Major Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Correlation between Major Bioactive Compounds in Essential Oils from Wild and Cultivated Moroccan Plants and their Antibacterial Efficacy against Foodborne Pathogens

Correlation between Major Bioactive Compounds in Essential Oils from Wild and Cultivated Moroccan Plants and their Antibacterial Efficacy against Foodborne Pathogens

Unveiling the antibacterial potential of latex-derived phytocomponents from Calotropis gigantea targeting bacterial Penicillin-binding proteins: chemical profiling, in silico docking, and in vitro lab validation

Uncontrolled use of currently accessible medicines has caused antibiotic resistance in bacteria worldwide. This work aimed to undertake molecular docking and chemical profiling of bioactive components extracted from Calotropis gigantea latex, with wet lab confirmation to follow. Gas chromatography was used to analyze the phytochemical profile. The docking tool, Cb-dock2, was used for in-silico analysis. G+ and G- bacterial strains were utilized to confirm the wet lab results. Chemical profiling revealed 18 peaks, and some major bioactive compounds were like phytol, 4-methyl-2- phenylindole and α-tocospiro A. Docking analysis revealed strong interaction against bacterial Penicillin-binding Protein (PBP1a) with docking scores ranging from -5.2 to -7.9 (Vina score). The PBP-Ligand complex has Van der Waals, hydrogen bond, pi-cation, and alkyl bonding interactions, according to the results of the interaction investigations. Calotropis latex successfully suppressed the development of bacterial strains (G+ and G-) with inhibition zones ranging from 1.1 cm to 2.2 cm, as demonstrated by in-vitro tests, indicating their potential as antibacterial medications. The study found that latex-based bioactive compounds have the potential to be used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors by facilitating the creation of structural alterations that lead to stronger medications. Therefore, this latex-derived compound may open a new pipeline into the development of multi-target antibiotics against a broad-spectrum multidrug-resistant G- bacterium.

Inhibition of Food Spoilage Fungi, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus sp., by Nanoparticles Loaded with Baccharis dracunculifolia Essential Oil and Nerolidol

This study investigates the antifungal potential of encapsulated essential oil (EO) from Baccharis dracunculifolia and nerolidol (NE) within Pluronic® F-127 nanoparticles (NPs). The EO, containing nerolidol, β-caryophyllene, and α-pinene as major bioactive compounds, exhibited superior antifungal activity compared to NE. The NP-EO formulations demonstrated high efficacy against Botrytis cinerea, with inhibition rates ranging from 29.73% to 87.60% and moderate efficacy against Rhizopus sp., with inhibition rates from 11.81% to 32.73%. In comparison, NP-NE showed lower antifungal activity. Both formulations effectively inhibited spore germination, with NP-EO showing greater inhibition compared to NP-NE. The encapsulation efficiency was significantly higher for NP-EO (80.1%) as compared to NP-NE (51.1%), attributed to the complex composition of EO facilitating better encapsulation and retention. Stability studies indicated that both NP formulations were stable at 25 °C for at least 15 days and exhibited changes in particle size and the formation of smaller particle populations at other temperatures (4 °C and 37 °C). Hemolytic activity was low across all NPs, suggesting their safety for food applications. The findings underscore the efficacy and applicability of EO-encapsulated NPs in extending food shelf life and maintaining product quality. The controlled and prolonged release of active compounds, coupled with their antifungal activity and safety, suggests that these NPs represent a promising and innovative approach for food preservation and active packaging development.

Simultaneous quantification of chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol in Urceola rosea leaves by CE and HPLC techniques: method validation and comparative study

Two analytical methods, CE and HPLC, were developed, validated, and compared for simultaneously determining chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol in Urceola rosea leaves collected from twelve different sources of Thailand. The determination was accomplished by CE on the uncoated fused silica capillary tube and by HPLC on the ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column. Chlorogenic acid was found to have the highest average amount in U. rosea leaves, followed by kaempferol and quercetin, respectively. Compared to CE, HPLC is considered to provide higher sensitivity and robustness as indicated by lower LOD and LOQ values as well as % RSD of robustness for all analytes. Overall, the present study first demonstrated that both methods were selective, sensitive, and robust, allowing reliable simultaneous quantification of three major bioactive compounds in U. rosea leaves, which could be beneficially applied for quality control assessment of this plant material, particularly those cultivated in Thailand.

