Bioactive Research Articles

Investigation of the mechanism of action of natural and synthetic monoterpenoids: for a new route in antimycotic molecules.

Monoterpenoids are well-recognized natural antimycotic agents, but their mechanism of action is still unclear. Interestingly, synthetic derivatives, as 4-bromothymol (4-bromo-2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) are emerging as promising alternatives to natural molecules, due to their even greater biological activity. Herein, the antimycotic efficacy of 4-bromothymol was evaluated: in-vivo experiments on species of acclaimed resistance demonstrated that 4-bromothymol had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) up to 6 times lower than thymol. In-silico investigations, sweeping from partition coefficient (LogP) determination, through density functional theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations based on a Minimum Bias Approach (MBA), supported its improved anti-fungal activity with respect to thymol, carvacrol and thymyl acetate. A structural insight of the mechanism of action is proposed. Even though all the analysed compounds are able to penetrate the cellular membrane, 4-bromothymol shows a higher predicted affinity for the bilayer and it causes a strong perturbation at the water/bilayer interface, altering the stability of the membrane, thus leading to cell death.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic effects of Caulerpa lentillifera extracts inducing cell apoptosis and sub-G/G0-G1 cell cycle arrest in KON oral cancer cells

BackgroundMarine algae have excellent phytoconstituents with notable biological activity and bioactive therapeutic benefits, but the anti-oral cancer activity of Caulerpa lentillifera (C. lentillifera) has not been widely studied. This study aimed to explore the anti-cancer properties of C. lentillifera to gain insights into possible treatment approaches.MethodsThe three C. lentillifera extracts were prepared using the maceration method with methanol (CLM), ethanol (CLE), and acetone (CLA). The chemical composition of extracts of C. lentillifera was investigated. Its metabolite profiles were selectively further investigated using the LC-QTOF MS/MS technique and their antioxidative activity was evaluated. The cytotoxic effect on KON cells and MRC-5 cells was assessed using the MTT test. Morphological changes and apoptosis were examined through Hoechst 33,258 and AO double staining, while DAPI and FDA double labeling were used to observe the nucleus and cytoplasm. Using a flow cytometer, the percentage of cell cycle arrest was calculated and the fraction of cell death was examined.ResultsThe CLA exhibited higher quantities of TPC, TFC, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b compared to the CLM and CLE. The LC-QTOF MS/MS analysis revealed ten major phytochemicals in the CLA. The three C. lentillifera extracts exhibited antioxidative activity, with the CLE demonstrating significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to the CLM and CLA. In-vitro, the KON oral cancer cells exhibited sensitivity to CLA, CLE, and CLM in that order. The three extracts induced ROS-mediated cell death as well as disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, with concentrations at IC40, IC60, and IC80 leading to apoptosis within 24 h. Furthermore, the cell cycle of KON cells was blocked in sub-G and G0-G1 by all three extracts. Notably, the extracts significantly impeded colony growth, migration, and invasion. The increase in cellular uptake was measured using the TEER test.ConclusionThe findings showed that C. lentillifera has several functional metabolites, antioxidative activity, and strong anti-tumor properties. According to these results, C. lentillifera extracts may be utilized to treat oral cancer.

Lactylation and Central Nervous System Diseases

As the final product of glycolysis, lactate serves as an energy substrate, metabolite, and signaling molecule in various diseases and mediates lactylation, an epigenetic modification that occurs under both physiological and pathological conditions. Lactylation is a crucial mechanism by which lactate exerts its functions, participating in vital biological activities such as glycolysis-related cellular functions, macrophage polarization, and nervous system regulation. Lactylation links metabolic regulation to central nervous system (CNS) diseases, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, acute ischemic stroke, and schizophrenia, revealing the diverse functions of lactylation in the CNS. In the future, further exploration of lactylation-associated enzymes and proteins is needed to develop specific lactylation inhibitors or activators, which could provide new tools and strategies for the treatment of CNS diseases.

