Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Insights into the chili phytochemicals, bioactive components, and antioxidant activity of instant premixes (green and red chilies) and their reconstitution products

Chili fruits are a potential source of phytochemicals and nutrients for food and reconstituted products. Due to its high nutritional and bioactive components, the current study focused on developing chili instant food products employing hot-air drying method. The effect of the hot-air drying method on physicochemical properties, microbiological quality, retention of bioactive components, phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and sensory quality of green and red chilies reconstitution products were investigated. HPLC quantification unveiled that fresh red chili product had retained the highest capsaicin (2703.14 µg/g) and dihydrocapsaicin (1518 µg/g) content on the 0th day. Furthermore, UPLC-MS confirmed the presence of eleven phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, rutin, and quercetin. Among all, ferulic acid (382.91 µg/g) was the most abundant phenolic compound in fresh green chili products, followed by trans-cinnamic acid (73.19 µg/g) in green chili reconstituted and catechin (65.66 µg/g) in green and red chili reconstituted products. The chili products retained reasonable amounts of bioactive components and antioxidants during storage without microbial growth. The correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between capsaicinoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant properties, which are linearly related in green chili products. This study offers manufacturers a cost-effective technology for producing high-quality chili-reconstituted products rich in essential nutrients and health benefits.Graphical

Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Multi-Stage Equilibrium Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Grape Pomace

The seasonal nature of wine production results in the accumulation of significant quantities of grape pomace (GP) during harvest, presenting management challenges for wineries that traditionally regard this solid byproduct as low-value waste. However, extracting phenolic compounds (PCs) from GP offers a promising avenue for creating bioactive extracts for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study develops a mathematical model for predicting the total phenolic content (TPC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in liquids obtained from multi-equilibrium-stage extraction processes using a 50% aqueous ethanol solution to recover PCs from Tannat GP. The model is applicable across a wide range of TPC and TDS concentrations in the liquid (0.2-45.4 gGAE/L for TPC and 1 to 118 g/L for TDS) and extraction temperatures between 30 and 70 °C. It is used to determine the optimal operational conditions of a Shanks extraction system, either to minimize fresh solvent consumption or to maximize selectivity for PCs extraction, achieving a desired extraction yield with a specified number of extraction vessels.

Differences in the molecular structure of curcumin and its breakdown products affect their inhibitory effect on pepsin: Kinetic and protein spatial conformation study

Curcumin, a natural phenolic compound with various bioactivities, is easily decomposed into stability ferulic acid and vanillin molecules. Whether the functional equivalence of decomposition products can match that of curcumin is a matter worth attention. In this work, the inhibition and interaction of curcumin and its decomposition products on pepsin were studied. The inhibition by curcumin and ferulic acid belonged to competitive inhibition, the quenching types were static quenching with spontaneous process. Binding energies of curcumin, ferulic acid and vanillin were -8.33±0.14, -7.88±0.09 and -6.12±0.08 kcal/mol, respectively, through H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions. All molecules significantly changed the secondary structure of pepsin and reduced the deformation temperature about 15 °C. The results show that better inhibition on pepsin from curcumin than ferulic acid, whereas vanillin did not show inhibition. The results provided the experimental basis for curcumin as potential inhibitors of pepsin in special diets.

Preparation of cellulose nano crystals from cinnamon stick, curcumin delivery and interaction with human hemoglobin protein: A novel view of the oxygenation hemoglobin

Curcumin (Cur), a natural phenolic compound, exhibits promising therapeutic properties including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its limited bioavailability hinders its efficacy when administered alone. To address this challenge, this study explores the use of cellulose nano crystals (CNCs) derived from cinnamon stick via acid hydrolysis as carriers for Cur. The CNCs were thoroughly characterized, and Cur was successfully bound to them. Structural and morphological analyses of the CNCs-Cur complex were investigated applying Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Interaction studies between hemoglobin and the CNCs-Cur complex were carried out using various fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed hemoglobin fluorescence quenching by the CNCs-Cur complex, with Stern-Volmer constants determined at different temperatures indicating static mechanism for the quenching. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy provided insights into the molecular micro-environment surrounding chromophores, and the distance between the CNCs-Cur complex and hemoglobin fluorophores was calculated using Forster's non-radioactive energy transfer theory (FRET), yielding a distance of less than 7 nm. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis indicated structural changes in hemoglobin upon the interaction with CNCs-Cur, while oxygenation techniques were employed to investigate oxygen binding, release, and transfer in hemoglobin. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the potential of CNCs as effective carriers for curcumin, offering valuable insights into their interaction with biological molecules.

