Bioactive Constituents Research Articles

Oregano and thyme by-products of olive oil aromatization process with microwave assisted extraction as a rich source of bio-active constituents

IntroductionProcessing of Medicinal Aromatic Plants (MAPs) results in the production of a significant amount of by-products, which are not commercially exploitable. Towards this direction, we studied extensively the by-products of oregano and thyme, remaining after the aromatization of olive oils with microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The purpose of the study was the exploitation of the “wastes” of these two economically significant herbs of Greece, for the potential development of innovative bioactive products.MethodsHence, superior and inferior quality plant material from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum and Thymus vulgaris, were extracted with extra virgin olive oil using MAE. For the evaluation of raw plant material, beside the characterization of the essential oils (EOs), the hydroalcoholic extracts of superior and inferior plant material were afforded by ultrasound assistant extraction (UAE). In addition, the remaining plant material after the flavoring of olive oil by MAE, was extracted with c-Hex, MeOH, H2O:MeOH using UAE. All the extracts were evaluated for their DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (TPC) as well as their chemical profile was investigated by HPTLC. In parallel, the EOs, the olive oils and the c-Hex extracts were analyzed by GC–MS and Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME)-GC–MS.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the composition of the EOs and the volatile fraction of the olive oil extracts were similar for the superior quality material whereas for the inferior the composition of the volatile fraction of olive oil extracts was not analogous to the respective EOs. GC–MS analyses of oregano and thyme by-products revealed the presence of carvacrol, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene among the major constituents. Moreover, the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the plant material remaining after olive oil flavoring with MAE showed similar phenolic content and scavenging activity with the hydroalcoholic extracts of the corresponding raw plant materials underlying their potent use in the preparation of high-added value products such as nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals as well as enriched animal nutrition products.

Influence of Sporophyte Emergence on Phytochemical Constituents and Antimicrobial Activity of Hyophila Involuta (Pottiaceae) – A Bryophyte Species

Hyophila involuta (Hook) Jaeg., a sample collected from a natural population in the Biological Garden, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, was sorted into non-sporophytic and sporophytic gametophytes. This was with a view to investigating the possible influence of sporophyte emergence on the bioactive constituents and the antimicrobial potentials of the moss plant. Aqueous extracts of each of the non-sporophytic and the sporophytic gametophyte samples were prepared, and each was subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, and antimicrobial potentials tests on selected bacteria and fungi following standard procedures. The results showed both extracts testing positive for alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, and steroids. Quantitatively, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides concentrations were higher in the non-sporophytic than in the sporophytic gametophytes. Nevertheless, the saponins content was higher in sporophytic gametophytes. GC-MS analyses revealed 40 and 46 bioactive compounds in the non-sporophytic and the sporophytic gametophyte samples respectively. The most prominent compound was 1, 13-tetradecadiene (13.62%) in the non-sporophytic gametophyte but cycloheptasiloxane tetradecamethyl- (13.78%) in the sporophytic game-tophyte. Furthermore, the sporophytic gametophyte extract inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida pseudotropicalis while the non-sporophytic gametophyte extract only inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 40 mg/mL except for C. pseudotropicalis (20 mg/mL). This study, therefore, provided insight for investigating the medicinal values of bryophytes and concluded that the emergence of sporophytes on gametophytes of a bryophyte species can vary significantly the synthesis of its biologically active compounds and its antimicrobial activity.

Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the regulation of phlorizin synthesis in Lithocarpus polystachyus under nitrogen fertilization

