High Performance Liquid Chromatography With Diode Array Detection Research Articles

Assessment of induced allelopathy in crop-weed co-culture with rye-pigweed model

This study evaluates induced allelopathy in a rye-pigweed model driven by rye’s (Secale cereale L.) allelopathic potential as a cover crop and pigweed’s (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) notoriety as a weed. The response of rye towards pigweed’s presence in terms of benzoxazinoids (BXs) provides valuable insight into induced allelopathy for crop improvement. In the 2 week plant stage, pigweed experiences a significant reduction in growth in rye’s presence, implying allelopathic effects. Rye exhibits increased seedling length and BXs upsurge in response to pigweed presence. These trends persist in the 4 week plant stage, emphasizing robust allelopathic effects and the importance of different co-culture arrangements. Germination experiments show rye’s ability to germinate in the presence of pigweed, while pigweed exhibits reduced germination with rye. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis identifies allelopathic compounds (BXs), 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) in rye. Rye significantly increases BX production in response to pigweed, age-dependently. Furthermore, pigweed plants are screened for possible BX uptake from the rhizosphere. Results suggest that allelopathy in rye-pigweed co-cultures is influenced by seed timing, and age-dependent dynamics of plants’ allelopathic compounds, providing a foundation for further investigations into chemical and ecological processes in crop-weed interactions.

Longevity Spinach (Gynura procumbens) Ameliorated Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in Cisplatin-Induced Organ Dysfunction in Rats: Comprehensive in vivo and in silico Studies.

This study focused to assess the efficacy of Gynura procumbens (GP) leaf extract against cisplatin (CP)-induced hepatorenal complications in Wister albino rats. Additionally, it aims to detect polyphenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). The rats were treated intraperitoneally with CP (7.5 mg/kg) to mediate hepatorenal damage. They were then treated with GP extract (75 and 150 mg/kg, P.O.) for 7 consecutive days. Although GP extract significantly ameliorated CP-mediated hepatorenal biomarkers like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in a dose-dependent manner, GP extract at 150 mg/kg dose normalized hepatorenal biomarkers ALP (45.11 U/L), ALT (34 U/L), AST (29 U/L), creatinine (10.3 mg/dl) and BUN (11.19 mg/dl) while comparing to control and disease group. Similarly, though it significantly reduced CP-induced oxidative stress inducers, including nitric oxide (NO) and advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), higher dose (150 mg/kg) exhibited better activity in reducing NO (281.54 mmol/gm tissue in liver and 52.73 mmol/gm tissue in the kidney) and AOPP (770.95 mmol/mg protein in liver and 651.90 mmol/mg protein in the kidney). Besides, it showed better enhancement in the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels at a higher dose (150 mg/kg). Histopathological studies showed that CP caused collagen accumulation in the liver and kidney tissues. GP extract drained the collagen mass and acted against hepatorenal damage. Ellagic acid, gallic acid, quercetin hydrate, kaempferol, and rutin hydrate were revealed in GP extract. In-silico modelling showed good docking scores of the polyphenolic compounds with molecular targets including CYP4502E1, NF-κB, caspase-3, and TNF-α. GP could be an effective therapeutic option for management of anticancer drugs' complications like CP-induced organ damage, although clinical studies are required to establish herbal formulation.

Isolation and Identification of Bitter Compounds in Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) Based on Preparative High Performance Liquid Chromatography, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and Electronic Tongue

As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) is commonly used to treat common diseases, for example, esophageal cancer and myasthenia gravis. Furthermore, ginseng is also processed into a functional food additive that is utilized to improve the freshness of chicken soup and make health wine. Unfortunately, ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) has already shown a noticeable bitterness during its application process. In this research, the bitter substances in ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) after two common preparation processes (water extraction and ethanol extraction) were separated, purified and identified by preparative high performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC), high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and an electronic tongue. The results indicated that compared with the other four bitter compounds, the ginsenoside Rb1 had the highest bitterness value, followed by 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg2, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rf and ginsenoside Rb3. Upon the evaluation of results to reduce the bitterness of ginseng extract, we found that the composite embedding system of chitosan adsorption in the ginseng carrageenan gel microsphere (K/MC/MCG) could effectively reduce the bitterness.