Bio-functional properties of Jilungin (Terminalia canescens).

Jilungin (Terminalia canescens) is a native Australian plant and the Indigenous "Nyul Nyul" people of the Kimberleyregion of Western Australia use its leaves to make herbal tea. Due to the rise in the popularity of drinking Jilungin tea among the consumers in Australia and internationally, it is important to study the nutritional and health-beneficial properties as well as safety of Jilungin leaves. This study aims to determine the nutritional composition, anti-nutritional factors, antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties of Jilungin leaves. Also, the phytochemical profiling using UHPLC-MS/MS (Ultra-performance liquid chromatographymass spectrometry) and antioxidant activity of Jilungin methanolic extracts and herbal infusion were investigated. The safety of the leaves and infusion was also investigated by using in vitro mammalian cell lines (Caco2, HT29, and HepG2) through cell viability assays. The leaves are rich in dietary fiber (43.9%) and linoleic acid (30.4% of total fatty acids). Phytochemical profiling revealed ellagic acid, geraniin, pedunculagin, and punicalagin as the major bioactive compounds. The results also demonstrated that Jilungin has strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. A significant (p<0.01) strong positive correlation was observed between the high antioxidant activity of Jilungin infusion with the major bioactive compounds. Jilungin extracts (50mg/mL) exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Its infusion and methanolic extract were safe on the studied cell lines (Caco-2, HT29, and HepG2) at higher concentrations of 66.6 and 98mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, Jilungin teas or infusions could be a safe and effective way to promote health and well-being. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Jilungin tea is very popular among consumers in Australia and is gaining popularity worldwide. The current study will increase knowledge on the nutritional aspects and safety of the Jilungin use.

Medicinally Significant Enantiopure Compounds from Garcinia Acid Isolated from Garcinia gummi-gutta

Garcinia gummi-gutta, commonly known as Garcinia cambogia (syn.), is a popular traditional herbal medicine known for its role in treating obesity, and has been incorporated into several nutraceuticals globally for this purpose. The fruit rind is also used as a food preservative and a condiment because of its high content of hydroxycitric acid, which imparts a sharp, sour flavour. This review highlights the major bioactive compounds present in the tree Garcinia gummi-gutta, with particular emphasis on (2S, 3S)-tetrahydro-3-hydroxy-5-oxo-2,3-furan dicarboxylic acid, commonly referred to as garcinia acid. This acid can be isolated in large amounts through a simple procedure. Additionally, it explores the synthetic transformations of garcinia acid into biologically potent and functionally useful enantiopure compounds, a relatively under-documented area in the literature. This acid, with its six-carbon skeleton, a γ-butyrolactone moiety, and two chiral centres bearing chemically amenable functional groups, offers a versatile framework as a chiron for the construction of diverse molecules of both natural and synthetic origin. The synthesis of chiral 3-substituted and 3,4-disubstituted pyrrolidine-2,5-diones, analogues of the Quararibea metabolite—a chiral enolic-γ-lactone; the concave bislactone skeletons of fungal metabolites (+)-avenaciolide and (−)-canadensolide; the structural skeletons of the furo[2,3-b]furanol part of the anti-HIV drug Darunavir; (−)-tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinones, an analogue of (−)-crispine A; (−)-hexahydroindolizino[8,7-b]indolones, an analogue of the naturally occurring (−)-harmicine; and furo[2,3-b]pyrroles are presented here.

Deciphering Hyperammonia-Producing Bacteria (HAB) in the Rumen of Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and Their Inhibition through Plant Extracts and Essential Oils

