Phytochemical Characterization Research Articles

Phytochemical investigation and characterisation of methanolic extract of Glycine max seeds using LCMS/MS and in silico studies for wound healing activity.

Soybean is scientifically known as Glycine max. It belongs to the Fabaceae family. It consists of a lot of bioactive phytochemicals like saponin, phenolic acid, flavonoid, sphingolipids and phytosterols. It also owns excellent immune-active effects in the physiological system. Soy and its phytochemicals have been found to have pharmacological properties that include anticancer, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolaemic, anti-diabetic, oestrogenic, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-hypertensive, anti-mutagenic, immunomodulatory, anti-osteoporotic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, goitrogenic anti-skin ageing, wound healing, neuroprotective and anti-photoageing activities. Present study has been designed to set standard pharmacognostical extraction method, complexation of compounds, qualitative evaluation through phytochemical screening, identification by TLC, physicochemical properties, solubility profile, total phenolic, flavonoid content as well as analytical evaluation or characterisation like UV and FT-IR of methanolic extract of G. max. The final observations like physicochemical properties such as total ash value, LOD and pH were recorded. Phytochemical screenings show the presence of flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, carbohydrate, tannins, protein, gums and mucilage, fixed oils and fats. The results were found significant. Further in silico studies proved creatinine and euparin to be potent wound healing agents.

Phytochemical characterization and bioactivities of different fruit parts of Cupressus sempervirens combined with multivariate analysis

Phytochemical characterization and bioactivities of different fruit parts of Cupressus sempervirens combined with multivariate analysis

Effect of Different Spring Planting Periods on Pomological and Phytochemical Characteristics of Some Strawberry Varieties

Effect of Different Spring Planting Periods on Pomological and Phytochemical Characteristics of Some Strawberry Varieties

A Comparative Phytochemical Characterization of Moringa oleifera Plant Parts by Different Solvent Extraction

A Comparative Phytochemical Characterization of Moringa oleifera Plant Parts by Different Solvent Extraction

Phytochemical and biological assessment of secondary metabolites isolated from a rhizosphere strain, Sphingomonas sanguinis DM of Datura metel

BackgroundThe plant roots excrete a large number of organic compounds into the soil. The rhizosphere, a thin soil zone around the roots, is a hotspot for microbial activity, making it a crucial component of the soil ecosystem. Secondary metabolites produced by rhizospheric Sphingomonas sanguinis DM have sparked significant curiosity in investigating their possible biological impacts.MethodsA bacterial strain has been isolated from the rhizosphere of Datura metel. The bacterium’s identification, fermentation, and working up have been outlined. The ethyl acetate fraction of the propagated culture media of Sphingomonas sanguinis DM was fractioned and purified using various chromatographic techniques. The characterization of the isolated compounds was accomplished through the utilization of various spectroscopic techniques, such as UV, MS, 1D, and 2D-NMR. Furthermore, the evaluation of their antimicrobial activity was conducted using the agar well diffusion method, while cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT test.ResultsThe extract from Sphingomonas sanguinis DM provided two distinct compounds: n-dibutyl phthalic acid (1) and Bis (2-methyl heptyl) phthalate (2) within its ethyl acetate fraction. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA gene sequence of Sphingomonas sanguinis DM has been registered under the NCBI GenBank database with the accession number PP422198. The bacterial extract exhibited its effect against gram-positive bacteria, inhibiting Streptococcus mutans (12.6 ± 0.6 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (10.6 ± 0.6 mm) compared to standard antibiotics. Conversely, compound 1 showed a considerable effect against phytopathogenic fungi such as Alternaria alternate (56.3 ± 10.6 mm) and Fusarium oxysporum (21.3 ± 1.5 mm) with a MIC value of 17.5 µg/mL. However, it was slightly active against Klebsiella pneumonia (11.0 ± 1.0 mm). Furthermore, compound 2 was the most active metabolite, having a significant antimicrobial efficacy against Rhizoctonia solani (63.6 ± 1.1 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.7 ± 0.6 mm), and Alternaria alternate (20.3 ± 0.6 mm) with MIC value at 15 µg/mL. In addition, compound 2 exhibited the most potency against hepatocellular (HepG-2) and skin (A-431) carcinoma cell lines with IC50 values of 107.16 µg/mL and 111.36 µg/mL, respectively.ConclusionSphingomonas sanguinis DM, a rhizosphere bacterium of Datura metel, was studied for its phytochemical and biological characteristics, resulting in the identification of two compounds with moderate antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.

