High Content Of Phytochemicals Research Articles

Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Contents and Selected Micronutrient Contents of Vernonia amygdalina (Onugbu Leaf) and Pterocarpus mildbreadii (Oha Leaf) Brought from Igbariam, Anambra State

The purpose of this study is conducting a comparative study on the nutritional compositions of bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and oha leaf (Pterocarpus mildbraedii), focusing on its phytochemicals and micronutrients so as to determine their nutritional value, the bioactive compounds present in them and relate them to their health benefits. The collected leaf samples of V. amygdalina and P. mildbreadii were divided into three parts each, for the phytochemicals, vitamin and mineral determination. The oils of the grounded leaf samples were extracted using soxhlet extraction method and the phytochemical contents of the leaves were analyzed using GC-FID. Vitamin A and Vitamin E absorbance were measured at mg/L using a UV- spectrophotometer at different wavelength while Vitamin C was titrated and measured at mg/100ml. The samples were also digested for the mineral analysis and their filtrates were placed in an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the absorbance of the different elements contained in the samples was measured at mg/L. The results indicated that bitter leaf was high in flavonoid, alkaloid and kaempferol having values of 15.877 ± 0.011, 15.577 ± 0.006 and 13.890 ± 0.004, respectively while the oha leaf was high in kaempferol, sapogenin and phenol having values of 16.873 ± 0.001, 15.125 ± 0.001 and 14.779 ± 0.001, respectively. The Vitamin A (mg/L),Vitamin E (mg/L) and Vitamin C (mg/100) values of bitter leaf and oha leaf were 18.579, 22.120,1174.493 and 20.323, 25.918, 1275.235 respectively. The mineral levels of V. amygdalina and P. mildbraedii revealed significant amounts of magnesium and potassium having higher values of 4.779mg/L, 3.265mg/L and 3.782mg/L, 2.712mg/L respectively. Iron and zinc were not present in the P. mildbreadii leaves while copper, iron and sodium were not present in the V. amygdalina leaves. The evaluation of the leaves of V. amygdalina and P. mildbreadii showed that the leaves had high phytochemical, mineral and vitamin contents. However, the difference between the two samples on their phytochemical and micronutrient composition had significant variations at p<0.05. The result of this analysis will aid to inform the consumers on the appropraite usage of this leaves for optimal nutritional yield. It should also be recommended by food nutritionist as part of a dietary plan so as to help boost the immune system and support other body processes.

Dietary oyster mushroom fermented Vachellia erioloba pods enhance Boschveld chicken meat healthiness without altering its physicochemical quality, growth performance and physiology