BackgroundNitrogen (N) is essential for plant growth and development. In Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd., a species known for its medicinal and food value, phlorizin is the major bioactive compound with pharmacological activity. Research has revealed a positive correlation between plant nitrogen (N) content and phlorizin synthesis in this species. However, no study has analyzed the effect of N fertilization on phlorizin content and elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying phlorizin synthesis in L. polystachyus.ResultsA comparison of the L. polystachyus plants grown without (0 mg/plant) and with N fertilization (25, 75, 125, 175, 225, and 275 mg/plant) revealed that 75 mg N/plant fertilization resulted in the greatest seedling height, ground diameter, crown width, and total phlorizin content. Subsequent analysis of the leaves using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) detected 150 metabolites, including 42 flavonoids, that were differentially accumulated between the plants grown without and with 75 mg/plant N fertilization. Transcriptomic analysis of the L. polystachyus plants via RNA sequencing revealed 162 genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, among which 53 significantly differed between the N-treated and untreated plants. Fertilization (75 mg N/plant) specifically upregulated the expression of the genes phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), and phlorizin synthase (PGT1) but downregulated the expression of trans-cinnamate 4-monooxygenase (C4H), shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HCT), and chalcone isomerase (CHI), which are related to phlorizin synthesis. Finally, an integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome revealed that the increase in phlorizin after N fertilization was consistent with the upregulation of phlorizin biosynthetic genes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR) was used to validate the RNA sequencing data. Thus, our results indicated that N fertilization increased phlorizin metabolism in L. polystachyus by regulating the expression levels of the PAL, PGT1, 5-O-(4-coumaroyl)-D-quinate 3’-monooxygenase (C3’H), C4H, and HCT genes.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that the addition of 75 mg/plant N to L. polystachyus significantly promoted the accumulation of flavonoids, including phlorizin, and the expression of flavonoid synthesis-related genes. Under these conditions, the genes PAL, 4CL, and PGT1 were positively correlated with phlorizin accumulation, while C4H, CHI, and HCT were negatively correlated with phlorizin accumulation. Therefore, we speculate that PAL, 4CL, and PGT1 participate in the phlorizin pathway under an optimal N environment, regulating phlorizin biosynthesis. These findings provide a basis for improving plant bioactive constituents and serve as a reference for further pharmacological studies.

A review on mushrooms as a versatile therapeutic agent with emphasis on its bioactive constituents for anticancer and antioxidant potential

A review on mushrooms as a versatile therapeutic agent with emphasis on its bioactive constituents for anticancer and antioxidant potential

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.

Tunisian Artemisia campestris L.: a potential therapeutic agent against myeloma - phytochemical and pharmacological insights

BackgroundArtemisia campestris L. (AC) leaves are widely recognized for their importance in traditional medicine. Despite the considerable amount of research conducted on this plant overworld, the chemical composition and the biological activity of the leaves grown in Tunisia remains poorly investigated. In this study of AC, a successive extraction method was employed (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) to investigate its bioactive constituents by LC-MS analysis, and their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities.ResultsData analysis revealed diverse compound profiles in AC extracts. Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited higher polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities, while Hexane showed superior phytosterol extraction. Ethyl acetate extract displayed potent antibacterial activity against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, all extracts demonstrated, for the first time, robust antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Cytotoxicity assays revealed the significant impact of methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts on metastatic breast cancer and multiple myeloma, examined for the first time in our study. Moreover, further analysis on multiple myeloma cells highlighted that the ethyl acetate extract induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death and resulted in an S phase cell cycle blockage, underscoring its therapeutic potential.ConclusionsThis investigation uncovers novel findings in Tunisian AC, notably the identification of lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The study sheds light on the promising role of AC extracts in therapeutic interventions and underscores the need for continued research to harness its full potential in medicine and pharmaceutical development.

Effects of Dietary Microalgae Inclusion on Feed Utilization, Morphological and Chemical Characteristics and Body Health in Fish: Advantages and Disadvantages

Effects of Dietary Microalgae Inclusion on Feed Utilization, Morphological and Chemical Characteristics and Body Health in Fish: Advantages and Disadvantages

Phytoconstituents of Nymphaea rubra flowers and their anti-diabetic metabolic targets

