Phenolic Acids Research Articles

Antiviral Potential and Chemical Composition of Wild Baccharis crispa Spreng. Populations (Asteraceae) from Córdoba, Argentina: Perspective on Population Variability.

Medicinal plants have been explored worldwide as potential alternatives for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including viral infections. Baccharis crispa Spreng. (Asteraceae) is a native medicinal species widely used in South America. Given the influence of genetic and environmental factors on secondary metabolites biosynthesis and accumulation, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of four wild populations of B. crispa from Córdoba, Argentina, and assess the variability in their bioactivity and chemical composition. The cytotoxicity of chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extracts from aerial parts was evaluated by the neutral red uptake method. Antiviral and virucidal activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) were assessed via plaque-forming unit (PFU) reduction assay. Phytochemical analyses of the extracts were conducted using HPLC-ESI- MS/MS. The Puesto Pedernera population showed the strongest antiviral activity, with inhibition rates of 82% for CHIKV and 79% against HSV-1, as well as potent virucidal effects, reducing PFU formation by up to 5 logarithms for both viruses. Remarkably, ethanol extract exhibited the least toxicity and strongest inhibitory activity. Villa del Parque population was inactive. We identified 38 secondary metabolites, predominantly phenolic acids (12) and flavonoids (18), in varying proportions. Delphinidin and delphinidin-3-glucoside are described for the first time in the species. Differences in phytochemical profiles were observed among extract types and populations. Key phenolic compounds showed moderate positive correlations with the evaluated bioactivities, emphasizing the complexity of phytochemical properties and interactions. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of B. crispa extracts against viral infections and underscore the importance of considering the geographical source of plant material in bioactivity evaluations.

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.

Development of cold plasma pretreatment ultrasound-assisted extraction for enhancing phenolic acids extractability from Salvia sclarea

Development of cold plasma pretreatment ultrasound-assisted extraction for enhancing phenolic acids extractability from Salvia sclarea

Comparative investigation of metabolite signatures and hypoadiposity effect between Dali tea and Yunkang tea

Dali tea (DLT) made by wild tea plant (Camellia taliensis) has been very popular in the market。However, the signature compounds and health benefits of DLT were not reported yet. To comprehensively understand metabolite signatures and potential health-function, the distinct metabolite signatures and hypoadiposity effect between DLT and Yunkang tea (YKT, made by Camellia sinensis var assamica cv. Yunkang 10) were comparative investigated. Our data found that catechins, and dimeric catechins were lower in DLT than YKT. In contrast, the levels of phenolic acid and amino acids were higher in DLT than YKT. An un-targeted metabolomics and a chemometric analysis indicated that flavonoid biosynthesis is a major pathway that distinguishes DLT from YKT. Additionally, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, arginine, tyrosine, and theanine were identified as characteristic metabolites of DLT. Furthermore, animal experiment showed that YKT performs better efficiency than DLT on alleviating hyperadiposity and renal damages in high-fat-diet induced obese mice.

Comprehensive characterization of active components in Salvia miltiorrhiza using polarity-partitioned two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, contains a complex matrix of hydrophobic diterpenoids and hydrophilic phenolic acids, presenting significant challenges in comprehensive analysis. In this study, an online polarity-partitioned two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS) method was developed for comprehensive analysis of both lipophilic and hydrophilic active components in Salvia miltiorrhiza. The method integrated hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), facilitating the efficient separation of compounds across a wide range of polarities. An online dilution strategy was implemented, minimizing sample loss and enhancing the method's utility for quality control and chemical characterization of complex herbal matrices. Compared with other LC methods, this approach significantly improved analyte coverage, resolution, and analysis efficiency. Under optimal conditions, 150 active components were successfully identified, including 33 compounds newly discovered in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Additionally, the validated online method was applied to the quantitative determination of 16 quality markers of Salvia miltiorrhiza from different sources. The results demonstrated the online method's potential as a superior alternative to existing techniques, offering broader applicability in traditional Chinese medicine research.

