Extraction Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Enhancing the Antioxidant, Anti-tyrosinase and Anti-elastase Activity of Pigmented Rice Extracts by Sonication, Heating, Enzyme Digestion and Fermentation

In the modern cosmetics industry, there exists a major trend for replacement of synthetic chemicals with plant-based ingredients in skincare formulation. This research aimed to assess the efficiency of different methods to extract bioactive compounds (as measured by total phenolic content; TPC and total flavonoid content; TFC) responsible for three important cosmeceutical properties (antioxidation, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-elastase) from selected rice grains. The grains of two varieties of purplish-black rice (Neaw Leum Pua; NLP) and black rice (Hom Nil; HN) were extracted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and then supplementary treated with sonication, heating, and proteolytic enzyme digestion or fermented with Aspergillus niger. The results showed that sonication slightly enhanced TPC and TFC, but significantly increased antioxidant capacity and anti-tyrosinase activity. The high temperature of 60℃ and 100℃ significantly increased antioxidant capacity based on FRAP assay but reduced that based on DPPH radical scavenging assay. Anti-tyrosinase activity was enhanced by high temperature but that of anti-elastase was inhibited. The addition of papain to the seed extracts slightly enhanced anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activity. Notably, fermented rice grains exhibited much greater yields of TPC and TFC, and higher biochemical activities than other methods. The fermented rice exhibited the highest TFC after 3 days; the highest TPC, antioxidant capacity, and tyrosinase inhibition after 6 days; and the highest elastase inhibition activity after 9 days. Therefore, fermentation was the most promising technique to enhance all three desirable properties for cosmetic ingredients when pigmented rice was used as the raw material.

Applications of high-intensity ultrasound on shrimp: Potential, constraints, and prospects in the extraction and retrieval of bioactive compounds, safety, and quality.

The global shrimp market holds substantial prominence within the food industry, registering a significant USD 24.7 billion in worldwide exportation in 2020. However, the production of a safe and high-quality product requires consideration of various factors, including the potential for allergenic reactions, occurrences of foodborne outbreaks, and risks of spoilage. Additionally, the exploration of the recovery of bioactive compounds (e.g., astaxanthin [AX], polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides) from shrimp waste demands focused attention. Within this framework, this review seeks to comprehend and assess the utilization of high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS), both as a standalone method and combined with other technologies, within the shrimp industry. The objective is to evaluate its applications, limitations, and prospects, with a specific emphasis on delineating the impact of sonication parameters (e.g., power, time, and temperature) on various applications. This includes an examination of undesirable effects and identifying areas of interest for current and prospective research. HIUS has demonstrated promise in enhancing the extraction of bioactive compounds, such as AX, lipids, and chitin, while concurrently addressing concerns such as allergen reduction (e.g., tropomyosin), inactivation of pathogens (e.g., Vibrio parahaemolyticus), and quality improvement, manifesting in reduced melanosis scores and improved peelability. Nonetheless, potential impediments, particularly related to oxidation processes, especially those associated with lipids, pose a hindrance to its widespread implementation, potentially impacting texture properties. Consequently, further optimization studies remain imperative. Moreover, novel applications of sonication in shrimp processing, including brining, thawing, and drying, represent a promising avenue for expanding the utilization of HIUS in the shrimp industry.

A Review of Emerging Technologies for the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Berries (Phalsa Berries)

Berries have been gaining in popularity among consumers and producers due to their natural bioactive compounds that have beneficial effects on human health. This review aimed to identify effective techniques for the extraction of bioactive compounds from berries, consolidate the findings of recent studies using various extraction technologies, and provide a global perspective on the research trends in this field. These extraction techniques include pulsed electric field, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical CO2 extraction. The solid waste generated during the industrial berry juice production process is assumed to be a less expensive source of raw materials for the natural extraction of bioactive compounds. The main aim of modern techniques is to produce more of the desired compound and find a method to extract bioactive compounds from berries without the use of hazardous solvents. These include flavonoids, phenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidants. Regarding the characterization of the bioactive compounds that are isolated from berries, aspects such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance were reviewed.