Validation of the traditional antimicrobial use of the Iranian medicinal plant Thymus daenensis Celak through phytochemical characterization of its bioactive constituents

Thymus daenensis Celak (Lamiaceae family), known as denaian thyme, is an Iranian endemic plant, commonly used for its carminative, expectorant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Previous studies report the chemical profile of the essential oil of T. daenensis aerial parts, but little is known about its non volatile constituents. Herein, phytochemical and biological investigation of the polar extract of T. daenensis aerial parts to provide further insight into traditional use of this plant has been accomplished. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to linear ion-trap and orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS/MS) analysis of MeOH extract was performed to guide the isolation of specialized metabolites and successive characterization by NMR analysis. MeOH extract displayed antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH (EC50 = 48.99 ± 1.47 μg/mL) and TEAC assay (1.37 mg/mL). Successively, the biofilm inhibitory activity of extract and isolated compounds against mature biofilms of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, and their influence on the metabolism of sessile bacterial cells were evaluated. Two previously unreported thymol derivatives have been identified. The biofilm inhibitory activity of isolated compounds highlighted a promising antimicrobial action for the tested compounds. In particular, vanillic acid, (3S,5R,6R,7E,9S)-megastigm-7-ene-3,5,6,9-tetrol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, thymoquinol-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and the never reported compound daenol resulted capable of exerting inhibitory activity vs all pathogenic strains. All compounds tested at a concentration of 10 μg/mL inhibited the metabolism of the sessile cells of E. coli at a percentage ranging between 37.7% and 77.39%, and of L.monocytogenes at a percentage ranging between 21.79% and 71.17%.

Preliminary phytochemical characterization and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial potential screening of an ayurvedic drug combination Panchatikta

Panchatikta is an Ayurvedic drug combination of 5 bitter-tasting drugs, namely Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia, Justicia adhatoda, Solanum virginianum and Trichosanthes dioica. In this study, estimations of the phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents, HPTLC profile and in vitro anti-oxidant and anti-microbial potential of 3 extracts of the Panchatikta were carried out. The total phenolic content of the Panchatikta combination was almost the same in ethanol, water and hydroalcoholic extracts. Flavonoid content and tannin content were highest in ethanol extract. HPTLC profiling of the 3 extracts of Panchatikta showed the maximum number of peaks for the ethanolic extract. Water extract showed a comparatively smaller number of peaks. The maximum number of peaks was seen after derivatisation. In the DPPH assay, gallic acid has IC50 value of 5.50 ± 0.38 µg/mL; ethanol and hydroalcoholic extracts have IC50 close to 60 µg/mL and water extract has around 90 µg/mL. The ABTS assay showed standard ascorbic acid has a IC50 value of 67.33 ± 0.58 µg/mL while Panchatikta extracts have a much higher IC50. In nitric oxide assay also, tested samples have a higher IC50 when compared with that of ascorbic acid (177.33 ± 5.09). In well diffusion assay for antibacterial screening, all 3 extracts have a significant zone of inhibition at concentrations of 500 µg and 1000 µg. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be resistant to all 3 test samples and standard antibiotic discs. Minimum activity was obtained against Klebsiella pneumonia. Panchatikta extracts at concentrations of 500 µg and 1000 µg showed significant activity against the fungal strains Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum. In conclusion, the results of the study can provide scientific support for the traditional usage of the Ayurvedic drug combination Panchatikta for various ailments.

Molecular Networking-Based Metabolome, In Vitro Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Breonadia salicina (Vahl) Hepper & J.R.I. Wood.

