High Content Of Phytochemicals Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

Extraction Yield, Phytochemicals Analysis and Certain In-Vitro Biological Activities of Artemisia herba alba Extracts

The objectives of this study were to determine the extraction yield and phytochemical composition of different Artemisia herba-alba (AHA) extracts, as well as to investigate in-vitro their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-glycation, and antibacterial activities. Four solvents with different polarities were used to prepare AHA extracts. The extraction yield was determined using the gravimetric method. The qualitative analysis was performed using the standard methods. The quantitative analysis, the antioxidant, and the anti-inflammatory activities were estimated using the colorimetric method. The anti-glycation activity was measured using the spectrofluorimetric method. The antibacterial activity was performed using an agar diffusion method. Our findings showed that 80% aqueous ethanolic extract significantly (p ≤ 0.05) compared to other extracts exhibited high extraction yield (15.3%), high phytochemical content (263.93±2.46 mg GAE/g E for total phenols), (40.94±1.45 mg QE /g E for total flavonoids), and (35.99±1.20 mg GAE/g E for total tannins), better Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity (IC50 = 4.13±0.02 mg/mL) with no significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) when compared to methanolic extract, as well as high anti-glycation activity (IC50 = 3.96±0.09 mg/mL). The methanolic extract had a significant inhibitory effect against the majority of the tested bacteria ccompared to other extracts. The anti-inflammatory potential of distilled water extract was significantly (p ≤0.05) higher (IC50 = 2.96±0.06 mg/mL) compared to the rest yet failed to show any antimicrobial activity against all assayed bacteria. In summary, the solvent type had a significant effect on the chemical and biological characteristics of AHA. The diversity and significance of Artemisia herba-alba’s biological activities demonstrate its potential application within the pharmaceutical and food areas.

Antioxidant Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Prepared from Capsicum Annuum (Bell Pepper) Extract

Vegetables have reported to contain high content of wide verity of important phytochemicals that can be used in medical approach. Bell pepper are one of the most important vegetables that can be used as spice in foods, as well as it has a diversity of the phytochemical compounds. Carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, polyphenolic compounds and other metabolites were found in bell peppers of all colors. Red pepper is characterized by its high content of β-carotene. Our goal was to prepare an aqueous red pepper extract solution and use it to synthesize Ag NPs, then examine the antioxidant activity of the extract and the nanoparticle solutions. Ag NPs were prepared at room temperature by utilizing the aqueous red pepper extract solution as well as characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and field emission scanning electron microscope. The characterization result has shown the presence of Ag NPs in particle average of approximately 58 nm. The antioxidant activity was determined by using a DPPH assay, where ascorbic acid has shown IC50 of 23.71 μg/mL which was lower than Ag NPs (IC50 = 43.72 μg/mL). The best antioxidant behavior was obtained from the red pepper extract solution (IC50 = 17.26 μg/mL). This may attributed to the high content of phytochemicals in the extract solution. Importantly, the use of red pepper extract solution in preparing AgNPs have shown to improve their antioxidant activity, which is considered as good additive to the medical features of Ag NPs.

Association between dietary phytochemical index and cardiometabolic risk factors

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation. Background Consuming plant-based diets have been associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs), which might be partly mediated by their high phytochemical content and the synergistic action of these bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, dietary phytochemical content estimation is difficult. The dietary phytochemical index (DPI) has been proposed as a practical way to assess the total dietary phytochemical content from phytochemical-rich foods (PRFs). Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the association between DPI with CRFs. Methods Cross-sectional analysis within a population-based cohort study conducted between 2009-2012. The dietary intake was assessed via a validated food frequency questionnaire. DPI was calculated by dividing energy obtained from PRFs by total energy intake and multiplying by 100. Multivariable linear regressions were applied to establish the associations. CRFs included anthropometric measures, blood pressure, insulin resistance and diabetes markers, dyslipidemia markers, and cardiovascular/inflammatory markers. Results 3879 participants (mean age 57.6±10.4 years, 53.5% women) were included. The median DPI value was 25.5 (interquartile range: 17.7–34.6). In multivariable-adjusted linear models, significant inverse associations were observed in the highest DPI quartile for body mass index -0.86 (-1.26,-0.46), waist circumference -2.91 (-3.99,-1.84), leptin -0.21 (-0.30,-0.12), insulin -0.09 (-0.14,-0.04), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein -0.20 (-0.29,-0.11). No other associations were found CRFs. Conclusions A high DPI index representing a high intake of PRFs is associated with lower body mass index, waist circumference, leptin, insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein values.

