Major Flavonoid Research Articles

Arabic gum-grafted-polyaniline@MnFe2O4/UIO66-NH2 bionanocomposite as adsorbent for quercetin antioxidant: Efficiency, kinetics, thermodynamics and isotherm modelling

Quercetin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature and a major dietary flavonoid, so its efficient recovery by nanoadsorbents can be valuable for human health. In this study, the nanocomposite Arabic gum-grafted-polyaniline@MnFe2O4/UIO66-NH2 (AG-g-PANI@MnFe2O4/UIO66-NH2) was synthesized by in situ copolymerization. The physicochemical and structural properties of the AG-g-PANI@MnFe2O4/UIO66-NH2 nanocomposite were examined using various methods, including XRD, FE-SEM, FT-IR, EDX, VSM, TGA, and BET. The adsorption capacity of natural nanoadsorbent was evaluated for the adsorption of quercetin antioxidant from an ethanol-water solution (50 % v/v) in a batch system. The influence of controlling factors such as solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial quercetin concentration and temperature on the adsorption process was investigated. The highest adsorption capacity (9.1157 mg.g−1) was achieved at a pH of 8, with 0.025 g of adsorbent, a quercetin solution concentration of 20 mg.L−1, a 300 min contact time and at the temperature 298.15 K. In addition, the data from adsorption experiments were analyzed using different isotherm and kinetic models. The findings demonstrated that the Temkin isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model are the most suitable for representing the adsorption behavior. In addition, from analysis of the temperature effect was found that the adsorption of quercetin on AG-g-PANI@MnFe2O4/UIO66-NH2 is a spontaneous (∆G° < 0) and exothermic (ΔH° < 0) process. Finally, the reusability of nanoadsorbent and desorption kinetics of quercetin were investigated and it was specified that AG-g-PANI@MnFe2O4/UIO66-NH2 can be effectively renewed and recycled, maintaining its adsorption efficacy without significant reduction after five repeated cycles.

Variations of Major Flavonoids, Nutritional Components, and Antioxidant Activities in Mung Beans (Vigna radiate L.) of Different Seed Weights

This study examined the levels of major flavonoids, nutritional components, total secondary metabolite contents, and antioxidant activities in 136 mung bean accessions and statistically analyzed the effect of seed weight difference on each. Vitexin and isovitexin were detected in all the mung bean accessions, with isovitexin being in a higher concentration regardless of seed weight difference. The contents of total protein and total starch were in the ranges of 22.01–28.96 and 32.62–49.03 g/100 g, respectively. Five fatty acids were detected by GC–FID analysis in all mung bean accessions, with linoleic acid being the most dominant (37.96–50.71 g/100 g). Total saponin content (TSC), total phenol content (TPC), DPPH• scavenging activity, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) showed more than five-fold differences. Analysis of variance supported by multivariate analysis demonstrated that seed weight difference had a significant effect on total starch, all individual fatty acids except for stearic acid and oleic acid, TSC, and all antioxidant activities except for ABTS•+ scavenging activity. On the other hand, vitexin, isovitexin, total protein, total phenol, and total fatty acid contents remained unaffected by seed weight difference. Overall, this study showed the diversity of key flavonoids, nutritional components, total secondary metabolite contents, and antioxidant activities in mung bean genetic materials. Moreover, the study unveiled how seed weight affects the analyzed parameters in mung beans for the first time. These findings could maximize the use of mung beans in food industries and breeding programs as well as lead to more studies in metabolomics and genomics.

Akkermansia muciniphila Growth Promoted by Lychee Major Flavonoid through Bacteroides uniformis Metabolism.

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) possesses health-promoting properties. Nevertheless, A. muciniphila enrichment remains a challenging endeavor. Quercetin-3-O-rutinose-7-O-α-l-rhamnoside (QRR), a flavonoid found in lychee pulp, has a unique double-substituted glycosylated structure, requiring a specific intestinal microbiota for effective metabolism. Here, QRR was fermented using a coculture of Bacteroides uniformis and A. muciniphila, and the interactions between the two were elucidated in terms of QRR regulation of microbial growth changes and metabolic properties. The results demonstrated that QRR effectively promoted the proliferation of A. muciniphila based on the metabolic action of B. uniformis in vitro, which was evidenced by a notable increase in the number of viable bacteria. Furthermore, the coculture sample exhibited a significant increase in SCFAs. Qualitative analysis of metabolites by UPLC-ESI-Triple-TOF-MS/MS showed that B. uniformis could release sugars on QRR to produce quercetin-3-O-glucoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside and further quercetin. In the coculture and B. uniformis culture, quercetin was converted to taxifolin, which was identified as a crucial intermediate in the metabolism of QRR. Notably, the metabolite kaempferol was only detected in the coculture. The present study reveals the interaction between QRR and the coculture of A. muciniphila and B. uniformis, providing a practical basis for the potential prebiotic value of QRR.

