Phytochemical Data Research Articles

REVIEW: PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF Strobilanthes crispus

Strobilanthes crispus (S. crispus), called keji beling leaves, is a plant belonging to the genus Strobilanthes and family Acanthaceae. Keji beling (S.crispus) has been applied by Indonesians to cure some diseases like diabetes and dissolve kidney stones. The aim of this review article is to compile an update on the phytochemical studies and pharmacological activity of S. crispus. A literature review was carried out by searching for articles in the Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar data bases between 2014-2024. Studies have shown that the leaves of S. crispus contain flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. Current pharmacological studies have revealed that the extracts, fractions, or secondary metabolites of S. crispus possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-urothelial, immunomodulatory, wound healing, cytotoxic, and anti-cancer activities. Although previous studies have provided information about S. crispus, pharmacological and phytochemical data are still limited. Further studies are still necessary to explore the bioactive compounds, toxicity, safety and future development of S.crispus as herbal medicine Keywords: keji beling, Strobilanthes crispus, phytochemical constituent, pharmacological activity

Phytochemical Screening of Seaweed Flour (Eucheuma cottonii) Using Various Organic Solvents and Its Application in Tilapia Feed (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aims to qualitatively analyze the bioactive compounds in Eucheuma cottonii seaweed flour extract and its application in commercial feed for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The methodology employed is experimental and consists of two phases. Phase 1 involves the extraction of E. cottonii flour using three different organic solvents with varying polarity (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and a combination of ethanol + ethyl acetate). The testing parameters include qualitative phytochemical tests for alkaloids, steroids/triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. Phase 2 consists of the application of the extract to tilapia over a 30-day rearing period with four treatments: control/commercial feed (P0), commercial feed + ethanol extract (P1), commercial feed + ethyl acetate extract (P2), and commercial feed + combined ethanol and ethyl acetate extract (P3). The parameters tested include absolute weight, specific growth rate, survival rate, and water quality. Phytochemical and water quality data are presented in table format. Meanwhile, growth and survival data are analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s test for significant differences. The results of the researches carried out, it can be concluded that the phytochemical analysis of E. cottonii extract in ethanol and the ethanol + ethyl acetate combination yielded similar compounds: alkaloids, steroids/triterpenoids, and flavonoids. The ethyl acetate extract contained triterpenoids and flavonoids. Both saponins and tannins returned negative results across all organic solvent treatments. All treatments with the addition of E. cottonii seaweed extract in various organic solvents demonstrated better growth in tilapia compared to the control treatment.

A review of the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of the Ferulago genus based on Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) of coumarins.

The Ferluago W.D.J. Koch genus includes 48 accepted perennial herbs that are distributed in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Europe, Central and Middle East of Asia. These plants are widely used in folk and conventional medicine due to their biological benefits such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Conducting a comprehensive review based on the structure activity relationships (SARs) of the coumarins, which has not been previously documented, can lead to a better insight into the genus Ferulago and its beneficial therapeutic activities. This review covers literature from 1969 to 2023, were collected from various scientific electronic databases to review phytochemical, pharmacological, and ethnopharmacological data of Ferulago species, as well as latest information on the SAR of reported coumarins from this genus. Phytochemical studies showed that the biological actions of this genus are mediated by the reported specialized metabolites, such as coumarins and flavonoids. Simple coumarins, prenylated coumarins, furanocoumarins, and pyranocoumarins are the largest subclasses of coumarins found in diverse Ferulago species, which have discussed the biological effects of them with a focus on the Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR). For example, prenylated coumarins have shown potential leishmanicidal and anti-neuropsychiatric effects when substituted with a prenyl group at the 7-hydroxy, as well as the C6 and C8 positions in their scaffold. Similarly, furanocoumarins exhibit varied biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-convulsant effects. Modifying substitutions at the C5 and C6 positions in furanocoumarins can enhance these activities. This study conducted a comprehensive review of all available information on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Ferulago species. Given the high occurrence of coumarins in this genus, which exhibit potential anti-Alzheimer and anti-microbial properties, it presents promising new therapeutic avenues for addressing these common issues. Further investigation is needed to understand the molecular-level mechanisms of action and to explore their clinical applications.

