Content Of Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

Melatonin improves the lead tolerance in Plantago ovata by modulating ROS homeostasis, phytohormone status and expression of stress-responsive genes.

Melatonin increases Pb tolerance in P. ovata seedlings via the regulation of growth and stress-related phytohormones, ROS scavenging and genes responsible for melatonin synthesis, metal chelation, and stress defense. Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal that accumulates in plants through soil and air contamination and impairs its plant growth and development. Because of its pharmaceutical importance, improvements in Plantago ovata yield against abiotic stresses are necessary. Melatonin (MEL) is a stress-alleviating biostimulator and our results showed a reduction in Pb induced phytotoxicity by enhancing plant growth attributes and balancing protective osmolytes. Pb-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, including superoxide and peroxide free radicals and their mitigation through enzymatic antioxidants, was demonstrated in presence of MEL. Cell viability and Pb bioaccumulation were determined to understand the extent of cellular damage. Moreover, MEL increased secondary metabolite (flavonoids and anthocyanins) contents by 2-3-fold at the lowest Pb concentrations. Similar increases in the relative expression of genes (PoPAL and PoPPO), which are responsible for the production of non-enzymatic antioxidants, were observed. Notably, the upregulation of the PoCOMT gene up to 4-fold indicates increased melatonin production, as manifested in the phytomelatonin level. MEL supplementation also increased the auxin (IAA) level by 3-fold in the 100µM Pb treatment group, while the abscisic acid (ABA) level decreased (1.4-fold) and the expression of PoMYB (a stress-related transcription factor) increased (up to 2.66-fold). Additionally, we found extreme downregulation (up to 18-fold) in the relative expression of PoMT 2 (a metal binding thiol compound) with melatonin treatment, which is otherwise upregulated (by 6-fold) during Pb stress. In the current study, these effects collectively revealed that MEL contribute to enhanced plant growth and Pb stress tolerance.

Ecological and environmental determinants of phytochemical variability in forest trees

Abstract Phytochemical variability in plants is driven by a complex interplay of ecological and environmental factors, including genetics, climate, and soil characteristics. Understanding these determinants is increasingly important as phytochemicals are vital in mediating plant interactions with herbivores, pathogens, and their broader ecosystem. Recent research shows the s that both abiotic factors—such as temperature fluctuations, ultraviolet radiation, and nutrient availability—and biotic factors, including herbivory and competition, have significant impacts on phytochemical profiles. Seasonal and spatial variations also influence the concentration of secondary metabolites, which are key to plant defenses and overall ecosystem health. For example, environmental stressors like drought or elevated temperatures can induce higher production of protective phytochemicals, while the developmental stage of the plant and the type of organ (leaf, root, flower) further dictate metabolite expression. This variability holds profound implications for forest conservation and climate resilience. As forests face increasing pressures from climate change, understanding the role of phytochemicals in maintaining ecosystem stability becomes critical. Phytochemicals contribute to plant fitness, species diversity, and ecological interactions, all of which are crucial for the resilience of forest ecosystems. The integration of phytochemical knowledge into forest management can promote biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services, and lead to more sustainable practices in conservation. This paper advocates for interdisciplinary research that connects ecology, chemistry, and conservation biology. Such collaboration is essential to unravel the complex relationships between phytochemical variability and environmental factors, ultimately fostering more informed conservation strategies that can safeguard forest ecosystems in the face of environmental change.

Comparison of Vegetable Waste Byproducts of Selected Cultivars of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. by an Integrated LC-(HR)MS and 1H-NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach.