UPLC-HRMS/MS Guided Isolation and NMR Investigation of Major Flavonoids from Enarthrocarpus strangulatus Boissier (Brassicaceae) with In Vitro Enzymes Inhibitory Potential.

Various members of the family Brassicaceae are economically importantand traditionally used to treat many disorders. Among the family members, Enarthrocarpus strangulatusBoissier is a common Egyptian species that was rarely studied. Consequently, the current study aims to characterize its phytochemical composition and assess its potential bioactivity comprehensively. A metabolomics approach integrating UPLC-HRMS/MS-based molecular networking enabled the dereplication of 91 metabolites, including primary (i.e. organic acid, amino acids, fatty acids, and phospholipids) and secondary metabolites (i.e. glucosinolates, phenolic acids, and flavonoids). Among the 91 annotated features, 13 major metabolites were fully characterized following their isolation and purification. Exclusive of only three flavonoids, all the detected metabolites are described for the first time within this species. Furthermore, the crude extract and four major isolated flavonoids were subjected to in vitro biological screening, including antioxidant, radical scavenging, anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer's, and anti-inflammatory activities. It was noticed that nobiletin (61) exhibited the highest antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's activities. At the same time, isorhamnetin 3-O-glucose (51) showed the highest anti-diabetic activity compared to the other isolated flavonoids and the total extract itself. Regarding the anti-inflammatory activity, no obvious differences were detected numerically among all studied flavonoids.

Baseline sensitivity and resistance risk of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to glabridin and the possible anti-fungal mechanism

Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most serious diseases of oilseed rape. Chemical control is an important method to control this disease, however, development of fungal resistance to commonly used fungicides has led to severe yield losses in recent years. Therefore, development of novel fungicides against S. sclerotiorum is urgently needed. Glabridin is one of the major flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza L. plants, and we previously found that it is very effective against S. sclerotiorum. Nevertheless, the baseline sensitivity and resistance risk of S. sclerotiorum to glabridin as well as the possible anti-fungal mechanism need further elucidation. In this study, we revealed that the EC50 (median effective concentration) values of glabridin against 109 S. sclerotiorum isolates collected from Jiangsu Province of China ranged from 0.51 to 8.03 μg/mL with a mean EC50 value of 3.05 ± 1.27 μg/mL. No cross-resistance was observed between glabridin and carbendazim, and no glabridin-resistant mutants were obtained by chemical induction. RNA profiling result showed that tyrosine metabolism of S. sclerotiorum were evidently affected by glabridin. qRT-PCR, enzyme activity assay, and molecular docking proved that glabridin greatly reduced both the expression level and enzyme activity of tyrosinase in S. sclerotiorum. Furthermore, S. sclerotiorum incurred certain impairment in its membrane integrity after glabridin treatment at 10 μg/mL. This study is the first report on baseline sensitivity and resistance risk of S. sclerotiorum to glabridin, and it is revealed that glabridin may interfere tyrosine metabolism and membrane integrity of S. sclerotiorum.

