Bud Extracts Research Articles

EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST-TEA AND PLANT EXTRACTS ON GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND BIOCHEMICAL TRAITS OF LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.)

The vermicompost and exogenous plant extracts as a foliar application can provide as an alternative means to enhance the growth and yield of leafy vegetable crops under low-fertility soil conditions. The objectives of the recent study sought to characterize the effect of vermicompost tea in combining some natural plant extracts to enhance the growth and yield of the lettuce plant. A study on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) took place during two successive seasons, in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, using foliar spray— vermicompost-tea rates in combination with rosemary leaf extract (RLE) and eucalyptus buds extract (EBE). It sought to determine the effects on growth, yield, and some physiological and biochemical traits of lettuce (cv. ‘Dark Green’) grown on sandy soil with drip irrigation. The experiment employed the split-plot design, with four rates of vermicompost tea (0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) as main plots and three plant extract levels (without, RLE, and EBE) as subplots. The vermicompost tea and plant extracts increased the growth characteristics, photochemical activity, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, membrane stability index, excised leaf water retention, vitamins C and E, and total soluble solids in lettuce plants compared with the untreated control plots. The interaction and combined application of vermicompost tea (20%) and RLE proved most effective in enhancing the growth and yield traits and physio-biochemical properties in lettuce. Therefore, the integrative application of vermicompost tea (20%) with RLE comes highly recommended for growing lettuce in sandy soil conditions.

Evaluation of Chemical Composition, Sun Protection Factor and Antioxidant Activity of Lithuanian Propolis and Its Plant Precursors.

The growing interest in polyphenols of natural origin and their plant sources encourages the study of their chemical composition and biological activity. Propolis is widely used as a source of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and sun protection factor (SPF) of the ethanolic extracts of the poplar buds, birch buds and pine buds of propolis plant precursors collected in Lithuania. The IC50 concentration of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS methods. Extracts of poplar buds, birch buds and propolis showed a lower IC50 concentration by ABTS and DPPH methods compared with pine buds extracts. Poplar buds and propolis extracts showed the highest SPF value, while birch and pine buds extracts showed a lower SPF value. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis results showed that phenolic acids, such as p-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid, and flavonoids, such as pinobanksin and pinocembrin, were identified in all the tested extracts. Salicin has been identified only in poplar buds extracts. The results of antioxidant activity showed that propolis poplar and birch buds are a promising source of biologically active polyphenols.

Leonotis nepetifolia Flower Bud Extract Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles, Their Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Applications.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the green matrix is an emerging trend and is considered green nanotechnology because it involves a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly process. The present research aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles from a Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br. flower bud aqueous extract, characterize these nanoparticles, and perform in vitro determination of their biological applications. UV-Vis spectra were used to study the characterization of biosynthesized L. nepetifolia-flower-bud-mediated AgNPs (LnFb-AgNPs); an SPR absorption maximum at 418 nm confirmed the formation of LnFb-AgNPs. The presumed phytoconstituents subjected to reduction in the silver ions were revealed by FTIR analysis. XRD, TEM, EDS, TGA, and zeta potential with DLS analysis revealed the crystalline nature, particle size, elemental details, surface charge, thermal stability, and spherical shape, with an average size of 24.50 nm. In addition, the LnFb-AgNPs were also tested for antimicrobial activity and exhibited a moderate zone of inhibition against the selected pathogens. Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was observed in the DPPH assay. Further, the cytotoxicity increased proportionate to the increasing concentration of the biosynthesized LnFb-AgNPs with a maximum effect at 200 μg/mL by showing the inhibition cell viability percentages and an IC50 of 35.84 μg/mL. Subsequently, the apoptotic/necrotic potential was determined using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide staining by the flow cytometry method. Significant early and late apoptosis cell populations were observed in response to the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PANC-1) cell line, as demonstrated by the obtained results. In conclusion, the study's findings suggest that the LnFb-AgNPs could serve as remedial agents in a wide range of biomedical applications.