The metabolome of plants is influenced by various factors, especially environmental, as the season in which they are grown. So, distinct varieties of the identical plant might show an increase or decrease in metabolites. The diversity of content of primary and secondary metabolites can also determine the variation in their biological properties. Due to the current occurrence of various fennel varieties, the crop can now be grown for the entire year. This work used an integrated approach of LC/MS and NMR analysis to characterize the metabolome of fennel waste of different varieties by multivariate statistical analysis. The extracts were investigated by NMR and LC/MS analysis to focus attention on the primary and secondary metabolites. Both LC-HRMS and NMR data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). The 1H-NMR analysis led to the identification of 15 primary metabolites, such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acid derivatives. The secondary metabolites identified by LC/MS analysis mainly belong to the phenolic, lipid, and fatty acid compounds classes. This integrated approach guarantees a precise and complete overview of the variations in the metabolic expression of the fennel varieties grown in different seasons.

Research Progress on the Effect of Exogenous Additives Treatment on the Synthesis of Plant Secondary Metabolites

Plant secondary metabolites play an important role in plants' response to environmental changes and stress conditions. Exogenous additives such as plant hormones, chemical elicitors, and natural extracts can significantly affect the synthesis and function of these secondary metabolites by regulating gene expression and signal transduction pathways, providing new strategies for enhancing plant stress resistance and optimizing the production of secondary metabolites. This study reviews the effects of exogenous additives on the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites, including plant hormones, ion stress, and their synergistic effects with environmental factors. Exogenous additives significantly affect the types and contents of secondary metabolites by regulating metabolic pathways, activating defense mechanisms, and optimizing metabolic networks. In addition, the combined application of different exogenous additives and their synergistic effects with environmental factors can effectively improve plant stress resistance and optimize the production of secondary metabolites. The study suggests that future research should further develop and apply new exogenous elicitors and strengthen the study of their potential side effects and long-term impacts to achieve sustainable optimization of secondary metabolite production. It also provides important technical support for the development and processing of functional foods, helping to produce food products with higher nutritional value and health benefits.

Effects of Seed Processing with Cold Plasma on Growth and Biochemical Traits of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Under Different Cultivation Conditions: In Soil Versus Aeroponics.

This study compared the effects of seed treatment with low-pressure cold plasma (CP) and atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on morpho-biochemical traits in Stevia rabaudiana Bertoni plants cultivated by two methods: in soil and aeroponics. We investigated the impact of the treatments on the germination, plant growth, and content of secondary metabolites, namely steviol glycosides (SGs), rebaudioside A (RebA), and stevioside (Stev), as well as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Seeds were treated for 2, 5, and 7 min with CP or DBD and 5 min with vacuum six days before sowing. All growth parameters in aeroponics exceeded the parameters of seedlings in the corresponding groups cultivated in soil. Seed treatments stimulated SGs biosynthesis in seedlings grown in soil, except for CP7. Although there were no stimulating effects of seed treatments on SGs in aeroponics, overall SG concentrations were considerably higher compared to plants cultivated in soil: the RebA+Stev concentration was 1.8-2-fold higher in the control, V5-, and CP-treated groups, and 1.3-fold higher in the DBD5 and DBD7 groups. Thus, aeroponic cultivation has the potential to improve the growth and synthesis of SGs in stevia, while a combination of aeroponics with seed treatments only increases the content of antioxidants and antioxidant activity.

Red Currant (Ribes rubrum L.) Fruit Waste Extract and Juice as Potential Spasmolytic Agents.

Red currant (Ribes rubrum L.) berries are rich in bioactive compounds and exhibit nutritive and protective features. This research examined the content of secondary metabolites of the red currant variety Redpoll lyophilized juice and waste extract and their antioxidative and spasmolytic effects. The flavonol and anthocyanin contents of the samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effects were assessed in in vitro conditions, and the potential impact of the samples and possible action mechanisms were revealed. The results showed the prevalence of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside as the dominant anthocyanin with higher content in the juice sample. Quercetin content, as the prevalent flavonol, was higher in the waste sample. The berry juice showed a greater ability for scavenging free radicals, whereas the waste better inhibited lipid peroxidation. The juice was a superior antispasmodic agent for spontaneous, KCl-, CaCl2-, BaCl2-, histamine-, and acetylcholine-induced ileal contractions. This first evaluation of the red currant variety Redpoll lyophilized juice and waste extract indicated the beneficial effects of juice as an antioxidant and spasmolytic agent. Therefore, this red currant juice sample could be designated for the prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Phytochemical Test and Antioxidant Activity Of Various Organs Of The Golden Banana (Musa acuminata Colla)