In-vitro comparative study of solvent effect on antioxidant properties of leaf extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis

This study demonstrated that the extraction solvents play an important role in the extraction of important bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties from the leaves of Anthocleista djalonensis. Anthocleista djalonensis, a plant native to tropical Africa, is believed to have antioxidant properties due to its bioactive composition. The powdered leaves were macerated using local gin, hot distilled water, and analytical ethanol to extract bioactive compounds. The in vitro antioxidant activity of these extracts was assessed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assays, nitric oxide scavenging assay, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. Ascorbic acid was used as a reference. The DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging tests showed concentration-dependent responses. Distilled water had the lowest IC50 value of 0.079 mg/ml and showed the most antioxidant potential in DPPH. Local gin demonstrated significant hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability with an IC50 value of 0.12 mg/ml, surpassing the standard drug. The nitric oxide scavenging assay showed a concentration-dependent increase in both ethanol and local gin extracts. Ethanol and local gin extracts showed maximum antioxidant activity, with ethanol extract showing 22.84% inhibition and local gin extract showing a higher activity of 46.29% inhibition. However, ascorbic acid showed the highest inhibition of nitric oxide production at 57.10%. The study highlights the importance of solvent selection in herbal preparation for optimal health benefits regarding antioxidant activity.

Green and Efficient Extraction of Phenolic Components from Plants with Supramolecular Solvents: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

The supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) has garnered significant attention as an innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly solvent for the effective extraction and separation of bioactive compounds from natural resources. However, research on the use of a SUPRAS for the extraction of phenolic compounds from plants, which are highly valued in food products due to their exceptional antioxidant properties, remains scarce. The present study developed a green, ultra-sound-assisted SUPRAS method for the simultaneous determination of three phenolic acids in Prunella vulgaris using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental parameters were meticulously optimized. The efficiency and antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds obtained using different extraction methods were also compared. Under optimal conditions, the extraction efficiency of the SUPRAS, prepared with octanoic acid reverse micelles dispersed in ethanol–water, significantly exceeded that of conventional organic solvents. Moreover, the SUPRAS method demonstrated greater antioxidant capacity. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images revealed the spherical droplet structure of the SUPRAS, characterized by a well-defined circular fluorescence position, which coincided with the position of the phenolic acids. The phenolic acids were encapsulated within the SUPRAS droplets, indicating their efficient extraction capacity. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations combined with CLSM supported the proposed method’s mechanism and theoretically demonstrated the superior extraction performance of the SUPRAS. In contrast to conventional methods, the higher extraction efficiency of the SUPRAS can be attributed to the larger solvent contact surface area, the formation of more types of hydrogen bonds between the extractants and the supramolecular solvents, and stronger, more stable interaction forces. The results of the theoretical studies corroborate the experimental outcomes.

Valorisation of Agri-Food Waste for Bioactive Compounds: Recent Trends and Future Sustainable Challenges

Worldwide, a massive amount of agriculture and food waste is a major threat to the environment, the economy and public health. However, these wastes are important sources of phytochemicals (bioactive), such as polyphenols, carotenoids, carnitine, coenzymes, essential oils and tocopherols, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. Hence, it represents a promising opportunity for the food, agriculture, cosmetics, textiles, energy and pharmaceutical industries to develop cost effective strategies. The value of agri-food wastes has been extracted from various valuable bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, dietary fibre, proteins, lipids, vitamins, carotenoids, organic acids, essential oils and minerals, some of which are found in greater quantities in the discarded parts than in the parts accepted by the market used for different industrial sectors. The value of agri-food wastes and by-products could assure food security, maintain sustainability, efficiently reduce environmental pollution and provide an opportunity to earn additional income for industries. Furthermore, sustainable extraction methodologies like ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pulse electric field-assisted extraction, ultrasound microwave-assisted extraction and high hydrostatic pressure extraction are extensively used for the isolation, purification and recovery of various bioactive compounds from agri-food waste, according to a circular economy and sustainable approach. This review also includes some of the critical and sustainable challenges in the valorisation of agri-food wastes and explores innovative eco-friendly methods for extracting bioactive compounds from agri-food wastes, particularly for food applications. The highlights of this review are providing information on the valorisation techniques used for the extraction and recovery of different bioactive compounds from agricultural food wastes, innovative and promising approaches. Additionally, the potential use of these products presents an affordable alternative towards a circular economy and, consequently, sustainability. In this context, the encapsulation process considers the integral and sustainable use of agricultural food waste for bioactive compounds that enhance the properties and quality of functional food.

