Production Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Actinomycetes are a natural resource for sustainable pest control and safeguarding agriculture.

Actinomycetes, a diverse group of bacteria with filamentous growth characteristics, have long captivated researchers and biochemists for their prolific production of secondary metabolites. Among the myriad roles played by actinomycete secondary metabolites, their historical significance in the field of biocontrol stands out prominently. The fascinating journey begins with the discovery of antibiotics, where renowned compounds like streptomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin revolutionized medicine and agriculture. The history of biocontrol traces its roots back to the early twentieth century, when scientists recognized the potential of naturally occurring agents to combat pests and diseases. The emergence of synthetic pesticides in the mid-twentieth century temporarily overshadowed interest in biocontrol. However, with growing environmental concerns and the realization of the negative ecological impacts of chemical pesticides, the pendulum swung back towards exploring sustainable alternatives. Beyond their historical role as antibiotics, actinomycete-produced secondary metabolites encompass a rich repertoire with biopesticide potential. The classification of these compounds based on chemical structure and mode of action is highlighted, demonstrating their versatility against both plant pathogens and insect pests. Additionally, this review provides in-depth insights into how endophytic actinomycete strains play a pivotal role in biocontrol strategies. Case studies elucidate their effectiveness in inhibiting Spodoptera spp. and nematodes through the production of bioactive compounds. By unraveling the multifunctional roles of endophytic actinomycetes, this review contributes compelling narrative knowledge to the field of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the potential of these microbial allies in crafting effective, environmentally friendly biocontrol strategies for combating agricultural pests.

Genetic Engineering of Filamentous Fungi: Prospects for Obtaining Fourth-Generation Biological Products

Filamentous fungi exhibit unparalleled potential as cell factories for protein production, owing to their adeptness in protein secretion and remarkable proficiency in post-translational modifications. This review delineates the role of filamentous fungi in bio-input technology across different generations and explores their capacity to generate secondary metabolites. Our investigation highlights filamentous fungi as frontrunners in the production of bioactive compounds, emphasizing the imperative nature of elucidating their metabolic repertoire. Furthermore, we delve into common strategies for genetic transformation in filamentous fungi, elucidating the underlying principles, advantages, and drawbacks of each technique. Taking a forward-looking approach, we explore the prospects of genome engineering, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, as a means to propel protein secretion in filamentous fungi. Detailed examination of the protein secretion pathways in these fungi provides insights into their industrial applications. Notably, extensive research within the scientific community has focused on Aspergillus and Trichoderma species for the industrial production of proteins and enzymes. This review also presents practical examples of genetic engineering strategies aimed at augmenting enzyme secretion in filamentous fungi for various industrial applications. These findings underscore the potential of filamentous fungi as versatile platforms for protein production and highlight avenues for future research and technological advancement in this field.

Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal plants

Abstract The production of bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal plants mainly depends on the extraction and separation from medicinal materials, which is time-consuming, laborious, and requires large amounts of medicinal resources. As the market demand for bioactive compounds increases, the shortage of medicinal resources tops the list. For a stable and sustainable supply of affordable bioactive compounds, it is necessary to optimize chemosynthetic and biosynthetic pathways. Although some progress has been made in chemocatalysis and biosynthesis, there are drawbacks and bottlenecks in current approaches. We hold the opinion that the combination of chemosynthesis and biosynthesis will be the key direction to efficiently produce bioactive compounds. Chemo-enzymatic synthesis, a strategy that combines biosynthesis and chemosynthesis, is an alternative approach for the heterologous production of bioactive compounds. This paper reviews the recent advances in the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal plants, highlights the potential application, and presents our perspectives for future research.

Effect of Light Conditions, Trichoderma Fungi and Food Polymers on Growth and Profile of Biologically Active Compounds in Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum.

