Flavonoid Content Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties of Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. aqueous leaf extract on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl., a Thai medicinal herb, has garnered substantial attention among researchers due to its recognized efficacy as an antidote, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. Despite its extensive investigation, the specific role of T. laurifolia in apoptotic inhibition remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the protective properties of T. laurifolia leaf extract against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages and determine the extractʼs total phenolic as well as flavonoid content, and its antioxidant. Moreover, the cytotoxicity including anti-inflammatory potential on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were assessed by measuring the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO). The outcomes of this investigation revealed remarkable similarity between the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity of the leaf extract under scrutiny and those documented in prior studies. In addition, the extract demonstrated negligible cytotoxicity at low concentrations. Furthermore, it effectively impeded the LPS-mediated production of NO, inflammatory mediator, in the macrophages. Moreover, pre-treatment with T. laurifolia leaf extract improved LPS-induced apoptosis by reducing rate of apoptotic cell death up to 41 % at the same concentration (1.68 μL/mL) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Collectively, these findings provide compelling initial evidence attesting to the ability of T. laurifolia leaf extract to inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages, thereby augmenting our understanding of its potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory conditions.

Enhancing the functionality of yogurt: Impact of exotic fruit pulps addition on probiotic viability and metabolites during processing and storage

The effect of exotic fruit pulp (araçá, cagaita, cambuci, grumixama, blueberry, and uvaia) on probiotic viability during storage and after gastrointestinal tract (GIT) simulation, in vitro biological activity, total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids content, and the production of metabolic products of microbial in probiotic yogurt were investigated. During the storage period (28 days), probiotic strain populations remained high (above 6 log CFU/g), while after the GTI simulation, L. acidophilus and B. animalis survival rates were higher when adding grumixama, blueberry, and uvaia pulp. Fermentation increased the antioxidant activity of yogurt containing araçá (12.87 ± 0.32 to 17.46 ± 1.79 μg Trolox/mg) and blueberry pulp (12.05 ± 1.43 to 17.49 ± 1.68 μg Trolox/mg) for ORACH for example. However, the total phenolic content increased in all samples after fermentation (ranging from 1.80 ± 0.26 μg gallic acid/mg (Uvaia) to 2.42 ± 0.08(Grumixama)), and there was no significant difference among treatments for total flavonoids. Thirty-eight metabolic compounds, mainly free amino acids, were detected, indicating a high degree of proteolysis in samples. Exotic fruit pulps positively impacted the probiotic yogurt parameters and are a potential alternative in functional food processing.

Change Patterns of Major Functional Components in the Loquat Summer Shoot Leaf during Annual Growth

Loquat leaves are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and food processing as raw materials. To provide a theoretical basis for suitable harvesting periods based on the utilization of distinct components, the change patterns of major functional components in the annual growth of loquat leaves were investigated. In this study, the summer loquat leaves were sampled regularly during their annual growth, and the contents of seven main functional components and 13 monomer components were determined. The results showed that there was a regular change pattern for major functional components during loquat annual growth from Jul 2020 to Jun 2021; however, the change trend was different among different components. Among them, the contents of total flavonoids, total phenols, total triterpenoid acids, vitamin C, asiatic acid, quillaic acid, corosolic acid, and chlorogenic acid presented an overall upward trend. The content of maslinic acid showed a downward trend, whereas the content of neochlorogenic acid did not change much throughout the whole growth period. The content changes in the loquat leaves were affected by the light durations and temperature changes in different seasons, with mutual transit during the flowering and fruit growth processes. Sampling in May to June was found to be a most optimized option when applied in Chinese medicine processing; however, the degree of fibrosis is another indicator when it is used as food raw material. This study revealed the change pattern of major functional components of loquat leaves during the annual growth period and provides a theoretical basis for the reasonable harvesting period of loquat leaves as raw materials for processing different types of products.