Pharmacological mechanisms involved in the diuretic activity of the ethanol-soluble fraction of Baccharis milleflora (Less.) DC. - An ethnopharmacological investigation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBaccharis milleflora (Less.) DC. is a plant native to Brazil that is frequently used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and antihypertensive. However, even though it is traditionally used for these purposes, its diuretic and hypotensive effects have not been fully elucidated. AimInvestigate the cardiorenal effects of the ethanol-soluble fraction (ESBM) of Baccharis milleflora in normotensive rats. Materials and methodsCladodes of B. milleflora were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy to provide anatomical data to support quality control. Subsequently, the ESBM was obtained and analyzed using LC-DAD-MS, and its components were annotated. The acute toxicity of ESBM was assessed in female Wistar rats. The acute and prolonged diuretic and hypotensive effects were then studied in Wistar rats. Finally, we assessed the mechanisms responsible for the diuretic effects of ESBM, including the activity of renal Na+/K+/ATPase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase. Additionally, we also investigated the involvement of bradykinin, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide. ResultsFrom LC-DAD-MS data, thirty-three metabolites were identified from ESBM, including chlorogenic acids, glycosylated phenolic derivatives, C-glycosylated flavones, and O-glycosylated flavonols. No signs of acute toxicity were observed in female rats. The findings showed that ESBM had significant diuretic and natriuretic effects, as well as a potassium-sparing effect. The treatment with ESBM was able to significantly decrease serum levels of creatinine and malondialdehyde, and also significantly increase levels of nitrite, an indirect marker of nitric oxide bioavailability. Furthermore, pre-treatment with L-NAME abolished all diuretic effects induced by ESBM. ConclusionThis study presented important morpho-anatomical and phytochemical data that support the quality control of Baccharis milleflora. The ESBM exhibited a significant diuretic and natriuretic effect following acute and seven-days repeated treatment in Wistar rats, without affecting renal potassium elimination. These effects appear to be dependent on the activation of the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway. This study suggests the potential use of B. milleflora preparations in clinical situations where a diuretic effect is needed.

Phytoecdysteroids from Dioscorea dumetorum (Kunth) Pax. and their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities

Diabetes is a significant global health challenge, affecting circa 540 million adults worldwide. Dioscorea dumetorum, a Nigerian folkloric antidiabetic plant is severely understudied in terms of its bioactive phytochemical constituents. Antidiabetic guided isolation of the tubers and peels of D. dumetorum afforded three phytoecdysteroids bearing a cis-fused A/B ring junction including two new ones: 24-hydroxymuristerone A (1) and 24-hydroxykaladasterone (2), alongside the known muristerone A (3). Additionally, 2,2′,7,7′-tetramethoxy-[1,1′-biphenanthrene]-4,4′,6,6′-tetraol (4), batatasin I (5), and dihydroresveratrol (6) were isolated. Structural elucidation relied on spectroscopic, spectrometric methods, and comparison with existing literature. The ethyl acetate extracts of both the tubers and peels of D. dumetorum exhibited the highest phenolic content, correlating with potent antioxidant activity. Compounds 4 (IC50 = 0.10 mg/mL) and 6 (IC50 = 0.22 mg/mL) demonstrated superior inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase compared to acarbose (IC50 = 0.63 mg/mL). In contrast, compounds 3, 4, and 5 showed reduced α-amylase inhibition, with IC50 values of 2.58, 3.78, and 1.12 mg/mL, respectively, compared to acarbose (IC50 = 0.42 mg/mL). These observed bioactivities validate the traditional use of D. dumetorum and contribute valuable phytochemical data to the scientific literature of the species.