Anti-allergic potentials of Ceriops decandra leaves in TDI-induced allergic mice: Comprehensive in-vivo and in-silico studies

BackgroundCeriops decandra is a mangrove plant, locally known as “Goran”. This plant has been traditionally used to treat hepatitis, liver disorders, ulcers, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhage, pain, inflammation etc. Here we investigated the safety and anti-allergic potential of C. decandra leaves. MethodThe toxicity was screened by mortality rate, and behavioral changes in mice. Anti-allergic activity test was conducted on TDI induced allergy model mice by assessing the common allergic symptoms such as sneezing, scratching, nasal score as well as total and differential WBC counts. HPLC-DAD analysis was used to determine the polyphenolic compounds in crude extract and performed in-silico molecular docking against four potential receptor molecules (Histamine H1, Histidine decarboxylate, Interleukin- 4 and 5). ResultsThe toxicity study of the extract on mice showed the innocuous nature of the plant even at the highest dose of 3000 mg/kg. In the anti-allergic assay, the leaf extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased the allergic symptoms along with the WBC counts in blood in a dose-dependent manner. The HPLC profile revealed the presence of six phenolic compounds (Catechin hydrate, Caffeic acid, Vanillic acid, Syringic acid, Rutin hydrate, p-coumarin). Among those Rutin hydrate, exhibited the best docking scores at all the targeted protein molecules and the highest binding affinity was (-9.8 kcal/mol) against Interleukin-5. ConclusionC. decandra is safe and rich in several polyphenolic compounds which are effective against allergic syndromes which could be an effective option for the management of allergic symptoms, although clinical studies are required to establish the herbal formulation.

Valorisation of hop leaves for their bioactive compounds: Identification and quantification of phenolics across different varieties, crop years and stages of development.

Hop leaves, a by-product from hop cone harvesting, contain phenolic compounds of potential value for food or beverage applications. However, the abundant phenolics in hop leaves remain largely unquantified. This study quantified phenolics in hop leaves over two crop years, for three commercially significant varieties, at different developmental stages post-flowering. Ethanolic hop extracts were characterised using LC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD for the annotation and quantification of phenolics and bitter resins. Hop leaf phenolic profile exhibited considerable structural diversity, differing significantly from that of respective cones. Kaempferol/quercetin 3-O-glycosides and chlorogenic acids were the most abundant sub-groups with phenolic acids, procyanidins, prenylflavonoids and bitter resins also present. Phenolic profile was mainly variety-dependent with some crop year and developmental effects. Flavonol 3-O-glycosides were the main compounds driving varietal differences. Findings demonstrate the structural diversity and high concentrations of phenolic compounds in hop leaf extracts and their potential as a source of bioactives for valorisation.

A phytochemical content analysis, and antioxidant activity evaluation using a novel method on Melilotus officinalis flower