GROWTH PROMOTING ACTIVITY OF FLAVONOIDS OF EXTRACTS OF POPULUS POPULUS BALSAMIFERA BUDS

At present, the urgent task is to accelerate the development of alternative measures for the protection of plants, which is associated with the aggravation of the environmental situation, the desire to reduce pollution of agricultural landscapes and obtain agricultural products with minimal use of agrochemicals. Poplar extract is a plant growth stimulant due to the presence in its composition of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, lipids, phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, amino acids, essential oils, vitamins, which provide a stable growth-stimulating effect.The aim was to evaluate the stimulating activity of extracts of balsamic poplar buds Populus balsamifera on the seed productivity of flax.
 Tasks: isolate the amount of flavonoids from balsamic poplar; to establish the growth-stimulating activity of balsamic poplar bud extract in relation to flax seeds.
 Methodology and scientific approaches: The method for obtaining the proposed balsam poplar extract includes the use of balsam poplar buds, air drying, grinding, extraction with 90% ethanol in a Soxhlet apparatus, filtration and evaporation to obtain the target product.
 Results and conclusions: the results of studying the growth-stimulating activity of extracts of balsam poplar Populus balsamifera showed high seed productivity of flax of Tomsk selection in the control group; reproduction conditions had a positive effect on the yield of flax.

Antibacterial and Anticandidal Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Immature Flower Buds of Syzygium aromaticum

Microbial resistance to antibiotics has been raised over time, creating a serious burden and an issue that requires a quick response. As a result, interest has shifted to medicinal plants as natural, effective, and cost-efficient alternatives. The goal of this study was to assess the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the dried buds of the clove’s flowers, which were extracted in 250 ml of ethanol using the Soxhlet apparatus. Subsequently, DMSO stock solutions were utilized to create concentrations of 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and ultimately 3.125 mg/ml. Following that, the agar-well diffusion technique was utilized for the evaluation of the antibacterial activities of the clove extract against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus bacteria) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), as well as Candida albicans, isolated and identified through the pediatric hospital's medical laboratory west of Gaza city. Lastly, the results of this study clearly showed that the ethanolic extract of dried immature flower buds of clove has anti-S. aureus and anti-group A Streptococcus effects, as well as for the C. albicans used in the present study, with the exception of E. coli, which demonstrated resistance to the plant extract at all concentrations tested. While the lowest concentrations that showed anti-bacterial activity were revealed to be 12.5 and 25 mg/ml for anti-S. aureus and anti-group A Streptococcus, respectively, with inhibition zone diameters of 2 and 1 mm, on the other hand, 25 mg/ml with a 2 mm inhibition zone was determined to have the lowest concentration that had anti-C. albicans activity. This study concluded that cloves can be employed as a plant with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characteristics, but additional research is required.

Volatile Compounds and Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Bud and Needle Extracts from Three Populations of Pinus mugo Turra Growing in Romania

Pinus mugo Turra is a shrub-like conifer with multiple healing properties. P. mugo extracts are rich in active ingredients such as volatile compounds, tannin, higher alcohols, vitamins, and minerals. In this study, we identified and quantified the secondary metabolites from buds and needles of P. mugo harvested from three different mountain areas in Romania. The main volatile compounds contained in the extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and the most significant were pinene, germacrene, limonene, and caryophyllene. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was in the range of 46.77 ± 0.3 and 77.99 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g and the total flavonoid content (TFC) 24.90 ± 0.1 and 54.78 ± 0.3 mg QE/g. The content of ascorbic acid ranged between 12.21 mg/100 g and 27.34 mg/100 g, concentrations that are recommended for natural sources of ascorbic acid. Moderate antimicrobial activity on yeasts and molds was not dependent on plant origin. By highlighting the rich content of active compounds, and moderate antioxidant and antifungal activity, this study is an argument for the beneficial use of P. mugo bud and needle extracts, regardless of the habitat of origin on the Romanian territory, in the fields of medicine and the food industry or in the implementation of eco-friendly practices.

Conflict between Science and Superstition in Medical Practices

Superstition is a belief that is not based on scientific knowledge. Traditional healers usually use superstition in their practices to manage human health problems and diseases; such practices create a conflict with the medical profession and its evidence-based practices. Medical professionals confirm that this kind of practice is unsafe as it is performed by untrained people (e.g., traditional healers) utilizing unsterilized instruments within unhygienic environments. Most of the cases eventually develop a variety of complications, which are sometimes fatal. Female genital mutilation, uvulectomy, oral mutilation (tooth bud extraction to cure “Ibyinyo”), and eyebrow incisions are examples of the many different types of superstitious practices which occur commonly in other parts of the world. We describe how these traditional practices of superstition have been and continue to be performed in various parts of the world, their complications on oral and general health, and how such practices hinder modern medical practices and highlight huge inequalities and disparities in healthcare-seeking behavior among different social groups. This paper aims to increase health literacy and awareness of these superstition-driven traditional and potentially harmful practices by promoting the importance of evidence-based medical practices.