Effects of different plant parts and solvents on bioactive compounds and antioxidation in large fruit Bird’s eye chili (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Superhot)

The production chain is impacted by an overabundance of large fruit Bird’s eye chili (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Superhot) on the market. Another way to make the most of the potential of raw materials for product development is to supplement the data on phytochemicals and antioxidative activity by segmentation (fruit, placenta, seed, and pericarp). In an experiment, distilled water, 60% ethanol and 90% ethanol were used as the primary solvents. The outcomes demonstrated that placenta and seeds using 90% ethanol as a solvent (PS-Et90) contained capsaicin, total phenolics, and total flavonoids at their most outstanding levels (16.30 µg/mg, 44.65 µg GAE/mg, and 21.77 µg CE/mg, respectively). At the same time, the Scoville Heat Unit was high at 244,550 SHU (very high pungency). Additionally, it demonstrated the highest antioxidative activity (129.57 µg TE/mg) when tested with the ABTS method, and total flavonoids were discovered to enhance the antioxidation effect when measured by ABTS and FRAP methods. PS-Et90 had a significantly different potency than the other groups when the extracts were grouped using Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster Analysis based on phytochemical data and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the placenta and seeds appear to be preferable over others when utilizing large fruit Bird’s eye chili for pharmacological purposes. Using 90% ethanol as a solvent will provide the best bioavailability.

Identification of Potential Inhibitors of Three NDM Variants of Klebsiella Species from Natural Compounds: A Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and MM-PBSA Study.

Klebsiella species have emerged as well-known opportunistic pathogens causing nosocomial infections with β-lactamase-mediated resistance as a prevalent antibiotic resistance mechanism. The discovery and emergence of metallo-β-lactamases, mainly new- Delhi metallo-β-lactamases (NDMs), have increased the threat and challenges in healthcare facilities. A computational screening was conducted using 570 natural compounds from Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical data to discover promising inhibitors for NDM-6, NDM-9, and NDM-23 of the Klebsiella species. Using homology modeling on the Raptor-X web server, the structures of the three NDM variants were predicted. The structures were validated using various computational tools and MD simulation for 50 ns. Lipinski - Vebers' Filter and ADMET Screening were used to screen 570 compounds, followed by docking in Biovia Discovery Studio 2019 using the CDOCKER module. GROMACS was used to simulate the compounds with the highest scores with the proteins for 50 ns. Using the MM-PBSA method and g_mmpbsa tool, binding free energies were estimated and per-residue decomposition analysis was conducted. The three structures predicted were found stable after the 50 ns MD Simulation run. The compounds Budmunchiamine-A and Rhamnocitrin were found to have the best binding energy towards NDM-6, NDM-9, and NDM-23, respectively. From the results of MD Simulation, MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations, and per-residue decomposition analysis, the Protein-ligand complex of NDM-6 with Budmunchiamine A and NDM-9 with Rhamnocitrin was relatively more stable than the complex of NDM-23 and Rhamnocitrin. The study suggests that Budmunchiamine-A and Rhamnocitrin are potential inhibitors of NDM-6 and NDM-9, respectively, and may pave a path for in-vivo and in-vitro studies in the future.

Comparative Evaluation of the Nutrients and Phytochemical Composition of Cissus populnea (Ogbodu) Dried Leaves, Roots, and Stem Bark from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to compare the nutrient contents and phytochemical composition of the leaves, roots, and stem bark of Cissus populnea. The specimens came from Nsukka in Nigeria's Enugu State. Laboratory experimental design was used for this study. Samples of leaves, roots, and stem barks were prepared by drying them for two hours at 50 0C in a food dehydrator, ground into fine powder and dried again using the air-drying process The analyses were carried out using standard methods. The proximate analyses showed that the samples contain crude protein (1.89 - 2.11%), crude fibre (22.23 - 22.48%), crude fat (1.99 - 2.09%), carbohydrates (43.71 - 64.96%), ash (4.11 - 6.64%) and moisture (4.46- 4.84%). The phytochemical data showed that all plant components contained phenol, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids, but not steroids. Both saponin and flavoloid were found in the plant's roots and leaves only. Flavonoid was not detected in the stem. The results of mineral compositions showed that the root, stem, and leaf samples included potassium (340.83 – 439.33 mg/100g) calcium (132.99 – 295.78 mg/100g), iron (1.12 – 4.21 mg/100g), magnesium (27.41- 39.67 mg/100g) and manganese (0.14 – 3.99 mg/100g). Because of its nutrient contents and phytochemical proportions, consumers are encouraged to use any parts, though root parts of the plant seem to contain high nutrient.

