Highest Amount Of Flavonoids 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.

SOS! Hydrogen Sulfide Enhances the Flavonoid Early Warning System in Rice Plants to Cope with Thiocyanate Pollution.

The presence of thiocyanate (SCN-) in irrigation water has adverse effects on both plant growth and crop output. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important gaseous signaling molecule that can alleviate SCN- stress. Flavonoids are secondary compounds produced by plants and are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. They play important roles in several physiological and biochemical processes. To investigate the effect of exogenous H2S on the growth of early rice plants under SCN- stress, we carried out a hydroponic experiment focusing on the interaction of exogenous H2S with flavonoids. In this study, a hydroponic experiment was performed to investigate the behavior of SCN- when subjected to varying effective doses (EC20: 24.0 mg/L; EC50: 96.0 mg/L; and EC75: 300.0 mg/L). The findings indicated that the relative growth rate (RGR) of the plants treated with H2S + SCN- was greater than that of the plants treated with SCN- alone. Higher amounts of flavonoids were detected in the shoots than in the roots, with more variability in the shoots. The early warning level results showed that most of the flavonoids were present at levels I and II, while quercetin was present at level IV. Genetic expression variation factor (GEVF) analyses revealed an increase in the quantity of "promoter genes" with increasing SCN- concentration in both rice tissues. Furthermore, administering external H2S while exposing rice tissues to SCN- resulted in a considerable decrease in the levels of reactive oxygen species. This study provides novel insights into the regulation of flavonoid levels in rice plants by exogenous H2S, facilitating enhanced resistance to SCN- stress and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Flavonoids and their relationship with the physiological quality of seeds from different soybean genotypes

Flavonoids are compounds that result from the secondary metabolism of plants and play a crucial role in plant development and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. The highest levels of flavonoids are found in legumes such as soybean. Breeding programs aim to increase desirable traits, such as higher flavonoid contents and vigorous seeds. Soybeans are one of the richest sources of protein in the plant kingdom and the main source of flavonoid derivatives for human health. In view of this, the hypothesis of this study is based on the possibility that the concentration of isoflavones in soybean seeds contributes to the physiological quality of the seeds. The aim of this study was to analyze the content of flavonoids in soybean genotypes and their influence on the physiological quality of the seeds. Seeds from thirty-two soybean genotypes were obtained by carrying out a field experiment during the 2021/22 crop season. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications and thirty-two F3 soybean populations. The seeds obtained were subjected to germination, first germination counting, electrical conductivity and tetrazolium vigor and viability tests. After drying and milling the material from each genotype, liquid chromatography analysis was carried out to obtain flavonoids, performed at UPLC level. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and, when significant, the means were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The results found here show the occurrence of genotypes with higher amounts of flavonoids when compared to their peers. The flavonoid FLVD_G2 had the highest concentration and differed from the others. Thus, we can assume that the type and concentration of flavonoids does not influence the physiological quality of seeds from different soybean genotypes, but it does indirectly contribute to viability and vigor, since the genotypes with the highest FLVD_G2 levels had better FGC values. The findings indicate that there is a difference between the content of flavonoids in soybean genotypes, with a higher content of genistein. The content of flavonoids does not influence the physiological quality of seeds, but contributes to increasing viability and vigor.

Unraveling the transcriptional regulators of polyphenolic variation in Thymus daenensis Celak

Due to its economic value and antioxidant phenolic compositions, there is a growing interest for Thymus daenensis in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The current study was motivated by the paucity of studies on the molecular regulation of polyphenols and flavonoids in T. daenensis. From breeding materials, we selected and explored the transcriptome profiles of two chemotypes (‘Zagheh-11’ and ‘Malayer-21’). Tandem mass spectrometry identified 14 phenolic and flavonoid compounds in T. daenensis. Quantitative HPLC-PDA also revealed that ‘Zagheh-11’ contains higher amounts of flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin derivatives), while ‘Malayer-21’ was a rich source of rosmarinic acid. RNA-seq data mining indicated that 1840 unigenes have differential expression (DE) patterns between these chemotypes. Mapping of unigenes in flavonoids and phenylpropanoids pathways identified a total of 74% and 45% of structural genes, respectively. Four out of 15 DE unigenes in the aforementioned pathways played a key role in the metabolic divergence of these genotypes. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR indicated that the richness of flavonoids in ‘Zagheh-11’ was driven by higher expression of chalcone isomerase (CHI) and flavonoid 3′-hydroxlase (F3′H). In contrast, overexpression of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and rosmarinic acid synthase (RAS) coincided with enhanced accumulation of rosmarinic acid in ‘Malayer-21’. To further understanding of these four key genes, we performed bioinformatic and structural analysis on their complete coding sequences. These findings should improve knowledge on how specialized metabolites are governed by transcriptional regulators and which are suitable for targeted metabolic engineering.

