Caffeic Research Articles

Anticancer Properties Against Select Cancer Cell Lines and Metabolomics Analysis of Tender Coconut Water.

Tender Coconut Water (TCW) is a nutrient-rich dietary supplement that contains in bioactive secondary metabolites and phytohormones with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies on TCW's anti-cancer properties are limited and the mechanism of its anti-cancer effects have not been defined. In the present study, we investigate TCW for its anti-cancer properties and, using untargeted metabolomics, we identify components form TCW with potential anti-cancer activity. Cell viability assay, BrdU incorporation assay, soft-agar assay, flow-cytometery, and Western blotting were used to analyze TCW's anticancer properties and to identify mechanism of action. Liquid chromatography- Tandem Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify TCW components. TCW decreased the viability and anchorage-independent growth of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and caused S-phase cell cycle arrest. TCW inhibited AKT and ERK phosphorylation leading to reduced ZEB1 protein, increased E-cadherin, and reduced N-cadherin protein expression in HepG2 cells, thus reversing the 'epithelial-to-mesenchymal' (EMT) transition. TCW also decreased the viability of Hep3B hepatoma, HCT-15 colon, MCF-7 and T47D luminal A breast cancer (BC) and MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 triplenegative BC cells. Importantly, TCW did not inhibit the viability of MCF-10A normal breast epithelial cells. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of TCW identified 271 metabolites, primarily lipids and lipid-like molecules, phenylpropanoids and polyketides, and organic oxygen compounds. We demonstrate that three components from TCW: 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one, iondole-3-carbox aldehyde and caffeic acid inhibit the growth of cancer cells. TCW and its components exhibit anti-cancer effects. TCW inhibits the viability of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells by reversing the EMT process through inhibition of AKT and ERK signalling.

Allelochemicals Released from Rice Straw Inhibit Wheat Seed Germination and Seedling Growth

Recently, returning rice straw to soil has become a common problem in wheat production because it causes decreased wheat seedling emergence. Allelopathy is an important factor affecting seed germination. However, the effects of rice straw extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth remain unclear. Wheat seeds and seedlings were treated with 30 g L−1 of rice leaf extracts (L1), 60 g L−1 of rice leaf extracts (L2), 30 g L−1 of rice stem extracts (S1), 60 g L−1 of rice stem extracts (S2) and sterile water (CK) to study the allelopathic effects of rice straw extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. The α-amylase and antioxidant enzyme activities in wheat seeds; the agronomic traits, photosynthetic indicators, and nutrient contents of wheat seedlings; and the phenolic acids in rice stem extracts were determined. Common allelochemicals, including 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, protocatechualdehyde, caffeic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid, and salicylic acid, were detected in rice stem extracts. Low-concentration rice leaf and stem extracts (30 g L−1) had no effect on the germination rate of wheat seeds. High-concentration (60 g L−1) rice stem and leaf extracts decreased the seed germination rate by 11.00% and 12.02%. Rice stem extract (60 g L−1) decreased the α-amylase activity, and gibberellin content of wheat seeds but increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities and malondialdehyde content in wheat seeds. Allelochemicals entered the internal tissues of wheat seeds, where they decreased the gibberellin content and α-amylase activity and increased the antioxidant enzyme activity, ultimately leading to an inhibitory effect on seed germination. Rice stem and leaf extracts decreased the SPAD value and photosynthetic indicators of wheat seedlings. Rice stem extract (60 g L−1) decreased the fresh weight and root length of wheat seedlings by 31.37% and 45.46%. Low-concentration rice leaf and stem extract (30 g L−1) had no effect on the nutrient contents of wheat seedlings. Rice leaf and stem extracts (60 g L−1) decreased the nitrogen and potassium contents of wheat seedlings. These results indicated that low-concentration rice leaf and stem extract (30 g L−1) had no effect on wheat seed germination and the high-concentration rice stem extract (60 g L−1) released allelochemicals and inhibited wheat seed germination and seedling growth. These findings provide a basis for the improvement of straw return techniques.

