P-coumaric Acid Research Articles

Semisynthetic p-Coumaric Acid Derivatives as Lead Dual Inhibitors Against DPP-IV and GSK-3β for Antidiabetic Therapy.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a dramatically increasing global public health challenge. The prevalence is projected almost double, from 194 million in 2003 to 333 million in 2025 with type 2 diabetes mellitus representing approximately 90%-95% of cases. Dual inhibitors for antidiabetic targets is still novel and promising strategy for discovery of more effective therapies. Ester and triazole derivatives of p-coumaric acid were obtained from Williamson synthesis and Microwave-assisted click reaction, respectively. Chemical structures were finely characterized through IR, 1H, and 13C NMR and HRMS. They were tested for their dual inhibitory activity against GSK-3β kinase and DPP-IV. The complexes resulting from docking were used for all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, including the enzymes in the apo form, using the GROMACS 2022.3. Two inhibitors 2 and 5 demonstrated promising inhibition at low and submicromolar against both proteins. Molecular Dynamic simulations revealed that the binding pattern of the control inhibitors were reproduced by p-coumaric acid derivatives 2 and 5 with crucial interactions involving the same residues. The p-coumaric skeleton can be considered as a promising core for GSK-3β kinase and DPP-IV dual inhibitors.

Insights into the chili phytochemicals, bioactive components, and antioxidant activity of instant premixes (green and red chilies) and their reconstitution products

Chili fruits are a potential source of phytochemicals and nutrients for food and reconstituted products. Due to its high nutritional and bioactive components, the current study focused on developing chili instant food products employing hot-air drying method. The effect of the hot-air drying method on physicochemical properties, microbiological quality, retention of bioactive components, phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and sensory quality of green and red chilies reconstitution products were investigated. HPLC quantification unveiled that fresh red chili product had retained the highest capsaicin (2703.14 µg/g) and dihydrocapsaicin (1518 µg/g) content on the 0th day. Furthermore, UPLC-MS confirmed the presence of eleven phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, rutin, and quercetin. Among all, ferulic acid (382.91 µg/g) was the most abundant phenolic compound in fresh green chili products, followed by trans-cinnamic acid (73.19 µg/g) in green chili reconstituted and catechin (65.66 µg/g) in green and red chili reconstituted products. The chili products retained reasonable amounts of bioactive components and antioxidants during storage without microbial growth. The correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between capsaicinoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant properties, which are linearly related in green chili products. This study offers manufacturers a cost-effective technology for producing high-quality chili-reconstituted products rich in essential nutrients and health benefits.Graphical

Exploring the Medicinal Potential of Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae): A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemicals, Pharmacological Properties, and Drug Development Prospects

Hyptis suaveolens is a widely well-known species of the Lamiaceae family. This plant is regarded as noxious exotic invasive weeds. It has medicinal and insecticidal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. This review examines the potential utility of the understudied plant species H. suaveolens for future drug development and design, the existence of medicinally significant secondary metabolites, and their potential pharmacological and pharmacognostic importance . Search engines such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Link, PubMed, and Scopus were used to find data and information to write this paper. Alkaloids, essential oils, terpenoids, sterols, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids are only a few of the phytochemicals abundant in H. suaveolens that have therapeutic value . These bioactive compounds possess diaphoretic, analgesic, gastroprotective, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer properties. Among the polyphenolic substances found in high concentration in H. suaveolens are methyl rosamarinate, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, prodelphinidins, syringic acid, profisetinidins, protocatechuic acid, gentisic acid, caffeic acid, rosamarinic acid, and proanthocyanidins. In H. suaveolens, some terpenoid bioactive compounds such as ursolic acid, methyl suaveolate, suaveolic acid, beta-sitosterol, and suaveolol are available in different parts of the plant. Some essential compounds, such as Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, and Oleic acid, are found in the seed oils of H. suaveolens. Pentacyclic triterpenoid and ursolic acid from H. suaveolens have been reported to have effective antiviral response s. The plant extract is used to prepare silver and copper nanoparticles for different biological activities. Due to these characteristics, the plant may be able to treat resistant and recently discovered bacterial and viral infections instead of conventional medications.