Nymphaea rubra (N. rubra) flowers are prevalent in subtropical regions for both dietary and traditional medicinal purposes, attributing to their beneficial properties in supporting overall health. This study first time provides descriptions of the antidiabetic and dyslipidemic properties employing STZ induced high fat diet fed diabetic rats and inhibition of α-amylase enzyme activity first by in vitro analyses, followed by a confirmatory in silico study to create a stronger biochemical rationale. Furthermore, in 3 T3-L1 cells, this extract promoted the suppression of adipogenesis. GC–MS investigation of the ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract of N. rubra flowers revealed the presence of marker compounds of N. rubra, Nuciferine, and Apomorphine, which were the focus of molecular docking studies. The acquired concentrations of Nuciferine (22.39%) and 10, 11-dimethoxy-Apomorphine (1.47%) were detected. Together with other alkaloids identified by GC–MS analysis from this extract, mechanistically suggested that it might be caused by the synergistic impact of these bioactive chemicals. Molecular docking has been done to check the binding affinities of various isolated phytochemicals with HPAA, the dose-response effect of 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of flower extract after 30 days showed a significant effect on body weight, food, water intake, serum insulin, FBG, OGTT, lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin, liver and kidney function test. Kidney histopathology results show a significant effect. These findings offer a strong foundation for the potential application of the ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract from Nymphaea rubra flowers and its bioactive constituent in an in vivo system for the treatment and control of diabetes and its associated condition dyslipidemia.

Effects of the Allium jesdianum extract on calcium oxalate crystallization with purification and identification of its major compounds

Allium jesdianum, a plant utilized in traditional Iranian medicine, has been historically recognized for its efficacy in countering urolithiasis and alleviating kidney pain. In this study, we investigated the hydroalcoholic extract of A. jesdianum for its potential inhibitory effects on calcium oxalate crystallization (in vitro).The study employed spectrophotometric analysis and microscopic observation to quantify sodium oxalate-induced crystallization, nucleation, and aggregation. The extract of A. jesdianum at concentration of 32 mg/mL exhibited significant potential in inhibiting crystal growth, aggregation, and reducing crystal particle size. Phytochemical analysis of the extract disclosed the presence of three known phenolic and two identified steroid compounds, offering initial insights into its bioactive constituents. A. jesdianum emerges as a promising candidate for the development of plant-based oxalate anticrystallization drugs. The therapeutic mechanisms might be attributed to pain control and the presence of phenolic compounds acting as free radical scavengers, disrupting stone formation signaling pathways. However, further investigation is required to elucidate specific chemical structures related to these activities.

Potentialities of Dandelion (Taraxacum Mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) Flower Extracts on Gastric Protection against Helicobacter Pylori and Characterization of its Bioactive Constituents.

Dandelion has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Our study aimed to identify the effect and mechanism of dandelion flower extracts on H. pylori-induced gastritis and screen for novel antimicrobial substances. Anti-H. pylori activities of water extracts(WEDF) and ethanol extracts (EEDF) of dandelion flowers were performed with disk diffusion method assay, MIC, and MBC. The H. pylori-induced model was constructed to examine the gastroprotective of EEDF using RUT, pathological analysis, and ELISA. EEDF exhibited better anti- H. pylori and urease inhibition activities than WEDF. In vivo studies, EEDF can reduce the adhesion of H. pylori to the gastric mucosa, alleviate gastric damage, and concurrently reduce the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in gastric tissues. The six phenolic compounds showed urease inhibition effect (IC50: 2.99±0.15 to 66.08±6.46 mmol/mL). Among them, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and luteolin also had anti-H. pylori activity (MIC: 64-256 μg/mL). EEDF exhibited anti-H. pylori, gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Chicoric acid and luteolin may be the main active compounds of dandelion flowers to exert anti-H. pylori, and worthy of further investigation.

Major biochemical constituents of Premna integrifolia extract: A Review of chemical analysis

Premna integrifolia (Ganimari) is a precise widespread medicinal herb developed mainly in Sri Lanka and different regions of India. The plant grows wild in coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India. Premna integrifolia, a valuable herb in Ayurveda, has many health advantages including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiarthritic, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, antidiabetic, CNS stimulant, hepatoprotective, cardiac stimulant, hypolipidemic and neurodegenerative disease-fighting properties. This review discusses the challenges and analytical approaches for determining the chemical components of Premna integrifolia, both quantitatively and qualitatively. This review also provides a thorough analysis of the methods used to accurately characterize the chemical profile of Premna integrifolia extract. The effectiveness of analytical methods like chromatography, UV-spectroscopy and mass spectrometry in identifying and quantifying bioactive constituents is being investigated.

