Low Extract Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Quercus resinosa on the Mechanical Behavior of Bigels

Quercus resinosa leaves are rich in polyphenol compounds, however, they are unstable to several chemical and physical factors that limit their activity. Several methods have been developed to solve such problems, among which bigels can be mentioned and obtained using hydrogels and oleogels. The mechanical characterization of this type of materials is by using rheological methods. Although the use of these methods is well documented, the Carreau-Yasuda model has been little used to evaluate the effect of polyphenols on the mechanical behavior of bigels. Therefore, bigels were obtained from hydrogels (guar gum/xanthan gum, 0.5/0.5% w/v) and oleogels (sesame oil/sorbitan monostearate 10% w/w). Micrographs, linear viscoelasticity range, frequency sweep, and single shear tests were performed. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05); micrographs showed linear relationship between polyphenols concentration and droplet size. Liquid fraction of bigels showed a pseudoplastic behavior, while the parameters of Carreau-Yasuda model showed that the highest value of the complex viscosity at zero shear was at the lowest concentration of extract; the relaxation time presented the lowest value at higher concentrations of extracts. These results indicate that the presence of polyphenols modifyes the mechanical behavior of bigels.

One-step purification of target enzymes using interaction- and structure-based design of aptamer-affinity responsive polymers: Selective immobilization and enhanced stability

One-step purification enzymes directly from crude extract has emerged as an attractive option by reducing the purification steps and cost. Despite extensive research, a viable one-step purification technique is far from being realized. The major obstacles are the low concentration and complexity of crude extract. To address these problems, a reversibly dissolved and highly specific affinity material, aptamer-derived UCST-type thermoresponsive polymer (PEAAG-apt), was engineered for enhancing the effective contact frequency and selective immobilization efficiency. PEAAG-apt allowed the specific and high-affinity binding of aptamer to cytochrome C (Cyt C) in soluble state above room temperature, where the selective immobilization efficiency was improved to 92 % in 30 min. Moreover, spontaneously cooling induced the easy separation of the PEAAG-apt-immobilized Cyt C directly from pig heart extract, compatible with the recycling process with up to 76 % catalytic activity in the sixth cycle. Compared with covalently immobilized Cyt C, PEAAG-apt-immobilized Cyt C displayed excellent activity via maintaining its original conformation and behaving as homogeneous catalysis. Such high enzymatic activity was further ensured even in aggressive pH and long-term storage. Our developed material opens a new avenue to highly efficient one-step purification of enzymes directly from crude extract.

A comparative study of phytochemical, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic potential of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): Microgreen and mature plant

Microgreens are immature edible leafy greens with a higher concentration of phytonutrients than in mature leaves, which makes them a novel functional food. This research featured antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic properties of coriander microgreens. 
 Aqueous and ethanolic extractions of coriander microgreens and mature leaves underwent a phytochemical analysis of antioxidant potential using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) free radical method and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The analysis of antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic properties included the method of α-amylase enzyme inhibition and the MTT colorimetric assay. 
 The screening test inferred the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, carbohydrates, and proteins in both microgreens and mature leaves. The quantitative analysis showed that the ethanolic extract of the microgreen sample exhibited higher total phenols. Total flavonoids, steroids, carbohydrates, and proteins were higher both in microgreen extracts, if compared with those of mature leaves. Ascorbic acid, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, and carotenoids demonstrated a more substantial presence in mature leaves. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of coriander microgreens revealed such bioactive compounds as thienopyrimidines, phenolic amide, imidazo pyridazine, phenolic constituents, and essential oil. Mature leaves were rich in phenolic compounds, steroids, terpenoids, essential oils, and fatty acid esters. All these substances are known for their therapeutic antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticarcinogenic properties. The microgreen samples exhibited greater ferric reducing antioxidant power, α-amylase enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxicity activity at a lower concentration of extract than mature leaves.
 Coriander microgreens proved to have a promising antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic potential and can be used in daily food additives.