The Antioxidant Activity of Wild-Growing Plants Containing Phenolic Compounds in Latvia.

Ethnobotanical reports from Latvia show that Tanacetum vulgare, Calluna vulgaris, Quercus robur, Artemisa absinthium, and Artemisia vulgaris contain phenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial in the treatment and prophylaxis of many diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of these plants. Plant extracts were prepared using ethanol or acetone and then freeze-dried. Their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC) were determined and characterized by HPLC. Their antioxidant properties were determined using a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. C. vulgaris herb and T. vulgare leaf extracts contained the highest amounts of flavonoids, but the bark of Q. robur had mostly tannins and phenolic acids. A. absinthium and A. vulgaris had the lowest amounts of polyphenols. When compared using extraction solvents, all acetone extracts had more TPC, more TFC, and better antioxidant activity. All plants contained chlorogenic acid, which contributes to antioxidant properties. The analysed plant extracts could be used in future studies to develop medicinal products with antioxidant properties.

Metabolic profiling provides insights into the accumulation patterns of flavonoids and phenolic acids in different parts of Lactuca indica L.

Lactuca indica L. contains high amounts of flavonoids and phenolic acids. However, there is limited information on the composition of these compounds in different parts of the plant. The present study analyzed the secondary metabolite profiles of the stem, leaf, flower, and seed of Lactuca indicaL.cv. Mengzao (LIM) using a widely targeted metabolomic approach. A total of 576 secondary metabolites were identified, including 218, 267, 232, 286, 302, and 308 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in the stem_vs_leaf, stem_vs_flower, stem_vs_seed, leaf_vs_flower, leaf_vs_seed, and flower_vs_seed comparisons. In particular, considerable differences were detected in the flavonoids and phenolic acids, five flavonoids, five phenolic acids, one triterpenoid and one alkaloid being differentially accumulated in the four parts. Compared to the stem and flower, the leaf and seed had higher total flavonoid content and total phenolic content. Thses findings provide comprehensive insights into utilizing different parts of LIM in developing functional food products.

Evaluating the antioxidant activity in different citrus genotypes

Citrus fruit consumption per capita has steadily increased over the world over the last 30 years. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C as well as other active ingredients like phenols and flavonoids that are beneficial to human health. Therefore, the amounts of total phenol, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity in 12 different genotypes of the citrus have been investigated in the present study. These genotypes have been selected from four citruses, including Lemon, Kiwi, Mandarin, and Orange. There are three genotypes for each of these citruses, and the numbering is done according to the place of harvesting the genotypes and also due to the ease of evaluation. Studies have been done for the leaves and fruits of the mentioned plant. Results showed that the average value of total phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity in different citrus genotypes is 15.06 mg/g, 37.02 mg/g, and 75.54 μg/ml of dry extract, respectively. The extract of the fruit had the highest amount of phenol, and the leaf extract had the highest amount of flavonoids. The values of total phenol, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, from highest to lowest, belong to Kiwi, Orange, Lemon, and Mandarin groups.

