Main Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

An analysis of the main secondary metabolites of Dendrobium nobile revealed three new sesquiterpenoids

Eight secondary metabolites including three new sesquiterpenoids, named dendronobin (1), dendrobilin L (2) and 1,4-trans-12-hydroxycalamenene-12-O-β-D-glucoside (3), together with five known compounds, dendrobine (4), nobiline (5), dihydroxyconiferyl alcohol (6), 5-methoxy-(+)-isolariciresinol (7), lyoniresinol (8) were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Their structures were determined by extensive spectral analysis using HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectra (1H, 13C, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY), and the absolute configurations of compounds 1-3 were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and theoretical calculations. Among these metabolites (1-8), dendronobin L (2) possessed a unique carbon skeleton. A potential biosynthetic pathway from dendronobin L (2) to dendrobine was suggested. Nobiline (5), dihydroxyconiferyl alcohol (6) and 5-methoxy-(+)-isolariciresinol (7) showed weak antioxidant activity.

Medicinal Uses of Nitrogen Group Containing Secondary Metabolites: A Review

In the history of humanity plants have always existed as a source of health benefits to living things. These plants produce non-nutritive chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. These plants produce a necessary wide range of primary and secondary metabolites that have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The primary metabolites prominently function in the growth, development, and reproduction of cells. The primary metabolites perform their functions as molecules signaling to trigger defense response. The secondary metabolites are produced by plants and used as their defense mechanism and harnessed by humans for medicinal use because of their unique pharmacological properties. The secondary metabolites are generally small organic molecules produced by plants that are not essential for their growth, development and reproduction but are used as defense mechanism by these plants. Although these secondary metabolites are not essential for plant growth, they are very essential for the health, nutrition, and economics of human societies, the main secondary metabolites are nitrogen group compounds found are in alkaloids, glycosides and non-protein. Alkaloids play a very important role due to their medicinal properties and can be used as analgesic, stimulants, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents etc.

Amelioration of Cyclosporine A-Induced Acute Nephrotoxicity by Cordyceps cicadae Mycelia via Mg+2 Reabsorption and the Inhibition of GRP78-IRE1-CHOP Pathway: In Vivo and In Vitro.

Fruiting bodies of Cordyceps cicadae (CC) have been reported to have a therapeutic effect in chronic kidney disease. Due to the rare and expensive resources from natural habitats, artificially cultivated mycelia using submerged liquid cultivation of CC (CCM) have been recently developed as an alternative to scarce sources of CC. However, little is known regarding potential protective effects of CCM against cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced acute nephrotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: control, CCM (40 mg and 400 mg/kg, orally), CsA (10 mg/kg, oral gavage), and CsA + CCM (40 mg and 400 mg/kg, orally). At the end of the study on day 8, all rats were sacrificed, and the blood and kidneys retrieved. CsA-induced acute nephrotoxicity was evident by increased levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Levels of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident chaperone glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP 78) were increased significantly in rats with acute nephrotoxicity. BUN and GRP 78 were significantly ameliorated in synchronous oral groups of CCM (40 or 400 mg/kg) plus CsA. Examination of hematoxylin and eosin stained kidney tissues revealed that the combined treatment of CCM slightly improved vacuolization in renal tubules upon CsA-induced damage. CsA-induced down-regulation of protein expression of magnesium ion channel proteins and transient receptor potential melastatin 6 and 7 were abolished by the combined treatment of CCM. CCM has the potential to protect the kidney against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity by reducing magnesium ion wasting, tubular cell damage, and ER stress demonstrated further by human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2. Our results contribute to the in-depth understanding of the role of polysaccharides and nucleobases as the main secondary metabolites of CCM in the defense system of renal functions in CsA-induced acute nephrotoxicity.

STANDARDIZATION OF ORTHOSIPHON ARISTATUS, BLUME MIQ

Objective: The main compounds in O. aristatus are rosmarinic acid, sinensetin, and eupatorin. Sinensetin and rosmarinic acid compounds have the potential as antiviral agents. The focus of this research is O. aristatus purple and white-purple varieties. This study aimed to determine the levels of three main secondary metabolites of O. aristatus, one of the specific standardizations.
 Methods: The standardization parameters to be tested were to determine the main compound levels by using thin-layer chromatography densitometry on two varieties of O. aristatus.
 Results: The highest value levels of sinensetin and rosmarinic acid in purple variety O. aristatus were 0.53 and 1.32% w/w, respectively. The highest level of eupatorin was 0.88% w/w in the ethanol extract of white-purple varieties of O. aristatus. The main secondary metabolites in the two varieties of O. aristatus were more significant in the leaves than in the stems. Meanwhile, the sinensetin and rosmarinic acid levels in the ethanol extract of leaves and stems of the purple variety O. aristatus were higher and significantly different than in the white-purple ones. However, the levels of eupatorin were higher and significantly (p<0.05) different in the white-purple variety compared to the purple variety.
 Conclusion: The purple variety is due to greater sinensetin and rosmarinic acid levels in the purple variety than in the white-purple ones.