Enzyme inhibitory activity of Dioscorea nipponica Makito hydroethanolic extracts of leaves and tubers in relation to their major secondary metabolites

Different anatomical parts of Dioscorea nipponica Makito have been used in foods and folk medicines for their nutritional and pharmacological properties; however, the scientific data on enzyme inhibitory activities and phytochemicals in plant extracts remain rather scarce. Such information is important for expanding possible uses of plant origin preparations in nutrition. This study, using commonly applied assays, evaluated inhibitory activity of 70% ethanol extract of D. nipponica leaves and tubers against such physiologically important enzymes as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acethylcholinesterase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Inhibition of α-glucosidase and acethylcholinesterase required lower leaf extract concentrations as compared with other two enzymes. The IC50 values of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition were 66.08 and 438 μg/mL, respectively, while the inhibition of ACE at 250–1250 μg/mL was from 28.02 ± 1.17% to 77.13 ± 0.78%. The mode of inhibition of α-glucosidase and acethylcholinesterase was evaluated by the kinetic studies. Leaf and tuber extracts displayed a mixed-type non-competitive mode of α-glucosidase inhibition. Phytochemical composition of extracts was determined by UPLC-QTOF/MS and HPLC-UV methods. Leaf extract was remarkably stronger enzyme inhibitor than tuber extract and it may be explained by the differences in the secondary metabolite composition. Quinic, chlorogenic acids and quercetin glycosides, which are well-known enzyme inhibitors, were the main phytochemicals in the leaf extract, while steroidal glycosides, peptides and oligomeric sugars were the major constituents in the tuber extract. It is expected that new knowledge on D. nipponica will serve for its valorisation in developing new health beneficial ingredients for functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Anti-proliferative effects of Rhamnus frangula miller leaf and bark extracts on HEK293 and MCF-7 cell lines and evaluation of Bax and Bcl-2 genes expression level in MCF-7 cells

Rhamnus frangula extracts may have anti-proliferative effects on cancer development. This study was exerted to determine the effects of Rhamnus frangula Miller leaf and bark extracts on the viability of MCF-7 cells compared with HEK293 cells and the evaluation of Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression levels in MCF-7 cells. The cell lines were randomly divided into the control group (not exposed to extract) and groups exposed to 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/ml of Rhamnus frangula leaf and bark extracts. Cell viability was quantified by MTT assay. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes was evaluated by quantitative Real-time PCR analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. HEK293 cells viability significantly increased in groups exposed to 0.001 and 0.01 mg/ml and decreased in group exposed to 1 mg/ml of Rhamnus frangula leaf extract compared to control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Exposure of MCF-7 cells to 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/ml of leaf extract led to significant decrease in cell viability (P < 0.05). Exposure of HEK293 cells to 1 mg/ml and of MCF-7 cells to 0.1 and 1 mg/ml of Rhamnus frangula bark extract resulted in significant decrease in cell viability compared to control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The cytotoxic effect of leaf was higher than bark extract on MCF7 cells. 1 mg/ml of leaf and bark extracts significantly increased the expression level of pro-apoptotic Bax and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 genes in MCF-7 cells (P < 0.01). However, the expression level of the Bax gene was significantly higher in a group exposed to 1 mg/ ml of leaf compared to bark extract (P < 0.01). Despite bark, lower leaf extract concentrations inhibit breast cancer (MCF-7) cells proliferation while having no cytotoxic effects on non-cancerous HEK293 cells. Therefore, using leaf is more appropriate than bark extract to fight against breast cancer cells. We have also shown that Rhamnus frangula leaf and bark extracts mechanism of action has occurred through Bax-dependent apoptotic pathway on breast cancer cell line.

Effects of Mangosteen Peel Phenolic Compounds on Tilapia Skin Collagen-Based Mineralized Scaffold Properties.

A proper valorization of biological waste sources for an effective conversion into composites for tissue engineering is discussed in this study. Hence, the collagen and the phenolic compound applied in this investigation were extracted from waste sources, respectively, fish industry rejects and the peels of the mangosteen fruit. Porous scaffolds were prepared by combining both components at different compositions and mineralized at different temperatures to evaluate the modifications in the biomimetic formation of apatite. The inclusion of mangosteen extract showed the advantage of increasing the collagen denaturation temperature, improving the stability of its triple helix. Moreover, the extract provided antioxidant activity due to its phenolic composition, as confirmed by 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assays. Mineralization was successfully achieved as indicated by thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy. A higher temperature and a lower extract concentration reduced the calcium phosphate deposits. The extract also affected the pore size, particularly at a lower concentration. The X-ray diffraction pattern identified a low degree of crystallization. A high mineralization temperature induced the formation of smaller crystallites ranging from 18.9 to 25.4 nm. Although the deposited hydroxyapatite showed low crystallinity, the scaffolds are suitable for bone tissue applications and may be effective in controlling the resorbability rate in tissue regeneration.

