Main Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Dry Dosage Forms of Add-Value Bioactive Phenolic Compounds by Supercritical CO2-Assisted Spray-Drying.

Every year, grapevine pruning produces huge amounts of residue, 90% of which are from vine shoots. These are a rich source of natural antioxidants, mostly phenolic compounds, which, when properly extracted, can give rise to added-value products. However, their lack of solubility in aqueous media and high susceptibility to thermal and oxidative degradation highly limit their bioavailability. Encapsulation in suitable carriers may have a positive impact on their bioavailability and bioactivity. Previous data on vine-shoot extraction have identified gallic acid (GA) and resveratrol (RSV) as the main phenolic compounds. In this work, model dry powder formulations (DPFs) of GA and RSV using hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as carriers were developed using Supercritical CO2-Assisted Spray Drying (SASD). A 32 full factorial Design of Experiments investigated the solid and ethanol contents to ascertain process yield, particle size, span, and encapsulation efficiency. Amorphous powder yields above 60%, and encapsulation efficiencies up to 100% were achieved, representing excellent performances. SASD has proven to be an efficient encapsulation technique for these phenolic compounds, preserving their antioxidation potential after three months in storage with average EC50 values of 30.6 µg/mL for GA–DPFs and 149.4 µg/mL for RSV–DPF as assessed by the scavenging capacity of the DPPH radical.

Hieracium waldsteinii (Asteraceae) and Onosma stellulata (Boraginaceae) as a Source of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents

AbstractThe current study aimed to phytochemically characterize (including a detailed phenolic profile) two endemic Balkan's species (Hieracium waldsteinii and Onosma stellulata) and determine their possible application as a source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. The main phenolic compound in both species (in all examined parts) was chlorogenic acid. Eriodictyol, genistein and naringenin were quantified only in H. waldsteinii while isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside and sinapic acid were characteristic for O. stellulata. The highest antioxidant activity (98 mg AAE/g dry weight for TAC assay) was ascribed to the flower extract of H. waldsteinii while the lowest results (∼4.3 mg AAE/g dry weight for FRP assay) were exhibited by the extracts obtained from the plant's stem. Antimicrobial assays showed moderate antibacterial, i. e., moderate/strong activity against several tested fungi (in particular Trichoderma viride). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive connection between phenolic compounds and reducing power of extracts as well as between total phenolic and flavonoid content and the obtained minimal inhibitory concentration recorded in antibacterial assays.

Oleuropein-Rich Olive Leaf Extract Attenuates Neuroinflammation in the Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among several neurodegenerative disorders afflicting the elderly. AD is characterized by the deposition of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB), and neuroinflammation. Several studies have demonstrated the health benefits of olive oil and olive leaf extract (OLE) due to their polyphenolic content. The main phenolic compound in OLE is glycosylated oleuropein (OLG), while the aglycon form of oleuropein (OLA) exists in much lower amounts. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of a low dose of OLG-rich OLE and the mechanism(s) that contributed to the observed beneficial effects against Aβ pathology in the homozygous 5xFAD mouse model. Mice were fed with OLE-enriched diet (695 μg/kg body weight/day) for 3 months, starting at 3 months old. Overall findings demonstrated that OLE reduced neuroinflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and RAGE/HMGB1 pathways. In addition, OLE reduced total Aβ brain levels due to increased clearance and reduced production of Aβ and enhanced BBB integrity and function, which collectively improved the memory function. Thus, the consumption of OLE as a dietary supplement is expected to stop and/or slow the progression of AD.

Antioxidant and Anti-mycotoxin Activities of Crude Extracts from Different Organs of Bunium ferulaceum Sm.

The aim of present study was to determine the antioxidant and anti-mycotoxin activities of crude ethanolic extracts from various organs of Bunium ferulaceum Sm. plant from Western Algeria. Firstly, we proceed to a phytochemical screening of leaves, kernels, and barks of plants. Tests showed the presence of several families of chemical constituents and phenolic compounds. The quantitative estimation of the total phenol content, flavonoids, and coumarins is carried out by colorimetric methods. The important total phenolic contents were found in leaves extract with a TPC value of 51.22 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g, whose flavonoids were revealed to be the main phenolic compounds in this extract and the coumarins in bark extract. The antioxidant activity was estimated by the DPPH method compared to the ascorbic acid antioxidant. The leaves extract showed a good scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 0.11 ± 0.57 mg/ml. Anti-mycotoxin activity are tested against three pathogens fungi produced mycotoxins using mycelial biomass assay and mycotoxigenic test. For all fungi tested, leaves extract showed the most inhibitory activity against Penicillium expansum MTTC 1344 and Aspergillus flavus MTTC 2799 followed by bark extract.