The high content of fibre and antinutritional phytochemicals limit the utilization of Vachellia erioloba tree pods as nutraceutical feed additive for indigenous chicken diets. The pods can however be solid-state fermented using oyster mushrooms to enhance the nutritional utility of their spent substrate for the nutrition of the native birds. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of dietary incorporation of V. erioloba pods oyster mushroom spent substrate (OMSS) on growth performance, carcass traits, visceral organs, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality including its fatty acid composition in Boschveld chickens. In a completely randomized design, 250 4-week old mixed gender Boschveld chicks were randomly allotted to 25 pens in which they were offered treatment diets (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10% OMSS) each with 5 replicates of 10 for 12 weeks and then slaughtered. While there were neither linear nor quadratic effects of diet on overall feed intake (FI) (P > 0.05) and body weight gain (BWG) (P > 0.05), dietary incorporation of OMSS decreased overall feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (quadratic: P < 0.05) particularly in weeks 5 (linear: P < 0.05), 6 (quadratic: P < 0.01) and 11 (quadratic: P < 0.05) with no effects in subsequent weeks (P > 0.05). Also, OMSS induced no effects on all carcass characteristics, visceral organs, haemato-biochemistry and meat physico-chemical quality (P > 0.05) except for the increase in serum albumin (quadratic: P < 0.05) and bilirubin (quadratic: P < 0.05) as well as 24 h post-slaughter meat lightness (linear: P < 0.01), redness (quadratic: P < 0.05), yellowness (linear: P < 0.05), hue angle (quadratic: P < 0.05), and drip loss (quadratic: P < 0.05). Further, the spent substrate decreased meat myristic (linear: P < 0.01), palmitic (linear: P < 0.05), palmitoleic (linear: P < 0.01), and oleic (linear: P < 0.01) acids, as well as its total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (linear: P < 0.05), monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) (quadratic: P < 0.01), and n-6 PUFAs (linear: P < 0.05). Furthermore, it decreased the meat n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (quadratic: P < 0.01), with meat from birds fed diets incorporated with 2.5% OMSS eliciting the lowest ratio of 3.63. In contrast, dietary OMSS increased meat stearic (linear: P < 0.001), docosahexaenoic (quadratic: P < 0.01), and tricosanoic (linear: P < 0.001) acid concentrations as well as its total saturated FAs (SFAs) (linear: P < 0.01) and n-3 PUFAs (quadratic: P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary feeding of V. erioloba pods-derived OMSS enhanced meat nutritional healthiness without majorly altering its physico-chemical quality as well as growth performance, carcass traits, and haemato-biochemistry in Boschveld indigenous chickens. It is recommended for inclusion in indigenous chicken diets at 2.5% level.

Tracking the storage stability in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): impact of accelerated storage on storability characteristics, seed quality, phytochemical content, and fatty acids

Storage stability under non-optimal conditions is an essential characteristic of Sudanese sesame. To understand opportunities to improve storage stability in sesame, seed quality, storability characteristics, content of fatty acids and phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in ten Sudanese genotypes subjected to high temperature (55 °C) and humidity (60% RH) for 16 and 32 days. The accelerated storage increased seed color, linoleic acid, fungal growth, and peroxide value, while oil content, oleic acid, water activity, phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity decreased (P < 0.05). The germination rate and content of saturated fatty acids were retained despite the storage (P > 0.05). The landrace Abusundoug showed better storage stability than the other genotypes due to generally low fatty acids and high phytochemical contents. The differences in storage stability in the Sudanese genotypes underscore the need for their further evaluation and use in breeding programs to improve sesame shelf life and quality.

Activity Uji Aktivitas Antioksidan dan Kandungan Fitokimia Daun Benalu (Loranthus ferrugineus Roxb.) yang Tumbuh pada Ketinggian Tempat dan Inang Berbeda

Restrictions on synthetic antioxidants in several countries have caused the global community to switch to using natural antioxidants. One source of natural antioxidants is mistletoe leaves (Loranthus ferrugineus Roxb.).The presence of mistletoe in a place and host is an important aspect to pay attention to to get the best antioxidants. This research aims to determine the effect of different altitudes and host types on the antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of mistletoe leaves. This research was structured in a split-plot design with 2 factors, namely altitude (lowland and medium land) and host types (avocado, lime, cocoa, and dogfruit). Antioxidant activity test using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method and phytochemical screening using reagents. Variables observed included extract yield percentage, antioxidant activity (IC50 value), and phytochemical screening. The results showed that altitude and host type significantly affected the antioxidant activity of mistletoe leaves. Mistletoe leaves in avocado hosts in the lowlands and medium land showed the best antioxidant activity, namely 155,94 µg/mL and 156,25 µg/mL in the weak antioxidant category, and the highest phytochemical content, namely flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids.