Identifikasi Senyawa Bioaktif Ekstrak Daun Semak Bunga Putih (Chromolaena odorata) Asal Kota Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Chromolaena odorata, a member of Asteraceae, is a tropical shrub that grows throughout the year and can dominate pastures. The tropical weed is known as a medicinal plant and has the potential as a natural insecticide. For local people in NTT, the crude extract of the leaves is used to treat myasis on the livestock. C. odorata is also used as silage or food alternative for livestock. This study aims to determine the content of bioactive compounds in C. odorata leaves and determine the extract yield value, as scientific validation of local wisdom in NTT. This research began with the collection of fresh C. odorata leaves, extraction by maceration using 70% ethanol as solvent, solvent evaporation, and phytochemical screening. Phytochemical screening showed that the leaf extract of C. odorata from Kupang City contained high amounts of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, triterpenes and steroids and were tested negative for saponins. The extract yield value is 6.09%, means that the extract contains bioactive compunds in high concentration. Further research needs to be done to find out in more detail the content of secondary metabolites from C. odorata leaves and its activity in promote wound healing on livestock in NTT.

Nutraceutical and antinutritional properties of wild edible plants consumed by pregnant women and school-age children (6-12 years) in Najjembe sub-county, Buikwe district, Uganda

Wild edible plants (WEPs) immensely contribute to the diets and livelihoods of rural and marginalised communities. In rural Uganda, they play an important role as break tea packages for school-age children and due to their perceived nutraceutical significance, they are always added to the diets of pregnant women. In this study, it was hypothesised that Basella alba L. (Malabar spinach, Ceylon spinach, Indian spinach, Vine spinach, Malabar nightshade), Termitomyces microcarpus (Berk. & Broome) R. Heim (Cendawan Tali; Cendawan Taugeh) Cucurbita pepo L. (Courgette, Marrow, Pumpkin, Summer squash, Table queen squash, Vegetable Marrow, Zucchini) and Solanum anguivi L. (Forest bitter berry, African eggplant) have high nutraceutical significance and could contribute to the diets of school-age children and pregnant women. Using the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods (method 935.14 and 992.24), the nutraceuticals and antinutrients in B. alba, T. microcarpus, C. pepo, and S. anguivi were investigated. All analyses and measurements were done in triplicate to increase the validity and reliability of the results. Solanum anguivi had the highest crude fibre (25.22±0.08 %), fat (6.55±0.05 %), and energy (371.37±1.17 Kcal) content. Termitomyces microcarpus had the highest protein (21.99±0.16 %) and moisture (10.71±0.35 %) content. Basella alba and C. pepo had the highest ash (19.39±0.01 %) and total carbohydrate (69.15±0.62 %) content. In comparison with the recommended dietary daily intakes for pregnant mothers and school-going children, all the plants had high Potassium, Phosphorous contents (except for T. Microcarpus which had low K contents), iron, copper, zinc, and manganese., but with selenium content being below the detection limit. All the analysed species were good in antioxidants, C. Pepo being the best with an IC50 of 11.78±0.47 mg/ mL followed by B. alba (14.69±0.74 mg/ mL). Solanum anguvi and T. microcarpus had the highest amount of phenols (14.48±0.02 mg/g GAE) and tannins (0.42±0.00 mg/g GAE). Basella alba had the highest amounts of flavonoids (2.45±0.01 mg/g RAE). All the plant species had low contents of phytates ranging from (0.40±0.01 for S. Anguivi to 0.72±0.08 for B. Alba). Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the permissible limit recommended by FAO/WHO Expert Committee in Food Additives. Thus, the analysed WEPs are a rich source of important nutrients and can be used to complement staple foods to ensure balanced nutrition for pregnant women and school-age children. Nonetheless, further comprehensive antinutrients and heavy metals analyses should be conducted to ensure that they do not affect the bioavailability of the nutrients. For value addition, nutrient-dense cocktails / phytonutraceuticals should be developed to alleviate malnutrition-related illnesses in vulnerable groups of people. Key words: Wild edible plants, Nutraceutical, Antinutrients, Heavy metals, Pregnant women, School-age children

Assessment of Cucurbita spp. Peel Extracts as Potential Sources of Active Substances for Skin Care and Dermatology.

