Hydroethanolic Research Articles

Linking Variability in Phytochemical Composition with Safety Profile of Thymus carnosus Boiss. Extracts: Effect of Major Compounds and Evaluation of Markers of Oxidative Stress and Cell Death.

Natural products are generally considered safe for human consumption, but this classification is often based on ethnobotanical surveys or their use in traditional medicine over a long period of time. However, edaphoclimatic factors are known to produce different chemotypes, which may affect the safety profile and bioactivities, and are not commonly considered for plants exploited as crops worldwide. Thymus carnosus Boiss., a thyme species with various health-promoting effects, has potential pharmaceutical applications, but edaphoclimatic factors were found to significantly impact its phytochemical composition. Thus, we aimed to assess the safety profile of T. carnosus extracts obtained from plants harvested in two locations over three consecutive years and to establish an association with specific components, an essential study in the search for new sources of nutraceuticals. Thus, the antiproliferative effect of an aqueous decoction (AD), hydroethanolic (HE) extracts, and major extracts' components of T. carnosus was evaluated on intestinal (Caco-2) and hepatic (HepG2) cell models, revealing effects dependent on extract type, cell line, and tested compounds. Flavonoids induced different cytotoxic patterns, which could be attributed to molecular structural differences. Flow cytometry analysis showed apoptosis and necrosis induction, mediated by the modulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential, effects that were dependent on the cell line and phytochemical composition and on the synergism between extracts components, rather than on the activity of an isolated compound. While ursolic acid was the component with the strongest impact on the difference between extraction methods, flavonoids assumed a pivotal role in the response of different cell lines to the extracts. We report for the first time, for Thymus spp. extracts, that variations in the phytochemical composition clearly influence the cellular response, thus highlighting the need for extract standardization for medicinal applications.

Ataulfo Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Peel Extract as a Potential Natural Antioxidant in Ground Beef

Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant and antimicrobial in vitro activity of ethanolic (EE) and hydroethanolic (HE) extracts of mango peel Ataulfo were evaluated. The highest TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity were as shown in EE. Ethanolic extract was incorporated into ground beef at 1000 (BBEA) and 2000 mg/kg meat (BEEB) concentrations and then compared with 250 mg of sodium ascorbate/kg meat (ASC) along with a control (without antioxidant). The effects of adding EE on instrumental colour, metmyoglobin content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pH, microbial load and sensorial analysis of ground beef were evaluated for 11 days at 4 °C. BEEB added in raw ground beef improved colour stability while the lipid oxidation in raw and raw-cooked ground beef was inhibited with a greater antioxidant effect than ASC and a similar overall acceptability score (cooked ground beef). However, incorporating BEEB into ground beef did not show significant antimicrobial activity. Therefore, mango peel extracts could potentially be used as a natural antioxidant in ground beef.

Molecular Characterization of Prunus lusitanica L. Fruit Extracts and Their Health-Promoting Potential in Inflammation, Diabetes, and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Prunus lusitanica L. is a shrub belonging to the genus Prunus L. (Rosaceae family) that produces small fruits with none known application. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the phenolic profile and some health-promoting activities of hydroethanolic (HE) extracts obtained from P. lusitanica fruits, harvested from three different locations. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of extracts was performed using HPLC/DAD-ESI-MS and antioxidant activity was assessed by in vitro methods. Antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity was determined on Caco-2, HepG2, and RAW 264.7 cells, anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and the antidiabetic, antiaging, and neurobiological action of extracts was determined in vitro by assessing their inhibitory effect against the activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, elastase, tyrosinase, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Results showed that P. lusitanica fruit HE extracts from the three different locations showed identical phytochemical profile and bioactivities, although small differences were observed regarding the quantities of some compounds. Extracts of P. lusitanica fruits contain high levels in total phenolic compounds, namely, hydroxycinnamic acids, as well as flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)glucoside. P. lusitanica fruit extracts have a low cytotoxic/antiproliferative effect, with the lowest IC50 value obtained in HepG2 cells (352.6 ± 10.0 μg/mL, at 48 h exposure), but high anti-inflammatory activity (50-60% NO release inhibition, at 100 μg/mL extract) and neuroprotective potential (35-39% AChE inhibition, at 1 mg/mL), and moderate antiaging (9-15% tyrosinase inhibition, at 1 mg/mL) and antidiabetic (9-15% α-glucosidase inhibition, at 1 mg/mL) effects. The bioactive molecules present in the fruits of P. lusitanica deserve to be further explored for the development of new drugs of interest to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.