P-Coumaric Acid alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by promoting GLP-1 secretion via the GRP78-Ca2+ signaling axis

In individuals with obesity-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), endogenous Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion is compromised, and supplementation with GLP-1 receptor agonists has shown efficacy in ameliorating NAFLD. However, there is currently a scarcity of research focused on the direct promotion of endogenous GLP-1 secretion from L-cells by plant-derived phenolic acids. Hence, this study reveals that p-Coumaric Acid (p-CA), a widely occurring phenolic acid in the plant, holds potential as a therapeutic approach by stimulating the secretion of GLP-1 to improve glucose-lipid metabolism alterations and alleviate NAFLD symptoms. In diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse models, administration of high doses of p-CA led to a significant elevation in serum GLP-1 levels, as well as improvements in body weight gain, glucose level, insufficient insulin secretion, and biochemical abnormalities associated with NAFLD in mice fed with a high-fat diet. Moreover, the number of lipid droplets in the liver tissue of p-CA-treated mice was notably reduced, suggesting its effectiveness in mitigating liver fat accumulation and ameliorating NAFLD severity. Experimental evidence suggests that p-CA exerts its effects by influencing the transcriptional regulation of Glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78) through interaction with Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), thereby downregulating GRP78 expression. This decrease in GRP78 expression subsequently leads to an increase in intracellular Calcium ions (Ca2+) concentration, which promotes the production and exocytosis of GLP-1-containing vesicles in L cells, consequently enhancing GLP-1 secretion. This research demonstrates the mechanistic role and therapeutic effects of p-CA in regulating GLP-1 secretion and its implications for improving NAFLD, underscoring the pharmacological significance of this natural compound as a dietary supplement.

The toxicity, repellent, and biochemical effects of four wild plant extracts against Aphis gossypii Glover and Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley: HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds

The insecticidal and repellent activities of the four wild plant extracts: stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L., white henbane, Hyoscyamus albus L., camphorweeds, Pluchea dioscoridis L., and cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium L. were tested compared to the insecticide spirotetramat against the 3rd nymphal instar of Aphis gossypii Glover and adult females of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley after 24 and 48 h of treatment. Their effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme activities were also assessed to explore their possible mechanisms of action. The phenolic compounds of the plant extracts were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The most abundant compounds in the methanol extract from P. dioscoridis were gallic acid (14.45 µg/mL), and cinnamic acid (11.44 µg/mL); from U. dioica were caffeic acid (15.32 µg/mL) and syringic acid (13.47 µg/mL); from H. albus were syringic acid (7.12 µg/mL) and catechol (5.33 µg/mL); and from X. strumarium were p-coumaric acid (24.53 µg/mL) and pyrogallol (18.35 µg/mL). According to the LC50 values, the contact toxicity of U. dioica, H. albus, P. dioscoridis, and X. strumarium against A. gossypii was 40.3, 60.6, 56.2, and 32.3 mg/L, whereas, the contact toxicity against P. solenopsis was 56.4, 67.5, 64.3, and 36.2 mg/L, compared to the spirotetramat (17.2 and 24.5 mg/L), respectively, at 48 h of treatment. The highest repellency rates were observed with LC50 values for X. strumarium (63.2 and 60.3%), followed by U. dioica (46.2 and 43.5%), P. dioscoridis (45.3 and 42.8%), and H. albus extract (38.8 and 35.2%) compared to the spirotetramat (78.5 and 76.2%) against A. gossypii and P. solenopsis at 24 h, but decreased with time. The AChE and GST activities in pests were significantly inhibited, compared to control and spirotetramat, with dose and time-dependent effects. These findings indicate that tested wild extracts may be suggested as viable alternatives for aphids and mealybugs control.

Impact of organic, conventional, and stingless bee honeys on the antibacterial activity of gummy candies against oral bacteria

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the impact of organic, conventional, and stingless honey on gummy candies, focusing on the effect of the cariogenic bacterium, Streptococcus mutans UA159, and total bacterial count in saliva from adolescents. MethodsAntimicrobial compounds in three honey samples were identified, and the minimum inhibitory concentration against S. mutans UA159 was determined. The antibacterial activities of the three honey candy formulations were determined against S. mutans UA159 in artificial saliva and total bacteria in saliva collected from adolescents. The sensory acceptance of the candy formulations by children, adolescents, and adults was investigated. ResultsCandies prepared using conventional honey showed the highest antibacterial activity against S. mutans UA159 in vitro and total bacteria in human saliva. This effect was attributed to the higher levels of quercetin, myricetin, caffeine, and hydrogen peroxide in conventional honey. ConclusionsNicotinic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids found in honey had low antibacterial activity against oral bacteria. Quercetin, myricetin, caffeine, and hydrogen peroxide are the main anticariogenic compounds in honey and exert antibacterial effects on adolescent saliva, despite added to candies. However, organic production does not necessarily improve the biological properties of honey. All candies were equally liked by sensory assessors (acceptance >70%), facilitating the selection of honey with higher biological activities to formulate functional candies.

