Main Chemical Groups Research Articles

Phytochemical Analysis, Total Phenolic Content, Hemolytic and Anti-hemolytic Activities of Centaurea iberica (Asteraceae)

Several plants contain chemical substances that have various biological activities, but they also probably cause harmful effects on cellular membranes. This work deals with the Centaurea iberica (Iberian starthistle) plant. The objective of this study is to identify the main chemical groups in the methanolic extract 80% of the plant, determine its total phenolic content, evaluate its toxic effect on human erythrocytes, and also assess its activity in the protection of normal and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme-deficient human erythrocytes membranes against oxidative hemolysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed that C. iberica extract contains several bioactive compounds. The results also showed that the plant extract contained good level of total phenolic compounds. The extract exhibited a low hemolytic effect. It also showed excellent activity in the protection of normal and G6PD-deficient human erythrocytes against oxidative hemolysis. KEYWORDS Erythrocytes, G6PD, Iberian starthistle, methanolic extract, toxic effect, oxidative hemolysis

An analysis of drug approvals in India over past 5 years

Background: Drug development is a tedious process and takes a long time for approval by regulatory authorities. With time, Indian authorities have revised rules and regulations for conducting clinical trials as well as for the marketing of drugs, impacting the number of drugs being approved. Method: The information about drug approvals from 2019–2023 was obtained from the CDSCO website. The single drug products were classified into 14 main anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) groups, while Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) were classified based on the system they act upon. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. The findings of our observational study were expressed as absolute numbers and percentages. Results: Total 362 drugs were approved. Out of these, 135 were single drug products, and the rest were FDCs. The highest & lowest number of drugs were approved in the year 2022 and 2019 respectively. Maximum single drug product approvals were seen in Category L-antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents, while maximum FDC approvals were for drugs acting on the endocrine system. Conclusion: There is a rising trend of approval for FDCs. The pattern of single drug products approval flattened over the years, coinciding with the implementation of new rules and regulations.

A comprehensive study on the autochthonous microbiota, volatilome, physico-chemical, and morpho-textural features of Montenegrin Njeguški cheese

The present study aims to deepen the knowledge of the microbiota, gross composition, physico-chemical and morpho-textural features, biogenic amines content and volatilome of Njeguški cheese, one of the most popular indigenous cheeses produced in Montenegro. Cheese samples were collected in duplicate from three different batches produced by three Montenegrin artisan producers. For the first time, the microbiota of Njeguški cheese was investigated using both culture-dependent techniques and metagenomic analysis. Coagulase positive staphylococci viable counts were below the detection limit of the analysis (<1 log cfu g−1). Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and staphylococcal enterotoxins were absent. However, relatively high viable counts of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonadaceae and eumycetes were detected. Metataxonomic analysis revealed a core microbiome composed of Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Kluyveromyces marxianus. Furthermore, the detection of opportunistic pathogenic yeasts such as Magnusiomyces capitatus and Wickerhamiella pararugosa, along with the variable content of biogenic amines, suggests the need for increased attention to hygienic conditions during Njeguški cheese production. Significant variability was observed in humidity (ranging from 38.37 to 45.58 %), salt content (ranging from 0.70 to 1.78 %), proteins content (ranging from 21.42 to 25.08 %), ash content (ranging from 2.97 to 4.05 %), hardness, springiness, and color among samples from different producers. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed a well-defined and complex volatilome profile of the Njeguški cheese, with alcohols (ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, phenetyl alcol), esters and acetates (ethyl acetate, ethyl butanoate, isoamyl acetate), ketones (acetoin, 2-butanone), and acids (acetic, butanoic, hexanoic acids) being the main chemical groups involved in aroma formation. This research will provide new insights into the still poorly explored identity of Njeguški cheese, thus serving as a first baseline for future studies aimed at protecting its tradition.