The golden banana (Musa acuminata Colla) is a typical banana plant in Rokan Hilir. Some parts of the golden banana plant are generally used, however, various other banana organs such as fruit skin, stem midrib, bractea, and golden banana flowers in Rokan Hilir have not been used in medicine. This study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity in various organs of the golden banana. Simplicia powder from the golden banana organ was extracted by maceration method using 96% ethanol. The extract was then tested for antioxidant activity with a spectrophotometer using the DPPH method at a wavelength of 520 nm. The results showed that the four organs had very weak antioxidant activity. The highest antioxidant activity was in bractea with an IC50 value of 225.98 ppm and the lowest in flowers with an IC50 value of more than 1000 ppm. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that the four organs of the golden banana from Rokan downstream contained flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins but did not contain alkaloids

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as Green Alternatives for Extracting Bioactive Compounds from Sideritis Taxa with Potential Cosmetic Applications.

This study investigated the potential of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) for extracting bioactive compounds from the aerial parts of two mountain tea taxa, Sideritis clandestina ssp. peloponnesiaca (Boiss. & Heldr.) Baden and Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. ssp. raeseri. Five NADEs, composed of betaine, glycerol, glucose, urea, citric acid, and sucrose, were evaluated for their extraction efficiency compared to conventional solvents (water and 70% ethanol). The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH assays) were determined. Results showed that water was not a good extraction solvent. Despite the great solvent-dependent differences, most NADEs, particularly the betaine-glycerol-glucose mixture (BGG4), exhibited comparable or even superior extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity compared to 70% ethanol. The secondary metabolites in the BGG4 and 70% ethanol extracts were determined with HPLC-MS. The BGG4 extracts of both Sideritis taxa had a rich phenolic profile, with the major ingredients being chlorogenic acid, verbascoside, and non-, mono- and di-acetylated allosyl hypolaetin glycosides. Although distinct quantitative differences in their composition compared to the respective 70% ethanol extracts, and between them were noted, overall, the content of secondary metabolites in both S. raeseri extracts was lower than that of the S. clandestina extracts. These findings suggest that NADEs, particularly BGG4, are promising green solvents for extracting bioactive compounds from Sideritis taxa, paving the way for potential applications in the development of natural and sustainable cosmetic products.

Predicting high-quality ecologically suitable areas of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge based on secondary metabolites content using Biomod2 model

Habitat requirements and species’ ecological suitability are essential conditions for species conservation and management. Under the influence of different environmental variables, assessing the habitat quality of medicinal plants is an important issue to ensure the quality of medicinal plants and protect biodiversity. This study explores the impact of environmental variables on the distribution of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (A. bunge) and the content of effective secondary metabolites (SMs). Combining the Biomod2 model, we constructed a Comprehensive Geospatial Quality Model (CGQM) for A. bunge under current environmental conditions, obtaining a high-quality comprehensive suitable area for A. bunge. The results indicate that the area of the comprehensive high-suitable zone is 4.53 × 105 km2, accounting for 21.91% of the suitable area for A. bunge. It is mainly distributed in the eastern and western parts of Shanxi, the northwest of Shaanxi, the southern part of Ningxia, the southeast of Gansu, the northern part of Hebei, the eastern part of Beijing, the northeastern part of Jilin, the central and southern parts of Inner Mongolia, and a very small part of Xinjiang.

Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals dynamic changes in metabolites of 'Hass' avocado during postharvest ripening period.

