining pharmaceutical research interest because of their bioactive components and delivery properties. The spherical nanosized EVs derived from Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef microgreens previously showed antiproliferative activity in HCT116 colon cancer cells from macromolecular compositions (predominantly proteins). To understand the mechanism of action, the biological activity studies, i.e., antiproliferation, cellular biochemical changes, DNA conformational changes, DNA damage, apoptotic nuclear morphological changes, apoptosis induction, and apoptotic pathways, were determined by neutral red uptake assay, synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, comet assay, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, flow cytometry, and caspase activity assay, respectively. EVs inhibited HCT116 cell growth in concentration- and time-dependent manners, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 675.4 ± 33.8 μg/ml at 48 h and a selectivity index of 1.5 ± 0.076. HCT116 treated with EVs mainly changed the cellular biochemical compositions in the nucleic acids and carbohydrates region. The DNA damage caused no changes in DNA conformation. The apoptotic nuclear morphological changes were associated with the increased apoptotic cell population. The apoptotic cell death was induced by both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. EVs have potential as antiproliferative bioparticles.

Impact on cytokine accumulation in 35-day preserved whole blood due to resin adsorption

Blood transfusion in critically ill individuals such as sepsis was associated with higher morbidity and mortality. During storage, various bioactive substances accumulated, may exacerbate the initial immunosuppressive reaction in severely ill patients. The objective of this study is to explore how resin adsorption impacts the accumulation of cytokines and the presence of extracellular microvesicles (EVs) in whole blood. Through comparative analysis and screening, amberchrom CG 300C was chosen to assess the adsorption efficiency and evaluate the quality of whole blood after adsorption. Subsequently, the supernatants from both the unadsorpted (UA) and adsorpted (A) groups were co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to assess their effects on cellular growth and cytokine concentrations. The findings of our study revealed that resin adsorption effectively eradicated most bioactive components in conserved blood, including IL-8, TGF-β, sCD40L, sFasL, without affecting the quality of the blood. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a reduction in extracellular microvesicles following adsorption. Compared to UA, A 's supernatant markedly enhanced PBMC growth (p<0.01). Additionally, the A's supernatant markedly diminished the emission of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like IL-6. The research revealed that adsorbing resin effectively reduced bioactive substances from preserved whole blood, and did not impact red blood cell quality, proving to be a reliable method for extracting bioactive substances from storage blood. The results could pave the way for creating innovative blood bags and hold clinical significance in lowering the frequency of TRIM among patients who have undergone transfusions.

Comparative pharmacokinetic study on phenolic acids and flavonoids in normal and microcirculation dysfunction rats plasma by UPLC-TQ/MS/MS after oral administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza stem-leaf extracts

According to the Standard of Chinese Medicinal Materials of Shaanxi Province (2015 edition), Salvia miltiorrhiza caulis et folium is the dried stems and leaves of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which could activate blood and dispell blood stasis, clear the mind and remove annoyance. In this study, the dynamic absorption changes of phenolic acids (FS) and phenolic acids-flavonoids (FT) in rats after oral administration were studied by UPLC-TQ/MS/MS, to elucidate the pharmacokinetics of seven major bioactive components of the stem-leaf of Salvia miltiorrhiza in vivo. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of FS and FT were significantly different in normal rats and model rats. Compared with the control group, after injecting 10 % polymer dextran 500 into the tail vein to establish a model of microcirculation disturbance, the Cmax of caffeic acid decreased. The Cmax of rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid increased. Danshensu showed a decrease in CLz/F, accompanied by an increase in both AUC0-t and AUC0-∞. The AUC0-t of lithospermic acid was also increased. These results indicated that microcirculation disturbance could decrease the absorption of caffeic acid while increasing the absorption of danshensu, rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid. After oral administration of FT, the Cmax of danshensu and the AUC0-t of caffeic acid were increased significantly, suggesting that the presence of flavonoids may promote the absorption and exposure of phenolic acids in vivo. This study provides a reference for the elucidation of the in vivo substances and the mechanisms of action of FS and FT from the stem-leaf of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Contribution of Hurdles Technology to Preserve the Qualities of Broccoli and Extend Their Shelf-Life

