Crude Compounds Research Articles

Antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of compounds from some Nigerian plants

Ten compounds, six extracts and five fractions obtained from three Nigerian plants were assayed for their in vitro antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities. Each plant was extacted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Isolated compounds were characterized and identified based on their NMR chemical shifts and comparison to literature reports. The crude extracts, fractions and isolated compounds were tested against the kinetoplastid parasites: bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei Lister 427WT and the derived multi-drug resistant clone B48, and promastigote forms of Leishmania mexicana cas9/T7 and the derived clone cas9ΔNT1. Column chromatography of the extracts using silica gel yielded ten compounds identified as curzerenone, epi-curzerenone, chloranthene F, isofuranodienone, 8(17)-12E-labdadiene-15, 16-dial and 15-hydroxy-8(17),12E-labdadiene-16-al from Siphonochilus aetiopicus, lupeol, linalolic acid and spinasterone from Calliandra portoricensis, and abruquinone B from Abrus precatorius. The assay results showed that the Siphonochilus aetiopicus and Calliandra portoricensis crude extracts, fractions and compounds displayed moderate activity against the Trypanosoma brucei brucei but showed less activity against Leishmania mexicana. Abrus precatorius crude extract, fraction, and isolated compound exhibited only weak trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities against both kinetoplastid parasites tested. These findings have provided evidence for the use of Siphonochilus aetiopicus and Calliandra portoricensis in traditional medicine relating to parasitic diseases.

Composite Risk Assessment of HNS Discharged from Marine Industrial Facilities: A Case Study on Incheon Port, South Korea

This study conducted a composite risk assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of phenol, a Hazardous and Noxious Substance (HNS) released or leaked from port facilities. The study area was designated as the vicinity of Incheon Port, South Korea, where the volume of petrochemical-related materials is substantial and various industrial facilities are located. For the composite risk assessment, various vulnerability maps were developed, incorporating the dispersion range of phenol calculated through numerical modeling. The vulnerability maps were generated by classifying socio-environment, legally protected areas, habitats, and species, followed by integrating these individual vulnerability maps to construct an integrated vulnerability map. The composite risk assessment was conducted by considering both the integrated vulnerability map and the dispersion range of phenol. The assessment results indicated that the highest risk by depth was observed in the lower layers due to the settling characteristics of phenol. Spatially, areas where islands and coastlines converge exhibited relatively higher risks. This was attributed to the high concentrations of phenol released from industrial facilities, such as crude oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and organic compound manufacturers, in regions characterized by intense human activity, sensitive habitats, and legally protected areas. Continuous monitoring of these high-risk areas is crucial for assessing the environmental impacts of HNS substances like phenol.

LC-MS/MS Analysis of crude Flavonoid Compounds from <i>Justicia secunda</i> from Democratic Republic of the Congo and evaluation of their antisickling Activity

<i>Justicia secunda</i> Vahl (Acanthaceae) is a tropical herbaceous plant traditionally used by indigenous peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to treat symptoms associated with sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic condition with life-threatening complications. Given the lack of side-effect-free drugs, alternative herbal therapies that can reduce or reverse red blood cell sickling may serve as safe and effective treatments. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a phytochemical screening of crude flavonoids extracted from <i>J. secunda</i> using LC-ESI/MS/MS. <i>J. secunda</i> extracts were evaluated for their phytoconstituents and anti-sickling properties. The anti-sickling properties were assessed through reverse sickling estimation, polymerization and oxidation inhibition, and osmotic fragility assays. Fractionation of the methanol extract and chemical profiling were performed by flash chromatography and high-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis respectively. Characterization and identification of the crude flavonoids were done using chromatography and spectroscopy methods. Chemical screening of crude flavonoids revealed the presence of 12 flavonoid O-glycosides based on one flavonol (methoxy-kaempferol) and two flavones (luteolin and apigenin). The crude flavonoid extracts demonstrated maximum reversal of sickled red blood cells (91.9 ± 0.8%), significant inhibition of hemoglobin polymerization (77.8 ± 7.6%) and hemoglobin S auto-oxidation (96.3 ± 0.2), and provided maximum protection of red blood cells against hyperhemolysis. The results validate the traditional use of <i>J. secunda</i> and identify potential compounds for the development of novel anti-sickling agents.