The Effects of Enriching Shortbread Cookies with Dried Sea Buckthorn Fruit on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties.

The present study evaluated the physicochemical parameters, polyphenolics content, levels of heat-induced compounds (acrylamide, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural), antioxidant properties, as well as sensory quality of shortbread cookies enriched with dried sea buckthorn fruit (SBF). The SBF-enriched cookies were prepared by replacing 1, 2, 3, or 5% of the flour with dried sea buckthorn fruit. Our results showed the presence of 12 phenolic acids and 5 flavonoids in the SBF, while two phenolic acids and two flavonoids were detected in the cookies. Most of the compounds were identified in the cookies enriched with 5% SBF. Among the phenolic acids, benzoic acid was the most abundant, while among the flavonoids, quercetin was the most abundant. 5-hydroxymethylofurfural was not detected in any cookies, and the addition of SBF contributed to the presence of furfural in baked products and increased the amount of acrylamide, and their content increased with the amount of SBF addition. The addition of sea buckthorn fruit at 5% distinctly exceeded the benchmark level of acrylamide in the cookies and worsened their sensory quality. It should also be noted that SBF significantly (p < 0.05) improved the antioxidant potential determined by two tests, ABTS and DPPH. The SBF-enriched cookies were characterized by significantly higher values of crispness and browning index compared to the control cookies. The results of the study indicate that SBF can be successfully used as a component of bakery products. In conclusion, the cookies with SBF can show improved technological and functional properties and constitute an added value bakery product that could provide health benefits.

Uncovering the therapeutic potential of green pea waste in breast cancer: a multi-target approach utilizing LC-MS/MS metabolomics, molecular networking, and network pharmacology

Background Pisum sativum(PS) is a universal legume plant utilized for both human and animal consumption, particularly its seeds, known as green peas. The processing of PS in food industries and households produces a significant amount of waste that needs to be valorized.MethodsIn this study, the metabolite profiles of the 70% ethanolic extracts of PS wastes, namely peels (PSP) and a combination of leaves and stems (PSLS), were investigated by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) followed by molecular networking.ResultsDifferent classes of metabolites were identified, being flavonoids and their derivatives, along with phenolic acids, the most abundant categories. Additionally, a comprehensive network pharmacology strategy was applied to elucidate potentially active metabolites, key targets, and the pathways involved in cytotoxic activity against breast cancer. This cytotoxic activity was investigated in MCF-7 and MCF-10a cell lines. Results revealed that PSLS extract exhibited a potent cytotoxic activity with a good selectivity index (IC50 = 17.67 and selectivity index of 3.51), compared to the reference drug doxorubicin (IC50 = 2.69 µg/mL and selectivity index of 5.28). Whereas PSP extract appeared to be less potent and selective (IC50 = 32.92 µg/mL and selectivity index of 1.62). A similar performance was also observed for several polyphenolics isolated from the PSLS extract, including methyl cis p-coumarate, trans p-coumaric acid, and liquiritigenin/ 7-methyl liquiritigenin mixture. Methyl cis p-coumarate showed the most potent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line and the highest selectivity (IC50 = 1.18 µg/mL (6.91 µM) and selectivity index of 27.42). The network pharmacology study revealed that the isolated compounds could interact with several breast cancer-associated protein targets including carbonic anhydrases 1, 2, 4, 9, and 12, as well as aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1, adenosine A3 receptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 1, and estrogen receptor 2.ConclusionThe uncovered therapeutic potential of PSLS and its metabolite constituents pave the way for an efficient and mindful PS waste valorization, calling for further in-vitro and in-vivo research.Graphical

Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling of Ulva lactuca from the Adriatic Sea.