Cytotoxicity and maternal toxicity attributed to exposure to Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) dry leaf extract

ABSTRACT Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), popularly known as “bitter melon” or “bitter gourd,” is a climbing plant well-adapted to tropical countries. This plant is used traditionally to treat several conditions including diabetes mellitus, inflammation, liver dysfunctions, and cancer. Given the widespread ethnopharmacological use, this study aimed to examine the cytogenetic, maternal, and developmental toxicity attributed to exposure to dry extract of M. charantia leaves using Allium cepa and Wistar rats as test models. First, phytochemical characterization of the dry extract by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses was performed. Then, Allium cepa roots were exposed to three different concentrations of the dry extract (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/ml) to determine the mitotic index, frequency of chromosomal aberrations, and nuclear abnormalities. In addition, pregnant Wistar rats were administered either 500; 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg dry extract during the gestational period (GD) days 6–15, and subsequently possible toxic effect on the dams and fetuses were recorded. HPLC analyses confirmed rutin as the main secondary metabolite present in the dry extract. In the Allium cepa test, the dry extract was cytotoxic. In Wistar rats, dry extract administration reduced water and feed intake and mean body mass gain, indicating maternal toxicity during the organogenesis period. However, the dry extract did not markedly affect reproductive outcome parameters evaluated. Regarding developmental toxicity assessment, the dry extract treatment did not significantly alter number of skeletal malformations in the offspring. Data demonstrated that the dry extract of M. charantia leaves presents cytotoxicity and low maternal toxicity, indicating indiscriminate use needs to be avoided.

Crocus sativus L. (saffron): A cocktail of bioactive molecules as a biostimulant by influencing plant growth, the polyphenol and ascorbic acid content of eggplant fruit

This study aims to valorize saffron by-products and use them as biostimulants in agricultural practices against chemical products. For this, different treatment of the aqueous extract of the stigmas, tepals and stamens: STS = 1 g/L stigma + 1 g/L tepal + 1 g/L stamen, TS = 2 g/L tepal + 0.6 g/L stigma, ST = 1 g/L stigma + 1 g/L tepal, S = 1 g/L stigma, SS = 1 g/L stigma + 1 g/L stamen, T = 2 g/L tepal, are used as foliar treatment, seven times every fortnight during the cycle, in a complete random block, on eggplant plants in greenhouse conditions, to know their effect on plant growth and composition fruit biochemistry. The STS, S, and T treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved plant height compared to the other treatments and the control. Then, the T and S treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the polyphenol contents (flavonols and anthocyanins). In contrast, the highest values are observed in the fruits of the plants receiving the T, S, and ST treatments for the protein content. However, the T and S treatments significantly decreased the ascorbic acid content (p ≤ 0.05). Our results show that using the aqueous extract of tepals at 2 g/L and saffron at 1 g/L can improve the main secondary metabolites of fruits in greenhouse conditions.

Effect of low expression level of acetyl coenzyme A synthetase gene on secondary metabolite in Monascus

Acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) is a key metabolite produced by the acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) gene in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways. ACS is speculated to be the branching site of monacolin K (MK) and citrinin production and related to the metabolite production of Monascus. In this study, the ACS expression was inhibited by ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi). T7 was selected for a follow-up analysis of the lowest ACS expression, which was 0.401 times higher than that of the wild-type strain. The effects on the colony morphology of Monascus were determined. The morphological characteristics of mycelia and spores were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The contents of secondary metabolites, namely, MK and citrinin, were determined through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Colour values were measured with a spectrophotometer. Results showed that the low ACS expression could inhibit the growth of Monascus colonies and the hypha and affect the formation and morphology of Monascus M1 spores. It could also inhibit the production of the main secondary metabolites, namely, MK, citrinin, and pigment.

Revealing the mechanisms of the bioactive ingredients accumulation in Polygonatum cyrtonema by multiomics analyses.