Identification, quantitation and sensory contribution of new C-glucosidic ellagitannin-derived spirit compounds

Ellagitannins are the main extractible phenolic compounds in oak wood. They can be extracted by eaux-de-vie aging in barrels but rapidly undergo chemical transformations, such as hydrolysis, reduction, oxidation, or even substitution reactions. Given gaps in knowledge about their composition in spirits, the goal of this work was to explore ellagitannin behavior during Cognac eaux-de-vie aging and search for new C-glucosidic ellagitannin-derived compounds. A purification protocol was followed to isolate the new formed compounds. UPLC-UV-Q-ToF and NMR spectroscopy were used to characterize a new C-glucosidic ellagitannin, named brandy tannin B. Two new forms of whiskey tannins were also isolated. The new compound, Brandy tannin B along with β-1-O-ethylvescalagin and β-1-O-ethylvescalin, and whiskey tannins were identified and quantified for the first time in Cognac eaux-de-vie. In addition, the organoleptic impact of brandy tannin B was evaluated. This work brings new insights into ellagitannin composition and their contribution to spirit quality.

Evaluation of in vitro Anti-Brucella Activity and Chemical Composition of Different Geographically Distinct Propolis from Iran.

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in many regions worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties of hydro-ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) samples collected from six different regions of Iran against five Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis) clinical isolates causing human brucellosis and an antibiotic-resistant B. abortus vaccinal strain (RB51). Brucella clinical isolates were first carefully identified using conventional molecular typing and Brucella bio-typing methods. DifferentBrucella strains were then confronted with EEPs using the disk-diffusion agar method to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of each propolis extract. Chemical composition of EEPs was then determined using HPLC-DAD, and the main phenolic compounds were quantified. It was found that all EEPs displayed significant antimicrobial activities against Brucella strains, though to varying extents. All tested clinical strains were susceptible to different EEPs with inhibition zones ranging from 18 to 38 mm diameter. Interestingly, the RB51 vaccine strain was more susceptible to EEP6 (from Markazi province), compared to conventional antibiotics used in the treatment of brucellosis. Substantial differences observed in EEP antimicrobial activity could be due to their distinct botanical origins and chemical compositions as confirmed by our HPLC analysis. The promising inhibitory effect of some propolis preparations against a broad spectrum of Brucella strains points to the need for further studies in the context of systematic clinical investigations and opens up the way for the development of natural complements in support of conventional antibiotic therapy.

The regulating effect of light on the content of flavan-3-ols and derivatives of hydroxybenzoic acids in the callus culture of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis L

The objective was the study of the regulating effect of light on the composition and contents of phenolic compounds in the callus culture of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) grown for 28 days in the light (16-h photoperiod) or in the dark. For the analyses of phenolic compounds, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography in combination with a photodiode array detector and a high-resolution Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-HRMS/MS) was used. Nineteen phenolic compounds were characterized. The main phenolic compounds were flavan-3-ols (mono- and oligomers of flavan-3-ols) and derivatives of hydroxybenzoic acids (mono- and digalloyl glucoses, hexosides of 2,5- and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids). It was shown that the growth of the tea callus in the light or in the dark does not affect the composition of phenolic compounds, but differently affects the content of flavan-3-ols and derivatives of hydroxybenzoic acids. In the callus grown in the light, the content of flavan-3-ols was about 2-fold higher than in the dark. On the contrary, the content of derivatives of hydroxybenzoic acids in the light was at average 3-fold lower. The regulating role of light in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds, as well as light control of the distribution of carbon flux between the branches of the shikimate pathway, which are associated with the biosynthesis of flavan-3-ols and hydroxybenzoic acids, are discussed.

