Inflorescence Extracts Research Articles

Comparative bioactivity analysis of hydro-methanolic extracts of root, leaf, and inflorescence of Tupistra nutans Wall. ex Lindl: An in vitro study on antioxidant and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity

Tupistra nutans, native to the Eastern Himalayas, is traditionally used as vegetables and in manaand pressure. Despite being a medicinal agricultural plant, no in-depth antioxidant and anticancer study was done. Therefore, in this study, we investigated antioxidant and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities of hydro-methanolic extracts of its root (ETNRt), leaf (ETNLf), and inflorescence (ETNIn). DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays revealed that ETNLf had the highest antioxidant potential. Also, extracts showed antioxidant activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells by reducing H2O2-induced ROS generation at lower concentrations. However, at higher concentrations, ETNRt, ETNLf, and ETNIn had anticancer effects in HepG2 cells with IC50 (12 h) values of 92.62, 34.60, and 85.55 μg/ml respectively, which was further confirmed by cell migration and clonogenicity reduction. Spectrofluorometric and fluorescence microscopy revealed that ETNRt, ETNLf, and ETNIn increased intracellular ROS, superoxide, and calcium levels and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and mass. ETNRt, ETNLf, and ETNIn also depleted reduced glutathione levels in HepG2. Acridine orange/propidium iodide and scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the membrane damage and apoptotic changes, whereas confocal microscopic analysis with DAPI staining indicated cytoplasmic shrinkage and DNA damage. GC-MS analysis of ETNRt, ETNLf, and ETNIn revealed the differential distribution of anticancer phytochemicals such as beta-citronellol, piperidine, diosgenin, beta-sitosterol, and stigmasterol in Tupistra nutans. Our study suggested that Tupistra nutans had a promising antioxidant and in-vitro anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity. However, the anticancer potential of inflorescence, used as a vegetable, decreased when it was cooked compared to its hydro-methanolic extract.

Bioautography, synergistic effect and HPTLC-MS and SEM analysis of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds of inflorescence extract of Sphaeranthus indicus

BackgroundSphaeranthus indicus L. is a well-known medicinal plant in folk medicine. A variety of biological activities and chemical substances in this plant have been reported. The phytochemical content and activity may vary according to geographic location. This study aims to determine the geographical significance, the analysis of the synergistic effect of phytochemicals, the identification of active compounds, and the determination of the action mechanism of S. indicus inflorescence methanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia.ResultsThe bands with Rf values of 0.92 and 1.0 showed antimicrobial activity, while all bands showed antioxidant activity. The first fraction showed the highest antimicrobial activity, and the pool of the second fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity. The kinetics of the antioxidants differed among the fractions. Analysis of synergistic effects showed that several compounds were involved in the activities. The bands with Rf 0.45, 0.55, 0.68, 0.79, and 0.85 were active components of the extract. Leakage of cell contents was detected at 260 and 280 nm wavelengths. Six different proteins and one nucleic acid band were detected after electrophoresis. The SEM analysis showed that the phytochemicals caused severe membrane damage.Conclusion The study revealed that the photochemical present in methanol extract of the inflorescence of S. indicus has a synergistic effect and acts on bacterial cell envelope. The five compounds were identified as active molecules belonging to the class of terpenoids. The result also signified the geographical area since thymol was identified for the first time in this plant at this location.Graphical abstract

Some factors affecting the bioactive substances of lactogenic tea

This study aims to perform the phytochemical screening composition for galactagogue herbs and determining the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC). Terpenes, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolics, and flavonoids were found in water extracts of banana inflorescence (Musa sapientum L), white holy basil leaves (Ocimum sanctum L.), rhizomes of Thai ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and powdered lactogenic product. The results show that the TPC were greater than the TFC for all fresh parts of banana inflorescences. Following the M1 method, fresh banana floret gave the greatest TPC, superior to those with M2 or M3, while the TFC with M1 and M2 methods applied to banana floret was significantly greater than that of banana bracts or banana cores. After harvest and dehydration of the banana inflorescence, TPC and TFC after one-day storage were higher than those at five-days of storage. Meanwhile, TPC and TFC on both fresh and dehydrated white holy basil tended to decrease due to heat intolerance, deterioration, and brewing. In contrast, TPC and TFC of Thai ginger increased on dehydration. The maceration with press-shear force interaction (PAI) pretreatment, and with PAI combined with moist heat, strongly increase the bioactive contents. SEM imaging demonstrated that PAI with moist heat tended to enlarge the micro-pore volume and simultaneously increased pores, resulting in more adsorption of these compounds.

Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench Inflorescence Extract for Tomato Disease Management.

Helichrysum stoechas is a singular halophyte that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and allelopathic properties. In the work presented herein, we have characterized its inflorescences hydromethanolic extract and assessed its antifungal activity for the pre- and postharvest management of tomato crop diseases. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry characterization of the extract showed that 4-ethenyl-1,3-benzenediol, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, quinic acid, 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucopyranose, catechol, scopoletin, and maltol were the main constituents. The co-occurrence of pyranones, benzenediols, and quinic acids as phytoconstituents of H. stoechas extract resulted in promising in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations of 500, 375, 500, 187.5, 187.5, and 375 μg·mL-1 against mycelia of Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum coccodes, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Verticillium dahliae, respectively. Further, to assess the potential of H. stoechas inflorescence extract for postharvest tomato crop protection, ex situ tests were conducted against C. coccodes, obtaining high protection at a dose of 750 μg·mL-1. Taking into consideration that the demonstrated activity is among the highest reported to date for plant extracts and comparable to that of the synthetic fungicides tested as positive controls, H. stoechas inflorescence extract may be put forward as a promising biorational and may deserve further testing in field-scale studies.

Phytochemical profiles and antimicrobial activity of the inflorescences of Sorbus domestica, S. aucuparia, and S. torminalis

The genus Sorbus L. is known for its extremely complex taxonomical relationships and health-promoting phytochemicals included in the composition of its floral constituents. The inflorescences of three Sorbus species (rowans), characterized by distinct molecular-genetic traits, were studied in order to examine the possible chemotaxonomic and antimicrobial value of their metabolites. GC–MS profiling of the hexane extracts of S. domestica, S. aucuparia, and S. torminalis inflorescences identified a total of 87 components, which represented six chemical classes (hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, fatty acid, aldehydes, and ketones) and miscellaneous minor floral constituents (1-methylinosine, 5-amino tetrazole, 1,4-dimethylbenzene, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol, 3-acetoxy-7,8-epoxylanostan-11-ol, cycloeucalenol acetate, etc.). Principal component analysis (PCA) of the qualitative and quantitative heterogeneity of the floral metabolites determined 1-hentetracontanol, nonacosane, pentadecyl acrylate, 1-methylhexacosane, cycloeucalenol acetate, butyl acetate, and urs-12-ene as the main components which contributed to the differences between S. domestica, S. aucuparia and S. torminalis and resulted in the distinction between the rowan species. Disc-diffusion assays showed variability in activity of inflorescence extracts against Gram-negative (Enterobacter dissolvens, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Gram-positive (Micrococcus lysodeikticus, Staphylococcus aureus, and S. epidermidis) bacterial and clinical fungal (Candida albicans) strains. The effect of S. torminalis was high against S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa, while it was at its lowest against clinical C. albicans strains. Inflorescences of S. domestica showed the highest inhibition of P. aeruginosa, and moderate effects against S. epidermidis and C. albicans. Inflorescences of S. aucuparia caused low to moderate growth inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, while it showed the highest effect on C. albicans. Antimicrobial properties of rowan inflorescences may be attributed to oleic, linoleic, arachidic, hexadecanoic, and pentadecanoic acids, 24-norursa-3,12-diene, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, cycloeucalenol acetate, and other compounds which have known bioactivity. These findings indicated rowan inflorescences as a rich source of valuable secondary metabolites and allow us to assume an application of the floral constituents as chemotaxonomic markers of the genus Sorbus species.