Effects of solvent extraction on the phytoconstituents and in vitro antioxidant activity properties of leaf extracts of the two selected medicinal plants from Malawi

This study evaluated and compared the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the solvent extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Vernonia amygdalina Del leaves. Methanolic and aqueous extracts showed high (P ≤ 0.05) extract yields (in %), compared to chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts from both V. amygdalina and A. indica leaves. The study exhibited high phytochemical content in methanol and aqueous extracts compared to chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts, confirming the potential for medicinal use. V. amygdalina methanol and aqueous extracts had higher (P ≤ 0.05) total phenolic content (TPC), in mg GAE/gDW, (158.810±0.846 and 217.883±0.265, respectively) than chloroform (37.574±0.118) and ethyl acetate (104.758±0.236) but higher ethyl acetate content in A. indica extracts. Low polar solvents extracted high (P ≤ 0.05) total flavonoids, in mgQE/gDW, (367.051±0.858 and 149.808±0.009) compared to high polar solvents (14.863±0.071 and 54.226±0.014 ) in V. amygdalina while as in A. indica leaf extracts, low polar solvents showed high TFC ( 658.469±3.451 and 275.288±10.490) compared to high polar solvents (26.312±0.063 and 48.858±0.063) respectively. In vitro total antioxidant capacity, in mg/g, was higher in polar solvents than in low-polar solvents, ranging from 34.300±1.784 to 121.015±6.839 for A. indica ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts. A strong correlation between TPC and tannic acid content was observed, except in A. indica methanolic extracts of A. indica. Ferric reducing power was high, except for V. amygdalina chloroform and methanol leaf extracts, which were lower (P≤ 0.05) than that of the standard ascorbic acid. The study revealed that high polar solvents, such as methanol and water, are more efficient in the extraction of antioxidants from A. indica but lower in V. amygdalina extracts. High phytochemical content and antioxidative capacity could be significant in treating various diseases in humans.

From Ficus recemosa Leaf Galls to Therapeutic Silver Nanoparticles: Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications.

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using environmentally friendly methods has become increasingly important due to its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This study investigates the green synthesis of AgNPs using gall extracts from the plant Ficus recemosa, known for its high phytochemical content. The formation of AgNPs was verified through multiple analytical techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential analysis, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The UV-Vis spectroscopy results displayed a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak indicative of AgNP formation. FTIR analysis revealed specific interactions between silver ions and phytochemicals in the gall extract, while TEM images confirmed the nanoscale morphology and size of the synthesized particles. Zeta potential and DLS analyses provided insights into the stability and size distribution of the AgNPs, demonstrating good colloidal stability. Biological properties of the AgNPs were assessed through various assays. Antimicrobial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, showing significant inhibitory effects. The anticancer potential was evaluated using the trypan blue exclusion assay on Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cells, revealing considerable cytotoxicity. Additionally, antimitotic activity was studied in the dividing root cells of Allium cepa, where the AgNPs significantly inhibited cell division. This research highlights the effective use of F. recemosa gall extracts for the green synthesis of AgNPs, presenting an eco-friendly approach to producing nanoparticles with strong antimicrobial, anticancer, and antimitotic properties. The promising results suggest potential applications of these biogenic AgNPs in medical and agricultural sectors, paving the way for further exploration and utilization.

Exploring the Antibacterial Potential of Lamiaceae Plant Extracts: Inhibition of Bacterial Growth, Adhesion, Invasion, and Biofilm Formation and Degradation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

In response to the global rise in antibiotic resistance and the prevalence of bacterial biofilm-related infections, the antibacterial efficacy of methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of 18 Lamiaceae plants from Serbia was evaluated. The total coumarins and triterpenes were detected spectrophotometrically, while a microdilution assay measured their effects on bacterial growth. Additionally, the impact of these extracts was assessed on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 adhesion and invasion in human fibroblasts and biofilm formation and degradation. The alcoholic extracts had the highest phytochemical content, with Teucrium montanum and Lavandula angustifolia being the richest in coumarins and triterpenes, respectively. Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Bacillus subtilis, were more susceptible to the extracts. Hyssopus officinalis ethanolic and Sideritis scardica methanolic extracts inhibited bacterial growth the most efficiently. Although the extracts did not inhibit bacterial adhesion, most ethanolic extracts significantly reduced bacterial invasion. Origanum vulgare and H. officinalis ethanolic extracts significantly inhibited biofilm formation, while Teucrium chamaedrys extract was the most active in biofilm degradation. This study significantly contributes to the literature by examining the antibacterial activity of Lamiaceae extracts, addressing major literature gaps, and underscoring their antibacterial potential, particularly Satureja montana and O. vulgare ethanolic extracts, linking their efficacy to coumarins and triterpenes.