Production and Evaluation of Peanut Butter Prepared with Peanut Shells

Background:: Innovative application of processing is an emerging trend in food production. Objective:: The present study was conducted to produce peanut butter and evaluate the physical, chemical, and sensory properties of the product, to which the outer shells of peanuts were added in different proportions (5, 10, 15%) to reduce the calories of the product by reducing the fat content in the peanut butter as well as benefiting from the shells as a residue secondary to the peanut seeds. Methods:: The chemical composition of the prepared sample, along with bioactive determination Using HPLC, microbial testing, Aflatoxin content, and sensory evaluation, have been done for the prepared peanut butter using standard methods. Results:: The chemical composition of the peanut outer shell powder was characterized by the highest value of fiber (46.6%), followed by total carbohydrates and protein (23.25%, (12.54%) respectively. The produced peanut butter showed that the total carbohydrate resulted in the highest value (23.25%), followed by fat (42.21) and protein (28.12%). Substitution at 5, 10, and 15% peanut outer shell resulted in a non-significant difference concerning protein. At the same time, the lipid content showed a significant decrease compared to the control. A similar trend was found concerning total carbohydrate-to-fat content. Total fiber increased to 1.5 &amp; 2.08, and 2.6 times as high as the content parallel to dietary fiber, while β-Carotene decreased significantly due to the substitution level. The substitution level decreased energy (cal) by about 203.58, 730.093, 562.86, 545.19, and 526.66, respectively, compared with the control. A slight increase was found in the mineral content due to the substitution, except for the calcium increases at 15%. DPPH and ABTS% increased in parallel with the substitution level, which was in line with total phenols and flavonoids. Flavonoid fraction resulted in nariagin (94.72 QE), the major flavonoid, followed by lutein (82.23 QE). Meanwhile, phenolic compounds were described with pyrogallol (68.31 GAE) (as the main compound, followed by chlorogenic (780.76 GAE). The fatty acid composition showed that oleic and linoleic were predominant in all treatments. Bacterial, yeast, and mold counts appeared after three months of storage (20 ± 2°C). Aflatoxin was not detectable in the sample of the peanut outer shells and peanut butter samples. Sensory characteristics showed approximately the same score for all treatments except that of 15% substitution, which resulted in a significant decrease in all parameters compared with the control. Conclusion:: This study reported that 5%, followed by 10% of peanut outer shells, were the most suitable levels for making peanut butter, improving the nutritional value by increasing the percentage of fiber and antioxidants in peanut shells, leading to better quality products and shelf life.

An in-depth exploration of ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical profiles, and pharmacological potentials: unveiling Withania somnifera

Researchers have extensively studied Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, a woody shrub renowned for its multifaceted medicinal attributes such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, and tonifying properties, because of its medicinal and traditional values. However, comprehensive information about its medicinal uses and pharmacological implications is scattered across various sources. Thus, this study aims to provide a comprehensive review of its ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological attributes, consolidating information from diverse data sources. Systematic investigations have revealed the presence of diverse phytochemicals in W. somnifera, including major alkaloids, withanolides, flavonoids, tannins, oils, phytosterols, and amino acids. Extracts, fractions, and bioactive compounds derived from W. somnifera exhibited potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-analgesic, anti-cancer, antivenom, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activities. W. somnifera serves as a valuable source of phytochemicals with diverse biological activities, offering significant therapeutic benefits globally. However, further studies are needed to assess potential side effects. Additionally, while several isolated compounds have demonstrated notable bioactivities, future research should focus on elucidating their mechanistic features to facilitate their integration into drug discovery endeavors.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction method of Syzygium cumini leaves based on extraction yield, content of bioactive compound, and inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme activity using response surface methodology

Syzygium cumini leaves show potential to be developed as herbal medicine products against diabetes mellitus due to their high polyphenol contents. S. cumini was optimized using response surface methodology and Box–Behnken design with solvent solid ratio, solvent concentration, time and temperature, extraction yield, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) enzyme inhibitory activity to obtain an effective and optimal extraction method. The conditions were achieved using a 70% ethanol solvent for the extraction, with a solvent–solid ratio of 21 v/w and run at 20°C for 30 min. The results showed an extraction yield of 83.875%, with TFCs measuring at 3.068 mg QE/g, TPCs of 65.029 mg GAE/g, and DPP-IV enzyme inhibition activity of 66.079%. Further analysis of the phytochemical profile using untargeted liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry showed the presence of amine, amide, and fatty acid derivatives as major constituents. In addition, major flavonoids observed were myricetin and myricitrin, accounting for 0.2%. Ursolic acid and 25-azacholesterol accounted for 1.03% of the phenolics detected.