The potential of the green macroalga Ulva lactuca is increasingly recognized, not only for its environmental benefits, but also for its applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Given this insight, a comprehensive analysis of the chemical profile of U. lactuca from the Adriatic Sea was carried out. The hydrodistillate, rich in (Z,Z,Z)-hexadeca-7,10,13-trienal and hexadecanoic acid, underlines its importance for health-related uses, particularly in lipid metabolism and cellular integrity. Fatty acid analysis showed a predominance of palmitic acid and a favorable n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio, suggesting that U. lactuca can make a valuable contribution to a balanced diet. In addition, essential amino acids, including leucine, valine, and isoleucine, support its use as a functional ingredient for muscle repair and metabolic health. The ethanol extract contained 56 compounds, including derivatives of fatty acids, phenolic acids, pigments, flavonoids, and steroids. Many of them, such as hexadecasphinganine, azelaic acid, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, and pheophytin a, have proven roles or potentials in promoting human health. These results confirm that U. lactuca is a rich source of bioactive compounds, emphasizing its potential in scientific research and its expanding industrial applications in health, nutrition, and cosmetics.

Quality traits drive the enrichment of Massilia in the rhizosphere to improve soybean oil content

BackgroundSoybean seeds are rich in protein and oil. The selection of varieties that produce high-quality seeds has been one of the priorities of soybean breeding programs. However, the influence of improved seed quality on the rhizosphere microbiota and whether the microbiota is involved in determining seed quality are still unclear. Here, we analyzed the structures of the rhizospheric bacterial communities of 100 soybean varieties, including 53 landraces and 47 modern cultivars, and evaluated the interactions between seed quality traits and rhizospheric bacteria.ResultsWe found that rhizospheric bacterial structures differed between landraces and cultivars and that this difference was directly related to their oil content. Seven bacterial families (Sphingomonadaceae, Gemmatimonadaceae, Nocardioidaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, Chitinophagaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, and Streptomycetaceae) were obviously enriched in the rhizospheres of the high-oil cultivars. Among them, Oxalobacteraceae (Massilia) was assembled specifically by the root exudates of high-oil cultivars and was associated with the phenolic acids and flavonoids in plant phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, we showed that Massilia affected auxin signaling or interfered with active oxygen-related metabolism. In addition, Massilia activated glycolysis pathway, thereby promoting seed oil accumulation.ConclusionsThese results provide a solid theoretical basis for the breeding of revolutionary soybean cultivars with desired seed quality and optimal microbiomes and the development of new cultivation strategies for increasing the oil content of seeds.7196FtKvsnPuUrhB77D9vLVideo

Evaluation of Cytotoxic Activity of Cell Biomass from Eryngium planum and Lychnis flos-cuculi on Melanoma Cancer Cell.

Melanoma is a malignant neoplasm of melanocytes in the skin, and its occurrence is increasing annually. Plant-based products contain active compounds with low toxicity and are accessible alternatives for melanoma cancer treatment. The biotechnology approach for obtaining plant-based products provides continuity and allows the high-yield production of phytochemically uniform biomass. The callus biomass of Eryngium planum L. and Lychnis flos-cuculi L. was induced on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with growth regulators. A combination of 3.0 mg/L of 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) and 0.3 mg/L of 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea-(thidiazuron) was used to obtain E. planum callus. Meanwhile, the callus of L. flos-cuculi was cultivated on MS medium with 2.0 mg/L of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Methanolic extracts (EpME and LFcME), including 40% MeOH fractions (Ep40MF and LFc40MF) and 80% MeOH fractions (Ep80MF and LFc80MF), of E. planum and L. flos-cuculi cell biomass were prepared. Their cytotoxicity activity was assessed in human fibroblast cells (MRC-5) and human melanoma cells (MeWo) by direct cell counting and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Qualitative analyses using thin-layer chromatography and UPLC-HRMS/MS chromatograms showed the presence of phenolic acids and saponins within the extracts and fractions of both cell biomasses. LFc80MF and Ep80MF showed the strongest toxicity against the MeWo cell line, with IC50 values of 47 ± 0.5 and 52 ± 4 μg/mL after 72 h of treatment. EpME and LFcME had IC50 values of 103 ± 4 and 147 ± 4 µg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, Ep40MF and LFc40MF were less toxic against the MeWo cell line compared to the extracts and 80% MeOH fractions, with IC50 values of 145 ± 10 and 172 ± 7 µg/mL. This study suggests that the obtained extracts and fractions of E. planum and L. flos-cuculi cell biomass potentially possess significant cytotoxic activity against MeWo cells, which work in a time and dose-dependent manner. Although the extracts and 80% MeOH fractions were more potent, the 40% MeOH was shown to be more selective against the MeWo than the control MRC-5 cells.