Codonopsis radix: a review of resource utilisation, postharvest processing, quality assessment, and its polysaccharide composition.

Codonopsis radix is the dried root of C. pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., C. pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen, or C. tangshen Oliv., constitutes a botanical medicine with a profound historical lineage. It encompasses an array of bioactive constituents, including polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, conferring upon it substantial medicinal and edible values. Consequently, it has garnered widespread attention from numerous scholars. In recent years, driven by advancements in modern traditional Chinese medicine, considerable strides have been taken in exploring resources utilization, traditional processing, quality evaluation and polysaccharide research of Codonopsis radix. However, there is a lack of systematic and comprehensive reporting on these research results. This paper provides a summary of recent advances in Codonopsis research, identifies existing issues in Codonopsis studies, and offers insights into future research directions. The aim is to provide insights and literature support for forthcoming investigations into Codonopsis.

Damakase (<i>Ocimum lamiifolum</i> Hochest ex Benth): A Medicinal Plant Used in Ethiopian Traditional Medicine: A Critical Review

Damakase (<i>Ocimum lamiifolum </i>Hochest ex Benth) is a traditional medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family and a popular home remedy in Ethiopia. It is a well-known and widely used ancient therapeutic herb in various regions of the nation. The utilization of plant leaves for medicinal purposes is primarily due to their rich content of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Consequently, this plant is employed in the management of a condition referred to as 'Mich' in Ethiopia. Additionally, it is frequently used to address diverse health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory conditions, pyrexia, and respiratory ailments. Moreover, the essential oil derived from Ocimum lamiifolium consists of specific chemical constituents, such as alkaloids, sterols, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, bornyl acetate, p-cymene, camphene, α-pinene, and sabinene. Bioactive constituents, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, exhibit antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the potential applications of damakase essential oils as natural preservatives in the food and cosmetic sectors have been recognized. The essential oil is deemed safe and non-hazardous, displaying no mutagenic or cytotoxic effects. Despite the extensive historical use of this traditional medicinal plant in Ethiopia, the limited scientific investigations on its genetic improvement, cultivation practices, and integration into modern healthcare pose a notable challenge. This review aims to furnish a comprehensive discourse on the historical and contemporary applications of traditional damakase in Ethiopian traditional medicine.

Ethnobotany and Phytochemical Composition of Alchornea Cordifolia in Abia State Nigeria

Alchornea cordifolia is one of the medicinal plants used in treatment of several medical challenges in Nigeria. The study was carried out to document the medicinal values of different parts of A. cordifolia in Ekebedi Oboro ancient Kingdom, and profile its bioactive constituents. The ethno-botanical survey involved oral interview of 81 randomly selected traditional medicine doctors and natives on medicinal values of A. cordifolia. The survey showed that A cordifolia is a major herb used in the treatment of various diseases in the ancient Kingdom and it is prescribed in different treatment regimens; coughs, bronchitis, post-partum bleeding, lacerations, wounds, vaginitis, diarrhea, sickle cell anaemia, venereal diseases including gonorhhea, and syphilis, and prostatitis. GC-MS fingerprinting was adopted to determine the bioactive constituents of methanol leaf extract of the plant. Phytochemical fingerprinting revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds as the major active ingredients of the plant. A total of 27 fatty acids and volatile hydrocarbons were detected in the leaf extract of the plant with 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- methyl ester (18.42%), 9-Octadecanoic acid methyl ester (19.93%), Dodecanoic acid 1,2,3-propanetrieyl (15.87%) as most abundant ingredients. These phytochemical compounds of A. cordifolia possibly underscored its antimicrobial and therapeutic action and explains why natives use them in traditional medicine.

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of Berberis vulgaris (L.) Stem Bark Dry Extract.