Association Between Dietary Flavonoid Intake and Cardiovascular Health in Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds with diverse health-promoting properties. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between dietary flavonoid intake and cardiovascular health in cancer survivors. We obtained data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2017-2018 cycles. Weighted linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to explore the correlation between dietary flavonoid intake and cardiovascular health (Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score) in cancer survivors. Then, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile-based g-computation (qgcomp) models were performed to assess the mixed effects of the six flavonoid subclasses and to determine the major flavonoid types. Additionally, the protective effect of high flavonoid intake on cardiovascular health was further evaluated in different subgroups, and mediation analysis was used to explore mediating factors. After adjusting for all covariates, compared to those in the first quartile, participants in the fourth quartile of total flavonoids, anthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanones, and flavones intake exhibited increases in LE8 scores of 3.24% (95% CI: 0.45-6.03, P for trend=0.030), 6.25% (95% CI: 3.14-9.36, P for trend<0.001), 3.01% (95% CI: 1.33-4.69, P for trend= 0.003), 3.23% (95% CI: 0.18-6.27, P for trend=0.030), and 5.01% (95% CI: 2.42-7.61, P for trend<0.001), respectively. Meanwhile, significant non-linear relationships were supported by the RCS models. However, the weighted linear regression and RCS models did not reveal any clear correlations between isoflavone or flavan-3-ol intake and the LE8 score. Regarding mixed effects, anthocyanidin, flavonol, flavanone, and flavone intake were positively related to the LE8 score according to both the WQS and qgcomp models, and anthocyanidin intake was the major contributor. Our study indicated that dietary flavonoid intake is positively associated with cardiovascular health in cancer survivors, among which anthocyanidin intake might provide the most benefit.

Biotransformation of Xanthohumol by Entomopathogenic Filamentous Fungi.

Xanthohumol (1) is a major prenylated flavonoid in hops (Humulus lupulus L.) which exhibits a broad spectrum of health-promoting and therapeutic activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. However, due to its lipophilic nature, it is poorly soluble in water and barely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, which greatly limits its therapeutic potential. One method of increasing the solubility of active compounds is their conjugation to polar molecules, such as sugars. Sugar moiety introduced into the flavonoid molecule significantly increases polarity, which results in better water solubility and often leads to greater bioavailability. Entomopathogenic fungi are well known for their ability to catalyze O-glycosylation reactions. Therefore, we investigated the ability of selected entomopathogenic filamentous fungi to biotransform xanthohumol (1). As a result of the experiments, one aglycone (2) and five glycosides (3-7) were obtained. The obtained (2″E)-4″-hydroxyxanthohumol 4'-O-β-D-(4‴-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside (5) has never been described in the literature so far. Interestingly, in addition to the expected glycosylation reactions, the tested fungi also catalyzed chalcone-flavanone cyclization reactions, which demonstrates chalcone isomerase-like activity, an enzyme typically found in plants. All these findings undoubtedly indicate that entomopathogenic filamentous fungi are still an underexploited pool of novel enzymes.

The Gastroprotective Effect of Sicyos angulatus Against Hydrochloric Acid/Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastritis and Gastric Ulcer in Mice.

Gastritis and gastric ulcers are common gastric diseases that are caused by infection, drugs, alcohol consumption, or stress. These conditions lead to increased inflammatory cytokines and recruitment of leukocytes, which damage the stomach mucosa and exacerbate disease severity. Sicyos angulatus (SA), an annual vine in the Cucurbitaceae family, is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect, but its efficacy for preventing gastritis and gastric ulcers has not yet been evaluated. In the present study, we investigated the gastroprotective effect of SA using a hydrochloric acid/ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury mouse model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated KATO III cells. Macroscopic analysis revealed a reduction in gastric ulcer area. Similarly, histopathological analysis showed a dose-dependent decrease in gastric mucosal injury, with significant improvement at 750 mg/kg of SA treatment. Gene expressions of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecule were reduced in the SA-administered group. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that SA significantly decreased neutrophil infiltration in the lamina propria and epithelium of the stomach. Kaempferol, a major bioactive flavonoid of SA, also improved gastric injury by reducing macroscopic and microscopic lesions, inflammatory mediator gene expression, and neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, both SA and kaempferol downregulated LPS-mediated increases in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines following inhibition of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in KATO III cells. These results suggest that SA can ameliorate gastric mucosal injury by inhibiting the recruitment of inflammatory cells, particularly neutrophils, and by suppressing p38 and JNK phosphorylation.

Citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates with enhanced emulsifying properties

Pectin and flavonoids are important components of citrus fruits, but the effects of flavonoid grafting on the emulsifying properties of citrus pectin remain unclear. In this study, a novel natural citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugate in citrus peel was identified through alkaline hydrolysis combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. Subsequently, two major citrus flavonoids were enzymatically conjugated to citrus pectin at high grafting rates (hesperidin: 20.21%; naringin dihydrochalcone: 16.11%). The flavonoids increased pectin amphipathy while ensuring a tighter conformation and denser network structure. These structural changes reduced the interfacial tension (from 20.6 to 18.4 mN/m) and increased the adsorbed layer thickness (from 11.8 to 37.8 nm), facilitating rapid pectin anchoring at the oil-water interface. These led to smaller droplet size and better emulsion stability. Prepared flavonoid-pectin conjugates with high grafting rates exhibited better emulsifying properties than those with medium grafting rates; hesperidin-pectin conjugates were more effective than naringin dihydrochalcone-pectin conjugates. The prepared flavonoid-pectin conjugates aid in the structural identification of natural flavonoid-pectin conjugates; they also facilitate analyses of the properties of these conjugates and offer new insights into improving the functional properties of pectins used in the food industry.

Investigating the Therapeutic Property of Galium verum L. (GV) for MSG induced Audiogenic Epilepsy (AEs) and Neuroprotection through In-Silico and In-Vitro Analysis.

Audiogenic Epilepsy (AEs) is a subtype of epileptic seizure that is generally caused by high-intensity sounds. A large number of traditional medicines has been explored in this lieu where our study chased Galium verum L. (Rubiaceae), an herbal plant which is commonly known as Lady's Bedstraw, that contains a highly rich chemical composition including flavonoids (Hispidulin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol), and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, caftaric acid, and gallic acid). G verum is well known for its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, the unique role of Adhesion G Protein- Coupled Receptor V1 (ADGRV1) protein in the progression of audiogenic epilepsy has been explored. This study aimed to examine the potent phytoconstituents of the hydroalcoholic extract of G. verum L. (HEGV) using analytical techniques. Additionally, our study sought to evaluate the antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory properties, and antiepileptic potency of HEGV by targeting ADGRV1 via in silico and in vitro analyses using SHSY5Y cells. HPLC and LC-MS techniques were employed to identify the flavonoids, iridoids, and phenolic acid derivatives present in HEGV. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging assays were performed to confirm the antioxidant potential of the extract. Additionally, in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies were performed using AutoDock Vina software to analyze the possible interactions between crucial phytoconstituents of HEGV and ADGRV1, followed by cell line analysis. In the in vitro analysis, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties were assessed via cell viability assay, IL, GABA, and glutamate estimation. LC-MS and HPLC analyses revealed high concentrations of hispidulin, a major flavonoid found in HEGV. HEGV exhibited moderate-to-high free radical-scavenging activities comparable to those of ascorbic acid. Docking analysis demonstrated that hispidulin has a stronger binding affinity with ADGRV1 (Vina score = -8.6 kcal/mol) than other compounds. Furthermore, cell line analysis revealed that the MSG exacerbates the neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, whereas, HEGV and Hispidulin both possess neuroprotective, antioxidant, and antiepileptic activities. HEGV and Hispidulin proved to be promising candidates for treating audiogenic epilepsy by modulating ADGRV1.

Metabolite and Transcriptome Profiling Analysis Provides New Insights into the Distinctive Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Flavonoids Biosynthesis in Rosa rugosa.

Although the petals of Rosa rugosa are rich in flavonoids and their bioactivity has a significant impact on human health, the flavonoid content decreases during flower development. In this study, R. rugosa 'Feng hua' was used to investigate the effects of the melatonin foliar spray on enhancing the quality of rose by focusing on major flavonoids. The results showed that the contents of total flavonoids in rose petals at the full bloom stage induced by melatonin obeyed a bell-shaped curve, with a maximum at 0.3 mM, indicating the concentration-dependent up-regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. In the treatment with 0.3 mM melatonin, metabolomic analyses showed that the concentrations of ten main flavonoids were identified to be increased by melatonin induction, with high levels and increases observed in three flavonols and two anthocyanins. KEGG enrichment of transcriptomic analysis revealed a remarkable enrichment of DEGs in flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis, such as Rr4CL, RrF3H, and RrANS. Furthermore, functional validation using virus-induced gene silencing technology demonstrated that Rr4CL3 is the crucial gene regulating flavonoid biosynthesis in response to the stimulant of melatonin. This study provides insights into the exogenous melatonin regulation mechanism of biosynthesis of flavonoids, thereby offering potential industrial applications.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Associated with Hair Graying (Canities) and Therapeutic Potential of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals

This review aims to gain insight into the major causes of hair graying (canities) and how plant-derived extracts and phytochemicals could alleviate this symptom. Research articles on human hair graying were searched and selected using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. We first examined the intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with hair graying, such as the reduced capacity of melanin synthesis and transfer, exhaustion of melanocyte stem cells (MSCs) and melanocytes, genetics and epigenetics, race, gender, family history, aging, oxidative stress, stress hormones, systematic disorders, nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, lifestyle, medications, and environmental factors. We also examined various plants and phytochemicals that have shown a potential to interfere with the onset or progression of human hair graying at different levels from in vitro studies to clinical studies: the extract of Polygonum multiflorum and its major components, 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside and emodin; the extract of Eriodictyon angustifolium and its major flavonoid compounds, hydroxygenkwanin, sterubin, and luteolin; the extracts of Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), Fuzhuan brick tea (Camellia sinensis), and Gynostemma pentaphyllum; bixin, a carotenoid compound found in Bixa orellana; and rhynchophylline, an alkaloid compound found in certain Uncaria species. Experimental evidence supports the notion that certain plant extracts and phytochemicals could alleviate hair graying by enhancing MSC maintenance or melanocyte function, reducing oxidative stress due to physiological and environmental influences, and managing the secretion and action of stress hormones to an appropriate level. It is suggested that hair graying may be reversible through the following tactical approaches: selective targeting of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)–microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) axis, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), or the norepinephrine–β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR)–protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway.

Phytochemical Testing Methodologies and Principles for Preliminary Screening/ Qualitative Testing

Plants are basically biosynthetic factories that contain various pathways that produce phytochemicals with the help of different parts of the cell while specialized cells or tissues hoard and use them as needed. Human population has used this to their advantage for centuries. Aims: This review article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to qualitative phytochemical tests, focusing on their principles, procedures, and interpretation of results. Scope of Review: This review covers qualitative tests for major phytochemical groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenols. Methodology: Various qualitative tests are compiled and described, detailing the chemical principles underpinning each test and the expected outcomes for the identification of phytochemicals. Summary of Findings: Qualitative phytochemical tests are highlighted for their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility, making them valuable tools, particularly in resource-limited settings. These tests provide baseline information on phytochemical profiles and serve as initial screening tools that can lead to more detailed studies. Conclusion: While advanced analytical techniques exist, qualitative methods remain essential for initial phytochemical screening due to their practical advantages. This review emphasizes the importance of these classical techniques in both research and practical applications.

Luteolin-7-diglucuronide, a novel PTP1B inhibitor, ameliorates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis in mice.

Liver fibrosis, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, lacks effective therapy. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the dominant event in hepatic fibrogenesis. Luteolin-7-diglucuronide (L7DG) is the major flavonoid extracted from Perilla frutescens and Verbena officinalis. Their beneficial effects in the treatment of liver diseases were well documented. In this study we investigated the anti-fibrotic activities of L7DG and the potential mechanisms. We established TGF-β1-activated mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) and human HSC line LX-2 as in vitro liver fibrosis models. Co-treatment with L7DG (5, 20, 50 μM) dose-dependently decreased TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrotic markers collagen 1, α-SMA and fibronectin. In liver fibrosis mouse models induced by CCl4 challenge alone or in combination with HFHC diet, administration of L7DG (40, 150 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g., for 4 or 8 weeks) dose-dependently attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation, decreased expression of fibrogenic genes. By conducting target prediction, molecular docking and enzyme activity detection, we identified L7DG as a potent inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with an IC50 value of 2.10 µM. Further studies revealed that L7DG inhibited PTP1B activity, up-regulated AMPK phosphorylation and subsequently inhibited HSC activation. This study demonstrates that the phytochemical L7DG may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

In Silico İnvestigating Scutellarin, Plantago Majör Flavonoid as an Alternative to Orlistat