Ameliorative effects of the Coptis inflorescence extract against lung injury in diabetic mice by regulating AMPK/NEU1 signaling

BackgroundIn diabetic patients, complications are the leading cause of death and disability, while diabetic lung damage has received little research. The Coptis inflorescence extract (CE) has hypoglycemic properties, but the mechanism of its protective role on diabetic lung injury is understood. PurposeThis study aims to explore the protective actions and molecular mechanism of CE and its active ingredients in diabetic lung disease. MethodTwenty-nine metabolites were identified in the metabolomic profile of CE using HPLC-ESI/MS, and high-content substances of berberine (BBR) and linarin (LIN) were isolated from CE using column chromatography. The potential targets and molecular mechanisms of CE against diabetic lung damage were systematically investigated by network pharmacology and in vitro experimental validation. ResultsCE significantly improved lung function and pathology. CE (360 mg/kg) or metformin treatment significantly improved lipid metabolism disorders, including decreased HDL-C and elevated serum TG, TC, and LDL-C levels. Furthermore, CE's chemical composition was determined using the HPLC-QTOF-MS method. CE identified five compounds as candidate active compounds (Berberine, Linarin, Palmatine, Worenine, and Coptisine). Network pharmacology analysis predicted CE contained five active compounds and target proteins, that AMPK, TGFβ1, and Smad might be the key targets in treating diabetic lung injury. Then we investigated the therapeutic effect of bioactive compounds of CE on diabetic lung damage through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Intragastric administration with BBR (50 mg/kg) or LIN (20 mg/kg) suppressed weight loss, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, significantly alleviating lung inflammation in diabetic mice. Further mechanism research revealed that LIN or BBR inhibited alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by high glucose by regulating AMPK/NEU-mediated signaling pathway. ConclusionIn conclusion, the administration of CE can effectively alleviate diabetic lung damage, providing a scientific basis for lowering blood sugar to moisturize lung function. BBR and LIN, the main components of CE, can effectively alleviate diabetic lung damage by regulating AMPK/NEU1 Signaling and inhibiting the TGF-β1 level, which may be a critical mechanism of its effects.

Analytical and chromatographic parameters used to quantify flavonols and chlorogenic acid in Solidago raw extracts

Species in the Solidago genus are used worldwide due to the therapeutic activities of their flavonoids and terpenoids. Its anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, antirheumatic, analgesic, diuretic, aquaretic, wound-healing properties, as well as its ability to relieve the burn and insect bites, allow use in a variety of therapeutic applications. This study was carried out to determine the comparative chemical profile, the content of flavonoids (FLV) and chlorogenic acid (CA) in the inflorescence extracts of Solidago chilensis and Solidago canadensis, as well as the biological potential of these species, regarding other Solidago species used in North America and Europe. S. chilensis was cultivated in Itaipava, Tapera Quilombo’s (Rio de Janeiro/Itaboraí Forum - FIT/Fiocruz) and in the Agroecological Platform of Phytomedicines (PAF/Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz). S. canadensis was acquired in Rio de Janeiro, in a popular market. The inflorescences polar extracts were evaluated and standardized by HPLC analytical methodology about the levels of the flavonoids reference standards and CA content and expressed in µg/mL for quantification, using the selectivity analytical parameters, linearity, limit of detection, accuracy, precision, and robustness as defined by national health surveillance agency in Brazil. The HPLC-UV-PDA revealed mainly flavonols (FLV) such as quercetin, glycosides as well as CA. S. canadensis presented the highest concentrations of quercetin (114.46 ± 0.114 µg/mL) and quercitrin (54.40 ± 2.014 µg/mL) but did not present isoquercitrin. However, the S. chilensis (TT0116 extract) presented the highest amount of CA (96.06 ± 2.365 µg/mL) and isoquercitrin (143.88 ± 4.219 µg/mL), and the samples of TB0116 extract presented the highest amount of hyperoside (227.79 ± 3.333 µg/mL and 153.49 ± 4.200 µg/mL). The presented data in this study indicate qualitative similarities and quantitative differences in the CA and FLV contents in the crude extracts of the two Solidago species. These differences are essential to assess the biological activity of each species, confirm its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, and perform quality control of species occurring in Brazil.

Comparative Assessment of Antioxidant Activity and Functional Components of Chionanthus virginicus and Chionanthus pubescens from the Andean Region of Ecuador.