Synthesis and characterization of the dental adhesive monomer 10-MDP

Many studies have demonstrated the excellent performance of 10-MDP (10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate) as a functional monomer for dental adhesive materials and as a primer for ceramic surfaces. Although adhesive performance is affected by the purity level of 10-MDP, this parameter is rarely described, and possible byproducts have been suggested in the literature, but have not been identified to date. The present study aims to present an accessible 10-MDP synthesis strategy with easily handled reagents and address the characterization challenges, especially in identifying byproducts. 10-MDP was synthesized from 10-hydroxydecyl methacrylate and phosphorus pentoxide in acetone. The final product was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectrometry MALDITOF/TOF. The main chemical groups associated with 10-MDP were identified by 1H, 31P, and 13C NMR analyses. Only mass spectrometry analyses (MALDITOF/TOF) could identify the presence of dimers as byproducts. Its proposed chemical structure indicates that the dimers were formed by the reaction between the phosphate ester groups and others formed by the reaction of the methacrylic group of 10-MDP molecules. Careful adjustment of the synthesis conditions to reduce the formation of these byproducts is also described. The results indicate that the characterization of 10-MDP batches as raw materials is an important task because, depending on the byproduct present, its ability to polymerize or acid etching capacity may be compromised.

Enhancing Cutin Extraction Efficiency from Industrially Derived Tomato Processing Residues by High-Pressure Homogenization.

This study primarily aimed to enhance the extraction of cutin from industrial tomato peel residues. Initially, the conventional extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Subsequently, high-pressure homogenization (HPH) was introduced to improve extraction efficiency and sustainability. The optimization process focused on determining the optimal conditions for conventional extraction via chemical hydrolysis, including temperature (100-130 °C), time (15-120 min), and NaOH concentration (1-3%). The optimized conditions, determined as 130 °C, 120 min, and 3% NaOH solution, yielded a maximum cutin extraction of 32.5%. Furthermore, the results indicated that applying HPH pre-treatment to tomato peels before alkaline hydrolysis significantly increased the cutin extraction yield, reaching 46.1%. This represents an approximately 42% increase compared to the conventional process. Importantly, HPH pre-treatment enabled cutin extraction under milder conditions using a 2% NaOH solution, reducing NaOH usage by 33%, while still achieving a substantial cutin yield of 45.6%. FT-IR analysis confirmed that cutin obtained via both conventional and HPH-assisted extraction exhibited similar chemical structures, indicating that the main chemical groups and structure of cutin remained unaltered by HPH treatment. Furthermore, cutin extracts from both conventional and HPH-assisted extraction demonstrated thermal stability up to approximately 200 °C, with less than 5% weight loss according to TGA analysis. These findings underscore the potential of HPH technology to significantly enhance cutin extraction yield from tomato peel residues while utilizing milder chemical hydrolysis conditions, thereby promoting a more sustainable and efficient cutin extraction process.

Remediation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol from aqueous solution by raw and chemical modified date palm stone biomass: Kinetics and isotherms studies

Raw and citric acid chemically treated date palm stone agro-waste biomass (RDSB and CA-MDSB) powders were used to remove an important class of emerging industrial pollutants, i.e., 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) from aqueous solutions towards sustainable waste utilization to develop cost-effective technology for treating wastewater. The biomass characterization was performed by using different analytical techniques such as CHN elemental analysis, particle size, BET, FTIR, and SEM-EDX, TGA analysis. The FTIR spectral analysis revealed that the main chemical groups (N–C, O=C, H-O, H-C, and O–C) were involved in trapping 2,4,6-TCP. The highest adsorption was achieved with a contact time of 150 and 120 min, an initial concentration of 50-200 mg/L, and a biosorbent dosage ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 g/L RDSB and CA-MDSB, respectively. The experimental kinetic data of the adsorption process for both adsorbents (RDSB and CA-MDSB) fitted very well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir equilibrium data. The 2,4,6-TCP maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were 53.7, and 123.8 mg/g for RDSB and CA-MDSB, respectively. The present research confirms that the date palm stone biomass could be used as an effective and low-cost biosorbent for the remediation of 2,4,6-TCP from an aqueous environment.

Strontium-Doped Bioglass-Laden Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels for Vital Pulp Therapy.

