Extract Content Research Articles

Determination of Total Phenolic Content and Total Flavonoid Content of Nutmeg Flesh (Myristica Fragrans Houtt) Ethanol Extract from South Aceh Province

The nutmeg plant (Myristica fragrans Houtt) is often used as a medicinal ingredient and has medicinal efficacy. Nutmeg samples were obtained from South Aceh district, which is the main commodity obtained in the area. This study aims to measure the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the ethanol extract of nutmeg flesh. The dried nutmeg flesh was extracted (maceration) using an ethanol solvent, and the extract weight was 18.35%. The TPC and TFC analysis use the UV-visible spectrophotometer method and are measured at wavelengths of 759 nm and 495 nm, respectively. Gallic acid standards were used to measure total phenolic levels and quercetin standards to measure total flavonoid levels. Data of linearity, R square (R2), LoD, and LoQ were also calculated for each standard. The TPC and TFC contents in the ethanol extract of nutmeg flesh were found to be 76.972 ± 0.97 mg GAE/g and 15.625 ± 0.26 mg QE/g respectively. The presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids shows that the ethanol extract of nutmeg flesh has high value metabolites that show good biological activity.

Antioxidant Properties and Mineral Contents of Different Solvent Extracts of Some Medicinal Plants Cultivated in Algeria

Antioxidant Properties and Mineral Contents of Different Solvent Extracts of Some Medicinal Plants Cultivated in Algeria

PERBANDINGAN TOTAL SENYAWA FLAVONOID EKSTRAK ETANOL KULIT DAN BIJI BUAH OKRA HIJAU (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Green okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Green okra fruit contains many secondary metabolites, one of which is flavonoids, which have potential as antioxidants to stabilize free radicals. This study aims to determine and compare the total flavonoid content of seeds and skin, so that it can be ascertained which part of the fruit has the highest total flavonoid content. The okra fruit extraction process was carried out by maceration with 70% ethanol solvent. Phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography tests were performed on green okra seeds and skin extracts. The total flavonoid content was determined using the colorimetric-aluminum chloride method with UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that the ethanol extract of green okra fruit peels contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and steroids, while the ethanol extract of green okra fruit seeds contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. The results of the thin layer chromatography test showed that the ethanol extract of green okra fruit skin and seeds contained a flavonoid compound as quercetin. The results of the total flavonoid content of the ethanol extract of green okra fruit skin : okra fruit seeds were 6.4589 mg QE/g extract ± 0.86 : 27.7583 mg QE/g extract ± 0.36. Based on statistical results with an Independent T test using SPSS, the significance value (2-tailed) of both samples was < 0.05, which means that there is a real difference between the total flavonoid compounds of skin ethanol extract and ethanol extract of green okra fruit seeds.

SUN PROTECTION FACTOR (SPF) VALUE AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PURIFIED GAMBIER GEL PREPARATION

Gambier is an export product from Sumatera, Indonesia, that can be purified and utilized in cosmetic preparations. The content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of purified gambier has a potential skin protection against UV rays. The chemical content of extract is closely related to the polarity of solvent, so this study aims to analyze the effect of ethanol concentration as solvent in gambier purification on phenolic content, flavonoids, and SPF value. The ethanol concentrations for this purpose were 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 96%. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were analyzed by colorimetric method, whereas the SPF value of gel was measured by UV spectrophotometer. The gel preparation was evaluated for its physical properties including organoleptic test, spreadability, adhesiveness, viscosity, pH and stability. Statistical analysis performed with one-way ANOVA at 95% confidence level. As the results, ethanol concentration significantly influenced phenolic, flavonoid content and SPF values. The highest phenolic content was obtained in purification by 50% ethanol with a value of 757.2 ± 13.1 mg GAE/g, while highest flavonoid content was achieved in 96% ethanol at 5.18 ± 0.21 mg QE/g. Ethanol concentration with highest SPF value was 96% at 27.07 ± 0.33. In the gambier gel formulation with 0.2% dose had an SPF value of 6.60 ± 0.58. The gel has good homogeneity, viscosity, and pH for cosmetic preparations but poor spreadability. The stability of the gel formulation changed after accelerated stability testing for 4 weeks