Optimization of process parameters of refractance window drying for aonla slices and comparison with other drying techniques.

Aonla is as a good source of antioxidants due to its high ascorbic acid and polyphenol contents. However, because of its high acidity and astringent taste, aonla is rarely consumed in its fresh form. As the constituents in aonla are heat sensitive, it is essential to find a suitable drying method for preservation. Therefore, refractance window drying (RWD) of aonla slices was studied as it has the potential of retaining heat-sensitive compounds. The effect of RWD process variables, namely water temperature (75, 82.5, 90 °C) and slice thickness (2, 4, 6 mm), on different quality parameters of dehydrated aonla was studied. Increasing water temperature resulted in significantly higher ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity and product temperature, while total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity and moisture content decreased. With the exception of product temperature, higher slice thickness led to an increase in the values of all the parameters. At the optimized processing conditions of 83 °C water temperature and 4 mm slice thickness, the ascorbic acid content, total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity, titratable acidity and moisture content values were found to be 269.03 mg (100 g)-1, 242.33 mg (100 g)-1, 87.11%, 3.62% and 4% respectively. The aonla slices subjected to RWD also possessed 4-6% higher phytochemical content than osmotically dried and hot-air-dried samples. This research highlights the effectiveness of RWD in preserving heat-sensitive compounds in food like aonla. The RW-dried slices had a smoother and more uniform microstructure compared to osmotically dried and hot-air-dried samples. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Intensification of bio-actives extraction from pomegranate peel via microwave irradiation: Effect of factors, optimization, kinetics, and bioactive profiling

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel is an appealing agri-food byproduct due to its high content of health-beneficial phytochemicals. However, the extraction processes may alter their bioactivity. A microwave irradiation treatment was applied to enhance the extraction efficiency. Extraction time, microwave power, and temperature were examined and optimized numerically using polynomial model and genetic algorithm. Time and temperature were the most influential factors in intensifying bioactives extraction. The optimal variables were 620 W microwave power at 74 °C for 18 min (RSM), and 685 W power at 75 °C for 24 min (ANN-GA). The obtained yields of total polyphenols, flavonoids, punicalagin, ellagic acid, and total hydrolyzable tannins contents were 165.53 mg GAE/g, 40.78 mg QE/g, 91.05 mg/g, 4.28 mg/g, and 130.82 mg TAE/g of pomegranate peel, respectively. The extract showed significant antioxidant capacities, with 65.74 % DPPH inhibition and 71.26 % ABTS inhibition. Several kinetic models were studied to define the extraction kinetics, with Peleg's model being the best fitting with the highest R2 (0.963–0.987) and lowest RMSE (0.95–5.08). LCMS analysis confirms the presence of 15 hydrolyzable tannins, with punicalagin and ellagic acid being the most abundant. These findings demonstrated the significant potential of microwave irradiation for extracting bioactives from fruit byproducts.

Efektivitas Bahan Penyiraman dan Macam Media Tanam terhadap Pertumbuhan Microgreens Tanaman Bunga Matahari (Helianthus annuus L.)