Phytochemical analysis, antibacterial and anti-diabetic activity of three different seaweed extracts

Aim: Marine seaweed contains potential phytochemical compounds that could able to cure different health issues in humans naturally. Hence the research was aimed to investigate the antibacterial and in vitro anti-diabetic activity of three different seaweed extracts. Methods: Phytochemical compounds like phenol, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids were quantitatively identified. Antibacterial activity of the seaweed extracts were determined against five different test bacteria. In vitro anti-diabetic activity of the extracts were investigated based on its inhibition effect on the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activity. Findings: Phytochemical analysis showed more phenolic and flavonoid content in green and brown seaweed extracts and lesser content in red seaweed extract. Antibacterial activity of green and brown seaweed extracts showed good inhibitory zones against all test bacteria ranging from 22.9 ± 0.57 mm to 24.9 ± 0.57 mm (green seaweed extract) and 17.9 ± 0.57 mm to 21.6 ± 0.75 mm (brown seaweed extract) respectively. In vitro anti-diabetic activity of seaweed on the inhibition of enzymes showed promising results. Among the three types, green seaweed extracts showed maximum inhibition of α-Amylase and α-glucosidase activity of 86.6 ± 0.76 % and 82.9 ± 0.57 % respectively. Conclusion: Findings showed that the phytochemicals present in the methanolic extract of seaweeds attribute positively for different pharmacological properties like antibacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activity. Optimizing the production factors would able to commercialize the seaweeds in drug forms and could be used for the treatment of various diseases in humans.

Inoculation of Arthrobacter sp. improves the growth of Acanthocalycium sp. and the fruits nutraceutical quality and the flowers longevity

Research objective: The aim of this work is on the inoculation in the growing medium of Arthrobacter sp. and its effects on the growth, flower quality and longevity of cactus plants. To this end, the study of biometric parameters, i.e. plants and flowers (height, weight, number and duration), as well as root growth (weight), and the presence of disease were quantified as measures of plant productivity and compared with those obtained from non-inoculated plants. The use of alginate microspheres as a means of bacterial inoculation was also considered. Materials and Methods: Seedlings of Acanthocalycium (2 years old) Ferrarii, A. Glaucum and A. Violaceum were immediately planted in pots after purchase, in substrate containing (sand 20%, pumice 20% and peat 60%; pH 7; electrical conductivity 0.7 dS/m; total porosity 80% (v/v). A randomised complete block design was applied for the experiments: the pots were randomly divided into two series, one series was inoculated with the bacteria and the other non-inoculated was used as a control. Each month, plant growth was assessed according to (1) plant height, (2) vegetative and root weight, (3) number of flowers per plant (4) flower duration. In addition, the occurrence of possible diseases, in particular Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp., was assessed. Total flavonoids, total phenols and antioxidant activity were also analysed. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of Arthrobacter sp. can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Acanthocalycium sp. cacti. In addition, there was a significant improvement in the number and floral longevity as well as in the phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant content of the fruits of the inoculated plants compared to the untreated control. The experiment also showed that mortality due to the pathogens Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp. was significantly reduced in the treated plant. In agreement with these authors, we found that PGPB treatments increased agronomic parameters and improved Fusarium and Verticillium resistance. In general, the application of biostimulants can increase the synthesis of bioactive compounds in plants by increasing resistance to phytopathologies. Inoculation with Arthrobacter sp. led to a significant reduction in the number of dead plants with respect to the diseases analysed. As a result of the stimulating action demonstrated in Acanthocalycium, bioproducts suitable for nutraceutical purposes may be developed in the future. Therefore, new microbe-assisted technologies can help plants to resist stress conditions, improving their tolerance and productivity. Conclusions: Due to its ‘multifunctionality’, the genus Acanthocalycium is considered as one of the species of the future, for ornamental use and medicinal aspects, and new results may help reveal its potential in the context of the bio-economy and circular economy. As natural resources and cultural practices are crucial in defining the quality of flowers when destined for food/nutraceutical applications, the inoculation of Acanthocalycium with Arthrobacter sp. can be envisaged to provide better plant growth under conditions of environmental stress, or as a soil fertiliser, but also to improve the synthesis of natural products used for therapeutic applications.