The Antileishmanial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential of Cecropia concolor Willd (Urticaceae), an Amazonian Species

Cecropia sp. (Urticaceae) are commonly used in traditional medicine in South American countries for the treatment of different diseases. To date, the species Cecropia concolor Willd, of Amazonian occurrence, has not been investigated for its pharmacological potential. In this study, we described the chemical profile and the antileishmanial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts of the leaves of C. concolor. The ethanolic extract and its partition phases (hexane, ethyl acetate and hydroethanolic) were analyzed for their chemical classes and phenolic content. Antileishmanial activity was assessed against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH method and in MRC-5 human fibroblast cells. Toxicity was tested against Artemia salina and in human cells (fibroblasts and cancer lines). The leaves of C. concolor have phenolic substances, such as flavonoids, as well as terpenes, steroids and alkaloids. Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, schaftoside and vicenin 2 were identified. The hydroethanolic phase showed a high concentration of phenolic compounds and pronounced antioxidant activity. The antileishmanial activity was observed in the ethanolic extract, with a promising effect of the hexane phase. The C. concolor ethanolic extract and its phases are non-toxic, which makes this species of interest in pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications.

Study of Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity Prediction: Compounds from Nigella sativa Linn, Andrographis paniculata Nees, and Propolis as Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Growth

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, and Multiple Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) arises from resistance to first-line treatments like Rifampicin and Isoniazid. Since current TB medications have been used for over four decades, discovering new drug candidates is critical. This research focuses on herbal compounds—Black cumin (*Nigella sativa*), Sambiloto (*Andrographis paniculata*), and propolis—as potential inhibitors of *M. tuberculosis* by targeting DHFR. The objective of the study is to predict the activity of these herbal compounds prior to in vitro and in vivo testing. Methods: This study employed computational tools, including Molegro Virtual Docking (MVD) and Molecular Dynamics (MD), to assess the interactions of the herbal compounds with DHFR (PDB ID: 2CIG). Pharmacokinetic predictions were also conducted to evaluate the absorption and toxicity of the compounds. Results: Molecular docking and MD simulations indicated that Andrographolide, Thymoquinone, and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester effectively inhibited the growth of *M. tuberculosis*. The analysis revealed favorable binding interactions and conformational changes in DHFR, with significant activity observed for Thymoquinone. Conclusion: This study suggests that Andrographolide, Thymoquinone, and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester may serve as promising candidates for further development as anti-tuberculosis drugs. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to validate their therapeutic potential.

Cimicifuga heracleifolia kom. Attenuates ulcerative colitis through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCimicifuga heracleifolia Kom. (C. heracleifolia) has demonstrated efficacy in treating gastrointestinal disorders, including splenasthenic diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, shares similarities with splenasthenic diarrhea. However, the pharmacological effects of C. heracleifolia on UC and the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. Aim of the studyThe present study investigates the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of C. heracleifolia in UC. MethodsInitially, network pharmacology analysis, encompassing ingredient screening, target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and enrichment analysis, was employed to predict the mechanisms of C. heracleifolia. The findings were further validated using transcriptomics and functional assays in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model. Additionally, bioactive compounds were identified through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, molecular docking, and cell-based assays. ResultsA total of 52 ingredients of C. heracleifolia were screened, and 32 key targets were identified within a PPI network comprising 285 potential therapeutic targets. Enrichment analysis indicated that the anti-UC effects of C. heracleifolia are mediated through immune response modulation and the inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways. In vivo experiments showed that C. heracleifolia mitigated histological damage in the colon, reduced the expression of phosphorylated Akt1, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and inhibitor of Kappa B kinase α/β (IKKα/β), suppressed the content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins. Moreover, cimigenoside, caffeic acid, and methyl caffeate were identified as the bioactive constituents responsible for the UC treatment effects of C. heracleifolia. ConclusionsIn summary, this study is the first to demonstrate that C. heracleifolia exerts therapeutic effects on UC by enhancing the intestinal mucosal barrier and inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings offer valuable insights into the clinical application of C. heracleifolia for UC management.