Microgreens are mini vegetable plants with high nutrition that are managed in a controlled growing environment. Management of microgreens requires sufficient water, nutrients, sunlight, planting media and air. The research aims to obtain the nutrient watering materials and media types for sunflower microgreens' growth. This research was carried out in Sumbang Bojonegoro village in October-December 2021. This research was prepared in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors, namely 2 levels of nutrient watering material, water (P1) and rice-washing water (P2), while 3 levels of planting media: husk charcoal (M1), sand (M2) and cocopeat (M3). The parameters observed were the percentage of germination, germination rate, number of normal and abnormal sprouts, sprout length, cotyledon width, sprout moisture content, sprout wet weight, and sprout dry weight. The observation data was analyzed used analysis of variance (ANOVA), with a further Least Significant Difference (LSD) test is carried out at a test level of 5%. Phytochemical tests for microgreens include chlorophyll, vitamin C and protein levels. The results showed that applying water and rice-washing water were not significantly different in terms of % germination and germination rate, while cocopeat media was more effective in terms of % germination, number of normal sprouts, % water content, wet weight of microgreens, length of sprouts and width of cotyledons. Highest phytochemical content % chlorophyll 23.60 mg/L (water+sand media); % Vitamin C content 59.40 mg/100g (water + husk charcoal media) and % protein content 3.47% (rice-washing water + sand media). Keywords: Planting media, rice-washing water, microgreens, phytochemical, watering

Nutritional and Phytochemical Characterization of Freeze-Dried Raspberry (Rubus idaeus): A Comprehensive Analysis.

Several studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of consuming red raspberries on human health thanks to their high content of phytochemicals. However, the products used in these studies, both in the raw or freeze-dried form, were not fully characterized for nutrient and phytochemical composition. In this study, we aimed to determine the nutrient and non-nutrient compounds present in a freeze-dried red raspberry powder widely used by the food industry and consumers. The main sugars identified were fructose (12%), glucose (11%), and sucrose (11%). Twelve fatty acids were detected, with linoleic acid (46%), α-linolenic acid (20%), and oleic acid (15%) being the most abundant. Regarding micronutrients, vitamin C was the main hydro-soluble vitamin, while minerals, potassium, phosphorous, copper and magnesium were the most abundant, with concentrations ranging from 9 up to 96 mg/100 g, followed by manganese, iron and zinc, detected in the range 0.1-0.9 mg/100 g. Phytochemical analysis using UHPLC-DAD-HR-MS detection revealed the presence of Sanguiin H6 (0.4%), Lambertianin C (0.05%), and Sanguiin H-10 isomers (0.9%) as the main compounds. Among anthocyanins, the most representative compounds were cyanidin-3-sophoroside, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside. Our findings can serve as a reliable resource for the food industry, nutraceutical applications and for future investigations in the context of human health.

Foodomics-based metabolites profiling of the Greek yogurt incorporated with unripened papaya peel powder

The food waste of the fruit processing industry is rich in many bio-active components such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, peptides, etc. that own multifaceted health benefits. The valorization of this waste is an intriguing optimization method for various dairy products. Meanwhile, LC-MS-based foodomics has been an emerging approach for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of dairy foods. Untargeted metabolomics has been done of the optimized functional yogurt that contains different levels of unripened papaya peel powder (UPPP) using high-resolution mass spectroscopy for analysis of added bio-active components in the matrix. UPPP comprises a high content of phytochemicals which could give functionality and therapeutic effect to the Greek yogurt. A total of 36 functional metabolites have been identified which have various health-beneficial attributes. Kaempferol, ostruthin, putative carpaine derivatives, etc. are some of the metabolites of high importance with a wide area coverage in the metabolome. This work highlights the bioactivity of the UPPP and its prebiotic properties added to the functional yogurt as an independent ingredient. The incorporated plant-based ingredients like UPPP can effectively enhance the functional attributes of Greek yogurt, which is a potential synbiotic food.