Moringa oleifera Seed Cake: A Review on the Current Status of Green Nanoparticle Synthesis

Growing demands for sustainable and ecological nanoparticle synthesis methods have incentivized the scientific community to develop new approaches to counteract these challenges. Green synthesis resorts to biocomponents obtained from plants, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms to synthesize nanostructures, with beneficial gains in the economic and ecological cost associated with the process, simplicity of the process, and resource efficiency. Moringa oleifera, a native plant originally from India with immense nutritive value, has long been used by researchers in the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds are among the “miracle tree” parts that can be used in nanoparticle green synthesis. Moringa oleifera seed cake, a by-product obtained from defatted seeds, is often overlooked due to its apparent low commercial value. The main objective of this review is to highlight the recent findings reported in the literature on nanoparticles/nanocomposites synthesized with seed cake biocompounds acting as reducing/capping agents. Furthermore, we analyzed the methods currently employed for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Moringa oleifera seed for industrial applications was also addressed.

Extraction of Protein and Bioactive Compounds from Mediterranean Red Algae (Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Gelidium spinosum) Using Various Innovative Pretreatment Strategies

In this study, the release of proteins and other biomolecules into an aqueous media from two red macroalgae (Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Gelidium spinosum) was studied using eight different cell disruption techniques. The contents of carbohydrates, pigments, and phenolic compounds coextracted with proteins were quantified. In addition, morphological changes at the cellular level in response to the different pretreatment methods were observed by an optical microscope. Finally, the antioxidant capacity of obtained protein extracts was evaluated using three in vitro tests. For both S. coronopifolius and G. spinosum, ultrasonication for 60 min proved to be the most effective technique for protein extraction, yielding values of 3.46 ± 0.06 mg/g DW and 9.73 ± 0.41 mg/g DW, respectively. Furthermore, the highest total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and carbohydrates were also recorded with the same method. However, the highest pigment contents were found with ultrasonication for 15 min. Interestingly, relatively high antioxidant activities like radical scavenging activity (31.57–65.16%), reducing power (0.51–1.70, OD at 700 nm), and ferrous iron-chelating activity (28.76–61.37%) were exerted by the different protein extracts whatever the pretreatment method applied. This antioxidant potency could be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, pigments, and/or other bioactive substances in these extracts. Among all the used techniques, ultrasonication pretreatment for 60 min appears to be the most efficient method in terms of destroying the macroalgae cell wall and extracting the molecules of interest, especially proteins. The protein fractions derived from the two red macroalgae under these conditions were precipitated with ammonium sulfate, lyophilized, and their molecular weight distribution was determined using SDS-PAGE. Our results showed that the major protein bands were observed between 25 kDa and 60 kDa for S. coronopifolius and ranged from 20 kDa to 150 kDa for G. spinosum. These findings indicated that ultrasonication for 60 min could be sufficient to disrupt the algae cells for obtaining protein-rich extracts with promising biological properties, especially antioxidant activity.

Nutraceutical and Medicinal Importance of Marine Molluscs

Marine molluscs are of enormous scientific interest due to their astonishing diversity in terms of their size, shape, habitat, behaviour, and ecological roles. The phylum Mollusca is the second most common animal phylum, with 100,000 to 200,000 species, and marine molluscs are among the most notable class of marine organisms. This work aimed to show the importance of marine molluscs as a potential source of nutraceuticals as well as natural medicinal drugs. In this review, the main classes of marine molluscs, their chemical ecology, and the different techniques used for the extraction of bioactive compounds have been presented. We pointed out their nutraceutical importance such as their proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, lipids, polyphenolic compounds pigments, marine enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Their pharmacological activities include antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. Moreover, certain molluscs like abalones and mussels contain unique compounds with potential medicinal applications, ranging from wound healing to anti-cancer effects. Understanding the nutritional and therapeutic value of marine molluscs highlights their significance in both pharmaceutical and dietary realms, paving the way for further research and utilization in human health.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Sunscreen Utilizing Blue Pea Flower Extract