Characterization of Azorean Plant Leaves for Sustainable Valorization and Future Advanced Applications in the Food, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical Industries.

The historical use of plants as sources of natural compounds has persisted over time. Increasing the intake of bioactive substances shows significant potential for promoting overall well-being and health. This study delves into the pigments, phenolic composition, and profile, along with antioxidant properties, of leaf extracts rich in bioactives from plants in the Azores region, contributing to sustainable primary food production. Analyses encompassed chlorophylls, carotenoids, total phenols, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoids, as well as antioxidant capacity assessment, polyphenolic profiling, and quantification. Psidium guajava L. and Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H.Rob. exhibited elevated chlorophyll content, while Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott displayed the highest carotenoid levels. Annona cherimola Mill., Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl, and Psidium guajava L. demonstrated pronounced total phenols, ortho-diphenols, and flavonoids. These findings align with heightened antioxidant capacity. HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection) characterization unveiled elevated hydroxycinnamic acids in E. japonica and Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam. compared to A. cherimola Mill., while C. esculenta exhibited increased flavone content. Among the quantified compounds, flavonols were the ones that predominantly demonstrated contribution to the antioxidant capacity of these leaves. This research highlights Azorean leaf plants' antioxidant potential, fostering natural product development for better health.

Selective Extraction of Diazepam and Its Metabolites from Urine Samples by a Molecularly Imprinted Solid-Phase Extraction (MISPE) Method.

In this research, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by precipitation polymerization using oxazepam (OZ) as a template molecule and was subsequently applied as a selective sorbent for the extraction of diazepam (DZP) and its metabolites in urine samples using an SPE cartridge. OZ, temazepam (TZ), nordiazepam (NZ) and DZP were analyzed in the final extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The SPE extraction steps were optimized, and the evaluation of an imprinting factor was carried out. The selectivity of the method for OZ versus structurally related benzodiazepines (BZDs), such as bromazepam (BRZ), tetrazepam (TTZ) and halazepam (HZ), was investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the proposed methodology provided good linearity in the range of 10-1500 ng/mL, with limit of detection values between 13.5 and 21.1 ng/mL and recovery levels for DZP and its metabolites from 89.0 to 93.9% (RSD ≤ 8%) at a concentration level of 1000 ng/mL. The proposed method exhibited good selectivity, precision and accuracy and was applied to the analysis of urine samples from a real case of DZP intake.

Determination of Phytochemical Composition in Fruits and Leaves from Different Origins: Black Mulberry, Chokeberry and Elderberry Genotypes

Black mulberry, chokeberry and elderberry have medicinal properties associated with the presence of phytochemicals which are compounds with potential antioxidant properties. The previously published reports have shown that these compounds significantly affect the course of disease processes by counteracting oxidative stress. In this study, the primary anthocyanins were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Individual phenolic compounds, tocopherols and amygdalin were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Elemental contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The obtained results reveal the significant presence of primary and secondary compounds in the assessed fruits and leaves, with notable variations depending on fruit species and genotypes. The most abundant compounds were phenolic acids and flavonoids. Analyses indicated that chlorogenic acid, rutin, and cyanidin derivatives were predominant phenolic compounds in all fruit species, while phenolic acids and flavonoids were prominent in leaf samples. The highest chlorogenic acid was determined in black mulberry leaves (ranging from 2403.23 to 3542.53 mg/100 g). Generally, the concentration of phenolic compounds were higher in the leaves than in the fruits of the plant. The highest concentration of amygdalin was detected in black mulberry fruits, ranging from 102.12 to 272.46 mg/100 g. Calcium and potassium were the dominant elements in both berries and leaves.