The metabolic profiles of phenolic acids and aromatic amino acids in the Orobanche crenata parasite and its host faba bean at different infestation stages

Orobanche crenata is a root holoparasite that depends on its host for nutritional requirements. The shikimate pathway that metabolizes about 30% of the assimilated carbon in photosynthetic plants plays a role in host-parasite relationships. Aromatic amino acids (AAAs) and phenolic acids are derived from the shikimate pathway and serve as precursors of a wide number of primary and secondary metabolites. The effects of the O. crenata parasite on the phenolic acid and AAA profiles of two faba bean varieties and the differences of these compounds between the host organs and attached parasite at infestation stages were studied. Hosts and attached parasites were collected and divided, depending on the stage of parasite development, into four stages. The results revealed that phenolic acids and free AAAs tended to increase in parasitized roots compared to those of healthy roots, and the greatest increase in phenolic contents occurred at the first infestation stage. Syringic acid was observed to be unique to the parasite. Profiles of phenolic acids and AAAs were changed during the developmental stages of the parasite and differed from those of its host. Caffeic in the parasite reached more than 100 times that in Nubaria 4 host roots at the fourth infestation stage. Free phenylalanine in the parasite ranged between 2.2 and 5.5 times its level in host roots at all infestation stages. This study provides much evidence that indicates O. crenata is able to self-regulate its phenolic and AAA metabolites during its developmental stages, which differ from those of its host.

The Influence of Altitude on the Polyphenols Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Northern Moroccan 'Dellahia' Prickly Pear Juice

Moroccan cactus exhibits high genetic variability with several cultivars. The 'Dellahia' prickly pear variety, prevalent in northern Morocco and noted for its green pulp, is among the least valued cactus varieties, primarily consumed fresh. This study aimed to assess the impact of altitude on total phenolic acids and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) and the antioxidant activity of 'Dellahia' prickly pear juice from northern Morocco. Significant differences in TPC ranged from 91.29 to 130.45 mg GAE/Kg of juice from the Mestassa and Wahran sites (at 119 m and 482 m altitude, respectively). TFC also varied slightly, from 18.8 to 19.1 mg RE/Kg of juice. Variations in antioxidant activity were evident in both DPPH• and ABTS+ assays, with DPPH• inhibition percentages ranging from 8.85% to 19.14% and ABTS+ inhibition from 41.07% to 54.35%. However, the influence of altitude on these parameters was inconclusive, as samples from higher altitudes did not consistently yield lower or higher values. Other factors such as soil composition, sunlight, and farming practices may influence these results.

Effects of Phenolic Acids Produced from Food-Derived Flavonoids and Amino Acids by the Gut Microbiota on Health and Disease.

The gut microbiota metabolizes flavonoids, amino acids, dietary fiber, and other components of foods to produce a variety of gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Flavonoids are the largest group of polyphenols, and approximately 7000 flavonoids have been identified. A variety of phenolic acids are produced from flavonoids and amino acids through metabolic processes by the gut microbiota. Furthermore, these phenolic acids are easily absorbed. Phenolic acids generally represent phenolic compounds with one carboxylic acid group. Gut microbiota-derived phenolic acids have antiviral effects against several viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Furthermore, phenolic acids influence the immune system by inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. In the nervous systems, phenolic acids may have protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Moreover, phenolic acids can improve levels of blood glucose, cholesterols, and triglycerides. Phenolic acids also improve cardiovascular functions, such as blood pressure and atherosclerotic lesions. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the effects of phenolic acids produced from food-derived flavonoids and amino acids by the gut microbiota on health and disease.