Avocado (Persea americana Mill) is a climacteric fruit harvested at the green stage that ripens postharvest to become edible. The 'Hass' cultivar, known for its rich, buttery flavor and pear-shaped appearance, was studied for metabolite changes during postharvest ripening using UPLC-MS/MS approach. The 16-day ripening period could be divided into three stages: evolution (days 1-9), edible ripe (days 10-15) and overripe (day 16). A total of 1397 metabolites were identified across 13 classes. Among them, amino acids transitioned from conjugated to free forms, while sugars converted to monosaccharides, enhancing savory and sweet tastes. The concentration of certain secondary metabolites like terpenes, coumarins, and alkaloids increased, likely supporting antimicrobial defense, alongside a substantial increase in lipid content. Additionally, 20 compounds were screened as markers for edible ripeness. This study provides valuable insights into avocado postharvest ripening and offers references for optimizing shelf-life.

ZnONPs alleviate cadmium toxicity in pepper by reducing oxidative damage.

Cadmium (Cd) is a genotoxic heavy metal causing severe toxicity symptoms in plants, which has been a major threat to worldwide crop production. Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) have been employed as a novel strategy to facilitate the Cd stress and act as nano-fertilizers directly. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs; 15mg/L) on plant growth, photosynthetic activity, antioxidant activity and root morphology in Capsicum chinense Jacq. under Cd (CdCl2; 50μM/L) stress. The pepper plants were treated with Cd stress for 14 days, and the treatment was given directly into the hydroponic solution, while ZnONPs were applied as foliar spray two times a day (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.). The results revealed that Cd stress inhibited plant growth and biomass by impairing photosynthesis in photosystem function, gas exchange parameters, root activity, and morphology. In contrast, ZnONPs application notably reinforced the plant growth traits, increased photosynthesis efficiency in terms of chlorophyll content, SPAD index, gas exchange parameters and PSII maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm) and decreased Cd accumulation in leaf and root by 30% and 75%. Furthermore, ZnONPs efficiently restricted the hydrogen peroxide, superoxide ion (H2O2, O2•-). They restored cellular integrity (less MDA production) by triggering the antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR), protein content, sugar level and proline content. Besides, ZnONPs treatment enhanced secondary metabolites (phenols and flavonoids) contents and these metabolites potentially restricted excess H2O2 accumulation. In conclusion, our findings deciphered the potential functions of ZnONPs in alleviating Cd-induced phytotoxicity in pepper plants by boosting biomass production, photosynthesis, secondary metabolism and reducing oxidative stress.

Phytochemical Screening and Anti-hyperglycemic Effect Test of Ethanol Extract of Waru Leaf (Hibiscus tiliaceus) on Glucose-loaded Mice

Background: The treatment of diabetes mellitus relies on synthetic drugs with various side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative treatments with herbal therapies, such as Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the anti-hyperglycemic effect of an ethanol extract from Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves in glucose-loaded mice. Methods: The initial stage of dried leaf characterization was to ensure the identity, quality, purity, and safety to be used, and then extracted using the maceration method with 70% ethanol solvent. The next step was phytochemical screening to identify secondary metabolite content. The anti-hyperglycemic effect was evaluated using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on 25 male mice divided into five treatment groups. The negative control group was given Na CMC 0.5% w/v Na CMC, and the positive control group was administered glibenclamide. The ethanol extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves was administered at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg. Approximately 200 µL of blood was collected and analyzed for glucose levels. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS ver. 25 program. Results: Hibiscus tiliaceus leaves contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. The highest decrease in blood glucose levels was observed in the ethanol extract group at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW, with a decrease of 78.52%, followed by a dose of 200 mg/kg BW of 76.63%, a dose group of 800 mg/kg BW of 73.48%, and a positive control group (glibenclamide) of 34.68%, which was significantly different from the negative control group (Na CMC 0.5%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The ethanol extract of H. tiliaceus has anti-hyperglycemic effects.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of Napoleona imperialis leaf extracts against multi-drug resistant bacterial isolates from diabetic foot ulcer