A Study and In Vitro Evaluation of the Bioactive Compounds of Broad Bean Sprouts for the Treatment of Parkinson's Syndrome.

Levodopa (LD) is the first discovered and the most promising and effective medication for Parkinson's disease (PD). As the first identified natural source of LD, Vicia faba L. (broad beans), especially its sprouts, has been confirmed to contain many other potential bioactive compounds that could also be therapeutic for PD. In this study, the bioactive components obtained from broad bean sprout extraction (BSE) that could be beneficial for PD treatment were screened, and the related mechanisms were explored. Solvent extraction combined with column chromatography was used to isolate bioactive fractions and monomer compounds, while UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, HRESI-MS and (1H, 13C) NMR were employed for compound identification. Network pharmacology techniques were applied to screen for potential mechanisms. A total of 52 compounds were identified in a 50% MeOH extract of broad bean sprouts. Moreover, twelve compounds were isolated and identified from ethyl acetate and n-butanol portions, including caffeic acid (1), trans-3-indoleacrylic acid (2), p-coumaric acid (3), protocatechualdehyde (4), isovitexin (5), isoquercetin (6), grosvenorine (7), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (8), isoschaftoside (9), narcissin (10), kaempferitrin (11) and trigonelline HCl (12). Compounds 2, 4, 7, 8 and 12 were isolated from Vicia faba L. for the first time. The potential mechanisms were determined by analyzing 557 drug targets, 2334 disease targets and 199 intersections between them using a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment. Further in vitro experiments confirmed that caffeic acid (compound 1) and p-coumaric acid (compound 3) have neuroprotective effects in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated SH-SY5Y cells and lipopolysaccharide-treated PC-12 cells through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. In conclusion, this study explored effective components in broad bean sprouts and performed in vitro evaluations.

Uncovering the therapeutic potential of green pea waste in breast cancer: a multi-target approach utilizing LC-MS/MS metabolomics, molecular networking, and network pharmacology

Background Pisum sativum(PS) is a universal legume plant utilized for both human and animal consumption, particularly its seeds, known as green peas. The processing of PS in food industries and households produces a significant amount of waste that needs to be valorized.MethodsIn this study, the metabolite profiles of the 70% ethanolic extracts of PS wastes, namely peels (PSP) and a combination of leaves and stems (PSLS), were investigated by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) followed by molecular networking.ResultsDifferent classes of metabolites were identified, being flavonoids and their derivatives, along with phenolic acids, the most abundant categories. Additionally, a comprehensive network pharmacology strategy was applied to elucidate potentially active metabolites, key targets, and the pathways involved in cytotoxic activity against breast cancer. This cytotoxic activity was investigated in MCF-7 and MCF-10a cell lines. Results revealed that PSLS extract exhibited a potent cytotoxic activity with a good selectivity index (IC50 = 17.67 and selectivity index of 3.51), compared to the reference drug doxorubicin (IC50 = 2.69 µg/mL and selectivity index of 5.28). Whereas PSP extract appeared to be less potent and selective (IC50 = 32.92 µg/mL and selectivity index of 1.62). A similar performance was also observed for several polyphenolics isolated from the PSLS extract, including methyl cis p-coumarate, trans p-coumaric acid, and liquiritigenin/ 7-methyl liquiritigenin mixture. Methyl cis p-coumarate showed the most potent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line and the highest selectivity (IC50 = 1.18 µg/mL (6.91 µM) and selectivity index of 27.42). The network pharmacology study revealed that the isolated compounds could interact with several breast cancer-associated protein targets including carbonic anhydrases 1, 2, 4, 9, and 12, as well as aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1, adenosine A3 receptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 1, and estrogen receptor 2.ConclusionThe uncovered therapeutic potential of PSLS and its metabolite constituents pave the way for an efficient and mindful PS waste valorization, calling for further in-vitro and in-vivo research.Graphical

Dielectric Barrier Discharge Cold Plasma Improves Storage Stability in Paddy Rice by Activating the Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway.