Functional SELEX and Biomedical Applications of Aptamers: Beyond Molecular Recognition

Aptamers, developed through SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), are generally short oligonucleotide molecules with remarkable specificity and binding affinity to diverse biological targets. These molecules have shown promise across such fields as biosensing, molecular diagnostics, and bioimaging. However, while conventional aptamer selection strategies predominantly emphasize binding affinity, they overlook the broader spectrum of potential biological functionalities. This oversight results in aptamers that frequently exhibit limited capacity for direct biological regulation. This inherent limitation in the selection process significantly constrains both the widespread application of aptamers across diverse fields and their therapeutic potential as direct drug candidates. Functional SELEX represents an advancement by refining selection library construction and selection processes to create F‐aptamers that integrate precise molecular recognition with specific biological activities. F‐aptamers hold transformative potential as therapeutic agents, diagnostic tools, and molecular regulators, marking a significant step forward in biomedical applications. This minireview critically assesses recent developments in F‐aptamer SELEX strategies, addressing challenges and exploring opportunities for future research in this dynamic field.

Discovering the antibacterial activity of tryptanthrin derivatives for controlling kiwifruit canker and tobacco wilt disease.

Plant bacterial diseases have severely affected the yield and quality of agricultural products, among which kiwifruit canker and bacterial wilt disease, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) and Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), respectively, seriously restrict the development of the related industry. However, there are few effective green agents available to target these diseases. Herein, we synthesized 41 novel derivatives of the natural product tryptanthrin, among which partial compounds showed noticeable antibacterial activity against Psa and Rs. Compounds T7NO-4 and T7NH-2 can affect bacterial biofilm formation, change the membrane permeability, and cause bacterial necrosis. Compound T7NO-4 exhibits effective control activity against kiwifruit canker disease, with protective and curative efficiency of 75.61% and 66.84%, respectively. Compound T7NH-2 exhibits good protective activity against tobacco wilt disease but poor curative activity. To improve its curative activity, considering the characteristic that bacterial wilt disease is more prone to outbreak under weakly acidic soil conditions, introducing a ZIF-8 framework to make T7NH-2@ZIF-8 nanoparticles that exhibit pH-responsive release, then making T7NH-2@ZIF-8@TA through modifying with tannic acid (TA). T7NH-2@ZIF-8@TA nanoparticles exhibit superior efficacy against tobacco wilt disease. This study demonstrates that 7-piperazine tryptanthrin derivatives exhibit good inhibitory activity against Psa and Rs and may be promising lead agents against plant bacterial diseases, with improved biological activity through being loaded into nanocarriers. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis, Characterization and Anti-bacterial activity of Phenyl-D-Glucosazone

This study aims to describe the synthesis and determination of antibacterial activity of Phenyl-D-Glucosazone. Melting point and IR spectral data was confirm the structure of compound and antibacterial activity was characterized by the nature of biological activities. The antibacterial activity of the prepared compound was employed by using the agar well diffusion method and tested against Gram positive (S. aureus,) and Gram negative (Klebsiella pneumonia,) bacterial strain.

On the effectiveness of electrical characterization of mature Staphylococcal Biofilm

In this paper, the authors describe an experimental study carried out on biological samples consisting of a 96-h mature Methicillin-Resistant-Staphylococcus-Aureus biofilm. The initial objective was to electrically characterize the biofilm using impedance spectroscopy, by scanning a wide range of frequencies [1 Hz ÷ 10 MHz]. Concurrently, confocal microscopy observations, XTT assays, crystal violet staining method and colony-forming unit assay were performed to characterize the biological activity. The experimental investigation unexpectedly demonstrated that the reproducibility of measurement data was significantly affected by the destructive interaction between the electric field and the biofilm. This interaction was found to be strongly dependent on both the amplitude of the field and the exposure time. Moreover, a significative reduction of total biomass of the biofilm was found in a specific frequency range [10 kHz ÷ 100 kHz]. The results suggest several limitations of impedance spectroscopy as a tool for biofilm identification, since the “sample under test” must not be altered during the measurement process. Conversely, they demonstrate the deleterious impact of the electric field on the biofilm, thereby unveiling a potentially efficacious therapeutic paradigm for biofilm treatment. We expect that the open issues highlighted in this paper will be a source of inspiration for further understanding of the mechanism of interaction between the electric field and biofilm, both in terms of treatment and diagnosis.

Mannich Bases: Promising Scaffolds for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases.

Mannich bases, synthesized through the reaction of an aldehyde, a primary or secondary amine, and a compound bearing an acidic hydrogen atom, represent a versatile class of scaffolds in medicinal chemistry. This review explores their broad spectrum of biological activities, emphasizing their potential in combating infectious diseases. With demonstrated efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and parasites, Mannich bases stand out as promising candidates for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Their versatility arises from the ability of their electronic, steric, and conformational parameters to modulate receptor interactions, significantly expanding their applicability in drug design. The review provides an in-depth analysis of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of Mannich bases, highlighting how specific structural modifications enhance their biological activity. Additionally, it examines the lipophilic properties of these compounds, offering key insights into their influence on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This understanding is essential for optimizing the development of novel therapeutics, particularly for addressing challenging infectious diseases. By integrating these aspects, this review underscores the pivotal role of Mannich bases in overcoming current challenges in drug resistance and shaping the future of drug discovery and development.