Changes of phenolic profile and antioxidant activity during cold storage of functional flavored yogurt supplemented with mulberry pomace

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the main phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activity of functional flavored yogurt supplemented with mulberry pomace (MP) during cold storage. Three anthocyanins (cyanidin-3- O -glucoside, cyanidin-3- O -rutinoside and pelargonidin-3- O -glucoside) and six non-anthocyanin monomeric phenolics (resveratrol, catechol, catechin, rutin, quercitrin and quercetin) were identified in the MP. The MP powder addition significantly and dose-dependently increased the contents of total phenol (TPC), total anthocyanin (TAC) and individual phenolics and DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity of the products. During the cold storage, TPC, TAC and contents of individual phenolics and antioxidant activity of MP-fortified yogurts gradually and significantly increased. Antioxidant activity of MP-fortified yogurts is highly related to TPC/TAC. MP-fortified yogurts exhibited the highest antioxidant activity on the 21st day of storage. The results showed that MP can be used as a natural antioxidant, providing a promising natural ingredient for the production of functional dairy products with improved nutritional value and biological activity. • Mulberry pomace (MP) is rich in anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin phenolic compounds. • Total phenolics and antioxidant activity of yogurt enhanced by the addition of MP. • Free phenolics and antioxidant activity increased during cold storage of MP-yogurt.

Extraction of compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves using supercritical CO2 plus ethanol as a cosolvent

AbstractExtracts of compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves were obtained by supercritical extraction with CO2 using ethanol as a cosolvent (scCO2 + EtOH). The experimental conditions were investigated by varying temperature (35–80°C), pressure (15–25 MPa), and mass ratio between ethanol and raw material. The phenolic acids (gallic, vanillic, and p‐coumaric acids) and flavonoids (catechin) were identified in all extracts, except for the extract obtained without the cosolvent. The main compounds by GC–MS were 1‐triacontanol, nonacosane, heptacosane, phytol, γ‐tocopherol, and α‐tocopherol. Extracts obtained at 35°C showed the highest values of total phenolic compounds, DPPH, and FRAP, however, the lowest extraction yield. The central point extraction conditions (60°C and 20 MPa) had the best‐combined results for yield (4.4%), total phenolic compounds (24 ± 1 mg GAE/g), DPPH (77 ± 2 μmol Trolox/g), FRAP (265 ± 9 μmol Trolox/g) and the presence of bioactive compounds.Practical ApplicationsSupercritical fluid extraction with CO2 is a clean technology that employs low temperatures, producing high‐quality extracts. Moringa oleifera leaf extracts showed different compositions according to the experimental conditions evaluated. The use of ethanol as a cosolvent and high temperatures positively influenced the extraction yield. All extracts showed antioxidant potential. Catechin, gallic, vanillic, and p‐coumaric acids were the main phenolic compounds. The extract obtained at the central point condition had better antioxidant potential, yield, and bioactive compounds.

The Establishment of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction for the Recovery of Phenolic Compounds and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity from Morus alba Leaves.

Phenolic compounds of Morus alba leaves are bioactive compounds with beneficial properties for human health. Therefore, in this study, an optimization of ultrasonic assisted extraction by Box–Behnken design was used for the first time to optimize factors such as the percentage of ethanol, ratio solvent/sample (v/w) and extraction time to reach the highest phenolic compound amounts (evaluated by HPLC-MS) while also evaluating in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The optimal extraction conditions were 40% ethanol, 1/400 (w/v) and 35 min. Applying these optimal conditions, which were identified and quantified by HPLC-MS, resulted in the extraction of 21 phenolic compounds. According to these results, the main phenolic compounds in Morus alba leaves are the phenolic glycoside and phenolic acid named protocatechuic acid-glucoside and caffeoylquinic. In addition, Morus alba leaf extract contains flavonols such quercetin-3-O-6-acetylglucoside and rutin, which represent more than 7% of its total phenolic content.

Use of Mustard Extracts Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria to Mitigate the Production of Fumonisin B1 and B2 by Fusarium verticillioides in Corn Ears.