Conducting content analysis is very important to elucidate and expand the different usage areas of plant components. Today's content analysis methods provide very reliable results. However, the high cost of these methods and the need for trained personnel bring other challenges. Therefore, simple, fast, and low-cost content analysis methods are a great need. In this study, the phenolic content of Melilotus officinalis flower extracts was investigated using LC-MS/MS analysis, and its antioxidant activity was determined with a novel method employing a PVC membrane sensor. In the method, for the first time, the antioxidant activities of M. officinalis flowers were determined in an economical, sensitive, fast, and stable manner using a PVC potentiometric sensor. Sensor measurements were performed using DPPH and FCR molecules, resulting in 25.71 mg.g-1 activity values and 117.524 mg.g-1, respectively. LC-MS/MS analysis was conducted to investigate the presence of 45 standard phenolic compounds in M. officinalis. The results revealed that coumarin and isoquercitrin were the major phenolic compounds in the M. officinalis flower extract. The findings of LC-MS/MS analyses of the extracts show moderate phenolic content presence in the M. officinalis flower extracts. The total phenolic content determined by LC-MS/MS analysis was consistent with the PVC membrane sensor analysis results. The studies of molecular docking aimed to identify the most effective active sites, and the Moldock scores (-57.13, -105.93) and binding energies (4.5 kcal.mol-1, -7.9 kcal.mol-1) of coumarin and isoquercitrin molecules. The results of molecular docking studies suggest that isoquercitrin exhibits a stronger inhibitory effect on DD-peptidase enzymes compared to coumarin.

Comparative phytochemical profile and biological activity of three Terminalia species as alternative antimicrobial therapies

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMedicinal plants can help combat antibiotic resistance by providing novel, active molecules. Three plant species of the Terminalia genus are widely used in traditional medicine in the Mouhoun region for the treatment of cutaneous and respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is important to determine the ethnopharmacological potential of bark extracts from the trunks of these three Terminalia species. Aim of the studyThis study compared the phytochemical and biological activities of extracts from three Terminalia species to determine their ethnopharmacology. Materials and methodsThe medicinal properties of the extracts were assessed based on their ability to inhibit the growth of the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. The significant interest in these medicinal plants among the local communities were elucidated by their antioxidant properties and phytochemical composition, along with the detection key bioactive compounds. Major phytochemical groups and phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. These phytochemical findings were validated by evaluating the antioxidant capacity of the extracts using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. ResultsHydroethanolic, ethanolic, and hexane extracts from the bark of three Terminalia species inhibited the growth of both bacteria and fungi, as evidenced by their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).The findings showed that Terminalia species were most effective against various tested bacteria and fungi, with MICs ranging from 0.1 to 6.25 mg/mL. Terminalia avicennioides, Terminalia macroptera, and Terminalia laxiflora extracts demonstrated 50 % inhibition of DPPH at concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/mL. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several families of chemical compounds, such as total phenolics and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds identified by HPLC in ethanolic extracts of T. avicennioides, such as isorhamnetin, quercetin, and ferulic acid, are recognised for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. ConclusionThese findings establish an ethnobotany for these three Terminalia species, with their chromatographic characteristics facilitating the identification of key molecules of interest. The ethanolic extract of T. avicennioides can be used in phytomedicinal formulations against bacterial (P. aeruginosa and S. aureus) and fungal (C. albicans and C. glabrata) infections, both of which are recurrently recorded in certain skin and respiratory tract diseases.

Investigation on the Retention and Separation of Glucosinolates With a Mixed-Mode Reversed-Phase/Weak Anion-Exchange Column.

Glucosinolates, a crucial group of secondary metabolites in Brassica vegetables, present significant chromatographic separation challenges due to their anionic form, structure diversities, and co-existence of other phenolic compounds. This study comparatively investigated the retention and separation of seven glucosinolates using a mixed-mode reversed-phase/weak anion-exchange column and a conventional reversed-phase C18 column. Separation factors for each glucosinolate with its adjacent peaks were over 1.0 on the mixed-mode column, while co-eluting was observed on the C18 column. The effects of mobile phase additives and pH on the separation and retention of glucosinolates were also investigated. Results showed that glucosinolate retention was inversely related to both buffer concentration and pH. The optimized method for the mix-mode column was applied to the complex Brassica vegetable samples. In addition to the 17 well-resolved glucosinolate peaks, 34 peaks for phenolic compounds were identified in broccoli microgreen, suggesting the successful application scenarios for qualitative analysis in comparison with the single mode reverse phase C18 column. This study demonstrates that the mixed-mode reversed-phase/weak anion-exchange column can be used as a promising separation tool for organic anions in a complex sample matrix.