Exploring the Benefits of Herbal Medicine Composite 5 (HRMC5) for Skin Health Enhancement

The skin, as the body’s largest organ, is vital for protecting against environmental stressors, regulating temperature, and preventing water loss. Here, we examined the potential of a mixture of five traditional Korean herbal extracts—Cimicifuga racemosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Phellodendron amurense, Rheum rhaponticum, and Scutellaria baicalensis—referred to as herbal medicine composite 5 (HRMC5) for enhancing skin health and managing menopausal symptoms. High-performance liquid chromatography identified 14 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids. In vitro studies revealed an optimal concentration of 0.625 g/L for cell survival and UV protection, with the mixture demonstrating significant wound-healing properties comparable to epidermal growth factor. HRMC5 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating COX2 expression and upregulating the key skin barrier proteins. A 4-week clinical trial involving 20 postmenopausal women showed significant improvements in skin redness, hemoglobin concentration, and skin moisture content. Visual analog scale assessments indicated substantial reductions in facial flushing severity and the associated sweating. The topical application of HRMC5 cream offered potential advantages over ingested phytoestrogens by reducing the systemic side effects. These findings suggest that HRMC5 is a promising non-invasive treatment for vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women and overall skin health, warranting further research on its long-term efficacy and safety in larger populations.

Effect of soil and community factors on the yield and medicinal quality of Artemisia argyi growth at different altitudes of the Funiu mountain.

Altitude and ecological factors significantly influence plant growth and the accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, current research on the impact of altitude and ecological factors on the yield and medicinal quality of Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) is limited. This study established sampling sites in wild populations of A. argyi across seven altitude ranges on Funiu Mountain. We quantified the yield, output rate of moxa, and key medicinal ingredients. Additionally, we analyzed the response of yield and medicinal quality of wild A. argyi populations to various ecological factors at different altitudes. The results showed that wild populations of A. argyi exhibited higher yields and medicinal quality at altitudes below 500 m. Yield was positively correlated with higher soil total nitrogen (TN) content and lower soil total phosphorus (TP) content, while the improvements in medicinal quality were positively associated with higher population density and lower contents of both soil TN and TP. The variation in soil C/N, C/P, and N/P ratios across different altitudes was substantial, affecting soil mineralization and subsequently influencing the absorption of mineral elements by A. argyi. Notably, the phosphorus content in leaves and stems was negatively correlated with yield and medicinal quality, respectively. In contrast, the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in leaves was positively correlated with yield. The differences in the primary medicinal ingredients between the leaves and stems of A. argyi were maximum at altitudes below 500 m. The contents of neochlorogenic acid and cryptochlorogenic acid in both leaves and stems showed a significant positive correlation. In the principal component analysis, the primary medicinal ingredients from the leaves contributed more significantly to the overall quality than those from stems. These results suggest that A. argyi is best suited for cultivation at altitudes below 500 m. Population density and the soil's TN and TP contents play a crucial role in determining the yield and medicinal quality of A. argyi. Futhermore, the medicinal quality of A. argyi is more indicative of the main medicinal ingredients found in the leaves, while the stems also serve as a key organ for accumulating flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Cooking and salting impacts on sea cucumber (Holothuria atra) metabolome and their entanglements on anticoagulant potential as revealed by UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS analysis and chemometrics

