Different Types Of Extracts Research Articles

Araucaria angustifolia and Picrasma crenata extracts as potential agents for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of agricultural interest

To expand knowledge about native species in southern Brazil, different types of extracts from the thin vinaceous bark of A. angustifolia and fragments of branches of P. crenata were evaluated. These were crushed and kept for fifteen days in contact with hydroalcoholic solutions at 70 % v/v and ethanolic (96 % v/v), seven days in the cold aqueous extract, and through the decoction process for 10 min. Afterward, they were evaluated at concentrations of 1.0 %, 2.5 %, 5.0 %, 10.0 %, and 20.0 % v/v on the mycelial development of the phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Botrytis cinerea, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The levels of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids were evaluated, and the alcoholic extracts of A. angustifolia had the highest total phenolic content. The main phenolic compounds identified in the P. crenata extract were resveratrol, followed by herperidin, rutin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol, and the main chemical compounds identified in the extracts of A. angustifolia were quercetin, rutin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, and gallic acid. A. angustifolia extracts and P. crenata, during the decoction, were more effective in controlling the phytopathogens C. gloeosporioides and B. cinerea from a concentration of 5 % v/v. The fungus S. sclerotiorum was moderately inhibited in hydroalcoholic extracts at 70 % v/v of P. crenata and A. angustifolia at 1.0 % and 2.5 % v/v concentrations. Effectively controlling these phytopathogenic fungi of agricultural importance confers importance on the conservation of these native species of socio-biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil.

Extraction of polyphenols and antioxidant compounds from SCOBY, as a by-product of Kombucha, using different types of extraction

Kombucha is obtained through a symbiosis fermentation of bacteria and yeast, generating a floating film called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). After a period of use, SCOBY becomes a production waste. Thus, alternative uses of SCOBY can add value to Kombucha production. In this way, this work aimed to produce and evaluate antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of SCOBY ethanolic extracts, which were obtained by two different solid–liquid extraction with three different waste weight/extractor solvent volume ratios. The SCOBY evaluated had a high concentration of cellulose (9.42 ± 1.00%) and low concentrations of proteins (0.84 ± 0.04%) and lipids (0.29 ± 0.05%). All evaluated extracts showed a high concentration of total phenolics (40.7–64.3 mg GAE/100 g of SCOBY) and high antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, FRAP and ORAC assays). The most efficient extraction of bioactive compounds was obtained by decoction using the highest solvent volume (ratio 1:20). The PCA showed clusters of the samples both by the type of extraction and by the different ratios of the weight of SCOBY to the solvent volume. Of our knowledge, our work is the first in the literature that describes such data. Therefore, the present work showed the possibility of using this industrial waste mainly to obtain active compounds and antioxidants.

Biological Activities of Species of the Genus Clusia L (Clusiaceae): A General Approach.

The genus Clusia L. is highly diverse in Central and South America, comprising about 300 species, including trees and shrubs, hemiepiphytes, epiphytes, and lianas. This genus deserves attention due to its wide range of biological activities. Clusia belongs to the Clusiaceae family, chemically characterized by the presence of xanthones, benzophenones, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and other substances with bioactive activity already described. This review aims to highlight the biological activity associated to extracts and isolated substances from species of the Clusia genus, including anti-HIV, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antinociceptive, antitumor, leishmanicidal, modulator of inflammatory processes, neutralization of toxic effects caused by snake bites, and others. This review gathered information on biological activities associated with different types of extracts and isolated substances of the genus Clusia, traditional use, chemical profile, and biological properties of plants of the genus, published in the last 23 years (1998 to 2021) and that can provide support for future research. The paper aims to provide an overview of existing knowledge about the biological properties of the genus Clusia plant species.

Latin American Plants against Microorganisms

The constant emergence of severe health threats, such as antibacterial resistance or highly transmissible viruses, necessitates the investigation of novel therapeutic approaches for discovering and developing new antimicrobials, which will be critical in combating resistance and ensuring available options. Due to the richness and structural variety of natural compounds, techniques centered on obtaining novel active principles from natural sources have yielded promising results. This review describes natural products and extracts from Latin America with antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant strains, as well as classes and subclasses of plant secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity and the structures of promising compounds for combating drug-resistant pathogenic microbes. The main mechanisms of action of the plant antimicrobial compounds found in medicinal plants are discussed, and extracts of plants with activity against pathogenic fungi and antiviral properties and their possible mechanisms of action are also summarized. For example, the secondary metabolites obtained from Isatis indigotica that show activity against SARS-CoV are aloe-emodin, β-sitosterol, hesperetin, indigo, and sinigrin. The structures of the plant antimicrobial compounds found in medicinal plants from Latin America are discussed. Most relevant studies, reviewed in the present work, have focused on evaluating different types of extracts with several classes and subclasses of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. More studies on structure–activity relationships are needed.