Breonadia salicina (Vahl) Hepper & J.R.I. Wood is widely distributed throughout Africa. It is used ethnobotanically to treat various diseases. However, the metabolic profile of the Breonadia species is not well characterized and the metabolites that are responsible for the bioactivity of this plant remain unknown. Therefore, there is a need to determine the phytochemical and bioactivity profile to identify metabolites that contribute to the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferation activity, including the genotoxicity and cytotoxic effects, of Breonadia salicina. The study is aimed at exploring the metabolomic profile antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferation activity, as well as the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects, of constituents of B. salicina. The compounds in the B. salicina extract were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS), and the resultant data were further analyzed using a molecular networking approach. The crude stem bark and root extracts showed the highest antidiabetic activity against α-amylase at the lowest test concentration of 62.5 µg/mL, with 74.53 ± 0.74% and 79.1 ± 1.5% inhibition, respectively. However, the crude stem bark and root extracts showed the highest antidiabetic activity against α-glucosidase at the lowest test concentration of 31.3 µg/mL, with 98.20 ± 0.15% and 97.98 ± 0.22% inhibition, respectively. The crude methanol leaf extract showed a decrease in the nitrite concentration at the highest concentration of 200 µg/mL, with cell viability of 90.34 ± 2.21%, thus showing anti-inflammatory activity. No samples showed significant cytotoxic effects at a concentration of 10 µg/mL against HeLa cells. Furthermore, a molecular network of Breonadia species using UPLC-QTOF-MS with negative mode electrospray ionization showed the presence of organic oxygen compounds, lipids, benzenoids, phenylpropanoids and polyketides. These compound classes were differentially distributed in the three different plant parts, indicating the chemical differences between the stem bark, root and leaf extracts of B. salicina. Therefore, the identified compounds may contribute to the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity of Breonadia salicina. The stem bark, root and leaf extracts of B. salicina yielded thirteen compounds identified for the first time in this plant, offering a promising avenue for the discovery of new lead drugs for the treatment of diabetes and inflammation. The use of molecular networking produced a detailed phytochemical overview of this Breonadia species. The results reported in this study show the importance of searching for bioactive compounds from Breonadia salicina and provide new insights into the phytochemical characterization and bioactivity of different plant parts of Breonadia salicina.

Phytochemical characterization and multifaceted bioactivity assessment of essential oil from Clinopodium nepeta subsp. ascendens: potential for the food and pharmaceutical sectors

ABSTRACT This study delves into the biological characteristics of Clinopodium nepeta subsp. ascendens (CNEO) essential oil, an indigenous subspecies of eastern Morocco. Distinguished by its purple or pale pinkish-white flowers, CNEO was subjected to thorough phytochemical analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing 21 terpene compounds, notably Dihydrocarvone (22.70%), Neoisomenthol (43.59%), and Pulegone (20.55%). These compounds, recognized for their biological and pharmacological attributes, were further investigated for their potential applications. Notably, CNEO exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects by attenuating nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Moreover, it demonstrated promising anticancer activity against MDA-MB-468, HepG2, and HCT-15 cancer cell lines, rivaling doxorubicin’s effectiveness. These findings underscore CNEO’s nutraceutical potential, particularly in food science and industry, suggesting its use as a functional food additive with both nutritional and health benefits

Phytochemical Composition, Anti-Inflammatory Property, and Anti-Atopic Effect of Chaetomorpha linum Extract.

Utilizing plant-based resources, particularly their by-products, aligns with sustainability principles and circular bioeconomy, contributing to environmental preservation. The therapeutic potential of plant extracts is garnering increasing interest, and this study aimed to demonstrate promising outcomes from an extract obtained from an underutilized plant waste. Chaetomorpha linum, an invasive macroalga found in the Orbetello Lagoon, thrives in eutrophic conditions, forming persistent mats covering approximately 400 hectares since 2005. The biomass of C. linum undergoes mechanical harvesting and is treated as waste, requiring significant human efforts and economic resources-A critical concern for municipalities. Despite posing challenges to local ecosystems, the study identified C. linum as a natural source of bioactive metabolites. Phytochemical characterization revealed lipids, amino acids, and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory activity in C. linum extract. In vitro assays with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells showed the extract inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) productions, and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions via NF-κB nuclear translocation, in RAW 264.7 cells. It also reduced chemokines (TARC/CCL17, RANTES/CCL5, MCP-1/CCL2, and IL-8) and the cytokine IL-1β production in HaCaT cells, suggesting potential as a therapeutic candidate for chronic diseases like atopic dermatitis. Finally, in silico studies indicated palmitic acid as a significant contributor to the observed effect. This research not only uncovered the untapped potential of C. linum but also laid the foundation for its integration into the circular bioeconomy, promoting sustainable practices, and innovative applications across various industries.