This study aimed to develop gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-injectable hydrogels incorporated with 58S bioactive glass/BG-doped with strontium for vital pulp therapy applications. GelMA hydrogels containing 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 20% BG (w/v) were prepared. Their morphological and chemical properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy/SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy/EDS, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/FTIR (n = 3). Their swelling capacity and degradation ratio were also measured (n = 4). Cell viability (n = 8), mineralized matrix formation, cell adhesion, and spreading (n = 6) on DPSCs were evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA/post hoc tests (α = 5%). SEM and EDS characterization confirmed the incorporation of BG particles into the hydrogel matrix, showing GelMA's (C, O) and BG's (Si, Cl, Na, Sr) chemical elements. FTIR revealed the main chemical groups of GelMA and BG, as ~1000 cm-1 corresponds to Si-O and ~1440 cm-1 to C-H. All the formulations were degraded by day 12, with a lower degradation ratio observed for GelMA+BG20%. Increasing the concentration of BG resulted in a lower mass swelling ratio. Biologically, all the groups were compatible with cells (p > 0.6196), and cell adhesion increased over time, irrespective of BG concentration, indicating great biocompatibility. GelMA+BG5% demonstrated a higher deposition of mineral nodules over 21 days (p < 0.0001), evidencing the osteogenic potential of hydrogels. GelMA hydrogels incorporated with BG present great cytocompatibility, support cell adhesion, and have a clinically relevant degradation profile and suitable mineralization potential, supporting their therapeutic potential as promising biomaterials for pulp capping.

Essential oil composition, morphological characterization, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Iranian populations of Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. (Lamiaceae)

The study focused on the morphological and chemical characteristics of 200 Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. genotypes found in natural habitats of eight regions in west of Iran. The primary objective of the study was to assess the morphological and phytochemical variability within populations grown in their natural habitats, with the aim of identifying their potential for domestication and utilization in pre-breeding programs. The plant height (PH) ranged from 50.32 to 69.65 cm, with the highest observed in population P8. The internode distances ranged from 4.7 to 6.47 cm, with the maximum distance found in P4. Flower lengths varied from 1.95 to 2.45 cm, with the minimum and maximum values observed in P4 and P3, respectively. The highest leaf length (5.20 cm) and width (3.87 cm) were recorded in P2. The aerial parts of the plant were utilized to extraction and determine the essential oil (EO) content and composition, which ranged from 0.40 to 0.78% (v/w). The analysis of EO by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) identified 26 compounds, constituting 99–99.5% of the EOs. The main compounds in the EO and their percentage range (v/w DW) were tau-cadinol (0.62–55.56), mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (8.10–94.70), elemol (0.21–19.11), β-spathulenol (0.08–14.39), 4-terpineol (0.23–10.19), and β-eudesmol (0.21–9.94). The main chemical groups found in EOs included oxygenated sesquiterpenes (1.12–68.43), and phthalates (9.73–94.72). Cluster analysis revealed three distinct chemotypes: chemotype I (populations 1 and 2) with major components of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, tau-cadinol, and α-elemol; chemotype II (population 5) rich in mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; and chemotype III (populations 3, 4, 6–8) containing tau-cadinol, β-eudesmol, and 4-terpineol. The study also evaluated total phenolic, total flavonoid, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity in the fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) in leaf and flower samples of the genotypes, along with estimating total anthocyanin content in the flower samples. The total phenolic content (TPC) in leaf and flower samples ranged from 7.89 to 107.18 mg GAE/g DW and 39.98 to 86.62 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. Total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 81.04 to 143.46 mg QUE/g DW in leaf samples and from 94.82 to 133.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g DW in flower samples. DPPHsc IC50 (µg/mL) ranged from 0.65 to 78.74 in leaf samples and from 4.38 to 7.71 in flower samples. Anthocyanin content ranged from 1.89 to 3.75 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (C3GE)/g DW among populations. Canonical correspondence analysis and simple correlation demonstrated a strong association and correlations among the studied attributes. The negative correlations between leaf DPPH (DPPH L) IC50 and TFC (− 0.73), TPC (− 0.63), Elemol (− 0.90), and EO (− 0.85) indicate that these compounds have a significant impact on the antioxidant activity of the leaves. Furthermore, Fruit DPPH (DPPH F) IC50 showed a negative correlation with TPC (− 0.79) and TFC (− 0.78), but a positive correlation with flower anthocyanins (0.51), (Z)-β-Farnesene (0.66), and 4-Terpineol (0.57). Circular cluster analysis categorized the genotypes of all individuals in the eight studied populations into three main categories based on all the studied traits, indicating significant variation in phytochemical and morphological traits among populations, surpassing the within-populations variation.