Phytochemical Constituents, Antimicrobial Activity of Daniellia oliveri, and X-ray Crystal Structure of Polyalthic Acid

Objectives: Daniellia oliveri Rolfe is a well-known plant of Fabaceae family whose previous phytochemical and pharmacological studies led to the identification of triterpenoid, phenol, anthraquinone oxalate with antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities. This study aimed to investigate chemical constituents and evaluate the antimicrobial potency of the root of D. oliveri. Methods: The methanol extract of the root barks of D. oliveri was subjected to silica gel chromatographic separation. The structures of the isolated compounds (1-9) were determined by analyzing their spectrometric and spectroscopic spectra. Single-crystal-Xray analysis was used to establish the absolute skeletal structure of compound 1. Crude extract, fractions and compounds were investigated against four bacteria vis Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853, Escherichia coli 5, Staphylococcus aureus 25923 and Streptococcus sp . 9619 and, two yeast vis Candida albicans14053 and Candida tropicalis 018 using broth microdilution method. Results: The phytochemical prospection of the methanol extract of D. oliveri allowed the isolation of a naturally crystallized diterpenoid type furolabdane: polyalthic acid 1, as well as eight amorphous compounds (2-9). Among the tested samples, the crude extract, fractions and compounds selectively showed inhibitory effects against the tested microorganisms with MIC values ranging from 4 to 1024 μg/mL. Fraction D1 and compounds 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9 exhibited the broadest antimicrobial effects among fractions and compounds while D5 and compound 1 showed the best activity with MIC values of 16 and 4 μg/mL respectively against E. coli which appeared to be the most sensitive strain . Conclusion: Polyaltic acid (1) showed the best activity with significant MIC value of 4 μg/mL identical to that of ceftazidine against E. coli. The MIC values of the active compounds 1, 4 and 7 are comparable to those of ceftazidime. Then, these compounds from natural origin, could serve as markers in the standardization of Daniellia plant as phytomedicine.

Anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities of extract, fractions and compounds from the leaves of Cassia alata L. against yeast pathogens

BackgroundCassia alata or Senna alata, also known as “ringworm bush” because of its very effective fungicidal properties, is commonly used in African traditional medicine to treat fungal infections. Despite extensive phytochemical and pharmacological studies previously reported on C. alata, the antibiofilm activity against pathogenic yeast as well as the related anti-quorum sensing mechanism of some active constituents has not yet been elucidated. The aim of the study was to isolate the bioactive constituents from the methanol extract of the leaves of C. alata (CAExt) using antibiofilm-guided fractionation against yeast fungal pathogens and then to investigate the anti-quorum sensing activity of the active constituents by assessing their ability to inhibit violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum. MethodsChromatographic methods were used to isolate the constituents of CAExt, and spectroscopic methods were used to elucidate the chemical structures of the isolated compounds. The broth microdilution assay was used to evaluate the antifungal activity against Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis, while crystal violet staining was used for the inhibition of biofilm formation and the disruption of preformed biofilm. The biosensor strain C. violaceum ATCC 12472 was used to investigate the anti-quorum sensing activity of the most active constituents. ResultsThe crude extract exhibited biofilm inhibition and eradication activities against the tested pathogenic yeast. The biofilm inhibition percentages ranged from 53.22 % to 75.38 %, while the biofilm eradication percentages ranged from 23.21 % to 64.25 %. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated high biofilm inhibition and eradication activities against the tested microorganisms. The biofilm inhibition percentages ranged from 58.19 % to 79.30 %, while the biofilm eradication percentages ranged from 34.105 % to 69.54 %. The purification of subfractions led to the identification of six compounds: stigmasterol (1), sitosterol (2), lupeol (3), emodin (4), kaempferol (5) and stigmasterol glycoside (6), two of which (4 and 5) showed potent biofilm inhibition and eradication activities. Both compounds demonstrated significantly lower MBIC50 values of 70.81 µg/mL and 65.65 µg/mL against Candida albicans and MBEC50 values of 63.65 µg/mL and 82.66, respectively, against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The crude extract and compounds (4) and (5) also demonstrated quorum sensing inhibitory activity, as indicated by the MQSIC value of 1024 µg/mL for the crude extract and 128 µg/mL for the two compounds. Moreover, compounds (4) and (5) displayed significant inhibitory effects on violacein production, as indicated by their low IC50 values of 28.08 µg/mL and 26.44 µg/mL, respectively. ConclusionsData obtained in this study not only support the traditional use of C. alata in the treatment of fungal infections but also reveal C. alata extract, as well as the two isolated bioactive compounds emodin (4) and kaempferol (5), as a potential source for developing antibiofilm alternative agents against biofilm-associated yeast infections. List of compounds studiedstigmasterol (1), sitosterol (2), lupeol (3), emodin (4), kaempferol (5), stigmasterol glycoside (6)