Polygonatum cyrtonema is a medicinal and edible herb rich in polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, and flavonoids that has been widely used as a food, vegetable, and medicine over the years. Although previous studies have preliminarily explored the metabolic and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of the main secondary metabolites in P. cyrtonema, the complex mechanism of microRNA (miRNA)-mediated posttranscriptional regulation remains unclear. Metabolome analysis showed that iso-ophiopogonanone B, (25S)-pratioside D1, disporopsin, and isodiosgenin-Glc-Glc, which are associated with intermediates in the flavonoids and saponins pathways, were significantly upregulated in the stem and leaf compared with the rhizome, and most saccharides, including arabinose, cellobiose, maltotetraose, and panose, showed the opposite trend, suggesting that they may contribute to the formation and accumulation of the main active ingredients in P. cyrtonema. We found that 4-hydroxymandelonitrile have a relatively good inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, indicating that it may play a role in hypoglycemic functions. Transcriptome and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were combined to reveal several candidate genes involved in the accumulation of polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids, including PcSQLE, PcCYP71A1, PcSUS, PcFK, and PcMYB102. Integrated analyses of miRNAs and messengerRNAs (mRNAs) showed that novel_miR14, novel_miR49, novel_miR75, and aof_miR164 were negatively correlated with alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, including PcAOS, PcSPLA2, PcFRK1, and PcDELLA, indicating that these miRNAs may coordinately regulate the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites in P. cyrtonema. These findings will facilitate in-depth research on the functions of these miRNAs and mRNAs related to the main active substances for pathological and biological regulation, which will be beneficial to provide theoretical guidance for the molecular breeding of P. cyrtonema.

Aflatoxin M1 in Milk: Occurrence and Its Risk Association: A Review

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the main secondary metabolites of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) framed in the liver and discharged into milk when people and animals polish off AFB1-polluted food. The persist from feed to milk in dairy cows is affected by different dietary and physiological elements, including taking care of regimens, rate of ingestion, rate of absorption, animal health, hepatic biotransformation limit, and real milk production of the animals. AFM1 exposure might cause both intense and constant toxicity. In humans, AFM1 exposure is related with cancer-causing nature, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and teratogenicity. In dairy animals, persistent openness to AFs can decrease execution, debilitate liver capability, compromise invulnerable capability, and increment sickness susceptibility. AFM1 openness represents a worry for the worldwide populace, especially for babies and youngsters who drink milk in bounteous amounts and thus, are more powerless to unfavorable impacts. The identification and quantification of AFs represents a critical test in food handling confirmation, since even a low AF concentration is hazardous for people and domesticated animals. Consistent human openness through dietary courses has prompted the burden of most extreme cut off points for AFM1 in milk and dairy products, taking into account that this is a gathering of products with exorbitant premium, particularly for babies and youngsters. Likewise, as per different examinations it is additionally very much felt that youthful animals are additionally observed to be more vulnerable to aflatoxin than grown-ups. Consequently; the defilement of cow milk and milk products by AFM1 ought to be perceived as unfortunate for youthful human and animals. Thus, the point of this paper is to review the occurrence of aflatoxin and its adverse results on animals and human health over the time.

Antagonistic storage potential of Tagetes minuta, Eupatorium fortunei and Ocimum basilicum oils with volatile secondary metabolites against Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne

Antagonistic storage potential of Tagetes minuta Linnaeus, Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. and Ocimum basilicum L. volatile oils hydrodistillated with main secondary metabolites against two storage pests, Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne adults were evaluated. More than 95% volatile secondary metabolites obtained at different hydrodistillation time were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and analyzed with principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Further insecticidal assay exhibited interesting results that T. minuta oil showed the strongest fumigant toxicity against both T. castaneum (LC50 = 6.68 mg/L air) and L. serricorne (LC50 = 3.13 mg/L air) among the three essential oils. As one of the main volatile secondary metabolites, methylthymol was found to possess more powerful fumigant (LC50 = 2.42 mg/L air) and contact toxicity (LD50 = 5.43 µg/adult) against T. castaneum. While, precocene I exhibited the strongest insecticidal toxicity on L. serricorne with the LC50 value of 0.88 mg/L air and LD50 of 3.46 µg/adult, respectively. During the repellent assay, T. minuta oil showed the same repellent rate against both T. castaneum and L. serricorne at the highest concentration of 78.63 nL/cm2. The results proved that the essential oils as well as the main volatile secondary metabolites have potential to be developed into novel natural botanical resources on antagonistic storage with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Metabolomic analysis of secondary metabolites from Caribbean crab gills using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography - time-of-flight mass spectrometry—New inputs for a better understanding of symbiotic associations in crustaceans