Extraction of bioactives from brown seaweed using sub and supercritical fluids: Influence of the extract on the storage stability of fish oil enrich mayonnaise

This study aimed at extracting lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds from Nordic brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus and to evaluate the extract’s ability to maintain the physical and oxidative stability of fish oil-enriched mayonnaise (80% fat, 1:4 fish oil: rapeseed oil) during storage (dark, up to 28 days). Three different types of extracts were obtained, one using supercritical carbon dioxide (lipophilic extract) and two using subcritical water extraction (hydrophilic extracts)—one on dry seaweed (Subcritical water extract (SCWE) and one on the residue from supercritical carbon dioxide extraction after extracting the lipophilic compounds (Subcritical water extract (SCWER). The extracts were characterized with respect to their antioxidant composition and in vitro antioxidant properties. Moreover, the extracts were added in concentrations of 2 g/kg mayonnaise, both individually or in combination to study synergistic effects between antioxidants with different polarity and locations in the mayonnaise system. Results showed that both types of extractsdelayed the oxidation of lipids; The hydrophilic extracts (SCWE and SCWER) were able toretard the formation of hydroperoxides, and subsequent formation of secondary oxidation products. However, no synergetic effect was found for the hydrophilic and hydrophobic extracts when they were applied in different phases of the mayonnaise. The metal chelating ability is suggested to be responsible for the observed better performance of the hydrophilic extracts. However, further studies are required to understand which specific components in the extract have contributed to metal chelating ability. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds from the Nordic seaweed F. vesiculosus can retard lipid oxidation in mayonnaise.

Hidrolat matičnjaka (Melissa officinalis L.) slabo utiče na motilitet fundusa želuca pacova

Introduction. Lemon balm has been used for centuries due to its strong sedative, antimicrobial and spasmolytic effects. Besides different types of extracts and essential oils, hydrolates (by-products obtained during essential oil extraction) are preparations of aromatic medicinal plants with potential pharmacological activity. Aim. To estimate Melissa officinalis leaves hydrolate effects on gastric motility. Methods. The influence of the hydrolate was tested in vitro in a tissue bath in the rat fundus spontaneous contraction experimental model. Increasing volumes of sample (making the final concentration span 0.5 - 500 µl/ml) were successively added to the tissue bath. Results. Lower doses of the hydrolate did not produce any significant changes in the contraction patterns, while the higher ones led to a statistically significant increase in basal tone of the stomach fundus. Yet, these changes in basal tonus were still modest. Phytochemical qualitative characterization, done by liquid chromatography with ultra-high performances, showed that rosmarinic acid was dominant compound of M. officinalis hydrolate. Conclusion. Although the tested hydrolate poorly influences isolated rat gastric fundus motility, further studies could clarify its pharmacological activity and potential future application of this by-product of M. officinalis hydrodestilation.

Bioactivity Profiling of Infusion, Decoction, and Hydroalcoholic Fraction Obtained from Wild Golden Chanterelle Mushroom, Cantharellus cibarius (Agaricomycetes).

Cantharellus cibarius Fr. is one of the most desirable, popularly known wild edible mushrooms of the genus Cantharellus. Besides having nutritional benefits, this mushroom is reported to harbor significant medicinal potential. In present study, we describe for the first-time bioactive metabolites content and medicinal activities of three different types of extracts including infusion, decoction, and hydroalcoholic fraction from wild Cantharellus cibarius of West Bengal. Bioactive metabolites quantification revealed the phenol and flavonoids present in the range between 0.56-1.46 mg of GAE/g of dried fruit bodies and 0.12-0.29 mg of QE/g of dried fruit bodies, respectively, whereas ascorbic acid contents were also found. Antioxidant activity was assessed using six in vitro systems; decoction displayed better results in all investigated assays with EC50 values ranging between 0.05 and 0.34 mg/ml whereas hydroalcoholic extract showed highest total antioxidant capacity (18 ± 1.61 μg AAE per mg of extract) than other extracts. Moreover, infusion and decoction were found to scavenge highly reactive free radicals like hydroxyl and nitric oxide with their EC50 values ranging between 0.26 and 0.91 mg/ml. Additionally, anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts was evaluated using protein denaturation assay. Hydroalcoholic extract at a concentration range of 0.005-0.1 mg/ml showed comparatively better activity than decoction and infusion, although all the extracts presented dose dependent inhibition of heat induced protein denaturation. Altogether, the present investigation is expected to extend the existing knowledge of this species and recommended its use in pharmaceutical industries as an effective mycomedicine.