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines obesity as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat in the body that may impair health. It is stated that the best drug recommended to treat obesity is orlistat. In this study, the binding potential of Scutellarin, a Plantago major flavonoid that may be an alternative to orlistat, to the 5NN8 PDB coded receptor was investigated in silico in order to shed light on new drug designs. The inhibition potential of Scutellarin and Orlistat compounds on α-glucosidase enzymes that enable rapid absorption of complex carbohydrates by converting them into glucose was investigated using UCSF Chimera-1.17.3 and AutoDockTools-1.5.6 software. BIOVIA Discovery Studio software was used to visualise the results and elucidate the docking mechanisms. In this study, the results of the molecular docking study performed between the 5NN8 protein obtained from the protein data bank and the control compounds Orlistat and Scutellarinin; the binding score between 5NN8 and Orlistat was calculated as -6.0 kcal/mol, while the binding score between 5NN8 and Scutellarinin was calculated as -7.5 kcal/mol. The inhibitory activity of Scutellarin against α-glucosidase was evaluated in comparison with the standard inhibitor Orlistat. It was shown that the binding score of Scutellarin compound found by molecular docking study was -7.5 kcal/mol, which is better than Orlistat -6.0 kcal/mol. In addition, the pharmacological and toxicological properties of the studied compounds were studied in silico with the help of drug-likeness and ADMET analysis. ADMET study showed that Scutelleranin has a non-toxic structure. Although these results show that Scutellarin may have the potential to be an obesity inhibitor, it is clear that further in vivo and in vitro studies will be needed.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in various parts of Morus alba L. Cv. ichinose: a comparative analysis

Present investigation was undertaken to assess the composition of bioactive compounds within various parts of methanolic extracts from mulberry plants utilizing both High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometric methodologies. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential was evaluated through assays including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), β-carotene bleaching (BCBA), and Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity (HRSA). This research incorporated the analysis of the fruit, root, shoot, and leaf of the mulberry (Morus alba L.) Cv. Ichinose. Findings from the investigation revealed that levels of total phenols (533.8 ± 15.6 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (232.3 ± 7.1 mg/100 g) were notably higher in fruit compared to root, while total ascorbic acid content (70.9 ± 3.1 mg/100 g) was significantly elevated in the leaf. The fruit exhibited a significantly higher concentration of total anthocyanins (142.5 ± 3.1 mg/100 g), whereas the leaf contained a substantial amount of total carotenoids (5.8 ± 0.3 mg/100 g). Predominant phenolic acids detected in mulberry included ferulic acid, m-coumaric acid, syringic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid. Quercetin and isoquercetin were identified as the major flavonoids in mulberry fruits. In terms of anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-rutinoside (25.6 ± 2.3 mg/100 g) and cyanidin-3-glucoside (16.4 ± 2.1 mg/100 g) were the primary anthocyanins present in the fruit. The main carotenoid found in the leaf was beta-carotene, with levels reaching 2.1 ± 0.3 mg/100 g. Fruit displayed the highest antioxidant activity among all parts examined. Comparison of the EC50 values of fruit (EC50 = 174.2 ± 2.2 µg/mL), root (EC50 = 179.6 ± 2.3 µg/mL), and shoot (EC50 = 189.4 ± 2.1) suggested that these segments of the mulberry plant could potentially function as antioxidants and could exhibit a greater hydroxyl radical scavenging effect than standard antioxidants.

The inhibitory activity of Flos Sophorae Immaturus extract and its major flavonoid components on pancreatic lipase

Inhibition of pancreatic lipase (PL) is a strategy to prevent obesity. The inhibitory effects of Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) extract and its main flavonoid components, rutin and quercetin, on PL were investigated. The contents of rutin and quercetin in FSI extract were 44.10 ± 1.33 % and 6.07 ± 1.62 %, respectively. The IC50 values of FSI extract, rutin and quercetin on PL were 322, 258 and 71 μg/mL, respectively. Rutin and quercetin inhibited PL in a reversible and noncompetitive manner. The combination of rutin and quercetin exhibited synergistic inhibitory effects at low concentration. The binding of rutin/quercetin with PL caused the fluorescence quenching of protein. Fluorescence titration showed the binding affinity of quercetin with PL protein was stronger than that of rutin. Circular dichroism analysis showed the binding changed the secondary structure of PL with an increase in random coil and a decrease in α-Helix and β-Sheet. Molecular docking revealed that rutin and quercetin could interact with the amino acid residues around the catalytic site through multiple secondary interactions. In vivo studies showed that FSI extract can reduce fat absorption and promote fecal fat excretion through inhibition of PL activity, and the effects were mainly due to rutin and quercetin.