Background: The increased resistance of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly those that produce extended beta-lactamase, are limiting the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs in treating infected diabetic foot ulcers. This study evaluates antimicrobial activities of Napoleona imperialis leaf extracts on bacterial isolates of diabetic foot ulcers as a way of developing novel antimicrobials that will be effective in treating infections caused by multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates. Methodology: Fresh leaves of N. imperialis were collected and identified by a plant taxonomist at the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The leaves were washed and air- dried under shade and pulverized into fine powder using local milling machine. The pulverized plant was extracted using methanol, hexane, ethyl-acetate, and water. The test organisms used were MDR bacteria isolated from fresh clinical samples collected from patients with diabetic ulcer. The samples were processed using conventional cultures, biochemical identification and molecular detection by PCR methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the disc diffusion technique. The phytochemical compositions of the extract were assessed using standard methods. Antibacterial activity of the extracts was performed at a concentration of 400mg/ml of the extracts using agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC) of the extracts were determined using serial (doubling) dilution technique. The time-kill assay of the plant extract was also evaluated. Results: The MDR isolates recovered from the diabetic ulcer were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The plant extract yield showed that aqueous fraction of the leaf extract gave higher yield of 37.3%, followed by ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf extract at 26.8%, hexane fraction of the leaf extract at 22.3%, and the least was crude methanol leaf extract at 13.4%. The phytochemical analysis showed that the leaf extracts contained phenols, flavonoid, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, saponin, terpenoids and triterpenes. The methanol extract produced highest mean inhibition zone diameter of 19.7±00mm against E. coli, 19.3±1.2mm against P. aeruginosa, 19.3±1.2mm against S. pneumoniae, 18.7±1.2mm against S. aureus and 17.7±1.5mm against K. pneumoniae. The bacteriostatic (MIC) activities of this methanol extract at different concentrations ranged from 3.125 to 25.00mg/ml, and bactericidal (MBC) activities ranged from 6.25 to 50.00mg/ml. The time- kill assay of the crude methanol leaf extract at 1xMIC, 2xMIC and 3x MIC showed a decrease in the number of viable cells count of the initial inoculum within 2-8 hours of incubation, indicating high activity. Conclusion: The methanol leaf extracts of N. imperialis could be used as a complementary source of antimicrobials to the conventional antibiotic in the treatment of wound infections caused by MDR bacteria due to the contents of essential secondary metabolites in the plant extract and the antibacterial activities observed.

Genotypes of Sechium spp. as a Source of Natural Products with Biological Activity.

The genus Sechium P. Br. (Cucurbitaceae) includes ten species, two of which are edible. The inedible genotypes are in a fragile ecological niche, since they are not used by rural inhabitants. A rescue and genetic crossing program was designed to identify uses that favor their conservation due to their content of bioactive secondary metabolites (Sm) for health. Fruits of S. compositum (wild type), hybrid H-D Victor (inedible), and S. edule var. nigrum spinosum (edible) were evaluated by extraction methods such as juice and oven drying to determine the yields of Sm, with in vivo evaluations of liver damage. The dried biomass (40 °C) extracted with ethanolic and methanolic procedures showed lower Sm content than the juice (fresh biomass). More than 90% of phenolic acids and cucurbitacins in the extracts were degraded, possibly due to the drying time (oven). Biological activity showed that nigrum spinosum and HD-Victor have fewer toxic metabolites than S. compositum. The hybrid H-D Victor is of reduced cytotoxicity, showing the advantages of hybridization with wild types. Phytochemical and biological activity characterization may contribute to the conservation of genotypes and become a source of bioactive natural products.