Potential of Harum Manis Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Seed Extract for Nosocomial Infections

Nosocomial infections occur in hospitals and attack patients who are in the recovery process and have low immunity. The emergence of nosocomial conditions in the hospital environment is caused by bacteria and moist objects or materials, especially in the operating room and even the treatment room for children and babies. One type of bacteria that causes the infection is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa has been recognized as an irreversible problem in hospitals due to resistance to 3 antibiotic classes. The content of sweet mango seeds has a high phytochemical content in the form of steroid compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, tannins and saponins. This study aimed to determine the potential of sweet mango seed extract against nosocomial infections. The research method is quantitative experimental, using ethanol extract of sweet fragrant mango seeds with well diffusion and dilution tests (MIC and MBC). The results of the antibacterial activity test measured the inhibition zone formed and tested MIC and MBC. MIC value of sweet fragrant mango seed extract showed at 1.56 mg/mL and 0.78, and at MBC value of 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. The results of sweet fragrant mango seed extract have the potential to be developed as an antibacterial agent, especially against nosocomial infections.

New insights into chemical compositions and health‐promoting effects of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

AbstractBlack beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are most widely consumed in China, India, and America due to their unique taste and potent health benefits attributed to their higher content of phytochemicals. Researchers have extensively explored the phenolic profile and biological properties of black beans. This paper first attempt to review nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, and health‐promoting properties of black beans. Black beans are reported to exhibit potent antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti‐cardiovascular diseases, and anti‐inflammatory properties due to the present of high level of various phytochemicals. Impacts of various processing technologies have also been extensively explored by researchers. However, the synergistic effects of black beans in combination with other food materials as final food products need to be studied in the future. This review paper will be helpful for researchers in food processing area for the development of novel black beans‐based functional food products.

In silico Study of Antiviral Activity of Polyphenol Compounds from Ocimum basilicum by Molecular Docking, ADMET, and Drug-Likeness Analysis.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a disease that has mild to severe effects on patients, which can even lead to death. One of the enzymes that act as DNA replication is the main protease, which becomes the main target in the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In finding effective drugs against this virus, Ocimum basilicum is a potential herbal plant because it has been tested to have high phytochemical content and bioactivity. Apigenin-7-glucuronide, dihydrokaempferol-3-glucoside, and aesculetin are polyphenolic compounds found in Ocimum basilicum. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mechanism of inhibition of the three polyphenolic compounds in Ocimum basilicum against the main protease and to predict pharmacokinetic activity and the drug-likeness of a compound using the Lipinski Rule of Five. The method used is to predict the molecular docking inhibition mechanism using Autodock 4.0 tools and use pkcsm and protox online web server to analyze ADMET and Drug-likeness. The binding affinity for apigenin-7-glucuronide was -8.77 Kcal/mol, dihydrokaempferol-3-glucoside was -8.96 Kcal/mol, and aesculetin was -5.79 Kcal/mol. Then, the inhibition constant values were 375.81 nM, 270.09 nM, and 57.11 µM, respectively. Apigenin-7-glucuronide and dihydrokaempferol-3-glucoside bind to the main protease enzymes on the active sites of CYS145 and HIS41, while aesculetin only binds to the active sites of CYS145. On ADMET analysis, these three compounds met the predicted pharmacokinetic parameters, although there are some specific parameters that must be considered especially for aesculetin compounds. Meanwhile, on drug-likeness analysis, apigenin-7-glucuronide and dihydrokaempferol-3-glucoside compounds have one violation and aesculetin have no violation. Based on the data obtained, Apigenin-7-glucuronide and dihydrokaempferol-3-glucoside are compounds that have more potential to have an antiviral effect on the main protease enzyme than aesculetin. Based on pharmacokinetic parameters and drug-likeness, three compounds can be used as lead compounds for further research.

