High Levels Of Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Comparative study on photosynthetic and antioxidant activities of Haematococcus pluvialis vegetative and resting cells: UVA light-induced stimulation.

This study aims to determine how photosynthetic and antioxidant activities vary in vegetative and dormant cells of Haematococcus pluvialis subjected to stresses in conditions representative of industrial productions of microalgae under solar light. The effects of short-term oxidative treatments were examined on photosynthetic and antioxidant activities of Haematococcus pluvialis vegetative and resting cells. The vegetative cells have 1.6 times higher levels of phenolic compounds, but 1.7 times less catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities than the astaxanthin-enriched resting cells. Mainly, a UVA dose of 4J cm-2 induced increases in photosystem II electron transport rates (ETRmax) (+15%), phenolic compounds (+15%), astaxanthin (+48%), catalase (+45%) and superoxide dismutase (+30%) activities in vegetative cells. The UVA dose strongly stimulates the photosynthetic and antioxidant activities of vegetative cells, but only the accumulation of astaxanthin in resting cells. These preliminary results show that oxidative stresses at sub-lethal levels can stimulate the activities of microalgae. Further investigations are needed to estimate the real influence on metabolite productivities in industrial production conditions.

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of solvent fractions of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) sprout

Crude methanol extract (ME) of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) sprout was fractioned by hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. The contents of total polyphenols (19.89 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (10.06 mg RE/g) were significantly higher in the butanol fraction (BF) than in the other fractions. The BF showed the highest DPPH (EC50 = 0.524 mg/mL) and ABTS (EC50 = 0.180 mg/mL) radical scavenging activities. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of crude ME showed that the most abundant phenolic compounds were rutin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, catechin, and p-coumaric acid. The contents of quercetin, chlorogenic acid and p-coumaric acid were higher in the ethyl acetate fraction (EF) and BF than in the other fractions. Antioxidant activity and phenolic compound contents were correlated, suggesting that phenolics were responsible for the antioxidant activity. The hexane fraction (HF) and chloroform fraction (CF) decreased the viability of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and the CF had the highest antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 69.47 mg/mL). The CF also suppressed the stemness characteristics of BCSCs and induced apoptotic cell death. The most abundant characteristic peak in CF was identified as oleic acid (area = 35.05%) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Therefore, the broccoli sprout BF contained high levels of phenolic compounds that contributed to its antioxidant activity, and CF had a marked anti-proliferative effect on BCSCs.

Nutritional and environmental factors influence small mammal seed selection in a northern temperate forest

AbstractRodents can influence the succession and assembly of plant communities by preying on and dispersing seeds. Using a seed tray experiment with three common seeds, American beech (Fagus grandifolia), red maple (Acer rubrum), and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), we assessed factors that influence seed selection and foraging time of three rodents: deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), white‐footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), and southern red‐backed voles (Myodes gapperi). All three rodents preferred beech seeds, likely due to its large size and high lipid content. However, when beech availability was low, secondary seed selection differed by rodent species with P. maniculatus equally selecting hemlock and red maple, P. leucopus preferring hemlock, and M. gapperi preferring red maple. Red maple seeds contained high levels of phenolic compounds, which hinder digestion, and the elongated cecum of M. gapperi may allow for better processing of these compounds relative to Peromyscus. Beech seeds were nearly always removed from trays intact, suggesting rodents could be important dispersers compared to the small‐seeded species, which were generally processed on trays. The influence of environmental factors on seed selection was only notable when beech seed availability was low. Beech seed availability was also the primary factor influencing foraging time on trays, with individuals increasing foraging time as beech availability decreased. Consistent with predator avoidance behaviors, denser shrub cover increased foraging time for P. maniculatus, whereas moon luminosity decreased foraging for all three species. Our findings underscore that seed quality drives seed selection but that preferences are context dependent, varying with seed availability and digestive capacity.

Oligosaccharide-phenolic compound conjugates in soluble polysaccharides from rice straw alleviate ethanol fermentation stresses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In this study, it was found that soluble polysaccharides (SPs) from rice straw were conjugated with high levels of phenolic compounds. A gradient ethanol precipitation method was used to separate conjugates with different phenolic compound components. These conjugates were mainly composed of disaccharides or trisaccharides and phenolic acids that were mainly p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and vanillin. SPs with more conjugates exhibited better effects on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and ethanol fermentation. The change in the proportion of conjugates in SPs significantly affected the accumulation of intracellular trehalose and glycerol content, indicating the effect of the conjugates on intracellular osmotic stress. Moreover, SPs with more conjugates generated lower intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. Thus, oligosaccharide and phenolic compound conjugates in SPs promoted yeast growth and ethanol fermentation. For instance, OD value reached 9.4, which was 1.3 times higher than the control group, and ethanol content at 36 h was 36.5 g/L, which was 1.3 times higher than the control. Osmotic pressure alleviation and lowered intracellular H2O2 levels by conjugates are key mechanisms of the SPs during yeast growth and ethanol fermentation.