Xiaoke Bitong capsule alleviates inflammatory impairment via inhibition of the TNF signaling pathway to against diabetic peripheral neuropathy

BackgroundXiaoke Bitong capsule (XBC) is a crude herbal compound believed to tonify qi, improve blood circulation, and alleviate blood stasis. It has been used as an herbal formula for the prevention and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the pharmacological mechanisms by which XBC ameliorates DPN remain poorly understood. The interaction between pro-inflammatory factors and the activation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a critical role in the underlying mechanisms of DPN. XBC may protect against DPN through the regulation of the TNF pathway. PurposeMany studies show the association between DPN and nerve dysfunction, however, treatment options are limited. To identify specific therapeutic targets and active components of XBC that contribute to its anti-DPN effects, our study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of action of XBC during the progression of DPN using a system pharmacology approach. MethodsAn approach involving UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and network pharmacology was used to analyze the compositions, potential targets, and active pathways of XBC. Further, models of streptozocin (STZ) induced mouse and glucose induced RSC96 cells were established to explore the therapeutic effects of XBC. High glucose induced RSC96 cells were pretreated with small interfering RNA (siRNA) to identify potential therapeutic targets of DPN. ResultsSeventy-one active compositions of XBC and five potential targets, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK), interleukin-6 (IL-6), poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and transcription factor p65 (NF-κB), were considered as the potential regulators of DPN. In addition, the results revealed that the TNF signaling pathway was closely related to DPN. Moreover, DPN contributed to the decreased expressions of PI3K and AKT, increased TNF-α and IL-1β in RSC96 cells, which were both reversed by XBC or TNF-α siRNA. ConclusionXBC could protect against DPN by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulating the activation of the TNF signaling pathway, further accelerating neurogenesis, and alleviating peripheral nerve lesions. Therefore, this study highlights the therapeutic value of XBC for DPN.

Anticandidal efficacy of the Secondary Metabolites Extracted from Carthamus tinctorius L. Seeds

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the crude Alkaloids, Flavonoids, and Terpenoids compounds extracted from seeds of Carthamus tinctorius L. against Candida species isolated from different clinical samples such as mouth and vagina in the province of Babil 2021 in Iraq. Antifungal activity was achieved in vitro by using agar well diffusion method against Candida species by preparing three concentrations for each crude compound 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml and compared to positive control represented by Fluconazole 50mg/ml and negative control represented by 10% dimethyl sulfoxide. This study aimed to control Candida species isolated from different clinical samples such as mouth and vagina by using secondary metabolites extracted from seeds of Carthamus tinctorius L. The data collected from the study revealed that the crude Alkaloids, Flavonoids, and Terpenoids compounds extracted from seeds of Carthamus tinctorius L. showed reduction at P≤ 0.05 in the growth of Candida species, especially at 100mg/ml compared with negative control. Finally, it can be concluded that Carthamus tinctorius L. is most effective in controlling Candida species, especially Alkaloids compounds.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Phytochemicals in Aerva lanata

The current study's objective was to use both qualitative and quantitative screening techniques to determine whether phytochemicals were present in the methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Aerva lanata. Standard techniques were used to analyze the phytochemical compounds present in crude extracts, including steroids, terpenoids, phlobatannins, reducing sugar, triterpenoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, quinones, oxalates, tannins, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinones. The methanolic extracts showed positive results for the maximum number of phytochemical compounds. In quantitative analysis, the essential secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, phenols, and terpenoids were tested in all three solvent extracts of the leaf. The methanolic extract of the leaf showed the highest amounts of phytochemicals when compared with other solvent extracts.