Gas-diffusion microextraction combined with HPLC-DAD for the comprehensive analysis of volatile carbonyl compounds in wood-based panels

This work presents a novel application of gas-diffusion microextraction (GDME) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) for the comprehensive analysis of volatile carbonyl compounds released from wood-based panels. GDME is a simple, fast, and environmentally friendly technique that allows the simultaneous extraction and derivatization of volatile carbonyls directly from solid samples. Commercial particleboards were analysed together with particleboard panels specifically produced using controlled conditions, materials, and reagents, to evaluate the differences in the emission profile of volatile carbonyl compounds. The effect of different production parameters, such as the type of wood particle, resin, and moisture content, on the emission profile of volatile carbonyls from particleboards was investigated using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that GDME-HPLC-DAD could successfully differentiate particleboards according to their emission of carbonyl compounds, such as formaldehyde, furfural, benzaldehyde, and other aliphatic carbonyls. Besides the differences on the emission of formaldehyde caused by the type of resin used, UF (urea-formaldehyde) and mUF (UF fortified with melamine), it was found that pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) particleboards exhibit higher emissions of compounds such as acetaldehyde or hexanal when compared to the higher emissions of compounds such as furfural or benzaldehyde on the recycled particleboards.

Chemical profiling and quality evaluation of Liuweizhiji Gegen-Sangshen oral liquid by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and HPLC-diode array detector fingerprinting.

Liuweizhiji Gegen-Sangshen (LGS) oral liquid is a Chinese patent medicine that is widely used for the prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease in clinical practice. However, the chemical complexity of LGS has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to rapidly identify chemical constituents of LGS and establish a quality control method based on fingerprint and quantitative analysis. A comprehensive strategy was used by combining qualitative analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and fingerprint analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). A total of 162 chemical components in LGS, including 91 flavonoids, 31 organic acids, and 20 phenolic compounds, were identified or preliminarily characterized in both positive and negative ion modes based on the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS results. Of these, 37 were confirmed with the reference standards. In fingerprint analysis, 23 peaks were chosen as common peaks and used to evaluate the similarity of different batches of LGS. Subsequently, a rapid quantification method was optimized and validated for the simultaneous determination of multiple chemical markers in LGS. The validated quantitative method was successfully used to analyze different batches of LGS samples. The proposed comprehensive strategy combining HPLC-DAD fingerprinting and multi-component quantification demonstrated satisfactory results with high efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. This can be used as a reference for the overall quality consistency evaluation of Chinese patent medicines.

HPLC-DAD Validation Method for Quantifying Gallic Acid in the Aerial Parts of Schinus terebinthifolius

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), commonly known as “pimenta rosa”, “aroeira da praia”, “aroeira”, “aroeirinha”, and “cabuí” is frequently used in traditional medicine to address various conditions, including skin wounds, ulcers, tumors, diarrhea, arthritis, as well as urinary and respiratory tract infections. This study aimed to develop and validate an analytical method using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) for quantifying gallic acid (GA) in methanolic extracts of S. terebinthifolius leaves, branches, and fruits. The chromatographic separations utilized a reversed-phase Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column with an isocratic elution mode of acetonitrile/methanol/water acidified with 0.2% formic acid. The flow rate was 0.8 mL min-1, and detection occurred at 254 nm. The developed HPLC-DAD method demonstrated selectivity, with a GA retention time of 5.263 min and absorption maxima at 220 and 271 nm. The method exhibited high linearity (coefficient of 0.9996), precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) values < 5%), and robustness. Accuracy ranged from 100.28 to 111.71%, with an average recovery of 105.41% and an average RSD of 3.46%. These validated results play a crucial role in assessing and standardizing raw materials containing S. terebinthifolius, emphasizing the reliability of the developed HPLC-DAD method for GA quantification in different plant parts.

Parietin, the Vibrant Natural Dye in Xanthoria parietina.