Biological activities of Hypericum spectabile extract optimized using artificial neural network combined with genetic algorithm application

Optimizing extraction conditions can help maximize the efficiency and yield of the extraction process while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health. For the purpose of the current study, an artificial neural network (ANN) combined with a genetic algorithm (GA) was utilized for that the extraction conditions of Hypericum spectabile were optimized. In this particular investigation, the main objective was to get the highest possible levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) for the extracts that were obtained. In addition to this, conditions of the extract that exhibited the maximum activity have been determined and the biological activity of the extract that was obtained under these conditions was analyzed. TAS values were obtained from extracts obtained using extraction temperatures of 30–60 °C, extraction times of 4–10 h, and extract concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/mL. The best model selected from the established ANN models had a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value of 0.643%, a mean squared error (MSE) value of 0.004, and a correlation coefficient (R) value of 0.996, respectively. The genetic algorithm proposed optimal extraction conditions of an extraction temperature of 59.391 °C, an extraction time of 8.841 h, and an extraction concentration of 1.951 mg/mL. It was concluded that the integration of ANN-GA can successfully be used to optimize extraction parameters of Hypericum spectabile. The total antioxidant value of the extract obtained under optimum conditions was determined as 9.306 ± 0.080 mmol/L, total oxidant value as 13.065 ± 0.112 µmol/L, oxidative stress index as 0.140 ± 0.001. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 109.34 ± 1.29 mg/g, total flavonoid content (TFC) was measured as 148.34 ± 1.48 mg/g. Anti-AChE value was determined as 30.68 ± 0.77 µg/mL, anti-BChE value was determined as 41.30 ± 0.48 µg/mL. It was also observed that the extract exhibited strong antiproliferative activities depending on the increase in concentration. As a result of LC-MS/MS analysis of the extract produced under optimum conditions in terms of phenolic content. The presence of fumaric, gallic, protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, 2-hydoxycinamic acids, quercetin and kaempferol was detected. As a result, it was determined that the H. spectabile extract produced under optimum conditions had significant effects in terms of biological activity.

Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Spray Gel Containing Cordyline fruticosa L. Leaf Extract for Topical Delivery

Spray gel is a gel system applied through a spray pump, producing small or large liquid droplets. Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Cheval, commonly known as Andong Merah, is a plant with various medicinal properties, including wound healing activity attributed to its flavonoid content. This research aimed to formulate and evaluate the physicochemical properties of a spray gel containing Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract for topical delivery, focusing on the effects of different concentrations of Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent and sorbitol as a humectant. Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract was obtained by maceration using 96% ethanol. Three spray gel formulations were prepared, varying the concentrations of Carbopol 940 (0.4 g, 0.6 g, and 0.8 g) and sorbitol (5 ml, 7.5 ml, and 10 ml). The prepared spray gels were then subjected to physicochemical evaluation, including organoleptic tests (color, odor, and consistency), homogeneity tests, pH measurements, viscosity measurements, spray pattern analysis, and adhesion tests. All spray gel formulations exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties. The formulations were homogeneous, with a pH within the acceptable range for topical applications. The viscosity and adhesion properties varied with the concentrations of Carbopol 940 and sorbitol. The spray pattern analysis revealed a circular spread pattern, with the pressure required for spraying influenced by the viscosity of the formulation. The spray gel formulations containing Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract demonstrated good physicochemical qualities, indicating their potential suitability for topical delivery. Further studies are recommended to optimize the formulation for enhanced stability and therapeutic efficacy.

Preharvest salicylic acid and chitosan treatments reduce red drupelet reversion and enhance antioxidant capacity in blackberry fruit

Red drupelet reversion (RDR) is a postharvest physiological disorder affecting fresh blackberries during commercialization. The drupelets revert from fully black to red, causing detriments of the commercial value. The specific mechanism is still being investigated, some reports suggest that the occurrence of RDR is associated with pigment degradation in the fruit, and can be caused or aggravated by mechanical damage and storage conditions. Even, though studies report no significant alteration in blackberry organoleptic properties caused by RDR, the visual aspect of it affects the consumer perception of the fruit quality reducing marketability and ultimately generating economic losses. In this regard, preharvest treatments have been recently reported to have positive effects in reducing RDR in blackberries. In this study, we investigated the effects of chitosan (COS) and salicylic acid (SA) as preharvest treatments on the phenolic compound content and antioxidant capacity of blackberry fruit. The results showed that SA 3 mM and COS 0.25% treatments increased the total phenolic and flavonoid content while also enhancing the antioxidant capacity of blackberries. We also observed that the content of specialized metabolites and the activity of antioxidant enzymes have a negative correlation with the occurrence of RDR in blackberries.