Discovering the Untouched Perspective of Endangered North American Herb Actaea racemosa.

Actaea racemosa (AR), sometimes also known as black cohosh, is a perennial herb that grows in the Ranunculaceae family that effloresces in the middle of summer. This herb is currently present throughout south and west North America despite being endangered in the eastern section of the continent. Certain information about the photochemistry and biological potential of this herb is available. In accordance with the scant available ethno-medical reports, this herb possesses antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiosteoporosis, and anticancer properties. As per the available literature, caffeic acid, isoferulic acid, actein, 23-epi-26 deoxycatein, cimicifugoside, and ferukinolic acid are the key components found in different parts of AR. To date, no thorough research or systematic review has been done to highlight the traditional, biological, and phytochemical benefits of this herb. Consequently, further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of this therapeutic herb, particularly about its separation and pharmacological screening of its insulating portion for a range of biological functions. The goal of this review was to compile the most recent data on the phytochemical presence of AR. in relation to its ethnomedical applications, methods of extraction, pharmacological applications, and future potential.

Mitigative Effect and Mechanism of Caffeic Acid Combined with Umbilical Cord-Mesenchymal Stem Cells on LPS-Induced Mastitis.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland tissue that can lead to decreased milk production and altered milk composition, carrying serious implications for the safety of dairy products. Although both caffeic acid (CA) and umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) showed potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, little is known about their combined roles in treating mastitis. Here, we report the combined effects and mechanisms of CA and UC-MSCs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis. Based on the network pharmacological analysis, the potential relevant genes involved in the alleviating effects of CA on LPS-induced mastitis were inferred. In LPS-treated mammary epithelial cells, CA or/and UC-MSC conditioned medium (UC-MSC-CM) inhibited the phosphorylation of p65, p50, p38, IκB, and MKK3/6 proteins and the expression of downstream inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and COX-2. Additionally, CA or/and hydrogel-loaded UC-MSCs also suppressed the activation of the above inflammatory pathway, leading to the alleviation of pathological damages in the LPS-induced mouse mastitis model. UC-MSCs exhibited more significant effects than CA, and the combined treatment of both was more effective. Our study sheds light on the synergistic and complementary effects of CA and UC-MSCs in alleviating mastitis, offering clues for understanding the regulation of the p38-MAPK/NF-κB↔TNF-α signal transduction loop in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathway as a potential mechanism. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing a novel antibiotic alternative treatment of mastitis that may contribute to reducing economic losses in animal husbandry and protecting public health safety.

Adsorption sites and interactions of pigments in molasses-based distillery effluent on starch-based composites: Ternary competitive adsorption and theoretical calculations

The pigment present in molasses-based distillery effluent constitutes a primary factor influencing its degradation. Adsorption is an effective approach to eliminate pigment from wastewater. In this study, a cationic cassava starch (CCS) magnetic composite (CCS@Fe3O4) was prepared and used as adsorbents for the removal of undesirable pigments. The adsorption behaviors of caffeic acid (CA), gallic acid (GA), and melanoidin (ME) on CCS@Fe3O4 in the wastewater were investigated using single and ternary competitive adsorption systems. The equilibrium adsorption capacities of CA, GA, and ME on CCS@Fe3O4 were 197.04, 195.55, and 623.97 mg/g at the optimized conditions (0.3 mg/mL CCS@Fe3O4 dosage, temperature of 38 °C, and pH of 7). The adsorption kinetic model showed that chemisorption accounted for most of the adsorption of CA, GA, and ME on CCS@Fe3O4. The adsorption mechanisms of pigments on CCS@Fe3O4 were explored at the molecular level through quantum chemical calculations. The electrostatic potentials (ESP), average local ionisation energy (ALIE), and Fukui indices calculation indicated that the quaternary ammonium group in CCS@Fe3O4 was more susceptible to electrophilic reactions. The CC and benzene rings in CA and GA, and the COO- in ME, represent sites of attack for quaternary ammonium during adsorption. Furthermore, the competitive adsorption results, adsorption energy, and electron transfer data demonstrated that the adsorption capacity of CCS@Fe3O4 for pigments followed the order ME>GA>CA. Overall, the competitive adsorption mechanisms of CA, GA, and ME on CCS@Fe3O4 were unveiled, with quantum chemical calculations offering crucial insights into the adsorption process.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE SYNERGISTIC ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF SELECTED PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS (GALLIC ACID, ROSMARINIC ACID and CAFFEIC ACID) AND INVESTIGATION OF THEIR ABILITY TO PREVENT FORMATION OF DNA BASE DAMAGE

