Lipophilic Fraction Research Articles

HPTLC-guided flash chromatographic isolation and spectroscopic identification of bioactive compounds from olive flowers

The goal of preparative chromatography is to isolate suitable amounts of compound(s) at the required purity in the most cost-effective way. This study analyses the power of High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) guided preparative flash chromatography to separate and isolate bioactive compounds from an olive flower extract for their further characterisation via spectroscopy. The structure and purity of isolated bioactive compounds were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Flash chromatography of the olive flower extract successfully isolated pure oleanolic and maslinic acids. Moreover, the flash chromatography of the extract allowed isolation and phytochemical analysis of the most lipophilic fraction of the extract, which was found to contain n-eicosane and n-(Z)-eicos-5-ene, that has not been isolated previously with preparative TLC.

Getting insights into chemical composition and antiherpetic capability of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba mill.) drupes

Food plant diversity in bioactive compounds makes them an exploitable resource in the search for effective natural products to prevent or treat viral infections. Therefore, in the framework aimed at studying the antiviral properties of extractive mixtures from fruits (and their waste) grown in the Campania Region (Italy), jujube drupes (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) were our focus. The drupes were dissected into their peel, pulp and seed parts, each of which was extracted by ultrasound-assisted maceration and further fractionated, thus obtaining, beyond the sugar fraction, a polyphenolic fraction and a lipid fraction. UHPLC-HR MS/MS tools highlighted that the polyphenolic component of the seed was strongly dissimilar from that of the edible parts, being constituted by swertisin and its derivatives. Moreover, the peel mostly accounted for triglycosylated flavonols, whereas the pulp was rich in volatile aromatic glycosides. Among lipids, p-coumaroyl triterpenes mainly characterized the peel. All fractions were screened for their cytotoxicity, and non-toxic concentrations of each extract were tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) by plaque assays. Molecular tests and Western blot analyses were also carried out. The jujube mixtures, in detail the peel and pulp polyphenolic fractions, and peel lipophilic fraction (the latter enriched mainly in ursane-type triterpenes), showed a marked inhibitory activity against HSV-1 acting in the early stages of viral infection and preventing attachment of the virus to the host cell. The acquired data suggest jujube active mixtures as promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of herpetic lesions.

Agronomic and Functional Quality Traits in Various Underutilized Hot Pepper Landraces

Landraces are considered a crucial component of biodiversity conservation, serving as a reservoir of genetic diversity. Consequently, the collection, cultivation, and detailed characterization of such landraces constitute an inherent aspect of the world’s natural resource heritage. This effort holds promise for the development of elite varieties capable of thriving amidst continuous global climate fluctuations. In this context, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the main agronomic attributes, physico-chemical properties, and functional quality traits of the major hot pepper landraces adapted to diverse climatic conditions in Tunisia. These landraces include ‘Dhirat’, ‘Semmane’, ‘Beldi’, ‘Nabeul’, ‘Jerid’, ‘Mahdia’, ‘Cayenne’, ‘Kairouan’, and ‘Baklouti’. Most of the pepper landraces exhibited satisfactory yields, ranging from 1163.25 to 1841.67 g plant−1 in ‘Jerid’ and ‘Kairouan’, respectively, indicating robust productivity, especially under prevailing climatic changes and high temperatures during both growing cycles. The levels of antioxidants comprising capsaicinoids, carotenoids, phenolics, and tocopherols, as well as radical scavenging activity, emerged as key discriminating factors among pungent pepper landraces. Irrespective of genotype, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin constituted the major capsaicinoids, accounting for 44–91% of the total capsaicinoids content. Total capsaicinoids ranged from 1.81 µg g−1 fw to 193.71 µg g−1 fw, with ‘Baklouti’ and ‘Jerid’ identified as the most pungent landraces. Total carotenoids ranged from 45.94 µg g−1 fw to 174.52 µg g−1 fw, with ‘Semmane’ and ‘Jerid’ exhibiting the highest levels. Considerable variation was observed in β-carotene content, spanning from 3% to 24% of the total carotenoids. α-Tocopherol content ranged from 19.03 µg g−1 fw in ‘Kairouan’ to 30.93 µg g−1 fw in ‘Beldi’, exerting a notable influence on the overall tocopherol content. Conversely, the β- and γ-tocopherol isomers were detected at very low concentrations. The total vitamin C content ranged from 132 mg 100g−1 fw in ‘Mahdia’ to 200 mg 100 g−1 fw in ‘Nabeul’, indicating relatively low genetic variability. However, large variability was detected in total phenolics content, ranging from 168.58 mg GAE kg−1 fw in ‘Beldi’ to 302.98 mg GAE kg−1 fw in ‘Cayenne’. Landraces such as ‘Dhirat’, ‘Nabeul’, ‘Semmane’, ‘Kairouan’, ‘Cayenne’, and ‘Mahdia’ appear suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, owing to their favorable average fruit weight, soluble solids content, and bioactive content. Among the pepper landraces tested, ‘Cayenne’ achieved the highest value of radical scavenging activity in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions (RSAHF and RSALF), with variations ranging from 59% to 120% for RSAHF and from 4% to 63% for RSALF. This study aims to preserve and enhance the value of local genetic resources and contribute to identify desirable traits for incorporation into breeding programs to develop high-quality, high-yielding landraces and elite lines.