Sea cucumbers increasingly consumed as a premium part of traditional diet in Middle East provide viable reservoir of chemical entities with potential significance. The current work aims to monitor metabolome patterns of Holothuria atra following salting and cooking treatments and their entanglements on anticoagulant potential using UPLC-MS/MS combined with chemometrics. A total of 64 peaks encompassing fatty acids, phospholipids, triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids and phytosterols were chemically profiled. Given this analysis, fatty acids and carotenoids witnessed an obvious increasing trend in fresh and cooked sea cucumber samples. Cooked and salted samples relatively augmented phenolic acids, flavonoids and triterpene glycosides. OPLS-DA underscored clear discrimination among the comparable samples highlighting lysoPC 16:0, cucumariaxanthin B, astaxanthin and arachidonic acid as focal discriminators of fresh samples while pyrogallol, ellagic acid and kaempferol-O-rhamnoside were the determining metabolites of cooked samples. Successively, the differential markers enriched in salted ones included chlorogenic acid, holothurin B and betulinic acid. Experimentally speaking, the sea cucumber samples exerted noteworthy dose and time-dependent anti-clotting potential. OPLS derived coefficient plot portrayed that chlorogenic acid, β-tocotrienol, holothurin B and betulinic acid dramatically augmented during salting treatment synergistically mediated anticoagulant efficacy. These findings pursue concept of nutritional therapy to rectify thromboembolic disorders.

Regeneration of a Fire‐Resistant Fluid‐Fouled Strong Base Anion Resin using a Caustic Solution with Citric Acid as a Surfactant

AbstractFire Resistant Fluid (FRF), used in turbine governing systems, transforms during operation, forming substituted phenol and phosphoric acid. The use of strong Base Anion Resin (SBA resin) to reduce the Total Acid Number (TAN) of FRF is widespread. However, the regeneration of these oil‐fouled resins is crucial due to their high cost and the challenges associated with their environmental disposal. In this study, we present a novel method for recovering exhausted resin by treating it with an aqueous solution of citric acid, followed by regeneration with a caustic soda solution. We optimized the recovery percentage in the ion exchange capacity by testing varying concentrations of the citric acid solution under different reaction conditions. The highest recovery of ion exchange capacity achieved was 55 % after soaking for 16 hours in a 5 % citric acid solution, followed by regeneration with a 5 % NaOH solution. The efficacy of citric acid in this research was further explored through a Density Functional Theory (DFT) study. This study is significant as it is the first to demonstrate the successful regeneration of oil‐fouled resins with high ion exchange capacity using citric acid, a more environmentally friendly and cost‐effective alternative.

Comparison of different parts of Plumbago zeylanica L. through UPLC-MS/MS metabolite profiling and evaluation of their antioxidant and antifungal potential

The metabolites were extracted from the leaves (BHY), roots (BHG), and stems (BHJ) of Plumbago zeylanica L. (P.zeylanica) using 70 % ethanol. Subsequently, the metabolite profiles, antifungal, and antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated. The highest contents of total phenols (91.63±1.08 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoids (146.5±5.48 mg RE/g DW) were found in BHJ. All extracts of P.zeylanica effectively neutralized DPPH (83.47 %-93.44 % in 5 mg/mL) and ABTS radicals (99.42 %-102.1 % at 5 mg/mL), demonstrating potent antioxidant properties, particularly in BHG. The DPPH activity of P.zeylanica extracts (3.0 mg/mL) showed higher radical scavenging activity when compared with the positive control, ascorbic acid. The extracts of P.zeylanica displayed significant antifungal effects against all tested microorganisms (B.cinerea, F.moniliforme, B.dothidea, P.expansum, and G.candidum), with inhibition rates ranging from 37.96 % to 99.65 % and MIC values between 0.063 and 1.00 mg/mL. The most susceptible strain was G.candidum (average inhibition rate: 95.47 %). BHG demonstrated the highest effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of P.expansum, G.candidum, and F.moniliforme, while BHJ showed the strongest activity against B.cinerea and B.dothidea. 2116 metabolites were identified by UPLC-MS/MS, of which 2026 were common to the three extracts. Notably, BHG was found to be a rich source of alkaloids and quinones (including the pharmacologically active compound plumbagin), with superior antioxidant and antifungal capacities. Most of the metabolites were isolated and identified for the first time in P.zeylanica, including Hydroxyplumbagic acid, 3′-O-Beta-D-xylopyranosyl plumbagic acid, Loliolide, Atractylolide III, Cinchonain Ib, and Cinchonain Ic. Correlation analysis identified 115 potential metabolic biomarkers, primarily consisting of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which likely explain some of the potent observed bioactivity. As regards the results mentioned above, all parts of the P.zeylanica could be utilized as a promising source of bioactive compounds for potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to its notable antioxidant and antifungal properties.