Leather dye from Trema orientalis (L.) and its antibacterial effects

Synthetic leather dyes are chromatic agents specially formulated to impart color to leather substrates through dyeing. The current study involves the extraction of natural dye from the stem bark of Trema orientalis (L.) at different temperatures using water (with or without the addition of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide as additives). The optimal extraction was achieved at 80 °C without additives. Concentrating the extract using a rotary evaporator followed by freeze-drying resulted in a yield of 12.14%. The efficacy of the extracted dye was assessed by measuring the phenolic content, viscosity, and particle size. The highest value of total phenolic content of extract found, 266.13 mg GAE/g of dry extract, indicated the possibility of dyeing leather. The viscosity of the dye showed the temperature range of 51–54 ºC as optimum application criteria. The particle size of the dye exhibited a range spanning from 449 to 867 nanometers, indicating superb penetration ability through the leather pores. The antimicrobial efficacy was observed to be positive against a limited number of gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria. Final evaluation of the experimentally dyed sample against a control sample regarding relevant parameters viz. exhaustion, fastness, strength, SEM image indicated its potentiality as a colorant for leather industry.

Total Phenolic, Flavonoid, and LC-MS Analysis of the Ethanolic Extract of Matoa (Pometia pinnata) Leaves from Kudus, Central Java, Indonesia

Matoa (Pometia pinnata) is a plant used as a floral identity in Indonesia, especially in Papua. Local people use boiled water from matoa leaves, which is believed to treat hypertension. Matoa leaves are traditionally used as a therapeutic agent for burns and wounds in Indonesia. Phytochemical screening of matoa leaf extract contains secondary metabolite compounds, including flavonoids, steroids, tannins, and saponins. So far, many of these activities have been reported from the polyphenol group. This research aimed to identify the phytochemical composition of matoa leaves from Kudus in the ethanolic extract using LC-MS. The total phenolic content of ethanol extract using the Folin Ciocalteu method was 35.689 ± 0.726 mg GAE/g extract. The total flavonoid content of ethanol extract using the AlCl3 colorimetric method was 1.384 ± 0.012 mg QE/g extract. Twelve compounds could be identified in the ethanol extract of matoa leaves. The phenolic compounds were vanillin, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-Coumaroyl glycolic acid, syringic acid, gallic acid, phenol, and vanillic acid. The flavonoid compounds were identified as epigallocatechin and apigenin -7-O-diglucuronide. The organic compound was identified as jasmonic acid. The aromatic compound was identified as benzene. Besides, tannin compounds were also identified. The major compounds in matoa leaves from Kudus, Central Java, are vanillin, phenol, and benzene.

Nutritional and toxicological assessment of Piliostigma thonnigii leaves and Tubaani food samples: a preliminary investigation.

Tubaani is a local delicacy prepared with Piliostigma thonningii leaves. The leaves may contain trace/heavy metals and important phytonutrients that could impact consumers' health. Concerns over the nutritional and toxicological implications of Piliostigma thonningii leaves are critical. Tubaani food and Piliostigma thonningii leaf samples were investigated using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and Spectrophotometry technique. The health risk of Tubaani was also assessed by calculating the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of potentially toxic elements. Fifteen trace elements were detected at non-toxicological concentrations in the samples analyzed. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between the samples' mean concentrations. The phenolic content in leaf extracts was higher as compared to the flavonoids. However, the flavonoids in the leaves had an effect on the food samples, unlike the phenols. The THQ and HI of the elements were below 1.0. There is no reason to be concerned about the current dietary intake of the potentially toxic elements in the routine consumption of Tubaani as portrayed in data obtained in this investigation by NAA, THQ, and HI.

Antioxidant Activity Analysis of Native Actinidia arguta Cultivars.

Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) is a perennial fruit tree belonging to the family Actinidiaceae. Kiwiberries are known to have an extremely high concentration of sugars, phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, and possess delicious taste and health-promoting properties. Numerous studies have focused on kiwiberry fruits, demonstrating that they possess a higher phytochemical content and greater antioxidant activities than other berry fruits. The purpose of this study was to compare the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of leaf, stem, root, and fruit extracts from twelve kiwiberry cultivars grown in Wonju, Korea, characterized by a Dwa climate (Köppen climate classification). In most kiwiberry cultivars, the total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) phytochemical content was significantly higher in leaf and stem tissues, while the roots exhibited higher antioxidant activity. In fruit tissues, the TPC and TFC were higher in unripe and ripe kiwiberry fruits, respectively, and antioxidant activity was generally higher in unripe than ripe fruit across most of the cultivars. Based on our results, among the 12 kiwiberry cultivars, cv. Daebo and cv. Saehan have a significantly higher phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in all of the tissue types, thus having potential as a functional food and natural antioxidant.