Bio stimulation activity of minerals obtained from an innovative seawater extraction process in the cultivation of vegetable plants

Research objective: This research work aimed to evaluate the stimulating potential of a product (FertilTomix) obtained by an innovative process of extraction from seawater on seeded plants of Cichorium intybus and Carthamus tinctorius. Furthermore, it was assessed whether there are differences in the product's potential based on the different types of extraction (lye, soda, soda+silver) and whether there are beneficial interactions with the micro- and mesofauna of the cultivation substrate, with direct and indirect effects on plant mortality. Materials and Methods: The experiments, started in August 2022, were conducted in the greenhouses of CREA-OF in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy. On October 28, 2022, plant height, leaves number, leaves surface area, vegetative weight, roots volume and length, the number of germinated seeds, average germination time, the number of microorganisms in the substrate, plants dead number and pH were determined. In addition, the SPAD index was measured on three leaves pinched from the bottom to the apex of the canopy of each plant (for a total of 90 measurements per treatment) and tissue mineral content was evaluated on collected dry matter (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Na). Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that using FertilTomix, regardless of the mineral extraction process from the sea it contains, can significantly increase seed germination, vegetative and root growth, root length and reduce plant mortality in Cichorium intybus and Carthamus tinctorius. A fascinating aspect noted in the treated theses was also the significant increase in microbial biomass, which certainly had a decisive effect on the development of the seeded seedlings and the reduction in mortality. In this respect, a significant increase in the mineral content in the vegetative tissues of plants treated with FertilTomix was evident. The biostimulant based on Ecklonia maxima also showed significant improvements in all agronomic and microbial parameters analyzed compared to the control but less than the treatment with the sea mineral extracts. Conclusions: The results obtained are particularly interesting for people who have to cultivate in arid environments or without drinking water, as well as those who want to start reducing the use of fertilizers of industrial origin. New experiments are currently underway to evaluate the recycled water obtained from the process of extracting minerals from the sea and assess whether it can be used in agriculture.

Magnetic carbon–based nanocomposite decorated with palladium complex for co-delivery of DOX/pCRISPR

Hybrid inorganic/organic compounds opened up the window of opportunities to a wide variety of fields. The carbon-based nanocomposite (Fe3O4/MWCNT-COOH/Extract/PdL@DOX/p-CRISPR/Extract) have been prepared using tangerine and egg white extract as a second layer of nanocomposites. Then, doxorubicin (DOX) and PdC16H10N4O3 (PdL) were added to the mixture. Based on the previous studies, L (carboxamide-based ligand) has a potent desire for connecting and then blocking the HER-2, and σ2 (tumor's overexpressed receptors) and PdL could enhance the sustainability of the DOX by hydrogen bonding and π-π interaction. The effect of biotin on site-specific delivery has been investigated by utilizing two different types of extracts that naturally has a different amount of biotin. Based on this study's results, settling natural extracts (tangerine and egg white), bioactive complexes, and Fe3O4 on the functionalized-MWCNT can strengthen the nanocarrier's stability in the biological matrix, make more active porosity, and control the internalization to the cells for drug/gene delivery. The nanocarrier has revealed 29.1% ± 1.5% GFP positive transfection efficiency. Also, MTT assay (HEK-293, MCF-7 and PC-12) and antibacterial activity and in vivo testing (H&E and AST:ALT analysis) have been screened and showed promising results.