The research investigates the influence of different lighting conditions and soil treatments, in particular the application of food polymers separately and in combination with spores of Trichoderma consortium, on the growth and development of herbs-Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum. The metabolic analysis focuses on detecting changes in the levels of biologically active compounds such as chlorophyll a and b, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds (including flavonoids), terpenoids, and volatile organic compounds with potential health-promoting properties. By investigating these factors, the study aims to provide insights into how environmental conditions affect the growth and chemical composition of selected plants and to shed light on potential strategies for optimising the cultivation of these herbs for the improved quality and production of bioactive compounds. Under the influence of additional lighting, the growth of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum seedlings was greatly accelerated, resulting in an increase in shoot biomass and length, and in the case of T. vulgaris, an increase in carotenoid and anthocyanin contents. Regarding secondary metabolites, the most pronounced changes were observed in total antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content, which increased significantly under the influence of additional lighting. The simultaneous or separate application of Trichoderma and food polymers resulted in an increase in flavonoid content in the leaves of both Thymus species. The increase in terpenoid content under supplemental light appears to be related to the presence of Trichoderma spores as well as food polymers added to the soil. However, the nature of these changes depends on the thyme species. Volatile compounds were analysed using an electronic nose (E-nose). Eight volatile compounds (VOCs) were tentatively identified in the vapours of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum: α-pinene, myrcene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene; 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol. Tendencies to increase the percentage of thymol and γ-terpinene under supplemental lighting were observed. The results also demonstrate a positive effect of food polymers and, to a lesser extent, Trichoderma fungi on the synthesis of VOCs with health-promoting properties. The effect of Trichoderma and food polymers on individual VOCs was positive in some cases for thymol and γ-terpinene.

Cactaceaes of the Brazilian Semiarid: Source of Bioactive Compounds

The semiarid region of Brazil stands out as one of the spaces with the highest diversity of plant species in the world, and the Cactaceae family the one that best represents the Brazilian semiarid. However, although there are many species of cacti in Brazil, their chemical potential has yet to be discovered. Given this, the present review aims to record the bioactive metabolites of native cactaceaes or not in Brazil, encompassing a description of its habitat and traditional uses. Compilations of ethnobotanical studies point to the importance of cacti species in the daily life of local cultures. Cactaceaes are used for food, economic, ornamental, and mystical purposes, among others, and stand out for their importance in traditional medicine, used to treat various diseases. Bioactive compounds in this family belong mainly to alkaloid groups, such as betalain, phenolic acids, terpenes and fatty acids. This review displays the relevance of the Cactaceae family in the face of the remarkable production of bioactive compounds.

A comprehensive review of physiological and phytochemical adaptations in German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) in response to abiotic stress and factors

In the face of contemporary climate change, crops are grappling with stress, leading to reduced production. Understanding the plant's response to environmental stressors is crucial for enhancing its adaptability and optimizing the production of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and industrial significance. Matricaria chamomilla L., commonly known as chamomile, has a rich history of use in traditional medicine owing to its numerous medical benefits. The phytochemistry and physiology of chamomile can be strongly influenced by abiotic factors such as temperature, water availability, salinity, light exposure and nutritional imbalances. These stressors may lead to reduced growth, altered secondary metabolite composition and compromised medicinal properties. The review provides a thorough description of how chamomile responds to abiotic stresses, including heat, salt, salinity and drought. Gaining insights into the effects of abiotic stressors on chamomile is essential for refining cultivation techniques and enhancing the overall quality of herbal products derived from chamomile. Drawing on a compilation of previous research, this review addresses diverse facets that capture the attention of both farmers and researchers. Furthermore, insights gained from this exploration are pivotal for enhancing the quality of chamomile-based herbal products in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Optimization of Sterilization Parameters for Isolation of Endophytes from Allium sativum and Exploring its Antibacterial Activity