Bushen Huoxue Yiqi Formula Alleviates Cardiac Fibrosis in Ischemic Heart Failure through SIRT1/Notch1 Pathway-Mediated EndMT

BackgroundCardiac fibrosis plays a crucial role in the development of heart failure (HF) following myocardial infarction (MI). Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is one of the key drivers of cardiac fibrosis and subsequent cardiac dysfunction. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Bushen Huoxue Yiqi Formula (BHYF) is an effective prescription for treating HF, significantly improving cardiac function in patients. However, the underlying mechanisms of BHYF's efficacy remain inadequately understood. ObjectiveThis study aims to determine whether BHYF ameliorates HF by inhibiting cardiac fibrosis and to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms involved. MethodsA post-MI HF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro. Active compounds in BHYF were identified using HPLC. Cardiac function and morphology were assessed using echocardiography, TTC staining, HE staining, Masson's trichrome, and Sirius Red staining. The mechanism of action of BHYF was evaluated using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. ResultsA total of 98 compounds, including glycosides, phenolic compounds, carboxylic acids, and others, were identified or preliminarily identified. BHYF improved cardiac function and myocardial damage in rats with MI-induced HF and mitigated cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting EndMT. Mechanistically, BHYF treatment inhibited EndMT by modulating the SIRT1/Notch1 pathway, thereby exerting anti-fibrotic effects in the heart. ConclusionTargeting EndMT based on the SIRT1/Notch1 pathway, BHYF may represent a novel antifibrotic therapeutic strategy, providing a scientific basis for the development of new cardiovascular drugs.

Postharvest changes in the phenolic and free volatile compound contents in Shine Muscat grapes at room temperature

Herein, we studied changes in the contents of phenolic and free volatile compounds in Shine Muscat grapes stored at room temperature. Berry quality was maintained up to 11 d after harvest, and the levels of 35 phenolic compounds were observed to increase during storage. This increase is attributed to the upregulation of genes, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyases, 4-coumarate–CoA ligases, and stilbene synthases, in the phenylpropanoid pathway. The concentrations of total and rose-flavored volatiles, including terpenes and particularly monoterpenes, decreased in postharvest berries, which was attributed to the downregulation of genes in the mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate pathways. By contrast, the C6 compound content increased during storage, which might have played a role in the upregulation of lipoxygenase and hydroperoxide. Additionally, the marker compounds rutin and 1-hexanol were identified during storage. Therefore, this study suggested that the health benefits and C6 compound–derived flavor increased, whereas the rose flavor decreased in postharvest berries.

Exploring the Correlation Between the Molecular Structure and Biological Activities of Metal–Phenolic Compound Complexes: Research and Description of the Role of Metal Ions in Improving the Antioxidant Activities of Phenolic Compounds

We discussed and summarized the latest data from the global literature on the action of polyphenolic antioxidants and their metal complexes. The review also includes a summary of the outcomes of theoretical computations and our many years of experimental experience. We employed various methods, including spectroscopy (FT-IR, FT-Raman, NMR, UV/Vis), X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, quantum calculations, and biological assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity tests). According to our research, the number and position of hydroxyl groups in aromatic rings, as well as the delocalization of electron charge and conjugated double bonds, have a major impact on the antioxidant effectiveness of the studied compounds. Another important factor is metal complexation, whereby high ionic potential metals (e.g., Fe(III), Cr(III), Cu(II)) enhance antioxidant properties by stabilizing electron charge, while the low ionic potential metals (e.g., Ag(I), Hg(II), Pb(II)) reduce efficacy by disrupting electron distribution. However, we observed no simple correlation between ionic potential and antioxidant capacity. This paper gives insights that will aid in identifying new, effective antioxidants, which are vital for nutrition and the prevention of neurodegenerative illnesses. Our results outline the connections between biological activity and molecular structure, offering a foundation for the methodical design of antioxidants. Our review also shows in detail how we use various complementary methods to assess the impact of metals on the electronic systems of ligands. This approach moves beyond the traditional “trial and error” method, allowing for the more efficient and rational development of future antioxidants.