Comparative evaluation of phytochemical, in vitro antioxidant activities and elemental composition of the fruit, leaves, and stem bark of Tetrapleura tetraptera

Introduction: Nowadays, medicinal plants are widely accepted as a better option than synthetic medications due to their lower cost and little to no side effects. The current study aimed to compare the elemental composition, phytochemical profile, and antioxidant efficacy of n-hexane extracts derived from Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit, stem bark, and leaves. Methods: The fresh fruits, leaves, and stem bark of the plant were collected and dried. The dried samples were pulverized and exhaustively extracted with n-hexane. The extracts were screened for both qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents. Antioxidant parameters such as Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Property (FRAP) and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were also carried out. The elemental analysis of the various organs was also evaluated using standard protocols. Results: The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenes, resins, and phenolswas revealed in the phytochemical data. The stem bark of T. tetraptera has higher concentrations of alkaloids and flavonoids than the leaf and fruit, according to a quantitative examination of the phytochemical elements of the plant. The stem bark had the highest Total Phenolic Content at 1000 µg/mL, whereas the leaves had the lowest TPC at 200 µg/mL.At a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, the stem bark exhibited the greatest activity of total flavonoid (TFC) in the plant extracts, followed by the fruits and leaves. At 1000 µg/mL concentration, the FRAP test revealed the maximum activity in the stem bark. Generally speaking, when concentration rises, so do the TPC, TFC, and FRAP activities. Compared to the standard ascorbic acid (2.76 µg/mL), stem bark exhibited the highest level of DPPH antioxidant activity, with an IC 50 of 13.34 µg/mL. The elemental analysis revealed that the stem bark had the highest concentrations of Ca, Mg, and Fe, followed by the fruit and leaves, in that order.Conclusion: This research result has established that the plant, T tetraptera can be standardized and offer an alternative eco-friendly drug for immunity building. The stem barks are underutilized, however, its phytochemical studies and other investigations pointed to its potential in the cosmeceutical industries and medicine. Keywords: Antioxidant activity, ethnomedicine, ferric-reducing assay, medicinal plant

Antimicrobial activity and chemical analyses of seven Juniperus L. species

Abstract The objective of this study was to present a comparative analysis of the antimicrobial activity of methanolic leaf extracts from seven Juniperus L. species, together with a tentative analysis of their total flavonoid and o-dihydroxyphenolic acids content. The chemical analyses were performed by colorimetric methods and the antimicrobial activity was assessed via broth microdilution. The studied extracts showed total content of o-dihydroxyphenols in the range of 26 to 34 µg of caffeic acid equivalent/mg DE and total flavonoid content of 13 to 24 µg of quercetin equivalent/mg DE. The sensitivity of Gram-positive bacteria to the studied extracts differed significantly with the following order of activity: J. sabina var. balkanensis > J. communis ‘Laxa’ > J. formosana > J. pinchotii > J. ashei > J. excelsa ≈ J. sibirica. Weak activity was observed for all extracts against Gram-negative bacteria and Candida strains. The analysis of the MBC/MIC ratio showed that the extracts exhibited bactericidal effect against Gram-negative bacteria (MBC/MIC≤4), while bactericidal or bacteriostatic action (MBC/MIC>4) was determined towards Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, these extracts showed fungicidal (MFC/MIC≤4) or fungistatic effect (MFC/MIC>4). Best antibacterial activity was registered for the J. sabina var. balkanensis leaf extract. The multivariate data analyses were carried out by SIMCA 16 (v16.0.2) software. The hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, based on phytochemical and antimicrobial data, classified the studied juniper species into four groups: 1. J. ashei; 2. J. excelsa, J. sibirica; 3. J. sabina var. balkanensis, J. communis Laxa, J. formosana; 4. J. pinchotii.