Nutrient limitation shortly before harvest promotes high accumulation of antioxidants in lettuce

AbstractPlants exposed to drought not only have to cope with a shortage of water, but also with a simultaneous decrease in nutrient availability. In this greenhouse experiment, the responses of antioxidants and key metabolites to 2 or 4 days of water limitation immediately prior to harvest were compared to the effect of nutrient limitation with continued water supply in lettuce leaves. Water limitation led to a faster increase in stress intensity than nutrient limitation. While moderate drought stress led to a slight increase in the antioxidant compounds studied, there was a concomitant sharp decrease in starch content. Under nutrient limitation, an increase in the content of ascorbic acid, the proportion of reduced ascorbic acid and the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, soluble sugars and starch was observed in the mild phase of stress. These results suggest that reducing nutrient availability shortly before harvest could be a suitable means of improving the nutritional value of crops through cultivation practices as opposed to breeding.

Effect of fruit pulp and sugar concentration on the physicochemical, phytochemical and sensory characteristics of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) leather

Starfruit is an underutilized fruit and is rich in vitamin C. Fruit leather from starfruit was prepared in this study and analyses of its physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensory characteristics were performed. Five samples named A, B, C, D and E were prepared with different proportions of fruit pulp:sugar of 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15 and 90:10, respectively. All the prepared samples were subjected to analyses. Phytochemical contents were found to increase with increasing fruit pulp proportion, thus sample E (90:10) was found to be the best in terms of phytochemical content. Similarly, product sample C (80:20) was scored the highest by the panelist in terms of sensory aspect. The best product sample C had total soluble solids (TSS) of 31 ± 2 °Bx, total ash content of 2.482 ± 0.001 %, acid insoluble ash of 1.0013 ± 0.002 %, crude protein of 0.5902 ± 0.004 %, crude fat of 0.3514 ± 0.003 %, crude fiber of 0.8991 ± 0.003 %, carbohydrate of 95.67 ± 0.04 %, vitamin C of 24.24 ± 0.1 mg/100g, total energy of 338.11 ± 0.04 Kcal/100 g, total phenolic content (TPC) of 6.105 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g of dry extract, total flavonoid content (TFC) of 1.125 ± 0.002 mg QE/g of dry extract and DPPH scavenging activity of 27.268 ± 0.001 %. Panelists responded favorably to the prepared product samples.

Phenolic compounds and spare carbohydrates content dynamics in seeds of the invasive species Acer negundo and the native species Acer tataricum in connection with their competitiveness in biocenoses

Changes in the content of various phenolic carboxylic acids (FCC) – chlorogenic (HC), caffeic (CC), ferulic (FC), as well as the amounts of flavonoids and spare carbohydrates (monosaccharides, polysaccharides and starch) in the tissues of Acer tataricum and Acer negundo seed embryos (indigenous and invasive species, respectively) during their storage were studied from October to March (cold chamber, t° = +5°C, humidity 80%). There was a significant increase in the content of HC and the absence of CC in December-January in an aboriginal species with a long dormant period. In the invasive species A. negundo, which does not have a rest period, the level of HC also increased, but was ten times lower than in A. tataricum, while a high level of CC was identified. In terms of flavonoid content, the native species A. tataricum is ten times superior to the invasive A. negundo. The carbohydrate content in A. tataricum was about 40%, and in the tissues of A. negundo seed embryos about 15% and did not change during the entire storage period. The dynamics of the content of phenolic compounds and forms of spare carbohydrates, their relationship with the activation of metabolic processes and protective anti-stress mechanisms during the cold storage of seeds and competitiveness in biocenoses are discussed.

Widely Targeted Metabolomics Analysis Revealed the Component Differences of Hemerocallis citrina Borani in Different Production Areas of Datong

Hemerocallis citrina Borani (H. citrina) has garnered significant attention due to its abundant nutritional quality. Datong, located in Shanxi Province, is recognized as one of the four major production regions for high-quality H. citrina. While Datong boasts multiple production areas, the nutritional composition of daylilies varies across regions due to environmental factors and planting patterns, which remain unclear. This study focuses on the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents (TPCs and TFCs) and protein content of H. citrina from three areas in Datong: Sanshilipu (DTSSLP), Dangliuzhuang (DTDLZ), and Jijiazhuang (DTJJZ). Additionally, a widely targeted metabolomics analysis was used to analyze the metabolite composition of H. citrina from these three areas. The results showed that H. citrina in DTSSLP had the highest contents of protein and amino acids, as well as TPCs and TFCs. A total of 798 differential metabolites were identified in H. citrina across the areas, with DTSSLP showing the highest levels of different classifications of metabolites, indicating its enhanced health benefits and physiological activities. Nine metabolic pathways were related with the different characteristics among DTSSLP, DTDLZ, and DTJJZ. This study provides theoretical support for distinguish H. citrina from different producing regions and elucidates the mechanisms underlying its metabolic pathways.