Glycerol-based extracts of Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly Pea Flower) with enhanced antioxidant potential

The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is a plant species that is commonly used in culinary products, as it adds a natural purplish-blue tint to dishes without artificial food colourings and is rich in antioxidants. In this study, glycerol was employed as an extraction solvent for the extraction of phenolic compounds from C. ternatea. Several studies have proven glycerol is an ideal green solvent to replace conventional solvents such as ethanol and methanol due to its ability to change the water polarity, thereby improving the extraction of bioactive compounds and recovering the polyphenols from natural products. We systematically reviewed the phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of aqueous, ethanol and methanol extracts of C. ternatea as a comparison to our study. Our results show that glycerol extract (GE) and glycerol/water extract (GWE) have demonstrated high phenolic and flavonoid profiles as compared to ethanol extract (EE) and water extract (WE). This study suggests glycerol as a promising extraction medium to extract higher concentrations of phytochemical contents from C. ternatea. It could be used as a natural source of antioxidant boosters, particularly in food preparation and cosmeceutical product development.

The effect of lactic acid fermentation on the phytochemical content of fig leaf extracts compared to single solvent and sequential solvents extraction

The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant, natural products, and polyphenolic profiles of Ficus carica L. leaf extracts obtained with a sequential solvent extraction (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol), a single solvent extraction with one of three different solvents (methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate), and a fermentation assisted extraction. Extracts were assessed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting pattern (before and after derivatization with DPPH free radical, anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid reagent and ferric chloride) and with ATR-FTIR phytochemical profiling. The results show that sequential solvents extraction may maximise the extraction of natural products, especially polyphenolics. However, the highest antioxidant activity was achieved with a single solvent extraction with ethyl acetate. Furthermore, fermentation assisted extraction further improves extraction of antioxidants when compared to single extraction from nonfermented material. In conclusion, brining and spontaneous lactic acid fermentation of plant material is a highly desirable method for improving the functional properties of extracts due to its low cost and low energy requirements.

Antioxidant Activity in Melon (Cucumis melo L. 'Gama Melon Parfum') AS Antiaging Cream Formulation

Antiaging cosmetics are becoming increasingly popular among the general public. Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Gama Melon Parfum cultivars ('GMP') are one of the plants that can be utilized as a basic ingredient in the production of antiaging cosmetics. 'GMP' melon has cucurbitacin compounds that can be utilized as antiaging and contains flavonoid, saponin, and terpenoid compounds that have antioxidant properties. This research aims to analyze the difference in antioxidant activity of 'GMP' melon extract and 'GMP' melon cosmetic cream preparation cultivated in Yogyakarta with 'GMP' melon cultivated in Bandung, analyze extract standardization parameters, and determine the phenolic and flavonoid contents of each melon extract contains. The activity of antioxidants was determined by the DPPH method, the Folin-Ciocelteu method to measure phenolics, and the AlCl3 solution-based colorimetric approach to measuring flavonoid content. It was revealed that the highest % RSA of antioxidant activity is in ‘GMP’ melon extract cultivated in Bandung. The results of the standardization of 'GMP' melon extract met the requirements of standard parameters. The greatest total phenolic content is derived from the extract of ‘GMP’ melon in Bandung, while the highest total flavonoid content in 'GMP' melon extracts is cultivated in Yogyakarta. The highest to lowest antioxidant activity of ‘GMP’ melon cream was formula IV (‘GMP’ melon extract 30% cultivated in Bandung), formula III (‘GMP’ melon extract 20% grown in Bandung), formula II (‘GMP’ melon extract 30% cultivated in Yogyakarta), formula I (‘GMP’ melon extract 20% cultivated in Yogyakarta), and the lowest is in K- with formula without ‘GMP’ melon extract.