Extraction and investigation of the lipophilic fraction from Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forestry side-stream biomass

Extraction and investigation of the lipophilic fraction from Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forestry side-stream biomass

Bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds present in Persea americana Mill. seed ingredient during oral-gastric digestion with antibacterial capacity against Helicobacter pylori

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn ancient Mexican cultures, the Persea americana Mill seed has been used against gastrointestinal diseases, due to high concentrations of bioactive compounds. According to Traditional Mexican Medicine, P. americana seed aqueous infusion is used against roundworms, intestinal worms, parasites, and gastrointestinal problems, in a dose taken over three or four days. In addition, Mexican Society of Natural History indicates the traditional use of P. americana seed powder as an antiparasitic, and antibacterial. On the other hand, Helicobacter pylori infection is a factor associated with the development of gastric disease, peptic ulcers as well as some types of gastric lymphomas and gastric cancer in humans; in this way is necessary scientific evidence about P. americana seed effect in gastrointestinal disease. Aim of the studyThe work aimed to evaluate bioactive compounds bioaccessibility and antimicrobial potential against Helicobacter pylori during oral-gastric digestion in vitro of food ingredient from Persea americana Mill. seed and elucidate the possible action mechanism using in silico tools. Materials and methodsInitially, P. americana seed oil and aqueous extract of P. americana seed were obtained using ultrasound and maceration respectively, and the food ingredient from P. americana seed was obtained. The samples underwent oral-gastric digestions by the INFOGEST method, to continue identifying and quantifying the bioactive compounds by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS. The anti-Helicobacter pylori activity determination were used fourteen Helicobacter pylori clinical strains and reference strains by Susceptibility testing by Minimal Inhibition Concentration, Kinetics of Growth Inhibition of H. pylori, Urease Inhibitory Kinetic. Finally, to elucidate a possible action mechanism used in silico tools (Software AutoDock 4.2.6 and BioVia Discovery v.19.1.0.1.18287). ResultsThe lipophilic fraction of P. americana seed detected oleic acid, linoleic acid, and avocadenofuran compounds, and the phenolic fraction showed the presence of catechin, rutin, ellagic, and chlorogenic acid, among others. Phenolic compounds conformational changes during oral-gastric digestion due to mechanical and acid hydrolysis, while lipophilic compounds showed a 20% increase in the gastric phase. Persea americana Mill. seed ingredient (3.08 μg/mL) showed total in vitro inhibition of clinical and reference strains of H. pylori, likewise, the lipophilic fraction had a lower inhibition concentration (2.59 μg/mL) regardless of the strains. Among the mechanisms found in silico, inhibition of target proteins such as CagA, BabA, and MUC5 were observed, as virulence factors involving adherence and bacterial pathogenicity. ConclusionsThis research provides evidence that food ingredient from P. americana seed has antimicrobial in vitro potential against H. pylori clinical strains, through phenolic and mainly lipophilic compounds, opening new scientific evidence that supports the P. americana seed's traditional use.