Due to its high concentration of bioactive components, broccoli heads have a lot of potential as a functional food. Broccoli is perceived as a tasty, wholesome and healthful food product. This product nevertheless has a limited shelf life and quality retention issues, especially in tropical temperature zones. The hurdles techniques are starting to become more acceptable in the sector of food preservation since they affect moderate levels. This study evaluates the impact of hurdles techniques and various storage conditions (ambient at 25 °C, cold at 4 °C, and frozen at -18 °C) on broccolis cut characteristics. For the hurdles experiment, broccoli cuts were soaked in four solutions (the 1st: boiling water, the 2nd: metabisulphite solution (150 ppm), the 3rd: sodium chloride (4%), citric acid (1%), sodium benzoate (200 ppm) and the 4th: 1% chitosan) followed by packaging using two approaches (aerobic and vacuum). Sensory attributes, browning index, ascorbic acid, total phenolic, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity % (by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) of hurdled and un-hurdled broccoli cuts during storage were investigated. Results demonstrated that using hurdle technology (different soaking solutions, packaging methods and storage conditions) had significant impact on the quality properties of the broccoli cuts. Additionally, vacuum packaging demonstrated the highest protection against decreasing the values of ascorbic acid, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and antioxidant components.

An efficient method for rapid screening of triterpenoid saponins in three Glycyrrhiza species using rapid resolution liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with mass defect filtering

Triterpenoid saponins, a major bioactive component of liquorice, possess high hydrophilicity and often co-occur with other impurities of similar polarity. Additionally, subtle structural differences of some triterpenoid saponins bring challenges to comprehensive characterisation. In this study, triterpenoid saponins of three Glycyrrhiza species were systematically analysed using rapid resolution liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with mass defect filtering (MDF). Firstly, comprehensive date acquisition was achieved using RRLC-Q-TOF-MS. Secondly, a polygonal MDF method was established by summarizing known and speculated substituents and modifications based on the core structure to rapidly screen potential triterpenoid saponins. Thirdly, based on the fragmentation patterns of reference compounds, an identification strategy for characterisation of triterpenoid saponins was proposed. The strategy divided triterpenoid saponins into three distinct classes. By this strategy, 98 triterpenoid saponins including 10 potential new ones were tentatively characterised. Finally, triterpenoid saponins of three Glycyrrhiza species were further analysed using principle component analysis (PCA) and orthogonality partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Among these, 18 compounds with variable importance in projections (VIP) > 1.0 and P values < 0.05 were selected to distinguish three Glycyrrhiza species. Overall, our study provided a reference for quality control and rational use of the three species.

Endophytic bacteria nano-formula: A promotor for plant growth and systemic acquired resistance against sheath blight disease on rice

Sheath blight disease significantly affected growing rice crop and caused yield losses. This study identified two endophyte bacterial isolates, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas brassicacearum subsp. Neoaurantiaca, significantly inhibit Rhizoctonia solani AG1 IA mycelial growth. Further, the analysis of the culture filtrate for the two identified bacteria recorded a set of bioactive components that have antifungal activity and enhance plant growth. We prepared a novel nano-formula using the advantages of nano natural charcoal (NCNPs) as an organic matter and enriched with alginate to improve the nano-formula porosity and keep the viability of the loaded bacteria up to 18 months. Two methods (soil application and root dipping) were used to evaluate the impact of bacteria nano-formula on rice growth and rice sheath blight (ShB) disease under artificial inoculation with R. solani at greenhouse conditions. The root dipping with P. brassicacearum NCNPs alginate (PBNF-R) and B. subtillus NCNPs alginate (BSNF-R) recorded the highest performance in the rice growth traits, and a high control level of the rice ShB disease by decreasing relative lesion height and percent disease index. In addition, PBNF-R and BSNF-R increase the defense-related enzyme production in the plant cell (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase) and, consequently, the plant immunity. Moreover, both upregulate the gene expression levels of OsNPR1, OsWRKY45, OsPR10, and OsAOS2, which are related to the plant defense mechanism. Finally, here we introduce the first application of bacteria nano-formula as a safe environmental approach to control the rice ShB disease, promoting growth and thousand-grain weight in rice.

Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) and Natural Remedies for Treatment of the Common Cold and Flu.

Traditional Iranian medicine is usually used for both prevention and relief of cold and flu symptoms in China, Iran, and many other Asian countries all over the world. There are 4 kinds of influenza viruses. Unlike type B, which may cause seasonal epidemics, type A viruses can cause pandemics, and influenza C may lead to mild human infection with little public health effects. A literature review was done by using multiple databases such as ISI Web of knowledge, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The most notable antiviral medicinal plants for flu and cold are honeysuckle flowers, thyme leaf, green chiretta, andrographis, peppermint oil and leaf and calendula. The most important expectorant medicinal plants for cold and flu are snake root, tulsi, licorice root, slippery elm, clove, and sage leaf. Recommended immunostimulant medicinal plants for cold and flu are eucalyptus, Echinacea root, ginseng, garlic, slippery elm, marshmallow, Usnea lichen, Isatis root, ginger root, and myrrh resin. Iranian traditional medicine, which is one of the oldest schools of traditional medicine, is one of the main concepts of disease and health, and it can be considered as an important complementary and alternative medicine, as in some cases, modern medicine has many side effects, low efficiency, and high costs. Medicinal plants and herbs, which are included in many traditional systems, have significant and promising bioactive components in organic life.

