Highest Quercetin Content Research Articles

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Hypericum Species-H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, H. rochelii.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae) is the most well-known species in the genus Hypericum, which comprises several hundred species. This study investigates the biological and phytochemical potential of the under-researched Hypericum species, H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, and H. rochelii. A high level of similarity between the chemical profiles of H. hirsutum and H. barbatum and the official source of the herbal drug (H. perforatum) was shown, but a higher content of quercetin and rutin was also found in all three evaluated species (116-230 µg/g dry herb). The highest amount of phenolics (195 mg GAE/g) was recorded in H. hirsutum extract, while the highest amount of flavonoids (47 mg QE/g) was recorded in H. barbatum extract. The evaluated species were excellent scavengers of DPPH, OH, and NO radicals, as well as strong ferric ion reducers in the FRAP test. Prominent monoamine oxidase A and α-glucosidase inhibition was observed, compared to modest inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase. High activity against Gram-positive MRSA S. aureus was demonstrated for the tested species, with MIC/MBC values recorded at 12.5 µg/mL. Antifungal activity against Candida strains was not observed. The obtained results emphasize the need for further investigation of species of the genus Hypericum to discover potentially new sources of biologically active compounds.

In Vitro Evaluation of Extracts From Ixora Species for a Potential Phytosomal Formulation.

Background Ixora species are perennial shrubs and flowering plants belonging to the family Rubiaceae. The leaf and flower parts of Ixora coccinea (I. coccinea)andIxora alba (I. alba) were aimed at isolating their active fractions. The present study was to determine in vitro antitumor activity against malignant melanoma cell lines for phytosome formulation. Materials and methods Two species, I. coccinea (red flowers and leaves) and I. alba (white flowers and leaves), were selected, and this study focused on determining the active fraction by comparing the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and hydroalcoholic (ethanol:water, 70:30 v/v) extracts. The identified potent extract was subjected to in vitro anticancer activity in malignant melanoma cell lines. Results A phytochemical study revealed phytosterols, flavonoids, proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenols, tannins, and diterpenes. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant effect of I. coccinea and I. alba leaf and flower extracts. In the DPPH assay, I. coccinea flower hydroalcoholic extract (ICFHA) had an IC50 value of 248.99 µg/mL, and I. coccinea leaf hydroalcoholic extract (ICLHA) had an IC50 value of 268.87 µg/mL. These two extracts had a lower value with a higher antioxidant effect. In the total antioxidant assay, I. coccinea leaf ethyl acetate extract (ICLEA) and I. coccinea leaf chloroform extract (ICLCE) have 77.4 ± 0.05 and 68.9 ± 0.03 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent per gm of extract, respectively. These two extracts exhibited a high antioxidant effect. The antimicrobial potential was evaluated using selected bacterial and fungal strains using the agar-well diffusion method. Petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of I. coccinea and I. alba leaves and flowers did not possess antimicrobial activity with any of the bacterial or fungal strains. An ethyl acetate extract and a hydroalcoholic extract of I. coccinea leaves and flowers showed antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus. An ethyl acetate extract of I. coccinea flower and a hydroalcoholic extract of I. alba leaf showed a significant zone of inhibition when compared with standard chloramphenicol for all three selected strains, which may be due to the presence of active phytoconstituents. ICLHA showed a MIC of ≤300 µg/mL for Enterococcus faecalisandStaphylococcus aureusand ≤400 µg/mL for Candida albicans microbial strains. The high total flavonoid content was reported in ICLEA at 771.31 µg/mL and in I. coccinea flower ethyl acetate extract (ICFEA) at 694.69 µg/mL. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis showed a high quercetin (QCE) content in the ICLEA extract. To prove the in vitro skin anticancer activity, an MTT assay was performed for the ICLEA extract in a malignant melanoma cell line, and the IC50 value was reported as 7.96 µg/mL. Conclusion I. coccinea leaf ethyl acetate extract revealed a significant total flavonoid content in analysis through the aluminum chloride method, and the presence of a high QCE content was confirmed by HPTLC analysis. The in vitro skin anticancer activity of ICLEA was confirmed by the MTT assay; therefore, it was concluded that the ICLEA extract was a potent fraction and was selected to develop a phytosome.

