Extraction Of Flavonoids Research Articles

Visual Analyses of Hot Spots and Frontiers in Zanthoxylum planispinum Research Based on CiteSpace

Zanthoxylum planispinum is a type of plant with homologous properties in medicine and food, making it well-loved in China. To explore the development of the Z. planispinum field over the past 20 years, its research hotspots and frontier trends were analyzed. This study conducted database-based visualization analyses and knowledge graph analyses using CiteSpace software with data concerning Z. planispinum published in the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Web of Science databases between 2003 and 2023. Over the last 20 years, the number of Chinese and English publications on Z. planispinum has shown increasing trends. The foci of this research were mainly germplasm resources, cultivation management, seed oil extraction technology, flavonoid extraction technology, and correlation analyses of antioxidant activities. The main research frontiers included the unified standard naming and adaptation mechanisms of Z. germplasm resources, orientation cultivation, functional component extraction, processing technology research and development, and industrial chain construction. The results provide a scientific reference for the high-quality development of the prickly ash industry.

Extraction of polyphenolic compounds from ginkgo leaves using deep eutectic solvents: A potential solution for the sustainable and environmentally friendly isolation of biflavonoids

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is one of the oldest trees on earth and its leaves are traditionally used as herbal medicine. The beneficial effects of ginkgo leaves are attributed to the presence of flavonoids and terpene trilactones. Monomeric flavonoids are frequently studied, but recently much attention has been paid to biflavonoids, dimeric flavonoids, due to their biological activity and potential pharmaceutical use. The development of a suitable and effective extraction protocol focusing on biflavonoids is increasingly in demand. Therefore, in this study, we developed an optimized extraction protocol using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to extract flavonoids from ginkgo leaves, with special attention to biflavonoids. Initially, 250 DESs were screened using COSMOtherm software to identify those that could strongly solubilize biflavonoids and flavonoids, and the results obtained indicated 15 DESs. Among them, betaine: ethylene glycol (B:EG) 1:2 with 30 % H2O (w/w) showed higher extraction efficiency than the extraction performed with 80 % methanol. In a next step, the extraction with the selected DES was further optimized using a Box-Behnken experimental design. The results obtained showed that the optimum extraction conditions using the selected DES were as follows: Extraction time 45 minutes, the ratio of the initial mass of the shredded leaves to the volume of the DES 20:1 and the temperature 20 °C. Finally, the concentrations of the 5 most abundant biflavonoids in ginkgo leaves (amentoflavone, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, bilobetin and sciadopitysin) in the extracts were determined using HPLC-DAD. The results showed that B:EG 1:2 with 20 % H2O (w/w) and 30 % H2O (w/w) were suitable for the extraction of all five biflavonoids.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of flavonoids from Emilia prenanthoidea DC. using response surface methodology and exploration of the ecological factors on total flavonoid and antioxidant activity

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of flavonoids from <i>Emilia prenanthoidea</i> DC. using response surface methodology and exploration of the ecological factors on total flavonoid and antioxidant activity

The Effect of Flavonoids of Phaleria macrocarpa Fruit Extract on Aortic Diameter Mice Menopause Model

Menopause is a phase experienced by women with an age range of 45-55 years. Menopause is a condition where menstruation stops for a minimum of 12 consecutive months due to the decline in ovarian function, leading to a reduction in estrogen levels. A decrease in estrogen can lead to impaired fat metabolism resulting in atherosclerosis. This study aimed to illustrate the influence of flavonoid extract derived from Phaleria Macrocarpa on the enlargement of the aorta's diameter of mice with a menopause condition. The method of this study is a genuine experimental laboratory setting with a research design of a Randomized Post Test Only Control Group setting. Using 32 female mice divided into 6 groups: K- (without ovariectomy and flavonoid extract Phaleria Macrocarpa), K + (ovariectomy without treatment), P1 (ovariectomy + dose 3.75 mg/mice/day), P2 (ovariectomy + dose 7.5 mg/mice/day), P3 (ovariectomy + dose 11.25 mg/mice/day), and P4 (ovariectomy + dose 15 mg/mice/day). Administration of flavonoid extract Phaleria Macrocarpa was carried out for 14 days. Data analysis using statistical analysis. The results showed that in a post-hoc test, namely the administration of Phaleria macrocarpa flavonoid extract at a dose of 11.25 mg/mice/day and 15 mg/mice/day showed that it could increase the dilation of the aortic diameter of mice model menopause. The study concludes that the flavonoid fruit extract from Phaleria Macrocarpa has the ability to increase the width of the aorta in mice with a menopause condition. In future studies, it is recommended to investigate various variables in order to identify the factors that contribute to the narrowing of the aorta. Additionally, it is suggested to perform further research specifically focusing on women going through menopause.

The Impact of Phaleria macrocarpa Fruit Flavonoid Extract on Endometrial Thickness in Mice Menopausal Model

This study aims to determine how the effect of flavonoid phaleria macrocarpa fruit extract on the endometrial thickness of Mus musculus which is used as an experimental animal with a menopause model. This study employed a randomized post-test-only control group design on 32 female mice. Ovariectomy simulated menopause, followed by treatment with flavonoid from Phaleria macrocarpa fruit extract. Post-observariectomized, follicle-stimulating hormone levels indicated menopausal status. Hematoxylin-Eosin methods assessed endometrial thickness. The result indicated reduced endometrial thinning in the positive control group (K+). Conversely, the treatment group (P1-P4) exhibited increased endometrial thickness post-flavonoid extract administration. Ovariectomized-induced estrogen decline resulted in reduced endometrial thinning, mimicking menopausal conditions. Statistically, flavonoid extract administration increased endometrial thickness in ovariectomized-induced menopausal mice, with optimal effect observed at 7.5 mg/mice/day for 14 days. The preferred intervention dose for altering endometrial thickness in menopausal conditions was identified as P1 (3.75 mg/mice/day). In conclusion, a flavonoid from Phaleria macrocarpa fruit extract mitigates endometrial thinning in the menopausal mice model. For implication in menopausal women, clinical trials need to be conducted to evaluate the dosage of these flavonoids for their potential as a natural SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) before clinical application in managing endometrial health. Additionally, research on molecular effects particularly regarding ER (Estrogen Receptors) in the endometrial organ, is needed to confirm their phytoestrogenic effect.

The Effect Flavonoids Phaleria macrocarpa Fruit Extract on Thickness of Trabeculae, Cortex Ratio Femoral Bone and Aortic Intima-Media in Mice Menopause Model

A deficiency of the hormone estrogen at menopause can lead to an increased rate of the destruction of the bone tissue that leads to bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis and impaired fat metabolism, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Phytoestrogens from flavonoid extract P. Macrocarpa, having effects similar to endogenous estrogens themselves, prevent osteoporosis and atherosclerosis in menopausal women. The purpose of this research is to assess the influence of flavonoids from P. Macrocarpa fruit extract on trabeculae cortex thickness, ratio of femoral bone, and aortic IMT (A-IMT) in a menopausal mouse model. The study was conducted in a true experimental-posttest-only control group design. Using 32 mice; namely KN (normal mice with no treatment), KP (OVX with no treatment), P1(OVX and given flavonoid 3.75 mg/mice/day), P2 (OVX and given flavonoid 7.5 mg/mice/day), P3(OVX and given flavonoid 11.25 mg/mice/day), P4 (OVX and given flavonoid 15 mg/mice/day), the treatment given within 14 days. Then the thickness of the trabeculae, cortex, and intima-media aorta with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining. In the trabeculae, cortex thickness ratio obtained KN results meaningfully dissimilar to the KP group and the P3 and P4 groups were meaningfully dissimilar from the KP. The A-BMI in KP is meaningfully dissimilar to P1, P2, P3 and P4. The conclusion of the study is flavonoid fruit extract P. Macrocarpa can increase the thickness ratio of trabeculae, and cortex femoral bone of mice menopausal model in groups P3, P4 and can decrease A-IMT starting in groups P1 to P4.

Optimization of Temperature and Time of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction Method on Flavonoid and Antioxidant Activity of Brown Rice from Demak, Indonesia

Brown rice contains a number of bioactive components, such as pigments and flavonoids, which act as antioxidant. Plants widely distribute polar flavonoid compounds, which actively function as antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that can significantly inhibit or prevent the oxidation of the substrate. The body requires antioxidants to defend itself against attacks by free radicals. The goal of this study was to find the best temperature and time for the Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE) method to measure the antioxidant activity and flavonoids in brown rice extract using UV-Visible spectrophotometry. The extract was prepared using the UAE method with 96% ethanol solvent at 45°C and 55°C for 20–30 minutes. Data obtained was statistically analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test. The study found that brown rice extracted with 96% ethanol at 45°C for 20 minutes produced 4.089 mg QE (Quercetin Equivalent)/g of total flavonoids. The antioxidant activity was the lowest, with an IC50 value of 381.102 ppm. The statistical analysis using the one-way ANOVA test revealed that there were no differences in temperature or time optimization that affected the levels of flavonoids and antioxidants. It can be concluded that the 96% ethanol extract of brown rice has the best flavonoid and antioxidant content. The best treatment was at 45°C and 20 minutes of extraction time.

Determination of metabolic profiling by LC-MS/MS, evaluation of antioxidant activities, and enzyme inhibition effects of Helichrysum plicatum subsp. pseudopliacatum

Helichrysum species are traditionally used to treat many diseases. In this study, the antioxidant and enzyme inhibition abilities of methanol (MEHP) and water extracts (WEHP) from Helichrysum plicatum subsp. Pseudopliacatum was evaluated. Also, the phenolic compounds will be assessed and the quantities of total phenols and flavonoids will be calculated. For evaluation of antioxidant activity of both extracts was assessed using DPPH, ABTS and DMPD radical scavenging, FRAP, CUPRAC, and Fe3+ reduction methods were used. The inhibition effects of extracts were spectrophotometrically evaluated on the α-glucosidase (α-Gly), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) enzymes. These inhibition effects were compared to the standard inhibitors The qualitative and quantitative phenolic components in extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), employing both methods. The IC50 value, which is the inhibitor concentration that causes 50% inhibition of MEHP and WEHP, is found as 2.39 and 2.97 μg mL-1 for α-gly, 2.48 and 3.59 μg mL-1 for AChE and 11.95 and 25.67 μg mL-1for CA II. The quantity of phenols in MEHP and WEHP were 46.00 and 33.50 μg GAE mg-1 extract, 62.13 and 103.93 μg QE mg-1 extract flavonoids, respectively. IC50 values of MEHP and WEHP were calculated as 40.77 and 49.51 μg mL-1 for DPPH radical scavenging, 10.50 and 17.77 μg mL-1 ABTS radical scavenging and 99.02 and 77.01 μg mL-1 DMPD radical scavenging. The absorbance values of reducing abilities of MEHP and WEHP were found as 0.555 and 0.495 Fe3+ reducing ability, 0.577 and 0.286 for FRAP reducing ability and 0.402 and 0.315 for Cu2+ reducing ability. As a result of the LC-MS/MS analysis, the levels of phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and quinic acid were found to be high in MEHP and WEHP. In this study, it was observed that MEHP and WEHP have strong antioxidant properties and effectively inhibited the enzymes activities. The findings clearly reveal the antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential of Helichrysum species, which have been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Helichrysum plicatum extracts used in this study show that they are very effective against diabetes, glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease, which are global and common diseases.

Green solvent-based extraction of three Fabaceae species: A potential antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-leishmanial agents

The Fabaceae is renowned for its diverse range of chemical compounds with significant biological activities, making it a valuable subject for pharmacological studies. The chemical composition and biological activities of three Fabaceae species were investigated using methanol separately and in combination with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol for extraction. The results revealed the highest phenolic (49.59 ± 0.38 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), flavonoid (29.16 ± 0.39 mg rutin equivalent/g), and alkaloid (14.23 ± 0.54 mg atropine equivalent/g) contents in the Caesalpinia decapetala methanol extracts. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and DNA protection activity were the highest (0.88 ± 0.43 μg/mL IC50 and 2149.26 band intensity) in Albizia julibrissin methanol extracts. The α-amylase activity was highest in all methanol extracts (<15 μg/mL IC50 values), while the α-glucosidase inhibition potential was highest (<1 μg/mL IC50 value) in the methanol–glycerol and methanol–DMSO extracts. Pearson coefficient analysis showed a strong positive correlation between the DPPH and α-amylase assays and phytochemicals. Anti-leishmanial activity was observed in decreasing order: A. julibrissin (74.75 %) > C. decapetala (70.86 %) > Indigofera atropurpurea (65.34 %). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed 33 volatile compounds and, aamong these (Z)-9-octadecenamide was detected in the highest concentration ranging from 21.85 to 38.61 %. Only the methanol extracts of the examined species could be assessed for in vivo studies for immediate applications.

The effects of Mitragyna speciosa extracts on intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in vitro fecal fermentation.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has a long history of traditional use. It contains various alkaloids and polyphenols. The properties of kratom's alkaloids have been well-documented. However, the property of kratom's polyphenols in water-soluble phase have been less frequently reported. This study assessed the effects of water-soluble Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) extract (MSE) on gut microbiota and their metabolite production in fecal batch culture. The water-soluble kratom extract (MSE0) and the water-soluble kratom extract after partial sugar removal (MSE50) both contained polyphenols, with total phenolic levels of 2037.91 ± 51.13 and 3997.95 ± 27.90 mg GAE/g extract, respectively and total flavonoids of 81.10 ± 1.00 and 84.60 ± 1.43 mg CEQ/g extract. The gut microbiota in fecal batch culture was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing at 0 and 24 h of fermentation. After fermentation, MSE50 stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium more than MSE0. MSE0 gave the highest total fatty acids level among the treatments. The phenolic metabolites produced by some intestinal microbiota during fecal fermentation at 24 h were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The major metabolite of biotransformation of both water-soluble MSEs by intestinal microbiota was pyrocatechol (9.85-11.53%). The water-soluble MSEs and their produced metabolites could potentially be used as ingredients for functional and medicinal food production that supports specific gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antioxidant Capacity, Phytochemicals, Minerals, and Chemical Pollutants in Worker Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Broods from Northern Thailand: A Safe and Sustainable Food Source.

Honey bee brood (HBB) (Apis mellifera L.), a traditional protein source, has been studied for its nutritional value, but bio-functional properties and safety concerns have not been verified. This study examined the Antioxidant capacity, phytochemicals, minerals, and chemical pollutants in worker broods from several apiaries in Northern Thailand. HBB samples were lyophilized to evaluate antioxidant capacity using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays, tests with water, and 70% ethanol extracts. Phytochemicals were identified using LC-QTOF-MS; pollutants were analyzed chromatographically, and minerals were determined using ICP-OES. The results showed that the evaluated antioxidant capacity of the ethanol extracts included DPPH 2.04-3.37 mg/mL, ABTS 21.22-33.91 mg/mL, and FRAP 50.07-104.15 mg AAE/100 g dry weight. Water extracts had outstanding antioxidant activities except for ABTS, with DPPH 10.67-84.97 mg/mL, ABTS 9.25-13.54 mg/mL, and FRAP 57.66-177.32 mgAAE/100 g dry weight. Total phenolics and flavonoids in ethanol extracts ranged from 488.95-508.87 GAE/100 g to 4.7-12.98 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. Thirteen phytochemicals were detected and contained adequate mineral contents in the HBBs from different locations found, which were K, Ca, Mg, and Na, and no heavy metals or pollutants exceeded safe levels. These results imply that HBB from different apiaries in Northern Thailand is a nutritious food source with considerable antioxidants and a safe and sustainable food source.

The possible effect of crude phenolic-rich extract from mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on infertility induced by streptozotocin in rats fed a high-fat diet as a model of type 2 diabetes

BackgroundPhenolic compounds (PC) are found in various foods that are part of the human diet, such as mushrooms. The identification of PC is crucial due to their bioactive properties and their role in disease prevention. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of the phenolic component extract (PCE) derived from the Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom. The extract was separated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HLPC). The PCE was then tested on diabetic rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Also, this study was an attempt to treat infertility caused by type 2 diabetes in male rats.MethodsStreptozotocin (STZ) was administered to Wistar rats after a 4-week HFD as a model of type 2 diabetes (D2). Animals were given phenols orally on a high-fat diet for four weeks after being diagnosed with diabetes.ResultsPCE constituents were 48.02% carbohydrates, 21.15% protein, 6.16% fiber, 2.06% fat, and 6.93% ash. The evaluation of the PCE was carried out by assessing its retention rates and subsequently comparing the UV data to standards.Total phenols and flavonoids in the crude extract were 23.04 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 8.14 mg/g quercetin equivalent, respectively. Catechin was found as the significant PC (121.53 µg/mL), while gallic acid was the second PC (11.64 µg/ml) in the PCE of mushrooms. PCE showed high radical scavenging activity on DPPH. With dosage and incubation duration in dark-dependent conditions, it was discovered to be 93.23% at a 500 µg/ml concentration after 120 min in the dark. PCE reduces blood glucose levels while elevating insulin levels and antioxidant activity indicators. Our results show that phenols and their bioactive components can change glucose metabolism in STZ-induced diabetic HFD rats (D2).ConclusionsThis study supports PCE's therapeutic potential in treating hyperglycemia, increasing insulin secretion, and addressing diabetes-induced infertility.

The Impact of Tadbir as a Pre-Application Treatment of Medicinal Plants on Their Chemical Profiles and Biological Activities in Traditional Persian Pharmacy

Based on basic traditional medicine practice, many plants undergo primary treatments to improve their pharmacological characteristics or to attenuate unwanted or unfavorable features of drugs before incorporating them into drug formulations. These treatments are called “Tadbir” in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). The purpose of these processes includes but is not limited to eliminating unnecessary compounds, excluding harmful properties such as toxicity and poignancy, and improving their overall natural properties and effectiveness. Here, the effect of vinegar and acetic acid treatment on three herbal specimens, including Carum carvi L. fruits (CC), Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague fruits (TA), and Nigella sativa L. seeds (NS) were investigated. The treated and non-treated samples were subjected to essential oil and methanol extraction. Further, to assess the alterations in the essential oil constituents caused by Tadbir, samples were analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and HPTLC fingerprinting techniques. Total phenol and flavonoid content and DPPH free radical scavenging activity of methanol extracts were evaluated. As a result of the treatments, TA extracts showed significant rise in phenol and flavonoid contents. Total phenol content increased from 98.50±1.01 in non-treated increased to 181.20±0.27 mg GAE/g Ext. in the vinegar-treated TA fruit extract and total flavonoid showed a rise from 8.97±1.12 to 12.89±0.41 mg QE/g Ext. This may be the reason behind its lower IC50 values in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Interestingly, Tadbir treatment of TA fruits with 4% acetic acid, lowered the IC50 value from 1019.42±75.65µg/mL in non-treated control to 274.2±17.22 µg/mL; while vinegar caused a lower degree of reduction in IC50 value (369.4±5.54 µg/mL) in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. However, CC fruit extracts, showed a decrease in phenolic content; while demonstrating an increase in flavonoids. Interestingly, phenol and flavonoid contents were significantly enhanced in treated NS seed extracts. The results of all extracts were found significantly different (p&lt;0,05) from each other and the non-treated control. The conclusive results of the present study may partly justify the pre-application of Tadbir treatments of medicinal plants in traditional pharmacy.

Natural deep eutectic solvent-ultrasound for the extraction of flavonoids from Fructus aurantii: Theoretical screening, experimental and mechanism

To reduce the environmental pollution caused by organic solvents and improve the extraction efficiency, a green and high-effective natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) was screened out and prepared for the extraction of flavonoids from Fructus aurantii based on the COMOS-RS and experimental verification. The results showed the results of theoretical screening and experimental verification were consistent, and Ch-Lea was the best extraction solvent, which further proved the COMOS-RS was an efficient tool for the solvent screening. Then, the extraction conditions were investigated. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: molar ratio (1:2), water content (30%), solid–liquid ratio (1/60 g/g) and extraction time (15 min), yet the extraction temperature and power did not significantly affect the extraction yield. Under the optimal extraction condition, the extraction yield of flavonoids was 122.68 mg/g. Compared with the traditional extraction solvents (methanol and ethanol), Ch-Lea has a higher extraction yield. And the green assessment was conducted based on Eco-Scale methodology, which results indicated the Ch-Lea was more environmentally friendly than methanol and ethanol. Meanwhile, the Ch-Lea has good reusability, and the extraction yields from four reuses were 122.68 mg/g, 125.13 mg/g, 122.56 mg/g and 105.63 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, the extraction mechanism was delved into using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis. The hydrogen bond interaction, particularly the O-H bonds, between Ch-Lea and the naringin molecule emerged as the primary force driving the extraction process. In summary, Ch-Lea is a green, economical, and highly effective solvent, making it a promising candidate for flavonoid extraction from Fructus aurantii. Its potential as an alternative to traditional extraction solvents further underscores its value.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) Flavonoid Extract Ameliorates Osteoporosis in Rats Facilitating Osteoblast Proliferation and Differentiation in MG-63 Cells and Inhibiting RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 Cells.

Osteoporosis, a prevalent chronic health issue among the elderly, is a global bone metabolic disease. Flavonoids, natural active compounds widely present in vegetables, fruits, beans, and cereals, have been reported for their anti-osteoporotic properties. Onion is a commonly consumed vegetable rich in flavonoids with diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, the trabecular structure was enhanced and bone mineral density (BMD) exhibited a twofold increase following oral administration of onion flavonoid extract (OFE). The levels of estradiol (E2), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) in serum were significantly increased in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, with effects equal to alendronate sodium (ALN). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) levels in rat serum were reduced by 35.7% and 36.9%, respectively, compared to the OVX group. In addition, the effects of OFE on bone health were assessed using human osteoblast-like cells MG-63 and osteoclast precursor RAW 264.7 cells in vitro as well. Proliferation and mineralization of MG-63 cells were promoted by OFE treatment, along with increased ALP activity and mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). Additionally, RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity were inhibited by OFE treatment through decreased TRAP activity and down-regulation of mRNA expression-related enzymes in RAW 264.7 cells. Overall findings suggest that OFE holds promise as a natural functional component for alleviating osteoporosis.

Probing the interaction mechanism of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents with flavonoid and polyphenol systems

Choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been demonstrated as promising green solvents for the extraction of flavonoids and polyphenols. This study investigates the interaction between six different hydrogen bond donors (HBD) choline chloride-based DES and three types of polyphenolic flavonoid substrates. Density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that Cl− dominates the interaction primarily through electrostatic forces. The extraction effect of alcohol DES on rutin was optimized obviously, and the maximum interaction could reach 737.6 kJ/mol. Acid DES has a better extraction effect on anthocyanins, with a maximum interaction of 376.4 kJ/mol. With the increase of the carbon chain of HBA and the increase of the number of functional groups, the interaction between DES and the active substance decreases. As HBD, ethanolamine with both hydroxyl and amino groups showed the best effect in the extraction process of DES, forming the maximum interaction energy of 1575.8 kJ/mol. Additionally, multivariate analysis is employed to establish the relationship between different variables and interaction energy. This study provides micro-theoretical support for the extraction of flavonoids and polyphenols.

Potential therapeutic agents of Bombyx mori silk cocoon extracts from agricultural product for inhibition of skin pathogenic bacteria and free radicals.

Pathogenic bacteria are the cause of most skin diseases, but issues such as resistance and environmental degradation drive the need to research alternative treatments. It is reported that silk cocoon extract possesses antioxidant properties. During silk processing, the degumming of silk cocoons creates a byproduct that contains natural active substances. These substances were found to have inhibitory effects on bacterial growth, DNA synthesis, the pathogenesis of hemolysis, and biofilm formation. Thus, silk cocoon extracts can be used in therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of skin pathogenic bacterial infections. The extract of silk cocoons with pupae (SCP) and silk cocoons without pupae (SCWP) were obtained by boiling with distilled water for 9 h and 12 h, and were compared to silkworm pupae (SP) extract that was boiled for 1 h. The active compounds in the extracts, including gallic acid and quercetin, were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid content in the extracts were investigated using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. To assess antioxidant activity, the extracts were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Additionally, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of silk extracts and phytochemical compounds were determined against skin pathogenic bacteria. This study assessed the effects of the extracts and phytochemical compounds on growth inhibition, biofilm formation, hemolysis protection, and DNA synthesis of bacteria. The HPLC characterization of the silk extracts showed gallic acid levels to be the highest, especially in SCP (8.638-31.605 mg/g extract) and SP (64.530 mg/g extract); whereas quercetin compound was only detected in SCWP (0.021-0.031 mg/g extract). The total phenolics and flavonoids in silk extracts exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Additionally, SCP at 9 h and 12 h revealed the highest anti-bacterial activity, with the lowest MIC and MBC of 50-100 mg/mL against skin pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Cutibacterium acnes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hence, SCP extract and non-sericin compounds containing gallic acid and quercetin exhibited the strongest inhibition of both growth and DNA synthesis on skin pathogenic bacteria. The suppression of bacterial pathogenesis, including preformed and matured biofilms, and hemolysis activity, were also revealed in SCP extract and non-sericin compounds. The results show that the byproduct of silk processing can serve as an alternative source of natural phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants that can be used in therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of pathogenic bacterial skin infections.

Osmanthus fragrans Flavonoid Extract Inhibits Adipogenesis and Induces Beiging in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Osmanthus fragrans has a long history of cultivation in Asia and is widely used in food production for its unique aroma, which has important cultural and economic values. It is rich in flavonoids with diverse pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-lipid activities. However, little is known regarding the effects of Osmanthus fragrans flavonoid extract (OFFE) on adipogenesis and pre-adipocyte transdifferentiation. Herein, this research aimed to investigate the effect of OFFE on the differentiation, adipogenesis, and beiging of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Results showed that OFFE inhibited adipogenesis, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in mature adipocytes, and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis as well as beiging/browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This effect was accompanied by increased mRNA and protein levels of the brown adipose-specific marker gene Pgc-1a, and the upregulation of the expression of UCP1, Cox7A1, and Cox8B. Moreover, the research observed a dose-dependent reduction in the mRNA expression of adipogenic genes (C/EBPα, GLUT-4, SREBP-1C, and FASN) with increasing concentrations of OFFE. Additionally, OFFE activated the AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit adipogenesis. These findings elucidate that OFFE has an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis and promotes browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which lays the foundation for further investigation of the lipid-lowering mechanism of OFFE in vivo in the future.

Designing green and recyclable switchable supramolecular deep eutectic solvents for efficient extraction of flavonoids from Scutellariae Radix and mechanism exploration

A green and recyclable switchable supramolecular deep eutectic solvent (SS-DES) was designed and prepared for effective extraction of flavonoids from Scutellariae Radix. The novel SS-DES has both excellent extraction performance of DES and the host guest inclusion of cyclodextrin, thereby showing superior extraction efficiency and selectivity. The characteristic of polarity switching can endow the SS-DES with achieving homogeneous extraction and rapid two-phase separation, shorting per-treatment time largely. Parameters affecting the extraction performance were investigated by the response surface methodology. The results indicated that the SS-DES showed better extraction yield of total flavonoids (157.95 mg/g) compared with pure DES (135 mg/g) and traditional organic solvent (60 % ethanol, 104.87 mg/g). Moreover, the switching mechanism of SS-DES was characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR, and the extraction mechanism was studied by density functional theory and molecular docking analysis. After evaluating the ecological impact of the method, the cytotoxicity of SS-DES was investigated and the result displayed that its toxicity was very low or even negligible with the EC50>2000 mg/L. After being adsorbed by macroporous AB-8 resin, the regenerated SS-DES was recycled 5 times and the extraction efficiency still remained above 90 %, indicating the desirable reusability. Therefore, the proposed method was efficient and sustainable, and revealed favorable application prospect for the extraction of bio-active compounds from plant materials.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of total flavonoids from Zanthoxylum bungeanum residue and their allelopathic mechanism on Microcystis aeruginosa

Water eutrophication has emerged as a pressing concern for massive algal blooms, and these harmful blooms can potentially generate harmful toxins, which can detrimentally impact the aquatic environment and human health. Consequently, it is imperative to identify a safe and efficient approach to combat algal blooms to safeguard the ecological safety of water. This study aimed to investigate the procedure for extracting total flavonoids from Z. bungeanum residue and assess its antioxidant properties. The most favorable parameters for extracting total flavonoids from Z. bungeanum residue were a liquid–solid ratio (LSR) of 20 mL/g, a solvent concentration of 60%, an extraction period of 55 min, and an ultrasonic temperature of 80 °C. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic inhibitory mechanism of Z. bungeanum residue extracts against M. aeruginosa was assessed with a particular focus on the concentration-dependent toxicity effect. Z. bungeanum residue extracts damaged the oxygen-evolving complex structure, influenced energy capture and distribution, and inhibited the electron transport of PSII in M. aeruginosa. Furthermore, the enhanced capacity for ROS detoxification enables treated cells to sustain their photosynthetic activity. The findings of this study hold considerable relevance for the ecological management community and offer potential avenues for the practical utilization of resources in controlling algal blooms.