By-products of cultivated plants are one of the major environmental concerns worldwide. Due to the high concentration of bioactive chemicals, such waste may be considered hazardous due to the interference with the plant growth, deterioration of the drinking water quality or toxic effects on sensitive marine organisms. Moreover, plant-derived by-products, with proper handling, may represent a low-cost source of bioactive compounds potentially important for pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, the influence of tyrosinase activity, in vitro sun protecting factor and cytotoxicity of 15 extracts from peels of five cultivars of Cucurbita maxima and C. moschata. The extracts were prepared using "green solvents" (water, 50% propylene glycol, and 20% ethanol) and ultrasound-assisted extraction. The performed analysis showed that the peel extracts from various cultivars differ significantly in respect to the phytochemical content and activity. The type of solvent also had a significant impact on the extract's composition and bioactivity. Aqueous peel extracts contained the highest amounts of flavonoids, showed the greatest antioxidant potential and the most significant in vitro SPF values. In vitro studies showed that the analyzed peel extracts are not cytotoxic for human keratinocytes up to the concentration of 1000 µg/mL and thus might be considered as non-irritant for the skin. The study confirms the potential application of peel extracts from Cucurbita spp. cultivars in cosmetic products.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Total Flavonoid from Equisetum Arvense Extract.

Normally happening substances like flavonoids are regarded as active candidates for the treatment and prevention of cancer The purpose of this study was to see how Iraqi E. arvense total flavonoid affected cell lines biologically and human lung fibroblast normal cell line (WISH). Plant powder was extracted by reflex apparatus, then thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to determine total flavonoids. Cytotoxicity assay (MTT) was used to determine the cytotoxic activity of the prepared plant against human breast cancer (MCF-7), cells human cervix cancer (HELA), human colon cancer (Caco-2) and human lung fibroblast normal cell line (WISH). The flavonoids Rutin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, and luteolin were detected using the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) technique. In contrast to the negative control, the extract inhibited cell growth to a highest of 82.158% for MCF-7 and 61.360% for Caco-2 at the concentration (100 µg/ml), and (54.880%) for Hela cell line at the concentration (100 µg/ml). In addition, the concentration (6.25 µg/ml) of total flavonoid extract produced a decrease in the growth of the normal WISH cell line to reach (1.094%). Equisetum arvense contain high amounts of flavonoids, the qualification of some flavonoids compounds was detected using TLC. The total flavonoids showed significant cytotoxic activity against various types of cancer cell lines and normal cell line in vitro, the antitumor activity was highly efficient in a dose and cell type dependent manner.

Flavonoid and Phenolic Acid Profiles of Dehulled and Whole Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc Seeds Commonly Consumed in South Africa.

Bambara groundnut (BGN) is an underexploited crop with a rich nutrient content and is used in traditional medicine, but limited information is available on the quantitative characterization of its flavonoids and phenolic acids. We investigated the phenolic profile of whole seeds and cotyledons of five BGN varieties consumed in South Africa using UPLC-qTOF-MS and GC-MS. Twenty-six phenolic compounds were detected/quantified in whole seeds and twenty-four in cotyledon, with six unidentified compounds. Flavonoids include flavan-3-ol (catechin, catechin hexoside-A, catechin hexoside-B), flavonol (quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rutin, myricetin, kaempherol), hydroxybenzoic acid (4-Hydroxybenzoic, 2,6 Dimethoxybenzoic, protocatechuic, vanillic, syringic, syringaldehyde, gallic acids), hydroxycinnamic acid (trans-cinnamic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic acids) and lignan (medioresinol). The predominant flavonoids were catechin/derivatives, with the highest content (78.56 mg/g) found in brown BGN. Trans-cinnamic and ferulic acids were dominant phenolic acid. Cotyledons of brown and brown-eyed BGN (317.71 and 378.59 µg/g) had the highest trans-cinnamic acid content, while red seeds had the highest ferulic acid (314.76 µg/g) content. Colored BGN had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher content of these components. Whole BGN contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher amount of flavonoids and phenolic acids, except for the trans-cinnamic acid. The rich flavonoid and phenolic acid content of BGN seeds highlights the fact that it is a good source of dietary phenolics with potential health-promoting properties.

Assessment of Cosmetic Properties and Safety of Use of Model Washing Gels with Reishi, Maitake and Lion's Mane Extracts.