Study on content of flavonoids and antioxidant activity of the raw materials of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.

The aim of this work was to determine the component composition and quantitative content of flavonoids, including catechins, in the leaves, shoots and fruits of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.) for further standardization of raw materials and establishing antioxidant activity of their water-ethanol extracts. Materials and methods. The leaves, shoots of Parthenocissus quinquefolia were collected during the phase of mass flowering in July 2020 and fruits were collected during full ripeness (September – October 2020) in Lisnyky village of Obukhiv district of Kyiv Oblast (Ukraine). Determination of the component composition and quantitative content of flavonoids, including catechins, was carried out by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on an Agilent Technologies 1200 liquid chromatograph. Identification and quantitative analysis were carried out using standard solutions of flavonoids (rutin, quercetin-3-b-glycoside, naringin, neohesperidin, quercetin, naringenin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin) and catechins (pyrocatechin, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate and halocatechin). Antioxidant activity was determined by the spectrophotometric method at 347 nm by the ability to inhibit the autooxidation of adrenaline in vitro.Results. As a result of the study, 9 phenolic compounds were identified: rutin, quercetin, quercetin-3-b-glycoside, naringin, epicatechin, catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin gallate. It was determined that rutin, quercetin, epicatechin, and catechin predominate in the leaves, shoots, and fruits of Virginia creeper.It was established that the extracts of leaves with shoots and fruits of Virginia creeper show a pronounced antioxidant activity due to their ability to inhibit autooxidation of adrenaline in vitro.Conclusions. The high content of rutin, quercetin, epicatechin and catechin in the leaves, shoots and fruits of Virginia creeper has scientific interest, due to discovered compounds have a valuable pharmacological effect. The obtained results can be used for the standardization of raw materials of Virginia creeper, and differences in the quantitative content of halocatechin in different types of raw materials, as well as the presence of naringin in leaves and shoots and luteolin in the fruits of Virginia creeper as diagnostic features of this species raw material.The results of the study of antioxidant activity confirm the prospects of using this raw material for the creation of new drugs with antioxidant activity

Effect of Commercial Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Antimalarial Compounds of Artemisia annua

Introduction: Artemisia annua is a medicinal plant grown by Ugandan farmers in Kabale and Kabarole. It is particularly used in preparation of antimalarial herbal teas used to control and prevent malaria. The content of these antimalarial compounds in A.annua (Anamed) grown in Uganda are low compared to cultivars in other countries but could be enhanced using economical, eco-friendly, and sustainable fertilizers (biofertilizers). Thus, the effect of commercially available biofertilizers in Uganda on A.annua antimalarial components was assessed.
 Methodology: Seven different commercially available biofertilizers containing nitrogen fixing strains and phosphate solubilizers obtained from the top biofertilizer distributors to Uganda (Shittah Agri and Biotech Pvt Ltd4 106 C22) and manufacturer (Kinyara Sugar Works Ltd.) were used. Their efficiency was assessed by measuring the vegetative growth characters and the content of flavonoids and artemisinin (using High Performance Liquid Chromatography, HPLC) and polysaccharides (using Ultra Violet visible, UV-vis spectrophotometer).
 Results: Though overall increase in growth was observed upon application of the biofertilizers, there was variation in the concentration of the antimalarial compounds. The highest kaempferol content and artemisinin content were observed in A. annua inoculated with Azotobacter spp. AZT (17.05 µg/ml and 1.43%) and Bacillus subtilis, BS (19.12 µg/ml, 1.42%) while the highest quercetin content was observed in A. annua inoculated with AZT (0.42 µg/ml) and Bacillus megaterium, BM (0.41 µg/ml). Additionally, fertilizers (biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers) decreased polysaccharide content.
 Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that application of commercially available biofertilizers in Uganda is beneficial in increasing concentration of artemisinin and flavonoids and thus can be utilized by Artemisia annua farmers in Uganda.