Hyperammonia-producing bacteria (HAB) are a class of microbes present in the stomach of ruminants, responsible for the rapid rate of ammonia production from protein degradation beyond the capacity of these animals for their utilization. Thus, ruminant nutritionists are interested in decreasing ruminal protein degradation and ammonia genesis by focusing on controlling the activity of HAB. The investigations of the present study were carried out to determine predominant hyperammonia-producing bacteria in the rumen of buffaloes, their isolation and characterization, as well as the inhibition of these isolates with various sources of plant secondary compounds (tannins, saponins, and essential oils). Studies employing high-throughput sequencing of amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene from genomic DNA recovered from enrichment culture of HAB of buffalo rumina indicated that, at the phylum level, Proteobacteria (61.1 to 68.2%) was the most predominant HAB. Acidaminococcus was most predominant among the identified genera. In vitro experiments were conducted with enrichment culture of buffalo rumen contents incubated with different types of feed additives such as essential oils (eucalyptus oil, lemon grass oil, and clove oil) and extracts of plants (Sapindus mukorossi fruits and Ficus bengalensis leaves), each at graded dose levels. The reduction in ammonia production by clove and lemon grass oils was evident due to the presence of major bioactive compounds, especially eugenol and limonene, which have strong antimicrobial activity. However, clove oil and Indian soapberry/reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) fruit were found to be promising and effective in reducing the growth, protease production, and ammonia production of HAB culture.

Anti-inflammatory effects of gnetum parvifolium and it major bioactive compound, isorhapontigenin: Impact on oxidative stress and cell viability

Anti-inflammatory effects of gnetum parvifolium and it major bioactive compound, isorhapontigenin: Impact on oxidative stress and cell viability

Use of Olives-derived Phytochemicals for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: An Update.

Mediterranean diet is frequently associated with longevity and a lower incidence of adverse cardiovascular events because of the biological activities and health effects of olives - its key component. Olive oil, olive leaf extract, fruits and different by-products contain many bioactive components that exert anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. In this review, we focus on the recent studies exploring molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective properties of different olive oils, olive leave extracts, and specific micro-constituents (such as oleuropein, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol and others) in vitro on rodent models and in clinical trials on human subjects. Particularly, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein were identified as the major bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation and anti-atherogenic activities of olive oil. In total, the discussed results demonstrated a positive association between the consumption of olive oil and improvement in outcomes in atherosclerosis, diabetes, myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension and obesity.

Neuroprotective Properties of Coriander-Derived Compounds on Neuronal Cell Damage under Oxidative Stress-Induced SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma and in Silico ADMET Analysis.

An imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense driven by oxidative stress and inflammation is a critical factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), a culinary plant in the Apiaceae family, displays various biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Herein, neuroprotective properties of three major bioactive compounds derived from coriander (i.e., linalool, linalyl acetate, and geranyl acetate) were investigated on hydrogen peroxide-induced SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell death by examining cell viability, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic profiles. Moreover, underlying mechanisms of the compounds were determined by measuring intracellular sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) enzyme activity incorporated with molecular docking. The results showed that linalool, linalyl acetate, and geranyl acetate elicited their neuroprotection against oxidative stress via protecting cell death, reducing ROS production, preventing cell apoptosis, and modulating SIRT1 longevity. Additionally, in silico pharmacokinetic predictions indicated that these three compounds are drug-like agents with a high probability of absorption and distribution, as well as minimal potential toxicities. These findings highlighted the potential neuroprotective linalool, linalyl acetate, and geranyl acetate for developing alternative natural compound-based neurodegenerative therapeutics and prevention.

Tea Prepared from Dried Cannabis: What Do We Drink?

Besides many other uses, dried Cannabis may be used for "tea" preparation. This study focused on a comprehensive characterization of an aqueous infusion prepared according to a common practice from three fairly different Cannabis cultivars. The transfer of 42 phytocannabinoids and 12 major bioactive compounds (flavonoids) into the infusion was investigated using UHPLC-HRMS/MS. Phytocannabinoid acids were transferred generally in a higher extent compared to their counterparts; in the case of Δ9-THC, it was only in the range of 0.4-1.9% of content in the Cannabis used. A dramatic increase of phytocannabinoids, mainly of the neutral species, occurred when cream was added during steeping, and the transfer of Δ9-THC into "tea" achieved a range of 53-64%. Under such conditions, drinking a 250 mL cup of such tea by a 70 kg person might lead to multiple exceedance of the Acute Reference Dose (ARfD), 1 μg/kg b.w., even in the case when using hemp with a Δ9-THC content below 1% in dry weight for preparation.

Airways Relaxant and Antiasthmatic Activity of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex Royle. Roots: A Mechanistic Insight.