Castanea spp. Nut Traceability: A Multivariate Strategy Based on Phytochemical Data

The phytochemical characterization of Castanea spp. fruits is very important for the development of effective strategies for the biodiversity conservation and traceability of chestnuts, as the chestnut is one of the most important Italian and European nut and forest species. In this study, several cultivars of C. sativa (sweet chestnuts and “marrone-type”), C. crenata, and hybrids of C. sativa × C. crenata were characterized by spectrophotometric (Folin–Ciocalteu assay for the total polyphenolic content and ferric reducing antioxidant power test for the antioxidant capacity) and chromatographic (high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array UV-Vis detector) protocols to define their phytochemical composition and nutraceutical properties. The phytochemical results were then used to build a multivariate statistical model (by principal component analysis) and obtain an effective and rapid tool to discriminate unknown cultivars (i.e., no information about their origin) belonging to different species. The multivariate approach showed that the genotype was a significantly discriminating variable (p < 0.05) for the phytochemical composition. Polyphenols (in particular, phenolic acids and tannins) have been identified as the main bioactive classes with the highest discriminating power among the different genotypes. The total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) showed a rich presence of bioactive compounds (74.09 ± 15.10 mgGAE 100 g−1 DW and 11.05 ± 1.35 mmol Fe2+ kg−1 DW, respectively), underlining the potential health benefits and functional traits of chestnuts. The principal component analysis applied to phytochemical variables has proved to be an excellent and effective tool for genotype differentiation to be used as a preliminary method for identifying the species of Castanea spp. fruits with an unknown origin. The present study showed that a multivariate approach, based on phytochemical data and preliminary to genetic analysis, may represent a rapid, effective, and low-cost tool for the traceability and quality evaluation of chestnuts from different species and hybrids with no information on their origin.

Vasorelaxant Activity of Salvia hispanica L.: Involvement of the Nitric Oxide Pathway in Its Pharmacological Mechanism.

Salvia hispanica L., commonly known as chía, and its seeds have been used since ancient times to prepare different beverages. Due to its nutritional content, it is considered a dietary ingredient and has been reported with many health benefits. Chia seed components are helpful in cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reducing blood pressure, platelet aggregation, cholesterol, and oxidation. Still, its vasodilator effects on the vascular system were not reported yet. The hexanic (HESh), dichloromethanic (DESh), and methanolic (MESh) extracts obtained from chía seeds were evaluated on an aortic ring ex-vivo experimental model. The vasorelaxant efficacy and mechanism of action were determined. Also, phytochemical data was obtained through 13C NMR-based dereplication. The MESh extract showed the highest efficacy (Emax = 87%), and its effect was partially endothelium-dependent. The mechanism of action was determined experimentally, and the vasorelaxant curves were modified in the presence of L-NAME, ODQ, and potassium channel blockers. MESh caused a relaxing effect on KCl 80 mM-induced contraction and was less potent than nifedipine. The CaCl2-induced contraction was significantly decreased compared with the control curve. Phytochemical analysis of MESh suggests the presence of mannitol, previously reported as a vasodilator on aortic rings. Our findings suggest NO-cGMP pathway participation as a vasodilator mechanism of action of S. hispanica seeds; this effect can be attributed, in part, to the mannitol presence. S. hispanica could be used in future research focused on antihypertensive therapies.

Screening of antioxidant activities and their bioavailability of tropical plants

Indonesia has many types of plants that have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants. This study aims to characterize natural sources of antioxidants from five plants species: jackfruit leaves, turmeric, black tea, soursop peels, and aloe vera. The method used involved an analysis of phytochemicals in the form of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. As well as analysis of antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. The data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Duncan’s test. Based on these data, the highest yields were found in jackfruit leaves, turmeric, black tea, and aloe vera (P<0.05), while the lowest yields were found in soursop peels. Based on phytochemical data, the highest total phenol was found in jackfruit leaves and soursop skin (P<0.05). While the highest flavonoid content was found in black tea and aloe vera (P<0.05), and the highest tannin content was found in black tea and soursop skin. Based on the method of measuring antioxidant activity, it was found that jackfruit leaves and black tea had the highest antioxidant activity.

Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Lactic Acid Fermentation and Its Effect on the Nutritional and Sensory Quality of Novel Chickpea-Based Beverage

Ultrasound-assisted fermentation is a promising approach for improving food products’ nutritional and sensory qualities. This study compared the effects of ultrasound-assisted fermentation on chickpea-based beverages’ nutritive and sensory components. Proximate, phytochemical, and microstructural data were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of the processing techniques. The processed samples demonstrated significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) nutritional and sensory outcomes compared to the unfermented sample. The unfermented sample had a total phytochemical level of 55.41 g/mL, whereas the fermented and ultrasound-assisted fermented samples had phytochemical contents of 66.71 and 64.51 µg/mL, respectively. With values of 8.37 ± 0.11 and 7.21 ± 0.06, respectively, on a 9-point hedonic scale, the sensory evaluation revealed that the traditionally fermented sample had a greater acceptability rate than the ultrasound-treated sample. The presence of organic acids in the final product was shown to be significantly impacted by fermentation, with propanoic having the highest concentrations of 1.79 ± 3 × 10−5a, 5.56 ± 2 × 10−5b, and 3.50 ± 0.00344c mg/mL for the unfermented, fermented, and ultrasound-assisted fermented beverages, respectively. According to these results, using ultrasound-assisted fermentation with reduced fermentation time can improve chickpea-based beverages’ nutritional and functional benefits.

Sweet as Vanilla hartii: Evidence for a nectar-rewarding pollination mechanism in Vanilla (Orchidaceae) flowers

Little is known about the pollination mechanisms of species belonging to the genus Vanilla (Orchidaceae). Both autonomous self-pollination and animal-mediated pollination mechanisms seem to exist amongst the Vanilla species, yet few studies provided real evidence on pollination events. The aim of this study was to better understand the pollination mechanism of Vanilla hartii. Four V. hartii populations were selected within our study area in southern Costa Rica to observe pollination events and identify the natural pollinators of this Neotropical Vanilla species. We tested for nectar presence, analysed nectar composition, and examined floral fragrances. Furthermore, we identified floral visitors and documented their behaviour, quantified fruit set during two years, and compared morphological traits of flowers and their visitors. Sampled flowers contained 1.85 ± 1.07 µL nectar that averaged 34.79% sugar, dominated by sucrose. We observed orchid bees belonging to the genus Euglossa entering the tube formed by the labellum to search for nectar, indicated by their extended proboscis and prolonged visits, some of which exited the labellar tube with pollen masses attached to their scutellum. Combining our behavioural and phytochemical data, we demonstrate the presence of a nectar-rewarding pollination mechanism in the genus Vanilla that shows a higher natural fruit set compared to deceptive Vanilla species. An overview of the pollination mechanisms known so far provides insights into the potential evolution of reproductive strategies within this commercially important orchid genus.

The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Viscum album.

The therapeutic story of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) presents a seesawing profile. In ancient times, this hemiparasitic plant was considered a panacea and even to be endowed with exceptional beneficial properties. In more recent times, despite its multiple uses in traditional medicines, some parts of the plant, in particular the berries, were considered poisonous and dangerous, including concerns of cytotoxicity, which spread serious suspicion on its medicinal utility. However, since the last century, medical interest in mistletoe has come back in force due to its utilization in clinical cancer treatments, based on its selective action on tumor cells. In Central Europe, the hydro-alcoholic extracts of European mistletoe register a relevant and continuous utilization in anthroposophic medicine, which is a holistic system that includes the utilization of phytomedicinal substances. In Switzerland and Germany, most physicians and patients use these products as complementary therapy in oncological treatments. However, despite its increasing use in this field, the results of mistletoe's use are not always convincing, and other aspects have appeared. Nowadays, products that contain mistletoe are utilized in several fields, including diet, phytotherapy, veterinary medicine and homeopathy, but in particular in cancer therapies as coadjuvant factors, in consideration of several positive effects including effects in the improvement of quality-of-life conditions and reinforcement of the immune system. In this review, based on the understanding of the association between cancer and inflammation, we propose a relationship between these recent uses of mistletoe, based on its antioxidant properties, which are supported by phytochemical and pharmacological data. The unicity of mistletoe metabolism, which is a direct consequence of its hemiparasitism, is utilized as a key interpretation element to explain its biological properties and steer its consequent therapeutic uses.

Metabolite Profiling and Bioactivities of Leaves, Stems, and Flowers of Rumex usambarensis (Dammer) Dammer, a Traditional African Medicinal Plant.