A nonthermal pretreatment using dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBD-CP) was developed to improve the stress resistance of paddy rice during postharvest storage. The physicochemical properties, bioactive characteristics, and secondary metabolites of paddy rice were assessed after applying an optimized DBD-CP procedure, with enzyme activities and gene expression monitored over a 60 day storage period at 35 °C. A 17.06% reduction in the total color change index was noted in the DBD-CP group. Bioactive compounds, particularly gallic acid, were significantly increased, enhancing the defense mechanisms against high-temperature stress. Nontargeted metabolomics analysis indicated an upregulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism in DBD-CP-treated rice compared to controls, with notable increases in secondary metabolites such as coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and sinapic acid, suggesting potential biomarkers for stress resistance. Further verification showed significant enhancements in key enzymes of phenylpropanoid metabolism, including phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase (C4H), plant coumaric acid-3-hydroxylase (C3H), and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), with increases ranging from 1.71 to 2.28 times. Gene expression levels of OsPAL7, OsC4H4, and OsCAD2 aligned with these enzymatic changes post-DBD-CP treatment. In conclusion, DBD-CP treatment can modulate phenylpropanoid metabolism in paddy rice, thereby enhancing bioactive compound levels to reduce stress damage during high-temperature storage.

Identification of the novel drug target for the treatment of HIV by using the Bioinformatics approach

The virus known as human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, targets the immune system of the body. HIV can result in a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, if it is not treated. The molecular docking method has been enthusiastically embraced by scientists and researchers. When predicting a small molecule's activity and affinity, docking is often utilized to predict how the molecule will align with its protein target. Molecular docking was carried out using Autodock 4.2 software. The ligands' ability to bind to proteins associated with sicknesses in the protein data library was examined. 3LII, 1HD2, 1QS4, 5CDQ, 3MNG and 2IOK were the proteins. Rosmarinic acid, thymol, caffeic acid, carvacrol, p-Cymene and coumaric acid were the ligands used. The best conformation with the lowest docked energy was chosen from the docking search results. Human acetylcholinesterase (PDB ID: 3LII) and the HIV-1 integrase (PDB ID: 1QS4) both exhibit favorable binding energies to rosmarinic acid, Human PrxV (PDB ID: 3MNG), human peroxiredoxin 5 (PDB ID: 1HD2), human PrxV (PDB ID: 3MNG), human oestrogen receptor (PDB ID: 2IOK), human oestrogen receptor (PDB ID: 2IOK) and moxifloxacin structure with S. aureus (PDB ID: 5CDQ) all exhibit good binding energy with rosmarinic acid. The results of the ADMET analysis were found to be non-toxicity. This computational investigation has produced encouraging findings that may be investigated and ADMET drug-likeness properties have been confirmed, which can be further analysed in vivo and in vitro for its potential drug development.

Correlation Analysis Among the Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic and Antioxidative Activities of a Tessaria absinthioides Decoction for Endorsing Its Potential Application in Oncology.

Historically, botanical preparations have been used to improve human health. Their active ingredients are influenced by multiple factors such as intraspecies variations, environmental conditions, collection time and methods, and the part of the plant used. To ensure the efficiency and safety of these herbal drugs, qualitative and quantitative analyses are required. A Tessaria absinthioides decoction (DETa) was reported as having hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antitumor, and antioxidative properties. This work aimed to analyze DETa by correlating its chemical composition with cytotoxic and antioxidative properties, with the aim of promoting research on it as an anticancer agent. DETa collections (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022) were analyzed by UHPLC-DAD, UHPLC-DAD-FLD, and UPLC-MS/MS; cytotoxicity was assessed on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line; antioxidative capacity was evaluated by the DPPH and FRAP methods; and correlation analysis was used to determine biological and chemical markers. The results provide evidence that biological activities were consistent across the collections. Among the quantified compounds, apigenin, naringin, gallocatechin gallate, ginnalin A, myricetin, epicatechin, OH-tyrosol, quercetin, and chlorogenic, tessaric, p-coumaric, vanillic, caffeic, caftaric, ellagic, and rosmarinic acids correlated as bioactive and chemical markers. Moreover, tessaric acid could be established as a species marker. Altogether, these findings add relevant information to DETa properties, encouraging further exploration of its potential application as an anticancer botanical.