Endophytic bacteria reside within the plant cell and are beneficial to it in a number of ways like growth, protection to environmental conditions and sustainability in favor of the hosts. Throughout the ages, Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has legendary therapeutic importance. The important step in endophyte isolation is the removal of plant tissue surface microflora, called as surface sterilization. Endophytes from medicinal plants may mimic the compound produced by the host plant and also plays an important role in production of bioactive compound, so it is necessary to isolate endophytes, not the epiphytic microbes. The present investigation was undertaken with an aim to optimize the sterilization parameters viz: time and concentration of ethanol and sodium hypochlorite for isolation of endophytic bacteria as well as exploring their antibacterial activity from Allium sativum. The results revealed that concentration and exposure time of sterilizing agent caused prominent surface sterilization but have negative effect on isolation of endophytes. Experimental results revealed that 70% ethanol (6 min), 2% sodium hypochlorite (1 min) followed by 70% ethanol (30 sec) is effective for surface sterilization of leaf and 70% ethanol (6 min), 3% sodium hypochlorite (1 min) followed by ethanol (30 sec) for bulb of Allium sativum. A total of 86 bacterial endophytes were recovered and screened for antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and Proteus. Out of 86 bacterial endophytes, only (9%) endophytes were found to be inhibiting one or all test human pathogen. The findings of the present study suggest that use of optimized sterilization conditions are effective for removing surface bacterial strains without affecting endophytes as well as the Allium sativum plant of the Jaunpur district represents an excellent reservoir of endophytic bacteria and novel source of bioactive compounds. On the other hand different concentration and time of their exposure to different parts of plant is required for proper surface sterilization of that part and isolation of endophytes.

Submerged production of mycelium biomass and bioactive compounds from P. ostreatus in a controlled fermentation medium

Pleurotus ostreatus is commonly consumed mushroom species around the world due to its unique taste, flavor, and presence of biologically active compounds. The current study investigated the biological activities of P. ostreatus in submerged cultivation. Cultivation factors such as pH, temperature, inoculum density, and cultivation time with different carbon and nitrogen sources were optimized to obtain a high yield of biomass and exopolysaccharides (EPSs). The maximum biomass and EPS obtained were 24.66 ± 0.2 g/L and 4.8 ± 0.1 g/L respectively. The protein content and total phenolic content (TPC) were achieved as 0.936 ± 0.005 g/L and 16.484 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g respectively at 12th day of cultivation. Antioxidant activity of P. ostreatus was obtained as 49.59 ± 1.09%. Under optimized conditions, the P. ostreatus was also cultivated in a rotary bed reactor (RBR). Furthermore, different kinetic models were studied to observe the growth behaviour of mycelium biomass. The best fit was obtained for the contois model, which gave the maximum specific growth rate (µmax, hr−1) of 0.0235 hr−1 and R2 value of 0.976.

Exploring low-dose gamma radiation effects on monoterpene biosynthesis in Thymus vulgaris: insights into plant defense mechanisms.

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, is a plant renowned for producing monoterpenes. This study aimed to understand the effects of low-dose gamma radiation, specifically in the range of 1-5Gy, on various traits of Thymus vulgaris, providing context on its importance in agricultural and medicinal applications. The research explored morpho-physiological, biochemical, and gene-expression responses in thyme plants under no gamma- and gamma-ray exposure conditions. The study revealed complex relationships between gamma-ray doses and plant characteristics. In particular, shoot and root lengths initially increased with low doses (1-3Gy) but decreased at higher doses (5Gy), suggesting a dose-dependent threshold effect. Similarly, shoot and root fresh weights displayed an initial increase followed by a decline with increasing doses. Biochemical parameters showed dose-dependent responses, with low to moderate doses (1-3Gy) stimulating enzyme activities and high doses (5Gy) inhibiting them. Gene expression analysis was focused on the following specific genes: thymol synthase, γ-terpinene synthase, and carvacrol synthase. Low to moderate doses increased the expression of these genes, resulting in increased production of bioactive compounds. However, higher doses had diminished effects or suppressed gene expression. Metabolite analysis demonstrated dose-dependent responses, with moderate doses enhancing secondary metabolite production, while higher doses provided limited benefits. These findings underscore the implications of using gamma radiation to enhance secondary metabolite production in plants and its potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and environmental science. The study emphasizes the potential of gamma radiation as an external stressor to influence plant responses and highlights the importance of understanding such effects in various fields.