Corn (Zea mays) is a worldwide crop subjected to infection by toxigenic fungi such as Fusarium verticillioides during the pre-harvest stage. Fusarium contamination can lead to the synthesis of highly toxic mycotoxins, such as Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and Fumonisin B2 (FB2), which compromises human and animal health. The work aimed to study the antifungal properties of fermented yellow and oriental mustard extracts using nine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in vitro. Moreover, a chemical characterization of the main phenolic compounds and organic acids were carried out in the extracts. The results highlighted that the yellow mustard, fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, avoided the growth of Fusarium spp. in vitro, showing Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values, ranging from 7.8 to 15.6 g/L and 15.6 to 31.3 g/L, respectively. Then, the lyophilized yellow mustard fermented extract by L. plantarum TR71 was applied through spray-on corn ears contaminated with F. verticillioides to study the antimycotoxigenic activity. After 14 days of incubation, the control contained 14.71 mg/kg of FB1, while the treatment reduced the content to 1.09 mg/kg (92.6% reduction). Moreover, no FB2 was observed in the treated samples. The chemical characterization showed that lactic acid, 3-phenyllactic acid, and benzoic acid were the antifungal metabolites quantified in higher concentrations in the yellow mustard fermented extract with L. plantarum TR71. The results obtained confirmed the potential application of fermented mustard extracts as a solution to reduce the incidence of mycotoxins in corn ears.

Biopotential of Underutilized Rosaceae Inflorescences: LC-DAD-MS Phytochemical Profiles Associated with Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Activity In Vitro.

The aim of this work was to assess the biopotential of the young inflorescence tissues of Prunus, Malus and Chaenomeles in order to evaluate the possibility of their application in the food industry, and to provide a polyphenolic fingerprint for their quality control. The contents of different bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacities were spectrophotometrically measured, the main phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using LC-DAD-MS, the antidiabetic potential was determined using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, the anti-inflammatory potential was determined using a 5-lipoxygenase inhibition assay, and the cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. Using one-way ANOVA, principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, the relations between the samples, and between the samples and the measured parameters, were revealed. In total, 77 compounds were identified. The concentration of sugars was low in M. purpurea, at 1.56 ± 0.08 mg/g DW. The most effective sample in the inhibition of antidiabetic enzymes and anti-inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase was C. japonica. The inhibition of α-glucosidase was strongly positively correlated with the total and condensed tannins, procyanidin dimers and procyanidin tetramer, and was very strongly correlated with chlorogenic acid. In α-amylase inhibition, C. japonica and P. serrulata ‘Kiku Shidare Zakura’ were equally efficient to the standard inhibitor, maltose. The most effective in the growth and proliferation inhibition of HepG2, HCT116 and HaCaT cells was P. avium. The results suggest Prunus, Malus and Chaenomeles inflorescences as functional food ingredients.

Identification of the main phenolic compounds responsible for the antioxidant activity of Litsea glaucescens Kunth

Litsea glaucescens is a native plant from Mexico and Central America known as laurel, and they leaves are commonly used as food seasoning and traditional medicine, however, there is not enough information about its biological activities, as antioxidant and the compounds responsible of this activity. The antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content of a methanolic extract of L. glaucescens leaves (LGE) and a series of twelve chromatographic fractions (I-XII) obtained through a polarity gradient elution are reported in this work. In all the cases a concentration-response was observed since the DPPH inhibition increases (p≤0.05) as a function of the concentration. Nevertheless, the most polar fractions XI and XII were the most effective of the series (100 µg/mL=93 and 91%, 50 µg/mL= 93 and 91%, 25 µg/mL =92 and 87% and 12.5 µg/mL=85 and 53% of radical inhibition, respectively). The results of the FRAP assay confirmed that XI and XII have the highest antioxidant activity (7994.06 and 5011.03 µmol Fe(II)/g, respectively) and the total phenolic content, evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, was also the highest in both fractions (462.9 and 347.5 mg GAE/g of dry weight, respectively). In addition, epicatechin, was isolated from XI, whereas quercitrin and kaempferol were obtained from XII by flash chromatography and their structures were elucidated through HPLC-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. Then, it is possible to infer that these phenolic compounds are the main responsible for the antioxidant activity of L. glaucescens. Our study provides information that may be useful for the use of this natural product in food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Recovery and Seasonal Variation of Cinnamtannin B-1 from Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) Pruning Wood Wastes.