Anticancer effect of different rhizome extracts of the Lebanese Rheum ribes L. species on colorectal cancer cell lines

IntroductionColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Rheum ribes L. is one of the most important medicinal plants showing several biological activities. Few studies demonstrated anticancer potential of extracts of Turkish and Iranian Rheum ribes L. species rhizomes. We report for the first time the anticancer activity of different types of extracts of the rhizomes of the Lebanese Rheum ribes L. species against colorectal cancer cell lines. MethodsFive types of extracts were prepared using different solvents and cytotoxicity was assessed on colorectal cancer cell lines. Ethanolic and dichloromethane extracts were chosen for further studies and their effects on cell proliferation (MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion assay), colony forming ability (colony formation in soft agar), migration (scratch wound assay), and adhesion were assessed. ResultsOur results showed that ethanolic and dichloromethane extracts reduce HT-29 and HCT-116 cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner. They are also able to decrease colony-forming ability of these cells in soft agar medium. This anti-proliferative effect was accompanied by an increase in PARP cleavage suggesting a proapoptotic effect. Moreover, these extracts were also able to inhibit HT-29 and HCT-116 cell adhesion and migration suggesting their ability to reduce metastatic dissemination. ConclusionThese findings suggest a high therapeutic potential of the extracts of rhizomes of the Lebanese Rheum ribes L. species in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Antimalarial activities of plants with medicinal potential: a systematic review of the literature

Objective: This is a qualitative study, whose objective was to investigate the scientific literature on plant species potentially active against Plasmodium sp. Method: This is a systematic literature review, which aimed to analyze the most recent articles published between the years 2005-2020 in the languages: English and Portuguese. The studies were chosen in an integrative way from the following databases: PubMed (National Library of Medicine), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), Science Direct (Explore, scientific and medical) and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online). Results and discussion: 115 species distributed in 50 botanical families were found in antiplasmodial inhibition studies, of which 66 different types of extracts showed action in eliminating these parasites, while 59 of these extracts were inactive. Of this total number, the most studied species belong to the Asteraceae and Fabaceae families. In addition, another 141 botanical species were cited in ethnobotanical surveys in different regions of the world. Aponynaceae and Lamiaceae were the most representative plant families among the studies focused on this topic. The data also allowed us to understand how popular knowledge can help to establish scientific discoveries about plants with antimalarial potential. In addition, environmental conditions were identified as determining factors for the production of chemical constituents in these plants. Conclusion: Efforts to identify plants with active potential in combating the parasite have increased significantly in recent years; however, it is important to emphasize that the preservation of biodiversity needs to be an important aspect of ethnobotanical research in order to guarantee the sustainable use of available resources.

Origanum syriacum Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties: A Comprehensive Review.

Herbal medicine has been gaining special interest as an alternative choice of treatment for several diseases, being generally accessible, cost-effective and safe, with fewer side-effects compared to chemically synthesized medicines. Over 25% of drugs worldwide are derived from plants, and surveys have shown that, when available, herbal medicine is the preferred choice of treatment. Origanum syriacum (Lamiaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant in the Middle East, both as a home and a folk remedy, and in the food and beverage industry. Origanum syriacum contains numerous phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, essential oils, and many others. Because of its bioactive compounds, O. syriacum possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic capacities. In addition, it can be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and peptic ulcers. In this review, the chemical compositions of different types of extracts and essential oils from this herb will first be specified. Then, the pharmacological uses of these extracts and essential oils in various contexts and diseases will be discussed, putting emphasis on their efficacy and safety. Finally, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of O. syriacum phytochemicals in disease treatment will be described as a basis for further investigation into the plant’s pharmacological role.

A Comparative Pharmacognostic Study on the Stem of Gymnema sylvestre (Retz) R. Br.

Abstract: Gymnema sylvestre is commonly used in indigenous system of medicine to control diabetes mellitus as well as various other diseases. and is a source of various chemical constituents which are medicinally important. There is much scope to study pharmacognosy of this plant. Pharmacognostic study of stem was performed. For quantitative microscopy of stem authors observed epidermis, endodermis, pith, Xylem, cortex. The Methanolic and petroleum ether extract of studied plant material showed the presence of saponin, proteins, sugars, alkaloids while starch is absent in stem. Phytochemical analysis of plant material showed saponins, proteins, reducing sugars and fats present in all samples. As well as various pharmacological as well as physicochemical tests. In this research article we will study the comparison between different types of extracts and its pharmacognostic parameters of stem of gymnema sylvestre. Keywords: Gymnena Sylvestre, Pharmacognosy, Microscopy, Quantitative Tests, Pharmacognostic study.

Variation in Population and Solvents as Factors Determining the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. Leaf Extracts.

The bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. has a long history of ethnopharmacological use. This species has been used in folk medicine for centuries as a rich source of raw material abundant in secondary metabolites and is important for medicinal and pharmacological purposes. The plant is a source of herbal material—Uvae ursi folium, which is highly valued and sought by pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The studied bearberry leaves can be classified as a suitable herbal material for use in pharmacy; therefore, the investigated populations can be a potentially valuable source of plant material for cultivation and can be used in in vitro cultures and in biotechnological processes. The objective of this study was to characterize the variability of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of water and ethanol bearberry extracts from raw material collected from different natural populations. In each of the twelve A. uva-ursi sites, three leaf samples were collected and analyzed. The water extracts from bearberry leaves were characterized by similar concentration of arbutin (77.64–105.56 mg g−1) and a significantly higher concentration of hydroquinone (6.96–13.08 mg g−1) and corilagin (0.83–2.12 mg g−1) in comparison with the ethanol extracts −77.21–103.38 mg g−1, 10.55–16.72 mg g−1, 0.20–1.54 mg g−1, respectively. The concentration of other metabolites in the water extracts was significantly lower in comparison with the ethanol extracts. In the case of the water extracts, a significant effect of not only total phenolic compounds, but also hydroquinone on the antioxidant parameters, was observed, which indicates the solvent-related activity of these metabolites. Therefore, it is suggested that special attention should be paid to the concentration of not only arbutin, but also hydroquinone in Uvae ursi folium. The latter metabolite serving a very important function as an active bearberry ingredient should be controlled not only in alcoholic extracts but also in water extracts, since bearberry leaves are applied as infusions and decoctions. The results presented in this paper can contribute to appropriate selection of plant material for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, with special emphasis on the antioxidant activity of different types of extracts.

The chemical composition of different leaf extracts of Lantana fucata Lindl. influences its cytotoxic potential: A study using the Allium cepa model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceOne of the most popular plants used to treat diseases in Brazil is Lantana fucata. Like most herbal medicines, its consumption is based on popular knowledge, which, despite being considered effective, may cause side effects. Aim of the studySince the scientific data on the pharmacological properties of L. fucata are still incipient, this research aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of different types of extracts (infusion, aqueous and hydroalcoholic), characterizing them chemically. Materials and methodsThe cytotoxicity assay was performed by the A. cepa model. The cytotoxicity parameters studied were number of dividing cells and percentage mitotic index (%MI). ResultsThe result of the A. cepa assay showed that there was a decrease in the number of dividing cells and the percentage mitotic index as concentrations increased, for all extracts, indicating cytotoxicity. However, the hydroalcoholic extract was the most cytotoxic. Chromatography analysis allowed the characterization of secondary metabolites in the extracts, which were very similar. However, a greater abundance of flavonoids and triterpenoids was observed in the hydroalcoholic extract, suggesting that these compounds are responsible for its greater toxicity. ConclusionsSince the highest doses of extracts showed to have a cytotoxic effect, it is suggested that the ingestion of this species occurs in a moderate way.

Pharmaceutical Importance of Some Promising Plant Species with Special Reference to the Isolation and Extraction of Bioactive Compounds: A Review.

Active principles from natural sources, in the form of extracts and natural compounds, provide an infinite number of bioactive compounds with consummate disposal of chemical diversity. These compounds and active principles are of utmost importance in the discovery of drugs of biological origin particularly, from plants. Development of resourceful technology for the isolation and extraction of bioactive compounds of medicinal importance is considered as an important task for researchers. There are a number of extraction, isolation, and characterization techniques currently utilized; however, most are laborious and use toxic chemicals and huge quantities of raw materials with a very low output. There are a number of abiotic and biotic factors that affects the quality and the quantity of plants bioactive compounds. Considering this, the objectives of the current review are to discuss the various extraction and characterization techniques used to isolate the essential bioactive compounds from three plant species and the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the quantity and quality of the plants secondary metabolites. Many advanced technologies have been developed and tested for extraction, characterization, and their capacity for high yield products, and those requiring less application of toxic solvents are investigated continuously. In this context, the present review summarizes the different types of extraction and characterization techniques utilized commercially by the food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries for better output and environmentally- and health-benefiting products with special reference to three industrially important plants: Leonotis leonurus (L.) R.Br. (Lamiaceae) and Santalum album L. (Santalaceae) and Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Aloaceae or Asphodelaceae).

Evaluation of antioxidant potential and bioactive metabolites of Nannochloropsis sp.