Enhancing bioactive compound production in Salvia mirzayanii through elicitor application: Insights from in vitro and in silico studies

The use of elicitors stimulates the biosynthesis of diverse and unique plant compounds, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly method to access a wide range of potential therapeutics. This study aimed to assess the foliar application of various concentrations of elicitors, namely yeast extract, salicylic acid, and chitosan, on the metabolite profiling and biological activity of Salvia mirzayanii. Furthermore, in silico predictions were conducted to assess the molecular interactions between the ligands identified through GC/MS analysis and bacterial targets. Extracts obtained from treated plants exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with an IC50 range of 0.066–0.511 mg/mL, and higher antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, with a minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) range of 1.0–5.0 mg/mL, compared to untreated plants. Additionally, it was observed that 4 g/L yeast extract, 1 g/L yeast extract, 0.5 mmol/L salicylic acid, and 0.2 mmol/L chitosan showed the highest levels of stimulation in the production of novel compounds in S. mirzayanii compared to control plants. Moreover, in silico molecular docking analysis indicated that all ligands effectively bound to the active site of the S. aureus MetRS and FtsA proteins. The pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that sclareol oxide was identified as a safe ligand. Its dynamic behavioral characteristics within the protein complexes displayed high stability and a significantly stronger interaction with MetRS, with a free binding energy of −60.859 kJ/mol. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of elicitor application in S. mirzayanii, as it enhances the production of bioactive compounds, emphasizing its therapeutic potential in functional foods.

Investigation of Effects of Novel Bifidobacterium longum ssp. longum on Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Blood Serum Parameters in a Conventional Mouse Model.

Representatives of the genus Bifidobacterium are widely used as probiotics to modulate the gut microbiome and alleviate various health conditions. The action mechanisms of probiotics rely on their direct effect on the gut microbiota and the local and systemic effect of its metabolites. The main purpose of this animal experiment was to assess the biosafety of the Bifidobacterium longum strain BIOCC1719. Additional aims were to characterise the influence of the strain on the intestinal microbiota and the effect on several health parameters of the host during 15- and 30-day oral administration of the strain to mice. The strain altered the gut microbial community, thereby altering luminal short-chain fatty acid metabolism, resulting in a shift in the proportions of acetic, butyric, and propionic acids in the faeces and serum of the test group mice. Targeted metabolic profiling of serum revealed the possible ability of the strain to positively affect the hosts' amino acids and bile acids metabolism, as the cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, aspartate, and glutamate concentration were significantly higher in the test group. The tendency to increase anti-inflammatory polyamines (spermidine, putrescine) and neuroprotective 3-indolepropionic acid metabolism and to lower uremic toxins (P-cresol-SO4, indoxyl-SO4) was registered. Thus, B. longum BIOCC1719 may exert health-promoting effects on the host through modulation of the gut microbiome and the host metabolome via inducing the production of health-promoting bioactive compounds. The health effects of the strain need to be confirmed in clinical trials with human volunteers.

Oxidative Stress Response Mechanisms Sustain the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Quercus ilex.