This thesis presents the formulation and evaluation of a novel herbal sunscreen incorporating Blue Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea) extract as the primary active ingredient. With increasing concerns about the adverse effects of synthetic sunscreens and the growing interest in natural alternatives, the study aims to explore the photoprotective properties of Blue Pea Flower extract, known for its rich anthocyanin and antioxidant content. The research begins with the extraction of Blue Pea Flower bioactive compounds through optimized solvent extraction methods. The formulated herbal sunscreen is developed by incorporating the extract into a suitable base, considering stability, safety, and efficacy. Key evaluation parameters include in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) determination, photostability studies, and assessments of skin compatibility. Characterization of the Blue Pea Flower extract reveals essential bioactive compounds, establishing a foundation for understanding its potential benefits. The herbal sunscreen's physical characteristics and stability are analyzed to ensure a reliable and effective formulation. In vitro SPF testing assesses the photoprotective efficacy, while photostability studies gauge the product's robustness under sun exposure conditions. Safety evaluations, including skin irritation tests and biocompatibility studies, contribute crucial data on the product's safety profile. The results provide insights into the effectiveness of Blue Pea Flower extract as a natural photoprotective agent and the overall suitability of the herbal sunscreen formulation. Comparisons with synthetic sunscreens highlight the potential advantages of the herbal formulation in terms of efficacy and safety. Recommendations for formulation optimization and future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the significance of eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives in the sunscreen industry. In conclusion, this research offers a comprehensive exploration of Blue Pea Flower extract's potential in herbal sunscreen formulations. The findings contribute to the understanding of natural photoprotective agents, fostering the development of safer and environmentally conscious sun protection products.

Extraction of bioactive compounds from food waste and their potential applications in the food industry: a review

The disposal and management of waste have been a burning issue due to the continuous food waste generation in various industrial, agricultural, household, and other food sectors. Fruit and vegetable processing can produce food waste, which can be utilized as a low-cost source of bioactive substances. Natural food additives that extend the shelf life of food are currently of great interest due to the negative health effects associated with prolonged consumption of foods containing artificial food additives. This review describes the important properties of natural bioactive compounds extracted from various fruit and vegetable waste including; antioxidant activities and antimicrobial activities. The primary focus of the present review is to highlight the importance of natural bioactive compounds extracted from food waste as a promising alternative to synthetic additives to extend the shelf-life of food products. The solvent used in the extraction process has a great impact on the quantity and quality of the resulting extract of bioactive compounds. Therefore, even though the same plant material has been used, different solvent extracts lead to different antioxidant activities.  The natural bioactive compounds extracted from food waste demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities that could be used to extend the shelf-life of food products. Increasing the storage stability of natural bioactive compounds is a challenging task that can be achieved via encapsulation. This review suggests that using natural bioactive compounds from leftover fruit and vegetable instead of artificial additives can help prolong the shelf life of food.

Profiling and optimized extraction of bioactive polyphenolic compounds from young, red-fleshed apple using eco-friendly deep eutectic solvents

Red-fleshed apple cultivars with an enhanced content of polyphenolic compounds have attracted increasing interest due to their promising health benefits. Here, we have analysed the polyphenolic content of young, red-fleshed apples (RFA) and optimised extraction conditions of phenolics by utilising natural deep eutectic solvents (NDES). We also compare the antioxidant, neuroprotective and antimicrobial activities of NDES- and methanol-extracted phenolics from young RFA. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) was used for phenolics identification and quantification. Besides young RFA, ripe red-fleshed, young and ripe white-fleshed apples were analysed, revealing that young RFA possess the highest phenolic content (2078.4 ± 4.0 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g), and that ripe white-fleshed apples contain the least amount of phenolics (545.0 ± 32.0 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g). The NDES choline chloride-glycerol containing 40 % w/w H2O gave similar yields at 40 °C as methanol. In addition, the polyphenolics profile, and bioactivities of the NDES extract from young RFA were comparable that of methanol extracts. Altogether, our data show that NDES extracts of young RFA are a promising source of bioactive polyphenolics with potential applications in diverse sectors, e.g., for functional food production, smart material engineering and natural therapies.