Cell-line and culture model specific responses to organic contaminants in house dust: Cell bioenergetics, oxidative stress, and inflammation endpoints

Exposure to organic contaminants in house dust is linked to the development or exacerbation of many allergic and immune disorders. In this work, we evaluate the effects of organic contaminants on different cell bioenergetics endpoints using five different cell lines (16HBE14o-, NuLi-1, A549, THP-1 and HepG2), and examine its effects on lung epithelial cells using conventional 2D and 3D (air-liquid interface/ALI) models. Proposed rapid bioenergetic assays relies on a quick, 40min, exposure protocol that provides equivalent dose-response curves for ATP production, spare respiratory capacity, and cell respiration. Although cell-line differences play an important role in assay performance, established EC50 concentrations for immortalized lung epithelial cells ranged from 0.11 to 0.15mg/mL (∼2 µg of dust in a 96-well microplate format). Bioenergetic response of distinct cell types (i.e., monocytes and hepatocytes) was significantly different from epithelial cells; with HepG2 showing metabolic activity that might adversely affect results in 24h exposure experiments. Like in cell bioenergetics, cell barrier function assay in ALI showed a dose dependent response. Although this is a physiologically relevant model, measurements are not as sensitivity as cytokine profiling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. Observed effects are not solely explained by exposure to individual contaminants, this suggests that many causal agents responsible for adverse effects are still unknown. While 16HBE14o- cells show batter barrier formation characteristics, NuLi-1 cells are more sensitivity to oxidative stress induction even at low house dust extract concentrations, (NuLi-1 2.11-fold-change vs. 16HBE14o- 1.36-fold change) at 0.06µg/mL. Results show that immortalized cell lines can be a suitable alternative to primary cells or other testing models, especially in the development of high-throughput assays. Observed cell line specific responses with different biomarker also highlights the importance of careful in-vitro model selection and potential drawbacks in risk assessment studies.

Investigating the Efficacy of Tasmannia lanceolata Extract in Inactivating Fungi and Prolonging the Shelf Life of Date Fruit.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants. Post-harvest losses of date palm due to fungal contamination reached up to 50% of the total production. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the extract of Tasmanian pepper leaf (TPL) and the non-thermal treatment of photosensitization mediated by curcumin in reducing the fungal contamination and enhancing the shelf life of date palm. In the in vivo storage study, the dates were treated with three different concentrations of TPL extract 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL and stored at 30 °C. The findings obtained for the treatment with TPL extract exhibited potent antifungal activity against most of the tested fungi, where minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were < 25 µg/mL for polygodial, the bioactive compound in TPL. The shelf life of date palm treated by 50 µg/mL polygodial was extended up to 21 days, thrice as much as the untreated controls. In contrast, a lower concentration of TPL extract (25 µg/mL polygodial) revealed up to a 15-day shelf life extension compared to untreated dates (7 days). The results obtained from the study suggested that using TPL extracts against pathogenic and spoilage fungi occurring in fresh date fruits is a promising treatment for the shelf life extension of fresh date fruits at room temperature.

Anti-MRSA and clot lysis activities of Pestalotiopsis microspora isolated from Dillenia pentagyna Roxb.