Penetapan Kadar Fenol Total dengan Spektrofotometer UV-Vis dan Uji Sitotoksisitas Ekstrak Air Daun Lidah Mertua (Sansevieria masoniana C.) Terhadap Sel Kanker Paru A-549

Cancer is the second most common cause of mortality globally, following cardiovascular disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Leading the list of fatal cancers annually are lung, breast, stomach, liver, and colorectal cancers. Hence, the discovery and development of effective agents to treat various types of cancer is urgently needed. Mother-in-law tongue (Sansevieria masoniana Chahin) leaves contain flavonoids and saponins. However, information regarding the total phenolic content of the aqueous extract of the S. masoniana Chahin leaves is currently unavailable. Hence, this research aims to determine the total phenol content using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and assess the invitro anticancer activity of the water extract of S. masoniana Chahin through the MTT Assay. From the results of measuring the total phenolic content, the water extract of the leaves contained a phenol content of 3.3061 mgGAE/g. Meanwhile, the results of the cytotoxicity assay on lung cancer cells A-549 showed that the IC50 value of the aqueous extract of S. masoniana Chahin leaves was above 100 ppm, indicating that the extract has less potential as an anti-lung cancer agent.

Modeling and Optimization of Triticale Wort Production Using an Artificial Neural Network and a Genetic Algorithm.

Triticale grain, a wheat-rye hybrid, has been reported to comply very well with the requirements for modern brewing adjuncts. In this study, two triticale varieties, in both unmalted and malted forms, were investigated at various ratios in the grist, applying different mashing regimes and concentrations of the commercial enzyme Shearzyme® 500 L with the aim of evaluating their impact on wort production. In order to capture the complex relationships between the input (triticale ratio, enzyme ratio, mashing regime, and triticale variety) and output variables (wort extract content, wort viscosity, and free amino nitrogen (FAN) content in wort), the study aimed to implement the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to model the mashing process. Also, a genetic algorithm (GA) was integrated to minimize a specified multi-objective function, optimizing the mashing process represented by the ANN model. Among the solutions on the Pareto front, one notable set of solutions was found with objective function values of 0.0949, 0.0131, and 1.6812 for the three conflicting objectives, respectively. These values represent a trade-off that optimally balances the different aspects of the optimization problem. The optimized input variables had values of 23%, 9%, 1, and 3 for the respective input variables of triticale ratio, enzyme ratio, mashing regime, and triticale variety. The results derived from the ANN model, applying the GA-optimized input values, were 8.65% w/w for wort extract content, 1.52 mPa·s for wort viscosity, and 148.32 mg/L for FAN content in wort. Comparatively, the results conducted from the real laboratory mashing were 8.63% w/w for wort extract content, 1.51 mPa·s for wort viscosity, and 148.88 mg/L for FAN content in wort applying same input values. The presented data from the optimization process using the GA and the subsequent experimental verification on the real mashing process have demonstrated the practical applicability of the proposed approach which confirms the potential to enhance the quality and efficiency of triticale wort production.

Standardisasi dan Pengukuran Kadar Flavonoid Daun Ketepeng Kecil (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) Menggunakan Metode Spektrofotometri UV-Vis

Sickle senna (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) is a wild plant that is used by the community as a traditional medicine to treat diarrhea and intestinal worms. In the development of plants as traditional medicines, it is necessary to standardize the quality of plant materials to ensure their quality, stability, and safety. This study aims to determine the standadization of extracts both specifically and non-specifically and to determine the level of falvonoids in the fraction of sickle senna (Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) leaves. This study applies a phytochemical screening test, specific parameter test, non-specific parameter test, and flavonoid levels determination. The result of phytochemical screening shows that the fraction containing flavonoid compounds is 70% ethanol fraction. The results of standardization for specific parameter show the organoleptic ethanol fraction of 70% is in the form of semi-solid/viscous, black color and distinctive smell, with water soluble extract content is 19.08%, and ethanol soluble extract content is 23.35%. the standardization result for non-specific parameter shows that the total ash content is 1.76%, the acid insoluble ash content is 2.890%, drying shrinkage is 4.96%, and water content is 18.80%. meanwhile, metal and microbial contamination show no contamination in the 70% ethanol fraction. The result for the analysis of the flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol fraction. The result for the analysis of the flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol fraction of sickle senna leaves is carried out at a wavelength of 438.36 nm with an absorbance value of 0.0154. The total flavonoid level is calculated by the standard linear equation of quarcetin, which is y=0.0648x + (-0.0232) with a correlation coefficient (r2) = 0,9948 and a total flavonoid content of 4.713%

Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Vitex agnus-castus L.