Chemotaxonomic Markers for the Leaf Buds of Common Finnish Trees and Shrubs: A Rapid UHPLC MS Fingerprinting Tool for Species Identification.

In this study, a chemotaxonomic tool was created on the basis of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS) for the identification of 13 common Finnish deciduous trees and shrubs from their leaf bud metabolites. The bud extracts were screened with UHPLC–ESI–QqQ–MS and UHPLC–ESI–Q–Orbitrap–MS to discover suitable markers for each species. Two approaches were tested in the marker selection: (1) unique species-specific markers to obtain selective fingerprints per species and (2) major markers to maximise the sensitivity of the fingerprints. The markers were used to create two selected ion-recording-based fingerprinting tools with UHPLC–ESI–QqQ–MS. The methods were evaluated for their selectivity, repeatability, and robustness in plant species identification by analysing leaf buds from several replicates of each species. The created chemotaxonomic tools were shown to provide unique chromatographic profiles for the studied species in less than 6 min. A variety of plant metabolites, such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, were found to serve as good chemotaxonomic markers for the studied species. In 10 out of 13 cases, species-specific markers were superior in creating selective and repeatable fingerprints.

Potential Effect of Syzygium aromaticum (Cloves) Extract on Serum Antioxidant Status and Lipid Profiles in Wistar Rats with Artesunate Toxicity

Artesunate toxicity has been linked to increased production of reactive oxygen species resulting in oxidative stress, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. This study evaluated the effects of hydroethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum buds (HESAB) on serum antioxidant status and lipid profiles in Wistar rats with artesunate toxicity. Forty-eight male Wistar rats (150–200 g) randomized into six groups (n = 8) were treated as follows for 21 days: Group 1 (Control; DMSO); Group 2 (Artesunate, 15 mg/kg only); Group 3 (HESAB only, 400 mg/kg); Group 4 (HESAB only, 800 mg/kg); Group 5 (Artesunate, 15 mg/kg + HESAB, 400 mg/kg); Group 6 (Artesunate, 15 mg/kg + HESAB, 800 mg/kg). Antioxidant parameters—such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT)—were assayed in the serum using established methods. Serum lipid profiles—which include total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TAG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) assays—were performed using kits. The findings showed a significant increase in lipid profile of the artesunate-induced group compared to the control and treated groups. Administration of HESAB reversed the toxic effects of artesunate. The levels of TC (69.42 ± 8.03 mg/dL, TAG (34.43 ± 6.04 mg/dL), and LDL (45.1 ± 9.66 mg/dL) in the untreated group were significantly higher than the control group TC (41.42 ± 7.57 mg/dL), TAG (28.18 ± 1.58 mg/dL), and LDL (27.73 ± 5.00 mg/dL). The antioxidant profile however was significantly reduced in the diseased (artesunate) group compared to control and treated groups. MDA, NO, and GSH levels in the untreated group were 5.032 ± 1.25 µmol/L, 10.65 ± 3.84 µmol/L, and 0.20 ± 0.145 μM respectively and 2.237 ± 0.95 µmol/L, 6.20 ± 2.21 µmol/L, and 0.49 ± 0.068 μM in control group respectively. Treatment with HESAB raised the GSH level to 0.38 ± 0.19 μM. Furthermore, CAT, SOD, and GPX were 7.62 ± 2.15, 2.76 ± 1.52, and 3.54 ± 1.91 μmol/mL in untreated group respectively and 19.03 ± 4.25, 8.05 ± 2.91, and 10.62 ± 3.24 μmol/mL in control group respectively. Treatment with HESAB raised the CAT, SOD, and GPX to 18.866 ± 2.59, 5.020 ± 0.89, and 5.05 ± 2.01 μmol/mL respectively. In conclusion, artesunate toxicity caused a significant increase in lipid profiles and decrease in antioxidant level in the rats’ serum while administration of S. aromaticum bud extract lowered lipid levels and raised the antioxidant status.