Effect of geographical and agroclimatic location on phytocompounds and antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera leaves

Moringa oleifera is known has high phytochemical content and biological activity. Differences in geographic and agroclimate can influence the phytochemical content and bioactivity of plants. This study aims to analyze differences in phytochemical content, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera leaves obtained from two different environments. Phytochemical content was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, bioactivity analysis was carried out by testing antioxidant activity and testing antibacterial activity. Molecular docking predictions for the 3 dominant compounds in both samples as antioxidants was also carried out to Cytochrome c peroxidase. The research results showed that both samples from both locations contained alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, quinones and glycosides. The total phenol and flavonoid content, and antioxidant of sample M1 showed higher than sample M2. From the FTIR analysis, it was confirmed that there were OH, C=O, CO, aliphatic and aromatic carbons functional groups. The most dominant compound in sample M1 based on GC-MS analysis is Levoglucosan (13.6%), while the dominant compound found in sample M2 was 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z,Z) (16.38%). Molecular docking analysis exhibited that the compound on both sample have promising antioxidant and antibacteria activity. Based on the results, it was revealed that differences in geographical location and agro-climatic conditions influence the phytochemical and bioactivity in Moringa oleifera leaves. These results can be used as a reference in selecting sources of active compounds for pharmacological purposes.

Phenolic Screening and Mixture Design Optimization for In Vitro Assessment of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Honey, Propolis, and Bee Pollen

The current study used a design of experiments to evaluate the potential synergistic effects of three Moroccan bee products (honey (H), propolis (P), and bee pollen (BP)) on the free radical inhibition and antibacterial activity against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The phytochemical contents of these three bee products were first evaluated using HPLC‐DAD with 20 identified compounds (9 in both H and P extracts and 13 in BP extract). The P extract had the highest phytochemical content, with high levels of flavanone pinocembrin, flavanol catechin, lignan pinoresinol, and simple phenolics (p‐coumaric and gallic acids). Then, the optimized mixtures were determined using an augmented simplex‐centroid design. The optimized formulations (H33%:P43%:BP24%) and (H21%:P47%:BP32%) presented the optimal total phenolic content and DPPH‐IC50 with 226.88 mgGAE/g and 10.64 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the formulations (H26%:P52%:BP22%) and (H35%:P40%:BP25%) showed the optimal antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (MICS.aureus equal to 4.34 µg/mL) and E. coli (MICE.coli equal to 5.70 µg/mL), respectively. The predicted responses from these mixture proportions were also experimentally validated. Compared to the single free radical activity and antibacterial effect of each isolated bee product, these optimized formulations demonstrated an increased biological activity, and the determination of the fractional inhibitory concentrations revealed a synergistic effect between these products. This study emphasizes the interest in optimized bee product mixtures for practical applications beyond the pharmaceutical and food industries. Their potential can be extended to nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, animal health, environmental sustainability, and advanced biomedical research, offering holistic solutions for diverse challenges across various sectors. Exploring these applications further can unlock new avenues for innovation and sustainable development.

Biochemical Analysis and Nutritional Composition of Fenugreek Extract

Fenugreek is important herb because of their high phytochemical content, dietary fibre level, and nutritional value. Fenugreek have a wide range of nutritional and physiological benefits and its value added products have been provided in this study. Objective: To characterize the Fenugreek seeds powder for its nutritional and chemical profile. Methods: Fenugreek was analysed for its chemical contents i.e. moisture, crude fibre, ash, crude fat and protein, minerals and antioxidants was quantified according to their procedures. Results: The results showed fenugreek had higher values of proximate testing and other nutrients like minerals. The results showed fenugreek had higher antioxidants. Conclusions: In conclusion, Fenugreek outperform most chemical, nutritional, vitamin, and outstrip Fenugreek antioxidants criteria. It is convincingly suggested that Fenugreek be included in a diet-based treatment for rheostat lifestyle-related illnesses.