Polyphenolic and Flavonoids Contents and Antibacterial Activity of Hydro-Ethanolic and Aqueous Extract of Fresh Leaves of Gardenia Aqualla Staph and Hutch (Rubiaceae)

Erectile dysfunction has become for two decades, a real public health problem. Its prevalence is estimated at 322 million in 2025. Its management is based on the administration of phosphodiesterase inhibitors alone or in combination. Infections have been rarely mentioned although <i>E coli</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae </i>or <i>Serratia marcescens</i> are recognized as factors of erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the aqueous (AE) and hydroethanolic (HE) extracts of the fresh leaves of <i>Gardenia aqualla</i> and to determine their antibacterial potential on bacteria involved in male accessory gland infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate phytochemical profile of aqueous (AE) and hydroethanolic (HE) extracts of fresh leaves of <i>Gardenia aqualla</i> and to determine their antibacterial potential on bacteria involved in male accessory gland infections. Phytochemical profile highlighted the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols with concentrations of 434.5 ± 14.5 mgEq Tannic acid/g of dried extract greater than 249.5±18.3 mgEq Tannic acid/g of dried extract found in AE including flavonoids whose concentrations is 184.9 ± 6.3 μgEqRutin/g of dry extract in HE against 183.0±9.1 μgEqRutin/g of dried extract in AE. Antibacterial tests showed equivalence of activity on <i>E coli</i> and S aureus strains with MICs of 100 mg/mL and 50mg/mL respectively and only HE showed activity on <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and<i> Serratia marcescens</i> which had the lowest MIC 6.25 mg/mL.

Molecular Characterization of Thymus capitellatus Extracts and Their Antioxidant, Neuroprotective and Anti-Proliferative Activities.

Thymus capitellatus Hoffmanns & Link is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula listed as near-threatened, due to its restricted geographical distribution, occurring mainly in Portugal's mainland. In this work, we detail for the first time T. capitellatus extracts' phytochemical composition, as well as an evaluation of bioactivities to point out potential health benefits. Aqueous decoction (AD) and hydroethanolic (HE) extracts were obtained, both rich in flavonoids. However, quercetin-(?)-O-hexoside was identified as the main compound in T. capitellatus HE extract, while the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid was the main component of AD extracts. In addition, HE extract presents significant amounts of salvianolic acids and of the terpenoids oleanolic and ursolic acid. Both extracts showed antioxidant activity, evaluated by their capacity to scavenge ABTS and superoxide radicals, as well as an ability to prevent lipid peroxidation. AD extracts were also effective in scavenging hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals. As potential functional foods, T. capitellatus extracts presented neuroprotective and anti-diabetic activity, in addition to time- and dose-dependent anti-proliferative activity against Caco-2 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) and HepG2 (hepatic carcinoma) cells. HE extract presented higher cytotoxicity than AD extract, and HepG2 cells were more resistant than Caco-2 cells. After 24 h exposure to HE extract, the IC50 values were 330 μg/mL and 447 μg/mL for Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, respectively. T. capitellatus has potential as a functional food or as a source of bioactive molecules. These results also highlight the need to preserve species with as yet unknown molecular compositions and potential medicinal applications.

The LC-MS/MS Identification and Analgesic and Wound Healing Activities of Lavandula officinalis Chaix: In Vivo and In Silico Approaches