Phytochemical investigation and biological activities of extracts obtained from Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott leaves collected in different localities from Piauí coast

Montrichardia linifera is an aquatic macrophyte widely used by the population, presenting antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodic, insecticidal and antimalarial activities. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and biological activities of extracts obtained from M. linifera leaves collected in different locations. Hexanic (HXE), hydroalcoholic (HAE) and methanolic (ME) extracts were prepared from leaves from four collection points in the state of Piauí, Brazil: Porto dos Tatus (PT), Lagoa do Bebedouro (LB), Galego (G) and Morros da Mariana (MM). Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assays, evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity against three tumor cell lines (HL-60, HCT-116 and B16-F10), evaluation of antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and analysis of antioxidant potential by DPPH were carried out and ABTS. The extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, organic acids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins, with their presence varying according to the place of collection. The HXE-G sample had the highest percentage of flavonoids. The ME-G and HAE-G samples had the highest levels of phenolic compounds. The HXE-G, HAE-G and ME-G extracts showed a high percentage of inhibition against the three tumor strains tested. HXE-MM had a bacteriostatic effect against both strains of bacteria tested. The samples that showed better antioxidant activity were ME-G and HAE-G. These results demonstrate that the plant has a phytochemical variability, depending on the geographic location and the type of solvent used in the extraction process. Thus, the extracts obtained from M. linifera leaves present a variety of secondary metabolites with potential biological activity.

Potential Valorization of Edible Nuts By-Products: Exploring the Immune-Modulatory and Antioxidants Effects of Selected Nut Shells Extracts in Relation to Their Metabolic Profiles.

The immune system is a potent army that defends our body against various infections and diseases through innate and adaptive immunity. Herbal medicine is one of the essential sources for enhancing immunity because of affordability, availability, minor side effects, and consumers’ preferences. Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and peanuts are among the most widespread edible nuts that are rich in phenolics, fats, fibers, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. The potential of nut shells in phytoremediation has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable solution for waste recycling. Here, we determined the in vitro immune-modulatory activity as well as the metabolite profile of the four nut shell extracts. The addition of the extracts to LPS-stimulated macrophages, especially peanut and walnut shells, has downregulated the gene expression of AP-1, TNF-α, IL-8, iNOS, and COX-2 expression levels. Significant antioxidant capabilities and immune-modulatory effects have been traced for peanut shells. UPLC-MS metabolic profiling of the four nut shell extracts allowed the detection of a relatively high level of phenolic compounds in peanut shells. Intriguingly, a significant correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content was found, indicating the contribution of the phenolic compounds to the antioxidant properties and hence the immune-modulatory activity. Furthermore, molecular docking and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed kaempferol rutinoside and proanthocyanidin A5’ as potential iNOS inhibitors.

Phenolic content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of herbal infusions

Natural products derived from plants are considered the oldest medicine in the world. Teas are an accessible source of antioxidant compounds, especially polyphenols that impart flavor, aroma and pharmacological properties. Considering the context of using natural products for health maintenance, the present study aimed to analyze the content of total phenolic compounds, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of infusions using Morus nigra, Casearia sylvestris, Hibiscus sabdariff and Moringa oleifera commercialized in Muzambinho/MG. The infusions were prepared by adding 100 mL of distilled water at approximately 100ºC over 1 g of herb at room temperature for 10 minutes. The analysis of total phenolic compounds was performed using Folin-Ciocalteau. For the analysis of antioxidant activity, the free radical DPPH was used and the results were expressed as a percentage of scavenging activity. For the analysis of antibacterial activity, the microdilution in broth assay was performed in order to find the minimum inhibitory concentrations. It was possible to conclude that the infusion with the highest levels of phenolic compounds were C. sylvestris and M. oleifera, while those that showed a greater antioxidant activity were M. oleifera and M. nigra. As for antibacterial activity, all infusions were able to inhibit E. coli, especially the infusion of C. sylvestris, which was also able to inhibit S. aureus. Although all of the herbs showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and also phenolic compounds, C. sylvestis was the herb that stood out in this work because of its phenolic composition and antibacterial activity. In sum, it is concluded that future work is needed to elucidate the exact chemical composition of the infusions and other biological activities.