Marine microalgae are a photosynthetic organism which can produce diverse metabolites, biomass and O2. The bioactive compounds produced by microalgae includes polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenolic compounds, antioxidants, peptides, essential vitamins and minerals. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and bioactive metabolites of the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. Various solvent (petroleum ether, aqueous, isopropanol, methanol and ethyl acetate) extract of Nannochloropsis sp. were evaluated for antioxidant activity. The ethyl acetate extract contributes maximum total antioxidant activity of 71.35 ± 0.04 mg of AAE/g of extract. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited highest on nitric oxide scavenging metal chelating and reducing power assay with % inhibition of 79.57 ± 0.215, 80.73±0.105, 0.64±0.001 at 1mg/concentration respectively. Methanolic extract showed hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of 78.72±0.21 % inhibition at a concentration of 1mg/ml. The ethyl acetate extract with highest antioxidant activity was analyzed for bioactive metabolites by GCMS. Among the 15 compounds obtained through GCMS, the major component n-Hexadecanoic acid was reported to have antioxidant activity. The results from the different types of extracts clearly indicated that the bioactive components present in the microalgae contribute significantly to the antioxidant capacity of microalgae.

Comparison of the Biological Potential and Chemical Composition of Brazilian and Mexican Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from plants and its natural product is available as a safe therapeutic option easily administered orally and readily available as a natural supplement and functional food. In this work, we review the most recent scientific evidence involving propolis from two countries (Brazil and Mexico) located in different hemispheres and with varied biomes. Brazil has a scientifically well documented classification of different types of propolis. Although propolis from Brazil and Mexico present varied compositions, they share compounds with recognized biological activities in different extraction processes. Gram-negative bacteria growth is inhibited with lower concentrations of different types of propolis extracts, regardless of origin. Prominent biological activities against cancer cells and fungi were verified in the different types of extracts evaluated. Antiprotozoal activity needs to be further evaluated for propolis of both origins. Regarding the contamination of propolis (e.g., pesticides, toxic metals), few studies have been carried out. However, there is evidence of chemical contamination in propolis by anthropological action. Studies demonstrate the versatility of using propolis in its different forms (extracts, products, etc.), but several potential applications that might improve the value of Brazilian and Mexican propolis should still be investigated.

An overview of the extraction methods of plant-based natural antioxidant compounds

Natural antioxidants are widely used in food additives, application in functional foods or also known as ingredients that offer health benefits that extend beyond their nutritional value, and pharmaceutical. These natural antioxidants such as carotenoids, vitamins, and polyphenol can be obtained from fruit, vegetables, and traditional herbal medicines. However, there have several issues regarding the conventional extraction method to extract natural antioxidants compounds from food and medicinal plants such as require a large volume of solvent and long extraction time. Therefore, new green extraction methods such as microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, pulsed electric field, enzyme-assisted, supercritical fluid, and pressurised liquid, technologies were studied to overcome these constraints. Thus, different types of extraction and their mechanism in natural antioxidant compounds extraction was further discussed in this study. Besides, the main classes, source of natural antioxidants and their health benefits also were presented in this paper.

Elaboration and Validation of HPLC/DAD Method for Quality Control of Products Containing Cannabidiol

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is the main, physiologically active, but psycho-inactive constituent of the glandular hairs of Cannabis sativa. CBD exhibits diverse pharmacological activities and it is used as an anticonvulsant, sedative and hypnotic agent. Other biological properties shown by CBD are antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. Objective: The aim of this study is to develop, validate and apply high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/DAD) method with diode array detection for identification and assay of CBD in food supplements obtained by different types of extraction and purification. Method: HPLC method with isocratic elution using column C18 ODS, 250 x 4.6, 100 Å, 5 μm, mobile phase - a mixture of acetonitrile and water in ratio 80:20 v/v, a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and DAD detection at 220 nm, was used. Results: The method was developed and validated according to European Pharmacopoeia and International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). For the analytical purposes, parameters like repeatability, linearity, accuracy, LOD, LOQ, specificity and system suitability were studied. The developed method was successfully applied on a series of food supplements containing CBD. Conclusion: The developed method is of practical importance for the determination of purity, identification and assay tests of food supplements containing CBD extract in accordance with EU regulation concerning food authorizations because it is useful for analytical tests for identification, purity determination and assay of products containing CBD extract and could serve as part of the testing process in the pharmaceutical industry.