Leaf and Flower Extracts from the Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus): Toxicity and Repellence against Cosmopolitan Mosquito-Borne Diseases Vectors.

As there has been no scientific evidence of the bioactivity of Sambucus ebulus (Adoxaceae) extracts against insects, we chemically characterized S. ebulus leaves and flowers extracted in methanol and water. The crude extracts, phenolic compounds, and amino acids isolated were tested as larvicides against the fourth-instar larvae of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae). To understand their mode of action, we evaluated the in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor effect of the crude extracts on the two mosquito larvae through a colorimetric method. Furthermore, the deterrent effect of the crude extracts against ovipositing Ae. albopictus females was assessed in the open field. Twelve phenylpropanoids and fourteen amino acids were detected in the extracts, with a prevalence of hydroxycinnamic acids and nonaromatic amino acids. The most toxic compound to Ae. albopictus larvae after 24 h was gallic acid, followed by the crude S. ebulus leaf extract; on Cx. pipiens, it was the crude flower extract. The AChE test showed higher inhibition on both mosquito species exerted by the leaf extract if compared to the flower extract, and it also deterred oviposition by Ae. albopictus females starting from the third day. The results indicated that vegetal extracts could effectively help in the integrated vector management of mosquitoes.

Antifungal Efficacy of the crude Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipschitz Roots against Aspergillus species isolated from Rice Seeds

Background: Rice is an essential component of the diets of people all over the world, and it accounts for a sizeable amount of the calories that they consume. The world's food supply suffers huge economic losses due to fungal deterioration on rice seeds. The medicinal plant Saussurea costus contains bioactive chemicals and is well-known for its many therapeutic uses. There are a number of species of Aspergillus that are considered to be diseases in vegetables and fruits. One of these species is Aspergillus niger. The purpose of this current investigation was to investigate the impact of the crude Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid chemicals derived from Saussurea costus' roots on Aspergillus species Purified from Rice seeds obtained from various markets in Hillah, Iraq.Methods: In vitro, antifungal activity against Aspergillus species was achieved using the food poisoning method. Three concentrations 5, 10, and 15mg/ml of each crude compound were prepared and compared to a positive control represented by Carbendazim500g/l and a negative control represented by 10% dimethyl sulfoxide.Results: An objective of the current investigation was to manage the Aspergillus species growth identified in Rice seeds by utilizing secondary compounds derived from the roots of Saussurea costus. The study's data indicated that the extracts represented by active compounds such as Alkaloids, Flavonoids, and Terpenoids obtained from Saussurea costus roots exhibited a significant decrease in the of Aspergillus species growth, particularly at a concentration of 100mg/ml, in contrast to the negative control. This effect was equivalent to that of the positive control, Carbendazim 500g/l.Conclusion: Finally, Saussurea costus roots have shown the most efficacy in controlling Aspergillus species, particularly through the presence of Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid chemicals at a concentration of 100mg/ml.Keywords: Antifungal activity; Saussurea costus; Alkaloids; Flavonoids; Terpenoids

The ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the genus Bersama: current review and future perspectives.

Bersama (Melianthaceae) has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments, including blood purifier, immune booster, psychotropic medication, and treatment for malaria, hepatitis, infertility, diabetes, impotency, meningitis, and stroke. This review gathers fragmented information from the literature on ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of the Bersama genus. It also explores the therapeutic potential of the Bersama genus in ethnophytopharmacology, allowing for further investigation. All the available information published in the English language on Bersama genus was compiled from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Ethnobotany, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search using the following keywords: "Bersama genus," "traditional use," "phytochemistry," "pharmacological effects," and "toxicology". The ethnomedical applications of the Bersama genus have been recorded, and it has been used traditionally for more than 30 different types of ailments. Thus far, more than 50 compounds have been isolated from the genus. Cardiac glycosides and terpenoids are the main compounds isolated from the Bersama genus. Different plant parts of Bersama genus extracts demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimalarial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activity. Exemplary drug leads from the genus include mangiferin and quercetin-3-O-arabinopyranoside, both of which have antioxidant activities. Bersama genus has long been used to cure a wide range of ailments. Bersama genus extracts and phytochemicals have been found to have promising pharmacological activities. Further study on promising crude extracts and compounds is required to develop innovative therapeutic candidates.