Relationship of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities in Gymnema inodorum leaf extracts

Gynmena inodorum (GI) is a green leafy vegetable used in the Northern Thai cuisine which has antioxidant activities and may be applicable for preventing oxidative stress and aging-related disease. However, understanding the relationship between GI phytonutrients and their antioxidant properties has been unclear. The aims of this study were to identify the GI leaf phytochemicals and to study their antioxidant activities. A chromatogram of LC-ESI-MS/QTOF-MS showed that the GI leaves were potentially composed of phenolics, quinic acids, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponins. This study was able to authenticate quercetin, kaempferol, and triterpenoid GIA1 in the samples. The GI materials with high contents of phenolics, flavonoids, quercetin, and kaempferol showed significant relation to antioxidation and protection in endothelial cell death suppressed by reactive nitrogen species. Meanwhile, triterpenoids had a low antioxidant impact. Ultimately, GI leaves with high phenolic compounds are a promising raw material to develop as an antioxidant functional food.

Quercetin from methanol extracts of the leaves of Ficus benghalensis

Flavonoids are ubiquitous in photosynthesising cells and are commonly found in fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, stems, flowers, tea, wine, propolis and honey. For centuries, preparations containing these compounds as the principal physiologically active constituents have been used to treat human diseases. Increasingly, this class of natural products is becoming the subject of anti-infective research and many groups have isolated and identified the structures of flavonoids. In this study we concerned on determination flavonoids content from methanolic extracts of Ficus benghalensis using catechol and quercetin as standard. The result shows high content of quercetin in methanolic extracts.

Anti-MRSA and Biological Activities of Propolis Concentrations Loaded to Chitosan Nanoemulsion for Pharmaceutics Applications.

Propolis is a naturally occurring substance with beneficial properties; bees produce it from various plant sources, and it is an anti-inflammatory and therapeutic resinous substance. This study aimed to enhance the biological features of propolis extract by loading it onto active film. Firstly, extraction was performed using three solvent systems, and their total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity was measured. Propolis ethanol extract (EEP) was evaluated for phenolic fraction content and then chosen to prepare a chitosan-loaded emulsion with several concentrations. The antibacterial, anti-mycotic, and anti-mycotoxigenic properties of the extract and nanoemulsion were assessed. PPE's cytotoxicity and nanoemulsion were evaluated using brine shrimp and cell line assays. Results indicate higher phenolic (322.57 ± 4.28 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoid (257.64 ± 5.27 mg QE/g DW), and antioxidant activity of the EEP. The phenolic fraction is distinguished by 18 phenolic acids with high p-hydroxybenzoic content (171.75 ± 1.64 µg/g) and 12 flavonoid compounds with high pinocembrin and quercetin content (695.91 ± 1.76 and 532.35 ± 1.88 µg/g, respectively). Phenolic acid derivatives (3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-Dihydroxyphenol acetate, and di-methoxy cinnamic) are also found. Concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 ng EEP loaded on chitosan nanoemulsion reflect significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and toxigenic fungi, particularly Fusarium. Among the four EEP-loaded concentrations, the nanoemulsion with 150 ng showed outstanding features. Using a simulated medium, 150 and 200 ng of EEP-loaded chitosan nanoemulsion concentrations can stop zearalenone production in Fusarium media with complete fungi inhibition. Also, it reduced aflatoxins production in Aspergillus media, with fungal inhibition (up to 47.18%). These results recommended the EEP-chitosan application for pharmaceutics and medical use as a comprehensive wound healing agent.

Development of chloroplast derived SSR markers for genus Allium and their characterization in the allies for genetic improvement of Alliums

Alliums are the most popular for their culinary usage and nutraceutical benefits. Their production is greatly affected by the multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. Poor characterizations of genetic resources are the major bottleneck in the genetic improvement of Alliums. Chloroplast-derived simple sequence repeat has recently gained much popularity due to their maternal inheritance and low recombination along with their hypervariable nature. In this study, 22 of the 28 chloroplast-derived markers from chloroplast genomes of A. cepa and A. sativum were reported as polymorphic and cross-transferable. Tetra nucleotide repeats were more prevalent (52 %) in these 22 cpSSR markers as compared to other repeat motifs. Further polymorphic information content of these 22cpSSR markers ranged from 0.007 to 0.427. Based on the genotyping of 22cpSSR markers, 25 Alliums were clustered into two groups (groups I, IIA, and IIB). This showed that cultivated Allium cepa and Allium sativum belong to group II rather than the majority of wild Alliums, which belong to group I. Hence This proved the widespread use of these AccpSSR and AscpSSR markers. Additionally, it was clear from 79 Alliums morphological and genotyping-based clustering that these 79 wild Alliums exhibit strong clustering consistency in genotyping and phenotyping-based dendrograms, hence confirming these cpSSR's discrimination potential. Allium tuberosum Rottler ex. Spreng is quite distinct from Allium fistulosum L, A. schoenoprasumas as well as Allium cepa var. aggregatum G.Don. Further Allium fistulosum L, A. schoenoprasum and Allium cepa var. aggregatum are closely related, according to genotyping-based dendrograms of 79 wild Alliums. Hence Allium fistulosum L, A. schoenoprasum, and Allium cepa provide a brilliant opportunity for introgression of the high total soluble content, high quercetin content, and allicin content of cultivated Allium into wild Allium as well as the biotic and abiotic stress tolerance of wild Alliums into cultivated Alliums. Subsequent clustering of 79 Alliums further allowed us to identify diverse Alliums for constructing a core collection. Hence present study will be useful for molecular breeding and genomic selection-based crop improvement.