Phytochemical Analysis of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Dried Flower Buds Extract and its Therapeutic Importance

The current study objective was to look into phytochemical analysis of Syzygium aromaticum dried flower buds. Clove has long been known to have positive health effects. The majority of the clove spice consumed worldwide comes from home kitchens. One of the most expensive spices, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has historically been used for both food preservation and for several therapeutic goals. Clove is a native of Indonesia, although it has been cultivated throughout the world, including India. The dried bud powder was successively extracted with water, methanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether. The following phytochemicals are present in Syzygium aromaticum, Carbohydrates, lipids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and triterpenes are all found, according to the phytochemical examination. Clove, also known as Syzygium aromaticum (Family Myrtaceace), is the most important and second-most precious spice. The utilization of herbal medicines is a significant source for the development of novel pharmaceutical compounds to treat severe ailments. It offers a wide range of medical benefits including antibacterial, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. In clove dried flower bud extract the identified compounds are Quercetin, Ursolic acid and Gallic acid, all these compounds are responsible for the medicinal properties of clove bud.
 Keywords: Clove bud extract, Phytochemical, Soxhlet, LCMS, Health benefits.

DEVELOPMENT OF OPHTHALMIC IN SITU GELS WITH POPULUS BALSAMIFERA BUDS EXTRACT AND QUALITY EVALUATION

The aim of this study is to insert the aqueous balsam poplar buds extract in the in situ ophthalmic gels and to evaluate their quality.

NMR-Driven Identification of Cinnamon Bud and Bark Components With Anti-Aβ Activity.

The anti-Alzheimer disease (AD) activity reported for an aqueous cinnamon bark extract prompted us to investigate and compare the anti-amyloidogenic properties of cinnamon extracts obtained from both bark and bud, the latter being a very little explored matrix. We prepared the extracts with different procedures (alcoholic, hydroalcoholic, or aqueous extractions). An efficient protocol for the rapid analysis of NMR spectra of cinnamon bud and bark extracts was set up, enabling the automatic identification and quantification of metabolites. Moreover, we exploited preparative reverse-phase (RP) chromatography to prepare fractions enriched in polyphenols, further characterized by UPLC-HR-MS. Then, we combined NMR-based molecular recognition studies, atomic force microscopy, and in vitro biochemical and cellular assays to investigate the anti-amyloidogenic activity of our extracts. Both bud and bark extracts showed a potent anti-amyloidogenic activity. Flavanols, particularly procyanidins, and cinnamaldehydes, are the chemical components of cinnamon hindering Aβ peptide on-pathway aggregation and toxicity in a human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. Together with the previously reported ability to hinder tau aggregation and filament formation, these data indicate cinnamon polyphenols as natural products possessing multitarget anti-AD activity. Since cinnamon is a spice increasingly present in the human diet, our results support its use to prepare nutraceuticals useful in preventing AD through an active contrast to the biochemical processes that underlie the onset of this disease. Moreover, the structures of cinnamon components responsible for cinnamon anti-AD activities represent molecular templates for designing and synthesizing new anti-amyloidogenic drugs.

Genotoxicity-Suppressing Effect of Sophora japonica L. Aqueous Extract

The dry flower buds of Sophora japonica L. are used as a hemostatic agent in traditional Chinese medicine. In the comet assay, aqueous extracts of S. japonica decreased and increased the tail length significantly in cultured human lymphoblastoid WTK1 cells exposed to UV in the absence and presence of DNA repair inhibitors, respectively. The extract did not affect the tail length in methyl methanesulfonate-exposed cells. In the present study, the aqueous extract of the flower buds of S. japonica was separated by repeated column chromatography, yielding four types of flavonoid glycosides. Among them, only rutin, similar to the extract, decreased and increased the tail length significantly in WTK1 cells exposed to UV in the absence and presence of DNA repair inhibitors hydroxyurea (10 mM) and cytosine-1-β-D-arabinofuranoside (1.8 mM), respectively. The genotoxicity-suppressing effect of rutin was further studied using the micronucleus test. Rutin significantly decreased the frequency of micronucleated binucleate cells in UV-exposed WTK1 cells but did not affect this frequency in UV-exposed XPL3KA (Xeroderma pigmentosum group C) cells. These results suggest that the anti-genotoxic potential of rutin is due to an enhanced incision step of global genome repair (GGR) sub-pathways in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Herein, we show that S. japonica exhibits heretofore unknown anti-genotoxic potential against UV by enhancing the incision of GGR sub-pathways in NER, and that its anti-genotoxic component is rutin.

Polyhydroxylated eudesmane sesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid glucoside from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara.