Secondary metabolites are bioactive compounds produced by living organisms that can be indicative of symbiotic relationships in nature. Prior studies have demonstrated putative symbiotic interactions between decapod crabs and epibiotic bacteria in their environment. This study presents a sample preparation protocol for metabolomics analysis of lyophilized crab gill samples from four brachyuran crab species inhabiting different regions of Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles. Sample extracts were prepared using a two-step methoximation-trimethylsilylation derivatization protocol and analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). Three main secondary metabolites identified in the crab gills and discussed herein include cycloserine, trigonelline, and amphetamine. Cycloserine is a bacterial-produced metabolite with antibiotic properties, and along with the antimicrobial activity of trigonelline, these compounds may influence the microbial community of the crabs and/or protect them from bacterial infection in the frame of the symbiotic relationships. Amphetamine is a psychostimulant that has been previously detected in crab muscles, and has been found in crab gills in this study. Cycloserine was present in the gills of Ucides cordatus and Percnon gibbesi, trigonelline was present in all crabs except Ucides cordatus, and amphetamine was detected in all crab gill samples. Further research into these secondary metabolites is facilitated with the sample preparation protocol and can elucidate the various symbiotic interactions of crabs and their microbiome; potentially for other crustaceans as well.

Biosynthetic regulatory network of flavonoid metabolites in stems and leaves of Salvia miltiorrhiza

Flavonoid secondary metabolites can treat and prevent many diseases, but systematic studies on regulation of the biosynthesis of such metabolites in aboveground parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza are lacking. In this study, metabonomic and transcriptomic analyses of different S. miltiorrhiza phenotypes were conducted to explore pathways of synthesis, catalysis, accumulation, and transport of the main flavonoid secondary metabolites regulating pigment accumulation. Tissue localization and quantitative analysis of flavonoid secondary metabolites were conducted by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). A total 3090 differentially expressed genes were obtained from 114,431 full-length unigenes in purple and green phenotypes, and 108 functional genes were involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. Five key phenylpropane structural genes (PAL, 4CL, ANS, 3AT, HCT) were highly differentially expressed, and four transcription factor genes (MYB, WRKY, bHLH, bZiP) were identified. In addition, six GST genes, nine ABC transporters, 22 MATE genes, and three SNARE genes were detected with key roles in flavonoid transport. According to LSCM, flavonoids were mainly distributed in epidermis, cortex, and collenchyma. Thus, comprehensive and systematic analyses were used to determine biosynthesis, accumulation, and transport of flavonoids in stems and leaves of different S. miltiorrhiza phenotypes. The findings will provide a reference for flavonoid production and cultivar selection.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses for providing insights into the influence of polylysine synthetase on the metabolism of Streptomyces albulus

ε-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) is the main secondary metabolite of Streptomyces albulus, and it is widely used in the food industry. Polylysine synthetase (Pls) is the last enzyme in the ε-PL biosynthetic pathway. Our previous study revealed that Pls overexpressed in S. albulus CICC11022 result in the efficient production of ε-PL. In this study, a Pls gene knockout strain was initially constructed. Then, genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches were integrated to study the effects of the high expression and knockout of Pls on the gene expression and metabolite synthesis of S. albulus. The high expression of Pls resulted in 598 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 425 known differential metabolites, whereas the inactivation of Pls resulted in 868 significant DEGs and 374 known differential metabolites. The expressions of 8 and 35 genes were negatively and positively associated with the Pls expression, respectively. Subsequently, the influence mechanism of the high expression and inactivation of Pls on the ε-PL biosynthetic pathway was elucidated. Twelve metabolites with 30% decreased yield in the high-expression strain of Pls but 30% increased production in the Pls knockout strain were identified. These results demonstrate the influence of Pls on the metabolism of S. albulus. The present work can provide the theoretical basis for improving the production capacity of ε-PL by means of metabolic engineering or developing bioactive substances derived from S. albulus.