Olive mill wastewater treatment using coagulation/flocculation and filtration processes

Olive mill wastewater (OMWW), a pollutant resulting from the olive oil industry, poses a serious ecological challenge due to its high pollution load. This effluent is highly concentrated in chemical oxygen demand (COD), which is 200 times higher than that of sewage wastewater. Moreover, OMWW is characterized by a strong acidity, high content of fatty matter, and high concentration of phenolic compounds.In this study, coagulation/flocculation and filtration processes were investigated in order to decrease the pollution load of OMWW for potential reuse in olive orchard irrigation. First, two successive coagulation/flocculation steps were applied to a centrifuged OMWW. Lime and aluminum sulfate (alum) were used as coagulants by testing different concentrations in order to select optimal conditions. Then, the efficiency of various filtration systems using activated carbon and/or natural materials (olive stones, olive leaves, sand, celite, and gravel) was tested. pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total solid (TS), and COD were measured before and after each treatment step (coagulation or filtration). Five phenolic compounds were monitored before and after applying the selected treatment steps under optimal conditions. The quantification and valorization of the sludge derived from coagulation/flocculation were also performed.During the first coagulation/flocculation step, the results showed that the application of 8 g/L of lime combined with 7 g/L of alum allows the removal rates for EC, TS, and COD of approximately 10%, 41%, and 48%, respectively. While the application of 5 g/L of lime and 4 g/L of alum during the second coagulation/flocculation step allows for lower reductions rates for TS (37%) and higher reduction rates for COD (67%). In addition, the resulting sludge showed its potential usage as a solid alternative fuel with a calorific value of 3295.79 cal/g. Moreover, filtration using activated carbon and gravel was found to be the optimum filtration system. The reduction rates were 51%, 37%, and 26% for EC, TS, and COD, respectively.Finally, the combination of coagulation/flocculation and filtration allows the substantial elimination of the studied phenolic compounds with global reduction yields of 97% for vanillyl alcohol, 92% for tyrosol, and 91% for vanillic acid and p-coumaric acid.Besides, Mediterranean countries are suffering from water shortages and the majority of olive mill trituration units are known for their artisanal types thus facing economic challenges. This research suggests a practical treatment process and the final effluent can be used to irrigate olive orchards at a rate of 170 m3 per hectare.

Encapsulation of yarrow phenolic compounds in lupin protein nanoemulsions increases stability during gastrointestinal transit and delivery in the colon

This study aimed to assess the behaviour of phenolic compounds from yarrow extract encapsulated in nanoemulsions during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Oil-in-water nanoemulsions were developed using grape seed oil and lupin protein (LPI) as oil phase and emulsifier, respectively. The use of 6 % LPI including 1 mg/mL of yarrow extract resulted in nanoemulsions with a homogeneous particle size distribution (200 nm) and an encapsulation efficiency of 85.6 %. During in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, most of the phenolics remained encapsulated, being protected from degradation. The in vitro bioavailability of the encapsulated phenolics was measured using a cell co-culture model (Caco-2/HT-29MTX). In this regard, nanoemulsions did not increase the bioavailability of yarrow phenolics, instead, they promoted their access to the colon. Finally, the antiproliferative activity was determined in Caco-2 cells, observing that the apical fraction inhibited cancer cells, indicating the bioefficacy of the non-absorbed phenolics.Thus, this study underscores the potential of LPI-stabilized nanoemulsions as a vehicle for protecting and delivering yarrow phenolics to the colon.

The toxicity, repellent, and biochemical effects of four wild plant extracts against Aphis gossypii Glover and Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley: HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds

The insecticidal and repellent activities of the four wild plant extracts: stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L., white henbane, Hyoscyamus albus L., camphorweeds, Pluchea dioscoridis L., and cocklebur, Xanthium strumarium L. were tested compared to the insecticide spirotetramat against the 3rd nymphal instar of Aphis gossypii Glover and adult females of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley after 24 and 48 h of treatment. Their effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme activities were also assessed to explore their possible mechanisms of action. The phenolic compounds of the plant extracts were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The most abundant compounds in the methanol extract from P. dioscoridis were gallic acid (14.45 µg/mL), and cinnamic acid (11.44 µg/mL); from U. dioica were caffeic acid (15.32 µg/mL) and syringic acid (13.47 µg/mL); from H. albus were syringic acid (7.12 µg/mL) and catechol (5.33 µg/mL); and from X. strumarium were p-coumaric acid (24.53 µg/mL) and pyrogallol (18.35 µg/mL). According to the LC50 values, the contact toxicity of U. dioica, H. albus, P. dioscoridis, and X. strumarium against A. gossypii was 40.3, 60.6, 56.2, and 32.3 mg/L, whereas, the contact toxicity against P. solenopsis was 56.4, 67.5, 64.3, and 36.2 mg/L, compared to the spirotetramat (17.2 and 24.5 mg/L), respectively, at 48 h of treatment. The highest repellency rates were observed with LC50 values for X. strumarium (63.2 and 60.3%), followed by U. dioica (46.2 and 43.5%), P. dioscoridis (45.3 and 42.8%), and H. albus extract (38.8 and 35.2%) compared to the spirotetramat (78.5 and 76.2%) against A. gossypii and P. solenopsis at 24 h, but decreased with time. The AChE and GST activities in pests were significantly inhibited, compared to control and spirotetramat, with dose and time-dependent effects. These findings indicate that tested wild extracts may be suggested as viable alternatives for aphids and mealybugs control.

Insights into a photo-driven laccase coupling system for enhanced photocatalytic oxidation and biodegradation

Effective depolymerization of lignin into environmentally friendly aromatic chemicals under mild conditions is gaining interest. Fungal laccase is capable of catalyzing a wide range of reactions, but its low redox potential and preference for acidic pH limit its potential applications. Herein, we developed a laccase-methylene blue (LAC-MB) coupling system, combining the selectivity of enzyme catalysis with the high reactivity of photocatalysis, for the efficient degradation of lignin model compounds. Theoretical calculations indicate that the electron donor’s distance to the LAC’s active site T1 Cu is shortened from 29.7 to 7.3 Å in the LAC-MB. In this system, MB, possessing strong interaction with T1 Cu, acts as a light absorber, enabling the rapid transfer of photogenerated electrons to T1 Cu. This significantly enhances the degradation rate of guaiacol (GUA) from 28.8 % to 91.46 %. The LAC-MB can oxidize both phenolic and non-phenolic lignin model compounds under red-LED irradiation with wide pH ranging from 3.0 to 7.0 and high-efficiency. By tuning the primary coordination sphere and the access tunnel of T1 Cu, we further revealed that enhanced binding affinity and active site accessibility for the LAC-MB complex attributed to the photocatalysis’s high reactivity. Based on this, LAC variants with enhanced binding capabilities were constructed and the resulting mutant LAC-MB are characterized by higher oxygen consumption and ROS generation activated by red-LED, specifically a higher quantum yield of 1O2, demonstrating increased electron transfer and light-driven reactivity. This photo-enzyme coupling system presents a new pathway for the high-efficiency processing of lignocellulosic biomass and offers insights for designing future artificial photosynthetic systems.

UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS OF STEVIA REBAUDIANA BERTONI FOR DIABETES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complicated metabolic condition defined by long-term elevated blood glucose levels. This chronic hyperglycemia induces metabolic dysfunctions that cause structural and functional disruptions in the vasculature, leading to macrovascular and microvascular complications. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, commonly known as Stevia, is a perennial shrub that contains various bioactive constituents responsible for its sweetness and several other activities. Many studies on Stevia have shown that it possesses various beneficial effects on health, including being zero-calorie, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-tumor. Several studies have found that neither gastric juice nor digestive enzymes decompose stevioside. The presence of bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds supports Stevia's medicinal properties and its potential use in both the food/nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. A significant antioxidant capacity of Stevia has been identified recently. It can also help limit essential nutrient supply to tumor cells. Research on Stevia's effects on the human body has largely found no negative side effects. The growing body of evidence underscores Stevia's potential role in managing various health conditions, particularly for diabetic patients, due to its minimal impact on blood sugar levels. However, to fully harness its benefits and meet the increasing global demand, further scientific research is essential to optimize its cultivation, enhance its chemical constituents and ensure its safety. Overall, Stevia stands out as a promising natural sweetener with significant health benefits for diabetic patients. In this review article, we explore different aspects of Stevia and its beneficial effects on diabetic patients.