The use of natural dyes in several areas is regulated by current European and non-European legislation, due to various problems with synthetic dyes. The analysis revealed that the lichen studied: Xanthoria parietina has potential natural dye sources and provides bright colors for extraction solvents. Furthermore, dyed wool and toile fabric have good fastness properties in ammonia fermentation and boiling water, both with and without mordants. The sample dyes with Xanthoria parietina were characterized by several analytical techniques: high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and electrospray ionization with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF). As compounds from Xanthoria parietina form a complex with mordants and tissues, it is impossible to identify the molecules responsible for coloring using chromatographic techniques. However, we have evaluated the dyeing power of their major molecule, parietin. To further confirm the coloring power of the isolated parietin molecule, we performed a dye test with pure parietin. Thus, CIALAB analyses have shown parietin is the molecule responsible for the coloring obtained by Xanthoria parietina. The utilization of parietin derived from lichens facilitates the development of sustainable dyes for textile coloring, presenting an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic dyes while simultaneously enriching lichen biodiversity.

Towards the assessment of exposure to bisphenols in everyday items with increased accuracy by the use of integrated calibration method (ICM)-based methodology

The most crucial purpose of the measurement is to obtain a reliable result that reflects the actual qualitative and/or quantitative features of the tested material. The overriding goal of analytical chemistry is to obtain accurate results after compensating of various interference effects as well as non-linear calibration dependence. A new approach based on an integrated calibration method (ICM) supported by H-point standard addition method (HPSAM) has been used to improve the quality of analytical results. The proposed methodological approach was extended using the step-by-step dilution procedure, and five measurement conditions were used to eliminate multiplicative, additive, and non-linear interferences. On this basis, a set of estimations is obtained to improve the quality of the analytical results. The analytical usefulness of the proposed approach was tested on the example of the determination of three compounds from the group of bisphenols (BPs) using the chromatographic technique - HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection). Compared to the reference method - fluorescence spectroscopy - the obtained results were characterized by excellent accuracy (RE=3 % in most cases). The developed methodology allowed to carry out a risk assessment on BPA, BPF, and BPS present in samples of shop receipts and canned food. Store clerks have been shown to be particularly vulnerable to PBF and BPS in receipts due to skin permeation (exposure factors were equal to 308.97 µg/g for BPF and 181.89 µg/g for BPS). Consumers should also pay close attention to the BPA found in canned food samples (the average concentration was equal to 20.61 µg/mL, and the tolerable daily intake was exceeded over 165.000 times). The analytical method and the methodological approach were evaluated using the RGB model and the AGREE approach - it was shown that the method can be successfully used for other analytical purposes (the method is White) and is environmentally friendly (Significance=0.63).

Validation of an HPLC-DAD Method for Quercetin Quantification in Nanoparticles.

The evaluation of the efficacy of incorporation of quercetin in nanoparticles is crucial, both for the development and quality control of pharmaceutical formulations. The validation of analytical methods for the precise quantification of quercetin is useful for the evaluation of various potential quercetin delivery systems and quercetin pharmacokinetics. This work aimed to validate a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method for quercetin detection and quantification in nanoparticles. Different mobile phase conditions and detection wavelengths (254 and 368 nm) were tested, and the major validation parameters were assessed (precision, accuracy, linearity, sensitivity, stability, and selectivity). The best peak resolution was obtained when quercetin was analyzed at 368 nm with a mobile phase of 1.5% acetic acid and a water/acetonitrile/methanol ratio of 55:40:5. Under these conditions, quercetin also eluted rapidly (retention time of 3.6 min). The method proved to be linear (R2 > 0.995), specific, and repeatable (variation coefficient between 2.4% and 6.7%) and presented intermediate precision (variation coefficient between 7.2% and 9.4%). The accuracy of the analysis ranged between 88.6% and 110.7%, and detection and quantification limits were 0.046 and 0.14 µg/mL, respectively. Quercetin solutions were more stable when stored at 4 °C than at room temperature or -20 °C. This validated method satisfied more parameters of bias assessment than most recent methods for quercetin determination and presented itself as more sensitive and efficient than general spectrophotometric methods. The method was successfully used for the analysis of quercetin incorporation in nanoparticles and will be evaluated in the future for its adequacy for the determination of quercetin in more complex matrices.