A Study of Metabolites from Basidiomycota and Their Activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes research aimed at developing new drugs from natural compounds. Fungi are important producers of bioactive molecules, and they are often effective against other fungi and/or bacteria and are thus a potential source of new antibiotics. Basidiomycota crude extracts, which have previously been proven to be active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853, were subjected to liquid chromatographic separation by RP-18, leading to six macro-fractions for each fungal extract. The various fractions were tested for their bioactivities against P. aeruginosa ATCC27853, and ten of them were characterized by HPLC-HRMS and NMR. Further chromatographic separations were performed for a few selected macro-fractions, yielding seven pure compounds. Bioactivity was mainly found in the lipophilic fractions containing fatty acids and their derivatives, such as hydroxy or keto C-18 unsaturated acids, and in various complex lipids, such as glycolipids and related compounds. More hydrophilic molecules, such as GABA, phenethylamine, two chromogenic anthraquinoids and pistillarin, were also isolated, and their antibacterial activities were recorded. The novelties of this research are as follows: (i) the genera Cortinarius and Mycena have never been investigated before for the synthesis of antibiotic compounds; (ii) the molecules produced by these genera are known, but their production has never been reported in the investigated fungi; (iii) the determination of bacterial siderophore synthesis inhibition by certain compounds from Cortinarius and Mycena.

Lipophilic bioactive compounds from thermophilic cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004: Implications for countering VRSA resistance

Extremophiles thrive in extreme conditions, showcasing rich and unexplored diversity. This resilience hints at the existence of novel biochemical pathways and unique bioactive compounds. In contrast, the issue of drug resistance and excessive misuse of antibiotics in various settings, such as healthcare, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, has contributed to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant microorganisms.In the present research, Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004, was obtained from an extreme location, a hot water spring in the Garhwal Himalayan region of India. The lipophilic fraction derived from Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004 exhibited significant inhibitory effects against vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), displaying a bactericidal concentration of 0.5 mg mL−1. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the lipophilic extract unveiled the major constituents.Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004 holds significant promise as a primary source of potent anti-vancomycin-resistant S. aureus components. These findings emphasize the importance of Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004 as a foundational source for use as both a synergistic and alternative agent against VRSA.

Characterization of lipophilic extractives in the wood of anthocephalus cadamba and anthocepalus macrophyllus from progeny trial

This study aims to determine the lipophilic component that affects the quality of pulp and paper products in wood of 10-year-old Anthocephalus cadamba (families 23, 11 and 6) and 5-year-old Anthocepalus macrophyllus (families 75, 85 and 2). The results showed that the main group of compounds that appeared frequently and were identified in the lipophilic fraction were fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic and stearic acids), fatty alcohols (eicosanol, heneicosanol and tetracosanol), sterols (β-sitosterol and campasterol), hydrocarbons (hexadecane, tricosene and cyclotetracosane), aldehydes, alongside minor amounts of triterpenoid. F11 and F2 can be promoted as raw materials for pulp and paper, while F6 and F75 are not recommended because of the high levels of lipids such as sterols, triterpenoids, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and fatty alcohols.

Pine nut skin as a source of phytosterols and alkanediols - Hypocholesterolemic potential and development of sustainable vegan emulsifiers