Influence of different preparation techniques on the composition and antioxidant action of curcumin and curcuminoids

Epidemiological evidence indicates that plant antioxidants activity can treat or help to prevent the development of various diseases. One species with great potential as an antioxidant is Curcuma longa. However, different extraction techniques can influence isolated chemical compounds. This study investigated chemical composition and antioxidant activity of two rhizome extracts of C. longa: hydroethanolic, obtained by exhaustion (HECLex); and dried by a spray dryer (HECLsd). The phytochemical composition was evaluated by GC/MS. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. Total phenolic compounds and soil analyses were performed. The main components of HECLex were ar-turmerone, γ-curcumene, α-turmerone, and β-sesquiphellandrene. The main components of HECLsd were 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 2,3-bis([trimethylsilyl]oxy)propyl ester, verrucarol, and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether. HECLsd had significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant capacity compared with HECLex. In conclusion, processes of the preparation of C. longa rhizomes alter the chemical components and consequently their biological activity.

Ficus carica hairy roots: In vitro anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes

Objective: To investigate the biochemical capacity, and in vitro inhibitory effects of hairy roots from two cultivars of Ficus carica L. (Sabz and Siah) on Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes.Methods: In the hairy roots, the activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to normal leaves and roots, and the presence of some phenolic compounds in comparison with fruits were investigated. The IC50 values of hairy roots in promastigotes was determined by tetrazolium-dye 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and trypan blue assays. By calculating the infectivity index of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the leishmanicidal activity (IC50 values) of hairy roots for amastigotes was estimated. The effects of hairy roots (IC50 values) treatment on the levels of IFN-γ and iNOS expression, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and iNOS protein expression in infected-PBMCs were determined.Results: Based on antioxidant enzyme assays and high performance liquid chromatography analysis, hairy roots exhibited high antioxidant capacity and contained high levels of phenolic compounds. According to the results of tetrazolium-dye 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and trypan blue assays, the hairy root extracts of both cultivars showed considerable dose-dependent inhibitory effects against Leishmania major promastigotes. Depending on the concentration and exposure time, treatment of infected-PBMCs with hairy root extracts caused the generation of a significant reactive oxygen species, up- regulation of IFN-γ and iNOS genes expression, and high value of iNOS protein compared to controls.Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the hairy roots of Ficus carica can be considered as a promising natural source of antileishmanial agents.

Effects of salicylic acid on the production of polyphenols and the reducing power of Theobroma cacao calli

• The role of salicylic acid in modulating the total polyphenol content and reducing power activity in undifferentiated Theobroma cacao calli was demonstrated. • Conditions that maximize polyphenol content and the iron reducing potential in undifferentiated callus extracts were determined to guide future research. • Mathematical models were developed for predicting total phenolic content and reducing power capacity. Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao ) contains high levels of phenolic compounds with pharmacologically interesting activities. Prior research has not sufficiently investigated obtaining these compounds through in vitro culture by using metabolic elicitation and quantifying polyphenols in undifferentiated cell biomass samples in this species. In vitro calli obtained from staminodes and petals were elicited with 0.01 and 0.1 mg L −1 salicylic acid (SA). Secondary metabolites were determined in the calli and their culture medium, from the immature and mature flowers, leaves, and fruits of field-grown plants. The most abundant compounds were free amino acids, alkaloids, reducing carbohydrates, phenols, pyrocatecholic tannins, and flavonoids. Resins, triterpenes, steroids, saponins, coumarins, and quinones were absent in the calli. A high concentration of total polyphenols (58.4 µg g −1 ) was obtained from staminode-derived calli elicited with 0.1 mg L −1 SA. With these conditions, the total polyphenol content was 40.22 µg g −1 greater than that in the control. In general, SA also stimulated the reducing power activity; a better value (5.87 µmol mL −1 Fe 2+ ) was obtained in callus extracts from petals with salicylic acid (0.1 mg L −1 ). This research was based on a full factorial study design with two levels, a method that allows the desired information to be obtained at the lowest possible cost.

Cytotoxicity, antinociceptive and gastroproiltective potential of the Abuta selloana Eichler: a fruit plant from Catarinense flora, Brazil.