Validation of the analysis method for marker compound ellagic acid of ethanol extracts of Sanguisorba officinalis L. using HPLC-DAD

The validation of ellagic acid as a marker compound was attempted as an analysis method for the standardization of the extract from Sanguisorba officinalis L. for the development of healthy functional foods. The ellagic acid analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) and retention time with standard compounds satisfied the stay time and specificity. Ellagic acid has confirmed limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), accuracy, precision, recovery rate, stability, and content analysis by HPLC for an 80% ethanol extract of Sanguisorba officinalis L. The correlation (R2) at the concentration of ellagic acid of 9.5–95.0 µg/mL was above 0.999, showing high linearity. The LOD and LOQ were expressed as 1.5430 and 4.6757 μg/mL, respectively. The recovery rate was 99 to 110%. The precision of RSD intraday was 0.23–0.65% and interday was 0.18–2.13%. In addition, the average recovery rate of ellagic acid before and after 24 h was 98.79%, confirming a change in the content of 0.17%, and the content of ellagic acid was 22.48 µg/mL in 80% ethanol extract of Sanguisorba officinalis L.

Ketamine in DUID cases in the greater Cologne area

IntroductionKetamine is primarily used as an anaesthetic or for analgesics in medical treatment, but due to its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects, abuse has increased in the past years leading to several drug impaired driving cases. MethodsEight DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) cases involving ketamine from two institutes of legal medicine over a period from January 2021 to January 2023 were evaluated. The cases were compared with regard to psychomotor impairments, adverse effects on driving performance and co-consumption of drugs. Analyses of ketamine were carried out by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Other drugs of abuse were either detected via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectromety (LC–MS/MS) and/or gas chromatography with (tandem) mass spectrometry (GC–MS(/MS)). ResultsKetamine plasma concentrations in a range of approx. 100–1200 ng/mL (mean: 510 ng/mL, median: 370 ng/mL) were detected. Co-consumption of at least one substance was ascertained in all cases. Besides driving impairments, recorded psychomotor impairments of the drivers comprised e.g. dilated pupils, missing or delayed pupil reactions, a slurred or decelerated speech, delayed reaction, lack of concentration, vertigo or agitation. DiscussionThe observed peculiarities were in-line with literature data. However, the assessment and differentiation of ketamine-induced impairments was aggravated due to co-consumption of other drugs of abuse or pharmaceuticals in the herein investigated cases. Nevertheless, in two cases impairments can be attributed mainly to ketamine consumption since the co-consumed substances were only detected in low concentrations. ConclusionThe presented cases provide additional data on psychomotor impairments observed in ketamine-related DUID cases. Limiting factors are co-consumption of substances, unknown habituation to drugs and the limited case number. Nevertheless, the results of this study are comparable with existing literature data. Since the abuse of ketamine has increased in the past years, these data will support forensic casework.

Baclofen Stability up to One Year in In Vivo Intrathecal Infusion Pumps

ObjectivesCommercial intrathecal baclofen treatment (ITBT) infusion pumps are recommended to be refilled within a maximum of 180 days, thus necessitating at least twice-yearly outpatient visits and refill injections. In particular, pumps with 40-mL reservoir volumes would allow much longer refill intervals. We investigated baclofen stability in active implanted ITBT infusion pumps in vivo with refill intervals up to 367 days to study the feasibility of lengthening refill intervals beyond six months. Materials and MethodsWe obtained 25 baclofen samples from 19 patients receiving ITBT with varying pump refill intervals. All patients had a baclofen infusion system delivering undiluted 2 mg/mL baclofen at continuous rates of 96.1 to 673.7 μg/d with a concentration of 2.002 mg/mL. Baclofen concentrations of the infusate samples acquired during the refill procedures were analyzed using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) assay, later complemented with repeat assay with pH and physical measurements. We also present the validation data of the HPLC-DAD assay. ResultsDuring the mean refill interval of 247 days (SD 90, range 54–367 days), the mean change in baclofen concentration was −0.0156 mg/mL (−0.8%, SD 0.14, range −0.30 to 0.32 mg/mL, paired t-test p = 0.57, t24 = 0.57). Only a low negative correlation was found between the baclofen concentration and the refill interval (Pearson’s r = −0.32, p = 0.12). ConclusionsWe could not show a significant change in baclofen concentration over the time studied; 2 mg/mL baclofen ITBT refill intervals could be lengthened to up to one year—the theoretical maximum refill interval in our cohort would have been 489 days. Further studies with larger sample sizes and other baclofen brands are warranted.