There is an urgent call to search for novel natural compounds against developing multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The present work focuses on the characterization of a plant-associated fungus having bioactivity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. A fungal strain P31 was isolated from bark of Dillenia pentagyna and identified as Pestalotiopsis microspora. The maximum anti-MRSA activity was observed from extract of P31 grown in sabouraud dextrose broth. The minimum inhibitory concentrations(MIC) values of P31 extract were 14 μg/ml for methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and 32 μg/ml for MRSA strain, respectively. A crude P31 extract showed strong bactericidal activity by killing all treated MRSA cells within 24 h of treatment at their respective MIC value. A scanning electron microscopic study visualized morphological damage of MRSA cells. The membrane permeability of P31 extract-treated MRSA cells gradually increased which caused release of internal cytoplasmic nucleic acids, proteins and potassium ions (K+ ) from cells suggesting cell lysis or leakage from cells. A very low concentration of P31 extract was able to inhibit biofilm formed by MRSA cells. Thin layer chromatographic separation followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the P31 extract revealed a number of antimicrobial compounds along with an anti-MRSA compound 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. In addition, the P31 extract also showed in-vitro human blood clot lysis activity at various concentrations. The clot lysis activity of P31 extract was found maximum at 500 µg/ml. These findings suggest that fungal isolate P31 has potential as a source of anti-MRSA compounds useful in staph infections.

Chemical Components of Oxytropis pseudoglandulosa Induce Apoptotic-Type Cell Death of Caco-2 Cells.

Oxytropis pseudoglandulosa plant is used in traditional Mongolian medicine. However, its chemical composition and biological properties are poorly explored. In this study, the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids as well as antioxidant activity were verified in plant extract. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrometric (6.62 mg GAE/g and 10.32 mg QE/g) and chromatographic (17,598 mg/kg and 17,467 mg/kg) assays. The antioxidant potential was investigated by DPPH assay and yielded IC50 at 18.76 µg/mL. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified as components of O. pseudoglandulosa extract. Kaempferol-3-O-robinosyl-7-O-rhamnoside and kaempferol-3-(p-coumaroyl)-rutinosyl-7-rhamnoside made up 80% of determined components and were found to be the major polyphenolic compounds. The biological properties of O. pseudoglandulosa extracts were determined in vitro using human epithelial adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell line. Low concentrations of extract (0–30 µg/mL) exhibited protective effects against cell damage caused by chemically induced oxidative stress. Elevated concentrations, on the other hand, resulted in apoptotic-type cell death induction. Metabolic failure, ROS elevation and membrane permeabilization observed in cells upon incubation with extract dosages above 50 µg/mL allowed us to conclude on O. pseudoglandulosa being predominantly a necrosis inducer.

Fabrication, in vitro and in vivo properties of porous Zn–Cu alloy scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Zn-based porous scaffolds have attracted increasing attention in the field of bone tissue engineering. In this study, the air pressure infiltration method (APIM) was employed to prepare porous Zn-xCu (x = 0, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) scaffolds. The porous structure, microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity of these porous scaffolds were systemically investigated. The pure Zn and the Zn–2Cu porous scaffolds were selected for the animal experiment to evaluate feasibility as orthopedic implant material using micro-computed tomography, histological analysis, and blood biochemical indicators. Uniformly distributed pores with an average size of 275 μm were confirmed in the Zn–Cu scaffolds. The plateau stress σy of the Zn–Cu scaffolds at 3% deformation was 2.55–51.15 MPa, and the elastic modulus E was 0.34–3.75 GPa. Hence, the mechanical properties of these scaffolds were similar to those of human cancellous bone. Porous Zn-xCu scaffolds exhibited a uniform corrosion morphology in simulated body fluid solution, and the addition of Cu facilitated the corrosion progress of the scaffold. Porous Zn-xCu scaffolds exhibited an effective antibacterial property against S. aureus and E.coli. The antibacterial activity increased with the increasing Cu contents. The porous Zn-xCu scaffolds exhibited good cytocompatibility at a low extract's concentration (25%), and the Zn–Cu scaffold exhibited a better cytocompatibility to MC3T3 pre-osteoblast cells than L-929 cells. Both pure zinc and Zn–2Cu porous scaffolds showed good biocompatibility in vivo. The blood biochemical parameters of SD rats within six months after operation were all within the acceptable range, and the implants had no side effect on the liver and kidney functions of SD rats.