This study evaluated some biological activities of extracts from Abuta selloana. The gastroprotective potential was determined against ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers, whereas the antinociceptive effect was evaluated by acetic acid-induced abdominal contortions in mice. The cytotoxicity activity was measured against human cancer cell lines: U251 (glioma), MCF-7 (breast cancer) and NCI-H460 (lung cancer). The radical scavenger potential was verified; and preliminary phytochemical analyses were performed. The phytochemical screening revealed higher levels of phenolic compounds in all extracts. Moreover, the methanolic extract from pulp fruit (MEPu), peel fruit (MEPe), branches (MEB) and leaves (MEL) scavenged the DPPH radical at 100 µg/mL. Besides, only MEL presented GI50 < 30 µg/mL in all tested cells. Besides, MEPu, MEPe, MEB or MEL at 10 mg/kg (i.p) reduced the abdominal contortions at 47.22%, 63.31%, 84.59% and 37.76%, respectively. The MEPu, MEPe, MEB and MEL reduced the ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin- induced ulcer at 250 mg/kg (p.o). In conclusion, A. selloana had interesting biological activities; presenting the leaves as a promising source for compounds with cytotoxic potential, however, further studies should be performed to confirm its antitumoral activity. Besides, the whole plant can be an important source of bioactive compounds associated with gastroprotective and antinociceptive properties.

Nutritional and technological potential of Umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) processing by-product flour.

Antioxidants present in many fruit residues can play an essential role in the prevention of diseases. The aim of this study was to determine nutritional and mineral composition, fatty acids profile, anti-nutrients, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and technological properties of flour from residues generated by umbu fruit processing. Nutritional composition showed high levels of dietary fiber, especially insoluble fiber (56.67%). The flour can be classified as a good source of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, and an excellent source of iron, zinc and copper. Palmitic and stearic saturated fatty acids and oleic and linoleic unsaturated fatty acids were identified. No potentially toxic substances were detected. Significant values of ascorbic acid (44.78 mg/100g), carotenoids (463.73 µg/100g) and flavonoids (37.85 mg QE/100g) were found, as well as very high levels of phenolic compounds (20357.26 mg GAE/100g). Strong antioxidant activity was detected in the flour by three methods (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) demonstrating a linear positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The flour showed high absorption of water, oil, emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability presenting a great potential for use in foods, especially meat, bakery and dairy products. These results indicate promising prospects to full use of umbu as a functional ingredient.

Phenolic Compounds in Organic and Conventional Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Wholemeal

Abstract Winter wheat wholemeal is an important component of the human diet and may be a significant source of antioxidants. The objective of this study was to determine individual phenolic compounds in five winter wheat varieties: ‘Fredis’, ‘Edvins’, ‘94-5-N’, ‘Skagen’, and ‘SW Magnific’ wholemeal, grown according to organic and conventional agricultural practices. Ten phenolic compounds (vanilin, rutin, catechin hydrate, quercetin, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, 3.4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, trans (3)-hydroxycinnamic acid, and gallic acid) were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (Schimadzu Prominence HPLC). Catechin hydrate and quercetin were the main phenolic compounds in the grain of all tested winter wheat varieties. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) among the analysed winter wheat cultivars in the concentration of individual phenolic compounds were observed. Concentrations of vanillin in organic and conventional winter wheat wholemeal were significantly lower (0.28 ± 0.02 to 0.65 ± 0.04 µg·g−1 DW), although the differences in the levels of phenolic were not large. The obtained results showed a statistically significant trend (p &lt; 0.05) towards higher levels of phenolic compounds in organic wheat wholemeal samples.

Bioactive Compounds of Fruit Parts of Three Eugenia uniflora Biotypes in Four Ripening Stages.

Variability of secondary metabolites in edible (peel and pulp) and inedible (seeds) parts of three pitanga varieties, red, red-orange and purple, was investigated during the maturation process. Hydrolysable tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids were quantified by HPLC/DAD and carotenoids by absorbance. Peel/pulp showed greater complexity of constituents (carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and hydrolysable tannins), while only tannins were identified in seeds, but in quantities of 10 to 100 times greater. The red-orange variety showed the highest levels of phenolic compounds in seeds and peel/pulp, except anthocyanins. The analysis of the principal response curves showed that the pitanga biotype has greater influence on metabolite variation than ripening stages. During peel/pulp maturation, a reduction in the levels of flavonoids and tannins contrasted with an increase in carotenoids and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in all varieties, whereas in the seeds oenothein B, the major tannin, increased up to 1.32 g/100 g fresh weight. Such marked differences between fruit parts demonstrate that the seeds in stages E3 and E4 are a source of hydrolysable tannins, compounds known for their antitumor activity, while peel/pulp of all varieties in the ripe stage provide natural antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Lastly, the purple biotype can be a rich source of the cyanidin-3-O-glucoside pigment a potent bioactive compound.