Chlorophyll Pigments of Olive Leaves and Green Tea Extracts Differentially Affect Their Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

Plant-based extracts possess biological potential due to their high content of phytochemicals. Nevertheless, photosynthetic pigments (e.g., chlorophylls) that are also present in plant extracts could produce undesirable pro-oxidant activity that might cause a negative impact on their eventual application. Herein, the phenolic content of olive leaf (OLE) and green tea (GTE) extracts was assayed, and their antioxidant and anticancer activities were evaluated before and after the removal of chlorophylls. Regarding phenolic content, OLE was rich in hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol as well as oleuropein, whereas the main compounds present in GTE were gallocatechin, epigallocatechin (EGC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallocatechin gallate, and caffeine. Interestingly, fresh extracts' antioxidant ability was dependent on phenolic compounds; however, the elimination of chlorophyll compounds did not modify the antioxidant activity of extracts. In addition, both OLE and GTE had high cytotoxicity against HL-60 leukemic cell line. Of note, the removal of chlorophyll pigments remarkably reduced the cytotoxic effect in both cases. Therefore, our findings emphasize the remarkable antioxidant and anticancer potential of OLE and GTE and suggest that chlorophylls are of paramount importance for the tumor-killing ability of such plant-derived extracts.

Exploring of the ameliorative effects of Nerium (Nerium oleander L.) ethanolic flower extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats via biochemical, histological and molecular aspects.

Nerium oleander L. is ethnopharmacologically used for diabetes. Our aim was to investigate the ameliorative effects of ethanolic Nerium flower extract (NFE) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Seven random groups including control group, NFE group (50mg/kg), diabetic group, glibenclamide group and NFE treated groups (25mg/kg, 75mg/kg, and 225mg/kg) were composed of forty-nine rats. Blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin level, liver damage parameters and lipid profile parameters were investigated. Antioxidant defense system enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and immunotoxic and neurotoxic parameters were determined in liver tissue. Additionally, the ameliorative effects of NFE were histopathologically examined in liver. mRNA levels of SLC2A2 gene encoding glucose transporter 2 protein were measured by quantitative real time PCR. NFE caused decrease in glucose level and HbA1c and increase in insulin and C-peptide levels. Additionally, NFE improved liver damage biomarkers and lipid profile parameters in serum. Moreover, lipid peroxidation was prevented and antioxidant enzyme activities in liver were regulated by NFE treatment. Furthermore, anti-immunotoxic and anti-neurotoxic effects of NFE were determined in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Histopathogically, significant liver damages were observed in the diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were decreased partially in the 225mg/kg NFE treated group. SLC2A2 gene expression in liver of diabetic rats significantly reduced compared to healthy rats and NFE treatment (25mg/kg) caused increase in gene expression. Flower extract of Nerium plant may have an antidiabetic potential due to its high phytochemical content.

Glyoxalase I Assay as a Possible Tool for Evaluation of Biological Activity of Antioxidant-Rich Plant Extracts

The health-promoting properties of natural plant bioactive compounds are mainly attributable to their ability to counteract oxidative stress. This is considered a major causative factor in aging and aging-related human diseases, in which a causal role is also ascribed to dicarbonyl stress. This is due to accumulation of methylglyoxal (MG) and other reactive dicarbonyl species, leading to macromolecule glycation and cell/tissue dysfunction. The glyoxalase (GLYI) enzyme, catalyzing the rate-limiting step of the GSH-dependent MG detoxification pathway, plays a key role in cell defense against dicarbonyl stress. Therefore, the study of GLYI regulation is of relevant interest. In particular, GLYI inducers are important for pharmacological interventions to sustain healthy aging and to improve dicarbonyl-related diseases; GLYI inhibitors, allowing increased MG levels to act as proapoptotic agents in tumor cells, are of special interest in cancer treatment. In this study, we performed a new in vitro exploration of biological activity of plant bioactive compounds by associating the measurement of their antioxidant capacity (AC) with the evaluation of their potential impact on dicarbonyl stress measured as capability to modulate GLYI activity. AC was evaluated using TEAC, ORAC, and LOX-FL methods. The GLYI assay was performed using a human recombinant isoform, in comparison with the recently characterized GLYI activity of durum wheat mitochondria. Different plant extracts were tested, obtained from plant sources with very high phytochemical content ('Sun Black' and wildtype tomatoes, black and 'Polignano' carrots, and durum wheat grain). Results showed high antioxidant properties of the tested extracts, associated with different modes (no effect, activation, and inhibition) and effectiveness in modulating both GLYI activity sources. Overall, results indicate the GLYI assay as an advisable and promising tool for researching plant foods as a source of natural antioxidant compounds acting as GLYI enzymatic regulators to be used for dietary management associated the treatment of oxidative/dicarbonyl-promoted diseases.