Addition of lactic acid bacteria modulates microbial community and promotes the flavor profiles of Kombucha

This study explores the impact of innovative food processing on food-derived bioactive components through integrating lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in kombucha fermentation. The study showcased how this technique, involving four LAB strains, drastically transformed the beverage’s chemical composition, favoring its flavor properties and microbial diversity. LAB integration significantly lessened total and acetic acid content, enhancing kombucha’s flavor, especially with the effective strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. LAB’s presence fostered the production of alcohols and esters further enhancing the kombucha’s flavor. Post-72-hour quality shifts detected through Principal Component Analysis were potentially attributed to the LAB’s role in generating volatile compounds. High-throughput sequencing denoted Zygosaccharomyces, Pichia, Komagataeibacter, and Gluconacetobacter as leading microbial genera, with Pichia correlating strongly with flavor compounds. The study also unveiled six key volatile compounds and their metabolic pathways. Thus, this pilot investigation presents essential insights for future strategies to enhance kombucha flavor, also shedding light on the health-promoting foods sector.

Carbon Nanotubes Induce Mineralization of Human Cementoblasts

IntroductionCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) are 1 of the allotropes of carbon with unique properties. CNT shows good bone-tissue compatibility and has been reported to induce osteogenesis; therefore, it is regarded as an ideal material in a wide range of applications. However, the therapeutic effect of CNT-containing materials in the healing of apical periodontal tissue is unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of CNT on the proliferation and mineralization of the human cementoblast cell line (HCEM). MethodsThe proliferation of HCEM cells with CNT stimulation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay performed from 24–72 hours. Calcium deposition levels were evaluated by alizarin red S staining on days 7 and 10, and mineralization-related gene expression was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction on days 3, 7, and 10. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the culture with CNT on day 14. ResultsCNT showed no cytotoxicity to HCEM cell proliferation. Treatment was performed with mineralization medium, CNT-induced HCEM mineralization on day 7, and increased calcium deposition on days 7 and 14. Messenger RNA expression of alkaline phosphatase was significantly increased throughout the experimental period, and bone sialoprotein was significantly increased on day 3 by CNT, whereas no effect was found on mRNA expression of type I collagen. CNT was observed in attachment to the cell surface on day 14. ConclusionsCNT promotes the mineralization of HCEM cells, indicating the potential as a new bioactive component for apical periodontal tissue regeneration materials through the regulation of cementoblast mineralization.

Color, antioxidant and nutritional composition of dehydrated country bean (Lablab purpureus) seeds using solar drying techniques and pretreatments in Bangladesh

The country bean (Lablab purpureus), is a significant contributor of dietary protein and other essential components in human nutrition. Because of its elevated moisture content, it is susceptible to rapid decay, leading to losses after harvesting. The utilization of solar drying has attracted significant attention as a tactic to minimize nutrient depletion in dried goods and enhance their longevity. This study employed four solar drying techniques, namely long chimney, short chimney, box solar drying and open sun drying, along with pretreatments such as potassium metabisulfite, potassium-sodium tartrate, citric acid and ascorbic acid. The objective was to determine an effective solar drying method, combined with pretreatment, that can maintain the color and nutritional qualities of dried country bean seeds. The treatment combinations were organized in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data were subjected to a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was conducted at a significance level of 5 % (p < 0.05). Results revealed that box solar dryer having the highest drying efficiency, retained the highest β-carotene (82.94 %), vitamin C (90.15 %), protein (96.48 %), fat (11.63 %), and ash (90.50 %) with maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity (lowest IC50 209.49 μg/ml) compared to other driers. Besides, country bean seeds have noteworthy proximate compositions, antioxidant activity, and bioactive components treated with 1 % potassium metabisulfite. Furthermore, the country bean seeds dehydrated in box solar dryer after 1 % potassium metabisulfite treatment received the highest acceptance score on the five-point Hedonic scale (4.83–4.89 out of 5.00) and color appearance and the similar trend was further supported by principal component analysis. Thus, it can be inferred that using a box solar dryer with a 1 % potassium metabisulfite pretreatment is a feasible method for preserving the color and nutritional value of country bean seeds and reducing postharvest losses.