We earlier emphasized in vivo the lavender plant's (Lavandula officinalis Chaix.) anti-inflammatory and estrogenic activities and described the chemical compositions of its hydro-ethanolic (HE) extract. We used LC-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses to profile the phytochemical composition of the HE extract and to assess the analgesic and wound-healing effects of both the hydro-ethanolic (HE) and polyphenolic (LOP) extracts in vivo and in silico. The analgesic activity was studied using two methods: acetic acid and formalin injections in mice. The wound-healing activity was carried out over 25 days using a burn model in rats. In the in silico study, the polyphenols identified in the plant were docked in the active sites of three enzymes: casein kinase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β. The LC-MS/MS identified some phenolic compounds, mainly apigenin, catechin, and myricetin, and the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 19 volatile compounds with triazole, D-glucose, hydroxyphenyl, and D-Ribofuranose as the major compounds. The HE and LOP extracts showed significant decreases in abdominal writhes, and the higher licking time of the paw (57.67%) was observed using the LOP extract at 200 mg/kg. Moreover, both extracts showed high healing percentages, i.e., 99.31 and 92.88%, compared to the control groups, respectively. The molecular docking showed that myricetin, amentoflavone, apigenin, and catechin are the most active molecules against the three enzyme receptors. This study sheds light on the potential of L. officinalis Chaix as a source of natural products for pharmaceutical applications for analgesic purposes as well as their utility in promoting burn-healing activity.

Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity of Hydro Ethanolic Extract of Coccinia grandis in Mice

Background: Hydro ethanolic extract of Coccinia grandis leaves was assumed to have anticonvulsant activity. Objective: To evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of Coccinia grandis by using some animal models like maximal electric shock model, pentylenetetrazole induced seizures, Isoniazid induced seizures. Materials and Methods: Various equipment and apparatus were used in the present study. Hydroethanolic extract of Coccinia grandis was done by Soxhlet apparatus. Phytochemical investigation of the leaf extract of Coccinia grandis was performed. Anticonvulsant activity was determined by using different animal models like maximal electric shock model, pentylenetetrazole induced seizures, Isoniazid induced seizures. Results: Anticonvulsant activity was determined by using different animal models like Maximal electric shock model, pentylenetetrazole induced seizures &amp; Isoniazid induced model. Percentage of protection, Duration of hind limb tonic extension (HLTE), Latency of onset of convulsions were taken as a indication of anticonvulsant activity. Phenytoin and Diazepam showed significant anticonvulsant activity. In the present study the test samples exhibited significant (P &lt; 0.0001) anticonvulsant activity and antioxidant activity at a dose of 200,400mg/kg. It may due to the presence of alkaloids, Phenols, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids terpenoids. Conclusion: In present study leaves of Coccinia grandis extract was collected and anticonvulsant activity was examined in a doses of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg. The results clearly shown that the low dose 200mg/kg of plant extract shown appropriate anticonvulsant activity and the high dose 400mg/kg shown specific anticonvulsant activity when compared to control and standard groups.

Neuroprotective effects of the fractions of Ocimum basilicum in seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in mice.

Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures were investigated. Mice were divided as follows: (Group 1) Control, (Group 2) PTZ, (Groups 3-5) 50,100 and 200 mg/kg hydro-ethanolic (HE) extract, and (Groups 6-8) 200 mg/kg ethyl-acetate (EAF), N-hexane (NHF) and water (WF) fractions. Minimal clonic seizures (MCS) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) latencies were measured. Biochemical and histological studies were done. MCS and GTCS latency in HE groups were longer than the PTZ group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). EAF and NHF prolonged the onset of MCS and GTCS (p<0.001). PTZ increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and dark neuron (DN) production while decreased thiol, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Pre-treatment by HE and all fractions of the plant attenuated MDA and DN while increased thiol, CAT and SOD (p<0.01 to p<0.001). EAF and NHF had anticonvulsant properties. The extract and fractions protected the brain from PTZ-induced oxidative damages and showed neuroprotective effects.

Induction of Bax and Activation of Caspases by Hydro Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Citrullus colocynthis (L)-mediated Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cell Line (MCF-7)

Cancer is the most deadly disease that causes death among the world. It is caused by genome and epigenome abnormalities. Herbal plants are used for treatment of cancer. Citrullus colocynthis is valuable medicinal plants used for treatment of cancer. The plant as antidiabetic, anticancer activity, and antioxidant activity.The aim of the study is to find induction of bax and activation of caspases by hydro ethanolic leaf extract of Citrullus colocynthis (L)-in Human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Materials and methods, Human breast cancer cell was purchased from the national centre for cell sciences. Cell line and cell culture were performed and cell viability was done by MTT assay. Total RNA isolation, cDNA conversion and gene expression analysis by real time PCR. This study clearly indicates that plant extract has a significant role in modulation of intrinsic apoptotic signaling in human breast cancer cells which might be due to the presence of cucurbitacin present in Citrullus colocynthis. It is conducted that Citrullus colocynthis extract inhibits the growth of the human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) by regulating the expression of pro apoptotic (Bax) and caspases -3 genes. Hence Citrullus colocynthis may be served as a potential drug for treatment of human breast cancer cells.