Application of different concentrations of the natural dye potassium norbixinate (annatto) in polyamide 6.6 fabrics

Polyamide fabrics were dyed with concentrations ranging from 4% to 0.25% (o.w.f.) of the natural dye, potassium norbixinate (annatto). The exhaustion, chromatic coordinates, colouristic intensity (K/S), and fastness to washing and rubbing were evaluated. The natural dye was characterised, and its maximum absorption peaks were identified at 452 nm and 482 nm through UV-vis scanning. Its main chemical groups were identified by FTIR-ATR. All dyeings exhibited high exhaustion percentage, with a maximum of 98.4% for 1% dye concentration. The dyed samples displayed visually appealing orange hues, with a maximum K/S value of 6.9. Most of the fastness test results were rated between 5 and 4/5, remaining within the standards established by most textile industries. Potassium norbixinate exhibited a similar tinctorial behaviour to synthetic acid dyes for polyamide, suggesting ionic chemical reaction interaction between dye and polyamide, highlighting the potential use in the textile industry.

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) molecular networking guided profiling of small molecules from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg leaves and their bioactivity evaluation.

Agarwood, a fragrant resinous wood mainly formed by Aquilaria spp., is used worldwide as a natural fragrance and traditional medicine. A large amount of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg leaves are underutilised during the process of the agarwood industry, and the development of A. sinensis leaves as tea has recently attracted more and more attention. However, the small molecule profile of A. sinensis leaves and their bioactivities has been rarely reported. To conduct a rapid untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of A. sinensis leaves with a molecular networking (MN) strategy and evaluate its antioxidant and antidiabetic value. A MN-assisted tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis strategy was used to investigate the small molecule profile of A. sinensis leaves. Additionally, the integration of antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays with MN analysis was executed to expeditiously characterise the bioactive compounds for potential prospective application. Five main chemical groups including phenol C-glycosides, organic acids, 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromones, benzophenone O-glycosides and flavonoids were rapidly revealed from the A. sinensis leaves. Eighty-one compounds were provisionally identified by comparing their MS/MS fragments with canonical pathways. The featured xanthone C-glycosides and benzophenone C-glycosides were recognised as the primary components of A. sinensis leaves. Several dimers and a trimer of mangiferin were reported firstly in A. sinensis leaves. Furthermore, 17 and 14 potential bioactive molecules were rapidly annotated from antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory fraction, respectively. Our findings will help expand the utilisation of A. sinensis leaves and thus promote the high-quality development of agarwood industry.

Vinegars from fruits of Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O.Berg and Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg: Phytochemical, volatile, and sensory profiles, antioxidant activity, and chemical characteristics

AbstractBackgroundJabuticaba is a tasty Brazilian fruit that can be used in vinegar production. This study aimed to determine the phenolic, volatile, and sensory profiles; antioxidant activity; and chemical characteristics of vinegars produced with fruits, with and without the peel, of Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O.Berg and Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg.ResultsFourteen phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, classified between phenolic acids and flavonoids, with emphasis on 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, and sinapic acid. The highest antioxidant activity was found in M. jaboticaba vinegar, made with unpeeled fruits. For volatile compounds, 21 esters, 7 alcohols, 5 terpenes, 1 ketone, and 1 vinylarene were identified. Sensory analysis showed similarities in terms of taste and differences in terms of odor between Jabuticaba vinegars and commercial vinegars. The mineral content demonstrates the nutritional potential of vinegars in terms of macro and micronutrients, with a predominance of potassium and calcium. Phenolic compounds, acetic acid, and esters were the main chemical groups identified. Vinegars, in general, showed differences concerning the presence and absence of peels.ConclusionVinegars produced with different varieties of Jabuticabas can be a promising alternative for obtaining beverages with important compounds for human health, promoting local production, and adding value to regional products.

Adsorption of Lead (II) Ions onto Goethite Chitosan Beads: Isotherms, Kinetics, and Mechanism Studies

Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that creates a water pollutant. It can be released from industrial processes, agricultural chemistry, and community wastes, affecting creatures and human health even at a low concentration. As a result, it is advised that lead be removed before releasing wastewater into the environment. This study synthesized three chitosan bead materials from shrimp shell wastes which were chitosan powder beads (CB), chitosan powder mixed with goethite beads (CFB), and chitosan powder beads coated with goethite (CBF) for removing lead in an aqueous solution. Their surface area, pore volumes, and pore sizes were explored according to Brunauer– Emmett–Teller, and their crystalline formations were investigated using an X-ray diffractometer. Their surface structures were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and a focus ion beam, and their chemical compositions were determined using an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Their chemical functional groups were identified via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of several factors on removing lead, and the adsorption isotherm and kinetics were also investigated for determining their adsorption pattern and mechanism. In addition, the desorption experiments were studied to confirm their possible material reusability. The CBF demonstrated the highest surface area and smallest pore size compared with the other materials. In addition, the pore sizes of the CFB and CBF were micropores, whereas those of the CB were mesopores. All materials were semicrystalline structures, and the specific goethite peaks were observed in the CFB and CBF. All materials had spherical shapes with heterogeneous surfaces. Six chemical components of O, C, Ca, N, Cl, and Na were discovered in all materials, and Fe was only found in the CFB and CBF because of the addition of goethite. Five main chemical functional groups of N–H, O–H, C–H, C–O, and –COOH were found in all materials. The optimum conditions of the CB, CFB, and CBF for removing lead were 0.5 g, 16 h, pH 5, 0.5 g, 16 h, pH 5, and 0.4 g, 14 h, pH 5, respectively. The results of the batch experiments demonstrated that the CB, CFB, and CBF were high-efficiency adsorbents for removing lead in solution by more than 95%, whereby the CBF showed the highest lead removal of 99%. The Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model helped to well explain their adsorption pattern and mechanism. The maximum lead adsorption capacities of the CB, CFB, and CBF were 322.58, 333.33, and 344.83 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, all chitosan materials can be reused for more than three cycles with high lead removal by more than 94%; so, they are potential materials for application in industrial applications.

One-pot synthesis of magnetic N-doped mesoporous carbons as an efficient adsorbent for Ag(I) removal

An efficient strategy was proposed to fabricate magnetic N-doped mesoporous carbons (Fe0/NMC) via one-pot process. This one-pot strategy involved the synthesis of N-containing porous polymers using amphiphilic triblock copolymer (F127) through self-assembly of melamine formaldehyde resin, and the formation and entrapment of Fe0 nanoparticles by an in-situ carbothermal reduction approach. The surface morphology and the main chemical groups of the developed Fe0/NMC were characterized by various analytical methods such as XRD, FTIR, TGA-DTA, BET, TEM and VSM. Fe0/NMC exhibited a mesoporous structure and Fe0 nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously on Fe0/NMC, with a saturation magnetization of 134.6 emu/g. As an adsorbent, Fe0/NMC showed an excellent adsorption capacity for Ag (I), reaching 335 mg/g. The adsorption process was consistent with the quasi-secondary kinetic model and Freundlich isothermal adsorption model, which indicated that the adsorption process was multilayer adsorption and the adsorbed element Ag was present on Fe0/NMC in the form of Ag(I) as well as chelates and Ag monomers. It could be believed that Fe0/NMC was a viable adsorption material for Ag(I) and had full-scale applications.

Thermal processing-induced changes in volatilome and metabolome of Brussels sprouts: focus on glucosinolate metabolism

This study aimed to investigate the influence of different thermal treatment methods (boiling, steaming) on the metabolome and volatilome of Brussels sprouts. Targeted, quantitative analysis of primary metabolites (amino acids and sugars), glucosinolates as well as untargeted analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were performed. The composition of primary metabolites was affected only by boiling, where the loss of nutrients was observed. Glucosinolate content increased after cooking, which can be explained by the loosening of the plant tissues and its better extractability. Most marked changes were noticed in the volatilome. Among the degradation products of glucosinolates, isothiocyanates were the main chemical group in the raw and boiled vegetable. In contrast, steaming favored the formation of nitriles. Another dominant group of VOCs were aldehydes, which were the most abundant in raw Brussels sprouts and their level significantly decreased after thermal treatment. It is well known that isothiocyanates are substances with widely proven bioactive properties. Therefore, their formation in the glucosinolate degradation process is favorable. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that boiling seems to be the most beneficial form of Brussels sprouts’ processing.