De Novo Biosynthesis of a Bioactive Meroterpene Bakuchiol in Yeast.

Bakuchiol (BAK), a specialized meroterpene, is known for its valuable biological properties and has recently gained prominence in cosmetology for its retinol-like functionality. However, low abundance in natural sources leads to environmentally unfriendly and unsustainable practices associated with crop-based manufacturing and chemical synthesis. Here, we identified a prenyltransferase (PT) from Psoralea corylifolia that catalyzes the reverse geranylation of a nonaromatic carbon in para-coumaric acid (p-CA), coupled with a decarboxylation step to form BAK. Given that the biosynthesis pathway of BAK is well elucidated, we engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce BAK, starting from glucose. To enhance the titer of BAK, we employed a multifaceted approach that included increasing the supply of precursors, balancing the fluxes in the two parallel biosynthetic pathways, engineering of prenyltransferase, and fusing enzymes. Consequently, the engineered yeast strains showed a marked improvement of 117.3-fold in BAK production, reaching a titer of 9.28 mg/L from glucose. Our work provides a viable approach for the sustainable microbial production of complex natural meroterpenes.

Antidiabetic potential of Lavandula stoechas aqueous extract: insights into pancreatic lipase inhibition, antioxidant activity, antiglycation at multiple stages and anti-inflammatory effects.

With the increasing global prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, there is a pressing need for novel therapeutic interventions. Lavandula stoechas, a medicinal plant traditionally used for various ailments, holds promise as a potential agent for T2D management, particularly in Morocco, where it is commonly used to treat diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacological potential of L. stoechas aqueous extract (AqLs) by assessing its lipase inhibition antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, identifying phenolic compounds, and examining its efficacy in reducing diabetic complications. The pharmacological potential of L. stoechas aqueous extract was investigated using in vitro assays. The inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase, antioxidant power (FRAP), and anti-inflammatory activity (albumin denaturation method) was assessed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified phenolic compounds. Additionally, albumin glycation was evaluated by estimating fructosamine, carbonyl groups, and amyloid β-structures to assess efficacy in mitigating diabetic complications. The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 0.132 ± 0.006mg/mL), potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 604.99 ± 1.01μg/mL), and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects (IC50 = 207.01 ± 34.94mg/mL). HPLC analysis revealed phenolic compounds: naringin (38.28%), syringic acid (25.72%), and cinnamic acid (15.88%) were the most abundant, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydrated catechin, and catechin ranging from 9.60% to 5.24%, and p-coumaric acid (1.73%). Furthermore, the extract inhibited albumin glycation and fructosamine production, suggesting efficacy in mitigating diabetic complications. These findings highlight the multifaceted pharmacological potential of L. stoechas aqueous extract in T2D management, suggesting that this plant can be highly beneficial for diabetic individuals.

Cytotoxic and Radiosensitizing Effects of European and African Propolis in 3D Lung Carcinoma Cell Cultures.

Natural compounds such as propolis have gained wide popularity in the last decades. While its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties are well known, the anticancer properties of propolis are just beginning to be appreciated. Herein, we comparatively investigate the cytotoxic and radiosensitizing potential of four different ethanolic propolis extracts originating from three different countries (Germany, Ireland, South Africa) in human lung cancer cell models. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to characterize the four different propolis extracts. Cytotoxicity and radiation survival were determined by 3D matrix-based clonogenic assays and autophagy was examined by western blotting. We found cytotoxicity in a propolis type-, time- and cell model- dependent manner. In the four ethanolic propolis extracts, Coumaric acid, Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, Pinocembrin and Chrysin presented the major compounds identified. Examining the induction of autophagy using the marker LC3B and autophagy inhibition with chloroquine suggested autophagy to be part of the survival mechanisms upon propolis treatment in a cell model-dependent manner. Combining propolis with X-ray irradiation showed the radiosensitizing potential of propolis in human lung cancer cell models, which clearly presented in a manner dependent on the incubation time of propolis and the cell model treated. Propolis treatment showed cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects of propolis on human lung cancer cells. Since these effects differ greatly between the four propolis extracts studied and originating from different regions, further studies are urgently needed to differentiate propolis species and their anticancer properties in more detail.