Considering the areas of use of phenolic compounds, it is important to determine the concentrations at which they show synergistic and antagonistic interactions for their integration into various systems and their correct use. In this study, the synergistic interaction concentration of rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, and caffeic acid was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu and FRAP methods. The central composite design–response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum concentration for synergistic interaction. As a result of the optimization, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and gallic acid showed synergistic interaction at 7.87 μM, 6.75 μM and 9.42 μM concentrations for Folin–Ciocalteu method; 8.03 μM, 9.34 μM and 6.00 μM concentration for FRAP method respectively. The capacity of phenolic compounds to prevent the formation of DNA base damage products was evaluated by GC–MS/MS. As a result, the synergistic concentration of three phenolics reduces the DNA damage products at 37.17% (FOLIN) and 40.17% (FRAP).

Sustainable management of rosemary wastewater and essential oil in agri-environmental bioprocessing

In agriculture, fragrant and medicinal plants offer significant untapped potential for generating biomass-derived materials, particularly from wastewater by-products. In this context, the present study investigates the chemical compositions, antioxidant capacities, antimicrobial properties, acute oral toxicity, and diabetes management potential of wastewater by-products and essential oil from R. tournefortii de Noé. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques, including ATR-FTIR, GC/MS, and HPLC-DAD, were employed to conduct the analyses. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed intricate molecular compositions in both the essential oil and wastewater, confirming terpenoids, phenolic acids, and other functional groups. GC/MS and HPLC-DAD identified dominant compounds in the essential oil, notably camphor (25.49%) and 1,8-cineole (18.03%), while the wastewater contained significant levels of hydroxycinnamic acids such as caffeic acid (23.51%) and rosmarinic acid (21.15%). In terms of bioactivity, the essential oil demonstrated robust antimicrobial effects, with inhibition zones up to 17.1 mm, whereas the wastewater exhibited moderate activity, with zones up to 15.15 mm. Additionally, antioxidant assessments revealed exceptional potency of the wastewater, with IC50 values of 0.046 ± 0.007 mg/mL for DPPH, 0.082 ± 0.013 mg/mL for ABTS, and 2.45 ± 0.71 mg/mL for the beta-carotene/linoleate model system, surpassing the essential oil. Furthermore, both the essential oil and wastewater showed significant inhibitory effects on pancreatic α-amylase, crucial for diabetes management, with wastewater demonstrating remarkable inhibition (IC50 = 0.48 ± 0.021 mg/mL). Acute oral toxicity assessment confirmed the safety of these components, alleviating concerns about potential adverse effects. In summary, these findings highlight the untapped potential and environmental significance of wastewater by-products as valuable resources, positioning R. tournefortii de Noé's essential oil and wastewater as promising agents for sustainable healthcare and environmental sustainability.

Chemical Profiling, Enzyme Inhibitory Activity and Antioxidant Capacity of South African Herbal Teas: Buddleja saligna, Lippia javanica, L. scaberrima and Phyla dulcis.