Antioxidant Profile of Origanum dictamnus L. Exhibits Antiaging Properties against UVA Irradiation

Skin aging mainly occurs due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Extrinsic aging is a consequence of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Meanwhile, natural products exhibit protective properties against skin aging as well as photoaging. In this context, the research on natural anti-aging agents is greatly advanced, and in recent years, numerous plant-based products have been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant profile of Origanum dictamnus L. extract as well as its antiaging effects on 2D cultures of fibroblasts and keratinocytes under UVA irradiation to unravel the potential role of Origanum dictamnus L. in cosmetology. In an attempt to explore the antioxidant profile of the extract, we employed well-established enzymatic assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and TPC) and a phytochemical screening by LC/MS. According to our findings, the Origanum dictamnus L. extract possesses high scavenging activity (DPPH, ABTS), high phenolic content (TPC), and high Fe(III)-reduction activity (FRAP). Moreover, the LC/MS analysis revealed that the extract was rich in flavonoids, holding a high content of curcumin, kampferol, silymarin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, deosmin, rutin, and quercetin. To gain insight into the bioactivity of Origanum dictamnus L. extract in cell aging, the expression of various genes that are implicated in the skin aging process in keratinocytes and fibroblasts was studied. The gene expression analysis revealed that the extract increases cell proliferation in the cells exposed to UVA irradiation and concomitantly modulates the expression of genes related to the aging process in keratinocytes (KLK7, OCLN, GBA1) and fibroblasts (SIRT2, FOXO3, COL3A1) under the same conditions.

Exogenous melatonin delays strawberry fruit ripening by suppressing endogenous ABA signaling

Ripening as a physico-chemical change is part of a continuous developmental process and hormones play a major role in this processes. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of external melatonin (0 and 10 μM) injection at the light green stage on the ripening of strawberry fruit. The fruit was sampled for morphological, biochemical, and gene expression analysis during (0, 5, 10, and 15 days after treatment). The results showed a lower accumulation of anthocyanin content was observed in fruits treated with 10 μM. The injection of 10 μM melatonin caused a lower total soluble solid content and fruit color, and higher titratable acidity and softening. The total phenol content was higher in fruit treated with 10 µM melatonin, accompanied by increased PAL enzyme activity and gene expression, increased DPPH scavenging capacity, and higher content of quercetin, gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids. The delay in fruit ripening was associated with suppression of H2O2 level and endogenous ABA accumulation caused by lower expression of NCEDs genes. In general, it is concluded that activating the melatonin ROS scavenging cascade might be responsible for the delayed ripening and development of strawberry fruit. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the exogenous application of 10 μM melatonin can slow the ripening of strawberry fruit.

FARKLI ÇÖZÜCÜLERİN TÜRKİYE`DE YETİŞEN CİSTUS CRETICUS EKSTRAKLARININ KİMYASAL KOMPOZİSYON, ANTİOKSİDAN AKTİVİTE VE ANTİMİKROBİYAL POTANSİYELİNE ETKİSİ

The aims of this study were (1) to assess the extract yield, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of Cistus creticus extracts obtained from different locations in Türkiye (2) to evaluate the effect of water and methanol solvents on chemical composition, total polyphenol and flavonoid content, IC50, and FRAP values of C. creticus. The extracts had a weak inhibitory effect against tested microorganisms. However, the results of antioxidant assays were very promising. The IC50 values of methanol and water extracts were 13.94 µg/mL and 34.41 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the FRAP value of methanolic extract (1.27 M/g) was higher than the water extract (0.72 M/g). The results of HPLC analysis demonstrated that rutin was found only in the methanol extract (13.252%). In addition, the methanol extract had a higher content of quercetin (7.909%), benzoic acid (4.226%), and chlorogenic acid (2.168%), whereas the water extract possessed a higher amount of gallic acid (13.705%).

Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity of Ethanolic Extract Melastoma malabathricum L

Melastoma malabathricum L are plants that are widely found in South Kalimantan. This plant grows along the riverbanks. Flowers of M. malabathricum L have antibacterial activity greater than leaves in Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Every fase of M. malabathricum L flowers contents different quercetin and kaempferol. M. malabathricum L flower phase consists of bud phase 1 (K1), bud phase 2 (K2), bud phase 3 (K3) and blooming phase (M). Quercetin and kaempferol are also found in M. malabathricum L fruit (F). The highest content of quercetin and kaempferol is in the blooming phase. Quercetin and kaempferol have antibacterial and wound healing activity. This research aims to analyze the antibacterial and wound healing activity of ethanolic extracts of M. malabathricum L flower (FL) and fruit (FR). The method antibacterial activity is used the liquid dilution method and continued with planting on agar media. The wound healing activity was tested on rat that were smeared with cream for 14 days and examined the histopathology of the skin. Concentration of extract is 1%, 2% dan 4%. The results showed that the skin smeared with FLC (flower cream) 4% had formed adnesia, while the other treatments had not yet formed.

The potential of non-traditional walnut shells waste for the production of antioxidant reach extracts intended for the food industry

Phenolic compounds extracted from walnut shells are potentially good natural sources of antioxidants for the food industry and have numerous health benefits. Walnuts have more antioxidant capacity than any other nut because the shell is primarily composed of lignin, a strong source of phenols. Studies demonstrated that lignin characterizes the shell strength level and is a source of antioxidants due to its chemical composition. In the current study, an extract obtained by extraction with a hydroalcoholic solvent of various concentrations from a walnut shell was investigated. The results of this study have proven that walnut shell extract contains the main sources of mineral elements and vitamins, which are of great importance. According to the biological value, this extract contains essential amino acids for the body. The high content of quercetin and catechin shows the antioxidant activity of the extract. In the present article, the authors disclose methods for obtaining an experimental batch of a prophylactic product based on walnut shells and give the product a technological characteristic. Consequently, a product was developed for prophylactic usage of 10 ml per 100 ml of water and must be taken 1-2 times a day for 21 days. The required product amount was calculated from the daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids.

Extraction of natural dye from Oroxylumb indicum (L.) Kurz by using different solvents for Thai eri silk dyeing

Among various textile types in Thailand, silk is the largest market share. Thus, upgrading or developing either the dying process or the quality of fabric dried for Thai silk is still necessary. Natural dyes have become an interesting resource because they are more environmentally friendly than synthetic dyes. Thus, this work aims to study the effect of different solvents for dye extraction from Oroxylumb Indicum (L.) Kurz on Eri Thai silk dyeing. Each solvent used for extraction gave a different relative tannic acid and quercetin content. Therefore, this further leads to different properties of dyed fabrics, such as color properties and washing fastness index. From the different solvents studied, the yield of the extracted dyes was on the order of EtOH/water (50: 50) > MeOH/water (50:50) > MeOH ~ EtOH > water. Then, the optimal ratios between EtOH and water in the efficient extraction were varied as follows water, EtOH/water (25: 75), EtOH/water (50: 50), EtOH/water (75:25), and EtOH. The result showed that EtOH/water (50: 50) was still the most effective for dye extraction. In addition, the effect of dose, temperature, and time of Oroxylumb Indicum (L.) Kurz was 8.0 g/L, 60 °C, and 60 min, which were considered optimal extraction conditions due to the high relative contents of tannic acid and quercetin. As a result, the fabric of Eri silk dyed has a high quality of fastness rating. Overall, these results could point out the use of extracted dye from Oroxylumb Indicum (L.) Kurz has the potential as an alternative dye for Eri Thai silk dyeing.