Exopolysaccharides from marine microbes with prowess for environment cleanup

A variety of both small and large biologically intriguing compounds can be found abundantly in the marine environment. Researchers are particularly interested in marine bacteria because they can produce classes of bioactive secondary metabolites that are structurally diverse. The main secondary metabolites produced by marine bacteria are regarded as steroids, alkaloids, peptides, terpenoids, biopolymers, and polyketides. The global urbanization leads to the increased use of organic pollutants that are both persistent and toxic for humans, other life forms and tend to biomagnified in environment. The issue can be addressed, by using marine microbial biopolymers with ability for increased bioremediation. Amongst biopolymers, the exopolysaccharides (EPS) are the most prominent under adverse environmental stress conditions. The present review emphasizes the use of EPS as a bio-flocculent for wastewater treatment, as an adsorbent for the removal of textile dye and heavy metals from industrial effluents. The biofilm-forming ability of EPS helps with soil reclamation and reduces soil erosion. EPS are an obvious choice being environmentally friendly and cost-effective in processes for developing sustainable technology. However, a better understanding of EPS biosynthetic pathways and further developing novel sustainable technologies is desirable and certainly will pave the way for efficient usage of EPS for environment cleanup.

Towards understanding the effect of heavy metals on mycobiont physiological condition in a widespread metal-tolerant lichen Cladonia rei

Heavy metals present in the environment can cause a variety of injury symptoms in various organisms including lichens. Most studies examined metal-induced stress under controlled laboratory conditions, and little is known about actual response of lichens in their natural habitat. This study aims to recognize the effect of heavy metal accumulation (total and intracellular) on lichen physiological and biochemical parameters specifically related to the functioning of fungal component. Cladonia rei was used as a model species due to its common occurrence both in unpolluted and extremely polluted sites. We observed a decline in the fungal metabolism which was expressed by a decrease in ergosterol content and an increase in cell membrane damage as a result of increased Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni accumulation. Additionally, the results indicated that increased accumulation of xenobiotics (Pb and As) caused reduction of glutathione (GSH) concentrations and increased membrane lipid peroxidation. Therefore, we conclude that GSH does not provide high oxidative stress protection in C. rei which is somewhat against its insensitivity to pollution. The reduced pool of GSH could be explained by its oxidation to glutathione disulphide induced by heavy metal stress or its use for phytochelatin (PC) synthesis. The content of secondary metabolites was not related to heavy metal accumulation and remained at a relatively stable level. This indicates that the decline in the physiological condition did not weaken the mycobiont of C. rei enough to inhibit the synthesis of secondary metabolites and their precursors were supplied at a sufficient level. Thus, the potential function of main secondary metabolites as extracellular metal immobilizers and antioxidants is still possible even in individuals growing at extremely polluted sites. Despite the evident heavy metal stress, C. rei copes well and spreads easily through extremely polluted environments, which underlines its unique pioneering abilities in highly disturbed sites.

Secondary Metabolites of Nicotiana tabacum and Their Biological Activities: A Review

Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) is one of the most commercially farming products in the world. Indonesia is one of the top ten tobacco producing countries in the world since 1990’s. Based on literature studies, tobacco has the main secondary metabolites such as cembranoids and flavonoids. They have fine biological activities as antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiHIV, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-termite, and cytotoxicity effects. Therefore, N. tabacum is potential for further investigation on natural products research. This review aims to provide scientific evidences related to structure activity relationship between secondary metabolites and biological activities of N. tabacum.

Optimization of Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Conjugated with Lepechinia meyenii (Salvia) Using Plackett-Burman Design and Response Surface Methodology—Preliminary Antibacterial Activity

In the present investigation, an ethanolic fraction (EF) of Lepechinia meyenii (salvia) was prepared and fractionated by gradient column chromatography, and the main secondary metabolites present in the EF were identified by HPLC-MS. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and conjugated with the EF of Lepechinia meyenii (salvia). The AgNPs synthesis was optimized using Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology (RSM), considering the following independent variables: stirring speed, synthesis pH, synthesis time, synthesis temperature and EF volume. The AgNPs synthesized under the optimized conditions were characterized by UV visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM). The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC® 25923) was evaluated. The following flavonoids were identified: rosmarinic acid, diosmin and hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside. The optimized conditions for the synthesis of nanoparticles were pH 9.45, temperature 49.8 °C, volume of ethanolic fraction 152.6 µL and a reaction time of 213.2 min. The obtained AgNPs exhibited an average size of 43.71 nm and a resonance plasmon of 410–420 nm. Using FT-IR spectroscopy, the disappearance of the peaks between 626.50 and 1379.54 cm−1 was evident with the AgNPs, which would indicate the participation of these functional groups in the synthesis and protection of the nanoparticles. A hydrodynamic size of 47.6 nm was obtained by DLS, while a size of 40–60 nm was determined by STEM. The synthesized AgNPs conjugated with the EF showed a higher antibacterial activity than the EF alone. These results demonstrate that the AgNPs synthesized under optimized conditions conjugated with the EF of the Lepechinia meyenii (salvia) presented an increased antibacterial activity.