Authentication of Ziziphus lotus Honey from the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco: Physicochemical Properties, Mineral Content, Sugar, Polyphenol Profiles, and Antioxidant Capacity.

The jujube honey from the Moroccan Middle Atlas area is thoroughly described in this study, which takes into account melissopalynological, physicochemical, antioxidant, mineral, and phytochemical characteristics. Twelve samples of jujube honey underwent in-depth analyses between 2019 and 2021. The honey's unifloral origin was confirmed by pollen analysis, which revealed that Ziziphus lotus pollen predominated along with pollen from 21 other species. The honeys meet Codex Alimentarius criteria and displayed a variety of characteristics, including moisture content (13.7% to 18.6%), pH (3.9 to 6.4), electrical conductivity (406 to 713 μs/cm), ash content (0.31 to 1.21%), and the Invertase Index (7.1 to 26.4 U/kg). Hydroxymethylfurfural levels spanned from 1.1 to 40 mg/kg, indicating freshness. No significant differences were observed between honey groups for fructose and glucose profiles determined via GC-MS analysis. The honey samples, which varied in total phenolic content (TPC) from 48.3 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g to 91.8 mg of GAE/100 g, showed strong antioxidant capacity, indicating possible health advantages. This study also revealed principal phenolic substances including gallic acid (1.18 to 6.36 mg/100 g), caffeic acid (0.07 to 3.25 mg/100 g), and p-coumaric acid (0.49 to 5.04 mg/100 g). Next, the bactericidal concentrations and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MBC and MIC) of each jujube honey were additionally examined and compared with two representative bacterial strains species Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium using broth microdilution, with MIC values ranging between 0.03 and 0.3 mg/mL for Listeria monocytogenes and 0.003 to 0.03 mg/mL for Salmonella typhimurium. There is a correlation between various parameters and the monofloral pollen content in honey, as determined by PCA analysis.

Accumulation of coumaric acid is a key factor in tobacco continuous cropping obstacles.

Phenolic acids are believed to play a significant role in tobacco continuous cropping obstacles, but the strength and potential mechanisms of different phenolic acids remain unclear. This study evaluated the allelopathic effects of six phenolic acids that exhibited cumulative effects in our previous research. Different concentrations of phenolic acids with the strongest allelopathic effects were added to potting soil to explore their impacts on tobacco growth and physiological characteristics, as well as on soil chemical properties and microbial community structure. The results showed that coumaric acid exhibited the strongest direct allelopathic effect. Exogenous coumaric acid significantly reduced soil pH and shifted the soil microbial community from bacteria-dominated to fungi-dominated. Simultaneously, the abundance of bacteria related to nutrient utilization (e.g., Flavisolibacter, Methylobacterium) and fungi related to disease resistance (e.g., Fusicolla, Clonostachys) gradually decreased, along with a reduction in soil catalase, urease, invertase, and acid phosphatase activities. Leaf MDA levels increased continuously with higher concentrations of coumaric acid, while the root resistance hormone (jasmonic acid and the jasmonate-isoleucine complex) levels show the opposite trend. Coumaric acid may inhibit tobacco growth by influencing the physiological processes in tobacco plants directly and the broader soil microecological balance indirectly. This study provides theoretical guidance for precise mitigation of continuous cropping obstacles in future tobacco cultivation.

Phytochemical profiling and biological evaluation of the residues from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) inflorescences trimming: Focus on water extract

The study focused on investigating the phytochemical composition and bio-pharmacological properties of a water extract obtained from industrial hemp by-products, after trimming female inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L., cultivar Kompolti. The extract was found to be rich in phenolic compounds, particularly gallic acid, catechin, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and benzoic acid. It also contained significant amounts of cannabidiolic acid and cannabigerolic acid as the main terpenophenols. To assess the biological potential of the extract, various ecotoxicological assays were conducted. The extract did not show significant phytotoxic effects on seedling germination in the allelopathic assay. In the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality test, the LC50 value was 1.726 mg/mL, and in the Daphnia magna test, the extract showed no cardiotoxicity effects at the same concentration; thus, confirming its biocompatibility with these eukaryotic organisms. Additionally, the extract did not induce cytotoxicity in the murine C2C12 cell line till to the concentration of 1000 μg/mL. In isolated mouse prostate specimens, the extract (10–1000 μg/mL) also prevented LPS-induced gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, the extract exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of pathogenic bacterial, fungal, and dermatophyte species commonly associated with prostatitis. These results suggest that the residual powder from female inflorescence trimming can be considered an innovative plant material from the industrial hemp supply chain that deserves to be valorised in terms of recycling and upcycling; thus, reducing the environmental impact of the by-products and also opening the way for innovative health-promoting agents.

UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics combined to chemometrics reveal the anti-inflammatory metabolites of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flowers

African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is widely recognized for its ornamental value and therapeutic properties, particularly its anti-inflammatory potential. This study employs UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics combined with chemometric analysis to identify bioactive metabolites contributing to the anti-inflammatory effects of T. erecta flowers. The flowers were fractionated using hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and butanol, and a total of 79 metabolites were identified across the fractions, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, quinic acids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and amino acids. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of each fraction was assessed in vitro by evaluating their impact on the expression of four pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) in LPS-stimulated leukocytes using PCR. Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures was employed to determine the key metabolites contributing to the observed bioactivity. The analysis revealed that the methylene chloride and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory effects, primarily due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Notably, disyringic acid hexoside, ellagic acid, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, and quercetagetin dimethyl ether were identified as major anti-inflammatory agents based on their high correlation coefficients with cytokine inhibition and their substantial concentrations within the active fractions. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate extraction solvents to isolate specific bioactive compounds and provide a deeper understanding of the metabolite profiles that contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of T. erecta flowers.

Valorization of Potato Peels (Solanum tuberosum) Using Infrared-Assisted Extraction: A Novel Sprouting Suppressant and Antibacterial Agent.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in reducing waste to promote environmental sustainability, with particular focus on agricultural by-products, especially fruits and vegetables. Potato, a widely used crop across various industries, generates a significant amount of peel waste. This study aims to valorize potato peels using water bath extraction (WBE) and infrared-assisted extraction (IRAE), both with distilled water as the solvent, followed by assessments of antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-sprouting activities. Optimization using response surface methodology identified optimal extraction conditions for WBE (90 °C for 70 min) and IRAE (80 °C for 10 min), with both methods yielding 3.5 mg GAE/g DM in polyphenol content. IRAE demonstrated superior energy efficiency and enhanced antioxidant activity. The extracts exhibited antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Proteus sp. and Salmonella sp.), with inhibition zones ranging from 10 to 14 mm. Furthermore, the potato peels extract showed significant anti-sprouting effects at room temperature, reducing both the number and size of sprouts compared with the control. HPLC analysis showed the presence of different phenolic compounds such as rutin, catechin, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid in one or both extracts. These findings suggest that potato peels extract holds potential for applications in the food industry as a natural preservative due to its antioxidant properties, as well as a sprout suppressant. The antibacterial activity of the extracts suggests their potential as a natural preservative as well, offering protection against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that may be present in food.

Nutritional, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties of Senna siamea leaves

Senna siamea is a medicinal plant with numerous benefits in different parts of the world. This study evaluated the leaf's nutritional composition, mineral composition, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial properties, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using standard methods. The proximate analysis revealed the presence of moisture content (12.14 ± 0.01), ash content (1.05 ± 0.07), crude fat (4.21 ± 0.10), crude protein at (9.78 ± 0.11), crude fiber (2.70 ± 0.32), and carbohydrate content (70.12 ± 0.37). Mineral analysis showed an abundance of potassium (125.18 ± 0.04), followed by magnesium (32.62 ± 0.01), and phosphorus (18.30 ± 0.02). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, and alkaloids with 13.25 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g total phenolics and 3.99 ± 0.01 mg QE/g flavonoid contents, respectively. IC50 values of the scavenging abilities of DPPH, NO radicals, and TBARS were 206.01 µg/mL, 347.66 µg/mL, and 394.92 µg/mL, respectively while the IC50 value for FRAP was 145.01 µg/mL. Salmonella typhimurium 14028 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 were most susceptible. At 100 mg/mL, their average zone of inhibition was 18 and 16 mm for ethyl acetate and 15 and 12 mm for methanol, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for both isolates was 25 and 50 mg/mL while the leaves were rich in chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, friedelin, quercetin, emodin, cassiarin A, and kaempferol. These results reveal the leaf as a good source of nutrients and also confirm its phenolic antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties.