Highest Flavonoid Content Research Articles

Star Anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.): Dual Therapeutic and Nutritional Potential in Food and Medicine

Star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f., SA) is a well-known culinary seasoning in China and Vietnam. Actually, SA also has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine in China with a long history. Phytochemical analysis has revealed that SA contains a high concentration of essential oils, phenols, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to its diverse pharmacological properties. These properties include anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, anti-oxidation, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, anti-diarrheal and promoting hair growth. Various preclinical studies have shown that SA extracts and their active constituents may have potential therapeutic applications in preventing and treating various diseases. However, a comprehensive report on the relationship between the active ingredient, biological activity and food characteristics of SA is rare. The medicinal value of SA has not been well valued and developed. This review provides an overview of the botanical chemistry and pharmacological properties of SA, as well as its potential innovative applications in food and personal care products, aiming to provide theoretical support for its further development and utilization. Graphical abstract: http://links.lww.com/AHM/A138

Development of Mussaenda frondosa sepal infused functional tea with enhanced antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities

Mussaenda frondosa (MF) is an edible species of the genus Mussaenda (Rubiaceae) that contains a wide array of medicinal compounds. The present study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of the MF sepals and to develop a novel herbal tea with improved functional properties. Remarkably high antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities were exhibited by water and ethanol extracts of MF, attributed to their high phenolic and flavonoid contents. None of the extracts showed toxicity, as evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality assay. A tea was formulated by blending different proportions (30, 40 and 50%) of dry sepals of MF with black tea. The sensory analysis showed a significantly high level of acceptance for the formula containing 40% MF (MFT-40) with augmented phenolic contents (138.82 ± 0.21 mg GAE/g), antioxidant (DPPH scavenging activity with IC50 of 12.23 ± 0.45 µg/mL), and hypoglycemic activities (α-amylase inhibition with IC50 of 104.80 ± 0.59 µg/mL) compared to the black tea control (with the values of 128.47 ± 0.13 mg GAE/g, 18.70 ± 0.68 µg/mL and 153.07 ± 0.61 µg/mL respectively). This study revealed the potential use of MF as a source of antioxidants for the development of new functional teas with enhanced health benefits.

Integrated Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Provide Key Molecular Insights into Floral Stage-Driven Flavonoid Pathway in Safflower

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb renowned for its high flavonoid content and significant medicinal value. However, the dynamic changes in safflower petal flavonoid profiles across different flowering phases present a challenge in optimizing harvest timing and medicinal use. To enhance the utilization of safflower, this study conducted an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of safflower petals at different flowering stages. Our findings revealed that certain flavonoids were more abundant during the fading stage, while others peaked during full bloom. Specifically, seven metabolites, including p-coumaric acid, naringenin chalcone, naringenin, dihydrokaempferol, apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin, accumulated significantly during the fading stage. In contrast, dihydromyricetin and delphinidin levels were notably reduced. Furthermore, key genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, such as 4CL, DFR, and ANR, exhibited up-regulated expression with safflower’s flowering progression, whereas CHI, F3H, and FLS were down-regulated. Additionally, exposure to UV-B stress at full bloom led to an up-regulation of flavonoid content and altered the expression of key flavonoid biosynthetic genes over time. This study not only elucidates the regulatory mechanisms underlying flavonoid metabolism in safflower but also provides insights for maximizing its medicinal and industrial applications.

Plantago boissieri : Phytochemical Assessment, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatoryand Wound Healing Potential.

Plantago is a large genus under family Plantaginaceae. Plantago species were noted for potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities. The current research investigated the potential bioactivities as the metabolic content of Plantagoboisserei extract. Results highlighted the rich content of phenolics (450.93 ± 7.4 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (144.2 ± 3.6 mg RE/g extract). HPLC analysis enabled the detection of 17 phenolic constituents among which ellagic acid was found in highest concentration followed by rutin. P. boisserei exhibited a potent antioxidant activity evidenced by the IC50 values in ABTS and H2O2 assays (10.95 and 10.87 µg/mL, respectively) as well as in TAC assay (67.94 mg AAE/g). The anti-microbial activities revealed a moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. In vitro anti-inflammatory potential indicated a characteristic inhibition against COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes with IC50 62.8 and 14.23 µg/mL, respectively, compared to ibuprofen (IC50 8.07 and 6.58, respectively). Additionally, P. boisserei extract achieved a potent wound healing activity using in vivo rat model, this might be attributed to its high content of flavonoids together with other polyphenolic compounds that have a great free radical scavenging potential. P. boisserei is a promising candidate for more extensive phytochemical and biological exploration.

Microencapsulation of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract in taro starch: Determination of optimal conditions of bioactive compound retention using response surface methodology

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) extract contains a large amount of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antihypertensive effects. The extraction of total phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins is more efficient at boiling temperature (~91 °C) than that performed at room temperature (~27 °C). In this study, a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the inlet temperature conditions of a spray dryer and the concentration of taro starch solids to obtain microcapsules with the highest retention of bioactive compounds in hibiscus extracts. Optimized microcapsules (OM) were obtained at an inlet temperature of 118 °C and solid concentration of 26.5 %. Low moisture content (4.54 %) and water activity (0.2) and high content of total phenols (3374.91 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (372.81 mg QE/100 g), monomeric anthocyanins (36.74 mg C-3-GE/100 g), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity (80.01 %), were determined in OM using response surface methodology. OM showed a range of spherical agglomerate sizes (10––32 μm). These results indicate that CCRD is a good tool for establishing the optimal conditions for solid concentration and drying temperature to maximize the protection of bioactive compounds using taro starch as the wall material.

Eudermic Properties and Chemical-Physical Characterization of Honeys of Different Botanical Origin.

Background: Honey is a natural product that, thanks to its composition, particularly the high sugar content, is highly appreciated as an energy nourishment. In addition to sugars, it contains many other substances (carbohydrates, free amino acids, enzymatic proteins, organic acids, polyphenols) from which the therapeutic properties of honey arise: hydrating and osmotic activity, antimicrobial action, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power. Objectives: The present work aims to deepen our knowledge/understanding of the activity of skin protection exerted by honey, as a synergic result of its multiple therapeutic effects. Moreover, this study wants to find possible correlations between biological properties and the chemical-physical traits of honey. Methods: To carry out this research, five varieties of citrus honey, one of acacia honey, one of chestnut honey, and one of multifloral honey were used. The honeys were first characterized by chemical-physical analysis and then were subjected to qualitative melissopalynological analysis. Tests were also carried out to evaluate both their antioxidant power and the effect on collagenase, an enzyme involved in the degradation of collagen present in the extracellular matrix and, therefore, in the processes of skin aging. Finally, honey samples were then used in in vitro experiments to assess their action in stimulating cell viability and proliferation on human keratinocytes. Results: Chemical-physical analysis demonstrated a good water content (about 17%), an important sugar content (with the monosaccharides glucose and fructose being the most represented in all the honey samples), various amino acids (with proline remarkably being the highest in all honeys), and a high concentration of polyphenols and total flavonoids (the maximum in chestnut honey, 762 mg/kg and 514 mg/kg, respectively). Conclusions The results obtained in this work confirm the ethnopharmacological use of honey in wound care, bring new scientific knowledge on the use of honey in dermatology, and highlight two fields of excellence, particularly incitrus and chestnut honey.

Investigation of the Influence of Different Filler Contents of Wine Pomace in PBS on Fracture Mechanics Properties

Biobased polybutylene succinate (PBS) represents a promising alternative to petrochemical-based polymers. The use of this biopolymeris limited in many areas by its low resilience against environmental influences. With the help of bio-based stabilizers the thermo-oxidative degradation process can be slowed down. Suitable stabilizing additives are natural antioxidants present in plant extracts with a high flavonoid content, which can be found in grapes, wine and wine by-products. PBS was modified with two different bio-stabilizers based on wine grape pomace. The highest filler content tested was 20 wt.-%. In addition to improving stability, the additives also impact the polymer’s mechanics. The influence of these functional fillers on the fracture mechanical properties was examined in a quasi-static test. The crack growth was recorded using integrated video monitoring. Based on the results, the corresponding crack resistance curve and tearing modulus were determined depending on filler type and content. Additional optical analysis was used to correlate fracture mechanics and structure. The two bio-stabilizers based on red (RWP) and white wine pomace (WWP) differs distinctly in terms of their influence on fracture mechanical properties. The Influence of RWPon the fracture toughness is significantly higher than that of WWP. Especially at lower filler contents with RWP, there is a strong increase in the fracture mechanics parameter tearing modulus (TJ) and an increase in the slope of the R-curve. With 5 wt.% RWP DOM the TJ is 13.64 x 102, whereas with WWP Silv a value of only 6.39 x 102 can be achieved. This difference is also reflected in the increase in the R-curves. With 5 wt.% a slope of the fitted R-curve of 265.59 (RWP DOM) and 121.02 (WWP Silv) could be determined with the first derivative. In the optical analysis it was noticeable that the RWP particles were more homogeneously dispersed in the matrix while the WWP filler tended to agglomerate. The inhomogeneous distribution and strong agglomeration tendency can be attributed to a higher sugar content of WWP and a higher particle size distribution. The top cut (D97) of WWP Silv is 62.37 ± 0.05 µm and that of RWP DOM is 51.97 ± 0.09 µm.

Enhancing composition and functionality of jelly candies through apple and beetroot pomace flour addition

The functionalization of food products with agri-industial residues is of great interest. Apple and beetroot pomace flour, abundant in dietary fiber and antioxidants, were incorporated into jelly candies using agar, pectin, or gelatin. Three functional formulations were devised for each flour type at the pilot scale, resulting in jelly candies with desirable sensory properties and texture. The high content of total polyphenolics, flavonoids, betacyanins, and betaxantines was determined upon in vitro digestion. The influence of different matrices on these bioactives, crucial for exerting antioxidant activity, was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays on both fresh and nine-month stored jelly candies, showcasing good bioavailability and retention. Enrichment with APF and BPF also led to reduced postprandial glucose levels, glycemic index, and load determined in vivo. These findings affirm that compositionally optimized innovative formulations of jelly candies facilitate the efficient delivery of compounds with anti-obesity effect from upcycled raw materials.

Agribusiness Prospects of Kachai Lemon Produced in Ukhrul District of Manipur, India: Status, Issues and Way Forward

Kachai lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) is a variety of citrus, known for its rich nutritional and medicinal benefits due to its high flavonoid content and ascorbic acid. It has played a significant role in enhancing the socio-economic development of the tribal communities by generating income and employment opportunities. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Kachai lemon has increased its commercial cultivation and market value. This recognition and growing attention have led to the emergence of agripreneurs and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) for production, value addition and marketing of Kachai lemon in an organized manner. The present study is aimed to compile the success stories, challenges of farmers and explore various Kachai lemon brands available on online platforms. A SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) analysis on production and marketing of kachai lemon was performed. For the study, descriptive analysis was carried out to assess its potential, current status and challenges. The study suggests that in order to compete globally, it is crucial to develop strong post-harvest processing and marketing systems with support from agencies and institutions to provide valuable resources and market linkages to enhance efficiency and gain economic benefits.

Green extraction and partial purification of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extracts with high amounts of phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

The aim of this study is to develop roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extracts with high amounts of phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effects using green extraction technique. Roselle extract prepared by ultrasonic extraction with 80% ethanol and 1% hydrochloric acid (RSUEH) promoted the highest yield and high total phenolic (5.21±0.05g% gallic acid equivalent of dried extract), total flavonoid (1.29±0.06g% quercetin equivalent of dried extract), and total anthocyanin contents (0.21±0.00 and 0.44±0.00g% cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent of dried extract determined by pH-differential method with standard calculation and pH-differential method with standard curve of cyanidin 3-glucoside, respectively). From the validated high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, delphinidin-3-sambubioside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside were found to be the major anthocyanins in roselle extract. This extract exhibited moderate 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging effect (EC50 289.61±0.16µg/mL) and strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus intermedius, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the range of 0.15±0.05 to 4.64±0.07mg/mL and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 1.66±0.06 to 7.11±1.05mg/mL. From partial purification, fraction 28 (F28) contained higher amounts of all analyzed phytochemicals than roselle extracts and promoted stronger DPPH scavenging effects (EC50 54.88±2.23µg/mL). F28 showed antibacterial activity with IC50 values against all tested bacteria in the range of 0.19±0.07 to 4.69±0.09mg/mL, and the MIC values ranged from 2.46±0.08 to 6.24±0.09mg/mL.

Enhancing Broccoli growth by bacillus rhizosphere bacteria

This study examines the enhancement of broccoli growth by Bacillus Rhizosphere. Bacteria Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable known for its high content of polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and low calorie count, making it a recommended daily food. Tropical regions grow broccoli in mountainous areas. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes minimizing chemical fertilizers, and biofertilizers like Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as Bacillus, can reduce their use. Bacillus improves plant growth by fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate and potassium, and producing phytohormones. Understanding Bacillus growth dynamics is vital for optimizing its agricultural application. This study aimed to analyze growth curves of different Bacillus species and investigate their potential role in promoting broccoli growth. This study was carried out in January–April 2024 at the Soil Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, and Bumi Agro Technology Company, Lembang. The research was divided into 3 stages: growth curve determination, Bacillus liquid inoculant preparation, and application of treatment to plants. The findings showed that isolates of B. safensis strain MDL5, B. altitudinis strain RPW2, B. subtilis strain YPS4, and Bacillus sp. strain SZ057 reached the highest point in their growth curves after 4 and 5 days of incubation. After that, the curves slowly went down. Inoculating Bacillus into broccoli plants resulted in an increase in plant height by 43.28–58.75% compared to the control.

Silver nanoparticles synthesized using aerial part of Achillea fragrantissima and evaluation of their bioactivities

Achillea fragrantissima (A. fragrantissima), a desert plant, is used internally in Arabian traditional medicine to treat inflammatory, spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, and hepatobiliary diseases. The study focuses on the environmentally friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the water-based aerial parts of the A. fragrantissima plant and their ability to kill bacteria and cells. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to describe the AgNPs. They were then tested for their ability to fight cancer and bacteria. A change in colour from yellow to brown and a surface plasmon resonance peak at 440 nm, seen with UV-Vis spectroscopy, showed that AgNPs had formed. In a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) test of the aerial parts of A. fragrantissima, twenty bioactive components were found. These included isolongifolol and 3E,10Z-Oxacyclotrideca-3,10-diene-2,7-dione, methylbuta-1,3-dienyl)-7-oxabicyclo [4.1.0] heptan-3-ol. The extract exhibited high phenolic and flavonoid content (77.52 ± 1.46 mg GAE/g dry weight and 59 ± 2.17 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively). According to the IC50 values of 17.2 ± 1.18 and 14 ± 2.43 µg/mL, the AgNPs had a lot of power to kill cancer cells from the MCF-7 and HepG2 lines. Some genes that cause cell death (caspase-3, 8, 9, and Bax) were turned on more in the treated cells compared to the control cells that had not been treated. These genes were Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. Additionally, substantial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria was found by antibacterial screening. Overall, this study underscores A. fragrantissima’s diverse biological activity and its potential in drug discovery and nanomedicine, promoting the development of natural antibacterial and anticancer therapies.

The phytochemical composition of Kuzbass medicinal plants studied by spectrophotometry and chromatography

Flavonoids are plant polyphenols that exhibit biological activity with antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic effects. The medicinal plants of Kuzbass have high contents of flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, they can be used in medicinal preparations to prevent or treat serious diseases. We studied the following plants collected in Kuzbass: common thyme (Thymus vulgaris Linn., leaves and stems), woolly burdock (Arctium tomentosum Mill., roots), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., leaves and stems), common lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis L., leaves and stems), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., leaves and stems), red clover (Trifolium pratense L., leaves and stems), common ginseng (Panax ginseng, roots), sweetvetch (Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb., roots), and cow parsnip (Heracleum sibiricum L., inflorescences, leaves, and stems). To extract flavonoids, we used ethanol at concentrations of 40, 55, 60, 70, and 75%. Spectrophotometry was used to determine total flavonoids, while high-performance liquid chromatography was employed to study the qualitative and quantitative composition of the extracts. The highest yield of flavonoids was found in H. sibiricum leaves (at all concentrations except 70%), followed by the 55% and 70% ethanol extracts of T. vulgaris leaves and stems, as well as the 75% ethanol extract of A. millefolium leaves and stems. Thus, these plants have the greatest potential in being used in medicines. High-performance liquid chromatography showed the highest contents of polyphenolic compounds in the samples of P. officinalis, A. millefolium, T. vulgaris, and T. pratense. Our results can be used in further research to produce new medicinal preparations based on the medicinal plants of Kuzbass.

Innovative Approaches to Camembert Cheese: Optimizing Prebiotics and Coagulation Conditions for Enhanced Quality and Nutrition

The objective of this study is to investigate how different factors, such as lactic acid bacteria, prebiotics (flaxseed powder, watercress seed powder, okra mucilage), and coagulation temperature influence the final quality of curd by conducting three optimization experiments and implementing a structured experimental plan. In the first phase, milk coagulation was assessed at 45 °C with various combinations of lactic acid bacteria (probiotics) and prebiotics (powdered flaxseed and watercress). In the second investigation phase, the effects of lowered probiotic and prebiotic (powdered flaxseed and watercress) concentrations were examined at the coagulation temperature of 38 °C. We investigated the concentration of lactic acid bacteria at 3 mg/mL of milk and the effects of temperature and prebiotics (okra mucilage and flaxseed powder). We observed short milk clotting time (2 s) using the optimized mixture (0.18 mg of probiotics, 1.5 mg of flaxseed powder, and 1.147 mg of watercress powder) per 10 mL of milk. It contrasts with the classical coagulation way optimized at (5.9 and 9.5 s), which were generated at optimal temperatures of 45 and 45.7 °C, respectively. Our new mixture improves the fermentation process of camembert cheese at 38 °C. This cheese had a high flavonoid content, fewer lactic bacteria and molds, a homogeneous texture, and no outer crust, and exceptional sensory attributes such as a creamy and fluid paste. These attributes suggest its potential benefits as a dairy product for individuals with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal conditions.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and nutritional profile of pulp, peel and peel fiber of mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i> l.) cultivar Ataulfo

Introduction: Mango fruit and its by-products represent a very diverse and abundant source of sugars and components with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols. Consuming mango pulp might reduce health disorders caused by inflammatory and oxidative processes such as obesity related diseases. Mango and its by-products contain compounds that can either promote or neutralize inflammatory and oxidative environments; variations in their composition may directly influence the degree of bioactivity. This work aimed to analyze the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles presented in the three different mango by-products to know their possible nutraceutical potential. Objective: This work aimed to analyze the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles presented in the three different mango by-products to know their possible nutraceutical potential. Methods: Ripe Ataulfo mango products (pulp, peel, and peel fiber) were evaluated for nutritional composition by AOAC methods. β-carotene and ascorbic acid were analyzed by UV-Vis liquid chromatography (LC), while mangiferin, phenolics and flavonoids by LC coupled to mass spectrometer detector. The antioxidant capacity was correlated to each of the bioactive compounds. Results: Ripe Ataulfo mango products (pulp, peel, and peel fiber) were evaluated for nutritional, antioxidant, and phytochemical characteristics. All the by-products demonstrated significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in nutritional and chemical composition. Mango peel had the highest β-carotene, vitamin C, and mangiferin values. Mango pulp had the highest values for free sugars (73 g 100 g-1), but low phytochemicals values, contrasting the peel fiber with 81% of total dietary fiber but minimum values of free sugars and β-carotene and no vitamin C. The highest antioxidant capacity was presented for mango peel. Results obtained from this study indicate that the mango Ataulfo pulp and by-products are divergent and represent a good source of bioactive compounds. Conclusions: Mango peel composition is a natural combination of high concentrations of mangiferin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin C, provitamin A, and dietary fiber, all involved with inflammation and cell oxidative stress-related disease control and prevention. However, mango peel exhibited the most significant nutraceutical potential due to its high antioxidant capacity. Keywords: Mangifera indica L.; Mango Ataulfo; Mangiferin; Flavonoids; Phytochemicals; Bioactive Compounds

A pharmacological investigation for therapeutic potential of Callistemon citrinus as an anthelmintic agent (Bottle-Brush Plant)

The growing resistance of parasitic helminths to standard anthelmintic medications has sparked increased interest in exploring alternative treatments, particularly those derived from herbal sources. This research focuses on the anthelmintic properties of selected herbal plants, assessing their ability to inhibit and eliminate parasitic worms. Standard extraction techniques were employed to prepare various plant extracts, which were then tested using both in vitro and in vivo assays to determine their effectiveness. The findings revealed that several plant extracts showed significant anthelmintic effects, comparable to those of conventional medications. Phytochemical analysis identified a high concentration of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids, which are thought to be the primary contributors to the observed activity. These results indicate that these herbal plants may serve as promising natural anthelmintic agents, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic drugs. Further research is necessary to isolate and identify the specific bioactive compounds, clarify their mechanisms of action, and assess their safety and efficacy in clinical applications. This study highlights the potential of herbal medicine in developing novel anthelmintic treatments and encourages the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific research.

LC-HRMS Profiling of Phytochemicals with Assessment of Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, and Antimicrobial Potentials of Astragalus brachystachys DC.

This study provides the first comprehensive report on the chemical constituents and biological activities of an important medicinal plant, Astragalus brachystachys DC. The aerial part samples were collected from Adana, Türkiye, and an ethanol extract was prepared with these parts. The secondary metabolites of the extract were determined by an LC-HRMS analysis. The LC-HRMS analysis showed the presence of 39 different constituents, hyperoside (303.419±10.50 μg/g extract), p-coumaric acid (256.975±8.51 μg/g extract), and rutin (72.684±2.23 μg/g extract) were determined as major compounds in the aerial parts ethanol extract. Attributed to its high total phenolic (58.53±1.30 μg PEs/mg extract) and total flavonoid content (29.98±0.83 μg QEs/mg extract), the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity according to three different assays namely DPPH free (IC50: 33.08±0.61 mg/mL), and ABTS cation radical scavenging (IC50: 15.39±0.72 mg/mL) and CUPRAC activity (A0.5: 36.25±0.28 mg/mL) methods. In vitro assays showed that cholinesterase inhibitory activity results were found to be exceptional with 85.95±0.52 % inhibition on acetylcholinesterase and 66.32±1.33 % inhibition on butyrylcholinesterase at 200 mg/mL. Regarding antimicrobial properties, Astragalus brachystachys DC extract was found to be effective against Enterococcus faecalis with a MIC value of 39.06 μg/mL.

Antioxidant activity of extracts of oregano and marsh cinquefoil, growing in the Altai region, in connection with their content of favonoids