Relationship between polymer-surfactant interaction and micellar solubilization revealed by NMR spectroscopy

Micellar solubilization is considered as a key factor affecting the recovery efficiency in chemically enhanced oil recovery (cEOR). However, it is poorly understood how polymers in surfactant-polymer (SP) flooding influences the micellar solubilization. Guar gum (GG) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) are two important and widely used polysaccharide polymers. In this work, the effect of GG and HEC on the solubilization of a crude oil model compound methyl benzoate (MB) in anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles and the underlying mechanism were explored at the molecular scale by NMR spectroscopy. GG and HEC slightly increased the MB solubility in SDS micelles but did not change the solubilization capacity. No correlation peak was observed to demonstrate the attractive interaction between polymer and SDS. After examination, there is weak electrostatic repulsion between HEC/GG and SDS, which made the polymer independent from SDS micelles and was unable to participate in the formation of micelles to alter micellar structure and solubilization behavior. Although the solubility of MB was slightly increased, this increase should originate from weak molecular interactions between polymers, surfactants and hydrophobic molecules, including hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions, etc. In summary, without strong electrostatic attraction between polymer and surfactant, the solubilization of polymers and the solubilization of micelles proceed independently, resulting in that the solubilization capacity of SDS micelles was not improved.

Antiviral activity of sulphated specialized metabolites from sea urchin Clypeaster humilis: in vitro and in silico studies.

Chemical investigations of the sea urchin Clypeaster humilis has led to separation of twelve compounds including one new sulfonic acid derivative (7R) tridec-1-en-7-yl hydrogen sulphate (1), first isolated from natural source, pyridine-3-yl methane sulfonate (2), and first isolated from marine organisms, boldine (12), in addition to nine known compounds (3-11), which were isolated for the first time from the genus Clypeaster. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR), HR-ESI-MS as well as comparison with the previously reported data. The antiviral activity of the crude extract and sulphated compounds were evaluated using MTT colorimetric assay against Coxsackie B4 virus. The crude extract and compound 1 showed very potent antiviral activity with a percentage of inhibition equal to 89.7 ± 0.53% and 86.1 ± 0.92%, respectively. Results of the molecular docking analysis of the isolated compounds within Coxsackie Virus B4 (COX-B4) X-ray crystal structure and quantum chemical calculation for three sulphated compounds are in a consistent adaptation with the in vitro antiviral results. The pharmacokinetic properties (ADME) of isolated compounds were determined.

Recent research on the physicochemical properties and biological activities of quinones and their practical applications: a comprehensive review.

Quinones represent a class of crude organic compounds ubiquitously distributed in nature. Their distinctive quinone-type structure confers upon them unique properties and applications. Quinones demonstrate significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. Additionally, they demonstrate noteworthy physicochemical characteristics, including excellent dyeing properties and stability. Given their diverse qualities, quinones hold significant promise for applications in industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and food production, thus garnering considerable attention in recent years. While there is a growing body of research on quinones, the existing literature falls short of providing a comprehensive review encompassing recent advancements in this field along with established knowledge. This paper offers a comprehensive review of research progress for quinones, encompassing structural classification, source synthesis, extraction methods, properties, functions, and specific applications. It serves as a reference and theoretical foundation for the further development and utilization of quinones.

Exploration of the antimicrobial activities of biocontrol agent Streptomyces strain h114 against Penicillium digitatum in citrus

Biocontrol is considerably crucial in phytopathogens management during postharvest fruit storage. In this study, assays were performed to screen beneficial microbes through the microorganisms which were isolated from the citrus rhizosphere soil, and to investigate the potential antifungal action modes towards Penicillium digitatum, the perpetrator of citrus green mold. Strain h114 was selected for its high controlling effect against citrus green mold pathogen, and it was phylogenetically identified as a Streptomyces monashensis isolate by whole genome analysis. Thereafter, a total of 35 secondary metabolite gene clusters which were responsible for the biosynthesis of antibiotics were found in the genome. The culture filtrates (CFS) fermented from strain h114 with incubation for 36 h in beef extract-peptone broth exhibited the strongest antifungal activity towards P. digitatum than filtrates obtained from other time points. Despite the susceptibilities to long time treated by boiled water and high concentration of trypsin, the 36 h fermented CFS showed relatively stable antagonism in room conditions. Further, its xylene-extracted crude compounds also displayed a bioactive effect to P. digitatum. CFS-treated P. digitatum cells exhibited degradation of mitochondria, accompanied by reduced expression of developmental regulatory genes PdBrlA and PdWetA. Moreover, CFS induced the fruit defense activities such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, and alleviated the virulence of P. digitatum in citrus. After CFS application, the expansion diameters of P. digitatum on artificially-wounded citrus fruit were reduced by 71.5% at most, and the disease incidence diminished by 62.7–72.9% compared to that of P. digitatum treated fruit alone. Taken together, strain h114 might be a promising bio-fungicide in postharvest citrus fruit handling.