The comprehensive identification of secondary metabolites represents a fundamental step for the assessment of bioactivities and pharmacological properties of traditional herbal drugs. Rumex usambarensis (Dammer) Dammer has been described as a multipurpose remedy in different African traditional pharmacopoeias, but its phytochemical profile has not been properly investigated. Herein we report a high throughput metabolomic screening, based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-travelling wave ion mobility spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-TWINS-QTOF), which was performed for the first time on different R. usambarensis plant parts. By applying high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and chemometric analysis, a complete discrimination of different aerial parts was obtained, with the annotation of 153 significant metabolites in leaves, stems, and flowers, suggesting an easy authentication and discrimination route. Phytochemical data were correlated to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Flavonoids, benzopyranes, chromones, and xanthones derivatives, along with a richer phytocomplex, might be responsible for the stronger bioactivities obtained from flowers.

Chemophenetic Approach to Selected Senecioneae Species, Combining Morphometric and UHPLC-HRMS Analyses

Herein, a chemophenetic significance, based on the phenolic metabolite profiling of three Senecio (S. hercynicus, S. ovatus, and S. rupestris) and two Jacobaea species (J. pancicii and J. maritima), coupled to morphometric data, is presented. A set of twelve morphometric characters were recorded from each plant species and used as predictor variables in a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model. From a total 75 observations (15 from each of the five species), the model correctly assumed their species' membership, except for 2 observations. Among the studied species, S. hercynicus and S. ovatus presented the greatest morphological similarity. A phytochemical profiling of phenolic specialized metabolites by UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS revealed 46 hydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic, and acylquinic acids and their derivatives, 1 coumarin and 21 flavonoids. Hierarchical and PCA clustering applied to the phytochemical data corroborated the similarity of S. hercynicus and S. ovatus, observed in the morphometric analysis. This study contributes to the phylogenetic relationships between the tribe Senecioneae taxa and highlights the chemophenetic similarity/dissimilarity of the studied species belonging to Senecio and Jacobaea genera.

Investigation on Anti-Ulcer Activity of Rhododendron Arboreum Flower in Wistar Rat

Peptic ulcers, or open sores in the stomach or duodenum, can cause a great deal of discomfort. What's more, it affects a disproportionately significant percentage of people worldwide. Preliminary phytochemical study revealed that the Ethanol flower extract of Rhododendron arboretum (ELRA) is rich in Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, reducing sugars, and glycosides, all of which have been linked to poor dietary habits, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stress, and infection. ELRA's significant antiulcer and wound healing actions may be due to the presence of flavonoids and saponins, as suggested by preliminary phytochemical data. This study lends credence to the long-held belief that Rhododendron arboreum flower is an excellent herbal therapy for the treatment of peptic ulcers. More conclusive research on the therapeutic efficacies of Rhododendron arboretum flower is needed, specifically regarding the plant's efficacy, protection, and in vivo toxicity. This research suggests that Rhododendron arboreum ethanol floral extract (ELRA) may be useful for the treatment of peptic ulcers.

Triterpenoid and Steroid Content of Lipophilic Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants of the Mediterranean Region.

The available phytochemical characteristics of the medicinal plants and derived herbal material often lack data concerning the content of steroids (including phytosterols) and triterpenoids, that can be responsible for various beneficial properties and therapeutic effects, either directly, or as a result of synergistic action with other bioactive constituents. The aim of the present work was the analysis of the content of these compounds in herbal material (leaves, aerial parts) derived from selected medicinal plants (Cistus ladanifer, Cistus monspeliensis, Erica arborea, Globularia alypum, Pistacia lentiscus, Rhamnus alaternus), widely used in folk medicine in the Mediterranean region. Results obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-targeted profiling revealed the diversity in the profiles and contents of steroids and triterpenoids in the analyzed plant material, ranging from 5.7% d.w. in E. arborea to 0.1% in G. alypum. The obtained results supplement the existing phytochemical data of the investigated medicinal plants, pointing to the E. arborea aerial parts and P. lentiscus leaves as valuable resources of phytosterols and bioactive triterpenoids.