Influence of the elicitors on the accumulation of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities in the <em>Polyscias fruticosa </em>(L.) Harms <em>in vitro</em> roots

Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms, belonging to the Ginseng family (Araliaceae), is a valuable medicinal plant in Vietnam. Recognized in the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia, it is esteemed for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties, making it a significant contributor to traditional medicine. This research contributes to the understanding of elicitor-induced changes in antioxidant activity, and secondary metabolite content of in vitro root extract of P. fruticosa. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of the root extract tested by DPPH radical scavenging assay with an IC50 value of 1.28 mg/mL in the baseline and the lowest IC50 value of 0.89 mg/mL in the medium treated with yeast extract (YE). The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content were displayed in jasmonic acid-treated samples at 24.31 ± 2.86 mg gallic acid/g extract and 29.25 ± 0.26 mg quercetin/g extract, respectively. The highest saponin was also produced in roots elicited by jasmonic acid, where it reached about 167.19 ± 3.29 mg aescin/g extract. Furthermore, investigation with antioxidant enzyme activities showed another superiority when using elicitors YE (64.4 ± 3,14 U/mg protein) and mannitol (Man) (65.39 ± 3.85 U/mg protein) in peroxidase (POD) activity and using jasmonic acid (8.87 ± 0.74 U/mg) in catalase (CAT) activity. Lastly, TPC and TFC exhibited a positive correlation of r = 0.53 while the TPC and DPPH scavenging activity and TFC and POD showed a remarkably negative correlation of r around -0.8. In conclusion, this study highlights the advancements in eliciting root cultures to enhance specific phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The information provided holds significant value and will be of interest to scientists engaged in plant biotechnology, particularly in the elicitation of medicinal plant roots.

Impact of Drought on Secondary Metabolites in Medicinal plant Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC

Background/Objective: Various Secondary metabolites in Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. make this plant medicinally important. Also, this plant is naturally subjected to drought-like conditions; the main abiotic stress relates to low water availability to plants. However, literature is scarce regarding studies on drought stress impact on secondary metabolites content in Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. Methods: Plants were exposed to water regimes to generate drought-like conditions, i.e. 200, ml water was given at 3-day intervals for mild stress, 4-day intervals for moderate stress and 6-day intervals for severe stress. The flavonoids, phenolic and alkaloid content of the leaf were estimated at 15 and 30 days after drought stress (DAS). Findings: Desmodium gangeticum plant expressed differential responses in leaves number and size, secondary metabolite contents to water deficit based on the duration of stress applied. Leaves grown per plant decreased as the severity of drought stress increased (mild-11, moderate-8, severe-6 leaves) compared to control (14 leaves). Flavonoid content increased significantly at 15 DAS and decreased significantly by 50% at 30 DAS. Meanwhile, 15 and 30 days after drought stress (DAS), a significant decrease was observed in phenol and alkaloid content. Novelty: Our study highlights the intricate relationship between drought stress and the biosynthesis of biologically active secondary metabolites, flavonoids, phenolic and alkaloids, which can influence the therapeutic properties of Desmodium gangeticum. Keywords: Drought stress; Desmodium gangeticum (L) DC; Secondary metabolites; Flavonoids; Phenols; Alkaloids

Antioxidant Activity, Phytochemical Screening, and LC/MS-MS Characterization of Polyphenol Content of Jordanian Habitat of Pennisetum Setaceum Aqueous Leaf Extract

Background: Pennisetum setaceum is an easy-grow and highly adaptable plant characterized by ravishing stalks and colorful leaves. Therefore, this species has been utilized as a green solution in preserving and restoring the ecological balance and developing biodiversity. In addition, different medicinal uses of the plant have been investigated. Yet, modest research was performed to explore the antioxidant activity and the phytochemical composition of the plant. Objectives: The current research aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant activity for the Jordanian habitat of P. setaceum. Methods: Aqueous extract of leaves was prepared by maceration. Screening tests for the identification of secondary metabolite content were conducted using standard procedures. The free radical scavenging activity for the extract was determined using DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and compared with ascorbic acid. The LC-MS/MS analysis was performed focusing on the phenolic content of the extract. Results: The screening tests revealed the presence of steroids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, while saponins were not observed. At a concentration of 4 mg/ml, the free radical scavenging activity for the extract was only 41.32%, compared to 85.54% for ascorbic acid. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of eight different phenolic compounds: Succinic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-trans-3,4-trans-leucocyanidin, apiin, iso-orientin, and apigenin, and 5,6,4'-trihydroxy-7,3'-dimethoxyflavone. Conclusion: The presence of a limited number of phenolic compounds in the P. setaceum extract may explain its weak antioxidant activity. Further research is required to identify other (non-phenolic) secondary metabolites content, which would enhances our understanding of the roles this plant species play in agricultural, ecological, or medical applications.