Anticancer Activity of Leaf Hydro Ethanolic Extract of Aegle marmelos in Human Lung Cancer Cell Mediated through Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 mRNA Expression

Background: Aegle marmelos (AE) is a medicinal plant that comes under the rutaceae family and the plant was used in the past for treating many diseases and illness symptoms. The plant has many effects such as anti-diarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antiviral, radioprotective, anticancer, chemopreventive, antipyretic, ulcer healing, antigenotoxic, diuretic, antifertility and anti-inflammatory properties.&#x0D; Aim: To know the anticancer activity of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Aegle marmelos over lung cancer cells treated with caspase 3 and caspase 9 mRNA expression.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The required chemicals were collected mainly from Canada. The lung cancer cells (A549) were collected from NCCS pune and then RNA was extracted from the cells and then the study was conducted after treating it with caspase 3 and caspase 9 mRNA expression. The cells were treated with many dosage of hydroethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos and the cell viability was noted.&#x0D; Results: The study reported that extract of Aegle marmelos has a great anticancer activity about 1 fold change over rate of 1.7 for cells treated with caspase 3 and a fold change over of 1 in caspase 9 treated lung cancer cells.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded an innovative finding that the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Aegle marmelos has a great anticancer activity against lung cancer cells treated with caspase 3 and caspase 9 mRNA expression.

Increased anti-inflammatory activity and enhanced phytochemical concentrations in superfine powders obtained by controlled differential sieving process from four medicinal plants.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Rosa canina, Salix alba, Scrophularia nodosa and Hedera helix were studied in LPS-stimulated primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from mice (n=18) by comparing homogeneous powders of small microparticles (50-100 μm, 100-180 μm and 180-315 μm) obtained from plants via a controlled differential sieving process (CDSp) versus total plant materials obtained via hydroethanolic (HE) extraction. Further, phytochemical composition of the fine powders and HE extracts was determined by LC-PDA-ESI/MS analyses. Results showed that a one-hour pretreatment of PBMCs with fine powders, particularly those with superfine particle sizes (i.e. 50-100 μm and 100-180 μm), significantly inhibited TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and NO production in LPS-stimulated PBMCs, by at least ca. 20% more than HE extracts (all, p<0.05). For each of the plants studied, their superfine powdered fractions were more concentrated in phenolic contents than their HE extracts. Overall, our results further confirm CDSp, as an environmentally friendly method, for improving the concentration of bioactive compounds as well as their biological activities.

Pharmacological effects of Lavandula officinalis Chaix and its polyphenols: Focus on their in vivo estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties

Ethnopharmacological relevancy: Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) are a valuable legacy for human health care and subsistence. Among these MAP, Lavandula officinalis Chaix is traditionally renowned for its ability to treat digestive problems, inflammation, coughing, and to elicit sedative and diuretic effects.Aim of the study: This investigation aimed to assess the effects of Lavandula officinalis Chaix extracts in vivo on the levels of proteins, cholesterol, and estradiol, and study their sub-acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties.Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of the hydro-ethanolic (H.E.) extract of Lavandula officinalis Chaix plant was analyzed using HPLC. To check sub-acute toxicity, the H.E. extract at both 300 and 600 mg/kg doses were administered to female rats by daily gavage for 28 days, and animals’ weights, biochemical analyses (AST, ALT, ALP, urea and CREA), and histopathological examinations of kidneys and livers were checked. Furthermore, the in vivo estrogenic and anti-inflammatory activities were examined using H.E. and polyphenols (100 and 200 mg/kg) extracts (P.E.) based on serum and ovarian cholesterol, serum estradiol, uterine proteins levels, and edema inhibition using indomethacin (10 mg/kg) and clomiphene citrate (10 mg/kg) as reference drugs.Results: The results showed that the H.E. extract of Lavandula officinalis Chaix contains some phenolic compounds mainly gallic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, quercetin, and myricetin and showed no evidence of nephrotoxicity nor hepatotoxicity. Additionally, both extracts reduced edema in treated rats by 56–76%. Also, significant estrogenic effects were evidenced by 16–35% increase in serum estradiol, but at less extent than the reference drug treated group. As for cholesterol level, it decreased by 20–60% all extracts included. Moreover, significant influence was noticed on uterine proteins using the hydro-ethanolic extract. Lastly, serum estradiol level increased by 16–64% comparatively to control group.Conclusion: Our findings bring new insights on the role of Lavandula officinalis Chaix extracts as beneficial herbal remedies for female infertility disorders and related inflammation symptoms.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Analgesic Activities of Alcoholic Extracts of Ephedra nebrodensis From Eastern Algeria