The development of new natural antibiotics is considered as the heart of several investigations in the nutraceutical field. In this work, leaves of Quercus ilex L. treated by tropospheric ozone (O3) and nitrogen (N) deposition, exhibited a clear antimicrobial efficacy against five multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains (two gram-positive and three gram-negative). Under controlled conditions, it was studied how simulated N deposition influences the response to O3 and the antibacterial and antioxidant activity, and antioxidant performance. The extraction was performed by ultra-pure acetone using two different steps. A higher antioxidant activity was measured in the presence of interaction between O3 and N treatments on Quercus leaves. At the same time, all organic extracts tested have shown bacteriostatic activity against all the tested strains with a MIC comprised between 9 and 4 micrograms/mL, and a higher antioxidant efficacy shown by spectrophotometric assay. Stronger antimicrobial activity was found in the samples treated with O3, whereas N-treated plants exhibited an intermediate antibacterial performance. This performance is related to the stimulation of the non-enzymatic antioxidant system induced by the oxidative stress, which results in an increase in the production of antimicrobial bioactive compounds.

Exploring the Biochemical Profiles of Medicinal Plants Cultivated Under Stressful Environmental Conditions

The therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, attributed to diverse bioactive chemicals, is impacted by dynamic metabolic changes under environmental stressors such as salt, drought, and heavy metal exposure. This study aimed to elucidate the biochemical alterations in stressed medicinal plants and their implications for therapeutic qualities. Two groups of plants were compared: one cultivated in optimal conditions, serving as a control, and the other exposed to stressors mimicking real-world scenarios. Biochemical parameters, including total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and specific secondary metabolites, were assessed using established analytical methods. In a case study involving Aloe vera under elevated soil salinity, a significant decrease in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was observed. Surprisingly, aloin, an anti-inflammatory bioactive compound, exhibited notable upregulation. Stress-induced biochemical variations in medicinal plants differed significantly from those in ideal conditions, demonstrating adaptive responses, including modulation of secondary metabolite synthesis. While certain stresses led to an overall decrease in secondary metabolites, specific instances showed an overexpression of beneficial chemicals. Exploring drought stress in Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Vitis vinifera, and Artemisia tridentata, revealed a marked reduction in flavonoids and specific secondary metabolites. The study aimed to establish connections between metabolic alterations and stress-adaptive reactions. The findings contribute to understanding how environmental stress influences the therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plants and shed light on the molecular pathways governing stress-induced changes. In the investigation of heavy metal exposure, Hypericum perforatum, and Coriandrum sativum subjected to cadmium-contaminated soil exhibited an overall decline in secondary metabolites, including reduced hypericin content. Contrarily, hyperforin, linked to antidepressant properties, experienced a significant increase. These results have implications for pharmaceutical applications, sustainable farming practices, and the conservation of medicinal plant biodiversity amidst changing environmental dynamics. The study underscores the intricate relationship between environmental stressors and the biochemical makeup of medicinal plants, emphasizing their resilience and capacity to produce valuable bioactive molecules in challenging conditions. The comparative biochemical analysis of stressed medicinal plants involves assessing various parameters to comprehend how stress influences plant metabolism and bioactive compound production.

Prospects of Plant Derived Bioactive Compounds as Nanoparticles for Biotechnological Applications.

Nanoparticles bestow beneficial impacts on plants, specifically in increasing photosynthetic capacity and germination rate, pesticide delivery, managing pathogenicity and enhancing nutrient supply. The nanoparticles produced from the medicinal plant extracts are identified as an exceptional applicant in nanomedicine, cosmetics, and agriculture for the treatment of diseases as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer agents, etc. Plant extracts actually have bioactive metabolites that provide therapeutic potential against a variety of diseases. Herein, we review the production of bioactive compounds from leaves, roots, seeds, flowers and stems. We further summarize the different methods for obtaining plant extracts and the green technologies for the synthesis of nanoparticles of plant derived bioactive compounds. Biotechnological aspects of these synthesized nanoparticles are also added here as highlights of this review. Overall, plant derived nanoparticles provide an alternative to conventional approaches for drug delivery as well and present exciting opportunities for future research on novel areas.