The present study aims to provide information about the antioxidant capacity and secondary metabolites from different plant parts of two species that are grown in Ecuador: Chionanthus pubescens (the Ecuadorian national tree), and Chionanthus virginicus (the fringe tree-endemic to the United States of America and adapted to Ecuador's physiographical and ecological conditions). These two species have still not been investigated for these characteristics. A comparative estimation of the antioxidant activities between the leaf, fruit, and inflorescence extracts was performed. In the quest for new medicines, the extracts were analyzed for phenolic, anthocyanin, and flavonoid content. A slight difference was observed between C. pubescens and C. virginicus flowers, the highest antioxidant activity being found in the C. pubescens leaf (DPPH IC50 = 62.8866 mg/mL, ABTS IC50 = 55.852 mg/mL, and FRAP IC50 = 2.8466 g/mL). Our results showed correlations between antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and flavonoids. This study confirmed that the C. pubescens leaves and fruits from the Andean region of Ecuador represent a good source of antioxidants, especially due to the presence of a high content of phenolic compounds (homovanillic acid, 3,4 dimethoxyphenylacetic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, etc.) as determined by the HPLC-DAD method.

An Ethyl Acetate Extract of Eryngium carlinae Inflorescences Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Liver of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Secondary metabolites such as flavonoids are promising in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is one of the complications of diabetes due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Some plants, such as Eryngium carlinae, have been investigated regarding their medicinal properties in in vitro and in vivo assays, showing favorable results for the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The present study examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the phenolic compounds present in an ethyl acetate extract of the inflorescences of Eryngium carlinae on liver homogenates and mitochondria from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by UHPLC-MS. In vitro assays were carried out to discover the antioxidant potential of the extract. Male Wistar rats were administered with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg) and were given the ethyl acetate extract at a level of 30 mg/kg for 60 days. Phytochemical assays showed that the major constituents of the extract were flavonoids; in addition, the in vitro antioxidant activity was dose dependent with IC50 = 57.97 mg/mL and IC50 = 30.90 mg/mL in the DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively. Moreover, the oral administration of the ethyl acetate extract improved the effects of NAFLD, decreasing serum and liver triacylglycerides (TG) levels and oxidative stress markers and increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes. Likewise, it attenuated liver damage by decreasing the expression of NF-κB and iNOS, which lead to inflammation and liver damage. We hypothesize that solvent polarity and consequently chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract of E. carlinae, exert the beneficial effects due to phenolic compounds. These results suggest that the phenolic compounds of the ethyl acetate extract of E. carlinae have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective activity.

Cytotoxic and molecular evaluation of spilanthol obtained from Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen (jambu) in human gastric cancer cells

Acmella oleracea (L.) is a plant popularly known as jambu in the Brazilian Amazon. This species has several biological properties, such as anaesthetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. However, there is limited information on its anticancer activity. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the effects of the hydroethanolic extract of jambu and its active compound (spilanthol) on gastric cancer cells. Hydroethanolic jambu inflorescence extract was obtained, and spilanthol was isolated by HPLC. Biological cytotoxicity assays were determined using MTT tests. In addition, an in silico study using molecular docking evaluated the inhibitory properties of spilanthol against JAK1 and JAK2 proteins. The results showed that the hydroethanolic extract and the isolated compound spilanthol exhibited cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Molecular docking revealed that spilanthol has inhibitory potential for JAK1 and JAK2 proteins. Thus, extract of jambu and spilanthol can be a possible candidate for the treatment of gastric carcinoma.

Antifungal activity of Ageratum conyzoides extract against Fusarium oxysporum in Musa spp

Ageratum conyzoides though considered an invasive, troublesome weed has been proven beneficial due to its antifungal properties, making it a promising component for the development of environmentally friendly fungicides. In this study, the plant extract derived from Ageratum conyzoides is tested for its antifungal property against Fusarium oxysporum, fungi that have been causing devastating disease among the banana plant also known as the Fusarium wilt or Panama disease. In vitro antifungal assay of the plant extract with different concentrations (4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) derived from several parts of the plant, such as the leaf, inflorescence and stem were tested against the Fusarium oxysporum by using poisoned food technique and its mycelial growth are recorded to calculate the inhibition percentage. From the study, all the plant extracts derived from the different parts were able to inhibit the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum although maximum inhibition was observed on the inflorescence extract with 10% concentration, followed by leaf extract with 8% concentration and stem extract with 10% concentration. In conclusion, there is a possibility for Ageratum conyzoides plant extract with higher concentration to pose as a natural fungicide against Panama disease.