Extracts of Brocchia cinerea (Delile) Vis Exhibit In Vivo Wound Healing, Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities, and Other In Vitro Therapeutic Effects.

The plant Brocchia cinerea (Delile) (B. cinerea) has many uses in traditional pharmacology. Aqueous (BCAE) and ethanolic extracts (BCEE) obtained from the aerial parts can be used as an alternative to some synthetic drugs. In vitro, DPPH, FRAP and TAC are three tests used to measure antioxidant efficacy. Antibacterial activities were determined against one Gram positive and two Gram negative strains of bacteria. The analgesic power was evaluated in vivo using the abdominal contortion model in mice, while carrageenan-induced edema in rats was the model chosen for the anti-inflammatory test; wound healing was evaluated in an experimental second degree burn model. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that BCEE had the greatest content of polyphenols (21.06 mg AGE/g extract), flavonoids (10.43 mg QE/g extract) and tannins (24.05 mg TAE/g extract). HPLC-DAD reveals the high content of gallic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid in extracts. BCEE has a strong antiradical potency against DPPH (IC50 = 0.14 mg/mL) and a medium iron reducing activity (EC50 = 0.24 mg/mL), while BCAE inhibited the growth of the antibiotic resistant bacterium, P. aeruginosa (MIC = 10 mg/mL). BCAE also exhibited significant pharmacological effects and analgesic efficacy (55.81% inhibition 55.64% for the standard used) and the re-epithelialization of wounds, with 96.91% against 98.60% for the standard. These results confirm the validity of the traditional applications of this plant and its potential as a model to develop analogous drugs.

Sicilian Populations of Capparis spinosa L. and Capparis orientalis Duhamel as Source of the Bioactive Flavonol Quercetin.

The genus Capparis is a taxon of difficult delimitation that has several species and ecotypes due to its wide heterogeneity, its extreme phenotypic diversity, and the presence of intermediate forms linked to hybridization phenomena. The Sicilian territory hosts numerous wild and cultivated populations of two spp. Capparis spinosa L. and Capparis orientalis Duhamel, which are ecologically and morphologically distinct. The caper has considerable interest and economic value for its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and cultivation characteristics. It is one of the foods with the highest quercetin content. Quercetin is a flavonol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant properties. Recently, patents and clinical studies have highlighted the inhibitory effect of this compound against several SARS-CoV-2 enzymes (MPro, PLPro, and RdRp). Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the amount of quercetin in C. spinosa and C. orientalis by LC-ESI/QTrap/MS/MS and to correlate it with the pedoclimatic features. The results obtained showed that quercetin is more abundant in C. orientalis than in C. spinosa. The highest values of quercetin were recorded in C. orientalis flowers, leaves, and flower buttons of volcanic islands with southwest and east warm exposures. In conclusion, the data acquired can provide a good basis for further scientific investigations to support the identification of possible ecotypes as a source of quercetin for food or pharmaceutical purposes.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antibiofilm Activity of Red Onion Scales: An Agro-Food Waste

Red onion wastes (ROW) are valuable sources of bioactive metabolites with promising antimicrobial effects. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a growing risk in hospitals and communities. This study aims to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antibiofilm activities of the acidified ethanolic extract of red onion scales (RO-T) and its fractions against an MRSA vaginal colonization model. The RO-T extract, as well as its anthocyanin-rich fraction (RO-P) and flavonoid-rich fraction (RO-S), recorded a promising antibacterial activity against highly virulent strains of bacteria (MRSA, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). RO-S showed the highest antibacterial activity (MBC of 0.33 ± 0.11 mg/mL) against MRSA USA300 and significantly eradicated its biofilm formation with an IC50 of 0.003. Using a rat model, in vivo assessment on all samples, which were formulated as a hydrogel, revealed a significant reduction of MRSA bacterial load recovered from an infected vagina compared to that of the negative control group (NCG). RO-T extract and vancomycin groups recorded the highest antibacterial activity with a bacterial load 2.998 and 3.358 logs lower than the NCG, respectively. The histopathological investigation confirmed our findings. RO-T and RO-S were standardized for their quercetin content. Finally, ROW offers a new potent antibiofilm agent mostly due to its high quercetin content.