Enhancing composition and functionality of jelly candies through apple and beetroot pomace flour addition

The functionalization of food products with agri-industial residues is of great interest. Apple and beetroot pomace flour, abundant in dietary fiber and antioxidants, were incorporated into jelly candies using agar, pectin, or gelatin. Three functional formulations were devised for each flour type at the pilot scale, resulting in jelly candies with desirable sensory properties and texture. The high content of total polyphenolics, flavonoids, betacyanins, and betaxantines was determined upon in vitro digestion. The influence of different matrices on these bioactives, crucial for exerting antioxidant activity, was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays on both fresh and nine-month stored jelly candies, showcasing good bioavailability and retention. Enrichment with APF and BPF also led to reduced postprandial glucose levels, glycemic index, and load determined in vivo. These findings affirm that compositionally optimized innovative formulations of jelly candies facilitate the efficient delivery of compounds with anti-obesity effect from upcycled raw materials.

Anabasis setifera leaf extract from arid habitat: A treasure trove of bioactive phytochemicals with potent antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the biological activities of Anabasis setifera extract, including its antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. In the current study, Anabasis setifera leaves extract was evaluated for antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant activities and phytochemical analyses. Ethyl acetate extract of Anabasis setifera (EA-AS) exhibited promising antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Aspergillus fumigatus with MICs 62.5, 125, 62.5, 31.25, 62.5, 125 and 125 μg/mL respectively. Moreover, EA-AS showed anticancer activity at safe concentrations, where IC50 were 36.4 and 44 μg/mL toward Hep-G2 and MCF-7 cancerous cell lines. EA-AS was found to contain 55 significant compounds identified through gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GCMS). The most abundant compounds were 1,4-dimethoxy-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-benzocycloheptenone (26.04%), hexa-2,4-diyn-1-ylbenzene (8.40%), dihydrobenzo[b]fluoranthene (6.10%), ethanone, 1-[2,3-dihydro-2-(1-methylethenyl)-5-benzofuranyl (6.10%), and valerenol (4.08%). GC mass analysis confirmed the antioxidant properties of AS by detecting several compounds with antioxidant activity, including hexa-2,4-diyn-1-ylbenzene, nerolidol, spathulenol, -naphthalenem ethanol, decahydro-4-trimethyl-8-methylene, hexadecenoic acid, tremetone, desmethoxyencecalin, heptadecyn-1-ol, thunbergol, hexadecanol, dotriacontane, taylorione, ligulatin, retinoic acid, and falcarinol. The analysis of EA-AS reveals that it is a rich source of valuable phytochemicals: total Phenolic Content: a promising 4,264 μg/mL /, suggesting substantial biological and pharmacological potential. Total tannin content: 391.17 μg/mL, indicating potential applications in industries like nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Total flavonoid content exceptionally high at 5,163 μg/mL, while the total alkaloid content measured 1,036.26 μg/mL. Additionally, EA-AS demonstrated antioxidant activity with an EC50 of 30.6 μg/mL. In conclusion, the comprehensive analysis of the EA-AS reveals its immense potential as a rich source of valuable phytochemicals with diverse bioactivities, warranting further in-depth studies to unlock its full pharmaceutical and commercial prospects. Our results suggest substantial biological and pharmacological prospects for EA-AS as a promising antimicrobial, anticancer, and potent antioxidant.