Herbal teas are used in South Africa as digestives to lower glycaemia and for other indications. However, the chemical composition of the infusions and their effect on enzymes related to metabolic syndrome is poorly known. The composition of infusions and methanol extracts of B. saligna (Scrophulariaceae), Lippia javanica, L. scaberrima, and Phyla dulcis (Verbenaceae) was assessed and the effect of the infusions and extract was determined towards α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and pancreatic lipase. The commercial herbal products were extracted separately with MeOH or hot water to obtain the extract/infusion for comparative studies. Total phenolic, total flavonoid and antioxidant capacity were assessed. The fingerprints of the MeOH extracts and infusions were compared by HPLD-DAD. The extract constituents were tentatively identified by HPLC-MS/MS and NMR analyses. From the extracts/infusions, 57 compounds were identified, including iridoids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, flavonoids, and caffeic acid derivatives, among others. The MeOH extracts and infusions showed strong inhibition towards α-glucosidase with IC50 in the range of 0.13-0.84 µg/mL for the phenolic-enriched infusion extract (PEI) and 0.47-0.50 µg/mL for the MeOH extracts, respectively. The P. dulcis PEI showed higher inhibition towards α-glucosidase, and the MeOH extract of L. scaberrima was better than the PEI. At 100 µg/mL, the PEI from the four herbal teas reduces the activity of α-amylase by 23.03-28.61%, with L. javanica as the most active tea. Three of the species are high in phenylpropanoid glycosides, while P. dulcis contains rosmarinic acid. Some 26 compounds were identified in the infusion from B. saligna, 28 from L. scaberrima, and 21 from P. dulcis. Four of them are common in all the teas, namely decaffeoylverbascoside, verbascoside, isoverbascoside, and tuberonic acid hexoside. Ten compounds occur in two of the teas and seventeen, fifteen, and eleven compounds were detected only in B. saligna, L. scaberrima, and P. dulcis, respectively. Most of the compounds are reported for the first time from the crude drug infusions. The results give some support for the traditional use of herbal teas as digestives and/or indications for diabetes. The chemical fingerprints set the basis for quality control of the crude drugs, based on the main constituents and differential compounds occurring in the samples.

Active packaging coating based on Lepidium sativum seed mucilage and propolis extract: Preparation, characterization, application and modeling the preservation of buffalo meat.

Buffalo meat is naturally perishable, making it susceptible to spoilage due to its high moisture content and vulnerability to microbial contamination. Edible coatings have attracted attention as a packaging method that can prolong the shelf life of meat. The study aimed to examine the impact of a combination of Lepidium sativum mucilage (LS) coating and propolis extract (PE) on prolonging the shelf life of buffalo meat. The chemical characteristics (chemical compounds, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity) and antimicrobial activity of the PE (disk diffusion agar, well diffusion agar, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration) were investigated. The effect of the PE on the cell wall of pathogenic bacteria was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Biological properties of LS (TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effect (pour plate method)) was investigated. Different concentrations of PE (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5%) were added to the coating mixture containing LS, and their effects on extending the shelf life of buffalo meat samples stored at 4°C for 9 days were assessed. The PE included gallic acid, benzoic acid, syringic acid, 4-3 dimethoxy cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, myricetin, caffeic acid, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, and apigenin. The PE was determined to have a TPC of 36.67 ± 0.57 mg GAE/g and a TFC of 48.02 ± 0.65 mg QE/g. The extract's radical scavenging activity ranged from 0 to 76.22% for DPPH radicals and from 0 to 50.31% for ABTS radicals. The viability of C115 HeLa cell was observed to be 94.14 μg/mL. The PE and LS, exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria. The LS was determined to have a TPC of 15.23 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g and a TFC of 11.51± 0.61 mg QE/g. The LS was determined to have a DPPH of 429.65 ± 1.28 μg/mL and a ABTS of 403.59 ± 1.46 μg/mL. The microbiological analysis revealed that the LS+2.5%PE treatment was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of total viable count (6.23 vs. 8.00 log CFU/g), psychrotrophic bacteria count (3.71 vs. 4.73 log CFU/g), coliforms count (2.78 vs. 3.70 log CFU/g), and fungi count (2.39 vs. 3.93 log CFU/g) compared to the control sample. The addition of PE to the edible coating also demonstrated a concentration-dependent effect on preserving the moisture, pH, color, and hardness of the buffalo meat. Sensory evaluation results suggested that incorporating PE into the edible coating extended the shelf life of buffalo meat by three days. In the second stage of this paper, this investigation employed two distinct forecasting methodologies: the Radial Basis Function (RBF) and the Support Vector Machine (SVM), to predict a range of quality indicators for coated meat products. Upon comparison, the RBF model exhibited a higher level of accuracy, showcasing its exceptional capacity to closely match the experimental outcomes. Therefore, this type of food coating, renowned for its strong antimicrobial properties, has the potential to effectively package and preserve perishable and delicate food items, such as meat.