Chemical fractionation of the n-BuOH partition, which was generated from the EtOH extract of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara, afforded a series of polar constituents including four new sesquiterpenoids (1-4), one new sesquiterpenoid glucoside (5) and one known analogue (6) of the eudesmane type, as well as five known quinic acid derivatives (7-11). Structures of the new compounds were unambiguously characterized by detailed spectroscopic analyses, with their absolute configurations being established by X-ray crystallography, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation and induced ECD experiments. The inhibitory effect of all the isolates against LPS-induced NO production in murine RAW264.7 macrophages was evaluated, with isochlorogenic acid A (7) showing significant inhibitory activity.

In vitro anticancer, antioxidant and DNA-binding study of the bioactive ingredient of clove and its isolation

Cancer cannot be ignored since it is the most dangerous disease because it is a major cause of death globally with 15% mortality. Researchers have been attracted to the plant-based solution of this havoc. Among all plants, Syzygium aromaticum has shown tremendous results in many aspects such as anticancer, antioxidant, and others. All the studies that took place, were done on the plant extract only. No one goes further than this. Hence, an advanced computational chemistry-based method for the characterization and identification of the bioactive ingredients isolated from cloves was developed for the first time. First, different extracts of Syzygium aromaticum plant buds were obtained using different solvents (Water, methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, 50% ethanol, and hexane), then each extract was evaluated for its anticancer activity against A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines. The fractionation of the most active extract was done using flash chromatography. After that, anticancer evaluation of every fraction was done again. One of the obtained fractions showed the highest anticancer activity. For the identification of the most active fraction the experimental IR and NMR data of it was taken and compared with the computational IR and NMR data of 19 compounds found in cloves. Furthermore, DNA binding affinity and antioxidant activity of the fraction showing the highest anticancer activity were also studied. The presented method of the isolation of the most bioactive ingredient will be the most helpful for all the scientists working in the field of separation science and phytomedicine.

Antimicrobial activity, in vitro anticancer effect (MCF-7 breast cancer cell line), antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory potentials of Populus nigra\xa0L. buds extract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, the in vitro anticancer effect (tested on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line), as well as the antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory potential of Populus nigra L. bud (Pg) extract collected from the western part of Romania.ResultsPopulus nigra L. bud extract presents an important antioxidant activity, due to the rich phytochemical composition. Regarding the biological activity, results have shown that poplar bud extract presents a significant inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria and a dose-dependent decrease of MCF-7 tumor cell viability with an IC50 of 66.26 μg/mL, while not affecting healthy cells. Phenomena of early apoptotic events at the maximum concentration tested (150 μg/mL) were detected by Annexin V-PI double staining. The extract induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. In addition, Pg extract showed antiangiogenic potential on the chorioallantoic membrane. Also, at the highest concentration (150 μg/mL), good tolerability and no signs of toxicity upon vascular plexus were observed. Moreover, in low concentrations, the Pg extract had immunomodulatory activity on primary human dendritic cells by upregulating IL-12 and IL-23 subunits.ConclusionThe study concludes that poplar bud extract elicited antioxidant activity, antitumor properties on the breast cancer cell line, followed by an antiangiogenic effect and an immunomodulatory potential on human primary dendritic cells. The biological activity of Populus nigra L. buds extract may open new directions of research on the topic addressed.

Synergistic effect of Lipophilic Antioxidants Extracted from Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) with Vitamin E on the Stability of Cotton Seed Oil during Frying of Plantain Chips

Aims: This study was conducted in order to evaluate the synergistic effect of the ethanolic extract and powder of cloves buds (Syzygium aromaticum) with vitamin E in delaying cotton seed oil oxidation during frying of plantain chips.
 Study design: Purchase of clove buds, cleaning, preparation of clove buds ethanolic extract and powder, supplementation of cotton seed oil enriched with vitamin E with the extract and powder at different concentrations and evaluation of oil stability during frying of plantain chips.
 Place and Duration of Study: General Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Catholic University Institute of Buea-Douala Campus, Littoral Region, Cameroon, from January to June 2019.
 Methodology: In refined cotton seed oil (2.5 L) containing vitamin E as preservative was respectively added 0.30, 0.60, 1.00 and 1.30% of Syzygium aromaticum (SA) buds ethanolic extract and 0.5, 1, 1.50% of buds powder. After ensuring the good dispersion of the antioxidants added, oil samples were used for the deep-frying of plantain chips for 10 and 20 min respectively. Oil sample without clove served as control. The stability of the various oil samples was evaluated through the determination of peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, iodine and acid acid (% oleic) values.
 Results: Results showed that the natural plant extract and powder increased the stability of the oil compared to the control. Oil samples supplemented with the extract at concentration 0.30 and 0.60% presented good stability compared to the control, while the same extract at higher concentrations (1.00 and 1.30%) tend to behave as prooxidant. Concerning the powder it exhibited better good preservative properties on the oil and at all levels.
 Conclusion: Clove ethanolic extract at concentration < 0.60% and its powder at concentration 0.50-1.5% can be used to delay cotton seed oil alteration during frying of plantain chips.