New data on the morphological and anatomical structure, chemical composition and distribution area of a rare species <em>Komarovia anisosperma</em> in Uzbekistan

For the first time, the morphological and anatomical structure of vegetative and generative organs, the localization of secretory ducts in the underground and aboveground parts of the species plants were studied. New GIS technologies were used to elucidate the spatial structure of the rare endemic species Komarovia anisosperma of the monotypic genus Komarovia Korovin of the Apiaceae family. The performed analysis showed the most significant diagnostic features of the studied organs, such as a deep taproot system, the presence of a multi-branched caudex, underdeveloped stem leaves or stem leaves reduced to sheaths, the central cylinder of the main root showing separate concentric circles of large and small vascular bundles, the presence of numerous secretory ducts in the secondary root cortex, strongly elongated palisade leaf cells etc. As a result of phytochemical study, extracts of Komarovia anisosperma roots and inflorescences were analyzed. According to our data, the main component of underground organs from terpenes was α-muurolene, and for inflorescences it was α-curcumene. Grid mapping showed that the species is mainly concentrated in the Samarkand and Kashkadarya regions, where the most favorable conditions for its growth are found. These areas are the natural area of origin of the species, and the establishment of a protected natural area has led to an increase in the number of natural populations.

Characteristics of the complex of polyphenol compounds of Yakutian endemic <i>Dracocephalum jacutense</i> Peschkova using tandem mass spectrometry

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova is a rare and endangered species of the genus Dracocephalum L. of Lamiaceae family. The species was first described in 1997 and listed in the Red Data Book of Yakutia (2017). Until now, due to the rare occurrence of D. jacutense, almost none of its phytochemical studies have been carried out and there is no information on the content of biologically active compounds (secondary metabolites) of the plant. In this work, using the method of tandem mass spectrometry, a complex of polyphenolic compounds was studied in the inflorescences of the Dracocephalum jacutense, collected in the areas of its first discovery - the Kobyaysky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). As a result of the analysis, 48 polyphenolic compounds were found in the alcohol extracts of Dracocephalum jacutense inflorescences, among which 17 flavones, 7 flavonols, 3 flavan-3-ols, 12 phenolic acids, 1 lignan, 2 coumarins, 6 anthocyanidins were identified. It should be noted that more than half (30 compounds) of all the identified polyphenols for representatives of the genus Dracocephalum L. were discovered for the first time. The results obtained state the unique composition of polyphenolic compounds in the inflorescences of D. jacutense Peschkova. In order to preserve this sparse local endemic of Eastern Siberia, work has begun on the development of an effective method for its micropropagation in vitro.

Isolation of Biologically Active Compounds from Cannabis sativa L. Inflorescences by Using Different Extraction Solvents and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity.

Hemp inflorescences are a source of vital compounds, including phytocannabinoids and other biologically active compounds. Various methods are adapted for the extraction of these vital compounds such as the use of different organic solvents. This study aimed to assess the comparative extraction potential of three different solvents: deionized water, 70% methanol (MeOH), and 2% Triton X-100, for phytochemicals in hemp inflorescences. Spectrophotometric techniques were applied to investigate the total amount of polyphenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids contents (TF), phenolic acids (TPA), and radical scavenging activity (RSA) in hemp extracts obtained using different polarity solvents. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for cannabinoids and organic acids quantitative analysis. In the results, MeOH showed a better affinity for the recovery of TFC, TPA, and RSA in comparison to Triton X-100 and water. However, Triton X-100 performed better for TPC with 4-folds and 33% turnover compared to water and MeOH, respectively. Six cannabinoids (CBDVA, CBL, CBD, CBC, CBN, and CBG) were identified in hemp inflorescence extracts. The maximum determined concentration was as follows: CBD > CBC > CBG > CBDVA > CBL > CBN. Overall, fourteen organic acids were identified. Hemp inflorescence extracts obtained using 2% Triton X-100 showed an effect on all tested strains of microorganisms. Methanolic and aqueous extracts had antimicrobial activity against seven tested strains. On the other hand, the inhibition zones were wider for methanolic extracts compared to aqueous ones. Hemp aqua extract with antimicrobial activity might be used in various markets where toxic solvents are unwanted.