Effect of gamma irradiation on the degradation rate of various pesticides and active ingredients in dandelion

The levels of 37 pesticides in dandelion were analyzed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The dandelion samples were treated with different irradiation doses, pH levels, moisture contents, and initial concentrations. Additionally, the respective contents of chicoric, chlorogenic, and caffeic acids in the dandelion samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with DAD detector. The results showed that the pesticide degradation rate was positively correlated with the irradiation dose and negatively correlated with pesticide concentration. The degradation of most pesticides followed first-order kinetics. The pesticide degradation rate initially decreased and subsequently increased with an increase in the pH. Irradiation below 8 kGy had an insignificant effect on the three active ingredients of dandelion. The chicoric acid content decreased with an increase in water content and pH, whereas the caffeic acid content increased.

Phytochemistry, Mechanisms, and Preclinical Studies of Echinacea Extracts in Modulating Immune Responses to Bacterial and Viral Infections: A Comprehensive Review.

Echinacea species, particularly Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida, are renowned for their immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. This review explores the mechanisms by which echinacea herbal extracts modulate immune responses, focusing on their effects on both innate and adaptive immunity in bacterial and viral infections. Key bioactive compounds, such as alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, contribute to these effects. These compounds enhance immune cell activity, including macrophages and natural killer cells, stimulating cytokine production and phagocytosis. The antibacterial activity of echinacea against respiratory pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila) and skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Propionibacterium acnes) is reviewed, as well as its antiviral efficacy against viruses like herpes simplex, influenza, and rhinovirus. Echinacea's potential as a complementary treatment alongside conventional antibiotics and antivirals is discussed, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance and emerging viral threats. Challenges associated with variability in phytochemical content and the need for standardized extraction processes are also addressed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of echinacea's therapeutic potential and outlines future directions for research, including clinical trials and dosage optimization.

Variation in the Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant, Antihyperglycemic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Leaves of Cotoneaster zabelii during Growing Season

Cotoneaster zabelii is a medicinal plant that is beneficial due to its polyphenol-rich leaves. In the course of optimizing the harvest time for C. zabelii cultivated in Poland, the leaf samples were collected monthly during the annual plant vegetation season, and the hydromethanolic leaf extracts were evaluated for their phenolic composition and model biological activities, including antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. The phenolic profiles were analyzed using UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS3, HPLC-PDA, and spectrophotometric methods (total phenolic content, TPC) to understand their seasonal variability and its correlation with bioactive properties. The identified phenolic compounds included caffeic acid derivatives, flavan-3-ols (especially (−)-epicatechin and procyanidins B-type), and flavonoids like quercetin mono- and diglycosides. Leaves harvested in July and October contained the highest polyphenolic levels and demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in most tests. The leaves harvested in July, September, and October showed optimal anti-inflammatory effects, whereas the highest antihyperglycemic activity was observed in the leaves collected from June to July. Regarding polyphenolic levels and bioactivity, the summer and autumn months appear to be the most advantageous for harvesting leaf material of optimal quality for phytotherapy.