Ephedra nebrodensis (Ephedraceae) presents a wide range of biological activities. It is used to treat respiratory problems and hepatic pathologies in traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant, in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of two hydro-alcoholic extracts of E. nebrodensis in mice. The antioxidant capacity of hydro-methanolic (HM) and hydro-ethanolic (HE) extracts of E. nebrodensis was evaluated via assays of their superoxide radical scavenging capacity and ferrous ion chelating activity. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was also determined using the bovine serum albumin denaturation test. Croton oil-induced ear edema was then employed to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg). Finally, the analgesic activity of the extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) was determined by the acetic acid-induced torsion test. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of E. nebrodensis present significant antioxidant activity. The HE and HM could inhibit protein denaturation by 82.99%±20.21% and 56.25%±2.12%, respectively. The extracts (HM and HE) also show strong anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and could reduce ear edema by 70.37%±2.00% and 72.22%±1.94%, respectively. The HM extract (72.51%±2.43%) demonstrates greater pain inhibitory effects than HE (70.76%±2.58%). The hydro-alcoholic extracts of E. nebrodensis produce antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. These results confirm the traditional use of the herb in the treatment of various diseases.

Phytochemical and GC-MS Analysis of Hydro Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Ocimum sanctum (L.)

Phytochemical and GC-MS Analysis of Hydro Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Ocimum sanctum (L.)

Pergularia daemia hydro-ethanolic extract protects against pentylenetetrazole kindling-induced seizures, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurrent antiepileptic drugs fail to control approximately 30% of epilepsies. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective antiepileptic drugs, and medicinal plants provide an attractive source for new compounds. Pergularia daemia (Asclepiadaceae) is used in Cameroon traditional medicine to treat stroke, anemia, inflammation, and epilepsy. Recently, traditional healers claim that an hydro-ethanolic extract of the roots of P. daemia is more effective than an aqueous extract on refractory seizures. Aim of the studyThe antiepileptic effect of P. daemia hydro-ethanolic extract was investigated on the pentylenetetrazole kindling model of temporal lobe epilepsy in mice and possible mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsMice were divided into 8 groups treated as follows: normal group received distilled water (10 ml/kg, p.o.), control group received distilled water (10 ml/kg, p.o.), ethanol group received ethanol (5%, p.o.), positive control received sodium valproate (300 mg/kg, p.o.), and test groups received P. daemia hydro-ethanolic (HE) extract (1.6, 4, 8 and 16 mg/kg, p.o.). All groups were kindled by 11 injections of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p.), once every alternate day (48 ± 2 h), until the development of kindling, i.e., the occurrence of stage 5 seizures for two consecutive trials. One week later, i.e., 29th day, mice were challenged with a single and lower dose of PTZ (25 mg/kg, i.p.) that does not induce seizures in normal mice but causes seizures in mice prone to seizures and behavioral alterations. After completion of the kindling procedure, Morris water maze, passive avoidance, and open field tests were performed. Afterward, animals were euthanized, and hippocampi were removed for the estimation of the levels of GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), L-glutamate decarboxylase (L-GAD), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation markers also were quantified. Finally, histological analysis of the hippocampus was carried out. ResultsPTZ-kindling induced myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures in control mice. However, the HE extract of P. daemia (4–16 mg/kg), compared to sodium valproate, significantly protected mice against myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Also, the HE extract (1.6–16 mg/kg) significantly increased the seizure score. Furthermore, the HE extract of P. daemia significantly reduced seizure-induced cognitive impairments. PTZ-kindling induced significant alterations in GABA, GABA-T, and L-GAD contents as well as oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, and the HE extract significantly reversed these effects, suggesting possible mechanisms. All these activities of the HE extract were confirmed by its protective effect against neuronal loss in the hippocampus. ConclusionsThe HE extract of P. daemia protected mice against kindled seizures and cognitive impairments, and these effects were greater than those of sodium valproate, a widely used antiepileptic drug. These effects may be mediated by neuromodulatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, thus suggesting a neuroprotective effect. These findings help to explain the beneficial use of these HE extracts of P.daemia in traditional medicine to treat epilepsy in Cameroon.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cytocompatible Salvia officinalis Extracts: A Comparison between Traditional and Soxhlet Extraction.

