Botanical Extracts Research Articles

Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Antidiabetic Capsules

This research aims to create and assess polyherbal anti-diabetic capsules using medicinal plants with anti-diabetic properties. The formulation process involves carefully choosing botanical extracts with antidiabetic properties, verifying their bioactive compounds, and blending them to form a polyherbal blend with maximum antidiabetic potential while ensuring safety.Micro Crystalline Cellulose is used in encapsulating a polyherbal mix for stability, release, and patient convenience. Capsule dosage form is recommended for improved treatment adherence. Efficiency is assessed through in vitro studies on enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and their inhibitory effect.The results of this study offer a viable natural option for managing diabetes by providing important insights into the composition of polyherbal antidiabetic capsules. Several botanical extracts with complimentary modes of action have the potential to be combined, offering a comprehensive strategy to address the complex nature of diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, more clinical studies including diabetes patients are necessary to confirm the long-term advantages, safety, and effectiveness of the capsules. The creation of polyherbal antidiabetic capsules may present novel approaches to the management of diabetes, enhancing glycaemic control and elevating the standard of living for those with the condition.

Bio-efficacy of Alcoholic Extracts of Botanicals to Mitigate Pea Root Rot Caused by Fusarium solani f.sp. pisi

Pea root rot caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi has been observed as an alarming problem in pea growing regions of Himachal Pradesh and poses major constraints in pea cultivations. The alcoholic leaf extracts of four plants viz., Eupatorium adenophorum, Eucalyptus sp., Vitex negundo and Ageratum conyzoides were evaluated at different concentrations for their efficacy against F. solani f. sp. pisi under in vitro conditions. Among all extracts, E. adenophorum yielded maximum mycelial inhibition of 77.4 per cent followed by Eucalyptus sp. 74.9 per cent at 25 per cent test concentration. Thus, among all test botanicals, E. adenophorum was found the most efficient against F. solani f. sp. pisi. These findings suggest that E. adenophorum extracts could be used as eco-friendly alternatives to control Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi.

Explicating Botanical Bactericides as an Intervention Tool towards Citrus Canker

Recent research efforts were made to investigate botanical bactericides as an intervention tool for citrus canker. Five botanical extracts (Eruca vesicaria, Eucalyptus globulus, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Nigella sativa, and Citrullus colocynthis) were evaluated at three different concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%) against Xanthomonas citri pv. citri under in vitro conditions. Among all treatments, two effective plant extracts, alone and in combinations, were assessed at three different time points (7 days, 14 days, 21 days) under greenhouse conditions. In vitro and greenhouse experiments were conducted under a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed that C. colocynthis expressed the maximum inhibition zone (3.22 mm), followed by N. sativa (2.82 mm), T. foenum-graecum (2.68 mm), E. globulus (1.64 mm), and E. vesicaria (1.31 mm) compared to the control. Effective extracts of C. colocynthis and N. sativa were assessed under greenhouse conditions, both alone and in combination, against citrus canker. The minimum disease incidence (18.74%) was exhibited by the combination of C. colocynthis and N. sativa, followed by C. colocynthis (22.59%) and N. sativa (23.27%) compared to the control. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the application of botanical extracts is a reliable strategy for managing citrus canker.

Efficacy of Fungicides and Botanical Extracts against Alternaria brassicicola Causing Leaf Spot of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.)

Efficacy of Fungicides and Botanical Extracts against Alternaria brassicicola Causing Leaf Spot of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.)

Exploring Beneficial Properties of Haskap Berry Leaf Compounds for Gut Health Enhancement.

This study investigates the potential of formulated systems utilising haskap berry leaf extracts and dextran as carriers, to modulate both antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory activities and their impact on the growth of specific bacterial strains. The analysis of antioxidant capacity, assessed through ABTS, CUPRAC, DPPH, and FRAP assays, revealed varying but consistently high levels across extracts, with Extract 3 (loganic acid: 2.974 mg/g, chlorogenic acid: 1.125 mg/g, caffeic acid: 0.083 mg/g, rutin: 1.137 mg/g, and quercetin: 1.501 mg/g) exhibiting the highest values (ABTS: 0.2447 mg/mL, CUPRAC: 0.3121 mg/mL, DPPH: 0.21001 mg/mL, and FRAP: 0.3411 mg/mL). Subsequent enzymatic inhibition assays demonstrated a notable inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase (1.4915 mg/mL, expressed as acarbose equivalent), hyaluronidase (0.2982 mg/mL, expressed as quercetin equivalent), and lipase (5.8715 µg/mL, expressed as orlistat equivalent). Further system development involved integration with dextran, showcasing their preserved bioactive compound content and emphasising their stability and potential bioactivity. Evaluation of the dextran systems' impact on bacterial growth revealed a significant proliferation of beneficial strains, particularly the Bifidobacterium and lactobacilli genus (Bifidobacterium longum: 9.54 × 107 to 1.57 × 1010 CFU/mL and Ligilactobacillus salivarius: 1.36 × 109 to 1.62 × 1010 CFU/mL), suggesting their potential to modulate gut microbiota. These findings offer a foundation for exploring the therapeutic applications of haskap berry-based dextran systems in managing conditions like diabetes, emphasising the interconnected roles of antioxidant-rich botanical extracts and dextran formulations in promoting overall metabolic health.