The Prediction of Milk Whey Extract (MWE) Bioactive Compounds Based on Proximate Analysis and its Effects on Blood Coagulation: A New Approach

The present work demonstrates the milk whey extraction, proximate analysis, and biochemical characterization of bioactive compounds in MWE. Effects of MWE on plasma coagulation and platelet aggregation. Proximate analysis of MWE was done according to AOAC. Whey protein banding was confirmed in 12%, 15%, and 18% SDS-PAGEs. A quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds was done. The anticoagulant effects of MWE were tested using plasma recalcification time in both PRP and PPP, further confirmed by PT and APTT assays and in tail bleeding assays at concentrations of 0-100 µg. The non-toxic property of MWE was screened by edema, hemorrhage, and direct hemolytic activities. MWE proximate analysis showed the presence of both micro- and macronutrients. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of proteins and carbohydrates. A similar protein-banding pattern was observed in 12%, 15%, and 18% SDS-PAGE’s in both reduced and non-reduced conditions. MWE prolonged the clotting time of human citrated plasma, both PRP and PPP, against the control 210 sec to 770 sec, suggesting its anticoagulant property. MWE delayed the clot progress of only the APTT ratio (8.99 ± 0.09), and PT was not altered, suggesting its role in an intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. MWE exhibited antiplatelet activity in PRP against ADP and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. The percentage of inhibition was 74% and 100% for ADP and epinephrine, respectively. Interestingly, MWE exhibits nontoxic properties, it does not cause hemolysis, hemorrhage, or edema. Milk whey extraction and studies confirm bioactive compounds, and these exhibit antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and non-toxic properties. Hence, MWE not only acts as a good nutritive source but also may prove tobe a therapeutic bioactive compound in the management of cardiovascular disease.

Optimization of Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) Parameters for Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Moringa oleifera Leaves and Bioactivity Assessment

Moringa oleifera leaves are rich sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) stands out as a promising technique for effectively extracting valuable compounds from natural sources. In this study, we aimed to optimize PLE parameters, such as temperature, extraction duration, and pressure, to maximize bioactive compound (polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid) yield from M. oleifera leaves and evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. According to the outcomes of this research, the maximum achieved total polyphenol content was 24.10 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of dry weight (dw), and the total flavonoid content was increased up to 19.89 mg rutin equivalents (RtE)/g dw. Moreover, after HPLC-DAD analysis, neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, catechin and epicatechin, rutin, and narirutin were identified and quantified. As far as the optimum ascorbic acid content is concerned, it was found to be 4.77 mg/g dw. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by three different methods: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), the DPPH method, and the anti-hydrogen peroxide activity (AHPA) method, resulting in 124.29 μmol ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g dw, 131.28 μmol AAE/g dw, and 229.38 μmol AAE/g dw values, respectively. Lastly, the albumin denaturation inhibition was found to be 37.54%. These findings underscore the potential of PLE as an efficient extraction method for preparing extracts from M. oleifera leaves with the maximum content of bioactive compounds.

Comparison among Different Green Extraction Methods of Polyphenolic Compounds from Exhausted Olive Oil Pomace and the Bioactivity of the Extracts

The use of by-products as a source of bioactive compounds with economic added value is one of the objectives of a circular economy. The olive oil industry is a source of olive pomace as a by-product. The olive pomace used in the present study was the exhausted olive pomace, which is the by-product generated from the air drying and subsequent hexane extraction of residual oil from the olive pomace. The objective was to extract bioactive compounds remaining in this by-product. Various types of green extraction were used in the present study: solvent extraction (water and hydroalcoholic); ultrasound-assisted extraction; Ultra-Turrax-assisted extraction; and enzyme-assisted extraction (cellulase; viscoenzyme). The phenolic profile of each extract was determined using HPLC-DAD and the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC) were determined as well. The results showed significant differences in the yield of extraction among the different methods used, with the enzyme-assisted, with or without ultrasound, extraction presenting the highest values. The ultrasound-assisted hydroethanolic extraction (USAHE) was the method that resulted in the highest content of the identified phenolic compounds: 2.021 ± 0.29 mg hydroxytyrosol/100 mg extract, 0.987 ± 0.09 mg tyrosol/100 mg extract, and 0.121 ± 0.005 mg catechol/100 mg extract. The conventional extraction with water at 50 °C produced the best results for TPC and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The extracts from the USAHE were able to inhibit Gram-positive bacteria, especially Bacillus cereus, showing 67.2% inhibition at 3% extract concentration.