Cannabis Sativa L. Flower and Bud Extracts Inhibited In vitro Cholinesterases and β-Secretase Enzymes Activities: Possible Mechanisms of Cannabis Use in Alzheimer Disease.

There are anecdotal claims on the use of Cannabis sativa L. in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, but there is a lack of scientific data to support the efficacy and safety of Cannabis sativa L. for Alzheimer's disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aerial parts of Cannabis sativa L. on the cholinesterases and β-secretase enzymes activities as one of the possible mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. The phytochemical and heavy metal contents were analysed. The extracts were screened for acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and β-secretase activity. Cytotoxicity of extracts was performed in normal vero and pre-adipocytes cell lines. The extracts were characterized using high-performance thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography for their chemical fingerprints. Alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides were present amongst the tested phytochemicals. Cannabidiol concentrations were comparatively high in the hexane and dichloromethane than in dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) and methanol extracts. Hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed a better inhibitory potential towards cholinesterase activity, while water, hexane, dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) and methanol showed an inhibitory potential towards β-secretase enzyme activity. All extracts showed no cytotoxic effect on pre-adipocytes and vero cells after 24- and 48-hours of exposure. Therefore, this may explain the mechanism through which AD symptoms may be treated and managed by Cannabis sativa L. extracts.

Petasin is the main component responsible for the anti-adipogenic effect of Petasites japonicus

Petasites japonicus is one of the most popular edible wild plants in Japan. Many biological effects of P. japonicus have been reported, including anti-allergy, anti-inflammation, and anticancer effects. Although its anti-obesity effect has been reported in several studies, the most important component responsible for this activity has not been fully elucidated. On screening the components that suppress adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-F442A cells, we found that the extract of the flower buds of P. japonicus has anti-adipogenic effect. Among the known major components of P. japonicus, petasin exhibited a potent anti-adipogenic effect at an IC50 value of 0.95 μM. Quantitative analysis revealed that the active component responsible for most of the anti-adipogenic effects of P. japonicus extract is petasin. Petasin suppressed the expression of markers of mature adipocytes (PPARγ, C/EBPα, and aP2). However, as isopetasin and petasol, analogs of petasin, did not exhibit these effects, it indicates that a double bond at the C11–C12 position and an angeloyl ester moiety were essential for the activity. Petasin affected the late stage of adipocyte differentiation and inhibited the expression of lipid synthesis factors (ACC1, FAS, and SCD1). Additionally, it was revealed that petasin could be efficiently extracted using hexane with minimal amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the toxic components. These findings indicate that P. japonicus extract containing petasin could be a promising food material for the prevention of obesity.

Impact of feed supplementation with balsam poplar buds on performance of young bulls

There is an urgent need to develop new strategies to minimize the environmental impact of animal production and support sustainability of food production and consumption. Feed additives have been for a long time used in animal nutrition to improve animal growth and performance as well as animal health. Balsam poplar plants (Populus balsamifera) is well known as a rich source of bioactive compounds with positive health effects, and might be used in agriculture as a feed additive for ruminants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of balsam poplar-based additives on growth and performance of fattening young bulls of Simmental breed. In the present study, we used 4 combinations of extract from balsam poplar buds or its components as a feed additives. The animals were given the supplements at the age of 15 months, 3 months before slaughter. The growth and slaughter characteristics of young bulls were studied. After the first and second month of feeding with dietary supplements, animals from the groups fed 10% balsam poplar buds extract and dry shredded balsam poplar buds had significantly higher live weight compared to the control animals fed a diet without any supplements (P < 0.05). At slaughter, group fed 10% balsam poplar buds extract had significantly higher live weight compared to control. Average daily gain was also greatest in that group. Major sensory as well as physical and chemical parameters were not affected by balsam poplar-based supplements (p > 0.05 for all) and were in line with regulatory meat hygiene requirements.