Lignin-rich extracts as slow-release coating for phosphorus fertilizers

Lignin (L) is the most abundant three-dimensional polymer with versatile yet attractive structural features and chemical properties for applicability as a coating. The properties of lignin are mainly related to its botanical origin, structure and extraction method. Although there has been a lot of interest in using lignin in fertilizing systems, only limited attempts have been dedicated to studying the effect of the lignin structure and origin on the release of P fertilizer. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the effect of lignin polymers, extracted from different plant biomass, as coating materials for P fertilizers. Thus, the effect of the structural features originating from the botanical origin on the properties of coated fertilizers and their slow release were established. To this end, three lignocellulosic biomass, namely olive pomace (OP), barley straw (BS) and wood shavings (WS) were used as feedstock to extract lignin polymers. Those chemical compositions and thermochemical properties were characterized prior to their application as coating for triple super phosphate (TSP) fertilizer. Coated fertilizers were characterized for their morphology and coating thickness prior to their evaluation as slow release P-based fertilizer. A distinct slow P release behavior was reported for lignin-coated fertilizers with TSP@L-OP being the slowest as compared to TSP@L-WS, TSP@L-BS as well as pristine TSP, which confirm that the botanical origin and most likely the chemical structures of lignin has significant impact on the properties of the coating materiel. A 100 % release of P from the uncoated TSP was observed after 3 days, while the released amount ranged from only 16.9 % for TSP@L-OP up to 33.4 % for TSP@L-BS. The impact of these coated fertilizers on nutrients uptake and wheat growth was also scrutinized and an noticeable improvement of wheat shoot biomass was observed with the coated TSP treatments reaching up 57.8 % for TSP@BS, 78.1 % for TSP @WS and 93.7 % for TSP @OP, compared to uncoated TSP. This was concomitant to a slight increase of P concentration in shoots, roots and rhizosphere soil, which confirmed the positive effect of slow release P fertilizers on plant growth.

Potential of Plant-Based Extracts to Alleviate Sorbitol-Induced Osmotic Stress in Cabbage Seedlings.

In light of expected climate change, it is important to seek nature-based solutions that can contribute to the protection of our planet as well as to help overcome the emerging adverse changes. In an agricultural context, increasing plant resistance to abiotic stress seems to be crucial. Therefore, the scope of the presented research was focused on the application of botanical extracts that exerted positive effects on model plants growing under controlled laboratory conditions, as well as plants subjected to sorbitol-induced osmotic stress. Foliar spraying increased the length and fresh mass of the shoots (e.g., extracts from Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium pratense, and Pisum sativum) and the roots (e.g., Solidago gigantea, Hypericum perforatum, and Pisum sativum) of cabbage seedlings grown under stressful conditions, as well as their content of photosynthetic pigments (Pisum sativum, Lens culinaris, and Hypericum perforatum) along with total phenolic compounds (Hypericum perforatum, Taraxacum officinale, and Urtica dioica). The antioxidant activity of the shoots measured with the use of DDPH (Pisum sativum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, and Hypericum perforatum), ABTS (Trifolium pratense, Symphytum officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Pisum sativum, and Lens culinaris), and FRAP (Symphytum officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Urtica dioica, Hypericum perforatum, and Taraxacum officinale) assays was also enhanced in plants exposed to osmotic stress. Based on these findings, the most promising formulation based on Symphytum officinale was selected and subjected to transcriptomic analysis. The modification of the expression of the following genes was noted: Bol029651 (glutathione S-transferase), Bol027348 (chlorophyll A-B binding protein), Bol015841 (S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases), Bol009860 (chlorophyll A-B binding protein), Bol022819 (GDSL lipase/esterase), Bol036512 (heat shock protein 70 family), Bol005916 (DnaJ Chaperone), Bol028754 (pre-mRNA splicing Prp18-interacting factor), Bol009568 (heat shock protein Hsp90 family), Bol039362 (gibberellin regulated protein), Bol007693 (B-box-type zinc finger), Bol034610 (RmlC-like cupin domain superfamily), Bol019811 (myb_SHAQKYF: myb-like DNA-binding domain, SHAQKYF class), Bol028965 (DA1-like Protein). Gene Ontology functional analysis indicated that the application of the extract led to a decrease in the expression of many genes related to the response to stress and photosynthetic systems, which may confirm a reduction in the level of oxidative stress in plants treated with biostimulants. The conducted studies showed that the use of innovative plant-based products exerted positive effects on crops and can be used to supplement current cultivation practices.