Cinnamtannin B-1 (C-B1) is a commercially-available trimeric A-type procyanidin with remarkable cellular actions mainly derived from its high radical scavenging activity. C-B1 is the main phenolic compound of laurel wood, which has previously been isolated by a combination of conventional chromatographic techniques. The first aim of this work was to find laurel trees containing as much C-B1 as possible, and learn about the influence of variables, such as gender and harvest time, on the production of C-B1 by the tree. It was found that all studied trees tend to give higher C-B1 percentages in the May-July period, from 6 % to 18 %, and lower ones around March (spring) and November (fall), from 1 % to 8 %. In a general way, it also seems that the female trees tend to produce a bit more C-B1 (from 2.8 % to 17.3 %) than male ones (from 1.7 % to 13.4 %). In addition, eight minor phenolic compounds [(-)-ent-catechin (1), (-)-ent-epicatechin-(4α→8)-ent-epicatechin (2), (epi)catechin-(4→8)-(epi)afzelechin-(4→8)-(epi)catechin (3), (+)-epiafzelechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin (4), (-)-epicatechin (5), (-)-afzelechin-(4α→8)-epicatechin (6), (epi)afzelechin-(4→8)-(epi)afzelechin-(4→8)-(epi)catechin (7) and (+)-epicatechin-(4β→8,2β→O-7)-epicatechin-(4β→8)-catechin (C-D1)] were found and quantified in the ethyl acetate extract of the wood samples. The second aim of this work was to improve the recovery of C-B1 from laurel wood. The use of the fast centrifugal partition chromatography (FCPC) technique has allowed for a recovery of 96 % of a technical-grade C-B1 (64 % in a previous protocol using conventional column chromatography on silica gel and size-exclusion chromatography).

Profiling of Phenolic Compounds of Fruit Peels of Different Ecotype Bananas Derived from Domestic and Imported Cultivars with Different Maturity

Banana is one of the most produced and consumed fruits in the world and its fruit peel accounts for about 40% of the total fresh quantity of ripe fruit, which is usually regarded as waste and poses serious environmental hazards. However, it is a promising source of natural bioactive compounds including phenolic compounds. Determination of the phenolic compounds in fruit peel from different cultivars and subgroups over a range of maturities provides convincing information for making full use of them. This study developed a sensitive and reliable analytical method—ultra-high performance liquid chromatography—coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for measuring phenolic compounds in fruit peel from different ecotype cultivars and subgroups with different maturity. The results showed that quinic acid had the highest concentration ratio among the main phenolic compounds in the green/ripe peel of all banana cultivars; among all banana cultivars, the total phenolic compound contents of green banana peel were significantly higher than that of ripe banana peel; the total phenolic compound contents in the green/ripe fruit peel of non-dessert bananas were significantly higher than that of dessert bananas (green: non-dessert banana 1.48 ± 0.44 mg/g vs. dessert banana 0.97 ± 0.12 mg/g; ripe: non-dessert banana 0.26 ± 0.13 mg/g vs. dessert banana 0.19 ± 0.06 mg/g). These data provide a basis for the rational utilization of phenolic compound extractions from banana peel with huge biomass in the next step.

In Vitro Intestinal Bioaccessibility and Colonic Biotransformation of Polyphenols from Mini Bell Peppers (CapsicumannuumL.).

To the best of our knowledge, "sweet mini bell" peppers have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we evaluated the bioaccessible phenolic compounds released during intestinal digestion and identified and quantified the microbial metabolites derived from phenolic compounds bioconversion during the in vitro colonic fermentation. A total of 66 phenolic compounds were determined. The results obtained in this study indicate that hydroxycinnamic acids (22 to 32mg/100g dw) and flavonoids (99 to 102mg/100g dw) headed by quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol glycosidic derivatives were the main bioaccessible phenolic compounds during in vitro intestinal digestion of mini bell peppers. The yellow variety contained the highest concentration of bioaccessible flavonoids (80mg/100g dw). For the first time in mini bell peppers, dihydroferulic acid was detected, in the three varieties studied. 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid was the major metabolite found after 12-24h fermentation of all samples (44 to 102µM/L). Further cell culture or in vivo studies are needed to elucidate the biological activities of the phenolic compounds identified in mini bell peppers.