Avocado Hass peel from industrial by-product: effect of extraction process variables on yield, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity

At present in Peru, a substantial quantity of avocado by-products (peel and seed) is produced due to avocado processing. It is essential to revalue these products. The meticulous selection of parameters in solid–liquid extraction through maceration, which is the industrial preference, is crucial to obtain a greater recovery of phenolic compounds from avocado Hass peels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of process variables (ethanol concentration, temperature and solvent:feed (S/F) ratio) on the global yield of extraction (GY), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) of avocado Hass peel extract at two different stages of maturity. Furthermore, the quantification of phenolic compounds was using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection (HPLC-DAD) and antioxidant capacity using ABTS and FRAP assays were determined in higher yielding extracts. The dry matter content (dm) was determined in the pulp of unripe avocados (UA, 22.57% dm) and ripe avocados (RA, 27.30% dm). The results showed that, for all treatments, ethanol concentration, temperature, S/F ratio had a significant influence (p < 0.05) on GY, TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity, and the UA peel extracts obtained with 40% ethanol, 49.3°C, S/F ratio (14.3 mL/g) and 60 min showed the highest values of TPC (44.24 mg GAE/g peel dw), TFC (786.08 mg QE/g peel dw) and antioxidant capacity against DPPH (564.82 μmTE/g peel dw), ABTS (804.40 μmTE/g peel dw) and FRAP (1006.21 μmTE/g peel dw). Meanwhile, for the HPLC-DAD analysis, vanillic acid and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid are the main phenolic compounds present in avocado peel extracts. The results of this research indicate that avocado peels are a source of natural phenolic components, with potential application in the food industry as a viable alternative to synthetic antioxidants, thus reducing their use.

Effects of Natural Extract Rosmarinic Acid on Sleep Quality and Daily Care in Patients with Depression

The mechanism of action of rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural extract from rosemary, on sleep quality (SQ) and daily care (DC) in depressed patients was investigated. Firstly, RA was extracted from rosemary and prepared into RA essential oil (RAEO). High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) was utilized to analyze the chromatography of RA. Subsequently, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 depressed patients admitted to the hospital, who were randomly rolled into an observation (Obs) group (treated with escitalopram (SE) and RA) (n = 30) and a control (Ctrl) group (treated with SE) (n = 30). The efficacy of patients was analyzed before and after they were treated differently at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthase (NOS) of patients in different groups were compared, and the depression status, sleep quality (evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), and overall quality of life (QOL, evaluated using the General Quality of Life Inventory-74, GQOLI-74) were assessed. The HPLC-DAD-MS analysis indicated that the aqueous solution of RA had multiple biological activities. The PSQI score in the Obs group was lower and the GQOLI-74 score was higher, showing great differences with P <0.05 to those in the Ctrl group. Furthermore, the Obs group had much higher Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment (P <0.05). The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores of both groups gradually decreased with the increase of treatment duration, showing great differences before treatment, at the 2nd week, and the 4th week of treatment (P >0.05). However, marked differences were observed at the 6th and 8th weeks in contrast to those before treatment (P <0.05). In the 8th week, patients in the Obs and Ctrl groups exhibited obvious differences to the anxiety levels before treatment (P <0.05). It suggested that the anxiety levels of all patients improved, but that in the Obs group was improved more. In conclusion, the RAEO had a positive impact on sleep quality and daily care in depressed patients, and can serve as a feasible adjunctive treatment method worthy of clinical promotion.