Investigation of the Influence of Different Filler Contents of Wine Pomace in PBS on Fracture Mechanics Properties

Biobased polybutylene succinate (PBS) represents a promising alternative to petrochemical-based polymers. The use of this biopolymeris limited in many areas by its low resilience against environmental influences. With the help of bio-based stabilizers the thermo-oxidative degradation process can be slowed down. Suitable stabilizing additives are natural antioxidants present in plant extracts with a high flavonoid content, which can be found in grapes, wine and wine by-products. PBS was modified with two different bio-stabilizers based on wine grape pomace. The highest filler content tested was 20 wt.-%. In addition to improving stability, the additives also impact the polymer’s mechanics. The influence of these functional fillers on the fracture mechanical properties was examined in a quasi-static test. The crack growth was recorded using integrated video monitoring. Based on the results, the corresponding crack resistance curve and tearing modulus were determined depending on filler type and content. Additional optical analysis was used to correlate fracture mechanics and structure. The two bio-stabilizers based on red (RWP) and white wine pomace (WWP) differs distinctly in terms of their influence on fracture mechanical properties. The Influence of RWPon the fracture toughness is significantly higher than that of WWP. Especially at lower filler contents with RWP, there is a strong increase in the fracture mechanics parameter tearing modulus (TJ) and an increase in the slope of the R-curve. With 5 wt.% RWP DOM the TJ is 13.64 x 102, whereas with WWP Silv a value of only 6.39 x 102 can be achieved. This difference is also reflected in the increase in the R-curves. With 5 wt.% a slope of the fitted R-curve of 265.59 (RWP DOM) and 121.02 (WWP Silv) could be determined with the first derivative. In the optical analysis it was noticeable that the RWP particles were more homogeneously dispersed in the matrix while the WWP filler tended to agglomerate. The inhomogeneous distribution and strong agglomeration tendency can be attributed to a higher sugar content of WWP and a higher particle size distribution. The top cut (D97) of WWP Silv is 62.37 ± 0.05 µm and that of RWP DOM is 51.97 ± 0.09 µm.

Kandungan Fitokimia pada Ekstrak Kulit Kayu Tingi (Ceriops tagal) dengan Proses Ultrasonikasi

Tingi (Ceriops tagal) is considered as one of the natural dyes used in textile dyeing process. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of extraction duration (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 minutes) on ultrasonic extraction of tingi bark on yield value, total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, and total tannins content. The yield was calculated by drying the solution with a freezer dryer, while the phytochemical content was calculated by reading method on UV-vis spectrophotometry. The results of the experiment showed that the yield value of the duration treatment was in the range of 1.8 to 2.7%. Total phenolic content ranged from 268.1-314.1 mgGAE/g sample, total flavonoid content in the range of 68.3-87.1 mgQE/g sample, and total tannin content in the value between 244.8-338.1 mgTAE/g sample. The highest compound content was in the duration of 20 minutes.

In vitro and computational investigation of antioxidant and anticancer properties of Streptomyces coeruleofuscus SCJ extract on MDA-MB-468 triple-negative breast cancer cells

This study aimed to explore the antioxidant potential of the ethyl acetate extract of Streptomyces coeruleofuscus SCJ strain, along with its inhibitory effects on the triple-negative human breast carcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-468). The ethyl acetate extract’s total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified, and its antioxidant activity was investigated using DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of the organic extract from Streptomyces coeruleofuscus SCJ on MDA-MB-468 cancer cells was assessed via the crystal violet assay. In tandem, a thorough computational investigation was conducted to explore the pharmacokinetic properties of the identified components of the extract, utilizing the SwissADME and pKCSM web servers. Additionally, the molecular interactions between these components and Estrogen Receptor Beta, identified as a potential target, were probed through molecular docking studies. The results revealed that ethyl acetate extract of SCJ strain exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, with 39.899 ± 1.56% and 35.798 ± 0.082% scavenging activities against DPPH and ABTS, respectively, at 1 mg/mL. The extract also displayed significant ferric reducing power, with a concentration of 1.087 ± 0.026 mg ascorbic acid equivalents per mg of dry extract. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation (p < 0.0001) between the antioxidant activity, the polyphenol and the flavonoid contents. Regarding anticancer activity, the SCJ strain extract demonstrated significant anticancer activity against TNBC MDA-MB-468 cancer cells, with an inhibition percentage of 62.76 ± 0.62%, 62.67 ± 0.93%, and 58.07 ± 4.82% at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL of the extract, respectively. The HPLC-UV/vis analysis revealed nine phenolic compounds: gallic acid, sinapic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, trans-fereulic acid, syringic acid, chloroqenic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin. Streptomyces coeruleofuscus SCJ showed promise for drug discovery, exhibiting antioxidant and anticancer effects.