Pine nut skin is a byproduct arising from the pine nut industry, whose composition and bioactive potential are currently unexplored. For this purpose, its characterization is required for the development of sustainable food ingredients.Pine nut skin was separated into finer (<500 μm) and coarser (≥500 μm) fractions, composed of carbohydrates (35 g/100 g and 11 g/100 g, respectively), lignin (47 g/100 g and 72 g/100 g), lipids (8 g/100 g and 9 g/100 g), and protein (7 g/100 g and 3 g/100 g). The lipophilic extract of both fractions had similar amounts of β-sitosterol (30 mg/g), differing in the amount of long-chain aliphatic alcohols, namely nonacosan-10-ol (8 mg/g and 51 mg/g for finer and coarser fractions, respectively) and secondary/secondary alkanediols (18 mg/g and 185 mg/g), known as emulsifier compounds. The composition of pine nut skin fractions indicated their potential in affecting the cholesterol absorption in the intestinal lumen. The lipophilic extract from the finer fraction showed to decrease cholesterol micellar solubilization, and the polysaccharides and lignin had bile salt sequestration properties, rendering this byproduct an hypolipidemic potential. The coarser fraction showed potential as a substitute of egg yolk (3.4 g/100 g dry weight) in a mayonnaise formulation (49 g/100 g oil-in-water emulsion), an emulsifying capacity ascribed to the dietary fiber content and to its lipophilic fraction. From pine nut skin it is possible to obtain low-cost food ingredients with relevance as emulsifiers and potential hypocholesterolemic activity.

Nutraceutical Content and Biological Properties of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Fractions of the Phytocomplex from Pistacia atlantica Desf. Buds, Roots, and Fruits.

The aim of the present investigation was to obtain 12 aqueous extracts and 1 oil from Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica specimens. The samples differed for processed plant organs (i.e., roots, buds, and fruits), gender and geographical station of the collected trees. Total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were determined, revealing that bud extracts exhibited the highest phenolic content (386.785 ± 16.227 mg GAE/g DM), followed by fruit and root preparations. Similar results were detected for flavonoids and tannins, whose quantitation ranged from 0.014 ± 0.005 to 74.780 ± 9.724 mg CE/g DM and from 0.037 ± 0.003 to 14.793 ± 0.821 mg CE/g DM, respectively. The biochemical profile of the extracts was further characterized by HPLC-DAD, in terms of specific phenolics. This analysis identified gallic acid as a typical metabolite for ripe fruit, while hydroxytyrosol for female roots and male buds. In parallel, P. atlantica fruit oil was profiled by GC-MS analysis, which detected 37 lipophilic components, including palmitic acid (the major component, ~55%), anacardol, tetradecanol, arachidic acid, squalene, and some terpenes. The samples revealed interesting antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 0.073 ± 0.001 to 193.594 ± 28.942 mg/mL and from 0.029 ± 0.001 to 103.086 ± 20.540 mg/mL, in that order, for DPPH and reducing power assays. Concerning the total antioxidant capacity, the results ranged from 0.053 ± 0.008 to 51.648 ± 1.659 mg AAE/g DM. Finally, the antimicrobial potential of the plant extracts was estimated against 7 bacterial species and 2 fungal strains, known to be human pathogens, demonstrating a good antibiotic effect for the bud extracts. All these findings strongly suggest that P. atlantica would represent a natural reservoir for novel additives to be used in therapeutic, food, and cosmetic products.

Phytochemical profile of secondary metabolites in the phloem of mature Pinus pinaster trees attacked by the pine wood nematode

The present study highlights, for the first time, the chemical composition of secondary metabolites (lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds) present in the phloem tissues of infected mature Pinus pinaster Ait. trees (on average 74 years old), which may be potentially determinant in the development of the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The levels of secondary metabolites in the phloem of infected trees were fairly constant along the height of the trees (an average of 30% dry phloem), but slightly lower compared with total extractives content in the phloem of mature healthy P. pinaster trees (30.0 vs. 39.9%). The hydrophilic fraction represented 91% of the total soluble compounds (27.3% of phloem mass) and it was mainly composed of phenolic compounds and reducing sugars (44.8% and 58.8% of the ethanol-water extracts). The lipophilic fraction (2.7% of phloem mass), was dominated by tricyclic diterpenic compounds (54.2–63.2% of the total lipophilic extracts) and fatty acids. Differences in the relative concentrations of individual compounds were observed compared to healthy pines, suggesting a response to the biotic stress imposed by nematode damage by an increased content of diterpenic resin acids, specifically dehydroabietic and abietic acids, and of total unsaturated fatty acids with a predominance of 9-octadecenoic acid.