Effect of varieties of Curcuma xanthorrhiza and extraction solvent on total phenolic, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity

Abstract. Yodi G, Artika IM, Nurcholis W. 2023. Effect of varieties of Curcuma xanthorrhiza and extraction solvent on total phenolic, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity. Biodiversitas 24: 6425-6431. Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) is widely recognized for its high phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, this study aimed to measure yields, total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of acetone and ethyl acetate extracts from three varieties of Temulawak, namely Cursina 1, Cursina 2, and Cursina 3. The samples were extracted using the maceration method and evaporated with a rotary vacuum evaporator. In this study, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were analyzed using a colorimetric method, while antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The highest acetone and ethyl acetate extract yields were obtained from Cursina 2, i.e., 5.8% and 4.3%, respectively. The highest phenol in the acetone and ethyl acetate extract was from Cursina 2, consisting of 9.55±0.37 mg GAE/g DW and 4.60±0.12 GAE/g DW. The highest flavonoid content in the acetone and ethyl acetate extract was from Cursina 2, i.e., 20.48±0.45 QE/g and 8.59±0.14 mg QE/g DW, respectively. The DPPH method showed that acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of Cursina 2 had the highest antioxidant activities, i.e., 3.28±0.03 ?mol TE/g DW and 2.11±0.04 ?mol TE/g DW, respectively. The highest antioxidant capacity based on the ABTS method was found in the acetone extract of Cursina 2 (148.91±6.10 ?mol TE/g DW) and ethyl acetate extract of Cursina 3 (84.30±5.10 ?mol TE/g DW). The FRAP method showed the highest antioxidant capacity was Cursina 2 acetone extract (115.23±2.30 ?mol TE/g DW) and ethyl acetate extract of Cursina 3 (71.88±1.48 ?mol TE/g DW). These results suggested that acetone is a more suitable solvent for the Cursina 2 variety, while ethyl acetate is more suitable for the Cursina 3 variety.

How to Increase the Nutritional Quality of Stinging Nettle Through Controlled Plant Nutrition§.

As food production faces major challenges, modern agricultural practices are increasingly focused on conserving resources, reducing negative environmental impacts and sustainably producing food with a high content of health-promoting phytochemicals. During production, many factors can affect the quality and chemical composition of a final food product. Proper selection of cultivating conditions, especially a balanced nutrition, can significantly increase nutritional value and result in foods with strong biological and functional properties. Stinging nettle is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, pigments, phenols and other bioactive compounds and can be consumed as a green leafy vegetable with beneficial effects on human health. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity of stinging nettle leaves under the influence of different nutrient solution (NS) treatments and three harvest cycles. The experiment was conducted in a floating hydroponic system in which treatments with different nutrient solutions were applied and three harvest cycles were carried out. After each harvest, the following treatments were applied: treatment 1 - depletion of nutrient solution by adding water, treatment 2 - supplementation of nutrient solution by adding initial nutrient solution and treatment 3 - correction of nutrient solution by adding nutrients. Among the bioactive compounds, minerals, ascorbic acid, phenols and photosynthetic pigments content, as well as antioxidant capacity were analysed spectrophotometrically, while individual phenols were determined by liquid chromatography. Different nutrition solution treatments and the number of harvest cycles had a significant effect on the content of the analysed bioactive compounds. The highest mass fraction (on fresh mass basis) of total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents (377.04 mg/100 g), total flavonoids expressed as catechol equivalents (279.54 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (112.37 mg/100 g) and pigments (total chlorophylls 1.84, and total carotenoids 0.36 mg/g) as well as the highest antioxidant capacity expressed as Trolox equivalents (35.47 µmol/g) were recorded in the samples supplemented with nutrient solution (treatment NS2) and analysed after the third harvest. This is the first time that stinging nettle leaves have been produced in a floating hydroponic system by controlled plant nutrition. We have set this type of nutritional manipulation with multiple harvest cycles as an innovative technique for the production of novel food with improved nutritional value that can be consumed as green leafy vegetables.