Electrospun nanofibers for extraction of thymoquinone from Nigella-Stevia prior to detection using electrochemical biosensor based on GCE/rGO/CuO

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main constituent of Nigella sativa that has some effects on the treatment of many illnesses such as cancer and kidney diseases. Electrospun nanofibers with polyvinyl chloride/ethylene vinyl acetate latex/electrochemically (reduced graphene oxide/polypyrrole)/Silybum marianum inflorescence extract (PVC/EVA/(rGO/Ppy)/SM) were first prepared, and then TQ was extracted from black seed with using these nanofibers as a sorbent. Finally, TQ was detected with the construction of a simple nonenzymatic electrochemical biosensor using copper (II) oxide nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide/glassy carbon electrode (CuO/rGO/GCE). Factors affecting TQ adsorption/desorption, time and potential values for constructed biosensor were optimized by methods such as design-expert 12.0 and one-at-a-time (OAT). The morphology of PVC/EVA/(rGO/Ppy)/SM nanofibers and rGO/CuO nanocomposites was characterized. Finally, the electrochemical biosensor was put into human blood serum samples and the standard addition method was applied with the spike of TQ to them. The linear range and detection limit reached 50–1000 μM and 4.85 μM, respectively (S/N = 3).

Brassica oleracea Var italica by-Products Prevent Lipid Accumulation and Cell Death in a Liver Cell Model of Lipid Toxicity

Obesity, a rising concern in the Eastern world, encompasses several co-morbidities, namely non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Potential natural-based interventions to decrease the burden of obesity complications are being investigated. Many of the edible parts of plants are not sold for consumption and end up as massive waste, losing nutritional potential. In fact, a sizeable amount of waste is generated within the different steps of the food supply chain, representing a massive loss of both plant material and natural resources. A good example is Brassica by-products (BBPs). The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of three different extracts from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) by-products in an in vitro model of free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipotoxicity using human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Broccoli leaf, stalk, and inflorescence extracts induced a dose-dependent decrease in the cell viability of HepG2 cells. However, the maximal non-lethal concentrations of leaves, stalks, and inflorescences (10 μg/mL) did not compromise mitochondrial function or neutral lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. The extracts significantly decreased FFA-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells either in a co-incubation or pre-incubation strategy. The broccoli extracts' capacity to prevent the FFA-induced decrease in catalase activity in HepG2 may explain the observed effects.

Trends in Phenolic Profiles of Achillea millefolium from Different Geographical Gradients.

The traditional widely used raw material of Achillea millefolium is currently mainly derived from wild populations, leading to diversification and uncertainty in its quality. The aim of the study was to determine the accumulation differences of phenolic compounds between geographically distant populations of Achillea millefolium from northern and southern gradients. Plant material was collected from Gaziantep and Nevşehir provinces in Turkey and from wild populations in Lithuania. A complex of nine hydroxycinnamic acids and eleven flavonoids was identified and quantified in the methanolic extracts of inflorescences, leaves, and stems using the HPLC-PDA method. Caffeoylquinic acids predominated in leaves, while inflorescences tended to prevail in flavonoids. The PCA score plot model represented the quantitative distribution pattern of phenolic compounds along a geographical gradient of populations. The content of phenolic compounds in plant materials from northern latitudes was more than twice that of plants from southern latitudes. A significant correlation of individual phenolic compounds with latitude/longitude corresponded to their differences between two countries. Differences in accumulation of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids revealed several intraspecific groups within A. millefolium. Our findings suggest that spatial geographical data on the distribution of phenolic compounds in A. millefolium populations could be used as a tool to find potential collection sites for high-quality raw materials.

Eco-friendly Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Assessment of their Activities as Efficient Antioxidant Agents