Abstract This research is dedicated to investigating the antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition of three distinct extracts derived from Vitex agnus-castus L. These extracts, prepared through aqueous (EXA), ethanolic (EXE), and methanolic (EXM) maceration, were chosen based on prior assessments of total polyphenol content in extracts obtained from five solvents with differing polarities: water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, and butanol. The study initiated with a comprehensive phytochemical analysis focusing on the determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids. The quantification of total polyphenols was carried out using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while the AlCl3 method was employed to assess flavonoids. In evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activity, we employed two well-established methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The preliminary tests, gauging the efficacy of solvents, demonstrated that the order of optimal solvent selection was as follows: aqueous, methanolic, ethanolic, butanolic, and acetone. Consequently, the first three solvents were chosen for the preparation of the extracts. The phytochemical analysis unveiled that EXA exhibited the highest total polyphenol content, with an impressive value of 126.84 ± 1.24 mg EAG/g extract, whereas EXE exhibited the lowest concentration of total polyphenols, measuring at 117.26 ± 0.18 mg EAG/g extract. In contrast, EXM showcased a notably high flavonoid content, registering at 33.65 ± 1.04 mg EQ/g extract, while EXA displayed a comparatively lower flavonoid content at 14.93 ± 0.14 mg EQ/g extract. When assessing antioxidant properties, EXA emerged as the most potent against both DPPH and FRAP, recording values of 78.94 ± 1.84 and 203.27 ± 0.17 μg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the ethanolic extract exhibited relatively lower antioxidant activity, with values of 204.16 ± 1.87 μg/ml for DPPH and 307.10 ± 1.15 μg/ml for FRAP.

Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in myocardial infarction.

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in patients with myocardial infarction. Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with myocardial infarction were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and Technology Journal database. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to score the quality of the included literature in the cohort and case-control studies, and the cross-sectional studies were scored using the American Agency for Health Care Quality and Research cross-sectional study quality evaluation criteria. The literature was screened independently by 2 researchers, and if there was no consensus, the inclusion was decided by a third party. The extraction content included first author, publication year, sample size, PTSD assessment tool, PTSD assessment time, PTSD incidence, influencing factors, and study type. Meta-analysis of data was performed using Stata17.0 software. Ten studies were included, including 2 cohort studies, 7 cross-sectional studies, and 1 case-control study, with a total sample size of 2371 patients, including 26 influencing factors. The results of meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction was 21.2%. Statistically significant influencing factors were gender (odd ratio [OR] = 3.124), neuroticism score (OR = 2.069), and age (OR = 0.913). The prevalence of PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction in China is higher than that in other countries. Female and neurotic personality are risk factors for developing PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction, and old age is protective factor for developing PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction. Targeted measures should be taken to prevent and reduce the occurrence and development of PTSD in patients with myocardial infarction in the future.

Dual Enzymolysis Assisted by Acrylate or Phosphate Grafting: Influences on the Structural and Functional Properties of Jujube Residue Dietary Fiber.

Jujube residue is an abundant and low-cost dietary fiber resource, but its relatively lower hydration and functional properties limit its utilization as an ingredient of functional food. Thus, cellulase and hemicellulase hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis assisted by phosphate grafting (EPG), and enzymatic hydrolysis assisted by acrylate grafting (EAG) were used to improve the functional properties of jujube residue dietary fiber (JRDF) in this study. The results evidenced that these modifications all increased the porosity of the microstructure of JRDF and increased the soluble fiber content, surface area, and hydration properties, but reduced its brightness (p < 0.05). Moreover, JRDF modified by enzymolysis combined with acrylate grafting offered the highest extractable polyphenol content, oil, sodium cholate, and nitrite ion sorption abilities. Meanwhile, JRDF modified via enzymolysis assisted by phosphate grafting showed the highest soluble fiber content (23.53 g∙100 g-1), water-retention ability (12.84 g∙g-1), viscosity (9.37 cP), water-swelling volume (10.80 mL∙g-1), and sorption ability of copper (II) and lead (II) ions. Alternatively, JRDF modified with cellulase hydrolysis alone exhibited the highest glucose adsorption capacity (21.9 g∙100 g-1) at pH 7.0. These results indicate that EPG is an effective way to improve the hypolipidemic effects of JRDF, while EAG is a good choice to enhance its hydration and hypoglycemic properties.