Characterization, Synthesis, and Biological Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Produced via Green Synthesis Method Using Cordyceps Militaris Aqueous Extract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be produced in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner using a process that has gained significant attention called green synthesis. This study was designed to synthesize and characterize AgNPs using an aqueous solution of Cordyceps militaris, followed by an evaluation of their biological activities. Synthesis and characterization were confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, which revealed peaks at 2920.51[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], 1651[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and 1634[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], indicating multiple functional groups. Fourier transform-infrared and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses identified the presence of 30 compounds. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a distinct peak at 410[Formula: see text]nm, and scanning electron microscopy, at magnifications of 200[Formula: see text]000× and 50[Formula: see text]000×, provided visual confirmation of the nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction analysis further confirmed that the synthesized particles were AgNPs with a face-centered cubic crystal structure, showing additional peaks at [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in the diffractogram. Biologically, the AgNPs demonstrated antioxidant activity in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, with noteworthy inhibition observed at a concentration of 600[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g. The maximum inhibition, corresponding to antidiabetic activity, was also recorded at this concentration via in vitro assays. Additionally, the AgNPs exhibited strong antimicrobial potential against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In conclusion, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of AgNPs, suggesting their use as nanomedicine or phytomedicine for treating various ailments.

Examining Farnesyltransferase Interaction With Cell-Permeable CaaX Peptides and the Role of the CaaX Motif in Biological Activity.

Recently, we presented cell-permeable CaaX peptides as versatile tools to study intracellular prenylation of proteins. These peptides consist of a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) and a C-terminal CaaX motif derived from Ras proteins and demonstrated high cellular accumulation and the ability to influence Ras signaling in cancerous cells. Here, we aimed to gain a deeper insight into how such cell-permeable CaaX peptides, particularly the KRas4B-derived CaaX-1 peptide, interact with farnesyltransferase (FTase) and likely influence further intracellular processes. We show that CaaX-1 is farnesylated by FTase ex cellulo and that an intact CaaX motif is required for modification. A competition experiment revealed a slower farnesylation of CaaX-1 by FTase compared to a CaaX motif-containing control peptide. CaaX-1 inhibited farnesylation of this control peptide at considerably lower concentrations; thus, a higher affinity for FTase is hypothesized. Notably, AlphaFold3 not only predicted interactions between CaaX-1 and FTase but also suggested interactions between the peptide and geranylgeranyltransferase type I. This finding encourages further investigation, as cross-prenylation is a well-known drawback of FTase inhibitors. Our results are further evidence for the usefulness of CaaX peptides as tools to study and manipulate the prenylation of proteins. They offer real potential for the development of novel inhibitors targeting the prenylation pathway.

Role of Mushroom Polysaccharides in Modulation of GI Homeostasis and Protection of GI Barrier.

Edible and medicinal mushroom polysaccharides (EMMPs) have been widely studied for their various biological activities. It has been shown that EMMPs could modulate microbiota in the large intestine and improve intestinal health. However, the role of EMMPs in protecting the gastric barrier, regulating gastric microbiota, and improving gastric health cannot be ignored. Hence, this review will elucidate the effect of EMMPs on gastric and intestinal barriers, with emphasis on the interaction of EMMPs with microbiota in maintaining overall gastrointestinal health. Additionally, this review highlights the gastroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of EMMPs against gastric mucosa injury, gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer. Furthermore, the effects of EMMPs on intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and intestinal infection, are also summarized. This review will also discuss the future perspective and challenges in the use of EMMPs as a dietary supplement or a nutraceutical in preventing and treating gastrointestinal diseases.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Paullinia cupana Kunth Leaf Extract Collected in Different Seasons: Biological Studies and Catalytic Properties