Ananas comosus (Pineapple): A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Properties, Phytochemical Composition, and Pharmacological Activities

Herbal medicine, also known as phytomedicine, utilizes various plant parts like leaves, fruits, roots, bark, or flowers for their health benefits, standing as an alternative healthcare approach to conventional medicine. Traditional herbal remedies, integral to medical systems worldwide, notably in China and India, are gaining global recognition for their efficacy and fewer side effects. Approximately 80% of the world's population relies on traditional herbal medicine for primary healthcare, as per the World Health Organization. Ananas comosus (L.) Merril, commonly known as pineapple, belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, encompassing about 50 genera and 200 species. Pineapple, a perennial herbaceous plant, exhibits unique physical attributes, with its main parts including the stem, leaves, peduncle, multiple fruit, crown, shoots, and roots. Pineapple contains various amino acids, including tyrosine and tryptophan, along with bromelain, an enzyme aiding digestion by breaking down proteins. This review outlines previous research on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Ananas comosus, highlighting its diverse medicinal properties. From antimicrobial and anticancer activities to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects, pineapple demonstrates significant therapeutic potential across multiple health domains. Additionally, its nutritional value and traditional uses further underscore its importance as a versatile herbal remedy. Keywords: Ananas comosus, pineapple, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, medicinal properties, bromelain.

Orbea variegata (L.) Haw in skin carcinogenesis: insights from an in vivo male Swiss mouse model study

ABSTRACT Skin cancer is the most widespread type of malignant tumor representing a major public health concern. Considering the numerous side effects associated with conventional treatments, phytotherapy may be regarded as a viable medicinal alternative. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Orbea variegata (L.) Haw, an ornamental plant, in treating skin cancer using an animal model induced by a combination of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and sulfuric acid treatment. The hydroethanolic extract of Orbea variegata underwent phytochemical characterization, identifying the presence of reducing sugars, coumarins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins through qualitative screening. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant amounts of phenolic compounds (29.435 ± 0.571 mg GAE/g of dry extract), flavonoids (6.711 ± 0.272 mg QE/g of dry extract), and tannins (274.037 ± 11.3 mg CE/g of dry extract). The administration the hydroethanolic extract in two concentrations (1 or 2 g/kg) to male Swiss mice exhibited no marked adverse effects, as evidenced by serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activity levels. In addition, the extract significantly reduced skin hyperplasia and inflammation induced by UV/sulfuric acid treatment as noted in tissue analyses and decreased protein expression of nuclear proliferation marker (Ki-67). This improvement was associated with a marked decrease in oxidative stress, as indicated by diminished lipid peroxidation levels, and restoration of the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) to control levels. Our findings demonstrated the potential of Orbea variegata hydroethanolic extract to be considered as a treatment for skin cancer, exhibiting its apparent safety and efficacy in reducing inflammation and carcinogenesis in a UV/sulfuric acid-induced Swiss mouse model, attributed to its phytochemical content and associated antioxidant activities.