Voltammetric detection of chlorogenic acid by Poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene) electrodes

This work aims at developing selective detection of chlorogenic acid (CGA), a critical phenolic acid related to the antioxidant level and taste of coffee, by a pristine poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) electrode. The electrochemical oxidation of CGA on two types of PEDOT films, electrodeposited in aqueous (water, aq-PEDOT) and non-aqueous solvents (acetonitrile, ACN-PEDOT), were systematically studied and compared. Aq-PEDOT film showed a linear response for CGA in a range from 1.5 µM to 2.5 mM and a sensitivity of 0.33 mA/cm2⋅mM; ACN-PEDOT film showed a non-linear response with residual CGA. For repeated sensing purposes, we chose aq-PEDOT for the CGA sensor demonstration. Although cross-sensitivity with gallic acid (GA) and caffeic acid (CA) at 0.35 V was observed due to the shared catechol structure, selectivity for CGA determination against vanillin (VAN), guaiacol (GUA), theobromine (THB), theophylline (THP), quinic acid (QA), and caffeine (CAF) was confirmed. The distinct sensing behavior of the PEDOT films was further investigated: aq-PEDOT had a relatively flat surface and obeyed diffusion-controlled kinetics for CGA electro-oxidation. In contrast, ACN-PEDOT had a rougher coral-like morphology and strong adsorption characteristics. The measurements in real coffee samples by aq-PEDOT were also demonstrated with the interference from CA compensated. In brief, this study proves the niches and provides in-depth electrochemical kinetics for voltammetric CGA sensing using the PEDOT films prepared in aqueous and non-aqueous environments.

Antineoplastic with DNA fragmentation assay and anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory with gene expression activity of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from local Egyptian milk products

Many lactic acid bacteria (LAB), known for their human health benefits, are derived from milk and utilized in biotherapeutic applications or for producing valuable nutraceuticals. However, the specific role of milk-associated LAB in biotherapeutics remains underexplored. To address this, eight milk product samples were randomly selected from the Egyptian market, diluted, and then cultured anaerobically on MRS agar. Subsequently, 16 suspected LAB isolates were recovered and underwent rapid preliminary identification. Among these isolates, the Lactobacillus plantarum strain with accession number (OQ547261.1) was identified due to its strong antioxidant activity depending on the DPPH assay, L. plantarum displayed notable antioxidant activities of 71.8% and 93.8% at concentrations of 125–1000 µg/mL, respectively. While ascorbic acid showed lower concentrations of 7.81, 3.9, and 1.95 µg/mL which showed activities of 45.1%, 34.2%, and 27.2%, respectively. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of L. plantarum was evaluated based on its capability to prevent hemolysis induced by hypotonic conditions. At a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, L. plantarum could reduce hemolysis by 97.7%, nearly matching the 99.5% inhibition rate achieved by the standard drug, indomethacin, at an identical concentration. Moreover, L. plantarum exhibited high hemolytic activity at 100 µg/mL (14.3%), which decreased to 1.4% at 1000 µg/mL. The abundance of phenolic acids and flavonoids was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in L. plantarum. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that L. plantarum increased gene expression of the inflammatory marker TLR2 by 133%, and cellular oxidation markers SOD1 and SOD2 by 65% and 74.2%, respectively, while suppressing CRP expression by 33.3%. These results underscore L. plantarum’s exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, L. plantarum induces cancer cell death through necrotic nuclear DNA fragmentation. These findings suggest that L. plantarum is not only suitable for nutraceutical production but also holds potential as a probiotic strain. Future research should focus on enhancing the capacity of this strain across various industries and fostering innovation in multiple fields.