A rapid HPTLC fingerprinting technique for identifying the various geo-floral origins of honeys

Honey has several nutritional and therapeutic uses due to the presence of different bioactive compounds.These substances are derived from floral nectar. Therefore, it becomes essential to identify the distinct chemical profiles of honey samples. The aim of this research was to provide an accurate, straightforward, and sensitive HPTLC approach for different types of honey verification. Eight mono floral honeys (mustard, eucalyptus, litchi, orange, tea, Indian plum, black plum and pineapple) were collected from different origin of West Bengal (eastern India) and examined. Standard procedures were followed to check the quality of each honey.The flora was identified by microscopically examining the pollen found in honeys. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used to analyze lipophilic fractions of each honey. Chromatographic results identified distinct patterns of bands with specific Rf values for each type of mono floral honey. HPTLC is a simple and effective method for routine analysis and verification. It can serve as authentication for different types of honey.

A preliminary study on a new approach for measurement of the antioxidant capacity of single molecules in food

Antioxidant activity refers to the rate of reaction between a specific antioxidant and a specific oxidant. On the other hand, antioxidant capacity is a measure of the quantity of a free radical in a concentration, neutralized by antioxidant molecules under examination. All common methods such as: Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Total Peroxyl Radical Antioxidant Parameter (TRAP), Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC), Crocin Bleaching Assay (CBA), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and others have some technical limitations. All methods, before any analytical test, require a sample preparation, which is separated into hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions. However, this already represents an artifact, because some of the properties of the biological matrix are lost. The new OXEFIN unit defined as the ratio between the electrical power of the sample and the control allows us to compare the antioxidant capacities of single substances or a mixture of them, without the use of a target molecule and equipment such as a spectrophotometer or other optical detection instruments. Moreover, we are able to detect the total antioxidant capacity in an opaque solution without sample preparation(such as food). The milks range from 2.73 ± 0.02 to 0.20 ± 0.003 at 4 ml and 4.33 ± 0.04 to 0.26 ± 0.003 at 8 ml. The berries and fruit juices range from 5350 ± 38 to 673 ± 5.8 at 4 ml and from 5220 ± 40 to 915 ± 5 at 8 ml. The method proposed in this paper represents a new approach to the antioxidant capacity measurements reducing the cost, analysis time, the amount of reagents and avoid the possible chemical interferences during the radical chain reaction.

Phytochemistry and Biological Profile of Gaultheria procumbens L. and Wintergreen Essential Oil: From Traditional Application to Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets.

Gaultheria procumbens L. is a medicinal plant whose aerial parts (leaves, stems, and fruits) and methyl salicylate-rich essential oil (wintergreen oil) are used in phytotherapy to treat inflammation, muscular pain, and infection-related disorders. This overview summarises the current knowledge about ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, molecular mechanisms, biocompatibility, and traditional use of G. procumbens and the wintergreen oil distilled from different plant organs. Over 70 hydrophilic compounds, including methyl salicylate glycosides, flavonoids, procyanidins, free catechins, caffeoylquinic acids, and simple phenolic acids, have been identified in G. procumbens plant parts. Moreover, aliphatic compounds, triterpene acids, and sterols have been revealed in lipophilic fractions. Furthermore, over 130 volatile compounds have been detected in wintergreen oil with dominating methyl salicylate (96.9-100%). The accumulated research indicates that mainly hydrophilic non-volatiles are responsible for the pharmacological effects of G. procumbens, primarily its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photoprotective activity, with mechanisms verified in vitro and ex vivo in cellular and cell-free assays. The biological effectiveness of the dominant methyl salicylate glycoside-gaultherin-has also been confirmed in animals. Wintergreen oil is reported as a potent anti-inflammatory agent exhibiting moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in vitro and significant insecticidal and larvicidal capacity. Together, G. procumbens accumulate a diverse fraction of polyphenols, triterpenes, and volatiles with validated in vitro and ex vivo biological activity but with the absence of in vivo studies, especially clinical trials concerning effective dose determination and toxicological verification and technological research, including drug formulation.