Background: The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) has received increasing attention in the field of nanotechnology due to their biomedical applications. With this aim, the present study was performed to synthesize biocompatible ZnO NPs using stems, leaves, and inflorescences extracts of the Tephrosia purpurea (T. purpurea) and Heliotropium indicum (H. indicum) medicinal plants. Objective: The objective of this study was to synthesize ZnO NPs from T. purpurea and H. indicum and determine their ability as an alternative for toxic synthetic antioxidants. Methods: The preliminary phytochemical screening of T. purpurea and H. indicum and quantitative determination of phenols and flavonoids were carried out by using spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant potential of ZnO NPs was assessed through 2,2–diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and phosphomolybdenum assays against butylated hydroxytoluene standard. Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis of plant extracts confirmed the presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and proteins. The highest percentage of phenolics (88.3 ± 1.7 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (727.1 ± 103.5 mg QE/g) was recorded for H. indicum inflorescences and T. purpurea stems. The T. purpurea stems mediated ZnO NPs showed the most potent DPPH radical scavenging capacity of 81.53 ± 0.14% with an IC50 value of 152.38 ± 0.70 μg/mL, while ZnO NPs synthesized using H. indicum inflorescences and T. purpurea stems indicated the highest total antioxidant capacity of 94.71 ± 2.50 and 91.34 ± 1.07%, respectively. Conclusion: The obtained results revealed the significance of T. purpurea and H. indicum as effective stabilizing agents to develop surface protective ZnO NPs, which can be used as promising antioxidants in the biological systems.

Phytoprofiling of Sorbus L. Inflorescences: A Valuable and Promising Resource for Phenolics.

The leaves and fruits of various Sorbus L. genotypes have long ethnopharmacological and food-usage histories, but inflorescences are still underutilized and neglected materials with scarce phytochemical scientific evidence. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic profiles of inflorescence extracts of 26 Sorbus species, genotypes, and cultivars. HPLC and UPLS with MS detection were applied, and coupled data revealed unique phytochemical phenolic profiles. Neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids were the key compounds, reaching up to 5.8 mg/g of dw. Rutin, isoquercitrin, quercetin 3-O-malonylglucoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside, sexangularetin derivative, and kaempferol acetyl hexoside were detected in all Sorbus inflorescence samples. Overall, high quantitative heterogeneity across the various Sorbus genotypes was found by profiling. Phenolic fingerprint profiles and sexangularetin derivatives could serve as markers in authenticity studies and quality control schemes. The species S. amurensis, S. arranensis, S. commixta, and S. discolor and the cultivars 'Chamsis Louing', 'Coral Beauty', and 'Edulis' could be used as target genotypes for production of smart and innovative inflorescence matrix-based ingredients.

Polyphenol Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia sclarea L.

The plants from Salvia L. (sage) genus are well-known as culinary, ornamental, aromatic, and medicine plants widely distributed in the world. The plant raw of these plants contains numerous biologically active compounds that determine the different biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and polyphenol content of ethanol extracts of Salvia officinalis L. and S. sclarea L. during vegetation. Plant raw material was collected from an experimental collection of aromatic and medicinal plants of the Institute of Climate Smart Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (Kherson region, v. Plodove) in 2020–2021. It investigated polyphenol, phenolic acid, flavonoid content, molybdenum-reducing power of extracts, and radical scavenging activity by the DPPH method. The total polyphenol compound content was 24.52–95.62 mg GAE.g-1 (mg gallic acid equivalent per gram) for S. officinalis and 29.39–91.02 mg GAE.g-1 for S. sclarea. The total phenolic acid content of S. officinalis and S. sclarea extracts was 10.18–40.23 and 10.13–36.01 mg CAE.g-1 (mg caffeic acid equivalent per gram), respectively. The total flavonoid content was from 13.73 to 55.38 mg QE.g-1 (quercetin equivalen per gram) for S. officinalis and from 25.91 to 53.82 mg QE.g-1 for S. sclarea. The free radical scavenging activity of ethanol extracts of S. officinalis and S. sclarea was 6.05–8.59 mg TE.g-1 (mg Trolox equivalent per gram) and 6.56–8.03 mg TE.g-1, respectively. The extracts of S. officinalis showed molybdenum-reducing power from 56.25 to 218.67 mg TE.g-1 and S. sclarea extracts from 35.42 to 162.65 mg TE.g-1. A strong correlation was found between free radical scavenging activity and polyphenol compound groups (r = 0.723–0.868), and between molybdenum-reducing power and polyphenol compound groups (r = 0.759–0.927) for S. officinalis. Strong relations were found in extracts of S. sclarea between molybdenum-reducing power and investigated polyphenol compounds (r = 0.802–0.909), whereas, free radical scavenging activity weak correlated with investigated compounds. Thus, this study showed that S. officinalis and S. sclarea extracts are a source of antioxidant compounds that can be used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Most content of antioxidant compounds is found in the leaf and inflorescence extracts.