Identification, screening, and analysis of secondary metabolite content in methanol extracts of ant nests plant tubers from Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract. Roslizawaty R, Gholib G, Rahmi N, Khairan K, Idroes R, Syafruddin S, Abrar M. 2023. Identification, screening, and analysis of secondary metabolite content in methanol extracts of ant nests plant tubers from Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6934-6941. This study aims to identify the chemical components obtained from extracting and partitioning methanol extracts from ant nest tubers (Myrmecodia sp.) originating from Aceh Jaya and Aceh Besar. These extracts were identified using phytochemical screening, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) methods. The identification results showed that the ant nest plant from Aceh Jaya belongs to the species Myrmecodia tuberosa Jack. The ant nest plant from Aceh Besar belongs to the species Hydnophytum formicarum Jack. Phytochemical screening results showed that the methanol extract from Aceh Jaya's ant nest tubers contained flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids, while Aceh Besar's ant nest tubers contained flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major compound found in the methanol extract from Aceh Jaya's ant nest tubers was 2H-oxecin-2-one,3,4,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-4-hydroxy-10-methyl-,[4S-(4R*,5E,10S*)]- constituting 50.63% of the extract. In comparison, the primary compound in the methanol extract from Aceh Besar was resorcinol at 17.92%. FT-IR analysis indicated that the FT-IR spectra of the methanol extracts from Aceh Jaya's ant nest tubers contained O-H, C-H, C=O, C=C alkene, and C=C aromatic groups. At the same time, methanol extracts from Aceh Besar's ant nest tubers also contained O-H, C-H, C=O, C=C alkene, and C=C aromatic groups.

Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Assessment of the Aerial Parts from Three Mediterranean Alkanna Species (A. orientalis, A. tinctoria, A. kotschyana) in the Boraginaceae Family.

This study focuses on the phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of three Alkanna species: A. orientalis (L.) Boiss., A. tinctoria Tausch. and A. kotschyana A. DC. (Boraginaceae) growing wild in the Mediterranean basin, as mostly the roots of the genus have been widely researched. Their methanol extracts were subjected to qualitative LC-MS analyses, resulting in the annotation of 28 different secondary metabolites, with 27 originating from A. orientalis, 25 from A. tinctoria and 23 from A. kotschyana. The detected metabolites are categorized into three chemical types: organic acids (2), flavonoids and their glycosides (17), and caffeic acid derivatives (9). Furthermore, the chemical profiles of the three species are discussed chemotaxonomically. Caffeic acid and its derivatives, along with glucosides of quercetin and kaempferol, were identified in all three studied species. Additionally, their total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated through various chemical assays, as well as their in vitro enzyme inhibitory properties towards cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The results showed that A. tinctoria exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (211 mgTE/g extract in DPPH and 366 mgTE/g extract in ABTS), probably due to its high total phenolic (53.3 mgGAE/g extract) and flavonoid (20.8 mgRE/g extract) content, followed by A. kotschyana. These chemical and biological findings provide valuable insights for potential promising applications of the aerial parts of the species outside of the well-known uses of their roots.

Anti-Aging Properties of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Rich in Bilberry Fruit Extract.

Photoaging is a process related to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Polyphenols can scavenge free radicals in the body, which can delay skin aging. Therefore, our work aimed to prepare a biologically active extract from dry fruits of Vaccinium myrtillus or Vaccinium corymbosum and use it for the preparation of hydrogels for topical application. Therefore, eight different extracts (using V. myrtillus and V. corymbosum and different extraction mixtures: methanol, methanol-water 1:1, water, acetone-water 1:1) were prepared and their phytochemical (total polyphenolic content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content) and biological properties (antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-tyrosinase activity) were assessed. Cytotoxicity towards HaCaT keratinocytes was also determined. Based on the results, the acetone-water extract from V. myrtillus was selected for further study. Using the Design of Experiments approach, chitosan-based hydrogels with bilberry fruit extract were prepared. The content of extract and chitosan were selected as independent factors. The activity of hydrogels depended on the extract content; however, the enzyme-inhibiting (anti-hyaluronidase and anti-tyrosinase) activity resulted from the presence of both the extract and chitosan. Increased concentration of chitosan in the hydrogel base led to increased viscosity of the hydrogel and, consequently, a slower release of active compounds. To get optimal hydrogel characteristics, 1% extract and 2.5% MMW chitosan were utilized. The research suggests the validity of using bilberry fruit extracts in topical preparations with anti-aging properties.