Systematic Review of Medicinal Plants Used for Treatment of Diabetes in Human Clinical Trials: An ASEAN Perspective.

Traditionally, there are some medicinal plants believed to treat diabetes, as they have been proven in research studies to possess antidiabetic properties, such as improved insulin sensitivity and hypoglycemic activities, due to their high level of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. We conducted a systematic review to identify potential medicinal plants used during human clinical trials in the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries on prediabetic or type 2 diabetic individuals and to potentially identify any bioactive compounds involved in effectively treating symptoms of diabetes such as lowering of blood glucose. A total of 1209 reference titles were retrieved from four selected databases (Science Direct, Scopus, Springer Link, and PubMed) and only three met the inclusion criteria. Upon evaluation of the selected articles, four medicinal plants were identified: turmeric (Curcuma longa), garlic (Allium sativum L.), bitter melon (Momordica charantia), and Rosella flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). Of these, only the bitter melon study did not show any significant change in the blood glucose of participants after intervention. This review demonstrates the limitations in published articles of human clinical trials for medicinal plants' intervention for diabetes. Upon further investigations on the four identified medicinal plants included in the animal studies, the findings showed positive effects in the management of diabetes, such as hyperglycemia. Hence, further testing and standardization of the methods in the studies can be suggested for human clinical trials for reliable data collections such as methods of extract preparation, duration of intervention, and conditions set for the study design.

Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of flowers from Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth (Bignoniaceae)

Tecoma stans (L.) Kunth (Bignoniaceae), is popularly known as ipê-mirim, and used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and digestive problems. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant and synergistic potential of the ethanol extract and fractions from the T. stans flowers, and to determine their chemical composition. The hexane fraction (HEX) was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and fatty acid esters and the phytosterols could be identified. The ethanol extract (EE), and dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA) and hydroethanol (HE) fractions were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and mass spectrometer (LC-DAD-MS). Alkaloids (tecomine, tecostamine, and coumaroyl-spermidine analogs), O-glycosylated flavones and flavonols (O-glucuronyl O-methyl quercetin, O-hexosyl luteolin, and others), and phenylethanoid glycosides (dihydroxyphenyl ethyl O-caffeoyl O-deoxyhexosyl hexoside, hydroxyphenyl ethyl O-coumaroyl O-deoxyhexosyl hexoside, and others) were identified. The EE with DCM and EA fractions exhibited antioxidant effects, and had the highest levels of phenolic compounds. Regarding Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) tests, the EE, DCM and EA fractions showed potential results against Escherichia coli, E. coli EHEC and Enterococcus faecalis. The EE and DCM and EA fractions interacted synergistically with amoxicillin and tetracycline decreasing the MIC of antibiotics 2–5 fold when compared with the MIC of antibiotics used alone. These results provide a basis for additional studies aimed to evaluate the possibility of using extract or fractions from T. stans as natural sources of antioxidants and antibacterial agents of plant origin.

New insights into the role of constitutive bacterial rhizobiome and phenolic compounds in two Pinus spp. with contrasting susceptibility to pine pitch canker.

The rhizobiome is being increasingly acknowledged as a key player in plant health and breeding strategies. The pine pitch canker (PPC), caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum, affects pine species with varying susceptibility degrees. Our aims were to explore the bacterial rhizobiome of a susceptible (Pinus radiata) and a resistant (Pinus pinea) species together with other physiological traits, and to analyze shifts upon F. circinatum inoculation. Pinus seedlings were stem inoculated with F. circinatum spores and needle gas exchange and antioxidant-related parameters were analyzed in non-inoculated and inoculated plants. Rhizobiome structure was evaluated through 16S rRNA gene massive parallel sequencing. Species (non-inoculated plants) harbored distinct rhizobiomes (<40% similarity), where P. pinea displayed a rhizobiome with increased abundance of taxa described in suppressive soils, displaying plant growth promoting (PGP) traits and/or anti-fungal activity. Plants of this species also displayed higher levels of phenolic compounds. F. circinatum induced slight changes in the rhizobiome of both species and a negative impact in photosynthetic-related parameters in P. radiata. We concluded that the rhizobiome of each pine species is distinct and higher abundance of bacterial taxa associated to disease protection was registered for the PPC-resistant species. Furthermore, differences in the rhizobiome are paralleled by a distinct content in phenolic compounds, which are also linked to plants' resistance against PPC. This study unveils a species-specific rhizobiome and provides insights to exploit the rhizobiome for plant selection in nurseries and for rhizobiome-based plant-growth-promoting strategies, boosting environmentally friendly disease control strategies.