Powdered and beaded zeolite A from recycled coal fly ash with modified iron (III) oxide-hydroxide for lead adsorptions

Lead is a highly toxic metal and bioaccumulation through food chain, so it causes human health effects. Thus, contaminated lead in wastewater is required to treat below the water quality standard. This study was to synthesize zeolite A powder (Z), zeolite A powder mixed iron (III) oxide-hydroxide (ZF), zeolite A beads (ZB), and zeolite A powder mixed iron (III) oxide-hydroxide beads (ZFB), characterize with various techniques, investigate their lead removal efficiencies by batch experiments, and study their adsorption patterns and mechanisms. All characterizations of Z have matched to the zeolite A standard (STD) which confirmed the ability to synthesize zeolite A. ZF had the highest specific surface area and smallest pore size than others, and they were mesoporous materials. Silicon, aluminum, and sodium were observed in all materials. The specific crystalline formation of zeolite A was found in all materials corresponding to the STD. Z was a cubic structure representing the specific zeolite A structure, and ZF, ZB, and ZFB had rough surfaces with presenting traces of cubic shapes confirmed being zeolite A. OH, Si or Al–O, and D4R were their main chemical functional groups, and Si–O–Fe was found in ZF and ZFB. In addition, –COOH was observed in ZB and ZFB. The binding energies of Na 1s, O 1s, Si 2p, and Al 2p were found in all materials, and Fe 2p3/2 and Fe 2p1/2 were observed in ZF and ZFB. In addition, Pb 4f7/2 and Pb 4f5/2 were detected after lead adsorptions. The point of zero charges of Z, ZF, ZB, and ZFB were 6.45, 8.65, 6.04, and 8.12. They could remove lead at 50 mg/L of more than 97.5 %. They corresponded to Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Moreover, they could reuse more than 5 cycles. Finally, ZFB is a good offer for real industrial applications.

Quantity and chemical components of essential oil of “Mentha x piperita L.” leaves under ultrasonic/hot air drying

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of combined high-intensity ultrasonic power/hot air drying on quantity and chemical constituents of essential oil of peppermint leaves. According to the experimental findings, in comparison with the fresh leaves, both increment and decrement were observed in yielded essential oil from the dried samples. Increasing drying temperature in the practiced range reduced the oil yield. The maximum oil yield (26.42 g/kg dry matter) belonged to the samples dried at 40 °C and 360 W while the minimum value (9.93 g/kg dry matter) was obtained at air temperature of 70 °C with no ultrasonic power. Both the air temperature and ultrasonic power showed no definite influence on main chemical groups of the oil. In point of quality view, drying treatment of 70 °C and ultrasonic power of 270 W produced the highest quality essential oil.

Improvement of Zn (II) and Cd (II) Biosorption by Priestia megaterium PRJNA526404 Isolated from Agricultural Waste Water.

Heavy metals are considered as dangerous pollutants even in relatively low concentrations. Biosorption is an ecofriendly technology that uses microbial biomasses for adsorbing heavy metals from wastewater on their surfaces based on physicochemical pathways. Ten agricultural wastewater samples were collected from different sites in Sohag Governorate, Egypt. One hundred and nineteen zinc and cadmium-resistant bacterial isolates were recovered from the water samples. Interestingly, the isolate R1 was selected as the most resistant to Zn2+ and Cd2+. This isolate was morphologically and biochemically characterized and identified by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene as Priestia megaterium, and then deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number PRJNA526404. Studying the effects of pH and contact time on the biosorption process revealed that the maximum biosorption was achieved within 50 min at pH 7 and 8 for Zn2+ and Cd2+, respectively, by the living and lyophelized biomass of Priestia megaterium PRJNA526404. The preliminary characterization of the main chemical groups present on the cell wall, which are responsible for heavy metal biosorption, was performed by Infrared analysis (IR). Kinetics studies revealed that data were fitted towards the models hypothesized by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. The maximum capacity values (qmax) for biosorption of zinc and cadmium reached by using living and lyophelized biomass were 196.08; 227.27 and 178.57; 212.777 mg/g, respectively, and it was indicated that lyophilization improved efficiency of the biomass to heavy metals compared to living cells. The results indicated that Priestia megaterium PRJNA526404 had good application prospect in cadmium and zinc water remediation.

Assessment of ethnopharmacological potential of Cyperus difformis L. in terms of its’ phytochemistry, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer attributes