Recovery of lipophilic compounds of Vincetoxicum species by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

In this study, the dried herb of three Vincetoxicum species was subjected to supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction for the recovery and characterisation of lipophilic compounds. The differences in extraction yield were not remarkable for the analyzed species; however, the effect of herb harvesting time at different year was quite significant. Two times higher yields of lipids were obtained from the plants collected in September 2020 compared to those collected in June 2022, e.g., from 1.39 to 3.01%. Linoleic, linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids were the major fatty acids in the extracted oils. β-sitosterol was the major phytosterol (from 4.84 to 10.74 mg/g), followed by stigmasterol, while vitamin E (α-tocopherol) was the dominant tocopherol in Vincetoxicum species extracts.CO2 extracts had similar antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content determined by different methods. Isovaleric acid, butyrolactone, hexanoic acid were the major volatile components identified in almost all plants extracts, however based on the integrated peak area significant quantitative variations were observed for different species and harvesting period (year). In conclusion, this study is the first report on lipophilic fraction of Vincetoxicum species recovered by SC-CO2, which demonstrates the presence of various bioactive components in the studied botanicals.

STUDY OF THE COMPOSITION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE FORMS OF SEA BUCKTHORN (HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES L.) LEAVES BY GC-MS

Hippophae rhamnoides L. is a perennial shrub of the Elaegnaceae family, which has a significant distribution area (both in cultivation and in the wild) and an annually renewable raw material base (fruits and leaves). The leaves of sea buckthorn are characterized by a high accumulation of various groups of biologically active substances. However, the fraction of lipophilic biologically active substances of this type of medicinal plant material remains poorly understood in terms of composition and pharmacological properties. The aim of the work was to study the phytochemical composition of the lipophilic fractions of sea buckthorn leaves by GC/MS with a predictive in silico assessment of promising types of pharmacological activity of the identified compounds for the subsequent targeted development of medicinal herbal preparations based on this medicinal plant material with a certain spectrum of action. The object of the study was the leaves of three phenological phases of plant life collected in the territory of the Voronezh region and dried by the air-shadow method to a residual moisture content of not more than 10% in 2022. On the chromatograms in the leaves harvested in different phenophases of development, the presence of peaks of about 40 compounds is observed – 20 each in the preparations removed from the leaves of phases I and III; 16 – phases II of blanks, of which 14 compounds were identified – 7, 8, and 10 in phenophases I, II, and III, respectively.The greatest number of compounds of the group of sugars, sterols, aliphatic and alicyclic alcohols was typical for the leaves of the phenological phase III – the phase of technical maturity of the fruit, which is due to the accumulation of these biologically active substances in the process of life. However, leaves already in the first phase of harvesting can be considered as a potential source of vitamins and sterols due to their significant accumulation. The results of the in silico study position phytosterols (betulin and γ-sitosterol) as the target group of biologically active substances in the lipophilic fraction of the leaves of the third phase of the harvest due to the large accumulation and the presence of a high probability of hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic and hepatoprotective activities. At the same time, the maximum accumulation of this fraction in the leaves during the harvesting period of fruits, the main pharmacopoeial valuable raw material of this plant, contributes to the possibility of waste-free rational use of plant resources.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ СКЛАДУ ТА АНТИОКСИДАНТНОЇ ДІЇ ХЛОРОФОРМНОГО ЕКСТРАКТУ ТРАВИ RANUNCULUS ACRIS L.

The results of the study of the chloroform extract of the herb Ranunculus acris L. are presented, in particular the content of biologically active substances and antioxidant activity. 33 volatile compounds were identified: fatty acid esters, higher fatty acids, saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes), monocyclic and bicyclic monoterpenoids, etc. It was established that the chloroform extract has an antioxidant effect. In addition, the significant content of biologically active substances in the lipophilic volatile fraction of Ranunculus acris L. indicates the prospects for further research.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Some Open-Field Ancient-Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Genotypes and Promising Breeding Lines