English

Eucalyptus cultivation has undergone great expansion in recent years due to the increase in commercial production of this wood for the paper, cellulose and steel industries. One of the main factors responsible for production losses is insect attack. The main insect that acts as a pest, devastating eucalyptus plantations is Thaumastocoris peregrinus, being controlled through the application of synthetic insecticides. The objective was to evaluate the potential of the aqueous extract of neem leaves for the alternative control of T. peregrinus. The survival of T. peregrinus was evaluated in two experiments with higher (20, 40, 60 and 80%) and lower (1, 5, 10 and 20%) concentrations of aqueous extract of neem leaf. The experiment took place under laboratory conditions at a controlled temperature of 25 &plusmn; 2&deg;C. In the first experiment, higher concentrations were more effective in reducing survival. In the second experiment, the lowest concentrations reduced less effectively. It is concluded that the aqueous extract of neem leaves in higher concentrations has an insecticidal effect against T. peregrinus, reducing the survival of adults of this species. Key words: Insecticidal effect, forest pest, survival, toxicity.

Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Activity of a Traditional Herbal Mixture in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rabbits

Diabetes is a leading health problem worldwide, so researchers continue to seek out plant-based therapies that potentially are more acceptable than pharmaceuticals in society. The current case study was conducted to gauge the effectiveness of four multiherbal compositions, including three or two of the following ingredients: cardamom pods (Elettaria cardamomum), lime fruit (Citrus aurantifolia), and frankincense resin (Boswellia sacra). The mixtures were tested on rabbits induced experimentally with diabetes using alloxan. Thirty New Zealand rabbits were collected then broken into ten groups of three. One group was used for the negative control, and the other nine were induced to diabetes using alloxan (100 mg/kg) following weekly injections. Diabetes was confirmed by hyperglycemia, which was measured before and after the injections. The four multiherbal compositions were as follows: Citrus Elettaria Boswellia Extract (CEBE), all three species; Citrus Boswellia Extract (CBE), just lime and frankincense; Citrus Elettaria Extract (CEE), lime and cardamom; and Elettaria Boswellia Extract (EBE), cardamom, and frankincense. Each composition was administered intravenously, once daily, at two concentrations (500 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg). As expected, diabetic rabbits lost significant body weight in proportion to their blood glucose levels. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein) also significantly increased across all parameters with diabetes. The utilization of plant extracts dramatically improved blood biomarkers of cholesterol and triglycerides, weight, and blood glucose levels. Interestingly, the lower concentration of plant extract was more effective at normalizing blood parameters, which may be related to processes in the liver, i.e., xenobiotic metabolism.

Potential of Seaweed Extract on Growth, Physiological, Cytological and Biochemical Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seedlings

Synthetic fertilizers are widely employed in agriculture relative to biofertilizers. Long-term use affects soil fertility, plant vigor, human and livestock health, and the soil microbial community. Seaweeds were employed as biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture to overcome this issue and boost the agricultural productivity. Therefore, the current study investigates the effect of wheat seeds priming with the aqueous extracts of Ulva linza or Corallina officinalis seaweeds at various concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30%). Wheat grains were primed with seaweed extracts and grown in petri dishes, and the germination rate, growth attributes, physiological parameters, cytological traits, and molecular analyses were evaluated. The physico-chemical characterization revealed that U. linza possessed higher levels of ash, soluble proteins, and sugars, as well as essential macronutrients and amino acids, than C. officinalis. Seedling growth parameters, physiological characteristics, and mitotic index all showed a substantial increase in low concentrations of both extracts when compared to the control. Higher concentrations, on the other hand, exhibited an inhibitory effect as well as certain chromosomal abnormalities. In the treated seedlings, new proteins were expressed, which could be owing to the activity of bioactive components in the extracts. As compared to untreated seedlings, PCR-RAPD analysis utilizing five markers revealed that both seaweed extracts triggered low and high molecular weight DNA fragments, as well as fragments specific to each extract. Seaweed extracts could be employed as an environmentally friendly and soil-safe alternative to typical chemical fertilizers.

Study Inhibitory Effect of Alhagi Extract on Oral Microorganisms

Many studies determined effect of plant extract on plant pathogens and human pathogens. Alhagi maurorum is considered as one of the important medicinal plants in Iraq. It is used for urinary tract infection, rheumatic pains and liver disorders. Study the Inhibition Effect of Alhagi extract on oral microorganisms as Streptococci, Actinobacillus and Staphylococci, with (0, 10, 50 and 100 percentages). The concentrations of 0% has not any inhibition effect, 10%, has a slight inhibition effect against oral Streptococci and Actinobacillus, but has not effect on Staphylococci. 50%, has an inhibition effect against oral Streptococci more than E-coli, but has not effect on Staphylococci, but 100%, has a wide inhibition effect a against oral Streptococci more than Actinobacillus except Staphylococci has not effect. The lack of inhibition effect at the concentration of 0% and 10% of Alhagi maurorum aqueous extract may be returned to the limits or decline of active components in these low concentrations of aqueous extract. In addition, studies indicate that there are many factors have an effect in the minimizing the impact of plant extracts.