Comparison of Polyphenol Levels of Callus and Wild Type of Cat's Whiskers Plant ( Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.) Purple Varieties

The cat's whiskers plant ( Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq) that grows in Indonesia has white flowers, purple flowers, and white flowers with purple patterns. The quality of the secondary metabolite content of each cat's whiskers plant is different because it depends on environmental influences such as rainfall or soil mineral content. Plant tissue culture methods such as callus culture or cell culture are used to overcome these obstacles because these methods do not depend on the environment and can produce secondary metabolites such as those produced by the original plant. Cat's whiskers contain the main secondary metabolite compounds: rosmarinic acid, eupatorin, and sinensetin. Rosmarinic acid belongs to the phenolic group, while sinensetin and eupatorin are flavonoids. This study aimed to determine the total levels of polyphenols and flavonoids in purple cat whiskers and determine the ratio of secondary metabolites of cat whiskers callus with wild-type plants—determination of polyphenol content using Folin Ciocalteau reagent. Determining flavonoid levels is based on colorimetry using AlCl 3 reagent, specific for flavone and flavonol compounds. The levels of polyphenols contained in the ethanolic extract of callus and cat whiskers of the purple variety were 16.056 ± 0.204 mgQE/g and 30.780 ± 0.425 mgQE/g, while the polyphenol content of the callus ethyl acetate extract and the purple variety of cat whiskers leaves was 15,489 ± 0.425 mgQE/g and 13,262 ± 0.044 mgQE/g. The levels of flavonoids contained in the ethanol extract of the cat whiskers leaf were 1.39±0.03 mgQE/g and callus 0.16±0.02 mgQE/g in the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of the cat whiskers 2.16±0.012 mgQE/g and callus 2.24±0.010 mgQE/g. The polyphenols and flavonoids in the callus ethyl acetate extract were more significant than the ethyl acetate extract of the purple variety ( wild type ) cat whiskers leaf.

Nutrients and Main Secondary Metabolites Characterizing Extracts and Essential Oil from Fruits of Ammodaucus leucotrichus Coss. & Dur. (Western Sahara).

The ethnobotany of the Sahrawi people considers various species of plants and crude drugs as food, cooking spices and traditional health remedies. From among these, the fruits of Ammodaucus leucotrichus Coss. & Dur. (Apiaceae), known as Saharan cumin, were chosen for our research. The present paper reports a proximate composition and mineral element analysis of various samples of A. leucotrichus fruits, collected during the balsamic period (full fruiting) from plants grown in Bir Lehlu (Western Sahara) and purchased in a local market (Tindouf). These analyses pointed out interesting nutritional values of the crude drug. Decoction and alcoholic extract, analyzed by HPLC-DAD, evidenced ammolactone-A and R-perillaldehyde as the two main isolated constituents, particularly in the ethanolic extracts (ammolactone-A, market sample: 51.71 ± 0.39 mg/g dry extract; wild sample: 111.60 ± 1.80 mg/g dry extract; R-perillaldehyde, market sample: 145.95 ± 0.35 mg/g dry extract; wild sample: 221.40 ± 0.30 mg/g dry extract). The essential oils, obtained through hydrodistillation, were characterized by GC-MS and evidenced R-perillaldehyde (market sample: 53.21 ± 1.52%; wild sample: 74.01 ± 1.75%) and limonene (market sample: 35.15 ± 1.68%; wild sample: 19.90 ± 1.86%) as the most abundant compounds. The R configuration of perillaldehyde was ascertained and a complete description of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of ammolactone-A was performed.

Caper (Capparis spinosa L.): An Updated Review on Its Phytochemistry, Nutritional Value, Traditional Uses, and Therapeutic Potential.

Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is a perennial shrub of the family Capparaceae, endemic to circum-Mediterranean countries. Caper carries a renowned nutritional value, especially in terms of vitamins and antioxidants related to the occurrence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and glucosinolates as main secondary metabolites. Caper extracts have also shown to display antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects which correlate the uses of the plant in folk medicine against both metabolic and infectious diseases. The present review aims to provide exhaustive phytochemistry and pharmacological properties survey on Caper constituents. Attention has also been given to the nutritional values and traditional uses of main organs to pinpoint research gaps for future investigations on the plant.