Innovative methods for extracting useful substances from plant raw materials: literature review

The article presents a review of literature on bioactive substances and innovative methods of extraction of biologically active substances from plant raw materials, discusses the need to develop new extraction methods to preserve the structural and functional properties of the extracted compounds. The study includes analysis of recent publications on extraction methods and bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer software. The authors review various methods including supercritical fluid extraction, fermentation, ultrasonic and microwave processing. Special attention is given to combined methods such as enzyme extraction using ultrasound and microwaves. The advantages and disadvantages of new extraction methods, as well as combinations of techniques in terms of increasing the potential for extraction of bioactive compounds from plant raw materials are determined. The work is intended to stimulate interest in the development of new extraction methods and to promote research in this field. 

Optimization and analysis of ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction of bioactive compounds from Boerhavia diffusa Linn. using RSM, ANFIS and machine learning algorithm

Optimization and analysis of ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction of bioactive compounds from Boerhavia diffusa Linn. using RSM, ANFIS and machine learning algorithm

Article biodiversity inside bottles: animals, fungi, and plants in traditional alcoholic drinks.

The use of animals, fungi, and plants as a source of bioactive compounds has been widely practiced in diverse cultures throughout the world, particularly in alcoholic drinks. The nature of the biological material, method of preparation and alcohol concentration play a predominant role in the extraction of bioactive compounds and the achievement of desired results. However, certain aspects must be considered to guarantee the innocuity of these drinks and reduce the risk of intoxication, infections and allergic reactions, aspects which are sometimes overlooked. In addition, the implications of using threatened or protected species must be considered to reduce the negative impact on their populations. The authors recommend the establishment of production systems which guarantee products with adequate quality controls and ensure the benefits to the consumer.

Isolation and characterization of bioactive alkaloids and GC–MS based identification of volatile oil metabolites from fruits of Glycosmis pentaphylla and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity

Glycosmis pentaphylla, a member of the Rutaceae family, has been extensively studied for its pharmacological activities, focusing mainly on the cytotoxic properties of its roots and stems. Conversely, limited researched has been done in terms of the phytochemical composition of the fruits. The objective of this study is to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds found in the fruits of G. pentaphylla and then evaluate their potential for anti-cancer activity in oral cancer CAL 27 cell lines. The extraction of bioactive compounds from fruits was done by maceration, and the isolation of alkaloids and volatile oil fractions (F1-F5) was performed by column chromatography. The alkaloids, such as 3-O-methoxyglycocitrine II, noracronycine, 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone and kokusaginine, were first isolated from the fruits of G. pentaphylla. Additionally, GC–MS analysis identified 78 metabolites. The isolated compounds and identified volatile oil fractions were explored for their anti-cancer activity by cell viability assay. Results demonstrated that isolated compounds were found inactive, while the volatile fraction F1 was found active in CAL 27 cell line. Fraction F1 impeded wound healing in CAL 27 cells by scratch assay, and significantly inhibited colony formation in colony formation assay. In cell cycle analysis, treatment with fraction F1 redistributed cells to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. α-elemol (2) is the major metabolite identified from the F1 fraction by GC–MS, which could be responsible for the anti-cancer activity. There is potential for future work to further isolate volatile oil metabolites and evaluate their anti-cancer activity through in-vivo techniques.

Impact of Ultrasound Pretreatment on Juice Yield and Bioactive Content in Juice Produced from Selected Berries Fruit.

The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of ultrasound application during juice pressing. The impact on pressing yield and extraction of bioactive compounds during production of juice from strawberry, blackcurrant and raspberry was evaluated. Juice pressing was carried out after four kinds of mash pretreatment. The tested objects were heated to 55 °C, treated by ultrasound, and/or macerated with an enzyme. The obtained juices were analyzed for the content of bioactive compounds and compared to the 'Control' sample, which was the juice pressed without any pretreatment. Although the results presented here do not conclusively show that enzymatic maceration can be completely replaced by the use of ultrasound, in the case of strawberry and raspberry fruit, juice yield after ultrasound treatment increased almost as much as after enzymatic maceration. Additionally, in the case of raspberry fruit, the antioxidant activity of the juice samples was definitely improved when ultrasound was used. The results from this experiment also showed that it is possible to separate the effect of temperature from the effect of mechanical and chemical actions in ultrasound treatment.