Citrus pomace fermentation with autochthonous probiotics improves its nutrient composition and antioxidant activities

This study was aimed at improving the nutrient composition of citrus pomace by solid-state fermentation with the autochthonous probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum P10, M14 and Bacillus subtilis BF2. The results showed that B. subtilis plays an important role in the release of phenolic components during fermentation, by increasing the cellulase, filter paperlyase, and pectinase activities. Co-fermentation with B. subtilis BF2 and L. plantarum P10 (BPF) increased the total phenolic content of CP by up to 133.15%, while single-bacteria fermentation with L. plantarum M14 significantly increased dietary fiber and organic acid content by 47.06% and 1429%, respectively. Furthermore, the phenolic fractions were markedly changed after fermentation, naringin and hesperidin were the main phenolic compounds in CP. They were highly correlated (r > 0.85, p < 0.05) with DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging abilities, which increased by 397.8% and 226.1%, respectively, when BPF was used. This study provides a potential method for producing high-value food or feed materials, with high antioxidant activities, from CP.

Stability of microemulsions containing red grape pomace extract obtained with a glycerol/sodium benzoate deep eutectic solvent

The valorization of red grape pomace is significant as grape is one of the most cultivated fruits worldwide and generated by-product quantities are enormous. For this purpose, numerous encapsulation techniques have been developed. However, the studies on microemulsions composed with deep eutectic solvent extracts are very limited. In this study, red grape pomace extract (RGPE) was first prepared by deep eutectic solvent extraction and characterized by HPLC analysis. Rutin, quercetin, catechin and caftaric acid were identified as the main non-pigment phenolic compounds. The RGPE was further encapsulated in microemulsions (MEs) following a low-energy approach using a mixture of low molecular weight surfactants, and the pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed. The physical and antioxidant stability of MEs containing 3–15 wt% RGPE was investigated for a period of 30 days. MEs were stable at an ambient temperature of 25 or 37 °C. The radical scavenging activity of encapsulated RGPE was improved up to 13% compared to the free extract. Our results indicate that microemulsions provide protection of valuable phenolic constituents especially under elevated temperature conditions and can therefore be used as systems for applications in nutraceuticals or cosmetics.

Physicochemical characterization and cosmetic applications of Passiflora nitida Kunth leaf extract

Passiflora nitida Kunth, an Amazonian Passiflora species, is little studied, although the specie’s high biological potential. Herein the plant’s pharmacognostic characterization, extract production, antioxidant potential evaluation, and application of this extract in cosmetic products is reported. The physical chemical parameters analyzed were particle size by sieve analysis, loss through drying, extractive yield, total ash content, laser granulometry, specific surface area and pore diameter (SBET), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry (TG), and wave dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (WDXRF). Total phenol/flavonoid content, LC-MS/MS analysis, DPPH and ABTS antioxidant radical assays, cytotoxicity, melanin, and tyrosinase inhibition in melanocytes test provided evidence to determine the content of the major constituent. P. nitida dry extract provided a fine powder with mesopores determined by SBET, with the TG curve showing five stages of mass loss. The antioxidant potential ranged between 23.5-31.5 mg∙mL-1 and tyrosinase inhibition between 400-654 μg∙mL-1. The species presented an antimelanogenic effect and an inhibitory activity of cellular tyrosinase (26.6%) at 25 µg/mL. The LC-MS/MS analysis of the spray-dried extract displayed the main and minor phenolic compounds constituting this sample. The results indicate that P. nitida extract has promising features for the development of cosmetic formulations.

Identification of Main Phenolic Compounds of Nitraria Retusa Leaf and Stem Extracts and Evaluation of Their Anti-Adipogenic Activity in 3T3-L1 Cells

The edible halophyte Nitraria retusa known in traditional medicine purposes was used as a support in this study. The present study investigated the chemical analyses of the general composition of leaf and stem extracts using RP-HPLC. Results showed the richness of these extracts in phenolics especially flavonoids as luteolin-7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin, quercetin and others. In total, nine compounds were identified for each organ extract. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and Isorhamnetin are three flavonoids which are common in leaves and stems. Adipogenesis assay was performed to investigate the effect of organs, as well as the three last compounds on the adipocyte differentiation and on the lipid droplets accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Based on Oil-Red-O content quantification in 3T3-L1 cells, results showed that each extract of N. retusa at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL could not inhibit the lipid droplet accumulation compared to untreated cells, in dose dependent manner. However, compounds showed better effect especially with isorhamnetin even with 5μM. Moreover, the effect of extracts and single bioactive components on cell proliferation of 3T3-L1 cells showed that stem extract was more efficient than leaf one. Besides, according to morphological observation, isorhamnetin strongly and significantly affected cell proliferation.