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex Royle. (Ranunculaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb that has shown extensive pharmacological potential to treat cough, diarrhea, and infectious diseases but no scientific evidence is available to validate its antiasthmatic potential. In this study, we have investigated the tracheal relaxation and antiasthmatic activity of the selected bioactive fraction of A. heterophyllum. Chemical profiling of the most effective fraction obtained via bioassay-guided fractionation was done using LC-MS (Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, a technique utilized in the identification, separation, and quantification of known and unknown compounds). Molecular docking analysis of characterized constituents was performed to recognize the binding receptors, followed by an evaluation of the tracheal relaxation ability of active fraction. An acute oral toxicity study of the most effective fraction was done using OECD guidelines 423. Further, the therapeutic efficacy of the fraction was validated in asthma using a guinea pig model of ovalbumin (OVA) induced allergic asthma. The bio-guided activity revealed that hydro-methanolic extract of A. heterophyllum roots (F-1) was the most active fraction. LC-MS analysis of F-1 showed the presence of six major bioactive compounds in F-1. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinities of identified constituents with histaminic receptor (H1) and muscarinic receptor (M3). The ex vivo study demonstrated smooth muscle relaxant activity of F-1 via dysregulating diverse signal transduction pathways viz. histaminic and muscarinic receptors antagonism (non-competitive), stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptor pathway, and soluble guanylyl cyclase activation. The findings of acute oral toxicity studies revealed that F-1 had no toxicity up to the dose of 2000 mg/Kg. The anti-asthmatic therapeutic efficacy of F-1 was further confirmed by the amelioration of respiratory hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic guinea pigs. This is the first evidence-based study showing the antiasthmatic therapeutic potential of the traditionally used herb A. heterophyllum through, computational and animal studies.

Evaluation of volatile and bioactive compounds of ethanol leaf extracts of Justicia secunda using GC-MS and GC-FID analysis.

The study evaluated the volatile and bioactive constituents of ethanol extracts of Justicia secunda using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for volatile composition while bioactive compound were assessed using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The leaf extracts were prepared by being collected, air-dried, macerated in 96% ethanol, filtered and concentrated at 450C. The result obtained revealed the presences of bioactive compound such as flavonoid that include: Spartein (28.10 µg/ml), Ruti (15.6 µg/ml), Oxalate (12.70 µg/ml), Naringin (12.4 µg/ml), Steroids (11.7 µg/ml), Epinedrine (11.10 µg/ml), Cardiac glycoside (10.10 µg/ml), Flavonone (10.10 µg/ml), Ribalinidine (9.30 µg/ml), Anthocyanin (7.70%), Flavone (7.30 µg/ml), Sapogenin (7.30µg/ml), Proanthocyanin (6.90 µg/ml),Resveratol (6.70µg/ml), Epicatechin (5.70 µg/ml), Phytate (5.70µg/ml), Kaempferol (3.90 µg/ml),Catechin (2.00 µg/ml), Tannin (2.00 µg/ml). The GC-MS Screening of the plant’s extract identified eighty-two (82) bioactive compounds, which include Ethyl palmitate (5.54%), 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (4.04%),9,17-Octadecadienal, (4.05%), Linoleic acid ethyl ester (4.05%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester (4.00%), Decane, 2-methyl (3.82%), Hexadecane (3.82%), Heptadecane, 2,6-dimethyl (3.26%), N-(3-methylButyl) acetamide (3.02%), Sulfurous acid, butyl octyl ester (3.25%), Hexane,1-(hexyloxy)-5-(3.06%) as the major bioactive compounds. The result of the GC-MS analysis showed that the ethanol extract of Justicia secunda contains many pharmacologically important bioactive compounds such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic anti-cancer effects. Traditionally, Justicia species are used in the treatment of inflammation, rheumatism, arthritis gastrointestinal diseases, anaemia and respiratory tract infection. The proximate analysis of the ethanol extract of the leaves revealed notable levels of various components, where carbohydrates were found to be the highest, followed by moisture content, protein, fats, fiber, and ash content, respectively.