Phytochemical characterization and end use evaluation of native and fermented cereal brans

Phytochemical characterization and end use evaluation of native and fermented cereal brans

Evaluation of cytotoxicity, acute toxicity, genotoxicity and antioxidant and antigenotoxicity activities of the sarcotesta fraction of punica granatum L. rich in lectin (PgTel)

ABSTRACT Punica granatum, popularly known as pomegranate, is a fruit tree with wide worldwide distribution, containing numerous phytochemicals of great medicinal value. The aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of a protein fraction (PF) derived from P. granatum sarcotesta which is rich in lectin. In addition, the acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of this protein fraction (PF) from P. granatum sarcotesta was measured. The phytochemical profile of PF was determined using HPLC. The in vitro antioxidant effect was assessed using the methods of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging. Acute oral toxicity was determined in female Swiss mice administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. This PF was examined for genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, utilizing mouse peripheral blood cells. Phytochemical characterization detected a high content of ellagic acid and antioxidant capacity similar to that of ascorbic acid (positive control). PF was not toxic (LD50 >2000 mg/kg) and did not exert a genotoxic effect in mice. PF protected the DNA of peripheral blood cells against damage induced by cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, this PF fraction exhibited significant antioxidant activity without initiating toxic or genotoxic responses in mice.

Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Satureja montana L., a Medicinal Plant Grown under the Influence of Fertilization and Planting Dates.

The rising demand for safe plant compounds and herbal products that contribute positively to human health is in line with current market trends. Plants belonging to the Satureja genus, particularly the aromatic medicinal S. montana L. from the Lamiaceae family, are well suited to these trends as they serve as pharmaceutical raw materials. This research aimed to assess the influence of sowing date and fertilization doses, as well as their interaction, on the fresh weight, essential oil content, and composition of S. montana. Experimental cultivation involved varying nitrogen and phosphorus levels. The second cut had the highest fresh weight and oil production compared to the first cut. The highest total plant biomass was achieved with autumn sowing and fertilization at 55 kg N/ha and 37 kg P/ha, whereas Spring sowing exhibited higher essential oil production, with the maximum oil % with 74 kg P/ha and oil yield after applying 55 kg N/ha and 74 kg P/ha. The GC-MS analysis revealed that carvacrol was the predominant compound, with it being recommended to grow S. montana in Spring at doses of 55 kg N/ha and 74 kg P/ha for the superior oil yield. Additionally, S. montana essential oil demonstrated notable biological and antimicrobial activity, positioning it as a potential alternative to chemical food preservatives.

Physio-chemical and Phytochemical Characteristics of a Lesser-known Wild Edible Fruit of Mizoram, Elaeagnus pyriformis Hook. F. (Family Elaeagnaceae): Need for its Proper Domestication

The lesser-known yet incredibly nourishing wild edible fruit Elaeagnus pyriformis Hook.f. is found in the north-eastern mountainous states of India. Elaeagnus pyriformis fruits were collected from three villages in Champhai District, Mizoram, with the goal of analysing their physio-chemical and phytochemical qualities in order to determine its potential for domestication. Measurements were made of the fruit's physical characteristics, including its length, diameter, weight, and moisture content. Juice was extracted, and total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, total sugar, non-reducing sugar, and sugar:acid ratio were among the chemical parameters that were examined afterward. The existence of several beneficial substances was determined by phytochemical screening. Physical and chemical differences between the samples from various villages were found to be significantly varied, according to the results. Ruantlang produced the highest titrable acidity, whereas Zotlang had the maximum fruit weight, length, TSS, reducing sugar, total sugar, non-reducing sugar, and flavonoid content. Fruit diameter, the ratio of sugar to acid, and the total phenolic content were all highest in Hmunhmeltha. The fruit's phytochemical examination identified flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides.

Nutritional, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Characterizations of Wild Food and Medicinal Fruits Indigenous to Sudan: Sarcocephalus latifolius and Vitex doniana