Rosemary extract and rosmarinic acid accelerate elastic fiber formation by increasing the expression of elastic fiber components in dermal fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin photoaging is caused by qualitative and quantitative degradation of dermal extracellular matrix components such as collagen and elastic fibers. Elastic fibers are important for maintaining cutaneous elasticity, despite their small amount in the skin. Previously, microfibril-associated protein 4 (MFAP-4), which is downregulated in photoaging dermis, has been found to be essential for elastic fiber formation by interaction with both fibrillin-1 and elastin, which are core components of elastic fiber. In addition, enhanced cutaneous MFAP-4 expression in a human skin-xenografted murine photoaging model protects against UV-induced photodamage accompanied by the prevention of elastic fiber degradation and aggravated elasticity. We therefore hypothesized that the upregulation of MFAP-4 in dermal fibroblasts may more efficiently accelerate elastic fiber formation. We screened botanical extracts for MFAP-4 expression-promoting activity in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). We found that rosemary extract markedly promotes early microfibril formation and mature elastic fiber formation along with a significant upregulation of not only MFAP-4 but also fibrillin-1 and elastin in NHDFs. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid, which is abundant in rosemary extract, accelerated elastic fiber formation via upregulation of transforming growth factor β-1. This was achieved by the induction of cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation, demonstrating that rosmarinic acid represents one of the active ingredients in rosemary extract. Based on the findings in this study, we conclude that rosemary extract and rosmarinic acid represent promising materials that exert a preventive or ameliorative effect on skin photoaging by accelerating elastic fiber formation.

In vivo Evaluation of Botanicals and Bio-Agents against Web Blight (Rhizoctonia solani) of Mungbean (Vigna radiata)

Web blight, caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, poses a significant threat to mungbean (Vigna radiata) production, leading to yield losses and economic repercussions. This study investigates the antifungal of botanical extracts and bio-agents in managing web blight in mungbean crops. A series of controlled experiments were conducted to assess the antifungal properties of selected botanicals and the biocontrol potential of specific microbial agents. Various extracts, including botanicals and bio-agents have been found effective for management of web blight of mungbean caused by R. solani. The present investigation was carried out on disease management through use of botanicals and bio-agents. The minimum disease incidence and maximum disease control was obtained in Garlic followed by Ginger, Neem, Onion, Tulsi, Clerodendron, Sadabahar, at 10% concentrations at 50 days after sowing in pot sown crop, Each treatments differed significantly from each other.

Within-laboratory reproducibility of Ames test results: Are repeat tests necessary?

The Ames test is required by regulatory agencies worldwide for assessing the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of chemical compounds. This test uses several strains of bacteria to evaluate mutation induction: positive results in the assay are predictive of rodent carcinogenicity. As an initial step to understanding how well the assay may detect mutagens present as constituents of complex mixtures such as botanical extracts, a cross-sector working group examined the within-laboratory reproducibility of the Ames test using the extensive, publicly available National Toxicology Program (NTP) Ames test database comprising more than 3000 distinct test articles, most of which are individual chemicals. This study focused primarily on NTP tests conducted using the standard Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Test Guideline 471 preincubation test protocol with 10% rat liver S9 for metabolic activation, although 30% rat S9 and 10 and 30% hamster liver S9 were also evaluated. The reproducibility of initial negative responses in all strains with and without 10% S9, was quite high, ranging from 95% to 99% with few exceptions. The within-laboratory reproducibility of initial positive responses for strains TA98 and TA100 with and without 10% rat liver S9 was ≥90%. Similar results were seen with hamster S9. As expected, the reproducibility of initial equivocal responses was lower, <50%. These results will provide context for determining the optimal design of recommended test protocols for use in screening both individual chemicals and complex mixtures, including botanicals.