Stachys byzantina K. Koch (Lamiaceae) as a potential ingredient for delaying skin ageing and treating hyperpigmentation disorders in pharmaceutical products.

This study aimed to investigate whether the plant species Stachys byzantina produces bioactives with the potential to delay the skin ageing process and treat hyperpigmentation conditions. The antioxidant action was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylradical scavenging, Griess reaction, oxygen radical absorption capacity, and β-carotene bleaching assays. Inhibitory activities for tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, and elastase enzymes were tested. The antiglycation activity, the sun protection factor (SPF), and the toxicity to skin cells by MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)assay were also evaluated. The ethanolic extract of S. byzantina aerial parts and all fractions obtained by solvent partition inhibited the tyrosinase enzyme at different levels. The dichloromethane fraction (DF) demonstrated the highest inhibition (IC50 = 63.5±10.9 µg/ml). DF also inhibited the hyaluronidase enzyme with IC50 = 369±11.64 μg/ml and elastase by 40% at 500 μg/ml. This fraction showed prominent antioxidant and antiglycation activities, high SPF, and no cytotoxicity at concentrations lower than 50 μg/ml. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were 116.30±6.7 (mgTAE/g) and 66.38±13.5 (mgQE/g), respectively. Chlorogenic acid (23.54±2.46mg/g) and verbascoside (203.97±19.8mg/g) were identified and quantified. Stachys byzantina is a potential source of cosmetic and therapeutic ingredients to reduce hyperpigmentation and the impacts caused by free radicals, advanced glycation end products, and sun radiation in skin ageing.

Biogenic synthesis and physicochemical characterization of metal nanoparticles based on Calotropis procera as promising sustainable materials against skin cancer

The UAE harbors a rich diversity of wild medicinal plants, such as Calotropis procera (CP), that are renowned for their extensive use in traditional medicine due to their abundance of bioactive phytochemicals. Zinc and iron metals possess significant pharmacological effects including antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this study, nanoparticles (NPs) containing zinc and iron were green synthesized utilizing ethanolic and aqueous extracts of CP aerial parts. UV-Vis spectra revealed absorption peaks around 270–275 nm, while FT-IR analysis confirmed successful coating of the NPs with plant’s phytochemicals. SEM/EDX analysis indicated a more potent reducing effect of the aqueous extract, whereas the alcoholic extract demonstrated more effective coating of the NPs. DLS showed monodispersed NPs with average sizes of 32.67–202 nm. The alcoholic extract-based zinc and iron NPs exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (51.06 ± 2.82 µg of GAE/mg of DW and 66.26 ± 1.12 µg of Qu/mg of DW, respectively) and the strongest antioxidant effect against ABTS and DPPH radicals (IC50 = 52.81 and 148.46 µg/mL, respectively). The aqueous extract-based zinc NPs demonstrated the greatest cytotoxicity against A-431 cell lines (IC50 = 188.97 µg/mL). The findings highlight promising potential of these sustainable materials for therapeutic applications, indicating a need for continued research and development in this area.

Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Effects of Ornithogalum balansae Extracts Collected in Black Sea Region Against Lung Cancer Cells

Ornithogalum is a genus of wild herb species widely used as food and in traditional medicine. This study investigated some of the biologically active properties of Ornithogalum balansae grown in the eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye. The investigations were carried out using the methanolic extracts of the plant’s aerial and bulbs (B1 and B2) parts. The phenolic composition was examined as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and HPLC-PDA. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was tested based on ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging methods. The anti-proliferative activity was tested against metastatic cell lines H1299 and H209, non-small-cell lung A549, and fibroblast MRC-5 cell lines using MTT and trypan blue methods. Wound-healing and invasion chamber assays were used to determine the inhibitory effects of the extracts on migration and invasion, respectively. The extract of the aerial part contained a large number of phenolic substances and high antioxidant capacity. The extract exhibited a significant anti-proliferative effect on the human lung cancer cells (A549 and H209), with IC50 values of 0.97 ± 0.04 and 1.06 ± 0.07 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the aerial part exhibited inhibition of migratory and invasive capacities in A549 cells at a concentration of 1.50 µg/mL. The findings associated with O. balansae suggest a promising therapeutic potential against lung cancer cells.