Food hydroxycinnamic acids alleviate ageing in dermal cells

Dermal damage is inducible by several factors including UV exposure, oxidative stress and inflammation exacerbating skin senescence and degradation of the skin elastic fibers accumulated in ageing accordingly. Which, phenolics of food hydroxycinnamates with a myriad of health benefits are potentially applicable for ageing treatment. Particularly those of food hydroxycinnamic acids, i.e., caffeic, sinapic and rosmarinic acids, that would be efficient against skin ageing. Effectiveness of caffeic, sinapic and rosmarinic acids alleviating ageing was indicated in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and co-culture of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and HDF. Caffeic acid was exhibited as the strongest (p < 0.01) anti-senescent phenolic examined. The studied food hydroxycinnamic acids were shown to induce collagen synthesis in aged HDF with the noted activities inhibiting MMP-1 and IL-6. Their photoaging protections were proved in the co-culture model with significant (p < 0.001) inhibitions against IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1 and MMP-9 (collagen and elastin degrading enzymes). Which, caffeic acid was demonstrated as the most potent photoaging agent among its counterparts. Caffeic, sinapic and rosmarinic acids were proved to be the efficient nutrients for ageing treatment. These functional food hydroxycinnamates are proven on their anti-senescent and photoprotection activities, and capable to maintain homeostasis of dermal cells. Food-derived hydroxycinnamic acids are therefore recommended for innovative product alleviates skin ageing.Graphical

Processing of Angelica (Angelica sylvestris L.) into a functional jam with addition of carob and cinnamon extracts: Evaluation of sensorial, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics and in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolics

AbstractA traditional Angelica jam has been produced from stems of Angelica sylvestris L. growing at the foot of Mount Uludag in Bursa for many years. The aim of this study was to develop new functional formulations of Angelica jam by adding carob and cinnamon extracts, and to evaluate the effect of jam processing and the extracts' addition on the sensory attributes, physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of Angelica jams as well as in vitro bioavailability of phenolics. The main physicochemical properties of the jams including total water‐soluble dry matter (Brix value), pH, invert sugar content, total dietary fiber content, and 5‐(hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF) ranged between 71.80–72.70 °Bx, 3.65–3.91, 39.30%–49.60%, 0.70–0.90 g/100 g, and 91.00–105.50 mg/kg, respectively. The most abundant minerals were potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe) within a concentration range of 80.49–388.67 mg/kg, 111.10–135.00 mg/kg, 24.00–43.28 mg/kg, 7.57–28.06 mg/kg, and 0.52–1.14 mg/kg, respectively. Sensory analysis revealed that general acceptability of Angelica jams in a 9‐point hedonic scale was above 7. The highest antioxidant capacity values of Angelica jam and its functional forms fortified with carob and cinnamon extracts were obtained as 96.68 ± 11.30 mg TE/100 g DM, 248.49 ± 17.78 mg TE/100 g DM, and 193.11 ± 16.06 mg TE/100 g DM, respectively, with the ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) method. It was observed that the main phenolic compound of the jams was caffeic acid. Depending on the type of extract added into the formulations, trans‐cinnamic acid and gallic acid (GA) became predominant phenolics. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of Angelica sylvestris stem decreased by 72%–85% with the heat treatment applied during jam processing. While total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (measured by the DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) method) increased as a result of intestinal digestion of the jam, it was observed that bioaccessibility of most of the phenolic compounds decreased after intestinal digestion of the jams.

Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic effects and quantification of bioactive compounds by HPLC from Crassula ovata leaves extracts on streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats

Background: Crassula ovata have been recommended in ethno medicines for the treatment of diabetes. In this research the scientific claim is studied and validated. Objective: Objective of the current study has been focused to assess the traditional use of Crassula ovata to heal diabetes, hyperlipidemia and to check the presence of constituents responsible for these actions. Methods: The approved plant's ethanol, acetone, and chloroform extracts were prepared by maceration. For in vivo activity, the model of streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus in rats was chosen, wherein antidiabetic parameters such as body weight, urine volume, blood glucose level, and lipid profile parameters were evaluated. Quantification of bioactive compounds was done by a high-performance liquid chromatographic technique using diode-array detection. Results: The ethanolic extract noticeably depleted increased blood glucose levels and has positive effects on altered lipid profile after administering a dose of 200 mg/kg orally compared with oral hypoglycemic drug metformin. HPLC analysis of ethanolic extract identified several secondary metabolites in Crassula ovata, including Gallic acid, Rutin, Luteolin, Caffeic acid, Catechin, Kaempferol and Quercetin. These compounds have been reported for their potential antidiabetic effects. The analytical data on the chemical composition supported its traditional use in diabetes management. Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that, Crassula ovata ethanolic extract can be ideal for the treatment of diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Further studies are required to locate the active pharmaceutical ingredient for the said actions.