Synthesis ADMET molecular docking, MD simulation and MM-PBSA investigations of a novel hetero-steroid with Anti-proliferative and Anti-inflammatory properties

Two novel steroidal derivatives 2 and 3were synthesized, one by aldol condensation and the other by further reaction of the adduct formed, with ethyl cyanoacetate. The synthesized compounds have been characterized using ¹H, ¹³C NMR, UV and FT-IR Spectroscopy. The in-silico identification of potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity with regard to the synthesized compounds was performed. ADMET analysis of the synthesized compounds were performed to check their pharmacokinetic behaviour as well as potential ability to act as major drug candidates. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into synthesized compounds that binds in the active sites of all the proteins selected strongly indicating that both of them can act as versatile anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drug while ADMET analysis showed compound 2 to be least toxic and depicts good absorption pattern which can further contribute as major bioactive compound with therapeutic potential.

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Hemolytic, and Antibacterial Effects of Astragalus gombo (L.) Leaves.

The purpose of this study is to determine the phytochemical content and biological activities of the Astragalus gombo (endemic specie). While identification and quantification of individual secondary metabolites were performed by analysis HPLC. Antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP), anti-inflammatory, anti-hemolytic and antibacterial activities were evaluated. For analysis HPLC, we obtained 65 peaks and identified 6 major bioactive compounds. The total concentration in polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins varied respectively from 66.306±0.88 mg GA eq/g, 34.312±1.4 mg Q eq/g and 5.343±2.74 mg Ca eq/g. In terms of antioxidant activity, we found that this extract had high inhibitory ratios equivalent to IC50=62.813±0.006 µg/mL for DPPH and IC50=19.375±0.041 µg/mL for FRAP. A high anti-inflammatory activity was estimated at 1615.81µg/mL, and a weak anti-hemolytic activity, the other hand the antibacterial activity is somewhat moderate against the five strains studied. This study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of A. gombo from El Oued region has tremendous antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial abilities.

In vitro antiplasmodial and anticancer analyses of endophytic fungal extracts isolated from selected Nigerian medicinal plants

Ethnomedicinal plants are thought to have better prospects of harboring endophytes that produce natural products with pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the antiplasmodial and anticancer properties of secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi from three medicinal plants. The endophytic fungi included Lasiodiplodia theobromae isolated from Cola acuminata, Curvularia lunata Bv4 isolated from Bambusa vulgaris, and Curvularia lunata Eg7 isolated from Elaeis guineensis. The identification of the fungi was based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) sequence. The fungi were subjected to solid-state fermentation and the secondary metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate. In vitro antiplasmodial screening of extracts was performed using the SYBR green I-based fluorescence assay on the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain DD2. The cytotoxicity of the extracts on human red blood cells and Jurkat (leukemia) cells was assessed using the tetrazolium-based colorimetric MTT assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was used to identify the constituents of the fungal extracts. The extract of L. theobromae showed the best antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum (IC50 = 5.4 µg/mL) and was not harmful to erythrocytes (CC50 > 100 µg/mL). All three fungal extracts showed a weak cytotoxic effect against Jukart cell lines (CC50 > 100 µg/mL). GC–MS analysis of the three endophytic fungal extracts revealed the presence of forty major bioactive compounds, including: oxalic acid, isobutyl nonyl ester, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and hexadecanoic acid, among others. The endophytic fungi from the medicinal plants in this study were promising sources of bioactive compounds that could be further evaluated as novel drugs for the treatment of malaria caused by P. falciparum-resistant strains.

Insights into the physiology, biochemistry and ecological significance of the red seaweed Tricleocarpa fragilis in the Andaman Sea

The present study focused on the physiological and biochemical aspects of Tricleocarpa fragilis, red seaweed belonging to the phylum Rhodophyta, along the South Andaman coast, with particular attention given to its symbiotic relationships with associated flora and fauna. The physicochemical parameters of the seawater at the sampling station, such as its temperature, pH, and salinity, were meticulously analyzed to determine the optimal harvesting period for T. fragilis. Seaweeds attach to rocks, dead corals, and shells in shallow areas exposed to moderate wave action because of its habitat preferences. Temporal variations in biomass production were estimated, revealing the highest peak in March, which was correlated with optimal seawater conditions, including a temperature of 34 ± 1.1 °C, a pH of 8 ± 0.1, and a salinity of 32 ± 0.8 psu. GC‒MS analysis revealed n-hexadecanoic acid as the dominant compound among the 36 peaks, with major bioactive compounds identified as fatty acids, diterpenes, phenolic compounds, and hydrocarbons. This research not only enhances our understanding of ecological dynamics but also provides valuable insights into the intricate biochemical processes of T. fragilis. The established antimicrobial potential and characterization of bioactive compounds from T. fragilis lay a foundation for possible applications in the pharmaceutical industry and other industries.