Natural cosmetics are becoming more and more popular every day. For this reason, this work investigates the properties of mushroom extracts, which are not as widely used in the cosmetics industry as plant ingredients. Water extracts of Grifolafrondosa (Maitake), Hericiumerinaceus (Lion’s Mane) and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) were tested for their antioxidant properties, bioactive substances content, skin cell toxicity, ability to limit TEWL, effect on skin hydration and pH, and skin irritation. Our research showed that Maitake extract contained the highest amount of flavonoids and phenols, and also showed the most effective scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals as well as Chelation of Fe2+ and FRAP radicals, which were 39.84% and 82.12% in a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, respectively. All tested extracts did not increase the amount of ROS in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The addition of mushroom extracts to washing gels reduced the irritating effect on skin, and reduced the intracellular production of free radicals, compared with the cosmetic base. Moreover, it was shown that the analyzedcosmetics had a positive effect on the pH and hydration of the skin, and reduced TEWL.

Serum Biochemical Changes in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats and Ameliorative Effects of Moringa oleifera and Morinda lucida Leaf Extracts

This study evaluated the antidiabetic properties and biochemical changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with Moringa oleifera and Morinda lucida leaf extracts. The acute toxicity values of the extracts were determined before evaluating their antidiabetic effects in 7 groups of 4 rats each. Rats in groups 1-6 were made diabetic via a single injection of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg i.p). Animals whose blood glucose levels rose to 200 mg/dl and above were considered diabetic and used for the study, but group 7 was the normal control. Groups 1 and 2 received 500 and 250 mg/kg of M. oleifera extract, respectively, while groups 3 and 4 received 500 and 250 mg/kg of M. lucida extract, respectively. Group 5 received 3 mg/kg of the standard drug (Daonil), while groups 6 and 7 were the diabetic and normal control groups, respectively. Treatment lasted for 21 days and was administered orally. The phytochemical screening results showed that each of the extracts was rich in phytochemical agents. Higher amounts of flavonoids and terpenoids were found in M. oleifera, while M. lucida had higher phenols and saponins. LD50 value obtained for each extract was above 5000 mg/kg. Results of the antidiabetic study indicated that the extracts significantly brought down glucose levels in the test rats (p&lt;0.05) when compared with the diabetic control. Treatment also restored elevated lipids values, liver function, and renal function parameters in the diabetic rats. The decreased glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and increased lipid peroxidations resulting from diabetes mellitus induction were also significantly corrected following extracts administration when compared with the diabetic control (p&lt;0.05). Our findings show that Moringa oleifera and Morinda lucida extracts may be safe for use in the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated biochemical complications.

Socio-Demographic Distribution of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Clinical Sources and their Comparative Control with White and Red Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Calyces

Background: Increasing resistance of bacterial infections to current treatment threatens to derail progress made to reduce the global burden of diseases. However, there is insufficient research on effective ways to target information or provision of alternative method of mitigating multidrug resistance that could increase public knowledge toward improvement of antibiotics stewardship. Identification, antimicrobial sensitivity pattern and antimicrobial activity was determine using standard microbiological method.Results: Among the 50 Staphylococcus aureus isolated from different clinical samples, 38% and 62% were recovered from male and female patients respectively. largest proportions were from age-group 21-30 years (47.5%). Urine had the Highest number of occurrence of S. aureus 16 (32%). The isolates showed high resistance to Cefoxiitin (FOX), Ceftazidime (100%), Ciprofloxacin (100%), Cefolaxime (100%), Cloxacillin (100%), gentamicin (12%) and erythromycin (36.8%). White and red calyces contain the same type of phytochemicals except Tannin which was absent in the red calyces. the Red calyces (73.45) contain higher phenol than White calyces (38.60). White calyces (163.05) contain higher amount of Flavonoids than in Red calyces (98.30). DDPH% Inhibition observed in red calyces (76.50) was higher than white calyces (45.33). NO% Inhibition has higher value in the white calyces (162.13) than red calyces (148.35). Both white and red calyces conatin equal Tbars (0.136). % Iron chelation observed in white calyces (125.49) was higher than in the red calyces (110.43). Red calyces contain higher amount of Vitamin-C than in the white calyces. Red Hibiscus sabdariffa extract shows greater inhibitory property against isolates than the white Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts. Although, they showed less inhibitory potential on the studied isolates in comparison with commercial antibiotics.Conclusions: To prevent further emergence and spread of MDR Staphylococcus aureus, rational use of antibiotics and regular monitoring of antimicrobial resistance patterns are made easily through social demographic investigation of the affected population.