Quality Evaluation of Walnuts from Different Regions in China.

This study analyzed and evaluated the basic crude fat contents, crude protein contents, phenolic compounds, lipid compositions (fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols), and amino acid compositions of 26 walnut samples from 11 walnut-growing provinces in China. The results indicate that the oil contents of the samples varied from 60.08% to 71.06%, and their protein contents ranged from 7.26 g/100 g to 19.50 g/100 g. The composition of fatty acids corresponded to palmitic acid at 4.61-8.27%, stearic acid at 1.90-3.55%, oleic acid at 15.50-32.28%, linoleic acid at 53.44-67.64%, and α-linolenic acid at 2.45-12.77%. The samples provided micronutrients in widely varying amounts, including tocopherol, phytosterol, and total phenolic content, which were found in the walnut oil samples in amounts ranging from 356.49 to 930.43 mg/kg, from 1248.61 to 2155.24 mg/kg, and from 15.85 to 68.51 mg/kg, respectively. A comprehensive evaluation of walnut oil quality in the samples from the 11 provinces using a principal component analysis was conducted. The findings revealed that the samples from Henan, Gansu, and Zhejiang had the highest composite scores among all provinces. Overall, Yunnan-produced walnuts had high levels of crude fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and total tocopherols, making them more suitable for producing high-quality oil, whereas Henan-produced walnuts, although lower in crude fat, had a higher crude protein content and composite score, thus showing the best walnut characteristics.

Antimalarial and Antileishmanial Flavonoids from Calendula officinalis Flowers

Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as English or pot marigold, is an herbaceous plant with edible flowers. In this study, UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was used for tentative identification of compounds in marigold flower methanol extract (MFE). In addition, RP-HPLC-DAD analysis was used to quantify the flavonoids hesperidin and rutin in MFE. The antileishmanial potentials of the crude extract and compounds were evaluated against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes. Further, in vivo 4-day antimalarial testing of the extract and compounds was carried out at doses of 25 mg kg−1 per day using mice infected with ANKA strain of Plasmodium berghei, following standard procedure. Molecular docking studies were carried out to assess the binding mode of flavonoids against the vital targets of L. major, including pteridine reductase 1 and farnesyl diphosphate synthase enzymes. The in silico antimalarial potentials of flavonoids were evaluated against wild-type Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase and phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase enzymes. Twenty compounds were tentatively identified by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of MFE, of which, seven flavonoids, six saponins, three phenolic acids, three fatty acids, and a triterpene glycoside were identified. MFE phytochemical analysis revealed that hesperidin content was 36.17 mg g−1 extract, that is, 9.9-fold their content of rutin (3.65 mg g−1 extract). The method was validated to ensure reproducibility of the results. The tested samples exhibited antileishmanial potentials against L. major promastigotes, with IC50 values of 98.62, 118.86, and 104.74 ng µL−1 for hesperidin, rutin, and MFE, respectively. Likewise, hesperidin showed inhibitory potentials against L. major amastigote with an IC50 value of 108.44 ± 11.2 µM, as compared to miltefosine. The mean survival time, parasitemia, and suppression percentages showed similar results for the three samples against ANKA strain of P. berghei. The docking studies showed good binding affinities of rutin and hesperidin with numerous H-bonding and van der Waals interactions. Marigold flowers are nutraceuticals, presenting important sources of bioactive flavonoids with potential against neglected tropical diseases.