Test Of Secondary Metabolites And Total Phenols Of Robusta Coffee Grass (Coffea Canephora) Bener Meriah District

Coffee is one of the plantation commodities which has an important role in Indonesia's economic activities. The development of coffee processing, both on a small scale and on an industrial scale, will produce by-products called coffee waste. Coffee grounds waste is waste produced from the coffee processing process which reaches almost 45% of total production. The aim of this research was to determine the secondary metabolite and total phenol content of robusta coffee grounds in Bener Meriah Regency. The method used in this research is the experimental method. The resulting coffee grounds will be extracted using a solvent, and the resulting extract will be tested for secondary metabolites and total phenols. This test will be carried out in the chemistry laboratories of FKIP Unimal and FKIP USK. The results of testing the secondary metabolite content and total phenol content in Robusta coffee grounds were Alkaloids (Dragendrof, Mayer and Wagner), Saponins, Flavonoids, Polyphenols and Steroids, and the total phenol content was 87.38 (mg GAE/g extract).

The Chemical Structure and Pharmacological Activity of Sesquiterpenoids in Dendrobium Sw.

Dendrobium is one of the most important orchids with high medicinal value. The diverse pharmacological activities of Dendrobium are attributed to its rich content of secondary metabolites. Due to the high variety and content of sesquiterpenoids in Dendrobium, more studies on their pharmacological activities have been reported. More than 100 sesquiterpenoids have been isolated from the roots and stems of Dendrobium, and these compounds have been shown to play important roles in a variety of diseases. However, there is a lack of systematic summarization of the chemical structures and pharmacological activities of sesquiterpenoids in Dendrobium Sw. Here, we reviewed the chemical structures of the sesquiterpenoids in Dendrobium plants, classified them according to the skeleton types, and summarized their pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action, with a view to laying a foundation for future studies on their pharmacological activity mechanisms and rational clinical applications.

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILES, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES FROM LEAVES AND SEEDS EXTRACT OF Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a plant that grows naturally in Indonesia and widely used in the food and industrial sectors. Nutmeg seeds have been widely studied because they have a variety of compounds with good activities, but research on the leaves still needs to be completed. Therefore, this research compared nutmeg leaves and seed extracts' secondary metabolite content and bioactivity. This study aims to determine the phytochemical contents of nutmeg leaves and seed extracts by phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis, as well as its potential as an antioxidant and anticancer. The antioxidant activity test uses the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method measured at a wavelength of 517 nm. Meanwhile, the anticancer activity test uses MCF-7 cells with the MTT assay method. Nine compounds (lipid, phenylpropanoid, lignan, terpenoid, and quinone groups) were identified by GC-MS analysis in the leaf extracts. Meanwhile, seed extract has 23 compounds from the lipid, fatty acid, phenylpropanoid, lignan, and terpenoid groups. The antioxidant activity of nutmeg leaves and seed extracts was carried out using the DPPH method, while the cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells used the MTT method. Nutmeg leaves have more potent antioxidant activity than nutmeg seeds, with IC50 values of 17.80 µg/mL and 53.01 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic activity test on MCF-7 cells also showed that the inhibition value of nutmeg extract (26%) was higher than that of nutmeg seeds (22.73%). This research shows that nutmeg leaf extract has the potential to carry out further research regarding the bioactivity of its compounds.