Berberis vulgaris (L.) has remarkable ethnopharmacological properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. The present study investigated B. vulgaris stem bark (Berberidis cortex) by extraction with 50% ethanol. The main secondary metabolites were quantified, resulting in a polyphenols content of 17.6780 ± 3.9320 mg Eq tannic acid/100 g extract, phenolic acids amount of 3.3886 ± 0.3481 mg Eq chlorogenic acid/100 g extract and 78.95 µg/g berberine. The dried hydro-ethanolic extract (BVE) was thoroughly analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) and HPLC, and 40 bioactive phenolic constituents were identified. Then, the antioxidant potential of BVE was evaluated using three methods. Our results could explain the protective effects of Berberidis cortex EC50FRAP = 0.1398 mg/mL, IC50ABTS = 0.0442 mg/mL, IC50DPPH = 0.2610 mg/mL compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.0165 mg/mL). Next, the acute toxicity and teratogenicity of BVE and berberine-berberine sulfate hydrate (BS)-investigated on Daphnia sp. revealed significant BS toxicity after 24 h, while BVE revealed considerable toxicity after 48 h and induced embryonic developmental delays. Finally, the anticancer effects of BVE and BS were evaluated in different tumor cell lines after 24 and 48 h of treatments. The MTS assay evidenced dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative activity, which was higher for BS than BVE. The strongest diminution of tumor cell viability was recorded in the breast (MDA-MB-231), colon (LoVo) cancer, and OSCC (PE/CA-PJ49) cell lines after 48 h of exposure (IC50 < 100 µg/mL). However, no cytotoxicity was reported in the normal epithelial cells (HUVEC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Extensive data analysis supports our results, showing a significant correlation between the BVE concentration, phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity, exposure time, and the viability rate of various normal cells and cancer cell lines.

IN VITRO ANTIOBESITY ACTIVITY OF SOME PLANTS THROUGH A MODIFIED LIPASE INHIBITION ASSAY

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antiobesity potential of various plant (leaves or seed) extracts through a modified in vitro lipase inhibitory activity assay. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO, negative control or solvent) extracts as cold infusion of leaves and seeds of some plants were studied for lipase inhibitory potential using porcine pancreatic lipase enzyme, p- nitro phenyl acetate and orlistat (as positive control or standard inhibitor). Among the leaves, the Urtica dioica showed the best pancreatic lipase inhibition activity (52.0 %). On the other hand, among the seeds, Trachyspermum ammi showed the highest per cent lipase inhibition (91.68 %). Among six leaves’ and seven seeds’ extract, it was evident that the seeds showed better pancreatic lipase inhibition activity over the leaves in the study. The lipase inhibition was found to be in the range of 34.43 to 91.68 % for the plants in study. DMSO extract of the plants under the study showed significant pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity indicating strong antiobesity activity. Therefore, the plants can be further investigated for the identification and isolation of chief bioactive constituents for developing the lead molecules for obesity treatment.

Room-temperature stable Perillaldehyde—Natural cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: Preparation, characterization, thermal stability, water solubility, antioxidant activity and slow–release performance

The compound Perillaldehyde (PA) is a bioactive constituent found in natural Perilla oil, exhibiting remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant activity. However, the instability of this compound caused by the easy oxidation of its aldehyde and olefin groups imposes limitations on its extensive applications. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective strategies for enhancing the stability of PA. This study focuses on utilizing a series of natural cyclodextrins (CDs) to synthesize inclusion complexes (ICs) with PA, aiming to improve water solubility and achieve exceptional stability at room temperature, which is essential for their potential applications in biomedicine or food industries. The hydrophobic cavity of CDs can accommodate the hexatomic ring and hydrophobic chains of PA based on the well-known size-matching effect and hydrophobic interaction, thereby forming stable ICs. Additionally, the hydrophilic outer wall of CDs imparts excellent water solubility to ICs. Phase solubility investigations demonstrate successful construction of α-CD-PA IC and β-CD-PA IC with an inclusion ratio of 1:1. Their respective stability constant (KC) are determined as 342 L/mol and 180 L/mol, indicating superior stability for α-CD-PA IC compared to β-CD-PA IC. Conversely, γ-CD with a larger cavity fails to form a stable inclusion complex with PA due to inadequate size matching. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Hydrogen Spectroscopy (1H and 2D NMR) studies reveal that PA enters the CDs cavity (α-CD or β-CD) from its wide rim with almost the entire molecule being obliquely embedded within it. Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA) confirm that after inclusion with CDs, PA exhibits expected stability at 25 ℃. Furthermore, CDs-PA ICs demonstrate significantly improved water solubility compared to pure PA along with enhanced antioxidant activity and slow-release performance, rendering them highly favorable for various applications.