Abstract 1463 The discovery of botanical extracts with selective TNBC activity

Abstract 1463 The discovery of botanical extracts with selective TNBC activity

Supplementation of Natto-Pressed Candy (CHOLESWISE Pressed Candy) Improved Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

The application of plant-based health supplements for reducing blood pressure represents a natural and comprehensive approach involving various botanical extracts aimed at maintaining cardiovascular health. Commonly found in these supplements, such as natto, Haematococcus pluvialis, garlic, and linseed oil, are believed to provide certain benefits in lowering blood pressure. However, comprehensive clinical research on their combined usage must still be available. This trial aimed to explore whether Natto-pressed candy (product name: CHOLESWISE Pressed Candy) can regulate blood pressure. First, using Natto-pressed candy (0.0625%, 0.125%) treated smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelial cells, and then analyzed vascular health genes. Second, the trial recruited 60 subjects with blood pressure (SBP &gt;120 mmHg / DBP &gt;80 mmHg). Subjects took 2 tablets of pressed candy daily for 8 weeks, and blood pressure and blood samples were collected at weeks 0, 4, and 8. The results showed that Natto-pressed candy can increase beneficial vascular health genes, and decrease harmful vascular health genes compared to mock group in vitro. In clinical trial, the average systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased by 9 mmHg compared to baseline (week 0), and significantly decreased by 6.4 mmHg compared to the placebo group. The fibrinogen concentration in the blood was significantly decreased by 13.4% compared to baseline (week 0). Natto-pressed candy, which included natto, Haematococcus pluvialis, garlic, and linseed oil, reduced blood pressure, fibrinogen and regulated vascular health genes.

Extract of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder in Rats by Targeting Gut Microbiota and TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB Pathway.

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is abundant in crocin and has a longstanding historical usage both as a dietary and natural ethnic medicine. Enhanced studies have increasingly revealed the intricate interplay between glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota, wherein their imbalance is regarded as a pivotal indicator of metabolic disorders. Currently, the precise molecular mechanism of the crude extract of crocin from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GC) targeting gut microbiota to regulate glycolipid metabolism disorder is still unclear. Firstly, we explored the effect of GC on digestive enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) in vitro. Secondly, we investigated the effect of GC on the physical and chemical parameters of high-fat diet (HFD) rats, such as body weight change, fasting blood glucose and lipid levels, and liver oxidative stress and injury. Then, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the effects of GC on the composition and structure of gut microbiota. Finally, the impact of GC on the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the intestine was assessed by Western Blotting. In the present study, GC was found to exhibit a hypoglycemic effect in vitro, by inhibition of digestive enzymes. In animal experiments, we observed that GC significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, TC, and TG levels while increasing HDL-C levels. Additionally, GC demonstrated hepatoprotective properties by enhancing liver antioxidative capacity through the upregulation of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, while reducing ROS. 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that GC had a significant effect on the gut microbiota of HFD rats, mainly by reducing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bateroidota, and significantly affected the genera related to glycolipid metabolism, such as Akkermansia, Ligilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Prevotellaceae, etc. The Western Blotting results demonstrated that GC effectively downregulated the protein expressions of TLR4, Myd88, and NF-κB in the intestine of HFD rats, indicating that GC could target the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway to interfere with glycolipid metabolism disorder. Correlation analysis revealed that GC could target the Akkermansia-TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway axis which attenuates glycolipid metabolism disorder. Therefore, this study establishes the foundation for GC as a novel therapeutic agent for glycolipid metabolism disorder chemoprevention, and it introduces a novel methodology for harnessing the potential of natural botanical extracts in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Management of Fusarium Wilt of Tomato (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici) and Related Soil-borne Diseases using Eco-friendly Methods: A Review

Tomato is rich in vitamins, minerals and contains anti-oxidant compounds, like vitamin C and lycopene that has significant role in human health as it has anti-cancer properties. Tomato production is significantly affected by several factors amongst which Fusarium Wilt is one of the major and widespread fungal soil borne diseases in Nigeria. Difficulty in controlling this disease is attributable to long survivability of the pathogen and its existence in diverse pathogenic races. Conventional strategies, such as the use of resistant cultivars and synthetic fungicides, are not completely effective in managing tomato wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and because of unintended effects of chemicals on the environments its application is highly cautioned. This paper has examined many non-pesticide approaches such as application of bio-control agents, use of suppressive soils, composts/vermicomposts and their extracts, animal manure and urine, soil solarization, botanical extracts, good agricultural practices and integrated disease management strategy to control Fusarium wilt and other related soil borne diseases. It is worth noting that no single method can effectively control such diseases. In order to achieve a sustainable and eco-friendly disease management strategy the use of integrated approach is highly recommended. This review will provide farmers with diverse methods to be integrated as management package for Fusarium wilt and related diseases.