Drugs based on medicinal plants have such advantages over synthetic analogues as low toxicity, better tolerability and reduced risk of addiction. Antioxidant agents in medicinal plants include substances from the flavonoid group, due to their ability to inactivate free radical processes, due to the mechanism of electron transfer between reaction components to neutralize free radicals. Among the medicinal plants of Western Siberia and the Altai Territory, oregano and marsh cinquefoil have a high content of flavonoids. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of alcohol-free extracts of oregano and marsh cinquefoil growing in the Altai region in connection with the content of flavonoids (flavonols and proanthocyanidins). To conduct the study, alcohol-free extracts of the studied plants were prepared using patented technology. The content of flavonols and proanthocyanidins was studied by arbitration techniques using spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured using cathodic voltammetry method. The results showed that the average flavonol content in oregano extract was 866.5 μg/ml, while only traces were found in the extract of cinquefoil (60.0 μg/ ml). The average content of proanthocyanidins in the extract of cinquefoil was 4.05%, in the extract of oregano content of proanthocyanidins was 0.43%. The average coefficient of antioxidant activity for cinquefoil extract was 11.63 mmol/l×min and 3.81 mmol/l×min for oregano extract. From the results obtained, we can conclude that it is advisable to use extracts of marsh cinquefoil and oregano, growing in the Altai Territory, in the composition of biologically active antioxidant additives.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Helicobacter pylori, and Enzyme Inhibitory Evaluations of Cleistocalyx operculatus Flower Bud and Leaf Fractions.

Six solvent fractions isolated from flower bud and leaf ethanolic extracts of Cleistocalyx operculatus were analyzed for their phytochemical contents, including phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids. Antioxidant activities were measured using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The results showed that the flower bud aqueous fraction (BAF) and the leaf aqueous fraction (LAF) rich in phenolic content (768.18 and 490.74 mg GAE/g dry extract, respectively) exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activities than the other fractions. The flower bud hexane fraction (BHF) had remarkably high flavonoid and saponin contents (134.77 mg QE/g and 153.33 mg OA/g dry extract, respectively), followed by that of the leaf hexane fraction (LHF) (76.54 mg QE/g and 88.25 mg OA/g dry extract, respectively). The BHF and LHF were found to have extremely high antibacterial activity against two H. pylori strains, ATCC 51932 and 43504 (MICs of 125 µg/mL). Interestingly, DMC (2',4'-Dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone) isolated from the BHF displayed greater antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains (MICs of 25-50 µg/mL) than those of the fractions. In addition, DMC presented potent inhibitory effects on H. pylori urease (IC50 of 3.2 µg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 of 83.80 µg/mL), but no inhibition against α-glucosidase. It was also demonstrated that DMC showed pronounced inhibitory effects on the urease activity and biofilm formation of H. pylori, and could increase the membrane permeability of the bacterial cells. Scanning electron micrographs depicted that the BHF and DMC had strong effects on the cell shape and significantly induced the distortion and damage of the cell membrane. The fractions and DMC showed no significant toxicity to four tested human cell lines. Efforts to reduce antibiotic use indicate the need for further studies of the flower buds and DMC as potential products to prevent or treat gastric H. pylori infections.

Photoprotective Potential of Passiflora Cincinnata Mast. (Passifloraceae) Hydro-Alcoholic Extracts.

Passiflora cincinnata is a Passifloraceae typical of the Caatinga, a biome unique to Brazil. It has various pharmacological properties associated with its high flavonoid content. Vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin and derivatives are the main chemical and pharmacological markers for this plant. Although flavonoids enriched-extracts have been widely applied in phytocosmetics, especially in sunscreen formulations, the use of P. cincinnata as a photoprotective ingredient remains unexplored. Different hydro-alcoholic extracts were prepared and their antioxidant and photoprotective activities were evaluated by in vitro assays. The most promising extract (Pc-1) was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Nine flavonoids were identified as major compounds: isovitexin-7-O-glucoside, isoorientin-2"O-hexoside, orientin, isoorientin, isovitexin-2"-O-glucoside, isovitexin-6"-O-glucoside, isoscoparin and isoquercitrin. Finally, Pc-1 (5 and 10 %, v/v) was incorporated into gel formulations, alone or combined to commercial chemical filters (benzophenone-3 and octyl methoxycinnamate). Formulations containing Pc-1 showed high SPFspectrophotometric values. When combined to commercial filters, Pc-1 (5 %) potentiated their photoprotective efficacy (p<0.05). A physicochemical characterization indicated no incompatibility or signs of instability after extract incorporation. Altogether, these findings encourage the use of Pc-1 as a photoprotective ingredient or co-adjuvant in sunscreens formulations.