Phytochemical screening and secondary metabolites toxicity test from toba frankincense leaf (STYRAX paralleoncomud PERK)

The secondary metabolites of Toba frankincense leaf (STYRAX paralleoncomud PERK) have been isolated by maceration with n-Hexane, Ethyl acetate and Ethanol as solvents. The results of phytochemical screening of secondary metabolites in n-hexane extract were high amounts of flavonoids and steoids and low amounts of saponins and tannins, ethyl acetate extract were steroids and tannins in large amounts, moderate amounts of flavonoids and small amounts of saponins and extracts. ethanol, saponins and tannins in large quantities and small amounts of flavonoids. Alkaloids and terpenoids (essential oils) were not detected in the three extracts. It was concluded that the secondary metabolites in incense leaves were: flavonoids, saponins, steroids and tannins. Toxicity test of the three extracts was carried out using the Brine Shrimp Letality Test (BSLT) method with Arthemia salia Lech as a bioindicator with concentration variations: 10, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm. The test was carried out with three repetitions with 40 larvae of Arthemia salia Lech each. Toxicity test results obtained Inhibition Concentration ( IC50 ) of n-hexane extract was 1350.95 mg/L (non-toxic), ethyl acetate extract 18.98 mg/L (very toxic) and ethanol fraction 41.20 mg/L (moderate toxicity). Thus the secondary metabolites in the ethyl acetate extract are very potential as drug candidates, while the metabolites in the ethanol extract are quite potential.

Effect of Flavonoids in Hawthorn and Vitamin C Prevents Hypertension in Rats Induced by Heat Exposure.

Background: Excessive oxidative stress is associated with hypertension in professional high-temperature working conditions. Polyphenols exhibit a cardioprotective effect. Hawthorn contains high amounts of flavonoids, though its effect on hypertension protection has yet to be studied. This study aims to investigate this effect of extract of hawthorn (EH) or its combination with vitamin C (Vit. C) in rats induced by working under a hot environment. Methods: Forty-two male rats were randomly divided into a control group under normal temperature and six treatment groups exposed at 33 ± 1 °C along with 1 h of daily treadmill running. They were orally provided with water, Vit. C (14mg/kg), EH (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg), and EH500 + Vit. C, once a day for four weeks. Results: Both EH and Vit. C alone reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of rats exposed to the heat environment; however, their joint supplementation completely maintained their blood pressure to the normal level throughout the experimental period. No morphological changes were found on the intima of aorta. Moreover, the co-supplementation of EH and Vit. C prevented the changes of heat exposure in inducing oxidative stress markers, such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide; the synergistic action was more effective than either individual treatment of EH and Vit. C. Furthermore, the administration of EH had more potent effects on increasing superoxide dismutase, IL-2, the 70 kilodalton heat shock proteins and high sensitivity C reactive protein, and decreasing serum malondialdehyde and lipofuscin in vascular tissue than those in Vit. C group. Conclusions: A strong synergistic effect of EH and Vit. C on the prevention of hypertension under heat exposure was established, as they inhibited the oxidative stress state. This study also sets up a novel intervention strategy in animal models for investigation on the early phases of hypertension induced by heat exposure.