Background: Paullinia cupana Kunth, popularly known as guarana, a native Amazonian shrub cultivated by the Sateré-Mawé ethnic group, has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including stimulant and therapeutic actions, due to its chemical composition, which is rich in bioactive compounds. This study explored the reductive potential of guarana with nanobiotechnology and aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of leaves collected during the dry and rainy seasons, assessing their biological and catalytic activities. Methods: The AgNPs were synthesized in a water bath at 70 °C for three hours and then characterized using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, zeta potential, MET, NTA, and EDX and had their effects on various biological systems assessed in vitro, as well as in catalytic tests aimed at indicating the probable influence of the time when the plant material was collected on the properties of the nanostructures. Results: The AgNPs had an average diameter between 39.33 and 126.2 nm, spherical morphology, absorption bands between 410 and 450 nm, and high colloidal stability over two years. The biological results showed antibacterial activity against all the species tested, as well as remarkable antioxidant action against DPPH and ABTS free radicals, in the same way as the aqueous leaf extracts of P. cupana, in addition to cytotoxic properties against cancerous (A431 and A549) and non-cancerous (HaCaT and HNTMC) cells. The AgNPs were active against promastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis while not affecting the viability of macrophages, and from the LC50 and LC90 values, the AgNPs were more effective than the metal salt solution in controlling Aedes aegypti larvae and pupae. We also reported that the catalytic degradation of the organic dyes methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) by AgNPs was over 90% after 40 or 14 min, respectively. Conclusions: Thus, our results support the potential of seasonal extracts of guarana leaves to produce AgNPs with diverse application possibilities for the health, industrial, and environmental sectors.

Exploring the influence of polysaccharide on gastrointestinal stability, drug release and formation mechanism of nanoparticles in Zhimu and Huangbai herb pair decoction

Natural polysaccharides with multiple biological activities from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be self-assembled. Natural nanoparticles have been found to exist in TCM decoctions. However, the influence of polysaccharides in TCM decoctions on the formation mechanism, drug release and gastrointestinal stability of nanoparticles remains unclear. Therefore, using Zhimu and Huangbai herb pair decoction (ZBD) as an example, this study aimed to reveal the effects of polysaccharides on the formation, gastrointestinal stability and in vitro release of nanoparticles (N-ZBD) in ZBD. First, N-ZBD was successfully isolated by high-speed centrifugation with an average particle size of 225.9 nm, PDI of 0.53 and zeta potential of -13.00 mV, and N-ZBD is mainly composed of small active compounds and polysaccharides. Interestingly, gastrointestinal stability results showed that N-ZBD had good stability while and the nanoparticles after polysaccharide removal (RPN-ZBD) were degraded within 4 h, indicating that polysaccharide can protect the stability of nanoparticles in the gastrointestinal environment. Moreover, in vitro drug release results showed that compared with free drugs and RPN-ZBD, N-ZBD has obvious slow-release behavior in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid, suggesting that polysaccharides contribute to the slow release of N-ZBD. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of polysaccharides was 0.63 mg/mL, which could self-assemble with small active compounds to form N-ZBD. In conclusion, polysaccharides of ZBD were essential for N-ZBD formation, and could protect the stability of N-ZBD in the gastrointestinal environment and contribute to its slow drug release.

Effect of Different Extraction Methods on the Concentration of Phenolics and Flavonoids in Catharanthus roseus and Assessment of Their Efficacy for Lifespan Extension in Model Organism Caenorhabditis elegans

Objective: In the preparation of plant extract, the extraction method plays a crucial role as it can have a significant impact on the quality of secondary metabolites extracted, as well as their stability and concentration. Methodology: The preliminary methodology in this research was to use two distinct methods of extraction on the leaves of Catharanthus roseus and then test the resulting extract for the quantitative and qualitative determination of phytoconstituents and further evaluating their biological efficiency on Caenorhabditis elegans. Thereafter, the resultant extracts were compared for total flavonoid concentration, total polyphenol content, total antioxidant activity, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The in vivo efficacy of these extracts was also evaluated for longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans. Results: Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) yielded considerably more extracted chemicals (P < 0.05) than the conventional maceration process at 20°C. The free radical scavenging activity was found to be 60% at 1 mg/ml concentration for the extract prepared by Ultrasonication, while for maceration, it was non-significant. The worms' lifespan was improved by 35% using the ultrasound-based extraction approach, and in all instances, a dose-dependent effect was seen. Conclusion: The results also showed that the extraction process used has a vital impact on the extraction yield, the phytochemical content, and the tested biological activities. For Catharanthus roseus extract preparation, the ultrasonication technique yields better quality extraction of phytochemicals and should be given preference over other conventional methods. Catharanthus roseus can be promoted as an herb that improves the life span and is an adaptogen.