Tomato landraces have progressively faded into obscurity, making way for new hybrids and elite tomato cultivars. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the agronomic attributes, physicochemical properties, and functional traits across seven cultivars, comprising two high-pigment varieties, ‘HLT−F81’ and ‘HLT−F82’, as well as five underutilized ancient-tomato genotypes considered as landraces. Most of the studied genotypes exhibited satisfactory horticultural and processing traits. The average fruit weight ranged from 73.3 g in ‘Rimone’ to 91.83 g in ‘HLT−F81’, while the soluble solids content ranged from 4.66 °Brix in ‘Justar’ to 6.08 °Brix in ‘HLT−F81’. The functional quality and the content of most antioxidants, as well as the antioxidant activity in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions, proved to be the most discriminating parameters among the tomato genotypes. The content of β−carotene and lycopene spanned from 2.94 mg kg−1 fw in ‘Rio Grande’ to 13.94 mg kg−1 fw in ‘HLT−F82’ and 227.8 mg kg−1 fw in ‘HLT−F81’, yielding large variations compared to ‘Rio Grande’. The total phenolic content ranged from 139.83 mg GAE kg−1 fw in ‘Rimone’ to 352.41 mg GAE kg−1 fw in ‘HLT-F81’, while the flavonoid content varied from 136.16 mg RE kg−1 fw in ‘Justar’ to 311.23 mg RE kg−1 fw in ‘HLT-F82’. The presence of tocopherol isomers was genotype-dependent, with a higher content in lines carrying the high-pigment mutations. Among the tested tomato genotypes, the high-pigment tomato line ‘HLT−F81’ achieved the highest hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity values. This study primarily focused on the recovery and valorization of tomato genetic resources and landraces. It also aimed to identify desirable horticultural (yield, low-input, and low-water demand), processing (°Brix and titratable acidity), and quality (rich antioxidant berries) traits for introgression into new tomato cultivars better suited to the evolving climate conditions of the near future.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Lipophilic Fraction from Liriope platyphylla Seeds Using Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Experiments.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms counteract the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, aging, and cancer. Therefore, enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions may help manage these pathological conditions. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of lipophilic fraction of Liriope platyphylla seeds (LLPS) using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments. Here GC-MS analysis tentatively identified forty-three lipophilic compounds in LLPS. LLPS exhibited powerful antioxidant activity, according to the results from chemical-based antioxidant assays on DPPH, ABTS+, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging, lipid peroxidation, reducing antioxidant powers, and total antioxidant capacity. Additionally, LLPS enhanced cellular antioxidant capacity by inhibiting reactive oxygen species formation and elevating antioxidant enzyme levels, including catalase and heme oxygenase-1. Moreover, LLPS attenuated inflammatory response by reducing nitric oxide secretion and downregulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-1β in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses showed that key compounds in LPPS, particularly phytosterols and fatty acid esters, exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through regulating NFKB1, PTGS1, PTGS2, TLR4, PRKCA, PRKCD, KEAP1, NFE2L2, and NR1l2. Overall, these data suggest that LLPS may be a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for developing functional foods.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Lipophilic Fractions from Polyscias fruticosa Leaves Based on Network Pharmacology, In Silico, and In Vitro Approaches.

Polyscias fruticosa leaf (PFL) has been used in food and traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, ischemia, and neuralgia. However, the lipophilic components of PFL and their biological properties remain unknown. This study, integrating network pharmacology analysis with in silico and in vitro approaches, aimed to elucidate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of lipophilic extracts from PFL. A total of 71 lipophilic compounds were identified in PFL using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses showed that key active compounds, mainly phytosterols and sesquiterpenes, were responsible for regulating core target genes, such as PTGS2, TLR4, NFE2L2, PRKCD, KEAP1, NFKB1, NR1l2, PTGS1, AR, and CYP3A4, which were mostly enriched in oxidative stress and inflammation-related pathways. Furthermore, lipophilic extracts from PFL offered powerful antioxidant capacities, as evident in our cell-free antioxidant assays. These extracts also provided a protection against oxidative stress by inducing the expression of catalase and heme oxygenase-1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, lipophilic fractions from PFL showed anti-inflammatory potential in downregulating the level of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-treated macrophages. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lipophilic extracts from PFL, which can be used as a fundamental basis for developing nutraceuticals and functional foods.