Bioactive Compounds and Nutritive Composition of Waste Seeds from Nicotiana tobacum L. (Solanaceae)

The investigation aims to elucidate the bioactive constituents present in waste seeds derived from Nicotiana tobacum L., there by contributing to a more holistic comprehension of the health-related implications associated with tobacco plants beyond conventional consumption concerns. Waste seeds from tobacco plants N. tobacum L. were grown during harvest 2021-2022 at the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Institute (part of Bulgarian Agriculture Academy). Chemical analysis of tobacco waste seeds (TWS) encompassed the examination of primary metabolites including lipids (32.1±1.0%), proteins (29.4±1.4 %), and carbohydrates (27.6±0.5 %). Furthermore, various lipid indices (Atherogenicity, Thrombogenicity, Hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic, etc.) were computed utilizing the fatty acid composition of the oil extracted from tobacco waste seeds. The results showed that TWS could be utilized with health benefits – seeds are a good resource for n-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid - 71.94±1.05 %) with good atherogenicity and thrombogenicity qualities and natural antioxidants.

Direct infusion mass spectrometric analysis of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine

For thousands years Ephedrae herba has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Its main bioactive constituents are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Nowadays, these alkaloids have found application in various clinical treatments, as sports-enhancing drugs and for the illicit production of amphetamine-like drugs. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are diastereomers, and because of their high polarity and similar pKa values, their chromatographic separation may be a challenge. In this study a possible application of direct infusion mass spectrometry and direct infusion tandem mass spectrometry has been proposed for differentiation of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine as well as the relative determination of the contents of these compounds in a mixture. At low collision energy condition, the ratio of relative abundances of ions [M+H–H2O]+ and [M+H]+ permit distinction of the analyzed diastereomers, and enable evaluation of their relative content in a mixture with no need of chromatographic separation. The performed quantum chemical calculation have shown that protonated pseudoephedrine contains stronger hydrogen bond than protonated ephedrine, which can justify the observed higher relative abundance of ion [M+H–H2O]+ in the mass spectrum of pseudoephedrine, in comparison to that of ephedrine.

Physicochemical, antioxidant activity, and sensory characteristics of mead produced with Hibiscus sabdariffa and Betula pendula (Birch sap)

Nowadays, consumers' preference for low-alcoholic beverages with health-promoting bioactive constituents is rapidly increasing. Thus, there is an increasing search for bioactive ingredients to enhance the nutritional values and related health benefits of beverages such as mead. Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) and Betula pendula (Birch sap) are plant materials rich in bioactive constituents that offer beneficial functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the study aimed to use HS and birch sap to produce a low-alcohol mead with improved bioactive constituents, sensory qualities, and antioxidant activity. Before fermentation (20 ± 1 °C, 21 days), honey-must (25%) was supplemented with HS brew (8, 19, 22, or 25%). The findings showed that the addition of HS extract had no negative effect on fermentation dynamics, as evidenced by a general decline in extract (%Brix) and simultaneous release of alcohol in both the control and HS-supplemented meads. HS meads had significantly lower alcohol content (3.22 ± 0.04–5.58 ± 0.04) than control meads (36.32 ± 0.04–7.17 ± 0.04). Also, the addition of HS and birch sap enhanced the bioactive elements and antioxidant activity of HS mead compared to the control meads. HS mead (HSC) had the highest (p < 0.05) total phenolic content (134.38 ± 0.83 mg QAE/L), total flavonoid content (117.88 ± 0.150 mg RE/L), and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant activity (65.83 ± 0.62%) among all the samples studied. Mead augmented with 1.8 L (HSC) was generally preferred by sensory panellists with an overall acceptability score of 7.67 ± 0.77. The results suggest that the addition of birch sap and HS will not change the fermentation kinetics but will improve the bioactive constituents and health-promoting benefits of the mead.