A novel Co/Zn-ferrite molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical assay for sensing of gallic acid in plant extracts, wine, and herbal supplement.

In this study, a new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensor platform was developed for the electrochemical determination of gallic acid (GAL) in plant extracts, wine, and herbal supplements. Gallic acid is known for its natural antioxidant properties, which play an important role in preventing cell deterioration that can lead to various diseases. In addition, gallic acid has therapeutic potential due to its anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. Accurate analysis of gallic acid in complex matrices, in mixed samples where different components coexist, is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this compound. Cobalt ferrite-zinc-dihydro caffeic acid (CFO_Zn_DHCA) nanoparticles, sphere-like in shape and 5 ± 1nm in size, were incorporated into the MIP-based electrochemical sensor design to enhance the active surface area and porosity of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. The functional monomer chosen for this study was aminophenyl boronic acid (3-APBA). In the GAL/CFO_Zn_DHCA/3-APBA@MIP-GCE sensor, which was developed using photopolymerization (PP), 3-APBA as a functional monomer was designed, and obtained in the presence of basic monomer (HEMA), cross-linker (EGDMA), and initiator (2-hydroxy-2-methyl propiophenone) by keeping it under a UV lamp at 365nm. It aims to detect GAL in real samples such as Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel, Camellia sinensis (green and black tea leaves), wine, and herbal supplements. Morphological and electrochemical characterizations of the designed GAL/CFO_Zn_DHCA/3-APBA@MIP-GCE sensor were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The linear range for the determination of GAL using the indirect method (5.0mM [Fe(CN)6]-3/-4) was found to be 1.0 × 10-13M-1.0 × 10-12M, and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for standard solutions werecalculated as 1.29 × 10-14 and 4.29 × 10-14M, respectively. As a result of the study, the developed MIP-based electrochemical sensor was suitable for detecting GAL with high specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity. Recovery studies were performed to determine the practical applicability of the sensor, and the results were satisfactory. This innovative sensor platform stands out as a reliable and sensitive analytical tool for determining GAL.

Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes extract inhibits human neutrophil pro-inflammatory functions and protects rats from acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.

The increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by human neutrophils can lead to oxidative imbalances and several diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Opuntia ficus-indica (O. ficus-indica) is rich in bioactive substances with anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds present in aqueous cladodes extract (ACE) of O. ficus-indica using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and to test its effects on human neutrophil inflammatory functions and on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by acetic acid (Aa) in rats. ROS production and degranulation by neutrophils were assessed by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence, enzymatic techniques, and western blotting. In vivo, the experiment involved seven groups of rats: a negative control group (NaCl), the acetic acid group (Aa), and groups treated with oral sulfasalazine (150mg/kg) or various doses of ACE for 7days. Colonic lesions were induced by an intra-rectal Aa injection, and inflammation was assessed. HPLC analysis identified gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid as major compounds in ACE. In vitro, ACE inhibited neutrophil ROS production, including superoxide anion produced by NADPH oxidase, and significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity and neutrophil degranulation. In vivo, ACE protected rats from Aa-induced histopathological damage of the colonic mucosa, significantly increased catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione levels, and significantly suppressed the increases of plasma cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) observed in the Aa group. In conclusion, O. ficus-indica ACE has significant anti-inflammatory properties by restoring oxidative balance, indicating that it could be a potential source of therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases, particularly UC.