CYP98A monooxygenases: a key enzyme family in plant phenolic compound biosynthesis

Abstract Phenolic compounds are derived from the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways of plants and include phenylpropionic acids, lignins, coumarins and flavonoids. These compounds are among the most abundant and diverse classes of secondary metabolites found throughout the plant kingdom. Phenolic compounds play critical roles in the growth, development, and stress resistance of horticultural plants. Moreover, some phenolic compounds exhibit substantial biological activities, and they are widely utilized across various sectors, such as the pharmaceutical and food industries. The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 98A subfamily (CYP98A) is involved mainly in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds, mediating the meta-hydroxylation of aromatic rings in the common phenylpropane biosynthesis pathways of phenolic compounds. However, research on this family of oxidases is currently fragmented, and a systematic and comprehensive review has not yet been conducted. This review offers an exhaustive summary of the molecular features of the CYP98A family and the functions of CYP98A monooxygenases in the biosynthesis of different types of phenolic compounds. In addition, this study provides a reference for the exploration and functional study of plant CYP98A family enzymes. An enhanced understanding of CYP98A monooxygenases can help in the cultivation of high-quality horticultural plants with increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and increased accumulation of natural bioactive compounds via metabolic engineering strategies. Moreover, the structural optimization and modification of CYP98A monooxygenases can provide additional potential targets for synthetic biology, enabling the efficient in vitro production of important phenolic compounds to address production supply conflicts.

Predicting the potential distribution of major marine mammals in the Cosmonaut Sea

The Southern Ocean, a critical marine region on Earth, is undergoing significant environmental changes due to global climate change, including reductions in sea ice extent, ocean acidification, and alterations in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). The Cosmonaut Sea, notable for its dynamic sea ice and rich biological activity, remains one of the least explored regions in the Southern Ocean, with limited data on its marine mammal populations. This study conducted during the 38th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE) from January to March 2022, collected systematic data on marine mammal occurrences. Species distribution modeling (SDM) was used to assess the influence of environmental variables on the distribution of the most abundant marine mammal species observed in the Cosmonaut Sea, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga), and Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). Our results indicated significant performance variations among the different algorithms, with ensemble model yielding more accurate predictions. Environmental variables such as water depth, sea surface height, and mixed layer thickness were identified as significant factors influencing habitat suitability for different species. Humpback whales were found to have the widest distribution range, followed by Antarctic minke whales and crabeater seals. Generally, the study provides the first comprehensive analysis of marine mammal distribution in the Cosmonaut Sea, highlighting the effectiveness of ensemble models in ecological predictions. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating high-resolution data and incorporating predator-prey interactions in future studies to improve our understanding and conservation of these complex ecosystems.

Cordyceps militaris extract and cordycepin ameliorate LPS-challenged colonic damage in piglets by modulating the microbiota and metabolite profiles

IntroductionCordyceps militaris extract (CME) and cordycepin (CPN) are biomolecules with a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumour effects. The research objective wasto investigate the influences of CME and cordycepin CPN on colonic morphology, microbiota composition and colonic metabolomics in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets.MethodsTwenty-four weaned castrated piglets were randomly divided into four groups: control group (fed basal diets), LPS group (fed basal diets), CPN-LPS group (basal diets + 60 mg/kg cordycepin), and CME-LPS group (basal diets + 60 mg/kg C. militarisextract). On the 21st day, the LPS, CPN-LPS, and CME-LPS groups received an injection of 100 μg/kg BW LPS, while the control group was given sterile saline.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that CPN or CME attenuated intestinal morphology damage with LPS-challenged piglets. CPN and CME alleviated intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disorders under LPS-challenged by enriching serum protein levels, regulating of inflammatory cytokine secretion and altering colonic microbial composition. Colonic microbiota analysis that the CPN improved the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota and inhibited Faecalibacterium, CME promoted the relative abundance of Prevotella and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136group. Meanwhile, the alleviation of colonic damage is achieved through modulation of metabolic pathways linked to tryptophan metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids and butanoate metabolism.DiscussionConclusively, our preliminary findings reveal that CPN or CME could serve as a beneficial dietary supplement to alleviate gut diseases in weaning piglets.