The present research was carried out on Cyperus difformis L., commonly found sedge weed in rice field to evaluate its’ ethnopharmacological potential in terms of phytochemical constituents, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. FTIR spectroscopy of powdered material of plant parts, rhizome (with roots), leaves and flowers showed the presence of three main chemical groups, i.e. -OH (alcohol), -C=O (carbonyl) and -CO-O-CO (anhydride). The phytochemical composition of n-Hexane, chloroform and ethanol crude extracts of same parts analysed by GC-MS and n-Hexane extract of various parts indicated 14 compounds with highest (10) in flowers extract followed by six compounds in chloroform and five in ethanol extracts of plant parts. The antibacterial activity was assessed against Salmonella enterica, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus by using well diffusion method and similar resistance was shown by n-Hexane and ethanol extracts while noticeable inhibition by chloroform extract, especially by leaves showing zone of inhibition, 16.17±0.52mm, comparable with Gentamycin 18±0.11mm. The antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH Scavenging activity was found higher in n-Hexane and chloroform extracts, especially leaves i.e., 54.6±0.43 &amp; 43.45±0.53 as compared to that of ethanol extracts. The percentage activity was increased with an increase of concentration of extracts. Antiproliferative activity checked by SRB proliferative assay and the crude extracts of plant parts of C. difformis showed good activity against A2780 and HCT116 cancer cells in three days. C. difformis having therapeutic action as well as its’ ethnopharmacological history, being used as fodder, it may be recommended good herbal fodder for the dairy animals.

Phytochemical Profile, Plant Precursors and Some Properties of Georgian Propolis.

Propolis (bee glue) is a resinous substance produced by different species of bees i.a. from available plant resins, balsams, and exudates. It is characterized by significant biological activity (e.g., antimicrobial and antioxidant) and phytochemical diversity related to the available plant sources in specific geographical regions. The available scientific literature on propolis is quite extensive; however, there are only a few reports about propolis originating from Georgia. Therefore, our research was focused on the characterization of Georgian propolis in terms of phytochemical composition and antimicrobial/antioxidant activity. Performed research included UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS phytochemical profiling, determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content, antiradical and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) as well as antibacterial activity of propolis extracts obtained using 70% ethanol (70EE). Georgian propolis extracts exhibited strong activity against Gram-positive bacteria (22 mm-disc assay/64 µg/mL-MIC for S. aureus, sample from Imereti) and weaker against Gram-negative strains as well as strong antioxidant properties (up to 117.71 ± 1.04 mgGAE/g in DPPH assay, up to 16.83 ± 1.02 mmol Fe2+/g in FRAP assay for samples from Orgora and Qvakhreli, respectively). The phytochemical profile of Georgian propolis was characterized by the presence of flavonoids, free phenolic acids, and their esters. In most of the samples, flavonoids were the main chemical group (52 compounds), represented mainly by 3-O-pinobanksin acetate, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and pinobanksin. The primary plant precursor of the Georgian bee glue is black poplar (Populus nigra L.) while the secondary is aspen poplar (P. tremula L.).

Quantification of Chemical Groups and Quantitative HPLC Fingerprint of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf.

(1)Objective: In this study, a quantitative analysis of chemical groups (the triterpenoids, water-soluble polysaccharides, and acidic polysaccharides) and quantitative high liquid performance chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (PC) for quality control was developed. (2) Methodology: First, three main chemical groups, including triterpenoids, water-soluble polysaccharides, and acidic polysaccharides, in 16 batches of PC were evaluated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Afterward, the quantitative fingerprint of PC was established, and the alcohol extract of PC was further evaluated. The method involves establishing 16 batches of PC fingerprints by HPLC, evaluating the similarity of different batches of PC, and identifying eight bioactive components, including poricoic acid B (PAB), dehydrotumulosic acid (DTA), poricoic acid A (PAA), polyporenic acid C (PAC), 3-epidehydrotumulosic acid (EA), dehydropachymic acid (DPA), dehydrotrametenolic acid (DTA-1), and dehydroeburicoic acid (DEA), in PC by comparison with the reference substance. Combined with the quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single marker (QAMS), six bioactive ingredients, including PAB, DTA, PAC, EA, DPA, and DEA, in PC from different places were established. In addition, the multivariate statistical analyses, such as principal component analysis and heatmap hierarchical clustering analysis are more intuitive, and the visual analysis strategy was used to evaluate the content of bioactive components in 16 batches of PC. Finally, the analysis strategy of three main chemical groups in PC was combined with the quantitative fingerprint strategy, which reduced the error caused by the single method. (3) Results: The establishment of a method for the quantification of chemical groups and quantitative HPLC fingerprint of PC was achieved as demonstrated through the quantification of six triterpenes in PC by a single marker. (4) Conclusions: Through qualitative and quantitative chemical characterization, a multi-directional, simple and efficient routine evaluation method of PC quality was established. The results reveal that this strategy can provide an analytical method for the quality evaluation of PC and other Chinese medicinal materials.