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.)—A Wild-Growing Aromatic Medicinal Plant with a Variable Essential Oil Composition

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) is an aromatic medicinal plant whose use is limited by the presence of toxic thujone. This research aimed to evaluate the morphological and chemical properties of tansy plants growing in various natural habitats. The research determined the content and chemical composition of the essential oil, the contents of flavonoids and phenolic acids, and the antioxidant activity levels of methanol extracts from tansy inflorescences. The highest amount of essential oil (1.05 mL·kg−1) was found in the raw material collected from the reclaimed area (R). Forty-seven compounds were identified in tansy oil, among which camphor (31.21–1.27%) and trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (76.09–0.09%) dominated, while the concentration of trans-thujone was low (2.67% on average). The highest amounts of flavonoids (0.52%) were found in the raw material collected from the ruderal (W) and reclaimed (R) sites, while the highest amount of phenolic acids (2.42%) was found in the raw material from the ruderal site (W). Tansy inflorescence extracts showed high antioxidant potential (88.41%). The reasons for the variability of the chemical composition of tansy were environmental and genetic variability factors.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Crocus speciosus Leaves

The numerous studies indicate leaves of plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds that can be a valuable source of compounds used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and the antioxidant property of Crocus speciosus leaves. Primary phytochemical screening of C. speciosus leaves revealed the presence of some following compound categories such as phenolic compounds, aminoacids, saponins, proteins, tannins, triterpenoids, glycosides, polysaccharides. The total flavonoids and phenolic compounds content were determined spectrophotometrically and by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS. Antiradical activity was determined by ABTS radical-cation scavenging method, spectrophotometrically. The total amount of flavonoids in C. speciosus leaves was 1.07 ± 0.02 mg RE/g (p < 0.05), the total amount of phenolic compounds was 0.41 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g (p < 0.05). By HPLC-DAD-MS analysis the presence of the mangiferin, chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, kaempferol, hyperoside, and isoquercitin was established for the first time in Crocus leaves. The antiradical activity of C. speciosus leaves extracts was 150.08 ± 4.5 μmol/g (p < 0.05) and its was mainly attributed to phenolic compounds content. The high amounts of flavonoids and antiradical activity in C. speciosus leaves suggests promising phytochemical and pharmacological study of this Crocus species.

Effects of Farmyard Manure and Exogenous Spray of Bio-Stimulants on Seed Quality of Kabuli Chickpea

Biostimulants have been defined as substances or materials extracted from plants, which have the capacity to beneficially modify plant growth. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an annual legume of the family Fabaceae and it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and protein. Two field experiments were conducted in Northwestern Iran (L1: Maragheh and L2: Hashtroud) to determine the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) application (0 and 20 t/ha) and foliar application of bio-stimulants and chemical nutrients (acid salicylic, acid ascorbic, riboflavin, silicon dioxide nanoparticles, micronutrients, and distilled water as control) on nutritional characteristics of chickpea seeds. Results showed that there is a significant difference between seed quality of plant grown in two locations and the highest content of fatty acids (stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid), nitrogen, phosphorus, starch, and protein were recorded in seeds harvested from L2. Also, foliar application of micronutrient and silicon dioxide nanoparticles significantly increased dietary fiber, ash, starch, protein percentage. Concentrations of mineral nutrients (N, P, Fe, and Zn) significantly increased with the foliar application of micronutrients. Spray of acid salicylic and acid ascorbic increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in both locations. Furthermore, the highest amount of flavonoid and crude oil was achieved by foliar spray of acid salicylic, silicon, and riboflavin. Although foliar spray of bio-stimulants and chemical nutrients improved seed quality in both locations, their positive effects were more pronounced in L2 where the soil and climate condition were partially better than L1. Overall, the best performance for major compounds of chickpea seeds was achieved by foliar spray of acid salicylic, micronutrients, and silicon dioxide nanoparticles in the FYM treatment. The present study indicate that improving the soil conditions is essential before foliar treatments. From the present investigation, it may be concluded that soil management using farmyard and crop management with foliar application of bio-stimulants were able to improve the quality of seeds and nutritional value of Kabuli chickpeas in both areas. Also, results showed that the application of FYM in L1 which has previously been under poor management, incorrect rotations, and experienced intensive agriculture are very necessary. Foliar feeding with micronutrients and foliar spray salicylic acid as well as Si-NPs under FYM applied conditions noticeably increased seed quality especially in the site with better soil and climate conditions (L2). Improving soil conditions can lead to prominent effects of foliar treatments. Our results revealed that foliar spray of Si-NPs, micronutrients and salicylic acid as simple and accessible crop management options can be effective in the semi-arid regions. Further research is needed to prove their positive functions at the subcellular level.