Isolation and molecular detection of endophytic actinomycetes Nocardiopsis dassonvillei DMS 1 (MH900216) from marine sea grasses with bacterial inactivation

In recent years, new antibiotics have been discovered around the world in order to inhibit multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. To overcome this problem, marine actinomycetes are an alternative choice for producing new bioactive compounds that inhibit MDR bacteria. The typical endophytic actinomycete (EA) Nocardiopsis dassonvillei (N. dassonvillei) DMS 1 (MH900216) was isolated from marine Sea grasses by surface sterilization method. After surface sterilization, it was confirmed that the pure, dry, white-colored spore producing colonies emerged from the internal tissue of the Sea grasses. The crude extract of N. dassonvillei DMS 1 (MH900216) demonstrated 8- and 10-mm zones of inhibition against A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, respectively. The composition of N. dassonvillei DMS 1 (MH900216) with potential anti-bacterial properties was studied by GC-MS analysis and exhibited 22 chemical compounds. Subsequently, the molecular identification and phylogenetic construction of the isolated EA strain was confirmed as N. dassonvillei DMS 1 (MH900216). The liquid-liquid extraction of the compound demonstrated 24- and 26-mm zones of inhibition against A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, respectively. Furthermore, the purified crude compound demonstrated 92% and 94% cell death against A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, respectively, at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 500 μg/mL. Overall, the present study demonstrated the antibacterial properties of the EA N. dassonvillei DMS 1 (MH900216) isolated from Sea grasses and their importance as alternative sources for discovering new antibiotics to inhibit MDR bacteria.

Extractives from Artemisia afra with Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Properties.

Secondary metabolites were isolated using chromatographic techniques after being extracted sequentially from the roots of Artemisia afra using organic solvents such as ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and n-hexane. The isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and cytotoxicity activities. Spectroscopic techniques, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), were used to elucidate the structures of the isolated compounds. The phytochemical investigation of A. afra led to the isolation of eight (A-H) compounds which were identified as 3β-taraxerol (A), 3β-taraxerol acetate (B), dodecyl-p-coumarate (C), ferulic acid (D), scopoletin (E), sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (F), 3,5-di-O-feruloylquinic acid (G) and Isofraxidin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (H) based on spectroscopic data. Compounds A, B, C, F, G, and H are known but were isolated for the first time from the roots of A. afra. The isolated compounds and extracts from A. afra exhibited good anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate crude extracts (0.078 mg/mL) and compound E (62.5 µg/mL) showed good activities against Escherichia coli. Compounds C and F also showed good activity against Enterococcus faecalis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 62.5 and 31.25 µg/mL, respectively. Extracts and compounds (A-H) exhibited anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and showed no toxicity when tested on Vero monkey kidney (Vero) cells.

Investigation of Surakhani light crude oil compounds as a case study using modern spectroscopic techniques

The complex application of modern analysis methods (FT-IR, NMR, GC–MS and UV/Vis) allowed us to study in detail the composition of the crude Surakhani light oil with a complex composition. An accurate and comprehensive study of the composition of crude oils makes it easier to find the necessary field of application for them. For this purpose, the studied crude oil was separated into two fractions, such as paraffinic–naphthenic and aromatic (groups 1st, 2nd, 3rd and tar), by absorption column chromatography. The results show that Surakhani light oil is a paraffin–naphthene-based oil that contains 74% of paraffin–naphthene, 11.15% of aromatic hydrocarbons and 14.8% of gases. It has been shown that the aromatic group of compounds is mainly composed of mono- and bicyclic compounds and has alkyl chains with different lengths and branches (with the presence of methylene and methine groups). Based on the parameters of the structural group, it was found that the portion of H atoms in the aromatic nucleus and alkyl chain was 4.4–20.1% and 79.9–95.6%, respectively. The degree of aromaticity of the separated aromatic group is approximately 50%, which proves that these compounds are alkylated. The structure of the isolated paraffin–naphthene fraction has also been investigated by spectroscopic techniques, and it has been determined that this fraction is composed of iso- and cycloalkanes with alkyl chains of different lengths. As it is seen from the obtained results, unlike the other oils existing on the Absheron Peninsula, Surakhani light oil consists of one- and two-ring naphthene and isostructured paraffinic hydrocarbons. The composition of this petroleum mainly consists of isosubstituted alkyl cycloalkanes and relict, viz. biologically active hydrocarbons such as sterane and hopane used in medicine. It seems that the methodology developed for the petroleum industry can be used in other fields such as medicine.Graphical abstract