Advancing botanical safety: A strategy for selecting, sourcing, and characterizing botanicals for developing toxicological tools

Increases in botanical use, encompassing herbal medicines and dietary supplements, have underlined a critical need for an advancement in safety assessment methodologies. However, botanicals present unique challenges for safety assessment due to their complex and variable composition arising from diverse growing conditions, processing methods, and plant varieties. Historically, botanicals have been largely evaluated based on their history of use information, based primarily on traditional use or dietary history. However, this presumption lacks comprehensive toxicological evaluation, demanding innovative and consistent assessment strategies. To address these challenges, the Botanical Safety Consortium (BSC) was formed as an international, cross-sector forum of experts to identify fit-for purpose assays that can be used to evaluate botanical safety. This global effort aims to assess botanical safety assessment methodologies, merging traditional knowledge with modern in vitro and in silico assays. The ultimate goal is to champion the development of toxicity tools for botanicals. This manuscript highlights: 1) BSC's strategy for botanical selection, sourcing, and preparation of extracts to be used in in vitro assays, and 2) the approach utilized to characterize botanical extracts, using green tea and Asian ginseng as examples, to build confidence for use in biological assays.

The dual effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress in digestive system tumors and intervention of Chinese botanical drug extracts: a review.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is essential for maintaining human health, and once imbalanced, it will trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), which participates in the development of digestive system tumors and other diseases. ERS has dual effect on tumor cells, activating adaptive responses to promote survival or inducing apoptotic pathways to accelerate cell death of the tumor. Recent studies have demonstrated that Chinese botanical drug extracts can affect the tumor process of the digestive system by regulating ERS and exert anticancer effects. This article summarizes the dual effect of ERS in the process of digestive system tumors and the intervention of Chinese botanical drug extracts in recent years, as reference for the combined treatment of digestive system tumors with Chinese and modern medicine.

Effect of Antagonists and Botanicals Against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae In Vitro

The present study was conducted during kharif (July-November, 2020) at the Department of plant pathology, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat (396 450), India to examine the efficacy of four recognized antagonists and a control against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. By employing paper disc method the results indicated that Bacillus subtilis exhibited the highest radius of inhibition. Following this, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride were identified as the next most effective antagonists. In addition, ten different botanical extracts, including a control, were examined for their inhibitory impact on the bacterial growth of bacterial blight at a 5% concentration using the poisoned food technique. Among these extracts, garlic clove extract demonstrated the maximum inhibition radius against the pathogen, followed by tulsi leaf extract and neem leaf extract, attributed to potent toxic principles. Conversely, extracts from karanj, nilgiri, dhatura, jetropha and rhizomes of ginger, turmeric and onion bulb were found to be less effective against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. The goal of this study provided valuable insights to determine the potential antagonists and botanicals against bacterial blight of rice in vitro with experimental design of Completely Randomized Design which offer a cost effective solution for the disease, in increasing crop yield to the rice growing farmers of Gujarat without disturbing ecosystem and without creating the problems of pollution.

Supplementation of vitamin E or a botanical extract as antioxidants to improve growth performance and health of growing pigs housed under thermoneutral or heat-stressed conditions

BackgroundHeat stress has severe negative consequences on performance and health of pigs, leading to significant economic losses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin E and a botanical extract in feed or drinking water on growth performance, intestinal health, and oxidative and immune status in growing pigs housed under heat stress conditions.MethodsDuplicate experiments were conducted, each using 64 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 50.7 ± 3.8 and 43.9 ± 3.6 kg and age of 13-week and 12-week, respectively. Pigs (n = 128) were housed individually and assigned within weight blocks and sex to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 environments (thermo-neutral (21.2 °C) or heat-stressed (30.9 °C)) and 4 supplementation treatments (control diet; control + 100 IU/L of D-α-tocopherol in water; control + 200 IU/kg of DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate in feed; or control + 400 mg/kg of a botanical extract in feed).ResultsHeat stress for 28 d reduced (P ≤ 0.001) final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake (−7.4 kg, −26.7%, and −25.4%, respectively) but no effects of supplementation were detected (P > 0.05). Serum vitamin E increased (P < 0.001) with vitamin E supplementation in water and in feed (1.64 vs. 3.59 and 1.64 vs. 3.24), but not for the botanical extract (1.64 vs. 1.67 mg/kg) and was greater when supplemented in water vs. feed (P = 0.002). Liver vitamin E increased (P < 0.001) with vitamin E supplementations in water (3.9 vs. 31.8) and feed (3.9 vs. 18.0), but not with the botanical extract (3.9 vs. 4.9 mg/kg). Serum malondialdehyde was reduced with heat stress on d 2, but increased on d 28 (interaction, P < 0.001), and was greater (P < 0.05) for antioxidant supplementation compared to control. Cellular proliferation was reduced (P = 0.037) in the jejunum under heat stress, but increased in the ileum when vitamin E was supplemented in feed and water under heat stress (interaction, P = 0.04). Tumor necrosis factor-α in jejunum and ileum mucosa decreased by heat stress (P < 0.05) and was reduced by vitamin E supplementations under heat stress (interaction, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe addition of the antioxidants in feed or in drinking water did not alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on feed intake and growth rate of growing pigs.

Integrating High-Resolution Mass Spectral Data, Bioassays and Computational Models to Annotate Bioactives in Botanical Extracts: Case Study Analysis of C. asiatica Extract Associates Dicaffeoylquinic Acids with Protection against Amyloid-β Toxicity.

Rapid screening of botanical extracts for the discovery of bioactive natural products was performed using a fractionation approach in conjunction with flow-injection high-resolution mass spectrometry for obtaining chemical fingerprints of each fraction, enabling the correlation of the relative abundance of molecular features (representing individual phytochemicals) with the read-outs of bioassays. We applied this strategy for discovering and identifying constituents of Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) that protect against Aβ cytotoxicity in vitro. C. asiatica has been associated with improving mental health and cognitive function, with potential use in Alzheimer's disease. Human neuroblastoma MC65 cells were exposed to subfractions of an aqueous extract of C. asiatica to evaluate the protective benefit derived from these subfractions against amyloid β-cytotoxicity. The % viability score of the cells exposed to each subfraction was used in conjunction with the intensity of the molecular features in two computational models, namely Elastic Net and selectivity ratio, to determine the relationship of the peak intensity of molecular features with % viability. Finally, the correlation of mass spectral features with MC65 protection and their abundance in different sub-fractions were visualized using GNPS molecular networking. Both computational methods unequivocally identified dicaffeoylquinic acids as providing strong protection against Aβ-toxicity in MC65 cells, in agreement with the protective effects observed for these compounds in previous preclinical model studies.

Risk Characterization of Botanical Extracts Containing Hydroxyanthracenes as Determined by a Validated Micronucleus In Vitro Assay

Extracts of Rheum palmatum L., Rhamnus purshiana DC., Rhamnus frangula L., and Cassia senna L. are used in traditional medicine thanks to their beneficial properties. These species contain hydroxyanthracene derivatives, considered genotoxic and possibly related to colorectal cancer development. This research aimed to study, using a micronucleus assay in vitro, the genotoxic potential of Rheum palmatum L., Rhamnus purshiana DC., Rhamnus frangula L. (bark), and Cassia senna L. (leaves and fruits) extracts. The extracts were evaluated at different concentrations: from 0 to 2000 µg/mL for Rhamnus purshiana DC, from 0 to 2500 µg/mL for Rheum palmatum L. and Rhamnus frangula L., and from 0 to 5000 µg/mL for Cassia senna L. The cytokinesis-block proliferation index was calculated to analyse if the used concentrations showed cytotoxicity. The hydroxyanthracene content varied between 0.06% and 0.23% for aloe-emodin, and between 0.07% and 0.16% for emodin and rhein. No cytotoxic effect was detected at any of these concentrations. Micronucleus analyses showed a lack of genotoxicity for all the extracts tested. These results show that Rheum palmatum L., Rhamnus purshiana DC, Rhamnus frangula L., and Cassia senna L. extracts do not induce genotoxicity since no increase in micronuclei formation in human lymphocytes in vitro was detected.