Solid-Phase Extraction Followed by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for Revealing the Effects of the Application of Bentonite, Tannins, and Their Combination during Fermentation in the Production of White Wine

To investigate the effects of the application of bentonite, tannins, and their combination in alcoholic fermentation, Malvazija istarska (Vitis vinifera L.) white grape must was treated with 95 g/L of bentonite, 25 g/L of a hydrolysable tannin preparation, while the third treatment received the aforementioned doses of both agents. Control grape must was fermented without bentonite and exogenous tannins. All of the produced wines were additionally fined after fermentation with doses of bentonite needed to achieve complete protein stability. Wines were analyzed both after fermentation and after additional bentonite fining. Standard physicochemical parameters were determined by the OIV methods, and phenols were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD), while the concentrations of free and bound volatile aroma compounds were obtained after solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Bentonite and tannins in fermentation generally reduced the total dose of bentonite needed for complete stabilization. Treatments with bentonite slightly decreased the concentration of total dry extract, while tannins preserved total acidity. The negative effect of bentonite on flavonoids was more severe. Tannins in fermentation preserved more hydroxycinnamoyltartaric acids with respect to control wine, and this effect was additionally enhanced by bentonite. Volatile and bound aroma composition was affected by all the treatments, while the addition of tannins resulted in higher concentrations of several important odoriferous esters, such as ethyl hexanoate, ethyl decanoate, and hexyl acetate. Additional fining with bentonite to complete protein stabilization annulled some of the positive effects observed after fermentation.

Development and Validation of an HPLC-DAD Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Phenolic Compounds

Phenolic compounds are natural substances that exhibit different functional bioactivities and provide health-protective actions against chronic illnesses. The vast potential of these compounds in health and other sectors demands the establishment of analytical procedures for their immediate and simultaneous analysis. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, rutin hydrate, caffeic acid, syringic acid, ellagic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, myricetin, resveratrol, and quercetin. The chromatographic separation of the selected polyphenols was carried out in a reversed-phase Inertsil ODS-3 column (250mm x 4.5mm x 5µm) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, injection volume of 20 µL, and column temperature of 30°C. The detection and quantification of phenolic compounds were done at specific wavelengths (254, 275, 305, and 325 nm) using gradient elution for 40 minutes, with acidified water and acetonitrile solution as mobile phase. Validation of the established analytical procedure showed that the coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.99), limit of detection (0.01 to 0.35 µg/mL), limit of quantitation (0.03 to 1.07 µg/mL), recovery values (98.33 to 101.12%), and repeatability (RSD < 5%) respectively indicated a linear, sensitive, accurate, and precise analytical method for the simultaneous chromatographic analysis of the 12 phenolic compounds. Overall, the developed HPLC-DAD procedure can offer adequate confidence for the identification and quantification of specific polyphenols and can be modified or updated for future analysis of phenolic compounds in different plant extracts.

Effect of coating material on microencapsulated phenolic compounds extracted from agroindustrial ciriguela peel residue.

Extract of ciriguela residue was microencapsulated by spray-drying and freeze-drying using maltodextrin (M), gum arabic (GA) and their mixture (50% M; 50% GA on dry basis) as encapsulating agents. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant activity, physicochemical properties, profile of phenolic compounds by HPLC with diode-array detection and storage stability were evaluated. TPC content of powders ranged from 306.9 to 451.2 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 dry powder. The spray-dried powder prepared using GA as encapsulating agent had higher TPC content and antioxidant activity, whereas the freeze-dried powder had lower moisture and water activity. Spray-dried microcapsules had spherical shape, whereas freeze-dried products had irregular structures. The profile of phenolic compounds identified in samples was similar, with rutin (342.59 and 72.92 μg g-1 ) and quercetin (181.02 and 43.24 μg g-1 ) being the major compounds in liquid and freeze-dried extracts, respectively, whereas myricetin (97.41 μg g-1 ) was predominant in spray-dried ones. Storage stability tests carried out for 45 days at 7 or 25 °C revealed no statistically significant difference in TPC. Ciriguela residue can be considered a source of TPC and used as ingredient with good antioxidant activity in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.