Rhenium(VII) extraction from sulfuric aqueous solutions using ionic liquids as diluent and extractant: insights on the extraction stoichiometry and process parameters

AbstractBACKGROUNDRhenium(Re) is a highly valuable metal recovered from molybdenite leach liquors by solvent extraction (SX) using toxic organic solvents. This work proposes an extracting phase free of volatile organics composed by the ionic liquid (IL) trioctylmethylammonium benzoate [TOMA][BA] as the extractant, due to its ability to extract Re(VII), and the IL 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [omim][Tf2N] as the diluent, due to its high hydrophobicity where the extraction stoichiometry and process parameters such as the initial pH, the extractant concentration in the diluent and stripping using ammonium hydroxide () and sodium hydroxide () were assessed.RESULTSThis extracting phase yielded high extraction percentages: 95% with only 3% (v/v) of [TOMA][BA] in [omim][Tf2N]. A detailed study of the SX stoichiometry was carried out through slope analysis, showing that the SX occurs in two steps: first, the extraction of acid; then, the extraction of the metal ion via anion exchange with the transfer of IL‐diluent anion to the aqueous phase. Additionally, the extracting phase was tested in a synthetic molybdenite leached pregnant leach solution, showing selectivity towards Re(VII) over Cu(II) and Fe(III) at very low extractant concentration. The stripping of Re(VII) from the loaded phase was also studied achieving 60% stripping in only one equilibrium step when using .CONCLUSIONThis novel extracting phase, free of volatile organic, shows promising Re(VII) extraction for future industrial applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Biological Activity of Phytochemicals from Agricultural Wastes and Weeds on Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous insect pest native to America. Due to its capacity for adaptation and migration, it is currently located in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, where it threatens agricultural crops. The ability of S. frugiperda to develop resistance to insecticides is one of the reasons for the continuous search for more effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly control products. In the present work, the insecticidal activity of ethanolic and hexane extracts obtained from fresh and dehydrated leaves of Piper auritum Kunth (Piperales: Piperaceae), Piper umbellatum L. (Piperales: Piperaceae), and Cedrela odorata L. (Sapindales: Meliaceae) was studied against first instar larvae of S. frugiperda. The ethanolic extracts of the dehydrated leaves of C. odorata and P. auritum presented insecticidal activity as high (100% mortality at a concentration of 92 mg/cm2) as that obtained with the positive control, Melia azedarach L. (Sapindales: Meliaceae). The GC-MS analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of phytochemicals classified mainly into the groups of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, phenylpropanoids, alcohols, and fatty acids. P. auritum grows and propagates rapidly. In addition, due to its low toxicity in mammals and non-target insects, it is a plant with the potential to be used as a botanical insecticide. The exposure of S. frugiperda larvae to low concentrations of ethanolic extract of P. auritum allowed us to observe their biological activity in the development of this insect. The LC50 was 22.1 mg/cm2. At sublethal concentrations (LC21 and LC35) the low fertility of the emerging adults was noticeable.

Pharmacological Activities and Characterization of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds in Methanolic Extract of Euphorbia cuneata Vahl Aerial Parts.