Antioxidative phenolic compounds from the aerial parts of Cyperus exaltatus var. iwasakii and their HPLC analysis

The constituents and antioxidant activities of Cyperus exaltatus var. iwasakii (CE) have not been studied to date. In this study, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays were used to evaluate the radical-scavenging activities of the ethanol extract, four fractions, and isolated compounds of CE. In addition, phenolic acids and flavonoids were isolated from the ethanol extract of CE using column chromatography. The compounds identified by spectroscopy were gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, ferulic acid, isoquercitrin, astragalin, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, tricin, and kaempferol. Quantitative analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that the major flavonoids of CE were astragalin and tricin and that the major phenolic acid was p-coumaric acid. In addition, comparative analysis of CE from Ganghwa and Hampyeong habitats using HPLC showed that the Hampyeong CE had a higher phytochemical content. Comparative analyses of the isolated compounds were also conducted among five Cyperus species. The highest antioxidant activities were found in the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction, and among the compounds isolated from CE, vanillic acid and quercetin showed remarkable antioxidant activity even when compared with ascorbic acid. The results demonstrate the usefulness of CE, which has not been sufficiently studied previously, and will facilitate the evaluation of its potential effectiveness as antioxidant functional plant material.

1,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid from Pseudognaphalium affine ameliorates dry eye disease via suppression of inflammation and protection of the ocular surface

PurposePseudognaphalium affine (P. affine), a medicinal plant, has long been used to treat various diseases due to its astringent and vulnerary effects. These therapeutic benefits are largely attributed to high contents of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, that have anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective activities. Herein, we investigated the potential of dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs), polyphenols from P. affine, as a novel treatment for dry eye disease (DED). MethodsWe isolated 1,5-, 3,4-, 3,5- and 4,5-diCQAs from the P. affine methanol extract, and tested the effects of diCQA isomers in cultures of human corneal epithelial cells (CECs) under desiccating hyperosmolar stress and in two mouse models for DED: desiccating environmental stress-induced DED and the NOD.B10-H2b mouse model of ocular Sjögren's syndrome. ResultsInitial screening showed that, among the diCQAs, 1,5-diCQA significantly inhibited apoptosis and enhanced viability in cultures of CECs under hyperosmolar stress. Moreover, 1,5-diCQA protected CECs by promoting proliferation and downregulating inflammatory activation. Subsequent studies with two mouse models of DED revealed that topical 1,5-diCQA administration dose-dependently decreased corneal epithelial defects and increased tear production while repressing inflammatory cytokines and T cell infiltration on the ocular surface and in the lacrimal gland. 1,5-diCQA was more effective in alleviating DED, as compared with two commercially-available dry eye treatments, 0.05% cyclosporine and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops. ConclusionsTogether, our results demonstrate that 1,5-diCQA isolated from P. affine ameliorates DED through protection of corneal epithelial cells and suppression of inflammation, thus suggesting a novel DED therapeutic strategy based on natural compounds.

Does an apple a day keep away diseases? Evidence and mechanism of action.

Apples and their products exemplify the recently reemphasized link between dietary fruit intake and the alleviation of human disease. Their consumption does indeed improve human health due to their high phytochemical content. To identify potentially relevant articles from clinical trials, some epidemiological studies and meta-analyses, and in vitro and in vivo studies (cell cultures and animal models), PubMed was searched from January 1, 2012, to May 15, 2022. This review summarized the potential effects of apple and apple products (juices, puree, pomace, dried apples, extracts rich in apple bioactives and single apple bioactives) on health. Apples and apple products have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, cancer, as well as mild cognitive impairment and promote hair growth, healing of burn wounds, improve the oral environment, prevent niacin-induced skin flushing, promote the relief of UV-induced skin pigmentation, and improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis as well as cedar hay fever among others. These effects are associated with various mechanisms, such as vascular endothelial protection, blood lipids lowering, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-invasion, and antimetastatic effects. Meanwhile, it has provided an important reference for the application and development of medicine, nutrition, and other fields.