Anti-Skin Aging Potential, Antibacterial Activity, Inhibition of Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein, and Cytotoxic Effects of Acetone-Extracted Passiflora edulis (Tainung No. 1) Rind Extract on Oral Carcinoma Cells.

The passion fruit, Passiflora edulis, recognized for its rich nutritional properties, has long been used for its varied ethnobotanical applications. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of P. edulis var. Tainung No. 1 rind extracts by examining their polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin aging activities against key enzymes such as elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, and their ability to inhibit bacterial growth, single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB), and their cytotoxic effects on oral carcinoma cells. The acetone extract from the rind exhibited the highest levels of TPC, TFC, anti-SSB, and antibacterial activities. The antibacterial effectiveness of the acetone-extracted rind was ranked as follows: Escherichia coli > Pseudomonas aeruginosa > Staphylococcus aureus. A titration curve for SSB inhibition showed an IC50 value of 313.2 μg/mL, indicating the potency of the acetone extract in inhibiting SSB. It also significantly reduced the activity of enzymes associated with skin aging, particularly tyrosinase, with a 54.5% inhibition at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis tentatively identified several major bioactive compounds in the acetone extract, including stigmast-5-en-3-ol, vitamin E, palmitic acid, stigmasterol, linoleic acid, campesterol, and octadecanoic acid. Molecular docking studies suggested some of these compounds as potential inhibitors of tyrosinase and SSB. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated anticancer potential against Ca9-22 oral carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell survival, migration, and proliferation and inducing apoptosis. These results underscore the potential of P. edulis (Tainung No. 1) rind as a promising candidate for anti-skin aging, antibacterial, and anticancer applications, meriting further therapeutic investigation.

Spectroscopic Analysis of Bioactive Compounds from Latex of Calotropis gigantea L. and an Evaluation of Its Biological Activities

The current research investigation aimed to screen the bioactive compounds in the latex of Calotropis gigantea L. and evaluate its antibacterial and antioxidant properties towards clinical applications. The chemical moiety and volatile compounds of the latex of C. gigantea were detected by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and GC–MS analysis. The antibacterial activity was assessed using wound-inducing pathogens by well diffusion method. In addition, the antioxidant properties were determined through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. The functional groups of O–H stretch, diketonic bonds, C–O, C–N, O–C bonds, and consecutive C–H bonds were observed in the latex of C. gigantea. The major bioactive compounds were 5H-3,5a-Epoxynaphth[2,1-c]oxepin, Cholesta-5-en-3-ol, 24-propylidene-, dodecane, Lup-20(29)-Ene-3,28-Diol, (3.Beta)-, Veridiflorol, and Lanosta-8,24-dien-3-ol, acetatate, (3.beta.). Oxazole derivatives were found in the latex of C. gigantea, proved by GC–MS analysis. The aqueous-mixed latex exhibited maximum antioxidant activity as compared to methanol-mixed latex. Aqueous-mixed latex and methanol-mixed latex inhibited the growth of K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, S. pyogenes, Micrococcus spp., S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The present study clearly reveals that latex of C. gigantea has rich bioactive compounds with significant biological activities, and can be employed to produce a novel herbal formulation against wound-inducing pathogens.

Stimulatory effect of eurycomanone from Eurycoma longifolia Jack roots on dopamine secretion in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line

Eurycomanone has been identified as the major bioactive compound contributing to Eurycoma longifolia (EL) aphrodisiac activity, however, its mechanism of action remains obscured. Presently, eurycomanone was isolated from EL root extract and its molecular structure was identified. The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line was differentiated into human dopaminergic neuron-like cells. Exogenous dopamine levels from the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were quantified following the treatment of 5, 10, 15 μM of eurycomanone and 10 μM clorgyline as positive control. Dopamine secretion was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the vehicle control (p < .01) in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Dopamine concentration stimulated by 15 μM eurycomanone was significantly higher than clorgyline (p < .05), an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A that suppresses dopamine catabolism. In conclusion, eurycomanone stimulated dopamine release of human SH-SY5Y neuron-like cells, which could be one of the mechanisms that underpin the aphrodisiac properties of the plant.