Euphorbia cuneata Vahl. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant used in folk medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation, although the biological basis for these effects has not been thoroughly investigated. The goal of this study was to investigate the pharmacological properties and characterization of phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in the aerial parts of E. cuneata. E. cuneata aerial parts were tested for antioxidant activity (DPPH), antibacterial activity, cell viability and cytotoxic effects, and anti-inflammatory activity. Phenolic and flavonoid contents (HPLC), and volatile constituents (GC-MS) were also characterized. The methanol extract had the highest antioxidant activity, while the ether extract had the lowest. The antioxidant activity of E. cuneata extract increased from (21.11%) at a concentration of 10 µg/mL to (95.53%) at a concentration of 1280 µg/mL. S. aureus was the most sensitive organism with the highest zone of inhibition and lowest MIC, with acetone extract; whereas C. tropicalis was the most resistant, with the lowest inhibition zone. MTT assay revealed that the methanol extract of E. cuneata had significant cytotoxic effects on the A549, Caco-2, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. Lower concentrations of methanolic extract gave anti-inflammatory activity, and those effects were compared with indomethacin as a positive control. Pyrogallol was the most abundant phenolic acid, followed by caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic, and gallic acids, respectively. The 7-hydroxyflavone and rutin flavonoids were also found in the extract. GC-mass analysis showed that aerial parts of E. cuneata were rich in methyl 12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoate. The volatile components were also composed of considerable amounts of hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, (9E,12E)-octadeca-9,12-dienoyl chloride, and methyl octadeca-9,12-dienoate as well as a little amount of hexanal dimethyl acetal. It can be concluded that methanolic extract of E. cuneata could be used as an available source of natural bioactive constituents with consequent health benefits.

Anticholesterolemic Activity of Three Vegetal Extracts (Artichoke, Caigua, and Fenugreek) and Their Unique Blend.

Hepatic-related diseases, in particular hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia, are a thorn on the side of the national health institutes around the globe. Indeed, liver lipid and cholesterol dysregulation could lead to atherosclerotic plaque formation and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, statin administration and monacolin K consumption are the main therapies proposed to counter this alarming connection, but relevant side effects are known. To overcome this issue, safe nutraceutical formulations and/or vegetal extracts, endowed with anticholesterolemic activity, could be instrumental in hypercholesterolemia prevention and treatment. In the present work, the anticholesterolemic efficacy of three vegetal extracts used in traditional medicine (artichoke, caigua, and fenugreek), their unique blend (ACFB), and the monacolin K-containing red yeast extract (RYR), was investigated with an in vitro approach based on hepatic cell line HepG2. The impact on cholesterol of the three extracts, their blend, and RYR were investigated by determining hepatocyte total and free cholesterol and bile acids biosynthesis. According to our results, the anticholesterolemic activity of the vegetal extracts was confirmed, and a novel choleretic activity of caigua extract was evidenced. ACFB showed to be safer than RYR while showing a similar effect on total and free cholesterol and bile acids synthesis compared to it. The anticholesterolemic activity of the blend was obtained with lower vegetal extract concentrations compared with the single vegetal extract, potentially indicating an additive effect between the extracts. In conclusion, the vegetal extracts and their blend, ACFB, are safe and are endowed with anticholesterolemic activity, potentially providing complementary therapies to the statin-based ones for hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia-related complications.

Color stability and lipid oxidation in pork sausage as affected by rosemary extract and phospholipase A 2 : A possible role for depletion of neutral lipid hydroperoxides

Rosemary extract (R) was added to pork sausage and compared with a novel antioxidant mixture of R and phospholipase A2 (R + P) as well as a treatment of synthetic antioxidants (Syn). Through 245 days of −20°C storage, lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), redness, and hexanal were similar between R and R + P. However, earlier in storage, R + P decreased LOOH compared with R (p < .05); the neutral lipid hydroperoxides were decreased 3.3-fold (p < .001), whereas free fatty acid hydroperoxides and polar lipid hydroperoxides were not significantly lowered. Through the long-term storage, Syn had lower LOOH and hexanal than R + P yet redness was lower in Syn (p < .05). In unseasoned sausage, R + P demonstrated higher redness and lower hexanal values than R treatment (p < .05). These results suggest that R + P could offer an effective natural antioxidant in pork sausage and the antioxidant mechanism may be related to the suppression of neutral lipid hydroperoxides. Novelty impact statement This research demonstrates a novel antioxidant mixture consisting of low concentrations of rosemary extract and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in pork sausage. The fractionation of total lipids into lipid classes suggested that the antioxidant action of the mixture was related to decreasing neutral lipid hydroperoxides. The antioxidant mixture stabilized color more effectively than synthetic antioxidants in seasoned sausage yet markers of lipid oxidation were lower in the synthetic treatment.