Exploring the Role of Phytochemical Classes in the Biological Activities of Fenugreek (Trigonella feonum graecum): A Comprehensive Analysis Based on Statistical Evaluation

Background: This study encapsulates an in-depth correlation analysis for the biological activities (cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and α-amylase inhibition) vs. the phytochemical classes (flavonoids “FV” and alkaloid “AL”) present in fenugreek seed extract. Methodology: Cell cultures for different cell lines were used to assess the cytotoxicity and selectivity (IC50 value), agar diffusion assay was used to determine the MIC and MBC for different bacteria and fungi, whereas α-amylase inhibition was studied to evaluate the antidiabetic potential for the forty-five different origins of fenugreek seed extracts. An in-house analysis for the phytochemical classes of flavonoids (rutin, RT; quercetin, QT; luteolin, LT; kaempferol, KF) and alkaloid (trigonelline, TG) was performed for the seed extracts. Results: A lower IC50 value (14.7 ± 1.46 µg/mL) was recorded for the IR3M extract against the HT29, MCF7 (13.03 ± 1.95 µg/mL), and MRC5 (14.58 ± 2.92 µg/mL) cell line. The extract with the lower IC50 value (8.17 ± 0.73 µg/mL) against HepG2 was IR2M. For the antimicrobial activity, a lower MIC value (6.3 mg/mL) was observed for E2C, E2M, E3C, and I3H extracts against SF and for the E1M, Y3C, IR2H, IR3H, and IR3C extracts against SA. The lowest MBC value (12.5 mg/mL) was seen for E2C, E2M, E3C, and I3H against SF as well as for the extracts E1M, Y3C, IR2H, IR3H, and IR3C against SA. The extracts of Q1H (49.07 ± 2.45 µg/mL) and Y3C (43.65 ± 2.97 µg/mL) exhibited IC50 values comparable to the standard drugs tested for α-amylase inhibition. The statistical models were of Pearson’s correlation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and a paired t-test established a strong positive correlation for the FV (QT, KF, LT) and alkaloid (TG) (p < 0.05) in the biological activities (cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and α-amylase inhibition), thereby suggesting a substantial role for these phytochemical classes in the traditional and medicinal uses of fenugreek seeds. Conclusions: The FV and alkaloid are the key to impart the biological properties to the fenugreek seeds, hence their presence is utmost in the fenugreek seeds. This research work may be used as marker to help authenticate the fenugreek seeds for the quality variation in the major phytochemical classes.

Sesquiterpenoid isolated from Colletotrichum truncatum derived from Gynura japonica: isolation, structure elucidation, and biological activity

The aim of this research was isolation, structure elucidation, and biological activities of terpenoids from endophytic fungus obtained from G. japonica. An endophytic fungus, Colletotrichum truncatum, was isolated from the roots of G. japonica. C. truncatum was cultivated and extracted to give the crude extract. The crude extract was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography followed by separation and purification with column chromatography to obtain a terpenoid derivative (12.8 mg). The compound was characterised for its structure using FT-IR and NMR spectra. Based on spectral analysis, the isolated compound was identified as sydonic acid. The isolated sydonic acid was active against three tested bacterial strains and also demonstrated antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 76.5 ± 0.93 μg/mL. Interestingly, chemical research on the terpenoid derivative from the fungus C. truncatum associated with G. japonica is first reported herein.

Selenium-Enriched Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes Mycelium: Biosynthesis, Chemical Characterisation, and Assessment of Antioxidant Properties

Selenium–polysaccharides possess antioxidant properties, making them promising materials for functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and clinical applications. This study examines the incorporation of selenium into polysaccharides via mycelial biosynthesis and its effects on structure and antioxidant activity. Polysaccharides obtained from Lentinula edodes-submerged cultures grown in Se-supplemented and non-supplemented media were analysed for Se content (RP-HPLC/FLD), structure (FT-IR, HPLC, and HPGPC-ELSD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging, reducing power, and Fe2+ chelation). Two low-molecular-weight Se–heteropolysaccharides (Se-FE-1.1 and Se-FE-1.2) containing ~80 and 125 µg/g Se were isolated, primarily composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose with β-glycosidic linkages. Se incorporation into polysaccharides selectively enhanced their antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with minimal effects observed in iron chelation and reducing power assays. Crude Se–polysaccharides displayed the highest antioxidant activity, suggesting an additional contribution from protein components. Our findings demonstrate that Se is effectively incorporated into polysaccharides, altering monosaccharide composition while preserving glycosidic linkages. The selective enhancement of radical scavenging suggests that selenium plays a specific role in antioxidant activity, primarily influencing radical scavenging mechanisms rather than interactions with metal ions. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of selenium incorporation, the nature of its bonding within the polysaccharide molecule, and its impact on biological activity.