Effect of cadmium and polystyrene nanoplastics on the growth, antioxidant content, ionome, and metabolism of dandelion seedlings

Cadmium is the most prevalent heavy metal pollutant in the environment and can be readily combined with micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) to change their bioavailability. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the effect of polystyrene (PS) NPs on dandelion plants grown under Cd stress. Cd exposure significantly inhibited the growth of dandelion seedlings, resulting in a decrease in seedling elongation from 26.47% to 28.83%, a reduction in biomass from 29.76% to 54.14%, and an exacerbation of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The interaction between PS NPs and Cd resulted in the formation of larger aggregates, with the Cd bioavailability reduced by 12.56%. PS NPs affect ion absorption by regulating reactive oxygen production and increasing superoxide dismutase activity, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of Cd. PSCd aggregates induced significant changes in the metabolic profiles of dandelions, affecting various carbohydrates related to alcohols, organic acids, sugar metabolism, and bioactive components related to flavonoids and phenolic acids. Furthermore, based on a structural equation model, exposure to PSCd activated oxidative stress and nutrient absorption, thereby affecting plant growth and Cd accumulation. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the effects of PS NPs on Cd bioavailability, accumulation, and plant growth, which are crucial for understanding the food safety of medicinal plants in a coexistence environment.

Novel synthesis of trans-ferulic acid loaded tragacanth-chitosan nanoformulations and evaluation of their biological activities

Trans-ferulic acid, is one of the many biologically significant bioactive components of Datura. It has wide range of potential applications in the food industry, health, and cosmetics industries. Trans-ferulic acid possess myriad properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antiangiogenic, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. To exploit its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, first of all, trans-ferulic acid loaded tragacanth/chitosan nanoparticles (TFA loaded TGCA-NPs) were synthesized by ionic gelation method using tragacanth and chitosan as polymers. Tragacanth used to encapsulate the trans-ferulic acid is a polysaccharide gum, which is used all over the world in industries ranging from the food industry to healthcare systems due to its availability, affordability, non-toxicity, and environmental friendliness. The synthesized nanoparticles were then characterized by using techniques like FTIR, UV–Vis Spectroscopy, SEM and TEM. The particle size of nanoparticles thus obtained ranged from 105 nm to 250 nm. SEM micrograph of nanoparticles showed tiny rod-like structures, which appear to be coated on the polymer. TEM images showed somewhat sphere-shaped nanoparticles with a projecting rod-like structure that might be due to the trans-ferulic acid encapsulation in tragacanth-chitosan polymer. Decent antimicrobial activity of synthesized nanoparticles was observed against pathogenic bacteria named Staphylococcus aureus. Hemocompatibility of trans-ferulic acid loaded tragacanth-chitosan nanoparticles was also examined. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay, in which synthesized nanoparticles showed 41.62 % radical scavenging activity. For in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity Human Red Blood Cell membrane stabilization method (HRBC method) was used, and the results showed higher protection by the synthesized nanoparticles in comparison to the pure trans-ferulic acid and blank nanoparticles.

Goat milk exosomal microRNAs alleviate LPS-induced intestinal inflammation in mice

Intestinal inflammation is a common digestive system disease. Milk-derived exosomes can participate in intercellular communication and transport a variety of bioactive components, and the microRNAs (miRNAs) they carry play important roles in a variety of biological processes in the body. At present, the preventive effect and mechanism of action of goat milk exosomes and their derived miRNAs on intestinal inflammation are still unclear. In this study, the protective effect of goat milk exosomes on LPS-induced intestinal inflammation was investigated using mouse intestinal inflammation model and IEC-6 cell inflammation model. Small RNA sequencing was used to analyze the miRNA expression profile of goat milk exosomes. In this study, C-Exo and M-Exo alleviated intestinal inflammation by reducing the LPS-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines, inhibiting the increase in the NLRP3 protein and the activation of the TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway. C-Exo has a more significant inhibitory effect on them, and better therapeutic efficacy than M-Exo. Notably, the target genes of miRNAs in C-Exo and M-Exo were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways. Furthermore, their derived miR-26a-5p and miR-30a-5p were found to ameliorate the IEC-6 inflammatory response. These findings suggest that miRNAs in goat milk exosomes have the potential to attenuate LPS-induced intestinal inflammation.