ABSTRACT Sudan is a rich country in wild plants that play significant roles in securing food and medicine in rural areas, especially. This study explored Sarcocephalus latifolius (African peach) and Vitex doniana (black plum) for their fruits’ proximate composition, minerals, total soluble phenols, phenolic acids, total carotenoids, lutein, β–carotene, α–tocopherol, δ–tocopherol and total antioxidant capacity. African peach fruit and black plum pulp showed total soluble phenols amounting to 16.89 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of Dry Weight (DW) and 7.56 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. The paramount phenolic acids were cinnamic acid (895 mg/kg DW) in African peach fruit and protocatechuic acid (1200 mg/kg DW) in black plum pulp. Total antioxidant capacities reached 268 µmoles trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW in African peach and 214 µmoles TE/g DW in black plum, when measured from hydrophilic extracts (HPE) using 2, 2-DiPhenyl-1-PicrylHydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The contents of total carotenoid were 47 mg/kg DW and 22.6 mg/kg DW, lutein reached 18.50 mg/kg DW and 15 mg/kg DW whereas β–carotene showed 0.31 mg/kg DW and 0.23 mg/kg DW in African peach and black plum, respectively. African peach showed α–tocopherol (167 mg/kg DW) whereas black plum showed δ–tocopherol (398 mg/kg DW). From this study, we concluded that African peach fruit and black plum pulp could be good sources of nutrition and antioxidants and have high potential for human health.

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of the Vegetative Buds from Romanian Spruce, Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.

This study aims to investigate the vegetative buds from Picea abies (spruce), naturally found in a central region of Romania, through a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition to identify bioactive compounds responsible for pharmacological properties. Using HPLC/derivatization technique of GC-MS and quantitative spectrophotometric assays, the phenolic profile, and main components of an ethanolic extract from the buds were investigated. The essential oil was characterized by GC-MS. Moreover, the antioxidant activity with the DPPH method, and the antimicrobial activity were tested. Heavy metal detection was performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The main components of the alcoholic extract were astragalin, quercetin, kaempferol, shikimic acid, and quinic acid. A total content of 25.32 ± 2.65 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry plant (mg GAE/g DW) and of 10.54 ± 0.083 mg rutin equivalents/g of dry plant (mg RE/g DW) were found. The essential oil had D-limonene, α-cadinol, δ-cadinene, 13-epimanool, and δ-3-carene as predominant components. The spruce vegetative buds exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC50 of 53 μg/mL) and antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, concentrations of heavy metals Pb and Cd were below detection limits, suggesting that the material was free from potentially harmful contaminants. The results confirmed the potential of this indigenous species to be used as a source of compounds with pharmacological utilities.

Influence of Cold Stress on Physiological and Phytochemical Characteristics and Secondary Metabolite Accumulation in Microclones of Juglans regia L.

The current study investigated the impact of cold stress on the morphological, physiological, and phytochemical properties of Juglans regia L. (J. regia) using in vitro microclone cultures. The study revealed significant stress-induced changes in the production of secondary antioxidant metabolites. According to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, the stress conditions profoundly altered the metabolism of J. regia microclones. Although the overall spectrum of metabolites was reduced, the production of key secondary antioxidant metabolites significantly increased. Notably, there was a sevenfold (7×) increase in juglone concentration. These findings are crucial for advancing walnut metabolomics and enhancing our understanding of plant responses to abiotic stress factors. Additionally, study results aid in identifying the role of individual metabolites in these processes, which is essential for developing strategies to improve plant resilience and tolerance to adverse conditions.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Constituents and Ethnopharmacological Properties of Mistletoe from Phoradendron and Viscum Species.

Plants from the genus Phoradendron and Viscum, also known as American and European mistletoe, are a group of hemiparasitic plants traditionally used to treat many diseases. Mistletoes have a rich content of natural compounds like terpenes, alkaloids, proteins, and phenolic compounds associated with their potential medicinal properties. In this sense, mistletoes have shown antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity, which has been attributed to their phytochemical constituents. The mechanisms in which mistletoe plants act vary and depend on their phytochemical content and distribution, which in part will depend on the mistletoe species. In this sense, recent literature research is needed to visualize state of the art in the ethnopharmacological potential of mistletoe. Thus, this literature review aims to systematically report recent studies (2010-2023) on the phytochemical characterization and bioactive studies of mistletoe plants, mainly the Viscum and Phoradendron genera. We gather recent information of 161 references selected in our research. Here we report that although there are several bioactivity studies of mistletoe species, bioavailability studies are still scarce, and the precise mechanisms of action are not fully known. We encourage that further studies include a systematic strategy to cover these areas of opportunity.