Chronic inflammation is characterized by an overproduction of several inflammatory mediators (e.g., reactive species and interleukins -IL) that play a central role in numerous diseases. The available therapies are often associated with serious side effects and, consequently, the need for safer drugs is of utmost importance. A plant traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions is Salvia officinalis. Therefore, conventional maceration and infusion of its leaves were performed to obtain hydroethanolic (HE-T) and aqueous extracts (AE-T), respectively. Their efficacy was compared to soxhlet extracts, namely aqueous (AE-S), hydroethanolic (HE-S), and ethanolic extracts (EE-S). Thin-layer chromatography demonstrated the presence of rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and/or carnosic acid in the different extracts. Generally, soxhlet provided extracts with higher antioxidant activities than traditional extraction. Moreover, under an inflammatory scenario, EE-S were the most effective, followed by HE-S, HE-T, AE-T, and AE-S, in the reduction of IL-6 and TNF-α production. Interestingly, the extracts presented higher or similar anti-inflammatory activity than diclofenac, salicylic acid, and celecoxib. In conclusion, the extraction method and the solvents of extraction influenced the antioxidant activity, but mainly the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts. Therefore, this natural resource can enable the development of effective treatments for oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases.

In-vitro Antibacterial Effects of Aqueous, Ethanolic, Methanolic, Acetone and Hydro Ethanolic Extracts of Achillea Millefolium on Standard Klebsiella, S. pyogenes, and Oral Bacterias Strains

Introduction: So far, a lot of attempts have been carried out to find antimicrobial compounds. In this study, it was also tried to investigate the antibacterial effects of Achillea millefolium on standard Klebsiella, S. pyogenes, and oral bacterias strain.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The aerial parts of Achillea millefolium were used and the aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic, acetone and hydroethanolic extracts were prepared. After the preparation of standard strains of Klebsiella, S. pyogenes, and oral bacterias and sterilization of extracts by the Millipore filter, the antibacterial effects of these extracts on the mentioned microorganisms were assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and well diffusion at the concentration 50 mg/ml. The test was repeated three times for each bacterium.&#x0D; Results: It was exposed that aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium had the most distinguished antimicrobial effects against all studied strains and methanolic extract had antimicrobial effects only on S. pyogenes. MIC and MBC of effective extracts were the basic concentration (50mg/ml), and non-growth zone was not observed in other serial dilution in case of all bacteria.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Achillea millefolium can be admitted as an antibacterial medicinal herb. Thus, it can be concluded that after evaluating their effects in vitro, Achillea millefolium can be utilized as an alternative to the routine chemical drugs.

Thymus zygis subsp. zygis an Endemic Portuguese Plant: Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