Evaluating the Stability of a Novel Nutraceutical Formulation Combining Probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum 296, Quercetin, and Resveratrol Under Different Storage Conditions.

This study evaluated the stability of a novel nutraceutical formulation composed of the probiotic Limosilactobacillus fermentum 296, quercetin (QUE), and resveratrol (RES) (LFQR) under different storage conditions. The effects of different relative humidities (RH; 11, 22, and 33%) and storage temperatures (refrigeration temperature -4°C and room temperature -25°C) on the stability of LFQR were evaluated through the determination of thermal stability, viable cell counts, bacterial physiological status, antioxidant capacity, and contents of QUE and RES during long-term storage. RH did not affect endothermic reactions and mass reduction in LFQR. After a 15-day-humidification period, L. fermentum 296 had higher viable cell counts in LFQR under refrigeration temperature storage when compared to room temperature storage regardless of the RH. The physiological status of L. fermentum 296 in LFQR was overall similar during 90days of storage (11% RH) under refrigeration and room temperature. L. fermentum 296 had the highest viable cell counts (> 6 log CFU/g) in LFQR up to day 90 of refrigeration storage (11% RH). LFQR kept high contents of QUE and RES and maintained antioxidant capacity during 90days of storage under refrigeration and room temperature. The results showed that the higher stability and functionality of LFQR during long-term storage should be guaranteed under 11% RH and refrigeration temperature.

Investigation on characterization of novel anti-bacterial chitosan/gelatin composite membranes loaded with quercetin via electrophoretic deposition

Peri-implantitis is characterized by inflammation resulting from bacterial infections in peri-implant connective tissue. The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize chitosan/gelatin (CSG)-based membranes with antibacterial agents to functionalize the surface of titanium (Ti) implants. CSG membranes were prepared on Ti substrates via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Quercetin, an active flavonoid responsible for fulfilling various plant functions, was introduced as an antibacterial agent to be loaded into the membrane during preparation. The fabrication of quercetin-loaded CSG membranes via EPD was also investigated. Fluorescent microscope, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction results verified the entrapment of quercetin. The membranes swelled by 150% of mass after rehydration. The antibacterial effects of quercetin on Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, were verified by spread-plate, scanning electron microscopy, and live/dead staining. Cytological experiments showed that the biocompatibility of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells was promoted by quercetin-loaded membranes, exclusively in the group with the highest content of quercetin. The quercetin-loaded groups also enhanced the antineoplastic activity of MG-63 cells. These results suggested that quercetin-loaded CSG membranes were successfully fabricated via EPD. Thus, biocompatible and antibacterial membranes could be a potential strategy to functionalize Ti implants.

Modulation of immunological responses by aqueous extract of Datura stramonium L. seeds on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in Wistar rats

BackgroundDatura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) is used traditionally in west Africa to treat asthma, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, filariasis microbial infections and conjunctivitis. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of aqueous seed extract of D. stramonium L. (ASEDS) on Wistar rats.MethodsThirty Wistar albino rats (180–200 g) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5). Group 1 received distilled water only. Rats in groups 2–6 were pretreated with 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) Cyclophosphamide orally for 27-days to induce immunosuppression. Thereafter, they received treatment orally for 28 days as follows: Group 2 (distilled water), group 3 (5 mg/kg b.w. Levamisole), groups 4–6 (60, 90 and 120 mg/kg b.w. ASEDS, respectively). HPLC was used to determine major compounds in ASEDS. The effects of ASEDS on immune cells, immunoglobulins A, G and M levels, lipoproteins, and antioxidant status of rats were evaluated.ResultsASEDS indicated high content of Acutumine, Quinine, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Gallic acid, Quercetin, Vanillic acid, Luteolin, Formosanin C, Saponin, Cyanidin, Tannic acid, 3-Carene, Limonene and α-terpineol. Cyclophosphamide triggered significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total leucocyte count and differentials, IgA, IgG, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins A, C and E levels of untreated rats. Administration of ASEDS led to significant (p < 0.05) improvement in immune cell counts, immunoglobulin synthesis, high-density lipoprotein concentration, and antioxidant status of rats in the treated groups.ConclusionsThe results obtained from the study showed the immunomodulatory activity of ASEDS, thereby indicating its potential in immunostimulatory drug discovery.