Flower beverages of native medicinal plants from Argentina (Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata) as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHerbal beverages have been used as a natural part of the medicinal and food culture in northwestern Argentina. The flower beverages (infusion or decoction) of Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata, three native species from arid and semiarid regions of Argentina are widely used as anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic by several local communities. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to analyze the phytochemical composition of some Argentine flower beverage and to validate its traditional use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Materials and methodsPhenolic profiles from all flower infusions and decoctions were analyzed by both spectrophotometric analysis and HPLC-DAD. ABTS•+; the scavenging activity of both hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical was determined and finally, their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase (XOD), and lipoxygenase (LOX) was also assessed. ResultsThe flower beverages of all assayed species showed a high level of phenolic compounds with similar chromatographic patterns in both infusions and decoctions of each plant species, the major components of which have been identified. The flower beverages, especially G. decorticans infusion and decoctions, displayed an important antioxidant activity (SC50 values between 18.14 and 47 μg/mL) through different mechanisms; all of them were able to inhibit the XOD enzyme activity and, consequently, the formation of uric acid and reactive oxygen species, the primary cause of arthritis-related diseases. The most active beverages as XOD inhibitor were G. decorticans flower infusion and decoctions (IC50 values of 20 and 35 μg/mL, respectively). Pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as LOX, were also inhibited by infusions and decoctions of G. decorticans, L. cuneifolia and A caven flowers, lessening inflammation mediators in all beverages. ConclusionsThe present work validates the traditional medicinal use of flower beverages from Argentina as an anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory agent as it has been used for hundreds of years in several pathologies associated with oxidative stress.

Improved in vitro rooting and acclimatization of “Violetta” Artichoke and “Green Globe” Artichoke

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), a medicinal plant with high economic value, contains high levels of phenolic compounds; especially cynarine, which plays an important role in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and neurodegeneration, etc. Currently, Artichoke micropropagation has achieved some success; however, the rooting efficiency and plantlet quality are still limited. In this study, improving the quality of Artichoke plantlet related to the shoot quality and suitable substrates in in vitro rooting stage was studied on “Violetta” Artichoke (VA) and “Green Globe” Artichoke (GA). The results showed that shoots (1.5 cm) cultured on MS medium supplemented 0.5 mg/L KIN were most suitable to shoot multiplication of VA with the number of shoots/explant (3.67 shoots), number of shoots ≥ 2 cm (3 shoots); while, 1.0 mg/L BA was suitable to shoot multiplication of GA (5.33 shoots; 5.00 shoots; respectively) after 4 weeks of culture. Besides, the in vitro rooting was improved using 8 g/L commercial agar for VA; meanwwhile, 3 g/L gelrite for GA. In addition, the nylon bag culture system (120 mm × 250 mm) has potential in plantlet production (15 plants/bag) and can be applied for large scale micropropagation. In addition, VA and GA plantlets derived from in vitro culture gave the good acclimatization, growth and development after 8, 12 and 20 weeks cultivating at the green house conditions.

Perspectives on the Combined Effects of Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense Extracts in Terms of Phytochemical Profile and Pharmacological Effects.

Nowadays, the tendency in pharmaceutical and food industries is to replace synthetic antioxidants with the natural ones. For this reason, there is a growing interest in analyzing natural, healthy and non-toxic additives as potential antioxidants. Some plants, which contain high levels of phenolic compounds, present an increasing interest for medicine due to their ability to scavenge free radicals, along with other pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial activity, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect, to mention only a few. The aim of this review is to explore the therapeutic potential of Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense in relation with their phytochemical profile and to highlight the pharmacological activity of aqueous or ethanol extracts. Special attention was devoted to the dermal pathology and wound healing effects, in the context of multiple skin conditions such as acne, eczema boils, psoriasis and rashes. Additionally, both extracts (Trifolium sp. and Ocimum sp.) are characterized by high content of antioxidant compounds, which are responsible for the radiance and resistance of the skin and slowing down of the aging process by maintaining estrogen levels. Moreover, the potential combined effect of the mixed extract is pointed out in terms of future applications for wound healing, based on some preliminary results obtained from a “scratch tests” assay performed with respect to human dermal fibroblasts.