Butyrate as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders

Maintaining an optimum microbial community within the gastrointestinal tract is intricately linked to human metabolic, immune and brain health. Disturbance to these microbial populations perturbs the production of vital bioactive compounds synthesised by the gut microbiome, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Of the SCFAs, butyrate is known to be a major source of energy for colonocytes and has valuable effects on the maintenance of intestinal epithelium and blood brain barrier integrity, gut motility and transit, anti-inflammatory effects, and autophagy induction. Inducing endogenous butyrate production is likely to be beneficial for gut-brain homeostasis and for optimal neuronal function. For these reasons, butyrate has gained interest as a potential therapy for not only metabolic and immunological disorders, but also conditions related to the brain, including neurodegenerative diseases. While direct and indirect sources of butyrate, including prebiotics, probiotics, butyrate pro-drugs and glucosidase inhibitors, offer a promising therapeutic avenue, their efficacy and dosage in neurodegenerative conditions remain largely unknown. Here, we review current literature on effects of butyrate relevant to neuronal function, the impact of butyrate in a range of neurodegenerative diseases and related treatments that may have potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Genomic and physiological characterization of Kitasatospora sp. nov., an actinobacterium with potential for biotechnological application isolated from Cerrado soil.

An Actinobacteria - Kitasatospora sp. K002 - was isolated from the soil of Cerrado, a savanna-like Brazilian biome. Herein, we conducted a phylogenetic, phenotypic and physiological characterization, revealing its potential for biotechnological applications. Kitasatospora sp. K002 is an aerobic, non-motile, Gram-positive bacteria that forms grayish-white mycelium on solid cultures and submerged spores with vegetative mycelia on liquid cultures. The strain showed antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Genomic analysis indicated that Kitasatospora xanthocidica JCM 4862 is the closest strain to K002, with a dDDH of 32.8-37.8% and an ANI of 86.86% and the pangenome investigations identified a high number of rare genes. A total of 60 gene clusters of 22 different types were detected by AntiSMASH, and 22 gene clusters showed low similarity (< 10%) with known compounds, which suggests the potential production of novel bioactive compounds. In addition, phylogenetic analysis and morphophysiological characterization clearly distinguished Kitasatospora sp. K002 from other related species. Therefore, we propose that Kitasatospora sp. K002 should be recognized as a new species of the genus Kitasatospora - Kitasatospora brasiliensis sp. nov. (type strains = K002).

NaCl elicitation enhances metabolite accumulation and stress resilience in Inula crithmoides L. shoot cultures: implications for its nutritional and medicinal value

This study explored the impact of sodium chloride (NaCl) elicitation on the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites and the oxidative stress responses of Inula crithmoides L. (golden samphire) in vitro shoot cultures. Elicitation involved applying different concentrations of NaCl (0, 50, 100, and 200 mM) for 4 weeks. This was followed by assessing its impact on plant growth, physiological parameters (pigments, hydrogen peroxide content, total soluble sugars and proteins, and proline), and secondary metabolism (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, shikimic acid, phenolics, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids) in the shoots. The extracts were also analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The NaCl elicitation did not affect shoot growth but increased physiological functions such as photosynthesis and oxidative stress management under moderate salinity levels. In addition, NaCl treatments increased the synthesis of soluble sugars and proteins, particularly proline, as well as bioactive phenolics such as gentisic acid, chlorogenic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and naringenin-7-O-glucoside. The NaCl elicitation in golden samphire shoot cultures offers a significant method for enhancing the production of important nutritional and bioactive compounds. This underscores the species’ potential for cultivation in saline environments and provides valuable prospects for its utilization in the health and nutrition sectors.