Changes in antioxidants and nutritional properties during germination of soybean

Soybeans are a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, their nutritional quality can be limited by the presence of antinutrients, such as phytic acid and trypsin inhibitors. Germination is a natural process that can enhance the nutritional value of legumes by reducing antinutrients and increasing the bioavailability of nutrients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soaking and germination on the antioxidant and nutritional attributes of soybean. Results showed that the germination process led to a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the content of phenolic, flavonoids, and antioxidat activity (%) compounds following the 72-hour germination compared to samples from ungerminated soybeans. Strong correlations were concluded between antioxidant activity and total phenolic (R2 0.92), flavonoids (R2 0.82), and ascorbic acid (R2 0.99). The germination process also enhanced proteases activities, lipase activity, and protein digestibility. Concurrently, there was a significant reduction in phytic acid from 99.20 ± 2.56 to 73.39 ± 0.85, mg/100 g as well as trypsin inhibitors from 5.73 ± 0.116 to 2.91 ± 0.126 mg/g. Germination led to these alterations contributed to an enhancement in the antioxidant and nutritional characteristics of soybean.

Chemical Composition, In vitro and In silico Evaluation of Essential Oil Extracted from Mentha Piperita L. for Lung Cancer

Background: Mentha piperita, a naturally occurring herb, is utilized in medicinal formulations. It possesses abundant bioactive elements, including flavonoids and phenolic acid compounds,that exhibit various properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Objective: In the present study, chemical constituents of essential oil extracted from Mentha piperita were analyzed and identified through GC-MS. In vitro antiproliferative activity was performed on A549 lung cancer cell line lines. In silico study was conducted by Schrodinger’s Maestro’s software to identify chemical constituents in the plant as potential EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) inhibitors Methods: Hydro-distilled essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS to identify chemical components based on the retention index and mass fragmentation pattern, which was then tested for its antiproliferative activity by MTT assay against human lung cancer cell lines. All the identified constituents were investigated in silico for their affinity towards EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors). Results: A total of thirty constituents were identified where D-carvone (56.69%), L-limonene (12.36%), squalene (3.36%), cis-carveol (2.93%), and α-amorphene (2.36%) were observed as major constituents of the essential oil. The essential mentha oil also exhibited antiproliferative activity against lung cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 86.05 µg/ml. Furthermore, from the in silico study, five constituents were identified to have a better affinity for EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) than that of the standard drug Osimertinib. Conclusion: In the present study, the aerial part of the plant Mentha piperita was hydrodistilled.Thirty phytoconstituents were identified through GC-MS data. An in-silico study was performed using Schrodinger software, and a further in vitro study was performed in which essential oil showedgood antiproliferative activity against the A549 cancer cell line.

Thymol as adjuvant in oncology: molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potentials, and prospects for integration in cancer management.

Cancer remains a global health challenge, prompting a search for effective treatments with fewer side effects. Thymol, a natural monoterpenoid phenol derived primarily from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and other plants in the Lamiaceae family, is known for its diverse biological activities. It emerges as a promising candidate in cancer prevention and therapy. This study aims to consolidate current research on thymol's anticancer effects, elucidating its mechanisms and potential to enhance standard chemotherapy, and to identify gaps for future research. A comprehensive review was conducted using databases like PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, focusing on studies from the last 6years. All cancer types were included, assessing thymol's impact in both cell-based (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) studies. Thymol has been shown to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis), halt the cell division cycle (cell cycle arrest), and inhibit cancer spread (metastasis) through modulation of critical signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Wnt/β-catenin. It also enhances the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in colorectal cancer treatments. Thymol's broad-spectrum anticancer activities and non-toxic profile to normal cells underscore its potential as an adjunct in cancer therapy. Further clinical trials are essential to fully understand its therapeutic benefits and integration into existing treatment protocols.