Thymus zygis subsp. zygis is an endemic Portuguese plant belonging to the Thymus zygis species. Although T. zygis is commonly used as a condiment and as a medicinal herb, a detailed description of the polyphenol composition of hydroethanolic (HE) and aqueous decoction (AD) extracts is not available. In this work, we describe for the first time a detailed phenolic composition of Thymus zygis subsp. zygis HE and AD extracts, together with their antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities. Unlike other Thymus species, T. zygis subsp. zygis extracts contain higher amounts of luteolin-(?)-O-hexoside. However, the major phenolic compound is rosmarinic acid, and high amounts of salvianolic acids K and I were also detected. T. zygis subsp. zygis extracts exhibited significant scavenging activity of ABTS+, hydroxyl (•OH), and nitric oxide (NO) radicals. Regarding the anti-proliferative/cytotoxic effect, tested against Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, the AD extract only slightly reduced cell viability at higher concentrations (IC50 > 600 µg/mL, 48 h exposure), denoting very low toxicity, while the HE extract showed a high anti-proliferative effect, especially at 48 h exposure (IC50 of 85.01 ± 15.10 μg/mL and 82.19 ± 2.46 μg/mL, for Caco-2 and HepG2, respectively). At non-cytotoxic concentrations, both extracts reduced the nitric oxide (NO) release by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (at 50 μg/mL, HE and AD extracts inhibited NO release in ~89% and 48%, respectively). In conclusion, the results highlight the non-toxic effect of aqueous extracts, both resembling the consumption of antioxidants in foodstuff or in functional food. Furthermore, the HE extract of T. zygis subsp. zygis is a source of promising molecules with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive ingredients for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS metabolites profiling and antioxidant/antidiabetic attributes of Cuscuta reflexa grown on Casearia tomentosa: exploring phytochemicals role via molecular docking

ABSTRACT Present study reports metabolites profiling, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects of Cuscuta reflexa grown on Casearia tomentosa. The UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method was used to characterize phytochemicals in most potent extract. Thirteen bioactive compounds/metabolites including (2S)-3-(β-D-galactopyranosyloxy)-2-(hexanoyloxy)propyl nonanoate, 4-O-β-D-glucosyl-4-coumaric acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, 7-(α-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyheptanoic acid, 13S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, astragaloside derivative, salicylic acid, oleanolic acid, citric acid, pinellic acid, quinic acid, caffeic acid derivative and caffeic acid-3-glucoside were detected in 80% hydroethanolic (HE) extract. Among different extracts (aqueous, 20–80% HE and pure ethanolic), 80% HE extract showed maximum TPC (186.19 ± 2.15 mg GAE/g DE) and TFC (106.50 ± 1.68 mg RE/g DE). A strong correlation was observed between TPC, TFC, DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 60.64 ± 1.74 µg/mL) and TAP activity (235.96 ± 1.33 mg AAE/g DE) of 80% HE extract among others. The same extract also depicted highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition with IC50 of 71.84 ± 1.06 and 57.25 ± 1.40 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking was performed to explore possible role of identified phytochemicals. Binding affinity data as well as interaction patterns have revealed possible interaction of the identified bioactives against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Moreover, intra-molecular charge transfer, energies of the FMOs, HOMO-LUMO-Egaps, MEP and IP were also explained. The present findings suggested that, C. reflexa is a promising natural antioxidant and antidiabetic agent, thus supporting the use of this plant for designing related functional foods and nutra-pharmaceuticals.

Cecropia pachystachya Leaves Present Potential to Be Used as New Ingredient for Antiaging Dermocosmetics.

Several biological activities have been reported for leaf extracts of Cecropia pachystachya species, including antioxidant and wound healing activities. This study aims to report, for the first time, the antiaging potential of the hydroethanolic (HE) and the ethanolic (EE) extracts obtained from the leaves of C. pachystachya using different in vitro assays. Both HE and EE presented relevant antioxidant capacity in different models, including phosphomolybdenum, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), carotene/linoleic acid bleaching, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays. Their ability to prevent the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was also evaluated, and both extracts showed important activity, especially HE. The extracts also stimulated the fibroblasts proliferation in vitro, specialized cells that produce several mediators which maintain the skin integrity and youthfulness. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was not observed for this lineage or HEK-293, human embryonic kidney cells widely used to evaluate cytotoxicity of chemical compounds. HE also exhibited the ability to inhibit the collagenase (metalloproteinase MMP-2) and elastase activities. The total phenolic and flavonoids contents were also determined. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of the flavonoids orientin and iso-orientin, which were quantified to be used as chemical markers. The results suggested that the extracts of C. pachystachya leaves present the potential to be used in dermocosmetic formulations to prevent the skin aging process, which attracts the attention of pharmaceutical companies and researchers interested in the development of novel ingredients likely to be used as active principles in antiaging products.