Upregulated synthesis and production of bioactive compounds in Lotus arabicus L. by in vitro feeding with dried powder of date palm seeds

BackgroundPlants are considered the primary source of many principal bioactive compounds that have been utilized in a wide range of applications including the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Therefore, there is an imperative need to modulate the production of natural bioactive components. The present study aimed to determine the importance of dried and pulverized date palm seeds (DPS) as a natural elicitor for the synthesis of secondary metabolites in Lotus arabicus L.ResultsThe presence of various antioxidant compounds, simple sugars, amino acids, fatty acids and reasonable mineral contents was distinct in the phytochemical characterization of DPS. The major components detected in DPS analysis were the 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyranone. The induced callus of L. arabicus (seven weeks old) was supplemented with DPS at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 and 10 g/l) in culture media. Treatment with 8 g/l DPS induced the highest antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid content and secondary metabolites (total phenolics and flavonoids) in the produced callus. Stress biomarkers (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde) were found in the control ranges except at 10 g/l DPS. The expression patterns of key genes involoved in secondary metabolism modulation, such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavonol synthase (FLS) and deoxyxylulose phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), were triggered after DPS treatments. Moreover, the quantitative profiling of phenolic and flavonoid compounds showed that supplementation with DPS, especially at 8 g/l, led to pronounced increases in most of the measured compounds.ConclusionThe marked upregulation of eliciting-responsive genes and overproduction of secondary metabolites provide molecular-based evidence for intensifying the principal pathways of phenylpropanoid, flavonoid and terpenoid biosynthesis. Overall, the present in vitro study highlights the stimulating capacity of DPS utilization to improve the bioactive components of L. arabicus at the physiological and molecular levels, enhancing its potential as a medicinal herb.

Effect of geographical origin on the chemical characteristics of Q. canariensis acorns: profiling fatty acids, tocopherols, and phenolic composition

The impact of geographical origin on the chemical composition of acorns from Quercus species has significant attention. This study aimed to explore the phenolic composition of methanolic extracts, tocopherol content, and fatty acid composition of acorn oils from six different populations of Q. canariensis acorns. The obtained results revealed that acorn oil from BniMtir exhibited high levels of α-tocopherol (58 mg/kg). The fatty acids identified across all samples were Z-vaccenic + oleic acids (38.44–58.58%). In addition, the data highlighted the presence of quinic (32.514–60.216 µg/g DW) and gallic acids (1.674–10.849 µg/g DW), as well as catechin (+) (0.096–12.647 µg/g DW) in all populations. These variations in chemical composition from different regions are likely linked to their geographical origin. In conclusion, this study’s finding should significance for the industry, offering valuable insights into the potential production of bioactive compounds from Q. canariensis acorns, which could have various applications.

Ozone Treatment as an Approach to Induce Specialized Compounds in Melissa officinalis Plants.

Plants are constantly subjected to environmental changes that deeply affect their metabolism, leading to the inhibition or synthesis of "specialized" compounds, small organic molecules that play a fundamental role in adaptative responses. In this work, Melissa officinalis L. (an aromatic plant broadly cultivated due to the large amounts of secondary metabolites) plants were exposed to realistic ozone (O3) dosages (80 ppb, 5 h day-1) for 35 consecutive days with the aim to evaluate its potential use as elicitor of specialized metabolite production. Ozone induced stomatal dysfunction throughout the whole experiment, associated with a low photosynthetic performance, a decrease in the potential energy conversion activity of PSII, and an alteration in the total chlorophyll content (-35, -36, -10, and -17% as average compared to the controls, respectively). The production of hydrogen peroxide at 7 days from the beginning of exposure (+47%) resulted in lipid peroxidation and visible injuries. This result suggests metabolic disturbance within the cell and a concomitant alteration in cell homeostasis, probably due to a limited activation of antioxidative mechanisms. Moderate accumulated doses of O3 triggered the accumulation of hydroxycinnamic acids and the up-regulation of the genes encoding enzymes involved in rosmarinic acid, phenylpropanoid, and flavonoid biosynthesis. While high accumulated doses of O3 significantly enhanced the content of hydroxybenzoic acid and flavanone glycosides. Our study shows that the application of O3 at the investigated concentration for a limited period (such as two/three weeks) may become a useful tool to stimulate bioactive compounds production in M. officinalis.